# articles

feed_id: ba885749ae633259ce1474e8aa874d28
title: Oil leases
uri: Oil-leases
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Oil_leases%29
content:
<p>
As the US government
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/07/22/online-lease-sale-aims-chill-opposition">sells
more oil leases in the Gulf of Mexico</a>, each one making it harder
to avoid global climate disaster, it is moving the sales to a web site
so that people have no place to protest any more.
<p>
Digital technology allows the powerful to act in secret
while enabling them to snoop on the rest of us.


feed_id: b6e68fb2e2ce6a82829970e6e4ccacf3
title: Australia's immigration prisons
uri: 2016-08-02-Australia-s-immigration-prisons
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Australia%27s_immigration_prisons%29

content:
<p>
An Spanish company has 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/jul/25/ferrovial-staff-risk-prosecution-for-managing-australian-detention-camps">bought
the firm</a> that operates Australia's offshore immigration prisons.
Its directors and staff have been warned they could be prosecuted for
this.


feed_id: 981ee55155668cbd4f70bb9821ea5abd
title: Wasserman Schultz
uri: Wasserman-Schultz
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Wasserman_Schultz%29
content:
<p>
Rep. Wasserman Schultz
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/24/debbie-wasserman-schultz-resigns-dnc-chair-emails-sanders">says
she will soon resign</a> as head of the Democratic National Committee.
Her persistent sabotage of the Sanders campaign, now revealed, shows
she was dishonest in office.
<p>
Unfortunately, she has already succeeded in her dirty work.


feed_id: 44db218e93f317e9b7b15c5e3ad99cd7
title: Palestinian wells
uri: Palestinian-wells
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Palestinian_wells%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://imemc.org/article/army-destroys-water-wells-damages-property-in-hebron/">Israeli
soldiers destroyed Palestinian wells</a> and the entrances of
buildings in Hebron.


feed_id: 982c0f0614971160f160577325de92ff
title: Chemical toxicity
uri: Chemical-toxicity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Chemical_toxicity%29
content:
<p>
When a pesticide contains two chemicals that are supposed to
potentiate each other, the EPA 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/07/19/damning-probe-finds-epa-turning-blind-eye-toxic-chemical-cocktails">judges
toxicity for each chemical separately</a>.


feed_id: 2a3c92d54a708530bbaea763dba28edd
title: Trump supporters
uri: Trump-supporters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Trump_supporters%29
content:
<p>
Trump supporters are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/24/trump-supporters-rnc-worried-about-mortgage-not-melania">desperate
for jobs that they can live on</a>, and are desperate to support
someone who isn't part of the bipartisan establishment.


feed_id: 37c0c87a84f71de7270b9c866553c011
title: Cambodian dissident leader murdered
uri: Cambodian-dissident-leader-murdered
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Cambodian_dissident_leader_murdered%29

content:
<p>
Cambodian dissident leader Kem Ley 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/24/cambodians-funeral-procession-kem-ley-murdered-government-critic">was
murdered</a>, and the state seems to have made someone confess and
give an incredible story.


feed_id: 701ee5ae945eb67fc2e6796235d3369f
title: French thug
uri: French-thug
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28French_thug%29
content:
<p>
A French thug says she was 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/24/french-minister-sues-police-officer-over-nice-bastille-day-claims">pressured
by a government official to misreport and erase data about the Nice
attentat</a>.  The French minister in charge is suing her for saying
this.


feed_id: 35e1fb653b95b1a2c8692ecac8982907
title: Dallas thugs
uri: Dallas-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Dallas_thugs%29
content:
<p>
Dallas thugs 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/07/24/killing-robots-increases-militarization-police">had
no justification for using remote-control robot to kill Micah Xavier
Johnson</a>, because they had no need to kill him.
<p>
Since they had him cornered, they could have waited till he fell
asleep, then captured him.


feed_id: 9744086aeab3f9b5e4caf5f6f6cca914
title: Federal funding for abortions
uri: Federal-funding-for-abortions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Federal_funding_for_abortions%29
content:
<p>
One good thing we can expect Clinton to try to do is to provide
<a href="http://thinkprogress.org/health/2016/07/22/3801035/us-hyde-amendment-global-comparison/">federal
funding for abortions</a>.


feed_id: c8832e3184a96528e5ecff008aa813bb
title: Racial bias in massive surveillance
uri: Racial-bias-in-massive-surveillance
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Racial_bias_in_massive_surveillance%29

content:
<p>
Congress is considering ways to eliminate 
<a href="http://www.freepress.net/blog/2016/07/18/stopping-race-biased-surveillance-should-top-agenda-fourth-amendment-caucus">racial
bias in massive surveillance</a>.
<p>
Massive surveillance
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">is
oppressive</a> for other reasons, so the proper goal is to reduce it
to an acceptable level for everyone.


feed_id: 83931a6c7306016a07fc18dec94ec260
title: Turkey shutting down news sources
uri: Turkey-shutting-down-news-sources
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Turkey_shutting_down_news_sources%29

content:
<p>
With Turkey 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/22/biggest-witch-hunt-turkish-history-coup-erdogan-europe-help">shutting
down many news sources</a>, heroic journalist Can Dündar calls for
Europe to help defend Turkey's freedom, somehow.


feed_id: 06363d0ad8d9f45c71d82da9da9931e3
title: Music festival drug test
uri: Music-festival-drug-test
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Music_festival_drug_test%29
content:
<p>
A music festival
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jul/24/secret-garden-party-pioneers-drugs-testing-for-festival-goers">offers
to test people's drugs</a> to warn of dangerous contaminants or
unexpected potency.


feed_id: a887638e6ef8c9a51bc3b2d97da17049
title: Trump's tax plan
uri: Trump-s-tax-plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Trump%27s_tax_plan%29
content:
<p>
Trump's tax plan 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/us-money-blog/2016/jul/24/trump-tax-plan-average-american-burden">is
an old, familiar right-wing flat tax scheme</a>, designed to cut taxes
for the rich while offering insignificant tax cuts for the non-rich.


feed_id: a5b1a1325049d4838157aa1c8555d413
title: Eliminating polio in Nigeria
uri: Eliminating-polio-in-Nigeria
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Eliminating_polio_in_Nigeria%29
content:
<p>
One more year of vaccinating every child in Nigeria 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/jul/24/only-complacency-can-stop-nigeria-and-africa-from-finally-conquering-polio">should
eliminate polio there permanently</a>.
<p>
I hope that Boko Haram does not get in the way.


feed_id: a541df0b01f39ed260ae675b7f5bb7f2
title: Obstacles to voting
uri: Obstacles-to-voting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Obstacles_to_voting%29
content:
<p>
The Republican Party 
<a href="http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/07/23/3801388/voter-id-rnc/">officially
stands for more obstacles to voting</a>.


feed_id: 1bd152ef614bf77313269e61abaa26df
title: Indian thug
uri: Indian-thug
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Indian_thug%29
content:
<p>
Indian thug Thounaojam Herojit advanced from capturing and killing
guerrilla fighters in India to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/21/confessions-of-a-killer-policeman-india-manipur">shooting
unarmed people on suspicion</a>.  Eventually he felt compelled to
confess.


feed_id: fed5dfc50f469d43cf7c9d918722a21d
title: US bombing in Manbij
uri: US-bombing-in-Manbij
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28US_bombing_in_Manbij%29
content:
<p>
A US bombing in Manbij seems to have killed 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/22/us-airstrikes-syria-manbij-civilian-deaths">73
or more civilians</a>.
<p>
The US should not try to downplay the damage, but capturing Manbij is
a battlefield, and a crucial military objective for defeating PISSI.
Using drones for battlefield air support is legitimate.


feed_id: ccec1efdc9dc5816de963f524d0fba9d
title: Reports of torture in Turkey
uri: Reports-of-torture-in-Turkey
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Reports_of_torture_in_Turkey%29
content:
<p>
Amnesty International is getting reports that Turkish soldiers accused
of participating in the coup are being
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/23/turkey-coup-arrests-erdogan-witch-hunt">tortured
in prison</a>.


feed_id: 7bfd6a91eb229ae74fb74da6bb8ba07d
title: Aleppo running out of food and water
uri: Aleppo-running-out-of-food-and-water
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Aleppo_running_out_of_food_and_water%29

content:
<p>
Aleppo, under siege by Russia, is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/24/russian-airstrikes-aleppo-starvation-assad-siege">running
out of food and water</a>.
<p>
Assad's air force 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/24/five-clinics-in-northern-syria-hit-by-regime-air-raids-say-activists">bombed
five clinics and a blood bank</a>, in and near Aleppo.
<p>
There are over 300,000 people in the city, and Assad might well kill
as many of them as he dares, since he regards them as his enemies.
<p>
But I don't see how the US could stop this without risking something
much worse.


feed_id: befcf5ac219bb076d017f95fa68ab530
title: Personal details in leaked emails
uri: Personal-details-in-leaked-emails
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Personal_details_in_leaked_emails%29

content:
<p>
Wikileaks 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/07/22/dnc-staffers-mocked-the-bernie-sanders-campaign-leaked-emails-show/">published
leaked emails</a> from the Democratic National Committee.  In addition
to somewhat scandalous efforts to undermine the Sanders campaign, they
also include
<a href="http://gizmodo.com/wikileaks-just-published-tons-of-personal-data-like-a-b-1784140603">people's
personal data including credit card numbers</a>.
<p>
I agree that Wikileaks should have deleted those personal details.


feed_id: 11a21487338e1d6897be232f843f60c7
title: Glass-Steagall Act
uri: Glass-Steagall-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Glass-Steagall_Act%29
content:
<p>
Both the Republican and Democratic platforms
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/07/22/occupy-protests-platforms">support
restoring the Glass-Steagall Act</a>. If only Clinton were in favor of
it, maybe it would happen.


feed_id: 902743149622607ce18251009c3623a2
title: High temperatures
uri: High-temperatures
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28High_temperatures%29
content:
<p>
Places in the Middle East have hit 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/07/22/scorching-middle-east-beats-all-time-heat-records-eastern-hemisphere">record
high temperatures</a>, exceeded
<em>perhaps</em> just once in Death Valley.


feed_id: b0ee5dc5a441394e44251eaa7ecc43ba
title: Trump's insults
uri: Trump-s-insults
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Trump%27s_insults%29
content:
<p>
George Lakoff: Trump's insults are 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/07/22/understanding-trump">calculated
to make certain people see him as "the winner" who can beat up anyone
else</a>, so they want to be on his side.
<p>
Lakoff also explains how to counter that effect successfully.


feed_id: 7cd0525937107e59008b18f52eba8204
title: Billed for cavity search without consent
uri: Billed-for-cavity-search-without-consent
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Billed_for_cavity_search_without_consent%29

content:
<p>
If you get billed for a cavity search done on you without your
consent, you
<a href="http://loweringthebar.net/2016/07/cbp-to-settle.html">may at
least get a lot of money for it</a>.


feed_id: 2861b9a6660199f272265b8bb853ff27
title: More right-wing than most Democrats
uri: More-right-wing-than-most-Democrats
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28More_right-wing_than_most_Democrats%29

content:
<p>
Tim Kaine is
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/07/23/tim-kaine-has-troubling-record-labor-issues">more
right-wing</a> than most Democrats, on labor issues.


feed_id: e65150a16adf1215fa32c1eedb6edbfa
title: Trump cheated painting contractor
uri: Trump-cheated-painting-contractor
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Trump_cheated_painting_contractor%29

content:
<p>
Trump 
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/7/22/1551158/-Judge-orders-Trump-to-pay-nearly-300-000-in-attorney-fees-for-stiffing-painting-contractor">cheated
a painting contractor of $34,000</a> for work done.  Now a court has
put a $300,000 lien on one of Trump's properties to pay the contractor
and his fees.
<p>
This is what the real Trump looks like.


feed_id: c3aa2d093190f2a333e689c14d9a5239
title: Israeli extremists
uri: Israeli-extremists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Israeli_extremists%29
content:
<p>
Israeli extremists
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/23/israel-palestine-poetry-mahmoud-darwish">condemn
the presentation on Israeli Army radio of a poem by Palestinian poet
Mahmoud Darwish</a>, which presents rage against the occupation of
Palestine. The line quoted seems perfectly reasonable to me, for
anyone who is oppressed.
<p>
The fundamental, repeated distortion of Israel's Arab-haters is that
resentment against the occupation is no different from Hitler's
antisemitism.  This is why we must be very careful to study campaigns
against antisemitism to exclude opposition to the occupation from
their targets.


feed_id: 8a38c5affd0daf6e091508ad5d442646
title: Persistent harassment by thugs
uri: Persistent-harassment-by-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Persistent_harassment_by_thugs%29
content:
<p>
Ieshia Evans described the persistent harassment by the thugs that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/22/i-wasnt-afraid-i-took-a-stand-in-baton-rouge-because-enough-is-enough">inspired
her to go to Baton Rouge and protest the killing Alton Sterling</a>.
<p>
Thugs continued that system of persecution when they arrested her
there for standing on the sidewalk.  She was standing there to
criticize them, and they think they have a license to mistreat people
for that.


feed_id: 40c65af175ea82986dae38335c91c0fd
title: Use of Republican Convention for marketing
uri: Use-of-Republican-Convention-for-marketing
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Use_of_Republican_Convention_for_marketing%29

content:
<p>
Trump's daughter
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/23/ivanka-trump-republican-convention-fashion">used
her appearance at the Republican Convention</a> as a marketing
opportunity.
<p>
Following the influence of her father, apparently.  She also followed
him in spouting unbelievable claims about what he would do for the
American people.


feed_id: 2b95661613fbc5568bf3d77611198336
title: Erdo&gbreve;an ruling by decree
uri: Erdo-gbreve-an-ruling-by-decree
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Erdogan_ruling_by_decree%29
content:
<p>
Erdo&gbreve;an, ruling by decree, has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/23/turkey-erdogan-closure-of-1000-private-schools-gulen">shut
1000 private schools arbitrarily</a>. Hospitals, universities and
charities have been arbitrarily closed too.
<p>
Basically, he has abolished rule of law and human rights in Turkey.


feed_id: 816cf662dd48fc6ef227df9586775d66
title: Indian forest people's rights
uri: Indian-forest-people-s-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Indian_forest_people%27s_rights%29
content:
<p>
India should respect 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/jul/22/india-follow-china-saving-forest-people-land-rights">forest
people's rights to their land</a> so they can resist deforestation.


feed_id: 7d9a387e718315c5547723773eddae50
title: Clinton's running mate
uri: Clinton-s-running-mate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Clinton%27s_running_mate%29
content:
<p>
Clinton 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/07/23/clintons-f-you-progressives-how-trump-could-become-president">picked
another non-very-progressive Democrat</a> as her running mate,
confirming what we knew: she is going to obey the banksters.
<p>
I disagree partly with the article's stance.  The choice of running
mate has little substantive effect; whatever choice she might have
made would not have altered my opinion of her.


feed_id: 13601504e005d65e6e5b926d8e20b78b
title: Photos of clothed women
uri: Photos-of-clothed-women
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Photos_of_clothed_women%29
content:
<p>
Some people
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/23/thousands-of-women-unknowingly-have-intrusive-photos-shared-on-twitter">think
it is shocking</a> that photos of clothed women in public places are
being posted on Twitter.  They seem to imply that this should not be
allowed.
<p>
I strongly disagree.  When you are in public, people have a right to
occasionally take photos of you, and post them — whether you
like it or not.
<p>
One of the objections is that these photos often emphasize the clothed
breasts or public area of a woman.  What exactly do they suggest as
the criterion for what to prohibit?  That the breasts and/or pubic
area are part of the picture?  (But how can you take a photo that
isn't a close-up without including them?)  Or that the rest of the
body is not included?  (Should cropping a photo be a crime?)


feed_id: 091934bbf7ec2e1d1806c9327846131c
title: Military gear for thugs
uri: Military-gear-for-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Military_gear_for_thugs%29
content:
<p>
Is Obama's Recent Ban on Military Gear to [thugs]
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/07/22/obamas-recent-ban-military-gear-police-already-coming-end">Already
Coming to an End</a>?


feed_id: 23ae5f6eeddbc2266d8c71ee434ce489
title: Thug reform
uri: Thug-reform
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Thug_reform%29
content:
<p>
Want [thug] Reform? 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/07/22/want-police-reform-charge-rich-people-more-speeding-tickets">Charge
Rich People More for Speeding Tickets</a>.
<p>
This might cancel out the current tendency to pick on the poor to fine them.


feed_id: bcd3ffb95c5b749d2e53bb090ed3f1db
title: Oil Lobby
uri: Oil-Lobby
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Oil_Lobby%29
content:
<p>
Oil Lobby 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/07/22/oil-lobby-paid-washington-post-and-atlantic-to-host-climate-change-deniers-at-rnc/">Paid
Washington Post and Atlantic</a> to Host Climate-Change Deniers at RNC.


feed_id: 91141b6494e701b1ede7adeb1a32c706
title: Pentagon
uri: 2016-08-02-Pentagon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Pentagon%29
content:
<p>
The Pentagon <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/22/pentagon-journalists-revises-law-of-war-manual">has changed</a> its manual of the rules of war, so that independent
reporters are no longer classed as belligerents or spies.


feed_id: 5a82f4f6a6d4561f45098ccda366c0f4
title: Patent nonaggression
uri: Patent-nonaggression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Patent_nonaggression%29
content:
<p>
Another company has
<a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/07/blockstream-commits-patent-nonaggression">committed
not to use its patents for aggression</a>.


feed_id: 77e830bc28e9c32ee110d37da00d5e9a
title: TPP
uri: 2016-08-02-TPP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28TPP%29
content:
<p>
Rep. Pelosi said she will 
<a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/07/success-leader-pelosi-stands-users-oppose-tpp">fight
against a lame-duck approval of the TPP</a>.


feed_id: 224ca4e40383c7f3c7e40f08b30c0764
title: B'liar
uri: 2016-08-02-B-liar
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28B%27liar%29
content:
<p>
A UK union
leader 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jul/22/intelligence-services-using-dark-practices-against-jeremy-corbyn">suggests
that government provocateurs are behind abusive attacks against
B'liarite Labour MPs</a>.


feed_id: 495520aab54bb1c1c6d20aacda75c444
title: UK privatized prison
uri: UK-privatized-prison
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28UK_privatized_prison%29
content:
<p>
A UK privatized prison allowed a prisoner to die by 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jul/22/natasha-chin-dies-bronzefield-prison-sodexo">ignoring
her alarm bell for two hours</a>.
<p>
Perhaps they didn't hire enough staff — to make a profit,
they've got cut corners somehow.


feed_id: f7ab82fb1b02a6f313ea9c48f11c2d63
title: Atlanta thug
uri: Atlanta-thug
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Atlanta_thug%29
content:
<p>
An Atlanta thug was 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/22/atlanta-police-shooting-deravis-rogers-james-burns-murder-charge">charged
with murdering a driver who was clearly not threatening him</a>.
Protesters did not have to fight to prosecute.


feed_id: 68e62e4f1426f7258a27ba1bb596c0cd
title: The shadow of big business
uri: The-shadow-of-big-business
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28The_shadow_of_big_business%29
content:
<p>
John Dewey: "As long as politics is the shadow cast on society by big
business, the 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/07/21/john-dewey-was-right-american-politics-merely-shadow-cast-big-business">attenuation
of the shadow will not change the substance</a>."  With Clinton, as
with Obama, we see this confirmed.


feed_id: 453c16c9b3364df33632ba33590ae401
title: Coral reefs
uri: Coral-reefs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Coral_reefs%29
content:
<p>
A study of 1700 coral reefs finds that
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/07/20/study-climate-change-causing-widespread-global-coral-reef-degradation">global
heating is the main cause of damage to them</a>. Variations in local
conditions don't make much difference to the health of the reefs,
compared with the effects of temperature.


feed_id: f2c56f5c58f49395577299821c5a979f
title: Michael Moore thinks Trump will win
uri: Michael-Moore-thinks-Trump-will-win
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Michael_Moore_thinks_Trump_will_win%29

content:
<p>
Michael Moore
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/07/21/sorry-buzzkill-michael-moore-predicts-trump-victory">thinks
that Trump will win</a>.
<p>
Trump gets real appeal to people that hate 
<a href="https://stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">"free
trade" treaties</a>, even though he's just talking and there is no
reason to believe he will really do anything for those people.


feed_id: 9b4886b2f7e77ad3facbc0ef0193c482
title: Women stop playing rigged capitalist game
uri: Women-stop-playing-rigged-capitalist-game
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Women_stop_playing_rigged_capitalist_game%29

content:
<p>
An executive said that women in the advertising business don't reach
the top because they'd rather have a good life than compete
no-holds-barred for the top slot.
<p>
Maybe we should <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/02/women-stop-playing-rigged-capitalist-game-saatchi-kevin-roberts">all learn from their wisdom</a>.


feed_id: 74af1b159001bdab3536fd31edf09b87
title: Fast-Growing Corporate Evils
uri: Fast-Growing-Corporate-Evils
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Fast-Growing_Corporate_Evils%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/01/fast-growing-corporate-evils-should-be-media-issuesand-campaign-issues">Fast-Growing Corporate Evils</a> That Should Be Media Issues...and Campaign Issues.


feed_id: 8ad4a5d98870d4e36972a95c2571117b
title: Environment climate change records broken
uri: Environment-climate-change-records-broken
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Environment_climate_change_records_broken%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/02/environment-climate-change-records-broken-international-report">Dangerous climate records are being set all around the world</a>, as sea
level rises, drought spreads on land, and ecosystems are driven awry.


feed_id: 3778dd80ff1fbc058cc203f7cad13569
title: Many children in the UK now go hungry
uri: Many-children-in-the-UK-now-go-hungry
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Many_children_in_the_UK_now_go_hungry%29

content:
<p>
Many children in the UK now go hungry, and repression is present in the
social institutions that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/02/school-lunch-punish-children-hunger-food-bank">enforce Tory austerity</a>.


feed_id: 1936850b1a5c9b2b7c90a44bec7013c8
title: A Republican congresscritter has endorsed Clinton
uri: A-Republican-congresscritter-has-endorsed-Clinton
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28A_Republican_congresscritter_has_endorsed_Clinton%29

content:
<p>
A <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/02/republican-congressman-richard-hanna-endorses-hillary-clinton">Republican congresscritter</a> has endorsed Clinton.
<p>
On the one hand, it is a good thing that Republican office holders
refuse their support to Trump.  On the other hand, it was made easier
by the things that are Republican about Clinton.


feed_id: 15a81f346788e8f33e1690608ab788a1
title: The New Green Grid
uri: The-New-Green-Grid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28The_New_Green_Grid%29
content:
<p>
"Virtual power plants" that shift between various sources, including
batteries and load reduction, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/02/the-new-green-grid-utilities-deploy-virtual-power-plants">reduce peak energy demand</a>.


feed_id: db2b80332069be34a5ba7d276c678818
title: Russian propaganda western media manipulation
uri: Russian-propaganda-western-media-manipulation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Russian_propaganda_western_media_manipulation%29

content:
<p>
Russian News May Be Biased -â But <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/02/russian-propaganda-western-media-manipulation">So Is Much Western Media</a>.


feed_id: b27fcf16f94058f49f166427e45665e3
title: Irish Bank executives sent to prison for fraud
uri: Irish-Bank-executives-sent-to-prison-for-fraud
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Irish_Bank_executives_sent_to_prison_for_fraud%29

content:
<p>
Three bank executives in Ireland have been <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/01/unlike-us-ireland-just-sent-three-bankers-jail-role-2008-crisis">sentenced to prison for fraud</a>.
<p>
The US government could do this, if it had a president that didn't
serve the banksters.


feed_id: f67096ff99af0edf3f27c58df190184d
title: Billionaire school privatizers campaigning
uri: Billionaire-school-privatizers-campaigning
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Billionaire_school_privatizers_campaigning%29

content:
<p>
Billionaire school privatizers such as Bill Gates are campaigning to
replace a Washington State judge who ruled that <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/01/washington-state-charter-school-backers-want-oust-judge-who-authored-anti-charter">the state cannot subsidize charter schools</a>.


feed_id: 412956a82a77e0e696c36b2da627ecd7
title: Urgent: How does AirBnB raise rents for places to live
uri: Urgent-How-does-AirBnB-raise-rents-for-places-to-live
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_How_does_AirBnB_raise_rents_for_places_to_live%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call for an investigation of <a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/investigate_airbnb?t=1006&akid=19084.1183552.CCrBu3">how AirBnB raises rents for
places to live</a>.


feed_id: f624707d5d4011478fbac94f7c6370ea
title: We must reject idea legal protest
uri: We-must-reject-idea-legal-protest
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28We_must_reject_idea_legal_protest%29

content:
<p>
The UK must <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/01/we-must-reject-idea-legal-protest">legalize political protest</a> that is visible enough to
have an effect.


feed_id: a618c2d8a5ebaf18138dfb9a15a96b9e
title: Urgent: call for firing the thug that shot Charles Kinsey
uri: Urgent-call-for-firing-the-thug-that-shot-Charles-Kinsey
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_call_for_firing_the_thug_that_shot_Charles_Kinsey%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: call for <a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/arrest-the-police-officer?akid=167166.2794606.k7jrid&rd=1&source=mo&t=1005">firing the thug</a> that shot Charles Kinsey.


feed_id: 437fc792ffa97e39e56f97d2ed8d1858
title: Iraq war resisters
uri: Iraq-war-resisters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Iraq_war_resisters%29
content:
<p>
US soldiers that fled the occupation of Iraq are asking Canada for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/02/iraq-war-resisters-canada-trudeau-us-military">definitive asylum</a>.
<p>
Let no one accuse them of cowardice for refusing to join in an evil
act.


feed_id: 78427d8338ee7c25621ce8746bc09425
title: Coral reefs
uri: 2016-08-04-Coral-reefs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Coral_reefs%29
content:
<p>


"Two recent reports on the state of the worldâs coral reefs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/the-coral-triangle/2016/aug/02/are-local-efforts-to-save-coral-reefs-bound-to-fail">appear to
contradict</a> each other. But which is right?"
<p>
They don't exactly contradict each other, and the lesson from these
two studies is simple enough.  To avoid an ecological catastrophe, we
must quickly curb global heating and protect reefs from local threats.
<p>
Alas, politicians that don't have the courage to do this
will invent many excuses for failure.


feed_id: 4df07c0c7557242e83ed9599b1b5918d
title: Olympics
uri: Olympics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Olympics%29
content:
<p>
For inhabitants of the Rio shantytown of Complexo do AlemÃ£o, the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/aug/02/rio-olympics-view-from-the-favelas-alemao-the-only-olympic-legacy-i-see-is-repression">Olympic games mean repression</a> by special units of thugs.
<p>
The infrastructure constructed for the Olympics <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/aug/02/rio-olympics-view-from-the-favelas-rocinha-overpriced-public-works-leave-a-bitter-taste">is falling apart</a>,
apparently badly built.


feed_id: 6ccd7a98fb120c4a64ef44ad78be1a1a
title: Sugar water
uri: Sugar-water
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Sugar_water%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/08/ah-olympics-time-globes-best-athletes-gather-sell-garishly-colored-worthless-bev">Using sports stars to sell sugar water</a>: not good for people's health.


feed_id: 26456ecdbb47011df90e36a36080f2cf
title: Chinese human rights lawyers
uri: 2016-08-04-Chinese-human-rights-lawyers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Chinese_human_rights_lawyers%29
content:
<p>

Some Chinese human righs lawyers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/02/china-puts-human-rights-activists-on-trial">seems to have cracked</a> and "confessed"
after being held in prison incommunicado for a year.


feed_id: 50f67d39668cef45421124c1099d5dbb
title: Price of gasoline< /a>
uri: Price-of-gasoline-a
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Price_of_gasoline%29
content:
<p>


Kuwait <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/02/kuwait-announces-petrol-price-hike-of-83-to-55-cents-a-litre">is raising</a> the price of gasoline.
<p>
Nearly all countries should raise the price of gasoline.
Civilization's survival depends on burning a lot less of it.


feed_id: 9e9275a1c02013611ad67ae2aecbd83d
title: Global h eating effects
uri: Global-h-eating-effects
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Global_heating_effects%29
content:
<p>


Hundreds of millions of children alive today <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/sep/23/children-bear-brunt-climate-change-new-study">will suffer from hunger
or have to flee their homes due to global heating effects</a>, before they
are grown up.
<p>
The far worse global heating effects of 50 years from now are likely to
kill many of them.


feed_id: 0b9661f2ce14ecbae2147eed0de1f142
title: Dism iss NYC commissioner
uri: Dism-iss-NYC-commissioner
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Dismiss_NYC_commissioner%29
content:
<p>
<a href="Https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/01/new-york-city-protesters-demand-police-commissioner-fired-bill-bratton">Protesters demand</a> dismissal of NYC thug commissioner Bratton.


feed_id: e6a084272938dea270a45df8cdc75ddd
title: Methane emissions< /a>
uri: Methane-emissions-a
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Methane_emissions%29
content:
<p>


Methane emissions <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/feb/17/us-likely-culprit-of-global-spike-in-methane-emissions-over-last-decade">have increased since 2002</a>, and US fracking is
probably to blame.
<p>
Methane has a very strong greenhouse gas effect, though it does not
last as many decades as CO2.


feed_id: 2829a319a019626ba0c46230393bc0f5
title: Ji ll Stein about vaccines
uri: Ji-ll-Stein-about-vaccines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Jill_Stein_about_vaccines%29
content:
<p>


Jill Stein calls vaccines "absolutely critical" and therefore wants them to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jul/30/jill-stein-green-party-vaccinations-anti-vaxxers">be regulated</a> by people who have no financial interest in them.


feed_id: 93f63f62559010a550f4262f9c2ef96e
title: Snubbing Atheists< /a>
uri: Snubbing-Atheists-a
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Snubbing_Atheists%29
content:
<p>


Why Do Democrats <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/01/why-democrats-keep-snubbing-atheists-secular-platform">Keep Snubbing</a> Atheists?
<p>
The answer is clear: because they take Atheists' votes for granted.


feed_id: 9567b8a05b945a266a4690c7285bdf55
title: Anthrax in Siber ia
uri: Anthrax-in-Siber-ia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Anthrax_in_Siberia%29
content:
<p>


Sweltering heat in the Russian Arctic <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/01/anthrax-outbreak-climate-change-arctic-circle-russia">reactivated</a> anthrax, which was
cought by 70 Siberian nomads.


feed_id: eb971cbf638045f67cf3632f834ae5a9
title: After School Satan Club
uri: After-School-Satan-Club
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28After_School_Satan_Club%29
content:
<p>


The After School Satan Club <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3716490/Satan-Club-wants-school-program-antidote-Evangelical-Christian-club.html">aims to counteract</a> proselytizing Christian
clubs in US public schools.
<p>
The Satan Club promotes rationalism and scientific critical thinking;
it doesn't actually worship Satan (or any other god).


feed_id: 08a33c569ce919969285f18e7df99c70
title: Burger chain hit with protests
uri: Burger-chain-hit-with-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Burger_chain_hit_with_protests%29
content:
<p>


The burger chain that tricked its staff into reporting for deportation
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jul/31/bugging-byron-activists-release-cockroaches-and-locusts-at-burger-chain">has been hit with protests</a>: picketers outside, and lots of insects
inside.


feed_id: 19b39c203b5f091976b14d611432fd90
title: Grants to educ ation
uri: Grants-to-educ-ation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Grants_to_education%29
content:
<p>


The Tories <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/01/rip-maintenance-grants-poor-education-student">have eliminated</a> grants to help poor people to go to university,
replacing them with larger loans. For the moment, graduates will only have to pay those loans if they
get a sufficient income.  But why wouldn't Tories change that too
in a couple of years?  The Tories are lower than vermin, and we've seen
that they implement changes step by step so that each step is small.
<p>
The result <a href="http://arstechnica.co.uk/business/2016/08/england-no-more-higher-education-grants/">could be</a> a stratified society like the UK of 150 years ago.


feed_id: 2cefa9538ecb965125abd374d33be94b
title: Diesel car s emissions
uri: Diesel-car-s-emissions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Diesel_cars_emissions%29
content:
<p>


Many models of diesel cars <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/01/french-inquiry-confirms-widespread-irregularities-in-diesel-emissions-data">emit far more emissions</a> than the official
tests indicated.


feed_id: 04cf0471b03f44b8dacaae97e588366c
title: Harassment by thugs
uri: Harassment-by-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Harassment_by_thugs%29
content:
<p>


In Los Angeles skid row, constant harassment by thugs <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/media/2016/08/forrest-stuart-los-angeles-skid-row-poverty-down-out-under-arrest-book">keeps down some
kinds of crime</a>, but means street vendors can't have their addicted
wives come work with them (thugs pick on them too much).


feed_id: a51c23dc80f2caa054400cec15e7d99b
title: Aleppo
uri: 2016-08-04-Aleppo
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Aleppo%29
content:
<p>


Various Sunni anti-Assad groups <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/01/syrian-rebels-launch-operation-to-break-aleppo-siege">say they have made progress</a> towards
reestablishing communications with Aleppo. These groups include al-Nusra, which was until recently part of
al-Qa'ida.
<p>
Al-Nusra has broken formally with al-Qa'ida, but surely has the same
Islamist ideology as before.  Does that make any difference?  It might
become friendly with the West, in which case it would resemble Salafi
Arabia: still oppressive to anyone ruled by it, especially women, but
no longer directly advocating terrorism.  This would remove one
obstacle to US support for coalitions including al-Nusra.  Whether such
support in general is a good idea is a different question.
<p>
It has the option of rejecting terrorism against Shi'ites in the
region.  This might show Sunnis in Syria and Iraq a preferable option
to PISSI.


feed_id: 7ffe0628d079a6676520fdd748323c66
title: Tax as a Force for Common Good
uri: Tax-as-a-Force-for-Common-Good
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Tax_as_a_Force_for_Common_Good%29
content:
<p>


<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/01/tax-debate-freedom-day-society-theft">Let's Talk</a> about Tax as a Force for Common Good -â or We Lose the Debate.
<p>
I am concerned about tax fairness.  We should make rich people and
businesses pay the fair share, a larger share than now, which they can
easily afford.  Then we can reduce taxes for the middle class and aid
the poor better.  We can also invest more in making society work
better for everyone.


feed_id: ca248aaecce28f0ff70d269bf33b633d
title: Urgent: Oppose tax cuts for the rich
uri: Urgent-Oppose-tax-cuts-for-the-rich
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_tax_cuts_for_the_rich%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on Democratic leaders to oppose Paul Ryan's proposed
<a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/ryan_tax_plan_2016/?t=1002&akid=18983.1183552.JjJNrV">tax cuts for the rich</a>.


feed_id: ecfccb578263ad71a2511a2a0ec4d9bb
title: False sympathy for miscarriage
uri: False-sympathy-for-miscarriage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28False_sympathy_for_miscarriage%29
content:
<p>
A woman had a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/01/life-collapsed-daughter-died-debt-collectors">miscarriage and pleads for our sympathy</a> saying that her "daughter died". Balderdash!  She didn't have a daughter: a fetus is not a baby.
<p>
I am surprised the Guardian published this exaggeration, which is not only
ridiculous but dangerous to women.  Don't they see that this legitimizes
the argument that religious extremists use to try to ban abortions?
<p>
For the sake of rights for billions of women, we must reject this plea
for sympathy.  We could offer her some sympathy for her miscarriage,
if she ceases to package it with anti-abortionism.


feed_id: 3ddcf8c59d880b647e9546cdc86363e1
title: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
uri: Consumer-Financial-Protection-Bureau
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Consumer_Financial_Protection_Bureau%29

content:
<p>
Republicans want to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/us-money-blog/2016/jul/31/consumer-financial-protection-bureau-election-2016">abolish or neutralize</a> the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, because it is doing its job.


feed_id: b965201b790fcf92500d47549ed021bb
title: The US has begun bombing PISSI supporters in Libya
uri: The-US-has-begun-bombing-PISSI-supporters-in-Libya
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28The_US_has_begun_bombing_PISSI_supporters_in_Libya%29

content:
<p>
The US has begun <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/01/us-airstrikes-against-isis-libya-pentagon">bombing PISSI supporters</a> in Libya.
<p>
As long as it is close air support, close to the battlefield, or
attacking military camps, I support the intervention, but Obama
should ask Congress for authorization.


feed_id: 31e01bc7c840f2a8a8ce43c9f81f9a99
title: Plan to eradicate goats and rats
uri: Plan-to-eradicate-goats-and-rats
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Plan_to_eradicate_goats_and_rats%29

content:
<p>
There is a plan to eradicate goats and rats from an uninhabited island
in the Caribbean to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/01/caribbean-island-launches-plan-to-remove-invasive-rats-and-goats">save the native wildlife</a>.


feed_id: 6b12ccd99deaa154a036c672974aa75e
title: Warranty void if removed stickers are illegal
uri: Warranty-void-if-removed-stickers-are-illegal
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Warranty_void_if_removed_stickers_are_illegal%29

content:
<p>
US law forbids a company from <a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/warranty-void-if-removed-stickers-are-illegal">invalidating a warranty</a> merely because
you opened the product or repaired it yourself.


feed_id: 2c79d49c90800003d7d64c2d5c21def4
title: Stop the privatization of health data
uri: Stop-the-privatization-of-health-data
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Stop_the_privatization_of_health_data%29

content:
<p>
Companies' collections of people's personal medical data are fueling the
development of secret algorithms that can <a href="http://www.nature.com/news/stop-the-privatization-of-health-data-1.20268">treat people unfairly</a>.
<p>
The article doesn't go far enough.  Companies should not keep your
medical data in a form they can read, and when you do a search,
they should not know who is searching.
<p>
And your medical devices should make their data availble directly
to you, and only to who you choose to allow to get them.


feed_id: 91c76ee24d99893f3e6770bdf40631ea
title: Jeremy Corbyn scrap labour union laws pledge
uri: Jeremy-Corbyn-scrap-labour-union-laws-pledge
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Jeremy_Corbyn_scrap_labour_union_laws_pledge%29

content:
<p>
Corbyn proposes new laws to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jul/30/jeremy-corbyn-scrap-labour-union-laws-pledge">strengthen unions and prohibit zero-hour
contracts</a>.
<p>
Companies will have to pay workers for being on call.


feed_id: 4490708145c27f2605e7423aed69b0ce
title: Purge Minority Voters from rolls
uri: Purge-Minority-Voters-from-rolls
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Purge_Minority_Voters_from_rolls%29

content:
<p>
In some city governments run by whites, officials are systematically
challenging the voting rights of blacks, one by one, hoping that many
of <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/01/us/critics-see-efforts-to-purge-minorities-from-voter-rolls-in-new-elections-rules.html">them will give up and not vote</a>.
<p>
Since this practice embodies explicit choice of their own power over
what the USA stands for, we can say that these people have declared
themselves un-American.


feed_id: a598eb946497d4c8dea65b952455bd75
title: Where a suitcase full of cash wont buy you lunch
uri: Where-a-suitcase-full-of-cash-wont-buy-you-lunch
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Where_a_suitcase_full_of_cash_wont_buy_you_lunch%29

content:
<p>
If a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/31/business/where-a-suitcase-full-of-cash-wont-buy-you-lunch.html">business won't accept cash</a>, a few strong reactions can convince it to change.
<p>
So give them a strong reaction!  Go in, and say, "I value my privacy.
Since you won't accept cash, I won't buy from you -- ever."  And
invite your friends to say the same thing in the same place.


feed_id: 9051e04d240315c399c6b7d42b60d14d
title: Climate Inaction Figures
uri: Climate-Inaction-Figures
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Climate_Inaction_Figures%29
content:
<p>
These "<a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3062306/these-climate-inaction-figures-celebrate-the-politicians-destroying-the-planet">Climate Inaction Figures</a>" Celebrate The Politicians Destroying The Planet.


feed_id: dc384a759088796cc5b6bafaef49485c
title: Sports Direct staff treated like Georgian-era workers
uri: Sports-Direct-staff-treated-like-Georgian-era-workers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Sports_Direct_staff_treated_like_Georgian-era_workers%29

content:
<p>
UK workers today are treated as cruelly as in the first factories in
England, 250 years ago, because the business owners <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/25/sports-directs-staff-are-treated-no-better-than-georgian-era-factory-workers">have won carte blanche</a>.


feed_id: 4f73341c60f450a06015294d15890d5b
title: Eco-friendly communes
uri: Eco-friendly-communes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Eco-friendly_communes%29
content:
<p>
Experiments with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/jul/25/eco-village-sustainability-environment-circular-economy-regen">low-ecological-impact community housing</a>.


feed_id: 3d1b0000fc0d2fa040fb3376197af358
title: How Facebook troll came undone
uri: How-Facebook-troll-came-undone
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28How_Facebook_troll_came_undone%29
content:
<p>
A mysogynist troll in Australia has been <A href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/jul/30/how-facebook-troll-came-undone">convicted of the crime of
sending offensive messages</a>.
<p>
The things that the troll said are nasty and unjustified -- the only
one they discredit is him.  Their affect on my opinions of Ms Melville
and of Ms Newton is to inspire a certain level of sympathy for them.
<p>
However, to make this a crime, rather than something deserving of
reproach, is an injustice.  Freedom of speech must include the freedom
to offend people, even intentionally.
<p>
The crime in question is limited to use of electronic devices.  I am
not a lawyer and certainly not an Australian lawyer, but if this crime
was introduced as a new restriction for electronic communications, it
causes the transition from commnicating in person to commnicating
digitally to imply a loss of rights.


feed_id: 629359a8be25994e67f018776372e3b1
title: Tim Kaine wants to ban US funding for abortions
uri: Tim-Kaine-wants-to-ban-US-funding-for-abortions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Tim_Kaine_wants_to_ban_US_funding_for_abortions%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/07/hillary-clinton-and-her-vp-pick-dont-agree-abortion-rights">Tim Kaine is so nonprogressive</a> that he wants to maintain the Hyde and Helms amendments which ban US funding for abortions.


feed_id: 5b14f39ca578a0a7b76137985229b0d2
title: Armenia hostage police station
uri: Armenia-hostage-police-station
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Armenia_hostage_police_station_%29
content:
<p>
In Armenia, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/30/armenia-hostage-police-station-fourth-summer-of-protest">a sort of uprising/protest has a lot of support</a> for the resignation of the president, who is considered corrupt.
<p>
I visited Armenia a few years ago.  It was a sort of Russian satellite
state, but Armenians seemed to appreciate Russia's support against
Armenia's principal enemies, Turkey and its ally, Azerbaijan.  (Azeris
are ethnically closely related to Turks.)  The Sassoun region was
under Turkish rule 100 years ago, and was subjected to the genocide;
no Armenians remain there.


