Proposed contact-tracing apps would do a lousy job, because what they try to do is very different from real, effective contact tracing.

Don't assume that a system, once actually in use, will respect any sort of privacy for anyone.

I hope the US does set up effective contact tracing, and if I am ever called because of a rational suspicion that I am infected and asked about my contacts, I will do my best to cooperate. If I am told I am likely to be infected, I will stay inside to protect others. But I will not use something that would let the state track my movements even if I do not become infected. I will _not_ carry a portable phone.

To throw freedom and privacy overboard to avoid a small incremental risk to health is folly. We need to maintain our freedom and privacy along with our health.

US citizens: call on Congress to reject a bailout for big oil.

Billionaires' investment clubs ("private equity") are taking advantage of the crisis to move in on corporations that are experiencing losses.

A former US convict talks about how much he appreciated having a tablet in his cell.

It makes me terribly sad to see this praise for a tablet full of nonfree software. Surely he is running several nonfree apps designed to mistreat the user.

I won't deny the benefit he reports. A computer can be very useful, even while mistreating its user in ways most people don't recognize. However, the mistreatment is entirely avoidable. A tablet with free software could have done the same jobs.

China is pushing again to impose total control over Hong Kong. Protests will be necessary again soon.