# articles

feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Cats_killing_threatened_species)
title: Cats killing threatened species
uri: Cats-killing-threatened-species
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Cats_killing_threatened_species)
content:
 
<p>
  Feral cats, and pets as well. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/12/cats-diet-2000-species-conservation-study-aoe">kill hundreds of threatened species</a>.
  
<p>
 


title: Urgent: Eliminate corporate trade power
uri: Urgent-Eliminate-corporate-trade-power
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Urgent:_Eliminate_corporate_trade_power)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Urgent:_Eliminate_corporate_trade_power)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: Help <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/isds-campaign?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-we-are-winning-against-isds">eliminate extreme power for corporations from
U.S. trade deals</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Urgent:_Bank_capital)
title: Urgent: Bank capital
uri: Urgent-Bank-capital
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Urgent:_Bank_capital)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/bank-capital?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-inequality-media-civic-action&source=group-inequality-media-civic-action">Stop the next bank bailout -- support the Federal Reserve's
proposal to increase large bank capital requirements</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Urgent:_Inclusive_Democracy_Act)
title: Urgent: Inclusive Democracy Act
uri: Urgent-Inclusive-Democracy-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Urgent:_Inclusive_Democracy_Act)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.ayannapressley.com/sign/em_20231208_p_ap_inclusivedemocracyact_v1s1?refcode=em_20231208_p_ap_inclusivedemocracyact_v1s1&t=1002&akid=3566%2E324449%2E-tPvg4">support the Inclusive Democracy Act</a> to allow all
present and former convicts to vote.

<p>
 


title: Taliban ended opium production in Afghanistan
uri: Taliban-ended-opium-production-in-Afghanistan
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Taliban_ended_opium_production_in_Afghanistan)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Taliban_ended_opium_production_in_Afghanistan)

content:
 
<p>
The Taliban have more or less <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/12/myanmar-opium-biggest-producer-overtaking-afghanistan-unodc-study">put an end to opium production</a>
in Afghanistan.
They did this before 2001, also -- because it is part of their
religion.
<p>
This doesn't mean that there is no more heroin production.  Rather,
growing opium has moved to Burma.  With so much money to be made, it
will be produced somewhere.  This is why prohibition is generally
ineffective.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Opposing Israel's policies is not antisemitic
uri: Urgent-Opposing-Israel-s-policies-is-not-antisemitic
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Urgent:_Opposing_Israel's_policies_is_not_antisemitic)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Urgent:_Opposing_Israel's_policies_is_not_antisemitic)

content:
 
<p>
Everyone: Insist that <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/add-your-name-opposing-the-policies-of-israels-government-is-not-antisemitic?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-update-resolution-hr-894-attempting-to-silence-us">opposing the policies of Israel's government is
_not_ antisemitic</a>.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Fiscal commission death panel
uri: Urgent-Fiscal-commission-death-panel
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Urgent:_Fiscal_commission_death_panel)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Urgent:_Fiscal_commission_death_panel)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: Tell Congress that <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/death-panel-c3-c4?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-social-security-works&source=group-social-security-works">a vote for a "fiscal commission" is
a vote to cut Social Security and Medicare</a>.

<p>
 


title: Right-wing attack against government
uri: Right-wing-attack-against-government
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Right-wing_attack_against_government)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Right-wing_attack_against_government)

content:
 
<p>
A group of right-wing conspiracy believers face charges in Germany for a plan
to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/12/germany-alleged-far-right-plot-group-charged">attack Parliament and overthrow the government</a>.
<p>
After it was tried in the US, it could be tried anywhere.

<p>
 


title: Canada treats assisting suicide as murder
uri: Canada-treats-assisting-suicide-as-murder
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Canada_treats_assisting_suicide_as_murder)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Canada_treats_assisting_suicide_as_murder)

content:
 
<p>
It appears that Canada treats giving someone a supply of poison
suitable for suicide, which <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#perse">perse</a> then uses for suicide, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/12/canada-murder-poison-mail">as
"murder"</a>.
<p>
This is morally dishonest.  Enabling someone to commit suicide
is not killing, not if the person made the decision perself to do it.
<p>
That article veils so much of the facts that is hard to tell what
actually happened.  I have a suspicion that the writer, or the editor
of The Guardian, was desperate to avoid showing that the concept of
"murder" did not fit the events.
<p>
Another <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/12/canada-montreal-suicide-kits-by-mail">article</a> gives a little more of the picture.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Biden_and_Israel)
title: Biden and Israel
uri: Biden-and-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Biden_and_Israel)
content:
 
<p>
Biden has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/12/biden-netanyahu-israel-gaza-international-support-declining">amplified verbal criticism</a> of Israel for the bombardment of
Gaza.  Still no real pressure, though, and that's what it will take
to end the atrocities.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Psychedelic_treatments_for_PTSD)
title: Psychedelic treatments for PTSD
uri: Psychedelic-treatments-for-PTSD
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Psychedelic_treatments_for_PTSD)
content:
 
<p>
*Congress Is Pushing Revolutionary Research on <a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/12/12/psychedelic-research-congress-ptsd-veterans/">Psychedelic Treatments
for the Military</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(PISSI)
title: PISSI
uri: 2023-12-14-PISSI
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(PISSI)
content:
 
<p>
The UK has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/dec/12/britain-to-repatriate-woman-and-five-children-from-syrian-camps">made a few more exceptions</a> to its policy of permanently exiling
people who went to Syria to fight for <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a>, and the children they had there.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Kate_Cox)
title: Kate Cox
uri: Kate-Cox
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Kate_Cox)
content:
 
<p>
Kate Cox <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/12/kate-cox-texas-abortion-case-explained">left Texas to get an abortion</a>.  *The Texas supreme court ruled
that she cannot terminate her non-viable pregnancy there, despite
risks to her life and future fertility.*
<p>
*Kate Cox begged Texas to let her <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/12/kate-cox-emergency-abortion-texas">end a dangerous pregnancy</a>. She won’t
be the last.*  For antiabortion fanatics, making their dogma prevail justifies
causing any actual suffering to actual human beings.
<p>
The supreme court's ruling eliminated the immediate issue of whether
the attorney general could prosecute doctors for obeying the lower
court's order.  But the dangerous effect will linger even though this
case does not.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Calls_for_a_cease_fire_in_Gaza)
title: Calls for a cease fire in Gaza
uri: Calls-for-a-cease-fire-in-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Calls_for_a_cease_fire_in_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
Australia, New Zealand and Canada have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/13/albanese-calls-for-gaza-ceasefire-in-joint-statement-with-nz-and-canada-pms">called for a cease fire in Gaza</a>.
<p>
The US should join in.

<p>
 


title: Fearing unlikely danger does harm
uri: Fearing-unlikely-danger-does-harm
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Fearing_unlikely_danger_does_harm)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Fearing_unlikely_danger_does_harm)

content:
 
<p>
Teaching children to cower in fear of extremely unlikely dangers <a href="https://www.freerangekids.com/dont-tell-kids-that-someone-could-grab-them/">does
them lasting harm</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Megayachts)
title: Megayachts
uri: Megayachts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Megayachts)
content:
 
<p>
*"Megayachts" are environmentally indefensible. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/11/megayachts-environment-carbon-emissions-ban">The world must ban them</a>.*
<p>
I agree, but we should recognize that these vessels are a symptom of
concentration of wealth.  And not the most dangerous symptom, either,
Their influence over politics endangers democracy.  To fully fix this
problem, we need to eliminate the possibility of possessing billions
of dollars.
<p>
Taxing wealth would be one way to do that.

<p>
 


title: Israel unwilling to consider temporary truce unless it kills HAMAS leaders
uri: Israel-unwilling-to-consider-temporary-truce-unless-it-kills-HAMAS-lea
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Israel_unwilling_to_consider_temporary_truce_unless_it_kills_HAMAS_leaders)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Israel_unwilling_to_consider_temporary_truce_unless_it_kills_HAMAS_leaders)

content:
 
<p>
Israel is reportedly unwilling to consider another temporary truce
unless <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/11/gaza-ceasefire-negotiations-unlikely-to-restart-for-weeks-diplomats-say">it kills the highest leaders of HAMAS and gets proof they are dead</a>.
<p>
Biden has reportedly acquiesced to this and will not even try to pressure
Israel to stop its murderous bombardments.

<p>
 


title: Fossil fuel lobbyists attend Cop28 talks
uri: Fossil-fuel-lobbyists-attend-Cop28-talks
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Fossil_fuel_lobbyists_attend_Cop28_talks)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Fossil_fuel_lobbyists_attend_Cop28_talks)

content:
 
<p>
*UN organizers allow[ed] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/11/fossil-fuel-lobbyists-attend-cop28-climate-talks">[160] groups that have obstructed fossil
fuel regulations and other climate action to attend [COP28]</a>, watchdog
finds.*

<p>
 


title: Middle-class fear of green policies
uri: Middle-class-fear-of-green-policies
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Middle-class_fear_of_green_policies)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Middle-class_fear_of_green_policies)

content:
 
<p>
*Middle-class fear of green policies fuels <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/09/middle-class-fear-green-policies-fuels-rise-of-far-right-colombias-petro-warns-aoe">rise of far right</a>,
Colombia’s Petro warns.*

<p>
 


title: Online gambling site lobbied against deceptive marketing law
uri: Online-gambling-site-lobbied-against-deceptive-marketing-law
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Online_gambling_site_lobbied_against_deceptive_marketing_law)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Online_gambling_site_lobbied_against_deceptive_marketing_law)

content:
 
<p>
A multinational online gambling site <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/09/fanduel-new-york-safety-minors-gambling-addiction-sport-betting">lobbied against the New York
State law that prohibited marketing deceptively</a>, or to young people
and gambling addicts.


 


title: "Death certificates" for small island states
uri: Death-certificates-for-small-island-states
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Death_certificates_for_small_island_states)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Death_certificates_for_small_island_states)

content:
 
<p>

*   A group of countries including Australia, the US, UK, Canada and Japan
have said they will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/12/cop-28-australia-us-and-uk-say-they-wont-sign-agreement-that-would-be-death-certificate-for-small-islands">"not be a co-signatory" to "death certificates"</a> for
   small island states, and have demanded a stronger agreement at the
   COP28 summit to deal with fossil fuels and address the climate
   crisis.*
</p>
<p>
At least that is pushing in the right direction.  But it seems to late to
lead to a better agreement this year.
</p>
<p>
This inadequate agreement was prepared by the UAE, which appears to be
using its power in precisely the sort of sabotage we all expected.
</p>
</li>

 


title: University presidents questioned on antisemitic statements
uri: University-presidents-questioned-on-antisemitic-statements
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(University_presidents_questioned_on_antisemitic_statements)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(University_presidents_questioned_on_antisemitic_statements)

content:
 
<p>

  Some US university presidents were <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/06/investing/bill-ackman-harvard-penn-antisemitism/index.html">asked by a congressional committee</a>
to explain why they did not punish students for stating antisemitic
views.  They explained that they were defending freedom of speech,
which courts have ruled does apply to college students.  That includes
the right to express any views whatsoever.
</p>
<p>
  They are now facing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/08/universities-pennsylvania-harvard-mit-antisemitism">waves of hatred</a> for respecting the US Constitution.
</p>
<p>
  Subsequently the president of U Penn <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/09/university-of-pennsylvania-president-free-speech-antisemitism">did resign</a>.
  The article does not report why she yielded to this pressure.
</p>
<p>
It appears that opposition to antisemitism, opposition which I join
in, is being <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(HAMAS_not_following_rules_of_war)">twisted into an excuse</a> to shut down criticism of Israel's
war crimes.
</p>
<p>
Those are two different issues; condemnation of Israel's war crimes
does not logically entail any opinion about Jews, just as condemnation
of HAMAS's war crimes does not logically entail any opinion about
Palestinians.  I condemn those war crimes without antisemitism and
without condemning the existence of Israel.
</p>
<p>
The word "intifada" means "uprising".  Palestinians have used
different methods for uprising against the occupation, some of which
used violence.  The occupation itself uses violence too.
</p>
<p>
Describing Palestine as stretching "from the river to the sea" does
not embody antisemitism as such, but it does imply the disappearance
of Israel.  I oppose that goal, and therefore criticize that phrase,
but I respect the freedom of speech of those who disagree with me on
this issue.
</p>
<p>
Many right-wing extremists reject outright the idea that the same
moral rules apply to them and to the rest of us.  Rep. Stefanik, a
right-wing extremist, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/11/elise-stefanik-antisemitism-congress-trump-upenn-resignation">supports a fascist US presidential contender</a>,
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a>, who publicly welcomes support from antisemites
and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#10_December_2021_(Senate_blocking_Biden's_nominee)">even Nazis</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Freshwater fish at risk of extinction
uri: Freshwater-fish-at-risk-of-extinction
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Freshwater_fish_at_risk_of_extinction)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Freshwater_fish_at_risk_of_extinction)

content:
 
<p>

  *{One] quarter of world’s freshwater fish [species] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/11/quarter-of-worlds-freshwater-fish-at-risk-of-extinction-age-of-extinction-aoe">at risk of extinction</a>,
according to assessment.*
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Dictator_of_Nicaragua)
title: Dictator of Nicaragua
uri: Dictator-of-Nicaragua
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Dictator_of_Nicaragua)
content:
 
<p>

The dictator of Nicaragua has reached a level of irrational
persecution worthy of Stalin or Caligula.  Dictator Ortega (or was it
his wife?)  accused the director of the Miss Nicaragua beauty contest
of treason and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/12/miss-nicaragua-pageant-director-quits-treason-karen-celebertti">then arrested her husband and son</a>, all because
   the contest winner turned out to have participated in a protest
against the ruling couple in 2018.
</p>
</li>

 


title: EU rules on real time biometric surveillance
uri: EU-rules-on-real-time-biometric-surveillance
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(EU_rules_on_real_time_biometric_surveillance)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(EU_rules_on_real_time_biometric_surveillance)

content:
 
<p>

  The EU has agreed on <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/11/eu-agrees-tough-rules-on-police-use-of-ai-biometric-surveillance-ban">strict rules</a> on real time surveillance by biometric
recognition.
  These rules seem pretty good to me &mdash; they will allow what society needs,
but not much more.
</p>
<p>
It is not clear to me whether any of these limits apply to searching
the millions of hours of stored video footage, which increasingly
cover every public place.  To preserve justice and privacy, that must
be subject to he same rules.
</p>
<p>
And rules must apply to all private entities that collect or
accumulate such data.  If they cover public entities only,
it will be easy to bypass them.
</p>
<p>
The rules to limit using algorithms to discriminate between
individuals seem to be a big step in the right direction.  I can't
tell from this article whether they go far enough; maybe only experience
with the system that has just been enacted will tell us that.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Number of Americans with medical debt
uri: Number-of-Americans-with-medical-debt
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Number_of_Americans_with_medical_debt)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Number_of_Americans_with_medical_debt)

content:
 
<p>

  Almost 1/3 of all Americans now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2023/dec/11/medical-debt-healthcare-affordability-inflation">have medical debt</a>, as most medical
insurance plans push more and more of the cost onto the patient.
</p>
<p>
European countries' medical systems have been getting worse, too.  A
French friend told me that the medical system there is much stingier
now &mdash; but it still beats the US by a large margin, even though it
costs less.
</p>
<p>
I suspect that is due to the fact that the US operates mostly
in medical insurance run by private companies, and most of them
are unscrupulously greedy.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Tripling renewable energy generation
uri: Tripling-renewable-energy-generation
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Tripling_renewable_energy_generation)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Tripling_renewable_energy_generation)

content:
 
<p>

It is feasible for the world to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/dec/09/cop28-vow-to-triple-renewables-is-within-reach">triple renewable electric generation
    by 2030</a>, with effort.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Project_Veritas)
title: Project Veritas
uri: Project-Veritas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Project_Veritas)
content:
 
<p>

"Project Veritas", the right-wing whistleblower which used misleading edited
videos to attack progressive organizations, is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/12/project-veritas-hannah-giles-resigns-alleged-past-illegality">floundering</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: What British government needs to learn for next pandemic
uri: What-British-government-needs-to-learn-for-next-pandemic
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(What_British_government_needs_to_learn_for_next_pandemic)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(What_British_government_needs_to_learn_for_next_pandemic)

content:
 
<p>

  What Britain's government <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/12/political-blame-game-covid-inquiry-pandemic">needs to learn</a> in order to deal honestly,
rationally and effectively with the next pandemic.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Protections for nature during fossil fuel phase-out
uri: Protections-for-nature-during-fossil-fuel-phase-out
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Protections_for_nature_during_fossil_fuel_phase-out)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Protections_for_nature_during_fossil_fuel_phase-out)

content:
 
<p>

*Fossil fuel phase-out [alpne] will "not avert climate breakdown
without protections for nature."*
</p>
<p>
That means <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/11/fossil-fuel-phase-out-climate-breakdown-protect-natural-world-cop28">protecting *carbon sinks such as forests and wetlands.*</a>
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Rule_on_arms_transfers)
title: Rule on arms transfers
uri: Rule-on-arms-transfers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Rule_on_arms_transfers)
content:
 
<p>

  Biden <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/10/biden-under-scrutiny-bypassing-congress-supply-tank-shells-israel-gaza">made a rule</a> that *all arms transfers to foreign governments be
   subject to rigorous and continual examination of the recipient’s
   record on the Geneva conventions and other global norms for
   conducting warfare.* But, in order to overlook the mass killing of
   civilians in Gaza, he is not following the rule in Israel's case.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(UK_cops_use_of_tasers_on_blacks)
title: UK cops use of tasers on blacks
uri: UK-cops-use-of-tasers-on-blacks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(UK_cops_use_of_tasers_on_blacks)
content:
 
<p>

A study found that the reason why UK cops use tasers more often against
blacks than against whites (it's a fact that they do so) is because
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/dec/13/structural-racism-behind-increased-taser-use-against-black-people-report-finds">they perceive a black as more threatening than a white</a> would be.
</p>
<p>
Another cause is that they think of a taser as a way to "make people
obey."
</p>
</li>

 


title: Demand for Hunter Biden to testify privately
uri: Demand-for-Hunter-Biden-to-testify-privately
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Demand_for_Hunter_Biden_to_testify_privately)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Demand_for_Hunter_Biden_to_testify_privately)

content:
 
<p>

Republicans in Congress, investigating Hunter Biden, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/13/hunter-biden-subpoena-republican">demand that he testify
    privately</a>.  He says that he will testify only if it is public.
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(Poland_violating_human_rights)
title: Poland violating human rights
uri: Poland-violating-human-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(Poland_violating_human_rights)
content:
 
<p>
*European court of human rights finds that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/dec/14/poland-violated-human-rights-of-woman-in-abortion-case-european-court-rules">Polish abortion
legislation breached a pregnant woman’s right to privacy and family
life</a>, after her foetus was diagnosed with Down’s syndrome.*

<p>
 


title: HAMAS operatives arrested in Europe
uri: HAMAS-operatives-arrested-in-Europe
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(HAMAS_operatives_arrested_in_Europe)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(HAMAS_operatives_arrested_in_Europe)

content:
 
<p>
HAMAS operatives have been charged with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/14/four-arrested-in-europe-over-alleged-cross-border-hamas-terrorism-plot">planning to attack Jewish
institutions in Europe</a>.

