# articles

feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Trickle_down_is_a_myth)
title: "Trickle down" is a myth
uri: Trickle-down-is-a-myth
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Trickle_down_is_a_myth%29
content:
<p>A team of IMF economists 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/jun/15/focus-on-low-income-families-to-boost-economic-growth-says-imf-study">
recognized</a>
 that "trickle down" is a myth:
to boost economic growth, put money in the hands of the poor.
</p>
<p>Conversely, imposing austerity as in UK and the euro-zone tends to
cause
contraction.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Mori_sentenced_to_death)
title: Mori sentenced to death
uri: Mori-sentenced-to-death
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Mori_sentenced_to_death%29
content:
<p>Egypt 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/16/egyptian-court-confirms-morsi-death-sentence-over-jailbreak-during-uprising">
has confirmed</a>
 Morsi's death sentence about escaping from prison.
</p>
<p>He was not in prison for any real crime; he was a political
prisoner.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Problems_and_capitalism)
title: Problems and capitalism
uri: Problems-and-capitalism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Problems_and_capitalism%29
content:
<p>Global problems 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/16/age-global-neoliberalism-solutions-must-come-below">
are the natural result</a>
 of capitalism and plutocracy.
No force exists that is strong enough to stop the selfishness of
plutocrats
from destroying millions of people and millions of species.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Higher_CO2_levels)
title: Higher CO2 levels
uri: Higher-CO2-levels
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Higher_CO2_levels%29
content:
<p>Higher CO2 levels in the air 
<a href="http://phys.org/news/2015-06-carbon-dioxide-air-restrict-ability.html">
impede</a>
 some food plants' ability to
absorb nitrogen.  This will make food less nutritious for humans.
</p>
<p>Another consequence is that extra CO2 does not stimulate growth as
much as global heating excusers would like us to suppose.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Modern_extinction)
title: Modern extinction
uri: Modern-extinction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Modern_extinction%29
content:
<p>A study estimates that humanity 
<a href="http://phys.org/news/2015-06-group-modern-extinction-higher-thought.html">has 
already wiped</a> 7% of the modern invertebrate species.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Clinton)
title: Clinton
uri: 2015-06-22-Clinton
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Clinton%29
content:
<p>Clinton 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/15/hillary-clinton-ducks-questions-trade-deals-new-hampshire">
refuses</a>
 to take a stand about "fast track", and pretends
Obama's business supremacy treaties are merely trade deals.
</p>
<p>I can see only one possible explanation for this: she supports them
and knows Democrats wouldn't like it.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Senior_prom)
title: Senior prom
uri: Senior-prom
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Senior_prom%29
content:
<p>A senior prom can be a lesson in how 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/16/proms-us-uk-schools">
little value</a>
 an artificially
hyped event has,
for those who don't know that already.</p>
<p>I didn't go to my school's prom.  I had no girlfriend, and it was
clear that being there would only rub the isolation in.  But I think I
had already learned the lesson it can teach about putting on the forms
of rejoicing.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Roundup)
title: Roundup
uri: Roundup
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Roundup%29
content:
<p>France 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/06/15/offensive-against-monsanto-france-removes-roundup-store-shelves">
has restricted</a>
 sale of Roundup.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Islamist_rebels_in_Philippines)
title: Islamist rebels in Philippines
uri: Islamist-rebels-in-Philippines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Islamist_rebels_in_Philippines%29
content:
<p>Islamist rebels in the Philippines 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/16/filipino-muslim-rebels-hand-over-assault-weapons-to-reinforce-peace-deal">
have made peace</a>
 in exchange for
an autonomous region.
</p>
<p>An autonomous region, as such, may not be a bad thing, but I was told
there that this deal includes a separate Islamic "human rights
commission" for it.  That would almost surely mean disrespect for the
human rights of non-Muslims and women, and perhaps for those of
Muslims too.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Iraq)
title: Iraq
uri: Iraq
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Iraq%29
content:
<p>Those Iraqis who have not been killed, or subject to PISSI's
enslavement of women,
 <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/16/iraq-nation-destroyed-american-contempt">
are in bad trouble</a>
 if they get sick.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Abortion_in_Texas)
title: Abortion in Texas
uri: Abortion-in-Texas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Abortion_in_Texas%29
content:
<p>Poor women in Texas, who can't afford to raise a baby, now also 
<a href="http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/31264-abortion-a-right-in-name-only#">
can't
afford</a>
 an abortion.
</p>
<p>Republican abortion impeding measures have the effect of making an
abortion
so expensive that only wealthy women can afford it.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Automation)
title: Automation
uri: 2015-06-22-Automation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Automation%29
content:
<p>A study predicts that 40% of current work jobs in Australia will be

<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/jun/16/computers-could-replace-five-million-australian-jobs-within-two-decades">
eliminated by automation</a>
 within two decades.
</p>
<p>It is hard
to be accurate in such predictions.  Perhaps it will be only 30%,
or perhaps as much as 50%.</p>
<p>Things are likely to be similar in the US.</p>
<p>It will surely be possible to replace the lost employment with other
employment, if we don't care how little the new jobs pay.  There is no
assurance, however, that so many millions of people could find
employment that will pay for food and shelter.</p>
<p>Therefore, we will have some mixture of rejection of automation,
welfare payments such as a basic income, and massive suffering.  The
only question is how much of each.</p>
<p>I'm against the last one.  Either of the first two is ok.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Heating)
title: Heating
uri: Heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Heating%29
content:
<p>A study of tree rings from a forest in Siberia gives temperature
estimates from 931 ad to 2005 ad.  
<a href="http://phys.org/news/2015-06-tree-unprecedented-central-asia.html">
The hottest 20-year period was the
last 20 years</a>
, and the hottest six years were the last six, about 3C
above the long-term average.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(UK_thugs_colluded_with_companies)
title: UK thugs colluded with companies
uri: UK-thugs-colluded-with-companies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28UK_thugs_colluded_with_companies%29
content:
<p>UK thugs 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/undercover-with-paul-lewis-and-rob-evans/2015/jun/16/evidence-of-police-complicity-in-blacklisting-of-trade-unionists-stretches-back-decades">
colluded</a>
 with companies to blacklist workers until at least 2008,
at least since the 1930s.
</p>


title: Opposition leader sentenced to prison
uri: Opposition-leader-sentenced-to-prison
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Opposition_leader_sentenced_to_prison)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Opposition_leader_sentenced_to_prison%29

content:
<p>A Bahraini opposition leader 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/16/bahrain-opposition-leader-ali-salman-sentenced-to-four-years-in-jail">
has been sentenced</a>
 to years in prison
for political activity.
</p>
<p>The Bahraini regime crushed opposition protests with the help of Saudi
thugs
and the support of the US government.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(260000_foreigners_deported)
title: 260000 foreigners deported
uri: 260000-foreigners-deported
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28260000_foreigners_deported%29
content:
<p>Obama has deported 260,000 foreigners who 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/16/260000-deported-from-us-over-five-years-for-drug-offences-says-report">
were convicted</a>
 of drug
crimes, in some cases for minor crimes such as possession of marijuana
that shouldn't be crimes at all.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Killing_leader_of_al_Qa'ida)
title: Killing leader of al Qa'ida
uri: Killing-leader-of-al-Qa-ida
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Killing_leader_of_al_Qa%27ida%29
content:
<p>The US 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/16/george-osborne-austerity">
continues</a>
 efforts to kill the leaders of al Qa'ida,
though they will be replaced easily enough.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(More_behavior_detection)
title: More behavior detection
uri: More-behavior-detection
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28More_behavior_detection%29
content:
<p>TSA 
<a href="https://www.aclu.org/blog/free-future/tsa-response-universal-criticism-behavior-detection-more-behavior-detection">
Response</a>
 to Universal Criticism of Behavior Detection: More Behavior 
Detection.
</p>
<p>The Theater of Security Agency needs <em>something</em> to justify
asking for more money.  So it will work computers to track people
around the airport, and use that on anyone who appears nervous.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(UK_newspapers_and_Snowden)
title: UK newspapers and Snowden
uri: UK-newspapers-and-Snowden
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28UK_newspapers_and_Snowden%29
content:
<p>The UK newspaper which published unsubstantiated an UK government
smear against Edward Snowden 
<a href="http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2015/06/sunday-times-sends-dmca-notice-to-critics-of-snowden-hacking-story/">
demanded</a>
 that The Intercept take down a
photo of its article.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Legalization_of_marijuana)
title: Legalization of marijuana
uri: 2015-06-22-Legalization-of-marijuana
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Legalization_of_marijuana%29
content:
<p>Legalization of marijuana for adults in some US states 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/16/us-cannabis-study-legalisation-no-rise-use-teenagers">
has not led</a>
 to
increased use by teenagers.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Indian_journalist_murdered_by_thugs)
title: Indian journalist murdered by thugs
uri: Indian-journalist-murdered-by-thugs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Indian_journalist_murdered_by_thugs%29

content:
<p>Indian journalist Jagendra Singh 
<a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/article7315809.ece?m=dtp">
was murdered by thugs</a>
, apparently for
accusing a state minister of corruption.
</p>
<p>Another journalist in the same region 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/jun/16/indian-journalist-tied-to-motorcycle-and-dragged-along-a-street">
was lured to a meeting with
thugs</a>
 (not the official kind) who tied him to a motorcycle and dragged
him.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Imprisonment_for_standing_too_close)
title: Imprisonment for standing too close
uri: Imprisonment-for-standing-too-close
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Imprisonment_for_standing_too_close%29

content:
<p>Two Moroccans 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/15/moroccan-gay-men-to-be-tried-for-violating-public-modesty-over-photo">
face imprisonment</a>
 on charges of standing too close
together in public.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(US_government_buys_exploits)
title: US government buys exploits
uri: US-government-buys-exploits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28US_government_buys_exploits%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2015/06/damn-equities-sell-your-zero-days-navy">
Proof</a>
 that the US government buys exploits, and strong evidence that
it buys them to use them rather than to get them fixed.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Greece's_pension_system)
title: Greece's pension system
uri: Greece-s-pension-system
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Greece%27s_pension_system%29
content:
<p>Greece's pension system is unsustainable, but 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/jun/15/unsustainable-futures-greece-pensions-dilemma-explained-financial-crisis-default-eurozone">
it is more consequence</a>

than cause of Greece's economic woes.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Oil_rig)
title: Oil rig
uri: Oil-rig
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Oil_rig%29
content:
<p>"Kayaktivists" blocking Shell's oil rig were arrested by the US Coast
Guard,
and the oil rig 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/15/seattle-kayak-activists-detained-blocking-shell-arctic-oil-rig">
is now on its way to pollute</a>
 the Chukchi Sea sooner or later.
</p>
<p>Obama does small, weak moves to reduce global heating, but most of the
time
he is the puppet of any large company.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(SEC_commissioner)
title: SEC commissioner
uri: SEC-commissioner
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28SEC_commissioner%29
content:
<p>Obama 
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/06/15/sec-pick-specializes-in-helping-corporations-hide-political-expenditures/">
is considering</a>
 appointing an SEC commissioner whose business is
teaching companies how to hide political expenditures.
</p>
<p>That's one way to get Republicans to approve the appointment.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Olympic_games_in_London)
title: Olympic games in London
uri: Olympic-games-in-London
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Olympic_games_in_London%29
content:
<p>Another piece of B'liar bullshit 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/15/britain-olympic-legacy-london-2012">
bites</a>
 the dust: the Olympic games in
London brought only debt and repression, not enthusiasm for sports.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(al-Bashir)
title: al-Bashir
uri: al-Bashir
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28al-Bashir%29
content:
<p>South Africa's president 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/15/omar-al-bashir-south-africa-sudan-international-criminal-court-icc">
allowed</a>
 Omar al-Bashir to leave South Africa,
defying the ICC.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Monsanto_Protection_Act)
title: Monsanto Protection Act
uri: Monsanto-Protection-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Monsanto_Protection_Act%29
content:
<p>The Monsanto Protection Act 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2015/06/15/monsanto-protection-act-back-and-worse-ever">
is Back</a>
, and Worse Than Ever.
Now it would ban all state oversight of GMOs.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Marijuana_Law)
title: Marijuana Law
uri: Marijuana-Law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Marijuana_Law%29
content:
<p>After legalizing marijuana (whether medical or otherwise), 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/15/colorado-court-medical-marijuana-fired-employee">
we need</a>

laws forbidding the firing of employees for using marijuana while not
on
the job.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(TPP)
title: TPP
uri: 2015-06-22-TPP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28TPP%29
content:
<p>The real significance of Obama's defeat on the "trade treaty" TPP
is that 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/15/real-meaning-behind-obamas-trade-defeat">
trade is only a side issue</a>
 in that plan.
</p>
<p>The TPP is a corporate supremacy treaty, and calling it a "trade
treaty"
is just a disguise.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Steal_from_taxpayers)
title: Steal from taxpayers
uri: Steal-from-taxpayers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Steal_from_taxpayers%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/15/how-steal-taxpayers-while-blaming-poor">
How to Steal</a>
 from the Taxpayers While Blaming the Poor.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Coal_investments)
title: Coal investments
uri: Coal-investments
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Coal_investments%29
content:
<p>As the world recognizes that coal investments are likely to lose their
value,
many pension funds 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/15/coal-crash-how-pension-funds-face-huge-risk-from-climate-change">
are likely to lose</a>
 big, as well as some billionaires.
</p>
<p>The problem is that they are tempted to try to make the world "burn
just a little more" by keeping the carbon bubble swelling.  As usual
with bubbles, the longer it lasts, the more financial damage its
inevitable bursting will do; but this bubble is also broiling Earth's
ecosphere.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Refugee_crisis)
title: Refugee crisis
uri: Refugee-crisis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Refugee_crisis%29
content:
<p>The world is having 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/15/worst-refugee-crisis-since-second-world-war-report-middle-east-africa-syria">
the worst refugee crisis</a>
 since World War II.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Magna_Carta)
title: Magna Carta
uri: Magna-Carta
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Magna_Carta%29
content:
<p>The Magna Carta, 800 years ago, was the basis for human rights around
the world.  As the British government celebrates the centennial,
Britons 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/15/magna-carta-800-years-human-rights-act">
must fight for them</a>
 again.
</p>
<p>Cameron is not a king, but he makes up for that by being far more
devious and slippery than King John.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Australian_immigration_politics)
title: Australian immigration politics
uri: Australian-immigration-politics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Australian_immigration_politics%29
content:
<p>Australia's 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jun/15/jakarta-demands-bishop-retract-claim-indonesia-failing-to-secure-its-border">
paying (apparently) people</a>
 smugglers to turn back to
Indonesia has provoked a dispute with the government of Indonesia.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(China)
title: China
uri: 2015-06-22-China
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28China%29
content:
<p>China 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/15/china-detains-two-former-members-of-human-rights-group-guo-bin-yang-zhanqing">
is charging</a>
 even former members of a human rights organization
with obviously fabricated crimes.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Hong_Kong_activists_arrested)
title: Hong Kong activists arrested
uri: Hong-Kong-activists-arrested
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Hong_Kong_activists_arrested%29
content:
<p>Hong Kong democracy activists have been arrested, 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/15/hong-kong-police-suspect-device-key-legislative-vote">
accused</a>
 of preparing
explosives.
</p>
<p>Since these are nonviolent dissidents, I suspect a frame-up.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Japanese_army)
title: Japanese army
uri: Japanese-army
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Japanese_army%29
content:
<p>Japanese people and jurists 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/15/japanese-pms-plan-to-allow-troops-to-fight-overseas-angers-voters">
oppose</a>
 the government's plan to allow
the Japanese army to fight other than for defense of Japan.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(UK_Elite_companies_discrimination)
title: UK Elite companies discrimination
uri: UK-Elite-companies-discrimination
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28UK_Elite_companies_discrimination%29

content:
<p>Elite UK companies 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jun/15/poshness-tests-block-working-class-applicants-at-top-companies">
reject</a>
 job applicants who appear to come from
working class backgrounds.
</p>
<p>Accent and other matters of style 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/15/poshness-test-recruitment-elitism">
serve</a>
 as indicators that are
difficult for outsiders to learn
— just as they did a hundred years ago.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Overprotection)
title: Overprotection
uri: Overprotection
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Overprotection%29
content:
<p>The 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/jun/14/should-i-let-my-child-take-more-risks">
danger of overprotection</a>: cutting risk out of children's life is
bad for them in adulthood.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Matt_Diaz)
title: Matt Diaz
uri: Matt-Diaz
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Matt_Diaz%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/21/magazine/21Diaz-t.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0">
Remember</a>
 heroic whistleblower Matt Diaz, who published the names of the
prisoners at Guantanamo and thus enabled them to get lawyers.
</p>
<p>Diaz was imprisoned for this.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Greece)
title: Greece
uri: 2015-06-22-Greece
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Greece%29
content:
<p>Europe 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/15/europe-greece-greek-grexit">
Must Save
<6> Greece to Save Itself.
</p>
<p>The argument made by Baltic victims of the banksters, "We surrendered
and some of us survived, so everyone else should suffer too," is
particularly despicable.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Gratis_medical_care)
title: Gratis medical care
uri: Gratis-medical-care
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Gratis_medical_care%29
content:
<p>The state of Montana 
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/07/31/1227946/-Montana-Experiment-Brings-NHS-Style-Health-Care-to-USA-Saves-State-Millions-Patients-Delighted?detail=emailclassic">
saves money</a>
 by providing gratis medical care to its
state employees.
</p>
<p>If the US were a democracy, it would do this for everyone, as Canada
does.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Killed_al-Qaida_leader)
title: Killed al-Qaida leader
uri: Killed-al-Qaida-leader
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Killed_al-Qaida_leader%29
content:
<p>The US 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/15/fate-of-al-qaidas-uncatchable-algerian-militant-in-the-balance-after-us-air-strike">
claims</a>
 to have killed an al-Qaida leader in Libya with an air raid.
</p>
<p>There is nothing wrong in killing enemies that are waging war,
but it is a mistake to expect to defeat a movement by killing its
leaders.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Museum_about_Dr._Ambedkar)
title: Museum about Dr. Ambedkar
uri: Museum-about-Dr-Ambedkar
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Museum_about_Dr._Ambedkar%29
content:
<p>A house where Dr. Ambedkar lived in London 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/15/london-house-to-become-museum-to-indian-activist">
is being made</a>
 into a museum
about his life.
</p>
<p>I admire Dr. Ambedkar tremendously.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Welfare_cuts_in_UK)
title: Welfare cuts in UK
uri: Welfare-cuts-in-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Welfare_cuts_in_UK%29
content:
<p>The Tories' proposed welfare cuts 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jun/14/tory-welfare-cuts-would-hit-poorest-third-of-uk-families-research-shows">
would hurt</a>
 the poorest 1/3 of the
families in the UK.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 21_June_2015_(ISP_data_retention)
title: ISP data retention
uri: ISP-data-retention
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#21_June_2015_%28ISP_data_retention%29
content:
<p>
A UK government-appointed panel studied the issue of massive
surveillance, and recommended making ISPs keep records of all sorts of
things internet users do.
<p>
The report included one recommendation that the government does not
like: ministers would not be allowed to approve use of this data
personally.  Rather, a special court would have to approve these.
<p>
I have not made a link to an article about this recommendation because
all the articles I have seen present this court as a tremendous step
forward, calling it the "balance" that makes total surveillance
acceptable.
<p>
I don't think so.  The US FISA court has 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#15_July_2013_(FISA_court_rubber-stamps_massive_surveillance)">hardly
checked surveillance at all</a>, so why expect this one to do any
more?
<p>
Anyway, government ministers are very unhappy about the prospect of
losing this personal power.  They want total surveillance <em>and</em>
personal control of it.
<p>
The UK government responded, through a cronyish newspaper, with a
story composed of leaks (!) by anonymous spook officials, claiming
that that Russia and China both got copies of Snowden's files and
decrypted them.
<p>
The article has several 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/14/snowden-files-read-by-russia-and-china-five-questions-for-uk-government">claims
that are known to be false</a>, and there is no reason to believe a
word of it.
<p>
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/06/14/sunday-times-report-snowden-files-journalism-worst-also-filled-falsehoods/">More
information</a>.
<p>
Liberty, roughly the UK equivalent of the US's ACLU, says that this is
the 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/14/edward-snowden-hero-government-scare-tactics
">standard deceptive practice of the surveillance state</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 21_June_2015_(The_global_financial_system)
title: The global financial system
uri: The-global-financial-system
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#21_June_2015_%28The_global_financial_system%29
content:
<p>
The global financial system is so permeated with 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/14/global-cybercrime-infected-soul-capitalism-evil-financial-system">corruption</a>,
it might as well have been designed for fraud.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 21_June_2015_(Cooking_facilities_in_UK_apartments)
title: Cooking facilities in UK apartments
uri: Cooking-facilities-in-UK-apartments
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#21_June_2015_%28Cooking_facilities_in_UK_apartments%29

content:
<p>
Proposal: 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jun/14/landlords-should-be-forced-to-provide-cooker-and-fridge-says-group-of-mps">require
UK landlords to include cooking facilities and refrigerators</a> in
apartments.
<p>
The lack of these means many poor people have to buy expensive
prepared meals rather than cheaper ingredients.
<p>
There is also the question of 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2014-nov-feb.html#13_November_2014_(Concentration_of_fast-food_outlets)">what
ingredients these people can find in stores</a>.  Some parts of London
are far from any real supermarket.


title: House blocks military aid to Nazi militia
uri: House-blocks-military-aid-to-Nazi-militia
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 21_June_2015_(House_blocks_military_aid_to_Nazi_militia)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#21_June_2015_%28House_blocks_military_aid_to_Nazi_militia%29

content:
<p>
The US House of Representatives 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/14/us-house-admits-nazi-role-ukraine">blocked
military aid</a> to a Ukrainian militia because it is Nazi.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 21_June_2015_(Sudans_tyrant_Bashir_arrested)
title: Sudan's tyrant Bashir arrested
uri: Sudan-s-tyrant-Bashir-arrested
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#21_June_2015_%28Sudans_tyrant_Bashir_arrested%29
content:
<p>
Sudan's tyrant Bashir has been 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/14/guardian-view-on-international-criminal-court-omar-al-bashir">arrested
in South Africa at the request of the ICC</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 21_June_2015_(Book_purchase_tracking)
title: Book purchase tracking
uri: Book-purchase-tracking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#21_June_2015_%28Book_purchase_tracking%29
content:
<p>
Paulo Coelho has published two of his books on the basis of
"<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2015/jun/09/paulo-coelho-buy-my-book-after-youve-read-it-only-if-you-liked-it">download,
then pay if you wish</a>."
<p>
I would be happy to pay if I download a book, but the methods he has
permitted are through companies that track the readers, which is
intolerable.  
<a href="https://stallman.org/amazon.html">Amazon is truly vicious</a>
and iTunes requires Apple's nonfree software.
<p>
I wish he would set up an anonymous way to pay.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 21_June_2015_(Thought_control_in_UK_schools)
title: Thought control in UK schools
uri: Thought-control-in-UK-schools
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#21_June_2015_%28Thought_control_in_UK_schools%29
content:
<p>
Thought control to be imposed on UK schools 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/jun/09/schools-duty-police-extremism-anti-terrorism-laws">requires
them to report students for "non-violent extremism"</a>.
<p>
The government has labeled non-violent extremism as "terrorism" on the
grounds that it might create an "atmosphere conducive to terrorism".
Indeed, that happens.  Dawkins has pointed out that moderate believers
in any religion, while not themselves fanatics, tend to protect
fanatics and make excuses for their violence.
<p>
But if the state snoops on nonviolent believers, makes lists of them,
and represses them for what their views <em>might</em> lead to, it has
abolished religious freedom.  The state will call the policy a success
because of all the hypothetical terrorist attacks that didn't take
place, but what it will really do is make all Muslim students regard
teachers as spies that cannot be trusted.
<p>
The way to discourage fundamentalism among students is to show them
the suffering that fundamentalists cause.  That discussion can't
happen in school if school is a place of repression.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 21_June_2015_(The_USA_Freedom_Act)
title: The "USA Freedom Act"
uri: The-USA-Freedom-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#21_June_2015_%28The_USA_Freedom_Act%29
content:
<p>
The "USA Freedom Act" allows the NSA to demand the 
<a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2015/06/04/411870819/phone-carriers-are-tight-lipped-over-law-that-overhauls-nsa-surveillance">phone
records of everyone that talked with everyone that talked with any
specific party</a>.
<p>
That's a lot of Americans in any one request.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 21_June_2015_(Prescription_drug_costs_in_the_US)
title: Prescription drug costs in the US
uri: Prescription-drug-costs-in-the-US
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#21_June_2015_%28Prescription_drug_costs_in_the_US%29

content:
<p>
Prescription drugs cost Americans 
<a href="http://www.publicintegrity.org/2015/06/01/17426/best-health-care-system-world-nonsense">twice
what they cost in other developed countries</a>, because the US lets
pharma companies charge whatever they like.
<p>
Pharma companies say they need all this money for research, but the
new drugs that cure formerly incurable diseases are developed mainly
with government research funds.  The companies spend more on
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-mar-jun.html#14%20May%202009%20(Disguise%20advertisements%20for%20drugs)">advertising</a>.
They corrupt medical journals to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2008-jan-apr.html#27%20January%202008%20(Doped%20research%20on%20antidepressants)">overstate
the effectiveness of drugs</a>, so we must not leave the testing of
drugs in their hands.
<p>
The TPP will impose a similar deadly policy on
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#18_June_2015_(The_TPP)">the
other countries that sign it</a>.  That would amount to mass murder.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 21_June_2015_(Texas_law_to_harass_abortion_clinics)
title: Texas law to harass abortion clinics
uri: Texas-law-to-harass-abortion-clinics
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#21_June_2015_%28Texas_law_to_harass_abortion_clinics%29

content:
<p>
A Texas law to harass abortion clinics so that they must close was
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/10/us/court-upholds-texas-law-criticized-as-blocking-access-to-abortions.html">approved
by an appeals court</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 21_June_2015_(How_the_TTIP_threatens_human_rights)
title: How the TTIP threatens human rights
uri: How-the-TTIP-threatens-human-rights
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#21_June_2015_%28How_the_TTIP_threatens_human_rights%29

content:
<p>
Explaining how the TTIP threatens 
<a href="https://edri.org/ttip-and-digital-rights-the-booklet/">digital
human rights</a> in Europe.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 21_June_2015_(Israels_political_censorship)
title: Israel's political censorship
uri: Israel-s-political-censorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#21_June_2015_%28Israels_political_censorship%29
content:
<p>
2000 Israeli artists 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/14/israeli-artists-protest-freedom-of-speech">condemned</a>
Israel's political censorship.
<p>
Even famous international writers face 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/14/cultural-boycott-israel">censorship
when they speak in Palestine</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 21_June_2015_(Rash_or_stranded,_dead_whales)
title: Rash or stranded, dead whales
uri: Rash-or-stranded-dead-whales
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#21_June_2015_%28Rash_or_stranded%2C_dead_whales%29
content:
<p>
A rash of 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/14/stranded-whales-ocean-navy-sonars">stranded,
dead whales in California</a> might be caused by Navy sonar.  It is
hard to be sure.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 21_June_2015_(The_TISA)
title: The TISA
uri: The-TISA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#21_June_2015_%28The_TISA%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.opednews.com/articles/Fast-tracking-TiSA--Steal-by-Ellen-Brown-Credit_Fast-Track_Public-Banking-150611-99.html">The
TISA</a> would hard wire the bad policies that caused the 2008
financial crisis.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 21_June_2015_(Abortion_counseling)
title: Abortion counseling
uri: Abortion-counseling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#21_June_2015_%28Abortion_counseling%29
content:
<p>
An interview with an abortion counselor, who says that the procedure
of abortion is a secondary aspect; what matters is 
<a href="http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/tarico20150609">helping
pregnant women think about what they want (to have a baby, or not) and
why</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Urgent:_Defense_bills)
title: Urgent: Defense bills
uri: Urgent-Defense-bills
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Defense_bills%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: phone your senators at 202-224-3121 and urge them to vote
against the National Defense Authorization Act as long as it permits
imprisonment without trial for those labeled arbitrarily as "terrorist
suspects".
<p>
Also urge them to vote for these amendments:
<ul>
<li>Nuclear Modernization Cost Estimate - Markey (D- Mass.) #1524 to
require a 25-year cost estimate for the U.S. nuclear modernization
program.</li>
<li>Nuclear Submarine Cost Estimate - Markey (D- Mass.) #1523 to
require an updated cost estimate for the program to replace nuclear
ballistic missile submarines.</li>
<li>Limits to Nuclear Cruise Missiles - Markey (D-Mass.) #1525 to
prohibit funding for the development of a new air-launched nuclear
cruise missile or the modernization of nuclear warheads for the
missile.</li>
<li>Ground Combat Troops in Iraq and Syria: Murphy (D-Conn.), Schatz
(D-Hawaii), Udall (D-N.M.) , Blumenthal (D- Conn.) amendment #1870 to
prohibit the deployment of ground combat troops in Iraq and
Syria.</li>
<li>AUMF - Cardin (D-Md.) #1692 to sunset the 2001 Authorization for
Use of Military Force within three years.</li>
<li>Paying for War - Sanders (D -Vt.) #1824 to require that all funds
authorized for Overseas Contingency Operations be paid for with new
revenue.</li>
<li>Littoral Combat Ship: Baldwin (D-Wis.) amendment #1946 to withhold
25% of allocations to the LCS program pending the completion of
reports on its capabilities and modernization plan.</li>
<li>Littoral Combat Ship - McCain (R- Ariz.) #1565 to require a
capabilities assessment of the Littoral Combat Ship. [Council for a
Livable World position: Support]</li>
<li>Audit the Pentagon: Sanders (D-Vt.) amendment #1914 to improve the
audit readiness of the Pentagon.</li>
<li>Defense Contracting Fraud - Sanders (D -Vt.) #1770 to require an
annual report on defense contracting fraud.</li>
<li>MEADS - Ayotte (R-N.H.) & Shaheen (D-N.H.) #1611 to bar funding
for the Medium Extended Air Defense System. </li>
</ul>

and to oppose these amendments:
<ul>
<li>Dismantlement of nuclear weapons - Cotton (R-Ark.) #1605 to limit
the dismantlement of retired nuclear weapons.</li>
<li>Nonproliferation Funding - Rubio (R- Fla.) #1792 to prohibit the
nuclear nonproliferation funding to Russia until it has complied with
the Intermediate Range Nuclear Force Treaty, New START treaty, and
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.</li>
<li>Iran Sanctions - Kirk (R- Ill.) & Menendez (D- N.J.) #1710 to
extend the Iran Sanctions Act until 2026.</li>
<li>Iran Negotiations - Sessions (R-Ala.) amendment #1787 to establish
a sense of the Senate that nuclear negotiations with Iran should not
continue without the establishment of a robust inspections and
verification system including access to military facilities and
scientists.</li>
<li>Ukraine - Portman (R-Ohio) #1657 to authorize $300 million in
lethal military assistance to Ukraine. </li>
</ul>
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
and 888-355-3588.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Urgent:_Net_neutrality)
title: Urgent: Net neutrality
uri: Urgent-Net-neutrality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Net_neutrality%29
content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://act.freepress.net/call/internet_congress_approp">tell
Congress</a> to stop the sneak attack on net neutrality.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Urgent:_The_right_to_make_links)
title: Urgent: The right to make links
uri: Urgent-The-right-to-make-links
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_The_right_to_make_links%29

content:
<p>
Everyone, especially in the EU: tell the EU not to limit
<a href="https://savethelink.org/europe">the right to make links to
someone else's web site</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 22_June_2015_(Urgent:_Regulate_methane_leakage)
title: Urgent: Regulate methane leakage
uri: Urgent-Regulate-methane-leakage
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Regulate_methane_leakage%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://secure2.edf.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2575">call
on the EPA</a> to regulate methane leakage.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 23_June_2015_(Wrongful_imprisonment)
title: Wrongful imprisonment
uri: Wrongful-imprisonment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#23_June_2015_%28Wrongful_imprisonment%29
content:
<p>
Jerry Hartfield has been in prison for murder for
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/06/16/1393827/-Meet-Jerry-Hartfield-A-judge-overturned-his-conviction-35-years-ago-He-s-still-in-prison-waiting">35
years</a>, but his conviction has been overturned.  Will he ever get
out of prison?
<p>
Carlos Montero has been jailed for 7 years for a stabbing committed by
his friend when Carlos was 17.  He is
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/06/16/1393711/-Arrested-at-17-Carlos-Montero-has-been-in-Riker-s-Island-for-7-years-without-being-convicted">still
waiting for trial</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 23_June_2015_(Toxic_algae_boom)
title: Toxic algae boom
uri: Toxic-algae-boom
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#23_June_2015_%28Toxic_algae_boom%29
content:
<p>
A "unprecedented" toxic algae boom
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/17/us-west-coast-toxic-algae-bloom-largest-ever-say-scientists">running
from California to Canada</a> is probably partly due to the unusual
heat of the Pacific Ocean.
<p>
The result is that people can't eat the seafood.  Marine mammals, that
have no choice, are being poisoned.
<p>
A decade from now, this temperature will be normal, and those seafood
resources may be effectively gone.  Later some of those species may go
extinct because of
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2015-jan-apr.html#28_February_2015_(Ocean_acidification)">ocean
acidification</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 23_June_2015_(US_drone_assassination_missions)
title: US drone assassination missions
uri: US-drone-assassination-missions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#23_June_2015_%28US_drone_assassination_missions%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/17/former-us-military-personnel-letter-us-drone-pilots">45
former US drone pilots</a> call on the current pilots to refuse to
carry out assassination missions.
<p>
I don't think attack drones intrinsically raise a different issue from
piloted attack planes, or artillery.  The difference comes from using
them to attack in
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2015-jan-apr.html#27_April_2015_(US:_Victims_Of_Drone_Attacks)">civilian
areas, away from battles</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 23_June_2015_(A_blow_to_freedom_of_speech)
title: A blow to freedom of speech
uri: A-blow-to-freedom-of-speech
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#23_June_2015_%28A_blow_to_freedom_of_speech%29
content:
<p>
The European Court of Human Rights dealt a blow to freedom of speech
by
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20150616/11252831361/huge-loss-free-speech-europe-human-rights-court-says-sites-liable-user-comments.shtml">making
a web site responsible for comments posted by the public</a>.
<p>
<a href="http://arstechnica.co.uk/tech-policy/2015/06/shock-european-court-decision-websites-are-liable-for-users-comments/">More
information</a>.


