# articles

feed_id: 8a03ffb697869c1ab13a2e99d8d410fe
title: IRS audits
uri: IRS-audits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28IRS_audits%29
content:
<p>
*Under Trump, Households Making $30 Million <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/30/under-trump-households-making-30-million-nine-times-less-likely-face-irs-audit">Nine Times Less Likely to Face IRS
Audit Than Working Poor Making Less Than $25,000</a>.*


feed_id: 9005c16d3e1cc0c0734c84f848de7613
title: Public Banks
uri: Public-Banks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28Public_Banks%29
content:
<p>
*Tlaib and Ocasio-Cortez Unveil <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/30/banking-people-tlaib-and-ocasio-cortez-unveil-bill-foster-creation-public-banks">Bill to Foster
Creation of Public Banks Across US</a>.*

<p>
I think it may take a lot of public pressure to make the "centrist"
right-wing Democrats support this.


feed_id: 6412313097e8f3ed87b6f15692b39ef3
title: Global heating making it harder to vote
uri: Global-heating-making-it-harder-to-vote
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28Global_heating_making_it_harder_to_vote%29

content:
<p>
*New Analysis Shows <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/10/30/new-analysis-shows-climate-change-making-it-harder-vote">[global heating] Is Making It Harder to Vote</a>.*

<p>
These events happen occasionally, not every day, but they can affect
many voters each time.


feed_id: 5d8eedd6f543db580ad400a1a9d8dbfa
title: Methane leaks
uri: 2020-11-02-Methane-leaks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28Methane_leaks%29
content:
<p>
Urging New Mexico <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/30/new-mexico-has-opportunity-enact-some-best-oil-and-gas-pollution-rules-nation-it">to make gas wells reduce their methane leaks</a>.


feed_id: e218aac3c6b01a365516946873329bab
title: Preparing for general strike
uri: Preparing-for-general-strike
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28Preparing_for_general_strike%29
content:
<p>
*Unions Representing Hundreds of Thousands of Workers Prepare <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/30/unions-representing-hundreds-thousands-workers-prepare-general-strike-if-trump">for General
Strike If Trump Subverts Election Results</a>.*


feed_id: 21f593866fd38b197dc6029ff1604850
title: Spirit realm
uri: Spirit-realm
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28Spirit_realm%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/report-more-souls-deferring-entrance-to-heaven-for-a-y-1845184565">satire</a>) *More Souls Deferring Entrance To Heaven For A Year To Backpack
Through Spirit Realm.*


feed_id: c2dcefe5926bc0913e2e7601549d6406
title: 50 worst states
uri: 50-worst-states
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%2850_worst_states%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/the-onions-state-by-state-election-guide-1845511152">satire</a>) A closer look at the nation’s 50 worst states.


feed_id: 36f3fc6ff86cae6bcab10bb3872a2a11
title: Cancel pipeline
uri: Cancel-pipeline
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28Cancel_pipeline%29
content:
<p>
An NGO has recommended <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/30/scrap-gas-pipeline-eastern-med-due-climate-cost-report-turkey-greece">that Europe cancel the planned gas pipeline
from the Aegean Sea</a>.

<p>
I've recommended for a year that the way to settle the dispute between
Cyprus and Turkey about which one will get the chance to profit from
destroying civilization through the extraction of this gas is to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#13_June_2019_(Destruction_of_civilization)">insist on leaving it in the ground</a>.

<p>
Likewise <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#31_July_2019_(JosÃ©_Ramos-Horta_calls_on_Australia_to_drop_charges_of_whistleblower)">for other similar disputes</a>.


feed_id: db8b6b532c34dcbb60d447ab476cfa05
title: Affording insulin
uri: Affording-insulin
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28Affording_insulin%29
content:
<p>
*millions of American diabetics <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/oct/30/americans-diabetes-insulin-cost">struggle to afford
insulin</a>.*


feed_id: 31d1fa64a7b35a7173f41ed8ad126bda
title: High forests burning
uri: High-forests-burning
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28High_forests_burning%29
content:
<p>
Colorado's high forests, which never got hot enough to burn, are burning
very hot.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/30/colorado-fires-cameron-peak-east-troublesome">One fire has been burning since August</a>.

<p>
The average western fire season has extended more than two months
since the 1970s.  Global heating has gone 1C already and it will
probably go at least another 1C; how long will the fire season be
then?


feed_id: ea9a1aeefb42d893dfd06fa752b2ed91
title: Strip-searching for mother was illegal
uri: Strip-searching-for-mother-was-illegal
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28Strip-searching_for_mother_was_illegal%29

content:
<p>
Qatar says that strip-searching women passengers to see if one had just
given birth <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/30/qatar-says-staff-who-searched-australian-women-at-doha-airport-committed-actions">was illegal</a>.

<p>
I am surprised to learn that the baby was and is alive.  I got the
impression from the first article that it was dead.

<p>
However, I don't think this justifies desperately trying to find the
mother.  I expect that being a single mother in Qatar leads to
persecution, such as no longer occurs in western countries.  Is there
any safe place in Qatar for a mother to anonymously leave a baby that
she cannot keep or acknowledge?


feed_id: 74ce3763844209d058427584cd9fd4f1
title: Jailing protesters before trial
uri: Jailing-protesters-before-trial
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28Jailing_protesters_before_trial%29

content:
<p>
*Federal Prosecutors Engaged in Unprecedented Push <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/30/federal-prosecutors-protests-pretrial-detention/">to Jail Protesters Before
 Trial</a>.*


feed_id: d0c8d5334c4bfb1fe4c66e04e59a81ec
title: Bringing down a tyrant
uri: Bringing-down-a-tyrant
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28Bringing_down_a_tyrant%29
content:
<p>
Protests designed to bring down a tyrant <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/30/demonstrations-protest-party-minsk-sao-paulo-protesters">have often failed in recent decades</a>.
  One additional example, not mentioned in the article, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_(Arrest_or_protesters_in_Nicaragua)">was in Nicaragua</a>.

<p>
There are, however, cases where they have succeeded.
  And other examples where protests have thwarted a coup that tried
to overthrow an elected government.

<p>
Black Lives Matter protests have already influenced laws in parts of
the US, and their enforcement (by election of progressive
prosecutors).  So far this change covers only small areas, but with
time they will achieve more.  Also, this is one area where they may be
successful at the federal level if Democrats win control of the US government.


feed_id: 74f72686d62c36b7993e2d9de0fe3c6c
title: State of repression
uri: State-of-repression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28State_of_repression%29
content:
<p>
In 1953, the UK overthrew the recently elected government of Guyana,
supposedly a self-governing colony at the time, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/30/1953-britain-guyana">imposed a state of
repression comparable to Kashmir today</a>.

<p>
The idea of extracting Guyana's oil may excite dangerous rivalries,
but the most dangerous thing would be to burn that oil.  The universal
answer to all questions about what to do with untapped oil reserves
is, "Leave them in the ground."


feed_id: c0f5bbce8124ca0b5102c6efc1638006
title: Gleen Greewald and The Intercept
uri: Gleen-Greewald-and-The-Intercept
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28Gleen_Greewald_and_The_Intercept%29

content:
<p>
Glenn Greenwald quit The Intercept <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2020/oct/29/journalist-glenn-greenwald-resigns-the-intercept">after it would not publish an
article that criticized Biden</a>.

<p>
The editor denies the accusation, but I believe Greenwald.  There is
plenty to criticize about Biden, and Greenwald is surely accustomed
to editing of his work; he can tell the difference between changes to
make the piece better and changes to suppress his ideas.

<p>
Greenwald knows that Biden looks good only in contrast to the wrecker.
I hope Biden replaces the wrecker, but if he does, we will find him
even more "moderate" (i.e., generally unsympathetic to necessary
reforms) than Obama was.

<p>
I hope that Greenwald will find a new visible place to publish.


feed_id: 515066d14cd33a229f961504894957f3
title: Urgent: Stop reading polls!!!
uri: 2020-11-02-Urgent-Stop-reading-polls
content:
<p>

Unless you're a campaign manager, stop reading polls!  And stop worrying
about things that might affect campaign strategy!
<p>
Reading those things wastes your time and makes you worry uselessly,
because you have no decisions to make which depend on them.
<p>
What is worth thinking about in regard to the US election?

<ul>
  <li>
  Who and what to vote for (unless you've already decided).

  <li>
    How and when to vote (unless you've already voted).

    <li>
      How you can help a campaign.

      <li>
	How you can help resist a possible coup attempt.
</ul>

<p>
It may be useful to think about those topics because they may help you
take action.  Anything else election-related is just a distraction &mdash;
so you may as well do some other useful thing instead.
<p>
In the past, you could usually tell who won any race
at some point in the evening.  I used to stay up waiting for this, like most
Americans.  Then I realized that I had no need to rush to find out the
answer.  The result, whether good or (more often) bad,
would be the same in the morning,  Finding out earlier
would not enable me to do any more good.
<p>
So I decided to ignore the results on election day and
read about them later.
	


feed_id: a800a637e5e50b5c03839c954629c433
title: Slovakia Covid-19 testing
uri: Slovakia-Covid-19-testing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_November_2020_%28Slovakia_Covid-19_testing%29
content:
<p>

Slovakia plans to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/30/slovakia-to-test-all-citizens-over-age-of-10-for-coronavirus">test all citizens over age 10 for Covid-19</a>.
<p>
It seems foolish to omit non-citizens and children.
They could propagate Covid-19 past the effort
and thus negate it.


feed_id: 812e48191f009c9f9329682d36c66ffc
title: Introduced peacocks becoming a problem in New Zealand
uri: Introduced-peacocks-becoming-a-problem-in-New-Zealand
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_November_2020_%28Introduced_peacocks_becoming_a_problem_in_New_Zealand%29

content:
<p>

Introduced peacocks, no longer checked by introduced mammalian predators,
are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/31/no-predators-plenty-to-eat-new-zealand-struggles-with-plague-of-peacocks">becoming a big problem in New Zealand</a>.


feed_id: 714344d6a9206408a11d1f927969c936
title: Hong Kong thugs arrested Tony Chung
uri: Hong-Kong-thugs-arrested-Tony-Chung
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_November_2020_%28Hong_Kong_thugs_arrested_Tony_Chung%29

content:
<p>

Hong Kong <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> arrested Tony Chung as he tried to ask the US consulate
to shelter him, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/29/hong-kong-activist-who-sought-us-consulate-help-charged-with-secession">charged him with political opposition</a>.
<p>
The reason Chung could not simply leave Hong Kong is that the
government had taken his passport and accused him of advocating
independence for Hong Kong.
<p>
A number of others also facing political charges tried to leave
Hong Kong in a boat, but China caught the boat.


feed_id: 23770af375cef8dfd9863515a0a020b6
title: Preston Kulkarni support for the RSS
uri: Preston-Kulkarni-support-for-the-RSS
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_November_2020_%28Preston_Kulkarni_support_for_the_RSS%29

content:
<p>

Preston Kulkarni, running for Congress in Houston, has <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/29/sri-kulkarni-congress-indian-politics/">stated support
for the RSS</a>, a violent anti-non-Hindu hate group in India.
<p>
People should pressure Kulkarni and the Democratic Party hard about
this, but despite his connection to a hate group, he is clearly the
lesser evil this year.  After all, his opponent is a member of a
violent domestic hate group called the Republican Party.


feed_id: 9f2ee09d3a18e34497841a3d7f8fd7e3
title: Reversing ballot against gerrymandering
uri: Reversing-ballot-against-gerrymandering
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_November_2020_%28Reversing_ballot_against_gerrymandering%29

content:
<p>

Missouri voters passed a <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/29/missouri-amendment-3-redistricting/">ballot initiative against gerrymandering</a>.
Now Republicans are pushing another ballot initiative which would
reverse that one, and reduce the voting power of some minorities.
<p>
They  hoped they could mislead the voters into passing it.


feed_id: a508013b76d4aa3170efe75521fc93df
title: US recessions
uri: US-recessions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_November_2020_%28US_recessions%29
content:
<p>

In the US, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/oct/28/joe-biden-looks-like-a-safe-pair-of-hands-for-the-us-economy">recessions typically start when there is a Republican president</a>.


feed_id: 4f52135d8a542a97ab1051148bf601ff
title: Protest for abortion rights in Poland
uri: Protest-for-abortion-rights-in-Poland
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_November_2020_%28Protest_for_abortion_rights_in_Poland%29

content:
<p>

Poland is seeing <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54694968">large protests for abortion rights</a> every day.
<p>
The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/30/pro-choice-supporters-hold-biggest-ever-protest-against-polish-government">last protest</a> had 100,000 people.
<p>
Poland's latest attack on abortion rights affects women whose fetuses
are dead or so damaged that they cannot be born alive.  For Polish
Catholics, granting the fetus one more day of non-consciousness is
worth any amount of human grief caused.
<p>
Right-wing nasties organized for violent attacks against protesters,
which they consider legitimate because the protesters are not fetuses.
;-{.


feed_id: c241a8c72cb69385aa14e3b4716b69e6
title: Adani private investigators
uri: Adani-private-investigators
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_November_2020_%28Adani_private_investigators%29
content:
<p>

Adani, which wants to build more coal mines in Australia, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/oct/28/private-investigator-hired-by-adani-secretly-photographed-activists-family">used private
investigators</a> to study the private life of an anti-mine activist, and
his wife, and his preteen daughter.
<p>
I suppose they were looking for some irrelevant scandal to distract
public attention from the death that comes out of every coal mine
every day.


feed_id: 3332e7f54d8bc991489c819bfa63c1cf
title: US president's decree powers
uri: US-president-s-decree-powers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_November_2020_%28US_president%27s_decree_powers%29

content:
<p>

The president of the US has been given <a href="https://harpers.org/archive/2020/11/the-enemies-briefcase-secret-powers-of-the-presidency/">enormous decree powers</a> to
use in an "emergency."  Various officials have warned that this could
be dangerous some day.
<p>
"Some day" could very well be in December or January, if the wrecker
wants to prevent Biden's inauguration.


feed_id: d65a5171bbe9449d1f649566034aa420
title: Microwave beam weapon
uri: Microwave-beam-weapon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_November_2020_%28Microwave_beam_weapon%29
content:
<p>

CIA sources say that the mysterious brain damage which has struct many
US agents and officials could be caused by a <a href="https://www.gq.com/story/cia-investigation-and-russian-microwave-attacks">microwave beam weapon</a>.
<p>
If that is the case, wearing a simple grid of wires around the head
could block the waves, and attaching a recording thermometer might
provide as way to detect the attack.  Purpose-built detectors might
give more information about the waves.


feed_id: 06925c514d02c4bf7f0a8297f50226b6
title: Vacant San Francisco office space
uri: Vacant-San-Francisco-office-space
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_November_2020_%28Vacant_San_Francisco_office_space%29

content:
<p>

In San Francisco, over 11 million square feet of office space is <a href="http://socketsite.com/archives/2020/10/nearly-12-million-square-feet-of-vacant-office-space-in-s-f.html">now
vacant</a>.
<p>
We need to convert that space into small residence for poor people to
live in.  They could have a microwave and a fridge each, rather than a
real kitchen.  This would enable all the homeless people of San
Francisco to have a safe place to live and practice physical
distancing.  The rest of the space could be made into studio apartments
and offered for rent at amounts working people can actually afford.
<p>
It shouldn't take much payment to the building owners to get them
to accept, since otherwise they are likely to get nothing.
Also, unused space should pay a higher real estate tax.


feed_id: 9d12fb13490a1a823752a9c7f9e2ead5
title: Delta Airlines list of people it won't sell tickets to
uri: Delta-Airlines-list-of-people-it-won-t-sell-tickets-to
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_November_2020_%28Delta_Airlines_list_of_people_it_won%27t_sell_tickets_to%29

content:
<p>

Delta Airlines has put 460 people on a list it <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/25/business/delta-mask-ban/index.html">won't sell tickets to</a>
because they have refused to wear masks while on board,
<p>
Refusal to wear masks spreads coronavirus, and the continued refusal
of many Americans to wear masks will probably kill hundreds of
thousands more.  It is good that some organizations take firm steps
to make sure people wear masks.  Now stores and buses should start
protecting their staff and customers.


feed_id: ce119648509f7ae38f9ca9103fa7c051
title: Right-wing Texas provocateur
uri: Right-wing-Texas-provocateur
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_November_2020_%28Right-wing_Texas_provocateur%29
content:
<p>

It took just two days for right-wing Texas provocateur Ivan Hunter to
bring his rifle to Minneapolis and <a href="https://www.startribune.com/charges-boogaloo-bois-fired-on-mpls-precinct-shouted-justice-for-floyd/572843802/">start a false-flag</a> attack on the
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>.


feed_id: 03e2a617cb075a00c3b57d7354d1700d
title: Republicans priority to "reopen the economy"
uri: Republicans-priority-to-reopen-the-economy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_November_2020_%28Republicans_priority_to_reopen_the_economy%29

content:
<p>

When Republicans found out that Americans dying from Covid-19, if they
were not old, were likely to be black, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/29/was-april-7-2020-day-sealed-fate-america">they quickly made it their
priority to "reopen the economy"</a>.


feed_id: 2348c959968787375712824a5102f6cf
title: Whitehouse Covid Ad Campaign
uri: Whitehouse-Covid-Ad-Campaign
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_November_2020_%28Whitehouse_Covid_Ad_Campaign%29
content:
<p>

*Documents Reveal WH Officials Tried to Use $250 Million in Taxpayer
Money on <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/29/documents-reveal-wh-officials-tried-use-250-million-taxpayer-money-covid-ad-campaign">Covid Ad Campaign</a> to Boost [wrecker's] Reelection.*
<p>
This sort of corruption is so frequent that it is hardly even news.
What is significant is that our government has no ability to do
anything to punish or prevent such corruption.  What was supposed to
restrain it was an expectaion that the voters would punish corruption
when they found it.  The wrecker has destroyed that expectation,
first for small corrupt acts, then for bigger and bigger ones.


feed_id: 76951c83c3ed12ebe5ca16b7dce5982a
title: US regime-change interventions
uri: US-regime-change-interventions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_November_2020_%28US_regime-change_interventions%29

content:
<p>

The US claims its regime-change interventions are meant to promote
democracy, but they tend to have the opposite result.  Bolivia shows
that the challenge for democracy is to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/29/ending-regime-change-bolivia-and-world">overcome these US operations</a>.


feed_id: f4b68622de2a5d1f4c571bc899057fff
title: (satire) The nation's 50 worst states
uri: (satire)-The-nation-s-50-worst-states
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_November_2020_%28%28satire%29_The_nation%27s_50_worst_states%29

content:
<p>

(satire)
*The Onion’s State-By-State Election Guide.<br/>
A closer look at the nation’s <a href="https://politics.theonion.com/the-onions-state-by-state-election-guide-1845511152">50 worst states</a>.*


feed_id: a8fc4fa687c3bf6ebf4eab32f2012c7b
title: Grand Jurors for Breonna Taylor case
uri: Grand-Jurors-for-Breonna-Taylor-case
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_November_2020_%28Grand_Jurors_for_Breonna_Taylor_case%29

content:
<p>

Two members of the grand jury that considered indicting the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> that
killed Breonna Taylor say that the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/29/us/breonna-taylor-grand-jurors/index.html">case was presented in a strange way</a>,
so that it was only at the end that they found out they were not going
to be asked to vote on charging the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> with killing Ms Taylor.
The jurors were shocked by that.
<p>
Usually, they report, cases are presented to the grand jury by first
stating what charges are to be considered.  This case and only this
case was handled differently.
<p>
I do get the impression that the prosecutor wanted to shield the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>
and pretend not to have done so.


feed_id: 690905d85fc5657de77a6bba22fc0d0c
title: Republican expansions of supreme courts
uri: Republican-expansions-of-supreme-courts
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_November_2020_%28Republican_expansions_of_supreme_courts%29

content:
<p>

Republicans have <a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-arizona-iowa-separation-of-powers-us-supreme-court-31f4996a200be4622361603aabf92302">expanded the supreme courts</a> of Arizona and Georgia
in recent years.  In Iowa they politicized the selection of judges.


feed_id: 96abc708cae4f0c46c69b5c3b7d50eb3
title: Overturning the Affordable Care Act
uri: Overturning-the-Affordable-Care-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_November_2020_%28Overturning_the_Affordable_Care_Act%29

content:
<p>

*Overturning the Affordable Care Act <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/29/affordable-care-act-supreme-court-case/">Could Result in 68,000 Deaths</a>.*


feed_id: 4a98687e1a5b121092476ccbe4aba607
title: Coal mining policy
uri: 2020-11-02-Coal-mining-policy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#31_October_2020_%28Coal_mining_policy%29
content:
<p>
A very large bank that operates in Australia and New Zealand has
announced a policy on coal mining and burning coal for heat or power.
Existing debtors with heavy involvement in coal <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/oct/29/nationals-call-for-anz-boycott-after-banks-push-for-net-zero-emissions">will have to make
plans to change</a>.

<p>
The extreme planet roaster party is calling for a boycott of that bank.


feed_id: 62f14a841fa751cbc0ce633f66029f2a
title: Red Mirage
uri: Red-Mirage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28Red_Mirage%29
content:
<p>

*'Red mirage': the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/31/red-mirage-trump-election-scenario-victory">'insidious' scenario</a> if Trump declares an early victory.*


feed_id: d12b674d0551ff64d3e2a83dc534fa2a
title: British aid for homeless
uri: British-aid-for-homeless
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28British_aid_for_homeless%29
content:
<p>

A British functionary in charge of trying to make homeless people fit
the strictly narrow categories of aid for the homeless says that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/31/solve-homelessness-westminster-system">this
system is fundamentally broken</a>.


feed_id: 22cf53e46dc470a781852cf9cf05896a
title: The NYU's investigation of Facebook ads
uri: The-NYU-s-investigation-of-Facebook-ads
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28The_NYU%27s_investigation_of_Facebook_ads%29

content:
<p>

The NYU's investigation of Facebook ads has its participants use a
browser add-on that incidentally reports other people's personal data
when it appears on the participant's screen.  Arguably, Facebook is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/31/facebook-has-good-reasons-for-blocking-research-into-political-ad-targeting">legally bound</a> to try to stop its use.
<p>
Facebook may not have the legal power to stop it, and we must hope it
does not get that power, because this research is vitally important.
Unless, that is, new laws compel Facebook to hand over its preference
algorithm (in every version) for investigation.
<p>
The experimenters are morally bound to inform participants that the
browser add-on will show the experimenters other Facebook useds'
personal information they Facebook shows them.  That raises another
legal/moral question: is it legal, and is it moral, for a participant
X to knowingly hand over per Facebook "friends"' data to the
experimenters?
<p>
IANAL, but I think it is legal, because X has no obligation of secrecy
to per Facebook friends.  I think it is moral, <em>provided</em> X informs
all per Facebook friends that perse will do this, and gives them a
chance to avoid showing their data to X.
<p>
However, if they are wise, they will be more hesitant to show their
data to Facebook than to show it to X and the experimenters.  Which
means they should stop being zuckers &mdash; stop being <a href="https://stallman.org/facebook.html">used by
Facebook</a>.

  
  


feed_id: 040f30eb93cacaf41d918af8daece2a7
title: UK Covid-19 catastrophic spread
uri: UK-Covid-19-catastrophic-spread
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28UK_Covid-19_catastrophic_spread%29

content:
<p>

Bogus Johnson wanted to reopen businesses and help them make money,
never mind that they would spread Covid-19.  Now, as a result, the UK
is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/31/our-incompetent-leaders-played-down-coronavirus-to-protect-the-economy">experiencing a catastrophic spread</a>, like the spring only perhaps
worse, and a strict lockdown is following.
<p>
The UK should have done that in September, and it would be over now.


feed_id: 46ea67f0f9ed0397befa4cd902573b14
title: Senators tore into Facebook and Google
uri: Senators-tore-into-Facebook-and-Google
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28Senators_tore_into_Facebook_and_Google%29

content:
<p>

Senators tore into Facebook and Google for <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/29/senators-report-finds-google-and-facebook-have-hijacked-local-news-and-undermined">making themselves the main
distributors</a> for the work of US local newspapers, and taking all the
revenue for themselves.
<p>
The article is weakened by the use of confused concepts such as
<a href="https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#IntellectualProperty">"intellectual property"</a>
and <a href="https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Consume">"consuming"</a> news.
<p>
It is correct in criticizing those companies, but it doesn't
seem to consider that their <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">data collection</a> ought to be banned outright.


feed_id: e11ab2fc41c3b0f02092ad89a4b685f6
title: Americans: start wearing masks now
uri: Americans-start-wearing-masks-now
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28Americans%3A_start_wearing_masks_now%29

content:
<p>

Americans: start <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/29/trumps-covid-19-testing-czar-warns-draconian-measures-come-if-americans-dont-mask">wearing masks now</a> or face sharp lockdowns soon.


feed_id: 7773057249ca29cfd7b0e087d10a04df
title: The planet could be entering an "era of pandemics"
uri: The-planet-could-be-entering-an-era-of-pandemics
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28The_planet_could_be_entering_an_era_of_pandemics%29

content:
<p>

*&hellip; without a "seismic shift" in how world governments
approach the treatment of wildlife, land conservation, and public
health, the planet could be <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/29/seismic-shift-worlds-approach-land-use-wildlife-and-climate-action-needed-avoid-new">entering an "era of pandemics</a>.*


feed_id: 92d0e871c81df61cf962bf2941afd450
title: A Philadelphia woman down the wrong street
uri: A-Philadelphia-woman-down-the-wrong-street
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28A_Philadelphia_woman_down_the_wrong_street%29

content:
<p>

A Philadelphia woman drove into the wrong street, wrong because thugs
were kettling protesters at the end of the block.  One thug told her
to turn around, but as she did so, other thugs <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/30/truly-sociopathic-behavior-after-mother-beaten-philly-cops-fraternal-order-police">broke her car windows,
grabbed her very young son, beat her up</a>, then posted a photo of her son
to claim they were protecting him.
<p>
I suppose it is not a coincidence that she is black.
<p>
We must demand prosecution of the thugs that did these mad things.
It's not enough to prosecute them solely for murder.


feed_id: a971ac67b7be6bfe7ac2e3ed2c6fc562
title: Corporate-Friendly farm policies
uri: Corporate-Friendly-farm-policies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28Corporate-Friendly_farm_policies%29

content:
<p>

**How Decades of Corporate-Friendly Farm Policies <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/10/30/how-decades-corporate-friendly-farm-policies-wrecked-rural-america-and-paved-way">Wrecked Rural America</a> &mdash; And
Paved the Way for [the conman].*


feed_id: 4c529b24553e30e9cc8854e4c6ed69e9
title: The bully told Americans that Covid-19 can't hurt anyone except a few losers
uri: The-bully-told-Americans-that-Covid-19-can-t-hurt-anyone-except-a-few
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28The_bully_told_Americans_that_Covid-19_can%27t_hurt_anyone_except_a_few_losers%29

content:
<p>

This story described how it killed first the author's stepfather, then
her mother, as the bully told Americans that <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/30/opinions/presidents-callous-words-covid-19-skjolsvik/index.html">Covid-19 can't hurt anyone
except a few losers</a>.
<p>
The mother caught it from the stepfather, who caught it from people
who were treating him for an injury, and they probably caught it
indirectly from people who spread it because they believed what the
bully told them.


feed_id: 9c310958fb45e5f90b2daa12b3af4de2
title: The thugs who shot Walter Wallace Jr
uri: The-thugs-who-shot-Walter-Wallace-Jr
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28The_thugs_who_shot_Walter_Wallace_Jr%29

content:
<p>

The thugs who <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/30/philadelphia-man-walter-wallace-police-shooting">shot Walter Wallace Jr</a> did not have an urgent reason to
shoot.  They could have waited to see if they could handle the
situation without shooting.  They could even have stopped after one
shot.
<p>
And why in the world, when the city got a call about having a
mental crisis, did it send thugs without tasers?
<p>
With <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#9_October_2020_(Community_policing)">"Defund the Police"</a>, the city would have been able to send people
trained and equipped to handle such a crisis without hurting anyone.
That is why I support that campaign.


feed_id: 153315d834e8128eaba57726f8575341
title: Three jailed Thai protest leaders
uri: Three-jailed-Thai-protest-leaders
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28Three_jailed_Thai_protest_leaders%29

content:
<p>

Three jailed Thai protest leaders were released on a court order, then thugs attacked them and seem to have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/31/thailand-protests-three-pro-democracy-leaders-hospitalised-after-melee-outside-police-station">caused them substantial injury</a>.


feed_id: dc8408657638e7d74466fb06e8bd1dfb
title: Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
uri: Sisters-of-Perpetual-Indulgence
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28Sisters_of_Perpetual_Indulgence%29

content:
<p>

Presenting the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/30/an-order-of-queer-and-trans-nuns-in-san-francisco-take-on-an-unholy-year">Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence</a>.


feed_id: ab44cc6863e269f2f4c8b4aaf8d126cd
title: Additional harassment by debt collectors
uri: Additional-harassment-by-debt-collectors
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28Additional_harassment_by_debt_collectors%29

content:
<p>

Now that many Americans are unable to pay their debts, or even their
rent, the Consumer Financial Punishment Bureau <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/30/households-face-crushing-debt-and-pandemic-trump-cfpb-opens-door-collectors">authorized additional
harassment</a> by debt collectors.


feed_id: 1422a207e6b5193b2aab373b562c4e94
title: "The new normal"
uri: The-new-normal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28The_new_normal%29
content:
<p>

Don't interpret <a href="https://www.livemint.com/opinion/columns/why-there-is-nothing-normal-about-our-new-normal-11601565261697.html">"the new normal"</a> as "the new acceptable."


feed_id: 4b2d7ee0336c3716e18ea49b170c218e
title: The wrecker's death cult attacked Biden's campaign bus
uri: The-wrecker-s-death-cult-attacked-Biden-s-campaign-bus
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28The_wrecker%27s_death_cult_attacked_Biden%27s_campaign_bus%29

content:
<p>

Members of the wrecker's death cult are not organizing solely to
intimidate voters.  They <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/biden-camp-cancels-austin-texas-event-after-pro-trump-ambush-on-campaign-bus">attacked Biden's campaign bus</a>.
In response, Biden's campaign cancelled campaign events.
<p>
I don't think it is wise to cancel an event for bullies, because that
gives the bullies a victory.  They will boast of every success in
cancelling something or someone, to recruit more bullies.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/01/biden-harris-bus-highway-texas-trump-train">(Later:
indeed, that's what they are doing.)</a>
<p>
It is a grave mistake to let arrogant fascist bullies get a victory to
boast of.


feed_id: 7f49bfab519dfc79bfa7bed421db1024
title: Roots of trees as bridges
uri: Roots-of-trees-as-bridges
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28Roots_of_trees_as_bridges%29
content:
<p>

In part of India, the roots of living trees are <a href="https://www.cnn.com/style/article/living-bridges-india-scn/index.html">shaped into durable
bridges</a>.


feed_id: f690ecf57c69ed135dd394ad4edef646
title: The story of Sun Yi
uri: The-story-of-Sun-Yi
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28The_story_of_Sun_Yi%29
content:
<p>

The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/oct/30/experience-i-found-a-cry-for-help-hidden-in-my-halloween-decorations">story of Sun Yi</a>, the Chinese political prisoner who hid tiny notes
in the products he was forced to manufacture.


feed_id: 97255cb9622ee0c048497671b249cd03
title: Internet-connected voter check-in devices
uri: Internet-connected-voter-check-in-devices
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28Internet-connected_voter_check-in_devices%29

content:
<p>

*How Internet-connected voter check-in devices can <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2020/09/how-internet-connected-voter-check-in-devices-can-create-election-chaos/">create election chaos</a>.*


feed_id: 9921570cdcad924ac80e07c39c3ffc29
title: The bully used US deportation thugs to retaliate
uri: The-bully-used-US-deportation-thugs-to-retaliate
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28The_bully_used_US_deportation_thugs_to_retaliate%29

content:
<p>

The bully has systematically used the US deportation thugs to <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/11/01/ice-immigration-activists-map/">retaliate
for political activism</a> on behalf of immigrants.


feed_id: cd88eac69bbe887bd3674c6711e80175
title: Get-out-the-vote march
uri: Get-out-the-vote-march
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28Get-out-the-vote_march%29
content:
<p>

North Carolina thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/01/north-carolina-police-pepper-spray-protesters-march-to-polls">sprayed pepper spray</a> at a get-out-the-vote march,
supposedly because the protesters blocked a street, but they seem to have
been rather quick to escalate.


feed_id: f0f691155718114a014b7606dc0b802e
title: The left needs to provide an answer
uri: The-left-needs-to-provide-an-answer
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28The_left_needs_to_provide_an_answer%29

content:
<p>

*   Our country is breaking down, we have no effective leadership, and
we’re lagging behind other rich countries. The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/01/us-politics-state-government-democrats-left">left needs to provide an
answer</a>.*


feed_id: 998476dc768eaca9aea0b283b7a1d80c
title: Melting ice around the world
uri: Melting-ice-around-the-world
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28Melting_ice_around_the_world%29
content:
<p>

Melting ice around the world offers a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/nov/01/secrets-of-the-ice-unlocking-a-melting-time-capsule-archaeology-glaciers">windfall for archaeologists</a>,
although it is a harbinger of disaster.


feed_id: b0bde9fb50d9154073f3f65d0ebcc3c9
title: Voter intimidation in Minnesota
uri: Voter-intimidation-in-Minnesota
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28Voter_intimidation_in_Minnesota%29

content:
<p>

Investigating the <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/11/01/election-private-security-minneapolis-special-operations/">origin of funded voter intimidation</a> in Minnesota.
  


feed_id: 6654a6dc4f5706f1957e8112f6ae65af
title: The NYU's investigation of Facebook ads
uri: 2020-11-03-The-NYU-s-investigation-of-Facebook-ads
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28The_NYU%27s_investigation_of_Facebook_ads%29

content:
<p>

The NYU's investigation of Facebook ads has its participants use a
browser add-on that incidentally reports other people's personal data
when it appears on the participant's screen.  Arguably, Facebook is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/31/facebook-has-good-reasons-for-blocking-research-into-political-ad-targeting">legally bound</a> to try to stop its use.
<p>
Facebook may not have the legal power to stop it, and we must hope it
does not get that power, because this research is vitally important.
Unless, that is, new laws compel Facebook to hand over its preference
algorithm (in every version) for investigation.
<p>
The experimenters are morally bound to inform participants that the
browser add-on will show the experimenters other Facebook useds'
personal information they Facebook shows them.  That raises another
legal/moral question: is it legal, and is it moral, for a participant
X to knowingly hand over per Facebook "friends"' data to the
experimenters?
<p>
IANAL, but I think it is legal, because X has no obligation of secrecy
to per Facebook friends.  I think it is moral, <em>provided</em> X informs
all per Facebook friends that <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#perse">perse</a> will do this, and gives them a
chance to avoid showing their data to X.
<p>
However, if they are wise, they will be more hesitant to show their
data to Facebook than to show it to X and the experimenters.  Which
means they should stop being zuckers &mdash; stop being <a href="https://stallman.org/facebook.html">used by
Facebook</a>.

  
  


feed_id: b44ca08b1ace02e211684ad6105eb092
title: A Philadelphia woman down the wrong street
uri: 2020-11-03-A-Philadelphia-woman-down-the-wrong-street
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28A_Philadelphia_woman_down_the_wrong_street%29

content:
<p>

A Philadelphia woman drove into the wrong street, wrong because <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>
were kettling protesters at the end of the block.  One <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> told her
to turn around, but as she did so, other thugs <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/10/30/truly-sociopathic-behavior-after-mother-beaten-philly-cops-fraternal-order-police">broke her car windows,
grabbed her very young son, beat her up</a>, then posted a photo of her son
to claim they were protecting him.
<p>
I suppose it is not a coincidence that she is black.
<p>
We must demand prosecution of the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> that did these mad things.
It's not enough to prosecute them solely for murder.


feed_id: f2b4d09b9712d5b5f9c6e7db91fad1c0
title: The bully told Americans that Covid-19 can't hurt anyone except a few losers
uri: 2020-11-03-The-bully-told-Americans-that-Covid-19-can-t-hurt-anyone-except-a-few
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28The_bully_told_Americans_that_Covid-19_can%27t_hurt_anyone_except_a_few_losers%29

content:
<p>

This story described how it killed first the author's stepfather, then
her mother, as the bully told Americans that <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/30/opinions/presidents-callous-words-covid-19-skjolsvik/index.html">Covid-19 can't hurt anyone
except a few losers</a>.
<p>
The mother caught it from the stepfather, who caught it from people
who were treating him for an injury, and they probably caught it
indirectly from people who spread it because they believed what the
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> told them.


feed_id: cac38604f136a093cd5c020ab481046d
title: High forests burning
uri: 2020-11-03-High-forests-burning
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28High_forests_burning%29
content:
<p>
Colorado's high forests, which never got hot enough to burn, are burning
very hot.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/30/colorado-fires-cameron-peak-east-troublesome">One fire has been burning since August</a>.

<p>
The average western fire season has extended more than two months
since the 1970s.  <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">Global heating</a> has gone 1C already and it will
probably go at least another 1C; how long will the fire season be
then?


feed_id: 8b95836532e9ccd3cc0aa75a17b157ad
title: The thugs who shot Walter Wallace Jr
uri: 2020-11-03-The-thugs-who-shot-Walter-Wallace-Jr
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#2_November_2020_%28The_thugs_who_shot_Walter_Wallace_Jr%29

content:
<p>

The thugs who <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/oct/30/philadelphia-man-walter-wallace-police-shooting">shot Walter Wallace Jr</a> did not have an urgent reason to
shoot.  They could have waited to see if they could handle the
situation without shooting.  They could even have stopped after one
shot.
<p>
And why in the world, when the city got a call about having a
mental crisis, did it send <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> without tasers?
<p>
With <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#9_October_2020_(Community_policing)">"Defund the Police"</a>, the city would have been able to send people
trained and equipped to handle such a crisis without hurting anyone.
That is why I support that campaign.


feed_id: a14b22e28a3d95536cf0a2a7a669454f
title: Covidiots
uri: Covidiots
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#3_November_2020_%28Covidiots%29
content:
<p>
Covidiots in many European countries are protesting against measures
to put an end to Covid-19, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/02/latest-coronavirus-lockdowns-spark-protests-across-europe">in two fundamentally different ways</a>.

<p>
This article describes demands for aid and demands to spread disease.
It does distinguish the two goals, but still treats them as part of
one larger issue.  That is a mistake.  Those two reactions to the
same situation are totally different in moral terms.

<p>
When people have lost their income and demand aid, their cause is
just, and the government should provide it.  However, to do this the
government may need to pull out of the Euro, or it fall into the sort
of disaster <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#01_May_2013_(Austerity_in_Greece)">that crushed Greece for most of the past decade</a>.

<p>
However, the people that demand to disregard precautions are demanding
to infect other people, some of whom will be killed or permanently
disabled.  They are disease spreaders, and they belong in prison.  It
would be most appropriate to put them, together, in a prison which the
guards do not enter.  That way they can spread coronavirus to each
other without endangering anyone else.


feed_id: 8ef08f753d5e73a55519b2d34077ce0b
title: Bully whoever is in charge
uri: Bully-whoever-is-in-charge
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#3_November_2020_%28Bully_whoever_is_in_charge%29
content:
<p>
*It's not just Trump &mdash; to much of the world, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/03/donald-trump-us-presidents-joe-biden">the US is a bully whoever is in
charge</a>.*

<p>
Biden won't change this much, but Sanders would have.


feed_id: f7d1db1ca22468c0f99d692b43af946b
title: War on dissent
uri: War-on-dissent
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#3_November_2020_%28War_on_dissent%29
content:
<p>
*The [Bully's] War on Dissent <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/10/31/protests-federal-charges-trump/">Is Using Trumped-Up Federal Charges</a>.*


feed_id: 7328aebb6e7e2533af584d654efd0e68
title: Blocking journalism
uri: Blocking-journalism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#3_November_2020_%28Blocking_journalism%29
content:
<p>
Powerful people are blocking journalism by threatening libel lawsuits
in England <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2020/nov/02/english-law-abused-by-the-powerful-to-threaten-foreign-journalists">against journalists investigating them</a>.


feed_id: f122b621b1f7894c25f95ecfbce5bc65
title: Opposition arrested
uri: Opposition-arrested
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#3_November_2020_%28Opposition_arrested%29
content:
<p>
*Tanzanian opposition figures <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/02/tanzanian-opposition-figures-arrested-after-disputed-election">arrested after disputed election</a>.*


feed_id: 76728246d3ac3cb13397cd142ede0dc5
title: Gentrification projects
uri: Gentrification-projects
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#3_November_2020_%28Gentrification_projects%29
content:
<p>
The residents of Brixton (near London) have fought a series of
projects to gentrify their neighborhood.  The latest project which
they oppose <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/02/regeneration-fight-local-people-global-finance-london-brixton">is a 20-story skyscraper</a>.

<p>
I conjecture that this project was planned before 2020, in a world in
which there appeared to be great need for additional housing space in
London, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jul-oct.html#8_July_2018_(Residences_as_investments)">even if only to buy as an investment and leave empty</a>.

<p>
Covid-19 has eliminate that appearance; an enormous amount of office
space will be vacant.  Surely some of that can be converted to
housing, especially with some flexibility in building codes.  Then
there would be a sufficiency of residential space and of business
space, and building additional tall buildings would make no sense at
all.


feed_id: 028d290b63e2449e87db0c73c8eed102
title: Healing
uri: Healing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#3_November_2020_%28Healing%29
content:
<p>
*Even if [the wrecker] loses the election, the US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/02/donald-trump-us-election-base-extreme">isn't going to heal
any time soon</a>.*
  We will have a substantial minority of right-wing extremists and
potential terrorists.  I think we will have to defeat them, not ignore
them.