<p>
 


title: PAT RIOT Act Section 702 extended
uri: PAT-RIOT-Act-Section-702-extended
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(PAT_RIOT_Act_Section_702_extended)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(PAT_RIOT_Act_Section_702_extended)

content:
 
<p>
The House of Representatives voted to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/aclu-slams-congress-for-ndaa-vote-extending-mass-surveillance-program-with-no-reforms">extend section 702</a> of the PAT RIOT Act
for four months.
That section <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jan-apr.html#26_April_2015_(Sun_Must_Go_Down)">authorizes massive surveillance</a>.
<p>
I don't know whether the Senate has passed a similar bill.
In any case, the battle is not over.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: End hedge fund control of homes
uri: Urgent-End-hedge-fund-control-of-homes
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(Urgent:_End_hedge_fund_control_of_homes)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(Urgent:_End_hedge_fund_control_of_homes)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter to support the End Hedge Fund
Control of American Homes Act.  This would ban hedge funds from owning
single-family homes, and require them to sell to families at least 10%
of the single-family homes they currently own, each year, so that
after 10 years they will no longer own any.
<p>
It seems to be that ownership of too many such houses by any owner,
whether human or corporate, should also be prohibited.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(Yao_Hui_Charles_Yeo)
title: Yao Hui Charles Yeo
uri: Yao-Hui-Charles-Yeo
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(Yao_Hui_Charles_Yeo)
content:
 
<p>
Yao Hui Charles Yeo, a persecuted human rights defender who fled
Singapore to ask for asylum in the UK, says he would <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/dec/13/singapore-activist-due-for-bibby-stockholm-would-rather-die-on-street">rather live or
die on the streets, than live in the barge in isolated Portland</a> where
one of the people sent there has already committed suicide.
<p>
The barge's official name is Bibby Stockholm, but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/dec/13/growing-despair-of-asylum-seekers-on-bibby-stockholm-over-living-conditions">Hostile Environment</a>
might be a more fitting name.  It is not exactly a prison, and the
people made to live there can leave when they wish, but they have to
go through an airport-style search plus a body search each time.
<p>
They also say that there is not enough food at meals for all of them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(Strike_on_children's_hospital)
title: Strike on children's hospital
uri: Strike-on-children-s-hospital
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(Strike_on_children's_hospital)
content:
 
<p>
*[<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#putinforces">Putin forces</a>'] strikes on Kyiv <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/13/russia-war-ukraine-strikes-kyiv-childrens-hospital-ukraine-injurie">damage children's hospital and leave
more than 50 injured</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(PFAS)
title: PFAS
uri: 2023-12-17-PFAS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(PFAS)
content:
 
<p>
Sea foam at the Belgian and Dutch cost has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/13/netherlands-children-not-swallow-sea-foam-pfas-concerns">concentrations of PFAS</a>
that make swallowing it potentially dangerous.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(Calls_for_ceasefire)
title: Calls for ceasefire
uri: Calls-for-ceasefire
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(Calls_for_ceasefire)
content:
 
<p>
Pressure from Australians in the Labor Party convinced the government
to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/13/labor-gaza-ceasefire-policy-stance-un">call for an end to the fighting in Gaza</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(Urgent:_mail-in_ballots)
title: Urgent: mail-in ballots
uri: Urgent-mail-in-ballots
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(Urgent:_mail-in_ballots)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on all 50 states to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/increase-youth-turnout-become-a-vote-at-home-state?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-able-dems&source=direct_link">mail a mail-in ballot to each eligible
voter</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(Cop38)
title: Cop38
uri: Cop38
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(Cop38)
content:
 
<p>
Cop28 ended with a global agreement to stop using fossil fuels, but
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/13/cop28-deal-significant-progress-tackle-climate-crisis">without specific enforcement requirements suitable to ensure progress
towards that goal</a>.
<p>
*Summit president [al-Jaber] hails "historic package to accelerate
climate action", but critics decry <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/13/cop28-landmark-deal-agreed-to-transition-away-from-fossil-fuels">"litany of loopholes" in final
text</a>.*
<p>
Some climate scientists have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/14/failure-cop28-fossil-fuel-phase-out-devastating-say-scientists">called its weakness a disaster</a>.
<p>
This gives UAE oil emir al-Jaber an excuse to claim to have achieved
great theoretical progress while in practice continuing to sell as
much oil as he can pump.

<p>
 


title: Argentina eliminated fossil fuel subsidies
uri: Argentina-eliminated-fossil-fuel-subsidies
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(Argentina_eliminated_fossil_fuel_subsidies)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(Argentina_eliminated_fossil_fuel_subsidies)

content:
 
<p>
Argentina has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/13/argentina-new-government-devalues-peso-economic-crisis">eliminated subsidies for fossil fuel</a>, along with other
measures to reduce government expenditure.
<p>
Cutting subsidies for fossil fuels is essential for many reasons, but
to avoid causing immediate hardship for people of low income, this
needs to be accompanied by increased support for people and families
of low income.  This increase must <em>not</em> depend on actual fossil fuel
consumption!  Therefore it will compensate for the increased cost of
fossil fuels without reducing their price.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(Abascal)
title: Abascal
uri: Abascal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(Abascal)
content:
 
<p>
Abascal, the leader of Spain's far-right party, went to Argentina to
congratulate the new right-wing president Milei, and there in an
interview indirectly compared Prime Minister Sánchez of Spain to a
dictator, by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/13/far-right-vox-leader-strung-up-remark-spain-santiago-abascal-pedro-sanchez">hinting that Spain would someday wish to kill him as
Italians killed the fascist dictator Mussolini</a>.
<p>
His statement was typical right-wing bullshit, accusing left-wing
leaders of the very wrongs that right-wing leaders are visibly doing.
Their tactics are the road to fascist dictatorship.
<p>
What worries me is the idea of prosecuting the statement as
"incitement to violence."  The statement in question predicts a desire
for violence, but doesn't actually urge violence.
<p>
It's clear that Abascal's statement was meant to encourage right-wing
hatred that his party is based on, and clear that such hatred
sometimes spills out as physical violence.  Abascal surely knows this.
<p>
But I am still afraid that criminalizing such statements will become a
form of repression.  Compare this with the widespread state-supported
effort to cast the protests against Israel's lightly veiled mass
murder in Gaza as "support for terrorism".  Protesters in the UK have
been <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_November_2023_(Tory_plan_to_ban_glorifying_terrorism)">threatened with prosecution for "glorifying terrorism"</a>
based on statements in support of Palestinians.
That is directly comparable to the prosecution of Abascal.
<p>
It is also an exaggeration comparable to Abascal's own exaggeration.
(A controversial coalition agreement is not tantamount to becoming a
dictator.)
<p>
Such exaggeration always deserves a rebuke, but criminalizing it is a
threat to freedom of speech.  That path leads to oppressive
practices such as these, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/13/thai-mp-rukchanok-srinork-jailed-for-insulting-monarchy-on-social-media">found in Thailand</a>.


 


title: Illegal loggers and miners in Amazon
uri: Illegal-loggers-and-miners-in-Amazon
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#17_December_2023_(Illegal_loggers_and_miners_in_Amazon)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#17_December_2023_(Illegal_loggers_and_miners_in_Amazon)

content:
 
<p>

* Secrecy and lax oversight mean illegal loggers and miners in Amazon
can <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/26/environmental-money-easy-to-stash-in-us-due-to-loopholes-report-finds">park billions [of dollars] in real estate and other assets [in the US]</a>.*
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#17_December_2023_(Thugs_that_killed_Mario_Gonzalez)
title: Thugs that killed Mario Gonzalez
uri: Thugs-that-killed-Mario-Gonzalez
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#17_December_2023_(Thugs_that_killed_Mario_Gonzalez)
content:
 
<p>

The city that employed the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> that killed already-handcuffed Mario
Gonzalez will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/15/california-police-settlement-killed-man-mario-gonzalez-alameda">pay his family 11 million dollars</a>, but will the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> be
punished?
</p>
<p>
Until the killers themselves face punishment, they will expect to get away
with their crimes.
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Clothing manufacturers use of fossil fuels
uri: Urgent-Clothing-manufacturers-use-of-fossil-fuels
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#17_December_2023_(Urgent:_Clothing_manufacturers_use_of_fossil_fuels)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#17_December_2023_(Urgent:_Clothing_manufacturers_use_of_fossil_fuels)

content:
 
<p>

  Everyone: call on clothing manufacturers to <a href="https://act.stand.earth/page/26072/petition/1">phase out fossil fuels</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act
uri: Urgent-Plastic-Pellet-Free-Waters-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#17_December_2023_(Urgent:_Plastic_Pellet_Free_Waters_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#17_December_2023_(Urgent:_Plastic_Pellet_Free_Waters_Act)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on your senators to <a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/">support the Plastic Pellet Free
    Waters Act</a>, which would prohibit release of plastic "nurdles" into US
waterways.
</p>
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Refer Leonard Leo for contempt of Congress
uri: Urgent-Refer-Leonard-Leo-for-contempt-of-Congress
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#17_December_2023_(Urgent:_Refer_Leonard_Leo_for_contempt_of_Congress)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#17_December_2023_(Urgent:_Refer_Leonard_Leo_for_contempt_of_Congress)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the Senate to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/a-subpoena-is-not-a-suggestion-call-on-the-us-senate-to-refer-leonard-leo-to-the-justice-department-for-contempt-of-congress">refer Leonard Leo to the Justice
    Department for contempt of Congress</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Politicians shouldn't make our medical decisions
uri: Urgent-Politicians-shouldn-t-make-our-medical-decisions
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#17_December_2023_(Urgent:_Politicians_shouldn't_make_our_medical_decisions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#17_December_2023_(Urgent:_Politicians_shouldn't_make_our_medical_decisions)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: state that politicians <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/politicians-shouldnt-make-our-medical-decisions-do-you-agree">shouldn't make our medical
    decisions</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#17_December_2023_(Urgent:_Generated_images_of_war)
title: Urgent: Generated images of war
uri: Urgent-Generated-images-of-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#17_December_2023_(Urgent:_Generated_images_of_war)
content:
 
<p>

  Everyone: Tell the Adobe CEO to <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/ai-images">stop selling generated images of war</a>.
</p>
</li>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#17_December_2023_(Attachment_to_eating_meat)
title: Attachment to eating meat
uri: Attachment-to-eating-meat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#17_December_2023_(Attachment_to_eating_meat)
content:
 
<p>

George Monbiot reports on the billions of dollars that the enormous
meat industry can spend on <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/14/livestock-farming-soy-soyboy">sowing irrational attachment to eating far
    too much meat</a> &mdash; and the forms of attachment we see around us.
</p>
<p>
He reports on how the UN Food and Agriculture organization has been captured
by the meat industry, and how Cop28 was blocked from even proposing that
we eat less meat.
</p>
<p>
The amount of meat we eat in the US and many other wealthy countries
is too much, because it is <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-jul-oct.html#15_September_2021_(Global_farm_subsidies)">bad for the ecosphere's health and bad for
    each human's health</a>.
</p>
<p>
Meat production does harm to the ecosphere first by deforestation to
make more farmland to grow feed for animals, then by fertilizer runoff
from those farms. then through the waste that the animals produce.
All these harms are massive in scale because the quantities or meat
produced are massive.
</p>
</li>

 


title: "Obstruction of an official proceeding" case
uri: Obstruction-of-an-official-proceeding-case
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#17_December_2023_(Obstruction_of_an_official_proceeding_case)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#17_December_2023_(Obstruction_of_an_official_proceeding_case)

content:
 
<p>

*   [Supreme court] to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2023/dec/13/us-supreme-court-jan-6-appeal-obstruction-biden-trump">rule on scope of "obstruction of an official proceeding"
    charge</a> after lower-court judge dismissed three cases.*
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#17_December_2023_(Research_on_gun_violence)
title: Research on gun violence
uri: Research-on-gun-violence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#17_December_2023_(Research_on_gun_violence)
content:
 
<p>

  Congress <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/26/mass-shooting-gun-violence-research">ended funding for research into gun violence</a> after a research
project showed that families with a gun in the home were more likely
to have someone killed with a gun.
</p>
</li>

 


title: ACLU defending NRA against government harassment
uri: ACLU-defending-NRA-against-government-harassment
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(ACLU_defending_NRA_against_government_harassment)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(ACLU_defending_NRA_against_government_harassment)

content:
 
<p>
The ACLU is defending the NRA against government campaigns to <a href="https://reason.com/2023/12/15/this-nra-supreme-court-case-has-big-implications-for-porn/">extralegally
intimidate banks into refusing it as a customer</a>.  The same case
will defend many other sorts of organizations from harassment based on
political views.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_((Satire)_Toyota_babies)
title: (Satire) Toyota babies
uri: (Satire)-Toyota-babies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_((Satire)_Toyota_babies)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Toyota Reveals That <a href="https://www.theonion.com/toyota-reveals-that-any-babies-conceived-in-backseats-o-1851088499">Any Babies Conceived In Backseats Of
Their Cars Belong To Them Now</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(Trial_for_supporting_democracy)
title: Trial for supporting democracy
uri: Trial-for-supporting-democracy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(Trial_for_supporting_democracy)
content:
 
<p>
China is putting former Hong Kong newspaper publisher Jimmy Lai <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/17/jimmy-lai-trial-begins-hong-kong">on
trial for supporting democracy</a> (they describe it in different terms).
After he is convicted, he will probably spend the rest of his life in
prison.
<p>
China would probably claim those statements are false -- that it is
"Hong Kong's" courts, not China's, that the charges are undermining
order and national security, Those are typical lies of repressive
tyrannies such as China.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(Push_Netanyahu_out_of_power)
title: Push Netanyahu out of power
uri: Push-Netanyahu-out-of-power
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(Push_Netanyahu_out_of_power)
content:
 
<p>
Calling on Biden to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/15/gaza-war-benjamin-netanyahu-joe-biden-israel-us">push Netanyahu out of power in Israel</a>
so that Israel can accept reasonable terms for peace in Gaza.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(Unguided_munitions)
title: Unguided munitions
uri: Unguided-munitions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(Unguided_munitions)
content:
 
<p>
*[At least 40%] of the air-to-ground munitions that Israel has used in
Gaza since October 7 <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2023/12/13/politics/intelligence-assessment-dumb-bombs-israel-gaza/index.html">have been unguided</a>, otherwise known as "dumb
bombs."*
<p>
When bombing in Gaza, to hit some Palestinian civilians does not
require great precision.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(AI_doomsday_distraction)
title: AI doomsday distraction
uri: AI-doomsday-distraction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(AI_doomsday_distraction)
content:
 
<p>
*AI doomsday warnings a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/oct/29/ai-doomsday-warnings-a-distraction-from-the-danger-it-already-poses-warns-expert">distraction from the danger</a> it already poses,*
such as the recommendation engines of antisocial media platforms that
encourage the spread of disinformation and hatred.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(Big_lie_vs_facts)
title: Big lie vs facts
uri: Big-lie-vs-facts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(Big_lie_vs_facts)
content:
 
<p>
*You can't fight the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/commentisfree/2023/oct/29/you-cant-fight-the-republican-partys-big-lie-with-facts-alone">Republican party's "big lie" [that the wrecker
really won the 2020 election]</a> with facts alone.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(Global_heating)
title: Global heating
uri: 2023-12-18-Global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(Global_heating)
content:
 
<p>
The <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/10/29/2202408/-Climate-Scientist-s-Frightening-Warning?_=2023-10-29T16:34:25.000-07:00">new records set by global heating (and its consequences)</a> this year
are frightening.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(Abortion_persecution)
title: Abortion persecution
uri: Abortion-persecution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(Abortion_persecution)
content:
 
<p>
Various US states have found legal pretexts to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/30/self-managed-abortions-arrest-investiagtion-roe-v-wade">persecute 61 women</a> for
giving themselves abortions or helping with them.  Many have suffered
lasting harm as a result.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(Platform_feudalism)
title: Platform feudalism
uri: Platform-feudalism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(Platform_feudalism)
content:
 
<p>
Yanis Varoufakis claims that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/oct/30/the-big-idea-has-the-digital-economy-killed-capitalism">capitalism has given way to a form of
platform feudalism</a>, where the dominant powers are the companies that
charge rent for transactions passing through digital platforms that
most people consider impossible to avoid.
<p>
It is not in fact impossible -- I almost never touch any of them --
but avoiding them does require an effort.  I am able to stand firm in
this effort because I hate the wrongs they impose on individuals
(nonfree software and tracking each person) even more than their
wealth and power.
<p>
Most people don't appreciate the <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">injustice of that nonfree software</a> or the <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">tracking of everyone</a>
so they can't draw strength and resilience from that source.
<p>
If you want to discuss Varoufakis's interesting political theory, I
suggest <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#CloudComputing">not adopting the term "cloud"</a> that he so often uses.  That is a
marketing term designed to distract the mind from the one-user-at-a-time
wrong that these companies' sites do to each user.
<p>
Pity <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/oct/28/its-just-a-matter-of-time-why-ai-could-help-europe-create-its-own-apple-or-google">the poor fools who think that what Europe needs is "its own Apple
or Google"</a>.  One of each of those is too many.  And pity even more the
Europeans, if that quest for home-grown European feudal lords is a
success.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(Pasteurella)
title: Pasteurella
uri: Pasteurella
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(Pasteurella)
content:
 
<p>
Hot weather has made a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/01/mystery-elephant-deaths-botswana-zimbabwe-pasteurella-bisgaard-taxon-45-aoe">normally harmless Pasteurella species start killing elephants in Africa</a>, and antelopes in central Asia.It was never observed to cause disease before.
<p>
It could happen to other species of mammals, including perhaps our own.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(Type_2_diabetes)
title: Type 2 diabetes
uri: Type-2-diabetes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(Type_2_diabetes)
content:
 
<p>
High levels of particulate air pollution <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/nov/01/air-pollution-raises-risk-of-type-2-diabetes-says-landmark-indian-study-acc">significantly increases the danger of
getting type 2 diabetes</a>.
The pollution of Delhi may more than double that probability.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(Leaderless_horizontal_protests)
title: Leaderless horizontal protests
uri: Leaderless-horizontal-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(Leaderless_horizontal_protests)
content:
 
<p>
In the decade after 2010, many countries <a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/10/06/deconstructed-mass-protest-movements-vincent-bevins/">experienced leaderless
horizontal protests</a>,- some of them very large.  But hardly any gained
anything for democracy or justice, or whatever causes had motivated
the protests.
<p>
Some were co-opted by right-wing forces that were organized.  Others
suffered from having no leaders that could negotiate to accept
concessions from the state.
<p>
President Rousseff of Brazil, a leftist who had been tortured by the
same military <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> that were bashing mass protesters in Sao Paulo,
watched the protests on TV trying to figure out what the protesters
wanted -- so she could do that for them.  But there was no answer to
be had, because they were not organized enough to have agreed on
anything specific.  She could only guess.
<p>
The article explains how organized right-wing extremists put the blame
on her, and that eventually led to making Bolsonaro president.