feed_id: 33491f5b29f957b2e8ec8d4254973a33
title: Canada protest after police brutality
uri: Canada-protest-after-police-brutality
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Canada_protest_after_police_brutality%29

content:
<p>
Witnesses say that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/31/hundreds-in-canada-protest-against-police-brutality-after-death-of-black-man">Ottawa thugs beat Abdirahman Abdi so badly</a> while arresting him that he died shortly after.


feed_id: 165af1f08abc897d59bb436f9a758ff3
title: Crescent dunes concentrated solar power
uri: Crescent-dunes-concentrated-solar-power
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Crescent_dunes_concentrated_solar_power%29

content:
<p>
A new <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jul/31/crescent-dunes-concentrated-solar-power">concentrated solar power system</a> stores solar energy as heat
and can dispense electricity later as needed.


feed_id: d7e039d7669b7e5e908e262853a4f938
title: Trash Talk how twitter is shaping the new politics
uri: Trash-Talk-how-twitter-is-shaping-the-new-politics
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Trash_Talk_how_twitter_is_shaping_the_new_politics%29

content:
<p>
Trump is an exampe of how <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/31/trash-talk-how-twitter-is-shaping-the-new-politics">Twitter is lowering the level</a> of thoughtfulness of political debate.  It is more of a playground argument than a debate.


feed_id: 7c469587edc3f9156cba8df368cae8af
title: Aids epidemic getting worse
uri: Aids-epidemic-getting-worse
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Aids_epidemic_getting_worse%29
content:
<p>
Efforts to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/jul/31/aids-epidemic-getting-worse-drug-resistance-cost">end transmission of HIV are failing</a> because of social conditions where people (usually women) can't refuse sex or insist on using condoms.


feed_id: 96efcedf95ac59bb34264ad6657e0eb6
title: Urgent: Protect Wildlife Refuge from oil drilling
uri: Urgent-Protect-Wildlife-Refuge-from-oil-drilling
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Protect_Wildlife_Refuge_from_oil_drilling%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on your senators to <a href="https://secure3.convio.net/gpeace/site/Advocacy;jsessionid=94FFCF65F428E547108CFFE433670C3F.app353a?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2001">protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge</a> from oil drilling.


feed_id: 513828303fcc31ba84645d69dce76064
title: Republican voter suppression laws
uri: Republican-voter-suppression-laws
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Republican_voter_suppression_laws%29

content:
<p>


A wave of court decisions <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/31/north-carolina-voting-rights-law-republicans-november-elections">have overturned</a> Republican voter suppression laws
in several states.


feed_id: 0306c674ce3f9133f2e578fd3520462b
title: Floa ting wind power farm
uri: Floa-ting-wind-power-farm
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Floating_wind_power_farm%29
content:
<p>


<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/jul/31/california-wind-farm-energy-trident">California is considering</a> a giant floating wind power farm.


feed_id: 13bd0499ea15cb563a3bb1cd656041bc
title: "Right to buy" public housing
uri: Right-to-buy-public-housing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Right_to_buy_public_housing%29
content:
<p>


Scotland <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jul/31/right-to-buy-policy-scrapped-scotland-social-housing">has eliminated</a> the "right to buy" public housing, introduced
by Thatcher, which has created a terrible lack of public housing all
across Britain.


feed_id: 31fd7597e6e5e21abce002af18b89d7f
title: Australia discourages solar energy
uri: Australia-discourages-solar-energy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Australia_discourages_solar_energy%29

content:
<p>


Australia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jul/31/australia-residents-solar-rooftop-lose-payments">has taken more action to discourage solar energy</a>,
by cutting off the promised purchase of electricity from
homes and businesses. Whose pay are those politicians in?  We can guess.


feed_id: e5c5daaa6fe9334c7d2b1c6a98511f28
title: Democratic Convention
uri: 2016-08-04-Democratic-Convention
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Democratic_Convention%29
content:
<p>


The Democratic Convention management <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/07/30/while-publicly-seeking-unity-dnc-censoring-convention-and-silencing-dissent">unfairly managed the event to
favor Clinton</a>, excluding Sanders supporters from the podium and
entirely excluding his volunteers (whom he was supposedly entitled to
invite) from the event at the last minute.


feed_id: 848947cd386ef08c6b50d5a8ad26458d
title: Products made in Israeli colonies
uri: Products-made-in-Israeli-colonies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Products_made_in_Israeli_colonies%29

content:
<p>


Gush Shalom <a href="http://settlement-products.wikia.com/wiki/Settlement_Products_Wikia">maintains a list</a> of products made in Israeli colonies
in occupied Palestine.
<p>
Gush Shalom can no longer advocate boycotting these products, because
Israel has made it illegal to call for a boycott of products of the
occupation -- flagrant contempt for political freedom.
<p>
Since I am not in Israel, I can and do advocate this boycott.


feed_id: b0498b4ed1ce72f0a82bcb765117a368
title: Thugs in schools
uri: 2016-08-04-Thugs-in-schools
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Thugs_in_schools%29
content:
<p>


<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/30/albuquerque-boy-arrested-burping">Another casualty of thugs in schools</a>: a 12-year-old boy who clowned in
gym class by burping was arrested and charged with a crime.
<p>
He was suspended from school for the rest of the year.


feed_id: 2f26749db4bca3a222cd7aa1e9193723
title: Cheater capita lists
uri: Cheater-capita-lists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Cheater_capitalists%29
content:
<p>


An important chain of stores in Britain <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/jul/25/bhs-demise-sir-philip-green-reputation-torn-apart-in-damning-report">has gone broke</a> because its
owners pulled millions of pounds out of it, which it could not afford.
<p>
The workers are left without pensions as a result.
<p>
If Theresa May is serious about tackling cheater capitalist, here are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/jul/30/five-ways-reform-capitalism-bhs-scandal-theresa-may">some suggestions</a>.


feed_id: b03d85fe2e08d5fe378c86067ba7137d
title: Malaysia cuts down human rights
uri: Malaysia-cuts-down-human-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Malaysia_cuts_down_human_rights%29
content:
<p>


Malaysia's authoritarian ruler <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/27/malaysia-pm-najib-razak-gets-new-powers-amid-protests-over-1mdb-fund-scandal">has cut down human rights</a>; he can now
declare insecurity areas in which people and places can be searched
arbitrarily, and thugs can kill them with total impunity.


feed_id: 907d12b73c79179d24489b23a638208b
title: Global heating denialist myths
uri: Global-heating-denialist-myths
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Global_heating_denialist_myths%29
content:
<p>


<a href="https://www.skepticalscience.com/">Refusing</a> the usual global heating denialist myths.


feed_id: 5d2e1b55b92a5865ba7eb468ee313ed9
title: Purvi Patel
uri: Purvi-Patel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Purvi_Patel%29
content:
<p>


Purvi Patel's conviction for "feticide" has been overturned, but she
<a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/indiana-court-tosses-purvi-patel-s-2015-feticide-conviction-n615026">remains in prison</a> for "neglect of a dependent".
<p>
Only a person can be a dependent.  A fetus is not a person.


feed_id: 7e83c88fac6e7045138265e7cd02325f
title: Republican voter-suppression
uri: Republican-voter-suppression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Republican_voter-suppression%29
content:
<p>


Republican voter-suppression <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/07/29/court-rules-nc-voter-id-law-intentionally-discriminatory">suffered a defeat</a>, as North Carolina's
anti-voting law was overturned.


feed_id: d78044904e8aa8c92d2459aa4f823bcd
title: Global sweatshop labor system
uri: Global-sweatshop-labor-system
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Global_sweatshop_labor_system%29
content:
<p>


It is possible to <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/07/30/what-we-wear-another-way-vote">push back against the global sweatshop labor system</a>
by deciding what to buy.
<p>
The full and complete solution is to make the front companies
that sell the clothing under their names legally responsible
for the treatment of everyone that works on the clothing.


feed_id: 7494238fb5c3975c6abd19c5130d4090
title: Dareen Tatour
uri: Dareen-Tatour
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Dareen_Tatour%29
content:
<p>


Dareen Tatour is a Palestinian poet, formerly little known, who has
become internationally famous because Israel <a href="http://mondoweiss.net/2016/07/visit-israeli-court/">has put her on trial</a> for
posting subversive poetry.
<p>
<a href="https://arablit.org/2016/04/27/the-poem-for-which-dareen-tatours-under-house-arrest-resist-my-people-resist-them/">The supposedly criminal poem calls on Palestinians to "resist"</a>.
It is not specific about how.  (Here is a translation.)
<p>
A free country does not prosecute people for stating opinions like this.


feed_id: 044602cd6829d81257afe464f750556a
title: Aleppo
uri: 2016-08-04-Aleppo
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Aleppo%29
content:
<p>


Assad <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/30/aleppo-fear-safe-passage-trap">has offered civilians in Aleppo "safe passage" out</a>, but they
are afraid of being killed if they accept the offer. They also fear they will never be allowed to return.


feed_id: 4d9eef65524f86f118c7919f737bca93
title: War on Pai n Sufferers
uri: War-on-Pai-n-Sufferers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28War_on_Pain_Sufferers%29
content:
<p>


The War on Pain Sufferers <a href="http://www.drugpolicy.org/blog/drug-war-fuels-global-lack-access-essential-medicines">is hitting hard</a> outside the wealthiest countries.


feed_id: 8f96883c8d99d6d96ed146ac18913dcc
title: War on drugs
uri: War-on-drugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28War_on_drugs%29
content:
<p>


It is no accident that "wars" on crime and drugs <a href="http://www.drugpolicy.org/blog/drug-war-provides-post-civil-rights-cover-old-problem">provide an excuse to
vilify</a> (and sometimes kill) blacks.  Nixon and his men planned that
explicitly.


feed_id: aa3279c4b70c9cbfe627ddbe94084815
title: Charter schools
uri: 2016-08-04-Charter-schools
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Charter_schools%29
content:
<p>


The <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/07/30/no-new-charter-schools-naacp-draws-line-sand">NAACP has voted to oppose</a> charter schools: they generally are not an
improvement.


feed_id: 7b2936aeb6a72c67fb09979097175b41
title: PAT RIOT A ct subpoena
uri: PAT-RIOT-A-ct-subpoena
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28PAT_RIOT_Act_subpoena%29
content:
<p>


<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/07/30/target-of-contested-national-security-letter-was-a-muslim-the-fbi-wanted-to-turn-informant/">The FBI tried to use a national security letter</a> (secret PAT RIOT Act subpoena)
to investigate a Muslim political activist, not because of suspecting him,
but to try to force him to become an informant.


feed_id: 4b0114cea921090c3e70ceb14eccbbc3
title: Prosecution of water officials
uri: Prosecution-of-water-officials
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Prosecution_of_water_officials%29
content:
<p>


Prosecution of water officials in Michigan <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/30/flint-water-crisis-criminal-charges-state-workers">is focusing</a> on the low-level
officials, not on the ones that gave the order. (I guessed it would be like this.)


feed_id: f25bd26277a7d3d14083678c84d553d8
title: Infantilization of Politics
uri: Infantilization-of-Politics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Infantilization_of_Politics%29
content:
<p>


<a href="http://positech.co.uk/cliffsblog/2016/07/01/on-the-infantilization-of-politics/">On the Infantilization of Politics</a>. The article relates it to short attention spans
and other causes.


feed_id: f90324c59e776a3acf1445ddab33ff81
title: New Zealand support to poor
uri: New-Zealand-support-to-poor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28New_Zealand_support_to_poor%29
content:
<p>


New Zealand supports the poor <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/30/new-zealand-schoolgirls-skip-class-because-they-cant-afford-sanitary-items">so inadequately</a> that teenage girls
skip school because they can't afford tampons.


feed_id: ec1ad46c6b3480867542374a166f1735
title: Bucket List
uri: Bucket-List
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Bucket_List%29
content:
<p>


The play, Bucket List, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2016/jul/27/bucket-list-theatre-ad-infinitum-edinburgh-festival-nir-paldi">considers whether violent revenge is justified</a>
for Mexicans whose lives have been ruined by NAFTA-fueled corruption.
(And other people in similar situations around the world.)
<p>
It seems to me that we can't rebuke the weak for responding with
violence to oppression when they are desperate.  The stronger you are,
the more you are obligated to control yourself.


feed_id: 8596250c5f92ad8d244838e0180cef40
title: Fracking Hell
uri: 2016-08-04-Fracking-Hell
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Fracking_Hell%29
content:
<p>


Fracking Hell: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/dec/14/fracking-hell-live-next-shale-gas-well-texas-us">What It's Really Like</a> to Live Next to a Shale Gas Well. The noise is a pain i the neck, but the fumes make some people
physically sick.  And your home will become almost worthless.


feed_id: b20f760dc71ae97e614aa063ccff0554
title: Wikileaks
uri: Wikileaks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Wikileaks%29
content:
<p>


Wikileaks <a href="https://boingboing.net/2016/07/29/wikileaks-dump-of-erdogan.html">made a serious mistake</a> when it released a leak supposedly
containing documents from ErdoÄan's party.  It had no such documents,
but did have personal data about lots of Turks.
<p>
I agree <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/30/us/snowden-wikileaks.html?partner=rss&emc=rss">with Snowden</a> that Wikileaks ought to be more careful.


feed_id: 28203de88cd503ec16d3f3c56a728150
title: Pipelin leak
uri: Pipelin-leak
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Pipeline_leak%29
content:
<p>


The latest pipeline leak in Michigan <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/07/29/kalamazoo-husky-parallel-pipeline-disasters">continued for three days</a>
because the operators assumed the anomaly in their instruments was
nothing serious.  They did not treat it as urgent to find out if
there was a leak.
<p>
Isn't that reckless?


feed_id: bd4feb484922b9b216909dad41c0473c
title: Coal leases
uri: Coal-leases
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Coal_leases%29
content:
<p>


Calling on the US government to <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/07/29/protect-climate-public-health-americans-call-end-federal-coal-program">stop issuing</a> coal leases.


feed_id: 589ab5bb4c4ed63238dfb9a2cf62a121
title: Copyrigh t on furniture
uri: Copyrigh-t-on-furniture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Copyright_on_furniture%29
content:
<p>


<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/jul/29/buy-design-classic-now-about-to-rocket-in-price-copyright-law">The European Union has copyright on furniture</a> -- and has just extended the
time span of this copyright by 50 years.
<p>
It is absurd to copyright furniture shapes, but at least they won't be
trying to stop individuals from copying them.  That makes the issue
much less grave than the War on Sharing that is applied to books,
music, etc.
<p>
The article uses the confused and confusing term "intellectual
property law", which is an obstacle to understanding what copyright law says
as well as to thinking about what it ought to do.


feed_id: 00586df0f8a55dca58d9a4023ca83575
title: ErdoÄan
uri: ErdoÄ-an
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Erdo%C3%84%C2%9Fan%29
content:
<p>

ErdoÄan <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/29/turkey-drops-cases-of-insult-against-president-in-coup-aftermath">has dropped charges</a> on accusations of insulting him. However, he has made it clear that this <em>does not</em> mean he
respects freedom of speech more than before.


feed_id: fffa00ac4b4aff7b890cdaf3b81bc639
title: Reducing plastic waste
uri: Reducing-plastic-waste
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Reducing_plastic_waste%29
content:
<p>


England's law requiring stores to charge for plastic bags <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jul/30/england-plastic-bag-usage-drops-85-per-cent-since-5p-charged-introduced">has cut use
by 85%</a>.
<p>
However, this is just a small fraction of the packaging we use.
How to reduce the plastic waste from other packaging?


feed_id: a2dab5bad1e185a0b8904d1fd3816f83
title: Turn anger into positive action
uri: Turn-anger-into-positive-action
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Turn_anger_into_positive_action%29
content:
<p>


<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/07/28/meet-some-sanders-delegates-who-plan-turn-anger-positive-action">Meet Some Sanders Delegates</a> Who Plan To Turn Anger Into Positive Action.


feed_id: 4bb9fdaed83d1007abf9e998fbefc1a6
title: Using Secret Service for censorship
uri: Using-Secret-Service-for-censorship
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Using_Secret_Service_for_censorship%29

content:
<p>


<a href="http://reason.com/archives/2016/07/28/dnc-rnc-vs-the-first-amendment">Both the Democratic and Republican conventions</a> used the Secret Service
for censorship of critical views.


feed_id: 2803bb15975df9f6b7c30f8d1108ed1f
title: An interview with Jill Stein
uri: An-interview-with-Jill-Stein
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28An_interview_with_Jill_Stein%29
content:
<p>


<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/07/29/the-two-party-system-is-the-worst-case-scenario-an-interview-with-the-green-partys-jill-stein/">An interview with Jill Stein</a>, who I will probably vote for in November.


feed_id: c41ce66440a8ef44001a3c48949ebac6
title: Lula will be tri ed
uri: Lula-will-be-tri-ed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Lula_will_be_tried%29
content:
<p>


Lula <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/29/lula-da-silva-trial-obstruction-petrobras-corruption">will be tried for corruption</a>, after a judge ruled there was sufficient
evidence for a trial.


feed_id: dc8126a7305a2bbaaa38d0fa89ccf0d9
title: Dying in war
uri: Dying-in-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Dying_in_war%29
content:
<p>


We <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/29/muslim-american-war-khizr-khan-democratic-convention">shouldn't regard dying</a> in an unjust war as the measure of an
American's patriotism -- not for Muslims, or for anyone else.


feed_id: 17c2f3bbff6733321fe583636d3e030d
title: Taliban
uri: 2016-08-04-Taliban
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Taliban%29
content:
<p>


The Taliban <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/29/afghan-army-taliban-us-troop-withdrawal">are gaining ground</a> against the US-supported Afghan state.
<p>
That state is too corrupt to win the loyalty required to defeat the
Taliban.  The US can keep propping it up, but it will never stand on
its own.


feed_id: 572b520c158e160c5c6649131fba111a
title: SWAT thugs
uri: SWAT-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28SWAT_thugs%29
content:
<p>


The SWAT team of Pine Bluff obtained medals for "valor" <a href="http://reason.com/blog/2016/07/28/pine-bluff-cops-wont-return-medals">for killing a
107-year-old man</a> who refused to be removed from his house.
<p>
When the City Council found out about them, it voted to cancel the
medals, but the thugs refuse to give them up.  I think Councilwoman
Thelma Walker put it just right -- how could they be pround of such a
medal?
<p>
I wonder if perhaps they get some sort of benefit for those medals,
either more pay, or perhaps a contest of admiration with other thugs.
<p>
What Pine Bluff really should do is investigate whether it really
needs a SWAT team.  In how many events per year is it used -- and how
many events per year <em>properly call for</em> using it?  Perhaps
they are so few that it would be cheaper to bring a SWAT team from
another city.  It might be safer, too: they'd use a SWAT team only
when it is necessary, and that might save other people's lives.


feed_id: 869b08c8ecf35e0fd864f54ed0c882f1
title: Sanders' revol ution
uri: Sanders-revol-ution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Sanders%27_revolution%29
content:
<p>


Bernie's political revolution <a href="http://www.alternet.org/election-2016/sanders-revolution-continues">is not ending</a>: we will continue the
struggle in many domains.


feed_id: 9f8b1dc6d6ddceba8b38f8bea1e0a02f
title: Snooping on Arab dissidents
uri: Snooping-on-Arab-dissidents
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Snooping_on_Arab_dissidents%29
content:
<p>


GCHQ <a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/gchq-url-shortener-twitter-honeypot-arab-spring">snooped</a> on Arab Spring dissidents.
<p>
We can only guess what it used that information for, but it would not
surprise me if they helped some of the regimes that protesters opposed.


feed_id: c30510f70f14427616ae936dc077c8fb
title: Water contamin ation
uri: Water-contamin-ation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Water_contamination%29
content:
<p>


Nine Michigan employees <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/29/flint-water-crisis-attorney-general-files-charges-six-more-state-employees">now face criminal charges</a> for allowing
contamination of Flint's water supply.
<p>
I wonder if they include the high officials who ordered the toxic
decision.


feed_id: 6f667d290f5a1b261cec95290c53979d
title: Olympics
uri: 2016-08-04-Olympics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Olympics%29
content:
<p>


A call <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/28/denationalise-olympics-cheating-ioc-greed">to disconnect the Olympic Games from nationalism</a>,
to reduce corruption.

"The IOC, Fifa and the rest are immune to criticism or accountability â
other than in the international press. They are tax-free cartels,
floating on a cloud of hyperbole and corporate sponsorship."


feed_id: 8a30ba577eb5519c90518d4744a1920a
title: Chicag os's Homan Square
uri: Chicag-os-s-Homan-Square
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Chicagos%27s_Homan_Square%29
content:
<p>


<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/29/chicago-protestors-occupy-homan-square-police-black-lives-matter">Protesters have occupied</a> Chicago's Homan Square torture center
and demand that it be closed.


feed_id: 2d00d737c538b138c5ec78837e79bfe6
title: War in Syria
uri: War-in-Syria
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28War_in_Syria%29
content:
<p>


Clinton's prospective Pentagon chief proposes to defeat PISSI
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/07/29/hillary-clinton-and-her-hawks">by fighting Assad's forces</a> (which means confronting Russian forces
directly).
<p>
The neocons have wanted to fight Assad since 4 years ago.  They have
given various supposed reasons, but their lasting pressure must be
due to some other motive.
<p>
Salafi Arabia and Qatar are quite oppressive, and Turkey is heading
there.  Not quite as bad as Assad, who intentionally bombs hospitals
-- but does it make sense to support them in order to defeat Assad?
What would the anti-Assad "moderate" groups, some of which are
Sunni Arabs that hate non-Arabs and non-Sunnis, do if they win?
<p>
The only alternative to genocide or massive ethnic cleansing in Syria
is to divide it up.  What will lead to a stable division with the
least fighting and least atrocity?  I don't think that they are asking 
that question.


feed_id: 42173e12c125cb561450639e4fa12d07
title: ACLU
uri: 2016-08-04-ACLU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28ACLU%29
content:
<p>


ACLU <a href="https://www.aclu.org/blog/free-future/aclu-supports-state-utah-legal-showdown-dea-over-medical-privacy">Supports State of Utah in Legal Showdown</a> With DEA Over Medical 
Privacy.


feed_id: 8bdde7cd9a17e89fe02cb81e9694b4f8
title: Bubbles of air in ice
uri: Bubbles-of-air-in-ice
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Bubbles_of_air_in_ice%29
content:
<p>


Bubbles of air in Antarctic ice cores <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/planet-oz/2016/jul/29/antarctic-ice-core-study-has-probably-just-made-the-job-of-cutting-fossil-fuel-emissions-even-more-urgent">show that increases in air temperature
cause the biosphere subsequently to release more CO2</a> -- and how much CO2.
<p>
This is a positive feedback, and it shows that the climate cliff is a little
closer.


feed_id: 23e4d3042e67f6d1a8e483b67e0e525c
title: War on Drugs
uri: 2016-08-04-War-on-Drugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28War_on_Drugs%29
content:
<p>


A thug saw <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/29/us-police-mistake-icing-from-krispy-kreme-doughnuts-for-crystal-meth">frosting from donuts and thought it was crystal meth</a>.  A
vague roadside drug test on the frosting reported it "contained some
illegal drug."  (Sugar?)  The driver was arrested.


feed_id: be317b138894eee8e78b3b7d78d5ddc2
title: Australian justi ce
uri: Australian-justi-ce
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Australian_justice%29
content:
<p>


Australia convicted a group of Croats of planning a terrorist bombing
in the 1970s -- <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/postcolonial-blog/2016/jul/29/catholic-extremism-fears-in-1970s-australia-made-croats-the-muslims-of-their-time">but the charges were false</a>.  They had been framed
by an agent sent by the Yugoslav state, with the help of thugs that
beat confessions out of them.


feed_id: 20a8ed0ffba338417ad9bb5aeddd65bd
title: TPP
uri: 2016-08-04-TPP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28TPP%29
content:
<p>


Union leaders <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/07/28/clinton-readies-nomination-unions-hope-its-zero-hour-tpp">are demanding</a> that Clinton definitively oppose the TPP
after a supporter said she would endorse it with some changes.
<p>
To change the TPP into something that ought to be signed
would be like rewriting the Bible into The God Delusion.
In theory, that can be done, but the practical way to do it is to
delete the whole text and start from zero.


feed_id: 5b35e93911c9740a93138b3a1a9cfc8a
title: Women raped in Sudan
uri: Women-raped-in-Sudan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Women_raped_in_Sudan%29
content:
<p>


In Juba, South Sudan, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/jul/29/women-south-sudan-raped-un-compound-juba-kill-me-instead">soldiers rape women</a> at will when the women go
outside the UN refugee camp, and the victims are afraid they will be
outcast if they report it.  UN personnel do not intervene even when
they see a rape occur.


feed_id: 9edbb9545a351bd64251b8c32b6bb84d
title: Patriarchal murd er
uri: Patriarchal-murd-er
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Patriarchal_murder%29
content:
<p>


A UK MP <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jul/28/naz-shah-bradford-mp-accuses-pakistani-officials-of-samia-shahid-cover-up">accuses Pakistani officials</a> of covering up the patriarchal
murder of a woman from her constituency.
<p>
I agree with Naz Shah that we should drop the term "honor killing".  I
think "patriarchal murder" is a fitting replacement.  Firstly, because
these killings are murder -- usually planned in advance.  Secondly,
because they come from a twisted patriarchal idea of "honor", which
treats a woman as property.


feed_id: 7d65867c03d0db4d26370ac14a113f3d
title: Global heating in Philippines
uri: Global-heating-in-Philippines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Global_heating_in_Philippines%29
content:
<p>


People in the Philippines <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/07/28/landmark-human-rights-complaint-lodged-against-worlds-worst-polluters">hit hard by consequences of global heating
have accused certain companies</a> (each responsible for a substantial
fraction of all fossil fuel combustion ever done) of violating the
human rights of people living (or formerly living) there.


feed_id: 7fb3224f9700d7a632dc04d0783b0413
title: "Life" of fetuses
uri: Life-of-fetuses
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Life_of_fetuses%29
content:
<p>


The Mexican state of Veracruz <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/29/abortion-banned-controversial-mexican-state-governor-veracruz">will protect</a> the "life" of fetuses
while ignoring the murder of real human beings (annoying journalists).


feed_id: c66bc5265e50aac7dca4593044d01779
title: UK's welfare s ystem
uri: UK-s-welfare-s-ystem
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28UK%27s_welfare_system%29
content:
<p>


The UK's new generation welfare system, now in trial, has an automatic
delay of 42 days after a person is accepted.  This is intended to give
the person a chance to end up on the street, go hungry, or go into
debt, before receiving any support.

That period starts <em>after</em> the series of bureaucratic screwups
is resolved.  For one woman, that stage took 6 weeks, meaning she will
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/28/universal-credit-payments-delays-loans">have to go without money for around 3 months</a> before she gets
unemployment pay.


feed_id: 3f9ca1c768c6f790e98bc51a0081114c
title: Facebook Messeng er
uri: Facebook-Messeng-er
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Facebook_Messenger%29
content:
<p>


Facebook <a href="http://phys.org/news/2016-07-facebook-people-app-didnt.html">is forcing its useds to run a proprietary Messenger</a> app to
get their messages, by making the web site refuse to provide them.
<p>
This is surely part of a multi-stage plan to use the app to exercise
more control over the useds -- perhaps to show them ads that they
cannot block.
<p>
There are <a href="https://stallman.org/facebook.html">many reasons not to let Facebook</a> use you. But even if you let yourself be used, don't run
proprietary software!


feed_id: 606160e691803bf416d86c8337724a1c
title: "Dark patterns"
uri: Dark-patterns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Dark_patterns%29
content:
<p>


"Dark patterns" <a href="http://arstechnica.com/security/2016/07/dark-patterns-are-designed-to-trick-you-and-theyre-all-over-the-web/">are misleading or obnoxious business practices</a> that
trick or pressure people to pay for things they don't want, or allow
abusive treatment. It ought to be illegal, but often is not.


feed_id: 0090f05e20211947bb5bdc262b4803c1
title: Contraception funds under threat
uri: Contraception-funds-under-threat
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Contraception_funds_under_threat%29

content:
<p>
A project to provide contraception to poor women around the world
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/jul/28/critical-moment-family-planning-contraception-funds-under-threat">is running short of funds</a>, because states are redirecting foreign aid
to support refugees.


feed_id: c8f64525b5db335f60e03b9ecf5cd5aa
title: Debt collection
uri: Debt-collection
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Debt_collection%29
content:
<p>
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/28/debt-collection-six-contacts-week">is planning</a> to regulate how
debt collectors can demand payment, and set up a way to contest the debt.


feed_id: e5a8e324ec00ab22f2c1e978c95ba135
title: Obama's support to Clinton
uri: Obama-s-support-to-Clinton
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Obama%27s_support_to_Clinton%29
content:
<p>
Obama says Clinton <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/28/emotional-obama-democratic-convention-speech">will be more of the same</a>.
<p>
Right-wing Democrats, since Bill Clinton, have supported plutocratist
policies such as business-supremacy treaties and assumed the working
Americans that opposed them had "nowhere else to go".  That worked
because Republicans supported the same bad things, even harder.
<p>
Now that Trump <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/28/hillary-clinton-donald-trump-voters-republicans-democrats">says he opposes them</a>, they have "somewhere else to go".
<p>
Since Trump has no scruples about lying, they are making a mistake
in expecting him to sincerely oppose <a href="https://stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">business-supremacy treaties</a>. As his choice of Pence shows, he is happy to make a deal with the
Republicans who support them.  We have no idea what Trump would really do.


feed_id: a7638f25732b5d20a64cb9ab1ae3be60
title: Power the UK
uri: Power-the-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Power_the_UK%29
content:
<p>
Five non-fossil-fuel electric <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/damian-carrington-blog/2016/mar/18/five-ways-to-power-the-uk-that-are-far-better-than-hinkley-point">alternatives to the UK's new nuclear
power plant</a> would be cheaper and safer.


feed_id: 6888990709af480589149e8302e3dc9f
title: Indian child labor
uri: Indian-child-labor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Indian_child_labor%29
content:
<p>
Well-known car manufacturers are using mica paint <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/jul/28/vauxhall-bmw-car-firms-linked-child-labour-mica">made
in India with child labor</a>.


feed_id: 1893271c68c758cf11582f216688a9bc
title: Philip Morris
uri: 2016-08-04-Philip-Morris
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Philip_Morris%29
content:
<p>
Even though Uruguay was not defeated by Philip Morris, the system
which Philip Morris used <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/jul/28/who-really-won-legal-battle-philip-morris-uruguay-cigarette-adverts">keeps grinding countries down</a>.
<p>
Just because it didn't score a hit on Uruguay this time is no excuse
for allowing it to continue.  These business-supremacy treaties
must be killed!


feed_id: 07337b5bf54c3c49fa87beb70cc665bf
title: Heart diseases for astronauts
uri: Heart-diseases-for-astronauts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Heart_diseases_for_astronauts%29
content:
<p>
Astronauts that travelled far away from Earth <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/jul/28/apollo-deep-space-astronauts-five-times-more-likely-to-die-from-heart-disease">got a big increase</a> in
heart disease many years later, compared with other astronauts.
<p>
The danger for them was the same as for the general public; but since
they were selected for special fitness, they should have had much less
heart disease, as other astronauts did.
<p>
They spent just one week away from Earth.  Mars travellers, spending a much
longer time away from Earth, might see a much larger effect.


feed_id: 816af4794381e68550d0962697307d5d
title: Valedictory Dispatch
uri: Valedictory-Dispatch
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Valedictory_Dispatch%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/defence-and-security-blog/2016/jul/28/terrorism-trident-and-torture-a-valedictory-dispatch">Terrorism, Trident, and Torture — a Valedictory Dispatch</a>.


feed_id: b24aca4e5621684ab23cecf125e0efa1
title: Puerto Rico closing schools
uri: Puerto-Rico-closing-schools
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Puerto_Rico_closing_schools%29
content:
<p>
Puerto Rico <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/08/23/parents-and-children-occupy-puerto-rican-school-refusing-let-corporate-vultures">has closed 150 schools</a> under pressure from vulture capitalists.
Outsode one school, the community has set up a protest camp to demand
reopening.


feed_id: 8eb46f796295fe22b7f786644a918f47
title: Puerto Rico funding GMO companies
uri: Puerto-Rico-funding-GMO-companies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Puerto_Rico_funding_GMO_companies%29

content:
<p>
Puerto Rico gave hundreds of millions of dollars in subsidies to
multinational GMO companies, <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/07/27/debt-ridden-puerto-rico-corporate-welfare-paradise-gmo-companies">while closing public schools</a> due to
debts.
<p>
The motive for these subsidies, I suppose, was to get the companies to
operate there rather than elsewhere.  That is the usual claimed
motive.  In the small, it seems rational: one locality gets more
business.  However, when this is practiced everywhere, the gain is to
the companies at the expense of the public.  Each time a business can
play one locality against another, the business gains and both
localities lose.
<p>
States, and territories such as Puerto Rico, should not be allowed to
subsidize businesses (or give them special tax deals) to try to draw
their operations away from other localities.
<p>
I've suggested that the states should unionize to present a united
front against these exploitative businesses.  There union could be
called the United States of America.
<p>
Puerto Rico <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/08/23/parents-and-children-occupy-puerto-rican-school-refusing-let-corporate-vultures">has become a tool</a> for tax dodging by "American"
multinationals such as Microsoft.


feed_id: 621fc0ce5a6f48418b79c0bd8d12e4fc
title: Marijuana legalization in Colorado
uri: Marijuana-legalization-in-Colorado
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Marijuana_legalization_in_Colorado%29

content:
<p>
Although marijuana is legal in Colorado, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/jul/27/colorado-hugo-thc-marijuana-legalization">people are in danger of being fired</a>
for using marijuana even on vacation.
<p>
Companies should not be allowed to test employees for marijuana.
I would reject a job over that on principle even though I don't use it.


feed_id: ba277b0fb2225bda7dbd3a8c088c5e6c
title: Trump and Putin
uri: Trump-and-Putin
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Trump_and_Putin%29
content:
<p>
The Obama/Clinton aggressive stance Putin is a dangerous mistake, and
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/07/27/attacking-trump-few-sensible-things-he-says-bad-strategy">Trump is right to pull back from it</a>.
<p>
However, he's doing it the wrong way.  Detente with Russia is not
the same thing as giving Putin admiration and support.
<p>
To pressure allies to pay more for the costs of their defence is not
the same thing as saying you won't defend them if attacked.


feed_id: 8d48ab06fa9c5f0c3b12f2f41ee2eaa7
title: Qandeel Baloch
uri: Qandeel-Baloch
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Qandeel_Baloch%29
content:
<p>
Qandeel Baloch's brother <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/28/pakistani-model-qandeel-baloch-killed-by-brother-after-friends-taunts-mother">murdered her from cowardice</a>: he could not
stand up to being ridiculed about her by his bigoted friends.


feed_id: 69eabdf7d4eb9f6bf6871f5f5ff1746d
title: "No more war"
uri: No-more-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28No_more_war%29
content:
<p>
Anti-war protesters <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/27/leon-panetta-anti-war-protesters-democratic-convention">chanted</a> "no more war" while former Pentagon chief
Leon Panetta spoke at the DNC.


feed_id: 4d1df08bcde27a94f61ef25a2ddb0a3d
title: Exxon
uri: 2016-08-04-Exxon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Exxon%29
content:
<p>
Greenpeace and 350.org, as well as 17 states, <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/07/27/blasting-mccarthy-overreach-state-ags-climate-groups-wont-comply-gop-subpoena">have rejected</a>
congressional subpoenas designed as harassment to protect Exxon.
<p>
Exxon pledged in 2007 to stop funding global heating denial,
but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/15/exxon-mobil-gave-millions-climate-denying-lawmakers">it has given over 2 million dollars</a> to denialism since then.
<p>
Now it is among <a href="http://www.prwatch.org/news/2016/07/13128/exxonmobil-top-sponsor-alec-meeting">the top sponsor</a> of the ALEC meeting.


feed_id: 91b14198a854004cda50782a7ada51ac
title: School board elections
uri: School-board-elections
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28School_board_elections%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/27/san-francisco-non-citizen-voting-schools-immigration-trump">San Francisco is proposing</a> to allow all residents with school-age
children to vote in school board elections, regardless of whether they
are US citizens.
<p>
That makes sense to me.


feed_id: 945e486ecc8387a3696aa073604fcb31
title: War on Drugs
uri: 2016-08-04-War-on-Drugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28War_on_Drugs%29
content:
<p>
The War on Drugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/27/native-american-teen-faces-marijuana-prison-sentence">continues to persecute</a> Americans for using pot.


feed_id: 0a2e2354ce8b89152c7030e2dc15352e
title: Wages in the UK
uri: Wages-in-the-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Wages_in_the_UK%29
content:
<p>
Wages in the UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/jul/27/uk-joins-greece-at-bottom-of-wage-growth-league-tuc-oecd">are down 10% since 2007</a>.  The UK is among the worst
of the developed countries in this.
<p>
It would be even worse if you figure it against the tremendous
increase in rents — and include the decrease in benefits for poor,
disabled and unemployed people,


feed_id: 3d5867c19cb2bf9710d0245cf213dff0
title: Photos and names of terrorist killers
uri: Photos-and-names-of-terrorist-killers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Photos_and_names_of_terrorist_killers%29

content:
<p>
Some French news media say <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/jul/27/french-media-to-stop-publishing-photos-and-names-of-terrorists">they will refuse to publish the names
and photos of terrorist killers</a>, to deny them glory.
<p>
I think this would be even more effective for non-terrorist
multiple murderers, those with no ideology, that we have seen
many of in the US.


feed_id: 33c029f968bb25d2b3f57d620791b081
title: Global heating
uri: 2016-08-04-Global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Global_heating%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2016/jul/27/climate-models-are-accurately-predicting-ocean-and-global-warming">Climate models for the ocean have become very accurate</a> in predicting
the global heating that measurements observe.


feed_id: d960ecb962e9891e067618c3fa4bdee2
title: Palestinians on hunger strike
uri: Palestinians-on-hunger-strike
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Palestinians_on_hunger_strike%29
content:
<p>
45 Palestinians, <a href="http://normanfinkelstein.com/2016/07/18/bilal-kayed-shackled-to-hospital-bed-on-34th-day-of-hunger-strike-as-increasing-number-of-prisoners-join-protest/">imprisoned by Israel arbitrarily, are on hunger strike</a>.
One is shackled to a hospital bed.


feed_id: e392a386dac93abfc462b5abfd9528ae
title: Chinese censorship
uri: 2016-08-04-Chinese-censorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Chinese_censorship%29
content:
<p>
A Hong Kong publisher and some employees <a href="http://view.s4.exacttarget.com/?qs=8e4f28d7366fe769bec30c46daf27b457e7244990a4e767d61d13731727b1228575af2f518a37d210982bfe7221c3b70807e1beffd5cc11c">have been sentenced</a> to prison
in China for "running an illegal business". Supposedly this is not the publishing business, but rather another
unrelated business.  The charges could conceivably be valid, but we have
to be skeptical.


feed_id: 0b84614f0eb1a4d59f77b362c44f32db
title: Safety hazards in US homes
uri: Safety-hazards-in-US-homes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Safety_hazards_in_US_homes%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2016/07/gas-leaks-mold-and-rats-millions-of-americans-live-in-hazardous-homes/492689/">Over 1/5</a> of the homes in the US have serious safety hazards.


feed_id: fb1f6eaa96075bdc085900af919b2781
title: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
uri: Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Post_Traumatic_Stress_Disorder%29
content:
<p>
PTSD <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jul/27/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd-more-likely-to-affect-people-in-affluent-countries-scientists-say">is more common in countries where terrible things happen</a> to
people less often, supposing we compare countries with the same
level of violence or major social disruptions.
<p>
This makes sense to me.  Americans often seem to think that bad outcomes
can and should be entirely prevented.
<p>
I support government regulations that make frequent bad outcomes happen
substantially less.  Especially when there are businesses that profit
by cutting corners and making those things happen substantially more.


feed_id: b3524cc45abfa1e85053a7774f8ffa28
title: NYPD militarization
uri: NYPD-militarization
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28NYPD_militarization%29
content:
<p>
The New York Thug Department <a href="http://www.alternet.org/grayzone-project/nypd-already-small-army-now-it-hyping-terror-threats-militarize-even-more">is pushing hard</a> to militarize even more. That will make it even more dangerous, especially when people want
to protest.


feed_id: b14c039569e8d55d42d2498c1dc98088
title: Trump called on Russia
uri: Trump-called-on-Russia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Trump_called_on_Russia%29
content:
<p>
Trump called on Russia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/27/donald-trump-russia-hillary-clinton-emails-dnc-hack">to get and leak</a> the lost Clinton emails.
<p>
While Putin's men are at it, maybe they could get Trump's tax returns
and show them to us.  Those tax returns are not a state secret, but
Clinton's emails might contain some.
<p>
Now I presume people will give Trump a taste of his own exaggeration,
with shirts that call Trump "traitor".
<p>
Trump's <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/27/trump-putin-agent-fan-president-russia">admiration for Putin is enough</a> to make him qualify as un-American.


feed_id: 4c3cc89ef45e4c61e0f6b58210fb1d0e
title: Freddie Gray's death
uri: Freddie-Gray-s-death
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Freddie_Gray%27s_death%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/27/freddie-gray-police-officers-charges-dropped">No thugs will be punished</a> for risking (and ending) Freddie Gray's life.
<p>
Partly this is because the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/27/freddie-gray-trial-police-garrett-miller-prosecutors">next thug to be tried has been made to testify</a>
against another thug.  It would be hard to try him now in a manner that
is constitutional.
<p>
How can we stop thugs from subjecting prisoners to "rough rides" that
can kill them?


feed_id: 7130ab730782fa17deeaff96b7c73bb9
title: Brexit consequences
uri: Brexit-consequences
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Brexit_consequences%29
content:
<p>
Negative bank interest rates in the UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/27/brexit-economy-shock-uk-negative-interest-rates">reflect economic decline</a> caused
by the plan to leave the EU.


