# articles

title: Japanese officials pushing denialism
uri: Japanese-officials-pushing-denialism
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 02_December_2014_(Japanese_officials_pushing_denialism)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#02_December_2014_%28Japanese_officials_pushing_denialism%29

content:
<p>
Right-wing Japanese officials
are <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/11/01/national/media-national/uncomfortable-truth-comfort-women/">pushing
denialism of forcing women from occupied peoples into
prostitution</a>, using one piece of questionable evidence as a false
excuse to deny all the evidence.


title: Germany's biggest electric company
uri: Germany-s-biggest-electric-company
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 02_December_2014_(Germany's_biggest_electric_company)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#02_December_2014_%28Germany%27s_biggest_electric_company%29

content:
<p>
Germany's biggest electric company
will <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/01/eon-splits-energy-renewables">split
off fossil fuel generators to concentrate on renewable energy</a>.


title: Thugs that get fired for misconduct
uri: Thugs-that-get-fired-for-misconduct
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 02_December_2014_(Thugs_that_get_fired_for_misconduct)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#02_December_2014_%28Thugs_that_get_fired_for_misconduct%29

content:
<p>
US thugs that get fired for misconduct
typically <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20141115/19131329162/other-government-revolving-door-sheriffs-departments-state-troopers-provide-new-homes-bad-cops.shtml">have
no difficulty getting jobs as thugs in other places in the US</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 02_December_2014_(Autopsy_on_Michael_Brown)
title: Autopsy on Michael Brown
uri: Autopsy-on-Michael-Brown
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#02_December_2014_%28Autopsy_on_Michael_Brown%29
content:
<p>
The person who did the autopsy on Michael
Brown <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/26/health/ferguson-michael-brown-pathologist-credentials/index.html?iid=article_sidebar">seems
to be hardly qualified for it, and not very honest</a>.
<p>
Why, I wonder, did the state entrust such a sensitive job to someone
like that?


title: Imprisoned for encouraging to learn and speak Tibetan
uri: Imprisoned-for-encouraging-to-learn-and-speak-Tibetan
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 02_December_2014_(Imprisoned_for_encouraging_to_learn_and_speak_Tibetan)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#02_December_2014_%28Imprisoned_for_encouraging_to_learn_and_speak_Tibetan%29

content:
<p>
Tibetan singer Kalsang Yarphel has
been <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/01/china-jails-tibetan-singer-kalsang-yarphel-political-lyrics">imprisoned
for encouraging Tibetans to learn and speak Tibetan</a>.
<p>
Evidently China aims to erase Tibetan culture.


title: Having a baby is substantially dangerous
uri: Having-a-baby-is-substantially-dangerous
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 02_December_2014_(Having_a_baby_is_substantially_dangerous)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#02_December_2014_%28Having_a_baby_is_substantially_dangerous%29

content:
<p>
Having a baby is substantially dangerous; occasionally the only way a
woman can save
herself <a href="http://rhrealitycheck.org/article/2013/06/26/why-a-20-week-abortion-ban-is-unthinkable-one-womans-near-death-experience/">is
with a late-term abortion</a>.


title: Thugs have planned years in advance
uri: Thugs-have-planned-years-in-advance
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 02_December_2014_(Thugs_have_planned_years_in_advance)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#02_December_2014_%28Thugs_have_planned_years_in_advance%29

content:
<p>
Washington DC thugs have planned years in advance how to spend the
money they expect to
take <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/dc-police-plan-for-future-seizure-proceeds-years-in-advance-in-city-budget-documents/2014/11/15/7025edd2-6b76-11e4-b053-65cea7903f2e_story.html">from
people not convicted of crimes</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 02_December_2014_(Research_that_should_not_be_done)
title: Research that should not be done
uri: Research-that-should-not-be-done
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#02_December_2014_%28Research_that_should_not_be_done%29

content:
<p>
An example of research that should not be
done:<a href="http://www.washington.edu/news/2014/11/12/moving-cameras-talk-to-each-other-to-identify-track-pedestrians/">
tracking people automatically from one camera to another</a>.
<p>
Note the idiotic non-response given in the article to concerns that
this is dangerous.  They suggest that if the video is encrypted in
transmission to Big Brother it will protect you from being tracked by
<em>someone else</em>.  As if anyone were as dangerous as Big Brother!
<p>
I've proposed making
it <a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">illegal
to have remotely accessible cameras pointed at public places</a>.


title: Urgent: Incentives for renewable energy
uri: Urgent-Incentives-for-renewable-energy
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(Urgent:_Incentives_for_renewable_energy)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Incentives_for_renewable_energy%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://secure3.convio.net/ucs/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=4346&autologin=true">call
on Congress</a> to renew incentives for renewable energy and energy
efficiency.


title: Urgent: Nuclear diplomacy with Iran
uri: Urgent-Nuclear-diplomacy-with-Iran
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(Urgent:_Nuclear_diplomacy_with_Iran)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Nuclear_diplomacy_with_Iran%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/congress-dont-kill-iran">call
on your congresscritter and senators</a> not to wipe out nuclear
diplomacy with Iran.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(Syrian_censorship)
title: Syrian censorship
uri: Syrian-censorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28Syrian_censorship%29
content:
<p>
Studying Syrian censorship through 
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20141118/05173029176/lessons-censorship-syrias-internet-filter-machines.shtml">leaked
logs</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(Thugs_attack_HK_protesters)
title: Thugs attack HK protesters
uri: 2014-12-03-Thugs-attack-HK-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28Thugs_attack_HK_protesters%29
content:
<p>
Thousands of Hong Kong democracy protesters occupied a street, 
and were attacked by thugs with 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/30/hong-kong-protests-police-road-tunnel-violent-clashes">dogs
and pepper spray</a>.
<p>
It seems to be a 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/01/hong-kong-police-drive-out-pro-democracy-protesters">very
strong form of pepper spray</a>.


title: Putin exerting control over publishing
uri: Putin-exerting-control-over-publishing
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(Putin_exerting_control_over_publishing)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28Putin_exerting_control_over_publishing%29

content:
<p>
Putin is exerting 
<a href="https://freedomhouse.org/blog/russia-s-information-controls-reach-far-beyond-news-media">control
over publishing in Russia</a>, not just "news".
<p>
In general I object to using the word "content" to describe
publications, 
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Content">because
it disparages them</a>.  However, it may be a fitting word for the
publications of Putin's flunkies.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(High_price_of_HIV_drugs)
title: High price of HIV drugs
uri: High-price-of-HIV-drugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28High_price_of_HIV_drugs%29
content:
<p>
Millions with HIV die because they 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/dec/01/millions-hiv-die-lack-access-aids-drugs">can't
afford the drugs to keep them alive</a>.
<p>
The World Trade Organization and its TRIPES (*) agreement is partly
responsible for the high price of these patented drugs.  The leaders
of that organization, as well as the politicians that signed it and
ratified it, should be tried for mass murder by the International
Criminal Court.
<p>
* Trade-Restricting Impediments to Production, Education and Science.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(How_to_Police_the_Police)
title: How to Police the Police
uri: How-to-Police-the-Police
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28How_to_Police_the_Police%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://cdt.org/blog/how-to-police-the-police-what-rules-should-govern-police-use-of-body-cameras/">How
to Police the Police: What Rules Should Govern Police Use of Body
Cameras?</a>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(Jurisdiction_to_seize_data)
title: Jurisdiction to seize data
uri: Jurisdiction-to-seize-data
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28Jurisdiction_to_seize_data%29
content:
<p>
When a US company has data in a server in Europe, which country has
<a href="https://cdt.org/blog/law-enforcement-without-borders/">jurisdiction
to seize the data</a>?


title: Protesters attacked by thugs in Egypt
uri: Protesters-attacked-by-thugs-in-Egypt
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(Protesters_attacked_by_thugs_in_Egypt)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28Protesters_attacked_by_thugs_in_Egypt%29

content:
<p>
1000 protesters tried to enter Tahrir Square and were 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/30/protests-erupt-egypt-after-hosni-mubarak-charges-dropped">attacked
by thugs</a>.


title: Toxic tropical jellyfish crossing Suez Canal
uri: Toxic-tropical-jellyfish-crossing-Suez-Canal
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(Toxic_tropical_jellyfish_crossing_Suez_Canal)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28Toxic_tropical_jellyfish_crossing_Suez_Canal%29

content:
<p>
The Suez Canal has 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/30/suez-canal-scheme-threatens-mediterranean-ecosystem-economic-activity">allowed
toxic tropical jellyfish to invade the Mediterranean</a>, where they
endanger people and fish.  And other dangerous invaders too.


title: UN Committee Against Torture rebukes US
uri: UN-Committee-Against-Torture-rebukes-US
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(UN_Committee_Against_Torture_rebukes_US)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28UN_Committee_Against_Torture_rebukes_US%29

content:
<p>
The United Nations Committee Against Torture 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2014/11/28/un-criticizes-us-torture-police-practices-immigration-detention">rebuked
the US</a> for failing to punish torturers, as well as use of solitary
confinement and violence by thugs, and imprisonment of large numbers
of people facing possible deportation.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(Birth_control)
title: Birth control
uri: 2014-12-03-Birth-control
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28Birth_control%29
content:
<p>
The small health risks of some birth control methods are smaller than
the
<a href="http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/tarico20141119">health
risks they prevent</a>, and trivial compared with the health risks of
pregnancy.


title: In prison for not stopping abusive husband
uri: In-prison-for-not-stopping-abusive-husband
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(In_prison_for_not_stopping_abusive_husband)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28In_prison_for_not_stopping_abusive_husband%29

content:
<p>
Many US women are 
<a href="http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/27666-why-is-california-keeping-kelly-savage-in-prison-for-a-crime-she-didn-t-commit">in
prison for being unable to stop their husbands from beating their
children to death</a>.
<p>
The legal system fails to consider that the women were terrorized by
those men.


title: Secret opportunity to indict anyone
uri: Secret-opportunity-to-indict-anyone
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(Secret_opportunity_to_indict_anyone)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28Secret_opportunity_to_indict_anyone%29

content:
<p>
The grand jury gives prosecutors a secret opportunity to indict anyone
— or, as in the case of Michael Brown's killing, to avoid
indicting someone.  
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/law/2014/nov/25/ferguson-lee-rigby-grand-jury-secret">This
article</a> proposes a replacement system.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(UK_counter-terrorism_leaflets)
title: UK "counter-terrorism" leaflets
uri: UK-counter-terrorism-leaflets
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28UK_counter-terrorism_leaflets%29

content:
<p>
The UK is giving out "counter-terrorism" leaflets whose only use
is to 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/nov/30/david-mitchell-protect-yourself-counter-terrorism">make
people scared and ready to give up freedoms for security against a
tiny danger</a>.
<p>
(You know already what these campaigns are for, but the article is so
funny it would be a shame not to show it to you.)
<p>
The way for the UK (and the US) to minimize the danger of terrorism by
Islamists is to wind down the many interventions in mainly Muslim
countries.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(The_neo-Nazi_Golden_Dawn_party)
title: The neo-Nazi Golden Dawn party
uri: The-neo-Nazi-Golden-Dawn-party
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28The_neo-Nazi_Golden_Dawn_party%29

content:
<p>
In 1944, just after freeing Greece from the Nazis, 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/30/athens-1944-britains-dirty-secret">the
UK joined with Greek collaborators to massacre unarmed leftist
demonstrators</a> in order to impose a right-wing government of the
former flunkies of the Nazis.
<p>
This led to the Greek civil war an dictatorship, and to today's Greek
neo-Nazi Golden Dawn party.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(Internet_surveillance)
title: Internet surveillance
uri: Internet-surveillance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28Internet_surveillance%29
content:
<p>
It is quite likely you are already responding to fear of 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/nov/30/government-surveillance-privacy-internet">what
internet surveillance can do to you</a>.


title: Galapagos Islands' endangered species
uri: Galapagos-Islands-endangered-species
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(Galapagos_Islands_endangered_species)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28Galapagos_Islands_endangered_species%29

content:
<p>
Scientists protecting endangered species on the Galapagos Islands have
run
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/30/galapagos-islands-threat-wildlife">out
of money</a> because competing local people made them close their gift
shop.
<p>
Human inhabitation of the Galapagos Islands endangers the unique
species there, and so does tourism.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(Guaranteed_harms_of_fracking)
title: Guaranteed harms of fracking
uri: Guaranteed-harms-of-fracking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28Guaranteed_harms_of_fracking%29
content:
<p>
Clinton's criticism of fracking 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/02/hillary-clinton-says-fracking-carries-risks-in-conservation-speech">presumes
that there are some places where the risks are acceptable</a>.
<p>
Clearly she is considering only the local risk of polluting water
and not the guaranteed harms of (1) 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#13_August_2013_(Barnhart_Texas_runs_out_of_water)">using 
scarce water</a> and (2) 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-may-aug.html#01_July_2012_(Fraking_and_global_heating)">contributing
to global heating</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(Austerity)
title: Austerity
uri: Austerity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28Austerity%29
content:
<p>
The Labour Party would have used a little less austerity than the Tories
applied, but both would have 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/dec/01/analysis-low-paid-jobs-deficit-george-osborne-alistair-darling">spread
poverty</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(Militarization_of_US_thugs)
title: Militarization of US thugs
uri: 2014-12-04-Militarization-of-US-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28Militarization_of_US_thugs%29
content:
<p>
Obama 
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/02/us/politics/obama-to-toughen-standards-on-police-use-of-military-gear.html">plans
to somewhat limit the militarization</a> of US thugs.
<p>
Why is this program "popular in Congress"?  Probably because of the
money of the companies that make the equipment, which have arranged to
divide the work around nearly all congressional districts.
<p>
We must reject the idea that an elected official's proper job includes
pulling jobs to their districts from other parts of the US, or getting
the government to do misguided spending in their districts.


title: Line between death threats and jokes
uri: Line-between-death-threats-and-jokes
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(Line_between_death_threats_and_jokes)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28Line_between_death_threats_and_jokes%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/30/magazine/do-online-death-threats-count-as-free-speech.html">Where
to draw the line</a> between online death threats and jokes or
self-expression?
<p>
A just criterion can't rest on the subjective understanding of either
party.  It has to be based on what is reasonable in the situation.
<p>
In addition we must stop publicly posting our private musings.
Web sites such as Facebook that encourage that practice are harmful.


title: "Ghost soldiers" on Iraqi army payroll
uri: Ghost-soldiers-on-Iraqi-army-payroll
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(Ghost_soldiers_on_Iraqi_army_payroll)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28Ghost_soldiers_on_Iraqi_army_payroll%29

content:
<p>
The Iraqi army, trained by the US, had 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/01/iraqi-government-investigation-finds-50000-ghost-soldiers-on-army-payroll">50,000
"ghost soldiers" on its payroll</a> who were not really acting as
soldiers.
<p>
This alone does not explain PISSI's triumph.  The 10,000 real soldiers
in Mosul greatly outnumbered PISSI, and could easily have held the
city — if they were inclined to fight.


title: Spanish gov't wants crimes forgotten
uri: Spanish-gov-t-wants-crimes-forgotten
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(Spanish_govt_wants_crimes_forgotten)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28Spanish_govt_wants_crimes_forgotten%29

content:
<p>
The Spanish right-wing government 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2014/dec/01/-sp-garcia-lorca-mystery-solved-spain-remains-buried">cut
off funds for finding and identifying the graves of people massacred
by its predecessor, the dictator Franco</a>, during the Spanish civil
war.
<p>
Franco was a general, and tried to stage a military coup, but ran into
resistance from the people so that it took him three years to conquer
all of Spain.
<p>
Friends in Spain told me a few years ago that Franco's supporters
still occupied positions of power.  It is no surprise, therefore, that
right-wing politicians want to Franco's crimes to be forgotten.


title: Human rights activist sentenced to prison
uri: Human-rights-activist-sentenced-to-prison
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(Human_rights_activist_sentenced_to_prison)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28Human_rights_activist_sentenced_to_prison%29

content:
<p>
A Bahraini human rights campaigner was 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/01/bahrain-activist-maryam-al-khawaja-jailed-assault">sentenced
to prison for attacking two thugs</a>.  That's what the thugs
generally say; more likely they attacked her.
<p>
The effect is to keep her in permanent exile.


title: Tax-evading landlord evicting residents
uri: Tax-evading-landlord-evicting-residents
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 03_December_2014_(Tax-evading_landlord_evicting_residents)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_%28Tax-evading_landlord_evicting_residents%29

content:
<p>
London residents facing eviction by a new tax-evading landlord
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/dec/01/new-era-estate-resident-protest-us-investment-firm-office">protested
at the company's office</a>.


title: Urgent: Support US fast food workers
uri: Urgent-Support-US-fast-food-workers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 04_December_2014_(Urgent:_Support_US_fast_food_workers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Support_US_fast_food_workers%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="http://strikefastfood.org/support/">support</a> US fast food
workers on strike for $15 an hour.


title: Threats sent by Japanese corporation
uri: Threats-sent-by-Japanese-corporation
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 04_December_2014_(Threats_sent_by_Japanese_corporation)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_%28Threats_sent_by_Japanese_corporation%29

content:
<p>
Japanese corporation Sumitomo tried to get a license to mine in the
Solomon Islands by 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/03/japanese-miner-threatened-aid-cut-in-bid-to-win-solomon-islands-nickel-deal">telling
the Japanese ambassador to threaten to cut aid for a hospital</a>.
<p>
The ambassador didn't dare say no, but fortunately he avoided carrying
out the order.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 04_December_2014_(Complimentary_medicines)
title: "Complimentary medicines"
uri: Complimentary-medicines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_%28Complimentary_medicines%29
content:
<p>
Common "complementary medicines" claimed to assist cancer chemotherapy
are likely to 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/dec/03/alternative-therapies-risk-effectiveness-of-cancer-treatment-researchers-find">undermine
its effectiveness</a>.


title: Carbon footprint of meat production
uri: Carbon-footprint-of-meat-production
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 04_December_2014_(Carbon_footprint_of_meat_production)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_%28Carbon_footprint_of_meat_production%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/03/eating-less-meat-curb-climate-change">Eating
Less Meat Essential to Curb Climate Change, Says Report</a>.
<p>
Most people don't realize how big a footprint meat production has.
Especially beef.
<p>
Fixing this problem does not require "telling people what to eat";
making greenhouse-emitting activities pay for the damage they do
would be enough.


title: Harmful chemicals in Antarctic waters
uri: Harmful-chemicals-in-Antarctic-waters
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 04_December_2014_(Harmful_chemicals_in_Antarctic_waters)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_%28Harmful_chemicals_in_Antarctic_waters%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/03/soap-sunscreen-and-steroids-found-in-antarctic-waters-and-wildlife">Soap,
Sunscreen And Steroids Found in Antarctic Waters And Wildlife</a>.
<p>
Some of these chemicals can be harmful to wildlife in minute
quantities because they mimic hormones.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 04_December_2014_(Luxembourgs_tax-dodging_scheme)
title: Luxembourg's tax-dodging scheme
uri: Luxembourg-s-tax-dodging-scheme
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_%28Luxembourgs_tax-dodging_scheme%29

content:
<p>
Important EU countries are 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/02/tax-avoidance-deals-juncker-legislation-luxembourg-eu-corporation-tax-multinationals">pushing
to end Luxembourg's tax-dodging scheme</a>.


title: Raped women threatened and imprisoned
uri: Raped-women-threatened-and-imprisoned
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 04_December_2014_(Raped_women_threatened_and_imprisoned)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_%28Raped_women_threatened_and_imprisoned%29

content:
<p>
When thugs disbelieve a woman who makes an accusation of rape, they
often threaten her until she falsely confesses to lying.  Then she
gets prosecuted and 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/02/britain-violating-rape-victims-human-rights">may
be caught in prison until the rapist is caught raping someone
else</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 04_December_2014_(Antisemitism_Is_Racism)
title: Antisemitism Is Racism
uri: Antisemitism-Is-Racism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_%28Antisemitism_Is_Racism%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/02/antisemitism-is-racism-malky-mackay-david-whelan-mario-balotelli">Antisemitism
Is Racism.  We Need to Acknowledge That.</a>


title: "Peace and calm" from rifle manufacturer
uri: Peace-and-calm-from-rifle-manufacturer
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 04_December_2014_(Peace_and_calm_from_rifle_manufacturer)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_%28Peace_and_calm_from_rifle_manufacturer%29

content:
<p>
The rifle manufacturer Kalashnikov, whose weapons are used in wars
around the world, now 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/02/kalashnikov-promoting-peace-calm-notorious-gun-gets-makeover">advertises
itself as "promoting peace and calm"</a>.
<p>
Reminds me of how the US renamed the War Department as the "Defense
Department".


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 04_December_2014_(Censorship_in_Bangladesh)
title: Censorship in Bangladesh
uri: Censorship-in-Bangladesh
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_%28Censorship_in_Bangladesh%29
content:
<p>
A journalist in Bangladesh has been 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/02/bangladesh-convicts-british-journalist-david-bergman">fined
for questioning the government's claims about the number of political
murders in Bangladesh's war of independence</a>.
<p>
Ironically, he was 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/dec/02/british-journalist-found-guilty-of-contempt-in-bangladesh">instrumental
in calling attention to these murders</a>.
<p>
Such vile censorship is not unique to Bangladesh.  France has two laws
each explicitly prohibiting disagreement with the official views on a
particular question.  One was 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-nov-feb.html#13_January_2014_(Freedom_of_speech_in_Turkey_and_France)">adopted
just a few years ago</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 04_December_2014_(Threats_from_fracking)
title: Threats from fracking
uri: Threats-from-fracking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_%28Threats_from_fracking%29
content:
<p>
Fracking 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/01/thirsty-global-fracking-industry-puts-water-environment-communities-risk">threatens
to exacerbate water shortages in Mexico, earthquakes in China and
Indonesia, and wipe out indigenous peoples in some other
countries</a>.
<p>
All this while encouraging people to keep burning fossil fuel.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 04_December_2014_(Miitarization_of_US_police)
title: Miitarization of US police
uri: Miitarization-of-US-police
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_%28Miitarization_of_US_police%29
content:
<p>
Obama isn't proposing to stop militarizing US police, 
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2014/12/01/obama-doesnt-really-care-about-police-mi">only
to monitor the process more</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 04_December_2014_(Lima_climate_talks)
title: Lima climate talks
uri: Lima-climate-talks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_%28Lima_climate_talks%29
content:
<p>
The US is 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/02/lima-climate-talks-eu-and-us-at-odds-over-legally-binding-emissions-targets">dragging
its feet in Lima climate talks</a>, acting as if we could take our
time curbing global heading slowly.


title: Money for war but no help for refugees
uri: Money-for-war-but-no-help-for-refugees
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 04_December_2014_(Money_for_war_but_no_help_for_refugees)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_%28Money_for_war_but_no_help_for_refugees%29

content:
<p>
The US spent a lot of money for war but 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/02/britain-us-syria-refugee-crisis-food-aid">won't
help Syrian refugees</a>.
<p>
I think the US should offer funds for permanent resettlement of these
refugees, not just to keep them alive in refugee camps, because that
way the problem will be solved.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 04_December_2014_(Australian_immigration_TV_show)
title: Australian immigration TV show
uri: Australian-immigration-TV-show
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_%28Australian_immigration_TV_show%29

content:
<p>
Australian immigration seems to have pressured Monica Jones to agree
to be filmed for a TV program, 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/02/us-transgender-activist-monica-jones-pressured-to-appear-on-airport-reality-tv-show">on
pain of receiving harsh treatment</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 04_December_2014_(Bribes_from_megacorporations)
title: Bribes from megacorporations
uri: Bribes-from-megacorporations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_%28Bribes_from_megacorporations%29
content:
<p>
Megacorporations pay 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/02/study-corporate-bribery-and-corruption-grease-gears-global-capitalism">most
of the world's bribes</a>, and often the people who pay them are
executives or high-level managers.


title: Greatest market failure in history
uri: Greatest-market-failure-in-history
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 04_December_2014_(Greatest_market_failure_in_history)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_%28Greatest_market_failure_in_history%29

content:
<p>
The current low price for oil is the 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/02/low-oil-prices-are-historys-greatest-case-market-failure">greatest
market failure in history</a>.
<p>
It is due to failure to make greenhouse gas emitters pay for the harm
they do.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 04_December_2014_(Cost_of_being_accused_of_crime)
title: Cost of being accused of crime
uri: Cost-of-being-accused-of-crime
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_%28Cost_of_being_accused_of_crime%29

content:
<p>
In the US, being accused of a crime and jailed can leave you
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/02/poverty-incarceration-and-criminal-justice-debt">in
debt for thousands of dollars</a>.  Poor people who can't pay those
debts can be jailed again for that (i.e., it is debtor's prison) and
thus given even more debt they will never pay.
<p>
Since states expect that less than 1/10 of this debt will actually be
repaid, it's not a serious attempt to collect money, but rather a way
to repress the poor.  We should cancel all these debts and abolish
fees for all aspects of being accused of a crime or imprisoned.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 04_December_2014_(US_military_vs_the_environment)
title: US military vs the environment
uri: US-military-vs-the-environment
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_%28US_military_vs_the_environment%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/02/climate-change-challenges-support-environment-or-us-military">Support
the Environment or the U.S. Military?</a>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 04_December_2014_(Bernie_Sanders_economic_program)
title: Bernie Sander's economic program
uri: Bernie-Sander-s-economic-program
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_%28Bernie_Sanders_economic_program%29

content:
<p>
Bernie Sanders presents his 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/02/economic-agenda-america-12-steps-forward">economic
program</a>.
<p>
While he doesn't advocate all the points I think are necessary, I
would be glad to vote for him because of this much.


title: Protests on behalf of Michael Brown
uri: Protests-on-behalf-of-Michael-Brown
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 04_December_2014_(Protests_on_behalf_of_Michael_Brown)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_%28Protests_on_behalf_of_Michael_Brown%29

content:
<p>
On Monday there were 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/02/thousands-take-part-national-die-ins-demonstrations-michael-brown">protests
on behalf of Michael Brown</a> (and by extension others killed by
thugs).


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 04_December_2014_(UK_university_speech_censorship)
title: UK university speech censorship
uri: UK-university-speech-censorship
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_%28UK_university_speech_censorship%29

content:
<p>
The UK plan to censor speeches in universities means the 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/dec/02/anti-terror-measures-make-us-extremists">end
of intellectual freedom</a>, in a sad contrast with the tradition of
liberty.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 04_December_2014_(Record_pace_of_evictions_in_UK)
title: Record pace of evictions in UK
uri: Record-pace-of-evictions-in-UK
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_%28Record_pace_of_evictions_in_UK%29

content:
<p>
Evictions in the UK are 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/dec/03/evictions-welfare-reforms-property-prices-tenants">hitting
a record pace</a>.  Traps placed in welfare benefits by the Tories are
almost certain to cause an eviction when they go off.
<p>
The main problem is that the wealthy are using a larger fraction of
the UK's total housing space than before.  This can be reversed at
least partially by raising taxes on large houses and apartments, which
will move the middle class and somewhat wealthy towards somewhat
smaller spaces, making more buildings available for poor people to
live in.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 04_December_2014_(Baby_coral_research)
title: Baby coral research
uri: Baby-coral-research
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_%28Baby_coral_research%29
content:
<p>
Baby coral animals 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/03/baby-coral-research-gives-glimmer-of-hope-reefs-could-adapt-to-global-warming">may
be able to adapt to higher acidity</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(New_net_neutrality_battle)
title: New net neutrality battle
uri: New-net-neutrality-battle
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%28New_net_neutrality_battle%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.wired.com/2014/12/fcc-sms/">A New Net-Neutrality
Battle Brews Over…Text Messages</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(Open_access_with_DRM)
title: "Open access" with DRM
uri: Open-access-with-DRM
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%28Open_access_with_DRM%29
content:
<p>
The publisher of Nature is trying a
<a href="http://www.computerworlduk.com/blogs/open-enterprise/open-access-3589444/">cynical
form of "open access"</a>, dependent on DRM implemented in nonfree
software.
<p>
This illustrates the weakness of the term "open access".  It leads
people to think that schemes like this are acceptable.  We need to
campaign for
<a href="/articles/free-scientific-publishing.html">free scientific
publication</a> instead.


title: Governments using DMCA for censorship
uri: Governments-using-DMCA-for-censorship
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(Governments_using_DMCA_for_censorship)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%28Governments_using_DMCA_for_censorship%29

content:
<p>
Many governments are using the DMCA to
<a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2014/12/copyright-law-tool-state-internet-censorship">censor
critical publications made through US internet companies</a>.
<p>
Today's copyright descends from an English censorship law adopted in
1565.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(UK_tax_cut_for_house_owners)
title: UK tax cut for house owners
uri: UK-tax-cut-for-house-owners
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%28UK_tax_cut_for_house_owners%29
content:
<p>
The UK government's latest tax cut for house owners is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2014/dec/03/stamp-duty-boost-house-prices">likely
to increase house prices</a>, making things worse for the non-rich.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(Cubas_achievements_in_medicine)
title: Cuba's achievements in medicine
uri: Cuba-s-achievements-in-medicine
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%28Cubas_achievements_in_medicine%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/03/cuba-global-medical-record-shames-us-blockade-ebola">Cuba's
Extraordinary Global Medical Record Shames the US Blockade</a>.
<p>
The great Cuban dissident Oswaldo Payá, apparently
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-jan-apr.html#09_March_2013_(Driver_of_the_car_Oswaldo)">killed
by the regime</a>, admired the achievements of the Cuban revolution in
areas such as medicine, education and agriculture, and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2007-jan-apr.html#23%20March%202007%20(Proyecto%20Varela)">wanted
to preserve them</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(Impunity_of_thugs)
title: Impunity of thugs
uri: 2014-12-05-Impunity-of-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%28Impunity_of_thugs%29
content:
<p>
The impunity of thugs continues as the thug that choked Eric Garner to death
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/03/eric-garner-grand-jury-declines-indict-nypd-chokehold-death">escapes
charges</a>.
<p>
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/?p=9529">Cameras Aren't a
Miracle Cure for Police Brutality</a>.
<p>
The ACLU
<a href="https://www.aclu.org/criminal-law-reform/grand-jury-decision-underscores-need-wholesale-reform-nypd">calls
for a reform of the New York Thug Department</a> to prevent more such
killings.
<p>
The Justice Department is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/03/justice-department-eric-holder-eric-garner-investigation">investigating
whether to charge the thug with violating Garner's civil rights</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(Vagina_kayak_hack)
title: Vagina kayak hack
uri: Vagina-kayak-hack
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%28Vagina_kayak_hack%29
content:
<p>
Hacking as a protest against prudish censorship: artist Rokude Nashiko
has been
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/03/japanese-vagina-kayak-artist-arrested-again-obscenity">arrested</a>
for distributing plans for a kayak based on the shape of her vagina.


title: Urgent: Oppose tax cut for business
uri: Urgent-Oppose-tax-cut-for-business
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(Urgent:_Oppose_tax_cut_for_business)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_tax_cut_for_business%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/tax_deal">tell Congressional
Democrats</a> not to join Republicans in a tax cut for business.


title: Urgent: Veto bills that attack non-rich
uri: Urgent-Veto-bills-that-attack-non-rich
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(Urgent:_Veto_bills_that_attack_non-rich)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Veto_bills_that_attack_non-rich%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://www.progressivesunited.org/action/bernie-sanders-barack-obama-veto-sanders">call
on Obama</a> to get ready to veto Republican bills that attack the
non-rich.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(UK_student_protests_resume)
title: UK student protests resume
uri: UK-student-protests-resume
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%28UK_student_protests_resume%29
content:
<p>
Student protests have resumed in the UK, and
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/04/students-rising-authoritarian-police-protest-warwick-university">so
has repression by thugs</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(Insecurity_of_zero-hour_contract)
title: Insecurity of zero-hour contract
uri: Insecurity-of-zero-hour-contract
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%28Insecurity_of_zero-hour_contract%29

content:
<p>
The insecurity of a zero-hour contract 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/04/zero-hours-contracts-teaching-job-insecurity">convinced
a teacher to work in a supermarket instead</a>.
<p>
Government policies are the reason for widespread insecurity.
Insecure work where workers can't be assured of enough hours to
support themselves should be banned.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(Effects_of_global_heating)
title: Effects of global heating
uri: 2014-12-06-Effects-of-global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%28Effects_of_global_heating%29
content:
<p>
Low-tech indigenous peoples, not at all responsible for global
heating, are being 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/03/climate-change-yanwana-amazon-floods-lily-cole">slammed
by its effects</a>.
<p>
Kiribati is not yet underwater, but 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/04/in-30-years-maybe-kiribati-will-disappear-climate-change">drought
may render it uninhabitable first</a>.  It is too late to prevent
this; denialists have delayed action too long.
<p>
It may be too late for Miami, too.


title: Fracking on indigenous Australians' lands
uri: Fracking-on-indigenous-Australians-lands
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(Fracking_on_indigenous_Australians_lands)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%28Fracking_on_indigenous_Australians_lands%29

content:
<p>
An indigenous group in Australia has appealed to the UN about
government plans to allow 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/04/queensland-indigenous-group-appeals-united-nations-mining-land">fracking
in their lands without consulting them</a>.


title: Ecuador's thugs harass climate activists
uri: Ecuador-s-thugs-harass-climate-activists
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(Ecuadors_thugs_harass_climate_activists)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%28Ecuadors_thugs_harass_climate_activists%29

content:
<p>
Ecuador's thugs 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/03/green-activists-ecuador-climate-change">repeatedly
harassed climate activists trying to go to the Lima conference</a>,
with false accusations.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(Marriage_vow_of_two_activists)
title: Marriage vow of two activists
uri: Marriage-vow-of-two-activists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%28Marriage_vow_of_two_activists%29

content:
<p>
Two Australian activists decided to make their marriage a 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/04/protest-isnt-just-for-wide-eyed-optimists-david-pocock-and-i-put-it-in-our-vows">joint
commitment to love the world by campaigning for humanity's good</a>.
They were recently arrested trying to interfere with coal mining
promoted by Abbott, suppository of all pollution.


title: The massacre of radical Mexican students
uri: The-massacre-of-radical-Mexican-students
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(The_massacre_of_radical_Mexican_students)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%28The_massacre_of_radical_Mexican_students%29

content:
<p>
The massacre of radical Mexican students by the narco state has led to
a 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/03/mexico-student-massacre-unravelled-federal-government">broad
demand for the resignation of the right-wing president</a>.


title: Stopped for having hands in pockets
uri: Stopped-for-having-hands-in-pockets
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(Stopped_for_having_hands_in_pockets)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%28Stopped_for_having_hands_in_pockets%29

content:
<p>
Brandon McKean was 
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/01/brandon-mckean-walking-with-hands-in-pockets_n_6242584.html">stopped
on the street by a thug for walking with his hands in his pockets</a>.
<p>
Perhaps it wasn't solely because he had his hands in his pockets.
Perhaps he was mistaken for someone else who was under suspicion
because the two had the same skin color.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(2014_to_set_world_heat_record)
title: 2014 to set world heat record
uri: 2014-to-set-world-heat-record
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%282014_to_set_world_heat_record%29

content:
<p>
It looks like 2014 will set a 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/03/2014-set-to-be-worlds-hottest-year-ever-climate-change">world
heat record</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(Temporary_suppression_of_heating)
title: Temporary suppression of heating
uri: Temporary-suppression-of-heating
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%28Temporary_suppression_of_heating%29

content:
<p>
Many small volcanic eruptions have 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2014/dec/03/volcanoes-responsible-for-lot-of-global-surface-warming-slowdown">temporarily
suppressed</a> part of the heating that our greenhouse gases would
have caused.