<p>
At the same time, we will need progressive policies to give non-rich
Americans a much better life.  But people wrapped in insanity may not
even notice.


feed_id: e41b256da21cf858b2161c272c0f6dbe
title: Aware of climate crisis
uri: Aware-of-climate-crisis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#3_November_2020_%28Aware_of_climate_crisis%29
content:
<p>
Young Americans, and even not so young, are thoroughly aware of the
climate crisis <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/02/climate-crisis-differences-old-and-young-families">and confront the older generations of their families</a>.


feed_id: 95a76d3a706bb5b8fdd8fcf5db4c7f9c
title: Mass testing
uri: Mass-testing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#3_November_2020_%28Mass_testing%29
content:
<p>
More about <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/02/slovakia-carries-out-covid-mass-testing-of-two-thirds-of-population">Slovakia's mass testing for Covid-19</a>.


feed_id: c53a47a2fcd5c6484e4720f9f67aec5b
title: The price to pay
uri: The-price-to-pay
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#3_November_2020_%28The_price_to_pay%29
content:
<p>
*   Lockdowns affecting entire populations is a price countries pay for
   failing to ensure people with coronavirus and their contacts
   self-isolate, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/02/covid-lockdowns-are-cost-of-self-isolation-failures-says-who-expert">according to an expert from the World Health
   Organization</a>.*


feed_id: 0ac96fe01d0a9584049fb579e4790ac2
title: Avoiding redistributing misinformation
uri: Avoiding-redistributing-misinformation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#3_November_2020_%28Avoiding_redistributing_misinformation%29

content:
<p>
Some suggestions <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/01/how-be-good-digital-citizen-during-election-and-its-aftermath">for avoiding redistributing misinformation</a>.

<p>
The article refers to postings as "content".  Please join me <a href="https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Content">in
refusing to do that</a>.


feed_id: 0888560fa72c2fa53a79a0b0f334f127
title: Delay of strong measures
uri: Delay-of-strong-measures
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#3_November_2020_%28Delay_of_strong_measures%29
content:
<p>
Bogus Johnson delayed rather than take strong measures to stop
Covid-19 transmission in the UK, and as a result <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/01/johnson-dithering-lockdown-scientists-covid">the country needs to
take those strong measures for a longer period</a>.

<p>
Putting this off is like putting off a visit to the dentist: foolish
and self-defeating.  Except that when you postpone your dental
treatment, you're the only one who it hurts.  When you postpone
antitransmission measures, it hurts the whole country.

<p>
One cause of the UK's failure to fend off Covid-19 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/02/lockdown-2-england-public-health-track-and-trace-covid-pandemic">was that Tories had
underfunded the NHS for years</a>,
    worse <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/02/europe-coronavirus-pandemic-lockdowns-infection-rates">each year than the previous</a>.
  <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_March_2020_(Decreasing_active_cases_of_Covid-19)">Taiwan</a> and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_April_2020_(New_Zealand_has_nearly_eliminated_Covid-19)">New Zealand</a> took very strong measures for a sufficient time,
and now they don't have the disease at all.


feed_id: 80dbb44c17373e247ae0c15da701b0dd
title: Collapse of democracy
uri: Collapse-of-democracy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#3_November_2020_%28Collapse_of_democracy%29
content:
<p>
*Scholars warn of collapse of democracy <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/01/democracy-fascism-global-trump-biden-election">as Trump v Biden election looms</a>.*


feed_id: 639bfa48f5e32a76673b353ecd10002f
title: Up to 30 million Americans evicted
uri: Up-to-30-million-Americans-evicted
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Up_to_30_million_Americans_evicted%29

content:
<p>

Up to 30 million Americans will soon be evicted
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/02/whoever-wins-election-will-face-severe-eviction-crisis-30-million-brace">unless governments protect them</a>.


feed_id: dfae959dd3c19a31d1dfce6e95ae4e20
title: 100 years ago in Occee, Florida
uri: 100-years-ago-in-Occee-Florida
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28100_years_ago_in_Occee%2C_Florida%29

content:
<p>

100 years ago, whites in Occee, Florida, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/02/us/ocoee-massacre-100th-anniversary-trnd/index.html">massacred 30 to 50 blacks</a>
because some of them dared try to vote.


feed_id: 692d8a18d6ce03ecbc3c4fd564c14f74
title: Temporary discounts
uri: Temporary-discounts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Temporary_discounts%29
content:
<p>

Don't trust temporary discounts offered by online stores.  If they delay
delivery, and the discount ends in the mean time, they will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2020/nov/02/tesco-price-jumps-between-online-order-and-delivery">charge you
the undiscounted price</a>.
<p>
The article is about the UK.  I don't know for a fact that this
practice is common in other countries, but I expect it to occur
in the US because its consumer protection tends to be weak.


feed_id: a8cb72a2c97e6827a920ae82a4101239
title: Indians working in the US tech industry
uri: Indians-working-in-the-US-tech-industry
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Indians_working_in_the_US_tech_industry%29

content:
<p>

Many Indians work in the US tech industry, but Dalits are a small minority
and the other Indians <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201031042126/https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/10/27/indian-caste-bias-silicon-valley/">discriminate against them constantly</a>.


feed_id: 8b7f67997e7bc0337f9dad58e0d2d346
title: Greta Thunberg hears your excuses
uri: Greta-Thunberg-hears-your-excuses
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Greta_Thunberg_hears_your_excuses%29

content:
<p>

*Greta Thunberg Hears Your Excuses.  <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/11/02/magazine/greta-thunberg-interview.html">She Is Not Impressed</a>.*


feed_id: 74ecdaedf76a0ded567dfeac446571d6
title: The movement to protect voters' decision
uri: The-movement-to-protect-voters-decision
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28The_movement_to_protect_voters%27_decision%29

content:
<p>

The movement to protect the voters' decision <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/02/nonviolence-strategy-protecting-election-results">must insist on nonviolence</a>.
Any violence by the protesters will give the wrecker's armed and
violent supporters an opportunity.
<p>
Any apparent violence by protesters might very likely to be a
false-flag attack by provocateurs.  We've seen several of those year
at Black Lives Matter protests.  Establishing a disciplined practice
of nonviolence, following the 1960s and 1970s example, will make it
easier to expose the false-flag attacks, and that will help resist
them and help deter them.


feed_id: 8e84e082eac9086ff4f068ec8b273827
title: Democracy is threatened in the US and globally
uri: Democracy-is-threatened-in-the-US-and-globally
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Democracy_is_threatened_in_the_US_and_globally%29

content:
<p>

Democracy is threatened in the US and globally, and will still be
threatened next year regardless of the election outcome.  But <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/02/warning-dark-days-ahead-historians-fascism-stress-it-not-too-late-avoid-descent">the
cause is not lost</a>.
<p>
The conman's multiple conflicting disinformation campaigns are
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/01/how-our-politics-came-undone">designed to confuse politics and truth</a> so much that people can't see
how to unite in opposition.


feed_id: 53717b7204b48c65c0b6a7932c1a3ffb
title: (satire) Anti-jacket demonstrators
uri: (satire)-Anti-jacket-demonstrators
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28%28satire%29_Anti-jacket_demonstrators%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *&hellip; anti-jacket demonstrators reportedly held a rally
at Burlington Coat Factory Monday <a href="https://www.theonion.com/anti-jacketers-rally-outside-burlington-coat-factory-to-1845551379">to protest</a> what they called the
*liberal cold weather conspiracy."*


feed_id: e4565c8cb3546852b87aefd4ad4b08bf
title: Artificial light
uri: Artificial-light
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Artificial_light%29
content:
<p>

*Treat artificial light <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/02/treat-artificial-light-form-pollution-environment">like others forms of pollution</a>, say scientists.*
<p>
They harm a wide variety of species and this damages ecosystems.


feed_id: 7a0159fcc3d07d99dc40aaf46ccbad76
title: Kentucky state thug training
uri: Kentucky-state-thug-training
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Kentucky_state_thug_training%29
content:
<p>

*Kentucky state [thug] training <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/02/kentucky-state-police-training-materials-hitler-quotes">quoted Hitler</a> to create ‘ruthless’
warriors.*
<p>
If we want police officers rather than <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>, we should not teach them
to think of themselves as "warriors".  That was the basic mistake in
this training; no matter who they quoted, it would be wrong.


feed_id: 366cde4e9292dceda2e95dfec21c87fe
title: Deportation of a crucial witness
uri: Deportation-of-a-crucial-witness
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Deportation_of_a_crucial_witness%29

content:
<p>

The US deportation thugs are <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/11/02/ice-medical-misconduct-us-citizen-deportation/">planning to deport</a> a crucial witness about their
practice of forced sterilization.
<p>
Even worse, since they have never seriously considered whether she is
a US citizen.  Which it appears she is.


feed_id: 9e0fa02dfe91edf786b693bfb29c9a12
title: Republicans are still working on voter suppression
uri: Republicans-are-still-working-on-voter-suppression
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Republicans_are_still_working_on_voter_suppression%29

content:
<p>

Republicans are still working on voter suppression, hoping the partisan
judges they appointed will <a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2020/11/02/voters-beware-the-rights-scheme-to-disqualify-thousands-of-swing-state-votes/">invalidate mail-in ballots</a> because of postal delays
that they engineered.
<p>
They have <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/02/politics/ben-ginsberg-voter-suppression-voter-fraud-2020-election/index.html">filed over 40 state cases that aim to interfere with voting</a>.
<p>
One was an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/03/texas-republicans-harris-county-drive-through-ballots">attempt to invalidate Texas drive-through voting</a>.  It
failed.
<p>
The judges that Republicans appointed in the last 4 years have in general
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/01/opinions/trump-judges-harder-to-vote-douglas/index.html">acted to impede voting</a>.
<p>
I don't know what you call this.  I call it a conspiracy to attack the
election, and future elections as well.  A government that is not
democratic makes itself illegitimate.


feed_id: e02666d3493facd0a2cec5e06d0ae463
title: Bombs on sea floor
uri: Bombs-on-sea-floor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Bombs_on_sea_floor%29
content:
<p>
*Stop blowing up bombs on sea floor, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/03/stop-blowing-up-bombs-on-sea-floor-say-whale-campaigners">say whale campaigners</a>.*


feed_id: 58d6477e9845c4ccdffbf44c73b171f2
title: Criminalizing past actions
uri: Criminalizing-past-actions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Criminalizing_past_actions%29
content:
<p>
Hong Kong reported Choy Yuk-ling has been arrested under the 2020
"security" law <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/03/hong-kong-tv-journalist-arrested-over-report-on-police-misconduct">for a 2019 report on violence by Hong Kong thugs a year
ago</a>.

<p>
In the 1700s, the UK used to pass laws that criminalized past actions.
They were known as "ex post facto laws", and in condemnation of that
practice, the US constitution explicitly prohibits them.


feed_id: 2a52d22098035e0294aa697dc6a0ff15
title: Need to rest
uri: Need-to-rest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Need_to_rest%29
content:
<p>
People with long-term Covid-19 disability need to rest in order to
recover.  But the Tory hostile environment for working class people
who are sick <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/03/long-covid-time-recover">does not allow them rest</a>.

<p>
*Covid has exposed the decade-long lie <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/nov/03/covid-decade-long-lie-benefits-lifestyle-choice-george-osborne-free-school-meals">that benefits are a lifestyle choice</a>.*

<p>
In the UK and the US, both run by cruel right-wing regimes, welfare benefits
are so meager that it is a struggle to survive on them.  And if anything goes
seriously wrong, you're destitute.


feed_id: 99b876a36ee1020539d13081eeccfa30
title: Election candidate arrested
uri: Election-candidate-arrested
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Election_candidate_arrested%29
content:
<p>
*Ugandan singer Bobi Wine <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/nov/03/judge-says-care-home-residents-in-england-are-legally-allowed-visitors">arrested after confirmation as election candidate</a>.*


feed_id: 8d0aee3ae2f3c0ae1f9930b0eab9a421
title: Protest prohibition
uri: Protest-prohibition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Protest_prohibition%29
content:
<p>
The UK plans <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/03/protest-exemption-set-to-be-removed-from-england-lockdown-rules">to prohibit protests in the name of Covid-19</a>.

<p>
People should be allowed to protest if they wear masks and keep their
distance.

<p>
That applies to Australia, too.  Thugs in Melbourne arrested 400 protesters
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/nov/03/more-than-400-people-arrested-at-anti-lockdown-protest-in-melbourne">because anything more than a small protest is prohibited</a>.

<p>
The article fails to clarify whether they were arrested for refusing
to take sanitation precautions, or for protesting.  Morally, that
makes all the difference.

<p>
Based on the signs that the protesters are reported to have carried, I
get the impression that they were covidiots.  Very likely they refused
to wear masks and refused to keep distance from each other.  That
means spreading disease.  Arresting people for that &mdash; whether
protesting or not &mdash; would be legitimate.  Arresting people for
protesting would be tyranny.


feed_id: 5acc9fc9c6a743689be69e9cc436347c
title: Restrictions on abortion
uri: 2020-11-04-Restrictions-on-abortion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Restrictions_on_abortion%29
content:
<p>
Poland's right-wing government <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/03/poland-stalls-abortion-ban-amid-nationwide-protests">has backed off on plans to tighten
restrictions on abortion</a>.


feed_id: 23f55e8087328ecdd2afc1d50db320c4
title: Tsunami on hospitals
uri: Tsunami-on-hospitals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Tsunami_on_hospitals%29
content:
<p>
*Italian doctors urge <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/03/italian-doctors-urge-tougher-restrictions-fearing-tsunami-on-hospitals">tougher restrictions fearing 'tsunami' on hospitals</a>.*


feed_id: 1820800998ce032ad8acbcfbb43061b5
title: Compete for publicity
uri: Compete-for-publicity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Compete_for_publicity%29
content:
<p>
Spotify will invite musicians to compete for publicity <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/nov/03/spotify-artists-promote-music-exchange-cut-royalty-rates-payola-algorithm">by cutting
their tiny share of the company's income</a>.

<p>
Let's spit out Spotify!  We need a system where people can easily
and <em>anonymously</em> donate to musicians; <a href="https://taler.net">GNU Taler</a>
   can be the base for that.

<p>
And we should share copies of music, regardless of what anyone says.
In order to share a copy, you need to <em>have</em> a copy.  That is another
reason to refuse to listen via Spotify, or any other streaming
dis-service.


feed_id: 3a5eaadd6747f2beed5dad4a40ea26d4
title: Builtin failure
uri: Builtin-failure
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Builtin_failure%29
content:
<p>
The Tories' ideology of privatizing government activities is replacing
skilled public health professionals with untrained 18-year-olds.  The
UK allows paying them a lower wage, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/03/advice-schools-covid-infection-pupils-classrooms-test-and-trace">but have no idea how to do their
jobs</a>.

<p>
With this approach, failure is built into every plan.


feed_id: 784f36035254d75d9f1f1a081026cd83
title: Herd immunity
uri: 2020-11-04-Herd-immunity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Herd_immunity%29
content:
<p>
At 100,000 new cases of Covid-19 per day, the US will
have 36 million new cases per year.  That is about 1/9 of
the population.  If herd immunity requires 70% of the
population to catch the disease, that will take 6 years.

<p>
If the rate of infection increases to half a million per day, we might
reach herd immunity by the end of 2021.  However, at that rate, most
people that get a bad case are likely to die, because most of them
won't be able to get hospital treatment (the hospitals will be
overloaded).

<p>
The way to regain a normal life soon is <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_April_2020_(New_Zealand_has_nearly_eliminated_Covid-19">the way that Taiwan, New
Zealand and parts of Australia have used</a>:
                                          jump on the virus hard and
drive the numbers down, then use old-fashioned contact tracing
followed by isolating those who may be infected to mop up the rest.
                            This method is known to work,
and it can work in just a few months.

<p>
It is true that the US is not an island, but that makes less
difference than people think.  The number of people that enter the US
without permission is minuscule by Covid-19 standards, and most of
them surrender promptly to federal agents, which makes it possible to
test them and quarantine them.


feed_id: 0d830824594d81cde33261fbffcd09cc
title: Rwandan genocide trial
uri: Rwandan-genocide-trial
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Rwandan_genocide_trial%29
content:
<p>
On finding and trying the people <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/03/rwandan-genocide-felicien-kabuga-paris">who organized the Rwandan genocide</a>.


feed_id: 5662e09043fcb29bc79bb995b15c9bb3
title: Delivery ballot on time
uri: Delivery-ballot-on-time
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Delivery_ballot_on_time%29
content:
<p>
A US court ordered the USPS to carry out specific special measures <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/01/politics/usps-2020-election-ballot-delivery-measures/index.html">to deliver
all the ballots on time</a>.

<p>
I wonder whether DeJoy found some last-minute form of sabotage to
carry out, so as to negate that order.  Republicans love defying
courts that try to stop their sabotage.


feed_id: b5b80757e7eba72f44bf1e4fa01b4829
title: Getting rid of people
uri: Getting-rid-of-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Getting_rid_of_people%29
content:
<p>
The wrecker thinks of Covid-19 as an opportunity to get rid of around
two million Americans, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/01/opinions/trump-coronavirus-election-bass/index.html">whom he will subsequently define as "losers"
because they died</a>.


feed_id: 6b924a996de10c34c77536f943e1335c
title: Suing protest organizers
uri: Suing-protest-organizers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Suing_protest_organizers%29
content:
<p>
A US appeals court allowed a lawsuit by a thug who was injured by a
thrown rock to sue the organizer of the protest, although the protest
was not supposed to be violent.  <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/02/politics/supreme-court-black-lives-matter-organizer/index.html">The Supreme Court reversed that decision</a>.

<p>
The idea of punishing protest organizers for something at the protest
that they didn't do reminds me of the Haymarket martyrs, who were
executed for having organized a rally <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haymarket_affair">at which some unidentified
person set off a bomb</a>.


feed_id: df3932577f185fc49c89519300550692
title: Mailed ballots lost
uri: Mailed-ballots-lost
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#5_November_2020_%28Mailed_ballots_lost%29
content:
<p>
Many kinds of things can cause a mailed ballot to get lost or thrown
away.  And hundreds of thousands <a href="https://www.gregpalast.com/election-day-mayhem-began-two-years-ago/">are lost or thrown away each time</a>.


feed_id: 176d2746d8d31de1451ce505e390332e
title: Embezzlement
uri: Embezzlement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#5_November_2020_%28Embezzlement%29
content:
<p>
*Prosecutors in Brazil <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/04/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaros-son-flavio-accused-of-embezzlement">file embezzlement charges against Jair Bolsonaro's son</a>.*

<p>
I'm not surprised that people who smear at honesty turn out to
have been dishonest.


feed_id: 3b7d29b724229b48f5954c8b57b4a32d
title: Dust on Himalaya
uri: Dust-on-Himalaya
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#5_November_2020_%28Dust_on_Himalaya%29
content:
<p>
*Terrawatch: dust <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/nov/03/terrawatch-dust-is-speeding-up-melting-of-himalayan-snow">is speeding up melting of Himalayan snow</a>.*

<p>
And human activities make more dust.


feed_id: bfda68e7b81f47d1f7919afcca00cb0a
title: Infiltrated thugs
uri: Infiltrated-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#5_November_2020_%28Infiltrated_thugs%29
content:
<p>
UK <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> infiltrated protests against the Vietnam War,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/02/police-deployed-scruffy-officers-to-infiltrate-vietnam-protesters">and many other political causes</a>.


<p>
*   Barr said that mainly leftwing groups were infiltrated "as well as
   groups campaigning for social, environmental or other change" such as
   anti-nuclear causes. He also said trade unionists and groups opposing
   racism were spied on. Far-right groups were also infiltrated.*


<p>
*"The information reported by these undercover police officers was
   extensive. It covered the activities of the groups in question, and
   their members. It also extended to the groups and individuals with whom
   they came into contact, including elected representatives.
   Reporting covered not only the political or campaigning activities of
   those concerned but other aspects of their personal lives."*


feed_id: da012f74854f3da1627f26755cf32496
title: Enough worrying
uri: Enough-worrying
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#5_November_2020_%28Enough_worrying%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/woman-hopes-she-did-enough-worrying-to-help-biden-campa-1845550692">satire</a>) *Woman Hopes She Did Enough Worrying To Help Biden Campaign.*


feed_id: f2e2a0ec248d7c2713094ab0eed49acd
title: Cloudy reasons
uri: Cloudy-reasons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#5_November_2020_%28Cloudy_reasons%29
content:
<p>
Leaving some of your data under the cloudy control of a company puts you
<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/google-users-locked-out-after-years-2020-10">in danger of losing it at any time for cloudy reasons</a>.


feed_id: f1b741622d14265e90735e515cdf8671
title: Measure of popularity
uri: Measure-of-popularity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#5_November_2020_%28Measure_of_popularity%29
content:
<p>
How Facebook's measure of popularity of a posting <a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/10/30/new-research-claims-that-facebook-is-5-times-more-polarizing-for-conservatives-than-liberals.html">tends to promote
thoughtless extremism</a>.


feed_id: f2a69980076e65b119515d4eac9771dc
title: Cover up of violent thugs
uri: Cover-up-of-violent-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#5_November_2020_%28Cover_up_of_violent_thugs%29
content:
<p>
A law passed in some states to conceal the names of victims of crimes
<a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/how-cops-who-use-force-and-even-kill-can-hide-their-names-from-the-public">is being used to cover up the identity of violent thugs</a>.


feed_id: a4cca72ef470c259f088168224255559
title: Working
uri: Working
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#5_November_2020_%28Working%29
content:
<p>
*Don't be fooled: the delays in the US election result <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/04/presidential-election-early-ballots-counted">mean our system is
working</a>.*

<p>
Well, the vote-counting part is working.


feed_id: e331184a829802291c3ce6037b12eaa3
title: Small amounts of any drugs
uri: Small-amounts-of-any-drugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#5_November_2020_%28Small_amounts_of_any_drugs%29
content:
<p>
Oregonians voted to stop trying and punishing people <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/03/oregon-drugs-decriminalize-arizona-new-jersey-marijuana">for possession of
small amounts of any drugs</a>.

<p>
It is not quite accurate to describe this as "decriminalizing" drugs,
but in practice it should work out that way.


feed_id: 1a8f4699f7ae494e0b7ec9b9accb57ae
title: Breaking Covid-19 distancing rules
uri: Breaking-Covid-19-distancing-rules
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#5_November_2020_%28Breaking_Covid-19_distancing_rules%29

content:
<p>
Most of the people who break Covid-19 distancing rules <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/04/blaming-covid-rule-breakers-support-fines-lockdown">need help to
comply with them, not rebukes and punishments</a>.


feed_id: 778aad6b79b86f8cc5a22a9560be4327
title: Climate tax on meat
uri: Climate-tax-on-meat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#5_November_2020_%28Climate_tax_on_meat%29
content:
<p>
[Organizations of] UK health professions <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/04/uk-health-professions-call-for-climate-tax-on-meat">call for climate tax on meat</a>.


feed_id: 7239a2ab10bcf7e90dd0de531d211a3b
title: Moderate
uri: Moderate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#5_November_2020_%28Moderate%29
content:
<p>
Democrats, it is no use nominating "moderate" (right-wing) candidates and
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/11/04/iowa-results-ernst-greenfield-senate/">hoping to get many Republicans' votes</a>.

<p>
Democrats that don't support progressive views will encounter the
downside of progressive views (being attacked for them) anyway, but
they won't get the upside.


feed_id: 2264b0dcf43f07f6cb180de79f18272a
title: Voting for exploitation
uri: Voting-for-exploitation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#5_November_2020_%28Voting_for_exploitation%29
content:
<p>
Californians voted to allow Uber and Lyft to continue exploiting their
drivers.  The companies threatened to stop operating in the state
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/04/california-election-voters-prop-22-uber-lyft">unless they were allowed to do that</a>.

<p>
Those who voted for Prop 22 were voting to get cheap rides by
exploiting their drivers.  That attitude towards low-paid workers
results in a country that is cruel and full of hardship.


feed_id: 3bb20f824a7794e59f54b1d657cbd989
title: Civil war about to break out
uri: Civil-war-about-to-break-out
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#5_November_2020_%28Civil_war_about_to_break_out%29
content:
<p>
Civil war <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/04/ethiopia-on-brink-as-pm-orders-military-response-to-attack">is about to break out in Tigray, a part of Ethiopia</a>.

<p>
If secessionist sentiment in Tigray is that strong, maybe that state
should have a referendum over possible independence.
Is there any moral reason why it should be part of Ethiopia?


feed_id: 62927f33c0cecc2dc1cb5151e767a578
title: Protest prohibition
uri: 2020-11-05-Protest-prohibition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Protest_prohibition%29
content:
<p>
The UK plans <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/03/protest-exemption-set-to-be-removed-from-england-lockdown-rules">to prohibit protests in the name of Covid-19</a>.

<p>
People should be allowed to protest if they wear masks and keep their
distance.

<p>
That applies to Australia, too.  <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> in Melbourne arrested 400 protesters
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/nov/03/more-than-400-people-arrested-at-anti-lockdown-protest-in-melbourne">because anything more than a small protest is prohibited</a>.

<p>
The article fails to clarify whether they were arrested for refusing
to take sanitation precautions, or for protesting.  Morally, that
makes all the difference.

<p>
Based on the signs that the protesters are reported to have carried, I
get the impression that they were covidiots.  Very likely they refused
to wear masks and refused to keep distance from each other.  That
means spreading disease.  Arresting people for that &mdash; whether
protesting or not &mdash; would be legitimate.  Arresting people for
protesting would be tyranny.


feed_id: 0e3662419ce984e339a930bde4fb59e9
title: Suing protest organizers
uri: 2020-11-05-Suing-protest-organizers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_%28Suing_protest_organizers%29
content:
<p>
A US appeals court allowed a lawsuit by a <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> who was injured by a
thrown rock to sue the organizer of the protest, although the protest
was not supposed to be violent.  <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/02/politics/supreme-court-black-lives-matter-organizer/index.html">The Supreme Court reversed that decision</a>.

<p>
The idea of punishing protest organizers for something at the protest
that they didn't do reminds me of the Haymarket martyrs, who were
executed for having organized a rally <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haymarket_affair">at which some unidentified
person set off a bomb</a>.


feed_id: 58ae4aaae18ae08c9ed94993c5ddcf3d
title: Chinese tyranny
uri: 2020-11-06-Chinese-tyranny
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28Chinese_tyranny%29
content:
<p>

In Hong Kong, the Chinese tyranny invites people to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/05/hong-kong-police-launch-hotline-for-residents-to-inform-on">inform on each
other</a> anonymously.
<p>
The US did invite informers in Afghanistan, and people fabricated
crimes to <a href="guantanamero.html">obtain private revenge</a>.
Some of the victims <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2006-sep-dec.html#15%20October%202006%20(Released%20from%20Guantanamo)">spent many years in
Guantanamo</a>.


feed_id: b7c7d1714bf930857c1659395c4e9e66
title: Time capsule from the North Pole
uri: Time-capsule-from-the-North-Pole
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28Time_capsule_from_the_North_Pole%29

content:
<p>

An icebreaker left a time capsule in the ice at the North Pole in 2018.
This year it <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/05/arctic-time-capsule-from-2018-washes-up-in-ireland-as-polar-ice-melts">floated out and was found in Ireland</a>.
<p>
In recent years the Arctic ice cap has been getting much thinner.
This is probably a consequence of that.


feed_id: c5caec794b1466fec211b68fc9d9422c
title: Biden's chances of winning vs Sanders'
uri: Biden-s-chances-of-winning-vs-Sanders
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28Biden%27s_chances_of_winning_vs_Sanders%27%29

content:
<p>

The election outcome has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/05/biden-democrats-democratic-trump">refuted the arguments</a> that Biden has a better chance of winning than Sanders.
<p>
In Florida, the referendum to increase the minimum wage won as Biden lost.
Biden was not too  progressive, he was insufficiently progressive.


feed_id: 67c7d3311bb85e7e55b899be76126286
title: EU power to punish an authoritarian national government
uri: EU-power-to-punish-an-authoritarian-national-government
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28EU_power_to_punish_an_authoritarian_national_government%29

content:
<p>

The EU has just gained the power to punish an authoritarian national
government <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/05/deal-struck-enable-eu-block-budget-payments-rogue-members">without unanimous approval from all the rest</a>.
<p>
This means will be able to bring pressure on Poland and Hungary to
restore the independence and authority of the national courts.
However, I am not sure that will be sufficient to change anything.
Once people are caught up in a spell of hatred, they tend to react
defensively to criticism of that spell.


feed_id: fcabaaceb26bf466bbfc58db45a6b7a7
title: Additional taxes on tech companies
uri: Additional-taxes-on-tech-companies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28Additional_taxes_on_tech_companies%29

content:
<p>

San Francisco has voted for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/05/san-francisco-voters-approve-new-taxes-wealthy-ceos-tech-companies">additional taxes</a> on tech companies and CEOs.


feed_id: 257e29235e89b6e35d06d7d485132d43
title: Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian village
uri: Israeli-forces-demolished-a-Palestinian-village
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28Israeli_forces_demolished_a_Palestinian_village%29

content:
<p>

Israeli forces <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/05/israeli-forces-leave-41-children-homeless-after-razing-palestinian-village-un-says">demolished a Palestinian village</a>, making 73 residents homeless.
<p>
Israel uses many excuses for ethnic cleansing.  Declaring land a "closed
military zone" is one of the standard excuses.


feed_id: 582d5eb58d8ec042b2bd899d6003d3df
title: The wrecker called on the Supreme Court to end counting of ballots
uri: The-wrecker-called-on-the-Supreme-Court-to-end-counting-of-ballots
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28The_wrecker_called_on_the_Supreme_Court_to_end_counting_of_ballots%29

content:
<p>

The wrecker called on the Supreme Court to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/04/politics/election-2020-donald-trump-joe-biden-voting-speech/index.html">end the counting of
ballots</a>, giving no reason why it should.


feed_id: 335c8a2cff384dd257373120c3fd3236
title: Court order to sweep post offices for undelivered ballots
uri: Court-order-to-sweep-post-offices-for-undelivered-ballots
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28Court_order_to_sweep_post_offices_for_undelivered_ballots%29

content:
<p>

As I predicted, DeJoy <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/03/haul-louis-dejoy-front-criminal-grand-jury-outrage-after-postal-service-misses-court">did not comply</a> with the court order to sweep
post offices for undelivered ballots and deliver them.
<p>
He realizes that no punishment can cause the undelivered ballots to
be counted.


feed_id: aaa28d94dde2fe1df16f6845f75197ea
title: University of London's outsourcing cleaning to a contractor
uri: University-of-London-s-outsourcing-cleaning-to-a-contractor
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28University_of_London%27s_outsourcing_cleaning_to_a_contractor%29

content:
<p>

The University of London has yielded to a campaign and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/nov/03/university-of-london-cleaners-win-10-year-outsourcing-battle">will end the
practice of outsourcing cleaning to a contractor</a>.
<p>
It should be illegal for large organizations (for which cleaning
requires many full-time employees) to use a contractor as
intermediary.  And likewise for other occupations


feed_id: 04815902239af554f663401ab12b4480
title: Robocalls aimed at suppressing democrats' turnout
uri: Robocalls-aimed-at-suppressing-democrats-turnout
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28Robocalls_aimed_at_suppressing_democrats%27_turnout%29

content:
<p>

*FBI <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/03/fbi-investigates-robocalls-aimed-suppressing-turnout-state-officials-pledge">Investigates Robocalls</a> Aimed at Suppressing [Democrats'] Turnout
as State Officials Pledge Vigilance Against Attacks on Voting Rights.*


feed_id: d74b045e8072b19c42695568367006da
title: Teens who spend less time in front of screens
uri: Teens-who-spend-less-time-in-front-of-screens
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28Teens_who_spend_less_time_in_front_of_screens%29

content:
<p>

*Teens who spend more time in extracurricular activities and less time in
front of screens have <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/04/us/teens-mental-health-screen-time-wellness-trnd/index.html">better mental health</a>, study finds.*


feed_id: d49614730da42b7d58d0f06112414775
title: Bringing the US back into the Paris climate agreement
uri: Bringing-the-US-back-into-the-Paris-climate-agreement
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28Bringing_the_US_back_into_the_Paris_climate_agreement%29

content:
<p>

If Biden is allowed to become president, he can easily <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/04/politics/us-exits-paris-climate-agreement-next-steps/index.html">bring the US back into
the Paris climate agreement</a>.
<p>
Republicans in the Senate, however, will go to the mat to make
sure th US not carry out its pledge to reduce emissions.


feed_id: 902c756e41861db841b2db2669a44808
title: US rigging of elections
uri: US-rigging-of-elections
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28US_rigging_of_elections%29
content:
<p>

The US has a <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/04/opinions/us-elections-are-more-drama-than-democracy/index.html">long history of rigging elections</a>.


feed_id: cd5ec3cc2ac83a10782887c7bae45668
title: (satire) Uber, Lyft workers categorized as car parts
uri: (satire)-Uber-Lyft-workers-categorized-as-car-parts
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28%28satire%29_Uber%2C_Lyft_workers_categorized_as_car_parts%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Passed California Ballot Measure Allows Uber, Lyft To
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/passed-california-ballot-measure-allows-uber-lyft-to-c-1845576241">Categorize Workers As Car Parts</a>.*


feed_id: 8555508a7047dd180ec8d7d797bb82ae
title: Wives of UK undercover thugs
uri: Wives-of-UK-undercover-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28Wives_of_UK_undercover_thugs%29
content:
<p>

The wives of UK undercover <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> who used phony romantic relationships
to infiltrate various leftist political movements are now complaining
that those relationships <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/04/ex-wives-undercover-police-inquiry-marriages-based-lies">constituted "infidelity"</a> towards them.
<p>
I cannot understand their feeling of loss because it is based on an
idea of possessiveness that seems totally wrong to me.
<p>
If a woman who loves me starts to love someone else, I worry that she
might lose interest in me.  But once I know she still loves me, I wish
her happiness from her other relationship, and I can be happy for her
happiness, along with her love for me.
<p>
But even if she stops loving me, I still wish her happiness even
though I am bereft.


feed_id: efd76ed2614ec2cd04c66128512798bd
title: The Democratic Party's attempt to win votes from Republicans
uri: The-Democratic-Party-s-attempt-to-win-votes-from-Republicans
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28The_Democratic_Party%27s_attempt_to_win_votes_from_Republicans%29

content:
<p>

The Democratic Party's attempt to win votes from Republicans
has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/04/lincoln-project-epically-failed-say-progressives-trump-wins-bigger-share-republican">mostly failed</a>.
<p>
This effort started with nominating a largely right-wing "centrist",
Biden, and continued with inviting Republicans to speak at the
Democratic convention about how close Biden was to a Republican.
This tended to discourage the people who need something better
than a Republican.
<p>
As for the Lincoln Project, there was no harm in trying that,
and it may have done some little good.  But not very much.
<p>
*Let’s face it: The democracy that Donald Trump dropped on the floor
suffered a great deal from the experience. <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/04/us-democracy-four-year-rule">It’s going to take more than
an election to put it right</a>.*
<p>
*   Turns out, the so-called shining city on a hill is, instead, a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/04/we-now-know-what-america">black
hole</a> where hope, optimism, reason and the future go to die.*


feed_id: d9234d052e4c154d2e64a00810d97a71
title: Correlation between brain activity and general political attitudes
uri: Correlation-between-brain-activity-and-general-political-attitudes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28Correlation_between_brain_activity_and_general_political_attitudes%29

content:
<p>

Research finds <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(11">correlation</a> between activity levels of brain regions
and general political attitudes.


feed_id: 8acdb1cf5ebc6deb7ced0a3d71326371
title: The UK's criminalization of "hate speech"
uri: The-UK-s-criminalization-of-hate-speech
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28The_UK%27s_criminalization_of_hate_speech%29

content:
<p>

The UK's criminalization of "hate speech" &mdash; simple expression of views &mdash; has an exception for discussions taking place in someone's home.  But now Parliament is considering a plan to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/nov/04/uk-lawyers-uneasy-about-plan-to-prosecute-hate-speech-at-home">eliminate that
exception</a>.
<p>
They mean well, but this is getting dangerously like China, or
Belarus.  If protesters don't start out hating someone, they can be
led to do so.
<p>
This change was buried where people might not notice it, and that
displays ill will.  Furthermore, the proponents ask people to take it
on trust that this extended prohibition won't be exercised to the full
extent.  Why trust them?  Should you trust Bogus Johnson and his crew
to have a power and not use it?


feed_id: 8a4da40be8dbe84c703efeb1d9e518d2
title: Pitfall of "decarbonisation" talk
uri: Pitfall-of-decarbonisation-talk
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28Pitfall_of_decarbonisation_talk%29

content:
<p>

Talking about "decarbonisation" creates a pitfall: an opportunity for
nuclear power companies to <a href="https://theconversation.com/decarbonisation-may-be-the-wrong-goal-for-energy-heres-why-148388">replace the carbon pollution with
radioactive heavy element pollution</a>.
<p>
All the arguments for nuclear power that couldn't be crushingly
refuted a few years ago have been crushingly refuted today.  The world
should cancel all nuclear power plant projects immediately and spend
the money on <em>efficient</em> methods of reducing greenhouse gas emissions
&mdash; methods that don't have a risk of suddenly turning into a very
expensive mess that people don't entirely know how to clean up.


feed_id: 47d9e26be5fce813fcfc97167e7e9ee4
title: Covid-19 deaths and air pollution
uri: Covid-19-deaths-and-air-pollution
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28Covid-19_deaths_and_air_pollution%29

content:
<p>

Research suggests that 15% of all Covid-19 deaths were <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/04/tiny-air-pollution-rise-linked-to-11-more-covid-19-deaths-study">co-caused by
air pollution</a> (combined with Covid-19).
<p>
This could be one of the reasons why blacks are more likely to die
when infected by Covid-19: because the neighborhoods they live in,
and have grown up in, have had more air pollution all along.


feed_id: 333953c42c8cceab6333184b2abbed58
title: Four-week cancer treatment delay
uri: Four-week-cancer-treatment-delay
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28Four-week_cancer_treatment_delay%29

content:
<p>

*Four-week cancer treatment delay <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/nov/04/four-week-cancer-treatment-delay-raises-death-risk-study-nhs-covid">raises death risk</a> by 10% –- study.*
<p>
Now that hospitals are overwhelmed by Covid-19 cases because of
disease-spreading policies, people with cancer will start dying
avoidable deaths, and the wrecker and his death cult will be
responsible.


feed_id: bade71859439d4e6e21be385c6412176
title: US elections 'tarnished' by Trump
uri: US-elections-tarnished-by-Trump
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28US_elections_%27tarnished%27_by_Trump%29

content:
<p>

*International observers say <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/04/international-observers-us-election-trump-trust">US elections 'tarnished' by Trump</a> and
uncertainty.*


feed_id: 8945145c924b8da6babb813df8be6ef3
title: Chinese overfishing
uri: Chinese-overfishing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28Chinese_overfishing%29
content:
<p>

Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru have agreed to work together to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/05/prevent-discourage-confront-south-american-states-tackle-chinese-trawlers">stop
Chinese overfishing</a> in their waters.


feed_id: 7fdb66c4dfb12723379bd91619f37ab0
title: The wrecker is suing to stop counting ballots
uri: The-wrecker-is-suing-to-stop-counting-ballots
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28The_wrecker_is_suing_to_stop_counting_ballots%29

content:
<p>

The wrecker is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/04/trump-election-lawsuit-uncounted-votes">suing to prematurely stop the counting of ballots</a> in
some states.
<p>
I don't think this is merely an attempt to influence public opinion,
because that alone could not change defeat into victory, and the
wrecker knows this.  I suspect he is trying to give Barrett and
company an opportunity to make an insane, non-sequitur ruling to throw
the election.


feed_id: 946895cfe4e32b7539f1a0b24911adc5
title: Urgent: Count every vote
uri: 2020-11-06-Urgent-Count-every-vote
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Count_every_vote%29
content:
<p>

Everyone: call on officials in various states to <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/count-all-the-votes/">count every vote</a>.

