# articles

feed_id: 85addcc9b0846629303cf2684d6b30be
title: Eliminating officials
uri: Eliminating-officials
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#28_October_2019_%28Eliminating_officials%29
content:
<p>
Attorney General Barr <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/10/25/warnings-doj-has-become-vehicle-president-trumps-political-revenge-barr-opens">has launched an investigation</a> of the Mueller
investigation.

<p>
Investigations by Republican officials tend to be some sort of nasty
sabotage.  Think of Starr, the special prosecutor appointed to
investigate President Clinton; that was a scheme to eliminate special
prosecutors so that they could not be used against the real crimes of
Republican officials.  Now, however, Republicans use will deploy this
against any official that gets in their way.


feed_id: e9fded17e85a9b80767b7a3c88cbbba8
title: Target employees
uri: Target-employees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#28_October_2019_%28Target_employees%29
content:
<p>
Target employees really are the target employees for a system of
tracking and punishment comparable to the Amazon warehouse.  <a href="https://www.coworker.org/petitions/stop-target-s-modernization-plan">Here is their organizing campaign</a>.


feed_id: bdd9fc2fe6b9bb9de9a714e8698ec9a5
title: Censorship by lawsuit costs
uri: Censorship-by-lawsuit-costs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#28_October_2019_%28Censorship_by_lawsuit_costs%29
content:
<p>
A <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> sued an Iowa local newspaper for libel, and lost, but now the
newspaper <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20191014/19474843191/cops-bogus-defamation-lawsuit-nearly-puts-small-iowa-newspaper-out-business.shtml">is begging for funds to continue to operate</a>.


feed_id: 00342b7953c759fdc0d93f239642c20c
title: Urgent: reject sponsorship by Palantir
uri: Urgent-reject-sponsorship-by-Palantir
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#28_October_2019_%28Urgent%3A_reject_sponsorship_by_Palantir%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="media/7ba51767.Drop-PalantirE28099s-sponsorship-of-Inaugural-ACM-Symposium.pdf" data-original-source="https://maketheroadny.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Drop-Palantir%E2%80%99s-sponsorship-of-Inaugural-ACM-Symposium.pdf">call on an ACM symposium</a> to reject sponsorship by Palantir.


feed_id: fab011d2519d2a4f4b4d7e13af6345ba
title: Students surveillance
uri: Students-surveillance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#28_October_2019_%28Students_surveillance%29
content:
<p>
Many US schools <a href="https://qz.com/1318758/schools-are-using-ai-to-track-what-students-write-on-their-computers/">issue each student</a> with a computer running nonfree software
that monitors everything the student does.

<p>
The operating systems of tablets, and ChromeOS, collect and transmit
personal information about the user.  The schools add more spyware
so as to surveil students totally.


feed_id: 0fcbb55d0b9fb16df51f1c2f44d2ca53
title: Google workers fear surveillance
uri: Google-workers-fear-surveillance
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#28_October_2019_%28Google_workers_fear_surveillance%29

content:
<p>
Google has put a new Chrome add-on on the computers of Google workers.
Workers <a href="https://boingboing.net/2019/10/23/google-workers-warn-internal-s.html">fear this will be used to surveil them</a> and then attack their
rights in one way or another.

<p>
Every nonfree program warrants that suspicion,
since so many are in fact <a href="https://gnu.org/malware/">malware</a>.


feed_id: dbd4319517615cd27873a34bcfd92c6c
title: Universal medical care
uri: Universal-medical-care
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#28_October_2019_%28Universal_medical_care%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/10/25/corporate-power-wins-when-nations-civic-leaders-and-experts-are-locked-out">Ralph Nader</a>: progressive candidates state only part of the case for
single-payer universal medical care.


feed_id: c2b34ccbf5e88c4da2c9cf1bb2484da0
title: Sex work in UK
uri: Sex-work-in-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#28_October_2019_%28Sex_work_in_UK%29
content:
<p>
Right-wing rule in the UK crushes the poor so much that single
mothers, and students, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/oct/26/a-welfare-system-that-drives-mothers-into-prostitution-is-not-a-safety-net">are compelled to do sex work</a>.

<p>
Sex work is not immoral, and it shouldn't be illegal.  But when a
society that people need to do sex work in order to survive, or to
keep their children well, that is a cruel society.

<p>
And what about the ones who are not attractive enough to succeed
at sex work?  What can they do to survive, or keep their children well?


feed_id: d56854471a1f2d352568da960c6cc3b8
title: Urgent: Stop using voice and face scans for employment
uri: Urgent-Stop-using-voice-and-face-scans-for-employment
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_using_voice_and_face_scans_for_employment%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/no-hirevue">call on Hilton
and Unilever</a> to stop using voice and face scanning for hiring
decisions.


feed_id: efc6da777a47dee6c6534e86a55869e3
title: Humanitarian trade with Iran prohibited
uri: Humanitarian-trade-with-Iran-prohibited
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28Humanitarian_trade_with_Iran_prohibited%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> has
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/10/27/trump-pours-more-misery-iranians-hes-claiming-support">effectively
prohibited humanitarian trade with Iran</a>.


feed_id: e9a81b9ade46512057fa38d85453aac5
title: Participant in Nazi mass murder on trial
uri: Participant-in-Nazi-mass-murder-on-trial
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28Participant_in_Nazi_mass_murder_on_trial%29

content:
<p>
The surviving participants in Nazi mass murder are very old,
but one is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/27/indifferent-horror-nazi-reistance-fighter-bruno-dey-stutthof">on
trial as an accessory to 5,000 murders</a>.
<p>
One prisoner who escaped is a witness.


feed_id: 6f6f08610b388dd0811148eb8ed00891
title: Australia's extractionist policies
uri: Australia-s-extractionist-policies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28Australias_extractionist_policies%29

content:
<p>
The extractionist policies of the Australian government are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/28/toughen-environmental-laws-to-stem-extinction-crisis-scientists-tell-morrison">putting
endemic species at risk of extinction</a>.


feed_id: 36c08f7af37f7565337b70e4f72fbb8b
title: Catholic church considers reducing bias
uri: Catholic-church-considers-reducing-bias
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28Catholic_church_considers_reducing_bias%29

content:
<p>
Catholic bishops from the Amazon region
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/26/amazon-bishops-call-on-pope-for-ordination-of-married-men-as-priests">call
for ordaining married men as priests</a>, and even women, though not
yet as priests.
<p>
I can't see the sense in religious belief, but I am nonetheless glad
to see a major church consider reducing bias.
<p>
A woman I loved long ago, Julie Fabre, became an Anglican priest.
Since then I have lost touch with her.  If anyone knows her, I would
be glad to speak with her again.


feed_id: df7d42bbe5e402df302382e56057185d
title: Conspiracy to hold US wages down
uri: Conspiracy-to-hold-US-wages-down
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28Conspiracy_to_hold_US_wages_down%29

content:
<p>
One corporate executive
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/oct/10/antitrust-fears-bechtel-wage-war-pennsylvania">displayed
his intention for a tacit conspiracy to hold US wages down</a>.


feed_id: 6c0b0c45b82c5847c18c022129a1bb9b
title: US no-fly list
uri: US-no-fly-list
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28US_no-fly_list%29
content:
<p>
An appeals court
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/10/21/rejecting-challenge-no-fly-list-federal-appeals-court-leaves-men-charged-no-crime">ruled
in favor of the US no-fly list</a>, approving a drastic punishment
without trial.
<p>
If understood as a precaution against air terrorism, it is being
misapplied, since many of these people are not associated with
any such thing.


feed_id: 1416eafce01a30d0eb55e8c05e514736
title: Boycott against slave labor
uri: Boycott-against-slave-labor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28Boycott_against_slave_labor%29
content:
<p>
Calling for a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/27/its-time-to-boycott-any-company-doing-business-in-xinjiang">boycott
of companies that source anything from Xinjiang</a>.
<p>
Countries should enact laws to forbid reselling the products of slave
labor.


feed_id: c66c53b47da802d59955fa05a59800e1
title: Protests in Chile
uri: Protests-in-Chile
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28Protests_in_Chile%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/10/26/over-1-million-chileans-take-streets-demand-political-reforms-change-countrys">Over
1 Million Chileans</a> Take to the Streets to Demand Political
Reforms, Change to Country's Neoliberal Economic System.
<p>
Chilean <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> are attacking protesters, sometimes with bullets or
something like round shot, sometimes with rubber-coated bullets in the
eye to blind them.  They shoot at witnesses, too.
<p>
Doctors say it is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/27/chile-hundreds-shot-and-beaten-street-protests">hard
for them to treat the hundreds of casualties</a>.  The underfunded
public hospital is short of all sorts of supplies.  This reflects the
right-wing policies that the protests oppose.


feed_id: 92312f876c084550247434ec25bd971a
title: Small and cheap apartments
uri: Small-and-cheap-apartments
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28Small_and_cheap_apartments%29
content:
<p>
Experiments with particularly small and cheap apartments
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/oct/27/homelessness-homes-micro-charities">might
offer a way to reduce homelessness</a>.
<p>
However, in order to do that, they need to be made in large
quantities.


feed_id: 1e64256c15920c8048eb34dbdd047f75
title: WeWork's economic model
uri: WeWork-s-economic-model
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28WeWork%27s_economic_model%29
content:
<p>
WeWork aimed to dominate the market by running at a loss and underselling
its competitors.  Then it tried to go public for an inflated stock price,
and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/oct/28/wework-finance-workspace-unicorn-economic-model">fell flat on its face</a>.

<p>
The strategy of trying to dominate the world by running at a loss is
what Uber is doing.  It is predatory, and we should not leave its
failure to chance.  We should make it a crime and prosecute the
executives who do it.


feed_id: d1e892fa3718d64e6369b9af8d8618bb
title: Flood defenses
uri: Flood-defenses
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28Flood_defenses%29
content:
<p>
Some cities <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/oct/28/could-cities-profit-from-protecting-themselves-against-rising-seas">are finding ways</a> to make the construction of flood
defenses profitable in itself.

<p>
I don't see anything wrong with doing this.  At the same time,
we must reject the idea that every flood defense must be profitable
to construct.  That would lead to bowing down to business and letting
it extract too much from the public.  To get a good deal with businesses
you must always be ready to say "no deal".

<p>
The best flood defenses will work only for a few decades.  Beyond that,
we need to stop increasing the levels of greenhouse gases in the air,
then massively remove them from the atmosphere.


feed_id: 954f0dc7f8fa971e6d477363e1fe2398
title: Homeopathy
uri: 2019-10-29-Homeopathy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28Homeopathy%29
content:
<p>
The head of the NHS <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/oct/28/head-nhs-voices-serious-concerns-about-homeopathy-simon-stevens">has objected to accreditation of homeopaths</a>, since that
would grant homeopathy an air of validity which it does not deserve.

<p>
Homeopathy is pure superstition.  Based on biology, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-mar-jun.html#09_April_2014_(No_evidence_homeopathy_has_any_more_effect_than_placebo)">it cannot work</a> &mdash; and in practice, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jan-apr.html#17_March_2015_(Homeopathy)">it does not work</a>.


feed_id: 50257445dcbb2e5287548ad1e3d20898
title: Minor trolling
uri: Minor-trolling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28Minor_trolling%29
content:
<p>
Right-wing politicians have learned from the bullshitter <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/oct/28/right-trolling-posts-political-opponents">to use minor
"mistakes" to magnify their message</a>.  We should refuse to take the bait.


feed_id: 4abc0a054b275150b5d16024480cd865
title: Democrat plutocrats
uri: Democrat-plutocrats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28Democrat_plutocrats%29
content:
<p>
Some "centrist" Democrats in Congress <a href="https://theintercept.com/2019/10/28/chamber-commerce-pac-centrist-democrats/">are acknowledging how plutocratist they are</a>, by working with the US Chamber of Commerce.


feed_id: 15f73095368409de097462884c86fa81
title: Cure sitting
uri: Cure-sitting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28Cure_sitting%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/pfizer-unveils-new-prescription-medicine-to-help-adults-1838928077">satire</a>) pharmaceutical giant Pfizer unveiled a new
   prescription medicine Thursday to help adults cut down on and
   eventually quit the practice of sitting.


feed_id: 624d81628e5819889e099b97726bc64a
title: Giuliani
uri: Giuliani
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28Giuliani%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/10/10/law-professors-advice-house-democrats-arrest-rudy-giuliani">A law professor suggests</a> that the House of Representatives arrest Giuliani and
others who are not US officials and refuse to answer questions.


feed_id: 13ca2fb1c2b3aa618872745d7a79dcbf
title: Rehabilitation
uri: Rehabilitation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28Rehabilitation%29
content:
<p>
Sanders <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/10/26/justice-and-safety-all-sanders-uses-criminal-justice-forum-push-case-systemic">calls for bringing back rehabilitation</a> as the primary goal of
prison.

<p>
US prisons put substantial emphasis on rehabilitation in the 1970s,
but the massive increase in imprisonment in the 1980s meant that prisons
could barely afford to warehouse the prisoners.


feed_id: 585f45782cfd99c781e4982c43b37681
title: Al-Baghdadi's death
uri: Al-Baghdadi-s-death
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28Al-Baghdadi%27s_death%29
content:
<p>
US forces <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/27/nowhere-left-to-run-how-the-us-finally-caught-up-with-isis-leader-baghdadi">cornered al-Baghdadi</a>, head of PISSI, and he blew himself up
along with a few of his children, who he was using as hostages.

<p>
Even disregarding questions of right and wrong, I can't see the logic
of using human shields against one's own suicide bomb.

<p>
The bullshitter <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/27/abu-bakr-al-baghdadi-killing-trump-lifeline-political-battle">is presenting this</a> as a great victory. Perhaps mainstream media will say that war makes him "appear
presidential", as they did for <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#dubya">Dubya</a> in such situations.

<p>
Alas, this is unlikely to be a significant setback for <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a>.  Such
organizations expect their officers to be killed, and systematically
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#05_June_2015_(PISSI)">prepare replacements for them</a>.  If the bullshitter does get a boost
from this, that could harm the US and the world.  That harm could
easily outweigh the good of doing a small setback to <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a>.


feed_id: a4e702386d2ef3189e4ee59815c6c9c6
title: Millionaire supports Sanders's tax plan
uri: Millionaire-supports-Sanders-s-tax-plan
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28Millionaire_supports_Sanderss_tax_plan%29

content:
<p>
'<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/10/28/tax-hell-out-me-says-young-millionaire-google-exec-prospect-president-bernie-sanders">Tax
the Hell Out of Me</a>,' Says Young Millionaire Google Exec at
Prospect of a President Bernie Sanders.
<p>
You don't have to choose your vote according to your own selfish
interest.


feed_id: ed1577f87a86c408dbeece7091372ba8
title: EU failing to defend democracy
uri: EU-failing-to-defend-democracy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28EU_failing_to_defend_democracy%29

content:
<p>
The European Union is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/oct/28/europe-bullies-threaten-democracy">failing
to defend democracy from bullies</a>.


feed_id: f11ad6a77c1cc06e9cae6e971a0de381
title: Urgent: Investigate Amazon's videosurveillance
uri: Urgent-Investigate-Amazon-s-videosurveillance
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28Urgent%3A_Investigate_Amazons_videosurveillance%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<A href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/investigate-amazon?nowrapper=true">call
on Congress</a> to investigate Amazon's videosurveillance of the
public.


feed_id: 39e10d80cb2b0288b827a69d4fa09b09
title: Urgent: HR 3
uri: Urgent-HR-3
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28Urgent%3A_HR_3%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<A href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sign-now-tell-congress-lower-drug-prices-now?nowrapper=true">call
on Congress to pass HR 3</a> to let Medicare negotiate lower drug
prices.


feed_id: 66350e1159b5f2973b2afeb2518cc8a7
title: Katie Hill's resignation
uri: Katie-Hill-s-resignation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28Katie_Hills_resignation%29
content:
<p>
Rep. Katie Hill has 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/oct/28/katie-hill-rising-democratic-star-resigns-amid-claims-of-relationship-with-staffer">resigned
because of her prohibited sexual relationship with someone on her
staff</a>.
<p>
I see the point of that rule, but I think that her resignation hurts
the whole country.


feed_id: e020b0d36c762045ce5167b159bb587f
title: Drought destroying Australian wetlands
uri: Drought-destroying-Australian-wetlands
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_%28Drought_destroying_Australian_wetlands%29

content:
<p>
Drought is destroying Australian wetlands which are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/28/macquarie-marshes-bushfire-burns-3000-hectares-of-internationally-recognised-wetland">supposed
to be a protected sanctuary for some bird species</a>.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">Global heating</a> will keep making this worse.  Perhaps solar-powered
desalinators will be needed to keep the bird sanctuary functioning.


feed_id: 525741ca3b754a368a6c5f6061f3cb4e
title: Italian pun
uri: 2019-10-30-Italian-pun
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#30_October_2019_%28Italian_pun%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/italian-puns.html#gli-ulivi-sulle-scogliere">Italian pun</a>: gli ulivi sulle scogliere


feed_id: 7110c50a88e5705a38f938f1a8a625eb
title: Booing the bully
uri: Booing-the-bully
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#30_October_2019_%28Booing_the_bully%29
content:
<p>
The bully attended a world series game and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/10/28/us-president-greeted-thunderous-boos-and-impeach-trump-banner-world-series">the whole stadium booed him</a>.


feed_id: c8e9770234439ac881c17b00ff8f93b8
title: Gang war in DRC
uri: Gang-war-in-DRC
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#30_October_2019_%28Gang_war_in_DRC%29
content:
<p>
The Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been convulsed by
civil wars for decades.  Now <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/10/11/world-looks-away-death-stalks-democratic-republic-congo">this has degenerated into unending war</a> between
armed gangs that will murder at the drop of a hat.


feed_id: 1bf287cd11b0a42f1c9fbda4d3e4d214
title: Climate activists arrested
uri: Climate-activists-arrested
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#30_October_2019_%28Climate_activists_arrested%29
content:
<p>
27 youth climate activists <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/10/28/27-youth-climate-activists-arrested-canadian-parliament-sit-demanding-green-new-deal">arrested for Canadian parliament sit-in</a> demanding green new deal.


feed_id: 577fdd1e73c4add0f4c1372b7ad9e510
title: Socialist support demography
uri: Socialist-support-demography
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#30_October_2019_%28Socialist_support_demography%29
content:
<p>
70% of Americans 23 to 38 would <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/10/28/poll-sponsored-anti-communists-discovers-70-us-millennials-ready-ditch-capitalism">support a Socialist candidate</a> for
president.


feed_id: 24a75390e0dd6fe022b7743814e9a98b
title: Children in danger
uri: Children-in-danger
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#30_October_2019_%28Children_in_danger%29
content:
<p>
The bully has forced 3,400 children under 5 years old to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/10/11/intentionally-placing-children-harms-way-report-details-how-trump-policy-put-13000">wait for an
immigration hearing</a> in very violent border regions of Mexico.

<p>
The article itself refers to all minors as "children", which is an
attempt to exaggerate; but the unexaggerated facts are bad enough.


feed_id: 5343adaf67f88c064bda5369f0a597b5
title: Whistleblowers
uri: 2019-10-30-Whistleblowers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#30_October_2019_%28Whistleblowers%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/10/11/understanding-two-types-whistleblowers">Explaining the legal distinction</a> between whistleblowers that go through
channels and whistleblowers that speak to the public.


feed_id: ad29111ede8520a3762c5d8877f8a006
title: Urgent: Non-profit colleges
uri: Urgent-Non-profit-colleges
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#30_October_2019_%28Urgent%3A_Non-profit_colleges%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/Students-Not-Profits">call on Congress</a> to pass the Students Not Profits Act., which would deny federal aid to for-profit "colleges".

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


feed_id: d4f911ec3340d7016d7a2a60f1452eb8
title: Urgent: fire Miles Taylor from Google
uri: Urgent-fire-Miles-Taylor-from-Google
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#30_October_2019_%28Urgent%3A_fire_Miles_Taylor_from_Google%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/google-fire-miles-taylor_pa/">call on Google</a> to fire Miles Taylor, who was one of the bully's bigots.

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


feed_id: 0124dc520dd55cf4114f5b7b2e277a2d
title: Al-Baghadid's torture
uri: Al-Baghadid-s-torture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#30_October_2019_%28Al-Baghadid%27s_torture%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/10/28/reminder-following-baghdadis-death-terrorists-were-killing-today-are-terrorists-we">A Reminder Following al-Baghdadi's Death</a>: 'The Terrorists We're Killing Today Are the Terrorists We Created Yesterday.'

<p>
He <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/10/28/camp-bucca-abu-ghraib-and-rise-extremism-iraq">experienced US torture himself</a>, and this surely influenced his career.

<p>
It takes a great spirit to respond to torture by rising above hatred.
Most people are not so gifted. So they are likely to respond to
torture by seeking revenge.  Just as people who were abused as
children often abuse other children, people who experienced torture
may turn to torture themselves.


feed_id: 78bfe90841b8733540952d5983e735e8
title: Fireproof by design
uri: Fireproof-by-design
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#30_October_2019_%28Fireproof_by_design%29
content:
<p>
The Getty museum north of LA <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/oct/28/california-wildfires-getty-fire-museum-art">was designed specifically</a> to be safe from fires around it.


feed_id: 96480ba059595740c22cf13b45c3791b
title: Homeless people in subway
uri: Homeless-people-in-subway
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#30_October_2019_%28Homeless_people_in_subway%29
content:
<p>
New York Governor Cuomo, a right-wing Democrat, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/oct/12/new-york-homeless-subways-police-crackdown">regards homeless people living in the NYC subway as a nuisance</a>.


feed_id: 97c96bb4b08ac77a52cecbe2627b763f
title: Resettlement in Canada
uri: Resettlement-in-Canada
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#30_October_2019_%28Resettlement_in_Canada%29
content:
<p>
Canada pays people to relocate from isolated villages.  A village with
54 permanent villages voted to resettle, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/29/canada-little-bay-islands-newfoundland-labrador">all but two people will
move away</a>.


feed_id: 51a65d2f836b309cd7d97fc9155f8d19
title: DCCC and NAFTA
uri: DCCC-and-NAFTA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#30_October_2019_%28DCCC_and_NAFTA%29
content:
<p>
The Democratic Congressional Campaigns Committee <a href="https://theintercept.com/2019/10/29/usmca-deal-cheri-bustos-dccc/">is campaigning to pass the bullshitter's new NAFTA</a> without fixing its grave problems.

<p>
The DCCC <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#16_May_2019_(Urgent:_End_DCCC_blacklist)">is also punishing</a> campaign operatives that work for
the progressive primary challengers we need in order to make
the Democratic Party worth supporting.


feed_id: 72de2c45f710a1a9b4413e9cb1df28a3
title: Measuring security
uri: Measuring-security
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#30_October_2019_%28Measuring_security%29
content:
<p>
"We
   should stop measuring our counter-terrorism efforts by how many
   terrorists we kill or our security by how many US troops are deployed."

<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/oct/29/baghdadi-isis-us-response-terrorism">Source</a>


feed_id: 540a69bd32526f662115ab3f8fb8adb8
title: Assad's officers on trial
uri: Assad-s-officers-on-trial
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#30_October_2019_%28Assad%27s_officers_on_trial%29
content:
<p>
Two of Assad's officers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2019/oct/29/germany-charges-two-syrians-with-crimes-against-humanity">face charges in Germany</a> for torturing
prisoners, many of them to death.


feed_id: e6c56e9b4981ceab0e7cdb4f1b69bdab
title: Selling water in plastic bottles
uri: Selling-water-in-plastic-bottles
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#30_October_2019_%28Selling_water_in_plastic_bottles%29

content:
<p>
The fight to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/29/the-fight-over-water-how-nestle-dries-up-us-creeks-to-sell-water-in-plastic-bottles">stop Nestlé</a> from taking America's water to sell in
plastic bottles.

<p>
A hefty tax on bottles of water might do the job.
The tax could be two dollars per liter.


feed_id: 27f44dce01548a39caba6c2cace6f610
title: Eliminating the green tape
uri: Eliminating-the-green-tape
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#30_October_2019_%28Eliminating_the_green_tape%29
content:
<p>
Australia's extractivist government <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/29/review-of-federal-environment-laws-will-cut-green-tape-and-speed-up-approvals">wants to eliminate the "green
tape"</a> that slows down potentially damaging projects, so it can plow
full-speed-ahead through everything that ought to be preserved.


feed_id: 34a6cbdd96efb348939ee82de6680254
title: Urgent: make fossil fuel companies financially responsible
uri: Urgent-make-fossil-fuel-companies-financially-responsible
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#30_October_2019_%28Urgent%3A_make_fossil_fuel_companies_financially_responsible%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sign-now-to-tell-government-officials-make-big-polluters-pay-to-fix-the-climate-catastrophe-theyve-caused?nowrapper=true &referrer=group-350org-joint&source=350org-joint">call for making</a> fossil fuel companies financially
responsible for the damage they cause through <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>.

<p>
To literally make them pay for the damage is impossible.  The damage
will be a large fraction of the total wealth of humanity.  Perhaps as
little as 30%.  Perhaps as much as 99%.  Either way, it is far more
than the money that will pass through these fossil fuel companies'
hands.  If we sued them for those damages, we'd end up owning the
fossil fuel companies but still not compensated for the damage.

<p>
Moreover, by the time those damages fully occur, there may be no functioning
legal system to sue them in.

<p>
So the reason to do this is <em>not</em> to make them "pay for the damage".
It is to give them a pressing reason to stop doing the damage.

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


feed_id: 7f580e9b5a8d5d07433f86fcbf8efefa
title: Urgent enact network neutrality regulations
uri: Urgent-enact-network-neutrality-regulations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#30_October_2019_%28Urgent_enact_network_neutrality_regulations%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/these-states-are-fighting-for-net-neutrality-is-yours-one-of-them?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-take-action-restoring-net-neutrality-in-statefull-default-your-state-2">call on states</a>, especially your state, to enact network
neutrality regulations.

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


feed_id: 2e6ab9bdf7fe77640fda62be3edefc9a
title: 5G phone communication radio waves
uri: 5G-phone-communication-radio-waves
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#30_October_2019_%285G_phone_communication_radio_waves%29

content:
<p>
Scientists do not know whether the radio waves used for 5G phone
communication are 
<a href="https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/we-have-no-reason-to-believe-5g-is-safe/">dangerous
to human health</a>.


feed_id: eaefe3b519af5ea25117e71d2063df27
title: Abuse by Big Tech companies
uri: Abuse-by-Big-Tech-companies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#30_October_2019_%28Abuse_by_Big_Tech_companies%29
content:
<p>
Big Tech companies are screwing their workers and spying on their
customers, like the robber barons of the 1920s, but Americans are fed
up and are 
<a href="https://www.wired.com/story/corporate-americas-second-war-with-the-rule-of-law/">pushing
for laws that will tie them up</a>.


feed_id: 3b97c503be9604a69827e95b5cf88acb
title: Julian Assange extradition hearing
uri: Julian-Assange-extradition-hearing
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#30_October_2019_%28Julian_Assange_extradition_hearing%29

content:
<p>
Craig Murray attended a preparatory court session about extraditing
Julian Assange, and reports that Assange is 
<a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2019/10/assange-in-court/">aging
rapidly and seems mentally dazed</a> &mdash; like torture victims
Murray has seen.
<p>
Assange's lawyers were unable to talk with him until a week before the
hearing, and asked for a delay so they could present their case
properly.  The UK magistrate refused, apparently insisting on a
schedule imposed by the US.
<p>
This schedule may prevent evidence from a Spanish court, which is
investigating a CIA plan to kidnap Assange, from being considered in
the extradition hearing.
<p>
The actual extradition hearing will be held in a place nearly
inaccessible to the public, so that the UK can violate Assange's
rights without any reporting of it.


feed_id: 92768e77e03ac54cb26547faa3936739
title: GM strike
uri: GM-strike
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#31_October_2019_%28GM_strike%29
content:
<p>
The GM workers' strike <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/oct/30/general-motors-gm-strike-future-work-collective-action">was a victory</a>, part of a trend toward more
labor militancy.


feed_id: c33f70e54370250d8182345e37c36190
title: Don't be a zucker
uri: Don-t-be-a-zucker
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#31_October_2019_%28Don%27t_be_a_zucker%29
content:
<p>
Thousands of tourists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/oct/30/meme-tourism-has-turned-the-world-into-the-seventh-circle-of-selfie-hell">photograph themselves on a stairway</a> just because
it was a movie set.  How foolish.

<p>
The fact that thousands of people do something for no reason
is not a reason for you to do it.  If you do do it, you will
experience a sensation of "So what?"

<p>
Best of all, don't have an Instagram account, and you will avoid being
influenced by "influencers."  Remember, Instagram is another tentacle
of Facebook.  Don't be a zucker!


feed_id: 9dd90e7efae3683259f43b18a1b29606
title: Lock him up chants
uri: Lock-him-up-chants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#31_October_2019_%28Lock_him_up_chants%29
content:
<p>
Was it wrong to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/oct/30/was-it-wrong-for-baseball-fans-to-chant-lock-him-up-at-trump">greet the conman</a> with chants of "Lock him up"?

<p>
I think he asked for it, very directly.
And note that they didn't say, "without trial."


feed_id: c36c088ef25318c2331dfafb7baade4a
title: Giuliani and Ukraine
uri: Giuliani-and-Ukraine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#31_October_2019_%28Giuliani_and_Ukraine%29
content:
<p>
Giuliani's <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/oct/30/unravelling-rudolph-giulianis-labyrinthine-ties-to-ukraine">complex connections</a> with business and officials in Ukraine.


feed_id: ca6e7bf862266fae5332e5e05c5d7235
title: Pensions in Chile
uri: Pensions-in-Chile
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#31_October_2019_%28Pensions_in_Chile%29
content:
<p>
Pinochet's privatization of old-age pensions <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/30/pinochet-economic-model-current-crisis-chile">is still impoverishing Chile</a>.  Chile needs to tax the rich more.


feed_id: c2b636ccabea5757712aef46af430fa5
title: Urgent: ban government use of face recognition
uri: Urgent-ban-government-use-of-face-recognition
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#31_October_2019_%28Urgent%3A_ban_government_use_of_face_recognition%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.freepress.net/sign/internet_ban_facial_recog/?akid=13483.9489429.PxMv53&rd=1&t=1014">call on Congress</a> to ban government use of face recognition.

<p>
We must also strictly regulate private use of face recognition.

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


feed_id: 912a58aeeabb08a248cc9646124c39a6
title: Standing up to the right-wing extremists in Germany
uri: Standing-up-to-the-right-wing-extremists-in-Germany
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#31_October_2019_%28Standing_up_to_the_right-wing_extremists_in_Germany%29

content:
<p>
"Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall and Europe’s velvet
revolutions, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/oct/30/democracy-europe-1989-berlin-wall-velvet-revolutions-populists">a new generation is standing up</a> to the [right-wing extremists]."

<p>
I don't like to use the word "populists" for right-wing extremists.


feed_id: 52f60174e86c76f04c5eae62a45aece5
title: Smearing Colonel Vindman
uri: Smearing-Colonel-Vindman
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#31_October_2019_%28Smearing_Colonel_Vindman%29
content:
<p>
Republicans <a href="https://theintercept.com/2019/10/29/republicans-accuse-colonel-vindman-jew-fled-soviet-persecution-dual-loyalty/">are trying to smear Colonel Vindman</a> by questioning his loyalty
to the US.

<p>
Vindman was born in the Soviet Union, and moved to the US at age 3 as
a refugee, with his family.

<p>
It is characteristic of right-wing politicians to accuse their
opponents (or anyone that doesn't serve them) of the wrongs that they
themselves commit.  Today's Republicans' primary allegiance is to the
conman, not the US.


feed_id: 09a566e5a67d2af8bc0b203fc315f420
title: Armenian genocide
uri: Armenian-genocide
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#31_October_2019_%28Armenian_genocide%29
content:
<p>
The House of Representatives <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/oct/29/us-house-overwhelmingly-votes-to-recognize-armenian-genocide">adopted a resolution</a> condemning the
genocide of the Armenians.

<p>
In and of itself, this is the right thing to do.  It would be wrong,
however, <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/hrant-dink.html">to impose censorship on what others say about this question</a>, as both Turkey and France do.

<p>
It won't hamper Erdoğan's attack on the Kurds, but it is a setback for
his policy.


feed_id: 042f8a84ef8b016a58a3908e1b13816a
title: Birds in Australia
uri: Birds-in-Australia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#31_October_2019_%28Birds_in_Australia%29
content:
<p>
Even common birds in Australia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/29/australias-beloved-native-birds-are-disappearing-and-the-cause-is-clear">are in danger</a> as governments allow massive elimination of native forests.


feed_id: d0925887999230ac17d130c5273c1946
title: Cannabis-based medicines
uri: Cannabis-based-medicines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#31_October_2019_%28Cannabis-based_medicines%29
content:
<p>
"A new study [of cannabis-based medicines] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/oct/28/risks-of-cannabis-use-for-mental-health-treatment-outweigh-benefits">shows evidence of positive
outcomes is scarce</a> while symptoms can be exacerbated."


feed_id: 5f48c4f82e1d1610d5da68d27657c9e2
title: Reaction to Hong Kong protests
uri: Reaction-to-Hong-Kong-protests
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#31_October_2019_%28Reaction_to_Hong_Kong_protests%29

content:
<p>
The harsh reaction to Hong Kong protests <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/29/hong-kongs-reluctant-policeman-its-not-for-us-to-deliver-punishment">is splitting the thug department</a> between the thugs and the police officers.


feed_id: 5704332421452275c86425c2342724a7
title: Lynching
uri: 2019-10-31-Lynching
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#31_October_2019_%28Lynching%29
content:
<p>
A lesson for today's Republicans, and the rest of us, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/10/29/trump-not-alone-among-americans-failing-understand-what-real-lynching">about lynching</a>.


feed_id: ab40ffcad8d57ec291d22231a2da0ea7
title: Impeachment in senate
uri: Impeachment-in-senate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#31_October_2019_%28Impeachment_in_senate%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/10/29/what-will-tump-impeachment-trial-look-mitch-mcconnell-controlled-senate">What will Tump impeachment trial look like</a> in Mitch McConnell-controlled
senate?

<p>
Even if Republicans defend him regardless of his crimes, the Senate's rules
and Chief Justice Roberts will make the Senate examine the evidence.


feed_id: 3f6314b371a84979b7fbcf92b55f2708
title: This is what sands oil pipeline looks like
uri: This-is-what-sands-oil-pipeline-looks-like
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#31_October_2019_%28This_is_what_sands_oil_pipeline_looks_like%29

content:
<p>
The Yes Men demonstrated to Duluth <a href="https://theyesmen.org/project/peacepipeline/reveal">what it's like to have a tar sands oil pipeline forced through your land</a>.

<p>
They could not demonstrate the difference between more global heating
and less global heating, as that will be over coming decades.  But we
know that <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#26_February_2016_(CO2_emission_limit)">there is no room in the carbon budget for any additional fossil fuel facilities</a>.


feed_id: 0a6badf1435c34969f0bf6ee0186b4ca
title: Sanders endorses aid to ease siege of Gaza
uri: Sanders-endorses-aid-to-ease-siege-of-Gaza
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28Sanders_endorses_aid_to_ease_siege_of_Gaza%29

content:
<p>
Sanders
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/10/29/sanders-says-38b-annual-us-military-aid-israel-should-be-leveraged-end-horrific">endorsed
using US military aid to Israel as leverage</a> to ease the siege of
Gaza.


feed_id: aaa7d6b0fc6965b96722523e558a0f43
title: Protesters in Chile
uri: Protesters-in-Chile
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28Protesters_in_Chile%29
content:
<p>
Interviews <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/30/chile-protests-portraits-protesters-sebastian-pinera">with protesters in Chile</a>.


feed_id: 91c41f0e06fed0ddb8ee46dcd0c3d568
title: Extreme republicans
uri: Extreme-republicans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28Extreme_republicans%29
content:
<p>
The modern Republican party <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/10/30/lies-corporate-media-tell-when-bernie-sanders-extreme-and-trumps-gop-mainstream">is as extreme</a> as any major party in our History.


feed_id: d636a8f55e3cfa2d0988de35e0d2c4ce
title: Effort to violate the law
uri: Effort-to-violate-the-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28Effort_to_violate_the_law%29
content:
<p>
[The bully's] effort to remove ‘Sexual Health’ from UN agreement <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2019/oct/30/trump-administration-un-sexual-reproductive-health-senators-letter">may violate law</a>, say senators.

<p>
Fortunately that effort did not succeed.


feed_id: f776786864567e464bb26ecc11d1057a
title: Urgent: gun removal provision
uri: Urgent-gun-removal-provision
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_gun_removal_provision%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.everytown.org/sign/US_Senate_VAWA_Include_Gun_Safety/?akid=250793.1711918.pk3wyx&rd=1&refcode=emne_VAWA-Senate-Contact-Research-20191029&source=emne_VAWA-Senate-Contact-Research-20191029&t=1002&utm_campaign=VAWA-Senate-Contact-Research-20191029&utm_medium=e&utm_source=emne_VAWA-Senate-Contact-Research-20191029">call on your senators</a> to include a gun removal provision in the Violence Against Women Act.

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


feed_id: 3775379930b7ef0bbe46939c2f942c44
title: Tropical forest's greenhouse gas
uri: Tropical-forest-s-greenhouse-gas
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28Tropical_forest%27s_greenhouse_gas%29

content:
<p>
[Greenhouse gas] Emissions from tropical forest damage <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/31/climate-emissions-from-tropical-forest-damage-underestimated-by-a-factor-of-six">'underestimated
by a factor of six'</a>.


feed_id: 3bf2bf70c342845e07e728b141c36f24
title: Eradicating tuberculosis
uri: Eradicating-tuberculosis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28Eradicating_tuberculosis%29
content:
<p>
A deal <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2019/oct/31/antibiotic-price-drop-could-stop-millions-from-developing-tuberculosis">will make an effective cure for tuberculosis available</a> in poor
countries for just 2 dollars a day.

<p>
This makes it possible to envision eradicating tuberculosis world-wide.


feed_id: f39f2c4266006110bd444de28d0bfbf9
title: Dull playgrounds
uri: Dull-playgrounds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28Dull_playgrounds%29
content:
<p>
When playgrounds become too dull, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/oct/31/were-cosseting-our-kids-the-war-against-todays-dangerously-dull-playgrounds-wellcome">kids climb other structures instead</a>.


feed_id: b407f0e496ca2f0997eb4716e5820664
title: Katie Hill's resignation
uri: 2019-11-01-Katie-Hill-s-resignation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28Katie_Hill%27s_resignation%29
content:
<p>
Women <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/oct/31/politics-nude-video-katie-hill">should not feel compelled to resign</a> from anything because their
nude images have been published.

<p>
(Neither should anyone else.)


feed_id: a3554ab699ec2691179564a653697333
title: Urgent: keep big tech out of finance
uri: Urgent-keep-big-tech-out-of-finance
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_keep_big_tech_out_of_finance%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/libra-garcia?t=1001&akid=34676%2E1183552%2EWUaYaX">call on Congress</a> to pass the Keep Big Tech Out of Finance Act.

<p>
That law would prohibit large platform utilities (including Facebook)
from operating as a financial institution (for instance, operating a
digital currency).


feed_id: 8687d5dbd57984392a036dbfd563db0c
title: What happens in Kashmir?
uri: What-happens-in-Kashmir
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28What_happens_in_Kashmir%3F%29
content:
<p>
With Kashmir under military clampdown for three months now, we can't
get a picture of the situation.  Modi would like us to assume India is
in full control.  But violent separatists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/31/india-strips-kashmir-of-special-status-and-divides-it-in-two">are active there</a>, even
Islamists.


feed_id: 589e4d6bd8444e4d56c29286736d73db
title: Deporting escaped slaves
uri: Deporting-escaped-slaves
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28Deporting_escaped_slaves%29
content:
<p>
When people trafficked into the UK and enslaved escape and report what was
done to them, the thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/31/modern-slavery-cannot-be-tackled-if-victims-treated-as-criminals">immediately arrange to get them deported</a>.

<p>
Rather convenient for those who enslaved them.


feed_id: 46d35a277615343d0c2a12b90c4d611b
title: Disputed issues on Wikipedia
uri: Disputed-issues-on-Wikipedia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28Disputed_issues_on_Wikipedia%29
content:
<p>
Morozov's analysis of how the strict rules of Wikipedia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global/commentisfree/2019/oct/31/can-the-us-government-stem-the-tide-of-fake-news-in-a-postmodern-world">require it to choose one version</a> for issues where the events and their significance are disputed.


feed_id: 80fb7c4a6024a62aa201e9b9ff7d863a
title: African swine fever
uri: African-swine-fever
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28African_swine_fever%29
content:
<p>
African swine fever <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/31/quarter-of-worlds-pig-population-to-die-of-african-swine-fever">is spreading around the world</a> and could kill 1/4
of the world's pigs.

<p>
As far as I can see, the only way in meat can infect live pigs is if
farms feed pigs with pork.  That practice is asking for trouble: <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2006-sep-dec.html#15 September 2006 (Monsanto tried to shut down research)">it is
what enabled how BSE to spread among cattle</a>.  We need governments that
have the will and strength to make and enforce laws to stop this.

