# articles

feed_id: a8b1ce9065fd49b5f317b68461164d47
title: Risking death to keep "the economy" going
uri: Risking-death-to-keep-the-economy-going
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_March_2020_%28Risking_death_to_keep_the_economy_going%29

content:
<p>
The lieutenant governor of Texas
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/24/older-people-would-rather-die-than-let-covid-19-lockdown-harm-us-economy-texas-official-dan-patrick">urges
older Americans to risk death to keep "the economy" going</a>.
<p>
I might be able to imagine making a sacrifice to sustain an economic
system that supported all Americans well &mdash; as happens for
example in Scandinavia.  The US economy is designed to keep the rich
working most Americans into the ground.  This is an economy that
<a href="media/d57fa5e5.shared-sacrifice.png" data-original-source="https://stallman.org/images/shared-sacrifice.png">makes most people sacrifice to
serve the rich</a>.  Why make any sacrifice for that?


feed_id: 019efcafffc4220c536b0fa2c0f67f37
title: 3D-printed ventilator parts
uri: 3D-printed-ventilator-parts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_March_2020_%283D-printed_ventilator_parts%29
content:
<p>
Patients were going to die in Brescia, Italy, because of a shortage of
oxygen valves for mechanical ventilators.  The manufacturer,
Intersurgical, demanded $11,000 for each one, and couldn't deliver
them right away.  It refused to provide the plans either.  So a local
device manufacturer
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20200317/04381644114/volunteers-3d-print-unobtainable-11000-valve-1-to-keep-covid-19-patients-alive-original-manufacturer-threatens-to-sue.shtml">figured
out plans and a local fablab made them with a 3D printer</a>.
<p>
Fracassi's design, made by the fablab, fixed the problem for one city,
but the shortage of oxygen valves surely affects other parts of Italy,
and will soon spread around the world.  Out of fear, perhaps tinged
with undue respect for the unjust "rights" of the manufacturer,
Fracassi insists he will not take the next step which would enable the
world to fix this problem globally: releasing the plans he has
developed.
<p>
The real hero will be whoever releases working plans to make these
oxygen valves &mdash; perhaps anonymously &mdash; so that there can be
ventilators for all who need them.


feed_id: a243a03db1a3ff926dcc3da8f6adb724
title: Tracking of individuals in UK
uri: Tracking-of-individuals-in-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_March_2020_%28Tracking_of_individuals_in_UK%29
content:
<p>
*UK privacy activists raise fears over
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/20/uk-privacy-activists-raise-fears-social-distancing-tracking-coronavirus">social
distancing tracking [of individuals]</a>.*


feed_id: 8d8207daf3ec60a814a398756ef9d636
title: Bully's ban on fetal tissue research
uri: Bully-s-ban-on-fetal-tissue-research
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_March_2020_%28Bullys_ban_on_fetal_tissue_research%29

content:
<p>
*[<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>'s] ban on fetal tissue research
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/trump-ban-on-fetal-tissue-research-blocks-coronavirus-treatment-effort/2020/03/18/ddd9f754-685c-11ea-abef-020f086a3fab_story.html">blocks
coronavirus treatment effort</a>.*
<p>
That's not all it blocks.  A friend of mine went blind, across many
years, because this ban prevented the research that might have
developed a cure.


feed_id: b2561b60cb0cb4c917321073a4bcb51e
title: Locust swarms
uri: Locust-swarms
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_March_2020_%28Locust_swarms%29
content:
<p>
*Experts fear [locust] swarms like those seen in Africa will become
more common as
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/mar/20/locust-crisis-poses-a-danger-to-millions-forecasters-warn">tropical
storms create favourable breeding conditions</a>.*


feed_id: f4064604d437db14ccb485c31c8f3d00
title: Uber and Lyft drivers protest
uri: Uber-and-Lyft-drivers-protest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_March_2020_%28Uber_and_Lyft_drivers_protest%29
content:
<p>
*Uber and Lyft drivers
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/mar/19/uber-lyft-coronavirus-benefits-ab5">protest
to demand more benefits during coronavirus crisis</a>.*
<p>
What about cab drivers that are not working for a company?  They need
sick leave too, and they should get every benefit that exploitees get.


feed_id: 8a1d89fe22546194a2f3486d7ba75fe0
title: Target workers struggling
uri: Target-workers-struggling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_March_2020_%28Target_workers_struggling%29
content:
<p>
Target gave workers a raise, but
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/feb/27/target-cuts-hours-leaves-workers-struggling">made
them work a lot faster</a>.  Most workers there can't live on the
wages they get from Target.


feed_id: f6f3016aab8e8d75c18cf52f63ffe9bf
title: Learning from coronavirus to tackle climate crisis
uri: Learning-from-coronavirus-to-tackle-climate-crisis
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_March_2020_%28Learning_from_coronavirus_to_tackle_climate_crisis%29

content:
<p>
*Global Green New Deal Supporters Urge World Leaders to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/18/global-green-new-deal-supporters-urge-world-leaders-learn-coronavirus-tackle-climate">Learn
From Coronavirus to Tackle Climate Crisis</a>.*


feed_id: a6f0b6866fc42e881ecd600571715a86
title: Brazilian religious nuts
uri: Brazilian-religious-nuts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_March_2020_%28Brazilian_religious_nuts%29
content:
<p>
Brazilian religious nuts
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/18/spreading-word-god-and-coronavirus-outrage-over-evangelical-group-trying-contact">want
to use helicopters to contact isolated indigenous tribes in
Brazil</a>.  That way, they can catch Covid-19 as well as other, older
diseases which are more fatal.
<p>
I guess there is no chance for uncontacted indigenous peoples to
obtain SAMs for self-defense.


feed_id: 6468b82677a5448b01e6ab1e6c9b52d5
title: Inefficiency of profit-driven health care
uri: Inefficiency-of-profit-driven-health-care
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_March_2020_%28Inefficiency_of_profit-driven_health_care%29

content:
<p>
*Coronavirus will bring into focus the depraved inefficiency of this
system—the model of profit-driven health care, of
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/19/lesson-coronavirus-about-teach-world">market
forces that look out for the short-term interests of business</a>, not
the long-term interests of us all.*
<p>
We should also learn that
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/19/what-coronavirus-emergency-has-do-biden-vs-sanders">we
need elected officials such as Sanders that want to correct the bad
system</a>, not officials such as Biden or the bully that defend it.


feed_id: 5e3e2edb484cc407b640064274fe775d
title: Sanctions that interfere with response to Covid-19
uri: Sanctions-that-interfere-with-response-to-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_March_2020_%28Sanctions_that_interfere_with_response_to_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/19/economists-demand-trump-immediately-lift-iran-cuba-and-venezuela-sanctions-are">Economists
call on the US to end the sanctions</a> that interfere with response
to Covid-19 in Cuba, Iran and Venezuela.


feed_id: 2e60f8eaa3b48982fef31be9b0ecc9c5
title: Protest from balconies and windows in Brazil
uri: Protest-from-balconies-and-windows-in-Brazil
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_March_2020_%28Protest_from_balconies_and_windows_in_Brazil%29

content:
<p>
'Bolsonaro Out!' From Balconies and Windows,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/19/bolsonaro-out-balconies-and-windows-millions-demand-ouster-brazilian-president-over">Millions
Demand Ouster of Brazilian President Over Handling of Coronavirus</a>.
<p>
Physical protests reach a lot more people than virtual ones.  It is
very important to continue them.


feed_id: a8085438d27a3eb77267246ba4ef2950
title: US phone tracking
uri: US-phone-tracking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_March_2020_%28US_phone_tracking%29
content:
<p>
The US government
<a href="https://www.blabber.buzz/conservative-news/811787-the-us-government-wants-your-phones-location-data-so-it-can-track-coronavirus-outbreaks-special">wants
to track everyone's phone</a> to enforce possible travel restrictions.


feed_id: 4c6c46b789f8436e95fbd97d02bad85a
title: Documents destroyed by UK thugs
uri: Documents-destroyed-by-UK-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_March_2020_%28Documents_destroyed_by_UK_thugs%29
content:
<p>
The UK <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> that infiltrated various nonviolent dissident groups,
sometimes by getting into pretend-loving sexual relationships with
other participants,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/mar/18/undercover-policing-inquiry-secretive-met-unit-shredded-files">destroyed
documents after being told to preserve them for the inquiry</a>.
<p>
If this doesn't put the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> behind bars for obstruction of justice,
they will have got away with that crime.


feed_id: 222c434dbdcff3d8b86179f0eacc3e8c
title: Paid sick leave
uri: Paid-sick-leave
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_March_2020_%28Paid_sick_leave%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> bowed to the inevitable and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/18/trump-signs-coronavirus-bill-free-testing-paid-leave">signed
the bill that will provide paid sick leave for about 20% of US
workers</a>, as well as some other help.


feed_id: 222852df92993917439e62a16722c074
title: Testing and quarantining
uri: Testing-and-quarantining
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_March_2020_%28Testing_and_quarantining%29
content:
<p>
By testing every person in the hotspot town of Vò, and quarantining
everyone found to be infected with Covid-19 including those who were
asymptomatic, Italy
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/18/scientists-say-mass-tests-in-italian-town-have-halted-covid-19">put
an end to the spread of the disease there</a>.
<p>
Lots of countries could apply this method, given only enough testing
capacity.


feed_id: 3de30f49f50e3c930eb706004576f378
title: Greenland's melting ice
uri: Greenland-s-melting-ice
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_March_2020_%28Greenlands_melting_ice%29
content:
<p>
*Greenland's melting ice
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/mar/19/greenland-ice-melt-sea-level-rise-climate-crisis">raised
global sea level by 2.2mm in two months</a>.*


feed_id: 52faf6a0982f64f8f82898d52b9f862f
title: Restrictions on human rights in UK
uri: Restrictions-on-human-rights-in-UK
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_March_2020_%28Restrictions_on_human_rights_in_UK%29

content:
<p>
The UK is planning emergency measures that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/19/coronavirus-suspects-may-be-detained-under-uk-emergency-powers">can
harm human rights</a>.
<p>
This follows a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/19/coronavirus-pandemic-human-rights">long
series of restrictions on human rights</a>.
<p>
The power to test people and quarantine them seems legitimate to me,
in the emergency situation that exists.  I agree with Corbyn that the
law must be reevaluated frequently.
<p>
However, banning protests "for our safety" is extremely dangerous.
<p>
I fear the US will follow the same path.


feed_id: 5ba3d86853d060301c84c05a031e460c
title: African black rhinos
uri: African-black-rhinos
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_March_2020_%28African_black_rhinos%29
content:
<p>
With great efforts to stop poaching, the population of African black
rhinos has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/mar/19/win-for-conservation-as-african-black-rhino-numbers-rise">increased
slowly over the past 6 years</a>.
<p>
The climate crisis threatens to leave countries (even rich ones) too
desperate to be able to continue these protection efforts.  A world
recession might also cut into the world demand for the totally
ineffective "medicine" of rhino horn.


feed_id: 193de7ef96f2d1939da601d6575dab5b
title: Progressive Democrat defeats right-wing Democrat
uri: Progressive-Democrat-defeats-right-wing-Democrat
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_March_2020_%28Progressive_Democrat_defeats_right-wing_Democrat%29

content:
<p>
Progressive Democrat Marie Newman has
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/18/critical-victory-progressive-movement-marie-newman-ousts-right-wing-democrat-dan">defeated
right-wing Democrat Representative Lipinski</a>.
<p>
Although the Democratic Party machine has lost this battle,
I expect it has succeeded in protecting several other right-wing
Democrats that could have been replaced.  Americans will replace
them sooner or later, but with the climate emergency, we haven't
got all the time in the world.


feed_id: ade7383e9a1a5e654aae28b124421292
title: Expect deadly greed from medical insurance companies
uri: Expect-deadly-greed-from-medical-insurance-companies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_March_2020_%28Expect_deadly_greed_from_medical_insurance_companies%29

content:
<p>
Wendell Potter: expect
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/18/coronavirus-pandemic-reveals-just-how-devastating-greed-profit-insurance-industry">deadly
greed from US medical insurance companies</a> including his former
employer, Cigna.


feed_id: 163e514f765e016a7418f94987bcadc0
title: Essential to community survival
uri: Essential-to-community-survival
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28Essential_to_community_survival%29
content:
<p>
*The bitter lesson is that what’s essential to community survival <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/23/hope-in-the-time-of-coronavirus-lies-in-rebuilding-the-state">can
   and should be collectively guaranteed by the government</a>.*


feed_id: c38d78c3121fbf9c2f12f763b749bfcc
title: On track for worst-case climate scenario
uri: On-track-for-worst-case-climate-scenario
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28On_track_for_worst-case_climate_scenario%29

content:
<p>
*Polar ice caps melting six times faster than in 1990s.*
*Losses of ice from Greenland and Antarctica <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/mar/11/polar-ice-caps-melting-six-times-faster-than-in-1990s">are tracking the worst-case
   climate scenario, scientists warn</a>.*


feed_id: fd159ac844313b811b418e17ad8c4bab
title: No justification for overreach
uri: No-justification-for-overreach
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28No_justification_for_overreach%29
content:
<p>
*The outbreak necessitates heavy government involvement in our lives <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/22/coronavirus-conundrum-and-human-rights">but
this does not mean an overreach is justified</a>.*

<p>
"&hellip; more people will suffer and even die as a result of the way
   governments choose to handle the crisis than from contracting the
   virus."


feed_id: 0db69aab43986cc3fd8d019e9f8514da
title: Turning detention into death camps
uri: Turning-detention-into-death-camps
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28Turning_detention_into_death_camps%29

content:
<p>
*Because of the Threat of Coronavirus Turning ICE Detention Into 'Death
Camps,' <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/22/because-threat-coronavirus-turning-ice-detention-death-camps-groups-rallying-free">Groups Rallying to Free Families Held Around Country</a>.*

<p>
I think the article means "minors" when it says "children".  The point
is just as valid for adolescents as it is for children, but I don't
want to appear to endorse that distortion of terminology.

<p>
On the matter of substance, I have to question the limitation of this
campaign to those who are jailed with relatives.  Are the lives of
people who are jailed without relatives are less important?


feed_id: 8f0e134b0872aa76990ca0b7cbcf2cbf
title: Talking with unions about green jobs
uri: Talking-with-unions-about-green-jobs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28Talking_with_unions_about_green_jobs%29

content:
<p>
*The Climate Movement Doesn’t Know <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/03/09/climate-labor-movements-unions-green-new-deal/">How to Talk With Union Members About Green Jobs</a>.*


feed_id: 25eea42962f6df8c5b3ad7d7d9523525
title: Disappearing people
uri: Disappearing-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28Disappearing_people%29
content:
<p>
Brazilian thugs are disappearing people, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/22/brazil-forced-disappearance-young-black-men">perhaps based on racism</a>.


feed_id: 79913b65051d40adb9e8e22b25958f16
title: Corporate coup
uri: Corporate-coup
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28Corporate_coup%29
content:
<p>
*The coronavirus relief bill <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/22/coronavirus-relief-bill-corporate-coup">could turn into a corporate coup if we aren't
careful</a>.*


feed_id: ee54d49c78e6c177bce73f81194cb6a4
title: Exploiting the crisis
uri: Exploiting-the-crisis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28Exploiting_the_crisis%29
content:
<p>
*It's morally repulsive how corporations are exploiting this crisis. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/22/large-corporations-exploiting-coronavirus-crisis">Workers
will suffer</a>.*


feed_id: feb210f2723b3931b4b929a39e8b0733
title: How to protect economy
uri: How-to-protect-economy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28How_to_protect_economy%29
content:
<p>
An interview with AOC about how to protect the US economy, <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/03/20/deconstructed-podcast-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-coronavirus-economy/">including the poor
as well as the rich</a>.


feed_id: bf57ec1e103945ea9601f1841cb42a93
title: Measures to protect banks from global heating
uri: Measures-to-protect-banks-from-global-heating
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28Measures_to_protect_banks_from_global_heating%29

content:
<p>
Measures to protect banks from the effects of Covid-19 <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/03/20/covid-19-recovery-must-help-prevent-future-climate-crash-wall-street">should be designed
to protect them later from global heating</a>.

<p>
This should go beyond shallow protection by including deep protection.
By "shallow protection" I mean structuring banks so they are less
likely to fail as a result of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#climate">climate mayhem</a>.  By "deep protection" I
mean stopping them from funding any fossil fuel development, which
includes step-by-step programmed divestment from fossil fuels
companies and activities.


feed_id: a57365faa10eb6ddf4a397f5f30cd76b
title: Looting puzzle stores
uri: Looting-puzzle-stores
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28Looting_puzzle_stores%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/violently-bored-americans-begin-looting-puzzle-stores-1842429517">satire</a>) *&hellip;hysterical mobs of violently bored citizens have begun looting puzzle
   stores across the country,*


feed_id: 622b3fa53701e4568b3ba2e10dfb1a42
title: Oh, that's a crime?
uri: Oh-that-s-a-crime
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28Oh%2C_that%27s_a_crime%3F%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/richard-burr-wondering-when-profiting-off-mass-sufferin-1842428330">satire</a>) *North Carolina Senator Richard Burr wondered
   Friday when profiting off mass suffering had suddenly become a crime in
   this country.*


feed_id: 5d7d32c79ab9ccfc177e52aafc67c953
title: Foreign Policy and Coronavirus
uri: Foreign-Policy-and-Coronavirus
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28Foreign_Policy_and_Coronavirus%29
content:
<p>
*5 Key Demands: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/21/5-key-demands-us-foreign-policy-face-coronavirus">U.S. Foreign Policy in the Face of the Coronavirus</a>.*


feed_id: 03f2f4aa96d362d080dd2babd808cd2a
title: Reason Sanders lost
uri: Reason-Sanders-lost
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28Reason_Sanders_lost%29
content:
<p>
Arguing that Sanders lost because he didn't lead his movement to tackle his
opponents hard, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/21/bernie-2020-what-went-wrong">or lead a direct action movement</a>.

<p>
I can't judge whether that position is valid.


feed_id: fc1e9e0c128f850fde1b95a13cb71488
title: Best case scenario
uri: Best-case-scenario
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28Best_case_scenario%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/trump-administration-releases-best-case-scenario-projec-1842417623">satire</a>) *[the monster described] his administration’s best case
scenario projections for coronavirus where eight million Iranian
people are killed.*


feed_id: fb66f2ad71e60e5af0962fbf7ceb3392
title: Covid-19 used as excuse to eliminate right of Habeas Corpus
uri: Covid-19-used-as-excuse-to-eliminate-right-of-Habeas-Corpus
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28Covid-19_used_as_excuse_to_eliminate_right_of_Habeas_Corpus%29

content:
<p>
Barr (and behind him, the would-be dictator) cites Covid-19 as an
excuse to eliminate the right of Habeas Corpus, so that governments at
any level could
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/21/oh-hell-no-doj-using-coronavirus-crisis-push-expansive-emergency-powers">put
anyone in jail indefinitely without giving a reason</a>.


feed_id: 8ebc90a85366f1b8a3ac84e3f346f119
title: dooH niboR in California
uri: dooH-niboR-in-California
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28dooH_niboR_in_California%29
content:
<p>
By using public money to protect California homes from [sea level rise]
the state is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/08/california-climate-crisis-jack-dorsey-home">transferring
wealth from working-class people &hellip; to &hellip; property
owners</a>.
<p>
This is an example of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a>.  In the US, classes correlate with
races, so every <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a> policy is going to effect racial bias also.
That applies here, but the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a> element is why this is unfair.
<p>
More basically, resisting the damage done by <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> cannot
hold out for more than a few decades if we keep building up global
heating.


feed_id: 38ac2def103896ea9b6ca75406a68c96
title: If all you have is a tax cut
uri: If-all-you-have-is-a-tax-cut
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28If_all_you_have_is_a_tax_cut%29
content:
<p>
If all you have is a tax cut,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/20/utter-disgrace-gop-stimulus-plan-would-cut-taxes-corporations-while-denying-benefits">every
problem, even an epidemic, looks like a chance to cut taxes</a>.


feed_id: f7fb3e31e581faeae9b52cc0ded7216e
title: Australia spies on Australians without warrant
uri: Australia-spies-on-Australians-without-warrant
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28Australia_spies_on_Australians_without_warrant%29

content:
<p>
Australia's equivalent of the NSA
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/mar/04/australian-signals-directorate-has-already-spied-on-australians-boss-confirms">has
spied on Australians</a>.  It can do this without a warrant.


feed_id: 3844c2dcfbf31fbc15cfba56b96fc37d
title: Conman's policies advanced under guise of Covid-19 response
uri: Conman-s-policies-advanced-under-guise-of-Covid-19-response
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28Conmans_policies_advanced_under_guise_of_Covid-19_response%29

content:
<p>
*The White House, under the guise of its coronavirus response, is
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/20/trump-accused-exploiting-coronavirus-pandemic-advance-truly-disgraceful-union">quietly
advancing policies that President Trump has long advocated</a>, from
tougher border controls to an assault on organized labor to the
stonewalling of congressional oversight.*


feed_id: 67f437010a28e303b931679e903af96f
title: Deaths from November-January fires in Australia
uri: Deaths-from-November-January-fires-in-Australia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28Deaths_from_November-January_fires_in_Australia%29

content:
<p>
The November-January fires in Australia directly killed over 200 people,
but we should also count an estimated
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/mar/21/smoke-from-australias-bushfires-killed-far-more-people-than-the-fires-did-study-says">400
deaths due to breathing the smoke all over the most populous parts of
Australia</a>.


feed_id: 3b679ca55d760c4dc2433cff169a3786
title: Kentucky voter suppression
uri: Kentucky-voter-suppression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28Kentucky_voter_suppression%29
content:
<p>
Kentucky Republicans have
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/mar/20/kentucky-voter-restrictions-photo-id-republicans">voted
for a more strict voter-ID law now that the offices to obtain state
photo IDs are closed</a>.


feed_id: 264ff17bfa7bfba51766722d4329b8ee
title: Biden may be no better than the bully
uri: Biden-may-be-no-better-than-the-bully
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28Biden_may_be_no_better_than_the_bully%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/20/foreign-policy-primary-debates-final-frontier">On
foreign policy</a>, Biden may be no better than the bully.
<p>
In regard to
<a href="https://stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">business-supremacy
treaties</a>, I expect Biden to be worse, just as Obama was worse.
Obama pushed for the TPP (<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#tpp">Treacherous Plutocratic Poison</a>).
<p>
There are of course areas where the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> would be worse.


feed_id: 35e16d0fd52a2754c88c057eed2d02cc
title: A push for useless Pentagon spending amid outbreak
uri: A-push-for-useless-Pentagon-spending-amid-outbreak
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28A_push_for_useless_Pentagon_spending_amid_outbreak%29

content:
<p>
*'Do F-35s Fight Pandemics?' Amid Covid-19 Outbreak, Lawmakers
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/20/do-f-35s-fight-pandemics-amid-covid-19-outbreak-lawmakers-pushing-even-more-useless">Pushing
For Even More Useless Pentagon Spending</a>.*


feed_id: db2d3dd1d07bf22a4b07ce0f953715b2
title: Endangering wild plants in wildlife refuges
uri: Endangering-wild-plants-in-wildlife-refuges
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28Endangering_wild_plants_in_wildlife_refuges%29

content:
<p>
The poisoner's officials
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/20/nation-distracted-public-health-and-economic-crises-trump-moves-allow-gmo-crops">propose
to allow planting of genetically-modified herbicide-resistant crops in
wildlife refuges</a>.  This would imply using herbicides there, thus
endangering wild plants in the surrounding areas.


feed_id: 75738dbe235f1b01ac06326e3b106e83
title: Impact of climate crisis
uri: Impact-of-climate-crisis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_March_2020_%28Impact_of_climate_crisis%29
content:
<p>
*Changeable weather in mid-latitude countries may have masked impact
of climate crisis
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2020/mar/20/weatherwatch-why-climate-change-harder-spot-uk-us">up
to now</a>, study finds.*


feed_id: 9ce129fd102206c77d1f2d8228c48675
title: Urgent: Reports of malicious functionalities in Zoom
uri: Urgent-Reports-of-malicious-functionalities-in-Zoom
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_March_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Reports_of_malicious_functionalities_in_Zoom%29

content:
<p>
I am looking for reports of malicious functionalities in Zoom.  Please
send me URLs of credible reports &mdash; I can't repeat a mere rumor.


feed_id: 5c30e1d865af73750fc5f35a19ced695
title: Urgent: Oppose use of Covid-19 to deny basic rights
uri: Urgent-Oppose-use-of-Covid-19-to-deny-basic-rights
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_March_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_use_of_Covid-19_to_deny_basic_rights%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-world-leaders-dont-exploit-coronavirus-to-take-away-our-basic-rights-2">call
on world leaders</a> not to use Covid-19 as an opportunity to deny
basic rights.
<p>
You will almost surely live to see Covid-19 be eliminated, but if you
surrender any freedoms now without a fight, except in a carefully
limited way, you miss those freedoms for the rest of your life.
<p>
*"Temporary" powers in an emergency have a habit of becoming
permanent.  In these circumstances, paranoia appears more a necessity
than a delusion.*
<p>
*Yet it remains true that technology is not destiny. Politics counts
for more than algorithms. Just as tyrannical governments, from Hungary
to China, are using the pandemic to impose more controls, so
democratic societies
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/28/we-must-take-drastic-action-but-lets-not-turn-into-a-nation-of-little-tyrants">will
need to show a liberal response to the virus</a>.*
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 41df812207c1de4532a783639bdcd279
title: Urgent: Universal School Meals Program
uri: Urgent-Universal-School-Meals-Program
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_March_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Universal_School_Meals_Program%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-no-more-hungry-kids-support-the-universal-school-meals-program-act?nowrapper=true">support</a>
the Universal School Meals Program bill.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 0808965bb73233551fbdd09843860e80
title: Right-wing fanatic recruits former US agents
uri: Right-wing-fanatic-recruits-former-US-agents
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_March_2020_%28Right-wing_fanatic_recruits_former_US_agents%29

content:
<p>
Eric Prince, former head of Blackwater, is a right-wing fanatic.  He
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/07/us/politics/erik-prince-project-veritas.html">recruited
former US agents to spy on organizations that the right-wing considers
enemies</a>.  He attacked the American Federation of Teachers, perhaps
at the request of his sister, Betsy DeVos, who is <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#saboteur">Saboteur</a> of
Education.  I suppose the teachers' union got in her way.
<p>
It is legitimate, and admirable, to conduct stings by making
recordings of meetings in which groups propose corrupt practices.
However, right-wingers don't always limit themselves to that.
Prince's infiltrators rummaged around in the office files
and secretly recorded the others in the office.  They did not find
real corruption.
<p>
They also don't limit themselves to the truth.  If they don't find
corruption, they may fabricate some.  ACORN used to help poor people
and members of disprivileged groups register to vote.  Right-wingers
ran a sting against ACORN.  They found no real corruption, but
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#24_August_2014_(Right-Wing_operative_trying_to_do_a_hatchet_job)">released
misleadingly edited videos that falsely suggested corruption</a>.


feed_id: 38b14d9b1b8d2e7aa7bfe6557dad7707
title: London packs more people together on fewer trains
uri: London-packs-more-people-together-on-fewer-trains
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_March_2020_%28London_packs_more_people_together_on_fewer_trains%29

content:
<p>
London has cut down service on trains to the point that the many who
must still travel to work are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/mar/23/criticism-over-crowded-london-underground-trains">packed
together dangerously in them</a>.
<p>
Boston and other cities are cutting train and bus service and
presenting this as some sort of safety measure.  This is announced as
a measure to reduce contagion, and we are asked to take for granted
that it does so.  Perhaps it is a sacrifice that is supposed to cure
by magic.
<p>
If the aim is to reduce the amount of travel, making travel more
risky is a perverse way to do it.
<p>
If the number of riders falls <em>very</em> far, it could happen that
some bus or train trips are useless and wasteful.  If there are
typically one or two passengers in each bus on a certain line at a
certain hour, perhaps it is a harmless efficiency to cut the number of
bus trips then and there in half, and have three or four riders in
each bus.  But this should not be carried too far.
<p>
I have not been on a subway train since a week ago, and I don't know
how many riders there are nowadays on Boston trains at various times.
I don't know whether Boston currently has the problem reported from
London.  But the MBTA should know, roughly.  I do think the MBTA
should explain just how this measure is supposed to help protect
passengers, and the facts about how it is working out.


feed_id: 5292b317caa64f99001404bdb11ebcfe
title: BlackRock hopes to reduce demand to tax it properly
uri: BlackRock-hopes-to-reduce-demand-to-tax-it-properly
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_March_2020_%28BlackRock_hopes_to_reduce_demand_to_tax_it_properly%29

content:
<p>
BlackRock hopes to reduce the demand to tax it properly on the
billions of dollars it makes, so it is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/mar/23/blackrock-us-fund-vulnerable-people-covid-19-outbreak-uk">offering
a mere $50 million</a> to various community needs.


feed_id: 63b5c6190ef5157937e4d2d06a580cdc
title: Wuhan eases lockdown
uri: Wuhan-eases-lockdown
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_March_2020_%28Wuhan_eases_lockdown%29
content:
<p>
*Wuhan eases coronavirus lockdown 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/23/wuhan-eases-coronavirus-lockdown-as-restrictions-intensify-outside-china">as
restrictions intensify outside China</a>.*


feed_id: fd86fd08e928788889436a4dec38e793
title: Orbán has Covid-19 has excuse to become dictator
uri: Orbán-has-Covid-19-has-excuse-to-become-dictator
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_March_2020_%28Orb%C3%83%C2%A1n_has_Covid-19_has_excuse_to_become_dictator%29

content:
<p>
Covid-19 will give Orbán the excuse to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/23/hungary-to-consider-bill-that-would-allow-orban-to-rule-by-decree">make
himself dictator of Hungary</a>.


feed_id: e101ab808657f26ffd5dc8d0fecb9fd9
title: Covid-19, increased repression, and surveillance
uri: Covid-19-increased-repression-and-surveillance
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_March_2020_%28Covid-19%2C_increased_repression%2C_and_surveillance%29

content:
<p>
*We can't let the coronavirus lead to a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/23/coronavirus-civil-liberties-authoritarian-measures">9/11-style
erosion of civil liberties</a>.*
<p>
It's not just increases in state repression and surveillance that
threaten us.  Pressure to surrender to nonfree software and its
constant companion, surveillance, are a threat too &mdash; whether it
is for work, for school, for purchasing, for leisure, for chatting,
for political organizing, for whatever, it is unjust.
<p>
In resisting this, it helps to draw a clear line and refuse ever to
cross it.  If you say, "I don't like the idea of using
Zoom/WhatsApp/Amazon/Google for this," people will argue back, "If you
can do it for that, why refuse to do it for this?"  By contrast, if
you say, "I'd like to join you in this, but I do not use
Zoom/WhatsApp/Amazon/Google &mdash; it is an injustice," people will
find it hard to argue with your stance.
<p>
That doesn't mean you will always convince people to adopt your views.
They may say, "We're going to use Zoom/WhatsApp/Amazon/Google; if you
want to participate, that is the only way."  How you respond to that
will show what you're made of.


feed_id: 83416448ab683085c0a3a78fe0e4f074
title: Funneling money towards sabotage of climate defense
uri: Funneling-money-towards-sabotage-of-climate-defense
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_March_2020_%28Funneling_money_towards_sabotage_of_climate_defense%29

content:
<p>
The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#heatland">Heatland Institute</a> 
<a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2020/03/23/identity-scrubbing-charities-bankroll-heartlands-climate-denial/">suggested
a "donor-advised trust"</a> as a way for businesses to funnel money to
its efforts to sabotage climate defense.
<p>
It is ostensibly called the "Heartland Institute", but "Heatland" more
accurately describes what it is heading towards.


feed_id: 0cd819dc9100a0b0e3bf578b050c2124
title: Keeping Covid-19 out of prisons
uri: Keeping-Covid-19-out-of-prisons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_March_2020_%28Keeping_Covid-19_out_of_prisons%29
content:
<p>
WHO has published 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/mar/23/everyone-will-be-contaminated-prisons-face-strict-coronavirus-controls">guidelines
for keeping Covid-19 out of prisons</a>.  If this is not achieved,
prisoners, staff, and the public outside the prison will all be
endangered.


feed_id: c9cabf7d8c6a41714785c3418e19699e
title: Urgent: license COVID-19 drug to all producers
uri: Urgent-license-COVID-19-drug-to-all-producers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Urgent%3A_license_COVID-19_drug_to_all_producers%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://publiccitizen.salsalabs.org/petition-gilead-coronavirus-medication-licensing/index.html">call on Gilead Sciences</a> to commit now to license its
COVID-19 drug, if approved, to all qualified producers, in exchange
for a modest royalty.


feed_id: 3111310ef3c483c9499e0e5962e4e11b
title: Urgent: medical care for everyone
uri: Urgent-medical-care-for-everyone
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Urgent%3A_medical_care_for_everyone%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=13908">call on Congress</a> to establish a right to medical care
for everyone in the US.


feed_id: 04faa7816e8f56e968c68eb383742cbf
title: Self-employed people support
uri: Self-employed-people-support
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Self-employed_people_support%29
content:
<p>
The UK will provide support for self-employed people <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/25/uk-government-set-to-pay-self-employed-workers-80-of-earnings">whose work has
collapsed</a>.


feed_id: ed9d51dbbb512af8617a69e4329b05c8
title: Drug licensing
uri: Drug-licensing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Drug_licensing%29
content:
<p>
Gilead Sciences backed down and released the murderous monopoly that
the US government offered it.  But that is not enough.  Gilead <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/03/25/after-caving-orphan-drug-designation-gilead-must-commit-licensing-and-mass">must
commit to licensing the drug for other companies to produce</a>.


feed_id: 5f4bd6251d36891377acf5c6b122b508
title: Pipeline delays
uri: Pipeline-delays
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Pipeline_delays%29
content:
<p>
The Dakota Access pipeline hit a legal snag, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/mar/25/dakota-access-pipeline-permits-court-standing-rock">as a court ordered a full
environmental impact study</a>.
    With luck, this could delay it long
enough that it will never be built.


feed_id: 43eab428d6d9859fb20e8fcfcb7d0927
title: Migrant workers
uri: 2020-03-30-Migrant-workers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Migrant_workers%29
content:
<p>
Migrant construction workers in Qatar are forced to keep working in
dangerous conditions.  Now those dangerous conditions <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/mar/26/despite-coronavirus-its-business-as-usual-for-world-cup-workers-in-qatar">include Covid-19
as well as high temperatures</a>.

<p>
In general, foreign workers there <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#3_October_2019_(Global_warming_at_workplace)">are treated abominably</a>.


feed_id: b70dc3a4c7845ea5b14d0e9fa8379899
title: Incentive for lay off
uri: Incentive-for-lay-off
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Incentive_for_lay_off%29
content:
<p>
In time of epidemic, US employer-funded medical "insurance" is an
incentive to lay off the employees as fast as possible.

<p>
The article recommends that the US immediately extend Tricare, the
medical system for military families, <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/03/26/coronavirus-tricare-insurance/">to cover all Americans</a>.


feed_id: 9b595835206a1068ce2c601515e30629
title: Campaign to distrust expertise
uri: Campaign-to-distrust-expertise
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Campaign_to_distrust_expertise%29
content:
<p>
A previous generation of cruel right-wing leaders, including Reagan
and Thatcher, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/26/rightwing-populist-leaders-oppose-experts-not-elites">started the campaign to distrust anyone with
professional expertise</a>.


feed_id: 6c424896d662281e86d8f2c4e382b12d
title: Possible new outbreak
uri: Possible-new-outbreak
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Possible_new_outbreak%29
content:
<p>
Prematurely lifting Wuhan's measures to stop the spread of Covid-19
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/26/do-not-relax-covid-19-measures-in-wuhan-too-soon-scientists-warn">could lead to a new outbreak</a>.


feed_id: 0837185c73bfb228e99c7b14fdac9f12
title: Filling up beds
uri: Filling-up-beds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Filling_up_beds%29
content:
<p>
Private US medical insurance companies are slow to move patients from
hospital beds to rehabilitation hospitals.  This is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/mar/26/us-insurance-companies-coronavirus-hospitals">filling up beds for people sick with Covid-19</a>.


feed_id: abe0707c01a4c06d5d8f9f1d0d4d9bbb
title: Paid sick leave
uri: 2020-03-30-Paid-sick-leave
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Paid_sick_leave%29
content:
<p>
Amazon part-time warehouse employees had to fight for it, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/23/amazon-warehouse-workers-win-fight-paid-time-company-condemned-reckless-labor">but have won
paid sick leave</a>.


feed_id: e911ab191962287b28b0f4290b746d2b
title: Espionage and jail treatment
uri: Espionage-and-jail-treatment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Espionage_and_jail_treatment%29
content:
<p>
Chinese expat Yang Hengjun, now an Australian citizen, is expected to
be charged with espionage in China.  He has been jailed more than a
year, finishing with three months of solitary confinement, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/25/china-set-to-to-indict-australian-academic-yang-henjun-on-espionage-charges">and not
allowed to see a lawyer</a>.