title: US treats pregnant women and mothers badly
uri: US-treats-pregnant-women-and-mothers-badly
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(US_treats_pregnant_women_and_mothers_badly)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%28US_treats_pregnant_women_and_mothers_badly%29

content:
<p>
The US treats pregnant women and mothers 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/03/-sp-motherhood-pregnant-women-court-case">very
badly</a>.
<p>
I don't agree that "motherhood is the most important job in the world".
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/children.html">Humans need to
have fewer children</a>.  But when a child is born, we should give it
what's needed for it to have a good and healthy life.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(Senate_CIA_torture_report)
title: Senate CIA torture report
uri: Senate-CIA-torture-report
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%28Senate_CIA_torture_report%29
content:
<p>
The 
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/?p=9340">executive summary
of the Senate CIA torture report</a> has been released.  It has many
gaps and flaws.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(Global_climate_negotiations)
title: Global climate negotiations
uri: Global-climate-negotiations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%28Global_climate_negotiations%29
content:
<p>
Australia
is <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/planet-oz/2014/dec/03/will-australia-be-the-great-coal-defender-at-lima-climate-talks">trying
to sabotage global climate negotiations</a> in order to boost coal to
the max.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(Heterosexual_civil_partnerships)
title: Heterosexual civil partnerships
uri: Heterosexual-civil-partnerships
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%28Heterosexual_civil_partnerships%29

content:
<p>
Campaigning for the 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/dec/02/couple-challenge-ban-heterosexual-civil-partnerships">right
of heterosexual couples to choose a civil partnership instead of
marriage</a>.
<p>
In France, any two people can form a civil partnership.
It does not suppose that they are lovers.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(Algorithms_to_spot_terrorists)
title: Algorithms to spot "terrorists"
uri: Algorithms-to-spot-terrorists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%28Algorithms_to_spot_terrorists%29

content:
<p>
When Big Brother makes Facebook and other companies run algorithms to
spot "terrorists", they 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/dec/02/youre-the-bomb-are-you-at-risk-from-anti-terrorism-algorithms-automated-tracking-innocent-people">will
trigger for thousands of other people by mistake</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 05_December_2014_(Canadas_green_energy_boom)
title: Canada's green energy boom
uri: Canada-s-green-energy-boom
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_December_2014_%28Canadas_green_energy_boom%29
content:
<p>
Canada is having a 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/02/canada-more-jobs-green-energy-tar-sands">green-energy
boom</a> despite the government's efforts to promote fossil fuels, but
investment depends on foreign banks.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(Urgent:_Expose_execution_methods)
title: Urgent: Expose execution methods
uri: Urgent-Expose-execution-methods
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Expose_execution_methods%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://ms.clicks.actions.aclu.org/t/ccjbaGSRuQAJKrDAMmCWBea-RmDAX3gaaaa?l=-@tEsFr&n=ivj_pe3.f0X&u=5~p&6=&i=qk2g1://j1c.lRynrq.lfv/Rlc31jT2Zxe/rj1lnj/jcni2/?RuV0krU=DuGxDxAs&2pyV=LL&vj=ndu@sBs~rA@TjgrkjcylwZ1YvVwk@xYrfkZuc&@@jW=7lLw2vhtN4mVjNOddGgp8Lv~TICxAExO-KwUDQFCB8bHdp~OTheLfOchXuc4RHCejJ-tjMaKe-Mj8ejha8NsE07tAwuiC7YqqZ8%25tOE-c1N0GR9%25~44hOuzRjFmOejF4TFGY%25~4WyDjX-%25~8fRr%25tK3kXKo4qxCuCGDB6cTWfxfJ0tW0nod3KmcaIZkK86ZbIkbdpR~Uyg5%25~46Rkuvtg~j8iuDLs%25tKawL3k7ahcctXxTQSe5WDs1ydt~CDLxVAY35xChSgYWUrkC&@@jyj2R2V=oluc">oppose</a>
Ohio's proposed bill to keep execution methods and consequences
secret.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(Heathrow_Airport_community_group)
title: Heathrow Airport "community group"
uri: Heathrow-Airport-community-group
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28Heathrow_Airport_community_group%29

content:
<p>
Heathrow Airport set up an 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/dec/03/gatwick-claims-heathrow-set-up-fake-runway-support-group">astroturf
"community group"</a> to pressure for building another runway there.
<p>
It's a mistake to increase airport capacity in the London area,
or just about anywhere.  The world needs to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(Pregnant_women's_rights)
title: Pregnant women's rights
uri: Pregnant-women-s-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28Pregnant_women%27s_rights%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/04/pregnant-womens-rights-britain-drinking-crime">We
Can't Be Complacent about Pregnant Women's Rights</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(Pygmy_chameleon_might_be_extinct)
title: Pygmy chameleon might be extinct
uri: Pygmy-chameleon-might-be-extinct
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28Pygmy_chameleon_might_be_extinct%29

content:
<p>
The pygmy chameleon 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/04/scientists-plan-search-the-worlds-rarest-chameleon">might
be extinct already</a> — but if not, it will have a hard time
surviving now that humans have cut down nearly all the forest it used
to live in.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(More_ALEC_legislators)
title: More ALEC legislators
uri: More-ALEC-legislators
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28More_ALEC_legislators%29
content:
<p>
ALEC has more legislators as members, but perhaps 
<a href="http://www.prwatch.org/news/2014/12/12685/more-alec-corporations-flee-alec-rolls-out-2015-legislative-agenda">less
money to buy their support with</a>, since most of the companies that
used to support it have stopped.


title: Protesters thwart pipeline project
uri: Protesters-thwart-pipeline-project
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(Protesters_thwart_pipeline_project)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28Protesters_thwart_pipeline_project%29

content:
<p>
Protesters in Canada have 
<a haref="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/03/kinder-morgan-leaves-burnaby-mountain-win-pipeline-protesters">thwarted
a pipeline project to take tar sands to the Pacific Ocean</a>.
<p>
Investment in fossil fuels is 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/03/un-climate-chief-investment-fossil-fuels-becoming-more-and-more-risky">increasingly
risky</a>: extraction will be stopped, either by a
climate-preservation deal or by a collapse of global trade, and the
rest will lose its value.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(Thug_violence)
title: Thug violence
uri: Thug-violence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28Thug_violence%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/03/stop-police-officers-killing-our-children">Stop
Police Officers from Killing Our Children</a>.


title: Income that Google and Topshop transfer out of the UK
uri: Income-that-Google-and-Topshop-transfer-out-of-the-UK
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(Income_that_Google_and_Topshop_transfer_out_of_the_UK)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28Income_that_Google_and_Topshop_transfer_out_of_the_UK%29

content:
<p>
The UK government is talking
about <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/business/nils-pratley-on-finance/2014/dec/03/george-osborne-google-tax">plans
to tax income that Google and Topshop transfer out of the UK</a>, but
apparently only to very small extent.


title: Chemical companies undermine scientific results
uri: Chemical-companies-undermine-scientific-results
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(Chemical_companies_undermine_scientific_results)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28Chemical_companies_undermine_scientific_results%29

content:
<p>
A lawsuit by sick workers has obtained and revealed documents showing
how chemical companies
have <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/04/-sp-documents-petrochemical-industry-poison-benzene">worked
to undermine the scientific results showing that benzene is toxic and
carcinogenic</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(Scotland's_devolved_government)
title: Scotland's devolved government
uri: Scotland-s-devolved-government
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28Scotland%27s_devolved_government%29

content:
<p>
Scotland's devolved government
is <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/03/landowners-scotland-britain-feudal-highland-spring">talking
about land reform, taxing rich people's hunting estates, and so
on</a>. Even to identify and disclose landowners is a radical step in
the UK.


title: The cost of adapting to global heating
uri: The-cost-of-adapting-to-global-heating
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(The_cost_of_adapting_to_global_heating)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28The_cost_of_adapting_to_global_heating%29

content:
<p>
The cost of adapting to global
heating <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/05/adapting-to-a-warmer-climate-could-cost-almost-three-times-as-much-as-thought-says-un-report">will
be far more expensive than previously believed</a>.  It could cost up
to 500 billion dollars a year by 2050 even if we hold heating to 2C.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(Fracking_chemicals)
title: Fracking chemicals
uri: Fracking-chemicals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28Fracking_chemicals%29
content:
<p>
Some fracking chemicals
cause <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/05/fracking-chemicals-could-pose-risks-to-reproductive-health-say-researchers">a
risk of sterility and birth defects for humans and animals too</a>.


title: UK budget proposal increases subsidy for oil
uri: UK-budget-proposal-increases-subsidy-for-oil
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(UK_budget_proposal_increases_subsidy_for_oil)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28UK_budget_proposal_increases_subsidy_for_oil%29

content:
<p>
The UK budget
proposal <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/03/george-osbornes-cold-shoulder-for-the-green-economy">increases
subsidy for oil and doesn't even mention renewable energy</a>.


title: Sale of military weapons to thug departments
uri: Sale-of-military-weapons-to-thug-departments
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(Sale_of_military_weapons_to_thug_departments)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28Sale_of_military_weapons_to_thug_departments%29

content:
<p>
Obama
should <a href="https://www.aclu.org/blog/criminal-law-reform-immigrants-rights-technology-and-liberty/mrap-not-blanket">suspend
the donation and sale of military weapons to thug departments</a>
until strict limits are in place.


title: NSA spies on emails of employees of phone companies
uri: NSA-spies-on-emails-of-employees-of-phone-companies
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(NSA_spies_on_emails_of_employees_of_phone_companies)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28NSA_spies_on_emails_of_employees_of_phone_companies%29

content:
<p>
The NSA spies on emails of employees of phone companies in "allied"
countries to <a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/?p=9293">find
how to attack their phone systems</a>.
<p>
It even goes as far as introducing security weaknesses into phone
systems, undermining security against an crackers whatsoever.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(Charges_of_blasphemy)
title: Charges of blasphemy
uri: Charges-of-blasphemy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28Charges_of_blasphemy%29
content:
<p>
A prominent Pakistani
Muslim <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/04/pakistani-preacher-junaid-jamshed-blasphemy-accusations">faces
charges of blasphemy</a>.
<p>
Maybe the country will self-destruct in a web of crossed blasphemy
accusations.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(War_against_PISSI_for_years)
title: War against PISSI for years
uri: War-against-PISSI-for-years
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28War_against_PISSI_for_years%29
content:
<p>
Kerry <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/04/absence-public-debate-kerry-vows-wage-war-long-it-takes">proposes
to continue war against PISSI for years</a>, but there is no reason to
think such a war could ever be won.
<p>
I think this is part of a plan
to <a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28US_troops_in_Iraq_to_have_immunity_from_prosecution%29">slowly
send a large number of US troops to fight PISSI on the ground</a>.
<p>
Attrition, and death of some leaders, can't defeat PISSI.  Land
battles can push PISSI back, but doing this with US troops would not
work because their occupation
would <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2005-nov-feb.html#30%20December%202005%20%28The%20Iraqi%20resistance%20has%20proved%20that%20the%20neocons%20were%20wrong%29">inspire
the same resentment as before</a>.
<p>
It is impossible to defeat PISSI except by giving Iraqi and Syrian
Sunnis a way to be safe from Shi'ite repression.  If they get this,
they may
well <a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#01_December_2014_%28PISSI%29">throw
PISSI out</a>. However, the current repressive behavior
of <a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#14_November_2014_%28Shiite_militias_applying_PISSI_practices%29">Iraqi
Shi'ite militias</a> surely convince them to they must keep supporting
PISSI


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(Workers_demand_living_wage)
title: Workers demand living wage
uri: Workers-demand-living-wage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28Workers_demand_living_wage%29
content:
<p>
Thousands of fast food workers and airline workers and medical care
workers went
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/04/low-wage-workers-retake-national-stage-fight-15">on
strike across the US</a> to demand a living wage.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(Obamas_promise_to_plutocrats)
title: Obama's promise to plutocrats
uri: Obama-s-promise-to-plutocrats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28Obamas_promise_to_plutocrats%29
content:
<p>
Obama promised plutocrats he would
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/04/obama-ready-defy-base-order-advance-trans-pacific-partnership">impose
the TPP over the opposition of most Democrats and most Americans</a>.
<p>
I've always considered him a Republican in disguise.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(Sewage_dumped_from_cruise_ships)
title: Sewage dumped from cruise ships
uri: Sewage-dumped-from-cruise-ships
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28Sewage_dumped_from_cruise_ships%29

content:
<p>
Many cruise ships
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2014/12/04/cruise-ships-flushed-more-billion-gallons-sewage-oceans-again-year">dump
poorly treated sewage into the ocean</a>, and now they refuse to
answer questions about this practice.
<p>
Unless you're shallow in your approach to life, I suggest you avoid
taking a cruise as a vacation.  I went on one once, invited to give a
talk, and found it to be more "Here's the next thing you're supposed
to enjoy" than truly enjoyable.


title: People who view depictions of sexual abuse
uri: People-who-view-depictions-of-sexual-abuse
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(People_who_view_depictions_of_sexual_abuse)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28People_who_view_depictions_of_sexual_abuse%29

content:
<p>
Most people that view images depicting sexual abuse of children
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/dec/05/top-police-officer-many-viewing-child-abuse-images-treated-nhs">will
never do anything to real children</a>.  However, they are all likely
to be imprisoned.


title: UK Tories propose further spending cuts
uri: UK-Tories-propose-further-spending-cuts
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(UK_Tories_propose_further_spending_cuts)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28UK_Tories_propose_further_spending_cuts%29

content:
<p>
The UK Tories now propose
<a hraf="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/dec/04/george-osborne-spending-cuts-change-state-beyond-recognition-ifs">drastic
further spending cuts</a>.  This could make the center-right Labour
appear comparatively better, but that only means it won't attack the
poor quite as much.
<p>
The effects are likely to be
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/dec/04/britain-2020-vision-of-the-future">disastrous</a>.
And that's aside from the recession it can cause.  The worst harm will
fall on the poorest.


title: Power over boat people in Australia
uri: Power-over-boat-people-in-Australia
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(Power_over_boat_people_in_Australia)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28Power_over_boat_people_in_Australia%29

content:
<p>
Australia has given one minister arbitrary total power over boat
people.  He can order that they be 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/dec/05/senate-gives-scott-morrison-unchecked-control-over-asylum-seekers-lives">secretly
deported to be tortured, or abandoned at sea</a>.  I wonder if he has
the power to order they be secretly shot.
<p>
Refugees sent by Australia to Nauru are nearly prisoners even if they
are granted some sort of 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/05/-sp-nauru-scarcest-commodity-freedom-refugees-residents">"refugee
status"</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(Toy_guns)
title: Toy guns
uri: Toy-guns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28Toy_guns%29
content:
<p>
The St Louis thug department is being criticized for 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/04/ferguson-police-tamir-rice-facebook">publicly
warning about toy guns that look real</a>.
<p>
The advice was not a threat, and it was wise.  People should not give
children toy guns that look real, unless the children are mature
enough and trained enough to handle a real gun properly — to do
so invites many kinds of trouble, starting with scaring people, even
if thugs do not get involved.
<p>
This is independent of the many cases where thugs have wrongfully
killed adults and children.


title: Rights and legal responsibilities
uri: Rights-and-legal-responsibilities
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(Rights_and_legal_responsibilities)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28Rights_and_legal_responsibilities%29

content:
<p>
A US court rejected an attempt to give chimpanzees the rights of
persons, on the grounds that they are 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/04/court-denies-legal-personhood-of-chimpanzees">not
capable of assuming the legal responsibilities of persons</a>.
<p>
A fully grown chimp is quite dangerous to people (and often to other
chimps), precisely because it can't fulfill these responsibilities.  A
human being with the mind of a chimp would be committed to an
institution as mentally incompetent and dangerous.


title: US troops in Iraq to have immunity from prosecution
uri: US-troops-in-Iraq-to-have-immunity-from-prosecution
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(US_troops_in_Iraq_to_have_immunity_from_prosecution)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28US_troops_in_Iraq_to_have_immunity_from_prosecution%29

content:
<p>
The US has obtained 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/04/us-troops-in-iraq-will-get-immunity">immunity
from prosecution for its troops in Iraq</a>, which looks like
preparation for sending a lot of troops.


title: Church of England challenges Shell and BP
uri: Church-of-England-challenges-Shell-and-BP
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(Church_of_England_challenges_Shell_and_BP)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28Church_of_England_challenges_Shell_and_BP%29

content:
<p>
The Church of England, which owns stock in Shell and BP, will file
shareholder motions to 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/04/church-of-england-challenges-bp-shell">push
them to curb global heating</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 06_December_2014_(Cleveland_thug_brutality)
title: Cleveland thug brutality
uri: Cleveland-thug-brutality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#06_December_2014_%28Cleveland_thug_brutality%29
content:
<p>
The Cleveland thug department has been rebuked for 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/04/cleveland-police-report-department-of-justice">hundreds
of cases</a> of brutal treatment of citizens.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(Medically_nonsensical_ideas)
title: Medically nonsensical ideas
uri: Medically-nonsensical-ideas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28Medically_nonsensical_ideas%29
content:
<p>
Beware of products and treatments that claim they will 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/dec/05/detox-myth-health-diet-science-ignorance">"cleanse"
or "detox" your body</a>.  The idea is medically nonsensical.
<p>
There are some toxic elements, such as 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#14_June_2014_(Rate_of_violence_in_US_schools_has_been_declining)">lead</a>
and 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2003-nov-feb.html#29%20December%202003%20(Mercury%20regulation)">mercury</a>,
that can accumulate in your body over time and cause you harm.  But
removing them from your tissues is a specialized job and these
products don't even try.


title: ICC drops case against president of Kenya
uri: ICC-drops-case-against-president-of-Kenya
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(ICC_drops_case_against_president_of_Kenya)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28ICC_drops_case_against_president_of_Kenya%29

content:
<p>
The International Criminal Court has 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/05/crimes-humanity-charges-kenya-president-dropped-uhuru-kenyatta">dropped
its case against Uhuru Kenyatta</a>, president of Kenya, accusing him
of intimidating witnesses and denying access to pertinent documents.
<p>
I don't know the details; in particular, I can't take for granted that
the retracted testimony was true.  But I also can't take for granted
that it was really a lie.
<p>
What we can tell is that the ICC by itself has trouble acting against
the politically powerful unless other stronger governments exert
pressure too strong to resist.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(When_robot_commits_a_crime)
title: When robot commits a crime
uri: When-robot-commits-a-crime
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28When_robot_commits_a_crime%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/dec/05/software-bot-darknet-shopping-spree-random-shopper">Who
is legally responsible</a> if you set a robot running and it commits a
crime?
<p>
I would not assume a priori that the same answer fits all kinds of
crimes.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(Cutting_greenhouse_gas_emissions)
title: Cutting greenhouse gas emissions
uri: Cutting-greenhouse-gas-emissions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28Cutting_greenhouse_gas_emissions%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2014/dec/05/cutting-carbon-pollution-key-to-curbing-global-warming">Cutting
CO<sub>2</sub> emission</a> is the way to cut emissions of medium-term
greenhouse gases also.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(UK_prison_book_ban_cancelled)
title: UK prison book ban cancelled
uri: UK-prison-book-ban-cancelled
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28UK_prison_book_ban_cancelled%29
content:
<p>
The UK's ban on sending books to prisoners has been 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/dec/05/prison-book-ban-unlawful-court-chris-grayling">cancelled
by a court</a>.


title: NYC crime rate without "stop and frisk"
uri: NYC-crime-rate-without-stop-and-frisk
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(NYC_crime_rate_without_stop_and_frisk)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28NYC_crime_rate_without_stop_and_frisk%29

content:
<p>
New York City has curbed "stop and frisk", but the crime rate is 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2014/12/stop-and-frisk-fades-away-under-new-mayor-crime-goes-down-anyway">getting
lower anyway</a>.
<p>
How about ending the practice of harping on minor offenses
that led to the death of Eric Garner?


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(Heating_of_Southern_Ocean)
title: Heating of Southern Ocean
uri: Heating-of-Southern-Ocean
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28Heating_of_Southern_Ocean%29
content:
<p>
Heating of the Southern Ocean seems 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/05/warmer-seas-could-cause-faster-melting-polar-ice-rising-sea-levels">likely
to start melting Antarctic ice sheets</a> and raising sea level.


title: 300 people to be evicted from shantytown
uri: 300-people-to-be-evicted-from-shantytown
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(300_people_to_be_evicted_from_shantytown)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28300_people_to_be_evicted_from_shantytown%29

content:
<p>
San Jose, California, has a shantytown where 300 poor people live.
The city now 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/12/jungle-homeless-camp-san-jose-silicon-valley-video">plans
to evict them</a>, which will make them homeless.
<p>
Renting space has become so expensive that even people with jobs
are homeless.


title: Beaten and jailed for unpaid ticket
uri: Beaten-and-jailed-for-unpaid-ticket
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(Beaten_and_jailed_for_unpaid_ticket)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28Beaten_and_jailed_for_unpaid_ticket%29

content:
<p>
Two thugs in Texas that 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2014/12/grand-jury-white-cops-diggles-jasper">banged
a prisoner's head into a table then dragged her across the floor by
her feet</a> escaped criminal charges.
<p>
However, the root of this scandal is that she was jailed for an unpaid
parking ticket.  In today's US, the system that 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-jan-apr.html#15_April_2013_(Debtor%27s_prison)">fines
the poor</a> is a pipeline to jail (and opportunities to be beaten up,
maimed or killed).


title: Pressure on pregnant women and mothers
uri: Pressure-on-pregnant-women-and-mothers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(Pressure_on_pregnant_women_and_mothers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28Pressure_on_pregnant_women_and_mothers%29

content:
<p>
Pregnant women and mothers of babies are now 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/06/zoe-williams-the-madness-of-modern-parenting">under
impossible pressure to avoid many activities</a>, most of them based
on little evidence.
<p>
This general tendency 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#09_August_2014_(Smothering_overprotection_of_children)">continues
as children get older</a>, with pressure not to let them play alone,
walk on the street alone, or just be home alone.
<p>
People with cancer felt a similar pressure during the years when many
people believed that a positive attitude was crucial to survival: it
led, in effect, to blaming the sick person for not getting well.


title: Urgent: Fire the thug that killed Eric Garner
uri: Urgent-Fire-the-thug-that-killed-Eric-Garner
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(Urgent:_Fire_the_thug_that_killed_Eric_Garner)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Fire_the_thug_that_killed_Eric_Garner%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://youpower.democracyforamerica.com/petitions/mayor-de-blasio-and-commissioner-bratton-fire-officer-pantaleo">call
on New York City</a> to fire the thug that killed Eric Garner.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(Secret_political_spending)
title: Secret political spending
uri: Secret-political-spending
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28Secret_political_spending%29
content:
<p>
On ALEC's agenda: companies' right to do 
<a href="http://www.prwatch.org/news/2014/12/12686/alec-dark-money">secret
political spending</a>.


title: Noncommercial seed exchange libraries
uri: Noncommercial-seed-exchange-libraries
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(Noncommercial_seed_exchange_libraries)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28Noncommercial_seed_exchange_libraries%29

content:
<p>
Laws requiring seed companies to test their seeds are 
<a href="http://www.mprnews.org/story/2014/11/30/duluth-librarys-seed-sharing-program-hits-a-hurdle">being
used to shut down noncommercial seed exchange libraries</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(Attacks_by_thugs)
title: Attacks by thugs
uri: Attacks-by-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28Attacks_by_thugs%29
content:
<p>
Thugs in Denver 
<a href="http://kdvr.com/2014/11/26/fbi-now-investigating-alleged-incident-of-dpd-use-of-excessive-force/">attacked
a man, then knocked his companion to the ground, then forcibly took a
witness's tablet and deleted the video</a>.
<p>
A group of Chicagoans out for the evening were attacked by 
<a href="http://www.vice.com/read/city-of-silence-117">thugs in
disguise</a>.  Since 2010 they have been fighting to get justice from
a system that tries at every step to protect the thugs.
<p>
This includes repeatedly trying to threaten them into dropping their
complaint.
<p>
Most thugs would not intentionally beat you up.  But if one thug does
so, all the rest will join in protecting that one from justice.


title: When journalists should not be "balanced"
uri: When-journalists-should-not-be-balanced
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(When_journalists_should_not_be_balanced)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28When_journalists_should_not_be_balanced%29

content:
<p>
Journalists must not try to be "balanced" 
<a href="https://medium.com/backchannel/when-journalists-must-not-be-objective-fad5aadd8cb3">when
freedom of speech and privacy of communications are at stake</a>.


title: Political comments from Chris Rock
uri: Political-comments-from-Chris-Rock
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(Political_comments_from_Chris_Rock)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28Political_comments_from_Chris_Rock%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.vulture.com/2014/11/chris-rock-frank-rich-in-conversation.html">Interesting
political comments</a> from comedian Chris Rock.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(Air_strikes_against_PISSI)
title: Air strikes against PISSI
uri: Air-strikes-against-PISSI
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28Air_strikes_against_PISSI%29
content:
<p>
Air strikes against PISSI 
<a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/11/civilian-deaths-iraq-air-strikes-reported-20141122114538583248.html">flattened
a residential building, killing several civilians</a>.
<p>
Because of US secrecy, we don't know what happened.  Was that house an
intentional target?  Was it hit by mistake?  Some civilian casualties
are inevitable in war, but reckless disregard for civilian life can't
be justified.  The secrecy which prevents us from telling whether the
US is reckless in Iraq, combined with certainty it 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-sep-dec.html#02_October_2012_%28Calling_U.S._Drone_Strikes_Surgical%29">has 
been reckless elsewhere</a>, makes it plausible the US is reckless in
fighting PISSI in Iraq and Syria as well.
<p>
In general, air attacks on anyone other than fighters with arms 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2008-jul-oct.html#10%20October%202008%20(US%20Army%20admits%20to%20killing%20civilians)">will
tend to cause civilian casualties</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(Urgent:_Oppose_GMO_salmon)
title: Urgent: Oppose GMO salmon
uri: 2014-12-08-Urgent-Oppose-GMO-salmon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_GMO_salmon%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/no-gmo-salmon">tell the
FDA</a> not to approve GMO salmon.


title: Urgent: Support network neutrality
uri: 2014-12-08-Urgent-Support-network-neutrality
content: <p> EU citizens: <a href="http://savetheinternet.eu/">support</a> network neutrality.
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(Urgent:_Support_network_neutrality)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Support_network_neutrality%29


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(Senate_torture_report)
title: Senate torture report
uri: Senate-torture-report
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28Senate_torture_report%29
content:
<p>
The CIA has 
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/?p=9603">renewed its
pressure to kill the Senate's release of the executive summary</a> of
its torture report.


title: Companies track people across computers
uri: Companies-track-people-across-computers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(Companies_track_people_across_computers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28Companies_track_people_across_computers%29

content:
<p>
Some companies get enough information about most people's desktop use
and enough information about most people's smartphone use that they
can usually 
<a href="http://www.technologyreview.com/view/532556/new-technology-for-tracking-consumers-across-devices-grows-results/">figure
out when the two computers belong to the same person</a>.
<p>
This is more reason not to let any company get that much information
about what you do with any of your computers.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(Tying_up_children_in_school)
title: Tying up children in school
uri: Tying-up-children-in-school
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28Tying_up_children_in_school%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.propublica.org/article/los-angeles-and-new-york-pin-down-school-kids-and-then-say-it-never-happene">New
York and Los Angeles give false figures</a> about tying up children in
school.


title: No indictment for killing unarmed man
uri: No-indictment-for-killing-unarmed-man
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(No_indictment_for_killing_unarmed_man)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28No_indictment_for_killing_unarmed_man%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/12/grand-jury-witness-police-killing-indictment-david-corn">I
Told a Grand Jury I Saw a Cop Shoot and Kill an Unarmed Man.  It
Didn't Indict</a>.
<p>
The thugs at the scene tried to discourage him from even making a
statement.  That must be part of their habitual routine for pushing
away accountability for their crimes.
<p>
Prosecutors control the grand jury's decision.  When they want someone
indicted, they almost always get their way.  In this case, the
prosecutor wanted to protect the thug, so he cut the witness off,
stopping him from presenting crucial facts.
<p>
This is why we can 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#03_December_2014_(Secret_opportunity_to_indict_anyone)">hold 
the prosecutor in Ferguson personally responsible for making sure
Michael Brown's killer was not indicted</a>, in addition to
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#26_November_2014_(Grand_jury_decided_not_to_indict_the_killer_of_Michael_Brown)">Governor 
Nixon for not appointing a special prosecutor</a>.


title: NY thugs attack protest with military weapon
uri: NY-thugs-attack-protest-with-military-weapon
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(NY_thugs_attack_protest_with_military_weapon)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28NY_thugs_attack_protest_with_military_weapon%29

content:
<p>
The New York Thug department attacked a protest about Eric Garner with
a 
<a href="http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/video-nypd-uses-military-grade-sonic-weapon-eric-garner-protesters">military
sonic weapon that causes intense pain</a>.
<p>
This was after the protesters responded to more direct violence by
thugs.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(San_Jose_tent_city)
title: San Jose tent city
uri: San-Jose-tent-city
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28San_Jose_tent_city%29
content:
<p>
Some residents of the tent city in San Jose explain 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/12/robert-aguirre-jungle-homeless-silicon-valley">why
they can't find any other housing in the city</a>, even with offered
rent vouchers to supplement their pay.
<p>
What this reveals is a system totally stacked against people who are
homeless, which combines with the shortage of affordable housing so
that someone — whoever is weakest — must be shafted.


title: Chicago protesters' phones tracked
uri: Chicago-protesters-phones-tracked
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(Chicago_protesters'_phones_tracked)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28Chicago_protesters%27_phones_tracked%29

content:
<p>
The US government appears to have 
<a href="http://www.privacysos.org/node/1609">tracked all the cell
phones of people attending a protest for Eric Garner</a> in Chicago.


title: Bill to ban gov't-mandated back doors
uri: Bill-to-ban-gov-t-mandated-back-doors
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(Bill_to_ban_govt-required_back_doors)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28Bill_to_ban_govt-required_back_doors%29

content:
<p>
Senator Wyden has introduced a bill to 
<a href="http://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-introduces-bill-to-ban-government-mandated-backdoors-into-americans-cellphones-and-computers">ban
government requirements to put back doors into digital products</a>.
<p>
It doesn't go far enough.  The bill should ban 
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/proprietary/proprietary-back-doors.html">all
back doors</a> whether mandated by government policies or not.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(Iraq_and_Kurdistan_make_deal)
title: Iraq and Kurdistan make deal
uri: Iraq-and-Kurdistan-make-deal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28Iraq_and_Kurdistan_make_deal%29
content:
<p>
The Iraqi government has made a deal with effectively independent Kurdistan
about 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2014/12/good-news-iraq-baghdad-finally-cuts-deal-kurds">oil
revenue and fighting PISSI</a>.


title: New scheme to privatize NHS hospitals
uri: New-scheme-to-privatize-NHS-hospitals
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(New_scheme_to_privatize_NHS_hospitals)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28New_scheme_to_privatize_NHS_hospitals%29

content:
<p>
The UK is 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/dec/05/more-nhs-hospitals-privately-operated-healthcare-shakeup-review-dalton">considering
a new scheme to privatize NHS hospitals</a>.
<p>
Any form of privatization in the NHS is harmful, since it will temp
companies to harm patients and cut staff pay.  The right-wing
government doesn't mind this because its long-term goal is to abolish
the NHS and impose a lousy US-style system.  It can't do so directly
(too much opposition), so it plans to ruin the NHS and present the
results as "proof" there is no point in having one.


title: European council unhelpful on net neutrality
uri: European-council-unhelpful-on-net-neutrality
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(European_council_unhelpful_on_net_neutrality)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28European_council_unhelpful_on_net_neutrality%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://edri.org/coe-rec-on-net-neutrality/">Council of
Europe Recommendation on Net Neutrality — Unclear And
Unhelpful</a>.


title: UK thugs intimidate and insult anarchists
uri: UK-thugs-intimidate-and-insult-anarchists
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(UK_thugs_intimidate_and_insult_anarchists)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28UK_thugs_intimidate_and_insult_anarchists%29

content:
<p>
UK thugs are using a run of vandalism as an opportunity to 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/05/hunting-badger-police-offer-10000-pound-reward-after-bristol-anarchist-attacks">intimidate
and insult anarchists</a>.
<p>
However, one senior leader, to his credit, 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/dec/05/peter-fahy-police-state-warning">opposes
asking thugs to decide on the limits of freedom of speech</a>.


title: Irish political leader barred from Gaza
uri: Irish-political-leader-barred-from-Gaza
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 07_December_2014_(Irish_political_leader_barred_from_Gaza)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#07_December_2014_%28Irish_political_leader_barred_from_Gaza%29

content:
<p>
Israel 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/dec/05/israel-bars-gerry-adams-from-gaza-sinn-fein-palestinian-territories">blocked
an Irish political leader from visiting Gaza</a>.  He wanted to talk
with leaders of Hamas.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 08_December_2014_(City_in_Libya_joins_PISSI)
title: City in Libya joins PISSI
uri: City-in-Libya-joins-PISSI
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_%28City_in_Libya_joins_PISSI%29
content:
<p>
A city in Libya has joined PISSI;
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/06/us-fears-isis-nothern-libya-derna">fanatics
are killing all their opponents</a>.


title: More US troops to stay in Afghanistan
uri: More-US-troops-to-stay-in-Afghanistan
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 08_December_2014_(More_US_troops_to_stay_in_Afghanistan)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_%28More_US_troops_to_stay_in_Afghanistan%29

content:
<p>
Obama is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/06/chuck-hagel-more-us-troops-will-remain-in-afghanistan">slowly
increasing the number of US troops that will stay in Afghanistan</a>.
<p>
There are two possibilities for Afghanistan: prop up its government or
let it fall.  The US can keep propping it up indefinitely at high cost
in money and Afghan lives, but what's the point?


