# articles

feed_id: 608df57b97b0444e2420a8aad7d3d0e1
title: Neoliberal states and solidarity
uri: Neoliberal-states-and-solidarity
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_December_2017_%28Neoliberal_states_and_solidarity%29

content:
<p>
Neoliberal states operate by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/21/tory-britain-solidarity-thatcherite-individualism">crushing the solidarity</a> that enables
individuals to thrive.  Europeans see the need for more solidarity,
and the way to get that is from democratic socialism.
<p>
The European Union stands in the way of implementing it,
though, because it is undemocratic and its rules give business more
power.  People in Europe will need to make the EU democratic, and change
those rules.
<p>
Then comes the WTO, which doesn't even pretend to be democratic and
its rules give business more power.  World-wide, we need to weaken it
or eliminate it.


feed_id: dfb53d935df230f3b319e7d089436038
title: UK voter-ID system
uri: UK-voter-ID-system
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_December_2017_%28UK_voter-ID_system%29
content:
<p>
The Tories plan to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/dec/19/tower-hamlets-postal-voters-monitored-pilot-scheme">try a voter-ID system</a>, supposedly to prevent fraudulent
voting.  Surely it is a coincidence that such systems block legitimate
voters that are not likely to support the Tories.
<p>
Is there convincing evidence that fraudulent voting happens enough
to be worth paying a price to stop it?


feed_id: 1bd95ec176c4eb984079dc0d1a4467a5
title: Facebook merging data
uri: Facebook-merging-data
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_December_2017_%28Facebook_merging_data%29
content:
<p>
Facebook faces the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/dec/19/facebook-use-of-third-party-apps-violates-data-protection-principles">possibility of punishment</a> in Germany for merging data
from its WhatsApp tentacle into the Facebook tentacle.


feed_id: 73ed779c626b003673dd27b49a85c094
title: FBI investigation by the book
uri: FBI-investigation-by-the-book
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_December_2017_%28FBI_investigation_by_the_book%29

content:
<p>
The FBI Routinely Abuses Its Powers but the Trump Investigation <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/12/19/fbi-trump-russia-investigation-mueller/">Has
Been By the Book</a>.


feed_id: 521af5b89017b4bdc24994c2d75e3cbe
title: EPA coal ash program
uri: EPA-coal-ash-program
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_December_2017_%28EPA_coal_ash_program%29
content:
<p>
We no longer have an Environmental Protection Agency; the bully has
converted it into the Environmental Poisoning Agency.
<p>
The EPA tried to support the coal industry with a program to encourage
disposal of coal ash as dirt wherever dirt was needed.  It had not checked
whether coal ask pollution would do damage, and was made to stop.
<p>
Now that coal ash has been verified to have poisoned land and drinking
water, Saboteur Pruitt wants to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/12/18/spreading-toxic-coal-ash-increases-groups-oppose-reviving-epa-promotional-reuse">start spreading it again</a>.
<p>
Saboteur Pruitt is also <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/12/18/scott-pruitt-takes-first-steps-replace-life-saving-clean-power-plan-do-nothing">replacing the Clean Power Plan</a> with a scheme designed
not to change much. 
<p>
He has <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/12/19/trump-administration-rolls-back-epa-plan-to-restrict-dangerous-household-chemicals/">put the brakes on a plan</a> to ban three toxic solvents.
<p>
The EPA is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/12/19/epa-consider-approving-spraying-bee-killing-pesticide-165-million-acres-us">considering an application</a> for spraying a neonicotinoid
pesticide.  Merely soaking seeds in it is poisoning bees and birds;
spraying it could wipe them out.


feed_id: ddd19789a091d2eaee790c8b87870948
title: Refugee on Manus attacked
uri: Refugee-on-Manus-attacked
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_December_2017_%28Refugee_on_Manus_attacked%29
content:
<p>
Joinul Islam, refugee on Manus Island, was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/dec/20/manus-refugee-attacked-fsecond-time-amid-tension-over-australian-centres">attacked with a machete</a> for the
second time by someone unknown.
<p>
It is not safe for the refugees to be in the town of Lorengau where they have all
been forced to go.


feed_id: ba0a7248cd198f13b377dea89b3460b3
title: Antibiotic use for meat
uri: Antibiotic-use-for-meat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_December_2017_%28Antibiotic_use_for_meat%29
content:
<p>
The supermarket Marks & Spencer <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/20/marks-spencer-is-first-supermarket-to-publish-data-on-antibiotics-in-supply-chain">now publishes information</a> about use
of antibiotics in raising the meat it sells.
<p>
This is important as a nucleus for public pressure to eliminate the practice
of regularly giving antibiotics to farm animals.


feed_id: dbee897238e0669557d1b11302d019d8
title: UK drug prices
uri: UK-drug-prices
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_December_2017_%28UK_drug_prices%29
content:
<p>
Even in Britain, drug companies sometimes <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/dec/20/drug-giants-hefty-prices-nhs-vital-medication-pharma-profits">demand prices so high</a> that the
medical system refuses to buy them.
<p>
It's much worse in the US where Congress, corrupted by the drug companies,
tied the government's hands about negotiating prices with the drug companies.
<p>
The main reason drugs are so expensive is patent law, imposed by the
WTO.  This is one of many reasons we need to make big changes in the
WTO or else get rid of it.  However, the concentration of the drug
industry, through many mergers, has given the drug companies greater
clout (as has occurred in many other areas of business), and this
contributes to the problem.  We need to make big companies split up.
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/progressive-tax-on-business-gross-income.html">My tax proposal</a> would be one way to do that.


feed_id: 9393ee483f8e4c61be7f566ee4bb48b5
title: Erosion of our environment
uri: Erosion-of-our-environment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_December_2017_%28Erosion_of_our_environment%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/20/selective-blindness-lethal-natural-world-open-eyes-environment-ecosystem">George Monbiot</a>: "Each generation is normalising the erosion of our
environment, and the devastating losses to fragile ecosystems mount up."
<p>
The speculation about bats and the evolution of moths has erroneous
dates.  According to Wikipedia, the oldest known fossil bat lived 52
million years ago, and wasn't capable of echolocation.  Meanwhile, the
oldest butterfly fossil dates from 56 million years ago.  So it is
possible that bats did affect the success of butterflies, albeit
more recently than the article says.


feed_id: 01fe6ddafef3b3c74ce86d5f82386b9b
title: Sexism and misogyny
uri: Sexism-and-misogyny
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_December_2017_%28Sexism_and_misogyny%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/dec/20/down-girl-kate-manne-review">An illuminating analysis</a> of sexism, and misogyny, and how the two
relate to each other.
<p>
The statement at the end about Clinton is ironically sad:
she "won over" the bankers and the generals by surrendering to them,
and that's why millions of us refused to vote for her.


feed_id: 983040e533e02ebb9bebfac81666bde1
title: UN Jerusalem resolution
uri: UN-Jerusalem-resolution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_December_2017_%28UN_Jerusalem_resolution%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>'s UN ambassador threatened to punish countries that voted
for the resolution to rebuke the US's move of its Israeli embassy to
Jerusalem.  In response, all the other countries <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/dec/20/us-take-names-united-nations-vote-to-reject-jerusalem-recognition">voted for the resolution</a>.


feed_id: 0817b025e53e486ab8b59fd193275cad
title: EU Uber regulation
uri: EU-Uber-regulation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_December_2017_%28EU_Uber_regulation%29
content:
<p>
The European Court of Justice ruled that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/dec/20/uber-european-court-of-justice-ruling-barcelona-taxi-drivers-ecj-eu">each EU country can regulate Uber</a>
and other such companies.
<p>
In principle, this means a country can require such companies to offer
an anonymous option.  People will have to work hard to campaign for this.


feed_id: 1e8dca4d4232123b89f907fd50b06b6c
title: Australian refusing to vote
uri: Australian-refusing-to-vote
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_December_2017_%28Australian_refusing_to_vote%29
content:
<p>
An Australian was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/dec/20/man-wins-legal-battle-after-arguing-voting-in-2016-election-morally-corrupt">prosecuted for refusing to vote</a>, but the judge
accepted his reasons of principle as valid justification.
<p>
Australia's laws not only require each eligible voter to cast a
ballot, they also require a valid ballot to list every party.  (The
voter's choice consists of assigning a numerical order to the
parties.)  As a result, it is not easy to vote for the minor party you
support, without your vote's subsequently being counted for one of the
major parties that you detest.
<p>
Albert Langer recommended a hack for voters to get that result,
and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2004-jan-apr.html#11%20March%202004%20(Australian%20Civil%20Liberties)">was imprisoned for it</a>.


feed_id: 50c979c282a4850c6556db5d164ff8f2
title: Palestinian journalists
uri: Palestinian-journalists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_December_2017_%28Palestinian_journalists%29
content:
<p>
Israeli soldiers <a href="http://www.kibush.co.il/show_file.asp?num=77143">frequently violently attack</a> Palestinian journalists
who are covering protests.


feed_id: 4dd82729e9d603e44b651bfe31cc64a0
title: Glyphosate and cancer
uri: Glyphosate-and-cancer
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_December_2017_%28Glyphosate_and_cancer%29
content:
<p>
Does glyphosate cause cancer in humans?  This has not been clearly
established, but the EPA decided to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/12/19/flawed-epa-analysis-rejects-finding-glyphosate-probable-carcinogen">let Monsanto be the judge</a>.


feed_id: ffefba32e6ca93a391e1fbb89759a75e
title: Urgent: Prisoners fighting fires
uri: Urgent-Prisoners-fighting-fires
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Prisoners_fighting_fires%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/end-prison-labor-in-CA_copy/">call on Governor Brown of California</a> to pay prisoners for
fighting fires the same wage that non-prisoners get.


feed_id: 1d127612bffd12c5bfb60a0c7f804d02
title: Subsidized arms exports
uri: Subsidized-arms-exports
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28Subsidized_arms_exports%29
content:
<p>
The UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/20/uk-arms-trade-no-moral-or-economic-sense-liam-fox-killing-machines">subsidizes arms exports</a> so much that they can't even be much
of a profit.  What rational reason could there be?


feed_id: 0cde3f78961ff7826d46e4f5c7cfd6d0
title: Protesters in Gaza
uri: Protesters-in-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28Protesters_in_Gaza%29
content:
<p>
Israeli soldiers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/19/un-official-questions-killing-of-wheelchair-user-in-jerusalem-protest">killed several protesters</a> in Gaza, including Ibrahim
Abu Thurayeh, who was disabled and sitting in his wheelchair.
<p>
The army says he "was not targeted".  Apparently they were shooting wild.


feed_id: 1bf8c1bea7def3fb7f3a45310098c421
title: Emissions-trading scheme in China
uri: Emissions-trading-scheme-in-China
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28Emissions-trading_scheme_in_China%29

content:
<p>
China is imposing a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/19/china-aims-to-drastically-cut-greenhouse-gas-emissions-through-trading-scheme">greenhouse gas emissions-trading scheme</a> on power plants,
and plans to extend it later to other heavy industry.
<p>
This has the potential to drive emissions down rapidly, if China
manages it carefully.  The EU's greenhouse gas emissions-trading
scheme <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_October_2014_(CO2_emissions-trading_scheme)">was mismanaged</a>,
and efforts to correct the scheme's rules have
been blocked.  By planet-roasters' political influence, presumably.
<p>
I expect China will do a better job of resisting the fossil fuel
industry's power.


feed_id: afd89edfc9cbfbbc808c820e525a4f6e
title: 'Non-lethal' bullets
uri: Non-lethal-bullets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28%27Non-lethal%27_bullets%29
content:
<p>
"Non-lethal" bullets <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/dec/19/rubber-and-plastic-bullets-too-dangerous-for-crowd-control-says-study">often cause injuries</a>, including loss of an eye,
even death.
<p>
If the shooter is close to the protesters, the bullet can easily kill.
If the shooter is not close, these bullets can't be aimed carefully.


feed_id: a717d8bb24e9f2295a10f909e29293ce
title: Austerity and bankruptcy
uri: Austerity-and-bankruptcy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28Austerity_and_bankruptcy%29
content:
<p>
Austerity has brought millions to the edge of bankruptcy; now
the bankruptcies are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/19/debtors-court-ministers-destroy-business-lives-bankruptcy-austerity">happening in the UK</a>.
<p>
In the US, the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-jul-oct.html#22%20October%202010%20(Caught%20pants%20down)">millions of fraudulent foreclosures</a> happened almost a
decade ago.


feed_id: cfa8c934d0d1ccc48c7f365a77fafd98
title: Spikes on tree branch
uri: Spikes-on-tree-branch
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28Spikes_on_tree_branch%29
content:
<p>
Spikes attached to a tree branch, meant to keep pigeons from perching
there and dropping shit on a car, are a minor issue that illustrates a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/20/anti-bird-spike-tree-nature-cars-shame">dangerous general attitude</a> towards nature.
<p>
If we recognize only the costs of nature, and only the benefits of
cars, we will continue destroying the ecosphere we depend on.
<p>
The author made an unfortunate choice to use the term "anthropocene"
to describe <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/thermocene.html">what humanity is doing</a> to the Earth's geology.


feed_id: 3891dd4f9cd87cb64bb2c05609d1c883
title: Virginia legislature
uri: Virginia-legislature
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28Virginia_legislature%29
content:
<p>
Democrats have <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/12/20/shelly-simonds-virginia-election-results/">won enough seats</a> in the Virginia legislature to block
new plutocratist laws, if they are united in doing so.
<p>
But they don't have the majority that would be needed to pass laws to
correct existing plutocratic injustices.


feed_id: 9cd51b9c441a1985e4cbedc03e9d7215
title: Swedish law for rape
uri: Swedish-law-for-rape
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28Swedish_law_for_rape%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/20/sweden-to-move-burden-of-proof-in-rape-cases-from-claimant-to-the-accused-explicit-consent">A new Swedish law</a> would define millions of men and women as "rapists".


feed_id: 78f6dcee306c9ae1dd1583165f89b5c9
title: Dominion of the rich
uri: Dominion-of-the-rich
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28Dominion_of_the_rich%29
content:
<p>
Republicans now regard all rules, and all democratic norms, as obstacles
to converting the state into a mechanism for the dominion of the rich.
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/12/20/republican-attacks-on-robert-mueller-are-absurd-but-the-gop-has-been-lawless-for-decades/">But this is not new.</a>  Many of them thought the same in the 1970s, when
the vote to impeach Nixon barely succeeded.


feed_id: 731b3ce390f97831153ab2d3e7d9ea2a
title: Punishment for UN vote
uri: Punishment-for-UN-vote
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28Punishment_for_UN_vote%29
content:
<p>
The bully <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/dec/20/donald-trump-threat-cut-aid-un-jerusalem-vote">threatened to punish the countries</a> that voted in the UN to rebuke
the US for moving its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.
<p>
This will build up hatred for the US across the world.


feed_id: 6d129dd23ee910ac8c019645acb9f31d
title: Facebook face recognition
uri: 2017-12-22-Facebook-face-recognition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28Facebook_face_recognition%29
content:
<p>
Facebook <a href="https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-facebook-privacy/facebook-to-notify-users-when-photos-of-them-are-uploaded-idUKKBN1ED25Z">increased its visible use</a> of face recognition.
<p>
Nothing stopped, or stops, Facebook from privately recognizing all the faces
in photos, and selling that data as part of "anonymizied" records
to other companies that can reidentify them.


feed_id: c09597d32c6440de5e56ec1df653679c
title: Challenges to pipeline
uri: Challenges-to-pipeline
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28Challenges_to_pipeline%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/12/19/nebraska-commissioners-deny-motions-reconsider-keystone-xl-pipeline-application">Legal and political challenges</a> still prevent the Keystone XL pipeline
from going forward.


feed_id: 6eba222209731743311510ddfbe06677
title: Lies per minute
uri: Lies-per-minute
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28Lies_per_minute%29
content:
<p>
The bully's bullshit needs to be
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/21/needed-meter-trumps-lies-minute-lpm">
measured in "lies per minute".
</a>


feed_id: a214ba0eea23383c33c954bee03e7647
title: Facebook's political unit
uri: Facebook-s-political-unit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28Facebook%27s_political_unit%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-12-21/inside-the-facebook-team-helping-regimes-that-reach-out-and-crack-down">
A special unit in Facebook actively aids political campaigns
in the US and other countries.
</a>

  These politicians are likely subsequently to protect Facebook from
regulation afterwards.
<p>
We should not allow any company to be as powerful as Facebook.


feed_id: 2faf12300dd8cd115465fe35c796e051
title: Debt and deficit dance
uri: Debt-and-deficit-dance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28Debt_and_deficit_dance%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/20/10-step-scheme-one-sided-class-war">
The debt and deficit dance
</a>
of plutocratist politicians.


feed_id: 832a9237d4f39e98a663f8c927284d20
title: The Post
uri: The-Post
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28The_Post%29
content:
<p>
A movie present a picture of the Washington Post's involvement in
publishing the Pentagon Papers.  It presents the publisher as heroic,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/20/real-story-behind-katharine-graham-and-post">
omitting the union-busting and the previous support for the Vietnam
War.
</a>


feed_id: 501546e14098b702ce98ecadc123c9b1
title: American class war
uri: American-class-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28American_class_war%29
content:
<p>
Running against the Republican tax attacks
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/20/tax-bill-lifeline-democrats-will-they-sink-or-swim">
will give Democrats a great
opportunity,
</a>
if they dare to take it.
<p>
They need to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/20/yes-america-there-class-war-and-you-just-lost-it">
lead the non-rich people's side of the class war
</a>
that the rich have been fighting and winning.


feed_id: 54ade831d2ae3d6e9e037bfc8d613eb1
title: Fossil fuel divestment
uri: 2017-12-23-Fossil-fuel-divestment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28Fossil_fuel_divestment%29
content:
<p>
New York City and New York State have decided to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/12/20/undeniable-victory-cheers-follow-proposals-divest-massive-new-york-pensions-fossil">
divest their pension funds
from fossil fuels.
</a>
<p>
Actual divestment will take considerable time, and there is a lot
of leeway to undermine the new policy with excuses.


feed_id: 5efc3b750265c61052482e5206aec72f
title: Urgent: Don't renew surveillance bill
uri: Urgent-Don-t-renew-surveillance-bill
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Don%27t_renew_surveillance_bill%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter to say,
<a href="https://www.aclu.org/issues/national-security/privacy-and-surveillance/tell-congress-stop-spying-without-warrant">
"Don't renew section
702, which authorizes massive surveillance of Americans.  Stop using
'security' as an excuse for making our privacy insecure."
</a>


feed_id: c57954a493f1c8d298cdfb4d8a8c1fd9
title: Abandoned rape test kits
uri: Abandoned-rape-test-kits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28Abandoned_rape_test_kits%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.freep.com/story/opinion/columnists/nancy-kaffer/2017/12/17/rape-kit-detroit/953083001/">
Michigan thugs filed away 11,000 rape test kits without examining
them.
</a>
After they were rediscovered in 2009, the state began examining
them and has discovered 800 repeat rapists.
<p>
Some of the rapists have been identified and prosecuted.


feed_id: 1b6a72313526f65d3e01e072e9709b25
title: Out-of-control AI
uri: Out-of-control-AI
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28Out-of-control_AI%29
content:
<p>
Tech entrepreneurs
<a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/tedchiang/the-real-danger-to-civilization-isnt-ai-its-runaway">
fear out-of-control AI because they assume it will
be a psychopath,
</a>
like their corporations.
<p>
It would be foolish to assume that it won't be a psychopath.  If a
psychopathic, unrestrained corporation develops an AI, why wouldn't it
make that AI a psychopath?


feed_id: 581922a580c64601a5d4bf0e730f13a5
title: Final tax attacks bill
uri: Final-tax-attacks-bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28Final_tax_attacks_bill%29
content:
<p>
The final tax attacks bill is
<a href="https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/12/18/16791174/republican-tax-bill-congress-conference-tax-policy-center">
even more skewed to benefit the rich
than the earlier versions.
</a>


feed_id: 7792599a5d1f6161d40001f194de3eb0
title: Chinese map data
uri: Chinese-map-data
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28Chinese_map_data%29
content:
<p>
China will require companies making driverless cars for use in China
<a href="http://www.thedrive.com/tech/17001/china-blocks-foreign-companies-from-mapping-its-roads-for-self-driving-cars">
to work with a Chinese company.
</a>
<p>
China's policy goes in the right direction, but doesn't go all the way.
To defend privacy rights, we should ban driverless cars no matter which
companies make them, unless they are built so that they don't track
people's movements.
<p>
The article uses the bogus term
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">
"intellectual property".
</a>
It's always
a mistake to use that term because it lumps together various laws
that are so different that generalizing about them is misguided.


feed_id: a483bc290c11d13674ff990d9241e75a
title: Urgent: Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid
uri: Urgent-Social-Security-Medicare-and-Medicaid
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_December_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Social_Security%2C_Medicare_and_Medicaid%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/No_Cuts">tell Congress</a> that the big tax cuts for rich people
are no excuse to cut Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid.


feed_id: 25354158c62a5c0b762f80a522096062
title: Deforestation of New Guinea
uri: Deforestation-of-New-Guinea
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_December_2017_%28Deforestation_of_New_Guinea%29
content:
<p>
New Guinea is being <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/radical-conservation/2017/dec/22/failing-our-forests-in-two-years-weve-lost-enough-trees-to-cover-spain">deforested rapidly</a>.  Indonesia may fail to meet
its Paris (i.e., weak and insufficient) greenhouse emissions
commitments because of the deforestation in the part of Papua ruled by
Indonesia.
<p>
But it seems <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#27_September_2017_(Western_New_Guinea)">Indonesia's colonial rule</a>
is no worse at protecting forests than the
government of independent Papua New Guinea.


feed_id: e8afbe5d69e452339b315040d6f19db2
title: Remote Amazon highways
uri: Remote-Amazon-highways
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_December_2017_%28Remote_Amazon_highways%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/andes-to-the-amazon/2017/dec/22/new-highways-in-remote-amazon-risk-ethnocide-say-peruvians">New Highways in Remote Amazon</a> Risk "ethnocide", say Peruvians.


feed_id: 1f57fdab8ae701c26b2296f08afd2a3c
title: International water treaty
uri: International-water-treaty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_December_2017_%28International_water_treaty%29
content:
<p>
The UN will start drawing up a treaty to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/22/un-poised-to-move-ahead-with-landmark-treaty-to-protect-high-seas">protect international waters</a>
from overfishing and pollution.
<p>
Lobbyists, acting through plutocratist states, will do their damnedest
to make the treaty so weak that it is effectively useless.


feed_id: d0ff0371995c4531887e29e21cf4ba44
title: Europe removing Afghans
uri: Europe-removing-Afghans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_December_2017_%28Europe_removing_Afghans%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/22/europe-rebuked-for-removing-afghans-to-one-of-worlds-most-dangerous-countries">Europe Rebuked</a> for Removing Afghans to One of World's Most Dangerous
Countries.


feed_id: c8e631e9e7d653b7beda3d6620db47da
title: Slowing down iPhones
uri: Slowing-down-iPhones
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_December_2017_%28Slowing_down_iPhones%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/dec/22/apple-lawsuits-intentional-slowing-older-iphones">Apple is being sued</a> for programming some iPhones to slow down when the
battery gets discharged or gets old.
<p>
Ethically, this situation is complicated.  Apple says it slows the
phones so that they won't shut down unexpectedly.  That, in and of
itself, does not seem wrong to me.
<p>
However, the real fix for the problem of failing batteries is to
replace them.  It could be that Apple chose to slow down the phones so
as to cover up the problem and avoid replacing them.  That would be
wrong.
<p>
There is also the ethical question of whether it is legitimate to
build phones with batteries that can't be replaced — or removed, <a href="https://gnu.org/malware/malware-phones.html">for
privacy</a>.


feed_id: cbe3097000ac751210e204bf6137b184
title: Dream wedding
uri: Dream-wedding
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_December_2017_%28Dream_wedding%29
content:
<p>
A dream wedding is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/22/good-marriage-dream-wedding-inner-barbra-streisand-middle-aged-love">not a good start</a> for a real-life marriage.
<p>
If you are thinking of marrying a woman, and she is lost in a dream of
a wedding, best wake her up first and see if you really get along
together and then have a non-dream wedding.
<p>
The wedding dream may explain what seems so surreal to me in many
Hollywood romcoms.  All the characters are caught in the wedding
dream/trance and <em>nobody ever asks "why?"</em>


feed_id: cf2dc538af0d019d08514b5af5dad4aa
title: Organ donation
uri: 2017-12-23-Organ-donation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_December_2017_%28Organ_donation%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/dec/22/transplant-patients-christmas-plea-talk-to-your-family-about-organ-donation">Transplant Patient's … Plea</a>: Talk to Your Family about Organ Donation.
<p>
I won't make a plea for anything in the name of Christmas, which means
nothing to me, but any time is the right time to think about saving
other people's lives with your organs.
<p>
I don't think relatives of the deceased should be consulted about
organ transplantation.  Corpse fetishism is not a valid reason to deny
other people life-saving medical treatment.
<p>
However, if the laws where you live give your relatives authority, it
is important to make sure that they won't block your last contribution
to other people's well-being.


feed_id: 31c8f458f7520a3f932d241dc8b9934d
title: Running a VPN in China
uri: Running-a-VPN-in-China
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_December_2017_%28Running_a_VPN_in_China%29
content:
<p>
China: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/22/man-in-china-sentenced-to-five-years-jail-for-running-vpn">five years in prison</a> for running a VPN.


feed_id: e2d1c09d29ee696692de1aac2244fb6c
title: Charity and a living wage
uri: Charity-and-a-living-wage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_December_2017_%28Charity_and_a_living_wage%29
content:
<p>
Giving to Those in Need [at any time] Is Noble, But a Living Wage
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/22/giving-christmas-noble-living-wage-charity">Would Be Better</a>.


feed_id: 0560001d8441bfa7b6910017bac0e229
title: Spending bill without DACA
uri: Spending-bill-without-DACA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_December_2017_%28Spending_bill_without_DACA%29
content:
<p>
Senate Democrats voted for a <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/12/21/dream-act-hispanic-lawmakers-march-on-schumers-office/">temporary spending bill</a> without DACA.


feed_id: 41bee1d64e9711a6bf4c522bf06d69aa
title: Catalonia election
uri: Catalonia-election
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_December_2017_%28Catalonia_election%29
content:
<p>
Catalan separatist parties <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/21/catalonia-election-set-to-give-victory-to-pro-independence-parties">won a narrow majority</a> in the election for
the Catalan parliament.
<p>
Since the turnout was very high, I think this election is a valid
indicator of what the people want, and what it shows is that they are
split.  I don't think such a fundamental change should be made based
on support from 52%, while 48% oppose it.


feed_id: 4abd2ec0e4f0dba36bb4215bc2fb5b1b
title: Climate refugees to Europe
uri: Climate-refugees-to-Europe
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_December_2017_%28Climate_refugees_to_Europe%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#global heating">Global heating</a> could result in
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/21/devastating-climate-change-could-see-one-million-migrants-a-year-entering-eu-by-2100">a million climate refugees a year</a> trying
to enter Europe.


feed_id: 4ee4aa9e621f09807ccaefa5f5abdaac
title: Right-wing profiling by IRS
uri: Right-wing-profiling-by-IRS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_December_2017_%28Right-wing_profiling_by_IRS%29
content:
<p>
After the IRS profiled right-wing tax-exempt organizations for
investigation, right-wing pressure weakened IRS enforcement to the
point that it effectively gave up on policing political activity by
tax-exempt organizations.
<p>
Naturally, right-wing corruption <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/fallout-from-allegations-of-tea-party-targeting-hamper-irs-oversight-of-nonprofits/2017/12/17/6403c1c0-c59e-11e7-a441-3a768c8586f1_story.html">finds that useful</a>.


feed_id: 016661bdd3c5f146ab4647bf303320a8
title: EU and nondemocratic power
uri: EU-and-nondemocratic-power
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_December_2017_%28EU_and_nondemocratic_power%29
content:
<p>
The EU is almost powerless against national governments that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/21/poland-brussels-law-and-justice-eu-voting-rights">seize
nondemocratic power</a>.


feed_id: 739833cfe534bc04681a3ec8a895255a
title: Age-discrimination in ads
uri: Age-discrimination-in-ads
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_December_2017_%28Age-discrimination_in_ads%29
content:
<p>
Facebook <a href="https://lauren.vortex.com/2017/12/21/facebooks-big-bad-lie-age-discrimination">facilitates age-discrimination</a> in employment ads.


feed_id: 153fa1c86baa25c2c17cd55daebfff62
title: Rebuking the US
uri: Rebuking-the-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_December_2017_%28Rebuking_the_US%29
content:
<p>
After the bully threatened countries that vote to rebuke the US for
moving the embassy in Israel, the UN General Assembly <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/dec/21/travesty-donald-trump-censured-un-jerusalem-vote-comments">voted 128 to 9</a>
to rebuke the US.


feed_id: c7cc16bce42e57f664c8a00600a5ee4f
title: Inauguration protesters
uri: Inauguration-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_December_2017_%28Inauguration_protesters%29
content:
<p>
The first six inauguration protesters, put on trial for "rioting", <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/21/trump-inauguration-protests-acquittals">have
been acquitted</a>.
<p>
The repressors are nothing if not persistent.  They seem to be
planning to change their arguments somewhat for the next batch of
protesters on trial.


feed_id: 1a98b7e017425a6ad75d05a35dd33ae1
title: Surveillance out of control
uri: Surveillance-out-of-control
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_December_2017_%28Surveillance_out_of_control%29
content:
<p>
Canada's "national security" surveillance is <a href="https://citizenlab.ca/2017/12/citizen-lab-and-cippic-release-analysis-of-the-communications-security-establishment-act/">totally out of control</a>,
much <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#4_May_2016_(FISA)">like that</a> of <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-jan-apr.html#22_April_2014_(Crimes_by_spy_agency_officials)">the US</a>.


feed_id: 34f5a077a3755e172009648bc9a849b1
title: Lies per minute
uri: 2017-12-23-Lies-per-minute
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_December_2017_%28Lies_per_minute%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>'s bullshit needs to be
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/21/needed-meter-trumps-lies-minute-lpm">
measured in "lies per minute".
</a>


feed_id: 1ec9cedfe5420e06c71de1b3af5ab97c
title: Urgent: Indigenous mining protesters
uri: Urgent-Indigenous-mining-protesters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_December_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Indigenous_mining_protesters%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="http://amazonwatch.org/take-action/make-sure-ecuadors-new-president-keeps-taking-the-right-steps-in-respecting-indigenous-rights">Call on Ecuador's President Moreno</a> to pardon the indigenous
mining protesters.
<p>
You can sign this without running nonfree Javascript code
by using Lynx.


feed_id: adf59602a291f308330cc209c05b3a94
title: Corinthian Colleges
uri: Corinthian-Colleges
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_December_2017_%28Corinthian_Colleges%29
content:
<p>
Saboteur DeVos has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/12/21/first-profit-college-now-screwed-devos-trumps-doe-rolls-back-debt-relief-defrauded">revoked the plan</a> to cancel the student debt for
some students of fraudulent Corinthian Colleges.


feed_id: b68aa8e72a49700f2552ab9b7974be0d
title: Puerto Rico foreclosures
uri: Puerto-Rico-foreclosures
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_December_2017_%28Puerto_Rico_foreclosures%29
content:
<p>
After the artificial disaster of the hurricane in Puerto Rico
comes another artificial disaster: a <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/12/22/puerto-rico-foreclosures-hurricane-maria/">wave of foreclosures</a> imposed
through legal trickery.  1/3 of the homeowners in Puerto Rico
are currently vulnerable, but the number could increase.


feed_id: 4fab7d1b918e5c14b78a41ad0968955f
title: Inequality charts
uri: Inequality-charts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_December_2017_%28Inequality_charts%29
content:
<p>
Massive inequality in the US, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/12/21/how-massive-inequality-permeates-all-areas-american-society-12-simple-charts">in 12 charts</a>.


feed_id: 9a616cdb32f0e5b2f94852d90ca45531
title: Sent 'Home' to Afghanistan
uri: Sent-Home-to-Afghanistan
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_December_2017_%28Sent_%27Home%27_to_Afghanistan%29

content:
<p>
Europe Sends People 'Home' to Afghanistan, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/23/europe-sends-people-home-to-afghanistan-where-they-have-never-been">Where They Have Never Been</a>.


feed_id: b874af1fa74d808420a7446ab395cecb
title: Engineering corals
uri: Engineering-corals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_December_2017_%28Engineering_corals%29
content:
<p>
Scientists are working on <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/23/new-lab-bred-super-corals-could-help-avert-global-reef-wipeout">genetically engineering corals</a> and their
symbiotic bacteria to help them survive the heating of the ocean.
<p>
This approach is better than nothing, but I see two shortcomings:

<ul>
<li>The technique needs to be applied to <em>every species</em>
of coral, or it will be lost.  There are over 7000 known species,
and there might be more we don't even know about.</li>

<li>CO2 in the air is making sea water more acid as well as hotter,
and later in this century the acidity will stop corals from making
their shells.</li>
</ul>


feed_id: 26ecfd5fb91aa1e3c49da7052482c56e
title: Eliminating welfare programs
uri: Eliminating-welfare-programs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_December_2017_%28Eliminating_welfare_programs%29
content:
<p>
The real purpose of the Republican tax attacks is to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/22/tax-plan-isnt-just-about-taxes-its-about-shredding-safety-net">eliminate the welfare
programs</a> that enable many poor Americans to survive.


feed_id: 5e7df7cd592816ff94911438419ad2d9
title: Cliven Bundy case
uri: Cliven-Bundy-case
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_December_2017_%28Cliven_Bundy_case%29
content:
<p>
The case against Cliven Bundy collapsed because prosecutors withheld
evidence from the defense.  It was <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/12/22/cliven-bundy-case-ranch-standoff-fbi/">evidence of misconduct</a> in
investigating him.
<p>
Bundy was fighting for a cause — the same twisted cause that the Koch
brothers fight for.  They demand the right to wear out the Earth
through unsustainable practices, leaving nothing for the future.
These practices won't continue indefinitely, because the damage they
do will eventually stop them.  But things will go hard with humanity
and wildlife if we don't stop them before that.
<p>
Protecting our forests by preventing overgrazing is one of the jobs <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/why-we-need-a-state.html">we
need the state for</a>.
But the US went about this in a way that started
stupid and finished unjust.
<p>
It should have been easy to deal with Bundy's protest-by-overgrazing.
Cancel his license to graze cattle on national forest, for violating
the rules of so doing; fine him or sue him; seize some of his cattle;
sell it to collect from him.  There would have been no violence unless
he started it himself, and he could not have got away with that.
(I think he is smart enough he would not have tried it.)
<p>
Instead, the US government handled Bundy the way it handled the
inauguration protesters, twisting the law in a dangerous way.  <a href="/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a>
shot one of the protesters, who was not violent, then covered it up
with lies, much as they normally <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#9_August_2015_(Thugs_caught_lying)">lie about killing blacks</a>.


feed_id: cbfaf8d899b4718d1889180c85cd0201
title: HernÃ¡ndez congratulated
uri: HernÃ-ndez-congratulated
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_December_2017_%28Hern%C3%83%C2%A1ndez_congratulated%29

content:
<p>
The US congratulated its protÃ©gÃ©, HernÃ¡ndez, for his "victory" in
stealing the election in Honduras.  That was after weeks of <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/12/22/honduras-us-pressure-opposition-nasralla/">pressuring
the opposition</a> to "calm down" and stop protesting the theft.
<p>
Hillary Clinton, as Secretary of State, permitted the military
coup that ran the enabled HernÃ¡ndez to get "elected" president the
first time.  The coup overthrew President Zelaya, who had the temerity
to propose a non-binding referendum (after he left office) on whether
to allow a president to run for reelection.
<p>
HernÃ¡ndez didn't bother with a referendum.  He simply ran for
reelection.


feed_id: 26c7a941920c19213466b761f7e0b14f
title: North Korea sanctions
uri: 2017-12-25-North-Korea-sanctions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_December_2017_%28North_Korea_sanctions%29
content:
<p>
The Security Council <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/22/north-korea-un-sanctions-workers-return">approved tighter sanctions</a> on North Korea.
<p>
This is pointless.  Sanctions, in themselves, will not stop North
Korea's nuclear development, or lead to a peace agreement.  Only
negotiations can achieve anything.
<p>
North Korea is already <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#10_December_2017_(Negotiating_with_North_Korea)">eager to negotiate</a>
(though it covers
this with bluster).  Now we need the US to be <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_September_2017_(Negotiations_with_North_Korea)">ready to negotiate</a>.


feed_id: 8df46277587572532831aa9a104cd9d7
title: Cholera in Yemen
uri: Cholera-in-Yemen
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_December_2017_%28Cholera_in_Yemen%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/12/21/hideous-milestone-yemen-says-red-cross-us-backed-war-results-one-million-cholera">A million Yemenis</a> had caught cholera as a result of the bombardment
and siege.
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a> is doing the bombardment with support from the US.


feed_id: c12015ae99a5626ab47c00bbc30c2f14
title: Losing homes to the sea
uri: Losing-homes-to-the-sea
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_December_2017_%28Losing_homes_to_the_sea%29
content:
<p>
Many Americans' homes will be abandoned to the sea <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/22/oceans-rise-whens-last-time-ill-go-home-christmas">within 10 to 15 years</a>.


feed_id: dd888f8c447251ac18e13171fa6014b2
title: The bully's business
uri: The-bully-s-business
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_December_2017_%28The_bully%27s_business%29
content:
<p>
Calling on prosecutors to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/12/21/allegations-criminal-activity-involving-trump-organizations-top-executives">investigate executives</a> of the bully's business
organization, including the bully, for crimes such as money laundering.


feed_id: 5036f8c0246bd723e4306e723b8a40d8
title: Former white-supremacists
uri: Former-white-supremacists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_December_2017_%28Former_white-supremacists%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rejecting-hate-after-spending-nearly-a-decade-spreading-it/">Interviews</a> with former white-supremacist bigots that rejected hate.
<p>
74% of the terrorist killings in the US in the past 10 years were
carried out by right-wing extremists.  They are much more of a danger
than Islamist extremists.
<p>
However, neither group is so dangerous that we should give up our
freedom and privacy to catch a few more of them.
<p>
The biggest danger of right-wing extremists is not their
individual violence.  Rather, it is the danger of their alliance with
the plutocratist extremists behind the Republican Party.


feed_id: 03bfc8fc5ce6199037a0906fa9c3107d
title: Israeli army policy
uri: Israeli-army-policy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_December_2017_%28Israeli_army_policy%29
content:
<p>
Uri Avnery: "The executed rebel becomes a national hero, for every
rebel executed, dozens of others join the fight."  So when the Israeli
army protects the soldier that murdered a disabled Palestinian
protester, while punishing soldiers that refused to kill teenage
girls, <a href="http://zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en/channels/avnery/1513957629/">it is a crazy policy</a>.


feed_id: 63bed72351bbb04260ff92cd3b5753e0
title: Palestinian state
uri: Palestinian-state
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_December_2017_%28Palestinian_state%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/22/trump-jerusalem-disaster-palestinian-state-israel">Daniel Barenboim</a>: "After Trumpâs Jerusalem gambit, the world must
recognise a Palestinian state."
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/22/mahmoud-abbas-calls-on-france-to-step-up-as-he-rejects-us-as-peace-broker">Mahmoud Abbas has acknowledged</a> what we have long known, that the US is
no "honest broker" for Palestine and Israel.
He asked France to try.


feed_id: 1f900e81a5dbaaa6a0bb41c4e523b3fb
title: Offshoring and corruption
uri: Offshoring-and-corruption
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_December_2017_%28Offshoring_and_corruption%29
content:
<p>
Offshoring as shown in the "paradise" papers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/06/super-rich-tax-rules-paradise-papers">encourages corruption</a> of
public officials, as well as tax-dodging and corruption.
<p>
Investments in companies which exercise power, such as Twitter and
Facebook, have the potential to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/nov/05/russia-funded-facebook-twitter-investments-kushner-associate">influence their use</a> of that power.
<p>
Maybe this was just an investment for profit.  But then why hide it?
<p>
Even if Twitter and Facebook didn't know that they had Russian state
institutions as investors, those investors had ways to push for
developments that suited them, without revealing who they were.


feed_id: 8b6500cefdf794bda6e16e7e40cd2285
title: AI dolls for children
uri: AI-dolls-for-children
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_December_2017_%28AI_dolls_for_children%29
content:
<p>
Will <a href="https://theconversation.com/should-you-get-your-child-an-ai-doll-this-holiday-89115">AI dolls for young children</a> interfere with their understanding of the
difference between people and things? 
<p>
I am not convinced, a priori, that this will do harm.  Perhaps it
will have a subtle effect that is only statistically detectable.
<p>
However, the crucial question is not whether AI dolls, inherently,
are likely confuse children.  It is, rather, whether AI dolls could be
designed to manipulate children in a particular way: to make them
more susceptible to addictive technology.
<p>
Because, if there is a way to do that, companies will find it.
<p>
Companies such as Facebook are searching madly for ways to make their
technology more addictive.  They have lots of money to invest in
research.  If a certain kind of robot doll could predispose people to
be more addicted to Facebook, Facebook is likely to discover that.
Then it might push those dolls on children under some pretext —
perhaps "They are educational", perhaps, or "They make up for the lack
of teachers in our austerity-hit schools".  Facebook-funded research
could substantiate these claims.
<p>
Perhaps some other kind of AI doll might be entirely harmless, or even
beneficial, but that's not the direction that Facebook et al. would find
profitable to promote.