<p>
Farmers would reject the dangerous practice on their own, if they were
thinking about long-term risks.  But instead they cede to short-term
competitive pressure to maximize efficiency.  Blocking that is part
of <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/why-we-need-a-state.html">the state's job</a>.


feed_id: 501baefbaf77257451a501fdebba4c8e
title: Not just Russia
uri: Not-just-Russia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28Not_just_Russia%29
content:
<p>
Not just Russia: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/oct/30/us-elections-2020-hacking-misinformation-russia-china-iran">China and Iran may target US elections</a>, according to
intelligence officials.

<p>
I expect they will all try, and it is worth making efforts to stop them.
However, the biggest threat comes from Republican officials that put their
success above their country, with <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#28_June_2019_(Partisan_gerrymandering)">partisan gerrymandering</a> and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#16_September_2019_(Republican_cheating)">voter suppression</a>.  Is to be doubted.


feed_id: c4fadc57ec7c94ea862aef2dfc060e9e
title: Colombia's investigation
uri: Colombia-s-investigation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28Colombia%27s_investigation%29
content:
<p>
Colombia's President Duque launched a military operation, supposedly
to hunt the murderers of some indigenous leaders, but the list of
targets <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/30/colombia-launches-military-offensive-after-killing-of-five-indigenous-leaders">excludes the paramilitares</a>.


feed_id: 8ff12e148688e055233f34a8eadcaf46
title: This is what sands oil pipeline looks like
uri: 2019-11-01-This-is-what-sands-oil-pipeline-looks-like
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#31_October_2019_%28This_is_what_sands_oil_pipeline_looks_like%29

content:
<p>
The Yes Men demonstrated to Duluth <a href="https://theyesmen.org/project/peacepipeline/reveal">what it's like to have a tar sands oil pipeline forced through your land</a>.

<p>
They could not demonstrate the difference between more <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>
and less <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>, as that will be over coming decades.  But we
know that <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#26_February_2016_(CO2_emission_limit)">there is no room in the carbon budget for any additional fossil fuel facilities</a>.


feed_id: 7ca89955f0fa938d7353df8807b77e84
title: Laborers in California fire evacuation zones
uri: Laborers-in-California-fire-evacuation-zones
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28Laborers_in_California_fire_evacuation_zones%29

content:
<p>
The lives of California's laborers and agricultural workers are so
close to the edge that they
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/oct/30/california-fires-workers-kincade-easy">can't
afford to miss a day's work because a fire is on the way</a>.


feed_id: cb0efe54cfeec05de192c3d5ed6ee9d2
title: Twitter to refuse all political ads
uri: Twitter-to-refuse-all-political-ads
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28Twitter_to_refuse_all_political_ads%29

content:
<p>
Twitter
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/oct/30/twitter-ban-political-advertising-us-election">will
refuse all political advertising</a>.


feed_id: 7b26871af43a55d6986867faa4f03880
title: Jailed for poking fun at Burmese military
uri: Jailed-for-poking-fun-at-Burmese-military
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28Jailed_for_poking_fun_at_Burmese_military%29

content:
<p>
Myanmar Actors
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/31/myanmar-actors-jailed-with-hard-labour-for-show-poking-fun-at-military">Jailed
with Hard Labour for Show Poking Fun at Military</a>.
<p>
Prohibiting publication of information that "endangers" some of the
state suppression forces is a widespread tool of authoritarianism.
Spain still has the ley mordaza which prohibits posting photos of
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>, even (especially?) thugs in the process of committing violence.


feed_id: 18d038d13511ce213bf8bc8869e81b8f
title: Voter-suppression in Georgia
uri: 2019-11-02-Voter-suppression-in-Georgia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28Voter-suppression_in_Georgia%29
content:
<p>
Georgia's voter-suppressing governor
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/10/29/330000-people-georgia-purge-list-rights-advocates-warn-massive-voter-suppression">plans
to delete 300,000 people from the voters list</a>, for not having
voted recently.  Activists are trying to notify them so they can
re-register.
<p>
That governor was elected due to the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-sep-dec.html#29_November_2018_(Voter_suppression_in_Georgia)">voter-suppression
that he carried out</a> as secretary of state of Georgia.


feed_id: bf29aef4fcb28755d65598a5bb475dcc
title: Bernie Sander's working-class donors
uri: Bernie-Sander-s-working-class-donors
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28Bernie_Sanders_working-class_donors%29

content:
<p>
(satire) numerous anonymous tipsters confirmed this week that Bernie
Sanders recently
<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/bernie-sanders-holds-secret-campaign-meeting-with-15-00-1839448155">attended
a secret campaign meeting with 15,000 working-class donors</a> from
the Democratic Party.


feed_id: e76f6e75455078326fc4d637e50b1869
title: White House phone call "transcript"
uri: White-House-phone-call-transcript
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28White_House_phone_call_transcript%29

content:
<p>
Colonel Vindman told Congress that the phone call "transcript"
released by the White House was not complete;
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/10/30/full-cover-official-testifies-ukraine-call-transcript-trump-said-was-perfect-left">staff
had deleted parts</a>.


feed_id: 0fc27165ce790268ddae615a0df52a1a
title: CIA-funded militia units raid medical clinics
uri: CIA-funded-militia-units-raid-medical-clinics
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28CIA-funded_militia_units_raid_medical_clinics%29

content:
<p>
CIA-funded Afghan militia units have
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2019/10/30/afghanistan-health-clinics-airstrikes-taliban/">raided
medical clinics and accused the staff of serving the Taliban</a>.
Sometimes they kill the staff.
<p>
The Taliban also threaten the clinics, even the same clinics.  The
article does not say what they accuse the clinics of doing or why they
demanded closure of clinics.
<p>
Medical facilities are supposed to treat anyone who is sick or
wounded.


feed_id: 4cd8e3efea3666eae034af1feb3c0967
title: Keeping records of who accesses a porn site
uri: Keeping-records-of-who-accesses-a-porn-site
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28Keeping_records_of_who_accesses_a_porn_site%29

content:
<p>
Australia is
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/29/world/australia/pornography-facial-recognition.html">considering
requiring people to identify themselves with face recognition to
access porn sites</a>.
<p>
It is extremely dangerous to keep records of who accesses a porn site.
Porn sites that charge for access should use
<a href="https://taler.net">GNU Taler</a> for anonymous payments.


feed_id: 597335e56912b4e31f6ad30de5194355
title: US cuts funds for study of animal viruses
uri: US-cuts-funds-for-study-of-animal-viruses
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28US_cuts_funds_for_study_of_animal_viruses%29

content:
<p>
The US has cut the funds for study of
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/25/health/predict-usaid-viruses.html">animal
viruses that might jump to infect humans</a>.


feed_id: 9565eae9af00ad80d162a1b30128f2b6
title: Australian thugs break man's neck
uri: Australian-thugs-break-man-s-neck
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28Australian_thugs_break_mans_neck%29

content:
<p>
Australian <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> broke a man's neck
<a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/police-complaints-in-spotlight-after-man-s-neck-breaks-during-arrest-20191025-p5348h.html">while
serving a complaint that he was playing music too loud</a>.  He is now
permanently paralyzed.
<p>
The newspaper headline describes it
<a href="https://boingboing.net/2019/10/25/mans-neck-breaks-during-ar.html">as
if the neck just broke itself</a>.


feed_id: 4cf75113d0c6ca66361c78abccb3efc7
title: Plastic import in Argentina
uri: Plastic-import-in-Argentina
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Plastic_import_in_Argentina%29
content:
<p>
Argentina's outgoing right-wing president <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/01/argentina-plastic-waste-dumping-ground-imports">has relaxed regulations for
importation of plastic waste</a>, which might be burned in incinerators.


feed_id: 81402f9ed35ca57d561d349d3168fa54
title: Quitting Twitter
uri: Quitting-Twitter
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Quitting_Twitter%29
content:
<p>
"<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/01/twitter-mps-social-media-political-speech">I quit Twitter</a> and haven’t looked back -– my fellow MPs should do the same."


feed_id: c04707d8fe45b7982d414666fe1b60e0
title: No antibiotics in food
uri: No-antibiotics-in-food
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28No_antibiotics_in_food%29
content:
<p>
Grading US fast food chains on their efforts to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/10/31/report-most-fast-food-chains-get-poor-grades-overuse-antibiotics-beef-0">keep antibiotics out
of their food</a>.


feed_id: 9b93345e9c6fa5dc401590f22f84db0e
title: Thug training
uri: Thug-training
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Thug_training%29
content:
<p>
US thugs typically <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/10/31/keeping-peace-far-more-complicated-waging-war">get 19 weeks of training</a>, which focuses on
protecting themselves from threats (occasionally real, often
imaginary).  With three years of training, as in Norway, they might
learn to be police officers instead.


feed_id: b6248eadd96b9a3f0c4c59d0dc4ec96b
title: Destroying social order of countries
uri: Destroying-social-order-of-countries
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Destroying_social_order_of_countries%29

content:
<p>
Many US interventions around the world <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/10/31/open-letter-donald-trump-you-are-putting-world-grave-risk">have destroyed the social order
of countries</a>, driving many to flee as refugees.

<p>
Since the bullshitter talks about ending some of America's forever
wars, the supporters of the US military-industrial complex <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/10/31/why-those-endless-wars-must-never-end">are pushing
hard to stop him</a>.


<p>
This is true, overall, but it does not follow that each and every
military commitment that the US makes is automatically wrong, Most of
them defend a corrupt regime or a dictator; defending Rojava, by
contrast, defended democracy from the murderous tyrant Assad and the
murderous authoritarian Erdoğan.  The one commitment that the
bullshitter actually broke was the one he should have kept.


feed_id: 1726343f66d0d7c88aa4b0fa03daa6b6
title: Non-denunciation
uri: Non-denunciation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Non-denunciation%29
content:
<p>
A woman in the UK received a child porn video and forwarded it to
friends in outrage.  One of the people she sent it to was her sister,
a cop.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/oct/31/senior-police-officer-accused-failing-report-abuse-video-novlett-robyn-williams">Now the cop is being prosecuted</a> for not denouncing her sister
as a criminal for this.

<p>
The article does not say whether the sister who sent it will be
prosecuted too.


<p>
  


feed_id: f0322d8291ba348197e010c77c9f0047
title: Urgent: no chocolate made by slave children
uri: Urgent-no-chocolate-made-by-slave-children
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_no_chocolate_made_by_slave_children%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/stop-child-labor?t=1001&akid=34713%2E1183552%2E-UCIPS">call on major chocolate companies</a> to eliminate the use of enslaved children from the production of their chocolate.

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


  <p>
  


feed_id: 74980a7050ecd8f88bdd464e58140b51
title: Explosive growth
uri: Explosive-growth
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Explosive_growth%29
content:
<p>
  (<a href="https://www.theonion.com/silicon-valley-leaders-sit-down-with-wildfire-at-invest-1839476762">satire</a>) Silicon Valley Leaders Sit Down With Wildfire At Investment
  Meeting After Being Impressed By Its Rapid Expansion.


  <p>
  


feed_id: 56e07b6763d792c790ab1e45de33e60c
title: Gasoline tasting
uri: Gasoline-tasting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Gasoline_tasting%29
content:
<p>
  (<a href="https://www.theonion.com/exxonmobil-introduces-new-8-course-gasoline-tasting-men-1839469709">satire</a>) ExxonMobil Introduces New 8-Course Gasoline Tasting Menu For Luxury Cars.


  <p>
  


feed_id: 8f2e6198fe5521fc631b083af2ecf422
title: Still a plutocratist and militarist
uri: Still-a-plutocratist-and-militarist
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Still_a_plutocratist_and_militarist%29

content:
<p>
  Although Rep. Adam Schiff is working hard to impeach the bully, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/10/31/message-progressives-adam-schiff-not-your-friend">he remains overall a plutocratist and a militarist</a>.


  <p>
  


feed_id: 7df5051a8762890b4481689e1d6edc76
title: Over 9000 leaked barrels
uri: Over-9000-leaked-barrels
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Over_9000_leaked_barrels%29
content:
<p>
  The old, smaller Keystone pipeline <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/10/31/keystone-pipeline-does-experts-predicted-spills-383000-gallons-oil-north-dakota">leaked 9000 barrels</a> of tar sands oil
  into a wetland.  If the new, high capacity Keystone XL is built, it too will leak and
  poison waters &mdash; as well as helping to destroy the Earth's ecosphere.


  <p>
  


feed_id: c05eca513abd06361b9961cd09e823f6
title: Insect biodiversity in Germany
uri: Insect-biodiversity-in-Germany
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Insect_biodiversity_in_Germany%29

content:
<p>
  Insect biodiversity in Germany <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/10/31/scientists-demand-paradigm-shift-after-study-shows-frightening-decline-insects-and">shows a steep decline in just 10 years</a>.  This applies to grasslands and forests.  Some hints suggest it has
  to do with the proximity to farms, so current agricultural practices
  may be responsible.  (Pesticides?)


  <p>
  


feed_id: c27daa8c1d8a1be344c4b9c356336650
title: Birds vanishing
uri: Birds-vanishing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Birds_vanishing%29
content:
<p>
  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/01/birds-are-liberation-that-never-ends-but-enjoying-their-company-is-also-to-know-an-inconsolable-sadness">Watching Tasmania's bird species vanish forever</a> as human actions make it impossible for them to survive.


  <p>
  


feed_id: a1d1d19ba60a668d7f56d93f6a3c380c
title: Coal mines emissions
uri: Coal-mines-emissions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Coal_mines_emissions%29
content:
<p>
  Australia's biggest coal mines <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/01/six-biggest-coalminers-in-australia-produce-more-emissions-than-entire-economy">are responsible</a> for more carbon emissions than are produced in the whole of Australia.


  <p>
  


feed_id: 83cf41955f6bcac352feb8c5339ce58b
title: Halloween and sex offenders
uri: Halloween-and-sex-offenders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Halloween_and_sex_offenders%29
content:
<p>
  There is no documented case of a registered sex offender's sexually
  abusing a child in connection with Halloween, but many parts of the US
  <a href="http://www.freerangekids.com/sheriff-cant-put-no-trick-or-treating-here-signs-on-lawns-of-those-on-sex-offense-registry-says-judge/">harass them with annoying precautions against it all the same</a>.


  <p>
  


feed_id: 46096d7ab84f387f072582763f73c9f7
title: Google's Snoop City
uri: Google-s-Snoop-City
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Google%27s_Snoop_City%29
content:
<p>
  Google got its Snoop City plan for Toronto past one administrative
  hurdle <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/oct/31/google-sidewalk-labs-toronto-neighbourhood-scale-back">by shrinking it down to just a few blocks</a>.

  <p>
  The depth of snooping in the zone is more important than its area,
  because the former would be used as a precedent.  Toronto should
  reject this proposal entirely unless the plan requires systems not to
  identify individuals.


  <p>
  


feed_id: 8ee50420a1c36be0f684ff37f97d71b3
title: Neonicotinoids in water
uri: Neonicotinoids-in-water
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Neonicotinoids_in_water%29
content:
<p>
  Neonicotinoids used on rice paddies in Japan <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/31/fishery-collapse-confirms-silent-spring-pesticide-prophecy">runs off into waterways</a>,
  where it kills aquatic insects.  The result was to wipe out eels and smelts.


feed_id: 02c4e94c4eb5cf79bfa41b923b1c76c9
title: Urgent: no financing coal
uri: Urgent-no-financing-coal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_no_financing_coal%29
content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://act.priceofoil.org/sign/Vung-Ang-2/?t=1002&akid=28288%2E44401%2E9Yuv5U">call on Japan's biggest banks</a> to stop financing coal.

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


feed_id: 781ea61475a3484c9786e03a0e26c3bc
title: Striking teachers
uri: 2019-11-02-Striking-teachers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Striking_teachers%29
content:
<p>
Chicago's striking teachers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/oct/31/chicago-teachers-strike-ends-union-deal">won gains in pay, smaller class sizes, and
better support for some kinds of students</a>.


feed_id: 653281f62f66c44140ea9618d4c30f85
title: Fake news in Brazil
uri: Fake-news-in-Brazil
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Fake_news_in_Brazil%29
content:
<p>
WhatsApp fake news in Brazil's election <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/30/whatsapp-fake-news-brazil-election-favoured-jair-bolsonaro-analysis-suggests">was almost all right-wing</a>.


feed_id: a52305714d26723ddf24d1bd2cfa31b5
title: Urgent: Align IEA with Paris treaty
uri: Urgent-Align-IEA-with-Paris-treaty
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_Align_IEA_with_Paris_treaty%29

content:
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="https://act.priceofoil.org/sign/IEA-FixTheWEO/">call on
International Energy Agency</a> to align its recommendations with the
Paris treaty guidelines.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: ed96dc673713a43654a08d3380a212dc
title: SF thugs and the FBI
uri: SF-thugs-and-the-FBI
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28SF_thugs_and_the_FBI%29
content:
<p>
When San Francisco <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> worked with the FBI, the FBI
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2019/11/01/fbi-joint-terrorism-san-francisco-civil-rights/">often
told them to violate city laws</a>.  So the city pulled its cops out
of the cooperation.


feed_id: 4714213d1df3a039da8381c40fb2bb05
title: Bolsonaro's son advocates repression
uri: Bolsonaro-s-son-advocates-repression
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Bolsonaros_son_advocates_repression%29

content:
<p>
Bolsonaro's son
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/01/brazili-president-son-jair-eduardo-bolsonaro-dictatorship-era-tactics-leftist-foes">advocated
repression in the style of Brazil's former military government</a>,
perhaps as a distraction from criminal ties.


feed_id: 6032196959a67dc956d9064a286378a6
title: Tories use public funds for Facebook ads
uri: Tories-use-public-funds-for-Facebook-ads
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Tories_use_public_funds_for_Facebook_ads%29

content:
<p>
The Tories are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/nov/01/tories-accused-of-using-public-funds-for-ads-on-facebook-in-key-seats">using
public funds for Facebook ads</a> which are essentially
electioneering.


feed_id: a0bfe015cba1928056b2077196a64500
title: Iraqis protests against Iran's influence
uri: Iraqis-protests-against-Iran-s-influence
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Iraqis_protests_against_Irans_influence%29

content:
<p>
Iraqis (including Shi'ites) are now
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/01/iraq-protesters-demand-removal-of-government-iran">protesting
against the influence of Iran in Iraq's government</a>.


feed_id: d790d6e2430686f228ccf39df2143e67
title: Sea-level rise
uri: 2019-11-03-Sea-level-rise
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Sea-level_rise%29
content:
<p>
Sea-level rise
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/10/30/horrifying-new-research-shows-rising-sea-levels-could-wipe-out-major-cities-displace">could
put many of the world's great cities under water at high tide by
2050</a>.
<p>
They include Bangkok, Mumbai, Shanghai, Alexandria, and most of
Southern Vietnam.  150 million people would be displaced.
<p>
Giant earthworks could prevent some of these problems.


feed_id: 57d736224aa8a674e100b0585e052197
title: California prisoner firefighters
uri: California-prisoner-firefighters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28California_prisoner_firefighters%29

content:
<p>
In California, prisoners
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/10/30/modern-day-slavery-prisoner-firefighters-risking-their-lives-california-battling">are
paid a dollar per hour to fight fires, yet after they are released,
they are not allowed to get the same work</a>.
<p>
Prisoners working on something other than taking care of the prison
should be paid the usual wage.  And I support the bill to allow
prisoners who did firefighting work to continue to do it afterward.
(In general, we need to allow former prisoners to get decent jobs if
we don't want them to be stuck in crime.)
<p>
However, it is an exaggeration to compare this to slavery.  Prisoners
are not compelled to fight fires.


feed_id: 9ddcaf05aaa6043237783f4d978f3f49
title: Activists hold sit-in in Pelosi's office
uri: Activists-hold-sit-in-in-Pelosi-s-office
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Activists_hold_sit-in_in_Pelosis_office%29

content:
<p>
Climate activists from California held a sit-in in Pelosi's Washington
office,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/10/30/step-or-step-aside-california-engulfed-flames-climate-activists-occupy-nancy-pelosis">demanding
she support the Green New Deal</a> to protect the state from worse
future fires.


feed_id: 7c8b82c49422ce21934bcd8a55944fde
title: UK's hostility-to-foreigners agency
uri: UK-s-hostility-to-foreigners-agency
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28UKs_hostility-to-foreigners_agency%29

content:
<p>
The UK's hostility-to-foreigners agency
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/oct/31/home-office-cites-iraq-in-copy-and-paste-refusal-letter-to-jamaican-man">hardly
bothers to distinguish one foreigner from another</a>.  It sees no
need to pay much attention to the details of the people it only seeks
an excuse to deport.


feed_id: c6594cbd6dd24c9026230adcf8a61d05
title: Life in a Polish troll farm
uri: Life-in-a-Polish-troll-farm
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Life_in_a_Polish_troll_farm%29
content:
<p>
Undercover Reporter Reveals
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/01/undercover-reporter-reveals-life-in-a-polish-troll-farm">Life
in a Polish Troll Farm</a>.


feed_id: 747509d87466057f6c8d0b690e646108
title: Urgent: no chocolate made by slave children
uri: 2019-11-03-Urgent-no-chocolate-made-by-slave-children
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_no_chocolate_made_by_slave_children%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/stop-child-labor">call on major chocolate companies</a> to eliminate the use of enslaved children from the production of their chocolate.

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


  <p>
  


feed_id: f87e654201da2cba8fcf374688da9b7b
title: Urgent: no financing coal
uri: 2019-11-03-Urgent-no-financing-coal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_no_financing_coal%29
content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://act.priceofoil.org/sign/Vung-Ang-2/">call on Japan's biggest banks</a> to stop financing coal.

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


feed_id: 9282243cea19db572bf410e40c7e7265
title: Urgent: gun removal provision
uri: 2019-11-03-Urgent-gun-removal-provision
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_gun_removal_provision%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.everytown.org/sign/US_Senate_VAWA_Include_Gun_Safety/">call on your senators</a> to include a gun removal provision in the Violence Against Women Act.

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


feed_id: ee5813f1a89cb4fa036b4d4bfd595124
title: Urgent: keep big tech out of finance
uri: 2019-11-03-Urgent-keep-big-tech-out-of-finance
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#1_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_keep_big_tech_out_of_finance%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/libra-garcia">call on Congress</a> to pass the
<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6194222-Keep-Big-Tech-Out-of-Finance-Act-Discussion-Draft.html">Keep
Big Tech Out of Finance Act</a>.
<p>
That law would prohibit large platform utilities (including Facebook)
from operating as a financial institution (for instance, operating a
digital currency).


feed_id: a03a427330aeeccd8135cd884dbb5b4b
title: Urgent: ban government use of face recognition
uri: 2019-11-03-Urgent-ban-government-use-of-face-recognition
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#31_October_2019_%28Urgent%3A_ban_government_use_of_face_recognition%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.freepress.net/sign/internet_ban_facial_recog/">call on Congress</a> to ban government use of face recognition.

<p>
We must also strictly regulate private use of face recognition.

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


feed_id: 2cc74c0516ad5c131b7dad10e292bd8d
title: Tax cuts
uri: 2019-11-03-Tax-cuts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#3_November_2019_%28Tax_cuts%29
content:
<p>
The Republican tax cuts of two years ago did no good for the country but
were a boon to the rich.  Now <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/01/gop-tax-scam-20-warnings-trump-reportedly-pushing-another-round-tax-cuts-ahead">they want to do even more of this</a>.

<p>
To do it, they would needs votes from Democrats in the House of
Representatives.  There are plutocratist Democrats who would do it.
Can we pressure them not to?


feed_id: 1bdea75c2b7b005dcc2c29fef33f5636
title: Rich evasion in UK
uri: Rich-evasion-in-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#3_November_2019_%28Rich_evasion_in_UK%29
content:
<p>
Rich people in the UK really believe Corbyn will tax them, so <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2019/nov/02/super-rich-leave-uk-labour-election-win-jeremy-corbyn-wealth-taxes">they are
preparing to move their wealth</a> out of the UK if Labour wins.

<p>
I expect that this report is meant as a threat, hoping voters will think
that driving them out of the UK would be unfortunate.  But that is a mistake.
Those rich people use their wealth to dominate countries politically.

<p>
If the UK can't tax their wealth, it should at least drive them out.
Then it should pass laws so that they can't use that wealth to control
politics there.


feed_id: 89c5608c5b16a0fe65b466ca6ef8526f
title: Oil self-confidence
uri: Oil-self-confidence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#3_November_2019_%28Oil_self-confidence%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/tc-energy-says-keystone-pipeline-failed-due-to-protesto-1839539271">satire</a>) Canadian
   oil company TC Energy held a press conference Friday to announce that
   the Keystone Pipeline’s 9,000-barrel leak was due to protesters' making
   it lose confidence in itself.


feed_id: dfdabe06b80b83f460ec792a003b31cf
title: COP25 in Spain
uri: COP25-in-Spain
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#3_November_2019_%28COP25_in_Spain%29
content:
<p>
Moving the COP25 climate conference to Spain may block people from poor
countries from participating, because <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/01/because-climate-crisis-does-not-wait-us-spain-host-cop25-place-chile">they would be unable to get visas
for Spain in such a short time</a>.

<p>
The representatives of fossil fuel countries will have no difficulty.


feed_id: 061a31d2d1d202149e4ee0473ff160c3
title: Julian Assange life is in danger
uri: Julian-Assange-life-is-in-danger
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#3_November_2019_%28Julian_Assange_life_is_in_danger%29

content:
<p>
The UN special rapporteur on torture <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/01/julian-assanges-life-risk-says-united-nations-expert-condemning-detention-after">warns that Julian Assange's life is in
danger</a> from the way the UK treats him in prison.


feed_id: a2ba222c38f0f40028b37ed9a3b257c3
title: Arrests in Turkey
uri: 2019-11-03-Arrests-in-Turkey
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#3_November_2019_%28Arrests_in_Turkey%29
content:
<p>
Erdoğan's invasion of Syria was the excuse to arrest people in Turkey
for criticizing it or reporting facts about it.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/11/01/hundreds-turkey-arrested-crackdown-critics-military-offensive-syria">They face charges of
"terrorism"</a>.


feed_id: 5711ad7d9d5bcc0ac16cf0a33c8f7826
title: Fracking in UK
uri: Fracking-in-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#3_November_2019_%28Fracking_in_UK%29
content:
<p>
The UK Tories <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/02/fracking-banned-in-uk-as-government-makes-major-u-turn">have banned fracking</a>.


<p>
That is a big reversal after many years suppressing opposition to
fracking.


feed_id: 758924ea3572f65c34f8393a406d59af
title: Unemployment fueling protests
uri: Unemployment-fueling-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#3_November_2019_%28Uneployment_fueling_protests%29
content:
<p>
  Unemployment of young, educated adults is fueling protests in <a href="  https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/02/middle-east-young-frustration-joblessness-fuels-protests
">many
  Middle Eastern countries</a>.
<p>
  The article mentions that "youth populations have surged", but does
  not recognize that this is one of the <a href="stallman.org/articles/children.html">
  crucial roots</a> of the problem.


feed_id: c6c82ce266c8e5ec42d46528d3cd6d30
title: Nigel Farage cult
uri: Nigel-Farage-cult
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#3_November_2019_%28Nigel_Farage_cult%29
content:
<p>
  "The more Nigel Farage plays Brexiters for fools, <a href="
  https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/02/more-nigel-farage-plays-brexiters-for-fools-more-they-seem-to-like-it">the more they seem to like
  it</a>."
<p>
  This cult-like following resembles that of the conman in the US.
  


feed_id: 6d83684e6a71d6fba0a08085256e96c4
title: Illegal logging
uri: 2019-11-04-Illegal-logging
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#3_November_2019_%28Illegal_logging%29
content:
<p>
  Deforesters in Brazil <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/02/brazilian-forest-guardian-killed-by-illegal-loggers-in-ambush">
    compounded their illegal logging</a> by murdering one
  of the indigenous land police, and shooting another.
  


feed_id: 58efb60d5d6e51e5e23a97d3344b527a
title: Against cancellation
uri: Against-cancellation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#3_November_2019_%28Against_cancellation%29
content:
<p>
  Against cancellation: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/02/barack-obama-right-you-dont-change-minds-by-damning-your-opponents">
    "you don’t change minds by damning your opponents."</a>


feed_id: b84ab6e3a6532b075836c9ad353f89ef
title: Persuading Britons to vote to leave the EU
uri: Persuading-Britons-to-vote-to-leave-the-EU
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#3_November_2019_%28Persuading_Britons_to_vote_to_leave_the_EU%29

content:
<p>
  Bogus Johnson apparently <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/nov/02/boris-johnson-vote-leave-overspend-eu-referendum-labour-mp-ian-lucas
  ">knew of illegal campaign spending</a> to persuade
  Britons to vote to leave the EU.


feed_id: dff10b82d6441ea66b9d7423124a5a4d
title: Australia threatens to prohibit boycotts
uri: Australia-threatens-to-prohibit-boycotts
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#3_November_2019_%28Australia_threatens_to_prohibit_boycotts%29

content:
<p>
  Australia <a href="  https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/01/scott-morrison-threatens-crackdown-on-secondary-boycotts-of-mining-companies
">threatens to prohibit boycotts</a> aimed at the suppliers of
  destructive mining companies.  


feed_id: 6cf8bf860a9ad51cff2a8cfc8f982025
title: Manchin is a plutocratist Democrat
uri: Manchin-is-a-plutocratist-Democrat
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#3_November_2019_%28Manchin_is_a_plutocratist_Democrat%29

content:
<p>
  Senator Manchin said he <a href="
  https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/10/31/after-sanders-says-west-virginia-working-class-base-will-support-bold-vision-manchin">would not vote for Sanders against the
  bullshitter</a>.  Manchin is a plutocratist Democrat.

<p>
  This is one more indication of why it is vital to replace Manchin.
  


feed_id: 99bef5b40db763277fa97db1a9818bdd
title: China surveillance in US schools
uri: China-surveillance-in-US-schools
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#4_November_2019_%28China_surveillance_in_US_schools%29

content:
<p>
China <a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/carolinehaskins1/gaggle-school-surveillance-technology-education">comes to schools in the US</a>, with a surveillance system that monitors
everything the students say and do in their computer systems &mdash; including
their class work, their homework, and their communications.


feed_id: 2e08e2842c2f18ff8e326e47fe0b0678
title: Meeting Paris climate accord
uri: Meeting-Paris-climate-accord
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#4_November_2019_%28Meeting_Paris_climate_accord%29
content:
<p>
Oil companies <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/01/oil-companies-must-cut-production-35-meet-paris-climate-accord-numbers-2040-report">must cut production by 35%</a> to meet Paris climate accord numbers by 2040.


feed_id: bfd38d59a1b7dfc89e2fc6b51f045075
title: State discrimination
uri: State-discrimination
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#4_November_2019_%28State_discrimination%29
content:
<p>
The conman has authorized government-funded aid programs <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/01/outrageous-and-reprehensible-trump-gives-taxpayer-funded-groups-green-light">to discriminate
based on people's sexuality</a>.


feed_id: e466f38b77b2a851589913a458560ac6
title: Haitians reject their president
uri: Haitians-reject-their-president
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#4_November_2019_%28Haitians_reject_their_president%29

content:
<p>
Haitians <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/01/haitians-reject-their-presidents-call-us-intervention-island-nation-protests">are demanding the ouster of President Moise</a>, who was essentially <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jan-apr.html#1_April_2019_(Jovenel_Moise)">imposed by the US</a>.


feed_id: 437a2b5a53c5e946b00d80e546342964
title: Slave sell in Kuwait
uri: Slave-sell-in-Kuwait
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#4_November_2019_%28Slave_sell_in_Kuwait%29
content:
<p>
Domestic workers in Kuwait are often enslaved.  Their masters even
sell them, <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-50228549">using Instagram and other apps</a>.

<p>
I don't think the apps are the root cause of this problem.
Rather, Kuwaiti law and state policy make this enslavement easy.


feed_id: 353aabc9fb8eb805829d08129e959981
title: Hiding influence over free tax filing
uri: Hiding-influence-over-free-tax-filing
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#4_November_2019_%28Hiding_influence_over_free_tax_filing%29

content:
<p>
The IRS <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/the-irs-tried-to-hide-emails-that-show-tax-industry-influence-over-free-file-program">tried to hide emails</a> that show tax industry influence over free file
program.

<p>
The word "free" could be misleading here; the services that some
Americans can use is gratis, but I doubt you can use it without
running nonfree Javascript software.  Would someone like to check?


feed_id: f07dac52c5edda6d69049615b559eab6
title: House blew up by cops
uri: House-blew-up-by-cops
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#4_November_2019_%28House_blew_up_by_cops%29
content:
<p>
Colorado <a href="https://www.npr.org/2019/10/30/774788611/police-owe-nothing-to-man-whose-home-they-blew-up-appeals-court-says">cops blew up Leo Lech's house</a> to arrest an armed robber who
had barricaded himself in the house.  Lech himself was ruined as a result
of this damage.

<p>
It may well be true that what the cops did was the best way to catch
the robber.  I don't claim that they were at fault.  But the city
should take the responsibility for damage that results, because the
city can afford to &mdash; whereas individuals (unless they are rich)
can't.  Socializing risks that individuals generally can't bear is
part of <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/why-we-need-a-state.html">the state's mission</a>.


feed_id: 464b8fe0df42845044f9c902c9d0c413
title: Battle plan
uri: Battle-plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#4_November_2019_%28Battle_plan%29
content:
<p>
Just as the right wing made a battle plan for privatization, <a href="https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/oureconomy/thatcher-had-a-battle-plan-for-her-economic-revolution-now-the-left-needs-one-too/">the left needs
a battle plan to take away the power of business</a>.

<p>
In the US, the battle plan was different in detail.  The US did not
have as much publicly-owned business, so the right-wing battle plan
focused more on giving business control over politics and regulation.


feed_id: 72ee397f9b77ab075aca2074a5e9f46d
title: Protestant work ethic
uri: Protestant-work-ethic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#4_November_2019_%28Protestant_work_ethic%29
content:
<p>
Relating US contempt for the poor <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/why-do-so-many-americans-hate-the-welfare-state-1.4057860">to the protestant work ethic</a>.

<p>
The idea that doing productive work is laudable has been transformed
into the idea that those who can't work are despicable.


feed_id: 10ab6f49ea71e81adf26c7886f770090
title: Snooping for more data
uri: Snooping-for-more-data
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#4_November_2019_%28Snooping_for_more_data%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-sidewalk-labs-document-reveals-companys-early-plans-for-data/">Internal Google documents show</a> that its proposed Snoop City for a
Toronto neighborhood was intended to pressure people into "sharing"
(being snooped on for) more and more data.

<p>
It is reminiscent of China's "social credit" ranking, although details
would differ.


feed_id: 218a04a7d550cca090bb0f5e7e9f9b00
title: Hiring senior government officials
uri: Hiring-senior-government-officials
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#4_November_2019_%28Hiring_senior_government_officials%29

content:
<p>
Senator Warren <a href="https://medium.com/@teamwarren/breaking-the-political-influence-of-market-dominant-companies-8ff27e99ada0">proposes to prohibit</a> some very large companies
from hiring former "senior government officials" for four years.

<p>
This is a good idea, but I am concerned that basing the penalties on
"net profit" would undermine the effect.

<p>
The way US corporations dodge US taxes is by offshoring the profits,
so the US company can report a very small figure for net profit,
whereupon it owes a very small amount of tax.  Would this also allow
it to convert the hiring penalty into a slap on the wrist?


feed_id: fc55cc2abb6208a4a65a7bb6034bca45
title: Forgetting Khashoggi
uri: Forgetting-Khashoggi
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#4_November_2019_%28Forgetting_Khashoggi%29
content:
<p>
One year after the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, billionaires and US officials
<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/business-50219035">think it is ok to take money from Salafi Arabia's acting king</a>, who <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-sep-dec.html#26_October_2018_(Khashoggi_admission)">was surely responsible for the murder</a>.

<p>
One of them <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/01/blackrocks-ghoulish-lack-action-amazon">is the head of BlackRock</a>, which promotes <a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#3_November_2019_(Illegal_logging)">deforestation of the Amazon forest</a>.


feed_id: 44cb6265426d158d1624da651ad0fdac
title: Promoting tax evasion
uri: Promoting-tax-evasion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#4_November_2019_%28Promoting_tax_evasion%29
content:
<p>
The conman's men <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/01/another-gift-big-business-trump-treasury-moves-eliminate-rules-against-corporate-tax">propose to make it easier</a> for multinational corporations to avoid US taxes by offshoring profits.

<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/progressive-tax-on-business-gross-income.html">My progressive tax on gross income</a> would eliminate this problem.


feed_id: acfbe5c9f716191eb71396eed1bc5a4f
title: Information on face recognition
uri: Information-on-face-recognition
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#4_November_2019_%28Information_on_face_recognition%29

content:
<p>
The ACLU <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/01/us-agencies-sued-over-secretive-use-facial-recognition-and-other-dystopian">demands information</a> about how the US government currently uses
face recognition.


feed_id: 859e5c806793fa3f1365aab7c2f2a048
title: Single-use plastic
uri: 2019-11-04-Single-use-plastic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#4_November_2019_%28Single-use_plastic%29
content:
<p>
UK supermarkets <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/nov/01/tesco-moves-to-cut-out-plastic-from-range-of-own-brand-products">are taking steps</a> for substantial reduction in
single-use plastic.  It is surely not enough, but it gets the ball rolling and that is important.


feed_id: 4ea7a942a2c77cecddb33f2d51f6f2ff
title: Illegal logging
uri: 2019-11-04-Illegal-logging
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#3_November_2019_%28Illegal_logging%29
content:
<p>
  Deforesters in Brazil <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/02/brazilian-forest-guardian-killed-by-illegal-loggers-in-ambush">
    compounded their illegal logging</a> by murdering one
  of the indigenous land police, and shooting another.

<p>
Meanwhile, in Peru <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/01/glimmer-accountability-executives-loggers-charged-2014-murders-four-indigenous-land">deforesters face murder charges</a>.

  


feed_id: e82f34dbada5139341a7ea668a0c3ae9
title: Unemployment fueling protests
uri: 2019-11-05-Unemployment-fueling-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#3_November_2019_%28Uneployment_fueling_protests%29
content:
<p>
  Unemployment of young, educated adults is fueling protests in <a href="  https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/02/middle-east-young-frustration-joblessness-fuels-protests
">many
  Middle Eastern countries</a>.
<p>
  The article mentions that "youth populations have surged", but does
  not recognize that this is one of the <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/children.html">
  crucial roots</a> of the problem.


feed_id: 293d884e4ada2d5306145f97c3a57fd7
title: Repression in Salafi Arabia
uri: Repression-in-Salafi-Arabia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#5_November_2019_%28Repression_in_Salafi_Arabia%29
content:
<p>
Although the acting king of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a> has legalized some
traditionally forbidden activities, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/04/saudi-arabia-mass-arrests-of-dissidents-and-torture-allegations-continue">he has increased repression of any
sort of criticism</a>.


feed_id: 83152003a8f4fc2763c76baf93476d50
title: Going to school using public transportation
uri: Going-to-school-using-public-transportation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#5_November_2019_%28Going_to_school_using_public_transportation%29

content:
<p>
In Germany, children of age 7 regularly go to school by themselves
taking public transportation.  <a href="https://letgrow.org/a-7-year-old-girl-gets-lost-on-her-way-to-school-in-the-big-city-but-she-knows-what-to-do/">They are also taught what to do if
they get lost</a>.

<p>
(The child in this story got lost, but not due to any error on her
part.  I think she is too capable to make any such error.)


feed_id: c0a9badaf9805c4ee1730e6759fc432c
title: Urgent: No fossil fuel advertisement
uri: Urgent-No-fossil-fuel-advertisement
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#5_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_No_fossil_fuel_advertisement%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/media-fossil-fuel-advertising_pa/">call on major media outlets</a> to stop playing advertisements for fossil fuel companies.

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


feed_id: e9097e04b3a78a736f589914eac245bf
title: ISDS in treaty with China
uri: ISDS-in-treaty-with-China
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#5_November_2019_%28ISDS_in_treaty_with_China%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/nov/04/worlds-largest-trade-deal-rcep-faces-delay-as-india-pushes-back-against-china">The report of a delay</a> in a large business-supremacy treaty being set
up by China makes me wonder whether that treaty contains an ISDS
provision.

<p>
ISDS ("I sue democratic states") means that each signatory country
gives foreign companies more rights than its own citizens, and the
power to enforce those excessive rights in special international
courts that are beyond the reach of democracy.  Such treaties <a href="https://stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">ought to be abolished</a>.

<p>
So, does anyone know whether China's RCEP contains some form of ISDS?


feed_id: e9e59d31432ac6bcde0ffd93a7cac016
title: Bolsonaro and murder of Marielle Franco
uri: Bolsonaro-and-murder-of-Marielle-Franco
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#5_November_2019_%28Bolsonaro_and_murder_of_Marielle_Franco%29

content:
<p>
Those accused of murdering leftist politician Marielle Franco
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/30/brazil-jair-bolsonaro-marielle-franco-murder-suspects">reportedly visited Bolsonaro's house</a> in Rio earlier that day.

