# articles

feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(Modern_day_Republican_candidates)
title: Modern day Republican candidates
uri: Modern-day-Republican-candidates
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(Modern_day_Republican_candidates)
content:
 
<p>

*What is it about many modern day Republican candidates?
<p>
If they win an election, everything is on the up and up. <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/kelly-protasiewicz-sore-loser">If they lose,
    something was amiss and certainly unfair</a>.*
<p>
My explanation is, they accuse Democrats of doing what they would
plan to do.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(Clarence_Thomas_real_estate_sale)
title: Clarence Thomas real estate sale
uri: Clarence-Thomas-real-estate-sale
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(Clarence_Thomas_real_estate_sale)
content:
 
<p>

  Clarence Thomas <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/13/politics/clarence-thomas-harlan-crow-real-estate-deal/index.html">sold real estate to Republican funder Harlan Crow</a>
and did not report it.

 


title: (satire) Federal Reserve calls for more poverty
uri: (satire)-Federal-Reserve-calls-for-more-poverty
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_((satire)_Federal_Reserve_calls_for_more_poverty)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_((satire)_Federal_Reserve_calls_for_more_poverty)

content:
 
<p>

  (satire) <a href="https://www.theonion.com/federal-reserve-calls-for-more-poverty-1850333337">*Federal Reserve Calls For More Poverty.*</a>

 


title: Held in pretrial detention in Mexico
uri: Held-in-pretrial-detention-in-Mexico
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(Held_in_pretrial_detention_in_Mexico)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(Held_in_pretrial_detention_in_Mexico)

content:
 
<p>

* The Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruled that <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/13/americas/mexico-iachr-ruling-pretrial-detention-intl-latam/index.html">Mexico violated
    the rights of two people</a> who were held in pretrial detention for more
than 17 years.*

 


title: Congress for democracy instead of plutocracy
uri: Congress-for-democracy-instead-of-plutocracy
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(Congress_for_democracy_instead_of_plutocracy)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(Congress_for_democracy_instead_of_plutocracy)

content:
 
<p>

Ralph Nader: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/nader/be-a-capitol-hill-citizen-on-your-congress-p4t45ahskh?e=555e9be067">what Congress would legislate if it were for democracy
    instead of plutocracy.</a>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(US_objection_to_EY_plan_to_split)
title: US objection to EY plan to split
uri: US-objection-to-EY-plan-to-split
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(US_objection_to_EY_plan_to_split)
content:
 
<p>

The giant accounting company EY offered to split up into an accounting
company and a consulting company.  That split would limit opportunities and
temptation for corruption.  The US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/apr/11/ey-plan-to-break-up-consultancy-and-audit-divisions-blocked-by-us-office">objected to a detail of the plan</a>.
<p>
I wonder what the objection was.  Was the US protecting corruption?
Or was EY's plan designed to play a fast one?

 


title: The Supreme Court intervened on mifepristone
uri: The-Supreme-Court-intervened-on-mifepristone
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(The_Supreme_Court_intervened_on_mifepristone)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(The_Supreme_Court_intervened_on_mifepristone)

content:
 
<p>

The Supreme Court surprisingly intervened and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2023/apr/14/abortion-pill-ruling-supreme-court-temporary-block">blocked the appeals court's
    temporary ruling</a> that would have greatly limited access to mifepristone.
<p>
The result is that sales of the drug, even by remote orders, are still
lawful.
<p>
This is like a game of reversi.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(Commodification_of_the_Commons)
title: Commodification of the Commons
uri: Commodification-of-the-Commons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(Commodification_of_the_Commons)
content:
 
<p>

  Thom Hartmann: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/commodification-of-the-commons">*The Commodification of the Commons Is Killing Us All*</a>
<p>
I use the term "plutocracy" to refer to the political philosophy he
rebukes.

 


title: Model for Israel's assault on judiciary
uri: Model-for-Israel-s-assault-on-judiciary
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(Model_for_Israel's_assault_on_judiciary)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(Model_for_Israel's_assault_on_judiciary)

content:
 
<p>

  *Hungary and Poland <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/16/hungary-poland-provide-model-israel-assault-judiciary-netanyahu">provide model</a> for Israel’s assault on judiciary.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(Protesters_stopped_coal_train_in_UK)
title: Protesters stopped coal train in UK
uri: Protesters-stopped-coal-train-in-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(Protesters_stopped_coal_train_in_UK)
content:
 
<p>

  Protesters <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/apr/16/dozens-of-climate-activists-arrested-after-shovelling-coal-from-stalled-train">stopped a coal train in the UK</a> and started shoveling out the coal.
<p>
This should be justified by the necessity defense by citing the deaths
and diseases that coal will cause.

 


title: (satire) Dalai Lama reincarnated to remote village
uri: (satire)-Dalai-Lama-reincarnated-to-remote-village
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_((satire)_Dalai_Lama_reincarnated_to_remote_village)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_((satire)_Dalai_Lama_reincarnated_to_remote_village)

content:
 
<p>

  (satire) <a href="https://www.theonion.com/embattled-dalai-lama-quietly-reincarnated-to-remote-tib-1850329668">*Embattled Dalai Lama Quietly Reincarnated To Remote Tibetan Village.*</a>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(Negotiations_for_peace_in_Yemen)
title: Negotiations for peace in Yemen
uri: Negotiations-for-peace-in-Yemen
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(Negotiations_for_peace_in_Yemen)
content:
 
<p>

  <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a> and the Houthis are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/a-path-to-peace-in-yemen">negotiating for peace in Yemen</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(Motive_for_whistleblowers)
title: Motive for whistleblowers
uri: Motive-for-whistleblowers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(Motive_for_whistleblowers)
content:
 
<p>

The difference between Teixeira, who leaked secret military memos this
year, and whistleblowers such as Chelsea Manning and Edward Snowden,
is a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/14/the-guardian-view-on-the-pentagon-leaks-this-system-puts-lives-at-risk">matter of motive</a>.
  The whistleblowers wanted to serve the public; Teixeira was motivated
by bad wishes.
<p>
We must revise the Espionage Act to include a public interest
justification.  For Manning and Snowden, it would have exonerated them
and probably discouraged prosecuting them at all.  For Teixeira, it
would have changed nothing.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(5th_circuit_restricts_mifepristone)
title: 5th circuit restricts mifepristone
uri: 5th-circuit-restricts-mifepristone
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(5th_circuit_restricts_mifepristone)
content:
 
<p>
The federal appeal court placed onerous restrictions on mifepristone.
It will be available in principle, but obstructed by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/13/mifepristone-abortion-pill-to-remain-available-in-us-with-restrictions">senseless
restrictions</a>.
<p>
They include a reimposed requirement for an in-person visit to a
doctor.  In addition, the court arbitrarily cut it its use at 7 weeks
of pregnancy.  Many women don't learn they are pregnant that early, so
this will compel millions to have surgical abortions.
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/5th-circuit-abortion-pill-ruling">More info</a>.
<p>
People
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/13/online-interest-abortion-pills-mifepristone">stocked up on mifepristone</a>
in case they will need it later.
<p>
It is urgent to ramp up the underground networks that obtain
mifepristone and convey it to women who need it.

 


title: Urgent: Israel's increasing violence
uri: Urgent-Israel-s-increasing-violence
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#17_April_2023_(Urgent:_Israel's_increasing_violence)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#17_April_2023_(Urgent:_Israel's_increasing_violence)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.newmode.net/action/mpower-change/tell-congress-support-letter-biden-administration-demanding-action-palestinian">call on members of Congress to sign the Bowman/Sanders
letter</a>
for the US to push back on Israel's increasing violence (and
repression) in occupied Palestine.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#17_April_2023_(Deregulation_leads_to_suffering)
title: Deregulation leads to suffering
uri: Deregulation-leads-to-suffering
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#17_April_2023_(Deregulation_leads_to_suffering)
content:
 
<p>
Tracing the
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/koch-network-spending-big-to-torpedo-big-tech-anti-trust-reforms">suffering caused by deregulating</a>
various businesses to Republican politics and Koch money.

<p>
 


title: Spying on protesters, Dakota Access Pipeline
uri: Spying-on-protesters-Dakota-Access-Pipeline
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#17_April_2023_(Spying_on_protesters,_Dakota_Access_Pipeline)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#17_April_2023_(Spying_on_protesters,_Dakota_Access_Pipeline)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/tigerswan">A spy company</a>
hired by the companies behind the Dakota Access Pipeline
used lawful and unlawful methods to snoop on the campaigners opposing
to the pipeline.
<p>
For me, the most important thing about the pipeline is that it would
lead to more fossil fuel use for a long time, and therefore contribute
to global disaster.  It is interesting that, for the author of the
article, the fact that indigenous people lived nearby and played a
major role in that campaign is more important than helping to save the world.

<p>
 


title: Amazon and its workers' union, friction
uri: Amazon-and-its-workers-union-friction
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#17_April_2023_(Amazon_and_its_workers'_union,_friction)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#17_April_2023_(Amazon_and_its_workers'_union,_friction)

content:
 
<p>
Amazon is wearing down its workers' union by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/apr/08/long-fight-organize-us-workers-amazon">
continuing noncooperation and harassment</a>.
<p>
There are so many reasons to <a href="/amazon.html">refuse to buy from Amazon</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#18_April_2023_(Urgent:_Protect_medicated_abortion)
title: Urgent: Protect medicated abortion
uri: Urgent-Protect-medicated-abortion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#18_April_2023_(Urgent:_Protect_medicated_abortion)
content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on US courts to <a href="https://action.aclu.org/petition/tell-courts-protect-medication-abortion-now">protect medicated abortion</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#18_April_2023_(Urgent:_Tax_rates_for_rich_people)
title: Urgent: Tax rates for rich people
uri: Urgent-Tax-rates-for-rich-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#18_April_2023_(Urgent:_Tax_rates_for_rich_people)
content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-congress-tax-their-money-like-your-work">tax rich people's income at the same rate</a>
  regardless of which financial arrangements are used to pay it to them.

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

 


title: Urgent: Tell Republicans to leave American benefits alone
uri: Urgent-Tell-Republicans-to-leave-American-benefits-alone
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#18_April_2023_(Urgent:_Tell_Republicans_to_leave_American_benefits_alone)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#18_April_2023_(Urgent:_Tell_Republicans_to_leave_American_benefits_alone)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Republicans to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-speaker-mccarthy-and-members-of-the-house-majority-to-back-off-our-benefits">leave Americans' benefits (already
    inadequate) alone</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#18_April_2023_(Urgent:_fund_Public_Media)
title: Urgent: fund Public Media
uri: Urgent-fund-Public-Media
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#18_April_2023_(Urgent:_fund_Public_Media)
content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.freepress.net/sign/fund-public-media">fund Public Media</a>.
<p>
Corporate "sponsors" have too much influence over US public media.  As
usual, they use that influence to slant coverage and adjust the
Overton window.  With more public funds, public media could resist
their influence more.

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

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#18_April_2023_(US_may_supply_Taiwan_weapons)
title: US may supply Taiwan weapons
uri: US-may-supply-Taiwan-weapons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#18_April_2023_(US_may_supply_Taiwan_weapons)
content:
 
<p>

  The US may <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/15/asia/taiwan-china-invasion-defense-us-weapons-intl-hnk-dst/index.html">supply Taiwan with a huge stock of weapons</a> for
asymmetric warfare against the threatened Chinese conquest.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#18_April_2023_(Teenager_in_Kansas_City_was_shot)
title: Teenager in Kansas City was shot
uri: Teenager-in-Kansas-City-was-shot
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#18_April_2023_(Teenager_in_Kansas_City_was_shot)
content:
 
<p>

  A <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/apr/17/black-kansas-city-teen-shot-wrong-address">teenager in Kansas City was shot</a> while trying to pick up two of his brothers
when he was shot.
   Why was he shot?  He had gone to the wrong address, and he was black.
<p>
The victim made an innocent mistake, and perhaps so did the shooter.
But the victim's mistake was harmless and nonviolent.  The shooter's mistake,
if it was one, was to jump to a hostile conclusion without checking it.
<p>
We must not accept the excuse of "innocent mistake" for violent actions.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#18_April_2023_(Raise_minimum_wage_to_a_living_wage)
title: Raise minimum wage to a living wage
uri: Raise-minimum-wage-to-a-living-wage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#18_April_2023_(Raise_minimum_wage_to_a_living_wage)
content:
 
<p>

  Sanders: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/17/bernie-sanders-minimum-wage-living-wage">*We must raise the minimum wage to a living wage.*</a>
<p>
The necessities of life should not depend on employment.
If society provided those to everyone, the minimum wage would
not have to include that.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#18_April_2023_(PFAS_in_packaging)
title: PFAS in packaging
uri: PFAS-in-packaging
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#18_April_2023_(PFAS_in_packaging)
content:
 
<p>

Some PFAS are used in packaging, and are supposedly safe when used
that way, but in fact they can escape from the packaging and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/17/pfas-forever-chemicals-food-containers-study">get into
    the food or beverage</a>.

 


title: Rejecting Medicaid and evicting seniors
uri: Rejecting-Medicaid-and-evicting-seniors
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#18_April_2023_(Rejecting_Medicaid_and_evicting_seniors)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#18_April_2023_(Rejecting_Medicaid_and_evicting_seniors)

content:
 
<p>

*Assisted-living homes are <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/04/06/seniors-assisted-living-medicaid-eviction/">rejecting Medicaid [as an excuse for]
    evicting seniors</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#18_April_2023_(LNG_is_a_bridge_to_hotter_world)
title: LNG is a bridge to hotter world
uri: LNG-is-a-bridge-to-hotter-world
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#18_April_2023_(LNG_is_a_bridge_to_hotter_world)
content:
 
<p>

  *LNG Is a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/lng-bridge-fuel-climate-g7">Bridge Fuel to a Hotter, More Dangerous World</a>.*

 


title: Israeli thugs assault Palestinian worshipers
uri: Israeli-thugs-assault-Palestinian-worshipers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#18_April_2023_(Israeli_thugs_assault_palestinian_worshipers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#18_April_2023_(Israeli_thugs_assault_palestinian_worshipers)

content:
 
<p>

*Israeli [<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>] <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/israeli-police-palestinian-christians-jerusalem">Assault Palestinian Christian Worshipers in
    Jerusalem</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Keep immigrant families out of immigration prison
uri: Urgent-Keep-immigrant-families-out-of-immigration-prison
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#19_April_2023_(Urgent:_Keep_immigrant_families_out_of_immigration_prison)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#19_April_2023_(Urgent:_Keep_immigrant_families_out_of_immigration_prison)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Biden <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-to-president-biden-no-family-detention">not to put immigrant families in
    immigration prison</a>.

 


title: Urgent: abolish "blue slips" for blocking judicial nominations
uri: Urgent-abolish-blue-slips-for-blocking-judicial-nominations
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#19_April_2023_(Urgent:_abolish_blue_slips_for_blocking_judicial_nominations)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#19_April_2023_(Urgent:_abolish_blue_slips_for_blocking_judicial_nominations)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the Senate to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-to-senate-democrats-abolish-blue-slips">abolish "blue slips" for blocking
    judicial nominations</a>.
<p>
This is the system whereby judges from a state can veto appointment
of judges in that state.

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

 


title: Dishonesty and price gouging in medical system
uri: Dishonesty-and-price-gouging-in-medical-system
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#19_April_2023_(Dishonesty_and_price_gouging_in_medical_system)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#19_April_2023_(Dishonesty_and_price_gouging_in_medical_system)

content:
 
<p>

A medically-necessary emergency abortion provides an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/16/cost-of-abortion-us-expense">example of
    the dishonesty and price gouging of the US medical system</a>.
<p>
This is why I advocate a national medical system, not merely "Medicare
for all."  Under Medicare, medical treatment can be quite expensive.
Even the part the patient has to pay can be quite expensive.

 


title: Applications for state offices in Arkansas
uri: Applications-for-state-offices-in-Arkansas
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#19_April_2023_(Applications_for_state_offices_in_Arkansas)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#19_April_2023_(Applications_for_state_offices_in_Arkansas)

content:
 
<p>

Governor Sanders of Arkansas directs applicants for state offices to
demonstrate their lack of probity by <a href="https://www.rawstory.com/sarah-sanders-asks-state-board-applicants-to-name-what-they-admire-about-her-most-while-applying-for-job/">praising her in the job appliactions</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#19_April_2023_(Prison_next_to_Disney_World)
title: Prison next to Disney World
uri: Prison-next-to-Disney-World
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#19_April_2023_(Prison_next_to_Disney_World)
content:
 
<p>

Governor <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis</a> is hell-bent on punishing Disney.  His latest plan
is to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/apr/17/ron-desantis-prison-near-disney-theme-park">build a prison next to Disney World</a>.
<p>
I expect it will take years to start construction.  By then, <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis</a>
probably won't be governor any more; his successor will not have the
same grudge against Disney, so <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#perse">perse</a> will make a deal with Disney.
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis's</a> mania for punising anyone that won't bend the knee to him
is alarming.
<p>
However, Disney's being in a dispute with <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis</a>, who is clearly our
enemy, does not make Disney deserve our admiration.  Disney is not our
friend.  Disney is one of the companies responsible for the Digital
Millenium Coyright Act.

 


title: Opposition leaders jailed in Tunisia
uri: Opposition-leaders-jailed-in-Tunisia
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#19_April_2023_(Opposition_leaders_jailed_in_Tunisia)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#19_April_2023_(Opposition_leaders_jailed_in_Tunisia)

content:
 
<p>

  Tunisia's dictator has now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/17/rached-ghannouchi-critic-of-tunisian-president-is-latest-opposition-figure-to-be-arrested">jailed 20 opposition leaders</a>.
<p>
I too strongly condemn political Islam, but repression is not going to make
that go away or result in a free country.

 


title: Coral reef too deep for ordinary diving
uri: Coral-reef-too-deep-for-ordinary-diving
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#19_April_2023_(Coral_reef_too_deep_for_ordinary_diving)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#19_April_2023_(Coral_reef_too_deep_for_ordinary_diving)

content:
 
<p>

Discovery of a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/18/scientists-discover-pristine-deep-sea-galapagos-reef-teeming-with-life">thriving coral reef that is too deep for ordinary
    diving</a> leads some to hope these species will not be wiped out by heat.
<p>
However, heat is not the only threat to marine life.  Too much CO2 in
the sea will kill all coral, and many other kinds of animals, by
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-may-aug.html#30_May_2011_(Acidification)">making the ocean too acidic for them</a>.
<p>
We need to cut the CO2 emissions even if it isn't too hot.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#19_April_2023_(China_anti-covid_quarantines)
title: China anti-covid quarantines
uri: China-anti-covid-quarantines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#19_April_2023_(China_anti-covid_quarantines)
content:
 
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/18/china-zero-covid-policy-xi-jinping">Unofficial reports</a> describe masses killed in China by the sudden anti-Covid
quaranteens, followed by perhaps millions killed by rampaging Covid with
their deaths falsely atteributed to other causes.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#19_April_2023_(Ukraine-Russia_border)
title: Ukraine-Russia border
uri: Ukraine-Russia-border
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#19_April_2023_(Ukraine-Russia_border)
content:
 
<p>

The Ukraine-Russia border, between Kharkiv and Belgorod, was just an
arbitrary line, with similar people speaking the same form of
Ukrainian on both sides (often related to each other).  The war <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/18/ukraine-russia-border-war-citizens-identities">forced
    each person to choose a side</a>.
<p>
The two states, becoming increasingly different over time, created a
superstructure that made the two sites of the line terribly different.
Now one side of the line is under a repressive tyranny while the other
is under (imperfect) freedom.
f<p>
The author recognizes implicitly that <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#15_May_2019_(Tribute_to_Stalin)">Stalin's 1930s famine affected a
      large part of the Soviet Union</a> &mdash; it was not specifically aimed at
Ukraine.

 


title: Wrongs against UK citizens denied citizenship
uri: Wrongs-against-UK-citizens-denied-citizenship
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#19_April_2023_(Wrongs_against_UK_citizens_denied_citizenship)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#19_April_2023_(Wrongs_against_UK_citizens_denied_citizenship)

content:
 
<p>

Idiotic UK bureaucracy incorrectly denied the citizenship of many UK
citizens who came there long ago as children from colonies in the
Caribbean.  The Tory government was pressured to acknowledge these
wrongs and set up a scheme to right them.  But the Tory inclination
never to give a non-rich citizen a break <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/18/suella-braverman-windrush-scandal-survivors-compensation">eventually won out over
    righting wrongs</a>.
<p>
As long as the watchword is, "When in doubt, kick them out," it
won't do the job.

 


title: Global heating is wiping out ancient settlements
uri: Global-heating-is-wiping-out-ancient-settlements
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#19_April_2023_(Global_heating_is_wiping_out_ancient_settlements)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#19_April_2023_(Global_heating_is_wiping_out_ancient_settlements)

content:
 
<p>

  <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">Global heating</a> is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/apr/18/andes-community-devastated-by-climate-crisis-quelccaya-glacier-peru">wiping out ancient settlements in the high Andes</a>
because there is no more water.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#20_April_2023_(Copyright_and_machine_learning,_AU)
title: AI copyright law, AU
uri: AI-copyright-law-AU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#20_April_2023_(Copyright_and_machine_learning,_AU)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/apr/19/google-calls-for-relaxing-of-australias-copyright-laws-so-ai-can-mine-websites-for-information">Big Tech asks Australia</a>
to change copyright law to permit machine
learning systems to scan copyrighted web sites to construct language
models.
<p>
Copyright should allow people to study copyrighted works to learn
from them, as a matter of basic principle.  That includes adducing
patterns in how language is used.
<p>
If people want a law to prohibit studying works of text or art to make
programs that generate text or art, this should be a separate law so
that it doesn't mess up other uses of studying works, or other ways of
reusing aspects of works.  We must not let Big Tech add copyright
restrictions, since they will design it to give them more power over
us.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#20_April_2023_(Urgent:_Save_end-to-end_encryption)
title: Urgent: Save end-to-end encryption
uri: Urgent-Save-end-to-end-encryption
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#20_April_2023_(Urgent:_Save_end-to-end_encryption)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: phone your senators to oppose the "EARN-IT" bill that
would prohibit end-to-end encryption and require most online services
to scan, for the government, all material they get from users.
<p>
That's what Congress is considering
<a href="https://www.eff.org/pl/deeplinks/2022/02/its-back-senators-want-earn-it-bill-scan-all-online-messages">once again, after it was shelved</a>
for public opposition in 2020.  Now they are trying to rush it.
<p>
I think this would require services to require users to run nonfree
software in order to use them.
<p>
The bill is so extreme that if people communicate through an encrypted
service, and then commit a crime, that would be grounds to prosecute
the service.  Why go off the deep end?  I speculate that they figure
to drop them (as a "compromise") while keeping the basic outrages.
<p>
I found a campaign to contact senators to oppose this bill, but I
can't use it or recommend it, because it requires running nonfree
Javascript code.  Web sites and services should be usable with
Javascript disabled.
<p>
Why not make an exception and run the nonfree software "for a good
cause"?  Because once you make that kind of exception, once you allow
a pervasive injustice to become part of how you fight other
injustices, you've effectively legitimized that one.
<p>
Those web sites could have been designed to function even with Javascript
disabled, and they should be.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#20_April_2023_(Price_of_vegetables,_UK)
title: Price of vegetables, UK
uri: Price-of-vegetables-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#20_April_2023_(Price_of_vegetables,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
Children in Britain are becoming obese because many
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/17/britain-childhood-obesity-emergency-is-poverty-type-2-diabetes">parents can't
afford vegetables</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#20_April_2023_(US_spying_on_UN,_leak)
title: US spying on UN, leak
uri: US-spying-on-UN-leak
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#20_April_2023_(US_spying_on_UN,_leak)
content:
 
<p>
Some of the leaked Pentagon files seem to show
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/18/us-eavesdropped-on-secretary-general-reports">the US was listening
to UN</a>
secretary general Guterres's conversations.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#20_April_2023_(Faux_News_let_off)
title: Faux News let off
uri: Faux-News-let-off
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#20_April_2023_(Faux_News_let_off)
content:
 
<p>
*Dominion Was Never Going to
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/04/18/dominion-fox-news-settlement/">Save Our Democracy</a>
From [Faux] News.*  Squeezing money out of it was all it wanted.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#20_April_2023_(The_cost_of_avoiding_deforestation)
title: The cost of avoiding deforestation
uri: The-cost-of-avoiding-deforestation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#20_April_2023_(The_cost_of_avoiding_deforestation)
content:
 
<p>
*"Don’t fool yourself":
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/19/dont-fool-yourself-billions-more-needed-to-protect-tropical-forests-warns-new-report-aoe">Billions more</a>
needed to protect tropical forests.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#20_April_2023_(Stand-your-ground_homicides)
title: Stand-your-ground homicides
uri: Stand-your-ground-homicides
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#20_April_2023_(Stand-your-ground_homicides)
content:
 
<p>
"Stand your ground" laws bring with them a roughly
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/apr/18/stand-your-ground-laws-us-deaths-racist-violence">10% increase in homicides</a>.
<p>
They also enable racism.  Any shooter can cite this law, but courts
are more likely to approve it for white shooters, especially when they
shoot blacks.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#20_April_2023_((Satire)_Doorbell_criticalities,_MO)
title: (Satire) Doorbell criticalities, MO
uri: (Satire)-Doorbell-criticalities-MO
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#20_April_2023_((Satire)_Doorbell_criticalities,_MO)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Missouri Now Requiring All Residents To Have License, Permit
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/missouri-now-requiring-all-residents-to-have-license-p-1850348783">To Operate Doorbell</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#20_April_2023_(UK_political,_French,_terrorism)
title: UK political, French, "terrorism"
uri: UK-political-French-terrorism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#20_April_2023_(UK_political,_French,_terrorism)
content:
 
<p>
UK "anti-terrorist"
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/apr/18/french-publisher-arrested-london-counter-terrorism-police-ernest-moret">thugs arrested a French publisher</a>
visiting
the London Book Fair.  They accused him of having some sort of
involvement in the mass protests against President Macron.
<p>
This inculpates both the UK government and the French government in
repression against protesters.  In addition, it demonstrates <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_October_2017_(Anti-terror_laws)">the UK's
disrespect for the rights</a>
of the accused.
<p>
It is not the first time that the UK has used this repressive law against
journalism.
<p>
In 2014, David Miranda. whose spouse is Glen Greenwald, flew through
London with
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#20_August_2013_(David_Miranda)">a disk containing copy of Greenwald's data from reporting</a>,
including on Snowden.  UK <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> arrested Miranda and threatened to
imprison him for years if he did not immediately hand over the keys to
that data.
<p>
Flying through the UK is <a href="/archives/2021-may-aug.html#25_May_2021_(Belarus_forced_down_an_airliner)">comparable to flying over Belarus</a>.  The
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#28_October_2017_(Anti-terror_laws)">UK government should be ashamed of itself</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#20_April_2023_(Apt._app_steals_data,_AU)
title: Apt. apps greatly abuse, AU
uri: Apt-apps-greatly-abuse-AU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#20_April_2023_(Apt._app_steals_data,_AU)
content:
 
<p>
People who want to rent an apartment, in Australia, are almost forced
to use invasive data-collection sites.  The users of the sites are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/apr/18/most-australian-renters-think-third-party-applications-require-too-much-private-data-choice-survey-finds">unhappy with the data they collect</a>,
and some of them are manipulative
too.
<p>
I expect similar abusive practices exist in the US.  They may have
started in the US.  So many other Internet abuses did.
<p>
There is a danger concern that the site will implement housing bias.
If their developers get the idea to use trained neural nets to
evaluate would-be renters, they are likely to learn whatever sorts of
biases landlords have. 
<p>
I confidently predict that the site insists on
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/javascript-trap.html">running nonfree</a>
software on the user's site.  The users are not complaining about
this, but they would if they were wise.


 


title: Urgent: confirm Julie Su Secretary of Labor
uri: Urgent-confirm-Julie-Su-Secretary-of-Labor
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Urgent:_confirm_Julie_Su_Secretary_of_Labor)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Urgent:_confirm_Julie_Su_Secretary_of_Labor)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on the Senate to
<a href="https://act.aflcio.org/forms/julie-su?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=230412-email">confirm Julie Su as Secretary of Labor</a>.
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Population_growing,_India)
title: Population growing, India
uri: Population-growing-India
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Population_growing,_India)
content:
 
<p>
India's population is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/19/india-almost-3m-more-people-than-china-june-un-world-most-populous-country">increasing substantially</a>
&mdash;
   and so is its  <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-sep-dec.html#17_November_2022_(India_continues_to_boost_coal_production)">rate
of coal</a>,
and its rate of deforestation.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Poverty_in_the_US)
title: Poverty in the US
uri: 2023-04-22-Poverty-in-the-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Poverty_in_the_US)
content:
 
<p>
Poverty is a
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/poverty-4th-leading-cause-death">major cause of death</a>
in the US.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Shot_for_knocking,_US)
title: Shot for knocking, US
uri: Shot-for-knocking-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Shot_for_knocking,_US)
content:
 
<p>
*Why are Americans being
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/19/why-are-americans-being-shot-for-knocking-on-the-wrong-door">shot for knocking</a>
on the wrong door?*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Judicial_appointments_blocked)
title: Judicial appointments blocked
uri: Judicial-appointments-blocked
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Judicial_appointments_blocked)
content:
 
<p>
Senator Feinstein is ill and unable to go to the Senate to vote.
This is blocking many judicial appointments.  She agreed to let
another Democrat replace her on the judiciary committee,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/durbin-blue-slip-norm">so as to unblock these votes</a>,
but Republicans' assent was required and some refused.
<p>
It is absurd for Senator Durbin to defend a questionable bipartisan
tradition of the past that the Republicans refused to observe when the
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#s-i-c">saboteur in chief</a> was president.  To defend it unilaterally is being a
sucker.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Epitome_of_plastics,_OH)
title: Epitome of plastics, OH
uri: Epitome-of-plastics-OH
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Epitome_of_plastics,_OH)
content:
 
<p>
Making plastic often spreads toxins, and disposing of it likewise. We need to
<a href="https://www.levernews.com/r/9aa31def?m=a1296444-4385-46f7-b56f-c5acabd34844">reduce total production</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Voter_fraud_bills,_TX)
title: Voter fraud bills, TX
uri: Voter-fraud-bills-TX
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Voter_fraud_bills,_TX)
content:
 
<p>
Texas is considering many
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/apr/19/texas-criminalize-voter-fraud-bills">new laws to punish fraud in voting</a>,
which almost
never happens in the US.
<p>
I am sure this is blowing smoke so they can claim a fire exists, but I
susepect it is worse than that.
<p>
I think these bills are in fact intended to create opportunities to
intimidate voters &mdash; voters who belong to <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#disprivileged">disprivileged groups</a> and
probably vote Democratic &mdash; by making false accusations and threats.
For instance, the "marshals" could make false accusations on election
day to drive voters away.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Greenwashing,_clothing_cos.)
title: Greenwashing, clothing cos.
uri: Greenwashing-clothing-cos
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Greenwashing,_clothing_cos.)
content:
 
<p>
A guide to the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/apr/17/fashion-greenwashing-glossary-what-do-circular-sustainable-and-zero-waste-really-mean">typical terms</a>
used for greenwashing in the clothing
industry.
<p>
The best way to reduce the waste made from making your clothing
is to stop the frequent purchase of clothing.  If you wear each thing
you buy on at least 50 days, you will buy far less than most people do
in the wealthier countries.  You'll also save a lot of money.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Great_Pacific_Garbage_Patch)
title: Great Pacific Garbage Patch
uri: Great-Pacific-Garbage-Patch
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Great_Pacific_Garbage_Patch)
content:
 
<p>
Almost
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/17/world/plastic-pollution-ocean-ecosystems-intl-climate/index.html">500 species of animals</a>,
mostly coastal species, have colonized the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

<p>
 


title: (Satire) Miranda Rights for the wealthy class
uri: (Satire)-Miranda-Rights-for-the-wealthy-class
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_((Satire)_Miranda_Rights_for_the_wealthy_class)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_((Satire)_Miranda_Rights_for_the_wealthy_class)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Police Read Wealthy Suspect Special
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/police-read-wealthy-suspect-special-miranda-warning-out-1850313311">Miranda Warning
Outlining Right To Impunity</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Employment_verses_inflation,_AU)
title: Employment verses inflation, AU
uri: Employment-verses-inflation-AU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Employment_verses_inflation,_AU)
content:
 
<p>
Australia has decided to give full employment equal weight with
reducing inflation, in
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/apr/20/rba-shakeup-to-target-full-employment-as-well-as-fighting-inflation">decisions about monetary policy</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Debt_ceiling_plan)
title: Debt ceiling plan
uri: Debt-ceiling-plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Debt_ceiling_plan)
content:
 
<p>
Republicans have described a specific plan to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/kevin-mccarthy-debt-ceiling-bill">impose disaster</a>
specifically on non-rich Americans.
<p>
If I were the Democrats, I would tell the Republicans, "If you are
determined to cause a disaster for Americans, you'll have to do it by
yourselves.  We will not participate.  Especially, don't expect we will
help you save the rich while abandoning the poor."

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Energy_plan_risks,_UK)
title: Energy plan risks failure, UK
uri: Energy-plan-risks-failure-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Energy_plan_risks,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
If the UK transitions to renewable energy by 2050, it could save money
and achieve lower total greenhouse emissions if it avoids
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/uk-renewable-energy100">building any
nuclear energy</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Copyright_hassle,_UK)
title: Copyright hassle, UK
uri: Copyright-hassle-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Copyright_hassle,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
A concert to benefit poor musicians in the UK accidentally used a
copyrighted work.  The collecting society PRS charged it a fee that
amounts to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/apr/20/london-charity-concert-told-to-pay-1000-in-embarrassing-copyright-row">half the money</a>
it had raised, and thus revealed it has the
attitude of a parasite.
<p>
Copyright is an extremely bad way of supporting musicians and
composers.  We should allow noncommercial use of music with no fee,
and for supporting musicians and composers, we should
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/copyright-vs-community.html.">set up
other systems</a>
for that.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Cost_of_abortion,_AU)
title: Cost of abortion, AU
uri: Cost-of-abortion-AU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Cost_of_abortion,_AU)
content:
 
<p>
The Australian Capitol Territory will offer
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/apr/20/act-becomes-first-australian-jurisdiction-to-offer-free-universal-access-to-abortions">abortion gratis to anyone</a>.
<p>
This is what every country should do.  No one should be compelled to have
and raise a baby.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Deepwater_Horizon_cleanup_workers)
title: Deepwater Horizon cleanup workers
uri: Deepwater-Horizon-cleanup-workers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Deepwater_Horizon_cleanup_workers)
content:
 
<p>
*They cleaned up BP’s massive oil spill.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/20/bp-oil-spill-deepwater-horizon-health-lawsuits">Now they’re sick</a>
&mdash; and want justice.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Govt_ethics,_Supreme_Court)
title: Govt ethics, Supreme Court
uri: Govt-ethics-Supreme-Court
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Govt_ethics,_Supreme_Court)
content:
 
<p>
Justice Thomas's rich patron funded a right-wing group that had a case
before the Supreme Court, during the time he knew and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/apr/20/clarence-thomas-supreme-court-harlan-crow-luxury-gifts">gave gifts to
Thomas</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Survivor_revelations,_Tigray)
title: Survivor revelations, Tigray
uri: Survivor-revelations-Tigray
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Survivor_revelations,_Tigray)
content:
 
<p>
Survivors describe the massacres committed by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/apr/20/the-hyenas-had-eaten-the-rest-survivors-speak-about-the-horrors-of-massacres-in-northern-tigray">Eritrean soldiers in
Tigray</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Antioch,_CA_police)
title: Antioch, CA police
uri: Antioch-CA-police
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Antioch,_CA_police)
content:
 
<p>
*Shocking messages about
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/apr/19/antioch-police-department-racist-text-messages">beating suspects and making up evidence</a>
were found when Antioch, [California], [<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>] were investigated.*
  Nearly half the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> in the department either sent them or read them
without objecting.
<p>
The article linked to just above displays symbolic bigotry by
capitalizing "black" but not "white".  (To avoid endorsing bigotry,
capitalize both words or neither one.)  I denounce bigotry, and
normally I will not link to articles that promote it.  But I make
exceptions for some articles that I consider particularly important.
That article is one of the exceptions.
<p>
The point of the article is that we have a responsibility to object to
bigotry when we see it.  Symbolic bigotry is nowhere near as bad as
beating people up, but we should still call it out, as I am doing here.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#22_April_2023_(Free_market_dogma_costs)
title: Free market dogma costs
uri: Free-market-dogma-costs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#22_April_2023_(Free_market_dogma_costs)
content:
 
<p>
Allowing business to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/free-market-dogma-leads-to-disaster">optimize everything with profit</a>
as its only goal
has produced disaster over and over.
<p>
Railroads, masks, medicine, arms &mdash; every area of work that has been
put under the dominion of the profit-maximizer works badly for everyone
except the owners.  A profit-maximizing AI will be little different from
a paperclip-maximizing AI.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#22_April_2023_(Facial_recognition,_Iran)
title: Facial recognition, Iran
uri: Facial-recognition-Iran
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#22_April_2023_(Facial_recognition,_Iran)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/08/iranian-police-plan-to-use-smart-cameras-to-identify-violators-of-hijab-law">Iran is using facial recognition</a>
in public places to identify
the dangerous criminals that don't wear required Islamic clothing.
<p>
They have been specifically
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/10/women-not-wearing-hijab-to-be-banned-from-tehran-metro-reports">banned from the Tehram Metro</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#22_April_2023_(A_never_again_slavery_memorial)
title: A "never again" slavery memorial
uri: A-never-again-slavery-memorial
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#22_April_2023_(A_never_again_slavery_memorial)
content:
 
<p>
Proposing
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/09/civil-war-america-april-9-national-holiday">April 9 as a national holiday</a>
for the military defeat
of the forces of slavery.
<p>
I am in favor of having such a holiday, but April 9 is not the
only candidate.  Juneteenth, June 10, seems to have momentum.
Either one is ok with me.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#22_April_2023_(The_3rd_gender_in_southern_Mexico)
title: The 3rd gender in southern Mexico
uri: The-3rd-gender-in-southern-Mexico
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#22_April_2023_(The_3rd_gender_in_southern_Mexico)
content:
 
<p>
On the Zapotec form of transgenderism, called
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/muxes-mexico-gender-binary-cec/index.html">"muxe</a>".