title: Dominican Republic concentration camps
uri: Dominican-Republic-concentration-camps
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 23_June_2015_(Dominican_Republic_concentration_camps)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#23_June_2015_%28Dominican_Republic_concentration_camps%29

content:
<p>
The Dominican Republic is creating concentration camps to
<a href="http://www.thenation.com/blog/209953/concentration-camps-dominican-republic">imprison
just about everyone born there of Haitian descent</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 23_June_2015_(Budget_surplus_in_normal_times)
title: Budget surplus in normal times
uri: Budget-surplus-in-normal-times
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#23_June_2015_%28Budget_surplus_in_normal_times%29
content:
<p>
The UK government says it is going to run a
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/jun/15/five-ways-george-osborne-fail-next-generation-analysis">budget
surplus in normal times</a> "for the sake of future generations", but
doesn't recognize that borrowing is only one of many methods of taking
wealth from future generations.  The government plans to use other
methods instead.
<p>
Protecting pensions for the old is a good thing to do, but what is
there to protect the pensions from?  Only their own plan to strew
poverty.  Meanwhile, the article doesn't mention that this poverty is
likely to
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_May_2015_(Austerity_targets_children)">stunt
children for life</a>.
<p>
However, that's all small potatoes if they press on with global
heating, since the inundation of coastal areas of the UK will be a big
loss for future generations.  The possible
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#03_May_2015_(Apes_wiped_out_by_global_heating)">collapse
of civilization</a> would make all these gains and losses irrelevant.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 23_June_2015_(Effect_of_CO2_levels_on_food)
title: Effect of CO2 levels on food
uri: Effect-of-CO2-levels-on-food
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#23_June_2015_%28Effect_of_CO2_levels_on_food%29
content:
<p>
Higher CO<sub>2</sub> levels in the air <a
href="http://phys.org/news/2015-06-carbon-dioxide-air-restrict-ability.html">impede</a>
some food plants' ability to absorb nitrogen.  This will make food
less nutritious for humans.
<p>
Another consequence is that extra CO2 does not stimulate growth as
much as global heating excusers would like us to suppose.
<p>
The measurement of nitrogen really measures the 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/planet-oz/2015/jun/17/how-fossil-fuel-emissions-could-take-protein-from-the-diets-of-the-worlds-poorest-people">amount
of protein in the food</a>.  With less protein, the food is less
effective for feeding people.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 24_June_2015_(Urgent:_Abortion_rights)
title: Urgent: Abortion rights
uri: Urgent-Abortion-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#24_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Abortion_rights%29
content:
<p>
Citizens of Massachusetts: 
<a href="https://act1.myngp.com/Forms/-7418554486186049536">call on
your state legislators</a> to support bills to defend and extend
abortion rights.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 24_June_2015_(Urgent:_Climate_negotiations)
title: Urgent: Climate negotiations
uri: 2015-06-24-Urgent-Climate-negotiations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#24_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Climate_negotiations%29
content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="http://act.sumofus.org/go/9277">Call on the UN</a> to ban big
polluters from this year's climate negotiations.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 24_June_2015_(Urgent:_Block_pipeline_expansion)
title: Urgent: Block pipeline expansion
uri: Urgent-Block-pipeline-expansion
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#24_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Block_pipeline_expansion%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://secure.sierraclub.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=14788">call
on Obama</a> to block Enbridge's new scheme for pipeline expansion.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Urgent:_Defend_freedom_of_panorama)
title: Urgent: Defend freedom of panorama
uri: Urgent-Defend-freedom-of-panorama
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Defend_freedom_of_panorama%29

content:
<p>EU citizens: call on your MEPs to 
<a href="https://medium.com/@owenblacker/freedom-of-panorama-is-under-attack-6cc5353b4f65">
defend freedom of panorama</a>:
 the freedom to take photos outdoors, regardless of what is in the scene,
and publish them as you wish.
</p>
<p>I suggest that Wikipedia adopt a boycott of all entities that block
Wikipedia from publishing free (libre) photos of the entities'
buildings, and state that call to boycott in the pages about those
entities.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Face_recognition_in_church)
title: Face recognition in church
uri: Face-recognition-in-church
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Face_recognition_in_church%29
content:
<p>Some US churches are 
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/churches-are-using-facial-recognition-to-track-members-this-startup-says">
using a face recognition system</a>
 to identify people who come in.
</p>
<p>The software might be recognizing and reporting for another master as
well,
and if the software is proprietary (as it surely is), there is 
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">
no way to check what it does</a>.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Spanish_repression_of_media)
title: Spanish repression of media
uri: Spanish-repression-of-media
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Spanish_repression_of_media%29
content:
<p>The right-wing government of Spain is 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/jun/22/press-freedom-under-threat-in-spain-says-ipi-delegate">
repressing media criticism</a>
on several fronts.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Church_murders_no_anomaly)
title: Church murders no anomaly
uri: Church-murders-no-anomaly
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Church_murders_no_anomaly%29
content:
<p>The Charleston church murders were not an anomaly. They were part and
parcel of the 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/22/dylann-roof-charleston-shooting-product-system-racist-hatred-centuries">
current of violence in the systematic racism</a>
 in the US.
</p>
<p>A racist group which the murderer says inspired him also 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/21/dylann-roof-manifesto-charlston-shootings-republicans">
donates to Republican presidential candidates</a>.
</p>
<p>The donations don't make those candidates personally responsible for
the murders, but this shows how parts of that system interconnect.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Whose_smart_city?)
title: Whose smart city?
uri: Whose-smart-city
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Whose_smart_city%3F%29
content:
<p>"Smart cities" designed in a centralized way prove 
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/whose-smart-city-tomorrows-cities-need-to-be-shaped-by-residents">
unappealing to live in</a>.
A truly smart city is one designed by its residents.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Desperate_for_discounted_food)
title: Desperate for discounted food
uri: Desperate-for-discounted-food
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Desperate_for_discounted_food%29
content:
<p>The UK government's imposed poverty has made people so poor that many
are 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/22/cheap-food-desperate-supermarket-bargains-tesco">
desperate for discounted food</a>.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Think_again_on_extremism)
title: Think again on extremism
uri: Think-again-on-extremism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Think_again_on_extremism%29
content:
<p>"The action of a minority of a group is often the 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jun/21/sayeeda-warsi-needs-to-think-again-on-extremism">
unintended consequence</a>
 of the practices of the majority, even if they would not
support the action."
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Palmyra_rigged_for_demolition)
title: Palmyra rigged for demolition
uri: Palmyra-rigged-for-demolition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Palmyra_rigged_for_demolition%29
content:
<p>PISSI has 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/21/islamic-state-isis-explosives-syria-palmyra-ruins">
rigged Palmyra's ruins for demolition</a>.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Effects_of_Saudi_leak)
title: Effects of Saudi leak
uri: Effects-of-Saudi-leak
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Effects_of_Saudi_leak%29
content:
<p>Wikileaks' 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/21/saudi-arabia-ignore-wikileaks-release">
release of Saudi Arabia's foreign affairs communications</a>
shows "little surprising so far … but the details will hurt a lot
of
corrupt people."
</p>
<p>Saudi Arabia has asked its citizens to ignore
the leaked documents,
but the US went far beyond that in response to some of Chelsea
Manning's leaks: it 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-sep-dec.html#6%20December%202010%20(Who's%20the%20boss)">
threatened to punish some government employees</a>
if they so much as looked at them.
</p>


title: Urgent: call for climate agreement in Paris
uri: Urgent-call-for-climate-agreement-in-Paris
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Urgent:_call_for_climate_agreement_in_Paris)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_call_for_climate_agreement_in_Paris%29

content:
<p>Everyone: call for a 
<a href="https://secure.sierraclub.org/site/Advocacy;jsessionid=A5DC68EDE6E1685347DC65BD5110CC04.app234a?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=16005">
strong climate agreement</a>
 in Paris.
</p>


title: Urgent: support domestic workers' convention
uri: Urgent-support-domestic-workers-convention
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Urgent:_support_domestic_workers'_convention)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_support_domestic_workers%27_convention%29

content:
<p>US citizens: call on the US to 
<a href="http://www.walkfree.org/c189/?utm_source=Subscribers&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=c189&utm_content=C189_Petition_Chaser_en_Core_NAT_Ex_16Jun15">
sign the domestic workers' convention</a>.
</p>
<p>Here's the 
<a href="http://www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=NORMLEXPUB:12100:0::NO:12100:P12100_INSTRUMENT_ID:2551460:NO">
text of that treaty</a>.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(How_to_punish_banks)
title: How to punish banks
uri: How-to-punish-banks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28How_to_punish_banks%29
content:
<p>Santa Cruz County, in California, is considering punishing the big
criminal banks by 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/21/how-punish-bank-felons">
refusing to do business with them</a>
 for 5 years.
</p>
<p>It's a great idea. Beyond moving money ourselves, we should push
for our cities to do so.</p>


title: Urgent: protect women's health and contraception
uri: Urgent-protect-women-s-health-and-contraception
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Urgent:_protect_women's_health_and_contraception)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_protect_women%27s_health_and_contraception%29

content:
<p>US citizens: tell Congress 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Title_X">
not to cancel women's health care</a>
 and contraceptive programs.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(CIA_spying_on_Americans)
title: CIA spying on Americans
uri: CIA-spying-on-Americans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28CIA_spying_on_Americans%29
content:
<p>The CIA spies on Americans, but we 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/16/new-docs-raise-questions-about-cia-spying-here-home">
know very little</a>
 about how much or how.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Terms_of_disservice)
title: Terms of disservice
uri: Terms-of-disservice
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Terms_of_disservice%29
content:
<p>Alex Hern decided to actually 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jun/15/i-read-all-the-small-print-on-the-internet">
read the terms of service</a>
for all the digital services he used. Here he reports on them.
</p>
<p>It was a lot of work for him, because he intended actually to use the
services so he had to read the whole terms.</p>
<p>It's a lot less work for me, because when I read the terms of use of a
digital service, if I see anything unacceptable I don't need to read
further. I just reject it.</p>
<p>In practice, the only digital usage terms I need to consider are for
wifi portals, and that's only occasionally. Those terms are usually
good enough for occasional use.</p>
<p>About 2/3 of the way through the article, it moves on to licenses for
proprietary software. The author does not differentiate between a
service (something you communicate with) and a program (something you
get a copy of). However, the issues are completely different. You
shouldn't even think about terms for running a program, because their
existence means the program is nonfree, so 
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">you 
should reject it</a>.
When you have a copy of a free program, you are free to run it with 
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html">no conditions 
whatsoever</a>.
</p>
<p>The author adopted terminology such as "content" and "intellectual
property" from the usage terms, without questioning their validity.
That's a mistake. Even using those in quotations promotes acceptance
of them if you don't explain 
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">why 
they are misleading and wrong</a>.
</p>
<p>We should have laws to establish the terms for various common kinds of
services.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Obedient_reporting)
title: Obedient reporting
uri: Obedient-reporting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Obedient_reporting%29
content:
<p>The "author" of the Snowden-accusing article 
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20150615/11565531344/reporter-who-wrote-sunday-times-snowden-propaganda-admits-that-hes-just-writing-what-uk-govt-told-him.shtml">admits 
he only repeated</a> what British spooks told to him.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Deeds_of_Mother_Teresa)
title: Deeds of Mother Teresa
uri: Deeds-of-Mother-Teresa
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Deeds_of_Mother_Teresa%29
content:
<p>Don't use Mother Teresa as an example of a good person. 
<a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/fighting_words/2003/10/mommie_dearest.html">
Here's what she really did.</a>
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(3d-printed_rhino_horn)
title: 3d-printed rhino horn
uri: 3d-printed-rhino-horn
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%283d-printed_rhino_horn%29
content:
<p>A plan to 
<a href="http://spectrum.ieee.org/view-from-the-valley/at-work/start-ups/biotech-and-3d-printing-poised-to-disrupt-rhino-horn-market">
develop 3d-printed imitation rhino horn</a>
 and thus make killing rhinos unprofitable.
</p>
<p>It could work, but preventing customers from detecting the fakes may
be easier said than done.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Thanking_thugs_for_lies)
title: Thanking thugs for lies
uri: Thanking-thugs-for-lies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Thanking_thugs_for_lies%29
content:
<p>Jeremy Daw thanks Berkeley thugs for 
<a href="http://www.alternet.org/drugs/how-racist-berkeley-cops-expanded-consciousness">
showing him how thugs lie</a>
to hurt second-class American citizens.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Seattle_tent_cities)
title: Seattle tent cities
uri: Seattle-tent-cities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Seattle_tent_cities%29
content:
<p>Authorized 
<a href="http://grist.org/cities/tent-cities-seattles-unique-approach-to-homelessness/">
tent cities in Seattle</a>
 provide housing to a few percent of the city's homeless.
</p>
<p>But that's not enough.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, making it impossible for people once convicted of
possession of drugs to have a place to live is an injustice, and
self-defeating for society. If you wonder why 2/3 of prisoners
released are back in prison within 3 years, perhaps it's because
there's no room in society for an ex-con.</p>
<p>Behind all forms of homelessness in the US is the fact that there
isn't enough housing in the US.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Dogma_on_birth_control)
title: Dogma on birth control
uri: Dogma-on-birth-control
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Dogma_on_birth_control%29
content:
<p>The Catholic Church position on birth control 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/20/pope-francis-dogma-birth-control">
makes for universal poverty and environmental disaster</a>.
We of the wealthier countries can share our wealth to lift others
out of poverty, but they must limit the size of the job. They must
not make an unending series of additional poor people that we then
must lift.</p>
<p>I am glad to see the Catholic Church on the progressive and green side
on many important issues. With its help, we may perhaps be able to
overcome the planet roasters. But we must not forget about sexual
freedom and curbing population growth.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Warning_on_wearables)
title: Warning on wearables
uri: Warning-on-wearables
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Warning_on_wearables%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/21/fitbit-digital-health-revolution">
Are wearable digital devices good for people?</a>
It depends who controls them. If the device is run by nonfree software,
you must 
<a href="http://gnu.org/proprietary/">
expect it to mistreat you</a>.
However, having control of the device's software and data is only
the first step; it gives you the option of refusing to hand over the
data to companies, but doesn't stop them from coercing or pressuring
you to "agree".</p>
<p>Thus, we need to organize politically to <em>stop</em> employers or
insurance companies from pushing people to accept snooping.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Mass_extinction_under_way)
title: Mass extinction under way
uri: Mass-extinction-under-way
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Mass_extinction_under_way%29
content:
<p>Vertebrate species are 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/21/mass-extinction-science-warning">
going extinct at 10 to 100 times the usual rate</a>,
amounting to the start of a sixth mass extinction.
</p>
<p>Invertebrates and plants also seem to be suffering extinction, but it
is harder to compare the rate since there are many species we don't
know about yet. Nonetheless, a 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_(Modern_extinction)">
study about land snails</a>
 found a comparable result.
</p>
<p>This extinction is mainly caused by humans' destruction of the
species' habitats. We need to curb the human population and the
tendency for frivolous waste.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Can_you_own_a_CD_in_the_UK?)
title: Can you own a CD in the UK?
uri: Can-you-own-a-CD-in-the-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Can_you_own_a_CD_in_the_UK%3F%29
content:
<p>A UK court 
<a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2015/06/european-copyright-madness-court-strikes-down-law-allowing-users-rip-their-own-cds">
struck down the law permitting people to copy CDs</a>,
 citing
the unjust idea of the purpose of copyright in the EU Copyright
Directive.
</p>
<p>To use the concept of "compensation" for operating on a copyrighted
work is already to swallow the erroneous purpose.  Coupling that with
"rightsholders" makes it worse.  The right question, which we must
raise instead of that, is how to <em>support</em> the
<em>artists</em>.</p>
<p>I suggest that those who want to pull the UK out of the EU pledge
to legalize sharing of copies of published works.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Germany_arrests_journalist)
title: Germany arrests journalist
uri: Germany-arrests-journalist
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Germany_arrests_journalist%29
content:
<p>Germany has 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/21/ahmed-mansour-germany-detains-al-jazeera-journalist-on-egyptian-warrant">
arrested an al-Jazeera journalist</a>
 at the request of Egypt's
military government. The journalist faces charges that seem absurd.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Probabilistic_genes)
title: Probabilistic genes
uri: Probabilistic-genes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Probabilistic_genes%29
content:
<p>Most genes don't "determine" any visible phenotypic characteristic;
they only 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/science/commentisfree/2015/jun/21/adam-rutherford-inheritanceis-a-game-of-probability-not-destiny">
affect the odds of various characteristics and outcomes</a>.
And most visible characteristics are affected by many genes.
</p>
<p>Don't be misled by the few exceptions.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Yemen_stalemate)
title: Yemen stalemate
uri: Yemen-stalemate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Yemen_stalemate%29
content:
<p>The civil war in Yemen seems to have 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/21/saudi-air-strikes-kill-15-in-yemen-houthi-run-media-reports">
become a stalemate</a>.
Is there any sense, other than the strategic interests of Saudi Arabia,
in which this is better than if the Houthis had won in March?</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Feasibility_of_carbon_capture)
title: Feasibility of carbon capture
uri: Feasibility-of-carbon-capture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Feasibility_of_carbon_capture%29
content:
<p>Carbon capture and storage (CCS) 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/21/catch-them-if-you-can-pragmatic-ways-to-cut-carbon-emissions">
has been implemented</a>
 in a commercial power station. The practice is therefore feasible.
Now what?</p>
<p>With solar and wind power, plus more electricity storage, we can
eliminate fossil fuel electric generation. That would take time, and
lots of money, but so would applying CCS. Which one can we do faster
and cheaper? I don't have a calculation, but I think it is the
renewable path. If so, developing CCS for attachment to fossil fuel
power plants is a distraction from replacing those plants.</p>
<p>Fossil fuels have other drawbacks: extracting them spreads pollution
and occasionally causes disasters, and burning them creates other
pollutants besides CO2.</p>
<p>The form of CCS that could be more significant is the one that pulls
CO2 out of the air. With money, that method could be applied in hot
dry places to extract the CO2 made by burning fossil fuels for reasons
other than electric generation.</p>
<p>That would be cheaper than suffering the CO2 to remain in the air.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Who_joins_PISSI?)
title: Who joins PISSI?
uri: Who-joins-PISSI
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Who_joins_PISSI%3F%29
content:
<p>A journalist who has interviewed people that joined PISSI 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/21/three-sisters-nine-children-what-is-the-lure-of-the-isis-caliphate">
reports on their motives</a>.
</p>
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/21/isis-women-its-not-about-jihadi-brides-its-about-escape">
Some Muslim women</a>
 (especially teenagers) attach their hopes for safety or
justice to PISSI.
The loss of equal rights doesn't worry them because they live in
stultifying communities where in practice they have few rights to
lose.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Urgent:_prevent_cuts_to_food_stamps)
title: Urgent: prevent cuts to food stamps
uri: Urgent-prevent-cuts-to-food-stamps
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_prevent_cuts_to_food_stamps%29

content:
<p>US citizens: call on Congress 
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/campaigns/1281?detail=action">
not to cut food stamps</a>.
</p>


title: Urgent: Praise or scold your congresscritter
uri: Urgent-Praise-or-scold-your-congresscritter
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Urgent:_Praise_or_scold_your_congresscritter)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Praise_or_scold_your_congresscritter%29

content:
<p>US citizens: 
<a href="http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2015/roll374.xml">
see how your congresscritter voted</a>
 on "fast track" for
corporate-supremacy treaties, then call to express praise or disgust.
</p>
<p>Don't accept the description of the TPP, TTIP and TISA as "free trade"
treaties. They are not about trade, they are about subjecting democracy
to company power.</p>
<p>The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641 and
888-355-3588.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Navajo_Generating_Station)
title: Navajo Generating Station
uri: Navajo-Generating-Station
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Navajo_Generating_Station%29
content:
<p>The dams, coal mines and machinery that move water to Arizona cities
constitute a modern marvel, but 
<a href="https://projects.propublica.org/killing-the-colorado/story/navajo-generating-station-colorado-river-drought">
the power plant that runs it</a>
 spews air pollution that is a disaster; and global heating is reducing
the water
available for the system to move.
</p>
<p>Note that water that seeps into the ground from Lake Powell and water
canals may not really be a waste, if it helps refill aquifers that we
are emptying. But I don't know the details of this.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Lethal_help_from_thugs)
title: Lethal help from thugs
uri: Lethal-help-from-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Lethal_help_from_thugs%29
content:
<p>A man whose car was in trouble on the highway made the mistake of
appealing to LA thugs for help. They 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/20/los-angeles-police-shoot-unarmed-man-in-head">
shot him in the head</a>,
 then cuffed his hands behind his back as he lay on the ground bleeding
from
the head.
</p>
<p>If you don't hang around with thugs or gangsters, you probably have
little experience in responding to a command to "drop the gun." If
you hear this command and you have a gun, you may understand it
quickly. But if you have no gun, it may take you a couple of seconds
to realize it refers to the towel in your hand.  If thugs don't give
you that much time, they have in effect decided to risk killing an
innocent person.</p>
<p>This man is still alive, but he could may die from the wound. If he
survives, he may be permanently brain-impaired.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(For-profit_hospitals_overcharging)
title: For-profit hospitals overcharging
uri: For-profit-hospitals-overcharging
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28For-profit_hospitals_overcharging%29

content:
<p>Some for-profit hospital chains in the US charge patients <em>on the
average</em> 
<a href="http://www.publicintegrity.org/2015/06/15/17474/profit-hospitals-mark-prices-more-1000-percent-because-theres-nothing-stop-them">
over 10 times what Medicare pays hospitals</a>
 for the same things.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Corporate_land-grab_in_Europe)
title: Corporate land-grab in Europe
uri: Corporate-land-grab-in-Europe
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Corporate_land-grab_in_Europe%29
content:
<p>The global corporate land-grab 
<a href="http://www.dw.de/farmland-grabbing-spreads-in-europe/a-18522750">
includes parts of Europe</a>.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Cost_of_California_cleanup)
title: Cost of California cleanup
uri: Cost-of-California-cleanup
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Cost_of_California_cleanup%29
content:
<p>Manual cleanup of the California coast oil spill has 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/20/california-oil-spill-cleanup-continues-by-hand-shovels-brushes">
cost 65 million dollars</a>
 so far.
<p>The pipeline company is paying.</p>
<p>All pipeline operators should be required to demonstrate that they
have the funds on hand to pay the costs of cleanup after a likely
accident.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(US_gag_order_on_Reason)
title: US gag order on Reason
uri: US-gag-order-on-Reason
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28US_gag_order_on_Reason%29
content:
<p>The US 
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2015/06/19/government-stifles-speech">
imposed a gag order on Reason magazine</a>,
 aiming to deny the people who were the objects of a 
subpoena delivered to Reason any chance of contesting it.
</p>
<p>The subpoena was absurd anyway, making the danger greater.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Tax_on_frequent_fliers)
title: Tax on frequent fliers
uri: Tax-on-frequent-fliers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Tax_on_frequent_fliers%29
content:
<p>A 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/20/frequent-flyer-tax-leisure-airfares">
tax on frequent fliers</a>
 could eliminate the need to expand London's
airports and reduce CO2 emissions.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(London_protests_against_cuts)
title: London protests against cuts
uri: London-protests-against-cuts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28London_protests_against_cuts%29
content:
<p>Around 100,000 people 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/20/tens-thousands-rally-uk-protest-against-austerity">
protested in London</a>
 against starve-the-poor austerity.
</p>
<p>Most Labour Party MPs demonstrated the parties uselessness by not
daring
to participate.</p>
<p>The government dismissed the protest with contempt
and 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jun/21/osborne-to-proceed-with-12bn-welfare-cuts-despite-anti-austerity-protests">
will proceed with a massive attack</a>
 against the British non-rich.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Urgent:_Improve_open_records_law)
title: Urgent: Improve open records law
uri: Urgent-Improve-open-records-law
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Improve_open_records_law%29

content:
<p>
Citizens of Massachusetts:
<a href="https://ssl.capwiz.com/aclu/ma/issues/alert/?alertid=64204511">call
on your legislators</a> to improve Massachusetts's open records law.


title: Urgent: Fisheries protection policies
uri: Urgent-Fisheries-protection-policies
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Urgent:_Fisheries_protection_policies)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Fisheries_protection_policies%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://act.oceana.org/sign/nmfs_ns1-proposal_2015">Call on
NOAA</a> to preserve fisheries protection policies.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Urgent:_Thank_Democrats)
title: Urgent: Thank Democrats
uri: Urgent-Thank-Democrats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Thank_Democrats%29
content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/tpp_thankyou">thank
Democrats</a> for voting to stop "fast track" on corporation supremacy
treaties.


title: Urgent: Drop charges against Kenlissia Jones
uri: Urgent-Drop-charges-against-Kenlissia-Jones
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Urgent:_Drop_charges_against_Kenlissia_Jones)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Drop_charges_against_Kenlissia_Jones%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="http://action.rhrealitycheck.org/page/s/justice-for-kenlissia">call
for dropping all charges</a> against Kenlissia Jones for taking a drug
that may have caused her abortion.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(NRA_board_member_blames_victims)
title: NRA board member blames victims
uri: NRA-board-member-blames-victims
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28NRA_board_member_blames_victims%29
content:
<p>
An NRA board member
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/19/nra-mass-shootings-south-carolina-church">blamed
the people in the Charleston church for not carrying guns</a> to
"protect" themselves.
<p>
The fact is, in the US only whites are really allowed to carry guns.
Even where carrying guns is officially legal — and even when
they are toys, or air rifles — black people who carry them risk
being killed by thugs.
<p>
But it would not really have helped if they had had guns.
<p>
To shoot a crowd of unsuspecting people, not caring which ones you
hit, is easy.  To shoot a specific person who's on guard, and avoid
hitting anyone else, is much harder.


title: Republicans try to negate net neutrality
uri: Republicans-try-to-negate-net-neutrality
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Republicans_try_to_negate_net_neutrality)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Republicans_try_to_negate_net_neutrality%29

content:
<p>
Republicans, working as usual for special interests, have
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/19/sneak-attack-net-neutrality-picks-steam-congress">stuck
text in a spending bill</a> to sabotage the FCC and negate net
neutrality.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Talks_about_tackling_Wall_Street)
title: Talks about tackling Wall Street
uri: Talks-about-tackling-Wall-Street
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Talks_about_tackling_Wall_Street%29
content:
<p>
Clinton talks about tackling Wall Street, but we can't believe this
given
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/19/hillary-clintons-wall-street-address">the
money she and her private foundation have accepted in recent years
from banksters and other big business</a>.
<p>
When
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/19/bernie-sanders-profile-democrat-presidential-candidate">Bernie
Sanders</a> says these things, his life shows he means them.
<p>
By the way, I don't believe most of the people who are appointed or
elected in the US government, or in lobbying companies, are seriously
looking for the way to do good in a corrupt environment.  I think they
are looking for the way to make the most money, and trotting out silly
excuses to pretend their actions are good.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Qatar_Airways_slaves)
title: Qatar Airways slaves
uri: Qatar-Airways-slaves
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Qatar_Airways_slaves%29
content:
<p>
Qatar Airways treats flight attendants as slaves, in effect.  They are
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/19/glass-ceiling-in-the-sky-qatar-airways-pregnant-employees">forced
to stay inside their dormitory</a>.
<p>
They can be fired for things as personal as marriage or pregnancy or
hidden tattoo, or for things as minor as posing for a picture.  Then
they are trapped in Qatar.
<p>
The first simple thing we can do is never use that airline.
I already won't, since I distrust Qatar's government so much
I don't want to even transfer there.


title: Ukraine tells creditors to write down debt
uri: Ukraine-tells-creditors-to-write-down-debt
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Ukraine_tells_creditors_to_write_down_debt)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Ukraine_tells_creditors_to_write_down_debt%29

content:
<p>
Ukraine is at the edge of default, so it simply told its creditors,
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/19/ukraine-offers-creditors-last-chance-to-reach-deal-over-debt">"Write
down debt or don't get anything."</a>
<p>
Contrast this with the situation of Greece.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(The_word_terrorism)
title: The word "terrorism"
uri: The-word-terrorism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28The_word_terrorism%29
content:
<p>
In an act of
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/19/shooting-suspect-dylann-roof-confesses-reports">racial
hatred</a>, a white supremacist shot 9 blacks in a church in South
Carolina.  He reportedly said he wanted to "start a race war."
<p>
It is certain that this was racist murder.  Does that mean it is
"terrorism"?  Here is
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/06/charleston-shooting-terrorism-american-extremism">an
argument that it is</a>.
<p>
I am not sure.  If terrorism means anything, it is violence against
innocents meant to intimidate people so as to serve a political cause.
We don't know whether these murders fit that.
<p>
We don't need to squeeze them into the word "terrorism" to say they
were a heinous crime.
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/19/american-terrorism-white-supremacys-brutal-centuries-long-campaign-violence">Another
article</a> argues that systematic repression of American blacks is
"terrorism".
<p>
Systematic repression of blacks exists, and is very bad, and maybe
in some cases it has been terrorism, but the two are not the same.
<p>
The word "terrorist" has ceased in practice to mean anything other
than a
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/06/19/refusal-call-charleston-shootings-terrorism-shows-meaningless-propaganda-term/">smear</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Whaling)
title: Whaling
uri: 2015-06-26-Whaling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Whaling%29
content:
<p>
The International Whaling Commission is pressuring Japan to justify
its claim that its whaling operations are for scientific research.
Japan's response is to
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/19/japan-asked-to-prove-whaling-for-scientific-research">stall
by giving inadequate answers</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Thugs)
title: Thugs
uri: 2015-06-26-Thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Thugs%29
content:
<p>
The thug that killed Nicholas Thomas said Thomas was threatening him.
However, the autopsy shows he
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/19/nicholas-thomas-shot-in-back-police">shot
Thomas in the back</a>.
<p>
That's typical of thugs: they kill you, they falsely accuse you, the
other thugs support the lies, and they get away with it.
<p>
The officers that won't support the thugs' lies deserve the title of
"police."  But they face
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_(Thugs)">repression
from the other thugs and from the state</a>.
<p>
In Queensland, Australia, thugs who attacked a helpless handcuffed man
face no charges, but
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jun/19/gold-coast-police-officer-faces-jail-for-allegedly-leaking-film-of-police-assault">the
police officer who showed this to the public faces 7 years in
prison</a>.
<p>
The thuggery here is not limited to the thugs: it includes the
prosecutors, too.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Actors_hired_to_applaud_for_Trump)
title: Actors hired to applaud for Trump
uri: Actors-hired-to-applaud-for-Trump
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Actors_hired_to_applaud_for_Trump%29

content:
<p>
When Donald Trump announced he was running for president, he
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/06/17/1394127/-Trump-s-team-cast-movie-extras-to-cheer-his-announcement-speech">hired
temporary actors</a> to be the audience and applaud.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(The_confederate_flag)
title: The confederate flag
uri: The-confederate-flag
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28The_confederate_flag%29
content:
<p>
South Carolina flies the confederate flag, symbol of racism and
slavery.  After the the murders of 9 blacks in a church by an apparent
white supremacist,
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/19/confederate-flag-raises-renewed-ire-following-charleston-church-killings">protesters
demand the state stop this</a>.
<p>
The people who favor showing that flag surly have an argument to show
it is not about racism and slavery.  I found those arguments
unpersuasive when I heard them.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Australias_new_secrecy_laws)
title: Australia's new secrecy laws
uri: Australia-s-new-secrecy-laws
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Australias_new_secrecy_laws%29
content:
<p>
Australia's
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jun/19/detention-centre-doctors-should-seek-legal-advice-over-new-disclosure-laws">strict
new secrecy laws</a>, covering everything relating to handling of
refugees, forces the doctors that treat them to "choose between [not
being jailed] and their patients".


title: Pathogen research lab in Tornado Alley
uri: Pathogen-research-lab-in-Tornado-Alley
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Pathogen_research_lab_in_Tornado_Alley)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Pathogen_research_lab_in_Tornado_Alley%29

content:
<p>
The [US] Government Is Putting a Pathogen-Research Lab in
<a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2015/06/national_bio_and_agro_defense_facility_government_puts_pathogen_research.html">Tornado
Alley</a>.


title: Bytecode platform for proprietary software
uri: Bytecode-platform-for-proprietary-software
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Bytecode_platform_for_proprietary_software)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Bytecode_platform_for_proprietary_software%29

content:
<p>
The major browser developers plan to support a
<a href="http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/06/the-web-is-getting-its-bytecode-webassembly/">replacement
for obfuscated Javascript code</a>: binary files.
<p>
Bytecode as a platform for distributing and running proprietary
software does not make it any less of a wrong.  The bytecode might
offer the opportunity to facilitate statement of licenses and
corresponding source code.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Race_and_guns)
title: Race and guns
uri: Race-and-guns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Race_and_guns%29
content:
<p>
"<a href='http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/18/charleston-south-carolina-church-shooting-race-gun-violence'>Charleston
killings leave US reckoning with race and guns amid 'broken
peace'.</a>"


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Some_fungicides_harm_bumblebees)
title: Some fungicides harm bumblebees
uri: Some-fungicides-harm-bumblebees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Some_fungicides_harm_bumblebees%29
content:
<p>
A controlled experiment found that
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/18/bees-fungicide-flowers-farm-insecticide">some
fungicides harm bumblebees</a>.  The effect has been seen in
agriculture too.
<p>
The problem could be avoided, more or less, by not spraying fungicide
when plants bloom.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Tax_cuts_for_the_rich)
title: Tax cuts for the rich
uri: 2015-06-26-Tax-cuts-for-the-rich
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Tax_cuts_for_the_rich%29
content:
<p>
Rand Paul
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2015/06/i-read-rand-pauls-flat-tax-plan-so-you-dont-have">advocates
tax cuts for the rich</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Regulating_use_of_force_by_US_thugs)
title: Regulating use of force by US thugs
uri: Regulating-use-of-force-by-US-thugs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Regulating_use_of_force_by_US_thugs%29

content:
<p>
The US
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/18/us-states-police-use-of-force-standards-amnesty">does
not meet international standards</a> for regulating use of force by
thugs.  None of the 50 states meets them.


title: Investigator forced to "confess" to crimes
uri: Investigator-forced-to-confess-to-crimes
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Investigator_forced_to_confess_to_crimes)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Investigator_forced_to_confess_to_crimes%29

content:
<p>
British investigator Peter Humphrey "confessed" to crimes in China
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/18/china-gsk-peter-humphrey-prostate-problems-confession-claim">in
order to get medical care he was denied</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Dangers_ignored_by_TEPCO)
title: Dangers ignored by TEPCO
uri: Dangers-ignored-by-TEPCO
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Dangers_ignored_by_TEPCO%29
content:
<p>
TEPCO acknowledged privately that the Fukushima nuclear plants needed
higher defenses against big tsunamis, but then
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/18/fukushima-power-plant-operator-knew-need-protect-against-tsunami-japan-disaster">did
nothing for 2.5 years</a> until one happened.
<p>
After the tsunami, TEPCO's management claimed that the disaster "could
not have been foreseen."