<p>
His family had a long history of association with them.

<p>
This does not prove, not yet, that Bolsonaro plotted the murder,
but given his open support for violence and repression, he would
hardly have been stopped by conscience.


feed_id: 5242984df0a210a572afb46b9aab1955
title: Wildfires in California
uri: 2019-11-05-Wildfires-in-California
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#5_November_2019_%28Wildfires_in_California%29
content:
<p>
This year's wildfires in California have been much less destructive
than in 2017 and 2018, so far.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/01/california-wildfire-season-2019">This is partly because people have learned, but partly luck</a>.

<p>
They can't be lucky all the time.


feed_id: 0c8c42f45fa60d44691bad1c6a5e53da
title: Fracking suspension
uri: Fracking-suspension
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#5_November_2019_%28Fracking_suspension%29
content:
<p>
The Tories have "suspended" fracking, but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/02/jeremy-corbyn-decries-fracking-suspension-as-election-stunt">perhaps only until the election</a>.


feed_id: cc73b92c2309d3213a9e843829c922df
title: Urgent: No lying ad on Facebook
uri: Urgent-No-lying-ad-on-Facebook
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#5_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_No_lying_ad_on_Facebook%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-facebook-end-the-trump-exemption">call on Facebook</a> to stop allowing lies in political ads.

<p>
My signing this petition does not imply
I think Facebook is legitimate.  I think it should not exist.
But that doesn't contradict signing the petition.  

<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 3074467cc5c7a2dca422850047623559
title: Facebook republican insiders
uri: Facebook-republican-insiders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#5_November_2019_%28Facebook_republican_insiders%29
content:
<p>
How key republicans inside Facebook <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/nov/03/facebook-politics-republicans-right">are shifting its politics to the right</a>.


feed_id: b79f755893677739c8fb9d7c942a530b
title: Tories promises
uri: Tories-promises
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#5_November_2019_%28Tories_promises%29
content:
<p>
The Tories say that one of their policies for squeezing the poor
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/nov/03/tories-announce-end-benefit-freeze-move-criticised-cynical">will cease in April</a>.

<p>
Ordinarily, we would say this is a blatant example of an insincere
promise made by politicians to invite voters to disregard what they
know about those politicians.  However, in the case of the Tories,
there is a simpler analysis: it could be yet another lie.


feed_id: 2863cb100805b86c0da9e0ff30bb141d
title: Quitting Twitter
uri: 2019-11-06-Quitting-Twitter
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#2_November_2019_%28Quitting_Twitter%29
content:
<p>
"<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/01/twitter-mps-social-media-political-speech">I quit Twitter</a> and haven’t looked back -– my fellow MPs should do the same."

<p>The author does not recognize the danger of Facebook, which is unfortunate,
but his criticism of Twitter is interesting nonetheless.


feed_id: 9f4bdc21a796b4c67f957ee21a41bf85
title: Paris agreement
uri: 2019-11-06-Paris-agreement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#6_November_2019_%28Paris_agreement%29
content:
<p>
The saboteur in chief <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/04/donald-trump-climate-crisis-exit-paris-agreement">has started pulling the US out of the Paris
climate agreement</a>.

<p>
Because that treaty does not have binding requirements, this is no
more than a gesture.  The real substance of refusal to defend the
climate will not begin in 2020.  On the contrary, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-mar-jun.html#3_June_2017_(Paris_climate_agreement)">the US hardly even
started to defend the Earth's climate</a>.


feed_id: 7fba9e4e99ed9e2158566a900e7e0142
title: Planned bombing
uri: Planned-bombing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#6_November_2019_%28Planned_bombing%29
content:
<p>
The FBI <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/04/fbi-colorado-synagogue-bomb-plot">has caught a would-be terrorist</a> who, in his fantasies, was going
to bomb a synagogue.

<p>
To place a real bomb there would have been a hate crime; to thwart a
real plan to do so would be laudable.  But we have to wonder whether
the supposed criminal would ever have made a real plan, or even
formulated the desire, without encouragement from people serving the
FBI.  Perhaps he did, perhaps he didn't, but chances are we will never
find out.

<p>
The FBI's agents are not required to save recordings of the
conversations in which they press someone to agree to a plan to commit
a crime.  They only need to save a recording of a subsequent
conversation where the subject affirms having that intention.  By not
recording the prior conversations, they can entrap someone while
making sure there is no way to prove they did so.

<p>
In order for the FBI to protect us from real terrorist plots and not
from nasty vague wishes, we must make it stop converting those vague
wishes into pretend plans.


feed_id: 6b197300108e04bc9133a61e8601aa47
title: The irony in Uber fighting for privacy
uri: The-irony-in-Uber-fighting-for-privacy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#6_November_2019_%28The_irony_in_Uber_fighting_for_privacy%29

content:
<p>
In an bizarre and ironic reversal, Los Angeles demands Uber provide
data about the movements of its cars and scooters, and Uber refuses to
hand it over, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/nov/04/uber-los-angeles-permit-data-privacy">claiming to protect customers' privacy</a>.

<p>
The irony is that Uber is entirely right about this narrow issue &mdash;
but the issue only exists because of Uber's abusive tracking
practices.  Los Angeles <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">should not be allowed</a> to know who goes where,
and neither should Uber.


feed_id: 92069c7d04031ccd1341e588698a045d
title: FitBit's acquisition
uri: FitBit-s-acquisition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#6_November_2019_%28FitBit%27s_acquisition%29
content:
<p>
Privacy advocates <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/04/not-just-business-deal-its-data-grab-privacy-advocates-sound-alarm-googles">sound alarm on Google's acquisition of FitBit</a>.

<p>
They are missing the point main, I am sad to say.
The basic injustice of the FitBit is that it collects personal
data.  We need to put an end to that practice of collecting data.

<p>
Concentration of business is also a big problem, and we need to put
that into reverse.  It is better if FitBit is not acquired by any
other company.  But stopping the takeover by Google won't fix the
FitBit's surveillance problem.


feed_id: 6d05ed81b87f549ce07bb4d80538ae50
title: Apple's loan program
uri: Apple-s-loan-program
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#6_November_2019_%28Apple%27s_loan_program%29
content:
<p>
Bernie Sanders <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/04/after-apple-announces-it-will-pledge-25-billion-solve-california-housing-crisis-it">says Apple's $2.5 billion home loan program a
distraction</a> from hundreds of billions in tax avoidance that created
California housing crisis.

<p>
Anyway, loans will not help people find homes unless they have
good prospects to pay back the loans.  With wages not rising,
and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jul-oct.html#29_October_2019_(Conspiracy_to_hold_US_wages_down)">business conspiring to make sure they don't</a>, not many Americans could take advantage of these loans.

<p>
Those that do would mainly buy existing housing.  So Apple's investment
in selling mortgages does not address the shortage very much.


feed_id: fbeee59fec61dd527460edceaf63b070
title: Urgent: block anti-abortion extremist
uri: Urgent-block-anti-abortion-extremist
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#6_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_block_anti-abortion_extremist%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/block-pitlyk?t=1001&akid=34735%2E1183552%2EGcB35x">call on the Senate</a> to block anti-abortion extremist Sarah Pitlyk's judicial confirmation.

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


feed_id: 055ec20e7bc3a950d9125c1501ef0b45
title: Medicare pressure on employment
uri: Medicare-pressure-on-employment
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#6_November_2019_%28Medicare_pressure_on_employment%29

content:
<p>
Both <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/04/we-have-better-way-sanders-says-his-plan-finance-medicare-all-much-more-progressive">Sanders' plan</a> to fund Medicare for All and <a href="https://medium.com/@teamwarren/ending-the-stranglehold-of-health-care-costs-on-american-families-bf8286b13086">Warren's plan</a> are based on continuing the current practice in which businesses pay
per employee.  However, making businesses pay per employee creates an
artificial pressure to reduce employment &mdash; for instance, to invest in
automation.  That is an undesirable side effect, and a very important
one.

<p>
We ought to replace all per-employee taxes with <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/progressive-tax-on-business-gross-income.html">a progressive tax on
business income</a>.  This would eliminate the pressure to replace humans with robots and
also promote competition by imposing higher tax rates on large companies.


feed_id: 9ad78509aec5f788d359fcc2156b7ab2
title: Waivers on Muslim ban
uri: Waivers-on-Muslim-ban
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#6_November_2019_%28Waivers_on_Muslim_ban%29
content:
<p>
The bullshitter's men told the Supreme Court that spouses and
relatives of citizens would be given waivers around his partial ban on
Muslim visitors, but <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/11/03/going-have-end-leaving-own-country/J6o4yGmTjjTYcmOQK0zAjO/story.html">that appears to be bullshit</a>.


feed_id: a2848d66d092fc3e9c66aead589199eb
title: Accepting extremists
uri: Accepting-extremists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#6_November_2019_%28Accepting_extremists%29
content:
<p>
As the bullshitter constantly demonizes the press, the mainstream media
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/04/nazi-normalizing-barf-journalism-trump-era">bend over backwards</a> to treat right-wing extremists as acceptable.


feed_id: 8790faefae0f99f7c8e3a5c8549598f3
title: World Social Forum
uri: World-Social-Forum
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#6_November_2019_%28World_Social_Forum%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/04/farewell-world-social-forum">Learning from the successes and failures</a> of the World Social Forum.


feed_id: c15418d378607126e06c28fdb6a09242
title: Oil leases in Brazil
uri: Oil-leases-in-Brazil
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#6_November_2019_%28Oil_leases_in_Brazil%29
content:
<p>
Bolsonaro <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/11/04/brazil-tries-recover-huge-oil-spill-exxonmobil-and-chevron-bid-dig-even-more">intends to sell oil leases for large offshore oil reserves</a>,
after a large oil spill on the coast demonstrates the damage
transporting oil can do.

<p>
Much worse is the damage that the oil would do if it reaches
its destination and gets burnt.
The development of that reserve would <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#26_February_2016_(CO2_emission_limit)">bust the carbon budget</a>.  People will have to fight to shut down those wells, for their survival's sake.


feed_id: 46f8f7ea9131df697f839ceccc21a6e4
title: Safe-country for refugees
uri: Safe-country-for-refugees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#6_November_2019_%28Safe-country_for_refugees%29
content:
<p>
Amnesty International and Canadian organizations <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/04/rights-groups-canadian-court-because-us-cannot-be-considered-safe-country-refugees">are suing to overturn
Canada's policy of presuming that the US is a "safe country" for refugees</a>.

<p>
In practice, that policy means that if a person asks for asylum in
Canada coming from the US, Canada always sends per back to the US,
saying, "You should ask for asylum there."

<p>
The assumption was basically valid until the bully took over US
immigration and deportation policy.


feed_id: ab5deef4ff0c046f6600bd06484cd8fd
title: Promoting deregulation
uri: Promoting-deregulation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#6_November_2019_%28Promoting_deregulation%29
content:
<p>
World Bank Rankings <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/04/world-bank-rankings-promote-deregulation-expense-working-people">Promote Deregulation</a> at the Expense of Working People.

<p>
In other words, the World Bank's fundamental structure designs it
to promote concentration of wealth.


feed_id: 3c45ac078394822dac21e5663e2bf6c1
title: Dear Fossil Fuels
uri: Dear-Fossil-Fuels
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#6_November_2019_%28Dear_Fossil_Fuels%29
content:
<p>
Dear Fossil Fuels: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/04/dear-fossil-fuels-its-over">It’s Over</a>.


feed_id: df50ae8546ab4d8188d04c3a5f28e5ce
title: Urgent: stop privatizing national parks
uri: Urgent-stop-privatizing-national-parks
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#6_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_stop_privatizing_national_parks%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/national-park-privatization">call on the Department of the Interior</a> to stop the privatization of America's national parks.

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


feed_id: ad7804782d064775d7b36e97268d6aae
title: Troops to Deir ez-Zor
uri: Troops-to-Deir-ez-Zor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#6_November_2019_%28Troops_to_Deir_ez-Zor%29
content:
<p>
The conman sent US troops to Deir ez-Zor, saying <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/04/top-6-problems-trump-taking-syrian-oil">it was to protect
(steal) Syria's oil</a>, but that makes no sense.  The small amount of oil
reserves there can't be tapped because the machinery is ruined.
So what is the real reason?


feed_id: aff9c95fa8c0c257541286613bb6d994
title: Why is Latin America burning?
uri: Why-is-Latin-America-burning
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#6_November_2019_%28Why_is_Latin_America_burning%3F%29

content:
<p>
Why is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/03/why-latin-america-burning">Latin America Burning?</a>

<p>
An additional factor in some countries, that the article does not mention,
is population growth.  Unless you've got unlimited resources available,
population growth will bring poverty sooner or later.  It also tends
to result in a lot of educated young adults that can't find the jobs they
have studied for.


feed_id: 70e9948fbf5105c977625db1011806d0
title: Journalist arrest
uri: Journalist-arrest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#6_November_2019_%28Journalist_arrest%29
content:
<p>
US journalist Max Blumenthal <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/03/max-blumenthal-arrest-exposes-hypocrisy-western-media-and-human-rights-ngos">was recently arrested</a> for bringing food
in May to the people defending the Venezuelan embassy in Washington
from Guaidó's takeover.  The prestigious newspapers that have
published his work said nothing about his arrest.


feed_id: c3f4e24adb3f10b81408d61bae1292e7
title: Human rights worker arrest
uri: Human-rights-worker-arrest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#6_November_2019_%28Human_rights_worker_arrest%29
content:
<p>
Israeli soldiers <a href="https://www.thepanamanews.com/2019/11/btselem-common-occupied-territories-harassment-hits-our-researcher/">arrested Palestinian human rights worker</a> ‘Aref
Daraghmeh, who attends protests to document how Israeli soldiers treat
protesters.  They hit him, and put him in the sun where he eventually
fainted and had to be hospitalized.


feed_id: 418e260a694f58d73074b0ba5c4f7668
title: Coral regrowth
uri: Coral-regrowth
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#6_November_2019_%28Coral_regrowth%29
content:
<p>
Coral gardeners in Jamaica <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/04/restoring-jamaicas-lost-coral-reefs-photo-essay">are speeding the regrowth of coral reefs</a> that were
destroyed 40 years ago.

<p>
This is possible as long as the general conditions of the sea are conducive
to the survival of coral.  In a few decades, acidification by CO2 in the
water will make sea water fatal for coral, all around the world.


feed_id: 7d6a770570289a885fd08d3c27b2a3b5
title: China interference in the UK
uri: China-interference-in-the-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28China_interference_in_the_UK%29
content:
<p>
A report <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2019/nov/05/alarming-chinese-meddling-at-uk-universities-exposed-in-report">summarizes China's political interference in the UK</a>,
targeting criticism of China and Chinese exiles.


feed_id: 6e6889d6d24b8eefa19151aad3e52981
title: Free market
uri: Free-market
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Free_market%29
content:
<p>
"Free market" is used (especially in the US) as propaganda for a
deregulated market, but the deregulated market <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/05/america-will-keep-losing-its-middle-class-long-free-markets-dominate-economic">leads to offshoring as well
as monopolies and oligopolies</a>.

<p>
Competing with other countries for the strength of export business must not be
the principal policy goal, especially not if its main means is subsidy for
business.  Strategic subsidies for certain business are acceptable only if
business pays tax that far exceeds the subsidies.  Also, we must make sure
businesses pass most of that money to employees.


feed_id: 39c553be271035b0e71c0fb2805276a7
title: Nuclear weapons
uri: 2019-11-07-Nuclear-weapons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Nuclear_weapons%29
content:
<p>
"Which of the 2020 Candidates <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/05/which-2020-candidates-are-ready-address-threat-nuclear-weapons">Are Ready to Address the Threat of Nuclear
Weapons?</a>" It's a good question.  The article does not tell us.  Have any
candidates said anything about this?


feed_id: a5a28e61d30a64bb92fb15545bb360f7
title: Debt card
uri: Debt-card
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Debt_card%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/visa-introduces-new-preloaded-debt-card-1839625183">satire</a>) "Our
   new debt card is available in outstanding balances from $50 to $150,000
   on our platinum offering, allowing customers to begin owing money
   immediately,"


feed_id: f3ecccc61a1c954fb9dc8004683a86a5
title: US troops in Syria
uri: 2019-11-07-US-troops-in-Syria
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28US_troops_in_Syria%29
content:
<p>
Noam Chomsky <a href="https://theintercept.com/2019/10/31/deconstructed-special-the-noam-chomsky-interview/">explains why he supported (and still wishes for) US troops to
deter Turkey from attacking the Kurds of Syria</a>, showing how that is different
from the US interventions he has criticized.


feed_id: e1dcbdc6e2e7ff86f0211f2898b6c719
title: Age of criminal responsibility
uri: Age-of-criminal-responsibility
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Age_of_criminal_responsibility%29

content:
<p>
In England, children 10 years of age can be prosecuted for crimes.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/04/the-guardian-view-on-the-age-of-criminal-responsibility-raise-it-now">There is a movement to raise the age of criminal responsibility there</a>,
following the rest of Europe.

<p>
I was surprised that the age of criminal responsibility in Portugal is
16.  It is not rare for 15-year-olds to commit acts we normally
consider grave crimes.  It is important to take steps to avert
repetition.  It does not automatically follow that the response should
be criminal prosecution.  I am curious what Portugal actually does.


feed_id: 31ea9e9e7e9df7fbac3897a9bfa0ab6d
title: Poors in UK
uri: Poors-in-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Poors_in_UK%29
content:
<p>
Tory cruelty has made millions of people in Britain destitute, and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/05/food-bank-britain-trussell-trust-report-election">unable to buy food some of the time</a>.


feed_id: d06ab0750c866325d7e67be4e3b39287
title: Cartels in Mexico
uri: Cartels-in-Mexico
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Cartels_in_Mexico%29
content:
<p>
Cowed and Outgunned: Why Mexico's Police <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/05/mexico-police-dont-stand-chance-against-drug-cartels">'Don't Stand a Chance'</a> Against
(drug) Cartels.

<p>
The only way to defeat the cartels is to take away their financial base
by legalizing the transport of the drugs.


feed_id: 70fa20fffa1bd5c867f88dc3a52bf865
title: US national park campgrounds
uri: US-national-park-campgrounds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28US_national_park_campgrounds%29
content:
<p>
The bullshitter's plan to "modernize" US national park campgrounds
would make them <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/05/trump-advisers-urge-modernization-national-parks">a lot like living in a trailer park in a city</a>.

<p>
Why bother going &mdash; you might as well just watch the movie.


feed_id: bb0e44b032425d63928568cf3ae3bb6c
title: Astroturf campaign
uri: Astroturf-campaign
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Astroturf_campaign%29
content:
<p>
An associate of Bogus Johnson <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/nov/05/ex-johnson-aide-behind-banned-brexit-facebook-ad-worked-on-fake-grassroots-campaign">helped operate a misleading astroturf campaign</a>
a year ago.


feed_id: 8be522aed7258b59329690cfe5e07866
title: Blackout on Sanders
uri: Blackout-on-Sanders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Blackout_on_Sanders%29
content:
<p>
The mainstream media <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/05/examples-mount-sanders-campaign-accuses-corporate-media-deliberate-attempt-erase">are focusing a blackout on Sanders</a>.


feed_id: c08dba46d87294064b3a47c03df2f657
title: Targeted advertising
uri: Targeted-advertising
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Targeted_advertising%29
content:
<p>
Instead of debating rules for political advertising on internet
platforms, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/05/targeted-ads-fake-news-clickbait-surveillance-capitalism-data-mining-democracy">let's ban targeted advertising as well as the collection of
personal data that it is based on</a>.

<p>
People who want to see what's available in a certain kind of product
can search for that.


feed_id: ddec6ed5db40afacedcd60cebf2ff8c9
title: Judges in Poland
uri: Judges-in-Poland
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Judges_in_Poland%29
content:
<p>
The European Court of Justice <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/05/poland-broke-eu-law-trying-lower-age-retirement-judges-says-court">ruled against Poland's attempt to rush
judges into retirement</a>.

<p>
ISTR that the ECJ is not a European Union institution; that it was set
up by a different treaty and that some countries which are outside the
EU are members of it.  Poland is a member, but will its authoritarian
government obey this ruling?


feed_id: ddfd74356f4e855c58f464eed8b25e63
title: Suing the bully for defamation
uri: Suing-the-bully-for-defamation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Suing_the_bully_for_defamation%29

content:
<p>
E Jean Carroll wrote that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> raped her in the 1980s; he
responded with absurd insults.  She is now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/05/e-jean-carroll-">suing him for defamation</a>.

<p>
The fact that he is president will not protect him from this.


feed_id: 1d81ef993f09856433fec6792faca7a6
title: Human Right Watch leader deportation
uri: Human-Right-Watch-leader-deportation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Human_Right_Watch_leader_deportation%29

content:
<p>
Israel will deport the local head of Human Rights Watch, Omar Shakir,
who is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/05/israel-top-court-says-government-can-deport-human-rights-watch-official">a US citizen and not an Israeli citizen</a>.  The reason for the deportation is HRW's support for the boycott of products made in Israel's colonies in Palestinian territory (the West
Bank).  HRW says that Omar Shakir did not promote the boycott
himself while working for HRW.

<p>
I too support <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#31_May_2015_(Boycotting_Israels_colonies)">that boycott</a>, which was started by Uri Avnery and Gush
Shalom.


feed_id: 5fef7e57d590a642cd2565af9ef0d5da
title: Safe-country for refugees
uri: 2019-11-07-Safe-country-for-refugees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#6_November_2019_%28Safe-country_for_refugees%29
content:
<p>
Amnesty International and Canadian organizations <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/04/rights-groups-canadian-court-because-us-cannot-be-considered-safe-country-refugees">are suing to overturn
Canada's policy of presuming that the US is a "safe country" for refugees</a>.

<p>
In practice, that policy means that if a person asks for asylum in
Canada coming from the US, Canada always sends per back to the US,
saying, "You should ask for asylum there."

<p>
The assumption was basically valid until the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> took over US
immigration and deportation policy.


feed_id: c20705e40575ce1682db4577380b396d
title: EPA rejects ban on extremely toxic gas
uri: EPA-rejects-ban-on-extremely-toxic-gas
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28EPA_rejects_ban_on_extremely_toxic_gas%29

content:
<p>
Many US oil refineries use hydrogen fluoride, an extremely toxic gas.
If you breathe it, it turns into hydrofluoric acid in your lungs.
Some of these refineries are in cities, and a ruptured HF tank could
kill or injure hundreds of thousands of people in the surrounding
area.
<p>
The EPA just
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/11/05/epa-declines-avert-mass-casualty-refinery-accidents">rejected
a request to ban use of HF in refineries</a>.


feed_id: 9c527cc63e1379622ce5082226f1d890
title: Republicans threaten US elections
uri: Republicans-threaten-US-elections
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Republicans_threaten_US_elections%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/06/republicans-not-russians-threaten-our-elections">Republicans</a>,
Not Russians, Threaten Our Elections.


feed_id: 8c9bd498ee11b75ce4897fdff198577e
title: The Twitter spies of Salafi Arabia
uri: The-Twitter-spies-of-Salafi-Arabia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28The_Twitter_spies_of_Salafi_Arabia%29

content:
<p>
One of the Twitter spies of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a>
<a href="https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/6/20952335/twitter-employees-saudi-arabia-spying-arrests">got
data on a friend of Jamal Khashoggi</a>.


feed_id: c79da4e25b0c0780413e3830db18777c
title: Twitter employees charged with spying
uri: Twitter-employees-charged-with-spying
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Twitter_employees_charged_with_spying%29

content:
<p>
Twitter employees have been
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/nov/06/twitter-spy-saudi-arabia-workers-charged">charged
with spying for Salafi Arabia</a> &mdash; specifically, getting the
private personal data of dissidents so as to identify them.
<p>
This leads me to question whether it is proper for Twitter to demand
personal info from dissidents that might make it possible to identify
them.  I'm told that Twitter makes it very difficult to use an account
without using a portable phone for authentication.  Given the harm
that a portable phone does to the user's freedom, it is wrong to
demand users have one.


feed_id: 22ca85ced8a91142f7c6ec03d5759a5a
title: Investment in cutting greenhouse gases
uri: Investment-in-cutting-greenhouse-gases
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Investment_in_cutting_greenhouse_gases%29

content:
<p>
Global Investment in Cutting Greenhouse Gases
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/07/global-investment-in-cutting-greenhouse-gases-fell-by-11-in-2018">Fell
by 11% in 2018</a>.
<p>
Even worse, it was cancelled out by investment in fossil fuel.


feed_id: ae2d6c8ee39e3e7a1f02de864c967d89
title: Democrats sweep Virginia
uri: Democrats-sweep-Virginia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Democrats_sweep_Virginia%29
content:
<p>
Democrats
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/05/kentucky-governor-race-andy-beshear-matt-bevin">swept
the Virginia state legislature</a>.  We can expect many changes there.


feed_id: be6af30857cb4e4b29c702e63abb27dd
title: Rising oceans and coastal inundations
uri: Rising-oceans-and-coastal-inundations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Rising_oceans_and_coastal_inundations%29

content:
<p>
Future Generations will face rising oceans and coastal inundations
into the 2300s even if governments meet climate commitments,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/06/sea-level-rise-centuries-climate-crisis">researchers
find</a>.  Even if the temperature does not keep increasing, the
increase that will have happened will continue melting ice.
<p>
Supposing we have put an end to <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>, over time we could
bring the CO2 level back down, and maybe the temperature too.  Then
maybe ice levels would start returning to what they were 50 years ago.


feed_id: 374b96a75dba46fd3b26cc3a3d91ea4b
title: Sondland admits false testimony
uri: Sondland-admits-false-testimony
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Sondland_admits_false_testimony%29

content:
<p>
Ambassador Sondland has admitted that his testimony to Congress was
false:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/06/gordon-sondland-was-a-perfect-fall-guy-until-he-decided-to-tell-the-truth">the
bully did indeed set up a quid-pro-quo for Ukraine</a>.


feed_id: 7bec85d27d30f3b2f87b2767c8f2b249
title: Juli Briskman wins seat in local election
uri: Juli-Briskman-wins-seat-in-local-election
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Juli_Briskman_wins_seat_in_local_election%29

content:
<p>
Juli Briskman was 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/06/juli-briskman-trump-middle-finger-wins-office-virginia">fired
for giving the bully the finger as his motorcade passed by</a>.  She
used that to campaign successfully for election to the county board of
supervisors.
<p>
Way to go!  Don't be afraid of bullies.


feed_id: 3da159bde7191eee0fa7799107714aa5
title: Twitter issue ads
uri: Twitter-issue-ads
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Twitter_issue_ads%29
content:
<p>
If Twitter bans issue ads, planet-roasting companies could promote
themselves and excuse their politics with "commercial" ads; 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/nov/06/twitter-political-advertising-ban-could-silence-climate-activists-elizabeth-warren">climate
defenders could not buy ads to criticize them</a>, because those would
be "issue ads".


feed_id: 52cf172a905e55e3b70911dafea6d778
title: Imprisoned Turkish writers and journalists
uri: Imprisoned-Turkish-writers-and-journalists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Imprisoned_Turkish_writers_and_journalists%29

content:
<p>
Two Turkish writers, convicted on charges that make no sense, have
been 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/nov/06/jailed-turkish-author-ahmet-altan-freed-after-three-years">released
from prison after three years</a>.
<p>
However, other Turkish journalists have just been 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/11/04/dark-day-press-freedom-turkey-after-politically-motivated-trial-injustice">convicted
on bogus charges of "terrorism"</a>.


feed_id: b81f342c104ba73b7c4b38fb35c17a35
title: Court case against ban on protests
uri: Court-case-against-ban-on-protests
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Court_case_against_ban_on_protests%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/06/extinction-rebellion-climate-election-xr-protest">Extinction
Rebellion won a court case</a> against the order by thugs that banned
all protests in London.


feed_id: 858720a69e38916486df2176791ba67c
title: Steering people way from drugs and crime
uri: Steering-people-way-from-drugs-and-crime
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Steering_people_way_from_drugs_and_crime%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/nov/06/new-approach-looked-after-children-crime-north-yorkshire">Extra
efforts to take good care of teenagers and children that get in
trouble</a> is making a big improvement in steering them away from
drugs and crime, in a pilot program in England.


feed_id: b400f0e9dd5c5ab34fcfdd21068b1084
title: Military hazing
uri: Military-hazing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Military_hazing%29
content:
<p>
<href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/06/russian-armys-hazing-culture-drove-son-ramil-shamsutdinov-to-kill-soldiers-says-father">Hazing
by other soldiers</a> reportedly was why one Russian soldier shot
eight others on a military base.


feed_id: 9d3a59efe58326013f46a2266ab0a201
title: Money for fossil fuel extraction
uri: Money-for-fossil-fuel-extraction
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Money_for_fossil_fuel_extraction%29

content:
<p>
Two large Australian banks publicly support climate protection but
they recently
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/06/banks-boosted-new-lending-to-fossil-fuel-projects-last-year-figures-show">increased
their lending for fossil fuel extraction</a>.


feed_id: 54521d1a5ff61fe5321ea9cbdc91479f
title: Fishermen's discarded nets and lines
uri: Fishermen-s-discarded-nets-and-lines
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Fishermens_discarded_nets_and_lines%29

content:
<p>
Fishermen discard damaged nets and lines in the ocean, where they 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/06/dumped-fishing-gear-is-biggest-plastic-polluter-in-ocean-finds-report">can
continue for years killing sea animals</a>.
<p>
This article resolves a contradiction that puzzled me.  It says that
the discarded fishing gear makes up the majority of plastic in large
objects, but only a smaller fraction of the total plastic including
small and microscopic pieces.


feed_id: 2c89d6e355b8dfc481326ddddd7150c8
title: Tobacco smoke raises risk of mental illness
uri: Tobacco-smoke-raises-risk-of-mental-illness
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Tobacco_smoke_raises_risk_of_mental_illness%29

content:
<p>
A study has found evidence that smoking tobacco 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/nov/06/smoking-may-increase-risk-of-mental-health-problems-study">tends
to increase the chance of developing depression or schizophrenia</a>.
<p>

The clever design of the study demonstrates more than mere correlation
&mdash; it shows causality, mainly in that one direction.


feed_id: 4a5c195dd1fda93f3b38df66cfb72dac
title: Oklahoma reduces sentences for various crimes
uri: Oklahoma-reduces-sentences-for-various-crimes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Oklahoma_reduces_sentences_for_various_crimes%29

content:
<p>
Oklahoma has reduced the sentences for various crimes, and this
applies retroactively.  
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/04/largest-sentence-commutation-us-history-nearly-500-inmates-walk-free-after-oklahoma">Over
500 prisoners were just released</a> as a result.


feed_id: 37bcd4ef00503375fdaa54638afee069
title: Urgent: Climate Displaced Persons Act
uri: Urgent-Climate-Displaced-Persons-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_Climate_Displaced_Persons_Act%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/climate-refugee">call on the
House of Representatives</a> to pass the Climate Displaced Persons
Act.
<p>
The proverb says that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,
but allowing climate refugees is not even a cure for the eco-illness
of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>.  It is merely a treatment.  We know how to prevent
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> disaster,
so prevention must take priority.


feed_id: 1247b82c45fc757838de2d3b6d666a4f
title: Climate emergency
uri: 2019-11-08-Climate-emergency
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Climate_emergency%29
content:
<p>
11,000 scientists have 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/11/05/world-scientists-declare-climate-emergency-establish-global-indicators-effective">presented
the science that shows there is a climate emergency and what it
consists of</a>.
<p>
The Koch brothers are 
<a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2019/11/05/koch-machine-steps-up-lobbying-stall-climate-action-fight-donor-disclosure/">lobbying
heavily</a> against bills that would make the US take action to curb
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>.


feed_id: 7527d88f2aa643239f293a4d555d8826
title: PFAS in US water supply systems
uri: PFAS-in-US-water-supply-systems
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28PFAS_in_US_water_supply_systems%29

content:
<p>
PFAS chemicals that can increase cancer rates even at tiny levels have
been detected in 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/11/05/forever-chemicals-over-500-nj-water-systems-and-sources-more-1000-contamination">over
1300 US water supply systems</a>.
<p>
With carcinogens, whether any person gets cancer is a matter of
chance, and a higher dose means a higher chance.  Thus, the standard
for level of PFAS is a matter of what additional chance is acceptable.
If everyone has a 25% chance of getting cancer sooner or later, is it
acceptable for PFAS in the water to increase that to 25.1%?  Maybe,
Increasing it to 30%, clearly not.
<p>
The article reports that in New Jersey nearly all the systems which
had PFAS had them at a level that might medically significant.
<p>
It would be interesting to report how many such water supply systems
exist in the US, and how many of them have been tested.  This testing
seems to be a new practice, so I expect that the vast majority have
never been tested.  I wonder what fraction of the water systems tested
were found to have PFAS.


feed_id: 108323a9052310a02e2e8ca24241580a
title: Pension funds invested in fossil fuels
uri: Pension-funds-invested-in-fossil-fuels
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Pension_funds_invested_in_fossil_fuels%29

content:
<p>
Three pension funds (in California and Colorado)
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/11/05/new-study-shows-oil-coal-and-gas-investments-drove-over-19-billion-losses-major">lost
a lot of money over the past decade</a> by investing in fossil fuels.
Employees whose pensions the funds manage are demanding an end to
this.
<p>
In the long term, fossil fuel companies are bad investments because
investing in the possible collapse of civilization can't be profitable
for more than a few.  But we must not leave it to chance that fossil
fuel extraction winds down.  We must make sure of it.


feed_id: 69376f1aae756d11b2f9d73d9e442747
title: Fossil fuel investments
uri: 2019-11-08-Fossil-fuel-investments
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Fossil_fuel_investments%29
content:
<p>
Big US investment companies are 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/04/report-shows-how-worlds-top-capitalists-driving-humanity-head-global-climate">pushing
strongly for fossil fuels</a>.
<p>
Cambridge University 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2019/nov/05/cambridge-accepts-6m-shell-donation-for-oil-extraction-research">accepted
a donation from Shell for research in oil extraction</a>.
<p>
It appears that part of the donation is for research in other areas.
Perhaps that part is good.  But no one should do research on improving
oil extraction, because regardless of the details its long-term effect
will be to prolong oil extraction when what the world needs is to shut
it down.


feed_id: 3eeb0a695ae26369a21ffb13354c3d1e
title: Thug violence against women protesters
uri: Thug-violence-against-women-protesters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_%28Thug_violence_against_women_protesters%29

content:
<p>
Women anti-fracking protesters in the UK accuse the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> of 
<href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/05/police-accused-of-groping-female-anti-fracking-protesters">using
violence and aggression especially against them</a>.


feed_id: c32592765052e7e9fd85d1f2ba97f47d
title: Urgent: block anti-abortion extremist
uri: 2019-11-08-Urgent-block-anti-abortion-extremist
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#6_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_block_anti-abortion_extremist%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/block-pitlyk">call on the
Senate</a> to block anti-abortion extremist Sarah Pitlyk's judicial
confirmation.

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


feed_id: 979602a95b3bd1266fe547a933f92677
title: Neo-Nazi involvement in murders
uri: Neo-Nazi-involvement-in-murders
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#8_November_2019_%28Neo-Nazi_involvement_in_murders%29

content:
<p>
Some members of the neo-Nazi web site Iron March <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/07/neo-nazi-site-iron-march-materials-leak">were involved in murders
based on hate</a>.


feed_id: bbf96f1bdb15b3cc250c5b49d9225863
title: Hostile aliens despair
uri: Hostile-aliens-despair
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#8_November_2019_%28Hostile_aliens_despair%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-shouts/hello-earthlings-we-are-here-to-destroy-you">satire</a>) The aliens wanted to destroy humanity, but couldn't find a method
that we were not already carrying out.

<p>
My joke of a theory is that the aliens need to make Earth considerably
warmer to be comfortable for them.


feed_id: 7be3f380798efbaff484f7c367f8af9d
title: Wild boars in Italy
uri: Wild-boars-in-Italy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#8_November_2019_%28Wild_boars_in_Italy%29
content:
<p>
Wild boar are becoming so numerous in Italy that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/07/farmers-protest-in-rome-over-wild-boar-menace">they are a nuisance,
and occasionally cause fatal car crashes</a>.

<p>
I am in favor of hunting them to reduce their numbers.


feed_id: 11ba8a7f429684904a93271d286a55ef
title: Memorializing war
uri: Memorializing-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#8_November_2019_%28Memorializing_war%29
content:
<p>
Does it make sense to memorialize a war when <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/07/memorialising-war-first-world-war-remember">families no longer 
hand down stories about ancestors in it</a>?


feed_id: a721c8951f1252090e56f5863f79a817
title: Urgent: Medicare for All
uri: 2019-11-08-Urgent-Medicare-for-All
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#8_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_Medicare_for_All%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sign-now-every-2020-candidate-should-back-medicare-for-all?nowrapper=true">call on Democratic 2020 candidates</a> to support Medicare for All.

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


feed_id: 8be6a05876d6fe8e7208763c08e0201b
title: Monster oil spill
uri: Monster-oil-spill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#8_November_2019_%28Monster_oil_spill%29
content:
<p>
The monster oil spill <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/07/oil-spill-threatens-vast-areas-of-mangroves-and-coral-reefs-in-brazil">endangers life along 1500 miles of Brazil's coast</a>.


feed_id: b60c41eaafcdfe61e223ecf2cef2ecdb
title: Decarbonization
uri: Decarbonization
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#8_November_2019_%28Decarbonization%29
content:
<p>
A poll reports that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/07/majority-of-uk-public-back-2030-zero-carbon-target-poll">over half of Britons support total decarbonization
by 2030</a>.


feed_id: 9deb51da96659dc052793e022b9b6794
title: Breaking up ICE and CBP
uri: Breaking-up-ICE-and-CBP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#8_November_2019_%28Breaking_up_ICE_and_CBP%29
content:
<p>
Sanders says <a href="https://theintercept.com/2019/11/07/sanders-immigration-plan-ice-cbp/">he would break up</a> ICE (informally, the deportation thug
agency) and CBP (informally, the border <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> agency).


feed_id: 16151faa3cf238c055c13d9012b83f4c
title: Uber losses
uri: Uber-losses
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#8_November_2019_%28Uber_losses%29
content:
<p>
Bad news for people who live in a world with Uber in it: the company's
loss in the third quarter <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/nov/07/uber-wework-">was only 1.2 billion dollars</a>.

<p>
This might be good news if it were due to raising prices,
because that would help stop Uber from destroying its competition.
Uber is no less oppressive to its <em>customers</em>.

<p>
Please help kill Uber &mdash; join me in <a href="https://stallman.org/uber.html">refusing to ride in an Uber car</a>.


feed_id: dbf1f960d0896ec4a5df3a23b43e849b
title: 17 teaspoons of sugar a day
uri: 17-teaspoons-of-sugar-a-day
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#8_November_2019_%2817_teaspoons_of_sugar_a_day%29
content:
<p>
The Average American Eats 17 Teaspoons of Added Sugar Daily.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/07/the-average-american-eats-17-teaspoons-of-added-sugar-daily-its-killing-us">It's Killing Us</a>.


feed_id: 6fe6bf504ba080c2e33c49099ad086fe
title: Anti-vaxxers lies
uri: Anti-vaxxers-lies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#8_November_2019_%28Anti-vaxxers_lies%29
content:
<p>
Anti-vaxxers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/07/firehosing-the-systemic-strategy-that-anti-vaxxers-are-using-to-spread-misinformation">are using the thousands-of-lies tactic</a> in imitation of right-wing extremists.


feed_id: 4533aa0244a08ff56bccecd422c293ed
title: Hurting the poor
uri: Hurting-the-poor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#8_November_2019_%28Hurting_the_poor%29
content:
<p>
Tory policies that hurt the poor <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/nov/05/welfare-changes-key-factor-rising-poverty-food-bank-use-study-finds">play a crucial role in driving them
into extreme poverty</a> (including hunger).


feed_id: d2d87117a173181bcbba81962e79a6c4
title: Warlord sentenced for war crimes
uri: Warlord-sentenced-for-war-crimes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#8_November_2019_%28Warlord_sentenced_for_war_crimes%29

content:
<p>
Congo (DRC) Warlord Bosco Ntaganda <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2019/nov/07/drc-militia-leader-bosco-ntaganda-terminator-30-years-war-crimes-icc">[sentenced to] 30 Years for War
Crimes by International Criminal Court</a>.


feed_id: e340a9288bea8c022db72df643d35b51
title: Recognizing existence of traditional Chinese medicine
uri: Recognizing-existence-of-traditional-Chinese-medicine
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#8_November_2019_%28Recognizing_existence_of_traditional_Chinese_medicine%29

content:
<p>
The WHO has recognized the existence of traditional Chinese medicine.
The medical academies of Europe <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2019/nov/06/doctors-europe-call-for-tighter-control-of-traditional-chinese-medicine">are concerned that this might be
misunderstood as endorsing it as valid</a>.


feed_id: 78f08930d91833ac86178f12431321b5
title: Green New Deal
uri: 2019-11-08-Green-New-Deal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#8_November_2019_%28Green_New_Deal%29
content:
<p>
Supporting for the Green New Deal <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/06/roadmap-running-green-new-deal-virginia-democrats-take-full-control-state-government">helped Democrats win in Virginia</a>.


feed_id: ba0d6e1bb2007e442508362731f55282
title: Single person marriage
uri: Single-person-marriage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#8_November_2019_%28Single_person_marriage%29
content:
<p>
I was joking when I suggested that if we did not limit marriage to
couples, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#7_July_2017_(Three_Men_Marry)">I could get married solo</a>.  It turns out that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/nov/06/consciously-uncoupled-the-joy-of-self-partnership">someone has done it</a>.