<p>
 


title: Preempting local business regulations, TX
uri: Preempting-local-business-regulations-TX
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#22_April_2023_(Preempting_local_business_regulations,_TX)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#22_April_2023_(Preempting_local_business_regulations,_TX)

content:
 
<p>
Texas is planning to pass
<a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2023/04/11/texas-death-star-bill-on-track-to-decimate-local-worker-and-consumer-protections/">a bill to invalidate local regulations</a>
in a
sweeping way.  This would include regulations to *protect workers,
consumers, and the environment.*
<p>
Naturally, ALEC is involved, showing that the main benefit will be for
the rich.
<p>
I expect that fascists will use this to prevent cities and counties
from resisting voter-suppression.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#22_April_2023_(A_dangerous_Internet_proposal)
title: A dangerous Internet proposal
uri: A-dangerous-Internet-proposal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#22_April_2023_(A_dangerous_Internet_proposal)
content:
 
<p>
Verisign has asked ICANN to give
<a href="https://freespeech.com/2023/04/19/red-alert-icann-and-verisign-proposal-would-allow-any-government-in-the-world-to-seize-domain-names/"><em>every</em> government total power</a>
to seize or shut .net domains.
  If some government, such as Tuvalu or China or Beijing, seized your
domain, you'd have to sue in the courts of Tuvalu or China, not your
own country.
<p>
This is a very dangerous concentration of power.  The fact that Verisign
arranged for this shows it is far too powerful.  The network's arrangements
with it should be canceled and replaced with something quite different.
<p>
The fact that ICANN agreed to this suggests that there is corruption in ICANN
that needs to be rooted out.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#22_April_2023_(Police_killed_protestor,_lied)
title: Police killed protester, lied
uri: Police-killed-protester-lied
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#22_April_2023_(Police_killed_protestor,_lied)
content:
 
<p>
An autopsy found that
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/cop-city-protester-shot-57-times-never-fired-weapon-dekalb-county-autopsy">Manuel Paez Terán did not fire a gun</a>
in the confrontation in which <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> killed him.
<p>
The <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> claimed that he had, but it was evidently bullshit.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#22_April_2023_(Top_five_climate_methods)
title: Top five climate methods
uri: Top-five-climate-methods
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#22_April_2023_(Top_five_climate_methods)
content:
 
<p>
An IPCC publication comparing the effectiveness of various ways of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/20/down-to-earth-ipcc-emissions">reducing greenhouse gas emissions</a>
  finds that the five most effective methods are:
<ul>
<li>solar power</li>
<li>wind power</li>
<li>ending deforestation</li>
<li>improving energy efficiency (what Amory Lovins called "negawatts")</li>
<li>shutting off methane emissions</li>
</ul?
In particular, nuclear energy and carbon capture and storage
are of little use.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#22_April_2023_(Labour_leader_seems_Tory)
title: Labour leader seems Tory
uri: Labour-leader-seems-Tory
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#22_April_2023_(Labour_leader_seems_Tory)
content:
 
<p>
*By reviving scrounger myths and rubbishing free social care, Starmer’s
begun
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/20/labour-warpath-targeting-benefit-claimants-disabled-starmer">a race to the bottom</a>
&mdash; one the Tories will win.*
<p>
Prime Minister Wilson said, "Labour is a moral crusade or it is nothing."
What does that say about Starmer?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#22_April_2023_(Wrong_door_shootings,_US)
title: Wrong door shootings, US
uri: Wrong-door-shootings-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#22_April_2023_(Wrong_door_shootings,_US)
content:
 
<p>
Frequent killings of people for going to the wrong door are *the
effects of a "national experiment in freely
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/stand-your-ground-shootings">giving deadly weapons to
anyone</a>
who wants one."*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#22_April_2023_(Lithium_mining,_Chile)
title: Lithium mining, Chile
uri: Lithium-mining-Chile
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#22_April_2023_(Lithium_mining,_Chile)
content:
 
<p>
Chile's president Boric plans to gradually
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/boric-nationalize-chile-lithium">nationalize the lithium
mining industry</a>.
<p>
Some countries are permitting export of lithium only if the
refining is done there before export.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#22_April_2023_(American_Clean_Power_Assoc._dirty)
title: American Clean Power Assoc. dirty
uri: American-Clean-Power-Assoc-dirty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#22_April_2023_(American_Clean_Power_Assoc._dirty)
content:
 
<p>
The American Clean Power Association, which officially represents various renewable energy companies, seems to have been
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/american-clean-power-fossil-fuel-ties">corrupted by fossil fuel influence</a>.

<p>
 


title: Fix climate faster: economy as ecosystem
uri: Fix-climate-faster-economy-as-ecosystem
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Fix_climate_faster:_economy_as_ecosystem)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Fix_climate_faster:_economy_as_ecosystem)

content:
 
<p>
Global climate negotiations systematically refuse to consider dangers
that are plausible but not yet certain.  This leads to underestimating
what we should rationally do.  They also overestimate the effectiveness
of economic systems in acting to reduce danger.  That gives plutocrats an
excuse to argue against taking firm measures to ensure survival.
<p>
The author suggests government launch a lot more studies about "What is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/apr/09/five-times-faster-by-simon-sharpe-review-a-radical-but-realistic-path-to-net-zero-emissions-rethinking-the-science-economics-and-diplomacy-of-climate-change">the worst that can happen?</a>"
<p>
The overall point of the report covered in this article is a proposal for
a way to reduce emissions quickly: by taxing the old technologies that produce
lots of emissions enough to ensure they are replaced in a few years.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Faux_News_audience_demands)
title: Faux News audience demands
uri: Faux-News-audience-demands
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Faux_News_audience_demands)
content:
 
<p>
*Fox News and its audience became
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/21/fox-news-audience-lies-dominion-trial-donald-trump">hooked on lies</a>
&mdash; now they can’t
break the habit.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(SaaSS_censorship:_drawings)
title: SaaSS censorship: art drawings
uri: SaaSS-censorship-art-drawings
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(SaaSS_censorship:_drawings)
content:
 
<p>
At least two art-generating online dis-services have
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/04/22/ai-art-abortion-censorship/">banned the word
"abortion"</a>.
 One of them directly threatens users who try to generate
drawings on that topic.
   This form of censorship seems to reject many other words, including
words for reproductive anatomy and for birth control products.
<p>
This form of censorship demonstrates the injustice of SaaSS (Service
as a Software Substitute).  The user simply wants to run a particular
program, but
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/who-does-that-server-really-serve.html">that program has never been released</a>,
so the only way to run it is to connect to someone else's server which will run it for
the user.  This is basically similar in injustice to a nonfree program,
   but worse: the server operator can control who is allowed to use
the program (by requiring each user to make an account), snoop on all
the data the user provides to the server, and can even demand data
from the user for purposes of profiling or subsequent manipulation.
<p>
If the same program were released as nonfree software, that would not
respect the user's freedom either.  For instance, it could contain
arbitrary censorship rules.  However, unless it has a
<a href="https://gnu.org/malware/proprietary-back-doors.html">back door</a>
(which is not unheard of),
  the developer could not remotely add more censorship to a copy that
a user has already installed.
<p>
Nonfree software and SaaSS are two unjust ways of making a program
available for use.  The only just way is to release it as free software.
<p>
As for the other characteristics of some drawings that disappointed
some users for representing stereotypes, or the male gaze, different
users might have different preferences about those things.  One user
might have different preferences on different occasions.
<p>
These programs can't think about those preferences, because they are
not a form of intelligence and have no understanding of anything, last
of all what an image might mean to a human looking at it.
<p>
To make such distinctions requires a human artist.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Greenwashing_on_Earth_Day)
title: Greenwashing on Earth Day
uri: Greenwashing-on-Earth-Day
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Greenwashing_on_Earth_Day)
content:
 
<p>
One of the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/22/appalling-earth-day-greenwashing-a-risk-to-progress-says-protest-founder-aoe">founders of Earth Day warns</a>
that it has become an occasion
for massive greenwashing by heavily polluting businesses. 

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Fascism_in_Shasta_County,_CA)
title: Fascism in Shasta County, CA
uri: Fascism-in-Shasta-County-CA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Fascism_in_Shasta_County,_CA)
content:
 
<p>
Journalist Doni Chamberlain covers
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/apr/21/california-journalist-far-right-takover-shasta-county">the fascists of Shasta County</a>,
defying their threats and their intimidation, but keeping an eye open
for the possibility of violence.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Antiterrorism_power_abuse,_UK)
title: Anti-terrorism power abuse, UK
uri: Anti-terrorism-power-abuse-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Antiterrorism_power_abuse,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
When UK "anti-terrorist" <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> questioned French publisher Ernest Moret,
supposedly about "terrorism", they asked him questions about his
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/apr/19/french-publisher-arrested-in-london-was-asked-about-support-for-macron">positions
in French politics</a>,
such as whether he supported President Macron and
whether he had protested against Macron's pension delay law.
<p>
This catches them red-handed in dishonest use of these special powers,
which violate human rights.
<p>
It is not enough to drop charges against Moret.  The UK must restore
its respect for human rights.

<p>
 


title: Buying elections: No Labels ballot
uri: Buying-elections-No-Labels-ballot
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Secretive_profits-to-elections:_No_Labels)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Secretive_profits-to-elections:_No_Labels)

content:
 
<p>
"Americans, unite to
<a href="https://www.levernews.com/americas-first-dark-money-ballot-line/?utm_source=newsletter-email&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=newsletter-article&attribution_id=64308e968f50ed003de1805b&attribution_type=post">support the anonymous billionaires</a>!"
<p>
In the US, the <a href="/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_October_2017_(Right-wing_DNC)">"Centrists" are the plutocratists</a> &mdash; the ones who avoid
most political issues and mainly insist on keeping life profitable for
the rich.  What's new is that billionaires plan to pool their money
secretly to get their politicians elected without bothering with
support either major political parties.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Costs_of_tourism)
title: Costs of tourism
uri: Costs-of-tourism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Costs_of_tourism)
content:
 
<p>
The numbers of tourists now going to the main destinations are not only
making them unpleasant places to be, but also
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/22/as-la-dolce-vita-turns-sour-thanks-to-overtourism-hotspots-are-turning-away-their-visitors">converting them</a>
into theme parks.

<p>
 


title: Check, balance politicized judiciary
uri: Check-balance-politicized-judiciary
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Check,_balance_politicized_judiciary)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Check,_balance_politicized_judiciary)

content:
 
<p>
The Supreme Court decision to tentatively allow sales of mifepristone to continue seems to have
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/aoc-rebukes-alito-tantrum-and-highly-politicized-supreme-court">split the most extreme right</a>
wing from the rest.
<p>
It is a very sad thing for the US that the Supreme Court has been
politicized so far, but there is no use denying it.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Religious_display_requirement,_TX)
title: Religious display requirement, TX
uri: Religious-display-requirement-TX
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Religious_display_requirement,_TX)
content:
 
<p>
The fanatical Christians that is the Texas Republican Party plan to
require display of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/apr/21/texas-classrooms-ten-commandments-bill">a religious statement in every classroom</a>.
<p>
This would directly defy the First Amendment, which bans establishment
of religion.
<p>
In normal times, we would confidently expect federal courts to quash
this &mdash; but no one can be sure nowadays.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Urgent:_Investigate_Clarence_Thomas)
title: Urgent: Investigate Clarence Thomas
uri: Urgent-Investigate-Clarence-Thomas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Urgent:_Investigate_Clarence_Thomas)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on the Senate to
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-on-the-us-senate-must-investigate-clarence-thomas-and-require-strong-ethics-for-the-supreme-court?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-courage-campaign&source=direct_link">investigate Clarence Thomas</a>.
<p>
  The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Raise taxes on rich & corporations
uri: Urgent-Raise-taxes-on-rich-corporations
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Urgent:_Raise_taxes_on_rich_%26_corporations)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Urgent:_Raise_taxes_on_rich_%26_corporations)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/this-tax-day-tell-congress-raise-taxes-on-the-rich-corporations-dont-cut-services-for-working-families?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-coalition-on-human-needs&source=group-coalition-on-human-needs">raise taxes on the rich &
corporations</a>;
and not cut benefits for working families (and non-rich Americans in general).
<p>
  The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Urgent:_Close_the_Guantanamo_prison)
title: Urgent: Close the Guantanamo prison
uri: 2023-04-24-Urgent-Close-the-Guantanamo-prison
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Urgent:_Close_the_Guantanamo_prison)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Biden to
<a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/tell-president-biden-close-guantanamo-bay?akid=8812.223515.PctKkX&c0=tell-president-biden-close-guantanamo-bay.DAO5h9&rd=1&source=em20230418_2&t=1006">close the Guantanamo prison</a>.
<p>
My recommendation for how to get around the US laws that make it hard
to find a way to move the current prisoners out of that prison
is to <a href="/articles/how-us-can-close-guantanamo-prison.html">convert it into a town</a>.
<p>The White House comments lines are 
<a href="tel:+12024561111">+1-202-456-1111</a>
and (TTY/TDD) +1-202-456-6213.</p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Not_protests,_not_rallies)
title: Not protests, not rallies
uri: Not-protests-not-rallies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Not_protests,_not_rallies)
content:
 
<p>
Arguing that only sabotage and direct resistance are strong enough to
prevent the mass murder that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/21/climate-diplomacy-is-hopeless-says-author-of-how-to-blow-up-a-pipeline-andreas-malm">greenhouse emissions drive us</a>
into.
<p>
The idea is to stop deadly projects, not merely symbolically denounce them
and hope that governments will stop them.

<p>
 


title: Republican strategy to combat voting
uri: Republican-strategy-to-combat-voting
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Republican_strategy_to_combat_voting)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Republican_strategy_to_combat_voting)

content:
 
<p>
A Republican who pushed to override the 2020 election results
now proposes a strategy to rig the 2024 election: make it
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/gop-lawyer-2024-college-voting">harder
for college students to vote</a>.
<p>
Republicans are already trying hard to do this, and
facing a lot of resistance.  What the presentation shows
is that Republican activists feel no shame whatsoever
about systematic cheating.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Securing_your_child's_future)
title: Securing your child's future
uri: Securing-your-child-s-future
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Securing_your_child's_future)
content:
 
<p>
To be a good parent requires fighting now to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/21/are-you-a-good-parent-child-climate-collapse-parenting">prevent climate disaster
from destroying them</a>
later in their lives.
<p>
The article reiterates a basic assumption -- that you should love,
care about, your own children more than anyone else.  Carried too far,
that narrow focus is a mistake.  A saying that struck me as very wise
is, "Helping only your own family is a just a form of selfishness."
This can be see in the way billionaires are practicing precisely that
form of selfishness when they try to take all the world's wealth for
their own heirs.
<p>
Notwithstanding that, the article's overall point is valid.  But I
would take it one step further.  Nowadays the best thing you can do
for your potential children is not to have them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Fairmined_Ecological_Gold_cert.)
title: Fairmined Ecological Gold cert.
uri: Fairmined-Ecological-Gold-cert
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Fairmined_Ecological_Gold_cert.)
content:
 
<p>
On the struggle to convert gold mining in Peru &mdash; mostly illegal and
controlled by gangs &mdash; to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/apr/21/gold-standard-peru-miners-phase-out-mercury-in-bid-to-clean-up-industry">a method that avoids spreading mercury</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Reversing_deforestation,_CR)
title: Reversed deforestation, CR
uri: Reversed-deforestation-CR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#23_April_2023_(Reversing_deforestation,_CR)
content:
 
<p>
Costa Rica sets an example of successfully reversing deforestation.
Since around 1990, most of the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/21/costa-rica-uk-land">lost forests have grown back</a>.
<p>
The basic idea was to pay the owner of a formerly forested area just a
little more than the pittance that could be made from inefficient
raising of cattle, for letting forest grow there.

I wonder if this method can be adapted to the Brazilian Amazon.
The situation is not the same.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#24_April_2023_(Jackson,_Mississippi_apartheid)
title: Jackson, Mississippi apartheid
uri: Jackson-Mississippi-apartheid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#24_April_2023_(Jackson,_Mississippi_apartheid)
content:
 
<p>
Mississippi Republicans
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/04/20/mississippi-jackson-black-court/">deny the city of Jackson the right to
elect and control</a>
its own <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department and prosecutors.
<p>
This is an <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#25_February_2020_(Undoing_justice_reform)">attempt to thwart criminal justice reform</a>,
   which would reduce the racism that "justice" systems have meted out in the past.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#24_April_2023_(Naked_Education,_Ch._4,_UK)
title: Naked Education, Ch. 4, UK
uri: Naked-Education-Ch-4-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#24_April_2023_(Naked_Education,_Ch._4,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
It is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/14/naked-education-britain-teens-naked-bodies-channel-4">helpful for adolescents to see</a>
a wide range of humans nude,
so that they don't think everyone is supposed to look like a porn star.

<p>
 


title: Bank mergers' community benefits questionable
uri: Bank-mergers-community-benefits-questionable
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#24_April_2023_(Bank_mergers'_community_benefits_questionable)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#24_April_2023_(Bank_mergers'_community_benefits_questionable)

content:
 
<p>
*The government rescued Silicon Valley Bank's wealthy depositors, but
<a href="https://www.levernews.com/r/dd1a85f2?m=a1296444-4385-46f7-b56f-c5acabd34844">neighborhoods counting on the collapsed bank</a>
are out of luck.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#24_April_2023_(Natural_methane_leakage,_AU)
title: Natural methane leakage, AU
uri: Natural-methane-leakage-AU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#24_April_2023_(Natural_methane_leakage,_AU)
content:
 
<p>
The Condamine river in Australia seems to be condaminated naturally
with
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/apr/15/like-a-boiling-broth-concerns-after-video-of-gas-seep-in-queensland-river-emerges">methane that steadily leaks out of the ground</a>
and contributes to <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a>.
<p>
Is it possible to capture the leaking methane, and replace some of the artificially fracked methane that Australia now produces?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#24_April_2023_(Boards_of_education_protected)
title: Boards of education protected
uri: Boards-of-education-protected
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#24_April_2023_(Boards_of_education_protected)
content:
 
<p>
*Rightwing
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2023/apr/21/school-board-elections-illinois-wisconsin-republicans-lose">extremists defeated</a>
by Democrats in US school board elections.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#24_April_2023_(Coal_powering_up)
title: Coal powering up
uri: Coal-powering-up
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#24_April_2023_(Coal_powering_up)
content:
 
<p>
*China 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/24/china-ramps-up-coal-power-despite-carbon-neutral-pledges">ramps up coal power</a>
despite carbon neutral pledges.*
<p>
Xi, visit Shanghai now, because in a few decades it will be under
water.
<p>
India too is building <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-sep-dec.html#17_November_2022_(India_continues_to_boost_coal_production)">more coal-burning</a>
electric generation.
  Bye-bye, Mumbai.  By the time those fools see the danger manifest
itself, it will be too late to save that city. or Chennai, Kolkata, Goa,
Kozhikode, and many more.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#24_April_2023_(Congress_reintroduces_RAWA)
title: Congress reintroduces RAWA
uri: Congress-reintroduces-RAWA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#24_April_2023_(Congress_reintroduces_RAWA)
content:
 
<p>
The Recovering America's Wildlife Act would invest in
<a href="https://www.heinrich.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-tillis-introduce-bipartisan-recovering-americas-wildlife-act">conserving
America's wild species and ecosystems</a>,
  without which our civilization could hardly survive.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#24_April_2023_(McCarthy_dire_on_Medicaid)
title: McCarthy dire on Medicaid
uri: McCarthy-dire-on-Medicaid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#24_April_2023_(McCarthy_dire_on_Medicaid)
content:
 
<p>
Some
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/mccarthy-debt-ceiling-plan-10-million-medicaid">20 million Americans would be at risk</a>
of losing Medicaid funding
for their medical care, if House Speaker McCarthy gets his way.
<p>
 Precisely how many millions would actually lose coverage we cannot
tell, since it would depend on many decisions yet to be made.
<p>
If it comes out to around 10 million, my rough guess is that a few
percent of them would die as a result within a few years.  That will
be hundreds of thousands killed.
<p>
Shall we call him Massacre McCarthy?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#24_April_2023_(An_exemplary_French_protest)
title: An exemplary French protest
uri: An-exemplary-French-protest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#24_April_2023_(An_exemplary_French_protest)
content:
 
<p>
Thousands of people protest in France to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/brick-wall-france-motorway-protest">block the construction of a
new main road</a>
between two cities, saying that building more roads for cars is a bad investment for society.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Megadonor Harlan Crow and Senator Sinema
uri: Urgent-Megadonor-Harlan-Crow-and-Senator-Sinema
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#25_April_2023_(Urgent:_Megadonor_Harlan_Crow_and_Senator)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#25_April_2023_(Urgent:_Megadonor_Harlan_Crow_and_Senator)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on the Senate to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/billionaires-shouldnt-be-able-to-buy-senators-or-scotus?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-the-people-united&source=group-the-people-united">investigate Sinema's apparent corruption</a></a>;
billionaires should not be able to buy senators or the Supreme Court.
<p>
I am unhappy that the petition uses an <a href="https://www.stallman.org/antiglossary.html#OTUS">&hellip;OTUS</a>
abbreviation,  but it's not a moral issue so I signed anyway.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#25_April_2023_(IHRA_definition_of_antisemitism)
title: IHRA definition of antisemitism
uri: IHRA-definition-of-antisemitism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#25_April_2023_(IHRA_definition_of_antisemitism)
content:
 
<p>
*More than 100 Israeli and international civil society groups warn
[that adopting] IHRA definition [of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2023/apr/24/un-ihra-antisemitism-definition-israel-criticism">"antisemitism"] could curb work of UN</a>
bodies.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#25_April_2023_(Define_terrorism)
title: Overextension of "terrorism"
uri: Overextension-of-terrorism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#25_April_2023_(Define_terrorism)
content:
 
<p>
Overextension of the crime of "terrorism" in Georgia has been used
to terrorize environmentalist protesters.  A
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/04/24/oregon-domestic-terrorism-law/">similar law in Oregon
may be</a>
used to do likewise.
<p>
The article linked to just above displays symbolic bigotry by
capitalizing "black" but not "white".  (To avoid endorsing bigotry,
capitalize both words or neither one.)  I denounce bigotry, and
normally I will not link to articles that promote it.  But I make
exceptions for some articles that I consider particularly important.
That article is one of the exceptions.


<a href="2010-jan-apr.html#30 April 2010 (Deepwater Horizon clean-up begins)">After the Big Spill</a>
in the Gulf of Mexico, <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bp">Billionaire Polluters</a> hired thousands
of workers to clean away the oil.  Now they are suing because they
have a tendency toward a specific pattern of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/apr/23/bp-oil-spill-deepwater-horizon-key-findings-worker-health-lawsuits">illnesses, which is
likely to have been caused by contact</a>
with the oil.
<p>
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deepwater_Horizon_oil_spill">BP cut corners on safety to save money</a>
at its workers' expense.  Some of the workers on the drilling platform were killed in the explosion that
BP didn't prevent.  The cleanup workers' illnesses are an extension of that same practice.

<p>
 


title: Industry donations influence research
uri: Industry-donations-influence-research
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#25_April_2023_(Industry_donations_influence_research)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#25_April_2023_(Industry_donations_influence_research)

content:
 
<p>
The alcohol industry used its donations to medical research to help
engineer a
<a href="https://slate.com/technology/2023/04/alcohol-wine-drinking-healthy-dangerous-study.html?via=rss">conclusion that a low level of drinking alcohol</a>
was
a little more healthful than abstaining.
<p>
This conclusion was subtly mistaken: in fact, a certain fraction of
the abstainers had decided to abstain because of some illness, and
those illnesses were what made them less well than the typical light
drinker.

<p>
 


title: CO2 removal technology is unreliable
uri: CO2-removal-technology-is-unreliable
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#25_April_2023_(CO2_removal_technology_is_unreliable)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#25_April_2023_(CO2_removal_technology_is_unreliable)

content:
 
<p>
The
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/25/carbon-dioxide-removal-tech-polarising-climate-science">controversy over possible future technologies</a>
for removing CO2 from the air.
<p>
I think that we should try to develop CO2 removal technology, because
it will be very helpful if it does work efficiently; but it would be a
terrible mistake to bet on that.  Our investment now should go mainly
into replacing fossil fuels.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#25_April_2023_(The_Big_spill,_23_yr_later)
title: The Big spill, 23 yr later
uri: The-Big-spill-23-yr-later
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#25_April_2023_(The_Big_spill,_23_yr_later)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="2010-jan-apr.html#30 April 2010 (Deepwater Horizon clean-up begins)">After the Big Spill</a>
in the Gulf of Mexico, <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bp">Billionaire Polluters</a> hired thousands
of workers to clean away the oil.  Now they are suing because they
have a tendency toward a specific pattern of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/apr/23/bp-oil-spill-deepwater-horizon-key-findings-worker-health-lawsuits">illnesses, which is
likely to have been caused by contact</a>
with the oil.
<p>
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deepwater_Horizon_oil_spill">BP cut corners on safety to save money</a>
at its workers' expense.  Some of the workers on the drilling platform were killed in the explosion that
BP didn't prevent.  The cleanup workers' illnesses are an extension of that same practice.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#26_April_2023_(The_billionaire_moniker_as_a_slur)
title: The billionaire moniker as a slur
uri: The-billionaire-moniker-as-a-slur
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#26_April_2023_(The_billionaire_moniker_as_a_slur)
content:
 
<p>
The first step in fighting the billionaires who have seized power
over our democracy is to use deprecatory terms to refer to them.
For instance,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/11/comfort-sad-scared-billionaire-call-them-person-of-wealth">"billionaire"</a>.
<p>
A billionaire may have <em>acquired</em> a substantial part of per billions,
but billionaires don't usually "earn" the wealth they acquire.  The reason they acquire so much
of it is that <a href="/archives/2022-sep-dec.html#8_October_2022_(reich_how_billionaries_get_wealth)">they collectively rig the rules</a>
so that they acquire, then keep, a much bigger share.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#26_April_2023_(Officials'_grave_injustice,_Canada)
title: Officials' grave injustice, Canada
uri: Officials-grave-injustice-Canada
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#26_April_2023_(Officials'_grave_injustice,_Canada)
content:
 
<p>
Canadian thugs used to grab indigenous men in the city at random, take
them by car to the woods, then leave them to freeze to death.  One
victim,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/25/darrell-night-who-exposed-canada-police-freezing-deaths-scandal-dies-at-56">Darrell Night, was able to survive and blew the whistle</a>
on
this practice of murder for fun.
<p>
It's not too late to prosecute some of the murderers, if the government
has the spine for it.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#26_April_2023_(Income_taxes:_up_on_poor)
title: Income taxes: up on poor
uri: Income-taxes-up-on-poor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#26_April_2023_(Income_taxes:_up_on_poor)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.levernews.com/r/87dba986?m=a1296444-4385-46f7-b56f-c5acabd34844">Manchin is responsible</a>
for increasing the income taxes on poor Americans
with children by around 10%.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#26_April_2023_(Social_Security_in_2034)
title: Social Security in 2034
uri: Social-Security-in-2034
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#26_April_2023_(Social_Security_in_2034)
content:
 
<p>
The reason Social Security won't have enough income after 2034 is that
rich people have taken a
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/an-easy-way-to-save-social-security">much bigger fraction of all the income in the
US</a>.
 And rich people pay the social security tax on only a limited
amount of their income.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#26_April_2023_(Phraseology_of_prejudice)
title: Phraseology of prejudice
uri: Phraseology-of-prejudice
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#26_April_2023_(Phraseology_of_prejudice)
content:
 
<p>
We shouldn't assume different
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/24/diane-abbott-letter">kinds of prejudice</a>
are equivalent,
or to try to set up a fixed order of how bad they are.
<p>
How harmful any given kind of prejudice is can vary from place to
place, and over time.
<p>
For example, antisemitism in the US was much worse before World War II
than it has been since the 1950s.  My mother told me a story about her
childhood in Brooklyn, about childen from of Catholic schools
screaming "Chris killer" while running after Jewish children &mdash; every
year after Easter.  The rest of the year they might be friendly.

<p>
 


title: UN civil and human rights evaluation of US
uri: UN-civil-and-human-rights-evaluation-of-US
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_(UN_civil_and_human_rights_evaluation_of_US)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_(UN_civil_and_human_rights_evaluation_of_US)

content:
 
<p>
*A team of United Nations experts has arrived in the US on
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/24/un-human-rights-experts-racial-justice-policing">a tour
that will focus</a>
on racial justice, law enforcement and policing.*

<p>
 


title: Language as resistance: Ukranianisation of Kharkiv
uri: Language-as-resistance-Ukranianisation-of-Kharkiv
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_(Language_as_resistance:_Ukranianisation_of_Kharkiv)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_(Language_as_resistance:_Ukranianisation_of_Kharkiv)

content:
 
<p>
Russian-speaking Ukrainians are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/24/russian-speaking-ukrainians-want-to-shed-language-of-the-oppressor">switching in large numbers</a>
to using speaking mainly Ukrainian, as a gesture of resistance.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_(Garment_workers_status)
title: Garment workers status
uri: Garment-workers-status
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_(Garment_workers_status)
content:
 
<p>
*Abuses "still rife": 10 years on from the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/24/10-years-on-bangladesh-rana-plaza-disaster-safety-garment-workers-rights-pay">Bangladesh’s Rana Plaza disaster</a>.*

<p>
 


title: The cheater as ineligible for office
uri: The-cheater-as-ineligible-for-office
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_(The_cheater_as_ineligible_for_office)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_(The_cheater_as_ineligible_for_office)

content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich: <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a> should be barred from running for office
because of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/24/trump-treason-constitution-election-republicans-robert-reich">his involvement in attempted insurrection</a>.
<p>
The article uses the word "treason" to describe this.  In everyday
informal terms, that word fits; but it is better to be precise in this
context, because the Constitution gives a definition of "treason" which
is much narrower: fighting against the US on behalf of an enemy country.
For clarity, we should say "insurrection".

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_(Sea_urchin_die-off_mystery_solved)
title: Sea urchin die-off mystery solved
uri: Sea-urchin-die-off-mystery-solved
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_(Sea_urchin_die-off_mystery_solved)
content:
 
<p>
A protist species known as "philaster" was responsible for nearly eliminating
a species of sea
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/24/scientists-discover-why-sea-urchins-are-dying-off-from-us-to-the-caribbean">urchins on the US east coast</a>
and in the Caribbean.
<p>
Is there any chance this organism could be used safely to save
California's kelp forests from the sea urchins that are wiping it out?
That does not automatically follow &mdash; the sea urchins there might be
immune to them, or they might destroy other species too.  Research
would be needed.

<p>
 


title: UN civil and human rights evaluation of US
uri: 2023-04-27-UN-civil-and-human-rights-evaluation-of-US
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#26_April_2023_(UN_civil_and_human_rights_evaluation_of_US)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#26_April_2023_(UN_civil_and_human_rights_evaluation_of_US)

content:
 
<p>
*A team of United Nations experts has arrived in the US on
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/24/un-human-rights-experts-racial-justice-policing">a tour
that will focus</a>
on racial justice, law enforcement and policing.*

<p>
 


title: Language as resistance: Ukranianisation of Kharkiv
uri: 2023-04-27-Language-as-resistance-Ukranianisation-of-Kharkiv
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#26_April_2023_(Language_as_resistance:_Ukranianisation_of_Kharkiv)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#26_April_2023_(Language_as_resistance:_Ukranianisation_of_Kharkiv)

content:
 
<p>
Russian-speaking Ukrainians are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/24/russian-speaking-ukrainians-want-to-shed-language-of-the-oppressor">switching in large numbers</a>
to using speaking mainly Ukrainian, as a gesture of resistance.

<p>
 


title: The cheater as ineligible for office
uri: 2023-04-27-The-cheater-as-ineligible-for-office
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#26_April_2023_(The_cheater_as_ineligible_for_office)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#26_April_2023_(The_cheater_as_ineligible_for_office)

content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich: <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a> should be barred from running for office
because of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/24/trump-treason-constitution-election-republicans-robert-reich">his involvement in attempted insurrection</a>.
<p>
The article uses the word "treason" to describe this.  In everyday
informal terms, that word fits; but it is better to be precise in this
context, because the Constitution gives a definition of "treason" which
is much narrower: fighting against the US on behalf of an enemy country.
For clarity, we should say "insurrection".

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#26_April_2023_(Urgent:_Wolves_protection)
title: Urgent: Wolves protection
uri: Urgent-Wolves-protection
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#26_April_2023_(Urgent:_Wolves_protection)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress
<a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=54281&supporter_KEY=229474">to defeat Boebert's bill</a>
to eliminate
endangered species protection for wolves.
<p>
To sign without
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/javascript-trap.html">running nonfree JavaScript</a>
code from the web site, use the <a href="/salsalabs-method.html">Salsalabs workaround</a>.
<p>
To see the confirmation statement in your browser, erase the CSS from
it.  IceCat has a command to do that in the right-click menu.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_((Satire)_Crazy_for_buying_a_gun)
title: (Satire) Crazy for buying a gun
uri: (Satire)-Crazy-for-buying-a-gun
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_((Satire)_Crazy_for_buying_a_gun)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Man Buys Wife Gun In Case She Ever Needs To
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/man-buys-wife-gun-in-case-she-ever-needs-to-protect-her-1850338967">Protect Herself
From Him</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_((Satire)_60%25_of_Wealthy_Americans)
title: (Satire) 60% of Wealthy Americans
uri: (Satire)-60-of-Wealthy-Americans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_((Satire)_60%25_of_Wealthy_Americans)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Survey Finds Nearly 6 In 10 Wealthy Americans
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/survey-finds-nearly-6-in-10-wealthy-americans-living-fr-1850337767">Living Fraud
   To Fraud</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_(Officials_stoop_low,_OK)
title: Officials stoop low, OK
uri: Officials-stoop-low-OK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_(Officials_stoop_low,_OK)
content:
 
<p>
A sheriff in Oklahoma (and other officials) were secretly recorded
talking about their
<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccurtain-oklahoma-racist-killing-journalists-recording-196ab0bf32fe8a5c0b48ef25c0af3c9f">wish to murder various inconvenient people</a>.
They are trying to distract attention from this by claiming that making
the recording was a crime.
<p>
Arguably it was lawful to make the recording, but even if it wasn't,
that is no reason to tolerate officials whose idea of upholding laws
is to discuss ideas for murder.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_(Crow_may_buy_Clarence_Thomas_)
title: Crow may buy Clarence Thomas
uri: Crow-may-buy-Clarence-Thomas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_(Crow_may_buy_Clarence_Thomas_)
content:
 
<p>
Clarence Thomas's corruption: his rich
<a href="https://boingboing.net/2023/04/21/it-seems-justice-thomas-nazi-collecting-dear-friend-had-business-before-the-supreme-court-guess-how-clarence-ruled.html">benefactor Crow repeatedly was involved</a>
with questions that the Supreme Court would decide.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_(Climate_scientists_emotional)
title: Climate scientists emotional
uri: Climate-scientists-emotional
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_(Climate_scientists_emotional)
content:
 
<p>
*Ocean Warming Study So Distressing,
 Some Scientists Didn't Even Want to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/ocean-warming-study">Talk About It</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_(Supreme_Court_ethics,_Gorsuch)
title: Supreme Court ethics, Gorsuch
uri: Supreme-Court-ethics-Gorsuch
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_(Supreme_Court_ethics,_Gorsuch)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/neil-gorsuch-colorado-home">Gorsuch Failed to Disclose</a>
He Sold Home to CEO of Major Law Firm.*
That was just before Gorsuch got onto the Supreme Court.
  That law firm has had 22 cases before the Supreme Court
since then.
<p>
I don't know whether Gorsuch made any decisions specifically in return
for (or gratitude for) that sale of property.  It could be that
Gorsuch's <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a> ideology is firm and he would usually have
decided for the benefit of the wealthy.  Perhaps that law firm
generally represents the wealthy.  If so, that law firm perhaps had
no need to pay to assure his support most of the time.  Maybe he was
glad to get paid off for harm he would have done anyway.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_(Democrats'_irresponsibilites)
title: Democrats' self-righteous irresponsibility
uri: Democrats-self-righteous-irresponsibility
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_(Democrats'_irresponsibilites)
content:
 
<p>
*Clarence Thomas and Democratic Fecklessness.*
<p>
Just as Republicans (in Congress and on the Supreme Court) have a
tradition of disrespect for democracy and the rights and interests of
the non-rich,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/democratic-party-clarence-thomas">Democrats have a habit of timidity and weakness</a>
in defending them.
<p>
I have a suspicion that a lot of this timidity and weakness has
been purchased by rich donors that will only support "centrists".