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 08_December_2014_(Senseless_violence_of_thugs)
title: Senseless violence of thugs
uri: Senseless-violence-of-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_%28Senseless_violence_of_thugs%29
content:
<p>
A Cleveland thug
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/06/cleveland-police-department-shot-black-man">shot
Gregory Love clear out of the blue, then handcuffed him and fined
him</a>.  Thugs also punched and kicked a witness before handcuffing
him and taking him away.


title: UK boosts investment in oil extraction
uri: UK-boosts-investment-in-oil-extraction
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 08_December_2014_(UK_boosts_investment_in_oil_extraction)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_%28UK_boosts_investment_in_oil_extraction%29

content:
<p>
The UK government has boosted investment in
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/06/george-osborne-fossil-fuel-energy-environment">oil
extraction in the North Sea</a>, which is
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-sep-dec.html#18_October_2013_(More_fossil_fuel_than_was_previously_believed)">bad
news for all of us in the long term</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 08_December_2014_(How_Saudi_Arabia_silences_people)
title: How Saudi Arabia silences people
uri: How-Saudi-Arabia-silences-people
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_%28How_Saudi_Arabia_silences_people%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/7-ways-saudi-arabia-silencing-people-online-2014-12-06">7
Ways Saudi Arabia Is Silencing People Online</a>.


title: Export of surveillance technology
uri: Export-of-surveillance-technology
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 08_December_2014_(Export_of_surveillance_technology)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_%28Export_of_surveillance_technology%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://en.rsf.org/an-open-letter-to-the-members-of-02-12-2014,47316.html">Calling
on western countries to restrict export</a> of surveillance technology
to repressive countries.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 08_December_2014_(A_NY_thugs_priorities)
title: A NY thug's priorities
uri: A-NY-thug-s-priorities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_%28A_NY_thugs_priorities%29
content:
<p>
The New York thug that unintentionally shot Akai Gurley then
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/05/officer-in-lethal-shooting-texted-union-rep-instead-of-calling-ambulance-report">contacted
his union representative right after</a>.  Only then did he call for
medical assistance for Gurley, who was still alive.
<p>
Gurley later died from his wounds.  I don't know whether getting aid
sooner might have saved him.  The thug couldn't have known it would
<em>not</em> save him.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 08_December_2014_(Indictment_of_non-thugs)
title: Indictment of non-thugs
uri: Indictment-of-non-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_%28Indictment_of_non-thugs%29
content:
<p>
Grand juries nearly always indict accused non-thugs, but
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/04/eric-garner-indicted-cop-grand-juries-video-evidence">almost
never indict accused thugs</a>.
<p>
Catching thugs' killings (and other brutality) on video isn't going to
deter them if they enjoy impunity even once their guilt is recorded.
<p>
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/nyregion/fatal-police-encounters-in-new-york-city.html">Many
New York thugs have killed people for no good reason</a>, but hardly
any were prosecuted.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 08_December_2014_(Another_unarmed_black_man_shot)
title: Another unarmed black man shot
uri: Another-unarmed-black-man-shot
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_%28Another_unarmed_black_man_shot%29

content:
<p>
Another unarmed black man was
<a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/12/04/phoenix-police-unarmed-man-killed-by-officer/19878931/">shot
dead by a thug who then made accusations against him</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 08_December_2014_(ATT_wants_public_WiFi_forbidden)
title: A&TT wants public WiFi forbidden
uri: A-TT-wants-public-WiFi-forbidden
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_%28ATT_wants_public_WiFi_forbidden%29

content:
<p>
AT&T condemns government regulation, except when it's
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/blog/netneutrality/articles/20141202/09261629295/ats-regulatory-hypocrisy-proud-display-kansas-where-its-fighting-to-keep-state-broadband-backwater.shtml">a
regulation to forbid cities from setting up public WiFi networks</a>.


title: Military equipment given to US thugs
uri: Military-equipment-given-to-US-thugs
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 08_December_2014_(Military_equipment_given_to_US_thugs)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_%28Military_equipment_given_to_US_thugs%29

content:
<p>
The US has published
<a href="https://www.muckrock.com/news/archives/2014/dec/04/pentagon-finally-details-its-weapons-cops-giveaway/">the
full list</a> of military equipment given to US thugs.
<p>
That's a good first step.  Next we have to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-jul-oct.html#16_October_2012_(Irresponsible_use_of_SWAT_teams)">close
down most of the SWAT teams</a> so that they don't endanger people
when they make a mistake.


title: German Latin Americans during WWII
uri: German-Latin-Americans-during-WWII
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 08_December_2014_(German_Latin_Americans_during_WWII)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_%28German_Latin_Americans_during_WWII%29

content:
<p>
The US forced most Latin American countries to deport Germans to the
US, which
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/05/germany-latin-american-internment-deportation-costa-rica">put
them in prison unless they agreed to go to Germany</a> as World War II
continued.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 08_December_2014_(Articles_about_rape_accusations)
title: Articles about rape accusations
uri: Articles-about-rape-accusations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_%28Articles_about_rape_accusations%29

content:
<p>
Articles about rape accusations
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/?p=9586">should include
interviewing those accused</a>.


title: Urgent: Payment for Chevron's pollution
uri: Urgent-Payment-for-Chevron-s-pollution
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 08_December_2014_(Urgent:_Payment_for_Chevrons_pollution)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Payment_for_Chevrons_pollution%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="http://action.sumofus.org/a/chevron-toxico/">tell Chevron</a>
to pay for its pollution in Ecuador.
<p>
Also 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/chevron_state_department">call
on the US state department</a> not to give Chevron an award.


title: Urgent: No paper from ancient forests
uri: Urgent-No-paper-from-ancient-forests
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 08_December_2014_(Urgent:_No_paper_from_ancient_forests)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_No_paper_from_ancient_forests%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/greenpeace/sign/best-buy-dont-use-ancient">tell
Best Buy</a> not to use paper made from ancient forests.


title: Post-financial crisis regulations
uri: Post-financial-crisis-regulations
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 08_December_2014_(Post-financial_crisis_regulations)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_%28Post-financial_crisis_regulations%29

content:
<p>
Congress is 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/05/attention-elsewhere-wall-street-lobbyists-push-weaken-post-crash-regulations">considering
repealing the regulations</a> adopted after the financial crisis.
<p>
They were 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#04%20November%202009%20(Absence%20of%20strong%20reforms)">too
weak in the first place</a>.


title: Arrests in killing of Eric Garner
uri: Arrests-in-killing-of-Eric-Garner
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 08_December_2014_(Arrests_in_killing_of_Eric_Garner)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_%28Arrests_in_killing_of_Eric_Garner%29

content:
<p>
The only people arrested for the killing of Eric Garner were 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/05/hands-dont-choke">two
witnesses</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 08_December_2014_(Egypts_military_rulers)
title: Egypt's military rulers
uri: 2014-12-09-Egypt-s-military-rulers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_%28Egypts_military_rulers%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/2014/12/05/leaked-audio-shows-egypts-coup-leaders-as-a-criminal-syndicate/">Leaked
audio recordings</a> prove the corruption and dishonesty of Egypt's
military rulers.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 08_December_2014_(Student_labeled_as_drug_user)
title: Student labeled as drug user
uri: Student-labeled-as-drug-user
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_%28Student_labeled_as_drug_user%29
content:
<p>
A student was labeled as a drug user for breathing in 
<a href="http://krqe.com/2014/12/01/district-smarties-violate-drug-and-alcohol-policy/">crushed
candy</a> in order to blow it out visibly.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 08_December_2014_(PR_guide_for_thugs)
title: PR guide for thugs
uri: PR-guide-for-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_%28PR_guide_for_thugs%29
content:
<p>
A PR guide for thugs about 
<a href="http://fair.org/blog/2014/12/03/an-entertaining-lesson-on-how-cops-can-win-the-media-after-they-kill/">cleaning
their image after they kill unarmed people</a>.


title: Subcontractor leaves workers unpaid
uri: Subcontractor-leaves-workers-unpaid
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 08_December_2014_(Subcontractor_leaves_workers_unpaid)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_%28Subcontractor_leaves_workers_unpaid%29

content:
<p>
A cleaning company that cleaned corporate offices is going bankrupt,
leaving the cleaning workers 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/dec/07/saatchi-cleaners-fight-unpaid-wages-low-pay">unpaid
for weeks of work</a>.
<p>
This is one of the dangers caused by the increased use of
subcontractors where in the past the company would have hired workers
directly.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 08_December_2014_(Rogue_Cyber_Operator)
title: Rogue Cyber Operator
uri: Rogue-Cyber-Operator
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_%28Rogue_Cyber_Operator%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/dec/07/north-korea-sony-pictures-regin-gchq-nsa-snowden-belgacom">Forget
North Korea — the Real Rogue Cyber Operator Lies Much Closer to
Home</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 08_December_2014_(Ecuadorian_activist_murdered)
title: Ecuadorian activist murdered
uri: Ecuadorian-activist-murdered
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_%28Ecuadorian_activist_murdered%29
content:
<p>
Ecuadorian indigenous leader 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/06/ecuador-indigenous-leader-found-dead-lima-climate-talks">José
Isidro Tendetza Antún</a>, who campaigned against mining on his
tribe's land, has been murdered, and apparently tortured first.


title: Loophole in EU agreement on GMO bans
uri: Loophole-in-EU-agreement-on-GMO-bans
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 08_December_2014_(Loophole_in_EU_agreement_on_GMO_bans)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_%28Loophole_in_EU_agreement_on_GMO_bans%29

content:
<p>
The EU agreement allowing individual countries to ban GMOs seems to
have a
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/05/eu-reaches-deal-allowing-states-ban-gmos-so-why-arent-gmo-critics-cheering">legal
loophole</a> that could lead courts to overturn those bans.


title: 6 more Guantanamo prisoners released
uri: 6-more-Guantanamo-prisoners-released
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 09_December_2014_(6_more_Guantanamo_prisoners_released)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#09_December_2014_%286_more_Guantanamo_prisoners_released%29

content:
<p>
Obama has 
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/?p=9663">released 6 more
prisoners from Guantanamo</a>, including one who has been left
wheelchair-bound by cruel treatment.
<p>
The US government is still pushing to conceal videos of how he was
tortured, claiming that knowledge of this would make people angry.
They should have thought about this before they acted that way.
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/07/mike-rogers-warns-violence-abroad-senate-torture-report">Republicans
say</a> publication of the CIA torture report could make people in the
Middle East angry enough to commit violence.  What a laugh!  Lots of
people there are already that angry at the US.  They just assume the
worst.
<p>
For the US to confess and take its punishment, then punish those
responsible for torture, is the only way it can regain any moral
authority.
<p>
136 prisoners remain in Guantanamo.  The US owes each of them
either a fair trial for some charges, or release.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 09_December_2014_(Paraguay_data_retention_bill)
title: Paraguay data retention bill
uri: Paraguay-data-retention-bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#09_December_2014_%28Paraguay_data_retention_bill%29
content:
<p>
Paraguay is considering a dangerous data retention bill, so vague it
<a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2014/12/pyrawebs-paraguayans-rise-against-mandatory-data-retention">could
apply to cybercafes as well as to ISPs</a>.
<p>
That the proposed law places no limits on what sorts of offenses could
be investigated by searching everyone's phone records is an additional
nasty detail, but don't think that narrower limits would fix the
wrong.


title: Antivirus companies concealing malware
uri: Antivirus-companies-concealing-malware
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 09_December_2014_(Antivirus_companies_concealing_malware)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#09_December_2014_%28Antivirus_companies_concealing_malware%29

content:
<p>
Antivirus companies should stop 
<a href="http://www.technologyreview.com/view/533136/antivirus-companies-should-be-more-open-about-their-government-malware-discoveries/">concealing
the US-implemented attack software they detect</a>.


title: Urgent: Solar power installations
uri: Urgent-Solar-power-installations
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(Urgent:_Solar_power_installations)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Solar_power_installations%29

content:
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/walmart_rooftop_solar">tell
the Walton family</a> to stop opposing home solar power installations
and start donating to promote them.
<p>
This is an additional reason not to buy from Walmart, added to its
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#12_May_2014_(A_worker_at_Walmart_reports)">mistreatment
of employees</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(Urgent:_Stop_support_for_ALEC)
title: Urgent: Stop support for ALEC
uri: Urgent-Stop-support-for-ALEC
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_support_for_ALEC%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://site.pfaw.org/site/PageServer?pagename=DitchALECRA">call
on the remaining supporters of ALEC</a> to stop.


title: Urgent: Reform prosecution of rapes
uri: Urgent-Reform-prosecution-of-rapes
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(Urgent:_Reform_prosecution_of_rapes)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Reform_prosecution_of_rapes%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://www.endsexualassault.com/">call for reforming</a>
prosecution of rapes of military personnel by military personnel.


title: Urgent: Accountable financial advisers
uri: Urgent-Accountable-financial-advisers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(Urgent:_Accountable_financial_advisers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Accountable_financial_advisers%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://action.civilrights.org/site/Survey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=3941">call
on the US government</a> to make all financial advisers accountable
for how they treat their clients.


title: Urgent: Oppose sanctions against Iran
uri: Urgent-Oppose-sanctions-against-Iran
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(Urgent:_Oppose_sanctions_against_Iran)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_sanctions_against_Iran%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://action.votevets.org/page/s/iran-diplomacy?source=su141202_iranpetition">call
on the Senate</a> to oppose additional sanctions against Iran.
<p>
Right-wingers want these knowing they would kill the nuclear
negotiations which are the only chance to stop Iran's progress towards
nuclear weapons.  Sanctions can't achieve that goal.


title: Council of Europe on mass surveillance
uri: Council-of-Europe-on-mass-surveillance
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(Council_of_Europe_on_mass_surveillance)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28Council_of_Europe_on_mass_surveillance%29

content:
<p>
A report by the Council of Europe
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/08/mass-surveillance-exposed-edward-snowden-not-justified-by-fight-against-terrorism">rejects
the idea that "secret, massive and indiscriminate" surveillance is
justified</a>.


title: Gates Foundation and private prisons
uri: Gates-Foundation-and-private-prisons
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(Gates_Foundation_and_private_prisons)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28Gates_Foundation_and_private_prisons%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/12/gates-foundation-still-investing-private-prisons">Is
the Gates Foundation Still Investing in Private Prisons?</a>


title: Discrimination against transgender people
uri: Discrimination-against-transgender-people
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(Discrimination_against_transgender_people)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28Discrimination_against_transgender_people%29

content:
<p>
Transgender people are
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/08/chelsea-manning-transgender-rights">frequently
denied basic rights and face discrimination</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(Benzene_and_leukemia)
title: Benzene and leukemia
uri: Benzene-and-leukemia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28Benzene_and_leukemia%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/08/benzene-link-leukemia-children">Campaigning</a>
to prove benzene responsible for leukemia.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(Uber_banned_in_Delhi)
title: Uber banned in Delhi
uri: Uber-banned-in-Delhi
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28Uber_banned_in_Delhi%29
content:
<p>
Uber has been banned in Delhi after a
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/dec/08/uber-banned-delhi-taxi-driver-accused-rape">driver
raped a passenger</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(Nuclear_weapons)
title: Nuclear weapons
uri: 2014-12-10-Nuclear-weapons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28Nuclear_weapons%29
content:
<p>
Nuclear weapons on instant launch readiness pose a
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/08/ready-to-launch-nuclear-weapons-pose-grave-risk-say-former-defence-chiefs">risk
of accidental war</a>, while stockpiles are not secure enough and
could tempt thieves.
<p>
Perhaps the US, Russia and China could agree to mutual observation of
each others' launch vehicles to verify that they are not being readied
for launch.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(Climate_negotiations)
title: Climate negotiations
uri: Climate-negotiations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28Climate_negotiations%29
content:
<p>
Australia's government is accused of sabotaging climate negotiations
by
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/08/abbott-government-accused-of-trying-to-set-up-climate-change-talks-for-failure">insisting
on legally binding targets</a>.
<p>
This may be true in a narrow tactical sense.  However, the US and
China, by rejecting legally binding targets, are doing their part to
make these talks fail to reach their goal.  Just when the world needs
the mother of all crash programs, governments that bow down to fossil
fuel companies are blocking it from happening.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(Diesel_engines)
title: Diesel engines
uri: Diesel-engines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28Diesel_engines%29
content:
<p>
Diesel engines need to be eliminated over time because of the
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/08/school-pupils-hospital-patients-risk-killer-pollution-mps">effects
of pollution they cause</a>.
<p>
With possible improvements in technology for storing electric energy,
maybe we could replace them with electric vehicles.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(Protests_across_Haiti)
title: Protests across Haiti
uri: Protests-across-Haiti
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28Protests_across_Haiti%29
content:
<p>
There are protests across Haiti
<a href="http://www.ezilidanto.com/zili/2014/12/impeach-martelly/">to
remove the US-imposed "president" Martelly</a>.  Perhaps the Haitian
senate could impeach him.
<p>
It's the US that
<a href="http://www.ezilidanto.com/zili/2014/12/haiti-message-us-ambassador-pamela-white/">keeps
him in power</a>.


title: US thugs comment on killing of Garner
uri: US-thugs-comment-on-killing-of-Garner
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(US_thugs_comment_on_killing_of_Garner)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28US_thugs_comment_on_killing_of_Garner%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/12/04/1349424/-Wait-A-Minute-Let-s-Hear-From-Some-Actual-Police-Officers-Before-We-Rush-To-Judgment">Some
US thugs comment</a> on the killing of Eric Garner.


title: The shots that killed Michael Brown
uri: The-shots-that-killed-Michael-Brown
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 09_December_2014_(The_shots_that_killed_Michael_Brown)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#09_December_2014_%28The_shots_that_killed_Michael_Brown%29

content:
<p>
An audio recording of the shots that killed Michael Brown
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/12/01/1348720/-The-audio-recording-of-the-Michael-Brown-shooting-proves-Darren-Wilson-s-story-is-false">proves
that thug Wilson's statement of what happened is false</a>.
<p>
In addition, the prosecutor
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/12/04/1349421/-Missouri-AG-Confirms-Michael-Brown-Grand-Jury-Misled-by-St-Louis-DA">misrepresented
the law to help Wilson escape prosecution</a>.


title: Cooperation from Afghanistan and Pakistan
uri: Cooperation-from-Afghanistan-and-Pakistan
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 09_December_2014_(Cooperation_from_Afghanistan_and_Pakistan)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#09_December_2014_%28Cooperation_from_Afghanistan_and_Pakistan%29

content:
<p>
Afghanistan and Pakistan are starting to cooperate in
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/07/pakistani-taliban-counter-terror-operations-afghanistan-tehreek-e-taliban">fighting
the Taliban</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 09_December_2014_(US_thugs_moan_about_protests)
title: US thugs moan about protests
uri: US-thugs-moan-about-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#09_December_2014_%28US_thugs_moan_about_protests%29
content:
<p>
With all the protests,
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/07/garner-protest-berkeley-california-violence-arrests">US
thugs feel they are being persecuted</a>.
<p>
However, to say they are getting a taste of their own medicine would
be an exaggeration.  No thugs have been killed in these protests.
They are moaning because people are not fawning on them as they think
they are entitled to.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 09_December_2014_(Credit_cards)
title: Credit cards
uri: Credit-cards
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#09_December_2014_%28Credit_cards%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/07/ten-reasons-why-i-dont-have-credit-card">Ralph
Nader: Ten Reasons Why I Don't Have a Credit Card</a>.
<p>
I have one, but I never use it except for flights and occasionally
to donate to a political organization in a hurry.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(Californias_drought)
title: California's drought
uri: 2014-12-11-California-s-drought
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28Californias_drought%29
content:
<p>
California's drought is the 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2014/dec/08/california-just-had-its-worst-drought-in-over-1200-years">worst
in 1200 years</a>.
<p>
The drought's cause is mainly natural climate fluctuation,
but 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2014/12/new-study-californias-epic-drought-probably-wasnt-caused-climate-change">global
heating made its effects worse</a>.
<p>
Most of California is in a condition of <a
href="media/253f47d2.20141202_CA_trd.pdf" data-original-source="http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/data/pdfs/20141202/20141202_CA_trd.pdf">"exceptional"
drought</a>.


title: Anti-abortion protesters intimidating women
uri: Anti-abortion-protesters-intimidating-women
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(Anti-abortion_protesters_intimidating_women)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28Anti-abortion_protesters_intimidating_women%29

content:
<p>
Anti-abortion protesters in Australia are intimidating women to the
point where 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/09/women-seeking-abortions-harassed-by-protesters-to-point-of-suicide">they
try to kill themselves</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(US_government_torture)
title: US government torture
uri: 2014-12-11-US-government-torture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28US_government_torture%29
content:
<p>
Failure to confront the evil of US government torture 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2014/12/american-lives-will-be-saved-not-lost-if-we-release-senate-torture-report">will
endanger American lives</a>.


title: Urgent: Vermont's GMO labeling law
uri: 2014-12-11-Urgent-Vermont-s-GMO-labeling-law
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(Urgent:_Vermonts_GMO_labeling_law)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Vermonts_GMO_labeling_law%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/starbucks_gmo_lawsuit">call
on Starbucks</a> to stop funding the Grocery Manufacturers
Association's lawsuit to overturn Vermont's GMO labeling law.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(Total_surveillance_in_Jersey)
title: Total surveillance in Jersey
uri: Total-surveillance-in-Jersey
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28Total_surveillance_in_Jersey%29
content:
<p>
Jersey, which has not signed up to all the human rights treaties,
is a 
<a href="http://conceptual-reflections.w43w.com/1344/no-anonymity-like-jersey/">testing
ground for total surveillance</a>.
<p>
It is also used as a route for extracting profits so they can't be
taxed.


title: Putin supporting right-wing parties Europe
uri: Putin-supporting-right-wing-parties-Europe
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(Putin_supporting_right-wing_parties_Europe)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28Putin_supporting_right-wing_parties_Europe%29

content:
<p>
Putin is 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/08/russia-europe-right-putin-front-national-eu">supporting
right-wing parties in Europe</a>.
<p>
I think he is doing this to sow chaos rather than for
a specific purpose.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(People_starving_in_Britain)
title: People starving in Britain
uri: People-starving-in-Britain
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28People_starving_in_Britain%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/08/starve-benefit-sanctions-unemployed-hungry-government">Yes,
People Can Starve in Benefit-Sanctions Britain</a>.
<p>
It is 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-nov-feb.html#22_December_2012_(Hunger_in_the_US)">even
worse in the US</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(Deadly_heatwaves_expected_in_UK)
title: Deadly heatwaves expected in UK
uri: Deadly-heatwaves-expected-in-UK
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28Deadly_heatwaves_expected_in_UK%29

content:
<p>
The UK weather bureau says 2003-like deadly heatwaves 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/08/heatwaves-likely-every-other-year-by-2030s-says-met-office-study">will
occur 'every other year' by the 2030s</a>.
<p>
They won't kill as many people each time as were killed by the 2003
heatwave, because many of the old people who might be killed by
heatwave N will have been killed a couple of years before by heatwave
N-1.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(Amazon_workers_to_strike)
title: Amazon workers to strike
uri: Amazon-workers-to-strike
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28Amazon_workers_to_strike%29
content:
<p>
Workers will 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/dec/08/amazon-workers-german-warehouse-strike-union-bad-hersfeld">strike
in an Amazon warehouse in Germany</a>.
<p>
Too bad US labor law makes organizing so difficult.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(Suing_to_challenge_legislation)
title: Suing to challenge legislation
uri: Suing-to-challenge-legislation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28Suing_to_challenge_legislation%29

content:
<p>
The UK government 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/08/justice-judicial-review-resisted-lords-prison-book-ban">proposes
to make it essentially impossible</a> to sue to challenge legislation.


title: UK to make food banks standard solution
uri: UK-to-make-food-banks-standard-solution
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(UK_to_make_food_banks_standard_solution)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28UK_to_make_food_banks_standard_solution%29

content:
<p>
The UK government plans to make food banks a standard solution for the
poor who can't afford food.  That basically means 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/08/food-banks-poverty-uk-canada-right-to-food">giving
up on keeping people properly supplied</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 10_December_2014_(UK_Infrastructure_Bill)
title: UK Infrastructure Bill
uri: UK-Infrastructure-Bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_%28UK_Infrastructure_Bill%29
content:
<p>
The UK's Green Party MP opposes the Infrastructure Bill
that 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/08/caroline-lucas-infrastructure-bill-british-green-policies-15bn-roads-pollution">would
put lots of money into increasing car traffic</a> and maximize fossil
fuel extraction.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(CIA_torture)
title: CIA torture
uri: CIA-torture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28CIA_torture%29
content:
<p>
China and North Korea
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/10/cia-torture-report-china-and-north-korea-quick-to-settle-accounts">used
the Senate CIA torture report to tell the US it shouldn't talk about
their human rights abuses</a>.
<p>
In fact, both
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#03_June_2013_(Tien_An_Men_Mothers_continue_to_call_for_justice)">China</a>
and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-sep-dec.html#17_September_2013_(Systematic_execution_and_torture_of_prisoners)">North
Korea</a> oppress the people much more than the US, but given the bad
things the US has done, it lacks the moral authority to criticize them
without being ridiculous.
<p>
This is an additional reason why the US must put its torturers on
trial.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(Why_thugs_shoot_young_black_men)
title: Why thugs shoot young black men
uri: Why-thugs-shoot-young-black-men
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28Why_thugs_shoot_young_black_men%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/11/science-of-racism-prejudice">The
Science of Why Cops Shoot Young Black Men</a>.
<p>
If thugs can't help instantly assuming the worst about blacks, in a
split second, perhaps it is necessary to tell them not to be so quick
to shoot anyone.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(188_protesters_sentenced_to_die)
title: 188 protesters sentenced to die
uri: 188-protesters-sentenced-to-die
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28188_protesters_sentenced_to_die%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/?p=9463">In US-Supported
Egypt, 188 Protesters Are Sentenced to Die Days After Mubarak is
Effectively Freed</a>.


title: New world-wide plan for failing banks
uri: New-world-wide-plan-for-failing-banks
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(New_world-wide_plan_for_failing_banks)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28New_world-wide_plan_for_failing_banks%29

content:
<p>
The new world-wide plan for failing banks is that
<a href="http://www.opednews.com/articles/New-G20-Rules-Cyprus-styl-by-Ellen-Brown-Bail-in_Bailout_Derivatives_Public-Banking-141202-661.html">depositors
lose their deposits</a>, because derivatives owed to other banks get
first priority and there won't be enough to pay them.
<p>
Depositors are supposed to be protected by deposit insurance,
but there isn't enough money in the insurance fund to cover the
depositors of a big bank.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(Unoccupied_buildings)
title: Unoccupied buildings
uri: Unoccupied-buildings
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28Unoccupied_buildings%29
content:
<p>
A part of London
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/08/islington-council-buy-to-leave-investors-uk-housing">plans
to fine those that leave buildings unoccupied</a>, but only buildings
constructed in the future.
<p>
Maybe that's the best a local government can do.  If so, criticizing
that local government for not doing better is pointless.  The national
government must do something better.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(Reporting_Ebola_in_Sierra_Leone)
title: Reporting Ebola in Sierra Leone
uri: Reporting-Ebola-in-Sierra-Leone
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28Reporting_Ebola_in_Sierra_Leone%29

content:
<p>
In Sierra Leone, if you report Ebola in your family, you are
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/dec/09/-sp-ebola-reports-of-people-disappearing-forest-die">likely
to be put in with people that have Ebola</a>, and thus catch it
yourself.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(Protests_against_TPP)
title: Protests against TPP
uri: Protests-against-TPP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28Protests_against_TPP%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/08/negotiators-dc-opponents-vow-mobilize-never-kill-corporate-friendly-trade-deals">Protests
in Washington</a> against the TPP.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(dooH_niboR_policies)
title: dooH niboR policies
uri: dooH-niboR-policies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28dooH_niboR_policies%29
content:
<p>
An OECD study concludes that dooH niboR policies (taking from the
non-rich to give to the rich) over recent decades have reduced overall
economic growth.
<p>
In other words, the idea of "trickle down" is wrong all the way down
to the root.  We already knew that helping the rich get richer at the
expense of the rest does not help the rest.  Now we know it hits them
twice:
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/dec/09/revealed-wealth-gap-oecd-report">they
get a smaller share of a smaller pie</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(US_fossil_fuel_exports)
title: US fossil fuel exports
uri: US-fossil-fuel-exports
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28US_fossil_fuel_exports%29
content:
<p>
Increased US fossil fuel exports
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/08/obamas-oil-boom-destroying-hope-progress-climate">cancel
out reductions</a> in the US's own use of fossil fuels.
<p>
Climate defense activists
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/08/get-ff-out-campaigners-reject-fossil-fuel-influence-climate-summit">protested
the fossil fuel company influence</a> that pervades climate
negotiations in Lima and elsewhere.
<p>
The protesters shut down a panel that falsely presented CCS (carbon
capture and sequestration) as ready for widespread use.


title: Thugs raid home of licensed marijuana grower
uri: Thugs-raid-home-of-licensed-marijuana-grower
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(Thugs_raid_home_of_licensed_marijuana_grower)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28Thugs_raid_home_of_licensed_marijuana_grower%29

content:
<p>
Wally Kowalski is a licensed medical marijuana grower in Michigan.
Thugs
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2014/12/08/victim-of-police-forfeiture-who-told-sto">raided
his house, taking his plants and equipment</a>, all of which was
legal.
<p>
Subsequently they returned and arrested him.
<p>
Laws against growing marijuana do great harm to society, and enforcing
them is harmful even if done correctly.


title: Urgent: Positions of authority at PBS
uri: Urgent-Positions-of-authority-at-PBS
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(Urgent:_Positions_of_authority_at_PBS)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Positions_of_authority_at_PBS%29

content:
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/forecastthefacts/sign/pbs-say-no-to-climate">call
on PBS</a> not to put any global heating deniers in positions of
authority.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(Sony_web_site_cracked)
title: Sony web site cracked
uri: Sony-web-site-cracked
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28Sony_web_site_cracked%29
content:
<p>
Sony's web site was
<a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-30373686">cracked</a> and
effectively taken down.
<p>
Most people don't know it, but Sony has done things even worse to its
own customers.  Sony sabotaged <em>all</em> PS3 computers: it released
a malicious firmware downgrade which gave each PS3 owner a choice of
two ways to be harmed.  The owner could install the downgrade and be
unable to run GNU/Linux on the computer, or not install it and be
locked out of the Sony game network.
<p>
Sony also
<a href="http://boycottsony.org">sent thugs after George Hotz</a> when
he found out how to jailbreak them.


title: Urgent: Block wolf-killing competition
uri: Urgent-Block-wolf-killing-competition
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(Urgent:_Block_wolf-killing_competition)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Block_wolf-killing_competition%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://secure.defenders.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2821">call
on the US Forest Service</a> to block a wolf-killing competition.


title: Urgent: No deforestation for palm oil
uri: Urgent-No-deforestation-for-palm-oil
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(Urgent:_No_deforestation_for_palm_oil)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_No_deforestation_for_palm_oil%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://action.sumofus.org/a/doritos-palm-oil/">Call on
Pepsico</a> to stop fueling deforestation to get palm oil for chips.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(Comparing_WWI_and_WWII)
title: Comparing WWI and WWII
uri: Comparing-WWI-and-WWII
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28Comparing_WWI_and_WWII%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/news/2014/dec/09/-sp-myth-of-the-good-war">Reflections</a>
comparing the first and second world wars.
<p>
I reject the idea that there is something wrong with fighting an
invading army.  It was right for France and Britain to fight against
Germany's aggression (in Poland) in 1939, and just as it was right for
Iraqis to resist US occupation in the 2000s.  This doesn't exempt the
conduct of the war from moral criticism.  If the greatest legacy of
the second world war is massive deaths of civilians, the German air
force may have started it, but that doesn't justify the the US and UK
in responding in kind.
<p>
As it turned out, the bombing of German cities was not even effective
in stopping German weapons production.  They moved the factories
underground, but not the civilian population.


title: Very urgent: Stop giveway to Wall Street
uri: Very-urgent-Stop-giveway-to-Wall-Street
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(Urgent:_Stop_giveway_to_Wall_Street)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_giveway_to_Wall_Street%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: please call your House member right away. (General House
phone number 202-224-3121). Tell them to stop this deal while there's
still time!
<p>
"I'm a constituent. My name is...
<p>
"I'm calling about an outrageous provision that Wall Street lobbyists
and a few House and Senate leaders are trying to sneak into the budget
agreement. It would let the biggest banks go back to using taxpayer
subsidies and guarantees to gamble on the riskiest derivatives - the
exotic financial instruments that blew up the economy in 2008.
<p>
"This would be a huge giveaway to a tiny handful of the biggest Wall
Street banks, and it would put the country's financial and economic
stability at risk. Please do all you can to remove this provision from
the spending bill, and make it clear that you will oppose the bill
unless it is removed."


title: US invites another housing bubble
uri: US-invites-another-housing-bubble
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(US_invites_another_housing_bubble)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28US_invites_another_housing_bubble%29

content:
<p>
The US is 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2014/12/its-only-taken-us-five-years-forget-single-biggest-lesson-financial-meltdown">relaxing
requirements for home mortgages</a>, inviting another housing bubble
that could pop and make another crisis.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(How_Cheney_supported_torture)
title: How Cheney supported torture
uri: How-Cheney-supported-torture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28How_Cheney_supported_torture%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/12/dick-cheney-cia-torture-report">Noteworthy
ways</a> in which Vice President Cheney supported torture.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(US_occupation_of_Afghanistan)
title: US occupation of Afghanistan
uri: US-occupation-of-Afghanistan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28US_occupation_of_Afghanistan%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/09/us-occupation-drags-afghanistan-suffering-record-high">As
US Occupation Drags on, Afghanistan Suffering at Record High</a>.
<p>
This is not uniquely the fault of the US.  The Taliban are to blame too.
They kill more Afghan civilians than the US, and often do so 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-nov-feb.html#21_February_2013_(Civilian_casualties_in_Afghanistan)">intentionally</a>.
<p>
However, the badness of the Taliban is not a good reason to prolong an
unwinnable war.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(Australia_plans_internet_filters)
title: Australia plans internet filters
uri: Australia-plans-internet-filters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28Australia_plans_internet_filters%29

content:
<p>
The Australian government now 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/dec/10/copyright-changes-would-allow-courts-to-block-overseas-file-sharing-sites">plans
to impose internet filters</a> for censorship and to punish people for
forbidden sharing.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(Lying_to_cover_up_torture)
title: Lying to cover up torture
uri: Lying-to-cover-up-torture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28Lying_to_cover_up_torture%29
content:
<p>
Pushover journalists are 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/09/america-torture-cia-report-defenders">inviting
US officials to lie to cover up the torture they are responsible
for</a>.


title: UK method to abolish human rights
uri: UK-method-to-abolish-human-rights
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(UK_method_to_abolish_human_rights)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28UK_method_to_abolish_human_rights%29

content:
<p>
The UK method to abolish rights is to 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/09/children-starve-state-food-banks">define
them as something only criminals and poor foreigners need</a>.


title: Spying without warrant authorized in NZ
uri: Spying-without-warrant-authorized-in-NZ
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(Spying_without_warrant_authorized_in_NZ)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28Spying_without_warrant_authorized_in_NZ%29

content:
<p>
New Zealand, on a weak pretext, has authorized the state to 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/10/new-zealand-approves-anti-terrorism-laws-to-counter-foreign-fighters-risk">spy
on anyone for 24 hours without a warrant</a>.
<p>
I wonder, can they do this to you day after day?


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(Japans_war_crimes)
title: Japan's war crimes
uri: Japan-s-war-crimes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28Japans_war_crimes%29
content:
<p>
Right-wing Japanese nationalists are 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/dec/09/angelina-jolies-unbroken-is-racist-say-japanese-nationalists">agitating
to ban a US film</a> that depicts torture of American prisoners of war
by their Japanese guards.
<p>
Some Japanese soldiers were convicted of war crimes consisting of
torture including waterboarding.  Japan has an obligation to
acknowledge and condemn its torture, just as the US does.


title: Protests against thug violence in Berkeley
uri: Protests-against-thug-violence-in-Berkeley
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(Protests_against_thug_violence_in_Berkeley)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28Protests_against_thug_violence_in_Berkeley%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/09/berkeley-protesters-block-traffic-third-night-protests">Protests
against the violence of thugs</a> continue in Berkeley, California.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(Amazon_oil_spills)
title: Amazon oil spills
uri: Amazon-oil-spills
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28Amazon_oil_spills%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/09/the-amazon-oil-spills-overlooked-by-environmental-leaders-in-lima">Five
recent oil spills</a> have polluted the Peruvian Amazon and made
indigenous people ill.
<p>
Political leaders are meeting in Lima, but most of them are better
characterized as "fossil fuel leaders" than as "environmental
leaders".