feed_id: 43cac8af0d732261699f7ae8f6acc72f
title: Ukrainian journalists
uri: Ukrainian-journalists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Ukrainian_journalists%29
content:
<p>
Ukrainian journalists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/27/kremlin-style-troll-attacks-are-on-the-rise-in-ukraine-hromadske">who embarrassed the government</a> have been hit with
a barrage of lies.


feed_id: 92190e118e4448910b0fc378126dfc79
title: White Christians support Trump
uri: White-Christians-support-Trump
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28White_Christians_support_Trump%29
content:
<p>
The white Christians that feel entitled to dominate the US <a href="http://www.alternet.org/election-2016/threatened-core-fading-power-and-demographics-white-christian-america-going-all-trump">have turned
to Trump</a> (even though he is nothing like what they stand for), hoping
he will maintain their grip over some noncommercial aspects of life in
America, concerning race and sex.


feed_id: 9b1124397ce13f9aa88f7cb0cd9642ca
title: Militarized thugs
uri: 2016-08-04-Militarized-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Militarized_thugs%29
content:
<p>
Federally-funded "training" for increasingly militarized thugs <a href="http://www.alternet.org/civil-liberties/not-everyone-thinks-funneling-more-resources-police-training-solution-racist">may
contribute</a> to their over-readiness to shoot people.


feed_id: b1cc664d5fc9e2f79e6ea1cac8056950
title: Global heating
uri: 2016-08-04-Global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Global_heating%29
content:
<p>
Many US coastal military facilities <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/07/27/new-study-finds-us-coastal-military-installations-will-lose-land-sea-level-rise">are under siege from global
heating</a> and resulting rising sea level.
<p>
Some of them will lose a lot of land area in 25 years.


feed_id: 150b526210e295a486b68ee48cc34d6e
title: UK cleaners wages
uri: UK-cleaners-wages
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28UK_cleaners_wages%29
content:
<p>
Cleaners working indirectly for the UK government <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/27/hmrc-cleaner-unfair-wage-strike">are paid so little
that they need to claim tax benefits</a>.


feed_id: 67c3c325a11fc939852db2588a5ab7e0
title: UK new nuclear power plant
uri: UK-new-nuclear-power-plant
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28UK_new_nuclear_power_plant%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jul/27/hinkley-point-c-no-more-than-doomed-attempt-face-saving">The UK government persists in offering giant subsidies</a> for a new
nuclear power plant even though offshore wind power is now cheaper.


feed_id: dad12d035f6809a27ed47634acf23809
title: Companies' power
uri: Companies-power
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Companies_power%29
content:
<p>
Many organizations that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/jul/27/if-companies-profit-by-doing-good-why-arent-they-all-doing-it">supposedly work</a> for "development" are now openly
treating powerful businesses as the boss.
<p>
This corruption means that they will work to enrich business, and their
nominal aims will be forgotten.
<p>
We must not deny the fact that businesses wield power.  If we advocate
democracy, we must recognize that fact by fighting to take power away
from them.  To treat their power as acceptable or normal is not
"pragmatic".  It is to abandon democracy and betray the people.
<p>
The article is right that we must not believe that businesses will
profit by treating the society around them right, because most of them
simply don't.


feed_id: 02c5cbe8a4d664d85322806956c3d20b
title: Neonicotinoids
uri: 2016-08-04-Neonicotinoids
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Neonicotinoids%29
content:
<p>
Neonicotinoids <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jul/27/leading-insecticide-cuts-bee-sperm-by-almost-40-per-cent-study-shows">reduce the sperm count of male bees</a>.
<p>
A queen bee mates once and saves the sperm for making many offspring.
For honeybees, a queen can make millions of offspring, and and nearly
of them require some of that stored sperm.  If she got insufficient
sperm, she will be unable to make more workers.


feed_id: 6cc0e27528c827b32c16fbf04ebebf52
title: Israel expanding settlements
uri: Israel-expanding-settlements
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Israel_expanding_settlements%29
content:
<p>
Israel <a href="http://imemc.org/article/israel-to-expand-settlement-housing-in-jerusalem-with-770-units/">is planning</a> a large housing development in Palestinian territory
supposedly annexed to Jerusalem.


feed_id: e99e8d3fa863931c1aec096a42529e0a
title: Olympics
uri: 2016-08-04-Olympics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Olympics%29
content:
<p>
The US Olympic Committee <a href="http://gizmodo.com/olympics-committee-says-non-sponsors-are-banned-from-tw-1784344194">claims</a> that companies that aren't sponsors
are not allowed to mention the games in tweets.
<p>
Please <a href="ttp://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">don't refer to trademarks as "intellectual property"</a>.
Trademark law is totally different from copyright law, and also
totally different from patent law.  (And those two are almost totally
different from each other.)  Use of the term "intellectual property"
is sure to spread confusion.


feed_id: 4a85c72c6e700bc1ef51099a36de33fb
title: Turkey violates human rights
uri: Turkey-violates-human-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Turkey_violates_human_rights%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/07/26/turkey-rights-protections-missing-emergency-decree">Human Rights Watch reports</a> on how Turkey's state of emergency violates
human rights.
<p>
Basically, Erdo&gbreve;an can have anyone punished arbitrarily.
No one in Turkey is safe.


feed_id: 53a85088adc13de0abae248e0c25d025
title: Democracy in the US
uri: Democracy-in-the-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Democracy_in_the_US%29
content:
<p>
Several examples of local or partial advances in democracy in the US
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/07/26/why-hope-has-power-gut-wrenching-election-year">show that winning is possible</a>.


feed_id: 3c713f61bab323f4a12a8aa04ef95745
title: US National Health System
uri: US-National-Health-System
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28US_National_Health_System%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/07/26/why-demand-medicare-all-wont-go-away">The US needs a national health system</a>.


feed_id: 58edfa18a0535d83f23f4b1972ad2025
title: Why Tim Kaine opposes TPP
uri: Why-Tim-Kaine-opposes-TPP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Why_Tim_Kaine_opposes_TPP%29
content:
<p>
Tim Kaine <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/07/26/what-make-vp-pick-tim-kaines-reversal-tpp">has switched</a> from supporting the TPP to opposing it.
<p>
He's done this because he knows the voters demand it, which is better
than not doing it.


feed_id: 8184fc361ef074485de8ac92fb735fa6
title: Airplane emissions and global heating
uri: Airplane-emissions-and-global-heating
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Airplane_emissions_and_global_heating%29

content:
<p>
It took the EPA 9 years to <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/07/25/epa-admits-airplane-pollutions-climate-danger-drags-feet-emissions-rules">recognize that airplane emissions contribute to
global heating</a> and that we need policies to reduce those emissions.
<p>
The EPA <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jul/26/epa-ruling-on-aircraft-emissions-paves-way-for-new-regulations">plans to require</a> airplanes to be more efficient,
but avoiding disaster requires reduced total emissions. It is necessary to tax flying so much that the emissions from flying
decrease substantially.


feed_id: e915a64db4aafa39d894f4b52c7ca3eb
title: Knighthood to business owners
uri: Knighthood-to-business-owners
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Knighthood_to_business_owners%29
content:
<p>
A British retain company that employed 11,000 people collapsed because its
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/25/the-guardian-view-on-the-bhs-report-the-end-of-the-celebrity-entrepreneur">owner bled it dry</a>.  And he robbed the workers of their pension fund.
<p>
It's the government's responsibility to prevent business owners from
doing that.  Will the UK government fulfull this responsibility?
<p>
For a "socialist" like B'liar even to propose giving a knighthood to
a big business owner shows the extent of "New Labour"'s perversion.
<p>
Now Labour is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/26/labour-battle-blairites-corbynistas-conservatives-progressives">divided</a> between conservatives in the model of B'liar and
progressives such as Corbyn.


feed_id: b7045f9f40b143cf0ed2250cbeefafd2
title: Turkish coup
uri: Turkish-coup
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_%28Turkish_coup%29
content:
<p>
Erdo&gbreve;an's PM <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/26/turkish-pm-coup-suspects-testimony-points-to-gulens-involvement">says that coup participants have said the coup was
organized directly by Fethullah Gülen</a>.
<p>
I believe they said this.  Torture enough people and some will give
confessions — whether true or not.  However, the claim that they said
this immediately upon their arrest stinks, to put it mildly.
<p>
I have no idea whether Gülen was involved in the coup attempt, but
testimony from prisoners in Turkish jails proves nothing at all about
it.


feed_id: db443102ba9fc64ec10ba0b115c89e5c
title: Something to Fear
uri: 2016-08-04-Something-to-Fear
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Something_to_Fear%29
content:
<p>
Yes, <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/why-fear-surveillance.html">You
Have Something to Fear</a>.


feed_id: c8504476b8c9ce5b3c7351bbed22dbe7
title: Broken Britain
uri: 2016-08-04-Broken-Britain
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Broken_Britain%29
content:
<p>
Yes, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/26/broken-britain-lives-on-in-sports-direct-and-bhs">Britain is broken</a> — in particular, because of businessmen that get away with injustice.  What enabled them to get away with it?  Plutocracy.


feed_id: e7d1dd051b0dac473abddb54191a1f0e
title: Most common age of a sex offender
uri: 2016-08-04-Most-common-age-of-a-sex-offender
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_%28Most_common_age_of_a_sex_offender%29

content:
<p>
The most common age for someone to be labeled as a "sex offender" is
as a teenager.  So the system of "<a href="http://www.freerangekids.com/what-is-the-most-common-age-of-a-sex-offender-surprise/">registered sex offenders</a>" causes
tremendous suffering, and most of them don't need to be "protected" from.
<p>
Having sex is normal behavior for teenagers.  In the US, they may be
labeled as "sex offenders" for life because of this.  Then they are
not allowed to go near children — so they can't live with their
families any more.


feed_id: bbfa943bc32f85ddf62f6e20b24fa5c3
title: DNC server crack
uri: DNC-server-crack
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%28DNC_server_crack%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/clinton-campaign--and-some-cyber-experts--say-russia-is-behind-email-release/2016/07/24/5b5428e6-51a8-11e6-bbf5-957ad17b4385_story.html">Various
indications</a> suggest that Russia cracked the DNC's servers and
leaked their internal emails.
<p>
But this is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/25/russia-blame-dnc-email-hack-premature">not
a certainty</a>.
<p>
However, it is a certainty that Trump and Putin support each other in
other ways, and that they are similarly autocratic.  Trump has been
getting 
<a href="http://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/trump-putin-yes-it-s-really-a-thing">a
lot of investment money from Russia</a> for many years.
<p>
Given the way Putin has imposed control over Russia, this money must
be coming from Putin's friends.
<p>
No matter who leaked the emails, the real issue is the 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_(Democratic_Convention)">dishonesty
of the officials of the Democratic National Committee</a>, revealed by
them.


feed_id: 1c1c25bdcb917837ffe538382be86d05
title: The Olympics and Zika
uri: The-Olympics-and-Zika
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%28The_Olympics_and_Zika%29
content:
<p>
Olympic athletes and spectators have a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/25/zika-virus-risk-at-rio-olympics-negligible-says-yale-report">very
low chance of catching Zika</a>, and need not be worried.  Brazilians,
and other tourists, are at more risk.
<p>
It is good that the Olympics probably won't significantly spread Zika.
But they do 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-mar-jun.html#14_March_2012_(Olympic_Burden)">several
other kinds of lasting harm</a> to the places where they are held.


feed_id: d3e13250073935de0226bc5df8c09950
title: Monopoly capitalism
uri: Monopoly-capitalism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%28Monopoly_capitalism%29
content:
<p>
Pokémon Go is a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/25/pokemon-go-silicon-valley-reality">harbinger
of the monopoly capitalism proclaimed by monster Peter Thiel</a>,
which companies such as Google try to practice.
<p>
The article exaggerates when it claims that images on a phone screen
and reality will be indistinguishable.  Most people will relearn how
to distinguish, because various forms of crime and misadventure will
teach them.
<p>
Meanwhile, some of us know better than to play such a game.  I would
never even consider running the Pokémon Go game, since it is
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/nonfree-games.html">proprietary
software</a> which means it 
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">tramples
the freedom of whoever uses it</a>.  I would never even consider
running the proprietary operating systems that it runs on, such as iOS
and 
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/android-and-users-freedom.html">Android</a>.
<p>
And I would never even consider tolerating the surveillance which that
game does, or the surveillance done by 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#17_December_2015_(iThings)">any 
portable phone</a>.
<p>
If those injustices were fixed, I'd have no reason of principle to
refuse to the game.  But I'd still have better things to do with my
time.  Don't you?  Isn't there some worthy cause you would like to
work for, if only you had time?  Well, here's how to get the time: do
it <em>instead</em> of some other hobby.


feed_id: 3495af86750e941deb8656fcf355d01c
title: Privatization of UK schools
uri: 2016-08-04-Privatization-of-UK-schools
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%28Privatization_of_UK_schools%29
content:
<p>
The executives of more-or-less privatized UK schools are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jul/23/education-academies-funding-expenses">living
a lavish life at the expense of their students</a>.
<p>
Privatization tends to do this, and everyone knows it.  The
politicians that advocate privatization pretend to endorse 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-mar-jun.html#27_May_2012_(Privatizing_government_operations)">mysterious
"efficiency" claims that turn out to be bogus</a>.  The way
privatization really generates income for owners and bosses is
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#24_June_2016_(Privatization_of_UK_nursing_homes)">at 
the expense of their workers and the public</a>.


feed_id: 1e47c65f69d466dfdef37a2734dc6aae
title: Planned natural gas extraction
uri: Planned-natural-gas-extraction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%28Planned_natural_gas_extraction%29
content:
<p>
A study shows that the natural gas extraction already planned for the
US would block the US from achieving its 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/07/22/major-parties-embrace-fracking-report-shows-natural-gas-bridge-climate-disaster">CO<sub>2</sub>
reduction goals</a>, which are 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#28_July_2016_(The_Paris_climate_agreement)">too
weak</a> to avoid global disaster anyway.


feed_id: d03f0154ad0849198940a450407aefb3
title: Subpoenas for data about people
uri: Subpoenas-for-data-about-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Subpoenas_for_data_about_people%29
content:
<p>
The US proposes to 
<a href="https://www.accessnow.org/four-ways-new-proposal-bypassing-mlats-fails-human-rights/">let
other governments subpoena data about people directly from US
companies</a>.
<p>
The U SAP AT RIOT act already makes it 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2006-nov-feb.html#01%20January%202007%20(Prison%20without%20bars)">dangerously
easy for the US government to get data about Americans</a>.  This bill
would make things worse.


feed_id: 4a18739d258e890ba0735750179f4a92
title: 1996 Rus sian elections
uri: 1996-Rus-sian-elections
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%281996_Russian_elections%29
content:
<p>


<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/03/spinning-hillary-a-history-of-america-and-russias-mutual-meddling">How the US meddled in the 1996 Russian elections</a>.


feed_id: 8b71cd24e97828097447426b751cee3a
title: Global heating
uri: 2016-08-04-Global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%28Global_heating%29
content:
<p>


Global heating <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2016/aug/03/new-research-shows-penguins-will-suffer-in-a-warming-world">will nearly wipe out the Adelie penguins</a>, but according
to models some populations will remain.


feed_id: 8ea2d58f92eec2af1f688e6c7c877285
title: Bias against Sanders
uri: Bias-against-Sanders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%28Bias_against_Sanders%29
content:
<p>


Three DNC leading officials <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/02/three-more-dnc-officials-out-amid-email-scandal">have resigned</a> due to the scandal of bias
against Sanders.


feed_id: d627f9915e19c3d30343ea427d75b448
title: Discard information about companies
uri: Discard-information-about-companies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%28Discard_information_about_companies%29

content:
<p>


The UK government <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2016/aug/03/journalists-must-fight-companies-house-proposal-to-delete-records">proposes to discard information about failed companies</a>
after only 6 years.
<p>
That would be very convenient for the owners of those companies.


feed_id: c2e8b2aa3e2967145b8cd4c2cec99bbe
title: New costitution in Thailand
uri: New-costitution-in-Thailand
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%28New_costitution_in_Thailand%29
content:
<p>

Thailand will soon vote on a new constitution that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/03/thailand-constitutional-referendum-all-your-questions-answered">would give the
military lasting power</a>. Those who campaign for voting No face
10 years in prison if the military says what they say is "false".


feed_id: 8c160c0bcba8b5a52d7bdeeee5575cf2
title: Climate crisis
uri: Climate-crisis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%28Climate_crisis%29
content:
<p>
George Monbiot: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/03/climate-crisis-media-relegates-greatest-challenge-hurtle-us-collapse-planet">The climate crisis is already here</a> — but no one's telling us.


feed_id: 443f26ff134675ad965f1ad3cb43bb5d
title: Disney World
uri: Disney-World
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%28Disney_World%29
content:
<p>
Disney World <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/Technology/2016/0802/Why-Disney-World-wants-to-track-your-feet">wants to track</a> customers by their feet.


feed_id: 5a8c3953835e0294c9b30a1fe25af95c
title: Erdoğan
uri: Erdoğan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%28Erdo%26%23287%3Ban%29
content:
<p>
When Erdoğan shuts a newspaper, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/aug/03/free-speech-groups-condemn-turkeys-closure-of-29-publishers-after-failed-coup">he confiscates</a> all its records. That means he can identify all sources listed in those records.
<p>
Even if the papers are someday allowed to reopen, it will be
impossible to undo this.


feed_id: 648a1a99a0f1038a9ef407f770a39707
title: All-white jury pools
uri: All-white-jury-pools
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%28All-white_jury_pools%29
content:
<p>


<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/08/02/naacp-supports-kentucky-judge-facing-panel-jury-stance">A Kentucky judge is facing punishment</a> for rejecting all-white jury pools
for several cases.


feed_id: b626f8348f799c6d45952293304a9c5b
title: Belize offshore bank
uri: Belize-offshore-bank
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%28Belize_offshore_bank%29
content:
<p>
An influential Tory, who was until recently in the House of Lords,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/aug/02/belize-offshore-secrecy-ill-at-ease-with-uk-politics-and-us-authorities">owns a bank in Belize</a> that seems to have been set up specifically to enable
people to hide money from the US government.


feed_id: ae6610bf2c732c335b955bb180bc0b9d
title: Travel ban on Gaza musicians
uri: Travel-ban-on-Gaza-musicians
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%28Travel_ban_on_Gaza_musicians%29
content:
<p>
A Palestinian youth orchestra visited England, but two members from Gaza
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2016/aug/02/travel-ban-on-gazan-musicians-mars-cultural-exchange">were missing because Israel would not let them travel</a>.


feed_id: 19f225bb544dce5906c4aa06c9f5df2c
title: School reform in the UK
uri: School-reform-in-the-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%28School_reform_in_the_UK%29
content:
<p>
School "reform" in the UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/aug/02/school-widen-poverty-admissions-academy-free-schools-segregation">has created</a> many "academies" and "free
schools" which generally have few disadvantaged or minority children.
Thus, they increase segregation.


feed_id: 38617ba345229523e089633423128e5a
title: Chelsea Manning
uri: 2016-08-04-Chelsea-Manning
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%28Chelsea_Manning%29
content:
<p>


<a href="http://boingboing.net/2016/08/01/chelsea-manning-on-facing-lif.html">Explaining</a> the cruel and absurd new charges against Chelsea Manning.


feed_id: 5e7fab78f6a5b9c8cffbea318b7ecc08
title: Freedom of speech in US colleges
uri: Freedom-of-speech-in-US-colleges
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%28Freedom_of_speech_in_US_colleges%29

content:
<p>


Many US colleges <a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-how-campus-policies-limit-free-speech-58974">have policies restricting freedom of speech</a>.
A student was forbidden to distribute copies of the US Constitution
because he hadn't reserved the "free speech zone" in advance.
<p>
"Free speech zones" on colleges <a href="http://www.splc.org/article/2016/01/free-speech-behind-the-line">seem to be losing</a> court cases.
<p>
Now we need to extend this principle outside of college.
Just recently the onerous and absurd restrictions on protests
at the Republican Convention deterred almost all protest.
<p>
Regarding "cultural appropriation", the concept is absurd.  Imitation of others
is the basis of culture, and there is nothing wrong with imitating others.
If someone accuses you of "cultural appropriation", proudly say "Of course!"
<p>
There are some manners of imitation that amount to mockery or would
show you up as ignorant or foolish.  You have a right to mock others,
but I hope you will consider whether they deserve it.  You also have
the right to be ignorant or foolish.


feed_id: f236b09926d024ffe2740986101f1238
title: Delaware's death penalty law
uri: Delaware-s-death-penalty-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%28Delaware%27s_death_penalty_law%29
content:
<p>


Delaware's death penalty law <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/02/delaware-death-penalty-law-unconstitutional-high-court-ruling">has been found unconstitutional</a>,
and the governor does not want to replace it. It is likely that this means one more state with no capital punishment.


feed_id: 1c9e4ab89957603e9ca68f8b4ea14598
title: Tax as a Force for Common Good
uri: 2016-08-04-Tax-as-a-Force-for-Common-Good
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_August_2016_%28Tax_as_a_Force_for_Common_Good%29
content:
<p>


<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/01/tax-debate-freedom-day-society-theft">Let's Talk</a> about Tax as a Force for Common Good — or We Lose the Debate.
<p>
I am concerned about tax fairness.  We should make rich people and
businesses pay the fair share, a larger share than now, which they can
easily afford.  Then we can reduce taxes for the middle class and aid
the poor better.  We can also invest more in making society work
better for everyone.


feed_id: 89cb28397752988e0f99961602afd0ab
title: Urgent: Ban "Enlist" pesticide combo
uri: 2016-08-05-Urgent-Ban-Enlist-pesticide-combo
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Ban_Enlist_pesticide_combo%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://secure.nrdconline.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=4049">call
on the EPA</a> to ban the "Enlist" pesticide combination.


feed_id: 2a1a7e884977d2f31b4d81bef838e3bd
title: Timing of DNC emails leak
uri: Timing-of-DNC-emails-leak
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%28Timing_of_DNC_emails_leak%29
content:
<p>
Assange 
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/27/us/politics/assange-timed-wikileaks-release-of-democratic-emails-to-harm-hillary-clinton.html">timed
the DNC emails leak to hurt Clinton</a>, saying that she is a known
enemy of freedom of the press (and Wikileaks), while he doesn't know
what Trump would do.
<p>
Trump says he 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_(Censorship_on_the_Internet)">wants 
to censor the internet</a>.
<p>
We can't be sure he means anything he says, but we can hardly assume
he does not mean this.


feed_id: b40525846aceba1b4aa396fb7628d28b
title: Business-supremacy
uri: Business-supremacy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%28Business-supremacy%29
content:
<p>
George Monbiot: Sovereignty? This government will 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/27/sovereignty-corporations-liam-fox-eu">sell
us to the highest bidder</a>.
<p>
The minister in charge of new business-supremacy treaties advocates a
complete end to welfare for the poor, and worked with 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-nov-feb.html#21_January_2012_(ALEC)">ALEC</a> 
a few years ago.


feed_id: 61b29d164f0b42bf068654d4845c468d
title: Unjustified searches
uri: Unjustified-searches
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%28Unjustified_searches%29
content:
<p>
MI5 admitted that rogue officers carried out searches about 20
prominent people with 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/27/mi5-and-gchq-spied-on-20-high-profile-people-in-questionable-operations">no
apparent justification from their duties</a>.  The 20 people have not
been informed that they were targeted, and we don't know who they
were.
<p>
I am more worried about the thousands of searches that the officers do
for reasons that are officially approved.
<p>
MI5 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jul/26/mi5-resisted-independent-oversight-of-communications-data-collection">systematically
resists legally mandated independent oversight</a> of its bulk data
collection.
<p>
US agencies have developed 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#26_October_2015_(ACLU%27s_lawsuit_against_NSA)">their 
own ways</a> to 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-mar-jun.html#20_March_2014_(NSA_lawyer_says_Internet_companies_knew_about_Prism)">make 
a monkey</a> out of laws
that are 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-nov-feb.html#24_January_2014_(NSA_massive_surveillance_is_illegal)">supposed 
to limit what they do</a>.


feed_id: cf3e66c76f5444ec31a1863caf72e734
title: The real political center
uri: The-real-political-center
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#4_August_2016_%28The_real_political_center%29
content:
<p>
Don't blame Sanders for 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/27/hillary-clinton-general-election-bernie-sanders-campaign">Americans'
reluctance to support another "centrist" Democrat</a>.
<p>
The real political center, measured by Americans' views, is 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_(Obama%27s_support_to_Clinton)">to 
the left of politicians like Obama and Clinton.


feed_id: 9fcbc381601a56d30057ea056d79125f
title: Trying to diagnose Trump as mentally ill
uri: Trying-to-diagnose-Trump-as-mentally-ill
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Trying_to_diagnose_Trump_as_mentally_ill%29

content:
<p>
Trying to diagnose Trump as <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/brain-flapping/2016/aug/04/dont-diagnose-donald-trump-its-not-helpful">mentally ill</a> is a bad idea.


feed_id: 27cfe4b46429d339d4495b2078e36ee6
title: Growing up bilingual helps children
uri: Growing-up-bilingual-helps-children
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Growing_up_bilingual_helps_children%29

content:
<p>
Growing up bilingual helps children's <a href="http://www.dw.com/en/one-dos-drei-why-speaking-more-than-one-language-is-good-for-the-brain/a-19325726">minds develop faster in other ways</a>.


feed_id: e258b89955f120affcca1fea3f9ef231
title: Democrats that think it's fine to take money
uri: Democrats-that-think-it-s-fine-to-take-money
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Democrats_that_think_it%27s_fine_to_take_money%29

content:
<p>
Democrats that think it's fine to take money from plutocrats, and fine
to replace progressive votes with right-wing votes, <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/04/oligarchs-are-feeling-right-home-democratic-party">will never make
America better</a>.


feed_id: f1bad06c8f63997b5e097356bf19c46f
title: Urgent: Legalize Marijuana
uri: Urgent-Legalize-Marijuana
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Legalize_Marijuana%29
content:
<p>
US citizens:Congress, <a href="https://engage.drugpolicy.org/secure/deschedule-marijuana">legalize marijuana</a>.


feed_id: 25273845fd5b17d2705aca7ec1a79685
title: US air attacks bad for Afghanistan
uri: US-air-attacks-bad-for-Afghanistan
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28US_air_attacks_bad_for_Afghanistan%29

content:
<p>
Karzai said that US air attacks against the Taliban are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/04/former-afghan-president-criticises-foreign-led-combat-against-taliban">bad for Afghanistan</a>.


feed_id: 41f9e2dae72d426f28a0717deff8279d
title: Australia cancels cut funding for climate science
uri: Australia-cancels-cut-funding-for-climate-science
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Australia_cuts_funding_for_climate_science%29

content:
<p>
Australia has mostly cancelled the previously announced cuts in
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/aug/04/csiro-cuts-turnbull-government-orders-u-turn-on-climate-science-research">funding for climate science</a>.


feed_id: aee0455871df2a635cba9733cbf74c48
title: Australians are resisting the census
uri: Australians-are-resisting-the-census
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Australians_are_resisting_the_census%29

content:
<p>
Australians are resisting the census in reaction to the state's new
policy of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/aug/04/hundreds-referred-for-prosecution-for-failure-to-complete-census">retaining identifying data</a>.


feed_id: dfbe412a869cc976914af25804166d0f
title: 18 year old arrested on terrorism charge
uri: 18-year-old-arrested-on-terrorism-charge
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%2818_year_old_arrested_on_terrorism_charge%29

content:
<p>
The FBI has caught a "terrorist" who is <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/08/03/18-year-old-arrested-on-terrorism-charges-is-mentally-like-a-child/">so retarded he can't even tie his shoes</a>.  The FBI guided him for at least 3 years into an action he believed was an act of terrorism.  Why didn't it lead him in the opposite direction?
<p>
Another "terrorist" sent money to a friend (or rather, an FBI tool who
he believed was a friend) <a href="Https://theintercept.com/2016/08/03/widely-reported-dc-metro-police-terrorism-arrest-involved-gift-cards-not-violence/">who said he had joined PISSI</a> (against the suspect's advice).


feed_id: 96414f242b9ff85b319072a07d6c5167
title: Several Venezuelan high officials accused of drug trafficking
uri: Several-Venezuelan-high-officials-accused-of-drug-trafficking
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Several_Venezuelan_high_officials_accused_of_drug_trafficking%29

content:
<p>
Several Venezuelan high officials, and relatives of such, are accused
by the US of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/03/venezuela-interior-minister-nestor-reverol-drug-trafficking">involvement in drug trafficking</a>.
<p>
The people now running Venezuela seem to be corrupt and interested
mainly in power and money.  Naturally, many Venezuelans want to kick
them out.
<p>
What is sad is that the likely replacements are corrupt in a different
way: they want to sell their country to multinational corporations and
would let the US government impse power over it.  (Possibly some may
also be corrupt in the same way as the current rulers.)
<p>
The new leader that Venezuela needs is an honest libertarian
socialist, one that wants to fix the irrational policies such as price
controls, and encourage local farms and factories with profits, while
keeping the multinationals out.


feed_id: a4474e0ac0c45258c01a8d69cc94efbc
title: Hunger problems in every country
uri: Hunger-problems-in-every-country
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Hunger_problems_in_every_country%29

content:
<p>
Almost <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/03/theres-hunger-problem-every-county-america-and-its-solvable">15% of Americans</a> have recently faced food insecurity.


feed_id: 606a964378571e1405ff33e70e968784
title: Donation Manual for Rich Foreigners
uri: Donation-Manual-for-Rich-Foreigners
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Donation_Manual_for_Rich_Foreigners%29

content:
<p>
Thanks to the Corporations United decision, there is now a <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2016/08/now-we-have-how-manual-foreigners-who-want-donate-us-political-campaigns">manual for
any rich foreigners</a> that want to donate to US political campaigns.
<p>
Many non-US-citizens have told me how unhappy they are that they can't
vote in US elections, even though the results affect them greatly.
But they can't use this method directly, becase they are not rich.


feed_id: 328ff50eced0349d3211af20d95a1559
title: DNC achieved unity through forced conformity
uri: DNC-achieved-unity-through-forced-conformity
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28DNC_achieved_unity_through_forced_conformity%29

content:
<p>
Clinton's supporters imposed an appearance of unity during the
Democratic Convention by silencing and excluding Sanders supporters
and dissenters, and <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/02/dnc-achieved-unity-through-forced-conformity-and-manufactured-consent">the media covered up what was left</a>.


feed_id: 2ebf569c0c138edf345d8dffba7664e1
title: Secret Israeli document
uri: Secret-Israeli-document
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Secret_Israeli_document%29
content:
<p>
A secret Israeli document demonstrates the lies used to build one
of the <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/secret-1970-document-shows-first-israeli-settlements-in-west-bank-were-built-under-false-pretences-a7164111.html">first Israeli colonies</a> in the West Bank.
<p>
If Israel can retroactively "regularize" houses that Israelis built
without permission on land stolen from Palestinian neighbors, it
should also "<a href="http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4836117,00.html">regularize</a>" houses that Palestinians build without permission on their own land.


feed_id: 7f214461ad2d9327b802382088500358
title: New Israel law protects thugs and soldiers
uri: New-Israel-law-protects-thugs-and-soldiers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28New_Israel_law_protects_thugs_and_soldiers%29

content:
<p>
A new law in Israel bans mentioning the name of Israeli thugs or soldiers
that are accused of <a href="http://www.richardsilverstein.com/2016/07/26/israeli-knesset-bars-reporting-names-of-soldiers-accused-of-killing-of-palestinians/">crimes against Palestinians</a>.  The purpose of this law is to give assured immunity to killers.
<p>
The soldier who <a href="http://972mag.com/when-israels-leaders-incite-one-soldier-pays-the-price/121032/">murdered an incapacitated Palestinian</a> suspect is being
prosecuted, but the leaders that encourage this sort of thing
are still in power.


feed_id: 3feb9d5b1c4256a8dd3d7f2fc5ef337d
title: Very Urgent: Israeli colonies in West Bank
uri: Very-Urgent-Israeli-colonies-in-West-Bank
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Very_Urgent%3A_Israeli_colonies_in_West_Bank%29

content:
<p>
Through Friday

Everyone: encourage Rep. Hank Johnson to keep <a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/rephankjohnson-please?r_by=1135580">raising the issue of the
Israeli colonies in the West Bank</a>.


feed_id: fcd736601b1f6af93586d95cfbc72d34
title: Palestinian prisoners of Israel, on hunger strike.
uri: Palestinian-prisoners-of-Israel-on-hunger-strike
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Palestinian_prisoners_of_Israel%2C_on_hunger_strike.%29

content:
<p>
Palestinian prisoners of Israel, on hunger strike against imprisonment
without trial and cruel punishments, are subject to <a href="http://imemc.org/article/israeli-forces-raid-ramon-and-ofer-prisons-as-palestinian-detainees-join-kayed-in-hunger-strike/">additional cruel punishments</a>.


feed_id: 31ffdecd3b2d8982fe64cef609cace83
title: New York's Clean Energy Plan
uri: New-York-s-Clean-Energy-Plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28New_York%27s_Clean_Energy_Plan%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/02/new-yorks-clean-energy-plan-props-dirty-dangerous-nuclear-power">New York's Clean Energy Plan</a> includes subsidies to keep nuclear power plants running.
<p>
Shutting nuclear power plants only to replace them with fossil fuel
power would speed us towards the climate cliff.  What we must do is
shut them by building even more renewable generation and storage
facilities, or even more increases in energy efficiency (what Amory
Lovins calls "negawatts").


feed_id: 88376cc8704d2c7c0aaf7e0c85714b86
title: Trump and Putin a love story.
uri: Trump-and-Putin-a-love-story
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Trump_and_Putin_a_love_story.%29
content:
<p>
While Trump adores Putin, <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/trump-and-putin-a-love-story?mbid=rss">Putin is just using Trump</a>.
<p>
The article shows, however, a real similarity in their approaches to politics: they
both bullshit to look strong.


feed_id: 9d60744cda358ccfc6cf77a42022313d
title: Urgent: Support the Automatic Voter Registration Act
uri: Urgent-Support-the-Automatic-Voter-Registration-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Support_the_Automatic_Voter_Registration_Act%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: support the <a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/automatic_voter_reg_poev?t=1001&akid=19160.1183552.z7_oNw">Automatic Voter Registration Act</a>.


feed_id: ab7ed86d163b2c84e9e28c6c1bf34d67
title: Urgent: Bring back the Glass-Steagall Act
uri: Urgent-Bring-back-the-Glass-Steagall-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Bring_back_the_Glass-Steagall_Act%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://www.signherenow.org/petition/glass-steagall/just/">bring back the Glass-Steagall Act</a>.


feed_id: de89eb9ce06b405d7c601a1250647a8a
title: Urgent: Block the merger of Dow and DuPont
uri: Urgent-Block-the-merger-of-Dow-and-DuPont
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Block_the_merger_of_Dow_and_DuPont%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on the US government to <a href="https://secure.foodandwaterwatch.org/site/Advocacy;jsessionid=36BA7EA7FC8CA582E447471E0ED84B92.app361b?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=2453&autologin=true">block the merger of Dow and DuPont</a>.


feed_id: 6ba94a3a37a7ad0e454e0dfcb23cd347
title: Khizr Khan and mass media cover up
uri: Khizr-Khan-and-mass-media-cover-up
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Khizr_Khan_and_mass_media_cover_up%29

content:
<p>
Khizr Khan is the latest in a series of Muslims, lionized in the US,
who warned that US bombardment is making people in many countries hate
the US -- <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/03/what-khizr-khan-said-wasnt-about-trump-and-you-probably-wont-hear
">but the US mass media covered it up</a>.


feed_id: 5f9def0796e2d366d5da6cdb15ad5956
title: Urgent: Oppose impunity of thugs
uri: Urgent-Oppose-impunity-of-thugs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_impunity_of_thugs%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/stopfop-blue-lives-matter-laws/">oppose</a>
bills designed to reinforce the impunity of the thugs.


feed_id: ddfef32a08909769f19a1712cf9ac24b
title: Killer thugs
uri: 2016-08-06-Killer-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Killer_thugs%29
content:
<p>
A thug in Florida shot and killed a black man and 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/28/stand-your-ground-florida-police-shooting-jermaine-mcbean-peter-peraza">used
an unusual provision in the law to escape being tried</a>.
<p>
The 
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2016/07/28/the-new-york-times-knows-floridas-lenien">legal
provision</a> in question was not the "stand your ground" law.
<p>
The man killed was carrying an unloaded air rifle, and ignored
commands to drop it because he could not hear them.  The thug claimed
he pointed the air rifle at the thug, but that claim is implausible
and we should not believe it.  A priori, it is more plausible that the
thug made this up so to have a defense.
<p>
At a trial, this might have been brought out.
<p>
A thug in Toronto has been sentenced to years in prison for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/28/toronto-officer-james-forcillo-sentenced-shooting-death-teen">shooting
and killing a teenager who was armed with a knife</a>.
<p>
The court ruled that the thug was justified in shooting at first, for
self-defense, but that continuing to shoot once the victim had been
incapacitated was a crime.


feed_id: 1d9ee34c17d6a4af5dd49d7b1d3d58ea
title: Urgent: Raise minimum wage
uri: 2016-08-06-Urgent-Raise-minimum-wage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Raise_minimum_wage%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://a.cpdaction.org/page/s/raise-the-minimum-wage">call on
Congress</a> to raise the minimum wage.


feed_id: 43e74412cea358549ad77458bc422f26
title: US proposes to put Manning in solitary
uri: US-proposes-to-put-Manning-in-solitary
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28US_proposes_to_put_Manning_in_solitary%29

content:
<p>
The US 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/07/28/chelsea-manning-could-face-additional-punishment-for-her-suicide-attempt/">proposes
to put Chelsea Manning in permanent solitary confinement</a>, or
perhaps some lesser form of punishment, basically for trying to kill
herself.
<p>
Long-term solitary confinement drives people mad.  But you don't have
to be mad to want to kill yourself when you've been sentenced to
prison for 30 more years.


feed_id: 8929d859c3f3da48cfa14e6a71db653f
title: Media outlets shut down by Erdo&gbreve;an
uri: Media-outlets-shut-down-by-Erdo-gbreve-an
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Media_outlets_shut_down_by_Erdogan%29

content:
<p>
Erdo&gbreve;an has arbitrarily shut 
<a href="https://cpj.org/2016/07/turkey-shutters-more-than-100-media-outlets-as-pur.php">over
a hundred radio and TV channels and printed publishers</a>.


feed_id: 7bbdc62a2f13afd27ee2f33a6248a0c3
title: Taking shells from beach harms marine life
uri: Taking-shells-from-beach-harms-marine-life
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Taking_shells_from_beach_harms_marine_life%29

content:
<p>
Taking shells from the beach 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/may/19/shells-beach-decline-ecosystem-marine-life">harms
the organisms that depend on shells</a>.  On a beach that many people
visit, this can add up to a big effect.


feed_id: 2add16af7cb163afcd38f78026801521
title: UK NHS cuts
uri: UK-NHS-cuts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28UK_NHS_cuts%29
content:
<p>
The UK's National Health Service is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/28/nhs-cancer-second-stem-cell-transplants-funding">cutting
back on some treatments for cancer patients</a>.
<p>
Since the Tories do not give it enough money, it will be compelled to
let some people die who in the past it would have tried to save.


feed_id: 173bcdd5f5331f298a00fff1036b8a8f
title: The shrinking danger of terrorism
uri: The-shrinking-danger-of-terrorism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28The_shrinking_danger_of_terrorism%29

content:
<p>
Terrorism in Western Europe is a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/28/there-is-less-of-a-terrorism-threat-now-experts-put-europes-summer-of-violence-in-context">smaller
danger today than it was 25 years ago</a>.


feed_id: d34a6ed531497387d1b9097b6403f993
title: UK "grammar school" admission bias
uri: UK-grammar-school-admission-bias
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28UK_grammar_school_admission_bias%29

content:
<p>
UK "grammar schools", which are supposed to help the most capable
students advance even if they are poor, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/28/social-mobility-doesnt-exist-grammar-schools-part-problem">now
admit mostly the well-off</a>.  It is part of a larger system so
biased against the poor that a poor child must be exceptional in order
to do well in life.
<p>
This unfairness should of course be corrected, but just making the
selection for who gets a good life less unfair is only a step towards
fixing the problem.  
<a href="http://stallman.org/articles/why-we-need-a-state.html">The
state should give the poor more support</a>, so that everyone can have
a good life.


feed_id: fbe9208e862a500512b19bdea6f0f335
title: Hostile comments
uri: Hostile-comments
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Hostile_comments%29
content:
<p>
On one site in Germany, the most hostile comments were 
<a href="http://qz.com/741933/internet-trolls-are-even-more-hostile-when-theyre-using-their-real-names-a-study-finds/">not
anonymous</a>.


feed_id: df52ae4571fcec1afa86ce49b15208af
title: War talk from Democratic platform
uri: War-talk-from-Democratic-platform
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28War_talk_from_Democratic_platform%29

content:
<p>
The Democratic platform's statements on foreign policy have 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/07/28/most-progressive-dem-platform-history-disturbingly-hawkish-foreign-policy">lots
of war talk and false accusations</a>.
<p>
I am not a pacifist.  I think that fighting PISSI makes sense, because
PISSI is a state: it 
<a href="">has 
an army and controls territory</a>.  However, we need to end the drone
assassination campaign, which takes place away from battlefields in
the middle of civilian life.


feed_id: 7cd379ca965a1ee4658b35337b0fdc3e
title: BP renews museum sponsorships
uri: BP-renews-museum-sponsorships
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28BP_renews_museum_sponsorships%29
content:
<p>
Billionaire Polluters has renewed long-term sponsorship of several
prominent museums.  Activists criticize the museums, because this
legitimizes BP's business and 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/jul/28/bp-sponsorship-arts-organisations-british-museum-national-portrait-gallery">helps
it win things such as subsidies</a>.
<p>
To "really build and develop a partnership", as BP says it is "proud"
to do, makes the problem worse.
<p>
We need to 
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/why-we-need-a-state.html">tax
these companies</a> to support museums and lots of other important
things that need funds.


feed_id: d5e6dab5625d84939cd9e5b40d4eb886
title: Voting machines
uri: Voting-machines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Voting_machines%29
content:
<p>
Russia could interfere directly in the US election by 
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/07/27/by-november-russian-hackers-could-target-voting-machines/">cracking
voting machine security</a>.  We must change voting machines to stop
this.
<p>
Not only Russia can do this.  There is evidence that the Democratic
primary in one state was 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_July_2016_(Statistical_study_on_Clintons_campaign)">rigged 
by manipulating voting machines</a>.