<p>
 


title: Message from young, progressive voters
uri: Message-from-young-progressive-voters
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_(Message_from_young,_progressive_voters)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_(Message_from_young,_progressive_voters)

content:
 
<p>
Progressive young voters tell Biden that the way to win their votes
is to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/leading-youth-groups-issue-joint-response-to-biden-announcement">energize them with progressive policies</a>.
<p>
I mostly agree with them, but not on all issues.  I give very high
priority to defeating plutocracy, and taxing the wealthy to help the
rest of us.  Those issues are up at the top along with climate
defense.  Immigration is secondary by comparison.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_(A_conservative_legal_movement)
title: A conservative legal movement
uri: A-conservative-legal-movement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#27_April_2023_(A_conservative_legal_movement)
content:
 
<p>
The antiabortion federal judge in Amarillo, Texas, who ordered a ban
on mifepristone, did make supreme court’s conservative majority look
reasonable by comparison. 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/25/supreme-court-extremist-establishment-institutionalists-ideologues">Don't be fooled</a>.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: This Julian Assange Rally, Boston
uri: Urgent-This-Julian-Assange-Rally-Boston
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#28_April_2023_(Urgent:_This_Julian_Assange_Rally,_Boston)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#28_April_2023_(Urgent:_This_Julian_Assange_Rally,_Boston)

content:
 
<p>
  This Julian Assange rally will be                                                               at the May Day rally, Monday, May 1, at 5 pm                                                    at the bandstand on the Boston Common.                                                   

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Allow the president to raise the deby ceiling
uri: Urgent-Allow-the-president-to-raise-the-deby-ceiling
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#28_April_2023_(Urgent:_Allow_the_president_to_raise_the_deby_ceiling)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#28_April_2023_(Urgent:_Allow_the_president_to_raise_the_deby_ceiling)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: suggest to Congress to
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-raise-the-debt-ceiling-now-and-forever-take-away-the-ability-of-congress-to-hold-it-hostage?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-progress-america&source=2023Debt_PA">allow the president to raise the debt
ceiling</a>,
unless 2/3 of Congress says no

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Power transmission lines V oil pipelines
uri: Urgent-Power-transmission-lines-V-oil-pipelines
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#28_April_2023_(Urgent:_Power_transmission_lines_V_oil_pipelines)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#28_April_2023_(Urgent:_Power_transmission_lines_V_oil_pipelines)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to reject Republican "permitting reform" but do untangle 
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-for-clean-energy-access-across-the-country-we-must-start-here?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-just-strategy&source=group-just-strategy">permitting for electric transmission lines.</a>
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Mercury pollution from coal-fired power plants
uri: Urgent-Mercury-pollution-from-coal-fired-power-plants
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#28_April_2023_(Urgent:_Mercury_pollution_from_coal-fired_power_plants)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#28_April_2023_(Urgent:_Mercury_pollution_from_coal-fired_power_plants)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#epa">EPA</a> to
<a href="https://act.evergreenaction.com/letter/EPA-go-further-to-protect-us-from-toxic-air-pollution/?utm_source=ema_2023-04-25_MATS_rule_comments&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=fff">go further to protect us from toxic air</a>
pollution.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#28_April_2023_(Climate_protest_increases,_Germany)
title: Climate protest increases, Germany
uri: Climate-protest-increases-Germany
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#28_April_2023_(Climate_protest_increases,_Germany)
content:
 
<p>
Right-wingers and <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> in Germany demand to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/27/german-police-call-for-tougher-response-to-growing-climate-protests-letzte-generation">imprison people for a
month</a>
if they are suspected of planning annoying protests, such as blocking roads.
<p>
The protesters demand cutting greenhouse emissions faster, on the grounds
that climate collapse is likely to kill them before they get old.
<p>
The <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> want to "get the situation under control" to assure an orderly
march towards mass death.  Orderly, that is, until it is too late to
prevent collapse and the early death of most of these potential protesters
is assured.
<p>
Climate disaster is likely to kill billions of people.  It will not be
an accident, though; big businesses of various kinds are lobbying to
keep it going while they extract all possible money.  (Those who
profit suppose that they will be somehow safe from the disaster,
though I don't see how that could be true.)
<p>
As a consequence, we can describe future climate disaster as the
biggest act of mass murder of all human history, past and future.  It
is unlikely that there will ever again be billions of people to kill.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#28_April_2023_(Gambling_on_credit,_AU)
title: Gambling on credit, AU
uri: Gambling-on-credit-AU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#28_April_2023_(Gambling_on_credit,_AU)
content:
 
<p>
Australia plans to block the use of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/apr/27/australian-gamblers-to-be-banned-from-using-credit-cards-for-online-betting">credit cards to pay for online
gambling</a>.
  This is a wise plan since it can prevent some gambling addicts
from betting money they do not have.
<p>
I conjecture that any system that requires gamblers to declare their
intention to gamble and then wait a while will help people avoid
compulsive gambling.  Perhaps other ideas can be found from that.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#28_April_2023_(Lack_of_a_voter_ID,_UK)
title: Lack of a voter ID, UK
uri: Lack-of-a-voter-ID-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#28_April_2023_(Lack_of_a_voter_ID,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
More reason to suspect that Tories have introduced voter IDs as a means
to prevent legitimate voters from voting is that they plan not to report
how many people
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/apr/27/tory-minister-rachel-maclean-mps-voter-id">show up to vote and are turned away</a>.
<p>
That number would be an underestimate of the number actually blocked
from voting.  Some of them, knowing they didn't get the required ID
card, will not come to the polls at all.
<p>
The people most likely to fail to get the ID card are those who can barely
keep up with their work and family duties, and have little time to spare
to get the ID card.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#28_April_2023_(The_ocean_as_a_food_fridge)
title: Top layer of ocean as a food fridge
uri: Top-layer-of-ocean-as-a-food-fridge
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#28_April_2023_(The_ocean_as_a_food_fridge)
content:
 
<p>
Life in the ocean depths feeds on organic detritus that falls from
nearer the surface. 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/27/life-in-oceans-twilight-zone-could-disappear-amid-warming-seas">With global heating, more of the detritus gets
eaten by microbes</a>
and never reaches the depths.  Almost half of the
deep ocean life could disappear in this century.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(China_increasing_authoritarianism)
title: China's increasing authoritarianism
uri: China-s-increasing-authoritarianism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(China_increasing_authoritarianism)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/25/chinese-journalist-dong-yuyu-arrested-on-charges-of-espionage">China has charged a Chinese journalist</a>,
who works in China for a
government news outlet, with "espionage", apparently for talking
frequently with foreigners.
<p>
The article lists a long series of disappearances and jailing of
journalists in and by China.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(Antimicrobial_peptides_update)
title: Farms and antibiotics
uri: Farms-and-antibiotics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(Antimicrobial_peptides_update)
content:
 
<p>
An important new class of antibiotics is derived from "antimicrobial
peptides".  However, feeding them to farm animals is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/apr/25/use-of-antibiotics-in-farming-endangering-human-immune-system">breeding bacteria
to be resistant to them</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(Covid_vaccine_politics,_FL)
title: Covid vaccine politics, FL
uri: Covid-vaccine-politics-FL
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(Covid_vaccine_politics,_FL)
content:
 
<p>
Florida's surgeon general, an anti-vaxxer,
<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2023/04/24/florida-surgeon-general-covid-vaccine-00093510">altered the text of a study</a>
the state was publishing, to exaggerate a rare problem with Covid-19
vaccines.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(Tree-planting_plan,_NZ)
title: Tree-planting plan, NZ
uri: Tree-planting-plan-NZ
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(Tree-planting_plan,_NZ)
content:
 
<p>
New Zealand thinks it can
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/27/new-zealand-too-reliant-on-tree-planting-to-meet-net-zero-emissions-targets-experts-warn">plant enough trees</a>
to outweigh all its greenhouse gas emissions.
<p>
<a href="/archives/2021-sep-dec.html#5_November_2021_(Trees_alone_are_not_the_answer)">That is very risky</a>.
What if the trees die?  That has <a href="/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#5_February_2020_(A_short_Forestation_Day)">happened before</a>
in big tree-planting projects.
  It is also no example for the rest of the world to follow.








<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(Using_AI_to_launch_nukes)
title: Using AI to launch nukes
uri: Using-AI-to-launch-nukes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(Using_AI_to_launch_nukes)
content:
 
<p>
Congress has proposed a law to prohibit setting up AI systems to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/artificial-intelligence-and-nuclear-weapons">decide
whether to launch nuclear weapons</a>.
   This is not an imaginary issue: there have been proposals to do just that.
<p>
The legal technique of "no federal funds may be used" has a well-known
loophole: just find a private source of funds to do the specific job.
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> have used "<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_October_2014_(Private_police_foundations)">police foundations</a>"
to negate laws design with that
method.

<p>
 


title: GOP hypocracy: "weaponization of govt"
uri: GOP-hypocracy-weaponization-of-govt
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(GOP_hypocracy:_weaponization_of_govt)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(GOP_hypocracy:_weaponization_of_govt)

content:
 
<p>
Disney is suing <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis</a>, accusing him of using law for
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/04/26/disney-ron-desantis-first-amendment-free-speech/">motives of
personal retaliation</a>.

<p>
 


title: Momentum in a death penalty case, OK
uri: Momentum-in-a-death-penalty-case-OK
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(Momentum_in_a_death_penalty_case,_OK)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(Momentum_in_a_death_penalty_case,_OK)

content:
 
<p>
The pleas of Oklahoma's attorney general that Richard Glossip is
innocent were
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/apr/26/richard-glossip-death-row-clemency-oklahoma">not enough to convince the state's pardon board</a>
not to execute him.

<p>
 


title: Donations to the US Chamber of Commerce, an analysis
uri: Donations-to-the-US-Chamber-of-Commerce-an-analysis
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(Donations_to_the_US_Chamber_of_Commerce,_an_analysis)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(Donations_to_the_US_Chamber_of_Commerce,_an_analysis)

content:
 
<p>
The US Chamber of Commerce
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/us-chamber-of-commerce-donors">pretends to represent small businesses, but</a>
half its income comes from donations of over a million dollars.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(New_charges_against_Alexei_Navalny)
title: New charges against Alexei Navalny
uri: New-charges-against-Alexei-Navalny
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(New_charges_against_Alexei_Navalny)
content:
 
<p>
*Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny says he faces life in jail over
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/26/alexei-navalny-kremlin-critic-jail-terror-charges">terror charges</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Medically necessary abortions in OK
uri: Medically-necessary-abortions-in-OK
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(No_medically_necessary_abortions,_OK)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(No_medically_necessary_abortions,_OK)

content:
 
<p>
Jaci Statton had an unviable fetus which was turning into cancer, but
doctors in Oklahoma could not treat her because the treatment is an abortion.
They told her to wait in the parking lot
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/oklahoma-woman-molar-pregnancy">until she was on the verge of
death</a>,
so they would be allowed to perform it.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(GOP_hypocracy:_judicial_activism)
title: GOP hypocracy: "judicial activism"
uri: GOP-hypocracy-judicial-activism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(GOP_hypocracy:_judicial_activism)
content:
 
<p>
*[So-called] conservatives love judicial activism &mdash;
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/17/conservatives-judicial-activism-abortion-mifepristone">as long as the law
is moved in their favor</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(GOP_fuel:_anxiety)
title: GOP fuel: anxiety
uri: GOP-fuel-anxiety
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(GOP_fuel:_anxiety)
content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich: why Republicans make a
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/whats-really-behind-republicans-mounting">big fuss about gender bigotry</a>:
it is a well-established path for recruiting for right-wing extremism.

<p>
 


title: "News" as bias and lies currying favor for a harmful foreign empire
uri: News-as-bias-and-lies-currying-favor-for-a-harmful-foreign-empire
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(News_as_bias_and_lies_currying_favor_for_a_harmful_foreign_empire)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(News_as_bias_and_lies_currying_favor_for_a_harmful_foreign_empire)

content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://act.freepress.net/go/67282?t=1004">The Murdochs</a>
Want to Erase the Dominion Exposé [of <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#faux">Faux News</a>].  We
 Won't Let Them.*

<p>
 


title: (Satire) Governor's kid's at summer work camp
uri: (Satire)-Governor-s-kid-s-at-summer-work-camp
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_((Satire)_Governor's_kid's_at_summer_work_camp)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_((Satire)_Governor's_kid's_at_summer_work_camp)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Sarah Huckabee Sanders Drops Kids Off At
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/sarah-huckabee-sanders-drops-kids-off-at-summer-work-ca-1850378541">Summer Work Camp</a>.*

<p>
 


title: SpaceX starship's environmental damage
uri: SpaceX-starship-s-environmental-damage
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(SpaceX_starship's_environmental_damage)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(SpaceX_starship's_environmental_damage)

content:
 
<p>
The
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/apr/27/debris-blast-from-spacex-rocket-explosion-faces-environmental-scrutiny">"Starship" rocket faces an environmental investigation</a>
because of
the damage it when lifting off.  It not only destroyed the launch pad,
it threw parts pieces of it into the air, and they crumbled and rained
down on a nearby town.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(Pollution_limits,_CA_trains)
title: Pollution limits, CA trains
uri: Pollution-limits-CA-trains
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(Pollution_limits,_CA_trains)
content:
 
<p>
California has put toxic pollution limits on train engines.  Many will
have to be replaced with
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/apr/27/california-new-diesel-emissions-laws-air-pollution">more efficient engines</a>.
<p>
The new rule will greatly reduce toxic pollution and greenhouse gas
emissions.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(Invasive_species_V_humans)
title: Invasive species V humans
uri: Invasive-species-V-humans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(Invasive_species_V_humans)
content:
 
<p>
Naturalists are breeding and releasing 11 species of Polynesian snails
that were extinct in the wild, killed by an
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/27/polynesian-partula-snails-extinct-in-the-wild-species">intrusive predator snail
that humans had brought</a>,
hoping it would wipe out another invasive
snail.
<p>
The technique of releasing an intrusive predator to control a pest
species has often backfired in this way. 
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cane_toads_in_Australia">Cane toads in Australia</a>
are
a prominent example.
<p>
I wonder if robots could be programmed to efficiently find and kill
the two intrusive species of snails.  It might be easy to distinguish
them from all the other species actually present in a given island,
making the robots reliable there even if they might not be reliable
elsewhere.
<p>
Unlike intrusive life forms, robots are easy to prevent from becoming
a pest.  They don't reproduce, and they need the help of humans to
recharge.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(Green_energy,_AU)
title: Green energy, AU
uri: Green-energy-AU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(Green_energy,_AU)
content:
 
<p>
In Australia, the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/apr/28/record-levels-of-renewable-energy-help-bring-down-australias-energy-prices-says-aemo">rapid construction of renewable energy</a>
generation is substituting for fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse emissions.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(Nursing_Home_ownership,_US)
title: Nursing Home ownership, US
uri: Nursing-Home-ownership-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(Nursing_Home_ownership,_US)
content:
 
<p>
*Why We Must Beat Back
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/protect-nursing-home-residents-from-private-equity">Private Equity's Deadly Hold</a>
on Nursing Homes.*
<p>
We need a law to prohibit tying many companies together.  Not solely
via visible mergers, but also by having common owners.
<p>
Perhaps certain companies should be forbidden to have their stock
owned by anyone but individuals.

<p>
 


title: (Satire) Great Pacific Garbage Patch
uri: 2023-04-30-(Satire)-Great-Pacific-Garbage-Patch
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_((Satire)_Great_Pacific_Garbage_Patch)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_((Satire)_Great_Pacific_Garbage_Patch)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Promising Report Finds Great Pacific Garbage Patch Could
Support
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/promising-report-finds-great-pacific-garbage-patch-coul-1850368076">Full-Scale Ground War</a>
By 2040.*

<p>
 


title: Republican counter-offensive against voter registration, FL
uri: Republican-counter-offensive-against-voter-registration-FL
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(Republican_counter-offensive_against_voter_registration,_FLx)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_April_2023_(Republican_counter-offensive_against_voter_registration,_FLx)

content:
 
<p>
Florida Republicans have another idea for attacking voting rights:
attacking the organizations that help people in <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#disprivileged">disprivileged groups</a>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/florida-voter-suppression">register to vote</a>.

<p>
 


title: UN reaches judgement against US et al
uri: UN-reaches-judgement-against-US-et-al
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#30_April_2023_(UN_reaches_judgement_against_US_et_al)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#30_April_2023_(UN_reaches_judgement_against_US_et_al)

content:
 
<p>
*The UN working group on arbitrary detention has condemned the US for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/apr/28/un-guantanamo-bay-abu-zubaydah-detention">imprisonment without trial</a>
(not to mention torture) in Guantanamo prison.*
It called for release of prisoner Abu Zubaydah.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#30_April_2023_(GOP_misusing_insurrection)
title: GOP misusing "insurrection"
uri: GOP-misusing-insurrection
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#30_April_2023_(GOP_misusing_insurrection)
content:
 
<p>
Republicans are trying to distract attention from their real insurrection
on Jan 6, 2021 by pretending that a few
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/protest-vs-insurrection">peaceful protests were "insurrections"</a>
and punishing its supporters as if that were true.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#30_April_2023_(Garment_workers_status)
title: Garment workers status
uri: 2023-05-01-Garment-workers-status
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#30_April_2023_(Garment_workers_status)
content:
 
<p>
*A decade on from Rana Plaza, fast fashion still reigns &mdash;
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2023/apr/28/a-decade-on-from-rana-plaza-fast-fashion-still-reigns-has-anything-changed-for-gen-z">has anything
 changed&hellip;?</a>*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#30_April_2023_(China_as_peacemaker)
title: China as peacemaker
uri: China-as-peacemaker
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#30_April_2023_(China_as_peacemaker)
content:
 
<p>
China seems to be
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/28/china-peace-ukraine-xi-jinping-moscow-kyiv">serious about trying</a>
to bring about a peace between Putin and Ukraine.
<p>
If China works on this patiently, it may eventually bring about a deal,
provided that the two sides can eventually agree on one.  It would require
Putin to accept concessions which, at present, he is unwilling to accept.
But maybe with time he will change his mind somewhat.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#30_April_2023_(Mariupol)
title: Mariupol
uri: Mariupol
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#30_April_2023_(Mariupol)
content:
 
<p>
Taking stock of the enormous
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/28/mariupol-before-and-after-updated-google-maps-reveal-destruction-in-ukraine-city">atrocity that the Putin forces committed</a>
in Mariupol.

<p>
 


title: Republican pitfalls in budget negotiations
uri: Republican-pitfalls-in-budget-negotiations
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#30_April_2023_(Republican_pitfalls_in_budget_negotiations)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#30_April_2023_(Republican_pitfalls_in_budget_negotiations)

content:
 
<p>
There is no such thing as "negotiating in good faith" for
the hostage-takers and terrorists of
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/biden-and-mccarthy-meeting">the Republican Party</a>.

<p>
 


title: Republicans' pitfalls in budget negotiations
uri: Republicans-pitfalls-in-budget-negotiations
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#30_April_2023_(Republican_pitfalls_in_budget_negotiations)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#30_April_2023_(Republican_pitfalls_in_budget_negotiations)

content:
 
<p>
There is no such thing as "negotiating in good faith" for
the hostage-takers and terrorists of
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/biden-and-mccarthy-meeting">the Republican Party</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#30_April_2023_(Protesters,_beatings,_NY)
title: Protesters, beatings, NY
uri: Protesters-beatings-NY
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#30_April_2023_(Protesters,_beatings,_NY)
content:
 
<p>
Activists occupied the entrance to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/blackrock-and-nypd-brutalize-climate-activists">BlackRock headquarters</a>
to protest
its pouring money into fossil fuels.  Then New York City <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> vented
right-wing hatred on the protesters, with beatings.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#30_April_2023_(Gerrymandering_legalized,_NC)
title: Gerrymandering legalized, NC
uri: Gerrymandering-legalized-NC
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#30_April_2023_(Gerrymandering_legalized,_NC)
content:
 
<p>
Republicans took control of the North Carolina Supreme Court
and voted to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/north-carolina-supreme-court-oks-partisan-gerrymandering">permit arbitrary partisan gerrymandering</a>
in that state.  That will establish nondemocratic government in that state.

<p>
 


title: A young NY Mayor on progressive policy
uri: A-young-NY-Mayor-on-progressive-policy
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#30_April_2023_(Former_Mayor_on_policing,_guns,_progressive_reforms)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#30_April_2023_(Former_Mayor_on_policing,_guns,_progressive_reforms)

content:
 
<p>
More guns and
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/how-a-climate-of-fear-makes-us-less-safe">more irrational fear</a>
make everyone less safe.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#30_April_2023_(Wikipedia_warns)
title: Wikipedia warns
uri: Wikipedia-warns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#30_April_2023_(Wikipedia_warns)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/apr/28/uk-readers-may-lose-access-to-wikipedia-amid-online-safety-bill-requirements">Wikipedia warns</a>
that the UK's proposed web censorship and age
verification requirements would cut off access to Wikipedia in the UK.
<p>
Bravo to Wikipedia for refusing to compromise with censorship and
tracking.  However Ms Crompton-Reid made a grave conceptual error by
including Wikipedia in the category of businesses &mdash; "players" in a "market".
<p>
Wikipedia's virtue, what makes it morally important despite its
imperfections, is precisely that it is <em>not</em>
a business.  It does <em>not</em> operate in a "market",
and it has a commitment to a goal beyond its own success.
<p>
The cynicism of "players" may resonate with a general vague
condemnation of business, which to some extent business in general
deserves; but it also tends to silence moral discussion about any
business's acts or practices.  Even to raise the question of whether a
certain business, or a certain line of business, treats people
unjustly is more difficult with the "players" metaphor
sneering at it.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#30_April_2023_(Dulles_politicos_wrote_the_book)
title: Dulles politicos wrote the book
uri: Dulles-politicos-wrote-the-book
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#30_April_2023_(Dulles_politicos_wrote_the_book)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://narratively.com/the-literally-unbelievable-story-of-the-original-fake-news-network/">In 1954, the CIA used</a>
a fake news campaign to destabilize and
overthrow the elected government of Guatemala.
<p>
The careful design of that campaign has served as the model for many
other fake news campaigns, including the ones being used by Putin and
by the US right wing extremists today.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#30_April_2023_(Homelessness:_Finland_vs_Canada)
title: Homelessness: Finland vs Canada
uri: Homelessness-Finland-vs-Canada
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#30_April_2023_(Homelessness:_Finland_vs_Canada)
content:
 
<p>
*How Finland Virtually Ended Homelessness &mdash; and
<a href="https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2023/04/20/how-finland-managed-to-virtually-end-homelessness.html">We Can Too</a>.*
<p>
"We" here refers to Canadians, but it should work for the US and other
countries.  The crucial thing is to burn the idol of the Invisible Hand.











<p>
 


title: Urgent: a business-supremacy treaty to block
uri: Urgent-a-business-supremacy-treaty-to-block
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#1_May_2023_(Urgent:_a_business-supremacy_treaty_to_block)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#1_May_2023_(Urgent:_a_business-supremacy_treaty_to_block)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on negotiators to prioritize working people & the
planet in the
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/any-indo-pacific-trade-deal-must-prioritize-working-people-the-planet?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-gtw-action&source=direct_link">"Indo-Pacific Trade Deal</a>."
<p>
This deal would be a <a href="/business-supremacy-treaties.html">business-supremacy treaty</a>,
  and almost certain would harm our freedom more or less.  They give
big companies additional power to do harm to the rest of society.
Soon we will need to campaign to kill the treaty.  Let's get ready now!

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Walgreens not dispensing abortion pills
uri: Urgent-Walgreens-not-dispensing-abortion-pills
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#1_May_2023_(Urgent:_Walgreens_not_dispensing_abortion_pills)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#1_May_2023_(Urgent:_Walgreens_not_dispensing_abortion_pills)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on U.S.
<a href="https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/pharmacies_abortion/">pharmacies to provide</a>
abortion care to customers.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#1_May_2023_(Urgent:_Censorship_in_FL)
title: Urgent: Censorship in FL
uri: Urgent-Censorship-in-FL
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#1_May_2023_(Urgent:_Censorship_in_FL)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Gov. Ron DeSantis to
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/demand-gov-ron-desantis-stop-censoring-teachers-students-and-journalists?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-just-strategy&source=group-just-strategy">stop censoring teachers,
students, and journalists</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#1_May_2023_(Urgent:_Trader_Joe's_union)
title: Urgent: Trader Joe's union
uri: Urgent-Trader-Joe-s-union
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#1_May_2023_(Urgent:_Trader_Joe's_union)
content:
 
<p>
Everyone: call on
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-trader-joes-stop-union-busting?nowrapper=true">Trader Joe's to stop union-busting</a>.

<p>
 


title: Non-violent protester, years of prison, UK
uri: Non-violent-protester-years-of-prison-UK
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#1_May_2023_(Non-violent_protester,_years_of_prison,_UK)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#1_May_2023_(Non-violent_protester,_years_of_prison,_UK)

content:
 
<p>
A
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/28/dartford-bridge-protester-marcus-decker-warned-not-talk-media-prison">Just Stop Oil protester has been sentenced</a>
to 2.5 years in prison for
climbing a bridge and dropping a banner.  Prison officials have threatened
to make his prison term extra painful if he talks with reporters.
<p>
The Tories are passing
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/28/police-powers-ban-slow-walking-traffic-just-stop-oil-protests">additional repressive laws</a>
to crush the
"selfish" protesters whose protests cause momentary annoyances.
  Just imagine how annoying agricultural failure will be for everyone!

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#1_May_2023_(Equal_Rights_Amendment_blocked)
title: Equal Rights Amendment blocked
uri: Equal-Rights-Amendment-blocked
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#1_May_2023_(Equal_Rights_Amendment_blocked)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/senate-equal-rights-amendment">47 Republicans blocked the Senate</a>
from approving the Equal Rights Amendment.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#1_May_2023_(Inequality_fixes:_patience_low)
title: Inequality fixes: patience low
uri: Inequality-fixes-patience-low
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#1_May_2023_(Inequality_fixes:_patience_low)
content:
 
<p>
*Pandemic and Climate Crisis Usher In a
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/pandemic-climate-inequality">New Age of Inequality</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#1_May_2023_(Musician_wiggle_room)
title: Musician wiggle room
uri: Musician-wiggle-room
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#1_May_2023_(Musician_wiggle_room)
content:
 
<p>
Demands from music
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/apr/26/ed-sheeran-testifies-in-marvin-gaye-plagiarism-case-most-pop-songs-can-fit-over-most-pop-songs">copyright holders are pressing</a>
to stretch the scope of copyright, making the writing of lawful pop songs very difficult.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#1_May_2023_(Protesters,_irascible_thugs,_UK)
title: Protesters, irascible thugs, UK
uri: Protesters-irascible-thugs-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#1_May_2023_(Protesters,_irascible_thugs,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
Overeager <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> arrested people for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/apr/29/the-crowd-were-saying-kill-him-kick-him-to-death-what-happened-to-the-people-who-protested-against-king-charles">the most minor and peaceful of protests</a>
on the occasion of the proclamation of Charles III as king of the UK.
<p>
Paul Powlesland was threatened with arrest for holding up a blank
piece of paper, inviting <a href="/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#6_July_2020_(Outlawing_words_of_protest)">comparisons with China</a>.
<p>
Meanwhile, the UK is rapidly passing laws to repress any sort of
protest that inconveniences anyone.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#1_May_2023_(Protesters_block_White_House)
title: Protesters block White House
uri: Protesters-block-White-House
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#1_May_2023_(Protesters_block_White_House)
content:
 
<p>
*Climate Campaigners Stage Blockade at
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/climate-blockade-whca-dinner">White House Correspondents Dinner</a>.*
<p>
Being only 2/3 <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#planet">planet roaster</a> is not good enough.

<p>
 


title: Sudan's fighting, the interests involved
uri: Sudan-s-fighting-the-interests-involved
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#1_May_2023_(Sudan's_fighting,_the_interests_involved)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#1_May_2023_(Sudan's_fighting,_the_interests_involved)

content:
 
<p>
Asserting that the fighting in Sudan is a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/30/a-war-for-our-age-how-the-battle-for-sudan-is-being-fuelled-by-forces-far-beyond-its-borders">fight between proxies</a>
of
rich Middle-Eastern powers over control of Sudan's resources.
<p>
I have a hunch that some of those powers are gangs rather than states.
<p>
Reportedly
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/23/libyan-warlord-could-plunge-sudan-into-a-drawn-out-nightmare-conflict">Libyan General Haftar is allied</a>
with one side in Sudan,
the militia that is fighting against the Sudanese army, and they are
backed by the United Arab Emirates and by Russia.
<p>
But I see no info about which powers back the Sudanese army.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#2_May_2023_(Urgent:_Call_on_Feinstein_to_resign)
title: Urgent: Call on Feinstein to resign
uri: Urgent-Call-on-Feinstein-to-resign
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#2_May_2023_(Urgent:_Call_on_Feinstein_to_resign)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.progressamerica.us/ss/c/Mqag7sW8TIW-nixyBdulQgUBrlf1uzEVBxTTYLTiG0WlzosSXumOutH3-PS24gfmZFaNGRhWZEPXhMxduuq3mb1eX2xSpdFr8tF3Pk19TRVgS9I-4BUB8kk_e_v3_nVW1kJXlEOd7pVqPTMnWBYfMFLPYVUmTtJSv_vKVZm-y5I0E8-bL5ETRXHElG1BdShIDWTlXCt_qsVRytSq5PxvBPkjJCUNq1zv2fAHGsb3dCkQKF9_6qCx3HLLqqxIBGPkxvImhBjsEoq3R-1lw6n7LrQ3kjhSg8qnAvfYEFmbb0m3j81P83EU3tSmPSld163v/3vi/nlzL3pZhQymoZrF0LW1A8g/h0/otauNWpidYNUvVZu0y3l4awLrZEyxZZ5tmfL_e_HFII">call on Senator Feinstein to resign</a>.
<p>
I have been disappointed with Feinstein for years because she is a
so-called
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-mar-jun.html#6_May_2018_('New_Democrats')">"centrist" (that is, plutocratist) Democrat</a>.
However. the reason there is a campaign for her to resign now is that her illness
and consequent inability to vote in the senate is <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Judicial_appointments_blocked)">blocking Biden's
  judicial appointments</a>.
If she resigns, the governor of California
will appoint another Democrat who will be physically well and able to vote.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Stop collecting abortion seeker data
uri: Urgent-Stop-collecting-abortion-seeker-data
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#2_May_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_collecting_abortion_seeker_data)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#2_May_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_collecting_abortion_seeker_data)

content:
 
<p>
Everyone: call on Google to stop collecting
<a href="https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/Google_Search_Abortions/">search and location data for abortion seekers</a>.
<p>
Google's collection of such data about users is an injustice regardless
of what they are searching for.
<p>
There is a proxy called LibreX which accesses Google search for you,
but you can connect to it via Tor and not run the JS code it sends.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Stop paying extra to carry Faux News
uri: Urgent-Stop-paying-extra-to-carry-Faux-News
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#2_May_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_paying_extra_to_carry_Faux_News)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#2_May_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_paying_extra_to_carry_Faux_News)

content:
 
<p>
In the US: call on cable companies to
<a href="https://act.commoncause.org/petitions/tell-cable-providers-no-fox-fee?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-no-fox-fee">stop paying extra to carry Faux
News</a>.
<p>
A previous petition called on cable companies to remove Faux from
their standard list of channels.  I signed that, but it doesn't affect
me personally.  Cable companies use DRM, and monitor what the user
watches.  For those reasons, I refuse to be a cable subscriber.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#2_May_2023_(Ban_on_symbols,_salute,_AU)
title: Ban on symbols, salute, AU
uri: Ban-on-symbols-salute-AU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#2_May_2023_(Ban_on_symbols,_salute,_AU)
content:
 
<p>
Australia's government is considering making the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/apr/27/australia-nationwide-ban-nazi-salute-insignia-would-help-prevent-far-right-radicalisation-asio-intelligence-agency-says">Nazi salute</a>
illegal.
<p>
Prohibiting expressions of hateful views will not stop people from
communicating them, but it will undermine the defense of freedom of speech.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#2_May_2023_(Marshaling_the_radical_right)
title: Radical right paranoid style world
uri: Radical-right-paranoid-style-world
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#2_May_2023_(Marshaling_the_radical_right)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/26/tucker-carlson-far-right-mainstream-fox-news">Tucker Carlson has lost his job</a>
&mdash; but the far right has won the BATTLE for the mainstream.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#2_May_2023_(Thousands_will_rage,_UK)
title: Thousands will rage, UK
uri: Thousands-will-rage-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#2_May_2023_(Thousands_will_rage,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
The Tories are not very good at <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-sep-dec.html#3_December_2022_(UK_incompetent,_confused)">carrying through a plan</a>
to the end. But they are already
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/apr/23/police-in-england-on-alert-for-polling-day-rage-over-voter-id-rules">planning repression against anyone enraged</a>
about being arbitrarily disenfranchised through voter ID cards.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#2_May_2023_(Policy_changes_favor_the_rich,_EU)
title: Policy changes favor the rich, EU
uri: Policy-changes-favor-the-rich-EU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#2_May_2023_(Policy_changes_favor_the_rich,_EU)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/23/it-is-no-great-surprise-but-now-there-is-proof-that-the-rich-get-what-they-want">A survey of policy changes</a>
in European countries and which groups of people
like or dislike them.  In general, changes are more likely to be liked
by the rich than by other people.

<p>
 


title: Deregulation worsened "too big to fail", banks
uri: Deregulation-worsened-too-big-to-fail-banks
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#2_May_2023_(Deregulation_worstened_too_big_to_fail,_banks)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#2_May_2023_(Deregulation_worstened_too_big_to_fail,_banks)

content:
 
<p>
*Warren Says
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/first-republic-bank-deregulation-too-big-to-fail">First Republic Collapse</a>
Shows Deregulation Boosted 'Too Big to Fail' Banks.*



<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#3_May_2023_(Shelter_help,_UK)
title: Shelter help, UK
uri: Shelter-help-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#3_May_2023_(Shelter_help,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
Labour is now competing with Tories to help middle-class people buy houses
and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/02/sunak-starmer-home-ownership-housing-crisis">disregarding the poor</a>
who can no longer afford to rent anywhere.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#3_May_2023_(Urgent:_Divest_in_fossil_fuels)
title: Urgent: Divest in fossil fuels
uri: Urgent-Divest-in-fossil-fuels
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#3_May_2023_(Urgent:_Divest_in_fossil_fuels)
content:
 
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-the-carlyle-group-to-protect-the-planet-by-divesting-from-fossil-fuels-now?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-tell-the-carlyle-group-your-fossil-fuel-investments-are-a-bad-bet-for-the-planet">call on the Carlyle Group to protect the planet</a>
by divesting from fossil fuels.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Compensate drone-strike victims
uri: Urgent-Compensate-drone-strike-victims
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#3_May_2023_(Urgent:_Compensate_drone-strike_victims)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#3_May_2023_(Urgent:_Compensate_drone-strike_victims)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/payments-for-drone-strike-victims?akid=8840.223515.weaXYR&c0=payments-for-drone-strike-victims.XsKvAF&rd=1&source=em20230427&t=1006">call on Secretary Austin</a>
not to leave [noncombatant]
victims of drone strikes [uncompensated].