<p>
 


title: Discouraged from speaking up about dangerous chemicals
uri: Discouraged-from-speaking-up-about-dangerous-chemicals
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(Discouraged_from_speaking_up_about_dangerous_chemicals)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(Discouraged_from_speaking_up_about_dangerous_chemicals)

content:
 
<p>
*[Former <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#epa">EPA</a> employee] Karen McCormack says regulators at [that]
environmental agency are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/15/epa-failing-public-health-pesticides-chemicals">discouraged from speaking up</a> about
dangerous chemicals.*
<p>
She said *that she believed the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#epa">EPA</a> was not
fulfilling its mission to protect the public from harmful chemicals.*
One example is the weedkiller, paraquat.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(Humanitarian_cataclysm)
title: Humanitarian cataclysm
uri: Humanitarian-cataclysm
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#18_December_2023_(Humanitarian_cataclysm)
content:
 
<p>
* Senator [Sanders] introduces resolution to investigate "<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/15/bernie-sanders-israel-bombing-resolution-gaza">humanitarian
cataclysm …  being done with American bombs and money</a>".*


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Urgent:_voter_suppression)
title: Urgent: voter suppression
uri: Urgent-voter-suppression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Urgent:_voter_suppression)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-we-need-federal-legislation-to-tackle-rampant-voter-suppression-2?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-able-dems&source=direct_link">pass federal legislation to
 tackle rampant voter suppression</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Farhana_school_bombed)
title: Farhana school bombed
uri: Farhana-school-bombed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Farhana_school_bombed)
content:
 
<p>
Israel bombed the Farhana school twice in one day.  The second time, the drone
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/16/al-jazeera-cameraman-killed-in-israeli-strike-on-gaza-school-broadcaster-says">killed a journalist</a> who had come to cover the results of the first bomb.
<p>
Civilians who had had to flee their homes were taking shelter in the school.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Wrecker's_white_supremacy)
title: Wrecker's white supremacy
uri: Wrecker-s-white-supremacy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Wrecker's_white_supremacy)
content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">The wrecker</a> is pushing hard to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/16/trump-immigrants-new-hampshire-rally">endorse white supremacist rhetoric</a> which reminds me of Nazism.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Medical_quackery)
title: Medical quackery
uri: 2023-12-19-Medical-quackery
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Medical_quackery)
content:
 
<p>
Speculation on why <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/17/king-charles-has-appointed-homeopath-why-do-elite-put-faith-in-snake-oil">so many members of elites believe in medical
quackery</a>.
<p>
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeopathy">Homeopathy</a> is quackery with dilutions of grandeur.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: oppose FISA Reform and Reauthorization act
uri: Urgent-oppose-FISA-Reform-and-Reauthorization-act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Urgent:_oppose_FISA_Reform_and_Reauthorization_act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Urgent:_oppose_FISA_Reform_and_Reauthorization_act)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/patriot-act-v2/?t=1002&akid=31612%2E96703%2E4Cbxm-">oppose the FISA Reform and
Reauthorization Act</a>, which would continue the massive surveillance of
section 702.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: reject logging primary forests
uri: Urgent-reject-logging-primary-forests
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Urgent:_reject_logging_primary_forests)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Urgent:_reject_logging_primary_forests)

content:
 
<p>
Everyone: call on Canada and the US <a href="https://act.stand.earth/page/51402/petition/1?ea.tracking.id=email-ea">reject logging of primary forests</a>
to burn for generating electricity.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Urgent:_reform_bankruptcy_law)
title: Urgent: reform bankruptcy law
uri: Urgent-reform-bankruptcy-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Urgent:_reform_bankruptcy_law)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/purdue-pharma-bankruptcy/">reform bankruptcy law so that company
owners who are liable due to negligence can't get off the hook through
the bankruptcy of the company</a>.

<p>
 


title: Handing medical records to officials without warrants.
uri: Handing-medical-records-to-officials-without-warrants
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Handing_medical_records_to_officials_without_warrants.)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Handing_medical_records_to_officials_without_warrants.)

content:
 
<p>
CVS, Kroger and Rite Aid pharmacies allow pharmacy staff to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/12/12/pharmacy-records-police-privacy-abortion/">hand over
customers’ medical records to officials, without a warrant</a>.
<p>
These records can show, for instance, whether you had an abortion,
even in another state.  Prosecutors can get the data in their own state,
or in some other state which gives customers weaker legal protections.
<p>
Even if a company insisted on a warrant before handing over your data,
that is not sufficient to uphold your rights, because <em>a warrant for
the company</em> is not the same thing as <em>a warrant for you</em>.
<p>
If a warrant demands you hand over your data, you will know about it
and you can challenge its validity in court.  If a company receives a
warrant to hand over your data, the company could challenge the
warrant's validity, but a company whose main goal is wealth is not
likely to care.  It would hand over your data and not tell you.

<p>
 


title: Eugenics, natalism, and white nationalism
uri: Eugenics-natalism-and-white-nationalism
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Eugenics,_natalism,_and_white_nationalism)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Eugenics,_natalism,_and_white_nationalism)

content:
 
<p>
The connections between eugenics, natalism and white nationalism are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/04/natal-conference-austin-texas-eugenics">becoming concrete and detectable through an event which brings them together</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Chile_constitution)
title: Chile constitution
uri: Chile-constitution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Chile_constitution)
content:
 
<p>
*Chile votes to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/18/chile-votes-reject-conservative-constitution-referendum-womens-rights">reject new conservative constitution which threatened
rights of women</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Israel_killed_hostages)
title: Israel killed hostages
uri: Israel-killed-hostages
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Israel_killed_hostages)
content:
 
<p>
Three hostages escaped from HAMAS, only to be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/16/idf-says-hostages-it-killed-were-bare-chested-and-waving-white-flag">killed by Israeli
soldiers</a> who repeatedly refused to believe their various efforts to
communicate that they were escaped hostages.
<p>
It is clear that the Israeli army is so suspicious of traps that it
has, in effect, decided to kill anyone who appears in the wrong place
and ask questions later.
<p>
Many Israelis are very angry at the government over this, and some
protesters are calling for negotiation with HAMAS.
<p>
This could provide an opportunity to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#25_November_2019_(Netanyahu_indicted)">push Netanyahu out of power
so that he can be convicted of corruption</a> and imprisoned.
<p>
Then there will be the problem of what to do about right-wing
terrorists who systematically harass and attack Palestinians
in their homes, as the state <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> do nothing to protect the latter.
<p>
Israel owes Palestine the land and buildings that these "settlers"
live on and in.  Returning those to Palestine will deprive the
"settlers" of the platform with which they use violence to boost
racism.
<p>
The bombardment and invasion of Gaza has killed around 19,000
Palestinians whose death has been counted.  Subtract a few thousand
who were HAMAS fighters, and add a few thousand specific individuals
(surely mostly civilians) known to have been <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_November_2023_(Palestinians_buried_under_rubble)">trapped under the rubble
of bombarded buildings</a>,
and we get a rough estimate of 20,000
Palestinians civilians killed.  By continuing the war in the same
fashion, Israel is sure to kill thousands more civilians.  Those who
are dying of cold, hunger and disease are also being killed by
Israel's war -- any <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege">siege</A> is an act of war.
<p>
Israel cannot justify killing thousands more civilians by military
goals.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Wood_burning)
title: Wood burning
uri: Wood-burning
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Wood_burning)
content:
 
<p>
* Experts say wood-burning [in a home stove] is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/15/pollutionwatch-health-cost-of-burning-wood-to-warm-homes">not cheaper or truly
renewable and constitutes a major health risk</a>.*
<p>
Electric power plants that <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#26_December_2019_(Becoming_carbon_neutral)">burn wood chips have similar problems.

<p>
 


title: Israeli settlers terrorize Palestinians
uri: Israeli-settlers-terrorize-Palestinians
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Israeli_settlers_terrorize_Palestinians)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Israeli_settlers_terrorize_Palestinians)

content:
 
<p>
*Government [of Australia] joins <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/15/australia-denounces-israeli-settler-attacks-on-palestinians-in-occupied-west-bank">more than a dozen countries to say
settlers are "terrorising" Palestinians in "unacceptable" violence</a>.*
<p>
Thank you Australia <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-sep-dec.html#21_September_2011_(Israeli_settlers)">for recognizing this</a>.
<p>
*American citizens have been at the forefront of the rise of settler
violence in the occupied territories, and the ongoing ethnic
cleansing of Palestinians from their land, but as US passport holders
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/15/biden-extremist-jewish-settlers-travel-ban-loophole">they cannot be barred from [going to the US]</a>.*
<p>
It seems to me that these crimes call for a response that goes beyond
barring them from returning to the US.  That response by itself won't
have much effect on them.  Can the US prosecute them for violent
hatred and violations of human rights, committed outside the US?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Overcharging_anonymous_customers)
title: Overcharging anonymous customers
uri: Overcharging-anonymous-customers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Overcharging_anonymous_customers)
content:
 
<p>
Some British supermarkets charge over 10% more to anonymous customers.
A spokesman claims that one of them protects personal data "incredibly
carefully", but apparently that is not true all the time, because <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/dec/13/sainsburys-boss-sell-customers-nectar-card-data-tescosome">
of the time it is selling that very data to third parties</a>.
<p>
It should be illegal for a store to charge different prices to
customers depending on whether they identify themselves and/or hand
over demanded personal data.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Activist_jailed)
title: Activist jailed
uri: Activist-jailed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#19_December_2023_(Activist_jailed)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/15/just-stop-oil-activist-is-first-to-be-jailed-under-new-uk-protest-law">Just Stop Oil activist jailed for six months</a> [by the UK for
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#7_March_2023_(Protester_repression,_UK)">participating in an inconvenient but peaceful protest</a>.]*
<p>
Other protesters demanded a trial and were exonerated by the jury.
It seems that pleading guilty is a mistake.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#20_December_2023_(DeJoy's_mail_delays)
title: DeJoy's mail delays
uri: DeJoy-s-mail-delays
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#20_December_2023_(DeJoy's_mail_delays)
content:
 
<p>
DeJoy is continuing with cost-cutting measures that will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/dec/15/usps-job-layoff-mail-service-delay-louis-dejoy">reduce post
office jobs and slow mail delivery, even locally</a>.
<p>
DeJoy has been at work for years, and the results show.  I recently
received a bill due Dec 5, which was probably mailed around Nov 28,
and I should have received it on Nov 30 or so.   The bill arrived on
Dec 14.
<p>
I don't have a time machine, and I am not going to scurry in fear of
being called "late".  I pay these bills in cash, and I will pay this
bill that way, next time I go to that neighborhood -- just as I
normally do.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#20_December_2023_(Israel's_war_crimes)
title: Israel's war crimes
uri: 2023-12-20-Israel-s-war-crimes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#20_December_2023_(Israel's_war_crimes)
content:
 
<p>
Bernie Sanders is <a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/12/18/bernie-sanders-force-vote-israel-war-crimes/">leading the Senate</a> to demand a report from the State
Department on whether Israel is heeding the rules of war.

<p>
 


title: Diversity initiative support fading
uri: Diversity-initiative-support-fading
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#20_December_2023_(Diversity_initiative_support_fading)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#20_December_2023_(Diversity_initiative_support_fading)

content:
 
<p>
The wave of support for diversity initiatives that was triggered by
the reaction to the murder of George Floyd is fading, so next year
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/dec/16/diversity-dei-us-companies-backlash">the right wing will try to get rid of them</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#20_December_2023_(AI_mass_spying)
title: "AI" mass spying
uri: AI-mass-spying
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#20_December_2023_(AI_mass_spying)
content:
 
<p>
AI programs that can accurately summarize the purport of conversations
could create automated mass spying to go with automated mass surveillance.
<p>
<a href="https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2023/12/ai-and-mass-spying.html">Unless we criminalize the practice</a>.
<p>
I have to point out that Schneier engages in a socially obligatory
exaggeration when he says that "there’s no reasonable way for us to opt
out of" all the surveillance systems.  Knowing the surveillance they
do, and the nonfree software they impose, <a href="/stallman-computing.html">I never opted <em>in</em> to them</a>.
<p>
That doesn't invalidates his conclusions, because most people do find
it unthinkable to reject those systems as I reject them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#20_December_2023_(Israel_opens_investigation)
title: Israel opens investigation
uri: Israel-opens-investigation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#20_December_2023_(Israel_opens_investigation)
content:
 
<p>
*West Bank: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/16/west-bank-israel-opens-probe-after-videos-appear-to-show-troops-shooting-palestinians-at-close-range">Israel opens [criminal investigation]</a> after videos
appear to show troops shooting Palestinians at close range.*


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#21_December_2023_(Bird_extinction)
title: Bird extinction
uri: 2023-12-21-Bird-extinction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#21_December_2023_(Bird_extinction)
content:
 
<p>
*[Scientists estimate that around] 12% of [bird species] have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/19/human-driven-extincition-of-bird-species-twice-as-high-as-thought-study-says-aoe">died
out as result of human activity</a> in past 120,000 years, say
scientists.*
<p>
That is around 1400 species extinct.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#21_December_2023_(Urgent:_Support_H_Res_934)
title: Urgent: Support H Res 934
uri: Urgent-Support-H-Res-934
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#21_December_2023_(Urgent:_Support_H_Res_934)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter
to <a href="https://congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/934/cosponsors?s=2&r=14">support
H Res 934, which calls for dropping the charges against Julian
Assange</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#21_December_2023_(Self-pollination)
title: Self-pollination
uri: Self-pollination
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#21_December_2023_(Self-pollination)
content:
 
<p>
Some flowers have been found <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/20/flowers-giving-up-on-scarce-insects-and-evolving-to-self-pollinate-say-scientists">evolving to self-pollinate</a>,
apparently because humans have wiped out many pollinators.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#21_December_2023_(Disqualified_in_Colorado)
title: Disqualified in Colorado
uri: Disqualified-in-Colorado
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#21_December_2023_(Disqualified_in_Colorado)
content:
 
<p>
*The Colorado Supreme Court ruled &hellip; that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/19/trump-colorado-presidential-ballot-disqualified-14th-amendment">Donald Trump is
disqualified</a> from appearing on the Colorado presidential primary and
general election ballot.*
<p>
What will the US Supreme Court, in the grip of <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#8_July_2019_(Restructuring_the_Supreme_Court)">partisan</a>
and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#9_April_2023_(Expensive_gifts_received_by_Justice_Thomas)">corrupt</a>
justices, finally decide about this?
<p>
This decision affecting Colorado will probably not affect the
outcome in the Electoral College.  I wonder whether any red states
will disqualify him.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#21_December_2023_(The_wrecker's_dementia)
title: The wrecker's dementia
uri: The-wrecker-s-dementia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#21_December_2023_(The_wrecker's_dementia)
content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich: <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">The wrecker</a> <a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/what-about-trumps-age">acts in ways that suggest dementia.
The press ignores this.</a>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Remove Section 702 from the NDAA
uri: Urgent-Remove-Section-702-from-the-NDAA
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#21_December_2023_(Urgent:_Remove_Section_702_from_the_NDAA)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#21_December_2023_(Urgent:_Remove_Section_702_from_the_NDAA)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.freepress.net/sign/oppose-government-spying">remove Section 702 surveillance
reauthorization from the NDAA and instead advance the bipartisan  Protect
Liberty and End Warrantless Surveillance Act</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#21_December_2023_(Urgent:_Supplemental_negotiation)
title: Urgent: Supplemental negotiation
uri: Urgent-Supplemental-negotiation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#21_December_2023_(Urgent:_Supplemental_negotiation)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on the senate: <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/supplemental-negotiation?akid=9464.223515.dPkWDe&c0=supplemental-negotiation.PqxTYE&rd=1&source=em20231215&t=1006">NO mass deportations, NO family
separation</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#21_December_2023_(Argentina's_protest_repression)
title: Argentina's protest repression
uri: Argentina-s-protest-repression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#21_December_2023_(Argentina's_protest_repression)
content:
 
<p>
Argentina's new right-wing president is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/17/argentina-president-javier-milei-security-guidelines-protests-currency-devaluation">planning to repress protests cruelly</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#21_December_2023_(Urgent:_Oppose_mass_deportations)
title: Urgent: Oppose mass deportations
uri: Urgent-Oppose-mass-deportations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#21_December_2023_(Urgent:_Oppose_mass_deportations)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter and senators to oppose
right-wing demands for massive deportations without hearings, and even
rejection of all immigration.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#21_December_2023_(Illegal_settlers_need_relocated)
title: Illegal settlers need relocated
uri: Illegal-settlers-need-relocated
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#21_December_2023_(Illegal_settlers_need_relocated)
content:
 
<p>
*Two-state solution would mean <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/17/two-state-solution-would-mean-relocating-200000-settlers-says-israeli-lawyer-who-has-david-camerons-ear">relocating 200,000 settlers</a>,*
according to an Israeli lawyer advising the UK foreign minister
who is working toward that solution.
<p>
Israel established these "settlements", in knowing violation of the
treaties covering military occupation, expressly to prevent
establishment of a State of Palestine.  We must not allow this to
determine the borders of Palestine for the future.  It is acceptable
if some of the "settlements", complete with current Israeli
inhabitants, end up inside Palestine.
<p>
The crucial idea is to agree on an acceptable ultimate outcome, then
use temporary allowances to make it feasible to reach that outcome
after time.
<p>
There is no legitimate way to make them all move in a short time.
(The method Israel is using in Gaza is not legitimate there or
anywhere.)  Fortunately, there is no need to aim for that goal.
Making those lands and buildings part of the State of Palestine does
not require emptying them of inhabitants in a hurry.  The crucial
thing for creating the state is to establish Palestinian sovereignty
and jurisdiction over that territory.
<p>
In Israel, I was told that a large fraction of the Israelis who moved
to the "settlements" did so to save money.  (Apparently inhabiting the
settlements was subsidized, just as their construction was.)  Those
Israelis are not fanatics and would move out if that becomes
advantageous.
<p>
Palestine could allow Israeli citizens to reside there while paying
rent, which Palestine would not subsidize for them.  I am sure it
would appreciate the income from this.
<p>
Israel would be compelled by voters to subsidize the rent paid to
Palestine, but for financial reasons would wish to reduce the rate of
flow of this money.  So it would hasten to build new housing within
the agreed-on borders of Israel, enabling Israelis to move out of
Palestine.
<p>
As for the violent fanatics among the "settlers", Palestine's cops
(trained to be less brutal than Israel's Border Patrol) would identify
them and deport them to Israel, and they would not get visas to
reenter.