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(Publication_of_torture_report)
title: Publication of torture report
uri: Publication-of-torture-report
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28Publication_of_torture_report%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/09/barack-obama-shifting-views-cia-torture-report">Only
the Most Cynical Could Have Guessed in 2008 That It Would Be Obama's
Own Administration That Stood in the Way of the Torture Report's
Publication</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(Bans_on_Uber)
title: Bans on Uber
uri: Bans-on-Uber
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28Bans_on_Uber%29
content:
<p>
Uber has been 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/dec/09/uber-taxis-ban-spain-thailand">banned
in Spain and Thailand</a>.
<p>
Portland, Oregon, is 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/dec/09/portland-sues-uber-taxi-services-launches">suing
to shut down Uber there</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(South_Sudans_civil_war)
title: South Sudan's civil war
uri: South-Sudan-s-civil-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28South_Sudans_civil_war%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/09/south-sudan-peace-talks-economy-casualty-of-war">South
Sudan's civil war</a>, a mixture of personal rivalry and tribal
rivalry, has brought hunger to millions.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(Death_penalty)
title: Death penalty
uri: Death-penalty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28Death_penalty%29
content:
<p>
The State of Georgia is determined to execute Robert Halsey
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/09/georgia-inmate-lawyer-alcohol-execute">notwithstanding
the incompetence of the lawyer who failed to defend him properly</a>.
<p>
The death penalty is wrong even after a properly-run trial.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(Electrical_brain_stimulation)
title: Electrical brain stimulation
uri: Electrical-brain-stimulation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28Electrical_brain_stimulation%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/dec/09/warning-experimental-brain-boost-equipment-research-oxford">Electrical
brain stimulation</a> helps some people think better, but it harms
other people.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(Enemas_used_on_prisoners)
title: Enemas used on prisoners
uri: Enemas-used-on-prisoners
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28Enemas_used_on_prisoners%29
content:
<p>
The CIA used 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/09/cia-report-rectal-feeding-detainees">forced
enemas</a> on prisoners on hunger strike.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 11_December_2014_(Dangerous_places_for_Journalists)
title: Dangerous places for Journalists
uri: Dangerous-places-for-Journalists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_%28Dangerous_places_for_Journalists%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/10/-sp-sudan-media-censorship-omar-al-bashir">Sudan
a Dangerous Place for Journalists Who Cross State's 'Red Lines'</a>.
<p>
The same is true 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#01_November_2014_(Harassment_of_journalists_entering_the_US)">in
the US</a>,even for 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#11_August_2013_(James_Risen_ready_to_go_to_jail_to_protect_sources)">prize-winning
reporters</a>.  In the UK, even 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#20_August_2013_(David_Miranda)">journalists'
spouses</a> are in danger.


title: Israeli troops kill Palestinian minister
uri: Israeli-troops-kill-Palestinian-minister
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(Israeli_troops_kill_Palestinian_minister)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28Israeli_troops_kill_Palestinian_minister%29

content:
<p>
A minister in the Palestinian government was killed by Israeli troops
<a
href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/10/palestinian-minister-dies-confrontation-israeli-soldiers-west-bank">while
engaging in a peaceful protest</a>.
<p>
He was teargassed, then a member of the extremely violent border thug
unit bashed him with a rifle and kicked him.  It's wrong to do that to
someone who is young and healthy, but this man was old and not
well, so the abuse killed him.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(Urgent:_Oregon_GMO_labeling_vote)
title: Urgent: Oregon GMO labeling vote
uri: Urgent-Oregon-GMO-labeling-vote
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Oregon_GMO_labeling_vote%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://act.myngp.com/Forms/1618489203248924416">call on
Oregon to count every valid vote</a> in the initiative on labeling
GMOs.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(Violence_against_women_in_India)
title: Violence against women in India
uri: Violence-against-women-in-India
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28Violence_against_women_in_India%29

content:
<p>
Violence against women in India is part of a 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/poverty-matters/2014/dec/10/india-gender-violence-women-activism">pervasive
attitude of sexism</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(Brazil's_torture_report)
title: Brazil's torture report
uri: Brazil-s-torture-report
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28Brazil%27s_torture_report%29
content:
<p>
Brazil also has a new torture report, which demonstrates that 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/10/rousseff-tears-brazilian-report-details-torture-killings-military-regime">torture
of prisoners was a systematic policy in the 1970s</a>.
<p>
The question is whether the torturers will be prosecuted.


title: Conclusions from report on CIA torture
uri: Conclusions-from-report-on-CIA-torture
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(Conclusions_from_report_on_CIA_torture)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28Conclusions_from_report_on_CIA_torture%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/12/09/1350485/-Here-are-a-few-excerpts-from-the-conclusions-of-the-torture-report">Crucial
conclusions from the report on CIA torture.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(McCain_denounces_torture)
title: McCain denounces torture
uri: McCain-denounces-torture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28McCain_denounces_torture%29
content:
<p>
Senator McCain 
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/12/09/1350555/-John-McCain-Calls-Out-the-Torture-Apologists?detail=email">continues
to denounce torture</a>.
<p>
However, right-wing fanatics continue to 
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/12/09/1350539/-Our-nation-will-torture-again-Let-these-conservatives-explain-why?detail=email">glorify
and praise, torture and call bloodily for more</a>.
<p>
They hope to make their cruel and bloody lies prevail over truth by
repeating them.  It might work.  They have convinced a large fraction
of Americans to continue believing that Saddam Hussein had weapons of
mass destruction in 2003, despite the fact that 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2006-mar-jun.html#27%20June%202006%20(CIA%20tried%20to%20stop%20Bush%20administration%20from%20using%20unreliable%20reports%20of%20Iraqi%20WMD%20labs)">investigation
found he did not</a>.


title: Urgent: Limit use of US ground troops
uri: Urgent-Limit-use-of-US-ground-troops
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(Urgent:_Limit_use_of_US_ground_troops)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Limit_use_of_US_ground_troops%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/sfrc-limit-use-of-us">support
the move</a> to legally limit use of US ground troops in Iraq and
Syria.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(US_labor_law)
title: US labor law
uri: US-labor-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28US_labor_law%29
content:
<p>
The US Supreme Court ruled workers don't have a right to be paid for
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2014/dec/09/employers-do-not-have-to-fill-your-pockets-while-checking-them">the
time they are required to wait for a security check</a>.
<p>
I am no expert on US labor law, but this is a bad policy: it is good
for the rich and hurts the working poor.


title: Fanatics attack Palestinian children
uri: Fanatics-attack-Palestinian-children
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(Fanatics_attack_Palestinian_children)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28Fanatics_attack_Palestinian_children%29

content:
<p>
In Hebron, 
<a href="http://www.imemc.org/article/69946">Israeli soldiers
watched</a> as fanatics attacked Palestinian children then destroyed a
Palestinian's car.
<p>
This has happened 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-mar-jun.html#24_May_2012_(Israeli_colonists_attack)">many
times before</a>.


title: 8 more war crime investigations in Israel
uri: 8-more-war-crime-investigations-in-Israel
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(8_more_war_crime_investigations_in_Israel)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%288_more_war_crime_investigations_in_Israel%29

content:
<p>
Israel has started 
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/07/world/middleeast/israel-opens-new-investigations-into-gaza-strip-war.html">8
more investigations</a> of possible war crimes by Israeli forces in
attacking Gaza.
<p>
It is a step forward, but these investigations tend to be whitewashes.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(Secret_Israeli_regulations)
title: Secret Israeli regulations
uri: Secret-Israeli-regulations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28Secret_Israeli_regulations%29
content:
<p>
Palestinians in occupied and besieged territory are governed under
<a href="http://972mag.com/palestinians-ruled-by-secret-regulations-even-the-army-cant-explain/99704/">secret
Israeli regulations</a>.  In some case the enforcers have lost their
copies.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(Pardoning_torturers)
title: Pardoning torturers
uri: Pardoning-torturers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28Pardoning_torturers%29
content:
<p>
The head of the ACLU suggests that Obama formally pardon torturers if
he does not prosecute them, 
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/09/opinion/pardon-bush-and-those-who-tortured.html">as
a way to affirm that what they did was a crime</a>.
<p>
While I see his point, I doubt it would achieve the goal very much.
Any torturer that could potentially be prosecuted, either in the US or
by an international court, should not get a pardon.  The ACLU points
out that there is 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/10/uss-story-torture-doesnt-have-end-impunity">no
statute of limitation for many of these crimes</a>.
<p>
Some of those responsible may be prosecuted in other countries or in
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/10/cia-report-prosecutions-international-law-icc">the
ICC</a>.


title: Urgent: Remove carcinogens from cosmetics
uri: Urgent-Remove-carcinogens-from-cosmetics
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(Urgent:_Remove_carcinogens_from_cosmetics)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Remove_carcinogens_from_cosmetics%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/PG_carcinogens">call on
Proctor and Gamble</a> to remove known carcinogens from its cosmetics
and other products for people to put on their bodies.


title: Urgent: Special prosecutor for torturers
uri: Urgent-Special-prosecutor-for-torturers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(Urgent:_Special_prosecutor_for_torturers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Special_prosecutor_for_torturers%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://www.aclu.org/secure/cia-torture">call on Holder</a>
to appoint a special prosecutor to prosecute the officials responsible
for US torture.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(Urgent:_Climate_negotiations)
title: Urgent: Climate negotiations
uri: Urgent-Climate-negotiations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Climate_negotiations%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="http://act.350.org/sign/hagupit/">kick the fossil fuel
industry out</a> of climate negotiations.


title: Secret FBI computer security advisory
uri: Secret-FBI-computer-security-advisory
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(Secret_FBI_computer_security_advisory)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28Secret_FBI_computer_security_advisory%29

content:
<p>
Why did the FBI give a computer security advisory secretly to some
businesses and tell them 
<a href="https://freedom-to-tinker.com/blog/felten/information-sharing-should-include-the-public/">not
to inform the public</a>?


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(CIA_torture)
title: CIA torture
uri: 2014-12-13-CIA-torture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28CIA_torture%29
content:
<p>
The CIA made prisoners 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/09/cia-torture-report-worst-findings-waterboard-rectal">stand
for hours on broken feet</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(CIA_torture_useless)
title: CIA torture useless
uri: CIA-torture-useless
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28CIA_torture_useless%29
content:
<p>
CIA torture was 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/12/senate-torture-report-bin-laden-zero-dark-thirty">useless
for finding Osama bin Laden</a>; prisoners who were tortured gave only
false information.
<p>
We should keep in mind that finding Osama bin Laden was of no great
importance in fighting al Qa'ida.  Killing leaders such as Osama bin
Laden does little damage to an underground group that 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-sep-dec.html#26_September_2012_(Drone_attacks_in_Pakistan_boost_Taliban)">can
recruit more leaders</a>.
<p>
Choosing to kill him, rather than try to arrest and try him, was
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-nov-feb.html#12_February_2014_(US_gov%27t_destroyed_and_hid_photos_of_Osama_bin_Laden_body)">murder</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(Criminal_justice_system)
title: Criminal justice system
uri: Criminal-justice-system
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28Criminal_justice_system%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/10/criminal-justice-system-black-muslim-people-britain">To
the Criminal Justice System, Black And Muslim People Embody our
Nightmares</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(Australia_now_known_for_cruelty)
title: Australia now known for cruelty
uri: Australia-now-known-for-cruelty
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28Australia_now_known_for_cruelty%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/malcolm-fraser-savages-scott-morrisons-new-asylum-seeker-laws-and-senators-who-passed-them-20141210-124bp1.html">Australia
Is Now Known Around the World As the Most Inhumane, the Most Uncaring
And the Most Selfish of All the Wealthy Countries</a>.
<p>
This is what comes from being ruled by the suppository of all cruelty,
Abbott.


title: Europe's complicity in CIA torture
uri: Europe-s-complicity-in-CIA-torture
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(Europes_complicity_in_CIA_torture)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28Europes_complicity_in_CIA_torture%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/09/cia-torture-report-europe-complicity-britain">CIA
Torture Report: Europe Must Come Clean About Its Own Complicity</a>
(in US torture, kidnaping, and imprisonment without trial).


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(Urgent:_Boycott_Amazon)
title: Urgent: Boycott Amazon
uri: 2014-12-13-Urgent-Boycott-Amazon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Boycott_Amazon%29
content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="http://www.amazonanonymous.org/">sign up</a> to boycott
Amazon.
<p>
I gave this as my additional statement.

<blockquote>
<p>
There are additional reasons to refuse to buy from Amazon.  It keeps a
database of what people buy, and does not accept cash.  Amazon ebooks
are a surveillance system and Amazon can erase them remotely: see 
<a href="media/3f1e898d.ebooks.pdf" data-original-source="https://stallman.org/ebooks.pdf">stallman.org/ebooks.pdf</a>.</p>
<p>
See also 
<a href="https://stallman.org/amazon.html">stallman.org/amazon.html</a>
for more bad things Amazon does.</p>
<p>
Thus, I agree to boycott Amazon, but it won't change anything, since
I'd never consider buying from an organization that treated me that
way, even if it didn't abuse its workers and evade taxes.</p>
</blockquote>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(Investigation_of_CIA_torture)
title: Investigation of CIA torture
uri: Investigation-of-CIA-torture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28Investigation_of_CIA_torture%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/12/timeline-history-senate-torture-report">6
years of CIA attempts</a> to obstruct the investigation of CIA
torture.
<p>
Obama 
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2014/12/09/torture-report-obama-consistently-suppor">withheld
almost 10,000 CIA documents</a> from the Senate torture inquiry.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(Republican_sabotage)
title: Republican sabotage
uri: Republican-sabotage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28Republican_sabotage%29
content:
<p>
Republicans threatened to shut down the US government again, and 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/10/congress-strikes-11tn-budget-deal">won
small acts of sabotage</a>: cancelling out Washington DC's initiative
to legalize marijuana, and a little deregulation for banksters to
cause future financial havoc.
<p>
The banksters were 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/10/wall-street-moves-kill">aiming
for more than this</a>.  If they don't get all that now, they will try
again soon enough.  They have lobbyists and lawyers who will work full
time for years to be able to 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-nov-feb.html#6%20December%202010%20(Interview%20with%20Assange)">create 
bubbles and pop them</a>,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_December_2014_(New_world-wide_plan_for_failing_banks)">swindle 
their clients</a>,
and 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-nov-feb.html#06_January_2014_(US_mainstream_media_disparages_idea_of_punishing_banksters)">fraudulently 
foreclose millions of people's homes</a>.
<p>
Their first victory was 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-nov-feb.html#29_January_2012_(US_Finance)">blocking
the US from imposing adequate regulations to prevent another
crisis</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(Urgent:_Free_Raif_Badawi)
title: Urgent: Free Raif Badawi
uri: Urgent-Free-Raif-Badawi
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Free_Raif_Badawi%29
content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://campaigns.amnesty.org/actions/write-for-rights-raif-badawi">Write
to Saudi Arabia</a> calling for the release of imprisoned journalist
Raif Badawi.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 12_December_2014_(Copyright_lawsuit_against_remix)
title: Copyright lawsuit against remix
uri: Copyright-lawsuit-against-remix
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_December_2014_%28Copyright_lawsuit_against_remix%29

content:
<p>
A copyright lawsuit demanding royalties for a small sample of music
has been 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/dec/10/jay-z-victorious-in-court-battle-over-use-of-the-word-oh-run-this-town">defeated</a>,
but the judge's criteria seem to favorable to the plaintiff, leaving
copyright still an impediment to remix.


title: HK gov't shutting down protest camps
uri: HK-gov-t-shutting-down-protest-camps
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(HK_govt_shutting_down_protest_camps)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28HK_govt_shutting_down_protest_camps%29

content:
<p>
The Hong Kong government is 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/11/hong-kong-protest-clearance-under-way">shutting
down the democracy protest camps</a>.
<p>
A few activists will remain to 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/11/hong-kong-protesters-brace-arrests-police-clearance">dare
the state to arrest them</a>.
<p>
People will try again later.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Bipartisan_deal_in_Congress)
title: Bipartisan deal in Congress
uri: Bipartisan-deal-in-Congress
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Bipartisan_deal_in_Congress%29
content:
<p>
The bipartisan deal in Congress 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/10/giveaways-wall-street-and-nations-wealthiest-spending-bill-make-great-train-robbery">allows
rich people to pay more to buy the support of major political
parties</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Kerry_asks_for_perpetual_war)
title: Kerry asks for perpetual war
uri: Kerry-asks-for-perpetual-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Kerry_asks_for_perpetual_war%29
content:
<p>
Kerry asked Congress to approve 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/10/secretary-state-john-kerry-pushes-endless-war-authorization">"flexible"
and perpetual war</a>.


title: Islamic terrorists not a significant danger
uri: Islamic-terrorists-not-a-significant-danger
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Islamic_terrorists_not_a_significant_danger)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Islamic_terrorists_not_a_significant_danger%29

content:
<p>
Islamic terrorists 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/11/jihadi-groups-kill-5000-people-in-november">killed
5000 people in November, mainly in Iraq, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Syria,
Yemen and Somalia</a>.
<p>
Note the absence of any Western country in that list.  While Islamists
are vicious and evil, they are not a significant danger to people in
the West.  It would be foolish for us to give up vital freedoms for
fear of a danger that doesn't come near us.


title: Australia's extreme public statements
uri: Australia-s-extreme-public-statements
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Australias_extreme_public_statements)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Australias_extreme_public_statements%29

content:
<p>
Australia is 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/11/australia-still-constructive-in-climate-talks-despite-julie-bishops-rhetoric">not
quite as obstructionist in Lima negotiations as its public statements
would suggest</a>.
<p>
I find this very surprising.  The extreme statements are not going to
please many people in Australia besides the coal companies, and those
will care more about results (preventing an effective climate
agreement) than about statements.


title: US infiltration of Cuban rap scene
uri: US-infiltration-of-Cuban-rap-scene
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(US_infiltration_of_Cuban_rap_scene)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28US_infiltration_of_Cuban_rap_scene%29

content:
<p>
The US infiltrated the Cuban rap scene to try to stimulate opposition
to Castro, but it 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/11/cuban-hip-hop-scene-infiltrated-us-information-youth">backfired</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Antibiotic_resistance)
title: Antibiotic resistance
uri: 2014-12-13-Antibiotic-resistance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Antibiotic_resistance%29
content:
<p>
Antibiotic resistance is 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/dec/11/drug-resistant-infections-deaths-soar-10m-by-2050-report">killing
almost a million people a year</a>.  Projections suggest it may kill
10 million a year by 2050.
<p>
I agree that we should give high priority to curbing antibiotic
resistance.  The first step has to be 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-nov-feb.html#09_February_2013_(US_antibiotics_mostly_used_in_farm_animals)">banning
giving antibiotics to farm animals</a> (except to individual ones to
treat a sickness).


title: Former CIA Officer on Torture Report
uri: Former-CIA-Officer-on-Torture-Report
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Former_CIA_Officer_on_Torture_Report)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Former_CIA_Officer_on_Torture_Report%29

content:
<p>
"<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/?p=10134">A lot of These
Gomers Didn't Know Shit": Former CIA Officer on Torture Report</a>.


title: Pipeline and coal mines must be cancelled
uri: Pipeline-and-coal-mines-must-be-cancelled
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Pipeline_and_coal_mines_must_be_cancelled)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Pipeline_and_coal_mines_must_be_cancelled%29

content:
<p>
The Keystone XL pipeline and Australia's new coal mines, if not
cancelled, 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/10/keystone-xl-and-galilee-valley-threaten-the-global-climate-talks">could
render the climate negotiations futile</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(E-cigarettes)
title: E-cigarettes
uri: 2014-12-13-E-cigarettes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28E-cigarettes%29
content:
<p>
E-cigarettes are 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/dec/10/e-cigarette-non-smokers-nhs-survey">of
little interest to anyone other than smokers</a>, in the UK at least.


title: CIA lawyer thought CIA's activities were torture
uri: CIA-lawyer-thought-CIA-s-activities-were-torture
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(CIA_lawyer_thought_CIAs_activities_were_torture)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28CIA_lawyer_thought_CIAs_activities_were_torture%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/?p=10099">For CIA, Truth
about Torture Was an Existential Threat</a>.
<p>
The article presents proof that CIA lawyer John Rizzo thought
that the CIA's activities were torture.
<p>
Shame on the Obama regime for 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/10/only-cia-agent-jailed-torture-program-whistleblower-who-confirmed-its-existence">imprisoning
John Kiriakou for telling the truth about torture</a>, while CIA
officials were lying to everyone.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(US_military_torture)
title: US military torture
uri: US-military-torture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28US_military_torture%29
content:
<p>
With the attention focused on CIA torture, don't forget that 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/10/afghanistan-president-condemns-inhumane-cia-torture-report">the
US military carried out torture too</a> in Guantanamo, Iraq and in
Afghanistan.


title: Protest in Dublin against water charges
uri: Protest-in-Dublin-against-water-charges
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Protest_in_Dublin_against_water_charges)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Protest_in_Dublin_against_water_charges%29

content:
<p>
Around 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/10/demonstrators-surround-irish-parliament-protest-over-water-charges">100,000
people</a> protested in Dublin against charges for water.
<p>
Every kind of business should have to pay for water at market rates,
but each person should get a reasonable amount of water gratis.
<p>
The costs of ordinary amounts water and sewage for people should be
paid for by income tax on the rich, not by those people.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Plastic_trash_in_the_oceans)
title: Plastic trash in the oceans
uri: Plastic-trash-in-the-oceans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Plastic_trash_in_the_oceans%29
content:
<p>
Earth's oceans contain roughly 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/10/full-scale-plastic-worlds-oceans-revealed-first-time-pollution">270,000
tons of plastic trash</a>, mostly in tiny pieces that endanger sea
animals.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Censorship_by_UK_ISPs)
title: Censorship by UK ISPs
uri: Censorship-by-UK-ISPs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Censorship_by_UK_ISPs%29
content:
<p>
The UK's mandatory censorship by ISPs has a 
<a href="http://www.computerworlduk.com/news/security/3590174/vodafone-blocks-chaos-computer-club-site-fueling-net-censorship-concerns-in-uk/">persistent
tendency to go beyond the pornography that the UK requires them to
block.


title: Votes in favor of recognizing Palestine
uri: Votes-in-favor-of-recognizing-Palestine
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Votes_in_favor_of_recognizing_Palestine)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Votes_in_favor_of_recognizing_Palestine%29

content:
<p>
In 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/11/france-ireland-europe-recognise-palestine-israel">France
and Ireland</a>, the parliaments have voted in favor of recognizing
Palestine.
<p>
It is too bad they make this vote advisory only.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Rape_used_as_weapon_of_war)
title: Rape used as weapon of war
uri: Rape-used-as-weapon-of-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Rape_used_as_weapon_of_war%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/11/-sp-darfur-rape-radio-dabanga">Darfur
Radio Station Exposes the Use of Rape As Weapon of War</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(What_the_US_must_do)
title: What the US must do
uri: What-the-US-must-do
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28What_the_US_must_do%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2014/12/09/a-tortured-accounting/a-special-prosecutor-compensation-and-cia-reforms-are-needed">What
the US must do</a> to clear away the blot of torture.
<p>
This applies to military torture, too.


title: Mother jailed for allowing child to play in park
uri: Mother-jailed-for-allowing-child-to-play-in-park
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Mother_jailed_for_allowing_child_to_play_in_park)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Mother_jailed_for_allowing_child_to_play_in_park%29

content:
<p>
A mother in South Carolina was 
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2014/07/14/mom-jailed-because-she-let-her-9-year-ol">jailed
for allowing her child to play in the park</a>.
<p>
So crazy has the US become.  And the result of this insanity is that
parents have to transport children everywhere — causing burden
on the parents and making children feel a lack of autonomy.


title: Oil spill threatens Sundarbans forest
uri: Oil-spill-threatens-Sundarbans-forest
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Oil_spill_threatens_Sundarbans_forest)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Oil_spill_threatens_Sundarbans_forest%29

content:
<p>
An 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/11/bangladesh-oil-spill-threatens-rare-dolphins">oil
spill</a> threatens the Sundarbans forest, home to rare dolphins as
well as tigers, but perhaps not for much longer.


title: How CIA tried to legitimize torture
uri: How-CIA-tried-to-legitimize-torture
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(How_CIA_tried_to_legitimize_torture)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28How_CIA_tried_to_legitimize_torture%29

content:
<p>
The CIA 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/science/the-lay-scientist/2014/dec/11/torture-why-did-the-cia-spend-over-180m-on-bad-science">spent
180 million dollars</a> to build up a group of psychologists to
legitimize torture.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(How_PISSI_began)
title: How PISSI began
uri: How-PISSI-began
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28How_PISSI_began%29
content:
<p>
A leader in PISSI explains how it was 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/11/-sp-isis-the-inside-story">set
up inside a US prison in Iraq</a>.


title: Prosecuted for lack of respect for Buddhism
uri: Prosecuted-for-lack-of-respect-for-Buddhism
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Prosecuted_for_lack_of_respect_for_Buddhism)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Prosecuted_for_lack_of_respect_for_Buddhism%29

content:
<p>
A bar manager in Burma is being 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/11/new-zealand-bar-manager-held-in-burma-over-buddha-drinks-promotion">prosecuted
for displaying a lack of respect for Buddhism</a>.
<p>
Too bad the Buddha isn't here — he would tell them to stop
making a fuss about that bar and go back to meditating.
<p>
Freedom of speech means the freedom to criticize, offend, insult, or
mock any person, idea, practice or thing — even the Buddha.
Even you or me.  Burma should start respecting this freedom.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Urgent:_Oppose_budget_deal)
title: Very urgent: Oppose budget deal
uri: Very-urgent-Oppose-budget-deal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_budget_deal%29
content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/12/take-action-stop-citibank-budget-no-more-rigged-backroom-deals">phone
your senators</a> saying to vote against the budget deal that attacks
America in so many ways.
<p>
I suspect that using the site to call your senators involves running
nonfree Javascript; if it does, just call the switchboard directly.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
and 888-355-3588.</p>


title: Thugs attack woman for filming attack
uri: Thugs-attack-woman-for-filming-attack
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Thugs_attack_woman_for_filming_attack)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Thugs_attack_woman_for_filming_attack%29

content:
<p>
Thugs in Baltimore attacked a woman with a taser and pulled her out of
her car, then
<a href="http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2014/12/cops-use-taser-on-woman-while-she-recorded-arrest-of-another-man/">erased
the video she was making of how they were attacking another
victim</a>.
<p>
Then, as is typical for thugs who think courts will believe any lie
they tell, they falsely accused her of trying to run them over.


title: Leak of Luxembourg tax dodging schemes
uri: Leak-of-Luxembourg-tax-dodging-schemes
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Leak_of_Luxembourg_tax_dodging_schemes)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Leak_of_Luxembourg_tax_dodging_schemes%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/13/luxembourg-theft-trade-secrecy-charges">Some
unidentified person has been charged</a> with leaking the Luxembourg
tax dodging schemes.
<p>
The apology offered for these deals makes no sense to me.  What
difference does it make whether they are similar or different?  The
point is that they help companies at public expense.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Canadian_anti-prostitution_law)
title: Canadian anti-prostitution law
uri: Canadian-anti-prostitution-law
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Canadian_anti-prostitution_law%29

content:
<p>
Canadian prostitutes feel threatened by a law that
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/12/canada-anti-prostitution-law-workers-safety">makes
it a crime to be their customers</a>.


title: Torture gets in the way of fair trial
uri: Torture-gets-in-the-way-of-fair-trial
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Torture_gets_in_the_way_of_fair_trial)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Torture_gets_in_the_way_of_fair_trial%29

content:
<p>
Prisoner abd el Rahim al Nashiri
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/?p=10299">might be guilty
of deadly terrorism</a>, but US government torture gets in the way of
proving this in a fair trial.
<p>
The
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-mar-jun.html#20%20May%202010%20(Reporters%20barred%20from%20Guantanamo)">"military
commission"</a> doesn't aim be a fair trial.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(The_celibacy_required_of_priests)
title: The celibacy required of priests
uri: The-celibacy-required-of-priests
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28The_celibacy_required_of_priests%29

content:
<p>
A Catholic council acknowledges that the celibacy required of priests
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/12/celibacy-rule-may-have-contributed-to-child-sex-abuse-says-catholic-church">may
have contributed to leading them to have sex with children</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Organic_products)
title: "Organic" products
uri: Organic-products
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Organic_products%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/11/help-usda-factory-farms-masquerading-products-organic">With
Help From USDA, Factory Farms 'Masquerading' Products as Organic</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Wall_Street_giveaway)
title: Wall Street giveaway
uri: Wall-Street-giveaway
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Wall_Street_giveaway%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/12/spending-bill-wall-street-derivatives-elizabeth-warren">All
About That Wall Street Giveaway That Elizabeth Warren Hates and the
House Is About to Pass</a>.


title: How to break DRM on Keurig coffee pods
uri: How-to-break-DRM-on-Keurig-coffee-pods
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(How_to_break_DRM_on_Keurig_coffee_pods)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28How_to_break_DRM_on_Keurig_coffee_pods%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://caffeinesecurity.blogspot.com/2014/12/keurig-20-genuine-k-cup-spoofing.html">How
to break the DRM on Keurig coffee pods</a>.
<p>
I think that coffee pods are a bad idea
because they involve more nonbiodegradable waste.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Elizabeth_Warren)
title: Elizabeth Warren
uri: 2014-12-14-Elizabeth-Warren
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Elizabeth_Warren%29
content:
<p>
Elizabeth Warren fights hard against Wall Street, but
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2014/12/10/elizabeth-warren-wont-say-much-about-war">doesn't
talk much about permanent war</a> I will vote for her if she is the
Democratic candidate (which I would not do for Ms Clinton), but I'd
rather have
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#04_December_2014_(Bernie_Sanders_economic_program)">Bernie
Sanders</a> running, since he opposes both Wall Street and permanent
war.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Phthalates_and_decreased_IQ)
title: Phthalates and decreased IQ
uri: Phthalates-and-decreased-IQ
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Phthalates_and_decreased_IQ%29
content:
<p>
High levels of phthalates in mothers' blood is associated with a
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/dec/10/phthalates-damage-childrens-iqs-womb-plastic-chemicals">decrease
in IQ for their children</a>.
<p>
Since the experiment that would prove without a doubt that phthalates
damage IQ would be unethical, there is no use waiting in the hope of
clearer proof.  The US should follow Europe in banning phthalates in
anything meant to come in contact with food or people's bodies.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Afghanistans_government)
title: Afghanistan's government
uri: Afghanistan-s-government
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Afghanistans_government%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/12/7-ways-afghanistan-has-major-problems">Why
Afghanistan's government can't stand unless propped up by the US</a>.
<p>
In addition, it oppresses women almost as much as the Taliban would.
Do the people of Afghanistan want the US to prop up this government
indefinitely at the cost of continuing the war?


title: Million-dollar fine for protests in Spain
uri: Million-dollar-fine-for-protests-in-Spain
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Million-dollar_fine_for_protests_in_Spain)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Million-dollar_fine_for_protests_in_Spain%29

content:
<p>
Spain's right-wing government has imposed a
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/11/spain-law-expel-north-african-migrants-protests">million-dollar
fine</a> for some protests, and large fines also for publishing photos
of thugs.
<p>
The latter one seems to be intended to stop people from documenting
the thugs' violence.  The people of Spain, under repression, need to
develop networks for anonymously posting evidence outside Spain.
<p>
The same law also represses insulting a thug.  Many thugs do things
which provoke well-deserved insults.  Prohibiting insults against
anyone is inexcusable censorship.
<p>
I will suggest to people in Spain that they turn the word
"policÃa" into an insult.  Then it will be possible to insult a
thug just by saying "es un policÃa", and it will be difficult
for them to prosecute this.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(US_closes_Bagram_prison)
title: US closes Bagram prison
uri: US-closes-Bagram-prison
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28US_closes_Bagram_prison%29
content:
<p>
The US has
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/11/afghanistan-us-bagram-torture-prison">closed
its notorious Bagram prison</a>.
<p>
Henceforth the government of Afghanistan will be responsible for abuse
and torture of prisoners in Afghanistan.  It's still barbaric but the
guilt will only indirectly be on US hands.


title: EU clean air and recycling directives
uri: EU-clean-air-and-recycling-directives
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(EU_clean_air_and_recycling_directives)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28EU_clean_air_and_recycling_directives%29

content:
<p>
The European Commission
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/11/eu-plans-to-scrap-clean-air-and-waste-recycling-laws">plans
to cancel</a> proposed EU clean air and recycling directives.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Todays_US_wars)
title: Today's US wars
uri: Today-s-US-wars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Todays_US_wars%29
content:
<p>
In today's US wars,
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/11/peace-missing-action">the
very idea of a future peace has been discarded</a>.


title: CIA/military torture and killer thugs
uri: CIA-military-torture-and-killer-thugs
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(CIA-military_torture_and_killer_thugs)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28CIA-military_torture_and_killer_thugs%29

content:
<p>
CIA/military torture and killer thugs are
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/11/what-ferguson-eric-garner-and-cia-torture-have-common">part
of the same spectrum of injustice and impunity</a>.
<p>
Obama: the US does not have to prosecute those responsible for torture
because it it is
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/10/obama-america-exceptional-so-we-dont-prosecute-torturers">exceptionally
good</a>.
<p>
For the US to be good at all, it must prosecute its
torturers and its killer thugs.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Repression_of_women_in_Brazil)
title: Repression of women in Brazil
uri: Repression-of-women-in-Brazil
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Repression_of_women_in_Brazil%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/dec/11/brazil-abortion-law-women-desperate-measures">Women
in Brazil that get underground abortions</a> face repression and even
death.
<p>
The idea that there is something wrong with an abortion is nothing but
religious ignorance.


title: Urgent: Ban fracking on public lands
uri: Urgent-Ban-fracking-on-public-lands
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Urgent:_Ban_fracking_on_public_lands)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Ban_fracking_on_public_lands%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://secure3.convio.net/fww/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=1689">call
on your representative</a> to support the bill to ban fracking on
public lands.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Urgent:_Prosecute_torturers)
title: Urgent: Prosecute torturers
uri: Urgent-Prosecute-torturers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Prosecute_torturers%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: phone the White House and call on Obama to prosecute the officials
responsible for torture — 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/11/torture-report-raises-hopes-offers-ammo-bush-co-prosecutions">starting
with Dubya</a>.
<p>
The White House comments line is 202-456-1111.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Urgent:_Reduce_toxic_smog)
title: Urgent: Reduce toxic smog
uri: Urgent-Reduce-toxic-smog
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Reduce_toxic_smog%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://secure.sierraclub.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=14715">call
on the EPA</a> to impose strict standards to reduce toxic smog.


title: Urgent: Decriminalize feeding the homeless
uri: Urgent-Decriminalize-feeding-the-homeless
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Urgent:_Decriminalize_feeding_the_homeless)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Decriminalize_feeding_the_homeless%29

content:
<p>
In the US: 
<a href="http://act.watchdog.net/petitions/4753">support</a>
decriminalizing the feeding of homeless people.


title: Accused of blasphemy for criticizing PISSI
uri: Accused-of-blasphemy-for-criticizing-PISSI
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Accused_of_blasphemy_for_criticizing_PISSI)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Accused_of_blasphemy_for_criticizing_PISSI%29

content:
<p>
An Indonesian editor has been 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/12/indonesian-news-editor-accused-blasphemy-isis-cartoon">accused
of blasphemy</a> for a cartoon that criticized PISSI.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Questioning_without_torture)
title: Questioning without torture
uri: Questioning-without-torture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Questioning_without_torture%29
content:
<p>
An FBI interrogator who 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/12/interrogated-terrorist-cia-senate-report">questioned
Abu Zubaydah without torture</a>, reports on how the CIA torturers
took over, then lied about what he had achieved, while not bothering
for months to question Abu Zubaydah at all.


title: Human predation of whales and seals
uri: Human-predation-of-whales-and-seals
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Human_predation_of_whales_and_seals)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Human_predation_of_whales_and_seals%29

content:
<p>
Human predation of whales and seals has created 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/georgemonbiot/2014/dec/12/how-whale-poo-is-connected-to-climate-and-our-lives">ecosystem
catastrophes</a>, wiping out other species of animals and plants.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Russias_war_with_Chechnya)
title: Russia's war with Chechnya
uri: Russia-s-war-with-Chechnya
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Russias_war_with_Chechnya%29
content:
<p>
20 years ago, when Russia's war with Chechnya started, Yeltsin was
determined not to negotiate with Chechnya and made
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/12/-sp-chechnya-russia-war-anniversary">foolish
excuses</a>.


title: Disguised Oakland thugs at protest
uri: Disguised-Oakland-thugs-at-protest
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Disguised_Oakland_thugs_at_protest)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Disguised_Oakland_thugs_at_protest%29

content:
<p>
Protesters in Oakland discovered two infiltrating disguised thugs and
a few attacked them, whereupon 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/12/oakland-undercover-officer-protesters-could-have-shot-anyone">one
thug pulled out a pistol and pointed it at the surrounding crowd</a>.
<p>
I understand that the thug might have felt threatened at that moment
— but he should not have been there in the first place.
<p>
The thug department says that they infiltrated the protest to "keep
the public safe".  If they shot protesters, they'd say that was
"keeping the public safe" too.


title: Italians strike against austerity
uri: Italians-strike-against-austerity
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Italians_strike_against_austerity)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Italians_strike_against_austerity%29

content:
<p>
Italians have launched a 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/12/cosi-non-va-general-strike-against-austerity-sweeps-italy">general
strike against austerity</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Cover-up_of_murder_of_teenager)
title: Cover-up of murder of teenager
uri: Cover-up-of-murder-of-teenager
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Cover-up_of_murder_of_teenager%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/12/my-son-lynched-police-lennon-lacy">Thugs
appear to be covering up the murder of 17-year-old Lennon Lacy</a> by
calling it suicide.
<p>
His mother is wrong to criticize the older woman he was having an
affair with.  That prejudice might be the same one that motivated the
murderer, and it is wrong no matter who expresses it.


title: Turkish writers that criticize gov't
uri: Turkish-writers-that-criticize-gov-t
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Turkish_writers_that_criticize_govt)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Turkish_writers_that_criticize_govt%29

content:
<p>
Turkish writers that criticize the government have been 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/12/pamuk-shafak-turkish-press-campaign">accused
of being part of the "international literature lobby" by supporters of
Erdogan</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Hong_Kongs_umbrella_movement)
title: Hong Kong's umbrella movement
uri: Hong-Kong-s-umbrella-movement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Hong_Kongs_umbrella_movement%29
content:
<p>
Hong Kong's umbrella movement has not won, but it 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/12/hong-kong-occupy-protests-far-from-over">has
not failed</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Prosecution_for_torture)
title: Prosecution for torture
uri: Prosecution-for-torture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Prosecution_for_torture%29
content:
<p>
The UN special rapporteur on human rights says 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/12/cia-torture-report-prosecute-senior-us-officials">the
US attorney general must prosecute those responsible for torture</a>.
<p>
It is strange, however, that he thinks Dubya deserves immunity as the
then head of state.  Slobodan Miloshevic, Saddam Hussein, and Uhuru
Kenyatta were not granted that privilege.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(UKs_involvement_in_CIA_torture)
title: UK's involvement in CIA torture
uri: UK-s-involvement-in-CIA-torture
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28UKs_involvement_in_CIA_torture%29

content:
<p>
UK officials held 24 meetings with US Senate investigators pleading to
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/law/2014/dec/12/uk-ministers-senate-committee-cia-torture-report">cover
up the UK's involvement in CIA torture</a>.  It looks like they got
what they wanted.


title: Curbing the power of corporations
uri: Curbing-the-power-of-corporations
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Curbing_the_power_of_corporations)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Curbing_the_power_of_corporations%29

content:
<p>
There are 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/12/boardroom-greed-errant-multinational-change-law-limited-liability">many
things a government can do</a> to curb the power of corporations.
<p>
All that is needed is political will.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(Nonviolent_movements)
title: Nonviolent movements
uri: Nonviolent-movements
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28Nonviolent_movements%29
content:
<p>
Occupy protests gained public attention because of two factors:
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/11/what-makes-nonviolent-movements-explode">disruption
and personal sacrifice</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 13_December_2014_(CIA_director_repeating_lies)
title: CIA director repeating lies
uri: CIA-director-repeating-lies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_%28CIA_director_repeating_lies%29
content:
<p>
CIA Director Brennan arrogantly repeated his past lies in Congress,
and 
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/?p=10263">refused to
affirm that the CIA would not torture again</a>.
<p>
If I were in Congress I would vote to cancel all funds for the CIA
until it is cleansed of torture supporters.


title: Urgent: Protect Arctic ring seals
uri: Urgent-Protect-Arctic-ring-seals
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 15_December_2014_(Urgent:_Protect_Arctic_ring_seals)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#15_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Protect_Arctic_ring_seals%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://secure.sierraclub.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=14813">call
on the National Marine Fisheries Service</a> to protect Arctic ring
seals from the danger of oil spills.


title: Cincinnati Enquirer's "investigative journalism"
uri: Cincinnati-Enquirer-s-investigative-journalism
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 15_December_2014_(Cincinnati_Enquirers_investigative_journalism)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#15_December_2014_%28Cincinnati_Enquirers_investigative_journalism%29

content:
<p>
In the Cincinnati Enquirer, "investigative journalism" means 
<a href="http://fair.org/blog/2014/12/11/investigative-reporting-working-with-ad-partners-to-monetize-the-audience/">covering
organizations that might pay for advertising</a>.
<p>
This article uses the word 
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">"monetize"</a>
in the sense of "contemptuously regard mainly as a source of income".
I reject that usage of the word because I reject the attitude that it
embodies.
<p>
"Monetize" properly means "to use as currency".