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#3_May_2023_(Democrats'_election_formula)
title: Democrats' election formula
uri: Democrats-election-formula
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#3_May_2023_(Democrats'_election_formula)
content:
 
<p>
*The Democrats think [so-called]
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/01/democrats-centrism-biden-reelection-2024">centrism will re-elect Biden</a>.
That’s a dangerous assumption.*
<p>
Currently they are planning to carefully manage the Democratic primary
elections so as to prevent any progressive candidate from effectively
challenging Biden.
<p>
<a href="/archives/2022-sep-dec.html#6_September_2022_(US_voters_favor_climate_bills)">When Democrats say "centrism"</a>,
they mean siding with the rich and powerful against most Americans.
  <p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/01/biden-fossil-fuel-climate-crisis-voters">Biden is still not doing nearly enough</a>
about the climate crisis.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#3_May_2023_(Nanoplastic_particles_in_the_brain)
title: Nanoplastic particles in the brain
uri: Nanoplastic-particles-in-the-brain
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#3_May_2023_(Nanoplastic_particles_in_the_brain)
content:
 
<p>
Evidence suggests that particles of plastic get into animals' brains
(and that includes Homo sapiens), and that they
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/01/plastic-is-already-in-blood-breast-milk-and-placentas-now-it-may-be-in-our-brains">can contribute to brain
dysfunction</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#3_May_2023_(Private_jet_footprint)
title: Private jet footprint
uri: Private-jet-footprint
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#3_May_2023_(Private_jet_footprint)
content:
 
<p>
Small private jets emit over
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/private-jet-industry">10 times as much</a>
pollution per passenger 
as commercial flights, yet they receive an indirect public subsidy.
<p>
This calls for a big increases in taxes on owning and using those
jets.  It would be just a start at ending the rich people's class war,
but starting would be good.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#3_May_2023_(Brazilian_mafia_mining)
title: Brazilian mafia mining
uri: Brazilian-mafia-mining
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#3_May_2023_(Brazilian_mafia_mining)
content:
 
<p>
Brazilian government forces describe
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/01/yanomami-territory-illegal-miners-death-toll">fighting mining mafias</a>.
<p>
The main difference between these mines and the mines and wells in the
US is that the latter have bought the support of the government.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#3_May_2023_(Death_row,_CA)
title: Death row, CA
uri: Death-row-CA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#3_May_2023_(Death_row,_CA)
content:
 
<p>
California still officially has a death penalty, but it is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/01/san-quentin-death-row-prison-california">eliminating the soul-crushing</a>
"death row".

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#3_May_2023_(Politico's_court_power)
title: Politico's court power
uri: Politico-s-court-power
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#3_May_2023_(Politico's_court_power)
content:
 
<p>
Clarence Thomas's vote in the Citizens United case boosted his
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/clarence-thomas-citizens-united-harlan-crow-political-spending">billionaire benefactor's political power</a>.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Costco over-packaging small items
uri: Urgent-Costco-over-packaging-small-items
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Urgent:_Costco_over-packaging_small_items)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Urgent:_Costco_over-packaging_small_items)

content:
 
<p>
Everyone: call on Costco to
<a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=54014&supporter_KEY=229474&utm_source=salsa&utm_medium=email&tag=email_blast:119549&utm_campaign=EAC4-FCNS:WILDLIFE:POLLUTION-0423&utm_content=EM9:00C:0HH-CCP">stop supersizing wasteful packaging</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Un-connection_and_in-authenticity)
title: Un-connection and in-authenticity
uri: Un-connection-and-in-authenticity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Un-connection_and_in-authenticity)
content:
 
<p>
Americans are suffering illness and death due to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/may/02/us-surgeon-general-warning-loneliness">the level of
disconnection</a>
from other people.  The amount of direct contact
with other people has been decreasing since the 1970s.
<p>
The essay "Bowling Alone" took note of this development in 1995, but it
has continued since then.
<p>
By going to the store to buy things, you can have a little more social
contact with a variety of people &mdash; and you can <em>pay cash</em>
and resist surveillance capitalism.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(May_Day_in_RU)
title: May Day in RU
uri: May-Day-in-RU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(May_Day_in_RU)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/02/putin-cancelling-public-celebrations-safety-fears-ukraine-war">Putin has cancelled national celebrations</a>
on the dishonest pretext that
Ukraine would attack crowds of civilians.  Perhaps he's really afraid
that those crowds of civilians would show their opinion of him.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(States_regulating_PFAs)
title: States regulating PFAs
uri: States-regulating-PFAs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(States_regulating_PFAs)
content:
 
<p>
Various US states are regulating PFAs, since Republicans won't
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/02/pfas-state-federal-legislation-industry-response">let the
US government do it</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Modern_day_hunting,_ducks_in_AU)
title: Modern day hunting, ducks in AU
uri: Modern-day-hunting-ducks-in-AU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Modern_day_hunting,_ducks_in_AU)
content:
 
<p>
*Victorian duck hunters urge parliament
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/may/02/victorian-duck-hunters-urge-parliament-not-to-bow-to-political-correctness">not to bow to "political correctness."</a>*
<p>
I suggest that governments in Australia do more to encourage hunting
of intrusive and introduced alien species, including foxes and cats.



 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Bytedance_censorship_tool)
title: Bytedance censorship tool
uri: Bytedance-censorship-tool
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Bytedance_censorship_tool)
content:
 
<p>

The company Bytedance that owns and controls TikTok has a surveillance
and censorship tool that has word lists that would <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexandralevine/2023/05/01/tiktok-bytedance-suppression-tool-trump-china-uyghurs/?sh=4f1f1048434c">catch
    discussions about political issues</a> relating to China's repression.
<p>
It is not easy to determine what use the company makes of these lists.
I wouldn't trust what the company says about that.  (If the tool
belonged to Facebook, I would not trust what it might say about that.)

 


title: Unprecedented giveaway to mining industry
uri: Unprecedented-giveaway-to-mining-industry
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Unprecedented_giveaway_to_mining_industry)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Unprecedented_giveaway_to_mining_industry)

content:
 
<p>

*Senate Democrat <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/cortez-masto-risch-nevada-mining">Slammed for Pushing 'Unprecedented Giveaway' to Mining
    Industry</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Mastodon_to_be_easier_to_join)
title: Mastodon to be easier to join
uri: Mastodon-to-be-easier-to-join
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Mastodon_to_be_easier_to_join)
content:
 
<p>

  Mastodon has announced a plan to <a href="https://blog.joinmastodon.org/2023/05/a-new-onboarding-experience-on-mastodon/">make the service easier to join</a>.
<p>
On the practical level, attention to these issues can make Mastodon
easier to use, and that is good.  In practical terms, this work is
worth doing.
<p>
On the level of values, the reference to Mastodon as a "product" made
me worry for Mastodon's future.  The values associated with making a
"product", and all the other words typically used by businesses, are
corrupting.  They infuse a set of goals that are incompatible with
respecting people.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Digital_pet_service)
title: Digital pet service
uri: Digital-pet-service
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Digital_pet_service)
content:
 
<p>

A digital pet service that imitated a sweetheart or lover won users'
hearts &mdash; then the company that ran it <a href="https://blog.giovanh.com/blog/2023/03/17/replika-your-money-or-your-wife/#fnref:if">cut these simulated beloved
    from expressing affection</a>.
<p>
The free software movement has something to say about it, and the
author of the article gets it: "You can <em>never</em> have a safe
emotional interaction with a thing or a person that is controlled by
someone else."
<p>
Whether the author learned this from us, or thought of it on per own,
it is good to see.
<p>
At the same time, a simulated friend that is entirely under your own
control is not satisfactory, because whatever it says and does
is your own fantasy.  It is like a puppet.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Airbnb_destroying_communities)
title: Airbnb destroying communities
uri: Airbnb-destroying-communities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Airbnb_destroying_communities)
content:
 
<p>

Airbnb is destroying communities which many people like to visit, as
many houses in them are now used as hotel rooms and there is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2023/may/01/huge-growth-and-ethical-concerns-make-airbnb-users-think-again">not
    much in the way of housing to rent for all year</a>.
<p>
I would never use airbnb anyway, since you are required to (1) run
nonfree software and (2) identify yourself to the company.  I don't mind
if the owner of the apartment or room knows who I am, but not a company!

 


title: Railroads gave paid sick leave to some unions
uri: Railroads-gave-paid-sick-leave-to-some-unions
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Railroads_gave_paid_sick_leave_to_some_unions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Railroads_gave_paid_sick_leave_to_some_unions)

content:
 
<p>

Big US railroads gave paid sick leave to some unions,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/may/01/railroad-workers-union-win-sick-leave">mainly the ones whose workers don't do the day-to-day
  operation of the trains.</a>
  This is not adequate.
<p>
If railroads want their workers to work even when sick, they are
trying to exploit those workers.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Bill_to_extend_debt_ceiling)
title: Bill to extend debt ceiling
uri: Bill-to-extend-debt-ceiling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Bill_to_extend_debt_ceiling)
content:
 
<p>

Democrats in the House of Representatives are trying to pass a bill
to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/house-dems-discharge-petition-debt-limit">extend the debt ceiling and do nothing else</a>.
<p>
  They plan to do this using a <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-nov-feb.html#6_January_2023_(MAGA,_shutdown_the_US)">discharge petition</a>.
  To succeed, they need 5 Republicans to sign.  They believe they can
get them.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Code_of_ethics_on_the_Supreme_Court)
title: Code of ethics on the Supreme Court
uri: Code-of-ethics-on-the-Supreme-Court
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Code_of_ethics_on_the_Supreme_Court)
content:
 
<p>

Republicans in the Senate <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/02/republicans-democrats-supreme-court-ethics-rules">blocked a bill to impose a code of ethics
    on the Supreme Court</a>.
<p>
I would expect that the Republicans figure the oligarchs who fund them
want to continue corrupting the Supreme Court.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Congress_warned_about_EARN_IT_act)
title: Congress warned about EARN IT act
uri: Congress-warned-about-EARN-IT-act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Congress_warned_about_EARN_IT_act)
content:
 
<p>

*Internet freedom activists <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/earn-it-privacy-free-speech">warn Congress that the EARN IT act would
    eliminate internet freedom</a>.*
<p>
The stated goals of the EARN IT act seem proper to me, but 
the cost to freedom would be terrible, as adults would have to
prove their identities to get accounts on platforms,
<p>
  Another bill to protect "children" on the internet is called <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/advocates-pledge-support-for-landmark-bill-requiring-online-platforms-to-protect-kids-teens-with-safety-by-design-approach">KOSA</a>.
  The description of that bill seems to imply determining which users
are "children" but doesn't say how this would be done.  I fear the worst.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Fishery_lobbyists_in_EU_delegation)
title: Fishery lobbyists in EU delegation
uri: Fishery-lobbyists-in-EU-delegation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Fishery_lobbyists_in_EU_delegation)
content:
 
<p>

*Revealed: most of EU delegation to crucial fishing talks <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global/2023/apr/26/revealed-most-of-eu-delegation-to-crucial-fishing-talks-made-up-of-fishery-lobbyists">made up of fishery
    lobbyists</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Fungal_attacks_on_crops)
title: Fungal attacks on crops
uri: Fungal-attacks-on-crops
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Fungal_attacks_on_crops)
content:
 
<p>

*   Fast-rising fungal attacks on the world’s most important crops <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/may/03/fungal-attacks-threaten-global-food-supply-say-experts">threaten
    the planet’s future food supply</a>.*
<p>
*   The impact of fungal disease is expected to worsen, the researchers
   say, as the climate crisis results in temperatures rising and
   fungal infections moving steadily polewards. Since the 1990s,
   fungal pathogens have been moving to higher latitudes at a rate of
   about 7km a year. Wheat stem rust infections, normally found in the
   tropics, have already been reported in England and Ireland.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Climate_myths_by_US_beef_industry)
title: Climate myths by US beef industry
uri: Climate-myths-by-US-beef-industry
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Climate_myths_by_US_beef_industry)
content:
 
<p>

  *Hot air: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/03/five-beef-industry-myths-busted">five climate myths pushed by the US beef industry</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Repeal the 2002 authorization for the use of military force
uri: Urgent-Repeal-the-2002-authorization-for-the-use-of-military-force
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Urgent:_Repeal_the_2002_authorization_for_the_use_of_military_force_)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Urgent:_Repeal_the_2002_authorization_for_the_use_of_military_force_)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on the House of Representatives to
<a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/house-iraq-aumf-repeal-petition?akid=8856.223515.QWNQQo&c0=house-iraq-aumf-repeal-petition.DrMget&rd=1&source=em20230501&t=1006">Repeal the 2002 AUMF</a>.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(World_Press_Freedom_yesterday)
title: World Press Freedom yesterday
uri: World-Press-Freedom-yesterday
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(World_Press_Freedom_yesterday)
content:
 
<p>
The
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/03/press-in-peril-reader-funded-journalism-world">free press is under attack</a>,
by states and gangs, all around the world
meanwhile, its old business model is gradually disappearing.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/may/03/media-freedom-in-dire-state-in-record-number-of-countries-report-finds">Repression is increasing globally and spreading</a>
to additional countries.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Covid-19-related_prison_sentences)
title: Covid-19-related prison sentences
uri: Covid-19-related-prison-sentences
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Covid-19-related_prison_sentences)
content:
 
<p>
Several Chinese who reported on the early days of Covid-19 in Wuhan
have been imprisoned one way or another for years.  One of them, Fang
Bin, may have been
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/03/china-covid-whistleblower-wuhan-fang-bin-reportedly-released-prison">released from what China calls "prison"</a>
to something more like house arrest.
<p>
It seems they have various levels of imprisonment so that they can
manipulate prisoners.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Silencing_society's_freedom_of_belief)
title: Silencing society's freedom of belief
uri: Silencing-society-s-freedom-of-belief
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Silencing_society's_freedom_of_belief)
content:
 
<p>
*Six Libyans face
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/may/03/six-libyans-face-death-penalty-for-converting-to-christianity">death penalty for converting</a>
to Christianity.*
<p>
Many countries that call themselves "Muslim" impose that religion on
more or less everyone.  This is an offense against the freedom of every
citizen, including those who are currently Muslims and might want to
change.  They also punish people for criticizing the official religion
("blasphemy") &mdash; in <a href="/archives/2014-sep-dec#20_October_2014_(Death_sentences_for_blasphemy)">some countries with execution</a>.
<p>
Christian countries used to commit similar injustices, quite
generally, until the 1500s when a few began to adopt limited freedom
for a few Christian sects.  The Dutch Republic permitted Judaism as
well.  The UK didn't officially permit Jews until the mid 1800s,
although some lived there.  It discriminated against Catholics until
later.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Retirement-age_protests,_FR)
title: Retirement-age protests, FR
uri: Retirement-age-protests-FR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Retirement-age_protests,_FR)
content:
 
<p>
Protests against Macron's arbitrary increase of the retirement age in
France are continuing after months, and <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> have taken up
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/05/02/france-protests-police-arrests/">arresting
people for the traditional protest</a>
of banging on pots.
<p>
I'm sure it is true that the finances of retirement pensions in France
have a problem that requires more funds.  But why turn first to the poor
to get them?  Macron did that because he is a "centrist", which means
"bowing to the rich and pretending that's what most people want."
<p>
The propaganda terms "centrist" and "moderate" can be compared with
"bolshevik", which was used by a minority to pretend to be the majority.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Activists_arrested,_GA)
title: Activists arrested, GA
uri: Activists-arrested-GA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Activists_arrested,_GA)
content:
 
<p>
Georgia <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> outdid themselves in defying reality and stretching
laws by
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/05/02/cop-city-activists-arrest-flyers/">arresting activists who were putting flyers</a>
on mailboxes.
  They gave the address of one of the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> who was involved in <a href="/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#11_February_2023_(Killed_protester_maybe_innocent,_US)">killing
protester Manuel Paez Terán</a>
   in the forest which is to be cut down to build Cop City.
<p>
*The inquiry into [his] death has been marred by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/04/cop-city-atlanta-manuel-paez-teran-death-autopsy">contradictory information released by officials</a>.*
<p>
I hazard a guess that the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> and judges involved in this are
right-wing.  Contempt for law, justice and truth is the hallmark of
the right wing, and these look like examples of it.

<p>
 


title: Occupation-protests against fossil fuel
uri: Occupation-protests-against-fossil-fuel
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Occupation-protests_against_fossil_fuel)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Occupation-protests_against_fossil_fuel)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/students-occupy-to-end-fossil-fuels">Students</a>
in several European countries, plus Uganda, are holding
occupations to demand an end to building fossil fuel facilities.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Anti-monarchists,_UK)
title: Anti-monarchists, UK
uri: Anti-monarchists-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#4_May_2023_(Anti-monarchists,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
*Anti-monarchists [in the UK]
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/may/02/anti-monarchists-receive-intimidatory-home-office-letter-on-new-protest-laws-coronation">receive "intimidatory" Home Office
letter</a>
on new protest laws.*


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Study_on_raising_minimum_wage)
title: Study on raising minimum wage
uri: Study-on-raising-minimum-wage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Study_on_raising_minimum_wage)
content:
 
<p>

A study of 50 counties in California and New York found that raising
the minimum wage to $15 per hour had <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/minimum-wage-boost-employment">several good overall economic effects</a>.
<p>
In places where the minimum wage had previously not been unusually high,
right-wing economists would predict increased unemployment, but the study
found that did not happen.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(If_you_care_about_press_freedom)
title: If you care about press freedom
uri: If-you-care-about-press-freedom
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(If_you_care_about_press_freedom)
content:
 
<p>

  *If you care about press freedom, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/may/04/julian-assange-us-justice-department-wikileaks">make some noise about Julian Assange</a>.*

 


title: Right-wing Supreme Court on student loans
uri: Right-wing-Supreme-Court-on-student-loans
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Right-wing_Supreme_Court_on_student_loans)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Right-wing_Supreme_Court_on_student_loans)

content:
 
<p>

Accusing the right-wing Supreme Court of being ready to disregard
both facts and the right-wing idea of how to interpret the Constitution,
in order to <a href="https://www.levernews.com/new-documents-undermine-supreme-court-student-debt-case/">hurt Americans with unpayable student loans</a>.
<p>
*   Republican states fighting Joe Biden’s plan <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2023/may/02/student-loan-forgiveness-supreme-court-us-states-false-claims">falsely said they’d be
    financially impacted by the scheme</a>, debt forgiveness group claims.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Green_investment_funds)
title: Green investment funds
uri: Green-investment-funds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Green_investment_funds)
content:
 
<p>

*[Some specific] green investment funds <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/may/02/green-investment-funds-pushing-money-into-fossil-fuel-firms-research-finds">pushing money into fossil fuel
    firms</a>, research finds.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Sexual_pressure_on_women_in_the_CIA)
title: Sexual pressure on women in the CIA
uri: Sexual-pressure-on-women-in-the-CIA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Sexual_pressure_on_women_in_the_CIA)
content:
 
<p>

Dozens of women who worked for the CIA have accused it of <a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/05/03/cia-sexual-misconduct-discrimination/">disregarding
    accusations of some sort of sexual pressure on them</a>.
<p>
It is not clear to me what the bounds of the term "sexual assault" are.
The term is so loose that it is inherently misleading.  But whatever
it includes, the CIA should have handled these accusations properly.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(ISDS_clauses_in_trade_treaties)
title: ISDS clauses in trade treaties
uri: ISDS-clauses-in-trade-treaties
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(ISDS_clauses_in_trade_treaties)
content:
 
<p>

Senator Warren has  called for the US Trade Representative to confirm
he will <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/warren-demands-end-isds-system-honduras">oppose ISDS clauses in future trade treaties</a>, as Biden promised.
<p>
This is the most salient requirement for making a trade treaty
acceptable; but it by itself is not sufficient.  There are other ways
a treaty can give business an advantage over human beings and society,
thus making it a <a href="/business-supremacy-treaties.html">business-supremacy treaty</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Michael_Chong)
title: Michael Chong
uri: Michael-Chong
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Michael_Chong)
content:
 
<p>

Michael Chong, a member of Canada's parliament who originally came from
Hong Kong, accused Trudeau of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/03/michael-chong-justin-trudeau-harassment-canada-china">doing nothing to stop a Chinese diplomat
    from acting to harass him</a>, his family in Hong Kong, and other members
of Canada's parliament.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Call_not_to_allow_spy_software)
title: Call not to allow spy software
uri: Call-not-to-allow-spy-software
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Call_not_to_allow_spy_software)
content:
 
<p>

Civil liberties activists called for governments to decide <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/journalists-ban-pegasus-spyware">not to allow
    spy software</a> such as Pegasus.
<p>
I wish getting rid of spy software were that easy, but I don't think
it is.  When programs have bugs, some people will exploit them as
security holes, and just saying "That's prohibited" won't stop it.
<p>
Indeed, gangs do this and they are probably breaking a law by doing
so, but that doesn't faze them &mdash; they break many other laws too.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Chompsky_on_AI_news)
title: Chomsky on the AI news
uri: Chomsky-on-the-AI-news
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Chompsky_on_AI_news)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/noam-chomsky-on-chatgpt">Noam Chomsky criticizes large language models</a>
as useless &mdash;
fundamentally, by the way they are designed &mdash; for advancing
understanding of cognition.
  This is because cognition plays no part in them.
They don't try to understand anything.
<p>
Machine-learning systems can do many practical tasks well &mdash; those
tasks that don't inherently involve conceptual understanding of
anything.  They can be useful, for good purposes and bad purposes.  At
the same time, they can treat their users justly (if released as free
software) or unjustly (if released as
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">nonfree software</a>
or
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/who-does-that-server-really-serve.html">only as a "service"</a>)
<p>
But we should distinguish this from <em>intelligence</em>, and reserve the
term <em>artificial intelligence</em> for artificial systems that can understand.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Resilience_as_luck_and_teamwork)
title: Resilience as luck and teamwork
uri: Resilience-as-luck-and-teamwork
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Resilience_as_luck_and_teamwork)
content:
 
<p>
What we think of as
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/03/keen-to-build-more-resilience-remember-there-is-no-i-in-team">tales of individual resilience</a>
are the tales of
those that survived danger by chance, and assume it made them stronger.
<p>
The chance sets you on a good path may result in your learning to be
good at something.  But chance doesn't turn out good for everyone.

<p>
 


title: Dissident journalist kidnapped, now imprisoned
uri: Dissident-journalist-kidnapped-now-imprisoned
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Dissodent_journalist_kidnapped,_now_imprisoned)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Dissodent_journalist_kidnapped,_now_imprisoned)

content:
 
<p>
Two years ago, Belarus forced down an airliner crossing its territory
so as to seize dissident journalist Raman Pratasevich and his (then?
former?) girlfriend, Sofia Sapega.  Now Lukashenko has tentatively
decided to keep him
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/03/belarus-sentences-journalist-raman-pratasevich-to-eight-years-in-jail">in prison for 8 years for the crime of journalism</a>.
<p>
There is no reason to suppose Lukashenko would actually release him, 8
years from now.  It might do to him what Israel has done to Mordechai
Vanunu &mdash; keeping him effectively <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#02%20January%202010%20(Mordechai%20Vanunu)">incommunicado indefinitely</a>,
and pretending it is has a purpose other than making him suffer.
<p>
Sapega was sentenced to 6 years in prison.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Suicide_sales_from_Canadian)
title: Suicide sales from Canadian
uri: Suicide-sales-from-Canadian
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Suicide_sales_from_Canadian)
content:
 
<p>
Canada persecutes
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/03/canada-man-charged-lethal-substance-suicides">people who help anyone commit suicide</a>
&mdash; even with advice.
<p>
Limited to only incomplete and bad advice, some people may survive,
physically damaged, and compelled to return to life even worse than it
was before.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Starmer's_Labour_betrayals)
title: Starmer's Labour betrayals
uri: Starmer-s-Labour-betrayals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Starmer's_Labour_betrayals)
content:
 
<p>
Starmer has dropped the policy commitments he made when he ran for leadership
of the Labour Party, and it seems he was
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/03/labour-tuition-fees-keir-starmer-political-party-british-democratic-history">planning all along to do so</a>.
  Apparently, all Labour stands for with him in charge is winning power.
<p>
Most horribly, he has made sure that all <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#4_March_2023_(Ideal_candidate_blocked,_UK)">new Labour MPs will be like him</a>.
<p>
  It's like the British equivalent of the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-mar-jun.html#6_May_2018_(US:_progressive_candidates_pressured_to_drop_out)">"centrist" US Democrats</a>,
  but worse.  Imagine if the Democratic Party machinery had the
official power to forbid progressive candidates from running
in a primary.  That's what Labour is now.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Big_insurance_lobby,_FL)
title: Big insurance lobby, FL
uri: Big-insurance-lobby-FL
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Big_insurance_lobby,_FL)
content:
 
<p>
*[<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis</a>] accused of favoring insurance-industry donors
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/03/ron-desantis-insurance-industry-donors-florida-governor">at residents’
 expense</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Organized_crimes_law,_EU)
title: Organized crimes law, EU
uri: Organized-crimes-law-EU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Organized_crimes_law,_EU)
content:
 
<p>
*EU aims to harmonize criminal laws across bloc
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/03/eu-aims-harmonise-criminal-laws-across-bloc-fight-corruption">to fight corruption</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Investigating_Bolsonaro's_tenure)
title: Investigating Bolsonaro's tenure
uri: Investigating-Bolsonaro-s-tenure
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Investigating_Bolsonaro's_tenure)
content:
 
<p>
*Brazilian <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/03/brazilian-police-search-jair-bolsonaro-mansion-arrest-aide">investigating Bolsonaro</a>,
accusing him of counterfeiting
a Covid-19 vaccination certificate.*
<p>
This is bizarre, because Bolsonaro says he proudly refused to be vaccinated
and never claimed otherwise.
<p>
He visited the US on a special head-of-state visa.  Maybe heads of state
are not asked to prove vaccination.
<p>
It is idiotic not to be vaccinated, unless you have some specific
medical problem which contraindicates vaccination.  Please don't
believe the disinformation which cherry-picks occasional problems with
this vaccine and exaggerates their significance, while minimizing the
continued danger of catching Covid-19.

 


title: Upcoming talks: free software and digital injustice
uri: Upcoming-talks-free-software-and-digital-injustice
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#6_May_2023_(Upcoming_talks:_free_software_and_digital_injustice)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#6_May_2023_(Upcoming_talks:_free_software_and_digital_injustice)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="/talks.html">RMS will be giving talks</a>
in Switzerland about free software and digital injustice.
<ul>
  <li> Thursday, May 11, at the  Institut für Wirtschaftsinformatik in Bern
  <li> Saturday, May 13, at Campus Batelle in Geneva
  <li> Sunday, May 15, in Moudon
  <li> Monday, May 16, in Lausanne
</ul>
    The talks are gratis and attendees do not need to register.
    They offer Q&amp;A sessions, and some have free drinks afterwords.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#6_May_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_USPS_privatization)
title: Urgent: Stop USPS privatization
uri: Urgent-Stop-USPS-privatization
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#6_May_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_USPS_privatization)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/dejoy-letter-carrier/?t=1002&akid=30674%2E96703%2EmceIay">call on the USPS Board of Governors</a>
to stop DeJoy's privatization plan and reverse its decision to slash rural letter
carrier capacity.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#6_May_2023_(Supreme_Court_ethics,_Ginni_Thomas)
title: Supreme Court ethics, Ginni Thomas
uri: Supreme-Court-ethics-Ginni-Thomas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#6_May_2023_(Supreme_Court_ethics,_Ginni_Thomas)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/no-mention-of-ginni-thomas-corruption">Ginni Thomas Took Secret Payments</a>
Ahead of Landmark Voting Rights Case.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#6_May_2023_(Mexico's_US-deportee_agreement)
title: Mexico's US-deportee agreement
uri: Mexico-s-US-deportee-agreement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#6_May_2023_(Mexico's_US-deportee_agreement)
content:
 
<p>
Mexico has made an agreement with the US to accept many
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/05/us-mexico-border-immigration-deal">non-Mexicans who 
are deported</a>
from the US.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#6_May_2023_(US,_Rx_drug_prices)
title: US, Rx drug prices
uri: US-Rx-drug-prices
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#6_May_2023_(US,_Rx_drug_prices)
content:
 
<p>
*Sanders and Klobuchar Reintroduce Legislation to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/sanders-and-klobuchar-reintroduce-legislation-to-cut-drug-prices-in-half">Cut [Medicare] Drug
 Prices in Half</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#6_May_2023_((Satire)_Startups_productivity)
title: (Satire) Startups productivity
uri: (Satire)-Startups-productivity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#6_May_2023_((Satire)_Startups_productivity)
content:
 
<p>
(satire)
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/anthropological-research-reveals-ancient-cultures-used-1850387152">*Anthropological Research Reveals Ancient Cultures</a>
Used Psychedelics To Increase Productivity Within Startup Companies.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#6_May_2023_(Wrongful_conviction,_UK)
title: Wrongful conviction, UK
uri: Wrongful-conviction-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#6_May_2023_(Wrongful_conviction,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
Andrew Malkinson has been in prison for 17 years for rape, because
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/may/03/greater-manchester-police-prison-andrew-malkinson-dna">concealed the evidence</a>
that should have shown he didn't do it.
<p>
It's amazing how often officials illegally conceal exculpatory
evidence and succeed in bringing about an abortion of justice.  (The
word "miscarriage" is a mistaken metaphor because they happen by
accident.)  We read over and over of people who were convicted in the
US as a result of such deception.  These prosecutors have to know they
are lying someone into prison or (in the US) into the death row.  Why
don't we put them in prison for this?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#6_May_2023_(Climate_news,_CAN)
title: Climate news, CAN
uri: Climate-news-CAN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#6_May_2023_(Climate_news,_CAN)
content:
 
<p>
British Columbia (on Canada's west coast) is having floods, while neighboring
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/05/canada-wildfires-thousands-evacuate-fox-lake-fire">Alberta is having wildfires</a>.
<p>
The tar sands oil that Alberta exports is partly responsible for both.

<p>
 


title: (satire) Lifesaving medication at U.S. border
uri: (satire)-Lifesaving-medication-at-U-S-border
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_((satire)_Lifesaving_medication_at_U.S._border)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_((satire)_Lifesaving_medication_at_U.S._border)

content:
 
<p>

(satire) <a href="https://www.theonion.com/federal-agents-intercept-500-kilos-of-lifesaving-medica-1850390203">*Federal Agents Intercept 500 Kilos Of Lifesaving Medication
    At U.S. Border.*</a>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(New_buildings_in_New_York_state)
title: New buildings in New York state
uri: New-buildings-in-New-York-state
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(New_buildings_in_New_York_state)
content:
 
<p>

New York State has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/new-york-state-budget-passes-with-first-statewide-fossil-fuel-ban-on-new-construction">prohibited building new buildings to use fossil
    fuels</a>.
<p>
The same law allocates funds to convert some old buildings to use
electricity instead.
<p>
This will result in substantial reductions in fossil fuel use,
provided the state builds enough renewable generating capacity
to feed the resulting higher demand for electricity.

 


title: Species threatened by Neonicotinoid Insecticides
uri: Species-threatened-by-Neonicotinoid-Insecticides
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(Species_threatened_by_Neonicotinoid_Insecticides)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(Species_threatened_by_Neonicotinoid_Insecticides)

content:
 
<p>

*<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#epa">EPA</a> Confirms Bee-Killing Neonicotinoid Insecticides <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/epa-confirms-bee-killing-neonicotinoid-insecticides-threaten-extinction-for-more-than-200-endangered-species">Threaten
    Extinction for More than 200 Endangered Species</a> [aside from bees].*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(Execution_of_Richard_Glossip_canceled)
title: Execution of Richard Glossip canceled
uri: Execution-of-Richard-Glossip-canceled
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(Execution_of_Richard_Glossip_canceled)
content:
 
<p>

  The US Supreme Court <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/05/richard-glossip-us-supreme-court-halts-execution-oklahoma">canceled the execution of Richard Glossip</a>, who seems
to have had an exceedingly unfair trial.

 


title: Putin told Clinton he might attack Ukraine
uri: Putin-told-Clinton-he-might-attack-Ukraine
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(Putin_told_Clinton_he_might_attack_Ukraine)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(Putin_told_Clinton_he_might_attack_Ukraine)

content:
 
<p>

  Putin <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/05/we-knew-putin-would-attack-ukraine-back-in-2011-says-bill-clinton">told Clinton in 2011</a> that he might attack Ukraine.
<p>
I wonder who Clinton told this too.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(Four_Proud_Boys_convicted)
title: Four "Proud Boys" convicted
uri: Four-Proud-Boys-convicted
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(Four_Proud_Boys_convicted)
content:
 
<p>

  *Four "Proud Boys" <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/proud-boys-seditious-conspiracy">Convicted of Seditious Conspiracy for Jan. 6 Attack</a>.*

 


title: Bernie Sanders plan for $17 minimum wage
uri: Bernie-Sanders-plan-for-17-minimum-wage
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(Bernie_Sanders_plan_for_$17_minimum_wage)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(Bernie_Sanders_plan_for_$17_minimum_wage)

content:
 
<p>

  *Bernie Sanders unveils plan for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/04/bernie-sanders-federal-minimum-wage-17-dollars-an-hour">$17-an-hour US minimum wage</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(Clarence_Thomas'_Grandnephew)
title: Clarence Thomas' Grandnephew
uri: Clarence-Thomas-Grandnephew
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(Clarence_Thomas'_Grandnephew)
content:
 
<p>

  *Billionaire Also <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/harlan-crow-clarence-thomas-private-school-tuition">Paid for Clarence Thomas' Grandnephew</a> to Attend $74k/Year
 Private School.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(Media_ignores_nondisruptive_protests)
title: Media ignores nondisruptive protests
uri: Media-ignores-nondisruptive-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(Media_ignores_nondisruptive_protests)
content:
 
<p>

  The mainstream media <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/04/all-too-often-peaceful-protests-dont-make-the-headlines">ignore nondisruptive protests</a>, so protests
against plans that amount to mass murder need to be disruptive enough
to be heard.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(Danger_of_bills_that_allow_snooping)
title: Danger of bills that allow snooping
uri: Danger-of-bills-that-allow-snooping
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(Danger_of_bills_that_allow_snooping)
content:
 
<p>

  The ACLU told the Senate about the <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/aclu-strongly-opposes-cascade-of-dangerous-legislation-threatening-to-destroy-digital-privacy">danger of various bills</a> that would "protect children" by snooping on the communications of all adults.
<p>
  The ACLU <a href="https://www.engadget.com/bipartisan-senate-group-reintroduces-a-revised-kids-online-safety-act-212117992.html">opposes KOSA</a>, too, because it would require even more data collection
about every user to figure out who is a minor.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(Copyright_lawsuits_in_music_industry)
title: Copyright lawsuits in music industry
uri: Copyright-lawsuits-in-music-industry
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(Copyright_lawsuits_in_music_industry)
content:
 
<p>

Pop music nowadays is sufficiently limited that almost any song could
be seen as a take-off on many others.  This led rapidly to charges of
copyright infringement which could have turned the music industry
into a mess of lawsuits.
<p>
  Fortunately this threat was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/may/04/ed-sheeran-verdict-not-liable-copyright-lawsuit-marvin-gaye">rejected for the moment</a>.

 


title: Florida might prohibit teaching critical race theory
uri: Florida-might-prohibit-teaching-critical-race-theory
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(Florida_might_prohibit_teaching_critical_race_theory)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(Florida_might_prohibit_teaching_critical_race_theory)

content:
 
<p>

  Florida is about to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/ron-desantis-academic-freedom">prohibit teaching critical race theory</a> for real,
even in universities where it really might be taught.
<p>
It goes with other laws that censor education for many age levels.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(Voters_blocked_in_UK)
title: Voters blocked in UK
uri: Voters-blocked-in-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(Voters_blocked_in_UK)
content:
 
<p>

  Only a few instances of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/may/04/i-was-denied-my-right-voter-id-rules-a-barrier-for-some-in-england">voters blocked in the UK</a> by lack of the new
voter ID were actually counted, but since the system was not designed
to count them, there could be more than it seems.
<p>
Some were denied the right to vote because they are immunocompromised
and did not dare remove their masks in the polling place.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(Erdoğan_law_about_fake_news)
title: Erdoğan law about "fake" news
uri: Erdoğan-law-about-fake-news
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#7_May_2023_(Erdoğan_law_about_fake_news)
content:
 
<p>

Erdoğan is passing a law that would <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/13/turkey-new-disinformation-law-could-jail-journalists-for-3-years">imprison people for spreading news that
    Erdoğan calls "fake"</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(Old_monetary_policy_vs_new_realies)
title: Old monetary policy vs new realities
uri: Old-monetary-policy-vs-new-realities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(Old_monetary_policy_vs_new_realies)
content:
 
<p>
*Central banks raising interest rates makes it
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/06/central-banks-interest-rate-hike-climate-crisis">harder to fight the
climate crisis</a>.*
<p>
Beyond the short term, high interest rates cannot produce stability,
because instability is an inherent result of the developing climate crisis.
To have less future instability, we need to decarbonize faster.
<p>
*To Solve the Climate Crisis, It's
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/climate-crisis-debt-cancellation">Time to Talk About Canceling Debt</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(Big_food_profits_vs_starving)
title: Big food profits vs world hunger
uri: Big-food-profits-vs-world-hunger
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(Big_food_profits_vs_starving)
content:
 
<p>
To end global hunger, we need to stop treating food as a set of commodities
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/hunger-food-sovereignty">for giant companies to corner the market on</a>.