feed_id: 244819341290ec76c2b5ce38ead5a02b
title: Several Venezuelan high officials accused of drug trafficking
uri: 2016-08-06-Several-Venezuelan-high-officials-accused-of-drug-trafficking
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Several_Venezuelan_high_officials_accused_of_drug_trafficking%29

content:
<p>
Several Venezuelan high officials, and relatives of such, are accused
by the US of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/03/venezuela-interior-minister-nestor-reverol-drug-trafficking">involvement in drug trafficking</a>.
<p>
The people now running Venezuela seem to be corrupt and interested
mainly in power and money.  Naturally, many Venezuelans want to kick
them out.
<p>
What is sad is that the likely replacements are corrupt in a different
way: they want to sell their country to multinational corporations and
would let the US government impose power over it.  (Possibly some may
also be corrupt in the same way as the current rulers.)
<p>
The new leader that Venezuela needs is an honest libertarian
socialist, one that wants to fix the irrational policies such as price
controls, and encourage local farms and factories with profits, while
keeping the multinationals out.


feed_id: 13685500f7e34bd7095b85f91ce36c6a
title: Donation Manual for Rich Foreigners
uri: 2016-08-06-Donation-Manual-for-Rich-Foreigners
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#5_August_2016_%28Donation_Manual_for_Rich_Foreigners%29

content:
<p>
Thanks to the Corporations United decision, there is now a <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2016/08/now-we-have-how-manual-foreigners-who-want-donate-us-political-campaigns">manual for
any rich foreigners</a> that want to donate to US political campaigns.
<p>
Many non-US-citizens have told me how unhappy they are that they can't
vote in US elections, even though the results affect them greatly.
But they can't use this method directly, because they are not rich.


feed_id: f7033e892bcec220740ac1f767e3234e
title: Facing my fear driving
uri: Facing-my-fear-driving
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Facing_my_fear_driving%29
content:
<p>
This black woman, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/05/facing-my-fear-driving-while-black-dangers-us-fatal-traffic-stops">when she got a traffic ticket</a>, was terrified: she
knew that the thug could murder her, lie, and get away with it.


feed_id: ea8a82fd485e072f3fcb9908f5b881cf
title: Italy passes bill to reduce food waste
uri: Italy-passes-bill-to-reduce-food-waste
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Italy_passes_bill_to_reduce_food_waste%29

content:
<p>
Italy has followed France with laws to encourage farms, stores and
people to <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/08/italy-passes-bill-reduce-food-waste">use leftover food</a>.


feed_id: b4bd9a326d033b535a1361a72776fc07
title: Dinosaurs climate change
uri: Dinosaurs-climate-change
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Dinosaurs_climate_change%29
content:
<p>
Dinosaurs were not smart enough to prevent the global heating that
wiped them out.  <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/08/dinosaurs-climate-change">Are we smart enough</a>?


feed_id: c01c654bce7dfe275da8a81d43ef42dc
title: Lead paint poisoning is racially segregated.
uri: Lead-paint-poisoning-is-racially-segregated
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Lead_paint_poisoning_is_racially_segregated.%29

content:
<p>
In the US, children's exposure to lead paint poisoning is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/05/korryn-gaines-baltimore-lead-poisoning-crisis">racially
segregated</a>.


feed_id: 4b7ff4a20fac5a95e5459d5c6cf98dc3
title: Israeli Expulsion Law
uri: Israeli-Expulsion-Law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Israeli_Expulsion_Law%29
content:
<p>
Arab members of the Israeli parliament expect that the new expulsion
law will enable Israel to put an <a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/07/israeli-expulsion-law-violates-rules-democracy-160724071131444.html">end to Arab representation in parliament</a>.
<p>
I can't understand why people make such a fetish of the corpses of
people who have died.  When I miss friends who have died, the
question of what happened to their corpses hardly crosses my mind.
<p>
However, it is clear that promising to help relatives get the chance
to bury the corpses of dead terrorists is not "support for terrorism".


feed_id: d19c9333509261b0cca8fdb88b8ec2b8
title: Home demolitions are organized state violence
uri: Home-demolitions-are-organized-state-violence
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Home_demolitions_are_organized_state_violence%29

content:
<p>
Israel's demolition of Palestinian homes, thousands of them, is
<a href="http://972mag.com/home-demolitions-are-organized-state-violence/121017/">organized state violence</a>.


feed_id: eae28e6a1292f70800fb4460b840c958
title: Economic Boycott Achieve
uri: Economic-Boycott-Achieve
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Economic_Boycott_Achieve%29
content:
<p>
The Palestinian-led <a href="http://mondoweiss.net/2016/07/economic-boycott-achieve/">boycott/divestment/sanctions movement</a> cannot
hurt Israel directly.  What it can do is puncture the myths Israel
uses to obtain world support for the occupation.


feed_id: 2064c3f4d8ad469ad33313085c459bd0
title: Obama will do anything to impose the TPP
uri: Obama-will-do-anything-to-impose-the-TPP
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Obama_will_do_anything_to_impose_the_TPP%29

content:
<p>
Obama will do anything to impose the TPP, and businesses are running
astroturf campaigns to try to <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/02/amid-fierce-opposition-obama-and-big-biz-still-resolute-pushing-tpp">elect legislators in favor of it</a>.


feed_id: 164a3f0040c4357ffd25536a5b77736b
title: Money is pouring into Super PACs
uri: Money-is-pouring-into-Super-PACs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Money_is_pouring_into_Super_PACs%29

content:
<p>
Money is pouring into Super PACs via "<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/08/03/citizens-united-foreign-money-us-elections/">ghost corporations</a>" that disguise
where the money is coming from.


feed_id: 6553cf26728d9a4aa5c1e76df9af5084
title: A bad Supreme Court decision gave US thugs near-impunity
uri: A-bad-Supreme-Court-decision-gave-US-thugs-near-impunity
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28A_bad_Supreme_Court_decision_gave_US_thugs_near-impunity%29

content:
<p>
A <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alan-singer/when-the-supreme-court-de_b_11329416.html">bad Supreme Court decision gave US thugs near-impunity</a>; all they had
to claim, to get away with any violent actions, was that they felt
threatened, and get some other thugs to say it was reasonable to feel
threatened.


feed_id: 0a76ceb141477e77e92f965839cf0b98
title: Why its so hard to regulate payday lenders
uri: Why-its-so-hard-to-regulate-payday-lenders
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Why_its_so_hard_to_regulate_payday_lenders%29

content:
<p>
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is proposing limits on
"payday loans" (short-term loans with high interest rates), but the
rules have <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/business/currency/why-its-so-hard-to-regulate-payday-lenders">loopholes which loan companies will use</a>.
<p>
Some states have entirely banned these loans, with good effect.
Research finds that people who can't get payday loans general reduce
their spending instead -- whereas paying the high interest of payday
loans would make them reduce their spending a lot more, over time.


feed_id: 624a4059809760186b1f27b31946110c
title: Tinder users tend to have lower self-esteem.
uri: Tinder-users-tend-to-have-lower-self-esteem
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Tinder_users_tend_to_have_lower_self-esteem.%29

content:
<p>
Tinder users tend to have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/aug/04/swipe-right-for-negative-self-perception-says-research-into-tinder-users">lower self-esteem</a>.
<p>
We don't know for certain that Tinder causes this, but we do know
it is a nonfree program, which is enough reason to refuse to run it.
I've also heard that using Tinder has a prerequisite: being used
by Facebook.


feed_id: b96e18de3a6ae6d62ee856c4ae1134d7
title: US military veterans have condemned Trump
uri: US-military-veterans-have-condemned-Trump
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28US_military_veterans_have_condemned_Trump%29

content:
<p>
Thousands of US military veterans have condemned Trump and call on
Republican politicians to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/04/us-military-veterans-donald-trump-petition-john-mccain">reject him</a>.


feed_id: 777ab765ecc62853471c83d8aacc36c1
title: Big Pharma Plans Massive Ad Blitz
uri: Big-Pharma-Plans-Massive-Ad-Blitz
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Big_Pharma_Plans_Massive_Ad_Blitz%29

content:
<p>
Big Pharma Plans Massive Ad Blitz to <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/04/big-pharma-plans-massive-ad-blitz-fight-criticism-drug-prices">Fight Criticism of Drug Prices</a>.
<p>
They spend their money on advertisements and fooling doctors,
or on research for drugs that alleviate (but do not cure) ailments
that lots of people have.


feed_id: 8d7bba48a524324110fa733043d539ac
title: Thug convicted of killing William Chapman
uri: Thug-convicted-of-killing-William-Chapman
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Thug_convicted_of_killing_William_Chapman%29

content:
<p>
A Virginia thug was convicted of killing William Chapman,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/04/william-chapman-shooting-officer-stephen-rankin-guilty">an unarmed black man</a>.


feed_id: a4eb466c153043cc4468adc736685fa4
title: Copyright over your TV set-top boxes
uri: Copyright-over-your-TV-set-top-boxes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Copyright_over_your_TV_set-top_boxes%29

content:
<p>
The copyright industry demands power over TV set-top boxes
in the name of the <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/08/copyright-office-jumps-set-top-box-debate-says-hollywood-should-control-your-tv">War on Sharing</a>.


feed_id: 01dfc4757bdc5bc4b8b8287253db4295
title: Why Say No to the TPP?
uri: Why-Say-No-to-the-TPP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Why_Say_No_to_the_TPP_%29
content:
<p>
Why Say No to the TPP? [Because] Corporations Already Have <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/04/why-say-no-tpp-corporations-already-have-too-much-power">Too Much Power</a>.


feed_id: bd187576fe5f1d4587822b1f39714892
title: Plaything of the Super-Rich
uri: Plaything-of-the-Super-Rich
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Plaything_of_the_Super-Rich%29
content:
<p>
With Clinton at Helm, Democratic Party Again a '<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/03/clinton-helm-democratic-party-again-plaything-super-rich">Plaything of the Super-Rich</a>'.


feed_id: 89e9628cca11d7ec9aeccd16831c1c52
title: Urgent: Everyone call for referring PISSI's enslavement of Yazidi women
uri: Urgent-Everyone-call-for-referring-PISSI-s-enslavement-of-Yazidi-wome
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Everyone_call_for_referring_PISSI%27s_enslavement_of_Yazidi_women%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: Call for referring <a href="https://www.walkfree.org/iraq-slavery-icc/?utm_source=Subscribers&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=iraq-slavery-icc&utm_content=Iraq-Isis_Petition_Chaser_EN_Core_Ex_02Aug16">PISSI's enslavement of Yazidi women</a> to
the International Criminal Court.
<p>
If you have disabled Javascript, the petition may appear not to work
-- but in fact it does work.


feed_id: 4720d2c314834108cbd1eeaedf0df37d
title: Urgent: Support these bills to limit lobbying and big money in elections
uri: Urgent-Support-these-bills-to-limit-lobbying-and-big-money-in-electio
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Support_these_bills_to_limit_lobbying_and_big_money_in_elections%29

content:
<p>
US Citizens: support these bills to limit lobbying and the influence
of big money in elections.  <a href="http://signforgood.com/promiseofdemocracy/?code=common">Live up to the Promise of Democracy</a>, <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/5">Contributions and Expenditures to affect elections</a>, <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/6">We the People Act of 2016</a>, <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/1659">Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2015</a> and <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/1538">Fair Elections Now Act</a>.


feed_id: 3dee170553ceb43c5d7974115e8f5829
title: Urgent: Susya
uri: Urgent-Susya
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#07_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Susya%29
content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/johnkerry-stop-demolition">call
on Kerry</a> to tell Israel not to demolish the Palestinian village of
Susya.


feed_id: f2d3da42b26c519cdee13024bf64afc9
title: Urgent: Trump's tax returns
uri: 2016-08-09-Urgent-Trump-s-tax-returns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#07_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Trumps_tax_returns%29
content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/trump_taxes_putin">call on
Trump</a> to publish his tax returns, so we can see what business he
has with Russia.


feed_id: 410942f5ae5f4175ee3cce0bb68bff84
title: Corbyn's plan
uri: Corbyn-s-plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#07_August_2016_%28Corbyns_plan%29
content:
<p>
Corbyn's
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/04/jeremy-corbyn-launches-bold-progressive-vision-transform-uk">plan
for a fairer Britain</a>.


feed_id: 928199adae6e44ce6e1748fae6d5b09e
title: Trump and Joe McCarthy
uri: Trump-and-Joe-McCarthy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#07_August_2016_%28Trump_and_Joe_McCarthy%29
content:
<p>
When comparing Trump with Joe McCarthy, we should remember that each
of them was
<a href="http://crookedtimber.org/2016/08/02/trumps-indecent-proposal/">elevated
by a vicious dishonest movement</a>.
<p>
By the way, there are suggestions that Chambliss won his election
through rigging it with computerized voting machines, since
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2006-sep-dec.html#22%20September%202006%20(Voting%20machine%20fraud)">Cleland
had a big lead in the opinion polls up until election day</a>.


feed_id: dca113969fbd826ebb0a244a62cdd754
title: Large mergers
uri: Large-mergers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#07_August_2016_%28Large_mergers%29
content:
<p>
Monsanto and Bayer
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/03/bayer-monsanto-merger-five-alarm-threat-food-and-farms-legal-experts">must
not be allowed to merge</a>.
<p>
I think large companies should not be allowed to merge, period.


feed_id: 529acd256f7604c9d188cb0e5c283a0d
title: Facial expression surveillance system
uri: Facial-expression-surveillance-system
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#07_August_2016_%28Facial_expression_surveillance_system%29

content:
<p>
A new surveillance system is
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/08/04/microsoft-pitches-technology-that-can-read-facial-expressions-at-political-rallies/">designed
to determine the facial expression of everyone in a large crowd</a>.
<p>
The possibilities for repression are endless.


feed_id: 812daf1a2a28de232187d8deee02c35a
title: Imprisonment without trial in Singapore
uri: Imprisonment-without-trial-in-Singapore
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#07_August_2016_%28Imprisonment_without_trial_in_Singapore%29

content:
<p>
An Australian has been imprisoned without trial in Singapore for years
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/04/australian-detained-in-singapore-falsely-linked-to-isis-his-family-says">for
posting statements on the internet</a> that supported
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-jul-oct.html#29_September_2014_(PISSI)">PISSI</a>.
<p>
Merely expressing an opinion should not be a crime, not even an opinion
in favor of PISSI.  As a separate matter, imprisonment without trial
is an injustice, whether done by Singapore,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-jan-apr.html#31_March_2013_(China)">China</a>,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#14_June_2013_(Israel_passes_law_for_imprisonment_without_trial)">Israel</a>, or the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#23_February_2016_(Moving_imprisonment_without_trial_to_US)">US</a>.


feed_id: c9395ac5b4d648f9a33e86227d94578d
title: UK farm subsidies reform
uri: UK-farm-subsidies-reform
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#07_August_2016_%28UK_farm_subsidies_reform%29
content:
<p>
Leaving the EU would allow the UK to reform farm subsidies
so that they
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/04/national-trust-calls-for-complete-reform-of-british-farm-subsidies">pay
landowners to protect nature and the environment</a> instead of
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#31_July_2016_(Environmental_harm_caused_by_farming)">paying
them to destroy it</a>.


feed_id: e61f966dd1119f8d06884c83116d242f
title: Chicago "skullcap crew" thugs
uri: Chicago-skullcap-crew-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#07_August_2016_%28Chicago_skullcap_crew_thugs%29
content:
<p>
A group of thugs called the "skullcap crew" terrorized housing
projects in Chicago for years,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/03/chicago-skullcap-crew-police-brutality">beating
up people who annoyed them</a>, and received only praise from the thug
department.
<p>
We must punish the individual thugs responsible
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#12_October_2015_(Thugs_that_attacked_Thabo_Sefolosha)">when
the city pays damages on their behalf</a>.  And don't believe the
testimony of a thug, because they are habituated to what they call
"<a href='https://stallman.org/archives/2003-sep-dec.html#12_September_2003_(he_started_it)'>testilying</a>".


feed_id: 5ef5d9b48bb8a5cbed7ffce35c7178b0
title: Women choosing to get sterilized
uri: Women-choosing-to-get-sterilized
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#07_August_2016_%28Women_choosing_to_get_sterilized%29

content:
<p>
Many middle-class Venezuelan women are choosing to get sterilized
because there is a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/03/venezuela-sterilizations-soar-children-crisis-food-shortages-inflation">shortage
of birth control supplies</a>.
<p>
They may regard this as a loss, but given the disaster that population
growth will lead to, I think it is good for humanity if more people in
all countries
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/children.html">choose to have
no more children</a>.
<p>
It is already true around the world that "having a child now
[probably] means making him suffer", except for the rich
planet-roasters.


feed_id: 0d7846756cfb21e3e5678f8301f473de
title: Resignation of three DNC officials
uri: Resignation-of-three-DNC-officials
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#07_August_2016_%28Resignation_of_three_DNC_officials%29

content:
<p>
Three DNC leading officials have resigned
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/02/three-more-dnc-officials-out-amid-email-scandal">due
to the scandal of bias against Sanders</a>.


feed_id: 03229d27c9b24b3f97974101a408a44d
title: Death penalty
uri: 2016-08-09-Death-penalty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#07_August_2016_%28Death_penalty%29
content:
<p>
Jeff Wood will soon be executed in Texas
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/08/02/jeff-wood-didnt-kill-anyone-but-texas-is-about-to-execute-him-anyway/">for
a murder that everyone agrees he did not commit</a>, because of
"accomplice liability".
<p>
The article argues that it is wrong to apply accomplice liability to
the death penalty.  My position is different:

<ul>
<li>Accomplice liability for a more serious crime (such as murder
during a robbery) should apply only when the accomplice is related
directly to that more serious crime, not when some other participant
does it on his own sole initiative.

<li>Jeff Wood had no intention to commit robbery that day, so he was
not an accomplice anyway.

<li>Cooperating in a robbery under duress, in response to a death
threat, should not be a crime at all.

<li>The death penalty is
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-may-aug.html#14_August_2011_(Truth_About_Lethal_Injection)">inherently
unjust</a>.
</ul>

Thus, I think Jeff Wood should be freed and given compensation
for his time in prison.


feed_id: 4f8b398be897dd7effe23d5fc8f478b0
title: Byron Burgers immigration raid
uri: Byron-Burgers-immigration-raid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#6_August_2016_%28Byron_Burgers_immigration_raid%29
content:
<p>
A UK fast food company <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jul/28/it-was-a-fake-meeting-byron-hamburgers-staff-on-immigration-raid">arranged a phony meeting</a> just to create an
opportunity to arrest foreigners working without legal permission.
<p>
The company was obliged to cooperate, but was it required to tell lies
for that cooperation's sake?
<p>
I have no objection to arresting and deporting foreigners who are
working illegally.  If it is true that "no British person would do"
the same work, perhaps the company will have to offer a raise to
induce British people to do it.  This might reduce some of the
<a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2013-jul-oct.html#16_October_2013_(Real_wages_in_UK_continue_falling)">fall in wages</a> that the UK has experienced since 2007.
<p>
However, to stop these people from talking with their friends and
collecting their belongings before they are deported is a gratuitous
cruelty.  At least let them call to ask friends to bring over their
belongings.


feed_id: 3b9141b15d3e0e3f5a0b08e17640edcf
title: PISSI atrocities against civilians
uri: PISSI-atrocities-against-civilians
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#6_August_2016_%28PISSI_atrocities_against_civilians%29

content:
<p>
PISSI organizes<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jul/29/iraq-isis-civilians-attacks-conflict-terror"> large and repeated atrocities</a> against civilians in Iraq.
 The article calls on Westerners to "care".
<p>
I think we do care, but it is not clear what we can do to stop it.  We
are supporting combatants fighting against PISSI in Iraq and in Syria,
but that can't be won by magic.  It could be won faster by flattening
cities such as Manbij and Mosul rather than trying to capture them,
but that would mean a lot more civilian casualties.
<p>
Meanwhile, that victory won't immediately end bombings in Iraqi
cities.  Sunnis have been planting bombs against Shi'ites in Iraq
since 10 years ago, long before PISSI.  I don't know what anyone could
do to stop it.  Dubya broke things in Iraq, and the US ought to fix them;
but if nobody knows how we could do so, pleas to do so are no use.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-jul-oct.html#29_September_2014_(PISSI)">PISSI</a> = Pseudo-Islamic State in Syria and Irag


feed_id: d01c7d253c4185aaf520cfb965ccf1d1
title: DNC welcomes corporate money
uri: DNC-welcomes-corporate-money
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#6_August_2016_%28DNC_welcomes_corporate_money%29
content:
<p>
At Democratic Convention, many Democratic officials see nothing wrong
in accepting <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/07/29/in-the-hillary-clinton-era-democrats-welcome-lobbying-money-back-into-the-convention/">donations from companies, lobbyists and PACs</a>.
<p>
Of course, the Republican Party <a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2016-mar-jun.html#24_June_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_sponsorship_of_RNC)">does the same thing</a>.
<p>
The Democrats that think this is ok are the ones that won't help
make things less corrupt.


feed_id: c8961e1f2c96761e1bb2090270a1bedf
title: Chamber of Commerce lobbyists for Hillary
uri: Chamber-of-Commerce-lobbyists-for-Hillary
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#6_August_2016_%28Chamber_of_Commerce_lobbyists_for_Hillary%29

content:
<p>
The head of Republican Women for Hillary, who spoke at the Democratic
Convention, was not just any woman.  She is a<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/07/29/hillary-clinton-will-be-good-for-business-predicts-chamber-of-commerce-lobbyist/"> lobbyist for the US
Chamber of Commerce</a>, which fights against more or less everything that
would restrain plutocracy.
<p>
Her personal job is campaigning against the universal single-payer
medical system that Sanders advocated and that Clinton<a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2016-may-aug.html#30_June_2016_(The_Democratic_Party_platform)"> now opposes</a>
(though she was in favor of it before).
<p>
I see nothing wrong in boasting of support from Republicans who can't
stomach Trump, but support from people in the US C of C is a sign that
a politician is on the wrong side.


feed_id: 302b324b925802a6d3b55e7bb7133d79
title: Police-manufactured crime
uri: Police-manufactured-crime
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#6_August_2016_%28Police-manufactured_crime%29
content:
<p>
Two Canadians led by the thugs to plant objects they thought were bombs
have been freed by a judge because it was a "<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/29/canadian-couple-freed-police-entrapment-canada-day-bomb-plot">police-manufactured crime</a>".
<p>
The FBI<a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2016-may-aug.html#20_June_2016_(FBI_entrapment)"> manufactures lots of crimes</a>, too, but it cleverly loses the evidence
to show that it did so.


feed_id: ca45aa15e79bb8b9a415736c47a9ee07
title: UK NHS to ration Hep C drugs
uri: UK-NHS-to-ration-Hep-C-drugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#6_August_2016_%28UK_NHS_to_ration_Hep_C_drugs%29
content:
<p>
The UK's NHS has been starved to the point where, out of 200,000
people with chronic hepatitis C, it will pay to cure<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jul/28/nhs-abandoning-thousands-by-rationing-hepatitis-c-drugs"> only 10,000 a
year</a>.
<p>
Of course, the World Trade Organization and its patent requirements
are <a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2009-may-aug.html#14%20July%202009%20(Money,%20Medicine,%20and%20Morality)">responsible</a> for making the drug too expensive.


feed_id: b8a7bffbe0fac34facfa19fd573e631c
title: UK ambulance service failing
uri: UK-ambulance-service-failing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#6_August_2016_%28UK_ambulance_service_failing%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/public-leaders-network/2016/jul/30/nhs-ambulance-dispatcher-service-failure">I'm an NHS Ambulance Dispatcher And I Know My Service Is Failing You.</a>
<p>
This is the predictable result of the Tory "<a href="media/62a79bb0.anuran-bevan.jpg" data-original-source="https://stallman.org/images/anuran-bevan.jpg">bleed it dry, slowly</a>"
approach to funding the NHS.


feed_id: 0007ae2345c7b583ff54622b519d7728
title: Choosing prison over homelessness
uri: Choosing-prison-over-homelessness
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#6_August_2016_%28Choosing_prison_over_homelessness%29

content:
<p>
Linda Thompson was paroled out of prison against her will, which in
practice meant living on the street.  So she <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/30/oregon-parolee-robs-wyoming-bank-go-back-prison">robbed a bank and threw
the money in the air</a>, just to get back in prison.
<p>
I wonder why she committed the previous robbery.  Was she destitute
then too?
<p>
What kind of government makes life so bad for people that they are better
off in prison?  In a prison that is likely to be a<a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2014-sep-dec.html#31_December_2014_(The_Prison_State_of_America)"> slave labor camp</a> too?
<p>
Shame on the stingy rich people that control goverment in the US.  And
shame on the politicians that cater them, including nearly all
Republicans and most Democrats.


feed_id: 7b657c24d51937033cc92afb6465ca98
title: Women's bodies and privacy
uri: Women-s-bodies-and-privacy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#6_August_2016_%28Women%27s_bodies_and_privacy%29
content:
<p>
Legislators that want to keep trans women out of women's bathrooms are
usually much less concerned about upskirt photography.  This supports
the thought that they <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2016/07/25/3801582/when-womens-bodies-arent-private/">aren't really concerned for the non-trans women</a>
in those bathrooms.
<p>
Those women do have a <a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2016-jan-apr.html#22_February_2016_(Right-wingers_want_to_repress_transsexuals)">valid concern</a>, which conflicts with the trans
women's valid concern.  I am not sure what is best to do.
<p>
Men's desire to take upskirt photography puzzles me, because you'd see
many women wearing similar things openly on any beach.  Perhaps they want
it only because it is prohibited.


feed_id: bb7861250056e8df3a29dafa5efc0ab9
title: Abitrary labelling of "terrorist" organisations in Turkey
uri: Abitrary-labelling-of-terrorist-organisations-in-Turkey
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#6_August_2016_%28Abitrary_labelling_of_terrorist_organisations_in_Turkey%29

content:
<p>
Erdoğan has applied, to Turkish journalists, the US system of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/30/turkey-journalists-arrest-nation-shock-coup">arbitrarily labeling organizations</a> as "terrorist" and making it a
crime just to be members of them.
<p>
The US did a great wrong to the world by legitimizing this tool of
tyranny in the "land of the free".  Your bowling club could be labeled
"terrorist" tomorrow without a trial, and you could then be prosecuted
for belonging to it; the only question for the court to consider would
be whether you are really a member.
<p>
Whether an organization is labeled "terrorist" has sometimes become a
political decision, as in the case of the <a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2012-jan-apr.html#07_April_2012_(Government_trained_terrorists)">Mujahideen Khalq</a>.
<p>
To label an organization as terrorist should require a trial.


feed_id: 32fb3af2a9afc6fad4b4dd4e25b8cd2a
title: James Lovelock pessimistic about global heating
uri: James-Lovelock-pessimistic-about-global-heating
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#6_August_2016_%28James_Lovelock_pessimistic_about_global_heating%29

content:
<p>
James Lovelock, pessimistic, thinks<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2010/mar/29/james-lovelock-climate-change"> humans are too stupid to curb
global heating</a> before a disaster results.
<p>
He blames democracy for this, but I think he has it backwards.  The
cause is that plutocracy has replaced democracy, allowing rich
denialists to block action.  <a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2016-jan-apr.html#26_April_2016_(Exxons_global_heating_denial)">Exxon</a>, the <a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2016-jan-apr.html#26_April_2016_(Koch_brothers_against_protecting_Grand_Canyon)">Koch Brothers</a>,
and <a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_(Transcanada_sues_US)">Transcanada</a>
  have<a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2015-jan-apr.html#09_February_2015_(Koch_Brothers_toxic_waste_dumping)"> corrupted our governments</a> and <a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2016-may-aug.html#12_May_2016_(Urgent:_Climate_coverage_on_CNN)">our media</a>.
<p>
So, are the planet roasters too stupid to end global heating,
or too callous toward everyone else?


feed_id: b29b370ffe0b347a731735a238c174dc
title: Stop buying from Topshop
uri: Stop-buying-from-Topshop
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#6_August_2016_%28Stop_buying_from_Topshop%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2016/aug/01/should-i-stop-buying-clothes-at-topshop-philip-green-bhs">Should I Stop Buying Clothes at Topshop?</a>
<p>
Absolutely you should!  Aside from the points in the article, recall
that<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-nov-feb.html#06_December_2014_(Income_that_Google_and_Topshop_transfer_out_of_the_UK)"> Topshop itself dodges taxes</a>, and was protested by UK Uncut.
<p>
Boycotting Mr Green's stores can punish him -- take your business
elsewhere.


feed_id: 23761866feeaf8b0d8277b678d3c6125
title: Reducing injuries from car collisions
uri: Reducing-injuries-from-car-collisions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#6_August_2016_%28Reducing_injuries_from_car_collisions%29

content:
<p>
Some governments have adopted policies that<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/aug/01/halve-traffic-accident-deaths-injuries-2020"> substantially reduce
deaths and injuries</a> from car collisions,
<p>
(Let's not call them "<a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2016-may-aug.html#31_July_2016_(Car_collisions)">accidents</a>".)


feed_id: 7d852b1813382eed9ad1ad73df12b601
title: Trump claims election is rigged
uri: Trump-claims-election-is-rigged
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#6_August_2016_%28Trump_claims_election_is_rigged%29
content:
<p>
Trump claims there is a plan to rig the next election,
which is true.  But he claims it's to be rigged <em><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/02/donald-trump-calls-hillary-clinton-the-devil-and-suggests-election-will-be-rigged">against him</a></em>!
<p>
As we know, Republicans plan to rig the next election through voter
suppression, using <a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2012-mar-jun.html#26_June_2012_(Purpose_of_voter_ID_laws)">voter ID laws</a>
  and explicitly <a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2015-may-aug.html#28_August_2015_(Disenfranchisement_of_black_voters)">removing blacks from the electoral rolls</a>.
<p>
Trump also suggested the US should compete with PISSI in vicious
treatment of captives.


feed_id: a1d29d1627011df329fdefaeae96557d
title: Prison suicide of Damien Coestly
uri: Prison-suicide-of-Damien-Coestly
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#6_August_2016_%28Prison_suicide_of_Damien_Coestly%29

content:
<p>
Shane Bauer reports on Damien Coestly, a prisoner in the private prison
where Bauer worked as an undercover journalist.  Coestly was considered
suicidal, and later<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/07/damien-coestly-prisoner-suicide-winn-cca"> did kill himself</a>.
<p>
It appears that the prison covers up wrongdoing and does an inadequate
job of saving depressed prisoners from suicide.  However, doing
"suicide watch" in the "correct" manner may not be a good thing,
because it is <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#7_May_2016_(Manning_describes_solitary_confinement)">something close to brainwashing</a>.
  Should we consider the practice proper care, or torture?
<p>
Damien Coestly appears to have been somewhat crazy, but when he
decided to commit suicide rather than spend 20 more years in prison,
should we consider that crazy, or rational and sane?


feed_id: ac17c7a9a73f9246e11b27f83a3d7903
title: Gullible Trump supporters
uri: Gullible-Trump-supporters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#6_August_2016_%28Gullible_Trump_supporters%29
content:
<p>
A couple that worked in plastic factories, then opened their own, then
saw it close as manufacturing was moved to Mexico and China, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/02/donald-trump-supporters-parents-bernie-sanders-supporter-son-political-differences">now
support Trump</a>.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">What fools</a> the voters who believe what Trump says he will do.
<a href="https://stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">What fools</a> the Democrats that voted to nominate Clinton.


feed_id: 0a3d039018b0f3d4d32cd2e9cad4b7ec
title: US needs to cut military spending
uri: US-needs-to-cut-military-spending
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#6_August_2016_%28US_needs_to_cut_military_spending%29

content:
<p>
The <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/01/we-cant-bomb-our-way-better-schools">US needs to transfer spending from military</a> to other uses,
but neither Clinton nor Trump wants to do that.
<p>
Military contractors have bought the support most members of Congress,
and given them a convenient excuse for that support by<a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2012-mar-jun.html#25_June_2012_(Using_employees_as_hostages)"> distributing
the work throughout nearly all the congressional districts</a> in the US.
Congresscritters can simply say, "I support this military program
because it makes jobs in our town."
<p>
Clearly, their constituents would be better off if we spent that money
on something they could actually use.


feed_id: 719ea102a7281b4c3f1099c7367963af
title: 700 killed by thugs in Phillipines in 3 months
uri: 700-killed-by-thugs-in-Phillipines-in-3-months
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#6_August_2016_%28700_killed_by_thugs_in_Phillipines_in_3_months%29

content:
<p>
Thugs in the Philippines have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/02/more-than-700-killed-in-less-than-three-months-in-filipino-drugs-crackdown">killed 700 people</a> in the past three
months, without trial.
<p>
Supposedly they were drug dealers, or drug users.  Maybe some of them
really did that.  Maybe others didn't -- the thugs could not know.
Besides which, is the penalty for using drugs supposed to be
execution?
<p>
The <a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2006-sep-dec.html#17%20December%202006%20(Executing%20prisoners%20in%20Florida)">death penalty is wrong</a> even when applied to someone convicted in a
fair trial.


feed_id: 6853d3f1ea61815f9debcbd7355c75ee
title: NY Thug Comissioner Bratton resigns
uri: NY-Thug-Comissioner-Bratton-resigns
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#6_August_2016_%28NY_Thug_Comissioner_Bratton_resigns%29

content:
<p>
New York City Thug Commissioner Bratton <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/02/nypd-bill-bratton-commissioner-resigns">has resigned</a>.
<p>
Bratton was responsible for very strict policies in New York City,
<a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2016-may-aug.html#22_July_2016_(New_York_Police_reform_results)">arresting people for small offenses and searching blacks</a> repeatedly
on the street.  He claimed this was responsible for the decrease in crime
of the early 90s, which however <a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2015-may-aug.html#24_May_2015_(Decrease_in_crime)">occurred all around the US</a>,
and was clearly therefore due to other causes, such as the <a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2011-mar-jun.html#09_June_2011_(Lead_Exposure)">1970s elimination of lead in gasoline</a>.


feed_id: ebbc25bf2054c0a9c91938077faef4bf
title: Accusations from Clinton's supporters
uri: Accusations-from-Clinton-s-supporters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Accusations_from_Clintons_supporters%29

content:
<p>
Some of Clinton's supporters are 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/08/08/dems-tactic-of-accusing-adversaries-of-kremlin-ties-and-russia-sympathies-has-long-history-in-us/">accusing
everyone that opposes or criticizes Clinton of being a stooge of
Putin</a>, in some cases based on falsehoods.


feed_id: e1a77e0b0319ca7a64416db28883a930
title: Harassment at US and UK airports
uri: Harassment-at-US-and-UK-airports
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Harassment_at_US_and_UK_airports%29

content:
<p>
People who speak Arabic or appear to be from a typically Muslim ethnic
group face
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/08/the-perils-of-flying-while-muslim">systematic
harassment</a> at airports in the US and UK.


feed_id: febbd9029151674aef833bbd9064c3ad
title: US voting machine software
uri: US-voting-machine-software
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28US_voting_machine_software%29
content:
<p>
It 
<a href="http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/08/2016-elections-russia-hack-how-to-hack-an-election-in-seven-minutes-214144">takes
just 7 minutes to install the wrong software</a> in a particular model
of US voting machine, and now people are starting to take the danger
seriously.
<p>
Some of us have been 
<a href="https://stallman.org/evoting.html">warning about this</a> for
years.
<p>
Voting on paper costs more, but don't you think honest elections
are worth it?


feed_id: 648864694f51bc32692df3e500c4d55a
title: London area airport expansion
uri: London-area-airport-expansion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28London_area_airport_expansion%29
content:
<p>
Finally, notice has been taken of the fact that airport expansion in
the London area is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/08/heathrow-expansion-say-goodbye-to-emissions-targets-and-budget-flying">incompatible
with climate target</a>.


feed_id: 2692dd57bb43db05968a0aff43fdb9bd
title: Waste of resources
uri: Waste-of-resources
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Waste_of_resources%29
content:
<p>
Waste of Resources Is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/08/waste-of-resources-is-biggest-threat-to-planet-warns-scottish-environment-agency">Biggest
Threat to Planet</a>, Warns Scottish Environment Agency.
<p>
Here Are 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/08/noaa-state-climate">7
Terrifying Charts</a> That Show Exactly What Weâre Doing to the
Planet.


feed_id: 9135338a14c35e68dbed6aa4114fb1bb
title: Energy consumption of computers and monitors
uri: Energy-consumption-of-computers-and-monitors
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Energy_consumption_of_computers_and_monitors%29

content:
<p>
California is considering energy use standards for computers and monitors
that could 
<a href="https://www.nrdc.org/media/2016/160728">reduce their energy
consumption by 50%</a>.


feed_id: 3b52f5ef944bf0a5c1af71ae39c598aa
title: Repression of gays in Africa
uri: Repression-of-gays-in-Africa
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Repression_of_gays_in_Africa%29
content:
<p>
Brutal repression of gays is spreading in Africa: Tanzania is starting
to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/08/seeds-of-hate-sown-as-tanzania-starts-lgbt-crackdown">persecute
and censor them</a>.


feed_id: 5127ca3109b51a6a4b4b8790fdc6fd1d
title: US farmers planting prairie plants
uri: US-farmers-planting-prairie-plants
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28US_farmers_planting_prairie_plants%29

content:
<p>
US farmers are 
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/iowa-farmers-ripped-out-prairie-now-some-hope-it-can-save-them/2016/08/07/1ff747a2-5274-11e6-88eb-7dda4e2f2aec_story.html">planting
wild prairie plants on some of their land</a> to help it absorb
rainwater and remove pollutants.
<p>
It is useful that the prairie resists soil erosion, but I don't see
how it could reduce the rate of erosion on the land that is used for
farming.


feed_id: 02e9b802aad3aef49e0d232ccf3b8a4d
title: Coral bleaching
uri: 2016-08-10-Coral-bleaching
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Coral_bleaching%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/08/more-than-60-of-maldives-coral-reefs-hit-by-bleaching">60%
of the coral in the Maldives</a> has been hit by bleaching.


feed_id: 2d638fa93a3242c9284d4b4e3a2621ee
title: Australian senator to defy census law
uri: Australian-senator-to-defy-census-law
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Australian_senator_to_defy_census_law%29

content:
<p>
An Australian senator says he will defy the census law to start a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/aug/08/census-privacy-fears-nick-xenophon-to-withhold-name-in-push-for-test-case">test
case for privacy</a>.


feed_id: 917829713bb18b420f0fca06f4e2cc6f
title: Palestinian BSD movement
uri: Palestinian-BSD-movement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Palestinian_BSD_movement%29
content:
<p>
Israel will 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/08/israel-to-crack-down-further-on-foreign-pro-palestinian-activists">exclude
foreigners that support the Palestinian BDS movement</a>.
<p>
The BDS movement is nonviolent, but Israel is mobilizing its
supporters globally to repress it with 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#8_November_2015_(Netanyahu_spokesman_calls_Iran_deal_%27antisemitism%27)">smears</a>
and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-jul-oct.html#18_July_2011_(Israel%27s_Discriminatory_Laws)">partisan 
laws</a>.


feed_id: 0fe7b5239ef34225514124e66bd3a27f
title: Erdo&gbreve;an and Putin
uri: 2016-08-10-Erdo-gbreve-an-and-Putin
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Erdogan_and_Putin%29
content:
<p>
Erdo&gbreve;an and Putin are looking to upgrade relations to form
an 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/08/putin-and-erdogan-to-have-first-meeting-since-jet-downing">axis
of authoritarians</a>.
<p>
Globally, Russia is not a superpower.  While Putin can cause trouble
for neighboring countries, the US has no need to "contain" Russia and
it is foolish for Americans to think of Russia as a great enemy.
Meanwhile, the US alliance with Turkey is becoming more and more a
source of shame.


feed_id: f0b2b6c09b46d5211e30e3ac28106f65
title: "Free speech zones"
uri: Free-speech-zones
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Free_speech_zones%29
content:
<p>
Several US states have prohibited colleges and universities from
<a href="http://www.activistpost.com/2016/06/controversial-free-speech-zones-finally-being-banned-from-college-campuses.html">limiting
freedom of speech to certain "free speech zones"</a>.


feed_id: 3a3b1a467430c35bf6014e70ecf814c8
title: Rate of making Palestinians homeless
uri: Rate-of-making-Palestinians-homeless
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Rate_of_making_Palestinians_homeless%29

content:
<p>
Israel has 
<a href="http://www.btselem.org/press_releases/20160727_house_demolitions_in_area_c">more
than doubled</a> its rate of making Palestinians homeless in a large
part of the West Bank (area C).


feed_id: 5fd5ddd0d7ee8d572172380dcde97161
title: Clinton
uri: 2016-08-10-Clinton
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Clinton%29
content:
<p>
Defecting Republicans invite Clinton to shift her position in a
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/06/republicans-defect-will-clinton-be-tempted-tack-right">conservative
direction</a>.  I never believed that her 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#14_February_2016_(Bernie_Sanders_changing_Hillary_Clinton)">shift 
to the left</a>, to compete with Sanders, was serious.


feed_id: 6ee3187dbfa85fd65daf7898e7df0cb9
title: Questioned by thugs for reading book
uri: Questioned-by-thugs-for-reading-book
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Questioned_by_thugs_for_reading_book%29

content:
<p>
A British woman was questioned by thugs because, in an airplane,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/07/woman-reading-bok-about-syria">she
read a book called "Syria Speaks"</a>.  Others in the UK
have been 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#01_August_2015_(Imprisonment_for_having_books)">imprisoned
there for having the wrong book</a>.  Politicians claim this is meant
to "protect" Britons from terrorism, but they are a bigger threat to
Britons than terrorists are.


feed_id: 54c6dab29f7864d9dad1f9c264da2d9c
title: Coca Cola monopoly at Olympic Games
uri: Coca-Cola-monopoly-at-Olympic-Games
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Coca_Cola_monopoly_at_Olympic_Games%29

content:
<p>
Coca Cola Company has bought a monopoly of nonalcoholic drinks at the
Olympic Games, so in the athletes' quarters all they have are Coca
Cola products.  Which means, 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/08/olympic-athletes-are-being-denied-coffee-because-coca-cola">no
coffee</a>.
<p>
Because of the 
<a href="http://killercoke.org">world-wide boycott</a>, I never use
those Coca Cola Company products, including water, and I urge the
athletes to reject them too.  I hope that at least
non-Coca-Cola-company safe water is available in their quarters.