<p>
I could do without the trappings that people are taught to apply to
romantic relationships.  The only part that I need is to share loving
tenderness and sometimes to delight her.  But without that, my life
would be (and was) terribly sad.


feed_id: 556b9922dccd301dab2892c6c7806240
title: Sleeping in public areas
uri: Sleeping-in-public-areas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#8_November_2019_%28Sleeping_in_public_areas%29
content:
<p>
Sanders condemned a proposal by the Las Vegas city council to make
sleeping in public areas a crime, and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/05/homelessness-symptom-greed-rich-says-bernie-sanders-not-crime-poor">his campaign will mobilize supporters
to demonstrate to oppose it</a>.

<p>
Dangerous as it is to sleep on the street, I've read that many
homeless people find sleeping in shelters even more dangerous.


feed_id: 95dec8703f23857f369014b1c1858a39
title: Decoy subway station
uri: Decoy-subway-station
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#8_November_2019_%28Decoy_subway_station%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/nyc-opens-500-million-decoy-subway-station-to-catch-tu-1839644052">satire</a>) NYC Opens $500 Million Decoy Subway Station To Catch
Turnstile Jumpers, "including turnstiles that will not accept
MetroCards regardless of their available balance, increasing the
likelihood of attempts to avoid payment."


feed_id: 1a74274cd0f5bfe1df4d9ea209872f67
title: Social security
uri: 2019-11-08-Social-security
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#8_November_2019_%28Social_security%29
content:
<p>
Republicans are trying to set young Americans against old Americans,
to destroy Social Security; but <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/05/you-will-have-social-security-just-your-parents-and-grandparents-if-you-fight-keep">if we stay united we can preserve it</a>.

<p>
Social Security needs tweaks to deal with the decreased US birth rate,
but that isn't a big change.


feed_id: e777693bf67dbe9dcb40381af5c63dcc
title: Inflation for the poor
uri: Inflation-for-the-poor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#8_November_2019_%28Inflation_for_the_poor%29
content:
<p>
Poor Americans suffer a higher rate of inflation than the (generally
low) rate for the overall US economy.  (The article explains why.)
Over many years, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/05/new-report-details-how-inflation-inequality-punishes-poor-and-helps-undercount-them">this has led to a significant underestimate of the
number of Americans in poverty</a>.


feed_id: 6bd3ed846ddcd7e7f457064b22efab0a
title: Privilege
uri: Privilege
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#9_November_2019_%28Privilege%29
content:
<p>
The Term 'Privilege' Has Been Weaponized.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/08/the-term-privilege-has-been-weaponized-its-time-to-retire-it">It's Time to Retire It</a>.

<p>
There are people who have real power, and some use that power to
mistreat others.  Others, including me, are attacked for fictitious
power that is just an excuse.


feed_id: 145aae5ab0cc9a41e7434d9ba3122e8d
title: Hymen scandal
uri: Hymen-scandal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#9_November_2019_%28Hymen_scandal%29
content:
<p>
A famous rapper created a scandal <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/08/ti-hymen-virginity-daughter">by announcing that he has someone
verify each year that his daughter still has a hymen</a>.

<p>
In addition to the criticisms in the article, his approach to the issue
foolishly equates having sex with vaginal penetration.

<p>
However, the deepest error is to normalize the foolish wish for your
lover (whatever per gender) to have had no experience with sex &mdash; to
be ignorant about how to please others, and about how others can
please per.  We all start out ignorant, of this as well as everything
else, but there is nothing good about being ignorant.


feed_id: 33cbb40af0b0a99574ba558be6a4f991
title: Throwing away the lifelines
uri: Throwing-away-the-lifelines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#9_November_2019_%28Throwing_away_the_lifelines%29
content:
<p>
[Tory crush-the-poor cuts have] Pushed Families into Crisis <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/nov/08/austerity-pushed-families-crisis-thrown-away-lifelines">And Then Thrown Away the Lifelines</a>.


feed_id: f2500c77aea7093f54ceeec7faa261cc
title: Iranian woman asylum
uri: Iranian-woman-asylum
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#9_November_2019_%28Iranian_woman_asylum%29
content:
<p>
Philippines <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/08/philippines-grants-asylum-to-iranian-bahareh-zare-bahari">Grants Asylum</a> to Iranian Woman Held in Airport.

<p>
Interpol had better do something to avoid being a tool for catching
refugees from political persecution.


feed_id: 6e7c5ebd51013ad46985f00b6dea9c68
title: Criminal charges against gay pride participants
uri: Criminal-charges-against-gay-pride-participants
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#9_November_2019_%28Criminal_charges_against_gay_pride_participants%29

content:
<p>
19 participants in a Gay Pride march in Ankara <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2019/nov/08/turkey-urged-to-drop-case-against-lgbt-activists-charged-over-pride-march">face criminal charges</a>
because all Gay Pride events had been forbidden.


feed_id: 6f3f64328986c052b7640973bb69dcc7
title: Urgent: protect Joshua trees
uri: Urgent-protect-Joshua-trees
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#9_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_protect_Joshua_trees%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://secure.wildearthguardians.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1045">call for protecting the endangered Joshua tree</a>.

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


feed_id: 5b79891d6d5ac9aa7668084d69a25edd
title: Urgent: no oil company in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
uri: Urgent-no-oil-company-in-Arctic-National-Wildlife-Refuge
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#9_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_no_oil_company_in_Arctic_National_Wildlife_Refuge%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://secure.defenders.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=3555&s_src=3WDE2002D1XX1&s_subsrc=110619_ADVACTFF_ArcticRefugeCEO_Nondonor">call on US oil companies</a> to stay out of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

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


feed_id: 91c8067362769ccfc894535c3b457fd0
title: Coal-fired power plants in Africa
uri: Coal-fired-power-plants-in-Africa
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#9_November_2019_%28Coal-fired_power_plants_in_Africa%29

content:
<p>
Africa is not only making a lot of humans, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/07/pollutionwatch-africa-increases-reliance-fossil-fuels">but also a lot of coal-fired
power plants</a>, which are just the thing to kill lots of those people with
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> effects in a few decades.


feed_id: dc971b5386ecdec6114f8d7f6abdda54
title: Pesticides and the Great Barrier Reef
uri: Pesticides-and-the-Great-Barrier-Reef
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#9_November_2019_%28Pesticides_and_the_Great_Barrier_Reef%29

content:
<p>
The Australian agency that is supposed to regulate pesticides is
shamefully lax; pesticide runoff <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/07/great-barrier-reef-scientists-find-banned-pesticides-and-blast-chemical-regulator">is killing the Great Barrier Reef</a>
even before <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> gets around to it.


feed_id: 505cecd64fa5fddd2c108c4f7295f454
title: Censoring China image searches
uri: Censoring-China-image-searches
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#9_November_2019_%28Censoring_China_image_searches%29

content:
<p>
Shutterstock <a href="https://theintercept.com/2019/11/06/shutterstock-china-censorship-tech/">censors image searches coming from China</a>.

<p>
I think the root of this danger is the existence of large multinational
companies for which exclusion from the Chinese market is so terrible that
they will comply with whatever China demands.  It is exacerbated by
allowing the company to know which country a customer is in.


feed_id: 3388f662b78c0dcd565acbdbbe32c1b6
title: Deregulation responsibilities
uri: Deregulation-responsibilities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#9_November_2019_%28Deregulation_responsibilities%29
content:
<p>
The CEO of Boeing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/06/boeing-boss-737-max-crashes-consumer-confidence">was personally and directly responsible</a> for the careless
approach that led to the two fatal crashes of 737 Max aircraft.

<p>
The deregulationism that the FAA practiced was also directly
responsible, and some high official that approved the deregulation
should resign for that.

<p>
With systems designed for reliability, a disaster typically happens
because several things go wrong together.  Thus, it is normal that
different people are responsible for different layers of
unpreparedness.


feed_id: 33099a7e3d74f25496d760ad06428c47
title: Khalida Jarrar arrested
uri: Khalida-Jarrar-arrested
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#9_November_2019_%28Khalida_Jarrar_arrested%29
content:
<p>
Israel has arrested Palestinian elected official Khalida
Jarrar.  <a href="https://972mag.com/khalida-jarrar-arrest-israeli-army/144271/">She may be arbitrarily imprisoned again</a>.


feed_id: e2471fc03d597c9f7d1bbfbb183922ca
title: Seizing of Palestinian property
uri: Seizing-of-Palestinian-property
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#9_November_2019_%28Seizing_of_Palestinian_property%29

content:
<p>
Israel <a href="https://imemc.org/article/israel-plans-to-seize-over-600-dunams-of-land-in-nablus-and-jerusalem/">keeps on seizing Palestinian land in the West Bank</a>, a little at a time.

<p>
1000 dunams amount to one square kilometer &mdash; a tiny fraction of the
West Bank.  But one square kilometer now, and another in a few weeks,
adds up across the years to lots of land.


feed_id: 649a3710d61d44fd12d404794fa54681
title: Online Privacy Act
uri: Online-Privacy-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#9_November_2019_%28Online_Privacy_Act%29
content:
<p>
A few provisions of the proposed Online Privacy Act <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/05/democrats-new-online-privacy-bill-heralded-chance-build-alternative-road-digital">might do some good</a>.

<p>
Of the provisions described there, the two that would restrict what
companies can do are:

<ul>
<li>
 Creating User Rights – The bill grants every American the right to
       access, correct, or delete their data. It also creates new rights,
       like the right to impermanence, which lets users decide how long
       companies can keep their data.
<li>
    Placing Clear Obligations on Companies – The bill minimizes the
       amount of data companies collect, process, disclose, and maintain,
       and bars companies from using data in discriminatory ways.
       Additionally, companies must receive consent from users in plain,
       simple language.
</ul>

<p>
The right to "access, correct or delete" your data won't do much good
if you can't tell what conclusions the system draws from the raw data.
The sheer volume of data will defeat attempts by users to look for
errors in it.

<p>
Requiring consent will have little effect.  Companies will simply
say. "No consent, no service."  The site that the user sees will
ask for consent on behalf of the data-accumulating companies they use,
such as Google, or give personal data to, such as Sift.

<p>
Limiting what data companies could collect or hold might do some
good.  How much good would depend on details.

<p>
If passed, this bill might curb some abuses, but it won't make
us <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">safe from surveillance</a>.


feed_id: c85b23d28d0ba375ecda780456cd2bbf
title: Sawing the wall
uri: Sawing-the-wall
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#9_November_2019_%28Sawing_the_wall%29
content:
<p>
Humans easily saw through <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/smugglers-are-sawing-through-new-sections-of-trumps-border-wall/2019/11/01/25bf8ce0-fa72-11e9-ac8c-8eced29ca6ef_story.html">the posts that make up the bully's pointless "border wall"</a>.

<p>
I doubt that any other large animals can operate a saw, or recognize a place
where a saw has been used.  So the wall will block their movements even if
it does not block humans.


feed_id: 1d9476349744eba8bf80406287e13f07
title: Political bloc of unmarried people
uri: Political-bloc-of-unmarried-people
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Political_bloc_of_unmarried_people%29

content:
<p>
If unmarried people become a political bloc, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/07/single-people-electoral-force-us-uk">what
will their demands be</a>?


feed_id: 1e3913609478b6f5b352cb1567ee756d
title: UK public funds misused to publish lies
uri: UK-public-funds-misused-to-publish-lies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28UK_public_funds_misused_to_publish_lies%29

content:
<p>
The UK government 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/06/government-universal-credit-deception-asa-taxpayer-funded-features">used
public funds to publish lies about poor people and the cuts to their
welfare benefits</a>.


feed_id: 9a206305265e4bafc8d645273e0adc47
title: Human activities drying out the Amazon
uri: Human-activities-drying-out-the-Amazon
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Human_activities_drying_out_the_Amazon%29

content:
<p>
As Fires Rage in World's Largest Rainforest, NASA Warns 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/06/fires-rage-worlds-largest-rainforest-nasa-warns-human-activities-are-drying-out">'Human
Activities Are Drying Out the Amazon'</a>.


feed_id: c01504365ab85c2a1543a80179978ef0
title: Sustainability and climate in Italy schools
uri: Sustainability-and-climate-in-Italy-schools
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Sustainability_and_climate_in_Italy_schools%29

content:
<p>
Italy to Put 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2019/nov/06/italy-to-school-students-in-sustainability-and-climate-crisis">Sustainability
and Climate at Heart of Learning</a> in Schools.


feed_id: 283bec670598c7a45e1fa7faf5928a25
title: UK prison sentence for fighting PISSI
uri: UK-prison-sentence-for-fighting-PISSI
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28UK_prison_sentence_for_fighting_PISSI%29

content:
<p>
The UK has sentenced Aidan James to a year in prison for 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/nov/07/briton-who-fought-isis-alongside-pkk-in-iraq-jailed-for-four-years">training
with the Iraqi Kurds in order to fight PISSI</a>.


feed_id: de8c580475cd21e7a8133acad6b422d2
title: Chilean thug arrested for shooting students
uri: Chilean-thug-arrested-for-shooting-students
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Chilean_thug_arrested_for_shooting_students%29

content:
<p>
A Chilean <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> has been 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/07/chile-protests-police-arrest-shooting-students">arrested
for shooting protesting students</a>.
<p>
Chile deserves praise for having a legal system strong enough to do
this.  The US usually fails to do so.


feed_id: 665c57ec425eaed6695bc0141cc01a49
title: Judge shuts down Trump Foundation
uri: Judge-shuts-down-Trump-Foundation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Judge_shuts_down_Trump_Foundation%29

content:
<p>
A judge shut down the Trump Foundation.  <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/07/donald-trump-charity-foundation-misuse-lawsuit">admitted
misusing some of its funds</a>.


feed_id: ffc1adb285282d6cce561f884b361a9d
title: Big Tech and possible financial crash
uri: Big-Tech-and-possible-financial-crash
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Big_Tech_and_possible_financial_crash%29

content:
<p>
How Big Tech Is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/nov/08/how-big-tech-is-dragging-us-towards-the-next-financial-crash">(perhaps)
Dragging Us Towards the Next Financial Crash</a>.
<p>
When economists claim some change is "inevitable", this is generally
at least partially a self-fulfilling prophecy.  It says, "You won't
summon the political will to stop this change."  But perhaps that's
exactly why we should do so.


feed_id: 50d17bfc3ff15c5171998ff57c6058c9
title: Congresscritter linked with violent extremists
uri: Congresscritter-linked-with-violent-extremists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Congresscritter_linked_with_violent_extremists%29

content:
<p>
Republican Congresscritter Matt Shea has been linked with violent
extremists through
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/08/matt-shea-republican-far-right-leaked-chats-washington-state">leaked
messages</a>.


feed_id: 5c001452207d1af6f01e2988bcc1f859
title: Why bully wants to identify whistleblower
uri: Why-bully-wants-to-identify-whistleblower
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Why_bully_wants_to_identify_whistleblower%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> and his helpers want to identify the Ukraine whistleblower,
even though per testimony is no longer needed (plenty of other
witnesses are available), in order to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/08/whistleblower-trump-ukraine-legal-protection">destroy
the system that was set up to limit abuse of power</a>.


feed_id: 2d65e094bd21aec40465a2c444788245
title: Rhino horn
uri: Rhino-horn
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Rhino_horn%29
content:
<p>
A 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/08/scientists-plan-to-flood-black-market-with-fake-rhino-horn-to-reduce-poaching">new,
realistic form of fake rhino horn</a> might fool buyers enough to kill
the market for real rhino horn.
<p>
The two are equally ineffective as "treatments".
<p>
The weakness I see is that dealers and customers may learn to
distinguish the fakes.  They will certainly try, and since it can be
done, they will probably learn how.


feed_id: e089ddeb36da9cbb08dfce14112a21cc
title: Mother billed $898,984 for premature baby
uri: Mother-billed-898-984-for-premature-baby
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Mother_billed_%24898%2C984_for_premature_baby%29

content:
<p>
How One Employer [in the US, of course] Stuck a New Mom With a
<a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/how-one-employer-stuck-a-new-mom-with-a-bill-for-her-premature-baby">$898,984
Bill</a> for Her Premature Baby.


feed_id: 35505fe91d345db1d985175f9c1609ba
title: NZ passes law to end carbon emissions
uri: NZ-passes-law-to-end-carbon-emissions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28NZ_passes_law_to_end_carbon_emissions%29

content:
<p>
New Zealand has passed a law committing to end carbon emissions 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/07/ardern-says-new-zealand-on-right-side-of-history-as-mps-pass-zero-carbon-bill">by
2050</a>.
<p>
That goal isn't sufficient, but the law is a great step forward in
terms of willingness to confront the danger.


feed_id: a0584395903c337164ac18ba4616ba26
title: Urgent: Pregnant Workers' Fairness Act
uri: 2019-11-10-Urgent-Pregnant-Workers-Fairness-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_Pregnant_Workers_Fairness_Act%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/pregnant-workers-rights">call
on the House of Representatives</a> to pass the Pregnant Workers'
Fairness Act.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 2da16d973773ad5fbdaa4a0fa0d5d0a7
title: Israeli soldiers shoot 9-year-old child
uri: Israeli-soldiers-shoot-9-year-old-child
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Israeli_soldiers_shoot_9-year-old_child%29

content:
<p>
Israeli soldiers say that they shot Palestinian child Abdul Rahman
Shteiwi in the head with a rubber-coated bullet; but researches
concluded he was 
<a href="http://www.palestinechronicle.com/british-forensic-researchers-confirm-palestinian-child-was-hit-by-israeli-live-fire/">shot
with an ordinary bullet</a>, the kind that is meant to kill.
<p>
They should not be shooting adult protesters, let alone 9-year-olds.


feed_id: 22c19c39cbd91071427a86cb3728fdec
title: Blessed souls
uri: Blessed-souls
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Blessed_souls%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/billions-of-blessed-souls-forced-to-wander-earth-during-1839696067">satire</a>) billions of
   blessed souls were forced to wander around Earth this week during a
   pest-control fumigation of Heaven.


feed_id: 18d752095e2d2876bc2a6017d5219d7e
title: Public pressure on prosecution
uri: Public-pressure-on-prosecution
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Public_pressure_on_prosecution%29

content:
<p>
The US system of prosecution and punishment responds to public pressure,
but mainly the powerful part of the public.  This means <a href="https://theintercept.com/2019/11/09/criminal-justice-mass-incarceration-book/">it has evolved to
support racism and the power of the rich, and (on some issues) sexism too</a>.

<p>
The system isn't "broken", rather it evolved under pressure to do
suppression rather than justice.

<p>
The article uses the word "designed", but I think that is a misnomer,
for their punishment system just as for the genomes of living species.
Neither one was designed as a whole; rather, decisions were made, step
by step, under the selective pressures of the moment.


feed_id: d127dd6ca97c2e007599e9534eed1b19
title: Ways to destroy coral reefs
uri: Ways-to-destroy-coral-reefs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Ways_to_destroy_coral_reefs%29
content:
<p>
About the importance of coral reefs, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/09/callum-roberts-interview-reef-life-marine-biologist-coral">the several ways human activity
is killing corals</a> &mdash; including coastal development.


feed_id: 3e0f1eec09925332f75906ce526fcf77
title: Amazon lobbying
uri: Amazon-lobbying
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Amazon_lobbying%29
content:
<p>
Amazon <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/09/us-democracy-politics-wealth-plutocracy-money">spent 1.5 million dollars to weaken the majority of
the Seattle City Council</a> that advocated taxing Amazon more.


feed_id: 866d59b720387574d6f54391c98123c4
title: Presidential elections in Bolivia
uri: Presidential-elections-in-Bolivia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Presidential_elections_in_Bolivia%29

content:
<p>
Many Bolivians are protesting and accusing Evo Morales of rigging the
recent presidential election.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/09/bolivian-police-mutiny-in-opposition-to-evo-morales">Some cops are supporting these protests</a>.

<p>
I have no information on whether the accusations are true.  This could
be nothing more than an expression of some people's opposition to
Morales.  Or it could be a response to real rigging.


feed_id: 9f76fe45c98dc807e953a2edad46ecf4
title: The conman against the constitution
uri: The-conman-against-the-constitution
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28The_conman_against_the_constitution%29

content:
<p>
As the conman orders his staff to ignore subpoenas from Congress, he
commits a crime that in itself justifies impeachment, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/09/trump-impeachment-constitution-congress">declaring
contempt for the Constitution</a>.

<p>
He does this because he is confident that Republicans in the Senate
will protect him, and as long as they do, he may be able to succeed.

<p>
Destroying the ability of Congress to check abuses by the president
may be exactly what he seeks.


feed_id: 4fdf6c1a284fa4d13d40df1237cf6f67
title: Coral-killing sunscreen
uri: Coral-killing-sunscreen
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Coral-killing_sunscreen%29
content:
<p>
Florida Republicans <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/09/key-west-sunscreen-coral-reef-backlash-skin-cancer">want to override Key West's ban on coral-killing
sunscreens</a>.

<p>
They say the reason is because some people might dislike the other sunscreens and use no sunscreen, thus exposing themselves to danger of skin cancer.
Surely there are other ways to encourage use of sunscreen without promoting
the ones that kill coral.


feed_id: 3f3232463090ff86541e8c024b53660d
title: Whatever disease
uri: Whatever-disease
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Whatever_disease%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/gates-foundation-pledges-25-billion-to-eradicate-whate-1839699989">satire</a>) the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation reportedly pledged $25
   billion Thursday toward eradicating whatever disease drives people to
   support taxing the rich.


feed_id: 40146769bd68c70ab3c9cfd541baeb81
title: Conman's charity
uri: Conman-s-charity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Conman%27s_charity%29
content:
<p>
More about the court case that has shut down the Trump Foundation,
a "charity" that the conman's family <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/07/2-million-and-compulsory-training-presidents-children-called-poetic-end-trump">was found to have persistently abused</a>.


feed_id: f2c1e91548c18dc5403650a42127084d
title: UK main issues
uri: UK-main-issues
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28UK_main_issues%29
content:
<p>
The UK must use this election to rethink its trickle-down economics,
and most opposition parties are not talking about where they stand.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/08/economy-crisis-capitalists-1945-1979">They are focusing on the side issue of whether to leave the EU</a>.

<p>
Labour promised to hold another referendum about this.  Britons should
set aside the EU issue and vote for Labour, for the sake of all the
other vital issues.  (Or Green; it is generally progressive and will
do the right thing.)

<p>
Then vote in the referendum about whether to leave the EU.


feed_id: aeae0809ee7c3a95080a1bb4a5d4ca13
title: Torture in Mexico
uri: Torture-in-Mexico
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Torture_in_Mexico%29
content:
<p>
Mexican <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> tortured four Maya people they found on a bus in 2015,
believing them to be Guatemalan refugees.  But it turned out <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/07/mexico-indigenous-tzeltal-mayans-chiapas-apology">they were
indigenous Mexican Maya from Chiapas</a>.

<p>
Nowadays, Mexico tortures Guatemalan refugees <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#6_June_2019_(Mexico_caves_to_bullys_threat)">so they cannot reach the
US</a>.


feed_id: 605ba08a02eec2da97cbbcee71a434fe
title: Astrologer
uri: Astrologer
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Astrologer%29
content:
<p>
"I was an astrologer &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/nov/06/i-was-an-astrologer-how-it-works-psychics">here's how it really works, and why I had to stop</a>."

<p>
She pleased lots of customers, who remembered accurate, specific
predictions which came from their own imagination, not from her.


feed_id: d0c5a6a3f204cfb3db8353e1cbd94c3a
title: Common core curriculum
uri: Common-core-curriculum
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Common_core_curriculum%29
content:
<p>
The "common core" curriculum and its education-distorting tests turn
out to <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2019/11/7/1897785/-Results-Are-In-Common-Core-s-High-Stakes-Testing-Regime-Fails?_=2019-11-07T03:07:40.653-08:00">have failed to improve education</a>.


feed_id: 112691cf572ebf24bb743d48167b3855
title: Engaging with fossil fuel firms
uri: Engaging-with-fossil-fuel-firms
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Engaging_with_fossil_fuel_firms%29

content:
<p>
Biggest UK Fund Manager Invested in (fossil fuel) Firms <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/nov/07/legal-general-fund-boosts-stakes-in-firms-it-shamed-over-climate-crisis">It Shamed over
Climate Crisis</a>.

<p>
The idea that "engaging with" planet roaster companies is really a way
to get them to change has been discredited by the environmentalists
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-mar-jun.html#1_May_2018_(BP_and_Cambridge_University)">who tried it for years in the past</a>.


feed_id: b5d90d2c2762b7da6e9754cafb2c192b
title: Anti-racism commission in Italy
uri: Anti-racism-commission-in-Italy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_November_2019_%28Anti-racism_commission_in_Italy%29

content:
<p>
Senator Segre of Italy achieved her goal of setting up an anti-racism
commission, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/07/italian-holocaust-survivor-given-police-escort-after-far-right-threats">despite the daily death threats</a>.

<p>
Although Salvini condemns the threats, his example of violence against
the weak stirred up the hatred that manifests itself in these threats.


feed_id: ef642ad939124310b842843039c11506
title: Urgent: Vote for Labour
uri: Urgent-Vote-for-Labour
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_Vote_for_Labour%29
content:
<p>
UK citizens: vote for Labour, or Green if it has the better chance of
winning your district.
<p>
It is a mistake to vote an MP based on whether to exit the EU. There
are many other important issues now. 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/oct/31/us-style-healthcare-nhs-patients-election-health">US-style
unaffordable prescriptions</a> are just one of the nasty things Tories
would do.
<p>
Therefore, put Labour in power. Labour will do the right thing about
most issues, and hold another referendum on whether to leave the EU.


feed_id: 3e2ba701a4fdf9c9a8576b5f58ecf835
title: Denying solutions to global heating
uri: Denying-solutions-to-global-heating
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28Denying_solutions_to_global_heating%29

content:
<p>
Nowadays <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> denialism often takes the form of 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/nov/09/doomism-new-tactic-fossil-fuel-lobby">denying
the real solutions</a>, which operate at the level of society and
systems rather than through individual sacrifice.


feed_id: 3afe5d7502e19f1641caa5d55d528118
title: Nature of support for the bully
uri: Nature-of-support-for-the-bully
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28Nature_of_support_for_the_bully%29

content:
<p>
Illustrating the nature of support for the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>, a man 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/10/baby-trump-balloon-stabbed-and-deflated-at-alabama-protest">slashed
a protest balloon with a knife</a>.


feed_id: a48f5baafd0e7cdfed45f58eb0374a5b
title: Journalist exiled for criticizing Modi
uri: Journalist-exiled-for-criticizing-Modi
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28Journalist_exiled_for_criticizing_Modi%29

content:
<p>
India has 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/08/india-strips-citizenship-journalist-aatish-taseer-criticised-modi-regime">exiled
journalist Aatish Taseer for criticizing Modi</a>, citing an excuse
that was never held against him before.


feed_id: 9dabb9625be6280cc7afb3694aaa9af8
title: Lula freed from prison
uri: Lula-freed-from-prison
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28Lula_freed_from_prison%29
content:
<p>
Lula has been 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/08/lula-brazil-released-prison-supreme-court-ruling">freed
from prison</a>, on the grounds that the appeals against his
conviction have not been completed.
<p>
This is a good thing, as far as it goes, but it doesn't undo the
injustice of the 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#27_July_2019_(Corrupt_judge_Sergio_Moro)">corrupt
legal process</a> nor does it undo the danger of having 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#10_September_2019_(Overt_endorsement_of_bloody_military_coup)">coup-threatening</a>
Bolsonaro as president.


feed_id: 07e3876ad6f05c515fbab7bad201625d
title: Death threats against Fiona Hill
uri: Death-threats-against-Fiona-Hill
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28Death_threats_against_Fiona_Hill%29

content:
<p>
Fiona Hill, Russia expert formerly in the National Security Council,
reports getting a wave of death threats 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/08/fiona-hill-testimony-death-threats-impeachment">trying
to deter her from testifying in the impeachment hearings</a>.
<p>
Other officials that got in the way of the conman's corruption have
also been targeted.  They were accused of conspiring with George
Soros, which makes no sense in reality, but fits with the antisemitism
of right-wing extremists that support the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>.


feed_id: d2c3b08be41fc45e8ef6ad593ee70157
title: The idea that virginity is desirable
uri: The-idea-that-virginity-is-desirable
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28The_idea_that_virginity_is_desireable%29

content:
<p>
"We need to teach girls that sex is something to be enjoyed &mdash;
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/09/girls-sex-rapper-ti-hymen-tests-misguided">not
feared</a>."
<p>
That means dropping the idea that there is something admirable or
desirable about "virginity".  It is simply a lack of experience.
<p>
I recall seeing the slogan, "Virginity can be cured."


feed_id: 6d179eaef781eef4f159bd86bcbc3728
title: Court-ordered searches of DNA data bases
uri: Court-ordered-searches-of-DNA-data-bases
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28Court-ordered_searches_of_DNA_data_bases%29

content:
<p>
DNA data bases in the US 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/09/when-governments-have-access-to-dna-databases-youre-right-to-be-scared">can
be searched by court order</a>.  With a government hot on persecuting
immigrants and whistleblowers, we must consider it dangerous to let
anyone sequence our DNA.


feed_id: f0915bba344880b30ebb2b3bc96920bd
title: Heat putting British train lines at risk
uri: Heat-putting-British-train-lines-at-risk
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28Heat_putting_British_train_lines_at_risk%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">Global heating</a> is causing heatwaves in Britain that 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/nov/07/uk-railways-cannot-cope-with-effects-climate-change-warns-rail-boss">put
train lines at risk</a>.  Trains have to run slowly to avoid damage or
derailment.


feed_id: de8dc5bfd30738e9ecf4aed999dcb96d
title: Onion Cover-Up Desk
uri: Onion-Cover-Up-Desk
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28Onion_Cover-Up_Desk%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/the-onion-launches-new-cover-up-desk-to-suppress-toda-1839726561">satire</a>) ‘The Onion’ Launches New Cover-Up Desk To Suppress Today’s
Most Damning Stories.


feed_id: 7a3a117faaec381201d4d2a115c2f01d
title: As corrupt as it gets
uri: As-corrupt-as-it-gets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28As_corrupt_as_it_gets%29
content:
<p>
'As Corrupt as It Gets': Oil Lobbyist Turned Interior Chief Proposes <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/08/corrupt-it-gets-oil-lobbyist-turned-interior-chief-proposes-giving-coveted-contract?cd-origin=rss">Giving 'Coveted' Contract to Ex-Client</a>.

<p>
Republicans practice corruption so blatantly that it seems like "dog
bites man."  But if we want an honest government we need to punish
each one.


feed_id: 3cd17dccd0f70cb21ac9513d9979a964
title: Too dumb to mean it
uri: Too-dumb-to-mean-it
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28Too_dumb_to_mean_it%29
content:
<p>
The Republicans' <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/08/looks-gop-might-run-moron-defense-trump?cd-origin=rss">two defense arguments for the conman</a> are "He didn't
mean to do anything wrong" and "He was too dumb to have done what is accused."


feed_id: 97fca413baf6931ec9d05f437701449f
title: Urgent: millionaire surtax
uri: Urgent-millionaire-surtax
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_millionaire_surtax%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/millionaires-surtax?t=1002&akid=34812%2E1183552%2EieOuOH">call on Congress</a> to pass the millionaire surtax.

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


feed_id: 7d647b2cd864bdfbfb376e99e1cc6179
title: Palm oil killing
uri: Palm-oil-killing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28Palm_oil_killing%29
content:
<p>
Murder of Two Journalists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/10/of-two-journalists-leads-to-arrest-of-indonesian-palm-oil-boss">Leads to Arrest of Indonesian Palm Oil Boss</a>.

<p>
Whoever killed them did so directly.  Palm oil's deforestation will
cause millions of additional deaths, perhaps hundreds of millions, but
it won't be possible to tie a particular death to a particular
company.


feed_id: 43d53cf4795c529c4d1d8df0dcbef150
title: Artificial meat
uri: Artificial-meat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28Artificial_meat%29
content:
<p>
Realistic 3d-printed artificial meat, made mostly from vegetable
material, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/nov/10/3d-printed-meat-european-restaurant-menus-environment">is likely to be available soon</a>.

<p>
Reportedly it tastes and feels like real meat.  It will require far less
greenhouse gas emissions, and it might be much better for people's health.

<p>
If it catches on, there will be lots of unemployed soy bean farmers.
The world needs to provide for them somehow &mdash; perhaps paying them to
replant local forest trees on the disused farmland.

We will need libre 3d-printers to make our own artificial meat and not
be subject to DRM.  People should start developing these now.


feed_id: fb084649fcd8634aa232927d6a6a7ac4
title: The real danger of robots
uri: The-real-danger-of-robots
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28The_real_danger_of_robots%29
content:
<p>
The true danger of physically powerful robots is not that they might
rebel against all humans, but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/nov/10/hyena-robots-marketing-boston-dynamics">that they might obey some humans just as
they are designed to do</a>.


feed_id: 57632972ffc2da74fae64b18d21ebaa1
title: Trade war for pesticides
uri: Trade-war-for-pesticides
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28Trade_war_for_pesticides%29
content:
<p>
The US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/10/thailand-pesticides-dow-monsanto-syngenta-trump">threatens Thailand with a trade war</a> if it goes ahead
with plans to ban three toxic pesticides.


feed_id: 0f6a1ef8b8dd16ef94847c125a1f56d7
title: Billionaires should fear us all
uri: Billionaires-should-fear-us-all
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28Billionaires_should_fear_us_all%29

content:
<p>
Billionaires Fear Warren And Sanders &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/10/billionaires-warren-sanders-wealth-tax-bezos-dimon-cohen">But They Should Fear Us All</a>.


feed_id: f7b924eaf5affd210ec71d318177dc38
title: Bigotry against old people
uri: Bigotry-against-old-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28Bigotry_against_old_people%29
content:
<p>
Bigotry against old people is deeply embedded in American society, and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/10/ok-boomer-jokes-ageism-francine-prose">is generally accepted even as other forms of bigotry are criticized</a>.

<p>
On a few specific issues, there is a reason to distinguish.  For old
people to have children is unwise because the old parents are very
likely to die before those children grow up.  That would put the
children in difficulty as well as pain.

<p>
Of course, it is unwise for younger people to have children, too,
in <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/children.html">today's society and circumstances</a>.
 
<p>
One very common form of bigotry against the old is to snear at them
for romantic or sexual involvements with people who are not old.
Many people think they are entitled to demand that old people confine
themselves to relationships with old people.

<p>
It's comparable to telling blacks that they should only have
relationships with blacks, or telling men that they should only have
relationships with women.


feed_id: bd6ec6ba14c5e47cac3859f26e75ab4b
title: Learning from Germany's example
uri: Learning-from-Germany-s-example
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28Learning_from_Germany%27s_example%29

content:
<p>
What can <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/10/learning-from-the-germans-review-us-slavery">the US learn from Germany's example</a> in atoning for past
oppression?


feed_id: bd9c3e7fd097429ac5f0032dd5da977f
title: Remaining tigers
uri: Remaining-tigers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28Remaining_tigers%29
content:
<p>
There are more tigers in houses and backyards in the US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global/2019/nov/10/the-tiger-next-door-americas-backyard-big-cats">than remain in
the wild</a>.


feed_id: 91d6e1dd8952a16d31ba3d1cd5e539fe
title: Globalization and poverty
uri: Globalization-and-poverty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28Globalization_and_poverty%29
content:
<p>
In Italy as in the US, globalization is concentrating prosperity in a
few cities, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/nov/10/how-europes-cities-stole-continents-wealth">driving most of the country to poverty, despair, and sometimes
right-wing extremism</a>.


feed_id: d8504d1e8582c2cb7a4499377a401a4d
title: Firefighting hazards
uri: Firefighting-hazards
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28Firefighting_hazards%29
content:
<p>
Firefighters Are Exposed to Smoke And Chemical Vapors That Can Cause
Long-Term Health Damage.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/10/firefighter-health-risks-california-wildfires">Scientists are studying the problem</a>.


feed_id: 56d6d2cf616ba30e9d48a93f81f77711
title: Trial and errors in manipulation
uri: Trial-and-errors-in-manipulation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28Trial_and_errors_in_manipulation%29

content:
<p>
Facebook's targeted ads enable manipulative right-wing parties <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/nov/09/facebook-voters-used-as-lab-rats-targeted-political-advertising">to try many bogus attacks and see which ones catch on</a>.


feed_id: ec2bbc477e879a291fd8931b179e7cf7
title: Use of Holocaust to divert attention
uri: Use-of-Holocaust-to-divert-attention
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_%28Use_of_Holocaust_to_divert_attention%29

content:
<p>
"The Holocaust has functioned on multiple planes, and primarily as an
example of pure evil that, by consequence, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/sep/13/susan-neiman-interview-learning-from-the-germans">allows
other societies to divert attention from their own misdeeds</a>."


feed_id: 563ad495baf0366df6f59346cd47b2f3
title: Head of EPA sabotaging investigation
uri: Head-of-EPA-sabotaging-investigation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_%28Head_of_EPA_sabotaging_investigation%29

content:
<p>
The head of the Environmental Pollution Agency is sabotaging an
investigation by the agency's inspector general.  The investigation is
about an 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/08/top-epa-officials-impeding-investigation-chief-of-staff-ryan-jackson">attempt
to pressure a scientist to change per views</a>.


feed_id: fe7d471d05cc197598808f160f859ab3
title: Frequent floods in UK
uri: Frequent-floods-in-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_%28Frequent_floods_in_UK%29
content:
<p>
The UK hasn't set up a way to deal with the areas which will be flooded
so often that they are effectively uninhabitable.  For instance, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/08/we-are-going-to-lose-everything-12-years-on-yorkshire-to-floods-again">no
way to save the people who live in those places from destitution</a>.


feed_id: 935be2e34496f7c5cb651a8042ac3832
title: Pelosi's opposition to Green New Deal
uri: Pelosi-s-opposition-to-Green-New-Deal
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_%28Pelosis_opposition_to_Green_New_Deal%29

content:
<p>
Pelosi's opposition to the Green New Deal puts her 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/07/when-92-democrats-and-67-swing-voters-key-battleground-states-support-green-new-deal">out
of touch with the voters</a>.


feed_id: 757a787c74e978f51893dde87c3773e5
title: Defining fetuses as "persons"
uri: Defining-fetuses-as-persons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_%28Defining_fetuses_as_persons%29
content:
<p>
The natural consequence of defining fetuses as "persons" is to 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/07/dystopian-reproductive-rights-advocates-decry-california-womans-murder-charge-over">charge
pregnant drug addicts with murder</a>.
<p>
Such charges will not protect anyone from being harmed.  Quite the
contrary: they drive pregnant drug addicts away from medical treatment
because they fear it will lead to prosecution.
<p>
A potential person that never begins to exist cannot suffer any wrong
or harm.  Thus, the idea of "murdering" a fetus is an absurdity; that
is simply a form of abortion.  Even if the abortion doesn't follow the
usual rules, it isn't murder.


feed_id: 5d1fb65d3b4c1b05d58ba64c188c4aaa
title: Impeachment trial
uri: Impeachment-trial
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_%28Impeachment_trial%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/11/07/four-basic-principles-full-transparent-and-fair-impeachment-trial">Four
Basic Principles</a> for a Full, Transparent, and Fair Impeachment
Trial.


feed_id: 264c648d94ffe50f2bebe3543b4b8621
title: GDPR fails to give people privacy
uri: GDPR-fails-to-give-people-privacy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_%28GDPR_fails_to_give_people_privacy%29

content:
<p>
The GDPR are 
<aa href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/10/these-new-rules-were-meant-to-protect-our-privacy-they-dont-work">failing
to give people privacy, as I predicted</a>.  Their real, practical
result is more manufacture of consent.


feed_id: e34656c48c6e8a5f5de6bfe06fb7fc6a
title: Reducing plastic waste in labs
uri: Reducing-plastic-waste-in-labs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_%28Reducing_plastic_waste_in_labs%29

content:
<p>
Working to reduce plastic waste and energy use 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/10/research-labs-plastic-waste">in
biological and chemical labs</a>.


feed_id: 90c2131ab962c71e18bc0e633dab1b47
title: Allowing businesses to spy on workers
uri: Allowing-businesses-to-spy-on-workers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_%28Allowing_businesses_to_spy_on_workers%29

content:
<p>
Republicans on the National Labor Relations Board want to allow
businesses to spy on workers so as to 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/09/how-big-corporations-spy-their-workers-keep-their-wages-down">detect
and attack any attempts to organize a union</a>.


feed_id: b7e47bc3d5a9f7c4ad2795e09fb11965
title: FBI suggests crime to white supremacist
uri: FBI-suggests-crime-to-white-supremacist
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_%28FBI_suggests_crime_to_white_supremacist%29

content:
<p>
The white supremacist recently arrested by the FBI in Colorado was a
real would-be terrorist.  He 
<a href="https://boingboing.net/2019/11/06/the-fbi-encouraged-a-white-sup.html">was
looking for ways to commit an act of anti-semitic violence before the
FBI contacted him</a>.
<p>
Still, suggesting a crime he couldn't have tried to commit on his own
is a dangerous practice for the state to engage in.


feed_id: b5c6d9ab5ae6057942f274798eeda5a4
title: Economic freedom
uri: Economic-freedom
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_%28Economic_freedom%29
content:
<p>
Chile and Hong Kong are considered model societies by right-wing think
tanks for "economic freedom", code words for allowing the rich to do
whatever they like.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/11/democracy-defenders-economic-freedom-neoliberalism">It is no coincidence that they are also models of
inequality, and models of popular protest</a>.