<p>
 


title: (Satire) Mayor guts social services, is killed for it
uri: (Satire)-Mayor-guts-social-services-is-killed-for-it
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_((Satire)_Mayor_guts_social_services,_is_killed_for_it)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_((Satire)_Mayor_guts_social_services,_is_killed_for_it)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Eric Adams Killed By Vigilante
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/eric-adams-killed-by-vigilante-after-acting-erratic-as-1850404866">After Acting Erratic</a>
As Mayor.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(Urgent:_Plastic_pusher,_Whole_Foods)
title: Urgent: Plastic pusher, Whole Foods
uri: 2023-05-09-Urgent-Plastic-pusher-Whole-Foods
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(Urgent:_Plastic_pusher,_Whole_Foods)
content:
 
<p>
Everyone: call on Whole Foods to
<a href="https://environmentamerica.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=54113&supporter_KEY=229474">take single-use plastic packaging
off its shelves</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(Unprecedented_action_on_PFAS)
title: Unprecedented action on PFAS
uri: Unprecedented-action-on-PFAS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(Unprecedented_action_on_PFAS)
content:
 
<p>
*<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#epa">EPA</a> has ordered
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/06/us-epa-pfas-drinking-water-pollution-ohio-river">chemical company Chemours</a>
to stop discharging high levels of [PFAS] into the Ohio River.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(Non-destructive_DNA_extraction)
title: Non-destructive DNA extraction
uri: Non-destructive-DNA-extraction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(Non-destructive_DNA_extraction)
content:
 
<p>
Scientists Extract Human and Deer DNA from
<a href="https://www.sci.news/archaeology/denisova-cave-pendant-dna-11888.html">Paleolithic Pendant Found in
Denisova Cave</a>.
<p>
Research like this is possible because <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-sep-dec.html#27_December_2011_(Unburied_Skeleton)">Russia has nothing like the
  NAGPRA law</a>.
             If NAGPRA existed there, it would require "returning"
ancient human bones and artifacts to someone or other, and we would
not have had the chance to learn from them about the evolution of our
species -- for instance, we would not know that nearly all of us
humans have Neanderthals among our ancestors.
<p>
As for the Denisovans, another strain of humans also known from things
found in Denisova cave, we wouldn't know they existed at all.

<p>
 


title: Technoscientific-innovation warning from the fine arts
uri: Technoscientific-innovation-warning-from-the-fine-arts
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(Technoscientific-innovation_warning_from_the_fine_arts)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(Technoscientific-innovation_warning_from_the_fine_arts)

content:
 
<p>
The book _Frankenstein_ &mdash; <em>not</em> the movie &mdash; carries a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/may/01/frankensteins-warning-the-too-familiar-hubris-of-todays-technoscience">warning about applying
science</a>
without attention to what it means to be a human being.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(Protester_intolerance,_UK)
title: Protester intolerance, UK
uri: Protester-intolerance-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(Protester_intolerance,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
The coronation of Charles III was
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/07/coronation-just-stop-oil-republic-activists-peaceful-protests">an occasion for repression</a>
such as
one would have expected from an old-time monarch, if the monarch was
lacking in regal magnanimity.
<p>
About 20 Just Stop Oil protesters were arrested for wearing t-shirts
and carrying small flags, which they planned to respectively expose
and wave.  Another 20 antimonarchists were arrested for taking nonviolence
training in another city.
<p>
In all, 52 protesters and would-be protesters were arrested.  A minister
said this was justified because the UK's
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/may/07/police-right-to-arrest-coronation-protesters-as-uk-on-global-stage-says-minister">show had to look good</a>.
<p>
In my view, those arrests showed off what's bad and getting worse in
the UK: uniformed <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/07/police-are-curbing-free-speech-not-just-at-behest-of-right-crackdown-mall">have been authorized</a>
to draw the boundaries
of lawful and unlawful protest.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(PFAS_in_crop_pesticides)
title: PFAS testing: pesticides
uri: PFAS-testing-pesticides
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(PFAS_in_crop_pesticides)
content:
 
<p>
*US
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/07/food-pesticides-toxic-forever-chemicals-pfas">food pesticides contaminated</a>
with toxic [PFAS], testing finds.*
<p>
The pesticides may degrade and become harmless, but the PFAS
accompanying them will not.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(Social_housing)
title: Social housing
uri: Social-housing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(Social_housing)
content:
 
<p>
Vienna demonstrates that a city (or a country) can provide good
quality social housing that working people and middle class
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/07/vision-of-property-owning-democracy-still-achievable-but-not-in-britain">people are
content living on together</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(Invasive_species:_horses_in_AU)
title: Invasive species: horses in AU
uri: Invasive-species-horses-in-AU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(Invasive_species:_horses_in_AU)
content:
 
<p>
Feral horses in Australia threaten the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/may/08/feral-horses-an-imminent-threat-that-could-cause-extinction-of-several-endangered-australian-species-inquiry-warned">survival of six native species</a>.
<p>
This will be a sensitive topic because many Australians love the feral
horses.  But the issue is very simple: feral horses in Australia are a
dangerous intrusive species and it is important to keep their numbers
down.

<p>
 


title: Labour seconds bank expert into parliament
uri: Labour-seconds-bank-expert-into-parliament
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(Labour_seconds_bank_expert_into_parliament)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(Labour_seconds_bank_expert_into_parliament)

content:
 
<p>
A Labour shadow minister gave representatives of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/may/07/labour-criticised-for-giving-global-banks-access-to-parliament-hsbc-natwest">two giant banks access
to Parliament</a>
so they can lobby as they like.
<p>
It might help the party win the next election, but it does not help
make that party honestly serve the country supposing it does win.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(Academic_publishing_vs_profits)
title: Academic publishing vs profits
uri: Academic-publishing-vs-profits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(Academic_publishing_vs_profits)
content:
 
<p>
The editorial board of the journal Neuroimage
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/may/07/too-greedy-mass-walkout-at-global-science-journal-over-unethical-fees">resigned as a body
in protest</a>
of how much Elsevier charges to publish a paper.
<p>
There should be a standard charge to the authors for publishing a paper,
which research grants should cover; for authors that don't have such grants,
the journal should waive the charge.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(Covid_emergency_officially_over)
title: Covid emergency officially over
uri: Covid-emergency-officially-over
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#8_May_2023_(Covid_emergency_officially_over)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/07/is-covid-really-over-whos-announcement-sounds-more-like-surrender-than-victory">WHO declared an end</a>
to the "emergency" about Covid-19, but that really
means only acknowledging that millions of people are not taking the
well-known precautions.
<p>
We can prevent most Covid-19 infections by wearing masks, and prevent
most cases of the flu as well.


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#9_May_2023_(Labour_and_Tories'_anti-protest_laws)
title: Labour and Tories' anti-protest laws
uri: Labour-and-Tories-anti-protest-laws
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#9_May_2023_(Labour_and_Tories'_anti-protest_laws)
content:
 
<p>

Labour has become so right-wing that it <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/may/08/labour-urged-to-say-whether-it-would-scrap-new-anti-protest-laws">refuses to commit to
    repealing the Tories' new anti-protest laws</a>.

 


title: Right-wing fanatic drove car into immigrants
uri: Right-wing-fanatic-drove-car-into-immigrants
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#9_May_2023_(Right-wing_fanatic_drove_car_into_immigrants)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#9_May_2023_(Right-wing_fanatic_drove_car_into_immigrants)

content:
 
<p>

  A right-wing fanatic <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/08/brownsville-texas-car-crash-deaths-migrant-shelter">drove his car into a crowd of immigrants</a> standing
around a shelter where they were getting assistance, murdering 8 of
them.
<p>
  More about the fanatic's <a href="https://boingboing.net/2023/05/07/texas-mall-shooter-was-wearing-right-wing-death-squad-patch.html">stated political views</a>.
<p?
*The Real <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/right-wing-death-squad-allen-texas">'Right Wing Death Squad' /> Is the Cowardly Republican Party.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#9_May_2023_(Artists_in_Russia)
title: Artists in Russia
uri: Artists-in-Russia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#9_May_2023_(Artists_in_Russia)
content:
 
<p>

Putin's growing authoritarianism started <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/08/vladimir-putin-russia-culture-writers-ukraine-war">driving the leading artists
    of Russian culture</a> out of Russia even before he started attacking
Ukraine.  Now the only major artists that remain in Russia are those
who wish to flaunt their support for Putin's regime.
<p>
Recall how Putin used to mock the idea that other Russians could run against
him in elections?
    It wasn't enough for him that he was popular and would win even a free
election.  It wasn't enough for him to make victory for his opponents
impossible.    He went out of his way to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2007-nov-feb.html#26%20January%202008%20(Russian%20elections)">rig elections</a> <em>blatantly</em>
(for instance, against Kasparov) so as to disparage the very idea of democracy.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#10_May_2023_(Recent_Day_of_the_Worker_now_over)
title: Recent Day of the Worker now over
uri: Recent-Day-of-the-Worker-now-over
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#10_May_2023_(Recent_Day_of_the_Worker_now_over)
content:
 
<p>
The labor shortage that gave workers more clout
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/may/07/employees-employers-upper-hand-small-business">has ended</a>.
  Now employers are gleefully screwing workers again.
<p>
The author states the cause opaquely by saying that "the economy has
slowed," choosing not to mention the cause of that: interest rate
increases by central banks, made in the name of curbing
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-nov-feb.html#31_January_2023_(Central_banks_handled_inflation_wrong)">the inflation
whose real causes they refuse</a>
to recognize.
<p>
For some employees with special talents, this takes the form of loss
of some special perks, described in the article, plus increased unjust
surveillance.  For the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-mar-jun.html#27_June_2022_(Overworking_Amazon_workers)">less influential employees</a>
who were mistreated all along,
it takes the form of <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-nov-feb.html#21_February_2023_(Urgent:_Call_on_Amazon_to_negotiate_with_workers'_union)">refusing to negotiate</a>
with their unions.
<p>
  But don't stop there.  <a href="/amazon.html">Amazon mistreats customers</a>
  as well as workers and everyone else.
  Do as I do, and refuse to ever give your name or your address to Amazon.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#10_May_2023_(whatsapp_uk_privacy_concerns)
title: WhatsApp could disappear from UK over privacy concerns
uri: WhatsApp-could-disappear-from-UK-over-privacy-concerns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#10_May_2023_(whatsapp_uk_privacy_concerns)
content:
 
<p>
The Tories want to ban communication systems that use end-to-end
encryption.  They've announced their decision that "safety", supposedly
to be achieved by monitoring everyone's communications, outweighs privacy,
so digital systems that maintai8n our privacy against state surveillance
will be banned.
<p>
Paradoxically, what may 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/may/08/whatsapp-could-disappear-uk-over-privacy-concerns-ministers-told">defend us is WhatsApp.</a>
<p>
The WhatsApp application is nonfree software -- users can't tell what
it really does, let alone fix anything malicious or merely broken that
may be in it.  So many nonfree programs are malware that we shouldn't
suppose any of them is honest.  The nonfree WhatsApp App could send
all the user's private nessages, in plain text form, to whoever
Meta/Facebook wishes, whether that be the Chinese government, the UK
government, the US government, or Meta itself.
<p>
We can't have free software packages that do communication with
end-to-end encryption if communication systens with end-to-end
encryption are prohibited.  Paradoxically, a proporietary app which is
not fit to trust may protect our right to have systems which can be
worthy of our trust.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#10_May_2023_(rediscovery_america)
title: Why Native history is American history
uri: Why-Native-history-is-American-history
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#10_May_2023_(rediscovery_america)
content:
 
<p>
The presence of indigenous people in what is now the US was not a mere
detail.  The desire to take their lands was central to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/may/08/the-rediscovery-of-america-why-its-vital-to-highlight-native-american-history">the history of
the US.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#10_May_2023_(coronation_rotten_system)
title: The coronation pulled a screen across a desperate, polarised nation
uri: The-coronation-pulled-a-screen-across-a-desperate-polarised-nation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#10_May_2023_(coronation_rotten_system)
content:
 
<p>
*The coronation [in the UK] pulled a screen across a desperate,
failing nation &mdash; just as intended.
Those who opposed it must be portrayed as radical, or the whole rotten
system it 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/08/coronation-desperate-nation-rotten-system"> represents might come crashing down.*</a>
<p>
If I imagine myself as British, I do not see myself as opposing either
the coronation or the monarchy.  I simply see them as side issues.
Queen Elizabeth II was not responsible for the Tory policy of
repression and impoverishment of the poor, nor for Starmer's ruination
of the Labour party.  Those are what's really bad about the UK
government.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#10_May_2023_(climate_catastrophe)
title: There’s Still Time to Avoid Climate Catastrophe
uri: There-s-Still-Time-to-Avoid-Climate-Catastrophe
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#10_May_2023_(climate_catastrophe)
content:
 
<p>
*There's Still Time to Avoid 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/theres-still-time-to-avoid-climate-catastrophe">Climate Catastrophe.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#10_May_2023_(kroger_albertsons_merger)
title: Workers to lose 300 million over grocery store merger
uri: Workers-to-lose-300-million-over-grocery-store-merger
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#10_May_2023_(kroger_albertsons_merger)
content:
 
<p>
*Grocery Store Workers Stand to Lose Over $300 Million Annually if 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/workers-to-lose-300-million-kroger-albertsons-merger">Kroger and Albertsons Merge*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#11_May_2023_(Correction:_Upcoming_talks_calendar)
title: Correction: Named days of the week for upcoming talks by Richard Stallman
uri: Correction-Named-days-of-the-week-for-upcoming-talks-by-Richard-Stall
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#11_May_2023_(Correction:_Upcoming_talks_calendar)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="/talks.html">RMS will be giving talks</a>
in Switzerland about free software and digital injustice.
<ul>
  <li> Thursday, May 11, at the  Institut für Wirtschaftsinformatik in Bern
  <li> Saturday, May 13, at Campus Batelle in Geneva
  <li> Monday, May 15, in Moudon
  <li> Tuesday, May 16, in Lausanne
</ul>
</ br>[The Switzerland talks are Thursday, Saturday, <em>Monday and Tuesday</em> (not Sunday).]

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Stop factory farms from polluting our rivers
uri: Urgent-Stop-factory-farms-from-polluting-our-rivers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_factory_farms_from_polluting_our_rivers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_factory_farms_from_polluting_our_rivers)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://environmentamerica.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=53864&supporter_KEY=229474">call on the EPA</a>
to stop factory farms from polluting our rivers with liquid manure.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: List monarch butterflies as endangered
uri: Urgent-List-monarch-butterflies-as-endangered
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Urgent:_List_monarch_butterflies_as_endangered)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Urgent:_List_monarch_butterflies_as_endangered)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=54366&supporter_KEY=229474">call on the Secretary of the Interior</a>
to list monarch butterflies as endangered.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Make Bezos testify about Amazon's union-busting
uri: Urgent-Make-Bezos-testify-about-Amazon-s-union-busting
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Urgent:_Make_Bezos_testify_about_Amazon's_union-busting)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Urgent:_Make_Bezos_testify_about_Amazon's_union-busting)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/hold-corporate-billionaires-accountable-demand-jeff-bezos-testify-in-congress?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-inequality-media-civic-action&source=group-inequality-media-civic-action">call on Congress</a>
to make Bezos testify about Amazon's union-busting.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Revoke the National Rifle Association's tax exemption
uri: Urgent-Revoke-the-National-Rifle-Association-s-tax-exemption
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Urgent:_Revoke_the_National_Rifle_Association's_tax_exemption)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Urgent:_Revoke_the_National_Rifle_Association's_tax_exemption)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-revoke-the-nras-tax-exempt-status?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-progress-america&source=2023TaxNRA_PA">call on the IRS</a>
to revoke the National Rifle Association's tax exemption.
<p>
The National Rifle Association used to work dedicate itself to
teaching how to safely use and own guns.  It was turned into a tool for
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#5_May_2014_(Poverty_and_guns)">spreading fear to promote gun sales</a>
a few decades ago.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Urgent:_eliminate_the_subminimum_wage)
title: Urgent: eliminate the subminimum wage
uri: Urgent-eliminate-the-subminimum-wage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Urgent:_eliminate_the_subminimum_wage)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/everyone-deserves-a-living-wage-sign-your-name-to-demand-an-end-to-the-subminimum-wage?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-progress-america&source=group-progress-america">call on Congress</a>
to eliminate the subminimum wage, which applies to workers who are supposedly supported by tips.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>


<p>
 


title: History of technology as hoarding power
uri: History-of-technology-as-hoarding-power
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(History_of_technology_as_hoarding_power)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(History_of_technology_as_hoarding_power)

content:
 
<p>
The
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/may/07/power-and-progress-daron-acemoglu-simon-johnson-review-formidable-demolition-of-the-technology-equals-progress-myth">progressive movement needs to reject the imposed myth</a>
that
technological progress invariably makes people, or society, better
off.  We have the  right to regulate technology for the public good.
<p>
When the users decide what features their technology will have,
they can exclude the features they know they dislike.  But when
companies choose the features and impose them on the users,
they will impose what benefits them, not what benefits the users.
This includes DRM and snooping, as well as
<a href="https://gnu.org/malware/">other nasty things</a>.
  We must demand software be free.
<p>
However, we need to think carefully about what the public good
consists of.  Now that politicians want to "protect children (and
especially tenagers)" by turning the internet into a platform for
repression à la Chinoise, we must insist they do the job in a way
that doesn't make us all politically helpless.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_((Satire)_Pay_judges_an_ethics_bonus)
title: (Satire) Pay judges an ethics bonus
uri: (Satire)-Pay-judges-an-ethics-bonus
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_((Satire)_Pay_judges_an_ethics_bonus)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Clarence Thomas Promises To Adopt Code Of
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/clarence-thomas-promises-to-adopt-code-of-ethics-for-th-1850409408">Ethics For The Right Price</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Social utility of royal and presidential families
uri: Social-utility-of-royal-and-presidential-families
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Social_utility_of_royal_and_presidential_families)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Social_utility_of_royal_and_presidential_families)

content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich argues that the fact that the UK has a king, and a royal
family, is
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/king-charles-iii">a minor side-issue</a>
as regards everything important.
  He also criticizes the US tendency to idolize the president's family.
<p>
I'm with <a href="/antiglossary.html#firstlady">both points</a>.
<p>
*Royal occasions aren’t really about the royals at all. What we love is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/06/royal-occasions-not-really-about-royals-we-love-our-own-reactions">our
own reactions</a>.*
  Most Britishers are content with the royal family because
it is a sort of play-acting which makes no real difference.
<p>
The exception is whan a royal occasion becomes
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/incredibly-alarming-peaceful-protests-not-fit-for-a-king">an occasion
for repression</a>.

<p>
 


title: "Link tax" would reward Sinclair
uri: Link-tax-would-reward-Sinclair
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Payments_for_extracting_news_would_reward_Sinclair)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Payments_for_extracting_news_would_reward_Sinclair)

content:
 
<p>
Proposed federal and California laws supposedly intended to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/lawmakers-help-sinclair-destroy-local-news">"save
local journalism</a>"
would instead help the Sinclair broadcast chain wipe it out.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(GOP_plans_to_nix_helping_US)
title: GOP plans: nix New Deal
uri: GOP-plans-nix-New-Deal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(GOP_plans_to_nix_helping_US)
content:
 
<p>
Asserting that the Republican plan to hold the US hostage over the
debt ceiling represents the the power of right-wing billionaires who
put
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/05/06/debt-limit/">ideology over their own interests</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Pseudo_police,_UK)
title: Pseudo-police, UK
uri: Pseudo-police-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Pseudo_police,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
The "law and order"
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/10/police-britain-private-security-firms-powers">Tories have made big cuts in cops</a>
on the street. So landlords pay to replace them, in some local areas, with private
security guards who enforce unpublished secret rules, and get away
with violence just like official <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(The_bully_loses_a_lawsuit)
title: The bully loses a lawsuit
uri: The-bully-loses-a-lawsuit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(The_bully_loses_a_lawsuit)
content:
 
<p>
E Jean Carroll won her lawsuit against <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">the bullshitter</a>, who was
ordered to pay damages for grabbing her and trying to rape her, and
later
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/09/e-jean-carroll-wins-trump-trial-verdict">calling her a liar for saying he did that</a>.
<p>
The result demonstrates that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">the bullshitter</a> cannot always get away
with
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/10/e-jean-carroll-lawsuit-trump-sexual-abuser">"grabbing them</a>
by the pussy."
<p>
This defeat is not sufficient &mdash; he is
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-jan-apr.html#23_April_2022_(Running_out_of_time_to_prosecute_the_wrecker)">still getting away with</a>
a far bigger and more egregious crime: leading a failed plot to overthrow the US government.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Ukrainian_counteroffensive_theory)
title: Ukrainian counteroffensive theory
uri: Ukrainian-counteroffensive-theory
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Ukrainian_counteroffensive_theory)
content:
 
<p>
*The west must be ready for this moment of opportunity and risk in
Ukraine.* The article includes a theory of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/10/west-opportunity-risk-ukraine-counteroffensive">how Ukraine hopes to
achieve a military victory</a>
sufficient to end the war.
<p>
It may be true that Putin is obsessed even more with Crimea than with
Ukraine; I wouldn't know.  But I don't see a rational military reason
for him to feel that way.  Moreover, I don't see why Ukraine should be
especially concerned with Crimea in Putin's hands as a military
threat.  Russia has plenty of air bases from which to attack various
parts of Ukraine, and it has made some attacks from airbases near
Moscow, which
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-sep-dec.html#6_December_2022_(Ukraine_attacks_distant_airfields)">Ukraine has attacked with drones</a>.

<p>
 


title: World's first public facial-recognition ban
uri: World-s-first-public-facial-recognition-ban
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(World's_first_public_facial-recognition_ban_)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(World's_first_public_facial-recognition_ban_)

content:
 
<p>
*MEPs to vote on
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/may/10/meps-to-vote-on-proposed-ban-on-big-brother-ai-facial-recognition-on-streets">proposed ban on ‘Big Brother</a>’
[so-called] AI facial
recognition on streets.*
<p>
I applaud the EU for even considering this, and I hope it passes.
<p>
Whether facial recognition should be considered "AI" is a tricky
question, which I think makes no difference to anything important.
Such systems should be prohibited, but the prohibition should not be
limited to facial recognition.  It should cover identification of
persons by any kind of sensing of personal characteristic.
<p>
Indeed, it should include collection of records from which it would be
straightforward to identify people later.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Wagner_terrorist_designation)
title: Wagner terrorist designation
uri: Wagner-terrorist-designation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Wagner_terrorist_designation)
content:
 
<p>
France has urged the EU to designate
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/10/wagner-should-be-labelled-terrorist-group-france-tells-eu">Wagner as a "terrorist group"</a>.
<p>
Wagner may be guilty of terrorism, but it is an injustice to label any
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2005-may-aug.html#02%20July%202005%20(Calling%20organizations%20terrorists)">person or group as guilty of a crime by mere fiat</a>.
That should always require a fair trial.
<p>
Wagner might be convicted in a fair trial.  It wouldn't astound me.
But it would be a foolish own-goal to try that now.  Given the
appearance of quarrel between Waner's leader Prigozhin and Putin, the
wise strategy is to encourafe Wagner and its leaders to surrender to
Ukraine, by promising them safety if they do.
<p>
Even if that appearance of quarrel is only play-acting, it is
still desirable to exacerbate the tension, as long as this is done
without sacrificing any military advantage.
<p>
In general, I think we should try to avoid applying this spirit of
callous realpolitik to people.  But it is forgivable to do that to
vicious criminals such as Prigozhin and Putin.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Feinstein_returns_to_duty)
title: Feinstein returns to duty
uri: Feinstein-returns-to-duty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Feinstein_returns_to_duty)
content:
 
<p>
Senator
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/09/dianne-feinstein-senate-illness">Feinstein is ready to resume</a>
duties in the Senate.
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#21_April_2023_(Judicial_appointments_blocked)">This eliminates the reason</a>
to press her to resign now.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Supreme_Court_ethics:_Crow's_senators)
title: Supreme Court ethics: Crow's senators
uri: Supreme-Court-ethics-Crow-s-senators
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Supreme_Court_ethics:_Crow's_senators)
content:
 
<p>
Harlan Crow, whose corrupt dealings with Justice Thomas have been
publicized, has also
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/harlan-crow-senate-judiciary-committee-republicans-supreme-court-reforms">donated heavily to the Republican senators</a>
who refuse to support imposing a code of ethics on the Supreme Court.


<p>
 


title: Coronation: protest group pre-arrested
uri: Coronation-protest-group-pre-arrested
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Coronation:_protest_group_pre-arrested)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Coronation:_protest_group_pre-arrested)

content:
 
<p>
* Head of [UK's] Republic campaign group believes [his arrest] at
coronation was
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/09/it-massively-backfired-republicanism-in-spotlight-after-arrests">premeditated attempt to kill protests</a>.*
<p>
I have a feeling that someone on the spot improvised an aggressive response
in violation of the agreement made by the "senior officers" who has said
the protest plans were lawful.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Ethnic_violence,_India)
title: Ethnic violence, India
uri: Ethnic-violence-India
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Ethnic_violence,_India)
content:
 
<p>
Hindus in Manipur
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/09/indian-villages-burned-ethnic-violence">burned 1700 homes</a>
of people in the mostly-Christian
Kuki tribe.
  The victims have lost everything and believe they can never return
to their old lands or recover their stolen animals.
<p>
I have to suspect that Modi's ruling Hindu naionalist party had a hand
in this, but I don't actually know.

<p>
 


title: GOP brinkmanship: SS, food, medical, education, climate
uri: GOP-brinkmanship-SS-food-medical-education-climate
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(GOP_brinkmanship:_SS,_food,_medical,_education,_climate)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(GOP_brinkmanship:_SS,_food,_medical,_education,_climate)

content:
 
<p>
Contrary to what many say, running into the US debt ceiling will not
make the US default on its debts.  Rather, it will stop the US from
doing the normal daily borrowing that is necessary
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/debt-ceiling-economic-calamity-gop">to make daily
payments</a>
that the government has to make.
<p>
Social security payments, like purchases, are rather payments that the
US will have an obligation to make, but they are not for debts because
they are not repayment of loans.
<p>
Failing to pay them could be considered a default in some sense,
but it would not be defaulting <em>on debt</em>.
<p>
What the 14th amendment says about this, I don't know.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(US_mercenaries'_large_role)
title: US mercenaries' large role
uri: US-mercenaries-large-role
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(US_mercenaries'_large_role)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/private-military-contractors-us-empire">The US hires mercenaries</a>
to fight in its wars, but it is hard to find out
how many.
  The mercenaries are lumped together with the contractors that only
cook and serve food, and the ones who work for the CIA or the State Department
are not listed.
<p>
A large fraction are not Americans, but rather hired in the countries
where military actions take place.

<p>
 


title: Legal drowsy driving limit: blood test
uri: Legal-drowsy-driving-limit-blood-test
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Legal_drowsy_driving_limit:_blood_test_)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Legal_drowsy_driving_limit:_blood_test_)

content:
 
<p>
Australia is planning to punish
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/09/obsession-sleep-harm-drivers-legal-sleep-limit">drivers who did not get enough sleep</a>.
   This is absurd &mdash; people cannot make themselves sleep more, and people
can't wait a day because of being tired.
<p>
As the article explains, the demands on many people don't let them
sleep enough.  To punish them for the consequences of the demands
placed on them is unjust.
<p>
On the other hand. to stop the employers from overworking drivers
could be useful and just.  This requires a fine, not on drivers, but
on their employers.
<p>
It won't be trivial to stop the employers from turning this around
into an excuse to impose more cruelty on drivers.

<p>
 


title: Ceasefire bombing: 40 jets, 2 hr, 2 am
uri: Ceasefire-bombing-40-jets-2-hr-2-am
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Ceasefire_bombing:_40_jets,_2_hr,_2_am)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Ceasefire_bombing:_40_jets,_2_hr,_2_am)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/09/israel-bombs-gaza-strip-killing-three-islamic-jihad-leaders">Israel bombed Gaza</a>
again, killing some leaders of
Islamic Jihad.
<p>
The air raids
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/gaza-under-attack">bombed civilians too</a>.
<p>
In general, killing leaders of a guerrilla movement has little effect
on it.  There are always new leaders ready to step in.  If they are
religious fanatics. the possibility of a martyr's death may not
discourage them.
<p>
The only way to get end the fighting is to change the factors that encourage
people to join up.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(free_hongkongers)
title: UK MPs urge minister to do more to free Hongkongers
uri: UK-MPs-urge-minister-to-do-more-to-free-Hongkongers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(free_hongkongers)
content:
 
<p>
Hong Kong is punishing people who emigrate to Britain by denying access
to their savings and pension funds in 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/may/10/uk-mps-urge-minister-to-do-more-to-free-hongkongers-trapped-savings">Hong Kong banks.</a>
<p>
The changed regulation would require them to return to Hong Kong
to get new ID cards, which would not be safe at all.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(peter_gray_super_safe_harm)
title: The irony of too much “safety.”
uri: The-irony-of-too-much-safety
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(peter_gray_super_safe_harm)
content:
 
<p>
Arguing that youth today feel anxious because they are almost always
under the control of adults, and never learning to cope with autonomy.
The only way they can socialize and not have adults 
<a href="https://www.freerangekids.com/in-which-peter-gray-lays-it-all-out-keeping-kids-super-safe-is-seriously-harming-them/">watching is on
antisocial media.</a>
<p>
This leads to the suggestion that the right way to protect youth from
antisocial media is by allowing and enabling them to socialize
together without the intermediary of online dis-services.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(santos_arrested)
title: Santos and his 13-count indictment
uri: Santos-and-his-13-count-indictment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(santos_arrested)
content:
 
<p>
*George Santos Arrested on 13 Charges of 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/george-santos-arrested">Wire Fraud, Money Laundering,
and More.*</a>
<p>
While running for Congress, He lied about just about every aspect of
his life.  These charges say he also lied to his supporters when
claiming to raise donations for his electoral campaign.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(7billion_weather_disasters_2023)
title: Billion-dollar extreme weather disasters
uri: Billion-dollar-extreme-weather-disasters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(7billion_weather_disasters_2023)
content:
 
<p>
The US has seen seven different billion-dollar extreme weather disasters
in the first 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/u-s-saw-7-billion-dollar-weather-disasters-in-2023">four months of 2023.</a>
This is not a record, but the only two years that had eight such
billion-dollar disasters were quite recent: 2017 and 2020.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(food_price_hikes_us_hunger)
title: Big Food Raking in Huge Profits
uri: Big-Food-Raking-in-Huge-Profits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(food_price_hikes_us_hunger)
content:
 
<p>
*Big Food Raking in Huge Profits From Price Hikes as 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/food-price-hikes-us-hunger">US Hunger
 Persists: Analysis.*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Urgent:_Medicare_for_All_Act)
title: Urgent: Medicare for All Act
uri: Urgent-Medicare-for-All-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Urgent:_Medicare_for_All_Act)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter to urge her to cosponsor
the Medicare for All Act when it is reintroduced in Congress on May 17.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Urgent:_Raise_the_debt_ceiling)
title: Urgent: Raise the debt ceiling
uri: Urgent-Raise-the-debt-ceiling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Urgent:_Raise_the_debt_ceiling)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/debt-ceiling-may-2023/?t=1001&akid=30692%2E96703%2EtVjrjP">call on Congress</a>
to raise the debt ceiling without
attacking the non-rich.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Sinclair local TV news content
uri: Urgent-Sinclair-local-TV-news-content
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Urgent:__Sinclair_local_TV_news_content)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Urgent:__Sinclair_local_TV_news_content)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.freepress.net/sign/fcc-hold-sinclair-accountable">call on the FCC</a>
to require Sinclair's supposed "local news" TV stations to actually cover local news.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Urgent:_Ban_AI_Use_in_Weapons_Systems)
title: Urgent: Ban AI Use in Weapons Systems
uri: Urgent-Ban-AI-Use-in-Weapons-Systems
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Urgent:_Ban_AI_Use_in_Weapons_Systems)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/congress-ban-ai-weapons?akid=8862.223515.y3fX8R&c0=congress-ban-ai-weapons.8MqLJU&rd=1&source=em20230504_2&t=1006">call on Congress</a>
to
Ban AI Use in Weapons Systems, Now and Forever.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


title: Rising gang violence unbearable, Pusher St., Copenhagen
uri: Rising-gang-violence-unbearable-Pusher-St-Copenhagen
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Rising_gang_violence_unbearable,_Pusher_St.,_Copenhagen)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Rising_gang_violence_unbearable,_Pusher_St.,_Copenhagen)

content:
 
<p>
Christiania, the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/09/gang-violence-could-end-open-cannabis-trade-in-anarchist-commune-christiania">anarchist town in the middle of Copenhagen</a>,
has
allowed sale of marijuana by known local people for 50 years.  Now
criminal gangs have moved in, taken control, and are fighting over
the "territory".  It looks like they have ruined everything.
<p>
I think the existence of these powerul gangs is a consequence of
prohibition in the rest of the country and the world.  Prohibition of
marijuana (or any drug) does not get rid of it, but helps the gangs
make lots of money.

<p>
 


title: Spyware throttles Democracy, rights, EU
uri: Spyware-throttles-Democracy-rights-EU
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Democracy,_rights_throttled_by_spyware_business,_EU)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Democracy,_rights_throttled_by_spyware_business,_EU)

content:
 
<p>
The
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/09/eu-parliament-report-calls-for-tighter-regulation-of-spyware">European Parliament concluded</a>
that the authoritarian governments of Hungary and Poland used spyware to monitor "enemies of the state"
  such as journalists, politicians and activists.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Stifling_loyalty-politics,_Hong_Kong)
title: Loyalty-politics is stifling, Hong Kong
uri: Loyalty-politics-is-stifling-Hong-Kong
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Stifling_loyalty-politics,_Hong_Kong)
content:
 
<p>
Many teachers in Hong Kong are quitting for fear they will say
something politically unacceptable and be punished.  And many
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/09/hong-kong-schools-in-crisis-as-teachers-and-students-flee-toxic-political-climate">school-age children are leaving</a>
for free countries.
<p>
Escape is available only to a fraction of Hong Kongers; most can't
find a free country they can move to.  I am sad for them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Battery_mfgs_regulating_themselves)
title: Battery mfgs regulating themselves
uri: Battery-mfgs-regulating-themselves
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Battery_mfgs_regulating_themselves)
content:
 
<p>
"Battery passports" to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/may/08/concerns-raised-over-mining-companies-role-in-battery-passport-scheme">track the raw materials</a>
used in making electric
car batteries are proposed as a way of enforcing environmental
regulations on mining world-wide.  Critics question whether the system
gives the mining companies too much influence in the system, which
they could use to cheat.
<p>
I support the system for that purpose &mdash; but if businesses start
offering to change out your car's battery as a quick recharge, it is
crucial that those businesses <em>not</em> be able to examine the number of
the battery that they get from you.  That would become, in effect,
another system for tracking where you drive.
<p>
The same reasoning applies to ordinary charging systems for cars.
They must accept anonymous payment and they must be forbidden to get
any identifying data digitally from the car.

<p>
 


title: Language machines cutting costs analyzing Afghan immigrants
uri: Language-machines-cutting-costs-analyzing-Afghan-immigrants
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Language_machines_cutting_costs_analyzing_Afghan_immigrants_)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Language_machines_cutting_costs_analyzing_Afghan_immigrants_)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://restofworld.org/2023/ai-translation-errors-afghan-refugees-asylum/">Digital transations make errors</a>
that endanger refugees' asylum applications.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Book_censorship,_MO)
title: Book censorship, MO
uri: Book-censorship-MO
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Book_censorship,_MO)
content:
 
<p>
Missouri has imposed
<a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/05/04/1173274834/book-bans-library-funding-missouri-texas-ashcroft">censorship on children and teenagers</a>
using nearly
all libraries in the state.  The rule would deny state funding to any
library that allows a library user under age 18 to see books that are
not "age appropriate", or to check out a book that <a href="/articles/genderless-pronouns.html#nushell">per</a>
parents would not approve of.
<p>
A large fraction of people of age 17 and 16 have had sex, but Missouri
doesn't want them to read about books that address issues of sex or
sexual relationships.  "Heaven forbid they might learn something
pertinent to their lives."