feed_id: cd6f6810772df44bdc4ea445d4419811
title: ISP customer connection records
uri: ISP-customer-connection-records
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28ISP_customer_connection_records%29
content:
<p>
AT&T charges customers more in exchange for making less use of their
internet connection records.  
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/comcasts-defense-of-pay-for-privacy-alarms-consumer-advocates">Comcast
wants to do it</a>, too.
<p>
Let's be clear what is at stake here: true privacy, in which the ISP
does not check who the customer is talking with, will not be an
option.  All customers <em>will</em> be tracked for Big Brother.
<p>
Meanwhile, a 
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/brass-horn-tor-ISP-says-buzz-off-surveillance">Tor-based
ISP</a> is designed to protect customers from tracking and censorship.


feed_id: 2b5a05d238ccd70429e84459fad391f6
title: Detente with Russia
uri: Detente-with-Russia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Detente_with_Russia%29
content:
<p>
Don't throw the baby
(<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/04/danger-excessive-trump-bashing">detente
with Russia</a>) out with the dirty bathwater (Trump).
<p>
I disagree with the article's treatment of events in the Crimea.
Putin used disguised Russian troops that were supposed to stay in
their bases to conquer the Crimea, while 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-jul-oct.html#29_August_2014_(Putins_covert_war_of_conquest)">pretending
that they were not Russian troops</a>. (He admitted the truth later.)
Since Putin
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2004-sep-dec.html#19%20September%202004%20(Putin%20is%20using%20terrorism%20as%20an%20excuse%20to%20eliminate%20election)">doesn't
allow free and fair elections in Russia</a>, we can't give any
credence to the referendum he ran in the Crimea.  It could be true
that a majority of people in the Crimea before Putin's takeover would
have preferred to be part of Russia, but a referendum run by Putin
afterwards is no proof of that.
<p>
And this doesn't change the fact that Putin conquered it militarily.


feed_id: 810dff2b1bb9d34fc96a4bb913eba3be
title: Trump's bullshit
uri: Trump-s-bullshit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Trumps_bullshit%29
content:
<p>
Trump's bullshitting exposed again: he saw some published footage and
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2016/08/04/questions-abound-as-trump-claims-to-have-watched-video-leaked-by-iran-of-the-money-transfer/">claimed
it was an imaginary secret briefing</a> showing an imaginary ransoming
of US hostages from Iran.
<p>
The US did return money to Iran after the nuclear deal: 
<a href="http://www.thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/davidbadash/trump_lied_his_ass_off_about_seeing_a_top_secret_government_film_showing_cash_for_iranian_hostages">money
that Iran had paid for US weapons that it never received</a>.
<p>
Trump bullshits, not caring that it is unrelated to the truth, because
he knows that his supporters will say, "What is truth?"
<p>
If the US had ransomed those hostages, who would be responsible?
President Reagan.  What President Carter did was 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2006-nov-feb.html#26%20November%202006%20(Robert%20Gates%20distorted%20reports)">send 
soldiers to free the hostages</a>.  The operation was
unsuccessful, but at least he responded courageously.
<p>
Reagan certainly ransomed other hostages later, taken in Lebanon by
allies of Iran.  That's why I call him a traitor to his country.
<p>
Some argue that Reagan made a deal to get Iran to hold the hostages
until after the election.


feed_id: 6ddbd9f3d494c0593247930ecc6ca35c
title: Politicians pile on the pokemon predator panic
uri: Politicians-pile-on-the-pokemon-predator-panic
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Politicians_pile_on_the_pokemon_predator_panic%29

content:
<p>
Let's retire the idea that children are in danger on the street from
<a href="http://www.freerangekids.com/politicians-pile-on-the-pokemon-predator-panic/">registered sex offenders</a>.  It has been scientifically disproved.
<p>
In some cities, there is almost nowhere that sex offenders can legally
live, because of the laws requiring their homes to be far away from
certain places children typically go.  This is unnecessary trouble.


feed_id: 7ea28b0a9bdadb93ff823882ab831237
title: Hilary Clinton mural covered
uri: Hilary-Clinton-mural-covered
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Hilary_Clinton_mural_covered%29
content:
<p>
Australia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2016/aug/02/hillary-clinton-mural-covered-with-niqab-after-public-decency-complaints">banned a street mural showing Clinton in a bikini</a> with hundred-dollar bills stuck into the clothing.
<p>
Australia lacks a bill of rights and fails to respect freedom of
political speech.


feed_id: e08fd9b8821a26b535c940e49e59e74c
title: Pacific Gas & Electric fines slashed by 99%
uri: Pacific-Gas-Electric-fines-slashed-by-99
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Pacific_Gas_%2526_Electric_fines_slashed_by_99%2525%29

content:
<p>
Federal prosecutors asked a judge to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/02/us-attorneys-office-562-million-fine-pacific-gas-electric">reduce the fine for a company convicted of lying</a> to investigators about pipeline safety violations.


feed_id: 11ce8835cd414014167112b46d06e6ad
title: Refugees attacked on a daily basis
uri: Refugees-attacked-on-a-daily-basis
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Refugees_attacked_on_a_daily_basis%29

content:
<p>
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch say that refugees imprisoned
by Australia are attacked "<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/aug/03/refugees-attacked-on-a-daily-basis-on-nauru-says-amnesty-report">on a daily basis</a>".


feed_id: 187958b49d303cf5210a67a5314a9c2c
title: How to deal with Trump trolls online
uri: How-to-deal-with-Trump-trolls-online
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28How_to_deal_with_Trump_trolls_online%29

content:
<p>
On the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2016/aug/02/how-to-deal-with-trump-trolls-online">difference between lying</a> (as Clinton does) and bullshitting (as
Trump does).


feed_id: e1e2b350c5977595857c0badef7d8fc4
title: Urgent: Object to absurd charges against Chelsea Manning.
uri: Urgent-Object-to-absurd-charges-against-Chelsea-Manning
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Object_to_absurd_charges_against_Chelsea_Manning.%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://stallman.org/petitions/petition-manning/">object to absurd charges against Chelsea Manning</a>.


feed_id: f46cd22ee747c471d8f5ecfee04967b7
title: Urgent: Support the "Plate of the Union" initiative.
uri: Urgent-Support-the-Plate-of-the-Union-initiative
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Support_the_Plate_of_the_Union_initiative.%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: Support the "<a href="https://secure3.convio.net/ucs/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=4971">Plate of the Union</a>" initiative.


feed_id: 61e330b60104ded50b5b9553cef3001e
title: The Shot Heard All Over the Country
uri: The-Shot-Heard-All-Over-the-Country
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28The_Shot_Heard_All_Over_the_Country%29

content:
<p>
The commanders of the Israeli army still support some of the
humanitarian ideals that linger from when Israel tried to have
the world's most moral army.  <a href="http://zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en/channels/avnery/1470407640/">For instance, don't murder prisoners</a>.
<p>
The trial of the Israeli soldier who murdered a wounded Palestinian
prisoner in cold blood has become an opportunity for the many rabid
Arab-haters to agitate to eliminate those scruples and make the army
as rabid as they are.
<p>
I fear that Israel will make the occupation ever more cruel and
murderous once the last restraints are brushed aside.


feed_id: e973936eb553216ad9267065a8dcb7ca
title: German Journalists speak out
uri: German-Journalists-speak-out
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28German_Journalists_speak_out%29
content:
<p>
Journalists Speak Out Against <a href="http://www.dw.com/en/journalists-speak-out-against-germanys-foreign-surveillance-bill/a-19452128">Germany's Foreign Surveillance Bill</a>.


feed_id: b730746577622153112c9aa22b196eab
title: State Department cables
uri: State-Department-cables
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28State_Department_cables%29
content:
<p>
State Department cables show that <a href="http://www.ibtimes.com/cables-show-hillary-clintons-state-department-deeply-involved-trans-pacific-2032948
">Clinton was directly involved</a> in pushing for the Treacherous Plutocratic Poison.


feed_id: b1b779844e8addb1d197323cd57d6275
title: The World Bank rejects Human Rights
uri: The-World-Bank-rejects-Human-Rights
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28The_World_Bank_rejects_Human_Rights%29

content:
<p>
The World Bank has <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/04/world-banks-new-rules-condemned-disregarding-people-and-planet">officially rejected</a> the idea that it ought to protect human rights in its lending.


feed_id: cf1ddbfa8aca0f7d4598157e6c625c70
title: Those who plan to break from Democratic party
uri: Those-who-plan-to-break-from-Democratic-party
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Those_who_plan_to_break_from_Democratic_party%29

content:
<p>
As happens every four years, plutcratist democrats are saying that we
have to vote for their Republican-in-Democrat's-clothing or else a
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/05/liberals-grow-hysterical-toward-those-who-plan-break-democratic-party">worse Republican will win</a>.
<p>
If we listen to them, we will never get anything better than
plutocratists.
<p>
Please don't call those plutcratists "Liberals".  Clinton is no
Liberal, and neither is Obama.  Liberals are people like me.


feed_id: d1301607652a5a452584b7582bf9f571
title: Olympics used to promote junk food
uri: Olympics-used-to-promote-junk-food
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Olympics_used_to_promote_junk_food%29

content:
<p>
The Olympics are being used, around the world, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/aug/05/olympics-carnival-junk-food-marketing-campaigners-kelloggs-mcdonalds">to promote junk food</a> with lots of sugar.


feed_id: c869cc3cb4e0bd1defa23103aa802b80
title: Trump supporters attacked a dissident
uri: Trump-supporters-attacked-a-dissident
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Trump_supporters_attacked_a_dissident%29

content:
<p>
Trump supporters <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/further/2016/08/04/we-people-tossed-out-trump-rally-unspeakable-crime-aka-holding-our-countrys">attacked a dissident</a>, calling him "traitor" and trying to
rip his copy of the US Constitution out of his hands.


feed_id: d1dc1c0a923cbfdfc30108b4383535f5
title: Russia's oil spills
uri: Russia-s-oil-spills
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Russia%27s_oil_spills%29
content:
<p>
Russia's oil spills, mostly on land, sum up to twice the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/05/the-town-that-reveals-how-russia-spills-two-deepwater-horizons-of-oil-each-year">Big Spill each year</a>.


feed_id: 0a0db7ee3bec0e9679500329b8101c33
title: FBI release secret spy plane footage
uri: FBI-release-secret-spy-plane-footage
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28FBI_release_secret_spy_plane_footage%29

content:
<p>
The ACLU has forced release of the FBI's <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/05/fbi-releases-secret-spy-plane-footage-freddie-gray-protests">massive and inexplicable aerial survellance</a> of protests in Baltimore.


feed_id: e9c9d4d21ac1107cebe59a17b9a46165
title: Employee tracking
uri: 2016-08-10-Employee-tracking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Employee_tracking%29
content:
<p>
When employers require workers to be constantly tracked during work,
it can become a form of 
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2016/08/05/are-performance-monitoring-wearables-an-affront-to-workers-rights/">oppression</a>.
<p>
Americans in general have no interest in trying to increase the
productivity of work, because the benefits of such increases 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-nov-feb.html#3%20January%202011%20(Working%20more%20for%20less)">go
almost entirely to the rich</a>.  So I think we should strictly
limit how such wearables can be used, and reject the idea that
"improved efficiency" can justify oppression.


feed_id: 4af3f72b36e568fd2f3006cfcc231d81
title: The renamed al-Nusra
uri: The-renamed-al-Nusra
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28The_renamed_al-Nusra%29
content:
<p>
The renamed al-Nusra 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/08/syria-al-qaeda-nusra-battle-aleppo">may
go on to impose Salafist or similar strict Islam on Syria</a>, but it
may have a potential to become less repressive.


feed_id: 478d80face661b1c30f43d2a50a06da5
title: Free speech in Canada
uri: Free-speech-in-Canada
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Free_speech_in_Canada%29
content:
<p>
All Canadians' rights are in danger, when a comedian can be 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/07/mike-ward-comedian-ugly-jeremy-gabriel-freedom-of-speech">fined
for calling someone "ugly"</a>.


feed_id: e907bbee25506a54b8c954e8d2077e67
title: Violent president of the Philippines
uri: Violent-president-of-the-Philippines
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Violent_president_of_the_Philippines%29

content:
<p>
The violent president of the Philippines has accused many local
officials and judges of complicity in drug trafficking, and has 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/07/rodrigo-duterte-links-150-judges-and-politicians-to-drugs-trade">cut
off their bodyguards</a>.
<p>
Firing thugs and soldiers is legitimate.  Investigating judges and
politicians, and perhaps subsequently prosecuting them, is legitimate,
given evidence.  Putting them in danger of assassination is not
legitimate.


feed_id: 1a95a2f70407befb375a9054bee361f5
title: China harasses foreign service businesses
uri: China-harasses-foreign-service-businesses
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28China_harasses_foreign_service_businesses%29

content:
<p>
China succeeds in keeping out foreign service businesses by 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/07/uber-china-free-trade-brexit">harassing
them</a>.  The WTO can't stop it.
<p>
China does this for bad reasons, but there may be good reasons for
other countries to do likewise.


feed_id: 15c75cbe704f19ad801f101f77be9187
title: Clinton Fundraises With Firecrackers
uri: Clinton-Fundraises-With-Firecrackers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Clinton_Fundraises_With_Firecrackers%29

content:
<p>
Clinton 
<a href="http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/37120-clinton-fundraises-with-frackers">Fundraises
With Frackers</a>.
<p>
Unlike bullshitter Trump, who says whatever comes into his head at the
moment and may later claim he never said it, Clinton is a classic
lying politician who repeats a coherent system of falsehoods.  I won't
vote for either of them.


feed_id: 3056d9920bf18ccfbbcc28cdc617c21b
title: Clinton rewards Wasserman Schultz
uri: Clinton-rewards-Wasserman-Schultz
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Clinton_rewards_Wasserman_Schultz%29

content:
<p>
Clinton has 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/07/24/mission-accomplished-dnc-clinton-hires-wasserman-schultz-top-post">rewarded
Rep. Wasserman Schultz</a> for rigging the Democratic Party primary
process against Bernie Sanders.
<p>
Here's 
<a href="http://www.inquisitr.com/3338399/wikileaks-one-dnc-official-instructs-another-to-secretly-spread-ralston-article-slamming-bernie-sanders/">detail</a>
on one of the dirty tricks that Luis Miranda (in the DNC leadership)
carried out, trying to spread a false accusation about the Sanders
campaign while hiding its involvement.
<p>
Luis Miranda has resigned, but I suppose Clinton will reward him
somehow for his dirty work.


feed_id: cfc0e868f4c70c4efc3d95ea6c3d2e84
title: Global heating
uri: 2016-08-10-Global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Global_heating%29
content:
<p>
It is already too late to hold global heating to just 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/aug/06/global-warming-target-miss-scientists-warn">1.5C</a>.


feed_id: 14f58c5aa7c094eac6d9507538e4ed9d
title: Kidnap of Libyan exiles in UK
uri: Kidnap-of-Libyan-exiles-in-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Kidnap_of_Libyan_exiles_in_UK%29
content:
<p>
The UK 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/08/05/cps-refuses-prosecute-uk-govt-plotting-libyan-renditions-torture">refuses
to admit</a> it arranged to kidnap Libyan exiles and hand them over to
Qadhafi, or apologize for it, or apologize for lying about it before.


feed_id: 3f7cc1ed2eaa5b547d6f0dde30665e11
title: Trump's campaign web site
uri: Trump-s-campaign-web-site
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Trumps_campaign_web_site%29
content:
<p>
Trump's campaign web site is a scam: if someone has approved automatic
recurring payments, the site offers 
<a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2016/08/05/donald_trump_s_web_site_won_t_let_you_cancel_recurring_donations.html">no
way to cancel them</a>.
<p>
That ought to be illegal; maybe the CFPB should take action.


feed_id: cafe263475858c2a8e38bada7145da91
title: Toxic metals in Iraqi children's teeth
uri: Toxic-metals-in-Iraqi-children-s-teeth
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Toxic_metals_in_Iraqi_childrens_teeth%29

content:
<p>
Iraqi children's baby teeth show 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/05/baby-teeth-iraqi-children-tell-troubling-tale-wars-toxic-impacts">high
levels of lead and other toxic metals</a>.
<p>
These come from US weapons.


feed_id: de0a21b47f65e36ee68b8fb75c62654d
title: Children a luxury
uri: Children-a-luxury
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Children_a_luxury%29
content:
<p>
Women in low-paid jobs 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/aug/06/second-child-career">can't
afford a child</a>.
<p>
People in low-paid jobs should not have children.  Children are a
luxury, and the world can't afford to make so many of them.


feed_id: 875a473a1e21ac5cb002e2349afd2c79
title: Tories force poorest to pay local taxes
uri: Tories-force-poorest-to-pay-local-taxes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Tories_force_poorest_to_pay_local_taxes%29

content:
<p>
The Tories have forced the poorest people to pay local taxes,
and this leaves 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/aug/06/benefits-council-tax-poverty-families-liverpool">hundreds
of thousands in penury</a>.


feed_id: dfb6cfd359333fde823813fc708b62bf
title: Secularists capture most of Manbij
uri: Secularists-capture-most-of-Manbij
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Secularists_capture_most_of_Manbij%29

content:
<p>
A multi-ethnic secularist alliance led by the Kurds has 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/06/us-backed-syrian-fighters-take-town-of-manbij-from-isis">captured
nearly all of Manbij</a>.   This means 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-jul-oct.html#29_September_2014_(PISSI)">PISSI</a>
has been cut off from Turkey, and can't get supplies or recruits from
there.
<p>
The Kurds and most of the other groups in this alliance are minority
groups in Syria.  The next challenge for this alliance is to recruit a
lot more supporters; to grow large, it would have to recruit mostly
Arabs.  Can the group grow that way while remaining secularist?  That
would be a great development for Syria.


feed_id: b7f9f3280ea79082c19d304fb755e70b
title: Danish way of raising children
uri: Danish-way-of-raising-children
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Danish_way_of_raising_children%29
content:
<p>
Danish society brings up children in a way that 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/aug/06/danish-way-of-parenting-review">makes
them live happier lives</a>, but it's hard to do it the Danish way if
you're in the US.


feed_id: e5c30ba7aa7006054c25af42031a681d
title: Profits from Olympic Games
uri: Profits-from-Olympic-Games
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Profits_from_Olympic_Games%29
content:
<p>
The Olympic Games are a money machine that uses athletes to make big
profits,
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/olympic-executives-cash-in-on-a-movement-that-keeps-athletes-poor/2016/07/30/ed18c206-5346-11e6-88eb-7dda4e2f2aec_story.html">whose
destinations are in many cases secret</a>.


feed_id: d68dd2260803a80eaaca04ad65f64440
title: Gaza off of World Vision
uri: Gaza-off-of-World-Vision
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Gaza_off_of_World_Vision%29
content:
<p>
Israel says that the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/04/israel-world-visions-gaza-director-diverting-cash-hamas-mohammed-el-halabi">Gaza
office of World Vision</a> gave funds to Hamas for military uses.
<p>
The director of that office confessed after six weeks of being held
incommunicado.  We have no way of knowing what the truth is.


feed_id: ab40a05c404712728d21b28a9edee953
title: UK weddings and deportations
uri: UK-weddings-and-deportations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28UK_weddings_and_deportations%29
content:
<p>
To the UK state, a wedding is an opportunity to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2016/aug/04/how-legitimate-marriages-have-become-home-office-honey-traps">deport
people</a>.


feed_id: db723807a02347f66b9925d53bbf7c12
title: Panama's business secrecy system
uri: Panama-s-business-secrecy-system
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Panamas_business_secrecy_system%29
content:
<p>
Joseph Stiglitz has quit Panama's commission to investigate the
business secrecy system there, because Panama 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/06/two-resign-from-panama-papers-commission-over-publicity-of-report">refused
to promise to publish the commission's report</a>.


feed_id: 2720808dd15234762cddaa221de60fe8
title: Suspended Virginia driver's licenses
uri: Suspended-Virginia-driver-s-licenses
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Suspended_Virginia_drivers_licenses%29

content:
<p>
Almost a million people in Virginia have suspended driver's licenses
because the state 
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2016/08/04/virginia-suspends-hundreds-of-thousands">uses
that to extract money from poor people</a>.  Many of them really don't
have money, so they drive with suspended licenses.


feed_id: 5eb59d86e8af5f190f2a38f2195311d3
title: Former head of CIA endorses Clinton
uri: Former-head-of-CIA-endorses-Clinton
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Former_head_of_CIA_endorses_Clinton%29

content:
<p>
A former head of the CIA, who defended torture before, has 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/05/ex-cia-chief-and-torture-defender-endorses-clinton-why-are-democrats-cheering">endorsed
Clinton</a>.


feed_id: 63fe30c455acb51ce22bef543bc46437
title: Head Veracruz state thug resigns
uri: Head-Veracruz-state-thug-resigns
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Head_Veracruz_state_thug_resigns%29

content:
<p>
The head thug of the state of Veracruz had to resign after it was
discovered that he had bought properties in the US worth millions of
dollars, which implied 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/05/mexico-veracruz-police-resign-arutro-bermudez-zurita-texas">lots
of hidden income</a>.


feed_id: 99c9ba4a9acc1f6e789ed9c143ec9283
title: Complex systems are dangerous if anything goes wrong
uri: Complex-systems-are-dangerous-if-anything-goes-wrong
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28Complex_systems_are_dangerous_if_anything_goes_wrong%29

content:
<p>
Systems that are so complex that no one understands them are very
dangerous if <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/08/entanglement/494930/">anything goes wrong</a>.


feed_id: 5f603e54c888f533c362b502d5cfdaa3
title: Thug guilty in Civil Rights case
uri: Thug-guilty-in-Civil-Rights-case
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28Thug_guilty_in_Civil_Rights_case%29

content:
<p>
A thug beat up a woman and then told lies to incriminate her.
Unfortunately, he told them to the FBI, and has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/08/louisiana-police-officer-guilty-fbi-civil-rights-case">been convicted for it</a>.
<p>
When thugs learn they are likely to be convicted for such lies, maybe
they will learn to be police officers instead.


feed_id: 7e45516acd5878ed04800a34b8b6a8bf
title: Assange's advice to the Green Party
uri: Assange-s-advice-to-the-Green-Party
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28Assange%27s_advice_to_the_Green_Party%29

content:
<p>
Assange's advice to the Green Party:<a href="http://www.democracynow.org/2016/8/8/wikileaks_julian_assange_attacks_against_jill"> distrust the corporate media</a>,
which will slant the news to attack Jill Stein.


feed_id: c39b54c8a6e89dda8fca4d0f8e2e59e7
title: Google in the White House
uri: Google-in-the-White-House
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28Google_in_the_White_House%29
content:
<p>
Assange: Google's ties with Clinton would give it carte blanche if
she is elected.  It would be a <a href="http://www.democracynow.org/2016/8/8/google_in_the_white_house_assange">company that can't be regulated</a>.


feed_id: 6ca0558b2dbca0cde7dc9e38ec434fdb
title: Untold devastation in South Sudan
uri: Untold-devastation-in-South-Sudan
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28Untold_devastation_in_South_Sudan%29

content:
<p>
Violence And Displacements Lead to More Than 6 Million South Sudanese
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/aug/09/untold-devastation-in-south-sudan-triggers-grave-humanitarian-crisis-un">Needing Humanitarian Assistance</a>.


feed_id: 53f1712fcc4ea865c96175bbf21255ce
title: Mexico's president's wife is caught again in gross corruption.
uri: Mexico-s-president-s-wife-is-caught-again-in-gross-corruption
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28Mexico%27s_president%27s_wife_is_caught_again_in_gross_corruption.%29

content:
<p>
Mexico's president's wife is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/09/mexico-first-lady-florida-property-government-contractor-documents-reveal">caught again in gross corruption</a>.


feed_id: 2e39c45a69d50f8f39f63400a4229838
title: 500 milliion Indians have no access to a toilet
uri: 500-milliion-Indians-have-no-access-to-a-toilet
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28500_milliion_Indians_have_no_access_to_a_toilet%29

content:
<p>
Despite (or because of) India's economic growth which has made many
billionaires, 500 million Indians have no access to a toilet
and are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/09/india-children-stunted-growth-unsanitary-conditions-50-million">infected by diseases and parasites as a result</a>.


feed_id: 66e3a0aac72db3f852d1549939608701
title: Indian activist ends 16 year hunger strike
uri: Indian-activist-ends-16-year-hunger-strike
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28Indian_activist_ends_16_year_hunger_strike%29

content:
<p>
Indian activist Irom Chanu Sharmila held a hunger strike for 16 years
ptotesting India's <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/09/indian-activist-irom-chanu-sharmila-ends-16-year-hunger-strike-lick-honey">abolition of human rights in Manipur</a>.  She was imprisoned for some of this time and force-fed.


feed_id: 17291e2045882c9b16cf4d72b158a865
title: Thug related deaths regulation
uri: Thug-related-deaths-regulation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28Thug_related_deaths_regulation%29
content:
<p>
A new US regulation will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/08/police-officer-related-deaths-department-of-justice">require thugs to report all deaths</a> related to arresting someone.


feed_id: 07234bf524a6cad35c8f4a64cd2d6b43
title: Sit-in in the office of Rep. Goodlatte
uri: Sit-in-in-the-office-of-Rep-Goodlatte
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28Sit-in_in_the_office_of_Rep._Goodlatte%29

content:
<p>
There's a sit-in in the office of Rep. Goodlatte <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/08/voting-rights-act-sit-in-bob-goodlatte-naacp-president">demanding the House Judiciary Committee hold a hearing about the state of the Voting Rights Act.


feed_id: 26733083bb30e7cb15987b605bfe2a7e
title: Paid to follow Bill McKibben with cameras
uri: Paid-to-follow-Bill-McKibben-with-cameras
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28Paid_to_follow_Bill_McKibben_with_cameras%29

content:
<p>
A <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/07/how-america-rising-ties-gop-stalkers-harassing-bill-mckibben-and-tom-steyer">secretive Republican organization</a> is paying people to follow Bill McKibben everywhere with cameras.


feed_id: 140e912801b182c46ceeeccb051b6536
title: 1/3 of Sanders supporters say they won't vote for Clinton.
uri: 1-3-of-Sanders-supporters-say-they-won-t-vote-for-Clinton
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%281%252F3_of_Sanders_supporters_say_they_won%27t_vote_for_Clinton.%29

content:
<p>
1/3 of Sanders supporters say <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/08/not-all-bernie-backers-buying-his-clinton-pitch">they won't vote for Clinton</a>.


feed_id: 11aad9e23cb6136cdceb9e0277f775a9
title: It's Neoliberalism, Not Socialism That Has Failed.
uri: It-s-Neoliberalism-Not-Socialism-That-Has-Failed
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28It%27s_Neoliberalism%2C_Not_Socialism_That_Has_Failed.%29

content:
<p>
President Correa: It's Neoliberalism, Not Socialism <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/08/ecuadors-correa-its-neoliberalism-not-socialism-has-failed">That Has Failed</a>.


feed_id: 07e5eeebbfbb6756eb81040053f25225
title: Another MSF hospital bombed
uri: Another-MSF-hospital-bombed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28Another_MSF_hospital_bombed%29
content:
<p>
Assad's planes (or Putin's planes) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/08/msf-hospital-idlib-syria-destroyed-airstrikes">bombed another MSF hospital</a>.
<p>
The US attacked an MSF hospital in Afghanistan,
and its forces were too confused to call off the attack.
This was something to be ashamed of, but it pales compared
with Assad/Putin's repeated and clearly intentional attacks.


feed_id: 4c129d71610f0fda59ffb21e94cdac3a
title: The Green Party has nominated Jill Stein for president
uri: The-Green-Party-has-nominated-Jill-Stein-for-president
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28The_Green_Party_has_nominated_Jill_Stein_for_president%29

content:
<p>
The Green Party has <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/07/nominee-stein-says-she-wants-assume-mantle-sanders-revolution">nominated Jill Stein for president</a>, so I have endorsed her.


feed_id: 993e21fd13ed1c3e072ab64160b0f74e
title: Trump economic plan speech
uri: Trump-economic-plan-speech
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28Trump_economic_plan_speech%29
content:
<p>
Trump announed a plan to cut taxes for the rich,
and as usual his <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/08/donald-trump-economic-plan-speech-fact-check">bullshitting produced lots of falsehoods</a>.
<p>
Trump is moving to <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/08/america-back-trump-declares-announcing-tax-cuts-billionaires">standard Republican goals</a>: tax cuts for the rich and fewer regulations to protect us from businesses.


feed_id: fd788c1e37798e61f31a14ced32bd1e6
title: Scottish thugs were ordered to pay damages
uri: Scottish-thugs-were-ordered-to-pay-damages
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28Scottish_thugs_were_ordered_to_pay_damages%29

content:
<p>
Scottish thugs were <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/aug/08/police-scotland-told-to-pay-journalist-gerard-gallacher-10000-over-illegal-intercepts">ordered to pay damages</a> to a journalist whose phone calls they listened to illegally.
<p>
Their motive for doing so was that he was investigating dishonesty by
the thugs.


feed_id: a0be21c17997511afb8364a5051316bf
title: UK to give everyone in the country a unique number
uri: UK-to-give-everyone-in-the-country-a-unique-number
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28UK_to_give_everyone_in_the_country_a_unique_number%29

content:
<p>
A proposal to reassure Britons about the level of immigration
by giving <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/aug/08/uk-should-monitor-population-with-unique-person-numbers-thinktank">everyone in the country a unique number</a>.
<p>
They go for the most strained excuses!


feed_id: 10d985d7d05448f1545bf37d2a315b75
title: AARP works against members' interests
uri: AARP-works-against-members-interests
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28AARP_works_against_members_interests%29

content:
<p>
The AARP has got millions of old Americans to join in exchange for
personal benefits, then 
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-marans/aarps-support-for-social-security-cuts_b_880397.html">advocates
positions against their interest</a> — including cuts in Social
Security and medical benefits.
<p>
It was also 
<a href="http://www.exposedbycmd.org/2016/07/28/revealed-aarp-funding-alec/">quietly
supporting ALEC</a>, the right-wing association of 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-jan-apr.html#17_February_2013_(Global_heating_denial_campaigns)">businesses, 
climate denialists and state legislators</a>.  In this way it betrayed
the interests of nearly all of the Americans that are members of AARP.


feed_id: 00800e3d0065fc0ceb5fed71ab0b2324
title: Exxon Climate Scandal
uri: Exxon-Climate-Scandal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#12_August_2016_%28Exxon_Climate_Scandal%29
content:
<p>
Warren and Whitehouse: <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/10/warren-and-whitehouse-exxon-climate-scandal-master-class-corporate-rigging">Exxon Climate Scandal</a> a 'Master Class' in Corporate Rigging.


feed_id: b3c9ba0a79a76e2f16312bc8879f5a8d
title: Trump Trade Position
uri: Trump-Trade-Position
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#12_August_2016_%28Trump_Trade_Position%29
content:
<p>
Trump's real economic program seems to include <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/10/trump-trade-position-opposite-what-people-think-it">driving wages down
for most Americans</a>.


feed_id: 95fc8cca0a5aa00a2a98153bf0b94e7a
title: DOJ Report on Baltimore Police
uri: DOJ-Report-on-Baltimore-Police
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#12_August_2016_%28DOJ_Report_on_Baltimore_Police%29
content:
<p>
DOJ Report on Baltimore Police Is '<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/10/doj-report-baltimore-police-stunning-catalog-discrimination">Stunning Catalog of Discrimination</a>'.
<p>
Read the <a href="http://reason.com/blog/2016/08/10/lowlights-from-the-justice-department-re">Most Blood-Boiling Parts</a> of the Justice Department's Scathing
Report on Baltimore Police.
<p>
How Baltimore Police "<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/08/baltimore-doj-report-sexual-assault">Seriously and Systemically</a>" Failed
Sexual-Assault Survivors.
<p>
(The word "survivors" seems like somewhat of an exaggeration.)


feed_id: 8e438ab739b868505fe065ec59757589
title: Florida Police Academy fatal shooting
uri: Florida-Police-Academy-fatal-shooting
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#12_August_2016_%28Florida_Police_Academy_fatal_shooting%29

content:
<p>
A thug shot a woman during a role-playing exercise.  His gun was supposed
to contain blanks or non-injurious simulation shots, but instead it contained
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/11/florida-police-academy-fatal-shooting-lee-coel-record">a real bullet</a>.
<p>
If the presence of a real bullet in the gun was not his fault, I can't
say he did anything wrong on this occasion.


feed_id: bf976a220b3fd0e3e69337f9c5dc6ede
title: The US "Priority Enforcement Program"
uri: The-US-Priority-Enforcement-Program
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#12_August_2016_%28The_US_Priority_Enforcement_Program%29

content:
<p>
The US "<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/11/us-immigration-detainees-criminal-background">Priority Enforcement Program</a>" is supposed to deport unauthorized immigrants who have committed serious crimes, but in fact half of the people
it acts on have no criminal convictions.


feed_id: 881d8a04f209a1242b92a4ce019555db
title: Protect Dolphins, Whales or Lose Access to U.S. Seafood Market.
uri: Protect-Dolphins-Whales-or-Lose-Access-to-U-S-Seafood-Market
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#12_August_2016_%28Protect_Dolphins%2C_Whales_or_Lose_Access_to_U.S._Seafood_Market.%29

content:
<p>
U.S. to World: <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/08/11/us-world-protect-dolphins-whales-or-lose-access-us-seafood-market">Protect Dolphins, Whales</a> or Lose Access to U.S. Seafood Market.
<p>
I support this policy — and I fear that the WTO or NAFTA will be used
as a lever to bully the US into cancelling it.  Something like that
has already happened.
<p>
<a href="http://www.stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">Business-Supremacy-Treaties</a>


feed_id: 770057d1c216488575f8b78c867626e2
title: Hotel cancels protesters' rooms
uri: Hotel-cancels-protesters-rooms
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#12_August_2016_%28Hotel_cancels_protesters_rooms%29
content:
<p>
The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City is having a retreat.  Protesters
booked hotel rooms in the same hotel, and the <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/08/11/at-swanky-federal-reserve-retreat-computer-glitch-cancels-minority-protesters-hotel-reservations/">hotel cancelled them all arbitrarily</a>.
<p>
This is manifestly corrupt.


feed_id: 671e0198eafcb0bbb09199acfedfb6a3
title: Indian journalists face prosecution
uri: Indian-journalists-face-prosecution
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#12_August_2016_%28Indian_journalists_face_prosecution%29

content:
<p>
Indian journalists face prosecution over an article accusing a Hindu
nationalist group of "<a href="https://cpj.org/2016/08/indian-journalist-magazine-face-criminal-complaint.php">trafficking</a>" tribal children to indoctrinate them.
<p>
There is something fishy about that terminology, but this might be a
matter of kidnapping; that been done to indigenous peoples in many
parts of the world.
<p>
The law the journalists are being prosecuted under is patently
dangerous.


feed_id: 8b24818ebfad302acaf98b59d30cbd54
title: Enslaved fisherman on boats that dock in South Africa
uri: Enslaved-fisherman-on-boats-that-dock-in-South-Africa
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#12_August_2016_%28Enslaved_fisherman_on_boats_that_dock_in_South_Africa%29

content:
<p>
Freeing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/aug/11/rescuing-trafficked-fishermen-cape-town-south-africa-slave-like-conditions">enslaved fishermen</a> on boats that dock in South Africa.
<p>
"Trafficked" seems like the wrong word.  It is not synonymous with
"enslaved".


feed_id: 89615f11897b724904a830670e81c22c
title: Indonesia has started persecution of gays
uri: Indonesia-has-started-persecution-of-gays
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#12_August_2016_%28Indonesia_has_started_persecution_of_gays%29

content:
<p>
Indonesia has started <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/11/no-room-in-indonesia-for-gay-rights-says-president-spokesman">persecution of gays</a>.
<p>
There is a broad Indonesian tradition of cross-dressing, somewhat
different from the US tradition, and it was surprisingly well
accepted.  I speculate that we are seeing the influence of the repressive
preachers funded there by Salafi Arabia.


feed_id: 07e934f0d507cac3c0478c36e1f93777
title: Clinton should tell Obama to withdraw TPP
uri: Clinton-should-tell-Obama-to-withdraw-TPP
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#12_August_2016_%28Clinton_should_tell_Obama_to_withdraw_TPP%29

content:
<p>
Obama is launching a <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/11/clinton-should-tell-obama-withdraw-tpp-save-her-presidency">last-ditch push</a> to impose the TPP on the US during the lame duck session, and Clinton has not yet come out against it.
<p>
Obama said to think of Clinton as <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/11/clinton-must-more-forcefully-reject-tpp-or-risk-losing-election-groups">four more years of him</a>.  I fear it is true.  So do many others.


feed_id: 0060899709d6cee9b62f0cf78dddbe17
title: Iranian journalist jailed
uri: Iranian-journalist-jailed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#12_August_2016_%28Iranian_journalist_jailed%29
content:
<p>
Issa Saharkhiz, journalist in Iran, has been sentenced to three years
in prison for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2016/aug/11/iranian-journalist-jailed-for-insulting-the-supreme-leader">insulting the theocratic ruler of Iran</a>.
<p>
Iran has a democracy, but the democratic parts of the state have no authority
over respect for human rights.


feed_id: d4ac98d8800633039a07db49cb1887c6
title: Silicon Valley housing official resigns
uri: Silicon-Valley-housing-official-resigns
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#12_August_2016_%28Silicon_Valley_housing_official_resigns%29

content:
<p>
The housing crisis of Silicon Valley is so bad that a Palo Alto housing
official had to resign: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/aug/11/silicon-valley-housing-official-resigns-california-home-prices">she couldn't afford to live anywhere close enough</a> to go to work there.


feed_id: b5f56f8e7ec8b0ea2c32a21659666214
title: New NYPD commissioner's focus
uri: New-NYPD-commissioner-s-focus
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#12_August_2016_%28New_NYPD_commissioners_focus%29
content:
<p>
It's not enough for many people to know their neighborhood thugs.
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/08/11/new-nypd-commissioners-focus-on-community-policing-is-a-distraction-not-a-solution/">Thugs should be held accountable for their crimes</a>.


feed_id: e5ba2f742832efb94ec395420703a726
title: Freedom of press champion jailed
uri: Freedom-of-press-champion-jailed
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#12_August_2016_%28Freedom_of_press_champion_jailed%29

content:
<p>
Bangladesh has jailed journalist Shafik Rehman for months without
charges.  Perhaps because he <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/08/10/press-freedom-groups-call-bangladesh-relreleasease-british-journalist-81">champions freedom of the press</a>.


feed_id: 31f794b04780f8008c29f3f413185835
title: Urgent: Ivanka Trump poses as champion for women's rights
uri: Urgent-Ivanka-Trump-poses-as-champion-for-women-s-rights
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#12_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Ivanka_Trump_poses_as_champion_for_women%27s_rights%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: Tell Ivanka Trump, if you want to pose as a champion of working
women's rights, start granting <a href="http://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/ivanka-trump-family-leave/">family leave to your own employees</a>.


feed_id: 2b030595178f3501e10b95dd1d5197fa
title: Urgent: call on Facebook to stop censoring its useds.
uri: Urgent-call-on-Facebook-to-stop-censoring-its-useds
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#12_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_call_on_Facebook_to_stop_censoring_its_useds.%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: call on Facebook to stop <a href="http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/facebook-deactivated-her-profile-police-request-then-police-killed-her/">censoring its useds at the requests of thugs</a>.


feed_id: 1301b93e2094ca6c36a377cf76dd52eb
title: UK copyright attacks 3D printing
uri: UK-copyright-attacks-3D-printing
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#12_August_2016_%28UK_copyright_attacks_3D_printing%29

content:
<p>
By imposing <a href="http://arstechnica.co.uk/tech-policy/2016/08/uk-copyright-extension-designed-objects-3d-printing/">century-long copyright</a> on shapes of useful objects, the UK has carried out a preemptive attack on 3D printing.
<p>
I don't think people will hesitate to violate copyright law by printing
things for themselves.  I fear there will be a big battle in the future
to remove DRM from 3D printers.


feed_id: 20a05102b3c24e6ef2213c7044d8ef02
title: Urgent: Reject proposed gas pipelines
uri: Urgent-Reject-proposed-gas-pipelines
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Reject_proposed_gas_pipelines%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/ferc_pipeline">call on the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission</a> to reject all proposed gas
pipelines.


feed_id: 83dc148351120568a634dfdfeff1517f
title: Urgent: No military weapons for thugs
uri: Urgent-No-military-weapons-for-thugs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_No_military_weapons_for_thugs%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/1033-program/">call on
Obama</a> not to end the ban on giving military weapons to thug
departments.


feed_id: 0c27dd868c6c93c0806b813047dcd7b4
title: Urgent: Oppose removal of Rousseff
uri: Urgent-Oppose-removal-of-Rousseff
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_removal_of_Rousseff%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://pac.petitions.moveon.org/sign/johnkerry-dont-support">Call
on Kerry</a> to oppose the removal of Brazil's President Rousseff.


feed_id: 74dba21a755d3e6a6261de179ad8fe10
title: Bias against black patients in hospital
uri: Bias-against-black-patients-in-hospital
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Bias_against_black_patients_in_hospital%29

content:
<p>
Black patients face bias in the hospital: doctors are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/aug/10/black-patients-bias-prescriptions-pain-management-medicine-opioids">less
likely to prescribe strong painkillers for blacks than for whites</a>,
when they report the same level of pain for the same condition.


feed_id: 6c6095b49262bcdf1ff75359cf443e9b
title: Hospital bombings
uri: Hospital-bombings
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Hospital_bombings%29
content:
<p>
Aleppo doctors 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/11/last-doctors-aleppo-obama-help-stop-hospital-bombing">beg
Obama to somehow stop Russia and Assad</a> from repeatedly bombing
hospitals.


feed_id: 43c3598dc0f4d5b86d71a911df5b64ee
title: Nauru refugee prison
uri: 2016-08-13-Nauru-refugee-prison
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Nauru_refugee_prison%29
content:
<p>
In the pervasive cruelty of Nauru, children are accustomed to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/aug/11/offshore-detention-australia-secret-exposed-nauru-files">rape
and to suicide</a>, and parents plan to carry their children into the
sea.
<p>
The private contractors (of course!) that run the Nauru refugee prison
cover up the situation by minimizing each incident.  When doctors say
a prisoner needs urgent medical care, the government says no.
<p>
If Australia wants to avoid receiving many thousands of refugees, it
had better not try to cover up what it does.