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 15_December_2014_(Not_calling_US_torture_torture)
title: Not calling US torture "torture"
uri: Not-calling-US-torture-torture
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#15_December_2014_%28Not_calling_US_torture_torture%29

content:
<p>
NPR 
<a href="http://fair.org/blog/2014/12/12/refusing-to-take-sides-npr-takes-sides-with-torture-deniers/">systematically
avoids calling US torture "torture"</a>, because that would mean
criticizing it.
<p>
The Washington Post 
<a href="http://fair.org/blog/2014/12/09/washington-post-does-not-call-it-torture-when-we-torture/">does
the same thing</a>.
<p>
The effect is to support the torture apologists and Obama in trying to
downplay US torture.  Example in point: ABC television's story that is
<a href="http://fair.org/blog/2014/12/10/abc-makes-us-the-victim-in-the-cia-torture-report-story/">more
concerned with the blowback from US torture than with the wrong of
torture itself</a>.
<p>
That attitude is "whatever we do, we don't deserve
to be punished for it."


title: Pregnant woman put in solitary confinement
uri: Pregnant-woman-put-in-solitary-confinement
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 15_December_2014_(Pregnant_woman_put_in_solitary_confinement)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#15_December_2014_%28Pregnant_woman_put_in_solitary_confinement%29

content:
<p>
A pregnant woman in Wisconsin was 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/dec/12/pregnant-womans-drug-use-equivalent-to-child-abuse-court-says">put
in solitary confinement</a> because she had used methamphetamine while
pregnant.
<p>
It is unjustified and cruel to punish a pregnant woman for possibly
damaging her fetus.  Barring her off from employment is stupid —
that would do much worse harm to the possible eventual child.
<p>
It can, in principle, be legitimate to stop a pregnant woman from
doing something that would cause permanent damage to a future human
being, but that's easier said than done.  It might be better to abort
the fetus instead — if it never becomes a human being, then no
human being is damaged.


title: New head of Australia's gov't research lab
uri: New-head-of-Australia-s-gov-t-research-lab
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 15_December_2014_(New_head_of_Australias_govt_research_lab)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#15_December_2014_%28New_head_of_Australias_govt_research_lab%29

content:
<p>
The new head of Australia's government research lab 
<a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-10-20/nrn-csiro-ceo-water-divining-dowsing/5822472">believes
in dowsing</a>.
<p>
I guess that's part of what falls down on you if you take the
suppository of all ignorance.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 15_December_2014_(NY_thugs_use_of_choke_holds)
title: NY thugs' use of choke holds
uri: NY-thugs-use-of-choke-holds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#15_December_2014_%28NY_thugs_use_of_choke_holds%29
content:
<p>
There were 
<a href="http://www.vocativ.com/usa/nyc/87-chokehold-complaints-nypd/">87
complaints in 2014</a> that New York thugs put people in choke holds
(which is against their rules), and only once was any action taken
against the thug.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 15_December_2014_(Ireland_passes_snooping_law)
title: Ireland passes snooping law
uri: Ireland-passes-snooping-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#15_December_2014_%28Ireland_passes_snooping_law%29
content:
<p>
Ireland passed a law to 
<a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/state-sanctions-phone-and-email-tapping-1.2027844">allow
foreign governments to snoop on communications and force ISPs to
cooperate in secret trials</a>.


title: "Sex education" plagiarized from joke
uri: Sex-education-plagiarized-from-joke
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 15_December_2014_(Sex_education_plagiarized_from_joke)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#15_December_2014_%28Sex_education_plagiarized_from_joke%29

content:
<p>
"Focus on the Family"'s irrational "sex education" was 
<a href="http://mustsharenews.com/fotf-rip-off-sex-ed/">plagiarized
from someone else's joke</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 15_December_2014_(Impunity_of_violent_thugs)
title: Impunity of violent thugs
uri: Impunity-of-violent-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#15_December_2014_%28Impunity_of_violent_thugs%29
content:
<p>
A Seattle thug that punched a handcuffed woman and fractured her skull
<a href="http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2025176977_shepherdpunch1xml.html">will
not be prosecuted</a>.
<p>
When Americans sue a thug for illegal violence and win, the thug is
<a href="media/17b5cd34.NYULawReview-89-3-Schwartz.pdf" data-original-source="http://www.nyulawreview.org/sites/default/files/pdf/NYULawReview-89-3-Schwartz.pdf">never
personally held liable</a>.
<p>
No wonder they feel they can get away with murder.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 15_December_2014_(UKs_internet_censorship)
title: UK's internet censorship
uri: 2014-12-15-UK-s-internet-censorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#15_December_2014_%28UKs_internet_censorship%29
content:
<p>
The UK's internet censorship 
<a href="http://b2fxxx.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/virgin-media-blocking-website-of.html">blocked
access to a UK government site about investigation of US kidnaping and
torture</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 15_December_2014_(Students_ratings_of_instructors)
title: Students' ratings of instructors
uri: Students-ratings-of-instructors
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#15_December_2014_%28Students_ratings_of_instructors%29

content:
<p>
An experiment found students 
<a href="http://news.ncsu.edu/2014/12/macnell-gender-2014/">rate their
instructors</a> more highly when they think the instructors are male,
than when they think the same instructors are female.
<p>
The actual sex of the instructor (concealed from the students) did not
correlate with the ratings.


title: Participation by MDs in CIA torture
uri: Participation-by-MDs-in-CIA-torture
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 15_December_2014_(Participation_by_MDs_in_CIA_torture)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#15_December_2014_%28Participation_by_MDs_in_CIA_torture%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://kottke.org/14/12/medical-profession-aided-cia-torture">How
medical doctors participated</a> in CIA torture.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 15_December_2014_(UK_involvement_with_US_torture)
title: UK involvement with US torture
uri: UK-involvement-with-US-torture
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#15_December_2014_%28UK_involvement_with_US_torture%29

content:
<p>
The UK government has used a string of 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/12/britain-torture-report-cia-cameron-uk-inquiry">sleazy
tricks</a> to conceal its involvement with US torture.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 15_December_2014_(Telling_people_how_to_remove_DRM)
title: Telling people how to remove DRM
uri: Telling-people-how-to-remove-DRM
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#15_December_2014_%28Telling_people_how_to_remove_DRM%29

content:
<p>
A US court ruled that telling people how to remove DRM is 
<a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2014/12/pointing-users-drm-stripping-software-isnt-copyright-infringement-judge-rules">lawful</a>.
<p>
I suppose the perpetrators of DRM will appeal this decision, so it
won't be final.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 15_December_2014_(Dubyas_torture_worked)
title: Dubya's torture "worked"
uri: Dubya-s-torture-worked
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#15_December_2014_%28Dubyas_torture_worked%29
content:
<p>
Dubya's torture did "work" … to provide the false information
he wanted as an 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/12/what-both-sides-are-ignoring-torture-did-work-produce-iraq-war">excuse
for the war he wanted</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 15_December_2014_(Oregon_GMO-labeling_referendum)
title: Oregon GMO-labeling referendum
uri: Oregon-GMO-labeling-referendum
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#15_December_2014_%28Oregon_GMO-labeling_referendum%29

content:
<p>
The Oregon GMO-labeling referendum was defeated: a judge refused to
stop the election authority from applying an arbitrary criterion to
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/12/oregon-gmo-labeling-battle-supporters-concede-loss-not-defeat">exclude
4,000 votes</a>.


title: Pointing out evils of the US gov't
uri: Pointing-out-evils-of-the-US-gov-t
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 15_December_2014_(Pointing_out_evils_of_the_US_govt)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#15_December_2014_%28Pointing_out_evils_of_the_US_govt%29

content:
<p>
If you point out evils of the US government, such as torture,
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/12/how-awesome-america">apologists
pop up to claim you just want the US to look bad</a>.
<p>
I do it because the US government needs some "tough love".  I want the
US to stop doing evil, so I could be proud of my country.


title: London thugs arrest peaceful protesters
uri: London-thugs-arrest-peaceful-protesters
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 15_December_2014_(London_thugs_arrest_peaceful_protesters)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#15_December_2014_%28London_thugs_arrest_peaceful_protesters%29

content:
<p>
At a solidarity die-in in London, thugs 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/12/die-in-solidarity-black-people-police-brutality">arrested
70 peaceful protesters</a> for fictitious "violence".


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 15_December_2014_(Aleppo)
title: Aleppo
uri: Aleppo
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#15_December_2014_%28Aleppo%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/12/aleppo-catastrophe-assad-rebels-freeze-syria">Aleppo
Faces Catastrophe If Assad And Rebels Don't Agree to "Freeze"
Fighting</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 15_December_2014_(Atheists_in_Egypt)
title: Atheists in Egypt
uri: Atheists-in-Egypt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#15_December_2014_%28Atheists_in_Egypt%29
content:
<p>
The Egyptian government 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/12/egypt-highest-number-atheists-arab-world-866">claims
there are just 866 Atheists in Egypt</a>, after defining secularists
as Atheists.


title: Interviews with torturers and victims
uri: Interviews-with-torturers-and-victims
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 15_December_2014_(Interviews_with_torturers_and_victims)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#15_December_2014_%28Interviews_with_torturers_and_victims%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2014/12/11/there-are-interviews-with-cia-officials">The
Obama regime is concealing interviews with CIA torturers and their
victims</a>, which might occasion criminal charges against the former.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 15_December_2014_(Sudans_Anti-Dam_Movement)
title: Sudan's Anti-Dam Movement
uri: Sudan-s-Anti-Dam-Movement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#15_December_2014_%28Sudans_Anti-Dam_Movement%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/12/sudans-anti-dam-movement-fights-the-flooding-of-nubian-culture">Sudan's
Anti-Dam Movement Fights the Flooding of Nubian Culture</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 15_December_2014_(Assisted_dying_bill)
title: Assisted dying bill
uri: Assisted-dying-bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#15_December_2014_%28Assisted_dying_bill%29
content:
<p>
France may legalize 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/12/france-proposes-assisted-dying-bill-grant-doctors-new-powers">medicating
terminally ill people into unconsciousness at their request</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(Urgent:_Grand_Jury_Reform_Act)
title: Urgent: Grand Jury Reform Act
uri: Urgent-Grand-Jury-Reform-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Grand_Jury_Reform_Act%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://act.boldprogressives.org/survey/grandjuryreform/">support</a>
the Grand Jury Reform Act.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(UK_govt_proposes_imposing_penury)
title: UK gov't proposes imposing penury
uri: UK-gov-t-proposes-imposing-penury
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28UK_govt_proposes_imposing_penury%29

content:
<p>
The UK government proposes to discourage poor people from having extra
children by
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/dec/14/child-benefit-limited-two-children-iain-duncan-smith">providing
no funds for any extra children they have</a>.
<p>
It makes sense to discourage excess children, but imposing penury on
them and their families is neither effective nor legitimate.


title: Privatized air traffic control system
uri: Privatized-air-traffic-control-system
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(Privatized_air_traffic_control_system)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28Privatized_air_traffic_control_system%29

content:
<p>
The UK's privatized air traffic control system
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/dec/14/vince-cable-air-traffic-nats-skimped-investment">shut
down because the company skimped on long-term investment</a>.
<p>
Well, what do they expect?  It had to skimp on <em>something</em>; how
else could it extract a profit?


title: Israel orders more demolitions in Jerusalem
uri: Israel-orders-more-demolitions-in-Jerusalem
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(Israel_orders_more_demolitions_in_Jerusalem)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28Israel_orders_more_demolitions_in_Jerusalem%29

content:
<p>
Israel continues its slow expulsion of Palestinians from Jerusalem, by
ordering the
<a href="http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=745915">demolition
of additional homes and businesses</a>.


title: Human rights violations in US and China
uri: Human-rights-violations-in-US-and-China
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(Human_rights_violations_in_US_and_China)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28Human_rights_violations_in_US_and_China%29

content:
<p>
China told the US, regarding human rights,
<a href="http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/indepth/2014-02/28/c_133150005.htm">"Who
are you to criticize China?"</a>
<p>
Here's
<a href="http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-human-rights-record-of-the-united-states-in-2013/5371466">China's
report</a> on US human rights violations.
<p>
The first section concerns private crimes of violence.  While the lack
of proper gun control in the US is a serious problem, it does not fit
the category of human rights violations by the state, so it doesn't
belong in this report.
<p>
Here's
<a href="http://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/humanrightsreport/index.htm?year=2013&dlid=220186#wrapper">the
US report</a> on China's human rights violations.
<p>
A fraction of the list concerns the law limiting number of children.
I support such laws, so I don't regard those items as valid
criticisms.  However, the rest of the list includes many grave crimes.
<p>
Overall, China is a lot worse than the US, but "we're better than
China" is hardly an adequate standard for any country to apply to
itself.  The US ought to strive to be #1 in respect for human rights.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(Unofficial_rape_trials)
title: Unofficial rape trials
uri: Unofficial-rape-trials
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28Unofficial_rape_trials%29
content:
<p>
The US government has pressured most US colleges to hold unofficial
rape trials which can (in effect) sentence the accused to permanent
exclusion from higher education.  They
<a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/doublex/2014/12/college_rape_campus_sexual_assault_is_a_serious_problem_but_the_efforts.html">fall
far short of the legal standards of real trials</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(Women_in_jail_for_driving_cars)
title: Women in jail for driving cars
uri: Women-in-jail-for-driving-cars
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28Women_in_jail_for_driving_cars%29

content:
<p>
Saudi women are in jail for
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/14/fears-saudi-female-acitivist-detained-driving-ban-loujain-al-hathloul">driving
cars to the Saudi border and trying to enter their country</a>.


title: AT&T connected to attacks on US democracy
uri: AT-T-connected-to-attacks-on-US-democracy
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(ATT_connected_to_attacks_on_US_democracy)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28ATT_connected_to_attacks_on_US_democracy%29

content:
<p>
AT&T is connected with several
<a href="http://www.credomobile.com/lp/dec14/dark-truth/index.aspx">major
attacks on US democracy</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(Mass_extinction)
title: Mass extinction
uri: Mass-extinction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28Mass_extinction%29
content:
<p>
Humans are causing Earth's sixth mass extinction.  Between destruction
of habitats, overfishing and global heating, we could destroy
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/14/earth-faces-sixth-great-extinction-with-41-of-amphibians-set-to-go-the-way-of-the-dodo">more
than 3/4 of the species on Earth</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(Privatization_of_public_housing)
title: Privatization of public housing
uri: Privatization-of-public-housing
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28Privatization_of_public_housing%29

content:
<p>
Local governments in the UK are resorting to
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/dec/14/councils-fight-limit-right-to-buy-losses-social-housing">complex
schemes</a> to prevent their public housing from being privatized.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(UK_participation_in_CIA_torture)
title: UK participation in CIA torture
uri: UK-participation-in-CIA-torture
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28UK_participation_in_CIA_torture%29

content:
<p>
The UK Parliament
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/13/britain-link-cia-torture-us-senate-unredacted-report">will
ask the US Senate for full information</a> on UK participation in CIA
torture.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(Arrested_for_posting_on_Twitter)
title: Arrested for posting on Twitter
uri: Arrested-for-posting-on-Twitter
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28Arrested_for_posting_on_Twitter%29

content:
<p>
An Indian man who operated a Twitter account posting material in
support of PISSI has been arrested and
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/13/india-isis-twitter-mehdi-masroor-biswas-shamiwitness">charged
with "abetting war against the state"</a>, though so far there is no
evidence he did anything but distribute propaganda.
<p>
To eliminate human rights in the name of fighting PISSI is missing the
point about what is bad about PISSI.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(CIA_Still_Running_Amok)
title: CIA Still Running Amok
uri: CIA-Still-Running-Amok
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28CIA_Still_Running_Amok%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/12/torture-report-cia-113479.html">The
CIA Is Still Running Amok</a> — by lying about torture and
trying to cover it up.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(Obamas_proposals_for_policing)
title: Obama's proposals for policing
uri: Obama-s-proposals-for-policing
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28Obamas_proposals_for_policing%29

content:
<p>
Obama's proposals for policing do little good.  They
<a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2014/12/obamas-plan-better-policing-good-bad-and-body-cameras">won't
stop the militarization of US thug departments</a>.
<p>
It is important to note how making thugs wear body cameras requires
privacy protections and is helpful to restrain their violence only if
the rest of the system upholds that goal.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(Learned_Helplessness)
title: Learned Helplessness
uri: Learned-Helplessness
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28Learned_Helplessness%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/law/2014/dec/13/learned-helplessness-enduring-effects-torture-haunt-victims">Learned
Helplessness: the Enduring Effects of Torture That Haunt Victims</a>.


title: UN to ask NSA to show radio intercepts
uri: UN-to-ask-NSA-to-show-radio-intercepts
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(UN_to_ask_NSA_to_show_radio_intercepts)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28UN_to_ask_NSA_to_show_radio_intercepts%29

content:
<p>
The UN will ask the NSA to show its radio intercepts bearing on the
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/13/spy-messages-solve-mystery-un-chief-death-crash">assassination
of UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskj&oumlaut;ld</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(Discrimination_against_customers)
title: Discrimination against customers
uri: Discrimination-against-customers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28Discrimination_against_customers%29

content:
<p>
Michigan is considering a bill
<a href="http://www.thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/davidbadash/breaking_michigan_house_passes_religious_license_to_discriminate_bill">to
allow businesses to discriminate against customers as long as the
motive is religious</a>.


title: Bill to reject requiring back doors
uri: Bill-to-reject-requiring-back-doors
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(Bill_to_reject_requiring_back_doors)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28Bill_to_reject_requiring_back_doors%29

content:
<p>
Senator Wyden has proposed a bill to
<a href="http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2014/12/sen-wyden-puts-forward-a-bill-to-ban-data-backdoors/">reject
requiring back doors in computers</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(Antidemocratic_treaties)
title: Antidemocratic treaties
uri: Antidemocratic-treaties
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28Antidemocratic_treaties%29
content:
<p>
European countries have been fined at least 4 billion dollars under
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20141204/09371129329/true-cost-corporate-sovereignty-eu-35bn-already-paid-30bn-demanded-even-before-taftattip.shtml">treaties
that subject governments to foreign corporations</a>.
<p>
Other cases, not yet resolved, demand over 35 billion dollars in
"compensation" to foreign corporate overlords — and that's only
half the cases that are in process.
<p>
All such treaties are antidemocratic; we must fight until
we eliminate every last one.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(Affirmative_action)
title: Affirmative action
uri: Affirmative-action
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28Affirmative_action%29
content:
<p>
Affirmative action 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/01/why-we-all-need-affirmative-action">can
help all of us avoid unconscious racism</a>.


title: Products containing endocrine disruptors
uri: Products-containing-endocrine-disruptors
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(Products_containing_endocrine_disruptors)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28Products_containing_endocrine_disruptors%29

content:
<p>
Many products contain endocrine disruptors that 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/02/toiletries-health-impact-could-cost-millions-report-says">can
cause various human illnesses</a>.  A rough estimate suggests they
cause hundreds of millions of dollars of damage annually.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(Coal_extraction_record)
title: Coal extraction record
uri: Coal-extraction-record
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28Coal_extraction_record%29
content:
<p>
Coal extraction appears to be 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/15/coal-demand-set-to-break-9bn-tonne-barrier-this-decade">headed
for a new record</a>.  Just the thing to destroy civilization.


title: Spain forbids linking to news articles
uri: Spain-forbids-linking-to-news-articles
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(Spain_forbids_linking_to_news_articles)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28Spain_forbids_linking_to_news_articles%29

content:
<p>
Spain's new law forbids sites that link to snippets of news articles
<a href="http://www.newyorker.com/business/currency/spain-versus-internet">unless
the sites pay the publishers</a>.  The response, Google will omit
Spanish news articles.
<p>
The stated motive is to direct more income to the publishers.  My
solution for this problem is to 
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html#digitalcash">allow
publishers to charge a little anonymous digital cash for viewing an
article</a>.  This would also make it possible to eliminate the
advertising and the surveillance of most web sites.
<p>
Unless the law has some exception that has not been mentioned, I think
these political notes would be illegal if stallman.org were in Spain.
Fortunately, it is not.
<p>
However, the EU seems to be considering imposing a similar law —
whose justification is the bogus term
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">"intellectual
property"</a>.  Use of that term always tends to be harmful.


title: Cheney calls for ban on torture reports
uri: Cheney-calls-for-ban-on-torture-reports
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(Cheney_calls_for_ban_on_torture_reports)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28Cheney_calls_for_ban_on_torture_reports%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.newyorker.com/humor/borowitz-report/cheney-calls-international-ban-torture-reports">Cheney
Calls for International Ban on Torture Reports</a>.
<p>
(This is satire.  I expected this to be obvious, but a reader said he
could not tell, because it was plausible Cheney would really do this.)


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(Unpaid_internships_in_UK)
title: Unpaid internships in UK
uri: Unpaid-internships-in-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28Unpaid_internships_in_UK%29
content:
<p>
In the UK, good jobs require doing unpaid internships first, and 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/15/unpaid-internships-rig-system-curb-them-labour">only
the wealthy can afford to do the internships</a>.
<p>
It appears that these internships are illegal but the interns don't
dare complain.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(Destruction_of_beaches)
title: Destruction of beaches
uri: Destruction-of-beaches
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28Destruction_of_beaches%29
content:
<p>
Sea walls built to protect beachside housing 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/15/worlds-beaches-being-washed-away-coastal-development">tend
to destroy the beaches</a>, which then can be maintained only by
artificially replenishing them.
<p>
A few decades from now, with sea level rising ever faster and various
disasters striking, no region will be able to afford to sustain
beaches artificially; rich people will do it in private enclaves.
<p>
I am no expert, but I suspect that the natural process that creates
new beaches may be too slow to keep up with the speed of the rise as
it will be a few decades from now.  The process may not get a chance
to work again until hundreds of years from now, when the Antarctic and
Greenland ice caps have melted and sea level is a 100 or 200 meters
higher.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(Torture_unites_US_and_PISSI)
title: Torture unites US and PISSI
uri: Torture-unites-US-and-PISSI
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28Torture_unites_US_and_PISSI%29
content:
<p>
Torture unites the US and PISSI 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/14/torture-will-push-our-enemies-to-more-violent-excess">with
the Nazi regime and medieval barbarism</a>.
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/14/dick-cheney-rectal-feeding-cia-torture-report">Cheney
defends US torture</a> by stretching the definition of the word and
claiming the Sep 2011 terrorist attacks were torture too.
<p>
His definition is wrong, but more importantly, his implicit premise is
that the US should match its enemies for barbarism.
<p>
More sick ideas from Cheney: torturing innocent people is forgivable
if the US does it, and they should never be released afterwards
because some of them might be so angry they would fight against the
US.
<p>
This is part of an all-out campaign to legitimize torture by the US.
Americans, if you love your country, now is the time to insist that
Cheney stands trial for his crimes, along with Bush and their
underlings.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(After_thugs_shot_John_Crawford)
title: After thugs shot John Crawford
uri: After-thugs-shot-John-Crawford
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28After_thugs_shot_John_Crawford%29

content:
<p>
After Ohio thugs shot John Crawford dead as he carried an air rifle he
was about to purchase, they interrogated his girlfriend making 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/14/john-crawford-girlfriend-questioned-walmart-police-shot-dead">wild
accusations and threats</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(Repression_of_blacks_in_the_US)
title: Repression of blacks in the US
uri: Repression-of-blacks-in-the-US
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28Repression_of_blacks_in_the_US%29

content:
<p>
Angela Davis talks about repression of blacks in the US 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global/2014/dec/14/angela-davis-there-is-an-unbroken-line-of-police-violence-in-the-us-that-takes-us-all-the-way-back-to-the-days-of-slavery">from
slavery to the present</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 16_December_2014_(China_snooping_on_HK_protesters)
title: China snooping on HK protesters
uri: China-snooping-on-HK-protesters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_%28China_snooping_on_HK_protesters%29

content:
<p>
China is 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/14/hong-kong-activists-beijing-chinese-spying-pro-democracy">snooping
on Hong Kong Democracy protesters</a> and trying to crack their email
accounts, as well as punishing them by barring them from entering
China.


title: Parasites on America's tech industry
uri: Parasites-on-America-s-tech-industry
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 17_December_2014_(Parasites_on_Americas_tech_industry)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#17_December_2014_%28Parasites_on_Americas_tech_industry%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.alternet.org/economy/how-huge-companies-apple-are-actually-parasites-americas-tech-industry?paging=off">How
Huge Companies Like Apple Are Actually Parasites on America's Tech
Industry</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 17_December_2014_(Australias_draconian_new_laws)
title: Australia's draconian new laws
uri: Australia-s-draconian-new-laws
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#17_December_2014_%28Australias_draconian_new_laws%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/commentisfree/2014/dec/16/sydney-siege-should-not-be-used-to-justify-draconian-anti-terrorism-laws">The
Sydney Siege Should Not Be Used to Justify Draconian New
Anti-Terrorism Laws</a>.
<p>
If Australia can suffer the roughly 1300 deaths per year from car
accidents without going mad and destroying its freedom, it ought to be
able to stay sane when violence kills two people.


title: North Korea's human rights violations
uri: North-Korea-s-human-rights-violations
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 17_December_2014_(North_Koreas_human_rights_violations)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#17_December_2014_%28North_Koreas_human_rights_violations%29

content:
<p>
North Korea 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/16/north-korea-united-nations-cia-torture-report">says
the UN should investigate US torture rather than North Korean human
rights violations</a>.
<p>
North Korea's human rights violations have millions of victims —
dwarfing the scale of US torture.  The reason I demand the US
prosecute its torturers is that I love my country and want it to
deserve everyone's good opinion.
<p>
If you look at the number of people driven out of their homes by
US-started wars, it may be comparable with the crimes of North Korea.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 17_December_2014_(Cryonic_preservation)
title: Cryonic preservation
uri: Cryonic-preservation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#17_December_2014_%28Cryonic_preservation%29
content:
<p>
Cryonic preservation could offer a way to preserve the biosphere and
avoid global heating disaster.  If we could convince 4/5 of humanity
to get frozen for later revival, the part of humanity remaining active
would generate a much smaller amount of greenhouse gas, and could
develop space habitats providing enough room to unfreeze everyone.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 17_December_2014_(General_strike_in_Belgium)
title: General strike in Belgium
uri: General-strike-in-Belgium
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#17_December_2014_%28General_strike_in_Belgium%29
content:
<p>
Belgium was shut down by a general strike against 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/15/belgium-unions-general-strike-charles-michel">right-wing
poverty-spreading policies</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 17_December_2014_(CIA_torture)
title: CIA torture
uri: 2014-12-18-CIA-torture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#17_December_2014_%28CIA_torture%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/15/cia-tortured-abu-zubaydah-guantanamo-bay-trial-senate-report">The
CIA Tortured Abu Zubaydah, My Client.  Now Charge Him Or Let Him
Go.</a>


title: EU may ban use of diclofenac for animals
uri: EU-may-ban-use-of-diclofenac-for-animals
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 17_December_2014_(EU_may_ban_use_of_diclofenac_for_animals)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#17_December_2014_%28EU_may_ban_use_of_diclofenac_for_animals%29

content:
<p>
The EU 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/15/eu-under-pressure-to-ban-diclofenac-to-protect-europes-vultures">may
ban use of diclofenac for animals</a> so that their corpses don't kill
vultures.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 17_December_2014_(Egypts_repression)
title: Egypt's repression
uri: Egypt-s-repression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#17_December_2014_%28Egypts_repression%29
content:
<p>
Egypt's repression 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/15/egypt-critic-dissent-analyst-deported">extends
even to visiting foreign academics</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 17_December_2014_(Cheneys_morality)
title: Cheney's morality
uri: Cheney-s-morality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#17_December_2014_%28Cheneys_morality%29
content:
<p>
Cheney's morality is 
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/?p=10497">that of a
terrorist</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 17_December_2014_(UK_blocking_fair_trial)
title: UK blocking fair trial
uri: UK-blocking-fair-trial
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#17_December_2014_%28UK_blocking_fair_trial%29
content:
<p>
The UK government is 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/15/thailand-murders-burmese-defence-foreign-office-fair-trial">blocking
a fair trial</a> for a pair of Burmese immigrants accused of a murder
in Thailand.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 17_December_2014_(Rate_of_Greenlands_ice_melt)
title: Rate of Greenland's ice melt
uri: Rate-of-Greenland-s-ice-melt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#17_December_2014_%28Rate_of_Greenlands_ice_melt%29
content:
<p>
Estimates of the rate of Greenland's ice melt may be too low because
they don't take account of the secondary effects of 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/15/greenland-ice-melt-underestimated-study-says">surface
melting</a>.
<p>
In general, these estimates tend to be too low.  Heat tends to flow
from what's hotter to what's colder, and can do so in many ways.  We
know the ways it is flowing today, but as the temperature rises, it
can find new ways to flow — which are missing from our models.


title: Rove accuses Dubya of approving torture
uri: Rove-accuses-Dubya-of-approving-torture
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 17_December_2014_(Rove_accuses_Dubya_of_approving_torture)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#17_December_2014_%28Rove_accuses_Dubya_of_approving_torture%29

content:
<p>
Karl Rove said that Dubya 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/14/bush-intimately-involved-cia-torture-says-rove">personally
approved CIA torture methods</a>.
<p>
We must give him a chance to repeat that in Dubya's trial!


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 17_December_2014_(Public_marriage_proposals)
title: Public marriage proposals
uri: Public-marriage-proposals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#17_December_2014_%28Public_marriage_proposals%29
content:
<p>
Public marriage proposals are a form of 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/15/proposal-private-moments-marriage-public-romance">emotional
blackmail</a>.


title: "Disposable" half of the US population
uri: Disposable-half-of-the-US-population
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 17_December_2014_(Disposable_half_of_the_US_population)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#17_December_2014_%28Disposable_half_of_the_US_population%29

content:
<p>
How the plutocrats are 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/15/6-step-process-wipe-out-poor-half-america">destroying
the "disposable" half</a> of the US population.
<p>
It would be good if the US population goes down to half what it is
now, but not by crushing people who exist.  The only ethical way to
get there is by having fewer births.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 17_December_2014_(Time_to_Ban_the_Bomb)
title: Time to Ban the Bomb
uri: Time-to-Ban-the-Bomb
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#17_December_2014_%28Time_to_Ban_the_Bomb%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/15/time-ban-bomb">Time
to Ban the Bomb</a>.


title: False assumptions about US torture
uri: False-assumptions-about-US-torture
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 17_December_2014_(False_assumptions_about_US_torture)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#17_December_2014_%28False_assumptions_about_US_torture%29

content:
<p>
Beware the 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/15/american-torture-past-present-and-future">three
false assumptions in the limited discussion of US torture.

<ol>
1. The most important question is whether torture "worked."

2. U.S. torture ended when George W. Bush left office.

3. The only kind of torture that really "counts" happens in foreign war zones.
</ol>


title: Urgent: Stop prosecution for abortions
uri: Urgent-Stop-prosecution-for-abortions
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 18_December_2014_(Urgent:_Stop_prosecution_for_abortions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#18_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_prosecution_for_abortions%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://action.rhrealitycheck.org/page/s/free-the-17">call on
Kerry</a> to pressure El Salvador to stop prosecuting women for having
abortions or miscarriages.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 18_December_2014_(Luxembourg_tax_whistleblower)
title: Luxembourg tax whistleblower
uri: Luxembourg-tax-whistleblower
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#18_December_2014_%28Luxembourg_tax_whistleblower%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/15/luxembourg-tax-avoidance-whistleblower-conviction">Luxembourg
Tax Whistleblower Says He Acted out of Conviction</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 18_December_2014_(The_thug_who_shot_a_12-year-old)
title: The thug who shot a 12-year-old
uri: The-thug-who-shot-a-12-year-old
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#18_December_2014_%28The_thug_who_shot_a_12-year-old%29

content:
<p>
The thug who shot Tamir Rice, age 12, 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/15/tamir-rice-mother-shot-police-orders">never
ordered him to put his (toy) gun down</a>.  He shot Rice almost
immediately.


title: Attack on protesting students in Mexico
uri: Attack-on-protesting-students-in-Mexico
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 18_December_2014_(Attack_on_protesting_students_in_Mexico)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#18_December_2014_%28Attack_on_protesting_students_in_Mexico%29

content:
<p>
The Mexican federal thugs in Iguala were informed about the attack on
protesting students as it started, and 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/16/mexico-attack-students-43-missing">monitored
it as it occurred</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 18_December_2014_(Eliminating_the_deficit)
title: Eliminating the deficit
uri: Eliminating-the-deficit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#18_December_2014_%28Eliminating_the_deficit%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/dec/15/ed-balls-labour-back-coalition-charter-deficit">The
UK Labour Party endorsed the right-wing goal</a> of eliminating the
deficit.
<p>
Increasing taxes on companies and the rich would have the effect of
reducing the deficit, but making the latter the goal would encourage
doing it by abandoning the poor and helpless.


title: Journalists challenging state secrecy law
uri: Journalists-challenging-state-secrecy-law
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 18_December_2014_(Journalists_challenging_state_secrecy_law)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#18_December_2014_%28Journalists_challenging_state_secrecy_law%29

content:
<p>
Reporters Without Borders 
<a href="http://en.rsf.org/japan-rwb-supports-legal-action-against-15-12-2014,47379.html">supports
the Japanese journalists</a> that are challenging the state secrecy
law.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Urgent:_No_new_sanctions_on_Iran)
title: Urgent: No new sanctions on Iran
uri: Urgent-No-new-sanctions-on-Iran
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_No_new_sanctions_on_Iran%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: phone your senators and say, "No new sanctions on Iran;
give diplomacy a chance to work."
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
and 888-355-3588.


title: Urgent: Obama's judicial appointments
uri: Urgent-Obama-s-judicial-appointments
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Urgent:_Obamas_judicial_appointments)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Obamas_judicial_appointments%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/campaigns/1030">call on your
senators</a> to stay in Washington to confirm Obama's judicial
appointments while that can still be done.
<p>
I'm not saying each and every one of them is a good choice.  
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#12_November_2014_(Urgent:_Fill_all_the_empty_judicial_slots)">At
least one is right-wing</a> and should not be confirmed at all.
<p>
But in general they should be confirmed.


title: Urgent: Oppose religiously-motivated discrimination
uri: Urgent-Oppose-religiously-motivated-discrimination
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Urgent:_Oppose_religiously-motivated_discrimination)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_religiously-motivated_discrimination%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://www.aclu.org/secure/stop-HB5958">urge Michigan
governor Snyder</a> to veto the law to authorize religiously-motivated
discrimination in Michigan.


title: Urgent: Stop imprisonment for abortions
uri: Urgent-Stop-imprisonment-for-abortions
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Urgent:_Stop_imprisonment_for_abortions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_imprisonment_for_abortions%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="http://act.amnestyusa.org/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1839&ea.campaign.id=32036&ea.tracking.id=MessagingCategory_WomensRights~Country_ElSalvador">call
on El Salvador</a> to stop imprisoning women for having abortions or
miscarriages.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Urgent:_Oppose_GM_potatoes)
title: Urgent: Oppose GM potatoes
uri: Urgent-Oppose-GM-potatoes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_GM_potatoes%29
content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/no-gmo-potato">call on fast
food chains</a> not to use GM potatoes, which have not been properly
tested.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(US-Cuba_diplomatic_relations)
title: US-Cuba diplomatic relations
uri: US-Cuba-diplomatic-relations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28US-Cuba_diplomatic_relations%29
content:
<p>
The US and Cuba have 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/18/us-cuba-deal-a-marriage-18-months-in-the-making-blessed-by-pope-francis">renewed
diplomatic relations</a>, in a deal brokered by the Pope.
<p>
The three imprisoned Cubans and American Alan Gross have been 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/17/cuba-frees-alan-gross-obama-officials">freed
as part of the deal</a>.
<p>
The Cubans were 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-jan-apr.html#21_April_2012_%28The_Cuban_Five%29">imprisoned
for spying on terrorist groups harbored by the US</a>, which planned
attacks on Cuba.  I supported a campaign to free them.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#06_August_2014_(Alan_Gross_aims_to_die_within_a_year)">Alan
Gross's work</a> was also legitimate, even though the Cuba government
did not like it.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Smart_cities)
title: "Smart cities"
uri: Smart-cities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Smart_cities%29
content:
<p>
"Smart cities" represent a 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/cities/2014/dec/17/truth-smart-city-destroy-democracy-urban-thinkers-buzzphrase">scheme
to regiment and control people</a>, which threatens democracy too.


title: Smoking in a car with minors in it
uri: Smoking-in-a-car-with-minors-in-it
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Smoking_in_a_car_with_minors_in_it)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Smoking_in_a_car_with_minors_in_it%29

content:
<p>
England 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/dec/17/smoking-cars-carrying-children-illegal-next-year">may
prohibit</a> smoking in a car with minors in it.
<p>
This seems like a good idea.  Children get the idea of smoking from
watching adults.
<p>
I object to referring to teenagers as "children", though.  That is
misleading.


title: Pakistan's response to suicide attacks
uri: Pakistan-s-response-to-suicide-attacks
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Pakistans_response_to_suicide_attacks)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Pakistans_response_to_suicide_attacks%29

content:
<p>
Pakistan's response to the murder of many students by suicide
bomber-gunners: 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/17/pakistan-school-massacre-taliban-nawaz-sharif-lift-death-penalty-ban">resume
the death penalty</a>.
<p>
Can you imagine anything more ridiculous than the idea that execution
could deter attackers who expect to die in the attack?