<p>
I remind people that Julian Assange <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_February_2020_(Nils_Melzer_on_Assange)">faces roughly similar treatment</a>
  and has been prosecuted <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-nov-feb.html#27_February_2020_(Prosecuted_for_journalism)">in such an unjust way that it is like
a veiled form of what China does blatantly</a>.


feed_id: 1153b585c0752088d85b0f9e11c5985a
title: Global ceasefire
uri: Global-ceasefire
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Global_ceasefire%29
content:
<p>
*As 'Fury of Virus Illustrates Folly of War,' <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/24/fury-virus-illustrates-folly-war-un-chief-calls-global-ceasefire">UN Chief Calls for Global Ceasefire</a>.*


feed_id: d51c8c56ff30c074896690836afe52e0
title: Clear warning shot
uri: Clear-warning-shot
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Clear_warning_shot%29
content:
<p>
   *Leading scientists also said the Covid-19 outbreak was a "clear warning
   shot", given that far more deadly diseases existed in wildlife, and
   that today’s civilisation was "playing with fire". They said it was
   almost always human behaviour <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/25/coronavirus-nature-is-sending-us-a-message-says-un-environment-chief">that caused diseases to spill over into
   humans</a>.*


feed_id: c7c45ea188094b525a7bd7bcc3649ea7
title: Permanent drought
uri: Permanent-drought
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Permanent_drought%29
content:
<p>
Parts of England are headed <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/mar/25/parts-of-england-could-run-out-of-water-unless-urgent-action-taken-report">for permanent drought due to global heating</a>.


feed_id: 0b2fb2e72293ff3d3693e667f7ef42c3
title: Tracking the movements of anyone with mobile phone
uri: Tracking-the-movements-of-anyone-with-mobile-phone
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Tracking_the_movements_of_anyone_with_mobile_phone%29

content:
<p>
Mobile phone companies around the world are figuring out how to
implement
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/25/mobile-phone-industry-explores-worldwide-tracking-of-users-coronavirus">world-wide
tracking of the movements of anyone that has a mobile phone</a>.
<p>
In this context it makes no difference whether the phone is "smart" or
"dumb": the phone company
<a href="https://gnu.org/malware/malware-mobiles.html">can track any
phone that is communicating</a>.
<p>
"Smart" phones allow other kinds of tracking as well &mdash; by the
operating system (Android or iOS) and by
<a href="https://www.gnu.org/proprietary/malware-mobiles.html">malicious
apps</a>.


feed_id: 218cc53ab24cd9634055db8330cebd6e
title: Two friends of acting king charged with murder
uri: Two-friends-of-acting-king-charged-with-murder
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Two_friends_of_acting_king_charged_with_murder%29

content:
<p>
Turkey has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/25/turkey-charges-20-saudis-over-jamal-khashoggi">charged
two friends of acting king Mohammed bin Salman with murdering
journalist Jamal Khashoggi</a>.  As well as 18 more of his subjects.
<p>
Turkey cannot get its hands on those suspects, but the charges may put
a crimp in their international travels.


feed_id: a8ed4b6ddf08832b713440584599ab57
title: China's "Belt and Road Initiative"
uri: China-s-Belt-and-Road-Initiative
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Chinas_Belt_and_Road_Initiative%29
content:
<p>
China's "Belt and Road Initiative" is
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/24/coronavirus-and-death-connectivity">dangerous
to ecosystems as well as threatening Chinese economic colonization
around the world</a>.
<p>
Economic imperialism is no better when it comes from China than when
it comes from the US.  It may indeed be worse, because the US has a
public opinion one can try to influence, while the Chinese state has
prohibited and obstructed the existence of public opinion.


feed_id: e8899987cc7242f94ed895f728535293
title: Restless troll
uri: Restless-troll
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Restless_troll%29
content:
<p>
(satire) *a restless Donald Trump
confirmed Monday that he
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/restless-trump-can-t-believe-he-stuck-inside-with-nothi-1842459379">couldn’t
believe he was stuck inside with nothing to do except be
president</a>.*


feed_id: bcc93184a99fb75ccb45cf17a3a7e389
title: Seizing the excuse of Covid-19 to crush democracy
uri: Seizing-the-excuse-of-Covid-19-to-crush-democracy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Seizing_the_excuse_of_Covid-19_to_crush_democracy%29

content:
<p>
Around the world, freedom-hating politicians are seizing the excuse of
Covid-19 to crush democracy &mdash;
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2020/03/23/how-politicians-are-using-coronavirus-seize-control/">or
trying to</a>.


feed_id: 07921829973c8ae39fadcf84493c4a6e
title: US nuclear reactor owners want a handout
uri: US-nuclear-reactor-owners-want-a-handout
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28US_nuclear_reactor_owners_want_a_handout%29

content:
<p>
US nuclear reactor owners want a handout to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/03/23/nuclear-lobbys-coronavirus-cash-grab-shameless">keep
aging nuclear reactors operating past their design lifetime</a>.
<p>
They were
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/23/nuclear-industry-effort-exploit-coronavirus-crisis-backdoor-bailout-decried-disaster">rejected
last year</a>, so they hope Covid-19 will somehow provide an excuse
this year.
<p>
I refer to the book
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-sep-dec.html#14_October_2013_(Nuclear_power_plants)">Normal
Accidents</a> for why it is dangerous to keep old reactors operating.


feed_id: 21bffe0fda03c1eb774b16433add7c39
title: Ads targeted at children
uri: Ads-targeted-at-children
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Ads_targeted_at_children%29
content:
<p>
(satire) *a disturbing new study &hellip; found
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/disturbing-new-study-finds-american-5th-graders-only-ab-1842454838">American
fifth-graders were only absorbing advertisements at a first-grade
level</a>. "Out of the 10,000 children we studied, over 75% of them
scrolled right past products placed onto their social media feeds and
did not even click or hover over the ad once&hellip;"*


feed_id: 6e4c3b897a29b7bd1f0e69af6e11da32
title: Numskull's reaction to Covid-19
uri: Numskull-s-reaction-to-Covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Numskulls_reaction_to_Covid-19%29
content:
<p>
The numskull has over 50% approval for his reaction to Covid-19
simply because
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/commentisfree/2020/mar/24/trump-pandemic-floundering-coronavirus-crisis">he
stopped saying it was no worse than flu</a>.
<p>
That is a step up from a very low starting point.  I think it shows
how little keel Americans have today, except when rigidized by a
church dogma.


feed_id: bc84972b87b480756632649a146b2236
title: Carrying "social distancing" to extremes
uri: Carrying-social-distancing-to-extremes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Carrying_social_distancing_to_extremes%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/mar/23/how-to-social-distance-tips-convince-friends-family">Doctors
disagree</a> about carrying "social distancing" to extremes.
<p>
It is always the case, for any kind of risk, that there are bigger
risks and smaller ones.  A rational plan to reduce the total risk to
some target level involves trying hard to avoid the bigger risks,
while accepting occasional smaller risks.  The lower the target level,
the more you'll reject risks of any given size, but it will always be
rational for you to accept small risks occasionally.
<p>
To put it another way, if you choose to ride in a car or bus, you're
accepting some small amount of collision risk.  It is not rational to
take, for Covid-19 risk, the attitude that "any risk whatsoever is too
much", while ignoring small risks of collision.


feed_id: ea3fd3e630ffc65a8bc3513b0205855e
title: 7-year monopoly over selling remdesivir
uri: 7-year-monopoly-over-selling-remdesivir
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%287-year_monopoly_over_selling_remdesivir%29

content:
<p>
The murderer's ministers gave Gilead, a particularly greedy Pharma
company, a
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/03/23/gilead-sciences-coronavirus-treatment-orphan-drug-status/">7-year
monopoly over selling remdesivir</a>, the one known medicine that has
a good chance of saving people who have a severe case of Covid-19.
<p>
Gilead's business model is to procure such monopolies in order to
extort high prices from wealthy Americans who would otherwise die.
The non-wealthy Americans can't afford those prices do then die.
<p>
Would someone like to prepare to start selling banners and bumper
stickers that say,
<blockquote style="text-align:center; width:20em; font-size:110%;
                   font-family:sans-serif;">
Trump and Gilead "Sciences"<br />
murdered my relative
</blockquote>
If remdesivir does succeed as a treatment for Covid-19, there will
be plenty of customers.


feed_id: f8a47a7456685bb7e25d8776691670e8
title: Cruelty of Britain's benefits system
uri: Cruelty-of-Britain-s-benefits-system
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Cruelty_of_Britains_benefits_system%29

content:
<p>
*The middle class are about to discover the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/24/britain-benefits-rishi-sunak-claimants-austerity">cruelty
of Britain's benefits system</a>.* It will drive them into penury, as
it has done to so many disabled Britons.


feed_id: 70bcded813c95627a331bcebb66a333f
title: Physical store shutdowns helping Amazon dominate
uri: Physical-store-shutdowns-helping-Amazon-dominate
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Physical_store_shutdowns_helping_Amazon_dominate%29

content:
<p>
Shutting physical stores in some US states is helping Amazon dominate
the US economy
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/commentisfree/2020/mar/24/the-us-of-amazon-how-the-coronavirus-has-created-a-governance-vacuum-the-tech-giant-is-quickly-filling">in
an even more dangerous way</a>.
<p>
I refuse to buy anything from or through
<a href="https://stallman.org/amazon.html">Amazon</a>.  I always pay cash and only cash.
<p>
I tried to get take-out food for the first time since the shutdown.  I
called two restaurants near my home.  One seemed to be not operating
at all.  The other was operating but would take only credit card
payments.  Since I refuse to buy any goods with a card, I changed my
mind and did not order.


feed_id: 76d17f5d5cc13a7f84b3a1553bb198b1
title: Feral hippos in Colombia
uri: Feral-hippos-in-Colombia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Feral_hippos_in_Colombia%29
content:
<p>
Feral hippos in Colombia prove to be
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/mar/24/pablo-escobars-cocaine-hippos-show-how-invasive-species-can-restore-a-lost-world-aoe">ecological
replacements for the mammoths and protohorses</a> that humans wiped
out when they arrived in the Americas.  Their presence makes the
ecology more like what it was 15000 years ago.


feed_id: 35c61da5e61f7c2f6ef981d820ff908c
title: Covid-19 economic rescue plans must be green
uri: Covid-19-economic-rescue-plans-must-be-green
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Covid-19_economic_rescue_plans_must_be_green%29

content:
<p>
*Covid-19 economic rescue plans
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/mar/24/covid-19-economic-rescue-plans-must-be-green-say-environmentalists">must
be green</a>, say environmentalists*
<p>
Covid-19 may kill one or two percent of the world's population.  If
you think that is the ultimate horror, you may underestimate what
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#climate">climate mayhem</a> could do.  It may kill half of humanity or even more.
It could destroy civilization.  Some think it might make humanity
extinct.
<p>
We must not treat <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#climate">climate mayhem</a> as the smaller danger just because
the worst part of it is a few decades away.


feed_id: a1af377be3a08f49307fdf32cb3894fd
title: Right-wing governments slow to act on Covid-19 problem
uri: Right-wing-governments-slow-to-act-on-Covid-19-problem
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Right-wing_governments_slow_to_act_on_Covid-19_problem%29

content:
<p>
* Rightwing governments have denied the problem [of Covid-19] and been
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/24/covid-19-climate-crisis-governments-coronavirus">slow
to act</a>.  With coronavirus and the climate, this costs lives.*
<p>
China is an interesting special case.  It is repressive, like a
right-wing government, but unlike them the real rulers are not
businesses that hide their power over the state; rather, they are the
officials of the Communist Party and don't hide the fact that they
control the state.  China's response started with the typical denial
of repressive governments, then flipped to an all-out effort which
turned out to be quite effective, though it has surely been used for a
permanent increase in control.


feed_id: 17cf35cf92b653503afcf35494d20f71
title: Staff cuts undermined Covid-19 containment efforts
uri: Staff-cuts-undermined-Covid-19-containment-efforts
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Staff_cuts_undermined_Covid-19_containment_efforts%29

content:
<p>
*[The numskull's] staff cuts have
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/mar/24/trump-cuts-undermine-coronavirus-containment-cdc-watchdog-report">undermined
Covid-19 containment efforts</a>, watchdog finds.*
<p>
US government agencies have been
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/03/24/donald-trump-says-americas-ventilator-shortage-was-unforeseen-nothing-could-be-further-from-the-truth/">warning
for 15 years</a> that the US needs a reserve of mechanical ventilators
to treat people affected by an epidemic.
<p>
Since the numskull claimed there was no shortage, he now can't bear to
recognize that competent, responsible officials were aware of the
shortage.


feed_id: 9919fcccdea23171342ca0ecb224a915
title: Exploitation of coronavirus lockdown
uri: Exploitation-of-coronavirus-lockdown
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_March_2020_%28Exploitation_of_coronavirus_lockdown%29

content:
<p>
*Colombian [right-wing] groups exploiting coronavirus
lockdown
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/23/colombian-groups-exploiting-coronavirus-lockdown-to-kill-activists">to
kill activists</a>.*
<p>
I suspect these are some of the paramilitares,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#9_March_2017_(Colombias_paramilitares)">Colombia's
most vicious terrorists</a>.


feed_id: 7199c8fc1888662e876386f403991855
title: Urgent: Stop fighting wars
uri: Urgent-Stop-fighting-wars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#31_March_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_fighting_wars%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/we-demand-global-ceasefire-2">call on the US government</a> to stop fighting wars and
ocus on the real dangers: global health, migration, inequality, and
climate disaster.


feed_id: cb834d74c28853fb8caf396b312b0ade
title: Urgent: End diverting funds to the wall
uri: Urgent-End-diverting-funds-to-the-wall
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#31_March_2020_%28Urgent%3A_End_diverting_funds_to_the_wall%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/stop-trumps-illegally-funded-wall/">demand an end</a> to taking funds from important government activities
to pay for the damaging border wall.

<p>
The wall does no good, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jan-apr.html#17_January_2019_(US:_National_Butterfly_Sanctuary)">but it does do harm</a>.


feed_id: 0e3b612d499c75b8a3001689c10d29f2
title: Urgent: abortion clinics should stay open
uri: Urgent-abortion-clinics-should-stay-open
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#31_March_2020_%28Urgent%3A_abortion_clinics_should_stay_open%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/abortion_is_essential/">call on Texas</a> to let abortion clinics stay open and
continue functioning.


feed_id: 8dda9d13b1d7ff050e4f6ee192123c53
title: Paying for abuses during colonial time
uri: Paying-for-abuses-during-colonial-time
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#31_March_2020_%28Paying_for_abuses_during_colonial_time%29

content:
<p>
The Netherlands will pay compensation <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/27/hague-court-orders-dutch-state-to-pay-out-over-colonial-massacres">for some of the abuses of its
colonial rule over Indonesia</a>.


feed_id: 3c4db70c09cefed29a75a4cbeb3f1af9
title: Housing the homeless
uri: Housing-the-homeless
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#31_March_2020_%28Housing_the_homeless%29
content:
<p>
The UK government decided to give housing to all homeless people in Britain,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/27/ministers-asking-english-councils-to-house-all-rough-sleepers-says-charity">to protect them from Covid-19</a>.



<p>
This could have been done at any time; all that was lacking was the
will.  Better late than never.

<p>
It could be done at any time in the US, too.


feed_id: 9d37c4280451f3fcbcf6fb77958e3260
title: Pollution allowed during Covid-19 crisis
uri: Pollution-allowed-during-Covid-19-crisis
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#31_March_2020_%28Pollution_allowed_during_Covid-19_crisis%29

content:
<p>
Using Covid-19 as an excuse, Republican saboteurs have given US
companies <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/mar/27/trump-pollution-laws-epa-allows-companies-pollute-without-penalty-during-coronavirus">almost unlimited permission to pollute air and water</a>.

<p>
There may be some cases in which this is justified and necessary, but
many companies will jump for the opportunity to dump toxins.  They
will kill people; they can even cause Covid-19 to kill more people.
And there is no limit on it, and no requirement to look for the least
dangerous alternative.


feed_id: 573e07b9f602530a356613ce310ec008
title: On trial for wanting to drive a car
uri: On-trial-for-wanting-to-drive-a-car
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#31_March_2020_%28On_trial_for_wanting_to_drive_a_car%29

content:
<p>
Loujain al-Hathloul, who was tortured in jail for agitating for the
right to drive a car in Salafi Arabia, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/11/saudis-brave-women-pull-back-curtain-crown-prince-mbs">will soon be put on trial</a>.

<p>
The acting king offered to release her if she would swear she had not
been tortured.


feed_id: 85262eb52c94a18149069d704f6a47c7
title: Divide between democracy and oligarchy
uri: Divide-between-democracy-and-oligarchy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#31_March_2020_%28Divide_between_democracy_and_oligarchy%29

content:
<p>
Robert Reich: *The real divide [in the US today] <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/26/system-who-rigged-it-how-we-fix-it">is between democracy
and oligarchy</a>.*

<p>
I think the term "plutocracy" is slightly clearer than "oligarchy",
but under either name, we must put an end to it.


feed_id: 16789f4f1d70627a734fe510fa7c65f5
title: National security
uri: National-security
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#31_March_2020_%28National_security%29
content:
<p>
The "national security" apparatus sucks down lots of money, year after
year, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/26/judgment-day-national-security-state">with little opposition</a>.
  It does not make Americans secure; on the contrary, it puts our
freedom in danger and persecutes the heroes that try to tell us about it.


feed_id: 3abe8b67d65c0b50998de7f2f1d9cdb9
title: Largest bailout
uri: Largest-bailout
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#31_March_2020_%28Largest_bailout%29
content:
<p>
*'Looting of America by Big Corporations': Progressives Appalled as Senate
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/26/looting-america-big-corporations-progressives-appalled-senate-unanimously-passes">Unanimously Passes Largest Bailout Bill in US History</a>.*

<p>
"COVID-19 emergency spending bill: $250 billion for direct payments to
Americans, $250 billion for expanded unemployment benefits, $4 trillion
to bail out corporations.  Seems like the balance is off a bit."

<p>
US airlines got a big bailout, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/mar/26/us-coronavirus-relief-package-airlines-fossil-fuel-companies-climate">with no commitments about reducing
greenhouse gas emissions</a>.

<p>
350.org says this is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/03/26/350org-responds-passage-senate-coronavirus-stimulus-package">not as bad as Republicans initially intended</a>.


feed_id: e3aea560f6055d999eae99dcf823b74b
title: Forced to carry device
uri: Forced-to-carry-device
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#31_March_2020_%28Forced_to_carry_device%29
content:
<p>
Many European banks are forcing customers to carry a Stalin's Dream device,
but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2020/mar/26/authentication-code-security-online-banking-mobiles">there are some that will do two-factor authentication through a land line</a>.

<p>
My landline does not report on where I am when I am not using it.


feed_id: ff1a3850a8c049c7ba7c3a8d0504e64d
title: We need medicare for all
uri: We-need-medicare-for-all
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#31_March_2020_%28We_need_medicare_for_all%29
content:
<p>
*Coronavirus Proves It: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/25/coronavirus-proves-it-we-need-medicare-all">We Need Medicare For All</a>.*


feed_id: 3becfda219339eae0f2178f5d78f138a
title: Debt forgiveness
uri: Debt-forgiveness
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#31_March_2020_%28Debt_forgiveness%29
content:
<p>
Somalia has received <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/mar/26/debt-relief-allows-somalia-to-rejoin-global-economy-after-30-year-exile">substantial debt forgiveness</a>.
  Many countries need the same.

<p>
Why is it so hard for countries to get their debts forgiven?  Because
many big lenders lure governments into borrowing too much.  Often
these governments are run by dictators who intend to pocket most of
that money and keep it in tax havens where it cannot be tracked to
them.  The dictator figures that when <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#perse">perse</a> someday face overthrow and
flee, <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#perse">perse</a> will still have that money and will have a cushy life.

<p>
It is totally unfair to make the people of that country keep paying
that debt.  However, the lenders and their submissive world powers
insist that no country ever be allowed an exemption.  If it were
possible to be exempt, they say, every country would demand an
exemption.  The profitable business of lending to dictators, and
flogging the people pay those debts decades after the dictator is
dead, would come to an end.

<p>
Would you consider that a bad outcome?

<p>
Occasionally democratic governments also borrow too much.  In an
otherwise perfect world, maybe it would be unfair if they did not have
to pay those debts.

<p>
But our world is far too aligned overall with the rich over the poor,
which is a giant unfairness.  Perhaps the unfairness of borrowing from
the rich and under some circumstances not repaying the debt would be a
morally legitimate compensation to reduce the giant unfairness.

<p>
I think it would be good if funds that lend to countries had to
consider the question, "Is this money going to national development
that will make the country more able to pay back the loan without
oppressing everyone?  Or is it going to something corrupt or
unsustainable and we will not get paid back?"

<p>
This might make it harder for dictators to gain and keep power.


feed_id: 8d8ca8eeacc0f20b864bf381ff157bf1
title: Abortion is essential
uri: Abortion-is-essential
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#31_March_2020_%28Abortion_is_essential%29
content:
<p>
A Republican Texas official is trying to make Covid-19 an excuse
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/03/26/coronavirus-texas-abortion-lawsuit/">to ban abortion by labeling it as "nonessential"</a>.

<p>
You can't delay an abortion the way you can delay a hip replacement.


feed_id: a27cf84b7be6f85a0dd8bddad15046bb
title: Guaranteeing income
uri: Guaranteeing-income
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#31_March_2020_%28Guaranteeing_income%29
content:
<p>
The UK is going to give self-employed people (except high-income ones)
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/26/coronavirus-uk-offers-self-employed-80-of-earnings">80% of their normal income</a>.
  However, waiting until June could put some of them on the street.


feed_id: f504f17e6bcfcf115779d0922c5e8772
title: Tackle climate crisis and poverty
uri: Tackle-climate-crisis-and-poverty
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#1_April_2020_%28Tackle_climate_crisis_and_poverty%29

content:
<p>
*Tackle climate crisis and poverty <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/28/coronavirus-tackle-climate-crisis-and-poverty-with-zeal-of-covid-19-fight-scientists-urge">with zeal of Covid-19 fight</a>,
scientists urge.*


feed_id: 5660e7a190e92b926d9b25b0a6fd585a
title: Lending to buy weapons
uri: Lending-to-buy-weapons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#1_April_2020_%28Lending_to_buy_weapons%29
content:
<p>
The UK plans to lend over a billion dollars to countries <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/28/revealed-1bn-of-taxpayers-cash-to-help-foreign-countries-buy-british-arms">so they can
buy British weapons</a>.


feed_id: 068ac3862d25250ac2fccbc7f7da116d
title: Buying weapons for a coup
uri: Buying-weapons-for-a-coup
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#1_April_2020_%28Buying_weapons_for_a_coup%29
content:
<p>
A retired Venezuelan general says he bought weapons to plan a coup
using money provided to him by Guaidó, encouraged by the US.  He
announced this <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/28/trumps-narcoterrorism-indictment-maduro-already-backfires">in public after the US government indicted him, along
with Maduro, for alleged drug trafficking</a>.


feed_id: 5d0265aa806a1ca5884071fdba57edfa
title: Factory farms
uri: Factory-farms
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#1_April_2020_%28Factory_farms%29
content:
<p>
Factory farms (of chickens or pigs) encourage evolution of especially
virulent strains of flu.  They also encourage small farms to move to
areas close to wildlife<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/28/is-factory-farming-to-blame-for-coronavirus">. They may thus have contributed to the
evolution of Covid-19</a>.


feed_id: f0cca3b43c3b2b2f3123c1e6e219cb5c
title: Coronavirus guidelines
uri: Coronavirus-guidelines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#1_April_2020_%28Coronavirus_guidelines%29
content:
<p>
Today I received a postcard saying, on the front, "President Trump's
Coronavirus Guidelines for America."  I laughed.  Surely nobody but
his fanatical supporters <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/mar/28/trump-coronavirus-misleading-claims">would trust advice because it carries his name</a>.

<p>
It is also a mistake to reject advice because it carries his name.
Someone checked, and the advice on that postcard is basically the same
advice you'd get from WHO.  It has no resemblance to the bullshitter's
own views.

<p>
The thing to do with advice published under the bullshitter's name is
<em>not even look at it</em>.  That way you won't be in danger of being
influenced by it in any manner.  There are plenty of better places to get
advice from.

<p>
A friend suggested that putting his name on advice is electioneering.


feed_id: 89a6326fccbb11980b6f71ee4214d8dc
title: New giant aquifer
uri: New-giant-aquifer
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#1_April_2020_%28New_giant_aquifer%29
content:
<p>
New Zealand has found <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/16/offshore-aquifer-found-off-south-island-could-help-new-zealand-tackle-droughts">a giant aquifer of fresh water under the ocean</a>.

<p>
To ensure it remains available for emergencies, it had better regulate
the use of that water to avoid permitting extra growth that would require
drawing water from it all the time.


feed_id: 1771f4840f6546cb96f9131f1d2d81d2
title: Denied of needed treatment
uri: Denied-of-needed-treatment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#1_April_2020_%28Denied_of_needed_treatment%29
content:
<p>
Kaiser Permanente denied a patient hydroxychloroquine which she needed
to treat lupus, saying it was reserving the drug for future sufferers
of Covid-19.  There is no scientific evidence that hydroxychloroquine
is good for treating Covid-19, <a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/tanyachen/kaiser-permanente-lupus-chloroquine">only speculations boosted by the
bullshitter</a>.

<p>
Adding insult to injury, the company thanked her for the "sacrifice"
it was forcing on her.

<p>
I have no information on whether it is true that she can safely go
without it for a month.  I hope it is true.


feed_id: 0c3e957922ca7943b71b02b7eb719208
title: Parliament shutdown and surveillance
uri: Parliament-shutdown-and-surveillance
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#1_April_2020_%28Parliament_shutdown_and_surveillance%29

content:
<p>
Netanyahu shut down Israel's parliament and imposed massive
surveillance by decree.  Israelis protested <a href="https://www.972mag.com/knesset-democracy-netanyahu-coronavirus/">and were arrested in the
name of the Covid-19 emergency</a>.

<p>
As one protester said, officials that trample human rights and
democracy is more dangerous than Covid-19.  And that applies even more
strongly to greedy nihilists such as the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>.

<p>
If Israel wants to use phone location data to check who might have
passed Covid-19 to whom, it should set up a firm institutional
structure to ensure that data obtained for this purpose
cannot be used for any other purposes.


feed_id: 117d22b84addffd0496eceb58b57ae64
title: Selling weapons for violations
uri: Selling-weapons-for-violations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#1_April_2020_%28Selling_weapons_for_violations%29
content:
<p>
Members of the House of Representatives have asked the State
Department for detailed information on how Israel uses weapons
procured from the US, including whether they are used for actions,
such as demolishing Palestinians' homes, <a href="https://mondoweiss.net/2020/03/congress-seeks-to-hold-israel-accountable-for-demolishing-palestinian-homes/">which violate the conditions
US law places on those weapons sales</a>.


feed_id: 000f994b84950bc4361f0db00e6413bc
title: Covid-19 denial
uri: Covid-19-denial
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#1_April_2020_%28Covid-19_denial%29
content:
<p>
Bolsonaro denies the reality of Covid-19 as a dangerous disease, and
<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/03/bolsonaro-coronavirus-denial-brazil-trump/608926/">has opposed all measures to stop it from spreading in Brazil, even in
his own life</a>.

<p>
State governors who formerly supported him <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/27/jair-bolsonaro-coronavirus-brazil-governors-appalled">are now defying his orders
in order to establish social distancing</a>.

<p>
One measure he did take, supposedly for protection against Covid-19,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/27/brazil-scales-back-environmental-enforcement-coronavirus-outbreak-deforestation">was to reduce enforcement of forest protection laws</a>.
  That is because he supports destroying
the forest.


feed_id: 9e1fae50714e26871025f0840d80c726
title: Tackling unemployment
uri: Tackling-unemployment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#1_April_2020_%28Tackling_unemployment%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/trump-announces-plan-to-retrain-nation-s-3-million-unem-1842531861">satire</a>) *Trump Announces Plan To Retrain Nation’s 3 Million
Unemployed Americans As Human Ventilators.*


feed_id: 38474d4ed06298016a3d1667843e2a4d
title: Starve or be shot
uri: Starve-or-be-shot
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#1_April_2020_%28Starve_or_be_shot%29
content:
<p>
India tells people to stay indoors and starve, and one state says
people will be shot dead if they don't.  Meanwhile, foreign visitors
are being evicted because hotels are closing or they use up their
funds.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/28/australians-trapped-in-indias-coronavirus-lockdown-fear-running-out-of-food-and-water">Will they be shot dead for this</a>?

<p>
Australia is offering help to the Australians who face eviction or starvation.
Maybe some other countries do, too.

<p>
Does the government offer some other way out to starving Indians, one
not described in the article?


feed_id: 9b73fe8ec3dbdf3ac8f7f3b64f8d472f
title: Bailout for end of tax-avoidance schemes
uri: Bailout-for-end-of-tax-avoidance-schemes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#1_April_2020_%28Bailout_for_end_of_tax-avoidance_schemes%29

content:
<p>
Any company that wants a bailout should in exchange <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2020/mar/27/tax-avoiders-coronavirus-bailouts">eliminate its
tax-avoidance schemes</a>.


feed_id: f6b7a7d0439c6518fe79dcbd61bd5d8c
title: Opportunity to reshape clothing industry
uri: Opportunity-to-reshape-clothing-industry
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#1_April_2020_%28Opportunity_to_reshape_clothing_industry%29

content:
<p>
The shutdown of much clothing production is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2020/mar/27/put-earth-first-can-a-greener-fairer-fashion-industry-emerge-from-crisis">an opportunity to reshape
the industry to stop being grossly wasteful</a>.


feed_id: 041520928560e34f1b4902391365bff2
title: High-level planning meetings
uri: High-level-planning-meetings
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#1_April_2020_%28High-level_planning_meetings%29
content:
<p>
The numskull declared high-level planning meetings for dealing with
Covid-19 government secrets.  Thus, <a href="https://www.mintpressnews.com/us-intelligence-unsettling-role-classified-9-11-like-coronavirus-response/265687/">officials from spy agencies could
participate and medical officials from the Department of Health and
Human Services were excluded</a>.


feed_id: 526cf4cd64822145118e7a7e9bfa649a
title: Urgent: End the spread in detention
uri: Urgent-End-the-spread-in-detention
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_End_the_spread_in_detention%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sign-the-petition-demand-congress-move-quickly-to-end-the-spread-of-covid-19-in-migrant-detention-centers-jails-and-prisons-and-guarantee-safe-conditions-and-healthcare?nowrapper=true">call on Congress</a> to end the spread of COVID-19
in migrant detention centers, jails, and prisons.


feed_id: 9a22faa0a61759dfbb03d880d820605e
title: Urgent: lift blockade of Gaza
uri: Urgent-lift-blockade-of-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_lift_blockade_of_Gaza%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/demand-israel-protect-palestinians-in-gaza-lift-the-blockade-and-immediately-make-medical-supplies-accessible-to-gaza?nowrapper=true">call on Israel</a> to lift the blockade of Gaza and allow full
access to medical supplies.


feed_id: 0e9cf7b652b98df09f22f01da55205cb
title: Urgent: let people out of jail
uri: Urgent-let-people-out-of-jail
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_let_people_out_of_jail%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://engage.drugpolicy.org/secure/take-action-save-lives-during-covid-19">call on officials</a> to let people out of jail and stop
jailing people when it is not vitally necessary.


feed_id: bea001d45b80085d1582dec1a44fc8ba
title: Urgent: make prisoners' phone calls gratis
uri: Urgent-make-prisoners-phone-calls-gratis
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_make_prisoners%27_phone_calls_gratis%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/connect-incarcerated-families-now-covid-19-coronavirus/">call on federal and state officials</a> to make prisoners'
phone calls gratis.


feed_id: ed0fea9775eb2de4fb321d593ad4a1c6
title: Dictator in all but name
uri: Dictator-in-all-but-name
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Dictator_in_all_but_name%29
content:
<p>
Orbán is now dictator of Hungary in all but name.  There is no more
legislature and no more elections <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/30/harrowing-warning-all-hungary-hands-far-right-leader-dictatorial-powers-amid">until he decides to bring them back</a>.

<p>
He can imprison anyone for "spreading misinformation", whether it is
true or false.


feed_id: 66be30130520f914a7e1eca3b8538e2e
title: Strike wave in full swing
uri: Strike-wave-in-full-swing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Strike_wave_in_full_swing%29
content:
<p>
*'The Strike Wave Is in Full Swing': Amazon, Whole Foods Workers <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/30/strike-wave-full-swing-amazon-whole-foods-workers-walk-job-protest-unjust-and-unsafe">Walk Off Job
to Protest Unjust and Unsafe Labor Practices</a>.*

<p>
Bravo to these workers.


feed_id: 32f69c258d9b163810c2c3ec6892d156
title: Local news
uri: Local-news
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Local_news%29
content:
<p>
Maybe it is necessary <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/30/will-coronavirus-kill-news-business-just-when-america-realized-we-actually-need-it">to set up a public subsidy for local news in the US</a>.

<p>
I would hope that this requires sites permit anonymous access via Tor.


feed_id: 2124d06227662818662b952150c1a5fe
title: Health benefits for robots
uri: Health-benefits-for-robots
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Health_benefits_for_robots%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/amazon-announces-unlimited-time-off-increased-health-b-1842560531">satire</a>) *Amazon Announces Unlimited Time Off, Increased Health
Benefits For All Warehouse Robots.*


feed_id: 998ce86660ab752d70e2f47ae00280c0
title: Results of austerity
uri: Results-of-austerity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Results_of_austerity%29
content:
<p>
In the UK, *Coronavirus has mercilessly exposed <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/30/coronavirus-crisis-tories-cuts">the damage years of
austerity and shrinking of the state have wreaked</a>.*


feed_id: 5512ec032fe815b6310296a1488104a6
title: Ruining farmers' plants
uri: Ruining-farmers-plants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Ruining_farmers%27_plants%29
content:
<p>
Monsanto expected its herbicide dicamba <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/mar/30/monsanto-crop-system-damage-us-farms-documents">to ruin other farmers' plants</a>.


feed_id: e5f17869bb1feea47aebd911fc261e09
title: No homes nor food
uri: No-homes-nor-food
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28No_homes_nor_food%29
content:
<p>
The Muslim victims of the Delhi pogrom are being kicked out of the
camps they moved to.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/mar/30/divided-delhi-under-lockdown-if-coronavirus-doesnt-kill-me-hunger-will">They can't find homes and can't get food</a>.


feed_id: 76fed4f66ed9e038d90c6a34626cdf1a
title: Corruption opportunity
uri: Corruption-opportunity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Corruption_opportunity%29
content:
<p>
Putting BlackRock in charge of buying up companies' debts <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/03/27/30-groups-release-letter-fed-raising-concerns-over-details-blackrock-deal">creates a
giant corruption opportunity</a>.
  Perhaps that's the intention.


feed_id: 0cdc8cc4a388edb83131cf30be8fc921
title: Wake-up call
uri: Wake-up-call
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Wake-up_call%29
content:
<p>
*Why Coronavirus Is Humanity’s Wake-Up Call.* Since our economy is so
lousy that it isn't worth a sacrifice to preserve it, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/29/why-coronavirus-humanitys-wake-call">we need to
change it</a>.


feed_id: 2db5e871e765a82051a30074ccfbb5aa
title: Replacing workers with robots
uri: Replacing-workers-with-robots
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Replacing_workers_with_robots%29
content:
<p>
Employers are hurrying to replace many of the workers now staying
home, with robots &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/30/bosses-speed-up-automation-as-virus-keeps-workers-home">if we let them</a>.

<p>
I refuse absolutely to use robot sales registers in stores.  Once I
went to a supermarket in the evening and found no way to pay except a
robot, so I put my purchases down and left.  But I do more than that.

<p>
I generally shout to the people near the robot sales registers,
"If you use these machines you are putting other Americans out of work.
Join me and insist on going to the human sales agents.  We don't have
to let them replace humans with robots!"

<p>
How about joining me an doing likewise?  It build awareness of the
need for social solidarity.


feed_id: 18693410765551b2941f1f4e75134ff4
title: Two paths before us
uri: Two-paths-before-us
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Two_paths_before_us%29
content:
<p>
Covid-19 creates a crisis: a need to choose between paths, including
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/28/can-coronavirus-be-catalyst-thinking-globally">the path of global solidarity and the path of kicking others when they
are down</a>.


feed_id: a969d5a1360d9ca0e57905a5c6a0d5cc
title: Universal access to water
uri: Universal-access-to-water
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Universal_access_to_water%29
content:
<p>
*Fighting COVID-19 Starts With Universal Access to Water and
Sanitation.* All countries including the US <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/29/fighting-covid-19-starts-universal-access-water-and-sanitation">must cease water shut-offs,
and turn the water back on in every home</a>.


feed_id: 97d1e1c99bcdc4e82d3ef0a81b0a65be
title: Protection from gang
uri: Protection-from-gang
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Protection_from_gang%29
content:
<p>
Since Bolosonaro won't protect Brazilians from Covid-19, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/25/brazil-rio-gangs-coronavirus">a local gang
has started doing its bit</a>.


feed_id: a6c5a31d8048e3ea7c8984ea9d7bba27
title: Restarting the economy
uri: Restarting-the-economy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Restarting_the_economy%29
content:
<p>
Trying to "restart the economy" as the bullshitter wishes would
not achieve its goal.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/25/there-is-no-trade-off-between-the-economy-and-health">Workers would get sick and businesses would
shut down again</a>.

<p>
What is needed, rather, is to protect workers and small businesses
from the effects of the temporary shutdown.  Most big businesses have
plenty of reserves; they don't need help.


feed_id: c2b41c4a776ac5ee954fd4513f245d80
title: Gag on political ad
uri: Gag-on-political-ad
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Gag_on_political_ad%29
content:
<p>
The bullshitter's lawyers are trying to gag an ad by Biden's campaign
which shows <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/27/donald-trump-coronavirus-response-us-advertisement">the bullshitter's statements downplaying the severity of
the Covid-19 situation</a>.


feed_id: 71fcc77ac71a80b127523aa831cd3ba9
title: Spread of Covid-19 blocked
uri: Spread-of-Covid-19-blocked
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Spread_of_Covid-19_blocked%29
content:
<p>
Venezuela was very quick to block the spread of Covid-19.  Many
Venezuelans in the US want to go home, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/25/venezuelas-coronavirus-response-might-surprise-you">if only the US would allow
Venezuela to pick them up</a>.

<p>
My friend in Venezuela, who does not blindly support Maduro,
confirmed this is accurate.


feed_id: 7f15a966f58e7838a3c2ea27a8cbfd22
title: Using security flaws in SS7
uri: Using-security-flaws-in-SS7
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Using_security_flaws_in_SS7%29
content:
<p>
Salafi Arabia is using the security flaws in SS7 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/29/revealed-saudis-suspected-of-phone-spying-campaign-in-us">to track people around
the world</a>.

<p>
SS7 is the protocol for communication between phone companies.
It has been known for many years that the lack of security in SS7 allows
anyone (if willing to commit a crime) to spoof being another phone system
and get data about the activity and movements of any phone line.


feed_id: f34a8fc92f412a95484e395cf6573cc7
title: Coronavirus and starvation
uri: Coronavirus-and-starvation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Coronavirus_and_starvation%29
content:
<p>
*Without adequate healthcare and unable to deliver basic needs, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2020/mar/29/india-lockdown-tragedy-healthcare-coronavirus-starvation-mumbai">India now faces twin catastrophes of coronavirus and starvation</a>.*


feed_id: a36ee8f20fa27cf5e7d1147284d645d7
title: Nationalizing private hospitals
uri: Nationalizing-private-hospitals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Nationalizing_private_hospitals%29
content:
<p>
Spain and Ireland <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/26/ireland-nationalizes-hospitals-duration-coronavirus">have temporarily nationalized all private hospitals</a>.
  They should make this permanent, and the US should do likewise.


feed_id: e0ba34225680f7e4400d18e93e0282b2
title: Bernie Sanders in the Age of Coronavirus
uri: Bernie-Sanders-in-the-Age-of-Coronavirus
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Bernie_Sanders_in_the_Age_of_Coronavirus%29

content:
<p>
*Bernie Sanders in the Age of Coronavirus: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/26/bernie-sanders-age-coronavirus-we-need-him-now-more-ever">We Need Him Now More Than Ever</a>.*


feed_id: fb1bd7971c7a6e9c0f580ae78acf4042
title: Exceptionally vulnerable to Covid-19
uri: Exceptionally-vulnerable-to-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Exceptionally_vulnerable_to_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>
The US is exceptionally vulnerable to Covid-19 because of decisions
and policies that make it insecure &mdash; <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/27/why-usso-exceptionally-vulnerable-covid-19">due partly to accepting a narrow
military definition of what it means to be "secure"</a>.

<p>
At least one teenager has died, apparently from
Covid-19, because an "urgent care" clinic refused to treat him.
He was one of the 8% of Americans who have no medical insurance.

<p>
The US is underreporting deaths from Covid-19 <a href="https://gizmodo.com/teen-who-died-of-covid-19-was-denied-treatment-because-1842520539">by attributing them to
other causes</a>.

<p>
*'We Need Medicare for All': Massive Coronavirus Job Losses <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/26/we-need-medicare-all-massive-coronavirus-job-losses-expose-obvious-failure-employer">Expose Obvious
Failure of Employer-Based Insurance</a>.*


feed_id: 658bc262c963ab8fb6b4709e61abf518
title: Stimulus fund for tax evaders
uri: Stimulus-fund-for-tax-evaders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Stimulus_fund_for_tax_evaders%29
content:
<p>
The "stimulus" slush fund authorizes bailouts for non-US companies.
This could include cruise ship companies <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/03/27/green-groups-call-treasury-department-bar-cruise-companies-stimulus-package">which avoid US taxes and
environmental laws</a>.

<p>
*American Small Businesses <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/27/american-small-businesses-are-edge-extinction-event-and-congress-not-doing-enough">Are on Edge of Extinction Event and Congress Is Not
Doing Enough</a>.*

<p>
Italy seems to be doing a great job of helping society, as well as 
individuals rich and poor, survive.


feed_id: a62c51dd45bf60aec0da9117d105e163
title: No bullshit on our radio
uri: No-bullshit-on-our-radio
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28No_bullshit_on_our_radio%29
content:
<p>
KUOW public radio will no longer transmit the bullshitter's daily
propaganda speeches about Covid-19.  The station says <a href="https://thehill.com/blogs/news/blog-briefing-room/489439-seattle-radio-station-wont-air-trump-briefings-because-of-false-or">they are likely
to spread misinformation</a>.

<p>
Bravo!

<p>
Whenever the bullshitter starts speaking in any program you are
watching or listening to, I suggest you switch it off and do something
else.

<p>
If his utterances contain, by chance, any valid information, you will
find it elsewhere &mdash; you can't trust it if it comes from him.
Whatever he says about what he will do, he will probably change
anyway.

<p>
Arguing with his words is ineffective for convincing his supporters.
  So don't waste your attention on them &mdash; switch off.

<p>
Telling a broadcaster that you switch off when he comes on might do
some good.


feed_id: 4c80cd531307e56e2aad67f2a31afba1
title: Quarantine tracking
uri: Quarantine-tracking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Quarantine_tracking%29
content:
<p>
People who enter Taiwan are subject to a strict quarantine, tracked by
their Stalin's Dream devices (portable phones).  If the device ever
does not respond (such as, out of power), <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-52017993">enforcers go after you
immediately</a>.

<p>
The strict quarantine may be necessary, but the specific method of
enforcement is intolerable.  I wonder what they would say to a person
who has no Stalin's Dream device and refuses to have one.

<p>
The tracking of my movements would not matter if I were forbidden to
leave the apartment.  It would only show I did not leave.  But it is
also a listening device, and I would protect myself from that one way
or another.

<p>
What worries me most is how I would get food.  I buy things only
anonymously.  I do not give my name or address and I pay only cash.
Under those quarantine rules, I might not be able to buy any food.

<p>
14 days without eating would not kill me, but it would be extremely
unpleasant &mdash; enough to convince me to do as Paul Huang did, and stay
away.

<p>
For me personally, that is all theoretical.  Travel for speaking is
not feasible if entering a country requires a 14-day quarantine,
regardless of the details of how it is enforced.  But the issues of
freedom posed by the enforcement affect everyone, not just me.


feed_id: 3e6710a55d0453ff44a6da7b0f5cdccc
title: Coronavirus protections at Amazon
uri: Coronavirus-protections-at-Amazon
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Coronavirus_protections_at_Amazon%29

content:
<p>
*'Amazon Putting Lives of Workers at Risk': Omar and Sanders Press Bezos <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/27/amazon-putting-lives-workers-risk-omar-and-sanders-press-bezos-alarming-lack">on
Alarming Lack of Coronavirus Protections</a>.*


feed_id: 9ce1337b5262d6a49df3498adaac9228
title: Spread of other infections
uri: Spread-of-other-infections
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_April_2020_%28Spread_of_other_infections%29
content:
<p>
The lockdown to stop the spread of one infection will presently cause
the spread of other infections, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/27/global-condom-shortage-coronavirus-shuts-down-production">because much of world condom production
is shut down</a>.

<p>
Condoms are used to prevent disease; they should be considered
essential products and their factories should not be closed.  Surely
they can take steps to protect employees from catching anything at
work.


feed_id: 6c3522232685357e0bc8658173cea76a
title: Sabotaging fuel efficiency of new cars
uri: Sabotaging-fuel-efficiency-of-new-cars
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#6_April_2020_%28Sabotaging_fuel_efficiency_of_new_cars%29

content:
<p>
The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#saboteur">saboteur</a> in chief has ordered nearly eliminating Obama's 2012
requirement for increased fuel efficiency of new cars, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/31/trump-administration-finalizes-car-rule-which-will-worsen-economy-public-health">which was
scheduled to take effect in 2021</a>.