feed_id: 95185a3391a39179dc74b4ac77c13f81
title: Municipal broadband
uri: 2016-08-13-Municipal-broadband
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Municipal_broadband%29
content:
<p>
A 
<a href="http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/08/in-blow-to-muni-broadband-fcc-loses-bid-to-overturn-state-laws/">defeat
in court for the FCC and municipal broadband</a>; a victory for the
big (and often monopolistic) commercial ISPs.


feed_id: d50ac6986358018d83753333c501e6d0
title: Thugs
uri: 2016-08-13-Thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Thugs%29
content:
<p>
Thugs systematically 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/10/filming-police-violence-citizen-journalists-first-amendment">arrest
and mistreat the journalists that make videos of their crimes</a>.
<p>
It will take firm and reliable punishment to get through the thick
heads of these thugs and make them stop trying to terrorize people.


feed_id: fada00ec2ba8c7bcbb98520740ca46ed
title: Methane emissions from cows
uri: Methane-emissions-from-cows
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Methane_emissions_from_cows%29
content:
<p>
California wants to reduce the methane emissions from cows.
Unfortunately, the only way is to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/10/cow-methane-reduction-california-dairy-industry">reduce
the number of cows</a>.  If we want civilization to survive, that's
what we must do.
<p>
We can't keep raising so much cattle, and methane is not the only
reason.  We can't grow feed for so many cattle, either.  And it is
unhealthful to eat a lot of meat.


feed_id: 6a54140d53f219b6b04378cd9072a408
title: Harassment of airline passengers
uri: Harassment-of-airline-passengers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Harassment_of_airline_passengers%29

content:
<p>
An American Airlines flight attendant harassed two Muslim passengers
who were complaining about being kept on the plane for hours with
little water.  One took a picture of him, so he 
<a href="http://m.voanews.com/a/muslim-american-women-taken-from-plane-male-attendant-felt-threatened/3450523.html">kicked
her off the plane</a>.


feed_id: 8eb178b056d75cc6658fcccf131fb5d7
title: HK legislative candidates banned
uri: HK-legislative-candidates-banned
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28HK_legislative_candidates_banned%29

content:
<p>
Hong Kong has started arbitrarily banning legislative candidates
<a href="https://globalvoices.org/2016/08/05/hong-kong-election-officials-disqualify-six-legislative-candidates-for-not-being-loyal-enough-to-china/">because
they don't kowtow to China</a>.


feed_id: 7fcb9aafdf0b31ce25e3af1b401f78a7
title: Cost of medical care in the US
uri: Cost-of-medical-care-in-the-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Cost_of_medical_care_in_the_US%29
content:
<p>
Even when they have a good medical plan, Americans have to pay 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/09/tick-tock-tick-tock-why-even-insured-are-waiting-too-long-care">a
lot of money for even simple medical care</a>.
<p>
Medicare for all would eliminate this.


feed_id: 2bad787dda675f87e4de32c0cecca47d
title: Twitter
uri: 2016-08-13-Twitter
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Twitter%29
content:
<p>
Twitter 
<a href="http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/08/olympics-fan-claims-twitter-killed-account-rio-videos/">permanently
shut Luigino Bracci's account</a> after he posted short video clips
that he took at the Olympic Games.


feed_id: 2137a5dc8922781087af9b577ba1853e
title: Thug union contracts
uri: Thug-union-contracts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Thug_union_contracts%29
content:
<p>
Investigating various means by which thug union contracts give thugs
<a href="http://www.checkthepolice.org/#project">impunity for their
crimes</a>.


feed_id: 73ab97565e2312b000b44821ff29231d
title: Snooping parents
uri: Snooping-parents
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Snooping_parents%29
content:
<p>
Now that many parents in the US routinely snoop on their children
digitally,
<a href="http://www.freerangekids.com/it-is-my-duty-to-spy-on-my-kids/">will
parents be punished for not doing so</a>?


feed_id: 720e61f97fa15abeb66ca2660405680d
title: Corbyn's Labour opponents
uri: Corbyn-s-Labour-opponents
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Corbyns_Labour_opponents%29
content:
<p>
Jeremy Corbyn's Labour Opponents Should Accept That 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/10/jeremy-corbyn-labour-leadership-contest-opponents-failures">Their
Failures Created Him</a>.
<p>
When the B'liarites criticize Corbyn's imperfections, they are raising
secondary issues to distract from the primary one.  A flawed leader
that heads for the right place is better than any leader that heads
for the wrong place.
<p>
If the Labour Party replaces its Tory-Lite MPs with people that want
the people's victory, rather than their own, it will develop many
leaders as ethical as Corbyn, and the members could then pick the most
effective one as the head of the party.


feed_id: 6564b070ec7bde97d1ec3004c5220fcf
title: Debtor's prisons
uri: Debtor-s-prisons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Debtors_prisons%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/10/st-louis-civil-rights-lawsuit-debtors-prisons-african-americans">13
towns near St Louis</a> are now being sued for operating debtor's
prisons.


feed_id: 22a24dd4b7d4d66fa6855fbf0b8e5251
title: Trumps Policy hides a Payday for the Wealthy
uri: Trumps-Policy-hides-a-Payday-for-the-Wealthy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Trumps_Policy_hides_a_Payday_for_the_Wealthy%29

content:
<p>
How Trump's '<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/us-money-blog/2016/aug/10/donald-trump-economic-policy-wealthy-tax-breaks">Populist</a>' Economic Policy Hides a Payday for the Wealthy.


feed_id: 0f97b28a8b0177ef170cf60497c31c67
title: Call on Clinton to oppose a vote on the TPP
uri: Call-on-Clinton-to-oppose-a-vote-on-the-TPP
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Call_on_Clinton_to_oppose_a_vote_on_the_TPP%29

content:
<p>
Call on Clinton to <a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/clinton_tpp_lame_duck?t=1003&akid=19245.1183552.QN9hM1">oppose a vote on the TPP</a> during the lame duck session
of Congress.


feed_id: 1d176a3fc13d2292e681398c222a660d
title: Stop Global Heating
uri: Stop-Global-Heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Stop_Global_Heating%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/10/stop-climate-change-dont-just-cut-carbon-redistribute-wealth">Taxing greenhouse emissions</a> can provide a base to help the lives of the non-rich and also rebuild infrastructure.


feed_id: 28618499c9e370628551e2e22e31424e
title: Six million Americans drinking toxic chemicals
uri: Six-million-Americans-drinking-toxic-chemicals
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Six_million_Americans_drinking_toxic_chemicals%29

content:
<p>
Certain toxic organic chemicals that <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/10/least-six-million-americans-are-drinking-toxic-teflon-chemicals-their-water">never break down were released into the environment for years</a>.  Now 6 million Americans get them from drinking water.


feed_id: ee8856e5a968082b9f967c7fcdc05048
title: US investigation of the Baltimore thug department
uri: US-investigation-of-the-Baltimore-thug-department
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28US_investigation_of_the_Baltimore_thug_department%29

content:
<p>
A US investigation of the Baltimore thug department found systematic
illegal <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/08/10/naacp-legal-defense-fund-statement-report-department-justice-baltimore-police">discrimination against blacks</a>, including a pattern of gratuitous violence.


feed_id: 7296b9c6c74ff7bdda58458193bfcf26
title: Saudi Arabia 1.15 billion military equipment from US
uri: Saudi-Arabia-1-15-billion-military-equipment-from-US
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Saudi_Arabia_115billion_military_equipment_from_US%29

content:
<p>
Just as <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/10/saudi-arabia-close-to-deal-to-buy-115bn-worth-of-military-equipment-from-us">Salafi Arabia resumes bombing Yemen</a>, it is about to buy another billion dollars' worth of US arms.
<p>
The <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/09/amid-uptick-bombings-and-civilian-deaths-us-sells-more-arms-saudis">US Air Force participates directly</a> in the bombardment by refueling the planes Salafi Arabia is bombing with.


feed_id: 52b82889316eb336b9290f05405cc1c7
title: Computerized vibrator snoops on its users
uri: Computerized-vibrator-snoops-on-its-users
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Computerized_vibrator_snoops_on_its_users%29

content:
<p>
A computerized vibrator snoops on its users through the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/aug/10/vibrator-phone-app-we-vibe-4-plus-bluetooth-hack">proprietary control app</a>.  The app reports the temperature of the vibrator minute by minute
(thus, indirectly, whether it is surrounded by a person's body), and
the vibration frequency.
<p>
Note the totally inadequate proposed response: a labeling standard
with which manufacturers would make statements about their products,
rather than <a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">free software which users can check and change</a>.


feed_id: f2d73edf3bffb35b373f80e580c9cd49
title: Dishonest mainstream politicians
uri: Dishonest-mainstream-politicians
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Dishonest_mainstream_politicians%29

content:
<p>
Dishonest mainstream politicians open the door to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/10/brexit-trump-trouble-with-claiming-post-truth-era">bullshitting "outsiders"</a>.


feed_id: a8b601dea39f09447b851f16c7d2de4a
title: Shipping noise interferes with humpback whales
uri: Shipping-noise-interferes-with-humpback-whales
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Shipping_noise_interferes_with_humpback_whales%29

content:
<p>
Shipping noise interferes with humpback whales' <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/10/shipping-noise-impares-ability-of-humpback-whales-to-forage-study-shows">searching for food</a>.


feed_id: febf33479e54165c9cd983367d0a1d95
title: Fairy-tale Farming
uri: Fairy-tale-Farming
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Fairy-tale_Farming%29
content:
<p>
Agribusiness hires authors to write children's books that implant
a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/georgemonbiot/2015/may/29/its-time-to-wean-ourselves-off-the-fairytale-version-of-farming">fairy-tale version of farming</a>, to help them disguise what modern farms really do.


feed_id: bd321194c662ca7cb9dbbbf3bf1e4910
title: If Clinton wants to show she isn't Wall Street's pawn
uri: If-Clinton-wants-to-show-she-isn-t-Wall-Street-s-pawn
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28If_Clinton_wants_to_show_she_isn%27t_Wall_Street%27s_pawn%29

content:
<p>
If Clinton wants to show she isn't <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/08/hillary-clinton-bernie-sanders-wall-street-tax">Wall Street's pawn</a>, she should
support a tax on financial transactions.


feed_id: 48bf5249fb3067b68e9d9079359ca39b
title: Trump hinted that gun nuts could assassinate Clinton if she is elected.
uri: Trump-hinted-that-gun-nuts-could-assassinate-Clinton-if-she-is-elected
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Trump_hinted_that_gun_nuts_could_assassinate_Clinton_if_she_is_elected.%29

content:
<p>
Trump hinted that gun nuts could <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/09/donald-trump-second-amendment-quote-hillary-clinton">assassinate Clinton if she is elected</a>.
<p>
I have occasionally read obituaries with pleasure, when they are about
people who were doing continuing harm to the world and that harm was
ended by their death.  People have a right to read Clinton's or
Trump's obituary with pleasure, or, for that matter, my own.  However,
fomenting murder is going too far.
<p>
I will get pleasure from seeing Trump lose to a woman, if she is the
right woman: Jill Stein.


feed_id: 8847ac3e84409208263d216597867cd0
title: UK Toothless Environment Agency
uri: UK-Toothless-Environment-Agency
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28UK_Toothless_Environment_Agency%29

content:
<p>
The UK's "environment agency" has been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/georgemonbiot/2015/nov/12/toothless-environment-agency-is-allowing-the-living-world-to-be-wrecked-with-impunity">trained to close its eyes to persistent pollution</a>.
<p>
Agencies that the Tories wish to kill, they first drive mad.


feed_id: 95074f7f9b2a8d7b555b1c1dbb03bea3
title: Billionaire Bonanza
uri: Billionaire-Bonanza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Billionaire_Bonanza%29
content:
<p>
Billionaires experienced 5% economic growth last year.  That's a lot more
than the <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/08/billionaire-bonanza-wealth-surges-among-one-percent">world as a whole</a>.


feed_id: bddd794f28689adca7096e5dc0831309
title: Canada blocks hundreds of people from traveling
uri: Canada-blocks-hundreds-of-people-from-traveling
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Canada_blocks_hundreds_of_people_from_traveling%29

content:
<p>
Canada has <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/09/travesty-democracy-canadas-closed-borders-mar-opening-world-social-forum">blocked hundreds of people from traveling to the World Social Forum</a>, being held this time in Montreal.


feed_id: 2be171c18a8eb02d137f7db14ab39c33
title: Fighting people six feet under
uri: Fighting-people-six-feet-under
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Fighting_people_six_feet_under%29
content:
<p>
The Chicago thugs that shot and killed Paul O'Neal as he was fleeing
appear to have <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/further/2016/08/09/fighting-people-six-feet-under">turned off their body cameras intentionally</a>, and then
celebrated.


feed_id: d9dd3da45b08442621624052d783979f
title: Imprisonment on Nauru is driving refugee children crazy
uri: Imprisonment-on-Nauru-is-driving-refugee-children-crazy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Imprisonment_on_Nauru_is_driving_refugee_children_crazy%29

content:
<p>
Imprisonment on Nauru is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2016/aug/10/i-want-death-nauru-files-chronicle-despair-of-asylum-seeker-children">driving refugee children crazy</a>.


feed_id: ceb1b9bf079a8873981316f595f70bfd
title: Protesters shot in Ethiopia
uri: Protesters-shot-in-Ethiopia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28Protesters_shot_in_Ethiopia%29
content:
<p>
Ethiopia's dictatorship shot protesters in several cities
who 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/09/dozens-shot-dead-in-anti-government-protests-across-ethiopia-says-opposition">objected
to plans to take their farmland</a>.
<p>
Ethiopia is 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-jul-oct.html#06_July_2014_(Ethiopian_land_grab_campaign)">taking
farmland to give it to foreign corporations</a>.


feed_id: 6a0aab0069b33d53f13392d0d622c5fd
title: Trump and Putin
uri: 2016-08-13-Trump-and-Putin
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28Trump_and_Putin%29
content:
<p>
Trump seems to have been very concerned to change one part of the
Republican Party platform — to be 
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/8/3/1555927/-Donald-Trump-may-be-acting-crazy-but-it-s-keeping-the-news-away-from-the-one-story-he-wants-to-bury">more
friendly to Putin</a>.
<p>
I don't think the US should intervene militarily in Ukraine; that
would be playing Putin's game.  Ironically, therefore, this seems to
be one of the few issues on which Trump actually has a sensible
position.  But I doubt he has it for sensible reasons.
<p>
Trump 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/08/more-neocon-excuses-bomb-syria">agrees
with almost everything neocons want</a>, except a new cold war with
Russia.
<p>
But neocons say that Trump is a loose cannon and likely to do rash,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/08/trump-national-security-neocons-freaking-out-republicans">unpredictable
violent things</a> if he were president.
<p>
By contrast, Clinton is likely to do 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_July_2016_(War_hawk_party)">predictable 
violent things</a>, which neocons like.


feed_id: fcd149cef8cc530759af0255d0bf948c
title: Henry Kissinger mass killings
uri: Henry-Kissinger-mass-killings
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28Henry_Kissinger_mass_killings%29
content:
<p>
Formerly <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/09/henry-kissinger-mass-killings-argentina-declassified-files">secret files</a> show that Kissinger undermined President Carter's attempts to get the Argentine military dictatorship to curb its killings.


feed_id: 8d5c1045d0a02f078d52ca275e295b2a
title: 'Come Find Out What Happened Under the Mushroom Cloud'
uri: Come-Find-Out-What-Happened-Under-the-Mushroom-Cloud
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28%27Come_Find_Out_What_Happened_Under_the_Mushroom_Cloud%27%29

content:
<p>
Nagasaki Mayor: '<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/09/nagasaki-mayor-come-find-out-what-happened-under-mushroom-cloud">Come Find Out What Happened Under the Mushroom Cloud</a>'.


feed_id: 509227b670cf717305446d0fada2de30
title: Humans are poisoning ocean and its poisoning us back
uri: Humans-are-poisoning-ocean-and-its-poisoning-us-back
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28Humans_are_poisoning_ocean_and_its_poisoning_us_back%29

content:
<p>
As the <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/09/humans-are-poisoning-ocean-and-its-poisoning-us-back">Atlantic Ocean heats up</a>, dangerous bacteria are spreading.


feed_id: 0f003a8d8e954f5a0f2f57e40dfeea0a
title: Sanders movement only just beginning
uri: Sanders-movement-only-just-beginning
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28Sanders_movement_only_just_beginning%29

content:
<p>
Sanders' <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/09/sanders-movement-only-just-beginning">political revolution</a> has inspired many progressive candidates
to run for Congress and local offices.


feed_id: 5a3182966f4f5317ad492296b8dc5031
title: FBI Agent goaded Garland shooter
uri: FBI-Agent-goaded-Garland-shooter
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28FBI_Agent_goaded_Garland_shooter%29

content:
<p>
The terrorist that shot people at a "Draw Muhammad" contest
had been goaded into action by an FBI agent who wanted to create
an <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/08/09/fbi-agent-goaded-garland-shooter-to-tear-up-texas-raising-new-alarms-about-bureaus-methods/">excuse to prosecute him</a>.
<p>
This is an unusual case.  Most of the people that the FBI tries to
agitate into committing "terrorism" are incompetent, and the "crime"
they end up "committing" exists only in their imagination.  This time,
the FBI was dealing with someone capable of acting, and the FBI
bungled it spectacularly.


feed_id: c817799bd1e17043f3324a3af8f45e83
title: Fertility of dogs has been declining annually
uri: Fertility-of-dogs-has-been-declining-annually
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28Fertility_of_dogs_has_been_declining_annually%29

content:
<p>
The fertility of dogs has been declining annually since 1988.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/aug/09/study-showing-decline-in-dog-fertility-may-have-human-implications">Chemical pollutants</a> are the suspected cause.
<p>
They affect humans, too.


feed_id: ffeb3f0208cc56be303e5dd5523b90ab
title: Chinese fishing ships are depleting fish stocks around the world.
uri: Chinese-fishing-ships-are-depleting-fish-stocks-around-the-world
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28Chinese_fishing_ships_are_depleting_fish_stocks_around_the_world.%29

content:
<p>
Chinese fishing ships are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/09/greenpeace-sounds-alarm-over-chinas-long-distance-fishing-fleet">depleting fish stocks around the world</a>.


feed_id: 20688aa6b2644c480f22677400be948c
title: Think Tank Scholar or Corporate Consultant?
uri: Think-Tank-Scholar-or-Corporate-Consultant
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28Think_Tank_Scholar_or_Corporate_Consultant_%29

content:
<p>
Think Tank Scholar or Corporate Consultant? It <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/09/us/politics/think-tank-scholars-corporate-consultants.html">Depends on the Day</a>.


feed_id: 8ee801bb63a832ef5b743fcb2b98def1
title: Indian activist ends 16 year hunger strike
uri: 2016-08-13-Indian-activist-ends-16-year-hunger-strike
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28Indian_activist_ends_16_year_hunger_strike%29

content:
<p>
Indian activist Irom Chanu Sharmila held a hunger strike for 16 years
protesting India's <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/09/indian-activist-irom-chanu-sharmila-ends-16-year-hunger-strike-lick-honey">abolition of human rights in Manipur</a>.  She was imprisoned for some of this time and force-fed.


feed_id: 414d7c65dc30a72d7007bd2e5618bcc5
title: Trump economic plan speech
uri: 2016-08-13-Trump-economic-plan-speech
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#10_August_2016_%28Trump_economic_plan_speech%29
content:
<p>
Trump announced a plan to cut taxes for the rich,
and as usual his <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/08/donald-trump-economic-plan-speech-fact-check">bullshitting produced lots of falsehoods</a>.
<p>
Trump is moving to <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/08/america-back-trump-declares-announcing-tax-cuts-billionaires">standard Republican goals</a>: tax cuts for the rich and fewer regulations to protect us from businesses.


feed_id: 39fe01fe435b48a8ca40660f4db91fca
title: Those who plan to break from Democratic party
uri: 2016-08-13-Those-who-plan-to-break-from-Democratic-party
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28Those_who_plan_to_break_from_Democratic_party%29

content:
<p>
As happens every four years, plutocratist democrats are saying that we
have to vote for their Republican-in-Democrat's-clothing or else a
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/05/liberals-grow-hysterical-toward-those-who-plan-break-democratic-party">worse Republican will win</a>.
<p>
If we listen to them, we will never get anything better than
plutocratists.
<p>
Please don't call those plutocratists "Liberals".  Clinton is no
Liberal, and neither is Obama.  Liberals are people like me.


feed_id: fc11bb8d615bb56ec4b05ab5b26c727f
title: FBI release secret spy plane footage
uri: 2016-08-13-FBI-release-secret-spy-plane-footage
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#9_August_2016_%28FBI_release_secret_spy_plane_footage%29

content:
<p>
The ACLU has forced release of the FBI's <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/05/fbi-releases-secret-spy-plane-footage-freddie-gray-protests">massive and inexplicable aerial surveillance</a> of protests in Baltimore.


feed_id: cd36c4f4f40e0a275b87f20da29b1097
title: Why its so hard to regulate payday lenders
uri: 2016-08-13-Why-its-so-hard-to-regulate-payday-lenders
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Why_its_so_hard_to_regulate_payday_lenders%29

content:
<p>
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is proposing limits on
"payday loans" (short-term loans with high interest rates), but the
rules have <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/business/currency/why-its-so-hard-to-regulate-payday-lenders">loopholes which loan companies will use</a>.
<p>
Some states have entirely banned these loans, with good effect.
Research finds that people who can't get payday loans general reduce
their spending instead — whereas paying the high interest of payday
loans would make them reduce their spending a lot more, over time.


feed_id: 5bea62264d018d9f969f618668b3a0f4
title: Urgent: Everyone call for referring PISSI's enslavement of Yazidi women
uri: 2016-08-13-Urgent-Everyone-call-for-referring-PISSI-s-enslavement-of-Yazidi-wome
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Everyone_call_for_referring_PISSI%27s_enslavement_of_Yazidi_women%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: Call for referring <a href="https://www.walkfree.org/iraq-slavery-icc/">PISSI's enslavement of Yazidi women</a> to
the International Criminal Court.
<p>
If you have disabled Javascript, the petition may appear not to work
— but in fact it does work.


feed_id: 0c514303607009a268b749128e01a582
title: Urgent: Support these bills to limit lobbying and big money in elections
uri: 2016-08-13-Urgent-Support-these-bills-to-limit-lobbying-and-big-money-in-electio
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#8_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Support_these_bills_to_limit_lobbying_and_big_money_in_elections%29

content:
<p>
US Citizens: support these bills to limit lobbying and the influence
of big money in elections.  <a href="http://signforgood.com/promiseofdemocracy/">Live up to the Promise of Democracy</a>, <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/5">Contributions and Expenditures to affect elections</a>, <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/6">We the People Act of 2016</a>, <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/1659">Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2015</a> and <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/1538">Fair Elections Now Act</a>.


feed_id: ccd25fddafb84a0397514ae2606112d0
title: Volunteer
uri: 2016-08-15-Volunteer
url: https://stallman.org/index.html#volunteerListAnc
content:
<p>I am looking for people to I am looking a volunteer to post comments for me on some
     websites.  This is not a lot of work, but it needs to be done
     reliably and promptly.  If you would like to help me 
     in this way, please write to rms at gnu dot o r g.</p>


feed_id: a78820145dd3782bb67aeb593b1f80de
title: Urgent: Pressure on Erdo&gbreve;an
uri: Urgent-Pressure-on-Erdo-gbreve-an
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#15_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Pressure_on_Erdogan%29
content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="http://act.amnestyusa.org/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1839&ea.campaign.id=54080">support
Amnesty International's pressure</a> on President Erdo&gbreve;an.


feed_id: 9b44a7be1c1a2c571f2774254689f7e1
title: Urgent: No gifts from likely litigants
uri: Urgent-No-gifts-from-likely-litigants
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#14_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_No_gifts_from_likely_litigants%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.demandprogress.org/sign/tell-judicial-conference-ban-corporate-payoffs-judges/">call
on federal judges</a> to adopt a rule that they cannot accept gifts
from likely litigants.


feed_id: 7f2a17145e4fd13664fffd3b8273bcbc
title: Urgent: Protect students
uri: Urgent-Protect-students
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#14_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Protect_students%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://go.kamalaharris.org/page/s/acq-pda-cc-aug2016">call on
the Department of Education</a> to protect students from commercial
college ripoffs.


feed_id: 6e9bc08c9eb78ea15c4d4db17c968e0a
title: Urgent: Shift funds from military
uri: Urgent-Shift-funds-from-military
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#14_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Shift_funds_from_military%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://pac.petitions.moveon.org/sign/put-pentagon-bloat-on">call
on Congress</a> to consider shifting funds from the military to
civilian needs.


feed_id: db75489bf512e6f7c6594454c8071904
title: Militarist Trump
uri: Militarist-Trump
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#14_August_2016_%28Militarist_Trump%29
content:
<p>
Trump is quietly signaling the military-industrial complex that he can
be 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/08/11/donald-trump-talks-tough-about-military-contractors-but-quietly-signals-friendship/">as
militarist as Clinton</a>.
<p>
Meanwhile, neither of them is concerned very much with 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2016/08/nobody-wants-talk-about-p-word">poverty</a>.
They will probably both increase poverty, with policies that increase
dooH niboR.


feed_id: d15ceff4f758cd76a75fefd857caf44c
title: Theocratic tyranny in Iran
uri: Theocratic-tyranny-in-Iran
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#14_August_2016_%28Theocratic_tyranny_in_Iran%29
content:
<p>
A tape of a speech by Ayatollah Montazeri 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/iran-blog/2016/aug/11/hossein-ali-montazeri-audio-file-calls-for-inquiry-1988-massacre-iran-political-prisoners">proves
that Iran killed thousands of dissidents</a> (and people who converted
from Muslims to anything else) in 1988.
<p>
What a shame that Khomeini was replaced by another cruel theocrat,
rather than by Montazeri who might have ended theocratic tyranny.


feed_id: 466eef226586fc1b5c43a320481ef5fe
title: Assad's army using poison gas
uri: Assad-s-army-using-poison-gas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#14_August_2016_%28Assads_army_using_poison_gas%29
content:
<p>
It appears that Assad's army 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/11/syria-suspected-chlorine-gas-attack-in-aleppo-kills-woman-and-two-children">continues
using poison gas</a>.  The more this goes on, the more the idea of
chemical weapons may come to seem normal and acceptable.
<p>
However, it is hard to see how to punish Assad for this in the complex
situation of Syria.


feed_id: 448124206f82bf51278cb2d3f52afce2
title: Baton Rouge thugs riot
uri: Baton-Rouge-thugs-riot
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#14_August_2016_%28Baton_Rouge_thugs_riot%29
content:
<p>
A woman, who was in a peaceful protest in Baton Rouge when 
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/one-month-ago-in-baton-rouge_us_57a7d416e4b0c94bd3c9ce0c">the
thugs rioted</a>, reports on what she saw.


feed_id: 295acf6619b6f3c5ab6cb1ce932ee592
title: Government ID
uri: Government-ID
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#14_August_2016_%28Government_ID%29
content:
<p>
The US has made it so difficult to survive legally without a
government ID that ex-prisoners can be 
<a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/08/the-elusiveness-of-an-official-id-after-prison/495197/">pushed
back into crime because they can't get one</a>.


feed_id: 04901f4e968a704b35fb5bb95b89f8cc
title: Elephants on path to extinction
uri: Elephants-on-path-to-extinction
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#14_August_2016_%28Elephants_on_path_to_extinction%29

content:
<p>
Elephants are on the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/12/elephants-on-the-path-to-extinction-the-facts">path
to extinction</a>.
<p>
Tropical forest trees 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/12/ivory-trade-elephants-future-forest-poachers">depend
on elephants to disperse seeds</a>.  Thus, elephant poachers endanger
the whole forest.


feed_id: a73c0fdf4ddef6439c8c2b3131f42bf0
title: Former Greenpeace leader now greenwasher
uri: Former-Greenpeace-leader-now-greenwasher
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#14_August_2016_%28Former_Greenpeace_leader_now_greenwasher%29

content:
<p>
One of the founders of Greenpeace has become a professional
greenwasher, now 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/georgemonbiot/2010/dec/02/sumatra-rainforest-destruction-patrick-moore">working
to save Asia Pulp and Paper from condemnation</a> for cutting down
large parts of Sumatra.


feed_id: 54cb1b9b24a531b3bd298b58ad10337c
title: Attack on libraries and archivists
uri: Attack-on-libraries-and-archivists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#14_August_2016_%28Attack_on_libraries_and_archivists%29

content:
<p>
The US Registry of Copyrights is now 
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160729/23591535111/copyright-office-intent-changing-part-copyright-that-protects-libraries-archives-even-though-no-one-wants-it-changed.shtml">attacking
the rights of libraries and archivists</a>.


feed_id: ecdd33f23efcb6cdb8f26fdb2c258796
title: Privatized US prisons
uri: Privatized-US-prisons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#14_August_2016_%28Privatized_US_prisons%29
content:
<p>
Privatized US prisons are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/12/private-federal-prisons-more-dangerous-justice-department">more
violent and harsher</a> than prisons operated by government staff.
<p>
It seems that the food and medical care are worse in the privatized
prisons, too.


feed_id: 8a12915cddeaab1743a951619714732f
title: Urgent: Condemn murder campaign
uri: Urgent-Condemn-murder-campaign
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#13_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Condemn_murder_campaign%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://engage.drugpolicy.org/secure/philippines">call on the
US</a> to condemn Duterte's murder campaign and cut military aid to
the Philippines.


feed_id: c34945b375ad031376158c68331d8b00
title: Escape from PISSI
uri: Escape-from-PISSI
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#13_August_2016_%28Escape_from_PISSI%29
content:
<p>
Foreign women that join PISSI often regret it, but it is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/12/british-girl-believed-killed-in-syria-was-too-scared-to-flee-isis">very
difficult to escape</a>.
<p>
We should invite those who do escape to give speeches about it rather
than putting them in prison.


feed_id: 918512048743c5ee332e4e83a798528e
title: Trump
uri: 2016-08-15-Trump
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#13_August_2016_%28Trump%29
content:
<p>
Trump is un-American because he
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/12/donald-trump-achilles-heel-truly-un-american">attacks
the ideals that the US is based on</a>.


feed_id: 6f439dab5c78d7e8ad8ec6c72cf29449
title: Clinton
uri: 2016-08-15-Clinton
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#13_August_2016_%28Clinton%29
content:
<p>
Clinton
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/12/hillary-clinton-moderate-economy-disappointment-liberal-progressives">continues
to rebuff progressives</a>.


feed_id: 1f1cbeb7b0cbfa77269223502e893131
title: Having children in the US
uri: Having-children-in-the-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#13_August_2016_%28Having_children_in_the_US%29
content:
<p>
The motto of US daycare, schools, and clinics when dealing with
children is to
<a href="http://www.freerangekids.com/my-daycare-provider-reported-me-for-child-abuse-thanks-to-my-sons-birthmark/">assume
the worst about the parents</a>.  The staff are afraid they will be
punished if they don't do so.
<p>
Until this is fixed, it is inadvisable to have children in the US,
unless you are so rich that you will hire a nanny instead of using day
care and a private tutor instead of a school.


feed_id: 13300a842bb9d10d96c84ae2d4a2fd79
title: Australia's refugee prison
uri: 2016-08-15-Australia-s-refugee-prison
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#13_August_2016_%28Australias_refugee_prison%29
content:
<p>
A guard at Australia's refugee prison in Nauru
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2016/aug/12/nauru-guard-hit-five-year-old-girl-so-hard-it-lifted-her-off-her-feet">knocked
a 5-year-old child down with a heavy blow</a>, and the company covered
it up instead of firing him.


feed_id: 8370670e50fa91b85a66df7145ce72fa
title: Cannes bans Islamic bathing suits
uri: Cannes-bans-Islamic-bathing-suits
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#13_August_2016_%28Cannes_bans_Islamic_bathing_suits%29

content:
<p>
Cannes has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/11/cannes-mayor-bans-burqinis-beachwear-must-respect-secularism">banned
Islamic bathing suits on the beach</a>.
<p>
To me, this seems just as wrong as the attempts by fanatical Muslims
to ban women from wearing bikinis or from showing their faces.
Moreover, it is a clear case of punishing people because they might be
the targets of violence without actually doing anything wrong.
<p>
Human rights groups are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/12/cannes-beach-burqini-ban-human-rights-muslim-groups-vow-challenge">going
to challenge this</a>.


feed_id: 97dff5954f24efbda6172e61923408ff
title: Clinton's welfare fraud
uri: Clinton-s-welfare-fraud
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#13_August_2016_%28Clintons_welfare_fraud%29
content:
<p>
Clinton's right-wing record started in the 90s with Bill Clinton's
welfare fraud, that
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/11/leftists-against-clintonism-its-not-just-about-lies-its-about-record">doubled
extreme poverty in the US</a>.
<p>
Don't let the secondary issue of lies about secondary issues distract
you from that.


feed_id: 4110e18fa0981702ff704a4ac44687fe
title: Workers at Trump casino on strike
uri: Workers-at-Trump-casino-on-strike
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#13_August_2016_%28Workers_at_Trump_casino_on_strike%29

content:
<p>
Workers at the Trump Taj Mahal casino are on strike after Trump's pal
Icahn
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/11/battle-over-trumps-taj-mahal-battle-us-all">cut
their pay and abolished their pensions</a>.
<p>
Trump said he might appoint Icahn to a cabinet position.  He could be
even nastier than some of the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#06_May_2013_(Pinch-Penny_Pritzker)">business
jerks</a> that Obama has put
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2008-nov-feb.html#25%20November%202008%20(Appointments%20for%20foreign%20policy)">in
his cabinet</a>.
<p>
If Trump wins, US workers will get the same sort of child care
services that Trump employees get:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/12/childcare-trump-program-employees-guests-members">fictitious</a>.


feed_id: e859619bbc5c9d1873360649846d6cf1
title: Republican budget cuts
uri: Republican-budget-cuts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#13_August_2016_%28Republican_budget_cuts%29
content:
<p>
Republican budget cuts are responsible for the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/aug/11/us-economy-recession-republicans-hillary-clinton-policy">low
economic growth in the US since 2011</a>.
<p>
Sad to say, Obama and the other right-wing Democrats didn't fight hard
against them.  He made a deal which accepted the misguided goal of
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-nov-feb.html#15%20November%202010%20(Budget%20cutting)">"deficit
reduction"</a>.


feed_id: 9a9f386030fd209ffc4d7645362b7d13
title: The cease-fire in Syria
uri: The-cease-fire-in-Syria
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#13_August_2016_%28The_cease-fire_in_Syria%29
content:
<p>
The cease-fire in Syria
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/11/how-media-distorted-syrian-ceasefires-breakdown">fell
apart in April due to an offensive launched by the US-supported
resistance</a> in conjunction with al-Nusra (then still associated
with al-Qa'ida).


feed_id: cf8bc7b5f78f36878c0845f4ed611638
title: Exxon's ads
uri: Exxon-s-ads
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#13_August_2016_%28Exxons_ads%29
content:
<p>
Exxon's ads
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/11/exxonmobil-takes-olympic-gold-deceitful-advertising">try
to distract people from its core business</a> (roasting our ecosphere)
with lots of small side issues.
<p>
On the correct pronunciation of
"<a href='https://www.stallman.org/articles/exxon.html'>Exxon</a>".


feed_id: e5e6d62b60b9a4e30289845683402050
title: Call on Clinton to oppose a vote on the TPP
uri: 2016-08-15-Call-on-Clinton-to-oppose-a-vote-on-the-TPP
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#11_August_2016_%28Call_on_Clinton_to_oppose_a_vote_on_the_TPP%29

content:
<p>
Call on Clinton to <a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/clinton_tpp_lame_duck">oppose a vote on the TPP</a> during the lame duck session
of Congress.


feed_id: cd4a29fde0e932227b64c5e1af557324
title: Plants chased by global heating
uri: Plants-chased-by-global-heating
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#19_August_2016_%28Plants_chased_by_global_heating%29

content:
<p>
Plants that live on cold mountains in Scotland have been 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/17/scotlands-rare-mountain-plants-disappearing-as-climate-warms-botanists-find">shifting
up the mountains</a>, apparently chased up by other plants to global
heating.
<p>
Eventually they will run out of room to move up, and they will
disappear.
<p>
Some of these plants live in other lands further north.  Are any
unique to Scotland?


feed_id: 9bddd1cdb9f8590d2e3f04fe1ed3276d
title: US major media
uri: US-major-media
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#19_August_2016_%28US_major_media%29
content:
<p>
Matt Taibi: The 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/15/summer-shill">US
major media</a> are divided into Trump partisans that never criticize
him, and Democratic Party partisans that never criticize it.  Neither
of those is honest journalism.


feed_id: 5003abdf3c6c643d15f03295b9157efa
title: Wildfires in California
uri: Wildfires-in-California
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#19_August_2016_%28Wildfires_in_California%29
content:
<p>
California is having 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/16/california-blue-cut-wildfire-san-bernardino-evacuation">especially
bad wildfires this year</a>.
<p>
Global heating has made the fire season almost 3 months longer.  By
2050, the fire season could be most of the year.


feed_id: caef09d48ddd34835741a355e097b3b9
title: Clinton's "transition team"
uri: Clinton-s-transition-team
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#19_August_2016_%28Clintons_transition_team%29
content:
<p>
Clinton's "transition team" will propose all her other appointments,
and its announced head, Salazar, is a 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/08/16/hillary-clinton-picks-tpp-and-fracking-advocate-to-set-up-her-white-house/">champion
of the revolving door</a>.
<p>
We can expect all the officials he proposes to be pre-corrupted.
<p>
Vote for Jill Stein for president!


feed_id: 9b0055abb8966daabadf55248c9fde31
title: New sports stadium at public expense
uri: New-sports-stadium-at-public-expense
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#19_August_2016_%28New_sports_stadium_at_public_expense%29

content:
<p>
The Washington Redskins want a new stadium, 
<a href="http://reason.com/archives/2016/08/15/dont-give-public-funds-to-the-washington">at
public expense</a>.
<p>
We have to learn to say no to these extortionists.


feed_id: 12fd214d9c22229fcca9472d84836349
title: Protesters imprisoned in Egypt
uri: Protesters-imprisoned-in-Egypt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#19_August_2016_%28Protesters_imprisoned_in_Egypt%29
content:
<p>
Egypt has held about 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/08/16/irish-student-marks-3-years-egyptian-jail-without-trial">500
protesters in prison for 3 years</a>, awaiting trial on political
charges, while torturing them and making them watch the torture of
others.


feed_id: 9e56b8261f2b64fd55ba214732a2fe4b
title: Assad and Putin dropping incendiary bombs
uri: Assad-and-Putin-dropping-incendiary-bombs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#19_August_2016_%28Assad_and_Putin_dropping_incendiary_bombs%29

content:
<p>
Assad and Putin are 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/16/rights-groups-sound-alarm-over-devastating-use-incendiary-weapons-syria">dropping
incendiary bombs</a> on Aleppo and elsewhere in Syria.


feed_id: 52abeb701f3aade01fa597959cd2a6c9
title: Treatment of women as sex objects
uri: Treatment-of-women-as-sex-objects
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#18_August_2016_%28Treatment_of_women_as_sex_objects%29

content:
<p>
Treating women as sex objects
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/16/olympics-women-sexism">interferes
with their activities</a>.  Men too can be treated as sex objects, but
it doesn't happen in a way that causes real problems for them.


feed_id: 4558b8c58230a4c991b06602e85a7d08
title: US citizenship
uri: US-citizenship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#18_August_2016_%28US_citizenship%29
content:
<p>
Trump said, though not in so many words, that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/16/donald-trump-anti-american-values">people
like him should be blocked from becoming US citizens</a>.
<p>
The US already has a very basic
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/16/communist-party-members-still-barred-us-citizenship-trump">ideological
test for those who wish to be citizens</a>.  The test seems legitimate
to me.  There is no reason to welcome an immigrant that isn't
well-disposed towards the US constitution and domestic peace.  But
note that Communist parties nowadays do not necessarily advocate
setting up a Communist dictatorship.  I think that membership in many
of them is entirely consistent with support for the US Constitution.
<p>
I've suggested that would-be immigrants be required to make a
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#25_July_2016_(Human_rights_of_all_Americans)">public
statement of support for certain human rights</a>, including religious
freedom, as a visible rejection of the influences in their previous
country that might pressure them to oppose those human rights.


feed_id: d955eaa99f9f715813601f15faddd65b
title: Stand Rock Sioux tribe resist pipeline
uri: Stand-Rock-Sioux-tribe-resist-pipeline
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#18_August_2016_%28Stand_Rock_Sioux_tribe_resist_pipeline%29

content:
<p>
The Standing Rock Sioux tribe is
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/16/tribal-activists-defy-lawsuit-vow-continued-resistance-against-dakota-pipeline">resisting</a>
a pipeline that will endanger the water supply of millions of
Americans, while contributing to global heating disaster.


feed_id: 83ff7fdbd35e393baf59d60e36ec21c1
title: Thugs allowed to search poor people any time
uri: Thugs-allowed-to-search-poor-people-any-time
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#18_August_2016_%28Thugs_allowed_to_search_poor_people_any_time%29

content:
<p>
The Supreme Court ruled that thugs can
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/16/americas-criminal-injustice-system">search
poor people at any time</a>, provided they first stop the people and
discover they have unpaid fines.  Since poor people in the US can't
afford to pay all their fines and survive, that approach will almost
always work.
<p>
The article also gives lots of other information about the systematic
injustice of the US legal system.


feed_id: 69320baf100ecbde0afb9a3530652dc5
title: Gays Against Guns protest
uri: Gays-Against-Guns-protest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#18_August_2016_%28Gays_Against_Guns_protest%29
content:
<p>
Gays Against Guns Activists Begin Campaign With
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/16/gays-against-guns-die-in-blackrock">'Die-In'
at BlackRock HQ</a>.