Republicans are trying to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/04/michigan-called-biden-trump-supporters-condemned-chanting-stop-count-detroit-ballot">stop the count in Detroit</a> by menacing the people
doing the work.


feed_id: 4a6e8b5e0c98b841b9efd689c907e5ca
title: EU power to punish an authoritarian national government
uri: 2020-11-07-EU-power-to-punish-an-authoritarian-national-government
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28EU_power_to_punish_an_authoritarian_national_government%29

content:
<p>

The EU has just gained the power to punish an authoritarian national
government <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/05/deal-struck-enable-eu-block-budget-payments-rogue-members">without unanimous approval from all the rest</a>.
<p>
This means the EU will be able to bring pressure on Poland and Hungary
to restore the independence and authority of the national courts.
However, I am not sure such pressure will be sufficient to achieve
that goal.  Once people are caught up in a spell of hatred, they tend
to react defensively to criticism of that spell.


feed_id: 88d59380a9fcd5262f695075bdd70519
title: Court order to sweep post offices for undelivered ballots
uri: 2020-11-07-Court-order-to-sweep-post-offices-for-undelivered-ballots
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28Court_order_to_sweep_post_offices_for_undelivered_ballots%29

content:
<p>

I linked
to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/03/haul-louis-dejoy-front-criminal-grand-jury-outrage-after-postal-service-misses-court">
an inaccurate report claiming that</a> a large number of postal
ballots went undelivered on election day.  The USPS says
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/05/politics/usps-missing-ballots-fact-check/index.html">they were delivered specially to election commissions</a>,
skipping the usual delivery scan step.


feed_id: 81c97b175f4ed82edb11f490ccd37458
title: Chinese tyranny
uri: 2020-11-07-Chinese-tyranny
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#6_November_2020_%28Chinese_tyranny%29
content:
<p>

In Hong Kong, the Chinese tyranny invites people to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/05/hong-kong-police-launch-hotline-for-residents-to-inform-on">inform on each
other</a> anonymously.
<p>
The US did invite informers in Afghanistan, and people fabricated
crimes to <a href="https://stallman.org/guantanamero.html">obtain private revenge</a>.
Some of the victims <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2006-sep-dec.html#15%20October%202006%20(Released%20from%20Guantanamo)">spent many years in
Guantanamo</a>.


feed_id: aa39d55dae7f92322c8c881bff8e9749
title: Rally to resist
uri: Rally-to-resist
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Rally_to_resist%29
content:
<p>
There will be rallies again on Nov 7 to resist the wrecker's attempts
to set aside the election.  Alas, once again the information
necessary to participate is hidden behind nonfree software.


feed_id: 06153c04978fa7cc93a86de87bd4a35d
title: Progressive candidate wins over thug protector
uri: Progressive-candidate-wins-over-thug-protector
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Progressive_candidate_wins_over_thug_protector%29

content:
<p>
A progressive candidate <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/06/jackie-lacey-george-gascon-los-angeles-district-attorney-winner">defeated the incumbent district attorney of
Los Angeles</a>, who had protected killer thugs.


feed_id: aecac380fbfcc459bd03c86c133f94b5
title: Illegal firearms near vote-counting center
uri: Illegal-firearms-near-vote-counting-center
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Illegal_firearms_near_vote-counting_center%29

content:
<p>
Two supporters of QAnonsense were arrested in Philadelphia near a
vote-counting center for carrying illegal firearms, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/06/philadelphia-armed-men-arrested-vote-counting-convention-center">including a rifle
without a serial number</a>.


feed_id: 8cbf953e10745a4fc7b625191cd39258
title: Lawsuits again vote-counting
uri: Lawsuits-again-vote-counting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Lawsuits_again_vote-counting%29
content:
<p>
The bullshitter's campaign is filing many lawsuits against
vote-counting procedures.  Experts say they are frivolous and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/06/donald-trump-us-election-lawsuits">he has little chance of winning them</a>.
  So why do do this?

<p>
I have two hypotheses:

<ul>
<li>
The campaign will appeal them up to the Supreme Court and it
might now be so partisan as to make a bizarre decision to
hand him victory.

<li>
Perhaps the aim is to give Republican state legislators a
fake-news "justification" for refusing to certify the result
and undermine the electoral college.
</ul>


feed_id: a1a580b378f2bd9b2bfa3d0214d5f2cd
title: Integration of Muslim people
uri: Integration-of-Muslim-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Integration_of_Muslim_people%29
content:
<p>
An analysis of Macron's attempt to integrate Muslim French people <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2020/nov/06/macron-french-muslims-place-in-republic-secular-multiculturalism">into
France's insistence on secularity above any religion</a>.


feed_id: 63a3d5276deb6870c153426505aebd8e
title: Measles and polio vaccinations
uri: Measles-and-polio-vaccinations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Measles_and_polio_vaccinations%29

content:
<p>
*UN urges resumption <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/nov/06/un-urges-resumption-of-mass-measles-and-polio-vaccinations-covid">of mass measles and polio vaccinations</a>.*


feed_id: 321f0c8d12b853c550e9f5a41cc0a7b7
title: Reduce genetic diversity of the virus
uri: Reduce-genetic-diversity-of-the-virus
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Reduce_genetic_diversity_of_the_virus%29

content:
<p>
*"One of the reasons to try and
   keep the number of cases down as low as possible [in humans and
   animals], <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/06/mink-and-coronavirus-whats-happened-and-should-we-be-worried">is to reduce the genetic diversity of the virus</a>."*

<p>
In other words, letting the virus run rampant, as the wrecker decided to do,
is making potential vaccines less effective.


feed_id: d3b451d4e5595768f8954b004587cde5
title: Line between reporting and enabling
uri: Line-between-reporting-and-enabling
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Line_between_reporting_and_enabling%29

content:
<p>
*When [the bullshitter] is peddling outrageous lies, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/commentisfree/2020/nov/07/when-donald-trump-is-peddling-outrageous-lies-where-is-the-line-between-reporting-and-enabling">where is the line
between reporting and enabling</a>?*

<p>
My answer, for around four years, is: cover what he does, and don't be
distracted by what he says.  There is no reason to quote his lies, and
in most cases no reason to talk about them except occasionally to show
what sort of attack on truth he is launching.

<p>
The writer seems to argue that the existence of millions of Americans
who believe his lies makes them somehow more worthy of press coverage.
I disagree.  The writer also think it makes a difference that a
typical lie says something his followers already believe, rather than
"inventing" it.  That's because it was invented by previous lies, not
by the latest one.  Same difference.

<p>
The existence of his supporters is an important fact, and covering
that fact is valid, but does not require quoting him.


feed_id: 713717449134f3c9c593d4947bf3d8cd
title: Thug sentenced to prison
uri: 2020-11-07-Thug-sentenced-to-prison
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Thug_sentenced_to_prison%29
content:
<p>
A Toronto thug was sentenced to prison <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/05/toronto-policeman-jailed-for-beating-black-man-who-lost-an-eye">for beating a black man with a pipe
and bursting one of his eyes</a>.


feed_id: 444b0f55db163be7d7bb32110b27102f
title: Republicans disapproving
uri: Republicans-disapproving
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Republicans_disapproving%29
content:
<p>
Some prominent Republicans privately disapprove of the wrecker's campaign
to shed distrust on the counting of votes, <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2020/11/03/republicans-trump-election-threats-433910">but they don't have the courage
to oppose it publicly</a>.

<p>
A few <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/05/tv-news-cut-away-trump-election-lies">did speak up</a>.

<p>
The part of the process where massive cheating occurs is
before a person's ballot gets into the ballot box.
That's when <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#8_July_2017_(Mass_Voter_Suppression)">Republican voter suppression occurs</a>.


feed_id: 074a8145f24ca64aff150caaf9a9017f
title: Preparing evictions
uri: Preparing-evictions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Preparing_evictions%29
content:
<p>
As Kushner discourages eviction protection with one hand, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/05/amid-deadly-and-intensifying-pandemic-kushner-owned-company-moves-evict-hundreds">he prepares
evictions with the other</a>.


feed_id: 8858d52cc5ab7d719d344763c356fcd9
title: Thugs attacks
uri: Thugs-attacks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Thugs_attacks%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> in Minneapolis besieged and arrested a thousand or more
nonviolent protesters.  Whereas New York City <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> beat up protesters
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/05/over-700-protesters-arrested-minneapolis-nyc-during-count-every-vote-demonstrations">while other thugs looked on and laughed</a>.


feed_id: 7d5f210a98e41efe15a22efcd82eaec9
title: Returning to normal
uri: Returning-to-normal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Returning_to_normal%29
content:
<p>
Biden will have no chance of returning the US to "normal", <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/05/politics/joe-biden-donald-trump-2020-normal/index.html">even aside
from Covid-19</a>.

<p>
But then, the "normal" state of affairs for the past few decades has
been getting worse and worse.  Since the late 90s, the US government
has been dominated by big companies and rich people, plus the special
interests in any given area.
  This has been getting worse ever since and I don't think Biden
would try to fix it anyway.

<p>
Thus, one crucial political battle will be between the plutocratists
that want that old "normal" back, the progressives who want something
better, and the death cult Republicans want to go berserk.


feed_id: 8032f9a720d96e510da64cc6610e086e
title: Greenhouse gas commitments
uri: 2020-11-07-Greenhouse-gas-commitments
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Greenhouse_gas_commitments%29
content:
<p>
The UK is taking its greenhouse gas commitments seriously, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/05/uk-campaigners-set-out-plan-to-meet-paris-agreement-and-beat-covid-recession">is planning
to increase measures to achieve them</a>.

<p>
Moving to electric cars is a good thing to do, though burning hydrogen
made sustainably would also be good.  However, if there is a plan
to move to cars that take a new kind of fuel, it is imperative to
make it possible to buy that fuel anonymously.


feed_id: d8cf89da1c8fde5ce709dbbe487a40ad
title: Short of staff
uri: Short-of-staff
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Short_of_staff%29
content:
<p>
*NHS England has far fewer hospital beds than it used to and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/nov/05/years-of-underfunding-leave-nhs-woefully-short-for-covid-second-wave">is short of
around 100,000 staff</a>.*

<p>
Tory cuts started out as purported efficiency measures and morphed
into "Let's squeeze the non-rich Britons some more."  However, a
service that runs without spare capacity in normal times, even if it
does a good job then, will be overloaded as soon as there is an
emergency.


feed_id: 6c618c4018729378fce5c71ceffb27fc
title: Bolsonaro arranged a phony Potemkin tour
uri: Bolsonaro-arranged-a-phony-Potemkin-tour
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Bolsonaro_arranged_a_phony_Potemkin_tour%29

content:
<p>

Environmental activists say that Bolsonaro arranged a phony Potemkin tour
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/07/green-groups-denounce-brazils-sham-amazon-tour-for-foreign-diplomats">showing selected healthy parts</a> of the Amazon forest.


feed_id: ee49fa367fc6f9c09f3c1afad88fbdae
title: Why Democrats lost Latino voters along Texas border
uri: Why-Democrats-lost-Latino-voters-along-Texas-border
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Why_Democrats_lost_Latino_voters_along_Texas_border%29

content:
<p>

*Why Democrats lost Latino voters along Texas border.*  It starts with
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/07/how-democrats-latino-voters-texas-border-towns">taking them mostly for granted</a>, but it isn't just that.
<p>
The attitudes reported are so disparate that I can't see any specific
concrete lesson to be learned from this, except perhaps to nominate a
candidate that excites people rather than a lesser-evil.


feed_id: 5cafcb6b5821eaf0350a2781637a54b2
title: Flaws in the US electoral system
uri: Flaws-in-the-US-electoral-system
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Flaws_in_the_US_electoral_system%29

content:
<p>

Republicans exploit <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/07/us-democracy-trump-election-gerrymandering">flaws in the US electoral system</a> every time to
"win" Congress and the presidency, or at least come close.  We need to
fix those flaws for good and all.


feed_id: 34bf9825724b5f364dffbd9270f3b786
title: PFAS pollution in Japan
uri: PFAS-pollution-in-Japan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28PFAS_pollution_in_Japan%29
content:
<p>

*<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/11/07/military-pfas-pollution-japan/">U.S. Military Responsible</a> for Widespread PFAS Pollution in Japan.*


feed_id: e089e00d4acc280e13068374f79e336c
title: Four more state legalize marijuana
uri: Four-more-state-legalize-marijuana
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Four_more_state_legalize_marijuana%29

content:
<p>

<a href="http://links.drugpolicy.mkt7185.com/servlet/MailView?ms=NDM4NTY5NjYS1&r=NTY4MTU3NjAyODQ3S0&j=MTg4MDU2NzYxNwS2&mt=1&rt=0">Four more states</a> have legalized marijuana for adult use.
<p>
I wonder why right-wing politicians put so much effort into continuing
prohibition.  Is it that they need marijuana as a monster to "protect"
people from?  Is it associated with sex, and therefore crying out
for repression?


feed_id: 213e78a0b38050b26e03021ad99ad7d2
title: Democracy won't die on our watch
uri: Democracy-won-t-die-on-our-watch
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Democracy_won%27t_die_on_our_watch%29

content:
<p>

*Millions of Americans have risen up and said: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/07/americans-democracy-trump">democracy won't die on our
watch.*</a>
<p>
However, survival of civilization, and of millions of poor Americans,
depends on not merely having Democracy, but on stopping the plutocrats
from outmaneuvering us, so we can use it to do what is needed.
This year, we lost that battle.


feed_id: 628c75f49a6ba4c433e56c6736a04d3c
title: Biden elected president
uri: Biden-elected-president
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Biden_elected_president%29
content:
<p>

Biden has won enough electoral votes to be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/07/joe-biden-wins-us-election-donald-trump-loses-final-result-2020">elected president</a>.
<p>
That means he will be elected unless the wrecker can sabotage the system.
Which means that the wrecker will soon <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/07/joe-biden-disunited-states-of-america">do all he can to encourage violence</a>.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#faux">Faux News</a> and other Murdoch publications are calling on the wrecker
to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/07/rupert-murdoch-owned-us-outlets-turn-on-trump-urging-him-to-concede-with-grace">concede defeat</a> rather than sabotage the system.
<p>
I don't think they will convince him to do so willingly, but their
influence may thwart him by persuading Republican state legislators
to refuse to participate.


feed_id: bed62bf1f31a8fba54847cc4a8d4d791
title: Finnish zoo monkeys
uri: Finnish-zoo-monkeys
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Finnish_zoo_monkeys%29
content:
<p>

A Finnish zoo <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/07/sound-of-the-city-monkeys-shown-to-prefer-traffic-noise-over-jungle-sounds">gave monkeys control buttons</a> to request various kinds of
recorded sound tracks.
Their preference was traffic noise.


feed_id: 47ab289b9c08163d8447e1a65f0c971d
title: Adani mining company's Australian subsidiary
uri: Adani-mining-company-s-Australian-subsidiary
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Adani_mining_company%27s_Australian_subsidiary%29

content:
<p>

Adani mining accidentally renamed its Australian subsidiary to a word
meaning <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/nov/05/crooked-not-courageous-adani-renames-australian-group-bravus-mistaking-it-for-brave">"crooked, villainous, depraved."</a>
<p>
The company denied that the renaming was because the name "Adani" had
recently developed negative associations, saying that the negative
associations had existed for a long time.


feed_id: 769a6e8516e464495af9edbb68902e5c
title: Baseless claim of fake ballots
uri: Baseless-claim-of-fake-ballots
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Baseless_claim_of_fake_ballots%29

content:
<p>

Someone found a video of a photographer from WXYZ transporting
equipment in a box on a wagon, and <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/11/05/video-claiming-detroit-ballot-fraud-debunked/">claimed (based on no evidence) that
he was transporting fake ballots</a>.
<p>
A news faker can generate dozens of fake instances of "fraud" every
day, creating a miasma of dishonesty even if there isn't any real
dishonesty.  People who are convinced this way, when they see a
refutation of one accusation, may respond, "One of those instances was
debunked, but there are plenty more," without remembering the
specifics, so there is no effective way to refute the rootless
accusation.


feed_id: 0439a67322cac691ffa6fc8e806838d2
title: Camden, New Jersey, disbanded its thug department
uri: Camden-New-Jersey-disbanded-its-thug-department
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Camden%2C_New_Jersey%2C_disbanded_its_thug_department%29

content:
<p>

Camden, New Jersey, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/13/opinions/police-camden-minneapolis-george-floyd-milgram/index.html">disbanded its violent and ineffective thug department</a>
and founded a new one with a different attitude.
<p>
This eliminated the old union contracts that gave <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> impunity for
doing bad work, and even crimes.


feed_id: f8965e2ea08eb3b28d9ee85a19fef6d4
title: Pesticide atrazine
uri: Pesticide-atrazine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Pesticide_atrazine%29
content:
<p>

The EPA reports that the pesticide atrazine is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/11/05/epa-widely-used-pesticide-atrazine-likely-harms-more-1000-endangered-species">likely to harm over 1000
endangered species</a>.
<p>
This conclusion was reached under guidelines that required the EPA to
disregard some scenarios of possible harm.  So the number is likely to
be an underestimate.


feed_id: 48d7c851d9d85975316d9e583dff674d
title: (satire) Officials disregarding Trumps feelings
uri: (satire)-Officials-disregarding-Trumps-feelings
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28%28satire%29_Officials_disregarding_Trumps_feelings%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Trump <a href="https://www.theonion.com/trump-files-lawsuit-in-pennsylvania-alleging-election-o-1845587740">Files Lawsuit In Pennsylvania</a> Alleging Election
Officials Totally Disregarding His Feelings.*

(satire) *Panicked Trump <a href="https://www.theonion.com/panicked-trump-agrees-to-zoom-debate-1845587345">Agrees To Zoom Debate</a>.*


feed_id: 2f2c3cbfeb72666a398f1e4bdbe6fa95
title: Food production will bust the carbon budget
uri: Food-production-will-bust-the-carbon-budget
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Food_production_will_bust_the_carbon_budget%29

content:
<p>

If food production follows its current trajectory of development,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/06/global-food-system-emissions-alone-threaten-warming-beyond-15degc-we-can-act-now">that alone will bust the carbon budget</a>.


feed_id: 955de95e197547c43953eff3595c60c0
title: New York City thug publishing bigotry
uri: New-York-City-thug-publishing-bigotry
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28New_York_City_thug_publishing_bigotry%29

content:
<p>

A high-ranking New York City thug is accused of <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/06/us/nypd-official-investigation-racist-posts-trnd/index.html">publishing a wide variety
of bigotry under a pseudonym</a>.
<p>
It's not a crime to make prejudiced statements, but if a cop does so,
it implies <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#perse">perse</a> can't do per job in an unbiased way.


feed_id: a8a0e96c2e79cb83a78026222dc54d93
title: Scotland Yard apologies
uri: Scotland-Yard-apologies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Scotland_Yard_apologies%29
content:
<p>

*   Scotland Yard has apologized after journalists and photographers
covering an anti-lockdown protest were <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/07/lockdown-met-apologises-for-arrest-threats-to-journalists-covering-protest">told to leave and threatened
with arrest</a>.*


feed_id: b70f1dedbfacd14a46a8c570f01ac6eb
title: Government-run medical care
uri: Government-run-medical-care
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Government-run_medical_care%29
content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/06/centrist-house-democrats-attack-medicare-all-fox-news-poll-shows-72-voters-want">Almost 3/4 of Americans</a> want government-run medical care.  The
challenge is to replace the "centrist" Democrats with people closer to
the real political center.
<p>
* It’s not enough to be anti-Trump. Socialists are showing <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/06/what-democrats-should-learn-spate-socialist-wins-election-day">you can win
elections by standing for something</a>.*


feed_id: 67f4c34ee5af54ac6d101c1130b3e0e9
title: Centrist Democrats attacking progressives
uri: Centrist-Democrats-attacking-progressives
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28Centrist_Democrats_attacking_progressives%29

content:
<p>

Centrist Democrats are already <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/11/06/election-biden-democrats-progressives/">attacking the progressives in Congress</a> whose unceasing campaigning helped Biden win.
<p>
Progressives' help will be needed to win the crucial Georgia senate
runoff elections in January.


feed_id: 8235512073bd65f8fb85f318cd63e36c
title: The appeal of right-wing populism
uri: The-appeal-of-right-wing-populism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#7_November_2020_%28The_appeal_of_right-wing_populism%29

content:
<p>

*Nonwhite Voters Are <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/11/06/election-results-trump-voters-of-color/">Not Immune</a> to the Appeal of Right-Wing Populism.*


feed_id: bd969af52c42ce15e3aebfa3c18cf2d3
title: Victory speech
uri: Victory-speech
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#9_November_2020_%28Victory_speech%29
content:
<p>
Kamala Harris's victory speech <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/08/this-is-a-country-of-possibilities-kamala-harriss-speech-in-full">focuses on identity politics</a>.

<p>
I agree it is good that the US can elect a black woman to a post that
may lead to becoming president.  But I see no sign of an intention to do
anything to make things better than they were in 2016, and maybe not even
merely no worse.

<p>
Biden's victory speech does say a little about important long term
goals beyond dealing with Covid-19, including defending the climate.
But all it offers to poor people is "a fair shot", a <em>chance</em> at a
good life.


feed_id: efe54624d1bbef54b3bbebc6c31f3e25
title: Censorship of blasphemy
uri: Censorship-of-blasphemy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#9_November_2020_%28Censorship_of_blasphemy%29
content:
<p>
As Europe falls into a fight about censorship of "blasphemy", neither
the Islamists nor Macron nor other governments <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/08/fanatics-have-no-right-to-censor-critics-but-neither-does-emmanuel-macron">are consistently on
the side of freedom of speech</a>.


feed_id: b8e2deea8c61f863a181c5003ea4ff64
title: Last thing we need
uri: Last-thing-we-need
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#9_November_2020_%28Last_thing_we_need%29
content:
<p>
Yanis Varoufakis: *Hoping for a return to normal after Trump? <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/08/hoping-for-a-return-to-normal-after-trump-thats-the-last-thing-we-need">That's
the last thing we need</a>.*

<p>
Varoufakis lays it out completely clearly, how the wrecker took
advantage of non-rich Americans' justified anger at being shafted by
plutocracy.  If by 2024 the "centrist" politicians won't give them
a fair share, and block Sanders, they could chose another bullshitter.

<p>
Not Trump, though &mdash; he will probably be in state prison.


feed_id: b7bc4842a0f4d5c7f7c297a439c3268f
title: Urgent: drop charge against protesters
uri: Urgent-drop-charge-against-protesters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#9_November_2020_%28Urgent%3A_drop_charge_against_protesters%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/nyc-protect-the-protesters/?t=1005&akid=47135%2E1242918%2ExhN67l">call on NYC District Attorney Cy Vance</a> to drop charges
against arrested protesters.


feed_id: b40aef4ac15e463eda15e6a6f9874551
title: Propaganda campaign
uri: Propaganda-campaign
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#9_November_2020_%28Propaganda_campaign%29
content:
<p>
Lukashenko has orchestrated a propaganda campaign drawing on the heroism
of the underground that fought German occupation.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/08/crush-the-fascist-vermin-belarus-opposition-summons-wartime-spirit">The opposition has
turned it around</a>.
  It seems that Lukashenko fits the role of fascist very well.


feed_id: 7efa4052de28ffb9b1e6eb0e750752df
title: War remembrance
uri: War-remembrance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#9_November_2020_%28War_remembrance%29
content:
<p>
A war remembrance event experienced as <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/08/remembrance-day-amnesia-patriotic-stories">"an exercise in collective
   amnesia."</a>


feed_id: 45dc181e1e525474792fd6065c9dcb2a
title: Cry of betrayal
uri: Cry-of-betrayal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#9_November_2020_%28Cry_of_betrayal%29
content:
<p>
*Loyal [bullshitter] outlets cry betrayal <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/07/trump-fox-news-joe-biden-rightwing-media">after [not Faux enough] News calls
 election for Biden</a>.*


feed_id: 4faf52f471077f14316b91a0a8a2fdfa
title: President's Oldest Son
uri: President-s-Oldest-Son
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#9_November_2020_%28President%27s_Oldest_Son%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/donald-trump-jr-refuses-to-step-down-from-post-of-pres-1845531608">satire</a>) *Donald Trump Jr. Refuses To Step Down From Post Of President’s Oldest Son.*


feed_id: 440d4eada85c2bf468f51be8ec6053e0
title: You have disappointed me
uri: You-have-disappointed-me
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#9_November_2020_%28You_have_disappointed_me%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/you-have-disappointed-me-trump-tells-room-full-of-su-1845533067">satire</a>) *‘You Have Disappointed Me,’ Trump Tells Room Full Of Supporters While
Strapping On Gas Mask.*


feed_id: 7cd3e692daf415550f6dd3ac32e1f5f4
title: Disregarding efforts to steal election
uri: Disregarding-efforts-to-steal-election
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#9_November_2020_%28Disregarding_efforts_to_steal_election%29

content:
<p>
FAIR reports on how the media are disregarding the wrecker's efforts
to steal the election by getting courts to discard the postal ballots
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/07/media-still-refuse-report-real-news-trump-actively-trying-steal-election">which changed the outcomes in several states</a>.

<p>
On the other hand, it could be that denying him attention is creating
a public mindset in which court decisions for him would outrage the
public.  This could inhibit the Supreme Court from doing that.


feed_id: 628dda6187148964e5e01f12311f25a6
title: Psilocybin
uri: 2020-11-09-Psilocybin
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#9_November_2020_%28Psilocybin%29
content:
<p>
A study found that psilocybin <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/07/health/depression-magic-mushrooms-psilocybin-wellness/index.html">was helpful to many people suffering
from depression</a> &mdash;
   more effective than approved antidepressants.


feed_id: ae81f5a6da0c50adbc62a9a5e71fcd7a
title: Lawfully wrecking
uri: Lawfully-wrecking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#9_November_2020_%28Lawfully_wrecking%29
content:
<p>
Even if the wrecker does not seize power, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/07/opinions/what-trump-may-try-to-do-honig/index.html">he could lawfully wreck a
lot more things before January 20</a>.

<p>
Not to mention the exponential spread of Covid-19, almost unhindered
while the wrecker has its back.


feed_id: 9ba06d0c1463f47a530ed28680fb7fe7
title: Every Medicare for All backer reelected
uri: Every-Medicare-for-All-backer-reelected
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#9_November_2020_%28Every_Medicare_for_All_backer_reelected%29

content:
<p>
Ocasio-Cortez Notes: Every Democrat [in Congress] Who Backed Medicare
for All <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/07/every-single-one-ocasio-cortez-notes-every-democrat-who-backed-medicare-all-won">Won Reelection in 2020</a>.

<p>
However, some of those who didn't support it were defeated.

<p>
She also points out that support for Biden from Republicans 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/08/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-ends-truce-by-warning-incompetent-democratic-party">seems to have done little good for him</a>.

<p>
To anyone who was unhappy with the Republican <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a> policies before
the wrecker came along, their support for Biden only suggests he's as
bad as we thought.

<p>
Ralph Nader: The Democratic Party is not interested in learning from
its overall disappointing outcome this year, because <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/07/biden-has-ousted-lying-and-corrupt-trump-doesnt-mean-democrats-had-great-election?cd-origin=rss">the lesson it would
have to learn is to start standing for non-rich Americans</a>.

<p>
Naomi Klein: *We were told Joe Biden was the 'safe choice'. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/08/joe-biden-risky-candidate-us-election">Why did he
barely scrape through</a>?*

<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/jubilant-reaction-to-trump-defeat-quickly-soured-by-new-1845551327">satire</a>) *Jubilant Reaction To Trump Defeat Quickly Soured By News Of
Biden Win.*


feed_id: cbcb8250dd9d376f474225707414a128
title: Poor now
uri: Poor-now
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#9_November_2020_%28Poor_now%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/crying-eric-trump-asks-father-if-they-poor-now-1845595787">satire</a>) *Following Donald Trump’s defeat in the 2020 presidential
   election, a crying Eric Trump reportedly asked his father Friday if
   they were poor now.*


feed_id: 22ee8abb90c2cbcf780c2dd52fbb1035
title: Keir Starmer wants to be the UK's Biden
uri: Keir-Starmer-wants-to-be-the-UK-s-Biden
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#10_November_2020_%28Keir_Starmer_wants_to_be_the_UK%27s_Biden%29

content:
<p>

Keir Starmer says he <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/nov/08/keir-starmer-urges-labour-to-learn-from-joe-bidens-broad-coalition">wants to be the UK's Biden</a>, not aiming to
make the major changes to turn off plutocracy.
<p>
You would never guess from his talk that millions of Americans voted
for Biden while holding their noses.
<p>
"Centrists" always talk about seeking to "unify the country", which
progressives hear as "shut up and watch as I keep plutocracy in place."


feed_id: f305ac31238078b7530009991f5a3772
title: bullshitters' challenge to Biden election victory
uri: bullshitters-challenge-to-Biden-election-victory
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#10_November_2020_%28bullshitters%27_challenge_to_Biden_election_victory%29

content:
<p>

*Republicans <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/08/donald-trump-concede-legal-challenge-republicans-joe-biden-golf">back [bullshitters'] challenge</a> to Biden election victory.*
<p>
There is hardly any argument one could make against requesting a
recount.  To challenge irregularities in court is legitimate, but
doing so in a system of courts that Republicans have packed with
partisan judges has the potential to become a coup.
<p>
The danger he will stir up violence to influence the electoral system
still exists.


feed_id: 877be5c8a4054230fdbd7f21c8a25d51
title: Political events in Ethiopia
uri: Political-events-in-Ethiopia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#10_November_2020_%28Political_events_in_Ethiopia%29
content:
<p>

A <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/08/the-guardian-view-on-ethiopia-a-tragedy-in-the-making">description of political events in Ethiopia</a>, which may be leading to
a civil war.  I can't summarize them simply.
<p>
Indeed, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/08/ethiopia-reports-of-heavy-casualties-in-fighting-in-tigray">heavy fighting has broken out</a>,
and Ethiopia has cut off communication between Tigray and the rest
of the world.


feed_id: 13e36495a5d50eb579d4cc98fa58ea5a
title: EU bank support of projects linked to human rights violations
uri: EU-bank-support-of-projects-linked-to-human-rights-violations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#10_November_2020_%28EU_bank_support_of_projects_linked_to_human_rights_violations%29

content:
<p>

*EU bank supports <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/nov/09/eu-bank-supports-projects-linked-to-human-rights-violations-ngos-claim">projects linked to human rights violations</a>, NGOs claim.*


feed_id: bd209071842b7aede9a47327f068aa23
title: Australia's environment-related FOIs
uri: Australia-s-environment-related-FOIs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#10_November_2020_%28Australia%27s_environment-related_FOIs%29

content:
<p>

*Australia's government agencies increasingly <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/nov/09/australias-government-agencies-increasingly-refusing-environment-related-fois-audit-finds">refusing environment-related FOIs</a>, audit finds.*


feed_id: 44ddf40ee91c41ff8b011c572ce03627
title: A mine on Wagina Island
uri: A-mine-on-Wagina-Island
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#10_November_2020_%28A_mine_on_Wagina_Island%29
content:
<p>

The people of small Wagina Island in the Solomons have <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-07/wagina-island-wins-bid-stop-bauxite-mining-plan-solomon-islands/12855704">defeated a plan
to build a mine</a> that would have taken up half the island and made
life very difficult on the rest.


feed_id: 6c487fa1c3e0ffa086157a9eced9d10d
title: Surge in TB deaths
uri: Surge-in-TB-deaths
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#10_November_2020_%28Surge_in_TB_deaths%29
content:
<p>

*Covid set to cause 400,000 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/08/covid-set-to-cause-400000-surge-in-tb-deaths-as-medics-diverted">surge in TB deaths as medics diverted</a>.*


feed_id: 9ecd0be089cc6edbc091931a503c6000
title: Running out of time
uri: Running-out-of-time
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#10_November_2020_%28Running_out_of_time%29
content:
<p>
*World is running <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/09/world-is-running-out-of-time-on-climate-experts-warn">out of time on climate, experts warn</a>.*


feed_id: 5d711850725b4356e9911a859cf2c005
title: Paramilitary conscription
uri: Paramilitary-conscription
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#10_November_2020_%28Paramilitary_conscription%29
content:
<p>
Paramilitary gangs in Colombia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/nov/09/armed-groups-target-colombias-children-as-reform-process-slows">force young teenagers to join them,
and even children</a>.

<p>
Why use the euphemism "recruitment" to describe conscription?
It seems absurd.


feed_id: 47ae42b886a5cca0e496d1fc74781a65
title: Worst possible trade outcome
uri: Worst-possible-trade-outcome
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#10_November_2020_%28Worst_possible_trade_outcome%29
content:
<p>
The Tories are directing the UK into the worst possible trade outcome
come January, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/nov/09/uk-risks-becoming-international-pariah-by-rewriting-brexit-bill">gaining none of the possible benefits and suffering all
of the possible damage</a>.

<p>
Since the Tories cannot help but understand the effects of the planned
"race to the bottom", I conclude that their intention is to eliminate
the UK's safety standards without even a quid-pro-quo.

<p>
They cannot help but understand that they are headed for exiting the EU
with no trade agreement,  This is the extremely painful outcome
that Bogus Johnson promised to avoid.

<p>
Could it be that the Tories are in fact working for multinational
companies against the UK?


feed_id: 2341e478c5920df9f1ea95403613f612
title: Deporting political refugees
uri: Deporting-political-refugees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#10_November_2020_%28Deporting_political_refugees%29
content:
<p>
The US is deporting political refugees to Cameroon.  Some of the
people deported a month ago seem to have disappeared, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/09/us-to-send-asylum-seekers-home-to-cameroon-despite-death-plane-warnings">but that will
not deter the US from sending more</a>.

<p>
Legally, political refugees should not be deported, but deportation
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> torture them until they waive their rights.


feed_id: 28567bf8334c63a0d33fb0d01cb38f26
title: Up to us
uri: Up-to-us
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#10_November_2020_%28Up_to_us%29
content:
<p>
Rebecca Solnit: *Victory is only the prelude. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/commentisfree/2020/nov/09/victory-is-only-the-prelude-what-happens-now-is-up-to-us">What happens now is up to us</a>.*

<p>
It won't be easy to make Biden do anything that displeases the plutocrats.
Their power now is much stronger than it was in 1992.

<p>
If the Democrats don't win the two Georgia senate runoffs, Biden will
find it difficult to pass any laws to improve matters even if he
tries.  Thus, trying to help win those two elections is a crucial prelude
to trying to get Biden to <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/compromise.html.">reject ruinous compromises</a>.


feed_id: 5e989b39a8745686e3e92aa767ab574f
title: Tremendously successful bullshitting
uri: Tremendously-successful-bullshitting
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#10_November_2020_%28Tremendously_successful_bullshitting%29

content:
<p>
Arguing that few if any other Republicans <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/09/trump-was-unique-the-republicans-will-struggle-to-find-another-like-him">could succeed at
bullshitting the way the wrecker did</a>.


feed_id: 8450a8df9fb49cb6e1e97949d3a862e7
title: Long-term loyalty
uri: Long-term-loyalty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#10_November_2020_%28Long-term_loyalty%29
content:
<p>
*   Biden and Democrats in Congress now have an opportunity to win a
   generation’s long-term loyalty, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/08/biden-needs-deliver-working-people-who-delivered-him">but only if they deliver the big
   changes young Americans demand</a>.*

<p>
Looking at the question from the other side: how a somewhat different
repressive populist could win by catering economically to
working-class Americans, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/08/donald-trump-trumpism-republicans-democrats">if the Democrats fail to do so</a>.

<p>
Unfortunately, that's exactly what plutocrats don't want Biden to do.
And their pundits are already saying that Biden must compromise with
Senator McConnell, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/08/memo-gop-wall-street-joe-biden-and-all-democrats-no-mitch-mcconnell-not-46th">since the Republicans may still control the Senate</a>

<p>
A compromise between the center-right and the extreme right will not
deliver any of the country's needs, neither short-term needs nor
long-term needs.


feed_id: c88409504b53b7a8f698e889ed69e7bf
title: Not killing minks
uri: Not-killing-minks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#11_November_2020_%28Not_killing_minks%29
content:
<p>
Denmark has decided not to kill all the minks after all.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/09/denmark-drops-plans-for-mass-mink-cull-after-covid-mutation-fears">There may be
no more need</a>.


feed_id: 7f203d98cf5318cef9aa4e29f792976d
title: Creating evidence
uri: Creating-evidence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#11_November_2020_%28Creating_evidence%29
content:
<p>
Barr has asked federal prosecutors <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/09/william-barr-vote-irregularities-donald-trump-election">to create evidence for accusations
of a conflagration of Democratic election rigging</a>
   by blowing a lot of smoke.

<p>
The real problems of election rigging were various forms <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#8_July_2017_(Mass_Voter_Suppression">of
voter suppression carried out by Republicans</a>.


feed_id: 989b79ea68b32b70592f7b4bf2544cea
title: Switch to gentler plutocratist
uri: Switch-to-gentler-plutocratist
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#11_November_2020_%28Switch_to_gentler_plutocratist%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#faux">Faux News</a> and other Murdoch outlets have made a blatant switch
from supporting the conman <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/10/whoa-fox-news-cuts-off-kayleigh-mcenany-for-votes-spiel">to supporting the kinder, gentler
plutocratist</a>.

<p>
For me, this highlights the amount of power that these organs of
plutocracy exercise, and the harm that that power has done.
It is not fortuitous that they have a plutocratist president-elect
to cooperate with, instead of Sanders who might have acted to
reduce their power.


feed_id: 3af29564519172c57e23e476aa3d195c
title: Plutocratists alliance
uri: Plutocratists-alliance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#11_November_2020_%28Plutocratists_alliance%29
content:
<p>
Republican plutocratists are giving advice to "mainstream" Democratic
plutocratists <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/08/democrats-taking-cues-john-kasich-ocasio-cortez-cant-even-describe-how-dangerous">about allying to reject progressives</a>.

<p>
This is just one superficial aspect of the plutocratic system
in which the "mainstream" Democrats <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/08/now-comes-hard-part">have participated since Bill Clinton's day</a>.


feed_id: 839262e3c211481cf0923fbaa3b7c51d
title: Preliminary data on new drug
uri: Preliminary-data-on-new-drug
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#11_November_2020_%28Preliminary_data_on_new_drug%29
content:
<p>
Releasing preliminary data on the safety or effectiveness of a new
drug is a bad idea; <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/11/09/disseminating-preliminary-incomplete-covid-19-vaccine-study-results-press">it replaces careful testing with manipulation</a>.


feed_id: 2b6c1efff7158e221c0f08b363a457d6
title: Privacy And Digital Rights For All
uri: Privacy-And-Digital-Rights-For-All
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#11_November_2020_%28Privacy_And_Digital_Rights_For_All%29

content:
<p>
The manifesto, <a href="media/70947557.gital-Rights-For-All-A-blueprint-for-the-next-Administration.pdf" data-original-source="https://mkus3lurbh3lbztg254fzode-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/Privacy-And-Digital-Rights-For-All-A-blueprint-for-the-next-Administration.pdf">Privacy And Digital Rights For All</a>, 
  is pretty good.  It would make a significant step forward, because
it specifically calls for limiting the collection and transfer of
data, not solely its use.

<p>
One weakness is that it calls for a "data protection" agency.  The
term "data protection" presumes that data gets collected and the goal
is to prevent others &mdash; "the wrong people" &mdash; from getting access to
it.  That idea is inadequate because the business or agency which
collected the data is probably also "the wrong people", which is
why the goal needs to be preventing collection of the data.

<p>
Another weakness is that it does not mention the idea of requiring
systems to permit anonymity &mdash; for instance, to require services
(including ride-for-hire and recharging electric cars) and
digitally-controlled appliances to allow anonymous use.


feed_id: 5484451dd49e7f04712704288dd2d88d
title: Fire hazard
uri: Fire-hazard
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#11_November_2020_%28Fire_hazard%29
content:
<p>
The companies that manufactured and sold aluminum-covered polyethylene insulation for buildings <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/09/grenfell-tower-suppliers-knew-their-cladding-would-burn-inquiry-told">knew it was a fire hazard and covered it up</a>.

<p>
I hope the exposure of this giant, deadly fraud changes the decisions
to impose the cost of replacing that insulation on the people who
bought the condos &mdash; because it rendered their homes unsalable as well
as unsafe, and the cost of the repair will bankrupt them.

<p>
The article does not go into detail about the involvement regulators
in the affair, but it is clear that (at least) they were not
sufficiently firm.  I have a hunch that the Tories cut the budget and
regulation of building seemed like a spending item that the state
could do without.


feed_id: f547e5c43c0430957f3fb2af7b1b3ce2
title: Understanding populace
uri: Understanding-populace
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#11_November_2020_%28Understanding_populace%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/media-glad-it-can-finally-end-half-assed-charade-of-try-1845531702">satire</a>) *Media Glad It Can Finally End Half-Assed Charade Of Trying
To Understand American Populace.*


feed_id: 54cfbc590dec56d18ff0cf73f28fc9b8
title: Freeze on wages
uri: Freeze-on-wages
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#11_November_2020_%28Freeze_on_wages%29
content:
<p>
*'Many Workers Will Suffer': Days After Election, Trump <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/09/many-workers-will-suffer-days-after-election-trump-quietly-freezes-wages-farm">Quietly Freezes Wages
of [legal temporary immigrant] Farm Laborers</a>.*


feed_id: 77a77f1c6a0d065eb08bd28132472a89
title: Defund the police slogan
uri: Defund-the-police-slogan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#11_November_2020_%28Defund_the_police_slogan%29
content:
<p>
James Clyburn: *‘defund the police’ slogan <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/08/james-clyburn-defund-police-slogan-democrats-polls">may have hurt Democrats at polls</a>.*

<p>
I know he was right about the slogan "Burn, baby, burn!"  I was
repelled by that, and naturally so, because I could only interpret it
as a call for wanton destruction.  If it was intended to mean
something else, I can't see it.

<p>
"Defund the police" (which I support) does not appear violent.
However, it does lend itself to misinterpretation and Clyburn may be
right that that was harmful.

<p>
Perhaps "Replace the police" would be a better slogan.  I think
it more clearly expresses the goal which is actually sought.


feed_id: 3e5c36cc3e928e0f947281458517de4e
title: Opening for the Trumpist right
uri: Opening-for-the-Trumpist-right
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#11_November_2020_%28Opening_for_the_Trumpist_right%29

content:
<p>
*As long as the Democrats shy away from the redistributive action
   needed to tackle glaring inequalities in a country where the gap
   between richest and poorest has more than doubled in the past two
   decades, there will be an opening for the Trumpist right to present
   itself as the solution to a broken system – <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/08/american-politics-trump-broken-system">the alternative to Biden
   and the Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell</a>.*

<p>
There are two paths that appear to lead out of the centrist pit: the
honest path (someone like Sanders) and the lying path (someone like
the wrecker).


feed_id: 99e6f7a58ab6089f7cfda7c172a74fae
title: Carelessness
uri: Carelessness
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#11_November_2020_%28Carelessness%29
content:
<p>
Careless Republicans &mdash; perhaps intentionally careless &mdash; seized on
various errors and confusions to claim 14,000 dead people voted in
Michigan.  However, investigating <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/08/tech/michigan-dead-voter-fact-debunking/index.html">50 of those cases found that each of
them either was still alive, or did not vote</a>.

<p>
It is not feasible to investigate so many cases carefully, so
Republicans didn't try.