<p>
 


title: US lawmakers decry LNG infrastructure buildout plans
uri: US-lawmakers-decry-LNG-infrastructure-buildout-plans
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(US_lawmakers_decry_LNG_infrastructure_buildout_plans)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(US_lawmakers_decry_LNG_infrastructure_buildout_plans)

content:
 
<p>
Warning: increase in US export of liquid fossil methane threatens to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/lawmakers-sound-alarm-on-lng-expansion">wreck efforts to avoid global climate disaster</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Biomarker-based_sleep-hygiene_test)
title: Biomarker-based sleep-hygiene test
uri: Biomarker-based-sleep-hygiene-test
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Biomarker-based_sleep-hygiene_test)
content:
 
<p>
If biometric tests are developed to detect sleepiness, and they are
used to stop professional drivers from driving, the financial loss
from being stopped occasionally
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/may/08/experts-divided-on-ethics-of-testing-and-punishing-tired-drivers">must fall on the companies</a>
they work for, or on the state &mdash;  not on the individual drivers.
<p>
This will lead us to a fight like the current one over
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-nov-feb.html#30_January_2023_(*While_blocking_paid_sick_leave,)">sick days for
train operator workers</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Putins_Zaporizhzhia_card)
title: Putins Zaporizhzhia card
uri: Putins-Zaporizhzhia-card
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Putins_Zaporizhzhia_card)
content:
 
<p>
Here's an example of how concern about Putin's threats against the
Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant get
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/time-to-avert-nuclear-catastrophe-war-escalation-around-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-could-be-disaster-for-all-of-europe">spun into a demand</a>
to give Putin
a victorious conquest.
<p>
Putin has frequently used his capture of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear
power plant in Ukraine for psychplogical warfare.  There is a real
danger that it will lose external power and melt down.  Putin has
chosen to magnify the danger by creating avoidable risk &mdash; by
brinksmanship.
<p>
In response to this brinksmanship, the article calls on the US to
impose a cease fire fast.  The only way to get Putin to agree to that
is to make Ukraine cede to him all the territory that the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#putinforces">Putin forces</a>
now hold.  (Maybe even that isn't enough to satisfy him.)
<p>
Is this what the author aims for?  He does not admit it outright, but
I can't believe that he is not aware of it.  It has been pointed out
many times.  According to the author, the US should tell Ukraine,
"Surrender fast, so you can have peace!"
<p>
Putin says he demands the whole territory of the provinces of
Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donetsk and Luhansk, in exchange for peace.
If the US were to take the desperate "Surrender, Ukraine" position
that the article recommends, Putin would take advantage of that.
<p>
If we want to avoid a nuclear disaster in the Zaporizhzhia plant, it
is easy to see how a local agreement could do this.  If both sides are
willing, they can easily do it.  Since Putin has refused, it can only
mean he does not want the plant to be made properly safe.  But he
doesn't want a nuclear disaster either.  He wants a threat to make to
set fools scurrying to demand giving him whatever he wants.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Private-jet_subsidies)
title: Private-jet subsidies
uri: Private-jet-subsidies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Private-jet_subsidies)
content:
 
<p>
How
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/private-jets-subsidized-by-working-people">Americans and American cities</a>
subsidize the private jets of the
super-rich.
<p>
We effectively subsidize lots of other things for them too, mainly by
charging them far too little tax.  They pay a lower fraction of their
income in tax than most Americans. 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#01_December_2015_(Nation_building)">It is fair for them to pay a much
higher fraction</a>,
because they can cope with that share of the country's needs.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Airline_passenger-compensation_rules_)
title: Airline passenger-compensation rules
uri: Airline-passenger-compensation-rules
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#13_May_2023_(Airline_passenger-compensation_rules_)
content:
 
<p>
*US proposes rules requiring airlines to compensate passengers for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/08/flight-delay-compensation-cancelation-us-airlines">flight delays</a>.*
<p>
Flight delays and cancellations can't always be avoided.
But the problems they cause will be spread a lot more fairly
with these compensations.
<p>
In addition, in 2020 airlines often scheduled flights and cancelled them,
leading to suspicions that they were expecting to cancel those flights
when they announced them.  With compensation requirements like this,
they would not do that.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Fracking in Vaca Muerta region
uri: Urgent-Fracking-in-Vaca-Muerta-region
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Urgent:_Fracking_in_Vaca_Muerta_region)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Urgent:_Fracking_in_Vaca_Muerta_region)

content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call for <a href="https://act.350.org/sign/us-em-stop-fracking-vaca-muerta_2023/">banning fracking in the Vaca Muerta region of Argentina</a>.
<p>
Or else they should rename it to Billones Mertos, because that's where
busting the carbon budget is likely to lead.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Urgent:_No_cuts_to_Social_Security)
title: Urgent: No cuts to Social Security
uri: Urgent-No-cuts-to-Social-Security
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Urgent:_No_cuts_to_Social_Security)
content:
 
<p>

US citizens: tell Congress: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-no-cuts-to-social-security-or-raises-on-retirement-age">No cuts to Social Security or raises on
    retirement age</a>.

 


title: Urgent: Oppose guns and uniformed thugs in schools
uri: Urgent-Oppose-guns-and-uniformed-thugs-in-schools
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Urgent:_Oppose_guns_and_uniformed_thugs_in_schools)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Urgent:_Oppose_guns_and_uniformed_thugs_in_schools)

content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-dont-militarize-our-schools">oppose flooding schools with guns and uniformed thugs</a>.
<p>
The special danger of <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> in schools is that they can direct
students into the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-nov-feb.html#11_January_2014_('Groundbreaking'_Guidelines_to_Stop_'School-to-Prison_Pipeline">school-to-prison pipeline</a>.  They do this
for minor matters of indiscipline that in the past would not have
involved the state at all.

 


title: Urgent: Support overdose prevention centers
uri: Urgent-Support-overdose-prevention-centers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Urgent:_Support_overdose_prevention_centers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Urgent:_Support_overdose_prevention_centers)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on state legislators to please <a href="https://action.aclu.org/send-message/ma-support-overdose-prevention-centers">support overdose
    prevention centers</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Urgent:_Raise_the_debt_ceiling)
title: Urgent: Raise the debt ceiling
uri: 2023-05-15-Urgent-Raise-the-debt-ceiling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Urgent:_Raise_the_debt_ceiling)
content:
 
<p>

US citizens: if your congresscritter is a Republican phone per
and call on per to sign a discharge petition for a bill to
raise the debt ceiling and not do anything else.

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

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Love_of_paradoxes)
title: Love of paradoxes
uri: Love-of-paradoxes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Love_of_paradoxes)
content:
 
<p>

Some people love paradoxes and seek opportunities to claim that they
are the whole of reality.  For instance, it turns out that color
perception is partially socially constructed.   One writer leaps from
that to the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/may/08/the-big-idea-why-colour-is-in-the-eye-of-the-beholder">claim that color perceptions are arbitrary mental constructs</a>
which have nothing to do with reality.
<p>
Plenty of aspects of human perception, thought, and behavior are
partially socially constructed, but that doesn't mean they are arbitrary
or that they are not constrained by reality.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Chat_control_censorship)
title: Chat control censorship
uri: Chat-control-censorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Chat_control_censorship)
content:
 
<p>

Legal advice received by the European Commission suggests that the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/08/eu-lawyers-plan-to-scan-private-messages-child-abuse-may-be-unlawful-chat-controls-regulation">"chat control" censorship plan is illegal</a>.
<p>
The plan assumes that an encrypted communication service _includes_
nonfree software to run on your machine to send and receive messages.
That implies that the service can make that software snoop on your
communications before it encrypts them.
<p>
That design, where the service imposes specific software on users,
is fundamentally unjust and insecure, precisely because the service
imposes nonfree software on users and users can never rationally trust
such software.
<p>
In effect, the "chat control" plan demonstrates that we were right.  A
service that makes users run nonfree software to talk with it is
inherently insecure and untrustworthy.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Screen_addicted_children)
title: Screen addicted children
uri: Screen-addicted-children
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Screen_addicted_children)
content:
 
<p>

  *Worried Your Child is Already a Screen Addict? <a href="https://www.freerangekids.com/worried-your-child-is-already-a-screen-addict-theres-hope/">There’s Hope!!!</a>*
<p>
The "pervasive design" addictive features that the article naively
attributes to "screens" are implemented by software: partly in the
operating system and partly in some apps.  They can be designed to do
nasty things because they are <a href="fsf.org/tedx">non-free software</a>:
  their code is controlled by some "owner", in this case a powerful
company, rather than by the users.  If they were free programs, the
user community could reprogram them so as to be less addictive.
<p>
We must free ourselves from the idea that giant companies have the "right"
to require users' connection to their "services" to go through software
under their control.  We should have the right to use our free software
to do that.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Petrochemical_sustainability_council)
title: Petrochemical "sustainability council"
uri: Petrochemical-sustainability-council
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Petrochemical_sustainability_council)
content:
 
<p>

  Petrochemical industry in Louisiana have set up a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/04/cancer-alley-louisiana-environment-oil-industry-opposition">"sustainability council"</a>
to help sustain their business model.
  They increase profits by skimping on the safety of people living in the
region.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Industry_greenwashing_complaints)
title: Industry greenwashing complaints
uri: Industry-greenwashing-complaints
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Industry_greenwashing_complaints)
content:
 
<p>

  *FTC to address <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/04/federal-trade-commission-industry-recycle-regulation">industry greenwashing complaints</a>.*

 


title: (satire) Jobs by amount of exploitation
uri: (satire)-Jobs-by-amount-of-exploitation
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_((satire)_Jobs_by_amount_of_exploitation)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_((satire)_Jobs_by_amount_of_exploitation)

content:
 
<p>

(satire) <a href="https://www.theonion.com/new-indeed-feature-lets-users-sort-jobs-by-amount-of-ex-1850414588">*New Indeed Feature Lets Users Sort Jobs By
    Amount Of Exploitation.*</a>

 


title: Anger management in plutocratist neoliberal economic situation
uri: Anger-management-in-plutocratist-neoliberal-economic-situation
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Anger_management_in_plutocratist_neoliberal_economic_situation)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Anger_management_in_plutocratist_neoliberal_economic_situation)

content:
 
<p>

Anger management classes now part of the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a> neoliberal economic situation, used to teach the people being exploited and squashed to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/may/11/anger-management-classes-society-emotion">learn to remain
    placid and not fight to put an end to it</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Portuguese_euthanasia_law)
title: Portuguese euthanasia law
uri: Portuguese-euthanasia-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Portuguese_euthanasia_law)
content:
 
<p>

  The new <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/12/portuguese-parliament-legalises-euthanasia-after-long-battle">Portuguese euthanasia law</a> seems to have the same flaw as most
such laws.
  It is limited to people whose illness is terminal, which means their
suffering is sure to end in a matter of months anyway.  If your
suffering could continue for years, this law refuses to help you.
What perversity!
<p>
It also excludes foreigners.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Speech_given_in_Greenlandic)
title: Speech given in Greenlandic
uri: Speech-given-in-Greenlandic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Speech_given_in_Greenlandic)
content:
 
<p>

A member of the Danish parliament that represents Greenland <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/12/greenlandic-mp-refuses-to-speak-danish-in-parliament-debate">gave a
    speech in Parliament in Greenlandic</a>, which no one else there
understood.  Then she refused to tell the rest of parliament what the
speech meant.
<p>
To speak to a body of people in a language almost none of them
understand is disrespectful.  When they ask you to repeat your point
in their language, which you do speak, it indicates they do wish to
pay attention to your point.  To refuse them only vents contempt.
<p>
If you pretend that asking you what you said represents an attempt to
gag you, that is perverse and unjust.
<p>
The other parliamentarians might respond, "While you speak to us in a
language we can't understand, we may as well use the time to catch up
on documents we are supposed to read."

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(US_fossil_fuel_development)
title: US fossil fuel development
uri: US-fossil-fuel-development
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(US_fossil_fuel_development)
content:
 
<p>

Biden broke a commitment that the US would <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/biden-breaks-major-g7-climate-promise-by-financing-indonesian-oil-refinery">stop financing fossil fuel
    development in other countries</a>.
<p>
It is silly to claim that Indonesia will refine fuel in the expanded
Balikpapan refinery instead of refining fuel elsewhere and importing
the results.  The owners of the other refineries will try to sell
their output somewhere else.

 


title: List of bad things Republican Officials support
uri: List-of-bad-things-Republican-Officials-support
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(List_of_bad_things_Republican_Officials_support)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(List_of_bad_things_Republican_Officials_support)

content:
 
<p>

  A <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/gop-has-anti-american-agenda">long, serious list of bad things</a> that Republican officials support.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Iran's_repression)
title: Iran's repression
uri: Iran-s-repression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Iran's_repression)
content:
 
<p>

  Iran's repression now extends to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/12/iran-expected-to-execute-three-protesters-over-killing-of-police-officers">prosecuting defense lawyers</a> for
"propaganda against the regime" on the internet.

 


title: Sanctuary city against law criminalizing being trans
uri: Sanctuary-city-against-law-criminalizing-being-trans
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Sanctuary_city_against_law_criminalizing_being_trans)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Sanctuary_city_against_law_criminalizing_being_trans)

content:
 
<p>

  Kansas City, Missouri, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/kansas-city-lgbtq-sanctuary">declared Itself a sanctuary city</a> regarding
state laws that criminalize being trans.
<p>
City officials are told to spend effectively no time on enforcing
such laws.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Title_42_replaced_with_harsher_policy)
title: Title 42 replaced with harsher policy
uri: Title-42-replaced-with-harsher-policy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Title_42_replaced_with_harsher_policy)
content:
 
<p>

Biden has replaced Title 42, the policy of sending asylum seekers directly
back to Mexico, with a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/12/us-mexico-border-biden-new-immigration-rules-restrictions">harsher policy</a>.
<p>
The new policy makes them automatically ineligible for asylum
for 5 years, simply for trying to reach US territory to apply
for asylum.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Price-gouging_corporations)
title: Price-gouging corporations
uri: Price-gouging-corporations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#14_May_2023_(Price-gouging_corporations)
content:
 
<p>

  Robert Reich: *The Democrats have a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/12/economy-inflation-corporations-raise-consumer-prices-democrats">powerful campaign issue</a>:
price-gouging corporations.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Urgent:_Repeal_Comstock_act)
title: Urgent: Repeal Comstock act
uri: Urgent-Repeal-Comstock-act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Urgent:_Repeal_Comstock_act)
content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-congress-must-repeal-the-comstock-act">repeal the Comstock Act</a>.
<p>
That disused law prohibits mailing "lewd" or "obscene" materials
through the post, and also prohibits mailing birth control and
abortifacients.  Republicans want to enforce it <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#16_April_2023_(The_Supreme_Court_intervened_on_mifepristone)">against mailing of
    mifepristone</a>.

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

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Urgent:_Stock_Buybacks_Act)
title: Urgent: Stock Buybacks Act
uri: Urgent-Stock-Buybacks-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Urgent:_Stock_Buybacks_Act)
content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/watch-and-sign-the-petition-demanding-congress-pass-the-stock-buybacks-act-now">pass the Stock Buybacks Act</a>
  which would prohibit corporations from buying back their own stock
so as to raise the stock price.

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

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Urgent:_Impeach_Justice_Thomas)
title: Urgent: Impeach Justice Thomas
uri: Urgent-Impeach-Justice-Thomas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Urgent:_Impeach_Justice_Thomas)
content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-impeach-justice-clarence-thomas">impeach Justice Thomas</a>.
<p>
Thomas's corruption serves Republican interests, so I expect they
won't vote to impeach him, or vote to remove him from office if he has
been impeached.  Nonetheless, it may help strengthen the will to do
other things, such as expand the Supreme Court, after the next
election.

 


title: Urgent: Charges against Cop City protesters
uri: Urgent-Charges-against-Cop-City-protesters
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Urgent:_Charges_against_Cop_City_protesters)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Urgent:_Charges_against_Cop_City_protesters)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the DA in Atlanta to <a href="https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/drop-charges/">drop charges against Cop
    City protesters</a>.

 


title: Urgent: Mercury pollution from power plants
uri: Urgent-Mercury-pollution-from-power-plants
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Urgent:_Mercury_pollution_from_power_plants)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Urgent:_Mercury_pollution_from_power_plants)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#epa">EPA</a> to <a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=54510&supporter_KEY=229474">regulate and reduce mercury pollution
    from (fossil fuel) power plants</a>.

 


title: (satire) Official end to Covid-19 emergency
uri: (satire)-Official-end-to-Covid-19-emergency
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_((satire)_Official_end_to_Covid-19_emergency)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_((satire)_Official_end_to_Covid-19_emergency)

content:
 
<p>

(satire) *Picking up thousands of incapacitated Americans
   by their wrists and ankles and tossing them down to the sidewalks
   below, Covid-19 patients were <a href="https://www.theonion.com/covid-19-patients-flung-out-hospital-windows-as-public-1850419502">reportedly flung out of hospital
    windows</a> across the country Thursday as the public [Covid-19] emergency
   officially ended.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Democracy_in_trouble)
title: Democracy in trouble
uri: Democracy-in-trouble
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Democracy_in_trouble)
content:
 
<p>

Democracy is in trouble because <a href="https://democracyjournal.org/magazine/68/the-new-libertarian-elitists/">most people are biased and most people
    are often mistaken</a>.  But democracy can be effective when it is
structured to lead to discussions in which people present arguments
for various sides.
<p>
The article refutes the claims of certain rich people who argue that
markets, or the cleverest people, should rule.  They call themselves
"libertarians", but I don't think they deserve that term since they
advocate subjugation of nearly everyone.  Like most people who
call themselves "libertarians", their real goal is for the an elite
to dominate most of society and to get rid of systems that help the
non-rich.  That is why I call them <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#anti">"antisocialists"</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Unregulated_lending_business)
title: Unregulated lending business
uri: Unregulated-lending-business
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Unregulated_lending_business)
content:
 
<p>

  How unregulated lending business tends to <a href="https://pluralistic.net/2023/05/01/usury/#tech-exceptionalism">suck people into unpayable debt</a>.

 


title: EPA rules predicated on carbon capture
uri: EPA-rules-predicated-on-carbon-capture
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(EPA_rules_predicated_on_carbon_capture)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(EPA_rules_predicated_on_carbon_capture)

content:
 
<p>

The <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#epa">EPA's</a> new pollution rules for fossil fuel power plants
are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/epa-rules-carbon-capture-wont-work">predicated on the assumption that carbon capture will work
    and will be used</a>.
<p>
So far, it doesn't work, and the only reason anyone assumes it will work
is due to fossil fuel lobbying.

 


title: Erdoğan's control of internet in Turkey
uri: Erdoğan-s-control-of-internet-in-Turkey
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Erdoğan's_control_of_internet_in_Turkey)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Erdoğan's_control_of_internet_in_Turkey)

content:
 
<p>

Human Rights Watch and Article 18 <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/turkish-elections-2023">condemned Erdoğan's control of the
    internet in Turkey</a>, saying he will use that to twist the election.
<p>
Sad to say, right-wing rich people own the principal news sources
in most countries, including the US and the UK.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Railroads_in_the_UK)
title: Railroads in the UK
uri: Railroads-in-the-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Railroads_in_the_UK)
content:
 
<p>

The UK <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratists</a> keep opposing nationalization of the railroads
because their funders, the rich, make money from the privatized
railroads.  So they don't want to admit that the previous state-owned
British Rail <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/11/railway-nationalisation-transpennine-express-conservatives">worked better than the subsequent state-owned railroads</a>.
<p>
Sad to say, the Tory Party is not the only <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a> party in
Britain.  The Labour Party's support for renationalization is
half-hearted because Starmer is a <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a> at heart.
Now that he has <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Starmer's_Labour_betrayals)">blocked firm opponents of plutocratism
    from running as Labour candidates</a> for Parliament,
  it will be hard for Labour to get any better in the future.
<p>
When people assert that private capital can more easily invest the
large sums needed to improve railroads, the response is to ask why the
state doesn't have enough funds to invest.  Is it because of <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#21_June_2016_(Growing_case_for_massive_taxes_on_rich)">reducing
    taxes on the rich and on businesses</a>?
             That's the real problem.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(New_coal_mine_in_Australia)
title: New coal mine in Australia
uri: 2023-05-16-New-coal-mine-in-Australia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(New_coal_mine_in_Australia)
content:
 
<p>

  Australia's not so environmentalist government <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/11/albanese-government-approves-first-new-coal-mine-since-taking-power">approved a new coal mine</a>.
<p>
That is playing with fire.  Every new fossil fuel investment acts to
accelerate <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> and increase the chance that we cross a
tipping point that tips the world into disaster.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Tory_delay_on_repeal_of_EU_laws)
title: Tory delay on repeal of EU laws
uri: Tory-delay-on-repeal-of-EU-laws
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Tory_delay_on_repeal_of_EU_laws)
content:
 
<p>

The Tories have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/may/11/rishi-sunak-again-opts-for-pragmatism-over-brexit-bombast-on-sunset-clause">delayed the plan to repeal thousands of EU-derived
    laws en masse</a>.
<p>
  That <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/11/the-guardian-view-on-scrapping-eu-rules-the-threat-remains">doesn't mean the laws won't be all be repealed en masse</a>.
<p>
Thoughtful and proper proceedings would be to allowing Parliament to
examine each of these laws, one by one, and judge whether the UK would
be better off keeping it, repealing it, or changing it.  That would be the
way to improve life in the UK.  Evidently that is not the goal.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Fascists_in_France_set_fires)
title: Fascists in France set fires
uri: Fascists-in-France-set-fires
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Fascists_in_France_set_fires)
content:
 
<p>

  Fascists in France <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/11/french-leaders-warn-of-toxic-rows-over-immigration-after-far-right-arson-attack">set fire to the cars and house</a> of a town mayor
who supported caring for immigrants.
<p>
The fascist strategy, in France as everywhere, is to demonstrate their
"courage" to attack those who can't defend themselves, in order to
make everyone afraid to disagree with them.  It is not easy to
thwart.  But I think it requires capturing and punishing some fascist
terrorists.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Biden_selling_weapons_to_autocracies)
title: Biden selling weapons to autocracies
uri: Biden-selling-weapons-to-autocracies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Biden_selling_weapons_to_autocracies)
content:
 
<p>

  *Biden is <a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/05/11/united-states-foreign-weapons-sales/">selling weapons</a> to the majority of the world's autocracies.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Use_of_disinfectant_wipes)
title: Use of disinfectant wipes
uri: Use-of-disinfectant-wipes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Use_of_disinfectant_wipes)
content:
 
<p>

Widespread use of disinfectant wipes <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/11/concern-over-increase-in-disinfectant-wipes-linked-to-health-problems">spread exposure to certain
    chemicals</a>, which could be harmful.
  Some researchers say the chemicals are linked to serious health problems, they
contribute to antimicrobial resistance, they pollute the environment
and they are not particularly effective.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Big_oil_trying_to_buy_its_own_courts)
title: Big oil trying to buy its own courts
uri: Big-oil-trying-to-buy-its-own-courts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Big_oil_trying_to_buy_its_own_courts)
content:
 
<p>

  *Big Oil Tries To <a href="https://www.levernews.com/r/e1aefe4b?m=a1296444-4385-46f7-b56f-c5acabd34844">Buy Its Own Courts</a>: Texas oil and gas companies
 could soon have their business cases heard by judges handpicked by a
 close ally: Gov. Greg Abbott.*

 


title: Responding to Republican threats of sabotage
uri: Responding-to-Republican-threats-of-sabotage
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Responding_to_Republican_threats_of_sabotage)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Responding_to_Republican_threats_of_sabotage)

content:
 
<p>

  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/democrats-must-go-on-offense-on-debt-ceiling">Responding to Republican threats of sabotage</a>:
*Make them [the Republicans] own it. Make sure the public understands
what is at stake and who will bear the responsibility if things
go wrong. That’s not only smart politics. Absent successful
application of the “constitutional option,” this is the only strategy,
short of capitulation, that stands any realistic chance of preventing
default.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Natural_gas_facilities_in_Australia)
title: Natural gas facilities in Australia
uri: Natural-gas-facilities-in-Australia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Natural_gas_facilities_in_Australia)
content:
 
<p>

Australia has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/may/11/another-juukan-gorge-darwins-middle-arm-hub-threatens-indigenous-rock-art-traditional-owners-say">approved the construction of new facilities for handling
    natural gas</a> near Darwin, which will surely push the Earth closer to
busting the carbon budget and collapse of civilization.
<p>
The facilities are supposed to include producing "blue hydrogen",
which means hydrogen gas generated by consuming fossil fuels and
generating carbon emissions.  They also include carbon capture and
storage, will encourage using more fossil gas but is unlikely to
actually eliminate its greenhouse emissions.
<p>
If that were not bad bad enough, the currently approved development
area comes pretty close to an aboriginal rock art site.  If
development extends, it could reach that site and endanger it.
<p>
Australian rock art is amongst the oldest cultural relics of
humanity and no one should have the power to authorize damaging it.

 


title: It's time to Subpoena Clarence Thomas and Harlan Crow
uri: It-s-time-to-Subpoena-Clarence-Thomas-and-Harlan-Crow
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(It's_time_to_Subpoena_Clarence_Thomas_and_Harlan_Crow)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(It's_time_to_Subpoena_Clarence_Thomas_and_Harlan_Crow)

content:
 
<p>

*Senate Judiciary Democrats No Longer Have an Excuse: It's <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/senate-judiciary-democrats-no-longer-have-an-excuse-it-s-time-to-subpoena-clarence-thomas-and-harlan-crow">Time to
    Subpoena Clarence Thomas and Harlan Crow</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#16_May_2023_(xiaohaun_trial_china)
title: Ruan Xiaohuan sentenced for “Inciting subversion of state power.”
uri: Ruan-Xiaohuan-sentenced-for-Inciting-subversion-of-state-power
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#16_May_2023_(xiaohaun_trial_china)
content:
 
<p>
Chinese dissident Ruan Xiaohuan was able to evade Chinese censorship
and post messages opposing the regime.  
<a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/z3mvz5/ruan-xiaohuan-trial-china">He kept it up for 12 years
before they caught him.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#16_May_2023_(twitter_tweet_limitation_turkey)
title: Twitter limits access to some tweets in Turkey ahead of tight election
uri: Twitter-limits-access-to-some-tweets-in-Turkey-ahead-of-tight-election
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#16_May_2023_(twitter_tweet_limitation_turkey)
content:
 
<p>
Musk announced that Twitter would censor access to 
<a href="https://www.engadget.com/twitter-limits-access-to-some-tweets-in-turkey-ahead-of-tightly-contested-election-171432725.html?src=rss">tweets in Turkey to
placate Erdoğan.</a>
<p>
This is the same excuse that Apple used for helping to carry out
Chinese censorship in China.  But is Turkey really better off having
Twitter keep operation under Erdoğan's censorship, than having him
very visibly shut it down?  I don't think so.
<p>
*Musk, with business relationships in Turkey, comes under fire for
Twitter censorship aiding [Erdoğan] 
<a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2023/05/musk-defends-enabling-turkish-censorship-on-twitter-calling-it-his-choice/">whom he knows personally.*</a>
<p>
Is Musk's excuse bogus as well as wrong?  Others claim he is censoring
Twitter more than the Turkish regime demands of other media.  Maybe
Musk simply desired to boost autocracy in Turkey, and only pretends he
is doing so under threat.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#16_May_2023_(stochastic_terrorism)
title: How Stochastic Terrorism Uses Disgust to Incite Violence
uri: How-Stochastic-Terrorism-Uses-Disgust-to-Incite-Violence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#16_May_2023_(stochastic_terrorism)
content:
 
<p>
*Disgust is an emotion that evolved to keep us out of danger, but people have long misused it to inflict cruelty and 
<a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-stochastic-terrorism-uses-disgust-to-incite-violence/">catastrophic harm.*</a>
<p>
Right-wing fanatics apparently fail to feel disgust for lies.
<p>
I reproach the author for advocation flat-out censorship, such as
"laws against hate speech".  Under the First Amendment, unpopular
opinions, whether fascist or progressive, are not prohibited.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#16_May_2023_()
title: ‘Sustainable’ pension funds accused of greenwashing
uri: Sustainable-pension-funds-accused-of-greenwashing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#16_May_2023_()
content:
 
<p>
"Sustainable" investment funds are accused of greenwashing fossil fuel
businesses by 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/may/14/sustainable-pension-funds-accused-of-greenwashing-over-billions-held-in-oil-and-gas-firms">investing almost $400 billion in them.</a>
<p>
The article explains the system's perverse incentives.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#16_May_2023_(martin_lewis_graduate_tax)
title: Martin Lewis: ‘We must stop calling it a student loan’
uri: Martin-Lewis-We-must-stop-calling-it-a-student-loan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#16_May_2023_(martin_lewis_graduate_tax)
content:
 
<p>
The UK system of "student loans" is really a tax on graduates.  But
not a fair one: graduates who get higher incomes will end up paying
less than 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2023/may/13/martin-lewis-graduates-student-loans-finance-graduate-tax">graduates with lower incomes.</a>
<p>
There is no need for the state to establish separate taxes to pay for
various state activities.  One unified set of taxes &mdash; income tax and
inheritance tax &mdash; can pay for all state expenditures, provided it
taxes people with high incomes at a high effective rate.  Those who get
more income due to their education will, indeed, pay more.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#16_May_2023_(trump_running_mate_santos)
title: 2024 GOP Dream Team
uri: 2024-GOP-Dream-Team
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#16_May_2023_(trump_running_mate_santos)
content:
 
<p>
Proposing George Santos as the bullshitter's 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/george-santos-running-mate-trump-2024">next running mate.</a>
<p>
They are just made for each other.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#16_May_2023_(credit_cards_denying_justice)
title: Credit Cards and Forced Arbitration Clauses
uri: Credit-Cards-and-Forced-Arbitration-Clauses
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#16_May_2023_(credit_cards_denying_justice)
content:
 
<p>
*Most Credit Cards Still Deny Access to Justice with Forced 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/most-credit-cards-still-deny-access-to-justice-with-forced-arbitration-clauses">Arbitration Clauses.*</a>
<p>
This requirement makes it unlikely that the cardholder will get a fair
outcome.  It also keeps the public in the dark about the substance and
outcomes of the disputes.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#16_May_2023_(intensive_farming)
title: Intensive farming study
uri: Intensive-farming-study
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#16_May_2023_(intensive_farming)
content:
 
<p>
Scientists report that the main cause of the 25% decrease in wild
bird populations in Europe is the heavy use of pesticides and 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/15/intensive-farming-is-biggest-cause-of-bird-decline-in-europe-study-says">fertilizers in intensive farming.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#16_May_2023_(turkey_election)
title: Erdoğan is now on course to extend his rule into a third decade
uri: Erdoğan-is-now-on-course-to-extend-his-rule-into-a-third-decade
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#16_May_2023_(turkey_election)
content:
 
<p>
Erdoğan finished first in the first state of the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/15/the-guardian-view-on-turkeys-election-results-a-step-towards-autocracy">Turkish presidential
election.</a>
<p>
It is not certain who will win the runoff, but each day gives Erdoğan
more chances to cheat or to throw over the board.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#16_May_2023_(scientists_against_climate_crisis)
title: Scientists Arrested Demanding Climate Action
uri: Scientists-Arrested-Demanding-Climate-Action
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#16_May_2023_(scientists_against_climate_crisis)
content:
 
<p>
Over 1000 scientists and academics carried out nonviolent protests
calling for a rapid 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/scientists-take-direct-action-against-climate-crisis">decrease in carbon emissions.</a>
<p>
Some of them face criminal charges, basically "annoying protest" but stated in
different words.

 


title: Urgent: California residents oppose CJPA bill
uri: Urgent-California-residents-oppose-CJPA-bill
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Urgent:_California_residents_oppose_CJPA_bill)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Urgent:_California_residents_oppose_CJPA_bill)

content:
 
<p>

California residents, urge state legislators to <a href="https://act.freepress.net/sign/oppose-cjpa/">oppose
    the CJPA bill</a>.
<p>
That bill would not protect the real local journalism, only 
reward the fake.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Big_Pharma's_tax_avoidance)
title: Big Pharma's tax avoidance
uri: Big-Pharma-s-tax-avoidance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Big_Pharma's_tax_avoidance)
content:
 
<p>

*Senate Investigation Shows How [Republican tax cuts in 2017] <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/senate-big-pharma-tax-avoidance">Enabled
    Big Pharma's "Extreme" Tax Avoidance</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Making_it_hard_for_blacks_to_vote)
title: Making it hard for blacks to vote
uri: Making-it-hard-for-blacks-to-vote
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Making_it_hard_for_blacks_to_vote)
content:
 
<p>

Greg Palast warns that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">the bullshitter's</a> campaign to make it hard for
blacks to vote is <a href="https://gregpalast.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=33e4ec877eed6a43863a4a92e&id=8061096dab&e=8283eff9b8">working very effectively</a>, and Republicans are still
working hard at it.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Coronation_arrests_are_just_the_start)
title: Coronation arrests are just the start
uri: Coronation-arrests-are-just-the-start
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Coronation_arrests_are_just_the_start)
content:
 
<p>

  George Monbiot: *The coronation arrests are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/12/coronation-protest-arrests-police">just the start</a>. [<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a>]
can do what they want to us now.*
<p>
The <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> can now arrest people in Britain for almost any sort of
protest that could attract attention, or even carrying harmless tools
for one.  In addition, experienced organizers can be ordered
pre-emptively to stay away from all protests and other protesters, and
jailed if they disobey.
<p>
Britain is at the tipping point of joining regimes such as China and Russia
in repression of dissent.

 


title: Hindu fanatics sabotaging traditional celebrations
uri: Hindu-fanatics-sabotaging-traditional-celebrations
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Hindu_fanatics_sabotaging_traditional_celebrations)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Hindu_fanatics_sabotaging_traditional_celebrations)

content:
 
<p>

  Hindu fanatics in India are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/12/trouble-at-the-temple-ban-on-muslims-a-sign-of-indias-new-intolerance">sabotaging traditional celebrations</a> in
which various religious groups joined harmoniously for hundreds of
years.
<p>
Banning hijab in India is basically the same injustice as <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-jul-oct.html#9_September_2022_(Iran's_repressive_use_of_facial_recognition)">requiring
    hijab in Iran</a>.

 


title: Hong Kongers ask for asylum in Britain
uri: Hong-Kongers-ask-for-asylum-in-Britain
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Hong_Kongers_ask_for_asylum_in_Britain)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Hong_Kongers_ask_for_asylum_in_Britain)

content:
 
<p>

  Many young Hong Kongers have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/may/12/my-time-in-uk-has-been-disaster-hongkongers-fear-deportation-after-years-left-in-limbo">asked for asylum in Britain</a>.
It's not clear they will receive asylum.
<p>
  The saddest thing is that the UK is <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#1_May_2023_(Protesters,_irascible_thugs,_UK)">becoming repressive much like Hong Kong</a>.
  However, the UK won't jail people for criticizing the government of China.
so these Hong Kong refugees will probably be safe there if they get asylum,
even though other Britons are not.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Israel_maintaining_occupation)
title: Israel maintaining occupation
uri: Israel-maintaining-occupation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Israel_maintaining_occupation)
content:
 
<p>

  *   Francesca Albanese says Israel is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/12/israel-treats-palestinian-territories-like-colonies-says-un-rapporteur">maintaining occupation</a> to get as much
   land as possible for Jewish people.*

 


title: Daniel Perry charged with manslaughter
uri: Daniel-Perry-charged-with-manslaughter
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Daniel_Perry_charged_with_manslaughter)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Daniel_Perry_charged_with_manslaughter)

content:
 
<p>

Daniel Perry, who killed Jordan Neely in the New York subway by
using a chokehold, has been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/12/jordan-neely-nyc-subway-death-daniel-penny-manslaughter-second-degree">charged with manslaughter</a>.
<p>
Neely apparently seemed upset, but what he said did not threaten
violence.

 


title: Two different concepts of women's rights
uri: Two-different-concepts-of-women-s-rights
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Two_different_concepts_of_women's_rights)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Two_different_concepts_of_women's_rights)

content:
 
<p>

  Edinburgh University is trying to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/may/12/edinburgh-university-tries-to-defuse-row-after-trans-rights-protests-over-film">calm the dispute</a> between the
partisans of two different concepts of women's rights, in the hope
of discussions between them.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Second_Amendment_Celebrations)
title: Second Amendment Celebrations
uri: Second-Amendment-Celebrations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Second_Amendment_Celebrations)
content:
 
<p>

An ironic proposal to rebrand mass shootings as <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/rebrand-mass-shootings-as-second-amendment-celebrations">"Second Amendment
    Celebrations"</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Overturning_trial_of_Richard_Glossip)
title: Overturning trial of Richard Glossip
uri: Overturning-trial-of-Richard-Glossip
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Overturning_trial_of_Richard_Glossip)
content:
 
<p>

A number of officials are calling for <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/abolish-death-penalty-richard-glossip">overturning the trial of Richard
    Glossip</a>.  He might get a new trial.
<p>
The crucial lesson from the bogus trial he received is that it is all
too easy for US courts to reach a verdict of guilty based on evidence
that is obviously insufficient to justify punishing anyone.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Self-driving_cars)
title: Self-driving cars
uri: 2023-05-18-Self-driving-cars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Self-driving_cars)
content:
 
<p>

  Self-driving cars now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/13/self-driving-cars-waymo-cruise-san-francisco">supposedly work without human backup drivers</a>.
In practice, they work poorly.  In addition, they are full of cameras
inside and out, and the company staff (remote) can look at the camera
feed at any time.
<p>
It should be illegal to operate a car with such <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">surveillance
    capability</a> without a warrant to authorize the surveillance.
<p>
In order for a self-driving car to be tolerated in society, its
sensors must not pick up enough data about the passengers, or the
passers-by, to figure out who they were.  However, that limited amount
of data needs to suffice to figure out where they are and where they
might be in <em>n</em> seconds.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Elections_in_Karnataka)
title: Elections in Karnataka
uri: Elections-in-Karnataka
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Elections_in_Karnataka)
content:
 
<p>

  The Hindu-nationalist party (BJP) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/13/indias-congress-party-defeats-narendra-modis-bjp-in-karnataka-state-elections">lost the state elections</a> in Karnataka,
a state in the south of India.
<p>
Perhaps the new government will crack down on the BJP's efforts to stir
up hatred against Muslims in places with long traditions of friendship
between people of different religions.
<!--
[pol note a few days ago]
  -->

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Making_parks_safer_for_women)
title: Making parks safer for women
uri: Making-parks-safer-for-women
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Making_parks_safer_for_women)
content:
 
<p>

  Making parks safer for women <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/13/britain-parks-safe-women-girls-public-spaces">through changes that don't treat anyone harshly</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Diseases_from_wild_animals)
title: Diseases from wild animals
uri: Diseases-from-wild-animals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Diseases_from_wild_animals)
content:
 
<p>

As humans enter areas formerly wild, the danger of catching diseases
from wild animals <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/13/simon-schama-foreign-bodies-book-extract-broken-relationship-humans-animals">keeps on increasing</a>.  Several recent epidemics came from
animals, Covid-19 being one of them.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Mosquito_Aedes_aegypti)
title: Mosquito Aedes aegypti
uri: Mosquito-Aedes-aegypti
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Mosquito_Aedes_aegypti)
content:
 
<p>

  Opposition has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/genetically-engineered-mosquitoes">delayed the planned test</a> of releasing sterile males of
the mosquito Aedes aegypti in California.  The method to be tested
could perhaps wipe out that pest in California.
<p>
Aedes aegypti in California is an intrusive species, so its effects on
ecosystems are essentially negative.  Species which depend on eating
mosquitoes must have eaten only the native species until recently, and
can still do so.  The benefit to be obtained by eradicating Aedes
aegypti in California, in reduced disease and reduce pesticide use, is
surely enormous.
<p>
The state should insist on researching what can be tested, and
developing further precautions for aborting the experiment early.
But don't let Aedes aegypti hang around for long.