<p>
 


title: Urgent: Real judicial ethics reform
uri: Urgent-Real-judicial-ethics-reform
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#22_December_2023_(Urgent:_Real_judicial_ethics_reform)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#22_December_2023_(Urgent:_Real_judicial_ethics_reform)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the Judicial Conference that <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-the-judicial-conference-we-need-real-judicial-ethics-reform-now">we need real judicial
    ethics reform now</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#22_December_2023_(Urgent:_Paid_sick_leave)
title: Urgent: Paid sick leave
uri: 2023-12-23-Urgent-Paid-sick-leave
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#22_December_2023_(Urgent:_Paid_sick_leave)
content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-make-sick-leave-accessible-for-everyone-3">make paid sick leave available to all
    workers</a>.
</p>
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Corporate medical insurance greed
uri: Urgent-Corporate-medical-insurance-greed
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#22_December_2023_(Urgent:_Corporate_medical_insurance_greed)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#22_December_2023_(Urgent:_Corporate_medical_insurance_greed)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-congress-protect-people-from-corporate-health-care-greed">protect people from corporate medical
    insurance greed</a>.
</p>
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#22_December_2023_(Urgent:_Finding_Searx_instances)
title: Urgent: Finding Searx instances
uri: Urgent-Finding-Searx-instances
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#22_December_2023_(Urgent:_Finding_Searx_instances)
content:
 
<p>

Can anyone tell me how to find a Searx instance I can use?  The one I
formerly used seemed to work ok although I had LibreJS active, but it
does not seem to exist any more.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Arrest of unauthorized immigrants
uri: Arrest-of-unauthorized-immigrants
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#22_December_2023_(Arrest_of_unauthorized_immigrants)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#22_December_2023_(Arrest_of_unauthorized_immigrants)

content:
 
<p>

  Texas has passed a state law to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/19/texas-immigration-law-merrick-garland-doj-greg-abbott-democrats">arrest unauthorized immigrants</a> and
that purports to authorize the state to deport them.
  This is beyond the authority of a state, so the US Attorney General is
being asked to sue to block it.
</p>
<p>
As the article states, this law reflects the racist bigotry and
ideology of today's Republican Party, as well as its contempt for
human rights.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Single biggest fossil-fuel expansion on earth
uri: Single-biggest-fossil-fuel-expansion-on-earth
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#22_December_2023_(Single_biggest_fossil-fuel_expansion_on_earth)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#22_December_2023_(Single_biggest_fossil-fuel_expansion_on_earth)

content:
 
<p>

  *Is the US going to approve the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/19/fossil-fuel-expansion-us-biden">single biggest fossil-fuel expansion</a>
 on earth?*
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#22_December_2023_(Collective_enshittification)
title: Collective enshittification
uri: Collective-enshittification
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#22_December_2023_(Collective_enshittification)
content:
 
<p>

  In addition to the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#14_March_2023_(Enshittification)">enshittification</a>
                                    of individual web sites, the
general practice of online sales is suffering collective
enshittification as described <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/dec/19/techscape-internet-shopping-tracking-tiktok-shop">here</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Fingerprints and "facial scans" in the EU
uri: Fingerprints-and-facial-scans-in-the-EU
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#22_December_2023_(Fingerprints_and_facial_scans_in_the_EU)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#22_December_2023_(Fingerprints_and_facial_scans_in_the_EU)

content:
 
<p>

The European Union will start taking <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/19/eu-fingerprint-checks-uk-travellers-british-passengers-entry-exit-system-facial-scans">fingerprints and "facial scans"
    of all visitors</a>.
</p>
<p>
Can anyone tell me what a "facial scan" is, and how it differs from an
ordinary photograph?
</p>
<p>
I have refused to go to countries that demand fingerprints.  Refusing
to visit Europe is too big a sacrifice for me, so I will yield in that
one case.
</p>
<p>
That does not mean I will yield to similar demands from other
countries.  If there is one defensive position you can't hold, that is
no reason to surrender them all!  I will continue to refuse to visit
the other countries that demand fingerprints, such as Japan, South
Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Argentina, unless I can bypass the
system.
</p>
<p>
  Of course, I will also not visit <a href="https://stallman.org/stay-away-countries.html#china">China</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Bill requiring medical services to post prices
uri: Bill-requiring-medical-services-to-post-prices
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#22_December_2023_(Bill_requiring_medical_services_to_post_prices)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#22_December_2023_(Bill_requiring_medical_services_to_post_prices)

content:
 
<p>

*   <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/19/us-passes-healthcare-price-transparency-bill">Bipartisan [US] bill would require hospitals, diagnostic laboratories,
    surgical centers and pharmacy managers to publicly post prices.</a>*
</p>
<p>
I think this will help block the tendency to gouge patients, but I
suspect that putting an end to that tendency will require deeper
changes &mdash; for instance, breaking up the large corporate chains and
excluding for-profit business from treatment of patients.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Call for release of members of Jenin Freedom Theater
uri: Call-for-release-of-members-of-Jenin-Freedom-Theater
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#22_December_2023_(Call_for_release_of_members_of_Jenin_Freedom_Theater)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#22_December_2023_(Call_for_release_of_members_of_Jenin_Freedom_Theater)

content:
 
<p>

  British playwrights, actors and directors wrote to Israel <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/19/leading-lights-of-uk-stage-call-for-israeli-release-of-palestinian-theatre-group">calling for release</a>
of the members of the Jenin Freedom Theater. who were jailed a week ago.
</p>
<p>

  My <a href="/articles/palestine-trip.html">comments</a> 
            on the Palestinian boycott-divestment-sanctions
policy.
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#23_December_2023_(Surveillance_Britain)
title: Surveillance Britain
uri: Surveillance-Britain
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#23_December_2023_(Surveillance_Britain)
content:
 
<p>
*Surveillance Britain: where <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/21/surveillance-britain-police-photos-facial-recognition">police are quietly trying to access 50m
photos for one mass lineup</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#23_December_2023_(Pheromone)
title: Pheromone
uri: Pheromone
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#23_December_2023_(Pheromone)
content:
 
<p>
Women's tears, and perhaps all humans' tears, contain a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/dec/21/human-tears-ease-aggression-study-brain">sort of pheromone
that reduces aggression</a>.
<p>
I think this is the first time that the existence of a human pheromone
has been demonstrated.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#23_December_2023_(Targeting_journalists)
title: Targeting journalists
uri: Targeting-journalists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#23_December_2023_(Targeting_journalists)
content:
 
<p>
*The Committee to Protect Journalists has accused the Israeli
military of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/21/israel-idf-accused-targeting-journalists-gaza">targeting journalists and their families</a> in Gaza amid
the highest death toll of media workers in any recent conflict.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#23_December_2023_(Panama_canal)
title: Panama canal
uri: Panama-canal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#23_December_2023_(Panama_canal)
content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">Global heating</a> has effectively <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/22/changing-climate-casts-a-shadow-over-the-future-of-the-panama-canal-and-global-trade">damaged the capacity</a> of the Panama
Canal by reducing the amount of water available to operate its locks.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#23_December_2023_(Lawsuit_over_album_cover)
title: Lawsuit over album cover
uri: Lawsuit-over-album-cover
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#23_December_2023_(Lawsuit_over_album_cover)
content:
 
<p>
A former baby that was photographed nude for an album cover at the age
of 4 months <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/dec/22/us-court-revives-lawsuit-accusing-nirvana-of-sexual-exploitation-over-nevermind-album-cover">is now suing for "sexual exploitation"</a>.
<p>
There was nothing remotely sexual in the image that was published.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#23_December_2023_(Bullshit_generators)
title: Bullshit generators
uri: 2023-12-23-Bullshit-generators
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#23_December_2023_(Bullshit_generators)
content:
 
<p>
On the risks of asking a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/nov/02/australian-academics-apologise-for-false-ai-generated-allegations-against-big-four-consultancy-firms">bullshit generator which examples you should
cite</a> in a report to a court.
<p>
Let's reserve the term "AI" for systems that know the intended meaning
of what they say.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#23_December_2023_(Saving_forests)
title: Saving forests
uri: Saving-forests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#23_December_2023_(Saving_forests)
content:
 
<p>
*Root and branch reform: [since] carbon markets aren't working, how do
we <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/19/five-ways-to-save-earths-forests-aoe">save our forests</a>?*
<p>
I think that all these methods require a bigger stick, to succeed,
than people today envision arming them with.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#23_December_2023_(Threats_and_intimidation)
title: Threats and intimidation
uri: 2023-12-23-Threats-and-intimidation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#23_December_2023_(Threats_and_intimidation)
content:
 
<p>
Indigenous campaigners, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/20/threats-intimidation-creating-climate-of-fear-un-cop-events">human rights defenders and climate activists
say they have been threatened and intimidated</a> at UN climate events
including Cop28, in an effort to silence them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#23_December_2023_(Unconstitutional_censorship)
title: Unconstitutional censorship
uri: Unconstitutional-censorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#23_December_2023_(Unconstitutional_censorship)
content:
 
<p>
A federal agency cited federal trade sanctions to prohibit inviting
certain people to speak at an event in the US.  A lawsuit argues that
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/12/20/sanctions-first-amendment-free-speech/">this is unconstitutional censorship</a>.
<p>
I agree -- trade sanctions against foreign interests are legitimate
but must not be an excuse for censorship.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#23_December_2023_(Nikhil_Gupta)
title: Nikhil Gupta
uri: Nikhil-Gupta
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#23_December_2023_(Nikhil_Gupta)
content:
 
<p>
The US will prosecute an Indian for allegedly organizing a plan to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/21/india-murder-plot-sikh-separatist-prime-minister-narendra-modi-comment-charges-nikhil-gupta">kill
Sikh separatists</a> living in the US.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#23_December_2023_(Government_tree_plans)
title: Government tree plans
uri: Government-tree-plans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#23_December_2023_(Government_tree_plans)
content:
 
<p>
Government programs to increase the number of trees <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/02/government-should-target-tree-aftercare-rather-than-planting-say-uk-experts">should focus on
how many trees survive</a>, not just the first step which is planting them.


 


title: Illegal settlers need to be relocated
uri: Illegal-settlers-need-to-be-relocated
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#21_December_2023_(Illegal_settlers_need_to_be_relocated)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#21_December_2023_(Illegal_settlers_need_to_be_relocated)

content:
 
<p>
*Two-state solution would mean <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/17/two-state-solution-would-mean-relocating-200000-settlers-says-israeli-lawyer-who-has-david-camerons-ear">relocating 200,000 settlers</a>,*
according to an Israeli lawyer advising the UK foreign minister
who is working toward that solution.
<p>
Israel established these "settlements", in knowing violation of the
treaties covering military occupation, expressly to prevent
establishment of a State of Palestine.  We must not allow this to
determine the borders of Palestine for the future.  It is acceptable
if some of the "settlements", complete with current Israeli
inhabitants, end up inside Palestine.
<p>
The crucial idea is to agree on an acceptable ultimate outcome, then
use temporary allowances to make it feasible to reach that outcome
after time.
<p>
There is no legitimate way to make them all move in a short time.
(The method Israel is using in Gaza is not legitimate there or
anywhere.)  Fortunately, there is no need to aim for that goal.
Making those lands and buildings part of the State of Palestine does
not require emptying them of inhabitants in a hurry.  The crucial
thing for creating the state is to establish Palestinian sovereignty
and jurisdiction over that territory.
<p>
In Israel, I was told that a large fraction of the Israelis who moved
to the "settlements" did so to save money.  (Apparently inhabiting the
settlements was subsidized, just as their construction was.)  Those
Israelis are not fanatics and would move out if that becomes
advantageous.
<p>
Palestine could allow Israeli citizens to reside there while paying
rent, which Palestine would not subsidize for them.  I am sure it
would appreciate the income from this.
<p>
Israel would be compelled by voters to subsidize the rent paid to
Palestine, but for financial reasons would wish to reduce the rate of
flow of this money.  So it would hasten to build new housing within
the agreed-on borders of Israel, enabling Israelis to move out of
Palestine.
<p>
As for the violent fanatics among the "settlers", Palestine's cops
(trained to be less brutal than Israel's Border Patrol) would identify
them and deport them to Israel, and they would not get visas to
reenter.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Urgent:_Renew_ceasefire_in_Gaza)
title: Urgent: Renew ceasefire in Gaza
uri: Urgent-Renew-ceasefire-in-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Urgent:_Renew_ceasefire_in_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on Biden to push hard to <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/ceasefire-now-vigil">renew the ceasefire in Gaza</a>.
</p>
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!
White House: <a href="tel:+12024561111">+1-202-456-1111</a>
and (TTY/TDD) +1-202-456-6213</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Predatory loans to veterans
uri: Urgent-Predatory-loans-to-veterans
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Urgent:_Predatory_loans_to_veterans_)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Urgent:_Predatory_loans_to_veterans_)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the Veterans' Administration to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/va-must-buy-back-predatory-loans-from-veterans">fix its
    mistake</a> &mdash; Buy back predatory loans from veterans forced into
foreclosure.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Investigate state voter purges
uri: Urgent-Investigate-state-voter-purges
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Urgent:_Investigate_state_voter_purges)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Urgent:_Investigate_state_voter_purges)

content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on the DOJ to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-to-the-doj-investigate-state-voter-purges">investigate state voter purges</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Make ultra-wealthy pay closer to their fair share of taxes
uri: Urgent-Make-ultra-wealthy-pay-closer-to-their-fair-share-of-taxes
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Urgent:_Make_ultra-wealthy_pay_closer_to_their_fair_share_of_taxes)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Urgent:_Make_ultra-wealthy_pay_closer_to_their_fair_share_of_taxes)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-congress-make-the-ultra-wealthy-pay-their-fair-share-fully-fund-the-irs">make the ultra-wealthy pay closer to
    their fair share of taxes</a>, and enable the IRS to give the rest of us
answers to our tax questions.
</p>
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>
</li>

 


title: Insurrection succeeds if the wrecker is re-elected
uri: Insurrection-succeeds-if-the-wrecker-is-re-elected
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Insurrection_succeeds_if_the_wrecker_is_re-elected)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Insurrection_succeeds_if_the_wrecker_is_re-elected)

content:
 
<p>

  Rebecca Solnit: *The January 6 insurrection <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/21/donald-trump-republicans-inequality-insurrection-re-election-2024">will have succeeded</a> if
[<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a>] is re-elected and he avoids accountability for the
crimes of his first term.*
</p>
</li>

 


title: Alleged Sikh separatist terrorist imprisoned and tortured
uri: Alleged-Sikh-separatist-terrorist-imprisoned-and-tortured
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Alleged_Sikh_separatist_terrorist_imprisoned_and_tortured)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Alleged_Sikh_separatist_terrorist_imprisoned_and_tortured)

content:
 
<p>

India arrested an alleged Sikh separatist terrorist and tortured a
confession out of him.  He has been in prison for six years with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/nov/05/senior-lawyers-criticise-handling-of-case-of-sikh-activist-jaghtar-singh-johal-held-in-india">no
    real evidence and no sign of a serious trial</a>.
</p>
<p>
I do not support Sikh separatism, and certainly not terrorism, but people
accused of terrorism deserve fair trials.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Analysis of Colorado Supreme Court's ruling on the wrecker
uri: Analysis-of-Colorado-Supreme-Court-s-ruling-on-the-wrecker
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Analysis_of_Colorado_Supreme_Court's_ruling_on_the_wrecker)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Analysis_of_Colorado_Supreme_Court's_ruling_on_the_wrecker)

content:
 
<p>

  A <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/12/20/2212850/-A-Deep-Dive-Into-The-Colorado-Decision-Disqualifying-Trump">thorough analysis</a> of the Colorado Supreme Court's ruling that the
wrecker aided the Jan 6 insurrection and therefore is barred from
being a candidate for office.
</p>
<p>
A recording captured <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker's</a> efforts to undermine the 2020
election of Michigan.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Cardinal convicted of corruption in a Vatican court
uri: Cardinal-convicted-of-corruption-in-a-Vatican-court
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Cardinal_convicted_of_corruption_in_a_Vatican_court)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Cardinal_convicted_of_corruption_in_a_Vatican_court)

content:
 
<p>

  A powerful cardinal has been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/16/vatican-court-convicts-cardinal-angelo-becciu-of-embezzlement">convicted of corruption in a Vatican court</a>.
</p>
<p>
It looks like Pope Francis is really serious about reducing corruption
in the Catholic Church.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Workers cleaning planes in US airports
uri: Workers-cleaning-planes-in-US-airports
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Workers_cleaning_planes_in_US_airports)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Workers_cleaning_planes_in_US_airports)

content:
 
<p>

The workers who clean airplanes in US airports are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/airline-workers-seek-better-wages">paid little, and
    overworked</a> to the point of sometimes making them sick.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Large_scale_aid_to_Gaza)
title: Large scale aid to Gaza
uri: Large-scale-aid-to-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Large_scale_aid_to_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>

The US refrained from vetoing a Security Council resolution which is
one step short of demanding an end to the fighting in Gaza.  It calls
for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/22/un-security-council-backs-resolution-on-large-scale-aid-to-gaza-but-not-ceasefire">allowing massive deliveries of aid to Palestinians in Gaza</a>.
</p>
<p>
Biden is gradually moving towards the right thing.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Chronic wasting disease spreading in deer
uri: Chronic-wasting-disease-spreading-in-deer
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Chronic_wasting_disease_spreading_in_deer)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Chronic_wasting_disease_spreading_in_deer)

content:
 
<p>

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/22/zombie-deer-disease-yellowstone-scientists-fears-fatal-chronic-wasting-disease-cwd-jump-species-barrier-humans-aoe">spreading as an epidemic among various deer
    species</a> in the US.  It is carried by prions, like BSE (mad cow disease).
  It spreads among wild deer because when deer die they leave prions
on the grass, where other deer will consume them.  It may be able to
spread to humans, or to cattle.
</p>
<p>
The US deer population has ballooned in recent decades,
which enabled Lyme disease to infect a lot of humans.
Perhaps culling lots of deer would slow the spread of CWD.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Governments looked at the climate crisis and decided to persecute activists
uri: Governments-looked-at-the-climate-crisis-and-decided-to-persecute-acti
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Governments_looked_at_the_climate_crisis_and_decided_to_persecute_activists)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Governments_looked_at_the_climate_crisis_and_decided_to_persecute_activists)

content:
 
<p>

*2023 was the year governments looked at the climate crisis &mdash; and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/22/2023-governments-climate-crisis-persecute-activists-silenced">decided to persecute the activists</a>.*
</p>
</li>

 


title: Privatization has wrecked the post office in Britain.
uri: Privatization-has-wrecked-the-post-office-in-Britain
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Privatization_has_wrecked_the_post_office_in_Britain.)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Privatization_has_wrecked_the_post_office_in_Britain.)

content:
 
<p>

  Privatization has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/22/royal-mail-collapse-cant-even-deliver-christmas-present">wrecked the post office in Britain</a>.
</p>
<p>
In the US, DeJoy is doing it.  Yesterday, Dec 23, I received a letter
mailed from Vermont on Nov 29.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Rwandan dissidents in exile in Britain
uri: Rwandan-dissidents-in-exile-in-Britain
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Rwandan_dissidents_in_exile_in_Britain)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Rwandan_dissidents_in_exile_in_Britain)

content:
 