feed_id: 4fa23d6a0fcf02815b857e7c4cf956ec
title: Nominating Alexei Navalny
uri: Nominating-Alexei-Navalny
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_December_2017_%28Nominating_Alexei_Navalny%29
content:
<p>
Russians have met to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/24/russians-navalny-opposition-putin-2018">nominate Alexei Navalny</a> to run for president.
They will have to overcome the criminal convictions that Putin has
engineered as an excuse to stop him from running.
<p>
In a previous election, Putin arranged to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2007-nov-feb.html#14%20December%202007%20(Kasparov%20resigns%20in%20early%20mid-game)">prevent the nomination process</a>
for Garry Kasparov by making all the large rooms in Moscow unavailable.
<p>
Putin would probably win a free and fair election, and surely knows
this, but he still won't allow one in Russia.


feed_id: a1b46809aab1f4ec1c8cfa65aa545e6f
title: Companies vs. journalists
uri: Companies-vs-journalists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_December_2017_%28Companies_vs._journalists%29
content:
<p>
UK law particularly favors companies against journalists that
publish about leaks.  And the Tories plan to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/dec/24/paradise-papers-lawsuit-threatens-public-interest-journalism">make it even worse</a>.
<p>
Privacy needs more protection, but data brokers, data thieves, and
repressive states will not be deterred by laws about the <em>use</em> of
personal data.  (The data brokers are experts at achieving want they
want through loopholes in data protection laws.)  The effective way to
protect privacy is to limit the <em>accumulation</em> of data.


feed_id: 853f61220b928e321a8bfce5e732fcf0
title: DIY gene therapy
uri: DIY-gene-therapy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_December_2017_%28DIY_gene_therapy%29
content:
<p>
Exploring the world of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/dec/24/josiah-zayner-diy-gene-editing-therapy-crispr-interview">do-it-yourself gene therapy</a>.
<p>
I think people should be free to make and try untested genetic
modifications on themselves.  But the risk scares me; I would never do
it except as a last resort.


feed_id: 6388299c033b5abc7a83dffbfb79217c
title: Indian Christians
uri: Indian-Christians
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_December_2017_%28Indian_Christians%29
content:
<p>
Acts of hatred against Indian Christians <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/24/christmas-violence-and-arrests-shake-indian-christians">hit a peak</a> at Christmas.
<p>
The bigoted ruling party has inspired Hindus' violence against many
other religious groups.


feed_id: a8f35408cd83d32f6f6951fd5ef3e378
title: Soccer club owners
uri: Soccer-club-owners
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_December_2017_%28Soccer_club_owners%29
content:
<p>
Some of the world's best soccer clubs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/24/who-pays-for-manchester-city-beautiful-game">belong to Arab despots</a>, and the money
that buys their players comes from oppression.
<p>
Other clubs have been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/nov/05/arsenal-everton-stakeholders-close-ties-leaked-files-alisher-usmanov-farhad-moshiri">bought by Russian oligarchs</a>,
who certainly didn't get so much of Russia with clean hands.


feed_id: bba0d6d2709fc2bb2614ed1349ffb139
title: Call center fire
uri: Call-center-fire
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_December_2017_%28Call_center_fire%29
content:
<p>
A fire in a shopping mall at night seems to have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/23/nearly-40-feared-dead-in-philippines-shopping-mall-blaze">killed 37 people</a>
working in a call center.
<p>
It's a shame that 37 people got killed, perhaps painfully, but that's
life.  I hope Filipinos do get worked up enough about this to bring
about improvement in fire code enforcement.
<p>
Now, imagine that 37 people got killed by a terrorist.  Fools around
the world would demand, "Tear up our freedom at once!", stirred up by
would-be authoritarian politicians.


feed_id: 13705a6ed453f7e83c6c65d782eaffd2
title: Science in US agencies
uri: Science-in-US-agencies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_December_2017_%28Science_in_US_agencies%29
content:
<p>
The bully and his agents are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/17/trump-administration-word-ban-extends-other-federal-agencies-its-ongoing-assault">attacking science</a> in every part of the US
government.
<p>
If the Republicans don't cancel democracy in the US the way HernÃ¡ndez
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_December_2017_(Stealing_Honduras_election)">just did in Honduras</a>,
we may have them out of power in 3 years.  But it won't be easy to
repair the damage they are doing now.  All staff who remain in these
agencies are either struggling desperately to maintain their integrity
despite being forbidden to show it, or becoming cynical and thus
useless as a support for integrity.  In effect, we will have to
replace them and start over.
<p>
That effect is not limited to agencies that are involved with science.


feed_id: 4fae9e91d9d0b91f51fe3248bf784291
title: Russian troll accounts
uri: Russian-troll-accounts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_December_2017_%28Russian_troll_accounts%29
content:
<p>
Twitter accounts suspected of being Russian trolls were used to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/dec/18/russia-linked-twitter-accounts-tried-to-divide-uk-after-terrorist-attacks">stir
up conflict</a> after terrorist attacks in the UK.
<p>
Associating the Twitter accounts with Russia may admit of uncertainty,
but there's no uncertainty that the system is susceptible to being
used this way.  Individuals and right-wing extremist organizations do
it, too.
<p>
What's not clear is how to fix the Twitter system to make it
less susceptible to this sort of instability, without censorship
that would threaten our freedom also.


feed_id: 5747257894116984e370e5320c00354c
title: CIA briefing on election
uri: CIA-briefing-on-election
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_December_2017_%28CIA_briefing_on_election%29
content:
<p>
If we can believe the CIA that it <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/12/16/1725146/-Amazing-CIA-bombshell-that-proves-Trump-is-either-compromised-or-delusional">briefed the bully on Jan 6</a> about Russia's
election meddling, that implies he has been lying about it ever since.


feed_id: 7f21a24b1da78c4461b3c13322417850
title: Opinions and incitement
uri: Opinions-and-incitement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_December_2017_%28Opinions_and_incitement%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/19/political-discord-incitement-donald-trump">Courts and scientists</a> are trying to clarify the boundary between firm
opinions and incitement to violence.


feed_id: 8b19d3b21c12eb628e18ee8fe5c83451
title: Fining poor people
uri: Fining-poor-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_December_2017_%28Fining_poor_people%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#saboteur">Saboteur</a> of Justice
Sessions <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/12/22/lawyers-committee-civil-rights-under-law-condemns-dojs-decision-revoke-critical">cancelled the federal guidelines</a> that
restrained some cites from fining poor people for being poor.
<p>
This may be the most damaging thing yet that the Republicans have
done.  Millions of Americans who were being rescued from the
repression of perpetual debt will now have no hope of escape.


feed_id: 2770d9ac624d1e7f2b69e6f0bb29ad68
title: Freedom of American children
uri: Freedom-of-American-children
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_December_2017_%28Freedom_of_American_children%29
content:
<p>
American children have had <a href="https://letgrow.org/kids-independence-stolen/">almost all their freedom taken away</a>
in the past 40 years.


feed_id: 5f6c6713e9e0a765f9c8d8f4d81fdb1a
title: Honduras election and corruption
uri: Honduras-election-and-corruption
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_December_2017_%28Honduras_election_and_corruption%29

content:
<p>
The Election Fraud in Honduras Follows <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/12/23/honduras-election-fraud-drugs-jose-orlando-hernandez/">Decades of Corruption</a> Funded By the
U.S. War on Drugs.


feed_id: 47b259fb2a585212b47320596218f629
title: Crimes of free sharing
uri: Crimes-of-free-sharing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_December_2017_%28Crimes_of_free_sharing%29
content:
<p>
Falkvinge: <a href="https://stallman.org/falkvinge/free-sharing.html">How Did the Free Sharing of Scientific Knowledge And Culture Become the Worst Crime Our Justice Systems Could Think Of?</a>


feed_id: 5a444dd75e98fc8fe17fac280dc20613
title: Thomas fire in California
uri: Thomas-fire-in-California
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_December_2017_%28Thomas_fire_in_California%29
content:
<p>
The Thomas fire in California is now the largest in the state's history.
It has burned <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/12/23/its-monster-californias-thomas-fire-now-largest-state-history">over 400 square miles</a>.
<p>
It started in December, in what used to be California's rainy season,
but due to global heating there hasn't been much rain near LA.


feed_id: 5b49ea9a73bab592f3ce8e9952cf4cc2
title: 2020 financial bubbles
uri: 2020-financial-bubbles
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_December_2017_%282020_financial_bubbles%29
content:
<p>
Suggesting that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/dec/23/complacent-regulators-have-two-years-to-prevent-financial-crash">financial bubbles will burst</a> in 2020.


feed_id: 402b23fa9bc1a61fc2f763197ae0204e
title: Skin tone genes
uri: Skin-tone-genes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_December_2017_%28Skin_tone_genes%29
content:
<p>
Several of the genes that make human skin darker or lighter existed
before Homo sapiens evolved.  <a href="https://www.newscientist.com/article/2150253-gene-study-shows-human-skin-tone-has-varied-for-900000-years/">They were inherited</a> from an ancestral
species.


feed_id: e9fee94880aa989d042ec92a1fa701b4
title: Pork at Islamic center
uri: Pork-at-Islamic-center
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_December_2017_%28Pork_at_Islamic_center%29
content:
<p>
Someone <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/dec/24/police-investigate-pork-incident-belfast-islamic-centre">pushed some pork through the mail slot</a> of the Belfast Islamic
Center.  
<p>
This gesture of bigotry was nasty and I disapprove of it, but the word
"attack" is not justified.  To qualify as an attack, it would have to
cause damage or harm, not mere offense.  A dirty spot in a door, and
on the nearby floor, are not harm.


feed_id: 4b2e39aeea522575108e152d8caa91e5
title: Occupation of Palestine
uri: 2017-12-27-Occupation-of-Palestine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_December_2017_%28Occupation_of_Palestine%29
content:
<p>
How the occupation of Palestine <a href="http://www.pij.org/details.php?id=1773">damages democracy and human rights</a>
within Israel,
in addition to the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#01_December_2015_(Attacks_on_Israelis_by_Palestinians)">already reported injustice</a> to Palestinians.


feed_id: 7aacfd907e692b23dab689d673c9b5f5
title: Bank size and regulations
uri: Bank-size-and-regulations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_December_2017_%28Bank_size_and_regulations%29
content:
<p>
Complex regulations are pressuring small US banks to merge with big
ones.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/10/30/regulation-killing-community-banks-public-banks-can-revive-them">A publicly owned bank</a>, in North Dakota, helps the local banks there
to survive.
<p>
The idea that it is easier to enforce regulations on a few large banks
than on small ones is backwards.  On the contrary, very big banks can
cheat with impunity, as Wells Fargo has shown.  To make banks obey the
law, we need to get big banks to split up.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/progressive-tax-on-business-gross-income.html">My progressive business tax proposal</a> could help do that.


feed_id: 565540ceb69d3b5717f012543b078080
title: Nuclear arsenal cost
uri: Nuclear-arsenal-cost
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_December_2017_%28Nuclear_arsenal_cost%29
content:
<p>
US Nuclear Arsenal to Cost <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/31/us-nuclear-arsenal-cost-cbo-report">$1.2tn Over Next 30 Years</a>.
<p>
It is part of a broad military spending program that might cost even
more, and is totally unnecessary since the US military could easily
defeat any three other nation's militaries.
<p>
What fraction of world greenhouse gas emissions could we eliminate
with that much money?


feed_id: 50d82a6aed5bb38c8c33b1de63cccde4
title: Gift to Mnuchin
uri: Gift-to-Mnuchin
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_December_2017_%28Gift_to_Mnuchin%29
content:
<p>
Someone mailed a well-deserved gift to <a href="/glossary.html#saboteur">Saboteur</a> of the Treasury
Mnuchin: a gift-wrapped box of horse shit.  More scary: the Secret
Service <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/dec/24/secret-service-investigates-wrapped-box-of-horse-manure-sent-to-steve-mnuchin">is "investigating" this</a>.  On what grounds?
<p>
Horse manure is not a bomb, it is a political statement and nothing
more.  To treat this is a crime is an attack on American's political
freedom — like treating protests at the bully's inauguration <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_December_2017_(Inauguration_protesters)">as a
crime</a>.


feed_id: d0ebba319f9b2fe450451d332ef69f2b
title: Renewable energy in India
uri: Renewable-energy-in-India
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_December_2017_%28Renewable_energy_in_India%29
content:
<p>
The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/06/how-indias-battle-with-climate-change-could-determine-all-of-our-fates">falling price of renewable electricity</a> and batteries may enable
India to provide electricity to everyone using renewable energy instead
of coal.
<p>
India should decide now to reject coal.  It will do little good for
millions of poor Indians if they get electricity in the next 20 years,
only to die from global heating effects in another 20 years.
<p>
In the long term, for India to reduce the number of poor people it
must <em>stop making more of them</em> by means of birth control.  Without
that, it's a Red Queen's race.


feed_id: f99ebd753f8b3a5c34b371256f226585
title: Stop the Occupation
uri: Stop-the-Occupation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_December_2017_%28Stop_the_Occupation%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.pij.org/details.php?id=1789">Save Israel, Stop the Occupation</a> — an organization that asks Jews 
outside Israel to support Israeli opposition to continued occupation
of Palestine.


feed_id: 982f1eb977934a11aaf35612c8b988c0
title: Confiscation in Israel
uri: Confiscation-in-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_December_2017_%28Confiscation_in_Israel%29
content:
<p>
Israel confiscates Palestinians' water pipes and tanks
so its colonies <a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/israel-engages-water-apartheid-171013110734930.html">can grow bananas</a>.


feed_id: b3d9bf1973bee6dd6aaadb5ac570a84a
title: Crimes by bully administration
uri: Crimes-by-bully-administration
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_December_2017_%28Crimes_by_bully_administration%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/10/30/top-six-trump-admin-crimes-ought-bring-indictments">Six crimes by the bully</a> and his officials that ought to be prosecuted.


feed_id: eba6f839c063008cd0393563ef01fa05
title: Renting to welfare recipients
uri: Renting-to-welfare-recipients
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_December_2017_%28Renting_to_welfare_recipients%29

content:
<p>
The Tory "reform" of welfare payments in the UK tends to make
recipients fall behind on rent.  Now many landlords <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/dec/24/landlords-unwilling-to-rent-to-universal-credit-recipients">won't rent to
welfare recipients</a> at all.


feed_id: 1e653a16b939686fa193cc046887d2ea
title: Americans losing healthcare
uri: Americans-losing-healthcare
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_December_2017_%28Americans_losing_healthcare%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/12/24/sanders-slams-trump-bragging-about-millions-americans-losing-healthcare">Sanders Slams Trump</a> for 'Bragging' About Millions of Americans Losing Healthcare.
<p>
This as the cheater <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/dec/24/sanders-attacks-tax-plan-as-trump-celebrates-with-friends-you-all-just-got-a-lot-richer">congratulated his rich friends</a> for the big gains they
will get from the tax attacks.


feed_id: b454a4e96868ad483cb389e9105870a9
title: Immigrant parents and children
uri: Immigrant-parents-and-children
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_December_2017_%28Immigrant_parents_and_children%29

content:
<p>
Nothing is too cruel for the bully's repression of immigrants.
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/12/22/beyond-pale-outcry-trump-administration-considers-separating-immigrant-families">The newest plan</a> is to systematically take children away from their
unauthorized immigrant parents.


feed_id: 9b3c3c3e0d0c5c2b583019f358ed0256
title: Soldier retaliation
uri: Soldier-retaliation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_December_2017_%28Soldier_retaliation%29
content:
<p>
Ahed Tamimi slapped and kicked some Israeli soldiers who was standing
unwelcome in her family's yard.  The soldiers forbore to retaliate, so
right-wing Israeli haters began demanding some harshness.  Soldiers
returned in the middle of the night and <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/12/20/israel-tackles-existential-threat-posed-16-year-old-palestinian-girl/">arrested her</a>.
<p>
Her parents have led weekly protests for many years against Israel's
theft of their land through the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2004-jul-oct.html#21%20August%202004%20(Road%20Map)">annexation wall</a>.


feed_id: 3ab50e64fae173fa78c70bad37234a78
title: Rescuing would-be immigrants
uri: Rescuing-would-be-immigrants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_December_2017_%28Rescuing_would-be_immigrants%29
content:
<p>
European organizations that rescue drowning would-be immigrants <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/20/aid-drowning-migrants-criminal-activists-ngo-witness-brutal-border-policing">are being
prosecuted</a> for facilitating illegal immigration.
<p>
Similar things have happened in the US <a href="https://www.pri.org/stories/2017-04-18/president-trump-do-you-plan-prosecute-those-who-give-aid-or-shelter-undocumented">near the Mexican border</a>.


feed_id: 401a0755c1856cf7668aa0c0499220b9
title: Protesting at student rallies
uri: Protesting-at-student-rallies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_December_2017_%28Protesting_at_student_rallies%29

content:
<p>
Defending <a href="https://reason.com/archives/2017/12/18/conservative-snowflakes-get-protesting-n">college teachers' rights to protest</a> at the rallies students
hold on campus.  Both have the right to express their views.


feed_id: f9f97ad0c831a572c90dfd1fdf20a331
title: Workplace surveillance systems
uri: Workplace-surveillance-systems
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_December_2017_%28Workplace_surveillance_systems%29

content:
<p>
Workplace surveillance systems <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/06/workplace-surveillance-big-brother-technology">track everything staff do</a> online
through company-provided computers.
<p>
I wouldn't use them if I were you.


feed_id: 275339a5c75ea23cea91cbb793226dbd
title: Regenerative farming in Guatemala
uri: Regenerative-farming-in-Guatemala
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_December_2017_%28Regenerative_farming_in_Guatemala%29

content:
<p>
Guatemalans hope a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/05/how-regenerative-food-and-farming-can-reverse-rural-poverty-and-forced-migration">return to regenerative farming</a> could enable the country
to support all its people.
<p>
The article doesn't explain why investment money is needed for this.
I can guess at various possibilities, but we need to know the actual answer.
<p>
If they can make their economy more sustainable this way, and they want the
improvement last, they must not squander the gains on increased population.
Thus, reducing population growth needs to be part of the plan.


feed_id: 7396d645da9b9b6a3b0b34b12ad38d14
title: The welfare state
uri: The-welfare-state
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_%28The_welfare_state%29
content:
<p>
The welfare programs of the welfare state are a triumph of organized
human decency.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/oct/31/time-bring-welfare-state-back-to-life-language-social-security">We should champion them</a> with pride.
<p>
Want, disease, ignorance, squalor and idleness: banished by the
welfare state, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/oct/10/beveridge-five-evils-welfare-state">imposed once again</a> by the plutocratic state.


feed_id: ed02f18395f75ca80218ac0ca3cafc8d
title: Security agency oversight
uri: Security-agency-oversight
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_%28Security_agency_oversight%29
content:
<p>
National Security Agencies Are [still] <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2017/10/national-security-agencies-are-evading-congressional-oversight">Evading Congressional Oversight</a>.
<p>
Many congresscritters accept the agencies' claims without question, or
allow themselves to be brushed off with "it's a secret".


feed_id: 019cddb7fa73ac682848380f52f837d4
title: US military activity in West Africa
uri: US-military-activity-in-West-Africa
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_%28US_military_activity_in_West_Africa%29

content:
<p>
It's Not Just Niger — U.S. Military Activity Is a "Recruiting Tool"
for Terror Groups <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/10/26/its-not-just-niger-u-s-military-activity-is-a-recruiting-tool-for-terror-groups-across-west-africa/">Across West Africa</a>.
<p>
Boko Haram is a vicious gang, and I don't have any objection in
principle to helping to defeat it <em>provided</em> the means are legitimate
and the effort makes things better, not worse.  But we can't judge those
questions if we don't know what the efforts are.


feed_id: 25f78467bdd8432c1756f2a92ff0fa54
title: Source of poverty
uri: Source-of-poverty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_%28Source_of_poverty%29
content:
<p>
"The lie that poverty is a moral failing was buried a century ago.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/oct/18/george-bernard-shaw-poverty-moral-myth">Now itâs
back</a>."
<p>
People who attributed poverty to bad luck are not entirely wrong.  The
reason why x% of the population are poor is bad social policies.  The
reason why person A is part of that x% rather than person B is chance.


feed_id: 77777fcd2f74be039a8457fc086dc35c
title: Fortune 500 tax dodging
uri: Fortune-500-tax-dodging
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_%28Fortune_500_tax_dodging%29
content:
<p>
At least 73% of the Fortune 500 companies <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/10/17/study-73-fortune-500-companies-used-offshore-tax-havens-2016">used tax havens</a> to dodge
taxes, in 2016.
<p>
The "paradise papers" might demonstrate that the percentage is even higher.


feed_id: a6ae24267482ae4be3c7fc42ae0cde26
title: Temer's corruption
uri: Temer-s-corruption
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_%28Temer%27s_corruption%29
content:
<p>
Brazil's president Temer <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/oct/17/fewer-people-will-be-freed-brazil-accused-of-easing-anti-slavery-rules">weakened the law against slavery</a> to buy
support from agribusiness, so that it would vote its congresscritters
to protect him from trial for some of his corruption.
<p>
His maneuver succeeded; Brazil remains <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#28_October_2017_(Corrupt_congress)">ruled by corruption</a>.
<p>
We should not use the word "reforms" when referring to his plans.
The only thing Temer wants to do is <a href="/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a>.


feed_id: b00d4efa7aea1d4e0cdb4b5889d1f744
title: Biofuel for airplanes
uri: Biofuel-for-airplanes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_%28Biofuel_for_airplanes%29
content:
<p>
The EU has a big plan to make more biofuel for airplanes, and it would
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/12/new-airplane-biofuels-plan-would-destroy-rainforests-warn-campaigners">cause big harm</a>.
<p>
Biofuels produced by growing crops for fuel already cause harm; they
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2008-mar-jun.html#23%20June%202008%20(Damage%20due%20to%20biofuel)">drive up the price of food</a>, and they <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-sep-dec.html#12%20November%202010%20(Biofuel%20proving%20silly)">increase carbon emissions</a>.


feed_id: cfa9c5f9d1eed11e73321568294e28aa
title: Suing pipeline protesters
uri: Suing-pipeline-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_%28Suing_pipeline_protesters%29
content:
<p>
Right-wingers are <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/15/dakota-access-pipeline-dapl-tigerswan-energy-transfer-partners-rico-lawsuit/">suing pipeline protesters</a>, calling them a terrorist
conspiracy.


feed_id: 8a57b741502ef032ff85127b8ab70a01
title: Darkest dream of totalitarianism
uri: Darkest-dream-of-totalitarianism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_%28Darkest_dream_of_totalitarianism%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/oct/31/the-corrosion-of-truth-in-these-strange-times-is-terrifying">"The darkest dream of totalitarianism</a> is now our daily life, carried
in our purse and pocket...  Every first person feels ever more alone
and lost...  What if truth is the precarious hinge that holds freedom
and progress together?"


feed_id: 9082e5e8b60b4aa9fb3ce9832c0697dd
title: Interviews with Taliban
uri: Interviews-with-Taliban
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_%28Interviews_with_Taliban%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/31/150000-americans-couldnt-beat-us-taliban-fighters-defiant-in-afghanistan">Interviews with Taliban</a>, which have been growing stronger for years.
One says that many former prisoners of the Afghan state forces are so
ashamed of the way they were tortured that they volunteer to be
suicide bombers.


feed_id: d23565eeb3fa2a4f2ce3d5b617fdba0b
title: Violence from fake news
uri: Violence-from-fake-news
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_%28Violence_from_fake_news%29
content:
<p>
Fake news in Facebook has been used to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/29/business/facebook-misinformation-abroad.html">stir up violence</a> in several
countries.


feed_id: 7cd16015193e00bd72eba59a6041e1ee
title: Fossil fuel health effects
uri: Fossil-fuel-health-effects
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_%28Fossil_fuel_health_effects%29
content:
<p>
Fossil fuel use and global heating effects are injuring, even killing,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/30/climate-change-already-damaging-health-of-millions-globally-report-finds">millions of people</a>.


feed_id: d323bf0eb8c4cf4175a14aec1da5815b
title: Funds for disabled people
uri: Funds-for-disabled-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_%28Funds_for_disabled_people%29
content:
<p>
The Tories' welfare system is so determined to cut the funds for
disabled people that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/oct/30/staggering-rise-pip-complaints-rot-system-disability-benefits">the assessors lie</a> to fabricate an excuse.
<p>
The job of assessor would naturally attract people who enjoy callously
saying no to someone in need, but that alone can't account for 250
reports that an assessor lied.  Clearly the cause is pressure from the
bosses of the companies that the assessors work for.
<p>
Privatizing a public activity is an invitation for a company to
cut corners and do a bad job.
<p>
The Tories are making disabled people come in for interviews about
putting them to work, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/oct/31/universal-credit-pushing-disabled-people-into-poverty">even if they are too sick</a> to get out of bed.


feed_id: aabe4f9e4f4fceeffe6e28327488ac75
title: Iraqi children
uri: Iraqi-children
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_%28Iraqi_children%29
content:
<p>
Many Iraqi children will find it <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/23/we-are-failing-generation-iraqi-children">hard to grow up</a> as healthy and capable
adults.  Their bodies have been poisoned by chemicals and Dirty
Uranium from US weapons, while their brains are poisoned by PTSD from
the violence they have witnessed.


feed_id: b81c248634a858a6ad6a053188d047b0
title: Worker raises and stock price
uri: Worker-raises-and-stock-price
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_%28Worker_raises_and_stock_price%29

content:
<p>
American Airlines Gave Its Workers a Raise.  <a href="https://www.vox.com/new-money/2017/4/29/15471634/american-airlines-rais">Wall Street Freaked Out</a>.
<p>
The tendency for US companies to focus on short-term changes in stock
price is harmful in many ways.  It encourages short-term thinking
which implies long-term loss.  This is one more way it is harmful.


feed_id: b1b82d47e196d03872cd99c7d3a8f198
title: Surveillance tools for thugs
uri: Surveillance-tools-for-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_%28Surveillance_tools_for_thugs%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.aclu.org/blog/privacy-technology/surveillance-technologies/look-high-tech-gadgets-being-marketed-police">Products being sold to US thugs</a> include new systems for watching
everyone, listening to everyone, identifying everyone, and integrating
the data about everyone.


feed_id: 81de3f1ddc8f0671230cc01186fbf843
title: Avoiding US war with Iran
uri: Avoiding-US-war-with-Iran
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_%28Avoiding_US_war_with_Iran%29
content:
<p>
The bully could save the US <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/24/how-trump-could-avoid-another-7-trillion-bill-mideast-back-war-iran">7 trillion dollars</a> by not pushing the US
into a pointless (and unjustified) war with Iran.


feed_id: 38222df254a47b2a3fc19b2d001df47e
title: Deficit moaning
uri: Deficit-moaning
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_%28Deficit_moaning%29
content:
<p>
Journalists Who Relayed GOP's Deficit Moaning <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/24/journalists-who-relayed-gops-deficit-moaning-owe-us-apologies">Owe Us Apologies</a>.


feed_id: 204bb09cc3d70f11b5f8baf04c8bfed4
title: Google's teaching method
uri: Google-s-teaching-method
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_%28Google%27s_teaching_method%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.longviewoneducation.org/teach-like-theyre-data/">Google is trying out</a> teaching based on pervasive surveillance and data
collection, in the expensive context of a class with two teachers for
24 students from wealthy and well-educated, which will surely make it
look effective.
<p>
Building a data model of a student's state of knowledge, and
abilities, could be a useful method.  In order for it to be ethical,
only rough summaries (comparable to grades) should ever leave the school
in any form.
<p>
However, I doubt a good teaching method can overcome the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#24_July_2015_(Welfare)">detrimental
effects</a> on learning and ability caused by growing up in the stress of
poverty.
Personal attention from teachers could help, some.


feed_id: 51954b5417486f2260ea613d7c8a1485
title: Protecting real discussion
uri: Protecting-real-discussion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_%28Protecting_real_discussion%29
content:
<p>
To protect freedom of the press nowadays requires <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/27/opinion/twitter-first-amendment.html">protecting real discussion</a>
somehow from troll armies and threats of violence. 
<p>
But how?


feed_id: f10c69d4f4ede99cf0f871f9c3834876
title: Body cameras
uri: 2017-12-28-Body-cameras
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_December_2017_%28Body_cameras%29
content:
<p>
Body cameras had a
<a href="media/fe608215.IRM-2017-U-016112-Final.pdf" data-original-source="https://www.cna.org/cna_files/pdf/IRM-2017-U-016112-Final.pdf">
big influence on the behavior of thugs
</a>
in LA.


feed_id: 6f1f10318db3412881efde074826dfd3
title: Russian opposition banned
uri: Russian-opposition-banned
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_December_2017_%28Russian_opposition_banned%29
content:
<p>
Putin has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/25/russian-opposition-leader-alexei-navalny-barred-from-running-for-president">
officially banned the only real opposition candidate
</a>
from running
against him.


feed_id: 34b703f5352f0f7cb9792831e44dd42a
title: Reality Winner
uri: Reality-Winner
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_December_2017_%28Reality_Winner%29
content:
<p>
Reality Winner published the secret intelligence about Russian phishing at a US
"election services" company because
<a href="http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/12/who-is-reality-winner.html">
everyone knew that the the official
internal whistleblower system is just a mousetrap to catch anyone that would
even think of trying.
</a>
<p>
She will have an unfair trial, demonstrating why it is absurd to claim
Snowden should return and face a similarly unfair trial.
<p>
Meanwhile, use of private companies for "election services" makes me
worry on principle.  How can we trust a company for that?


feed_id: c4adc2efe83a6b505c28c172ce487192
title: Comcast deception
uri: Comcast-deception
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_December_2017_%28Comcast_deception%29
content:
<p>
Washington State has sued Comcast for
<a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2017/12/washington-state-comcast-was-even-more-deceptive-than-we-thought/">
tricking hundreds of thousands
of customers into paying for nothing.
</a>
<p>
"Innovation" in the area of how to charge for services is something
we should discourage, or even criminalize.


feed_id: c709a6f4bc028bd13dbe5dab00be5e48
title: Plans for contact
uri: Plans-for-contact
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_%28Plans_for_contact%29
content:
<p>
Sessions
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/11/1/1711708/-Papadopoulos-plea-deal-has-opened-up-Jeff-Sessions-for-perjury?detail=emaildkre">lied to Congress</a> about the troll campaign's plans for contact
with Russia.


feed_id: 631a14f2599c3195ebdb5ed019abf9ad
title: Consequences of data breach
uri: Consequences-of-data-breach
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_%28Consequences_of_data_breach%29
content:
<p>
Senator Warren explains how Equifax is <a href="http://fortune.com/2017/10/04/equifax-breach-elizabeth-warren/">making lots of money from
"helping" people protect themselves</a> from the consequences of its data
breach.
<p>
The data breach resulted from the carelessness of Equifax's
security department.


feed_id: 115031add280a4467d30ecd6e614980c
title: Poverty in America
uri: 2017-12-29-Poverty-in-America
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_December_2017_%28Poverty_in_America%29
content:
<p>
Poverty Is Both a Political and a Moral Choice <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/25/poverty-both-political-and-moral-choice-made-powerful">Made By the Powerful</a>.
<p>
<a href="http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/41206-misinforming-the-majority-a-deliberate-strategy-of-right-wing-libertarians">Decades of planning</a> enabled right-wing plutocrats to take power in the
US, so they could let most Americans "fall by the wayside".
<p>
As a result of their success, poor people in the US today have
discarded the American Dream.  They have learned that hard work won't
get them a decent life in the US.  Especially poor whites have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/inequality/2017/jun/20/is-the-american-dream-really-dead">given
in to despair</a>.
<p>
At the economic level, they are right.  Hard work to make money won't
get most poor Americans a decent life, because the rich <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#3_April_2017_(Rich_people)">take most of
the value</a> of their work.
<p>
However, there is another kind of hard work which could enable
everyone to have a decent life: work to elect progressive leaders that
will make the rich give back what they took.


feed_id: d0effcc30bc68d3c873396b94426ed26
title: Dealing with Putin
uri: Dealing-with-Putin
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_December_2017_%28Dealing_with_Putin%29
content:
<p>
Concern about how the bully deals with Putin should not lead us to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/06/05/dangerous-discourse-when-progressives-sound-demagogues">take
speculation for fact</a>.


feed_id: 311bedfc5e5ce5fe2f4bf5014d6cbab1
title: Accepting cash
uri: Accepting-cash
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_December_2017_%28Accepting_cash%29
content:
<p>
Visa plans to pay US businesses to <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2017/07/13/visa-to-pay-businesses-to-stop-accepting-cash_a_23028807/">stop accepting cash</a>.


feed_id: 09c174d3e32cce260e38cefc50003bdd
title: Doug Jones' positions
uri: Doug-Jones-positions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_December_2017_%28Doug_Jones%27_positions%29
content:
<p>
Before I supported the Doug Jones campaign, I had a volunteer show me
his positions and found things that sounded progressive to me.  It looks
like I missed some things that are <a href="https://medium.com/@LeftistScumbag/doug-jones-is-a-terrible-candidate-acde501603c1">not very progressive</a>.
<p>
Too bad.  We need senators about whom one can say something more than,
"Better than Roy Moore."


feed_id: 43ba9cefb11e85fd6e5707cdc7b31331
title: Barbuda privatization
uri: Barbuda-privatization
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_December_2017_%28Barbuda_privatization%29
content:
<p>
A <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/27/barbuda-fears-possible-loss-of-land-rights-is-bid-to-spread-tourism-from-antigua">second disaster for Barbuda</a>: now that the houses have been
destroyed, the communal lands will be privatized.
<p>
The land will then be sold to rich foreigners for funds for rebuilding.
This will probably include much of the wild areas, which will then
be bulldozed.
<p>
This issue may not matter for long if global heating and sea-level
rise combine to make Barbuda uninhabitable.


feed_id: 24b68db5d81bc2c2a32419f0996474b5
title: Facebook ads and useds
uri: Facebook-ads-and-useds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_December_2017_%28Facebook_ads_and_useds%29
content:
<p>
The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/27/russian-facebook-scandal-damages-liberals-right">effectiveness of Russian troll ads</a> in Facebook demonstrate something bad
about the American people, but also about Facebook.
<p>
It may be true that Facebook is "a mirror" for its useds, but that
does not mean it is safe.  The useds are also a mirror for what
Facebook says to them.  Two mirrors facing each other, with something
in between that resonates with a certain kind of energy, make up a
laser, and a laser can be very dangerous if it is powerful.
<p>
I am puzzled by the article's presupposition that "Democrats" adore
Facebook unquestioningly.  Does that really happen?


feed_id: 5faf3acceb0a4313272e7d4d22410942
title: Venezuela's elections
uri: Venezuela-s-elections
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_December_2017_%28Venezuela%27s_elections%29
content:
<p>
Venezuela's all-powerful "constitutional assembly" has <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/venezuela-presidential-election-nicolas-maduro-opposition-candidates-blocked-justice-first-a8122726.html">arbitrarily
banned</a> the three main opposition parties from the next national
election for the "crime" of boycotting the recent local elections.
<p>
The "constitutional assembly" is really the "constitution override",
since it serves to enable Maduro to set the constitution aside
arbitrarily.  The government obeys the constitution <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#22_August_2017_(Venezuela_Maduro_parliament)">except when
it doesn't</a>.
<p>
The criticism from the US is ironic since the cheater is setting
the US constitution aside simply <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#27_January_2017_(Troll_still_owns_golf_companies)">by ignoring it</a>.


feed_id: 383e0de454b53deea0cf9cfb96641027
title: Government files
uri: Government-files
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_December_2017_%28Government_files%29
content:
<p>
UK ministries <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/dec/26/government-admits-losing-thousands-of-papers-from-national-archives">conceal supposedly public government files</a> by "borrowing" them
permanently from the archives, then saying they "can't find" the files.
<p>
In the US, the government says the files are secret, or denies they
ever existed.


feed_id: c1cd56bda5eeeb1c7817c1fd23426caf
title: Cats killing birds
uri: Cats-killing-birds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_December_2017_%28Cats_killing_birds%29
content:
<p>
Cats in Australia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/oct/04/cats-kill-1-million-australian-birds-a-day-study-shows">kill a million birds</a> of native species per day, and
may be a crucial factor in wiping them out.
<p>
I seem to recall having read about an effort to eradicate cats from
some island.  Might it be possible to sterilize the feral cats of
Australia, and keep all non-neutered cats indoors, for the birds' sake?


feed_id: 3dfcffbc933ce5ac58cfa411993c82d3
title: Cross-border data
uri: Cross-border-data
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_December_2017_%28Cross-border_data%29
content:
<p>
EFF: Protect the Privacy of Cross-Border Data: <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2017/09/protect-privacy-cross-border-data-stop-doj-bill">Stop the DOJ Bill</a>.


feed_id: 14f68bf7f9e2514da4cf64c2c97276d9
title: Total surveillance
uri: 2017-12-29-Total-surveillance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_December_2017_%28Total_surveillance%29
content:
<p>
Chinese economists <a href="https://boingboing.net/2017/09/14/platform-socialism.html">advocate total surveillance</a> in the name of
making a planned economy work.
<p>
Total surveillance means total tyranny, so even if it does function
in some economic sense, it is a bad system.


feed_id: 6533da9b388c0f97f1badd2835462c85
title: Damage of global heating
uri: 2017-12-29-Damage-of-global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_December_2017_%28Damage_of_global_heating%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/09/this-is-how-your-world-could-end-climate-change-global-warming">Various levels</a>
of global heating, and the global damage they would do.
<p>
In the Cretaceous period, mammals could only come out at night — because
daytime was so hot it would kill them.  We could get there again.


feed_id: 3e9973e9b93aa9f3df7428f8c24a723b
title: Chinese students
uri: Chinese-students
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_December_2017_%28Chinese_students%29
content:
<p>
If a university has many Chinese students, it had better take care to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/sep/08/you-should-consider-our-feelings-for-chinese-students-the-state-is-an-extension-of-family">prevent
them from intimidating others</a> from condemning China's tyranny.
<p>
We might help Chinese students understand that they should not
identify themselves with Chinese repression by showing that we
criticize our own countries' repression, too.  We are not against
China, rather we support all peoples (including the Chinese people)
against the injustice of whatever state.


feed_id: c6500c0544c4db08a963c622ce1aff79
title: Turkey's birth rate
uri: Turkey-s-birth-rate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_December_2017_%28Turkey%27s_birth_rate%29
content:
<p>
Turkey is fortunate to have a decreasing birth rate that will help end
poverty there.  However, some fools <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/25/turkey-fertility-secular-religious-divide-erdogan-population-growth">believe that this is a problem</a>.
<p>
The local inconveniences of a decreasing population are nothing compared
with the global disaster of population pushing up greenhouse emissions
and overusing every limited renewable resource.


feed_id: 7126d612f4f417fe26e32d0b3e03e6b7
title: Drug price laws
uri: Drug-price-laws
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_December_2017_%28Drug_price_laws%29
content:
<p>
We need laws to stop drug companies from <a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-drug-price-20171218-story.html">raising the price of a drug</a>
to an unconscionable level.


feed_id: fddf46ad6616c3b3dd4bc9279e3b6fe4
title: Prison for protesting
uri: Prison-for-protesting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_December_2017_%28Prison_for_protesting%29
content:
<p>
Wu Gan, Chinese human rights activist, has been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/26/chinese-human-rights-lawyer-jailed-for-eight-years-for-subversion">sentenced to 8 years in prison</a>
for holding a protest at a courthouse.
<p>
China never ceased to be a vicious tyranny.  The Panchen Lama was
disappeared in 1995 and has not been seen or heard from since.
But China did these sort of things only rarely, until a few years ago.


feed_id: 09c2e42f7a13a592e38af2a0e82f5233
title: Axolotl extinction
uri: Axolotl-extinction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_December_2017_%28Axolotl_extinction%29
content:
<p>
The axolotl <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jan/29/mexico-water-monster-axolotl-vanished">appears to be extinct</a> in the wild, apparently due to pollution from
humans that have invaded its habitat.


feed_id: 47b13ff5e47264acb4f065c1b372a1eb
title: Forms of 'terrorism'
uri: Forms-of-terrorism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_December_2017_%28Forms_of_%27terrorism%27%29
content:
<p>
Japan has declared approaching a whaling ship <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/23/sea-shepherd-loses-antarctic-battle-japan-whale-hunters">to be "terrorism"</a>.
<p>
The UK and US have declared <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_August_2015_(Animal_rights_activists_charged_with_terrorism)">releasing animals</a> from a farm to be "terrorism".
<p>
The US refers to protests as <a href="https://www.aclu.org/news/aclu-challenges-defense-department-personnel-policy-regard-lawful-protests-low-level-terrorism">"low-level terrorism"</a>.
<p>
The UK <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_October_2017_(Anti-terror_laws)">designates protesters</a> as "terrorists"
as well as people involved in <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#21_August_2013_(UK_gov't_said_it_interrogated_Miranda_because_he_was_carrying_stolen_documents)">publishing the Snowden leaks</a>.
<p>
Lying laws such as these are a form of tyranny.  The dishonesty also
undermines efforts against real terrorism.


feed_id: fac862be53915214ab6dd01a61d7c62c
title: Depressed wages
uri: Depressed-wages
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_December_2017_%28Depressed_wages%29
content:
<p>
Wages in the US are <a href="http://rooseveltinstitute.org/how-widespread-labor-monopsony-some-new-results-suggest-its-pervasive/">depressed substantially</a> because many Americans have few
potential employers to choose from.
<p>
This is another reason why we need to break up the large companies.


feed_id: 5c78b55b526330e90cbaa502dc452d66
title: Roy Moore's lawsuit
uri: Roy-Moore-s-lawsuit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#29_December_2017_%28Roy_Moore%27s_lawsuit%29
content:
<p>
Roy Moore will go to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/dec/28/alabama-election-roy-moore-files-lawsuit-to-stop-doug-jones-certification">any lengths of absurdity</a> to prevent Doug Jones
from being seated in the senate.
<p>
This accusation is absurd because of the facts.  I won't claim that
Democrats are so moral that they couldn't conceivably try to rig an
election.  But the ones that are in the habit of doing so are
Republicans.  Alabama's government is dominated by Republicans.
Democrats would not be able to rig an election there if they tried.