<p>
The proponents of "economic freedom" have come to recognize that it is
incompatible with democracy, and some have concluded they don't want
democracy.


feed_id: 511a47ae41c935c2d28d777781665778
title: Urgent: Popeyes should pay a living wage
uri: Urgent-Popeyes-should-pay-a-living-wage
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_Popeyes_should_pay_a_living_wage%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/popeyesunfairwages/">call on Popeyes</a> to pay staff more money.

<p>
To me, it doesn't matter whether the staff are black, white, purple
or paisley.  Companies should pay them a living wage.


feed_id: 5a56c8dd33419bff8ad1f9dda2aa57ea
title: PISSI foreign fighters
uri: PISSI-foreign-fighters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_%28PISSI_foreign_fighters%29
content:
<p>
Turkey has captured many of PISSI's foreign fighters, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/11/turkey-begins-deporting-foreign-members-of-isis-islamic-state">is sending those
prisoners to the countries they came from</a>.

<p>
I think this is legitimate, but it runs into difficulties when those
countries have terminated their citizenship as a punishment.  I think
it is wrong to punish people with denial of citizenship.


feed_id: 243862ac740a8aac609bb078efa68599
title: Vanishing jaguars
uri: Vanishing-jaguars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_%28Vanishing_jaguars%29
content:
<p>
Ecuador's Vanishing Jaguars: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/11/ecuadors-vanishing-jaguars-the-big-cat-vital-to-rainforest-survival">the big cat vital to rainforest survival</a>.


feed_id: b14e3383ea48011556ac5e218fe6032f
title: Threat of peaceful protesters
uri: Threat-of-peaceful-protesters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_%28Threat_of_peaceful_protesters%29

content:
<p>
The US government <a href="https://theintercept.com/2019/11/11/border-protest-groups-surveillance/">has done a "threat assessment" on a group
of peaceful protesters</a> the way the government treats minors that
cross the border.

<p>
It also calls protesters against the border wall "anti-border wall
extremists".


feed_id: 225a87e0ac6829f3503cd6e441d9e3ae
title: Morales resignation
uri: Morales-resignation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_%28Morales_resignation%29
content:
<p>
OAS observers reported manipulation  in Bolivia's election.
Morales <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/10/evo-morales-concedes-to-new-elections-after-serious-irregularities-found">agreed to replace the electoral agency and hold a new election</a>.

<p>
It appears that the protesters' accusations were valid.

Then he resigned as president, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/11/ocasio-cortez-joins-chorus-critics-condemning-coup-bolivia-forced-out-socialist">apparently pressured by the military</a>.

<p>
All his constitutional successors resigned too, until the first one
who was from a right-wing opposition party, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/11/bolivians-fear-power-vacuum-evo-morales-resignation-splits-nation">who will now become president</a>.

<p>
I don't know enough to reach conclusions now.


feed_id: 244fa2055bdec732e223ad4ea206c884
title: Not-exactly-mistakes from UK's immigration agency
uri: Not-exactly-mistakes-from-UK-s-immigration-agency
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_%28Not-exactly-mistakes_from_UK%27s_immigration_agency%29

content:
<p>
The UK's immigration agency regularly stretches its rules so as to
deny visas.  The only way to get it to correct these
not-exactly-mistakes <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/10/home-office-cruelty-immigration-appeals-media-justice">is to create a media scandal</a>.

<p>
It won't be easy to teach them better habits.  I fear that the staff
of that agency have been rendered unfit to work in any job where their
decisions would affect people's lives.


feed_id: b23434c607a023d6268058b5eb97ec14
title: Turkey allies attacking ambulances
uri: Turkey-allies-attacking-ambulances
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_%28Turkey_allies_attacking_ambulances%29

content:
<p>
Turkey's proxy forces in Syria <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/10/kurdish-medics-injured-in-apparent-attack-on-ambulance-in-syria">attacked an ambulance carrying Kurdish medics</a>.


feed_id: b4cfe155caed9198c7a5704b868a1b68
title: Bloomberg and fossil fuels
uri: Bloomberg-and-fossil-fuels
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_%28Bloomberg_and_fossil_fuels%29
content:
<p>
Presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg <a href="https://truthout.org/articles/michael-bloomberg-backs-fracking-and-invests-in-fossil-fuels/">Backs Fracking and Invests in
Fossil Fuels</a>.

<p>
He is not the worst of the worst, but he is also not a good choice for
president, or any political office that influences energy policy.


feed_id: db9ef9f45fa51e1922e42782ec378048
title: Boat people in Papua New Guinea
uri: Boat-people-in-Papua-New-Guinea
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_%28Boat_people_in_Papua_New_Guinea%29

content:
<p>
Papua New Guinea is imprisoning boat people on Australia's behalf in
such horrible conditions that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/10/designed-to-torture-asylum-seeker-chooses-iranian-prison-over-png-detention-centre">one of them has decided to face prison
in Iran instead</a>.

<p>
He reports being kept incommunicado, on starvation rations, in
horrible heat, and not allowed anything to read or to write on.
The guards tantalized him with use of a shower so hot he could
not actually wash.


feed_id: d8147e1e28d93710ec0a82d6c6d5ea38
title: Urgent: millionaire surtax
uri: 2019-11-12-Urgent-millionaire-surtax
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_millionaire_surtax%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/millionaires-surtax">call on Congress</a> to pass the millionaire surtax.

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


feed_id: 263131fa9c96e836be17451b81f60a0a
title: Newspaper editor forced out of Vanuato
uri: Newspaper-editor-forced-out-of-Vanuato
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_%28Newspaper_editor_forced_out_of_Vanuato%29

content:
<p>
Vanuatu has forced a newspaper editor to leave the country by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2019/nov/11/vanuatu-has-cancelled-my-work-permit-its-a-dark-day-for-media-freedom">cancelling
his work permit</a>.


feed_id: 8f34461f427f185bfc4377c0d66157f7
title: DWIM in a car
uri: DWIM-in-a-car
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_%28DWIM_in_a_car%29
content:
<p>
DWIM in a software tool can be a pain in the neck.  DWIM in a car 
<a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/11/09/car-going-tell-how-drive/J2OkGsRg7eu8j6Z9AQblVJ/story.html">can
kill you</a> or give you a terrible scare.


feed_id: 4b52e4513de9944080285196eabe3446
title: Global heating and wildfires
uri: Global-heating-and-wildfires
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_%28Global_heating_and_wildfires%29
content:
<p>
How <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> makes wildfires 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/11/catastrophic-fire-danger-what-does-it-mean-and-and-what-should-we-do-in-these-conditions">bigger
and more dangerous</a>.


feed_id: 899f7b079763b708c617c24d59e6c384
title: Good Economics for Hard Times
uri: Good-Economics-for-Hard-Times
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#12_November_2019_%28Good_Economics_for_Hard_Times%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/nov/11/good-economics-for-hard-times-abhijit-banerjee-esther-duflo-review">Varoufakis
reviews</a> the book, Good Economics for Hard Times, whose authors
just received the Nobel Prize for studying how various measures affect
poverty.
<p>
In regard to AOC's proposed 70% tax bracket, we do mot have to permit
companies to pass money to executives untaxed through trust funds.


feed_id: 5d9721f70957b33966735a21f4a8f4f5
title: Antisemitic hatred
uri: 2019-11-13-Antisemitic-hatred
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#13_November_2019_%28Antisemitic_hatred%29
content:
<p>
Sanders: antisemitic hatred <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/12/antisemitism-left-jews-multiracial-democracy">leads the way for other hatreds;
all progressives should oppose it</a>.  Opposing antisemitism means defending Israel's existence, and by
extension ending Israel's military occupation of Palestine.


feed_id: e503ba7f21a1b47f9312b673eb24261e
title: New coal mine in Australia
uri: New-coal-mine-in-Australia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#13_November_2019_%28New_coal_mine_in_Australia%29
content:
<p>
Australia is on the verge of approving a new coal mine <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/12/adani-mine-could-snuff-out-black-throated-finchs-last-chances-of-survival">that could
cause in the short term the extinction of an endangered native bird</a>.

<p>
The CO2 from burning the coal would help wipe out hundreds of thousands of
species, and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_(Fossil_fuel_health_effects)">kill hundreds of millions of human beings</a>.


feed_id: 84a8b09da5411a550dbf996ad7507517
title: Authorized torture
uri: Authorized-torture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#13_November_2019_%28Authorized_torture%29
content:
<p>
An Israeli court <a href="https://www.btselem.org/torture/20191010_israeli_high_court_allows_isa_to_continue_torturing_samer_arbid">authorized torturing Samer ‘Arbid and not allowing him
to talk with his lawyer</a>.


feed_id: a198c37400567274d98d94b82ad5bf16
title: Charging refugees
uri: Charging-refugees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#13_November_2019_%28Charging_refugees%29
content:
<p>
The bully <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/10/simply-barbaric-trump-administration-proposes-charging-asylum-fee-refugees-fleeing?cd-origin=rss">wants to charge refugees for asylum</a>.  500 dollars for a work permit would condemn many refugees to live on charity.


feed_id: d2d9425e3871441e6c49c6d541369fc9
title: Biggest billionaire fear
uri: Biggest-billionaire-fear
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#13_November_2019_%28Biggest_billionaire_fear%29
content:
<p>
"The biggest fear among the billionaire class is not that a progressive
Democratic nominee will lose against Trump. The biggest fear <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/11/biden-and-bloomberg-want-uncle-sam-defer-uncle-scrooge?cd-origin=rss">is that
such a nominee will win</a>."


feed_id: 2c36ef1bce0eb208a60d441b02b958d7
title: Police in UK
uri: Police-in-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#13_November_2019_%28Police_in_UK%29
content:
<p>
The UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/nov/11/met-police-officer-in-court-accused-of-assaulting-teenager">seems to treat the violence of thugs as a serious problem</a>.  Perhaps the state is serious about employing police officers rather than thugs.  The US should have such an enlightened policy.


feed_id: 56ed08417fc24a8e625a4b193c70ca62
title: Urgent: end opportunity zones
uri: Urgent-end-opportunity-zones
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#13_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_end_opportunity_zones%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/mnuchin-opportunity-zones">call for an end to "opportunity zones"</a>, which are excuses
to reduce taxes for investors (principally rich people).

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


feed_id: f5ba0159f6409d3874bc5c1f5d155f8a
title: Private firefighting
uri: Private-firefighting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#13_November_2019_%28Private_firefighting%29
content:
<p>
More inequality leads to underfunded public services.  In California today,
even firefighting is underfunded.  Rich people <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/10/inequality-and-iron-law-decaying-public-services">hire private firefighters
to protect only their own houses</a>, and don't mind if the town's fire department
is inadequate.


feed_id: f547cbf33524ef2efdb0ea6d4d1880ae
title: Teaching about wars
uri: Teaching-about-wars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#13_November_2019_%28Teaching_about_wars%29
content:
<p>
Some US military veterans visit schools <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/11/helping-students-keep-their-humanity-not-signing-war">to teach the students how bad
war is</a>.


feed_id: e0d4809c614084b6b058fa9505378d2a
title: Kshama Sawant won
uri: Kshama-Sawant-won
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#13_November_2019_%28Kshama_Sawant_won%29
content:
<p>
Kshama Sawant won reelection to the Seattle city council <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/10/progressives-declare-victories-san-francisco-district-attorney-and-seattle-city">despite the 1.5 million dollars Amazon spent to defeat her</a>.


feed_id: dc94da1e2bc1f1be443513d216623469
title: Bullshitter's rhetoric
uri: Bullshitter-s-rhetoric
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#13_November_2019_%28Bullshitter%27s_rhetoric%29
content:
<p>
How the bullshitter uses rhetoric to get others to frame the issues as
he wishes &mdash; <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/11/trump-controlling-narrative-impeachment">including "quid pro quo" as the criterion for impeachment</a>.


feed_id: 6e5e2cead06f0fd77c65f1c427312f6c
title: Google and Ascension
uri: Google-and-Ascension
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#13_November_2019_%28Google_and_Ascension%29
content:
<p>
The US "health care provider" Ascension <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/11/when-will-someone-go-jail-new-report-shows-google-secretly-storing-health-data">is giving Google the medical
records of 50 million patients</a>.

<p>
Merely notifying the patients and the doctors would not make this
legitimate, or safe.  That calls for an approach in which nobody at Google has
access to any patient's data.

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/nov/12/google-medical-data-project-nightingale-secret-transfer-us-health-information">More information</a>.

<p>
Contracts between Google and Ascension may put limits on what Google
is ostensibly allowed to do with the data, but Google is very clever about
finding loopholes in such rules.  As for anonymization, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_December_2017_(Identifying_information)">that is easy to defeat</a>.


feed_id: d8329b5a130dfb6b52cf2f581981e86b
title: Serving the country
uri: Serving-the-country
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#13_November_2019_%28Serving_the_country%29
content:
<p>
Cutting the US military budget could easily pay for the domestic programs
we need.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/11/reclaiming-armistice-day">Ingrained militaristic thinking works to prevent this</a>. 

<p>
Thus, we are pressured to endorse the idea that US soldiers are
"serving their country" when they spread destruction in other
countries, regardless of the circumstances, and that we should thank
them.

<p>
This is why starting in 2003 I said that <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#dubya">Dubya</a> had hijacked the US
military and converted it into the Bush Forces.  They may have joined
with the idea of serving their country, but in fact they were serving
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#dubya">Dubya</a> and his oil cronies.


feed_id: a5af6223d965b3aec5c94557818fb991
title: 1811 Louisiana slave revolt
uri: 1811-Louisiana-slave-revolt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#13_November_2019_%281811_Louisiana_slave_revolt%29
content:
<p>
Re-enacting <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/11/louisiana-slave-rebellion-reenactment-artist-dread-scott">the 1811 Louisiana slave revolt</a>.


feed_id: 40e365bec00244eee0a4c3675666609c
title: Protests in Bolivia
uri: Protests-in-Bolivia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#13_November_2019_%28Protests_in_Bolivia%29
content:
<p>
Bolivia's mass protests have ended, but Morales's supporters are protesting.
There are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/11/bolivians-fear-power-vacuum-evo-morales-resignation-splits-nation">reports of arson attacks against his family</a>.


<p>
Sanders: antisemitic hatred <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/12/antisemitism-left-jews-multiracial-democracy">leads the way for other hatreds;
all progressives should oppose it</a>.  Opposing antisemitism means defending Israel's existence, and by
extension ending Israel's military occupation of Palestine.


feed_id: 7872494ab3b972c79e2190865798285e
title: Protests in Bolivia
uri: 2019-11-13-Protests-in-Bolivia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#13_November_2019_%28Protests_in_Bolivia%29
content:
<p>
Bolivia's mass protests have ended, but Morales's supporters are protesting.
There are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/11/bolivians-fear-power-vacuum-evo-morales-resignation-splits-nation">reports of arson attacks against his family</a>.


feed_id: 960904a43e283dd40e152c825f2582a8
title: Snooping on students' communications
uri: Snooping-on-students-communications
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_%28Snooping_on_students_communications%29

content:
<p>
When schools monitor students' communications, that 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2019/nov/12/school-shooting-suspension-surveillance-students">can
put them in danger</a>.


feed_id: 3a6c93b65bc42b0a0665a33e88694ff2
title: Labeling products from Israel's colonies
uri: Labeling-products-from-Israel-s-colonies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_%28Labeling_products_from_Israels_colonies%29

content:
<p>
The European Court of Justice ruled that products from Israel's
colonies in Palestine 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/12/products-israeli-settlements-labelled-eu-court">must
be labeled as such</a>.
<p>
This will make it easier for people in Europe to practice the boycott
originally proposed by Gush Shalom in support of peace between Israel
and Palestine.


feed_id: 193a9eb8b35dceca76c9727df290a7ca
title: Slave labor in Myanmar
uri: Slave-labor-in-Myanmar
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_%28Slave_labor_in_Myanmar%29
content:
<p>
Europe is importing shrimp from Myanmar and disregarding the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2019/nov/12/we-cant-allow-myanmars-slavery-tainted-shrimp-to-land-on-our-plates">use
of slave labor to cultivate them</a>.


feed_id: e863ea64210bbd5979b963ffda0d7a47
title: Refusal to have a mobile phone
uri: Refusal-to-have-a-mobile-phone
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_%28Refusal_to_have_a_mobile_phone%29

content:
<p>
Some celebrities refuse to have a mobile phone.  For some, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/nov/12/robbie-williams-hasnt-owned-a-mobile-phone-since-2006-elton-john">one
of the objections is tracking</a>.


feed_id: 330c5bb6d932cb26d9f506d261b8834f
title: US military's view of global heating
uri: US-military-s-view-of-global-heating
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_%28US_militarys_view_of_global_heating%29

content:
<p>
The US military regards <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> as 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/12/us-military-pentagon-climate-crisis-breakdown-">a
dangerous and deadly enemy to the United States</a> &mdash; not solely
to the military.


feed_id: 4991c0f909bc1ef7a7c4e89be4a234fa
title: Analysis of the situation in Brazil
uri: Analysis-of-the-situation-in-Brazil
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_%28Analysis_of_the_situation_in_Brazil%29

content:
<p>
An analysis of the situation in Brazil &mdash; 
<a href="https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/11/article/released-lula-in-for-greatest-fight-of-his-life/">what
Lula faces</a> as he starts to reawaken the Brazilian left.
<p>
I don't know that what the article says is true.  I don't have
confirmation of most of it.  But it could be true.


feed_id: 97f3c57060f4e3b4b6b384e3d32f6082
title: The ouster of Morales
uri: The-ouster-of-Morales
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_%28The_ouster_of_Morales%29
content:
<p>
Was the ouster of Morales a
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/12/when-us-supports-it-its-not-coup">protest
or a coup</a>?  I don't have enough information to draw a conclusion.
Did the army actually do something?  I don't know.  Did the OAS find
real evidence of an invalid election?  I hope to see the CEPR report
soon.  What I do know is that the "opposition" to leftist governments
in Latin America is often made up of the prosperous fraction of
society that finds it profitable to manage their country on behalf of
foreign companies.


feed_id: ccd6f3d8997def578175162eaad9291c
title: Bullshitter's faithful servants argue
uri: Bullshitter-s-faithful-servants-argue
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_%28Bullshitters_faithful_servants_argue%29

content:
<p>
Two faithful servants of the bullshitter 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/12/nikki-haley-donald-trump-truthful-rex-tillerson">argue
about who was dishonest</a>.


feed_id: fca1fed9f0ad1d07ae649f6d21731322
title: International Energy Agency is worried
uri: International-Energy-Agency-is-worried
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_%28International_Energy_Agency_is_worried%29

content:
<p>
The International Energy Agency has become seriously concerned about
global heating.  It <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/13/climate-change-do-more-now-or-risk-catastrophe-warns-energy-agency">has warned governments that their current plans
are not enough to avoid disaster</a>.


feed_id: efb6ee75e7c592f34461ebe17dae1fcf
title: Deforesters responsibilities
uri: Deforesters-responsibilities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_%28Deforesters_responsibilities%29
content:
<p>
Scientist Bambang Hero Saharjo is an expert on demonstrating in court
how deforesters <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/12/scientist-who-takes-on-firms-causing-wildfires-wins-john-maddox-prize">are responsible for specific wildfires and thus for the
destruction they caused</a>.


feed_id: 5729beff5e6220d7259ade8168c812c7
title: Kashmir
uri: 2019-11-14-Kashmir
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_%28Kashmir%29
content:
<p>
Britons of Indian descent <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/nov/12/kashmir-labour-shifts-policy-after-backlash-by-indian-heritage-voters">have pressured Labour into treating the issue
of Kashmir as a dispute between India and Pakistan</a>.

<p>
The article takes no notice of the fact that Kashmir is now under
Indian military occupation.


feed_id: 25b9155a4bdaaf75cf16a4ef3a69385e
title: Morales election
uri: Morales-election
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_%28Morales_election%29
content:
<p>
There was no anomaly in the Bolivian vote count.  The quick partial
count, which covered 87% of the votes, found that Morales was not
leading by 10% and a second round would be needed.  <a href="http://cepr.net/images/stories/reports/bolivia-elections-2019-11.pdf?v=2">The full count
found a margin of over 10%, meaning no second round</a>.

<p>
Morales had heavy support in rural areas whose votes were not reported in
until the quick count had got enough votes to issue its report.

<p>
Morales says that he fled Bolivia because <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/12/evo-morales-arrives-mexico-bolivia-power-vacuum">someone offered a $50,000
reward for murdering him</a>.

<p>
It looks like this was not a military coup such as we are accustomed
to seeing.  Rather, the OAS fabricated the suspicion to create an
excuse to overthrow the government, and the wealthy right-wing
minority seized the opportunity.

<p>
This is what Republicans threaten to do in the US next year if they
lose.  We must not let this daunt us.  If we don't dare try to
vote them out of power, we have already lost.


feed_id: 3ab6f4a98f2c409e755348e63e5b891e
title: Violent Hate Crimes in US
uri: Violent-Hate-Crimes-in-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_%28Violent_Hate_Crimes_in_US%29
content:
<p>
Violent Hate Crimes in US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/nov/12/hate-crimes-2018-latinos-transgender-fbi">Reach Highest Levels in 16 Years, FBI Reports</a>.

<p>
This seems to happen generally in countries where right-wing extremists
get into power, and they provoke it as <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jul-oct.html#8_August_2018_(Italy's_Five_Star_Party)">a strategy to gain more power</a>.


feed_id: 4b541557564ac348183271db1aac8f52
title: Vote to arrest global heating
uri: Vote-to-arrest-global-heating
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_%28Vote_to_arrest_global_heating%29

content:
<p>
Greta Thunberg's parting <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/12/greta-thunberg-climate-crisis-message-vote">call to Americans</a>: vote (to arrest global heating).


feed_id: 0b24979fd4e22860c52df934c8779bd3
title: Global heating discussion in Australia
uri: Global-heating-discussion-in-Australia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_%28Global_heating_discussion_in_Australia%29

content:
<p>
New South Wales (a state in Australia) held an event to discuss how
it can adapt to <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> effects.  Some of its officials were told
not to say anything there about the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> effect that is causing
destruction just now &mdash; ,<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/13/nsw-public-servants-at-climate-conference-told-not-to-discuss-link-with-bushfires">greater fire danger than ever before recorded there</a>.

<p>
The choice of "adaptation to" as the topic, rather than "prevention
of", reflects Australia's political decision to prioritize continuing
fossil fuel profits over everyone's survival a few decades from now.


feed_id: c39ee86256ef9ea60370f57e0cc870f8
title: Insect Apocalypse
uri: Insect-Apocalypse
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_%28Insect_Apocalypse%29
content:
<p>
"Insect Apocalypse" <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/13/insect-apocalypse-poses-risk-to-all-life-on-earth-conservationists-warn">Poses Risk to All Life on Earth</a>, Conservationists Warn.

<p>
400,000 known insect species could be wiped out by pesticides.

<p>
"It really worries me to hear people say we need more long-term
studies to be sure. [More certitude] would be great, but we can't wait
another 25 years before we do anything because it will be too late.”


feed_id: 5b3652fd282372ed17246718b82ea94c
title: Automatic fail asylum interview
uri: Automatic-fail-asylum-interview
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_%28Automatic_fail_asylum_interview%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> has made the first asylum interview much more strict, in
some secret way, such that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/13/asylum-credible-fear-interview-immigration-women-children-lawsuit">almost everyone is rejected at that point</a>.


feed_id: 4dc57a3902b6719baacc3842d10f0a68
title: Thug violence increase in Hong-Kong
uri: Thug-violence-increase-in-Hong-Kong
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_%28Thug_violence_increase_in_Hong-Kong%29

content:
<p>
Hong Kong protests continue, increasingly chaotic, as thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/13/hong-kong-student-protesters-bows-arrows-petrol-bombs-universities">gradually increase
their level of violence against protesters and the protesters retaliate</a>.


feed_id: 379eb8b4e43b0463c98c5f0eab26f3ac
title: Suicides in Turkey
uri: Suicides-in-Turkey
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_%28Suicides_in_Turkey%29
content:
<p>
Poverty and hopelessness in Turkey <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/13/family-suicides-turkey-society-lost-hope">are leading to a steadily
increasing suicide rate</a>.

<p>
Erdoğan's tyranny surely contributes to this, but I suspect that
population growth plays a role too.  The best possible government
policies could not compensate for the effects of overpopulation, but
could perhaps avoid it.


feed_id: 65c80fba71e5611b56a9eff7bfeb30b3
title: Chile's constitution
uri: Chile-s-constitution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_%28Chile%27s_constitution%29
content:
<p>
Chile developed so much inequality by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/13/why-is-inequality-booming-in-chile-blame-the-chicago-boys">following the advice of
right-wing economists in the US</a>.

<p>
Thousands of Chileans are participating in local meetings to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/13/chile-crisis-town-hall-meetings-neighbours">discuss how
to move Chile out of crisis</a>.

<p>
What most everyone wants is a new constitution to replace the one
imposed by the dictator Pinochet, who seized power <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-jan-apr.html#13_January_2013_(Chilean_judge_calls_for_extradition_of_accused_murderer)">in a bloody coup
on Sep 11, 1973 with US support</a>.


feed_id: ec3ac3ed4e32825d59f0bedb0e092198
title: Protests in Lebanon
uri: Protests-in-Lebanon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_%28Protests_in_Lebanon%29
content:
<p>
Analyzing the protests in Lebanon: demanding an end to the sect-based
corruption in which the leaders of the various religious groups split up
the country's wealth, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/10/struggle-nation-and-religion-lebanon">and dribble out some in their groups to maintain
support</a>.


feed_id: 71596a1130e4ad1564303fd918b32a74
title: OK boomer
uri: OK-boomer
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_%28OK_boomer%29
content:
<p>
Chlöe Swarbrick spoke in the NZ Parliament and said something ageist:
"OK boomer", <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2019/nov/09/my-ok-boomer-comment-in-parliament-symbolised-exhaustion-of-multiple-generations">which expresses bigotry against old people</a>.

<p>
What she says in the article seems valid to me.  Also, if I lived in
her district I would probably vote for her, since she is in the Green
Party.  Nonetheless, using the ageist rebuke is not right, and I hope
she will avoid it in the future.  If an old white man does something
unfair to her, he deserves criticism for his conduct (and perhaps his
political stand), not for his age.


feed_id: 61ac2eb486e7c4d9a4aa242e256fba37
title: Intolerance in Salafi Arabia
uri: Intolerance-in-Salafi-Arabia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_November_2019_%28Intolerance_in_Salafi_Arabia%29
content:
<p>
Categorizing Feminism, Atheism, Homosexuality as Crimes <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/11/12/categorizing-feminism-atheism-homosexuality-crimes-exposes-saudi-arabias">Exposes [Salafi]
Arabia's Dangerous Intolerance</a>.


feed_id: 97516a5b10892ccf9be9287de99aa7a6
title: Deaths caused by US wars since 2000
uri: Deaths-caused-by-US-wars-since-2000
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28Deaths_caused_by_US_wars_since_2000%29

content:
<p>
US wars since 2000 are estimated to have caused 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/13/reckoning-costs-war-its-time-take-responsibility">three
million deaths</a>.
<p>
There is no way to get anything more accurate than an estimate.  For
Iraq, the organization Iraq Body Count 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-jan-apr.html#14%20March%202011%20(Civilian%20death%20records)">counted
only specific casualties which could be verified</a> &mdash; and that
was clearly a small fraction.


feed_id: 197d319abd00eecd96e1639344a0b748
title: Thugs illegally keep juveniles' fingerprints
uri: Thugs-illegally-keep-juveniles-fingerprints
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28Thugs_illegally_keep_juveniles_fingerprints%29

content:
<p>
The New York City <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department keeps fingerprints of juvenile
delinquents, in
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2019/11/13/nypd-juvenile-illegal-fingerprint-database/">direct
contempt of the state law prohibiting this</a>.
<p>
I gather that they are all teenagers rather than "children",
but that is no excuse.  The law applies to teenagers, too.


feed_id: 69e7efa4595069050c21ede28f72c133
title: Journalist Ahmet Altan arrested again
uri: Journalist-Ahmet-Altan-arrested-again
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28Journalist_Ahmet_Altan_arrested_again%29

content:
<p>
Turkish journalist Ahmet Altan has been arrested again, for 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/12/outrage-after-turkish-journalist-re-arrested-a-week-after-his-release">bogus
political reasons</a>.
<p>
Erdoğan has thousands of people jailed or fired from their jobs 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-mar-jun.html#27_May_2017_(Turkish_teachers_arrested_for_hunger_strike)">using
the failed coup as an excuse</a>.


feed_id: 5f9f38b5d44bfe33444db95ee0ddac58
title: Human rights responsibilities evaded
uri: Human-rights-responsibilities-evaded
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28Human_rights_responsibilities_evaded%29

content:
<p>
  Can the government evade its human rights responsibilities in regard to
  a certain service by outsourcing it?  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/nov/13/scotland-high-court-rules-serco-evictions-of-asylum-seekers-lawful">A court in Scotland ruled yes</a>.


feed_id: c4c736d3432fc496c02a06202641d7ad
title: Faster Amazon shipping speeds
uri: Faster-Amazon-shipping-speeds
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28Faster_Amazon_shipping_speeds%29

content:
<p>
  (satire) Amazon
  officials announced Wednesday that they’ll be encouraging faster
  shipping speeds by strapping a <a href="https://www.theonion.com/amazon-encourages-drivers-to-deliver-packages-faster-by-1839816271">cinder block to the accelerator</a> of their
  drivers’ delivery trucks.


feed_id: ce57a4f79ee7e38ec9e27a6fc6ceceb9
title: Increasing inequality in the UK
uri: Increasing-inequality-in-the-UK
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28Increasing_inequality_in_the_UK%29

content:
<p>
  Increasing inequality in the UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/nov/13/richest-britain-income-tax-revenues-institute-fiscal-studies">has shrunk the tax base</a>.  The top 1% now
  pay 1/3 of the income tax.
<p>
  It is good to tax the rich, but getting a lot of income from a few gives
  them power they should not have.
<p>
  The situation calls for spreading the income more widely.
  


feed_id: a3a3366658a284efa76a63afab2996c7
title: Improper advantage at the ballot box
uri: Improper-advantage-at-the-ballot-box
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28Improper_advantage_at_the_ballot_box%29

content:
<p>
  "When a rotten administration repeatedly seeks to gain an improper
  advantage at the ballot box, it no longer makes sense to regard the
  ballot box as the <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/13/why-impeachment-skeptic-changed-his-mind">only means of removing the president from office</a>."


feed_id: f26bc676868ef12ddd7d31eabf15cb31
title: Call-out culture
uri: Call-out-culture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28Call-out_culture%29
content:
<p>
  "I’m a Black Feminist. I Think Call-Out Culture <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/17/opinion/sunday/cancel-culture-call-out.html">Is Toxic</a>."


feed_id: 385520e65ce47cad66a921c4da82a8d9
title: Rich deposit of natural resources
uri: Rich-deposit-of-natural-resources
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28Rich_deposit_of_natural_resources%29

content:
<p>
  (satire) Cursing their luck after <a href="https://www.theonion.com/paraguay-panics-after-discovering-rich-deposit-of-natur-1839832443">scientists confirmed
  their nation’s worst fears had been realized</a>, officials in Paraguay
  were reportedly panicking Wednesday after discovering a rich deposit of
  natural resources.


feed_id: efbb4749e145119d82a7588e55223bfe
title: EPA wants less science and fewer rules
uri: EPA-wants-less-science-and-fewer-rules
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28EPA_wants_less_science_and_fewer_rules%29

content:
<p>
  "The EPA wants to ban [regulatory consideration of] <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/13/epas-war-science-continues">research that
  doesn’t violate the privacy of its subjects</a>. That means less
  science—and fewer rules for polluters."


feed_id: ed7bd79bbfdeed0d63f4c18bf4e22e03
title: Israeli forces violated the rights of Palestinian journalists
uri: Israeli-forces-violated-the-rights-of-Palestinian-journalists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28Israeli_forces_violated_the_rights_of_Palestinian_journalists%29

content:
<p>
  Palestinians report that Israeli forces violated the rights of
  Palestinian journalists <a href="https://imemc.org/article/journalists-syndicate-600-violations-against-media-committed-in-2019/">600 times this year</a>.  That includes 80
  instances of shooting journalists.


feed_id: 99a603d86b8b2e0cd53df8fad28ca094
title: Sewage on Palestinians land
uri: Sewage-on-Palestinians-land
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28Sewage_on_Palestinians_land%29
content:
<p>
  Israeli soldiers blocked Palestinians from harvesting their olives.
  That was after they discovered that someone had <a href="https://imemc.org/article/palestinian-farmers-land-flooded-with-sewage/">dumped sewage and pig
  parts on their land</a> &mdash; most likely the Israelis from the nearby colony.


feed_id: 1df727883b99ad5755c9e88219d46501
title: A war to keep Netanyahu on his throne
uri: A-war-to-keep-Netanyahu-on-his-throne
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28A_war_to_keep_Netanyahu_on_his_throne%29

content:
<p>
  Raluca Ganea: A war to keep <a href="http://www.kibush.co.il/show_file.asp?num=81087">Netanyahu on his throne</a>.
<br>
  (Translated and published by Gush Shalom.)


feed_id: d2f06e37baa9ea9ce8d105a7b0186a0b
title: Bolivia's lithium reserves
uri: Bolivia-s-lithium-reserves
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28Bolivia%27s_lithium_reserves%29
content:
<p>
  Morales wanted to develop Bolivia's lithium reserves in a way that
  would benefit Bolivians, not mainly multinational corporations.
  Western companies refused, and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/12/after-morales-ousted-coup-lithium-question-looms-large-bolivia">recently Chinese companies accepted.</a>


feed_id: b6df05e10a0769f1bf524f337338c73a
title: Border thugs need suspicion to search
uri: Border-thugs-need-suspicion-to-search
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28Border_thugs_need_suspicion_to_search%29

content:
<p>
  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/12/enormous-victory-us-judge-rules-suspicionless-searches-travelers-electronic-devices">The EFF won a court judgment</a> that US border thugs need a specific suspicion
  to authorize searching travelers' computers (including phones).


feed_id: 5ca1067001313ffd1d3611c6c3b6fc30
title: Lawful ways to subvert US politics
uri: Lawful-ways-to-subvert-US-politics
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28Lawful_ways_to_subvert_US_politics%29

content:
<p>
  Foreign governments have lawful ways to subvert US politics,
  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/12/perfectly-legal-ways-foreign-powers-subvert-us-democracy">
    with their money.</a>

  


feed_id: b5596c843c16e62eadac2aca59145642
title: General lack of trust
uri: General-lack-of-trust
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28General_lack_of_trust%29
content:
<p>
  Of Americans under 30, <a href="https://letgrow.org/why-are-young-americans-today-so-much-less-trusting-than-older-people-are/">over 70% distrust other people in general</a>.
  Could this be a consequence of their controlling upbringing,
  which teaches that every stranger is a "danger"?
<p>
  The lack of trust interferes with the cooperation that makes society
  function.  It can cripple the functioning of society.
  


feed_id: 0be2f7447ac1b2c80cdda735b7fb233a
title: Foreign students leaving Hong Kong
uri: Foreign-students-leaving-Hong-Kong
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28Foreign_students_leaving_Hong_Kong%29

content:
<p>
  After thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/14/hong-kong-protests-foreign-students-start-to-leave-as-unrest-shifts-to-universities
  ">attacked some Hong Kong universities</a>, foreign students felt threatened and began leaving.  


feed_id: 86b19a59ad50b98f3b5bf758b40ba2f3
title: Increased sales of SUVs
uri: Increased-sales-of-SUVs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28Increased_sales_of_SUVs%29
content:
<p>


  The IEA warns that increased sales of SUVs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/14/suvs-will-ensure-oil-demand-grows-for-decades-warns-iea">could wipe out the greenhouse
  gas reductions</a> achieved by electric cars.

<p>
  That the IEA pays attention to <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> is a change for the better.

  


feed_id: 53b11600fdd7b82a25f38a9126e90af7
title: Nobel Prize conspiracy
uri: Nobel-Prize-conspiracy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28Nobel_Prize_conspiracy%29
content:
<p>
  A 1990s conspiracy theory was <a href="https://theintercept.com/2019/11/14/peter-handke-nobel-prize-bosnian-genocide-conspiracy/">believed by Nobel Prize jurors</a> and that
  is why they gave the Nobel Prize for Literature to Peter Handke.

  


feed_id: 15c365994d4dffc97e16600e9bfa7df6
title: Student poverty in France
uri: Student-poverty-in-France
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28Student_poverty_in_France%29
content:
<p>
A student in France set himself on fire to protest against poverty,
and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/13/unrest-at-french-universities-after-student-sets-himself-alight-over-debts">this led to wider protests about poverty</a>.


feed_id: 2cef6749a4d79f7eb42aeaae3631d05c
title: Assyrian empire fall
uri: Assyrian-empire-fall
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28Assyrian_empire_fall%29
content:
<p>
The Assyrian empire seems to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/nov/13/climate-change-may-be-behind-fall-of-ancient-empire-say-researchers">have fallen after a decades-long regional
drought</a>.

<p>
That drought wasn't the result of humans' greenhouse gas emissions.
But that is what causes today's increasing droughts.


feed_id: 898dab70f15a5a9cc62f0d50cb38943f
title: Flood in Venice
uri: Flood-in-Venice
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28Flood_in_Venice%29
content:
<p>
Venice <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/13/an-apocalypse-happened-venice-counts-cost-of-devastating-floods">had another flood, the highest since the 1960s</a>.  Predictably,
there was a lot of damage &mdash; but didn't people expect this?
They ought to expect it to get worse.

<p>
Unless we curb and then undo <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>, the occasional flooding
of Venice will become more frequent and higher.  Protective barriers
will work only temporarily until the sea surmounts them.  Eventually
only dams will do the job. 

<p>
Damming off the lagoon will change its water and life; I wonder if it
would be adequate to let water flow into the lagoon some of the time,
while pumping water out at other times.


feed_id: 4ad680fe9d75d12a351c926039aef4ed
title: Russian funding of Tory campaigns
uri: Russian-funding-of-Tory-campaigns
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28Russian_funding_of_Tory_campaigns%29

content:
<p>
Tory election campaigns have been funded for years by Russians,
which is why <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/13/tories-russian-money-report">the Tories are blocking an investigation</a>.


feed_id: 19fcd674c40f7f4512c4ae6fd4569108
title: Urgent: Support impeaching the bullshitter
uri: Urgent-Support-impeaching-the-bullshitter
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#15_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_Support_impeaching_the_bullshitter%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter to 
<a href="https://act.credoaction.com/call/time-to-impeach/">support
impeaching the bullshitter</a>.
<p>
It wouldn't hurt to ask for the investigation to cover other crimes as
well as the Ukraine shakedown.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641 and
888-355-3588.</p>


feed_id: 650da7621d605fac79e364c819b24e85
title: Urgent: Restore the DACA program
uri: Urgent-Restore-the-DACA-program
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#16_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_Restore_the_DACA_program%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/demand-senate-pass-dream-act-now/">call
on the Senate</a> to restore the DACA program, that allows people
brought to the US as children to remain and become citizens.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 44a80028b6abf1f5bd376489ce313c7a
title: Social-credit score systems in America
uri: Social-credit-score-systems-in-America
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#16_November_2019_%28Social-credit_score_systems_in_America%29

content:
<p>
Various little-known companies are 
<a href="http://web-old.archive.org/web/20191106025207/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/04/business/secret-consumer-score-access.html">setting
up America's embryonic social-credit score systems</a>.  Well-known
internet dis-services give them data, and they make the derived scores
or ratings available to those dis-services and others.
<p>
Requiring these companies to give you the raw data they store about
you will only give you a partial idea of just how much power they
wield.  To reduce their power would require reducing their data
collection.
<p>
Fraud is not a good thing, and in principle I am in favor of
preventing fraud, but doing it by prejudging people (often based on
bias along with the data) is not a solution.  We should adopt
solutions that respect anonymity and stop fraud &mdash; such as GNU
Taler &mdash; so that there is no need to guess who might be likely to
commit fraud.


feed_id: fd65dd62d2f4a2e24279aa1eb97654ec
title: Facebook sponsoring Kavanaugh
uri: Facebook-sponsoring-Kavanaugh
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#16_November_2019_%28Facebook_sponsoring_Kavanaugh%29

content:
<p>
Facebook sponsored the rightwing Federalist Society to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/nov/14/facebook-federalist-society-brett-kavanaugh-gala">host a dinner
honoring Justice Kavanaugh</a>, who tried to commit rape years ago and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-sep-dec.html#9_October_2018_(Kavanaughs_lies)">lied
about it while testifying to Congress</a>.


feed_id: edaba5e9f1f22c3bfcf459b483cbfda5
title: Urgent: Ban cyanide
uri: Urgent-Ban-cyanide
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#16_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_Ban_cyanide%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://secure.wildearthguardians.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1046">call for banning the use of cyanide to cull wildlife</a>.