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Text_walking_lane)
title: "Text walking lane"
uri: Text-walking-lane
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Text_walking_lane%29
content:
<p>
A "text walking lane" on a pedestrian street in Antwerp was an
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/18/uber-reviews-black-cabs">instant
success</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Reducing_soda_consumption)
title: Reducing soda consumption
uri: Reducing-soda-consumption
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Reducing_soda_consumption%29
content:
<p>
Mexico's
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/18/mexican-soda-tax-cuts-sales-first-year">tax
on soda</a> cut soda consumption 6% in 2014, and the decrease was
growing toward the end of the year.


title: Encryption and anonymous internet use
uri: Encryption-and-anonymous-internet-use
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Encryption_and_anonymous_internet_use)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Encryption_and_anonymous_internet_use%29

content:
<p>
The UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression
<a href="https://www.privacyinternational.org/?q=node/600">calls on
states to promote</a> encryption and allow anonymous internet use.
<p>
I agree, but doing this in simple ways is not enough.
For instance, if you use an anonymous cell phone more than
just a little, you can soon be identified by who you call.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Progressive_mass_movement_needed)
title: Progressive mass movement needed
uri: Progressive-mass-movement-needed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Progressive_mass_movement_needed%29
content:
<p>
A progressive president can't change America alone; he will need a
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/17/americans-must-go-offensive-or-risk-losing-ground">progressive
mass movement and the progressive Congress that that movement can
elect</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 25_June_2015_(Thug_violence)
title: Thug violence
uri: 2015-06-26-Thug-violence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_%28Thug_violence%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/17/washington-needs-tell-truth-about-police-violence">Washington
Needs to Tell the Truth about Police Violence</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(La_Quadrature_du_Net)
title: La Quadrature du Net
uri: La-Quadrature-du-Net
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28La_Quadrature_du_Net%29
content:
<p>La Quadrature du Net 
<a href="http://www.laquadrature.net/en/france-in-the-era-of-mass-surveillance-we-must-resist">
calls</a>
 on French citizens to resist massive
surveillance.
</p>
<p>La Quadrature 
<a href="http://www.laquadrature.net/en/french-surveillance-bill-lqdn-files-an-amicus-brief-to-the-constitutional-court">
is also resisting</a>
 in court.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(EU_privacy_protection)
title: EU privacy protection
uri: EU-privacy-protection
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28EU_privacy_protection%29
content:
<p>The EU Council (of representatives of states) 
<a href="http://www.laquadrature.net/en/is-the-council-selling-our-personal-data-to-private-companies">
is proposing</a>
 to make privacy
protections so weak that they are meaningless.
</p>
<p>I don't trust privacy policies.  Data, once collected, will be
misused.
We must resist the collection of the data.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Nuclear_deal_between_US_and_Iran)
title: Nuclear deal between US and Iran
uri: Nuclear-deal-between-US-and-Iran
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Nuclear_deal_between_US_and_Iran%29
content:
<p>The 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/24/clearing-final-hurdles-usiran-nuclear-deal">
issues</a>
 that remain for a nuclear deal between the US and Iran.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Measuring_poverty)
title: Measuring poverty
uri: Measuring-poverty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Measuring_poverty%29
content:
<p>Embarrassed by statistics on children living in poverty, the UK
government

<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/25/cameron-poverty-children-britain-cuts-agenda">
plans to reduce</a>
 the problem by measuring poverty
differently.
</p>


title: Miscalculating risks of climate change
uri: Miscalculating-risks-of-climate-change
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Miscalculating_risks_of_climate_change)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Miscalculating_risks_of_climate_change%29

content:
<p>"Credit rating agencies 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2015/jun/25/credit-rating-agencies-risks-climate-change-report-finance">
are miscalculating</a>
 risks of climate change."
</p>
<p>These agencies are not impartial.  They may have a business motive for
this.
Or perhaps they are only slow to adapt.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Baltimore_thugs)
title: Baltimore thugs
uri: Baltimore-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Baltimore_thugs%29
content:
<p>The Baltimore Thug Department 
<a href="http://us10.campaign-archive2.com/?u=8c573daa3ad72f4a095505b58&id=c418a08d8f&e=23c9f65d66">
invented</a>
 an imaginary armed "threat" as
an excuse to crack down on the protests over the killing of Freddie
Gray by thugs.
</p>
<p>These claims were rejected by the FBI, which reported there was no
basis for them.</p>
<p>Thugs will keep influencing the public by lying as long as people are
willing to believe thugs.  It's hard to resist, since (as with any
fraudster) most of what they say is true.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Thugs_in_Maryland)
title: Thugs in Maryland
uri: Thugs-in-Maryland
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Thugs_in_Maryland%29
content:
<p>Thugs in Maryland killed an unarmed black man, and 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/25/baltimore-county-police-shooting-owings-mills">
say</a>
 they jumped to
the conclusion from his posture that he had a gun.
</p>
<p>That is effectively a confession of being too quick to kill.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Officer_of_the_year)
title: "Officer of the year"
uri: Officer-of-the-year
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Officer_of_the_year%29
content:
<p>The Champaign Illinois thugs' "officer of the year" 
<a href="http://www.illinoishomepage.net/news/local-news/officer-arrested-for-sex-crimes">
is now facing</a>
 trial
for violent rape against two (perhaps three) women.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Heat_wave_in_Pakistan)
title: Heat wave in Pakistan
uri: Heat-wave-in-Pakistan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Heat_wave_in_Pakistan%29
content:
<p>A heat wave in Pakistan 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/06/24/death-toll-soars-unbelievable-pakistan-heat-wave">
killed 800 people</a>
 and has put thousands in the
hospital with heat stroke.
</p>
<p>More ominously, weather conditions are occasionally approaching the
point where human beings will die quickly without air conditioning.
With a little more global heating, we will see heat waves that kill
the whole population of a region.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(India's_Flood)
title: India's Flood
uri: India-s-Flood
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28India%27s_Flood%29
content:
<p>Unnatural Disaster: 
<a href="http://e360.yale.edu/feature/unnatural_disaster_how_global_warming_helped_cause_indias_catastrophic_flood/2888/">
How Global Warming Helped</a>
 Cause India's Catastrophic 
Flood.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Self-driving_cars)
title: Self-driving cars
uri: Self-driving-cars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Self-driving_cars%29
content:
<p>Self-driving cars 
<a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-06-25/should-a-driverless-car-decide-who-lives-or-dies-in-an-accident-">
create an ethical problem</a>, which we could call the
autonomous trolley problem.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Orlando_Sierra)
title: Orlando Sierra
uri: Orlando-Sierra
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Orlando_Sierra%29
content:
<p>After 13 years, a Colombian elected official 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/25/colombia-orlando-sierra-murder-ferney-tapasco">
has been sentenced
for the murder</a>
 of editor Orlando Sierra.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Oman's_aquifers)
title: Oman's aquifers
uri: Oman-s-aquifers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Oman%27s_aquifers%29
content:
<p>Oman 
<a href="http://e360.yale.edu/feature/oasis_at_risk_omans_ancient_water_channels_are_drying_up/2880/">
is draining</a>
 its aquifers, so that the ancient and still active system
of water tunnels ceases to function.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Data_mining_to_find_corruption)
title: Data mining to find corruption
uri: Data-mining-to-find-corruption
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Data_mining_to_find_corruption%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/features/mining-for-corruption">
Using data mining</a>
 to find corruption.
</p>
<p>Since the data being searched describes state actions with businesses,
it does not raise any privacy issue.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(TPP)
title: TPP
uri: 2015-06-27-TPP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28TPP%29
content:
<p>Despite the terrible surrender on Fast Track, 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/25/six-ways-tpp-opponents-have-won-even-fast-track-advances">
the fight against it
has won smaller victories</a>
 that might help defeat the TPP.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Wildfires)
title: Wildfires
uri: Wildfires
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Wildfires%29
content:
<p>Since the 1950s, the number of large wildfires annually in Alaska 
<a href="https://news.vice.com/article/the-number-of-wildfires-in-alaska-has-doubled-since-the-1950s">
has doubled</a>.
The fire season has extended a whole month.
</p>
<p>This is due to the 3C (around 5F) increase in the average temperature
in Alaska in that time span.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Network_Neutrality)
title: Network Neutrality
uri: Network-Neutrality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Network_Neutrality%29
content:
<p>Details of the Republicans' three legislative 
<a href="http://www.freepress.net/blog/2015/06/24/free-press-action-fund-urges-house-to-stop-trying-to-undermine-net-neutrality">
attacks against</a>
 network
neutrality.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Choosing_by_algorithm)
title: Choosing by algorithm
uri: Choosing-by-algorithm
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Choosing_by_algorithm%29
content:
<p>Choosing among job candidates by algorithm 
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/26/upshot/can-an-algorithm-hire-better-than-a-human.html">
can avoid</a>
 unconscious bias.
</p>
<p>However, it depends on massive surveillance of the people being hired.
If this method is to be used, it must be used in a way that doesn't
centralize information about the candidates.</p>
<p>Existing job application sites have been massive surveillance systems
for a decade, making them menaces to society in my view.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Obama's_medical_care)
title: Obama's medical care
uri: Obama-s-medical-care
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Obama%27s_medical_care%29
content:
<p>The Supreme Court rejected a challenge to Obama's medical care
funding.</p>
<p>That law is an advance, but next 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/25/obamacare-affordable-care-act-ruling-healthcare-uninsured">
we need to replace the private
insurance companies</a>
 and cover everyone.  This could resist the gouging
of the hospitals and the drug companies.
</p>
<p>As usual, Sanders takes the strongest position.  But even single-payer
is not ideal.  Canada's national health system is better.  Even the UK's
system, undermined as it is by years of right-wing underfunding, is
better
on the average.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Estate_Tax)
title: Estate Tax
uri: Estate-Tax
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Estate_Tax%29
content:
<p>Nation's Wealthiest Families Behind the 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2015/06/25/nations-wealthiest-families-behind-effort-kill-estate-tax">
Effort to Kill</a>
 the Estate Tax.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Journalism_in_Egypt)
title: Journalism in Egypt
uri: Journalism-in-Egypt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Journalism_in_Egypt%29
content:
<p>18 journalists 
<a href="http://cpj.org/reports/2015/06/egypt-imprisonment-of-journalists-is-at-an-all-time-high.php">
are in prison</a>
 in Egypt, where journalism is interpreted
as "terrorism".
</p>
<p>Egypt's journalists 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/25/egyptian-media-journalism-sisi-mubarak">
proudly proclaim they publish</a>
 whatever the state says.
</p>


title: Soft prosecution against Hindus bombing
uri: Soft-prosecution-against-Hindus-bombing
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Soft_prosecution_against_Hindus_bombing)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Soft_prosecution_against_Hindus_bombing%29

content:
<p>An Indian prosecutor says an official 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/25/lawyer-delhi-go-soft-prosecution-hindus-bombing">
told her to stop</a>
 prosecuting
Hindus who attacked Muslims with a bomb, after Narendra Modi's Hindu
nationalist party won the election.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Solidarity_fridge)
title: Solidarity fridge
uri: Solidarity-fridge
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Solidarity_fridge%29
content:
<p>In the solidarity fridge in Galdakao, Spain, 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/25/solidarity-fridge-spanish-town-cut-food-waste-galdakao">
people leave food</a>
 for
others to take.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Responses_by_Police)
title: Responses by Police
uri: Responses-by-Police
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Responses_by_Police%29
content:
<p>Fifteen Most 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/25/fifteen-most-outrageous-responses-police-after-killing-unarmed-people">
Outrageous Responses</a>
 by Police after Killing Unarmed People.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Greenpeace)
title: Greenpeace
uri: Greenpeace
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Greenpeace%29
content:
<p>Greenpeace bought land to block a new runway for Heathrow airport, but
economically it was really a 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/25/heathrow-third-runway-greenpeace-land-sold">
two-year lease</a>
 rather than a permanent
purchase.
</p>
<p>Greenpeace did not pay again to renew the lease.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(HIV)
title: HIV
uri: HIV
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28HIV%29
content:
<p>The world 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jun/25/hiv-epidemic-will-rebound-dramatically-without-more-funding-warn-experts">
has an opportunity to eliminate HIV</a>, but if it doesn't take
that opportunity, the disease will spread more.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Boeing)
title: Boeing
uri: Boeing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Boeing%29
content:
<p>Jetliners pressurize the cabin with air that went through engine
compressors.  Sometimes 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2015/06/air-plane-cabins-may-be-toxic">
toxic gases from the engine get into the
cabin</a>.  Airplane flight attendants suffering permanent medical
problems are suing Boeing over this.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Use_of_deadly_force)
title: Use of deadly force
uri: Use-of-deadly-force
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Use_of_deadly_force%29
content:
<p>Measuring 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/06/how-many-us-states-meet-global-police-use-force-standards">
all the US states against</a>
 international standards for
use of deadly force by thugs.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Harsh_on_whistleblowers)
title: Harsh on whistleblowers
uri: Harsh-on-whistleblowers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Harsh_on_whistleblowers%29
content:
<p>All of the Republican and Democratic US presidential candidates 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/25/assessing-candidates-obamas-whistleblower-war-leaves-dangerous-legacy-future">
are
harsh</a>
 on whistleblowers.  Sanders is the best of them, but still
disappointing.
</p>
<p>If Sanders wins, the spy establishment will pressure him to become
as bad as Obama, but he might listen to a public campaign.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Pay_for_CEOs)
title: Pay for CEOs
uri: Pay-for-CEOs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Pay_for_CEOs%29
content:
<p>At large US companies, the 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/25/ceo-pay-america-up-average-employees-salary-down">
pay for CEOs has risen 54%</a>
 since 2009,
but pay for workers is the same as then.
</p>
<p>We should tax away that 54% raise.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Affordable_housing)
title: Affordable housing
uri: Affordable-housing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Affordable_housing%29
content:
<p>How housing developers in London 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/jun/25/london-developers-viability-planning-affordable-social-housing-regeneration-oliver-wainwright">
game the law to minimize</a>
 affordable housing.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Australian_lies)
title: Australian lies
uri: Australian-lies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Australian_lies%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jun/25/bjorn-lomborg-university-funding-tied-to-rational-conversation-lectures">
Three more</a>
 Australian government lies: the results of a
heating-denialist's "research" center will be called "consensus", and
his denialism will be called "rational conversation".
</p>
<p>Universities are being offered 4 million dollars in bait to endorse
these lies.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(26_people_in_a_3-bedroom_house)
title: 26 people in a 3-bedroom house
uri: 26-people-in-a-3-bedroom-house
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%2826_people_in_a_3-bedroom_house%29
content:
<p>26 people 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jun/25/overcrowding-housing-raid-26-living-three-bedroom-east-london">
lived together</a>
 in a 3-bedroom house in London.  They could
not afford anything better.
</p>
<p>Soon those people will be living in a far more spacious place: the
street.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Prison_for_initiating_into_sex)
title: Prison for initiating into sex
uri: Prison-for-initiating-into-sex
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Prison_for_initiating_into_sex%29
content:
<p>An admired teacher in the UK 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jun/24/anne-lakey-jailed-underage-sex-teacher-eight-years">
has been sentenced to a long prison term</a>
 for
initiating teenage boys into sex.
</p>
<p>It seems clear that those teenagers enjoyed their sexual relationship
at the time, and actively participated in continuing it.  Neither
apparently claims to have been coerced.</p>
<p>These relationships cannot have been perfect; no relationship ever is.
It is not unusual to get into a relationship and later regret it,
but if that implies the relationship was harmful, then we would start
imprisoning most people who have them.</p>
<p>I have the impression that someone convinced them, based on an
ideological position, that some imperfect aspect means the
relationships did them grave damage.  I am not buying it.  Your first
relationship is almost sure to be flawed, and you learn from that.</p>
<p>I am sure I'd have had a far happier life if I had learned these
things
from a teacher when I was 14 rather than waiting years to learn them
from someone else.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(War_on_Drugs)
title: War on Drugs
uri: 2015-06-27-War-on-Drugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28War_on_Drugs%29
content:
<p>A regional assembly of a prestigious US church 
<a href="http://www.leap.cc/united_methodist_res/">
voted to
oppose</a>
 the War on Drugs.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(False_quotes)
title: False quotes
uri: False-quotes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28False_quotes%29
content:
<p>Several Republicans 
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/06/23/1395838/-Republicans-keep-making-up-quotes-from-Founding-Fathers?detail=email">
have presented</a>
 false quotes attributed to founders
of the US.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(US_racism)
title: US racism
uri: 2015-06-27-US-racism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28US_racism%29
content:
<p>Attaching shame to the confederate flag 
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/06/23/1395871/-Good-riddance-to-the-Confederate-battle-flag-But-let-s-keep-in-mind-what-a-baby-step-this-really-is?detail=email">
is worth an effort</a>, but it is
just a small step in eradicating systematic US racism.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(GCHQ)
title: GCHQ
uri: GCHQ
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28GCHQ%29
content:
<p>GCHQ has a group that works on propaganda and deceit.  It 
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/06/22/controversial-gchq-unit-domestic-law-enforcement-propaganda/">
justifies</a>

existence by claiming to address foreign enemies and terrorists,
then
operates mainly against dissidents and ordinary domestic criminals.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Exile_without_trial)
title: Exile without trial
uri: Exile-without-trial
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Exile_without_trial%29
content:
<p>Australia's plan for exile without trial 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jun/25/whistleblowers-could-have-citizenship-revoked-under-proposed-laws">
could apply</a>
 to
whistleblowers.
</p>
<p>It's supposed to be for "terrorists", but for "terrorist" read
"dissident or troublemaker".</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(War_on_Sharing)
title: War on Sharing
uri: 2015-06-27-War-on-Sharing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28War_on_Sharing%29
content:
<p>One ISP in the US 
<a href="http://torrentfreak.com/cox-wants-rightscorps-piracy-tracking-source-code-150624/">
is resisting</a>
 part of its assigned role with the War
on Sharing.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Antarctic_biodiversity)
title: Antarctic biodiversity
uri: Antarctic-biodiversity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Antarctic_biodiversity%29
content:
<p>Thousands of known species live only in or near Antarctica.  Human
activity,
especially global heating, 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/25/antarctic-biodiversity-faces-increased-threats-despite-isolation-study-finds">
endangers</a>
 them.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Ghana's_Digital_Dump)
title: Ghana's Digital Dump
uri: Ghana-s-Digital-Dump
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Ghana%27s_Digital_Dump%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3047681/meet-the-children-who-live-in-ghanas-hellish-digital-dump">
Meet The Children</a>
 Who Live In Ghana's Hellish Digital Dump.
</p>
<p>We need to require manufacturers to design products for recycling.</p>
<p>In the mean time, computers last longer when you run them with free
software, because the manufacturer doesn't have the power to make
a hardware upgrade necessary by imposing harmful software changes.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Gentrification)
title: Gentrification
uri: 2015-06-27-Gentrification
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Gentrification%29
content:
<p>As gentrification takes on the last affordable housing in Washington
DC, the tenants' housing aid 
<a href="http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2015/06/24/3673526/chinatown-gentrification-museum-square-washington-dc/">
will become useless</a>
 as there is nowhere
they can go.
</p>
<p>Chinatown will finish converting into a tourist trap.  It won't have
any good Chinese food, once there are no Chinese customers to insist
on doing a good job.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Toxic_chemicals)
title: Toxic chemicals
uri: Toxic-chemicals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Toxic_chemicals%29
content:
<p>The US House of Representatives 
<a href="http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/06/24/3673415/toxic-chemical-reform-act-house-vote/">
has voted</a>
 to strengthen regulation
of toxic chemicals.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Unemployment)
title: Unemployment
uri: Unemployment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Unemployment%29
content:
<p>Unemployed people 
<a href="http://www.vox.com/2015/6/23/8831657/robots-unemployment">
can be happy without work</a>, if they call it "retirement"
instead of "unemployment".  Respecting the state of unemployment
is crucial to helping society adjust to it.
</p>
<p>Not everyone can imitate Money Mustache.  It is vital to have no

<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/children.html">
children</a>, or at least that they already be grown.  (You can
decide to
have no children.)
But even then, there are difficulties.  Not everyone is competent to
repair a house.  Not everyone has a house, and you surely can't buy
one when you're unemployed/retired.  Not everyone can ride a
bicycle, especially not on roads with cars.</p>
<p>Respecting the unemployed/retired is a crucial step towards for
deciding to give them the government help that many of them will need.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Detroit's_bankruptcy)
title: Detroit's bankruptcy
uri: 2015-06-27-Detroit-s-bankruptcy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Detroit%27s_bankruptcy%29
content:
<p>Detroit's bankruptcy was not inevitable.  It 
<a href="http://inthesetimes.com/article/18096/a_scam_in_two_cities">
was a political choice</a>

imposed by Republican state politicians for harmful ends.
</p>
<p>Now
other Republican state politicians want to do it to Chicago, but
it won't be easy for them to achieve it there.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Cracking_of_employee_records)
title: Cracking of employee records
uri: Cracking-of-employee-records
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Cracking_of_employee_records%29
content:
<p>The cracking of the US government employee records 
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/06/24/opm-contractor-veritas/">
was enabled</a>
 by
subcontracting.
</p>
<p>It is a bad practice in general.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Ethiopian_dissident)
title: Ethiopian dissident
uri: Ethiopian-dissident
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Ethiopian_dissident%29
content:
<p>An Ethiopian dissident, handed over to Ethiopia without legal process
by Yemen, 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2015/06/23/brit-marks-one-year-illegal-ethiopian-detention-under-sentence-death">
is apparently being tortured</a>
 into confessing a variety of crimes.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Racist_Terror)
title: Racist Terror
uri: Racist-Terror
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Racist_Terror%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/23/how-politicians-media-and-gun-lobby-enable-racist-terror">
How</a>
 Politicians, Media, and the Gun Lobby Enable Racist Terror.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Bosnia's_civil_war)
title: Bosnia's civil war
uri: Bosnia-s-civil-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Bosnia%27s_civil_war%29
content:
<p>Soldiers 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/24/bosnian-court-grants-wartime-victim-compensation-landmark-ruling">
have been sentenced</a>
 to prison for committing rape during
Bosnia's civil war.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Armenian_protests)
title: Armenian protests
uri: Armenian-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Armenian_protests%29
content:
<p>Armenian protests against increased electricity prices bloomed
after thugs 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/24/armenia-yerevan-protests-electric-prices-russia">
attacked</a>
 the protesters.
</p>
<p>I won't say that I agree with their goal of cheap energy, though.  In
general, the price of energy made from fossil fuel must be high enough
to reduce its use.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Climate_Mayhem)
title: Climate Mayhem
uri: Climate-Mayhem
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Climate_Mayhem%29
content:
<p>Climate [Mayhem] 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/24/g7-climate-change-global-warming-top-foreign-policy-priority-study">
Should Be</a>
 Top Foreign Policy Priority, G7 Study Says.
</p>
<p>An EPA study 
<a href="media/32f0808c.cirareport.pdf" data-original-source="http://www2.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-06/documents/cirareport.pdf">
tries to estimate</a>
 the cost savings for the US from
curbing global heating.  For instance, by 2100, heating is estimated
to cost over 100 billion <em>annually</em> in lost work time due to
heat.
</p>
<p>Dutch people sued the Dutch government for planning to allow global
heating to proceed to the point it would damage to their health and
property.  The court 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/24/dutch-government-ordered-cut-carbon-emissions-landmark-ruling">
ordered the Dutch government</a>
 to cut the country's
greenhouse gas emissions 25% within 5 years.
</p>
<p>A similar lawsuit 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/24/hague-climate-change-judgement-could-inspire-a-global-civil-movement">
is being prepared</a>
 in Belgium.
</p>
<p>Such lawsuits may be possible in many countries that have independent
judicial systems.  They wouldn't be feasible in China.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(French_thugs_victims)
title: French thugs victims
uri: French-thugs-victims
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28French_thugs_victims%29
content:
<p>A French court 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/24/french-police-identity-checks-five-non-whites-ruled-illegal">
ordered</a>
 compensation paid to people who were stopped
and searched by thugs for no reason.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Abortion_pills_into_Poland)
title: Abortion pills into Poland
uri: Abortion-pills-into-Poland
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Abortion_pills_into_Poland%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/24/abortion-drone-border-poland-germany-women-on-waves">
Flying abortion pills into Poland</a>
 by drone, for women's rights.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Prosecute_CIA_torturers)
title: Prosecute CIA torturers
uri: Prosecute-CIA-torturers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Prosecute_CIA_torturers%29
content:
<p>The ACLU and other organizations 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/06/23/calling-special-prosecutor-groups-decry-get-out-jail-cards-bushs-torture-team">
call for</a>
 a special prosecutor to investigate
CIA torturers and prosecute them.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Students'_debt)
title: Students' debt
uri: 2015-06-27-Students-debt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Students%27_debt%29
content:
<p>The Department of Education 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/23/cancel-all-corinthian-colleges-student-debt">
should cancel</a>
 <em>all</em> students' debt
for Corinthian Colleges.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Homeopathic_remedies)
title: Homeopathic "remedies"
uri: Homeopathic-remedies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Homeopathic_remedies%29
content:
<p>Will the FDA 
<a href="https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/homeopathic-industry-and-its-acolytes-make-poor-showing-before-fda/">
start treating</a>
 homeopathic "remedies" as the fantasy drugs
that they really are?
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Marijuana)
title: Marijuana
uri: Marijuana
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Marijuana%29
content:
<p>Experiments show that marijuana 
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2015/06/23/government-study-casts-doubt-on-arbitrar">
does not impair</a>
 driving skill very much;
the current marijuana standards are in effect too strict when compared
to the current alcohol standards.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Clinton_and_Bush)
title: Clinton and Bush
uri: Clinton-and-Bush
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Clinton_and_Bush%29
content:
<p>Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush 
<a href="http://www.thenation.com/article/210649/no-matter-who-wins-2016-will-be-all-about-bankers">
represent</a>
 two groups of banksters.
</p>
<p>That's one reason I won't vote for either of them.  If Sanders is not
in the race, I will vote Green.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(E-cigarettes)
title: E-cigarettes
uri: 2015-06-27-E-cigarettes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28E-cigarettes%29
content:
<p>Surveys 
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2015/06/23/two-surveys-find-that-almost-all-regular">
find</a>
 that only smokers use e-cigarettes more than occasionally.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Medicare_fraud)
title: Medicare fraud
uri: Medicare-fraud
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Medicare_fraud%29
content:
<p>The US 
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/06/20/1394908/-U-S-Attorney-General-Lynch-Announces-Biggest-Medical-Fraud-Bust-In-DOJ-History-243-Arrested?detail=email">
has arrested</a>
 243 people who work in the medical industry for
Medicare fraud amounting to 2/3 of a billion dollars.  
They are accused of billing Medicare for services they did not carry
out.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Private_prison_companies)
title: Private prison companies
uri: Private-prison-companies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Private_prison_companies%29
content:
<p>Columbia University 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/24/university-campaigners-columbia-vote-divest-prisons">
has decided</a>
 to divest from private prison companies,
responding to a 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/06/23/following-student-led-campaign-columbia-divest-prisons">
campaign by students</a>.
</p>
<p>Divesting from them is the first step towards eliminating them.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Refugees)
title: Refugees
uri: 2015-06-27-Refugees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Refugees%29
content:
<p>The main Australian parties (including the "opposition") 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jun/24/high-court-case-threatens-offshore-detention-regime">
are rushing</a>
 a
law through to strip refugees of legal recourse.  The government will
be able to do anything whatsoever to them.
</p>
<p>Absurdly, the Labor party calls this an act of "compassion".</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(US_has_spied_on_France)
title: US has spied on France
uri: US-has-spied-on-France
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28US_has_spied_on_France%29
content:
<p>Just after the French government approved pervasive snooping in France,

<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/23/francois-hollande-emergency-meeting-wikileaks-us-spied-three-presidents-france">
it is outraged</a>
 that the US has spied on French
officials.
</p>
<p>Will this teach Hollande the wrong in what he just did?</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Educational_system)
title: Educational system
uri: Educational-system
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Educational_system%29
content:
<p>Graduates of teachers' college 
<a href="http://www.alternet.org/education/ethical-challenges-todays-teachers-face">
must consider</a>
 ethical dilemmas
raised by the systematic corruption of the educational system.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Russia's_internet_disinformation)
title: Russia's internet disinformation
uri: Russia-s-internet-disinformation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Russia%27s_internet_disinformation%29

content:
<p>Russia's internet disinformation army 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/24/russian-troll-factory-sued-underpayment-labour-violations-vladimir-putin">
is being sued by an ex-worker</a>

for illegal mistreatment of employees.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(UK_prisons)
title: UK prisons
uri: 2015-06-27-UK-prisons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28UK_prisons%29
content:
<p>As conditions inside UK prisons degrade, the state's response 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jun/24/why-moj-scared-journalists-prisons">
is not
to allow journalists</a>
 to see them.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Obama_visits_Ethiopia)
title: Obama visits Ethiopia
uri: Obama-visits-Ethiopia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Obama_visits_Ethiopia%29
content:
<p>Human rights activists 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/24/obama-ethiopia-online-outcry-twitter">
rebuke Obama</a>
 for deciding to visit repressive
Ethiopia.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Australia's_definition_of_terrorism)
title: Australia's definition of "terrorism"
uri: Australia-s-definition-of-terrorism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Australia%27s_definition_of_terrorism%29

content:
<p>Australia's definition of "terrorism", for the punishment of permanent
exile, 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jun/24/new-laws-dual-nationals-lose-citizenship-for-damaging-commonwealth-property">
stretches to include</a>
 almost anything.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Pollution_in_Delhi)
title: Pollution in Delhi
uri: Pollution-in-Delhi
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Pollution_in_Delhi%29
content:
<p>Particulate pollution in Delhi 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/24/indian-children-fall-victim-to-delhis-appalling-pollution">
is damaging</a>
 the health of children there,
perhaps doing life-long damage.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Law's_absurdity)
title: Law's absurdity
uri: Law-s-absurdity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Law%27s_absurdity%29
content:
<p>A US court 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/23/judge-grants-mistrial-vanderbilt-players-juror-concerns">
is getting the blowback</a>
 from the law's absurdity.
</p>
<p>Todd Easter says he wasn't raped, because in the usual meaning of the
word, he wasn't.  The court, however, insists on pretending that he
was.  Sorry, judge, calling sex "rape" does not make it rape.</p>
<p>Calling willing sex "rape" is a lie.  In this case, the lie leads to a
retrial.  In other cases, it ruins lives.</p>
<p>Easter's lover did do something that was wrong, when he threatened
Easter with violence after Easter broke off the relationship.
But that's a different issue.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Palestinians_imprisoned_by_Israel)
title: Palestinians imprisoned by Israel
uri: Palestinians-imprisoned-by-Israel
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Palestinians_imprisoned_by_Israel%29

content:
<p>Palestinians imprisoned without charge by Israel 
<a href="https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/palestinians-make-urgent-plea-save-khader-adnan-more-join-hunger-strike">
are making</a>
 a hunger strike.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Palm_oil)
title: Palm oil
uri: Palm-oil
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Palm_oil%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.ran.org/sf20scorecard">
Rating</a>
 various giant food companies for their policies
about buying palm oil.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Censorship_rules)
title: Censorship rules
uri: Censorship-rules
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Censorship_rules%29
content:
<p>Israel's "culture minister" is proud that a screenwriter asked her
for a 
<a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israels-minister-of-culture-miri-regev-vows-to-withhold-funds-from-artists-who-defame-the-state-10333262.html">
list</a>
 of censorship rules.  She promised a precise list in a month.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Fish_extinction)
title: Fish extinction
uri: Fish-extinction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Fish_extinction%29
content:
<p>As fish in the ocean decline, the trend is headed towards 
<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/salt-water-fish-extinction-seen-by-2048/?mc_cid=f15c2bdadc&mc_eid=83a5da071d">
zero fish in
2048</a>.
</p>
<p>That is a rough, simplistic projection.  I don't expect there
will be absolutely no fish in the sea in 2048, even in 2148.
The point is, there will be no fish available for us to eat,
and other disasters as well.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Medicare)
title: Medicare
uri: 2015-06-27-Medicare
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Medicare%29
content:
<p>Whistleblowers 
<a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-06-23/insurers-gaming-medicare-might-cost-washington-billions-a-year">
claim</a>
 US medical insurance companies massively defraud
Medicare.
</p>
<p>Let's get rid of the need for private medical insurance companies.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Net_neutrality)
title: Net neutrality
uri: 2015-06-27-Net-neutrality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Net_neutrality%29
content:
<p>Time Warner Cable 
<a href="http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/06/23/fcc_net_neutrality_lawsuit/">
is accused of violating the network neutrality</a>
 rules.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Climate_mayhem)
title: "Climate mayhem"
uri: Climate-mayhem
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Climate_mayhem%29
content:
<p>Since "global warming" and "climate change" downplay the danger, we
need
to say something else.  A writer 
<a href="http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/31372-getting-our-story-straight-honestly-framing-the-climate-crisis">
proposes</a>
 "climate mayhem".
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Confederate_flags)
title: Confederate flags
uri: Confederate-flags
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Confederate_flags%29
content:
<p>A powerful current 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/23/confederate-flag-south-150-years-after-civil-war">
is sweeping away</a>
 public use of confederate flags.
</p>
<p>Less progress is being made on gun control, which would have bigger
real effects.</p>
<p>Discrediting the confederate flag 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/23/nikki-haley-remove-confederate-flag-courageous-just-politics">
is merely symbolic</a>, but it will have
some real effects.  However, for the defenders of racism, it is only a
tactical retreat.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Chromium)
title: Chromium
uri: Chromium
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Chromium%29
content:
<p>Google 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jun/23/google-eavesdropping-tool-installed-computers-without-permission">
stuck code</a>
 into Chromium, the supposedly free version of Chrome,
to download and install a nonfree piece of spyware.
</p>
<p>Because Chromium itself is free software, users have the power to change it to prevent the download of that module.</p>
<p>This highlights the difference in ideas between free software and open
source.</p>
<p>Open source claims to yield practical superiority: better quality
code.  Free software is about an ethical, political superiority: the
users have control over the program.</p>
<p>In this instance, open source did not achieve its stated benefit, but
free software is vindicated.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Google_banned_Disconnect)
title: Google banned Disconnect
uri: Google-banned-Disconnect
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Google_banned_Disconnect%29
content:
<p>Google 
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/06/23/google-disconnect-antitrust-privacy-app-europe/">
has banned</a>
 an app that protects users from surveillance by apps.
</p>
<p>It should be noted that (1) if the Disconnect app is non-free, you
can't
trust it either, and (2) a portable phone reports your location to
the
phone company whenever it is communicating with the phone network,
regardless of what any apps or ads may do.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Medical_insurance_companies)
title: Medical insurance companies
uri: Medical-insurance-companies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Medical_insurance_companies%29
content:
<p>Medical insurance companies, associated with employment, 
<a href="https://www.aclu.org/blog/speak-freely/people-disabilities-who-opt-out-voluntary-wellness-programs-will-pay-price-and">
are starting
to impose</a>
 "wellness programs" that bully people.  Disabled people
will be penalized if they are unable to follow the orders.
</p>
<p>In addition, they may demand you use proprietary spyware, such as the
fitbit.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Abortions_should_be_safe)
title: Abortions should be safe
uri: Abortions-should-be-safe
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Abortions_should_be_safe%29
content:
<p>"All abortions 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/22/abortions-safe-easy-including-home">
should be safe</a>
 and easy, including ones women have at home."
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Sun_headed_for_weaker_emissions)
title: Sun headed for weaker emissions
uri: Sun-headed-for-weaker-emissions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Sun_headed_for_weaker_emissions%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/23/weak-sun-could-offset-some-global-warming-europe-us-study">
There's</a>
 some chance the sun may be headed for a few decades of
(slightly) weaker emissions.
</p>
<p>Don't relax yet.  It's only a 20% chance.  And if it happens, it would
only delay global heating effects by 2 years.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Ahmed_Mansour)
title: Ahmed Mansour
uri: Ahmed-Mansour
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Ahmed_Mansour%29
content:
<p>Germany 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/22/egyptian-journalist-ahmed-mansour-released-germany-al-jazeera">
released</a>
 Egyptian journalist Ahmed Mansour, who it had arrested
at the request of Egypt's military government.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Fast_track)
title: "Fast track"
uri: 2015-06-27-Fast-track
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Fast_track%29
content:
<p>The plutocratic party in the Senate 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/23/obama-senate-vote-fast-track-negotiating-authority-trade">
defeated</a>
 a filibuster against
"fast track" for corporate-supremacy treaties.
</p>
<p>I fear the final elimination of even the formal possibility for
democracy in the US is approaching.  
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/23/corporate-trade-rules-and-end-sovereignty">
Here's</a>
 an example of the harm
that the older, weaker corporate-supremacy treaties already do.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Russian_censorship)
title: Russian censorship
uri: Russian-censorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Russian_censorship%29
content:
<p>State harassment 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/23/russia-lurkmore-satirical-wikipedia-censorship">
has made</a>
 Russia's "satirical Wikipedia" stop operating.
</p>
<p>It is not clear from the article whether it will stop displaying the
existing pages.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(UK's_intelligence)
title: UK's intelligence
uri: UK-s-intelligence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28UK%27s_intelligence%29
content:
<p>The UK's intelligence oversight panel 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jun/22/ipt-gchq-ruling-permits-monitoring-human-rights-ngos">
accepts spying</a>
 on human rights groups
and on attorney-client conversations, with a few minor limits.
</p>
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jun/22/gchq-surveillance-two-human-rights-groups-illegal-tribunal">
More information</a>.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Air_pollution)
title: Air pollution
uri: Air-pollution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Air_pollution%29
content:
<p>Particulate air pollution seems to 
<a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/06/22/pollution-may-age-the-brain/?_r=0">
harm the brain</a>
 of old people.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Prison-industrial_complex)
title: Prison-industrial complex
uri: Prison-industrial-complex
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Prison-industrial_complex%29
content:
<p>Prisoners in the US 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/22/americas-slave-empire">
are fighting</a>
 the prison-industrial complex
by refusing to work unpaid.
</p>
<p>In principal, it is not wrong to make prisoners cook the food that
they eat, or wash the clothes that they wear.  That's no worse than
life for most people.  Putting prisoners to work on public service
activities can be a form of restitution and rehabilitation (if it
isn't twisted into an excuse for cruelty).</p>
<p>However, making prisoners work unpaid for the state's profit, or
private profit, is harmful to everyone.  It cuts wages for people
outside prison, which is likely to force some of them into prison.</p>
<p>Combine this with the system that gouges prisoners for everything,
even medical care (which they are entitled to), and it makes sense for
prisoners to refuse to work at all without a decent wage.</p>
<p>US prisons abandoned the idea of rehabilitation in the 1980s as part
of massive incarceration, but what could be more effective
rehabilitation for prisoners than giving them a real job for real pay?</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(UN_inquiry_into_Israel)
title: UN inquiry into Israel
uri: UN-inquiry-into-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28UN_inquiry_into_Israel%29
content:
<p>The UN 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/06/22/un-suggests-top-officials-sanctioned-israels-war-crimes-against-gaza">
inquiry</a>
 into Israel's attack on Gaza says that the violence
against Gaza civilians seems to have been a policy ordered by the high
command.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(School_records)
title: School records
uri: School-records
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28School_records%29
content:
<p>The US Congress 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/22/1984-arrives-thirty-years-late-say-goodby-privacy-forever-if-bill-passes">
is considering</a>
 a bill to collect school records and
subsequent income records for everyone that goes to a US college.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Justice_Kennedy)
title: Justice Kennedy
uri: Justice-Kennedy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Justice_Kennedy%29
content:
<p>Justice Kennedy begs for a case 
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/06/19/1394538/-Justice-Kennedy-s-remarkable-opinion-on-solitary-confinement?detail=email">
to raise</a>
 the issue of whether long term
solitary confinement is cruel and inhumane punishment.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Tories_are_morderers)
title: Tories are murderers
uri: Tories-are-morderers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Tories_are_morderers%29
content:
<p>The UK is fighting 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/23/benefits-transparency-dwp-crackdown-disabled-man">
to conceal</a>
 data on how many unemployed people have
been killed or driven to suicide by the government's cruel cuts.
</p>
<p>The Tories are worse than vermin: they are murderers, covering up
their crimes.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Species_threatened)
title: Species threatened
uri: Species-threatened
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Species_threatened%29
content:
<p>23,000 species 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/23/lion-23000-species-threatened-extinction-conservationists-iucn-red-list">
are now listed</a>
 as threatened.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(French_surveillance_bill)
title: French surveillance bill
uri: 2015-06-27-French-surveillance-bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28French_surveillance_bill%29
content:
<p>A "compromise" between the French Assembly and Senate 
<a href="http://www.laquadrature.net/en/french-surveillance-bill-a-major-defeat-for-liberties">
made</a>
 the surveillance
bill even worse.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Mixtures_of_chemicals)
title: Mixtures of chemicals
uri: Mixtures-of-chemicals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Mixtures_of_chemicals%29
content:
<p>Mixtures of chemicals 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/jun/23/exposure-to-mixture-of-chemicals-may-trigger-cancer-scientists-find">
can be carcinogenic</a>
 even though the individual
chemicals are safe.  Some scientists suspect 20% of all cancers are
caused this way.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Fossil_fuel_divestment_movement)
title: Fossil fuel divestment movement
uri: 2015-06-27-Fossil-fuel-divestment-movement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Fossil_fuel_divestment_movement%29
content:
<p>Everything 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/23/a-beginners-guide-to-fossil-fuel-divestment">
about</a>
 the fossil fuel divestment movement.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Solar_energy_in_Saudi_Arabia)
title: Solar energy in Saudi Arabia
uri: Solar-energy-in-Saudi-Arabia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Solar_energy_in_Saudi_Arabia%29
content:
<p>Saudi Arabia is 
<a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/07/saudis-solar-energy/395315/">
pushing hard</a>
 to develop domestic solar energy,
to save the oil for export.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Social_work)
title: Social work
uri: Social-work
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Social_work%29
content:
<p>Some courts in the US 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/23/procedural-justice-transform-us-criminal-courts">
have found</a>
 that adopting techniques from social
work is better than traditional simple punishment for getting convicts
to stop committing crimes.
</p>
<p>Partly this is because some of those accused are accused of victimless
crimes, such as taking drugs or homelessness.  Social work and other
kinds of help are what they needed.  It's a shame that the only way they
could get this help is by being convicted of a crime.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Fossil_fuels)
title: Fossil fuels
uri: Fossil-fuels
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Fossil_fuels%29
content:
<p>The best opportunity to 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/23/climate-change-threatens-50-years-of-progress-in-global-health-study-says">
improve human health</a>
 in this century is to
cut back on fossil fuels.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(NYC_thugs)
title: NYC thugs
uri: NYC-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28NYC_thugs%29
content:
<p>New York City prison thugs 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/22/rikers-island-jail-violence-guards-inmates">
will be</a>
 subject to new measures so that they
stop routinely attacking teenage prisoners.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Tolga_Tanis)
title: Tolga Tanis
uri: Tolga-Tanis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Tolga_Tanis%29
content:
<p>Turkish journalist Tolga Tanis, a reporter covering the US, 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/22/us-based-turkish-journalist-faces-libel-investigation-for-book-on-obama-and-erdogan">
is being threatened</a>

with prosecution by Erdogan for criticizing him in a book.
</p>
<p>The
book is in Turkish, published in Turkey, but that is no excuse for this.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Euro)
title: Euro
uri: Euro
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Euro%29
content:
<p>The euro 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/22/greece-eurozone-germans-single-currency">
is an engine and excuse</a>
 for reducing wages all across Europe.
For any problem, the euro-zone plutocrats have the same answer: wipe out
workers' rights so they will get less.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Parachute_jumpers_found_guilty)
title: Parachute jumpers found guilty
uri: Parachute-jumpers-found-guilty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Parachute_jumpers_found_guilty%29
content:
<p>Parachute jumpers who jumped from the unfinished One World Trade Center
have been 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/23/base-jumpers-found-guilty-over-one-world-trade-center-stunt-in-new-york">
convicted</a>
 of various "crimes".
</p>
<p>I challenge the state to show that this "endangered" anyone, or that
it deserves to be considered a crime.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Australian_censorship)
title: Australian censorship
uri: Australian-censorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Australian_censorship%29
content:
<p>Australia 
<a href="http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2015/06/australia-passes-controversial-anti-piracy-web-censorship-law/">
has adopted</a>
 a repressive anti-sharing law that requires
ISPs to impose censorship.
</p>
<p>It won't stop determined people from sharing files on the internet,
but it will damage human rights in general.</p>
<p>I disagree with Senator Ludlam, though, when he claims that what we
need is for publishers to "deliver content in a timely and affordable
manner".  And not only because, by referring to published works as
"content", he adopts the contemptuous attitude that their publishers
take towards these works.  It is not enough for publications to be
"timely and affordable" — they must also <em>respect our
rights</em> once we buy them.  Commercial internet music distributors