<p>
Republican state officials overlook the same sorts of issues
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#23_September_2017_(Crosscheck_scheme)">when "purging" people from voting lists</a>.


feed_id: af33f1af7977bc92effaeff15a5210d8
title: Recovering by investing in fossil fuel
uri: Recovering-by-investing-in-fossil-fuel
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#11_November_2020_%28Recovering_by_investing_in_fossil_fuel%29

content:
<p>
Countries are trying to make their economies <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/09/revealed-covid-recovery-plans-threaten-global-climate-hopes">"recover" from Covid-19
by "investing" in fossil fuel use</a>.

<p>
Those "investments" are really giveaways, since it would be disaster
to keep using them for their expected span of usage.


feed_id: 6b63526c5dcb740aa02b181c62803256
title: Criminalizing publishing photos of thugs
uri: Criminalizing-publishing-photos-of-thugs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#11_November_2020_%28Criminalizing_publishing_photos_of_thugs%29

content:
<p>
A proposed French law would criminalize publishing photos of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/09/french-law-protect-police-press-freedom-journalists-ban-intent-harm">under conditions that would threaten anyone who documents their
violence</a>.

<p>
If you are French, please contact your député !


feed_id: 893eaccbbf66bb8f1b58945675e12782
title: Students pushed in farm work
uri: Students-pushed-in-farm-work
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#11_November_2020_%28Students_pushed_in_farm_work%29
content:
<p>
Foreign students in Australia, with no work and with universities
shut, were desperate for an income, and were pushed into farm work
under illegal conditions <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-07/concerns-slavery-has-risen-during-coronavirus-pandemic/12821900">including taking their passports</a>.


feed_id: 4c4bdde366ca830f665277e72633ff03
title: Maher al-Akhras ends his hunger strike
uri: Maher-al-Akhras-ends-his-hunger-strike
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28Maher_al-Akhras_ends_his_hunger_strike%29

content:
<p>

Maher al-Akhras has ended his hunger strike and Israel has agreed to
<a href="https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/tamara-nassar/maher-al-akhras-prevails-over-jailer-ends-103-day-hunger-strike">release him</a> at the end of his current term of imprisonment without
charges or trial.


feed_id: 94cf85df474b615c09d65a7f3dfc88fa
title: (satire) Vatican establishes new sacrament
uri: (satire)-Vatican-establishes-new-sacrament
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28%28satire%29_Vatican_establishes_new_sacrament%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Scrambling Vatican Quickly Establishes Child Molestation As
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/scrambling-vatican-quickly-establishes-child-molestatio-1845635773">New Sacrament</a>.*


feed_id: 4861f7f82bde8ff4879a42c96630cb5c
title: Canada lobbying Biden for Keystone XL pipeline
uri: Canada-lobbying-Biden-for-Keystone-XL-pipeline
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28Canada_lobbying_Biden_for_Keystone_XL_pipeline%29

content:
<p>

Canada is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/10/trudeau-lobbies-biden-maintain-climate-destroying-trump-policy">lobbying Biden intensely</a> in favor of the Keystone XL
planet-roaster pipeline.


feed_id: 703d7fd128abda92543ee117be6684c6
title: Election defense funds
uri: Election-defense-funds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28Election_defense_funds%29
content:
<p>

*The outgoing president has two ‘election defense funds’ –- but the small
print shows donations will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/nov/10/donald-trump-election-fund-debt">go towards paying off [campaign] debt</a>.*


feed_id: cabe360391735f8a0aef40944b197abf
title: Tax increase on low-pollution vehicles
uri: Tax-increase-on-low-pollution-vehicles
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28Tax_increase_on_low-pollution_vehicles%29

content:
<p>

Once again, The Guardian reports pressure to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/11/south-australias-new-tax-on-electric-vehicles-ridiculed-as-a-big-tax-on-not-polluting">increase taxes on
low-pollution vehicles</a> to "make up for" the decrease in revenue due to
decreased use of fossil fuels.
<p>
In the past, I pointed out that this would address a small problem by
perpetuating a bigger one.  This time, for the first time, the
Guardian says so too.


feed_id: afdf16a3e2b9e599879ba30918ab4312
title: Where Biden stands on expanding the Supreme Court
uri: Where-Biden-stands-on-expanding-the-Supreme-Court
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28Where_Biden_stands_on_expanding_the_Supreme_Court%29

content:
<p>

Biden said, a week before election day, that he would announce before
election day where he stood regarding expanding the Supreme Court.
<p>
As far as I can tell, he never made any such announcement.
<p>
The issue will be moot if the Democrats do not win the Georgia runoffs
in January.  But that would mean a bigger disaster, as Senate
Republicans will block all the laws necessary to help the non-rich in
America.
<p>
It will also <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/10/us-senate-climate-action-republican-control">block efforts to prevent global climate disaster</a>.
<p>
*There's a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/04/mcconnell-led-gop-poised-hold-senate-progressives-fear-disastrous-obstruction-covid">massive risk</a> that Biden becomes a failed president unable
to appoint any judges or enact any progressive policies.*
<p>
Biden was not enthusiastic about many progressive policies anyway, but
we might have been able to pressure him to pass the needed laws.  But
not if it is blocked by obstacles beyond his control.
<p>
This means that much of the damage Republicans have done -- or might
do before Jan 20 -- will be impossible to reverse.  Regulatory changes
could be reversed, one decision at a time.  But even that will be
impeded if Republicans block appointments of heads of agencies, and
why wouldn't they do that?
<p>
Americans have a foolish tendency to judge a president's achevements
on an absolute scale.  A president who is thwarted by an opposition
which holds a majority of the Senate is described as "failed", as if
that were per own fault.


feed_id: e29afd98fb1da22365266190dc12f392
title: Ethical Investment funds
uri: Ethical-Investment-funds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28Ethical_Investment_funds%29
content:
<p>

"Ethical investment" funds <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/investing-with-impact/2020/oct/23/good-business-sense-why-ethical-companies-often-outperform">often provide good returns</a>, but there is a
catch.
<p>
"Ethical" companies are typically judged based on mainstream ideas of
what is, and what isn't, ethical.  Around 20 years ago I invstigated
an ethical investment fund and found that its principal stock holding
was Microsoft.  And that made sense.  Microsoft treated its employees
well, and did not produce physical pollution.  Microsoft must have
seemed quite ethical, if one disregarded the injustice of nonfree
software, and the issue of having a near-monopoly.


feed_id: d7eaabf3669fdec103c1a2cd7dceb7b5
title: Farming animals that can catch human respiratory diseases
uri: Farming-animals-that-can-catch-human-respiratory-diseases
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28Farming_animals_that_can_catch_human_respiratory_diseases%29

content:
<p>

Farming large numbers mink, or civets, or other animals that can catch human
respiratory diseases, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/10/the-covid-carrying-danish-mink-are-a-warning-sign-but-is-anyone-heeding-it">risks making pandemics more deadly</a>.
We must take precautions.


feed_id: f4d9ba61660778fe42d41addd9ab5566
title: If Biden fails to give non-rich Americans a better life
uri: If-Biden-fails-to-give-non-rich-Americans-a-better-life
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28If_Biden_fails_to_give_non-rich_Americans_a_better_life%29

content:
<p>

If Biden <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/10/can-joe-biden-obamas-mistakes-future-of-the-party">fails to push to give non-rich Americans a better life</a>,
the Democratic Party will become even weaker.
<p>
The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/10/biden-establishment-democrat-next-donald-trump">next right-wing authoritarian</a> might be more competent at ruling,
and more vicious, than the bullshitter has been.


feed_id: 4543cd6bedab160638f9310f63463303
title: Amazon faces prosecution in Europe
uri: Amazon-faces-prosecution-in-Europe
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28Amazon_faces_prosecution_in_Europe%29

content:
<p>

Amazon <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/10/amazon-charged-with-abusing-eu-competition-rules">faces prosecution</a> in Europe for keeping track of other companies'
sales through Amazon's platform and using that to compete with them.
<p>
Fines won't be enough to make Amazon stop this unless the fines are
billions of dollars.


feed_id: 751c00c9ebdecf2c07cdade6665a6440
title: Digging foxholes
uri: Digging-foxholes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28Digging_foxholes%29
content:
<p>

Trumpets in the US government are digging foxholes to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/10/politics/trump-officials-ousted-burrowing/index.html">do damage during
the transition</a> or to make it hard for Biden to replace them.


feed_id: 78da549f8907c932aebb00f1122f02c2
title: Americans spied upon in 2019
uri: Americans-spied-upon-in-2019
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28Americans_spied_upon_in_2019%29
content:
<p>

*In 2019, at least <a href="http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/55831.htm">760,739 people in America were spied upon</a> pursuant
to judicial orders allegedly based upon probable cause of crime and
were neither charged nor informed of the spying.*


feed_id: edfdfed9bcabc937ecdcc5ce2b4d8726
title: The bullshitter's election lawsuits
uri: The-bullshitter-s-election-lawsuits
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28The_bullshitter%27s_election_lawsuits%29

content:
<p>

The bullshitter's election lawsuits: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/10/donald-trump-longshot-election-lawsuits">why they are bullshit</a>.


feed_id: 1f5d45a06e8017f9a106d8276a22251a
title: Since Biden won the election
uri: Since-Biden-won-the-election
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28Since_Biden_won_the_election%29
content:
<p>

Since Biden won the election, he <a href="https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2020/11/quick-comments-on-the-biden-harris-covid-plan-not-much-sizzle-and-no-steak.html">has forgotten many of the progressive
secondary points</a> of his Covid-19 plan: paying for treatment, paying
people to stay home and quarantine, and support for gig workers,
renters and small businesses.
<p>
*And the severe downgrading of his Covid plan shows Biden embracing the
Obama playbook: meet the Republicans 75% of the way when you start
negotiating, with the expectation that the final deal will move even
more in their direction.*


feed_id: 5f578fecdc119428c013839a9794c91c
title: Protests for fair elections in Bolivia
uri: Protests-for-fair-elections-in-Bolivia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28Protests_for_fair_elections_in_Bolivia%29

content:
<p>

The people of Bolivia had to use a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/10/triumphant-return-power-bolivias-social-movements">campaign of protests</a> to assure
they would have an election this year, and that it would be fair.


feed_id: b14a0834844feed7894748e1419e607f
title: Biometric tracking
uri: Biometric-tracking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28Biometric_tracking%29
content:
<p>
New high-tech surveillance and biometric tracking <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/nov/11/un-warns-of-impact-of-smart-borders-on-refugees-data-collection-isnt-apolitical">are being tried on
immigrants and refugees</a>.


feed_id: 4dce2dee94600fe095e63da839c33b97
title: White middle-class supporters
uri: White-middle-class-supporters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28White_middle-class_supporters%29

content:
<p>
The Democratic Party this year went for white middle-class supporters and 
left behind the working class.  What does it mean <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/11/joe-biden-voters-republicans-trump">when raising the minimum wage wins and Democrats lose</a>?


feed_id: 963834e951645a35eeb3152ab9a0d009
title: Signs of fakery
uri: Signs-of-fakery
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28Signs_of_fakery%29
content:
<p>
Signs of fakery <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/11/11/hunter-biden-china-dossier/">in the supposed Hunter Biden - China dossier</a>.


feed_id: 4cb5c4bda6a276e68ccf9936ae410028
title: No evidence of fraud
uri: 2020-11-12-No-evidence-of-fraud
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28No_evidence_of_fraud%29
content:
<p>
There is no evidence of voter fraud in the US election, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/10/us-postal-worker-recants-voter-fraud-claims-after-republicans-call-for-inquiry">but plenty of
fraudulent claims that there was</a>.


feed_id: a62e775f3eb6e9a584767604a3ee6585
title: Human rights reckoning
uri: Human-rights-reckoning
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28Human_rights_reckoning%29
content:
<p>
*From Police Violence at Home to Killing Civilians in Unending Wars Abroad, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/09/police-violence-home-killing-civilians-unending-wars-abroad-us-faces-human-rights">US
Faces Human Rights Reckoning at UN</a>.*


feed_id: d2faa0baf427c3055ddf4c91dcec12f7
title: End-to-end encryption
uri: End-to-end-encryption
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28End-to-end_encryption%29
content:
<p>
*Zoom <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2020/11/zoom-lied-to-users-about-end-to-end-encryption-for-years-ftc-says/">lied to users about end-to-end encryption for years</a>, FTC says.*


feed_id: 390ce5fc56247f1e18e691bc7eb060bd
title: Infiltration
uri: Infiltration
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28Infiltration%29
content:
<p>
Undercover <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> infiltrating various political movements operated by
pretending to love women participants, and won their love by pretending to
be devoted and caring &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/09/undercover-officer-rekindled-relationship-seven-years-later-inquiry-told">until the day they suddenly disappeared</a>.


feed_id: c601a7202a83c7f12f3fe0a5ae64ec8b
title: Vaccine patents
uri: Vaccine-patents
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28Vaccine_patents%29
content:
<p>
*Suspend Patents on Pfizer's COVID-19 Vaccine, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/09/we-need-peoplesvaccine-after-hopeful-findings-pfizer-campaigners-demand-suspension">Say Campaigners</a>.*

<p>
That should apply to any Covid-19 treatment, indeed, any medicine.
Patents tend to kill patients.

<p>
What about this particular vaccine?  Although things look positive, it
is not yet certain that this vaccine is safe.  That question is not
just a matter of recording what side effects it has in the short term.
It would be the first RNA vaccine ever deployed, and there is a
fundamental doubt about what effects it might have.


feed_id: dfd4cbf8dc2d08e616cd7f386ec0f149
title: Warmongers or peacemakers
uri: Warmongers-or-peacemakers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28Warmongers_or_peacemakers%29
content:
<p>
*Will the Biden Team <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/09/will-biden-team-be-warmongers-or-peacemakers">Be Warmongers or Peacemakers</a>?*


feed_id: 4dcd2174b408d4ccfcd1bc4c52ccb6ea
title: Misrepresenting report
uri: Misrepresenting-report
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28Misrepresenting_report%29
content:
<p>
Jonathan Cook: The Equalities Commission's report on the Labour Party
under Corbyn <em>rejected</em> the accusations that the party had systemic
antisemitism.  The media, and Starmer, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/09/uk-equalities-commissions-labour-antisemitism-report-real-political-interference">are misrepresenting it</a>.


feed_id: f90bc6f54788ea3f279a74d494f6dd54
title: Not safe at all
uri: Not-safe-at-all
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28Not_safe_at_all%29
content:
<p>
Naomi Klein: *It’s fair to say that Biden was not safe at all, as we
   always knew. Not safe for the planet, not safe for the people on
   the front lines of police violence, not safe for the millions upon
   millions of people who are seeking asylum, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/09/time-democrats-betray-donor-class-not-people">but also not even safe
   as a candidate</a>.*


feed_id: fb85df8f0489984b946033f0d06e8b60
title: Plan to censor the internet
uri: Plan-to-censor-the-internet
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28Plan_to_censor_the_internet%29
content:
<p>
*Digital Rights Advocates Warn [the wrecker's] FCC Nominee &mdash; Who
Backs Plan to Censor the Internet &mdash; <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/10/digital-rights-advocates-warn-trumps-fcc-nominee-who-backs-plan-censor-internet-even">Is 'Even Worse Than Ajit Pai'</a>.*


feed_id: a371374e0a5a4a68ed51d15a738d6f4c
title: Palestinian Jerusalem
uri: Palestinian-Jerusalem
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28Palestinian_Jerusalem%29
content:
<p>
*Destroying Palestinian Jerusalem, <a href="https://al-shabaka.org/summaries/destroying-palestinian-jerusalem-one-institution-at-a-time/">One Institution at a Time</a>.*


feed_id: 3aa861adc2d0e3277088936e405209a0
title: Swing to far right
uri: Swing-to-far-right
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28Swing_to_far_right%29
content:
<p>
*Two documentaries reveal how the U.S.'s pro-Israel coalition swung to the far
right &mdash; <a href="https://www.972mag.com/aipac-evangelicals-antisemitism-israel/">endangering American Jews in the process</a>.*


feed_id: c146382b281ceb2c38e81fbbb3d9a59a
title: Root out voter fraud
uri: Root-out-voter-fraud
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#12_November_2020_%28Root_out_voter_fraud%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/brian-kemp-unveils-specially-trained-hogs-that-can-root-1845636113">satire</a>) *Brian Kemp Unveils Specially Trained Hogs That Can Root Out
Voter Fraud.*


feed_id: e87dbe3e0c882f270ab6503256573ef9
title: The concept of "cultural appropriation"
uri: The-concept-of-cultural-appropriation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#13_November_2020_%28The_concept_of_cultural_appropriation%29

content:
<p>
Kwame Anthony Appiah
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/cultural-appropriation">Demolishes the Concept of "Cultural Appropriation"</a>.


feed_id: 0dce58aaac1dac41b1cbea8e6e88f66a
title: The concept of "cultural appropriation"
uri: 2020-11-14-The-concept-of-cultural-appropriation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#13_November_2020_%28The_concept_of_cultural_appropriation%29

content:
<p>
Kwame Anthony Appiah
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/cultural-appropriation.html">Demolishes the Concept of "Cultural Appropriation"</a>.


feed_id: 808fdda71c1e44cf8fd07ebae2770707
title: The wrecker trying to seize power
uri: The-wrecker-trying-to-seize-power
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#13_November_2020_%28The_wrecker_trying_to_seize_power%29

content:
<p>

The wrecker is proceeding with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/11/donald-trump-presidency-coup-power-election-joe-biden">trying to seize power</a>.
<p>
The Democrats do not seem to be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/12/trump-election-concede-republicans-democrats">trying to fight the coup</a> that
Republican-dominated state legislators are already trying to launch.
<p>
The approach of spreading the idea that Biden has won and cannot be
stopped is worth trying.  It may create a viscosity that the
Republican fanatics would find difficult to push through.  But if they
are fanatical enough not to let that daunt them, it can't actually
stop them.


feed_id: 595197ecc6b71a865c94bdf8da6c3e86
title: Slavery or profits from slavery
uri: Slavery-or-profits-from-slavery
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#13_November_2020_%28Slavery_or_profits_from_slavery%29

content:
<p>

In the UK, the National Trust owns and preserves many historic
mansions.  Now it is pointing out how <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/12/national-trust-history-slavery">slavery or profits from slavery
figured in their history</a>.  Right-wingers don't like this.


feed_id: cae5f0e56676ccff2ce8c67319a9ac8f
title: Australia belief on war crimes
uri: Australia-belief-on-war-crimes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#13_November_2020_%28Australia_beleif_on_war_crimes%29

content:
<p>

Adding Australia to the list of countries that believe their soldiers
would never commit a war crime, but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/nov/13/australia-is-in-for-a-shock-as-war-crimes-investigation-brings-reality-of-war-to-the-anzac-myth">are not right about that</a>.


feed_id: 08b21e9de6931d397d1de7f00eb4789a
title: Black cops in Columbus, Ohio
uri: Black-cops-in-Columbus-Ohio
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#13_November_2020_%28Black_cops_in_Columbus%2C_Ohio%29

content:
<p>

Black cops in Columbus, Ohio, face <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/10/us/columbus-police-discrimination-lawsuits-ohio/index.html">racism including death
threats</a> from some white cops.


feed_id: f6801d03b870d8e0f6074f416a980d21
title: GOP cheating its way into power
uri: GOP-cheating-its-way-into-power
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#13_November_2020_%28GOP_cheating_its_way_into_power%29

content:
<p>

*How the GOP keeps <a href="https://newrepublic.com/article/159755/republican-voter-suppression-2020-election">cheating its way into power</a>—and may get away with it again
in 2020.*


feed_id: 7ef0f13197292509e5d5874301d2c020
title: FBI praise and condemnation for presidents and candidates
uri: FBI-praise-and-condemnation-for-presidents-and-candidates
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#13_November_2020_%28FBI_praise_and_condemnation_for_presidents_and_candidates%29

content:
<p>

Internal FBI documents show that agents have been allowed to praise or condemn
presidents and candidates, with <a href="https://www.lawfareblog.com/newly-released-fbi-documents-show-troubling-double-standard-political-speech">one exception</a>: agents have been punished
for criticizing the wrecker.


feed_id: 6007d18c420fa93d499dba0b29affe10
title: Dalai Lama calls for urgent climate action
uri: Dalai-Lama-calls-for-urgent-climate-action
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#13_November_2020_%28Dalai_Lama_calls_for_urgent_climate_action%29

content:
<p>

*Dalai Lama calls for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/11/buddha-would-be-green-dalai-lama-calls-for-urgent-climate-action">urgent climate action</a>.*


feed_id: 2b464200b6f9bcf89439e530f43fb7d1
title: DuPont corporate lobbyist on Biden's transition team
uri: DuPont-corporate-lobbyist-on-Biden-s-transition-team
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#13_November_2020_%28DuPont_corporate_lobbyist_on_Biden%27s_transition_team%29

content:
<p>

One of Biden's transition team was a <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/11/11/biden-epa-transition-dupont-mccabe/">corporate lobbyist who worked for
DuPont</a> to lobby the EPA that the chemical, PFOA, was not toxic enough
to consider regulating.


feed_id: 454875072d42c46c5d55021b3705934a
title: Deportation thugs deported six women
uri: Deportation-thugs-deported-six-women
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#13_November_2020_%28Deportation_thugs_deported_six_women%29

content:
<p>

The deportation thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/11/us-deportations-women-allege-detention-center-gynecologist-abuse">deported six women</a> who accused a deportation prison
of performing unnecessary operations on women.
Some of the operations were hysterectomies; I don't know
whether all of them were hysterectomies.


feed_id: 648e478e27978be876589ab8bce8afd4
title: When bullies disapprove of a term
uri: When-bullies-disapprove-of-a-term
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#14_November_2020_%28When_bullies_disapprove_of_a_term%29

content:
<p>
After curator Gary Garrels said he would not refuse to consider art
made by white men, some employees of the San Francisco Museum of
Modern Art condemned his "white supremacist language" and
<a href="https://www.artsjournal.com/culturegrrl/2020/07/garrulous-gary-garrels-the-thought-police-nab-another-unguarded-curator.html">bullied
him</a> into resigning.
<p>
Garrels made a big effort to collect work by people other than white
males.  (I think that was a good thing to do; the museum aims to
represent the world of modern art, not focus on white men.)  So he is
not a white supremacist at all.  But he used a term "reverse
discrimination", that white supremacists have used when arguing
against affirmative action.  For those bullies, using a term they
disapprove of is equivalent to actually being a white supremacist.
<p>
Contrast this with what I say when someone describes me as
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html">"the
father of open source"</a> or refers to the GNU operating system as
<a href="https://gnu.org/gnu/linux-and-gnu.html">"Linux"</a>.  I do
not demand that
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/genderless-pronouns.html">perse</a> change per way
of speaking, let alone demand that <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#perse">perse</a> be fired.  Instead, I calmly
explain why it is an error and <em>ask</em> per to correct it.
<p>
Their petition (on a site that I never link to because it requires
nonfree software) accused Garrels of using "violent language".  They
do not explain that they have given "violence" a nonstandard
definition, namely "not supporting their ideas of how to end racism."
<p>
That makes the accusation disingenuous.  People who don't know exactly
what Garrels said, and don't know about this nonstandard definition,
may suppose he was nasty and belligerent, and be misled into
misjudging him.


feed_id: 0259726d229e9e05b0da3f4eaed2112d
title: Urgent: block a proposed arms sale to the UAE
uri: Urgent-block-a-proposed-arms-sale-to-the-UAE
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Urgent%3A_block_a_proposed_arms_sale_to_the_UAE%29

content:
<p>

  US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/no-arms-sale-to-the-UAE">block a proposed arms sale to the UAE</a>.

<p>The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
  and 888-355-3588.</p>


feed_id: 8b60a6601a6b93f8c80c3021a4e462f6
title: False accusations of antisemitism
uri: 2020-11-15-False-accusations-of-antisemitism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28False_accusations_of_antisemitism%29

content:
<p>

One of the Democratic Senate candidates in Georgia, Raphael Warnock,
is being hit with <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/10/codepink-defends-georgia-senate-candidate-raphael-warnock-after-gop-opponents-anti">false accusations of antisemitism</a>.
<p>
It's because he has criticized Israel's occupation policies,
particularly in the Palestinian town of Hebron, where a commercial
neighborhood has been <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-sep-dec.html#11_December_2018_(Fanatical_Israeli_settlers)">shut down so that a few fanatical "settlers" can
live in it</a>.


feed_id: 0dd8a515f86452d744559b2dd00d8ced
title: Alex Morse Smear
uri: Alex-Morse-Smear
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Alex_Morse_Smear%29
content:
<p>

*Democratic Officials <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/11/11/massachusetts-democrats-dsc-morse-bickford/">Lied About Role</a> in Alex Morse Smear.*
<p>
The smear turned out to be <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#31_August_2020_(Presenting_smear_as_true)">nothing but hot air</a>, dressed up to look bad,
but  it was enough to destroy Morse's chances.


feed_id: 8fae9ad0dd8ba52d93cc2b3b8bfd2077
title: Microwave for mushrooms
uri: Microwave-for-mushrooms
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Microwave_for_mushrooms%29
content:
<p>

Amana plans to make a tiny microwave oven for cooking one mushroom.
It will be called the Amanita.


feed_id: 086a94c8f14a12335a069a7a8f705079
title: Two-state peace between Israel and Palestine
uri: Two-state-peace-between-Israel-and-Palestine
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Two-state_peace_between_Israel_and_Palestine%29

content:
<p>

The wrecker's changes have spiked the possibility of negotiating a
two-state peace between Israel and Palestine, and Biden is <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/11/13/trump-israel-palestine-biden/">unlikely to
go to the great effort</a> that would be required to reverse the changes.


feed_id: a75d6e881776885dae7b71f02a520688
title: Serial killer in 1970s England
uri: Serial-killer-in-1970s-England
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Serial_killer_in_1970s_England%29

content:
<p>

In the 1970s, a serial killer killed 13 women in northern England.
The cops couldn't find him because they <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/13/peter-sutcliffe-crimes-women-police-investigation-murders-misogny">didn't respect information
from women</a> &mdash; including the survivors who had seen and heard him.

The thugs were so <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/13/it-was-toxic-how-sexism-threw-police-off-the-trail-of-the-yorkshire-ripper">steeped in sexist prejudice</a> that they displayed it
at every turn.


feed_id: 5c822f40ba888d307550d805964c4eae
title: Ammonia to clean liquid hydrogen fuel
uri: Ammonia-to-clean-liquid-hydrogen-fuel
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Ammonia_to_clean_liquid_hydrogen_fuel%29

content:
<p>

Australian renewable energy megaprojects now planned will provide <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/14/green-giants-the-massive-projects-that-could-make-australia-a-clean-energy-superpower">enormous amounts of usable energy</a>.   14GW will go into making ammonia for export,
which on arrival will be converted into clean liquid hydrogen fuel.
<p>
Burning liquid hydrogen produces only one chemical, water.


feed_id: ad09c1fc81a6717e8d7a54af99b0b069
title: Conman's supporters want interference with states' Biden certification
uri: Conman-s-supporters-want-interference-with-states-Biden-certification
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Conman%27s_supporters_want_interference_with_states%27_Biden_certification%29

content:
<p>

The conman's supporters are <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/republican-pressure-states-election/2020/11/11/edd054fe-2441-11eb-952e-0c475972cfc0_story.html">pressuring at every level</a> to interfere
with states' certification of Biden's state-level victories.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/13/can-donald-trump-stay-in-office-second-term-president-coup">Here are arguments</a> that even if Republican state legislatures are
dishonest won't be able to succeed at overturning the results.
<p>
I won't be surprised if the wrecker's supporters resort eventually to guns,
assuming (or even having received assurances) that the US government
will do nothing to stop them.


feed_id: 265a9892b1c758558ccda775602a3c01
title: Immigration detention center COVID outbreak
uri: Immigration-detention-center-COVID-outbreak
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Immigration_detention_center_COVID_outbreak%29

content:
<p>

*New Documents Reveal ICE and Private Prison Contractor <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/11/11/new-documents-reveal-ice-and-private-prison-contractor-exacerbates-covid">Exacerbates a COVID
Outbreak</a> at Immigration Detention Center.*


feed_id: f4263860057f5a978406d5d40415004f
title: Viet Nam imprisoned journalist
uri: Viet-Nam-imprisoned-journalist
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Viet_Nam_imprisoned_journalist%29

content:
<p>

Viet Nam has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/11/pham-doan-trang-goes-prison">imprisoned journalist Pham Doan Trang</a>, who often reports
on wrongdoing by the "authorities" and has been violently attacked for it.


feed_id: 44d8a89ba7f789d3f223888bc2367fcf
title: (satire) Collector's edition Coronavirus vaccine
uri: (satire)-Collector-s-edition-Coronavirus-vaccine
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28%28satire%29_Collector%27s_edition_Coronavirus_vaccine%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Pfizer Announces First Batch Of Coronavirus Vaccine Will Be
Collector’s Edition <a href="https://www.theonion.com/pfizer-announces-first-batch-of-coronavirus-vaccine-wil-1845644705">Limited To 2,000 Doses</a>.*


feed_id: b83c4973bc9bf23dddd58ea79061c94b
title: Laws to allow killing protesters
uri: Laws-to-allow-killing-protesters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Laws_to_allow_killing_protesters%29

content:
<p>

Florida's Republican governor <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/11/desantis-responds-racial-justice-protests-expanded-stand-your-ground-proposal">proposes laws to allow killing protesters</a>
on various pretexts.


feed_id: 8c8a7082e3dc104dd6c2b16e1ba9aea7
title: Subsidy for "mini" nuclear power plant
uri: Subsidy-for-mini-nuclear-power-plant
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Subsidy_for_mini_nuclear_power_plant%29

content:
<p>

UK companies are asking for subsidy to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/nils-pratley-on-finance/2020/nov/11/mini-nuclear-plants-experiment-economics">develop and build</a> rather large
"mini" nuclear power plants, which would perhaps be cheaper than the
insanely expensive large nuclear power plants, and would create a few
thousand jobs.
<p>
The article ignores the question of how these "mini" nuclear power
plants would compare, in cost and jobs, with renewable energy.
Since renewable energy has become so cheap lately, I would expect them
to be superior even without figuring in the problem of dealing with
the nuclear waste.
<p>
I wonder why the Guardian was blind on this point.


feed_id: c5819c07b07f296329174cff3c430c3b
title: UK spied on Tariq Ali
uri: UK-spied-on-Tariq-Ali
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28UK_spied_on_Tariq_Ali%29
content:
<p>

UK thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/11/tariq-ali-spied-on-14-undercover-officers-spy-cops-inquiry-hears">spied on antiwar activist Tariq Ali</a>, when he opposed the
Vietnam war and when he opposed the conquest of Iraq, and maybe some
of the time between.
<p>
The surveillance was extreme.
*At one point, police reported to MI5 that Ali had collaborated on a
book about the Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky with a cartoonist.
The confidential report noted the name of the cartoonist’s girlfriend,
along with her occupation, her address and friends.*


feed_id: 1964d63a1cd9dcb37ed4f0c675f236c3
title: The sixth mass extinction
uri: The-sixth-mass-extinction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28The_sixth_mass_extinction%29
content:
<p>

*The sixth mass extinction is happening <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/01/world/sixth-mass-extinction-accelerating-intl/index.html">faster than expected</a>. Scientists say
it's our fault.*


feed_id: 4b16974cb6de6ee880faf5173960a357
title: Welfare payments in Australia
uri: Welfare-payments-in-Australia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Welfare_payments_in_Australia%29

content:
<p>

Australia has started making welfare payments, in some localities, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/nov/13/cashless-welfare-card-has-little-impact-on-gambling-drug-and-alcohol-abuse-study-finds">via
a debit card</a> that limits what they can buy, and tracks them too.  This
was supposed to reduce their spending on drugs and gambling &mdash; but
investigation shows it failed to do that.


feed_id: d43c43eda726be19b771d7a95b07fde3
title: Unemployment payments in the US
uri: Unemployment-payments-in-the-US
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Unemployment_payments_in_the_US%29

content:
<p>

The money spent by US governments on unemployment payments circulates
and keeps millions of jobs going.  But the unemployment payments will <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/12/not-just-cruel-gop-blocking-unemployment-aid-terrible-economics">expire
in December</a>.


feed_id: a523d5f1b25254a72a5cd1dff906c9dc
title: Lies like the bullshitter's lies
uri: Lies-like-the-bullshitter-s-lies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Lies_like_the_bullshitter%27s_lies%29

content:
<p>

Lies like the bullshitter's lies, told in Germany after World War I,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/12/dont-underestimate-where-trumps-election-lies-could-take-united-states">paved the way</a> for Hitler to seize power.  The US is not immune.
<p>
If Democrats don't want this to happen, they had better ameliorate the life
of American masses.


feed_id: f4c064317172925118527d8df4f15b00
title: Libreboot laptops
uri: Libreboot-laptops
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Libreboot_laptops%29
content:
<p>

MiniFree is once again selling Libreboot laptops; see
<a href="https://retrofreedom.com/">retrofreedom.com</a>.


feed_id: 1ad9a8678837b21fd6fc4978c840c313
title: (satire) Obama's personal health insurance policy
uri: (satire)-Obama-s-personal-health-insurance-policy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28%28satire%29_Obama%27s_personal_health_insurance_policy%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Supreme Court <a href="https://politics.theonion.com/supreme-court-strikes-down-obama-s-personal-health-insu-1845655600">Strikes Down</a> Obama’s Personal Health Insurance
Policy.*


feed_id: 55211fb60465b5d7e6df031293dbdb8f
title: Tucson to put climate justice at centre of plans
uri: Tucson-to-put-climate-justice-at-centre-of-plans
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Tucson_to_put_climate_justice_at_centre_of_plans%29

content:
<p>

*Scorching Tucson bucks US trend to put <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/12/scorching-tucson-bucks-us-trend-to-put-climate-justice-at-centre-of-plans">climate justice at centre of plans</a>.*
<p>
"Investing in long-neglected urban communities" sounds gentrification
to me.  That won't reduce urban sprawl, it will only shuffle poorer
people further out.  To reduce sprawl means increasing population
density.  Can they build denser housing in those neighborhoods
and run more buses to them?


feed_id: b4ca5e7cfc2fb5e81e5a2146d42de1f6
title: From fighting a wildfire, to a hospital, to deportation
uri: From-fighting-a-wildfire-to-a-hospital-to-deportation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28From_fighting_a_wildfire%2C_to_a_hospital%2C_to_deportation%29

content:
<p>

Prisoner Bounchan Keola went from fighting a wildfire, to a hospital,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/12/after-an-incarcerated-firefighter-was-nearly-killed-on-the-frontlines-california-delivered-him-to-ice">to deportation prison</a> in two weeks.
<p>
People who were brought to the US as children and raised here should
have US citizenship, and exile should not be used as a punishment
no matter what the crime.


feed_id: 3be7d0a8ffa63f960633c7004889308e
title: Oil pipeline cancelled
uri: Oil-pipeline-cancelled
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Oil_pipeline_cancelled%29
content:
<p>
Governor Whitmer of Michigan <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/13/really-really-big-deal-michigan-gov-moves-shut-down-line-5-pipeline-protect-great">has cancelled permission to operate the
Line 5 planet-roaster oil pipeline</a>.

<p>
That is a good thing for Planet Earth.  Unfortunately, the action was
based only on preventing the (important) danger of an oil spill into
Lake Michigan and not on the (far more important) certainty that
burning the oil pushes us closer to global disaster.


feed_id: 162fa9b4b6d3928561513981fd38e255
title: Before leaving the white house
uri: Before-leaving-the-white-house
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Before_leaving_the_white_house%29

content:
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/what-trump-hopes-to-accomplish-before-leaving-the-white-1845666672">satire</a>) *What [the wrecker] Hopes To Accomplish Before Leaving The White House.*


feed_id: eaf19f136ed2433631b9b1071f876121
title: Secret Service and COVID-19
uri: Secret-Service-and-COVID-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Secret_Service_and_COVID-19%29
content:
<p>
"Several dozen" Secret Service officers are infected with Covid-19 and
a total of 130 are now isolating because of contact with infected
officers.  This is because <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/13/he-cares-about-no-one-not-soul-ire-trump-after-130-secret-service-agents-reportedly">they had to guard the disease spreader</a>.


feed_id: 1a195ca0bf3c1c2a76d3ef08ddcdb023
title: Marked for assassination
uri: Marked-for-assassination
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Marked_for_assassination%29
content:
<p>
Bilal Abdul Kareem, an American journalist, is trying to get a US court
to tell him <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/13/about-have-his-day-court-american-journalist-wants-know-if-hes-us-kill-list">whether the US government has marked him for assassination</a>.


feed_id: cc498f54dd98c4e5f040e6aafef9b1c9
title: Fighting monopolies
uri: Fighting-monopolies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Fighting_monopolies%29
content:
<p>
A plan for revitalizing rural America starts with eliminating the power
of giant companies that, as quasi-monopolies (or quasi-monopsonies), <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/13/biden-given-roadmap-revitalize-rural-america">force
farms to treat with them and thus drive the farmers into poverty</a>.


feed_id: 619749e69356ab2da1d9005821f32765
title: Presidential reforms
uri: Presidential-reforms
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Presidential_reforms%29
content:
<p>
*Just [as] after Watergate, post-Trump era <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/13/opinions/donald-trump-congress-government-accountability-brian/index.html">requires reforms to hold
presidents accountable</a>.*


feed_id: abd5a49bd13fe72d4b6aa92670709707
title: Climate damage
uri: Climate-damage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Climate_damage%29
content:
<p>
Due to global heating, and deforestation in Brazil, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/13/americas/pantanal-fires-climate-change-intl/index.html">the giant Pantanal
wetland in Argentina is drying out and burning</a>.

<p>
*'We packed long underwear and never wore it': <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/13/arctic-melting-climate-change">Arctic scientists shocked at
warming</a>.*

<p>
They brought a ship with ice-breaking capability, and didn't need to
use that either.


feed_id: 5d2dade2bcd57470ff542cd96dc0e50e
title: Undercover infiltrators
uri: Undercover-infiltrators
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Undercover_infiltrators%29
content:
<p>
The UK has been sending undercover infiltrators <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/13/first-met-police-spy-operation-involved-sex-with-vietnam-activist-inquiry-told">to get under the covers
with protesters since the 1960s</a>.


feed_id: 7c88f4fa050dd24c026da0e5e8b6fb7e
title: Plutocratist cooperation
uri: Plutocratist-cooperation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Plutocratist_cooperation%29
content:
<p>
When Biden talks about "bipartisanship" and "cooperation", <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/12/bidens-mandate-deep-solutions-not-donor-class-fetishism-bipartisan-compromise">it means he is
deciding not to rock the boat for the plutocrats</a>.

<p>
*Biden Will Fail to Bring Back 'Normal' Politics. <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/13/biden-will-fail-bring-back-normal-politics-whats-needed-now-populism-left">What’s Needed Now Is a
Populism of the Left</a>.*


feed_id: 4d1fa31638c4f85e60fbcb0bf0b3f5d2
title: Debt prisoners
uri: Debt-prisoners
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Debt_prisoners%29
content:
<p>
Global Justice Now: *G20 Plan Is '<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/11/13/g20-plan-thin-gruel-debt-prisoners">Thin Gruel for Debt Prisoners</a>'.*


feed_id: ffb8574ce8421ce598e0534fc25b5942
title: Unlicensed cheering sound
uri: Unlicensed-cheering-sound
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Unlicensed_cheering_sound%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://sports.theonion.com/n-y-jets-sued-for-millions-after-using-unlicensed-chee-1845657449">satire</a>) *N.Y. Jets Sued For Millions After Using Unlicensed Cheering
Sounds From Other Teams.*


feed_id: 2d9cd5434ec626f2737cb39be9406c78
title: Seizing compensations for injury
uri: Seizing-compensations-for-injury
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Seizing_compensations_for_injury%29

content:
<p>
Lukashenko's latest cruelty: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/13/belarus-tells-banks-seize-money-raised-help-protesters-lukashenko">seizing the funds privately given to compensate
protesters for injury or fines inflicted on them for protesting</a>.


feed_id: ae750d2a60b600cf2fd4f06a58b4eff4
title: Too late to avoid global disaster
uri: Too-late-to-avoid-global-disaster
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Too_late_to_avoid_global_disaster%29

content:
<p>
It is too late to avoid global disaster by ceasing to increase the
level of greenhouse gases.  Even with reducing emissions to net zero
immediately, the temperature <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/12/humans-may-have-passed-point-no-return-climate-crisis-says-study-doesnt-mean-all">would continue to increase and tipping
points would be reached</a>.

<p>
This disaster could include 9 feet of sea level rise in this century
(and further rise subsequently).

<p>
We need to go beyond net zero <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/13/governments-urged-to-go-beyond-net-zero-climate-targets">so as to draw down the CO2 level</a>.

<p>
Past estimates of the amount of CO2 various natural systems can take
out of the air and sea may not be valid in the future, and perhaps not
even today; damage to these systems has and will reduce what they can
do.


feed_id: c4e3325ef7778539efa3c570b0bf02ed
title: Migrants moved to jails
uri: Migrants-moved-to-jails
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Migrants_moved_to_jails%29
content:
<p>
When migrants cross the English Channel to England, the government
moves them immediately <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/13/asylum-seekers-crossing-channel-face-inhumane-treatment-observers-say">into crowded (thus dangerous) jails without
dealing with their serious injuries</a>.

<p>
The UK's deportation of asylum seekers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/13/priti-patel-departing-from-her-own-anti-trafficking-policy">could be stopped because it violates
the stated policy</a>.


feed_id: f7d2e2de8ec741eec845e5278456421d
title: Congresswoman flees following death threats
uri: Congresswoman-flees-following-death-threats
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_November_2020_%28Congresswoman_flees_following_death_threats%29

content:
<p>
*Brazil: congresswoman and friend of slain politician Marielle Franco <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/13/congresswoman-taliria-petrone-flees-brazil-following-alleged-plot-kill-marielle-franco">flees
following death threats</a>.*


feed_id: 5e105a6381ae7c309e96042f4bcc3626
title: Spying on Mac
uri: Spying-on-Mac
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#16_November_2020_%28Spying_on_Mac%29
content:
<p>
The new version of MacOS &mdash; and therefore the new generation of Macs
&mdash; <a href="https://sneak.berlin/20201112/your-computer-isnt-yours/">informs Apple of every time the machine launches a program</a>.