feed_id: 8e80f2355216cda78904c92cbe1dd17c
title: Prejudice against Muslims in the West
uri: Prejudice-against-Muslims-in-the-West
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#18_August_2016_%28Prejudice_against_Muslims_in_the_West%29

content:
<p>
Muslims in the West face
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/16/abuse-muslims-prejudice-nadiya-hussain">continual
prejudice</a>.
<p>
A Muslim woman's face veil, or even headscarf, is a statement of
endorsement of a specific religion.  It's comparable to wearing a
cross, or a yarmulka.  In all of those, any secularist can see the
seed of something that on occasion has grown into a dangerous
fanaticism, much as we can see in a stove or a candle the seed of
something that has devoured whole cities.


feed_id: f3db9566d61da1d3fab749798477e62c
title: Neonicotinoid pesticides harming bees
uri: Neonicotinoid-pesticides-harming-bees
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#18_August_2016_%28Neonicotinoid_pesticides_harming_bees%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/16/high-pesticide-levels-on-oilseed-crops-harm-wild-bees-scientists-prove">Field
surveys show</a> that spraying oilseed rape with neonicotinoid
pesticides is in fact harming the kinds of wild bees that feed from
those flowers.


feed_id: 6cf0a67ce8815f7e214decba4031604e
title: Digital voting machines
uri: Digital-voting-machines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#18_August_2016_%28Digital_voting_machines%29
content:
<p>
Argentina risks election fraud with digital voting machines, and is
about to
<a href="https://www.accessnow.org/argentina-dont-criminalize-security-research-e-voting/">criminalize
investigation of security flaws</a> in the system.


feed_id: a2cdac38542830576bc0acfd3306b0eb
title: US presidential debates
uri: US-presidential-debates
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#18_August_2016_%28US_presidential_debates%29
content:
<p>
US presidential debates, controlled totally by the two major parties,
have become
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/08/16/why-the-presidential-debates-will-suck-even-though-they-dont-have-to/">twisted
in many ways</a>.


feed_id: b447bd12ef2748a7d32267524d2f00d4
title: Salafi Arabia bombs another hospital
uri: Salafi-Arabia-bombs-another-hospital
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#18_August_2016_%28Salafi_Arabia_bombs_another_hospital%29

content:
<p>
Salafi Arabia
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/08/16/yemen-airstrike-msf-supported-abs-hospital-kills-least-11-people-and-wounds">bombed
another MSF hospital</a> in Yemen.


feed_id: e68ae9b77336cc9b91ae3f2c7ad453f4
title: Hottest July ever recorded
uri: Hottest-July-ever-recorded
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#18_August_2016_%28Hottest_July_ever_recorded%29
content:
<p>
July set another monthly world heat record, being the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/16/july-2016-was-worlds-hottest-month-since-records-began-says-nasa">hottest
July ever recorded</a>.  It is the ninth straight month to set such a
record.


feed_id: 7be68311987bd3faf07129014f4f124f
title: Urgent: Oppose the TPP
uri: 2016-08-20-Urgent-Oppose-the-TPP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#17_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_the_TPP%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://secure.foodandwaterwatch.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=2729">Sign
this anti-TPP petition</a> also.


feed_id: 42f34ce3f30ec8e81aa3c875bb9c0a0b
title: Children in poverty in New Zealand
uri: Children-in-poverty-in-New-Zealand
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#17_August_2016_%28Children_in_poverty_in_New_Zealand%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/16/new-zealands-most-shameful-secret-we-have-normalised-child-poverty">1/3
of New Zealand's children live in poverty</a>.  Right-wing politicians
have demonized the poor.
<p>
However, New Zealand workers launched a campaign against zero-hour
contracts, and pressured the right-wing parties so much that they
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/16/zero-hours-banned-new-zealand-unite-union-mcdonalds-sports-direct-hermens-deliveroo">banned
the practice</a>.


feed_id: da13deec016f3a14237a15ab6fd4684e
title: Decline in snow in the Rockies
uri: Decline-in-snow-in-the-Rockies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#17_August_2016_%28Decline_in_snow_in_the_Rockies%29
content:
<p>
A persistent decline in snow in the Rockies is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/may/17/lake-powell-drought-colorado-river">causing
the dam-made Colorado lakes to shrink</a>.
<p>
In a few decades, as drought gets worse, they may disappear, and the
dams become useless.


feed_id: bc2ce95003b79a0bb8e6ba5f9e0e32a6
title: New school for homeless children
uri: New-school-for-homeless-children
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#17_August_2016_%28New_school_for_homeless_children%29

content:
<p>
Portland, Oregon, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/16/homeless-school-portland-oregon-community-transitional">has
set up a school</a> for children from families that don't have a
stable place to live.
<p>
It's a good band-aid for a problem that we ought instead to fix.


feed_id: 38da8ebd99907b5b4aa9268a889894c0
title: Stop CETA
uri: Stop-CETA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#17_August_2016_%28Stop_CETA%29
content:
<p>
Three More Reasons 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/15/three-more-reasons-why-we-need-stop-ceta">Why
[Europeans] Need to Stop CETA</a>.


feed_id: ad67e5ce725234282a8a6d4ad1dd065d
title: Thousands quit Mormon church in protest
uri: Thousands-quit-Mormon-church-in-protest
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#17_August_2016_%28Thousands_quit_Mormon_church_in_protest%29

content:
<p>
Thousands have formally quit the Mormon church in protest
against their 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/15/mormon-church-lgbt-mass-resignation-protest-utah">discrimination
against children of same-sex families</a>.


feed_id: 055b0fb208910a5c4d5e0ade51d06d18
title: Female candidates can be as bad as male
uri: Female-candidates-can-be-as-bad-as-male
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#17_August_2016_%28Female_candidates_can_be_as_bad_as_male%29

content:
<p>
Clinton shows that a female candidate can be 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/15/hillary-clinton-does-not-represent-all-women-and-makes-some-feel-powerless">"just
as Machiavellian, just as ruthless, just as hawkish, just as corporate
and just as neoliberal as her male counterparts."</a>


feed_id: 680a822b6608d8f7040b8f0436be7295
title: Methane leak in New Mexico
uri: Methane-leak-in-New-Mexico
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#17_August_2016_%28Methane_leak_in_New_Mexico%29
content:
<p>
A methane leakage "hot spot" in New Mexico has been traced to 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/08/15/nasa-says-methane-hot-spot-new-mexico-linked-directly-gas-extraction-and-coal">natural
gas extraction</a>.


feed_id: 784cb9f76c97f38fec5e0fb51e2ffb46
title: Records floods in the US
uri: Records-floods-in-the-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#17_August_2016_%28Records_floods_in_the_US%29
content:
<p>
The US is having record floods again, this time 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/16/louisiana-flood-damage-recovery">in
Louisiana</a>.
<p>
Global heating has made floods bigger and more common, and the problem
will 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/16/louisiana-flooding-natural-disaster-weather-climate-change">keep
getting worse</a>.


feed_id: 5dc5196283a5e554209256f650247118
title: Salafi Arabia bombs another clinic
uri: Salafi-Arabia-bombs-another-clinic
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Salafi_Arabia_bombs_another_clinic%29

content:
<p>
Salafi Arabia has 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/15/saudi-led-air-strike-yemen-hospital-kills-at-least-seven">bombed 
a clinic</a> in Yemen 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/08/15/doctors-without-borders-hospital-bombing-in-yemen-earns-rare-saudi-rebuke-at-state-department/">again</a>,
with US support as usual.
<p>
Please 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_(Urgent:_Block_arms_sale_to_Salafi_Arabia)">sign
the petition</a> for Congress to block the arms sale to Salafi Arabia.


feed_id: 52246bbf7786ea8eb250b252be951cf7
title: Milwaukee's corrupt governor
uri: Milwaukee-s-corrupt-governor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Milwaukees_corrupt_governor%29
content:
<p>
Milwaukee was on the verge of a riot, before Governor Walker 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/15/milwaukee-protests-sylville-smith-segregation-police">made
things worse</a>.
<p>
Scott Walker is a corrupt Republican who 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#6_May_2016_(The_Scott_Walker_John_Doe_case)">changed
the Supreme Court to stop an investigation of his corruption</a>.


feed_id: b7f0caec400621e05f723c658930045f
title: Snooping on kids
uri: Snooping-on-kids
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Snooping_on_kids%29
content:
<p>
A mother was 
<a href="http://www.freerangekids.com/childrens-bedroom-video-monitor-hacked-teaching-mom-a-lesson-the-wrong-one/">horrified
to discover</a> that she wasn't the only one snooping on her kids via
a camera in their bedroom.


feed_id: 85ac02f169371ac87c6f99caae400eb6
title: US Racial Wealth Gap
uri: US-Racial-Wealth-Gap
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28US_Racial_Wealth_Gap%29
content:
<p>
The [US] <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/15/racial-wealth-gap-will-persist-until-neoliberalism-and-its-peddlers-are-defeated">Racial Wealth Gap</a> Will Persist Until Neoliberalism and Its Peddlers Are Defeated.
<p>
The extent of inequality in the US, and the extent of poverty in the US,
are injustices even as regards whites -- though they hit blacks harder.


feed_id: 4f3795fb1568590200c9300f482281d4
title: Climate Consensus
uri: Climate-Consensus
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Climate_Consensus%29
content:
<p>
Some errors in measuring and comparing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2015/jul/31/climate-models-are-even-more-accurate-than-you-thought">ocean temperatures</a> have been found,
and the result is that observations now agree better with climate models.


feed_id: 0de4f082c63b61fc7e39290ed11f5c28
title: Mothers on hunger strike in prison
uri: Mothers-on-hunger-strike-in-prison
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Mothers_on_hunger_strike_in_prison%29

content:
<p>
The US is <A href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/15/immigration-women-hunger-strike-pennsylvania-berks-county">supposedly required</a> to release families from immigration prison in 20 days.  Some mothers are on hunger strike after spending a year in that prison.
<p>
Note how the officials duck questions about what they are doing in the
name of "privacy".  This is standard practice -- indeed, it is amazing
how they discover the importance of respecting our privacy once
journalists press for information about how we were mistreated.
<p>
How can we defeat that excuse for stonewalling?  I have two ideas.


feed_id: fef1d9a804d03c3dfee9f7194a79e3d6
title: Tories steadily privatizing the UK's NHS
uri: Tories-steadily-privatizing-the-UK-s-NHS
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Tories_steadily_privatizing_the_UK%27s_NHS%29

content:
<p>
Economic figures show that the Tories are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/aug/15/creeping-privatisation-nhs-official-data-owen-smith-outsourcing">stealthily but steadily</a> privatizing the UK's National Health Service.


feed_id: f10812b034b180b0fb576e82e514443a
title: Australia criminalizes statements that offend
uri: Australia-criminalizes-statements-that-offend
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Australia_criminalizes_statements_that_offend%29

content:
<p>
Australia criminalizes statements that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/aug/15/eric-abetz-says-the-phrase-angry-white-man-is-racial-vilification">offend someone based on race etc</a>.  There is now a push to repeal this law.
<p>
I agree that section 18C should be repealed entirely.  It should be
replaced with a Bill of Rights.


feed_id: 2ddaa0ba9bebc594fa647ff69fc5953d
title: Urgent: Call on Congress to allocate funds for Zika
uri: Urgent-Call-on-Congress-to-allocate-funds-for-Zika
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Call_on_Congress_to_allocate_funds_for_Zika%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to allocate funds for Zika and stop holding
<a href="http://my.elizabethwarren.com/page/s/zika">its victims hostage</a>.


feed_id: 31c198419c2dc872d54169eb0854d4ba
title: Unwanted Immigrants
uri: Unwanted-Immigrants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Unwanted_Immigrants%29
content:
<p>
Nearly every one of the unwanted immigrants that Australia imprisoned
in Papua New Guinea has been determined to be a <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/rp/rp1516/Quick_Guides/Offshore">legitimate refugee</a>, fleeing persecution.
<p>
The International Criminal Court could prosecute the Australian officials
responsible for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/15/can-the-law-come-to-the-rescue-of-abused-asylum-seekers-and-refugees">putting them there</a>.


feed_id: 7365d462310854910be755448bd516bd
title: Marine heatwaves are happening more often
uri: Marine-heatwaves-are-happening-more-often
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Marine_heatwaves_are_happening_more_often%29

content:
<p>
Marine heatwaves are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/aug/15/the-blob-how-marine-heatwaves-are-causing-unprecedented-climate-chaos">happening more often</a>, and this is messing up life in the sea and on the coast.


feed_id: 776c9493b5d75d932c9a232324efcd3f
title: Social security's income is decreasing
uri: Social-security-s-income-is-decreasing
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Social_security%27s_income_is_decreasing%29

content:
<p>
Social security's income is decreasing (in proportion to the GDP) as a
bigger fraction of <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/14/social-security-and-1-percent">income goes to the wealthy</a> who are above the cap on
payments.  Raising the level of the cap would fix the problem.


feed_id: d4980b3eb60500690e26061bc03cfbb6
title: John Lott exposed as a persistent liar and fabricator
uri: John-Lott-exposed-as-a-persistent-liar-and-fabricator
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28John_Lott_exposed_as_a_persistent_liar_and_fabricator%29

content:
<p>
John Lott, a favorite source of "scientific" articles supposedly
demonstrating that guns are useful for self-protection, has been
exposed as a <a href="http://www.rawstory.com/2016/08/nras-favorite-academic-john-lott-exposed-as-a-data-fudging-sock-puppeting-fraud/">persistent liar and fabricator</a>.


feed_id: 4047728cc2940659830a172c88232bc8
title: Urgent: Cancel oil leases in White River National Forest
uri: Urgent-Cancel-oil-leases-in-White-River-National-Forest
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Cancel_oil_leases_in_White_River_National_Forest%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on the Bureau of Land Management to 
<a href="https://secure.earthjustice.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1883">cancel
all the 52 oil leases</a> in White River National Forest.


feed_id: 8dc778fcec61987893021528c1ab9719
title: Urgent: Betagro - address exploitation in your supply chain
uri: Urgent-Betagro-address-exploitation-in-your-supply-chain
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Betagro_-_address_exploitation_in_your_supply_chain%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: Tell Betagro to help the recently freed chicken-farming
slaves and check its whole supply chain to
<a href="https://www.walkfree.org/thai-chicken/">free any others</a>.


feed_id: bdaf6b8ddbca401677e9ae3a41c9097f
title: Urgent: No oil leases in Gulf of Mexico
uri: Urgent-No-oil-leases-in-Gulf-of-Mexico
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_No_oil_leases_in_Gulf_of_Mexico%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/gulf_leases">call on
Obama</a> not to sell oil leases in the Gulf of Mexico.


feed_id: 44caf2413de583a867c860b72705af33
title: Urgent: Block arms sale to Salafi Arabia
uri: Urgent-Block-arms-sale-to-Salafi-Arabia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Block_arms_sale_to_Salafi_Arabia%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/congress-block-transfer">call
on Congress</a> to block the arms sale to Salafi Arabia.


feed_id: ba148939266b0fc9bd2c7a09e467cb06
title: Trump talks about intimidating voters
uri: Trump-talks-about-intimidating-voters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Trump_talks_about_intimidating_voters%29

content:
<p>
Trump is talking about 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/13/trump-recruits-election-observers-voter-intimidation-fears">recruiting
people to try to intimidate voters</a> in Pennsylvania.  He seems to
be planning to accuse them of fraud, but really the fraud would be
his.


feed_id: 59eebdf4a748ecd70ed53b7a7e00bded
title: Clinton's adviser
uri: Clinton-s-adviser
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Clintons_adviser%29
content:
<p>
Clinton's adviser 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/12/mike-morells-kill-russians-advice">gave
the advice: kill Russians</a>.


feed_id: 8975c805551233525367aab6440abd50
title: Clinton and the TPP
uri: 2016-08-20-Clinton-and-the-TPP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Clinton_and_the_TPP%29
content:
<p>
Clinton insists she really really dislikes the TPP, but still 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/11/strongest-words-yet-clinton-still-refuses-push-obama-tpp">refuses
to help stop Obama from passing it</a> in the lame duck session.
<p>
What this implies, for me, is that Clinton wants to see the TPP
adopted while pretending it was not her fault.  In fact, she already
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#30_May_2016_(Clintons_memoir_changes)">participated
as Secretary of State in getting it started</a>.


feed_id: d4e923c4675a849cf6435dbcb6df7b4d
title: Australia's refugee prisons
uri: 2016-08-20-Australia-s-refugee-prisons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Australias_refugee_prisons%29
content:
<p>
The UN again 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/aug/13/united-nations-reiterates-demand-for-australia-to-close-dire-detention-centres">demands
Australia stop</a> keeping refugees in prisons in Nauru and Papua New
Guinea.


feed_id: d20db26afb923ab44abe72b0c79cbe21
title: Perpetual war
uri: Perpetual-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Perpetual_war%29
content:
<p>
A retired US Army officer says that the greatest threat to US national
security is the current perpetual war.  He urges Americans to stop
idolizing soldiers and the military, and
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/12/our-greatest-national-security-threat-perpetual-war">urges
soldiers to report the injustice and corruption they see</a>.  (The
article also explains the many pressures that deter soldiers who
recognize wrongs from saying so.)
<p>
I agree, and I have refused to idolize the US military for as long as
this site has operated.  That is why, for instance, I don't use the
term "gold star families".  Captain Khan was an honorable
American—he's not the one that hijacked the US military to fight
an unjustified personal war.  Trump did wrong to insult Khan's
parents, but we would make a mistake if we worship them.


feed_id: 6d42a38e70112fb9623e38b7d95f2ff6
title: IMF and Euro-zone "bail-outs"
uri: IMF-and-Euro-zone-bail-outs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28IMF_and_Euro-zone_bail-outs%29
content:
<p>
The IMF's independent evaluation body has criticized the IMF for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/aug/12/airing-the-imfs-dirty-european-laundry">participating
in abusive Euro-zone "bail-outs"</a>.


feed_id: ad84b2c550221c5122d01c653684a16b
title: Bias-laundering for companies
uri: Bias-laundering-for-companies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Bias-laundering_for_companies%29
content:
<p>
Many think tanks' are in the business of bias-laundering for
companies.  The companies donate to the think tank, the think tank
does a study and publishes a report that is 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/12/nyt-reveals-think-tank-its-cited-years-be-corrupt-arms-booster">slanted
to serve those donors</a>, and the credulous media (which often
publish press releases with little checking) accept the report as
objective truth.


feed_id: 4810be3b827667771223e96c0fe0dea9
title: Right-wing extremism
uri: Right-wing-extremism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Right-wing_extremism%29
content:
<p>
The Republican Party has for decades encouraged rabid right-wing
extremism while denying responsibility for it.  Suggesting violence
against the state is a standard part of that.  What Trump does is
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/11/donald-trumps-incendiary-language">bring
that rabidity into the heart of the party</a>.


feed_id: 64d7011a5d13e449dc03da59b26765f8
title: Zika hits Puerto Rico
uri: Zika-hits-Puerto-Rico
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Zika_hits_Puerto_Rico%29
content:
<p>
Zika has hit Puerto Rico 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/12/zika-virus-epidemic-puerto-rico-state-of-emergency-mosquito">at
full strength</a>.


feed_id: bd04a33d455f12a2e0c1aba6c871ea64
title: Bangladesh journalists face prison
uri: Bangladesh-journalists-face-prison
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Bangladesh_journalists_face_prison%29

content:
<p>
Bangladesh Journalists Could Face 
<a href="https://cpj.org/2016/08/bangladesh-journalists-could-face-14-years-in-pris.php">14
Years in Prison for Refuting Rumor</a>.


feed_id: 93e643bf4ad196063a45ab75f049067b
title: Hostages taken by PISSI's fighters
uri: Hostages-taken-by-PISSI-s-fighters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Hostages_taken_by_PISSIs_fighters%29

content:
<p>
PISSI's fighters reportedly took 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/12/isis-kidnaps-human-shields-manbij-syria">2,000
civilian hostages</a> while fleeing Manbij.
<p>
Muslim relatives of someone who is being radicalized may find it
useful to say, "Do you think that a gang that kidnaps people like us
as hostages is the model of Islam?"


feed_id: 7a9cd5a60a57e3bf9bd90a5cfb3d1846
title: PISSI leaders killed in air attack
uri: PISSI-leaders-killed-in-air-attack
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28PISSI_leaders_killed_in_air_attack%29

content:
<p>
A US air attack has 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/12/isis-leader-pakistan-afghanistan-hafiz-saeed-khan-killed">killed
the main leaders of the PISSI group in Pakistan and Afghanistan</a>.
<p>
I wish I could expect this to make a difference, but history shows
that killing the leaders of a guerrilla group means only that it has
to draw a new hand from the pack.


feed_id: db10d13b588ae493d0f03fc140ffee25
title: Mistreatment of women by Baltimore thugs
uri: Mistreatment-of-women-by-Baltimore-thugs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Mistreatment_of_women_by_Baltimore_thugs%29

content:
<p>
Baltimore thugs systematically mistreated women, sometimes accusing
them of prostitution just because of where they were, sometimes 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/11/baltimore-police-gender-bias-women-justice-department">ignoring
reports of rape</a>.
<p>
Threatening to arrest women for "loitering" reminds us that the mere
existence of a crime of "loitering" is an injustice.


feed_id: 219d1ddc210c27b93e6d1ee5a3df63e9
title: Baltimore thug investigation
uri: Baltimore-thug-investigation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#16_August_2016_%28Baltimore_thug_investigation%29
content:
<p>
Although the Baltimore thug investigation demonstrates that the
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/08/10/vindication-for-baltimore-police-critics-but-no-action/">accusations
of black residents are valid</a>, residents doubt that local officials
will take adequate steps to change the cruel practices documented in
the report.
<p>
I agree that the administrative structure needs to be changed.  Thugs
that lie or conceal evidence should be prosecuted, while thugs that
support other thugs in doing those things should be fired.


feed_id: 1ebcd198bfd47ce1efee22a2cf938bf4
title: Austerity
uri: 2016-08-20-Austerity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#15_August_2016_%28Austerity%29
content:
<p>
The US 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/12/fiscal-myth-thats-killing-economy-7-steps">needs
a national debate about austerity</a>.  A debate between Clinton and
Trump won't do the job.


feed_id: efadc79ff791c48fc3f05799c2b08114
title: Using gene drive to wipe out mosquito species
uri: Using-gene-drive-to-wipe-out-mosquito-species
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#15_August_2016_%28Using_gene_drive_to_wipe_out_mosquito_species%29

content:
<p>
People in the Florida keys distrust and oppose the plan to wipe out
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes locally with an 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/14/florida-keys-zika-virus-genetically-modified-mosquitoes">experimental
gene drive</a>.
<p>
Using gene drive to wipe out a noxious species is potentially very
useful.  It also carries imponderable risks, which might be small, but
it is not clear that we have done enough to be sure that is true.  I
don't know whether we are ready to try the technique in the wild.
<p>
We could reduce these risks by including a way to deactivate the gene
drive.  Here's one idea: make it depend on a promoter that detects the
presence of some harmless but unusual chemical which will disappear
from the the environment in a few weeks or months.  We could strew
that around the experimental area, and continue providing it for as
long as needed, but stop if anything goes wrong.


feed_id: 389370c16ed3e6bbeb2e7eb627dc9631
title: Organic farming
uri: Organic-farming
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#15_August_2016_%28Organic_farming%29
content:
<p>
All consequences considered, organic farming 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/aug/14/organic-farming-agriculture-world-hunger">can
be more sustainable than conventional</a>.
<p>
Since many of the benefits are long-term and for society as a whole,
rather than for the farm in the short term, it is rational to pay
organic farms a certain subsidy for providing them.  That would help
them increase and replace the farms that degrade the environment more.
<p>
But we should also work hard to encourage fewer births, around the
world.  A population of 9 billion humans is not inevitable.


feed_id: a757f459c1d252141c4a1e0091d729d6
title: Obama's medical coverage law
uri: Obama-s-medical-coverage-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#15_August_2016_%28Obamas_medical_coverage_law%29
content:
<p>
Implementing Obama's medical coverage law in Kentucky 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/08/despite-gop-opposition-mounting-evidence-medicaid-improves-health">improved
health care for people in that state</a>.  Now an extremist Republican
governor wants to make things worse again.


feed_id: c9dca324fe9f6d72618159df955becb2
title: Thugs in schools
uri: 2016-08-20-Thugs-in-schools
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#15_August_2016_%28Thugs_in_schools%29
content:
<p>
South Carolina Student Was 
<a href="https://www.aclu.org/blog/speak-freely/south-carolina-student-was-arrested-disturbing-school-when-she-challenged-police">Arrested
for 'Disturbing a School'</a> When She Challenged Police Abuse, So We
Sued.
<p>
The root cause of this abuse was the presence of a thug in the school.
That's where we have to fix it.


feed_id: 158d254babfdf3752beb76ec5c40ad36
title: The Israeli occupation of West Bank
uri: The-Israeli-occupation-of-West-Bank
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#15_August_2016_%28The_Israeli_occupation_of_West_Bank%29

content:
<p>
A statement of The Movement for Black Lives is 
<a href="https://policy.m4bl.org/invest-divest/">being criticized for
describing the Israeli occupation of the West Bank as "genocide"</a>.
<p>
I think that word is too strong.  Israel is not acting so as to
destroy all or part of the Palestinian people.
<p>
However, when the same paragraph proceeds to describe the specific
wrongs of the occupation, it is accurate.  Israel does 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#30_October_2015_(Permanent_oppression_of_Palestinians)">oppress</a> 
the Palestinians, and that includes 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#26_August_2015_(Israel_continues_ethnic_cleansing)">slow, 
gradual ethnic cleansing</a> in 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#18_April_2016_(Palestinian_farmers_in_the_West_Bank)">parts 
of the West Bank</a>.
<p>
I wish they would correct that word, but the accuracy of the substance
is the more important point.


feed_id: bdcb771804db86eeae8adf2d4422ed36
title: 8THEIST license plate
uri: 8THEIST-license-plate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#15_August_2016_%288THEIST_license_plate%29
content:
<p>
Shannon Morgan won a lawsuit against New Jersey officials who 
<a href="http://boingboing.net/2016/08/12/woman-wins-suit-against-new-je.html">refused
to give her a license plate saying 8THEIST</a>.
<p>
Imagine if they rejected Christian-associated words claiming that
those are "offensive"!


feed_id: 593638935770ad23ed550031d5777a2e
title: Chicago thugs
uri: 2016-08-20-Chicago-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#15_August_2016_%28Chicago_thugs%29
content:
<p>
Itemid Al-Mata was wearing a backpack and a face veil, so Chicago
thugs assumed she was a suicide bomber and manhandled her.  They found
no bombs or weapons, so they 
<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/muslim-woman-mistaken-for-terrorist-itemid-al-mata-sues-chicago-police/">lied
to make an excuse to charge her with something</a>.


feed_id: 1990ad7c59719abf3c971317bb7b5809
title: Saving people from becoming homeless
uri: Saving-people-from-becoming-homeless
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#15_August_2016_%28Saving_people_from_becoming_homeless%29

content:
<p>
A moderate sum, such as a thousand dollars, given at the right time
can save people from being homeless, which is 
<a href="http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2016/08/bit-cash-can-keep-someone-streets-2-years-or-more">far
cheaper than helping them when they do become homeless</a>.


feed_id: 611f1a9892cc3e9e35ca3e571c270d59
title: DEA spies take cash without charge
uri: DEA-spies-take-cash-without-charge
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#15_August_2016_%28DEA_spies_take_cash_without_charge%29

content:
<p>
The DEA uses spies inside airlines and Amtrak to find people they
suspect are carrying cash.  Then agents
<a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/08/10/dea-travel-record-airport-seizures/88474282/">take
the cash, without charges or trial</a>.


feed_id: e0109492b831a1e09a7aa122562dc6a7
title: Election rigging accusations
uri: Election-rigging-accusations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#15_August_2016_%28Election_rigging_accusations%29
content:
<p>
Accusing Clinton supporters of rigging the election by 
<a href="http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=16958">stopping
young people from voting in Democratic primaries</a>.


feed_id: 58e29ed0df4016c2c5b1737988f29c7a
title: Campaign contributions
uri: Campaign-contributions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#15_August_2016_%28Campaign_contributions%29
content:
<p>
Ralph Nader supports passing a law to 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/13/congress-awol-and-out-control">bar
members of Congress from asking anyone for campaign contributions</a>.


feed_id: af1cbc4ef7a652772366b4e0d9874c84
title: Continual warfare and loss of freedom
uri: Continual-warfare-and-loss-of-freedom
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#15_August_2016_%28Continual_warfare_and_loss_of_freedom%29

content:
<p>
President Madison: No Nation Can Preserve Its Freedom 
<a href="https://bracingviews.com/2013/06/28/no-nation-can-preserve-its-freedom-in-the-midst-of-continual-warfare/">in
the Midst of Continual Warfare</a>.


feed_id: acc1819f726aa9cf51e8db513286c86a
title: EPA's report on fracking
uri: EPA-s-report-on-fracking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#15_August_2016_%28EPAs_report_on_fracking%29
content:
<p>
The EPA's advisory board said that the EPA's report on fracking (which
claimed fracking didn't tend to poison water supplies) 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/12/epas-own-advisory-board-demands-revision-deeply-flawed-fracking-report">needs
to be corrected</a>.


feed_id: f64f469264fd2d1fb1c7339e7fd42516
title: Oracle pressuring Google to explain itself
uri: Oracle-pressuring-Google-to-explain-itself
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Oracle_pressuring_Google_to_explain_itself%29

content:
<p>
Oracle is funding a pressure group that 
<a href="http://fortune.com/2016/08/19/google-transparency-project-2/">demands
Google explain itself</a>.
<p>
The cause is good, but should apply to Oracle too.


feed_id: 907b28597f3a686521139e1e9b29def2
title: Bicycle delivery workers organize
uri: Bicycle-delivery-workers-organize
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Bicycle_delivery_workers_organize%29

content:
<p>
Low paid workers for a British bicycle delivery company organized and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/aug/19/collective-action-via-social-media-brings-hope-to-gig-economy-workers">defeated
an attempt to cut their pay</a>.  The workers of other companies could
organize, too.


feed_id: 5aeb17735296eaa77708d14fd177e224
title: Urgent: End private deportation prisons
uri: Urgent-End-private-deportation-prisons
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_End_private_deportation_prisons%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/DHS-end-private-prisons/">call
for an end</a> to use of private prisons for people facing
deportation.


feed_id: 0ed3a241dab8f4774ca049ddc4015404
title: Third party candidates
uri: Third-party-candidates
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Third_party_candidates%29
content:
<p>
Third Parties Aren't 'Spoilers'.  They're at the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/21/political-third-parties-spoilers-abolitionists-movement">Cutting
Edge of Democracy</a>.


feed_id: 00dff7eb01e286f0da7e99d8d06282fd
title: "See Something, Say Something" culture
uri: See-Something-Say-Something-culture
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28See_Something%2C_Say_Something_culture%29

content:
<p>
How 'See Something, Say Something' Culture 
<a href="http://www.alternet.org/grayzone-project/how-see-something-say-something-culture-punishes-innocent-muslims-spawns">Punishes
Innocent Muslims</a>.  Many Americans, when they see a Muslim,
perceive a terrorist.


feed_id: 3a8f262df10499adf2b1b20caa961166
title: Jailing people too poor to pay bail
uri: Jailing-people-too-poor-to-pay-bail
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Jailing_people_too_poor_to_pay_bail%29

content:
<p>
The Department of Justice argues in court that it is 
<a href="https://thinkprogress.org/doj-says-jailing-poor-for-being-poor-unconstitutional-be7f5711473f">unconstitutional
to jail people for being too poor to pay bail</a>.


feed_id: 4efdccbd5243147b6bf3e0e9ebf3bab9
title: Stressful work environments and suicide
uri: Stressful-work-environments-and-suicide
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Stressful_work_environments_and_suicide%29

content:
<p>
Managers of France Télécom face prosecution for creating a work
environment that 
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-work-can-lead-to-suicide-in-a-globalised-economy-62847">pressured
employees to suicide</a>.
<p>
However, this was just an extreme case of a general world-wide tendency
for work to become more stressful and cause more suicides.


feed_id: 5eab2989bc4b65d9f970add003e6d5cf
title: Disappearance of Arctic ice
uri: Disappearance-of-Arctic-ice
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Disappearance_of_Arctic_ice%29
content:
<p>
The gradual disappearance of Arctic ice leads to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/21/arctic-will-be-ice-free-in-summer-next-year">more
heat absorption and more methane emissions</a>.  We will soon have a
year where Arctic ice disappears entirely, and avoiding disaster will
be more difficult.


feed_id: 8f3408987da40210a1f9e57a19c59c12
title: "Extinction tourism" hastens extinction
uri: Extinction-tourism-hastens-extinction
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Extinction_tourism_hastens_extinction%29

content:
<p>
"Extinction tourism" in the Arctic 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/20/inuit-arctic-ecosystem-extinction-tourism-crystal-serenity">spews
lots of carbon that will hasten the extinction</a> — of polar
bears, of Inuit way of life that depends on sea ice, and of the very
land that their villages are built on.


feed_id: 9b56aebe0f46072413689d322e608a0b
title: Clinton's speeches to banksters
uri: Clinton-s-speeches-to-banksters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Clintons_speeches_to_banksters%29
content:
<p>
We need to see 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/20/hillarys-hubris-only-tell-rich-5000-minute">Clinton's
speeches to the banksters</a>, as well as Trump's tax returns.


feed_id: 2a2cd0450f4e7966e09e35df52fd147f
title: Fear of wildlife
uri: Fear-of-wildlife
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Fear_of_wildlife%29
content:
<p>
Fear of wildlife is, in most cases, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/03/barrel-jellyfish-invasion-britain-beaches">more
dangerous than the wildlife</a>.


feed_id: 96d8c259e47566926fd50296d6e4414d
title: Irish activist tweets about abortion trip
uri: Irish-activist-tweets-about-abortion-trip
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Irish_activist_tweets_about_abortion_trip%29

content:
<p>
An Irish activist is campaigning for abortion rights by 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/20/irish-woman-live-tweets-journey-for-abortion-in-britain">tweeting
about her trip to England for an abortion</a>.
<p>
Whether a fetus is alive or dead, be careful not to call it a "baby".
That plays into the hands of those that wish to ban abortion.


feed_id: db35d734ae7bfb6c3af30a7019eba3f0
title: Climate State of Emergency
uri: Climate-State-of-Emergency
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Climate_State_of_Emergency%29
content:
<p>
Green Party Candidate Jill Stein Calls for 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/20/jill-stein-green-party-climate-state-of-emergency">Climate
State of Emergency</a>.


feed_id: dd1a9435e2eb372aa7cfa3e8cfadfcff
title: Corrupt gifts from banks
uri: Corrupt-gifts-from-banks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Corrupt_gifts_from_banks%29
content:
<p>
Congresscritters with special authority over banks get 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/19/good-be-king-very-good-loans-key-lawmakers-get-wall-street-banks">more
favorable loan conditions</a>, amounting to a corrupt gift.


feed_id: c047adc7ed0b85c7bd66da79e112ac0d
title: UK media bias against Corbyn
uri: UK-media-bias-against-Corbyn
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28UK_media_bias_against_Corbyn%29
content:
<p>
How biased are UK media against Jeremy Corbyn?  They 
<a href="http://www.thecanary.co/2016/08/18/knowledge-reality-tv-relevant-political-competence-star-wars-trivia-surgery-opinion/">lambasted
him for not recognizing the names of some reality show hosts</a>.
<p>
I don't recognize those names, either.  Perhaps Corbyn, like me,
has better things to do with his time than keep up with trivial
details of things that completely don't matter.


feed_id: 7e264cbe1e5cdfdae45c5d3935d3f8ba
title: Making college education gratis
uri: Making-college-education-gratis
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Making_college_education_gratis%29

content:
<p>
Sanders' plan to make college education gratis would 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/18/sanders-condemns-obscene-levels-inequality-documented-new-cbo-report">remove
the major cause for increased indebtedness among working
Americans</a>.
<p>
To fully end the increase in equality 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/09/new-rules-needed-vanquish-legacy-inequality-and-growing-wealth-gap">requires
tax reforms too</a>.  Rich people get away with paying too little in
taxes.


feed_id: 4716be72b19e39c5395521fcf794e68b
title: 100,000 climate refugees in the US
uri: 100-000-climate-refugees-in-the-US
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28100%2C000_climate_refugees_in_the_US%29

content:
<p>
Fire and flood in the US due to global heating have produced 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/18/epic-fires-1000-year-flood-climate-change-here-and-now">100,000
climate refugees.
<p>
This is a foretaste of much worse to come, if we don't 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_(Global_heating_war)">defeat
the planet roasters</a>.


feed_id: 3b30fcf332454fbcd522894c589c5768
title: Deutsche Bank whistleblower
uri: Deutsche-Bank-whistleblower
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Deutsche_Bank_whistleblower%29
content:
<p>
Eric Ben-Artzi was offered 8 million dollars in reward for reporting
crime at Deutsche Bank, but he says he 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/19/whistleblower-rejects-award-protest-sec-and-wall-streets-looting">will
give it to charity because the US didn't prosecute the top officials
who were responsible for the crimes</a>.


feed_id: e9984853404b18bb48927806f06ccce5
title: Urgent: Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge
uri: Urgent-Monomoy-National-Wildlife-Refuge
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Monomoy_National_Wildlife_Refuge%29

content:
<p>
Citizens of Massachusetts: 
<a href="https://secure.defenders.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=3110">call
on Massachusetts legislators</a> not to shrink Monomoy National
Wildlife Refuge, a crucial rest stop for migrating birds.


feed_id: a228225dccfc4c43d6e5561954377935
title: Urgent: Stop census gerrymandering
uri: Urgent-Stop-census-gerrymandering
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_census_gerrymandering%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Census_Gerrymandering">call
on the Census Bureau</a> to count prisoners for the places their homes
are, not for the where the prison is.


feed_id: 9cb54a14d49294a2822fd7389ae46501
title: Data about voters and donors
uri: Data-about-voters-and-donors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Data_about_voters_and_donors%29
content:
<p>
US political parties and campaigns collect so much data about voters
and donors that the possibility crackers will get copies of the data
is a 
<a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Passcode/Passcode-Voices/2016/0817/Opinion-Why-political-campaigns-need-chief-information-security-officers">significant
danger</a>.
<p>
I think this is a symptom of a bigger problem: campaigns have too much
data about people.  That data can get misused in various ways.  Even
the normal practice of campaigning suffers, because this invites
campaigns to say different things to different supporters, and
something else to the public.


feed_id: 01413b6689fe3b7255ac4e593d44541d
title: DOJ ban on private prisons
uri: DOJ-ban-on-private-prisons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28DOJ_ban_on_private_prisons%29
content:
<p>
Sanders and Activists Say DOJ Ban on Private Prisons 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/19/sanders-and-activists-say-doj-ban-private-prisons-doesnt-go-far-enough">Doesn't
Go Far Enough</a>.
<p>
That's true, but eliminating private prisons has to be done step by
step since various departments and state governments control the
decisions.  This step could influence others.


feed_id: c649df8219634c137486c1fa1c59a13f
title: Maternal mortality rate in Texas
uri: Maternal-mortality-rate-in-Texas
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Maternal_mortality_rate_in_Texas%29

content:
<p>
Texas Republicans have 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/20/texas-maternal-mortality-rate-health-clinics-funding">doubled
the maternal mortality rate</a> by cutting funds for contraception and
prenatal care.


feed_id: 3c1e5c82fb01bab745ce61fdd02642eb
title: Thugs fighting against body cameras
uri: Thugs-fighting-against-body-cameras
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Thugs_fighting_against_body_cameras%29

content:
<p>
Boston thugs are 
<a href="http://www.bostonherald.com/news/local_coverage/2016/08/boston_cops_to_be_assigned_body_cams">fighting
hard against wearing body cameras</a>.


feed_id: 01aa271f350c19ff808e9cc36725ac4e
title: Increased wealth of the US
uri: Increased-wealth-of-the-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Increased_wealth_of_the_US%29
content:
<p>
The wealth of the US doubled from 1989 to 2013, but the benefit 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/08/18/cbo-report-rich-get-richer-poor-get-poorer">went
entirely to the wealthy</a>.  The median American gained nothing, and
the poor are generally deeper in debt that in 1989.


feed_id: 0894cfc59b1f7c4a63c40a5d8f78c1b5
title: iThing jailbreaking
uri: iThing-jailbreaking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28iThing_jailbreaking%29
content:
<p>
It is 
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/jailbreaking-iphone-rooting-android-does-not-void-warranty">illegal
in the US for Apple to void the warranty on an iThing just because the
user has jailbroken it</a>, but the gutless FTC won't act to stop it.
<p>
Maybe users can start a class-action lawsuit about this.
<p>
One reason why it is necessary to jailbreak an iThing is to bypass
Apple's political and commercial censorship of apps.  However, a
jailbroken iThing still trashes your freedom, and what you should
really do with an iThing is <em>get rid of it</em>, for your own
freedom's sake.


feed_id: 0f71603d147161fbf711a1d9b892442f
title: Porn distribution laws and sexting
uri: Porn-distribution-laws-and-sexting
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Porn_distribution_laws_and_sexting%29

content:
<p>
Strict reporting laws regulating distributors of porn now 
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/hey-sexters-heres-a-very-good-reason-to-care-about-porn-laws">endanger
anyone that posts sexually explicit photos of perself</a> in the US.


feed_id: 719319349084daed2d5d15ac41c3a350
title: Software vulnerabilities hoarded by NSA
uri: Software-vulnerabilities-hoarded-by-NSA
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Software_vulnerabilities_hoarded_by_NSA%29

content:
<p>
When the NSA hoards vulnerabilities in widely used software, it 
<a href="http://www.theverge.com/2016/8/19/12548462/shadow-brokers-nsa-vulnerability-disclosure-zero-day">exposes
the users to attack by others</a> as well as to attack by the NSA.
<p>
Some of the NSA attacks that were leaked by crackers are 
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/researcher-grabs-cisco-vpn-password-with-tool-from-nsa-dump">still
effective</a>.
<p>
The NSA 
<a href="http://arstechnica.com/security/2016/08/cisco-confirms-nsa-linked-zeroday-targeted-its-firewalls-for-years/">cracked
Cisco routers for many years</a>.