<p>
I expect this will kill millions of people by accelerating climate disaster,
but that will take a couple of decades to become visible, and today's
high officials won't be in office by then.  Their successors will try to evade
the blame by lying about the facts.


feed_id: 15186d7250dd5621b50e19baae4f2b68
title: Prison for interview
uri: Prison-for-interview
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#6_April_2020_%28Prison_for_interview%29
content:
<p>
*Myanmar (Burma) editor <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/31/myanmar-editor-could-face-life-in-jail-for-interviewing-rebel">could face life in jail for interviewing rebel</a>.*


feed_id: 22fc3dcf2cec9e6c02fa9f5435af1d6c
title: Fired for organizing strike
uri: Fired-for-organizing-strike
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#6_April_2020_%28Fired_for_organizing_strike%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/mar/31/amazon-strike-worker-fired-organizing-walkout-chris-smallls">Amazon fired the worker who organized Amazon warehouse workers to
go on strike</a> demanding equipment to avoid transmitting Covid-19,
as well as decent pay.


feed_id: 04678c8ccaf65c354fb3e58b1a9cd254
title: Competition for ventilators
uri: Competition-for-ventilators
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#6_April_2020_%28Competition_for_ventilators%29
content:
<p>
The madman is making states <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/mar/31/new-york-andrew-cuomo-coronavirus-ventilators">bid against each other for scarce
mechanical ventilators</a>.

<p>
There must be many makers in the US who can provide improvised ventilators.


feed_id: fd1296f7967786006964e088a681dae4
title: Concentration of industry
uri: Concentration-of-industry
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#6_April_2020_%28Concentration_of_industry%29
content:
<p>
International concentration of the industry that makes making medical
equipment, supplies and drugs is a false economy &mdash; it optimizes
profit for normal circumstances and prevents ramping up production
when there is an epidemic.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/31/the-guardian-view-on-the-covid-19-strategy-insuring-against-a-killer">Instead it leads to competition between
countries for something they all need</a>.

<p>
I think that countries should agree that each will maintain production
facilities that can be ramped up when needed, for a wide variety of
medical needs.  

<p>
One danger of relying on private hospitals, as the US heavily does, is
that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/mar/31/what-happens-when-a-citys-hospital-closes-without-warning-during-a-pandemic">they may shut down just when they are most needed</a>.

<p>
Private equity funds are buying up small companies in certain US
medical fields, consolidating them, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/03/30/amid-coronavirus-crisis-new-study-examines-growing-private-equity-role-health">and making them gouge people</a>.


feed_id: 36101eadfe2084558a64db95e7bb5d94
title: Foreigners should die
uri: Foreigners-should-die
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#6_April_2020_%28Foreigners_should_die%29
content:
<p>
Florida's governor wants to stop the cruise ships Zaandam and
Rotterdam from docking, saying that since they are "foreigners" <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/31/cruise-ship-chief-zaandam-and-rotterdam-passengers-left-to-fend-for-themselves-covid-19-crisis">they should all get sick and die</a>.

<p>
That's right-wing extremists for you &mdash; they never miss an opportunity
to demonize the scapegoats-du-jour and inflict cruelty on them.


feed_id: 33701757159593f69fa713b3458c9695
title: Undercount in census
uri: Undercount-in-census
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#6_April_2020_%28Undercount_in_census%29
content:
<p>
The lockdown response to Covid-19 may lead to a big undercount in the
US census, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/mar/30/us-2020-census-operation-coronavirus">perhaps favoring the Republican efforts to exclude
unauthorized immigrants</a>.


feed_id: 769e78a0c4ccbfcff1369a210668150b
title: Escalating fighting
uri: Escalating-fighting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#6_April_2020_%28Escalating_fighting%29
content:
<p>
The madman is planning to escalate the fighting <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/03/30/trump-iran-war-coronavirus/">with an Iran-aligned
militia in Iraq</a>.

<p>
This could result in direct war between the US and Iran.


feed_id: d84915c8688adf490dff74deb28b78c8
title: We Don't Need Return to Normalcy
uri: We-Don-t-Need-Return-to-Normalcy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#6_April_2020_%28We_Don%27t_Need_Return_to_Normalcy%29

content:
<p>
*We Don't Need Return to Normalcy &mdash; <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/30/covid-19-pandemic-shows-we-dont-need-return-normalcy-we-need-president-bernie">We Need President Bernie Sanders</a>.*


feed_id: 0d255f1e7691baa505cc06fe5496b9a9
title: Robots against homeless people
uri: Robots-against-homeless-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#6_April_2020_%28Robots_against_homeless_people%29
content:
<p>
Thugs in Europe are acting like callous robots <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/31/europes-homeless-hit-hard-by-coronavirus-response">in dealing with
homeless people</a>.


feed_id: 706078fa333b873dcfddb549df97bef2
title: Bailouts must help people
uri: Bailouts-must-help-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#6_April_2020_%28Bailouts_must_help_people%29
content:
<p>
*Bailouts &hellip; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/31/bailouts-coronavirus-state-aid">must help people, not (mainly) corporations</a>.*


feed_id: 293ebf5cd907223a2e0cf08c7a4b7828
title: Disappearing journalist
uri: Disappearing-journalist
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#6_April_2020_%28Disappearing_journalist%29
content:
<p>
Exiled Pakistani journalist Sajid Hussain, operating from asylum in Sweden,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/31/exiled-pakistani-journalist-goes-missing-in-sweden">seems to have been disappeared weeks ago</a>.  Thugs of Pakistan's government are suspected.


feed_id: 54250eae45da6a5ed514a90620522fba
title: Climate killing products
uri: Climate-killing-products
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#6_April_2020_%28Climate_killing_products%29
content:
<p>
*Climate-killing products <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/mar/31/climate-killing-products-should-come-with-smoking-style-warnings">should come with smoking-style warnings</a>.*


feed_id: 0e9a7929ace05d6b7cabe0f5c233d467
title: Heat wave in Antarctica
uri: Heat-wave-in-Antarctica
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#6_April_2020_%28Heat_wave_in_Antarctica%29
content:
<p>
An unprecedented heat wave in Antarctica <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/31/antarctica-what-it-means-when-the-coldest-place-on-earth-records-an-unprecedented-heatwave">shows the world is proceeding on track to global disaster</a>.


feed_id: 1a78cee7cba3f4087f3d386da2851c7b
title: Gift to Boeing
uri: Gift-to-Boeing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#6_April_2020_%28Gift_to_Boeing%29
content:
<p>
The US government is lending Boeing 17 billion dollars at a special low interest rate that amounts to a gift of hundreds of millions.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/29/relative-generosity-economic-rescue-package-boeing-and-public-broadcasting">Does this make sense</a>?


feed_id: 0d5b6091c2700d044d63e4cc6d6f9a32
title: Urgent: make vote-by-mail available
uri: Urgent-make-vote-by-mail-available
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#7_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_make_vote-by-mail_available%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-to-your-state-election-officials-vote-by-mail-must-be-available-to-all-voters?nowrapper=true">call on your state officials</a> to make vote-by-mail available in all elections.


feed_id: 74562685e91eb26c4cbbc98dc478e128
title: Urgent: investigate profiteer senators
uri: Urgent-investigate-profiteer-senators
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#7_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_investigate_profiteer_senators%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/investigate-these-senators-profiting-off-of-a-pandemic?nowrapper=true">call for investigation of the senators</a> that profited
from inside information about Covid-19 by selling their own shares.


feed_id: 41a67c15425d9ee3af0a7baf163e971f
title: Urgent: cover Covid-19 treatment
uri: Urgent-cover-Covid-19-treatment
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#7_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_cover_Covid-19_treatment%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/open-letter-to-americas-health-insurance-companies?nowrapper=true">call on private medical insurance companies</a> to cover all
 Covid-19 treatment in full).


feed_id: c94371c2e904a50417d4d7b7e5e2f3ca
title: Designed to serve the rich and powerful
uri: Designed-to-serve-the-rich-and-powerful
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#7_April_2020_%28Designed_to_serve_the_rich_and_powerful%29

content:
<p>
*Poll Shows Nearly 60% in US Believe
 <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/01/coronavirus-spreads-poll-shows-nearly-60-us-believe-political-system-designed-solely">Political System Designed Solely to Serve Rich and Powerful</a>.*

<p>
So why did they vote for Biden rather than Sanders?  There is nothing
to recommend Biden except his support for those bad goals.

<p>
Biden continues to state <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/30/coronavirus-exposes-deep-flaws-profit-system-biden-doubles-down-opposition-medicare">his opposition to Medicare for All</a>.


feed_id: 715ef7e05b75a1e2c73c9f341a73f8e8
title: Financial help for airlines
uri: Financial-help-for-airlines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#7_April_2020_%28Financial_help_for_airlines%29
content:
<p>
*Financial help for airlines '<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/01/financial-help-for-airlines-should-come-with-strict-climate-conditions">should come with strict climate conditions</a>'.*

<p>
Likewise for all business pertaining to transportation using fossil
fuels.


feed_id: 73a3b28a8b834789c5e410da083c8346
title: Cooperative farm
uri: Cooperative-farm
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#7_April_2020_%28Cooperative_farm%29
content:
<p>
Refugees in Italy have set up a cooperative farm <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/01/a-beautiful-thing-the-african-migrants-getting-healthy-food-to-italians">which delivers
vegetables to nearby Italian families</a>.


feed_id: eedc6892a25ed4e1ea3bb2c4551b8f15
title: Ride to safety
uri: Ride-to-safety
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#7_April_2020_%28Ride_to_safety%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/new-york-quickly-builds-thousands-of-emergency-hamptons-1842586413">satire</a>) *"We allocated hundreds of million dollars in state funding
   &hellip; to begin construction on thousands of estates, country
   houses &hellip; to ensure that each and every wealthy New Yorker
   can ride out the pandemic in safety and comfort," said New York
   governor Andrew Cuomo.*


feed_id: f16a2cb35460767bd9613772ba9ab456
title: Shelter in painted boxes
uri: Shelter-in-painted-boxes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#7_April_2020_%28Shelter_in_painted_boxes%29
content:
<p>
Las Vegas is giving homeless people "shelter" in boxes painted on a
parking lot <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/31/thousands-las-vegas-hotel-rooms-sit-empty-city-paints-social-distancing-boxes">while thousands of hotel rooms are empty</a>.

<p>
New York City has enough vacant hotel rooms for all its homeless people,
but instead of housing them there, <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/04/01/coronavirus-new-york-city-homeless-shelters/">it sends thugs to roust them</a>.
  The shelters are now dangerous places to stay.


feed_id: b340279c9f192463bb99474852b8ad88
title: Drilling for ventilators
uri: Drilling-for-ventilators
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#7_April_2020_%28Drilling_for_ventilators%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/trump-tackles-medical-supply-shortage-by-awarding-exxon-1842588943">satire</a>) *[The numskull] kicked off
   his plan to tackle the medical supply shortage Tuesday by awarding
   ExxonMobil an exclusive contract to drill for ventilators in the
   arctic.*


feed_id: 159577e405c5f5211c3ed4046dcdb811
title: Troubles with rent and mortgages
uri: Troubles-with-rent-and-mortgages
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#7_April_2020_%28Troubles_with_rent_and_mortgages%29
content:
<p>
Most American families will have trouble paying their rent or mortgages
this month or next.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/03/31/400000-call-congress-freeze-rentmortgageutility-payments-american-families">They need help</a>.


feed_id: b825ab98fe86d4b79e87b0f3a2e692c2
title: Can't win in free and fair election
uri: Can-t-win-in-free-and-fair-election
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#7_April_2020_%28Can%27t_win_in_free_and_fair_election%29

content:
<p>
The bullshitter occasionally tells the truth.  He admitted on TV that
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/03/31/want-proof-that-republicans-want-suppress-voters-just-ask-trump/">Republicans can't nationally win a free and fair election</a>.


feed_id: f9886e1a7665e8d25635ce5dfe260a5e
title: Beginning pipeline during Covid-19 crisis
uri: Beginning-pipeline-during-Covid-19-crisis
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#7_April_2020_%28Beginning_pipeline_during_Covid-19_crisis%29

content:
<p>
Alberta's planet-roaster government has invested a billion dollars
in in the Keystone XL pipeline <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/31/shameful-new-low-amid-covid-19-crisis-alberta-govt-ponies-1-billion-keystone-xl-tar">so that Trance Canada can begin
construction while Covid-19 has everyone in a trance</a>.

<p>
This despite the fact that it can't start construction now because it
doesn't have approval of various kinds.


feed_id: 694f7e4a6c50ba61b4066d7869b8fa75
title: Business in hospitals
uri: Business-in-hospitals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#7_April_2020_%28Business_in_hospitals%29
content:
<p>
Running hospitals, and medicine in general, with the attitude of
business rather than medicine is directly responsible for the
shortages of hospital beds and ventilators in the US.  In New York
City, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/30/corporate-media-ignores-how-privatization-us-hospitals-explains-lack-beds">mergers and closures in the name of efficiency have eliminated
over 1/4 of the hospital beds since 2000</a>.


feed_id: b66e51f46321bd78e05902383d35e104
title: Internet FOIA requests
uri: Internet-FOIA-requests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#7_April_2020_%28Internet_FOIA_requests%29
content:
<p>
The FBI has announced it will stop accepting FOIA requests by internet.
Supposedly this is necessary because of Covid-19<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20200318/14114844126/fbi-says-it-will-only-accept-snail-mail-foia-requests-until-further-notice-due-to-coronavirus-concerns.shtml">, but there is no rational
connection between the two</a>.

<p>
This seems to be an instance of the right-wing extremists' general
attack on truth and rationality.  They can cite any irrelevant fact as
a reason for any decision, and thumb their noses at anyone who points
out the irrationality.


feed_id: 7b7e0edba4323033e82728dc82ad2b11
title: Limited horizon
uri: Limited-horizon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#7_April_2020_%28Limited_horizon%29
content:
<p>
US political leaders, and investors, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/mar/31/coronavirus-should-not-have-caught-leaders-and-markets-off-guard">have a very limited horizon for
imagining that bad events could really occur, or how bad they may get</a>.


feed_id: 04c6424ebdb526670557ea4aa178c3f6
title: Urgent: CARES act benefit for veterans
uri: Urgent-CARES-act-benefit-for-veterans
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#8_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_CARES_act_benefit_for_veterans%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: phone the White House at 202-456-1414, and demand
allowing veterans, and people receiving Supplemental Security Income
(disabled, or working but poor), to get their $1200 CARES act benefit
checks without having to file a gratuitous tax return.


feed_id: ec1a1cd58a0484108017c31f5ddf3feb
title: Urgent: vote by mail
uri: Urgent-vote-by-mail
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#8_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_vote_by_mail%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-to-your-state-election-officials-vote-by-mail-must">call on state officials</a> to allow everyone to vote by mail.


feed_id: 13ad62372a842a0d04bb6eb2ea042d79
title: Urgent: force production of protective equipment
uri: Urgent-force-production-of-protective-equipment
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#8_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_force_production_of_protective_equipment%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/weneedppe?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-afl-cio&source=direct_li">call on the narcissist</a> to Use the National Defense Production Act
to force production of protective equipment.


feed_id: b50e18eeb4ae2d7e447d3f189d1c7330
title: Money grows on trees
uri: Money-grows-on-trees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#8_April_2020_%28Money_grows_on_trees%29
content:
<p>
<blockquote>
Q: Is it true that in Japan money grows on trees?
A: Yes, on the ginko trees.
</blockquote>

<p>
(The Japanese word for "bank" is "ginkō".)


feed_id: a78d0abcfeb5dd347ed1624397f37488
title: Advance plans for epidemic
uri: Advance-plans-for-epidemic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#8_April_2020_%28Advance_plans_for_epidemic%29
content:
<p>
In 2016, under Obama, the US government made advance plans for how to deal
with an epidemic.  <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2020/03/25/trump-coronavirus-national-security-council-149285">In 2020 the numskull's officials ignored them</a>.


feed_id: ddd0ba1a363e9b7911951f6b61390c76
title: Denialism is causing deaths
uri: Denialism-is-causing-deaths
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#8_April_2020_%28Denialism_is_causing_deaths%29
content:
<p>
The numskull's virus denialism <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/further/2020/03/31/very-good-job-slow-rolling-mass-negligent-homicide">is causing thousands of American deaths</a>.


feed_id: 200914c5a985efac4bc968cea6df82a9
title: Approval to get out
uri: Approval-to-get-out
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#8_April_2020_%28Approval_to_get_out%29
content:
<p>
Russia plans to require everyone in Moscow to get government approval
for each trip out of the house.  Added to this obvious injustice is
another injustice whose gravity most people won't recognize: <a href="https://gizmodo.com/russias-planned-coronavirus-app-is-a-state-run-security-1842617429">the
system requires a nonfree app running on a Stalin's Dream device</a>.

<p>
Edward Snowden: *high-tech surveillance measures
governments use to fight the outbreak of COVID-19 &hellip; <a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/snowden-warns-government-surveillance-amid-covid-19-could-be-long-lasting/">could
have a long-lasting impact</a>.*


feed_id: d6af57ff8bce206fff577e4c404c9039
title: More civilians killing
uri: More-civilians-killing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#8_April_2020_%28More_civilians_killing%29
content:
<p>
US bombing in Somalia continues killing civilians and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/04/01/somalia-zero-accountability-civilian-deaths-mount-us-air-strikes">the US government
continues saying everyone killed was an enemy</a>.


feed_id: 303018db1f1cf746cad963e990807d8b
title: Curfews for most vulnerable
uri: Curfews-for-most-vulnerable
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#8_April_2020_%28Curfews_for_most_vulnerable%29
content:
<p>
*Violence and humiliation used to police coronavirus curfews around
globe, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/apr/01/extreme-coronavirus-lockdown-controls-raise-fears-for-worlds-poorest">often affecting the poorest and more vulnerable</a>.*


feed_id: f73fd531856c54433b8c83263b2a0250
title: Almost house arrest for not using mobile
uri: Almost-house-arrest-for-not-using-mobile
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#8_April_2020_%28Almost_house_arrest_for_not_using_mobile%29

content:
<p>
In China in 2020, if you don't carry a portable phone with a special
malicious app, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/01/chinas-coronavirus-health-code-apps-raise-concerns-over-privacy">you are almost under house arrest</a>.


feed_id: 463b4dfd59e2eb2fa5668caf47abf9dc
title: Mass testing can end Covid-19
uri: Mass-testing-can-end-Covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#8_April_2020_%28Mass_testing_can_end_Covid-19%29
content:
<p>
Lockdown alone will not put an end to Covid-19.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/01/lockdown-buys-time-virus-mass-testing-coronavirus-uk">Mass testing can</a>.


feed_id: f0d8d1836f282c38cc72866c6573c7d1
title: Restoring oceans in 30 years
uri: Restoring-oceans-in-30-years
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#8_April_2020_%28Restoring_oceans_in_30_years%29
content:
<p>
*Oceans <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/01/oceans-can-be-restored-to-former-glory-within-30-years-say-scientists">can be restored to former glory within 30 years</a>, say scientists.*

<p>
That would require great efforts to end the damage that humans
continue doing to the ocean, and that includes CO2 emissions.


feed_id: ac21c91c818ced2ad9b9bc663f6eca12
title: Rainforest in Antarctica
uri: Rainforest-in-Antarctica
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#8_April_2020_%28Rainforest_in_Antarctica%29
content:
<p>
90 million years ago, a part of Antarctica that was under 600 miles
from the South Pole was covered by rainforest.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/01/antarctic">Scientists suspect that
a high level of CO2 was responsible</a>.


feed_id: 5d1b9156444cbd8b00d77212180c0879
title: Urgent: Fully fund vote-by-mail system
uri: Urgent-Fully-fund-vote-by-mail-system
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Fully_fund_vote-by-mail_system%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=13915">call
on Congress</a> to fully fund a vote-by-mail system for November.
<p>
To sign this without running nonfree Javascript code, use the
<a href="https://stallman.org/salsalabs-method.html">Salsalabs workaround</a>.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 2ecc5987f0756ab1f43620aa3ceda135
title: Urgent: Oppose censorship in New Mexico
uri: Urgent-Oppose-censorship-in-New-Mexico
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_censorship_in_New_Mexico%29

content:
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-the-new-mexico-dca-museum-of-art-come-clean-about-policy-on-exhibiting-artworks-addressing-the-fossil-fuel-industry-in-new-mexico">call
on New Mexico's Department of Cultural Affairs and Museum of Art</a>
to undo its censorship of art that shows the effects of fracking.
<p>
<a href="https://hyperallergic.com/549990/artists-accuse-new-mexico-museum-of-art-of-censoring-anti-fracking-work/">More
information</a>.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 8629b99b09849c2cd883b15a116f722d
title: The legitimate rage of Americans
uri: The-legitimate-rage-of-Americans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28The_legitimate_rage_of_Americans%29
content:
<p>
*The Democratic Party
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/04/05/coronavirus-american-politics-democratic-party-biden-sanders/">Must
Harness the Legitimate Rage of Americans</a>.  Otherwise, the [extreme
right-wing] Will Use It With Horrifying Results.*


feed_id: 0d4d300e92312ac10dc7b304148c1031
title: Rules prevent use of hospital ship sent to NYC
uri: Rules-prevent-use-of-hospital-ship-sent-to-NYC
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Rules_prevent_use_of_hospital_ship_sent_to_NYC%29

content:
<p>
The US sent a hospital ship to help New York City, then
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/03/comfort-ship-new-york-coronavirus-failure-symbol">covered
it with rules that have made it almost useless</a>.
<p>
This fits the conman's pattern.  He signed a law to give Americans
payments to tide them over, then
<a href="#9_April_2020_(Cheating_on_the_deal_to_send_checks_to_non-rich_Americans)">made
rules to exclude millions</a>.  He signed a law to give some American
workers paid sick leave, then
<a href="#9_April_2020_(Artificial_obstacles_to_paid_sick_leave)">made
it easy for a company to exclude its workers from paid sick leave</a>.
<p>
I wonder if the conman had anything to do with the rules
preventing the use of the hospital ship.
<p>
I wonder if he studied government under Kafka.


feed_id: fb6c5f43af540667ba7508022b144917
title: Artificial obstacles to paid sick leave
uri: Artificial-obstacles-to-paid-sick-leave
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Artificial_obstacles_to_paid_sick_leave%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>'s men have added artificial obstacles to the recently passed
law offering paid sick leave, which will have the effect of
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/02/trump-labor-department-accused-quietly-twisting-law-slash-paid-sick-leave-amid">excluding
many workers who were supposed to have this benefit</a>.
<p>
The conman
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#15_June_2016_(Trumps_unpaid_workers)">cheated
contractors he hired to work on his buildings</a>.  Why wouldn't he
cheat workers too?


feed_id: 5972d1b4b910a9f3760898ff054fc56d
title: Cheating on the deal to send checks to non-rich Americans
uri: Cheating-on-the-deal-to-send-checks-to-non-rich-Americans
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Cheating_on_the_deal_to_send_checks_to_non-rich_Americans%29

content:
<p>
Republicans reluctantly agreed to a law to send checks soon to
non-rich Americans.  Then they cheated on the deal, by making an
arbitrary rule that
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/02/not-enough-trump-reversal-coronavirus-relief-payments-still-leaves-unacceptable">poor
people who live on government pensions or aid, and don't file tax
returns, would not get checks</a>.  Unless they find out about this
and file a return solely for this rule, they will get shafted.
<p>
Yielding to a wave of criticism, Republicans dropped the new
requirement _only_ for those who receive Social Security pensions.
They must hope that this will divide the opposition, so they could get
away with shafting the other affected people: military veterans, and
those whose income is small enough to qualify for the existing income
assistance.
<p>
Why deny this aid to the poorest?  Those politicians' overriding goal
is to transfer money to the rich, so they take advantage of any
opportunity,
<p>
I do not submit my tax returns on line because it requires nonfree
software.  I use xournal to write my data on the PDF form, and print
that.  As I have no printer, I will visit a copying store to do the
printing.
<p>
I do this because keeping safe means protecting our freedom as well as
our health.


feed_id: 0b06080bc6271f381f1fc9c33b207bde
title: Effects of the epidemic shock
uri: Effects-of-the-epidemic-shock
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Effects_of_the_epidemic_shock%29
content:
<p>
Paul Mason forecasts that the effects of the epidemic shock
<a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/coronavirus-signal-capitalism-200330092216678.html">will
compel capitalism to incorporate many socialist features</a> &mdash;
such as nationalization of some large business sectors, perhaps a
guaranteed monthly income.


feed_id: 5624fa83db5893f87b47830344a7f81d
title: US bailout of business debt
uri: US-bailout-of-business-debt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28US_bailout_of_business_debt%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/03/was-fed-just-nationalized">Ellen
Brown's comments</a> on the US bailout of business debt.


feed_id: d313e99b056f7507be4cefd1efb06105
title: Orwellian removal of words US government web site
uri: Orwellian-removal-of-words-US-government-web-site
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Orwellian_removal_of_words_US_government_web_site%29

content:
<p>
The US Strategic National Stockpile's web site said its purpose
included providing medical supplies to states and local governments.
Kushner mistakenly said this was not true, so the government
<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/the-trump-administration-just-changed-its-description-of-the-national-stockpile-to-jibe-with-jared-kushners-controversial-claim/ar-BB1288Bx">removed
those words from the web site</a>.
<p>
The mainstream media don't dare to say "Orwellian", but that's what it is.
This is how the Soviet Union approached its own history.
<p>
(satire) *&hellip; Jared Kushner admonished resource-stricken states
this week that they
<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/jared-kushner-says-states-should-have-planned-ahead-bef-1842664879">should
have shown some foresight and planned ahead before joining the
Union</a>.*


feed_id: 8a0535f06bbea01d70e381a5aecad0b6
title: Covid-19 wouldn't dare to spread during church
uri: Covid-19-wouldn-t-dare-to-spread-during-church
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Covid-19_wouldnt_dare_to_spread_during_church%29

content:
<p>
(satire) *&hellip; the governors of several Southern states confirmed
Thursday they have exempted religious services from their
shelter-in-place orders, arguing that
<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/southern-governors-argue-covid-19-good-christian-virus-1842665057">Covid-19
is a good Christian virus</a> that wouldn’t dare to spread during
church.*


feed_id: c0c81aa0efdb367d1f9e530bdc1b2468
title: Zoom
uri: Zoom
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Zoom%29
content:
<p>
A nonfree program is ipso facto untrustworthy: its developer controls
what it does.  It is always the case that the developer may have
already used that control in ways that hurt the users.
<p>
In the case of Zoom, this is not a mere possibility.  The developer
has done a
<a href="https://citizenlab.ca/2020/04/move-fast-roll-your-own-crypto-a-quick-look-at-the-confidentiality-of-zoom-meetings/">lousy
job</a>.
<p>
This is in addition to denying freedom to the users by making the
program nonfree.


feed_id: 68453b4e8933c5bce36821748e151076
title: Developing treatments or vaccines for Covid-19
uri: Developing-treatments-or-vaccines-for-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Developing_treatments_or_vaccines_for_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>
The fastest way to develop treatments or vaccines for Covid-19 would
be through
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/04/corporate-media-ignore-international-cooperation-shortcut-coronavirus-vaccine">international
cooperation</a>.  However, mainstream politicians and mainstream media
ignore this and stick to the plutocratist line.
<p>
It is unfortunate that the author of that generally admirable article
fell into the confusion that the term
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">"intellectual
property"</a> always tends to spread.


feed_id: cf854a67186a15b20cc22db2e44268b2
title: Amazon warehouse workers in Chicago strike
uri: Amazon-warehouse-workers-in-Chicago-strike
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Amazon_warehouse_workers_in_Chicago_strike%29

content:
<p>
Amazon warehouse workers in Chicago have gone on strike
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/04/despite-threats-management-amazon-warehouse-workers-chicago-strike-demand-better">demanding
the company take steps to protect them from the spread of Covid-19 in
the warehouse</a>.
<p>
Amazon is demonstrating the cruelty to workers which is its usual
attitude.  That is one of the
<a href="https://stallman.org/amazon.html">many reasons</a> I urge everyone to refuse to
buy from (or through) Amazon.  I never do that.


feed_id: e70704a6f307b4f52b2ce77d6d058391
title: What conman is doing to increase dangers for Americans
uri: What-conman-is-doing-to-increase-dangers-for-Americans
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28What_conman_is_doing_to_increase_dangers_for_Americans%29

content:
<p>
Ralph Nader: supporters of the president should
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/04/coronavirus-failures-show-trump-clear-and-present-danger-united-states">look
at all these things he is doing to increase dangers for Americans</a>.


feed_id: 757e2330af25bafabb5fa5e122bf1650
title: Keir Starmer continues Corbyn's policies
uri: Keir-Starmer-continues-Corbyn-s-policies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Keir_Starmer_continues_Corbyns_policies%29

content:
<p>
Owen Jones: The Labour Party's new leader, Keir Starmer,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/04/keir-starmer-labour-leader-committing-policies-the-left">continues
Corbyn's policies</a>, and progressives should defend him against the
followers of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bliar">Tony B'liar</a>.


feed_id: c03759a7da6327d794050d7d82b4fe5f
title: Millions of Indians stuck on the street
uri: Millions-of-Indians-stuck-on-the-street
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Millions_of_Indians_stuck_on_the_street%29

content:
<p>
Millions of Indians are stuck on the street with
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/04/i-just-want-to-go-home-the-desperate-millions-hit-by-modis-brutal-lockdown">no
money and few friends, and forbidden to travel to the places they call
home</a>.  Modi is willing to let them starve to death.


feed_id: 4195217759b5616a96e5bad99176455b
title: Conman's intimidation campaign
uri: Conman-s-intimidation-campaign
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Conmans_intimidation_campaign%29
content:
<p>
The conman is firing the inspector general of US intelligence agencies
as
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/04/donald-trump-decapitating-intelligence-leadership-coronavirus-crisis-senior-democrat">punishment
for noticing the conman's crimes</a>.
<p>
This is part of his general campaign to intimidate anyone in the
government who would criticize him.


feed_id: afa7dbf9d440f759dc896ca97cce6be9
title: Cheating on the deal to send checks to non-rich Americans
uri: 2020-04-09-Cheating-on-the-deal-to-send-checks-to-non-rich-Americans
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Cheating_on_the_deal_to_send_checks_to_non-rich_Americans%29

content:
<p>
Republicans reluctantly agreed to a law to send checks soon to
non-rich Americans.  Then they cheated on the deal, by making an
arbitrary rule that
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/02/not-enough-trump-reversal-coronavirus-relief-payments-still-leaves-unacceptable">poor
people who live on government pensions or aid, and don't file tax
returns, would not get checks</a>.  Unless they find out about this
and file a return solely for this rule, they will get shafted.
<p>
Yielding to a wave of criticism, Republicans dropped the new
requirement <em>only</em> for those who receive Social Security
pensions.  They must hope that this will divide the opposition, so
they could get away with shafting the other affected people: military
veterans, and those whose income is small enough to qualify for the
existing income assistance.
<p>
Why deny this aid to the poorest?  Those politicians' overriding goal
is to transfer money to the rich, so they take advantage of any
opportunity,
<p>
I do not submit my tax returns on line because it requires nonfree
software.  I use xournal to write my data on the PDF form, and print
that.  As I have no printer, I will visit a copying store to do the
printing.
<p>
I do this because keeping safe means protecting our freedom as well as
our health.


feed_id: d6459ec9000c9c724143824a0dc56ec2
title: Urgent: Instacart workers protection
uri: Urgent-Instacart-workers-protection
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Instacart_workers_protection%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/instacart_worker_strike/">call on Instacart</a> to give workers supplies for
self-protection, and paid sick leave.

<p>
Even if the company treated its workers well, I would refuse to use
it for the protection of my privacy, because it can't be
used anonymously.  And I expect it requires clients to
run nonfree JavaScript code, which <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/javascript-trap.html ">for my freedom's sake I refuse to do</a>.


feed_id: bb060199a417894ae1b4e211dfb8a388
title: Urgent: abortion is essential medical procedure
uri: Urgent-abortion-is-essential-medical-procedure
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_abortion_is_essential_medical_procedure%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://actnow.prochoiceamerica.org/letter/hhs-azar-covid19/">call on HHS secretary Alex Azar</a> to declare abortion an
essential medical procedure.


feed_id: ffd432987af034e8f79b5d9d285e0d47
title: No substitute for climate action
uri: No-substitute-for-climate-action
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28No_substitute_for_climate_action%29
content:
<p>
*Decline in Fossil Fuel Emissions Due to Coronavirus Lockdowns <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/02/decline-fossil-fuel-emissions-due-coronavirus-lockdowns-no-substitute-climate-action">No Substitute
for Climate Action</a>, Advocates Say.*

<p>
Covid-19 will be licked in a year or two, and greenhouse gas emissions
will rise again (the plutocrats intend to <em>make sure</em> they do), so the
bigger (but slower) danger of climate disaster will still be waiting
for us.


feed_id: 444be47c1dbc8990c0cf805fe637007d
title: Invisible hand giving the finger
uri: Invisible-hand-giving-the-finger
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Invisible_hand_giving_the_finger%29
content:
<p>
*When the Invisible Hand Gives You the Finger* &mdash; <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/02/when-invisible-hand-gives-you-finger">(1) failing to
provide medical supplies and equipment, then (2) saying that you
should go back to work just to keep the profits flowing</a>.

<p>
The cult of the invisible hand seems to be as absurd as any other religion.


feed_id: 68093afa1e8cb0778627c239e18105a4
title: Biden delegate lead increase
uri: Biden-delegate-lead-increase
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Biden_delegate_lead_increase%29
content:
<p>
*The Coronavirus Paradox: Biden's Delegate Lead <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/02/coronavirus-paradox-bidens-delegate-lead-increases-need-bernies-politics-adds">Increases as the Need for
Bernie's Politics Adds Up</a>.*


feed_id: 9d6fb861769575ee799d7a0447856dbb
title: Checks for the non-rich
uri: Checks-for-the-non-rich
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Checks_for_the_non-rich%29
content:
<p>
Republicans reluctantly agreed to a law to send checks soon to
non-rich Americans.  Then they cheated on the deal, by making an
arbitrary rule that poor people who live on government pensions or
aid, and don't file tax returns, would not get checks.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/02/not-enough-trump-reversal-coronavirus-relief-payments-still-leaves-unacceptable">Unless they
find out about this and file a return solely for this rule, they will
get shafted</a>.

<p>
Yielding to a wave of criticism, Republicans dropped the new
requirement <em>only</em> for those who receive Social Security pensions.
They must hope that this will divide the opposition, so they could get
away with shafting the other affected people: military veterans, and
those whose income is small enough to qualify for the existing income
assistance.

<p>
Why deny this aid to the poorest?  Those politicians' overriding goal
is to transfer money to the rich, so they take advantage of any
opportunity,

<p>
I do not submit my tax returns on line because it requires nonfree
software.  I use xournal to write my data on the PDF form, and print
that.  As I have no printer, I will visit a copying store to do the
printing.

<p>
I do this because keeping safe means protecting our freedom as well as
our health.


feed_id: 6e51e70fa823f42feb1d5472f72354d4
title: Concentration camps
uri: 2020-04-09-Concentration-camps
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Concentration_camps%29
content:
<p>
Concentration camps have existed for a century; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/02/why-concentration-camps-are-still-with-us">the US and China both
operate concentration camps today</a>.

<p>
US concentration camps do not kill prisoners directly, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/02/deported-coronavirus-ice-family-separations">but often deport them
to a high probability of death</a>.


feed_id: 11a331a198393d1a4f36871cba0312b9
title: Spied from home
uri: Spied-from-home
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Spied_from_home%29
content:
<p>
Working from home, nowadays, often means that the employer monitors
everything that you do, <a href="https://www.latimes.com/business/technology/story/2020-03-27/coronavirus-work-from-home-privacy">via the nonfree software they make you use</a>.


feed_id: a6003f3ad8362c19bb7894a26c29dc07
title: Warrant for mass data collecting
uri: Warrant-for-mass-data-collecting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Warrant_for_mass_data_collecting%29
content:
<p>
The government should not be allowed <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/apr/02/experts-warn-of-privacy-risk-as-us-uses-gps-to-fight-coronavirus-spread">to collect data on masses of
individuals' movements without a warrant</a>.


feed_id: e47583b62373d701de49ece718dbecc2
title: Helping destroy the remaining of forests
uri: Helping-destroy-the-remaining-of-forests
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Helping_destroy_the_remaining_of_forests%29

content:
<p>
Australia is not satisfied with the forest destroyed by the
unprecedentedly large fires &mdash; it is giving logging companies <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/apr/03/decision-to-renew-victorian-logging-agreements-criticised-after-summer-bushfires">an
exemption from environmental laws to help destroy what remains</a>.


feed_id: 84f3e5647ae53d10d98b8c806af8a597
title: Affordable Care Act enrollment
uri: Affordable-Care-Act-enrollment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Affordable_Care_Act_enrollment%29
content:
<p>
*[The numskull] Refuses to Reopen Affordable Care Act Enrollment <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/01/fanatical-cruelty-pandemic-rages-trump-refuses-reopen-affordable-care-act-enrollment">to Help
[Newly] Uninsured [Americans]</a>.*


feed_id: bf842638846e1952ad7bcc6c10181b99
title: Environmental protection regulations
uri: Environmental-protection-regulations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Environmental_protection_regulations%29

content:
<p>
Greta Thunberg rebuked the US government <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/01/how-are-we-supposed-protect-our-lungs-climate-strikers-blast-epa-suspension">for ceasing enforcement of
environmental protection regulations</a>.

<p>
Environmental damage allowed now by the EPA will make people more
vulnerable to Covid-19 now, and continue harming people and nature
for years after Covid-19 has ceased to preoccupy us.


feed_id: f0a98c2d90d92a5cc661bb7ad5515eef
title: Soft skills
uri: Soft-skills
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Soft_skills%29
content:
<p>
In education, don't think of "soft skills" as secondary.
*Soft Skills Are Essential Skills and <a href="https://letgrow.org/soft-skills-are-essential-skills/">Our Kids Need Them Now More Than Ever</a>.*


feed_id: cf8a1204210a0c7d25b6505b14389e06
title: Disobeying ToS does not violate the CFAA
uri: Disobeying-ToS-does-not-violate-the-CFAA
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Disobeying_ToS_does_not_violate_the_CFAA%29

content:
<p>
The ACLU won a US court ruling <a href="https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/federal-court-rules-big-data-discrimination-studies-do-not-violate-federal-anti">that disobeying a server's terms of
service (or disservice) does not violate the CFAA</a>.

<p>
This will be a milestone victory, if it endures, but we cannot take it
as final yet.  I expect the big digital quasi-monopolies will arrange
to try to reverse this decision.

<p>
Too bad we could not bring Aaron Swartz back to life if the decision
stands.


feed_id: ae1195a9795584526ffcba5fac4d2058
title: Gouging company success
uri: Gouging-company-success
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#9_April_2020_%28Gouging_company_success%29
content:
<p>
Robert Bork's evisceration of US antitrust law allowed a gouging company
to dismantle the US government's contract <a href="https://pluralistic.net/2020/03/30/medtronic-stole-your-ventilator/#blackstone-kkr">for making copious
inexpensive ventilators</a>.

<p>
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/29/business/coronavirus-us-ventilator-shortage.html">More information about those events</a> (though it doesn't trace the
connections to antitrust law and Medtronic).

<p>
But it does mention that the US government pushed to reduce the number
of hospital beds because it expected that the business-based US
medical system would seek excuses to keep all hospital beds full.

<p>
A National Health Service can maintain extra beds as a reserve, given
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#26_July_2019_(National_Health_Service)">political will to provide good medical care</a>.


feed_id: 872d66e26632fdbc76590f305cd4aa7b
title: Urgent: Prevent corruption in coronavirus relief spending
uri: Urgent-Prevent-corruption-in-coronavirus-relief-spending
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#12_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Prevent_corruption_in_coronavirus_relief_spending%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to
<a href="https://publiccitizen.salsalabs.org/petition-aggressive-watchdogs-congressional-oversight-commission/index.html">staff
the new Congressional Oversight Commission with aggressive
watchdogs</a> to prevent corruption in coronavirus relief spending.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 19c37b7a37c739ce41df275200940a4e
title: Urgent: End water shutoffs
uri: Urgent-End-water-shutoffs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#12_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_End_water_shutoffs%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: call on American officials at various levels to end water
shutoffs and
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sign-now-stop-water-shutoffs-during-covid-19-pandemic-and-restore-water-access-immediately?nowrapper=true">restore
water service to everyone</a>.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: f9c8b7228530bed8295557d21d620996
title: Urgent: Stop taking immigrant children away from parents
uri: Urgent-Stop-taking-immigrant-children-away-from-parents
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#12_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_taking_immigrant_children_away_from_parents%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/demand-congress-end-torture-of-migrant-families-and-children?nowrapper=true">stop
the continuing practice of taking immigrant children away from their
parents and subjecting them to cruel conditions</a> including denial
of medical treatment.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 16739fd1e6525d31d23f686902034b5c
title: Urgent: Thanks Sanders
uri: Urgent-Thanks-Sanders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Thanks_Sanders%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/em-200409-thank-you-bernie">thank Bernie Sanders</a> for running for president.


feed_id: 92881757a0524f9b6c080892f0d1335d
title: Canceling identification of coronavirus
uri: Canceling-identification-of-coronavirus
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Canceling_identification_of_coronavirus%29

content:
<p>
The bully's men decided in September to cancel a program <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/03/trump-scrapped-pandemic-early-warning-program-system-before-coronavirus">to identify coronaviruses in various animals that had the potential to jump to humans</a>.