<p>
 


title: Rehabilitation of Bashar al-Assad's regime
uri: Rehabilitation-of-Bashar-al-Assad-s-regime
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Rehabilitation_of_Bashar_al-Assad's_regime)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Rehabilitation_of_Bashar_al-Assad's_regime)

content:
 
<p>
*The grotesque rehabilitation of Bashar al-Assad's regime &mdash; Syria’s
   criminal president has been cordially
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/14/more-than-300000-syrian-civilians-died-any-attempt-to-rehabilitate-assad-is-utterly-shameful">invited to this week's Arab
   League summit in Saudi Arabia</a>
&mdash; makes sense to cynical Arab
   governments. They hope to reduce Damascus's dependence on Iran,
   encourage refugees to return, halt state-sponsored drug rackets and
   cash in on reconstruction.
<p>
Would it be better to maintain hostilities so that Assad is not forgiven?
I'm not sure.
<p>
On one hand, peace would do a lot to reduce Syrians' suffering.
On the other hand, peace could result in Assad's getting the support
to conquer <a href="/archives/2021-jul-oct.html#27_September_2021_(Syria's_dictator_Assad)">Rojava</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Canceling_Kalinin_as_hostile)
title: Canceling Kalinin as "hostile"
uri: Canceling-Kalinin-as-hostile
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Canceling_Kalinin_as_hostile)
content:
 
<p>
Poland has declared a new name to use for the currently Russian city of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/10/kremlin-calls-polands-decision-to-rename-kaliningrad-a-hostile-act">Kaliningrad</a>.
  Poland's choice choice of name, Królewiec, was the Polish name for
that city during the short period, 1454 to 1457, that the city was
under Polish control.  Aside from those few years, the city's name was
Königsberg for 7 centuries.
<p>
It seems to me that Russia and Poland are both being fools about this.
<p>
  Russia is a place of <a href="2013-jul-oct.html#18_July_2013_(Russia_has_become_a_tyranny)">horrible tyranny</a>
  and <a href="/archives/2022-mar-jun.html#11_March_2022_(Putin's_repression)">repression</a>.
  Poland is a place
  of <a href="#13_May_2023_(Democracy,_rights_throttled_by_spyware_business,_EU)">diminished human rights</a>
  and <a href="/archives/2022-may-aug.html#1_July_2022_(Attacking_abortion_rights_by_taking_over_supreme_courts)">imposed Christian restrictions</a>.
  Those issues are more important than the name of Kaliningrad.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(When_Philly_bombed_citizens)
title: When Philly bombed its citizens
uri: When-Philly-bombed-its-citizens
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(When_Philly_bombed_citizens)
content:
 
<p>
Mike Africa Jr, one of the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/12/philadelphia-move-bombing-mike-africa">survivors of the Move collective</a>,
was not in the house when <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> firebombed it and killed everyone inside.
  He has bought the building that was built to replace that house, and plans
to make it into a memorial to Move and the people who were killed in that fire.

<p>
 


title: When CNN Reliable Sources went off-air
uri: When-CNN-Reliable-Sources-went-off-air
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(When_CNN_Reliable_Sources_went_off-air)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(When_CNN_Reliable_Sources_went_off-air)

content:
 
<p>
How a
<a href="https://deadline.com/2022/08/cnn-firings-brian-stelter-chris-licht-john-malone-warner-bros-discovery-1235096292/">right-wing billionaire compelled CNN</a>
to take a neutral stand about <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">the bullshitter's</a> gusher of lies.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(CNN's_unreliable_town_hall)
title: CNN's townhall features unreliable source
uri: CNN-s-townhall-features-unreliable-source
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(CNN's_unreliable_town_hall)
content:
 
<p>
<!---->In his long CNN "town hall", <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">the bullshitter</a>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/11/toe-curlingly-bad-television-trumps-torturous-town-hall-backfires-on-cnn">brushed aside
inconvenient facts</a>
by opening the firehose of lies.
<p>
I have a hunch that CNN intended this program to increase its audience
among US fascists, and that it succeeded.
<p>
<!---->There were a few topics on which the bullshitter seemed unwilling to
dismiss reality entirely.  For instance, he said he would quickly end
the war in Ukraine, but refused to state any support for it.  This
gives us reason to believe he still supports Putin and would "end the
war" by stabbing Ukraine in the back.  This would end the deaths in
combat, but would not end the killing.  The <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#putinforces">Putin forces</a> did plenty of
killing in parts of Ukraine that were occupied in the first months of
the war, as well as kidnapping and torture.  If the war turns into a
bigger occupation, they will surely continue.
<p>
<!---->The line that the bullshitter is following was worked out by many
progressives, who now <a href="/archives/2022-jul-oct.html#13_August_2022_(we_must_end_war_ukraine)">demand to "end the war" at any cost</a>.
After years of condemning the US for <a href="/archives/2006-jul-oct.html#31 July 2006 (Republicans delay report)">starting gratuitous wars</a>
based <a href="/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#27_September_2017_(The_US_intervention_in_Vietnam)">on lies</a>, 
  they can't adjust to a situation where for once the US is on
the right side.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_((Satire)_CNN_Town_Hall)
title: (Satire) CNN Town Hall
uri: (Satire)-CNN-Town-Hall
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_((Satire)_CNN_Town_Hall)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Trump Condemned For
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/trump-condemned-for-giving-platform-to-cnn-1850429121">Giving Platform To CNN</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(CNN_graceful_towards_Trump)
title: CNN outwardly graceful towards Trump
uri: CNN-outwardly-graceful-towards-Trump
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(CNN_graceful_towards_Trump)
content:
 
<p>
<!---->CNN gave the bullshitter a big
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/11/media/cnn-town-hall-donald-trump-reliable-sources/index.html">situational advantage over the moderator</a>.
<p>
It sank lower than that.  Staff spoke to the audience shortly before
the show, saying they were welcome to applaud but that
<a href="https://boingboing.net/2023/05/12/town-hall-audience-was-disgusted-and-bewildered-by-trump-but-cnn-told-them-not-to-boo-only-to-applaud.html">booing was
forbidden</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Presidential_candidates_and_TV_media)
title: Presidential candidates and TV media
uri: Presidential-candidates-and-TV-media
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Presidential_candidates_and_TV_media)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/14/cnn-trump-debacle-town-hall-us-media">CNN’s Trump debacle</a>
suggests TV media set to repeat mistakes of 2016.*
<p>
Or are they mistakes?  The CEO of CNN's owner seems to be quite 
content to have attracted more support from fascists.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(CNN's_live_Town_Hall)
title: CNN's live townhall
uri: CNN-s-live-townhall
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(CNN's_live_Town_Hall)
content:
 
<p>
<!---->CNN's live presentation for the bullshitter was a complete success for
<!--noglossary-->the bullshitter and for the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratists</a>.  They
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/cnn-trump-town-hall-success">both got what they
wanted</a>:
to tell the public, "You can choose fascism, or you can choose
the cruel system that boosted fascism."

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Hong_Kong_legal_isolation)
title: Hong Kong legal isolation
uri: Hong-Kong-legal-isolation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Hong_Kong_legal_isolation)
content:
 
<p>
China has given itself
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/11/hong-kong-passes-law-to-limit-work-of-foreign-lawyers-amid-ongoing-jimmy-lai-case">the power to bar foreign lawyers</a>
from working in
"national security" trials (political repression).
  It had already terminated the residence visa of the British lawyer
that Jimmy Lai wanted to hire, and postponed the trial 'til after that
lawyer was compelled to leave; but apparently China was so worried about the presence
of a lawyer that might actually try to defend Lai that changed Hong
Kong law to make sure this could never happen.
 


title: Tories’ revised plans to scrap EU laws
uri: Tories-revised-plans-to-scrap-EU-laws
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Tories’_revised_plans_to_scrap_EU_laws)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Tories’_revised_plans_to_scrap_EU_laws)

content:
 
<p>

  *Tories’ revised plans to scrap EU laws are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/may/12/tories-revised-plans-to-scrap-eu-laws-are-still-reckless-say-lawyers">still reckless</a>, say
 lawyers.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(London_thugs_assaulted_teenager)
title: London thugs assaulted teenager
uri: London-thugs-assaulted-teenager
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(London_thugs_assaulted_teenager)
content:
 
<p>

  Two London <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> have been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/may/11/met-police-officers-sacked-for-punching-and-kicking-child-during-arrest">fired for punching and kicking a teenager</a>
while arresting per, and then lying about it.
<p>
Please don't refer to a teenager as "a child" &mdash; that is propaganda
for <a href="https://letgrow.org">constraining their lives</a>.
<p>
In my view, it should be a crime for uniformed <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> to kick or punch
<em>anyone</em>, of whatever age, absent clear and strong justification.
Even an adult!

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Paralyzed_with_a_taser)
title: Paralyzed with a taser
uri: Paralyzed-with-a-taser
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Paralyzed_with_a_taser)
content:
 
<p>

  A UK <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/may/11/met-police-officer-cleared-over-tasering-that-left-man-paralysed">paralyzed Jordan Walker-Brown with a taser</a>, and justified
that based on the "belief" that the latter had some sort of weapon.
  If he did have one, he had not pulled it out.
<p>
The <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> was tried for causing gross bodily harm, but Walker-Brown said
he knew the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> would not be convicted.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Student_stops_bus)
title: Student stops bus
uri: Student-stops-bus
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Student_stops_bus)
content:
 
<p>

A student riding home in a school bus noticed that the driver had blacked out,
because he did not have a snoop-phone.  He ran to the driver and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/14/michigan-boy-saved-school-bus-no-cellphone">stopped the bus</a>
without an accident, while everyone else was too distracted.
<p>
If this were the worst danger caused by having a snoop-phone, I would
not consider it much reason to refuse one.  But they hurt nearly all their
users in a <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#10_June_2020_(Total_surveillance_travel)">number of ways</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Fanatics_at_US-Mexico_border)
title: Fanatics at US-Mexico border
uri: Fanatics-at-US-Mexico-border
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Fanatics_at_US-Mexico_border)
content:
 
<p>

At the border with Mexico, US border <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> arrest humanitarians under
Arizona's trespassing laws, while right wing fanatics shoot holes in
their water tanks.  The fanatics are <a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/05/14/title-42-arizona-asylum-seekers/">proud of their harassment</a>
even when they are convicted of it.
<p>
This is in addition to the nonfree app that is the only way to apply
for an asylum appointment.  Mark my words, if the US government gets away
with doing this to asylum seekers, doing it to Americans will be next.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Cruelty_at_convicts)
title: Cruelty at convicts
uri: Cruelty-at-convicts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Cruelty_at_convicts)
content:
 
<p>

Democrats and Republicans are now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/14/republican-tough-on-crime-us-elections-2010">competing for who can direct the most
    cruelty at convicts</a>.
<p>
That is not very effective for reducing crime.  What succeeded in the
1990s was <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-jan-apr.html#9_March_2022_(Leaded_brains)">partly the elimination from lead from gasoline</a> in the late
70s, and partly an increase in income on the average for poor people
in the 90s, which helped them get  by without crime.
<p>
We can't get rid of any more lead from gasoline, because none remains
in gasoline, but we might be able to make life easier for poor people
by electing more <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-jul-oct.html#5_October_2021_(Long_list_of_evils)">progressive Democrats</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(DeMentis's_attack_on_voting_rights)
title: DeMentis's attack on voting rights
uri: DeMentis-s-attack-on-voting-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(DeMentis's_attack_on_voting_rights)
content:
 
<p>

  *[Governor <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis's</a>] Attack on Voting Rights <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/ron-desantis-attack-on-voting-rights-2024">Won't Stay in Florida</a>.*

 


title: The bullshitter likely to face criminal charges
uri: The-bullshitter-likely-to-face-criminal-charges
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(The_bullshitter_likely_to_face_criminal_charges)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(The_bullshitter_likely_to_face_criminal_charges)

content:
 
<p>

  <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">The bullshitter</a> is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/14/trump-sexual-abuse-verdict-e-jean-carroll-legal-troubles">likely to face criminal charges</a> about several matters.
  He is likely to be convicted.  But will that happen before the election,
and do Republicans have enough shreds of decency to defeat him for his crimes?

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(High-speed_rail_in_the_US)
title: High-speed rail in the US
uri: High-speed-rail-in-the-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(High-speed_rail_in_the_US)
content:
 
<p>

  High-speed rail may <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/13/los-angeles-las-vegas-travel-high-speed-rail-california">finally be built in the US</a>, starting with a line
from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.
<p>
While the US has done almost nothing for decades, China has covered
the whole country with high-speed train lines.  Why has the US failed
to do this?  I conjecture that in the US, businesses are too powerful.
So powerful that they can stop the US government from doing important
things, such as building train lines.
<p>
By contrast, in China the government is more powerful than any
combination of businesses.  So if the Chinese government decides to
build the railroad equivalent of the interstate highway system, and
boost the country's industrial capacity, it can go ahead and do that.
<p>
China is using that boost in industrial capacity to build up its armed
forces so it can conquer Taiwan and turn it into hellish tyranny.
Meanwhile, the US can barely afford to defend Ukraine.  And since
business orders the US government to crush the poor, the poor turn
towards fascism.

 


title: Large language models and general "artificial intelligence"
uri: Large-language-models-and-general-artificial-intelligence
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Large_language_models_and_general_artificial_intelligence)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Large_language_models_and_general_artificial_intelligence)

content:
 
<p>

Confusion of large language models with general "artificial
intelligence" is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/may/13/ministers-not-doing-enough-to-control-ai-says-uk-professor">causing panic</a>.
<p>
Artificial general intelligence may someday be developed, and if so it
could pose many sorts of dangers, I recommend _A Fire upon the Deep,
for an example, and <em>Accelerando</em>.  And many other stories, with a
wide variety of outcomes.
<p>
I agree that these systems can be dangerous.  But they are dangerous
in the short term in ways that hardly resemble the disaster
scenarios.  Indeed, artificial general intelligence is unnecessary
for digital systems to bring disaster.  Imagine payment systems that
track all purchases, and transportation systems that track people's
travel.  Those already exist, and if we don't want our countries to
be like China, we need to abolish them.
<p>
ChatGPT is nothing like that.  It can't make coherent plans, let alone
carry them out.  It can generate text that looks like a plan until you
study it carefully.  The problems it causes come from side effects.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Children_working_long_hours)
title: Children working long hours
uri: Children-working-long-hours
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Children_working_long_hours)
content:
 
<p>

  In the US, children of age 10 are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/tax-rich-to-defeat-child-labor">working long hours</a>,
as <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratists</a> work to legalize more kinds and longer hours
of work by children and younger teenagers.
<p>
This is harmful because it harms those children permanently by denying
them the opportunity for an education.  Some kinds of work are
dangerous for young people.  The existence of the practice, enables
businesses to lower wages generally.
<p>
I support education for everyone, and limiting labor by children and
younger teenagers; I support Eisenhower taxation of the rich also.
I must admit I don't see a close relation between them.  Each is good
for society but in its own way.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(People_trafficked_as_slaves_in_UK)
title: People trafficked as slaves in UK
uri: People-trafficked-as-slaves-in-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(People_trafficked_as_slaves_in_UK)
content:
 
<p>

The number of people per month reported in the UK as <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/04/number-of-potential-modern-slavery-victims-in-uk-hits-record-high">possibly being
    trafficked as slaves keeps increasing</a>.  What does this imply?
<p>
Maybe more people are being trafficked as slaves.
<p>
Maybe the methods of detecting possible trafficking are being improved
so that a greater fraction are being reported.
<p>
Maybe, as Braverman the Tory minister claims, the problem is caused by
immigrants' making false claims.  I don't know for certain that this
is false, but if a right-wing politician makes such a claim, I check
my pockets to make sure my freedom is still there.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Ocasio-Cortez_on_Jordan_Neely)
title: Ocasio-Cortez on Jordan Neely
uri: Ocasio-Cortez-on-Jordan-Neely
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Ocasio-Cortez_on_Jordan_Neely)
content:
 
<p>

  *Ocasio-Cortez <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/aoc-jordan-neely-adams">Slams Adams</a> for Attack on "Very Services" That Could
Have Helped Jordan Neely.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Rejection_of_military_rule)
title: Rejection of military rule
uri: Rejection-of-military-rule
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Rejection_of_military_rule)
content:
 
<p>

*Thai Voters Back Opposition in <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/thai-voters-military-rule">Decisive Rejection
    of Military Rule</a>.*
<p>
Will the next step be a military coup?

 


title: (satire) Removal of stars obstructing view of universe
uri: (satire)-Removal-of-stars-obstructing-view-of-universe
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_((satire)_Removal_of_stars_obstructing_view_of_universe)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_((satire)_Removal_of_stars_obstructing_view_of_universe)

content:
 
<p>

(satire) <a href="https://www.theonion.com/world-s-wealthy-call-for-removal-of-stars-obstructing-v-1850432937">*World's Wealthy Call For Removal Of Stars Obstructing View
    Of Universe.*</a>

 


title: Racketeering lawsuit over jailed satirist
uri: Racketeering-lawsuit-over-jailed-satirist
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Racketeering_lawsuit_over_jailed_satirist)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Racketeering_lawsuit_over_jailed_satirist)

content:
 
<p>

  *Twitter and Saudi officials <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/16/us-activist-sues-twitter-saudi-officials-jailed-brother">face racketeering lawsuit</a> over jailed satirist.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(AI_rough,_shoddy_draft)
title: AI rough, shoddy draft
uri: AI-rough-shoddy-draft
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(AI_rough,_shoddy_draft)
content:
 
<p>
Speculation about what AI in reality might do to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/may/12/ai-artificial-intelligence-generating-screenplays">script-writing</a>.
<p>
I can't believe this couldn't happen, if someday artificial intelligence can tell
plausible stories.  Speculation about this goes at least as far back
as Asimov's story "Galley Slave".
  But be careful not to think of ChatGPT as artificial intelligence.
It does not know anything, and does not understand anything.
<p>
It might be able to script a surrealist absurd movie, where lack
of knowledge and understanding might be no problem.  But I hesitate
to assume even that.  The great works of surrealism may well be less
random than meets the eye; that may be what makes them great.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Journalist_imprisoned,_Tunisia)
title: Journalist, opposition leader "terrorists" imprisoned, Tunisia
uri: Journalist-opposition-leader-terrorists-imprisoned-Tunisia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Journalist_imprisoned,_Tunisia)
content:
 
<p>
*Tunisian opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/16/tunisia-opposition-leader-rached-ghannouchi-sentenced-year-in-prison">sentenced to year in prison</a>
[for perhaps calling official <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> "tyrants"].
<p>
Ghannouchi used the word for "tyrant" but I don't think it was clear
if he was referring to anyone in particular.  The Tunisian dictator
does not hesitate to act like a tyrant.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Tories_repeal_environmental_laws)
title: Tories repeal environmental laws
uri: Tories-repeal-environmental-laws
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Tories_repeal_environmental_laws)
content:
 
<p>
Important laws about reducing air pollution, both toxic and greenhouse,
are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/16/air-pollution-transparency-rules-among-eu-laws-to-be-scrapped-by-uk">among the laws the Tories plan to repeal</a>.
 The Tories say these
laws are "no longer applicable."

<p>
 


title: Supreme court anti-corruption action, Ukraine
uri: Supreme-court-anti-corruption-action-Ukraine
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Supreme_court_anti-corruption_action,_Ukraine)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Supreme_court_anti-corruption_action,_Ukraine)

content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/16/head-of-ukraine-supreme-court-held-in-anti-corruption-investigation">Head of Ukraine's supreme court held</a>
in anti-corruption investigation.*
<p>
Ukraine has a reputation for being very corrupt, but <a href="/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#12_May_2023_(Supreme_Court_ethics:_Crow's_senators)">the US also has
corruption in its supreme court</a>,
and the US is behind in trying to do something about it.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(The_next_pandemic)
title: The next pandemic
uri: The-next-pandemic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(The_next_pandemic)
content:
 
<p>
*Bird flu could become the next human pandemic &mdash; and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/16/research-bird-flu-humans-prepare-now">politicians
aren't paying attention</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Global_Plastic_pollution_mitigation)
title: Global Plastic pollution mitigation
uri: Global-Plastic-pollution-mitigation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Global_Plastic_pollution_mitigation)
content:
 
<p>
*Plastic pollution could [feasibly be
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/16/plastic-pollution-could-be-slashed-by-80-by-2040-un-says">slashed by 80% by 2040</a>,
UN says.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(EPA_back_in_business)
title: EPA back in business
uri: EPA-back-in-business
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(EPA_back_in_business)
content:
 
<p>
The
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/16/epa-climate-rules-climate-crisis">EPA has become quite active</a>
in requiring cuts in various sorts
of pollution, including greenhouse gas emissions.
<p>
However, Biden's foolish approval of drilling in large fossil fuel
reserves is likely to counteract around half the reductions in
greenhouse emissions.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Rigging_a_national_vote,_KH)
title: Rigging a national vote, KH
uri: Rigging-a-national-vote-KH
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#18_May_2023_(Rigging_a_national_vote,_KH)
content:
 
<p>
*Cambodia’s only major opposition party is barred from running in July
elections.* The <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> came one day, years ago, and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/16/cambodias-only-major-opposition-party-is-barred-from-running-in-july-elections">seized their
registration</a>
papers.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Campaign_finance_spike)
title: Campaign finance spike
uri: Campaign-finance-spike
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Campaign_finance_spike)
content:
 
<p>
*Billionaires Spent
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/billionaires-congress-election-2022-midterms">Over $1 Billion on 2022 Elections</a>—More
Than Any Year in US History.*
<p>
Don't assume their money was defeated.  In addition to bringing about
the election of more <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratists</a> (Democrats as well as Republicans),
it also convinces many candidates who would have won anyway to adopt
increasingly <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a> positions.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(US_terrorists_tally_)
title: Count of "terrorists" killed by US
uri: Count-of-terrorists-killed-by-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(US_terrorists_tally_)
content:
 
<p>
A study estimates that the the US "war on terror" is responsible for
at least
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/war-on-terror-casualties">4.5 million deaths</a>.
  1 million seen to have been killed by fighting, but far more
died from poverty and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_(Iraqi_children)">disruption of society</a>
caused by the fighting.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(CNN_culture_shift)
title: CNN culture shift
uri: CNN-culture-shift
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(CNN_culture_shift)
content:
 
<p>
The boss of CNN (actually, of its parent company) rebuked CNN reporter
Oliver Darcy intimidatingly for not
<a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/inside-the-cnn-meltdown-over-its-town-hall-disaster">upholding the company's spin</a>
about <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">the bullshitter</a> and his "town hall".

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_((Satire)_Graduation_gift:_a_judge)
title: (Satire) Graduation gift: a judge
uri: (Satire)-Graduation-gift-a-judge
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_((Satire)_Graduation_gift:_a_judge)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Wealthy Parents Surprise Graduating Child With
  <a href="https://www.theonion.com/wealthy-parents-surprise-graduating-child-with-judge-wh-1850441898">Judge Who Will Let Him Off Hook</a>
For Future Rape Accusations.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Medicare_for_all_news)
title: Medicare for all news
uri: Medicare-for-all-news
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Medicare_for_all_news)
content:
 
<p>
*Medicare for All
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/medicare-for-all-legislation-introduced-to-addresspoor-u-s-health-outcomes-inequities">Legislation Introduced</a>
to Address Poor U.S. Health Outcomes,
 Inequities.*
<p>
I think that focusing on "inequity" in US medicine is a distraction
from the real issue.  What's wrong with the US medical system is that
many Americans can't get the medical care they need.
<p>
We should set up a national medical system to give all Americans the
medical care they need.  Other countries prove every day that that is
possible.
<p>
If we gave every American good medical care, as a byproduct there
would be no more inequities in medicine.  But we should not formulate
the goal in terms of inequities.  We could eliminate inequities by
giving all Americans _no_ medical care, but that is not what we should
aim for.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Child-labor_history,_UK)
title: Child-labor history, UK
uri: Child-labor-history-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Child-labor_history,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
A study of the corpses of English teenagers (and a few children) taken
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/may/17/harrowing-lives-of-children-sent-to-work-in-english-mills-revealed-in-first-study-of-kind">from poor parents in the 1800s</a>,
and sent to work in cotton mills far
away, shows that they were basically systematically stunted and killed
by malnutrition.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Discharge petition for bill to raise debt ceiling
uri: Urgent-Discharge-petition-for-bill-to-raise-debt-ceiling
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Urgent:_Discharge_petition_for_bill_to_raise_debt_ceiling)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Urgent:_Discharge_petition_for_bill_to_raise_debt_ceiling)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the House of Representatives to <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/debt-ceiling-discharge-petition/">use a discharge
    petition</a> for a bill to raise the debt ceiling (and change nothing else).

 


title: Urgent: Sue DeMentis for textbook censoring
uri: Urgent-Sue-DeMentis-for-textbook-censoring
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Urgent:_Sue_DeMentis_for_textbook_censoring)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Urgent:_Sue_DeMentis_for_textbook_censoring)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the U.S. Dept. of Education to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/demand-the-us-dept-of-ed-protect-students-right-to-learn-now">sue DeMentis for
    making textbook companies censor textbooks in Florida</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Antibodies_for_Epstein-Barr_virus)
title: Antibodies for Epstein-Barr virus
uri: Antibodies-for-Epstein-Barr-virus
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Antibodies_for_Epstein-Barr_virus)
content:
 
<p>

Antibodies for Epstein-Barr virus can <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/may/17/common-viral-antibodies-could-trigger-ms-research-reveals">attack human tissues and cause
    multiple sclerosis</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Youtube_recommending_videos_of_guns)
title: Youtube recommending videos of guns
uri: Youtube-recommending-videos-of-guns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Youtube_recommending_videos_of_guns)
content:
 
<p>

  A study found that YouTube tends to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/may/17/youtube-found-to-push-content-about-guns-to-children-watching-games-videos">recommend videos about guns and shooting</a> to boys of age 9, and boys of age 14.
<p>
Many of these videos were not supposed to be allowed on
YouTube, but it seems not to enforce those policies.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Without_bringing_a_phone)
title: Without bringing a phone
uri: Without-bringing-a-phone
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Without_bringing_a_phone)
content:
 
<p>

  *I took my kids to the playground <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/17/kids-playground-phone-boredom-moments-life">without bringing my phone</a> &mdash; and it was a
revelation.*
<p>
*In the year since I quit [so-called] social media, my screen time has
fallen, my mood is up &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/may/18/in-the-year-since-i-quit-social-media-my-screen-time-has-fallen-my-mood-is-up-even-my-resting-heart-rate-is-lower">even my resting heart rate is lower</a>.*
<p>
This is an additional reason to quit.  The reason I refuse to use
<a href="facebook.html">those systems</a> is that they <a href="instagram.html">require nonfree software</a>, which can be modified
by others (though usually not by you), and <a href="twitter.html">much of it is malware</a>.
<p>
Like Emma Brockes, I find children mostly boring.
I avoided that problem for myself by not having any.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Southern_Asia_heatwave)
title: Southern Asia heatwave
uri: Southern-Asia-heatwave
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Southern_Asia_heatwave)
content:
 
<p>

  *Climate breakdown made southern Asia heatwave <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/17/climate-breakdown-made-southern-asia-heatwave-at-least-2c-hotter-study-finds">at least 2C hotter</a>,
 study finds.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Nuclear_arms_control)
title: Nuclear arms control
uri: Nuclear-arms-control
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Nuclear_arms_control)
content:
 
<p>

  *Former world leaders urge G7 to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/17/former-world-leaders-urge-g7-to-get-nuclear-arms-control-back-on-track">get nuclear arms control back on track</a>.*
<p>
I fully support that urging.

 


title: Palestinians without enough water to drink
uri: Palestinians-without-enough-water-to-drink
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Palestinians_without_enough_water_to_drink)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Palestinians_without_enough_water_to_drink)

content:
 
<p>

*   In occupied West Bank villages, Israeli-owned farms are flourishing,
while Palestinians often <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/17/how-israel-uses-water-to-control-west-bank-palestine">do not have enough water to drink</a>.*
<p>
Israel has been transferring water rights for years, using <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#23_August_2019_(Israeli_army_destroys_water_tank)">various
    legal excuses</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Oil_company_subsidiaries)
title: Oil company subsidiaries
uri: Oil-company-subsidiaries
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Oil_company_subsidiaries)
content:
 
<p>

Oil companies generally set up a subsidiary to do oil drilling in each
area or country, and make the subsidiary alone liable for the cost of
oil spills, so that the main corporation's liability is limited by the
total wealth of the subsidiary.  This way, the victims of a spill
won't be compensated for the damage the spill does to them.
<p>
However, Guiana, on the eastern part of South America's north coast,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/17/could-guyanas-exxon-ruling-scare-big-oil-off-risky-exploration">refuses to let them do this any more</a>.
<p>
Will this make <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#exxon">Exxon</a> work harder to avoid a spill?  I think people tend
to be biased towards belief that disaster won't happen.  If a regional disaster
does happen, the countries and people affected could end up owning <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#exxon">Exxon</a>.
<p>
If so, would they handle drilling in a safer way, or would the vision of
riches corrupt them as it corrupted the current owners of <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#exxon">Exxon</a>?

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Strengthening_democracy_in_the_UK)
title: Strengthening democracy in the UK
uri: Strengthening-democracy-in-the-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Strengthening_democracy_in_the_UK)
content:
 
<p>

  Arguing that the only chance of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/17/hung-parliament-tories-keir-starmer-majority">strengthening democracy in the UK</a>
is if neither the Tories nor Starmer gets a majority in the next
election.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Face_recognition_in_Cardiff)
title: Face recognition in Cardiff
uri: Face-recognition-in-Cardiff
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Face_recognition_in_Cardiff)
content:
 
<p>

UK <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> plan to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/may/17/police-to-use-facial-recognition-technology-in-cardiff-during-beyonce-concert">use face recognition in the center of Cardiff</a> to find
people wanted for various reasons.
<p>
The supposed occasion for this is that Beyonce is giving a concert
in a stadium in Cardiff.  But the facial recognition won't be limited
to the stadium and its entrances.
<p>
Nor do we know that the tracking and data collection will not extend
to everyone else who passes by.  In fact, UK ministers are considering
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/may/16/ministers-calling-for-facial-recognition-technology-in-police-bodycams">running facial recognition on everyone who shows up in a thug's body
  camera</a>.
<p>
The UK is full of cameras, and I suspect many of them are <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">surveillance
    cameras</a> (images transmitted to some network which can recognize faces
later).
   Those cameras could become, or perhaps already are,
the introduction of Chinese-sty;e surveillance in Britain.
<p>
That could be, or perhaps already is, part of the system of <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#27_May_2021_(Uncontrolled_mass_surveillance_violates_human_rights)">heightened
    repression</a> in Britain.
  Do they use video tracking to figure out who to arrest for planning
to walk slowly, or glue perself to the street?
<p>
There is no need for the software to gauge a person's ethnicity if it
identifies each person against a database that record's per ethnicity.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Neo-Nazi_cops)
title: Neo-Nazi cops
uri: Neo-Nazi-cops
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Neo-Nazi_cops)
content:
 
<p>

  *It's <a href="https://boingboing.net/2023/05/09/its-hard-to-get-neo-nazi-cops-fired-too-hard.html">hard to get neo-Nazi cops fired</a>. Too hard.*
<p>
We should not allow firing employees, even cops, for having a mere
opinion we disapprove of.  However, in the case of cops, who are
given special forms of authority, we should be able to insist that
they not have attitudes which are likely to result in unfairness
to some demographic groups among the public.

 


title: Twitter's support of Erdoğan's censorship
uri: Twitter-s-support-of-Erdoğan-s-censorship
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Twitter's_support_of_Erdoğan's_censorship)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Twitter's_support_of_Erdoğan's_censorship)

content:
 
<p>

  Musk said that Twitter's support for Erdoğan's censorship is <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2023/05/musk-defends-enabling-turkish-censorship-on-twitter-calling-it-his-choice/">his choice</a>.
<p>
In other words, he is using the power he gets from Twitter to support global
fascism.
<p>
It's a reason to stop using Twitter.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Chinese_comedian's_joke)
title: Chinese comedian's joke
uri: Chinese-comedian-s-joke
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Chinese_comedian's_joke)
content:
 
<p>

A Chinese comedian made a joke that some extreme patriots interpreted
as a slight on the Chinese army, though it apparently didn't say
anything about the army.  The government <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/17/china-fines-comedy-firm-168m-over-standups-stray-dog-joke">forced him to publish a
    confession of guilt</a>, then silenced him on communication platforms.
<p>
The government also fined the company he works for around 1.5 million dollars.
<p>
I have a hunch he will be punished in other ways that were not officially
announced.  For instance, that he won't be allowed to work as a comedian
any more.

 


title: President of Ecuador dissolved Congress
uri: President-of-Ecuador-dissolved-Congress
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(President_of_Ecuador_dissolved_Congress)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(President_of_Ecuador_dissolved_Congress)

content:
 
<p>

President Lasso of Ecuador had been impeached, and was in the process
of being tried for removal from office, when he <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/17/ecuador-guillermo-lasso-dissolves-congress-impeachment">dissolved the whole Congress</a>.
<p>
It seems to me that the Ecuadorian constitution has a grave flaw
if the president can always prevent impeachment so easily.

 


title: Nicolas Sarkozy sentenced to house arrest
uri: Nicolas-Sarkozy-sentenced-to-house-arrest
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Nicolas_Sarkozy_sentenced_to_house_arrest)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Nicolas_Sarkozy_sentenced_to_house_arrest)

content:
 
<p>

Former president Nicolas Sarkozy has been convicted of corruption and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/17/nicolas-sarkozy-wear-electronic-tag-corruption-sentence-appeal-court-france">sentenced to a year's house arrest</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Climate_threshold_of_1.5C_by_2027)
title: Climate threshold of 1.5C by 2027
uri: Climate-threshold-of-1-5C-by-2027
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Climate_threshold_of_1.5C_by_2027)
content:
 
<p>

  *World likely to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/17/global-heating-climate-crisis-record-temperatures-wmo-research">breach 1.5C climate threshold by 2027</a>, scientists warn.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(ltns_climate_sceptic_playbook)
title: How opponents of LTNs are adopting the climate-skeptic playbook
uri: How-opponents-of-LTNs-are-adopting-the-climate-skeptic-playbook
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(ltns_climate_sceptic_playbook)
content:
 
<p>
The British right-wing is drumming up opposition to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/may/18/how-opponents-of-ltn-are-adopting-the-climate-sceptic-playbook
">low-traffic
neighborhoods</a>
(designed to facilitate and encourage walking or biking rather than
driving cars) using the same playbook as <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> denialism.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Urgent:_reject_the_HALT_Fentanyl_Act)
title: Urgent: reject the "HALT Fentanyl Act"
uri: Urgent-reject-the-HALT-Fentanyl-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Urgent:_reject_the_HALT_Fentanyl_Act)
content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://engage.drugpolicy.org/secure/us-house-vote-soon-don%E2%80%99t-let-congress-increase-drug-penalties/">reject the "HALT Fentanyl Act"</a>
  which would prohibit a wide range of substances, most of which  have never been
tested on people at all.  Of those few which have been tested, 
most were harmless.