<a href="https://stallman.org/internet-music.html">
don't do this</a>

and neither do commercial 
<a href="media/3f1e898d.ebooks.pdf" data-original-source="https://stallman.org/ebooks.pdf">
e-book
distributors</a>,
which is why I will go to trouble to bypass them — or wait
years — or go without — rather than accept their
practices.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Privacy_in_hotel)
title: Privacy in hotel
uri: Privacy-in-hotel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Privacy_in_hotel%29
content:
<p>The Supreme Court 
<a href="http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2015/06/supreme-court-declares-warrantless-searches-of-hotel-registries-illegal/">
ruled</a>
 that hotels can refuse state searches of their
guest registers without a warrant.
</p>
<p>This doesn't mean hotels are obliged to protect the privacy of their
guests, and mostly they won't.  And they can't protect guests from NSA
or FBI massive surveillance at all.</p>
<p>Thus, I will continue to mostly avoid staying in hotels
if the hotel knows my name.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Uber)
title: Uber
uri: 2015-06-27-Uber
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Uber%29
content:
<p>Uber 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jun/22/uber-ftc-privacy-customer-location-contacts">
plans</a>
 to snoop on users' locations and contacts all the time.
</p>
<p>Uber has the technical possibility to do this because its app is
nonfree:
it is controlled by Uber, not by the user.  In addition, snooping depends
on a nonfree operating system.  With a free system, the user could tell
the system to lie to the Uber app.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Human_Rights_Watch)
title: Human Rights Watch
uri: Human-Rights-Watch
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Human_Rights_Watch%29
content:
<p>Human Rights Watch: those who criticize World Bank projects for human
rights violations often 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2015/06/22/world-bank-group-project-critics-threatened-harassed-jailed">
face</a>
 repression from governments and
companies involved in the projects.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Podemos)
title: Podemos
uri: Podemos
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Podemos%29
content:
<p>Podemos 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/22/spain-anti-austerity-podemos-green-energy-plan">
plans</a>
 to invest lots of money in renewable energy and create
lots of jobs.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Abortion)
title: Abortion
uri: 2015-06-27-Abortion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Abortion%29
content:
<p>The law that requires women to stay 3 days in the vicinity of an
abortion clinic 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/22/missouri-abortion-st-louis-planned-parenthood">
is a tremendous hardship</a>
 to those that are not rich.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Albuqerque_thugs)
title: Albuqerque thugs
uri: Albuqerque-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Albuqerque_thugs%29
content:
<p>Albuqerque thugs who killed a homeless man 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/22/new-mexico-officers-face-charges-in-shooting-of-homeless-man">
will be</a>
 tried for
second-degree murder.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Israel_committed_war_crimes)
title: Israel committed war crimes
uri: Israel-committed-war-crimes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Israel_committed_war_crimes%29
content:
<p>The UN concluded that Israel and Hamas 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/22/un-gaza-war-report-likely-bolster-international-criminal-court-inquiry">
committed</a>
 war crimes when
Israel attacked Gaza.  This will encourage the ICC to move forward
in investigating them.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Indian_journalist_burned_to_death)
title: Indian journalist burned to death
uri: Indian-journalist-burned-to-death
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Indian_journalist_burned_to_death%29

content:
<p>Another Indian journalist 
<a href="https://cpj.org/2015/06/in-india-second-journalist-killed-burned-in-two-we.php">
was burned to death</a>
 after investigating
corruption.
</p>
<p>What this indicates is that the people culpable figured that the state
is
so corrupt they can get away with this.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 27_June_2015_(Fees_for_University)
title: Fees for University
uri: Fees-for-University
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_%28Fees_for_University%29
content:
<p>Charging high fees for university in the UK (though not as high as in
the US) has an effect, aside from leaving graduates in debt: they are
more 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/jun/22/9000-tuition-fee-graduates-focused-pay-high-fliers">
focused</a>
 on money.
</p>
<p>Thomas Jefferson wrote that the main purpose of education was to
enable people to think better about issues of concern to society.
This purpose is being jettisoned eagerly under the corporate pressure
to convert universities into support for business, and the refusal of
the elite to pay taxes for the education of other people's children.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 26_June_2015_(Apples_news_disservice)
title: Apple's news disservice
uri: Apple-s-news-disservice
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#26_June_2015_%28Apples_news_disservice%29
content:
<p>
Apple's emails inviting bloggers to distribute through Apple's news
disservice
<a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-33151325">claim to impose
legal restrictions on them as a side effect</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 26_June_2015_(Surveillance_of_airplane_passengers)
title: Surveillance of airplane passengers
uri: Surveillance-of-airplane-passengers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#26_June_2015_%28Surveillance_of_airplane_passengers%29

content:
<p>
The EU continues
<a href="https://edri.org/eu-continues-push-for-travel-surveillance-back-door/">pushing
to increase surveillance of airplane passengers</a>.
<p>
Passengers on domestic or Schengen flights should not be required to
identify themselves.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 26_June_2015_(Use_of_antibiotics_on_farm_animals)
title: Use of antibiotics on farm animals
uri: Use-of-antibiotics-on-farm-animals
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#26_June_2015_%28Use_of_antibiotics_on_farm_animals%29

content:
<p>
UK pig farmers have joined the call to
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jun/20/mrsa-in-pork-farming-leaders-join-calls-for-clampdown-on-illegal-antibiotics-use">restrict
use of antibiotics on farm animals</a>.
<p>
It is big political problem that such businesses can block laws needed
for human health, but I am glad they may now support this particular
law.  However, that's not certain yet.  It is well known that
businesses sometimes say they support a law while working secretly to
block it.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 26_June_2015_(Tax_havens)
title: Tax havens
uri: 2015-06-27-Tax-havens
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#26_June_2015_%28Tax_havens%29
content:
<p>
The US operates as a tax haven, along with Jersey, the Cayman Islands,
Luxembourg, and Switzerland.  This article explains
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/jun/19/tax-havens-money-cayman-islands-jersey-offshore-accounts">how
tax havens work</a> and how they give multinational companies an
advantage over local competition.
<p>
I disagree with the rhetorical trick that occupies the first part of
the article: buying from a company that uses tax havens is not morally
equivalent to using a tax haven yourself.
<p>
Nonetheless, I have very little dealings with the multinational
tax-haven-using companies mentioned as examples.  Some I reject for
other reasons (Apple, Amazon, Skype, most Google services, Microsoft,
Facebook, big banks), while others sell things I don't need.
<p>
UK plans to block use of tax havens were
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/17/luxembourg-tax-haven-blacklist-brussels-european-commission">watered
down</a> so as not to cover Luxembourg, Jersey or Switzerland.
<p>
Even worse, the plan creates a new tax-dodging scheme.
<p>
The UK government demands that EU countries
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/18/uk-reject-eu-plans-combat-multinational-tax-avoidance">compete
to tax businesses less</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 26_June_2015_(Political_motivated_research)
title: "Political motivated" research
uri: Political-motivated-research
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#26_June_2015_%28Political_motivated_research%29
content:
<p>
Scientific research driven by political concerns is good and often
useful.  What's bad is
<a href="http://www.tomdispatch.com/blog/176011/">when governments
disregard or sabotage science for political concerns</a> —
exactly what Republicans aim to do by condemning "politically
motivated" research.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 26_June_2015_(Ohio_thug_violence)
title: Ohio thug violence
uri: Ohio-thug-violence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#26_June_2015_%28Ohio_thug_violence%29
content:
<p>
Thugs in Ohio considered a mother and children at a swimming pool a
menace to the public.  The mother was merely arrested, but one
12-year-old girl in a bathing suit got pepper sprayed and
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/06/17/1394098/-Ohio-police-officers-injure-several-teens-and-a-pregnant-woman-in-controversial-arrests-at-a-pool">several
of her bones were broken</a>.
<p>
As usual, the thugs made false accusations against the victims.
<p>
There have been only 9 days this year when US thugs didn't kill
anyone,
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/17/washington-needs-tell-truth-about-police-violence">but
there are no official statistics</a> about many vital questions about
violence by thugs.
<p>
Unjustified killings by thugs are extreme cases of police brutality.
Lesser levels of violence are far more common, and represent similar
attitudes and habits.  Thus, we can change thugs' attitudes and habits
more effectively by punishing the more frequent lesser incidents.
<p>
Perhaps we should apply "broken bones" policing to the thugs, or even
"broken word" policing by punishing them when they make false
accusations against their victims.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 26_June_2015_(Kennewick_Man)
title: Kennewick Man
uri: Kennewick-Man
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#26_June_2015_%28Kennewick_Man%29
content:
<p>
DNA testing of the Kennewick Man skeleton shows that the deceased was
related to modern American Indians, and
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/jun/17/dna-analysis-reignites-debate-9000-year-skeleton">suggests
a relationship to the Colville tribe</a> which claims the skeleton,
but not conclusively.
<p>
I hope that further research on living people and other ancient finds
makes it possible to get a more conclusive answer.
<p>
If a closer relationship were established, that would be very
interesting scientifically, as it would show that a small ethnic group
continued to live in the same area for 9,000 years.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 26_June_2015_(Japan_plans_to_resume_whaling)
title: Japan plans to resume whaling
uri: Japan-plans-to-resume-whaling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#26_June_2015_%28Japan_plans_to_resume_whaling%29
content:
<p>
Japan is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/20/japan-plans-unilateral-restart-to-antarctic-whaling-in-2015-says-official">planning
to resume whaling</a> in defiance of the IWC.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 26_June_2015_(North_Carolina_voter_ID_law)
title: North Carolina voter ID law
uri: North-Carolina-voter-ID-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#26_June_2015_%28North_Carolina_voter_ID_law%29
content:
<p>
North Carolina Republicans, fearing their voter ID law may be found
unconstitutional,
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/06/19/1394566/-As-lawsuit-and-protest-loom-panicked-North-Carolina-Republicans-scramble-to-camouflage-voter-ID-law">added
another option that is very difficult to use</a> so that they can
claim people can vote without ID.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 26_June_2015_(Abbotts_renewable_energy_lip_service)
title: Abbott's renewable energy lip service
uri: Abbott-s-renewable-energy-lip-service
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#26_June_2015_%28Abbotts_renewable_energy_lip_service%29

content:
<p>
"The Abbott government is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jun/19/the-coalition-is-engaging-in-double-talk-on-climate-policy-it-has-no-other-option">paying
lip service to the renewable energy industry</a> because it knows
speaking its mind would be unpalatable to the public."
<p>
Abbott is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/18/abbott-governments-windfarm-commissioner-pledge-a-new-low">proposing
new planning controls on wind turbines</a> in Australia, based on
fantasy science which claims that the noise from them harms people.
There is no evidence this happens.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 26_June_2015_(UK_sabotages_anti-austerity_protest)
title: UK sabotages anti-austerity protest
uri: UK-sabotages-anti-austerity-protest
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#26_June_2015_%28UK_sabotages_anti-austerity_protest%29

content:
<p>
The UK government is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/19/police-crack-down-on-activists-on-eve-of-london-austerity-march">sabotaging
an anti-austerity protest</a> by ordering specific activists, some
previously arrested though perhaps without real cause, to stay away.
<p>
The US has employed a similar practice of
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#01_May_2015_(Jailed_Baltimore_protesters)">using
bail conditions to stop people from protesting</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Same-sex_marriage)
title: Same-sex marriage
uri: Same-sex-marriage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Same-sex_marriage%29
content:
<p>The US Supreme Court 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jun/26/gay-marriage-legal-supreme-court">
voted to legalize</a>
 same-sex marriage across the US.
</p>
<p>This is a victory for a good cause, but perhaps the plutocrats have
decided to hand this issue to the progressives precisely because it
doesn't reduce their power.</p>
<p>That 
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/05/18/exploitation-social-issues-generate-support-militarism-imperialism/">
seems to be</a>
 what spy agencies are doing.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(S.C.R.O.T.U.S.)
title: S.C.R.O.T.U.S.
uri: S-C-R-O-T-U-S
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28S.C.R.O.T.U.S.%29
content:
<p>The Sleazy Congressional Republicans of the United States (SCROTUS),
on behalf of the meat industry, 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/blue-marble/2015/06/congress-doesnt-think-agriculture-has-anything-do-your-health">
aim to stop</a>
 dietary guidelines from
recommending people eat less meat.
</p>
<p>I find all acronyms that use "OTUS" to mean "Of the United
States" disgusting.  I hope that "SCROTUS" will put them
all in disrepute.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Goober)
title: Goober
uri: Goober
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Goober%29
content:
<p>Goober 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jun/26/uber-expansion-meets-global-revolt-and-crackdown">
is meeting resistance</a>
 in many countries.
It comes mainly from taxi drivers, and sometimes from concern about
safety, but anyone who values privacy rights should campaign to get
rid of 
<a href="https://stallman.org/uber.html">
Uber</a>.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Facebook's_real_name_rule)
title: Facebook's real name rule
uri: Facebook-s-real-name-rule
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Facebook%27s_real_name_rule%29
content:
<p>Facebook claimed it would relax the "real name" rule for the sake
of cross-dressers, but 
<a href="http://www.engadget.com/2015/06/25/women-lgbt-safety-facebook-policy/">
never really did</a>
 that.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Arms_sales)
title: Arms sales
uri: Arms-sales
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Arms_sales%29
content:
<p>Sweden 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/26/swedish-arms-sales-buyers-democratic-credentials-report">
is proposing</a>
 to add a democracy criterion to its arms sales.
</p>
<p>Not surprisingly, weapons companies complain that this might mean
less income for them.  Tough luck, weapons companies.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Self-employed_benefits)
title: Self-employed "benefits"
uri: Self-employed-benefits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Self-employed_benefits%29
content:
<p>For the low-paid, being "self-employed" 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/26/osborne-self-employed-go-getters-precarious-life">
means getting no benefits</a>, no holidays,
being cheated by employers, and making less than minimum wage.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Benefits_cheats)
title: "Benefits cheats"
uri: Benefits-cheats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Benefits_cheats%29
content:
<p>The real "benefits cheats" are employers that 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/26/benefits-cheats-employers-milk-system-in-work-benefit">
pay so little</a>
 that their
employees need government aid.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Jill_Stein)
title: Jill Stein
uri: Jill-Stein
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Jill_Stein%29
content:
<p>Jill Stein 
<a href="http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/31570-we-re-in-an-age-of-the-statistically-unlikely-green-party-candidate-jill-stein-announces-presidential-run">
is running</a>
 for President again for the Green Party.
</p>
<p>I voted for Jill Stein in 2012.  If Bernie Sanders doesn't win the
Democratic nomination, I will vote for Jill Stein again.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Promoted_wildfires)
title: Promoted wildfires
uri: Promoted-wildfires
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Promoted_wildfires%29
content:
<p>California's drought 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/26/california-wildfires-water-shortage-drought">
has promoted wildfires</a>, and makes it hard for
firefighters to find water to drop.
</p>
<p>Six regions around the world 
<a href="http://www.truth-out.org/buzzflash/commentary/six-devastating-heat-waves-hitting-the-planet">
are hit</a>
 by severe heat waves.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(TPP-Eats-Medicare)
title: TPP-Eats-Medicare
uri: TPP-Eats-Medicare
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28TPP-Eats-Medicare%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/31521-killing-a-nation-with-euphemisms-tpp-eats-medicare-edition">
Killing a Nation</a>
 With Euphemisms: TPP-Eats-Medicare Edition.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Terrorism_is_right-wing)
title: Terrorism is right-wing
uri: Terrorism-is-right-wing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Terrorism_is_right-wing%29
content:
<p>Most terrorism in the US 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/26/most-terrorists-arent-muslim-may-come-surprise-if-you-get-your-news-corporate-media">
is right-wing</a>; only a small fraction is Islamist.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Immigration)
title: Immigration
uri: Immigration
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Immigration%29
content:
<p>Women and children who fled central America to the US 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/06/family-detention-johnson-changes-central-america%20">
may be
released</a>
 from immigration prison.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Ferry)
title: Ferry
uri: Ferry
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Ferry%29
content:
<p>Ferry workers in Scotland 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jun/26/scottish-ferry-workers-strike-privatisation-row">
have gone on strike</a>
 against privatization
plans.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Nauru)
title: Nauru
uri: 2015-06-28-Nauru
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Nauru%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-22/nauru-says-free-speech-crackdown-protects-asylum-seekers/6561582">
Nauru's excuse</a>
 for censorship: protecting the imprisoned refugees from
"hate speech".
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Jacob_Appelbaum)
title: Jacob Appelbaum
uri: Jacob-Appelbaum
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Jacob_Appelbaum%29
content:
<p>The US government's 
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20150623/23374931440/google-was-gagged-four-years-talking-about-fighting-wikileaks-investigation.shtml">
stated</a>
 reasons for gagging Google about the
non-subpoena for Jacob Appelbaum's data amount to, "Don't show people
why they should criticize."
</p>
<p>The sort of order that was used instead of a subpoena is very
dangerous.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Teenagers_sued_Washington)
title: Teenagers sued Washington
uri: Teenagers-sued-Washington
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Teenagers_sued_Washington%29
content:
<p>A group of teenagers 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/06/25/kids-are-alright-washington-judge-delivers-youth-climate-win">
sued the state of Washington</a>, and got a court to order
the state to bring its policies in line with what the state knows
about the danger of global heating.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Ikea_raises_minimum_wage)
title: Ikea raises minimum wage
uri: Ikea-raises-minimum-wage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Ikea_raises_minimum_wage%29
content:
<p>Paying workers a living wage worked so well for Ikea that 
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/06/24/1396095/-Ikea-is-raising-minimum-wage-a-second-time-since-the-first-was-so-successful?detail=email">
it is going
to give</a>
 them another raise.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Donald_Trump)
title: Donald Trump
uri: Donald-Trump
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Donald_Trump%29
content:
<p>Donald Trump demanded Obama release his birth certificate, but 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/26/donald-trump-refuses-release-birth-certificate-passport-records">
refuses</a>

to release his own birth certificate.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Elite_in_South_Africa)
title: Elite in South Africa
uri: Elite-in-South-Africa
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Elite_in_South_Africa%29
content:
<p>The elite in South Africa are so powerful that 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/26/marikana-massacre-ramaphosa-lonmin">
it has blocked</a>
 holding
anyone accountable for a massacre of miners on strike.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Greenhouse_gas_emissions)
title: Greenhouse gas emissions
uri: 2015-06-28-Greenhouse-gas-emissions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Greenhouse_gas_emissions%29
content:
<p>Switching to natural gas (methane) 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/24/natural-gas-leaks-methane-environment">
doesn't reduce</a>
 ultimate greenhouse
gas emissions compared with oil, because normally a substantial
amount of methane leaks into the air.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Toxic_chemicals)
title: Toxic chemicals
uri: 2015-06-28-Toxic-chemicals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Toxic_chemicals%29
content:
<p>Chemicals used in fracking 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/06/22/citing-human-health-risks-report-calls-eu-moratorium-fracking">
can be toxic</a>
 to humans or wildlife.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Urgent:_Stop_Nestle)
title: Urgent: Stop Nestle
uri: 2015-06-28-Urgent-Stop-Nestle
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_Nestle%29
content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="http://community.sumofus.org/petitions/stop-nestle-from-sucking-my-state-dry/">call
on Oregon</a> not to sell water to Nestle at a cheap price.


title: Urgent: Take down the confederate flag
uri: Urgent-Take-down-the-confederate-flag
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Urgent:_Take_down_the_confederate_flag)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Take_down_the_confederate_flag%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/remove-the-confederate-3">Call
on South Carolina</a> to take down the confederate flag, symbol of
slavery.


title: Urgent: US Export-Import Bank termination
uri: Urgent-US-Export-Import-Bank-termination
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Urgent:_US_Export-Import_Bank_termination)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_US_Export-Import_Bank_termination%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="
http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/end-government-subsidies-1">call on
Congress</a> to let the US Export-Import Bank terminate on June 30.
Don't renew this subsidy to big business.


title: Urgent: Review regulation of thug violence
uri: Urgent-Review-regulation-of-thug-violence
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Urgent:_Review_regulation_of_thug_violence)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Review_regulation_of_thug_violence%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.amnestyusa.org/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1839&ea.campaign.id=39299">call
on Obama to set up a commission</a> to review laws and standards that
regulate thugs' violence.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Urgent:_Meat-eating_recommendations)
title: Urgent: Meat-eating recommendations
uri: Urgent-Meat-eating-recommendations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Meat-eating_recommendations%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Big_Meat">urge the Department
of Agriculture and the Department of Health</a> to resist industry
lobbying and recommend a lower level of meat-eating.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Google_gagged)
title: Google gagged
uri: Google-gagged
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Google_gagged%29
content:
<p>
The US made Google turn over Jacob Appelbaum's email data, and forced
Google to keep this secret to avoid a 
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/06/20/wikileaks-jacob-appelbaum-google-investigation/">public
backlash</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Automated_face_recognition)
title: Automated face recognition
uri: Automated-face-recognition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Automated_face_recognition%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://phys.org/news/2015-06-academic-laws-intrusive-potential-recognition.html">Proposing
restrictions</a> on the use of automated face recognition.
<p>
The hard part will be to limit the state's use of face recognition.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Facebook_censorship)
title: Facebook censorship
uri: 2015-06-29-Facebook-censorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Facebook_censorship%29
content:
<p>
Facebook admits that it censors for various governments, but when it
<a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2015/06/why-facebook-failed-our-censorship-test">censors
for the US</a>, it covers that up.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Antibiotic_resistance)
title: Antibiotic resistance
uri: 2015-06-29-Antibiotic-resistance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Antibiotic_resistance%29
content:
<p>
Due to antibiotic resistance, we must end 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/18/mrsa-pork-responsible-farming-superbug-antibiotics-farms-meat">densely
packed factory farms</a> for the sake of our lives.
<p>
We should also reserve the most effective antibiotics for humans, and
perhaps pets; they should not be administered to farm animals under
any circumstances.
<p>
<a href="http://www.wired.com/2015/06/fdas-livestock-antibiotic-policies-still-arent-enough/">The
FDA's Livestock Antibiotic Policies Still Aren't Enough</a>.


title: Class-action suit against Bush regime officials
uri: Class-action-suit-against-Bush-regime-officials
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Class-action_suit_against_Bush_regime_officials)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Class-action_suit_against_Bush_regime_officials%29

content:
<p>
Americans imprisoned in 2001, on vague suspicion without charges, will
be 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/17/john-ashcroft-911-detainee-abuse-lawsuit">allowed
to carry out a class-action suit</a> against the Bush regime officials
responsible.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(UK_government's_attacks_on_non-rich)
title: UK government's attacks on non-rich
uri: UK-government-s-attacks-on-non-rich
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28UK_government%27s_attacks_on_non-rich%29

content:
<p>
As the UK government attacks the non-rich on 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/17/corbyn-austerity-defeated-tories-no-mandate-opposition-beyond-parliament">all
fronts at once</a>, Britons must resist on the street.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Thug_response_to_public_resentment)
title: Thug response to public resentment
uri: Thug-response-to-public-resentment
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Thug_response_to_public_resentment%29

content:
<p>
Baltimore thugs have responded to public resentment of their killing
of Freddie Gray by going on an 
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/06/17/baltimore-police-idle-black-lives-perish/">unofficial
slowdown strike against poor neighborhoods</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Drones)
title: Drones
uri: 2015-06-29-Drones
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Drones%29
content:
<p>
Congress [has been] Warned That Drones Present '
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jun/17/congress-drones-nightmare-scenario-for-civil-liberties">A
Nightmare Scenario for Civil Liberties</a>'.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Gun_control)
title: Gun control
uri: 2015-06-29-Gun-control
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Gun_control%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/20/permissive-gun-laws-end-gun-violence">Rep:
Maloney</a>: "If we don't change our permissive gun laws, we'll never
end gun violence."
<p>
Debunking 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/20/charleston-south-carolina-shooting-gun-control-reform-myths">myths</a>
used to oppose gun control in the US.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 28_June_2015_(Pope_Francis_on_extreme_capitalism)
title: Pope Francis on extreme capitalism
uri: Pope-Francis-on-extreme-capitalism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#28_June_2015_%28Pope_Francis_on_extreme_capitalism%29

content:
<p>
Pope Francis's encyclical about the climate threat addresses a broader
issue, 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/06/18/climate-common-good-pope-francis-calls-justice-warming-planet">criticizing
extreme capitalism</a>, concentration of wealth for a few, and
frivolous throw-away consumption, which lead to suffering for the poor
as well as to ruining Earth.
<p>
It is 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/18/popes-climate-letter-radical-attack-logic-market">radical
at several levels</a>.
<p>
Here are 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/18/pope-francis-encyclical-extract">some
quotations</a>.
<p>
Overall, the Pope's support for the effort to overcome plutocrats and
curb global heating is a great help, but we must not forget the 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2015/jun/19/pope-francis-climate-change-encyclical-population-growth-development-role-women">areas
where he is mistaken</a>.  Women's rights receive skant attention in
the encyclical, and the danger of overpopulation is dismissed.
<p>
The Pope misrepresented the advocates of 
<a href="https://secure3.convio.net/zpg/site/Donation2?df_id=2040&2040.donation=form1">contraception
and population limitation</a>, pretending they are the enemies of
conservation.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 29_June_2015_(Urgent:_Remove_confederate_flag)
title: Urgent: Remove confederate flag
uri: Urgent-Remove-confederate-flag
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Remove_confederate_flag%29

content:
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/remove-the-confederate-4">call
on Mississippi</a> to remove the confederate flag from the Mississippi
state flag.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 29_June_2015_(Urgent:_Restore_Voting_Rights_Act)
title: Urgent: Restore Voting Rights Act
uri: 2015-06-29-Urgent-Restore-Voting-Rights-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Restore_Voting_Rights_Act%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/campaigns/1261">call on Congress</a>
to restore the Voting Rights Act.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 29_June_2015_(Air_pollution)
title: Air pollution
uri: 2015-06-29-Air-pollution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_%28Air_pollution%29
content:
<p>
Particulate air pollution
<a href="http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs313/en/">kills
around 4 million people a year</a>, according to WHO.
<p>
Greenhouse gas pollution's effects kill only
<a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/09/27/climate-change-kills-400-000-a-year-new-report-reveals.html">400,000
people per year at present</a>, but those effects will get worse, and
kill far more,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jan-apr.html#13_January_2015_(Fossil_fuel-funded_PR_campaign)">if
we continue as we are going</a>.
<pp>
The Lancet:
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/06/23/lancet-fossil-fuels-are-killing-us-quitting-them-can-save-us">Fossil
Fuels Are Killing Us…</a> Quitting Them Can Save Us.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 29_June_2015_(Paying_companies_to_create_jobs)
title: Paying companies to "create jobs"
uri: Paying-companies-to-create-jobs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_%28Paying_companies_to_create_jobs%29
content:
<p>
Scott Walker set up a "jobs program" that
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/06/21/1395233/-Chicago-Tribune-picks-up-big-Walker-corruption-story">handed
$124 million to businesses</a> under his personal supervision, without
review.  The result was to "create" around 2000 jobs, meaning the
State of Wisconsin paid a business $60,000 for each job.
<p>
The state could have made more jobs by hiring people directly.
<p>
The idea of paying companies to "create jobs" is inherently misguided.
from the public's point of view.  The state loses a lot of money and
gets few jobs — many of which were not actually created, but
rather taken away from some other state.  The only thing it is
effective for is giving money to businesses.
<p>
If legislators don't know this, the program is mistake foolish.  If
they know, it is corrupt and dishonest, I think Walker knows, don't
you?
<p>
The effective way for the state to use money to create jobs
is to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#22_June_2015_(Trickle_down_is_a_myth)">give
the money to poor people</a>.  They will spend it.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 29_June_2015_(Beached_whales)
title: Beached whales
uri: Beached-whales
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_%28Beached_whales%29
content:
<p>
A group of
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-mar-jun.html#20_April_2014_(BP_oil_drilling_explosions)">39
whales beached themselves one day</a> in 2011.  Scientists now say
they did this because underwater bomb explosions damaged their hearing
and navigation.
<p>
19 of the whales died; the rest went back to sea.  Perhaps their
hearing was ok and they only followed the others; or perhaps they
didn't live long.
<p>
Underwater
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jan-apr.html#17_January_2015_(Offshore_wind_power)">explosions
for oil drilling</a> can do the same thing.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 29_June_2015_(Colombia_punishes_reporters)
title: Colombia punishes reporters
uri: Colombia-punishes-reporters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_%28Colombia_punishes_reporters%29
content:
<p>
Colombia has
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/24/colombian-army-killed-thousands-civilians-human-rights-watch">punished
those who reported the army's murders</a>, while promoting the
generals in charge.
<p>
The current president, Nonsantos, was the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#18_July_2013_(Mass_protests_to_keep_land)">minister
in charge</a>.


title: Activists bringing solar panels to Gaza
uri: Activists-bringing-solar-panels-to-Gaza
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 29_June_2015_(Activists_bringing_solar_panels_to_Gaza)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_%28Activists_bringing_solar_panels_to_Gaza%29

content:
<p>
Activists are bringing solar panels to Gaza
<a href="http://www.timesofisrael.com/swedish-ship-sets-sail-from-italy-in-bid-to-break-gaza-blockade/">by
boat</a>, since electricity is limited there because Israel
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#30_July_2014_(Gazas_electric_plant_destroyed)">destroyed
the generating plant</a>.
<p>
One
<a href="http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4671542,00.html">Palestinian
member</a> of the Israeli legislature is among the volunteers on the
boats.
<p>
The same Israelis that impose the siege call him a traitor,
to distract from the evil of the siege of Gaza.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 29_June_2015_(Jobcenters)
title: Jobcenters
uri: Jobcenters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_%28Jobcenters%29
content:
<p>
A UK jobcenter
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jun/22/man-who-cannot-walk-or-talk-called-for-jobcentre-interview">demanded
Nick Gaskin come to an interview about putting him into work</a>, or
else his support would be cut off.  It would be difficult for Gaskin
to work, since he is paralyzed from the mouth down, and can
communicate only by blinking his eyes.
<p>
Everyone makes mistakes, but if this was an error, the jobcenter
compounded it by refusing to recognize and correct the error when
Gaskin's family reported it.  The staff had clearly been told not to
accept any excuse for not coming for a work interview.
<p>
The absurd case of Nick Gaskin is significant because of the general
pattern it is an extreme example of.  Jobcenters are constantly
looking for excuses to conclude, never mind whether it's true, that
disabled people are really fit for work.
<p>
Those unemployed who are fit to work (including the many who never
claimed not to be) are frequently put through hoops, like requiring
them to come to the jobcenter
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jan-apr.html#2_April_2015_(UK_benefit_excuses)">without
giving them a way to get there</a>, and ordered
to spend many hours a week applying for
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#26_October_2014_(Not_enough_jobs_in_the_UK)">nonexistent
jobs</a> using computers
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jan-apr.html#10_April_2015_(On_the_Wrong_Side_of_the_Digital_Divide)">not
available to them</a>.
<p>
The reason is clear: the state seeks excuses to cut support for
the unemployed, so it keeps creating new excuses to punish them.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 29_June_2015_(Nigerias_army)
title: Nigeria's army
uri: Nigeria-s-army
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_%28Nigerias_army%29
content:
<p>
Nigeria's army has
<a href="http://www.amnestyusa.org/W1506EATOR1">killed over 8000
prisoners since 2011</a>.
<p>
That is more or less
<a href="http://africacheck.org/reports/have-13000-people-been-killed-in-nigerias-insurgency-the-claim-is-broadly-correct/">comparable
with the number of people that Boko Haram has killed.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 29_June_2015_(Urgent:_Protect_network_neutrality)
title: Urgent: Protect network neutrality
uri: Urgent-Protect-network-neutrality
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Protect_network_neutrality%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/net_neutrality_appropriations_openmedia/">call
on Congress</a> to reject the sneaky Republican attack on network
neutrality.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 29_June_2015_(Urgent:_Freedom_of_panorama)
title: Urgent: Freedom of panorama
uri: Urgent-Freedom-of-panorama
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Freedom_of_panorama%29
content:
<p>
EU citizens: 
<a href="https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_Panorama_in_Europe_in_2015/Contact_your_MEP">contact
your MEPs</a> to support freedom of panorama.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 29_June_2015_(Urgent:_Drop_Monsanto_lobbyist)
title: Urgent: Drop Monsanto lobbyist
uri: Urgent-Drop-Monsanto-lobbyist
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Drop_Monsanto_lobbyist%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://action.sumofus.org/a/hillary-monsanto-lobbyist/">call
on Clinton</a> to drop the Monsanto lobbyist from her campaign.
<p>
Even more important: support Bernie Sanders for president.  This hire
reflects what Clinton is (a Republican in Democrat's clothing) and
what she stands for (power for the rich).  She shouldn't be elected to
any office.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 29_June_2015_(Urgent:_Policing_Wall_Street)
title: Urgent: Policing Wall Street
uri: Urgent-Policing-Wall-Street
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Policing_Wall_Street%29
content:
<p>
In the US: 
<a href="http://act.demandprogress.org/letter/tell-gov-cuomo-we-need-real-sheriff-wall-street/">call
on New York Governor Cuomo</a> to appoint a strong replacement for
policing Wall Street.


title: Urgent: Block abortion restriction bill
uri: Urgent-Block-abortion-restriction-bill
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 29_June_2015_(Urgent:_Block_abortion_restriction_bill)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Block_abortion_restriction_bill%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Dems_Abortion_Ban">call on
Senate democrats</a> to block the abortion restriction bill with a
filibuster.


title: When a country is swallowed by the sea
uri: When-a-country-is-swallowed-by-the-sea
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 29_June_2015_(When_a_country_is_swallowed_by_the_sea)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_%28When_a_country_is_swallowed_by_the_sea%29

content:
<p>
What happens to a country when its territory is 
<a href="http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20150616-what-happens-when-the-sea-swallows-a-country">swallowed
by the sea</a>?
<p>
We can say that the visitors to luxury hotels in the Maldives (each
contributing a lot to global heating for one person) are consuming
those islands, using them up from under the inhabitants.
<p>
The people of the Maldive Islands knew what to do to save their
islands, and they did it: they elected a president who began
campaigning to curb global heating.  He was 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#01_May_2015_(Mohamed_Nasheeds_trial)">removed
then imprisoned by a military coup</a> that I suspect has something to
do with
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2011-nov-feb.html#10_February_2012_(Maldive_Islands)">fossil
fuel interests</a>.
<p>
In the light of what 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_(Refugees)">Australia</a>
and
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#21_June_2015_(Eritrean_refugees)">Europe</a>
are doing to refugees today, I think that they will tell the
inhabitants of island nations to sit down and drown.  The dictator of
the Maldives must expect to buy safety for his family when the rest of
the population is drowned.
<p>
We had better stop doing the things that make 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#09_May_2015_(Refugees_within_their_own_countries)">so
many people</a> flee their homes.


title: Nauru protesters face criminal charges
uri: Nauru-protesters-face-criminal-charges
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 29_June_2015_(Nauru_protesters_face_criminal_charges)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_%28Nauru_protesters_face_criminal_charges%29

content:
<p>
Protesters in Nauru, including 3 opposition legislators, face 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/26/three-nauruan-mps-face-charges-after-protest-outside-parliament">criminal
charges</a>.  Their protest was against the government's corruption
and its suspension of democracy.
<p>
The government called the protest a "riot".  Have you heard that one
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2011-jul-oct.html#21_September_2011_(Bloomberg)">before</a>?