<p>

Rwandan dissidents in exile in Britain have been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/22/rwanda-dissidents-uk-imminent-threat-reject-rishi-sunak-claim-rwanda-safe">informed that
    President Kagame's agents may be trying to kill them</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Los Angeles sheriff's deputy who killed Niani Finlayson
uri: Los-Angeles-sheriff-s-deputy-who-killed-Niani-Finlayson
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Los_Angeles_sheriff's_deputy_who_killed_Niani_Finlayson)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Los_Angeles_sheriff's_deputy_who_killed_Niani_Finlayson)

content:
 
<p>

* The Los Angeles sheriff's deputy who killed Niani Finlayson, [who
   had called 911 to report her ex was attacking her,] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/21/los-angeles-domestic-violence-victim-fatally-shot-police">previously
    killed another civilian</a> under similar circumstances.*
</p>
<p>
We must suspect that the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department is concealing the video of
the events because it would show that the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug's</a> story is false.
They often lie about their role in crimes, and call it <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2003-sep-dec.html#12_September_2003_(he_started_it)">"testilying"</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Facebook/Instagram accused of bias against support for Palestinians
uri: Facebook-Instagram-accused-of-bias-against-support-for-Palestinians
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Facebook%2FInstagram_accused_of_bias_against_support_for_Palestinians)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Facebook%2FInstagram_accused_of_bias_against_support_for_Palestinians)

content:
 
<p>

Human Rights Watch accused Facebook/Instagram of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/dec/21/meta-facebook-instagram-pro-palestine-censorship-human-rights-watch-report">bias against support
    for Palestinians</a>, in its moderation of postings.
  It said the company
fails to follow its rules and the result is systematic bias.
</p>
<p>
The company replied that it attempts to apply its rules
even-handedly but it is not straightforward to do so.
</p>
<p>
Since the combat in Gaza is asymmetrical, it is not surprising that
applying one set of rules to supporters of both sides, as
even-handedly as a human can be, could lead to a biased result.
</p>
<p>
For instance, Israel's massacres often result from systematic
carelessness.  In one case, it led to Israeli troops killing three
escaped Israeli hostages.  Surely the soldiers did not specifically
wish those hostages dead; but their "this has to be a trap" mindset
predisposed them to killing anyone who was in the wrong place at the
wrong time.  The fog of war did the rest.  All that would apply to
each of the 2 million Palestinian civilians, just as it would to the
occasional escaped hostage.
</p>
<p>
I can imagine that Facebook/Instagram moderators look at a video of
civilians killed by Israel's bombardment and calling that a
"massacre", and rejecting that claim as false on the grounds that
there was no sign of a specific intention to kill Palestinian
civilians at that moment.  At what point does adoption of a policy
that leads to indiscriminate killing of civilians become tantamount to
a decision to kill civilians?
</p>
<p>
It is true that 1,000 examples of postings allegedly handled wrong is
a minuscule fraction of the postings that are made.  On the other
hand, to check that many examples is a large task.  Facebook/Instagram
has the money to check far more than that; Human Rights Watch does
not.
</p>
<p>
I have an idea for a way of evaluating whether the moderation system,
over all, is biased.  First, randomly choose N instances of postings
accused of being unfair to Israel, and N instances of postings accused
of being unfair to Palestine.  Then study what the moderation system
did with each one, and deduce from those examples what the real
moderation system does in actual practice.  What are its real,
practical rules and real, practical criteria?
</p>
<p>
Those conclusions about how the moderation system actually works would
provide a basis to judge whether that system is fair in practice &mdash;
and provide specific recommendations to improve it, if not.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Salman Rushdie defends freedom of expression from censors on both sides
uri: Salman-Rushdie-defends-freedom-of-expression-from-censors-on-both-side
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Salman_Rushdie_defends_freedom_of_expression_from_censors_on_both_sides)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Salman_Rushdie_defends_freedom_of_expression_from_censors_on_both_sides)

content:
 
<p>

  Salman Rushdie <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/nov/08/salman-rushdie-peace-freedom-barbie-myths-fables">defends freedom of expression</a> from the old censors of
the right wing, and the young censors of the left wing.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Bullshitter's lawyers asked to delay trial due to Covid-19
uri: Bullshitter-s-lawyers-asked-to-delay-trial-due-to-Covid-19
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Bullshitter's_lawyers_asked_to_delay_trial_due_to_Covid-19)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Bullshitter's_lawyers_asked_to_delay_trial_due_to_Covid-19)

content:
 
<p>

  Reportedly <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">the bullshitter's</a> lawyers <a href="https://boingboing.net/2023/10/25/trump-tries-the-covid-defense.html">asked to delay one of his trials</a>
because the people in the courtroom might catch Covid-19.  The judge
offered them N95 masks, but they didn't take the danger seriously
enough to put masks on.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Direction of court ruling on training neural networks
uri: Direction-of-court-ruling-on-training-neural-networks
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Direction_of_court_ruling_on_training_neural_networks)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Direction_of_court_ruling_on_training_neural_networks)

content:
 
<p>

A court ruling heads towards the conclusion that simply <a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/judge-pares-down-artists-ai-copyright-lawsuit-against-midjourney-stability-ai-2023-10-30/">training a
    neural network on a work does not infringe copyright on that work</a>.
</p>
<p>
That is surely the correct conclusion.  A neural network is not a
representation of any of the works it was trained on.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Possible Warner Bros Discovery and Paramount merger
uri: Possible-Warner-Bros-Discovery-and-Paramount-merger
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Possible_Warner_Bros_Discovery_and_Paramount_merger)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Possible_Warner_Bros_Discovery_and_Paramount_merger)

content:
 
<p>

  Warner Bros Discovery and Paramount are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/dec/21/warner-bros-discovery-and-paramount-global-discuss-possible-mega-merger">considering a merger</a>
that would further reduce competition in the streaming industry
and movie/TV production industry.
</p>
<p>
The US government should block them from merging, but that won't stop
them from being evil.  Streaming dis-services are based on DRM and on
antisocializing their customers.  They are evil already, and if they
merge they will become a more powerful evil.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Facial recognition being used on customers
uri: Facial-recognition-being-used-on-customers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Facial_recognition_being_used_on_customers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Facial_recognition_being_used_on_customers)

content:
 
<p>

Albertsons and Macy's uses facial recognition on customers, but <a href="https://www.vox.com/2021/7/15/22577876/macys-fight-for-the-future-facial-recognition-artificial-intelligence-stores">this
    article</a> gives us little information on how.
</p>
<p>
We must reject the idea that businesses deserve the freedom to do
facial recognition on video images in and around their premises, or
the freedom to make videos and transmit them elsewhere, or regularly
save them for more than a few weeks,  This supposed freedom <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">conflicts with
    the privacy that humans beings deserve</a>, 
and it facilitates the repression
than US cities and agencies are already eager to commit.  These include
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#10_March_2023_(Political_unconstitutionality,_GA)">Atlanta</a>
and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#15_April_2023_(Anti-immigration_crackdown,_FL)">Florida</a>.
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Sharing of abortion data with government agencies
uri: Urgent-Sharing-of-abortion-data-with-government-agencies
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(Urgent:_Sharing_of_abortion_data_with_government_agencies)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(Urgent:_Sharing_of_abortion_data_with_government_agencies)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Big Tech to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-to-big-tech-stop-sharing-abortion-data-with-law-enforcement">Stop sharing abortion data
    with government agencies</a>.
</p>
<p>
Just asking the companies to stop is unlikely to suffice.  We need
laws to stop them.  To make the correction reliable, those must be
laws against collecting the data that could be used to persecute those
who have had abortions.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Aid worker killed in Gaza airstrike
uri: Aid-worker-killed-in-Gaza-airstrike
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(Aid_worker_killed_in_Gaza_airstrike)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(Aid_worker_killed_in_Gaza_airstrike)

content:
 
<p>

*Israeli airstrike <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/23/israeli-airstrike-kills-gaza-aid-worker-and-70-of-his-extended-family-un-says">kills Gaza aid worker and 70 of his extended
    family</a>, UN says.*
</p>
<p>
The article also describes the excuses that Israel presents for slowing the
flow of aid to an inadequate amount, which is causing terrible hunger.
</p>
</li>

 


title: US donations site funneling money to right-wing groups in Israel
uri: US-donations-site-funneling-money-to-right-wing-groups-in-Israel
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(US_donations_site_funneling_money_to_right-wing_groups_in_Israel)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(US_donations_site_funneling_money_to_right-wing_groups_in_Israel)

content:
 
<p>

  A donations site in the US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/23/crowdfunding-us-residents-fund-settlements-west-bank">funnels money to right-wing groups</a> in
Israel that participate in pogroms in Palestine and in seizing
Palestinians' land.
  Some of this donation violates US laws, but the US government hardly
pays attention.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Israel's plan to flood HAMAS tunnels with sea water
uri: Israel-s-plan-to-flood-HAMAS-tunnels-with-sea-water
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(Israel's_plan_to_flood_HAMAS_tunnels_with_sea_water)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(Israel's_plan_to_flood_HAMAS_tunnels_with_sea_water)

content:
 
<p>

Israel's plan to flood HAMAS tunnels with sea water is likely to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/23/israel-flooding-hamas-tunnels-seawater-risks-ruining-basic-life-gaza-expert">make
    all Gaza's ground water undrinkable</a>, and poison all the farms with salt.
</p>
<p>
It would not surprise me if that were the intention &mdash; a plan to force
just about everyone to leave Gaza, but in a deniable way, one that would
appear less culpable than forcing them at gunpoint or bombing everyone.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Israeli campaign to kill Hamas leaders
uri: Israeli-campaign-to-kill-Hamas-leaders
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(Israeli_campaign_to_kill_Hamas_leaders)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(Israeli_campaign_to_kill_Hamas_leaders)

content:
 
<p>

  *Israeli campaign to kill Hamas leaders <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/23/israeli-campaign-to-kill-hamas-leaders-likely-to-backfire-say-earlier-assassination-targets">likely to backfire</a>, say
earlier assassination targets.*
</p>
<p>
When the US tried this approach against various real or presumed
enemies, the attacks, whether successful or not, killed lots of other
people.  This stirred up considerable hatred against the US.  Israel
is already doing lots of things that stir up hatred, but it can surely
generate more if it does this.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Plans for big increases in fossil fuel extraction
uri: Plans-for-big-increases-in-fossil-fuel-extraction
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(Plans_for_big_increases_in_fossil_fuel_extraction)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(Plans_for_big_increases_in_fossil_fuel_extraction)

content:
 
<p>

Saudi Arabia, the US and UAE are all <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/08/insanity-petrostates-planning-huge-expansion-of-fossil-fuels-says-un-report">planning big increases in fossil
    fuel extraction</a>, enough to threaten disaster.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(UK_forest_ecosystems)
title: UK forest ecosystems
uri: UK-forest-ecosystems
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(UK_forest_ecosystems)
content:
 
<p>

  * UK forests are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/08/uk-forests-face-catastrophic-ecosystem-collapse-within-50-years-study-says-aoe">heading for "catastrophic ecosystem collapse"</a> within
   the next 50 years due to multiple threats [happening in parallel]
   including disease, extreme weather and wildfires, researchers have
   warned.*
</p>
<p>
Can anyone find comparable studies about parts of the US?
</p>
</li>

 


title: Oregon protesters defeat proposed pipeline
uri: Oregon-protesters-defeat-proposed-pipeline
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(Oregon_protesters_defeat_proposed_pipeline)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(Oregon_protesters_defeat_proposed_pipeline)

content:
 
<p>

  Oregon protesters <a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/11/08/oregon-police-surveillance-protests-activists/">defeated a proposed fossil gas pipeline</a>, but the
intrusive surveillance installed to repress such protests remains in place.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Connecticut cops shoot man dead in his bed
uri: Connecticut-cops-shoot-man-dead-in-his-bed
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(Connecticut_cops_shoot_man_dead_in_his_bed)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(Connecticut_cops_shoot_man_dead_in_his_bed)

content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://boingboing.net/2023/10/21/questions-linger-after-connecticut-cops-shoot-man-dead-in-his-bed.html">"Questions linger" after Connecticut cops shoot man dead in his bed.</a>*
</p>
<p>
Once again, <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> assume that if it looks like there is danger, and
they can't be certain there isn't any, the only thing they can do is
shoot fast.  That assumption is going to lead systematically to many
deaths.
</p>
<p>
What else could they have done?  They could have pulled back from the
door.  They could have used a mirror or a video camera to look at
Passmore through the doorway while remaining out of sight for him.
</p>
<p>
If <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> don't have such equipment nowadays, we could make sure they
have it in the future.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Phony solutions for decarbonization
uri: Phony-solutions-for-decarbonization
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(Phony_solutions_for_decarbonization)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(Phony_solutions_for_decarbonization)

content:
 
<p>

Cory Doctorow: when business demands we use "all the solutions at once" 
for decarbonization, it's an <a href="https://pluralistic.net/2023/10/31/carbon-upsets/#big-tradeoff">excuse for "trying" the phony solutions that
    won't really help</a> decarbonize but will contribute to their profits.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Right-wing excuses for raiding Social Security
uri: Right-wing-excuses-for-raiding-Social-Security
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(Right-wing_excuses_for_raiding_Social_Security)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(Right-wing_excuses_for_raiding_Social_Security)

content:
 
<p>

  <a href="https://prospect.org/economy/2023-10-31-debunking-latest-attack-social-security/">Debunking the right-wing excuses</a> for raiding Social Security.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(Dissidents_escaping_China)
title: Dissidents escaping China
uri: Dissidents-escaping-China
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_December_2023_(Dissidents_escaping_China)
content:
 
<p>

If you are Chinese, you may be able to paddle your way to Taiwan's
territory, but there is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/24/dissidents-escaping-china-xi-jinping-regime">zero chance Taiwan will give you asylum</a>.
  I find that very sad.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(Urgent:_Assange_Rally_Dec_31)
title: Urgent: Assange Rally Dec 31
uri: Urgent-Assange-Rally-Dec-31
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(Urgent:_Assange_Rally_Dec_31)
content:
 
  <p>
    	The next Boston rally for Julian Assange will be at *Park St Station
	starting at 2pm on Dec 31*.  Once we're there, we may check out the
	situation at City Hall, where the big public gathering and events will
	be, and consider going there, or we may stay at Park Street and speak
	to the people coming and going.  These two places are just a few short
	blocks apart.
	</p>
	<p>
	Here are ways to contact the DoJ: write Merrick Garland, Attorney General
	at the US Dept of Justice, 950 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Wash, DC 20530-0001,
	or call their comment line at <a href="tel:+12023531555">+1-202-353-1555 x1</a>.
	</p>
	<p>
	Simple phone script here:
	<a href="https://assangedefense.org/press-release/call-for-assanges-freedom/">https://assangedefense.org/press-release/call-for-assanges-freedom/</a>
	</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Save America's oldest forests
uri: Urgent-Save-America-s-oldest-forests
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(Urgent:_Save_America's_oldest_forests)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(Urgent:_Save_America's_oldest_forests)

content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=55493">save America's oldest forests</a>.
</p>
<p>
If you have disabled the page's JavaScript, you may get a blank
response after signing.  That does not mean anything is wrong; your
signature has probably been sent in properly.  The blank screen has
text that is rendered invisible by CSS; if your browser gives you a
way to disable the CSS in the page (as Icecat does), that should make
the text appear.
</p>
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Adobe selling fake images of war in Gaza
uri: Urgent-Adobe-selling-fake-images-of-war-in-Gaza
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(Urgent:_Adobe_selling_fake_images_of_war_in_Gaza)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(Urgent:_Adobe_selling_fake_images_of_war_in_Gaza)

content:
 
<p>

Everyone: call on the Abobe CEO to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/letters/ai-images-of-war/">stop selling fake images of the war
    in Gaza</a>, which others then republish while presenting them as the truth.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Call on Clarence Thomas to recuse himself in Colorado case
uri: Urgent-Call-on-Clarence-Thomas-to-recuse-himself-in-Colorado-case
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(Urgent:_Call_on_Clarence_Thomas_to_recuse_himself_in_Colorado_case)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(Urgent:_Call_on_Clarence_Thomas_to_recuse_himself_in_Colorado_case)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Clarence Thomas to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-clarence-thomas-must-recuse-himself-in-colorado-trump-case">recuse himself in the Colorado
    case</a> about whether <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a> is eligible to run for office in the
US.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Stop Citibank investing in fossil fuel projects
uri: Urgent-Stop-Citibank-investing-in-fossil-fuel-projects
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_Citibank_investing_in_fossil_fuel_projects)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_Citibank_investing_in_fossil_fuel_projects)

content:
 
<p>

Everyone: call on Citibank to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/fossilfreeciti">stop investing in new fossil
    fuel projects</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(Elections_in_Serbia)
title: Elections in Serbia
uri: Elections-in-Serbia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(Elections_in_Serbia)
content:
 
<p>

  International observers found the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/25/serbian-police-detain-38-people-protesting-over-unfair-election">elections in Serbia to be rigged</a>.
Now the government is arresting protesters.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Syrian refugee to take Croatia to European court of human rights
uri: Syrian-refugee-to-take-Croatia-to-European-court-of-human-rights
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(Syrian_refugee_to_take_Croatia_to_European_court_of_human_rights)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(Syrian_refugee_to_take_Croatia_to_European_court_of_human_rights)

content:
 
<p>

* A Syrian refugee who secretly filmed Croatian border guards beating
   his travel companions is to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/25/how-syrian-refugee-standing-up-brutal-croatian-pushbacks-in-court">take [Croatia] to the European court of
    human rights</a>.*
</p>
</li>

 


title: Wives and mothers demand Putin forces soldiers come home
uri: Wives-and-mothers-demand-Putin-forces-soldiers-come-home
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(Wives_and_mothers_demand_Putin_forces_soldiers_come_home)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(Wives_and_mothers_demand_Putin_forces_soldiers_come_home)

content:
 
<p>

Wives and mothers of soldiers in the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#putinforces">Putin forces</a> are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/25/russia-military-wives-mothers-protest-against-putin-war-ukraine-troops-female">demanding that Putin
    let their men go home</a>.
</p>
<p>
Putin would naturally think of repressing them, but he will realize
that repressing the wives and mothers of the soldiers in his army
could easily backfire.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(Right_to_assistance_in_suicide)
title: Right to assistance in suicide
uri: 2023-12-28-Right-to-assistance-in-suicide
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(Right_to_assistance_in_suicide)
content:
 
<p>

Should the right to assistance in suicide apply to people don't have
grave physical medical problems?
</p>
<p>
Some forms of injury and disease, which are not terminal, can make
life painful and useless, potentially for decades.  In those cases, I
say the answer is yes.  But <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/24/terminally-ill-make-potent-calls-for-assisted-dying-but-vulnerable-people-are-at-risk">what about people whose only medical issue
    is depression</a>?
</p>
<p>
The article describes a real case of someone who applied for suicide
aid because <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#perse">perse</a> had been "denied housing assistance".  The article
is not explicit, but it this had left per homeless.  Let's suppose so,
because that is an interesting case to think about.
</p>
<p>
If you wish to die rather than be homeless and live on the street,
what is the state's duty to you?  The dispute presented here is
whether the state's duty is to compel you to keep living on the street
until random events change your situation, or to help you commit
suicide.
</p>
<p>
Each of those policies would lead to bad outcomes sometimes, so this
is a difficult choice between two imperfect policies.  But that is
just one aspect of your situation, just one aspect of your
relationship with the state.
</p>
<p>
By considering more of the situation, we find a better answer: the
state's duty is to give you a decent place to live.  The state should
offer that to everyone who is homeless, whether <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#perse">perse</a> wishes to die or
not.
</p>
<p>
Maybe then you would want to live.  If you still want to die, it would
not be due to homelessness.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_((satire)_Santa_Droppings)
title: (satire) Santa Droppings
uri: (satire)-Santa-Droppings
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_((satire)_Santa_Droppings)
content:
 
<p>

(satire) *<a href="https://www.theonion.com/parents-get-up-early-to-place-santa-droppings-around-li-1849919836">Parents Get Up Early To Place Santa Droppings Around Living
    Room To Convince Children He Visited</a>*
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(US_double_standard)
title: US double standard
uri: US-double-standard
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(US_double_standard)
content:
 
<p>
Thoughtful speculation about how the war in Gaza will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/26/why-us-double-standards-on-israel-and-russia-play-into-a-dangerous-game">affect Ukraine,
Putin, US influence, and the world order after 2024</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(Brittany_Watts)
title: Brittany Watts
uri: Brittany-Watts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(Brittany_Watts)
content:
 
<p>
Brittany Watts, of Ohio, had a miscarriage at home and disposed of the
nonviable fetus as people often do.  Now she <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/26/ohio-jury-woman-miscarriage-abuse-corpse">faces possible charges</a> of
"abuse of a corpse".
<p>
The very idea of sentencing someone to prison for "abuse of a corpse"
is absurd, since whatever is done to a corpse can't injure any person.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(Marijuana)
title: Marijuana
uri: 2023-12-28-Marijuana
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(Marijuana)
content:
 
<p>
Biden is planning to move marijuana to a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/26/biden-change-marijuana-restriction-federal-illegal">lower level of restriction</a>, 
which will make it easier to operate retail marijuana businesses.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(Modi's_law_redesign)
title: Modi's law redesign
uri: Modi-s-law-redesign
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_December_2023_(Modi's_law_redesign)
content:
 
<p>
Modi's government has proposed a big redesign of <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/ease-of-control-9028225/">laws covering television</a>,
even television transmitted over the internet.
<p>
There are many questions that the article doesn't clearly answer.
Would this empower the state to censor all video that any site permits
visitors to download?