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


feed_id: 881984fb75d6602b8275946e835b70c0
title: Thugs in prison
uri: Thugs-in-prison
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#16_November_2019_%28Thugs_in_prison%29
content:
<p>
Two Italian thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/14/italian-police-officers-jailed-12-years-2009-custody-death">have been sentenced to 12 years in prison</a> for
beating a prisoner to death.


feed_id: 33ee6fb6550e4e63f004778a21c3fad3
title: Selling Alberta bonds for environmental reasons
uri: Selling-Alberta-bonds-for-environmental-reasons
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#16_November_2019_%28Selling_Alberta_bonds_for_environmental_reasons%29

content:
<p>
Sweden has sold bonds issued by Alberta, because <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/15/swedens-central-bank-dumps-australian-bonds-over-high-emissions">that Canadian state pushes 
tar sands oil</a>.

<p>
It is noteworthy that Alberta complains it is unfeasible to start new
energy projects, but I suspect that is an exaggeration.  If it were true,
the Keystone XL pipeline project would be abandoned.


feed_id: 54ba057348c1046c72990c95a892cdd5
title: Firefighting in Australia
uri: Firefighting-in-Australia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#16_November_2019_%28Firefighting_in_Australia%29
content:
<p>
Australia's firefighters are worn out after two months working with
little chance to sleep.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/15/victoria-isnt-burning-but-it-will-australias-fire-chiefs-fear-fatigue-will-take-terrible-toll">But the fires are not finished</a>.

<p>
Australians must insist on curbing <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> now, for otherwise
it will get much, much worse.


feed_id: 2cf556b6ed6fc11b72d2f3a30cbc9f19
title: Lift of Hong Kong highway blockade
uri: Lift-of-Hong-Kong-highway-blockade
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#16_November_2019_%28Lift_of_Hong_Kong_highway_blockade%29

content:
<p>
Hong Kong: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/15/hong-kong-protesters-lift-highway-blockade-on-proviso-elections-proceed">Protesters Lift Highway Blockade</a> on Proviso [that local]
Elections Proceed [as scheduled].


feed_id: 3b91d5490ada79d6c21cab09c66e4b10
title: Wars by US and Britain
uri: Wars-by-US-and-Britain
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#16_November_2019_%28Wars_by_US_and_Britain%29
content:
<p>
"The US and Britain face no existential threat. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/15/britain-and-us-wars-conflicts-middle-east">So why do their wars go on</a>?"


feed_id: f7fe079a62b79598a60ee2f3baeb0fe1
title: CIA's torture
uri: CIA-s-torture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#16_November_2019_%28CIA%27s_torture%29
content:
<p>
The CIA <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/15/cia-risks-sliding-back-into-illegal-torture-methods-warns-real-life-star-of-the-report">could resume torturing prisoners</a>.


feed_id: f29f0a52125f75f0a834b9458d2e6041
title: Burning plastic in Indonesia
uri: Burning-plastic-in-Indonesia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#16_November_2019_%28Burning_plastic_in_Indonesia%29
content:
<p>
Burning imported plastic waste in Indonesia spreads toxic chemicals in the
neighborhood.  The toxins <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2019/nov/15/indonesias-food-chain-turns-toxic-as-plastic-waste-exports-flood-in">then get into local chickens and their eggs</a>.


feed_id: 3d1528df8fbe30d0c83447b2a6c3fb62
title: Abandoned mines methane leaks
uri: Abandoned-mines-methane-leaks
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#16_November_2019_%28Abandoned_mines_methane_leaks%29

content:
<p>
Coal mines leak lots of methane &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/15/methane-emissions-from-coal-mines-could-stoke-climate-crisis-study">even after the mining stops</a>.

<p>
Does anyone know how to stop the methane emissions from an abandoned
coal mine?


feed_id: 3e25d661f1c092344a6542da6735b0cc
title: Violence in Hong Kong
uri: Violence-in-Hong-Kong
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#16_November_2019_%28Violence_in_Hong_Kong%29
content:
<p>
Both protesters and thugs in Hong Kong <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/14/second-death-in-hong-kong-protests-as-xi-demands-end-to-violence">are causing deaths with their
violence</a>.

<p>
I don't know the local conditions in Hong Kong, but I do know that violence
on the part of protesters tends to lead to defeat as it gives the state
an excuse.


feed_id: 213a4b4a857b2df25d3c51749bc8588a
title: Markets role
uri: Markets-role
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#16_November_2019_%28Markets_role%29
content:
<p>
"Capitalism" and "socialism" are vague words.  Bernie Sanders's views
can be considered to fit either one.  <a href="https://theweek.com/articles/877260/capitalism-socialism-are-just-words">The article</a> says that the real
question is, 

<p>
"if we say markets will play some limited role — as
   opposed to gobbling up all of society like they do now — then we're not
   really saying anything until we start laying down specifics."


feed_id: fa13b8b263d5c489c8b1cce9bbe2af73
title: ReCIRCLE
uri: ReCIRCLE
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#16_November_2019_%28ReCIRCLE%29
content:
<p>
reCIRCLE &mdash; the Swiss <a href="https://zerowasteswitzerland.ch/en/2018/06/08/recircle-en/">reusable system for take-aways</a>.


feed_id: dae6a2cf0d133997decb6bce105c0ef9
title: Miners transition
uri: Miners-transition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#16_November_2019_%28Miners_transition%29
content:
<p>
As the Coal Industry Shrinks, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/05/coal-industry-shrinks-miners-deserve-just-transition-heres-what-it-should-include">Miners Deserve A Just Transition</a>.  This means developing ways to support the ex-coal-miners other than
mining coal.


feed_id: 1ec5169fc3f627a66bc7a8ed3199588f
title: Fighting the border-industrial complex
uri: Fighting-the-border-industrial-complex
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#16_November_2019_%28Fighting_the_border-industrial_complex%29

content:
<p>
Fighting the border-industrial complex, which profits from the disasters
that the US causes in other countries, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/05/why-climate-action-needs-target-border-industrial-complex">which drive people to flee</a>.


feed_id: d95a7768bab126f7929322960d2845ac
title: Sanders denounces coup in Bolivia
uri: Sanders-denounces-coup-in-Bolivia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#16_November_2019_%28Sanders_denounces_coup_in_Bolivia%29

content:
<p>
Sanders has denounced the coup in Bolivia; 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/13/sanders-has-denounced-coup-biden-warren-and-buttigieg-so-far-silent-overthrow">Warren
has not</a>.


feed_id: 230ec661f21f9e225816b6c3c794035e
title: Bully's immigration advisor
uri: Bully-s-immigration-advisor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#16_November_2019_%28Bullys_immigration_advisor%29
content:
<p>
Leaked emails prove that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>'s immigration advisor, Stephen Miller,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/13/stephen-miller-white-nationalist-emails-ilhan-omar">really
is a white supremacist</a>.


feed_id: 08204bc3b083246733f0a3b3553a02f5
title: Legalization of same-sex marriage
uri: 2019-11-16-Legalization-of-same-sex-marriage
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#16_November_2019_%28Legalization_of_same-sex_marriage%29

content:
<p>
Legalizing same-sex marriage in Sweden and Denmark led to a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/14/suicide-rates-fall-after-gay-marriage-laws-in-sweden-and-denmark">big
decrease in suicide for people in same-sex relationships</a>.


feed_id: 85017b7b3d79e1530cc97c4c089c399d
title: China's figures on organ transplants
uri: China-s-figures-on-organ-transplants
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#16_November_2019_%28Chinas_figures_on_organ_transplants%29

content:
<p>
Accusing China of falsifying its figures on organ transplants and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/15/chinese-government-may-have-falsified-organ-donation-numbers-study-says">continuing
to get organs by executing prisoners</a>.


feed_id: 1f0c31fbb161a49f5aa3e866eb07a136
title: Investigation into persecution of Rohingya
uri: Investigation-into-persecution-of-Rohingya
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#16_November_2019_%28Investigation_into_persecution_of_Rohingya%29

content:
<p>
The International Criminal Court has 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/14/war-crimes-judges-approve-investigation-violence-against-rohingya-icc-myammar">approved
an investigation</a> into Burma's persecution of the Rohingya.


feed_id: 32dc165bf9bc13ffd47bf5ddb60c8569
title: Converting Veterans Day back to Armistice Day
uri: Converting-Veterans-Day-back-to-Armistice-Day
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28Converting_Veterans_Day_back_to_Armistice_Day%29

content:
<p>
Armistice Day celebrates the end of World War I, but the US turned it
into a celebration of soldiers, Veterans Day.
<a href="http://commonwonders.com/celebrating-peace-a-work-in-progress/">Veterans
for Peace seeks to convert it back</a>.


feed_id: a085fde814dbe78320121fb602cdd5cd
title: Opposition to war to keep Netanyahu on throne
uri: Opposition-to-war-to-keep-Netanyahu-on-throne
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28Opposition_to_war_to_keep_Netanyahu_on_throne%29

content:
<p>
Gush Shalom:
<a href="https://israelpalestinenews.org/israeli-group-opposes-a-war-to-keep-netanyahu-on-his-throne/">A
war to keep Netanyahu on his throne</a>.


feed_id: fff74e368812fa47ca895f55fb3e06a8
title: Behrouz Boochani
uri: Behrouz-Boochani
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28Behrouz_Boochani%29
content:
<p>
Behrouz Boochani, Voice of Manus Island Refugees, Is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/14/behrouz-boochani-free-voice-manus-island-refugees-new-zealand-australia">Free
in New Zealand</a>.  But
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/14/a-long-flight-to-freedom-how-refugee-behrouz-boochani-finally-left-his-island-jail-behind">only
for a short time</a>.  It is not clear where he can go and stay.


feed_id: 229f60184b2a2a49190e34b64382e1d2
title: Citizenship of journalist Aatish Taseer
uri: Citizenship-of-journalist-Aatish-Taseer
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28Citizenship_of_journalist_Aatish_Taseer%29

content:
<p>
More Than 250 Authors
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/nov/14/rushdie-atwood-restore-citizenship-critic-modi">Urge
India's Prime Minister to Reinstate Overseas Citizenship</a> of
British Journalist Aatish Taseer.


feed_id: ba9f53380d397d46d790b21a4d097ea6
title: Unrecycled plastic
uri: 2019-11-17-Unrecycled-plastic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28Unrecycled_plastic%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/14/america-recycles-day-plastic-pollution-cover">Very
little plastic is really recycled</a> &mdash; often plastic collected
to recycle is just thrown away &mdash; but the plastic companies
promote America Recycles Day as a distraction from reducing production
of plastic.


feed_id: 700766f4a258829bb590e29496b1d85b
title: UK gives children criminal records
uri: UK-gives-children-criminal-records
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28UK_gives_children_criminal_records%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/14/lived-childrens-home-14-shocked-quickly-arrested">Most
of the children under state custody</a> in the UK get criminal
records.  Part of the reason is that the "care homes" call the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>
for minor infractions.


feed_id: c4c6bd7d65f4d709e8d40a6c2babde28
title: Putin replicating Soviet Union
uri: Putin-replicating-Soviet-Union
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28Putin_replicating_Soviet_Union%29

content:
<p>
Ukrainian film-maker Oleg Sentsov, recently released from political
imprisonment in Russia, says that Putin is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/14/uk-educated-russians-are-upholding-putin-regime-says-dissident-oleg-sentsov">building
a tyrannical system that replicates the Soviet Union</a>.


feed_id: f9b037a3572098c946f02b8e0e591646
title: Medical data of millions of Americans
uri: Medical-data-of-millions-of-Americans
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28Medical_data_of_millions_of_Americans%29

content:
<p>
"I'm the Google whistleblower.  The medical data of millions of Americans is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/14/im-the-google-whistleblower-the-medical-data-of-millions-of-americans-is-at-risk">at
risk</a>."
<p>
I have to point out that anonymizing a database gives people little
protection because it is often
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_December_2017_(Identifying_information)">easy
to deanonymize</a>, and that HIPAA is not strong enough as protection
for patient's privacy.


feed_id: 6eea577bcb48c70e4a1e0dff4fa8abea
title: Rebel leaders in Ukraine ordered by Russia
uri: Rebel-leaders-in-Ukraine-ordered-by-Russia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28Rebel_leaders_in_Ukraine_ordered_by_Russia%29

content:
<p>
The rebel leaders in Ukraine were
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/14/mh17-investigators-say-phone-calls-show-ukraine-rebels-ties-to-russia">obeying
orders from Russia</a>.
<p>
This is significant for the moral significance of the rebellion as a
whole.  It was clearly a Russian attack on Ukraine.
<p>
However, this does not show that any of them knowingly and
intentionally fired on an airliner.  I think they
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-sep-dec.html#14_September_2018_(Flight_MH17)">assumed
it was a military plane</a>.


feed_id: c3487c3c354b2e43d9151072814b82d7
title: The right-wing coup in Bolivia
uri: The-right-wing-coup-in-Bolivia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28The_right-wing_coup_in_Bolivia%29

content:
<p>
The
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/14/right-wing-coup-bolivia-exactly-opposite-what-democracy-looks">Right-Wing
Coup in Bolivia</a> Is Exactly the Opposite of What Democracy Looks
Like.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/14/what-the-coup-against-evo-morales-means-to-indigenous-people-like-me">What
Evo Morales achieved for the non-rich in Bolivia</a>, especially the
indigenous people who tend to be quite poor.
<p>
It seems clear that his enemies organized a dishonest campaign to
force him out, but it isn't clear to me what tangible acts the
military did to further that campaign.  I think this is an important
question.  We should not call it a "military coup" unless the military
played a central role.


feed_id: 73504699671636b03debb2af05accb85
title: Rodney Reed's execution
uri: Rodney-Reed-s-execution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28Rodney_Reed%27s_execution%29
content:
<p>
Rodney Reed, facing immediate execution, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/15/rodney-reed-execution-texas-appeals-court-blocks">has been given a stay to evaluate
the claim that he was framed</a>.


feed_id: a369320e40bb3290848ae61cdcfa77af
title: Green New Deal
uri: 2019-11-17-Green-New-Deal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28Green_New_Deal%29
content:
<p>
Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/14/solve-multiple-crises-once-sanders-and-ocasio-cortez-unveil-green-new-deal-public?cd-origin=rss">proposed a detailed plan for the Green New Deal in the area of public housing</a>.  This would address the housing shortage in US cities as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and in the process create many good jobs.


feed_id: dea94d2a699d6d36fb2688f5bb6075f6
title: Space tourism greenhouse gas
uri: Space-tourism-greenhouse-gas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28Space_tourism_greenhouse_gas%29
content:
<p>
Space tourism would emit lots of greenhouse gas: one rocket launch <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/13/new-analysis-shows-billionaires-dream-space-tourism-would-be-disaster-emissions">would equal 200 round-trip transatlantic flights</a>.


feed_id: b03b27cb4e79acca5e98e01ecada4d49
title: Guatemala civil war
uri: Guatemala-civil-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28Guatemala_civil_war%29
content:
<p>
The violence and cruelty of Guatemala's 36-year civil war was mainly due
to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/13/coming-terms-us-role-central-america">US aid to the right-wing government installed by a US-supported coup in 1954</a>.


feed_id: e864ff34e2b8bb5fb858bc27ebaf3ca5
title: Buyout of Buttigieg campaign
uri: Buyout-of-Buttigieg-campaign
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28Buyout_of_Buttigieg_campaign%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/deval-patrick-acquires-high-favorability-numbers-good-1839864061">satire</a>) Deval Patrick Acquires High Favorability Numbers, Good Iowa
Polling After Leveraged Buyout Of Buttigieg Campaign.


feed_id: 0995be00469305af9f41b4af9f04d94c
title: Nature revenge
uri: Nature-revenge
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28Nature_revenge%29
content:
<p>
*Minutes after the Venetian city council voted down a resolution
   addressing the climate crisis Wednesday, the council chambers <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/14/mother-nature-does-mic-drop-venice-city-council-chamber-floods-minutes-after-members">were
   [flooded] with water for the first time in history</a>.*


feed_id: dc5b732944aa691b41fc0eaf746995b3
title: Urgent: reject Keystone XL pipeline
uri: 2019-11-17-Urgent-reject-Keystone-XL-pipeline
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_reject_Keystone_XL_pipeline%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/letter/kxl-public-comment-nov19/">call on the State Department</a> to reject the Keystone XL pipeline.

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


feed_id: 0f8438d47ecf47b79233fe2a820948b1
title: Mike Pence encounter
uri: Mike-Pence-encounter
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28Mike_Pence_encounter%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/paralyzed-mike-pence-lies-against-bathroom-wall-for-hou-1839861239">satire</a>) &hellip;
   Mike Pence was reportedly against a bathroom wall for hours Thursday
   following an encounter with a doorknob resembling the female breast.


feed_id: 34ab1a00501f6c64a26ac3cd881ff5fa
title: MSNBC Sanders' coverage
uri: MSNBC-Sanders-coverage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28MSNBC_Sanders%27_coverage%29
content:
<p>
Analysis of Primetime MSNBC Programs Finds <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/14/analysis-primetime-msnbc-programs-finds-sanders-received-least-and-most-negative">Sanders Received 'Least' and 'Most
Negative' Coverage of Top 2020 Democrats</a>.


feed_id: df081925c0babcad45e3722e12cb1931
title: Biometric data in Russian bank
uri: Biometric-data-in-Russian-bank
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28Biometric_data_in_Russian_bank%29

content:
<p>
The Russian bank Sberbank is pressuring its clients to hand over biometric
data <a href="https://blog.podshivalin.com/2019/10/16/sberbank-is-fraudulently-getting-its-clients-to-agree-to-biometric-id-usage/">even though this is not actually required</a>.


feed_id: e04e7cf60474928e936bfabfc0b9b9c8
title: EIB and fossil fuels
uri: EIB-and-fossil-fuels
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28EIB_and_fossil_fuels%29
content:
<p>
The European Investment Bank <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/11/14/eib-moves-stop-funding-most-fossil-fuel-projects">decided to stop investing in most fossil fuels</a>.

<p>
There are two weaknesses in its decision: it won't take effect for
another 14 months, and it has a loophole for gas.

<p>
According to a medical study, delay in curbing <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> will
endanger people's health and cause premature death &mdash; <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/14/new-global-health-and-climate-crisis-report-warns-future-where-child-has-fight">especially for
children</a>.


feed_id: 6b8ce9c98df34785346210a4d0d95651
title: Tax cuts against non-rich
uri: Tax-cuts-against-non-rich
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28Tax_cuts_against_non-rich%29
content:
<p>
Plutocratist senators, including some Democrats, are pushing a law for
"automatic deficit reduction" &mdash; <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/14/senate-democrats-join-gop-back-automatic-austerity-bill-would-gut-social-programs">to work by cutting spending, not by
increasing taxes</a>.

<p>
In other words, every tax cut for the rich will automatically cut support
for the non-rich.


feed_id: 1aa7f2bd386d8f0c0309bf82f49096c8
title: Facial recognition on Capitol Hill
uri: Facial-recognition-on-Capitol-Hill
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28Facial_recognition_on_Capitol_Hill%29

content:
<p>
Fight for the Future <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/14/should-probably-be-illegal-rights-advocates-target-lawmakers-and-lobbysists-facial">scanned the faces of passers-by on Capitol Hill</a>,
tracking people including congresscritters and senators, to bring home to them
why they should make such scanning illegal for anyone to do.


feed_id: 35a692f7b38c2908c5aa88c7f09b28d2
title: The Situation Room, October 2039
uri: The-Situation-Room-October-2039
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28The_Situation_Room%2C_October_2039%29

content:
<p>
   <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/14/welcome-world-which-all-hell-breaking-loose">The Situation Room, October 2039</a>: the president and vice president,
   and other high civil and military officials are following the
   damage from Hurricane Monica, Hurricane Nicholas, and Hurricane
   Ophelia, as well as Southern California where "millions of people
   are under mandatory evacuation orders with essentially nowhere to
   go because of a maelstrom of raging wildfires."


<p>
Fortunately, the US no longer needs to worry greatly about Russian and
China, which have been hit by their own human-caused climate
disasters.

<p>
In 2019,  important US military bases have already been ruined by
storms and threatened by wildfires.

<p>
Civilian life will be in constant danger from these events, too.
It will not be easy to grow as much food as we produce today.

<p>
The soundest policy would be for the US, China and Russia to join
together <em>now</em> and force all countries to join them in rapidly
reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  It is foolish to wait until the
disaster makes it impossible to delay any longer.


feed_id: 1be767984c4a0eec82ff651e8a610142
title: Nonpartisan Journalism
uri: Nonpartisan-Journalism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#17_November_2019_%28Nonpartisan_Journalism%29
content:
<p>
US college student newspapers <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/11/13/harvard-and-beyond-student-journalists-face-increasing-scrutiny-from-peers/F0ZiuR121qC0XZasfmnGkO/story.html">face relentless pressure from activist students to become overtly partisan</a>.

<p>
I support <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#15_July_2019_(Urgent:_Abolish_ICE)">the campaign to abolish the US deportation thug department</a>,

<p>
ICE, and I would have joined in protesting <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-sep-dec.html#20_November_2018_(Sessions_and_consent_decrees)">Sessions'</a> visit to
Northwestern if I had been there.  But it is important for newspapers
(not just those of students) to cover these protests in a nonpartisan
way.  One of our deep political problems (not new) is that our
journalism is too politicized.  This makes it hard to determine what
really happened &mdash; so how can we decide where to stand on an issue?


feed_id: 8e5adb3b7adc81db4ede971ddfa5c1d3
title: Nazis in US
uri: Nazis-in-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#18_November_2019_%28Nazis_in_US%29
content:
<p>
A network of Nazis around the US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/16/far-right-network-orchestrated-synagogue-attacks-fbi-says">planned defacement of synagogues in
two states</a>.


feed_id: 90d4e67c0597b16865593f03e45714ab
title: Arsonists
uri: Arsonists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#18_November_2019_%28Arsonists%29
content:
<p>
A Green Party senator in Australia has been castigated for comparing
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/17/greens-mp-adam-bandt-defends-senator-who-called-major-party-politicians-arsonists">the planet-roaster politicians "arsonists"</a>.

<p>
In general, someone else's supporting a policy which you believe will
have result X is not in general morally equivalent to per personally
supporting or doing X.  Person might honestly believe that the policy
won't cause X, and even if <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#perse">perse</a> turns out to be mistaken about that,
it is still a mistake rather than an intentional choice.  Anyone can
make a mistake.

<p>
However, in the issue of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> and climate disaster, the
relation between fossil fuels and wildfires has been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/17/what-could-i-have-done-the-scientist-who-predicted-the-bushfire-emergency-four-decades-ago">so fully established, for so long</a>, and so widely explained, that we have gone past the point
where a politician can be excused for disregarding science on this
question.  Promoting fossil fuel use today is indeed equivalent to
fomenting arson.


feed_id: 6df6465004462f2af769ac54dd66f79c
title: New York Times denialism
uri: New-York-Times-denialism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#18_November_2019_%28New_York_Times_denialism%29
content:
<p>
The New York Times supported global heating denialism <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/15/pure-propaganda-new-york-times-condemned-comparing-sanders-green-new-deal-trump">by equating the
Green New Deal with the bullshitter's border wall</a>.

<p>
The difference is that one fights a real and moral danger, while the
other fights only a scapegoat.


feed_id: ef4ca0bcce0b344ba5c0c1a82ff8a2c3
title: Protests in Bolivia
uri: 2019-11-18-Protests-in-Bolivia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#18_November_2019_%28Protests_in_Bolivia%29
content:
<p>
Massive Anti-Coup Protests Explode Across Bolivia '<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/15/massive-anti-coup-protests-explode-across-bolivia-against-many-violations-democracy">Against the Many
Violations to Democracy</a>'.

<p>
In Cochabamba, the thugs shot at these protesters, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/15/what-dictatorship-looks-bolivian-security-forces-open-fire-indigenous-protesters">and perhaps killed some</a>.  The Bolivian thugs defended the right to protest for the
upper-class protesters that opposed Morales, but not those of his
(often indigenous) supporters.


feed_id: 3a4036891073e613820891190fda6a25
title: Atrazine
uri: Atrazine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#18_November_2019_%28Atrazine%29
content:
<p>
The Environmental Protection Agency determined that atrazine was
poisoning fish, so its unofficial Republican replacement, the
Environmental Poisoning Agency, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/11/15/trump-epa-weaken-safeguards-pesticide-linked-birth-defects-cancer">is going to permit 50% more of it</a>.

<p>
Atrazine is an endocrine disruptor and also associated with birth
defects in humans as well as in aquatic animals.


feed_id: e3296bd7cbd1e943cf463a45376387a2
title: Public broadband
uri: Public-broadband
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#18_November_2019_%28Public_broadband%29
content:
<p>
Many cities and states are building public broadband internet so as to
offer <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/15/cities-and-states-take-battle-open-internet-and-municipal-broadband">the limited network neutrality that Republicans eliminated</a>.

<p>
These cities and states should take the opportunity to prohibit
making any record of who a user contacts over the internet, in the absence
of a specific subpoena.


feed_id: b114c4c490c753d5ff8b162af0b51d41
title: Human rights lawyer in house arrest
uri: Human-rights-lawyer-in-house-arrest
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#18_November_2019_%28Human_rights_lawyer_in_house_arrest%29

content:
<p>
Human rights lawyer Steven Donziger is effectively in house arrest
because of a ruling <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/11/15/global-human-rights-and-environmental-communities-condemn-house-arrest-us-human">that Chevron obtained from a judge that is
obviously biased</a>.


feed_id: cf1e9a472804fed0794038f53f1b1d20
title: Chilean referendum
uri: Chilean-referendum
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#18_November_2019_%28Chilean_referendum%29
content:
<p>
*Chilean lawmakers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/15/chile-referendum-new-constitution-protests">agree to referendum on new constitution</a>.*


feed_id: 4a9cca36ef0fd5756a08ab9382dad6ee
title: Deportation excuses
uri: Deportation-excuses
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#18_November_2019_%28Deportation_excuses%29
content:
<p>
Carrying vindictiveness to an extreme, US officials <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/nov/15/britons-who-legally-smoke-cannabis-in-the-us-risk-being-deported">deport foreigners for
using marijuana and ban them for life</a>.


feed_id: e1218953807e7f77deff5541fdcf082c
title: Dakota Access pipeline
uri: 2019-11-18-Dakota-Access-pipeline
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#18_November_2019_%28Dakota_Access_pipeline%29
content:
<p>
*Our fight against the Dakota Access pipeline <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/15/dakota-access-pipeline-standing-rock">is far from over</a>.*


feed_id: 5f70c25818731c813fee056a4988c41d
title: Israeli former official call on ban
uri: Israeli-former-official-call-on-ban
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#18_November_2019_%28Israeli_former_official_call_on_ban%29

content:
<p>
Former Israeli ministers and ambassadors <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/15/ban-import-of-israeli-settlement-goods">call on the EU</a> to prohibit
import of goods produced in Israel's colonies in Palestinian territory
(the West Bank).


feed_id: 596bf18e173cf62c80c4e1517d1f0fcd
title: Global heating in UK
uri: Global-heating-in-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#18_November_2019_%28Global_heating_in_UK%29
content:
<p>
Floods due to big storms <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/nov/15/food-prices-set-to-rise-in-uk-as-floods-ruin-crops">have destroyed crops in the UK</a>.

<p>
The storms are caused by <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>, so they will get worse.


feed_id: c098ac98731e2ef359ce594471bb32b0
title: Journalists treated as criminals
uri: Journalists-treated-as-criminals
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#18_November_2019_%28Journalists_treated_as_criminals%29

content:
<p>
Two Gay Saudi Journalists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/16/two-gay-saudi-journalists-treated-like-criminals-in-australia-after-seeking-asylum">'Treated Like Criminals'</a> in Australia After Seeking Asylum.


feed_id: 76a0fab3d7d354a5fcfe96015a436a83
title: Urgent: no discrimination
uri: Urgent-no-discrimination
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#18_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_no_discrimination%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/equality_act/">call on the Senate</a> to pass the Equality Act, which would prohibit discrimination based on gender identity or orientation.

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


feed_id: 99b224a2fddfda4f78b627aacdcfc20b
title: Urgent: no former military personnel's family deportation
uri: Urgent-no-former-military-personnel-s-family-deportation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#18_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_no_former_military_personnel%27s_family_deportation%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/protect-military-families-deportation">call on the Senate</a> to pass S. 2797, to protect the families
of present and former military personnel from deportation.

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


feed_id: 4d82b4dc0ee620fafdc300d60716b5f4
title: Urgent: H.J. Res 79
uri: Urgent-H-J-Res-79
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_H.J._Res_79%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/era-speier">call on
Congress</a> to pass H.J. Res 79 to remove the arbitrary time limit on
ratification of the Equal Rights Act.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: cdbf903093e18ab3a4bd96bc6edf2f17
title: The right wing in Venezuela
uri: The-right-wing-in-Venezuela
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28The_right_wing_in_Venezuela%29
content:
<p>
Guaidó's right-wing supporters 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/16/evo-morales-ousting-brings-new-hope-to-venezuelas-flagging-opposition">now
think maybe they can take over Venezuela</a>.
<p>
Unlike Evo Morales, President Maduro of Venezuela is incompetent and
antidemocratic, and the people around him are corrupt.  But his main
opposition is as plutocratist as the opposition that just took over in
Bolivia.


feed_id: ff0dbd7d2fa855207a817a2df4d43578
title: White supremacism in Republican party
uri: White-supremacism-in-Republican-party
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28White_supremacism_in_Republican_party%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/16/stephen-miller-white-supremacy-republican-party">Stephen
Miller is no outlier. White [supremacism] rules the Republican
party</a>.
<p>
Fighting this will not be straightforward.  They are not ashamed of
it; they have taught their supporters to flaunt it.


feed_id: aef94b311eb3612109bfa5d7da6d8d4d
title: Australian fire chiefs ignored
uri: Australian-fire-chiefs-ignored
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28Australian_fire_chiefs_ignored%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/14/former-australian-fire-chiefs-say-coalition-doesnt-like-talking-about-climate-change">Former
Australian fire chiefs say Coalition ignored their advice because
of climate change politics</a>.


feed_id: add1c353c23533c6bd84eb3f50d59a60
title: Paris thugs attack gilets jaunes protests
uri: Paris-thugs-attack-gilets-jaunes-protests
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28Paris_thugs_attack_gilets_jaunes_protests%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/16/paris-police-fire-teargas-on-anniversary-of-gilets-jaunes-protests">Paris
police fire teargas on anniversary of gilets jaunes protests</a>.
<p>
I met one of the leaders of the gilets jaunes this weekend, and he
told me that he had personally observed <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> provocateurs dressed in
black carrying out violence, early in the protests.


feed_id: 8a65bded929b8220fafe10ffce5f1bf8
title: Power demands of machine learning
uri: Power-demands-of-machine-learning
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28Power_demands_of_machine_learning%29

content:
<p>
The enormous power demands of machine learning 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/16/can-planet-afford-exorbitant-power-demands-of-machine-learning">contribute
significantly to global heating</a>, and only big companies can afford
to do it.
<p>
Another evil is that it is generally done using GPUs that require
nonfree software to run anything whatsoever.


feed_id: 22fc7ac9be2e5629c95c48097ee23fe0
title: Pressure on Ukraine from the troll
uri: Pressure-on-Ukraine-from-the-troll
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28Pressure_on_Ukraine_from_the_troll%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/16/trump-personally-kept-pressure-ukraine-impeachment-inquiry-witness-david-holmes-diplomat">Trump
personally kept pressure on Ukraine, says impeachment inquiry
witness</a>.


feed_id: 52a5904e1255a8b88a2899f1144ee9a1
title: Flood defenses infeasible for rural houses
uri: Flood-defenses-infeasible-for-rural-houses
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28Flood_defenses_infeasible_for_rural_houses%29

content:
<p>
Flood defenses protect cities, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/16/nottinghamshire-towns-inured-flooding-rebuild-again-forgotten">not
rural houses</a>.  But this is inevitable.
<p>
When a lot of people live in a small area, a small perimeter can
protect them all.  Where this approach can work, it is efficient use
of public funds.
<p>
By contrast, protecting houses lying sparsely on the ground would be
far more expensive per person protected.  That is not feasible.  The
efficient thing to do for the people who live in those houses is to
buy them out so they can move to places that are safer.


feed_id: 3980c18d190d86f48054333b127327d2
title: Selling the public on facial recognition
uri: Selling-the-public-on-facial-recognition
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28Selling_the_public_on_facial_recognition%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/nov/17/porn-public-transport-and-other-dubious-justifications-for-using-facial-recognition-software">Governments
in Australia have come up with some creative reasons to sell the
public on the use of facial recognition technology</a>.
<p>
If we want to use some sort of biometric to identify people,
let's use a biometric that can't be observed except when you choose
to identify yourself.


feed_id: b074c330a796d96fa975b2989561d4c1
title: Houses with solar panels and batteries
uri: Houses-with-solar-panels-and-batteries
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28Houses_with_solar_panels_and_batteries%29

content:
<p>
Houses with solar panels and batteries 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/16/power-to-the-people-how-suburban-solar-could-become-the-uber-of-the-energy-grid">can
join together as a "virtual power plant"</a> and replace fossil fuels.


feed_id: 8e27a3327fc2fdf701de0302eaa3126a
title: British torture in Afghanistan
uri: British-torture-in-Afghanistan
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28British_torture_in_Afghanistan%29

content:
<p>
Government investigators say they had found evidence that British
soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq killed and tortured civilians, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2019/nov/17/british-government-army-accused-covering-up-war-crimes-afghanistan-iraq">but the
investigation was shut down</a>.


feed_id: 1d31281aca2523aa9c1bb5d82fa049b6
title: Venezuela
uri: 2019-11-19-Venezuela
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28Venezuela%29
content:
<p>
My Venezuelan colleague, who supported Chavez but not Maduro, says
that <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/09/23/dialogue-venezuela-another-missed-opportunity-democrats">this article</a> is an accurate description of the situation in Venezuela.

<p>
He told me

<blockquote>
My point of view about this: Venezuelan opposition is a foreign group
(almost all are outside the country) and a business to ask for money
support "in the name of freedom to fight dictatorship" and asking for
more and more economical sanctions which is not useful in any way to fix
the major problems. Maduro government is a disaster, but in any way it
can be better with invasions or more and more economical asphyxia and
this is what opposition mainly ask for and work to harden this awful
situation.
</blockquote>


feed_id: 832b34393b7668c9d9724378a84d8ed4
title: Tory environmental record
uri: Tory-environmental-record
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28Tory_environmental_record%29
content:
<p>
*Scientists and climate advisers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/17/scientists-and-climate-advisers-condemn-tory-environmental-record">condemn Tory environmental record</a>.*


feed_id: 638244b2cd8417497b793fd478535e3d
title: Sri-Lanka
uri: 2019-11-19-Sri-Lanka
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28Sri-Lanka%29
content:
<p>
The murderous brother of murderous ex-president Rajapaksa <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/17/the-terminator-how-gotabaya-rajapaksas-ruthless-streak-led-him-to-power-sri-lanka">will be the
next president of Sri Lanka</a>.


feed_id: b36587e27d7fa5310024fd03af969e12
title: Tribute to veterans
uri: Tribute-to-veterans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28Tribute_to_veterans%29
content:
<p>
"The best tribute to our combat veterans <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/17/risking-lives-endless-us-wars-morally-wrong-and-strategic-failure">would be to create fewer of them in the future</a>."


feed_id: 66412036ef7614191ec8c9c9cb2d827e
title: Urgent: stop war in Yemen
uri: Urgent-stop-war-in-Yemen
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_stop_war_in_Yemen%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: phone Senator Schumer at 1-833-STOPWAR
to press for cutting off US funds for Salafi Arabia's war in Yemen.

<p>
Using that number will tell Just Foreign Policy that you called him 

<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!


feed_id: c6d0003b6396b73ca7519c65cbc9e143
title: China army in Hong Kong
uri: China-army-in-Hong-Kong
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28China_army_in_Hong_Kong%29
content:
<p>
China is accustoming Hong Kong to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/18/hong-kong-protesters-wary-over-elite-troops-clearing-roadblocks">the presence of the Chinese army</a>
by small steps.


feed_id: 04ff9d9aba88c1e212c0e5823b422780
title: Path out of neoliberalim
uri: Path-out-of-neoliberalim
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28Path_out_of_neoliberalim%29
content:
<p>
"Progressive and collective social struggle <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/18/progressive-and-collective-social-struggle-is-the-path-out-of-neoliberalim">is the path out of neoliberalism</a>."


feed_id: 82d308342e13d7d31892d5cbec7fcbd5
title: Urgent: NRA tax exemption
uri: 2019-11-19-Urgent-NRA-tax-exemption
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_NRA_tax_exemption%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/nra-irs">call on the IRS</a> to revoke the National Rifle Association's tax-exempt status for mismanagement and the misuse of assets for personal benefit.

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


feed_id: b927c5fdaf52b532f73a5ec49511ea96
title: Quid pro quo
uri: Quid-pro-quo
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28Quid_pro_quo%29
content:
<p>
It is important to use clear words to describe the conman's crimes
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/08/opinion/letters/quid-pro-quo.html">so people understand what makes them crimes</a>.


feed_id: e6cb68141e71daf832b8b2271a81250a
title: Ecological sins
uri: Ecological-sins
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28Ecological_sins%29
content:
<p>
While Warning of Nazi-Like Fascism and Corporate Crimes, Pope Francis
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/16/while-warning-nazi-fascism-and-corporate-crimes-pope-francis-proposes-adding">Proposes Adding 'Ecological Sin' to Church Teachings</a>.


feed_id: 8e26fd8e690be7515959fab1b9447cf7
title: Blockade of private jets
uri: Blockade-of-private-jets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28Blockade_of_private_jets%29
content:
<p>
Extinction Rebellion Members <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/16/extinction-rebellion-members-blockade-private-jet-terminal-used-wealthy-elites">Blockade Private Jet Terminal Used by Wealthy
Elites in Geneva</a>.

<p>
Using a private jet emits 20 times as much CO2 as riding on a
commercial flight.


feed_id: c5ac9d507260836beb1c49d798f67575
title: President vs Congress
uri: President-vs-Congress
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28President_vs_Congress%29
content:
<p>
Ralph Nader: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/16/most-impeachable-president-us-history-vs-most-hesitant-congress">The Most Impeachable President in US History vs. The Most
Hesitant Congress</a>.


feed_id: 9980ef5cb64d443061725aad15a6c542
title: China Uygur "schools"
uri: China-Uygur-schools
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28China_Uygur_schools%29
content:
<p>
Leaked Chinese documents explain how China <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/11/16/world/asia/china-xinjiang-documents.html">organized
the imprisonment of Uighurs in "schools"</a>.

<p>
The documents told officials to inform Uygur students returning home
to Xinjiang that their parents had been forcibly sent to these
"schools" and would be used as hostages for the students' good
behavior.


feed_id: c183181bb70cc0d22da8e7497ddba3c1
title: Urgent: Call on Google to fire Miles Taylor
uri: Urgent-Call-on-Google-to-fire-Miles-Taylor
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#20_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_Call_on_Google_to_fire_Miles_Taylor%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/google-fire-miles-taylor/">call
on Google</a> to fire Miles Taylor, who previously pushed
antimuslimism in the Department of Hostility and Sleaze.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 961ea0900484dae3f61145a73047367f
title: Disease travels through melting Arctic
uri: Disease-travels-through-melting-Arctic
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#20_November_2019_%28Disease_travels_through_melting_Arctic%29

content:
<p>
As the Arctic ice melts and opens the hoped-for "northwest passage", a
disease has travelled that way from the Atlantic and is now 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/17/pacific-seals-ate-risk-arctic-ice-melt-disease-spread-atlantic-otters">killing
otters and seals in Alaskan waters</a>.


feed_id: 77826f224be81a8c33c2f76377fd6d74
title: 30th anniversary of Velvet Revolution
uri: 30th-anniversary-of-Velvet-Revolution
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#20_November_2019_%2830th_anniversary_of_Velvet_Revolution%29

content:
<p>
On the 30th anniversary of the [Velvet Revolution in what was then
Czechoslovakia], Václav Havel’s allies say 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/17/velvet-revolution-ideals-30th-anniversary-czech-republic-prague">the
revolution’s ideals are again at risk</a>.
<p>
This is because right-wing extremists threaten the country.


feed_id: cbc2a038312c4906f39ef7e0ceaf146b
title: Extradition of Assange
uri: Extradition-of-Assange
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#20_November_2019_%28Extradition_of_Assange%29
content:
<p>
The extradition of Julian Assange is a 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/10/24/assanges-extradition-case-about-crimes-empire">scheme
to defend the US government from criticism for its crimes</a>.


feed_id: e957882e0451c96361cbc35239d283c7
title: Nuclear industry pushing for bailout
uri: Nuclear-industry-pushing-for-bailout
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#20_November_2019_%28Nuclear_industry_pushing_for_bailout%29

content:
<p>
Failing Nuclear Industry Pushing for $23 Billion Federal Bailout,
which 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/10/24/failing-nuclear-industry-pushing-23-billion-federal-bailout">would
undermine wind and solar power</a>.


feed_id: c7e8bc0be16711972893fd5746370804
title: Defending against deforestation in Amazon
uri: Defending-against-deforestation-in-Amazon
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#20_November_2019_%28Defending_against_deforestation_in_Amazon%29

content:
<p>
The main cause of deforestation in the Amazon is to clear and sell
land.  The main defense is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/17/amazon-rain-forest-protest-climate-crisis">where
forest dwellers protect their forest</a>.  Extinction Rebellion is
supporting them.


feed_id: 01acca75671ce5a005d4db907846713f
title: Urgent: stop war in Yemen
uri: 2019-11-21-Urgent-stop-war-in-Yemen
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_stop_war_in_Yemen%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: phone Senator Schumer at 1-833-STOPWAR
to press for cutting off US funds for <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a>'s war in Yemen.