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 29_June_2015_(Apple_censorship)
title: Apple censorship
uri: Apple-censorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_%28Apple_censorship%29
content:
<p>
Apple has 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jun/25/apple-removes-historical-war-games-confederate-flag">banned
iThing applications that show the confederate flag</a>.  Not only
those that use it as a symbol of racism, but even strategic games that
use it to represent confederate army units fighting in the Civil War.
<p>
It is absurd to interpret those games as an instance of use of the
confederate flag as racist symbol today.  But censorship is wrong;
even censorship of racism.  We can say we despise racist hatred, but
we must not forbid people from expressing it.
<p>
This is not the only political position Apple has 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2012-may-aug.html#19_July_2012_(Apple_censors_game)">censored</a>.
<p>
It is wrong for Apple to ban applications based on what they say, but
the root of this evil is that Apple has designed the operating system
for the iThings as a 
<a href="http://gnu.org/proprietary/proprietary-jails.html ">platform
for censorship</a>.  That should be a crime.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 29_June_2015_(Government_handouts_for_companies)
title: Government handouts for companies
uri: Government-handouts-for-companies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_%28Government_handouts_for_companies%29

content:
<p>
10 years ago, the US Supreme Court ruled that cities could seize
buildings (including homes) to give to private development on the
excuse that this would be "good for the community".  The result was a
popular movement that has 
<a href="http://www.vox.com/2015/6/23/8833847/kelo-property-supreme-court">mostly
ended the practice</a>.
<p>
Can we validly "presume" that governments "wouldn't be pursuing a
development project in the first place unless they anticipated some
benefit to the public"?  Not at all.  The idea that a handout to a
company is "good for the community" was Scott Walker's 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_(Paying_companies_to_create_jobs)">excuse
for handouts</a>.
<p>
As this particular case shows, the whole idea of achieving a "benefit
to the public" through a handout to the community is stupid.
Companies make cities and states compete to offer handouts.  Overall,
the taxpayers lose and only the companies gain.
<p>
Why do so many politicians endorse these foolish ideas?  Perhaps
someone rich rewards them for it.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 29_June_2015_(UK_welfare_systems_deadly_mistakes)
title: UK welfare system's deadly mistakes
uri: UK-welfare-system-s-deadly-mistakes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_%28UK_welfare_systems_deadly_mistakes%29

content:
<p>
The UK welfare system ruled that Mark Wood was not disabled and was
capable of working.  Apparently it was mistaken, because instead he
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/shortcuts/2015/jun/24/he-was-a-victim-of-welfare-reform-the-artistic-legacy-of-mark-wood">starved
to death</a>.  He now has a posthumous art exhibition.
<p>
That <a
href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_(Jobcenters)">wasn't
the last time the system was wrong about this</a>.  Why does it make
so many mistakes?  Partly because it has 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#09_July_2014_(UK_cruelty_to_the_weak)">quotas</a>
for various things it does to cut people's benefits.
<p>
Now it seems to have a quota for 
<a href="https://thepoorsideoflife.wordpress.com/2015/06/12/new-targets-for-dwp-compliance-interviews/">accusing
poor people of fraud</a>.
<p>
The unemployed who feel discouraged about finding work are now
pressured to attend 
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-33060794">brainwashing
sessions</a> for this "psychological problem".


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 29_June_2015_(Whole_Foods_defrauds_customers)
title: Whole Foods defrauds customers
uri: Whole-Foods-defrauds-customers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_%28Whole_Foods_defrauds_customers%29
content:
<p>
Whole Foods (or "Whole Paycheck" as some call it) shows a pattern of
defrauding customers through 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/mixed-media/2015/06/whole-foods-overcharging-new-york-city">mislabeling
weights</a>.
<p>
There are other 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-jul-oct.html#21%20September%202009%20(Whole%20Foods%20not%20so%20wholesome)">unsavory
things about that company</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 30_June_2015_(Israels_war_crimes)
title: Israel's war crimes
uri: Israel-s-war-crimes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#30_June_2015_%28Israels_war_crimes%29
content:
<p>
Uri Avnery: Israel's first war crime in the 2014 war with Gaza was
starting the war.  But it committed many more, because the Israeli
army will kill 
<a href="http://zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en/channels/avnery/1435349371/">hundreds
of Arab civilians</a> to avoid one Israeli casualty.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 30_June_2015_(Imprisonment_of_refugees_in_Nauru)
title: Imprisonment of refugees in Nauru
uri: Imprisonment-of-refugees-in-Nauru
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#30_June_2015_%28Imprisonment_of_refugees_in_Nauru%29

content:
<p>
Australia's 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jun/27/legal-challenge-to-australias-offshore-detention-of-asylum-seekers-goes-ahead">new
law</a> eliminated only one of the two issues raised in a lawsuit
against sending refugees to imprisonment in Nauru.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 30_June_2015_(Preservation_of_coral_reefs)
title: Preservation of coral reefs
uri: Preservation-of-coral-reefs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#30_June_2015_%28Preservation_of_coral_reefs%29
content:
<p>
It may be possible to preserve coral reefs by bringing in 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/27/planting-coral-could-save-great-barrier-reef-from-climate-change-say-scientists">polyps
that have a higher tolerance for heat</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 30_June_2015_(Banksters_ultimatum_for_Greece)
title: Banksters' ultimatum for Greece
uri: Banksters-ultimatum-for-Greece
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#30_June_2015_%28Banksters_ultimatum_for_Greece%29
content:
<p>
The Greek government has called a referendum on 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/26/greece-calls-referendum-on-bailout-terms-offered-by-creditors">whether
to accept the banksters' ultimatum</a>.
<p>
I urge Greeks to reject the ultimatum.  It is better to suffer for a
while from default than suffer forever from impossible debt.


title: Australia considers exiling Australians
uri: Australia-considers-exiling-Australians
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 29_June_2015_(Australia_considers_exiling_Australians)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_%28Australia_considers_exiling_Australians%29

content:
<p>
Australia is considering exiling Australians accused of fighting for
PISSI, 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jun/27/australia-may-suspend-citizenship-privileges-of-single-passport-holders">making
them stateless</a>.  Naturally, the government proposes to do this
without trial.  Any Australian could be arbitrarily exiled this way.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 29_June_2015_(Islamist_attack_on_tourists)
title: Islamist attack on tourists
uri: Islamist-attack-on-tourists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_%28Islamist_attack_on_tourists%29
content:
<p>
An Islamist 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/27/tunisia-prime-minister-to-shut-mosques-inciting-terrorism-as-isis-claims-attack">attacked
tourists in a resort in Tunisia</a>.  The goal of the attack was
evidently to harm Tunisia, which has voted against Islamist
fanaticism.
<p>
Tunisia must resist the lure of 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/27/sousse-tragedy-tests-tunisia-democracy">attacking
it own human rights</a>.
<p>
The US, the UK, Australia and France have failed this test, but
Tunisia can still pass it.
<p>
Islamist terrorism in the US is so small, on the scale of violence,
that it is 
<a href="media/cda3030d.Kurzman_Terrorism_Cases_Involving_Muslim-Americans_2014.pdf" data-original-source="http://sites.duke.edu/tcths/files/2013/06/Kurzman_Terrorism_Cases_Involving_Muslim-Americans_2014.pdf">not
worth making a fuss about</a>.
<p>
That is not true in the Middle East, of course.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html 29_June_2015_(The_trickle-down_theory)
title: The "trickle-down" theory
uri: The-trickle-down-theory
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_%28The_trickle-down_theory%29
content:
<p>
The IMF's empirical research 
<a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/comment-and-analysis/imf-research-confirms-paying-more-to-the-poor-will-build-the-economy-20150626-ghy7ja">conclusively
disproves the "trickle-down" theory that concentrating wealth will
boost economic growth</a>.  On the contrary, redistribution to the
poor boosts economic growth.
<p>
Of course, we already had plenty of informal proof of that.
<p>
Now those businesses that give workers a raise can call themselves
"wealth creators".


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 30_June_2015_(Repression_of_internet_users_in_Iran)
title: Repression of internet users in Iran
uri: Repression-of-internet-users-in-Iran
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#30_June_2015_%28Repression_of_internet_users_in_Iran%29

content:
<p>
Iran continues to repress users of the internet, with 
<a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2015/06/iran-still-imprisoning-netizens-and-blocking-sites-after-two-years-reform">filters
and imprisonment</a>.
<p>
I think the president of Iran is not in charge of this aspect of policy.
<p>
'Writing Code Is Not a Crime': 
<a href="https://globalvoicesonline.org/2015/06/04/writing-code-is-not-a-crime-jailed-iranian-web-developer-saeed-malekpour-turns-40/">Jailed
Iranian Web Developer Saeed Malekpour Turns 40</a>.
<p>
The US pioneered making the writing of code a crime, with the DMCA in
1998.  The US was the first to prosecute someone for writing a
program: <a
href="https://stallman.org/archives/2004-may-aug.html#26%20August%202004%20(Interfering%20with%20scientific%20cooperation)">Dmitry
Sklyarov</a>.
<p>
Prosecuting a programmer for how others used his code was also
pioneered by the US against David LaMacchia.  He made a general
purpose upload/download network server and was prosecuted because
others used it for forbidden sharing.  The government claimed (based
on nothing) that he intended it for this purpose.
<p>
Of course, sharing should not be a crime either.  One injustice
was piled on another.


title: Collecting data on children in school
uri: Collecting-data-on-children-in-school
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 30_June_2015_(Collecting_data_on_children_in_school)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#30_June_2015_%28Collecting_data_on_children_in_school%29

content:
<p>
Collecting data on children in school is a 
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/06/27/child-left-un-mined/">booming
business</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 30_June_2015_(PISSI_raids_Kobani)
title: PISSI raids Kobani
uri: PISSI-raids-Kobani
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#30_June_2015_%28PISSI_raids_Kobani%29
content:
<p>
PISSI raided Kobani, and the raiders 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/27/kobani-secured-islamic-state-kurdish-fighters-suicide-attacks">killed
200 civilians before they were killed</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 30_June_2015_(Urgent:_Stop_deforestation)
title: Urgent: Stop deforestation
uri: 2015-07-01-Urgent-Stop-deforestation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#30_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_deforestation%29
content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://secure3.convio.net/ucs/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=4741">call
on Wendys</a> to make a real effort to stop causing deforestation, not
a pretend effort.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 30_June_2015_(NYPDs_drone_program)
title: NYPD's drone program
uri: NYPD-s-drone-program
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#30_June_2015_%28NYPDs_drone_program%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/ive-spent-25-years-trying-to-get-the-nypd-to-talk-about-its-drone-program">I've
Spent 2.5 Years Trying to Get the NYPD to Talk About Its Drone
Program</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 30_June_2015_(Pervasive_face_recognition)
title: Pervasive face recognition
uri: Pervasive-face-recognition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#30_June_2015_%28Pervasive_face_recognition%29
content:
<p>
The danger of pervasive face recognition is 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/27/facebook-tag-pics-government">becoming
real</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 30_June_2015_(Giving_up_because_its_difficult)
title: Giving up because it's difficult
uri: Giving-up-because-it-s-difficult
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#30_June_2015_%28Giving_up_because_its_difficult%29
content:
<p>
Clinton, in 1993, said she wanted a Canadian-style national health
system, but she 
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/06/26/tell-something-real-hillary-clinton-suggestion-presidents-fight-rich-corporations/">ridiculed
the idea of trying to establish one in the US</a>.
<p>
I'm not criticizing her estimation that it would be a big and
difficult fight.  Rather, I am criticizing her readiness to give up
without fighting, just because it is big and difficult.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 30_June_2015_(Hollande_plays_into_PISSIs_hands)
title: Hollande plays into PISSI's hands
uri: Hollande-plays-into-PISSI-s-hands
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#30_June_2015_%28Hollande_plays_into_PISSIs_hands%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/27/francois-hollande-manuel-valls-decapitation-yassin-salhi">One
person was killed</a> in a possibly terrorist attack in France.
<p>
One additional murder in France is insignificant compared with the
background rate of violence, but because this murder is "terrorism",
it gives politicians an opportunity to spread panic by looking tough,
and pass more tyrannical laws.
<p>
In PISSI and other Islamic terror groups, the evil side of humanity
escapes control; 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/26/islamic-state-tunisia-kuwait-lyon-evil-sadism">their
violence is meant to shock us into panic</a>.  Hollande, never a very
deep thinker, is playing into PISSI's hands, while perhaps telling
himself that PISSI has played into his.
<p>
If we are wise, we will condemn and despise these murderers, but stay
calm.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 30_June_2015_(Equal_Rights_Amendment)
title: Equal Rights Amendment
uri: Equal-Rights-Amendment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#30_June_2015_%28Equal_Rights_Amendment%29
content:
<p>
Meryl Streep is trying to restart the movement to pass the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/jun/26/meryl-streep-letter-us-constitution-equal-rights-amendment">Equal
Rights Amendment</a>, which would prohibit discrimination on the basis
of gender.
<p>
I am in favor of it.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 30_June_2015_(Local_elections_need_to_be_contested)
title: Local elections need to be contested
uri: Local-elections-need-to-be-contested
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#30_June_2015_%28Local_elections_need_to_be_contested%29

content:
<p>
US progressives 
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/06/24/1396062/-TPP-fight-illustrates-Left-s-depth-problem">need
to contest local elections</a> to create a progressive wave in the
Democratic Party.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 30_June_2015_(Imprisonment_of_refugees_in_Nauru)
title: Imprisonment of refugees in Nauru
uri: 2015-07-01-Imprisonment-of-refugees-in-Nauru
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#30_June_2015_%28Imprisonment_of_refugees_in_Nauru%29

content:
<p>
Australia's 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jun/27/legal-challenge-to-australias-offshore-detention-of-asylum-seekers-goes-ahead">new
law</a> eliminated only one of the two issues raised in a lawsuit
against sending refugees to imprisonment in Nauru.


title: Australia considers exiling Australians
uri: 2015-07-01-Australia-considers-exiling-Australians
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 29_June_2015_(Australia_considers_exiling_Australians)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#29_June_2015_%28Australia_considers_exiling_Australians%29

content:
<p>
Australia is considering exiling Australians accused of fighting for
PISSI, 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jun/27/australia-may-suspend-citizenship-privileges-of-single-passport-holders">making
them stateless</a>.  Naturally, the government proposes to do this
without trial.  Any Australian could be arbitrarily exiled this way.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 29_June_2015_(Urgent:_Protect_network_neutrality)
title: Urgent: Protect network neutrality
uri: 2015-07-01-Urgent-Protect-network-neutrality
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#29_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Protect_network_neutrality%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/net_neutrality_appropriations_openmedia/">call
on Congress</a> to reject the sneaky Republican attack on network
neutrality.


title: Urgent: Block abortion restriction bill
uri: 2015-07-01-Urgent-Block-abortion-restriction-bill
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 29_June_2015_(Urgent:_Block_abortion_restriction_bill)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#29_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Block_abortion_restriction_bill%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Dems_Abortion_Ban">call on
Senate democrats</a> to block the abortion restriction bill with a
filibuster.


title: When a country is swallowed by the sea
uri: 2015-07-01-When-a-country-is-swallowed-by-the-sea
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 29_June_2015_(When_a_country_is_swallowed_by_the_sea)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#29_June_2015_%28When_a_country_is_swallowed_by_the_sea%29

content:
<p>
What happens to a country when its territory is 
<a href="http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20150616-what-happens-when-the-sea-swallows-a-country">swallowed
by the sea</a>?
<p>
We can say that the visitors to luxury hotels in the Maldives (each
contributing a lot to global heating for one person) are consuming
those islands, using them up from under the inhabitants.
<p>
The people of the Maldive Islands knew what to do to save their
islands, and they did it: they elected a president who began
campaigning to curb global heating.  He was 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#01_May_2015_(Mohamed_Nasheeds_trial)">removed
then imprisoned by a military coup</a> that I suspect has something to
do with
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2011-nov-feb.html#10_February_2012_(Maldive_Islands)">fossil
fuel interests</a>.
<p>
In the light of what 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_(Refugees)">Australia</a>
and
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#21_June_2015_(Eritrean_refugees)">Europe</a>
are doing to refugees today, I think that they will tell the
inhabitants of island nations to sit down and drown.  The dictator of
the Maldives must expect to buy safety for his family when the rest of
the population is drowned.
<p>
We had better stop doing the things that make 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#09_May_2015_(Refugees_within_their_own_countries)">so
many people</a> flee their homes.


title: Nauru protesters face criminal charges
uri: 2015-07-01-Nauru-protesters-face-criminal-charges
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 29_June_2015_(Nauru_protesters_face_criminal_charges)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#29_June_2015_%28Nauru_protesters_face_criminal_charges%29

content:
<p>
Protesters in Nauru, including 3 opposition legislators, face 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/26/three-nauruan-mps-face-charges-after-protest-outside-parliament">criminal
charges</a>.  Their protest was against the government's corruption
and its suspension of democracy.
<p>
The government called the protest a "riot".  Have you heard that one
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2011-jul-oct.html#21_September_2011_(Bloomberg)">before</a>?


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 29_June_2015_(Government_handouts_for_companies)
title: Government handouts for companies
uri: 2015-07-01-Government-handouts-for-companies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#29_June_2015_%28Government_handouts_for_companies%29

content:
<p>
10 years ago, the US Supreme Court ruled that cities could seize
buildings (including homes) to give to private development on the
excuse that this would be "good for the community".  The result was a
popular movement that has 
<a href="http://www.vox.com/2015/6/23/8833847/kelo-property-supreme-court">mostly
ended the practice</a>.
<p>
Can we validly "presume" that governments "wouldn't be pursuing a
development project in the first place unless they anticipated some
benefit to the public"?  Not at all.  The idea that a handout to a
company is "good for the community" was Scott Walker's 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_(Paying_companies_to_create_jobs)">excuse
for handouts</a>.
<p>
As this particular case shows, the whole idea of achieving a "benefit
to the public" through a handout to the community is stupid.
Companies make cities and states compete to offer handouts.  Overall,
the taxpayers lose and only the companies gain.
<p>
Why do so many politicians endorse these foolish ideas?  Perhaps
someone rich rewards them for it.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 29_June_2015_(UK_welfare_systems_deadly_mistakes)
title: UK welfare system's deadly mistakes
uri: 2015-07-01-UK-welfare-system-s-deadly-mistakes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#29_June_2015_%28UK_welfare_systems_deadly_mistakes%29

content:
<p>
The UK welfare system ruled that Mark Wood was not disabled and was
capable of working.  Apparently it was mistaken, because instead he
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/shortcuts/2015/jun/24/he-was-a-victim-of-welfare-reform-the-artistic-legacy-of-mark-wood">starved
to death</a>.  He now has a posthumous art exhibition.
<p>
That <a
href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#29_June_2015_(Jobcenters)">wasn't
the last time the system was wrong about this</a>.  Why does it make
so many mistakes?  Partly because it has 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#09_July_2014_(UK_cruelty_to_the_weak)">quotas</a>
for various things it does to cut people's benefits.
<p>
Now it seems to have a quota for 
<a href="https://thepoorsideoflife.wordpress.com/2015/06/12/new-targets-for-dwp-compliance-interviews/">accusing
poor people of fraud</a>.
<p>
The unemployed who feel discouraged about finding work are now
pressured to attend 
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-33060794">brainwashing
sessions</a> for this "psychological problem".


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 29_June_2015_(Urgent:_Remove_confederate_flag)
title: Urgent: Remove confederate flag
uri: 2015-07-01-Urgent-Remove-confederate-flag
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#29_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Remove_confederate_flag%29

content:
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/remove-the-confederate-4">call
on Mississippi</a> to remove the confederate flag from the Mississippi
state flag.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 29_June_2015_(Urgent:_Restore_Voting_Rights_Act)
title: Urgent: Restore Voting Rights Act
uri: 2015-07-01-Urgent-Restore-Voting-Rights-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#29_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Restore_Voting_Rights_Act%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/campaigns/1261">call on Congress</a>
to restore the Voting Rights Act.


title: Activists bringing solar panels to Gaza
uri: 2015-07-01-Activists-bringing-solar-panels-to-Gaza
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 29_June_2015_(Activists_bringing_solar_panels_to_Gaza)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#29_June_2015_%28Activists_bringing_solar_panels_to_Gaza%29

content:
<p>
Activists are bringing solar panels to Gaza
<a href="http://www.timesofisrael.com/swedish-ship-sets-sail-from-italy-in-bid-to-break-gaza-blockade/">by
boat</a>, since electricity is limited there because Israel
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#30_July_2014_(Gazas_electric_plant_destroyed)">destroyed
the generating plant</a>.
<p>
One
<a href="http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4671542,00.html">Palestinian
member</a> of the Israeli legislature is among the volunteers on the
boats.
<p>
The same Israelis that impose the siege call him a traitor,
to distract from the evil of the siege of Gaza.


title: Class-action suit against Bush regime officials
uri: 2015-07-01-Class-action-suit-against-Bush-regime-officials
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 28_June_2015_(Class-action_suit_against_Bush_regime_officials)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#28_June_2015_%28Class-action_suit_against_Bush_regime_officials%29

content:
<p>
Americans imprisoned in 2001, on vague suspicion without charges, will
be 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/17/john-ashcroft-911-detainee-abuse-lawsuit">allowed
to carry out a class-action suit</a> against the Bush regime officials
responsible.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 28_June_2015_(UK_government's_attacks_on_non-rich)
title: UK government's attacks on non-rich
uri: 2015-07-01-UK-government-s-attacks-on-non-rich
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#28_June_2015_%28UK_government%27s_attacks_on_non-rich%29

content:
<p>
As the UK government attacks the non-rich on 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/17/corbyn-austerity-defeated-tories-no-mandate-opposition-beyond-parliament">all
fronts at once</a>, Britons must resist on the street.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 28_June_2015_(Thug_response_to_public_resentment)
title: Thug response to public resentment
uri: 2015-07-01-Thug-response-to-public-resentment
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#28_June_2015_%28Thug_response_to_public_resentment%29

content:
<p>
Baltimore thugs have responded to public resentment of their killing
of Freddie Gray by going on an 
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/06/17/baltimore-police-idle-black-lives-perish/">unofficial
slowdown strike against poor neighborhoods</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 28_June_2015_(Pope_Francis_on_extreme_capitalism)
title: Pope Francis on extreme capitalism
uri: 2015-07-01-Pope-Francis-on-extreme-capitalism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#28_June_2015_%28Pope_Francis_on_extreme_capitalism%29

content:
<p>
Pope Francis's encyclical about the climate threat addresses a broader
issue, 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/06/18/climate-common-good-pope-francis-calls-justice-warming-planet">criticizing
extreme capitalism</a>, concentration of wealth for a few, and
frivolous throw-away consumption, which lead to suffering for the poor
as well as to ruining Earth.
<p>
It is 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/18/popes-climate-letter-radical-attack-logic-market">radical
at several levels</a>.
<p>
Here are 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/18/pope-francis-encyclical-extract">some
quotations</a>.
<p>
Overall, the Pope's support for the effort to overcome plutocrats and
curb global heating is a great help, but we must not forget the 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2015/jun/19/pope-francis-climate-change-encyclical-population-growth-development-role-women">areas
where he is mistaken</a>.  Women's rights receive skant attention in
the encyclical, and the danger of overpopulation is dismissed.
<p>
The Pope misrepresented the advocates of 
<a href="https://secure3.convio.net/zpg/site/Donation2?df_id=2040&2040.donation=form1">contraception
and population limitation</a>, pretending they are the enemies of
conservation.


title: Urgent: Take down the confederate flag
uri: 2015-07-01-Urgent-Take-down-the-confederate-flag
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 28_June_2015_(Urgent:_Take_down_the_confederate_flag)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#28_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Take_down_the_confederate_flag%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/remove-the-confederate-3">Call
on South Carolina</a> to take down the confederate flag, symbol of
slavery.


title: Urgent: US Export-Import Bank termination
uri: 2015-07-01-Urgent-US-Export-Import-Bank-termination
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 28_June_2015_(Urgent:_US_Export-Import_Bank_termination)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#28_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_US_Export-Import_Bank_termination%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="
http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/end-government-subsidies-1">call on
Congress</a> to let the US Export-Import Bank terminate on June 30.
Don't renew this subsidy to big business.


title: Urgent: Review regulation of thug violence
uri: 2015-07-01-Urgent-Review-regulation-of-thug-violence
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 28_June_2015_(Urgent:_Review_regulation_of_thug_violence)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#28_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Review_regulation_of_thug_violence%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.amnestyusa.org/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1839&ea.campaign.id=39299">call
on Obama to set up a commission</a> to review laws and standards that
regulate thugs' violence.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 28_June_2015_(Urgent:_Meat-eating_recommendations)
title: Urgent: Meat-eating recommendations
uri: 2015-07-01-Urgent-Meat-eating-recommendations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#28_June_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Meat-eating_recommendations%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Big_Meat">urge the Department
of Agriculture and the Department of Health</a> to resist industry
lobbying and recommend a lower level of meat-eating.


title: Miscalculating risks of climate change
uri: 2015-07-01-Miscalculating-risks-of-climate-change
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 27_June_2015_(Miscalculating_risks_of_climate_change)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#27_June_2015_%28Miscalculating_risks_of_climate_change%29

content:
<p>"Credit rating agencies 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2015/jun/25/credit-rating-agencies-risks-climate-change-report-finance">
are miscalculating</a>
 risks of climate change."
</p>
<p>These agencies are not impartial.  They may have a business motive for
this.
Or perhaps they are only slow to adapt.</p>


title: Soft prosecution against Hindus bombing
uri: 2015-07-01-Soft-prosecution-against-Hindus-bombing
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 27_June_2015_(Soft_prosecution_against_Hindus_bombing)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#27_June_2015_%28Soft_prosecution_against_Hindus_bombing%29

content:
<p>An Indian prosecutor says an official 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/25/lawyer-delhi-go-soft-prosecution-hindus-bombing">
told her to stop</a>
 prosecuting
Hindus who attacked Muslims with a bomb, after Narendra Modi's Hindu
nationalist party won the election.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 27_June_2015_(Russia's_internet_disinformation)
title: Russia's internet disinformation
uri: 2015-07-01-Russia-s-internet-disinformation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#27_June_2015_%28Russia%27s_internet_disinformation%29

content:
<p>Russia's internet disinformation army 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/24/russian-troll-factory-sued-underpayment-labour-violations-vladimir-putin">
is being sued by an ex-worker</a>

for illegal mistreatment of employees.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 27_June_2015_(Australia's_definition_of_terrorism)
title: Australia's definition of "terrorism"
uri: 2015-07-01-Australia-s-definition-of-terrorism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#27_June_2015_%28Australia%27s_definition_of_terrorism%29

content:
<p>Australia's definition of "terrorism", for the punishment of permanent
exile, 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jun/24/new-laws-dual-nationals-lose-citizenship-for-damaging-commonwealth-property">
stretches to include</a>
 almost anything.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 27_June_2015_(Palestinians_imprisoned_by_Israel)
title: Palestinians imprisoned by Israel
uri: 2015-07-01-Palestinians-imprisoned-by-Israel
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#27_June_2015_%28Palestinians_imprisoned_by_Israel%29

content:
<p>Palestinians imprisoned without charge by Israel 
<a href="https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/palestinians-make-urgent-plea-save-khader-adnan-more-join-hunger-strike">
are making</a>
 a hunger strike.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 27_June_2015_(Indian_journalist_burned_to_death)
title: Indian journalist burned to death
uri: 2015-07-01-Indian-journalist-burned-to-death
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#27_June_2015_%28Indian_journalist_burned_to_death%29

content:
<p>Another Indian journalist 
<a href="https://cpj.org/2015/06/in-india-second-journalist-killed-burned-in-two-we.php">
was burned to death</a>
 after investigating
corruption.
</p>
<p>What this indicates is that the people culpable figured that the state
is
so corrupt they can get away with this.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 26_June_2015_(Surveillance_of_airplane_passengers)
title: Surveillance of airplane passengers
uri: 2015-07-01-Surveillance-of-airplane-passengers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#26_June_2015_%28Surveillance_of_airplane_passengers%29

content:
<p>
The EU continues
<a href="https://edri.org/eu-continues-push-for-travel-surveillance-back-door/">pushing
to increase surveillance of airplane passengers</a>.
<p>
Passengers on domestic or Schengen flights should not be required to
identify themselves.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 26_June_2015_(Use_of_antibiotics_on_farm_animals)
title: Use of antibiotics on farm animals
uri: 2015-07-01-Use-of-antibiotics-on-farm-animals
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#26_June_2015_%28Use_of_antibiotics_on_farm_animals%29

content:
<p>
UK pig farmers have joined the call to
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jun/20/mrsa-in-pork-farming-leaders-join-calls-for-clampdown-on-illegal-antibiotics-use">restrict
use of antibiotics on farm animals</a>.
<p>
It is big political problem that such businesses can block laws needed
for human health, but I am glad they may now support this particular
law.  However, that's not certain yet.  It is well known that
businesses sometimes say they support a law while working secretly to
block it.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 26_June_2015_(Abbotts_renewable_energy_lip_service)
title: Abbott's renewable energy lip service
uri: 2015-07-01-Abbott-s-renewable-energy-lip-service
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#26_June_2015_%28Abbotts_renewable_energy_lip_service%29

content:
<p>
"The Abbott government is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jun/19/the-coalition-is-engaging-in-double-talk-on-climate-policy-it-has-no-other-option">paying
lip service to the renewable energy industry</a> because it knows
speaking its mind would be unpalatable to the public."
<p>
Abbott is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/18/abbott-governments-windfarm-commissioner-pledge-a-new-low">proposing
new planning controls on wind turbines</a> in Australia, based on
fantasy science which claims that the noise from them harms people.
There is no evidence this happens.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 26_June_2015_(UK_sabotages_anti-austerity_protest)
title: UK sabotages anti-austerity protest
uri: 2015-07-01-UK-sabotages-anti-austerity-protest
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#26_June_2015_%28UK_sabotages_anti-austerity_protest%29

content:
<p>
The UK government is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/19/police-crack-down-on-activists-on-eve-of-london-austerity-march">sabotaging
an anti-austerity protest</a> by ordering specific activists, some
previously arrested though perhaps without real cause, to stay away.
<p>
The US has employed a similar practice of
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#01_May_2015_(Jailed_Baltimore_protesters)">using
bail conditions to stop people from protesting</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Urgent:_Stop_granting_oil_leases)
title: Urgent: Stop granting oil leases
uri: Urgent-Stop-granting-oil-leases
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_granting_oil_leases%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/obama_fossil_fuels">call on
Obama</a> to stop granting oil leases on public lands and coastal
waters.


title: Urgent: Demand that Time Warner come clean
uri: Urgent-Demand-that-Time-Warner-come-clean
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Urgent:_Demand_that_Time_Warner_come_clean)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Demand_that_Time_Warner_come_clean%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: Demand that Time Warner Cable 
<a href="http://action.sumofus.org/a/time-warner-fcc/">come clean
about its surreptitious lobbying</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Genetically_modified_pigs)
title: Genetically modified pigs
uri: Genetically-modified-pigs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Genetically_modified_pigs%29
content:
<p>
A strain of genetically modified pigs has a small genetic change that
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/jun/23/could-these-piglets-become-britains-first-commercially-viable-gm-animals">provides
resistance to a disease</a>.
<p>
In principle I don't see anything wrong with this project, but there
may be dangers in the details.  For instance, they included a gene for
resistance to some antibiotic, as a diagnostic.  Which antibiotic?  Is
it one that matters in medicine?