feed_id: 12f9b35121234e1c229feeb9a8c4edb4
title: VPN for credit cards
uri: VPN-for-credit-cards
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#29_December_2017_%28VPN_for_credit_cards%29
content:
<p>
Privacy.com offers the service of a <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2016/3/24/11298886/privacy-com-credit-card-vpn">VPN for credit cards</a>.
<p>
Aside from the question of whether you can trust privacy.com with your
data, I wonder also about what happens if you need to cancel a payment.
<p>
Rather than use workarounds like these, I'd rather go to a store,
offer cash, refuse to give my name or zipcode, and see if they are
willing to refuse to sell me something.


feed_id: b5896ec9f7a3530462fceb49f41dad3b
title: Emotions and facts
uri: Emotions-and-facts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#29_December_2017_%28Emotions_and_facts%29
content:
<p>
To return society to rationality, we <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/28/second-thoughts-rational-decisions-brexit-trump">must stop preferring</a> powerful authentic
emotions to dull authentic facts and reasoning.


feed_id: 4b28019146abe19166a029415b595f13
title: Extinctions
uri: Extinctions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#29_December_2017_%28Extinctions%29
content:
<p>
"Ice will return but extinctions can't be reversed.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/28/ice-will-return-but-extinctions-cant-be-reversed-we-must-act-climate-change">We must act now</a>."


feed_id: 0d77a1ca9e843019ac94796624e7c86f
title: Sponge cities
uri: Sponge-cities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#29_December_2017_%28Sponge_cities%29
content:
<p>
China's <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/28/chinas-sponge-cities-are-turning-streets-green-to-combat-flooding">"sponge cities"</a> help direct rain underground, to reduce flooding.


feed_id: e9a4ebadefb1c648bca06d168ed2e74c
title: Extremists in the US
uri: Extremists-in-the-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#29_December_2017_%28Extremists_in_the_US%29
content:
<p>
Extremists in the US killed 372 people in the 10-year period, 2007-2016.
About <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2017/08/18/president-trump-wants-facts-right-wing-extremism-here-they-are-erroll-southers-column/577308001/">3/4 of the killings</a> were done by right-wing extremists.


feed_id: d96df95690213065a46d792768a50647
title: Jerusalem protests
uri: Jerusalem-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#29_December_2017_%28Jerusalem_protests%29
content:
<p>
Israeli troops <a href="https://972mag.com/watch-israeli-troops-train-assault-rifles-on-medics-and-journalists/131842/">fired at medics and journalists</a> that moved towards a
wounded Palestinian protester.
<p>
An Israeli official made a <a href="https://972mag.com/israeli-official-threatens-german-activists-we-know-who-you-are/131672/">vague threat of violence</a> against nonviolent
protesters in Germany.


feed_id: d51b63ca89be9c239f3e2aead1ad799f
title: 'Inappropriate' behavior
uri: 2017-12-29-Inappropriate-behavior
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#29_December_2017_%28%27Inappropriate%27_behavior%29
content:
<p>
Men now <a href="http://theweek.com/articles/744065/metoo-run-amok">face being fired</a> for vaguely sexual conversations that were
not sexual harassment and that no one complained about.
<p>
Naturally, the announcement of dismissal used the vaguest possible
word: "inappropriate".  That word means "not correct in my judgment."
Such a vague criticism can never justify the conclusion that someone
has done wrong.  Any act might be frowned upon by someone.
<p>
If you want to demand that someone be fired or prosecuted for some
action, or justify firing the person for some action, it behooves you
to make an accusation that is concrete, not vague like
"inappropriate".  You need to say what the action was, so we can judge
how wrong it was.  If you can't or won't describe it with something
more concrete than "inappropriate", we must presume it wasn't bad
enough to punish.
<p>
This note is not meant to defend conduct that merits some concrete
criticism.  Once there is a concrete criticism, we have a concrete
issue to consider.


feed_id: 9aa05b523e7a9c604dc697049bc003b7
title: University speech
uri: University-speech
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#29_December_2017_%28University_speech%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#trump">The troll</a> is not the only one in America trying to restrict what
people can say.  <a href="https://reason.com/archives/2017/12/27/universities-are-raising-a-generation-of">Many universities</a> do it, too.


feed_id: e9b29fa256f04cc4145d1dc60102fd96
title: EU exit paradox
uri: EU-exit-paradox
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#29_December_2017_%28EU_exit_paradox%29
content:
<p>
Most of Labour's supporters want Britain to stay in the EU.  The party
is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/dec/27/labour-voters-could-abandon-party-over-brexit-stance-poll-finds">vulnerable to competition</a> from a party that would support this.
<p>
UK exit from the EU is a paradoxical issue.  The EU requires every country
to be part of several <a href="https://stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">business-supremacy treaties</a>,
each of which cements the nondemocratic and therefore unjust power
of business.  The EU has plutocratic policies of its own in several areas
including <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_December_2017_(Automatic_copyright_censorship)">copyright</a>, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#21_April_2017_(Multinational_giants_in_agriculture)">agriculture</a>, and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#21_April_2017_(EUs_subservience_to_business_and_banksters)">inequality of wealth</a>.
In principle, returning to freedom and democracy requires
escaping from the EU.
<p>
However, the EU also regulates businesses and protects some human
rights.  Therefore, exit from the EU does not necessarily imply 
things will get better.
<p>
If the plan for Britain's economic policy after leaving the EU is to
sign a bunch of business-supremacy treaties, the effect will be to make
things even worse.


feed_id: 3c6d89b84fe013bbe8f008cabb82e1f9
title: Drilling in the Amazon
uri: Drilling-in-the-Amazon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#29_December_2017_%28Drilling_in_the_Amazon%29
content:
<p>
Oil drilling in the Peruvian Amazon has poisoned land and rivers.
The indigenous people sometimes <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/12/27/peru-amazon-oil-pollution-indigenous-protest/">occupy and shut down</a> oil facilities
for days or months.
<p>
The local oil pollution might degrade or wash away in a couple of centuries,
but the damage done by global heating is forever.  The most important fight in
the Peruvian Amazon is to prevent construction of new wells.


feed_id: 511dd23d0eecee8e5a82029a67ccf726
title: Nursing home fines
uri: Nursing-home-fines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#30_December_2017_%28Nursing_home_fines%29
content:
<p>
US nursing homes asked the government to please stop fining them for
mistreating patients.  The saboteurs <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/28/trumpian-philosophy-any-regulation-bad-even-if-it-protects-sick-old-people">granted their wish</a>.


feed_id: cec2579347b7d64011be416729a4ebc2
title: Sexual pressure and unions
uri: Sexual-pressure-and-unions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#30_December_2017_%28Sexual_pressure_and_unions%29
content:
<p>
For millions of working women to push away sexual pressure from their
bosses, they need to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/28/what-metoo-can-teach-labor-movement">form activist unions</a>.


feed_id: f960904b24890e6eafd4bee693de1d7c
title: National IDs on Facebook
uri: National-IDs-on-Facebook
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#30_December_2017_%28National_IDs_on_Facebook%29
content:
<p>
Facebook now asks users in India to give their <a href="http://trak.in/tags/business/2017/12/28/facebook-account-name-aadhaar-verification/">official biometric ID linkage</a>.
<p>
Being used by Facebook was harmful already.  This makes it more harmful
because it enables Facebook's data about people to be linked easily with
many other databases also indexed by national ID numbers.
<p>
This is an example of why a national ID number is harmful.
Once everyone has that number, it becomes natural for every business
or organization which has a database of people to index it by
national ID number — and presto! they are all cross-linked.


feed_id: fc93b4168106a0f1e1b911cd61eec152
title: FBI film denouncements
uri: FBI-film-denouncements
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#30_December_2017_%28FBI_film_denouncements%29
content:
<p>
The FBI, advised by Ayn Rand, <a href="http://www.openculture.com/2014/12/ayn-rand-helped-the-fbi-identify-its-a-wonderful-life-as-communist-propaganda.html">denounced films</a> such as It's A Wonderful Life
as Communist propaganda.


feed_id: 4393b08320546d37ac5ac6c6bd153e5a
title: Whistleblowing office
uri: Whistleblowing-office
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#30_December_2017_%28Whistleblowing_office%29
content:
<p>
The acting head of the official internal whistleblowing office for US
intelligence agents was <a href="http://foreignpolicy.com/2017/12/14/whistleblower-guardian-for-spies-escorted-out-of-intelligence-agency-building/">transferred to a no-op job</a> for no stated reasons.
<p>
Perhaps he tried to actually do his job?  As has been reported, that
office has generally operated as a <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_December_2017_(Reality_Winner)">mousetrap to catch whistleblowers</a>.


feed_id: 3e5887459d52200616886ab02cef197c
title: Fossil fools
uri: Fossil-fools
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#30_December_2017_%28Fossil_fools%29
content:
<p>
Fossil fools have funded fake news and fake science since the 1990s, but they
needed to present it with a serious front.  Now the <a href="/glossary.html#heatland">Heatland Institute</a> has 
decided, based on the strength of the US anti-rationality movement, to dispense
with that and <a href="https://insideclimatenews.org/news/22122017/big-oil-heartland-climate-science-misinformation-campaign-koch-api-trump-infographic">spew evident nonsense</a>.
<p>
The organization calls itself "Heartland", but the name "Heatland" describes
it more accurately.


feed_id: 62a22a5abb67b2bb8c70d29dac9384bd
title: Twitter bot
uri: Twitter-bot
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#30_December_2017_%28Twitter_bot%29
content:
<p>
Twitter <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/27/opinion/digital-nazi-hunter-trump.html">banned a bot</a> that was very effective at identifying
impersonator trolls (who make false-flag racist verbal attacks),
because the right-wing lie movement started reporting it for "abuse."
<p>
Any sort of crowdsourcing of information or judgment is vulnerable to
manipulation by a sufficiently large dishonest movement.


feed_id: c63308714256f10d8b111a27e58b4599
title: Redefining environmentalism
uri: Redefining-environmentalism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#30_December_2017_%28Redefining_environmentalism%29
content:
<p>
Saboteur Pruitt has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/12/27/epa-head-pruitt-attempts-redefine-environmentalism-excuse-pollute-planet">redefined environmentalism</a> to mean extracting as much
as possible and ignoring effects on the environment.


feed_id: 84a62367d1357a309ae85293d23229c8
title: Lomustine drug
uri: Lomustine-drug
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#30_December_2017_%28Lomustine_drug%29
content:
<p>
The cancer drug Lomustine <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cancer-drug-lomustine-price-hiked-1400-percent-by-new-owners/">costs 15 times as much</a> as it did 4 years ago.


feed_id: cf9fcf617af3517f9e2e985c6d70a8ff
title: Pro-fracking politicians
uri: Pro-fracking-politicians
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#30_December_2017_%28Pro-fracking_politicians%29
content:
<p>
UK pro-fracking politicians <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/dec/27/anti-fracking-tea-lady-vows-to-fight-order-to-move-catering-van">go to great lengths</a> to sabotage protests.


feed_id: 908eee1a06d9aae7d060dccc881600a7
title: Reporter seeking asylum
uri: Reporter-seeking-asylum
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#30_December_2017_%28Reporter_seeking_asylum%29
content:
<p>
A Mexican reporter, afraid of being shot by gangsters, tried to ask
for asylum in the US.  He was imprisoned for 100 days and treated
like a criminal.  Told he'd probably be held in prison for a year,
he <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/28/us-asylum-immigration-mexico-reporter-journalist-martin-mendez-pineda">went back to Mexico</a> even though he still feared being shot.


feed_id: 3a1f88f0603cf9c330a3d5b31ca026b1
title: Identity and Islamists
uri: Identity-and-Islamists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#30_December_2017_%28Identity_and_Islamists%29
content:
<p>
A general pattern of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/may/28/islamism-separation-other-peoples-even-muslims">obsession with identity</a> may be the reason that angry
young Muslims today become Islamists rather than anti-racism campaigners
for social equality.


feed_id: 394a71bf2c90af8c69344b28b30d42b7
title: Tracking every move
uri: Tracking-every-move
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#30_December_2017_%28Tracking_every_move%29
content:
<p>
In Xinjiang, China <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/28/the-guardian-view-on-surveillance-in-china-big-brother-is-watching">tracks every move</a> that people make.
<p>
Coming soon to a country near you.


feed_id: a176ca5ad379c26ba7956dc708ba6708
title: TLS back door
uri: TLS-back-door
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#30_December_2017_%28TLS_back_door%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://blog.cryptographyengineering.com/2017/12/19/the-strange-story-of-extended-random/">Proof</a> that the NSA-designed back door in RSA's TLS library
was operational in a commercial product.


feed_id: 49de1c229d0eac23b4297e665eb23a2d
title: Bigotry movement
uri: Bigotry-movement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#30_December_2017_%28Bigotry_movement%29
content:
<p>
The Republican bigotry movement is deeply ingrained, and the bully is just
a representative of it.  He can use it, but he <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/28/donald-trump-white-america-republican-party">can't control it</a>.


feed_id: 236f195e6ea577590655650c5d07dcd7
title: Anarchist's Cookbook
uri: 2017-12-31-Anarchist-s-Cookbook
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#30_December_2017_%28Anarchist%27s_Cookbook%29
content:
<p>
Josh Walker was acquitted of charges of possessing a copy of the
Anarchist's Cookbook.  The unofficial reason for prosecuting him is
that he <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/joshua-walker-verdict-anarchists-cookbook-isis-syria-trial-uk-fighter-ypg-role-play-game-a8022126.html">helped the Syrian Kurds</a> fight
against <a href="/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a>.


feed_id: cd97437b3414f2e34299d4f1e915200c
title: DeAndre Harris
uri: DeAndre-Harris
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#30_December_2017_%28DeAndre_Harris%29
content:
<p>
The white supremacists that attacked unarmed DeAndre Harris have been
charged.  Unfortunately, Harris <a href="http://www.nbc29.com/story/37041952/deandre-harris-motion-preview-12-11-2017">still faces charges</a> too.


feed_id: 8350b755f5bb0fdec745e7f525fb30d4
title: Civilians killed in Yemen
uri: Civilians-killed-in-Yemen
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#30_December_2017_%28Civilians_killed_in_Yemen%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a>'s US-backed bombardment of
Yemen <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/28/saudi-led-airstrikes-yemen-war-united-nations">killed 68 civilians</a>
on Dec 26.

No one has ever presented a rational motive for this war, let alone a
valid justification.


feed_id: a913d97f093c14a4a7feac65265417ab
title: Homeless or prison
uri: Homeless-or-prison
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#30_December_2017_%28Homeless_or_prison%29
content:
<p>
Tom Hughes is about to become homeless, and considers committing a
harmless crime so as to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/28/festive-period-prison-homeless">get into prison instead</a>.


feed_id: 761fdb2b6a934ad3c0d7d191d04770cf
title: Cheap surveillance
uri: Cheap-surveillance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#30_December_2017_%28Cheap_surveillance%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-real-costs-of-cheap-surveillance-67763">The Real Costs</a> of Cheap Surveillance.
<p>
I have presented solutions <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">here</a>.


feed_id: a1bacbba6d35d43418430dada3f8fdbc
title: Urgent: rubber-stamping judges
uri: Urgent-rubber-stamping-judges
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#31_December_2017_%28Urgent%3A_rubber-stamping_judges%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/add-your-name-to-tell-chuck-grassley-dont-rubber-stamp-trumps-judges">tell Senator Grassley</a> to stop rubber-stamping the saboteur's
nominees for judges.


feed_id: 4b73a33b4472071b859037cd40f099fe
title: Charged for beating protester
uri: Charged-for-beating-protester
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#31_December_2017_%28Charged_for_beating_protester%29

content:
<p>
The men video'd beating up unarmed protester DeAndre Harris
<a href="http://www.starexponent.com/news/grand-jury-indicts-fields-others-on-charges-related-to-unite/article_ac3c4336-3385-5cdf-95ae-2cd2f16927d2.html">have been charged</a>.


feed_id: 0f62bebaa7ceca914135e5d8279b38a8
title: Colombia forest
uri: Colombia-forest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#31_December_2017_%28Colombia_forest%29
content:
<p>
Farmers in Colombia are rapidly cutting down the forest for farms that wear
out the land quickly.  Some are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/29/its-a-perverse-system-how-colombias-farmers-are-reforesting-their-logged-land">trying to teach them</a> to plant fruit trees
and hardwood tree plantations.
<p>
The other half of the solution for preserving the forest is to limit
the numbers of human beings that try to make a living in it.


feed_id: f5b845e2d47f1b726ee7f142fb57cbb7
title: Democracy and human rights
uri: Democracy-and-human-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#31_December_2017_%28Democracy_and_human_rights%29
content:
<p>
Both democracy and human rights in the US were sick before the bully was
elected, and just replacing him <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/05/22/death-republic">won't fix that</a>.
<p>
I asked a volunteer to check the points in the article about US prisons
and he found references to support all of them.
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>'s saboteurs are attacking both human rights and democracy;
even to undo this damage may be difficult.  And if they get enough
control over the courts, they will never allow opposition to win elections.
<p>
Still, we have to try — because giving up guarantees the worst
possible outcome.


feed_id: 43b01b9fbb4cf85ca9a0cf8259fb540c
title: Send evidence to the thugs
uri: Send-evidence-to-the-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#31_December_2017_%28Send_evidence_to_the_thugs%29
content:
<p>
Taser wants to <a href="https://gizmodo.com/taser-wants-to-turn-smartphone-users-into-a-citizen-sni-1818659385">sign up the public</a> to send video evidence of crimes to
the local thug department.
<p>
Fat lot of good that will do when <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/09/21/taser-wants-to-build-an-army-of-smartphone-informants/">thugs commit crimes</a>.


feed_id: 270ccf55fb3b03453d8bf7432291f1d5
title: Microsoft 'loves' Linux
uri: Microsoft-loves-Linux
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#31_December_2017_%28Microsoft_%27loves%27_Linux%29
content:
<p>
"<a href="http://techrights.org/2016/02/10/extorting-acer-with-patents/">Microsoft loves Linux</a> the way a python likes sheep."
Microsoft uses software patent threats to bully Android phone makers
to include Microsoft's proprietary software, which may be malware too.


feed_id: 33012d8dcc6c3c0d891c2868b77bdc02
title: Data from cars
uri: Data-from-cars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#31_December_2017_%28Data_from_cars%29
content:
<p>
Cars track lots of data about drivers, and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/27/automobiles/wheels/car-data-tracking.html">one way or another</a> companies get it.


feed_id: 5b09634c97e51d5be64250addae64592
title: Internet of stings
uri: Internet-of-stings
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#31_December_2017_%28Internet_of_stings%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jun/06/internet-of-things-smart-home-smart-city">"Who is the âinternet of thingsâ good for?"</a>
<p>
Since it puts the users further under the power of Big Data, it's
ultimately bad for the users.  I call it the "internet of stings".


feed_id: 7e19439876ec6521dd14df5e06c1aae1
title: Repression technology
uri: Repression-technology
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#31_December_2017_%28Repression_technology%29
content:
<p>
Israel develops its "security" technology, more properly described as
repression technology, by practicing on Palestinians.  Israel now
<a href="https://indypendent.org/2017/06/the-spoils-of-war/">exports this to US thug departments</a> so they can learn the "best
practices" for repressing Americans that protest.


feed_id: 336a267d4f79a9aabd7edd0b5083164b
title: 'Start up' zones
uri: Start-up-zones
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#31_December_2017_%28%27Start_up%27_zones%29
content:
<p>
New York State spent lots of money on <a href="http://truth-out.org/buzzflash/commentary/how-business-partnerships-flopped-at-america-s-largest-university">zero-tax "start up" zones</a>.
<p>
Subsidizing business to do business tends to become nothing but a
giveaway to businesses.  It is self-defeating when it "succeeds".
<p>
Businesses in the US pay too little tax overall.  Therefore, we have
to stop thinking of reducing taxes for "better" businesses and instead
raise them on "worse" business.


feed_id: f97e14a1dbb18b80b6aae7b98418784c
title: Hondurans protesting
uri: Hondurans-protesting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#31_December_2017_%28Hondurans_protesting%29
content:
<p>
Hondurans <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/29/international-community-remains-split-over-contested-honduran-election-protests">continue protesting massively</a> against the theft of their
presidential election.


feed_id: 880e4b668731014d7d5565f788187407
title: Neo-Nazi conversion tactic
uri: Neo-Nazi-conversion-tactic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#31_December_2017_%28Neo-Nazi_conversion_tactic%29
content:
<p>
US neo-Nazis are pretending to support progressive criticism of the
political power of business, hoping they can substitute "Jews" for
"business" and <a href="https://www.salon.com/2017/12/16/alt-right-goes-anti-capitalist-well-so-they-say/">convert progressives to antisemitism</a>.


feed_id: 4decb4d41b97a031813c48c6134fb666
title: Avnery on Ben-Gurion
uri: Avnery-on-Ben-Gurion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#31_December_2017_%28Avnery_on_Ben-Gurion%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en/channels/avnery/1514561792/">Uri Avnery</a>: Ben-Gurion told God, I wish that Israel will be a Jewish
state, that it will encompass all the country between the
Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River and that it be a just state.
"That is too much even for me," God said.


feed_id: eadfb08b82eeccc1e9c80b14db3cb6e0
title: Fungicides
uri: Fungicides
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#31_December_2017_%28Fungicides%29
content:
<p>
Fungicides are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/29/alarming-link-between-fungicides-and-bee-declines-revealed">very dangerous</a> to some species of bumblebees.


feed_id: aa49d653a52fecb266b1587d753e8502
title: Vaping vs smoking
uri: Vaping-vs-smoking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#31_December_2017_%28Vaping_vs_smoking%29
content:
<p>
Studies show that vaping is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/sifting-the-evidence/2017/dec/29/e-cigarettes-vaping-safer-than-smoking">far less dangerous</a> than smoking tobacco,
provided one stops smoking entirely.


feed_id: 7f73df17dd78afb6e0f028761a0e9c8e
title: NBA on Palestine
uri: NBA-on-Palestine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#31_December_2017_%28NBA_on_Palestine%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/29/israel-sports-minister-forces-nba-website-to-remove-palestine-occupied-jerusalem-trump">Israel bullied</a> the National Basketball Association to deny that Palestine
is occupied territory.


feed_id: ba93342c39f594ed5948f0ef1217bcdf
title: Coastal elites
uri: Coastal-elites
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#31_December_2017_%28Coastal_elites%29
content:
<p>
Right-wing politicians frequently demonize "coastal elites".
Many of the bully's cronies are <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/12/29/coastal-elites-republicans-trump-administration/">part of the coastal elite</a>.


feed_id: 274ab36ba3b341b95313de03d10849eb
title: Sarin and missiles
uri: Sarin-and-missiles
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#31_December_2017_%28Sarin_and_missiles%29
content:
<p>
Seymour Hersh: US intelligence chiefs knew Syria did not drop sarin on
Khan Sheikhoun, but they couldn't convince the bully of this, so he
<a href="https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/article165905578/Trump-s-Red-Line.html">fired missiles at Syria anyway</a>.
<p>
They succeeded in convincing him to arrange the attack in a way that
would not do much damage — it would only make him look tough.


feed_id: 9d5187071ba42d4d77a3963fb5b0d2f6
title: Antisocialists
uri: 2017-12-31-Antisocialists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#31_December_2017_%28Antisocialists%29
content:
<p>
Although antisocialists take many stands that progressives can agree
with, we can <a href="https://thinkprogress.org/why-libertarians-and-progressives-will-never-get-along-104624871614/">never expect real support</a> from antisocialists, because
their highest priority is always laissez-faire: to make the government
stop doing good for people in general.
<p>
In other words, they are far more against what they call "socialism"
(which is what they call any policy that isn't total laissez-faire)
than they are for liberty.
<p>
This helps explain how the term "libertarian" misrepresents their
views.  It highlights their attractive secondary stand (for civil
liberties), while claiming falsely that their repellent primary
position (for laissez-faire) has something to do with civil liberties.


feed_id: b436b3fe300eef2c609383d7d330fdf2
title: Global heating and winter
uri: Global-heating-and-winter
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#31_December_2017_%28Global_heating_and_winter%29
content:
<p>
Idiots such as the president think a few cold days in winter imply
that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/dec/29/donald-trump-good-old-global-warming-us-winter">more global heating would be good</a>, or else that there isn't any.
<p>
Native idiocy isn't enough to believe things like this.  They have to
work at it.
<p>
When you experience a cold day in winter, remember that the cold
is killing tropical diseases and parasites.  As global heating makes
winter gradually less cold, they spread further north.


feed_id: 64127e1413045de452fb3cfbc562614f
title: Trucking salmon
uri: Trucking-salmon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#31_December_2017_%28Trucking_salmon%29
content:
<p>
Carrying newly hatched salmon to the sea by truck appears at first to
be effective.  But when the salmon are ready to go upstream to spawn,
they <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/12/27/1727770/-California-s-experiment-of-trucking-salmon-to-the-ocean-resulted-in-disoriented-fish">don't know which way to go</a> up the river, since they never went down
the river.


feed_id: 36d3a6f8c37d6dac628e89acb2e2e81d
title: Urgent: TSA face recognition
uri: Urgent-TSA-face-recognition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_TSA_face_recognition%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/stop-biometric-surveillance">tell Congress</a> not to allow the TSA to do face recognition
on US citizens at airports.


feed_id: 1b65ca8914f5927b3eaf969dd9ec11c9
title: Growing wood to burn
uri: Growing-wood-to-burn
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Growing_wood_to_burn%29
content:
<p>
Growing wood to burn it is an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/31/biomass-burning-misguided-say-climate-experts">inefficient process</a> that will increase
global heating.


feed_id: d154300c61bafed06691e4cc4d11e9cd
title: Regularity of seasons
uri: Regularity-of-seasons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Regularity_of_seasons%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#global heating">Global heating</a> is eliminating the regularity of the seasons in Britain
(and, I'm sure, many other places).  The immediate effects of this are
good in some ways and bad in others, but over time it will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/31/british-wildlife-in-2017-a-year-of-topsy-turvy-seasons">cause the
extinction</a> of many species.
<p>
The loss of one species can easily cause further change that will wipe out
other species.


feed_id: e8cd743dca258144016d7fcc14b2762a
title: Killing from hoax call
uri: Killing-from-hoax-call
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Killing_from_hoax_call%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> went to the house of Andrew Finch (whom they killed without
thinking twice) because of a <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/police-arrest-man-suspected-swatti">malicious hoax call</a>.
<p>
I forecast that the thugs will try to take the blame off themselves by
blaming the hoaxer instead.  Making such a hoax call is very wrong,
but that doesn't excuse the thugs for shooting first and asking
questions later.  Don't let the thugs off the hook!


feed_id: e31e7f78b9c93c29767f73fd30dc7c82
title: People killed by thugs
uri: People-killed-by-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28People_killed_by_thugs%29
content:
<p>
For three years running, US thugs have killed <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/12/30/officer-involved-2017/">more than a thousand
people</a> per year.
<p>
Before that, there weren't any complete lists or counts
of people killed by thugs.


feed_id: ea9e3e271f87b45adc42bdaf3fd4c683
title: Body camera access
uri: Body-camera-access
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Body_camera_access%29
content:
<p>
Taser collects data from thugs' body cameras, then makes defense attorneys
<a href="http://boingboing.net/2017/04/23/evidence-com.html">sign nondisclosure agreements</a> to see the video.
<p>
All state agencies and all thug departments should be prohibited by
law from using body cameras that do this.  The law must be written so
that it can be enforced in court at any time — citizens must not have
to wait until they need footage and encounter this requirement
so as to challenge it retroactively.


feed_id: 6e2be9de7bf7afd4f93c7b9365c1c31e
title: Undercover informants
uri: Undercover-informants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Undercover_informants%29
content:
<p>
There are estimated to be around <a href="https://rightsanddissent.org/news/confidential-informants-risking-lives-years/">100,000 undercover informants</a> in the
US, most of whom were effectively blackmailed into being informants by
mandatory minimum sentences.
<p>
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/10/10/recordings-capture-brutal-fbi-tactics-to-recruit-potential-informant/">Here's what the FBI did</a> to make one person work as an informant.


feed_id: bee09662ea7a1caa07b94f2660f794ff
title: Effects of poverty
uri: Effects-of-poverty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Effects_of_poverty%29
content:
<p>
Poverty causes stress, which makes people <a href="http://nautil.us/issue/47/consciousness/why-poverty-is-like-a-disease">grow up biologically
damaged</a>.  Poverty makes ordinary cheap goods expensive, so it is a
real trap.  To get out requires luck, so it teaches people to take
mad-seeming risks, without which they have no chance to get out.  And
they have to run these risks with poverty's damage tying one hand
behind their backs.
<p>
When they do escape and become well-off, they can't trust it, because
poverty taught them to be anxious all the time that something is about
to kick them back into the gutter.
<p>
We should never allow our society to subject someone to growing up in
poverty.


feed_id: deea1ffe9c6cdeea5a2a589c782c82ab
title: Privatizing the NHS
uri: Privatizing-the-NHS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Privatizing_the_NHS%29
content:
<p>
The UK is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/dec/29/richard-branson-virgin-scoops-1bn-pounds-of-nhs-contracts">privatizing the NHS</a> even more.


feed_id: d0a01c29f3b04ef6e4e75afb96cbc774
title: Fines for homeless
uri: Fines-for-homeless
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Fines_for_homeless%29
content:
<p>
Homeless people in Houston are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/dec/29/houston-homeless-aclu-texas-ordinance">fined $500</a> if they put a tent
under a viaduct. The city calls them "obstructions".


feed_id: b6170a47c4c1dcf8e8cb7955dc02ec56
title: Andrew Finch killing
uri: Andrew-Finch-killing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Andrew_Finch_killing%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> came to Andrew Finch's house because someone told them there was
a hostage situation.  He came to the door, unarmed of course, and
they <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/dec/29/wichita-man-killed-by-police-after-false-hostage-report-was-murdered-mother-swatting">shot him immediately</a>.


feed_id: 92db281c586700ace2fb25130563999f
title: Overturned conviction
uri: Overturned-conviction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Overturned_conviction%29
content:
<p>
Kirsten Lobato's murder conviction <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/12/29/las-vegas-murder-kirstin-lobato-wrongful-conviction/">was overturned</a> after many years of
struggle.
She was convicted after a biased investigation — not mere mistakes.
Why do we not punish the thugs that act in such biased ways?
That would do a lot to make this happen less often.


feed_id: 95717c5fac9fe19d5f5eb04ff5059d50
title: Prison for insulting
uri: Prison-for-insulting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Prison_for_insulting%29
content:
<p>
Former Egyptian president Morsi has been given an additional prison
sentence, this time for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/30/egypt-mohamed-morsi-guilty-of-insulting-judiciary">"insulting the judiciary"</a>.
<p>
With this sentence, the Egyptian judiciary has just insulted itself.
Morsi's policies as president did not respect freedom very much, but
jailing people for "insulting" is never excusable.


feed_id: 12e20d2271cf8f339481f905a9c0c81d
title: Helping asylum seekers
uri: Helping-asylum-seekers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Helping_asylum_seekers%29
content:
<p>
English volunteers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/dec/30/abigail-housing-charity-rescues-refugees-asylum-seekers-condemned-destitution">help the asylum seekers</a> that are legally left destitute.


feed_id: c7ea31295af7bc65da5d2226d0120495
title: HIV/AIDS Advisory Council
uri: HIV-AIDS-Advisory-Council
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28HIV%252FAIDS_Advisory_Council%29
content:
<p>
Some of the members of the HIV/AIDS Advisory Council resigned to protest
the saboteur's lack of concern for the issue.  He
just <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/12/29/man-monster-trump-under-fire-dismissing-entire-hivaids-council-fedex-letter">fired all the rest</a>,
confirming their accusation.


feed_id: 204bf41f52142ca216df48389b3aa8f1
title: Solidarity for Hondurans
uri: Solidarity-for-Hondurans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Solidarity_for_Hondurans%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/12/29/honduras-solidarity-teachers-and-others-fighting-democracy">Solidarity protests in Chicago</a> for Hondurans fighting their stolen election.


feed_id: 4b82e95cd8d99a3a763a815ab999615c
title: US Constitution
uri: 2018-01-02-US-Constitution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28US_Constitution%29
content:
<p>
The US Constitution is a skeleton that depends on joints, muscles and
tendons to make the government move in the right ways.  Now that
Republicans have torn those up, we see that a Constitution interpreted
by machines or unscrupulous lawyers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/30/trump-us-constitution-weakness-founding-fathers">fails to do its job</a>.


feed_id: 8298200bd63a67800c53f59a9f3f07b8
title: The middle class and corruption
uri: The-middle-class-and-corruption
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28The_middle_class_and_corruption%29

content:
<p>
"The people who understand corruption best are very poor people and
very rich people.  The stronger the middle class, the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2017/dec/30/misha-glenny-organised-crime-uncertainty-brexit-opportunity-mcmafia">less powerful
corruption is</a>."
<p>
It follows that plutocracy makes for more corruption.


feed_id: 874026092d53bb53bd1b76d3e7fe25f2
title: Assassins in Northern Ireland
uri: Assassins-in-Northern-Ireland
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Assassins_in_Northern_Ireland%29
content:
<p>
The state-supported "loyalist" assassins in Northern Ireland warned
the prime minister of Ireland that officials had <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/29/mi5-urged-uvf-to-kill-irish-pm-claim-newly-released-state-papers">asked them to kill him</a>
and to spread diseases in Ireland.
<p>
They refused to kill him, and presumably refused to spread the
diseases either.


feed_id: 5fcbc8339de6fa78daea8b1435a23127
title: Fujimori pardon
uri: Fujimori-pardon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Fujimori_pardon%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/29/peruvians-protest-against-pardon-for-jailed-ex-president-alberto-fujimori">Peruvians Protest Against Pardon</a> For Jailed (murderous)
Ex-President Fujimori.


feed_id: 986a39df9ff568fc63f904ae0c700fc2
title: More fraudulent comments
uri: More-fraudulent-comments
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28More_fraudulent_comments%29
content:
<p>
A <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/12/27/1727937/-Fake-comments-on-government-websites-are-being-used-to-attack-yet-another-Obama-policy">wave of fraudulent comments</a> support the saboteur's move to cancel
the regulation that says retirement advisors must not cheat their
clients with intentional bad advice.
<p>
Fraudulent comments seem to be the new tactic of choice
for the people of the lie.


feed_id: 00b77498e41462b4b16066749786cfe1
title: Marijuana in California
uri: Marijuana-in-California
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Marijuana_in_California%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/01/california-broad-legalization-marijuana">Marijuana is now legal</a> in California.  There are even some businesses
licensed to sell it.
<p>
The thugs oppose this; they refuse to admit that the biggest danger of
using marijuana was the danger from them.


feed_id: 6d5d8575fe282c349c1d8c5ec326bebc
title: Trumpwashing
uri: Trumpwashing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Trumpwashing%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/31/trumpwashing-70-years-crimes-under-guise-criticizing-president-times-pushes-pro-us">"Trumpwashing"</a>: implicitly denying injustices of the US before 2017
by presenting all wrongs as having been started by the bully.


feed_id: e2391e6fbee2e1ec1262ab13ea3481de
title: Iran protests
uri: Iran-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Iran_protests%29
content:
<p>
Some protesters in Iran are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/12/31/iran-urged-respect-human-rights-officials-block-social-media-access-and-protests">raising political issues</a>, including
freeing political prisoners, ending foreign interventions.
Just the sort of things that Americans used to protest, 15 years ago,
but have mostly forgotten about.
<p>
The bully is undermining the protesters with <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/31/top-5-signs-trump-doesnt-actually-care-about-iranian-protesters">hypocritical claims</a> to
support them.
The only effect such "support" could have in Iran is to inspire a
reaction against the protests.  I hope Iranians have the good sense to
resist this.


feed_id: e08f73b06d150fc1219b7f17fa49e793
title: Bitcoin and Amazon
uri: Bitcoin-and-Amazon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Bitcoin_and_Amazon%29
content:
<p>
What Bitcoin and Amazon Are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/12/31/what-bitcoin-and-amazon-are-doing-middle-class">Doing to the Middle Class</a>.


feed_id: dcaea188022d7995cf15007eef1ca9e9
title: Power to brutalize
uri: Power-to-brutalize
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Power_to_brutalize%29
content:
<p>
US thugs have been given power to brutalize people on their own authority
based on the <a href="http://www.rutherford.org/publications_resources/john_whiteheads_commentary/run_for_your_life_the_american_police_state_is_coming_to_get_you">most meager excuses</a>.


feed_id: 15c191c08788135097f056a5f463a040
title: Charter school funding
uri: Charter-school-funding
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Charter_school_funding%29
content:
<p>
Funding for charters schools in California turned out to be a <a href="http://www.alternet.org/education/california-taxpayers-spent-100s-millions-charter-schools-communities-didnt-need-and-then">big spigot
for wasteful failures</a>.


feed_id: d2f0cc24494772bea0f6a7956f9f0745
title: IRS seizing money
uri: IRS-seizing-money
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28IRS_seizing_money%29
content:
<p>
The IRS intentionally sought to prosecute businesses that made cash deposits
close to but under $10,000 but were getting the money legitimately.  It <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2017/04/05/the-irs-took-millions-from-innocent-people-because-of-how-they-managed-their-bank-accounts-inspector-general-finds/">seized
lots of money</a> from them.


feed_id: 84f20d00d5300ff0325b50a08e0dce42
title: DR Congo protests
uri: DR-Congo-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28DR_Congo_protests%29
content:
<p>
President Kabila of the DR Congo has reached the end of his term but
refuses to hold an election to choose his successor.  Citizens are
protesting, and the state suppression forces are trying to prevent the
protests.  Now they have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/31/congo-security-forces-shoot-two-dead-during-protest-against-president">killed two protesters</a>.
<p>
The suppression forces have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/30/internet-and-phone-services-cut-in-drc-ahead-of-anti-government-protests">cut off communications</a> for the people.


feed_id: 43624d832a59f1dbc0c998039a7d1605
title: Wages and gas subsidies
uri: Wages-and-gas-subsidies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Wages_and_gas_subsidies%29
content:
<p>
There are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/30/iran-protests-trump-tweets">protests all across Iran</a> about low wages.
<p>
The protests are very visible but it is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/31/scale-and-speed-of-iranian-protest-wave-is-a-jigsaw-puzzle-say-observers">not so clear what they mean</a>.
<p>
Iranians may dislike the elimination of subsidies for gasoline, but
subsidies on fossil fuels endanger the whole world.  The way to help
non-rich people to accept this is to give that money to the non-rich
in another way that isn't limited to those that use gasoline.


feed_id: e056d0265fc5bcde9c536b89a92d381e
title: Controlling costs
uri: Controlling-costs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Controlling_costs%29
content:
<p>
When large organizations <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/apr/12/united-airlines-bumped-off-passenger-customer-service">seek to control costs</a>, Institutional dynamics
pressure them to make rigid rules, enforce them with cruelty, and
punish whistleblowers that report problems internally to anyone but
their immediate supervisor — while pretending to be small, local, and
friendly.


feed_id: d4777db7d32ba504434f9b2f3520b6e4
title: 'Extra strength' tablets
uri: Extra-strength-tablets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28%27Extra_strength%27_tablets%29
content:
<p>
Have you ever bought "extra strength" antacids?
<p>
One "extra strength" tablet is equivalent to two "regular strength"
tablets.  It cost as much as two "regular strength" tablets.  It
weighs as much as two "regular strength" tablets.  Taking it is
equivalent to taking two "regular strength" tablets.
<p>
The only difference it makes to get the "extra strength" tablets is to
make it difficult to take the equivalent of just one "regular
strength" tablet.  It is possible to break the "extra strength" tablet
in half, but it's hard to do so with the unaided fingers.  So you
might take more than you really want to take.
<p>
In other words, "extra strength" gives the purchaser no benefit, only
inconvenience.  True, it is not a big deal, but why give in to a minor
swindle if you don't have to?
<p>
Next time you buy some antacid, insist on "regular strength".
If the store doesn't have any, or not in a flavor you can stand,
complain to the manager.


feed_id: 5d42787ab36dac485e903f3403aa3e3f
title: Taser's body cameras
uri: Taser-s-body-cameras
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Taser%27s_body_cameras%29
content:
<p>
Taser offers to provide thugs with gratis body cameras in exchange for
<a href="https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/taser-axon-police-body-cameras-free-civil-rights-surveillance">control over everything they see</a>.


feed_id: 47a5bc7f444d721c871f7205ec9c3f06
title: Indian parody site
uri: Indian-parody-site
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Indian_parody_site%29
content:
<p>
Popular Indian Parody Site <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/31/indian-parody-facebook-closes-hindu-death-threats-humans-of-hindutva">Closes after Death Threats</a> from
[theocratist Hindus].
<p>
The government doesn't directly organize violence, but it directly
encourages and facilitates those that do.


feed_id: 2515fd0657c40acd945ef0c8e479ad2a
title: Malware for password managers
uri: Malware-for-password-managers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Malware_for_password_managers%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/30/16829804/browser-password-manager-adthink-princeton-research">Some Javascript malware</a> swipes usernames from browser-based password managers.


feed_id: a1e08ecff3416a60386e3cfd7f7ff296
title: Inheritance tax
uri: 2018-01-02-Inheritance-tax
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Inheritance_tax%29
content:
<p>
Why we need to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/blog/2017/dec/30/inheritance-tax">increase the inheritance tax</a> — and why that won't
do the harm that the myths pretend.


feed_id: 17c6f4bb2b4cdf961aa9e2b4e3c969e3
title: Bully's UN ambassador
uri: Bully-s-UN-ambassador
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Bullys_UN_ambassador%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>'s UN ambassador is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/02/north-korea-south-korea-talks-un-ambassador-nikki-haley">trying
to spoil possible peace negotiations</a> between South Korea and North
Korea.
<p>
It looks like the bully really doesn't want a peace deal.  So what
does he want?  A chance to use nuclear weapons?