<p>
Using that number will tell Just Foreign Policy that you called him 

<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!


feed_id: cc6bf5b5d17af7b3fe52f360927d8cba
title: French pun
uri: 2019-11-21-French-pun
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28French_pun%29
content:
<p>
New French pun: 
<a href="https://stallman.org/french-puns.html#manger">Manger les avocats ou pas</a>?


feed_id: 446ccf793905a855fd0fdbea2a3dab9a
title: Dispute between Libya and Italy over fishing
uri: Dispute-between-Libya-and-Italy-over-fishing
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Dispute_between_Libya_and_Italy_over_fishing%29

content:
<p>
A 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/19/red-prawn-war-fuels-anti-eu-feeling-among-italian-fishing-crews">fishing-rights
dispute between Libya and Italy</a> has led to bitter feelings on the
part of Sicilian fishermen.
<p>
I think that what really matters in this dispute is to prevent
overfishing.


feed_id: 416b073042d601124410154d736eeabd
title: Israeli thugs fail to protect Arab citizens
uri: Israeli-thugs-fail-to-protect-Arab-citizens
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Israeli_thugs_fail_to_protect_Arab_citizens%29

content:
<p>
While Israeli <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> directly mistreat Arab citizens, they also 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/19/the-arab-politician-asking-israeli-police-to-enter-his-communities">deny
those citizens protection from crime</a>.


feed_id: 8c416b2c80d3f965c7a0518f8c69249d
title: Blurting negative feelings online
uri: Blurting-negative-feelings-online
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Blurting_negative_feelings_online%29

content:
<p>
"After years of being told to ‘think positively’ we no longer know
what to do with our negative feelings, so we 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2019/nov/19/its-the-era-of-the-twitter-pile-on-isnt-there-something-healthier-we-can-do-with-our-rage">blurt
them out online</a>."
<p>
I don't know whether it is true, but it is an interesting idea.


feed_id: 264892a200655ed0c6e22ff094bdd033
title: Pursuing poor people for alleged debts
uri: Pursuing-poor-people-for-alleged-debts
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Pursuing_poor_people_for_alleged_debts%29

content:
<p>
A tentative victory in Australia: the government 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/19/robodebt-government-abandons-key-part-of-debt-recovery-scheme-in-major-overhaul">will
stop</a> pursuing poor people for alleged debts that reflect alleged
government overpayment of welfare benefits as reported by software.


feed_id: 0f9084dd16b5c32419845699ca00f304
title: China's ban on face masks in Hong Kong
uri: China-s-ban-on-face-masks-in-Hong-Kong
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Chinas_ban_on_face_masks_in_Hong_Kong%29

content:
<p>
Hong Kong's highest court 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/19/hong-kong-courts-cant-rule-on-face-masks-says-china-constitution-basic-law">ruled
that the British colonial "emergency" law which was used to ban
wearing face masks is
<a href="">unconstitutional</a>.  The Chinese state responded by
claiming that that court has no say about such questions.
<p>
Will the "authorities" of Hong Kong challenge this or eagerly endorse
it as support?


feed_id: 3a6746e9bcbf4f23b619ae203a23729e
title: Bullshitter's written answers to Mueller
uri: Bullshitter-s-written-answers-to-Mueller
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Bullshitters_written_answers_to_Mueller%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/18/house-investigating-whether-trump-lied-to-robert-mueller-in-written-answers">House
[of Representatives] investigating whether [the bullshitter] lied to
Robert Mueller in written answers</a>.


feed_id: fa4b57d069478e207e575bdbcd5125f9
title: Urgent: Shareholder resolutions
uri: Urgent-Shareholder-resolutions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_Shareholder_resolutions%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/sec-shareholder-resolution">call
on the SEC</a> not to block shareholder resolutions.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 47ea110eb7022acf4e4ee2d2d9755668
title: Urgent: Stop Big Pharma giveaway in NAFTA 2.0
uri: Urgent-Stop-Big-Pharma-giveaway-in-NAFTA-2-0
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_Big_Pharma_giveaway_in_NAFTA_2.0%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/pharma-nafta/">call on
Congress</a> to Stop the Big Pharma giveaway in NAFTA 2.0.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 7f70289abaa360fdfcc0e09979b0072a
title: Obstacles to Morales' progressive change
uri: Obstacles-to-Morales-progressive-change
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Obstacles_to_Morales_progressive_change%29

content:
<p>
Evo Morales tried to implement progressive change, but succeeded only
a little.  The obstacles were partly due to his own imperfections,
but more due to the 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/17/bolivia-four-provocations-international-left">strength
of the plutocratic system</a>.


feed_id: d75751fe34a325fedae6c05e73176707
title: Chinese influence in Vanuatu
uri: Chinese-influence-in-Vanuatu
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Chinese_influence_in_Vanuatu%29
content:
<p>
Editor Dan McGarry believes that Vanuatu 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/18/plain-cruel-vanuatu-stops-newspaper-chief-boarding-plane-home-after-china-stories">expelled
him for writing about growing Chinese influence there</a>.
<p>
China. like the US, has a lot of money to throw around and often uses
it to choke freedom.  
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_(Bolivia_policies)">The
coup in Bolivia</a> is the latest example of what the US does.


feed_id: bf2effc702ca1d8f90b315053cdf93c2
title: Bad harvests in the Canadian prairies
uri: Bad-harvests-in-the-Canadian-prairies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Bad_harvests_in_the_Canadian_prairies%29

content:
<p>
Farming in the Canadian prairies is suffering from a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/18/high-debts-and-low-yields-push-canadas-farmers-to-the-brink">series
of bad harvests due to climate conditions</a>.
<p>
I have to suspect that this is a consequence of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>, and
that Alberta and the Canadian government are working to ruin farmers
by extracting tar sands oil.


feed_id: 56a94916a20225a3fc83be888b5ffb1b
title: Liberal centrism
uri: Liberal-centrism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Liberal_centrism%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/nov/18/crisis-in-liberalism-katrina-forrester">The
crisis of liberalism: why centrist politics can no longer explain the
world</a>.
<p>
Liberal centrism was tolerable while the institutions of society made
it possible for everyone to thrive.  Now that they have been subverted
and twisted by plutocracy, advocating liberal centrism is in effect
just an excuse for more plutocracy.


feed_id: 8168b640c8ffad1b5e1f39e8433a9fec
title: ICC considers investigating British troops
uri: ICC-considers-investigating-British-troops
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28ICC_considers_investigating_British_troops%29

content:
<p>
The International Criminal Court is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2019/nov/18/uk-army-war-crimes-iraq-afghanistan-bbc-panorama">considering
investigation of the killing of civilians by British troops in
Afghanistan and Iraq</a>, because the British government 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_(British_torture_in_Afghanistan)">seems
to have blocked prosecution of them</a>.


feed_id: 98a034aefb0f69e70153f0b9c9721540
title: Welfare benefits in UK at record low
uri: Welfare-benefits-in-UK-at-record-low
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Welfare_benefits_in_UK_at_record_low%29

content:
<p>
The level of welfare benefits in the UK 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/nov/18/uk-social-security-payments-at-lowest-level-since-launch-of-welfare-state">has
reached a record low in comparison with wages</a>, which have
themselves gone down by 20% since before the financial crisis.  Since
they can't push their wages back up, they have to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/nov/17/why-is-uk-unemployment-still-low-we-are-working-longer-hours">work
a lot more than they did</a>.
<p>
They work more so as to bring in the same income that they became
accustomed to (if they were not poor) or need in order to survive (if
they were poor).
<p>
I would love to see how the situation in the US compares to this.


feed_id: b64960a2e7f04018e2c2218bd44f195d
title: Effect of using drones to kill
uri: Effect-of-using-drones-to-kill
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Effect_of_using_drones_to_kill%29

content:
<p>
The overall effect of using drones to kill is to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2019/nov/18/killer-drones-how-many-uav-predator-reaper">transfer
the risk from combatants to civilians</a>.  But they also lead
countries (such as the US) into despicable cruelties, such as killing
medics.


feed_id: 6378c753084340f826f3f1c9fb02079f
title: Urgent: show impeachment hearings on PBS
uri: Urgent-show-impeachment-hearings-on-PBS
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_show_impeachment_hearings_on_PBS%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/pbs-must-televise-the-trump-impeachment-hearings">call on PBS</a> to show the impeachment hearings.

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


feed_id: 5c09e0ef542035fc654add4511e43781
title: Urgent: Stephen Miller resignation
uri: Urgent-Stephen-Miller-resignation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_Stephen_Miller_resignation%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/stephen-miller-must-go">call on Congress</a> to demand the resignation of Stephen Miller, white-supremacist official.

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


feed_id: 5119e70289f252f9f83ce09f03a45e96
title: Urgent: meals for prisoners
uri: Urgent-meals-for-prisoners
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_meals_for_prisoners%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://diy.rootsaction.org/petitions/stop-serving-unhealthy-meals-to-inmates-and-robbing-families">call on Aramark</a> to serve decent meals to prisoners, rather
than starve them, gouge them or lie about them.

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


feed_id: 8c4a02647c8b1e19c087f3fe6f193c9e
title: Iranian cables
uri: Iranian-cables
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Iranian_cables%29
content:
<p>
Leaked Iranian diplomatic cables show how thoroughly Iraq's government
was dominated by Iran, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/18/leaked-cables-reveal-scale-of-irans-influence-in-iraq">specifically in 2014-2015 but it probably has
not changed</a>.

<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#dubya">Dubya</a> probably won't like this, but he probably won't care all that
much given that his US oil company friends/masters got the profits from
Iraq's oil.

<p>
Here is <a href="https://theintercept.com/2019/11/18/iran-cables/">a general article about this leak</a>.


feed_id: bc9a3c4f7a3343c9ec3d7b44330f4534
title: Yandex
uri: Yandex
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Yandex%29
content:
<p>
Russia has tightened its control over Yandex, which means in effect
its control <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/18/russian-internet-giant-yandex-grants-veto-powers-kremlin-linked-body">over almost everything done on the internet in Russia</a>.

<p>
What practical effects this will have is not self-evident, but it
will surely be used to facilitate Putin's <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#29_July_2019_(Moscow_protesters_not_daunted)">already-substantial</a> <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-sep-dec.html#4_November_2016_(Russian_dissident_tortured)">repression</a>.


feed_id: b5680f5d0e370400857ed936a6e05638
title: China international bullying
uri: China-international-bullying
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28China_international_bullying%29
content:
<p>
Sweden has given a press freedom award to Gui Minhai, a Hong Kong publisher
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/nov/18/china-threatens-sweden-after-gui-minhai-wins-free-speech-award">imprisoned by China for publishing books that criticized Chinese officials</a>.

<p>
China immediately confirmed the nasty impression that the story of Gui
Minhai suggest, by trying to <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> the world into silence about
China's crimes.  Apparently Xi believes he can convert all the world's
countries into Xiple using China's market power.

<p>
The sad thing is, he may be right, since so many countries are
dominated by plutocrats who would gladly dispense with freedom of the
press to get included in China's business.

<p>
It is interesting to compare Xi with the <a href="https://www.stallman.org/glossary.html#conman">conman</a>.  The conman uses the US's
power to increase his own power over the US.  Xi already has total power over
China, so he uses China's power to increase China's power over the rest of the
world.


feed_id: 8a60015fa499369c7cff386d677fb460
title: Oil business stocks
uri: Oil-business-stocks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Oil_business_stocks%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a> wants to sell stock in its oil business,
but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/18/saudi-aramco-scales-back-preparations-initial-public-offering">buyers won't pay what was expected</a>.  This must mean that investors recognize that fossil
fuels will not have a long and bright future.


feed_id: 4cf68f70295cf916ccdd997cdc3e9d5d
title: Amazon Deforestation
uri: Amazon-Deforestation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Amazon_Deforestation%29
content:
<p>
Amazon Deforestation <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/18/amazon-deforestation-at-highest-level-in-a-decade">'At Highest Level in a Decade'</a>.

<p>
Bolsonaro is doing this, and getting away with it.


feed_id: e17aa98bbb60eece9e884868f379766d
title: Plutocratists lies
uri: Plutocratists-lies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Plutocratists_lies%29
content:
<p>
A plutocratist politician can get away with lying
because <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/18/boris-johnson-lying-media">the major media are working for the same plutocrats</a>.


feed_id: 941d2b92770403a5f6195fc248d50121
title: Humanitarian ship impact
uri: Humanitarian-ship-impact
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Humanitarian_ship_impact%29
content:
<p>
The departure of migrants from Libya to Italy <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/18/migrants-from-libya-not-driven-by-hope-of-being-rescued-at-sea-study">is not affected by whether
ships would rescue them if their boat sank</a>.


feed_id: 07d3ab344cdac9042610691bcb1bcbd8
title: Companies' and environment
uri: Companies-and-environment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Companies%27_and_environment%29
content:
<p>
*Companies that over-perform financially <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/19/big-profits-can-fuel-bad-corporate-behaviour-new-research-shows">are more likely to breach
environmental and social regulations, academic finds</a>.*


feed_id: d961ab30c2ed1eae75975a1bb7a8dce9
title: Israel colonies
uri: Israel-colonies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Israel_colonies%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> has called Israel's colonies in Palestinian territory legitimate,
so <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/18/settlements-israeli-calls-for-takeover-palestinian-territories">some Israelis call for a formal statement to annex them</a>.

<p>
In terms of international law, such a claim would alter nothing.
But in practice, it could be another step towards the long term goal
of annexing much of the West Bank and kicking all Palestinians out
of those areas.

<p>
Feh!


feed_id: e02c8a493c2bef32857c99a332518de0
title: Oppressive regime
uri: Oppressive-regime
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Oppressive_regime%29
content:
<p>
A state official in Australia wants people to be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/19/nsw-police-commissioner-mick-fuller-says-strip-search-of-girl-at-festival-doesnt-make-me-happy">somewhat afraid of the uniformed thugs</a>.

<p>
Such fear is a symptom of an oppressive regime.


feed_id: 1ca4bc950c65e31863698de7f39f2634
title: Hong Kong students
uri: Hong-Kong-students
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Hong_Kong_students%29
content:
<p>
Hong Kong <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> besieged 600 protesters in the Polytechnic University.
The students made attempts to break out, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/19/hong-kong-protests-hundreds-surrender-to-police-after-university-standoff">but eventually surrendered</a>.

<p>
The article seems to use the term "children" to refer to minors.  I
Get the impression that all the captured protesters who were not
minors have been arrested.


feed_id: a2635526b97b91688ae147f48be954e6
title: Protests in Lebanon
uri: 2019-11-22-Protests-in-Lebanon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Protests_in_Lebanon%29
content:
<p>
The new Arab Spring: protesters in Lebanon and Iraq oppose
poverty and corruption, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/17/new-arab-spring-lebanon-and-iraq">but also foreign interference</a>.


feed_id: 4fbbcebd34800ea64369435ace195910
title: Medicare for All
uri: 2019-11-22-Medicare-for-All
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Medicare_for_All%29
content:
<p>
Senator Warren proposes to take a partial step towards Medicare for All first,
rather than <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/17/too-clever-its-own-good-progressives-concerned-over-warrens-new-medicare-all">push to make it universal all at once</a>.

<p>
This is a question of strategy.  Taking universal Medicare for All as
the goal, is Warren's strategy likely to achieve more of it or less of
it?  I am not sure.

<p>
The arguments in the article are valid, but there can be an advantage
on the other side, too.  If each American opts to switch to Medicare
for All after the option becomes available, the other medical plans
could wither and cease to oppose universal Medicare for All,
so the second step could be a walkover.

<p>
However, whether that can occur would depend on details, and on court
cases, and the private plans would fight to shape that terrain so that
they could hold on.

<p>
Ultimately my conclusion is that Warren made a bad choice.  It might
make sense in 2000 or 2001 to take this partial step as a sort of deal
with the adversary, but it is a mistake to compromise with the
adversary's demands other than as part of a deal that gets you an
advance.  Whatever compromise you make in that way will be used by
them to shift the starting point of the negotiations, to your
disadvantage.


feed_id: d4efdd7bbfe95a1954df968b5e21b530
title: Private visas
uri: Private-visas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Private_visas%29
content:
<p>
The UK government has privatized handling of some visa applications,
which gives the company a chance to gouge people for the extra price
of "premium" service, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/nov/17/government-exploits-migrants-for-profit-by-outsourcing-visa-services-to-private-firms">simply by making the regular service faulty or
unbearable</a>.

<p>
No modern company would bid to run a privatized service and neglect
such opportunities.  If its executives failed to figure them into
the business plan, they would be dismissed for neglecting the interests
of the shareholders.

<p>
Which is one of the reasons why no government service should ever be
privatized.

<p>
The biometric residency permits raise other issues of oppression and tracking,
but that is independent of privatization.


feed_id: b7cf94ccdd4c1b71f44f169d1147406e
title: Homeless deaths in UK
uri: Homeless-deaths-in-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Homeless_deaths_in_UK%29
content:
<p>
"We have spent most of this year writing about the death of people on
   our streets [in the UK]. This crisis has simple, practical
   solutions, and everyone cares about it. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/nov/19/rage-and-responsibility-nine-months-of-reporting-homeless-deaths-why-isnt-it-election-priority">Why isn’t it an election priority?</a>"

<p>
In the long term, the main reason people die while homeless is that
they can't afford a place to live.  The Labour Party has made that an
election priority.  Likewise <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/19/poverty-crisis-boris-johnson">providing everyone with enough food, and
increasing wages and working conditions</a>.

<p>
Tory cruelty (including trickle-down policies) makes a small fraction
of people homeless, but it causes suffering and even death to a much
larger part of the people.  I think Labour is wise to prioritize the
broader injustice rather than its worst-case symptom, especially since
success in these goals will as a natural result save most people from
ever being homeless.


feed_id: 1eb990e51501a3e08bfcf5d7315ce2ab
title: Publishing History
uri: Publishing-History
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Publishing_History%29
content:
<p>
Australia's official war historians, including the one appointed to
publish an honest official history of Australia's participation in the
wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/19/minister-payne-for-the-sake-of-australias-reputation-you-must-publish-our-war-history-now">call on the government to permit the publication of that work</a>.


feed_id: b152d54a4783fb95b82aa9ae767ef446
title: Bolivia policies
uri: Bolivia-policies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28Bolivia_policies%29
content:
<p>
Bolivia's New Puppet Regime <a href="https://caitlinjohnstone.com/2019/11/16/bolivias-new-puppet-regime-wastes-no-time-aligning-with-us-foreign-policy/">Wastes No Time Aligning With US Foreign Policy</a>.


feed_id: 3b8e838e4872e9a7890941abcba5a0df
title: Fishing mackerel in Iceland
uri: Fishing-mackerel-in-Iceland
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Fishing_mackerel_in_Iceland%29
content:
<p>
*Iceland accused of putting mackerel stocks at risk <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/21/iceland-accused-of-putting-mackerel-stocks-at-risk-by-increasing-its-catch">by increasing its catch</a>.*


feed_id: a3cae09d2e08d6e69cbf332a0c97f9cf
title: Politician targets
uri: Politician-targets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Politician_targets%29
content:
<p>
"A cosy consensus among politicians allowed lofty targets to be set, and
then ignored. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/21/climate-crisis-politics-voters-targets-action">But now voters want actual solutions</a>."


feed_id: 20ceb919031e8d97d15dd6965bdf8aa1
title: Bigots in India
uri: 2019-11-22-Bigots-in-India
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Bigots_in_India%29
content:
<p>
In a university in India, Hindu bigots demand that Professor Feroz Khan
stop teaching Sanskrit, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/21/india-muslim-sanskrit-professor-forced-to-flee-by-hindu-students">because of his religion</a>.


feed_id: 901e318583fbeaa5778bb202c8ca0381
title: Democracy in Brazil
uri: Democracy-in-Brazil
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Democracy_in_Brazil%29
content:
<p>
David Miranda: Bolsonaro wants to end democracy in Brazil, and he is seeking
to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/21/bolsonaro-brazil-military-dictatorship-violence">promote unrest and violence to create an excuse</a>.


feed_id: 4f111a6105421ad438da57372762a130
title: Controlled fires
uri: Controlled-fires
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Controlled_fires%29
content:
<p>
Indigenous peoples in California want to resume their practice
of using controlled fires to prevent big fires.  Done their way,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/21/wildfire-prescribed-burns-california-native-americans">it also protects against invasive plants and aids the trees</a>.


feed_id: 5a92b57de7526d04d312da740853b1e0
title: Taxing fossil fuel companies
uri: Taxing-fossil-fuel-companies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Taxing_fossil_fuel_companies%29
content:
<p>
Labour will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/nov/21/labour-manifesto-to-slap-11bn-tax-on-oil-and-gas-firms-to-fund-green-plan">tax fossil fuel companies for climate defense</a>.


feed_id: 21531fb2fdf9b6113f372d7c3530b2c1
title: Nothing to see
uri: Nothing-to-see
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Nothing_to_see%29
content:
<p>
The staff of the Election Assistance Commission refused to let the
commissioners see the actual comments &mdash; 50,000 of them &mdash; which
said <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/10/16/groups-offer-deliver-50000-comments-election-assistance-commission-staff-didnt">"don't connect voting machines to the internet."</a>


feed_id: 49548757fc9f942fbf287b802dba220d
title: Coal in China
uri: Coal-in-China
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Coal_in_China%29
content:
<p>
China's increase in coal consumption <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/20/china-appetite-for-coal-power-stations-returns-despite-climate-pledge-capacity">dwarfs the reductions in the rest
of the world</a>.


feed_id: 57715508ec4df96db3c3c4a48b6efb3d
title: Sugar in Norway
uri: Sugar-in-Norway
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Sugar_in_Norway%29
content:
<p>
Norway has cut the average sugar intake <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/20/norwegians-cut-sugar-intake-to-lowest-level-in-44-years">by almost 50% since 2000</a>.


feed_id: ac17878166de7b162780d2da69cbc643
title: Injustices against extinction rebellion protesters
uri: Injustices-against-extinction-rebellion-protesters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Injustices_against_extinction_rebellion_protesters%29

content:
<p>
Extinction Rebellion protesters accuse the London <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/20/extinction-rebellion-protest-met-accused-of-521-abuses-of-power">521 acts of injustice against them</a>.


feed_id: 840f5924e878b1bd5d135ae2e1b9f691
title: Particulate pollution standards
uri: Particulate-pollution-standards
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Particulate_pollution_standards%29

content:
<p>
US standards for particulate pollution are inadequate: legally acceptable
levels of this pollution <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/20/us-air-pollution-deaths-study-jama">seem to kill around 200,000 Americans per year</a>.


feed_id: e1de9b452bf8d9e4b3a4fc7841331971
title: Arrests of legislators in Bolivia
uri: Arrests-of-legislators-in-Bolivia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Arrests_of_legislators_in_Bolivia%29

content:
<p>
Bolivia's new unelected government <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/18/pinochet-style-dictatorship-bolivias-coup-government-threatens-arrest-leftist">is now arresting legislators from
Morale's party</a>.


feed_id: 3537699f389fa5169588f5bcc38c122d
title: Fighting personal data collection
uri: Fighting-personal-data-collection
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Fighting_personal_data_collection%29

content:
<p>
Most Americans recognize that collection of their personal data
endangers them <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2019/11/15/americans-and-privacy-concerned-confused-and-feeling-lack-of-control-over-their-personal-information/">but feel hopeless about avoiding it</a>.

<p>
Actually Americans can easily stop this data collection if they join
forces.  All it takes is <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">clear laws that prohibit collecting personal data outside very limited circumstances</a>.


feed_id: 9605e7081d736daf781cbb9a77da2e95
title: Anti-vax is on Facebook
uri: Anti-vax-is-on-Facebook
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Anti-vax_is_on_Facebook%29
content:
<p>
Facebook prohibits pro-vaccine ads <a href="https://thenextweb.com/facebook/2019/11/14/facebook-let-anti-vaxxers-run-rampant-with-misinformation-ads-because-money/">but allows anti-vax superstition</a>.


feed_id: d1d0d27e73685c1bdf0f5f0663c37888
title: Employees benefits for Uber and Lyft
uri: Employees-benefits-for-Uber-and-Lyft
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Employees_benefits_for_Uber_and_Lyft%29

content:
<p>
New Jersey demands that Uber and Lyft pay 1/3 of a billion in back
payroll taxes for the drivers that it failed to treat as employees.
This is <a href="https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/uber-hit-with-650-million-employment-tax-bill-in-new-jersey">for their unemployment and disability benefits</a>.

<p>
These drivers deserve the rights and benefits of employees, especially
the minimum wage.  However, it is a mistake to fund anything by
payroll taxes, because they create an incentive to replace workers
with automation.  We should tax companies based on their income,
not their payroll.


feed_id: 5e67918c38a0dd0110449f96dd0eda96
title: Bugs in TPM
uri: Bugs-in-TPM
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Bugs_in_TPM%29
content:
<p>
Bugs made it possible to extract the private keys from TPMs and <a href="https://www.zdnet.com/article/tpm-fail-vulnerabilities-impact-tpm-chips-in-desktops-laptops-servers/">defeat
their restrictions</a>.  What a shame that these bugs have been fixed!

<p>
The TPM was invented for treacherous computing, and the private key it
contains was intended <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/can-you-trust.html">to enforce DRM restrictions</a>.  The idea was that the TPM would enable a web site to verify that
your computer was running some officially authorized malicious
program, rather than a replacement program that would not restrict
you.  Extracting the private key would give you the option to run a
patched program that could bypass the DRM.

<p>
People have found ways to use TPMs for other purposes, jobs that are
not oppressive.  If you're using a TPM this way, the bugs would have
worked against you.  However, you don't need a TPM to do these things.
Keys that you are forced to use but cannot extract or change can act
as handcuffs, and we should not allow them in our computers.

<p>
We must learn to recognize the difference between true security, which
works for the users, and tyrannical "security" which is meant to clamp down
on the users (like the Hong Kong "security forces").  Breaking the former
"security" can be bad.  Breaking the latter is a victory.

<p>
Too bad these bugs could be fixed.


feed_id: 34eb29ce29c2fb8c0372c9e424862471
title: Determination of Hong Kong protesters
uri: Determination-of-Hong-Kong-protesters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Determination_of_Hong_Kong_protesters%29

content:
<p>
Report from Hong Kong: the astounding persistence and determination of
the protesters, attacked over and over with chemical weapons and <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2019/11/escalating-violence-hong-kong-protests/601804/">forbidden
to protect themselves from them</a>.


feed_id: 03c7277bb98598a54791bb6350e612f9
title: Equity companies and medical service providers
uri: Equity-companies-and-medical-service-providers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Equity_companies_and_medical_service_providers%29

content:
<p>
Private equity companies are buying up lots of medical service providers
and <a href="https://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/gougers-r-us-how-private-equity-is-gobbling-up-medical-care/">creating oligopolies that gouge helpless patients</a>.


feed_id: cfe9bb317cd4a2f88bac89fd8100ed6f
title: Amazon face recognition in your home
uri: Amazon-face-recognition-in-your-home
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#22_November_2019_%28Amazon_face_recognition_in_your_home%29

content:
<p>
Amazon has implemented face recognition for its Ring door cameras,
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2019/11/20/amazon-ring-security-senate/">just not enabled it yet</a>.


feed_id: 5c5b0ea62486c724bb36e1d3f59d5a91
title: Everyone in the loop
uri: Everyone-in-the-loop
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#23_November_2019_%28Everyone_in_the_loop%29
content:
<p>
Sondland testified that Pence, Giuliani and Bolton <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/20/gordon-sondland-trump-impeachment-ukraine-quid-pro-quo">all participated
in the conman's shakedown of Ukraine</a>.


feed_id: c01f1b12135ac0b69affc579ade420c0
title: Uber spying
uri: Uber-spying
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#23_November_2019_%28Uber_spying%29
content:
<p>
Uber plans to make audio recordings in its cars.  In addition to
recording where people go, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/nov/20/uber-record-rides-safety-brazil-mexico-us">it will record what they say to each other</a>.


feed_id: 4a781a69e184c01d0f82bcf1b4fd4da3
title: Social housing in UK
uri: Social-housing-in-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#23_November_2019_%28Social_housing_in_UK%29
content:
<p>
Labour pledges to ramp up construction of public housing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/nov/20/labour-to-unveil-75bn-social-housing-plan-to-build-for-the-many">to 150,000
units per year</a>.


feed_id: 6b03dbbecc3286b99e6acce36258e2df
title: Army kills citizen in Bolivia
uri: Army-kills-citizen-in-Bolivia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#23_November_2019_%28Army_kills_citizen_in_Bolivia%29

content:
<p>
Bolivian soldiers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/20/bolivia-el-alto-violence-death-protest">killed pro-Morales protesters in El Alto</a>, a city of
poor people right next to La Paz.

<p>
The army says it didn't do the killing, but the evidence is plain to see.

<p>
Some of the dead were not even protesters, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/20/evo-morales-alleges-coordinated-operation-us-bolivian-military-massacres-protestors">just people walking to work</a>.

<p>
The US surely helped organize the coup, just as it did the coup in
Honduras when Clinton was the Secretary of State.  However, "genocide"
is too strong a word to describe six unjustified killings.


feed_id: 5e5dbc2724123dbcb8195827fa16af17
title: Labour's Green New Deal
uri: Labour-s-Green-New-Deal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#23_November_2019_%28Labour%27s_Green_New_Deal%29
content:
<p>
Labour <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/nov/21/labour-manifesto-promises-1m-green-jobs-to-tackle-climate-crisis">proposes its version of a Green New Deal</a>: a million jobs doing
work that will reduce greenhouse emissions, including energy
efficiency and tree planting as well as renewable electricity.


feed_id: cc22da4dbe20325d568001c7eb0d4d0d
title: Global heating and seaweed
uri: Global-heating-and-seaweed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#23_November_2019_%28Global_heating_and_seaweed%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">Global heating</a> is replacing kelp in the Gulf of Maine with other seaweed
which doesn't shelter fish very well.  <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/11/19/invasive-seaweed-taking-over-gulf-maine-and-new-research-says-that-bad-news-for-fish/K6J763NQ68rVWIBt5GdDhO/story.html">This change is bad for the fish</a>.


feed_id: 1864fc8d156969275316b66ce48ab9c4
title: Scott Warren acquitted
uri: Scott-Warren-acquitted
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#23_November_2019_%28Scott_Warren_acquitted%29
content:
<p>
The US government prosecuted Scott Warren for giving humanitarian aid
to unauthorized immigrants near the Mexican border.  His first jury
could not reach a verdict so it prosecuted Warren again.  He was tried
again&hellip; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/20/arizona-activist-migrants-trial-scott-warren">and acquitted, so he is now safe</a>.

<p>
Bravo to the jury who rejected the cruelty which this prosecution embodies.

<p>
Being prosecuted multiple times can exhaust anyone's resources.
It can destroy the target even if <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#perse">perse</a> is never convicted.
I think the government should be required to pay the legal expenses
of anyone who is tried more than once for a given act.


feed_id: e7c3977c66e737c2ca727b7088368589
title: African plant species at risk
uri: African-plant-species-at-risk
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#23_November_2019_%28African_plant_species_at_risk%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/20/a-third-of-tropical-african-plant-species-at-risk-of-extinction-study">One-third
of tropical African plant species at risk of extinction &mdash;
study</a>.
<p>
459 animal species are designated as endangered in the US.  All but
one of them could easily be wiped out by <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> effects.  But
the US government 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/18/driven-anti-science-agenda-trump-agencies-defying-mandate-save-endangered-species">refuses
to protect them from that</a>.


feed_id: dad36b4515e7168f8649d660fadeb835
title: Poor Americans cling to myths about US
uri: Poor-Americans-cling-to-myths-about-US
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#23_November_2019_%28Poor_Americans_cling_to_myths_about_US%29

content:
<p>
Poor Americans 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/20/poor-americans-patriotic-than-their-wealthier-counterparts">cling
to the positive myths about the United States</a> and thus fail to
struggle to make reality match them.


feed_id: f26713c7e92c28eeb61eb7de1cd15ba7
title: Colombia's president facing protests
uri: Colombia-s-president-facing-protests
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#23_November_2019_%28Colombias_president_facing_protests%29

content:
<p>
Colombia's right-wing president Duque is facing 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/20/colombia-border-closed-protests-ivan-duque">large
protests</a>.


feed_id: 2e5a7b6c2cbc97f26484fa7946145560
title: China jails and tortures Simon Chen
uri: China-jails-and-tortures-Simon-Chen
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#23_November_2019_%28China_jails_and_tortures_Simon_Chen%29

content:
<p>
China jailed Simon Cheng for 15 days and 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/20/former-uk-official-simon-cheng-in-hong-kong-tortured-in-15-day-china-ordeal">tortured
him</a>.  He formerly worked for the British Consulate in Hong Kong,
and Chinese <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> accused him of working for the British government to
promote protests.  He eventually made a false confession (that's what
torture is good for).


feed_id: b40812a0fc404c0378a4af3d08de8a4d
title: Tracking and controlling connecting cars
uri: Tracking-and-controlling-connecting-cars
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#23_November_2019_%28Tracking_and_controlling_connecting_cars%29

content:
<p>
Stalkers can track connected cars, and start or stop them, 
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2019/11/06/womans-stalker-used-an-app-that-allowed-him-stop-start-track-her-car/">through
the cars' computers</a>.
<p>
No one should be able to do this to your car.  The way to stop
it is to stop the data antenna and the GPS antenna from functioning.


feed_id: 89e4cbd11a9ba892d5688d7bb7cf7877
title: Charging students for school lunch
uri: Charging-students-for-school-lunch
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#23_November_2019_%28Charging_students_for_school_lunch%29

content:
<p>
Minnesota school 
<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/minnesota-school-threw-out-hot-meals-students-over-15-lunch-n1081106">threw
out hot meals of students with over $15 lunch debt</a>, then
apologized.
<p>
The school, and the state, should apologize for charging students for
school lunch.


feed_id: ab3d48f5b0acee67b9f5f5c9001edf88
title: Rights violations by NYC thug department
uri: Rights-violations-by-NYC-thug-department
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#23_November_2019_%28Rights_violations_by_NYC_thug_department%29

content:
<p>
The New York City <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department violates people's rights so often
that it has to pay 
<a href="https://boingboing.net/2019/11/13/the-nypd-is-out-of-control-pa.html">hundreds
of million dollars of damages each year</a>.
<p>
It is a good thing that their victims get some justice, but monetary
compensation doesn't wipe out the damage that they do.  These <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>
are a menace to society and New York City needs to put an end to
their depredations.


feed_id: eea7281cf0eda9b49270dc022a8f6cfd
title: More political prisons identified in Xinjiang
uri: More-political-prisons-identified-in-Xinjiang
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#23_November_2019_%28More_political_prisons_identified_in_Xinjiang%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://boingboing.net/2019/11/12/china-has-500-uighur-camps-an.html">Many
additional political prisons</a> have been identified in Xinjiang,
which leads to the suspicion that the number of Uighur prisoners
exceeds one million.


feed_id: 40a3b40f5a870d7a9270d6aca89774e6
title: Number of immigrant minors kept in prison
uri: Number-of-immigrant-minors-kept-in-prison
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#23_November_2019_%28Number_of_immigrant_minors_kept_in_prison%29

content:
<p>
The US kept 
<a href="https://apnews.com/015702afdb4d4fbf85cf5070cd2c6824">almost
70,000 immigrant minors</a> in prison away from their families during
2019, and the year isn't even over.
<p>
Some of these minors were children, even as young as 3 years old, and
they can be terribly traumatized by the experience.  Teenagers can
also be traumatized, especially when jailed in this way for a long
time, but it is misleading to call them "children".


feed_id: c6fd6b73617d9ac48371db23253d90c8
title: Face recognition systems shared by thugs
uri: Face-recognition-systems-shared-by-thugs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#23_November_2019_%28Face_recognition_systems_shared_by_thugs%29

content:
<p>
Many <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> departments in Washington State are sharing face recognition
systems and 
<a href="https://onezero.medium.com/secret-emails-reveal-how-washington-state-cops-shared-facial-recognition-tech-db8a799c6de6">keeping
this secret from the public</a>.
<p>
This indicates a malicious attitude and all those who did this should
be fired.  However, the most important thing is to pass a law
that will stop them from making any use of face recognition
or face recognition results, except when authorized by a specific
court order based on suspicion of a particular crime.


feed_id: df44a0b5c2e05993a591292c58320b5f
title: Structure of the US Supreme Court
uri: Structure-of-the-US-Supreme-Court
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#23_November_2019_%28Structure_of_the_US_Supreme_Court%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/10/16/should-supreme-court-be-reformed">Ideas
for reforming</a> the structure of the US Supreme Court.
<p>
I am not convinced any of these would be an improvement for the long
term.  Any possible structure is vulnerable to subversion if a
powerful corrupt party takes over the other branches of government.
We have a temporary problem &mdash; five right-wing judges &mdash; and
we should fix that, but there is no point hoping that it will be
better in some lasting or intrinsic way.


feed_id: 9d0fa100479d3dd6f2eb39f0b7af6471
title: French pun
uri: 2019-11-24-French-pun
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_November_2019_%28French_pun%29
content:
<p>
New French pun: 
<a href="https://stallman.org/french-puns.html#manger">Manger les avocats ou pas ?</a>


feed_id: 4c100e4d2ae4d5b1c7a1ad1b5317025c
title: Cooperative gig platforms
uri: Cooperative-gig-platforms
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Cooperative_gig_platforms%29
content:
<p>
Worker-owned cooperative gig platforms <a href="https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/pa75a8/worker-owned-apps-are-trying-to-fix-the-gig-economys-exploitation">can eliminate the exploitation
of workers typical in the piecework sweatshop service economy</a>.

<p>
Alas, many of them exploit the customers in the same way as Amazon and Uber:
users must run a nonfree "app" and identify themselves.

<p>
The "platform cooperativism" movement needs to get on the right track
and protect users as well as workers from exploitation.  Platforms
must give people a way to get the service anonymously and pay cash,
without ever being told to run a nonfree program.

<p>
If any of these platforms satisfies those criteria, please tell me.
I would like to hold it up as a good example.


feed_id: 05f0a173f078d0163ab1d1b00790d8be
title: Buying experts
uri: Buying-experts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Buying_experts%29
content:
<p>
"OxyContin’s makers delayed the reckoning for their role in the opioid crisis
by funding think tanks, placing friendly experts on leading outlets, and
<a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/inside-purdue-pharma-media-playbook-how-it-planted-the-opioid-anti-story">deterring or challenging negative coverage</a>."


feed_id: 02468eb10bab5abf751659d510638845
title: Banks ID databases
uri: Banks-ID-databases
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Banks_ID_databases%29
content:
<p>
*Sidewalk Labs' quiet plan for Canada's banks <a href="https://boingboing.net/2019/11/18/kafka-by-interac.html">to manage a national digital ID
for health care and housing</a>.*

<p>
A unified ID data base for various unrelated purposes is dangerous
regardless of details.  That is because linked data bases potentiate
each other for controlling people.  I think there should be a law
that a credential established by the state for one purpose may not be
used for any unrelated purpose.


feed_id: 22c5a298875ac90badee8788b3619810
title: Bolivia Coup
uri: Bolivia-Coup
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Bolivia_Coup%29
content:
<p>
Explaining why the overthrow of President Morales was indeed a coup,
indeed a military coup, even though it didn't operate in quite the
usual way.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/21/whats-happening-bolivia-violent-right-wing-coup">And showing how the US worked for years to bring it about</a>.


feed_id: be2a3a6d1b5254a25f9a5ce5b582573c
title: Sanders about Palestinians' rights
uri: Sanders-about-Palestinians-rights
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Sanders_about_Palestinians%27_rights%29

content:
<p>
Sanders spoke up for Palestinians' rights in the Democratic Party debate,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/20/sanders-receives-applause-and-praise-saying-us-should-treat-palestinians-respect-and">and received applause</a>.


feed_id: 7b9fa7d10cc9a6fd8c13f4d771320f0b
title: Google political ads targeting
uri: Google-political-ads-targeting
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Google_political_ads_targeting%29

content:
<p>
Google has stopped allowing <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/20/technology/google-political-ads-targeting.html">targeting of political ads based on voters'
inclinations</a>.