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(The_need_for_regulations_and_taxes)
title: The need for regulations and taxes
uri: The-need-for-regulations-and-taxes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28The_need_for_regulations_and_taxes%29

content:
<p>
We Need Domestic and International Regulations to 
<a href="http://inthesetimes.com/working/entry/18076/erik_loomis_out_of_sight_interview">Prevent
Corporations from Fleeing Overseas</a>.
<p>
The world needs a 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2015/jun/25/ten-reasons-why-european-governments-should-back-global-tax-body">globally
organized tax</a>.


title: Blatant political censorship in the UK
uri: Blatant-political-censorship-in-the-UK
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Blatant_political_censorship_in_the_UK)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Blatant_political_censorship_in_the_UK%29

content:
<p>
The UK's right-wing government is moving into blatant political
censorship, even 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/24/scapegoating-muslims-cameron-radicalisation-terror-wars-liberties-british-values">punishing
people for their views</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Face_recognition_software)
title: Face recognition software
uri: Face-recognition-software
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Face_recognition_software%29
content:
<p>
Facial Recognition Software Is 
<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/facial-recognition-software-is-scanning-you-where-you-least-expect-it/">Scanning
You Where You Least Expect It</a>.
<p>
Facebook 
<a href="http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn27761-facebook-can-recognise-you-in-photos-even-if-youre-not-looking.html">can
recognize people in photos from their bodies</a>, even if their faces
are hidden.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(A_murder_in_France)
title: A murder in France
uri: A-murder-in-France
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28A_murder_in_France%29
content:
<p>
The murder in France, presumed to be terrorism, 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/28/french-beheading-attack-suspect-confesses-murder">may
have been just a murder</a>.
<p>
Either way, one more murder isn't a reason to pass laws to attack
human rights.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Split_the_Earth)
title: Split the Earth
uri: Split-the-Earth
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Split_the_Earth%29
content:
<p>
Split the Earth: 50% for Humans, 
<a href="http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/lightman20150621">50% for
Protected Biodiversity Zones</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Atheists_in_African_countries)
title: Atheists in African countries
uri: Atheists-in-African-countries
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Atheists_in_African_countries%29
content:
<p>
Atheists in many African countries face repression, but some are
<a href="http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/igwe20150623">starting to
identify themselves publicly</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Surveillance_capitalism)
title: Surveillance capitalism
uri: Surveillance-capitalism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Surveillance_capitalism%29
content:
<p>
Defining
"<a href='http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/danaher20150625'>surveillance
capitalism</a>".
<p>
I have largely opted out of the activities surveillance
capitalism enters into.  There are a few that I can't avoid:
flying and prescriptions.


title: Soldiers used as mustard gas test subjects
uri: Soldiers-used-as-mustard-gas-test-subjects
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Soldiers_used_as_mustard_gas_test_subjects)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Soldiers_used_as_mustard_gas_test_subjects%29

content:
<p>
The US Army exposed soldiers to mustard gas as a forced experiment and
<a href="http://www.npr.org/2015/06/23/416408655/the-vas-broken-promise-to-thousands-of-vets-exposed-to-mustard-gas">threatened
to imprison them if they told anyone</a>.
<p>
Later the Veterans Affairs department promised to compensate them, but
isn't trying to find them, and denies them compensation if they can't
prove they were test subjects.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Immigration_and_asylum)
title: Immigration and asylum
uri: Immigration-and-asylum
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Immigration_and_asylum%29
content:
<p>
"<a href='http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/28/garden-migrants-calais-border-control'>A
passport to my lovely garden? Dream on, you wretched souls</a>".


title: Naomi Klein invited to advise Vatican
uri: Naomi-Klein-invited-to-advise-Vatican
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Naomi_Klein_invited_to_advise_Vatican)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Naomi_Klein_invited_to_advise_Vatican%29

content:
<p>
The Vatican invited Naomi Klein to advise about 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/28/pope-climate-change-naomi-klein">campaigning
to curb global heating</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Raising_the_price_of_alcohol)
title: Raising the price of alcohol
uri: Raising-the-price-of-alcohol
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Raising_the_price_of_alcohol%29
content:
<p>
Raising the price of alcohol in British Columbia 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jun/28/minimum-alcohol-pricing-cuts-serious-crime-canada">reduced
violent crimes 9% and reduced drunk driving almost 20%</a>.


title: Political influence of white supremacists
uri: Political-influence-of-white-supremacists
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Political_influence_of_white_supremacists)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Political_influence_of_white_supremacists%29

content:
<p>
White supremacists exercise 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/27/charleston-massacre-draws-attention-white-supremacist-backing-politicians">significant
influence in the Republican Party</a>.


title: Obama's actions against global heating
uri: Obama-s-actions-against-global-heating
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Obamas_actions_against_global_heating)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Obamas_actions_against_global_heating%29

content:
<p>
Obama has launched 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/25/barack-obama-climate-change-legacy">many
specific executive actions</a> against global heating.
<p>
If he had done this in 2011, they would have had more effect,
both practically and in regard to inspiration.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Military_rule_in_Thailand)
title: Military rule in Thailand
uri: Military-rule-in-Thailand
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Military_rule_in_Thailand%29
content:
<p>
Thailand 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/26/thailand-human-rights-vietnam-report">banned
a press event to announce a Human Rights Watch report about
Vietnam</a>.
<p>
In other words, military rule in Thailand also implies supporting
other dictatorships.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Warmer_winters)
title: Warmer winters
uri: 2015-07-02-Warmer-winters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Warmer_winters%29
content:
<p>
Prospect of Warmer Winters 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/26/prospect-of-warmer-winters-does-not-mean-fewer-deaths-study-finds">Does
Not Mean Fewer [winter] Deaths</a>, Study Finds.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Digital_Rights_in_Sub-Saharan_Africa)
title: Digital Rights in Sub-Saharan Africa
uri: Digital-Rights-in-Sub-Saharan-Africa
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Digital_Rights_in_Sub-Saharan_Africa%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://globalvoicesonline.org/2015/06/15/arbitrary-arrests-cybercrime-and-mass-mobile-adoption-monitoring-digital-rights-in-sub-saharan-africa/">Arbitrary
Arrests, Cybercrime, and Mass Mobile Adoption</a>: Monitoring Digital
Rights in Sub-Saharan Africa.


title: Urgent: Drop charges against Bree Newsome
uri: Urgent-Drop-charges-against-Bree-Newsome
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Urgent:_Drop_charges_against_Bree_Newsome)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Drop_charges_against_Bree_Newsome%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/DropTheFlagDropTheCharges/">call
for dropping all charges against Bree Newsome</a>, who took down the
confederate flag from the South Carolina state house.


title: EPA blocked from limiting toxic emissions
uri: EPA-blocked-from-limiting-toxic-emissions
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(EPA_blocked_from_limiting_toxic_emissions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28EPA_blocked_from_limiting_toxic_emissions%29

content:
<p>
The US Supreme Court 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/29/supreme-court-air-pollution-epa-coal-plants">blocked
the EPA</a> from limiting toxic emissions (mercury, for instance) of
power plants.
<p>
Coal-fired power plants emit so much uranium that if they were nuclear
plants they would be shut down immediately.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Iceland_defies_ban_on_whaling)
title: Iceland defies ban on whaling
uri: Iceland-defies-ban-on-whaling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Iceland_defies_ban_on_whaling%29
content:
<p>
Iceland is 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/29/iceland-whaling-season-underway-despite-protest">catching
whales</a> defying the International Whaling Commission's ban.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Rich_countries_broken_promise)
title: Rich countries' broken promise
uri: Rich-countries-broken-promise
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Rich_countries_broken_promise%29
content:
<p>
Rich countries 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/29/rich-countries-100bn-promise-fight-climate-change-not-delivered">promised
in 2009 to raise 100 billion dollars to help poor countries cope with
climate mayhem</a>, but they didn't do it.
<p>
This approach is hopeless anyway, since the costs of coping with the
effects of global heating will keep growing.  It's inevitable that the
rich countries will stop, sooner or later.
<p>
There's only one way we can afford to cope with global heating, and
that is to make the effort to stop it.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Election_in_Burundi)
title: "Election" in Burundi
uri: Election-in-Burundi
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Election_in_Burundi%29
content:
<p>
The President of Burundi, having 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/29/burundi-elections-violent-start-grenade-explosion">disregarded
the constitution and chased many officials into exile</a>, is holding
an "election" to win another term.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Human_pets)
title: Human pets
uri: Human-pets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Human_pets%29
content:
<p>
What might it be like 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/29/robots-make-humans-pets-steve-wozniak-intelligent-machines">to
be robots' pets</a>?
<p>
Imagine that your robot masters bring you to the "humane society"
because fashions for pets have changed and they are no longer
interested in taking care of you.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Apathetic_young_Americans_easy_prey)
title: Apathetic young Americans easy prey
uri: Apathetic-young-Americans-easy-prey
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Apathetic_young_Americans_easy_prey%29

content:
<p>
Most collective activities and civic institutions in the US are in
danger of disappearing because people under 35 are not interested.
Younger Americans are atomized, 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/29/lonely-american">easy
prey for the plutocratic state</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(The_EU)
title: The EU
uri: The-EU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28The_EU%29
content:
<p>
A Europhile asks,
"<a href='http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/29/where-my-european-union'>Where
is My European Union?</a>" It no longer exists; "It is Amazon's and
Starbucks'. It is the politicians' and the IMF's. But it is not mine."


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Overreaction_to_PISSIs_attacks)
title: Overreaction to PISSI's attacks
uri: Overreaction-to-PISSI-s-attacks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Overreaction_to_PISSIs_attacks%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/29/greece-crisis-syriza-tunisia-sousse-beach-attack-isis">Don't
overreact</a> to the violence of PISSI's recent attacks.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Racists_infiltrating_US_military)
title: Racists infiltrating US military
uri: Racists-infiltrating-US-military
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Racists_infiltrating_US_military%29
content:
<p>
Racists, even neo-Nazis, are 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/29/white-supremacists-race-war-america-military-dylann-roof">infiltrating
the US military</a>.
<p>
Christian theocrats already dominate some areas to the point of
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-jul-oct.html#23_August_2011_(US_Military_Christianity)">exercising
repression on non-Christians</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Delivering_aid_via_companies)
title: Delivering aid via companies
uri: Delivering-aid-via-companies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Delivering_aid_via_companies%29
content:
<p>
Australia will deliver foreign aid 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jun/29/julie-bishop-australia-will-use-private-enterprises-like-coca-cola-to-deliver-aid">via
companies</a>.
<p>
This may in certain cases be an efficient way to distribute medicines,
and I have nothing against that; but I fear this presages a conversion
of "foreign aid" into "aid to foreign companies".


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Imprisoned_for_publishing_article)
title: Imprisoned for publishing article
uri: Imprisoned-for-publishing-article
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Imprisoned_for_publishing_article%29

content:
<p>
Mohammad Hossein Rafiee is in prison in Iran for 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/iran-blog/2015/jun/29/iran-president-rouhani-support-mohammad-hossein-rafiee">publishing
an article</a> that supported President Rouhani in aiming for a
nuclear deal.
<p>
It strikes me that maybe he was imprisoned for advocating release of
political prisoners, free and fair elections, and human rights, rather
than for supporting a possible nuclear deal.  That would not be any
less unjust, but it would be less absurd.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Palestinians_of_Hebron_return)
title: Palestinians of Hebron return
uri: Palestinians-of-Hebron-return
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Palestinians_of_Hebron_return%29
content:
<p>
The Palestinians of Hebron have been 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/jun/29/hebron-old-city-west-bank-palestinian-ghost-city-revived-transformation">helped
to return to the center of the city</a>, despite systematic repression
which had previously pressured most of them out.


title: California wildflower diversity declining
uri: California-wildflower-diversity-declining
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(California_wildflower_diversity_declining)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28California_wildflower_diversity_declining%29

content:
<p>
Diversity of wildflowers in California is
<a href="http://grist.org/news/these-lovely-innocent-wildflowers-are-slowly-dying-thanks-climate-change/">declining</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Greece_closes_banks)
title: Greece closes banks
uri: Greece-closes-banks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Greece_closes_banks%29
content:
<p>
Greece has closed the banks 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/28/greece-crisis-deepens-banks-close-a-week-weekend-shook-euro">until
after the referendum</a>.
<p>
This is to stop people from moving all their money out in euros before
the referendum.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Reposting_scientific_papers)
title: Reposting scientific papers
uri: Reposting-scientific-papers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Reposting_scientific_papers%29
content:
<p>
Alexandra Elbakyan 
<a href="http://torrentfreak.com/sci-hub-tears-down-academias-illegal-copyright-paywalls-150627/">defies
the scientific publishers</a> by reposting large numbers of scientific
papers without permission.
<p>
I'd admire her even more if she had started out with the aim of
defeating them, but I admire her work in any case.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Greece)
title: Greece
uri: 2015-07-03-Greece
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Greece%29
content:
<p>
"The idea that Greece partly deserves its fate reflects 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/28/greece-europe-imf-democracy">an
order in which wealth trumps democracy</a>. We should fight a
narrative that enfeebles us all."
<p>
As the European banks set out to punish Greece for its disobedience, it
is the European banks that we must punish.
<p>
Greece has 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/28/greece-crisis-deepens-banks-close-a-week-weekend-shook-euro">closed
its banks until after the referendum</a>.  This is to stop people from
moving all their money out in euros before the referendum.
<p>
Powerful EU plutocratist politicians beg Greece to vote yes to more of
the
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/29/alexis-tsipras-must-be-stopped-the-underlying-message-of-europes-leaders">"help"
that leaves Greece weaker and poorer after each year</a> — like
a vampire begging his victim to continue the relationship: "You can't
live without me!"
<p>
They say they can't understand what could bring patriotic Greeks to
say no, and I think they are telling the truth.  They are shocked,
that Syriza did not cave in.  They don't believe anyone would dare
resist such a powerful empire.
<p>
I suppose Darius was equally surprised after the Battle of Marathon.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Dangerous_combinations_of_chemicals)
title: Dangerous combinations of chemicals
uri: Dangerous-combinations-of-chemicals
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Dangerous_combinations_of_chemicals%29

content:
<p>
Combinations of many chemicals can be 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/28/what-makes-poison">dangerous
in low doses</a>, even if the individual chemicals are safe in low
doses.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Israel_stops_aid_boats_again)
title: Israel stops aid boats again
uri: Israel-stops-aid-boats-again
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Israel_stops_aid_boats_again%29
content:
<p>
Israel again 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/29/israel-takes-over-ship-seeking-to-break-gaza-blockade">forcibly
stopped aid boats</a> from going to Gaza.


title: Social pressure to have cosmetic surgery
uri: Social-pressure-to-have-cosmetic-surgery
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Social_pressure_to_have_cosmetic_surgery)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Social_pressure_to_have_cosmetic_surgery%29

content:
<p>
Cosmetic surgery has become so common for women that they report
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/jun/28/cosmetic-surgery-normal-acceptable-face-womanhood">social
pressure to have it done</a>.
<p>
The next step will be if women can't get any job unless they have
cosmetic surgery.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 02_July_2015_(Londons_house_price_bubble)
title: London's house price bubble
uri: London-s-house-price-bubble
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_%28Londons_house_price_bubble%29
content:
<p>
London's house price bubble is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jun/28/london-the-city-that-ate-itself-rowan-moore">converting
everything good in London into apartments for the rich</a>, many of
which are empty, investments to sell to the bigger fool later.
<p>
When the bubble bursts, there will be plenty of living space in London
but little reason to want to live there.


title: Urgent: Oppose expelling Dominicans to Haiti
uri: Urgent-Oppose-expelling-Dominicans-to-Haiti
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 03_July_2015_(Urgent:_Oppose_expelling_Dominicans_to_Haiti)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#03_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_expelling_Dominicans_to_Haiti%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://act.amnestyusa.org/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1839&ea.campaign.id=39696">call
on the Dominican Republic</a> not to expel its citizens of Haitian
origin.


title: Urgent: Country of Origin Food Labels
uri: Urgent-Country-of-Origin-Food-Labels
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 03_July_2015_(Urgent:_Country_of_Origin_Food_Labels)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#03_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Country_of_Origin_Food_Labels%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://secure3.convio.net/fww/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=2127">call
on the Senate</a> to preserve Country of Origin Food Labels.
<p>
This is a contest between democracy and multinational business.
It's a part of the same war that Greece is fighting, although this
battle is smaller and for smaller stakes.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 03_July_2015_(Carrying_out_Israels_occupation)
title: Carrying out Israel's occupation
uri: Carrying-out-Israel-s-occupation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#03_July_2015_%28Carrying_out_Israels_occupation%29
content:
<p>
Israeli soldier Shachar Berrin was 
<a href="http://prospect.org/article/soldiers-story">jailed</a> for
talking about how carrying out the occupation makes Israel racist and
violent.
<p>
Here is 
<a href="https://p.pantsu.cat/view/raw/109eb339">what Berrin said</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 03_July_2015_(Racial_segregation_in_the_US)
title: Racial segregation in the US
uri: Racial-segregation-in-the-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#03_July_2015_%28Racial_segregation_in_the_US%29
content:
<p>
The US is once again the 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/29/why-we-must-fight-economic-apartheid-america">land
of racial segregation</a>.


title: Aid boat seized in international waters
uri: Aid-boat-seized-in-international-waters
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 03_July_2015_(Aid_boat_seized_in_international_waters)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#03_July_2015_%28Aid_boat_seized_in_international_waters%29

content:
<p>
Israel 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/06/29/after-freedom-flotilla-kidnapped-israeli-navy-global-campaign-vows-sail-again">seized
the Gaza aid boat Marianne in international waters</a>.  It is not yet
known how much violence was used.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 03_July_2015_(Plutocratists_help_for_Greece)
title: Plutocratists' "help" for Greece
uri: Plutocratists-help-for-Greece
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#03_July_2015_%28Plutocratists_help_for_Greece%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/06/29/anger-aimed-troikas-ruthless-neoliberalism-greece-exit-looms">Anger
Aimed at Troika's Ruthless Neoliberalism as Greece Exit Looms</a>.
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/29/where-did-the-greek-bailout-money-go">90%
of the "bailout" money "for Greece"</a> didn't go to Greece, but
rather to the European banks.
<p>
The plutocratist politicians heading the EU continue telling Greece it
needs "help" which only makes things worse.  Joseph Stiglitz explains
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/jun/29/joseph-stiglitz-how-i-would-vote-in-the-greek-referendum">why
he would vote no</a>.
<p>
The plutocratists surely do know how harmful their "help" is.
They could not help seeing it.  They keep on maintaining their lies
because that is what they serve.


title: Discrimination based on political position
uri: Discrimination-based-on-political-position
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 03_July_2015_(Discrimination_based_on_political_position)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#03_July_2015_%28Discrimination_based_on_political_position%29

content:
<p>
Americans 
<a href="media/717c3336.iyengar-ajps-group-polarization.pdf" data-original-source="http://pcl.stanford.edu/research/2014/iyengar-ajps-group-polarization.pdf">discriminate
more based on political position</a> than based on race.
<p>
That's rational.  A person's race, ethnic group, national origin,
gender, etc., is not a moral issue; those characteristics are morally
neither good nor bad, so there is no reason to judge them.  By
contrast, one's political stance represents a decision about basic
moral values, one that people can change.  It is valid to judge people
for their politics.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 03_July_2015_(Obamas_inaction)
title: Obama's inaction
uri: 2015-07-03-Obama-s-inaction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#03_July_2015_%28Obamas_inaction%29
content:
<p>
Obama criticizes billionaires for trying to buy politicians and
elections but 
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/06/29/obama-white-house-demands-congress-fix-dark-money-obama-refuses/">declines
to take actions to prevent them</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 03_July_2015_(Political_life_in_Greece)
title: Political life in Greece
uri: Political-life-in-Greece
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#03_July_2015_%28Political_life_in_Greece%29
content:
<p>
Political life in Greece today has taken on an 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/29/greece-chaos-syriza-gamble-banks-closed-referendum">unpredictable
revolutionary form</a>.


title: Rwanda's head of intelligence arrested
uri: Rwanda-s-head-of-intelligence-arrested
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 03_July_2015_(Rwandas_head_of_intelligence_arrested)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#03_July_2015_%28Rwandas_head_of_intelligence_arrested%29

content:
<p>
Rwanda's head of intelligence has been 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/22/rwandan-general-karake-arrested-london-war-crimes">arrested
in the UK</a> to be prosecuted in Spain for atrocities.


title: Accused of terrorism based on book collection
uri: Accused-of-terrorism-based-on-book-collection
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 03_July_2015_(Accused_of_terrorism_based_on_book_collection)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#03_July_2015_%28Accused_of_terrorism_based_on_book_collection%29

content:
<p>
A US court 
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/06/29/case-orlando-imam-judge-rules-islamic-books-evidence-terrorism/">refused
to keep a Muslim in prison for reading books by Islamist
extremists</a>.
<p>
There was no evidence that he himself planned any violence.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 03_July_2015_(Destruction_of_Gazas_medical_system)
title: Destruction of Gaza's medical system
uri: Destruction-of-Gaza-s-medical-system
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#03_July_2015_%28Destruction_of_Gazas_medical_system%29

content:
<p>
Israel's bombardment of Gaza destroyed Gaza's medical system, and the
blockade has 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/29/2014-conflict-gaza-healthcare-hospitals-war-crime-israel-hamas">prevented
it from being rebuilt</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 04_July_2015_(Being_poor)
title: Being poor
uri: Being-poor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#04_July_2015_%28Being_poor%29
content:
<p>
How Being Poor Can Lead to a 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jun/30/poverty-negative-spiral-fear-self-loathing">Negative
Spiral of Fear And Self-Loathing</a>.


title: Immigration prisons in Nauru and Manus
uri: Immigration-prisons-in-Nauru-and-Manus
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 04_July_2015_(Immigration_prisons_in_Nauru_and_Manus)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#04_July_2015_%28Immigration_prisons_in_Nauru_and_Manus%29

content:
<p>
An Australian describes the
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/30/time-to-tell-the-truth-before-im-gagged-australias-detention-centres-ruin-lives">abuses</a>
he has seen in immigration prisons in Nauru and Manus.
<p>
Starting tomorrow, even making a diary of these abuses would be a
crime, so shameless is the Australian state in repressing human rights
activists.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 04_July_2015_(Repression)
title: Repression
uri: Repression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#04_July_2015_%28Repression%29
content:
<p>
Angola is 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/30/angola-book-club-dos-santos-arrests">repressing
the members of a book club</a>.
<p>
Meanwhile, the UK is requiring universities to get permission for
talks to assure that they present 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jun/29/jails-and-universities-obliged-to-prevent-radicalisation-as-new-act-becomes-law">approved
ideas</a>.
<p>
That resembles 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-mar-jun.html#6%20April%202010%20(No%20direction%20here%20for%20trouble-makers)">Chinese
policy</a>.


title: Malian rebels and gov't agree to peace
uri: Malian-rebels-and-gov-t-agree-to-peace
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 04_July_2015_(Malian_rebels_and_govt_agree_to_peace)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#04_July_2015_%28Malian_rebels_and_govt_agree_to_peace%29

content:
<p>
Malian rebels and the government have 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/30/mali-separatist-war-ends-touareg-azawad-rebels">agreed
to peace with federalism</a>.
<p>
It will be harder for Islamist lunatics to take advantage of this
dispute.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 04_July_2015_(Personal_data_up_for_sale)
title: Personal data up for sale
uri: Personal-data-up-for-sale
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#04_July_2015_%28Personal_data_up_for_sale%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/29/technology/when-a-company-goes-up-for-sale-in-many-cases-so-does-your-personal-data.html">When
a Company Is Put Up for Sale, in Many Cases, Your Personal Data Is,
Too</a>.
<p>
(That's assuming you gave it any.)  This is one of many reasons why
anything a company says about how it will use people's personal data
cannot be depended on.
<p>
I therefore refuse to give companies my personal data.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 04_July_2015_(Distorted_search_results_from_Google)
title: Distorted search results from Google
uri: Distorted-search-results-from-Google
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#04_July_2015_%28Distorted_search_results_from_Google%29

content:
<p>
Evidence that Google distorts search results 
<a href="http://www.wired.com/2015/06/google-wu-study/">under the
guise of "serving users better"</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 04_July_2015_(EU_states_attack_network_neutrality)
title: EU states attack network neutrality
uri: EU-states-attack-network-neutrality
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#04_July_2015_%28EU_states_attack_network_neutrality%29

content:
<p>
The European Union states are 
<a href="http://www.laquadrature.net/en/eu-parliament-must-defend-net-neutrality-against-pressure-from-member-states">trying
to eliminate all protection</a> of network neutrality from a proposed
EU directive.
<p>
The text is 
<a href="https://edri.org/blurry-ambiguous-net-neutrality-deal-is-an-abdication-of-responsibility/">vague</a>;
there is no telling what it would mean.


title: FARC sabotage attack causes oil spill
uri: FARC-sabotage-attack-causes-oil-spill
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 04_July_2015_(FARC_sabotage_attack_causes_oil_spill)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#04_July_2015_%28FARC_sabotage_attack_causes_oil_spill%29

content:
<p>
A FARC sabotage attack caused a 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/29/colombia-farc-rebels-bomb-oil-pipeline">large
oil spill which polluted rivers and may pollute the Pacific coast of
Colombia.
<p>
This has to be considered a war crime.  But don't forget that there
are worse terrorists in Colombia: 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-mar-jun.html#25_April_2011_(Columbia_Paramilitaries)">the
paramilitares</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 04_July_2015_(US_military_aid_to_Bahrain)
title: US military aid to Bahrain
uri: US-military-aid-to-Bahrain
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#04_July_2015_%28US_military_aid_to_Bahrain%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/30/human-rights-groups-denounce-us-resumption-of-military-aid-to-bahrain">Human
Rights Groups Denounce US Resumption of Military Aid to Bahrain</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 04_July_2015_(Lasting_effect_of_UK_economic_crisis)
title: Lasting effect of UK economic crisis
uri: Lasting-effect-of-UK-economic-crisis
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#04_July_2015_%28Lasting_effect_of_UK_economic_crisis%29

content:
<p>
Despite the "recovery", the UK economic crisis has a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2015/jun/29/british-households-500-pounds-worse-off-than-before-financial-crisis-2008">lasting
effect</a>: median income has fallen substantially, and the poor pay a
higher tax rate than the wealthy.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 05_July_2015_(PISSI_dildo_flag)
title: PISSI dildo flag
uri: PISSI-dildo-flag
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#05_July_2015_%28PISSI_dildo_flag%29
content:
<p>
A parody of the PISSI flag, using 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jun/30/isis-dildo-flag-london-pride-cnn">dildo
shapes</a> instead of Arabic letters, was carried in the London Gay
Pride Parade.
<p>
Now when some people see 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#29_September_2014_(PISSI)">PISSI</a>'s
real flag, they see it as dildos.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 05_July_2015_(Urgent:_The_CFPB)
title: Urgent: The CFPB
uri: Urgent-The-CFPB
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#05_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_The_CFPB%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://action.civilrights.org/site/Survey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=4681">tell
Congress</a> not to undermine the CFPB.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 05_July_2015_(Urgent:_Limit_power_plant_pollution)
title: Urgent: Limit power plant pollution
uri: Urgent-Limit-power-plant-pollution
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#05_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Limit_power_plant_pollution%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://secure2.edf.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2623">call
on the EPA</a> to swiftly address the Supreme Court's objections and
limit toxic pollution from power plants.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 05_July_2015_(Urgent:_Ceremony_at_Hiroshima)
title: Urgent: Ceremony at Hiroshima
uri: Urgent-Ceremony-at-Hiroshima
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#05_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Ceremony_at_Hiroshima%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://secure3.convio.net/ucs/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=4749">call
on Obama</a> to go to the ceremony at Hiroshima and call for nuclear
disarmament.


title: Urgent: Condemn IMF assault on Greece
uri: Urgent-Condemn-IMF-assault-on-Greece
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 05_July_2015_(Urgent:_Condemn_IMF_assault_on_Greece)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#05_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Condemn_IMF_assault_on_Greece%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/congress-oppose-imf-assault">call
on Congress</a> to condemn the IMF assault on Greece.


title: Australia to remove charity tax exemption
uri: Australia-to-remove-charity-tax-exemption
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 05_July_2015_(Australia_to_remove_charity_tax_exemption)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#05_July_2015_%28Australia_to_remove_charity_tax_exemption%29

content:
<p>
The Australian government plans another repressive law: removing the
charity tax exemption 
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-needs-politically-active-environmental-groups-42748">from
organizations that criticize the government's plans to trash the
environment</a>.


title: California mandates childhood vaccination
uri: California-mandates-childhood-vaccination
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 05_July_2015_(California_mandates_childhood_vaccination)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#05_July_2015_%28California_mandates_childhood_vaccination%29

content:
<p>
California has made childhood vaccination mandatory 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2015/06/jerry-brown-signs-bill-requiring-childhood-vaccinations">for
children in school</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 05_July_2015_(Banksters_plans_for_Greece)
title: Banksters' plans for Greece
uri: Banksters-plans-for-Greece
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#05_July_2015_%28Banksters_plans_for_Greece%29
content:
<p>
The banksters' own documents show that their plans would leave Greece
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/jun/30/greek-debt-troika-analysis-says-significant-concessions-still-needed">under
terrible debt in 2030</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 05_July_2015_(Cubas_medical_system)
title: Cuba's medical system
uri: Cuba-s-medical-system
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#05_July_2015_%28Cubas_medical_system%29
content:
<p>
The first country to 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jun/30/cuba-first-eliminate-mother-baby-hiv-transmission">eliminate
transmission of HIV from mothers to children</a> is … Cuba.
<p>
Cuba has set up an excellent medical system with very little money.
It covers everyone.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 05_July_2015_(Southern_heritage)
title: "Southern heritage"
uri: Southern-heritage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#05_July_2015_%28Southern_heritage%29
content:
<p>
What is the real "southern heritage"?  
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/06/28/1396273/--Gone-With-the-Wind-The-real-Southern-heritage">Slavery</a>
under various names.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 05_July_2015_(Wave_of_racist_arson)
title: Wave of racist arson
uri: Wave-of-racist-arson
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#05_July_2015_%28Wave_of_racist_arson%29
content:
<p>
Three churches used mainly by blacks have burned in recent days, in an
apparent 
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/06/26/1396786/-3-Black-Churches-burnt-in-North-Carolina-Georgia-and-Florida-in-the-past-5-days">wave
of racist arson</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 05_July_2015_(Greece_defies_banksters_threats)
title: Greece defies banksters' threats!
uri: Greece-defies-banksters-threats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#05_July_2015_%28Greece_defies_banksters_threats%29
content:
<p>
Greece has defied the banksters' threats and voted no!  By following
this example of courage, the world can put an end to the banksters'
rule.


title: Urgent: Thoughts on undermined EPA plans
uri: Urgent-Thoughts-on-undermined-EPA-plans
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Urgent:_Thoughts_on_undermined_EPA_plans)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Thoughts_on_undermined_EPA_plans%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: see how your congresscritter voted in undermining the
EPA's plan to limit CO<sub>2</sub> from coal-fired electric
generation, and then 
<a href="http://support.edf.org/site/R?i=Y2pN-nKO7EqmmJY1HKtqtw">tell
your congresscritter what you think</a>.
<p>
That plan is <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#02_July_2015_(EPA_blocked_from_limiting_toxic_emissions)">insufficient</a>,
but that's still too much for the fossil fuel companies that buy
congresscritters.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Urgent:_Supreme_Court_Ethics_Act)
title: Urgent: Supreme Court Ethics Act
uri: Urgent-Supreme-Court-Ethics-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Supreme_Court_Ethics_Act%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/SCOTUS_Ethics_Act">support</a>
the Supreme Court Ethics Act.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Urgent:_Progressive_values)
title: Urgent: Progressive values
uri: Urgent-Progressive-values
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Progressive_values%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/mccaskill_progressive_values/">Tell
right-wing Democrats</a> that progressive values and views are not
"extreme".
<p>
In fact, 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-nov-feb.html#11_December_2013_(Away_from_the_center_according_to_Washington_Post)">most
Americans support many of these positions</a>.  It is only in Congress
that they appear unusual.


title: Urgent: Fracking and water supply study
uri: Urgent-Fracking-and-water-supply-study
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Urgent:_Fracking_and_water_supply_study)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Fracking_and_water_supply_study%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://stallman.org/petitions/petition-epa/">call on the
EPA</a> to redo the study about fracking and water supply, this time
not getting the data mainly from the frackers.


title: Tunisia arrests group suspected of attacks
uri: Tunisia-arrests-group-suspected-of-attacks
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Tunisia_arrests_group_suspected_of_attacks)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Tunisia_arrests_group_suspected_of_attacks%29

content:
<p>
Tunisia has arrested a group 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/02/tunisia-beach-attack-sousse-police-arrests-libya">suspected
of two terrorist attacks against tourists</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(US_fearmongering_campaign)
title: US fearmongering campaign
uri: US-fearmongering-campaign
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28US_fearmongering_campaign%29
content:
<p>
A US 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/07/01/fear-alert-us-press-unquestioningly-spread-predictions-isis-attacks-july-4th">fearmongering
campaign</a> focuses on July 4.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Airport_expansion_and_air_pollution)
title: Airport expansion and air pollution
uri: Airport-expansion-and-air-pollution
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Airport_expansion_and_air_pollution%29

content:
<p>
Airport expansion around London would aggravate 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/01/heathrow-expansion-risks-deepening-londons-air-pollution-crisis">local
air pollution and global heating</a>.
<p>
For the UK government, that's all worth while to burn more fossil
fuel.
<p>
For the survival of civilization, making flights pay a 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-may-aug.html#03_August_2012_(Europes_carbon_emission_tax)">carbon
tax</a> would eliminate the need for airport expansion in London.


title: Israel's reprisals for attack on "settlers"
uri: Israel-s-reprisals-for-attack-on-settlers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Israels_reprisals_for_attack_on_settlers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Israels_reprisals_for_attack_on_settlers%29

content:
<p>
Someone (a Palestinian?) fired at Israeli "settlers"; Israel punished
this with 
<a href="http://www.maannews.com/Content.aspx?id=766238">reprisals
against lots of Palestinians that live in the area</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(The_EU_network_neutrality)
title: The EU "network neutrality"
uri: The-EU-network-neutrality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28The_EU_network_neutrality%29
content:
<p>
Negotiations have made the EU "network neutrality" 
<a href="http://www.laquadrature.net/en/net-neutrality-trialogue-betrayed-european-parliaments-vote">so
vague and weak that it amounts to little</a>.


title: Islamist fanatics attacking Egyptian army
uri: Islamist-fanatics-attacking-Egyptian-army
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Islamist_fanatics_attacking_Egyptian_army)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Islamist_fanatics_attacking_Egyptian_army%29

content:
<p>
PISSI-affiliated Islamist fanatics in the Sinai organized 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/01/egypt-sinai-peninsula-attacks-army-checkpoints-car-bombing">widespread
attacks against the Egyptian army</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Multiple_marriage)
title: Multiple marriage
uri: Multiple-marriage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Multiple_marriage%29
content:
<p>
The 
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2015/06/30/the-case-for-polygamy-begins-the-case-fo">arguments
against multiple marriage</a> (i.e., polyamorous families) are similar
to the arguments against same-sex marriage that the US has rejected.
<p>
One traditional reason, in patriarchal society, why most men opposed
polygamy (which always took the form of multiple wives for one man)
was that it implied some men could not have wives.  In effect, banning
polygamy was a measure to improve equality among men.
<p>
But nowadays, as rich men have many ways to have multiple lovers and
women have equality at least in principle, I don't think this ban
achieves its goal very much any more.


title: Gaza aid boat personnel tased and beaten
uri: Gaza-aid-boat-personnel-tased-and-beaten
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Gaza_aid_boat_personnel_tased_and_beaten)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Gaza_aid_boat_personnel_tased_and_beaten%29

content:
<p>
Israel used 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/06/30/rejecting-israeli-narrative-free-gaza-campaigners-say-tasers-were-part-violent">tasers
and beatings</a> on the personnel on the Gaza aid boat Marianne.


title: US college teacher fired for profanity
uri: US-college-teacher-fired-for-profanity
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(US_college_teacher_fired_for_profanity)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28US_college_teacher_fired_for_profanity%29

content:
<p>
In the US today, college teachers can be fired merely for 
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2015/06/30/lsu-prof-fired-for-telling-jokes-is-late">speaking
profanity</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Greenpeace_returns_land)
title: Greenpeace returns land
uri: Greenpeace-returns-land
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Greenpeace_returns_land%29
content:
<p>
Greenpeace had reason to return the land it used to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jun/30/the-runway-guessing-game-is-never-easy">block
a new runway for Heathrow airport</a>: the new plan for another runway
is in a different place and that plot of land would not block it.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Chafee_calls_for_pardoning_Snowden)
title: Chafee calls for pardoning Snowden
uri: Chafee-calls-for-pardoning-Snowden
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Chafee_calls_for_pardoning_Snowden%29

content:
<p>
Democratic presidential hopeful Lincoln Chafee calls for 
<a href="http://www.thenation.com/blog/210985/lincoln-chafee-adds-proposal-2016-debate-lets-bring-edward-snowden-home">pardoning
Snowden and restricting general surveillance</a>.
<p>
If this were the principal issue, I would support him; but I think
defeating the power of the plutocrats is the most important political
issue.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Social_safety_net)
title: Social safety net
uri: Social-safety-net
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Social_safety_net%29
content:
<p>
The CEO of Hardees and Carl's Jr 
<a href="http://www.thenation.com/article/211081/fast-food-ceo-blames-low-wage-workers-poverty">claims
that the social safety net "locks" people into poverty</a>.
<p>
The social safety net permits his workers to survive while paid
so little.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Tunisias_response_to_killings)
title: Tunisia's response to killings
uri: Tunisia-s-response-to-killings
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Tunisias_response_to_killings%29
content:
<p>
Tunisia 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/01/sousse-attack-tunisia-repressive-leaders-radicalisation-david-cameron-beyond-security">must
not respond to killings with repression of all</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Candidates_on_the_side_of_banksters)
title: Candidates on the side of banksters
uri: Candidates-on-the-side-of-banksters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Candidates_on_the_side_of_banksters%29

content:
<p>
Wall Street bankers say 
<a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2014/04/wall-street-republicans-hillary-clinton-2016-106070.html">they
would be happy with Clinton or Biden as president</a>.  They know
those two are not on our side.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Religious_Freedom_Restoration_Act)
title: Religious Freedom Restoration Act
uri: Religious-Freedom-Restoration-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Religious_Freedom_Restoration_Act%29

content:
<p>
ACLU: the Religious Freedom Restoration Act should apply to personal
lifestyle, but should not be a license for 
<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/congress-should-amend-the-abused-religious-freedom-restoration-act/2015/06/25/ee6aaa46-19d8-11e5-ab92-c75ae6ab94b5_story.html">religiously-motivated
discrimination against others based on their lifestyle</a>.
<p>
I agree.  I've been an ACLU member since 1989.  You can join, too.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Catholic_lifestyle_changes)
title: Catholic lifestyle changes
uri: Catholic-lifestyle-changes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Catholic_lifestyle_changes%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/30/catholic-organisations-call-lifestyle-chages-environment-pope-francis">Catholic
Organisations Call for People to Change Lifestyles to Help
Environment</a>.
<p>
Ironically, the Church is not in favor of the most important lifestyle
change you can make to help the environment: to have fewer (or no)
children.  The way to do that is with contraception, plus abortion as
needed.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(PISSI_declares_war_on_Hamas)
title: PISSI declares war on Hamas
uri: PISSI-declares-war-on-Hamas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28PISSI_declares_war_on_Hamas%29
content:
<p>
PISSI has 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/30/islamic-state-threatens-hamas-gaza-strip">declared
war on Hamas</a>, saying it will try to take control of Gaza.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Reporting_about_how_thugs_kill)
title: Reporting about how thugs kill
uri: Reporting-about-how-thugs-kill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Reporting_about_how_thugs_kill%29
content:
<p>
A Moroccan journalist and witness/source have been 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2015/jul/01/moroccan-journalist-gets-suspended-sentence-for-criminal-defamation">convicted
of reporting about how thugs killed a prisoner</a>.
<p>
In Australia, people reporting how thugs kill a refugee can now be
sentenced to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#25_June_2015_(Thugs)">years
in prison</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Ocean_acidification)
title: Ocean acidification
uri: 2015-07-06-Ocean-acidification
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Ocean_acidification%29
content:
<p>
In 10 years, our CO<sub>2</sub> emissions will make parts of the
Arctic Ocean 
<a href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/arctic-ocean-acidifying-faster-19168">too
acidic for some small marine animals to make their shells</a>.  The
loss of those species is likely to wipe out other species higher up on
the food chain.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Ferguson_thug_department_rebuked)
title: Ferguson thug department rebuked
uri: Ferguson-thug-department-rebuked
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Ferguson_thug_department_rebuked%29
content:
<p>
The Department of Justice 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jun/30/ferguson-police-michael-brown-protests">rebuked
the Ferguson thug department</a> for violating teargassing protesters
in Ferguson with no justification.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(EU_policies)
title: EU policies
uri: EU-policies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28EU_policies%29
content:
<p>
How EU policies, especially those of the euro zone, 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/06/30/eurozone-profiteers-how-german-and-french-banks-helped-bankrupt-greece">pressured
Greece to borrow</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(UKs_spying_on_Amnesty_International)
title: UK's spying on Amnesty International
uri: UK-s-spying-on-Amnesty-International
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28UKs_spying_on_Amnesty_International%29

content:
<p>
It is easy for the UK to spy on organizations such as Amnesty
International, since targets are 
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/07/02/op-ed-amnesty-international-responds-u-k-government-surveillance/">approved
by a political official, with no judicial scrutiny</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Drugs_that_affect_moral_judgment)
title: Drugs that affect moral judgment
uri: Drugs-that-affect-moral-judgment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Drugs_that_affect_moral_judgment%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/jul/02/parkinsons-and-depression-drugs-can-alter-moral-judgement-study-shows">Drugs
used to treat Parkinson's disease and depression</a> affect people's
moral judgment.