feed_id: c430ff0859fce719eb1943772a818439
title: Food companies' advertising
uri: Food-companies-advertising
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Food_companies_advertising%29
content:
<p>
Food companies' advertising is aimed at convincing people to eat
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/jan/02/former-advertising-executive-reveals-big-foods-junk-food-pushing-tactics">larger
portions of candy</a>.


feed_id: 80432c4c49197c54347b369312f42a8d
title: Removal of maritime national monuments
uri: Removal-of-maritime-national-monuments
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Removal_of_maritime_national_monuments%29

content:
<p>
Removing parts of current protected maritime national monuments would
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/02/us-ocean-monuments-environment-trump">endanger
ecosystems</a>.
<p>
For the planet plunderers, every species wiped out is one less
potential obstacle to their plunder.


feed_id: bfdffb3aa036c255f68112d21b67f5dc
title: Military thugs of Honduras
uri: Military-thugs-of-Honduras
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Military_thugs_of_Honduras%29
content:
<p>
The US-trained and US-backed military thugs of Honduras have 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/02/us-silent-as-honduras-protesters-killed-in-post-election-violence">killed
31 unarmed protesters</a> so far, but the people have not stopped
protesting.
<p>
When one protester was dying in the hospital, the thugs kept the
man's family away for days, until he was dead.


feed_id: cac8ac71ffc172732db951016be05ea3
title: Global heating
uri: 2018-01-03-Global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Global_heating%29
content:
<p>
Keep Global [heating] Under 1.5C Or 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/jan/02/keep-global-warming-under-15c-or-quarter-of-planet-could-become-arid">"Quarter
of Planet Could Become Arid."</a>
<p>
This will cut into global food production.


feed_id: 071045b47ab89c53afc647f4dd2b3379
title: Hottest ever non-el-Niño year
uri: Hottest-ever-non-el-Niño-year
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Hottest_ever_non-el-Nino_year%29
content:
<p>
2017 was the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2018/jan/02/2017-was-the-hottest-year-on-record-without-an-el-nino-thanks-to-global-warming">hottest
ever non-el-Niño year</a>.


feed_id: a34f516488460247ff5980d8658b6f5c
title: US mainstream media
uri: 2018-01-03-US-mainstream-media
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28US_mainstream_media%29
content:
<p>
The US mainstream media are a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/02/trump-biased-liberal-media-television">spectrum
from center-right to extreme-right-wing</a>.  Right-wing extremists
call it "Liberal" as a lie campaign.
<p>
The aim is to persuade naive people that "Liberal" is what they see in
the right-wing mainstream media, therefore the "center" must be
somewhere to the right of that.


feed_id: b2b97a4e6b75a554d87ec763c024070f
title: New Year's Resolution for the Media
uri: New-Year-s-Resolution-for-the-Media
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28New_Years_Resolution_for_the_Media%29

content:
<p>
A New Yearâs Resolution for the Media: 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/01/new-years-resolution-media-do-not-let-republicans-get-away-saying-reforms-when-they">Do
Not Let Republicans Get Away With Saying "Reforms" When They Mean
"Cuts"</a>.


feed_id: a60b1abfbad79b1f0a3b1283f6cad1d4
title: Homeless young adults in the US
uri: Homeless-young-adults-in-the-US
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Homeless_young_adults_in_the_US%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/jan/01/homelessness-study-us-youth-1-in-10">10%
of US young adults</a> were homeless or forced to crash at friends'
houses in the past year.


feed_id: d67fb4c3d67d37e888e43ca562a6d2d1
title: UK thug drones
uri: UK-thug-drones
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28UK_thug_drones%29
content:
<p>
UK thugs are 
<a href="http://thefreethoughtproject.com/orwell-rolls-in-grave-as-uk-police-roll-out-unprecedented-drone-air-force-to-track-anti-social-behaviour/">flying
drones 24 hours a day to watch people in public</a>.
<p>
If all they do is notice violent crime and disasters, I think it is fine.
However, these drones, like 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jul-oct.html#29_August_2016_(Body_cameras_on_thugs)">body
cameras</a>, threaten to impose tyranny if their use is not carefully
limited.


feed_id: babdb54a0f28af484fb07a8ddaa6b09e
title: Agricultural domination by Monsanto
uri: Agricultural-domination-by-Monsanto
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Agricultural_domination_by_Monsanto%29

content:
<p>
Behind a Corporate Monster: How Monsanto Pushes 
<a href="http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/39904-behind-a-corporate-monster-how-monsanto-pushes-agricultural-domination">Agricultural
Domination</a>.


feed_id: 8c722c7e6af3d57fefb0b3bdae0cc90e
title: Prostitutes arrested by FBI
uri: Prostitutes-arrested-by-FBI
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Prostitutes_arrested_by_FBI%29
content:
<p>
The FBI has arrested 
<a href="https://reason.com/archives/2018/01/01/the-feds-keep-arresting-sex-wo">around
a thousand</a> prostitutes, as part of an annual operation supposedly
intended to "recover children" from trafficking, except that it hardly
ever finds any children.  Not even many adolescent minors.  It finds
prostitutes and arrests them.


feed_id: 2e9a335500638f4658647bfffad77fae
title: Charged with assault for slapping soldier
uri: Charged-with-assault-for-slapping-soldier
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Charged_with_assault_for_slapping_soldier%29

content:
<p>
Palestinian Girl Filmed Slapping Israeli Soldier Is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/01/ahed-tamimi-palestinian-girl-filmed-slapping-israeli-soldier-is-charged-with-assault">Charged
with Assault</a>.
<p>
Her mother has been charged with "incitement".  Apparently reporting
on slapping a soldier is now "incitement".


feed_id: bd2bc5496c963d3f85f6412992a2a428
title: Sued for making FOIA requests
uri: Sued-for-making-FOIA-requests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Sued_for_making_FOIA_requests%29
content:
<p>
Government agencies in the US sometimes sue people for making FOIA
requests.  It is 
<a href="https://reason.com/archives/2018/01/01/the-right-to-know-might-get-yo">completely
bogus</a>, but if you are not in a position to deal with being sued,
it is very intimidating.


feed_id: 6a197b9e3439be8852b0e1d2eaac3f5a
title: Plastic pollution
uri: 2018-01-03-Plastic-pollution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Plastic_pollution%29
content:
<p>
As environmentalists try to reduce plastic pollution that is choking
the oceans, Big Oil is 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/12/26/oil-giants-invest-180b-plastics-propelling-oceans-toward-near-permanent-pollution">investing
in increasing production</a>.


feed_id: f64397e77606800b21a9538c9d54e70c
title: Oil drilling safety regulations
uri: Oil-drilling-safety-regulations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Oil_drilling_safety_regulations%29

content:
<p>
Republican saboteurs will do anything to boost fossil fuel extraction,
even
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/12/26/bid-save-big-oil-900m-trump-moves-scrap-offshore-drilling-safety-rules">letting
the drillers endanger their workers' lives</a>.


feed_id: 900e59e837d86c4ef20cb3342ef1ea12
title: Internet of Stings
uri: Internet-of-Stings
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Internet_of_Stings%29
content:
<p>
One of the dangers of the "internet of stings" is that if you lose
your internet service you also 
<a href="https://torrentfreak.com/piracy-notices-can-mess-with-your-thermostat-isp-warns-171224/">lose
control of your house and appliances</a>.
<p>
It is a shame that the article refers to people accused of forbidden
sharing as "pirates", as if 
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/copyright-vs-community.html">sharing</a>
copies were somehow wrong.
<p>
It is well known that designing an appliance so that the owner needs
to connect to it through the internet, rather than locally and
directly, makes it insecure in many ways.  To that list we must add
the danger of being disconnected from it.
<p>
Those insecurities are in addition to the 
<a href="https://gnu.org/malware/malware-appliances.html ">malicious
things that the appliance could be built to do you</a>.
<p>
For your safety, don't use any appliance with a connected to the real
internet.


feed_id: 326f017408448e8b35870d39133e05c8
title: GATS business-supremacy treaty
uri: GATS-business-supremacy-treaty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28GATS_business-supremacy_treaty%29
content:
<p>
WTO negotiations to extend a business-supremacy treaty, GATS, aim to
<a href="media/cda18619.Lancet_1999_Price_WTODomesticPolicies.pdf" data-original-source="https://www.allysonpollock.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Lancet_1999_Price_WTODomesticPolicies.pdf">impose
privatization on public medical systems</a> such as the NHS.
<p>
Privatizing any government service leads to low wages, bad service,
and lack of accountability.  If the private implementers are "more
efficient" that's because they pay workers less or cut corners.


feed_id: 04925409c8799e22103a77f776651628
title: Censorship on Facebook
uri: 2018-01-03-Censorship-on-Facebook
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Censorship_on_Facebook%29
content:
<p>
Israel bullied Facebook into imposing 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/12/30/facebook-says-it-is-deleting-accounts-at-the-direction-of-the-u-s-and-israeli-governments/">tight
censorship on criticism of the occupation of Palestine</a>.


feed_id: 9910844c34d53525d7f24dc5bda8ff00
title: USDA regulations
uri: USDA-regulations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28USDA_regulations%29
content:
<p>
USDA regulations, necessary for and designed for large food-processing
companies, 
<a href="http://reason.com/archives/2012/11/10/the-ugliness-of-unmaking-sausages/singlepage">can
put an end to the small companies that don't need them</a>.


feed_id: 0687f9030c3160381601817ed09aaaa0
title: Personal data
uri: 2018-01-03-Personal-data
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Personal_data%29
content:
<p>
Bruce Schneier: 
<a href="https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2016/03/data_is_a_toxic.html">Personal
data is a toxic asset</a>.
<p>
Just as in the case of toxic chemicals, we need laws to make the cost
of the toxicity fall on the companies or government agencies that
collect or accumulate the data.  But that's not enough in the case of
toxic chemicals, and it's not enough for toxic personal data either.
We need to prohibit building systems such that they collect or save
more that the smallest amount of data that they could collect or save.


feed_id: 7bbb4ed4a15828b9af80b62b22ae8b20
title: Thug body cameras
uri: 2018-01-03-Thug-body-cameras
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_January_2018_%28Thug_body_cameras%29
content:
<p>
Body cameras won't be effective to protect people from thugs if
the rules for using them are 
<a href="https://rightsanddissent.org/news/communities-united-police-reform-others-slam-nypd-body-camera-policy/">set
up to protect the thugs instead</a>.


feed_id: e5100a68a8b6cd2432cad7de4f73c4e2
title: Digital payment system
uri: Digital-payment-system
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#3_January_2018_%28Digital_payment_system%29
content:
<p>
In 1971, a group of experts concluded that
a digital payment system
that tracks people would be the most effective but unobtrusive system
they could imagine for a dictatorship.
(<a href="https://ia801708.us.archive.org/25/items/bitsavers_computersA_3986915/197509.pdf#page=10">
pages 10-11 of this pdf
</a>
, or
<a href="https://ia801708.us.archive.org/25/items/bitsavers_computersA_3986915/197509_djvu.txt">
search for "Electronic Funds Transfer Systems" in this plaintext version
</a>
)
<p>
Now that exists, we see it is indeed ideal for that purpose.
So join me in promoting the use of cash -- by insisting on paying cash,
and telling businesses "No cash?  No sale."


feed_id: b9dd9197f5d8b7c4685a934bacbae7a7
title: NHS knocked down by insufficient funds
uri: NHS-knocked-down-by-insufficient-funds
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#5_January_2018_%28NHS_knocked_down_by_insufficient_funds%29

content:
<p>
The NHS has been knocked down so much by insufficient funds
that it has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/jan/03/patients-association-charity-attacks-ministers-over-nhs-winter-crisis">cancelled
all non-urgent surgery</a>.
<p>
I expect the NHS will resume non-urgent surgery when Labour is elected
and gives it more funds.


feed_id: 86de397ae824ed37e26a0842961ae11d
title: Program that reassembles shredded paper
uri: Program-that-reassembles-shredded-paper
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#5_January_2018_%28Program_that_reassembles_shredded_paper%29

content:
<p>
Finally a program for piecing together shreds of paper
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/03/stasi-files-east-germany-archivists-losing-hope-solving-worlds-biggest-puzzle">really
exists</a>.
<p>
In the 1970s, the CIA had an office in 545 Tech Sq right across from
the Logo Lab (Logo was a programming system for children).  Every day,
the CIA set out some bags of shredded paper to be collected as trash.
Many MIT people in the building had a very negative attitude towards
the CIA.
<p>
One day, as a CIA person went to the toilet, two MIT people went there
after him and and had a conversation between toilet stalls.  One said,
"How is that shredded paper vision system coming?"  The other replied,
"It's starting to work.  We put the shreds in front of the camera and
the robot arm can line them up."
<p>
The next day, the CIA did not put out its usual trash bag of shredded
paper.  A few days later, the bags resumed, but the paper had been
shredded twice.
<p>
Of course, there was no such vision system in the 1970s.  It was far
beyond the technology of the day.  The two MIT hackers had made it up
as a hoax to
<a href="/articles/on-hacking.html">hack</a> the CIA.
<p>
Or at least, this is what people in that group said had been done.  If
there was any documentary record of this, I suppose the CIA shredded
it long ago.


feed_id: fa89187a6016ce4e934df062be792f4a
title: Troll's threats
uri: Troll-s-threats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#5_January_2018_%28Trolls_threats%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>'s threat to cut UN funding for the refugee camps in
Palestine
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/03/donald-trump-moves-step-closer-destruction-middle-east-peace-process">threatens
to loose the violent groups</a> to take over or displace the
Palestinian Authority.
<p>
Negotiation with the bullshitter is worthless since he famously
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#15_June_2016_(Trumps_unpaid_workers)">does
not keep the deals he makes</a>.


feed_id: d1badec1f8ac2683f006bd24b88dd737
title: Genuflecting to business
uri: Genuflecting-to-business
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#5_January_2018_%28Genuflecting_to_business%29
content:
<p>
Certain bird-friendly farming practices
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/03/wildflower-planting-on-farms-boosts-birds-from-skylarks-to-starlings">can
bring back some species of birds</a> that have been harmed by
intensive farming.
<p>
Businesses do many kinds of harm to people.  Why, then, the reflex of
offering to subsidize businesses that make an effort to do less harm?
Could this reflect a mental habit of genuflecting to business?
<p>
Perhaps that mental habit is why the solution offered for every
problem takes the form of
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#31_December_2017_(%27Start_up%27_zones)">reducing
taxes on business</a>.
<p>
Since we need business to pay more taxes, how about if we instead fine
farms for doing harm to birds, and reduce the fines for those that do
less harm?


feed_id: 49487fe49dab9583c2e92e10095f61ee
title: Seagulls that attack whales
uri: Seagulls-that-attack-whales
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#5_January_2018_%28Seagulls_that_attack_whales%29
content:
<p>
One province of Argentina will send hunters to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/aug/29/shoot-seagulls-that-attack-whales">protect
whales from seagulls that have learned to attack whales</a>.
<p>
It appears that the motive for caring about the whales is that whale watching
is a big business there.
<p>
The province says that this is temporary and that it will implement
the right solution, which is to deny gulls access to garbage.
<p>
One interesting point is that keas in New Zealand attack sheep in the
same way.  Keas are not closely related to gulls, so it seems that
this kind of behavior is a potential for many kinds of birds.


feed_id: 9d83f688ca143b6eed922e87ad9e1a63
title: Equal pay for men and women
uri: Equal-pay-for-men-and-women
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#4_January_2018_%28Equal_pay_for_men_and_women%29
content:
<p>
Iceland will now require companies (other than small ones) to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/02/iceland-becomes-first-country-punish-companies-paying-women-less-men">prove
they are giving men and women equal pay</a>.
<p>
Previously, the law required companies to do this, but the bosses
didn't comply with that law.  No surprise there -- businesses that
want to increase profits by exploiting someone tend to be persistent
about it.


feed_id: 127e6cff47f862dca1d99a2c5e0e12bf
title: Foreign emolument
uri: Foreign-emolument
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#4_January_2018_%28Foreign_emolument%29
content:
<p>
When other countries relax regulations or do favors for the sake of
the cheater's businesses, that is a "foreign emolument" such as the
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/02/reports-foreign-favors-trumps-business-empire-sharpen-focus-emoluments-violations">US
Constitution prohibits the president to receive</a>.


feed_id: 7e3fc6c7259791a0a8250184bcac130a
title: Israel jails officials without trial
uri: Israel-jails-officials-without-trial
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#4_January_2018_%28Israel_jails_officials_without_trial%29

content:
<p>
Israel has jailed several Palestinian elected officials
<a href="http://english.pnn.ps/2017/12/31/iof-extend-re-arrest-of-leftist-parliamentarian-khalida-jarrar/">without
trial or charges</a>.


feed_id: e086a4fcdfd1c431b7781945e84e8cbb
title: Urgent: Drug price negotiation
uri: Urgent-Drug-price-negotiation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#4_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Drug_price_negotiation%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/medicare_rx_sanders">call on Congress</a> to support the Medicare Drug Price
Negotiation Act, which would allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices
with drug companies.


feed_id: 7d3094564ff6faf9b73accd40906d3ef
title: Land ownership in Israel
uri: Land-ownership-in-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#4_January_2018_%28Land_ownership_in_Israel%29
content:
<p>
Sheikh Sayah's great grandfather bought land near Beersheva in 1905.
Since 1952, Israel has been making excuses to <a href="http://www.kibush.co.il/show_file.asp?num=77232">confiscate that land</a>.
<p>
If Israel were willing to pay what the land is worth, I suppose it
could take the land through eminent domain, without violating anyone's
human rights.


feed_id: 13b49fe32ec5facd3bbf97064115c943
title: Draft refusal
uri: Draft-refusal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#4_January_2018_%28Draft_refusal%29
content:
<p>
63 Israeli high school students <a href="https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5063496,00.html">committed themselves</a> to refuse to
be drafted into maintaining the occupation of Palestine.


feed_id: 9dcc88f127c74f01ef85bc559672b900
title: Troll's public lies
uri: Troll-s-public-lies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#4_January_2018_%28Troll%27s_public_lies%29
content:
<p>
The troll is on track to make <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/02/very-best-liar-nearly-year-trump-averaging-56-untrue-statements-day">2000 public lies</a> per year.
<p>
We don't know how many additional lies he makes in private.


feed_id: 9f02fac6ad579e2e8cb2a963008ed4f9
title: Power of Facebook
uri: Power-of-Facebook
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#4_January_2018_%28Power_of_Facebook%29
content:
<p>
To free writers and publishers from the power of Facebook, don't let
Facebook <a href="http://mashable.com/2017/12/27/browser-bar-url-facebook-bad/">direct what you read or watch</a>.
<p>
You will do this automatically if you refuse to be a used of Facebook.
I don't have a Facebook account, so Facebook doesn't know what I read,
and has no direct influence on my choices.


feed_id: 242d629e722f0a061097274435212fc3
title: Growing up very rich
uri: Growing-up-very-rich
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#4_January_2018_%28Growing_up_very_rich%29
content:
<p>
Growing up as a plutocrat tends to <a href="https://www.currentaffairs.org/2017/12/the-people-that-capitalism-makes">shape people</a> to treat the rest of society
with contempt.
<p>
This suggests that we should make sure no one grows up very rich,
just as we should make sure no one grows up poor.


feed_id: 9536482cc4064ebd03d67323de9affa6
title: Media coverage of groups
uri: Media-coverage-of-groups
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#4_January_2018_%28Media_coverage_of_groups%29
content:
<p>
The media give <a href="https://theweek.com/articles/745394/media-blinded-by-obsession-rural-white-trump-voters">plentiful and interesting coverage</a> to die-hard low-wage
white supporters of the bully, but much less to other demographic groups.


feed_id: dea79fbb13dc393ddf87b6503e77a36f
title: Payroll tax
uri: Payroll-tax
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#4_January_2018_%28Payroll_tax%29
content:
<p>
One of the few progressive changes in the Republican tax attacks was
to cap the deductibility of state and local taxes from federal tax.
People that pay more than $10,000 a year in state and local
taxes will have to pay more federal tax because of this change.
<p>
Perversely, <a href="https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/12/28/16818680/state-local-tax-deduction-income-payroll-trump-tax-reform-republican">there is a proposal</a> for the states to cancel the effect of
this change by replacing the income tax with a payroll tax.
<p>
This change would have a bad long-term side effect that the article
does not mention.  Payroll taxes encourage businesses to cut they
payroll expenses by replacing workers with automation.
<p>
I think we should eliminate <em>all</em> payroll taxes, and compensate by
raising the income tax, and by taxing fossil fuels more.


feed_id: 6a6b60cf19c6b20bb5d72c620d25303b
title: Newspaper chains
uri: Newspaper-chains
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#4_January_2018_%28Newspaper_chains%29
content:
<p>
The new US newspaper chains buy lots of local newspapers, fire most of
the staff, and make them part of a centralized business that treats
local news reporting as the lowest priority.  With this cost cutting,
they extract profit for some years until people catch on that the
newspaper is no <a href="http://prospect.org/article/saving-free-press-private-equity">longer worth looking at</a>.


feed_id: dbeb7e571696f06c5e63edf4e5bffdce
title: Hoax call responsibility
uri: Hoax-call-responsibility
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#4_January_2018_%28Hoax_call_responsibility%29
content:
<p>
The person who <a href="https://krebsonsecurity.com/2017/12/kansas-man-killed-in-swatting-attack/">made the hoax call</a> that sent the SWAT team that killed
Andrew Finch is morally responsible for the killing.
<p>
The thug that shot him is likewise morally responsible for the
killing.  Don't let the thugs evade their responsibility by dumping it
all on the false report!


feed_id: e2b57ef575672bffa70a89dc6a4659c7
title: Global heating denial ads
uri: Global-heating-denial-ads
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#4_January_2018_%28Global_heating_denial_ads%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#global heating">Global heating</a> denialists
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/29/climate/google-search-climate-change.html">advertise on Google</a>, becoming more visible than
real scientific conclusions.
<p>
I presume that the money to pay for these ads comes through a secret channel
from the Koch brothers or fossil fuel companies.


feed_id: b66b55d45536ccc1107f19a6498be04a
title: Negotiations with North Korea
uri: 2018-01-05-Negotiations-with-North-Korea
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#5_January_2018_%28Negotiations_with_North_Korea%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/04/trump-tells-south-korean-president-that-talks-with-north-would-be-a-good-thing">
For the moment, the troll favors negotiations with North Korea.
</a>
<p>
Ordinarily I would say this is an encouraging sign, but you can't expect
the troll to go for weeks or months without reversing himself.


feed_id: 2385ce3d77c33629528282458c678af3
title: Legalized marijuana
uri: 2018-01-05-Legalized-marijuana
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#5_January_2018_%28Legalized_marijuana%29
content:
<p>
Saboteur Sessions will 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/04/jeff-sessions-to-crack-down-on-legalized-marijuana-ending-obama-era-policy">
restart prosecution of state-legalized marijuana
sellers,
</a>
maybe even customers.
<p>
The decision leaves it up to US attorneys whether to prosecute.  But
there's a good chance they won't succeed in convicting people for
these "crimes".
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_(Informed_Jury_Association)">
  Let's do our best to spread the word to resist while in a jury.
</a>
<p>
However, if agents go around confiscating the marijuana and the money
of sellers, the sellers will have to shut down.  People will be limited
to what they and their friends can grow.


feed_id: 25a59150fed4370a9e522d557b0d88ca
title: Biometric data breach
uri: Biometric-data-breach
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#5_January_2018_%28Biometric_data_breach%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/04/india-national-id-database-data-leak-bought-online-aadhaar">
The Indian government's massive biometric ID system has led to a
massive data breach.
</a>
<p>
The government claims, absurdly, that the breach is harmless because
it didn't include the people's fingerprints and retina scans.


feed_id: 1462b566b73687ed3caebe993274541a
title: Replacing EU with TPP
uri: Replacing-EU-with-TPP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#5_January_2018_%28Replacing_EU_with_TPP%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/04/liam-fox-brexit-trade-policy-trans-pacific-partnership">
The Tories want to replace the EU with the much worse TPP.
</a>
So much for their bullshit about "taking back control".


feed_id: caa8f60fb10414df68570a998db71d2f
title: Coral reef bleaching
uri: Coral-reef-bleaching
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#5_January_2018_%28Coral_reef_bleaching%29
content:
<p>
Coral reef bleaching is so frequent now that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/04/coral-reef-bleaching-the-new-normal-and-a-fatal-threat-to-ecosystems">
the reefs can't fully recover
before the next bleaching event.
</a>


feed_id: 8aafa855473a34bd01e37d568af426d2
title: Dead zones
uri: Dead-zones
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#5_January_2018_%28Dead_zones%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/04/oceans-suffocating-dead-zones-oxygen-starved">
Oceans Suffocating as Huge Dead Zones Quadruple Since 1950,
</a>
Scientists Warn.


feed_id: 447a94d3db117bcaf5b6699e47c58e65
title: Witchcraft
uri: Witchcraft
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#5_January_2018_%28Witchcraft%29
content:
<p>
People in Papua New Guinea still believe in witchcraft, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/05/bloodlust-hysteria-sorcery-accusations-a-brutal-death-sentence-in-png">
and recently
burned two women to death for supposedly magically killing someone
that died from malaria.
</a>


feed_id: 5c1f06e5906b79265ed81a832a97d2cc
title: Thugs in North Georgia
uri: Thugs-in-North-Georgia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#5_January_2018_%28Thugs_in_North_Georgia%29
content:
<p>
Thugs in North Georgia are
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/01/04/cartersville-georgia-ounce-marijuana-arrests-weed/">
blatantly and cruelly racist.
</a>


feed_id: 9a6e8ea92d1054f9112bfea8f29f5417
title: Kabul
uri: Kabul
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#5_January_2018_%28Kabul%29
content:
<p>
Kabul has become dangerous for civilians,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/04/kabul-at-least-11-killed-in-latest-islamic-state-suicide-bombing">
as the Taliban and PISSI both
carry out attacks.
</a>
<p>
Meanwhile,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_December_2017_(Europe_removing_Afghans)">
European countries are sending Afghan refugees there
</a>
because
it is "safe".


feed_id: a56f7098d4cc33f719c5e4e803a86a77
title: Intel chip vulnerabilities
uri: Intel-chip-vulnerabilities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#5_January_2018_%28Intel_chip_vulnerabilities%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/intel-ceo-krzanich-sold-shares-after-com">
Intel's CEO sold lots of Intel stock while he knew about
the chip vulnerabilities.
</a>
<p>
I don't know whether this is legally criminal insider trading,
but that's what it is in spirit.


feed_id: 43ec573da46a9c0ceb52b0e21637c018
title: Military aid to Pakistan
uri: Military-aid-to-Pakistan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#5_January_2018_%28Military_aid_to_Pakistan%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/04/us-suspends-security-assistance-to-pakistan">
The US has suspended over 250 million dollars in military aid to
Pakistan.
</a>
<p>
Morally, I can't criticize this.  Pakistan has been playing a double
game for at least 10 years,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#30_June_2017_(Pakistan_and_the_Taliban)">
unofficially supporting the Afghan Taliban
</a>
  while only sometimes
<a href="http://stallman.org/archives/2014-mar-jun.html#16_June_2014_(Pakistans_army_attacks_Taliban)">
  fighting the Pakistani Taliban.
</a>
<p>
However, whether will turn out to be advantageous in practice, I can't
begin to guess.


feed_id: d300951fffdbbe42b2c199e18369c9fb
title: Ideological rehabilitation
uri: Ideological-rehabilitation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#5_January_2018_%28Ideological_rehabilitation%29
content:
<p>
The US has begun to try
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/04/american-isis-abdullahi-yousuf-rehabilatation">
ideological rehabilitation on convicted
supporters of PISSI.
</a>
It sometimes works.


feed_id: 1e84843fdf26621fb026cb03f11587bb
title: Red tape
uri: Red-tape
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#5_January_2018_%28Red_tape%29
content:
<p>
We all hate "red tape" until we see that the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jun/20/deadlier-than-terrorism-right-fatal-obsession-red-tape-deregulation-grenfell-tower">neglect of safety
regulations
can kill more people</a> than a terrorist attack.


feed_id: 78d423d83b3cd9d5c23eba250b5ef49d
title: Russian-sponsored peace talks
uri: Russian-sponsored-peace-talks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#5_January_2018_%28Russian-sponsored_peace_talks%29
content:
<p>
Syrian rebel groups
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/25/rebel-groups-reject-talks-on-syrian-conflict-hosted-by-russia">refused to participate</a> in Russian-sponsored peace
talks.
<p>
Russia is no more an honest broker in Syria than the US is in
Israel/Palestine.


feed_id: 4726e217af4ed065186b0e15040f23a1
title: Troll's asinine statements
uri: Troll-s-asinine-statements
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#6_January_2018_%28Trolls_asinine_statements%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#trump">The troll</a>'s asinine statements of support for protests in Iran
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/04/donald-trump-tweets-iran-protesters-sanctions">boost
support for the ayatollahs</a>.
<p>
I used to suspect (only half seriously) that President Bush II and
Osama bin Laden were working together secretly to make public
statements to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2004-sep-dec.html#01%20November%202004%20(Is%20the">boost
each other's support</a>.
<p>
I don't suspect the troll of doing something like that, because he
knows it would be neither necessary nor useful.  His supporters are so
disconnected from rationality that nothing the Iranian ayatollahs
might say or do would make any difference to their support for the
troll.


feed_id: 8d875ace4872b59bdee9daf4bb0fcee3
title: Tories' contempt for the homeless
uri: Tories-contempt-for-the-homeless
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#6_January_2018_%28Tories_contempt_for_the_homeless%29

content:
<p>
Tories' loathing and contempt for the homeless shows clearly in the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/04/ending-homelessness-royal-wedding-windsor-council-rough-sleepers-harry-meghan">plans
to kick homeless people out of a part of London</a> just to make
things nicer for people coming to a wedding.


feed_id: 39a74054b0421d346e2872fc497d7716
title: Urgent: Expose corporate mergers
uri: Urgent-Expose-corporate-mergers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#6_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Expose_corporate_mergers%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/ellison_mergers">Tell
Congress</a>: Expose destructive corporate mergers.


feed_id: 99006e8488f220ae265613767b3739f2
title: Norway to stop selling ammunition to UAE
uri: Norway-to-stop-selling-ammunition-to-UAE
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#6_January_2018_%28Norway_to_stop_selling_ammunition_to_UAE%29

content:
<p>
Norway will
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/03/while-us-backs-carnage-norway-cites-humanitarian-crisis-yemen-and-halts-weapons">stop
selling ammunition to the UAE</a> because it is being used for killing
civilians in Yemen.
<p>
Yemen Is
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/03/yemen-todays-guernica">Today's
Guernica</a>.


feed_id: 12d1dbc2140115157f6141b904aea60f
title: Inequality of conditions
uri: Inequality-of-conditions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#6_January_2018_%28Inequality_of_conditions%29
content:
<p>
"Equality of opportunity" is a mockery when
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/inequality/2018/jan/04/inequality-is-under-attack-but-what-should-equality-really-look-like">inequality
of conditions</a> makes many poor people grow up stunted and unable to
take advantage of opportunity.


feed_id: 669f4eb06fa23fa99806d1a8fedfc5f0
title: Bolivia's Lake PoopÃ³
uri: Bolivia-s-Lake-PoopÃ³
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#6_January_2018_%28Bolivias_Lake_Poopo%29
content:
<p>
Bolivia's Lake PoopÃ³, which used to be 400 square miles, has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/04/the-ecological-catastrophe-that-turned-a-vast-bolivian-lake-to-a-salt-desert">dried
up into a salt flat</a>, probably permanently.
<p>
The lake was crushed between irrigation on one side and global heating
effects on the other.


feed_id: ace3244cc04b81ffd668677ecbbd5b36
title: Troll's threat to sue Bannon
uri: Troll-s-threat-to-sue-Bannon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#6_January_2018_%28Trolls_threat_to_sue_Bannon%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/04/donald-trump-legal-threat-steve-bannon-book-revelations">threatened
to sue Bannon</a> for saying nasty things about him.
<p>
Alas, the pleasure of this can hardly compensate for the harm
that Republicans are doing to the world.


feed_id: ddf2f2d70b2589052c522140cfccbf0e
title: Troll's "election integrity" commission
uri: Troll-s-election-integrity-commission
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#6_January_2018_%28Trolls_election_integrity_commission%29

content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#trump">The troll</a> has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/03/donald-trump-election-integrity-commission-dissolved-kobach">abolished
his "election integrity" commission</a> that was intended to prepare
for disenfranchisement of non-Republican demographic groups.
<p>
Its abolition is a good thing, since the word "integrity" risks being
tarnished when associated with a person who can't imagine what it
means.  But that doesn't mean the integrity of US elections is safe.
Republicans have been
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2004-sep-dec.html#28%20October%202004%20(Additional%20voter-suppression%20practices)">scheming
to bias elections for decades</a>, and when one new attack is
thwarted, their
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-nov-feb.html#12_November_2016_(The_election_was_stolen)">old
methods</a> don't stop.


feed_id: 923f67fe790cbea5c1847ba38d438d09
title: "Digital assistants"
uri: Digital-assistants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#6_January_2018_%28Digital_assistants%29
content:
<p>
Patent applications show that Google and Amazon are interested in
making "digital assistants"
<a href="http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/privacy-technology/home-assistant-adopter-beware-google-amazon-digital-assistant-patents-reveal">study
people's activities to learn all about them</a>.
<p>
AI programs would understand what people say to each other, observe
what they wear including slogans on t-shirts, and track people's
movements around the house including to the toilet or to bed.
<p>
It should be illegal to have such a device in your apartment without
getting signed consent from the people that live in the other
apartments in the building.


feed_id: 9facd4f83e8fb57c37357bc92c1c1870
title: The British Empire
uri: The-British-Empire
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#6_January_2018_%28The_British_Empire%29
content:
<p>
Historians should investigate the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/03/history-empire-pride-guilt-truth-oxford-nigel-biggar">actions
and effects</a> of the British Empire, not set out to whitewash them.


feed_id: 472571251c79cbc99410155bd6944713
title: 300,000 Dalits rally
uri: 300-000-Dalits-rally
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#6_January_2018_%28300%2C000_Dalits_rally%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/03/commemoration-of-british-military-victory-sparks-riots-in-india">300,000
Dalits rallied</a> to celebrate a battle where Dalits helped the
British defeat an army of higher-caste Hindus, in 1817.
Hindu-nationalists attacked the rally, after which Dalits protested in
many cities.  <a href="/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> attacked some of the protests.


feed_id: c12409939feae623df9a602a1c9d983f
title: Legalized marijuana
uri: 2018-01-06-Legalized-marijuana
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#5_January_2018_%28Legalized_marijuana%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#saboteur">Saboteur</a> Sessions will 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/04/jeff-sessions-to-crack-down-on-legalized-marijuana-ending-obama-era-policy">
restart prosecution of state-legalized marijuana
sellers,
</a>
maybe even customers.
<p>
The decision leaves it up to US attorneys whether to prosecute.  But
there's a good chance they won't succeed in convicting people for
these "crimes".
<a href="http://stallman.org/archives/2015-jul-oct.html#24_August_2015_(Jury_nullification)">
  Let's do our best to spread the word to resist while in a jury.
</a>
<p>
However, if agents go around confiscating the marijuana and the money
of sellers, the sellers will have to shut down.  People will be limited
to what they and their friends can grow.


feed_id: 5c59d5661a04dc8f10f88994fc72fdc9
title: Thugs in North Georgia
uri: 2018-01-06-Thugs-in-North-Georgia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#5_January_2018_%28Thugs_in_North_Georgia%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> in North Georgia are
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/01/04/cartersville-georgia-ounce-marijuana-arrests-weed/">
blatantly and cruelly racist.
</a>


feed_id: 65ac8202505abcfb99587b77cf32e58c
title: Kabul
uri: 2018-01-06-Kabul
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#5_January_2018_%28Kabul%29
content:
<p>
Kabul has become dangerous for civilians,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/04/kabul-at-least-11-killed-in-latest-islamic-state-suicide-bombing">
as the Taliban and <a href="/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a> both
carry out attacks.
</a>
<p>
Meanwhile,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_December_2017_(Europe_removing_Afghans)">
European countries are sending Afghan refugees there
</a>
because
it is "safe".


feed_id: 85b0ca5590c2fc85046b3291dfc8ca41
title: Ideological rehabilitation
uri: 2018-01-06-Ideological-rehabilitation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#5_January_2018_%28Ideological_rehabilitation%29
content:
<p>
The US has begun to try
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/04/american-isis-abdullahi-yousuf-rehabilatation">
ideological rehabilitation on convicted
supporters of <a href="/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a>.
</a>
It sometimes works.


feed_id: 8b50f696ffaa932fe0883a122508bc6f
title: Urgent: Rape and groping accusations
uri: Urgent-Rape-and-groping-accusations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#6_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Rape_and_groping_accusations%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/conyers-franken-trump/">call for investigating</a> all the rape and groping
accusations against the bully.
<p>
I signed this despite the use of the harmfully <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_September_2017_(Teaching_sexual_respect)">vague term</a> "sexual assault".


feed_id: 1279ce3638e61a4e8e5ec8fcca4acbce
title: Urgent: Limit pardoning
uri: Urgent-Limit-pardoning
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#6_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Limit_pardoning%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://petitions.moveon.org/sign/prevent-trump-from-issuing">Call on Congress</a> to stop the president from pardoning per
family members, cabinet members, or former advisors.</p>
<p>
I think a better criterion would be: pardoning acts done for the president,
in association with the president, or at the orders of the president.


feed_id: 9cb7cddb357761c6860572f47f063009
title: Fracking in North Texas
uri: Fracking-in-North-Texas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#6_January_2018_%28Fracking_in_North_Texas%29
content:
<p>
When fracking started, North Texas hadn't had an earthquake for 300
million years.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/05/texas-earthquakes-fracking-wastewater-wells-envidence">Now it has many of them</a>.


feed_id: 85e1870006b0467b5690c36dd0dcf679
title: Tied election
uri: Tied-election
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#6_January_2018_%28Tied_election%29
content:
<p>
The Republicans control the Virginia lower house after a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/04/democracy-action-republican-wins-virginia-election-after-his-name-was-drawn-ceramic">random
selection in a tied election</a> chose the Republican for one seat.


feed_id: a081cd3faf3378244373b1ba64c08cc3
title: Stopping 'fake news'
uri: Stopping-fake-news
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#6_January_2018_%28Stopping_%27fake_news%27%29
content:
<p>
Macron wants to give the French state <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/04/proposal-frances-macron-ban-fake-news-denounced-recipe-disaster">blanket censorship power</a> in the name
of stopping "fake news".
<p>
That's as absurd as giving the state broad surveillance power in the
name of stopping "terrorism".  Oh, right, France has <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_October_2017_(Macron's_state_of_emergency)">already done that</a>.


feed_id: 01a7553dff823627044ba43956f3305c
title: Neonicotinoid pesticides
uri: 2018-01-07-Neonicotinoid-pesticides
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#6_January_2018_%28Neonicotinoid_pesticides%29
content:
<p>
California has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/01/04/california-puts-freeze-new-uses-bee-killing-pesticides">shut the door to applications</a> for new or increased use
of neonicotinoid pesticides.
<p>
That is a positive step, but they are already used at a dangerous
level, and they remain in the soil for years.
<p>
After three years of partial ban, still 1/4 of the honey samples in the UK
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/05/quarter-of-british-honey-contaminated-with-bee-harming-pesticides-research-reveals">contain neonicotinoids</a>.  Before, half of them did.


feed_id: dfd8417a26b42114a68f63810b466d4c
title: Reaction to killing protesters
uri: Reaction-to-killing-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#6_January_2018_%28Reaction_to_killing_protesters%29
content:
<p>
The US establishment reacts vigorously when Iran kills protesters.
When US allies such as <a href="/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a>, Bahrain and Honduras kill
protesters, the establishment <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/04/while-pundits-condemn-iran-honduran-police-kill-street-demonstrators">does not react</a>.


feed_id: 651ebbf60d15c99c1233be42b4531c2c
title: Sessions recusal
uri: Sessions-recusal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#6_January_2018_%28Sessions_recusal%29
content:
<p>
The cheater <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/04/donald-trump-jeff-sessions-russia-inquiry-urge-not-recuse">urged Sessions not to recuse himself</a> from authority over
Mueller's investigation.


feed_id: 06d9fd707d90d2fd065140f0f3076b26
title: Money for Ebola
uri: Money-for-Ebola
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#6_January_2018_%28Money_for_Ebola%29
content:
<p>
1/3 of the money given to Sierra Leone to cope with Ebola seems to
have mysteriously disappeared.  Survivors who did not receive promised
help <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/jan/05/ebola-survivors-sue-sierra-leone-government-over-missing-ebola-millions">are suing to find it</a>.


feed_id: e313320d76cdcd947cd61be2f72d323f
title: Words of disrespect
uri: Words-of-disrespect
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#6_January_2018_%28Words_of_disrespect%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/05/virgin-trains-misogynist-disdain-scorn-twitter-account">On the use of words of endearment</a> for treating someone with disrespect.
<p>
This article shows with calm firmness how the problem is not in the
specific words, but rather in the disrespect they are used to express.
Females often find themselves on the receiving end of this, but even if
on occasion it is directed against a male, it is nasty then too.


feed_id: 2d8592407fa1443d9aaac71f53251791
title: Pipeline suspension
uri: Pipeline-suspension
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#6_January_2018_%28Pipeline_suspension%29
content:
<p>
Pennsylvania has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/01/03/gov-wolf-bows-public-pressure-suspends-mariner-pipeline-construction">suspended construction</a> of the Mariner East 2 oil pipeline
because of "egregious and willful violations" of environmental law.