<p>
 


title: Urgent: DeJoy's denial of safety training
uri: Urgent-DeJoy-s-denial-of-safety-training
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#30_December_2023_(Urgent:_DeJoy's_denial_of_safety_training)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#30_December_2023_(Urgent:_DeJoy's_denial_of_safety_training)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-congress-must-investigate-dejoys-deadly-cover-ups">investigate DeJoy's denial of safety
    training to postal staff</a>.
</p>
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: DeJoy's disregard for government rules
uri: Urgent-DeJoy-s-disregard-for-government-rules
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#30_December_2023_(Urgent:_DeJoy's_disregard_for_government_rules)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#30_December_2023_(Urgent:_DeJoy's_disregard_for_government_rules)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-congress-must-investigate-dejoys-deadly-cover-ups">investigate DeJoy's disregard for
    government rules</a> designed to protect employees from the danger of
higher temperatures.
</p>
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#30_December_2023_(Israel's_West_Bank_checkpoints)
title: Israel's West Bank checkpoints
uri: Israel-s-West-Bank-checkpoints
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#30_December_2023_(Israel's_West_Bank_checkpoints)
content:
 
<p>

Israel has filled the West Bank with checkpoints that block Palestinians
from traveling around.  In Huwara, Israel <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/09/palestinian-town-split-in-two-by-israel-huwara">turned the main street into
    an Israelis-only road</a>.  For Palestinians to cross it, they must go through
a checkpoint.
</p>
<p>
  Going through a checkpoint is usually harassment, but it <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_February_2021_(Israeli_checkpoint)">can be fatal</a>.
</p>
<p>
Meanwhile, the army has closed all the stores in the main street.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#30_December_2023_(UK_children_in_prison)
title: UK children in prison
uri: UK-children-in-prison
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#30_December_2023_(UK_children_in_prison)
content:
 
<p>

It is good that the UK has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/dec/27/no-very-young-children-imprisoned-in-england-and-wales-since-2010-moj-data-shows">ceased to put children 10 or 11 years old in
    prison</a> in the past 13 years, but calling them "very young children",
as this article does, will do them harm in many ways.
</p>
<p>
Children that age are old enough to do many things on their own, but
society has a tendency to treat them as helpless make them effectively
prisoners of adults.  This leads them to <a href="https://www.freerangekids.com/a-mom-reads-her-kids-the-childrens-book-she-loved-and-they-go-meh/">grow up without learning how
    to organize activities for themselves</a>.  The Free Range Kids
campaign pushes to change this.
</p>
<p>
Humans of age 10 and 11 are children, but "very young children" they
are not.
</p>
<p>
I've read that several European countries have set the age of criminal
responsibility at 14.  I think that is a reasonable policy.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Michigan Republican primary ballot
uri: Michigan-Republican-primary-ballot
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#30_December_2023_(Michigan_Republican_primary_ballot)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#30_December_2023_(Michigan_Republican_primary_ballot)

content:
 
<p>

Michigan's supreme court ruled that the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/27/donald-trump-michigan-ballot-supreme-court-decision">insurrectionist can stay on the
    Republican primary ballot</a>, on the grounds that the 14th amendment prohibition on his running for office does not apply to primary elections.
</p>
<p>
I can see a kind of logic in this, but it is fairer to resolve such
issues early so that a party can make sure to choose a candidate who
will be eligible for the office.
</p>
</li>

 


title: For Ukraine to defeat Putin forces
uri: For-Ukraine-to-defeat-Putin-forces
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#30_December_2023_(For_Ukraine_to_defeat_Putin_forces)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#30_December_2023_(For_Ukraine_to_defeat_Putin_forces)

content:
 
<p>

For Ukraine to defeat the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#putinforces">Putin forces</a>, Europe <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/27/ukraine-russia-europe-support-kyiv">must increase its rate
    of arms production</a>.  Otherwise it risks being threatened with invasion
by Putin, who would have at his disposal a higher rate of production
than the whole of Europe.
</p>
<p>
The author also points out that Ukraine needs to train its troops for longer
before sending them into battle.  Without sufficient training, many of them
will die futile deaths.  That benefits only Putin.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#30_December_2023_(Electric_generation_in_Uruguay)
title: Electric generation in Uruguay
uri: Electric-generation-in-Uruguay
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#30_December_2023_(Electric_generation_in_Uruguay)
content:
 
<p>

In 15 years, Uruguay has moved its electric generation <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/dec/27/uruguays-green-power-revolution-rapid-shift-to-wind-shows-the-world-how-its-done">almost
    completely to renewables</a>.  In any year, renewables produce from 90% to
98% of the electricity.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Safety inspections in Japanese car factories
uri: Safety-inspections-in-Japanese-car-factories
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#30_December_2023_(Safety_inspections_in_Japanese_car_factories)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#30_December_2023_(Safety_inspections_in_Japanese_car_factories)

content:
 
<p>

Japanese car factories for various brands have been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/27/daihatsu-suspends-production-in-japan-after-safety-test-scandal">caught falsifying
    the results of safety inspections</a> for over 30 years, affecting perhaps
millions of cars.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Food aid not reaching Gaza residents
uri: Food-aid-not-reaching-Gaza-residents
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#30_December_2023_(Food_aid_not_reaching_Gaza_residents)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#30_December_2023_(Food_aid_not_reaching_Gaza_residents)

content:
 
<p>

  *Food aid <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/dec/23/food-aid-failing-to-reach-gaza-residents-despite-catastrophic-hunger-crisis">failing to reach Gaza residents</a> despite "catastrophic"
 hunger crisis.*
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#30_December_2023_(The_insurrectionist's_strategy)
title: The insurrectionist's strategy
uri: The-insurrectionist-s-strategy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#30_December_2023_(The_insurrectionist's_strategy)
content:
 
<p>

<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#insurrectionist">The insurrectionist's</a> strategy is to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/23/wisconsin-swing-state-donald-trump-republicans-maga-robin-vos">convert all Republicans into his
cultists by pushing the body of them, step by step, into an extremist
    fanatical servitude to him</a>.  Here is an example: a right-wing
extremist is getting cancelled because he has been reluctant in
endorsing the big lie (that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a> won the 2020 election).
</p>
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#insurrectionist">The insurrectionist</a> demands that all Republicans shout their loyalty
and obedience to the Great Leader!
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#31_December_2023_(War_danger)
title: War danger
uri: War-danger
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#31_December_2023_(War_danger)
content:
 
<p>
The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/29/israel-gaza-conflict-war-benjamin-netanyahu">danger of broader war</a> in the Middle East is increasing, as Israel and Iran
are getting drawn toward more conflict, and even into direct conflict.  The worst danger is that Netanyahu may want that result.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#31_December_2023_(Republican_abortion_plans)
title: Republican abortion plans
uri: Republican-abortion-plans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#31_December_2023_(Republican_abortion_plans)
content:
 
<p>
Some Republican candidates are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/29/republicans-democrats-abortion-plans-election-2024-trump-biden">trying to duck the question</a> of abortion
rights, hoping to convince voter not to protect themselves by
defeating those candidates.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#31_December_2023_(Imposing_debt)
title: Imposing debt
uri: Imposing-debt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#31_December_2023_(Imposing_debt)
content:
 
<p>
The exploitative practice of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/29/nurse-contract-fees-stay-or-pay-communicare">imposing debt on new workers</a> coming from
abroad, often associated with Persian Gulf countries, is now being
perpetrated openly in the US.

<p>
 


title: Respect for Palestinians deteriorating
uri: Respect-for-Palestinians-deteriorating
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#31_December_2023_(Respect_for_Palestinians_deteriorating)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#31_December_2023_(Respect_for_Palestinians_deteriorating)

content:
 
<p>
* UN high commissioner for human rights says there is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/28/first-thing-un-report-condemns-israeli-treatment-of-palestinians-in-west-bank">"rapid
deterioration" of [respect for Palestinians' human] rights</a> in West
Bank.*
<p>
Israeli suppression forces have jailed thousands, venting hatred at
them physically in the process.  Most of them were not charged with
any crime; Israel practices arbitrary imprisonment of Palestinians,
much as South Africa under apartheid practiced arbitrary imprisonment
of dissidents.
<p>
None of that is new.  What is new is the great increase in number of victims.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#31_December_2023_(Plutocrats_and_bankruptcy)
title: Plutocrats and bankruptcy
uri: Plutocrats-and-bankruptcy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#31_December_2023_(Plutocrats_and_bankruptcy)
content:
 
<p>
How plutocrastist politicians have redesigned US bankruptcy law over
decades so that <a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/who-gets-to-use-bankruptcy">mainly wealthy people can take advantage of
bankruptcy</a>.
<p>
It takes cash to pay a lawyer to successfully declare bankruptcy.
Many Americans are too poor to hire the lawyer, so they can't do it.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#31_December_2023_(Racism)
title: Racism
uri: 2023-12-31-Racism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#31_December_2023_(Racism)
content:
 
<p>
How to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/28/meaningful-debate-racism-we-asked-20000-people">help people who disagree have reasonable discussions</a> about
the facts of racism and practical ways to reduce it.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#31_December_2023_(Tories_and_Labour)
title: Tories and Labour
uri: Tories-and-Labour
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#31_December_2023_(Tories_and_Labour)
content:
 
<p>
If the Tories lose heavily in next year's election, the party could
be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/dec/28/heavy-election-defeat-could-lead-to-tory-lurch-to-right-analysis-shows">heavily influenced y the extreme right wing</a>.
<p>
That would enable so-called "Labour" party to fully adopt the old
policies of the Tories, thus securing the lasting support of former
Tory voters.
<p>
As for the people who used to support Labour, will they find a chance to
organize a new party to stand for what Labour used to stand for?

<p>
 


title: Maine removes the insurrectionist
uri: Maine-removes-the-insurrectionist
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#31_December_2023_(Maine_removes_the_insurrectionist)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#31_December_2023_(Maine_removes_the_insurrectionist)

content:
 
<p>
Maine has tentatively <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/28/maine-disqualifies-trump-presidential-primary-ballot-insurrection">removed the insurrectionist from the ballot</a> for
the Republican presidential primary, pending court appeals.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#31_December_2023_(Tigerswan)
title: Tigerswan
uri: Tigerswan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#31_December_2023_(Tigerswan)
content:
 
<p>
A company makes a business of infiltrating and undermining protests
that aim to <a href="https://grist.org/accountability/tigerswan-documents-dakota-access-pipeline-standing-rock-surveillance/">prevent future local and global disasters</a>.


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_January_2024_(UK_Obesity)
title: UK Obesity
uri: UK-Obesity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_January_2024_(UK_Obesity)
content:
 
<p>
Political decisions in the UK leave millions of inhabitants too poor
to afford healthful food -- and sometimes, too poor to afford any food
-- and this
is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/commentisfree/2023/dec/27/britain-hunger-malnutrition-">causing
an increase in obesity</a> from eating mainly the cheap junk food.
<p>
These political decisions are part of what is known as "austerity" and
are taken by parties such as
the <a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Starmer_promises_to_keep_taxes_low)">Tories
and Labour that refuse to increase taxes on the rich so as to help the
poor</a>.
<p>
The US
is <a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2023-sep-dec.html#12_December_2023_(Urgent:_WIC_benefits)">making
similar decisions</a> under the control of Republicans in Congress.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_January_2024_(Inheritance_taxes)
title: Inheritance taxes
uri: 2024-01-02-Inheritance-taxes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_January_2024_(Inheritance_taxes)
content:
 
<p>
Inheritance taxes
are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/30/observer-view-abolish-inheritance-tax-handout-to-wealthy">paid
by the rich</a>. or by those who are about to become rich.  This makes
them one of the fairest kinds of tax, in a society that has let the
rich grab too much.
<p>
Strange that non-rich voters think they will someday have to pay it.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_January_2024_(Inhumanity_pandemic)
title: Inhumanity pandemic
uri: Inhumanity-pandemic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_January_2024_(Inhumanity_pandemic)
content:
 
<p>
*We are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/nov/10/law-israel-hamas-international-criminal-court-icc">witnessing a pandemic of inhumanity</a>: to halt the spread, we
must cling to the law.*  The laws of war and war crimes, that refers to.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_January_2024_(Antarctica)
title: Antarctica
uri: 2024-01-02-Antarctica
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_January_2024_(Antarctica)
content:
 
<p>
Antarctica's climate is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/31/red-alert-in-antarctica-the-year-rapid-dramatic-change-hit-climate-scientists-like-a-punch-in-the-guts">teetering on the edge of disaster</a>:
*Study after study showed the breakdown of climate systems taking place
[decades] earlier than foreseen, with potentially catastrophic results.*
<p>
It's not just penguins that will be wiped out.  It's the geography, too.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_January_2024_(Nanoplastic_experiment)
title: Nanoplastic experiment
uri: Nanoplastic-experiment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_January_2024_(Nanoplastic_experiment)
content:
 
<p>
Rotifers eat microplastics, then cannot digest them, but split them up
into <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/09/microplastic-eating-plankton-worsening-crisis-oceans-plastic-pollution">enormous numbers of much smaller nanoplastic particles</a>.
<p>
The nanoplastic particles can get into smaller organisms, further down
the food chain, which means they go through more levels of
concentration before they reach the sea animals that we eat.  If they are
harmful, which no one knows, that would make them more harmful.
<p>
It's a world-wide experiment being carried out on all humans and most other
animals, all at once.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_January_2024_(NYPD_complaints)
title: NYPD complaints
uri: NYPD-complaints
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_January_2024_(NYPD_complaints)
content:
 
<p>
*Complaints against
NYPD <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/nov/09/nypd-complaints-police-eric-adams-new-york">hit
11-year high</a> under pro-police mayor Adams.* I expected something
like this, since he is an ex-<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> and will tend to take the side of
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> in a dispute.
<p>
The proponents of repressive
"<a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2019-jan-apr.html#21_March_2019_(Broken_Windows)">broken
windows</a>" policies for <a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2016-may-aug.html#26_June_2016_(NYC_thugs)">the thug department</a>, which were applied in
the 90s in some US cities, took credit for a decrease in crime that
turned out to happen nationwide at that time, regardless of use of
those policies.  It was caused by other factors, such as eliminating
lead from gasoline and other parts of the environment.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_January_2024_(Gaza_genocide)
title: Gaza genocide
uri: Gaza-genocide
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_January_2024_(Gaza_genocide)
content:
 
<p>
*A quarter of [Gaza's] population
could <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/29/health-organisations-disease-gaza-population-outbreaks-conflict">die
within a year</a> due to outbreaks of disease caused by [the
bombardment and siege].*
<p>
That would be enough to convince me that <a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2023-sep-dec.html#27_November_2023_(Harvard_Law_Review_about_Gaza_bombing)">the term "genocide" fits</a>.
So would poisoning the groundwater with salt.
<p>
Israeli bombardment, and even direct gunfire, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/29/hamas-leaders-attend-egypt-talks-as-israeli-attacks-push-deeper-into-gaza">threaten those trying to
distribute food and water in Gaza</a>.
The quantity that is getting through is nowhere near enough.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_January_2024_(Wave_damage)
title: Wave damage
uri: Wave-damage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_January_2024_(Wave_damage)
content:
 
<p>
Tall waves hitting the California coast have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/29/california-storms-weather-latest-waves">overtopped sea walls and
cliffs</a>, causing damage and injury.
<p>
To this effect of <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> (stronger storms) will be added another
expected effect, sea-level ruse.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_January_2024_(Decreasing_life_expectancy)
title: Decreasing life expectancy
uri: Decreasing-life-expectancy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_January_2024_(Decreasing_life_expectancy)
content:
 
<p>
Due to the expensive and inferior US medical system, life expectancy
for non-college-graduates has <a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/why-the-scourge-of-obesity-in-america">decreased every year</a> since 2010.
That's because their income has decreased.  As often happens, lower
life expectancy measures poverty.  It is understandable that they are
dissatisfied and want a change.
<p>
Those who think of addressing this by voting for the Republican Party,
which wants to make the medical system even worse and <a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(Number_of_Americans_with_medical_debt)">block's Biden's
efforts to improve it</a>, are being self-destructively foolish.