<p>
It had already identified a close relative of Covid-19.  If it continues,
it can identify other viruses that may help deal with future pandemics.


feed_id: 5502c496e6d8464cbdfe4377a19a37f3
title: Still a plutocratist
uri: Still-a-plutocratist
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Still_a_plutocratist%29
content:
<p>
Americans: don't mistake Governor Cuomo for a progressive just because
he handles one highly visible issue well.  He is still the same
plutocratist he has always been, <a href="https://www.teenvogue.com/story/andrew-cuomo-coronavirus-crush-record">a so-called "centrist" Democrat that
stands for the interests of business</a>.


feed_id: 05696e6c4484ba43c0380e49165fcae8
title: Adding obstacles to paid sick leave
uri: Adding-obstacles-to-paid-sick-leave
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Adding_obstacles_to_paid_sick_leave%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>'s men have added artificial obstacles to the recently passed
law offering paid sick leave, which will have the effect of excluding
many workers <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/02/trump-labor-department-accused-quietly-twisting-law-slash-paid-sick-leave-amid">who were supposed to have this benefit</a>.

<p>
The conman cheated contractors he hired to work on his buildings. Why wouldn't he cheat workers too?


feed_id: e8519c6b5f59494c5fcd879d621e3657
title: Keeping death toll low
uri: Keeping-death-toll-low
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Keeping_death_toll_low%29
content:
<p>
*How US Can Keep Death Toll Far Below the 100,000 Projection.*
By building, rapidly, a public health system that can test lots of people
and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/03/how-us-can-keep-death-toll-far-below-100000-projection">find most of the recent contacts of those found to be infected</a>.


feed_id: dcaf66b7186a32255ea53963ef8d3175
title: Shaped for bad goal
uri: Shaped-for-bad-goal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Shaped_for_bad_goal%29
content:
<p>
The problems with the US medical system result from being shaped for a
bad goal: business profit rather than patients' health.  These
businesses <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/03/medicare-each-us-age-coronavirus">use their influence to make medicine more expensive</a>.

<p>
The way to fix this is to take them out of the circuit, with Medicare
for All.  The other proposed "solutions" are designed to leave a big
role for the business that gouge patients.  Unless their proponents
have made a big mistake, you can be sure their proposals will gouge.


feed_id: fa5218c0fe2df1b1f0230a6617c80fff
title: Supporting businesses
uri: Supporting-businesses
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Supporting_businesses%29
content:
<p>
The US government and states should support businesses by helping them
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/03/marchs-huge-job-losses-are-just-tip-iceberg-whats-come">keep paying the wages of idled workers</a>.


feed_id: 48acf1ff616d732cf833f14492cb79ae
title: Safe and free
uri: Safe-and-free
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Safe_and_free%29
content:
<p>
I am concerned that urging people to think about "safety" will have the
effect of encouraging people to cede their freedom to reduce physical risk.
So I suggest we explicitly distance ourselves from that way of thinking.

<p>
What keeping "safe" means to me<br />
is protecting <em>both</em> your<br />
health and your freedom.


feed_id: cb4f46987f57d779464a212420e0fc9a
title: Wealth tax for epidemic costs
uri: Wealth-tax-for-epidemic-costs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Wealth_tax_for_epidemic_costs%29
content:
<p>
A Labour leader calls for a wealth tax <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/apr/03/john-mcdonnell-calls-for-wealth-tax-to-pay-for-coronavirus-measures">to help pay the UK state expenses
caused by the epidemic</a>.


feed_id: 5310ebcaf65906c80071aca14a1153cd
title: Excuse for dictatorship
uri: Excuse-for-dictatorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Excuse_for_dictatorship%29
content:
<p>
Orbán used Covid-19 as an excuse to obtain dictatorial powers, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/02/hungary-to-end-legal-recognition-of-trans-people-amid-covid-19-crisis">which he
aims to use for general right-wing repression</a>.


feed_id: 5c6296439bb1821b50f0de76a0567811
title: Hunger crisis
uri: Hunger-crisis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Hunger_crisis%29
content:
<p>
*US facing hunger crisis <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/02/us-food-banks-coronavirus-demand-unemployment">as demand for food banks soars</a>.*

<p>
We need the government to operate food banks: to buy food to
distribute in them, and send national guard to run them.  And make enough
face masks for them.


feed_id: 948457a88df03c15b9400266892aa030
title: Punished for not concealing the truth
uri: Punished-for-not-concealing-the-truth
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Punished_for_not_concealing_the_truth%29

content:
<p>
Remember when the government of China concealed the danger of the (not
yet really understood) Covid-19?  Now the US government is doing it,
removing the captain of the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt
claiming that he did not try hard enough to conceal <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/02/us-navy-uss-theodore-roosevelt-coronavirus">the spread of the
virus on that ship</a>.


feed_id: 2da5741233fe4c212f39dfb4d252ea2a
title: Safety net
uri: Safety-net
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Safety_net%29
content:
<p>
How to improve America's safety net so it catches workers <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/02/how-prepare-trump-recession">knocked off their
feet by recessions under today's conditions</a>.


feed_id: dda7fec5b3f0463623d8abff655b490b
title: Firing protesters because of social distancing
uri: Firing-protesters-because-of-social-distancing
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Firing_protesters_because_of_social_distancing%29

content:
<p>
Obama's former press secretary, Jay Carney, is now an executive for
Amazon.  After warehouse employees went on strike, demanding
protective equipment to avoid spreading Covid-19, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/02/how-does-it-feel-sell-your-soul-worlds-richest-man-obama-aide-turned-amazon-exec">Carney said Amazon
fired the organizer because he "violated social distancing rules."</a>

<p>
Just the day before the strike, Amazon ordered him to stay home in
"quarantine" for 14 days.

<p>
Was the strike announced in advance?  I expect it was.  If so, I think
this quarantine was arranged by Amazon's as an excuse to keep its
leader away on the day of the strike.

<p>
Amazon's PR staff intended to use that to distract attention <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/apr/02/amazon-chris-smalls-smart-articulate-leaked-memo">from
the bad conditions it keeps imposes on its workers</a>.


feed_id: 0912a39dd5be5d9a58751d50b96066b1
title: Big Oil Bailouts
uri: Big-Oil-Bailouts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Big_Oil_Bailouts%29
content:
<p>
*Senators Requesting Big Oil Bailouts <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/04/02/senators-requesting-big-oil-bailouts-received-millions-big-oil-donations">Received Millions in Big Oil Donations</a>.*

<p>
Current US laws permit this, when done in an indirect way, but it is
corruption just the same.


feed_id: a18a87e385e03cde13d5039f80f813f5
title: Boris Johnson sick with Covid-19
uri: Boris-Johnson-sick-with-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Boris_Johnson_sick_with_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>
Boris Johnson is now
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/apr/06/pms-move-to-icu-shows-hes-likely-to-have-severe-covid-19">in
intensive care due to Covid-19</a>.
<p>
I won't mock him with the name "Bogus" now that he is very sick dying,
but recall that his last great act of denialism was to deny that
Covid-19 was a big danger.  He denied this with actions as well as
words, and he probably would not be sick now if he had not done so.


feed_id: a3dab2aedc243251a50eea9c30b255d7
title: The narcissist makes people bow down to him
uri: The-narcissist-makes-people-bow-down-to-him
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28The_narcissist_makes_people_bow_down_to_him%29

content:
<p>
The narcissist uses his power to make people bow down to him, while
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/05/opinion/trump-coronavirus.html">caring
nothing about others, even as he kills them</a>.
<p>
He
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/19/washington-post-photographer-spots-crossed-out-coronavirus-favor-chinese-virus-trump">personally
corrected the text of his speech to say "Chinese virus"</a> instead of
"coronavirus".
<p>
The Daily Beast speculates that this was meant to distract
non-supporters from his bad decisions.  I think it was meant to
distract his supporters from them also.
<p>
The narcissist
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/07/covid-19-trump-adviser-memos-emerge-as-japan-takes-emergency-measures">was
told in January that Covid-19 might kill over a million Americans</a>.
Everything he has done to interfere was after hearing that danger.


feed_id: 2ca9213c95a0a05149cba38a4f451453
title: Effects of Covid-19 on poor and marginalized
uri: Effects-of-Covid-19-on-poor-and-marginalized
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Effects_of_Covid-19_on_poor_and_marginalized%29

content:
<p>
The effects of Covid-19
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/05/covid-19-and-black-workers">fall
hardest on the poor and marginalized</a>.  In the US, that includes
blacks, because racism tends to marginalize people and make them poor.
<p>
The article describes how this exacerbates the effects of Covid-19,
citing blacks as an example.  However, racism has some special
consequences that go beyond the problems of being poor.
<p>
*I'm a black man in America.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/07/black-men-coronavirus-masks-safety">Entering
a shop with a face mask might get me killed</a>.*
<p>
Ordinary local <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/07/criminal-justice-system-us-coronavirus-shown-possible-to-change">have
not let up on shooting people</a>, and the immigration thugs have not
let up on arresting people for deportation (aside from the fraction
that will die in immigration prison).


feed_id: 3941861a7190c9996e431806cf1722be
title: Conman's idea of free market
uri: Conman-s-idea-of-free-market
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Conmans_idea_of_free_market%29
content:
<p>
(satire) "The free market works best with some healthy competition, so
by
<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/trump-admits-18-new-states-to-increase-competition-for-1842708962">increasing
the number of U.S. states to 68</a>, we can hopefully double the cost
of ventilators," said the conman.


feed_id: cadaed74a74471b59b45c9eae7f78d04
title: Anti-science and anti-intellectual attitudes
uri: Anti-science-and-anti-intellectual-attitudes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Anti-science_and_anti-intellectual_attitudes%29

content:
<p>
*Why America’s
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/06/why-americas-anti-science-and-anti-intellectual-attitudes-doom-it-coronavirus-pearl">Anti-Science
and Anti-Intellectual Attitudes</a> Doom It to Coronavirus "Pearl
Harbor".*


feed_id: 219f718bc2f370cc84c85e826c1fba54
title: Atkinson speaks out against the troll
uri: Atkinson-speaks-out-against-the-troll
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Atkinson_speaks_out_against_the_troll%29

content:
<p>
Michael Atkinson: "It is hard not to think that the president's loss
of confidence in me
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/06/fired-intel-ig-speaks-out-against-trump-watchdog-warns-democracy-gravest-danger">derives
from my having faithfully discharged my legal obligations as an
independent and impartial Inspector General</a>, and from my
commitment to continue to do so."


feed_id: 3f8c822892946190bf083c6268a30abd
title: USDA's new policy smooths path for new diseases
uri: USDA-s-new-policy-smooths-path-for-new-diseases
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28USDAs_new_policy_smooths_path_for_new_diseases%29

content:
<p>
The USDA's new policy of letting slaughterhouses decide which
carcasses to inspect is
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/04/06/new-swine-rules-so-dangerous-they-could-spur-another-zoonotic-pandemic">ideal
for smoothing the path for new diseases to jump from pigs to
humans</a>.
<p>
They call it NSIS, which perhaps stands for (Almost) No Swine
Inspection System.  It demonstrates plutocratists' ideological
opposition to anything that regulates business for the public good.


feed_id: acc130419d2b14d0a8fbe8f7bbd1eb04
title: School closures
uri: School-closures
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28School_closures%29
content:
<p>
*School closures have
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/apr/06/school-closures-have-little-impact-on-spread-of-coronavirus-study">little
impact on spread of coronavirus</a> &mdash; study.*


feed_id: 9242e86f97d46bae9c05b714cd369f6a
title: Toilet connected to artificial intelligence system
uri: Toilet-connected-to-artificial-intelligence-system
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Toilet_connected_to_artificial_intelligence_system%29

content:
<p>
A toilet connected to an artificial intelligence system could monitor
your health daily and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/apr/06/magic-toilet-could-monitor-users-health-say-researchers">keep
a host of corporations informed</a>.
<p>
The only way people should trust such a system is if all the software
is free and various community organizations maintain versions that
they check for respect for privacy.
<p>
One aspect of the system is an advance for privacy: the use of
analprints to recognize people is far superior to the more commonly
fingerprint and face recognition.  You don't leave an analprint
behind every time you sit down, and your ass can't be identified from
its analprint as you walk on a sidewalk or a lobby.


feed_id: 2b90b8d3e7dfc1132eb37805d060b775
title: Republicans recklessly put lives in danger
uri: Republicans-recklessly-put-lives-in-danger
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Republicans_recklessly_put_lives_in_danger%29

content:
<p>
*After Coronavirus, Let’s Never Forget:
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/04/06/coronavirus-trump-republicans-conservatives/">Republicans
Recklessly Put Our Lives In Danger</a>.*
<p>
They have done worse than that, and they are still doing it.
Cancelling the measures to prepare for any future epidemic was certain
to kill people some day.  But their relentless efforts to force the
world into <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> disaster are
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_(Fossil_fuel_health_effects)">certain
to kill hundreds of millions</a> (at least).


feed_id: feaac8ab22e0b8ebe250e198661ade3e
title: Renewable electric generating capacity
uri: Renewable-electric-generating-capacity
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Renewable_electric_generating_capacity%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/06/new-renewable-energy-capacity-hit-record-levels-in-2019">Only
3/4</a> of the new electric generating capacity built in 2019 was
renewable.
<p>
How foolish it is to build any infrastructure that depends on fossil
fuels!  We must put an end to that practice, on the double.


feed_id: 0a3071b300e2680b929a223a46ffa3f9
title: Freedom of speech threatened
uri: Freedom-of-speech-threatened
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Freedom_of_speech_threatened%29
content:
<p>
From "free" countries' governments to private hospitals, freedom of
speech is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/06/coronavirus-free-speech-hungary-fake-news">threatened
in the name of "protecting" us</a>.


feed_id: ca7fd5da2fb3aa04c593dde8db733397
title: Misinformation about coronavirus
uri: Misinformation-about-coronavirus
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Misinformation_about_coronavirus%29

content:
<p>
*Misinformation Hampered Ebola Response. The Same Thing Could Happen
With Coronavirus.* Indeed, right-wing nuts (including the president)
are
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/04/06/misinformation-coronavirus-ebola-congo/">already
promoting this</a>.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/06/peter-navarro-fauci-hydroxychloroquine">His
henchmen</a>, too.
<p>
The job of the US Trade Representative is corrupt at the root.  It
consists of promoting <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#business-supremacy">business-supremacy treaties</a>, twisting arms to
impose them on countries, to help companies dominate people and turn
democracy into a sham.  This has been the case for decades, probably
at least 40 years.
<p>
If the US Trade Representative told me that 2 + 2 = 4, I would get out
my computer to check.


feed_id: a5f1bae6263e378428d14aa6b1426810
title: Step-by-step relaxation of lockdown rules
uri: Step-by-step-relaxation-of-lockdown-rules
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Step-by-step_relaxation_of_lockdown_rules%29

content:
<p>
Proposing a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/05/the-traffic-light-exit-strategy-to-free-the-uk-from-lockdown">step-by-step
relaxation of lockdown rules</a>, allowing increasing amounts of
various activities but still preventing transmission of Covid-19.


feed_id: 6d510b066a1d8ad18a2ddc28f51f673d
title: Business gibberish
uri: Business-gibberish
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Business_gibberish%29
content:
<p>
On the workplace relations that result in
<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200404231222/https://www.vulture.com/2020/02/spread-of-corporate-speak.html">business
gibberish</a>.
<p>
*<a href="https://newrepublic.com/article/156802/coptalk-policing-english-language">Coptalk</a>
is defined by what at first seem to be paradoxes. On the one hand, it
is saturated with anodyne, technical language &mdash; the exhaustive
precision demanded by official reports and internal reviews.  On the
other, it is fundamentally evasive. This might seem contradictory, but
in fact reveals a kind of systematic cunning &hellip;*
<p>
This cunning addresses the problem of how to kill and then frame
someone and make it sound like just another day's work.


feed_id: dd7f4b6a3daf77deb69ef9815c75ad81
title: Deciding who gets medical treatment during supply shortage
uri: Deciding-who-gets-medical-treatment-during-supply-shortage
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Deciding_who_gets_medical_treatment_during_supply_shortage%29

content:
<p>
Colorado has
<a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2020/04/05/colorado-coronavirus-covid-patient-care-guidelines/">published
objective criteria</a> for deciding who is to get treatment for
Covid-19 when there is a shortage of supplies.
<p>
I think these criteria are wise, except for the preference given to
those who are pregnant over those who are not.  That preference was
standard in the past, and it derived from the idea that making more
humans was an important contribution to society.
<p>
Now that population growth is a big danger, that assumption should be
discarded.


feed_id: 7d1a19f8e3b2a4072e98157e61d2c9ab
title: Fatal side side effect of untested treatment
uri: Fatal-side-side-effect-of-untested-treatment
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Fatal_side_side_effect_of_untested_treatment%29

content:
<p>
Why
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/04/06/drug-treatment-trump-talks-covid-can-fatal-side-effect-cardiologists-warn/">taking
hydroxychloroquine to treat Covid-19 could kill you</a>.
<p>
It could also use up the limited supplies of hydroxychloroquine,
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#1_April_2020_(Denied_of_needed_treatment)">leaving
people suffering from lupus without their medicine</a>.
<p>
All this based on an unfounded speculation.


feed_id: 6abe7becb691cb004494238576b7158e
title: Reducing the harm done by Covid-19
uri: Reducing-the-harm-done-by-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Reducing_the_harm_done_by_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>
Sanders's proposed law to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/03/bernie-sanders-calls-boldest-legislation-history-halt-spiraling-covid-19-catastrophe">reduce
the medical and economic harm done by Covid-19</a>.


feed_id: 89071b31eb42ee98502f67f53e21a139
title: Bangladesh providing food to sex workers
uri: Bangladesh-providing-food-to-sex-workers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28Bangladesh_providing_food_to_sex_workers%29

content:
<p>
Bangladesh is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/apr/06/bangladesh-sends-food-aid-to-sex-workers-as-industry-goes-into-lockdown">providing
food to sex workers</a>, since their business is shut down.


feed_id: 62c9311028de1a5b462c7a7f8bc37cc7
title: $1,200 in trust for each American
uri: 1-200-in-trust-for-each-American
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_April_2020_%28%241%2C200_in_trust_for_each_American%29

content:
<p>
(satire) *Congress Sets Aside $1,200 In Trust For Each American
<a href="https://politics.theonion.com/congress-sets-aside-1-200-in-trust-for-each-american-u-1842509829">Until
[perse] Proves [perse's] Responsible Enough To Handle It</a>."


feed_id: 70bd36d635ff1bd1fc6d0e90129badcb
title: Holding to account
uri: Holding-to-account
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#14_April_2020_%28Holding_to_account%29
content:
<p>
*   We must hold the likes of Rishi Sunak and Andrew Cuomo to account, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/08/why-are-people-turning-questionable-politicians-into-pandemic-pinups">not
   fawn over their modest displays of competence</a>.*


feed_id: 695e936c8677cc198656dfa62cbaddc7
title: Wiping out fashion industry
uri: Wiping-out-fashion-industry
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#14_April_2020_%28Wiping_out_fashion_industry%29
content:
<p>
The British fashion industry <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2020/apr/08/economic-crisis-pandemic-could-spell-end-british-fashion">could be wiped out as a side effect of
Covid-19</a>.

<p>
The fashion industry is a manipulative waste of people's money and the
world's natural resources, so we are better off without it.  However,
those people and other people without jobs must not be reduced to
penury.  We need a real welfare system that provides everyone with a
decent life.


feed_id: fa1043681c56b1045451d6c9675dfb49
title: Julian Assange has pre-existing condition
uri: Julian-Assange-has-pre-existing-condition
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#14_April_2020_%28Julian_Assange_has_pre-existing_condition%29

content:
<p>
Craig Murray: Julian Assange has a long-term pulmonary problem,
so if he catches Covid-19, he has a high chance of dying.
Murray <a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/04/beyond-words/">believes the UK wants him to catch it and die</a>.

<p>
He may be better off catching Covid-19 and dying than living
to spend his life being tortured by the US.  However, the affect
on freedom of the press will be the same disaster either way.


feed_id: c40c9432218ab634969ecf04fc993cba
title: Domestic violence
uri: 2020-04-14-Domestic-violence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#14_April_2020_%28Domestic_violence%29
content:
<p>
Domestic violence has doubled or tripled in some countries due to
lockdowns.  A rough estimate <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/06/un-chief-warns-coronavirus-lockdowns-bringing-about-horrifying-global-surge-domestic">is that this includes over 200 million
women</a>.


feed_id: a9c04078fb3bf2c7f1d22ea3d599f216
title: Stimulus plans
uri: Stimulus-plans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#14_April_2020_%28Stimulus_plans%29
content:
<p>
Organizing to make sure future US stimulus plans <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/07/infrastructure-and-green-stimulus-why-we-must-organize-congress-acts">don't further ingrain
dependence on fossil fuels</a>.

<p>
Returning to the previous economy <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/06/returning-economic-status-quo-after-covid-19-crisis-should-not-be-option">should not be considered the goal</a> --
  and anyway, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/06/economy-overlord-mnuchin-controlling-bailout-funds-green-group-demands-know-what">the plutocrats already working to make it worse</a>.


feed_id: 41f9fa2ea6629297c1d509cd4de58efc
title: Defaulting on debts
uri: Defaulting-on-debts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#14_April_2020_%28Defaulting_on_debts%29
content:
<p>
Stiglitz: many poor countries <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/07/world-must-combat-looming-debt-meltdown-in-developing-countries-covid-19">are going to default on their debts this
year, unless they are rescued</a>.

<p>
To truly rescue them would require forgiving those debts, or lending
them again at very low interest.  Stiglitz proposes something along those lines.

<p>
However, I expect the plutocrats of the world to see in this crisis an
opportunity for disaster capitalism &mdash; to buy all the valuable assets,
including farmland, to convert the governments of those countries into
debt collectors, and to treat the inhabitants, for all time, like
unauthorized immigrants from nowhere.


feed_id: c7cb068b8fca429d9a5d0a877ba753b1
title: Denied constitutional rights
uri: Denied-constitutional-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#14_April_2020_%28Denied_constitutional_rights%29
content:
<p>
*As Coronavirus Looms in Federal Prisons,
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/04/05/coronavirus-federal-prison-mdc-mcc-new-york/">People Inside Denied Constitutional Right to Speak With Lawyers</a>.*

<p>
They test hardly any of the coughing prisoners, then count everyone
not tested as not infected.  Anyone who makes, or believes, that
argument must be looking for an excuse to falsify the facts.

<p>
But stopping prisoners from consulting their lawyers is far worse,
as it prejudices their cases in many ways that the article explains.


feed_id: c0bfcda57b152cd30adb4e3793ed3eee
title: Grabbing total power
uri: Grabbing-total-power
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#14_April_2020_%28Grabbing_total_power%29
content:
<p>
Many governments around the world are grabbing total power <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/dictators-are-using-the-coronavirus-to-strengthen-their-grip-on-power/2020/04/02/c36582f8-748c-11ea-87da-77a8136c1a6d_story.html">in the
name of protecting people from Covid-19</a>.

<p>
Republicans are profiting from it, too, using it as an excuse to
prevent protests, almost eliminate opposition campaigning and
fund-raising, and hamper voting.


feed_id: dac180f83a369369e27e69d27cf1eca3
title: Extinction
uri: 2020-04-14-Extinction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#14_April_2020_%28Extinction%29
content:
<p>
An emission of CO2 comparable to what humans are expected to emit in
this century, due to the giant volcanism that ended the Triassic
period, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/07/volcanic-activity-triggered-triassic-climate-change">caused extinction of half the species of life on Earth</a>.

<p>
That emission took 500 years.  We humans are doing it even faster,
which means even less time for life to adapt.


feed_id: 08c74fb61c8f7f332fd889307a2c9557
title: Effects of pandemics
uri: Effects-of-pandemics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#14_April_2020_%28Effects_of_pandemics%29
content:
<p>
"I have studied the psychological effects of pandemics – and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/07/life-never-return-normal-coronavirus-shape-generation">even a few
weeks of isolation can cause lasting anxiety</a>."

<p>
This makes it especially important to get some people we know to use
free software to talk with us, and soon.  Make sure that the place
they retreat to from future anxiety has room for free software.


feed_id: 0338cbcd56a7dbc7e07bef869f4f3374
title: Nationwide house arrest
uri: Nationwide-house-arrest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#14_April_2020_%28Nationwide_house_arrest%29
content:
<p>
*Even though a small minority have persisted in gathering in groups, I
still do not accept the need to legislate <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/07/england-coronavirus-lockdown-police-enforcement">for a nationwide house arrest
using the police for enforcement</a>.*


feed_id: e4adeeaa326ecbdefe821a54be0e2545
title: Denial of citizenship
uri: 2020-04-14-Denial-of-citizenship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#14_April_2020_%28Denial_of_citizenship%29
content:
<p>
The denial of citizenship rights to UK citizens of Caribbean origin was
the result of a bad attitude: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/mar/19/windrush-report-what-the-home-office-needs-to-act-on">if you can't jump through our hoops,
that's your fault</a>.


feed_id: 9b6325cf8c625d11a0a7116e1ba8decc
title: Medical workers banned by visa conditions
uri: Medical-workers-banned-by-visa-conditions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#14_April_2020_%28Medical_workers_banned_by_visa_conditions%29

content:
<p>
Many immigrants with US medical qualifications are banned by
visa conditions <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/04/06/coronavirus-immigrant-physicians-doctors-visa-united-states/">from travelling to the cities where they are urgently
needed</a>.


feed_id: a8f2475879447b81fa0d39084057e9c9
title: Sanders should continue his campaign
uri: Sanders-should-continue-his-campaign
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#14_April_2020_%28Sanders_should_continue_his_campaign%29

content:
<p>
Proposing that Sanders should continue his campaign, not with the aim of
winning the nomination (since that is unlikely) <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/06/should-bernie-drop-out-or-stay-wait-theres-another-choice">but rather with the aim of
influencing policies after the election</a>.

<p>
I think the best chance of influencing policies after the election is the chance that Sanders may win.  Biden gives us no chance of ending plutocracy,
because he never wanted to do that.

<p>
As for the idea that people should "unite" behind Biden, if he wanted my
support he should have stood for progressive policies.


feed_id: 8110e539dba5d38c0f9dc283329a1b1f
title: Urgent: Lift restrictions on mifepristone
uri: Urgent-Lift-restrictions-on-mifepristone
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#15_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Lift_restrictions_on_mifepristone%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://actnow.prochoiceamerica.org/signup/demand-fda-remove-mife-restrictions/">call
on the FDA</a> to lift the restrictions on the abortion drug
mifepristone.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: ddd1672ed621b94a1d33fb061531f414
title: Urgent: Stop showing bullshitter's "briefings" live
uri: Urgent-Stop-showing-bullshitter-s-briefings-live
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#15_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_showing_bullshitters_briefings_live%29

content:
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-demand-networks-stop-airing-trumps-coronavirus-briefings-live-trumps-continuous-lies-spread-dangerous-misinformation?nowrapper=true">call
on TV networks</a> (primarily US networks) to stop showing the
bullshitter's dishonest "briefings" live.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 2c556133d8da08f425425e3d438a426d
title: Suing for tracking by airplane
uri: Suing-for-tracking-by-airplane
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#15_April_2020_%28Suing_for_tracking_by_airplane%29
content:
<p>
The ACLU is suing to stop Baltimore from using airplanes <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/04/09/baltimore-police-aerial-surveillance/">to track the movements
of everyone in the city all the time</a>.


feed_id: 078d72f6989fd02d3c28b3fd8d4e7974
title: Ecosystem disasters are just a step away
uri: Ecosystem-disasters-are-just-a-step-away
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#15_April_2020_%28Ecosystem_disasters_are_just_a_step_away%29

content:
<p>
Ecosystem disasters are just a step away.  *New study finds ocean
ecosystems <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/08/wildlife-destruction-not-a-slippery-slope-but-a-series-of-cliff-edges">likely to collapse [suddenly] in 2020s, and land species in 2040s,
unless global [heating] stemmed</a>.*

<p>
The Coral Sea, in the ocean beyond the Great Barrier Reef, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/apr/10/more-than-half-of-remote-reefs-in-coral-sea-marine-park-suffered-extreme-bleaching">is suffering
extreme coral bleaching</a>.
  Those reefs are too far offshore to be affected by fertilizer runoff
and tourism.  This is due to heat alone.


feed_id: 5658b279d4a74611dc62e218ecd5870d
title: The revolution is not over
uri: The-revolution-is-not-over
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#15_April_2020_%28The_revolution_is_not_over%29
content:
<p>
*Bernie Sanders’ political revolution <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/08/bernie-sanders-revolution-not-over">is not over</a>.*

<p>
*"While this campaign is coming to an end," said Sanders, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/08/bernie-sanders-ends-2020-campaign-vow-continue-struggle-what-we-are-entitled-human">"our movement is not."</a>*

<p>
It won't be over until we win.


feed_id: 571a3aeda70f8e00ea469f3c53809fdc
title: Thugs attacking doctors
uri: Thugs-attacking-doctors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#15_April_2020_%28Thugs_attacking_doctors%29
content:
<p>
Doctors in Pakistan protested the lack of protective equipment for them.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/09/pakistan-doctors-beaten-police-despair-untreatable-pandemic">Thugs attacked them violently</a>.

<p>
Given the world's low state of preparedness, there may be little that
hospitals or governments can do to give medical personnel better
protection quickly.

<p>
US doctors and other medical personnel don't have masks to protect themselves
from Covid-19, and hospitals fire them if they talk about this.  They are
asking people <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/07/health-care-workers-need-you-be-our-heroes-heres-how">to join in making masks for them</a>.

<p>
*Top doctor sparks anger <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/apr/09/top-doctor-sparks-anger-telling-nhs-staff-not-waste-ppe-prof-andrew-goddard-covid-19">by telling NHS staff not to waste PPE</a>.*
  His point, which in principle seems valid, is that precisely because
they don't have enough of the most effective protective equipment,
they should take care to use what they have in the most effective way
&mdash; the way that gets the most net protection.


feed_id: 15c36a892052db1a7f4afc297395e237
title: Turning back the clock of poverty
uri: Turning-back-the-clock-of-poverty
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#15_April_2020_%28Turning_back_the_clock_of_poverty%29

content:
<p>
*Coronavirus <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/apr/09/coronavirus-could-turn-back-the-clock-30-years-on-global-poverty">could turn back the clock 30 years on global poverty</a>.*

<p>
*Coronavirus <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/09/coronavirus-could-push-half-a-billion-people-into-poverty-oxfam-warns">could push half a billion people into poverty</a>, Oxfam warns.*

<p>
The world needs a massive program to help the poor and save the
environment so civilization can continue.  The enormous government
spending already being carried out in many countries <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/08/will-covid-19-spur-peoples-bailout-worlds-poorest">may puncture the
claims that "there is no money for this."</a>


feed_id: 93c6f666150cf60baee2a40db617e961
title: The next president
uri: The-next-president
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#15_April_2020_%28The_next_president%29
content:
<p>
With Sanders out of the race, it is virtually certain that the next
president will be a supporter of plutocracy and authoritarian state power.

<p>
We know of course that the conman supports those.  It is less well
known <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#24_May_2019_(Plutocrats_last,_best_hope)">that Biden also supports plutocracy</a>
  and <a href="https://ritholtz.com/2011/12/the-core-of-the-patriot-act-was-drafted-in-1995-%E2%80%A6-by-joe-biden/">attacks human rights (he wrote the basis of the PAT RIOT Act)</a>.


feed_id: 424becaec07ae73ab0beb05c08b591e0
title: Impunity
uri: Impunity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#15_April_2020_%28Impunity%29
content:
<p>
Big oil companies that have spilled lots of toxic chemicals in the US
have got a big gift from the conman, non-enforcement of the laws against this,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/04/07/oil-corporations-begging-trump-bailout-have-decimated-western-lands">and now want another big gift</a>.


feed_id: efc58cc8c7515ff890e91f4a12d60aeb
title: Firing corruption investigator
uri: Firing-corruption-investigator
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#15_April_2020_%28Firing_corruption_investigator%29
content:
<p>
To ensure that Mnuchin and BlackRock can play favorites arbitrarily with
bailout money, the conman <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/07/oversight-45-trillion-corporate-bailout-grave-jeopardy-trump-fires-independent">has fired the inspector general that would be in
charge of investigating them for corruption</a>.


feed_id: f69deba61ce25f2088099d04ce4f1ccb
title: Creating gouging
uri: Creating-gouging
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#15_April_2020_%28Creating_gouging%29
content:
<p>
The US is buying masks from China and turning them over to companies,
which then <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/07/moronic-consistent-outrage-over-trump-admin-giving-ppe-private-companies-not-states">sell them at exorbitant shortage prices to states</a>.

<p>
I wonder how these companies remunerate the conman.


feed_id: 7db393a46214aeb0c19794d785b51163
title: Useful Covid-19
uri: Useful-Covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#15_April_2020_%28Useful_Covid-19%29
content:
<p>
The conman is using Covid-19 <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/07/while-rome-burns-trump-gets-what-hes-always-wanted">to escape corruption investigations, skew
the census, sabotage elections, and other things</a>.


feed_id: 99d782c4c8224f27e46792469ad69bea
title: Billionaire support for coronavirus care for all
uri: Billionaire-support-for-coronavirus-care-for-all
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#15_April_2020_%28Billionaire_support_for_coronavirus_care_for_all%29

content:
<p>
*Top Sanders Aide David Sirota Explains Why Billionaire Class <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/07/top-sanders-aide-david-sirota-explains-why-billionaire-class-will-support">Will
Support "Coronavirus Care for All" But Never "Medicare for All"</a>.*


feed_id: 577e79b40ac1cc077343e9717f653f16
title: Museum of plastic
uri: Museum-of-plastic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#15_April_2020_%28Museum_of_plastic%29
content:
<p>
*Monopoly houses, toy soldiers and Lego: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/04/monopoly-houses-toy-soldiers-lego-museum-of-plastic-lost-at-sea">the museum of plastic lost at sea</a>.*


feed_id: b54068733eb4d85f7290b6dd192cbfff
title: Observation flights treaty
uri: Observation-flights-treaty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#15_April_2020_%28Observation_flights_treaty%29
content:
<p>
The brinksman and his cronies want to cancel the treaty that
permits the US and Russia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/05/trump-administration-treaty-war-russia-withdraw">to operate observation flights over each
others' territory</a>.

<p>
I can't believe that the desire to reduce military spending by $40
million dollars is a sincere motive.  In general, plutocratists seek
to increase spending on the military-industrial complex.  I wonder
what the real motive could be.


feed_id: 4cd750af551022db88a367f6d2d49560
title: Polluted air
uri: Polluted-air
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#15_April_2020_%28Polluted_air%29
content:
<p>
Polluted air <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/07/air-pollution-linked-to-far-higher-covid-19-death-rates-study-finds">increases the chance of dying from Covid-19</a>.

<p>
It also increases <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#30_November_2019_(Increases_in_particulate_air_pollution)">the chance of dying from other causes, and getting sick</a>.


feed_id: fd9e91525d837a7d72ffe01fd9fd72d9
title: No one deserves Covid-19
uri: No-one-deserves-Covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#15_April_2020_%28No_one_deserves_Covid-19%29
content:
<p>
A UK mayor said that Boris Johnson <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/apr/07/derbyshire-mayor-apologises-for-saying-johnson-deserves-coronavirus">"deserves" to have Covid-19</a>.

<p>
I don't think anyone "deserves" to have Covid-19, or any other
disease.  I don't think anyone "deserves" to die.  We all die, but
death is always an unjust fate.

<p>
However, since Johnson courted infection as a callous, dishonest
political stunt, he is morally responsible the consequences, including
getting infected himself, and the thousands of others who will catch
Covid-19 as a result of his "leadership", some of whom will die of it.
And that was only one of his many acts of contempt for truth and
justice.

<p>
Perhaps he deserves to be punished for these acts, but not punished
with death.  The death penalty is an injustice and should never be
inflicted on anyone.  What Johnson deserves is for Britons to tell him
they won't give him another chance to endanger people, then take away
his political power.  But this will not happen if they erase their
memories of his wrongs.

<p>
When Britons voted for Johnson and other Tories, they brought bad
government and its consequent suffering on themselves (and other
Britons too).  But that does not mean they deserve bad government and
its consequent suffering.  Nobody deserves that.  What they deserve is
to (1) change their minds and (2) undo their bad decision.


feed_id: 4e300e4a7daf25b19cd4791094decfa4
title: Urgent: End wars
uri: Urgent-End-wars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#16_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_End_wars%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/global-ceasefire-now">call
on all governments</a> to end their wars.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: bdfaf26352b6619615ec4be4b9f35902
title: Precipitous decline in excessive clothing purchases
uri: Precipitous-decline-in-excessive-clothing-purchases
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#16_April_2020_%28Precipitous_decline_in_excessive_clothing_purchases%29

content:
<p>
The precipitous decline in excessive clothing purchases has led to
cancellation of orders.  
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/apr/15/arcadia-group-cancels-over-100m-of-orders-as-garment-industry-faces-ruin">Millions
of people will be faced with unemployment</a>.
<p>
Last year we had a couple of long-term concerns about world garment
production.
<ul>
<li>
The people who will soon be unemployed were working for very low pay,
in
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#25_October_2014_(Rana_Plaza_factory_collapse)">conditions
that could kill them</a> and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-sep-dec.html#23_October_2013_(Compensation_to_victims_of_Rana_Plaza_factory_fire)">would
certainly injure them</a>.</a>
<li>
The high rate of production of clothing for people who already had far
more clothing than they needed was 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#4_September_2019_(Consuming_less)">using
up world resources and damaging the environment.</li>
</ul>
<p>
The acute problem of unemployment for those workers doesn't alter the
long term disaster that the production of last year was leading to.
<p>
We need to move towards a real solution, not a stopgap that makes
things worse.  A real solution saves the workers and their families
from an early death, this year and in future years.  It ends the
wasteful excesses of production.
<p>
I think that a real solution requires either a big drop in the birth
rate, or some miracle.
<p>
*'I didn't buy new clothes for a year and it was the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2020/apr/15/i-didnt-buy-new-clothes-for-a-year-and-it-was-the-best-thing-to-happen-to-my-wardrobe">best
thing to happen to my wardrobe'</a>.*</p>


feed_id: 56a0129fb98bac974acc2a0902f0f547
title: Bully's decision to cut WHO funding
uri: Bully-s-decision-to-cut-WHO-funding
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#16_April_2020_%28Bullys_decision_to_cut_WHO_funding%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> says he will 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/15/trump-turns-against-who-to-mask-his-own-stark-failings-on-covid-19-crisis">cut
off US support for the WHO<a>.
<p>
*[<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>'s] decision to cut WHO funding is an 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/15/trump-decision-cut-who-funding-international-vandalism-coronavirus">act
of international vandalism</a>.*
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/15/world-health-organization-why-has-trump-suspended-funding">What
does the WHO do</a>, and why has [the bully] stopped supporting it?*


feed_id: 8b09db35a8609d7393b7f5ae9080b1db
title: Global debt deal
uri: Global-debt-deal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#16_April_2020_%28Global_debt_deal%29
content:
<p>
*Commercial creditors 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/14/commercial-creditors-must-sign-up-to-global-debt-deal-or-forgo-covid-19-help">'must
sign up to global debt deal'</a> &mdash; or forgo Covid-19 help.*
<p>
I agree &mdash; except that it seems wrong to give any state "help" to
giant investment companies.  Their stockholders often claim that they
deserve their high profits because they are risking high losses, yet
whenever it looks like such a loss is going to occur, they plead "it's
not <em>our</em> fault, so save us from this loss."
<p>
By the same logic, every time they get a big gain, it's not their
credit, so they should hand it over to the public treasury.


feed_id: 769097ed64adfbe678333564b58752a4
title: Heating of estuaries along NSW coast
uri: Heating-of-estuaries-along-NSW-coast
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#16_April_2020_%28Heating_of_estuaries_along_NSW_coast%29

content:
<p>
*Water in estuaries along NSW coast has 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/14/water-in-estuaries-along-nsw-coast-has-warmed-by-more-than-2c-study-finds">warmed
by more than 2C [since 2007]</a>.*
<p>
This is much faster than the ocean or the air.


feed_id: 9a4bd00b49b029c08031289316af57cc
title: US hospitals and clinics putting staff out of work
uri: US-hospitals-and-clinics-putting-staff-out-of-work
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#16_April_2020_%28US_hospitals_and_clinics_putting_staff_out_of_work%29

content:
<p>
US hospitals and clinics are shutting down departments, even closing
entirely, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/14/healthcare-job-cuts-coronavirus-worker-layoffs">putting
their staff out of work</a>.
<p>
Meanwhile, the hospitals that are still open are overwhelmed with
patients, but they have no extra funds to hire the doctors and nurses
that have lost their jobs.  A national medical system could give them
new assignments where they are needed.


feed_id: beefa10cef9735f14fb80f138eb7a93b
title: Parks
uri: Parks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#16_April_2020_%28Parks%29
content:
<p>
An incomplete consideration of the question of whether it is right to
use the park yourself, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/10/sunbathing-park-deep-moral-questions-philosophers-coronavirus-individual">if everyone else is staying away to avoid a
dangerous crowd</a>.