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Plastic_in_the_sea)
title: Plastic in the sea
uri: 2014-12-19-Plastic-in-the-sea
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Plastic_in_the_sea%29
content:
<p>
Most of the plastic in the sea seems to end up 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/17/microplastic-deposits-found-deep-in-worlds-oceans-and-seas">in
sediments at the bottom</a>.
<p>
Maybe this means the oceans will clean themselves over time — if
we stop dumping more.  But it doesn't change the fact that plastic is
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_September_2014_(Plastic_in_the_sea)">doing
lots of harm to wildlife now</a>.


title: Marijuana use by teens decreasing
uri: Marijuana-use-by-teens-decreasing
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Marijuana_use_by_teens_decreasing)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Marijuana_use_by_teens_decreasing%29

content:
<p>
As the US moves step by step towards legalizing marijuana, use by
teenagers is slowly 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2014/12/16/teen-marijuana-use-declines-country-moves-toward-marijuana-legalization">decreasing</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Prisoners_that_cant_be_tried)
title: Prisoners that can't be tried
uri: Prisoners-that-can-t-be-tried
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Prisoners_that_cant_be_tried%29
content:
<p>
What should the US do with 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/15/advocates-cia-torture-victims-demand-charge-them-or-let-them-go">prisoners
that can't be tried because torture corrupts all the evidence against
them</a>?
<p>
It's simple: release them.  Imprisonment without trial is injustice
and will inspire people to hate the US.  (It already does.)
<p>
It makes no difference whether these men might fight the US once
released.  Suppose a few did — on top of the the thousands who
are flocking to fight for PISSI already, they make no significant
change in the situation.  However, if the US stops committing gross
evil, that would, over time, reduce the recruitment of its enemies.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Killings_by_US_thugs)
title: Killings by US thugs
uri: Killings-by-US-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Killings_by_US_thugs%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2014/12/15/the-nypd-shoots-and-kills-fewer-people-t">Thugs
in the US overall kill people more than New York City thugs</a>,
although the statistics for the rest of the US are incomplete.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(The_betrayal_budget_bill)
title: The betrayal budget bill
uri: The-betrayal-budget-bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28The_betrayal_budget_bill%29
content:
<p>
The betrayal budget bill has one possibly good provision, intended to
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2014/12/department-justice-congress-war-medical-marijuana">stop
the Justice department from prosecuting state-licensed medical
marijuana dispensaries</a>.
<p>
But it may fail in its goal because it is 
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2014/12/15/will-the-rohrabacher-amendment-actually">written
badly</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Intelligence_Authorization_Bill)
title: Intelligence Authorization Bill
uri: Intelligence-Authorization-Bill
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Intelligence_Authorization_Bill%29

content:
<p>
Congress passed a law to
<a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2014/12/eff-statement-2015-intelligence-authorization-bill">limit
one kind of massive surveillance started by Reagan</a>.  The EFF says
it is a real but small step forward.
<p>
Here's
<a href="https://www.emptywheel.net/2014/12/11/the-emergency-eo-12333-fix-section-309/">more
detail</a>.


title: Motivation to fight the plutocrats
uri: Motivation-to-fight-the-plutocrats
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Motivation_to_fight_the_plutocrats)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Motivation_to_fight_the_plutocrats%29

content:
<p>
In the US,
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/14/opinion/sunday/mark-bittman-is-it-bad-enough-yet.html">is
it "bad enough yet"</a> to motivate people to fight the plutocrats?


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(The_salt_in_pizza)
title: The salt in pizza
uri: The-salt-in-pizza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28The_salt_in_pizza%29
content:
<p>
Many pizzas in the US contain
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/dec/17/pizza-salt-levels-unacceptably-high">more
salt than an adult ought to consume in a day</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Economic_disaster_for_Russians)
title: Economic disaster for Russians
uri: Economic-disaster-for-Russians
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Economic_disaster_for_Russians%29

content:
<p>
Western sanctions are
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/16/russian-frustration-rouble-crisis">causing
economic disaster for Russians</a>.  There is no sign Putin personally
is suffering, but he is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/dec/16/russia-has-lost-economic-war-with-west-rouble-currency">suffering
a defeat</a>.
<p>
I don't think he will go down passively to defeat.  His specialty is
attacking in surprising ways, and I think he will do that again.
<p>
I also suspect that this is not just a reaction to Putin's aggression
in Ukraine.  It seems more likely that Western plutocrats used that as
an excuse for something they wanted to do anyway.
<p>
Three congresscritters got a
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/16/three-members-congress-just-reignited-cold-war-while-no-one-was-looking">bill
for harsh confrontation with Russia</a> passed by "unanimous consent".


title: Distorted media coverage of torture
uri: Distorted-media-coverage-of-torture
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Distorted_media_coverage_of_torture)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Distorted_media_coverage_of_torture%29

content:
<p>
US mainstream media decline to call torture what it is, and say they
have to "present all sides", but they never show the side of
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/?p=10550">the victims of
torture</a>.


title: Sudanese army using rape systematically
uri: Sudanese-army-using-rape-systematically
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Sudanese_army_using_rape_systematically)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Sudanese_army_using_rape_systematically%29

content:
<p>
Human Rights Watch says that the Sudanese army is using rape
systematically as a
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/16/sudan-soldiers-rape-war">method
of repression</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Avoiding_mass_extinction)
title: Avoiding mass extinction
uri: Avoiding-mass-extinction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Avoiding_mass_extinction%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/16/five-ways-to-stop-mass-extinction">Five
proposals</a> for avoiding the mass extinction we are on the way to
cause.
<p>
If "Change our economic system so it values nature" means assigning
monetary value to wild ecosystems, I fear that will backfire by
encouraging them to be purchased and destroyed.


title: Mass murder of children in Pakistan
uri: Mass-murder-of-children-in-Pakistan
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Mass_murder_of_children_in_Pakistan)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Mass_murder_of_children_in_Pakistan%29

content:
<p>
Taliban
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/16/pakistan-sickening-massacre-not-religion-intimidation">attacked
a school and killed 130 children</a> of Pakistani army officers.
<p>
The article explains that this mass murder of children is meant as
intimidation.  Let's hope that revulsion will cost the Taliban support
among the people who now support them.


title: Turkish protest organizers face charges
uri: Turkish-protest-organizers-face-charges
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Turkish_protest_organizers_face_charges)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Turkish_protest_organizers_face_charges%29

content:
<p>
Turkish protest organizers
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/16/turkish-football-fans-trial-alleged-coup-attempt-besiktas">face
charges of trying to overthrow the government</a>.
<p>
Although the charges appear to be false, overthrowing a repressive
government is not wrong anyway.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Alliance_against_austerity_in_UK)
title: Alliance against austerity in UK
uri: Alliance-against-austerity-in-UK
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Alliance_against_austerity_in_UK%29

content:
<p>
Three UK parties including the Green Party
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/dec/16/snp-plaid-cymru-greens-join-forces-austerity-election">formed
an alliance against austerity</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(US_political_dynasties)
title: US political dynasties
uri: US-political-dynasties
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28US_political_dynasties%29
content:
<p>
The US is mainly ruled by
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/17/us-queen-royal-families-bush-clinton-kennedy">political
dynasties</a>.
<p>
I won't vote for either Hillary Clinton or Jeb Bush unless they go
through a big transformation.


title: People taking steps to avoid surveillance
uri: People-taking-steps-to-avoid-surveillance
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(People_taking_steps_to_avoid_surveillance)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28People_taking_steps_to_avoid_surveillance%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2014/12/over_700_millio.html">Over
700 Million People Taking Steps to Avoid NSA Surveillance</a>.
<p>
However, such measures are only partially effective.  You can encrypt
the contents of your email, but there is no way to stop various
governments from seeing who you are sending the email to.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(EU_directive_on_trade_secrets)
title: EU directive on trade secrets
uri: EU-directive-on-trade-secrets
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28EU_directive_on_trade_secrets%29

content:
<p>
A proposed EU directive on trade secrets would
<a href="http://www.laquadrature.net/en/open-letter-proposed-trade-secrets-directive-risks-eu-health-environment-free-speech-and-mobility">endanger
whistleblowers</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Cease-fire_in_Ukraine)
title: Cease-fire in Ukraine
uri: Cease-fire-in-Ukraine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Cease-fire_in_Ukraine%29
content:
<p>
A cease-fire in Ukraine is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/17/ukraine-ceasefire-frontline-counting-cost-war-uneasy-calm">holding</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(NY_bans_fracking_for_two_years)
title: NY bans fracking for two years
uri: NY-bans-fracking-for-two-years
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28NY_bans_fracking_for_two_years%29

content:
<p>
New York State has
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/17/new-york-state-fracking-ban-two-years-public-health">banned
fracking for two years</a>.
<p>
It's a start.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Anger_generated_against_Taliban)
title: Anger generated against Taliban
uri: Anger-generated-against-Taliban
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Anger_generated_against_Taliban%29

content:
<p>
The Taliban's massacre at a school in Pakistan has generated intense
anger that
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/17/agony-anger-pakistan-buries-dead-school-attack">might
make a difference to defeating it</a>.


title: Palestinian state endorsed "in principle"
uri: Palestinian-state-endorsed-in-principle
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Palestinian_state_endorsed_in_principle)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Palestinian_state_endorsed_in_principle%29

content:
<p>
The European Parliament voted to endorse a Palestinian state
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/17/eu-parliament-backs-palestine-state">"in
principle"</a>.
<p>
Hamas may well deserve to be labeled as a terrorist group, but such
decisions should always be the result of putting the group in question
on trial.


title: Computer and network security undermined
uri: Computer-and-network-security-undermined
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Computer_and_network_security_undermined)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Computer_and_network_security_undermined%29

content:
<p>
Spy agencies have persistently undermined computer and network security
<a href="http://opencanada.org/features/the-cyber-security-syndrome/">through
many avenues</a>.


title: Movie companies want DNS-blocking
uri: Movie-companies-want-DNS-blocking
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Movie_companies_want_DNS-blocking)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Movie_companies_want_DNS-blocking%29

content:
<p>
The movie companies
<a href="http://www.theverge.com/2014/12/16/7401769/the-mpaa-wants-to-strike-at-dns-records-piracy-sopa-leaked-documents">want
to impose DNS-blocking on US ISPs</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Hypersensitivity_of_students)
title: Hypersensitivity of students
uri: Hypersensitivity-of-students
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Hypersensitivity_of_students%29
content:
<p>
A law professor says that organized hypersensitivity of students is an
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2014/12/16/profs-have-stopped-teaching-rape-law-now">obstacle
to the teaching of rape law</a>.
<p>
Other kinds of violence can make people uncomfortable too.  There are
many subjects that can't be taught to or learned by the squeamish,
including law, history, sociology, biology and medicine.
<p>
There are many other fields where this is not an issue, including
math, physics, chemistry and some kinds of engineering.  Students who
are particularly sensitive may need to choose those fields.  However,
schools should encourage students to overcome squeamishness rather
than hold back education to cater to it.


title: Subsidies taken by low-wage employers
uri: Subsidies-taken-by-low-wage-employers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Subsidies_taken_by_low-wage_employers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Subsidies_taken_by_low-wage_employers%29

content:
<p>
Low-wage employers in the US have received
<a href="http://www.prwatch.org/news/2014/12/12691/how-state-and-local-subsidies-fuel-inequality">billions
of dollars in subsidies</a> from state and local governments.
<p>
People who supposedly got rich "on their own" got a lot of help from
subsidies too.


title: How Bedouin were driven off their lands
uri: How-Bedouin-were-driven-off-their-lands
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(How_Bedouin_were_driven_off_their_lands)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28How_Bedouin_were_driven_off_their_lands%29

content:
<p>
Investigating how Bedouin in the Negev were
<a href="http://972mag.com/truth-commission-uncovers-the-history-of-bedouin-dispossession/100053/">driven
off their lands</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 19_December_2014_(Bigotry_in_Jerusalem)
title: Bigotry in Jerusalem
uri: Bigotry-in-Jerusalem
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#19_December_2014_%28Bigotry_in_Jerusalem%29
content:
<p>
Palestinian bus drivers in Jerusalem face attacks from Jewish bigots;
<a href="http://972mag.com/the-wave-of-jerusalem-attacks-israelis-dont-hear-about/100165/">there
is an attack every day</a>.  100 bus drivers have quit because of the
danger.
<p>
The media talk about Palestinians that attack Israeli strangers, not
mentioning that it goes the other direction too.
<p>
But it's not always random bigotry.  A Palestinian woman was shot by a
soldier after she
<a href="http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=747559">stabbed
an Israeli</a> — but she says she was defending herself from
him.


title: Urgent: Cancel road through Tongass
uri: Urgent-Cancel-road-through-Tongass
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 20_December_2014_(Urgent:_Cancel_road_through_Tongass)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#20_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Cancel_road_through_Tongass%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://secure.earthjustice.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1659">call
for cancellation</a> of the planned pointless and destructive road
through the Tongass National Forest.


title: Some birds know to avoid windfarms
uri: Some-birds-know-to-avoid-windfarms
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 20_December_2014_(Some_birds_know_to_avoid_windfarms)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#20_December_2014_%28Some_birds_know_to_avoid_windfarms%29

content:
<p>
Some kinds of birds know enough to
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/18/seabirds-steer-clear-of-offshore-wind-farms">avoid
getting hurt by offshore windfarms</a>.


title: Back door in Chinese version of Android
uri: Back-door-in-Chinese-version-of-Android
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 20_December_2014_(Back_door_in_Chinese_version_of_Android)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#20_December_2014_%28Back_door_in_Chinese_version_of_Android%29

content:
<p>
A Chinese version of Android has a
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/dec/18/chinese-android-phones-coolpad-hacker-backdoor">universal
back door</a>.
<p>
In fact, nearly all models of mobile phone have a
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/proprietary/malware-mobiles.html">universal
back door in the modem chip</a>.  So why did Coolpad bother to
introduce another?  Because this one is controlled by Coolpad.


title: The schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram
uri: The-schoolgirls-kidnapped-by-Boko-Haram
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 20_December_2014_(The_schoolgirls_kidnapped_by_Boko_Haram)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#20_December_2014_%28The_schoolgirls_kidnapped_by_Boko_Haram%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/17/campaigners-boko-haram-schoolgirls-kidnapped-nigeria">The
Campaigners Who Won't Forget the Schoolgirls Kidnapped by Boko
Haram</a>.
<p>
Rescuing prisoners is difficult and risky.  The government could do a
better job of fighting Boko Haram, but freeing the girls will be
possible only with a lot of luck.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 20_December_2014_(Kurdish_forces_attacking_PISSI)
title: Kurdish forces attacking PISSI
uri: Kurdish-forces-attacking-PISSI
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#20_December_2014_%28Kurdish_forces_attacking_PISSI%29

content:
<p>
Kurdish forces are attacking PISSI,
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/17/kurds-peshmerga-offensive-isis-sinjar-territory-mosul">trying
to recapture territory</a>.
<p>
I hope they will be prepared also to welcome and care for women
freed from PISSI captivity.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 20_December_2014_(Children_in_institutions)
title: Children in institutions
uri: Children-in-institutions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#20_December_2014_%28Children_in_institutions%29
content:
<p>
Most children kept in institutions are not orphans.
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/17/jk-rowling-fairytale-orphanage-lumos">Their
parents can't afford to care for them</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(Censorship_by_threat)
title: Censorship by threat
uri: Censorship-by-threat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28Censorship_by_threat%29
content:
<p>
Movie theaters refused to show Sony's film, The Interview, after bomb
threats against theaters, so Sony 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/dec/17/sony-pictures-cancels-christmas-release-the-interview">cancelled
the release</a>.
<p>
This is censorship by threat.  Even worse, it is 
<a href="http://gizmodo.com/the-hackers-won-now-what-1672499125">likely
to make others self-censor in anticipation of a threat</a>.  (I wish they didn't call these crackers "hackers" —
it seems clear that 
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/on-hacking.html">playful
cleverness</a> is not a significant part
of their mentality.)
<p>
We should not be quick to believe claims about who is responsible.
I wouldn't put this past North Korea or China, but I also wouldn't
put it past the FBI to falsely accuse them.
<p>
It takes no expertise to make a false bomb threat.  Anyone could have
done that.  Reportedly, Sony's computer security was so incompetent
that 
<a href="http://lauren.vortex.com/archive/001081.html">even a kid
could have cracked it</a>.
<p>
Senator Feinstein is already 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#10_July_2014_(Cybersecurity_bill)">using
this to promote the privacy-threatening bill that would allow
companies to give your personal data to Big Brother in bulk
"voluntarily"</a>.
<p>
Sony is not an innocent victim: it has a history of launching cyber
attacks against its own customers.
<p>
Remember the 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2005-nov-feb.html#05%20December%202005%20(Sony%20rootkit%20DRM)">Corrupt
Disks</a> with the rootkit that took over the users' operating systems
to install DRM software?  Remember when Sony 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-nov-feb.html#21%20January%202011%20(SONY%20Wants%20Your%20Computer)">forced
each PlayStation 3 owner to forfeit either the ability to run
GNU/Linux or the ability to talk with Sony's game network</a>?
Remember when Sony 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-nov-feb.html#31%20January%202011%20(Avoid%20Playstation%20III)">sent
thugs to arrest George Hotz</a> for publishing how to jailbreak the
PS3?
<p>
We must take action to prevent further attacks of the sort that was
made against Sony, and to prevent further attacks of the sort that
Sony launched.  But governments are not interested in protecting us
from the power of big business.  The US is negotiating treaties such
as the TPP that
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#20_October_2014_(The_TPP)">would
strengthen the power of companies such as Sony against us</a>.
<p>
Thus, I continue to say, 
<a href="http://boycottsony.org">Boycott Sony</a>!


title: Iraqi Sunni tribes to fight PISSI
uri: Iraqi-Sunni-tribes-to-fight-PISSI
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(Iraqi_Sunni_tribes_to_fight_PISSI)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28Iraqi_Sunni_tribes_to_fight_PISSI%29

content:
<p>
Reportedly 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/19/isis-demoralised-us-air-strikes">some
Iraqi Sunni tribes want to fight PISSI</a>, and the US is training
their soldiers.
<p>
The US is not above exaggerating good news in war, but it would be
good if this is true.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(Ebay_drops_ALEC)
title: Ebay drops ALEC
uri: Ebay-drops-ALEC
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28Ebay_drops_ALEC%29
content:
<p>
After a long public campaign, Ebay has 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2014/dec/19/ebay-google-dumps-alec-climate-change-denial">dropped
ALEC</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(South_Korea_bans_leftist_party)
title: South Korea bans leftist party
uri: South-Korea-bans-leftist-party
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28South_Korea_bans_leftist_party%29

content:
<p>
South Korea 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/19/south-korea-lefwing-unified-progressive-party-pro-north">banned
a leftist party that supports North Korea</a>.
<p>
If the party was a vehicle for plotting rebellion, this decision was
legitimate.  But were the trials of the imprisoned legislators fair?


title: Russian opposition leader sentenced to prison
uri: Russian-opposition-leader-sentenced-to-prison
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(Russian_opposition_leader_sentenced_to_prison)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28Russian_opposition_leader_sentenced_to_prison%29

content:
<p>
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been sentenced to 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/19/jail-russian-activist-alexei-navalny-10-years-prosecutors-demand">10
years in prison</a>.
<p>
The accusations against him cannot be credited, coming from Putin.


title: Renewable energy development undermined
uri: Renewable-energy-development-undermined
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(Renewable_energy_development_undermined)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28Renewable_energy_development_undermined%29

content:
<p>
The UK government is doing a subtle but effective job of 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/19/british-wave-power-hit-uncertainty-over-funding-report">undermining
the development of ocean-wave-powered electric generation</a>.
<p>
It offered huge guarantees for new nuclear plants, so that 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#11_July_2014_(New_UK_nuclear_plant_at_the_cost_of_a_tremendous_subsidy)">uncertainty
would not hold back investment</a>, and could do the same for wave
power, but renewable is not its priority.
<p>
Meanwhile, it gives 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#02_June_2014_(Fossil_fuel_tax_subsidies)">big 
subsidies to fossil fuels</a>.


title: Ireland incubating fetus in dead woman
uri: Ireland-incubating-fetus-in-dead-woman
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(Ireland_incubating_fetus_in_dead_woman)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28Ireland_incubating_fetus_in_dead_woman%29

content:
<p>
In Ireland, a brain-dead pregnant woman's body is being kept on an
incubator so as to 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/19/dead-irish-woman-body-incubator-abortion">make
the fetus turn into a baby born motherless</a>.
<p>
A dead body on an incubator is not a human being, and has no rights.
A fetus of 17 weeks is not a human being, and directly has no rights,
but causing it to develop into a human being in disadvantaged
circumstances would be harm or cruelty to that human being.  That's
what Ireland is trying to do here.


title: Western companies accepting slaved labor
uri: Western-companies-accepting-slaved-labor
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(Western_companies_accepting_slaved_labor)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28Western_companies_accepting_slaved_labor%29

content:
<p>
Western mining companies 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/dec/19/western-firms-reduce-eritrean-miners-to-abject-slavery-uk-mps-say">gladly
accept slaved labor</a> from the Eritrean government.


title: New Era low-rent housing in London
uri: New-Era-low-rent-housing-in-London
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(New_Era_low-rent_housing_in_London)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28New_Era_low-rent_housing_in_London%29

content:
<p>
The New Era low-rent housing in London has been sold to a foundation
that will 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/dec/19/charitable-foundation-dolphin-square-new-era-estate-london">keep
the rents low</a>.
<p>
This is a victory for public protest, but it is a small one.  Bad laws
in the UK are pushing house prices and rents up, just as bad laws have
pushed wages down 10% since the financial crisis.  Bad laws encourage
the well-off to occupy more space, leaving less for the poor.  Bad
laws have enabled privatization of the housing that was built to
provide homes to the poor, while other bad laws reduced the tax on
businesses and the wealthy so there are no funds to replace what was
lost.
<p>
All these laws need to be changed.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(Urgent:_End_embargo_on_Cuba)
title: Urgent: End embargo on Cuba
uri: Urgent-End-embargo-on-Cuba
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_End_embargo_on_Cuba%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/congress-help-obama-end">call
on Congress</a> to end the embargo on Cuba.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(Violation_of_neighbors_privacy)
title: Violation of neighbors' privacy
uri: Violation-of-neighbors-privacy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28Violation_of_neighbors_privacy%29

content:
<p>
People are mounting TV cameras on their houses in ways that 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/19/neighbourhood-watch-domestic-cctv-sweeping-uk">violate
their neighbors' privacy</a>.
<p>
I've stated it should be illegal for anyone — including the
state! — to set up a camera 
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">pointed 
at a place where the public is admitted, which permits remote
access</a>, except under a specific court order specifying the place
to be surveilled and the time for the surveillance to continue.
<p>
This shows that if the camera can observe someone else's private
space, it infringes that person's privacy even if it only makes a
local recording (or no recording).


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(Bush_a_global_heating_denier)
title: Bush a global heating denier
uri: Bush-a-global-heating-denier
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28Bush_a_global_heating_denier%29
content:
<p>
Jeb Bush is a 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/16/jeb-bush-climate-denier-republican-presidential-candidate-2016">global
heating denier</a>.


title: Israeli army closes war crime investigations
uri: Israeli-army-closes-war-crime-investigations
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(Israeli_army_closes_war_crime_investigations)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28Israeli_army_closes_war_crime_investigations%29

content:
<p>
The Israeli army has closed 7 investigations into possible war crimes
in Gaza, with 
<a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/12/israel-gaza-probe-raises-questions-201412871740905408.html">no
charges</a>.
<p>
It also opened 8 more investigations, but it seems unlikely they will
lead to charges either.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(US_govt_torturers)
title: US gov't torturers
uri: US-gov-t-torturers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28US_govt_torturers%29
content:
<p>
If we don't put the US government torturers on trial, it 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/19/the-lack-of-any-official-condemnation-for-cia-torture-ensures-it-will-happen-again">will
happen again</a>.  The CIA tortured in Vietnam, but those responsible
were not punished; just 30 years later, the CIA reoffended.
<p>
The main difference seems to be that now the US government doesn't
even have the decency to apologize.  Culpable officials such as Cheney
are brazenly barbarous now.


title: Pakistanis united against some terrorists
uri: Pakistanis-united-against-some-terrorists
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(Pakistanis_united_against_some_terrorists)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28Pakistanis_united_against_some_terrorists%29

content:
<p>
Pakistanis are united against terrorists, 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/18/pakistan-united-against-terrorism-not-on-terrorists-mumbai">but
maybe not all terrorists</a>.


title: Rich bankers' support in judicial campaigns
uri: Rich-bankers-support-in-judicial-campaigns
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(Rich_bankers_support_in_judicial_campaigns)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28Rich_bankers_support_in_judicial_campaigns%29

content:
<p>
The judges of the Wisconsin Supreme Court 
<a href="http://www.prwatch.org/news/2014/12/12693/conflicted-supreme-court-takes-walker-criminal-probe">will
decide whether their rich backers broke the law</a> in supporting
their campaigns.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(E-cigarettes)
title: E-cigarettes
uri: 2014-12-22-E-cigarettes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28E-cigarettes%29
content:
<p>
Statistics suggest that 
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2014/12/17/vaping-rises-to-record-highs-smoking-fal">teenagers
use e-cigarettes</a> instead of smoking.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(Cost_of_war_in_Afghanistan)
title: Cost of war in Afghanistan
uri: Cost-of-war-in-Afghanistan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28Cost_of_war_in_Afghanistan%29
content:
<p>
The war in Afghanistan has cost the US 
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2014/12/17/one-trillion-spent-on-war-in-afghanistan">a
trillion dollars</a>, 80% of which was spent under Obama.
<p>
Or should we call him O-bomber?


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(Dangerous_new_policy_in_Ukraine)
title: Dangerous new policy in Ukraine
uri: Dangerous-new-policy-in-Ukraine
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28Dangerous_new_policy_in_Ukraine%29

content:
<p>
Ukraine has established a "ministry of information policy", supposedly to
counter Russian propaganda, but it 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/19/-sp-ukraine-new-ministry-truth-undermines-battle-for-democracy">threatens
to impose censorship of dissent</a>.
<p>
Ukraine is in the middle of a civil war; some action against Russian
propaganda is legitimate.  But this kind of action threatens to be
dangerous.  What claims to be "hate Russia" could really be "like
Russia".


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(Kenya_passes_dangerous_law)
title: Kenya passes dangerous law
uri: Kenya-passes-dangerous-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28Kenya_passes_dangerous_law%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/18/fights-kenya-parliament-anti-terrorism-laws">Fights
Break Out in Kenyan Parliament over Controversial Anti-Terrorism
Laws</a>.
<p>
The dangerous law has been passed, threatening journalism and dissent
in Kenya.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(Executed_on_false_charges)
title: Executed on false charges
uri: Executed-on-false-charges
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28Executed_on_false_charges%29
content:
<p>
George Stinney would be 84 years old if he had not been 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/17/black-14-year-old-exonerated-70-years-after-south-carolina-put-him-to-death">executed
on false charges at the age of 14</a>.
<p>
This is one of the reasons why the death penalty should be abolished.
<p>
The judge suspected Stinney was 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-nov-feb.html#02%20December%202010%20(What%20torture%20proves)">tortured</a>
or 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-jul-oct.html#10_August_2011_(Urgent:_Stand_up_for_wrongly_convicted_men)">tricked</a> 
into making a confession.  The latter is
often easy with naive kids that aren't street-smart and believe thugs
are to be trusted.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(Another_secret_trade_treaty)
title: Another secret "trade treaty"
uri: Another-secret-trade-treaty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28Another_secret_trade_treaty%29
content:
<p>
Another secret "trade treaty", the "Trade in Services Agreement",
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/17/secret-wto-trade-deal-threatens-internet-freedom-new-leak-reveals">attacks
internet freedom</a> in the ways that plutocrats generally want to.
<p>
I expect it does other things to deregulate companies and weaken
democracy, because those are the purposes for which plutocrats set up
those treaties.  We don't need to see the details to determine they
are bad.


title: Making people work for 5 dollars an hour
uri: Making-people-work-for-5-dollars-an-hour
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(Making_people_work_for_5_dollars_an_hour)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28Making_people_work_for_5_dollars_an_hour%29

content:
<p>
The right-wing government of Australia is 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/dec/08/remote-area-unemployed-indigenous-passive-welfare-behaviour">making
Indigenous people work for 5 dollars an hour</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(Phone_and_ISP_customer_metadata)
title: Phone and ISP customer metadata
uri: Phone-and-ISP-customer-metadata
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28Phone_and_ISP_customer_metadata%29

content:
<p>
Australian phone companies and ISPs 
<a href="http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/consumer-security/little-short-of-frightening-australian-telcos-protest-citizen-metadata-access-20141217-128mdy.html">want
to block customers from accessing the metadata about them</a>.
<p>
The real issue is that companies should not be allowed to keep this
data except about specific people subject to court orders.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(Program_to_help_veterans_blocked)
title: Program to help veterans blocked
uri: Program-to-help-veterans-blocked
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28Program_to_help_veterans_blocked%29

content:
<p>
A Republican senator 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/further/2014/12/17/darkest-dark-utterly-incoherent-tom-coburn-says-its-too-expensive-try-stop-22">blocked
a program to help veterans not commit suicide</a>.  He considered its
price, $22 million, too high.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(Waterboarding)
title: Waterboarding
uri: Waterboarding
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28Waterboarding%29
content:
<p>
During World War II, the US recognized waterboarding as a form of
torture, and
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/12/waterboarding-torture-japan-world-war-ii">said
so clearly</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(The_betrayal_budget_bill)
title: The betrayal budget bill
uri: 2014-12-22-The-betrayal-budget-bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28The_betrayal_budget_bill%29
content:
<p>
The betrayal budget bill shows
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/17/how-citibank-budget-push-foreshadows-fast-track-trade-deals">how
Congress will try to squeeze through fast track for the TPP</a>.


title: HK trying to take protester from parents
uri: HK-trying-to-take-protester-from-parents
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(HK_trying_to_take_protester_from_parents)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28HK_trying_to_take_protester_from_parents%29

content:
<p>
Hong Kong is trying to take a 14-year-old protester away from his
parents
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/18/hong-kong-protester-14-separation-parents-crackdown">on
the grounds that they "neglected" him by not stopping him from
protesting</a>.
<p>
The willingness to do something that everyone will regard as deceptive
and cruel is a stage frequently seen on a government's path to
complete tyranny.  It is a way of declaring open war on human rights.
Putin passed through this stage a few years ago, and Erdogan is going
there now.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 21_December_2014_(London_bicycle_rental_tracking)
title: London bicycle rental tracking
uri: London-bicycle-rental-tracking
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#21_December_2014_%28London_bicycle_rental_tracking%29

content:
<p>
The London bicycle rental scheme
<a href="http://vartree.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/i-know-where-you-were-last-summer.html">tracks
all its users</a>.
<p>
Amazingly, the company published a data base, thinly anonymized, that
allows anyone to try to figure out who each user is.  But I think
that's just a minor add-on to the bigger danger of Big Brother, who
already knows who they are.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 22_December_2014_(Urgent:_End_slave_labor_in_Qatar)
title: Urgent: End slave labor in Qatar
uri: Urgent-End-slave-labor-in-Qatar
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#22_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_End_slave_labor_in_Qatar%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="http://act.watchdog.net/petitions/4432">call on FIFA</a> to
insist that Qatar put an end to slave labor conditions in construction
for the World Cup.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 22_December_2014_(The_label_terrorist)
title: The label "terrorist"
uri: The-label-terrorist
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#22_December_2014_%28The_label_terrorist%29
content:
<p>
In one province of Pakistan, 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2014/12/18/man-tortured-manslaughter-confession-15-among-those-set-pakistan-execution">40%
of all criminal trials label the defendant a "terrorist"</a>.  In most
of those cases, there was nothing remotely terrorist about them.  And
Pakistan is about to execute someone based on a confession beaten out
of him when he was 15 years old.
<p>
As Pakistan fights the Taliban, I hope the thirst for "blood" does not
lead to more injustice like these.


title: Inequality of wealth distribution
uri: Inequality-of-wealth-distribution
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 22_December_2014_(Inequality_of_wealth_distribution)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#22_December_2014_%28Inequality_of_wealth_distribution%29

content:
<p>
Inequality of wealth distribution in the US 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/18/wealth-gap-between-rich-and-poor-americans-highest-record">continues
to increase</a>.


title: Chevron abandons Arctic drilling plans
uri: Chevron-abandons-Arctic-drilling-plans
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 22_December_2014_(Chevron_abandons_Arctic_drilling_plans)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#22_December_2014_%28Chevron_abandons_Arctic_drilling_plans%29

content:
<p>
Chevron has 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/18/chevron-halts-arctic-drilling-plans-indefinitely">abandoned
plans</a> to drill in Canadian Arctic waters, acknowledging it is
unable to meet safety requirements.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-jan-apr.html#02_March_2013_(Shell_wont_drill_in_the_Arctic_this_year)">Nobody 
can drill safely in Arctic waters</a>.  Even drilling safely in the
Gulf of Mexico is
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-mar-jun.html#20_April_2014_(BP_oil_drilling_explosions)">not 
to be counted on</a>.


title: What it feels like to be tortured
uri: What-it-feels-like-to-be-tortured
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 22_December_2014_(What_it_feels_like_to_be_tortured)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#22_December_2014_%28What_it_feels_like_to_be_tortured%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.thenation.com/article/193233/what-does-it-feel-be-tortured">Where
to learn</a>, at one remove, what it feels like to be tortured.


title: Western mining companies use slaved labor
uri: Western-mining-companies-use-slaved-labor
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 22_December_2014_(Western_mining_companies_use_slaved_labor)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#22_December_2014_%28Western_mining_companies_use_slaved_labor%29

content:
<p>
Western mining companies 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/dec/19/western-firms-reduce-eritrean-miners-to-abject-slavery-uk-mps-say">gladly
accept slaved labor</a> from the Eritrean government.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Gun_or_power_drill)
title: Gun or power drill?
uri: Gun-or-power-drill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Gun_or_power_drill%29
content:
<p>
Can you tell a gun from a power drill in half a second?  Seeing a
picture of a black person's face
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/11/science-of-racism-prejudice">makes
some people see the drill as a gun</a>.  This is unconscious racism at
work.
<p>
The article also describes simple methods of reducing these
unconscious prejudices.


title: Experiments on unwilling human subjects
uri: Experiments-on-unwilling-human-subjects
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Experiments_on_unwilling_human_subjects)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Experiments_on_unwilling_human_subjects%29

content:
<p>
If the American public considers torture acceptable, perhaps it will
balk at
<a href="http://www.thenation.com/article/193185/cia-didnt-just-torture-it-experimented-human-beings">destructive
experiments on unwilling human subjects</a>, which the CIA also did.
<p>
The two tend to go together (there are clear examples from German
concentration camps).