<p>
 


title: Retaliation against Palestine supporters
uri: Retaliation-against-Palestine-supporters
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_January_2024_(Retaliation_against_Palestine_supporters)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_January_2024_(Retaliation_against_Palestine_supporters)

content:
 
<p>
*New York college students who support
Palestine <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/22/new-york-college-students-islamophobia">fear
post-9/11-style retaliation</a>.* Except that now they also scan
through social media posts.
<p>
The difference between condemning HAMAS's actions and hating
Palestinians generally is conceptually clear enough, but if you forget
to pay attention to it you can easily drift across the line without
noticing.  Likewise with the difference between Israel's actions and
hating Jews generally.
<p>
Even if you carefully keep these differences in mind, and carefully
represent them in your words, your enemies can unconsciously
misunderstand and accuse you of hatred.  They can
even <a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2017-mar-jun.html#13_June_2017_(Accepting_Corbyn_as_leader)">dishonestly
and intentionally make false accusations, blaming you for what your
associates have done</a>, or
for <a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2015-sep-dec.html#15_November_2015_(Jihadi_John_and_court_of_law)">things
that didn't happen at all</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_January_2024_(Romanticism)
title: Romanticism
uri: Romanticism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_January_2024_(Romanticism)
content:
 
<p>
A new form of romanticism is leading young people to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/28/new-romanticism-technology-backlash">reject
rationalism and science, as well as technology</a>.
<p>
The specific forms of technology that the article mentions are
oppressive forms: online dis-services and nonfree software.  There are
valid rational reasons to reject them -- but if you ignore those
reasons, and give way to a thoughtless reject, that will not lead you
to make good choices.
<p>
The person who told us to "listen to the scientists" was Greta
Thunberg, and she was talking specifically about climate scientists
and their modeling of coming global climate catastrophe.  We know full
well who wants us not to listen to them, and spends millions of
dollars
to <a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2017-sep-dec.html#27_October_2017_(Disinformation_playbook)">distract
us from them</a>.
<p>
Science is not perfect, and individual scientific conclusions can be
wrong, But science, when practiced properly and honestly, is our best
tool for collectively finding and correcting each other's errors and
our own.  To reject scientific thinking is not only foolish, it is
asking for trouble, even gigadeaths.  It can amount to genocide
against the <em>human</em> race, and millions of other species too.


<p>
 


title: Urgent: Insist on ceasefire in Gaza
uri: Urgent-Insist-on-ceasefire-in-Gaza
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_January_2024_(Urgent:_Insist_on_ceasefire_in_Gaza)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_January_2024_(Urgent:_Insist_on_ceasefire_in_Gaza)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to save lives by <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/congress-ceasefire-eoy">insisting on a
    ceasefire in Gaza</a>.
</p>
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_January_2024_(UK_plans_to_exile_Dmitry_Lima)
title: UK plans to exile Dmitry Lima
uri: UK-plans-to-exile-Dmitry-Lima
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_January_2024_(UK_plans_to_exile_Dmitry_Lima)
content:
 
<p>

The UK plans to exile Dmitry Lima to Portugal, on account of a
sentence for nonviolent crimes.  This despite the fact that he was
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/dec/27/british-born-man-who-has-never-left-uk-faces-deportation">born in the UK and has never been outside the UK</a>.
</p>
<p>
I wonder whether Portugal would admit him.  Has it got legal grounds
to block the deportation?  
</p>
<p>
Since his parents were/are Portuguese, I suppose he is or at least was
entitled to apply for Portuguese citizenship &mdash; but does he actually
have that citizenship?  Would it be granted under these circumstances,
if he does apply?  What if he (rationally) declines to apply for this
help in deporting him?
</p>
<p>
Perhaps this is simply yet another example of the UK state's <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#11_September_2023_(Property_registration_and_the_economic_crime_bill,_UK)">lack of
    capacity to implement its own rules reliably</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_January_2024_(Annual_tracking_summaries)
title: Annual tracking summaries
uri: Annual-tracking-summaries
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_January_2024_(Annual_tracking_summaries)
content:
 
<p>

Online tracking dis-services, and tethered appliances, are trying to teach
customers to love Big Brother &mdash; by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/28/spotify-wrapped-monzo-analyses-meaningless">sending them summaries of what they did
    during the year</a>.
</p>
<p>
If you'd like a list summarizing the music, movies, food products or
humidifier hours you have used during the year, the free software you use
for this should be able to keep such lists &mdash; for your eyes only.
</p>
<p>
  Meanwhile, join me in saying <a href="/spotify.html">"Out, out, damned Spotify!"</a> and never let
them know anything about you again.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_January_2024_(UK_asylum_requests_from_Hong_Kong)
title: UK asylum requests from Hong Kong
uri: UK-asylum-requests-from-Hong-Kong
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_January_2024_(UK_asylum_requests_from_Hong_Kong)
content:
 
<p>

A leader of the Hong Kong democracy movement accuses the UK of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/dec/26/home-office-accused-over-absurd-rejections-of-hong-kong-asylum-claims">bending over
    backwards to reject requests for asylum from refugees for Hong Kong</a>.
</p>
<p>
The UK made a trade agreement with China recently.  Since China is
rich and the UK is poor by comparison, it makes sense that the Tories
would suck up to China in this way.
</p>
<p>
However, it could simply be the an instance of the general
incompetence of UK bureaucracy in government and business.
Or a general lack of sense of proportion.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Nikki Haley and slavery as cause of civil war
uri: Nikki-Haley-and-slavery-as-cause-of-civil-war
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_January_2024_(Nikki_Haley_and_slavery_as_cause_of_civil_war)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_January_2024_(Nikki_Haley_and_slavery_as_cause_of_civil_war)

content:
 
<p>

Nikki Haley, in a public meeting, persistently <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/28/nikki-haley-civil-war-slavery">refused to recognize
    slavery among the causes of the US Civil War</a>.
</p>
<p>
Dissembling about this is a traditional part of defending the
Confederate side and deflecting criticism of its system of slavery
(and, later, segregation and discrimination).
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_January_2024_(Gross_repression_in_Argentina)
title: Gross repression in Argentina
uri: Gross-repression-in-Argentina
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_January_2024_(Gross_repression_in_Argentina)
content:
 
<p>

Argentina's repressive new president has proposed a law of gross
repression: any protest rally of more than three people in a public
place would <a href="https://www.infobae.com/politica/2023/12/28/insolito-requisito-para-reuniones-en-espacio-publico-si-son-mas-de-tres-personas-deberan-pedir-permiso/">require applying for a permit in advance</a>.
</p>
<p>
  Some kinds of protests would be harshly punished, as in <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#8_July_2023_(Chinese_dissidents_pursued_overseas)">Hong Kong</a>
  <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#17_May_2023_(Coronation_arrests_are_just_the_start)">Britain</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_January_2024_(Some_Israelis_refuse_to_be_drafted)
title: Some Israelis refuse to be drafted
uri: Some-Israelis-refuse-to-be-drafted
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_January_2024_(Some_Israelis_refuse_to_be_drafted)
content:
 
<p>

Some Israelis are horrified by what the army does, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/29/tal-mitnick-israel-soldier-military-service-society">refuse to be
    drafted</a>.  One explains his decision here.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_January_2024_(Last_bank_branch_in_Peak_District)
title: Last bank branch in Peak District
uri: Last-bank-branch-in-Peak-District
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_January_2024_(Last_bank_branch_in_Peak_District)
content:
 
<p>

The last bank branch in the Peak District, an important English
tourism area, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2023/dec/30/people-are-devastated-anger-and-anxiety-as-peak-district-loses-its-last-bank">is closing</a>.
  Since it is a rural area and many people don't have cars, going to a
branch elsewhere will be difficult for them.  It will be difficult for
businesses, too, to deposit cash and withdraw cash.
</p>
</li>

 


title: UK made refugees live in rural airbase
uri: UK-made-refugees-live-in-rural-airbase
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_January_2024_(UK_made_refugees_live_in_rural_airbase)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_January_2024_(UK_made_refugees_live_in_rural_airbase)

content:
 
<p>

  The UK has made hundreds of refugees <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/dec/30/think-of-a-horror-film-asylum-seeker-row-kills-party-mood-in-essex-village">live in a disused rural airbase</a>
from which it is hard to get anywhere.  One village is close enough
that they can walk to it.  The people there worry that so many
refugees will cause problems for them.
</p>
<p>
Wethersfield's population is under 1,300.  The number of refugees may
be half that.  Their club is not designed for hundreds of guests at
once.
</p>
<p>
If the UK had placed the refugees in a less isolated and more urban
area, where hundreds of thousands live, they would hardly be
noticeable.
</p>
</li>

 


title: (satire) Fisher Price Smartphone Toy
uri: (satire)-Fisher-Price-Smartphone-Toy
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_January_2024_((satire)_Fisher_Price_Smartphone_Toy)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_January_2024_((satire)_Fisher_Price_Smartphone_Toy)

content:
 
<p>

(satire) *<a href="https://www.theonion.com/fisher-price-smartphone-toy-teaches-children-to-screen-1850991529">Fisher-Price Smartphone Toy Teaches Children To Screen All
    Calls Assuming It’s Debt Collectors.</a>*
  Too bad it doesn't teach that the snoop-phone could be listening all
the time.
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Jails)
title: Jails
uri: Jails
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Jails)
content:
 
<p>
Former prison thug: *If you think jails are too soft and full of
hardened criminals, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/01/jails-too-soft-hardened-criminals-community-sentences">read this and think again</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Commercially available sensitive information
uri: Commercially-available-sensitive-information
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Commercially_available_sensitive_information)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Commercially_available_sensitive_information)

content:
 
<p>
EPIC reports on <a href="https://epic.org/odni-report-on-intelligence-agencies-data-purchases-underscores-urgency-of-reform/">how little we know</a> about the "commercially available
information" about Americans that US government agencies buy.
<p>
The root of this problem is not that _the US government buys the
commercially available information_ but that sensitive information
about people _can be collected at all_.  The fourth amendment was
meant to limit investigation of people's things and activities, and
such limits are meaningful only if it can't be bypassed by asking a
business to pressure you to consent.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Snoop-phone_connected_cars)
title: Snoop-phone connected cars
uri: Snoop-phone-connected-cars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Snoop-phone_connected_cars)
content:
 
<p>
Recent autos offer a feature by which the driver can connect per
snoop-phone to the car.  That feature <a href="https://therecord.media/class-action-lawsuit-cars-text-messages-privacy">snoops on the calls and texts</a> and
give the data to the car manufacturer, and to the state.
<p>
A good privacy law would prohibit cars recording this data about the
users activities.  But not just <em>this</em> data -- lots of other data too.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Israel_reducing_troops)
title: Israel reducing troops
uri: Israel-reducing-troops
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Israel_reducing_troops)
content:
 
<p>
Israel will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/01/israel-to-withdraw-some-troops-from-gaza-amid-new-campaign-planning">reduce its troops</a> in Gaza and demobilize some who are
reservists.  But this does not mean the mass murder will end any time soon.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Billionaires_and_plutocratists)
title: Billionaires and plutocratists
uri: Billionaires-and-plutocratists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Billionaires_and_plutocratists)
content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich: Biden needs to start <a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/why-are-people-so-down-on-the-economy">visibly fighting the main enemies of
American working families</a>: the billionaires and plutocratists.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Billionaire_philanthropy)
title: Billionaire philanthropy
uri: 2024-01-03-Billionaire-philanthropy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Billionaire_philanthropy)
content:
 
<p>
*The <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/new-report-from-the-institute-for-policy-studies-reveals-the-true-cost-of-billionaire-philanthropy">True Cost of Billionaire Philanthropy</a>: the ultra-wealthy use
[tax-exempt] giving to avoid taxes and exert influence, while ordinary
taxpayers foot the bill.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Ai_Wei_Wei)
title: Ai Wei Wei
uri: Ai-Wei-Wei
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Ai_Wei_Wei)
content:
 
<p>
There is a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2023/nov/15/ai-weiwei-defends-free-speech-uk-gallery-holds-up-show-israel-hamas-tweet">cancellation campaign against famous Chinese dissident
artist Ai Wei Wei</a>, for a political tweet that criticize Zionist
influence on the US.
<p>
His response has been to defend freedom of speech, including the right
to express "incorrect" thoughts.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Water_violence)
title: Water violence
uri: Water-violence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Water_violence)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/15/water-related-violence-war-peace">War over access to water</a> is increasing globally, and so is use of denial
of water as a weapon.  How can the world reduce this?
<p>
Our system for preventing atrocities, mostly set up after World War
II, is defied constantly, and the most powerful governments are unable
to make other countries obey.  In some cases, Russia being just one
one, they are among the most guilty.  That encourages the increase of
all kinds of atrocities.
<p>
So the real question is how to reshape international power competition
so that it is not advantageous to disregard that system, let alone
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/15/water-related-violence-russia-israel-report">fight against it as Putin and Netanyahu are doing now</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Global_heating)
title: Global heating
uri: 2024-01-03-Global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Global_heating)
content:
 
<p>
Global heating is on track to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/nov/14/paying-in-lives-health-of-billions-at-risk-from-global-heating-warns-report">cause various medical problems</a> for
hundreds of millions more people in the next few decades.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Peace_rallies)
title: Peace rallies
uri: Peace-rallies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Peace_rallies)
content:
 
<p>
Standing Together holds <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/nov/14/grief-racism-israel-peace-palestinians-jews-arabs">Arab-Jewish peace rallies</a> in cities in Israel.
<p>
I think my wishes of <a href="/articles/benevolence.html">benevolence</a>
fit together with that campaign.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(World_behind_on_carbon_cutting)
title: World behind on carbon cutting
uri: World-behind-on-carbon-cutting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(World_behind_on_carbon_cutting)
content:
 
<p>
*World [is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/14/world-behind-on-almost-every-policy-required-to-cut-carbon-emissions-research-finds">going far too slowly</a>] on almost every policy required to
cut carbon emissions, research finds.*

<p>
 


title: Comparing the insurrectionist with Castro
uri: Comparing-the-insurrectionist-with-Castro
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Comparing_the_insuurrectionist_with_Castro)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Comparing_the_insuurrectionist_with_Castro)

content:
 
<p>
A Cuban who fled to the US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/nov/12/edel-rodriguez-worm-trump-cartoonist-memoir-book">compares the insurrectionist with Castro</a>.
<p>
The insurrectionist is far worse than Castro.  Castro established
education and provided medical care for all, while eliminating hunger;
however, he also abolished vital human rights.  Dissidents such as
Oswaldo Payá admired the good side of what Castro did, while standing
up to repression to change the bad side.
<p>
The insurrectionist, by contrast, has no wish to make life better
for Americans unless that serves him.  He and his minions work <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-mar-jun.html#8_June_2018_(DoE_civil_rights_cases)">against
education</a>, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#22_May_2020_(FDA_on_hydroxychloroquine)">against medicine</a>, and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-mar-jun.html#11_May_2020_(Economic_boost)">for starvation</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Free-range_parenting)
title: Free-range parenting
uri: Free-range-parenting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Free-range_parenting)
content:
 
<p>
*The 10 <a href="https://www.freerangekids.com/the-10-worst-free-range-parenting-stories-of-2023-and-one-that-will-give-you-great-hope/">Worst Free-Range Parenting Stories</a> of 2023.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Hamas_hostage_trauma)
title: Hamas hostage trauma
uri: Hamas-hostage-trauma
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#3_January_2024_(Hamas_hostage_trauma)
content:
 
<p>
*Many hostages released by Hamas still being <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/28/many-hostages-released-by-hamas-still-being-treated-for-trauma">treated for trauma</a>.
Head of psychiatry at Tel Aviv medical centre says hostages have
undergone worst abuse she has witnessed.*  It sounds horrible.
<p>
HAMAS is a terrorist organization and some of its kidnappers vented all
their hatred against hostages.  But that is not an excuse to hate all
Palestinians in Gaza and torture them,
<p>
Some of these kinds of torture have been practiced by other counties
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/28/many-hostages-released-by-hamas-still-being-treated-for-trauma">such as China</a>
and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tiger_cages">the US</s>.


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Canada_forest_fires)
title: Canada forest fires
uri: Canada-forest-fires
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Canada_forest_fires)
content:
 
<p>
Canada's forest fires this year burned 170.000 square miles, and
released as much additional CO2 as <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/09/canada-wildfire-record-climate-crisis">three years of Canada's normal rate</a>
of emissions.
That is about 10% of the total boreal forest, which is around 1.8
million square miles.  Worse, in coming years there will be less forest
to capture some CO2.
<p>
1/3 of Canada's forests have burned in the past 40 years, but until
recently the amount per year was small enough that they could grow
back.  The accelerated rate of loss could make the loss permanent.
<p>
I think it is plausible that roughly all of Canada's forests will burn
in the next decade or two.  The increase in the world's CO2 could be
impossible to overcome.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Morgan_Trowland)
title: Morgan Trowland
uri: Morgan-Trowland
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Morgan_Trowland)
content:
 
<p>
Morgan Trowland, sentenced to years in prison for a nonviolent Just
Stop Oil protest, used his time in prison to <a href="ttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/02/you-can-be-happy-in-prison-climate-protester-reflects-on-punishment">read philosophy and deepen
his understanding of the moral issues</a> that led him to protest.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Israel_judicial_independence)
title: Israel judicial independence
uri: Israel-judicial-independence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Israel_judicial_independence)
content:
 
<p>

Israel's supreme court ruled that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/02/israels-judicial-overhaul-plans-what-is-row-about-and-will-it-affect-war-in-gaza">Netanyahu's law subordinating it to
parliament is invalid</a>.
This blocked, for the moment, the fascist move of eliminating
judicial independence and judicial review.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Peace_talks)
title: Peace talks
uri: 2024-01-04-Peace-talks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Peace_talks)
content:
 
<p>
*Israel and its allies must face facts: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/02/israel-allies-peace-talks-include-hamas-palestinians">peace talks are the only way
forward</a>, and they will have to include Hamas.*
I agree more or less with the views of this article.
<p>
However, I find in it a practice that is foolish and unilluminating:
that of labeling countries, by their international relations, as
"global south" and "global north."  These makes a real physical
geographical distinction of little importance into a misleading
metaphor that tries to equate geography with politics.  That
association would be profound if it were true, but being false, it
becomes an excuse for prejudice.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Serbian_election_rigged)
title: Serbian election rigged
uri: Serbian-election-rigged
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Serbian_election_rigged)
content:
 
<p>
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe says that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/02/the-guardian-view-on-state-capture-in-serbia-a-problem-for-the-balkans-and-for-the-eu">Serbia's recent election was rigged</a> by the party in power.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Block_Israel_funding)
title: Block Israel funding
uri: Block-Israel-funding
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Block_Israel_funding)
content:
 
<p>
*Bernie Sanders calls on Congress to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/02/bernie-sanders-reject-aid-to-israel">block funding to Israel</a>.  "While
we recognize that Hamas’ barbaric terrorist attack began this war, we
must also recognize that Israel’s military response has been grossly
disproportionate, immoral and in violation of international law,”
Sanders said.*
<p>
I agree fully.  Israel's right to defend itself against HAMAS does not
justify a series of atrocities against Palestinian civilians.
<p>
This situation is sadly ironic, since Sanders, when he was young,
supported Israel to the point of going there to live in a kibbutz.
That was before Israel conquered the West Bank.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Harvard_President_ousted)
title: Harvard President ousted
uri: Harvard-President-ousted
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Harvard_President_ousted)
content:
 
<p>
Billionaires <a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/claudine-gay-is-ousted-at-harvard">hounded President Gay of Harvard into resigning</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Thugs_investigating_themselves)
title: Thugs investigating themselves
uri: Thugs-investigating-themselves
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Thugs_investigating_themselves)
content:
 
<p>
In England, most complaints about the violence of <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/nov/19/police-enabling-dangerous-officers-with-high-rate-of-complaint-failures-in-england-and-wales">investigated by the thug department itself</a>.  Those investigations
generally conclude that the accused <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> did not wrong.  However, for
cases that are reinvestigated independently, 40% of them lead to
rejecting that conclusion and finding some degree of wrongdoing.
<p>
It seems to e that this calls for moving all such investigations outside
of the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department.
<p>
We see a <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#24_December_2021_(Boston_City_thug_department_investigation)">similar problem</a> in the US.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Voting_rights)
title: Voting rights
uri: 2024-01-04-Voting-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Voting_rights)
content:
 
<p>
*Why Voting Rights Act faces <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/31/voting-rights-act-threats-2024-black-voters">new wave of dire threats</a> in 2024.*

<p>
 


title: The insurrectionist could end democracy
uri: The-insurrectionist-could-end-democracy
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(The_insurrectionist_could_end_democracy)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(The_insurrectionist_could_end_democracy)

content:
 
<p>
People who worked as aides for <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#insurrectionist">the insurrectionist</a> when he was president
warn that if re-elected he could "<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/31/former-aides-warn-trump-re-election-could-end-us-democracy">end US democracy</a> as we know it."