feed_id: dad33e0e8f1a8ffc630e2c7d8e94ee2a
title: Vulnerable government facilities
uri: Vulnerable-government-facilities
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Vulnerable_government_facilities%29

content:
<p>
Republicans want the US government to blind itself about how current
and planned facilities will be 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/19/louisiana-floods-climate-legislation-nepa-republican-opposition">vulnerable
to future global heating effects</a>.
<p>
When I saw the new US courthouse in Boston, right on the edge of the
water and not very high above it, I thought, "What fools they are to
have built it that way.  Don't they realize it's likely to be flooded
by 2100?"  Apparently Republicans will advocate intentional folly
rather than acknowledge the facts.


feed_id: 879025edc29d4598906da1a5e88f7433
title: Urgent: Let Snowden receive prize safely
uri: Urgent-Let-Snowden-receive-prize-safely
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#22_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Let_Snowden_receive_prize_safely%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://stallman.org/petitions/petition-snowden/">Call on
Norway</a> to allow Snowden to receive his prize there safely.


feed_id: 7a95f4f8856ff4a9b5d492cff22bd52f
title: Guber's drivers
uri: Guber-s-drivers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#21_August_2016_%28Gubers_drivers%29
content:
<p>
Guber's drivers recognize that they were
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/aug/19/uber-self-driving-pittsburgh-what-drivers-think">just
a stepping stone</a>.


feed_id: 63e117bd495a40ef740df19b1a4cd662
title: Imprisoning children of poor people
uri: Imprisoning-children-of-poor-people
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#21_August_2016_%28Imprisoning_children_of_poor_people%29

content:
<p>
A very small victory for poor people in part of the US: state prisons
<a href="https://thinkprogress.org/everything-wrong-with-how-our-justice-system-treats-poor-people-in-one-awful-case-bfd91a6fa114">can't
demand they pay for their children's imprisonment</a> after driving
them to bankruptcy.


feed_id: aaad358c69c78dfe5c9fe3780dc1cd59
title: Nude Donald Trump statues
uri: Nude-Donald-Trump-statues
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#21_August_2016_%28Nude_Donald_Trump_statues%29
content:
<p>
Anarchist Group Installs
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/18/nude-donald-trump-statues-new-york-indecline">Nude
Donald Trump Statues</a> in US Cities.


feed_id: 53f049f83f567aa71bfadf7b1ae750b8
title: Internet voting
uri: 2016-08-23-Internet-voting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#21_August_2016_%28Internet_voting%29
content:
<p>
Maintaining the
<a href="https://www.technologyreview.com/s/602204/internet-voting-leaves-out-a-cornerstone-of-democracy-the-secret-ballot/">Secrecy
of Ballots</a> Returned via the Internet is "Technologically
Impossible."


feed_id: fdfcfd55b9222bc0ac6c01b7f9ba0758
title: Campaign funds from "ghost corporations"
uri: Campaign-funds-from-ghost-corporations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#21_August_2016_%28Campaign_funds_from_ghost_corporations%29

content:
<p>
"Ghost corporations" are set up to
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/08/18/revealed-the-secret-donor-behind-children-of-israel-the-2nd-largest-ghost-corporation-funding-gop-super-pacs/">disguise
the origin of donations to US political campaigns</a>.  Finding out
who really gave the money can take months.


feed_id: fcc91ece04d904d9e6f2981fa06f219c
title: Norwegian ship forced to Nauru in 2001
uri: Norwegian-ship-forced-to-Nauru-in-2001
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#21_August_2016_%28Norwegian_ship_forced_to_Nauru_in_2001%29

content:
<p>
Australia in 2001
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/19/the-nauru-files-provide-the-evidence-malcolm-turnbull-can-never-plead-ignorance">seized
a Norwegian ship that had rescued refugees from boats</a>, and forced
it to Nauru.


feed_id: 5ba7c11b5a0198aa5ce1cf33a13e037d
title: Money spent by UC Davis Chancellor
uri: Money-spent-by-UC-Davis-Chancellor
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#21_August_2016_%28Money_spent_by_UC_Davis_Chancellor%29

content:
<p>
UC Davis Chancellor Katehi
<a href="http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article94733812.html">spent
$400,000 of state funds</a> trying to whitewash her net reputation.


feed_id: b88900342fb5f1bb9b4d1714bd653605
title: Transactions blocked by PayPal
uri: Transactions-blocked-by-PayPal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#21_August_2016_%28Transactions_blocked_by_PayPal%29
content:
<p>
PayPal
<a href="http://boingboing.net/2016/08/17/paypal-halted-a-transaction-be.html">blocks
transactions if the word "Cuba" is used</a> — never mind how or
why it is used.


feed_id: 5ae1deeaf0d634a25d5738e198fa6ae3
title: Billionaire Republican sponsor challenged
uri: Billionaire-Republican-sponsor-challenged
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#21_August_2016_%28Billionaire_Republican_sponsor_challenged%29

content:
<p>
Zephyr Teachout has challenged her Republican opponent's billionaire
sponsor to a
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/zephyr-teachout-paul-singer-debate_us_57b21d62e4b0718404126567">debate</a>.


feed_id: 01ed19be395cc9d4e6aaed81af402ca5
title: Urgent: Cancel Gulf oil auction
uri: Urgent-Cancel-Gulf-oil-auction
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#21_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Cancel_Gulf_oil_auction%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.350.org/sign/cancel-auction/">call on Obama</a> to
cancel the coming Gulf oil auction.
<p>
Louisiana was badly flooded, due to global heating, and the more
oil we burn, the worse it will get.


feed_id: 1298d1a2c3d108025ea8c0f08ac4daa0
title: Trump's bullshit
uri: 2016-08-23-Trump-s-bullshit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#21_August_2016_%28Trumps_bullshit%29
content:
<p>
Trump says he 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/19/donald-trump-tries-out-a-new-campaign-tactic-saying-sorry">"regrets"
some unspecified things he said</a>, which "may have caused personal
pain".
<p>
I presume he means he regrets the statements that provoked replies
that caused personal pain <em>for him</em>, in a reversal of
Pseudolus's line that he is impervious to physical pain but "Not my
own!"
<p>
It doesn't matter what he means, because, as a bullshitter, he will
change his mind about it next week.


feed_id: 22ec7f935cf50f4a0fab383e5a356483
title: Domestic workers' rights
uri: Domestic-workers-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#21_August_2016_%28Domestic_workers_rights%29
content:
<p>
One more state has given domestic workers many of the 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/18/victory-domestic-workers-illinois">standard
rights of other workers</a>.


feed_id: 29a6c331ac4f2fc279cea2e2514ce72a
title: The Democratic and Republic platforms
uri: The-Democratic-and-Republic-platforms
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#21_August_2016_%28The_Democratic_and_Republic_platforms%29

content:
<p>
The Democratic and Republican platforms are 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/18/republicans-democrats-alike-still-level-threats-iran">belligerent
towards Iran</a>.


feed_id: e4e75da28c0ec92e0d8d5a385bb9f795
title: Nonprogressive Salazar
uri: Nonprogressive-Salazar
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#21_August_2016_%28Nonprogressive_Salazar%29
content:
<p>
Over 250 Sanders delegates to the Democratic Convention have 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/08/18/day-after-announcement-clintons-salazar-pick-269-sanders-delegates-sign">rebuked
Clinton's choice of nonprogressive Salazar</a>.


feed_id: 2c172fa6ef0e79d1d31e6dbf7b24a982
title: Another reason not to go to UAE
uri: Another-reason-not-to-go-to-UAE
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#21_August_2016_%28Another_reason_not_to_go_to_UAE%29

content:
<p>
In the United Arab Emirates, even sending someone the address of a
charity not registered in that country is a crime, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/19/man-jail-term-dubai-facebook-link-to-charity">punished
by imprisonment</a>.
<p>
This is one additional reason to refuse to go there, not even to make
a flight connection in the airport.


feed_id: 4f2c2625ce692e0a287d579ae0b45652
title: Childbirth and mental illness in the UK
uri: Childbirth-and-mental-illness-in-the-UK
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#21_August_2016_%28Childbirth_and_mental_illness_in_the_UK%29

content:
<p>
More than 10% of women giving birth in the UK have a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/19/pregnancy-mental-health-birth-childbirth">mental
illness associated with that</a>.


feed_id: 5e980ea6aeb39db681c16fe135d4af56
title: Stolen properties in Chile
uri: Stolen-properties-in-Chile
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#21_August_2016_%28Stolen_properties_in_Chile%29
content:
<p>
The wife of deceased Chilean tyrant Pinochet is accused of stealing
properties valued at hundreds of millions of dollars 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/19/pinochet-widow-lucia-hiriart-cema-chile">from
the treasury</a>.


feed_id: aec03d15a193b0dbee0e3effd639edf1
title: Right-wing activists pretend
uri: Right-wing-activists-pretend
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28Right-wing_activists_pretend%29
content:
<p>
The "Independent Women's Forum" pretends to be "non-partisan,"
"independent," and "neutral," but its leaders privately say
that they are 
<a href="http://www.prwatch.org/news/2016/08/13131/independent-womens-forum">right-wing
activists</a>.


feed_id: 3e3a12206f2dfcc525e4bedb956454ac
title: UN responsibility for cholera in Haiti
uri: UN-responsibility-for-cholera-in-Haiti
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28UN_responsibility_for_cholera_in_Haiti%29

content:
<p>
The UN has 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/18/un-public-admission-haiti-cholera-outbreak">vaguely
admitted its responsibility</a> for bringing cholera to Haiti.


feed_id: 8df8ca10f2bf516b9a154ce2b02e2e2f
title: Privatized prisons
uri: 2016-08-23-Privatized-prisons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28Privatized_prisons%29
content:
<p>
The Justice Department has 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/18/us-government-private-prisons-use-justice-department">decided
to stop using privatized prisons</a>.


feed_id: ebb600a7e1cdfd8240795611c830511a
title: Indigenous resisters against pipeline
uri: Indigenous-resisters-against-pipeline
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28Indigenous_resisters_against_pipeline%29

content:
<p>
Indigenous resisters against pipeline construction in North Dakota
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/18/north-dakota-access-pipeline-protesters-indigenous-site">don't
mind getting arrested</a>.


feed_id: c50beb22bd2401ace7659a32b6f3db27
title: Aetna's bullying and lying
uri: Aetna-s-bullying-and-lying
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28Aetnas_bullying_and_lying%29
content:
<p>
Aetna tried to bully the US government into allowing a mega-merger by
threatening to pull out of Obama's medical coverage scheme unless
allowed to merge.  Publicly, Aetna claimed it wasn't doing this, but
now there is
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/17/aetna-threatened-quit-obamacare-if-feds-blocked-humana-merger">proof
that was a lie</a>.
<p>
You wouldn't expect a megacorporation to tell the truth, would you?


feed_id: 03120aa2cc8089b09495efd1d1882869
title: The Koch brothers
uri: The-Koch-brothers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28The_Koch_brothers%29
content:
<p>
The Koch brothers are 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/17/koch-brothers-waging-war-against-effort-shine-light-dark-money">spending
a lot to defeat a South Dakotans ballot initiative for clean
elections</a>.


feed_id: 26b1e2505627d5e1fc3796867f4bc079
title: Clinton
uri: 2016-08-23-Clinton
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28Clinton%29
content:
<p>
As Clinton 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/18/hillary-clinton-bernie-sanders-supporters-republicans-donald-trump">Woos
Republicans</a>, Sanders' Faithfuls Fear They Will Be Forgotten.
<p>
Lots of us understand she is no progressive.


feed_id: e3e06fe0477ba6dbb7d9711bf7795afe
title: Reintegration program in Somalia
uri: Reintegration-program-in-Somalia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28Reintegration_program_in_Somalia%29

content:
<p>
Somalia has set up a program to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/aug/18/somalia-terrorist-carpenter-al-shabaab">reintegrate
people who leave al-Shabaab</a>.


feed_id: 35cf5722adaf1cea9eda3f1394b9f9c1
title: Misconduct by prosecutors in California
uri: Misconduct-by-prosecutors-in-California
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28Misconduct_by_prosecutors_in_California%29

content:
<p>
California is considering a bill to 
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2016/08/16/california-bill-would-make-it-a-felony-f">make
it a felony for a prosecutor to withhold or falsify evidence</a>.
<p>
This seems to be a response to gross, persistent misconduct by
prosecutors in Orange County.
<p>
Such misconduct is currently a misdemeanor.  I tend to think that the
prospect of being convicted of a misdemeanor would be enough to deter
prosecutors from committing this crime; but it seems they usually get
away with no penalty at all.  Perhaps if it is a felony they will
really be punished.


feed_id: 0de10e285f0f3ef159404fcc70e095f9
title: Israel plans another colony in West Bank
uri: Israel-plans-another-colony-in-West-Bank
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28Israel_plans_another_colony_in_West_Bank%29

content:
<p>
Israel is planning another colony in the Palestinian West Bank,
which would 
<a href="http://www.maannews.com/Content.aspx?id=772679">split the
West Bank into two disconnected parts</a>.
<p>
This follows Netanyahu's strategy of making sure no Palestinian state
can actually function.


feed_id: 64b97d0a4458f43645cbe4f05422dbbb
title: Killing of Federico García Lorca
uri: Killing-of-Federico-García-Lorca
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28Killing_of_Federico_Garcia_Lorca%29

content:
<p>
An Argentine judge is trying to investigate 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/17/argentina-judge-investigation-federico-garcia-lorca-spain">the
killing of Federico García Lorca by dictator Franco's forces in
Spain</a>.
<p>
Spanish courts shy away from this.  A few years ago, Spanish friends
told me that Franco's supporters still had too much political power in
the right-wing party, which is currently in power again.


feed_id: cebb34ba478c181cd8307af7d879dcf1
title: New military school in Bolivia
uri: New-military-school-in-Bolivia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28New_military_school_in_Bolivia%29
content:
<p>
Bolivia Opens 'Anti-Imperialist' Military School to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/17/bolivia-anti-imperialist-military-school-evo-morales-us">Counter
US Foreign Policies</a>.


feed_id: 0c6254c543fa160b09d6e11e712f9eb8
title: Number of women in US prisons
uri: Number-of-women-in-US-prisons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28Number_of_women_in_US_prisons%29
content:
<p>
The number of women in prison in the US is 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/08/17/u-s-jails-fail-to-meet-basic-needs-of-growing-population-of-women/">rising
fast</a>.
<p>
It could be a consequence of the spreading practice of jailing
people for habits typical of poor people, for having fines,
or for symptoms of mental illness.
<p>
In the 1980s, the MIT folk dance club performing group
performed in a women's prison.  It appeared that a sizeable
fraction of the prisoners were taking medication.


feed_id: 6c034eb00a7ee33091a0e23ba03d67cc
title: Leaked Nauru reports
uri: Leaked-Nauru-reports
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28Leaked_Nauru_reports%29
content:
<p>
The Australian minister in charge of abusing refugees claimed that the
leaked Nauru reports were phony — but Save the Children had
twice informed him and other ministers of the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/aug/17/revealed-peter-duttons-extensive-briefings-about-risks-and-harm-to-children-on-nauru">same
spectrum of abuses</a>.


feed_id: 35451f97094820d8724a4ab857250842
title: Thugs
uri: 2016-08-23-Thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28Thugs%29
content:
<p>
Thugs can 
<a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/08/how-police-use-a-legal-grey-area-to-rob-suspects-of-their-belongings/495740/">take
your property (such as a phone or wallet) and call it "evidence"</a>,
then drop it into a bureaucratic limbo so that you can't ever get it
back.


feed_id: f250102f78e89bbe85cbc1ef53b6d54f
title: Neocons and major media
uri: Neocons-and-major-media
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28Neocons_and_major_media%29
content:
<p>
Neocons retain their political influence in the US because the major
media 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/16/americas-journalistic-hypocrites">mostly
look away from the harm that they have done</a>, over and over.


feed_id: 658b5bf6c32fc23d8d98614e44325b10
title: Reducing wildfires
uri: Reducing-wildfires
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28Reducing_wildfires%29
content:
<p>
<a href="
http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/16/wildfires-are-getting-worse-time-rehydrate-our-landscapes">Policies
for land use and wildlife</a> can reduce wildfires.


feed_id: e6b60706d367d36c6482c72879b0fbae
title: Global heating
uri: 2016-08-23-Global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28Global_heating%29
content:
<p>
By 2084, if we don't curb global heating, nearly all cities will be
<a href="http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/Dvorsky20160816">too hot
to hold the summer games</a>.  If a heat wave strikes, they would have
to be cancelled, and the risk would be too great.
<p>
The only candidates in the Americas will be San Francisco, Vancouver,
and Calgary.
<p>
But who are we kidding?  With that much heating, the world will be in
such desperate straits that nobody could even think of holding a
world-wide sporting event.


feed_id: 2ab804a03d143cdcc268de9b9b8acec7
title: Urgent: Federal funding for abortions
uri: Urgent-Federal-funding-for-abortions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Federal_funding_for_abortions%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Lee_EACH_Woman">call on
Congress</a> to legalize federal funding for abortions in the US.


feed_id: 2f1c6f2b441205e80136a068c3fe6146
title: Global heating war
uri: Global-heating-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28Global_heating_war%29
content:
<p>
A new US rule will require newly built large trucks to be 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/16/heavy-duty-trucks-fuel-efficiency-carbon-dioxide-emissions-obama">40%
more fuel-efficient</a>, as of 11 years from now.  The require
increases will be applied in three steps, with the first step being in
2021.
<p>
This would be just the sort of thing we needed, if there were no hurry
about reducing CO<sub>2</sub> emissions.  But it fails to recognize
the urgency of the danger.
<p>
As Bill McKibben says, it's a real war, 
<a href="https://newrepublic.com/article/135684/declare-war-climate-change-mobilize-wwii">not
just a metaphorical one</a>, but he doesn't recognize that an
organized human enemy is waging this war against civilization.  It is
led by the likes of the 
<a href="http://www.kochvsclean.com/koch-vs-clean/">Koch brothers</a>,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#2_August_2016_(Exxon)">Exxon</a>,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#6_December_2015_(ALEC_organizing_sabotage_of_climate_plans)">ALEC</a>.
the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#18_June_2016_(US_Chamber_of_Commerce)">US
Chamber of Commerce</a>, and the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-mar-jun.html#11_April_2014_(Heatland_Institute_on_global_heating)">Heatland 
Institute</a>.  Clinton showed her contempt for the issue by including
Ken Salazar, who resembles the anti-mobilization business magnates
McKibben describes from World War II, to lead her 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/16/clinton-transition-team-headed-anti-climate-powerbroker">"transition
team"</a>.  Apparently she is planning a "transition" to a fried
ecosphere.
<p>
Progressive organizations had better start endorsing Jill Stein,
to show Clinton she can't take them for granted.


feed_id: 7ad99e09ccda664e223b90a63bc2483c
title: Barred from US for political views
uri: Barred-from-US-for-political-views
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28Barred_from_US_for_political_views%29

content:
<p>
The US already bars people from visiting the US for 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/08/17/donald-trump-proposes-banning-immigrants-based-on-ideology-but-bush-and-obama-got-there-first/">political
views such as advocating human rights and democracy</a>.


feed_id: 28497939500bdfac1308185d41607cb5
title: Militarism in Japan
uri: Militarism-in-Japan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28Militarism_in_Japan%29
content:
<p>
Kuniyoshi Takimoto was wounded in the Battle of Midway.  After World
War II, he campaigned against militarism.  Now that Japan is turning
again towards militarism, he suspects that outside pressure is 
<a href="http://www.mainichi.jp/english/articles/20160816/p2a/00m/0na/011000c">why
a high school cancelled his speech</a>.


feed_id: 4d7fea4ee5b4d023f65c6b058f51f95a
title: Urgent: More candidates in debates
uri: Urgent-More-candidates-in-debates
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_More_candidates_in_debates%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://stallman.org/petitions/petition-presidential/">call
for including more candidates</a> in presidential debates.
<p>
Here is 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/15/tv-networks-should-open-presidential-debates">background</a>.


feed_id: d2c9a52e3bb7227b38b9779953a530dc
title: Urgent: Relief for civilians in Aleppo
uri: Urgent-Relief-for-civilians-in-Aleppo
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Relief_for_civilians_in_Aleppo%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://stallman.org/petitions/petition-aleppo/">call on
Obama</a> to push hard to provide relief to civilians in Aleppo.


feed_id: e8a55f2b3cd3c76c8e00e0224e4e2125
title: "Parenting"
uri: Parenting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#20_August_2016_%28Parenting%29
content:
<p>
The idea of "parenting" as a results-driven job that one has to do
with great care 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/aug/17/gardener-and-the-carpenter-by-alison-gopnik-review">tends
to crush children's creativity and spirit</a>.


feed_id: bfc7c5bb8f34e978458ef6bd7a0d0c8b
title: The Great Barrier Reef
uri: 2016-08-23-The-Great-Barrier-Reef
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#19_August_2016_%28The_Great_Barrier_Reef%29
content:
<p>
Tourists are rushing
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/17/great-barrier-reef-visitors-rush-to-catch-it-before-its-gone">to
see the Great Barrier Reef</a> before we kill it.
<p>
Protests call attention to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/17/the-coral-die-off-crisis-is-a-climate-and-exxon-fired-the-gun">the
crime scene</a>.
<p>
About a billion people 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#26_September_2015_(Coral_Triangle_in_danger)">will
lose their source of food in a couple of decades if ocean
acidification and heating continue</a>.  But the impacts of global
heating are not limited to the ocean.  We have already seen crops fail
due to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#29_July_2013_(Global_heating_effects_are_biggest_threat_to_agriculture_in_UK)">heat waves</a>,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#12_April_2016_(Drought_in_the_Philippines)">droughts</a>,
and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-jul-oct.html#15%20August%202010%20(Floods%20destroy%20a%20billion%20dollars%20worth%20of%20crops)">floods</a>,
all of which will happen more often as drought heating goes on.
Billions of people are likely to lose their source of food by 50 years
from now — including you, if you are young enough to live that
long.
<p>
The rich planet-roasters must believe that their money will buy
protection, for their descendants and servants and guards, from the
billions of dying climate refugees, whose killing, at that future
time, is being arranged today by the same planet-roasters.  In other
words, they are engaged in a scheme of mass murder for profit, what
Bill McKibben describes as a 
<a href="#20_August_2016_(Urgent:_Federal_funding_for_abortions)">war</a>,
and they think their descendants will be able to use those profits to
lord it over what remnants of humanity they choose to save and reduce
to serfdom.


feed_id: 988d0537435cf32f9c12afc24336984b
title: Body cameras and killings by thugs
uri: Body-cameras-and-killings-by-thugs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#19_August_2016_%28Body_cameras_and_killings_by_thugs%29

content:
<p>
An empirical study found that body cameras 
<a href="media/1d2a483d.SSRN-id2808662.pdf" data-original-source="https://www.bja.gov/bwc/pdfs/SSRN-id2808662.pdf">correlate
with a small increase in the rate of killings by thugs</a>, especially
killings of unarmed people.
<p>
However, if the thug department studies the record statistically, that
correlates with a small decrease in the rate of killings.
<p>
I wonder whether these effects relate to the policy for when
recordings are made — for instance, whether the thug can turn
off the camera.


feed_id: 03d16e7d6b715c5b06db1e63aa6c9714
title: Reports of abuse in Nauru refugee prison
uri: Reports-of-abuse-in-Nauru-refugee-prison
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#19_August_2016_%28Reports_of_abuse_in_Nauru_refugee_prison%29

content:
<p>
Nauru's president says that 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/aug/17/naurus-president-says-abuse-reports-cooked-up-by-detention-centre-workers">leaked
reports of abuse of imprisoned refugees</a> have been falsified.
<p>
Hey, president, why not 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#20_February_2016_(Nauru_restricting_visits_by_Australians)">let 
in journalists</a> to make their own reports for comparison purposes?


feed_id: 327791440ccc69034d3feed4c1eaeda9
title: Urgent: Protect Big Cypress
uri: Urgent-Protect-Big-Cypress
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#26_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Protect_Big_Cypress%29
content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://secure.nrdconline.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=4064">call
for protecting</a> Big Cypress wildlife preserve from oil drilling.


feed_id: f77085c216a70580a23bc260cbba7787
title: US national parks
uri: US-national-parks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#26_August_2016_%28US_national_parks%29
content:
<p>
Nine US national parks that are
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/08/goodbye-national-parks">likely
to be drastically changed in this century</a>.


feed_id: 374f65e0a185c0ac512b816c034f8fad
title: Zika
uri: 2016-08-27-Zika
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#26_August_2016_%28Zika%29
content:
<p>
Zika damages fetuses' brains in many different ways.  Even those that
don't develop microcephaly often have other
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/24/zika-damage-to-brain-goes-well-beyond-microcephaly-research-shows">structural
abnormalities</a>.
<p>
It may be too soon to know what effects those abnormalities have on
mental capacities.


feed_id: f4677c55d34c50351c45772f10b53dad
title: Berkeley's tax on sugar-sweetened drinks
uri: Berkeley-s-tax-on-sugar-sweetened-drinks
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#26_August_2016_%28Berkeleys_tax_on_sugar-sweetened_drinks%29

content:
<p>
Berkeley's tax on sugar-sweetened drinks
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/08/soda-tax-grocery-oakland-philly">seems
to be working to reduce consumption of them</a>.


feed_id: 2d3dc837596176de0fe3b2d433a56979
title: Global heating threat to health
uri: Global-heating-threat-to-health
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#26_August_2016_%28Global_heating_threat_to_health%29

content:
<p>
Leading Doctor Calls Climate Change
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/23/climate-change-greatest-public-health-threat-leading-health-advocate">Gravest
Health Threat of 21st Century</a>.


feed_id: 301891a2da701f4428645835c3a7de06
title: European election monitors for US
uri: European-election-monitors-for-US
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#26_August_2016_%28European_election_monitors_for_US%29

content:
<p>
Calling for Europe to send more election monitors to the US to
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/08/23/civil-and-human-rights-coalition-calls-more-international-election-monitors-us">check
for voter suppression</a>.


feed_id: dbc0c528121b3e8861148c15e8da3d84
title: Protesters blocking oil pipeline
uri: Protesters-blocking-oil-pipeline
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#26_August_2016_%28Protesters_blocking_oil_pipeline%29

content:
<p>
North Dakota has
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/23/officials-pull-water-supply-dakota-access-protest-swells-number-and-spirit">cut
off water</a> to the protesters blocking an oil pipeline that
threatens to ruin their water supply if it leaks.
<p>
That oil which does not leak will instead be burned, so it will
contribute to an even worse global disaster.  We need to leave that
oil in the ground.
<p>
Likewise the oil not yet leased in the Gulf of Mexico, which if burned
would emit the
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/08/23/analysis-burning-unleased-fossil-fuels-gulf-mexico-would-release-33-billion-tons">equivalent
of around 10000 years of operation for a typical coal-fired power
plant</a>.
<p>
Obama visited Louisiana and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/23/barack-obama-fema-louisiana-flood-recovery-culture-katrina">praised
FEMA's response to the floods</a>.  However, real leadership would be
to use these floods as an example to mobilize the country to build
renewable energy.  Protesters understood this, as they
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/23/gulf-residents-arrested-telling-obama-more-drilling-equals-more-floods">occupied
the office of the agency that does the leasing</a>.  "President Obama:
More Drilling = More Floods," they said.


feed_id: 2a2d72aab880dcd9a9ec6bbe743a1200
title: US Fish and Wildlife Service
uri: US-Fish-and-Wildlife-Service
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#26_August_2016_%28US_Fish_and_Wildlife_Service%29
content:
<p>
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has a
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/08/23/lawsuit-launched-speed-endangered-species-act-protection-417-species">long
backlog of species waiting years for an initial evaluation</a>.
<p>
42 species have gone extinct waiting for protection.
<p>
I see the hand of business-dominated government at work.


feed_id: 09add51d05f29b9270f3817e93a4edbb
title: Publication of leaks
uri: Publication-of-leaks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#26_August_2016_%28Publication_of_leaks%29
content:
<p>
As Wikileaks posts leaks en masse, not selectively, they often contain
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/aug/23/wikileaks-posts-sensitive-medical-information-saudi-arabia">private
information including people's medical records</a> that are of no
political significance but can hurt people.
<p>
Wikileaks ought to make arrangements with the press to be selective
about what it publishes, as it used to do.  This way of handling the
matter threatens to give all leaking a bad name.


feed_id: abbf250ff9df3d7f599cdb9c543553b8
title: Plastic microbeads
uri: Plastic-microbeads
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#26_August_2016_%28Plastic_microbeads%29
content:
<p>
UK MPs propose to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/24/microplastics-ban-in-cosmetics-save-oceans-mps-say-microbeads">ban
plastic microbeads in cosmetics and toothpaste</a>, because they harm
water animals.


feed_id: d9f410be7f77f9e6be6cc8c6b6a7bacf
title: "Harassment" vs "unwanted behavior"
uri: Harassment-vs-unwanted-behavior
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#26_August_2016_%28Harassment_vs_unwanted_behavior%29

content:
<p>
Half of the working women in the UK have been "sexually harassed",
using the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/aug/10/half-of-women-uk-have-been-sexually-harassed-at-work-tuc-study-everyday-sexism">broadest
conceivable definition of "harassed"</a>.
<p>
The article equates "harassment" with "unwanted behavior".  That
definition is too broad, because no one should be given the power to
prohibit absolutely any treatment that person considers "unwanted".
That is dictatorial power.


feed_id: 492a7045a35a3caebebcff11ec08cc13
title: Nuclear reactors
uri: Nuclear-reactors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#26_August_2016_%28Nuclear_reactors%29
content:
<p>
A study finds that constructing new nuclear reactors will tend to hold
back reduction of greenhouse emissions, by 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/22/new-study-shows-how-clinging-nuclear-power-means-climate-failure">sucking
up investment funds</a>.


feed_id: 2b85f0c8288680519a4002cd888b84df
title: Secrecy shrouds Clinton fundraisers
uri: Secrecy-shrouds-Clinton-fundraisers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#26_August_2016_%28Secrecy_shrouds_Clinton_fundraisers%29

content:
<p>
As She Rakes in the Cash, Clinton Fundraisers 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/22/she-rakes-cash-clinton-fundraisers-still-shrouded-secrecy">Still
Shrouded in Secrecy</a>.


feed_id: d83204338e347598ecbdbea6ca291d35
title: US farm policy
uri: US-farm-policy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#26_August_2016_%28US_farm_policy%29
content:
<p>
US farm policy encourages practices that are 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/21/how-us-farm-subsidies-make-taxpayers-pay-twice-and-how-we-could-change">wasteful,
and degrade land and water</a>.


feed_id: e0581ff063fbae0d0ca2fffdb340a94c
title: Looking at web pages a crime in India
uri: Looking-at-web-pages-a-crime-in-India
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#26_August_2016_%28Looking_at_web_pages_a_crime_in_India%29

content:
<p>
India is telling web users that merely 
<a href="http://softlinkweb.com/are-you-a-criminal-now-users-may-get-3-yr-in-jail-for-viewing-torrent-site-blocked-url-in-india-news-news/">looking
at certain blocked web pages is a crime</a> and threatening them with
three years in prison.


feed_id: baf8db8912b6def425b07c7ed4984bd6
title: UK officials who sent dissidents to Qadhafi
uri: UK-officials-who-sent-dissidents-to-Qadhafi
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#26_August_2016_%28UK_officials_who_sent_dissidents_to_Qadhafi%29

content:
<p>
The UK government 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/aug/21/government-challenged-about-cps-decision-not-to-prosecute-over-libyans-kidnapping">refuses
to say</a> whether it intervened to block prosecution of the officials
that turned over Libyan dissidents to Qadhafi to be tortured.


feed_id: 80c8df44585221cb1815e18b2d36a4d9
title: Mexican journalist forced to flee
uri: Mexican-journalist-forced-to-flee
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#26_August_2016_%28Mexican_journalist_forced_to_flee%29

content:
<p>
Mexican journalist Noé Zavaleta has been forced to flee
Veracruz by 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2016/aug/22/mexican-journalist-flees-veracruz-after-campaign-of-intimidation">threats</a>,
after publicly criticizing the governor.
<p>
In Mexico, as in the US, people accused of minor crimes may be 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/22/mexico-criminal-justice-system-injustice-heliodoro-morales-rabbits">jailed
for years awaiting trial</a>.


feed_id: 40dbab28e7233a117af3a71eac306e7a
title: Assad's forces fighting Syrian Kurds
uri: Assad-s-forces-fighting-Syrian-Kurds
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#26_August_2016_%28Assads_forces_fighting_Syrian_Kurds%29

content:
<p>
Assad's forces are now directly fighting the Syrian Kurds, which
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/22/kurdish-militias-fight-syrian-forces-hasaka">threatens
to lead to fighting between the US and Russia</a>.


feed_id: a946cc9fb90923423e4d6b42fc04fe2a
title: Climate mayhem hitting national parks
uri: Climate-mayhem-hitting-national-parks
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#26_August_2016_%28Climate_mayhem_hitting_national_parks%29

content:
<p>
Climate mayhem is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/22/climate-change-national-parks-threat">already
hitting US national parks</a>.  As it gets worse, many are likely to
be changed beyond recognition or even destroyed.


feed_id: 6bbd7d158d88ab9c5311d5648f8463e1
title: US prison food
uri: US-prison-food
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#25_August_2016_%28US_prison_food%29
content:
<p>
US prisoners 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/22/ramen-prison-currency-study">trade
packets of ramen</a>, because their food is so horrible.


feed_id: 9284fe401d04e87d675795954e9f6d5a
title: Disappearing Arctic sea ice
uri: Disappearing-Arctic-sea-ice
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#25_August_2016_%28Disappearing_Arctic_sea_ice%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2016/aug/22/historical-documents-reveal-arctic-sea-ice-is-disappearing-at-record-speed">125
years of records</a> of Arctic sea ice show how fast it is
disappearing.


feed_id: 8d18cf05f98a7f0aafafd967d4160d2b
title: Trial of Islamic extremist group leader
uri: Trial-of-Islamic-extremist-group-leader
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#25_August_2016_%28Trial_of_Islamic_extremist_group_leader%29

content:
<p>
A leader of the Islamist extremist group that 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/22/islamic-extremist-pleads-guilty-at-icc-to-timbuktu-cultural-destruction">destroyed
old mausoleums of Muslim saints in Timbuktu</a> has pleaded guilty at
the International Criminal Court.


feed_id: b8513f0a76f75b5e7275b820dd44c463
title: Malaysia bans music video, arrests musician
uri: Malaysia-bans-music-video-arrests-musician
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#25_August_2016_%28Malaysia_bans_music_video%2C_arrests_musician%29

content:
<p>
Malaysia banned a music video for supposed blasphemy, and the musician
has been 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/22/malaysian-rapper-namewee-arrested-video-disrespectul-to-islam">arrested</a>.
<p>
I hope someone saved a copy of the original version, which apparently
was not intended to offend anyone.  But even if it were, that wouldn't
change anything.  Freedom of speech includes the right to criticize,
offend, insult or mock any person, any organization, any group, any
idea, any practice, and any belief.
<p>
Any person, group or organization that tries to impose repression on
those who would "disrespect" it is not entitled to our respect.


feed_id: 6df8e631f1863615644ce061c4053fa3
title: Birth defects and cancers in Iraq
uri: Birth-defects-and-cancers-in-Iraq
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#25_August_2016_%28Birth_defects_and_cancers_in_Iraq%29

content:
<p>
Iraq: Researchers Identify 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/aug/22/iraq-children-health-cost-war-induced-air-pollution-study-toxic-waste-birth-defects">Exposure
to Toxic Materials from Explosion of Munitions And Burning of Military
Waste by US Army</a> as Cause of Birth Defects And Cancers.


feed_id: a24f19c7bb6e78b24f75429900736486
title: Impossible beauty norm
uri: Impossible-beauty-norm
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#25_August_2016_%28Impossible_beauty_norm%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/22/sport-is-supposed-to-be-about-fun-not-body-image">Exercise</a>,
for women and even for some men, has become an imposed impossible
beauty norm.
<p>
50 years from now, middle-class people will be able to buy pills to
get body shape they like.  The fitness industry will become part of
the fashion industry, so each season a different body shape will be
fashionable.


feed_id: b7d318b20af67ffff26239d1d09257d6
title: Protest in Chile for pensions
uri: Protest-in-Chile-for-pensions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#25_August_2016_%28Protest_in_Chile_for_pensions%29
content:
<p>
Hundreds of thousands protested in Chile 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/22/thousands-protest-in-chile-against-state-pension-provisions">for
pensions adequate to live on</a>.


feed_id: 9e4bdcdd452eb12ef715cbc1fa03223b
title: WiFi routers with nonfree software
uri: WiFi-routers-with-nonfree-software
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#25_August_2016_%28WiFi_routers_with_nonfree_software%29

content:
<p>
A WiFi router in your home 
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/wifi-signals-can-id-individuals-by-body-shape">can
track individuals</a>.
<p>
Make sure to convert your router to free software.


feed_id: 10be65989ff5a5ae96bd105c031f7d27
title: Jill Stein
uri: 2016-08-27-Jill-Stein
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#25_August_2016_%28Jill_Stein%29
content:
<p>
For Real Progressives, Jill Stein Is Now 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/18/progressive-voters-jill-stein-green-party-candidate">the
Only Choice</a>.


feed_id: 5510b92267dcb3afe3c10592403e5a98
title: Developers prejudiced against women
uri: Developers-prejudiced-against-women
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#25_August_2016_%28Developers_prejudiced_against_women%29

content:
<p>
Developers seem to prefer code contributions written by women, when
they don't know the author's sex.  But when they know, they are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/feb/12/women-considered-better-coders-hide-gender-github">prejudiced
against women</a>.


feed_id: eff4ec41938e086259e3a9fe0458959a
title: Sunnis and Shi'a in Syria and Iraq
uri: Sunnis-and-Shi-a-in-Syria-and-Iraq
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#25_August_2016_%28Sunnis_and_Shia_in_Syria_and_Iraq%29

content:
<p>
An article 
<a href="http://warontherocks.com/2016/08/washingtons-sunni-myth-and-the-civil-wars-in-syria-and-iraq/">claims
that we exaggerate</a> the hostility between Sunnis and Shi'a in Syria
and Iraq.
<p>
The comments say that the article leaves out a lot, but it may be true
that the two sects are not at each others' throats in Iraq as they
were 10 years ago.


feed_id: 123c7c12dec47ee2efffe89d50adfd7c
title: US support for coup in Honduras
uri: US-support-for-coup-in-Honduras
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#25_August_2016_%28US_support_for_coup_in_Honduras%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/17/nyt-touts-honduras-ad-american-power-leaving-out-support-murderous-coup-regime">Whitewashing</a>
US support for the coup in Honduras and the subsequent big jump in the
murder rate.


feed_id: 230e8ed84f6089960d2e2cbf7300e674
title: Obama's medical coverage system
uri: Obama-s-medical-coverage-system
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#25_August_2016_%28Obamas_medical_coverage_system%29
content:
<p>
Aetna's withdrawal shows the flaw in Obama's medical coverage system:
it was 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/08/17/aetna-shows-why-we-need-single-payer">designed
to depend on private medical insurance companies</a> like Aetna.


feed_id: 3a61e4c3b660b71aaccb28c1e1c50c5a
title: Gender-based division of labor
uri: Gender-based-division-of-labor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#25_August_2016_%28Gender-based_division_of_labor%29
content:
<p>
Gender-based division of labor in marriage is 
<a href="http://phys.org/news/2016-08-primary-breadwinner-bad-men-psychological.html">bad
for men and for women</a>.


feed_id: b19f730e93931311c6468ec42b6657e4
title: Urgent: Call for end to private prisons
uri: Urgent-Call-for-end-to-private-prisons
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#24_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Call_for_end_to_private_prisons%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call for an <a href="http://go.kamalaharris.org/page/s/end-the-use-of-private-prisons">end to private prisons</a>.


feed_id: 603f3fa42e981bbc8549efb9c0937065
title: Urgent: Call for prosecution of HSBC
uri: Urgent-Call-for-prosecution-of-HSBC
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#24_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Call_for_prosecution_of_HSBC%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call for <a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/waters_hsbc">prosecution of HSBC for its crimes</a>.
<p>


feed_id: 301dd8af09ec9902b708e7de607860fd
title: Urgent: Support the Pollinator Recovery Act
uri: Urgent-Support-the-Pollinator-Recovery-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#24_August_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Support_the_Pollinator_Recovery_Act%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: support the <a href="https://secure3.convio.net/gpeace/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2021">Pollinator Recovery Act</a>.
<p>
Here is more information <a href="https://psmag.com/is-there-hope-for-the-honeybees-5d9c36b244bd?gi=63d20c77df85">about it</a>.


feed_id: e11618c7fa17910d2313bd8f65a77145
title: Hookup Culture
uri: Hookup-Culture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#24_August_2016_%28Hookup_Culture%29
content:
<p>
Hookup culture <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/23/sex-on-campus-hookup-culture-student-journals">dominates US college campuses</a>, but only around 14% of
students are enthusiastic about hooking up.  Those who wish for a
loving relationship find that the very idea is socially unacceptable;
it is harder to ask for a date than to ask someone to have casual sex.


feed_id: b1690d7e74352934e3980e93b80a756c
title: US national parks are under threat
uri: US-national-parks-are-under-threat
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#24_August_2016_%28US_national_parks_are_under_threat%29

content:
<p>
US national parks <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/aug/23/national-parks-100th-birthday-political-threats">are under threat</a> from a political system dominated by extractivist plutocrats.


feed_id: 70a363b37ec9e5f69420aea9e4c66ffa
title: Omar Nazzal in prison without trial
uri: Omar-Nazzal-in-prison-without-trial
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#24_August_2016_%28Omar_Nazzal_in_prison_without_trial%29

content:
<p>
The International Federation of Journalists condemned Israel for keeping
Palestinian journalist Omar Nazzal <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2016/aug/23/ifj-condemns-israels-failure-to-release-palestinian-journalist">in prison without trial</a>.


feed_id: 58c12fa9c1cced383ff59ae760184a4a
title: How our children will pay
uri: How-our-children-will-pay
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#24_August_2016_%28How_our_children_will_pay%29
content:
<p>
The US GDP is projected to be almost 1/4 less in 2100 due to global
heating.  That is comparable to the <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/22/how-our-children-will-pay-staggering-costs-climate-inaction-report">great depression of the 1930s</a>.  However, global heating won't stop in 2100.  Things will continue
getting worse.
<p>
Put this together with plutocrats' concentration of wealth, and the
impact on non-rich Americans is likely to be more than a quarter.
This will kill millions of Americans.
<p>
And much larger numbers of people in other parts of the world.