feed_id: b5f5d3c045f09e041d676b742dbdd229
title: Ethiopia's political prisoners
uri: Ethiopia-s-political-prisoners
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#6_January_2018_%28Ethiopia%27s_political_prisoners%29

content:
<p>
Ethiopia's dictator <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/01/03/ethiopia-closure-torture-chamber-could-signal-new-chapter-human-rights">announced a plan</a> to free all political prisoners and
shut down the torture center.
<p>
If Ethiopia can do it, the US can do it.


feed_id: 4812bda5de2e4a561990a5b020adfd48
title: Urgent: Charges against Malokhat
uri: Urgent-Charges-against-Malokhat
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#7_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Charges_against_Malokhat%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://www.freedomunited.org/advocate/malokhat-needs-help/">Call on the Uzbek Government</a> to drop the charges against
Malokhat.


feed_id: 334ed70266b575d715b9c75ff52d8200
title: Urgent: Marijuana prohibition
uri: Urgent-Marijuana-prohibition
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#7_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Marijuana_prohibition%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://pac.petitions.moveon.org/sign/its-time-to-reverse-decades">call on Congress</a> to end federal prohibition of marijuana.


feed_id: 1a2b9f353e8b324076188e078b8c6dd9
title: Accuser's house burned
uri: Accuser-s-house-burned
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#7_January_2018_%28Accuser%27s_house_burned%29
content:
<p>
Tina Johnson accused Roy Moore of grabbing her 25 years ago.
Now her home has been <a href="http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2018/01/roy_moore_accusers_home_burns.html">burned completely</a> in an arson attack.
<p>
I don't blame Moore personally (I doubt he arranged the attack).
Rather, I blame Republicans in general (Moore and the rest) for
encouraging repressive reprisal against whoever dares to stand up
against them.


feed_id: 7d62b1781993ec09aa69961a7932eab2
title: Ag-gag law
uri: Ag-gag-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#7_January_2018_%28Ag-gag_law%29
content:
<p>
An appeals court <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/05/victory-animals-federal-court-smacks-down-parts-idahos-ag-gag-law">rejected parts of one state's ag-gag law</a>, saying it was
designed to restrict journalism.


feed_id: 2ddab4eaba4b84083584f981cd22c3bc
title: Preparing to annex
uri: Preparing-to-annex
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#7_January_2018_%28Preparing_to_annex%29
content:
<p>
Israel is preparing to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/05/israel-step-closer-making-jerusalem-jewish-only-city">annex large areas of Palestinian territory</a>
which have been colonized with Israelis.
<p>
The bill would declare those areas to be part of Jerusalem, which implies
taking them away from Palestine.
<p>
Of course, many of us figured this was the intended final step,
the reason for establishing the colonies in the first place.
<p>
Since such annexation violates international law, many countries will
refuse to recognize it.  Nonetheless, some important countries ruled
by corrupt nincompoops might recognize it, which would advance the
process of ethnic cleansing of Palestinians.
<p>
Israel will surely accuse those who criticize this land grab
as "antisemitic", but that is calumny.  The issue has nothing to do
with whether anyone is or isn't Jewish.


feed_id: 662039142bb16e56a331d5b937c76084
title: Tax on oil companies
uri: Tax-on-oil-companies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#7_January_2018_%28Tax_on_oil_companies%29
content:
<p>
Republicans <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/01/05/not-only-will-communities-face-growing-threat-oil-spills-there-wont-be-money">cancelled the special tax</a> on oil companies to raise funds for
cleaning up oil spills.


feed_id: 98d715d27b6398bb2e395c68c5464590
title: Election rigging
uri: Election-rigging
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#7_January_2018_%28Election_rigging%29
content:
<p>
New Hampshire Republicans are trying to <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/1/4/1729823/-New-Hampshire-Republicans-vote-to-disenfranchise-college-students-impose-poll-tax-on-voters">enact a voter-ID law</a> and ban
students at school there.
<p>
Republicans in Indiana have seized permanent control despite the voters
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/1/3/1729541/-After-years-of-volatility-the-Indiana-GOP-drew-a-tough-gerrymander-to-keep-their-state-House-red">through gerrymandering</a>.
<p>
Republicans have made rigging elections their standard method.


feed_id: b6765195aaf853d5f793c7afe62c88cf
title: Christian morality
uri: Christian-morality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#7_January_2018_%28Christian_morality%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://theliberalnetwork.com/2017/12/31/traded-faith-power-theres-comeuppance-ahead/">A Christian rebuke</a> to the Christians that support the bully.
<p>
Not being a Christian, I don't recognize the biblical citations, and
I don't need to find a basis in Christianity for my judgment of them, or
him.
<p>
However, there is a substantial commonality between my Secular
Humanist morality and Christian morality.  The main difference is that
Christians treat sex differently from everything else, whereas I apply
to sex the same moral ideas I apply to the rest of life.


feed_id: 958b2f8d7feaba0228d22c4392dd6cb4
title: Deleting political accounts
uri: Deleting-political-accounts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#7_January_2018_%28Deleting_political_accounts%29
content:
<p>
Twitter will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/05/donald-trump-twitter-no-ban">allow the bully to do bullying</a> on Twitter no matter how
vicious it gets.
<p>
Facebook <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/04/facebook-chechnya-ramzan-kadyrov-political-censorship">Declines to Say Why</a> It Deletes Certain Political Accounts, But Not
Others.
<p>
Asking companies to censor based on some criterion is inherently problematical.


feed_id: 85b27234096b0da7bb39c1099186d0a4
title: Iranian protesters
uri: Iranian-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#7_January_2018_%28Iranian_protesters%29
content:
<p>
That the troll hypocritically supports Iranian protesters should not mean
we cannot <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/05/west-ignores-iranian-people-power-peril">support them honestly</a>.
<p>
However, support for a protest means support for its demands.
What do they demand?
<p>
When they demand higher wages, I support that in a general way, though
really it depends on what changes they demand so as to make wages
higher.
<p>
When they demand continued subsidies for fossil fuels, I can't agree.
<p>
If they demanded a secular state with human rights, I would support
that demand, but they don't.


feed_id: 7ce634a5f0d49716a48fd587368d44e2
title: Shunning ICE
uri: Shunning-ICE
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#7_January_2018_%28Shunning_ICE%29
content:
<p>
Texas Police Chief Hands Over Undocumented Smuggling Victims <a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/01/05/san-antonio-police-immigrant-smuggling-ice/">to Local
Organizations</a>, Shunning ICE.


feed_id: cf01f525c6f956daeb2b4ff5ec5e73f8
title: Funds to Pakistan
uri: Funds-to-Pakistan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#7_January_2018_%28Funds_to_Pakistan%29
content:
<p>
Obama cut military funding to Pakistan in 2011, then found that the US needed
Pakistan so much it had to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/05/pakistan-accuses-us-of-treating-it-like-whipping-boy-terrorism-row">restore the funds</a>.


feed_id: 1f70f819a5d046334f09d57c5bf38e00
title: Cutting funds for Palestinians
uri: Cutting-funds-for-Palestinians
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#8_January_2018_%28Cutting_funds_for_Palestinians%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/03/what-happens-if-trump-does-stop-aid-palestinians">
<a href="/glossary.html#trump">The troll</a> threatened to cut funds for Palestinians,
</a>
but there are two ways
that could be done.
<p>
Cutting US funds for the Palestinian Authority would hamper it from
helping to maintain Israel's dominion over the West Bank.  Cutting US
funds for UNRWA would starve Palestinians both inside and outside of
Palestine.


feed_id: 390a5e612eea03d5f17f1181b73c2a01
title: Gene therapy
uri: Gene-therapy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#8_January_2018_%28Gene_therapy%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/jan/03/us-drug-firm-offers-cure-for-blindness-at-425000-an-eye">
A gene therapy treatment, which we can call parzyl, costs almost a
million dollars.
</a>
<p>
There is something sleazy going on with the generic name, "voretigene
neparvovec-rzyl".  Even to write it is a pain, and as for pronouncing
it, should we treat it as English or as Polish?  I don't know of any
language other than Polish in which "rz" has a meaning.
<p>
In effect, the drug theoretically has a generic name, but not in
practice.  So I suggest calling it "parzyl".


feed_id: b86efeb2f35881ba90f4202375ad2df2
title: Indian reservations
uri: Indian-reservations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#8_January_2018_%28Indian_reservations%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/12/30/1725310/-New-drive-to-privatize-Indian-reservations-has-much-in-common-with-past-efforts-to-steal-Native-land?detail=emaildkre">
The Republicans have a new plan to abolish parts of Indian reservations.
</a>
First, designate parcels of land as private property of some Indians.
Then make them sell it.  Hell, it worked before!


feed_id: 713fb34e955091577246031cc6bbf7a1
title: Motel 6 guest lists
uri: Motel-6-guest-lists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#8_January_2018_%28Motel_6_guest_lists%29
content:
<p>
Some Motel 6 motels betrayed lots of customers by
<a href="http://www.king5.com/article/news/local/motel-6-gave-guest-lists-personal-info-to-ice-agents-lawsuit-says/281-504504268">
giving
information about them to immigration agents.
</a>
<p>
I don't think we should have to trust a company with knowing who we are.
I am not in danger of being deported from the US, but I could face other
forms of danger and mistreatment, just as you could.


feed_id: 156afc095bd586ffbcb52956e1e32238
title: Bail system
uri: Bail-system
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#8_January_2018_%28Bail_system%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/reason/Articles/~3/vL4GK6NHzrw/california-mulls-bail-reform">
California is considering getting rid of the bail system,
</a>
which tends to
impoverish poor people, but the bail bonds industry lobbies against that.


feed_id: 1848e460a1621537f1e35d1b81ee3622
title: Oil drilling off US coasts
uri: Oil-drilling-off-US-coasts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#8_January_2018_%28Oil_drilling_off_US_coasts%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2018/01/04/trump-administration-plans-to-allow-drilling-off-all-u-s-waters/">
<a href="/glossary.html#saboteur">Saboteur</a> Zinke plans to allow oil drilling off nearly all US coasts.
</a>
<p>
Even many Republican politicians are against this.


feed_id: d5c4ba0c84b6e72be0cab1e900e3e9cf
title: Facebook's selective censorship
uri: Facebook-s-selective-censorship
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#8_January_2018_%28Facebook%27s_selective_censorship%29

content:
<p>
Why is Facebook
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/04/rights-groups-raise-alarm-over-us-government-role-facebooks-selective-censorship">
selectively blocking the accounts of some repressive rulers
</a>
and not others?


feed_id: 8a45e145958dfed045316018adc78b7e
title: US winter storm
uri: US-winter-storm
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#8_January_2018_%28US_winter_storm%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/04/polar-vortex-winter-storm-grayson-and-climate-change-whats-connection">
The eastern US has been very cold recently, but global heating been
undone.
</a>
The Earth's surface overall is currently hot compared with
what used to be typical for January.


feed_id: c288637dcb79b42d69265c76f175532c
title: Urgent: Repeal and replace tax attacks
uri: Urgent-Repeal-and-replace-tax-attacks
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Repeal_and_replace_tax_attacks%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/repeal_replace_trumptaxscam">call
on Democrats</a> to commit to repealing and replacing the Republicans'
tax attacks.


feed_id: 8ce06e54916b3c199bfc109840258f23
title: Massacre of peaceful protesters
uri: Massacre-of-peaceful-protesters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Massacre_of_peaceful_protesters%29

content:
<p>
In 1819, the British government
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/jan/04/peterloo-massacre-bloody-clash-that-changed-britain">massacred
and imprisoned</a> the unarmed, peaceful protesters that wanted only
the right to vote.


feed_id: fd0b39d4c487a775182ab59af0deda6e
title: Garment workers in India
uri: Garment-workers-in-India
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Garment_workers_in_India%29
content:
<p>
Many garment workers in India are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/jan/04/workers-held-captive-indian-mills-supplying-hugo-boss">imprisoned
in their factories</a>.
<p>
The World Trade Organization treaty, one of the
<a href="/business-supremacy-treaties.html">business-supremacy
treaties</a>, is responsible for this.  As explained in No Logo, the
WTO made countries desperate to compete with other countries for
abusive employment, wiping out their labor movements which could have
protected workers from various abuses.


feed_id: 3f973e5207402384af2e734f1eea1bbf
title: Javascript can exploit CPU bugs
uri: Javascript-can-exploit-CPU-bugs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Javascript_can_exploit_CPU_bugs%29

content:
<p>
Javascript code sent by web sites
<a href="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/mozilla-confirms-web-bas">can
exploit the recently discovered CPU bugs</a>.
<p>
Is it possible to analyze Javascript code to see whether it tries?
Please email me if you know.


feed_id: 3164dc12f3323b18c250b1b4730a3d64
title: Defend cash payment
uri: Defend-cash-payment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Defend_cash_payment%29
content:
<p>
Ralph Nader calls for
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/03/corporate-coercion-and-drive-eliminate-buying-cash">defending
cash payment</a>.


feed_id: 0ca610fde6efd67badc6c169107237db
title: US census
uri: US-census
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28US_census%29
content:
<p>
As immigrants already
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/03/experts-warn-adding-citizenship-question-census-blatant-attempt-suppress-minority">fear
to answer the US census at all</a>, Sessions wants to add the
question, "Are you a US citizen?"


feed_id: 566c9b405829e933d922f3bc77052c26
title: Honduras
uri: Honduras
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Honduras%29
content:
<p>
Leftist Coalition in Honduras Calls for
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/03/leftist-coalition-honduras-calls-uprising-ahead-presidential-inauguration">Uprising
Ahead of Presidential Inauguration</a>.


feed_id: ea654498d46f4ae2433e7a0eab205076
title: Republicans
uri: 2018-01-10-Republicans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Republicans%29
content:
<p>
Fire and Fury Confirms Our Worst Fears — About the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/05/fire-and-fury-republicans-donald-trump-party">Republicans</a>.


feed_id: 83efa26ca8a4771fb23a3cb47759152d
title: Evidence of crimes committed by troll
uri: Evidence-of-crimes-committed-by-troll
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Evidence_of_crimes_committed_by_troll%29

content:
<p>
Rep. Joaquin Castro says the congressional investigation
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/1/4/1729769/-Congressman-says-House-Intel-committee-has-already-heard-evidence-of-Trump-administration-crimes">has
already seen evidence of crimes</a> committed by the bully and his
officials.


feed_id: d3078f42c917e952b1244b9b50393076
title: Addiction
uri: 2018-01-10-Addiction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Addiction%29
content:
<p>
Treating addiction as a moral failing is an
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/06/addiction-alcohol-obesity-public-health-spending-tories">excuse
for denying the help that will enable a good fraction of addicts to
quit</a>.
<p>
In the case of obesity, part of the problem is that poverty,
exacerbated by food deserts where poor people live, force them to eat
badly.  Is this their fault?
<p>
To a contemptuous right-winger, I suppose it seems that way.


feed_id: 677aef7851a71f7af5a6d21e1a2308f9
title: Facebook profiling non-useds
uri: Facebook-profiling-non-useds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Facebook_profiling_non-useds%29
content:
<p>
Facebook compiles
<a href="https://boingboing.net/2017/11/08/involuntary-profiling.html">extensive
profiles about people that are not its useds</a>.
<p>
If you resist other forms of profiling, such as carrying tracking
devices, identifying yourself to web sites, and paying other than with
cash, you will deny lots of data to Facebook as well as to the others
that accumulate that data.  What data nobody collects, nobody can get.


feed_id: 184527333d3da88f6896635329712544
title: Protest movement in Iran
uri: Protest-movement-in-Iran
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Protest_movement_in_Iran%29
content:
<p>
The protest movement in Iran consists mainly of adults under 25, and
they
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/01/06/iran-protests-working-class-rouhani/">demand
better pay and working conditions</a>.  Organizers are trying to
convert this into a union movement.


feed_id: b450a5960656eb06bc94360a51dbaeac
title: North Korea's offer to Obama
uri: North-Korea-s-offer-to-Obama
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28North_Koreas_offer_to_Obama%29
content:
<p>
Early in 2016, North Korea offered Obama a deal: it would
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-36127011">stop nuclear
tests</a> if the US stopped joint military exercises with South Korea.
Obama rejected the deal.
<p>
Naturally, Obama was not as bad as the bully, but it now appears
he made quite a mistake here.


feed_id: 2bd5673e77317879b0ebcb34112ec960
title: Chlorofluorocarbon treaty working
uri: Chlorofluorocarbon-treaty-working
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Chlorofluorocarbon_treaty_working%29

content:
<p>
The chlorofluorocarbon treaty is working: ozone depletion in the
atmosphere has
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/05/new-study-showing-ozone-recovery-hailed-model-tackling-climate-crisis">reduced
by 20% since 12 years ago</a>.


feed_id: cd12743d2c0e30f946f965d0400b435b
title: Voter suppression
uri: 2018-01-10-Voter-suppression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Voter_suppression%29
content:
<p>
The
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/05/trump-wants-homeland-security-continue-dirty-work-voter-suppression">Department
of Homeland Suppression</a> seems to be the next Republican tool for
voter suppression.  Perhaps using a data base that is full of errors
as an excuse to claim some Americans are not citizens.


feed_id: 3bd4d72d60fc0917299804484d3d24b8
title: Urgent: Nuclear weapons
uri: Urgent-Nuclear-weapons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Nuclear_weapons%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.couragecampaign.org/sign/trump_nk">support the Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act</a>.


feed_id: 39e3a5785bc43205b94bd8d8bebbccfd
title: Urgent: Offshore oil drilling
uri: Urgent-Offshore-oil-drilling
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Offshore_oil_drilling%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.climatetruth.org/sign/cta-offshoredrilling-comment">call on the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management</a> not to reopen
offshore oil drilling.


feed_id: 0ee41a53dfd4f67e688374fe963fff6b
title: Urgent: Fusion GPS's testimony
uri: Urgent-Fusion-GPS-s-testimony
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Fusion_GPS%27s_testimony%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://petitions.moveon.org/sign/congress-release-the">call on Congress</a> to release Fusion GPS's testimony
about Russia and the troll's campaign.


feed_id: 0235e03cd1338821f8db77cf479e61d4
title: Replacing employees
uri: Replacing-employees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Replacing_employees%29
content:
<p>
AT&T just received a big boost from Republican legal changes.  To
share this with its employees, it is dismissing them and <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/1/5/1730122/-AT-T-sued-for-massive-layoffs-after-claiming-net-neutrality-repeal-tax-cuts-aid-investment">replacing
them with subcontractors</a>.
<p>
Outsourcing is a scheme to reduce workers' pay and working conditions,
so we need to thwart that scheme.  One way would be to require any company's
agreement with its employees to apply to subcontracted workers as well.


feed_id: bd3227b19a3f21c333017b661e30e3a2
title: Overton Window
uri: Overton-Window
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Overton_Window%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/06/overton-window-and-trumps-judges">The Overton Window and Trump's Judges</a>.
<p>
We can resist the right-wing shift of the overton window
by denying the moral legitimacy of the Republican judges.


feed_id: d887622205fcba2cac2ec2717de08c1c
title: US CEO pay
uri: 2018-01-10-US-CEO-pay
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28US_CEO_pay%29
content:
<p>
Competition for CEOs cannot explain why US companies pay their CEOs <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/06/free-market-made-us-do-it">4 times
as much</a> as successful companies in other countries.
<p>
The best way to deal with the high pay given to CEOs is to raise the
income tax on very high incomes.  Under President Eisenhower,
the tax rate for the last bracket was around 95%.


feed_id: b20da98062b768dbc9565df876b78c8c
title: Governors on offshore drilling
uri: Governors-on-offshore-drilling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Governors_on_offshore_drilling%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#saboteur">Saboteur</a> Zinke's plan for drilling in all seas illegally disregards
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/06/trumps-offshore-drilling-plan-flouts-law-ignoring-governors-wishes">what state governors have to say</a> about it.


feed_id: 264e798dea1e3f7d1847d8a65768374f
title: Protests in Iran
uri: Protests-in-Iran
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Protests_in_Iran%29
content:
<p>
US organizations use the protests in Iran to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/06/think-tank-addicted-media-turn-regime-change-enthusiasts-iran-protest-commentary">call for regime change</a>,
mainly to bring Iran under US hegemony.
<p>
I think Iran deserves democracy, and if Iranians were rallying for
democracy, I would support them.  However, plutocratist or right-wing
US organizations would not.


feed_id: e500e1c0e0ee8923a893f4328f982543
title: Nonviolence and resistance
uri: Nonviolence-and-resistance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Nonviolence_and_resistance%29
content:
<p>
Dr. Ambedkar <a href="http://www.countercurrents.org/2018/01/06/dalit-resistance-violence/">rejected nonviolence</a> as a moral principle
in resistance against violent oppression.


feed_id: d9b75e7ea19645fec8ac11baf2c1dfb0
title: Voting machine bill
uri: Voting-machine-bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Voting_machine_bill%29
content:
<p>
A <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/01/new-bill-could-finally-get-rid-of-paperless-voting-machines/">bipartisan bill proposes</a> to require all computerized voting machines
in the US to produce paper ballots, and provides for statistical
auditing of the vote-counting.


feed_id: 261675370f5dcfbb7b72c8d285121f85
title: Cameras for thugs
uri: Cameras-for-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Cameras_for_thugs%29
content:
<p>
Detroit, not known for treating human beings with respect, is
proposing to require all businesses open at night to <a href="http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20180104/news/649206/detroit-aims-to-mandate-project-green-light-crime-monitoring">set up cameras
for the thugs</a> to watch people through.
<p>
If the state watches everyone and everything, it can reduce street
crime, but it reduces everyone's freedom too.


feed_id: 2d8a246b7619be1e42783f5dfb781932
title: White noise copyright
uri: White-noise-copyright
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28White_noise_copyright%29
content:
<p>
Someone posted a 10-hour video of white noise on YouTube.  YouTube has
automatically recognized <a href="https://boingboing.net/2018/01/05/video-of-10-hours-of-white-noi.html">5 supposed copyright infringements</a> in it.
<p>
Please don't use the term <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Monetize">"monetize"</a> to mean "make money from" or
"charge rents for".


feed_id: f47d327af47fca43ec2cafe4192fb42f
title: Feudalism in Nebraska
uri: Feudalism-in-Nebraska
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Feudalism_in_Nebraska%29
content:
<p>
A Nebraska Republican legislator has <a href="http://journalstar.com/legislature/senator-proposes-sovereignty-as-a-way-to-economic-development/article_614923bd-b962-541f-8a6c-0d9c92b6fa0c.html">proposed feudalism</a> for companies:
companies would buy "sovereignty" over rural parts of the state.
<p>
Nominally this fiefdom is supposed to be temporary.  However, just as
in medieval times, it would tend to become permanent.  The pressure
against stripping a corporation of "sovereignty" over "its" lands
would be enormous, as all the other corporations would oppose any
attempt by the state to "tell them what to do".  Plutocratist
politicians such as Schumacher would surely find an excuse to keep the
fiefdom in being.


feed_id: f0bcf5d06e55b566f01eaab856358ba3
title: Right-wing bubble
uri: Right-wing-bubble
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Right-wing_bubble%29
content:
<p>
Studies show that most Americans are <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/fighting-fake-news-is-not-the-solution">not in a partisan news bubble</a>,
and nearly all are aware of basic political facts that the right-wing
tries to deny.
<p>
However, for those that are in the right-wing bubble, fact-checking
does no good because they don't look at fact-checking articles about
the fake news they read.  On the contrary, fact-checking articles can
backfire by transferring the right-wing terminology, with the biases it
carries, into other media, which magnifies their effect.
<p>
I don't let that happen in stallman.org; I reject the right-wing
propaganda terminology.
<p>
It is unfortunate that the article's author uses the term <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Consume">"consume"</a> to
refer to reading articles, because the word denigrates all articles
including that one.


feed_id: 3784b7736d2c7ba83ee17446ebcd6143
title: Shelter for homeless people
uri: Shelter-for-homeless-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Shelter_for_homeless_people%29
content:
<p>
The city of Elgin (near Chicago) protects homeless people from the
possible dangers of <a href="https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/elgin-greg-schiller-slumber-parties-homeless-cold-467714563.html">sleeping in Greg Schiller's basement</a> by making
them risk freezing to death outside.
To make damned sure they have no place to stay warm, the city threatened
to force Schiller out as well.
<p>
Limiting the use of a basement as a shelter would be acceptable if
there were enough other shelters for all the homeless people there.


feed_id: 80318dcadacfae5c8114f45eebb11c48
title: Witches and Christianity
uri: Witches-and-Christianity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Witches_and_Christianity%29
content:
<p>
Prosecution of "witches" in Europe was most common when and where
different variants of Christianity were <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/jan/07/witchcraft-economics-reformation-catholic-protestant-market-share">in intense competition</a>.


feed_id: e3cc04de12c179fd099bcb37ceb26907
title: Poland and Hungary
uri: Poland-and-Hungary
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Poland_and_Hungary%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/07/hungary-poland-had-enough-of-liberal-democracy-eu-must-act">Beware the Illiberal Alliance</a> of Poland And Hungary, a Grave Threat to the EU.
(And also to justice and freedom in those two countries.)


feed_id: 283e253a8f43da10948d7e67e53a5340
title: Bully's mental health
uri: Bully-s-mental-health
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Bully%27s_mental_health%29
content:
<p>
The bully's mental health is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/07/donald-trump-dangerous-psychiatrist">visibly deteriorating</a>, and this danger should be
investigated.


feed_id: 63a5a63e19d82caf14af8723bdce26d3
title: Very urgent: FISA Amendments Act
uri: Very-urgent-FISA-Amendments-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#10_January_2018_%28Very_urgent%3A_FISA_Amendments_Act%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter at 202-224-3121 to oppose the "backdoor search" loophole in <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jul-oct.html#29_September_2016_(Section_702_of_FISA)">Section 702 of the
FISA Amendments Act</a>.


feed_id: cf1f679f3f29e7e2389af746fa39d49a
title: Urgent: Reject Alex Azar
uri: 2018-01-11-Urgent-Reject-Alex-Azar
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#10_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Reject_Alex_Azar%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://secure.ppaction.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=22117">call on Senators</a> to reject Alex Azar to head the
Department of Health and Human Services.


feed_id: 2f7991d91b4d45bc8e628ac7f0b83138
title: Urgent: State-legalized marijuana
uri: 2018-01-11-Urgent-State-legalized-marijuana
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#10_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_State-legalized_marijuana%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://action.aclu.org/secure/sessions-war-on-drugs">call on Sessions</a> to reverse the decision to attack
state-legalized marijuana.


feed_id: da9fb0ed40513f417e900ed47bd4423f
title: Urgent: Protect marijuana sales and use
uri: Urgent-Protect-marijuana-sales-and-use
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#10_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Protect_marijuana_sales_and_use%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://engage.drugpolicy.org/secure/tell-congress-protect-marijuana-legalization-sessions%E2%80%99-justice-department">Call on Congress</a> to protect state-legal marijuana sales
and use.</p>
<p>
If you don't see the Submit button, try narrowing the
browser window to under 1000 pixels to make it use the
"mobile" format.


feed_id: 7d04dafe6b3f4652e80b130ce5896b02
title: Marijuana and driving
uri: Marijuana-and-driving
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#10_January_2018_%28Marijuana_and_driving%29
content:
<p>
US states convict people of driving while under the influence of marijuana
for levels of marijuana <a href="https://reason.com/archives/2018/01/03/stop-pretending-sober-drivers-are-stoned">too low to influence their driving</a>.


feed_id: b95f3e21ab95fee4025a7c31c6642946
title: Gaza's hospitals
uri: Gaza-s-hospitals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#10_January_2018_%28Gaza%27s_hospitals%29
content:
<p>
Gaza's hospitals are on the verge of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/jan/03/gaza-health-system-collapse-electricity-crisis-threatens-total-blackout">running out of fuel</a> for electricity.
<p>
Israel is making it even harder to get permission to leave Gaza for
medical treatment, and denying permission amounts in many cases to
murder.  A siege is an act of war, and Gaza is no exception.


feed_id: f05b7b9f419ae0ce28e985e7843bdf71
title: Land subsidies
uri: Land-subsidies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#10_January_2018_%28Land_subsidies%29
content:
<p>
Exit from the EU could offer Britain the opportunity to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/04/farmland-could-be-turned-into-meadows-post-brexit-says-michael-gove">stop subsidies
for land owners</a> and instead subsidize wildlife-friendly farming.
<p>
It would be a good thing to do, but it is hard to trust Tories to do
it in an honest way.


feed_id: c8a4da99db6b91d1b431cf404c67f2fc
title: Banned from entering Israel
uri: Banned-from-entering-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#10_January_2018_%28Banned_from_entering_Israel%29
content:
<p>
Israel has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/07/israel-imposes-travel-ban-on-20-foreign-ngos-over-boycott-movement">banned the staff</a> of Jewish Voice for Peace and American
Friends Service Committee from entering Israel, even to visit their
Israeli relatives.
<p>
Israel is becoming increasingly repressive towards those who criticize
the occupation of Palestine in any way.


feed_id: 5ec47b65a4be1cf71b6da1b40eb8ac5b
title: Protesters arrested
uri: Protesters-arrested
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#10_January_2018_%28Protesters_arrested%29
content:
<p>
Iran has arrested around <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/07/iran-protests-corbyn-labour-thornberry">a hundred protesters</a>.


feed_id: 225661e8f5c4012b0766f63c8026bdf2
title: Christian quarter of Jerusalem
uri: Christian-quarter-of-Jerusalem
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#10_January_2018_%28Christian_quarter_of_Jerusalem%29

content:
<p>
Aggressive Israeli radicals are trying to take over and encroach on the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/07/christians-holy-land-jerusalem-settlers">Christian quarter of Jerusalem</a>.


feed_id: 3ed6e7431b405cd8803e74bd62afec86
title: Palestinians reject the US
uri: Palestinians-reject-the-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#10_January_2018_%28Palestinians_reject_the_US%29
content:
<p>
Palestinians now hate the US so much that they want to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/07/us-projects-palestinian-territories-face-backlash-jerusalem-israel-boycott">reject
US-funded projects</a>, even humanitarian projects.


feed_id: 37dd7480522105fe2618d75da008b911
title: Gentrification
uri: 2018-01-11-Gentrification
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#10_January_2018_%28Gentrification%29
content:
<p>
How to prevent gentrification by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/07/bell-end-how-adolf-hitler-can-solve-britains-housing-crisis">changing street names</a>.


feed_id: 2204d00c87e719827f24e1c5bd125a85
title: Forcibly moving people
uri: Forcibly-moving-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#10_January_2018_%28Forcibly_moving_people%29
content:
<p>
China is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/07/china-move-millions-people-homes-anti-poverty-drive">forcibly moving millions</a> of rural people to different homes,
in the name of "reducing poverty".
<p>
China has reduced poverty quite a lot, and I salute that.  But there
is no justification for forcibly moving people so that they will be
less poor.  If they agree that the offered new home provides a better
life, they will gratefully accept it.  So if they say "No, thanks",
they probably have a reason, and China should let them.


feed_id: 9e21004a919fba0784ef99aa534ccf52
title: Response to Steel report
uri: Response-to-Steel-report
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#10_January_2018_%28Response_to_Steel_report%29
content:
<p>
Republican senators' response to the accusations against the <a href="/glossary.html#">bully</a>
in the Steel report: <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/1/5/1730132/-Republican-Senators-finally-act-on-Steele-dossier-by-making-criminal-referral-against-Steele">prosecute the messenger</a>.


feed_id: d7e79c8852439b71a1179eca0d878ef6
title: North Korea's offer to Obama
uri: 2018-01-11-North-Korea-s-offer-to-Obama
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28North_Koreas_offer_to_Obama%29
content:
<p>
Early in 2016, North Korea offered Obama a deal: it would
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-36127011">stop nuclear
tests</a> if the US stopped joint military exercises with South Korea.
Obama rejected the deal.
<p>
Naturally, Obama was not as bad as the <a href="/glossary.html#">bully</a>, but it now appears
he made quite a mistake here.


feed_id: 98b1621186aae4b46647429cc4f2db1a
title: Urgent: Fusion GPS's testimony
uri: 2018-01-11-Urgent-Fusion-GPS-s-testimony
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Fusion_GPS%27s_testimony%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://petitions.moveon.org/sign/congress-release-the">call on Congress</a> to release Fusion GPS's testimony
about Russia and <a href="/glossary.html#trump">the troll</a>'s campaign.


feed_id: 6081b44a57afafb4f518395c1f449782
title: Iranian protesters
uri: 2018-01-11-Iranian-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#7_January_2018_%28Iranian_protesters%29
content:
<p>
That <a href="/glossary.html#trump">the troll</a> hypocritically supports Iranian protesters should not mean
we cannot <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/05/west-ignores-iranian-people-power-peril">support them honestly</a>.
<p>
However, support for a protest means support for its demands.
What do they demand?
<p>
When they demand higher wages, I support that in a general way, though
really it depends on what changes they demand so as to make wages
higher.
<p>
When they demand continued subsidies for fossil fuels, I can't agree.
<p>
If they demanded a secular state with human rights, I would support
that demand, but they don't.


feed_id: e8290d3b2d36d731a0db584f59fda8b4
title: Motel 6 guest lists
uri: 2018-01-11-Motel-6-guest-lists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#8_January_2018_%28Motel_6_guest_lists%29
content:
<p>
Some Motel 6 motels betrayed lots of customers by
<a href="http://www.king5.com/article/news/local/motel-6-gave-guest-lists-personal-info-to-ice-agents-lawsuit-says/281-504504268">
giving
information about them to immigration agents.
</a>
<p>
I don't think we should have to trust a company with knowing who we are.
I am not in danger of being <a href="/glossary.html#">deported</a> from the US, but I could face other
forms of danger and mistreatment, just as you could.


feed_id: 77d88448866e0b4fc9ce4ceb478cc92d
title: US winter storm
uri: 2018-01-11-US-winter-storm
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#8_January_2018_%28US_winter_storm%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/04/polar-vortex-winter-storm-grayson-and-climate-change-whats-connection">
The eastern US has been very cold recently, but <a href="/glossary.html#">global heating</a> been
undone.
</a>
The Earth's surface overall is currently hot compared with
what <a href="/glossary.html#">used</a> to be typical for January.


feed_id: d877031993c69217bd62b981ee3ed259
title: New Jersey prison book ban
uri: New-Jersey-prison-book-ban
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#11_January_2018_%28New_Jersey_prison_book_ban%29
content:
<p>
New Jersey prison guards 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/08/new-jersey-officials-say-theyll-lift-ban-on-book-the-new-jim-crow-in-prisons">promised
not to stop prisoners from reading The New Jim Crow</a>.


feed_id: badfd0914612d1c0cc49dd937ef44a2b
title: Damage due to "natural" disasters
uri: Damage-due-to-natural-disasters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#11_January_2018_%28Damage_due_to_natural_disasters%29

content:
<p>
2017 set a US record for damage due to "natural" disasters,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/08/us-bill-natural-disasters-cleanup-record-climate-change">almost
50% more than the previous record</a>.
<p>
This is partly caused by the fact that these disasters are not
"natural" any more.  Human activity causes them to happen more.


feed_id: 78cb1504d17427824b199905776ffe9b
title: Vacant housing in the UK
uri: Vacant-housing-in-the-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#11_January_2018_%28Vacant_housing_in_the_UK%29
content:
<p>
Calling on homeless British people to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/housing-network/2018/jan/08/empty-homes-councils-uk-housing-crisis-squatting">occupy
vacant housing</a>.


feed_id: e7df3287a61be5270913b661c8249c82
title: Immigration prisons
uri: 2018-01-12-Immigration-prisons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#11_January_2018_%28Immigration_prisons%29
content:
<p>
Inmates of immigration prisons are suing the private prison company
for
<a href="https://www.freedomunited.org/news/private-prison-class-action-lawsuit/">making
them work at tiny wages</a> so they can buy soap.


feed_id: c78d72ea369748f0b8a9ced442bbc640
title: US banks and student loans
uri: US-banks-and-student-loans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#11_January_2018_%28US_banks_and_student_loans%29
content:
<p>
US banks are 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/07/student-debt-slavery-time-level-playing-field">turning
student loans into a fraud scheme</a> the way they did with mortgages
in the 2000s.


feed_id: d6aecd73bb4c09b8a8e6365308974360
title: Foolish prudery
uri: Foolish-prudery
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#11_January_2018_%28Foolish_prudery%29
content:
<p>
Fussing about how often people in the UK Parliament tried to access
porn through the Parliament's LAN is nothing but a way to boost the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jan/08/parliament-reports-24000-attempts-to-access-pornographic-websites-since-election">foolish
prudery</a> that considers this question important.


feed_id: bc468ea621f0945d684027a03515962b
title: Secret trade treaties
uri: Secret-trade-treaties
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#11_January_2018_%28Secret_trade_treaties%29
content:
<p>
Tories' plan to negotiate secret trade treaties without involving Parliament
means 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/08/tory-trade-bill-ttip-brexit-britain-parliamentary-scrutiny">danger
without limits</a>.


feed_id: 8c68c6ce8238e1575c3a35b3e80d9ca3
title: Employed Californians living in cars
uri: Employed-Californians-living-in-cars
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#11_January_2018_%28Employed_Californians_living_in_cars_%29

content:
<p>
Thousands of employed people in California 
<a href="http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/opinion/sd-living-in-cars-in-california-20171227-story.html">now
live in cars or RVs</a>.  They can't afford a room in an apartment.
<p>
This is not necessarily good for the environment.  They may be forced
to drive the RV every day from night parking to day (work) parking and
back.  What if a person gets too sick to leave the night parking area?
And since parking lots are usually one-storey except in very dense
areas, RVs could even take up more land area than multistorey
residences.


feed_id: 3bf66fc890c43993bbabcc3eaf820089
title: Leaving food for stray cats
uri: Leaving-food-for-stray-cats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#11_January_2018_%28Leaving_food_for_stray_cats%29
content:
<p>
Leaving food for stray cats 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/08/obese-hedgehogs-prickly-subject-pets-overweight-killing-kindness">makes
hedgehogs dangerously obese</a>.
<p>
If you leave food out for stray cats, the result will be to increase
the number of stray cats.  That is not particularly desirable.


feed_id: 0f1226541e23eba45ac87a98ed8f323d
title: Ecological funeral options
uri: Ecological-funeral-options
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#11_January_2018_%28Ecological_funeral_options%29
content:
<p>
New low-price 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business-to-business/2018/jan/08/the-new-death-industry-funeral-businesses-that-wont-exploit-grief">ecological
funeral options</a>.
<p>
Do you heirs a favor, and arrange your own funeral while you're alive.
That way, funeral directors won't be able to exploit your family.


feed_id: f3020ddcaffcb16bce4f07b1d1526e1b
title: Global heating
uri: 2018-01-12-Global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#11_January_2018_%28Global_heating%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#global heating">Global heating</a> is wiping out green sea turtles in some areas
because they are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/08/great-barrier-reef-rising-temperatures-turning-green-sea-turtles-female">all
born female</a>.
<p>
Many species of reptile determine gender this way, and they could all
be wiped out similarly.  We might be able to protect sea turtles,
which are wildlife "stars".  But we can't protect all the species that
are endangered.


feed_id: 98b843dbafa935ebbbb0323d9bafd515
title: AI-induced mental illness
uri: AI-induced-mental-illness
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#11_January_2018_%28AI-induced_mental_illness%29
content:
<p>
"The 
<a href="https://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/rinesi20180108">ubiquitous,
unspoken business model</a> of AI-induced mental illness."


feed_id: 9ed89dd3fe9b3f4165eb7638569da3bd
title: The richest humans
uri: The-richest-humans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#11_January_2018_%28The_richest_humans%29
content:
<p>
The richest humans are 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/08/how-inequality-killing-humanity">directing
the world towards being unable to sustain the lives of the rest of
us</a>.  And perhaps not even their own lives.


feed_id: c3055c4ff8274e977b3ae4a85a9b3a40
title: Troll's partial ban on Muslims
uri: 2018-01-12-Troll-s-partial-ban-on-Muslims
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#11_January_2018_%28Trolls_partial_ban_on_Muslims%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#trump">The troll</a>'s partial ban on Muslims is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/08/trump-travel-ban-families-affected-first-month">blocking
some US citizens from bringing their children to join them</a>.
<p>
Others may die because they can't visit the US for surgery.


feed_id: 5dba0117b8347f11d27cfa72c7768f8e
title: Kidnapped girls face scorn
uri: Kidnapped-girls-face-scorn
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#11_January_2018_%28Kidnapped_girls_face_scorn%29
content:
<p>
The girls who were kidnaped and conscripted into the Lord's Resistance
Army 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/jan/08/abducted-girl-soldier-joseph-kony-lra-lords-resistance-army-uganda">face
continuing scorn</a> in Uganda.


feed_id: 703533c7fa13a7fb74402605862d4810
title: Troll's special talent
uri: Troll-s-special-talent
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#11_January_2018_%28Trolls_special_talent%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#trump">The troll</a> has one special talent -- as a 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/07/seriously-how-dumb-trump">conman</a>.


feed_id: 6de5313de38936264a75995adc9db9c1
title: Sulphur emissions
uri: Sulphur-emissions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#11_January_2018_%28Sulphur_emissions%29
content:
<p>
Reducing sulphur emissions avoids a lot of 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/07/pollutionwatch-reducing-sulphur-emissions-saves-lives-acid-rain">deaths</a>.


feed_id: f048902f40d140c92e2f63e755e95504
title: North Korea's offer to Obama
uri: 2018-01-12-North-Korea-s-offer-to-Obama
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#9_January_2018_%28North_Koreas_offer_to_Obama%29
content:
<p>
Early in 2016, North Korea offered Obama a deal: it would
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-36127011">stop nuclear
tests</a> if the US stopped joint military exercises with South Korea.
Obama rejected the deal.
<p>
Naturally, Obama was not as bad as the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>, but it now appears
he made quite a mistake here.