<p>
This discussion ends prematurely with an invalid conclusion: to
deprive everyone and call it "fairness".  There is some number of
people who can use the park while staying sufficiently apart from each
other.  Since that is not dangerous, society should set up a system of
rationing for slots to use the park.

<p>
The system should not commit incidental injustices through a bad
choice of mechanisms.  For instance, it should not require using
non-libre software, and if authorities verify that park users have
slots, that should not identify those users who do have slots.

<p>
The arguments for individual disobedience are much weaker against this
helpful system than against a wasteful extreme of complete denial.


feed_id: 9a465c40abfaff3f73189aaeaa76db54
title: Reawakening volcano
uri: Reawakening-volcano
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#16_April_2020_%28Reawakening_volcano%29
content:
<p>
A reawakening dormant volcano, located between Reykjavik and its airport,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/10/awakening-volcanic-region-reykjanes-peninsula-iceland-disruption-centuries">may cause substantial difficulties for both</a>.


feed_id: 5ec8f36a5c0f140580d88af9c88ae629
title: Making up expertise
uri: Making-up-expertise
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#16_April_2020_%28Making_up_expertise%29
content:
<p>
*Peter Navarro: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/10/peter-navarro-what-trumps-covid-19-tsar-lacks-in-expertise-he-makes-up">what Trump's Covid-19 tsar lacks in expertise, he makes up</a>*

<p>
He *wrote books quoting expert who turned out to be fictitious version of
   himself.*


feed_id: d4569d0f5ba1b35fba24eea46997dcda
title: Banks driving countries to unending debt
uri: Banks-driving-countries-to-unending-debt
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#16_April_2020_%28Banks_driving_countries_to_unending_debt%29

content:
<p>
The euro zone banks are once again driving the poor EU countries into
unending debt.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/10/coronavirus-crisis-truth-eu-union-financial-rescue">They will be forever reduced to working for the banks,
like Greece</a>.


feed_id: 8cb30fda4a06fa7a1ade6420d2da43e6
title: Hedge funds
uri: Hedge-funds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#16_April_2020_%28Hedge_funds%29
content:
<p>
Some hedge funds <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/09/hedge-funds-raking-in-billions-during-coronavirus-crisis">have made billions of dollars betting on a stock
market crash</a>.

<p>
Others say they are going bankrupt.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/10/who-cares-let-em-get-wiped-out-stunning-cnbc-anchor-venture-capitalist-says-let">Let's hope so</a>!


feed_id: c75584685dc4c9f9e5581c7c43ac657f
title: Protecting big businesses
uri: Protecting-big-businesses
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#16_April_2020_%28Protecting_big_businesses%29
content:
<p>
Plutocratist US politicians <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/09/plan-save-capital-and-let-people-die">are managing the response to Covid-19 to
protect big businesses</a>
   and let everyone else suffer for their sake.

<p>
How FDR would <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/22/how-wage-war-fdr-style-our-pandemic">include the rich in making the sacrifices to fight the
"war" against Covid-19</a>.

<p>
Also, right-wing voter-suppression in the 1940s.


feed_id: 05e8bd1c8c22805d29874eb241e99965
title: Gouging on insulin
uri: Gouging-on-insulin
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#16_April_2020_%28Gouging_on_insulin%29
content:
<p>
Eli Lily <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/09/imagine-having-ability-do-all-along-and-choosing-not-eli-lily-cuts-cost-insulin-amid">has stopped gouging on insulin</a>.

<p>
That practice endangered the lives of people with type I diabetes,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#6_March_2020_(Can't_afford_insulin)">often forcing them to skimp on it</a>
  and risk their lives

<p>
The US could get rid of this problem in general by changing its patent
laws and adopting a national medical system,
  also known as Medicare for All.

<p>
The company could have done this before, but thought it could get away
with gouging.  Perhaps Eli Lily made this change hoping to preserve its
power to gouge by eliminating one of the arguments used to push for
eliminating that power.


feed_id: f317636fb1a5192c26f43653e1dfae98
title: Description matched
uri: Description-matched
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#16_April_2020_%28Description_matched%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/black-man-shot-by-police-after-matching-description-for-1842775722">satire</a>) *&hellip; police shot an unarmed black civilian who
   reportedly matched the description for Covid-19.*

<p>
"In the heat of the moment, it was completely impossible to
   differentiate between the 6-foot-1inch, 175-pound male and the
   0.125-micron pathogen."


feed_id: 54f3b4228f77a303903b217a8f004d2d
title: DIY Hospital
uri: DIY-Hospital
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#16_April_2020_%28DIY_Hospital%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/cdc-releases-instructions-for-all-americans-to-make-the-1842773032">satire</a>) *CDC Releases Instructions For All
   Americans To Make Their Own Hospitals.*


feed_id: b4ea4eda0ba3cc0314f7b14e5f5df9cd
title: dooH niboR
uri: 2020-04-16-dooH-niboR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#16_April_2020_%28dooH_niboR%29
content:
<p>
As Republicans push hard for another act of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a>, Pelosi and
Schumer <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/04/08/moveon-indivisible-community-change-action-alarmed-inadequate-half-measures">are not trying very hard to make it better than that</a>.

<p>
In San Francisco, vote for progressive candidate Shahid Buttar for Congress.


feed_id: e8ef400cfcaad5c66fdc87a588d30aed
title: Animal culture
uri: Animal-culture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#16_April_2020_%28Animal_culture%29
content:
<p>
Many kinds of animals, even some fish, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/09/the-secret-call-of-the-wild-how-animals-teach-each-other-to-survive-aoe">transmit patterns of activity
(culture) to their offspring</a>.


feed_id: f74b3aff3528974f016e4e3e4cfc7f72
title: Global heating refugee camps
uri: Global-heating-refugee-camps
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#16_April_2020_%28Global_heating_refugee_camps%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">Global heating</a> effects have forced millions of people in Somaliland
into refugee camps.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/apr/09/most-of-the-men-are-your-enemies-one-womans-crusade-in-somalia">Women in those camps are in great danger of rape</a>.

<p>
The article sometimes says Somaliland and sometimes Somalia.  Nowadays
those are two different polities with different political situations.
Somalia <a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2013-sep-dec.html#05_October_2013_(Where_al-Shabaab_came_from)">is whether the outside-imposed government fights al-Shabaab</a>.

<p>
However, these events are in Somaliland which is more or less at peace.


feed_id: 939a564664d32d1734f7650357777b5f
title: Evicting tenant
uri: Evicting-tenant
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#16_April_2020_%28Evicting_tenant%29
content:
<p>
A landlord in Minnesota faces charges <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/09/evictions-coronavirus-minnesota-charges-landlord">for evicting a tenant in spite
of the emergency order against evictions</a>.


feed_id: 2617b4f2ae2977b90d0f4dbc31a487be
title: What is needed to support Biden
uri: What-is-needed-to-support-Biden
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#16_April_2020_%28What_is_needed_to_support_Biden%29
content:
<p>
Various groups representing not-yet-middle-aged voters have announced
to Biden what programs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/09/joe-biden-earn-our-support-green-new-deal-bernie-sanders">he would have to adopt to their support in the
presidential election</a>.

<p>
I will join my name to them.  Biden would have to work hard to
demonstrate sincerity in commitment to these programs, but if he does,
I will support him.


feed_id: 171e4e1601b273e88e346f4a7ae59bd4
title: Not a great leveller
uri: Not-a-great-leveller
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#16_April_2020_%28Not_a_great_leveller%29
content:
<p>
*Coronavirus is not some great leveller: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/09/coronavirus-inequality-managers-zoom-cleaners-offices">it is exacerbating inequality right
now</a>.*


feed_id: be94b0926aae76e2775f40b8144ac988
title: Urgent: Rescue the US Postal Service
uri: Urgent-Rescue-the-US-Postal-Service
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Rescue_the_US_Postal_Service%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=13933">call
on Congress</a> to rescue the US Postal Service.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 9fd7b9a9ae2e6bafc05ddcb33cb7091c
title: Urgent: Support for local journalism
uri: Urgent-Support-for-local-journalism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Support_for_local_journalism%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.freepress.net/sign/journ_stimulus_fund/">call on
Congress</a> to provide support to local journalism, which is now
endangered everywhere in the US.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: d3926eba6794f75e115e7d85404024e1
title: US government handouts for corporations
uri: US-government-handouts-for-corporations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28US_government_handouts_for_corporations%29

content:
<p>
Will the US government tell us 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/16/public-deserves-know-lone-watchdog-demands-federal-reserve-release-names">which
big corporations get a handout</a>?


feed_id: ac70125762532f34afbabec98676d85b
title: Noise pollution and endangered bats
uri: Noise-pollution-and-endangered-bats
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Noise_pollution_and_endangered_bats%29

content:
<p>
Noise pollution from roads 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/apr/15/traffic-noise-reduces-bats-ability-to-feed">drives
away bats</a>.
<p>
Many bat species are endangered; this may be part of the cause.


feed_id: f7f7afbbe7b218dab35d109e7f42ae50
title: Long-term economic thinking
uri: Long-term-economic-thinking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Long-term_economic_thinking%29
content:
<p>
*Will coronavirus shock the global economy into 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/15/will-coronavirus-shock-the-global-economy-into-long-term-thinking-">long-term
thinking</a>?*


feed_id: 8e86c727d922fcfbb5fe4485ab1fe498
title: Department of "Defense"
uri: Department-of-Defense
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Department_of_Defense%29
content:
<p>
Imagine if instead of renaming the Department of War to "Defense", the
US set up 
<a href="http://commonwonders.com/war-irony-and-the-new-normal/">a
department really for defense</a>.


feed_id: 450700aa430d37d66a6a6682ac6b854c
title: Keystone XL planet-roaster pipeline
uri: 2020-04-17-Keystone-XL-planet-roaster-pipeline
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Keystone_XL_planet-roaster_pipeline%29

content:
<p>
A judge ruled that one of the Keystone XL planet-roaster pipeline's
environmental review was 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/15/keystone-xl-pipeline-montana-judge-environment">not
properly done</a>.  Construction across water has been put 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/16/tremendous-victory-indigenous-and-climate-campaigners-celebrate-federal-court-deals">on
hold</a>.
<p>
No wonder the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#saboteur">saboteur</a> in chief 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#10_January_2020_(Planning_not_to_plan)">wants
to get rid of environmental reviews for large projects</a> (the ones
with the potential to do really big harm).


feed_id: 7d0ab8d6d2fdc91e5c958a9596fe8a3d
title: Contact tracing
uri: Contact-tracing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Contact_tracing%29
content:
<p>
Australia is 
<a href="https://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-14/coronavirus-app-government-wants-australians-to-download/12148210">offering
to end lockdown if 40% of the people carry a contact-tracing app</a>.
<p>
Under ordinary circumstances I would refuse to carry any such thing;
no need to bother investigating the details.
<p>
Nowadays, due to the epidemic, I feel an obligation to cooperate with
contact tracing.  But that does not mean I would accept anything
whatsoever under the rubric of contact tracing, regardless of what
else it really does.
<p>
And that goes double in Australia, due to its law that authorizes the
state to order the developers of any product or service to secretly
sabotage it.


feed_id: d013e5601ca9e6453ec8415eefc0d0e9
title: Nonrich Americans' medical insurance premiums
uri: Nonrich-Americans-medical-insurance-premiums
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Nonrich_Americans_medical_insurance_premiums%29

content:
<p>
Plutocratist Democrats' new idea for giving some nonrich Americans
medical insurance is to 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/14/nothing-taxpayer-subsidy-insurers-democrats-float-plan-backstop-profit-healthcare">subsidize
their premiums for the insurance they had before they were laid
off</a>.
<p>
The criticism in the article exaggerates, which is a shame since it is
mostly valid.  This would give laid-off former full-time workers
<em>something</em>: it would pay part of the cost of continuing the
coverage that they most of them received from their employers.  Which
is usually a lousy plan with high deductible and high copay.
<p>
Compared with a national medical system, it is a little better than
nothing.
<p>
Meanwhile, the US government is giving big airlines billions,
plus loans.


feed_id: ec1c36f26b9dd49f0af9b401a65c439b
title: Damage on globalization
uri: Damage-on-globalization
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Damage_on_globalization%29
content:
<p>
The 2008 fiscal crisis damaged US-led globalization.
Covid-19 has damaged China-dominated globalization.

<p>
Can we stop <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/03/24/coronavirus-and-death-connectivity">globalization from bouncing back</a>?

<p>
Globalization is the triumph of efficiency over resilience, and profit
over people.  If we learn the lesson, we will strengthen resilience,
and that means pruning the globalization.


feed_id: c9cb9a7cf78b49732fed6f18e844850b
title: DNA vaccines
uri: DNA-vaccines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28DNA_vaccines%29
content:
<p>
"DNA vaccines" could amount to genetic engineering, since the genes
they carry get incorporated into the genome of the animal (which may
be a human) <a href="https://johnbwellsnews.com/dna-vaccines-and-transhumanism/">that gets vaccinated</a>.

<p>
A DNA vaccine is not necessarily bad or unjust, but it has the
potential to be so.  So they need to be studied carefully, not rushed
into use.  It is therefore a matter of concern that some of the
vaccines being developed against Covid-19 are DNA vaccines.


feed_id: 0c29608ec927fd3be53549f2b1e44a48
title: Imprisonment trap
uri: Imprisonment-trap
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Imprisonment_trap%29
content:
<p>
The US system of imprisonment is a trap in which millions of people
are caught, and society as a whole as well.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/09/what-covid-19-reveals-about-incarceration-and-how-we-can-transform-prison-system">It doesn't achieve its
stated purposes</a>.


feed_id: fa585d0dc743497c10a0784b49d1aee4
title: Covid-19 and nuclear power plants
uri: Covid-19-and-nuclear-power-plants
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Covid-19_and_nuclear_power_plants%29

content:
<p>
Covid-19 is interfering with the scheduled refueling and repair of
nuclear power plants.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/10/terrified-atomic-workers-warn-covid-19-pandemic-may-threaten-nuclear-reactor">They may have to shut down</a>.
  Or they could keep operating with increased risk of a nuclear accident.
Operators have imperfect information about what is going on inside of
a nuclear reactor.  Under the influence of hot, corrosive fluids, pieces
of metal can break and move.  This makes it <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-sep-dec.html#14_October_2013_(Nuclear_power_plants)">even harder to understand what
is going wrong and what to do about it</a>.


feed_id: 610657d800e567687bde0da8f11e3e00
title: Shortage of ventilators
uri: Shortage-of-ventilators
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Shortage_of_ventilators%29
content:
<p>
Canada (like the US) moved mountains to produce equipment for World War II.
Why accept a shortage of ventilators, or any product, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/10/ottawa-should-produce-vital-products-it-did-second-world-war">necessary to put an
end to Covid-19</a>?

<p>
With our governments in thrall to billionaires, one is compelled to
suspect that the billionaires have a plan to profit by not making enough.


feed_id: 8aa0edf305b1101cb89f9d7d379f623d
title: US banks and US oil companies
uri: US-banks-and-US-oil-companies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28US_banks_and_US_oil_companies%29
content:
<p>
Big US banks <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/04/10/private-banks-move-take-over-oil-and-gas-industry-directly-funding-indigenous">want to buy assets of US oil companies</a>.

<p>
This could make it harder to crank those oil companies down to zero,
because they won't need to go looking for funding.

<p>
However, it could also reinvigorate the boycott of JPMorgan Chase,
Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Citigroup &mdash; a boycott which started
ten years ago to punish them for causing the recession.


feed_id: f60ab29ebf36567209e4a8ee5f20f760
title: 5G threat
uri: 5G-threat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%285G_threat%29
content:
<p>
Online misinformation about 5G wireless has inspired <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/10/technology/coronavirus-5g-uk.html">many acts of
vandalism against base systems in the UK</a>.

<p>
I've read that the safety of the frequencies used by 5G wireless has
not been established.  It should have been thoroughly tested before
the decision to adopt those frequencies, but the uncertainty does not
constitute evidence for the claim that it is dangerous.

<p>
The known dangers of 5G wireless are the same as the dangers of 4G and
3G: every portable phone helps the phone network track the users'
movements (except the Librem phone when its radio is switched off),
and every portable phone can be remotely converted into a listening
device (except the Librem phone).


feed_id: 077201f094a60d2ad858d4492f70834a
title: Disregarding the law about cancellation
uri: Disregarding-the-law-about-cancellation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Disregarding_the_law_about_cancellation%29

content:
<p>
Airlines are disregarding the EU law which says <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2020/apr/10/airlines-law-refunds-voucher-schemes-coronavirus">they must offer
customers a refund when they cancel a flight</a>.

<p>
Perhaps it is a good idea to offer them a compromise, but that
compromise must be accepted by the public, not imposed by the
airlines.  The broader voucher program proposed in the article could
be a good solution, but giving putting these customers at the head of
the companies' creditor lists could also be part of the solution.
That way, the customers might not get all they are owed, but at least
the stockholders will be the first ones to lose.


feed_id: 2830cba65e97e66bee94d9576bca0eaa
title: Power rather than health
uri: Power-rather-than-health
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Power_rather_than_health%29
content:
<p>
*Wisconsin proves it: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/10/wisconsin-primary-coronavirus-republican-voting-by-mail">Republicans will sacrifice voters' health to keep power</a>.*


feed_id: 814478377e9938802d0b57a8a91c2e11
title: Riots in prisons
uri: Riots-in-prisons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Riots_in_prisons%29
content:
<p>
Covid-19 outbreaks <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/10/us-prisons-coronavirus-uprising-riot">are sparking riots in many US prisons</a>.


feed_id: 15c3fe3f48ae6c8675472c602c62f298
title: Tracking coronavirus
uri: Tracking-coronavirus
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Tracking_coronavirus%29
content:
<p>
Tracking coronavirus may be a good idea, <a href="https://slate.com/technology/2020/04/coronavirus-location-data-heat-maps-privacy.html">but doing this by tracking
every individual creates a threat of repression</a>.

<p>
A clever system to detect who an infected person has come close to,
without reporting where any person has been, <a href="https://www.pepp-pt.org/">is described here</a>.


feed_id: baba0fbc13db0284c84c8e5e2e5bf948
title: Exams via snooping software
uri: Exams-via-snooping-software
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Exams_via_snooping_software%29
content:
<p>
Schools are trying to make students <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/04/01/online-proctoring-college-exams-coronavirus/">take exams via vicious snooping
software</a>.

<p>
The article says how nasty the program's behavior, and the company's
behavior, are.

<p>
But even before we get to the nastiness of the surveillance, and the
painfulness of the hoops (such as to stare at the screen and never
look away), even installing the program violates your freedom.
It is surely <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html ">not free software</a>,
  so just by running on your computer <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">it denies your freedom</a>,
  and (I expect) it requires an equally unjust operating system
in order to install it.

<p>
(I tried to check those things, but the company's web site would
not let me connect.)

<p>
I see two ways to avoid this in justice.

<ul>
<li>
Invite the school to set up its own computer for you to take
the exam on.  I'd go along with using the school's computer
to talk with the school, and it would only be for the exam.</li>

<li>ask to take the exam when it can be given live.</li>
</ul>

<p>
Your stand will have more power if you join together with other
students as a group to refuse.


feed_id: 66607943594a67246728c17e75db9c91
title: Deportation without hearing
uri: Deportation-without-hearing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Deportation_without_hearing%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> has told border thugs to deport asylum seekers summarily,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/09/appalling-trump-seizes-covid-19-crisis-do-what-its-always-wanted-reject-asylum">without an asylum hearing</a>.


feed_id: c1ca067798cce25623d0d649bec3ccb7
title: WHO power
uri: WHO-power
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28WHO_power%29
content:
<p>
The WHO has been given so little power to coordinate response to epidemics
that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2020/apr/10/world-health-organization-who-v-coronavirus-why-it-cant-handle-pandemic">it can only plead with national governments</a>.


feed_id: 995ce3e8f143f52856cc8137c0e3ca87
title: Pivot to surveillance system
uri: Pivot-to-surveillance-system
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Pivot_to_surveillance_system%29
content:
<p>
A bookstore owner writes about how her bookstore has continued to
operate&hellip;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/apr/10/ann-patchett-nashville-bookshop-coronavirus-lockdown-publishing">as a surveillance system</a>.

<p>
She presents this as a story of triumph over adversity, disregarding
the implications of imposing surveillance on all purchases.  For me,
this outcome is perverse and alarming.  Paying for a book with a
credit card tracks people and what they read.  So does shipping it to
the customer.

<p>
I won't give a store any information that could identify me, and
especially not a bookstore.  So until there is a store that lets me
enter, browse, pay cash, and take the book away, I won't buy a book
from a bookstore.  If bookstores "survive" by converting themselves
into collectors of data, all of which is available to the FBI without
a warrant under <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#15_April_2020_(The_next_president)">the law Biden helped write</a>,
  they will become part of the problem.

<p>
Can we count on them to let people pay cash again some day?


feed_id: 6d0881a1f56429cca63491515eaccbca
title: IMF cancelled 6 months' worth of debt for poor countries
uri: IMF-cancelled-6-months-worth-of-debt-for-poor-countries
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28IMF_cancelled_6_months%27_worth_of_debt_for_poor_countries%29

content:
<p>
  The IMF cancelled 6 months' worth of debt payments for the <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/04/13/coronavirus-spreads-imf-cancels-6-months-debt-poorest-countries">poorest
  countries</a>, but that is just the beginning of what they need.


feed_id: 9be0ef34b93a9e68dfe9952ab105a497
title: Oil industry has done little to improve after the Big Spill
uri: Oil-industry-has-done-little-to-improve-after-the-Big-Spill
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Oil_industry_has_done_little_to_improve_after_the_Big_Spill%29

content:
<p>
  Oceania reports that the US oil industry has done <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/14/10-years-after-bps-deepwater-horizon-offshore-catastrophe-worst-spill-history-and">little to improve
  safety of offshore drilling</a> since the Big Spill 10 years ago.


feed_id: 8b4b8f1cd5e1a60829cb19b6dc7339f1
title: Proudly and by any means necessary
uri: Proudly-and-by-any-means-necessary
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Proudly_and_by_any_means_necessary%29

content:
<p>
  (satire) <a href="https://www.theonion.com/aetna-honors-all-the-brave-insurance-debt-collectors-co-1842865286">honoring [Aetna's] courageous employees who continue to seek and
  collect insurance debt from customers “proudly and by any means
  necessary” in this difficult time.</a>


feed_id: fd63a4867811d203aeb661339e636ea5
title: The conman's supporters are eager for the end of the world
uri: The-conman-s-supporters-are-eager-for-the-end-of-the-world
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28The_conman%27s_supporters_are_eager_for_the_end_of_the_world%29

content:
<p>
  The conman's supporters are eager for the end of the world and they
  <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/trump-evangelicals-apocalypse-coronavirus-981995/">expect him to make it happen</a>.  They regard anyone who disagrees with them
  as an enemy to be spit on with contempt.


feed_id: 5bee605b217ef5d6cc6f9b0fbad3eeba
title: Yet another big tax cut for the rich
uri: Yet-another-big-tax-cut-for-the-rich
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Yet_another_big_tax_cut_for_the_rich%29

content:
<p>
  The latest Covid-19 "stimulus" law includes <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/14/analysis-reveals-rotten-un-american-giveaway-gop-buried-covid-19-relief-package">another big tax cut</a> for the rich.
<p>
  The intended benefits for the non-rich are being <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/14/beyond-predatory-trump-treasury-department-gives-banks-green-light-seize-1200">eliminated by
  Republican cheating</a>,
<br />
       leaving mostly <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a>.


feed_id: 81288e8cc0256070384139a1fa98d597
title: At least 6 feet from their own body
uri: At-least-6-feet-from-their-own-body
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28At_least_6_feet_from_their_own_body%29

content:
<p>
  (satire) <a href="https://www.theonion.com/dmt-researchers-advise-maintaining-6-foot-distance-from-1842866042">Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies have advised
  members of the public to maintain an interval of at least 6 feet from
  their own body.</a>


feed_id: ec822578637937a57191468af216d041
title: Defend the importance of digital privacy
uri: Defend-the-importance-of-digital-privacy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Defend_the_importance_of_digital_privacy%29

content:
<p>
  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/14/even-during-pandemic-digital-privacy-matters">Here's an article</a> that defends the importance of digital privacy,
  but starts by giving up on many fronts.  It lauds online dis-services
  and their nonfree client software, and won't go further than to
  plead to avoid even more change in the same bad direction.
<p>
  I'm not interested in whatever secondary benefits those dis-services
  might offer.  I don't want to be distracted from making sure I don't
  have contact with them.
  


feed_id: e790fce29aac7178360a69945cfb52e3
title: Coronavirus surveillance state
uri: Coronavirus-surveillance-state
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Coronavirus_surveillance_state%29
content:
<p>
  Morozov: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/15/tech-coronavirus-surveilance-state-digital-disrupt">The tech ‘solutions’ for coronavirus will supercharge the
  surveillance state</a>.
<p>
  "Progressive solutionism", like "punitive solutionism", to use
  Morozov's terminology, both presuppose tracking people and having a
  system "manage" them.  I'd say they are two ends of a spectrum
  Once the system is operating, it can easily be adjusted along that
  spectrum.
<p>
  Whatever forms of repression and centralized power we accept today
  will continue to hurt people for a lot longer than Covid-19 does.
  


feed_id: 81b6bb357aedd73fce0e285e7a7b941e
title: Whole Foods workers plan to strike
uri: Whole-Foods-workers-plan-to-strike
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Whole_Foods_workers_plan_to_strike%29

content:
<p>
  Whole Foods workers plan to strike, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/15/whole-food-protests-coronavirus-working-conditions-sickout">demanding masks and training</a> to
  protect them and customers.
<p>
  It is surely not a coincidence that Whole Foods belongs to Bezos.
  Why buy from him?
  


feed_id: e1df6d29f5cddac482c6288b39780196
title: Should passengers return to cruise ships after the pandemic? No
uri: Should-passengers-return-to-cruise-ships-after-the-pandemic-No
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Should_passengers_return_to_cruise_ships_after_the_pandemic__No%29

content:
<p>
  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/14/cruise-ships-coronavirus-passengers-future">Should passengers return to cruise ships after the pandemic? No.</a>
<p>
  The article explains how cruise ships harm their passengers, their
  staff, and the environment.


feed_id: f8a64d4459f676eb1c89cc7dc985f9ba
title: How the left organizes during COVID
uri: How-the-left-organizes-during-COVID
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28How_the_left_organizes_during_COVID%29

content:
<p>
  How the left <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/04/14/coronavirus-mutual-aid-worker-organizing-left-movement/">starts to organize</a> when protests and political campaigning
  are banned or perceived as dangerous.


feed_id: f2e52f5b2654ab3916d86cd896ca6748
title: Amazon fires two employees who condemned treatment of warehouse workers
uri: Amazon-fires-two-employees-who-condemned-treatment-of-warehouse-worker
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Amazon_fires_two_employees_who_condemned_treatment_of_warehouse_workers%29

content:
<p>
  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/apr/14/amazon-workers-fired-coronavirus-emily-cunningham-maren-costa">Amazon fires two employees</a> who condemned treatment of warehouse workers.
<p>
  The basic way to limit Amazon's power to do wrong to various sectors
  of society is to refuse to do business with it.
  


feed_id: f6b8c94dcc2655f3be63bb624e85a77a
title: Danger of hunger during lockdowns
uri: Danger-of-hunger-during-lockdowns
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Danger_of_hunger_during_lockdowns%29

content:
<p>
  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/apr/14/were-abandoned-to-our-own-luck-coronavirus-menaces-brazils-favelas">The residents of Brazil's shantytowns</a> face the danger of hunger due to
  lockdown.


feed_id: 2a8e914828cf7695c06ecba59f9cb6a5
title: *Trump Urges Loosening CDC Restrictions To Let Coronavirus Get To Work.*
uri: Trump-Urges-Loosening-CDC-Restrictions-To-Let-Coronavirus-Get-To-Work
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28%2ATrump_Urges_Loosening_CDC_Restrictions_To_Let_Coronavirus_Get_To_Work.%2A%29

content:
<p>
  (satire) <a href="https://politics.theonion.com/trump-urges-loosening-cdc-restrictions-to-let-coronavir-1842473921">Trump Urges Loosening CDC Restrictions To Let Coronavirus
  Get To Work.</a>


feed_id: 99819796d2049c5d20787ea5960b087e
title: Foxconn's false factory plans
uri: Foxconn-s-false-factory-plans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Foxconn%27s_false_factory_plans%29
content:
<p>
  Over a year ago, Foxconn said it would build a big factory in
  Wisconsin in exchange for a subsidy.  The factory plan keeps changing,
  and shrinking, but so far <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/12/21217060/foxconn-wisconsin-innovation-centers-empty-buildings">nothing seems to be happening</a>.
<p>
  Amazingly, Foxconn may actually be denied the subsidy for not carrying out
  the plan.
  


feed_id: 31ea24de03e3c0eafcf7228ee3d66112
title: Rehiring laid-off workers
uri: Rehiring-laid-off-workers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Rehiring_laid-off_workers%29
content:
<p>
  A suffering US restaurant chain owner applied for a loan whose purpose
  is to allow him to rehire laid-off workers, then <a href="https://www.emptywheel.net/2020/04/11/us-job-creators-negate-the-humanity-of-workers/">complains that it is
  "inflexible"</a> because it requires him to rehire the laid-off workers.


feed_id: 4dc9a69148827cd9464c0a1ea59d0e58
title: Billionaires tax amounts
uri: Billionaires-tax-amounts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#17_April_2020_%28Billionairs_tax_amounts%29
content:
<p>
  Billionaires' income is mainly generated by their wealth, so no matter
  how the tax amounts are determined, we can understand the effect on
  their wealth by measuring them as a fraction of that wealth.  For US
  billionaires today, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/13/taxes-paid-billionaires-decreased-79-percent-1980-percentage-their-wealth">that fraction is 1/5</a> of what it was in the 1980s.

<p>
  How the tax amounts are determined does make a difference.  If it is
  calculated on wealth, it can exceed the billionaire's income,
  resulting in a welcome decrease in the billionaire's wealth.
  


feed_id: 387b070d99f3e3ed907f603e3062f229
title: Urgent: End spread of Covid-19 in jails
uri: Urgent-End-spread-of-Covid-19-in-jails
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_End_spread_of_Covid-19_in_jails%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to 
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sign-the-petition-demand-congress-move-quickly-to-end-the-spread-of-covid-19-in-migrant-detention-centers-jails-and-prisons-and-guarantee-safe-conditions-and-healthcare?nowrapper=true">end
the spread of Covid-19 in US prisons and jails, including immigration
jails</a>, including providing safe conditions and medical care.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: f1e699fb012308b419cb0f45f65924d2
title: Urgent: Stop insuring tar sands
uri: Urgent-Stop-insuring-tar-sands
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_insuring_tar_sands%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sign-the-petition-liberty-mutual-must-stop-insuring-tar-sands?nowrapper=true">call
on Liberty Mutual insurance</a> to stop insuring tar sands.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: f9dd155743e82999f087dbe124e6779a
title: BlackRock helping fossil fuel companies
uri: BlackRock-helping-fossil-fuel-companies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28BlackRock_helping_fossil_fuel_companies%29

content:
<p>
BlackRock's plan for buying corporate bonds is aimed in a direction
that 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/15/amid-calls-peoples-bailout-feds-corporate-debt-buying-could-mean-billion-dollar-big">will
tend to help fossil fuel companies most</a>.


feed_id: 844477a18c6bafc4eacf9dc8ead6d118
title: Bully makes threats of war in Venezuela
uri: Bully-makes-threats-of-war-in-Venezuela
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Bully_makes_threats_of_war_in_Venezuela%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> has 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/15/threatening-military-intervention-venezuela-during-pandemic">sent
a war fleet to the seas off Venezuela</a> and is making threats of
war.
<p>
I can't put Maduro and the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> on a linear scale to judge which is
worse, but it is clear that if the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> succeeds in realizing his
ambitions of absolute power he would be far worse.


feed_id: 4e9cdfd2789a431628cabcfe94d032b0
title: Medicare for All
uri: 2020-04-20-Medicare-for-All
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Medicare_for_All%29
content:
<p>
*Moving towards a Medicare for All healthcare system will not just
stem the financial losses that hospitals are now experiencing, but
will ensure that we are 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/15/us-hospitals-are-sick-covid-19-heres-teatment">prioritizing
care and equity in our healthcare system</a>.*


feed_id: 7b0e732f3cd4b982ba546f4346d2a7a5
title: Political repression in Kashmir
uri: Political-repression-in-Kashmir
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Political_repression_in_Kashmir%29
content:
<p>
Political repression in Kashmir includes 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/15/fighting-covid-19-and-repression-kashmir">threatening
doctors who report that they don't have sufficient equipment</a>.
Internet blockage stops them from accessing information for medical
purposes.
<p>
The article mentions a web site for reporting on Covid-19's spread in
Kashmir, which has chosen "open source".  I have a hunch that they are
not apolitical, as the term "open source" encourages people to be, but
that they don't know how the free software movement is different from
open source.


feed_id: 3a5399730b0bb0adce72b729ca94be65
title: Seizure of government aid payments
uri: Seizure-of-government-aid-payments
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Seizure_of_government_aid_payments%29

content:
<p>
USAA, a bank and insurance company for members and veterans of the US
military, has 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/16/shameful-blessing-trump-treasury-big-bank-seizes-coronavirus-relief-payments">reversed
course</a> on seizing government aid payments for debt.
<p>
However, the US government has still done nothing to prevent this
practice.
<p>
Mnuchin and the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> value the rich and powerful, while dehumanising
everyone else.  The idea of agreeing to aid human beings, then
diverting the aid to banks and rich creditors, must have them laughing
at the suffering they cause.


feed_id: f472b14be11019e174894b51404a2aab
title: Lobbying for unending system of bailouts
uri: Lobbying-for-unending-system-of-bailouts
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Lobbying_for_unending_system_of_bailouts%29

content:
<p>
Petroleum-based fields of industry, including plastic, are lobbying
for what will be an unending system of bailouts, as well as 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/04/16/pandemic-crisis-systemic-decline-new-report-warns-oil-gas-and-plastic-industries">changes
in the laws meant to protect us from the harm their operations do</a>.
<p>
After they have got a series of handouts, they will use the "sunk
costs" fallacy to argue that "You can't stop now".
<p>
We have to aim for a large but orderly reduction in these fields,
not for keeping them going as before.


feed_id: 83c60720bddbcd33ee316f56b21311ee
title: Gaza out of coronavirus tests
uri: Gaza-out-of-coronavirus-tests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Gaza_out_of_coronavirus_tests%29
content:
<p>
Gaza has run out of coronavirus tests.  It can't get more 
<a href="https://www.dailysabah.com/world/mid-east/israeli-blockaded-gaza-runs-out-of-coronavirus-tests">because
of the siege imposed by Israel</a>.


feed_id: 92ce638b8d59837f37b0ee317117523a
title: Attacks by Israeli fanatics against Palestinians
uri: Attacks-by-Israeli-fanatics-against-Palestinians
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Attacks_by_Israeli_fanatics_against_Palestinians%29

content:
<p>
Since Covid-19 reached the West Bank, attacks by Israeli fanatics
against Palestinians have 
<a href="https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/tamara-nassar/settler-attacks-rise-78-percent-amid-pandemic">almost
doubled</a>.
<p>
Their slow but steady taking of Palestinians' lands is 
<a href="http://www.kibush.co.il/show_file.asp?num=81775">speeding
up</a>.
<p>
Some right-wing Israeli fanatics fought against imposed quarantine,
left their quarantine site, then found three Arabs having a picnic.
They threw stones at the Arabs, then 
<a href="https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/stones-thrown-at-palestinians-cars-torched-near-dead-sea-624589">burned
their cars</a>.
<p>
The fanatics will be prosecuted for trashing the bus that was taking
them to quarantine.  Burning Palestinians' cars is perhaps not
considered worth prosecuting.


feed_id: 3681dacf3cfca0fef7e2ae2fede3e02f
title: A real Department of Defense
uri: A-real-Department-of-Defense
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28A_real_Department_of_Defense%29
content:
<p>
The US renamed its War Department as the "Department of Defense," but
in substance it is still the Department of War.  Looking at the real
threats that the US faces, 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/16/war-irony-and-new-normal">what
would a real Department of Defense do</a>?
<p>
*The COVID-19 Pandemic Is Exposing the 
<a href="https://truthout.org/articles/the-covid-19-pandemic-is-exposing-the-plague-of-neoliberalism/">Plague
of Neoliberalism</a>.*
<p>
Neoliberalism is the economistic ideology that goes with plutocracy.
It denies that there is a place in society for any relationships
except the market.  Neoliberalism inflicts suffering globally, all the
time, and hollows out society's resilience so that medical and
political harm can easily spread.  And when it intersects with acute
plagues, such as Covid-19, the combination produce special, acute
harm.
<p>
But there is a worse alternative: 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/16/spectre-haunting-west-spectre-authoritarian-capitalism">China's
authoritarian capitalism</a>.  China's system is not dysfunctional; it
doesn't tie the state in knots.  When that state wants to 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#4_January_2020_(Uighurs_persecution)">put
a million people in prison, it lies even more shamelessly than the
bullshitter does, and entirely silences dissenting voices.


feed_id: ca7406e53bb33e7eefbb46f48724fb62
title: Shell's new greenwashing plan
uri: Shell-s-new-greenwashing-plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Shells_new_greenwashing_plan%29
content:
<p>
Shell's 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/16/shell-unveils-plans-to-become-net-zero-carbon-company-by-2050">new
greenwashing plan</a>.
<p>
Setting 2050 as the target date and using the term "net-zero carbon"
are 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_March_2020_(Stopping_harming_world_in_some_decades)">enough
to indicate that this is not serious</a>.


feed_id: 8d666c63fd310fbf1f40e56ff52abecb
title: India's Journalists in danger of prosecution
uri: India-s-Journalists-in-danger-of-prosecution
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Indias_Journalists_in_danger_of_prosecution%29

content:
<p>
India's journalists that criticize the ruling party are in danger of
prosecution,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/16/india-targeting-dissidents-coronavirus-pandemic">or
even murder</a>.
  


feed_id: 3e103c70cc94b4d36170a9236ffd8755
title: US and Russia opposing UN's global cease-fire initiative.
uri: US-and-Russia-opposing-UN-s-global-cease-fire-initiative
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#19_April_2020_%28US_and_Russia_opposing_UN%27s_global_cease-fire_initiative.%29

content:
<p>
  The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/19/us-and-russia-blocking-un-plans-for-a-global-ceasefire-amid-crisis">US and Russia are opposing the UN's global cease-fire initiative.</a> War takes priority over all.

<p>	   


feed_id: d677714e222fae4df5e8ceb9a00c5e63
title: Trump &mdash; Mussolini similarities
uri: Trump-Mussolini-similarities
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#19_April_2020_%28Trump_%2526mdash%3B_Mussolini_similarities%29

content:
<p>
  The bully's <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/18/unhinged-trump-calls-his-mussolini-style-black-shirts-attack-michigan-minnesota">methods have much in common</a> with the way Mussolini made
  himself dictator of Italy.


feed_id: 99d6c68bbf7124582836bd0e139bcd92
title: Bill for the government to pay people's rent and mortgages
uri: Bill-for-the-government-to-pay-people-s-rent-and-mortgages
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#19_April_2020_%28Bill_for_the_government_to_pay_people%27s_rent_and_mortgages%29

content:
<p>
  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/18/poll-shows-majority-americans-support-canceling-rent-and-suspending-mortgage">Ilhan Omar has proposed a bill</a> for the government to pay people's rent
  and mortgages for a while.
<p>
  I suggests paying corporations only a part of the usual rent.
  


feed_id: c17d3a0ccec0d1adf2d8092d841187a2
title: Contact tracing by phones issues
uri: Contact-tracing-by-phones-issues
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#19_April_2020_%28Contact_tracing_by_phones_issues%29

content:
<p>

  The ACLU position's on contact tracing by phones identifies some <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/18/apple-and-google-announced-coronavirus-tracking-system-how-worried-should-we-be">valid issues</a>.