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

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Urgent:_Republican_ransom_demands)
title: Urgent: Republican ransom demands
uri: Urgent-Republican-ransom-demands
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Urgent:_Republican_ransom_demands)
content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Democrat leaders to <a href="https://act.boldprogressives.org/survey/sign-on-debt-ceiling-work-requirements/">stand firm against Republican
    ransom demands</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Israeli_fascists_marched_in_Jerusalem)
title: Israeli fascists marched in Jerusalem
uri: Israeli-fascists-marched-in-Jerusalem
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Israeli_fascists_marched_in_Jerusalem)
content:
 
<p>

Israeli fascists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/18/israeli-nationalists-march-to-celebrate-capture-of-east-jerusalem">marched in Jerusalem</a>; some chanted "death to Arabs".
<p>
Url Avnery warned years ago that the Israeli right-win sought to render the
West Bank <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#12_January_2020_(Imprisonment_for_nonviolent_criticism)">"Araberrein"</a> (without any Arabs).
  Avnery meant this to compare
them with the Nazis whom he had seen in Germany in the 1930s, before
his family fled to what they hoped would become Israel.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Heavy_rains_in_Italy)
title: Heavy rains in Italy
uri: Heavy-rains-in-Italy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Heavy_rains_in_Italy)
content:
 
<p>

  Various parts of Italy have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/18/italy-disasters-floods-europe-climate-crisis">suffered unusual heavy rains</a>, which
generally arid Italy is not ready for.
<p>
This is <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> at work.  It has caused record high
temperatures, too.

 


title: Postings possibly related to terrorist plans
uri: Postings-possibly-related-to-terrorist-plans
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Postings_possibly_related_to_terrorist_plans)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Postings_possibly_related_to_terrorist_plans)

content:
 
<p>

The US Supreme Court made a couple of correct decisions that companies
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/aclu-commends-supreme-court-decisions-allowing-free-speech-online-to-flourish">do not have an obligation to delete all postings</a> that might be suspected
of possibly relating to terrorist plans.
<p>
I am disappointed by use of "content" to refer collectively to
anything posted on Twitter, because <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Content.">that term disparages whatever is
    described that way</a>.

 


title: When Democrats do something for right reason
uri: When-Democrats-do-something-for-right-reason
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(When_Democrats_do_something_for_right_reason)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(When_Democrats_do_something_for_right_reason)

content:
 
<p>

*"When Democrats do something for the right reason,
[Republicans] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/18/adam-schiff-republicans-expel-congress-trump-russia">use the precedent</a> to do something for the wrong reason."*
<p>
The emendation "[Republicans]" is in the words I quoted from the
article.  That statement is generally true.
<p>
I'm not planning to read the Durham report myself, but I won't
trust any claims about it that are made by people whose life is lying.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Cameras_at_Olympic_games_in_France)
title: Cameras at Olympic games in France
uri: Cameras-at-Olympic-games-in-France
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Cameras_at_Olympic_games_in_France)
content:
 
<p>

France has decided to use cameras at the Olympic games with software that will
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/18/french-courts-approval-of-olympics-ai-surveillance-plan-fuels-privacy-concerns">scan the images looking for "suspicious activities"</a>.
<p>
We can't count on the software in the system to limit the effective
level of surveillance, because more analytical capability could be
added later.  The only limiting factor that people can count on to
prevent violation of their privacy is the capability of the hardware
sensors (cameras, in this case).  As people pointed out, that
capability might be sufficient to enable the system to recognize and
track people.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Jeremy_Corbyn_as_Labour_MP)
title: Jeremy Corbyn as Labour MP
uri: Jeremy-Corbyn-as-Labour-MP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Jeremy_Corbyn_as_Labour_MP)
content:
 
<p>

  *Jeremy Corbyn tells local Labour party he wants to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/may/18/jeremy-corbyn-tells-local-labour-party-he-wants-to-carry-on-as-their-mp">carry on as their MP</a>.*
  The local party members stated support for him with only one
abstention, and stated their opposition to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#4_March_2023_(Ideal_candidate_blocked,_UK)">Starmer's grip on who can
    run for MP for the Labour Party</a>.

 


title: Bernie Sanders for national medical system
uri: Bernie-Sanders-for-national-medical-system
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Bernie_Sanders_for_national_medical_system)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Bernie_Sanders_for_national_medical_system)

content:
 
<p>

  Bernie Sanders <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/18/healthcare-us-human-right-medicare-for-all-bernie-sanders">calls for a national medical system</a>,
  and makes it clear that the name "Medicare for All" does not mean
preserving the flaws of Medicare as it is today.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Macron's_contempt_for_the_people)
title: Macron's contempt for the people
uri: Macron-s-contempt-for-the-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Macron's_contempt_for_the_people)
content:
 
<p>

*  [President Macron] had no mandate to dismantle France’s social model. His
contempt for the people <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/18/emmanuel-macron-listening-president-france-social-model-extremism">risks opening the door to extremism</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(US's_only_unionized_strippers)
title: US's only unionized strippers
uri: US-s-only-unionized-strippers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(US's_only_unionized_strippers)
content:
 
<p>

  *Dancers at Los Angeles club to become <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/17/star-garden-us-only-unionized-strippers">the US's only unionized strippers</a>.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(George_Santos_expulsion_resolution)
title: George Santos expulsion resolution
uri: George-Santos-expulsion-resolution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(George_Santos_expulsion_resolution)
content:
 
<p>

Republicans didn't want to lose the vote of George Santos, so they
were determined to defeat the resolution to expel him from Congress.
But they didn't want to be criticized for voting to keep an accused
criminal in the House to vote for them.  So they voted to refer the
expulsion resolution to a committee where they can <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/17/george-santos-expel-congress-vote-house-republicans">quietly bury it</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Montana_ban_of_TikTok)
title: Montana ban of TikTok
uri: Montana-ban-of-TikTok
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Montana_ban_of_TikTok)
content:
 
<p>

  Montana has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/17/tiktok-ban-montana">banned app stores from offering to install the TikTok</a>
client program.
  This prevents users from installing the TikTok client program.
since there is no other way to install it on a snoop phone.
<p>
This scenario has injustice on every side.  TikTok collects data on
every user.  So do many other "app" client program &mdash; all of them are
unjust.  Secondarily, they are <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">unjust because they are nonfree
    software</a>.
<p>
The snoop-phones are unjust too, for snooping and for limiting what
users can install.  Their software also has the secondary injustice
of being nonfree.

 


title: Darwin fossil fuel extraction projects
uri: Darwin-fossil-fuel-extraction-projects
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Darwin_fossil_fuel_extraction_projects)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Darwin_fossil_fuel_extraction_projects)

content:
 
<p>

Darwin's planned large development on the "middle arm" turns out to be
part of a plan for large new <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/18/darwins-sustainable-middle-arm-development-is-key-to-huge-fossil-fuel-projects-documents-show">fossil fuel extraction projects</a>.
<p>
The development has been criticized for putting some <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#15_May_2023_(Natural_gas_facilities_in_Australia)">ancient rock art
    at risk</a> in the long term.
Strict laws might be able to keep the ancient rock art safe.  But they can't save Earth from those <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-sep-dec.html#15_November_2022_(Planet_roasters_planning_to_exceed_the_carbon_budget_even_further)">fossil fuel developments</a>,
if those are allowed to proceed.

 


title: Pressure on Norway to scale back fossil fuel development
uri: Pressure-on-Norway-to-scale-back-fossil-fuel-development
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Pressure_on_Norway_to_scale_back_fossil_fuel_development)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Pressure_on_Norway_to_scale_back_fossil_fuel_development)

content:
 
<p>

  *Norway under pressure to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/17/norway-under-pressure-to-scale-back-fossil-fuel-expansion-plans">scale back fossil fuel expansion plans</a>.*

 


title: American's obsession to keep children safe
uri: American-s-obsession-to-keep-children-safe
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(American's_obsession_to_keep_children_safe)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(American's_obsession_to_keep_children_safe)

content:
 
<p>

An episode of the Brian Lerner poscast has an interview with
psychologist Peter Grey, who explains how Americans' obsession
with keeping children "safe" has made them <a href="media/768cb332.bl050823cpod.mp3" data-original-source="https://sample.podtrac.com/b7dae4165d1c4d67970541db6ba36ef1/waaa.wnyc.org/bl/bl050823cpod.mp3">very likely to become
    helpless and develop many kinds of psychological problems</a>.

 


title: New York law to stop funding illegal Israeli settlements
uri: New-York-law-to-stop-funding-illegal-Israeli-settlements
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(New_York_law_to_stop_funding_illegal_Israeli_settlements)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(New_York_law_to_stop_funding_illegal_Israeli_settlements)

content:
 
<p>

*New York law aims to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/17/new-york-law-aims-stop-funding-israeli-settlements-west-bank">stop funding of illegal Israeli settlements in
    West Bank</a>.*
<p>
All Israel's colonies in the occupied West Bank <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#11_December_2019_(Annexing_West_Bank)">violate treaties about
    military occupation</a>.
<p>
Many of them also violate Israeli laws, but the government looks other
way for some years and eventually legalizes them.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Biden_canceled_planned_trips)
title: Biden canceled planned trips
uri: Biden-canceled-planned-trips
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Biden_canceled_planned_trips)
content:
 
<p>

  Biden <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/may/17/joe-biden-reportedly-cancels-australian-visit-amid-us-domestic-debt-deadlock">canceled a planned trip</a> to Australia and Papua New Guinea to
"negotiate" with Republican terrorists.
<p>
By treating the negotiations as important, Biden encourages
Republicans to think he is desperate for an agreement, and that will
encourage them to stand by their demands.  They make think they can
get Biden to help them harm non-rich Americans.
<p>
I fear that maybe they can.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(US_dumping_of_agricultural_products)
title: US dumping of agricultural products
uri: US-dumping-of-agricultural-products
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(US_dumping_of_agricultural_products)
content:
 
<p>

  US <a href="https://www.iatp.org/swimming-against-tide">dumping of agricultural products</a> has meant poverty for Mexican
farmers.
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">The bullshitter's</a> replacement of NAFTA, one of the few good things he
ever did, did not change enough to end this.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(DC_thug_warned_Proud_Boys_leader)
title: DC thug warned Proud Boys leader
uri: DC-thug-warned-Proud-Boys-leader
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(DC_thug_warned_Proud_Boys_leader)
content:
 
<p>

A Washington DC <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> has been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/19/washington-dc-officer-arrested-proud-boys-shane-lamond">charged with informing the
Proud Boys leader that he was to be arrested for his part
    in the Jan 6 insurrection</a> &mdash; and then lying about that.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Colombia's_murderous_paramilitaries)
title: Colombia's murderous paramilitaries
uri: Colombia-s-murderous-paramilitaries
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Colombia's_murderous_paramilitaries)
content:
 
<p>

A former leader of one group of Colombia's murderous paramilitaries
says that officials <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/19/colombia-paramilitary-salvatore-mancuso-auc-death-squads">protected the group</a> and gave them lists of people
to torture and/or kill.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Cancellation_of_events_due_to_threats)
title: Cancellation of events due to threats
uri: Cancellation-of-events-due-to-threats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(Cancellation_of_events_due_to_threats)
content:
 
<p>

Warning: canceling events because of extremists' threats is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/20/cancelling-victorian-lgbtq-events-in-response-to-threats-only-rewards-extremists-expert-warns">treated
    by the extremists as a victory</a>.
<p>
The article refers to right-wing extremists, but I think it applies
to leftist extremists too.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(border_patrol_custody_death)
title: Mother says border patrol ignored her daughter
uri: Mother-says-border-patrol-ignored-her-daughter
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(border_patrol_custody_death)
content:
 
<p>
*Mother of girl who died in US border
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/20/eight-year-old-girl-death-border-patrol-custody-texas-mother"> patrol custody says agents
 ignored her.*</a>
Avoidable death of prisoners happens repeatedly in any kind of prison,
because the prison staff don't really care about prisoners' suffering.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(war_on_old_age)
title: There’s no shame in waging war on old age
uri: There-s-no-shame-in-waging-war-on-old-age
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(war_on_old_age)
content:
 
<p>
*There's no shame in waging 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/20/lets-wage-wear-on-ageing-the-quest-for-eternal-life-cant-be-left-to-quacks">war on old age.*</a>
<p>
But if we are mostly living on Earth, we will have to have children
very rarely.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(g7_breaching_commitments)
title: CSOs Condemn G7 Leaders for Dangerous Backsliding on Gas
uri: CSOs-Condemn-G7-Leaders-for-Dangerous-Backsliding-on-Gas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_(g7_breaching_commitments)
content:
 
<p>
The G7 threw away concern for avoiding climate breakdown
and adopted plans for 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/csos-condemn-g7-leaders-for-dangerous-backsliding-on-gas-breaching-commitments-to-end-fossil-fuel-finance">development of gas extraction.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_((satire)_nazi_exaggerated)
title: (Satire) Conservatives Claim Hitler’s Nazi Allegiance Greatly Exaggerated
uri: (Satire)-Conservatives-Claim-Hitler-s-Nazi-Allegiance-Greatly-Exagge
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#22_May_2023_((satire)_nazi_exaggerated)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Conservatives Claim Hitler's 
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/conservatives-claim-hitler-s-nazi-allegiance-greatly-ex-1850441824">Nazi Allegiance Greatly Exaggerated.*</a>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#23_May_2023_(uni_funds_stop_fossil_fuel)
title: University investment funds urge to stop new fossil fuel projects
uri: University-investment-funds-urge-to-stop-new-fossil-fuel-projects
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#23_May_2023_(uni_funds_stop_fossil_fuel)
content:
 
<p>
Some universities and other large investors are pressuring fund
managers to vote their shares to push 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/may/22/university-investment-funds-urge-stop-new-fossil-fuel-projects-shell">large companies out of
planet-roasting investments.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#23_May_2023_(naacp_florida_travel_advisory)
title: NAACP T.A warns Florida is ‘openly hostile toward African Americans’
uri: 2023-05-24-
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#23_May_2023_(naacp_florida_travel_advisory)
content:
 
<p>
The NAACP has published a travel advisory calling on blacks to keep
away from Florida: 
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/21/us/naacp-florida-travel-advisory/index.html">"Beware, your life is not valued."</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#23_May_2023_(worry_about_eating_too_much)
title: Should I worry about eating too many takeaways?
uri: Should-I-worry-about-eating-too-many-takeaways
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#23_May_2023_(worry_about_eating_too_much)
content:
 
<p>
There is indirect evidence that high-fat, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/may/21/should-i-worry-about-eating-too-many-takeaways">high-sugar take-out food
is addictive.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#23_May_2023_(who_taiwan_pressure_china)
title: World Health Assembly locks out Taiwan under pressure from China
uri: World-Health-Assembly-locks-out-Taiwan-under-pressure-from-China
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#23_May_2023_(who_taiwan_pressure_china)
content:
 
<p>
The World Health Organization continues to exclude 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/23/outcry-as-world-health-organization-locks-out-taiwan-under-pressure-from-china">Taiwan in obedience
to China's pressure.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#23_May_2023_(brexit_protestor_steve_bray)
title: Steve Bray vows to continue despite planned crackdown
uri: Steve-Bray-vows-to-continue-despite-planned-crackdown
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#23_May_2023_(brexit_protestor_steve_bray)
content:
 
<p>
UK ministers are trying to find a twisted excuse to arrest a Briton
who has been protesting lawfully for 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/23/anti-brexit-protester-steve-bray-vows-to-continue-despite-planned-crackdown">6 years in front of Parliament.</a>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Urgent:_Reject_Mountain_Pipeline)
title: Urgent: Reject Mountain Pipeline
uri: Urgent-Reject-Mountain-Pipeline
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Urgent:_Reject_Mountain_Pipeline)
content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the Biden Administration to <a href="https://act.350.org/sign/biden-reject-mountain-valley-pipeline/">reject the Mountain
    Valley Pipeline</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Urgent:_Stand_with_the_Banned)
title: Urgent: Stand with the Banned
uri: Urgent-Stand-with-the-Banned
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Urgent:_Stand_with_the_Banned)
content:
 
<p>

  Everyone: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/i-stand-with-the-banned-in-pen-america-v-book-bans">Stand with the Banned in PEN America</a>.

 


title: Stop Google collecting data and aiding abortion prosecutors
uri: Stop-Google-collecting-data-and-aiding-abortion-prosecutors
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Stop_Google_collecting_data_and_aiding_abortion_prosecutors)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Stop_Google_collecting_data_and_aiding_abortion_prosecutors)

content:
 
<p>

Everyone: call on Google to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-google-to-stop-collecting-location-data-and-endangering-abortion-seekers">stop collecting location data and thus aiding
    abortion prosecutors</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_cross-border_arms_trade)
title: Urgent: Stop cross-border arms trade
uri: Urgent-Stop-cross-border-arms-trade
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_cross-border_arms_trade)
content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Biden to <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/go/34272?c0=petition-biden-small-arms-sales.QJXjPc">stop the cross-border arms trade (mainly
    with Mexico)</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_Wall_Street_Looting_Act)
title: Urgent: Stop Wall Street Looting Act
uri: Urgent-Stop-Wall-Street-Looting-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_Wall_Street_Looting_Act)
content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on members of Congress to co-sponsor the <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-congress-co-sponsor-the-stop-wall-street-looting-act">Stop Wall Street Looting
    Act</a>.
<p>
This would make it harder for private equity combinations to destroy
otherwise successful businesses and reduce competition.

 


title: Urgent: Stricter limits on coal plant wastewater
uri: Urgent-Stricter-limits-on-coal-plant-wastewater
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Urgent:_Stricter_limits_on_coal_plant_wastewater)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Urgent:_Stricter_limits_on_coal_plant_wastewater)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#epa">EPA</a> to <a href="https://environmentamerica.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=54435">adopt stricter limits on toxic coal
    plant wastewater</a>.
<p>
To see the reply to signing, erase the CSS from that page.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Assad_forgiven_by_other_Arab_rulers)
title: Assad forgiven by other Arab rulers
uri: Assad-forgiven-by-other-Arab-rulers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Assad_forgiven_by_other_Arab_rulers)
content:
 
<p>

  Syrian dictator Assad has been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/19/syria-bashar-al-assad-receives-warm-welcome-on-arab-league-return">forgiven by the other Arab rulers</a>, who
are more or less repressive themselves.
<p>
  As a result, I fear the worst for <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_January_2018_(Syrian_Kurds_of_Rojava)">Rojava</a>.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(UN_blocked_from_distributing_aid)
title: UN blocked from distributing aid
uri: UN-blocked-from-distributing-aid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(UN_blocked_from_distributing_aid)
content:
 
<p>

  Burma's government is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/may/19/un-denied-access-to-rohingya-refugee-camps-after-cyclone-mocha-myanmar">blocking the UN from distributing aid</a> to
Rohingya refugee camps.

 


title: Private "security" thugs shoots homeless man
uri: Private-security-thugs-shoots-homeless-man
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Private_security_thugs_shoots_homeless_man)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Private_security_thugs_shoots_homeless_man)

content:
 
<p>

  A Walgreens private "security" <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/10/banko-brown-death-san-francisco-walgreens">shot and killed a homeless man</a>,
Banko Brown, whom he accused of stealing snacks.
<p>
If we don't believe that people who can't afford to lawfully get food
deserve to starve to death, we must conclude that they are morally
entitled to take food from wherever there is plenty.  We must also
conclude that the store has no right to hire people to kill them for
trying.
<p>
A good society provides a way for poor people to get enough food
without having to steal.
<p>
Given what platform the district attorney ran on, we cannot trust her
judgment, or her unsupported word, about whether the security guard
had a justification for shooting.  She must release the video.  What
use is a "security" camera if officials cover up what it recorded
about a killing?

 


title: Khan supporters arrested based on camera footage
uri: Khan-supporters-arrested-based-on-camera-footage
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Khan_supporters_arrested_based_on_camera_footage)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Khan_supporters_arrested_based_on_camera_footage)

content:
 
<p>

The Pakistani army and former prime minister Imran Khan have become enemies.
Thousands of Khan's supporters went wild and attacked military buildings.
Now the state is arresting thousands of Khan supporters, and claims it has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/19/pakistan-thousands-imran-khan-supporters-arrested-hundreds-face-trial">identified each one arrested based on camera footage</a>.
<p>
I have no way to reach any conclusion about moral culpability or
justification in this.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Biden_vs_McCarthy)
title: Biden vs McCarthy
uri: Biden-vs-McCarthy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Biden_vs_McCarthy)
content:
 
<p>

Biden vs McCarthy: a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/19/republicans-trump-debt-ceiling-crisis">weak-willed adult is negotiating with a toddler
    in a tantrum</a>.
<p>
I fear that the adult will eventually give in so that the toddler
ends the tantrum.

 


title: Rate of sea-level rise in New York City
uri: Rate-of-sea-level-rise-in-New-York-City
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Rate_of_sea-level_rise_in_New_York_City)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Rate_of_sea-level_rise_in_New_York_City)

content:
 
<p>

The rate of sea-level rise in New York City is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/19/new-york-city-sinking-skyscrapers-climate-crisis">augmented a little
    by the sinking of land under the weight of the skyscrapers</a>.
<p>
The sinking is on the order of 1mm per year, while sea-level rise is
likely to be around 1cm per year and accelerating.

 


title: Teaching children about neural network text generators
uri: Teaching-children-about-neural-network-text-generators
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Teaching_children_about_neural_network_text_generators)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Teaching_children_about_neural_network_text_generators)

content:
 
<p>

Siva Vaidhyanathan finds it easy to catch students who cheated by
using neural network text generators, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/may/18/ai-cheating-teaching-chatgpt-students-college-university">uses the opportunity
    to teach them</a> about the issues those raise &mdash; and the fact that you
can't trust anything they say.
<p>
I am disappointed that he refers to them as "AI".

 


title: Australia badging gas expansion as "sustainable"
uri: Australia-badging-gas-expansion-as-sustainable
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Australia_badging_gas_expansion_as_sustainable)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Australia_badging_gas_expansion_as_sustainable)

content:
 
<p>

*How is Australia trying to sell a major gas expansion? By <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/may/19/how-is-australia-trying-to-sell-a-major-gas-expansion-by-badging-it-sustainable">badging it
    "sustainable"</a>.*
<p>
The plan is to start extracting gas from large reserves, and bet that
carbon capture will be improved fast to cancel that out.
If the bet succeeds, this expansion may be carbon-neutral,
unless something else goes wrong.
<p>
If the bet fails, what will they do?  Shut down the gas extraction?
I don't think so.  They will say, "Too bad, but you can't win 'em all.
Enjoy your increased greenhouse emissions!"
<p>
The only sense in which this is "sustainable" is that they could
hope to sustain the extraction from these new gas fields
until civilization collapses from climate breakdown.
<p>
This is a plan to bet young people's lives.  The owners of those
companies should bet their own lives instead.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Thai_party_for_democracy)
title: Thai party for democracy
uri: Thai-party-for-democracy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Thai_party_for_democracy)
content:
 
<p>

A new Thai party that aims to restore democracy <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/19/rukchanok-srinork-thailand-giant-killing-mp-ice-election-upset">got the most seats
    in parliament</a>.
<p>
The next question is, can it form a coalition that will make some
changes for the good.

 


title: Massachusetts hospitals dropping mask requirements
uri: Massachusetts-hospitals-dropping-mask-requirements
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Massachusetts_hospitals_dropping_mask_requirements)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Massachusetts_hospitals_dropping_mask_requirements)

content:
 
<p>

  Most Massachusetts hospitals are eagerly <a href="https://www.wgbh.org/news/local-news/2023/05/17/immunocompromised-patients-feel-unsafe-as-boston-hospitals-drop-universal-masking">dropping mask requirements</a>.
The 6% of adults of age 18 to 64 who are immunocompromised
are worried this will give them Covid-19
   (or some other respiratory illness).
<p>
1500 people have died from Covid-19 in Massachusetts this year.
I expect there is no way to count how many contracted long Covid
and whose lives are now ruined.
<p>
Hospitals should act to protect patients' health.  When they must
choose, they should choose to protect the wise patients who take
precautions for their health and other people's, rather than catering
to the foolish ones who neglect the matter.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Debt_Limit_Chicken)
title: Debt Limit Chicken
uri: Debt-Limit-Chicken
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Debt_Limit_Chicken)
content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/debt-limit-chicken-house-elections">"Debt Limit Chicken"</a> is a direct result of anti-democratic US house
[of representatives] elections.*
<p>
The reason so many house districts are not competitive is in large part
due to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#20_November_2021_(Gerrymandering)">Republican gerrymandering</a>.

 


title: Muscovites ordered to use internet voting system
uri: Muscovites-ordered-to-use-internet-voting-system
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Muscovites_ordered_to_use_internet_voting_system)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Muscovites_ordered_to_use_internet_voting_system)

content:
 
<p>

Some Muscovites are being <a href="https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/09/08/russians-say-they-are-being-forced-to-vote-in-elections-this-time-online-a74999">pressured, even ordered</a>, to register to vote
through an internet voting system.
  Such systems tend to be greatly insecure, and not to be trusted.
<p>
  Putin has made a practice of rigging elections for years, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2007-nov-feb.html#26%20January%202008%20(Russian%20elections)">often blatantly</a>.
  It is not clear that what a voter actually does has any effect on
the "results" that Putin's state will report.  But it might.
Therefore, I think it is good not to actually vote.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Election_observers_arrested)
title: Election observers arrested
uri: Election-observers-arrested
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Election_observers_arrested)
content:
 
<p>

  *Turkish Elections: Erdoğan’s Government <a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/05/18/turkey-election-international-observer-spain/">Arrested and Expelled</a> International
Election Observers.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Criminal_records_of_juveniles)
title: Criminal records of juveniles
uri: Criminal-records-of-juveniles
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Criminal_records_of_juveniles)
content:
 
<p>

Louisiana is considering a bill to require just three cities &mdash; with
mostly black residents &mdash; to <a href="https://www.nola.com/news/politics/legislature/louisiana-house-votes-to-make-youth-crime-records-public/article_984f43b8-f04b-11ed-962a-db12781c9a91.html">publish criminal records of juveniles</a>.
<p>
The purpose of not publishing the criminal records of juveniles is to
help them to turn away from crime.  So why adopt the opposite policy
mainly for blacks?  Perhaps it is to lead black teenagers into a life
of crime, so as to put them in prison.

 


title: Compensation for damage from fossil fuel companies
uri: Compensation-for-damage-from-fossil-fuel-companies
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Compensation_for_damage_from_fossil_fuel_companies)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#24_May_2023_(Compensation_for_damage_from_fossil_fuel_companies)

content:
 
<p>

Arguing that fossil fuel companies <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/19/fossil-fuel-firms-owe-climate-reparations-of-209bn-a-year-says-study">owe a total of $200 billion per
    year</a> in compensation for some of the kinds of damage their products
have done.
<p>
I fear that arguing about the amount of "compensation" various companies
and states ought to pay will act as a distraction from the crucial issue:
how to build sustainable power facilities fast and wind up fossil fuel
use soon.
<p>
The companies will resist reducing the amount of fossil fuels they sell,
and they will resist paying reparations.  I think the wise choice is to focus
on avoiding more damage than on making them pay for it.
<p>
Meanwhile, we should certainly tax these companies (and other rich companies)
a lot more.  I suggest the method I described in
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/progressive-tax-on-business-gross-income.html">https://stallman.org/articles/progressive-tax-on-business-gross-income.html</a>
.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Stand up for Social Security and Medicare.
uri: Urgent-Stand-up-for-Social-Security-and-Medicare
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#26_May_2023_(Urgent:_stand_up_for_Social_Security_and__Medicare.)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#26_May_2023_(Urgent:_stand_up_for_Social_Security_and__Medicare.)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/stand-up-for-social-security-and-medicare?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-republicans-best-kept-secret-2">call on Congress</a>
to stand up for Social Security and  Medicare.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Pass the Supreme Court Ethics Act
uri: Urgent-Pass-the-Supreme-Court-Ethics-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#26_May_2023_(Urgent:_Pass_the_Supreme_Court_Ethics_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#26_May_2023_(Urgent:_Pass_the_Supreme_Court_Ethics_Act)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-to-congress-stop-the-corruption-the-supreme-court-must-be-made-to-follow-basic-ethics-standards-3?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-patriotic-millionaires&source=direct_link">call on Congress</a>
to Pass the Supreme Court Ethics Act.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#26_May_2023_(Waiting_for_justice)
title: Waiting for justice
uri: Waiting-for-justice
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#26_May_2023_(Waiting_for_justice)
content:
 
<p>
Ammar al-Baluchi is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/16/ammar-al-baluchi-guantanamo-bay-torture">still in Guantanamo after 21 years</a>.
 He is not allowed to tell us about how he was tortured, but what we know is horrific.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#26_May_2023_(Applying_the_new_Public_Order_Act,_UK)
title: Applying the new Public Order Act, UK
uri: Applying-the-new-Public-Order-Act-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#26_May_2023_(Applying_the_new_Public_Order_Act,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
An "assistant commissioner" of the UK's somewhat-national <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department
asserted that he
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/may/17/senior-met-officer-denies-political-pressure-to-arrest-king-charles-coronation-protesters">felt no political pressure</a>
to arrest peaceful protesters at the king's coronation.
<p>
If that is true, why, then, did he disregard their rights?
My guess is that there was pressure and he is covering it up.

<p>
 


title: New article: Censorship and Oppression
uri: New-article-Censorship-and-Oppression
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#26_May_2023_(New_article:_Censorship_and_Oppression)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#26_May_2023_(New_article:_Censorship_and_Oppression)

content:
 
<p>
New article:
<blockquote>
<a href="https://stallman.org/censorship-and-repression.html">Censorship and Oppression</a>
</blockquote>

<p>
 


title: Morality Substitutes or Moral Enhancement?
uri: Morality-Substitutes-or-Moral-Enhancement
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#26_May_2023_(Morality_Substitutes_or_Moral_Enhancement_)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#26_May_2023_(Morality_Substitutes_or_Moral_Enhancement_)

content:
 
<p>
  <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140712133820/http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/stallman20130731">Morality Substitutes or Moral Enhancement?</a>.
  
<p>
 


title: Wildfires hit residences, oil production, CAN
uri: Wildfires-hit-residences-oil-production-CAN
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#26_May_2023_(Wildfires_hit_residences,_oil_production,_CAN)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#26_May_2023_(Wildfires_hit_residences,_oil_production,_CAN)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/16/alberta-wildfires-canada">Alberta is suffering</a>
from a rash of wildfires.
<p>
Alberta has been doing its best to cause wildfires around the world
by <a href="/archives/2014-mar-jun.html#29_May_2014_(Canada_attacks_science)">digging up the oil sands</a>
to sell tar sands oil.   It brought these fires on itself.












 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#27_May_2023_(Upcoming_talk,_June_5)
title: Upcoming talk, June 5
uri: Upcoming-talk-June-5
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#27_May_2023_(Upcoming_talk,_June_5)
content:
 
<p>
On Monday, June 5th, RMS will <a href="/talks.html#2023Jun5">give a talk</a>,
"Digital Freedom and Digital Privacy",
in Rende, Italy, in the Great Hall at the University of Calabria.
<p>
The talk will follow a roundtable, "Relating Language Models, Future Artificial Intelligence,
Massive Data Collection, Open Source, and Free (Libre) Software":<br>
Moderator: Giovambattista Ianni, Professor of Computer Science
Participants:<br>
Vincenzo Bruno, Founder of Coopyleft<br>
Ines Crispini, Steering Board of the Italian Society for AI Ethics<br>
Stefano De Carlo, Board of Hacklab<br>
Gianluigi Greco, President of the Italian Assoc. for Artificial Intelligence <br>
Antonello Mantuano, Senior director of Cerved S.p.A.<br>
Giuseppe Rossi, Director of Unical's ICT Services<br>
Domenico Talia, Professor of Information Processing Systems<br>
<p>
Both are in English.




<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#27_May_2023_(Urgent:_Avoid_benefits_outage)
title: Urgent: Avoid benefits outage
uri: Urgent-Avoid-benefits-outage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#27_May_2023_(Urgent:_Avoid_benefits_outage)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: if your congresscritter is a Republican, phone per at
1-833-964-2935 to call for raising taxes on the rich rather than
cutting the benefits that non-rich Americans (even those with jobs)
depend on.  You could add, "Don't threaten to make the US default."

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#27_May_2023_(Urgent:_Expand_the_Supreme_Court)
title: Urgent: Expand the Supreme Court
uri: 2023-05-28-Urgent-Expand-the-Supreme-Court
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#27_May_2023_(Urgent:_Expand_the_Supreme_Court)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-congress-must-expand-the-supreme-court?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-just-strategy&source=group-just-strategy">call on Congress</a>
to expand the Supreme Court.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>,
<a href="tel:+18888186641">+1-888-818-6641</a> and
<a href="tel:+18883553588">+1-888-355-3588</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Direct more pay to workers and less to CEOs
uri: Urgent-Direct-more-pay-to-workers-and-less-to-CEOs
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#27_May_2023_(Urgent:_Direct_more_pay_to_workers_and_less_to_CEOs)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#27_May_2023_(Urgent:_Direct_more_pay_to_workers_and_less_to_CEOs)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-president-biden-to-spend-public-money-for-the-public-good?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-tell-the-biden-administration-that-public-money-should-be-for-the-public-good-not-wall-street-6">call on Biden</a>
to use federal spending rules to direct more pay to workers and less to CEOs.
<p>The White House comments lines are 
<a href="tel:+12024561111">+1-202-456-1111</a>
and (TTY/TDD) +1-202-456-6213.</p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#27_May_2023_(Protest-repression,_AU)
title: Protest-repression, AU
uri: Protest-repression-AU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#27_May_2023_(Protest-repression,_AU)
content:
 
<p>
South Australia has passed repressive
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/may/22/sa-opposition-leader-criticised-over-beheading-remark-when-defending-anti-protest-laws">laws against protests</a>
that might
inconvenience others, and one of the politicians who voted for it says,
"be grateful we won't cut your head off."
<p>
The protests that the state wanted to prevent were going to be against
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#planet">planet roaster</a> companies that <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_(Fossil_fuel_health_effects)">already kill people</a>
by the hundreds of
thousands, and are <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-mar-jun.html#30_May_2022_(Planet_roaster_companies_building_carbon_bombs)">working on raising</a>
that to hundreds of millions.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#27_May_2023_(NHS_privatization_strategy)
title: NHS privatization strategy
uri: NHS-privatization-strategy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#27_May_2023_(NHS_privatization_strategy)
content:
 
<p>
*It's a horribly
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/15/nhs-doctors-staff-health-service-patients">effective [Tory] ploy</a>:
under invest in the health service, then encourage patients to blame staff for any failures.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#27_May_2023_(Sec._of_[oil]_Transportation)
title: Sec. of [oil] Transportation
uri: Sec-of-oil-Transportation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#27_May_2023_(Sec._of_[oil]_Transportation)
content:
 
<p>
Buttigieg is going all-out to push for oil drilling in the Uinta basin
of the Colorado Plateau, and to
<a href="https://www.levernews.com/biden-admin-boosts-big-oils-colorado-river-scheme/?utm_source=newsletter-email&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=newsletter-article&attribution_id=6466e145d4231c000178836a&attribution_type=post">transport the oil</a>
long distances by train alongside the Colorado River.
<p>
He is also planning to approve tax breaks for building the line for
these trains, so the owners can get a subsidy to prepare to poison the
water of a large region of the US.
<p>
There is no room in the carbon budget for developing any <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-sep-dec.html#15_November_2022_(Planet_roasters_planning_to_exceed_the_carbon_budget_even_further)">new oil fields</a>,
   no matter where the oil might be sent or how.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#27_May_2023_(Public_land_for_housing,_UK)
title: Public land for housing, UK
uri: Public-land-for-housing-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#27_May_2023_(Public_land_for_housing,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
Starmer has proposed a real, significant change: to build millions of
housing units under government direction, to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/may/21/keir-starmer-labour-housebuilding-green-belts-new-towns">avoid a massive give-away</a>
to the rich.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#27_May_2023_(Splinternet,_RU)
title: Splinternet, RU
uri: Splinternet-RU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#27_May_2023_(Splinternet,_RU)
content:
 
<p>
*You Should
<a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2022/03/you-should-not-trust-russias-new-trusted-root-ca">Not Trust Russia’s</a>
New "Trusted Root [certification authority for https]".*


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#27_May_2023_(Elections_disinformation,_UK_and_US)
title: Elections disinformation, UK and US
uri: Elections-disinformation-UK-and-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#27_May_2023_(Elections_disinformation,_UK_and_US)
content:
 
<p>
*Elections in
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/may/20/elections-in-uk-and-us-at-risk-from-ai-driven-disinformation-say-experts">UK and US at risk</a>
from [neural-network-generated] disinformation, say experts.*
<p>
To refer to these systems as "artificial intelligence" spreads confusion,
so I don't call them that.  Please join me in that refusal.

<p>
 