feed_id: d98c5079746db739816fc6ccd993309d
title: Urgent: Remove Scott Lloyd
uri: Urgent-Remove-Scott-Lloyd
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#12_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Remove_Scott_Lloyd%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://actnow.prochoiceamerica.org/sign/180105-stop-scott-lloyd/">call for removing Scott Lloyd</a> as head of the Office of
Refugee Resettlement, for using force and threats to stop imprisoned refugees
from having abortions.
<p>
In the mean time, these women might ask Scott Lloyd if he will agree
to adopt the baby.  He might conceivably adopt one or two, but he
couldn't adopt 10, 50 or 100 babies.


feed_id: a4c161e8c984315365a75627bd967421
title: Korea peace talks
uri: Korea-peace-talks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#12_January_2018_%28Korea_peace_talks%29
content:
<p>
South Korea and North Korea have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/09/north-south-korea-talks-winter-olympics-nuclear">begun peace talks</a>.
<p>
North Korea <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_September_2017_(US_regime_change_wars)">will not give up</a> its nuclear arms,
but might agree to treat them as a deterrent only.
<p>
South Korea's president <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/10/moon-jae-in-credits-donald-trump-for-inter-korea-talks">thanked the bully</a> for this, saying that the
new sanctions helped bring it about.
<p>
That may be true, but the bully is nonetheless <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/09/progress-between-north-and-south-korea-marred-reports-trump-considering-bloody-nose">considering</a> launching a
nuclear war with a "limited" nuclear attack on North Korea.
This would be a gratuitous bet that Kim would not dare to respond militarily.


feed_id: 3b229c867e5aa791a77eec6aaf3acf97
title: FERC rejection
uri: FERC-rejection
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#12_January_2018_%28FERC_rejection%29
content:
<p>
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/01/08/nopr-decision-ferc-brings-coal-and-nuclear-industries-back-reality">rejected Saboteur Perry's plan</a>
to subsidize uneconomical nuclear and coal-powered electric generators.
<p>
I find this surprising because the FERC tends to do whatever energy
companies want.


feed_id: 55771b36b7444649f977d8ec070eb37b
title: Nuclear redesign
uri: Nuclear-redesign
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#12_January_2018_%28Nuclear_redesign%29
content:
<p>
The bully wants to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/09/us-to-loosen-nuclear-weapons-policy-and-develop-more-usable-warheads">redesign US nuclear weapons</a> to encourage actually
using them.
<p>
This is supposedly intended to deter a Russian attack scenario that is
completely implausible.


feed_id: a13eff476d9f47835f00704a692ecd7e
title: Nudity in art
uri: Nudity-in-art
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#12_January_2018_%28Nudity_in_art%29
content:
<p>
Art teacher Mateo Rueda was <a href="https://reason.com/archives/2018/01/09/utah-elementary-school-fires-art-teacher">fired in Utah</a> for showing his class
reproductions of famous art, because some of them included nudes.


feed_id: 6111b2b1640ef41868287eea372286f2
title: Microbead ban
uri: Microbead-ban
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#12_January_2018_%28Microbead_ban%29
content:
<p>
The UK has banned cosmetics, toothpaste, etc. from <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/09/plastic-microbeads-ban-enters-force-in-uk">using plastic
microbeads</a>.


feed_id: 36dc1cd234142608243bbc68cf522a66
title: Taliban funding
uri: Taliban-funding
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#12_January_2018_%28Taliban_funding%29
content:
<p>
The US is unable to defeat the Taliban because <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/jan/09/how-the-heroin-trade-explains-the-us-uk-failure-in-afghanistan">opium funds the Taliban</a>.


feed_id: e5e0f5c8b20588b44635bed30d017072
title: Unused buildings
uri: Unused-buildings
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#12_January_2018_%28Unused_buildings%29
content:
<p>
The UK has plenty of buildings that have been unused for many years.
People should <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/apr/24/bring-back-squatting-the-best-way-to-solve-our-unnecessary-housing-crisis">squat in them</a>.


feed_id: e4bf17c5584d235890f8408a1b7b1c0a
title: What Facebook favors
uri: What-Facebook-favors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#12_January_2018_%28What_Facebook_favors%29
content:
<p>
Facebook's business model and algorithms inherently favor campaigns
that are <a href="https://washingtonmonthly.com/magazine/january-february-march-2018/how-to-fix-facebook-before-it-fixes-us/">wildly irrational and dishonest</a>.
<p>
The proposed remedies are generally steps in the right direction but
mostly don't go far enough.  "Owning the data about you" is not enough
to prevent its misuse.  We need to replace systems that identify and
track users with systems that don't know who the user is.


feed_id: d1802fc372097869d1be37142dbbeafe
title: Porn at work
uri: Porn-at-work
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#12_January_2018_%28Porn_at_work%29
content:
<p>
The idea that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/shortcuts/2018/jan/08/watching-porn-at-work-legal-consequences-parliament">watching porn while at work</a> is some sort of evil and
deserves reproof is becoming an article of the modern sexual
counterrevolution.
<p>
People who want to condemn porn have redefined the word to mean only
sexual stimulation that is repellent in some way — for instance, it
has no plot, no feelings, treats women only as sex objects, etc.  (The
other porn, they call "erotica".)
<p>
I appreciate the distinction, and I like the erotica much more.  But I
object to redefining "porn" to mean only crappy porn.  It makes "porn"
a weasel-word.  If people reprimand you or punish you for watching
"porn", they will use the word in its broader meaning.  They won't pay
attention if you claim it was really erotica.


feed_id: 776aad93090be12c93de3ee47320c08d
title: Kushner bribe
uri: Kushner-bribe
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#12_January_2018_%28Kushner_bribe%29
content:
<p>
Kushner "advises" the bully's officials about mid-east policy
while taking a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/08/kushner-under-fire-receiving-30m-israeli-firm-while-shaping-middle-east-policy">30-million-dollar bribe</a> from Israel.


feed_id: 149fbc25315ccfaec8ed7a201ed0fc93
title: Harms of privatization
uri: Harms-of-privatization
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#12_January_2018_%28Harms_of_privatization%29
content:
<p>
When a government sees the harmful results of privatization and
refuses to recognize them, its support for privatization can no longer
be called merely "misguided".  It has to be a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/09/east-coast-line-tory-scandal-bailout">scheme to cheat the
public</a>.


feed_id: 7f39766e83ce95e9a9c67779a6837e37
title: The bully on Iran vs Syria
uri: The-bully-on-Iran-vs-Syria
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#12_January_2018_%28The_bully_on_Iran_vs_Syria%29
content:
<p>
Assad continues bombing medical clinics in Syria, but the bully sees no
evil <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/09/trumps-silence-on-syria-contrasts-with-his-criticism-of-iran">except in Iran</a>.


feed_id: cf0caf72c3a832f4d05739230cda2498
title: Illegal searches
uri: Illegal-searches
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#12_January_2018_%28Illegal_searches%29
content:
<p>
US federal thugs <a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/01/09/dark-side-fbi-dea-illegal-searches-secret-evidence/">practice dishonest tricks</a> to hide their illegal searches.
<p>
This shows an additional reason why laws limiting use of surveillance
data are bogus: the state will break those laws and cover it up.


feed_id: 6336d58f3bea7aea06a67b2c44013635
title: 'Zero Tolerance'
uri: Zero-Tolerance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#12_January_2018_%28%27Zero_Tolerance%27%29
content:
<p>
"Zero Tolerance" and "No Excuses" are <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/zero-tolerance-and-no-excuses-are-counterproductive_us_5a534efee4b0cd114bdb34d3">Counterproductive</a> (in a school).


feed_id: ff33ef37a21f05104c11af15324014ca
title: Yanto Awerkion
uri: Yanto-Awerkion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#12_January_2018_%28Yanto_Awerkion%29
content:
<p>
Yanto Awerkion, one organizer of a petition for a referendum on
independence for West Papua, is being <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/09/west-papuan-independence-campaigners-call-for-release-of-activist">tried for treason</a>.
<p>
Hasn't Indonesia learned anything from East Timor?


feed_id: 4817494b5d5de8f3f8d1f57131c36d49
title: Military coup
uri: Military-coup
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#12_January_2018_%28Military_coup%29
content:
<p>
Some Venezuelan opposition leaders say they wish the military would
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/09/calls-for-a-coup-in-venezuela-ignore-the-fact-that-the-generals-are-doing-nicely">launch a coup</a> to remove Maduro.
<p>
It is not impossible for a military coup to pave the way for democracy
— that's basic what Chavez did.  But only a few generals will
sincerely try to establish democracy and help the poor, as Chavez did.
A coup is much more likely to lead to a military regime such as Latin
America 40 years ago was full of.


feed_id: 637fe0c8d5b84155cb9f9901b7e3c4bd
title: Oprah for president
uri: Oprah-for-president
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#12_January_2018_%28Oprah_for_president%29
content:
<p>
Starstruck Democrats <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/09/oprah-winfrey-president-idea-uncomfortable-truth">support Oprah Winfrey for president</a> — never mind
that she has no political experience, no voting record, and little in
the way of publicly stated political positions.
<p>
Chances are Winfrey would be better than the bully.  You could say as
much for any Democrat chosen at random.  Obama was better than the
bully.  Clinton would have been better than the bully.
<p>
Obama and Clinton served the plutocrats.  Winfrey, a billionaire, is
pretty close to being a plutocrat.  That doesn't absolutely prove she
will be a plutocratist like Obama and Clinton: FDR came from a rich
background and gave us the New Deal.  Americans could count on him to
do this because he had made his views, and his determination, very
clear.
<p>
Winfrey grew up in poverty; perhaps she will champion the poor.  But
she has not committed to do this, let alone say how.
<p>
Why settle for less than Bernie Sanders?


feed_id: 6a790694df20e76b2e3af5cc339fe1ff
title: Ice age myth
uri: Ice-age-myth
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#12_January_2018_%28Ice_age_myth%29
content:
<p>
The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2018/jan/09/the-imminent-mini-ice-age-myth-is-back-and-its-still-wrong">"Imminent Mini Ice Age"</a> Myth Is Back.
<p>
A weak solar cycle would cool the Earth just a little, and only temporarily.


feed_id: 43cbecf8e382d276f762a12172e6d224
title: Australian heat
uri: Australian-heat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#12_January_2018_%28Australian_heat%29
content:
<p>
The heat around Sydney <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jan/09/hundreds-of-flying-foxes-die-in-searing-australian-heat">killed most of a colony</a> of fruit-eating bats.
<p>
In a few decades, the species will no longer be found in that region.
Many kinds of trees might disappear as a result, though individual trees
will live on for a while.


feed_id: 10a54bfc9fe2210868507cab64ab0403
title: Governor of Chihuahua
uri: Governor-of-Chihuahua
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#12_January_2018_%28Governor_of_Chihuahua%29
content:
<p>
The governor of Chihuahua accused the Mexican federal government of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/08/mexico-corruption-investigation-chihuahua-enrique-pena-nieto">attacking
the state's finances</a> in retaliation for Chihuahua's investigation
of corruption in the 2016 election.
<p>
We Americans used to laugh at countries where corruption went so deep.
Now we are in no position to laugh.


feed_id: b87f8f2813ca5b61f01ee32e8b8d9683
title: Very urgent: Section 702 of FISA Amendments Act
uri: Very-urgent-Section-702-of-FISA-Amendments-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Very_urgent%3A_Section_702_of_FISA_Amendments_Act%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: if you vote in one of the states below, call on the
senators listed to prevent the massive surveillance provisions in
S.139 from passing, no matter what it takes.</p>
<p>
The issue concerns section 702 of the FISA Amendments Act.  It
supposedly authorizes massive surveillance of non-Americans'
communications, but in fact it is used to spy on Americans, too.  See
<a href="https://www.justsecurity.org/33111/correcting-record-section-702-prerequisite-meaningful-surveillance-reform-part-ii/">this</a>.</p>
<ul>
  <li>Connecticut
    <ul>
      <li><a href="https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/contact/">Richard Blumenthal</a></li>
    </ul>
  </li>
  <li>Maryland
    <ul>
      <li><a href="https://www.vanhollen.senate.gov/content/contact-senator">Chris Van Hollen</a></li>
      <li><a href="http://www.cardin.senate.gov/contact/">Ben Cardin</a></li>
    </ul>
  </li>
  <li>Michigan
    <ul>
      <li><a href="https://www.peters.senate.gov/contact/email-gary">Gary Peters</a></li>
      <li><a href="https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/contact">Debbie Stabenow</a></li>
    </ul>
  </li>
  <li>New Hampshire
    <ul>
      <li><a href="https://www.hassan.senate.gov/content/contact-senator">Maggie Hassan</a></li>
      <li><a href="https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/contact/contact-jeanne">Jeanne Shaheen</a></li>
    </ul>
  </li>
  <li>New Jersey
    <ul>
      <li><a href="https://www.booker.senate.gov/?p=contact">Cory Booker</a></li>
    </ul>
  </li>
  <li>Nevada
    <ul>
      <li><a href="http://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact-form">Dean Heller</a></li>
      <li><a href="https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/contact">Catherine Cortez Masto</a></li>
    </ul>
  </li>
  <li>Colorado
    <ul>
      <li><a href="https://www.bennet.senate.gov/?p=contact">Michael Bennet</a></li>
    </ul>
  </li>
  <li>Minnesota
    <ul>
      <li><a href="http://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact">Amy Klobuchar</a></li>
    </ul>
  </li>
  <li>New York
    <ul>
      <li><a href="https://www.schumer.senate.gov/contact/email-chuck">Charles Schumer</a></li>
      <li><a href="https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/contact/email-me">Kirsten Gillibrand</a></li>
    </ul>
  </li>
  <li>Texas
    <ul>
      <li><a href="https://www.cruz.senate.gov/?p=form&id=16">Ted Cruz</a></li>
    </ul>
  </li>
</ul>


feed_id: 0549c0d7261431983a1752a3512b813f
title: Urgent: Investigate Ajit Pai
uri: Urgent-Investigate-Ajit-Pai
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Investigate_Ajit_Pai%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.demandprogress.org/sign/sign-petition-investigate-fcc-chair-ajit-pais-corrupt-dealmaking/">call on the FCC inspector general</a> to investigate Ajit Pai
for corruption.


feed_id: f83044dcf3fb4f77eb136088f229949d
title: Urgent: Mueller's investigation
uri: Urgent-Mueller-s-investigation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Mueller%27s_investigation%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.pfaw.org/call/urge-congress-protect-mueller/">phone your congresscritter</a> to call for protecting
Mueller's investigation.


feed_id: 29413a80f84e63f05dbcaceb6487825c
title: Urgent: Reject Thomas Homan
uri: Urgent-Reject-Thomas-Homan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Reject_Thomas_Homan%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/homan">call on the Senate</a> to reject the mad deporter, Thomas
Homan, for head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.


feed_id: 88bb0e1484361129e5653f09e5429fd7
title: Assange's citizenship
uri: Assange-s-citizenship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Assange%27s_citizenship%29
content:
<p>
Assange is now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/jan/10/julian-assanges-bid-for-diplomatic-status-rejected-by-uk-government">an Ecuadorian citizen</a>, but the UK will arrest him if he
leaves the Ecuadorian embassy.


feed_id: 622f7d912b819f79920f934f9fa8f0e9
title: Travel advisory for Mexico
uri: Travel-advisory-for-Mexico
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Travel_advisory_for_Mexico%29
content:
<p>
US citizens are now advised to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/10/us-travel-advisory-mexico-do-not-travel-crime-drug-cartel">avoid 5 Mexican states</a> as if they were
war zones.


feed_id: 9129e8b2482880c9240053f469c80ec0
title: Solar in Nevada
uri: Solar-in-Nevada
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Solar_in_Nevada%29
content:
<p>
Nevada killed off the solar power industry to please the electric
utility.  The same decision <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jan/13/solar-panel-energy-power-company-nevada">screwed all the people</a> that invested in solar
power for their homes.


feed_id: daa5ac0ba957d3f60c8d58089f17467b
title: Fired by Google
uri: Fired-by-Google
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Fired_by_Google%29
content:
<p>
It is entirely legitimate for employers, as well as you or me, to shun
people for promoting right-wing bigotry at work.  Damore has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/11/discriminate-conservatives-james-damore-suing-google-intolerance">no valid
complaint</a> about being fired by Google for that.
<p>
Damore also claims that Google discriminates against men — citing
various sorts of efforts to find more women to hire.  Since men are
overrepresented among Google employees, this is an issue about the
proper bounds of affirmative action.
<p>
That's an issue I don't have a position about, but I won't make Damore
my guide on the issue.


feed_id: 32550a3cd8d0b27bbde87d6215e49433
title: Dying from underfunding
uri: Dying-from-underfunding
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Dying_from_underfunding%29
content:
<p>
Patients are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/jan/11/nhs-patients-dying-in-hospital-corridors-doctors-tell-theresa-may">dying in UK hospitals</a> because there are not enough
doctors to treat them.
<p>
I hope they have the courage to tell the relatives, "your mother died
from underfunding; Parliament is directly responsible."


feed_id: a3568656f9d7fd6534e03458cd55427d
title: Guantanamo bias
uri: Guantanamo-bias
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Guantanamo_bias%29
content:
<p>
The bully has made Guantanamo prison <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/11/religion-guantanamo-bay-detainees">a faith-based initiative</a>,
defining "dangerous" to mean "Muslim".
<p>
Some of the prisoners <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/11/guantanamo-inmates-claim-trumps-anti-muslim-bias-fuels-their-detention">are suing</a>, claiming that this bias invalidates
his decision to keep them there.
<p>
There is no excuse for imprisonment without trial.  Every prisoner deserves
a real, fair trial, or else to be released.


feed_id: 4cfad80a63a8a4c239786403ddbb5b79
title: Hollywood falsehoods
uri: Hollywood-falsehoods
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Hollywood_falsehoods%29
content:
<p>
Hollywood history is full of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/11/hollywood-history-churchill-getty-trust-fiction">deliberately inserted falsehoods</a>.
<p>
Some of these falsehoods may not specifically matter much.  For
instance, the fact that Churchill didn't sample public opinion in the
London tube doesn't seem to me to make a significant difference for
thinking about Churchill and World War II.  Nor does the fact that the
Germans had not yet rigged Pegasus Bridge for demolition (according to
Pegasus Bridge by Stephen E Ambrose), contrary to what is shown in The
Longest Day, make much difference to my understanding of the Normandy
landings or the war.
<p>
However, the acceptance of small changes in history just for the sake
of drama paves the way for larger changes that alter the history
drastically.  I've read accusations of drastic changes in movies
that are "based on a true story", to the point where that phrase has
come to mean "bullshit" to me.
<p>
If you want to tell a story that isn't accurate, call it "fiction".
<p>
Giving quotations of gossip, and presenting them as such, is a
different matter.  It isn't direct falsification, but it can mislead
people if they take it as certain.  Steele, in his dossier, carefully
indicated what was unconfirmed hearsay.  I don't know how Fire and
Fury does on that scale.


feed_id: 5210723fd335c6725dae7d8d718478c7
title: Mayflies
uri: Mayflies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Mayflies%29
content:
<p>
Even moderate levels of agricultural runoff are enough to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/11/insect-declines-new-alarm-over-mayfly-is-tip-of-iceberg-warn-experts">kill mayfly eggs</a>.
The disappearance of mayflies deprives other wildlife of food.


feed_id: c9a7c23e6ae072c93f86a32767d5c5ad
title: Power-grid batteries
uri: Power-grid-batteries
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Power-grid_batteries%29
content:
<p>
Large power-grid storage batteries are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/11/big-new-renewable-projects-planned-across-australia-as-tesla-effect-hits">proliferating</a>.


feed_id: 939e7ea47060e59002b44b97072d7c4f
title: Meltdown and Spectre in 2015
uri: Meltdown-and-Spectre-in-2015
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Meltdown_and_Spectre_in_2015%29
content:
<p>
Reportedly the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities were published in <a href="media/51345066.thesis.pdf" data-original-source="https://www.sophia.re/thesis.pdf">this
2015 thesis</a>.
<p>
I don't have the expertise or time to study it.  Can someone tell me
whether it really shows the same vulnerabilities, and whether it
makes clear what they are?


feed_id: e548c2e2b31c11a427ac227964a91745
title: Shredding the safety net
uri: Shredding-the-safety-net
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Shredding_the_safety_net%29
content:
<p>
"The Toriesâ obscene joke: shred the safety net, then <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/11/tories-obscene-joke-shred-safety-net-bedroom-tax-universal-credit">toss people into it</a>."
<p>
US plutocratists have gone even further: homeless Americans appear to
number in the millions, though I can't find a figure now.


feed_id: 0ae6c9513e4d76cb7f8ed4327550499a
title: Riots in Tunisia
uri: Riots-in-Tunisia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Riots_in_Tunisia%29
content:
<p>
Protests in Tunisia, against the poverty imposed by foreign banks,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/11/tunisia-hundreds-arrested-violent-protests-army-deployed-cities">turned into riots</a>.  
<p>
In one city, protesters chased the thugs out of town and burned down their
building.
<p>
I hope Tunisia can democratically choose a government firm enough to
defy the banks.  That's what it would need to do, to represent the
people.


feed_id: e7f406bfdcf707e137a5467947e9a426
title: Jail for misdemeanors
uri: Jail-for-misdemeanors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Jail_for_misdemeanors%29
content:
<p>
Parts of New York City will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/10/new-york-city-to-end-cash-bail-for-non-felony-cases-in-win-for-reform-advocates">end the jailing</a> of people accused of
misdemeanors.
<p>
This is not a law, just a policy decision by two current district attorneys.


feed_id: 9ea3fc20c62933a73899296bb3e66882
title: Catherine Deneuve
uri: Catherine-Deneuve
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Catherine_Deneuve%29
content:
<p>
Catherine Deneuve and other women <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/jan/09/catherine-deneuve-men-should-be-free-hit-on-women-harvey-weinstein-scandal">condemn the current sexual "witch
hunt"</a>, saying that people should not be punished for overtures such as
tentatively putting a hand on someone's knee or stealing a kiss.
<p>
In other words, sexual invitation should not be automatically defined as
sexual coercion.
<p>
Critics immediately <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/jan/10/catherine-deneuve-claim-metoo-witch-hunt-backlash">condemned the signatories</a> as "apologists for
rape", but this misrepresents them totally.
<p>
An overture has to cross the line of usual behavior, or it doesn't
function as an overture.
<p>
If you hope your overture will be accepted, you will try to make it in
a way that will inspire "yes" rather than provoke "no".  However, few
are such masters of human relationships that they never mess up an
overture; every overture is risky.  The resulting anxiety can itself
make you mess up.  Thus, there has to be slack for people who go a
little too far — a way to teach them more finesse and gentleness,
rather than ruin their lives.
<p>
Overtures cannot go very far beyond the line.  This is not a matter of
intentions, it's a matter of actions.  A stolen kiss, to be an
acceptable overture, must not be pushy — meaning no pushing the
tongue into someone's mouth.  Calling groping an overture doesn't make
it a legitimate overture — groping is an attack.  As for masturbating
in front of someone, the idea of that as an overture is ludicrous
… except perhaps in an orgy.


feed_id: 47749fc824de71d9e3c28a62037d4bf9
title: Activist Aisim Saeed
uri: Activist-Aisim-Saeed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Activist_Aisim_Saeed%29
content:
<p>
Pakistani human rights activist Aasim Saeed was <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-41662595">kidnaped and tortured</a>
by state savagery forces.


feed_id: e6b08137523ec8a73b50837b6731a5fb
title: NYC fossil fuel divestment
uri: NYC-fossil-fuel-divestment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28NYC_fossil_fuel_divestment%29
content:
<p>
New York City <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/10/new-york-city-plans-to-divest-5bn-from-fossil-fuels-and-sue-oil-companies">Plans to Divest $5bn</a> from Fossil Fuels And Sue Oil Companies.
<p>
The divestment is aimed at <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/01/10/new-york-city-takes-bolds-steps-protect-new-yorkers-climate-impacts-and-risks">specific large fossil fuel companies</a>.
<p>
Over <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/01/10/dems-lay-plans-2018-100-house-senate-candidates-back-fossil-fuels-act-strongest">100 Democratic congressional candidates</a> support the OFF Fossil Fuels Act.
For the rest of them, the question is, "Why not you?"


feed_id: a561608b33e3fd529ee53521daea6159
title: Privatized housing
uri: Privatized-housing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Privatized_housing%29
content:
<p>
The UK has privatized housing for asylum seekers, with the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/jan/10/rats-mould-and-broken-furniture-the-scandal-of-the-uks-refugee-housing">results you
would expect</a> if you read my political notes: broken shower, broken
heating, broken furniture, mold, mice, run by a company that manages
to hear complaints and forget them.
<p>
How could you expect the company to do its job?
Profits are its first priority.


feed_id: 84ac23823674c16921ed9967b57ac522
title: Zinke's favoritism
uri: Zinke-s-favoritism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Zinke%27s_favoritism%29
content:
<p>
Saboteur Zinke has given Florida an exception from the policy of
drilling for oil on all coasts.  This is an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/10/trump-offshore-drilling-florida-ryan-zinke">explicit act of favoritism</a>.


feed_id: 85baeaaf02841a4423f94bbcb7bb422b
title: Witchcraft accusations
uri: Witchcraft-accusations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Witchcraft_accusations%29
content:
<p>
Witchcraft accusations in Papua New Guinea are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/11/papua-new-guinea-chief-justice-attacked-as-sorcery-related-violence-escalates">going out of control</a>
and spreading feuds.


feed_id: bf3d4d5f7d885123a8ec57dd63456cdf
title: Border-crossers in the Mediterranean
uri: Border-crossers-in-the-Mediterranean
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Border-crossers_in_the_Mediterranean%29

content:
<p>
Helena Maleno informs authorities (the Spanish coast guard, I think)
of border-crossers in danger of drowning in the Mediterranean.  Spain
determined that this is not illegal, so <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/10/spanish-activist-helena-maleno-in-moroccan-court-over-people-smuggling-charge">it asked Morocco</a> to prosecute
her.


feed_id: 2ee88f30bc92171dad81fdeff7999a07
title: Urgent: Howard Nielson
uri: Urgent-Howard-Nielson
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#14_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Howard_Nielson%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.pfaw.org/sign/oppose-trump-nominee-nielson/">call on the senate</a> to oppose Howard Nielson for US judge.


feed_id: 90eca32e84a39557e27594cd1a7b3c18
title: Urgent: Funding pipelines
uri: Urgent-Funding-pipelines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#14_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Funding_pipelines%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.climatetruth.org/sign/US_BANK_DIVEST/">Tell US Bank</a> to keep its promise to stop funding oil and
gas pipelines.


feed_id: 86118d020209e421c05a4491a203f847
title: Deporting without court hearing
uri: Deporting-without-court-hearing
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#14_January_2018_%28Deporting_without_court_hearing%29

content:
<p>
US immigration agents is pushing to deport 92 Somalis <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/10/ice-abused-somalis-2-days-plane-and-now-wants-send-them-harms-way">before they can have
a court hearing</a> which might grant them asylum.
<p>
When a government agency intentionally defies the law to trample
someone's rights, it proclaims contempt for the idea that people have
rights.


feed_id: 6ab224ebff9a346f184f97a3736b267a
title: Ocean as trust fund
uri: Ocean-as-trust-fund
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#14_January_2018_%28Ocean_as_trust_fund%29
content:
<p>
"Think of the ocean <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/10/what-trump-administration-doesnt-understand-about-ocean-conservation">as a trust fund</a>. If you want to rely on that fund
for the rest of your days, you can only use the interest."


feed_id: 0fa05bfb6019e9f802804572ee3a8b8a
title: Judging companies
uri: Judging-companies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#14_January_2018_%28Judging_companies%29
content:
<p>
New Orleans <a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/01/11/new-orleans-bds-movement-israel/">adopted a law</a> to judge companies based on human rights and
how they treat workers.


feed_id: f5f07d393b362f0b4501c2e4bf7d4c30
title: Protests in Iran
uri: 2018-01-15-Protests-in-Iran
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#14_January_2018_%28Protests_in_Iran%29
content:
<p>
The protests in Iran are <a href="https://globalvoices.org/2018/01/09/the-draft-budget-at-the-heart-of-the-iran-protests/">often about the draft budget</a>, which gives
lots of money to the religious <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> and to proselytizing, at the expense
of the people.
<p>
In the US we give too much to the military and the business owners, at
the expense of the people.


feed_id: a7fe53d63dd4058ecee30239a8833cc5
title: Arms race for attention
uri: Arms-race-for-attention
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#14_January_2018_%28Arms_race_for_attention%29
content:
<p>
On <a href="http://locusmag.com/2018/01/cory-doctorow-persuasion-adaptation-and-the-arms-race-for-your-attention/">the arms race</a> between addictive technology and people's resistance
to it.
<p>
I've done even better than become immune to many different
attention-suckers.  I've learned to recognize the influence of an
attention-sucker, and decide to stop paying attention to it.  Even
things that are not exploitative for anyone else's benefit, such as a
puzzle, I consciously walk away from, and I have taught myself to do
this quickly.
<p>
So stop playing those video games and campaign for free software!


feed_id: afd109005797cb8aacc10f0021bf4b6b
title: Forced to save
uri: Forced-to-save
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#14_January_2018_%28Forced_to_save%29
content:
<p>
Forcing workers that can't afford living to save money for retirement
<a href="https://splinternews.com/oh-damn-401-k-s-arent-magic-1821807209">hurts them</a>, because they have to borrow more money to live on.
<p>
The only way to make them better off is to increase their pay.
The reason their pay is too low is — plutocracy.


feed_id: 5b10997645a75512988d18f6da9532b2
title: Hate speech law
uri: Hate-speech-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#14_January_2018_%28Hate_speech_law%29
content:
<p>
It Took Only Three Days For Germany's New Hate Speech Law To <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20180105/15544738943/it-took-only-three-days-germanys-new-hate-speech-law-to-cause-collateral-damage.shtml">Cause Collateral
Damage</a> — censoring a post meant to mock real words of hatred.
<p>
The ACLU, which I support, campaigns for even Nazis to have the
freedom to speak and to protest.  Not because of any love for Nazis,
but because censorship is akin to Nazism.


feed_id: aab760b0f4a1aa608438f65c174da2a2
title: Copyright extension
uri: Copyright-extension
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#14_January_2018_%28Copyright_extension%29
content:
<p>
It looks like Disney is <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/01/hollywood-says-its-not-planning-another-copyright-extension-push/">not going to try</a> to buy another 20-year
copyright extension.


feed_id: d041d2d41d64cd751566ec3a86872893
title: US 'medical system'
uri: US-medical-system
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#14_January_2018_%28US_%27medical_system%27%29
content:
<p>
The US doesn't have a medical system.  It has <a href="https://meaningness.com/metablog/post-apocalyptic-health-care">many systems</a>
that can't figure out how to deal with each other.
<p>
Sanders' <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-mar-jun.html#25_March_2014_(Two-thirds_of_US_doctors_advocate_medicare_for_all)">Medicare for All</a> would fix this.


feed_id: deafe25371393421f89bfc6ef0c3cad3
title: Letting children play and walk
uri: Letting-children-play-and-walk
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#14_January_2018_%28Letting_children_play_and_walk%29

content:
<p>
Utah is <a href="https://letgrow.org/utah-first-state-decriminalize-parents-let-kids-play-outside/">considering a bill</a> to protect parents that let their children
play outside or walk to school.


feed_id: 49a2f4df87776691f5b25b1b1d39620c
title: Goldwater rule
uri: Goldwater-rule
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#14_January_2018_%28Goldwater_rule%29
content:
<p>
The "Goldwater" rule <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/11/rethinking-goldwater-rule-trump-era">should be altered</a> somehow to allow diagnosis
of certain untreatable mental illnesses in political candidates.


feed_id: 4b47e2d273a7f7219a0db8ea697218c7
title: Medicaid job requirement
uri: Medicaid-job-requirement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#14_January_2018_%28Medicaid_job_requirement%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#saboteur">Saboteur</a> Verma is arranging for states
to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/11/trump-medicaid-work-requirements">kick people off Medicaid</a>
for not having jobs.
<p>
What about disabled people that can't work?
What about students?


feed_id: a93e74ef9dfa55b6667e297b1450a02e
title: Riots in Tunisia
uri: 2018-01-15-Riots-in-Tunisia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Riots_in_Tunisia%29
content:
<p>
Protests in Tunisia, against the poverty imposed by foreign banks,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/11/tunisia-hundreds-arrested-violent-protests-army-deployed-cities">turned into riots</a>.  
<p>
In one city, protesters chased the <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> out of town and burned down their
building.
<p>
I hope Tunisia can democratically choose a government firm enough to
defy the banks.  That's what it would need to do, to represent the
people.


feed_id: 3b4ce252630ab12fc7c4c514e05227d3
title: Catherine Deneuve
uri: 2018-01-15-Catherine-Deneuve
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Catherine_Deneuve%29
content:
<p>
Catherine Deneuve and other women <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/jan/09/catherine-deneuve-men-should-be-free-hit-on-women-harvey-weinstein-scandal">condemn the current sexual "witch
hunt"</a>, saying that people should not be punished for overtures such as
tentatively putting a hand on someone's knee or stealing a kiss.
<p>
In other words, sexual invitation should not be automatically defined as
sexual coercion.
<p>
Critics immediately <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/jan/10/catherine-deneuve-claim-metoo-witch-hunt-backlash">condemned the signatories</a> as "apologists for
rape", but this misrepresents them totally.
<p>
An overture has to cross the line of usual behavior, or it doesn't
function as an overture.
<p>
If you hope your overture will be accepted, you will try to make it in
a way that will inspire "yes" rather than provoke "no".  However, few
are such masters of human relationships that they never mess up an
overture; every overture is risky.  The resulting anxiety can itself
make you mess up.  Thus, there has to be slack for people who go a
little too far — a way to teach them more finesse and gentleness,
rather than ruin their lives.
<p>
Some men try to stretch the concept of "overtures" to cover unlimited
nuisance, but that is erroneous.  It does not stretch very far.
<p>
Overtures cannot go very far beyond the line.  This is not a matter of
intentions, it's a matter of actions.  A stolen kiss, to be an
acceptable overture, must not be pushy — meaning no pushing the
tongue into someone's mouth.  Calling groping an overture doesn't make
it a legitimate overture — groping is an attack.  As for
masturbating in front of someone, that might be a valid overture
… in an orgy.
<p>
If you've made one overture and did not get a positive reaction, you
mustn't do them repeatedly, because that is being a nuisance.  Every
woman recognizes an overture, and if she doesn't respond, it's not a
sign that she didn't get the message, but rather a sign of "no".


feed_id: cc2206a46457fa2f806ad093ced3039d
title: Zinke's favoritism
uri: 2018-01-15-Zinke-s-favoritism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Zinke%27s_favoritism%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#saboteur">Saboteur</a> Zinke has given Florida an exception from the policy of
drilling for oil on all coasts.  This is an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/10/trump-offshore-drilling-florida-ryan-zinke">explicit act of favoritism</a>.


feed_id: a031e96195c016a9a326c4a90da35526
title: Kushner bribe
uri: 2018-01-15-Kushner-bribe
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#12_January_2018_%28Kushner_bribe%29
content:
<p>
Kushner "advises" the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>'s officials about mid-east policy
while taking a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/08/kushner-under-fire-receiving-30m-israeli-firm-while-shaping-middle-east-policy">30-million-dollar bribe</a> from Israel.


feed_id: df7c9b41b12880b4c4b0153d4bad5f59
title: The bully on Iran vs Syria
uri: 2018-01-15-The-bully-on-Iran-vs-Syria
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#12_January_2018_%28The_bully_on_Iran_vs_Syria%29
content:
<p>
Assad continues bombing medical clinics in Syria, but the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> sees no
evil <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/09/trumps-silence-on-syria-contrasts-with-his-criticism-of-iran">except in Iran</a>.


feed_id: e06ae3aa0fac5cb7bcb7a5345a52b659
title: Oprah for president
uri: 2018-01-15-Oprah-for-president
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#12_January_2018_%28Oprah_for_president%29
content:
<p>
Starstruck Democrats <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/09/oprah-winfrey-president-idea-uncomfortable-truth">support Oprah Winfrey for president</a> — never mind
that she has no political experience, no voting record, and little in
the way of publicly stated political positions.
<p>
Chances are Winfrey would be better than the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>.  You could say as
much for any Democrat chosen at random.  Obama was better than the
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>.  Clinton would have been better than the bully.
<p>
Obama and Clinton served the plutocrats.  Winfrey, a billionaire, is
pretty close to being a plutocrat.  That doesn't absolutely prove she
will be a plutocratist like Obama and Clinton: FDR came from a rich
background and gave us the New Deal.  Americans could count on him to
do this because he had made his views, and his determination, very
clear.
<p>
Winfrey grew up in poverty; perhaps she will champion the poor.  But
she has not committed to do this, let alone say how.
<p>
Why settle for less than Bernie Sanders?


feed_id: 9e1915127ee1913fe60ac4163bd3de43
title: Attempted abduction of journalist
uri: Attempted-abduction-of-journalist
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Attempted_abduction_of_journalist%29

content:
<p>
Pakistani Journalist Who 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/10/pakistani-journalist-taha-siddiqui-military-attempted-abduction">Criticised
Military</a> Tells of Attempted Abduction.
<p>
This was apparently done by the military.  I suspect it was intended
as a warning to make him shut up.


feed_id: 394ccdfa2d911afcf45dd91692de32f2
title: Google search
uri: Google-search
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Google_search%29
content:
<p>
A new wrinkle in Google search 
<a href="http://ampletter.org/">pressures web sites to talk with users
via Google</a>, in a way that tends to keep users inside Google.
<p>
It seems to me that it should be illegal for one company to own a
search engine and a publishing platform.


feed_id: 5285210a3e500c303678e1a2c188b5bd
title: UN-associated thugs in Haiti
uri: UN-associated-thugs-in-Haiti
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28UN-associated_thugs_in_Haiti%29
content:
<p>
In November, thugs associated with the UN in Haiti raided a violent
area, captured some people, then
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/01/10/haiti-raid-united-nations-police-grand-ravine/">killed
them on the spot</a>.  The UN says they did this without orders.  The
state will not explain what happened.


feed_id: bbbbc7b0491a29bd264b020dcb1ee483
title: Terrorists in Egypt
uri: Terrorists-in-Egypt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Terrorists_in_Egypt%29
content:
<p>
Terrorists in Egypt are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/10/christians-egypt-unprecedented-persecution-report">persecuting
Christians</a>.


feed_id: a10bb0ad45a6ff69439360bb6f6600e1
title: Censorship power in Brazil
uri: Censorship-power-in-Brazil
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Censorship_power_in_Brazil%29
content:
<p>
Brazil has used the real danger of fake news as an excuse to allow
officials
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/01/10/first-france-now-brazil-unveils-plans-to-empower-the-government-to-censure-the-internet-in-the-name-of-stopping-fake-news/">censorship
power over political discussion on the internet</a>.
<p>
The government of Brazil is so corrupt that we can be certain this
will be misused.


feed_id: 4090f2674a0f96c863b466c220cdb5a9
title: Intravenous bag shortage
uri: Intravenous-bag-shortage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Intravenous_bag_shortage%29
content:
<p>
Americans, don't need an operation now!  US hospitals are short of
intravenous bags because 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/10/hurricane-maria-puerto-rico-iv-bag-shortage-hospitals">many
were made in Puerto Rico</a>.  Due to the 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_November_2017_(FEMA_in_Puerto_Rico)">inadequate
US help to putting Puerto Rico back on its feet</a>, the factory there
is not producing very many.
<p>
If this causes a problem for you or your loved ones, comfort yourself
with the thought that you are the price to be paid to 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jul-oct.html#25_September_2016_(Poor_countries_in_debt)">help
the plutocrats grab Puerto Rico's wealth</a>.


feed_id: 335bc19c086349f4b3169611d6c39960
title: Iran's drug laws
uri: Iran-s-drug-laws
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Irans_drug_laws%29
content:
<p>
A relaxation in Iran's drug laws could prevent 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/10/iran-ease-drug-laws-could-halt-execution-5000-prisoners-death-row">5000
executions</a>.
<p>
The "war on drugs" approach won't work in Iran any more than it does
in the US.
<p>
I am curious what fraction of those facing execution for drugs charges
in Iran those 5000 amount to.


feed_id: edcced2c708cd844db7465cfcbd443ad
title: Exclusion of political ideas
uri: Exclusion-of-political-ideas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Exclusion_of_political_ideas%29
content:
<p>
George Monbiot: "The establishment voices who vilify student
'snowflakes' are routinely 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/10/free-speech-obsessives-no-platforming-establishment-universities">excluding
political ideas they donât like</a>.  Socialism or environmentalism,
for instance."
<p>
As he says, the latter doesn't excuse the former, but we should focus
on the latter because it is a bigger problem.


feed_id: 7d702a480e3eea9d7a4d8a420ddc2226
title: Smoking
uri: 2018-01-15-Smoking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Smoking%29
content:
<p>
It appears 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/jan/10/one-cigarette-may-lead-to-habit-for-more-than-two-thirds-of-people">two
thirds of people who tried one cigarette subsequently became
smokers</a>.  This suggests it is very important to discourage young
people from trying a cigarette.
<p>
The study methodology leaves lots of room for error, but even if
really only half became smokers, that still supports the same
conclusion.


feed_id: c4958f50ba700a1e4ce011adae5d6233
title: Revocation of DACA
uri: Revocation-of-DACA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Revocation_of_DACA%29
content:
<p>
The revocation of DACA permissions has been 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/10/judge-blocks-trump-dreamers-daca-program-immigrants">temporarily
blocked</a> pending resolution of lawsuits about it.


feed_id: a1c6b2b1632e89d2911f85fb712e9f4c
title: Shari'a law
uri: Shari-a-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Sharia_law%29
content:
<p>
Muslim women in Greece 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/10/historic-step-greek-pm-hails-change-to-limit-power-of-sharia-law">will
no longer be compelled to follow Shari'a law</a> for family disputes.