<p>
The Guardian press seems blissfully unaware of this spying.  It even
repeats Apple's claims to help users protect their privacy &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/nov/13/macos-11-big-sur-review-the-mac-ipad-ified-for-the-future">but only
some aspects of their privacy</a>.
  Just as software developers have redefined "security" to mean
"security against everyone but us", Apple is redefining "privacy"
to mean "privacy from everyone but us."

<p>
People might want to post comments there (be civil about it!) or
send letters to the editor.  I am sure there are dozens of publications
which could use the same sort of response.


feed_id: b74f011bfc9e5a946b755cf0b2167ef7
title: Photos of thugs
uri: Photos-of-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#16_November_2020_%28Photos_of_thugs%29
content:
<p>
Protesters take photos of thugs to identify <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/21/technology/facial-recognition-police.html">those who commit violence
against protesters using face recognition</a>.

<p>
It is important for this to be lawful.  That's why my proposal is to
prohibit systematic collection of photos of people's faces, except
under limited circumstances.  Taking a photo occasionally must be
permitted.


feed_id: b750d42458f44943c0dad251b9478bee
title: Plutocratist cabinet ministers
uri: Plutocratist-cabinet-ministers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#16_November_2020_%28Plutocratist_cabinet_ministers%29

content:
<p>
Biden hopes we will overlook the fact <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/14/joe-biden-administration-cabinet-susan-rice-michele-flournoy">that two proposed cabinet
ministers are plutocratists, because they are female</a>.
  Hillary Clinton is female, too, and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#27_September_2015_(Secret_support_for_coup_in_Honduras)">she endorsed the coup in Honduras</a>.

<p>
Buttigieg, Brainard and Jones are center-right "moderates" too.  As
for Sally Yates, I don't know enough about her to have an opinion.


feed_id: 4a0be561e00c5b3a0dec1bb7e6cd8cf2
title: DACA protection
uri: DACA-protection
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#16_November_2020_%28DACA_protection%29
content:
<p>
A US court has ruled that Chad Wolf is not lawfully head of the
Department of Hatred and Sadism, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/15/judge-rules-daca-suspension-invalid-homeland-security-head-in-office-illegally">so his order to suspend DACA
protection was not valid</a>.


feed_id: 1b0389793689bf75f020e677689dbc0c
title: Pleasing republican donors
uri: Pleasing-republican-donors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#16_November_2020_%28Pleasing_republican_donors%29
content:
<p>
Robert Reich: *Trump's refusal to concede is just <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/14/donald-trump-concede-election-republican-donors-covid">the latest gambit to
please Republican donors</a>.*

<p>
I think it is intended to serve multiple tactical purposes.


feed_id: 264398b3b4a6358b5015de63640a4544
title: World poverty rising
uri: World-poverty-rising
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#16_November_2020_%28World_poverty_rising%29
content:
<p>
*World poverty rising <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/nov/15/world-poverty-rising-rich-nations-debt-covid-gordon-brown-child-mortality">as rich nations call in debt amid Covid</a>.*


feed_id: 6819c4783c0dd94d89ac57dc9c911ee9
title: Intensity of hurricanes
uri: Intensity-of-hurricanes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#16_November_2020_%28Intensity_of_hurricanes%29
content:
<p>
The strength and intensity of this year's hurricanes, and amount of
rainfall, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/15/scientists-link-record-breaking-hurricane-season-to-climate-crisis">is a symptom of global heating</a>.

<p>
Hurricanes also gain intensity faster than before.

<p>
The hurricane flooding has destroyed crops, and this has driven
250,000 people to flee Honduras for the US.  Except they usually can't
get in.

<p>
This will get a lot worse in the next few decades.


feed_id: 5d502e2791a06ef36c4b75e9b0e5a6e9
title: Arrest and brain injury
uri: Arrest-and-brain-injury
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#16_November_2020_%28Arrest_and_brain_injury%29
content:
<p>
Belarussian <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> arrested a beloved teacher while he was
protesting.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/15/belarus-thousands-protest-against-death-of-teacher-in-police-custody">Next thing, he died of a brain injury</a>.

<p>
He was attacked before his arrest, too, by people who may or may not
have been official <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>.


feed_id: d15bb1168d1726b98d1def6f23502a62
title: Behaving like the king
uri: Behaving-like-the-king
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#16_November_2020_%28Behaving_like_the_king%29
content:
<p>
Bogus Johnson is behaving like the king of the United Kingdom,
and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/nov/15/dominic-cummings-and-lee-cain-departure-what-really-happened">has just dismissed his favorite (Cummings)</a>,
  after previously overriding laws to protect him.
Naturally the king does not disclose why he has
sent a favorite away.


feed_id: bb29b42d155b1b38270b3b496643547f
title: Suppression and condemnation of journalism
uri: Suppression-and-condemnation-of-journalism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#16_November_2020_%28Suppression_and_condemnation_of_journalism%29

content:
<p>
Glenn Greenwald describes the mainstream media effort <a href="https://greenwald.substack.com/p/article-on-joe-and-hunter-biden-censored">to suppress and
even condemn journalism about the Hunter Biden laptop leaks</a>.

<p>
The laptop leaks story itself is not of high importance, in my view.
Even if it proved corruption on president-elect Biden's part &mdash; which
it does not &mdash; that corruption would be nothing compared with the
corruption Trump displays daily.  If I had intended to vote for Biden
before reading this, this would not have changed my mind.  He would
still be the lesser evil.  So I have ignored that story.

<p>
However, it is peculiar that so many news sites have ignored it.


feed_id: 35d5b8524412d040edf519b0dfbd183c
title: Polarized
uri: Polarized
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#16_November_2020_%28Polarized%29
content:
<p>
George Monbiot: *If Americans are not polarised against plutocrats,
they will be polarised against each other.&hellip; Obama’s attempt to
reconcile irreconcilable forces, to paper over the chasms, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/11/us-trump-biden-president-elect">arguably
gave Donald Trump his opening</a>.*

<p>
Billionaire donors' money doesn't reliably bring mainstream Democrats
victory <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/14/why-cant-inner-ring-democrats-just-say-no-billionaires">but does reliably keep them useless</a>.


feed_id: 04cc5242b12244cbfe4e625c89947d04
title: Not sufficient measures
uri: Not-sufficient-measures
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#16_November_2020_%28Not_sufficient_measures%29
content:
<p>
The measures Governor Baker is taking in Massachusetts to curb the
spread of Covid-19 <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/11/13/metro/mass-reopen-field-hospital-dcu-center-worcester/">do not seem sufficient to achieve that</a>.

<p>
10 days ago, around 2000 new cases per day were detected in
Massachusetts.  Now it is up to 2500 per day.  At the end of August it
was around 200 per day.  By December 5 it could be 5000 per day,
after a boost from Thanksgiving.

<p>
How about expressing your feelings for your relatives by not having a
gathering where any one can make everyone sick?

<p>
We have seen many countries follow the timid path of inadequate steps
and constantly increasing infection rates, ending in a very strict
lockdown.  Why can't Massachusetts learn from others' mistakes?
Taking somewhat strict measures sooner would avoid the need for very
strict measures later.

<p>
Vermont has only half the case rate per capita of Massachusetts
<a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/11/13/metro/were-going-tighten-screws-citing-covid-19-spike-vermont-governor-closes-bars-bans-multi-household-gatherings/">and is taking stronger measures</a>.


feed_id: d7af317dc1d19df763745813697f871d
title: Campaign to let the conman go unpunished
uri: Campaign-to-let-the-conman-go-unpunished
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#17_November_2020_%28Campaign_to_let_the_conman_go_unpunished%29

content:
<p>

Plutocratists are campaigning to let the conman and his corrupt officials
go <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/15/absolving-trump-means-erasing-harm-done-millions">unpunished</a>.
<p>
This is in the name of an unstated principle of plutocracy: laws are
for you and me, not for the aristocrats.


feed_id: bae9b422ba9ae9bfab3257e54fd2c744
title: The Green New Deal is crucial for the Democratic Party
uri: The-Green-New-Deal-is-crucial-for-the-Democratic-Party
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#17_November_2020_%28The_Green_New_Deal_is_crucial_fo_the_Democratic_Party%29

content:
<p>

The Green New Deal is crucial for the Democratic Party to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/15/how-green-new-deal-can-save-joe-biden-and-america">stand for something
that can inspire voters</a>.


feed_id: 2f59efe1fcb6f1bbeff9243409b385dc
title: Rejection of the electoral college coup scheme
uri: Rejection-of-the-electoral-college-coup-scheme
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#17_November_2020_%28Rejection_of_the_electoral_college_coup_scheme%29

content:
<p>

Republican state legislators have <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/11/14/ploy-flip-electors-trump-rejected-republican-leaders-4-key-states/6298966002/">rejected the electoral college coup scheme</a>.
<p>
I think that act of honesty seals the wrecker's defeat.  However, he
can still do various kinds of harm between now and Jan 20.  In
particular, by sabotaging the transition, he can cause a wide range of
problems that could last a few months.  He seems to hate the United
States so much that he thinks that inflicting any little bit of damage
is better than none.


feed_id: c16854f18e5c85e069959175b0fdfc80
title: Flying and driving more post-Covid
uri: Flying-and-driving-more-post-Covid
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#17_November_2020_%28Flying_and_driving_more_post-Covid%29

content:
<p>

*People <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/10/people-drive-fly-climate-crisis-global-poll-green-recovery-covid-pandemic">plan to fly and drive more post-Covid</a> [than they flew and drove
before], climate poll shows.*
<p>
Renewable electric generation is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/10/renewable-energy-covid-19-record-growth-2020">growing ever faster</a>.
But not fast enough. If people are going to drive more, we need to
make sure they are driving electric cars and that the electricity is
not made from fossil fuels.


feed_id: 8a5a7c735cdcbca58b09a323495b5b14
title: Undercover Infiltrators
uri: Undercover-Infiltrators
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#17_November_2020_%28Undercover_Infiltrators%29
content:
<p>

<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/11/15/standing-rock-tigerswan-infiltrator-documents/">Undercover infiltrators</a> in the opposition to the Dakota Access pipeline.


feed_id: ac36427520478e33954087e3b09a3c53
title: Urgent: call for the abolition of ICE
uri: Urgent-call-for-the-abolition-of-ICE
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#17_November_2020_%28Urgent%3A_call_for_the_abolition_of_ICE%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call for <a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=14006">abolition of ICE</a>, the US deportation thug agency.


feed_id: 3648ef71b6ed566860fee2309cd02e8b
title: Urgent: Cancel the Line 3 oil pipeline
uri: Urgent-Cancel-the-Line-3-oil-pipeline
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#17_November_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Cancel_the_Line_3_oil_pipeline%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Biden to <a href="https://act.350.org/sign/tell-biden-no-line-3/">cancel the Line 3 oil pipeline</a>.


feed_id: 3530e62fba35dc6f2881517e720b8a37
title: Plastic pollution
uri: 2020-11-17-Plastic-pollution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#17_November_2020_%28Plastic_pollution%29
content:
<p>
*US and UK yet to show support <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/16/us-and-uk-yet-to-show-support-for-global-treaty-to-tackle-plastic-pollution">for global treaty to tackle plastic pollution</a>.*


feed_id: a46a3f272cc86499f4904f982194e3a3
title: Trash greenhouse gas
uri: Trash-greenhouse-gas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#17_November_2020_%28Trash_greenhouse_gas%29
content:
<p>
Burning trash to generate energy increases greenhouse gas emissions
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/16/increase-in-burning-of-plastic-driving-up-emissions-from-waste-disposal">when the trash includes plastics</a>.


feed_id: 1875fefdf3c2881417ea6f2e027365c4
title: Dangerous precedent
uri: Dangerous-precedent
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#17_November_2020_%28Dangerous_precedent%29
content:
<p>
*[The cult leader]'s refusal to concede is no joke &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/16/donald-trump-concede-joke-precedent-us-institutions-democratic">it's a dangerous
precedent</a>.*

<p>
*The lesson [journalists] are constantly unlearning is that with Trump,
   things seem unthinkable until they are inevitable. And by then, it’s
   too late.*


feed_id: 221dfce435e685468936b660ad431b64
title: War and locust swarm
uri: War-and-locust-swarm
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#17_November_2020_%28War_and_locust_swarm%29
content:
<p>
*How war threatens Ethiopia's struggle <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/nov/16/war-ethiopia-locust-swarm">against worst locust swarm in
 25 years</a>.*


feed_id: 15425ad94d37ad21dc9251946908ebf4
title: Personalized ads
uri: 2020-11-17-Personalized-ads
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#17_November_2020_%28Personalized_ads%29
content:
<p>
*Only 17% Of Consumers <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkoetsier/2019/02/09/83-of-consumers-believe-personalized-ads-are-morally-wrong-survey-says/">Believe Personalized Ads Are Ethical</a>, Survey Says.*

<p>
If you are not one of them, push back &mdash; stop being a used of Facebook!
Don't be a zucker!


feed_id: b7a3c86ee18dd80f406a1d56bc7c55f2
title: Bogus tests
uri: Bogus-tests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#17_November_2020_%28Bogus_tests%29
content:
<p>
Bogus Johnson plans to spend 100 billion UKP on a Covid-19 testing scheme
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/16/operation-moonshot-like-building-channel-tunnel-without-civil-engineers-covid-testing">that scientists believe will fail to do any good</a>.


feed_id: b29404fa9ed166ad49f31da507fbe0cb
title: Televangelist
uri: Televangelist
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#17_November_2020_%28Televangelist%29
content:
<p>
*Texas televangelist who falsely linked pandemic to premarital sex <a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/11/10/texas-televangelist-who-falsely-linked-pandemic-to-premarital-sex-dies-of-covid-19.html">dies of
Covid-19</a>.*

<p>
Hmm, maybe he was trying to atone for a life-long guilt about losing
his virginity.


feed_id: fce3911e5b22b7bd110e8a061fa9366a
title: Highly effective face masks
uri: Highly-effective-face-masks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#17_November_2020_%28Highly_effective_face_masks%29
content:
<p>
Eliminating Covid-19 calls for <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/15/opinions/covid-19-face-masks-wearing-blumenthal-stark/index.html">a reliable way for everyone to get
highly effective face masks</a>.

<p>
The guidance I have seen is difficult to apply.  It is formulated in terms
of determinations I do not know how to make.


feed_id: 2d9670b9182f94c276cd3819c75aef73
title: PFAs may reduce the effectiveness of some Covid-19 vaccines
uri: PFAs-may-reduce-the-effectiveness-of-some-Covid-19-vaccines
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28PFAs_may_reduce_the_effectiveness_of_some_Covid-19_vaccines%29

content:
<p>

PFAs in household items (and therefore in our bodies) may <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/17/chemicals-found-in-everyday-products-could-hinder-covid-19-vaccine">reduce the
effectiveness</a> of some Covid-19 vaccines
in addition to causing liver damage and cancer.
<p>
The RNA vaccines which are not affected by PFAs pose an imponderable
risk of <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_(DNA_vaccines)">possible genetic harm</a>.


feed_id: 4aa8301cca47c1884ce734f930465c2f
title: Canadian spying is understated
uri: Canadian-spying-is-understated
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28Canadian_spying_is_understated%29

content:
<p>

The Canadian government's national thug agency <a href="https://thetyee.ca/News/2020/11/16/You-Have-Zero-Privacy-RCMP-Web-Spying/">systematically
understates</a> how much it can spy on anyone in Canada.
<p>
It is especially interested in spying on protesters, who have
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-may-aug.html#30%20June%202010%20(Human%20rights%20abuse%20in%20Canada)">experienced its brutality</a> as well.


feed_id: 8cc03b4a6e6df63ef82f9e51c025f577
title: Trump demands Afghan withdrawal
uri: Trump-demands-Afghan-withdrawal
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28Trump_demands_Afghan_withdrawal%29

content:
<p>

*Trump <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/17/trump-demands-afghan-withdrawal-and-washington-panics-its-time-leave-now">Demands Afghan Withdrawal</a> and Washington Panics. But It’s Time
To Leave, Now.*
<p>
It has been time to pull out of Afghanistan for many years.


feed_id: 05a42fe3d1b7eed79b86bb495295df61
title: The wrecker firing those that won't lie for him
uri: The-wrecker-firing-those-that-won-t-lie-for-him
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28The_wrecker_firing_those_that_won%27t_lie_for_him%29

content:
<p>

The wrecker is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/17/chris-krebs-trump-fired-cybersecurity-voter-fraud-claims">firing officials for refusing to lie for him</a>.
<p>
The danger is that other officials will lie, or support lies by not
refuting them, rather than be fired, and that this will enable him to
seize power or commit sabotage.


feed_id: e86456dea0425c1ce02b469e8400a831
title: Protecting the sea bottom
uri: Protecting-the-sea-bottom
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28Protecting_teh_sea_bottom%29
content:
<p>

Protecting the sea bottom from destructive trawlers by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/17/underwater-museum-how-paolo-the-fisherman-made-the-meds-strangest-sight">putting large statues
on the sea bottom</a> in close proximity.
<p>
It's clever, and apparently effective, but it does not scale to the
whole of the Mediterranean, let alone the oceans.  I think states will
have to start confiscating boats that carry trawling equipment.


feed_id: 0d76750617b36c4404534def5d0db0c0
title: Iris scans, voice prints and DNA samples
uri: Iris-scans-voice-prints-and-DNA-samples
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28Iris_scans%2C_voice_prints_and_DNA_samples%29

content:
<p>

The Department of Harshness and Sadism wants to <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/11/17/dhs-biometrics-dna/">collect iris scans,
voice prints, and even DNA samples</a>, from anyone that applies for
residency or citizenship, and per sponsors as well.


feed_id: 071dc949b68cd4a21ea6d6b5af35cab5
title: Planet roasters involved in supporting the wrecker's efforts
uri: Planet-roasters-involved-in-supporting-the-wrecker-s-efforts
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28Planet_roasters_involved_in_supporting_the_wrecker%27s_efforts%29

content:
<p>

Planet roasters are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/17/oil-gas-trump-election-climate-coup-republicans-fossil-fuel">deeply involved</a> in supporting the wrecker's efforts
to seize power and set aside the election.


feed_id: b121629c9858aa781de6b29f8d239658
title: Extinction Rebellion rally in London
uri: Extinction-Rebellion-rally-in-London
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28Extinction_Rebellion_rally_in_London%29

content:
<p>

Extinction Rebellion held a rally in London at a remembrance event for
the people killed in World War I &mdash; to remind us that <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>
may kill more than 200 times as many.  The mainstream media <a href="https://www.medialens.org/2020/the-dead-and-those-about-to-die-climate-protests-and-the-corporate-media/">condemned
it</a>.
<p>
Starmer called it "bad taste."  I suppose "good taste" means taking
care not to do justice to the gravity of situation.


feed_id: 6a1d5b0863082d366117df8ecaacc4ba
title: Corbyn unsuspended
uri: Corbyn-unsuspended
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28Corbyn_unsuspended%29
content:
<p>

The Labour Party has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/nov/17/labour-reinstates-jeremy-corbyn-after-suspension-over-antisemitism-remarks">unsuspended Corbyn</a>.


feed_id: df1acbf6a58ef528f5d88db10668bc39
title: Fighting right-wing racist extremists with their own medicine
uri: Fighting-right-wing-racist-extremists-with-their-own-medicine
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28Fighting_right-wing_racist_extremists_with_their_own_medicine%29

content:
<p>

Talia Lavin pioneers fighting back against right-wing racist extremists
with <a href="https://www.972mag.com/culture-warlords-talia-lavin-review/">some of their own medicine</a>.
<p>
*As a minority, American Jews understand the dangers of authoritarians and
nationalists. As a ruling group, <a href="https://www.972mag.com/israel-us-jewish-divide/">Israeli Jews see them as logical allies</a>.*


feed_id: 5d11a4596c19a81c5450058c31cf05d3
title: An edifice of lies
uri: An-edifice-of-lies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28An_edifice_of_lies%29
content:
<p>

The US government has constructed an <a href="http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/55831.htm">edifice of lies</a> to negate the
fourth amendment requirement for specific searches to be authorized by
courts, an edifice that permits broad snooping on almost everyone.


feed_id: 91ef73e5c2406e2d6c4737b425576f1c
title: The harm of the War on Drugs
uri: The-harm-of-the-War-on-Drugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28The_harm_of_the_War_on_Drugs%29
content:
<p>

*50 Years After the Start of the War on Drugs, Americans Have a Chance to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/16/50-years-after-start-war-drugs-americans-have-chance-fix-harm-it-created">Fix
the Harm</a> It Created.*


feed_id: 9e748844961d8b1dab5c6d1d7e92f258
title: Will Biden wipe out student debt?
uri: Will-Biden-wipe-out-student-debt
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28Will_Biden_wipe_out_student_debt_%29

content:
<p>

*The Federal Government Owns 92% of Student Debt. Will Biden <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/16/federal-government-owns-92-student-debt-will-biden-wipe-it-out">Wipe It Out?</a>*


feed_id: 487e6566e6261de0d7ef7ed82472768e
title: Another right-wing conman in 2024
uri: Another-right-wing-conman-in-2024
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28Another_right-wing_conman_in_2024%29

content:
<p>

If Democrats don't <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/16/biden-rushes-where-clinton-failed-tread">push to fix the injustices of the United States</a>,
the conmen, or another right-wing conman, could crush them in 2024.
<p>
The Republicans will use valid arguments combined with dishonest
arguments, but both kinds will resonate unless the Democrats have a
powerful appeal to many voters.  Something more than "I'm not Trump."
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/16/you-cant-eat-civility-message-joe-biden-and-democrats">*You Can't Eat Civility.*</a>  Or a bipartisan decision to put you out on
the street.


feed_id: 6c1b8d6ceff667519e628eeb5b8be3c7
title: The US electoral college
uri: 2020-11-18-The-US-electoral-college
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28The_US_electoral_college%29
content:
<p>

Why the US has the electoral college, and <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2020/11/15/1996067/-Electoral-College-is-Not-Going-Away">what blocks getting rid of it</a>.


feed_id: 20275db038dccad42f7d15024d218f2a
title: Republicans have been rigging elections for over a century
uri: Republicans-have-been-rigging-elections-for-over-a-century
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28Republicans_have_been_rigging_elections_for_over_a_century%29

content:
<p>

Republicans have been <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/16/election-was-rigged">rigging elections for over a century</a> with various
schemes to stop blacks (and sometimes hispanics) from voting.
<p>
When people investigate the reason Democrats did not take more Senate
seats, they should consider the impact of voter suppression in those
states.
<p>
*Georgia’s secretary of state says <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/16/georgia-brad-raffensperger-lindsey-graham-elections-ballots">Lindsey Graham suggested he throw out legal
ballots</a>.*


feed_id: 22e923967480f5868798133709567ed2
title: Divestment from fossil fuels by various Catholic, Jewish and Protestant organizations
uri: Divestment-from-fossil-fuels-by-various-Catholic-Jewish-and-Protestan
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28Divestment_from_fossil_fuels_by_various_Catholic%2C_Jewish_and_Protestant_organizations%29

content:
<p>

Various Catholic, Jewish and Protestant organizations have now <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/11/16/faith-institutions-announce-largest-ever-joint-divestment-fossil-fuels">announced
divestment from fossil fuels</a>.


feed_id: db6e97f14760a27d9190820a82833221
title: (satire) Virus Stockpile
uri: (satire)-Virus-Stockpile
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28%28satire%29_Virus_Stockpile%29
content:
<p>

(satire) *Experts Confirm Virus Stockpile <a href="https://www.theonion.com/experts-confirm-virus-stockpile-large-enough-to-prevent-1845688859">Large Enough To Prevent Any
Covid Shortages</a> This Winter.*
<p>
If you have any way of contacting The Onion, please ask them to make
the images and audio recordings in their postings accessible without
the user's running any nonfree JavaScript code.
<p>
You can use https://gnu.org/philosophy/javascript-trap.html to explain
the issue, along with fsf.org/tedx (14 minute video).


feed_id: 3e76238f47e4487c6d5467a7410cae1a
title: The myth of US major media being "liberal"
uri: The-myth-of-US-major-media-being-liberal
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28The_myth_of_US_major_media_being_liberal%29

content:
<p>

The myth that US major media are "liberal" is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/16/its-2020-dangerous-myth-about-so-called-liberal-media-are-still-going-strong">believed in other
countries as well as the US</a>.
<p>
The major US media tend to to be center-right "centrists", but
right-wing activists describe them as "liberal" so as to mislead
people about where the center of public opinion is.


feed_id: 59878ae21576021897c40e0065ef8a9d
title: Speculations about how Alexei Navalny was poisoned
uri: Speculations-about-how-Alexei-Navalny-was-poisoned
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28Speculations_about_how_Alexei_Navalny_was_poisoned%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/16/kremlin-alexei-navalny-western-security-agencies-novichok">Speculations about how Alexei Navalny was poisoned</a>, by precisely whom,
and whether the intention was to kill him.


feed_id: fccef97202213dd8a21357844eed5496
title: Measuring construction of renewable electric generation
uri: Measuring-construction-of-renewable-electric-generation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28Measuring_construction_of_renewable_electric_generation%29

content:
<p>

This article <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/16/eu-plans-increase-offshore-windfarm-capacity">demonstrates the folly</a> of measuring construction of
renewable electric generation in proportion to what already exists.
<p>
Percentage is a useful way to measure a small fraction but misleading
when used to describe a fraction close to or above 1.  A ratio such
as "250%" sounds impressive, but 250% of a small number is only a
little larger.
<p>
Aside from that, I can't see how it fits the other figures.
What here is 250% of what?
<p>
Furthermore, "gigawatts per year" is not is measure of energy, nor of
"energy generating capacity".  The amount of energy generated or work
done per unit time is called "power" and it is measured in watts.  I
speculate that 23 gigawatts is the total maximum power output of
Europe's existing offshore wind generators.
<p>
What can be said of the strategy in the leaked paper?  It is
inadequate.  It proposes to add around 340 GW of wind and ocean
generation by 2050, which could be a substantial amount, but 300GW
would be built in the second and third decades.  That is delaying too
long!


feed_id: ac0b19e10a57c44a89014b0545a11aae
title: Urgent: tell Biden: Don't Let Mitch McConnell Dictate Your Cabinet Choices.
uri: Urgent-tell-Biden-Don-t-Let-Mitch-McConnell-Dictate-Your-Cabinet-Cho
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28Urgent%3A_tell_Biden%3A_Don%27t_Let_Mitch_McConnell_Dictate_Your_Cabinet_Choices.%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: tell Biden: <a href="http://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/BidensCabient/">Don't Let Mitch McConnell Dictate Your
Cabinet Choices</a>.


feed_id: df2ed040b58c180a9995ed23800a8a61
title: Urgent: pass the ROE Act's provisions
uri: Urgent-pass-the-ROE-Act-s-provisions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28Urgent%3A_pass_the_ROE_Act%27s_provisions%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on your state senator to <a href="https://action.aclu.org/send-message/tell-massachusetts-senators-protect-and-expand-abortion-access?ms_aff=MA&initms_aff=MA&ms_chan=eml&initms_chan=eml">pass the ROE Act's provisions</a>.


feed_id: 9994010a51be357377b62301c808944a
title: Votes
uri: Votes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28Votes%29
content:
<p>
*White men swung to Biden. [The bullshitter] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/14/joe-biden-trump-black-latino-republicans">made gains with black and
Latino voters. Why?</a>*

<p>
The article does not try to answer that question, but it is very
important.


feed_id: 51507188e8182af61ab28e14ecad12ce
title: Degradation of democracy
uri: Degradation-of-democracy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28Degradation_of_democracy%29
content:
<p>
*The [Republican] party is challenging the outcome of the election without any proof
   of fraud. Their degradation of democracy <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/14/republicans-election-donald-trump-fire">will reverberate for years to
   come</a>.*


feed_id: c4f36a39af9dff28b8ed96f1d44b480c
title: Learning vote suppression
uri: Learning-vote-suppression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28Learning_vote_suppression%29
content:
<p>
*The US right is skilled in voter suppression. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/14/the-us-right-is-skilled-in-voter-suppression-and-the-tories-are-learning-fast">And the Tories are learning
fast</a>.*


feed_id: b1f758d9cb3ecd4ec5799cb26d4d441c
title: 1985 Move bombing
uri: 1985-Move-bombing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%281985_Move_bombing%29
content:
<p>
*Philadelphia city council apologises <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/13/philadelphia-1985-move-bombing-apology">for deadly 1985 Move bombing</a>.*


feed_id: dcf00e6f60de2891784360d6181cc969
title: Bureaucratic rigidity
uri: Bureaucratic-rigidity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28Bureaucratic_rigidity%29
content:
<p>
Nauroze Anees, an foreign student in Australia, failed to comply with
visa requirements because he had to care for his mate, then was
refused a visa to care for his mate based on bureaucratic rigidity,
and since then has been imprisoned for 4 years.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/nov/14/pakistani-man-held-by-australia-freed-after-1490-days-in-arbitrary-detention">He has now been
freed, by a court decision</a>.


feed_id: 465bee7ee0b632d9cce221aab5e1903d
title: Divest from fossil fuel companies
uri: 2020-11-18-Divest-from-fossil-fuel-companies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28Divest_from_fossil_fuel_companies%29

content:
<p>
A call to divest from 1,000 fossil fuel companies <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/nov/12/thermal-coal-firms-climate-pledge-report-paris-goals">that impudently persist in
building new fossil fuel infrastructure</a>
  and reject the idea of making a "transition" to another way of doing business.


feed_id: 96cd1b7b94df3634dbc8a06723e40043
title: Greenwald and The Intercept
uri: Greenwald-and-The-Intercept
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28Greenwald_and_The_Intercept%29
content:
<p>
Glenn Greenwald has decided to resign from The Intercept because it
has adopted a hard partisan line, and <a href="https://greenwald.substack.com/p/my-resignation-from-the-intercept">refused to let him publish
anything which goes against that line</a>.

<p>
It censored his work in despite of a contract agreeing not to do so.


feed_id: 73943b4218eeefa0161e0466669e2c1a
title: Censorship
uri: 2020-11-18-Censorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%28Censorship%29
content:
<p>
India is imposing censorship <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/11/india-to-regulate-netflix-and-amazon-streaming-content">on internet publication and communication</a>.
  One thing we can be sure will not be censored is right-wing extremism.


feed_id: a863f9692173d3e238d88ce5124dffd1
title: New Zealand's birth rate
uri: New-Zealand-s-birth-rate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#19_November_2020_%28New_Zealand%27s_birth_rate%29
content:
<p>

New Zealand's birth rate <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/18/new-zealands-birthrate-drops-to-record-low-as-economic-insecurity-increases">has fallen</a> due to economic insecurity.
<p>
That is a good reason to postpone having children, if you are planning
to have them.  But should New Zealanders have them at all?
<p>
The population density of New Zealand is around 50 per square mile (5%
that of Massachusetts).  A large part of New Zealand's area is wild.
Perhaps its population is already sustainable, or at least in the
right order of magnitude.  If so, New Zealand is a fortunate exception,
since the global human population is far beyond sustainable.


feed_id: 93f0f899ddd6b1d3e5341242f69e23cb
title: Natural gas is too expensive and too dirty
uri: Natural-gas-is-too-expensive-and-too-dirty
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#19_November_2020_%28Natural_gas_is_too_expensive_and_too_dirty%29

content:
<p>

*[Natural] gas <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2020/nov/17/gas-wont-fuel-australias-recovery-or-reduce-emissions-its-a-mirage">won't fuel Australia's recovery or reduce emissions</a>.
The truth is gas is both too expensive and too dirty. We’ve known this
for nearly a decade.*


feed_id: 083e33e9e64a8d98eba7e2b7156186b3
title: Location data harvested from apps
uri: Location-data-harvested-from-apps
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#19_November_2020_%28Location_data_harvested_from_apps%29

content:
<p>

*US Military <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/16/absolutely-sickening-us-military-buys-location-data-harvested-apps-including-one">Buys Location Data Harvested From Apps</a>,
Including One for Muslim Prayers.*
<p>
If the data is collected, it <em>will</em> be misused.  We need <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">laws to prevent
systems from collecting such data</a>.


feed_id: 3e80da850428c80603f7f1b97d08428b
title: Google biased its search engine to defeat ballot initiative
uri: Google-biased-its-search-engine-to-defeat-ballot-initiative
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#19_November_2020_%28Google_biased_its_search_engine_to_defeat_ballot_initiative%29

content:
<p>

It looks like Google <a href="https://www.cpomagazine.com/data-privacy/did-google-try-to-tip-the-scales-to-defeat-prop-24-california-privacy-advocates-accuse-tech-giant-of-wielding-its-search-algorithm-for-political-ends/">biased its search engine</a> to try to defeat a
California ballot initiative that restricts companies' use of people's
data.
<p>
This does not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Google cheated.
But on the preponderance of the evidence, I am convinced.


feed_id: 9bd142f3e77a7898c96332a062e8d16d
title: (satire) Governors call on Gretchen Whitmer to shut down their states
uri: (satire)-Governors-call-on-Gretchen-Whitmer-to-shut-down-their-states
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#19_November_2020_%28%28satire%29_Governors_call_on_Gretchen_Whitmer_to_shut_down_their_states%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Governors Call On [Michigan Governor] Gretchen Whitmer To
<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/governors-call-on-gretchen-whitmer-to-shut-down-their-s-1845691592">Shut Down Their States</a> So Residents Won’t Get Mad At Them.*


feed_id: 76c9d74700a61db87f3f383e83630bbb
title: Limited size of private gatherings in New York
uri: Limited-size-of-private-gatherings-in-New-York
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#19_November_2020_%28Limited_size_of_private_gatherings_in_New_York%29

content:
<p>

Several sheriffs in New York State say they will <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/17/us/sheriffs-ignore-cuomo-executive-order-trnd/index.html">refuse to enforce</a> the
governor's order limiting the size of private gatherings.,
<p>
They say that it is unconstitutional to restrict who can enter,
invited, into a home.  I hope that is true in normal times, but I'd
expect that there is an exception for emergency situations &mdash; and this
is certainly an emergency.


feed_id: a339dabd8baea53c38a09043027ce3fa
title: Louisiana congresscritter named to White House post
uri: Louisiana-congresscritter-named-to-White-House-post
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#19_November_2020_%28Louisiana_congresscritter_named_to_White_House_post%29

content:
<p>

Biden has named a Louisiana congresscritter who's in the <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/17/today-feels-betrayal-sunrise-movement-blasts-biden-pick-big-oil-backed-cedric">fossil fuel
business's pocket</a> to a White House post.
<p>
I don't know what power or influence he would have in that post.  It
does not sound like he would be in charge of any environment-related
decisions or actions.  Perhaps this is less important than it looks.
But I don't know that.


feed_id: 2d9e923e7fcf4d52de0ada3fcb02bf8b
title: National medical system by executive order
uri: National-medical-system-by-executive-order
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#19_November_2020_%28National_medical_system_by_executive_order%29

content:
<p>

Contending that Biden could institute a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/17/pandemic-national-emergency-biden-could-enact-medicare-all-executive-action-will-he">national medical system by executive
order</a> due to the national emergency constituted by Covid-19.
<p>
We sorely need it.  Some US hospitals charge patients 18 times the
cost of treatment.  The average cost of hospital <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/16/study-detailing-scandalous-hospital-price-gouging-during-pandemic-proves-medicare">treatment for
Covid-19 is $42,000</a>, which most Americans cannot ever pay.


feed_id: c3e092de3727568574a24e7e645e7917
title: The wrecker getting away with his crimes
uri: The-wrecker-getting-away-with-his-crimes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#19_November_2020_%28The_wrecker_getting_away_with_his_crimes%29

content:
<p>

Biden wants to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/17/how-torturer-ended-running-cia-biden-reportedly-hopes-avoid-probes-trump-crimes">let the wrecker get away with his crimes</a>.
<p>
Since the wrecker commits crimes by choice, he certainly will make use
of this undeserved immunity to cause further trouble, including
perhaps winning in 2024, if Biden has done nothing about the problems
caused by plutocracy.
<p>
If Biden thinks that being kind and gentle to the wrecker will win him
any support from the wrecker's followers, he is fooling himself.  The
wrecker will tell his followers that this proves how powerful he is.
<p>
The wrecker's debts <a href="https://time.com/5894199/trump-debt-national-security-threat/">make him a threat to national security</a> in the
usual, narrow sense.
<p>
If we interpret "national security" in a broad sense, he has already
mostly wrecked the national security" of the United States.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">Global heating</a> is one of the main threats to most countries' security,
including that of the US, and he has done everything to make it worse.
Plutocracy and the poverty it causes makes the US less secure, and he
has worked to make it worse.  The hatred he has stirred up has also
made the US less secure.
<p>
Convicting the wrecker, so as to put him in prison, would be a vital
precaution to make him useless as a agent for the highest bidder among
America's enemies, foreign or domestic.


feed_id: 3eef1d54bf42cb8af93f4ddb86268c4f
title: Oil leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
uri: Oil-leases-in-the-Arctic-National-Wildlife-Refuge
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#19_November_2020_%28Oil_leases_in_the_Arctic_National_Wildlife_Refuge%29

content:
<p>

The wrecker wants to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/17/trump-oil-drilling-arctic-wildlife-refuge-alaska">sell oil leases in the Arctic National Wildlife
Refuge</a> before Biden is inaugurated.
<p>
Biden has said he will not allow drilling there, and he might be able
to cancel any leases that are sold.  But seismic testing could start
in January and could kill some polar bears.
<p>
I point out with sadness that killing some polar bears this winter may
not change anything in the long term, given that we are pushing them
to extinction (or pretty close to it) by eliminating the Arctic sea
ice.


feed_id: 052fb87b5850a17dc39b75571184ea08
title: The wrecker asking about bombing Iran
uri: The-wrecker-asking-about-bombing-Iran
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#19_November_2020_%28The_wrecker_asking_about_bombing_Iran%29

content:
<p>

The wrecker asked officials about <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/17/trump-iran-bombing-option-report-new-york-times">bombing Iran</a> as a last-minute way
of inflicting another war on Biden (and the United States).
<p>
The war would cause more difficulties for Iran, too, but the wrecker
probably cares less about that.
<p>
Bombing Iran uranium refining facility would release a toxic fluorine
compound which could <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/17/trumps-requested-strike-iran-could-kill-more-people-atomic-bombing-nagasaki">kill thousands of civilians</a>, perhaps tens of thousands.
It could also pollute the source of 1/3 of Iran's water
for farming and household use.
<p>
There is no way to compensate for such enormous damage.


feed_id: 9f537da2e13bc87b4ecd9b2263b32404
title: Urgent: Boycott Amazon
uri: 2020-11-19-Urgent-Boycott-Amazon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#19_November_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Boycott_Amazon%29
content:
<p>

In the US: boycott <a href="https://stallman.org/amazon.html">Amazon</a>
on Nov 27 and 30.
Buy from local businesses instead.
<p>
Even better, do as I do when I buy: pay cash, and don't give your name.
And you're not limited to those two days.


feed_id: 81eb9f4aa05f45b95b040bca2eeca61b
title: 1985 Move bombing
uri: 2020-11-19-1985-Move-bombing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#18_November_2020_%281985_Move_bombing%29
content:
<p>
*Philadelphia city council apologizes <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/13/philadelphia-1985-move-bombing-apology">for deadly 1985 Move bombing</a>.*


feed_id: 6e152a7c6063ca17f836a77724dee5e7
title: Past forests tipping point
uri: Past-forests-tipping-point
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#19_November_2020_%28Past_forests_tipping_point%29
content:
<p>
*Megaprojects risk <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/19/megaprojects-risk-pushing-forests-past-tipping-point-report">pushing forests past tipping point</a>.*


feed_id: 4d40d632ce9117715e605f501d7b29c7
title: Murder of civilians
uri: 2020-11-19-Murder-of-civilians
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#19_November_2020_%28Murder_of_civilians%29
content:
<p>
*Australian special forces involved in murder of 39 Afghan civilians, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/nov/19/australian-special-forces-involved-in-of-39-afghan-civilians-war-crimes-report-alleges">war
crimes report alleges</a>.*


feed_id: a83240821014b0a6b1c8f661d2cc2135
title: Buying from Amazon
uri: Buying-from-Amazon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#19_November_2020_%28Buying_from_Amazon%29
content:
<p>
Many people, not understanding why it is wrong, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/nov/18/how-amazon-became-a-pandemic-giant-and-why-that-could-be-a-threat-to-us-all">have responded to Covid-19
by buying more from Amazon</a>.

<p>
We need laws to stop any company from mistreating workers and
customers as Amazon does, but until we get them &mdash; as long as Amazon
continues to do these things &mdash; we should not <a href="https://stallman.org/amazon.html">buy anything from Amazon</a>.

<p>
When a friend want to get something for me, I say, "Please do not get
it from Amazon!"


feed_id: 72d65c88c282d44c37443772b6be92b4
title: Worst on climate issues
uri: Worst-on-climate-issues
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#19_November_2020_%28Worst_on_climate_issues%29
content:
<p>
On climate issues, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/nov/18/australias-climate-record-labelled-simply-embarrassing-and-among-worst-of-g20-nations">Australia is the worst of the G20</a>.

<p>
This does not surprise me; Australia's government has been run by
outright planet-roasters for many years, and the official opposition
is not much better.  Most Australians have allowed themselves to be
bamboozled by the short-term issues of "jobs" and "the economy", and
ignored their long-term survival.

<p>
The cause seems to be <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-17/scott-morrison-murdoch-media-like-a-team-turnbull-says/12891218">the power of a planet-roaster media baron,
Murdoch</a>.