title: UK gov't to block Facebook and Twitter
uri: UK-gov-t-to-block-Facebook-and-Twitter
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(UK_govt_to_block_Facebook_and_Twitter)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28UK_govt_to_block_Facebook_and_Twitter%29

content:
<p>
The UK government says it will 
<a href="http://www.politics.co.uk/news/2015/06/30/david-cameron-twitter-and-facebook-privacy-is-unsustainable">block
access to Facebook and Twitter</a> because they offer too much
privacy.
<p>
This is tyranny reminiscent of China and Iran.
Universities will be censored too.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(UNESCO_insufficiently_effective)
title: UNESCO insufficiently effective
uri: UNESCO-insufficiently-effective
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28UNESCO_insufficiently_effective%29
content:
<p>
UNESCO's influence has proved
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/02/unesco-impotence-world-heritage-status">insufficiently
effective</a> for protecting its designated "world heritage" sites
from redevelopment and damage.
<p>
It's not UNESCO's fault that it doesn't influence PISSI.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Water_use_in_California)
title: Water use in California
uri: Water-use-in-California
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Water_use_in_California%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jul/01/california-swater-conservation-drought">California
cities</a> have cut water use by almost 1/3 since a year ago.
<p>
However, cities use just a few percent of the water used in
California.  If it doesn't cut water use in agriculture now, it will
run out of water for next year.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Carbon_capture_and_storage)
title: Carbon capture and storage
uri: Carbon-capture-and-storage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Carbon_capture_and_storage%29
content:
<p>
If fossil fuel companies are required to invest heavily in 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/02/fossil-fuel-companies-should-be-made-to-invest-in-carbon-capture-and-storage">carbon
capture and storage</a>, it might make a difference.
<p>
One way it would make a difference is by creating a big incentive to
build renewable energy generation.  But you could do the same with a
carbon tax, or by eliminating their subsidies.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Destruction_of_Indias_environment)
title: Destruction of India's environment
uri: Destruction-of-India-s-environment
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Destruction_of_Indias_environment%29

content:
<p>
Former minister: India can't continue growth based on 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/02/jairam-ramesh-india-cant-remain-on-the-path-of-further-destruction">destroying
its environment</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Temple_statue_in_Palmyra_destroyed)
title: Temple statue in Palmyra destroyed
uri: Temple-statue-in-Palmyra-destroyed
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Temple_statue_in_Palmyra_destroyed%29

content:
<p>
PISSI destroyed an 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/02/isis-militants-destroy-palmyra-stone-lion-al-lat">old
temple statue</a> in Palmyra.
<p>
Destroying records of the distant past of civilization is an attack on
humanity's memory.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Climate_Justice_and_a_New_Economy)
title: Climate Justice and a New Economy
uri: Climate-Justice-and-a-New-Economy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Climate_Justice_and_a_New_Economy%29

content:
<p>
Naomi Klein: 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/07/01/people-and-planet-first-moral-authority-climate-justice-and-new-economy">On
the Moral Authority of Climate Justice and a New Economy</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Reagans_regressive_experiment)
title: Reagan's regressive experiment
uri: Reagan-s-regressive-experiment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Reagans_regressive_experiment%29
content:
<p>
Americans are getting tired of the regressive experiment that Reagan
started, which has 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/07/01/history-interrupted-welcome-1970s">made
the US worse on nearly every dimension</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(20_million_face_starvation_in_Yemen)
title: 20 million face starvation in Yemen
uri: 20-million-face-starvation-in-Yemen
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%2820_million_face_starvation_in_Yemen%29

content:
<p>
20 million people face starvation in Yemen as a 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/07/01/yemen-starving-and-were-partly-blame">result
of the US-supported Saudi bombardment campaign</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Medical_facilities_in_Afghanistan)
title: Medical facilities in Afghanistan
uri: Medical-facilities-in-Afghanistan
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Medical_facilities_in_Afghanistan%29

content:
<p>
The US is building medical facilities in Afghanistan, but 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/07/usaid-afghanistan-health-care-facilities-location">can't
keep track of where they are located</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(The_F-35)
title: The F-35
uri: The-F-35
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28The_F-35%29
content:
<p>
The F-35 is not only way over budget, it is 
<a href="https://medium.com/war-is-boring/test-pilot-admits-the-f-35-can-t-dogfight-cdb9d11a875">unmaneuverable
in combat</a>.


title: Hunger strike for same-sex civil unions in Italy
uri: Hunger-strike-for-same-sex-civil-unions-in-Italy
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Hunger_strike_for_same-sex_civil_unions_in_Italy)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Hunger_strike_for_same-sex_civil_unions_in_Italy%29

content:
<p>
An Italian politician, a junior minister, has started a 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/02/italian-minister-hunger-strike-support-legalisation-gay-civil-unions">hunger
strike in favor of same-sex civil unions</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Spying_on_Amnesty_International)
title: Spying on Amnesty International
uri: Spying-on-Amnesty-International
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Spying_on_Amnesty_International%29
content:
<p>
The UK 
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/07/01/major-reversal-british-tribunal-confirms-surveillance-amnesty-international-violated-rights/">spied
on Amnesty International</a>.
<p>
It is natural for rights-violating states regard Amnesty International
as a threat, but that doesn't excuse their spying on them.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Pelosi_sides_with_banksters)
title: Pelosi sides with banksters
uri: Pelosi-sides-with-banksters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Pelosi_sides_with_banksters%29
content:
<p>
Rep. Pelosi 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/07/01/pelosi-wall-street-ignore-warren-dems-still-love-you">publicly
took the side of the banksters</a> against Senator Warren.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Great_Barrier_Reef_In-Danger)
title: Great Barrier Reef 'In-Danger'
uri: Great-Barrier-Reef-In-Danger
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Great_Barrier_Reef_In-Danger%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/01/great-barrier-reef-spared-unesco-in-danger-listing-un">UNESCO
Spares Great Barrier Reef 'In-Danger' Listing But Issues Warning</a>.
Australia has been given 5 years to show its protective measures
actually protect the reef.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Town_makes_residents_use_Twitter)
title: Town makes residents use Twitter
uri: Town-makes-residents-use-Twitter
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Town_makes_residents_use_Twitter%29
content:
<p>
A town in Spain 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jul/02/twitter-jun-spain-bureaucracy-local-government">makes
the residents communicate with the municipality through Twitter</a>.
<p>
This means, in effect, that they have no privacy for their
communication with the town.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Colorblind_College_Campus)
title: 'Colorblind' College Campus
uri: Colorblind-College-Campus
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Colorblind_College_Campus%29
content:
<p>
My 'Colorblind' College Campus Is 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/02/boston-university-racism-colorblind-college-campus">Still
Racist</a>.  My White Peers Just Don't See It.


title: Failure to protect workers from silicosis
uri: Failure-to-protect-workers-from-silicosis
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Failure_to_protect_workers_from_silicosis)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Failure_to_protect_workers_from_silicosis%29

content:
<p>
The US has 
<a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/business/moneybox/2015/06/osha_regulations_of_silica_and_other_substances_they_re_out_of_date_and.single.html">failed
for 80 years</a> to protect workers from death from silicosis, mainly
because it isn't trying very hard.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(US_walrus_protections)
title: US walrus protections
uri: US-walrus-protections
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28US_walrus_protections%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/30/us-walrus-environment-derail-shell-arctic-drilling">US
Walrus Protections May Derail Shell's Plan for Arctic Drilling</a>.
<p>
Let's hope so — drilling in Arctic waters is inviting a disaster
that would take centuries to clean itself up, not to mention adding to
global heating.


title: Why For-Profit Colleges Target Veterans
uri: Why-For-Profit-Colleges-Target-Veterans
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Why_For-Profit_Colleges_Target_Veterans)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Why_For-Profit_Colleges_Target_Veterans%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2015/06/for-profit-college-veterans-loophole/396731/">'Dollar
Signs in Uniform'</a>: Why For-Profit Colleges Target Veterans.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Paul_Krugman_on_Greece)
title: Paul Krugman on Greece
uri: Paul-Krugman-on-Greece
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Paul_Krugman_on_Greece%29
content:
<p>
Paul Krugman explains why Greece should vote no and 
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/29/opinion/paul-krugman-greece-over-the-brink.html">reject
further noose-tightening</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Australian_laws_denying_human_rights)
title: Australian laws denying human rights
uri: Australian-laws-denying-human-rights
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Australian_laws_denying_human_rights%29

content:
<p>
Laws denying human rights, aimed at motorcycle gangs, are getting
Australians used to 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jul/02/anti-bikie-laws-are-getting-public-used-to-loss-of-civil-liberties-academic-warns">loss
of human rights</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Mauis_ban_on_GMOs)
title: Maui's ban on GMOs
uri: Maui-s-ban-on-GMOs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Mauis_ban_on_GMOs%29
content:
<p>
Maui's ban on GMOs has been 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/07/01/boon-monsanto-federal-judge-quashes-maui-county-gmo-ban">invalidated
by federal court</a>.


title: UK snooping approved by highest officers
uri: UK-snooping-approved-by-highest-officers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(UK_snooping_approved_by_highest_officers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28UK_snooping_approved_by_highest_officers%29

content:
<p>
UK thugs' snooping on Stephen Lawrence's family was known to (and
therefore evidently approved by) the 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/undercover-with-paul-lewis-and-rob-evans/2015/jul/02/police-facing-claims-that-senior-officers-knew-about-spying-on-stephen-lawrence-family">highest
officers</a>.
<p>
Stephen Lawrence was murdered by racists, and the thugs tried to smear
his relatives who were campaigning to demand justice.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(UK_government_renames_poverty)
title: UK government renames poverty
uri: UK-government-renames-poverty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28UK_government_renames_poverty%29
content:
<p>
The UK government has abolished poverty by 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/02/david-cameron-abolishes-poverty-poor">renaming
it</a>.
<p>
Parents that live in poverty will now be rebuked for the 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jul/01/tories-redefined-child-poverty-no-longer-finances">aspects
of their lives that make them poor</a>.  This will presumably be used
as an excuse to punish them by cutting off funds and making them
poorer.  As a means to end poverty, this will backfire: poverty causes
stress, that makes it hard for people to think.  To get out of traps
in their life, they need help, not more pressure.
<p>
The UK Children's Commissioners say the government is 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/jul/01/government-stripping-uk-children-rights-report-un">stripping
children of their rights</a> in the name of dooH niboR.
<p>
I do have to worry that "sexual abuse of children by other children"
is merely a prudish way of describing "teenagers having sex".


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Puerto_Rico_collapsing_under_debt)
title: Puerto Rico collapsing under debt
uri: Puerto-Rico-collapsing-under-debt
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Puerto_Rico_collapsing_under_debt%29

content:
<p>
Puerto Rico is collapsing under 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/02/puerto-rico-economy-exodus-us-mainland">unpayable
debt</a>.
<p>
Schools, hospitals and even water are impacted.


title: Israel considers force-feeding prisoners
uri: Israel-considers-force-feeding-prisoners
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Israel_considers_force-feeding_prisoners)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Israel_considers_force-feeding_prisoners%29

content:
<p>
As Israel considers authorizing force-feeding of Palestinian hunger
strikers (who are in prison without trial or charges), the 
<a href="http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/06/knesset-law-force-feeding-palestinian-prisoners-hungerstrike.html">hospital
administrators refuse to do the job</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(Interrogation_of_thugs_after_killing)
title: Interrogation of thugs after killing
uri: Interrogation-of-thugs-after-killing
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28Interrogation_of_thugs_after_killing%29

content:
<p>
The thugs that killed Antonio Zambrano-Montes were interrogated
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jul/02/pasco-police-officers-who-shot-antonio-zambrano-montes-not-questioned-for-months">three
months later</a>, and said they couldn't remember.
<p>
Why the delay?  Someone in charge was either incompetent or complicit.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 06_July_2015_(French_Pun)
title: French Pun
uri: 2015-07-07-French-Pun
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#06_July_2015_%28French_Pun%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/french_puns.html#parlait">
Ma voisine parlait sans cesse.</a>
</p>


title: Urgent: Disclosure of political spending
uri: Urgent-Disclosure-of-political-spending
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 07_July_2015_(Urgent:_Disclosure_of_political_spending)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#07_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Disclosure_of_political_spending%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: phone the White House at 855-980-5638
and call for 
<a href="http://www.peaceteam.net/all_bumper_stickers.php">making
federal contractors disclose their political spending</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 07_July_2015_(UK_exports_for_Saddam_Hussein)
title: UK exports for Saddam Hussein
uri: UK-exports-for-Saddam-Hussein
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#07_July_2015_%28UK_exports_for_Saddam_Hussein%29
content:
<p>
The UK 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jul/03/foreign-office-did-not-stop-iraq-making-weapons-due-to-british-firms-presence">intentionally
let exporters continue</a> selling equipment for Saddam Hussein's
poison gas factory in the 1980s.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 07_July_2015_(TISA_leaks)
title: TISA leaks
uri: TISA-leaks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#07_July_2015_%28TISA_leaks%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/07/02/tisa-leaks-part-deux-more-evidence-concerted-attack-democracy">TISA
Leaks Part Deux</a>: More Evidence of Concerted Attack on Democracy.
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/07/01/tisa-exposed-holy-grail-leaks-reveals-detailed-plot-corporate-takeover">More
information</a>.


title: Iceland repeals law against blasphemy
uri: Iceland-repeals-law-against-blasphemy
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 07_July_2015_(Iceland_repeals_law_against_blasphemy)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#07_July_2015_%28Iceland_repeals_law_against_blasphemy%29

content:
<p>
Iceland has 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/03/iceland-repeals-blasphemy-law-pirate-party-campaign">repealed
its law against blasphemy</a> — a victory for the Pirate Party.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 07_July_2015_(Tunisias_terrorist_threat)
title: Tunisia's terrorist threat
uri: Tunisia-s-terrorist-threat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#07_July_2015_%28Tunisias_terrorist_threat%29
content:
<p>
Tunisia's terrorist threat comes from 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/03/tunisia-homegrown-jihadi-threat">local
jihadis</a> who fought in other countries and then returned.  Often
they train in Libya.


title: UK politicians ask Obama to free Shaker Aamer
uri: UK-politicians-ask-Obama-to-free-Shaker-Aamer
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 07_July_2015_(UK_politicians_ask_Obama_to_free_Shaker_Aamer)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#07_July_2015_%28UK_politicians_ask_Obama_to_free_Shaker_Aamer%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/03/former-uk-ministers-urge-obama-to-free-shaker-aamer-from-guantanamo-bay">Prominent
UK politicians</a> ask Obama to free Shaker Aamer.


title: Thugs put threatening sign inside van
uri: Thugs-put-threatening-sign-inside-van
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 07_July_2015_(Thugs_put_threatening_sign_inside_van)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#07_July_2015_%28Thugs_put_threatening_sign_inside_van%29

content:
<p>
Baltimore thugs put a sign inside a van, 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jul/03/baltimore-police-vans-sign-freddie-gray">threatening
arrested people</a> with mayhem like that which killed Freddie Gray.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 07_July_2015_(Wisconsins_open_records_law)
title: Wisconsin's open records law
uri: Wisconsin-s-open-records-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#07_July_2015_%28Wisconsins_open_records_law%29
content:
<p>
Republicans in Wisconsin 
<a href="http://www.prwatch.org/news/2015/07/12872/Scott-Walker-WI-GOP-Gut-Open-Records">plan
to weaken the state's open records law</a>.  Perhaps this is to shield
the 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#29_May_2014_(Rudolph_Randa_treated_well)">corruption
that seems to float around Governor Walker</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 07_July_2015_(Paying_workers_enough)
title: Paying workers enough
uri: Paying-workers-enough
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#07_July_2015_%28Paying_workers_enough%29
content:
<p>
Conservatives and Progressives should be able to agree that work
should pay 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/03/working-poor-minimum-wage">enough
that employed people don't need a state subsidy</a>.
<p>
One way to help this along is to stop charging the cost of social
benefits for employed people to their employers.  We should fund it
from taxes on income or wealth, taxes which the rich and the
businesses would have to pay regardless of how many human beings they
employ.
<p>
Alas for the article, today's "conservatives" don't sincerely support
anything except serving the rich by squeezing the poor.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 07_July_2015_(The_TTIP)
title: The TTIP
uri: The-TTIP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#07_July_2015_%28The_TTIP%29
content:
<p>
The TTIP may imply 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/blog/2015/jul/03/us-oil-export-ban-ttip-lifting-rise-carbon-emissions">massive
oil export from the US and tar sands oil export from Canada</a>.
<p>
In addition to 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#14_June_2015_(TTIP)">many
other bad things</a>, which is why I call it This Treaty Is
Plutocratic.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 07_July_2015_(Goober_retreats_from_France)
title: Goober retreats from France
uri: Goober-retreats-from-France
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#07_July_2015_%28Goober_retreats_from_France%29
content:
<p>
Goober has retreated from France under 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jul/03/uber-suspends-french-ride-sharing-service-uberpop">pressure
from protesters</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 07_July_2015_(Fighting_PISSI_in_Syria)
title: Fighting PISSI in Syria
uri: Fighting-PISSI-in-Syria
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#07_July_2015_%28Fighting_PISSI_in_Syria%29
content:
<p>
Aerial attacks on PISSI in Syria can't do much good in the 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/03/british-air-strikes-syria-islamic-state-michael-fallon">absence
of a ground force that can fight PISSI in Syria</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 07_July_2015_(Tourist_killed_by_Dutch_thugs)
title: Tourist killed by Dutch thugs
uri: Tourist-killed-by-Dutch-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#07_July_2015_%28Tourist_killed_by_Dutch_thugs%29
content:
<p>
Dutch thugs killed a tourist, and sparked off 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/03/the-hague-arrests-protest-death-police-custody-mitch-henriquez">persistent
protests</a>.


title: Study predicts severe damage to ocean life
uri: Study-predicts-severe-damage-to-ocean-life
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 07_July_2015_(Study_predicts_severe_damage_to_ocean_life)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#07_July_2015_%28Study_predicts_severe_damage_to_ocean_life%29

content:
<p>
A study predicts 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/03/oceans-massive-irreversible-impacts-carbon-cuts-global-warming">severe
damage to ocean life</a> by 2050 if we don't stop increasing
CO<sub>2</sub> levels.
<p>
Much sooner, a large nuclear waste depository in the Marshall Islands
is going to be 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/03/runit-dome-pacific-radioactive-waste">breached
by the rising sea level</a>.


title: Goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions
uri: Goal-of-zero-greenhouse-gas-emissions
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 07_July_2015_(Goal_of_zero_greenhouse_gas_emissions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#07_July_2015_%28Goal_of_zero_greenhouse_gas_emissions%29

content:
<p>
We must set a goal of (roughly) zero greenhouse gas emissions, 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/07/03/americas-zero-emissions-imperative">in
a decade or two</a>, not a century.
<p>
(I understand this as meaning zero net emissions, counting what the
Earth can absorb in a steady state.)


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 07_July_2015_(FBI_terror_warnings)
title: FBI "terror warnings"
uri: FBI-terror-warnings
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#07_July_2015_%28FBI_terror_warnings%29
content:
<p>
The FBI has issued 40 "terror warnings", 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/07/02/zero-40-predicting-attacks-why-do-media-still-take-fbi-terror-warnings-seriously">all
100% false</a>.  There was never a real attack, nor any evidence of a
failed attack.
<p>
If they do enough of these warnings, by chance one of them will be
coincide with reality, like a stopped clock.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 07_July_2015_(Bernie_Sanders_stands_up_for_Greece)
title: Bernie Sanders stands up for Greece
uri: Bernie-Sanders-stands-up-for-Greece
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#07_July_2015_%28Bernie_Sanders_stands_up_for_Greece%29

content:
<p>
Bernie Sanders 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/07/02/bernie-sanders-blasts-troika-abysmal-failure-greek-austerity">stands
up for Greece</a> against the euro-banks.
<p>
He has done this before and he continues to do so.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 07_July_2015_(Two_wrongly_imprisoned_brothers_sue)
title: Two wrongly imprisoned brothers sue
uri: Two-wrongly-imprisoned-brothers-sue
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#07_July_2015_%28Two_wrongly_imprisoned_brothers_sue%29

content:
<p>
Two brothers imprisoned for decades because Cleveland thugs bullied a
child into testifying against them are 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jul/02/wrongly-imprisoned-brothers-sue-detectives-cleveland">suing
the city and those thugs</a>.
<p>
It is too bad that the thugs 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#5_June_2015_(Citizens_pay_for_thug_violence)">won't
have to personally pay</a> if the victims win.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Repression)
title: Repression
uri: 2015-07-08-Repression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Repression%29
content:
<p>Four more Egyptian journalists 
<a href="http://www.cpj.org/2015/07/with-journalist-arrests-press-freedom-egypt.php">
have been arrested</a>
, accused with crimes
including "spreading false information" and "working for al Jazeera".
</p>
<p>Along the same lines, New Zealand 
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20150704/13012631546/new-zealand-parliament-overwhelmingly-decides-free-speech-must-take-backseat-to-cyberbullying-concerns.shtml">
has criminalized</a>
 many sorts of
on digital communications, including journalism.
</p>
<p>One of the new crimes, punished with imprisonment, is "making false
allegations" and "disclosing sensitive personal facts".  It also
criminalizes whistleblowing even against companies, since it is
forbidden to send or post anything "published in breach of
confidence".</p>
<p>Under "Principle 10", "denigrating" anyone based on various
personal
characteristics is also criminalized.  Saying, "He's a Scientologist,
so he's a sucker" seems to be a crime there now, and even "By
believing in PISSI's version of Islam he has turned himself into a
monster".</p>
<p>Urging people to say, to a business owner, "I won't buy from you any
more because..." also seems to be a crime under "Principle 8".</p>
<p>Great job of repression, New Zealand!</p>
<p>Being bullied hurts, but nothing like being put in prison.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(No_more_National_Parks)
title: No more National Parks
uri: No-more-National-Parks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28No_more_National_Parks%29
content:
<p>Koch-Backed Group 
<a href="http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/07/03/3676816/happy-fourth-no-more-national-parks/">
Calls</a>
 For No More National Parks.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Global_heating)
title: Global heating
uri: 2015-07-08-Global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Global_heating%29
content:
<p>Proposed natural gas facilities that would cost almost 300 billion

<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/07/gas-projects-climate-change-billions-thinktank">
will be pointless</a>
 if we curb global heating enough to avoid
climate
mayhem.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Wind_energy)
title: Wind energy
uri: Wind-energy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Wind_energy%29
content:
<p>The UK 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/news/2015/jul/06/weatherwatch-blow-wind-energy">
is slowing wind power development</a>
 by replacing cheap land-based
wind power with expensive offshore wind power.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Srebrenica)
title: Srebrenica
uri: Srebrenica
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Srebrenica%29
content:
<p>The Western powers and UN intentionally 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/04/how-britain-and-us-abandoned-srebrenica-massacre-1995">
abandoned</a>
 Srebrenica and let
the Bosnian Serbs systematically kill all the Muslim men.
</p>
<p>I can excuse deciding to cede the territory to the Bosnian Serbs as a
way of making peace, but they should not have allowed the mass
murder.</p>
<p>Of course, this complicity does not in any way reduce the guilt of the
Serbs who did the killing.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Religions_and_criticism)
title: Religions and criticism
uri: Religions-and-criticism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Religions_and_criticism%29
content:
<p>Western intellectuals 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/04/islamism-prevails-we-suppress-free-speech-bangladeshi-blogger">
must have</a>
 the courage to subject religion
to moral criticism, rejecting its demands to penalize or kill
its critics.
</p>
<p>One good example: Nazis 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/04/london-anti-jewification-demo-dwarfed-by-anti-fascist-counter-protest">
were allowed</a>
 to hold a rally in London,
but a giant anti-fascist rally demonstrated rejection of their views.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Reforestation)
title: Reforestation
uri: Reforestation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Reforestation%29
content:
<p>Brazil 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/30/brazil-us-reforestation-forests-renewable-energy">
Announces</a>
 Massive Reforestation And Renewable Energy Plan With US.
</p>
<p>It is heading in the right direction but not with sufficient
urgency.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Truth_or_Deception)
title: Truth or Deception
uri: Truth-or-Deception
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Truth_or_Deception%29
content:
<p>Truth or Deception: New Report 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2015/06/30/truth-or-deception-new-report-exposes-how-industry-front-groups-are-spending">
Exposes</a>
 How Industry Front Groups are Spending
Millions to Shape the Story of Food.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(UK_lawyers_on_strike)
title: UK lawyers on strike
uri: UK-lawyers-on-strike
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28UK_lawyers_on_strike%29
content:
<p>UK lawyers 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/law/2015/jun/30/criminal-lawyers-promise-boycott-legal-aid-cases-lower-rate">
are going on strike</a>
 because the government pays them less
to represent the indigent.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(EPA)
title: EPA
uri: EPA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28EPA%29
content:
<p>The EPA report on fracking and water supplies 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/05/fracking-injection-chemicals-drinking-water-transparency">
was incomplete</a>
 because frackers
keep most of the pertinent data secret.
</p>
<p>It is clear why they want to do this, but there is no reason we should
to permit them to do this.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Australia's_carbon_tax)
title: Australia's carbon tax
uri: Australia-s-carbon-tax
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Australia%27s_carbon_tax%29
content:
<p>Australia's carbon tax seems to 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/05/carbon-tax-repeal-sparks-jump-in-australias-electricity-emissions">
have been effective</a>
 at reducing
electricity use.
Use fell while the tax was in effect, and has risen
again since the suppository of all pollution repealed the tax.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Hating_Underdogs)
title: Hating Underdogs
uri: Hating-Underdogs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Hating_Underdogs%29
content:
<p>5 
<a href="http://www.cracked.com/blog/5-ways-powerful-people-trick-you-into-hating-underdogs/">
Ways</a>
 Powerful People Trick You Into Hating Underdogs.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Russia)
title: Russia
uri: 2015-07-08-Russia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Russia%29
content:
<p>Russia 
<a href="http://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2015/07/03/russian-parliament-votes-to-adopt-controversial-privacy-law">
adopted</a>
 a "right to be removed from search results" law
much broader than the policy in the European Union.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Facebook_and_Internet)
title: Facebook and Internet
uri: Facebook-and-Internet
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Facebook_and_Internet%29
content:
<p>In some regions, 10% of Facebook useds 
<a href="http://qz.com/333313/milliions-of-facebook-users-have-no-idea-theyre-using-the-internet/">
don't realize</a>
 that talking
to Facebook is using the internet.  And Facebook is directing
millions of people into having no internet access except to Facebook.
</p>
<p>This is the sort of thing that a democratic society should prohibit,
for the same reason we prohibit other kinds of monopolies.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Cognitive_Behavioural_Therapy)
title: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
uri: Cognitive-Behavioural-Therapy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Cognitive_Behavioural_Therapy%29
content:
<p>Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/jul/03/why-cbt-is-falling-out-of-favour-oliver-burkeman">
is only half as effective today</a>

as it was 40 years ago.  Why so?
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(NSA)
title: NSA
uri: 2015-07-08-NSA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28NSA%29
content:
<p>The NSA 
<a href="http://www.dw.com/en/merkels-office-calls-in-us-ambassador-after-latest-nsa-leaks/a-18558228">
spied</a>
 on German ministries and cabinet members.
</p>
<p>Germany swallowed the NSA's spying on heads of the government.
Will this push it to the point of actually doing something?</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Sanders)
title: Sanders
uri: 2015-07-08-Sanders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Sanders%29
content:
<p>The social democracy that Sanders stands for 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/07/03/social-democracy-100-american">
is an American tradition</a>

since before the founding of the United States.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Uri_Avnery)
title: Uri Avnery
uri: Uri-Avnery
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Uri_Avnery%29
content:
<p>Uri Avnery 
<a href="http://zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en/channels/avnery/1435932725/">
on the stupidity</a>
 of Israel's blockade of Gaza.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Official_censorship)
title: Official censorship
uri: Official-censorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Official_censorship%29
content:
<p>The UK government 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jul/04/theresa-may-campus-hate-speech-u-turn">
has backed down</a>
 on plans for official censorship
of talks in universities.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Payment_services)
title: Payment services
uri: Payment-services
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Payment_services%29
content:
<p>How a Crusading Chicago Sheriff 
<a href="http://reason.com/archives/2015/07/02/visa-mastercard-refuse-backpage-payments">
Convinced</a>
 Visa and Mastercard to Screw
Sex Workers.
</p>
<p>It is very dangerous that businesses (and NGOs such as Wikileaks)
face harassment through payment services.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(US_Export-Import_Bank)
title: US Export-Import Bank
uri: US-Export-Import-Bank
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28US_Export-Import_Bank%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://reason.com/archives/2015/07/02/beyond-the-export-import-bank-more-crony">
Good riddance</a>
 to the US Export-Import Bank, a system of corporate
welfare.  Next the Overseas Private Investment Corporation should be
abolished.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Criminalization_of_dissent)
title: Criminalization of dissent
uri: Criminalization-of-dissent
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Criminalization_of_dissent%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.occupy.com/article/protest-new-terror-how-us-law-enforcement-working-criminalize-dissent">
How</a>
 the US "anti-terrorism" apparatus applies itself to criminalizing
dissent.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Tortures)
title: Tortures
uri: Tortures
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Tortures%29
content:
<p>The absolute power that a torturer 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/07/02/torture-absolute-power">
has over a prisoner</a>
 leads
to cruelty without bounds.  Apologists excuse this cruelty on
the grounds that torturers were "obeying orders".
</p>
<p>That was no excuse for Nazis, and it's no excuse for the CIA.
The US must prosecute the Bush regime's torturers, up to and
including Bush.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Privacy_violation)
title: Privacy violation
uri: Privacy-violation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Privacy_violation%29
content:
<p>Kenya 
<a href="http://www.itnewsafrica.com/2015/05/kenyas-safaricom-says-national-police-surveillance-system-live/">
has imposed</a>
 real-time face-recognition tracking in its major cities.
</p>
<p>And all internet users 
<a href="http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2015/07/kenya-to-require-users-of-wi-fi-to-register-with-government/">
are required</a>
 to identify themselves.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Terrorism)
title: Terrorism
uri: 2015-07-08-Terrorism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Terrorism%29
content:
<p>Americans: Don't listen to government officials who 
<a href="http://reason.com/archives/2015/07/02/dont-be-terrorized-by-your-government-th">
hype the "danger"
of terrorism</a>
 in the US.  You're in a lot more danger from lightning or
your bathtub.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Coal-fired_power_plants)
title: Coal-fired power plants
uri: Coal-fired-power-plants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Coal-fired_power_plants%29
content:
<p>The OECD says that new coal-fired power plants 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/03/new-coal-plants-most-urgent-threat-to-the-planet-warns-oecd-head">
are the "most urgent" threat</a>

to the world's future.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Lidl)
title: Lidl
uri: Lidl
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Lidl%29
content:
<p>The discount supermarket Lidl 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/jul/02/lidl-1bn-public-development-funding-supermarket-world-bank-eastern-europe">
has benefited</a>
 from almost a billion
dollars in publicly funded loans.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(IMF)
title: IMF
uri: IMF
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28IMF%29
content:
<p>The IMF now 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/jul/02/imf-greece-needs-extra-50bn-euros">
recognizes</a>
 that Greece needs debt relief.
</p>
<p>Greece 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/03/greece-economy-collapse-close-food-medicine-shortage">
is running out</a>
 of food and medicines.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Jeb_Bush)
title: Jeb Bush
uri: 2015-07-08-Jeb-Bush
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Jeb_Bush%29
content:
<p>Jeb Bush made half a million dollars by 
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/07/01/1398372/-Jeb-trashes-Obamacare-in-public-but-privately-he-made-a-cool-half-million-off-it?detail=email">
investing</a>
 in the success
of Obama's health care program.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Cut_in_welfare_benefits)
title: Cut in welfare benefits
uri: Cut-in-welfare-benefits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Cut_in_welfare_benefits%29
content:
<p>The UK quietly 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/03/raid-benefits-welfare-cuts-government-inflation">
changed</a>
 how welfare is indexed for inflation,
resulting in a gradual cut that will keep growing.
</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 8_July_2015_(Greek_debt)
title: Greek debt
uri: 2015-07-08-Greek-debt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#8_July_2015_%28Greek_debt%29
content:
<p>A substantial part of the Greek debt 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2015/jul/03/throughout-history-debt-and-war-have-been-constant-partners">
comes from German arms</a>

that German companies bribed corrupt Greek politicians to buy.
</p>
<p>We
shouldn't blame all Germans for this, any more than we blame all Greeks.
But it isn't fair to lay all the burden of these debts on poor Greeks.
The German arms companies should pay some of it.</p>


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 08_July_2015_(Urgent:_Oppose_coal_mine)
title: Urgent: Oppose coal mine
uri: Urgent-Oppose-coal-mine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#08_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_coal_mine%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://secure.sierraclub.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=16017">oppose</a>
starting a coal mine near Bryce Canyon.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 08_July_2015_(European_Union_exposed)
title: European Union exposed
uri: European-Union-exposed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#08_July_2015_%28European_Union_exposed%29
content:
<p>
The Greek crisis has exposed the European Union for what it really is,
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/05/europe-fictional-construct-legacies-of-war">invalidating
the ideas on which it depends for moral legitimacy</a>.
<p>
However, I think those ideas were initially more than a fiction.  30
years ago, social democracy and human rights played an important role
in EU policies and law.  Then the plutocrats and banksters took
advantage of other changes to grasp increasing control.  The rejected
EU constitution, and the non-constitution (the Lisbon treaty) adopted
in its place, are insufficiently democratic, which provided the
banksters with a great opportunity.  (This is why I called on voters
to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2008-mar-jun.html#16%20June%202008%20(Ireland%20rejects%20EU%20constitution)">reject
it and block it, where they had the chance</a>.)
<p>
Nowadays the EU is a pliable instrument for plutocrats to subordinate
human rights with.  For freedom and democracy, a country must get out
of it.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 08_July_2015_(Urgent:_Pay_for_overtime_work)
title: Urgent: Pay for overtime work
uri: Urgent-Pay-for-overtime-work
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#08_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Pay_for_overtime_work%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Obama_Labor_Overtime">call on
the Labor department</a> to cover more Americans with required extra
pay for overtime work.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 08_July_2015_(Urgent:_Minors_in_adult_prisons)
title: Urgent: Minors in adult prisons
uri: Urgent-Minors-in-adult-prisons
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#08_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Minors_in_adult_prisons%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Child_Imprisonment">call on
Attorney General Lynch</a> to investigate the practice of trying
minors as adults and putting them in adult prisons.