<p>
  However, it misses <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">other valid issues</a>.  Whatever privacy protections
  this one app offers are at best one watertight wall on one side of a
  leaking ship.  The phones themselves allow location tracking in many
  ways.  And you can't trust any nonfree program to do only what its
  developer says it does.


feed_id: 177fe1e47af7bb6907f3305f89c1e8ee
title: Danger of tracking vending machines
uri: Danger-of-tracking-vending-machines
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#19_April_2020_%28Danger_of_tracking_vending_machines%29

content:
<p>
  Danger: vending machines for meat and vegetables seem like a great idea
  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/18/meat-and-veg-vending-machines-do-roaring-trade-in-coronavirus-crisis">until you find out that they track who buys</a>.
<p>
  Now more than ever we must defend the right to pay cash &mdash; but
  insisting on paying cash.  Covid-19 will not last forever,
  but rights lost tend to be lost forever.


feed_id: 4fbf1049ca96098a7c48fe5af4988808
title: Decades of right-wing attack on scientific experts
uri: Decades-of-right-wing-attack-on-scientific-experts
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#19_April_2020_%28Decades_of_right-wing_attack_on_scientific_experts%29

content:
<p>
  Decades of systematic right-wing attack on scientific experts and
  government action have spread a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/18/rethinking-freedom-government-and-expertise-time-covid-19">bias to reject them</a>.  Neither of them
  is immune to corruption, but the right-wing alternative is corrupt at
  the root.  How can we get back to a way of thinking that has room
  for something other than corruption?


feed_id: 8a08839b7393eded780e906d626debca
title: US using coronavirus pandemic to unlawfully expel asylum seekers, says UN
uri: US-using-coronavirus-pandemic-to-unlawfully-expel-asylum-seekers-says
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#19_April_2020_%28US_using_coronavirus_pandemic_to_unlawfully_expel_asylum_seekers%2C_says_UN%29

content:
<p>
  US using coronavirus pandemic <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/17/us-asylum-seekers-coronavirus-law-un">to unlawfully expel</a> asylum seekers, says UN.


feed_id: 1932f692d71e4914b90410c0060690e0
title: Michigan Governor Snyder actively participated in poisoning Flint's water
uri: Michigan-Governor-Snyder-actively-participated-in-poisoning-Flint-s-wa
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#19_April_2020_%28Michigan_Governor_Snyder_actively_participated_in_poisoning_Flint%27s_water%29

content:
<p>
  VICE has published documents showing Michigan Governor Snyder <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/16/flint-water-crisis-enters-sixth-year-astounding-report-exposes-lies-ex-gov-rick">actively participated</a> in the conspiracy to poison Flint's water supply.
<p>
  However, it looks like Snyder will escape prosecution, protected by
  his Republican cronies.


feed_id: 61a264275c5374eb6b74dd7fd4cb5680
title: Covid-19 responses ignore the poor
uri: Covid-19-responses-ignore-the-poor
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#19_April_2020_%28Covid-19_responses_ignore_the_poor%29

content:
<p>
  In the US some poor people are ground up between the gears of
  a response to Covid-19 <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/16/self-centered-rich-country-response-pandemics-and-crises-wrecking-poor-countries">that doesn't think of them</a>.  In Mexico and Guatemala,
  that is happening to masses of people.


feed_id: b7f0eba38379e039d2a977e51d8919ac
title: Children in Spain are not allowed to go outside the house
uri: Children-in-Spain-are-not-allowed-to-go-outside-the-house
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#19_April_2020_%28Children_in_Spain_are_not_allowed_to_go_outside_the_house%29

content:
<p>
  Children in Spain are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/18/silent-trauma-of-children-facing-the-strictest-lockdown-in-europe">not allowed to go outside the house</a> &mdash; never at all.
  Many find it unbearable.


feed_id: 479489f43323b881c41bdfa41153ca1b
title: Hungarian journalists fear coronavirus law may be used to jail them
uri: Hungarian-journalists-fear-coronavirus-law-may-be-used-to-jail-them
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#19_April_2020_%28Hungarian_journalists_fear_coronavirus_law_may_be_used_to_jail_them%29

content:
<p>
  Hungarian journalists fear coronavirus law <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/03/hungarian-journalists-fear-coronavirus-law-may-be-used-to-jail-them">may be used to jail them.</a>


feed_id: 9baf4d55724c1511986201c08752ce57
title: More reasons for the US to cancel student loan debt.
uri: More-reasons-for-the-US-to-cancel-student-loan-debt
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#19_April_2020_%28More_reasons_for_the_US_to_cancel_student_loan_debt.%29

content:
<p>
  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/17/canceling-student-loan-debt-isnt-just-right-thing-do-it-makes-economic-sense">More reasons</a> for the US to cancel student loan debt.


feed_id: 59822a1451fe31e82f9d9fc33f7648d3
title: The US isn't ready to reopen
uri: The-US-isn-t-ready-to-reopen
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#19_April_2020_%28The_US_isn%27t_ready_to_reopen%29
content:
<p>
  The US is slowly building up the capacity for protective gear,
  testing, and contact tracing, but is nowhere near the level necessary
  to eliminate Covid-19 here.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/18/operation-reopen-america-are-we-about-to-witness-a-second-historic-failure-of-leadership-from-trump">The numskull wants to reopen business
  anyway</a>, and never mind getting ready.
<p>
  A Koch-funded protest group is being organized to protest <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/18/coronavirus-americans-protest-stay-at-home">to demand that</a>.

<p>
  I am glad to see that some Americans are ready to protest despite the
  danger, which they do reduce by applying the usual measures.  Too bad
  they are not doing it for a sensible cause, such as reducing
  surveillance by business and government, or pushing for more
  production of the things that are necessary to reopen business safely.
  


feed_id: b73f1460affbd6faa0214ec5c7573330
title: Biden is proud of repression
uri: Biden-is-proud-of-repression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#19_April_2020_%28Biden_is_proud_of_repression%29
content:
<p>
  Biden is proud of <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/04/18/trump-latin-america-foreign-policy-joe-biden/">his role</a> in repressive intervention in Latin America.


feed_id: 929188e307a848c95ec76bdbf0bdda91
title: Damage remaining from the Big Spill
uri: Damage-remaining-from-the-Big-Spill
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#19_April_2020_%28Damage_remaining_from_the_Big_Spill%29

content:
<p>
  10 years after the Big Spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/18/gulf-coast-deepwater-horizon-oil-industry-louisiana">damage has not
  disappeared</a>.

<p>
  We know how to prevent a repeat of that disaster, but the oil
  companies would rather take the risk; they figure that the public will
  suffer most of the costs of the next disaster, just as it suffered
  most of the costs of the last one.
  


feed_id: 3380668d01041b56015ee35d94ff66a6
title: Rush to do things online
uri: Rush-to-do-things-online
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#19_April_2020_%28Rush_to_do_things_online%29
content:
<p>
  The biggest disaster ever, for a free and ethical internet,
  is the current pressure on everyone to rush to do things on line.
<p>
  When people talk about "being online", that as become an abbreviation
  for "<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/18/when-covid-19-has-done-with-us-what-will-be-the-new-normal">carelessly running any nonfree app someone tells you to use."</a>
  However, if you don't want to be subjugated and kicked around online
  you must take the opposite approach: rejecting software unless we can
  determine it is free/libre, and that it doesn't send any data beyond
  what we <u>want</u> it to send.
<p>
  You can support internet freedom simply by saying no to organizations'
  online portals, saying, that code does harm to the users.  I hope you
  will redo this code, but in the mean time I can do this activity only
  by phone or email."
<p>
  I've been doing that, with airlines and medical clinics, for some time
  now.
  


feed_id: 78ddae156578a5b93f843d3b9d8629b0
title: Urgent: end surprise medical bills
uri: 2020-04-20-Urgent-end-surprise-medical-bills
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#19_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_end_surprise_medical_bills%29

content:
<p>
 US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sign-now-end-surprise-medical-bills-in-the-next-covid-19-package">end surprise medical bills</a> in the
  next COVID-19 package.</p>
  <p>
    If you call, please spread the word!
</p>


feed_id: 1e95c0257e67b56e2040f8339575b18f
title: Urgent: lift prohibition on telemedicine abortion
uri: Urgent-lift-prohibition-on-telemedicine-abortion
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_lift_prohibition_on_telemedicine_abortion%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/telemedicine_abortion/?t=1008&akid=49869%2E1105163%2EsIm6qh">call on the FDA</a> to lift the prohibition on telemedicine for
abortion medicines.


feed_id: 81dd5d37e858b673ff729c03de68478c
title: Rating employees
uri: Rating-employees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Rating_employees%29
content:
<p>
Rating employees with a single number <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/12/job-appraisal-by-numbers-encourages-pay-inequalities">tends to make for more inequality
in their bonuses than rating employees through a discussion</a>.


feed_id: f780b275f84e82f4c5818a49aaabec77
title: Green New Deal and Covid-19
uri: Green-New-Deal-and-Covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Green_New_Deal_and_Covid-19%29
content:
<p>
Several EU countries propose to combine the Green New Deal <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/10/pairing-green-deal-just-recovery-eu-groups-embrace-tackling-covid-19-and-climate">with a plan for
restoring the economy after Covid-19</a>.

<p>
I am not an expert who can usefully study the details, but the idea seems
very good to me.


feed_id: c77f6acd9e34440beed294cea205db9e
title: Blow on computational idea patents
uri: Blow-on-computational-idea-patents
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Blow_on_computational_idea_patents%29

content:
<p>
The effort to impose computational idea patents in Europe
<a href="http://blog.ffii.org/eu-software-patent-court-stopped-by-constitutional-court-patent-industry-will-try-again/">was thwarted by the UK's departure from the EU</a>.

<p>
The monopolist forces will try again, and we will get another chance
to fight to stop them.


feed_id: 46c5e0c1cddbcd6c20b38c9e3771fc73
title: Cheating republicans
uri: Cheating-republicans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Cheating_republicans%29
content:
<p>
Republican officials <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/11/trump-labor-secretary-condemned-despicable-efforts-roll-back-unemployment-benefits">are cheating on implementation of the extension
of unemployment insurance</a>.

<p>
You can't expect Republicans to honestly carry out a deal.
"Cheat the poor" is their motto.


feed_id: 026cedc306d9ac8781345c6cea6c723d
title: Philanthropy
uri: Philanthropy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Philanthropy%29
content:
<p>
Don't be impressed when billionaires donate small fractions of their
income as "philanthropy".  They do it for self-serving reasons:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/12/americas-billionaire-class-donations">to discourage us from cutting back their political power</a>.


feed_id: e081121687c83bccbcc313e797050bc8
title: Time to resist
uri: Time-to-resist
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Time_to_resist%29
content:
<p>
The time to resist repression and surveillance after the end of
Covid-19 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/12/yes-expect-more-surveillance-during-a-crisis-but-beware-it-once-the-danger-has-passed">is now</a>.

<p>
Don't tell people "Stay safe!"  Tell them, "Stay healthy and free!"


feed_id: 50e2c34995846ed8bb7eebed7092497f
title: Assisted conception
uri: Assisted-conception
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Assisted_conception%29
content:
<p>
Some people in the UK feel their lives have been ruined <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/12/thousands-lose-last-hope-of-having-a-baby-as-lockdown-closes-ivf-clinics">because
assisted conception services have been shut down</a>.

<p>
While I can appreciate the disappointment of those who wish to have
children, I say we must not cater to it, because far worse things than
being childless are coming.  Having children nowadays (with or without
medical assistance) places a large burden on the future.  It reduces
civilization's chances of survival, even as <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/children.html">it adds more one person to
suffer in civilization's coming crisis</a>.

<p>
Rather than spending public money to help people make a child, we
should tell them to consider adopting a child &mdash; to satisfy their
yearning in a way that helps future humanity rather than burdening it.


feed_id: 1c8445a25af5e9ee81161397559902db
title: Covid-19 in slums
uri: Covid-19-in-slums
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Covid-19_in_slums%29
content:
<p>
Modern-day slums, created by right-wing economic policies, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/12/virus-hitting-hardest-modern-equivalent-victorian-slums">are
spreading Covid-19</a>.

<p>
The "cramped" living conditions of the poor, in the US and the UK and
some other countries, get their impetus from the general economic
situation that draws large numbers to a few successful cities &mdash; but
this turns into real hardship because of favor-the-wealthy government
policies that <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#6_February_2020_(Zoning_limits)">don't build enough housing in those cities</a>, combined with the right-wing <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_January_2020_(Secure_exploitation)">squeeze-the-poor policies</a>
  that squeeze <a href="media/c769d589.anuran-bevan.jpg" data-original-source="https://stallman.org/archives/anuran-bevan.jpg">some poor people onto the street</a>.


feed_id: 77462d7b4408393be0ddd9395b5df568
title: Postal Service
uri: Postal-Service
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Postal_Service%29
content:
<p>
The US Postal Service is likely to collapse in a few months
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/11/postal-service-verge-collapse-and-630000-jobs-risk-trump-slammed-refusing-act">unless it gets direct government support, according to its head</a>.

<p>
I wonder why the conman believes it would be profitable to make it
collapse.


feed_id: f44010da12f098b1a36be90a7d191cdf
title: Journalists sentenced to death
uri: Journalists-sentenced-to-death
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Journalists_sentenced_to_death%29
content:
<p>
The Houthis in Yemen <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/11/four-journalists-in-yemen-sentenced-to-death-for-spying">have sentenced journalists to death</a>.


feed_id: f045a677396c9e47931111f7cbd1b0b2
title: Censoring research on Covid-19
uri: Censoring-research-on-Covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Censoring_research_on_Covid-19%29
content:
<p>
China <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/11/china-clamping-down-on-coronavirus-research-deleted-pages-suggest">is censoring research publications about Covid-19</a>.  
  Apparently China's face is more important than people's lungs.


feed_id: 2a973d6019593afffe37ce253474113d
title: Banning zoom
uri: Banning-zoom
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Banning_zoom%29
content:
<p>
Singapore has banned use of Zoom for schools, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/11/singapore-bans-teachers-using-zoom-after-hackers-post-obscene-images-on-screens">over a side issue</a>.

<p>
Singapore is paying no more attention than the US to the inherent injustice
of that program.


feed_id: 57bb5f557461ff61188018bffab6b1b2
title: Rescuing countries to crush them
uri: Rescuing-countries-to-crush-them
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Rescuing_countries_to_crush_them%29

content:
<p>
The EU agreed to rescue Italy, Spain and other countries, temporarily,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2020/apr/11/eu-coronavirus-relief-deal-enemies-debt-eurozone">only to crush them in a couple of years as it crushed Greece before</a>.

<p>
The concessions that the richer countries agreed, eliminating the
conditions that crushed Greece immediately, will postpone the crushing
of Italy and Spain, but not for very long.


feed_id: 4b9e01ba0f9711a4f9621b0ae12f277a
title: Right-wing propaganda
uri: Right-wing-propaganda
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Right-wing_propaganda%29
content:
<p>
The right-wing propaganda idea that governments can't do a good job is
totally wrong in South Korea.  Citizens <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/11/south-korea-beating-coronavirus-citizens-state-testing">insist on that governments do their
jobs well, and governments do</a>.


feed_id: c61f38c5abddc3350ca66d46f01677f2
title: Miami Herald sues State of Florida
uri: Miami-Herald-sues-State-of-Florida
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#21_April_2020_%28Miami_Herald_sues_State_of_Florida%29

content:
<p>
The Miami Herald <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/12/explosive-office-florida-gov-ron-desantis-attempted-squash-newspapers-lawsuit">decided to sue the State of Florida</a> demanding release of information about which nursing homes have had Covid-19 fatalities. Thegovernor intimidated the newspaper's law firm into refusing to do this work.
  


feed_id: c587bf8b391858a64f2165c226ef8492
title: *The GOP Has Become a Death Cult.*
uri: The-GOP-Has-Become-a-Death-Cult
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#21_April_2020_%28%2AThe_GOP_Has_Become_a_Death_Cult.%2A%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/17/gop-has-become-death-cult?cd-origin=rss">*The GOP Has Become a Death Cult.*</a>
<p>
I would say, rather, that the Republican Party has merged with a
variant of Christianity that is death cult.
<p>
Starting from their mad premises, their reasoning is rational.  If
there were a heaven where you would be eternally happy, why hesitate
to die in a way that would get you in?  Indeed, Christians had to
decide that suicide was a sin, or their believers would have eagerly
begun the trip to heaven.
<p>
This simply demonstrates that madness requires nothing more than the
adoption of mad premises.
<p>
Beware the temptation to go to the opposite extreme.  There is no
reason to take risks to continue the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a> economy, but there are
parts of the economy we must take risks to continue.  We need to grow
food -- and make sure everybody gets enough.  And we must be ready,
now as in the past, to take risks to defend our freedoms.


feed_id: da375cb591f32c087fc3f5be12e2b3c6
title: Human rights organizations condemn snooping software in schools.
uri: Human-rights-organizations-condemn-snooping-software-in-schools
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#21_April_2020_%28Human_rights_organizations_condemn_snooping_software_in_schools.%29

content:
<p>
<a href="media/c5ce9b33.edtech_letter_20.pdf" data-original-source="https://commercialfreechildhood.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/edtech_letter_20.pdf">A large coalition of human rights organizations condemn the use of
snooping and manipulative software and dis-services in schools.</a>
<p>
Their campaign is based on valid principles, but it does not get to
the root of the matter and the solution it advocates is inadequate.
It supposes that schools could somehow insist, and verify, that
nonfree programs do only what they are supposed to do, and that
dis-services don't manipulate students or allow their data into the
hands of anyone that would misuse it.
<p>
The one solution that will really fix the problem is to switch
completely to free software, keep all the school's data about students
on the school's own computers, and not even <em>collect</em> data that could
be used to hurt the students.
<p>
Perhaps that is seen as too radical even to advocate, the way some
Democrats in Congress see Medicare for All as too radical no matter
how much we need it.


feed_id: 581b39f3a3d38c48e9d7bfb751f2486c
title: China pushing to impose total control over Hong Kong.
uri: China-pushing-to-impose-total-control-over-Hong-Kong
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#21_April_2020_%28China_pushing_to_impose_total_control_over_Hong_Kong.%29

content:
<p>
China is pushing again to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/18/police-in-hong-kong-arrest-14-activists-amid-autonomy-warnings">impose total control over Hong Kong.</a>
Protests will be necessary again soon.


feed_id: 8be351f66e09595a3ac5e8d0446517fd
title: Former US convict appreciated having a tablet in his cell.
uri: Former-US-convict-appreciated-having-a-tablet-in-his-cell
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#21_April_2020_%28Former_US_convict_appreciated_having_a_tablet_in_his_cell.%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/18/coronavirus-prisoners-isolation-technology">A former US convict talks about how much he appreciated having a tablet
in his cell.</a>
<p>
It makes me terribly sad to see this praise for a tablet full of
nonfree software.  Surely he is running several nonfree apps designed
to mistreat the user.
<p>
I won't deny the benefit he reports.  A computer can be very useful,
even while mistreating its user in ways most people don't recognize.
However, the mistreatment is entirely avoidable.  A tablet with free
software could have done the same jobs.


feed_id: b07b071a96ec18d5ef35cc3a94a080bc
title: Billionaires' Investment Clubs
uri: Billionaires-Investment-Clubs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#21_April_2020_%28Billionaires%27_Investment_Clubs%29

content:
<p>
Billionaires' investment clubs ("private equity") are taking advantage
of the crisis to <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/25/private-equity-eyes-coronavirus-hit-industries-theyve-been-waiting.html">move in on corporations that are experiencing losses.</a>


feed_id: b36b2bd81ef51544cd4ab748f2dd6ff3
title: The damage from the Big Spill reached all the way to the coast of Mexico.
uri: The-damage-from-the-Big-Spill-reached-all-the-way-to-the-coast-of-Mexi
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28The_damage_from_the_Big_Spill_reached_all_the_way_to_the_coast_of_Mexico.%29

content:
<p>
The damage from the Big Spill reached all the way to the coast Mexico,
and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/19/deepwater-horizon-mexico-10-years-on">big decreases in seafood catch</a> afflict the coast ten years after.
<p>
Mexican President Peña made a settlement that effectively let
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bp">Billionaire Polluters</a> off the hook.  Whether or not a bribe can be
identified, I call this corruption.  The US has seen similar corrupt settlements recently.


feed_id: 48c3554ce6d0c7d8fce80a240eea64fe
title: Norway is moving very fast to electric vehicles.
uri: Norway-is-moving-very-fast-to-electric-vehicles
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Norway_is_moving_very_fast_to_electric_vehicles.%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/19/norway-and-the-a-ha-moment-that-made-electric-cars-the-answer">Norway is moving very fast to electric vehicles.</a>
<p>
If the electricity comes from hydropower, this really does eliminate the
greenhouse emissions.
<p>
There is just one bad aspect: most electric car charging systems require
payment by credit card.  It is very hard to travel without being tracked
by this.  That is an injustice.
<p>
Electric cars don't <em>have</em> to be tracking devices.  There is no
fundamental obstacle to doing this right.  But countries are turning
them into tracking devices.


feed_id: 5c6cdbccdf3469cc1003d5700151da68
title: Employees Say Smithfield [pork] Plant in WisconsinConcealed Covid-19
uri: Employees-Say-Smithfield-pork-Plant-in-WisconsinConcealed-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28Employees_Say_Smithfield_%5Bpork%5D_Plant_in_Wisconsin_Concealed_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>
*Employees Say <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/04/19/smithfield-foods-wisconsin-coronavirus/">Smithfield [pork] Plant in Wisconsin Concealed Covid-19
Infections</a>, Pressured Them to Work Elbow-to-Elbow Without Protection.*


feed_id: cbcf79c2e86246507d48760eb9014315
title: The UK delivering food to people who dare not go out.
uri: The-UK-delivering-food-to-people-who-dare-not-go-out
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#20_April_2020_%28The_UK_delivering_food_to_people_who_dare_not_go_out.%29

content:
<p>
The UK is delivering food to people who dare not go out, but following
its usual practice, the UK has set <a html="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/apr/19/disabled-people-left-off-coronavirus-vulnerable-list-go-without-food">strict criteria for who qualifies</a> to receive these deliveries.
<p>
It would be unthinkable to risk handing out food to someone who
might not deserve it.


feed_id: d96d9557545640f6542c9d5a8e3d16f8
title: Urgent: reject bailout of big oil
uri: Urgent-reject-bailout-of-big-oil
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#21_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_reject_bailout_of_big_oil%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.oilchangeus.org/sign/No_Big_Oil_Bailout/?t=1004&akid=33640%2E44401%2EpFePAz">call on Congress</a> to reject a bailout for big oil.


feed_id: 0afa96d477a128a70379603afc9afe65
title: Contact tracing
uri: 2020-04-21-Contact-tracing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#21_April_2020_%28Contact_tracing%29
content:
<p>
Proposed contact-tracing apps would do a lousy job, because what they
try to do is <a href="https://www.lightbluetouchpaper.org/2020/04/12/contact-tracing-in-the-real-world/">very different from real, effective contact tracing</a>.

<p>
Don't assume that a system, once actually in use, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/13/nhs-coronavirus-app-memo-discussed-giving-ministers-power-to-de-anonymise-users">will respect any
sort of privacy for anyone</a>.

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

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


feed_id: 6996bf41a7667b601ed0fb328c853420
title: Deportation thugs' prisoners
uri: Deportation-thugs-prisoners
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#21_April_2020_%28Deportation_thugs%27_prisoners%29
content:
<p>
The US deportation <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> hold 34,000 prisoners.  Most of them it could
legally release right now.  <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/04/13/ice-coronavirus-immigrant-detainees/">It is considering releasing only 600</a>.


feed_id: 4bfd4730902cebf9157b3935c474d9ec
title: Infection rate
uri: Infection-rate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#21_April_2020_%28Infection_rate%29
content:
<p>
Spain has allowed workers to go to work for many non-essential
businesses, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/13/spain-relaxes-lockdown-as-daily-coronavirus-death-toll-falls-to-517">calculating that the infection rate will continue to go down</a>.


feed_id: 38cb236761ceab1f81afe9e268c727c5
title: Macho leaders during crisis
uri: Macho-leaders-during-crisis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#21_April_2020_%28Macho_leaders_during_crisis%29
content:
<p>
*In this moment of crisis, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/13/leaders-trump-bolsonaro-coroanvirus-toxic-masculinity">macho leaders are a weakness not a strength</a>.*

<p>
Leaders appear strong (and win support) by visibly making someone else
back down.  Business is so powerful nowadays that it is generally
easier to make the non-rich back down and serve the rich.  So that is
what they do.


feed_id: e4be211d554172cd904de24becaa4605
title: Occupational Suffering and Hardship Agency
uri: Occupational-Suffering-and-Hardship-Agency
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#21_April_2020_%28Occupational_Suffering_and_Hardship_Agency%29

content:
<p>
The Occupational Suffering and Hardship Agency <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/12/former-osha-officials-voice-alarm-trump-tells-corporations-they-dont-have-record">told employers not to
bother reporting when their employees catch Covid-19</a>.

<p>
This information is very important for measuring the spread of the disease
and detecting when working conditions are encouraging its spread.


feed_id: 266f5e76a9036e8c6076d1c2dcbbc73f
title: Bailout for the rich
uri: Bailout-for-the-rich
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#21_April_2020_%28Bailout_for_the_rich%29
content:
<p>
*Don't be fooled: Britain's coronavirus bailout <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/13/britain-coronavirus-bailout-rich-">will make the rich richer
still</a>.*

<p>
There is no need to wait &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/13/millions-lockdown-food-parcels-coronavirus-crisis">it is already happening, in the UK</a>
  as in the US.


feed_id: d174ab60a91f86021318cbc46b9dc39a
title: Oversight on bailout
uri: Oversight-on-bailout
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#21_April_2020_%28Oversight_on_bailout%29
content:
<p>
Public Citizen proposes how Congress should restore oversight to the
2-trillion bailout <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/12/only-oversight-oversight-will-keep-profiteers-siphoning-stimulus-money-their-own">for big companies selected by the conman and
Mnuchin</a>.

<p>
When the article talks of "squandering" this money, it understates the
danger.  Having negated all existing oversight, Mnuchin and the conman
will have no obstacles to stop them from exercising favoritism in
whatever way they wish, in effect using this money as bribes.  They
could pressure large companies to spend more on Republican campaigns.

<p>
Given how far the conman has already gone in corruption, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#6_April_2020_(Competition_for_ventilators)">such as
handing out ventilators and masks to states that support him</a>, I expect he will do this.

<p>
It was terribly foolish for
Democrats in the House of Representatives to agree to this loan
program &mdash; foolish to imagine those corrupt officials would not
exploit every opportunity for corruption.

<p>
When talking about the Special IG, <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/genderless-pronouns.html">please do not refer to per as "they"</a>.  It causes grammatical confusion.


feed_id: 2e3fdbeb2640ab14bb8708c6aeb26296
title: Sarin gas in Syria
uri: Sarin-gas-in-Syria
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#21_April_2020_%28Sarin_gas_in_Syria%29
content:
<p>
The OPCW has labeled Assad as <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/12/the-observer-view-on-the-smoking-gun-that-should-force-assad-to-face-justice">responsible from dropping sarin gas on
Khan Sheikhun in Syria</a>.

<p>
There are claims <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#4_July_2017_(Assertion_that_Assad_didnt_launch_sarin_attack)">that this attack did not happen at all</a>.


feed_id: c2bba1544c997dfc586bda46e037e051
title: Presidential contempt
uri: Presidential-contempt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#21_April_2020_%28Presidential_contempt%29
content:
<p>
After contemptuously defying Congressional oversight committees,
the conman is now contemptuously <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/12/trump-inspector-general-purge-watchdogs">defying executive branch inspectors general</a>.

<p>
This confirms that his goal is arbitrary rule with unlimited corruption.

<p>
The numskull <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/12/us-global-reputation-rock-bottom-donald-trump-coronavirus">is making US allies distrust the US and despise him</a>.


feed_id: 970322e1f335391b7c311b171b29d533
title: Inequality causes pandemics
uri: Inequality-causes-pandemics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#21_April_2020_%28Inequality_causes_pandemics%29
content:
<p>
*Inequality doesn't just make pandemics worse &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/12/inequality-pandemic-lockdown">it could cause them</a>.*

<p>
*More than 60 poorer countries <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/12/pressure-grows-for-developing-world-debt-relief-over-coronavirus">are spending more paying creditors than on health</a> – study.*


feed_id: ffec59e5a3b3499f5501db71f8366cce
title: Poor trying to help each other
uri: Poor-trying-to-help-each-other
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#21_April_2020_%28Poor_trying_to_help_each_other%29
content:
<p>
Paraguay won't tax the rich to help the poor, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/apr/12/paraguay-coronavirus-hungry-social-inequalities">so poor people are trying
to help each other</a>.

<p>
Paraguay's leftist president was removed a few years ago by a
more-or-less coup and replaced by the right wing.


feed_id: b5600ceb525aae6d62b934944b50c4f3
title: Testing medical discovery
uri: Testing-medical-discovery
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#21_April_2020_%28Testing_medical_discovery%29
content:
<p>
The US plans to test an amazing Cuban medical discovery, a vaccine
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/12/promising-cubaus-cooperation-cancer">which prevents one kind of lung cancer from growing any further</a>.


feed_id: e48c6c86116d97d38d0b733d6eaf338c
title: Handling medical data for research
uri: Handling-medical-data-for-research
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#21_April_2020_%28Handling_medical_data_for_research%29

content:
<p>
The UK is giving patient medical records data in bulk <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/12/uk-government-using-confidential-patient-data-in-coronavirus-response">to Palantir and
other companies, for "research" purposes</a>.

<p>
I would not trust those companies to keep the spirit of their
commitments, or even the letter of them.


feed_id: 7b011fc3e6afb2a7ce99aae0db9f4aa0
title: Coal mining and their taxes
uri: Coal-mining-and-their-taxes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#21_April_2020_%28Coal_mining_and_their_taxes%29
content:
<p>
Coal mining companies in the US are asking Congress to "rescue" them
by eliminating the taxes <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/11/theyre-crooks-coal-industry-aims-exploit-coronavirus-crisis-cut-payments-miners">that pay for cleaning up abandoned mines and
the lungs of abandoned miners</a>.

<p>
If coal mines are not to be cleaned up, it is better to shut
them down immediately, so they stop contributing to <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>
disaster.


feed_id: e883027066d4d01bc6fa3de94945b742
title: Peru: riot police block highway as people attempt to flee [to their home towns] amid lockdown
uri: Peru-riot-police-block-highway-as-people-attempt-to-flee-to-their-ho
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#22_April_2020_%28Peru%3A_riot_police_block_highway_as_people_attempt_to_flee_%5Bto_their_home_towns%5D_amid_lockdown%29

content:
<p>
  Peru: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/20/peru-riot-police-highway-teargas-coronavirus-lockdown">riot police block highway as people attempt to flee</a> [to their
  home towns] amid lockdown.
<p>
  Some of those people have Covid-19 and would bring it to their home
  towns if they go.  However, the overwhelming majority do not have
  Covid-19, and would die if they stay in Lima.  Covid-19 is going to
  reach those places sooner or later, but it could take time,
<p>
  A better-organized and wealthier state would test them all, then
  quarantine those who are infected and let the rest go home.  But Peru
  is not capable of that.
<p>
  This shows us the sort of disasters that massive inequality can cause.
  Meanwhile, the plutocrats labor every day to make more inequality.
  


feed_id: ef3c90d3c633db7adff845b9f5f414b7
title: Monitoring prisoners' phone calls to see if they talk about coronavirus
uri: Monitoring-prisoners-phone-calls-to-see-if-they-talk-about-coronaviru
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#22_April_2020_%28Monitoring_prisoners%27_phone_calls_to_see_if_they_talk_about_coronavirus%29

content:
<p>
  Prison officials are monitoring prisoners' phone calls to see if <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/04/21/prisons-inmates-coronavirus-monitoring-surveillance-verus/">they
  say anything about coronavirus</a>.
<p>
  The fact that they are using some sort of neural network to identify
  that topic seems like a side issue to me.  It would be just as bad
  if humans were listening for such discussion.
  


feed_id: c48a851af66629b77d0a5edb3851e775
title: Doubt for politicians is a sign of weakness
uri: Doubt-for-politicians-is-a-sign-of-weakness
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#22_April_2020_%28Doubt_for_politicians_is_a_sign_of_weakness%29

content:
<p>
  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/21/doubt-essential-science-politicians-coronavirus">Doubt is essential for science &mdash; but for politicians, it's a sign of
  weakness.</a>


feed_id: 10bd2d78b1d93315fbf645352a8749a7
title: UK plans to require witnesses testify through nonfree software
uri: UK-plans-to-require-witnesses-testify-through-nonfree-software
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#22_April_2020_%28UK_plans_to_require_witnesses_testify_through_nonfree_software%29

content:
<p>
  The UK plans to require witnesses testify in a hearing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/apr/21/grenfell-tower-inquiry-could-resume-by-zoom-videolink">through
  nonfree software</a>.


feed_id: 9dbc3baa6a399bfd4040a9a1f257d52c
title: Sea level rise will destroy South Florida
uri: Sea-level-rise-will-destroy-South-Florida
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#22_April_2020_%28Sea_level_rise_will_destroy_South_Flordia%29

content:
<p>
  Sea-level rise, and its various consequences, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/21/florida-climate-crisis-sea-level-habitat-loss">will destroy South Florida
  in this century</a>.  Even before it is inundated, it will be wiped out.


feed_id: 8713f459955bf1d6f6f2369340959eea
title: Too late to prevent the Arctic Ocean from losing its ice in the summer
uri: Too-late-to-prevent-the-Arctic-Ocean-from-losing-its-ice-in-the-summer
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#22_April_2020_%28Too_late_to_prevent_the_Arctic_Ocean_from_losing_its_ice_in_the_summer%29

content:
<p>
  Scientists say it appears to be too late to prevent the Arctic Ocean
  from losing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/21/ice-free-arctic-summers-now-very-likely-even-with-climate-action">all its ice in the summer</a>, starting around 2050.
<p>
  This will accelerate <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> no matter what else we do.


feed_id: 00855c6d26fb79312cb100222226fa6c
title: Effects of air pollution on Covid-19 sickness
uri: Effects-of-air-pollution-on-Covid-19-sickness
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#22_April_2020_%28Effects_of_air_pollution_on_Covid-19_sicknes%29

content:
<p>
  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/21/preliminary-study-links-air-pollution-to-coronavirus-deaths-in-england">Two studies suggest</a> that air pollution makes people more vulnerable
  to getting badly sick from Covid-19.


feed_id: 062df97a60f17e5c766514d8125b52e6
title: Inside Rikers: the Virus-Stricken Jail
uri: Inside-Rikers-the-Virus-Stricken-Jail
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#22_April_2020_%28Inside_Rikers%3A_the_Virus-Stricken_Jail%29

content:
<p>
  <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/04/21/coronavirus-rikers-island-jail-nyc/">Inside Rikers: An Account of the Virus-Stricken Jail From a Man Who Managed
  to Get Out.</a>


feed_id: 0967b2a3fda821659a6a66f7fcb4cd40
title: Oversight Committee appointee
uri: Oversight-Committee-appointee
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#22_April_2020_%28Oversight_committe_appointee%29
content:
<p>
  Pelosi appointed Rep. Shalala to the oversight committee,<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/20/katie-porter-pushed-help-oversee-covid-19-bailout-fund-pelosi-picks-friend-corporate"> rather than
  Rep. Porter</a>.
<p>
  Porter is known for grilling CEOs hard.  Shalala is known for owning
  shares in quite a few corporations that might ask for a bailout.
  


feed_id: 6fae5442599aaab7281f4853db2ac30b
title: Mail voting will not assure that all voters get to vote.
uri: Mail-voting-will-not-assure-that-all-voters-get-to-vote
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#22_April_2020_%28Mail_voting_will_not_assure_that_all_voters_get_to_vote.%29

content:
<p>
  <a href="https://www.gregpalast.com/25-million-ballots-could-be-lost-in-shift-to-mail-in-voting/">Greg Palast:</a> Absentee ballots in the US place many obstacles in the
  voter's way, and the votes of people from marginalized groups are more
  likely to be blocked.
<p>
  Thus, switching to voting by mail will not automatically assure that
  all registered voters get to vote.
  


feed_id: 2ae176f80b515f1b2a65e8dc8bdc2489
title: Farm living arrangements
uri: Farm-living-arrangements
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#22_April_2020_%28Farm_lliving_arrangments%29
content:
<p>
  Farms should make <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2020/apr/20/just-not-true-were-too-lazy-for-farm-work-say-frustrated-uk-applicants">some adjustments</a> on living arrangements so that
  citizens can help in the picking &mdash; not structure it only for migrant
  workers.


feed_id: 234d9bbf621959f546635f9d5ab52def
title: US government confiscates protective equipment
uri: US-government-confiscates-protective-equipment
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#22_April_2020_%28US_government_confiscates_protective_equipment%29

content:
<p>
  The US government <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/20/snapshot-system-breakdown-states-forced-smuggle-ppe-under-nose-feds">confiscates protective equipment</a> being shipped
  between states.
<p>
  The corrupter uses the equipment to reward states, even businesses,
  that serve him personally.
  


feed_id: 383079b29b73400b05cb04a61c6cd094
title: Contact tracing
uri: 2020-04-23-Contact-tracing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#21_April_2020_%28Contact_tracing%29
content:
<p>
Proposed contact-tracing apps would do a lousy job, because what they
try to do is <a href="https://www.lightbluetouchpaper.org/2020/04/12/contact-tracing-in-the-real-world/">very different from real, effective contact tracing</a>.

<p>
Don't assume that a system, once actually in use, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/13/nhs-coronavirus-app-memo-discussed-giving-ministers-power-to-de-anonymise-users">will respect any
sort of privacy for anyone</a>.

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

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


feed_id: 548ef6c09e8ce414f873bd60751a69c0
title: Hong Kong protest leader warns Beijing likely to push for total control of Hong Kong
uri: Hong-Kong-protest-leader-warns-Beijing-likely-to-push-for-total-contro
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Hong_Kong_protest_leader_warns_Beijing_likely_to_push_for_total_control_of_Hong_Kong%29

content:
<p>
  A Hong Kong <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/22/fresh-hong-kong-crackdown-will-result-in-deaths-says-democracy-leader-martin-lee">protest leader warns</a> that Beijing is likely to push once
  again for total control of Hong Kong, and that Hong Kongers will
  resist.


feed_id: c4bd98c7043be79854acdc5d7ca38f3c
title: Big Banks Sued
uri: Big-Banks-Sued
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Big_Banks_Sued%29
content:
<p>
*<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/21/big-banks-sued-putting-large-corporations-ahead
-main-street-small-business-owners">Big Banks</a> Sued for Putting Large Corporations Ahead of Main Street Small Business Owners for Covid-19 Rescue Loans.*


feed_id: 1f96350972a02b3ec014e4766317c047
title: FoIA request figures for Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria
uri: FoIA-request-figures-for-Afghanistan-Iraq-and-Syria
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28FoIA_request_figures_for_Afghanistan%2C_Iraq_and_Syria%29

content:
<p>
*Freedom of information request filed after Pentagon stopped publishing
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/22/us-troop-levels-afghanistan-iraq-syria-military-foia">figures for Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.*</a>


feed_id: bb2009df8da31f1be1b5f2e6cb2a3be4
title: Large number of people in US prisons could cause extra Covid-19 deaths
uri: Large-number-of-people-in-US-prisons-could-cause-extra-Covid-19-deaths
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Large_number_of_people_in_US_prisons_could_cause_extra_Covid-19_deaths%29

content:
<p>
The large number of people in prison in the US could cause 100,000
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/22/coronavirus-us-jails-incarceration-death-toll-study">extra deaths from Covid-19.</a>
  


feed_id: 422c98c6e9ff8fb4df864f81437622f5
title: Urgent: US citizens call on congress and senators to cosponsor Emergency Money for People Act
uri: Urgent-US-citizens-call-on-congress-and-senators-to-cosponsor-Emergen
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_US_citizens_call_on_congress_and_senators_to_cosponsor_Emergency_Money_for_People_Act%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/">US citizens: call on your congresscritter and senators to cosponsor the Emergency Money for People Act.</a>

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


feed_id: 67b207448aee7efaf888675977882134
title: Urgent: US citizens call congress not to approve "stimulus" without helping individuals
uri: Urgent-US-citizens-call-congress-not-to-approve-stimulus-without-he
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_US_citizens_call_congress_not_to_approve_stimulus_without_helping_individuals%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/april-stimulus/">US citizens: call on Congress not to approve a "stimulus" for business without helping individuals and the country's real needs.</a>
<p>The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
     and 888-355-3588.</p>


feed_id: a475b2a03f7c1761cad5d46ab308ebc7
title: Urgent: US citizens phone congress to call for ending military draft registration
uri: Urgent-US-citizens-phone-congress-to-call-for-ending-military-draft-r
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_US_citizens_phone_congress_to_call_for_ending_military_draft_registration%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter to call for ending military
draft registration &mdash; HR 5492.
<p>
Also oppose HR 6415 which would make conscription cover women as
well as men.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641 and 888-355-3588.


feed_id: 00e27550c71ae31390478d74b753b123
title: Bully shielding employers
uri: Bully-shielding-employers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Bully_shielding_employers%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/21/trump-says-hes-aiming-shield-corporations-legal-liability-workers-who-contract-covid">The bully wants to shield employers from legal responsibility for workers' catching Covid-19 at work.</a>

Why would US workers want to sue their employers about this?
I see two rational motives.
<ul>
<li>
Because treatment costs money and they can't afford it.
Making treatment gratis for all would eliminate this motive.
</li>
<li>
Because they experience working conditions that could encourage
contagion.  Workers who have no savings and no union will be unable to
change such working conditions, except to sue.
</li>
</ul>
It is impossible in general to determine whether a worker contracted
Covid-19 at work or elsewhere, so I think a company should be
responsible for maintaining working conditions that make transmission
unlikely, according to a clear and adequate standard.
<p>
I don't expect Republicans to support that.
    


feed_id: f1923bb9149d2243bd41afef786b7683
title: Pan-European Privacy-Preserving Proximity Tracing (PEPP-PT)
uri: Pan-European-Privacy-Preserving-Proximity-Tracing-(PEPP-PT)
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Pan-European_Privacy-Preserving_Proximity_Tracing_%28PEPP-PT%29%29

content:
<p>
*The Pan-European Privacy-Preserving Proximity Tracing (PEPP-PT)
consortium &hellip; removed [all] mention of the decentralized
protocol proposal Decentralized Privacy-Preserving Proximity
Tracing (DP3T) from its website.* The people developing that
protocol <a href="https://www.coindesk.com/decentralized-protocol-removed-from-eu-contact-tracing-website-with-no-notice">found out when they saw their work had been deleted.</a>
<p>
This stinks of an intentional effort to increase surveillance. Europeans, fight this now!
<p>
If you don't put as much effort into protecting your freedom as into protecting your immediate health, your effort to "stay safe" is unbalanced!
  


feed_id: a377059c0aa16ecc7662ab270680dafb
title: Governments must act now to stop 265 million starving
uri: Governments-must-act-now-to-stop-265-million-starving
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Governments_must_act_now_to_stop_265_million_starving%29

content:
<p>
*Governments must act now to stop <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/apr/21/coronavirus-pandemic-will-cause-famine-of-biblical-proportions">265 million starving</a>, warns World Food Program boss.*


feed_id: 4875794a8323f81769beb3cf4ffaef69
title: Inequality and the Coronavirus
uri: Inequality-and-the-Coronavirus
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Inequality_and_the_Coronavirus%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/21/inequality-and-coronavirus">*Inequality and the Coronavirus,*</a> and gusher-up economics.


feed_id: d47bfe2891b24f501f9f9c1fe82460ef
title: EU should agree to issue EU-level bonds
uri: EU-should-agree-to-issue-EU-level-bonds
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28EU_should_agree_to_issue_EU-level_bonds%29

content:
<p>
Yanis Varoufakis: the reason the EU should agree to issue <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/21/solidarity-not-what-europe-needs">EU-level bonds</a> is that it is in the interest of the whole EU.


feed_id: b170721bc1a245639525079a08055079
title: Recent US stimulus
uri: Recent-US-stimulus
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Recent_US_stimulus%29
content:
<p>
*80% of the <a href="https://pluralistic.net/2020/04/19/shared-microbial-destiny-2/">[recent US] stimulus</a> tax break will go to 43,000 people.*


feed_id: b51f4854ac834a7f81cd53f7590e932a
title: Loss of birth control and abortion
uri: Loss-of-birth-control-and-abortion
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Loss_of_birth_control_and_abortion%29

content:
<p>
*Loss of [birth control and abortion] services caused by lockdowns
could result in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/apr/03/coronavirus-crisis-may-deny-95-million-women-access-to-family-planning">millions of unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions</a>.*


feed_id: ef078ad828040e6af263c46c6b6cd042
title: Contrast behavior of rich people with the responsibilities they say poor people have.
uri: Contrast-behavior-of-rich-people-with-the-responsibilities-they-say-po
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Contrast_behavior_of_rich_people_with_the_responsibilities_they_say_poor_people_have.%29

content:
<p>
Contrast the behavior of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/21/so-much-for-entitled-millennials-its-billionaires-such-as-richard-branson-who-are-begging-for-loans">rich people, such as Richard Branson</a>, who
think the government owes them loans after shirking taxes, with
the responsibilities they say poor people have.
<p>
*"Pull yourself up by your bootstraps," billionaires are fond of telling us. All while making us pay for their boots.*
<p>
<a href="https://pluralistic.net/2020/04/20/great-danes/#crisis-means-crossroads">*Denmark: no bailouts for companies headquartered in tax havens*</a> or that have squandered their reserves on stock buybacks.


feed_id: 75005eadf919b503e52d10d2fe34a419
title: The UK welfare system compelled by circumstances to abandon some cruel practices.
uri: The-UK-welfare-system-compelled-by-circumstances-to-abandon-some-cruel
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28The_UK_welfare_system_compelled_by_circumstances_to_abandon_some_cruel_practices.%29

content:
<p>
The UK welfare system has been compelled by circumstances to abandon
some of its cruel practices because of the staff requirements.  More
importantly, the Tories no longer dare pretend that citizens prepared
to work reasonably hard will never need <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/apr/21/coronavirus-improved-welfare-system-no-going-back">government assistance.</a>
<p>
They might go back to that pretense once Covid-19 is out of the way.
  