<p>
I wonder if the great fires of last summer taught Australians anything.


feed_id: 7ea5637756a2ab62082b40aa37adea8b
title: Veto on Covid aid program
uri: Veto-on-Covid-aid-program
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#19_November_2020_%28Veto_on_Covid_aid_program%29
content:
<p>
Poland and Hungary vetoed the EU's Covid aid program <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/17/the-guardian-view-on-poland-and-hungary-obstacles-to-progress-again">to block a plan
to require them to accept an independent judiciary</a>.


feed_id: 3e0a99572eb7ba8edda8fec12ef88748
title: Legal protection to a lagoon
uri: Legal-protection-to-a-lagoon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#19_November_2020_%28Legal_protection_to_a_lagoon%29
content:
<p>
Spain is giving legal protection to a lagoon, the Mar Menor, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/18/can-spain-fix-its-worst-ecological-disaster-by-making-a-lagoon-a-legal-person">and
allowing people to sue polluters on its behalf</a>.

<p>
This seems to be a very good plan, but the article persistently says
that the lagoon is now a "person."  

<p>
I don't think that is what the law says.  When the article describes
the matter carefully, no such "person" is involved.  That's good,
because a lagoon is not a person.

<p>
The idea that to have any legal existence requires being a "person"
is not only absurd, it has done terribly harm.  Consider, for instance,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-sep-dec.html#11 September 2010 (Dismantling civil rights in America)">the Corporations United decision</a>
  in the United States, in which the Supreme Court ruled that
corporations are entitled to human rights.  For humanity's survival
and freedom we must take away the rights of fictitious "persons" &mdash;
but the Mar Menor should remain protected.


feed_id: 634f845640a99aded1e60d2fd2f174d3
title: Austerity and Covid
uri: Austerity-and-Covid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#19_November_2020_%28Austerity_and_Covid%29
content:
<p>
*Covid has exposed the damage <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/nov/18/covid-exposed-damage-families-austerity">caused to families by a decade of austerity</a>.*

<p>
This is about the UK, but the US has faced somewhat similar increasing hardship
for the non-affluent, and there may be a lot of similarity.


feed_id: 29313f4d5079dbaa477d5432e9989e0c
title: Dead coral
uri: Dead-coral
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#19_November_2020_%28Dead_coral%29
content:
<p>
98% of the coral in Florida's reefs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/18/coral-reefs-florida-dire-outlook">is dead</a>.
  <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">Global heating</a> and ocean acidification are largely responsible.

<p>
A certain level of CO2 in the air will make the oceans so acidic that
coral will simply die.  Nothing can save them in those circumstances.
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2007-nov-feb.html#24 January 2008 (Global warming is destroying coral reefs)">Many other organisms with shells will die, too</a>.


feed_id: 94ebaf50f8cc10c0fe0c2722500eeb41
title: Fight with Corbyn
uri: Fight-with-Corbyn
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#19_November_2020_%28Fight_with_Corbyn%29
content:
<p>
Starmer has decided to reject Corbyn as a Labour MP, although <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/nov/18/jeremy-corbyn-refused-labour-whip-despite-having-suspension-lifted">he has
been approved as a citizen member of the Labour Party</a>.

<p>
In effect, Starmer has chosen a continuing fight with Corbyn and his
supporters.


feed_id: 7148a593da5f571f16d7d03e9481c2f8
title: Accusations of voter fraud
uri: Accusations-of-voter-fraud
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#19_November_2020_%28Accusations_of_voter_fraud%29
content:
<p>
A wide variety of Republican accusations of voter fraud <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/18/dead-voter-conspiracy-theory-debunked">have been checked
and found false</a>.

<p>
Republicans do not check these accusations before publishing them because they
figure that a false accusation is almost as effective as a true one.


feed_id: db6e762b5c356693da2912b92f0b8bf7
title: Covid-19 treatment
uri: Covid-19-treatment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#19_November_2020_%28Covid-19_treatment%29
content:
<p>
Some US hospitals charge patients 18 times the cost of treatment.  The
average cost of hospital treatment for Covid-19 is $42,000, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/16/study-detailing-scandalous-hospital-price-gouging-during-pandemic-proves-medicare">which
most Americans cannot ever pay</a>.


feed_id: c147e7447d6c5d8afca7396928255b68
title: Employees of clinic catching Covid-19
uri: Employees-of-clinic-catching-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#19_November_2020_%28Employees_of_clinic_catching_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>
900 employees of the Mayo Clinic have caught Covid-19, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/18/covid-19-mayo-clinic-hospital-employees-infected">most of them
not while at work</a>.


feed_id: cb897640b36941fbbd67798bbde04d40
title: A good treasury secretary could defund fossil fuels
uri: A-good-treasury-secretary-could-defund-fossil-fuels
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#20_November_2020_%28A_good_treasury_secretary_could_defund_fossil_fuels%29

content:
<p>

A good choice of treasury secretary could <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/11/19/biden-treasury-secretary-climate/">effectively defund</a> the
fossil fuel industry.


feed_id: bc1388e20a50d3acb4b9681391947c29
title: Climate activists ramp up pressure on Biden
uri: Climate-activists-ramp-up-pressure-on-Biden
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#20_November_2020_%28Climate_activists_ramp_up_pressure_on_Biden%29

content:
<p>

*Climate activists ramp up pressure on Biden with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/19/climate-protest-democratic-headquarters">protest outside Democratic
headquarters</a>.*


feed_id: 6528995beb82024b7f79b61fb8bedc69
title: Snooping in the 1970s
uri: Snooping-in-the-1970s
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#20_November_2020_%28Snooping_in_the_1970s%29
content:
<p>

A retired undercover UK thug reports <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/18/undercover-police-officer-spied-on-womens-rights-group-inquiry-told">snooping in the 1970s on a
campaign</a> for equal pay for women, gratis contraception and better
child care.
<p>
It was not a total waste of time, as she supported the campaign to
some extent.


feed_id: 3c903d5cb643cfe7650aa97b82b94d5b
title: (satire) Light therapy lamp
uri: (satire)-Light-therapy-lamp
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#20_November_2020_%28%28satire%29_Light_therapy_lamp%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Light Therapy Lamp Opts To <a href="https://www.theonion.com/light-therapy-lamp-opts-to-burn-down-house-rather-than-1845707528">Burn Down House Rather Than Face
Depressed Man Yet Again</a>.*


feed_id: a7183d7b7aa7e40f068b189f5de8c571
title: (satire) Four years of political inaction
uri: (satire)-Four-years-of-political-inaction
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#20_November_2020_%28%28satire%29_Four_years_of_political_inaction%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Biden Insists Lack Of Cooperation From Trump Administration
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/biden-insists-lack-of-cooperation-from-trump-administra-1845701220">Won’t Interfere With 4 Years Of Total Political Inaction</a>.*


feed_id: 99c0219c8264e1ac14e59a4835f0c248
title: Taxpayers subsidize poverty wages
uri: Taxpayers-subsidize-poverty-wages
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#20_November_2020_%28Taxpayers_subsidize_poverty_wages%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/11/18/taxpayers-subsidize-poverty-wages-walmart-mcdonalds-other-large-corporations-gao">Taxpayers Subsidize Poverty Wages</a> at Walmart, McDonald's, Other Large
Corporations, GAO Finds.*
<p>
This would be perhaps acceptable if these corporations paid plenty of
income tax (_not_ payroll tax), enough to cover the costs of the
shortfall in worker's wages plus what they ought to be paying otherwise.
<p>
But since that is not the case, we should raise the minimum wage
and charge those companies more taxes.
<p>
We should stop using payroll taxes: companies' must not be able to
reduce their tax bills by replacing human workers with robots or
paying them less.


feed_id: 5b3513db6bae3ffe437bddd174f4bc46
title: GitHub restored the youtube-dl repo
uri: GitHub-restored-the-youtube-dl-repo
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#20_November_2020_%28GitHub_restored_the_youtube-dl_repo%29

content:
<p>

GitHub restored the youtube-dl repo after <a href="media/2a23c3a6.2020-11-16-RIAA-reversal-effletter.pdf" data-original-source="https://github.com/github/dmca/blob/master/2020/11/2020-11-16-RIAA-reversal-effletter.pdf">the EFF explained why
youtube-dl does not infringe copyright</a> or violate the Digital
Monstrosity Copyright Act.
<p>
This was a good action, but it does not undo or cancel out the
enormous harm that GitHub has done to the free software community by
<a href="https://www.gnu.org/software/repo-criteria-evaluation.html">spreading bad licensing practices</a>, nor alter the fact that some
operations on its web site require running nonfree Javascript
software.


feed_id: 03182d03064104f545ef3d77dc4d3467
title: Self-storage companies in New York City
uri: Self-storage-companies-in-New-York-City
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#20_November_2020_%28Self-storage_companies_in_New_York_City%29

content:
<p>

Self-storage companies in New York City, which are unregulated, are
pushing up the rents for people who lost their jobs and their
apartments and put their possessions into storage.  Unable to pay the
hundreds, or thousands, of dollars demanded, they face the <a href="https://www.thecity.nyc/2020/11/15/21566335/nyc-self-storage-auctions-evictions-deal-demand-rent">loss of
irreplaceable keepsakes</a> &mdash; of no value to anyone else.


feed_id: 8cab9772606eff4831192de291059745
title: Climate mayhem will be much worse than Covid-19
uri: Climate-mayhem-will-be-much-worse-than-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#20_November_2020_%28Climate_mayhem_will_be_much_worse_than_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>

The global Red Cross <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/18/no-vaccine-climate-change-coronavirus-has-been-disastrous-says-red-cross-global">warns that climate mayhem will be much worse than
Covid-19</a>.
<p>
Covid-19 is unlikely to kill more than 100 million people around the
world even if we do nothing to interfere &mdash; and we can, and will, save
many of them.  Climate disaster will be far worse, and it will keep on
getting worse.


feed_id: 5f75c69d043f023742dab9979493763e
title: How to help defeat Republicans in Georgia
uri: How-to-help-defeat-Republicans-in-Georgia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#20_November_2020_%28How_to_help_defeat_Republicans_in_Georgia%29

content:
<p>

How to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/18/georgia-runoffs-how-you-can-help-flip-senate">help defeat Republicans</a> in the Jan 5 Georgia runoffs for its two
senate seats.


feed_id: 619433d83e8b2f27f1e857fa5cb59de5
title: Starmer has refused to readmit Corbyn
uri: Starmer-has-refused-to-readmit-Corbyn
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#20_November_2020_%28Starmer_has_refused_to_readmit_Corbyn%29

content:
<p>

Starmer has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/nov/18/labour-in-fresh-turmoil-as-starmer-refuses-to-restore-whip-to-corbyn">refused to readmit Corbyn as an MP of the Labour Party</a>.  His
refusal declares a fight between his centrist wing (taking after
B'liar, perhaps a little to the left of Bill Clinton) and Corbyn's wing
of the party.
<p>
I expect Corbyn's supporters would rather make peace than fight.  But
I must suppose, from this action, that Starmer prefers a fight.  I
don't think that Corbyn's numerous supporters will give in.
<p>
More than Corbyn's own career is at stake.  So I expect Corbyn to
prepared to run again in his district, with or without Labour backing.


feed_id: 91542185253f24fabccff6d1a095305a
title: Functioning democracy
uri: Functioning-democracy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#21_November_2020_%28Functioning_democracy%29
content:
<p>
*   If Britain had a functioning democracy, Jeremy Corbyn <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/20/only-electoral-reform-will-rid-the-labour-party-of-factionalism">would be leading
   a socialist party and Keir Starmer a centre-left one</a>.*


feed_id: ba53819e0df83a56c6e2b451aa2268fc
title: Investigating soldiers
uri: Investigating-soldiers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#21_November_2020_%28Investigating_soldiers%29
content:
<p>
The UK should investigate its soldiers' <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/nov/20/calls-for-uk-to-investigate-possible-war-crimes-afghanistan-australian-report">possible war crimes in Afghanistan,
as Australia did</a>.

<p>
So should the US, of course.


feed_id: b93bef0bbd983438bab22d966029b973
title: Urgent: No more election lies
uri: Urgent-No-more-election-lies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#21_November_2020_%28Urgent%3A_No_more_election_lies%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-to-facebook-and-twitter-no-more-election-lies?nowrapper=true">call on Facebook and Twitter</a>: No more election lies!


feed_id: 062b7e7ea511a56fdb5cff64a29a4e5e
title: Urgent: chair of the foreign affairs committee
uri: Urgent-chair-of-the-foreign-affairs-committee
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#21_November_2020_%28Urgent%3A_chair_of_the_foreign_affairs_committee%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/castro-for-hfac-current">call on your congresscritter</a> to support Joaquin Castro
for chair of the foreign affairs committee.


feed_id: 56ed817c14df17615580c52a0fbfb03e
title: Urgent: put an end to racism
uri: Urgent-put-an-end-to-racism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#21_November_2020_%28Urgent%3A_put_an_end_to_racism%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.grassrootslaw.org/sign/glp-ads-jacobin-2020Q4-biden">call on Biden</a> to push to put an end to racism, including
systemic racism.


feed_id: 898f32fd0f5c7755ecab1260c16a47f5
title: Exemptions from ethics and law
uri: Exemptions-from-ethics-and-law
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#21_November_2020_%28Exemptions_from_ethics_and_law%29

content:
<p>
Bogus Johnson given the favored people who work under him, such as
his ministers, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/nov/20/priti-patel-boris-johnson-bullying-report-findings">exemptions from legal and ethical requirements</a>.


feed_id: 618c3a9edfb5b92ed4544dea06d4dc98
title: Chemsex drugs
uri: Chemsex-drugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#21_November_2020_%28Chemsex_drugs%29
content:
<p>
*Call for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/nov/20/call-for-tougher-penalties-in-uk-for-possession-of-chemsex-drugs">tougher penalties in UK for possession of chemsex drugs</a>.*

<p>
I think the world would be a better place if these drugs did not exist,
but higher penalties will not achieve that.


feed_id: f9f5478900a0e5c7db3ba41d9c11d765
title: Flower evolution
uri: Flower-evolution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#21_November_2020_%28Flower_evolution%29
content:
<p>
*Chinese flower has evolved <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/20/chinese-flower-fritillaria-delavayi-evolved-less-visible-pickers">to be less visible to pickers</a>.*

<p>
People find it difficult to spot the plants now.
Alas, because the demand is for "medicine", the plants
loss of attractiveness will not protect them.


feed_id: c70f60bb08cf61303b08fb5f81780926
title: Defund the police slogan
uri: 2020-11-21-Defund-the-police-slogan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#21_November_2020_%28Defund_the_police_slogan%29
content:
<p>
A political consultant reports that most of his focus group supports
the idea behind "Defund the Police", <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/20/heres-what-interviewing-voters-taught-me-about-the-slogan-defund-the-police">they oppose the slogan itself</a>.


feed_id: 0297b66fd1c30670d5800ac9bec6d3e4
title: Budget cutting
uri: Budget-cutting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#21_November_2020_%28Budget_cutting%29
content:
<p>
Biden is considering a budget-cutter <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/19/social-security-defenders-tell-biden-keep-austerity-obsessed-bruce-reed-far-away">for a crucial administrative
position</a>.
  At a time like this we need lots of deficit spending.  By choosing him,
Biden would be choosing not to rescue tens of millions of Americans.


feed_id: e7653638f893dbd7bc2de8e86899c4ed
title: Helping drivers running down protesters
uri: Helping-drivers-running-down-protesters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#21_November_2020_%28Helping_drivers_running_down_protesters%29

content:
<p>
Utah is considering a law that would help drivers that run down protesters
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/19/utah-lawmakers-accused-seeking-legalize-drivers-running-over-street-protesters">construct a false excuse to get away with it</a>.


feed_id: 91199e7ad5205bb9e0c48379ee119373
title: Boycotts and anti-semitism
uri: Boycotts-and-anti-semitism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#21_November_2020_%28Boycotts_and_anti-semitism%29
content:
<p>
*Jewish-Led Groups Condemn Pompeo <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/19/proudly-pro-bds-jewish-led-groups-condemn-pompeo-declaring-boycott-divestment">for Declaring
Boycott-Divestment Movement Anti-Semitic</a>.*

<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#29_May_2014_(DePaul_students_vote_to_divest_from_occupation_profiteers)">Here is what I think about the issue</a>.


feed_id: 397f54be50f8d07ae75f4ec268c71ca9
title: Foreign policies to reduce tensions
uri: Foreign-policies-to-reduce-tensions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#21_November_2020_%28Foreign_policies_to_reduce_tensions%29

content:
<p>
Medea Benjamin recommends ten foreign policy actions for Biden to take
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/19/ten-foreign-policy-fiascos-joe-biden-can-fix-day-one">to reduce war and tensions</a>.

<p>
I don't know the details of US sanctions against North Korea and Syria,
or what they are meant to do.  I would want to know more before making any
recommendation for what to do in those cases.  I agree with the rest of
her recommendations.


feed_id: cd8babd104d0b9b8a7d3dfec2dec2bbb
title: Betting on Covid-19
uri: Betting-on-Covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#21_November_2020_%28Betting_on_Covid-19%29
content:
<p>
*Tyson Food Managers Accused of Betting <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/19/depraved-tyson-food-managers-accused-betting-how-many-their-workers-would-get-covid">on How Many of
Their Workers Would Get Covid-19</a>.*

<p>
In a narrow logical sense, such betting does not affect the employees.
But it bespeaks a callousness towards the risk to the lives of the
workers, who were in fact getting sick at the time.


feed_id: 6fd7d92440bbac0e002c3c1c49d04659
title: Flea killer in rivers
uri: Flea-killer-in-rivers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#21_November_2020_%28Flea_killer_in_rivers%29
content:
<p>
Flea killer for pets, when put in the trash, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/17/pet-flea-treatments-poisoning-rivers-across-england-scientists-find">reaches rivers and
poisons water insects</a>.


feed_id: aa4c2a7ebe5192323d12c925a860be85
title: Taxpayers subsidize poverty wages
uri: 2020-11-21-Taxpayers-subsidize-poverty-wages
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#20_November_2020_%28Taxpayers_subsidize_poverty_wages%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/11/18/taxpayers-subsidize-poverty-wages-walmart-mcdonalds-other-large-corporations-gao">Taxpayers Subsidize Poverty Wages</a> at Walmart, McDonald's, Other Large
Corporations, GAO Finds.*
<p>
This would be perhaps acceptable if these corporations paid plenty of
income tax (<em>not</em> payroll tax), enough to cover the costs of the
shortfall in worker's wages plus what they ought to be paying otherwise.
<p>
But since that is not the case, we should raise the minimum wage
and charge those companies more taxes.
<p>
We should stop using payroll taxes: companies' must not be able to
reduce their tax bills by replacing human workers with robots or
paying them less.


feed_id: 360d0537068e24905fb9d5f55a2f3031
title: Keeping the virus at bay in schools
uri: Keeping-the-virus-at-bay-in-schools
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Keeping_the_virus_at_bay_in_schools%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/11/schools-coronavirus-ventilation-masks-pupils">Better ventilation and universal mask-wearing</a> are key to keeping the
virus at bay [in schools], so children’s education can continue.*


feed_id: 4d8bf41c2dfd74a0d89cafce405f2bef
title: American unemployment benefits
uri: American-unemployment-benefits
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28American_unemployment_benefits%29

content:
<p>

12 million Americans stand to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/18/about-be-catapulted-cliff-study-shows-12-million-set-lose-jobless-benefits-after">lose unemployment benefits</a> early in 2021.


feed_id: bcc7a5d5951f5f9159a9de1f0f444174
title: Censorship is increasing
uri: Censorship-is-increasing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Censorship_is_increasing%29
content:
<p>

Automated monitoring of accessibility of many web sites from places
around the world provides a way to measure censorship in many
countries, daily.  It shows that censorship is <a href="https://news.umich.edu/extremely-aggressive-internet-censorship-spreads-in-the-worlds-democracies/">increasing in most of
the world</a>.
<p>
I suggest that part of the root cause of the increase in censorship is
the misguided acceptance of the idea that sharing copies is "piracy"
and the tendency of governments to facilitate DRM rather than making
it a felony.
<p>
Censorship by governments makes some web sites inaccessible to people
in some countries.  At the same time, nonfree JavaScript code on
some websites makes them inaccessible to the Free World.  The former
denies freedom directly to people in those countries.  The latter invites
everyone to sacrifice freedom to read them.


feed_id: 6b2a2bafaa1107ed1625c6efdfbdb011
title: The conspirators that planned to murder Governor Whitmer
uri: The-conspirators-that-planned-to-murder-Governor-Whitmer
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28The_conspirators_that_planned_to_murder_Governor_Whitmer%29

content:
<p>

The conspirators that planned to murder Governor Whitmer are accused
of <a href="https://abc7chicago.com/michigan-governor-gretchen-whitmer-kidnapping-plot-militia/8079861/">planning another scheme</a>: to seize the state capitol building and
murder officials there.


feed_id: 034d573c213ba84ccf68e8e71f28d24f
title: Global heating forecasts were too conservative
uri: Global-heating-forecasts-were-too-conservative
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Global_heating_forecasts_were_too_conservative%29

content:
<p>

Climate scientists say old <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> forecasts were too
conservative; 1.5C of heating may be under a decade away, and the
target of <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/19/scientists-say-net-zero-2050-too-late">"net zero" greenhouse emissions by 2050 is insufficient</a>.
<p>
I predicted this would happen, but not by trying to do climate
modeling.  I have no knowledge of how to do that, so I don't try.
That is a job for climate scientists.
<p>
However, I know that scientists have not figured out all the pertinent
relationships that ought to be in climate models, and that global
heating is sure to have effects as yet unpredicted.  It follows that,
as things move further away from the old normal, changes are likely to
cause more changes.  When scientists don't know how change in A will
affect B, they tend to try a linear relationship as a first
approximation, and that works for small changes, but as they get
bigger the linearity can break down.
<p>
So if we want to save civilization, we must plan for worse than
the models predict.  We must do more, and sooner, than the models
say is needed.
<p>
I've explained before why "net zero" opens a pitfall: putting faith in
risky offset schemes.  Systems that remove CO2 from the air as they
run are real contributions to reducing net emissions (but their cost
must be compared with direct reductions in emissions); however,
systems that one hopes will remove CO2 many years down the road (such
as tree planting) are not reliable.  We need to plant a lot of trees,
to keep forests going, but we should not count their absorbed CO2
until they have absorbed it.
<p>
When scientists warn that 4C of warming is incompatible with an
organized global community, it means that farming won't work very well
and the remaining people will be fighting over what food and fresh
water are available.  We need to make sure things don't get that bad.


feed_id: 23a5b583040729c806cf65c274f5d2dc
title: Alexander Hamilton
uri: Alexander-Hamilton
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Alexander_Hamilton%29
content:
<p>

Alexander Hamilton was <a href="https://www.newyorkalmanack.com/2020/11/reconsidering-the-legacy-of-alexander-hamilton/">deeply involved in slavery</a>.


feed_id: 789f9a496e5064b80b03e5f27c1ebc31
title: Large inflatable rubber ducks
uri: Large-inflatable-rubber-ducks
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Large_inflatable_rubber_ducks%29

content:
<p>

Thai protesters used <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/20/giant-rubber-ducks-become-symbol-of-thai-pro-democracy-rallies">large inflatable rubber ducks</a> as shields against water
with a tinge of dissolved tear gas.


feed_id: 425cb61a7a519cdb20e9231ef83882da
title: Sturgis motorcycle rally
uri: Sturgis-motorcycle-rally
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Sturgis_motorcycle_rally%29
content:
<p>

*Sturgis motorcycle rally in South Dakota led to a Covid-19 <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/21/us/south-dakota-sturgis-rally-outbreak-minnesota/index.html">outbreak in
Minnesota</a>, new report says.*
<p>
State governors may want to block roads for a time when a spreader event
is going on in an adjoining state.


feed_id: d25fae4aaeeff3df15d5e75170c351ed
title: We are witnessing a criminal tragedy
uri: We-are-witnessing-a-criminal-tragedy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28We_are_witnessing_a_criminal_tragedy%29

content:
<p>

*   We are witnessing a criminal tragedy as wealthy billionaires,
sequestered in protective bubbles and private jets, are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/18/why-we-must-protect-essential-workers-billionaire-pandemic-profiteers">dispatching
essential workers</a> into the line of infection fire with inadequate
shields and protections.*


feed_id: 0cfb99fba532a9c7955d0aa6b95bc43a
title: End User License Agreements on grapes
uri: End-User-License-Agreements-on-grapes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28End_User_License_Agreements_on_grapes%29

content:
<p>

A <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/m7jm4y/proprietary-grapes-come-with-draconian-end-user-license-agreement">confused article</a> speaks of grapes that carry end-user license agreements.
<p>
The confusion is to conflate patents with shrink-wrap licenses.
<p>
Plants can be covered by patents.  If so, propagating them is patent
infringement.  But that has nothing to do with putting a label on a
bag purporting to impose restrictions on the purchaser.  From what I
recall, that is not legally valid in the US, except for software.


feed_id: 815f9b6c7bfdec4265e77d00daedfc27
title: Premeditated murder of civilians and prisoners
uri: Premeditated-murder-of-civilians-and-prisoners
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Premeditated_murder_of_civilians_and_prisoners%29

content:
<p>

Australian soldiers in Afghanistan stand accused of premeditated
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/nov/19/we-knew-the-war-crimes-inquiry-would-be-bad-but-this-is-gut-wrenching-and-nauseating">murder of civilians and prisoners</a> in cold blood, and covering it up
afterward.
<p>
Also competing for who could kill more civilians as they ran away.
And torture for the fun of it.  All based on evidence.


feed_id: cc885d0b66996f0fa08ea808fbc13a73
title: The fatal apartment building fire in London
uri: The-fatal-apartment-building-fire-in-London
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28The_fatal_apartment_building_fire_in_London%29

content:
<p>

The fatal apartment building fire in London was caused by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/19/grenfell-tower-disaster-political-fire-test-fraud">fraud and
deceit</a>, facilitated by deregulation, and promoted by plutocratist
disdain for the lives of people who are not rich.
<p>
The first reaction of the organizations that owned other buildings
with similar fire hazards was to dump the cost of retrofitting on the
occupants of the flats, who couldn't possibly have paid it.  I hope
that these revelations (which surely apply to other buildings that use
the same firetrap material) will put the burden onto organizations
that are actually responsible.


feed_id: 795e31cd9f62281094ee7fb776e306d6
title: We must rethink our system
uri: We-must-rethink-our-system
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28We_must_rethink_our_system%29
content:
<p>

*The 'market' <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/19/climate-crisis-markets-economic-system">won't save us from climate disaster</a>. We must rethink our
system.*
<p>
This is a well-known reason why markets give bad results in some
cases.  The costs that the product imposes on people other than the
one who buys it are called "externalities."


feed_id: da01c5b9a6bc0f71e0c66a32d2643292
title: Erin Brockovich
uri: Erin-Brockovich
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Erin_Brockovich%29
content:
<p>

Erin Brockovich: Biden has chosen for his EPA transition board someone who
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/19/dear-joe-biden-are-you-kidding-me-erin-brockovich">helped DuPont campaign</a> for continued pollution with one of the toxic PFAs.
<p>
I write the "s" of "PFAs" in lower case because it is not an initial:
it indicates the plural of "PFA."


feed_id: 5aa8a59ed2fb5080fb86cbee8ce1c7e2
title: Global heating proposals from Labour
uri: Global-heating-proposals-from-Labour
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Global_heating_proposals_from_Labour%29

content:
<p>

What Labour proposes for curbing global heating is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/19/firefighters-climate-frontline-labour-bolder-green-economic-recovery">not much better</a> than
what the Tories say they will do.


feed_id: ee09d5271e943b43115556d7d10e658f
title: UK to support global treaty on plastic polution
uri: UK-to-support-global-treaty-on-plastic-polution
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28UK_to_support_global_treaty_on_plastic_polution%29

content:
<p>

*UK to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/19/uk-to-support-plans-for-new-global-treaty-to-turn-tide-on-plastic-pollution">support plans for new global treaty</a> to 'turn tide' on plastic
pollution.*


feed_id: b0861d6a8c12ecb2d002c4e3d667f4f6
title: Easy spreading pathogens become more deadly
uri: Easy-spreading-pathogens-become-more-deadly
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Easy_spreading_pathogens_become_more_deadly%29

content:
<p>

If it is easy for a pathogen to spread to other hosts,
it tends to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/19/coronavirus-evolving-deadlier-evidence-social-distancing-covid-19">evolve to be more deadly</a> to those its hosts.
<p>
Thus, covidiots are helping to make Covid-19 more likely to kill
those who catch it.


feed_id: ab08a10e2bf68b215ac48e9fd56bbaa0
title: Wages and power
uri: Wages-and-power
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Wages_and_power%29
content:
<p>
*A Biden Administration Can Raise Wages and Give Workers More Power —
 <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/11/21/biden-unions-workers-wages/">If It Wants To</a>.*


feed_id: 445c528e2d4904f7002f70e6ad9af7bf
title: Rewilding and forest schools
uri: Rewilding-and-forest-schools
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Rewilding_and_forest_schools%29
content:
<p>
*From rewilding to forest schools, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/21/rewilding-forest-schools-nature-uk-habitats">our attitude [in the UK] to nature
is changing for the better</a>.*

<p>
Will rewilding include eradicating intrusive plants such as
rhododendrons and the poisonous giant hogweed?


feed_id: 554a08c0502925c81cd4a6cb7a62695d
title: Connections
uri: Connections
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Connections%29
content:
<p>
Biden's transition team, advisors, and planned cabinet are full of
people <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/21/if-you-think-biden-administration-will-rein-in-big-tech-think-again-facebook">with connections to big, malicious tech companies and gig
economy exploiters</a>,
  including Amazon, Airbnb, Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Lyft, and Microsoft.

<p>
Someone from a computer-selling company such as Dell as head of the EPA
does not bode well either.  Manufacture and disposal of computers make
pollution and we need the EPA to regulate this carefully.

<p>
This is disappointing but not surprising.  Biden's willingness to
serve business was what supposedly made him "electable."


feed_id: f8184b84853e60394cd776ccf843924d
title: The Coup
uri: The-Coup
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28The_Coup%29
content:
<p>
*On the Current Status of Trump's Coup Attempt &mdash; <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/20/current-status-trumps-coup-attempt-and-its-future">and Its Future</a>.*


feed_id: 1141e0ed2de30bcd42d4c54458c91b4f
title: Restrictions on books
uri: Restrictions-on-books
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Restrictions_on_books%29
content:
<p>
Many prisons in the US restrict what books prisoners can read.
In some cases, they can only get books from one seller, <a href="media/9fcb3c9c.literature-locked-up-report-9.24.19.pdf" data-original-source="https://pen.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/literature-locked-up-report-9.24.19.pdf">which systematically
gouges them and limits them to a small fraction of the books that exist</a>.


feed_id: d2bb18431dcf0bb7ce6ee81856706d33
title: Forced to lend
uri: Forced-to-lend
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Forced_to_lend%29
content:
<p>
The wrecker proposes a rule to forbid banks from refusing to lend <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/20/trump-administration-accused-trying-bully-banks-financing-arctic-fossil-fuel">to 
some field of industry for reasons other than profit</a>.

<p>
If it is true that banks now recognize that fossil fuel development
is an unprofitable investment, that is the occasion for a sigh of relief.
However, we have been pushing for years for institutions to stop financing
some destructive kinds of "industry" and we must not have the government
forbid this.


feed_id: 737ca257696c3032f22c16b0ae491bbb
title: Stolen art
uri: Stolen-art
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Stolen_art%29
content:
<p>
Mwazulu Diyabanza goes into European museums, picks up African
objects, and gives talks alleging that Europeans stole the objects.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/nov/20/experience-i-steal-from-museums">Perse has been charged with theft for doing this</a>.

<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#perse">Perse</a> describes per actions as "theft" but I am skeptical of that.  It
is clear that Mwazulu Diyabanza is not really stealing the objects,
rather making theater about the idea of stealing them.  <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#perse">Perse</a> carries
them around inside the museum, and discourses about them, but never
tries to remove them.  This violates the museum's rules, and maybe it
violate some law as well, but it is not theft.

<p>
As for whether those objects were stolen in Africa, I have no opinion
about that.  It depends on details I don't know, and then there would
be questions about which moral standard to apply.  I don't know
whether Mwazulu Diyabanza has thought deeply about these questions or
jumped to a conclusion.

<p>
I'd like to see per comments and reasoning about the specific objects.
If it is deep, there may be much in it to learn from.


feed_id: f5bbda71338f78a100cf7bed811f75b9
title: Moving money to tax havens
uri: Moving-money-to-tax-havens
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Moving_money_to_tax_havens%29
content:
<p>
The Tax Justice Network estimates that countries use $427bn a year
in tax revenue <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/nov/20/427bn-a-year-lost-to-tax-abuse-by-firms-and-rich-individuals-study-finds">due to moving money to tax havens</a>.

<p>
The most important tax havens identified were the Cayman Islands
(16.5%, $70bn); the UK (10%, $42bn); the Netherlands (8.5%, $36bn);
Luxembourg (6.5%, $27bn) and the US (5.5%, $23bn).

<p>
*<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/20/tax-losses-are-lives-lost">Tax Losses Are Lives Lost</a>.*

<p>
Although according to modern monetary theory, the US, having a
sovereign currency, can create money to stimulate the economy by
spending it on whatever is needed, up to a point where the economy
overheats.  The US is nowhere near that now, since it is suffering a
recession and unemployment.


feed_id: 0b3d9e780c37fb9a8cb0ab7710bfe73d
title: Rigged election
uri: Rigged-election
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Rigged_election%29
content:
<p>
*Half of Republicans <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-poll/half-of-republicans-say-biden-won-because-of-a-rigged-election-reuters-ipsos-poll-idUSKBN27Y1AJ">say Biden won because of a 'rigged' election</a>.*


feed_id: 9d5ecb6e05754f65e12f917930f6f2ac
title: Safety rules
uri: Safety-rules
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Safety_rules%29
content:
<p>
Ivanka Trump had to move her children out of a private school because
she and her husband would not follow the Covid-19 safety rules
<a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/11/16/jared-kushner-and-ivanka-trump-violated-covid-19-policies-at-their-kids-private-school.html">to avoid bringing the virus to the children and then into the school</a>.


feed_id: bd891427435480ae7cd04d3ceb8a278b
title: Impartial lending
uri: Impartial-lending
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Impartial_lending%29
content:
<p>
The wrecker has proposed a rule to require banks to lend impartially
to all fields of business.  This is intended to force them <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/20/trump-administration-accused-trying-bully-banks-financing-arctic-fossil-fuel">to lend
to oil drilling in the Arctic</a>.

<p>
The Sierra Club says that banks won't lend to that because they
consider it too risky.

<p>
If awareness of coming climate disaster has made it clear that
investing in new fossil fuel projects is unprofitable, that is reason
for a sigh of relief.  But this comes after years of trying to
persuade investors and lenders to refuse to fund fossil fuel business
even when it appeared profitable, for the sake of avoiding disaster.
We must continue to do that.


feed_id: 30aa7290b464f43a61e36b8177cbd012
title: Pressure to disregard votes
uri: Pressure-to-disregard-votes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Pressure_to_disregard_votes%29
content:
<p>
The wrecker is trying to pressure state legislators <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/20/donald-trump-still-busy-trying-to-bulldoze-democracy">to disregard the actual
votes in their states and certify the wrecker as victor</a>.

<p>
The majority of the these states' voters are Democrats, but
Republicans hold control of the their legislatures through
gerrymandering.  That means that they are "reelected" each time by
defying the voters.  We can hope that they will stick at explicitly
setting aside an election with zero real grounds, but it is a bad
situation when our democracy depends on Republicans to have that much
integrity.


feed_id: df9a2e17201ccbc8111183de7d60688b
title: Unnecessary lockdown
uri: Unnecessary-lockdown
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Unnecessary_lockdown%29
content:
<p>
South Australia was ultimately responsible for the need for the brief
unnecessary lockdown, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/21/south-australia-makes-young-pizza-worker-scapegoat-for-covid-19-failures">through its decision to guard a quarantine hotel
using precarious subcontracted workers whose low pay compels them to
take additional jobs</a>.


feed_id: 2af04ac536cee111d3c7b139fcf94289
title: Thug infiltration
uri: Thug-infiltration
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Thug_infiltration%29
content:
<p>
The UK is investigating past <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> infiltration of nonviolent campaigns
for political causes, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/20/the-guardian-view-on-the-spy-cops-inquiry-secrets-and-liars">at the same time as it authorizes a lot more in
the future</a>.


feed_id: 2a5906c90bd0d0b8a7499171885fd3be
title: Acting rationally
uri: Acting-rationally
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Acting_rationally%29
content:
<p>
Don't be angry at the officials of South Australia for acting rationally
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/nov/21/south-australian-officials-say-coronavirus-lockdown-no-stuff-up-after-pizza-workers-lie">to curb Covid-19 based on the information they had</a>.
  It's not their fault that it came from a patient who was lying.


feed_id: 3aecd12d3be903fb9b35c0a42ce5a7a2
title: Strict code of responsibility
uri: Strict-code-of-responsibility
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Strict_code_of_responsibility%29

content:
<p>

Government ministers in the UK used to have a strict code of
responsibility.  Whoever presided over a serious wrong or mistake was
obliged to resign.  Nowadays, they are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/21/integrity-ministers-bullying-covid-contracts">too powerful to be held responsible</a> for anything.


feed_id: 78e0a37bcf4f8e449475e16f878aabe0
title: Targeted killings in Afghanistan not using drones
uri: Targeted-killings-in-Afghanistan-not-using-drones
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Targeted_killings_in_Afghanistan_not_using_drones%29

content:
<p>

There have been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/21/the-message-is-clear-afghans-fearful-after-second-targeted-killing-in-a-week">targeted killings</a> in Afghanistan, and &mdash; for
a change &mdash; they are <em>not</em> being done with drones.