title: Suspension of civil liberties in Tunisia
uri: Suspension-of-civil-liberties-in-Tunisia
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 08_July_2015_(Suspension_of_civil_liberties_in_Tunisia)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#08_July_2015_%28Suspension_of_civil_liberties_in_Tunisia%29

content:
<p>
Tunisia's president declared a state of emergency, apparently 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/04/tunisias-president-declares-state-of-emergency-sousse-terrorist-attack">to
suspend civil liberties</a>.
<p>
I am skeptical that there is any valid justification for this.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 08_July_2015_(60,000_people_march_in_Honduras)
title: 60,000 people march in Honduras
uri: 60-000-people-march-in-Honduras
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#08_July_2015_%2860%2C000_people_march_in_Honduras%29

content:
<p>
60,000 people marched in Honduras 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/04/honduras-protesters-stage-biggest-march-yet-to-demand-president-resign">demanding
the president resign</a>.
<p>
The reasons include corruption in the election campaign, which
was run by the government installed by the 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-mar-jun.html#17_May_2012_(Obama_supporting_coup-installed_government_of_Honduras)">US-backed
military coup</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 08_July_2015_(BP_to_pay_tax-deductible_fines)
title: BP to pay tax-deductible fines
uri: BP-to-pay-tax-deductible-fines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#08_July_2015_%28BP_to_pay_tax-deductible_fines%29
content:
<p>
Billionaire Polluters will have to pay 
<a href="http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/07/02/3676487/bp-spill-state-cwa-settlement/">18
billion dollars over many years</a>.
<p>
However, most of this is 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2015/07/02/bps-187-settlement-today-gulf-spill-appears-be-mostly-tax-deductible">tax-deductible</a>
so really Americans will pay it.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 08_July_2015_(Urgent:_LG_workers_rights)
title: Urgent: LG workers' rights
uri: Urgent-LG-workers-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#08_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_LG_workers_rights%29
content:
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="http://action.sumofus.org/a/lg-labor-protections/">call on
LG</a> to uphold workers' rights in its supply chain.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 08_July_2015_(Global_heating)
title: Global heating
uri: 2015-07-09-Global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#08_July_2015_%28Global_heating%29
content:
<p>
Global heating is going to hit polar bears even
<a href="https://news.vice.com/article/it-may-be-even-worse-for-the-polar-bears-than-previously-thought">worse
than was formerly expected</a>.
<p>
With coral already dying, and threatened by global heating,
<a href="http://nautil.us/blog/can-new-research--old-traditions-save-fiji-from-ecological-collapse">Fiji
may lose its tourism income and much of its food supply</a>.
<p>
Travel to Fiji for tourism contributes to the problem.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 08_July_2015_(Disappearing_Lake_Urmia)
title: Disappearing Lake Urmia
uri: Disappearing-Lake-Urmia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#08_July_2015_%28Disappearing_Lake_Urmia%29
content:
<p>
Giant Lake Urmia in Iran has nearly disappeared — people are
<a href="http://nautil.us/blog/the-tragedy-of-irans-great-salt-lake">taking
too much of the water that flows into it</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 08_July_2015_(American_tourism_in_Cuba)
title: American tourism in Cuba
uri: American-tourism-in-Cuba
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#08_July_2015_%28American_tourism_in_Cuba%29
content:
<p>
Renewed American tourism in Cuba
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/02/science/earth/cubas-environmental-concerns-grow-with-prospect-of-us-presence.html">could
destroy the environment there</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 08_July_2015_(Computer_use_tracking)
title: Computer use tracking
uri: Computer-use-tracking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#08_July_2015_%28Computer_use_tracking%29
content:
<p>
Companies are now
<a href="http://www.technologyreview.com/news/538731/how-ads-follow-you-from-phone-to-desktop-to-tablet/">97%
accurate</a> at figuring out from use tracking that various computers
are mainly used by the same person.
<p>
They do this with kinds of personal data that they never get from me.
I block them by using Tor and by not identifying myself to sites.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 08_July_2015_(Egypt_to_make_disagreement_a_crime)
title: Egypt to make disagreement a crime
uri: Egypt-to-make-disagreement-a-crime
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#08_July_2015_%28Egypt_to_make_disagreement_a_crime%29

content:
<p>
Egypt is about to make it a crime to publish
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/05/egypt-journalists-face-jail-for-reporting-non-government-terrorism-statistics">any
disagreement with official statements about terrorism</a>.
<p>
The government could say "There is no terrorism" and it would be a
crime to report any.  This censorship almost reaches the level of
North Korea.
<p>
The same military government also
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/30/egyptian-president-al-sisi-change-law-faster-executions-death-penalty">plans
to streamline executions</a>.  This in a country where courts
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jan-apr.html#06_February_2015_(230_protest_leaders_sentenced_in_mass_trial)">sentence
people by the dozens or hundreds</a> in a cavalier fashion.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 08_July_2015_(Civilians_in_Raqqa)
title: Civilians in Raqqa
uri: Civilians-in-Raqqa
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#08_July_2015_%28Civilians_in_Raqqa%29
content:
<p>
Heavy US bombing against PISSI in Raqqa
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/05/us-led-air-strikes-on-isis-stronghold-leave-dozens-dead-including-civilians">killed
a number of civilians</a>.
<p>
PISSI <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/30/isis-militants-behead-syrian-women-witchcraft">shamelessly
kills many civilians as a matter of policy</a>.  Syrians who choose
dispassionately between the US and PISSI will have to conclude that
PISSI is much worse.  But I don't think many will compare in that way.
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#25_September_2014_(US_airstrikes_in_Raqqa)">Some
in Raqqa hate PISSI and some are contented</a>.
<p>
The people still alive in Raqqa today will only be killed by PISSI for
some reason.  It might be a vicious and evil reason, but it will be
predictable.  Most people will assume they can avoid doing the things
that would motivate PISSI to kill them.  They can't avoid falling foul
of a bomb from an airplane.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 08_July_2015_(AARP)
title: AARP
uri: AARP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#08_July_2015_%28AARP%29
content:
<p>
The
<a href="http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/eskow20150607">
Republican party is proposing to hurt old people</a>, so that once
again most old people in the US can be poor, as was the case before
Social Security.
<p>
The AARP (American Association of Retired People)
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2003-nov-feb.html#1_December_2003_%28AARP_Protests%29">
hampers
representation</a> of old people's interests.  It convinces
most of them to join, for practical benefits, then often lobbies
for business causes without calling the members' attention.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 08_July_2015_(Urgent:_TPP)
title: Urgent: TPP
uri: Urgent-TPP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#08_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_TPP%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: call on Senate Democrats to
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/senate_stop_tpp/">
resist the TPP firmly</a>.
<p>
Urge Bernie Sanders to
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/berniesanders-lead-a?source=c.em&r_by=1135580">
lead a filibuster</a> against the "fast track"
bill.
<p>
Also phone your senators
<a href="https://secure.sierraclub.org/site/SPageServer/;jsessionid=83CF5250697631E74243D631990FE12E.app201a">
to oppose</a> "fast track".


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 08_July_2015_(Urgent:_fast_track)
title: Urgent: fast track
uri: Urgent-fast-track
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#08_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_fast_track%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: phone your senators right away against "fast track"
for
<a href="http://act.boldprogressives.org/call/TPP_Senate_dems_novid/">
corporate supremacy treaties</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 09_July_2015_(Education_for_girls)
title: Education for girls
uri: Education-for-girls
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#09_July_2015_%28Education_for_girls%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/06/education-girls-world-civil-rights-malala">Education
for Girls All Over the World Is the Civil Rights Struggle of Our
Time</a>.
<p>
Note, however, that education for boys is also threatened in many
countries, as the elites consider more and more people disposable and
not worth educating.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 09_July_2015_(Radioactive_mining_waste)
title: Radioactive mining waste
uri: Radioactive-mining-waste
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#09_July_2015_%28Radioactive_mining_waste%29
content:
<p>
Heaps of radioactive mining waste are scattered around Johannesburg,
and
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/jul/06/radioactive-city-how-johannesburgs-townships-are-paying-for-its-mining-past">the
dust from them makes people sick</a>.  Poor people are especially hard
hit, since they can't afford measures that can reduce the damage.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 09_July_2015_(European_banksters)
title: European banksters
uri: European-banksters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#09_July_2015_%28European_banksters%29
content:
<p>
The European banks threatened Greece
<a href="https://www.byline.com/column/11/article/135">to procure
regime change</a>, and admitted it.
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/06/backing-down-on-greeces-debt-is-the-safest-most-rational-option">Backing
Down on Greece's Debt Is the Safest, Most Rational Option (for
European institutions)</a>.
<p>
Finance Minister Varoufakis has resigned to
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/06/greek-finance-minister-yanis-varoufakis-resigns-despite-referendum-no-vote">facilitate
negotiations with the plutocratist European leaders</a>.  The
government hopes this will help them bypass their personal resentment
of him (for not surrendering) in order to negotiate.
<p>
I hope the banksters accept a limit on their power, rather than
punishing Greece as much as they can.  But the banks may not care
about success or failure for European institutions.  They may not mind
causing a bigger crisis, since
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#02_October_2014_(Euro-zone_austerity)">the
rich profit from crises</a>.
<p>
If they take further steps to crush Greece, they will inspire more
hatred, until countries across Europe elect parties like Syriza.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 09_July_2015_(The_No_vote_in_Greece)
title: The No vote in Greece
uri: The-No-vote-in-Greece
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#09_July_2015_%28The_No_vote_in_Greece%29
content:
<p>
The No vote in Greece is a
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/05/the-guardian-view-on-greeces-no-vote-eight-days-that-shook-a-continent">rebuke
to the banksters</a>.  If they press on on their arrogance, they risk
even bigger defeats.
<p>
Greeks don't actually want to drop the euro, but they
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/05/greek-referendum-greece-stands-defiant-no-vote-austerity">refused
to be pressured by the threat of this</a>.
<p>
The banksters lost the ability to maneuver people through fear,
because they had already squeezed Greeks to the point where many had
nothing left to lose, or could foresee that that would be the case by
and by.
<p>
Syriza is being criticized for not saying concretely what the victory
for No would lead to, but there was a good reason for that: this can't
be known in advance.  It depends on a number of things, including how
the banksters respond to this rebuke.  The only way that Syriza could
have stated a concrete outcome would be to insist on the worst —
but that is obviously not in the interests of Greece.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 09_July_2015_(Guantanamo_lite_in_Britain)
title: Guantanamo lite in Britain
uri: Guantanamo-lite-in-Britain
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#09_July_2015_%28Guantanamo_lite_in_Britain%29
content:
<p>
Mr Y lives in Britain an isolated and restricted life
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/05/kafkaesque-life-of-terror-suspect-in-britain-algerian-asylum-seeker">based
on the decisions of a secret court for reasons he is not allowed to
know</a>.
<p>
You could think of it as Guantanamo lite.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 09_July_2015_(Urgent:_Quash_state_ag-gag_bills)
title: Urgent: Quash state ag-gag bills
uri: Urgent-Quash-state-ag-gag-bills
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#09_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Quash_state_ag-gag_bills%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/ag-gag">call on Congress</a>
to quash state ag-gag bills.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 09_July_2015_(Urgent:_US_budget_and_spending_bills)
title: Urgent: US budget and spending bills
uri: Urgent-US-budget-and-spending-bills
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#09_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_US_budget_and_spending_bills%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to
<a href="https://secure.earthjustice.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1737">keep
anti-environmental riders out</a> of budget and spending bills.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 09_July_2015_(US_Border_Patrol_deeply_corrupt)
title: US Border Patrol deeply corrupt
uri: US-Border-Patrol-deeply-corrupt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#09_July_2015_%28US_Border_Patrol_deeply_corrupt%29
content:
<p>
The US Border Patrol is
<a href="http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-border-patrol-20150630-story.html#page=1">deeply
corrupt</a> — even the US government recognizes it.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 09_July_2015_(Colorado_thug_convicted)
title: Colorado thug convicted
uri: Colorado-thug-convicted
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#09_July_2015_%28Colorado_thug_convicted%29
content:
<p>
A Colorado thug has
<a href="http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/video-catches-cop-rampage-fellow-cops-try-stop-him-torturing-handcuffed-man">pled
guilty twice to attacking prisoners</a>.  The more recent instance was
gruesome, amounting to torture.
<p>
I am glad the thug has been convicted, but why isn't he in prison?


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 09_July_2015_(Limiting_and_ending_forfeiture)
title: Limiting and ending "forfeiture"
uri: Limiting-and-ending-forfeiture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#09_July_2015_%28Limiting_and_ending_forfeiture%29
content:
<p>
One more US state has put limits on
<a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/instituteforjustice/2015/07/02/civil-forfeiture-now-requires-a-criminal-conviction-in-montana-and-new-mexico/">"forfeiture"</a>,
i.e. seizure of property for a "crime" without a criminal trial, and
another state has abolished it altogether.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 09_July_2015_(Malaysias_PM)
title: Malaysia's PM
uri: Malaysia-s-PM
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#09_July_2015_%28Malaysias_PM%29
content:
<p>
Malaysia's Prime Minister Is
<a href="http://qz.com/444673/malaysias-prime-minister-is-accused-of-pocketing-nearly-700-million-from-a-government-investment-fund/">Accused
of Pocketing Nearly $700 Million from a Government Investment
Fund</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 09_July_2015_(Witch_hunt_against_teenage_sex)
title: Witch hunt against teenage sex
uri: Witch-hunt-against-teenage-sex
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#09_July_2015_%28Witch_hunt_against_teenage_sex%29
content:
<p>
The witch hunt against teenage sex
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/05/us/teenagers-jailing-brings-a-call-to-fix-sex-offender-registries.html">subjects
people to punishment for life</a> for actions that shouldn't even be
illegal.
<p>
You can see from what the judge said that the motive for this policy
is pure and simple hostility towards sex and those who enjoy sex.
<p>
The normal activity of human adolescents is sex.  We should teach them
how to avoid diseases and pregnancy, then stop interfering.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 09_July_2015_(Reporting_on_voting_machine_flaws)
title: Reporting on voting machine flaws
uri: Reporting-on-voting-machine-flaws
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#09_July_2015_%28Reporting_on_voting_machine_flaws%29

content:
<p>
A security researcher
<a href="http://it.slashdot.org/story/15/07/04/2110207/researcher-who-reported-e-voting-vulnerability-targeted-by-police-raid-in-argentina">reported
on big flaws in voting machines in Argentina</a>.  The state is
investigating … the researcher.


title: Craigs List tries to buy public forgiveness
uri: Craigs-List-tries-to-buy-public-forgiveness
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 09_July_2015_(Craigs_List_tries_to_buy_public_forgiveness)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#09_July_2015_%28Craigs_List_tries_to_buy_public_forgiveness%29

content:
<p>
Craigs List sued a company, claiming that screen scraping was illegal
unauthorized access, and won — and now is
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20150701/14150431519/no-craig-newmark-did-not-donate-to-eff-he-helped-make-cfaa-worse-instead.shtml">trying
to buy public forgiveness</a> for this attack on our rights by
donating the money it got from this to the EFF.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 11_July_2015_(Businesses_put_blame_on_technology)
title: Businesses put blame on technology
uri: Businesses-put-blame-on-technology
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#11_July_2015_%28Businesses_put_blame_on_technology%29

content:
<p>
Businesses 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/06/blame-technology-capitalism-smartphones">evade
blame for their practices</a> by putting the blame on the technology
they take advantage of.


title: US rebuked for human rights violations
uri: US-rebuked-for-human-rights-violations
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 11_July_2015_(US_rebuked_for_human_rights_violations)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#11_July_2015_%28US_rebuked_for_human_rights_violations%29

content:
<p>
China has rebuked the US for 
<a href="http://english.cri.cn/12394/2015/06/26/2982s884702.htm">human
rights violations, racial discrimination and callously strewing
poverty</a>.
<p>
A few of the points are exaggerated.  For instance, shootings in
schools are shocking but don't add up to a significant danger compared
with other dangers such as car crashes.  By contrast, violence against
women by their spouses or lovers is a major social problem, but the
government is not directly responsible for it; indeed, people are only
exploring what sort of measures can put an end to it.
<p>
Nonetheless, the report amounts to a valid rebuke to the US.
The fact that a similar report about China is even worse in many
dimensions is not excuse for it.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 11_July_2015_(Carrying_the_flag_of_PISSI_in_London)
title: Carrying the flag of PISSI in London
uri: Carrying-the-flag-of-PISSI-in-London
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#11_July_2015_%28Carrying_the_flag_of_PISSI_in_London%29

content:
<p>
It is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jul/05/man-carrying-isis-flag-near-parliament-not-arrested-police-criticised">still,
on some occasions, legal</a> to walk around in London carrying the
flag of PISSI.
<p>
However, the person carrying it risks being arrested and imprisoned
for <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-jul-oct.html#5_September_2011_(35,000_Worldwide_Convicted_for_Terror)">the
crime of being suspected</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 11_July_2015_(Australian_immigration_prisons)
title: Australian immigration prisons
uri: Australian-immigration-prisons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#11_July_2015_%28Australian_immigration_prisons%29
content:
<p>
40 current and former staff of Australian immigration prisons signed a
letter
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jul/01/open-letter-on-the-border-force-act-we-challenge-the-department-to-prosecute">daring
the state to prosecute them for continuing to talk</a> about
mistreatment of the prisoners that they have observed.
<p>
More about how this law 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jul/01/detention-centre-staff-speak-out-in-defiance-of-new-asylum-secrecy-laws">blocks
people from carrying out moral and legal duties</a>.
<p>
The Australian government has some absurd excuse to claim these places
are something other than prisons, but if it smells like a prison,
feels like a prison, and tastes like a prison, I'm glad I didn't set
foot in it.


title: How the UK handed dissidents to Ghadhafi
uri: How-the-UK-handed-dissidents-to-Ghadhafi
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 11_July_2015_(How_the_UK_handed_dissidents_to_Ghadhafi)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#11_July_2015_%28How_the_UK_handed_dissidents_to_Ghadhafi%29

content:
<p>
The UK started an inquiry in 2010 about how it handed over Libyan
dissidents to Ghadhafi.  Some of the answers turned out embarrassing,
so it has 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/06/gibson-inquiry-rendition-david-cameron-uk-torture">buried
the remaining part of the inquiry</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 11_July_2015_(Greeces_fight_for_democracy)
title: Greece's fight for democracy
uri: Greece-s-fight-for-democracy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#11_July_2015_%28Greeces_fight_for_democracy%29
content:
<p>
Greece's Fight Is for 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/06/greece-democracy-europe-eu">Democracy
in Europe</a>.  That's Why We Must Support It.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 11_July_2015_(Impossible_water_bills)
title: Impossible water bills
uri: Impossible-water-bills
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#11_July_2015_%28Impossible_water_bills%29
content:
<p>
The 22,000 residents of Highland Park, near Detroit, face
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jul/06/detroit-water-bills-michigan-highland-park">impossible
and sometimes false water bills</a>.  They are in danger of water
shutoff and perhaps mass homelessness.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 11_July_2015_(Koch_brothers_lobbying_in_the_EU)
title: Koch brothers lobbying in the EU
uri: Koch-brothers-lobbying-in-the-EU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#11_July_2015_%28Koch_brothers_lobbying_in_the_EU%29
content:
<p>
The Koch brothers are spending a lot of money to 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/06/david-charles-koch-industries-lobbying-eu-environmental-protection">hold
back the EU from resisting global heating</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 11_July_2015_(Bernie_Sanders)
title: Bernie Sanders
uri: 2015-07-12-Bernie-Sanders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#11_July_2015_%28Bernie_Sanders%29
content:
<p>
Bernie Sanders responds to policy questions and explains
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/07/06/bernie-sanders-speaks">why
he does not run attack ads against Hillary Clinton</a>.
<p>
I condemn Clinton for her right-wing policies and actions.
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/07/05/bernie-sanders-will-end-imfs-economic-violence-greece-and-africa">Bernie
Sanders Will End the IMF's Economic Violence in Greece and Africa</a>.


title: Clinton secretly supported coup in Honduras
uri: Clinton-secretly-supported-coup-in-Honduras
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 11_July_2015_(Clinton_secretly_supported_coup_in_Honduras)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#11_July_2015_%28Clinton_secretly_supported_coup_in_Honduras%29

content:
<p>
Emails show the US state department under Clinton secretly supported
the coup in Honduras, and she was
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/07/06/clinton-honduras-coup/">personally
involved in that support</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 11_July_2015_(The_US-backed_bombardment_of_Yemen)
title: The US-backed bombardment of Yemen
uri: The-US-backed-bombardment-of-Yemen
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#11_July_2015_%28The_US-backed_bombardment_of_Yemen%29

content:
<p>
The US-backed bombardment of Yemen
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/07/06/civilian-deaths-yemen-will-ignored/">killed
45 civilians with one bomb</a>.


title: Ex-attorney-general returns to Wall Street
uri: Ex-attorney-general-returns-to-Wall-Street
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 11_July_2015_(Ex-attorney-general_returns_to_Wall_Street)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#11_July_2015_%28Ex-attorney-general_returns_to_Wall_Street%29

content:
<p>
Ex-attorney-general Holder has
<a href="https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/07/06/eric-holder-returns-law-firm-lobbies-big-banks/">returned
to the Wall Street consulting firm that he came from</a>.
<p>
A person with a background like that is hardly likely to do the
attorney general's job.  Of course, Obama knew that.  He didn't want
someone to prosecute banksters.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 11_July_2015_(Protest_in_Toronto)
title: Protest in Toronto
uri: Protest-in-Toronto
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#11_July_2015_%28Protest_in_Toronto%29
content:
<p>
10,000 protested in Toronto demanding
"<a href='http://www.theguardian.com/environment/true-north/2015/jul/06/historic-toronto-climate-march-calls-for-new-economic-vision'>jobs,
justice and climate action</a>".
<p>
The right-wing government, opposed to truth and to human rights, won't
willingly grant any of those.
<p>
It is very important to unite the Green cause with the Social
Democratic cause.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(Urgent:_Support_Greece)
title: Urgent: Support Greece
uri: Urgent-Support-Greece
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Support_Greece%29
content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/obama-ecb-must-support">call
on Obama and Congress</a> to pressure the European Central Bank to
support Greece during negotiations.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(Bernie_Sanders_moral_courage)
title: Bernie Sanders' moral courage
uri: Bernie-Sanders-moral-courage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28Bernie_Sanders_moral_courage%29
content:
<p>
Here is how Bernie Sanders explained in 2003
<a href="https://p.pantsu.cat/view/raw/17857647">why he was voting
against Dubya's plan to conquer and occupy Iraq</a>.
<p>
Senator Clinton voted for it.
<p>
He didn't have to be a super genius to see that the war was
unjustified.  Millions of people opposed it, and many of them
protested in the street.  What distinguished Sanders from people like
Clinton was that he had the moral courage to oppose the powerful.


title: Banksters' response to Greek referendum
uri: Banksters-response-to-Greek-referendum
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(Banksters_response_to_Greek_referendum)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28Banksters_response_to_Greek_referendum%29

content:
<p>
The vampire banksters' response to the Greek referendum is,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/jul/06/greek-referendum-optimism-fades-eurozone-yanis-varoufakis">"We'll
punish you until you vote yes."</a>
<p>
The US is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/07/us-and-japan-increase-pressure-on-europe-to-reach-a-deal-with-greece">trying
to pressure them to compromise with Greece</a>.
<p>
Compare this with the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/jul/06/germany-1953-greece-2015-economic-marshall-plan-debt-relief">Marshall
plan</a>.


title: Urgent: Voting Rights Advancement Act
uri: Urgent-Voting-Rights-Advancement-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(Urgent:_Voting_Rights_Advancement_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Voting_Rights_Advancement_Act%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/fix_vra">support</a> the
Voting Rights Advancement Act.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(Urgent:_Expand_Social_Security)
title: Urgent: Expand Social Security
uri: 2015-07-12-Urgent-Expand-Social-Security
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Expand_Social_Security%29
content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://www.expandsocialsecuritynow.com/nation/">tell the
White House</a> we want to expand Social Security.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(Urgent:_Extend_Medicare)
title: Urgent: Extend Medicare
uri: Urgent-Extend-Medicare
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28Urgent%3A_Extend_Medicare%29
content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://leftaction.com/action/bernie-medicare-for-all">support</a>
Bernie Sanders' call to extend Medicare to all Americans.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(Euro_banks_demand_subservience)
title: Euro banks demand subservience
uri: Euro-banks-demand-subservience
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28Euro_banks_demand_subservience%29
content:
<p>
A German politician who represents the line of the euro banks says
that Tsipras must
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/06/tsipras-restore-trust-greece-eu">"rebuild
trust"</a> before negotiations begin.
What this means is, Tsipras should start speaking in subservient tones
to show they can "trust him" to impose their rule on Greece.
<p>
The writer continues by refusing to recognize crushing imposed poverty
as an issue.  He says the issue is making Greece more "competitive".
<p>
That's their code work for eliminating workers' rights and giving
business a free hand.  They do this in one country, which puts some
other country where workers still have rights at a disadvantage, which
creates an excuse to do it in that country.  Thus all the countries
compete to let businesses spread poverty.  "Free trade" treaties also
represent this idea.
<p>
His next piece of bullshit is the claim that this "reform" was "hugely
successful" in other European countries where poverty and suffering
are still in place.  It's certainly not true in Spain.
<p>
That writer is the mouthpiece of the banksters, and the fact that he
says these things suggests that the banksters are not willing to
compromise.  Apparently they still demand abject surrender.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(Cash_shortage_in_Greece)
title: Cash shortage in Greece
uri: Cash-shortage-in-Greece
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28Cash_shortage_in_Greece%29
content:
<p>
The European banks are
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/06/greek-citizens-eurozone-crisis-war-without-weapons">still
trying to crush Greece with a shortage of cash</a>.
<p>
I suppose this is meant to force Greece out of the euro zone quickly.
Most Greeks don't want that, but I think they will accept it rather
than continue this.
<p>
The euro-zone's austerity reflects its
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/06/greece-euro-unanswerable-austerity-democracy">rejection
of democracy</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(Debt_crisis_in_Puerto_Rico)
title: Debt crisis in Puerto Rico
uri: Debt-crisis-in-Puerto-Rico
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28Debt_crisis_in_Puerto_Rico%29
content:
<p>
About the
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/06/puerto-rico-debt-crisis-poverty-migration">debt
crisis</a> that is crushing Puerto Rico.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(Varoufakis_on_the_rulers_of_Germany)
title: Varoufakis on the rulers of Germany
uri: Varoufakis-on-the-rulers-of-Germany
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28Varoufakis_on_the_rulers_of_Germany%29

content:
<p>
Varoufakis explains
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/06/yanis-varoufakis-angela-merkel-crisis-global-minotaur-capitalism-europe">why
the rulers of Germany benefit from perpetuating crisis in southern
Europe</a>.
<p>
Some of his
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/06/yanis-varoufakis-some-of-his-best-quotes">sharp
one-liners</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(Extreme_capitalism)
title: Extreme capitalism
uri: 2015-07-13-Extreme-capitalism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28Extreme_capitalism%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/07/06/corporate-capitalism-foundation-police-brutality-and-prison-state">Corporate
Capitalism Is the Foundation of Police Brutality and the Prison
State</a>.
<p>
I am not opposed to capitalism <em>as such</em>, if it is kept in
check and under strict regulation by a democratic state.  I refer to
our current system as "extreme capitalism" or "plutocracy".


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(UK_corporate_welfare)
title: UK corporate welfare
uri: 2015-07-13-UK-corporate-welfare
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28UK_corporate_welfare%29
content:
<p>
UK corporate welfare amounts to around 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jul/07/direct-aid-subsidies-tax-breaks-the-hidden-welfare-budget-we-dont-debate">150
billion dollars a year</a>.
<p>
The reason the government cuts welfare for the poor instead of cutting
welfare for the rich is simple: its politicians are funded by the
rich.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(The_July_4th_terrorism_warning)
title: The July 4th "terrorism warning"
uri: The-July-4th-terrorism-warning
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28The_July_4th_terrorism_warning%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/07/07/propaganda-rains-down-us-real-bombs-kill-scores-civilians-yemen">As
Propaganda Rains Down in US, Real Bombs Kill Scores of Civilians in
Yemen</a>.
<p>
The July 4th "terrorism warning" proved as bogus as all the others.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(Walmart_owners_charter_schools)
title: Walmart owners' "charter schools"
uri: Walmart-owners-charter-schools
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28Walmart_owners_charter_schools%29
content:
<p>
The owners of Walmart run a large chain of private "charter schools",
and lobby against applying safety or educational standards to them on
the grounds they are private, 
<a href="http://www.alternet.org/education/walton-foundation-funded-charter-schools-marred-fiscal-mismanagement">but
call them "public schools" when it suits them</a>.
<p>
We should call them "public expense, private control" schools.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(Health_insurance)
title: Health insurance
uri: Health-insurance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28Health_insurance%29
content:
<p>
Robert Reich: 
<a href="http://www.alternet.org/economy/robert-reich-would-you-rather-2-or-3-big-health-insurance-companies-or-govt-run-single-payer">Would
You Rather 2 or 3 Big Health Insurance Companies, or Govt. Run Single
Payer?</a>


title: Imposing on isolated Amazon forest tribes
uri: Imposing-on-isolated-Amazon-forest-tribes
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(Imposing_on_isolated_Amazon_forest_tribes)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28Imposing_on_isolated_Amazon_forest_tribes%29

content:
<p>
Why it is 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/andes-to-the-amazon/2015/jul/07/scientists-worlds-most-isolated-tribes-decisions">wrong,
and probably deadly</a>, to impose contact on isolated Amazon forest
tribes.
<p>
We should also note that extracting oil from those regions implies
destroying first 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-nov-feb.html#21_December_2013_(Oil_and_highways_mean_destroying_the_forest_after_poisoning_the_people)">the
Amazon forest</a>, then
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-mar-jun.html#30_June_2012_(Civilization_can_not_adapt_to_warming)">global
civilization</a>.
<p>
If we leave 80% of the fossil fuel reserves in the ground, 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-may-aug.html#19_July_2011_(The_Carbon_Bubble)">as
we need to</a>, there is no reason to extract any from those areas.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(Tracking_people_by_MAC_addresses)
title: Tracking people by MAC addresses
uri: Tracking-people-by-MAC-addresses
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28Tracking_people_by_MAC_addresses%29
content:
<p>
Danish cities are tracking people by the 
<a href="https://edri.org/wifi-tracking-eprivacy-directive-denmark/">MAC
addresses of their portable wifi devices</a>.
<p>
I avoid such tracking by keeping my laptop's wifi off
except when I actually want to use it — and changing
the MAC address each time I use it in a different place.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(Kazakh_news_site_fined_for_libel)
title: Kazakh news site fined for libel
uri: Kazakh-news-site-fined-for-libel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28Kazakh_news_site_fined_for_libel%29
content:
<p>
Kazakhstan's independent news site has been fined for libel 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/08/kazakhstan-media-crackdown-independent-press">for
investigating corruption in the construction industry</a>.  This is
likely to shut it down.


title: Egypt to reduce journalism to parroting
uri: Egypt-to-reduce-journalism-to-parroting
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(Egypt_to_reduce_journalism_to_parroting)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28Egypt_to_reduce_journalism_to_parroting%29

content:
<p>
Egypt is 
<a href="http://en.rsf.org/egypt-journalists-will-face-two-years-in-06-07-2015,48076.html">about
to make it a crime to cite any unofficial source about fights with
Islamists</a>.  In effect, all journalism will be reduced to parroting
the state.
<p>
Covering the trials of alleged "terrorists" will also be a crime.
Of course, these people are not necessarily real terrorists.
They might be real dissidents.  In Egypt, they may have done no more
than be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
<p>
Aside from being an injustice in its own right, it will mean that we
hardly know anything about what is happening in Egypt's Islamist
rebellion.  We will get only the lies of a government that feels
empowered to lie.


title: Bill Cosby's formerly secret testimony
uri: Bill-Cosby-s-formerly-secret-testimony
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(Bill_Cosbys_formerly_secret_testimony)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28Bill_Cosbys_formerly_secret_testimony%29

content:
<p>
It is now certain from Bill Cosby's formerly secret testimony that he
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/07/bill-cosby-drugs-coerced-sex-rape-allegations">gave
women drugs to rape them</a>.


title: Threat of prison for doing a Borgesian remix
uri: Threat-of-prison-for-doing-a-Borgesian-remix
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(Threat_of_prison_for_doing_a_Borgesian_remix)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28Threat_of_prison_for_doing_a_Borgesian_remix%29

content:
<p>
Argentine author Pablo Katchadjian faces the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2015/jun/25/re-mixing-borges-experiment-not-a-crime-pablo-katchadjian">threat
of imprisonment</a> for doing a Borgesian remix on a short story by
Jorge Luis Borges.
<p>
I have not seen Katchadjian's story, and I don't remember "The Aleph",
but "Pierre Menard: Author of Quixote" was great fun.  It described a
(fictional) activity which would be a literary hack, like this one.
I think Borges had the spirit of a hacker.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(A_year_of_legal_marijuana_sales)
title: A year of legal marijuana sales
uri: A-year-of-legal-marijuana-sales
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28A_year_of_legal_marijuana_sales%29
content:
<p>
After a year of legal marijuana sales in Washington state, the state
has 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2015/07/06/marijuana-legalization-washington-state-one-year-status-report">saved
lots of money and obtained increased tax revenue, and lots of citizens
have been spared arrest and imprisonment</a>.
<p>
Meanwhile, use of marijuana has not increased.
There's no downside, it seems, except for private prison operators.
<p>
Chile is moving towards 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/07/chile-step-toward-cannabis-decriminalisation-marijuana">partial
legalization</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(Loan_sharks)
title: Loan sharks
uri: Loan-sharks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28Loan_sharks%29
content:
<p>
"Shark Week" targets the 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2015/07/06/shark-week-grassroots-alliance-targets-predators-poor">predators
that attack poor humans in American cities</a>: loan sharks.
<p>
The high expense of using "payday lending" is a secondary problem; the
primary problem is that many Americans are paid so little they can't
save any money and can barely get by.  Other Americans use credit
cards for the same thing.  It's a bad practice, but but poverty puts
people under stress that 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-nov-feb.html#25_November_2013_(Poverty_makes_it_hard_to_do_things_perceived_to_be_easy)">makes
it hard for them to think clearly</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(Mexican_immigrants)
title: Mexican immigrants
uri: Mexican-immigrants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28Mexican_immigrants%29
content:
<p>
Notwithstanding Donald Trump, Mexican immigrants in the US 
<a href="http://reason.com/archives/2015/07/06/trump-and-the-myth-of-immigrant-crime">tend
to be less criminal than average Americans</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(Using_robots_to_inspect_oil_pipes)
title: Using robots to inspect oil pipes
uri: Using-robots-to-inspect-oil-pipes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28Using_robots_to_inspect_oil_pipes%29

content:
<p>
Robots make it possible to inspect narrow oil pipes for cracks, but
that 
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/robots-are-wandering-through-oil-pipelines-that-have-never-been-inspected">doesn't
mean the cracks will receive prompt repair</a>.


title: The goal of giving people a better life
uri: The-goal-of-giving-people-a-better-life
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(The_goal_of_giving_people_a_better_life)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28The_goal_of_giving_people_a_better_life%29

content:
<p>
Clinton supports 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jul/07/hillary-clinton-puerto-rico-bankruptcy-law-change-debt">giving
Puerto Rico's public agencies the right to declare bankruptcy</a>.
<p>
Bernie Sanders supports this too, but reminds us that the underlying
problem is austerity and that 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2015/07/07/sanders-statement-puerto-rico">the
real goal is to give Puerto Rico's inhabitants a better life</a>.


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html 12_July_2015_(Music_streaming_disservices)
title: Music streaming disservices
uri: Music-streaming-disservices
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_%28Music_streaming_disservices%29
content:
<p>
With music streaming disservices such as Apple Play, the major record
companies and Apple are 
<a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/ewanspence/2015/06/13/apple-music-monthly-payment/">arranging
for suckers to pay a substantial amount every month to keep listening
to the same music</a>.
<p>
If the sucker ever stops paying, all the music will become inaccessible.
<p>
Don't be a sucker.