<P>


feed_id: eeb204292a31d1f02cdf65e1a72e2b36
title: Labour voters can help party overcome internal sabotage
uri: Labour-voters-can-help-party-overcome-internal-sabotage
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Labour_voters_can_help_party_overcome_internal_sabotage%29

content:
<p>
Labour voters can help the party overcome the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/21/revelations-leaked-labour-report-genuine-scandal">internal sabotage</a> that
succeeded in stopping Corbyn from winning the 2017 election.
  


feed_id: dffb596e552e82facec70722b4df6479
title: Keep the Great Barrier Reef alive, for some time
uri: Keep-the-Great-Barrier-Reef-alive-for-some-time
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Keep_the_Great_Barrier_Reef_alive%2C_for_some_time%29

content:
<p>
Australia is funding several hail-mary programs to keep the Great
Barrier Reef alive <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/18/rebuild-it-shade-it-breed-it-three-tactics-to-buy-time-for-the-great-barrier-reef">another decade or two in the face of global
heating</a>.

<p>
Succeeding in this, would help the planet-roaster government resist
doing anything to limit <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> itself.  Even making the attempt
will help that.

<p>
The article does not mention ocean acidification, which is <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#17_February_2017_(Global_heating)">the other
big effect of increased CO2 in the air</a>.
                     In a few decades perhaps,
that will kill all corals, and many molluscs, crustacians, and
starfish.  The excess CO2 may interfere with the thought processes of
fish, which could wipe out some species.


feed_id: d82b3d0bc7c1e87660333ae32c3fbec6
title: Half as much water
uri: Half-as-much-water
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Half_as_much_water%29
content:
<p>
Australia principal river system, the Murray-Darling system, gets only
half as much water nowadays as in the 20th century, due to global
heating &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/apr/17/climate-change-likely-to-blame-for-dwindling-murray-darling-inflows-report-finds">so it will get worse</a>.

<p>
Australians believed the water was there but they were taking out too
much.


feed_id: f80494390c4775510ac74fe709731f2f
title: Bailout on pollution
uri: Bailout-on-pollution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Bailout_on_pollution%29
content:
<p>
*   Polluting industries around the world are using the coronavirus
   pandemic to gain billions of dollars in bailouts <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/17/coronavirus-profiteers-condemned-as-polluters-gain-bailout-billions">and to weaken and
   delay environmental protections</a>.*

<p>
The extra pollution could do more harm than Covid-19 does.


feed_id: 39bb69dba9182c9cbf53ec8bc72037af
title: Privatized medicine in rural areas
uri: Privatized-medicine-in-rural-areas
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Privatized_medicine_in_rural_areas%29

content:
<p>
Privatized medicine has mostly abandoned rural America, and laws
assure a nationwide shortage of doctors, few of whom choose to go
there.  This causes <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/17/rural-america-coronavirus-kansas">helplessness in facing any sort of epidemic</a>.


feed_id: d9dfbd2bf0b96c1c8e715ba5e7e9bb5b
title: Waiting at home
uri: Waiting-at-home
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Waiting_at_home%29
content:
<p>
With copious testing, contact tracing, and isolation of those
infected, it is possible to eliminate Covid-19 from an area, or pretty
close.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/17/political-imagination-end-lockdown-mass-testing-contact-tracing">Taiwan and South Korea have done it</a>.

<p>
Just waiting won't make ending stay-at-home safe, so how does the US
plan to achieve that?  If we are waiting for some major change in the
situation, what change is it, and how do we plan to make it happen?


feed_id: 96407ae56b9ba459411e11bdcd594986
title: Politics
uri: Politics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Politics%29
content:
<p>
An investigation in the Labour Party showed that its staff, supporters
of B'liar, weaponized accusations of antisemitism so as to ensure
the party would not win an election under Corbyn.  <a href="https://www.medialens.org/2020/the-people-have-spoken-bastards-leaked-labour-report-shows-partys-own-senior-staff-acted-to-keep-corbyn-out-of-power/">The mainstream media
cooperated with this</a>.

<p>
Part of the campaign was to demand a zero-tolerance approach to
eliminating antisemitism from the party.  A zero-tolerance approach to
enforcing any rule tends to create dissension and hostility.  When
people demand that you specify exactly where to draw the line against
something, consider answering, "It would be destructive to draw such a
sharp line.  Zero-tolerance is a scourge!"


feed_id: 1f1c58f4c6555ae4915bb4815583a43b
title: Unlikely guardians of privacy
uri: Unlikely-guardians-of-privacy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Unlikely_guardians_of_privacy%29
content:
<p>
Apple and Google, which do enormous amounts of tracking of users,
have become <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/apr/16/nhs-in-standoff-with-apple-and-google-over-coronavirus-tracing">the unlikely guardians of people's privacy by limiting
how apps can get data about bluetooth contacts</a>.

<p>
In addition to blocking various abusive forms of surveillance, they
also prevent any sort of contact-tracing app that accumulates a list
of phones that have passed nearby, even if it were up to the user
to decide to send it in.

<p>
If such an automated recording of nearby-passing phones is an effective
method of contact tracing &mdash; <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#21_April_2020_(Contact_tracing)">which some experts doubt</a> &mdash;
  then preventing it from being used seems to be a bad thing.

<p>
In addition, governments can do this in other ways, as China does.  I
think China's app operates by reporting the phones GPS location to the
state.  If everyone is forced to install that app, the state can
figure out which phones passed nearby.


feed_id: 7e9d1be085a8bf3bc0ca8be33d3d3c0d
title: Mandatory volunteers
uri: Mandatory-volunteers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Mandatory_volunteers%29
content:
<p>
Even voluntary schemes for tracking people's movements
can become effectively mandatory if employers, landlords, and services
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/15/mass-electronic-surveillance-uk-app-lockdown-download">punish people who don't do it</a>.

<p>
I have to point out that the UK began tracking all car travel over 10
years ago, and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-may-aug.html#25 May 2009 (Track all car travel)">has already abused the system to sabotage protests</a>.
  Of course, now it is sabotaging <em>all</em> protests, and not that there
is less to protest now than there was.


feed_id: 013d3d5ae629811acf689d4bb3c5a6f0
title: Taken for granted
uri: Taken-for-granted
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Taken_for_granted%29
content:
<p>
Biden is not seriously trying to win <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/14/joe-biden-bernie-sanders-supporters-leftwing-voters">the support of progressive voters</a>.
  I think he takes us for granted.

<p>
Biden was making the US <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#15_April_2020_(The_next_president)">a worse place many years before the conman
got into politics</a>,
           and he will continue doing so if elected, just not
as fast as the conman does.


feed_id: 2f5098b42caa1b6bf1e94f6b82d19628
title: Delivery surveillance
uri: Delivery-surveillance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Delivery_surveillance%29
content:
<p>
Slow sidewalk-travelling robots can now deliver food orders
to customers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/apr/12/robots-deliver-food-milton-keynes-coronavirus-lockdown-starship-technologies">willing to be surveilled</a>.

<p>
I see only two things wrong with this system.  For customers, there is
no way to buy anonymously, so I would not use it.  For workers, it
means a lot of unemployed people.  The Tories would have them living on
the street faster than you can say "Tories".


feed_id: ff7d59eb50519982b12d1917700d70b4
title: Postal service collapse
uri: Postal-service-collapse
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Postal_service_collapse%29
content:
<p>
More information about why the US postal service is about to collapse.
It is a plan that Republicans <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/12/sanders-says-congress-must-stop-trump-exploiting-covid-19-crisis-bankrupt-and">have been operating for over a decade</a>.


feed_id: 0b148296c89655920581246a377b506f
title: Implementing reforms
uri: Implementing-reforms
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Implementing_reforms%29
content:
<p>
Many important reforms have been implemented <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/13/covid-19-made-unthinkable-reforms-a-reality-in-the-us-now-make-them-stick">in some parts of the US
in the past month</a>.


feed_id: be7fcf7babb43f0d7eb44be4c4a67ede
title: Sabotage
uri: Sabotage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Sabotage%29
content:
<p>
An internal investigation within the Labour Party quotes staff's
emails to show that some of the supporters of B'liar and his crew
acted to sabotage the party <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/13/labour-leaked-report-party-unity-keir-starmer-corbyn-faction">so that Corbyn and his progressive side
could not win power</a>.

<p>
In other words, Labour's plutocratists were more loyal to plutocracy
than to their party or its constituents.


feed_id: eb156cd8b5c8ffdb88c7905cd7f9816f
title: Wildfires near Chernobyl
uri: Wildfires-near-Chernobyl
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Wildfires_near_Chernobyl%29
content:
<p>
*Ukraine: wildfires draw dangerously close to Chernobyl site.*
Ukraine <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/13/ukraine-wildfires-close-chernobyl-nuclear-site">is alleged to be covering up the danger</a>.


feed_id: 288fa07e18af76e51d383298920540b5
title: Excluding shareholders
uri: Excluding-shareholders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Excluding_shareholders%29
content:
<p>
Corporations have used disease as an excuse <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/11/agms-annual-meetings-locked-doors-virtual-votes">to exclude shareholders
from their annual meetings</a>.

<p>
This eliminates one of the few methods that were available to the non-rich
to put political pressure on corporations.


feed_id: 2e896eff1eceb8b0933ec3c5ed852b0c
title: Western US Suffering Deep Drought
uri: Western-US-Suffering-Deep-Drought
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Western_US_Suffering_Deep_Drought%29

content:
<p>
The Western US, from Oregon to New Mexico, has been suffering a deep drought since 2000.  Researchers have established that, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/17/emerging-climate-fueled-megadrought-western-us-rivals-any-over-past-1200-years-study?cd-origin=rss">in the past 1200 years, only one past drought equaled this one.</a>
<p>
  If this was the worst a drought could be before 1950, <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> now makes worse droughts possible.
</p>


feed_id: cf2e6a3efaa653e6e330f5c15170d7e0
title: UK thug caught on video
uri: UK-thug-caught-on-video
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28UK_thug_caught_on_video%29
content:
<p>
A thug in the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/apr/19/lancashire-police-apologise-over-threat-to-make-up-offence">UK was caught on video, threatening to fabricate an accusation against a man who was passing by.</a>
<p>
The chief of the department had the decency to condemn the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a>'s actions unreservedly.  That condemnation goes beyond an apology.  But this is not enough by itself.  It is necessary to punish that thug firmly, so that the others know they won't be winked at if they do this again.


feed_id: c3a6955997aa8a62a68e48fb764d8252
title: Absurdity and Cruelty of US Healthcare System
uri: Absurdity-and-Cruelty-of-US-Healthcare-System
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Absurdity_and_Cruelty_of_US_Healthcare_System%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/19/absurdity-and-cruelty-us-healthcare-system-says-sanders-should-now-be-apparent-all">*'Absurdity and Cruelty' of US Healthcare System,</a> Says Sanders, 'Should Now Be Apparent to All'.*


feed_id: 13d4d60e7031664f3ba6005ed0543d05
title: Cooperating with North Korea's need for help
uri: Cooperating-with-North-Korea-s-need-for-help
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Cooperating_with_North_Korea%27s_need_for_help%29

content:
<p>

Cooperating with North Korea's need for help in coping with Covid-19 could offer the <a href"https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/01/us-response-coronavirus-north-korea-can-save-lives-and-lead-peace">US an opportunity for useful diplomacy.</a>


feed_id: 990b56faa6e897d99e5c89fce8f32de2
title: Human rights lawyer Wang Quanzhang released
uri: Human-rights-lawyer-Wang-Quanzhang-released
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Human_rights_lawyer_Wang_Quanzhang_released%29

content:
<p>

Human rights lawyer <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/19/china-bars-lawyer-wang-quanzhang-from-going-home-after-prison-release">Wang Quanzhang has been released</a> from formal prison, but remains a prisoner in some undisclosed location while he is trained to say what his guards wish.


feed_id: fcbb3e8d7fcf87cc66b694d5111aecac
title: Microsoft invest in CO2 extraction
uri: Microsoft-invest-in-CO2-extraction
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Microsoft_invest_in_CO2_extraction%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/23/microsoft-climate-crisis-moonshot-plan">Microsoft is planning to invest heavily in machines to extract CO2 directly from the air and convert it into other substances.<a/>  It aims in 10 years to extract more than it emits.
<p>
Investing in research on those machines, and on the less radical carbon capture and storage, is a good thing to do.  It has a chance of making a big difference.
<p>
But research is always a risk.  We must not assume this will work out.


feed_id: 5a9b3a84cc27812795a70273db7d1d9e
title: Amazon donates to fund to keep UK bookstores operating
uri: Amazon-donates-to-fund-to-keep-UK-bookstores-operating
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Amazon_donates_to_fund_to_keep_UK_bookstores_operating%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/apr/23/amazon-mystery-250000-pound-donor-to-uk-bookshops">Amazon has donated to a fund to keep UK bookstores operating</a>, but the donation is minuscule compared with the harm that Amazon's unfair practices have caused them.
<p>
We should not leave it up to rich people to decide how much to give back out of all that they have taken.


feed_id: f512e511ac916efa045f6d8a1d3d64a8
title: Tory plan for voter suppression
uri: Tory-plan-for-voter-suppression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Tory_plan_for_voter_suppression%29
content:
<p>
A <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/apr/23/uk-voter-id-plan-disenfranchises-poor-court-of-appeal-told">court is considering the Tory plan for voter suppression in the UK</a> by demanding photo IDs.


feed_id: 09f326625a12bdfe581bc75f0bbeaa30
title: Arkansas's ban on surgical abortions
uri: Arkansas-s-ban-on-surgical-abortions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Arkansas%27s_ban_on_surgical_abortions%29

content:
<p>
Arkansas's ban on surgical abortions has been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/22/arkansas-abortion-coronavirus-court-ruling">upheld by the federal appeals court.</a>
<p>
In some states, these bans have been overturned.  In others, upheld. I suppose the Supreme Court will study the case, and its right-wing majority will seize the opportunity to interfere with abortion rights by hook or by crook.


feed_id: ae6d7b6eb4ea7bdf57fb07fbca4dff25
title: Top vaccine expert
uri: Top-vaccine-expert
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Top_vaccine_expert%29
content:
<p>
*Top vaccine expert <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/22/rick-bright-trump-hydroxychloroquine-coronavirus">says he was fired</a> for resisting Trump on hydroxychloroquine.*


feed_id: 190c53b5e24d81c19ef60826941dd4bb
title: Ring surveillance face and license plate recognition
uri: Ring-surveillance-face-and-license-plate-recognition
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Ring_surveillance_face_and_license_plate_recognition%29

content:
<p>
Amazon is considering adding <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2020/04/ring-cameras-may-someday-scan-license-plates-and-faces-leak-shows/">face recognition and license plate recognition to Ring surveillance cameras.</a>
<p>
Setting up a system capable of systematic recognition of faces &mdash; or license plates &mdash; should be illegal, outside of very narrow circumstances.


feed_id: ab767265586433c59cb79a30a9f88ba8
title: Additional dam on the Nile
uri: Additional-dam-on-the-Nile
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Additional_dam_on_the_Nile%29
content:
<p>
An additional dam on the Nile will <a href="">create a competition over which country gets the water.</a>
<p>
This indicates that the population of the region is hitting a resource limit.  Whether or not that competition leads to an actual war, people will die as a result.
<p>
Showing that you can't overcome resource shortages with dams alone. You need birth control too.


feed_id: 876416940dfdf5499122832e4c37d25c
title: Floods
uri: Floods
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Floods%29
content:
<p>
*New research finds 147 million will be hit by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/23/flooding-double-number-people-worldwide-2030">floods</a> by the end of the decade.*


feed_id: 94d4523a68b51c97c9c124233b74bc2c
title: UK stay at home orders
uri: UK-stay-at-home-orders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28UK_stay_at_home_orders%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/23/older-people-could-face-extended-coronavirus-lockdown-lords-hears">The UK is considering ordering people over 70 to stay home for months.</a>
<p>
I would not obey a rule like that.  Since I do not wish to get sick, I go out only occasionally and take care when I do.  But I will not live by an absurd zero-tolerance rule that demands I avoid even small risks, regardless of what that does to my freedom and privacy.
<p>
For instance, I buy groceries in the supermarket and I pay cash.  I will not order them delivered or pay for them in a way that would identify me.


feed_id: b0d5c2dc0cf6af17bdf9d57b80afcf63
title: Covid-19 spreading through Singapore's migrant workers
uri: Covid-19-spreading-through-Singapore-s-migrant-workers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Covid-19_spreading_through_Singapore%27s_migrant_workers%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/23/singapore-million-migrant-workers-suffer-as-covid-19-surges-back">Covid-19 is spreading through Singapore's 300,000 migrant workers</a>, who are housed together up to 20 to a room. Now all of them are quarantined in those rooms all day.
<p>
Even before Covid-19, they were exploited and cheated.


feed_id: 72cd79553a2222462155b1a421d850a3
title: Small business and hospital stimulus
uri: Small-business-and-hospital-stimulus
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Small_business_and_hospital_stimulus%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/21/democrats-cave-senate-interim-funding-bill-coronavirus-relief-spurns-progressive">Democrats are about to accept another "stimulus"</a> which helps small businesses and hospitals, but none of the poor.


feed_id: 97fb82cc6fcb5e9376c6bd7cbd9de33e
title: Washington DC Trump Hotel
uri: Washington-DC-Trump-Hotel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Washington_DC_Trump_Hotel%29
content:
<p>
The Trump Hotel in Washington DC leased a building from the US government so as to profit if the bullshitter became president.  Now it is having trouble paying its rent, so it is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/21/oh-hi-corruption-trump-organization-seeks-rent-relief-dc-hotel-trump-administration">asking for rent relief.</a>


feed_id: 564d5e145ec5fe4cbeab93a504286d67
title: Glut of oil
uri: Glut-of-oil
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Glut_of_oil%29
content:
<p>
There is a glut of oil, and oil companies are paying others to take massive quantities of oil and store it until someone wants it.<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/21/us-oil-technically-worthless-and-coal-plants-shuttered-tidal-wave-bankruptcies"> Many fossil fuel companies are facing bankruptcy</a>, and many investors are facing losses.
<p>
We need those investors to lose money, and learn the lesson not to invest in fossil fuels.  As always, the saboteur in chief doesn't want rich people and big companies to suffer the negative consequences of their actions, so he has announced a big <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/21/opposite-peoplebeforeprofit-trump-orders-big-oil-bailout-just-day-after-historic">"bailout"</a> for them.
<p>
Bailouts for fossil fuel companies are not merely wasteful, not merely <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a>.  If they spare investors from learning the lesson that their investments are damaging, the bailouts are damaging.


feed_id: bb98426e63bc3b2331682c066151352e
title: Political system as the problem
uri: Political-system-as-the-problem
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Political_system_as_the_problem%29
content:
<p>
*A political system that is structurally incapable of acting for the
common good, even when millions of lives are at stake, is not just
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/21/will-americas-corruption-end-ventilator-or-mushroom-cloud">failing to solve our problems</a>. It is the problem.*
<p>
The US government's evident corruption and incompetence in dealing with Covid-19 demonstrates that this is the situation.  Now we need to fix it so the government can protect us from the even bigger dangers such as <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> and world-wide wars.


feed_id: 2b53e3a9705e88251a166c2001b5a95b
title: US House Remote Voting
uri: US-House-Remote-Voting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28US_House_Remote_Voting%29
content:
<p>
The House of Representatives is considering <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/21/house-vote-allowing-members-use-proxies-opening-door-full-remote-voting">remote voting.</a>
<p>
I see no particular problem in the interim plan to use proxies for votes.  However, remote voting creates a security problem that is <em>impossible to correct</em> if it uses nonfree software or services operated by companies.  It has to be with free software and the server must belong to the House of Representatives.


feed_id: e728a68a6bb96b04614293ce8fdddfb1
title: Milan pedestrians and bicycles
uri: Milan-pedestrians-and-bicycles
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Milan_pedestrians_and_bicycles%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/21/milans-plan-limit-cars-after-covid-19-lockdown-lauded-excellent-example">Milan plans to shift many streets to pedestrians and bicycles.</a>
<p>
I hope it will also increase bus service and build new subway lines. Not everyone can ride a bike, and walking to distant places will take too long.


feed_id: 8fd9652b889757d56cf6bd3522402b9b
title: China organized disinformation campaign
uri: China-organized-disinformation-campaign
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28China_organized_disinformation_campaign%29

content:
<p>
US officials say China organized a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/22/us/politics/coronavirus-china-disinformation.html">disinformation campaign</a> in March saying that the bullshitter was going to use soldiers to clamp down on movement in the US.
<p>
The bullshitter makes the US more vulnerable to disinformation from whatever source.  Perhaps he should ask someone to tell him the children's story, "The President That Cried 'Fake!'".  Eventually the president said "fake" about news that really was fake, and nobody believed him.


feed_id: c56d45a70ec8f3ef2a77b0ac612cd9a2
title: Distributing aid to hospitals
uri: Distributing-aid-to-hospitals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Distributing_aid_to_hospitals%29
content:
<p>
The corruptor placed the US's biggest private medical insurance company in charge of <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/22/never-heard-anything-watchdogs-sound-alarm-trump-puts-profit-insurer-charge-covid-19">distributing aid to hospitals.</a>
<p>
This gives the company an opportunity to pressure hospitals to modify their relationships with that company in ways that will benefit the company in the future, and perhaps even today.
<p>
Why did the corruptor choose that company?  My guess is that it is paying him off.


feed_id: 1961795749af0f7ecfb348df34a9d629
title: Loan program for small business
uri: Loan-program-for-small-business
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Loan_program_for_small_business%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://wolfstreet.com/2020/04/17/wheres-the-2-2-trillion-bailout-money-going-coronavirus-drives-barrage-of-new-lobbying-activity/">Lobbying</a> turned a supposed "loan program for small businesses" into a loan program for larger businesses &mdash; some of which just want to go bankrupt.
<p>
In effect, Congress is assuming that the officials that administer the program are making strong efforts to keep it honest &mdash; but with the conman in charge, you can be sure that will not happen.


feed_id: e09df69397fc3b8dc530882499fe7732
title: Urgent: US Citizens call on Congress and Mnuchin to stop big banks
uri: Urgent-US-Citizens-call-on-Congress-and-Mnuchin-to-stop-big-banks
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_US_Citizens_call_on_Congress_and_Mnuchin_to_stop_big_banks%29

content:
<p>
  US citizens: <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/banks-stimulus/">call on Congress and Mnuchin to stop big banks from taking Americans' crisis relief checks.</a>
</p>
  <p>The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641 and 888-355-3588.</p>
  <p>If you call please spread the word!</p>


feed_id: fbb5182f7b0a2023e7f7b71debda026a
title: Urgent: US citizens call on Congress to protect US contributions to the WHO.
uri: Urgent-US-citizens-call-on-Congress-to-protect-US-contributions-to-th
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_US_citizens_call_on_Congress_to_protect_US_contributions_to_the_WHO.%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/200419-save_who/">call on Congress to protect US contributions to the WHO.</a>
<p>The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641 and 888-355-3588.</p>
  <p>
    If you call, please spread the word!
  </p>


feed_id: ef8dcc4bba0c1c04619c2c093ad8aa5e
title: Cooperating with North Korea's need for help
uri: 2020-04-24-Cooperating-with-North-Korea-s-need-for-help
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Cooperating_with_North_Korea%27s_need_for_help%29

content:
<p>

Cooperating with North Korea's need for help in coping with Covid-19 could offer the <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/01/us-response-coronavirus-north-korea-can-save-lives-and-lead-peace">US an opportunity for useful diplomacy.</a>


feed_id: 74457d099aecb88eb1729cd23799a763
title: (satire) Nancy Pelosi
uri: (satire)-Nancy-Pelosi
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#25_April_2020_%28%28satire%29_Nancy_Pelosi%29
content:
<p>
(satire) *Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) assured Democratic House representatives Wednesday <a href="https://politics.theonion.com/nancy-pelosi-assures-democratic-reps-they-don-t-need-to-1843003799">they don’t need to try being productive during the stressful pandemic</a>.*


feed_id: f9548eccdcf6ceab10e5a56d2d8393ea
title: Washing State law limiting government us of face recognition
uri: Washing-State-law-limiting-government-us-of-face-recognition
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#25_April_2020_%28Washing_State_law_limiting_government_us_of_face_recognition%29

content:
<p>
Washington State passed a law <a href="https://www.cpomagazine.com/data-protection/avoiding-a-total-ban-washington-state-moves-to-limit-facial-recognition-technology/">limiting government use of face recognition</a>.  The ACLU says the limits are not enough to avoid the danger.
<p>
It appears that the law does not apply to businesses, indeed to anyone other than government agencies.  That makes the law inadequate, since it does nothing to limit the businesses, such as <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#23_January_2017_(Trolls_appointees_for_national_security)">Safran</a> that accumulate face recognition dossiers about everyone and sell access to these dossiers.


feed_id: 79738a8a4e01d9e2782d8aff010630b3
title: COVID-19 Liberate Groups
uri: COVID-19-Liberate-Groups
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#25_April_2020_%28COVID-19_Liberate_Groups%29
content:
<p>
*<a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2020/04/21/covid-19-liberate-groups-same-ones-pushing-climate-denial/">COVID-19 ‘Liberate’ Groups</a> Are the Same Ones Pushing Climate Denial.*
<p>
There is no activity more essential than protesting when necessary. But the thugs of Raleigh, North Carolina, say it is forbidden because it is <a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/04/20/protesting-is-a-non-essential.html">"non-essential".</a>
<p>
However, we should recognize that one of the ways Covid-19 threatens to do permanent harm is by allowing governments (including the US) and companies (Google, Apple, Amazon, Zoom and others) to increase their levels of surveillance and control over people.
<p>
Ironically, even as government threatens us with repression, it is also a <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/why-we-need-a-state.html">necessary platform for serving many vital needs</a>, and the only tool we could use to keep the companies and plutocrats in check, and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#2_November_2017_(Global_heating_refugees)">stop global heating</a> before it destroys technological civilization.
<p>
This means we must first take control of our government, then use it to defeat the plutocratists.  It's a devil of a situation, but it's that or serfdom.
<p>
We must not allow discrimination between protests based on what cause they advocate.  If we permitted that, the plutocrats would ban protests against them.


feed_id: 0bed638e647789d9be1be10276790399
title: Drugs developed with public research
uri: Drugs-developed-with-public-research
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#25_April_2020_%28Drugs_developed_with_public_research%29

content:
<p>
“Every one of the 210 new drugs approved by the FDA from 2010–2016" was developed using public research funds, according to the National Academy of Sciences.  The NIH used to have a rule that <a href="https://sirota.substack.com/p/will-big-pharma-fleece-us-on-a-covid">drugs developed with public research funds had to be sold for a reasonable price</a>, The plutocratist president, Bill Clinton, eliminated that rule.
<p>
Congress could restore that rule now with a law, if we replace the plutocratists in it.
<p>
Big Pharma says it needs monopolies to get the money to pay for the
large studies of the effects of drugs.  Those studies are crucial but
we must not allow pharma companies to play any role in them -- <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jul-oct.html#02_September_2015_(Studies_funded_by_pharma_companies)">because when they pay for studies, they corrupt the studies.</a>
<p>
If we are wise, we will pay for those studies with public funds, too.
<p>
After all, it's our money either way, whether we pay it via the government or through the pharma companies.


feed_id: 1fd96ebb3ad1b08c5f6b11770c5a6ffc
title: Mafias distributing food
uri: Mafias-distributing-food
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Mafias_distributing_food%29
content:
<p>
Mafias are distributing food to Italians who have no money and can't
buy anything.  It appears that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/10/mafia-distributes-food-to-italys-struggling-residents">the government's efforts to give people food
are not reaching everyone</a>.

<p>
Rather than sending <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> to question people on the street who are
suspiciously bringing people food, the government should improve its
own efforts to do the job.


feed_id: d720c5ab30d83428358e824c87273623
title: Zoom parliament
uri: Zoom-parliament
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Zoom_parliament%29
content:
<p>
Members of the UK Parliament <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/apr/20/mps-expected-approve-plans-virtual-parliament">will be compelled to use Zoom in order to vote</a>.

<p>
This is the ultimate surrender of a government to malicious technology.


feed_id: 320350df7f3bba7c9ea4c6b27244ade7
title: Shortage of purified CO2
uri: Shortage-of-purified-CO2
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Shortage_of_purified_CO2%29
content:
<p>
The US faces a national shortage of purified CO2, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/20/carbon-dioxide-shortage-us-food-water-coronavirus">and this could
impact water treatment</a>.


feed_id: c259d75e723bf8d449f3d40feba78a1a
title: Sea-level rise
uri: 2020-04-25-Sea-level-rise
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Sea-level_rise%29
content:
<p>
Boston is planning <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/20/climate-change-waterfront-living-wealthy-boston">for a meter of sea-level rise by 2070</a>.
  Since we keep finding that <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jan-apr.html#18_February_2019_(Melting_Greenland_ice)">Greenland</a> and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#6_April_2020_(Heat_wave_in_Antarctica)">Antarctica</a> are melting faster than
expected, I am not sure that is enough.

<p>
Building "resiliency" is a useful medium-term measure, that could help
Boston survive while we curb <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> &mdash; if we do.  But without
that, it is futile; all such efforts will be overwhelmed by the sea.


feed_id: ff20f17d848f802b986c2f459d88a782
title: Letting fruits rot
uri: Letting-fruits-rot
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Letting_fruits_rot%29
content:
<p>
Farms are letting fresh fruits and vegetables rot, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/17/food-banks-face-shortages-and-fresh-produce-rots-pandemic-spurs-calls-sustainable">while millions of
Americans can't get food</a>.

<p>
This is what results from devout worship of the Invisible Hand,
whose cult demands human sacrifice.


feed_id: ba153e50df353583c60a112d77855f7d
title: Support democracy
uri: Support-democracy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Support_democracy%29
content:
<p>
Common Cause's list of urgent recommendations <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/04/17/common-cause-urges-congress-prioritize-key-democracy-issues-next-covid-19">for Congress to support
democracy</a>.

<p>
I agree with them aside from one: funding to extend broadband
internet.

<p>
In order for "digital inclusion" to be an advance, it has to respect
freedom.  The internet today, used as people normally use it, devours
freedom.  When society as a whole depends on such use of the internet,
it becomes a trap that keeps people under the thumb of surveillance
capitalism and state repression.  Making that sort of internet faster
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/digital-inclusion-in-freedom.html">is a mistaken goal</a>.


feed_id: abca2bad32ee7b179298fe9fa4903bbf
title: Supporting farmers
uri: Supporting-farmers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Supporting_farmers%29
content:
<p>
Republicans have proposed funds to support farmers &mdash; but watch out: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/18/usdas-19-billion-covid-19-relief-farmers-and-food-banks-sparks-questions-about-who">they
will give all the money to big agribusiness unless the system is designed
very carefully</a>.

<p>
Indeed, even if they don't <em>directly</em> give all the money to giant
agribusiness corporations, those will grab most of it because of their
domination of the market.  Smaller farms typically sell to giant
monopsonies, which effectively set the price farms receive for their
production.  These prices <a href="https://stallman.org/doggerel.html#OldMacDonald">keep farmers right on the edge of going
under</a>.

<p>
To support actual farm prices would require different systems.
The US had such systems in the past, but plutocratists won't be
in favor of bringing them back.


feed_id: 22c48d0715941a965e47eaa7b2999b45
title: Global threat without end
uri: Global-threat-without-end
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Global_threat_without_end%29
content:
<p>
*Unless a vaccine is made available to every country <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/18/coronavirus-knows-no-international-borders-neither-must-its-eventual-cure">Covid-19 will turn
into a global threat without end</a>.*

<p>
We hope to develop a vaccine, or a treatment, but the way to get rid
of Covid-19 that we already <em>know</em> can work is that of testing,
tracing and isolation.  If that is our only way to do it, that too
must be implemented globally.

<p>
Testing, tracing and isolation does <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#21_April_2020_(Contact_tracing)">not require tracking everyone's
movements with a digital device</a>.
  China does that because repression is its goal.


feed_id: d93161c0c0492f21dcd5b39e9d07683b
title: Gaining surveillance on all activity
uri: Gaining-surveillance-on-all-activity
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Gaining_surveillance_on_all_activity%29

content:
<p>
A discussion of China and WeChat &mdash; how China has gained surveillance
of nearly all activity <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22898703">simply by making people pay for many vital
things via WeChat or Alipay</a>.

<p>
Covid-19 is temporary, but if it acts as an excuse to impose
surveillance, the surveillance is likely to be forever.  The time to
resist is now.

<p>
One way to resist is to join me in <em>always</em> paying cash when you
purchase goods, publications (textual or not), and ground transport.
If a store declines to take my cash, I say politely that cash is the
only way I can pay.  If the store refuses to make an accommodation, I
say "Too bad," and leave.

<p>
It is useful to tell your local and state politicians that you want
laws to require retail businesses to accept cash.  <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_January_2020_(Requiring_businesses_to_accept_cash)">New York City
passed one last year</a>.

<p>
Above all, don't be defeatist: don't give in to the attempted
self-fulfilling prophesy that Covid-19 will terrify us into paying
only through surveilled systems.


feed_id: c4c08ece1f2e9898f621a1fc8fe91962
title: Judicial harassment of environmental lawyers
uri: Judicial-harassment-of-environmental-lawyers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#24_April_2020_%28Judicial_harassment_of_environmental_lawyers%29

content:
<p>
*Nobel laureates condemn 'judicial harassment' of environmental lawyer.*
This refers to Steven Donziger, being persecuted by Chevron <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/18/nobel-laureates-condemn-judicial-harassment-of-environmental-lawyer">for being the
lawyer for the Ecuadorian farmers who sued Chevron</a>.