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 23_December_2014_(Overprotection_of_children)
title: Overprotection of children
uri: 2014-12-24-Overprotection-of-children
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#23_December_2014_%28Overprotection_of_children%29
content:
<p>
Overprotection of children: New York City is
<a href="http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20141205/park-slope/parks-dept-puts-stop-spinning-playground-equipment-after-injuries">removing
swings and welding spinning disks so they can't spin</a>.
<p>
This goes with the attitude that leads to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#30_August_2014_(Foolish_American_overreactions)">prosecuting
parents that let their kids go to the playground alone</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 23_December_2014_(Lawlessness_of_the_CIA)
title: Lawlessness of the CIA
uri: Lawlessness-of-the-CIA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#23_December_2014_%28Lawlessness_of_the_CIA%29
content:
<p>
The lawlessness of the CIA
<a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/guantanamo/article4434603.html">extended
to Guantanamo</a>, and the published details provide the lawyers for
Guantanamo prisoners with arguments for motions in their "trials".
<p>
I don't think it matters greatly how much imprisonment without trial
was done by the CIA and how much was done by the US Army.  They are
both part of the US government.


title: Arrested for saying "fuck the police"
uri: Arrested-for-saying-fuck-the-police
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 23_December_2014_(Arrested_for_saying_fuck_the_police)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#23_December_2014_%28Arrested_for_saying_fuck_the_police%29

content:
<p>
A woman driving by said "fuck the police", and they
<a href="http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/27610700/woman-awarded-100000-in-free-speech-settlement">arrested
her</a>.  A court gave her a $100,000 punitive judgment to teach the
thugs respect for freedom of speech.
<p>
They would learn the lesson better if they had to pay the judgment
personally, but chances are that
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#11_June_2014_(NYC_fined_for_thugs_crimes)">won't
happen</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 23_December_2014_(CIA_torture)
title: CIA torture
uri: 2014-12-24-CIA-torture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#23_December_2014_%28CIA_torture%29
content:
<p>
The CIA
<a href="http://boingboing.net/2014/12/15/why-it-matters-whether-or-not.html">has
known for a long time that torture doesn't "work" for getting
intelligence</a>, so Bush and Cheney must have known this too.  Why
then did they choose to use torture rather than get better
information?
<p>
One possibility is that they are sadistic savages.  Another, more
sinister, is that they wanted bad intelligence (fabrications) to
justify attacking Iraq.
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#15_December_2014_(Dubyas_torture_worked)">Torture
works great for that</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 23_December_2014_(First_impressions)
title: First impressions
uri: First-impressions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#23_December_2014_%28First_impressions%29
content:
<p>
The precise headline used for an article
<a href="http://www.newyorker.com/science/maria-konnikova/headlines-change-way-think">affects
how readers understand it and which parts of it they remember
later</a>.
<p>
This is part of the general human tendency to stick with first
impressions or first conclusions, and not change them sufficiently
when subsequent information calls for correcting them.
<p>
This is, for instance, why it is so important to talk about
"<a href='http://gnu.org/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html'>free/libre
software</a>" and not "open source".


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 23_December_2014_(Proposals_for_Wall_Street)
title: Proposals for Wall Street
uri: Proposals-for-Wall-Street
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#23_December_2014_%28Proposals_for_Wall_Street%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2014-12-15/michael-lewis-eight-things-i-wish-for-wall-street">Eight
proposals</a> for how to make Wall Street cease to threaten the US
economy.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Urgent:_Prosecute_JP_Morgan)
title: Urgent: Prosecute JP Morgan
uri: 2014-12-24-Urgent-Prosecute-JP-Morgan
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Prosecute_JP_Morgan%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/campaigns/1014">call on Holder</a>
to prosecute JP Morgan.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Urgent:_Drop_feticide_charge)
title: Urgent: Drop "feticide" charge
uri: Urgent-Drop-feticide-charge
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Drop_feticide_charge%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: call for 
<a href="http://action.rhrealitycheck.org/page/s/drop-feticide-charges-against-purvi-patel">dropping
the "feticide" charge against Purvi Patel</a>.


title: Urgent: Prosecution of CIA officials
uri: Urgent-Prosecution-of-CIA-officials
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Urgent:_Prosecution_of_CIA_officials)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Prosecution_of_CIA_officials%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/campaigns/1034">call for
prosecution</a> of the CIA officials responsible for torture.
<p>
I added a note saying to prosecute Cheney and Dubya as well.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Benefits_of_modern_contraception)
title: Benefits of modern contraception
uri: Benefits-of-modern-contraception
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Benefits_of_modern_contraception%29

content:
<p>
Ten medical problems that modern contraception can 
<a href="http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/tarico20141215">prevent
or make lighter</a> — aside from pregnancy.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Christian_story_of_Christmas)
title: Christian story of Christmas
uri: Christian-story-of-Christmas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Christian_story_of_Christmas%29
content:
<p>
The Christian story of Christmas encapsulates 
<a href="http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/tarico20141214">disgust
for female sexuality</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Thugs)
title: Thugs
uri: Thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Thugs%29
content:
<p>
Thugs are not always the killers — occasionally they are killed.
Someone shot two NYC thugs, just before killing himself, and after
killing someone else.
<p>
Other thugs have 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/21/mayor-bill-de-blasio-police-two-nypd-officers-shot-dead">seized
on this as an opportunity to campaign for their own impunity</a>, and
to attack the public for the anger that has been provoked by the
actions of many thugs over a long time.
<p>
In effect, 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/21/two-nypd-cops-killed-wartime-police-protesters">the
thugs claim that their lives matter astronomically more than yours or
mine</a>, and that protesting when they kill mere citizens is
equivalent to shooting them.
<p>
I don't think those two thugs deserved to die.  But I feel less
concern about each of them than about each of the many innocent people
that thugs have killed — because the thugs are part of a group
that has power and uses it arrogantly to oppress.
<p>
The reason I call them "thugs" is not primarily because of the
killings they do, many of which are due to haste and unconscious
racism rather than malice.  Rather, it is primarily because of the
numerous protesters and other innocent victims that they grab, punch,
kick, pepper spray, or beat with sticks, and then frame for various
bogus charges.  That, they do from arrogance.
<p>
Only a fraction of thugs would do those things, but when they lie
about it, all their buddies support their perjury.  That's why they
all deserve the name of "thugs".
<p>
Once in a while someone in a thug department stands for justice and
rejects the arrogance and impunity of the other thugs.  Those people
deserve the name of "police officer'.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Taliban_winning)
title: Taliban winning
uri: Taliban-winning
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Taliban_winning%29
content:
<p>
The Taliban are winning their war against 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2014/dec/21/taliban-alarmingly-efficient-war-education-peshawar-attack">Pakistani
children's future</a>.


title: Possible attempt to disable Tor servers
uri: Possible-attempt-to-disable-Tor-servers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Possible_attempt_to_disable_Tor_servers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Possible_attempt_to_disable_Tor_servers%29

content:
<p>
The Tor project reports that some government (the US, it appears) 
<a href="https://blog.torproject.org/blog/possible-upcoming-attempts-disable-tor-network">may
try to disable its directory authority servers</a> and shut the Tor
network down.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Contraception)
title: Contraception
uri: Contraception
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Contraception%29
content:
<p>
Christian fanatics falsely claim that some birth control methods are
abortion, so they can 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/16/contraception-not-abortion-right-wing-has-plan-convince-you-otherwise">stretch
their restrictions on abortion rights to restrict birth control
too</a>.
<p>
From my point of view, the difference between contraception and
abortion, while real, has no moral significance: they should both be
legal and the state should provide them both gratis.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Rules_for_handling_coal_ash)
title: Rules for handling coal ash
uri: Rules-for-handling-coal-ash
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Rules_for_handling_coal_ash%29
content:
<p>
The EPA's proposed rules for handling coal ash are 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/19/epa-doesnt-give-damn-groups-blast-agencys-new-coal-ash-rules">too
weak to do the job</a>.
<p>
A 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2014/12/19/louisville-residents-new-epa-coal-ash-protections">case
in point</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Email_privacy)
title: Email privacy
uri: Email-privacy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Email_privacy%29
content:
<p>
It's 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/20/celebrity-private-lives-not-equal">not
a good thing for everyone's email to be published</a>.  Or collected
by the NSA.


title: Trusting companies to inspect themselves
uri: Trusting-companies-to-inspect-themselves
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Trusting_companies_to_inspect_themselves)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Trusting_companies_to_inspect_themselves%29

content:
<p>
When Maria Lopez cut her finger on a meat saw at the Hormel plant,
because they had sped up the production line, they kept the line
running 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/21/life-inside-america-food-processing-plants-cheap-meat">dripping
her blood into the food</a>.
<p>
The higher production speed causes accidents and contamination, but
the companies have bought the support of the US government to allow
them to replace government inspection with their own half-hearted
inspection.  To trust these companies to inspect themselves is to
invite them to cut corners on safety — for their workers and for
their customers.


title: Restrictions on volunteers who help Ebola patients
uri: Restrictions-on-volunteers-who-help-Ebola-patients
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Restrictions_on_volunteers_who_help_Ebola_patients)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Restrictions_on_volunteers_who_help_Ebola_patients%29

content:
<p>
The UK has imposed 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/21/nhs-ebola-staff-insulted-by-uk-travel-ban">onerous
and unnecessary restrictions</a> on volunteers returning from helping
to care for Ebola patients in Africa.
<p>
These people can be trusted to tell medical personnel if they develop
symptoms suggesting they might have Ebola.  And if they don't have
those symptoms, they are not contagious.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Tyranny_in_Egypt)
title: Tyranny in Egypt
uri: Tyranny-in-Egypt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Tyranny_in_Egypt%29
content:
<p>
As Egypt's government plunges to new depths of tyranny, it is getting
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/20/us-delivers-10-apache-helicopters-egypt-improving-relations">full
military support from the US</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Red-light_cameras)
title: Red-light cameras
uri: Red-light-cameras
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Red-light_cameras%29
content:
<p>
A practical study in Chicago found that red-light cameras 
<a href="http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2014/12/major-chicago-study-finds-red-light-cameras-not-safer-cause-more-rear-end-injuries/">caused
a small increase in injuries due to car crashes</a>.
<p>
It wasn't a significant increase, but the lack of benefit is enough
reason to get rid of them.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Shaker_Aamer)
title: Shaker Aamer
uri: Shaker-Aamer
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Shaker_Aamer%29
content:
<p>
Why does Obama 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2014/dec/14/shaker-aamer-britains-last-guantanamo-bay-prisoner">insist
on sending Shaker Aamer to Saudi Arabia</a> (where anyone may be
tortured) rather than to Britain, which is ready to accept him back?


title: Turkish editors and journalists arrested
uri: Turkish-editors-and-journalists-arrested
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Turkish_editors_and_journalists_arrested)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Turkish_editors_and_journalists_arrested%29

content:
<p>
Turkish opposition editors and journalists have been 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/14/turkish-police-raid-opposition-media">arrested
under absurd accusations</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Lima_climate_talks)
title: Lima climate talks
uri: 2014-12-24-Lima-climate-talks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Lima_climate_talks%29
content:
<p>
The Lima climate talks 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/13/world-climate-disaster-lima-talks-fail">seem
to have failed</a>, leaving human civilization on course for global
disaster.
<p>
The political will to avoid disaster was not strong enough to overcome
short term interest plus the corruption spread by fossil fuel
companies.
<p>
The only agreement reached was that countries would propose unilateral
measures they will take, 
<a href="http://www.yesmagazine.org/climate-in-our-hands/un-climate-negotiators-in-lima-give-up-on-binding-agreements">starting
in 2020</a>, when it will be too late to avoid more or less disaster.
<p>
I think that the countries expecting to be hit first by deadly climate
disaster have grounds to declare war on the main greenhouse emitting
countries.  They may as well die resisting climate attack rather than
give up and die helplessly.
<p>
Such a war would not be mere revenge — those countries may have
a chance to protect themselves from part of the expected damage.  By
destroying fossil fuel export or import infrastructure, they could cut
the use of fossil fuel, which could reduce the extent of the disaster
they face.
<p>
Actions to block activities that are 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-mar-jun.html#26_May_2014_(World_food_prices_near_record)">likely
to kill of hundreds of millions of people</a> could be justified
legally under the defense of "necessity".


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Blimps_posted_near_Washington_DC)
title: Blimps posted near Washington DC
uri: Blimps-posted-near-Washington-DC
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Blimps_posted_near_Washington_DC%29

content:
<p>
The US is posting blimps near Washington DC to 
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/?p=10628">scan for cruise
missiles up to 340 miles away</a>.
<p>
That's a good thing to do, if it works (which is not clear), but the
blimps could also watch cars and people.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Single-payer_health_care)
title: Single-payer health care
uri: Single-payer-health-care
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Single-payer_health_care%29
content:
<p>
Vermont's governor has 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/18/slap-face-vermont-gov-jumps-ship-single-payer-healthcare">abandoned</a>
the single-payer health care plan that was enacted.
<p>
He says this is because the tax required to fund it would be too high,
but it will surely be less than what the same people would have to pay
under the current system.


title: Wrongly imprisoned men tortured by CIA
uri: Wrongly-imprisoned-men-tortured-by-CIA
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Wrongly_imprisoned_men_tortured_by_CIA)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Wrongly_imprisoned_men_tortured_by_CIA%29

content:
<p>
The Senate report 
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/13/us/politics/amid-details-on-torture-data-on-26-held-in-error-.html">identifies
26 men</a> who were imprisoned wrongly by the CIA and tortured, but it
seems there were hundreds more.
<p>
The CIA claims these mistakes were a tiny fraction.  I don't trust the
CIA to count them honestly.  But even when someone was a real
terrorist, that doesn't excuse torture.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 25_December_2014_(Facebooks_obedience_to_Russia)
title: Facebook's obedience to Russia
uri: Facebook-s-obedience-to-Russia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#25_December_2014_%28Facebooks_obedience_to_Russia%29

content:
<p>
Facebook 
<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/facebook-blocks-russian-page-supporting-navalny-putins-biggest-critic/2014/12/20/a8c782b8-8877-11e4-abcf-5a3d7b3b20b8_story.html">blocked
access in Russia</a> to a page proposing a protest in Russia, in
obedience to the Russian regime.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Urgent:_Oppose_GM_salmon)
title: Urgent: Oppose GM salmon
uri: Urgent-Oppose-GM-salmon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_GM_salmon%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/no-gmo-salmon_2/">call on the
FDA</a> not to approve genetically modified salmon.
<p>
Eating them is probably safe, but growing them in the ocean 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#30_May_2013_(Genetically_modified_salmon_)">endangers
wild salmon</a>.


title: Urgent: Oppose renomination of bankster
uri: Urgent-Oppose-renomination-of-bankster
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Urgent:_Oppose_renomination_of_bankster)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_renomination_of_bankster%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Obama_warren_weiss">call on
Obama</a> not to renominate Wall Street's Antonio Weiss to regulate
Wall Street.


title: Urgent: Oppose corruption of Congress
uri: Urgent-Oppose-corruption-of-Congress
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Urgent:_Oppose_corruption_of_Congress)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_corruption_of_Congress%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://action.foe.org/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=16903">call
on Obama</a> to show some spine in opposing Wall Street's corruption
of Congress.


title: Anti-immigration leader reacts badly to satire
uri: Anti-immigration-leader-reacts-badly-to-satire
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Anti-immigration_leader_reacts_badly_to_satire)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Anti-immigration_leader_reacts_badly_to_satire%29

content:
<p>
The UK's anti-immigrant party's leader 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/dec/22/nigel-farage-sixth-fomers-ukip-parody-app-nicholas-fromage">reacted
with bad grace to a satirical app</a>.
<p>
I hope that the developers released the app as free software.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(New_Economy_movement)
title: New Economy movement
uri: New-Economy-movement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28New_Economy_movement%29
content:
<p>
The New Economy movement calls for 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/22/new-economy-comes-age-7-steps-toward-shared-prosperity">making
economic activities smaller-scale and under local ownership</a>.


title: Syriza could win next Greek elections
uri: Syriza-could-win-next-Greek-elections
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 24_December_2014_(Syriza_could_win_next_Greek_elections)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#24_December_2014_%28Syriza_could_win_next_Greek_elections%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/22/greece-radical-left-austerity-syriza-poll">Syriza
could win the next Greek elections</a>, and says it will destroy
austerity — but the forces of repression could stage a coup in
Greece.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 25_December_2014_(Oppression_of_North_Korea)
title: Oppression of North Korea
uri: Oppression-of-North-Korea
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#25_December_2014_%28Oppression_of_North_Korea%29
content:
<p>
The oppression of North Korea is 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/23/north-korea-im-so-ronery-real-evil-un-report-the-interview">no
joke</a>.
<p>
Nonetheless, I think it is a fitting target for jokes — ha ha,
only serious.


title: World's wheat harvest to decrease
uri: World-s-wheat-harvest-to-decrease
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 25_December_2014_(World's_wheat_harvest_to_decrease)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#25_December_2014_%28World%27s_wheat_harvest_to_decrease%29

content:
<p>
The world's wheat harvest is 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/23/global-warming-cut-wheat-yields-research-shows">predicted
to decrease 6% with each 1C rise in world temperature</a>.
<p>
Maybe we could cope with a 12% decrease, but 30%?


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 25_December_2014_(Koalas_headed_for_extinction)
title: Koalas headed for extinction
uri: Koalas-headed-for-extinction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#25_December_2014_%28Koalas_headed_for_extinction%29
content:
<p>
Koalas are headed for extinction due to 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/dec/23/koalas-face-extinction-without-stronger-protection-say-conservationists">human
destruction of their habitat</a>.


title: Pressure for prosecution of US torturers
uri: Pressure-for-prosecution-of-US-torturers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 25_December_2014_(Pressure_for_prosecution_of_US_torturers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#25_December_2014_%28Pressure_for_prosecution_of_US_torturers%29

content:
<p>
Pressure for prosecution of US torturers is 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2014/12/22/aclu-and-human-rights-watch-call-criminal-investigation-torture-program">growing</a>.
<p>
The New York Times editorial 
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/22/opinion/prosecute-torturers-and-their-bosses.html">uses
the word <i>torture</i> which many other media have avoided</a>.  It
omits the ringleaders, Bush and Cheney, from the list of suspects to
be investigated, but 
<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/2014/12/11/a-white-house-infested-with-torturers-and-abettors/">they
should be the prime targets</a>.
<p>
The senate talks about setting up a "truth commission" to investigate,
as a substitute for prosecution.  That won't be enough to cleanse
America's name, or repudiate tyranny.  The Bush regime's secret memos
<a href="http://ccrjustice.org/newsroom/press-releases/ccr-president-michael-ratner-talks-about-prosecutions-bush-officials-democra">trashed
the whole Bill of Rights</a>.
<p>
So much evidence has been published already, including 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-sep-dec.html#8%20November%202010%20%28Bush%20Jr.%20confesses%29">Dubya's</a>
and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#16_December_2014_(Torture_unites_US_and_PISSI)">Cheneys'</a>
public confessions, that there should be no need to offer any
of the major organizers immunity.


title: Threats of violence against protesters
uri: Threats-of-violence-against-protesters
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 25_December_2014_(Threats_of_violence_against_protesters)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#25_December_2014_%28Threats_of_violence_against_protesters%29

content:
<p>
A Taliban-supporting cleric in Pakistan 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/22/jibran-nasir-protests-pakistani-cleric-abdul-aziz-taliban-threat">threatened
violence against protesters</a>, and is being investigated for these
threats.


title: Italians charged with planning violence
uri: Italians-charged-with-planning-violence
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 25_December_2014_(Italians_charged_with_planning_violence)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#25_December_2014_%28Italians_charged_with_planning_violence%29

content:
<p>
Italians have been charged with planning 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/22/italian-police-arrest-14-neo-fascist-terrorist-group">right-wing
terrorist violence</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 25_December_2014_(Romanticizing_inequality)
title: Romanticizing inequality
uri: Romanticizing-inequality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#25_December_2014_%28Romanticizing_inequality%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/22/downton-abbey-truth-about-britain">Painting
a pretty face on the harsh life of servants</a> is a way of
romanticizing inequality.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 25_December_2014_(Sponsorship_from_arms_companies)
title: Sponsorship from arms companies
uri: Sponsorship-from-arms-companies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#25_December_2014_%28Sponsorship_from_arms_companies%29

content:
<p>
Accepting sponsorship from arms companies 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/22/national-museums-beware-sponsorship-arms-dealers">promotes
arms trade and war</a>.
<p>
It's comparable to sponsorship from tobacco companies, fossil fuel
companies, or Big Pharma.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 25_December_2014_(Large_dam_projects_in_Amazonia)
title: Large dam projects in Amazonia
uri: Large-dam-projects-in-Amazonia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#25_December_2014_%28Large_dam_projects_in_Amazonia%29

content:
<p>
Large dam projects in Amazonia lead to 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/dec/22/amazon-munduruku-indians-brazil-tapajos">deforestation</a>,
and may have something to do with the failure of rains in Sao Paulo.


title: NY thug on extrajudicial killings
uri: NY-thug-on-extrajudicial-killings
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 25_December_2014_(NY_thug_on_extrajudicial_killings)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#25_December_2014_%28NY_thug_on_extrajudicial_killings%29

content:
<p>
A high-ranking New York thug posted a tweet that 
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/12/15/1352007/-Midtown-NYPD-commanding-officer-posts-then-immediately-deletes-outrageous-tweet?detail=email">appears
to endorse intentional extrajudicial killings</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 25_December_2014_(The_betrayal_budget_bill)
title: The betrayal budget bill
uri: 2014-12-25-The-betrayal-budget-bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#25_December_2014_%28The_betrayal_budget_bill%29
content:
<p>
Listing the 
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/12/14/1351689/-Which-32-Senate-Democrats-Just-Sold-You-Out-to-Give-Wall-Street-a-CRomnibus-Christmas?detail=email">32
Democratic senators</a> that sided with the Republican betrayal budget
bill.
<p>
What the banksters got from the betrayal budget bill: 
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/12/12/1351389/-Congratulations-chumps-You-are-now-on-the-hook-for-303-Trillion-in-Derivatives?detail=email">taxpayers
potentially on the hook for giant losses from speculation in
derivatives</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 26_December_2014_(Sony_threatens_to_sue_Twitter)
title: Sony threatens to sue Twitter
uri: Sony-threatens-to-sue-Twitter
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#26_December_2014_%28Sony_threatens_to_sue_Twitter%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/sony-threatens-to-sue-twitter-unless-it-removes-tweets-containing-hacked-emails">Sony
Threatens to Sue Twitter Unless It Removes Tweets Containing Hacked
Emails</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 26_December_2014_(Lima_agreement)
title: Lima agreement
uri: Lima-agreement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#26_December_2014_%28Lima_agreement%29
content:
<p>
The Lima agreement is 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/22/bad-worse-roadmap-global-burning">weaker
than weak</a> — a "roadmap to global burning."


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 26_December_2014_(Thug_shoots_unarmed_homeless_man)
title: Thug shoots unarmed homeless man
uri: Thug-shoots-unarmed-homeless-man
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#26_December_2014_%28Thug_shoots_unarmed_homeless_man%29

content:
<p>
A Milwaukee thug shot an unarmed homeless man, apparently beating him
up first, then accused the homeless man (apparently falsely) of
attacking him.  The thug will get off 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/22/milwaukee-police-officer-wont-face-charges-shooting-unarmed-black-man">without
prosecution</a>.


title: Families cut back on food to pay rent
uri: Families-cut-back-on-food-to-pay-rent
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 26_December_2014_(Families_cut_back_on_food_to_pay_rent)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#26_December_2014_%28Families_cut_back_on_food_to_pay_rent%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2014/dec/23/private-tenants-cut-back-food-rent-survey">1/4
of the tenant families in the UK</a> have cut back on food to pay
rent.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 26_December_2014_(Ukraine_plans_to_join_NATO)
title: Ukraine plans to join NATO
uri: Ukraine-plans-to-join-NATO
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#26_December_2014_%28Ukraine_plans_to_join_NATO%29
content:
<p>
Ukraine is planning to join NATO, and 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/23/ukraine-russia-nato-europe">NATO
does not reject the idea</a>.
<p>
That seems calculated to push Russia into war.


title: When right-wing fanatics kill thugs
uri: When-right-wing-fanatics-kill-thugs
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 26_December_2014_(When_right-wing_fanatics_kill_thugs)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#26_December_2014_%28When_right-wing_fanatics_kill_thugs%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/?p=10786">Thugs don't seem
to mind so much</a> when right-wing fanatics kill thugs.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 26_December_2014_(Thug_shootings)
title: Thug shootings
uri: Thug-shootings
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#26_December_2014_%28Thug_shootings%29
content:
<p>
Contrast the
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/22/crucial-differences-response-killing-brooklyn-police-officers">difference
in reaction</a> between the unusual event that someone shoots a thug
dead and the frequent event that a thug shoots an unarmed man dead.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 26_December_2014_(Producers_of_documentary_sued)
title: Producers of documentary sued
uri: Producers-of-documentary-sued
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#26_December_2014_%28Producers_of_documentary_sued%29

content:
<p>
The producers of a documentary about Edward Snowden have been sued by
someone who claims they are
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/dec/23/citizenfour-producers-sued-on-behalf-of-american-public-for-aiding-snowden">"profiting
from the theft of documents"</a>.
<p>
From what I have read, the use by journalists of leaked documents is
lawful in the US.  (The movie isn't where they are used; it is about
Snowden, not whet he showed us.)  But the US government might try to
use this lawsuit as an opportunity to press its case to label Snowden
as a criminal.


title: US universities exclude dissenters
uri: US-universities-exclude-dissenters
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 26_December_2014_(US_universities_exclude_dissenters)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#26_December_2014_%28US_universities_exclude_dissenters%29

content:
<p>
US universities host raving supporters of the occupation of Palestine,
but
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/22/banning-dissent-name-civility">those
who criticize it are labeled "antisemitic" and excluded</a>.


title: Urgent: Oppose ISP censorship list
uri: Urgent-Oppose-ISP-censorship-list
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 27_December_2014_(Urgent:_Oppose_ISP_censorship_list)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#27_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_ISP_censorship_list%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://cms.fightforthefuture.org/jim-hood-sopa-mpaa/">call
on Mississippi Attorney General Hood</a> to drop his plans for a
mandatory ISP censorship list.
<p>
It does work to sign with Javascript disabled — the page of JSON
data that you get indicates success.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 27_December_2014_(Australias_carbon_tax_effective)
title: Australia's carbon tax effective
uri: Australia-s-carbon-tax-effective
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#27_December_2014_%28Australias_carbon_tax_effective%29

content:
<p>
Australia's carbon tax was effective in 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/24/australia-records-biggest-emissions-drop-in-a-decade-as-carbon-tax-kicks-in">reducing
CO<sub>2</sub> emissions</a>.  That's why the fossil fuel companies'
men were so determined to get rid of it.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 27_December_2014_(Nepalese_worker_deaths_in_Qatar)
title: Nepalese worker deaths in Qatar
uri: Nepalese-worker-deaths-in-Qatar
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#27_December_2014_%28Nepalese_worker_deaths_in_Qatar%29

content:
<p>
Nepalese workers are dying in Qatar at the rate of 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/23/qatar-nepal-workers-world-cup-2022-death-toll-doha">15
a month</a>.  And this doesn't count the workers from India and other
countries.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 27_December_2014_(Another_fine_mess_in_Egypt)
title: Another fine mess in Egypt
uri: Another-fine-mess-in-Egypt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#27_December_2014_%28Another_fine_mess_in_Egypt%29
content:
<p>
Another fine mess for 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/23/egyptian-satirist-bassem-youssef-fined-tv-channel-al-bernameg-military">freedom
of speech</a> in Egypt.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 27_December_2014_(Luxembourg_tax_avoidance_leak)
title: Luxembourg tax avoidance leak
uri: Luxembourg-tax-avoidance-leak
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#27_December_2014_%28Luxembourg_tax_avoidance_leak%29

content:
<p>
Luxembourg should not bring charges against the person who 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/23/luxleaks-tax-source-should-not-be-charged">leaked
the tax avoidance schemes of Luxembourg</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 27_December_2014_(Amazon_boycott_in_the_UK)
title: Amazon boycott in the UK
uri: Amazon-boycott-in-the-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#27_December_2014_%28Amazon_boycott_in_the_UK%29
content:
<p>
Amazon Anonymous claims its boycott in the UK has cost Amazon 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/21/cia-torture-and-imperialist-toolbox">8
million dollars</a>.
<p>
While I support the boycott, I can't say I have bought
any <em>less</em> from Amazon than I did in the past.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 27_December_2014_(Abolishing_the_CIA)
title: Abolishing the CIA
uri: Abolishing-the-CIA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#27_December_2014_%28Abolishing_the_CIA%29
content:
<p>
In 1995, Senator Moynihan 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/21/abolishing-cia">proposed
to abolish the CIA</a>.
<p>
US torture 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/21/cia-torture-and-imperialist-toolbox">extends
beyond the CIA</a>, and everyone responsible ought to be chased down
and prosecuted.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 27_December_2014_(Flight_MH17)
title: Flight MH17
uri: Flight-MH17
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#27_December_2014_%28Flight_MH17%29
content:
<p>
Reportedly three other countries have made a 
<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/2014/12/19/why-the-secrecy-on-the-mh17-investigation/">secret
agreement giving Ukraine a veto over publishing results of the
investigation of the destruction of flight MH17</a>.
<p>
This article belongs to a body of writing that claims that MH17 was
shut down intentionally by Ukraine.  That is an extraordinary claim
that requires extraordinary proof — it is much more plausible
that badly trained missile operators were mistaken about the target.
The articles I have seen are not extraordinary proof: for the most
part, the evidence is attributed to people I can't find much
information about, and I am not convinced it is for real.
<p>
For instance, this article says that the unusual flight path of MH17
has never been explained, but I recall reading that it (as well as
other flights before and after) were diverted away from a storm.
<p>
Nonetheless, the author personally attests to getting a runaround
in requests for information about this agreement, and I think that
point is credible.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 27_December_2014_(The_Smartest_Cities)
title: The Smartest Cities
uri: The-Smartest-Cities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#27_December_2014_%28The_Smartest_Cities%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/cities/2014/dec/22/the-smartest-cities-rely-on-citizen-cunning-and-unglamorous-technology">The
Smartest Cities Rely on Citizen Cunning And Unglamorous Technology</a>
(as opposed to fancy sensors that spy on everyone).


title: Life under the rebels and/or Russia
uri: Life-under-the-rebels-and-or-Russia
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 27_December_2014_(Life_under_the_rebels_and_or_Russia)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#27_December_2014_%28Life_under_the_rebels_and_or_Russia%29

content:
<p>
Refugees from Eastern Ukraine and the Crimea report on 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/22/ukraine-refugees-home-internally-displaced-people-war-east-russia">life
under the rebels and/or Russia</a>.
<p>
Some of these people could be motivated to exaggerate, but it is
consistent with what Putin does in Russia, and some of them had no
other reason to flee.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 27_December_2014_(Charges_laid_against_torturers)
title: Charges laid against torturers
uri: Charges-laid-against-torturers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#27_December_2014_%28Charges_laid_against_torturers%29

content:
<p>
The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights has laid
charges of torture in Germany against two officials of the Bush
regime: 
<a href="http://www.liberalamerica.org/2014/12/21/democracy-and-corruption-germany-files-war-crimes/">former
CIA Director Tenet and former Defense Secretary Rumsfeld</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 29_December_2014_(The_cracking_of_Sony)
title: The cracking of Sony
uri: The-cracking-of-Sony
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#29_December_2014_%28The_cracking_of_Sony%29
content:
<p>
Dissecting the
<a href="http://marcrogers.org/2014/12/21/why-i-still-dont-think-its-likely-that-north-korea-hacked-sony/">US
"evidence"</a> supposed to tie the cracking of Sony to North Korea.
<p>
It's flimsy argument, misleadingly cited multiple times as if that
made the conclusions stronger.  In other words, total bullshit.
<p>
The North Korean regime is viciously oppressive; there is no need for
false accusations where so many valid accusations are available.  But
these accusations smell like a PR campaign meant to shape US public
opinion.
<p>
<a href="http://marcrogers.org/2014/12/18/why-the-sony-hack-is-unlikely-to-be-the-work-of-north-korea/">Further
arguments</a>.
<p>
Don't forget Sony's cyber-attacks against its own customers.
<p>
<a href="http://boycottsony.org">boycottsony.org</a>


title: Thugs shoot another black teenager
uri: Thugs-shoot-another-black-teenager
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 29_December_2014_(Thugs_shoot_another_black_teenager)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#29_December_2014_%28Thugs_shoot_another_black_teenager%29

content:
<p>
Thugs in St Louis (near Ferguson, that is)
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/24/st-louis-antonio-martin-video-police-shooting">shot
another black teenager</a>, saying he was pointing a gun at them.
<p>
If things happened as the thugs claim, I don't think they did wrong
this time.  But people are right to distrust the thugs and demand
proof, as the thugs have lied so many times before.


title: Court-ordered back door access to computers
uri: Court-ordered-back-door-access-to-computers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 28_December_2014_(Court-ordered_back_door_access_to_computers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#28_December_2014_%28Court-ordered_back_door_access_to_computers%29

content:
<p>
The US government asks courts to
<a href="http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2014/12/feds-want-apples-help-to-defeat-encrypted-phones-new-legal-case-shows/">order
computer companies to remotely give access to people's computers</a>
— when the companies have power (through back doors) to do so.
<p>
The defense is to use free software that probably does not have a back
door, rather than proprietary software that
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/proprietary/proprietary-back-doors.html">almost
certainly does have one</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 28_December_2014_(Age_of_Fossil_Fuel)
title: Age of Fossil Fuel
uri: Age-of-Fossil-Fuel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#28_December_2014_%28Age_of_Fossil_Fuel%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/23/age-of-fossil-fuel-year-one-climate-revolution">Let's
Leave Behind the Age of Fossil Fuel.  Welcome to Year One of the
Climate Revolution</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 28_December_2014_(UK_power_plant_subsidies)
title: UK power plant subsidies
uri: UK-power-plant-subsidies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#28_December_2014_%28UK_power_plant_subsidies%29
content:
<p>
The UK gave
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/24/the-uk-capacity-auction-made-utility-companies-merry-this-christmas">1.5
billion dollars</a> in subsidy to all sorts of power plants just for
existing and doing what they were going to do anyway.
<p>
The subsidy was supposed to be an incentive to bring new generating
capacity on line, but it did none of that.
<p>
Since a large fraction of this generating capacity uses fossil fuel,
that fraction of the subsidy is subsidy for continuing to use fossil
fuel (rather than building renewable capacity).


title: Global heating disrupting butterflies
uri: Global-heating-disrupting-butterflies
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 28_December_2014_(Global_heating_disrupting_butterflies)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#28_December_2014_%28Global_heating_disrupting_butterflies%29

content:
<p>
Global heating is disrupting butterflies, so that caterpillars mature
in the autumn and
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/24/wall-brown-butterfly-may-be-a-victim-of-climate-change">can't
survive the winter as adults</a>.


title: Urgent: Stop giveaways to Wall Street
uri: Urgent-Stop-giveaways-to-Wall-Street
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 28_December_2014_(Urgent:_Stop_giveaways_to_Wall_Street)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#28_December_2014_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_giveaways_to_Wall_Street%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://action.civilrights.org/site/Survey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=4020">tell
Congress</a> to stop giveaways to Wall Street.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 28_December_2014_(This_Treaty_Is_Plutocratic)
title: This Treaty Is Plutocratic
uri: This-Treaty-Is-Plutocratic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#28_December_2014_%28This_Treaty_Is_Plutocratic%29
content:
<p>
The TTIP would
<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/2014/12/17/should-the-worlds-largest-chemical-corporations-be-allowed-to-attack-states-chemical-safety-protections/">require
US states to pay foreign companies in order to regulate toxic
chemicals such as Bisphenol A</a>.
<p>
TTIP stands for "This Treaty Is Plutocratic".
Its other name, TAFTA, stands for "Turn All Freedom To Ashes".