feed_id: 86a93123de86740ca61ebe58680108be
title: NC Republican gerrymander
uri: NC-Republican-gerrymander
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28NC_Republican_gerrymander%29
content:
<p>
North Carolina's Republican gerrymander of Congress has been 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/09/north-carolina-republican-gerrymandering-judges-rule-illegal">rejected
by a US appeals court</a>.
<p>
Since the current governor is a Democrat, maybe the state won't appeal
this decision to the Supreme Court.


feed_id: 75bcb3bd5deb50128c74fc4c02f2beb4
title: Louisiana teacher attacked by thug
uri: Louisiana-teacher-attacked-by-thug
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Louisiana_teacher_attacked_by_thug%29

content:
<p>
Louisiana teacher Deyshia Hargrave was attacked by a thug 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/09/outrageous-demanding-pay-raises-educators-over-superintendent-teacher-pushed-ground">while
asking questions at a school board meeting</a>, then arrested by the
same thug.


feed_id: ad954d81b3da5256681e727a415ee13b
title: Apple's planned obsolescence
uri: Apple-s-planned-obsolescence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Apples_planned_obsolescence%29
content:
<p>
Apple 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/09/targeting-apple-designing-slow-down-iphones-small-french-consumer-group-punches">faces
an investigation in France</a> for building iPhones for planned
obsolescence.
<p>
The issue is not the battery slowdown software as such.  If the
slowdown was needed to keep the product functioning at all, it was
better than no slowdown.
<p>
Rather, the issue is designing the hardware so that it would be
expected to stop functioning normally.


feed_id: 12856daf3ad0855fd650e91a9d834d25
title: Testimony of Fusion GPS
uri: Testimony-of-Fusion-GPS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Testimony_of_Fusion_GPS%29
content:
<p>
To thwart Republican's selective leaks and threats, Senator Feinstein
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/09/feinstein-releases-complete-transcript-intel-committees-interview-firm-behind-trump">published
the whole testimony of Fusion GPS</a>.


feed_id: a6f14ac0d2bd763e0bf89212335c3f11
title: Israel's ban on Jewish leftists
uri: Israel-s-ban-on-Jewish-leftists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Israels_ban_on_Jewish_leftists%29

content:
<p>
Why has Israel 
<a href="https://972mag.com/why-has-israel-banned-jewish-leftists-but-not-members-of-nazi-linked-groups/132268/">Banned
Jewish Leftists But Not Members of Nazi-Linked Groups</a>?
<p>
My theory: since Israel's leaders have redefined "antisemitism" to
mean opposition to Israel's occupation policy, they no longer
recognize real antisemites as such.


feed_id: d7d35c91536cb3861d077254b27e51b6
title: Palestinian protesters shot dead
uri: Palestinian-protesters-shot-dead
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Palestinian_protesters_shot_dead%29

content:
<p>
Israeli soldiers 
<a href="https://www.btselem.org/press_releases/20180108_fatalities_following_trump_declaration">shot
10 Palestinian protesters dead</a> recently.
<p>
The soldiers were in no danger that could justify shooting.  Some of
the protesters were throwing stones, but the soldiers were too far
away for them to hit.
<p>
In one case, the soldiers fired at people who tried to bring a dying
protester to an ambulance.


feed_id: 816253aed51124a0fbb263590889dc4c
title: A "stable genius"
uri: A-stable-genius
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28A_stable_genius%29
content:
<p>
New 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/09/new-stable-genius-act-would-mandate-mental-fitness-exams-presidential-candidates">STABLE
GENIUS Act</a> Would Mandate Mental Fitness Exams for Presidential
Candidates.
<p>
An unusually intelligent jackass could be called a stable genius.
Maybe that's what the bully meant when he described himself as one.


feed_id: 75780c5c08de487a1069eb812cec7010
title: Saboteur still working on EPA cuts
uri: Saboteur-still-working-on-EPA-cuts
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Saboteur_still_working_on_EPA_cuts%29

content:
<p>
Saboteur Pruitt is still 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/01/09/pruitt-set-slash-epa-scientists-public-health-experts-half">working
on cutting the EPA staff by 50%</a>.


feed_id: 6ef81fbc0d296f5af30906e8538562c2
title: Salmon harmed by pesticides
uri: Salmon-harmed-by-pesticides
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Salmon_harmed_by_pesticides%29
content:
<p>
Pesticides 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/01/09/chlorpyrifos-pesticide-harms-salmon-and-orcas-government-report-says">chlorpyrifos,
malathion, and diazinon</a>, even at low concentrations, harm salmon.
Their presence in a river can wipe salmon out there.


feed_id: 115191e4439ba3b992c48010f295a188
title: US-backed war in Yemen ignored
uri: US-backed-war-in-Yemen-ignored
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28US-backed_war_in_Yemen_ignored%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/09/msnbc-ignores-catastrophic-us-backed-war-yemen">MSNBC
Ignores</a> Catastrophic US-Backed War in Yemen.


feed_id: 58b01a17766bc78bda39840a9afc943e
title: Prosecution of Reuters reporters
uri: Prosecution-of-Reuters-reporters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Prosecution_of_Reuters_reporters%29

content:
<p>
Two Burmese Reuters reporters are being 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/10/two-reuters-journalists-rohingya-court-myanmar">prosecuted
for "possession of state secrets"</a> under a law that was imposed by
the British empire.
<p>
According to their story, it looks like thugs set a trap for them.


feed_id: 9ad1cd4bda68851fd85728922e17b3d6
title: Inadequate funding of NHS
uri: Inadequate-funding-of-NHS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Inadequate_funding_of_NHS%29
content:
<p>
The inadequate funding of the NHS is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/09/cancer-operation-cancelled-jeremy-hunt">forcing
even cancer surgery to be delayed</a>.
<p>
Delays in cancer surgery can be fatal.


feed_id: e4f90517806781c03fe9be8de62fe65f
title: Catherine Deneuve
uri: 2018-01-15-Catherine-Deneuve
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#13_January_2018_%28Catherine_Deneuve%29
content:
<p>
Catherine Deneuve and other women <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/jan/09/catherine-deneuve-men-should-be-free-hit-on-women-harvey-weinstein-scandal">condemn the current sexual "witch
hunt"</a>, saying that people should not be punished for overtures such as
tentatively putting a hand on someone's knee or stealing a kiss.
<p>
In other words, sexual invitation should not be automatically defined as
sexual coercion.
<p>
Critics immediately <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/jan/10/catherine-deneuve-claim-metoo-witch-hunt-backlash">condemned the signatories</a> as "apologists for
rape", but this misrepresents them totally.
<p>
An overture has to cross the line of usual behavior, or it doesn't
function as an overture.  But that is no excuse for going far
beyond the line.
<p>
If you hope your overture will be accepted, you will try to make it in
a way that will inspire "yes" rather than provoke "no".  However, few
are such masters of human relationships that they never mess up an
overture; every overture is risky.  The resulting anxiety can itself
make you mess up.  Thus, there has to be slack for people who go a
little too far — a way to teach them more finesse and gentleness,
rather than ruin their lives.
<p>
Some men try to stretch the concept of "overtures" to cover unlimited
nuisance, but that is erroneous.  It does not stretch very far.
<p>
Overtures cannot go way beyond the line.  This is not a matter of
intentions, it's a matter of actions.  A stolen kiss, to be an
acceptable overture, must not be pushy — meaning no pushing the
tongue into someone's mouth.  Calling groping an overture doesn't make
it a legitimate overture — groping is an attack.  As for
masturbating in front of someone, that might be an acceptable overture
in an orgy.  But not anywhere else.
<p>
If you've made one overture and did not get a positive reaction, you
mustn't do them repeatedly, because that is being a nuisance.  Every
woman recognizes an overture, and if she doesn't respond, it's not a
sign that she didn't get the message, but rather a sign of "no".


feed_id: 3d923394535635c004a6a7aeb927741c
title: Urgent: Free torture victim
uri: Urgent-Free-torture-victim
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Free_torture_victim%29
content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://act.amnestyusa.org/page/17643/action/1">call on the US</a> to free torture victim Toffiq al-Bihani, to
shut down the Guantanamo prison, and to end imprisonment without trial
no matter where.


feed_id: 18f6dd82d3bab0f572e684882e63d7dc
title: Urgent: Citizenship question
uri: Urgent-Citizenship-question
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Citizenship_question%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.demandprogress.org/sign/tell-census-bureau-no-new-citizenship-question-census/">object to adding a citizenship question</a> to the 2020 census.


feed_id: 0b2293ea1133893c6d7f43c531b4402c
title: Small ISPs
uri: Small-ISPs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Small_ISPs%29
content:
<p>
Ajit Pai's next blow: <a href="https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/ev5mm7/at-the-behest-of-t-mobile-the-fcc-is-undoing-rules-that-make-it-easier-for-small-isps-to-compete-with-big-telecom">wiping out small ISPs</a>.


feed_id: 6131947a592e14ccf0a25902105d188a
title: Militia in Bosnia
uri: Militia-in-Bosnia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Militia_in_Bosnia%29
content:
<p>
Reportedly Russia is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/12/russian-trained-mercenaries-back-bosnias-serb-separatists">setting up a militia</a> in the Serb part of Bosnia
to destabilize Bosnia.
<p>
I can't be sure whether this report is true.
I don't see what Russia has to gain through this.


feed_id: fe2194982cf5b13020c302baa65fc3b6
title: Electing celebrities
uri: Electing-celebrities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Electing_celebrities%29
content:
<p>
If Oprah Winfrey ran against <a href="/glossary.html#trump">the troll</a>, the ultimate winner would be
the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/12/oprah-winfrey-v-donald-trump-2020-dreams-nightmares">idea of electing celebrities</a> instead of people you can count on.


feed_id: 07fd8579aac10c62bebf3ef2d2e1f915
title: Rep Nunes
uri: Rep-Nunes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Rep_Nunes%29
content:
<p>
The chair of the House Intelligence Committee, Rep Nunes, is <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/1/3/1729455/-Devin-Nunes-should-be-the-subject-of-an-investigation-not-running-one">going all out</a>
to prevent the investigation from advancing.


feed_id: 37ed0b95c3a1afa923ba6edd810637cf
title: Denying sick patient
uri: Denying-sick-patient
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Denying_sick_patient%29
content:
<p>
A US hospital faces shame for <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/12/viral-video-hospital-dumping-woman-freezing-cold-stirs-demand-medicare-all">carrying a sick patient out</a> to the
street after denying her care.
<p>
The hospital staff surely did this because they were under pressure
from management.  The hospital's apology is bogus as long as
management continues the pressure.  But I doubt they do this out of
sadism.  They are surely responding to pressure from funding
institutions.  We need to change those too.
<p>
Medicare for All is a good way to do it, but one way or another we
have to put more money into medical care — and less into the military,
into massive surveillance, and into wasteful and polluting fossil fuels.


feed_id: d6922032360fed3d53c1844dd590b27a
title: Science grants
uri: Science-grants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Science_grants%29
content:
<p>
The Interior Department will henceforth offer grants only to science projects
that promise to <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/1/10/1731167/-The-Interior-Department-clamps-down-on-science-only-projects-that-fit-Trump-s-priorities-allowed">advance Republican sabotage goals</a>.
<p>
When funders specify the desired result in advance, that is corrupt science.


feed_id: bc29749fb7311255e62971aa16e66a22
title: Puerto Rico status
uri: Puerto-Rico-status
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Puerto_Rico_status%29
content:
<p>
Puerto Rico is <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/1/10/1731579/-Things-in-Puerto-Rico-continue-to-worsen-as-police-chief-resigns-amid-increased-killings">still wrecked</a>, and not being repaired fast.


feed_id: 35fa2e15cb0af79abe289cd255527a26
title: Amazon worker pay
uri: Amazon-worker-pay
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Amazon_worker_pay%29
content:
<p>
Amazon cheats the public by paying workers so little that they <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/1/10/1731557/-Jeff-Bezos-is-the-richest-man-in-the-world-while-Amazon-employees-struggle-to-survive">need
public assistance</a>.


feed_id: 9f379435e3e6d24902d251f2ccd89234
title: Right-wing extremists
uri: 2018-01-16-Right-wing-extremists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Right-wing_extremists%29
content:
<p>
Right-wing extremists <a href="https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2018/01/04/extremists-unleash-deadly-domestic-violence-attacks-during-holiday-season">continue killing</a> in the US.
<p>
Most did not make the news, because only one person was killed.


feed_id: 8b0b0ecb23b3ff4c49387373ecf2a144
title: Medicaid work requirement
uri: Medicaid-work-requirement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Medicaid_work_requirement%29
content:
<p>
Putting a work requirement on Medicaid would result in an increasing
number of people who need treatment and have trouble working until
they get it.  Whoever judges whether someone is disabled would probably
be under pressure to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/01/11/medicaid-work-requirements-cruel-stupid-and-illegal">bias the decisions</a>,
as happens in the UK.


feed_id: 972978543ea15fc88b068ecb87fba3ed
title: Preparing for disasters
uri: 2018-01-16-Preparing-for-disasters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Preparing_for_disasters%29
content:
<p>
Preparing in advance to handle local disasters is a very good
investment — <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/01/11/new-study-finds-society-now-saves-6-every-1-spent-preparing-natural-disasters">it returns 500%</a>.
<p>
Changing the practices that cause increasing numbers of "natural"
disasters might be an even better investment.


feed_id: 9f28b74780dad8933155657fde43527d
title: Drinking water in Texas
uri: Drinking-water-in-Texas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Drinking_water_in_Texas%29
content:
<p>
Kathleen Hartnett White, <a href="/glossary.html#trump">the troll</a>'s nominee to head the Council on
Environmental Quality, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/12/new-report-radioactive-tap-water-renews-concerns-about-trump-nominee-top">falsified measurements</a> of radioactive material
in drinking water in Texas.
<p>
A <a href="/glossary.html#saboteur">saboteur</a> after the troll's own heart.


feed_id: bdf5aabf5146f854ddc542b46611ec56
title: Government shut down
uri: Government-shut-down
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Government_shut_down%29
content:
<p>
Democrats should be <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/12/dear-democrats-shut-it-down">ready to shut down the government</a> to block some
very bad Republican changes.
<p>
I personally don't think that DACA rises to that level.  I support
continuing DACA but I would not shut the government down for that
alone.
<p>
On the other hand, blocking the automatic cuts to Social Security and
Medicare, which would otherwise be imposed because of the deficits that the tax
attacks will create, is a justification for shutting down the government.


feed_id: 1dd9dd8ec16a2381c647b0d1a00886f2
title: Wrongful arrest
uri: Wrongful-arrest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Wrongful_arrest%29
content:
<p>
UK <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> were told to look for a white suspect, but when they saw a
black man nearby they couldn't resist the urge <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jan/11/met-officers-who-wrongly-arrested-black-man-put-through-misconduct-hearings">to arrest him</a>.
<p>
At least the unarmed UK <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> couldn't shoot him dead on the spot the
way they would have done in the US.


feed_id: 148bc3e1a706b3965d340140bf5f6c88
title: Ambassador to Panama
uri: Ambassador-to-Panama
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Ambassador_to_Panama%29
content:
<p>
The US ambassador to Panama <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/12/us-ambassador-panama-trump-john-feeley">has quit</a>, saying he cannot honorably serve
under <a href="/glossary.html#trump">the troll</a>.
<p>
Nowadays <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_(Driving_out_diplomats)">few wish to join</a> the US Foreign Service;
most people cannot reconcile
obeying <a href="/glossary.html#trump">the troll</a> with the idea of serving their country.


feed_id: f0f563ed14bca67ecd8cecb6c929d92a
title: Protest in Tunisia
uri: Protest-in-Tunisia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Protest_in_Tunisia%29
content:
<p>
A large protest <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/12/tunisia-escalates-crackdown-sunday-protest-anti-government-demonnstrations">has been announced</a> in Tunisia for Sunday.


feed_id: 15a704ba2e2891e536f1f1b65ba3844a
title: Deandre Harris
uri: Deandre-Harris
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Deandre_Harris%29
content:
<p>
Deandre Harris, who was attacked by white supremacists during their
rally in Charleston, <a href="http://www.newsplex.com/content/news/Deandre-Harris-faces-new-charges-468843933.html">has been charged</a> with carrying a loaded rifle in
his car when he was stopped for driving too fast.
<p>
This stinks.  Do the <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> present any proof that the rifle was in
Harris's car before they stopped it?  I wouldn't take a <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a>'s word
for that, or even 10 <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>' word.


feed_id: 19c053ccc7ed733c4798357b94231895
title: Democrats for spying
uri: Democrats-for-spying
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Democrats_for_spying%29
content:
<p>
Democrats that voted for continued warrantless spying on Americans
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/01/12/the-same-democrats-who-denounce-trump-as-a-lawless-treasonous-authoritarian-just-voted-to-give-him-vast-warrantless-spying-powers/">made the difference</a>; if they had not, we would have defeated it.


feed_id: d1293a5742e771524d54d80cdb8d7005
title: Slave revolt in Haiti
uri: Slave-revolt-in-Haiti
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Slave_revolt_in_Haiti%29
content:
<p>
The US <a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/01/12/haiti-donald-trump-shithole-america-history/">owes its importance</a> to the slave revolt in Haiti.


feed_id: fd398f317e448823b5aded30f67dd527
title: Killings by Iranian thugs
uri: Killings-by-Iranian-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Killings_by_Iranian_thugs%29
content:
<p>
Iranian thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/09/iran-protests-deaths-custody-human-rights">torture and kill protesters</a> they have arrested.
<p>
This is wrong no matter which country does it.  I feel especially pained
when US <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> do it.


feed_id: 83c00e46a29cac2b79c4ce51c65fa5b9
title: UN-associated thugs in Haiti
uri: 2018-01-16-UN-associated-thugs-in-Haiti
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28UN-associated_thugs_in_Haiti%29
content:
<p>
In November, <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> associated with the UN in Haiti raided a violent
area, captured some people, then
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/01/10/haiti-raid-united-nations-police-grand-ravine/">killed
them on the spot</a>.  The UN says they did this without orders.  The
state will not explain what happened.


feed_id: edb2e52dedbabd4545c47664764d3bb5
title: Louisiana teacher attacked by thug
uri: 2018-01-16-Louisiana-teacher-attacked-by-thug
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Louisiana_teacher_attacked_by_thug%29

content:
<p>
Louisiana teacher Deyshia Hargrave was attacked by a <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/09/outrageous-demanding-pay-raises-educators-over-superintendent-teacher-pushed-ground">while
asking questions at a school board meeting</a>, then arrested by the
same <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a>.


feed_id: a2e66e2e381a5585954cd2bed75c8adf
title: A "stable genius"
uri: 2018-01-16-A-stable-genius
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28A_stable_genius%29
content:
<p>
New 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/09/new-stable-genius-act-would-mandate-mental-fitness-exams-presidential-candidates">STABLE
GENIUS Act</a> Would Mandate Mental Fitness Exams for Presidential
Candidates.
<p>
An unusually intelligent jackass could be called a stable genius.
Maybe that's what the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> meant when he described himself as one.


feed_id: 36dda77ad48bc86c0f70eefeae789820
title: Saboteur still working on EPA cuts
uri: 2018-01-16-Saboteur-still-working-on-EPA-cuts
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Saboteur_still_working_on_EPA_cuts%29

content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#saboteur">Saboteur</a> Pruitt is still 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/01/09/pruitt-set-slash-epa-scientists-public-health-experts-half">working
on cutting the EPA staff by 50%</a>.


feed_id: 8fee51f22eacb24acad1b190a36143da
title: Prosecution of Reuters reporters
uri: 2018-01-16-Prosecution-of-Reuters-reporters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#15_January_2018_%28Prosecution_of_Reuters_reporters%29

content:
<p>
Two Burmese Reuters reporters are being 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/10/two-reuters-journalists-rohingya-court-myanmar">prosecuted
for "possession of state secrets"</a> under a law that was imposed by
the British empire.
<p>
According to their story, it looks like <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> set a trap for them.


feed_id: 4397afb63d906898944f44acf1324350
title: Volunteer
uri: 2018-01-17-Volunteer
url: https://stallman.org/index.html#volunteerListAnc
content:
<p>I am looking for people to <p>I am looking for volunteers to browse various sites and show me
     items that I ought to see and link to.  If you would like to help me 
     in this way, please write to rms at gnu dot o r g.
     </p></p>


feed_id: 7ff8574fd518391a8402098392f66275
title: Urgent: Safe Communities Act
uri: 2018-01-17-Urgent-Safe-Communities-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Safe_Communities_Act%29

content:
<p>
Citizens of Massachusetts: <a href="https://ssl.capwiz.com/aclu/issues/alert/?alertid=79463626&type=ST">Support passing</a> the Safe Communities Act.


feed_id: 704708d359b28b54790b9cd4e535cc6b
title: Urgent: Fitness of president
uri: Urgent-Fitness-of-president
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Fitness_of_president%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/25th_amendment_2018/">Tell Congress</a> to have experts decide whether presidents are
physically and mentally fit for the job.


feed_id: d3da4684c51d8cd4def274ad6bcd3944
title: Man with no citizenship
uri: Man-with-no-citizenship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_%28Man_with_no_citizenship%29
content:
<p>
When Australia found that Said Imasi was not a citizen of any country,
and couldn't go anywhere let alone be deported to anywhere, it <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jan/15/every-day-i-am-crushed-the-stateless-man-held-without-trial-by-australia-for-eight-years">put him
in prison without trial</a> — for life, apparently.


feed_id: f7e3b3e0aeca308804333018d163bd10
title: Industrial agriculture
uri: Industrial-agriculture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_%28Industrial_agriculture%29
content:
<p>
Industrial agriculture generates <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/12/farming-small-planet">increasing amounts of
greenhouse gases</a>.  If we don't stop the increase, it will guarantee
<a href="/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> disaster.
<p>
It exhausts aquifers, topsoil, and deposits of fertilizer.  Meanwhile,
the fertilizer runoff is turning increasing regions of the sea into
"dead zones".
<p>
It also concentrates wealth, which keeps most of humanity in deepening
poverty.
<p>
So we need to replace it.


feed_id: 0de7c975de938fc4fb042bf6f2e6f0ac
title: Polish abortion law
uri: Polish-abortion-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_%28Polish_abortion_law%29
content:
<p>
The theocratic Polish state intends to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/11/polish-mps-reject-liberalised-abortion-laws-but-back-new-restrictions">ban aborting a defective fetus</a>.
Their religion puts human suffering second to a hypothetical sadistic god.


feed_id: 12185f5639cc3e31ff272292e62cf046
title: Ban on oil activity
uri: Ban-on-oil-activity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_%28Ban_on_oil_activity%29
content:
<p>
Belize has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2018/jan/14/belize-bans-oil-activity-to-protect-reef-diving-tourism-belize-barrier-reef">banned all oil activity</a> from its territorial waters.


feed_id: 41ef2858849102047095ac5ec150e1b0
title: Nuclear deterrence
uri: Nuclear-deterrence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_%28Nuclear_deterrence%29
content:
<p>
It is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/14/nuclear-deterrence-myth-lethal-david-barash">hard to demonstrate clearly</a> that nuclear deterrence is actually
effective.


feed_id: 254d50b959562d6d7e1b6c30b595b616
title: Endangered species protection
uri: 2018-01-17-Endangered-species-protection
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_%28Endangered_species_protection%29
content:
<p>
The sabotage administration is <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/1/12/1732172/-Trump-s-attack-on-endangered-species-is-escalating">systematically rejecting applications</a> to protect
endangered species, and trying to unprotect some so they will go extinct.
<p>
Next target: <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/1/12/1732204/-Former-interior-officials-denounce-Ryan-Zinke-s-decision-to-weaken-rules-on-migratory-birds">migratory birds</a>.


feed_id: 76d924ae7b92e31c1e49bf7cc96d2af9
title: Holding CHIP hostage
uri: Holding-CHIP-hostage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_%28Holding_CHIP_hostage%29
content:
<p>
Republicans <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/1/12/1732292/-Republicans-admit-CHIP-is-a-budget-hostage-say-they-disagree-refuse-to-do-anything-about">have privately admitted</a> that they are holding the CHIP
medical funding hostage.
<p>
They are <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_October_2017_(Troll_Daca_border_wall)">also blocking DACA</a> told hold some immigrants hostage,
the ones who are more American than anything else.
<p>
That's the spirit of the Republican Party today — take vulnerable
people hostage.  They will take any hostages they can grab.


feed_id: 26886e1f0ed1bf6d86c2b3b710c7c721
title: Marijuana legalization and crime
uri: Marijuana-legalization-and-crime
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_%28Marijuana_legalization_and_crime%29

content:
<p>
Legalizing marijuana in the US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/14/legal-marijuana-medical-use-crime-rate-plummets-us-study">cuts violent crime</a>, because it destroys
the drug gangs' business model.


feed_id: 89b2c57af0dd385f68ceb63fb0b183be
title: Attacking voting rights
uri: Attacking-voting-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_%28Attacking_voting_rights%29
content:
<p>
Republicans continue to systematically <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/09/voting-rights-still-need-your-protection">attack voting rights</a> in the US
on many fronts.


feed_id: 6db7cd069a429860d7bfe56a3ad7b9fa
title: Assad attacks Idlib
uri: Assad-attacks-Idlib
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_%28Assad_attacks_Idlib%29
content:
<p>
Assad is now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/13/syria-idlib-refugees-assad-migration-rebels">attacking rebel-held Idlib province</a>, and threatens to
send up to 2 million people fleeing into Turkey.


feed_id: a7aa52521f659d9d06eb3702bbcb37c0
title: Nuclear opportunities
uri: Nuclear-opportunities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_%28Nuclear_opportunities%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#trump">The troll</a> is actively
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/01/12/group-warns-implementation-trumps-plan-makes-nuclear-war-more-likely">seeking new opportunities</a> to start the use of
nuclear weapons.


feed_id: f28bbb9c5f3167b8de683f09929647d9
title: Tax loophole
uri: 2018-01-17-Tax-loophole
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_%28Tax_loophole%29
content:
<p>
Beyond the intentional cuts in corporation income tax, the tax attacks
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/12/gop-tax-scam-loophole-would-let-corporations-reap-billions-more-tax-avoidance">include a loophole</a> that lets businesses cut the tax even more.


feed_id: 4df5c1ebea2ff0ba90218e339bf429c8
title: Cypriote guerrillas
uri: Cypriote-guerrillas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_%28Cypriote_guerrillas%29
content:
<p>
Cypriote independence guerrillas are suing the UK for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/12/cypriot-veterans-win-right-to-claim-damages-over-uk-torture-claims">
torturing them
in the 1950s.
</a>


feed_id: af090ffd0ce49f8e1b5b6a5cb372ccf3
title: A racist from way back
uri: A-racist-from-way-back
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_%28A_racist_from_way_back%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/12/racism-and-donald-trump-a-common-thread-throughout-his-career-and-life">
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> is a racist from way back,
</a>
and we have seen it plenty.


feed_id: 70b5a6c06973519378946b5387f0f1ea
title: The "deal" with Carrier
uri: The-deal-with-Carrier
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_%28The_deal_with_Carrier%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#cheater">The cheater</a>'s "deal" with Carrier air conditioning, to keep some jobs
in the US, was bogus.
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/12/wish-i-voted-sanders-says-laid-carrier-worker-duped-con-man-trump">
Carrier is moving the jobs to Mexico now.
</a>


feed_id: 54f38fa12da07d5473e647258e28c382
title: Leave or be jailed
uri: Leave-or-be-jailed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_%28Leave_or_be_jailed%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/12/it-is-better-to-go-to-jail-the-african-migrants-being-forced-from-israel">
Israel has ordered unauthorized African migrants to leave or be jailed.
</a>
Some are so afraid to go home that they have chosen jail.
<p>
Shouldn't they be entitled to political asylum?


feed_id: 1a192fccbaccf77f66c9cc548d2ae115
title: UN support to Palestinians
uri: UN-support-to-Palestinians
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_%28UN_support_to_Palestinians%29
content:
<p>
If the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> does
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/12/donald-trump-cut-funding-palestinian-refugees-middle-east-security">
cut funding for the UN to support Palestinians,
</a>
it is likely to be a big bonus for Islamists. 


feed_id: 5afdba2e30e237efafcdb5769a98a50c
title: Indian phone scammers
uri: Indian-phone-scammers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_%28Indian_phone_scammers%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/13/india-600-million-young-people-world-cities-internet">
"India has 600 million young people &ndash and they're set to change our world."
</a>
<p>
Half of the population under 25 indicates rapid population growth.  If
these youths continue reproducing at the same rate,
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/children.html">
the change they
cause will be disaster,
</a>
first for India and then for the world.


feed_id: 0f4f0bc6b0c8b34be13a6aca599e8a84
title: Overture or invasion
uri: Overture-or-invasion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_%28Overture_or_invasion%29
content:
<p>
Regarding the boundary between an overture and an invasion:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/13/has-me-too-catherine-deneuve-laura-kipnis">
"Has #MeToo gone too far, or not far enough? The answer is both."
</a>


feed_id: dbf1ddae8a64a2c9719498239560c670
title: Iran restricting the internet
uri: Iran-restricting-the-internet
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_%28Iran_restricting_the_internet%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/01/13/iran-protests-internet-censorship/">
Iran is restricting the internet in many of the same ways as China,
</a>
though not as strictly.
<p>
Many countries do this, and it's unjust anywhere.


feed_id: d3006d1da81e4690f843e55d34ae85e5
title: "Insulting Turkishness"
uri: Insulting-Turkishness
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_%28Insulting_Turkishness%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/jan/13/elif-shafak-nations-dont-always-learn-from-history">
Elif Shafak describes how Turkey has become more repressive on every
dimension,
</a>
in the years since she was put on trial for "insulting
Turkishness."
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/hrant-dink.html">
More about the issue represented by that prosecution.
</a>


feed_id: f06932f17a07ddabe151b3130f68e561
title: Rohingya on Nauru
uri: Rohingya-on-Nauru
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Rohingya_on_Nauru%29
content:
<p>
A Rohingya refugee on Nauru badly needs medical care in Australia,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/11/refugee-in-medical-emergency-stranded-on-nauru-for-more-than-a-year">
but
Australia won't bring him there,
</a>
since he probably wouldn't get well
enough to be returned to Nauru safely.
<p>
In other words, Australia would rather kill him than let him get to
Australia and remain there in a hospital.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#19_August_2016_(Reports_of_abuse_in_Nauru_refugee_prison)">
Nauru's press exclusion is very strict,
</a>
				       so Australia can get away with
almost any sort of dirty work there.


feed_id: 7afd81b500e2c889062901c1539274cd
title: Internet-connected nukes
uri: Internet-connected-nukes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Internet-connected_nukes%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/jan/11/cyber-attack-risk-on-nuclear-weapons-systems-relatively-high-thinktank">
US nuclear weapons systems are vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
</a>
  If <a href="/glossary.html#trump">the troll</a> wanted to do something useful with funds for nuclear
weapons systems, he could take them off the internet.


feed_id: 88ffaa275b24e1cb23d2adec2fea6dfe
title: Covering up global heating
uri: Covering-up-global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Covering_up_global_heating%29
content:
<p>
Republican saboteurs are
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/10/new-report-reveals-trumps-year-systemically-censoring-climate-crisis">
covering up <a href="/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> in many different
US government web sites.
</a>
<p>
The term
<a href="http://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">
"global warming"
</a>
was itself adopted by <a href="/glossary.html#dubya">Dubya</a> specifically to be vague
about the danger.


feed_id: 3c181901c73e7583f996f178eb059040
title: Reduced fines for banks
uri: Reduced-fines-for-banks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Reduced_fines_for_banks%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#cheater">The cheater</a> has
<a href="http://www.ibtimes.com/political-capital/trump-administration-waives-punishment-convicted-banks-including-deutsche-which">
reduced the fines for five banks
</a>
that were convicted
of cheating.
<p>
Does he think that the US government does not have enough national debt?


feed_id: 8479d6076876a538f527ac2dacaba1fa
title: Resisting GOP voter suppression
uri: Resisting-GOP-voter-suppression
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Resisting_GOP_voter_suppression%29

content:
<p>
When Will [Leading] Democrats Start
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/11/when-will-democrats-start-resisting-gop-voter-suppression">
#Resisting GOP Voter Suppression?
</a>


feed_id: 58e753baf18369aecd0e48982807a9a9
title: Walmart's tax cut
uri: Walmart-s-tax-cut
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Walmart%27s_tax_cut%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/11/walmart-pulls-diabolical-and-devious-two-step-pairing-wage-hikes-mass-layoffs">
Walmart announced a small raise for employees,
</a>
amounting to 2% of the
tax cut that it just got.
<p>
But it turns out this is only for the small fraction that are
full-time employees.


feed_id: 431e21040f59345de2ba3889c97b3ad1
title: Urgent: Skip the bully's address
uri: Urgent-Skip-the-bully-s-address
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Skip_the_bully%27s_address%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on Democrats to
<a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/No_SOTU?t=1002&">
skip the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>'s State of the Union address.
</a>


feed_id: f6cfb5e2d08649e43e18b32a0944c8ec
title: Political asylum
uri: Political-asylum
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Political_asylum%29
content:
<p>
US immigration <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> regularly ignore the law of political asylum, and
lie, to
<a href="https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/01/15/when-deportation-is-a-death-sentence">
send people from Mexico and Central America summarily back to
where they say they will be murdered.
</a>
Lo and behold, quite a few of
them really are murdered after that.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/jan/13/el-salvador-women-deported-by-trump-face-deadly-welcome-street-gangs">
Many women were deported to El Salvador even though gangs were looking for
them to kill them.
</a>


feed_id: 963590e0a4d92bb1d57b91dfce948dbb
title: Increased online sales
uri: Increased-online-sales
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Increased_online_sales%29
content:
<p>
Increased online sales are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/jan/13/us-retail-sector-job-losses-hitting-women-hardest-data">
causing many low-paid working women to become
unpaid unemployed women.
</a>
<p>
We are not obligated to allow online sales that drive so many
Americans into poverty.  We are not obligated to prefer increased
efficiency and convenience for some, at the cost of great suffering
for others.


feed_id: e3cd0804aa7b08fabb27846f6798d25b
title: Gifts to prisoners
uri: Gifts-to-prisoners
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Gifts_to_prisoners%29
content:
<p>
New York state prisons plan to ban most gifts to prisoners, including
nearly all books.
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/further/2018/01/10/books-are-everything-which-must-be-why-new-york-prisons-want-ban-most-em-except">
Only a small list of books will be permitted to them.
</a>
<p>
Aside from causing tremendous bitterness for very little reason, this
will make it difficult for prisoners to find a way of life other than
crime after they are released.  It is an example of a tag wagging a
dog.


feed_id: fa9889d2006ae4ad0aa92f71c45c5dfe
title: Covering up global heating
uri: 2018-01-18-Covering-up-global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Covering_up_global_heating%29
content:
<p>
Republican saboteurs are
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/10/new-report-reveals-trumps-year-systemically-censoring-climate-crisis">
covering up <a href="/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> in many different
US government web sites.
</a>


feed_id: cbabab0f655c962187cf990f425737ee
title: Urgent: Voting Rights Act
uri: Urgent-Voting-Rights-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Voting_Rights_Act%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/VRAA_2018">call on Congress</a> to repair the Voting Rights Act.


feed_id: c376e58e1dae4a11ea1a77205754bb21
title: Urgent: Lifeline program
uri: Urgent-Lifeline-program
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Lifeline_program%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.freepress.net/sign/internet_lifeline_fcc/">call on the FCC</a> to preserve the Lifeline program,
which subsidizes telephones for poor people.


feed_id: 72230084b6067a492682ff834bb87d62
title: Refugees and heat
uri: Refugees-and-heat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Refugees_and_heat%29
content:
<p>
Refugees fleeing various places <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2018/jan/15/study-finds-that-global-warming-exacerbates-refugee-crises">increased greatly</a> when the places experienced
unusual heat.


feed_id: deb6dbdb6ee6b3267733fc9432e9d731
title: If MLK Jr were alive
uri: If-MLK-Jr-were-alive
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28If_MLK_Jr_were_alive%29
content:
<p>
If Martin Luther King Jr Were Alive Today, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/15/martin-luther-king-jr-legacy-politicians-hypocrisy">Politicians Would Denounce Him</a>.
<p>
At least, those who admit a plutocratist stance would do so.


feed_id: 5c733902d335971439f81e094eee3f40
title: News feed change
uri: News-feed-change
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28News_feed_change%29
content:
<p>
Facebook's News Feed Change <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/15/facebook-news-feed-algorithm-social-media-addiction">Won't Help Social Media Addiction</a>.
<p>
If it reduces publishers' Facebook dependence, that could be good for
freedom of speech.  Whether the change will reduce that dependence,
I don't know, but I expect to see reports over coming months.


feed_id: 87d99e288b58dbe683dc8ad861889600
title: Banned from Israel
uri: Banned-from-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Banned_from_Israel%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/15/i-am-american-jewish-and-banned-from-israel-for-my-activism">Medea Benjamin says</a> that being banned from Israel for her political
views makes her both sad and determined.


feed_id: b9f38ae420616f4e13b91080315bf29b
title: Condos to money launderers
uri: Condos-to-money-launderers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Condos_to_money_launderers%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#trump">The troll</a> made lots of money
by <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/thomasfrank/secret-money-how-trump-made-millions-selling-condos-to">selling condos to money launderers</a>.


feed_id: 35863a214e6800bad29346881c5f3368
title: Snow in Alaska
uri: Snow-in-Alaska
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Snow_in_Alaska%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#global heating">Global heating</a> has
caused <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/1/1/1728944/-Alaskan-snowfall-patterns-are-the-most-dramatic-the-region-has-seen-in-at-least-1-000-years">a lot more snow in Alaska</a>, but the glaciers
are not safe, because the heat makes them melt much more too.


feed_id: 4c14bd602a45ddcc4e6d30f57d528c85
title: Loud music
uri: Loud-music
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Loud_music%29
content:
<p>
The loud music in a bar or restaurant may be calculated to make people
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2008/jul/19/medicalresearch.fooddrinks">drink or eat faster</a>.
However, it works by eliminating the possibility of a good conversation.


feed_id: a0e31d13509e1cdf978d59c0527eb3a1
title: Community Reinvestment Act
uri: Community-Reinvestment-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Community_Reinvestment_Act%29
content:
<p>
Republicans are <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/1/13/1731939/-Team-Trump-seeking-to-weaken-the-rules-policing-bank-redlining-of-poor-and-minority-communities">planning to change</a> the Community Reinvestment Act
so that banks can extract more from communities around the US
and give them less.


feed_id: b30ecfa3bedbc483bc93413a893d401b
title: Empathy and compassion
uri: Empathy-and-compassion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Empathy_and_compassion%29
content:
<p>
Why <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/14/why-so-little-empathy-and-compassion-within-american-culture">So Little Empathy and Compassion</a> Within American Culture?  The
plutocrats, with their systems and their media, systematically deaden
those feelings; many of the non-elite internalize specific aspects
of this.
<p>
I can see some ways in which I have done so.


feed_id: 0dab766d82f51cd366518599e79d4ad8
title: Iran on Israel
uri: Iran-on-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Iran_on_Israel%29
content:
<p>
Iran is no longer an implacable enemy of Israel.  It has <a href="https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/12/israel-iran-hassan-rouhani-istanbul-arab-peace-initiative.html">endorsed the
Arab peace plan</a> for two states.


feed_id: 4667116b6a1d8430140e006bc0e59c2f
title: Confiscating land
uri: Confiscating-land
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Confiscating_land%29
content:
<p>
Israel has used a series of bogus legal excuses to confiscate
Palestinians' land.  A Palestinian lawyer <a href="http://www.nybooks.com/articles/2018/01/18/palestine-this-land-is-our-land/">explains them carefully</a>.


feed_id: d4d088dbe126a5a7b02a199ffe00e39c
title: Response to Tunisia protests
uri: Response-to-Tunisia-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Response_to_Tunisia_protests%29
content:
<p>
Tunisia has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/14/tunisian-government-plans-social-reforms-after-week-of-unrest">announced significant increases</a> in support for the poor,
as a response to mass protests.


feed_id: 89acf8300c3a603995f944d1c6f465ce
title: Sanders and West on America
uri: Sanders-and-West-on-America
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Sanders_and_West_on_America%29
content:
<p>
Bernie Sanders: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/14/trump-shithole-racism-dreamers-immigration">Let's wrench power back</a> from the billionaires.
<p>
Cornel West: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/14/america-is-spiritually-bankrupt-we-must-fight-back-together">America is spiritually bankrupt</a>. We must fight back together.


feed_id: 9835163907fcd75af003467c7213d88e
title: Pipeline protesters
uri: 2018-01-18-Pipeline-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Pipeline_protesters%29
content:
<p>
A prosecutor in Washington State wants to jail pipeline protesters for
walking on a highway.  <a href="/glossary.html#trump">The troll</a>'s agents showed him how to make
Facebook give up lots of information about the protester group,
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/01/14/facebook-warrant-pipeline-protest-whatcom-county-justice-department/">effectively crushing it</a>.
<p>
The US government is moving towards total repression of protests that
might resist the dominion of the plutocrats, and therefore towards a
total loss of legitimacy.


feed_id: 06d7ad76c10cd83742cd185fbafe993c
title: Attacking Syrian Kurds
uri: Attacking-Syrian-Kurds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Attacking_Syrian_Kurds%29
content:
<p>
Turkey <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/14/turkey-plans-assault-on-kurdish-enclave-in-syria">plans to start attacking</a> Syrian Kurds.
<p>
The first target is Afrin, a small region disconnected from the main
Kurdish area.  But if Turkey conquers or destroys that, it will be
encouraged to conquer the whole of the Kurdish state, Rojava.  All of
Rojava is close to the Turkish border.