*<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/11/22/biden-drones-endless-wars/">Biden's Silence</a> on Ending the Drone Wars.*


feed_id: 991540b9cbec2de7f6c19d638484e33b
title: Spreading Covid-19 to families on Thanksgiving week
uri: Spreading-Covid-19-to-families-on-Thanksgiving-week
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Spreading_Covid-19_to_families_on_Thanksgiving_week%29

content:
<p>

Millions of Americans are expected to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/22/thanksgiving-travel-warnings-covid-coronavirus">spread Covid-19 to their families</a> this week.  Don't be one of them!


feed_id: d13b3b2cdc7baa0857207e3001dc6092
title: Car-tracking vision systems
uri: Car-tracking-vision-systems
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Car-tracking_vision_systems%29
content:
<p>

New car-tracking vision systems don't just recognize license plate
numbers.  They also learn to <a href="https://onezero.medium.com/neighborhood-watch-has-a-new-tool-privately-owned-license-plate-readers-302f296abb27">recognize individual cars</a>.
<p>
Housing associations are imposing this on the "owners" of houses.
(I wouldn't buy a house in such a place myself.)
<p>
Surveillance like this should be absolutely forbidden.
<p>
I am also shocked by the idea of forbidding the "owners" to receive
overnight visitors.


feed_id: aed9a8f061f05311a051a52c4bfa3c0d
title: Biden should speak up
uri: Biden-should-speak-up
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Biden_should_speak_up%29
content:
<p>

Biden should speak up to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/21/opinions/bidens-mistake-about-trump-ghitis/index.html">counter the wrecker's disinformation campaign</a>
which aims to develop his followers into a sabotage front.
<p>
We should honor the officials that have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/22/trump-republicans-discredit-election-stress-test">refused to lie</a> for the corrupter.
<p>
With his fanatics, he can make that refusal a real trial of the official's
integrity.


feed_id: 67129cf84c2024cec8b388d1f08e5a05
title: Comedian's risk cancellation over who-knows-what
uri: Comedian-s-risk-cancellation-over-who-knows-what
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Comedian%27s_risk_cancellation_over_who-knows-what%29

content:
<p>

Nowadays every moment in a comedian's career carries a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/22/saying-what-you-want-without-fear-of-offence-sounds-good-until-you-do-it">risk of being
cancelled</a> over who-knows-what.


feed_id: 3b9362998f95e8d71a942dfd974415be
title: UK government totally callous
uri: UK-government-totally-callous
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28UK_government_totally_callous%29

content:
<p>

The UK government has come to be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/22/from-grenfell-to-ppe-absolute-power-still-corrupts-in-high-places">totally callous</a> about harm to "the
little people" (those who are not wealthy enough to really matter).


feed_id: 6efdc754b9ea43f5cae9affa40eb47df
title: Former French president prosecuted for corruption
uri: Former-French-president-prosecuted-for-corruption
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Former_French_president_prosecuted_for_corruption%29

content:
<p>

Former French president Sarkozy is being <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/22/nicolas-sarkozy-in-dock-as-historic-trial-over-corruption-finally-begins">prosecuted for corruption</a>.


feed_id: 15ecf1e0d26ab932616e7175c68b7d73
title: Vaccines from messenger RNA
uri: Vaccines-from-messenger-RNA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Vaccines_from_messenger_RNA%29
content:
<p>

Vaccines made from messenger RNA are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/22/mrna-vaccines-covid-signal-new-era-disease-prevention-science">not likely to alter the genome</a> of
humans who take it, unlike DNA vaccines.


feed_id: 53415affcbbecead95060deeb0d0f7ca
title: Oil companies invest in additional extraction facilities
uri: Oil-companies-invest-in-additional-extraction-facilities
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Oil_companies_invest_in_additional_extraction_facilities%29

content:
<p>

Oil companies know that their oil reserves are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/20/crisis-what-climate-crisis-oil-majors-still-sitting-tens-billions-barrels">likely to become
worthless</a>, but they are racing to invest in additional extraction
facilities, which will contribute to <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> before eventually
becoming likewise worthless.


feed_id: bfbc915505b4f2e56ee19bfe4dae34fb
title: Retail workers stripped of hazard pay
uri: Retail-workers-stripped-of-hazard-pay
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Retail_workers_stripped_of_hazard_pay%29

content:
<p>

*Hailed as 'Heroes' During Pandemic, Retail Workers Stripped of Hazard Pay
While Companies <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/20/hailed-heroes-during-pandemic-retail-workers-stripped-hazard-pay-while-companies">Rake in Massive Profits</a>.*
<p>
*Democrats Must <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/20/democrats-must-commit-themselves-needs-non-college-educated-workers">Commit Themselves</a> to the Needs of Non-College Educated
Workers.*
<p>
Supposing it is true that "the jobs are gone and are never coming
back", who is responsible for that?  Plutocratist politicians are.
And who benefits from that?  Mostly owners of stock.  So the government
has a responsibility to compensate the would-have-been workers from
the wealth that the owners have gained.
<p>
Taxing them to pay for the work that the country needs would be admirable.


feed_id: 724a7dbc00fea9469e5af835ca512b12
title: India on track for meeting goals at G20
uri: India-on-track-for-meeting-goals-at-G20
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28India_on_track_for_meeting_goals_at_G20%29

content:
<p>

*At G20, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/21/g20-only-india-track-meet-goals-keeping-global-heating-36deg-f">Only India</a> Is On Track to Meet Goals for Keeping Global Heating to
3.6° F.*
<p>
Note, however, that India has built a lot of coal-fired power plants
in recent years &dash; which means it has a lot of new power plants to
replace.


feed_id: 5b518597d9c2e67434c98eb918f81251
title: Proper taxation on UK stock market
uri: Proper-taxation-on-UK-stock-market
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Proper_taxation_on_UK_stock_market%29

content:
<p>

The UK stock market lobbies against proper taxation by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/nov/21/the-myth-of-the-poor-pensioner-helps-shield-the-city">pretending that
a large fraction of shares are owned by working people's pensions</a>.
This is not true.


feed_id: 294b5b5a5d6d8038a5abe0f34deb97a5
title: Guatemala's congress building
uri: Guatemala-s-congress-building
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Guatemala%27s_congress_building%29

content:
<p>

Guatemala's congress adopted a budget which cut education and medical
care, which triggered protests that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/21/protesters-burn-part-of-guatemalas-congress-building">set parts of the congress building
on fire</a>.


feed_id: fab1c3f26553b96592dbd8f3e74fd72f
title: On the Firing of Jeffrey Toobin
uri: On-the-Firing-of-Jeffrey-Toobin
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28On_the_Firing_of_Jeffrey_Toobin%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/toobin.html">On the Firing of Jeffrey Toobin</a>, by Richard Stallman.


feed_id: f2ef780918d33c9109c47d98c77eaa38
title: More important things than gender
uri: More-important-things-than-gender
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28More_important_things_than_gender%29

content:
<p>

A feminist columnist recognizes that there are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/21/joe-biden-likely-pentagon-pick-michele-flournoy">more important things
about a proposed cabinet secretary</a> than per gender.
For instance, per political inclinations.
<p>
I've never been impressed by "firsts" in high-level positions.  Having
for the first time a woman as the secretary of this-or-that is not
going to help the lives of very many women.  What the official _does_
may help them, or hurt them.
<p>
An increase in the minimum wage would help millions of American women
who have hard lives today, along with millions of American men.  A
national medical system would also do that, especially if it covers
abortions and reliable contraception.


feed_id: 2d27dcdc86545487f44202cbe88db265
title: Profiling children with data collected by their schools
uri: Profiling-children-with-data-collected-by-their-schools
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Profiling_children_with_data_collected_by_their_schools%29

content:
<p>

The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department of Pasco, Florida, secretly profiles all children based on
<a href="https://projects.tampabay.com/projects/2020/investigations/police-pasco-sheriff-targeted/school-data/">personal data collected by their schools</a> and other government agencies.
It uses the profiles to estimate whether they are likely to end up as
criminals.  Such predictions tend to be self-fulfilling.
<p>
Victoria (a state in Australia) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/nov/23/victoria-police-refuses-to-reveal-how-many-young-people-tracked-using-secretive-data-tool">does something similar</a>.
<p>
If we had a reliable and helpful form of intervention to help children
avoid that fate, these profiles could be used to good effect.  But we
don't know of any way, so they tend to be used to do harm.
<p>
Progressive programs such as a higher minimum wage, a better welfare
system, and a national medical system, could help a lot of children
avoid becoming criminals, and it wouldn't be necessary to try to
predict which children were personally in the most danger.


feed_id: 1a5be7c7e7d32c5cba6302affbc9b2dc
title: Libya good news, bad news
uri: Libya-good-news-bad-news
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Libya_good_news%2C_bad_news%29
content:
<p>

The good news is, Libya's cease-fire has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/21/libya-interior-minister-campaigns-to-lead-country-as-fragile-peace-holds">lasted for a few weeks</a>.
The bad news is, more oil is being extracted there.
<p>
In the long term, fossil fuels will kill far, far more people than
fighting in Libya.  How many more will be killed due to extracting oil
in Libya is imponderable.


feed_id: 9a0fed9428ca450e6a73b5c1bf92f633
title: Private insecurity guards
uri: Private-insecurity-guards
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28Private_insecurity_guards%29
content:
<p>

It's not just official <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> that kill blacks.  Private insecurity
guards <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/21/protests-erupt-in-brazil-after-black-man-dies-after-being-beaten-outside-supermarket">can do it too</a>.


feed_id: 8b485692d568518381d9441e1127a258
title: US nurses are burned out
uri: US-nurses-are-burned-out
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28US_nurses_are_burned_out%29
content:
<p>

US nurses are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/21/us-nurses-strike-coronavirus-fears-pennsylvania">burned out</a> and some are suffering from PTSD.
Some are going on strike.
<p>
Hospitals are raking in money &mdash; they can afford to pay their staff
better.


feed_id: cc1d536c5ddd46fa0387dd3a73c70066
title: Urgent: Investigate voter suppression, tampering and intimidation
uri: Urgent-Investigate-voter-suppression-tampering-and-intimidation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#24_November_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Investigate_voter_suppression%2C_tampering_and_intimidation%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/dfa-em-201118-tampering/?t=1001&refcode=g-Tampering1120.d-20201120.m-25668.s-159089&akid=25668%2E1906019%2ESaDnq9">call on the next Attorney General</a> to investigate voter
 suppression, vote tampering and intimidation.


feed_id: 7bd0ef5b388315efa88550cc27533cfa
title: Meeting between Netanyahu and Pompeo
uri: Meeting-between-Netanyahu-and-Pompeo
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#24_November_2020_%28Meeting_between_Netanyahu_and_Pompeo%29

content:
<p>
Netanyahu the corrupt <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/23/benjamin-netanyahu-secret-meeting-saudi-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman">met secretly with Pompeo
the fanatic</a>
   and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-sep-dec.html#26_October_2018_(Khashoggi_admission)">Crown Prince Bone Saw</a>.

<p>
I would suppose they were planning to attack Iran &mdash; than is the desire they
have in common.


feed_id: 288a03622d894c76dbea6d8a4203f138
title: Financial disobedience
uri: Financial-disobedience
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#24_November_2020_%28Financial_disobedience%29
content:
<p>
*Extinction Rebellion [UK] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/23/extinction-rebellion-launch-campaign-of-financial-disobedience">launches campaign of financial disobedience</a>.*
  This includes debt and tax strikes.


feed_id: 0877d309d464ffe688fa916c0ed6e182
title: Authoritarianism
uri: Authoritarianism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#24_November_2020_%28Authoritarianism%29
content:
<p>
*The left is accused of authoritarianism &mdash; but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/23/left-authoritarianism-right-biden-starmer-trump-johnson">it's the right that
gets away with it</a>.*


feed_id: d878e50fa677e1a091181367cae735a2
title: Continuing investment in fossil fuels
uri: Continuing-investment-in-fossil-fuels
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#24_November_2020_%28Continuing_investment_in_fossil_fuels%29

content:
<p>
A survey of major investment funds finds they are planning to invest
heavily in renewable energy <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/23/investors-plan-major-move-into-renewable-energy-infrastructure">but continue investing (infesting?) too much
in fossil fuels</a>.


feed_id: 6efda3d3112691cc2de5f8b2f37c4e2d
title: Breathing on protesters
uri: Breathing-on-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#24_November_2020_%28Breathing_on_protesters%29
content:
<p>
A covidiot has been charged with assault for breathing on protesters
with the idea <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/23/trump-supporter-who-exhaled-over-women-during-protests-is-charged-with-assault">that he might infect them with Covid-19</a>.

<p>
I believe it is well-established that intentionally transmitting a
dangerous disease to others is a crime.  It certainly deserves to be.


feed_id: 846f60be9d084c8c0d5bc183893d2e7e
title: Passport and citizenship
uri: Passport-and-citizenship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#24_November_2020_%28Passport_and_citizenship%29
content:
<p>
The UK wrongly confiscated Ken Morgan's passport in 1994 after an
intended brief visit to Jamaica, which forced him to stay in Jamaica
until 2018.  In that year he applied for UK citizenship, but it was
denied <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/22/windrush-victim-refused-british-citizenship-despite-wrongful-passport-confiscation">because he had been away from the UK for so many years</a>.

<p>
The fact that officials could make this decision shows the wrong premises
with which they approach such decision in general.

<p>
By the way, this is an example of a mistake that Joseph Heller has
pointed out: people apply the term "Catch 22" incorrectly to other
situations.  What officials did to Morgan was unjust, but does not
have the unique special structure of Catch 22.


feed_id: d209fdf3c66e37a5dde2101419e4b024
title: Consider human beings important
uri: Consider-human-beings-important
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#24_November_2020_%28Consider_human_beings_important%29

content:
<p>
Over a period of decades, Norway has designed its economic rules <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/22/how-norway-built-economy-puts-people-first">to
consider human beings important</a>.


feed_id: 2aefa75e7d69bfb45963bbe243b9052b
title: Making a dent in college loan debts
uri: Making-a-dent-in-college-loan-debts
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#24_November_2020_%28Making_a_dent_in_college_loan_debts%29

content:
<p>
Many Americans are unable even to make a dent in their college loan
debts.  Of those who borrowed in 2009, <a href="https://phenomenalworld.org/analysis/crisis-of-non-repayment">over a quarter owe more now
than they did at the start</a>.

<p>
Eventually the lender concludes the loan is uncollectible and forgives
it, but this counts as taxable income, which is taxed at a substantial
rate <a href="https://pluralistic.net/2020/11/20/sovkitsch/#student-debt">and the poor victim can't possibly pay it</a>.

<p>
The tax debt must be smaller than the school debt.  It might also be
easier to eliminate via bankruptcy, though I don't know.

<p>
The lender could reduce the resulting tax debt greatly by forgiving
the debt a little every year &mdash; as if it were being repaid &mdash; because
that way it would not put the borrower into a high tax bracket.
But I wouldn't assume they care enough to do that.


feed_id: 163696ddb32d5929a7647261ce8b6af9
title: Reducing systemic racism
uri: Reducing-systemic-racism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#24_November_2020_%28Reducing_systemic_racism%29
content:
<p>
In the past decade, several government reports have described what
must be done to reduce the effects of systemic racism in the UK, but
the recommendations <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/12/report-racism-human-rights-committee-findings">have not been implemented and the problem keeps
getting worse</a>.


feed_id: 197fa59684123ce1f5edaea1b461ad83
title: Campaign to decriminalize psychedelics
uri: Campaign-to-decriminalize-psychedelics
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#24_November_2020_%28Campaign_to_decriminalize_psychedelics%29

content:
<p>
California state senator Wiener <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/20/california-lawmaker-decriminalize-psychedelics">will campaign to decriminalize
psychedelics in that state</a>.

<p>
We saw in Vietnam how much harm is caused by fighting a war on drugs.
Let's not have one in the US.


feed_id: ff89df640da14803e1abf7ac98564280
title: Large secret church meeting
uri: Large-secret-church-meeting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#24_November_2020_%28Large_secret_church_meeting%29
content:
<p>
Churches in England <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/22/let-us-disobey-churches-defy-lockdown-with-secret-meetings">are holding large meetings secretly</a>.

<p>
This is very dangerous.  Large religious gatherings have has caused
important Covid-19 outbreaks in South Korea and elsewhere.

<p>
People interviewed claim that worship is "essential".  That is clearly
not so in general; many of us do without it.  But if you feel a need
to worship, you don't need to do it in a large gathering.  You can
worship individually with no risk of spreading disease.

<p>
Indeed, many pious hermits worshiped in solitude for years at a time.


feed_id: 3a24f72d197d1096c532f11409816c24
title: Morgues can't cope
uri: Morgues-can-t-cope
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#24_November_2020_%28Morgues_can%27t_cope%29
content:
<p>
In El Paso, so many people are dying from Covid-19 that the morgues
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/22/el-paso-coronavirus-inmates-national-guard">are overflowing and the regular personnel can't cope</a>.

<p>
They have to limit the CPR for each sick patient because the ICU staff
can't cope either.

<p>
These are the predictable consequences of the spreader's policies
and he is directly responsible for these deaths.
If <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#4_July_2020_(Hugo's_Tacos_in_Los_Angeles)">he had not adopted intentional spreading of the disease</a>,
  most of them would never have caught Covid-19.


feed_id: d67df9cd0c2c0e861aa9602a6c6bdac0
title: Covid-19 vaccines patents
uri: Covid-19-vaccines-patents
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#24_November_2020_%28Covid-19_vaccines_patents%29
content:
<p>
The United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, and
Australia oppose the push for the WTO to waive patent restrictions and
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/20/rejecting-wto-drug-patent-waivers-amid-pandemic-richest-nations-put-big-pharma">allow all countries to make and use Covid-19 vaccines without paying
for the privilege</a>.

<p>
It is worth reminding people that the WTO is the reason why most
countries allow medicines to be patented.  That was a scheme to enrich
big pharma companies at the expense of people who can't afford
monopolistic prices for drugs.  This system represents a decision to
kill millions of people, and is one of the reasons why we ought to
abolish the WTO.

<p>
Covid-19 vaccine developers are keeping the techniques of making them
secret and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/22/hackers-try-to-steal-covid-vaccine-secrets-in-intellectual-property-war">have the gall to criticize people for trying to get those
secrets</a>.

<p>
This information should be made available to every would-be vaccine
manufacturer.

<p>
Both of these articles used the misleading term <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">"intellectual property."</a>
  The first uses it to mean patents.  The second uses it to mean trade
secrets.  Patents and trade secrets are totally different and have
nothing whatsoever in common.

<p>
The term lumps together patents with copyrights with trade secrets
with trademarks, and some other things as well.  These laws are
totally different, so the term is sophisticated-sounding confusion.

<p>
When someone uses the term "intellectual property", understand it to
mean, "I don't know what I am talking about."


feed_id: 932261aa6e26f8e740f08983e4879b14
title: Profit from overseeing
uri: Profit-from-overseeing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#24_November_2020_%28Profit_from_overseeing%29
content:
<p>
*Sen. Perdue of Georgia <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/20/utterly-inexcusable-sen-perdue-georgia-profited-defense-contractors-stock-while">Profited From Defense
Contractor's Stock While Overseeing Naval Spending</a>.*

<p>
Congress passed a law, the STOCK Act, criminalizing that kind of
corruption, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-jan-apr.html#21_April_2013_(Congress_and_Obama_gut_the_STOCK_act)">but then repealed it</a>.


feed_id: b6ad6f8f0602962c02e374c874afb5f2
title: More important things than gender
uri: 2020-11-24-More-important-things-than-gender
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#23_November_2020_%28More_important_things_than_gender%29

content:
<p>

A feminist columnist recognizes that there are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/21/joe-biden-likely-pentagon-pick-michele-flournoy">more important things
about a proposed cabinet secretary</a> than per gender.
For instance, per political inclinations.
<p>
I've never been impressed by "firsts" in high-level positions.  Having
for the first time a woman as the secretary of this-or-that is not
going to help the lives of very many women.  What the official <em>does</em>
may help them, or hurt them.
<p>
An increase in the minimum wage would help millions of American women
who have hard lives today, along with millions of American men.  A
national medical system would also do that, especially if it covers
abortions and reliable contraception.


feed_id: b194cbfbe9cc4458ecc3440148201346
title: Cars and votes
uri: Cars-and-votes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#25_November_2020_%28Cars_and_votes%29
content:
<p>
Georgia's Republican officials propose to block new voters from
registering before the Jan 5 runoff elections <a href="https://www.gregpalast.com/georgia-tries-to-block-new-voters-ahead-of-runoff/">unless they have
registered a car in Georgia</a>.


feed_id: 7b9ca4b457a92a8f5ddc06fa8fe511ed
title: New mutation available to public
uri: New-mutation-available-to-public
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#25_November_2020_%28New_mutation_available_to_public%29

content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/coronavirus-optimistic-new-mutation-will-be-widely-avai-1845725749">satire</a>) *Coronavirus Optimistic New Mutation Will Be Widely Available
To Public By Early Spring.*


feed_id: 8ecd4b7e8cb6272ee78efc9a4c40ff16
title: Western Sahara
uri: Western-Sahara
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#25_November_2020_%28Western_Sahara%29
content:
<p>
The US should stop supporting <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/23/us-must-halt-renewed-war-between-morocco-and-polisario">Morocco's occupation of Western Sahara</a>.


feed_id: a4cedbf553f7dead0c5c3b998899f2f5
title: Conquest of Iraq
uri: Conquest-of-Iraq
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#25_November_2020_%28Conquest_of_Iraq%29
content:
<p>
Biden has chosen a secretary of state who helped <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/23/biden-taps-blinken-secretary-state-critics-denounce-support-invasions-iraq-and-libya">convince him to support
the conquest of Iraq</a>.


feed_id: 332b581b731a4a038f7fe9b0fdee5ec2
title: Intelligence services head
uri: Intelligence-services-head
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#25_November_2020_%28Intelligence_services_head%29
content:
<p>
*Peace Groups Blast Biden's [head of US intelligence services] Pick
[Avril Haines] Over Links to Drones, Torture, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/23/feminismnotmilitarism-peace-groups-blast-bidens-dni-pick-over-links-drones-torture">and Mass Surveillance</a>.*

<p>
Warlike "centrist" Democrats think she's great.  No wonder she
supported the nomination of fellow torture-advocate Haspel to head the
CIA.  According to Wikipedia, she decided not to punish the CIA agents
who had been caught cracking Senate computers to spy on senators.

<p>
Some of them seem to think she is a good choice because of her gender
or reported hispanic ethnicity.  Her Wikipedia page gives no sign of
hispanic roots; perhaps they are distant.  Surely those Democrats
don't think that she would refrain from engineering coups in Latin
America on their account.  Or do they think they will encourage her to
do so?


feed_id: 9dcbd9b354ca58fd2a455ebada2fd528
title: High drug prices
uri: High-drug-prices
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#25_November_2020_%28High_drug_prices%29
content:
<p>
*High Drug Prices Could Result in Premature Deaths of <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/23/high-drug-prices-could-result-premature-deaths-more-11-million-seniors-next-decade">More Than 1.1 Million
Seniors [in the US] in Next Decade</a>.*


feed_id: c5d9f3636d91601994d8394d709ccd6b
title: Financial assistance
uri: Financial-assistance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#25_November_2020_%28Financial_assistance%29
content:
<p>
*Fossil fuel companies received $110 billion in
direct and indirect financial assistance <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/23/time-cut-dirty-energys-lifeline-report-details-how-fossil-fuel-industry-feasted">during the coronavirus
pandemic* &mdash; so far</a>.


feed_id: 3032a27da0472822198200aebdc75cfc
title: Genocide not over
uri: Genocide-not-over
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#25_November_2020_%28Genocide_not_over%29
content:
<p>
*Myanmar's genocide against Rohingya not over, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/23/myanmar-is-still-committing-genocide-against-rohingya-says-rights-group">says rights group</a>.*


feed_id: c0ecd16ab7182fd338995613725f5f19
title: Bike riders getting killed
uri: Bike-riders-getting-killed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#25_November_2020_%28Bike_riders_getting_killed%29
content:
<p>
Food delivery bike-riders in Australia are not only stuck with
precarious work and low pay.  They are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/nov/24/food-delivery-driver-killed-in-sydney-is-the-fifth-death-in-two-months">also getting killed in
collisions with bigger vehicles</a>.

<p>
I wonder if their low pay compels them to work when they are too tired
to avoid the trucks.


feed_id: 894d6fd1ac8e0cc4007fa9b53a6af846
title: Breaking coronavirus restrictions
uri: Breaking-coronavirus-restrictions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#25_November_2020_%28Breaking_coronavirus_restrictions%29

content:
<p>
*New York swingers club <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/23/new-york-swingers-club-shut-down-for-breaking-coronavirus-restrictions">shut down for breaking coronavirus restrictions</a>.*

<p>
I'm in favor of sex clubs, but only so long as they take care not to
spread disease.  If that is not feasible, they must close for now.


feed_id: 6383e19b7aebf29883f3d1632c9be6ae
title: Onshore renewable energy projects
uri: Onshore-renewable-energy-projects
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#25_November_2020_%28Onshore_renewable_energy_projects%29

content:
<p>
*UK government <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/24/uk-government-to-subsidise-onshore-renewable-energy-projects">to subsidise onshore renewable energy projects</a>.*

<p>
The UK did this 10 years ago.  Then the previous Tory leaders created
excuses to obstruct land-based wind power projects.  It authorized the
slightest bit of local opposition to block a wind farm, while making
it impossible for local people to block fracking.
  To stop blocking land-based wind power projects is a step forward.


feed_id: 2b05fa930eb2257cb82a63d7477af554
title: Transition planning
uri: Transition-planning
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#25_November_2020_%28Transition_planning%29
content:
<p>
The GSA recognized Biden <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/24/trump-transition-biden-general-services-administration">as "apparent" president elect and will start
transition planning</a>.

<p>
However, the wrecker will not stop trying to corrupt Republican
legislators, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/23/michigan-election-result-biden-win-certified-latest">despite having been thwarted in Michigan</a>.


feed_id: a3f6418f1a7ab8dbebfac19a7c5f05f8
title: Torture and death penalty
uri: Torture-and-death-penalty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#25_November_2020_%28Torture_and_death_penalty%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a> tortured Mohammed Al Faraj into confessing to several
political crimes, and plans to execute him for those.  Two injustices
right there!  But the world is focusing on the detail <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/nov/23/he-was-nine-the-saudi-minors-still-on-death-row-despite-royal-decree">of whether he
was 9 years old or 10 years old at the time of the first supposed
crime</a>.


feed_id: a1c45d4a32a8a04877e5f84406078334
title: Drop in emissions
uri: Drop-in-emissions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#25_November_2020_%28Drop_in_emissions%29
content:
<p>
*   Drop in emissions this year is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/23/climate-crisis-co2-hits-new-record-despite-covid-19-lockdowns">a ‘tiny blip’ in buildup of greenhouse
   gases, UN agency says</a>.*


feed_id: 5a689fcbfeb0ac0609b437c81756a772
title: Job in energy and pollution
uri: Job-in-energy-and-pollution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#25_November_2020_%28Job_in_energy_and_pollution%29
content:
<p>
It is worrisome that Biden might consider appointing Ernest Moniz to
any job that relates to energy or pollution.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/23/joe-biden-fight-climate-crisis-ernest-moniz">He lobbied for gas
companies even as he was Obama's energy secretary</a>.


feed_id: d290366c3d04bd2592bc2ed0c8d5a6a4
title: False claims of electoral fraud
uri: False-claims-of-electoral-fraud
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#25_November_2020_%28False_claims_of_electoral_fraud%29

content:
<p>

Lawyers that make false claims of electoral fraud in court are violating
the standards of the court and <a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2020/11/24/cmd-joins-legal-community-call-to-end-baseless-claims-of-election-fraud/">should be punished</a>.


feed_id: 515e563d02df77f681e2675d2e01c08e
title: Australia's SAS regiment
uri: Australia-s-SAS-regiment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#25_November_2020_%28Australia%27s_SAS_regiment%29
content:
<p>

*Australia's entire SAS regiment <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/nov/25/australias-entire-sas-regiment-must-be-disbanded-after-brereton-report-expert-says">must be disbanded</a> after Brereton report,
expert says.*
<p>
This is the report about their murder of prisoners.


feed_id: 93c8df47d6f41ab4b2d8186b4551e825
title: One-person assembly
uri: One-person-assembly
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#25_November_2020_%28One-person_assembly%29
content:
<p>

Singapore's strict repression is showing, as Jolovan Wham is facing
criminal charges for a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/24/singapore-smiley-face-activist-in-one-man-protest-charged-with-unlawful-assembly">one-person "assembly"</a>.
<p>
The "assembly" lasted a few seconds during which he took a photo.
<p>
If one person can be an "assembly", then I must be assembling every minute
even when I am home by myself.  And you, too.


feed_id: b9297a23632dadc41c0bd3825b071343
title: Administering the Covid-19 vaccine
uri: Administering-the-Covid-19-vaccine
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#25_November_2020_%28Administering_the_Covid-19_vaccine%29

content:
<p>

Administering the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine is a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/24/us-coronavirus-vaccine-distribution-challenges">difficult logistical challenge</a> in the US, especially because of inadequate funding for
public health.


feed_id: eb1708ba2bf67017897276e7db78f585
title: Security guards in Brazil beat a black man
uri: Security-guards-in-Brazil-beat-a-black-man
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#25_November_2020_%28Security_guards_in_Brazil_beat_a_black_man%29

content:
<p>

Two "security" guards in Brazil <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/24/un-brazil-needs-urgent-reforms-combat-racism-after-beating-black-man">beat a black man</a> to death.
One of them punched him while the other held him in place.


feed_id: a9d863d58df2631a818f57e41187b5a3
title: DeJoy laundered campaign contributions
uri: DeJoy-laundered-campaign-contributions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#25_November_2020_%28DeJoy_laundered_campaign_contributions%29

content:
<p>

DeJoy, before becoming head of the USPS, had a business, and made a
practice of <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/louis-dejoy-campaign-contributions/2020/09/06/1187bc2c-e3fe-11ea-8181-606e603bb1c4_story.html">laundering campaign contributions</a> through the employees.
<p>
That is illegal.  Will DeJoy be prosecuted?


feed_id: 5bfd1c64799a254f1239ddb2f5260611
title: UK privatized old military base
uri: UK-privatized-old-military-base
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#25_November_2020_%28UK_privatized_old_military_base%29

content:
<p>

The UK invites volunteers to help take care of asylum seekers
imprisoned in a privatized old military base, and threatens to
imprison the volunteers if they describe the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/23/home-office-accused-of-cover-up-at-camp-for-asylum-seekers">resistance of the asylum seekers</a>.
<p>
This is said to include hunger strikes and suicide attempts.


feed_id: b467670d225357081c9d474aab88f4df
title: Biden's Defense Secretary
uri: Biden-s-Defense-Secretary
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#25_November_2020_%28Biden%27s_Defense_Secretary%29
content:
<p>

*The pernicious and lucrative aspects of military madness <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/23/hey-joe-where-you-going-pentagon-your-hands">are personified</a> in the favorite to be Biden’s Defense Secretary,* Michele Flournoy.
<p>
*The militarization of American society and the
"thank-you-for-your-service" fetishization of American soldiers will
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/23/what-if-they-called-election-and-nothing-changed-war-state">continue to thrive</a>.*
<p>
Americans who join the US military typically wish to serve their
country.  There are scenarios in which they might be called upon to do
that.  But what they are more often ordered to do is wreak suffering
on some other country.
<p>
Rather than passing the buck to an imaginary deity to "protect our
troops," the president ought to make sure not to endanger them for bad
reasons.


feed_id: 5f49bc9cc917a3bbb3c277011aa5fdeb
title: Respecting freedom of the press
uri: Respecting-freedom-of-the-press
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#25_November_2020_%28Respecting_freedom_of_the_press%29

content:
<p>

The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Biden to <a href="https://cpj.org/2020/11/heres-how-biden-can-restore-us-press-freedom-leadership/">do better than Obama did in respecting freedom of the press</a>.


feed_id: 4044a6b4c471efc22d546ca2d280cfe4
title: Urgent: FCC rules
uri: Urgent-FCC-rules
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#26_November_2020_%28Urgent%3A_FCC_rules%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.freepress.net/sign/fcc_no_handouts?akid=15801.9489429.D71JYR&rd=1&t=1001">call on the FCC</a> not to bend rules for Faux News and the
Murdoch family.


feed_id: 4a69b39f57d79b2364f2ee0e2d03fd12
title: Women's rights defender facing charges of terrorism
uri: Women-s-rights-defender-facing-charges-of-terrorism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#26_November_2020_%28Women%27s_rights_defender_facing_charges_of_terrorism%29

content:
<p>
Loujain al-Hathloul, who campaigned in <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a> for women's right
to drive and has been jailed almost three years, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/25/saudi-womens-rights-activists-trial-moved-to-terrorism-court">now faces some sort of
charges of terrorism</a>.


feed_id: f087b28f3929e43277c5fb12032039ef
title: Soybeans and deforestation
uri: Soybeans-and-deforestation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#26_November_2020_%28Soybeans_and_deforestation%29
content:
<p>
It turns out to be difficult <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/25/how-can-we-stop-using-soya-soy-linked-to-deforestation">to avoid buying soybeans grown on
deforested land</a>.
  I think the demand for soybeans is so high that any beans that are
grown will be bought by someone.

<p>
The demand for soybeans is high because people are eating so much
meat.  Indeed, a large fraction of Americans eat so much meat that it
is dangerous for their health.  It also fuels <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>, through
cattle-generated methane as well as through deforestation.  Perhaps the real
solution is to tax meat so much that people won't eat so much meat.


feed_id: b8eef9102297e86f33b4c829bb7bdf2e
title: Give-away to business
uri: Give-away-to-business
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#26_November_2020_%28Give-away_to_business%29
content:
<p>
The conman's "infrastructure program" was meant as a give-away to business,
but the US really does need to build and maintain its infrastructure.
It should do so in a way <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/11/24/new-report-blueprint-stronger-more-sustainable-american-infrastructure">that protects the environment and reduces global heating</a>.


feed_id: 1dd0f6ee19b139a1bdba1c5efef95d0b
title: Danger of misinformation and disinformation
uri: Danger-of-misinformation-and-disinformation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#26_November_2020_%28Danger_of_misinformation_and_disinformation%29

content:
<p>
How Taiwan deals <a href="https://pdis.nat.gov.tw/en/blog/%E5%8D%94%E5%8A%9B%E5%B0%8D%E6%8A%97%E4%B8%8D%E5%AF%A6%E8%A8%8A%E6%81%AF-%E6%B0%91%E4%B8%BB%E5%BD%A9%E7%90%83%E5%86%8D%E5%BA%A6%E9%A3%9B%E8%88%9E/">with the danger of misinformation and disinformation</a>.


feed_id: f28a34fa2a4cd854e2c1549f80f4e1ee
title: Ethnic massacres
uri: Ethnic-massacres
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#26_November_2020_%28Ethnic_massacres%29
content:
<p>
Ethiopia claims that informally organized gangs of Tigrayans <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/24/africa/tigray-vow-fight-ethiopia-intl/index.html">massacred
hundreds of local residents belonging to other Ethiopian ethnic groups</a>.
  It also says that other local Tigrayans protected their neighbors
from the massacre.


feed_id: 4e7585937da20fc8ddfe042ea72e4acf
title: Thugs get off easy
uri: Thugs-get-off-easy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#26_November_2020_%28Thugs_get_off_easy%29
content:
<p>
*[Boston's official <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>] whom the department found had stolen,
committed fraud, attacked co-workers, or drew guns on their colleagues
were allowed to quietly resign or retire without facing charges.
[<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a>] who attacked family members, threatened civilians, and
drunkenly crashed their cars remain on the force today.* In addition,
[thugs] that were prosecuted for theft, and for lying to officials, <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/11/21/metro/boston-police-badge-shields-officers-punishment-prosecution/">got
off easy</a>.

<p>
If you think that, because you are a cop, you should not be punished
for crimes, that means you are a <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a>, and a would-be police
department needs you gone.


feed_id: f1405cf199677c23126ce34b47baea52
title: Halt on deportation of women alleging medical abuse
uri: Halt-on-deportation-of-women-alleging-medical-abuse
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#26_November_2020_%28Halt_on_deportation_of_women_alleging_medical_abuse%29

content:
<p>
*Following Outcry, US Government Halts Deportations of Women <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/24/following-outcry-us-government-halts-deportations-women-who-allege-medical-abuse-ice">Who
Allege Medical Abuse in [deportation prison] &mdash; At Least for Now</a>.*


feed_id: 36b18d9604f3914f376c3d5cdf0838c8
title: Permanent big-lie campaign
uri: Permanent-big-lie-campaign
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#26_November_2020_%28Permanent_big-lie_campaign%29
content:
<p>
Republicans may be setting up a permanent big-lie campaign <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/24/trumps-no-concession-endgame-stab-back-gambit-which-helped-bring-nazis-power">that will
claim that Biden stole the election</a>.

<p>
As far as I know, the wrecker is not obsessed with eliminating any
particular demographic group.  This year he adopted a plan that would
bring about the death of many blacks and Hispanics, but only
instrumentally.  However, aside from that, he is as evil as a Nazi.


feed_id: d1a08d1c3a877dec236957db9c74ee73
title: Education policies
uri: Education-policies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#26_November_2020_%28Education_policies%29
content:
<p>
*Defenders of US Public Schools Call on Biden <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/24/defenders-us-public-schools-call-biden-ditch-trumps-disastrous-education-policies">to Ditch Trump's Disastrous
Education Policies &mdash; and Obama's Too</a>.*

<p>
I agree with those goals, including the goal of diversity among
students in public schools.  Diversity in class contributes to
education in a specific way: it can help students get used to knowing
and relating to people of different backgrounds.

<p>
Alas, I don't see much hope Biden will choose to do anything better
than Obama did it.


feed_id: a7bb9a788e3659b82c26173c095d30d6
title: Oval shaped rooms
uri: Oval-shaped-rooms
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#26_November_2020_%28Oval_shaped_rooms%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/staff-slowly-introducing-biden-to-oval-shaped-rooms-for-1845750123">satire</a>) *Staff Slowly Introducing Biden To Oval-Shaped Rooms For
Smoother Transition To White House.*


feed_id: 4d282faaa1085ca07effa958fcd01fc6
title: Building standards
uri: Building-standards
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#26_November_2020_%28Building_standards%29
content:
<p>
It has been proved that the London apartment building fire was caused
by companies that knowingly disregarded building standards to made the
building a firetrap.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/24/the-guardian-view-on-lessons-from-grenfell-when-money-comes-first">What follows from that</a>? 

<p>
I am sure people can think of more effective regulatory systems.
The reason they are not in place in the UK is that the government
has catered too much to business.  Corbyn would have fixed that.

<p>
But I have two other recommendations that may shock the people
who expect that business will always be above human beings.

<ul>
  <li>
  Place criminal charges against the individuals who made these
  dangerous decisions that resulted in deaths.  That will teach
  people not to expect to they can get away with this.
  How about 72 charges of homicide for each one?
  </li>

  <li>
  Prohibit companies from being owned by anything like a private equity
  fund.  Give those funds a deadline to liquidate their assets and return
  the funds to the investors; on that date, seize whatever property they
  still own.  In the interim, don't allow funds to take any profit out of
  these companies; that profit should stay in the individual company
  until it is sold.  The buyer will therefore pay for that profit, but
  this will eliminate the fund's incentive to drain the company dry
  before selling it.
  </li>
</ul>


feed_id: 5c23c948d7707fc125e1248e777de1ee
title: Future authoritarians
uri: Future-authoritarians
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#26_November_2020_%28Future_authoritarians%29
content:
<p>
Bernie Sanders: *How do we avoid future authoritarians? <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/24/bernie-sanders-working-class-win-back-from-donald-trump">Winning back
the working class is key</a>.*

<p>
Sanders asks the Democrats, "Which side are you on?"  We must all ask
each Democrat that question.

<p>
Sanders for President in 2024!


feed_id: 17685a6f29c9622a5da379cd97c7f8ac
title: Stay away from Qatar
uri: Stay-away-from-Qatar
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#26_November_2020_%28Stay_away_from_Qatar%29
content:
<p>
Qatar's <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> strip-searched passengers searching for the mother of an
abandoned baby.  It appears that the mother had flown out already, and
that she was compelled to abandon the baby and flee, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/23/qatar-charges-airport-officials-over-invasive-searches-after-baby-found">lest she be
punished severely for sex outside of marriage</a>.

<p>
But they seem to have found her and will now charge her with attempted
murder.

<p>
You do not want to be in Qatar.


feed_id: 8ff1187689941f4927a12fefb95acccf
title: US poverty
uri: US-poverty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#27_November_2020_%28US_poverty%29
content:
<p>

In the US, poverty brings <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/food/2020/nov/25/us-hunger-surges-spiraling-pandemic">spreading hunger</a>.


feed_id: 7b5937fdbef898a7121cac668d561759
title: Strict rent control in Berlin
uri: Strict-rent-control-in-Berlin
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#27_November_2020_%28Strict_rent_control_in_Berlin%29

content:
<p>

Berlin has instituted <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/25/berlin-rent-cap-britains-housing-crisis-home">strict rent control</a> as rents were soaring.
<p>
The usual way to avoid discouraging new construction is to exempt
it from rent control.  The article seems to expect Berlin instead
to construct lots of public housing.


feed_id: 743635076bed30fe7757fbbc3ce9dae3
title: UK domestic violence
uri: UK-domestic-violence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#27_November_2020_%28UK_domestic_violence%29
content:
<p>

The UK has seen an enormous <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/nov/25/fifth-of-crimes-involved-domestic-abuse-in-first-england-and-wales-lockdown">increase in domestic violence</a>, and it started
before the pandemic.


feed_id: 050e1819ee91726339f6768eea21ac52
title: Iranian president relations wit Biden-led US
uri: Iranian-president-relations-wit-Biden-led-US
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#27_November_2020_%28Iranian_president_relations_wit_Biden-led_US%29

content:
<p>

*Iranian president <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/25/iranian-president-upbeat-relations-biden-sanctions-trump">upbeat about relations with Biden-led US</a>.*
<p>
I am optimistic too.  The US has done many unjust things to Iran,
including engineering a coup against Mossadegh's elected government in
1954, and supporting the Shah's torture regime for decades after.
Then there was supporting Iraq in invading Iran in the 1980s,
and grueling sanctions in this century.
<p>
Iran has done some nasty things to the US, such as taking hostages in
1980 supporting the Lebanese hostage takers later that decade.  But
all in all Iran has suffered more in this exchange than the US.
(Iran's government has often behaved repressively in Iran, but that
doesn't come into this comparison.)
<p>
If Iran can forgive, the US should be able to forgive.


feed_id: 8540b2f0961b6534417b0410c6b933e7
title: UK "hostile environment" policy
uri: UK-hostile-environment-policy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#27_November_2020_%28UK_hostile_environment_policy%29

content:
<p>

The cruel UK "hostile environment" policy of making unauthorized
immigrants (and even those suing to claim they are authorized) into
paupers has been ruled a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/25/hostile-environment-unlawful-ehrc-report-windrush-scandal-policy">violation of immigration law</a>.


feed_id: 016fe0bd74c0742966c97fc0b481853e
title: Victoria's electric vehicle tax
uri: Victoria-s-electric-vehicle-tax
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#27_November_2020_%28Victoria%27s_electric_vehicle_tax%29

content:
<p>

*Victoria's electric vehicle tax could <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/26/victorias-electric-vehicle-tax-could-reduce-clean-car-use-by-25-researcher-says">reduce clean car use by 25%</a> [in
2050], researcher says.*
<p>
The idea that petroleum-burning cars will still be sold in 2050
shows the total inadequacy of Australia's climate plans, and the absurd
idea of this tax reflects the fundamental unwillingness to do what is
needed.


feed_id: 4a17410cb3511da2dc4dd769c28f9a7e
title: French thugs attacked people with violence
uri: French-thugs-attacked-people-with-violence
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#27_November_2020_%28French_thugs_attacked_people_with_violence%29

content:
<p>

French <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> broke up a refugees camp in an important square in Paris,
and in the process <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/25/police-investigated-alleged-violence-paris-migrant-camp-afghans">attacked people with violence</a> that outraged
the minister in charge of police.


feed_id: 31b04ab15ea32b7d8d5e66dab022c9d2
title: Bertelsmann will soon control 1/3 of the US book market
uri: Bertelsmann-will-soon-control-1-3-of-the-US-book-market
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#27_November_2020_%28Bertelsmann_will_soon_control_1%252F3_of_the_US_book_market%29

content:
<p>

Bertelsmann, which includes one of the major recorded music empires,
is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/nov/25/prh-owner-bertelsmann-to-buy-simon-schuster-in-2bn-deal">buying publishing companies</a> and will soon control 1/3 of the US
book market.
<p>
In addition to the usual dangers of too few competitors with too much
power and lobbying strength, concentration in book publishing
facilitates censorship by bullying.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/nov/25/staff-at-jordan-petersons-publisher-protest-new-book-plans">Here's</a> an example.
<p>
I don't need to agree with Peterson's book, or know what views it
advocates, to consider it dangerous to a free society for bullies to
be able to prevent the publication of a book because they don't like
it.
<p>
No company should be allowed to have even 10% of the book publishing
market.  Or the book sales market (down with Amazon!).  Perhaps 5% is
the bigger than we should tolerate.


feed_id: 4f6b10fdc87d5f1e2ffc052f7a8491ff
title: Heroes' raise
uri: Heroes-raise
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#28_November_2020_%28Heroes%27_raise%29
content:
<p>
Retail workers, called "heroes" by stingy employers, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/24/retail-giants-enjoy-soaring-profits-workers-demand-hazard-pay-amid-soaring-pandemic">demand a raise
in proportion to their employers' rising profits</a>.


feed_id: bb02559fa710dee030b50ad568b3ac77
title: New head of DHS
uri: New-head-of-DHS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#28_November_2020_%28New_head_of_DHS%29
content:
<p>
Immigrant rights defenders welcome Alejandro Mayorkas, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/24/demanding-reversal-trump-cruelty-immigrant-rights-groups-welcome-biden-pick-mayorkas">Biden's choice
to head the Department of Harshness and Sadism</a>.