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 28_December_2014_(Solitary_confinement)
title: Solitary confinement
uri: 2014-12-29-Solitary-confinement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#28_December_2014_%28Solitary_confinement%29
content:
<p>
A solidarity hunger strike persuaded Israel to release Nahar al-Saadi
from solitary confinement after
<a href="http://electronicintifada.net/blogs/adri-nieuwhof/solidarity-hunger-strike-brings-end-570-day-isolation-palestinian-prisoner">570
days of it</a>.
<p>
Solitary confinement is a form of brainwashing
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#20_November_2014_(Solitary_confinement)">common
in US prisons</a>.


title: Israels disregards Geneva Convention
uri: Israels-disregards-Geneva-Convention
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 28_December_2014_(Israels_disregards_Geneva_Convention)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#28_December_2014_%28Israels_disregards_Geneva_Convention%29

content:
<p>
Israel blatantly
<a href="http://www.btselem.org/press_releases/20141217_geneva_convention">disregards
the Fourth Geneva Convention</a> in its treatment of occupied
Palestine.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 28_December_2014_(Comcast)
title: Comcast
uri: 2014-12-29-Comcast
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#28_December_2014_%28Comcast%29
content:
<p>
Another way Comcast tries to buy support for its planned merger with a
large competitor: by
<a href="http://www.vox.com/2014/12/22/7433973/comcast-lobbying-staffers">handing
out cards that entitle the bearer to decent customer service</a>.  In
Washington DC, these cards are often given to people with political
influence.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 28_December_2014_(Thugs_threaten_to_imprison_kids)
title: Thugs threaten to imprison kids
uri: Thugs-threaten-to-imprison-kids
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#28_December_2014_%28Thugs_threaten_to_imprison_kids%29

content:
<p>
As two children (ages 10 and 6) were walking home from a park, thugs
grabbed them, took them to their home, then
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2014/12/23/cps-threatens-dad-who-let-kids-play-at-p">threatened
to shoot their father</a>.
<p>
I think the father should have refused to sign any papers making
absurd promises, even for a few days, and told the kids, "I can't stop
them from taking you prisoner, but mom and I will rescue you."  Any
child of 6 will understand what that means.
<p>
When I was 6 years old, I walked to school every day.  That's what all
the boys and girls in first grade did, in my ordinary neighborhood
public school in New York City.  How cowardly TV has made Americans.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 28_December_2014_(Police_officer_fired)
title: Police officer fired
uri: Police-officer-fired
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#28_December_2014_%28Police_officer_fired%29
content:
<p>
A police officer in Buffalo was
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2014/12/23/buffalo-cop-claims-she-was-fired-for-sto">fired
for trying to stop a thug from choking a handcuffed man</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 28_December_2014_(The_crack_attack_on_Sony)
title: The crack attack on Sony
uri: The-crack-attack-on-Sony
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#28_December_2014_%28The_crack_attack_on_Sony%29
content:
<p>
Quite a few security experts doubt US claims that the crack attack on
Sony was carried out by North Korea.  This article presents
<a href="http://gawker.com/a-lot-of-smart-people-think-north-korea-didnt-hack-sony-1672899940">their
reasons</a>.


title: Santa Claus and crew arrested at protest
uri: Santa-Claus-and-crew-arrested-at-protest
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 28_December_2014_(Santa_Claus_and_crew_arrested_at_protest)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#28_December_2014_%28Santa_Claus_and_crew_arrested_at_protest%29

content:
<p>
Santa Claus and his crew joined a
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/23/santa-claus-mrs-claus-and-seven-elves-arrested-blocking-gas-storage-facility">protest
against a natural gas storage facility</a> that is likely to pollute
the regional water supply in nearby Seneca Lake.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 28_December_2014_(Climate_defense_activism)
title: Climate defense activism
uri: Climate-defense-activism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#28_December_2014_%28Climate_defense_activism%29
content:
<p>
There is
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/23/everythings-coming-together-while-everything-falls-apart-climate-2015">still
a chance</a> for the many streams of climate defense activism to
prevent the worst level of disaster — but we need to push for
deep changes that go beyond changing our individual lifestyles.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 28_December_2014_(Mussels_in_danger)
title: Mussels in danger
uri: Mussels-in-danger
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#28_December_2014_%28Mussels_in_danger%29
content:
<p>
CO<sub>2</sub> emissions are
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/24/acidic-oceans-threaten-worlds-mussel-populations-climate-change">putting
mussels in danger</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(SWAT_team_raid)
title: SWAT team raid
uri: SWAT-team-raid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28SWAT_team_raid%29
content:
<p>
A SWAT team raided Chad Chadwick's house 
<a href="http://www.myfoxhouston.com/story/27645689/ft-bend-police-prosecutors-accused-of-abuse-in-swat-incident">based
on a false report</a>, shot him, beat him up, and tased him, then
fabricated a series of charges against him.
<p>
They did not convict him of anything, but they ruined his life as well
as rendering him deaf in one ear.
<p>
These thugs must be punished or they will ruin someone else's life
next.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Privatized_UK_parole_officers)
title: Privatized UK parole officers
uri: Privatized-UK-parole-officers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Privatized_UK_parole_officers%29

content:
<p>
Privatized UK parole officers <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/dec/23/man-prison-job-too-early-morning">put
people back in prison for taking jobs that start too early in the
morning</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Jeffrey_Deskovic)
title: Jeffrey Deskovic
uri: Jeffrey-Deskovic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Jeffrey_Deskovic%29
content:
<p>
Jeffrey Deskovic was falsely convicted of murder, and freed after 16
years.  Now he dedicates his life to
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/25/christmas-in-jail-wrongfully-convictedhttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/25/christmas-in-jail-wrongfully-convicted">freeing
others wrongly imprisoned by a system that makes slapdash
mistakes</a>.


title: UK cinema calls thugs to arrests kids
uri: UK-cinema-calls-thugs-to-arrests-kids
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(UK_cinema_calls_thugs_to_arrests_kids)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28UK_cinema_calls_thugs_to_arrests_kids%29

content:
<p>
A cinema in the UK called the thugs to
<a href="https://torrentfreak.com/uk-cinema-calls-police-on-kids-with-iphones-over-piracy-concerns-141223/">arrest
some 12-year-olds for bringing iThings with them to the movie</a>.
<p>
The fact that they did not in fact record the movie is a side issue.
What if they had done so?  Since that is not a crime in the UK, the
only complaint the cinema could make is that they violated its rules.
That should not qualify as an "emergency" — the thugs should
have refused to come.
<p>
This is in addition to the general point that laws against sharing
copies of published works are an injustice.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Protests_in_Nicaragua_over_canal)
title: Protests in Nicaragua over canal
uri: Protests-in-Nicaragua-over-canal
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Protests_in_Nicaragua_over_canal%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/24/nicaragua-protests-interoceanic-canal-rivas">Protests
Erupt in Nicaragua over Interoceanic Canal</a>.
<p>
The canal raises two issues.  One is that farmers who will lose their
land don't trust that they will be compensated.  There is an obvious
solution: start buying their land at a fair price now.
<p>
The bigger and harder issue is that of potential ecosystem damage.  I
don't know if there is a way to prevent that.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Dealing_with_debt_collectors)
title: Dealing with debt collectors
uri: Dealing-with-debt-collectors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Dealing_with_debt_collectors%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/10/8-ways-protect-yourself-debt-collectors">Advice
for Americans</a> dealing with debt collectors.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Cloud_computing)
title: "Cloud computing"
uri: Cloud-computing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Cloud_computing%29
content:
<p>
How the nebulous idea of "cloud computing"
<a href="http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/10/taking-back-privacy-in-the-post-snowden-cloud/">led
millions of internet users to lose their privacy</a>.
<p>
The one flaw in the article is that it presumes we have all fallen for
the trap.  For example, "When the technology industry embraced 'cloud
computing' and made it part of our daily lives, we all made a Faustian
bargain."  Maybe you made that bargain — I never did.  I hope
you will join me in rejecting it now.
<p>
Some kinds of services are acceptable to use in specific ways.  But if
you adopt a policy of trusting a service without first carefully
checking who you would be trusting with what, you'll be mistreated
over and over.  This is why I have adopted the policy of not
identifying myself to businesses I deal with except under very narrow
conditions (for instance, the company that hosts stallman.org knows
it's mine).
<p>
In other words, you've got to stop thinking that there is a "cloud",
and start thinking about each particular service.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Occupied_Palestine)
title: Occupied Palestine
uri: Occupied-Palestine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Occupied_Palestine%29
content:
<p>
Life and business in occupied Palestine are tangled in
<a href="http://www.lrb.co.uk/2014/10/24/robert-wade/organised-hypocrisy-on-a-monumental-scale">hundreds
of absurd Israeli regulations</a>, each with its own excuse, but all
designed simply to make life poor and difficult.


title: Obama's claims about war in Afghanistan
uri: Obama-s-claims-about-war-in-Afghanistan
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Obamas_claims_about_war_in_Afghanistan)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Obamas_claims_about_war_in_Afghanistan%29

content:
<p>
Obama
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/26/barack-obamas-christmas-message-to-troops-you-have-made-us-safer">continues
to claim</a> that the war in Afghanistan made the US safer.


title: Patients forced to waive legal rights
uri: Patients-forced-to-waive-legal-rights
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Patients_forced_to_waive_legal_rights)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Patients_forced_to_waive_legal_rights%29

content:
<p>
A public hospital in Alabama
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/24/alabama-public-hospital-serves-poor-lawsuits">makes
patients waive their legal right not to be sued for hospital
bills</a>.
<p>
I don't think poor indebted Americans should feel the slightest shame
about using bankruptcy to escape the medical bills that a civilized
country would never have tried to impose on them.
<p>
Meanwhile, I wonder whether the hospital's contract with these
patients is valid.  If the law says hospitals can't do something to
their patients, can the hospitals set it aside just by getting the
patient to say yes?


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(HK_democracy_protests_resume)
title: HK democracy protests resume
uri: 2014-12-30-HK-democracy-protests-resume
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28HK_democracy_protests_resume%29
content:
<p>
Democracy protests in Hong Kong have resumed and
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/26/more-arrests-as-hong-kong-protests-return">thugs
arrested dozens</a>.


title: Celebration of 1914 Christmas truce
uri: Celebration-of-1914-Christmas-truce
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Celebration_of_1914_Christmas_truce)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Celebration_of_1914_Christmas_truce%29

content:
<p>
The UK government celebrates the 1914 Christmas truce because it
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/12/wwi-christmas-truce-history-celebration">doesn't
threaten the idea of war</a>.  Contrast it with the reception of acts
and movements that did.


title: Obama to send mercenaries to Iraq
uri: Obama-to-send-mercenaries-to-Iraq
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Obama_to_send_mercenaries_to_Iraq)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Obama_to_send_mercenaries_to_Iraq%29

content:
<p>
Obama
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/25/us-spike-private-mercenaries-iraq-amid-expanding-war-says-senior-official">plans
to send mercenaries to Iraq</a> so he can deny he is sending ground
troops there.
<p>
Mercenaries <em>are</em> troops.


title: Faux News misrepresents protest chant
uri: Faux-News-misrepresents-protest-chant
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Faux_News_misrepresents_protest_chant)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Faux_News_misrepresents_protest_chant%29

content:
<p>
Faux News
<a href="http://gawker.com/slimy-baltimore-fox-affiliate-caught-faking-kill-a-cop-1674040381">cut
a protest chant in mid-sentence</a> to misrepresent it as advocating
the kill of thugs.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Cat_litter_with_DRM)
title: Cat litter with DRM
uri: Cat-litter-with-DRM
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Cat_litter_with_DRM%29
content:
<p>
Now cat litter
<a href="https://medium.com/@jorge_lo/the-future-a-cat-litter-and-drm-6dbda26428f8">comes
with DRM</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Timbuktus_MP)
title: Timbuktu's MP
uri: Timbuktu-s-MP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Timbuktus_MP%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/25/women-timbuktu-shape-city-future-mali">How
a woman won election</a> as MP for Timbuktu.


title: Syriza's economist demands debt relief
uri: Syriza-s-economist-demands-debt-relief
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Syrizas_economist_demands_debt_relief)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Syrizas_economist_demands_debt_relief%29

content:
<p>
Syriza's Marxist economist
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/23/syriza-john-milios-greece-eurozone">does
not propose leaving the Euro</a>.  Rather he demands debt relief with
that threat in the background.


title: Sony's crackdown threatens free speech
uri: Sony-s-crackdown-threatens-free-speech
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Sonys_crackdown_threatens_free_speech)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Sonys_crackdown_threatens_free_speech%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/24/sony-threat-free-speech-north-korea-the-interview">Is
Sony's Crackdown a Bigger Threat to Western Free Speech Than North
Korea?</a>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Flight_MH17)
title: Flight MH17
uri: 2014-12-30-Flight-MH17
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Flight_MH17%29
content:
<p>
Russia
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/25/mh17-russia-claims-to-have-airfield-witness-who-blames-ukrainian-pilot">reports
that an unidentified witness saw a Ukrainian fighter plane take off
with missiles and land without them</a>, at the time flight MH17 was
shot down.
<p>
If true, this would not be conclusive proof that Ukraine shot down the
passenger jet.  There could be other reasons for the fighter to return
without missiles.
<p>
But is this testimony real?  We have only the Russian state's word
that the witness made this testimony — and that the witness
exists at all.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(UK_bans_activists_from_protests)
title: UK bans activists from protests
uri: UK-bans-activists-from-protests
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28UK_bans_activists_from_protests%29

content:
<p>
The UK has used
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/dec/25/revlealed-police-using-pre-charge-bail-muzzle-protesters">bail
conditions</a> to arbitrarily ban hundreds of activists from protests.
<p>
The bogus charges are dropped eventually, but in the mean time,
democracy is the loser.


title: Anti-Arab hate group members arrested
uri: Anti-Arab-hate-group-members-arrested
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Anti-Arab_hate_group_members_arrested)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Anti-Arab_hate_group_members_arrested%29

content:
<p>
Israel
<a href="http://bigstory.ap.org/article/f9836e5e85ec4800901a2b734786e229/israel-arrests-members-jewish-extremist-group">arrested
members of an anti-Arab hate group</a>, accusing them of various
violent acts.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Brazils_Agriculture_minister)
title: Brazil's Agriculture minister
uri: Brazil-s-Agriculture-minister
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Brazils_Agriculture_minister%29
content:
<p>
Brazil's new Agriculture minister is the
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/24/brazil-agriculture-katia-abreu-climate-change">obedient
servant of big agribusiness</a> and will energetically promote
deforestation.


title: General internet security undermined
uri: General-internet-security-undermined
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(General_internet_security_undermined)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28General_internet_security_undermined%29

content:
<p>
The NSA and its friends
<a href="http://opencanada.org/features/the-cyber-security-syndrome/">undermine
general internet security in many ways</a>.
<p>
The NSA has created a
<a href="http://www.salon.com/2014/11/16/googles_secret_nsa_alliance_the_terrifying_deals_between_silicon_valley_and_the_security_state/">web
of cooperating companies</a>.  It helps protect them from cracking,
and they allow help the NSA spy on others.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(The_low_price_of_oil)
title: The low price of oil
uri: The-low-price-of-oil
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28The_low_price_of_oil%29
content:
<p>
The low price of oil
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/19/oil-price-crash-2014">may
be Saudi Arabia's plan to hurt Russia and Iran</a>.
<p>
The article speculates that it may cause a big decrease in oil
production a few years from now.  I hope that leads to more renewables
installation then, but it would be better to have a high oil price
now to incentivize renewables now.


title: Attack on democratic rights in Israel
uri: Attack-on-democratic-rights-in-Israel
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Attack_on_democratic_rights_in_Israel)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Attack_on_democratic_rights_in_Israel%29

content:
<p>
Israel's parliament is
<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/israeli-parliament-seeks-to-bar-arab-lawmaker/2014/12/13/51be2156-7fd6-11e4-9f38-95a187e4c1f7_story.html">considering
a law to bar the most outspoken Palestinian legislator from
parliament</a>.
<p>
I disagree with Ms Zoabi on her controversial statement: I think
kidnaping children is wrong even in fighting a colonizing occupying
power.  Nonetheless, barring her from election to Parliament attacks
the democratic rights of hundreds of thousands of people, and that is
also wrong.


title: Blocking water privatization in NJ
uri: Blocking-water-privatization-in-NJ
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Blocking_water_privatization_in_NJ)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Blocking_water_privatization_in_NJ%29

content:
<p>
New Jersey is trying to clear away the
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/23/new-jersey-poised-pass-legislation-would-speed-water-privatization">democratic
procedures that allow the residents of a city to block water
privatization</a>.
<p>
Governor Christie has a chance to block this by vetoing the bill.
If he does not, it may hurt his presidential chances.


title: Homeless squatters join activists
uri: Homeless-squatters-join-activists
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Homeless_squatters_join_activists)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Homeless_squatters_join_activists%29

content:
<p>
Homeless squatters
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/dec/24/love-activists-protesters-central-london-trafalgar-square">joined
activists who sought to feed them</a>, to occupy a disused bank in
London.  The government sent thugs to kick them out, true to its
policy of screw the poor to help the rich; but two of the activists
climbed on a balcony rather than leave.
<p>
This shows that the UK state regards the idea of feeding homeless
people on Christmas as a danger so urgent that it warrants an eviction
on Christmas eve to prevent it.  (For me, as an Atheist, I don't
particularly care that it was Christmas; I'd disapprove of the
eviction equally much on any day of the year.)
<p>
The court ordered the activists be
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/dec/24/love-activists-christmas-lunch-london-homeless">allowed
to return temporarily to feed the homeless today</a>.  I guess someone
decided to try to smooth over resentment over the eviction.  I hope it
does not succeed in that aim.


title: Prosecutor tries to bury evidence
uri: Prosecutor-tries-to-bury-evidence
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Prosecutor_tries_to_bury_evidence)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Prosecutor_tries_to_bury_evidence%29

content:
<p>
A headline-minded prosecutor in Arizona tried to charge people with
intentionally killing dogs under their care, hoping to bury 
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2014/12/26/dropped-animal-cruelty-case-shows-how-au">evidence
that an air conditioner failure was the cause</a>.
<p>
Perhaps kennel companies should be required to take care to detect
nighttime air conditioner failures in time to do something to save the
dogs, but prosecuting hapless employees is not the way to establish
such a regulation.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(American_today_vs_40_years_ago)
title: American today vs 40 years ago
uri: American-today-vs-40-years-ago
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28American_today_vs_40_years_ago%29

content:
<p>
Compared with 40 years ago, Americans are
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/27/are-we-better-we-were-40-years-ago">better
off in some ways and worse in many others</a>.
<p>
The GDP is worthless as a measure of society's economic well-being.
If a plutocrat gets a billion dollars of income by taking $100 in
income away from each of 10 million working people, that is a big
change for the worse, but the GDP registers it as no change.  When an
article presents GDP figures as if they mattered, that indicates a bad
framing of the issues: Garbage In, Garbage Out.
<p>
Using the word 
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Monetize">"monetize"</a>
embodies and thus promotes the attitude that the article opposes.


title: Computer manufacturers' back doors
uri: Computer-manufacturers-back-doors
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Computer_manufacturers_back_doors)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Computer_manufacturers_back_doors%29

content:
<p>
When computer manufacturers have back doors to get people's data.
that 
<a href="
https://keybase.io/blog/2014-10-08/the-horror-of-a-secure-golden-key">creates
many threats</a> over and above an antidemocratic government.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Al-Sisi_ruling_by_degree)
title: Al-Sisi ruling by degree
uri: Al-Sisi-ruling-by-degree
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Al-Sisi_ruling_by_degree%29
content:
<p>
Al-Sisi is ruling by decree and has imposed a 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/26/sp-egypt-pillars-of-freedom-crashing-down">series
of diktats against human rights</a>.


title: Raid on radio station in Azerbaijan
uri: Raid-on-radio-station-in-Azerbaijan
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Raid_on_radio_station_in_Azerbaijan)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Raid_on_radio_station_in_Azerbaijan%29

content:
<p>
A US-linked radio station in Azerbaijan is being shut down and its
staff 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/26/us-funded-radio-station-azerbaijan-baku-raided">persecuted</a>.


title: Mall of America to sue protesters
uri: Mall-of-America-to-sue-protesters
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Mall_of_America_to_sue_protesters)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Mall_of_America_to_sue_protesters%29

content:
<p>
The Mall of America and its pet city government 
<a href="http://www.prwatch.org/news/2014/12/12696/black-lives-matter-mall-america">plan
to sue "black lives matter" protesters into ruin</a>.


title: Taxpayers may shoulder big banks' losses
uri: Taxpayers-may-shoulder-big-banks-losses
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Taxpayers_may_shoulder_big_banks_losses)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Taxpayers_may_shoulder_big_banks_losses%29

content:
<p>
Big banks' losses due to betting on a high oil price could be imposed
on taxpayers 
<a href="http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/russian_roulette_taxpayers_could_be_on_the_hook_for_trillions_in_20141226">due
to the betrayal budget bill</a> that Senator Warren tried to stop.
<p>
Obama, obedient as always to the banksters, lobbied the Senate to pass
it.


title: Mexican farm workers treated as slaves
uri: Mexican-farm-workers-treated-as-slaves
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Mexican_farm_workers_treated_as_slaves)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Mexican_farm_workers_treated_as_slaves%29

content:
<p>
Mexican farm workers, growing produce for the US, are treated as
slaves and 
<a href="http://graphics.latimes.com/product-of-mexico-labor/">forbidden
to leave the farm</a>.  If caught escaping, they are brutalized.
<p>
<a href="http://graphics.latimes.com/product-of-mexico-stores/">Forced
to buy food from stores that gouge them</a>, they end the season in
debt.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Protester_imprisoned_in_Vatican)
title: Protester imprisoned in Vatican
uri: Protester-imprisoned-in-Vatican
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Protester_imprisoned_in_Vatican%29

content:
<p>
A Femen protester is 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/26/femen-activist-steal-baby-jesus-vatican-face-trial">imprisoned
in the Vatican</a>.
<p>
Picking up a statue and holding it in a protest is not "stealing".
What nonsense!  As for "offending religious sentiments", that's
at the core of freedom of speech.


title: Pfizer trying to bully pharmacists
uri: Pfizer-trying-to-bully-pharmacists
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Pfizer_trying_to_bully_pharmacists)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Pfizer_trying_to_bully_pharmacists%29

content:
<p>
Pfizer is trying to 
<a href="http://boingboing.net/2014/12/24/pfizer-threatens-pharmacists.html">bully
pharmacists not to prescribe generic drugs</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Dodd-Frank_bill)
title: Dodd-Frank bill
uri: Dodd-Frank-bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Dodd-Frank_bill%29
content:
<p>
The Dodd-Frank bill was not strong enough in the first place, but the Federal Reserve keeps giving banks 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/26/wall-street-had-merry-christmas-new-years-still-grabs">extensions
on complying with it</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Feeding_the_homeless_in_London)
title: Feeding the homeless in London
uri: Feeding-the-homeless-in-London
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Feeding_the_homeless_in_London%29

content:
<p>
A court told London Activists they could reenter the unused bank
building to serve a meal to the homeless on Christmas, but 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/dec/25/love-activists-squatters-rbs-serve-christmas-lunch-london">the
court betrayed them immediately after</a> and they were not allowed to
do this.
<p>
One of the activist points out that the UK has 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/26/love-activists-empty-buildings-direct-action-homelessness">10
unoccupied buildings for each homeless person</a>.
<p>
The state's refusal to let homeless people live in those buildings
demonstrates its evil priorities.  Making squatting a crime was
vicious too.
<p>
Does anyone know whether the Green Party advocates legalizing
squatting?


title: Criminal charge of insulting the president
uri: Criminal-charge-of-insulting-the-president
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Criminal_charge_of_insulting_the_president)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Criminal_charge_of_insulting_the_president%29

content:
<p>
Mehmet Emin Altunses faces the 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/26/turkish-school-student-accused-insulting-president-released-custody-erdogan">criminal
charge of insulting the president of Turkey</a>.
<p>
Anyone who loves Turkey must fight to get these charges dropped
so that Turkey does not disgrace itself.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Ferguson_riots)
title: Ferguson riots
uri: Ferguson-riots
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Ferguson_riots%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/?p=9224">"No Justice, No
Respect": Why the Ferguson Riots Were Justified</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(Autonomous_AIs)
title: Autonomous AIs
uri: Autonomous-AIs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28Autonomous_AIs%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2014/12/autonomous_weapons_and_international_law_we_need_these_three_treaties_to.html">Treaties
are needed</a> to restrict development of autonomous AIs with deadly
weapons.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 31_December_2014_(Ferguson_to_increase_fines)
title: Ferguson to increase fines
uri: Ferguson-to-increase-fines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#31_December_2014_%28Ferguson_to_increase_fines%29
content:
<p>
Ferguson is planning to raise more revenue by 
<a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-12-12/ferguson-to-increase-police-ticketing-to-close-city-s-budget-gap.html">increasing 
fines</a>.
<p>
Other information confirms that this includes fines for traffic
offenses.  That will fall heavily on the poor, 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#05_September_2014_(Practices_of_Ferguson_thugs)">increasing
the oppression they already suffer</a>.  Some will be jailed because
they can't pay these fines, which will be an excuse for other fines.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 31_December_2014_(How_thugs_deal_with_union_buster)
title: How thugs deal with union buster
uri: How-thugs-deal-with-union-buster
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#31_December_2014_%28How_thugs_deal_with_union_buster%29

content:
<p>
A thug union objected to a right-wing city councilor's union-busting
plans, so
<a href="http://reason.com/archives/2014/12/26/affidavit-shows-cop-union-targeting-foes">their
private investigators tried to frame him</a>.
<p>
I too object to those union-busting plans — the fact that the
union members are thugs doesn't excuse them — but this form of
opposition is pure thug.


title: Sports team kicked out for protest shirts
uri: Sports-team-kicked-out-for-protest-shirts
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 31_December_2014_(Sports_team_kicked_out_for_protest_shirts)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#31_December_2014_%28Sports_team_kicked_out_for_protest_shirts%29

content:
<p>
A US high school basketball team was
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/27/i-cant-breathe-t-shirts-high-school-basketball">kicked
out of a tournament for wearing "I can't breathe" protest shirts</a>
while <em>preparing</em> for the match.
<p>
What strict repression!  I am sure the tournament organizers will say,
"We're not racist, we only oppose criticizing racism.  We're not in
favor of cops' killing people, we just insist that nobody rebuke them
when they do."


title: NSA plans to remote control computers
uri: NSA-plans-to-remote-control-computers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 31_December_2014_(NSA_plans_to_remote_control_computers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#31_December_2014_%28NSA_plans_to_remote_control_computers%29

content:
<p>
The NSA plans to
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2014/03/12/nsa-plans-infect-millions-computers-malware/">crack
into millions of computers</a> and take remote control of them.


title: Making protesters refrain from protests
uri: Making-protesters-refrain-from-protests
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 31_December_2014_(Making_protesters_refrain_from_protests)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#31_December_2014_%28Making_protesters_refrain_from_protests%29

content:
<p>
Alexei Navalny was given a suspended sentence of over 3 years —
meaning that
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/30/kremlin-critic-navalny-given-suspended-sentence-brother-jailed">Putin
can hold this over Navalny for any sort of protest activity that Putin
chooses to declare illegal</a>.
<p>
This is similar in spirit, though not in legal detail, to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_(UK_bans_activists_from_protests)">the
practice in the UK</a> and the US of making arrested protesters agree
to refrain from protests as a condition of bail.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 31_December_2014_(China_imposing_strict_conformity)
title: China imposing strict conformity
uri: China-imposing-strict-conformity
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#31_December_2014_%28China_imposing_strict_conformity%29

content:
<p>
China is imposing
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/30/chinese-president-signals-tightening-of-control-over-universities">strict
conformity on views expressed in universities</a>.
<p>
Western countries such as France which prohibit disagreement with the
official view of certain issues, such as the genocide of the
Armenians, provide China with an excuse for its own restrictions on
permitted opinions.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 31_December_2014_(Working_for_nothing_in_the_UK)
title: Working for nothing in the UK
uri: Working-for-nothing-in-the-UK
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#31_December_2014_%28Working_for_nothing_in_the_UK%29

content:
<p>
Many working people in the UK are effectively working for nothing
because
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/money/2014/dec/29/childcare-cost-pay-families-aviva">their
wages pay for less than the costs of working</a>.
<p>
I suspect the right-wing government would punish them if they quit.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 31_December_2014_(TPP_must_be_defeated)
title: TPP must be defeated
uri: TPP-must-be-defeated
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#31_December_2014_%28TPP_must_be_defeated%29
content:
<p>
Senator Bernie Sanders:
<a href="http://www.sanders.senate.gov/download/the-trans-pacific-trade-tpp-agreement-must-be-defeated?inline=file">The
Trans-Pacific Trade (TPP) Agreement Must Be Defeated</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 31_December_2014_(The_Prison_State_of_America)
title: The Prison State of America
uri: The-Prison-State-of-America
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#31_December_2014_%28The_Prison_State_of_America%29
content:
<p>
The Prison State of America: prisons are a
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/29/prison-state-america">scheme
for forced labor</a>, charging prisoners fees and fines to make them
work for companies for a pittance.
<p>
The private prison companies lobby for many measures, some explicit
and some subtle and indirect, to put more people in prison.


title: TV station in Russia being shut down
uri: TV-station-in-Russia-being-shut-down
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 31_December_2014_(TV_station_in_Russia_being_shut_down)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#31_December_2014_%28TV_station_in_Russia_being_shut_down%29

content:
<p>
The
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/29/russian-authorities-siberian-tv2-off-air">last
independent TV station in Russia</a> is being shut down.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 31_December_2014_(Red_knots_in_danger)
title: Red knots in danger
uri: Red-knots-in-danger
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#31_December_2014_%28Red_knots_in_danger%29
content:
<p>
Red knots, birds that migrate very long distances, are in danger from
global heating
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/29/moonbird-rufa-red-knot-migration-climate">in
several ways at once</a>.


title: Company taking over public school system
uri: Company-taking-over-public-school-system
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 31_December_2014_(Company_taking_over_public_school_system)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#31_December_2014_%28Company_taking_over_public_school_system%29

content:
<p>
The public school system of a city in Pennsylvania is being
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/27/pennsylvania-judge-paves-way-private-takeover-public-school-district">turned
over entirely to a company</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 31_December_2014_(The_lives_of_teenage_mothers)
title: The lives of teenage mothers
uri: The-lives-of-teenage-mothers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#31_December_2014_%28The_lives_of_teenage_mothers%29
content:
<p>
US TV shows about the real lives of teenage mothers
<a href="http://aspen.us/journal/editions/septemberoctober-2014/%E2%80%9Cteen-mom%E2%80%9D-effect">convinced
thousands of US teenagers to avoid following that path</a>.
<p>
It appears that these shows caused a 6% drop in the rate of teen
pregnancy, from 2008 to 2012.  (A further 11% drop was due to other
causes.)


title: Nightingale habitat to be bulldozed
uri: Nightingale-habitat-to-be-bulldozed
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 31_December_2014_(Nightingale_habitat_to_be_bulldozed)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#31_December_2014_%28Nightingale_habitat_to_be_bulldozed%29

content:
<p>
The UK government has decided to
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/dec/28/nightingale-population-government-drive-build-new-homes">permit
the main nightingale habitat site to be bulldozed</a> for new housing.


title: Police officer hounded out of department
uri: Police-officer-hounded-out-of-department
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 31_December_2014_(Police_officer_hounded_out_of_department)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#31_December_2014_%28Police_officer_hounded_out_of_department%29

content:
<p>
Police officer Joseph Crystal was hounded out of his department
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2014/12/26/ex-baltimore-cop-alleges-retaliation-for">after
reporting a thug for attacking a handcuffed prisoner</a>.
<p>
The thug was convicted, got a slap on the wrist, and remains employed
by the department.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 31_December_2014_(Campaigners_demand_living_wage)
title: Campaigners demand living wage
uri: Campaigners-demand-living-wage
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#31_December_2014_%28Campaigners_demand_living_wage%29

content:
<p>
Campaigners are
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/12/26/top-uk-retailers-targeted-price-tag-switch-living-wage">putting
labels on goods in UK stores</a> that make demands to pay their
workers a living wage.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html 30_December_2014_(America_today_vs_40_years_ago)
title: America today vs 40 years ago
uri: America-today-vs-40-years-ago
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_%28America_today_vs_40_years_ago%29

content:
<p>
Compared with 40 years ago, Americans are
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/12/27/are-we-better-we-were-40-years-ago">better
off in some ways and worse in many others</a>.
<p>
The GDP is worthless as a measure of society's economic well-being.
If a plutocrat gets a billion dollars of income by taking $100 in
income away from each of 10 million working people, that is a big
change for the worse, but the GDP registers it as no change.  When an
article presents GDP figures as if they mattered, that indicates a bad
framing of the issues: Garbage In, Garbage Out.
<p>
Using the word 
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Monetize">"monetize"</a>
embodies and thus promotes the attitude that the article opposes.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2014-nov-feb.html 31_December_2014_(How_thugs_deal_with_union_buster)
title: How thugs deal with union buster
uri: 2015-01-01-How-thugs-deal-with-union-buster
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-nov-feb.html#31_December_2014_%28How_thugs_deal_with_union_buster%29

content:
<p>
A thug union objected to a right-wing city councilor's union-busting
plans, so
<a href="http://reason.com/archives/2014/12/26/affidavit-shows-cop-union-targeting-foes">their
private investigators tried to frame him</a>.
<p>
I too object to those union-busting plans — the fact that the
union members are thugs doesn't excuse them — but this form of
opposition is pure thug.


title: Sports team kicked out for protest shirts
uri: 2015-01-01-Sports-team-kicked-out-for-protest-shirts
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-nov-feb.html 31_December_2014_(Sports_team_kicked_out_for_protest_shirts)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-nov-feb.html#31_December_2014_%28Sports_team_kicked_out_for_protest_shirts%29

content:
<p>
A US high school basketball team was
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/27/i-cant-breathe-t-shirts-high-school-basketball">kicked
out of a tournament for wearing "I can't breathe" protest shirts</a>
while <em>preparing</em> for the match.
<p>
What strict repression!  I am sure the tournament organizers will say,
"We're not racist, we only oppose criticizing racism.  We're not in
favor of cops' killing people, we just insist that nobody rebuke them
when they do."


title: NSA plans to remote control computers
uri: 2015-01-01-NSA-plans-to-remote-control-computers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-nov-feb.html 31_December_2014_(NSA_plans_to_remote_control_computers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-nov-feb.html#31_December_2014_%28NSA_plans_to_remote_control_computers%29

content:
<p>
The NSA plans to
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2014/03/12/nsa-plans-infect-millions-computers-malware/">crack
into millions of computers</a> and take remote control of them.


title: Making protesters refrain from protests
uri: 2015-01-01-Making-protesters-refrain-from-protests
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-nov-feb.html 31_December_2014_(Making_protesters_refrain_from_protests)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2014-nov-feb.html#31_December_2014_%28Making_protesters_refrain_from_protests%29

content:
<p>
Alexei Navalny was given a suspended sentence of over 3 years —
meaning that
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/30/kremlin-critic-navalny-given-suspended-sentence-brother-jailed">Putin
can hold this over Navalny for any sort of protest activity that Putin
chooses to declare illegal</a>.
<p>
This is similar in spirit, though not in legal detail, to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#30_December_2014_(UK_bans_activists_from_protests)">the
practice in the UK</a> and the US of making arrested protesters agree
to refrain from protests as a condition of bail.