<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#5_February_2020_(Chevron_crushes_the_life_of_Steven_Donziger)">More information</a>.


feed_id: b98346ca55b8f8a01102d0666b4210a3
title: Politics
uri: 2020-04-25-Politics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_April_2020_%28Politics%29
content:
<p>
An internal investigation in the Labour Party, which was leaked,
concluded that some of its staff, who opposed Corbyn, weaponized
accusations of antisemitism so as to ensure the party would not win an
election under Corbyn.  The mainstream media
<a href="https://www.medialens.org/2020/the-people-have-spoken-bastards-leaked-labour-report-shows-partys-own-senior-staff-acted-to-keep-corbyn-out-of-power/">did
its best to support that campaign</a>.
<p>
Part of the campaign was to demand a zero-tolerance approach to
eliminating antisemitism from the party.  A zero-tolerance approach to
enforcing any rule tends to create dissention and hostility, because
it means that very small differences in conduct lead to enormously
different treatment.
    


feed_id: 89a22d245b39b6a70cc3e6ef37c4b045
uri: Urgent-Call-on-Congress-to-give-Americans-2-000-month-until-employme
title:
Urgent: Call on Congress to give Americans $2,000/month until employment returns to pre-COVID-19 levels

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Call_on_Congress_to_give_Americans_%242%2C000%252Fmonth_until_employment_returns_to_pre-COVID-19_levels%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: <a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=13934">call on Congress to give Americans $2,000/month until employment returns to pre-COVID-19 levels.</a>

<p>The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641 and 888-355-3588.</p>
  <p>
    If you call, please spread the word!


feed_id: eeca9d98020c59af462d9006dfb3c5d0
title: CARES Act loan contracts
uri: CARES-Act-loan-contracts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_April_2020_%28CARES_Act_loan_contracts%29
content:
<p>

Another flaw in the the extremely flawed CARES Act: the small business loans are supposed to be forgiven later if used to keep staff on the payroll, but the <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/04/24/small-business-loans-coronavirus-forgiveness/">loan contracts don't guarantee this forgiveness.</a>
<p>
This will give banks an opportunity to cheat or harass those businesses later.


feed_id: f33af2e4ecfe0748d57fc41ad5b195ed
title: The conman reportedly owes tens of millions to Chinese state owned banks.
uri: The-conman-reportedly-owes-tens-of-millions-to-Chinese-state-owned-ban
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_April_2020_%28The_conman_reportedly_owes_tens_of_millions_to_Chinese_state_owned_banks.%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/24/donald-trump-bank-of-china-debt-report">[The conman] reportedly owes tens of millions to the Bank of China.</a>* That bank is owned by the Chinese state.
<p>
If that is true, it means that China more or less owns the conman, unless he has amassed so much money through his corruption that he can pay back the loan now.
<p>
So, Mr Trump, have you repaid that loan yet?


feed_id: b5cae10f68d8867ff6d0fab5fb86518a
title: Dutch government announced measures to lower emissions
uri: Dutch-government-announced-measures-to-lower-emissions
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_April_2020_%28Dutch_government_announced_measures_to_lower_emissions%29

content:
<p>

*The Dutch government has announced measures including huge cuts to coal use, garden greening and limits on livestock herds as part of its <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/24/dutch-officials-reveal-measures-to-cut-emissions-after-court-ruling">plan to lower emissions to comply with a supreme court ruling</a>.*


feed_id: 797a8de516d04fdb319c65807b33f025
title: Covid-19 endangers human rights
uri: Covid-19-endangers-human-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_April_2020_%28Covid-19_endangers_human_rights%29
content:
<p>

UN Secretary General Guterres warns that <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/23/ensure-no-one-left-behind-un-chief-says-human-rights-must-be-central-fight-against">Covid-19 endangers human rights</a>, threatening freedom (attacked by authoritarian governments) as well as other human needs.


feed_id: e11c60c699f5ed50228022ff9961df15
title: Republican policies driving US towards another great depression
uri: Republican-policies-driving-US-towards-another-great-depression
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_April_2020_%28Republican_policies_driving_US_towards_another_great_depression%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/22/nobel-economist-joseph-stiglitz-warns-us-barreling-toward-second-great-depression">Stiglitz warns</a> that Republican policies are driving the US towards another great depression.


feed_id: 71ea7bc236d44697e45c4909858c3630
title: South Carolina's Republicans gutted public healthcare
uri: South-Carolina-s-Republicans-gutted-public-healthcare
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_April_2020_%28South_Carolina%27s_Republicans_gutted_public_healthcare%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/24/south-carolina-coronavirus-republicans-gutted-public-healthcare-pandemic-hit">South Carolina’s Republicans gutted public healthcare.</a>  Then the pandemic hit.*


feed_id: f0ce9e935da1c84ca5c64611297aa80f
title: Warren Demands investigation into Trump's Coronavirus response
uri: Warren-Demands-investigation-into-Trump-s-Coronavirus-response
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_April_2020_%28Warren_Demands_investigation_into_Trump%27s_Coronavirus_response%29

content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/22/warren-demands-investigation-trumps-coronavirus-response-saying-he-put-political">Warren Demands Investigation Into Trump's Coronavirus Response</a>, Saying He Put 'Political Expediency' Before Public Health.*


feed_id: 4f7b0e0ae8544cc1e4fe675766977125
title: Decrease in coal burning and mining
uri: Decrease-in-coal-burning-and-mining
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_April_2020_%28Decrease_in_coal_burning_and_mining%29

content:
<p>

The <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/22/earth-day-after-coal-amid-all-bad-news-major-turning-point">decrease in coal burning and mining in the US</a> is the result of years of pressure from the public.


feed_id: d36b8e55317cf5131e4c7622988a0862
title: Bloated US military budget
uri: Bloated-US-military-budget
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_April_2020_%28Bloated_US_military_budget%29
content:
<p>
Congress should stop piling more and more money onto the <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/22/coronavirus-crisis-makes-clear-pentagon-should-get-no-more-money-year-its-wasteful">bloated US military budget</a>.


feed_id: 3142ca8869aa759824259c8af239332e
title: Computerized voting machines can potentially transmit Covid-19
uri: Computerized-voting-machines-can-potentially-transmit-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_April_2020_%28Computerized_voting_machines_can_potentially_transmit_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/evoting.html">Computerized voting machines</a>, in addition to making the election vulnerable to rigging, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/04/23/electronic-voting-machines-could-become-major-disease-vector-election-security">can potentially transmit Covid-19 from one voter to the next</a>.


feed_id: bc4edf8eeb4d4034e2a6d0408dd833e9
title: Rep. Shalala did not disclose stocks
uri: Rep-Shalala-did-not-disclose-stocks
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_April_2020_%28Rep._Shalala_did_not_disclose_stocks%29

content:
<p>
Rep. Shalala sold stocks and did not mention this on the required disclosure forms.  She pleads ignorance of the disclosure laws. Natural that <href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/22/after-revelations-improper-stock-sales-rep-shalala-groups-demand-pelosis-pick">Pelosi chose her to supervise the enforcement of financial laws</a> on large companies receiving bailout funds.


feed_id: 244bb596c73be56f9fbeb3f2c9635eed
title: Drugs developed with public research
uri: 2020-04-26-Drugs-developed-with-public-research
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#25_April_2020_%28Drugs_developed_with_public_research%29

content:
<p>
“Every one of the 210 new drugs approved by the FDA from 2010–2016" was developed using public research funds, according to the National Academy of Sciences.  The NIH used to have a rule that <a href="https://sirota.substack.com/p/will-big-pharma-fleece-us-on-a-covid">drugs developed with public research funds had to be sold for a reasonable price</a>, The plutocratist president, Bill Clinton, eliminated that rule.
<p>
Congress could restore that rule now with a law, if we replace the plutocratists in it.
<p>
Big Pharma says it needs monopolies to get the money to pay for the
large studies of the effects of drugs.  Those studies are crucial but
we must not allow pharma companies to play any role in them &mdash; <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jul-oct.html#02_September_2015_(Studies_funded_by_pharma_companies)">because when they pay for studies, they corrupt the studies.</a>
<p>
If we are wise, we will pay for those studies with public funds, too.
<p>
After all, it's our money either way, whether we pay it via the government or through the pharma companies.


feed_id: c4cb63e347ea69d5a73085cc7c0cecc7
title: US military and climate disaster
uri: US-military-and-climate-disaster
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_April_2020_%28US_military_and_climate_disaster%29

content:
<p>

The <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/23/no-warming-no-war-report-details-how-us-militarism-and-climate-crisis-are-deeply">US military and climate disaster feed each other.</a>
<p>
Is there still "enough for everyone"?  If that is true today, it won't be true ten years from now.  If and when there are too many of us, the only humane and ethical remedy is to <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/children.html">reduce births.</a>


feed_id: 7d0e6a17297c2b0de9902d2c618a8013
title: Racist bigotry in China
uri: Racist-bigotry-in-China
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_April_2020_%28Racist_bigotry_in_China%29
content:
<p>

Racist bigotry is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/25/coronavirus-exposed-china-history-racism-africans-guangzhou">more prevalent in China</a> than in the US.
<p>
In the US, many of us campaign against it.


feed_id: 481d4e5e1c30b5d5158cbea2c2cf429e
title: Small Business Rescue Money
uri: Small-Business-Rescue-Money
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_April_2020_%28Small_Business_Rescue_Money%29
content:
<p>

<a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/04/24/coronavirus-small-business-loans-trump-donors-ppp/">*Small Business Rescue Money Flowing to Major Trump Donors, Disclosures Show.*</a>


feed_id: c023293761f1ca8b94316590766d91ef
title: California opens some beaches
uri: California-opens-some-beaches
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_April_2020_%28California_opens_some_beaches%29
content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/24/california-governor-reopen-beaches-coronavirus-us">California opens some beaches</a>, with restrictions to keep transmission of Covid-19 to a very low level.
<p>
This is a rational change, from zero-tolerance rigidity to a flexible approach.


feed_id: b9a9a28b44b7dab9935617e0f58a0d37
title: US Postal Service crisis
uri: US-Postal-Service-crisis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_April_2020_%28US_Postal_Service_crisis%29
content:
<p>

Republicans are thinking of using the US Postal Service crisis as an opportunity to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/04/23/10-billion-treasury-loan-usps/">break its unions.</a>

<p>


feed_id: 6597e25d45fea9558ac647f1b047907c
title: Urgent: Call on congress to demand explanation for authorizing use of landmines.
uri: Urgent-Call-on-congress-to-demand-explanation-for-authorizing-use-of
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Call_on_congress_to_demand_explanation_for_authorizing_use_of_landmines.%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on your congresscritter to demand that the head of the Pentagon <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/esper-must-answer-questions-on-landmines">answer questions about authorizing use of landmines.</a>
<p>The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641 and 888-355-3588.</p>
<p>If you call spread the word!</p>


feed_id: fb30d93846e9df49cc1360f4a0d99d0a
title: Illegal actions by Bolsonaro
uri: Illegal-actions-by-Bolsonaro
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_April_2020_%28Illegal_actoins_by_Bolsonaro%29
content:
<p>

When Sérgio Moro resigned he <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/04/24/bolsonaro-impeachment-moro-resigns-brazil/">revealed some illegal actions by Bolsonaro</a> that could justify impeaching him. However, the military are now in control, and impeaching Bolsonaro would replace him with an ex-general who admires the military dictatorship.  Not much better, but perhaps little worse.
<p>
I expect the US will work for military rule in Brazil.


feed_id: 6a33522a42d9edcf8dfb169a094ae545
title: Amazon caught cheating against companies that sell through Amazon.
uri: Amazon-caught-cheating-against-companies-that-sell-through-Amazon
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_April_2020_%28Amazon_caught_cheating_against_companies_that_sell_through_Amazon.%29

content:
<p>

Amazon has been <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/04/23/wake-amazons-lies-congress-bezos-must-finally-testify">caught cheating</a> against companies that sell through Amazon, by using data about their sales to compete with them.
<p>
Due to a paywall, I cannot access the article that reported on this, and even if I saw a copy I would not post a reference to it.  But I am confident that it would not have reported this without convincing evidence.


feed_id: c2077205cd3436cbe46b8b11449e911b
title: Edward Snowden warns Israel of danger of using massive surveillance.
uri: Edward-Snowden-warns-Israel-of-danger-of-using-massive-surveillance
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_April_2020_%28Edward_Snowden_warns_Isreal_of_danger_of_using_massive_surveillace.%29

content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/HyBAsXfuI">Edward Snowden warns Israel</a> about the danger of using massive surveillance data to act against Covid-19.


feed_id: 169a142c7da2649663e7af8df147cd70
title: Israeli colonists attacked Palestinian farmers
uri: Israeli-colonists-attacked-Palestinian-farmers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_April_2020_%28Israeli_colonists_attacked_Palestinian_farmers%29

content:
<p>

Palestinians report that <a href="https://imemc.org/article/settlers-assault-palestinian-farmers-and-activist/">Israeli colonists attacked Palestinian farmers</a> while Israeli soldiers encouraged them.  A Palestinian tried to record this but one of the colonists stole per camera.
<p>
The human rights group B'tselem reports that <a href="https://www.btselem.org/press_releases/20200423_violent_attacks_by_settlers_spike_in_april">these attacks have increased in April</a>, now running more than one per day. They attack buildings, olive trees, cars, and persons, often destroying or damaging them.  They have not killed people this month, but they have grievously wounded helpless people.  They often carry guns, so they could easily kill many at any time.
<p>
Often Israel soldiers are present and attack the Palestinians out of sheer hatred.


feed_id: 7f352d6d02a52512a8928f34bab312d3
title: Gaza Coronavirus
uri: Gaza-Coronavirus
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#26_April_2020_%28Gaza_Coronavirus%29
content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.counterpunch.org/2020/04/17/if-coronavirus-overwhelms-gaza-israel-alone-is-to-blame/">*If Coronavirus Overwhelms Gaza, Israel Alone is to Blame.*</a>

<p>
Israel will keep Gazans locked up in the prison which is Gaza, and shoot them if they try to flee.


feed_id: 33f091e21e4815c7f7193cf8111aa379
title: Bug bounty
uri: Bug-bounty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28Bug_bounty%29
content:
<p>
Some companies that operate bug bounty programs for tech businesses
have been perverted <a href="https://www.csoonline.com/article/3535888/bug-bounty-platforms-buy-researcher-silence-violate-labor-laws-critics-say.html">into schemes to pay bug reporters to keep silent</a>
&mdash; permanently.


feed_id: 4eb2d2d7a519a28ad7b7718ce7f41d74
title: Oil companies shutting down
uri: Oil-companies-shutting-down
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28Oil_companies_shutting_down%29
content:
<p>
The low price of oil has already made oil companies shut down many US
oil wells permanently, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/apr/25/fracking-america-boom-founders-prices-demand-collapse-covid-19">and a lot more will be shut down soon</a>.

<p>
Bizarrely, the article does not mention that this will help
civilization survive.  Why not?  Why do the Guardian's editors
want business journalist that doesn't look beyond the effects
on the profit prospects of certain businesses.


feed_id: 20bc39b4c5d198f9a74d0dd52afd5166
title: Coronavirus and evictions
uri: Coronavirus-and-evictions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28Coronavirus_and_evictions%29
content:
<p>
*Coronavirus Hasn’t Stopped Jared Kushner’s Real Estate Empire from <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/04/04/jared-kushner-real-estate-company-evictions/">Hounding Tenants with Debt Collection, Eviction Lawsuits</a>.*


feed_id: da34cfa8101c153c283d9700f1d05fc2
title: Useless Narrative Fluff
uri: Useless-Narrative-Fluff
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28Useless_Narrative_Fluff%29
content:
<p>
*How To Tell Real News <a href="https://caitlinjohnstone.com/2020/04/04/how-to-tell-real-news-from-useless-narrative-fluff/">From Useless Narrative Fluff</a>.*


feed_id: f599a2f673d07aa2f511b685de5b5c19
title: Data leak
uri: Data-leak
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28Data_leak%29
content:
<p>
Just as many people have begun foolishly giving companies lots of
their personal data, by buying things over the internet or paying in
non-anonymous ways, <a href="https://www.fedscoop.com/coronavirus-federal-data-collection-privacy/">these companies have started giving lots of
customer personal data to the US government</a>.

<p>
I say it is not enough just to <em>survive</em> Covid-19.  We need to survive
with some privacy left.  My policy is to refuse to let companies know
that I am the one buying.


feed_id: be04aeae93ee253ae0ca05a8b29cf49f
title: More respect for natural world
uri: More-respect-for-natural-world
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28More_respect_for_natural_world%29
content:
<p>
*Leading US biologist Thomas Lovejoy says to stop future outbreaks <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/25/ourselves-scientist-says-human-intrusion-nature-pandemic-aoe">we
   need more respect for natural world</a>.*

<p>
The argument that some vulnerable people depend on a wet market is not
strong enough sustain the conclusion that the market should stay open.
There are less dangerous ways to help those people.


feed_id: 55b295dffaf503601f8cf65bddf3df6d
title: Scotland independence supporters
uri: Scotland-independence-supporters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28Scotland_independence_supporters%29

content:
<p>
The UK is prosecuting supporters of independence for Scotland, and
others who have reported on the trial of Alex Salmond, for publishing
information that could have helped people identify one of the
witnesses that testified for the prosecution.  <a href="https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2020/04/craig-murray-defence-fund-launched/">One of them is Craig
Murray</a>.

<p>
I think <a href="https://wingsoverscotland.com/the-poisoned-pens/#comments">there is more from him here</a>.

<p>
Murray says that mainstream newspapers published more or less the same
information but were not prosecuted.  He concludes that this is a
politically biased prosecution.  He will not get a jury trial,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#6_March_2020_(Armoured_Glass_Box_is_torture)">so he could be railroaded as Assange is being</a>.

<p>
Alex Salmond was the leader of the Scottish National Party, which
advocated independence for Scotland (and still does).  He was accused
of raping or groping women (I don't know the details), but the jury
rejected the charges.

<p>
I have no position on the issue of Scotland, but politically biased
prosecution is evil.


feed_id: 44f652b1e0c3f6c04d890583d1f48652
title: Sérgio Moro resigned
uri: Sérgio-Moro-resigned
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28S%C3%83%C2%A9rgio_Moro_resigned%29
content:
<p>
Sérgio Moro, Brazil's justice minister, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/24/brazil-justice-minister-sergio-moro-resigns-jair-bolsonaro">has resigned</a>.

<p>
Previously, as a judge, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#7_July_2019_(Glenn_Greenwald)">he participated in a corrupt scheme to jail Lula</a>.


feed_id: 316f13ede1a39011c70b28868e65385c
title: Recycling broken fishing nets
uri: Recycling-broken-fishing-nets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28Recycling_broken_fishing_nets%29
content:
<p>
A business collects broken plastic fishing nets in Chile and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/24/ocean-plastic-recycling-patagonia-chile">recycles
them to make clothing</a>.

<p>
A large fraction of the plastic floating in the oceans <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#7_November_2019_(Fishermens_discarded_nets_and_lines)">comes from
broken fishing nets</a>,
  so this could be quite useful if it scales up.

<p>
Unfortunately the oil glut may kill the market for the recycled plastic.


feed_id: 888aafa832814078ee248423cabc80ab
title: Register to vote
uri: Register-to-vote
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28Register_to_vote%29
content:
<p>
If you want to vote in November, check now that you are registered.
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/20/how-you-can-dump-trump">And you may have to do more than that</a>.

<p>
However, it is an exaggeration to say we have 6.5 months to "save the planet",
because whatever happens in November, the president elected then won't try
to do it.


feed_id: 7793c67d7805349d310ab0df7b69bbbe
title: Employer-paid medical coverage
uri: Employer-paid-medical-coverage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#28_April_2020_%28Employer-paid_medical_coverage%29
content:
<p>

<a href="https://slatestarcodex.com/2020/04/24/employer-provided-health-insurance-delenda-est/">Employer-paid medical coverage</a> causes a many kinds of bureaucratic disasters because each company has its own list of allowed doctors and hospitals.


feed_id: 604ae227ee3a9a27b01eb37f32c5611b
title: Bogus Copyright Filters
uri: Bogus-Copyright-Filters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#28_April_2020_%28Bogus_Copyright_Filters%29
content:
<p>

The copyright industry is trying to use Covid-19 as an excuse to <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/04/copyright-and-crisis-filters-are-not-answer">impose robotic copyright filters</a> in the US, similar to the devastating directive that was passed by the EU a year ago.
<p>
It is unfortunate that the article uses the confused term "intellectual property" as if it referred to something meaningful.  It is a <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">bogus overgeneralization which is lumps together various unrelated laws.</a>
<p>
This issue is about one specific law: copyright.  "Copyright" refers to a meaningful topic.  "Intellectual property" does not.
<p>
I think it is also unfortunate that the article speaks of <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Monetize.">"monetizing".</a>
 


feed_id: d3743d92c637ee2819ced33868d6fe62
title: "Reopen" campaign
uri: Reopen-campaign
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#28_April_2020_%28Reopen_campaign%29
content:
<p>

The "reopen" campaign is an astroturf campaign; its web sites were <a href="https://krebsonsecurity.com/2020/04/whos-behind-the-reopen-domain-surge/">registered by well-funded right-wing groups.</a>


feed_id: 1c1ef6e32266e3d7e0bb76b8088ca89e
title: Voting from home
uri: Voting-from-home
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#28_April_2020_%28Voting_from_home%29
content:
<p>

*Texas Attorney General's Office Says It Can <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20200416/11420444316/texas-attorney-generals-office-says-it-can-toss-people-jail-suggesting-coronavirus-fears-are-legit-reason-to-vote-home.shtml">Toss People In Jail For Suggesting Coronavirus Fears Are A Legit Reason To Vote From Home.*</a>


feed_id: 4ce8f8b1c75d3a8c39a2f061a820e3b6
title: Evidence SARS-CoV-2 did not escape from a virology lab.
uri: Evidence-SARS-CoV-2-did-not-escape-from-a-virology-lab
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#28_April_2020_%28Evidence_SARS-CoV-2_did_not_escape_from_a_virology_lab.%29

content:
<p>

Evidence including DNA sequences and sequences of events makes it pretty clear that the SARS-CoV-2 virus strain evolved in animals and <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/claim-that-coronavirus-came-lab-china-completely-unfounded-scientists-say-1498308">did not escape from a virology lab.</a>
<p>
<a href="https://www.snopes.com/news/2020/04/01/covid-19-bioweapon/">More information.</a>


feed_id: c92d9ff23fe192e140788561d1cd730d
uri: Urgent-Everyone-call-on-the-European-Investment-Bank-to-close-your-f
title:
Urgent: Everyone: call on the European Investment Bank to close your fossil finance loopholes and fund a just COVID-19 recovery.

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#28_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Everyone%3A_call_on_the_European_Investment_Bank_to_close_your_fossil_finance_loopholes_and_fund_a_just_COVID-19_recovery.%29

content:
<p>

Everyone: call on the European Investment Bank to close your fossil finance loopholes and <a href="https://act.priceofoil.org/sign/EIB-Just-Recovery/">fund a just COVID-19 recovery.</a>


feed_id: eae9697c6e7576ea848ed591cb14cbe1
title: Poor health and safety of Amazon workers
uri: Poor-health-and-safety-of-Amazon-workers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28Poor_health_and_safety_of_Amazon_workers%29

content:
<p>
  Amnesty International&hellip;demanded
  online retail giant Amazon <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/24/allegations-mistreatment-and-unsafe-conditions-mount-amnesty-international-declares">start prioritizing the health and safety of
  its workers around the planet</a>.
<p>
  This one injustice is a <a href="https://stallman.org/amazon.html">small part of the injustice Amazon does</a>.
  Let's refuse to give it any money.


feed_id: 8b78984f4e10e7f38bc6ada7e211d21f
title: Americans who have lost their jobs have been unable to file for unemployment
uri: Americans-who-have-lost-their-jobs-have-been-unable-to-file-for-unempl
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28Americans_who_have_lost_their_jobs_have_been_unable_to_file_for_unemployment%29

content:
<p>
  Millions of Americans who have lost their jobs <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/24/massive-backlog-unpaid-jobless-benefits-leaves-nightmare-millions-brink-financial">have been unable to
  file claims</a> for unemployment pay.


feed_id: bdf9de6382f933675686a06348b29cf6
title: Insect populations have declined in the past 30 years
uri: Insect-populations-have-declined-in-the-past-30-years
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28Insect_populations_have_declined_in_the_past_30_years%29

content:
<p>
  Insect populations overall have declined <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/24/silent-spring-already-here-global-study-shows-nearly-25-drop-insect-numbers-past-30">by 25% in the past 30 years</a>.


feed_id: 4ce5b45667c01cff461237aa67c92f00
title: Loads of money into radioactive waste
uri: Loads-of-money-into-radioactive-waste
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28Loads_of_money_into_radioactive_waste%29

content:
<p>
  The saboteur in chief <a href=" https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/24/instead-protecting-public-health-during-covid-19-crisis-trump-moves-prop-dirty-dying">set up a panel</a> to recommend ways to promote
  nuclear power.  Its recommendations would throw loads of money into
  radioactive waste.


feed_id: 013b5c502cd775595a584c3a407c22b2
title: Reagan like Republican in the Democratic primary
uri: Reagan-like-Republican-in-the-Democratic-primary
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28Regan_like_Republican_in_the_Democratic_primary%29

content:
<p>
  A Reagan-like Republican is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2020/04/24/why-democratic-party-must-support-alexandria-ocasio-cortez">running in the Democratic primary</a> against
  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
<p>
  They can't imagine her voters would actually prefer such a candidate.
  Are they some sort of trickery?


feed_id: 8b30a9267ae53e91359b4d9c1a20a60f
title: Long prepared surveillance plans
uri: Long-prepared-surveillance-plans
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28Long_prepared_surveillance_plans%29

content:
<p>
  Various countries are <a href="https://caitlinjohnstone.com/2020/04/11/they-are-rolling-out-the-architecture-of-oppression-now-because-they-fear-the-people/">increasing the level of surveillance</a> to react to
  Covid-19, but that may be only the occasion for long-prepared plans.


feed_id: a4b39d1d13feaf5c406555dec69bc4ba
title: Covid-19 has disrupted measles vaccination
uri: Covid-19-has-disrupted-measles-vaccination
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28Covid-19_has_disrupted_measles_vaccination%29

content:
<p>
  Covid-19 has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/apr/26/missed-vaccinations-could-lead-to-other-fatal-outbreaks-doctors-warn">disrupted measles vaccination</a>.  Children could die from
  that.


feed_id: 8d567cf494d0ad876cfbf1c8cd0468ce
title: Hungary's oppressive ID requirements repression
uri: Hungary-s-oppressive-ID-requirements-repression
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28Hungary%27s_oppressive_ID_requirements_repression%29

content:
<p>
  Hungary's oppressive ID requirements &mdash; one must show government ID
  even to buy a bus pass or pick up a parcel &mdash; are being used to
  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/26/hungary-prepares-to-end-legal-recognition-of-trans-people">repress trans people</a>.


feed_id: 37ab1eb54496a1877c72a55392e792c1
title: Supposedly independent scientific advisory meetings
uri: Supposedly-independent-scientific-advisory-meetings
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28Supposedly_independent_scientific_advisory_meetings%29

content:
<p>
  Bogus Johnson <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/26/attendees-of-sage-coronavirus-meetings-worried-by-presence-of-dominic-cummings">sent his chief political heavy</a> to participate in
  supposedly independent scientific advisory meetings.


feed_id: 644b2927c21862066c410f95adaf7ff1
title: State's roles challenged by Covid-19
uri: State-s-roles-challenged-by-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28State%27s_roles_challanged_by_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>
  The crisis caused by Covid-19 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/26/government-state-role-pandemic-coronavirus">may pulverize the right-wing assumption</a>
  that the state must not help people.  But it can also encourage state
  actions to hurt people.


feed_id: 9c58936232e244d059624c8dc4b73216
title: Bending reality
uri: Bending-reality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28Bending_reality%29
content:
<p>
  <a href="https://caitlinjohnstone.com/2020/04/17/we-are-ruled-by-wizards/">We Are Ruled By Wizards</a> &mdash;
  bending reality is as simple as bending people's perception of reality.


feed_id: 1becfa76ce097e36ad0994d4d6fdb2eb
title: Trump's NLRB Moves to Make Unionizing 'Nearly Impossible for Workers'
uri: Trump-s-NLRB-Moves-to-Make-Unionizing-Nearly-Impossible-for-Workers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28Trump%27s_NLRB_Moves_to_Make_Unionizing_%27Nearly_Impossible_for_Workers%27%29

content:
<p>
  Under Cover of Pandemic, Trump's NLRB Moves to Make Unionizing <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/03/under-cover-pandemic-trumps-nlrb-moves-make-unionizing-nearly-impossible-workers">'Nearly
  Impossible for Workers'.</a>


feed_id: 8a68f2fb5068e8c72fa3225be8abd811
title: Hesitation to use Defense Production Act for medical gear
uri: Hesitation-to-use-Defense-Production-Act-for-medical-gear
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28Hesitation_to_use_Defense_Production_Act_for_medical_gear%29

content:
<p>
  [The saboteur in chief] <a href="https://boingboing.net/2020/04/03/trump-has-been-hesitant-to-inv.html">has been hesitant to invoke</a> the Defense
  Production Act for medical gear. But he's already used it hundreds of
  thousands of times for weapons and bombs.


feed_id: a22c2be83df477514bc48a6e87040d04
title: Tea Party Republicans undermined the US stockpile of N95 masks
uri: Tea-Party-Republicans-undermined-the-US-stockpile-of-N95-masks
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28Tea_Party_Republicans_undermined_the_US_stockpile_of_N95_masks%29

content:
<p>
  "Tea Party" Republicans <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/us-emergency-medical-stockpile-funding-unprepared-coronavirus">undermined the US stockpile of N95 masks</a>.
  They pretend that no one could have guessed that the US would need
  hundreds of millions of masks, but they didn't need to guess, only to
  listen.

  Their ideological opposition to making use of government to serve all of
  society throws us into helpless dependence on the plutocrats that they serve.
  We need to reclaim control of the state, so that it can do <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/why-we-need-a-state.html">the many jobs</a>
  that only a state can do.


feed_id: 05254df2e709e4ddb6206c762c29bbe2
title: Ted Chiang Explains the Disaster Novel We All Suddenly Live In
uri: Ted-Chiang-Explains-the-Disaster-Novel-We-All-Suddenly-Live-In
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#27_April_2020_%28Ted_Chiang_Explains_the_Disaster_Novel_We_All_Suddenly_Live_In%29

content:
<p>
  <a href="https://electricliterature.com/ted-chiang-explains-the-disaster-novel-we-all-suddenly-live-in/">Ted Chiang Explains the Disaster Novel We All Suddenly Live In.</a>

<p>
  I highly recommend Ted Chiang's book, Stories of Your Life and Others.
  If you buy a copy, please pay cash only &mdash; don't let a business track
  what you read.  And especially don't get the <a href="media/3f1e898d.ebooks.pdf" data-original-source="https://stallman.org/ebooks.pdf">commercial ebooks</a> that
  impose DRM and require you to promise to act like a jerk.

<p>
  I bought a printed copy and paid cash.
  


feed_id: a6fdc28fe17957f5bb976c307e12e293
title: Boycott Amazon
uri: Boycott-Amazon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#28_April_2020_%28Boycott_Amazon%29
content:
<p>
Even if you are willing to be tracked by online sales, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/apr/27/how-to-avoid-amazon-the-definitive-guide-to-online-shopping-without-the-retail-titan">you can help the
world by boycotting Amazon in particular</a>.


feed_id: b1862b731fa8cdf9b6860869548f20cc
title: Groupthinking
uri: Groupthinking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#28_April_2020_%28Groupthinking%29
content:
<p>
Even if the people deciding a country's response to Covid-19 are smart and of good will, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/27/coronavirus-sage-scientific-groupthink">they are vulnerable to groupthink</a>.

<p>
This presents an interesting comparison for today's Republicans: those
of the 1970s.


feed_id: 59e7877d6007f2b95be393a96cb1f3de
title: Release of prisoners
uri: Release-of-prisoners
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#28_April_2020_%28Release_of_prisoners%29
content:
<p>
The UK said it would releases some prisoners so they would be less
exposed to coronavirus.  And <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/apr/27/only-33-prisoners-in-england-and-wales-released-under-anti-coronavirus-measures">it did release some &mdash; 33 of them</a>.


feed_id: 740011a418bdb8d1847db6c244755daf
title: Minor death penalty
uri: Minor-death-penalty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#28_April_2020_%28Minor_death_penalty%29
content:
<p>
The Acting King of Salafi Arabia announced <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/27/saudi-arabia-ends-death-penalty-for-minors">that it will no longer
sentence minors to death</a>.

<p>
Whether <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-sep-dec.html#26_October_2018_(Khashoggi_admission)">unofficial dismemberment</a> will be limited to adults is not clear.


feed_id: ecf4bc3379dec41bbb7b42b45efafb6c
title: Endangered languages during Covid-19 crisis
uri: Endangered-languages-during-Covid-19-crisis
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#28_April_2020_%28Endangered_languages_during_Covid-19_crisis%29

content:
<p>
Covid-19 could wipe out many endangered languages <a href="https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/voices/the-pandemic-also-threatens-endangered-languages/">that are spoken only
by a few old people, most often poor</a>.


feed_id: 06d7374de15121139b0cbab7c2edf875
title: Urgent: oppose bailouts for weapons companies
uri: Urgent-oppose-bailouts-for-weapons-companies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_oppose_bailouts_for_weapons_companies%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter to oppose bailouts for weapons
companies and military contractors.  That includes mercenaries &mdash; the US army
should stop hiring mercenaries.


feed_id: 7768dcadb917fff3d339093054bff7a2
title: Peace activists arrested for chatting
uri: Peace-activists-arrested-for-chatting
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_April_2020_%28Peace_activists_arrested_for_chatting%29

content:
<p>
*Hamas arrests Gaza peace activists for &hellip; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/09/hamas-arrests-gaza-peace-activists-for-zoom-chat-with-israelis">chat with Israelis</a>.*


feed_id: a5ec626b809f3365e37fb9fdd07c7f2b
title: On course for hottest year
uri: On-course-for-hottest-year
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_April_2020_%28On_course_for_hottest_year%29
content:
<p>
*Meteorologists say 2020 on course to be hottest year since records began.*
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/27/meteorologists-say-2020-on-course-to-be-hottest-year-since-records-began">Global heating is continuing steadily</a>.


feed_id: 552f878ffd73e40f67323f40e1de3794
title: Nonvoters
uri: Nonvoters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_April_2020_%28Nonvoters%29
content:
<p>
*Nonvoters Are Not Privileged. They Are Disproportionately <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/04/09/nonvoters-are-not-privileged-they-are-largely-lower-income-non-white-and-dissatisfied-with-the-two-parties/">Lower-Income,
 Non-White and Dissatisfied With The Two Parties</a>.*


feed_id: eed0cb33d5cb0f58834ef77788ec320a
title: Even worse pandemics
uri: Even-worse-pandemics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_April_2020_%28Even_worse_pandemics%29
content:
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/27/halt-destruction-nature-worse-pandemics-top-scientists">Halt destruction of nature or suffer even worse pandemics</a>, say world’s top
scientists.*


feed_id: 20545aa5f47e6c960362d722256db58c
title: Beyond fake news
uri: Beyond-fake-news
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_April_2020_%28Beyond_fake_news%29
content:
<p>
The bullshitter has gone beyond fake news to <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/04/trumps-first-deepfake/610750/">publishing a deepfake
video about Biden</a>.

<p>
I fear that many people will treat whatever is depicted there as fact
even if they see a notice that it isn't.


feed_id: aead3fd5ac3d092af4c80ed7a4d5d1ac
title: Inflated rates
uri: Inflated-rates
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_April_2020_%28Inflated_rates%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/trump-accuses-new-york-of-padding-state-s-mortality-rat-1843113132">satire</a>) *[The bully] publicly accused New York health officials Monday of
   inflating the state’s Covid-19 mortality rate by including African
   Americans in their calculations of the total dead.*


feed_id: e22fd6f6589dba8563365c71cc52822a
title: More deadly pandemics
uri: More-deadly-pandemics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_April_2020_%28More_deadly_pandemics%29
content:
<p>
*Without 'Transformative Change' to Global Economic Systems, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/27/without-transformative-change-global-economic-systems-humans-risk-causing-more">Humans Risk
Causing More Deadly Pandemics</a>.*

<p>
One thing we need to change is the operation of factory farms for meat.

<p>
Agribusiness demands reducing the controls against disease, which
means moving in the wrong direction.  Thus, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#11_July_2019_(Self-inspecting_beef_processing)">the US under the saboteur
is cutting back on meat inspection</a>,
  which is crazy, since it will promote the spread of antibiotic resistance.

<p>
You don't need to have any preexisting conditions to die from
resistant bacteria.


feed_id: f99a50fb176b5cf463ab28f8c2162c72
title: Military spending
uri: 2020-04-29-Military-spending
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_April_2020_%28Military_spending%29
content:
<p>
*'Halt This Madness': US Drove Last Year's <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/04/27/halt-madness-us-drove-last-years-over-19-trillion-global-military-spending">Over $1.9 Trillion in Global
Military Spending</a>.*


feed_id: 218398cb253f1ee999b5ecef10735a6a
title: Trustworthy surveillance
uri: Trustworthy-surveillance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_April_2020_%28Trustworthy_surveillance%29
content:
<p>
Poland says that people can trust its centralized quarantine tracker
because the data will be saved for "only" six years and <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-25/coronavirus-poland-tracking-quarantine-selfie-app/12173884">only the Polish
government will have access to it</a>.
  That doesn't make it very trustworthy.

<p>
On the one hand, 14 days of location tracking data, which on each
occasion reports that you are in the same place (at home), is nothing
to worry about in itself.  If I were in quarantine for a few weeks,
infected with coronavirus, I would not object to being tracked for
that period.

<p>
I would not let them do it <em>with a portable phone</em>, though, because
that device can also listen and transmit at any time, and it can be
tracked by others aside from the quarantine authority.  I would not
install a nonfree program on my computer to do it, either.

<p>
I would invite the government to lend me a portable phone with a
broken microphone for the duration of my quarantine.  Then I would
uncover its camera when agents call me through it.  I would not care
what software they have installed on their phone while I borrow it, as
long as it could not do anything except the job it is officially
supposed to do.  If they wanted to hear my voice as well, they could
call my landline at the same time.

<p>
On the other hand, the general defeatist attitude in the quotation at
the end, "They know all about us, so why resist their systems to know
all about us," is a very important mistake.  All we need, to force
systems to be redesigned so that "they" won't "know all about us", is
to throw off the defeatism and start demanding they do so.


feed_id: ce9f2086c2ea136fc736a559a80bb159
title: New York State Democratic presidential primary
uri: New-York-State-Democratic-presidential-primary
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#30_April_2020_%28New_York_State_Democratic_presidential_primary%29

content:
<p>

The New York State Democratic Party cancelled its presidential primary on the grounds that all the candidates except Biden have withdrawn. <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/04/28/cuomo-new-york-primary/">The election will be held anyway</a>, since it includes other offices as well.
<p>
The Sanders campaign objected to this move, since it could reduce the turnout of progressives for other candidates.
<p>
I hope progressives understand the importance of replacing right-wing Democrats, and vote as if their lives depend on it -- since they will.
<p>
Democrats are coming to understand the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/28/us-election-2020-fair-accurate-survey-democrats-republicans">danger of Republican voter suppression</a>. However, anything that artificially discourages progressive voters from voting will have a similar effect.


feed_id: 1b774678452c0038ec5037b7f60ee5c9
title: Reopening the economy
uri: Reopening-the-economy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_April_2020_%28Reopening_the_economy%29
content:
<p>

Large parts of the US economy cannot recover as long as people are worried about catching Covid-19.  Even if US states allow them to reopen, <a href="https://www.vox.com/2020/4/22/21228651/opening-up-save-economy-trump-coronavirus-pandemic-shutdown">not many people will make use of them</a>.
<p>
The article mentions a restaurant reservation service called <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_May_2015_(Opentable_web_disservice)">OpenTable</a>.  I've read it gouges restaurants, so that overall they are worse off due to its existence, but no restaurant can afford to reject it while its competitors don't.
<p>
That is a reason to <em>boycott</em> OpenTable, but the strongest reason <em>not to do business with it</em> is that it identifies customers and feeds the surveillance industry.  Once I stepped into an interesting-looking restaurant and learned that the only way to dine there was to reserve via OpenTable.  Which implied that I would never dine there.
<p>
When I make a restaurant reservation, I do not identify myself in a way that a database could track.  Usually I give a false name &mdash; which will not alter how much I pay for the meal.  And I pay only in cash.


feed_id: e17c93b07e77d9adb399bcc469b82a1f
title: Speed up chicken processors inspections
uri: Speed-up-chicken-processors-inspections
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_April_2020_%28Speed_up_chicken_processors_inspections%29

content:
<p>

The Saboteur of Agriculture wants to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2020/04/27/federal-government-eviscerating-poultry-inspection-line-speed-caps-most">allow chicken processors to speed up their inspections</a>. Basically, to cut corners and spread more pathogens.

Similar things have already been done with <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#28_February_2018_(Pork_plant_inspections)">pork processing</a>.


feed_id: 873eb2aee449bd13f843f88b58cb06f0
title: Vilnius public space
uri: Vilnius-public-space
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_April_2020_%28Vilnius_public_space%29
content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/28/lithuanian-capital-to-be-turned-into-vast-open-air-cafe-vilnius">Vilnius gives public space to bars and cafes</a> to allow physical distancing during lockdown.*


feed_id: f1c78d1a975245384c120eddbafea5b6
title: Plastic Industry Bailout
uri: Plastic-Industry-Bailout
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_April_2020_%28Plastic_Industry_Bailout%29
content:
<p>

Companies that make plastic are <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/04/27/plastic-industry-coronavirus-bailout/">asking the US government for a billion dollars</a>.
<p>
The right thing to do is extract concessions to the environment in exchange for saving a part of the industry with a smaller amount of plastic going forward.


feed_id: 568c34ffff4fefc4117a80c4fcc63997
title: Michael Moore fallen for planet roaster disinformation.
uri: Michael-Moore-fallen-for-planet-roaster-disinformation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_April_2020_%28Michael_Moore_fallen_for_planet_roaster_disinformation.%29

content:
<p>

  Michael Moore has fallen for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/28/climate-dangerous-documentary-planet-of-the-humans-michael-moore-taken-down">and repeated planet roaster disinformation</a>. It is sad.


feed_id: 795a6e116f530cdde8babdf4910c20a3
title: Criticize the conman for the wrongs he does.
uri: Criticize-the-conman-for-the-wrongs-he-does
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_April_2020_%28Criticize_the_conman_for_the_wrongs_he_does.%29

content:
<p>

Criticize the conman for the wrongs he does, but <a href="https://caitlinjohnstone.com/2020/04/28/why-its-ugly-to-criticize-trump-for-dodging-the-vietnam-draft/">not for avoiding the war in Vietnam</a>.  The war was evil, and the draft was evil.


feed_id: 44d139f5f18fa95139bee4cf7580faff
title: Workers Strike
uri: Workers-Strike
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_April_2020_%28Workers_Strike%29
content:
<p>

Workers from Amazon, Instacart, Whole Foods, Walmart, Target, and FedEx plan to <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/04/28/coronavirus-may-1-strike-sickout-amazon-target-whole-foods/">strike on May 1</a>.


feed_id: 0b6b0a45f231998fa93fc4869684e001
title: The social change of keeping distant
uri: The-social-change-of-keeping-distant
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_April_2020_%28The_social_change_of_keeping_distant%29

content:
<p>

The social change of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/28/lockdown-restrictions-solidarity-coronavirus-social-distancing">keeping distant from other people can affect how much we trust each other, or empathize with each other</a>, and it could be hard to reverse.


feed_id: d0f9ed40eeb5f813444e7fc18c622e06
title: Urgent: Citizens of Massachusetts: call on Massachusetts lawmakers to protect voting rights.
uri: Urgent-Citizens-of-Massachusetts-call-on-Massachusetts-lawmakers-to
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_Citizens_of_Massachusetts%3A_call_on_Massachusetts_lawmakers_to_protect_voting_rights.%29

content:
<p>

Citizens of Massachusetts: call on Massachusetts lawmakers to <a href="https://action.aclu.org/send-message/tell-lawmakers-protect-right-vote-fall-2020">protect voting rights</a>, by mail or in person, for this year's election.


feed_id: 101fa7043a2ba034dcb15af78ac60ff5
title: Urgent: US citizens: call on Congress to protect farm workers from Covid-19
uri: Urgent-US-citizens-call-on-Congress-to-protect-farm-workers-from-Cov
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_April_2020_%28Urgent%3A_US_citizens%3A_call_on_Congress_to_protect_farm_workers_from_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-congress-protect-the-food-chain-during-the-pandemic-our-farmworkers-are-in-danger?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-rootsactionorg&source=group-rootsactionorg">protect farm workers from Covid-19</a>.
<p>
America's food depends on that, as well as the farm workers themselves.
<p>The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641 and 888-355-3588.</p>
<p>If you call please spread the word!</p>


feed_id: 8efad7ff5dce002a8ed8ac99693ea010
title: Immigrants in US immigration jails vulnerability to Covid-19
uri: Immigrants-in-US-immigration-jails-vulnerability-to-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#29_April_2020_%28Immigrants_in_US_immigration_jails_vulnerability_to_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>

Immigrants crowded up in US immigration jails are trying to tell us about their <a href="https://theintercept.com/2020/04/28/ice-detention-coronavirus-videos/">vulnerability to Covid-19</a>.  The deportation thugs sometimes punish them to shut them up.