<p>
This is a step forward, but we should pass laws to require complete
transparency about online advertising.  All political ads, and all
political mass emails, should be publicly archived so that anyone can
see later what statements were made and by whom.


feed_id: d82c4316a7bae4a730267b77b84798e6
title: Amazon street snooping
uri: Amazon-street-snooping
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Amazon_street_snooping%29
content:
<p>
Senator Markey questioned an Amazon representative about the
street-snooping Ring camera <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/20/how-does-amazon-ring-protect-user-privacy-basically-they-dont-senators-investigation">and found no measures to protect Americans'
privacy from the device</a>.


feed_id: abf43805903387e39c0a41cb79850a83
title: Fossil fuel extraction plans
uri: Fossil-fuel-extraction-plans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Fossil_fuel_extraction_plans%29
content:
<p>
The fossil fuel extraction plans of governments and companies add up to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/20/planned-fossil-fuel-production-dangerously-out-line-climate-safety">far more than 2C of global heating</a>.


feed_id: 588bc173294053c462f2ea92d7d00698
title: Netanyahu defense
uri: Netanyahu-defense
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Netanyahu_defense%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/congress-approves-3-billion-in-military-aid-for-netany-1839987688">satire</a>) &hellip; both houses of Congress voted
   unanimously Thursday to extend $3 billion in emergency military aid to
   Benjamin Netanyahu to defend himself against the Israeli justice
   system.


feed_id: 4d4dba8787a21f52cb0d98e14121a543
title: Warren and black women
uri: Warren-and-black-women
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Warren_and_black_women%29
content:
<p>
Senator Warren tried to present a campaign speech to an audience of
black women, and protesters sent by a Walton family astroturf
organization blocked her from speaking.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/21/elizabeth-warren-african-american-voters-democrats">The organization advocates
charter schools</a>.

<p>
The article reports that fact but doesn't seem to take cognizance the
implications of it.  It says that Warren has "a problem with black
women", but is it really a problem with the Waltons and their charter
school plans?


feed_id: 0d4b36385af00339f7f2f4efd7616207
title: Australia's invisible justice
uri: Australia-s-invisible-justice
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Australia%27s_invisible_justice%29

content:
<p>
Australia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/22/act-justice-minister-says-even-he-was-kept-in-dark-over-secret-prisoner">has imprisoned someone whose identity is secret, after a secret
trial on secret charges</a>.

<p>
Maybe Australia need not worry about Chinese influence, given that its
own policies are so similar at heart.


feed_id: bba14222a133b4e3bcd03c1260ba2bc5
title: Insects and light pollution
uri: Insects-and-light-pollution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Insects_and_light_pollution%29
content:
<p>
Artificial lighting <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/22/light-pollution-insect-apocalypse">is a significant contributor to the rapid decline
of insect populations</a>.


feed_id: 8b90b0346b8e2955cb1898dba9b55a53
title: Economic growth and life expectancy
uri: Economic-growth-and-life-expectancy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Economic_growth_and_life_expectancy%29

content:
<p>
Historically, economic growth does not increase most people's life
expectancy.  It often does the opposite.  Life expectancy <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/22/progressive-politics-capitalism-unions-healthcare-education">increases
for most people when the people make the elites share the wealth</a>.


feed_id: 0728861b3e9dcd58e6c2510ef3eb095a
title: Reflective satellites blind telescope
uri: Reflective-satellites-blind-telescope
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Reflective_satellites_blind_telescope%29

content:
<p>
50,000 planned low-orbit satellites with reflective surfaces could
make a new telescope <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/nov/22/not-cool-telescope-faces-interference-from-space-bound-satellites">unable to see the potential Earth-colliding
asteroids it was designed to find</a>.


feed_id: e3101adc3f4c13fc3ba814c77fa382e4
title: Zuckerberg and the conman
uri: Zuckerberg-and-the-conman
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Zuckerberg_and_the_conman%29
content:
<p>
It is natural that Zuckerberg <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/22/surprised-about-mark-zuckerbergs-secret-meeting-with-trump-dont-be">had a secret meeting with the conman</a>.
The two have the same basic political stance: "More money!"

<p>
However, one could be shocked that Zuckerberg joined right-wing billionaire
Peter Thiel <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/trump-hosted-zuckerberg-undisclosed-dinner-white-house-october-n1087986">at the same dinner</a>.


feed_id: f702b258c417292448f28f9ab834b7ca
title: Hong Kong university siege
uri: Hong-Kong-university-siege
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Hong_Kong_university_siege%29
content:
<p>
Some protesters <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/22/hong-kong-university-siege-continues-as-city-prepares-for-election">remain besieged in the Hong Kong Polytechnic University</a>.  They are afraid to surrender to the thugs because the thugs might maul them.


feed_id: cea09fed361be6d6acdb7e6807d6b20c
title: Toying with people lives
uri: Toying-with-people-lives
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Toying_with_people_lives%29
content:
<p>
Former Israeli occupation soldier: "&hellip; looking back a few years
later, I realize what being drunk with power combined with boredom can
do to you. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/nov/22/exposed-israel-photo-exhibition">You toy with the life and livelihood of a person for
entertainment</a>."


feed_id: cd6073ea145fbd949c5bcc71a215c2c7
title: Protecting opinions you disapprove of
uri: Protecting-opinions-you-disapprove-of
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Protecting_opinions_you_disapprove_of%29

content:
<p>
The University of Indiana recognized that it cannot fire a professor for his
bigoted statements on Twitter.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/22/indiana-university-bloomington-eric-rasmusen-racist-sexist-tweets">As a public institution it must obey the
first amendment</a>.

<p>
I too disapprove of his bigotry, but I think it is proper to protect
people from bring fired because of unpopular opinions of <em>any</em> kind.
Freedom of speech includes the freedom to state views you and I
disapprove of.


feed_id: 95eba73f973038266c53b9938c535acc
title: Affordable low-footprint housing units
uri: Affordable-low-footprint-housing-units
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Affordable_low-footprint_housing_units%29

content:
<p>
Ilhan Omar has proposed <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/21/omars-12-trillion-homes-all-act-heralded-ambitious-addition-green-new-deal-framework">a ten-year plan to build 12 million
affordable, low-footprint housing units</a>.

<p>
This is an alternative to the Green New Deal for Public Housing Act,
proposed by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders.


feed_id: fc70057edad961acc604fa84ce87740f
title: Control of Australia by China
uri: Control-of-Australia-by-China
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Control_of_Australia_by_China%29

content:
<p>
Warning: China <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/22/china-is-seeking-to-take-over-australias-political-system-former-asio-chief-claims">is trying to subvert and control the Australian
government</a>.

<p>
Control by China would be very bad, in the area of human rights.
Australia <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#1_July_2019_(World-wide_threat_to_encryption_providers)">is already vicious in that area</a>, but China would surely continue the existing injustice and add to it.

<p>
Currently fossil fuel companies control the Australian government.
Would China continue their planet-roasting policies or change them?


feed_id: f5e0d84dc589f0234b3aa6c47efcbc27
title: Iran firewall
uri: Iran-firewall
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Iran_firewall%29
content:
<p>
Iran has centralized its outside internet gateways, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/21/irans-digital-shutdown-other-regimes-will-be-watching-closely">has tested a
firewall that separates all domestic internet users from the rest of
the world</a>.

<p>
This is an advance in repression &mdash; exceeding that of the great
firewall of China, but more bearable for nonpolitical people than what
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#7_August_2019_(Hindu_extremist_ruler)">India has done to Kashmir</a>.


feed_id: 7c8e58f345060d272fbf5036c8f73699
title: Netanyahu indicted
uri: Netanyahu-indicted
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Netanyahu_indicted%29
content:
<p>
*Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/21/israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-indicted-for-bribery-and">indicted for bribery and fraud</a>.*

<p>
His corruption has been generally known for many years.
Uri Avnery wrote about how difficult it was for the state to
get to grips with this.


feed_id: 4a45eeed309c9e39e9fa706b3500c153
title: Damascus' butcher
uri: Damascus-butcher
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Damascus%27_butcher%29
content:
<p>
Assad's army <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/21/syrian-regime-targets-hospital-and-refugee-camp-killing-at-least-22">fired missiles containing cluster bombs at a refugee camp and
a hospital, both in Idlib</a>.

<p>
The major powers have given up entirely on trying to stop such warfare.


feed_id: d28ff182531acff27962d4f8703bf7a4
title: Nothing to view here
uri: Nothing-to-view-here
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Nothing_to_view_here%29
content:
<p>
MSNBC went to great trouble to make sure Sanders supporters <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/21/if-we-win-they-cant-act-we-dont-exist-bernie-sanders-supporter-blocked-tv-interview">would not be
seen by TV viewers</a>.


feed_id: 0f726c047b1c9a4126dc9e3a7a0bb16c
title: Louisville and climate
uri: Louisville-and-climate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Louisville_and_climate%29
content:
<p>
Louisville, Kentucky, is trying to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/nov/21/re-greening-can-louisville-plant-its-way-out-of-a-heat-emergency">cool its climate by planting
trees</a>

<p>
It needs to plant 100,000 trees per year, but has not yet
given this priority for funds.


feed_id: aa6ff928b4fd142dbf6059aad060b6ca
title: Urgent: Update HIPAA to protect privacy
uri: Urgent-Update-HIPAA-to-protect-privacy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_Update_HIPAA_to_protect_privacy%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/hhs-update-hipaa">call for
updating medical records privacy law</a> (HIPAA) to protect privacy
from data digestion companies such as Google.
<p>
Here's 
<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2019/11/google-project-nightingale-all-your-health-data/601999/">how
the law is inadequate today</a>.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: c232291d3af0c5a93463b6c0aeeb063b
title: Billboards that track people
uri: Billboards-that-track-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Billboards_that_track_people%29
content:
<p>
Advertising billboards 
<a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/privacy/digital-billboards-are-tracking-you-and-they-want-you-to-see-their-ads/">track
individuals through their cell phones' ID numbers for cellular radio
and WiFi</a>.
<p>
They can't see me, because I don't have a cell phone, and the WiFi of
my laptop is switched off (and I change the MAC address).  But they
should not be allowed to track anyone.


feed_id: 327c2620ed86e2850f30ced89c4eadd3
title: Arrest or protesters in Nicaragua
uri: Arrest-or-protesters-in-Nicaragua
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Arrest_or_protesters_in_Nicaragua%29

content:
<p>
Ortega is 
<a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nicaragua-protests-idUSKBN1XT25S">arresting
protesters in Nicaragua again</a>.  Mothers of prisoners have resumed
Hunger strikes.


feed_id: 1954470248c167e5d0cfad77285d2aaa
title: Hostility towards heroic whistleblowers
uri: Hostility-towards-heroic-whistleblowers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Hostility_towards_heroic_whistleblowers%29

content:
<p>
Another disgusting thing about Buttigieg is his 
<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/2020-candidate-pete-buttigieg-troubled-by-clemency-for-chelsea-manning/">hostility
towards heroic whistleblowers such as Chelsea Manning and Edward
Snowden</a>.  He puts loyalty to the system above loyalty to justice
and freedom.
<p>
No matter what happens I will not cast a vote for Buttigieg.


feed_id: bc03451c0fbe76ead86c6b28d606ccb8
title: Democrats' votes on PAT RIOT Act snooping
uri: Democrats-votes-on-PAT-RIOT-Act-snooping
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Democrats_votes_on_PAT_RIOT_Act_snooping%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://reason.com/2019/11/20/democrats-overwhelmingly-vote-to-give-trumps-people-more-spying-power/">Almost
all the Democrats in the House of Representatives</a> voted to extend
PAT RIOT Act snooping &mdash; but a few progressives opposed it.
<p>
If your representative voted for this, phone and complain.


feed_id: df06d57f73b3019e67dd61cc110da05e
title: Ilhan Omar opposes harsh retribution
uri: Ilhan-Omar-opposes-harsh-retribution
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Ilhan_Omar_opposes_harsh_retribution%29

content:
<p>
Ilhan Omar 
<a href="http://commonwonders.com/the-intelligence-of-tomorrow/">asked
the judge to apply restorative justice rather than harsh
retribution</a> to a man who said he wanted to murder her.
<p>
Examples like this give me an opportunity to be inspired to be
a better instance of a moral person.


feed_id: bfbb18832e5112cc5910c67b73d8bf58
title: Solitary confinement in US schools
uri: Solitary-confinement-in-US-schools
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Solitary_confinement_in_US_schools%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://features.propublica.org/illinois-seclusion-rooms/school-students-put-in-isolated-timeouts/">Many
US schools put children in solitary confinement</a> &mdash; for hours
&mdash; supposedly to make them "calm down", though frequently the
effect is just the opposite.
<p>
When I was a child, occasionally the staff at a school or a summer
camp would grab me (they called it "restraining" me) with the absurd
idea that this would make me "calm down".  What it did was enrage me.
As long as he kept trying to "restrain" me, I gave nonstop rage.  I
made it absolutely clear that if he wanted me to "calm down" he must
first stop that aggression against me.


feed_id: e1ded9722dd6f074bf4806f9bea19082
title: Countering white nationalist violence
uri: Countering-white-nationalist-violence
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_%28Countering_white_nationalist_violence%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://medium.com/@teamwarren/fighting-back-against-white-nationalist-violence-87b0c550f51f">Senator
Warren's plan</a> to counter white nationalist violence effectively.
<p>
I support the plan, but I have to object that no organization should
be labeled as "terrorist" by an arbitrary decision of functionaries.
Promoting terrorism is a crime, and the only way to be labeled as a
criminal should be via a conviction in court.
<p>
I also note the use of the ridiculous word 
<a href="https://stallman.org/antiglossary.html#latinx">"Latinx"</a>.


feed_id: 2c907fc5d93c84f1c2e696ba403d6b50
title: Blackwhiting
uri: 2019-11-26-Blackwhiting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_%28Blackwhiting%29
content:
<p>
The conman's shakedown of Ukraine is so plainly demonstrated that
Republican politicians <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/23/trump-impeachment-republicans-falsehoods">can defend him only by blackwhiting</a>.  Interestingly, some pundits that used to support him can't stomach that any more.


feed_id: efe3b6a319bba348400a778e51325145
title: Threat on forests
uri: Threat-on-forests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_%28Threat_on_forests%29
content:
<p>
Important forests are threatened <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/24/the-five-areas-of-deforestation-amazon-ethiopia-siberia-papua-south-sudan">in many parts of the world</a>.


feed_id: 26b9241be2e408809b19846d00915634
title: Violence in Bolivia
uri: Violence-in-Bolivia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_%28Violence_in_Bolivia%29
content:
<p>
*Repressive violence is sweeping Bolivia. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/24/bolivia-anez-regime-violence">The Áñez regime must be held to
account</a>.*


feed_id: e16f79419453e86f176b61ff72f01351
title: Unlearning defeatism
uri: Unlearning-defeatism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_%28Unlearning_defeatism%29
content:
<p>
When plutocratist politicians have imposed poverty for decades, people
may become unable to believe any politicians could ever change that
attitude.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/24/ven-after-two-world-wars-we-rebuilt-britain-we-must-recapture-that-can-do-spirit">Unlearning that defeatism is crucial for victory</a>.


feed_id: b75acde8871eea179a18fe653517cd86
title: Warren is less progressive
uri: Warren-is-less-progressive
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_%28Warren_is_less_progressive%29
content:
<p>
It is clear now that Warren <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/24/elizabeth-warren-not-progressive">is much less progressive than Sanders</a>.

<p>
She is better than the usual run of plutocratist Democrats, but it would be sad
if we don't get ourselves a true progressive.


feed_id: 051549d54044319ed0cefe5c2850b0e4
title: Tax on aviation
uri: Tax-on-aviation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_%28Tax_on_aviation%29
content:
<p>
All the avenues of research can't reduce the greenhouse footprint of
aviation if people keep flying more.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/nov/24/can-we-fly-and-have-net-zero-emissions-air-industry-e-fan-x-rolls-royce-engines-kerosine-carbon-2050">We need global taxes on flying, designed to discourage it</a>.

<p>
With enough investment, we could also build high-speed trains as China
has done.  They could replace most air travel, and the remainder
we could perhaps live with.


feed_id: f0d4136eaab4b17a1b2b5481d838239e
title: Protests against Iran government
uri: Protests-against-Iran-government
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_%28Protests_against_Iran_government%29

content:
<p>
In Iran, Iraq and Lebanon, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/24/street-protests-threaten-iran-middle-east-power">people are protesting against the power of
the government of Iran</a>.  Too bad that many of them are protesting to demand subsidized fossil
fuels.  That's exactly the thing to kill billions of people, given
time.

<p>
The article errs in equating Iranian influence with Shi'ite power.
The Shi'ites are the majority in Iraq, by far, and they will surely continue
to be the dominant group in Iraq whether Iran is involved or not.
The crucial question is whether they will admit individual Sunnis on
a basis of equality, or crush them to the point that they rebel yet again.


feed_id: 3501ac711174a14e7c707e81b2917010
title: Retiring GDP
uri: Retiring-GDP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_%28Retiring_GDP%29
content:
<p>
Stiglitz: It's time to retire metrics like GDP. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/24/metrics-gdp-economic-performance-social-progress">They don't measure
everything that matters</a>.

<p>
I propose three numbers to measure the overall health of the economy:

<ul>
  <li>What fraction of the cost of basic needs can some with a 20th percentile income have?</li>
  <li>What fraction of the cost of basic needs can someone with no income have for basic needs?</li>
  <li>What is the most a person with a 20th percentile income or less ever has to pay in order to access medical treatment?</li>
</ul>


feed_id: b5d78ccb01f343959aa2516bba3ce5ab
title: Protests are not terrorism
uri: Protests-are-not-terrorism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_%28Protests_are_not_terrorism%29
content:
<p>
The Bolivian coup government accuses Morales of "sedition" and terrorism,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/24/bolivia-evo-morales-vow-jail-rest-life-arturo-murillo">based on an audio recording calling for protest strikes</a>.

<p>
Protests are not terrorism, and even less is advocating protests terrorism.
The use of the term "sedition" proves the injustice of the charges, since
it simply means "criticizing the government," and a government which makes
that a crime is unfit to rule.


feed_id: 4823fa2ae3da8eded0d17f9b4a05aba1
title: Harvard and Yale alumni protest
uri: Harvard-and-Yale-alumni-protest
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_%28Harvard_and_Yale_alumni_protest%29

content:
<p>
Harvard and Yale alumni held a protest for fossil fuel divestment on
the field at half-time <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/23/harvard-yale-football-game-protest-fossil-fuels">at the annual Harvard-Yale game</a>.


feed_id: b7455516caa98546411193609087d4c0
title: Tracking people is threat to human rights
uri: Tracking-people-is-threat-to-human-rights
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_%28Tracking_people_is_threat_to_human_rights%29

content:
<p>
Amnesty International says that the surveillance done by Facebook and
Google <a href="https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2019/11/google-facebook-surveillance-privacy/">amounts to a threat to human rights</a>.

<p>
This is a big step towards what I've said for years, but they still
have a ways to go.  Every system that tracks people's movements or
actions is a threat to human rights.  A lot of tracking is a bug threat.
Whether that tracking is done by one large system or by many small systems,
either way it adds up to a big threat.


feed_id: 05bec6c83ae298c3f95e88421cbd83d1
title: Suspect linked to Malta government in murder case
uri: Suspect-linked-to-Malta-government-in-murder-case
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_%28Suspect_linked_to_Malta_government_in_murder_case%29

content:
<p>
A suspect in the murder of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/22/maltas-pm-urged-to-step-back-from-investigation-into-journalists-killing">is linked to government ministers of Malta</a>.


feed_id: ff6b77a9bd67fceb59dcb3a9ee8928ad
title: Thug hurting kids
uri: Thug-hurting-kids
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_%28Thug_hurting_kids%29
content:
<p>
A Colorado <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> grabbed and mauled a teenager whose limbs had all been
amputated, <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Video-showing-teen-with-no-arms-or-legs-being-14837578.php">regarding him as a "threat"</a>.

<p>
Then he attacked another teenager for making a video of his attack on the
first one.  He arrested them both.


feed_id: 9b5e39184607c87d1e227ffd95f45aed
title: Urgent: end prohibition of marijuana
uri: Urgent-end-prohibition-of-marijuana
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_end_prohibition_of_marijuana%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://engage.drugpolicy.org/secure/historic-marijuana-vote-congress-wednesday-0">call on Congress</a> to end federal prohibition of marijuana.

<p>
To sign this without running nonfree Javascript code, use the Lynx browser.

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


feed_id: fe81a151dc271ff1b35e44cbfdb819c7
title: Urgent: stop NYT and WP corporate support
uri: Urgent-stop-NYT-and-WP-corporate-support
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_stop_NYT_and_WP_corporate_support%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=13780">call on the New York Times and Washington Post</a> to quit being
a megaphone for the corporate elite.

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


feed_id: 1a46408b27ae5faf73e5b582fcf5c741
title: Thug convicted
uri: 2019-11-26-Thug-convicted
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_%28Thug_convicted%29
content:
<p>
An Alabama <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> was convicted for shooting and killing Gregory Gunn,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/22/alabama-conviction-police-gregory-gunn-shooting">who was running away from him</a>.

<p>
The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> claimed Gunn had attacked him, but that seems to have been
fabrication.  But even if it had been true a moment before, it was no
longer true when Gunn ran away.

<p>
The fact that rural jury of mainly whites would convict a uniformed
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> for killing a black man gives me hope that Americans are
unlearning their unquestioning support for <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> that kill, and
especially those that kill blacks.  This is the first step to learning
to try not to kill.


feed_id: 4da05a155e8a3111c6a7ed93bdce8ce3
title: Undersea railroad national park
uri: Undersea-railroad-national-park
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_%28Undersea_railroad_national_park%29

content:
<p>
The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad national historical park <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/23/harriet-tubman-national-park-climate-crisis">will
become the Harriet Tubman Undersea Railroad national historical
park by 2050, if we don't curb global heating soon</a>.

<p>
The visitor center was finished only 2 years ago will face flooding.
Apparently the US government did not consider sea-level rise when
planning it.  Republicans work hard to prevent such planning.
It's as if they were interested only in a chance to pay money
to business, and not on whether the project would produce anything
durable.


feed_id: 50b9b0a41f936959de2bc29e54a1a515
title: Authoritarian and fear
uri: Authoritarian-and-fear
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_%28Authoritarian_and_fear%29
content:
<p>
Leaders of authoritarian movements mobilize people's fear of death
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/23/secret-trump-success-existential-dread-populist-death">so as to offer them a feeling of safety</a>.


feed_id: caf56d91b6e5397959d91269937c0ce2
title: Love of country
uri: Love-of-country
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_%28Love_of_country%29
content:
<p>
Immigrant Americans that love their country testified in the
impeachment hearings, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/23/trump-impeachment-inquiry-immigrants-vindman-hill">were speared by Republican native Americans
that primarily love their gang</a>.


feed_id: 8cbb11076ff235e8f8f7ce5eb9060d82
title: Safety of chemical plants
uri: Safety-of-chemical-plants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_%28Safety_of_chemical_plants%29
content:
<p>
The Environmental Poisoning Agency (EPA, formerly the Environmental
Protection Agency) eliminated its rules for safety of chemical plants
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/11/21/trump-epa-quashes-chemical-safety-rule-ease-burden-industry">in order to reduce the inconvenience for plant owners and increase
their profits</a>.


feed_id: b3177ae31700a165b65dc238d332a019
title: Insight and antidepressants
uri: Insight-and-antidepressants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_%28Insight_and_antidepressants%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://local.theonion.com/only-person-who-ever-truly-saw-world-for-what-it-is-sta-1839984923">satire</a>) Voluntarily surrendering the remarkable talent that gave her
   profound insight into the true nature of existence, the only person
   with the ability to see the world for what it actually is has started
   taking antidepressants &hellip;


feed_id: a300cb8fb7582d9dd342c7351773fa3e
title: Not enough
uri: Not-enough
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_%28Not_enough%29
content:
<p>
Improved efficiency of renewable electric generation <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/14/rise-renewables-oil-firms-decades-earlier-think">could make fossil fuels
peak by 2030</a>.

<p>
That is not soon enough!  By 2030 we need to have reduced greenhouse emissions
substantially.  We do need laws to push out fossil fuels.

<p>
Bills to set <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/11/21/over-150-members-congress-introduce-groundbreaking-climate-bill">long-term targets for 2050</a> can help, but we need to force
faster action.


feed_id: 41853d05bcd6567c26945bda43f7d60d
title: Bubble growth
uri: Bubble-growth
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_%28Bubble_growth%29
content:
<p>
The standard way to make a company "grow" nowadays <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/23/wework-adam-neumann-business-world">is by making a
bubble around it</a>.


feed_id: c433c4e21fb3a4ec78e3a7510f36c276
title: Authoritarianism in Bolivia
uri: Authoritarianism-in-Bolivia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_November_2019_%28Authoritarianism_in_Bolivia%29
content:
<p>
Medea Benjamin: the coup-installed government sent soldiers to end an
occupation in El Alto, and they shot wildly, wounding dozens of
bystanders and maybe some occupiers as well.  The press in Bolivia do not
report this <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/22/theyre-killing-us-dogs-massacre-bolivia-and-plea-help">because the government has threatened to jail them if they do</a>.


feed_id: 2defaf964a71e2d90c74640e78014613
title: Lung cancer and traffic
uri: Lung-cancer-and-traffic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#27_November_2019_%28Lung_cancer_and_traffic%29
content:
<p>
*Research reveals that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/25/living-near-busy-road-stunts-childrens-lung-growth-study-says">living in proximity of traffic increases risk of
lung cancer by 10%</a>.*


feed_id: a36418857d12459c633d7c5683982a2b
title: Chilean thugs kill
uri: Chilean-thugs-kill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#27_November_2019_%28Chilean_thugs_kill%29
content:
<p>
Chilean <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> have killed 23 protesters, and wounded over 200 in the eye
with various kinds of shooting.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/25/chile-protester-killed-mother-army-police-romario-veloz">Many of those have lost an eye</a>.

<p>
As usual, they lie to excuse this violence.


feed_id: 99172c026b6f3371eb5dd0b772d2639a
title: American black infant mortality
uri: American-black-infant-mortality
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#27_November_2019_%28American_black_infant_mortality%29

content:
<p>
A campaign aims to reduce infant mortality for American blacks
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/25/african-american-doula-collective-mothers-toxic-stress-racism-cleveland-infant-mortality-childbirth">to the same level that American whites have</a>.

<p>
Medicare for All would give them proper care, and other progressive
programs would reduce the poverty that imposes increased stress.
Poor whites might benefit, too.


feed_id: 843b7dee10fd67f1a49839a56ec44ffc
title: Selfish fools
uri: Selfish-fools
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#27_November_2019_%28Selfish_fools%29
content:
<p>
The selfish fools of Alberta consider Canada's minimal attention to
the danger of global heating are "expropriation" and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/25/wexit-alberta-canada-independence-separatism">are determined to
profit from oil even if it kills us all (and them too)</a>.


feed_id: 656d37a2706c8745785217875920b063
title: US law enforcement vision of Keystone protesters
uri: US-law-enforcement-vision-of-Keystone-protesters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#27_November_2019_%28US_law_enforcement_vision_of_Keystone_protesters%29

content:
<p>
*US law enforcement officials preparing for fresh Keystone XL
pipeline protests have privately discussed tactics to stop activists
   “by any means” and have labeled demonstrators potential “domestic
   terrorism” threats, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/25/keystone-xl-protests-pipeline-activism-environment">records reveal</a>.*


feed_id: 0221ba757fa95c56207c13d165480477
title: Pro-democracy Hong Kong vote
uri: Pro-democracy-Hong-Kong-vote
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#27_November_2019_%28Pro-democracy_Hong_Kong_vote%29
content:
<p>
Pro-democracy candidates swept the elections for Hong Kong local councils.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/25/china-issues-warning-over-hong-kong-after-election-blow">Supporters of China's power won 10% of the seats</a>.

<p>
Now it is clear that the people of Hong Kong mostly agree with the
protesters.  Can anyone find out what fraction of <em>votes</em> were for the
pro-democracy candidates?

<p>
I've read that these local councils choose some of the territory's
legislature, too.  So the consequences could be significant.


feed_id: 194d00159ff91320a7e4d122a527ab43
title: Well-run welfare state
uri: Well-run-welfare-state
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#27_November_2019_%28Well-run_welfare_state%29
content:
<p>
*Why can we no longer believe in a well-run welfare state <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/25/labour-manifesto-well-run-welfare-state-support">that supports us
all?</a>*

<p>
One cause is that plutocratists have dominated the major media for
decades, and spread the idea that state can't do a good job of
anything.  We are supposed to disregard the fact that businesses often
profit by not even trying to do a good job.


feed_id: 27ec1f2bad744856b8b28aa6f2b1baef
title: Uranium poisoning of Iraqi children
uri: Uranium-poisoning-of-Iraqi-children
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#27_November_2019_%28Uranium_poisoning_of_Iraqi_children%29

content:
<p>
A study has tied birth defects in Iraqi babies <a href="https://theintercept.com/2019/11/25/iraq-children-birth-defects-military/">with exposure to
depleted uranium</a>.

<p>
Their hair has a high level of thorium, which is the main decay
product of uranium 238, so the amount of thorium is a good way to
measure the extent of a baby's exposure to depleted uranium.

<p>
This effect was predicted at the time of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#dubya">Dubya</a>'s invasion of Iraq.
The use of depleted uranium shells and armor makes for a long-term
increase in birth defects, for humans and other animals.  The
half-life of U-238 is so long (roughly the age of the Earth) that we
can't expect its decay to get rid of it.


feed_id: 8ef7539c0e42c8cfa701ce6aa4269f7c
title: Bloomberg candidacy
uri: Bloomberg-candidacy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#27_November_2019_%28Bloomberg_candidacy%29
content:
<p>
Bloomberg's plutocratist positions <a href="https://theintercept.com/2019/11/25/michael-bloombergs-right-wing-views-on-foreign-policy-make-him-a-perfect-candidate-for-the-republican-nomination/">are a perfect fit for the Republican Party</a>, as it was in 2015.

<p>
Bloomberg News <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2019/nov/25/michael-bloomberg-news-service-investigate-backlash">will not investigate any Democratic candidates</a>.

<p>
This policy is better than some alternatives &mdash; for instance, to publish
biased reporting.  Still, it is not a good thing for owners of major
news sources to be candidates.


feed_id: dd10b8509e17ac0bf1b17c722474f49c
title: Pardoning war crimes
uri: Pardoning-war-crimes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#27_November_2019_%28Pardoning_war_crimes%29
content:
<p>
The bully <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/22/trumps-war-crime-pardons-will-forever-be-stain-united-states">pardoned US soldiers accused of war crimes</a>.  In effect, he rejects the idea of justice.


feed_id: dff7d6acae51b9979a03de22f2ca41f2
title: Coal industry knew
uri: Coal-industry-knew
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#27_November_2019_%28Coal_industry_knew%29
content:
<p>
*A new report shows conclusively that the coal industry <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/22/coal-knew-too-explosive-report-shows-industry-was-aware-climate-threat-far-back-1966">was aware of the
   climate impacts of burning fossil fuels as far back as 1966</a>.*


feed_id: bd7a41f8893b492c500cbd61b6fefd21
title: Protests in Venice
uri: Protests-in-Venice
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#27_November_2019_%28Protests_in_Venice%29
content:
<p>
People of Venice <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/25/people-of-venice-protest-over-floods-and-cruise-ships">Protest over Floods And Cruise Ships</a>.

<p>
Venice is becoming impractical as a place for people to actually live,
and the population of residents is falling.  If this keeps up, there won't
be many protesters any more.


feed_id: 4fdb5289211d8cd9109919a848214455
title: Buttigieg
uri: Buttigieg
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#27_November_2019_%28Buttigieg%29
content:
<p>
*Why has Buttigieg flipped from being a putative progressive to being
   perhaps the most conservative, pro-corporate Democrat remaining in the
   field? <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/22/pete-buttigieg-just-shill-corporations-and-donor-class">A good place to start would be to follow the money</a>.*

<p>
We could call him Nothing Buttigieg because, if elected, he will give us
only a song and dance.


feed_id: 2a542792547e9d2466d6829c8238413b
title: Game spectators protest
uri: Game-spectators-protest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#27_November_2019_%28Game_spectators_protest%29
content:
<p>
500 spectators at the Harvard-Yale football game <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/23/incredible-hundreds-harvard-and-yale-students-storm-football-field-demanding">participated in the
half-time disruption protest for divestment of fossil fuels</a>.


feed_id: 30bd2014e2ab436da326acd5ab76394d
title: Green New Deal ans workers rights
uri: Green-New-Deal-ans-workers-rights
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#27_November_2019_%28Green_New_Deal_ans_workers_rights%29

content:
<p>
Ocasio-Cortez's proposed Green New Deal would require companies working on it
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/23/ocasio-cortez-demands-solar-company-rehire-workers-fired-after-unionizing-green-new">to respect workers' rights</a>.


feed_id: a74bfce340752dfe2f1b0e150fa947fd
title: Pompeo and Giuliani's shakedown of Ukraine
uri: Pompeo-and-Giuliani-s-shakedown-of-Ukraine
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#27_November_2019_%28Pompeo_and_Giulianis_shakedown_of_Ukraine%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/11/24/new-trove-ukraine-documents-exposes-clear-paper-trail-rudy-giuliani-oval-office">Documents</a>
link Pompeo and Giuliani to shaking down Ukraine and smearing
Ambassador Yovanovitch.


feed_id: 5923673e238edb1d7c1b02de5e22ac7d
title: Putting the UK on Sweden's economic path
uri: Putting-the-UK-on-Sweden-s-economic-path
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#27_November_2019_%28Putting_the_UK_on_Swedens_economic_path%29

content:
<p>
Labour 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/nov/24/labours-spending-plans-arent-especially-unusual-just-look-at-sweden">proposes
to put the UK on Sweden's economic path</a> (or most of the way
there), rather than one resembling the US.


feed_id: 254c759038ed0f6d104b5d8fe5cdd4a5
title: Healthcare debate
uri: Healthcare-debate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#27_November_2019_%28Healthcare_debate%29
content:
<p>
How to Win the 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/11/24/how-win-holiday-healthcare-debate-your-conservative-relatives">Holiday
Healthcare Debate</a> With Your Conservative Relatives.


feed_id: bf6257c92aef46c42bb26f9fca99baac
title: China punishes relatives of exiled Uighur
uri: China-punishes-relatives-of-exiled-Uighur
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#27_November_2019_%28China_punishes_relatives_of_exiled_Uighur%29

content:
<p>
Tahir Imin Uighurian criticized China's treatment of the Uighurs from
exile outside China.  China
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2019/sep/25/china-has-destroyed-uighur-families-including-mine-guterres-must-act">sentenced
his relatives to long prison terms to punish him</a>.
<p>
His wife and daughter have been cut off from him; he has no idea
what has happened to them.


feed_id: 1228ac6f45a069bbab862c6f9166d9a7
title: Speaking Uighur forbidden in Xinjiang
uri: Speaking-Uighur-forbidden-in-Xinjiang
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#27_November_2019_%28Speaking_Uighur_forbidden_in_Xinjiang%29

content:
<p>
Speaking Uighur in school is 
<a href="https://www.rfa.org/english/news/uyghur/language-07282017143037.html">more
or less forbidden in the main Uighur area of Xinjiang</a>.
<p>
This reminds me of what the US, Canada, and UK have done to people who
spoke minority languages.  I'm told that Louisiana pretty much
eliminated the Cajun traditional French, a few decades ago.  But those
countries don't do this any more.


feed_id: 8c226ef5eee312be2f8b2827ba44d3e5
title: B Corp certification
uri: B-Corp-certification
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#27_November_2019_%28B_Corp_certification%29
content:
<p>
Corporations certified by B Corp 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/24/b-corps-captalism-for-an-environmentally-endangered-age">adopt
making the world a better place as an official goal</a>, alongside
profit.
<p>
This has the potential to do good, but we will have to see how it
turns out in practice.


feed_id: ae6e546170f8bc3745c6a6aa9eb39dbd
title: Egyptian thugs arrest news editors
uri: Egyptian-thugs-arrest-news-editors
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#27_November_2019_%28Egyptian_thugs_arrest_news_editors%29

content:
<p>
Egyptian <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> have 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/nov/24/sisi-silence-shady-zalat-egypt-mada-masr">arrested
editors of the news site Mada Masr</a>.  The article describes several
forms of repression of independent publishing in Egypt.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/24/egypts-security-forces-raid-online-newspapers-office-in-cairo">More
about the raid</a>.


feed_id: 7fa138c903e55fb885237c439756e390
title: 10-year prison sentence for pushing religion
uri: 10-year-prison-sentence-for-pushing-religion
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#27_November_2019_%2810-year_prison_sentence_for_pushing_religion%29

content:
<p>
An Uighur man was 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/24/china-cables-uighur-man-10-year-sentence-shows-harsh-reality-of-chinese-repression">sentenced
to 10 years in prison for pushing religion</a>.
<p>
Wouldn't some European countries penalize this as "hate speech", for
what he said about eating food cooked by non-Muslims?  It is wrong for
European countries to punish stating opinions, not just for China to
do it.
<p>
Here is a summary of the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/24/china-cables-leak-no-escapes-reality-china-uighur-prison-camp">Chinese
brainwashing system for Uighurs</a>.


feed_id: e27d2287a157584992c14e497e6eed96
title: Discourage bigotry without being repressive
uri: Discourage-bigotry-without-being-repressive
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#27_November_2019_%28Discourage_bigotry_without_being_repressive%29

content:
<p>
Students that feel offended by expressions of bigotry at Syracuse
University demand that the chancellor obey their orders to the letter
in adopting measures to clamp down on it.  They seem 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/21/syracuse-university-protests-chancellor-racist-incidents-kent-syverud">inclined
to engage in bullying unless they get their way</a>.
<p>
They rebuked the administration because it had to wait until morning
to address a reported 11:30pm SMS hate campaign, which ultimately
proved to have been a hoax (no one actually received the supposed
SMS).  If it had really happened, it would be nasty, but not an
emergency.  Such things can wait till morning.
<p>
Hitting back at hate in a direct way can backfire and promote hate.
It can also make society more repressive.  Chancellor Syverud should
think carefully about how to discourage bigotry at Syracuse
University, and resist pressure to "repress someone right away."  He
should refuse to be bullied, refuse to resign, think calmly, and aim
to reduce bigotry rather than trying to look tough.
<p>
The forms of bigotry present in Syracuse University include
antisemitism, and I am one of the people targeted by that.  Speaking
as such, I call for the treatment to cure the disease of bigotry,
including antisemitism, not be more repressive than the disease
itself.


feed_id: 87e6203afe299151c8c4e7989b0c6e25
title: Urgent: investigate Amazon's surveillance
uri: Urgent-investigate-Amazon-s-surveillance
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#28_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_investigate_Amazon%27s_surveillance%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/investigate-amazon-surveillance">call on Congress</a> to investigate Amazon's surveillance.

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


feed_id: cb8989c9cb88c6d50932f156251f227e
title: Urgent: no face recognition in schools
uri: Urgent-no-face-recognition-in-schools
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#28_November_2019_%28Urgent%3A_no_face_recognition_in_schools%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/say-no-to-facial-recognition-in-schools">call on legislators</a> to eliminate face recognition in schools.

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


feed_id: 5ba9d142a5710427d8f5455ae77f89ac
title: Greenhouse gas emission target
uri: Greenhouse-gas-emission-target
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#28_November_2019_%28Greenhouse_gas_emission_target%29

content:
<p>
The UN says that the total greenhouse gas emissions <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/26/united-nations-global-effort-cut-emissions-stop-climate-chaos-2030">need to fall
7.6% a year for next decade</a>, if global heating disaster is to be avoided.


feed_id: 94643c3e0ff8a21d36705b2d71ae721c
title: Archaeology in Brazil
uri: Archaeology-in-Brazil
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#28_November_2019_%28Archaeology_in_Brazil%29
content:
<p>
Bolsonaro <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/26/brazil-amazon-archaeologists-bolsonaro-civilisation">is cutting off archaeology to study the ancient societies of
Amazonia</a>.

<p>
If his plans to cut down the forest for plantations go ahead, much of the
evidence will be destroyed.


feed_id: dc25058025e33e3522f7b0df9ad6f95e
title: Phone in prisons
uri: Phone-in-prisons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#28_November_2019_%28Phone_in_prisons%29
content:
<p>
Prison phone companies in the US continue to gouge poor people in
prison and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/nov/26/theyre-profiting-off-pain-the-push-to-rein-in-the-12bn-prison-phone-industry">cut them off from their families</a>.

<p>
Closeness with family is an important factor in steering ex-cons away
from crime.  If the US penal system were seriously trying to reduce
crime, it would immediately offer each prisoner many hours per week of
gratis phone calls to family and close friends.