feed_id: e99155cfa65e7184f50ae10b1a1cebb0
title: Florida prisoner strike
uri: Florida-prisoner-strike
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_January_2018_%28Florida_prisoner_strike%29
content:
<p>
Florida prisoners are <a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/01/14/florida-prison-strike-unpaid-labor-brutal-conditions/">going on strike</a>, demanding a fair wage for their work,
protection for their lives, and the possibility of parole.


feed_id: 48a30c3e96634b091f07390bbf88a44a
title: Urgent: MSNBC reporting
uri: Urgent-MSNBC-reporting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_MSNBC_reporting%29
content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=13204">call on MSNBC</a> to start reporting on bombardment, famine and
disease in Yemen.


feed_id: 757b7dd71ac2dd1c20be41feb981ee96
title: Urgent: Nuclear approval
uri: Urgent-Nuclear-approval
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Nuclear_approval%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.winwithoutwar.org/sign/dont-let-trump-tweet-us-war/">Tell Congress</a> to legislate that the president must get the
approval of Congress before launching a nuclear first strike.


feed_id: a812e0e0db5c70c4ea1e104fdc22a8f7
title: News through Facebook
uri: News-through-Facebook
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_January_2018_%28News_through_Facebook%29
content:
<p>
The latest changes in Facebook's newsfeed reduce access to publishers
but <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/16/16895902/facebook-news-feed-tests-fa">boost fake news</a>.
<p>
It seems many people have got out of the habit of looking for
interesting publications in any way other than through Facebook.
<p>
This bodes very ill.


feed_id: b0c6584c55ab1ab9f95297b982de1e27
title: Independence from Catalonia
uri: Independence-from-Catalonia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_January_2018_%28Independence_from_Catalonia%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/16/fictional-region-tabarnia-aiming-leave-catalonia-appoints-president">A fictional (as yet) movement</a> calls for independence of "Tabarnia" — the coast of Catalonia from Tarragona to Barcelona — from Catalonia.
<p>
The people in that region of Catalonia do not want to separate from
Spain.


feed_id: 59685db29f1086b29048af174dc70a75
title: Single-use plastic
uri: Single-use-plastic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_January_2018_%28Single-use_plastic%29
content:
<p>
The EU will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/16/eu-declares-war-on-plastic-waste-2030">aim to eliminate</a> single-use plastics packaging.
<p>
Just making packaging recyclable will not cause it all to be recycled.
Something more is needed to achieve that.


feed_id: 3d898ad5d636db59d42d2bfa30ee08f8
title: Chagossians in the UK
uri: Chagossians-in-the-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_January_2018_%28Chagossians_in_the_UK%29
content:
<p>
The UK kicked the Chagossians out of their homes, and now makes it
prohibitively expensive for younger Chagossians in the UK to become UK
citizens.  They <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/16/britains-shameful-treatment-chagos-islanders-must-end">face deportation</a> to the Seychelles, where they are
second-class citizens.
<p>
Jeanette evidently has many children.  It <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/children.html ">would have been wiser</a> and
more socially responsible for Jeanette to use birth control and
abortion to avoid some of those births.
Whether that's her responsibility depends on the circumstances.
Perhaps others blocked her from doing the right thing.


feed_id: ab82921a64a4dc07de1813b002794df0
title: Former Taliban leader
uri: Former-Taliban-leader
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_January_2018_%28Former_Taliban_leader%29
content:
<p>
Pakistan <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/16/pakistan-frees-anti-us-cleric-sufi-mohammad-from-prison-on-health-grounds">has released</a> an aged and ill former Taliban leader.
<p>
Normally, people that old are no danger to anyone, and releasing them
from compassion is good.  This one may not be incompetent.


feed_id: 2f33a4eb6abbb13092a1f3e55a80a88a
title: 'Shithole' countries
uri: Shithole-countries
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_January_2018_%28%27Shithole%27_countries%29
content:
<p>
In 1920, Jews, Italians, Irish and Greeks were the <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/in-1920-jews-italians-irish-and-greeks-were-the_us_5a5c8d06e4b01ccdd48b5e1b">People from
"Shithole" Countries</a>.


feed_id: 2a233c5bcb7476aa67246373983343e6
title: Syrian Kurds of Rojava
uri: Syrian-Kurds-of-Rojava
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_January_2018_%28Syrian_Kurds_of_Rojava%29
content:
<p>
The US is planning to build a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/15/turkey-condemns-us-plan-for-syrian-border-security-force">substantial military force</a> with the Syrian
Kurds of Rojava as its center.
This would protect Rojava from Turkey, Syria and Russia that aim to
destroy them.
<p>
I have no reason to take a side between Turks, Kurds and Arabs,
considered as ethnic groups.  However, I support Rojava against Turkey
and Syria because Rojava is a <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#6_April_2017_(Use_of_chemical_weapons)">secular state</a> that endorses human
rights, whereas Turkey is becoming a <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_(Insulting_Turkishness)">religious dictatorship</a>
and Syria
is <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#19_May_2015_(Basis_to_prosecute_Assad)">already a dictatorship</a>.


feed_id: a0c66099532d797dfcd41f4d74aff669
title: CODEPINK ban
uri: CODEPINK-ban
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_January_2018_%28CODEPINK_ban%29
content:
<p>
CODEPINK's staff have been <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/01/07/codepink-appalled-being-banned-entering-israel-intends-increase-efforts">banned from Israel</a> for supporting boycott
of companies that do business in Israel's colonies in Palestinian territory.
These include RE/MAX and Airbnb.
<p>
This is an additional reason to refuse to use Airbnb, besides the two
obvious ones: it requires use of nonfree software, and it puts you in
a database.


feed_id: f0d62fe47d2684474077c121727b7e25
title: Courageous Pakistani women
uri: Courageous-Pakistani-women
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_January_2018_%28Courageous_Pakistani_women%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/15/pakistan-celebrities-break-taboo-to-reveal-child-sexual-abuse">Four courageous Pakistani women</a> published about their own experience
of being sexually abused when they were children.


feed_id: 12250069345eed511caafa432edc012f
title: Tax-dodging schemes
uri: Tax-dodging-schemes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_January_2018_%28Tax-dodging_schemes%29
content:
<p>
Tax-dodging financial schemes are now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/jan/15/paradise-papers-revealed-commoditisation-of-tax-evasion-australia">packaged retail sale</a>.


feed_id: bce02c7c5b3560f31556338809df8f3a
title: Human rights in the UK
uri: Human-rights-in-the-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_January_2018_%28Human_rights_in_the_UK%29
content:
<p>
A Tory minister admitted that they may <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jan/15/suella-fernandes-new-brexit-minister-eu-charter-human-rights">deny some human rights</a> in the process
of removing Britain from the EU.


feed_id: f75e28c85ac6d6fc42516136b225729a
title: Accused of rape
uri: Accused-of-rape
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_January_2018_%28Accused_of_rape%29
content:
<p>
London thugs have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2018/jan/15/london-rape-trial-collapses-after-phone-images-undermine-case">failed until the last minute</a> to give two men accused
of rape the evidence that would exonerate them.  Budget cuts may have
played a role in this.
<p>
In general, I expect most accusations of rape are true.
However, some fraction of the men accused are innocent.  I agree with
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/jan/15/margaret-atwood-feminist-backlash-metoo">Margaret Atwood</a>: every accused person is entitled to due process.


feed_id: e49b7f4bb581cea304683450e45783f6
title: Urgent: Extend CHIP
uri: Urgent-Extend-CHIP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Extend_CHIP%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://petitions.signforgood.com/fundchipnow/">Tell Congress</a> to extend CHIP.


feed_id: c1553313fb435bc7f1b570706c87d55e
title: Urgent: Thiamethoxam
uri: Urgent-Thiamethoxam
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Thiamethoxam%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/epa_bees_2018">call on the EPA</a> to block Syngenta's application to spray
thiamethoxam, a bee-killing neonicotinoid, on wide areas of crops in the US. 


feed_id: 3c6d0b0d0ba5d2a9d486dc1f1d989d24
title: Billionaire president
uri: Billionaire-president
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_January_2018_%28Billionaire_president%29
content:
<p>
No thanks, Winfrey — <a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2018/01/why-bernie-sanders-democrats-are-raining-on-the-oprah-parade">one billionaire president is enough</a>.
Or, rather, too many.


feed_id: 13d8b9cc258e07ab184b7a0c78e6bd6f
title: Denied painkillers
uri: Denied-painkillers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_January_2018_%28Denied_painkillers%29
content:
<p>
A prisoner in Arizona has been denied painkillers for a long time.  He
<a href="http://www.newsweek.com/prison-health-care-chewed-fingers-pain-arizona-corizon-780648">chewed off some of his fingers</a> because he couldn't bear the pain in them.


feed_id: abc37b12d64d317ee6eb253438061683
title: Drug policy office
uri: Drug-policy-office
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_January_2018_%28Drug_policy_office%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#trump">The troll</a> can't get most officials appointed to the Office of National
Drug Control Policy to stick around, so it is being <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/meet-the-24-year-old-trump-campaign-worker-appointed-to-help-lead-the-governments-drug-policy-office/2018/01/13/abdada34-f64e-11e7-91af-31ac729add94_story.html">run by a graduate
student</a> who can't get his resume straight.
<p>
Since the War on Drugs is basically harmful, it is hard to tell
whether coordinating it better would make things better or make things
worse.


feed_id: a279e5f3ad83d508f7bf186c83f94530
title: Denying Taiwan
uri: Denying-Taiwan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_January_2018_%28Denying_Taiwan%29
content:
<p>
China is <a href="http://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2128124/marriott-sacks-employee-who-liked-twitter-post-tibet-independence">bullying multinational companies</a> into pretending that Taiwan
is not a country.


feed_id: 48c5a44bdcc934fd0e326bdf7fc9729d
title: Water shortages
uri: 2018-01-19-Water-shortages
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_January_2018_%28Water_shortages%29
content:
<p>
Most countries face <a href="https://businessconnectworld.com/2017/11/16/water-scarcity-problem-thats-destroying-countries/">shortages of fresh water</a>, and a billion people have
no easy access to water to drink.  It is going to get much worse.
<p>
You'd think we would learn to stop making more humans.


feed_id: f804ce8b14219fbf3cf534f920a48fb4
title: Forum for Jews and Arabs
uri: Forum-for-Jews-and-Arabs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_January_2018_%28Forum_for_Jews_and_Arabs%29
content:
<p>
The Negev Coexistence Forum for Civil Quality, where Jews and Arabs
can meet for nonpolitical activities, is <a href="https://972mag.com/in-beer-sheva-coexistence-is-political-and-can-get-you-evicted/132280/">being shut down</a> because
Israel is becoming too repressive to allow such a thing.


feed_id: 2218663671b8191c662f20c23020f2bf
title: Potato farm workers
uri: Potato-farm-workers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_January_2018_%28Potato_farm_workers%29
content:
<p>
Potato farms in Jersey are having trouble <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jan/15/jersey-royal-potato-crop-shortage-eu-workers">hiring workers from Poland</a>.
<p>
Maybe these farms need to (shudder!) <em>pay a higher wage</em>
to attract some Britons off their zero-hours contracts.


feed_id: a4546a7933ab1e25342ff598ab14bb9e
title: When the jobs dry up
uri: When-the-jobs-dry-up
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_January_2018_%28When_the_jobs_dry_up%29
content:
<p>
What Happens When the Jobs Dry Up in the New World?  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/16/jobs-left-automation-power">The Left Must
Have an Answer</a>.
<p>
Part of the answer, in the short term, is banning technology that
eliminates lots of jobs.  We don't have to allow driverless taxis.  We
don't have to allow automated sales counters in stores.  We can permit
them when and if people don't need employment.
<p>
We must stop equating progress with technical advance.


feed_id: 033d3cd6aad6fcbc7305fca504ca2094
title: Face recognition
uri: 2018-01-19-Face-recognition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_January_2018_%28Face_recognition%29
content:
<p>
Computerized face recognition threatens to leave us with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/16/find-your-art-doppelganger-facial-recognition-technology-frightening">not a smithering
of human rights</a>.
<p>
The rest of the article is so sadly shallow.  It's as if the author
felt ashamed of having said something serious and important, and felt
obliged to cancel it out.  I wish I could link to the first part only.


feed_id: 13fadff955620c4bef92a5d0f7a2eca8
title: Children of the unemployed
uri: Children-of-the-unemployed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_January_2018_%28Children_of_the_unemployed%29
content:
<p>
A Tory politician called, 5-6 years ago, for pressuring unemployed
males <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jan/16/ben-bradley-under-fire-for-blogpost-urging-jobless-people-to-have-vasectomies">to get vasectomies</a> by denying welfare for their "excess"
children.
<p>
By calling the unemployed people "wasters", he asserted the standard
right-wing claim that if you're poor, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#6_July_2017_(Meritocracy)">it's your own fault</a>.
<p>
The children of the unemployed <em>are</em> likely to be unemployed,
due to forces beyond their control:
<ul>
<li>
Growing up in poverty causes stress that will <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#26_December_2015_(Poverty_in_the_US_permanently_stunts_IQ)">stunt their bodies and minds</a>.
<li>
The stingy right-wing state won't offer them <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_November_2017_(School_inequality)">a good education</a>.
<li>
Therefore, they will be first in line for unemployment.  Meanwhile,
due to automation, probably more and more people <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_(AI_will_eliminate_jobs)">will be unemployed</a>.
You might need to be brilliant or resourceful, 30 years from now, to
wangle gainful employment if you are not wealthy.
</ul>
There is no excuse for insulting today's or tomorrow's
underemployed or low-paid people.  But there is a moral
imperative to avoid giving birth to people who will grow up in
poverty, regardless of whose fault that poverty would be.
<p>
It is both cruel and futile to try to reduce people's birth rate by
imposing poverty on their children.  But there are legitimate methods,
not cruel, for encouraging people not to have children, and we should
use them.


feed_id: 72d7b892f67f99d4757388dda77e7307
title: Cost of babies
uri: Cost-of-babies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_January_2018_%28Cost_of_babies%29
content:
<p>
Having a baby in the US costs over 30 thousand dollars (average) — if
nothing goes wrong.  When there is a problem, it often costs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/16/why-does-it-cost-32093-just-to-give-birth-in-america">hundreds
of thousands</a>.
<p>
For one family, care for their premature twins cost millions of dollars,
and did bankrupt them.  They <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/commentisfree/2018/jan/16/bankrupted-by-giving-birth-having-premature-twins-cost-me-everything">lost all their possessions</a>.
At least 50,000 US families a year go bankrupt this way.
<p>
This is what Republicanism stands for.


feed_id: 6bfd6743e5511f73896fc0900345f562
title: Getting deeper in debt
uri: Getting-deeper-in-debt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_January_2018_%28Getting_deeper_in_debt%29
content:
<p>
Poor people get deeper and deeper in debt because the system gives
them <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/16/government-policy-poor-people-debt-benefits-universal-credit">no other way to survive</a>.
<p>
The ones at fault are the plutocratists who set up the system this way.


feed_id: dc3ba74d13124e53684483bfdfd38bad
title: Renewable energy investment
uri: 2018-01-19-Renewable-energy-investment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_January_2018_%28Renewable_energy_investment%29
content:
<p>
Tories have driven down UK investment in renewable energy <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/jan/16/uk-green-energy-investment-plunges-after-policy-changes">by more than
half</a> in 2017.
<p>
Fossil fuel companies will be grateful.
Future generations will be dead.


feed_id: eefc686fa9e6bac280cfdc0a80abb70d
title: Electric pulse fishing
uri: Electric-pulse-fishing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_January_2018_%28Electric_pulse_fishing%29
content:
<p>
The EU voted to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/16/european-parliament-votes-to-end-electric-pulse-fishing">ban electric pulse fishing</a>, but rejected other measures
such as limiting the catch of immature fish.
<p>
The parliament does not have the final say; other EU institutions are likely
now to make the law even worse.


feed_id: 1c82286e16a495ec25bb9c3299bf1cc4
title: Chinese factory for Apple products
uri: Chinese-factory-for-Apple-products
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_January_2018_%28Chinese_factory_for_Apple_products%29

content:
<p>
A monitoring group says that a Chinese factory for Apple products
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/jan/16/workers-making-iphones-in-china-exposed-to-toxic-hazards-report-says-apple-catcher-technology">exposed workers to toxic vapors</a> and they needed hospitalization.
Meanwhile, it makes people work very long hours, breaking even China's
laws.


feed_id: d97e5f196786948deba892949aa3af0b
title: Losing medical insurance
uri: Losing-medical-insurance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_January_2018_%28Losing_medical_insurance%29
content:
<p>
3 million Americans <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/1/16/1733180/-Thanks-Trump-3-2-million-people-lost-health-insurance-in-2017">lost their medical insurance</a> in 2017, due to
Republican attacks on medical care.


feed_id: 9bf789548bf10dc3cdf414bfc363b048
title: Urgent: Marijuana Justice Act
uri: Urgent-Marijuana-Justice-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Marijuana_Justice_Act%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://links.drugpolicy.mkt7185.com/ctt?kn=13&ms=MzI2NTg4MTQS1&r=NTY4MTU3NjAyODQ3S0&b=2&j=MTIwMjIxMDM4NgS2&mt=1&rt=0">support the Marijuana Justice Act</a>.


feed_id: f9b82eb427581bfbfed77e01e6c02fe8
title: Urgent: Warrantless surveillance voters
uri: Urgent-Warrantless-surveillance-voters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Warrantless_surveillance_voters%29

content:
<p>
If <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/17/these-18-senate-democrats-just-voted-hand-trump-mass-spying-powers">one of these Democratic senators</a> who voted to increase warrantless
surveillance, and allow its use for prosecution, is from your state,
call to state your disapproval.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard
numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641 and 888-355-3588.


feed_id: 2e05c99eb323016d3fbfab613987f6c8
title: Predicting recidivism
uri: Predicting-recidivism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_January_2018_%28Predicting_recidivism%29
content:
<p>
The proprietary program used to estimate a convict's chance of
recidivism proves to be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/17/software-no-more-accurate-than-untrained-humans-at-judging-reoffending-risk">a little less accurate</a> in its forecasts than
averaging people found through Mechanical Turk.
<p>
I wonder, are human experts any better at it?


feed_id: 1c98e2ce8c78aed33606e0673aa1be78
title: Terrorism report
uri: Terrorism-report
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_January_2018_%28Terrorism_report%29
content:
<p>
The Republicans have presented a report that purports to show most
terrorists in the US were immigrants.  The data were selected support
the intended conclusion — the report <a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/01/16/trump-administration-skews-terror-data-to-justify-anti-muslim-travel-ban/">omits domestic terrorists</a>.
<p>
The majority of terrorist killings in 2017 in the US were committed by
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/1/17/1733548/-White-supremacist-violence-is-on-the-rise-but-don-t-expect-Trump-to-care">right-wing extremists</a>.


feed_id: 0dd6df0c4e2226ea6a649f241bcbe008
title: Human rights group's office burned
uri: Human-rights-group-s-office-burned
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_January_2018_%28Human_rights_group%27s_office_burned%29

content:
<p>
After Chechnya arrested the leader of a human rights group, on
apparently false charges, someone <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/17/russian-rights-group-memorial-offices-torched-arrest">burned the group's office</a>.


feed_id: 3a8512baa2e3988e0a729eec00c56ae6
title: The bully's judges
uri: The-bully-s-judges
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_January_2018_%28The_bully%27s_judges%29
content:
<p>
The bully's right-wing and (in many cases) untrained judges will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/17/trumps-judges-threaten-reproductive-rights-for-generations-to-come">threaten
women's rights</a> for decades.


feed_id: 75bb75410d211b78051d4337fdf24946
title: Jailing to deport
uri: Jailing-to-deport
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_January_2018_%28Jailing_to_deport%29
content:
<p>
The UK has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/17/migration-targets-inhumanity-home-office-detention">numeric targets</a> for jailing people to deport them, and
hopes that it can get away with disregarding their legal rights long
enough to put them where it is not feasible for them to appeal.
<p>
The US does <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#14_January_2018_(Deporting_without_court_hearing)">similar things</a>.


feed_id: 4deca519be1f34d4321bdf81e81b7d99
title: Zombie elite
uri: Zombie-elite
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_January_2018_%28Zombie_elite%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/17/britain-zombie-elite-politicians-economy">Fighting the zombie elite</a> that
impose <a href="/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a> and say they have no
choice.


feed_id: e344d3d26e79c9008ac53b12b5716e77
title: Prosecuting a journalist
uri: Prosecuting-a-journalist
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_January_2018_%28Prosecuting_a_journalist%29
content:
<p>
Cambodia is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/17/australian-film-maker-accused-of-spying-in-cambodia-says-journalism-no-crime">prosecuting an Australian journalist</a> for "spying."
<p>
Maybe Cambodia was inspired by attempts at <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#20_May_2017_(Comey)">similar repression</a> by and
in the US
and encourage by Australia's own <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#20_February_2016_(Nauru_restricting_visits_by_Australians)">repression of journalism</a>.


feed_id: a134b879d368060717de6fb7f35e7446
title: Water for border crossers
uri: Water-for-border-crossers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_January_2018_%28Water_for_border_crossers%29
content:
<p>
Humanitarian volunteer organizations say that US border <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/17/us-border-patrol-sabotage-aid-migrants-mexico-arizona">routinely destroy</a> the water containers that the volunteers leave to
save the lives of people crossing the Mexican border.
<p>
Apparently the <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> would rather kill foreigners than to let them get
into the US.
<p>
I do not advocate unrestricted immigration into the US or any other
country.  However, there are acceptable and unacceptable ways to stop
unauthorized immigrants from entering.  Making border-crossers die of
thirst is not acceptable.


feed_id: 30ada67a81bcd6c8287e75852fdcf8f0
title: Best temperature
uri: Best-temperature
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_January_2018_%28Best_temperature%29
content:
<p>
What's the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2018/jan/17/scott-pruitt-insincerely-asked-whats-earths-ideal-temperature-scientists-answer">best surface temperature</a> for the Earth's ecosystems?
<p>
The one they are used to.


feed_id: fc1cf87a46e840ff65b682dd9dc0ae02
title: Enslavement
uri: 2018-01-21-Enslavement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_January_2018_%28Enslavement%29
content:
<p>
The <a href="https://www.opendemocracy.net/beyondslavery/genevieve-lebaron-neil-howard-cameron-thibos-penelope-kyritsis/confronting-root-causes">root causes</a> of enslavement and forced labor.


feed_id: bd29b0e8cfb30a3e296aea623b183bcd
title: Child immigrants
uri: Child-immigrants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_January_2018_%28Child_immigrants%29
content:
<p>
Although some unauthorized child immigrants are protected by DACA, it
doesn't cover all of them, and the US is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/16/after-living-us-30-years-man-being-ripped-familys-arms-latest-look-trumps-america">aggressively deporting the
others</a>.


feed_id: 534bd252b3eb6f24cd398e0ac7bb3a52
title: Terms of service
uri: Terms-of-service
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_January_2018_%28Terms_of_service%29
content:
<p>
A US appeals court has ruled that simply violating a web site's terms
of service <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2018/01/ninth-circuit-doubles-down-violating-websites-terms-service-not-crime">is not a crime</a>.


feed_id: cb68d77dd53ee5c37f676cf577cc6f9f
title: Urgent: Protect coasts from drilling
uri: Urgent-Protect-coasts-from-drilling
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Protect_coasts_from_drilling%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://secure.foodandwaterwatch.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=3220">call on your congresscritter</a> to protect US coasts from
oil drilling — and protect the ecosphere too.
<p>
Here's the message I attached:
<blockquote>
Please block plans to allow oil drilling off US coasts. In addition
to the risk this will cause a local disaster, damaging seafood and
tourism for years, there is the certainty it will contribute to global
heating and harm everyone. The world needs less oil extraction, not more.
</blockquote>


feed_id: 9707a39141b8ec9a032deec22820e861
title: Urgent: Reject Thomas Farr
uri: Urgent-Reject-Thomas-Farr
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Reject_Thomas_Farr%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.pfaw.org/sign/vote-no-on-farr/">call on senators</a> to reject Thomas Farr, voter-suppression
lawyer, as a judge.


feed_id: 7c33a6897f5df2a261f77b9ac9627c14
title: Forensic analysis
uri: 2018-01-22-Forensic-analysis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Forensic_analysis%29
content:
<p>
Outsourcing forensic analyses leads to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jan/19/uk-police-forces-failing-to-meet-forensic-standards-safe-regulator-miscarriages-justice-outsourcing">miscarriages of justice</a>.
<p>
The companies that do the job will not try to hire the best people.
They will hire the least qualified people they can get away with
and tell us to have faith in the results.


feed_id: f15dc1f0cae01ec5227efffa537894ec
title: Inauguration protesters
uri: 2018-01-22-Inauguration-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Inauguration_protesters%29
content:
<p>
Prosecutors <a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/01/19/charges-dropped-j20-trump-inauguration-j20-aaron-cantu/">dropped charges</a> against 129 inauguration protesters, but
still want to imprison 59 others for years for being present when some
others committed minor crimes.


feed_id: 8f194196fb2f5d204fe1613dc98adeb7
title: Affordable housing
uri: 2018-01-22-Affordable-housing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Affordable_housing%29
content:
<p>
The Republican tax attacks will also cut the <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/1/19/1734178/-One-more-way-the-GOP-tax-law-is-screwing-people-over-reducing-the-growth-of-affordable-housing">construction of
affordable housing</a>.


feed_id: 0a76ab1f5e433be69b4b6dae332b2877
title: Abortion and birth control
uri: Abortion-and-birth-control
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Abortion_and_birth_control%29
content:
<p>
Some Americans that don't like abortion are <a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/01/19/a-lesson-for-the-marchforlife-colorado-invested-in-contraceptive-access-and-cut-teen-abortions-by-half/">starting to recognize</a> that
the best way to avoid abortion is to give Americans reliable birth
control.
<p>
Please don't refer to those opposed to abortion rights as "pro-life".
They are not defenders of the life of real human beings, only the life
of fetuses, which <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/quantum-abortion.html">aren't
human yet</a>.


feed_id: 07e6997e54d705d9963e3c351d64a782
title: Windfarm investing
uri: Windfarm-investing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Windfarm_investing%29
content:
<p>
A windfarm in Australia has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/20/nsws-largest-windfarm-highlights-power-of-community-investment">invited the surrounding community</a> to invest.


feed_id: c8238f210c349a8215dd96332bbeb5ee
title: Apple's tax avoidance
uri: 2018-01-22-Apple-s-tax-avoidance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Apple%27s_tax_avoidance%29
content:
<p>
Apple Avoided $40 Billion in Taxes (by lobbying for a tax cut).  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/19/apple-avoided-40-billion-taxes-now-it-wants-gold-star">Now
It Wants a Gold Star?</a>


feed_id: 8cdf0d99150c710c8c01049ee24d54d7
title: Whistleblower released
uri: Whistleblower-released
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Whistleblower_released%29
content:
<p>
Whistleblower Jeffrey Sterling has been <a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/01/19/jeffrey-sterling-cia-leaking-prison/">released from prison</a>.
<p>
The US government, indeed any government, is supposed to work for the
people.  We the people are supposed to be the government's boss.
<p>
Government staff should not be punished for reporting on the
government to its boss.


feed_id: 30aa3dd65f30c37f46571c85a13ca108
title: Condos and political influence
uri: Condos-and-political-influence
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Condos_and_political_influence%29

content:
<p>
Trump Jr is selling condos with a side of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/19/buy-a-flat-meet-trump-jr-offer-criticised-as-ethics-atrocity">political influence</a>.


feed_id: f36e976983eaf3f8ab3d04a7bc992f87
title: Down's syndrome
uri: 2018-01-22-Down-s-syndrome
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Down%27s_syndrome%29
content:
<p>
The Church of England <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/jan/19/downs-syndrome-test-condition-disappear-c-of-e-warns">is concerned</a> that if Down's syndrome is completely
eliminated, existing people with Down's syndrome might feel hurt that
no more people will be like them.
<p>
This made me aware that the polio eradication campaign threatens a
similar problem.  If we complete the campaign, people with polio will
eventually disappear.  Good heavens!  Should we stop the campaign?
<p>
There are people with congenital deafness that object to the idea of
preventing or curing congenital deafness.  Their culture, which they
have developed to cope with deafness, would be lost of it nobody
needed to cope with deafness any more.
<p>
If you want to be deaf, I think you should have that right.  (We
should not allow you the right to have a polio infection, because that
would expose others to the risk of contagion.)  But you are not
entitled to impose deafness, or polio, or Down's syndrome, on anyone
else.


feed_id: 1e0a40ed2a2547bb50bb9f333d9ab778
title: Barbering school
uri: Barbering-school
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Barbering_school%29
content:
<p>
How could it make sense to require people to <a href="https://reason.com/archives/2018/01/19/barber-cops-bust-high-school-dropouts">graduate high school</a> to
go to barbering school?
<p>
How could it make sense not to offer a shortcut for someone who
already knows how to do the job to skip most of the schooling?
<p>
How could it be just to impose a heavy fine for barbering without a
license, on the first complaint?
<p>
How could it be just for a court to issue a fine and not appoint a lawyer
to represent the person that might be fined?


feed_id: 7f14467079a11e0d87d05ad33aa2a1fe
title: Product placement
uri: Product-placement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Product_placement%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://theoutline.com/post/2978/these-are-the-people-paying-journalists-to-promote-brands-in-articles">Special advertising agents</a> pay journalists and bloggers to mention
specific products and companies.
<p>
For me, product placement in movies is a form of corruption.
It is equally corrupt in print.
<p>
I will never do this in my writing, but I can't tell whether it
has happened in the articles I link to.


feed_id: 8bc8ce9f683b26380af6c30c60700186
title: Role of work in life
uri: Role-of-work-in-life
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Role_of_work_in_life%29
content:
<p>
The exclusion of masses of poor from making a living by working
is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/jan/19/post-work-the-radical-idea-of-a-world-without-jobs">leading to reconsideration</a> of the role of work in life.
<p>
In a world with too many children, taking care of them is a lot of
effort — it is work.  The (mainly) women who do this feel their work
is undervalued, since they are either unpaid (for caring for their own
children) or badly paid (when it is child-care business).  The reason
it is so much effort is partly due to the high birth rate and the large
existing population.
<p>
If there were fewer children, so the total effort needed were much
less, maybe plenty of people would be glad for the chance to play with
children, show children how to do things, even take care of some
children for a few hours once a week.  Maybe it would be fun rather
than work.


feed_id: 1a3256c537bd91c2671af5b30f06f56c
title: Warrantless surveillance
uri: Warrantless-surveillance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Warrantless_surveillance%29
content:
<p>
The Senate approved the bill to
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/01/17/fisa-section-702-nsa-internet-surveillance-senate/">
continue and increase warrantless surveillance
of everyone.
</a>


feed_id: 060404b914cc6970fe92c4ed229894f1
title: Ahed Tamimi denied bail
uri: Ahed-Tamimi-denied-bail
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Ahed_Tamimi_denied_bail%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/17/israeli-judge-orders-palestinian-teenager-ahed-tamimi-to-be-held-in-custody">
Israel will keep Ahed Tamimi and her mother in jail until her trial.
</a>
They are considered "dangerous".


feed_id: 8e423cae2abc3416cbe3f2af85b5d4f6
title: CO2 output of Bitcoin
uri: CO2-output-of-Bitcoin
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28CO2_output_of_Bitcoin%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/jan/17/bitcoin-electricity-usage-huge-climate-cryptocurrency">
The CO2 output of Bitcoin is prodigious,
</a>
as it makes miners compete
for who can use the most electricity.


feed_id: 2109748c923399c6be7ecceaa5568727
title: "Automated Inequality"
uri: Automated-Inequality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Automated_Inequality%29
content:
<p>
AI stands for "Automated Inequality"
<a href="https://points.datasociety.net/beyond-the-rhetoric-of-algorithmic-solutionism-8e0f9cdada53">
when it makes decisions to prefer one
person to another.
</a>


feed_id: 51d1cbcd6c2ccafc87d24d016af54981
title: Pakistani humanist
uri: Pakistani-humanist
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Pakistani_humanist%29
content:
<p>
Hamza bin Walayat, a Pakistani, announced he was a humanist and not a
Muslim. Later he asked for asylum in the UK.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jan/17/pakistani-humanist-denied-uk-asylum-after-failing-to-identify-plato">
The officials rejected
the claim based on misunderstanding what it means to be a humanist.
</a>


feed_id: 89f599cd46eec11a60d9f90bde0e83d1
title: Agribusiness
uri: 2018-01-22-Agribusiness
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Agribusiness%29
content:
<p>
Republican rule
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/17/trumps-farm-policy-agribusiness-first">
favors big agribusiness companies
</a>
over the small farms
that have to sell to them.


feed_id: 9a1a010628228e632fcd28171edf3194
title: "Shithouse"
uri: Shithouse
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Shithouse%29
content:
<p>
Rep. Keith Ellison: Instead of worrying about
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/17/ellisons-advice-confront-racist-trump-agenda-2018-organize-organize-organize">
whether the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> said
"shithole" or "shithouse,"
</a>
let's focus on "What are we going to do
about it?"


feed_id: 0412284b1d5e12e881d84f81be2e9366
title: Ban on feeding homeless
uri: Ban-on-feeding-homeless
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Ban_on_feeding_homeless%29
content:
<p>
Twelve charged for defying California city's
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/15/twelve-charged-defying-california-el-cajon-ban-feeding-homeless">
ban on feeding homeless
(or giving socks to them) in the park.
</a>
<p>
The <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> say this is to prevent the spread of disease,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/further/2018/01/16/feeding-hungry-not-crime">
but they didn't
object to eating together at picnics in the park.
</a>


feed_id: 6148d5bf709843ab623c2181e53a6cc4
title: British right-wing terrorist
uri: British-right-wing-terrorist
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28British_right-wing_terrorist%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jan/17/victim-van-attack-britain-first-supporter-criticises-sentence">
A right-wing lone wolf terrorist in the UK received only a short jail
sentence.
</a>
Apparently the double standard extends there, too.


feed_id: f0a35affc82bc5fa520c5d9efcec0a73
title: "Fake news awards"
uri: Fake-news-awards
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Fake_news_awards%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/17/we-need-address-serious-danger-trumps-fake-news-awards">
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>'s "fake news awards"
</a>
are a clever psychological strategy,
and threaten to be an effective platform for attacking journalism in
general.  If the press covers them following its usual practices, it
could magnify their effect.
<p>
It is ironic that the article promotes another conceptual confusion by
referring to its readers, people such as me and perhaps you, as
"consumers" of articles.  For why this is harmful,
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Consume">
see this.
</a>


feed_id: edc73d9165ed5a31da45d716115a3daf
title: US national parks
uri: 2018-01-22-US-national-parks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28US_national_parks%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/1/17/1733512/-Most-of-the-National-Park-Advisory-Board-abruptly-resigned-out-of-frustration-and-profound-concern">
3/4 of the US National Park Advisory Board members resigned,
</a>
recognizing
that <a href="/glossary.html#saboteur">Saboteur</a> Zinke was ignoring them completely.


feed_id: e8bc197580de951978a737f69bcef5be
title: Work requirement on Medicaid
uri: Work-requirement-on-Medicaid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Work_requirement_on_Medicaid%29
content:
<p>
The governor of Kentucky imposed a work requirement on Medicaid.
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/1/16/1733373/-Kentucky-governor-says-he-ll-end-Medicaid-for-half-a-million-if-his-work-requirements-are-challenged">
The governor of Kentucky imposed a work requirement on Medicaid.
</a>
Then
he threatened to reject federal support for Medicaid entirely if any
court overturns his work requirement.
<p>
People should sue anyway to overturn this, because we must never
give in to the demands of hostage-takers.  If the governor harms
Kentuckians who are ill, the wrong and its punishment will be his.


feed_id: 32fa0f03ab98647b10ed0e65d8495e8b
title: Making America hated again
uri: Making-America-hated-again
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Making_America_hated_again%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/18/us-leadership-world-confidence-poll">
<a href="/glossary.html#trump">The troll</a> is making America hated again
</a>
-- more than ever before.


feed_id: 1f610b7922a1821fe8d2c8f2aa0174d5
title: Rohingya in Bangladesh
uri: Rohingya-in-Bangladesh
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Rohingya_in_Bangladesh%29
content:
<p>
Many Rohingya refugees, living in refugee camps in Bangladesh,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/18/someone-ask-rohingya-what-actually-want-myanmar">
don't
want to go back to Burma
</a>
to live in refugee camps there (and maybe get
murdered).  They say that living in Burma won't be safe unless they
are recognized as citizens of Burma.


feed_id: 6be5bbaf4f0c63d0ad04e0196c06681a
title: Forced to take pills
uri: Forced-to-take-pills
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Forced_to_take_pills%29
content:
<p>
A protester that died in Iranian prison
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/18/iranian-protester-who-died-in-custody-was-forced-to-take-pills">
was forced to take pills that made
him sick,
</a>
according to his family.


feed_id: e125dc3dfe477f42651f406528fca2a6
title: Transgender prisoners
uri: Transgender-prisoners
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Transgender_prisoners%29
content:
<p>
Right-wing sexists are
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/01/18/transgender-woman-prison-prea/">
suing to put male-to-female transgender
prisoners in with male prisoners.
</a>
<p>
The lawsuit alleges practical (but apparently fictitious) problems,
but they are not the motive for the lawsuit.  The right-wingers are
suing because they have taken up sexism as a religious principle.


feed_id: f230ef6ee3841c5b8e915cac841af6ff
title: Harvey's deadly rains
uri: Harvey-s-deadly-rains
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Harvey%27s_deadly_rains%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/18/2017-was-the-hottest-year-on-record-without-el-nino-boost">
Global [heating] Made Hurricane Harvey's Deadly Rains Three Times More Likely.
</a>
<p>
In other words, <a href="/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> was 3/4 of the cause of the high level
of damage.  The other 1/4 was chance, as far as we know.


feed_id: 025ebd42ffcbfb20aace1c179c1e06d8
title: Underfunded schools
uri: Underfunded-schools
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Underfunded_schools%29
content:
<p>
The nationwide focus on encouraging students to have more "grit" focuses
on a secondary factor,
<a href="https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2017/04/14/forget-grit-focus-on-inequality.html">
and this focus pushes aside the giant handicap
imposed on poor people's children by poverty and by their underfunded schools.
</a>


feed_id: 70f48d32f7dcafd01ba1bcdb7bfa5ffd
title: Asset-stripping
uri: Asset-stripping
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Asset-stripping%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2018/jan/17/mps-call-for-overhaul-in-oversight-of-england-academy-school-chains">
Publicly-supported private schools
</a>
invite asset-stripping.


feed_id: bd4bce4988733395e623b582f66b3b4a
title: "Chain migration"
uri: Chain-migration
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Chain_migration%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/further/2018/01/17/genealogical-glass-houses">
Right-wingers who condemn "chain migration"
</a>
turn out to be products of
it.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/12/trump-pence-migration-records">
So are Pence and the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>.
</a>
<p>
Any babies can become good members of our society.  Human babies are
flexible, and can pick up whatever culture they are brought up in.
They can do this more completely if the state provides them with good
schools to help.
<p>
We only need to avoid letting the total population increase very much.


feed_id: 3feb1c782dde2788d71ab4780db9d995
title: Amazon's accounting
uri: Amazon-s-accounting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Amazon%27s_accounting%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2018/01/amazons-accounting-makes-rich-peoples-income-invisible.html">
Amazon is run so as to undercut the competition and never make a profit,
thus never pay much taxes.
</a>
  Instead, its aim is to make its stock value go up.
<p>
Perhaps a corporation should pay taxes on increase in its stock price.


feed_id: f030426f836c7bdb91dad10fe4f4200c
title: Tillerson's goals for Syria
uri: Tillerson-s-goals-for-Syria
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Tillerson%27s_goals_for_Syria%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/18/trump-admin-commits-forever-war-syria-against-iran">
Some of Tillerson's stated goals for Syria are impossible or incompatible.
</a>
The US cannot come close to achieving them all.
<p>
I think the principal valid goals are (1) peace for Syria and (2)
protecting the Kurdish enclave of secularism and comparative liberty,
ideally through an autonomy and peace deal.  As well as crushing
<a href="/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a>, but that's not going to be difficult -- all the other regional
powers want it too.


feed_id: a555987573d86db6dbd65d3659794e29
title: Coverage of Ahed Tamimi
uri: Coverage-of-Ahed-Tamimi
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Coverage_of_Ahed_Tamimi%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/18/slapping-israeli-soldier-more-newsworthy-shooting-palestinian-child-face">
Coverage of Ahed Tamimi Obscures Israeli Violence And Occupation.
</a>
<p>
The violence of the Israeli Army is something we must not forget.
However, Ms Tamimi's case illustrates the implacable cruelty of the
occupation towards all that resist.  They are both worth covering.


feed_id: 5813ea754e65b7d2b76248213d87fb2b
title: The Hawaii false alarm
uri: The-Hawaii-false-alarm
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28The_Hawaii_false_alarm%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/01/18/nuclear-annihilation-and-wisdom-mass-salvation">
An erroneous report of a nuclear attack could trigger a real one,
</a>
with
<a href="/glossary.html#infant">the infant</a> in charge.


feed_id: 1a356a4f1692bb38bf2df6f53cc9f8ce
title: Apple paying some tax
uri: Apple-paying-some-tax
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_January_2018_%28Apple_paying_some_tax%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/01/18/apples-38-billion-tax-payment-less-half-79-billion-they-owe">
Apple wants Americans to be grateful it is paying some income tax,
</a>
even thought the amount is under half what it should have been.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jul-oct.html#6_September_2016_(Apples_scam)">
These profits have been outsourced to low-tax countries through
accounting tricks that should not be allowed.
</a>
<p>
So why does the US allow them?
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_(Tax-dodging_by_Apple_and_Nike)">
Because of the lobbying of big companies
(including Apple).
</a>