<p>
If we are really fortunate, we will have to call the department some
other name.


feed_id: 0af15428577c895d31ea21cde9b2fa25
title: Journalist in prison
uri: Journalist-in-prison
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#28_November_2020_%28Journalist_in_prison%29
content:
<p>
Egyptian freedom activist Alaa Abd El Fattah was imprisoned again
a year ago <a href="https://pen.org/advocacy-case/alaa-abd-el-fattah/">because of protests that he did not participate in</a>.
  He is now on hunger strike.


feed_id: f73de619bde5400a1944a988fea93d40
title: Redefining benefits for musicians
uri: Redefining-benefits-for-musicians
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#28_November_2020_%28Redefining_benefits_for_musicians%29

content:
<p>
Copyright on recorded music nominally exists to benefit musicians, but
streaming dis-services <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/nov/24/streaming-threatens-future-of-uk-music-says-elbows-guy-garvey">are redefining that benefit towards zero</a>.

<p>
Meanwhile, the enforcement of copyright is getting nastier as the
web is filled with W3C-endorsed DRM that we can't break.


feed_id: 224f690afb2325ec18abd7d1882d370e
title: Planning gigadeaths
uri: Planning-gigadeaths
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#28_November_2020_%28Planning_gigadeaths%29
content:
<p>
Exxon's plans, from leaked internal documents, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-10-05/exxon-carbon-emissions-and-climate-leaked-plans-reveal-rising-co2-output">include increasing the
extraction of fossil fuel</a>.

<p>
In other words, the company is planning gigadeaths.


feed_id: d613058aab5831b6fdc1355543334346
title: Intelligence briefing
uri: Intelligence-briefing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#28_November_2020_%28Intelligence_briefing%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/biden-receives-first-box-of-wadded-up-napkins-and-recei-1845756730">satire</a>) *   President-elect Joe Biden confirmed Wednesday that he had received his
   first box of wadded-up napkins and greasy receipts comprising President
   Trump’s intelligence briefing.*


feed_id: 9dd1d126f41d77d387419fb9920e3d84
title: Pebble mine
uri: 2020-11-28-Pebble-mine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#28_November_2020_%28Pebble_mine%29
content:
<p>
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/11/25/trump-administration-denies-permit-controversial-pebble-mine-proposal-bristol">rejected the proposed Pebble Mine</a>.

<p>
This is a victory for wildlife and human life, but it isn't
necessarily final.  Moneyed interests can sue and appeal over and
over.


feed_id: 0eed271c06c84845743b2bfa7536eb31
title: Endangered species and glyphosate
uri: Endangered-species-and-glyphosate
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#28_November_2020_%28Endangered_species_and_glyphosate%29

content:
<p>
The EPA reports that that 1,676 endangered species <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/11/25/epa-finds-glyphosate-likely-injure-or-kill-93-endangered-species">are
likely to be harmed by glyphosate</a>.


feed_id: fd258149d78916be48af9145f7809229
title: CIA torture
uri: 2020-11-28-CIA-torture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#28_November_2020_%28CIA_torture%29
content:
<p>
Senator Wyden told Biden not to nominate Mike Morell to head the CIA.
Much like the wrecker's appointed head, Gina Haspel, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/24/politics/biden-morell-cia-director-wyden/index.html">Morell is associated with
defending CIA torture</a>.


feed_id: e55c516af1ce9fecdc9d3bc6fb06f054
title: Cut in thug department budget
uri: Cut-in-thug-department-budget
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#28_November_2020_%28Cut_in_thug_department_budget%29

content:
<p>
Seattle <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/25/us/seattle-police-budget-cut/index.html">has cut its thug department's budget by 18%</a>.

<p>
It is important for the 9-1-1 response team to be outside the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a>
department, so that it will not have a default tendency to send a team
of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> when it gets a call saying that someone is in crisis and
needs help.  The presence of guns and gunmen can lead to shootings.


feed_id: 3bdb9d6c246ff88132e7fd7ea5b68fba
title: Major dangers and decisions
uri: Major-dangers-and-decisions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#28_November_2020_%28Major_dangers_and_decisions%29
content:
<p>
The wrecker followed a pattern set by Dubya: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/25/trump-was-no-fluke-george-w-bush-blazed-trail">blatant disregard for
thoughtful consideration of major dangers and decisions</a>.


feed_id: a57a411dcf4df127b27e1ccd9e49addd
title: Coercive tactics
uri: Coercive-tactics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#28_November_2020_%28Coercive_tactics%29
content:
<p>
*[UK] immigration officials have been accused of using coercive tactics <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/25/uk-immigration-officials-accused-using-coercive-tactics-access-homes-without-warrants">to
   gain access to people’s homes and businesses without search warrants</a>.*


feed_id: 5036c14cf2e64dd26d7e5f52eb4b3167
title: Final act of sabotage
uri: Final-act-of-sabotage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#28_November_2020_%28Final_act_of_sabotage%29
content:
<p>
Mnuchin's final act of sabotage: lock away 450 billion in Covid-19 aid
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/25/flat-out-sabotage-already-underway-mnuchin-tries-put-455-billion-covid-funds-out">so that Biden would need congressional permission to spend it</a>.

<p>
The obvious response for a president who really wants to aid Americans
is to use this, and the general issue of aid, to make Republicans
scream, and to campaign for the Jan 5 Georgia Senate run-offs.
I predict that Biden will do this at most half-heartedly.

<p>
*Economists Call for $3 Trillion Covid Relief Package
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/24/go-big-and-stay-big-economists-call-3-trillion-covid-relief-package-stop-nations">to Stop Nation's Descent Into Ruin</a>.*

<p>
I wonder if <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#31_October_2015_(US_national_dept)">the platinum-coin hack</a>
                                   might make enable Biden to bypass
the senate's objections to helping Americans.  But I have a feeling
he would rather moan about being blocked, than overcome the blockage.


feed_id: 7b9a7469d2526ac026187355fd317603
title: Warlord scheme
uri: Warlord-scheme
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#28_November_2020_%28Warlord_scheme%29
content:
<p>
George Monbiot contends that taking the UK out of the EU is a scheme
for the "warlord" capitalists (who despise regulation and democracy
both) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/24/brexit-capitalism">to rip up the "housetrained" capitalists who have prospered
together with those</a>.

<p>
The warlords like to say that "freedom" means that they can use their
wealth to do whatever they like, even decree penury or death for
millions of people; that nothing stands in their way.  Their
supporters, the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#anti">antisocialists</a>, call themselves "libertarians", but
they do not deserve that name.


feed_id: 27fbf5dda4882de4382b58bf9d50cffe
title: Paper money
uri: Paper-money
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#28_November_2020_%28Paper_money%29
content:
<p>
There is no need to worry about <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/24/bank-notes-pose-low-risk-of-spreading-covid-19">catching Covid-19 from paper money</a>.

<p>
It is theoretically possible, but many factors combine to make it an
insignificant risk.  You don't need to surrender your anonymity out of
fear.


feed_id: ae0ee4cb571fee4ff1880ff0b3e497e4
title: Republicans trying to continue the civil war
uri: Republicans-trying-to-continue-the-civil-war
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#29_November_2020_%28Republicans_trying_to_continue_the_civil_war%29

content:
<p>

Republicans are trying to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/26/democracy-rigged-trump-biden">continue the civil war</a>, from the Confederate
side.


feed_id: 37047d3e05bb0bb00f31385f2c51f3ab
title: People affected by water shortages
uri: People-affected-by-water-shortages
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#29_November_2020_%28People_affected_by_water_shortages%29

content:
<p>

*More than 3 billion people <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/26/more-than-3-billion-people-affected-by-water-shortages-data-shows">affected by water shortages</a>, data shows.*
<P>
That is almost half current the human population.  I wonder how much
of human population growth is in areas with water shortages.
I suspect it is more than half.


feed_id: b9066e0773fce355e4d390cfc9bfe8c0
title: Thugs in Paris beat a man bloody
uri: Thugs-in-Paris-beat-a-man-bloody
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#29_November_2020_%28Thugs_in_Paris_beat_a_man_bloody%29

content:
<p>

Thugs in Paris <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/26/paris-police-filmed-beating-music-producer">attacked a man</a> who was walking to his office without a
mask, and beat him bloody.  Then they made false accusations against
him.
<p>
Did they do this because he did not wear a mask?  Or did they do this
because he was black?  I suppose it was the latter, since they called
him racist insults too.
<p>
It was right for them to take quick action on seeing a person outside
without a mask on.  But the proper action was to give him a mask to
put on immediately, and fine him.  Perhaps arrest him if it was a
repeat offense.  Not to invade his studio and attack him and others.
<p>
I am glad to see that the authorities are not delaying the pursuit of
these <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>.  In the US it typically takes mass protests, over time,
to get that far.
<p>
Article 24, which puts people in jeopardy if they expose <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> for
their crimes, is very dangerous for human rights in France.


feed_id: edd3f30186c95073956d7d8975334678
title: Lead shot
uri: Lead-shot
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#29_November_2020_%28Lead_shot%29
content:
<p>

*EU to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/26/eu-to-ban-use-of-lead-shot-by-wetland-bird-hunters">ban use of lead shot</a> by wetland bird hunters.*
<p>
Lead is toxic to animals, just as to humans.  It is good to stop
putting lead into the environment.


feed_id: ba7423fb2cc2a9d1f8e35c019983643f
title: Autumn leaves fall earlier
uri: Autumn-leaves-fall-earlier
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#29_November_2020_%28Autumn_leaves_fall_earlier%29
content:
<p>

*Climate crisis <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/26/climate-crisis-making-autumn-leaves-fall-earlier-study-finds">making autumn leaves fall earlier</a>, study finds.*
<p>
Scientists had predicted that, with a longer growing season, trees
would store more carbon  Instead, they drop their leaves
once they have stored enough energy to be ready for winter.
<p>
This means that predictions for how much carbon forests will store
must be adjusted down, and predictions for disaster must be adjusted up.


feed_id: 0143eca9888ac65ba7ef288f9a684465
title: The corrupter pardoned Michael Flynn
uri: The-corrupter-pardoned-Michael-Flynn
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#29_November_2020_%28The_corrupter_pardoned_Michael_Flynn%29

content:
<p>

The corrupter has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/25/donald-trump-pardons-michael-flynn">pardoned his former agent, Michael Flynn</a>, who was convicted for lying to the FBI about what he did for the corrupter.
<p>
This is a corrupt practice.  I think we need to limit the president's
power to pardon so that presidents cannot do this in the future.


feed_id: 160d23fdb8432ef9d42a27c220334f36
title: Extreme fragility of American Democracy
uri: Extreme-fragility-of-American-Democracy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#29_November_2020_%28Extreme_fragility_of_American_Democracy%29

content:
<p>

Noam Chomsky: *Trump Has <a href="https://truthout.org/articles/noam-chomsky-trump-has-revealed-the-extreme-fragility-of-american-democracy/">Revealed the Extreme Fragility</a> of American Democracy.*


feed_id: 466ba6ee05c9e8842b0a89934b2651a5
title: Break up the three principal US fund managers
uri: Break-up-the-three-principal-US-fund-managers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#29_November_2020_%28Break_up_the_three_principal_US_fund_managers%29

content:
<p>

A call to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/24/business/blackrock-vanguard-state-street-biden/index.html">break up</a> the three principal US fund managers: BlackRock,
Vanguard and State Street.


feed_id: fb941590217da99456df76c120da24fe
title: Urgent: The John Lewis Voting Rights Act
uri: Urgent-The-John-Lewis-Voting-Rights-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#29_November_2020_%28Urgent%3A_The_John_Lewis_Voting_Rights_Act%29

content:
<p>

Us citizens: call on the New Congress to <a href="https://act.pfaw.org/sign/demand-new-congress-to-pass-john-lewis-voting-rights-act-now/">pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act</a>.

     <p>The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
       and 888-355-3588.</p>
     


feed_id: 439efa03407ebab8d3502ba6f9a29e69
title: Urgent: No one in the OMB that prioritizes reducing the deficit
uri: Urgent-No-one-in-the-OMB-that-prioritizes-reducing-the-deficit
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#29_November_2020_%28Urgent%3A_No_one_in_the_OMB_that_prioritizes_reducing_the_deficit%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: tell Biden <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/no-deficit-hawks">not to put anyone in the OMB that prioritizes
reducing the deficit</a>.
<p>
A depression requires deficit spending.


feed_id: ce0cdf2c9bdf1dedda6d367959fe4ff5
title: Selling carbon offsets
uri: Selling-carbon-offsets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#30_November_2020_%28Selling_carbon_offsets%29
content:
<p>
Selling carbon offsets for carbon storage in farmland is a scam:
it is not practical to measure how much carbon is really stored,
and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/26/why-agricultural-carbon-offsets-cant-play-role-international-climate-action">it could all be released at any moment</a>.


feed_id: 9bf2fe213db86f37315ca6e5cef47aa2
title: Civil service protection
uri: Civil-service-protection
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#30_November_2020_%28Civil_service_protection%29
content:
<p>
The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#saboteur">saboteur</a> in chief made an executive order to allow agencies to
remove civil service protection from employment positions at will.
They could fire, or threaten to fire, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/26/leading-house-dems-demand-full-accounting-trump-order-allowing-purge-federal">anyone who won't lie when
ordered to</a>.


feed_id: e84a3497d0f6ca56d684385c67f97488
title: Schools windows open
uri: Schools-windows-open
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#30_November_2020_%28Schools_windows_open%29
content:
<p>
Scotland is keeping its schools' windows open for ventilation, which
makes them so cold that students have to wear coats and warm clothes
all day.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/26/school-uniform-banks-in-scotland-report-rising-need-for-warm-clothes">Unfortunately, many families can't afford to buy those
clothes</a>.


feed_id: eb9a613603c3de1fcb7fb7408b3a7eec
title: Treatment of asylum seekers
uri: Treatment-of-asylum-seekers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#30_November_2020_%28Treatment_of_asylum_seekers%29
content:
<p>
Israel's <a href="https://www.ynetnews.com/article/HJsSCTRtP">almost trumpish treatment of asylum seekers</a>.


feed_id: 12c70b13b8993aa30d8addb8757caa7b
title: Heroic whistleblower
uri: Heroic-whistleblower
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#30_November_2020_%28Heroic_whistleblower%29
content:
<p>
Gush Shalom: Israel should allow heroic whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu
<a href="http://zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en/events/1464389870">to go to Norway to live</a>.


feed_id: 00005ac10954b9f2a5a2c3c54228ca3d
title: Chance to move towards peace
uri: Chance-to-move-towards-peace
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#30_November_2020_%28Chance_to_move_towards_peace%29
content:
<p>
What Biden must do <a href="https://www.thenation.com/article/world/biden-trump-israel-palestine/">to have a chance of moving towards peace between
Israel and Palestine</a>.


feed_id: 1ffee5f4e1d26a86a9a0df1de05e0252
title: Defense Policy Board
uri: Defense-Policy-Board
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#30_November_2020_%28Defense_Policy_Board%29
content:
<p>
The wrecker has removed many experienced advisors <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/26/politics/trump-administration-defense-policy-board/index.html">from the Defense
Policy Board</a>.

<p>
Why bother to do this, when Biden could reappoint them in two months?
I fear it is so that he will not have to hear them try to be polite
while explaining to him that bombing Iran would lead to disaster.


feed_id: 64d968ef1164478e3ce94060aebefc94
title: Restriction on religious meetings
uri: Restriction-on-religious-meetings
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#30_November_2020_%28Restriction_on_religious_meetings%29

content:
<p>
The Supreme Court ruled that local laws for curbing the spread of
Covid-19 cannot restrict religious organizations more strictly than
other, secular organizations.  Based on that, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/26/politics/supreme-court-religious-restrictions-ruling-covid/index.html">it ruled New York State's
restrictions on religious meetings unconstitutional</a>.

<p>
The general policy seems legitimate to me.  Although I don't respect
the idea of faith, I believe in respecting people's right to practice
their religions.  This general decision is not the disaster some are
painting it as.

<p>
However, the right-wing Supreme Court justices strained the facts
badly to reach the conclusion that New York State's restrictions
restrict churches more than secular establishments.  The secular
establishments that would have large numbers of people attend in a
long session are closed entirely; <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/26/deliberately-distorting-reasoning-limiting-large-religious-gatherings-scotus-rules">churches are allowed to open</a>.

<p>
I think New York State could redraft the restrictions so that they
explicitly apply the same criteria to various kinds of establishments
and result, in practice, in rules equivalent to the present ones.
Maybe then the court would have to accept it &mdash; or else reveal that it
is trifling with its duty.


feed_id: 39c2e699190bd205b63bf9d7c04932df
title: Systematically capable of crushing unions
uri: Systematically-capable-of-crushing-unions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#30_November_2020_%28Systematically_capable_of_crushing_unions%29

content:
<p>
Arguing that giant quasi-monopolies are systematically capable of
crushing unions, <a href="https://brandonmagner.substack.com/p/labor-law-and-corporate-concentration">at least under current US labor law</a>.


feed_id: 61f791378c49362fb28db899134ed98b
title: Used textbooks
uri: Used-textbooks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#30_November_2020_%28Used_textbooks%29
content:
<p>
Textbook companies in the US are using various dirty tricks to stop
college students from buying used textbooks and saving money.  This
includes corrupting professors <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/pajze9/people-are-finally-fighting-back-against-the-college-textbook-industrys-scam">with bribes that carry big labels
saying "This is not a bribe."</a>

<p>
But it also includes other trickery, such as making textbooks change
in trivial ways from year to year or from school to school.  And, of course,
making students subscribe to access to an unjust ebook, <a href="media/3f1e898d.ebooks.pdf" data-original-source="https://stallman.org/ebooks.pdf">which typically has
all the injustices of other commercial ebooks</a>.

<p>
When people talk about "open educational resources," or "open"
textbooks that are "free to download," we cannot tell right away
whether they are free/libre or not.  That's because <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/online-education.html">the definition of
that term accepts some nonfree licenses</a>.

<p>
But I think these "open" textbooks are in fact free/libre.  The law
that funds their development requires a license like CC-BY, and they
are developed by an organization called LibreTexts which seems to
recommend only free software tools.

<p>
However, cannot verify this.  I was unable to find anything on
libretexts.org which spoke about the licensing of their textbooks.
The front page talks about the practical benefits, the things naive
people would appreciate, but says nothing about freedom.

<p>
Perhaps there is information present which I could not find.  Some of
the home page's navigation does not work without running some nonfree
JS code.  I will ask them.


feed_id: 13d08a66536b811d03a87c44fbd88bed
title: Back doors in WiFi hubs
uri: Back-doors-in-WiFi-hubs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#30_November_2020_%28Back_doors_in_WiFi_hubs%29
content:
<p>
Some WiFi hubs have back doors which can control <a href="https://cybernews.com/security/walmart-exclusive-routers-others-made-in-china-contain-backdoors-to-control-devices/">not only the router
but devices connected to it</a>.

<p>
From the details in the article, I think the back door is in the
router's administrative web server, so it would have nothing to do
with the specific physical platform or where that was made.

<p>
The people who found the back door present arguments that it was
made intentionally.

<p>
<a href="https://ryf.fsf.org/">There are hubs that run free software</a>.  That gives the community a way
to try to check for, and get rid of, malicious functionality like this.


feed_id: edb56906b6983916eb7153224708527e
title: Fund for investment in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
uri: Fund-for-investment-in-reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#30_November_2020_%28Fund_for_investment_in_reducing_greenhouse_gas_emissions%29

content:
<p>
The Tories are setting up a fund for investment in reducing greenhouse
gas emissions, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/nils-pratley-on-finance/2020/nov/25/the-green-bank-went-south-lets-hope-sunaks-new-version-succeeds">just three years after they eliminated the old one</a>.

<p>
I think that was when Cameron was prime minister.  Under his
government, the Tories had an ideological policy of gradually
eliminating investment in reducing global heating, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#06_September_2015_(Wind_power_vs._fracking)">even as as they
pushed fracking</a>.
  Apparently, they considered maximizing fossil fuel a priority
comparable to reducing the income of poor people.


feed_id: 59450651f60bfc64a40d441ed7c85e83
title: Virus-denialists soccer contest
uri: Virus-denialists-soccer-contest
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#30_November_2020_%28Virus-denialists_soccer_contest%29

content:
<p>
Virus-denialists in Arizona are delighted to hold an interstate soccer
tournament with reportedly 500 teams, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/25/us/desert-super-cup-phoenix-trnd/index.html">which would imply thousands of
players</a>.

<p>
Some of these benighted fools are so stubbornly loyal to the wrecker's
lies that they adamantly deny the reality of Covid until their last
words as they are dying of it.  Why not bring together thousands of
people for a kilospreader event?

<p>
The matches will be played outdoors, I expect, which reduces the danger
of them.  But unless those teams practice firm discipline, players
will catch Covid-19 from teammates and locals.  It would be a small
number compared with the almost 200,000 persons per day that are
getting infected in the US, but every little bit hurts.


feed_id: ad13a6e97ecd6c0a2acf4d2471716318
title: Sending doctors
uri: Sending-doctors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#30_November_2020_%28Sending_doctors%29
content:
<p>
Sicily <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/25/sicily-asks-cuba-to-send-medics-as-italy-fights-second-covid-wave">asked Cuba to send doctors</a>.


feed_id: 860d120a64689d0de2f6bdb2a84aa805
title: La Niña and Great Barrier Reef
uri: La-Niña-and-Great-Barrier-Reef
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#30_November_2020_%28La_Ni%C3%83%C2%B1a_and_Great_Barrier_Reef%29

content:
<p>
This year is a La Niña year, which makes Australia cooler, but global
heating is stronger <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/26/cooling-la-nina-may-not-save-great-barrier-reef-from-mass-coral-bleaching-experts-warn">and could damage the Great Barrier Reef
nonetheless</a>.


feed_id: 926fedfa99afef9ecc531b7664571df2
title: China trying to convince people Sars-CoV-2 did not originate in China
uri: China-trying-to-convince-people-Sars-CoV-2-did-not-originate-in-China
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28China_trying_to_convince_people_Sars-CoV-2_did_not_originate_in_China%29

content:
<p>

China is working very hard to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/29/a-year-after-wuhan-alarm-china-seeks-to-change-covid-origin-story">convince people that Sars-CoV-2 did not
originate in China</a>.
<p>
It is foolish to politicize the place of origin of the virus.
This campaign by China is foolish, just as the bullshitter's castigation
of China because the virus originated there is foolish.
<p>
What China did wrong was to deny for a time that it had detected
Sars-CoV-2.  But that did not last very long.  Many other countries
have done much worse things in dealing with Covid-91, including the
US.


feed_id: 2d25ff79f7fdaacceb31ec12e017477f
title: UK covers up sales of arms
uri: UK-covers-up-sales-of-arms
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28UK_covers_up_sales_of_arms%29
content:
<p>

The UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/29/secretive-licensing-system-allows-uk-weapons-to-reach-repressive-regimes">covers up and disguises sales of arms</a> to repressive states.


feed_id: cd4c93809438e2829fe3a01b1aaa0379
title: Ethiopia's army captured the capital of Tigray
uri: Ethiopia-s-army-captured-the-capital-of-Tigray
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28Ethiopia%27s_army_captured_the_capital_of_Tigray%29

content:
<p>

Ethiopia's army <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/29/manhunt-launched-tigray-leaders-ethiopia-conflict">captured the capital of Tigray</a> with hardly any
resistance.
I think that means Tigray's forces are switching to guerrilla
tactics.  This involves melting away when attacked by a large force,
then making small concentrations to attack even smaller units.


feed_id: c0d8a0cb001c070181ff84d7b9a63778
title: Wreckage in federal agencies
uri: Wreckage-in-federal-agencies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28Wreckage_in_federal_agencies%29
content:
<p>

Biden's team <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/28/biden-needs-report-trumps-wreckage-executive-branch-markers">will find wreckage</a> in many federal agencies.
They should report what they find.


feed_id: 6ad469148184f1a82c86895d78137b42
title: Arbitrary welfare benefit limits
uri: Arbitrary-welfare-benefit-limits
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28Arbitrary_welfare_benefit_limits%29

content:
<p>

When the Tories reorganized welfare benefits, they put in an arbitrary
maximum limit which is independent of how much a family needs.  Now
some families need more money to cope with the consequences of
Covid-19, and they are supposed to be offered more &mdash; but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/nov/26/universal-credit-tens-thousands-families-face-benefits-cap">they don't
actually receive it</a> because the limit kicks in.


feed_id: 23bfbdd5754adee5e6c774631ad0a2b4
title: Protecting endangered ecosystems
uri: Protecting-endangered-ecosystems
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28Protecting_endangered_ecosystems%29

content:
<p>

Does <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/26/you-have-stolen-our-forest-rights-of-baka-people-in-the-congo-ignored">protecting endangered ecosystems</a> require a park that excludes humans?
Or can indigenous humans help protect them?
<p>
I suspect that it depends on the economic pressures on the humans and
whether their lifeways and population are stable.  In other words, it
may be possible for the humans to coexist with the endangered
ecosystems, but that doesn't mean it will happen automatically
regardless.  We may have to help.


feed_id: c1d7ba5529a7046af4cced0b304978bf
title: Fascist rulers' techniques
uri: Fascist-rulers-techniques
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28Fascist_rulers%27_techniques%29
content:
<p>

Around the world, for around a hundred years, fascist rulers and
would-be rulers have been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/26/strongmen-review-ruth-ben-ghiat-donald-trump-fascism-hitler-mussolini-franco">paying close attention</a> to each others'
techniques.


feed_id: 4163d65816c5c61216dc247826396ab6
title: Tory politician corruption
uri: Tory-politician-corruption
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28Tory_politician_corruption%29
content:
<p>

Tory politicians can break promises, lie, commit crimes, even engage
in systematic corruption, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/28/politicians-were-once-held-to-account---now-nothing-stands-in-their-way">no one can do anything about it</a>.  Much
like the conman, they can use their power to crush whoever might try.


feed_id: caf8bbd57d2acf8295911ade3e3dcd9f
title: London thugs arrested people that had equipment for protesting
uri: London-thugs-arrested-people-that-had-equipment-for-protesting
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28London_thugs_arrested_people_that_had_equipment_for_protesting%29

content:
<p>

London thugs arrested people arriving in London by train with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/28/met-police-anti-lockdown-protest-london">equipment for
protesting</a>.
<p>
It is legitimate to prohibit people from meeting in public and
transmitting Covid-19.  It is not legitimate to prohibit protests.
<p>
Can you see how to reconcile these two principles?  Of course you can;
why can't the British government?


feed_id: 248bda080344e6cc2a5cb559e343b2fa
title: No official posts for progressives
uri: No-official-posts-for-progressives
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28No_official_posts_for_progressives%29

content:
<p>

*   The bad news [from Biden] for progressives is that there has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/28/joe-biden-cabinet-administration-antony-blinken">not yet been a single
person announced</a> for an official post that the left can be enthusiastic
about.*


feed_id: debec123cfe7bc0c336eeb6782123922
title: France criminalizing protests
uri: France-criminalizing-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28France_criminalizing_protests%29
content:
<p>

France is passing laws that <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/11/france-about-become-less-free/617195/">criminalize protests and prohibit posting
images of thugs</a> if one can see who they are.  This prohibits, in
particular, live-streaming of their violent actions.
<p>
None of this has is a cure for the disease of Islamist terrorism,
but even if it were a cure, it would be worse than the disease.
<p>
Thousands <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/28/french-security-forces-fire-teargas-at-press-freedom-protesters">protested against the restrictions on press freedom</a>.
<p>
Prohibiting home-schooling is repressive, too.


feed_id: 35609c064ef46dd76d16a73bc511b500
title: Virtual book club in Taiwan
uri: Virtual-book-club-in-Taiwan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28Virtual_book_club_in_Taiwan%29
content:
<p>

A virtual book club in Taiwan invites people to participate using
encryption via Jitsi, so <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/28/encrypted-apps-and-false-names-new-taiwan-book-club-takes-no-chances">Hong Kongers can join</a>.


feed_id: bd13d7056321027edae66a85181596c1
title: Progress in eliminating tuberculosis and malaria
uri: Progress-in-eliminating-tuberculosis-and-malaria
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28Progress_in_eliminating_tuberculosis_and_malaria%29

content:
<p>

The WHO thinks that Covid-19 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/29/theres-a-social-pathogen-stalking-the-world-thats-as-deadly-as-covid-19">may have undone 20 years of progress</a>
in eliminating tuberculosis and malaria.


feed_id: 8ce2894a32e5e888f3ceea4bf59ee96b
title: In prison 21 months for throwing eggs at a Hong Kong thug building
uri: In-prison-21-months-for-throwing-eggs-at-a-Hong-Kong-thug-building
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28In_prison_21_months_for_throwing_eggs_at_a_Hong_Kong_thug_building%29

content:
<p>

21 months in prison for <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/26/asia/hong-kong-eggs-law-intl-hnk/index.html">throwing eggs at a Hong Kong thug building</a>, on
the grounds that it manifested an unfriendly attitude towards the
state.


feed_id: 92cd14769502780072e6b1e3eed9a43c
title: NPR compare's Stacey Abrams's complaint with the bullshitter's lie
uri: NPR-compare-s-Stacey-Abrams-s-complaint-with-the-bullshitter-s-lie
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28NPR_compare%27s_Stacey_Abrams%27s_complaint_with_the_bullshitter%27s_lie%29

content:
<p>

NPR <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/27/nprs-shameful-comparison-stacey-abrams-donald-trump">insultingly equated</a> Stacey Abrams's truthful complaint of election
rigging with the bullshitter's lie.
<p>
It is true that both candidates had the right to demand a recount.
But the two are not morally comparable.


feed_id: bb4eb632ecc2bd6447130bfd9a5ce619
title: (satire) Satan offering black Friday deal
uri: (satire)-Satan-offering-black-Friday-deal
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28%28satire%29_Satan_offering_black_Friday_deal%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Satan Offering <a href="https://www.theonion.com/satan-offering-black-friday-deal-to-trade-only-50-of-s-1845748500">Black Friday Deal</a> To Trade Only 50% Of Soul
For Lifetime Of Riches.*


feed_id: e72462df624b73657db2f675858ee618
title: (satire) 'Come Die Here' Tourism Campaign
uri: (satire)-Come-Die-Here-Tourism-Campaign
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28%28satire%29_%27Come_Die_Here%27_Tourism_Campaign%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *South Dakota Unveils New <a href="https://www.theonion.com/south-dakota-unveils-new-come-die-here-tourism-campai-1845751266">‘Come Die Here’ Tourism Campaign</a>.*


feed_id: d22a7bf406c0bf0f8356c30968796806
title: Amazon spies on environmentalists and workers' organizing
uri: Amazon-spies-on-environmentalists-and-workers-organizing
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28Amazon_spies_on_environmentalists_and_workers%27_organizing%29

content:
<p>

Leaked 2019 documents detail how <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/5dp3yn/amazon-leaked-reports-expose-spying-warehouse-workers-labor-union-environmental-groups-social-movements">Amazon spies</a> on environmentalists and
workers' organizing.
<p>
This includes using predictive policing to infiltrate possible union
hot-spots and smear or harass employees who are liable to speak up
about those issues.


feed_id: ff66920f712cccbe4d7fbd20df2d1ec5
title: Advertising increases consumption that endagers civilization's survival
uri: Advertising-increases-consumption-that-endagers-civilization-s-surviva
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28Advertising_increases_consumption_that_endagers_civilization%27s_survival%29

content:
<p>

Advertising pumps up many forms of consumption that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/27/rein-in-advertising-to-help-tackle-climate-crisis-report-urges">endanger
civilization's survival</a>, both specifically and in a deeper general
way by convincing people to value purchases more than spending
time with people.
<p>
Since in general advertising is manipulative, misleading and annoying,
there is no reason to hesitate to reduce the amount of it.


feed_id: 2c1dff476842d68ea883511282e5ab10
title: Replacing human workers with robots
uri: Replacing-human-workers-with-robots
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28Replacing_human_workers_with_robots%29

content:
<p>

US businesses are moving rapidly to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/nov/27/robots-replacing-jobs-automation-unemployment-us">replace human restaurant and hotel
workers</a> with robots.
<p>
This means that today's massive unemployment will not go away when
Covid-19 does.  Only socialist measures to support the unemployable can
avoid making them homeless and hungry.
<p>
One way we can fight back is by refusing to use self-checkout sales
machines.  You can shout out, as I do, "Millions of Americans are out
of work.  Let's not <em>let</em> them replace humans with robots!"


feed_id: dd38145083e3dd8f36e50791091b327d
title: Bruce Reed considered by Biden for a White House position
uri: Bruce-Reed-considered-by-Biden-for-a-White-House-position
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28Bruce_Reed_considered_by_Biden_for_a_White_House_position%29

content:
<p>

Bruce Reed, who encouraged and helped Bill Clinton to inflict more suffering
on the poor, is now being <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/11/25/no-deficit-hawks-aoc-ilhan-omar-join-campaign-urging-biden-keep-welfare-reform">considered by Biden for a White House position</a>
where he would have plenty of influence to do more of the same.
<p>
Biden proudly announced that he considers the number of
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/11/25/biden-we-already-have-significant-representation-progressives-our-administration">progressives he has chosen for his administration significant</a>.
<p>
That is an exaggeration, but more important is the concentration of
center-right plutocratist or militarist Democrats he has already chosen
or is considering.


feed_id: 2d5420307bf3060533715f030d524875
title: Thugs celebrated when Mayor Moscone and Harvey Milk were murdered
uri: Thugs-celebrated-when-Mayor-Moscone-and-Harvey-Milk-were-murdered
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28Thugs_celebrated_when_Mayor_Moscone_and_Harvey_Milk_were_murdered%29

content:
<p>

Some San Francisco thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/27/harvey-milk-assassination-police-brutality">celebrated</a> when a former thug murdered Mayor
Moscone and Harvey Milk.


feed_id: 9085d84ed23a5bd101d57c13a6305c5c
title: A substantial number of people in the US are avoiding having children
uri: A-substantial-number-of-people-in-the-US-are-avoiding-having-children
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28A_substantial_number_of_people_in_the_US_are_avoiding_having_children%29

content:
<p>

A substantial number of people in the US are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/27/climate-apocalypse-fears-stopping-people-having-children-study">avoiding having children</a>
so as not to condemn them to <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#climate">climate mayhem</a>.  Some regret having had
children.
<p>
The survey did not seek a representative sample, so no conclusions can be
drawn about how many people feel this way, but this is an important change.
Once you've avoided having children, your income will allow you to good
for the world without getting paid for it.   Make sure not to waste this.


feed_id: 8f2e24217bf45d45edb380af03f3fb4a
title: Authoritarian approach to Labour Party members who still support Corbyn
uri: Authoritarian-approach-to-Labour-Party-members-who-still-support-Corby
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28Authoritarian_approach_to_Labour_Party_members_who_still_support_Corbyn%29

content:
<p>

The new leaders of Labour have chosen an authoritarian approach to the
millions of Labour Party members who still support Corbyn: they are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/nov/27/labour-mps-and-members-ordered-not-to-discuss-corbyns-suspension">forbidden to talk about the subject</a>.
<p>
It is not unusual to suppress discussion by stretching the definition
of antisemitism, but this is the biggest stretch I have ever seen.
We cannot act effectively against real antisemitism if we mislabel
everything we dislike as "antisemitism".


feed_id: a7958a0d605021aa3447f18f871d1583
title: Shooting of Iranian nuclear scientist
uri: Shooting-of-Iranian-nuclear-scientist
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28Shooting_of_Iranian_nuclear_scientist%29

content:
<p>

*Analysis: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/27/iran-nuclear-scientist-assassinated-mohsen-fakhrizadeh">shooting of [Iranian nuclear scientist] Mohsen Fakhrizadeh</a>
will do more harm to diplomacy than it does to Iran’s nuclear
programme.*
<p>
The theory that Israel carried out the attack, and the wrecker approved it,
seems valid to me.  If Biden does not punish Israel for trying to push
the US and Iran into war, he will show himself to be a weakling.


feed_id: a619c51766351d031f4f5004a9b8ea73
title: The wrecker is asking the Supreme Court to change the Pennsylvania election results
uri: The-wrecker-is-asking-the-Supreme-Court-to-change-the-Pennsylvania-ele
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28The_wrecker_is_asking_the_Supreme_Court_to_change_the_Pennsylvania_election_results%29

content:
<p>

The wrecker is asking the Supreme Court, which he has stacked,
to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/27/trump-voter-fraud-lawsuit-rejected-pennsylvania-court">change the Pennsylvania election results</a>
on the fictitious grounds of fraud that did not happen.


feed_id: 4832fce449fc8dc156f1eec3e11cebd1
title: Urgent: pass the MORE act
uri: Urgent-pass-the-MORE-act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28Urgent%3A_pass_the_MORE_act%29
content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://action.aclu.org/send-message/support-just-marijuana-legalization">pass the MORE act</a>, which would
legalize using marijuana.

     <p>The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
     and 888-355-3588.</p>


feed_id: 4690a2234f68f97fcb244a8615c302e9
title: Israeli draft refuser thanks people for support
uri: Israeli-draft-refuser-thanks-people-for-support
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28Israeli_draft_refuser_thanks_people_for_support%29

content:
<p>

Israeli draft refuser Hallel Rabin <a href="http://www.kibush.co.il/show_file.asp?num=82594">thanks people for messages of support</a>.


feed_id: 37bcbaa7793871498e8a149fa3fe4d0c
title: Biden and justice
uri: Biden-and-justice
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28Biden_and_justice%29
content:
<p>
One good thing about Biden: he advocates <a href="https://joebiden.com/justice/">abolishing the death penalty
in the US</a>.

<p>
He also wants to legalize marijuana and privatized prisons and
mandatory minimum sentences.  I haven't checked every item in this
long list, but the ones I have looked at seem good.


feed_id: d541db1e256e677b459bfbc4a25b2ead
title: Climate lawsuit
uri: Climate-lawsuit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28Climate_lawsuit%29
content:
<p>
   The European court of human rights decided to hear a lawsuit by
   young activists about the threat to their health and even their
   lives from allowing so much fossil fuel combustion.  33 European
   states <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/30/european-states-ordered-respond-youth-activists-climate-lawsuit">must defend themselves from the claims</a>.

<p>
Young people are the plaintiffs because they face the worst harm, if they
live out their present-day natural life spans.


feed_id: 463cff740411b803a5e2e71f6111c2da
title: Home renewably produced hydrogen
uri: Home-renewably-produced-hydrogen
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28Home_renewably_produced_hydrogen%29

content:
<p>
A pilot project in the UK will switch homes over <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/30/scottish-green-hydrogen-fife">to burning renewably produced hydrogen rather than natural gas (mainly methane)</a>.


feed_id: 5e51ebbc8f281cc39e5d83ea9fe7d4b6
title: Thugs charged
uri: Thugs-charged
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28Thugs_charged%29
content:
<p>
Four French <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> who cruelly attacked and injured a Parisian man
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/30/french-police-charged-beating-black-music-producer-michel-zecler">have been charged already, in less than one week</a>.

<p>
On this score, France is miles above the US.


feed_id: 8b12437a8f25111753e3e0f7355b4f4f
title: Minecraft
uri: Minecraft
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28Minecraft%29
content:
<p>
If you play Minecraft on Windows or an Xbox, can you tell me the
answer to these questions?

<p>
* Which version are you using?  On which platform?

<p>
* Does it force you to save your own worlds only on Microsoft 
servers?   Does it default to saving them on Microsoft servers?

<p>
* Can you play without without having anything to do with Microsoft
servers?

<p>
* Can you export your data from Microsoft servers and take them to
some other server?

<p>
* Can you play the game solitaire without identifying yourself?

<p>
* Can you play the game solitaire saving your data and worlds on a
  server hosted by you?

<p>
* Can you play the game solitaire without using any a server?

<p>
Regardless of the answers, Minecraft is nonfree software.  I urge you
to switch to the free program Minetest and reclaim your freedom.


feed_id: 85d49031acbccd8b4182f09293dcd0b6
title: Net zero by 2030
uri: Net-zero-by-2030
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28Net_zero_by_2030%29
content:
<p>
*Three-quarters of Australians <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/dec/01/three-quarters-of-australians-back-target-of-net-zero-by-2030-guardian-essential-poll-shows">back target of net zero by 2030, Guardian
Essential poll shows</a>.*

<p>
This gives me hope that the planet-roasters <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#10_December_2014_(Climate_negotiations)">that have ruled Australia
for many years</a>
               may start losing elections.


feed_id: ac590d3e8444d95be9020b39ad2afc54
title: Spying on cultural events
uri: Spying-on-cultural-events
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28Spying_on_cultural_events%29
content:
<p>
*Austin Fusion Center <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/11/30/austin-fusion-center-surveillance-black-lives-matter-cultural-events/">Spied on Nonpolitical Cultural Events</a>.*

<p>
I think their spying on political events is already outrageous.
But there is no limit to the gatherings at which two would-be terrorists
might get to know each other, so they think they need to spy on everything.


feed_id: fd85b121ce729c0440e650582190aa0f
title: The Economy Isn't Working
uri: The-Economy-Isn-t-Working
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#1_December_2020_%28The_Economy_Isn%27t_Working%29
content:
<p>
*The Economy Isn’t Working. <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/11/30/economy-isnt-working-thats-exactly-plan">That's Exactly the Plan</a>.*