<p>
 


title: Western Australia banned commercial native logging
uri: Western-Australia-banned-commercial-native-logging
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Western_Australia_banned_commercial_native_logging)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Western_Australia_banned_commercial_native_logging)

content:
 
<p>
Western Australia has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/jan/01/wa-bans-commercial-native-logging-in-move-state-says-could-save-20000-sq-km-of-forest">banned commercial logging of native forests</a>.
This will protect many threatened species, as well as the forests.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Urgent:_Gaza_ceasefire)
title: Urgent: Gaza ceasefire
uri: Urgent-Gaza-ceasefire
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Urgent:_Gaza_ceasefire)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Biden to call for a <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-to-demand-president-biden-call-for-a-permanent-ceasefire-protect-human-rights-and-stop-sending-us-bombs-for-war-crimes?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-biden-is-handing-over-bombs-to-the-israeli-government-as-it-carries-out-war-crimes">permanent ceasefire in Gaza</a>,
protect human rights, and stop giving U.S. bombs for use in war
crimes.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Urgent:_WIC_nutrition_program)
title: Urgent: WIC nutrition program
uri: Urgent-WIC-nutrition-program
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Urgent:_WIC_nutrition_program)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-to-congress-support-aid-to-parents-and-children?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-coalition-on-human-needs&source=direct_link">fully fund the WIC supplemental
nutrition program</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Urgent:_Fully_fund_IRS)
title: Urgent: Fully fund IRS
uri: Urgent-Fully-fund-IRS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Urgent:_Fully_fund_IRS)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-congress-make-the-ultra-wealthy-pay-their-fair-share-fully-fund-the-irs-2?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-afr-advocacy-fund-c4&source=group-afr-advocacy-fund-c4">keep making the ultra-wealthy pay
their taxes -- by fully funding the IRS</a>.
<p>
This is a crucial first step towards making the rich "pay their fair
share", but to achieve that requires much more than making them obey
existing tax law.  We need to increase taxes for the rich: to reduce
their ability to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#21_December_2019_(Wealth_taxes)">shelter wealth from taxes</a>, and higher tax brackets
for very high incomes.  The highest bracket should be over 90%, as it
was in the 40s and 50s.
<p>
Since they have accumulated wealth to the point of <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#28_May_2016_(Austerity)">distorting our
justice and democracy</a>, we also need to tax great wealth.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Indian_journalism)
title: Indian "journalism"
uri: Indian-journalism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Indian_journalism)
content:
 
<p>
"Journalism" in India has been reduced to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/01/ravish-kumar-journalism-democracy-threat-lies">constant support for Modi's
right-wing party</a>.  Channels that don't go along are driven down.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Nikki_Haley)
title: Nikki Haley
uri: Nikki-Haley
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#4_January_2024_(Nikki_Haley)
content:
 
<p>
Analyzing Nikki Haley's <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/01/nikki-haleys-comment-on-the-us-civil-war-was-no-gaffe">careful refusal to say "slavery" in New
Hampshire</a>.  She was trying to bridge a political contradiction that is
too far to be bridged.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_January_2024_(HAMAS_leader_assassinated)
title: HAMAS leader assassinated
uri: HAMAS-leader-assassinated
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_January_2024_(HAMAS_leader_assassinated)
content:
 
<p>
Israel appears to have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/03/israel-settling-score-with-hamas-leaders-after-assassination-in-beirut">assassinated a HAMAS leader</a> who lives in exile
in Lebanon, and has hinted at the intention to do a lot more such.
<p>
I don't see anything wrong with this.  HAMAS is a murderous terrorist
group, so killing its leaders (or its footsoldiers) is simply war.
I am skeptical that Israel could defeat HAMAS this way, but there is
nothing particularly evil about trying.
<p>
The moral issue about Israel's war against HAMAS is that it is killing
thousands of civilians in Gaza, and putting all the survivors in grave
danger.  That's what Israel must stop.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_January_2024_(SpaceX)
title: SpaceX
uri: SpaceX
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_January_2024_(SpaceX)
content:
 
<p>
The NLRB accused SpaceX of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/jan/03/spacex-employees-fired-elon-musk-labor-board">firing workers for criticizing Musk</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_January_2024_(Racial_bias_in_traffic_stops)
title: Racial bias in traffic stops
uri: Racial-bias-in-traffic-stops
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_January_2024_(Racial_bias_in_traffic_stops)
content:
 
<p>
Statistical evidence of traffic stops in California shows <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/03/california-police-stops-racial-bias">evidence of
racial bias</a>.
<p>
In effect, <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> expect <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#disprivileged">disprivileged groups</a> to be committing crimes
more often, but in fact that is not true.
<p>
This bias is a serious injustice.  I wish the article did not display
its own bias by the symbolic bigotry by capitalizing "black" but not
"white".  (To avoid endorsing bigotry, capitalize both words or
neither one.)  <a href="/bigotry.html">I denounce bigotry</a>, and
normally I will not link to articles that practice it.  But I make
exceptions for some articles that I consider important -- and I label
them like this.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_January_2024_(Thug_body_cameras)
title: Thug body cameras
uri: 2024-01-05-Thug-body-cameras
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_January_2024_(Thug_body_cameras)
content:
 
<p>
The wearing of body cameras by <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> in the US has mostly <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/how-police-undermined-promise-body-cameras">failed to
make them accountable for their violence</a>, partly because <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a>
departments often edit the videos or conceal them entirely.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_January_2024_(Fake_insurance_entries)
title: Fake insurance entries
uri: Fake-insurance-entries
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_January_2024_(Fake_insurance_entries)
content:
 
<p>
US medical insurance companies typically have official lists of the
clinics and doctors in their "network".  These are often <a href="https://www.levernews.com/the-case-of-the-missing-health-care-providers/?utm_source=newsletter-email&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=newsletter-article&attribution_id=659391d7ab0cb30001f8a43f&attribution_type=post">padded with
lots of fake entries</a>, which give the false impression that they give
patients lots of choice.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_January_2024_(Revolution_against_neocolonialism)
title: Revolution against neocolonialism
uri: Revolution-against-neocolonialism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#5_January_2024_(Revolution_against_neocolonialism)
content:
 
<p>
Arguing that several coups in Africa are a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/02/african-countries-european-rule-coups-pacts-mali-niger-burkina-faso">real revolution against
neocolonialism</a>.
<p>
I don't have enough knowledge of those countries to come to a
conclusion about this issue.  However, it raises questions that the
article does not address.
<p>
For instance, all three of those countries are menaced by Islamist
rebels, some of which are basically predatory kidnappers.  France was
supposedly going to help the governments suppress them, but that did
not succeed.  How do the coup governments plan to deal with this?
<p>
What is their attitude towards Russian influence?  Is this a
replacement of one foreign sponsor with another -- geopolitics still
at work?


<p>
 


title: Starmer's commitment to letting the environment die
uri: Starmer-s-commitment-to-letting-the-environment-die
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_January_2024_(Starmer's_commitment_to_letting_the_environment_die)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_January_2024_(Starmer's_commitment_to_letting_the_environment_die)

content:
 
<p>
Starmer reinforced his commitment to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/jan/04/keir-starmer-labour-fiscal-rules-green-investment-targets">let the environment die</a> rather
than borrow money to save it.
<p>
He is attacking a straw man, which is the idea of getting those funds
by borrowing.  The real alternative, to get it by taxing the rich, he
does not even mention.
<p>
The only way to make Starmer Labour prioritize anyone but the rich
is to have a Green or Socialist party to keep mentioning it every day.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_January_2024_(PFAs_from_waste_water)
title: PFAs from waste water
uri: PFAs-from-waste-water
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_January_2024_(PFAs_from_waste_water)
content:
 
<p>
Investigating ways to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/04/the-race-to-destroy-the-toxic-forever-chemicals-polluting-our-world">collect PFAS from waste water</a> (or drinking water) and
eventually destroy them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_January_2024_(Texas_sued)
title: Texas sued
uri: Texas-sued
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_January_2024_(Texas_sued)
content:
 
<p>
*US Department of Justice <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/04/department-justice-lawsuit-texas-police-arrest-crossing-border-greg-abbott-immigration">sues Texas over new state immigration law</a>
&hellip; allowing police to [arrest] people
suspected of crossing the US border without authorization.*

<p>
 


title: Musk and National Labor Relations Board
uri: Musk-and-National-Labor-Relations-Board
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_January_2024_(Musk_and_National_Labor_Relations_Board)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_January_2024_(Musk_and_National_Labor_Relations_Board)

content:
 
<p>
Musk is retaliating against the National Labor Relations Board (for
enforcing labor laws) by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/jan/04/spacex-countersues-ceo-elon-musk-nlrb">suing to abolish the National Labor Relations
Board</a>.
<p>
I wish this were an exaggeration, but it's not.  With our partisan
Supreme Court it might actually succeed.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_January_2024_(Jimmy_Lai)
title: Jimmy Lai
uri: Jimmy-Lai
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_January_2024_(Jimmy_Lai)
content:
 
<p>
Jimmy Lai's lawyers have accused China of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/04/jimmy-lai-lawyers-file-un-appeal-saying-there-is-evidence-witness-was-tortured">torturing a former democracy
activist</a> to make him confess to a so-called crime, and have asked the
UN special rapporteur on torture to take some sort of action.
<p>
I can easily believe that China did this, but I don't understand why
the article describes this as an "appeal" to the rapporteur.  As far
as I know, neither that rapporteur nor the UN as a whole has any power
to overturn a Chinese court ruling.  Chinese courts take their orders
from the Chinese state.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_January_2024_(Putin_and_North_Korean_missiles)
title: Putin and North Korean missiles
uri: Putin-and-North-Korean-missiles
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_January_2024_(Putin_and_North_Korean_missiles)
content:
 
<p>
*[Putin] "attacked Ukraine with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/04/russia-attacked-ukraine-with-north-korea-supplied-ballistic-missiles">North Korea-supplied ballistic missiles</a>."*
<p>
Russia makes its own ballistic missiles, and in principle doesn't need
to use North Korea's, but it's production rate is insufficient.  I suspect that
Putin's reason for using some now is only to show that he won't hesitate
to use them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_January_2024_(CNN_IDF_censor)
title: CNN IDF censor
uri: CNN-IDF-censor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_January_2024_(CNN_IDF_censor)
content:
 
<p>
All CNN coverage of issues relating to Israel, including the war in Gaza,
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/01/04/cnn-idf-censor/">requires approval of Israeli state censorship</a>.
Naturally that censorship infuses articles with bias in favor of
Israel or its interests.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_January_2024_(Bullshit_generators)
title: Bullshit generators
uri: 2024-01-07-Bullshit-generators
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_January_2024_(Bullshit_generators)
content:
 
<p>
Here's the disclaimer that <a href="https://groups.google.com/g/nnsquad/c/GVTBj17Au6k">an "AI" bullshit generator ought to give
for every answer</a>.
<p>
(Please don't call  these bullshit generators "AI".
That leads people to <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#ArtificialIntelligence">suppose that they understand what they say</a>.)

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_January_2024_(PIS_bombs)
title: PIS bombs
uri: PIS-bombs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#6_January_2024_(PIS_bombs)
content:
 
<p>
Terrorists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/03/dead-in-blasts-at-memorial-for-assassinated-iranian-commander">set off bombs in Iran</a> at a memorial for General Suleimani,
who was assassinated by the US at <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker's</a> orders.
<p>
That assassination was meant to ensure the US and Iran would not
reestablish the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#1_February_2021_(Non-nuclear_deal_with_Iran)">non-nuclear deal</a>.
the deal has not been reestablished, and the world is worse off for
that.
<p>
I am no admirer of General Suleimani, or the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#7_January_2020_(Drone_assassination_of_Iranian_general)">oppressive regime he
served</a>,
and I would not have gone to a memorial for him.  Nonetheless,
there is no justification for murdering people for attending a
memorial; to do so is terrorism.
<p>
I hope that the guilt for that act of terrorism does not belong to the
US or Israel.  It is a relief to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/04/iran-kerman-attack-islamic-state-suspicion-border-afghanistan-pakistan">learn that Iran suspects PIS</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_January_2024_(Urgent:_Service_similar_to_patreon)
title: Urgent: Service similar to patreon
uri: Urgent-Service-similar-to-patreon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_January_2024_(Urgent:_Service_similar_to_patreon)
content:
 
<p>

Can anyone tell me about a service similar to patreon except that it
doesn't require donors or recipients to run any nonfree software (not
even Javascript code)?
<!--
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/06/publish-nazi-newsletters-on-your-platform-substack-and-you-will-rightly-be-damned
 -->
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_January_2024_(Rigged_elections_in_Serbia)
title: Rigged elections in Serbia
uri: Rigged-elections-in-Serbia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_January_2024_(Rigged_elections_in_Serbia)
content:
 
<p>

  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/04/serbia-opposition-doubles-down-on-election-claims-as-full-results-released">More evidence</a> that the elections in Serbia were rigged.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_January_2024_(Review_of_climate_optimism)
title: Review of climate optimism
uri: Review-of-climate-optimism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_January_2024_(Review_of_climate_optimism)
content:
 
<p>

A review of climate optimism: the valid points they make, and the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/jan/04/not-the-end-of-the-world-by-hannah-ritchie-review-an-optimists-guide-to-the-climate-crisis">side
    that they brush over</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: EFF endorsed "real privacy protections"
uri: EFF-endorsed-real-privacy-protections
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_January_2024_(EFF_endorsed_real_privacy_protections)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_January_2024_(EFF_endorsed_real_privacy_protections)

content:
 
<p>

  The EFF has endorsed <a href="https://www.eff.org/wp/privacy-first-better-way-address-online-harms">"real privacy protections"</a>, but I have doubts
that their approach is strong enough to achieve the goal of protecting
privacy.
  The basic philosophical flaw is that they don't recognize that real
privacy requires anonymity.
</p>
<p>
There are parking garages in the US and Europe which require the
motorist to enter the car's license plate number into a digital
system.  Other parking garages take a photo of every car that enters,
or every car that leaves, which would imply recording the car's
license plate number.
</p>
<p>
When considering a proposed privacy protection law, we should
challenge it with this question: would it be absolutely forbidden for
the parking lot ever to make any of those license plate numbers
available to any government agency, except under direction of a
specific, narrow court order?
</p>
<p>
We we talk about deleting records to protect privacy, we must ask
about any backup systems that might hold these license plate numbers
past the time that the car has exited.  Are they a security hole that
threatens motorists' privacy?
</p>
<p>
Of course, sending any of that data to a cloudy system which could
store a copy outside of the parking lot itself would totally destroy
the privacy of those motorists.
</p>
<p>
Massachusetts has established a toll collection system that saves data
about motorists' travel in order to bill them.  Those operating the
system would argue that this is permitted because the system "needs"
to hold on to that data in order to collect the tolls.  Given the
choice of that particular system of billing, retaining the data that
long would appear necessary.
</p>
<p>
If the law accepts such a weak standard of "the minimum necessary", it
won't protect privacy.  A real standard of respect for privacy would
prohibit that system of billing.  We know that it is possible to
collect tolls without recording who pays them.  That being so, collecting
the identity of those who pass the toll station should be forbidden.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_January_2024_(Colorado_thug_sentenced_to_jail)
title: Colorado thug sentenced to jail
uri: Colorado-thug-sentenced-to-jail
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_January_2024_(Colorado_thug_sentenced_to_jail)
content:
 
<p>

  A Colorado <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> has been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/05/police-officer-randy-roedema-14-month-jail-killing-elijah-mcclain-colorado">sentenced to jail</a> for killing Elijah McClain.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Israel's assassination of HAMAS leader
uri: Israel-s-assassination-of-HAMAS-leader
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_January_2024_(Israel's_assassination_of_HAMAS_leader)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_January_2024_(Israel's_assassination_of_HAMAS_leader)

content:
 
<p>

Israel's assassination (we assume Israel arranged it) of a HAMAS
leader-in-exile <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/05/hezbollah-chief-says-response-to-killing-of-hamas-no-2-is-inevitable">may provoke Hezbollah to escalate war with Israel</a>.
</p>
<p>
I expect that Netanyahu's officials foresaw that result, and may have
sought it.  The more enemies are actively fighting Israel, the more
Biden will find it hard to put any pressure on Israel to be less
bellicose.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_January_2024_(Americans_living_in_their_cars)
title: Americans living in their cars
uri: Americans-living-in-their-cars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_January_2024_(Americans_living_in_their_cars)
content:
 
<p>

  *Americans living in their cars are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/05/safe-overnight-parking-lot-sleep-in-car-rv-homelessness-housing-shelter">finding refuge in "safe parking lots"</a>.*
</p>
<p>
It is better than nothing, but shamefully inadequate.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Next year's main climate conference
uri: Next-year-s-main-climate-conference
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_January_2024_(Next_year's_main_climate_conference)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_January_2024_(Next_year's_main_climate_conference)

content:
 
<p>

Next year's main climate conference will again be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/05/cop29-will-be-led-by-mukhtar-babayev-azerbaijan-ecology-minister-who-is-oil-industry-veteran">run by an oil
    industry executive</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Insurrection leaders behind effort to impeach Biden
uri: Insurrection-leaders-behind-effort-to-impeach-Biden
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_January_2024_(Insurrection_leaders_behind_effort_to_impeach_Biden)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_January_2024_(Insurrection_leaders_behind_effort_to_impeach_Biden)

content:
 
<p>

* The attempted US coup of 6 January 2021, never ended, according to a
   watchdog report, since the same [allies of <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a>] behind that
insurrection are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/05/donald-trump-january-6-supporters-behind-joe-biden-impeachment">now leading a sham impeachment effort</a> against
   [President] Biden.*
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_January_2024_(People_wearing_masks_on_trains)
title: People wearing masks on trains
uri: People-wearing-masks-on-trains
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_January_2024_(People_wearing_masks_on_trains)
content:
 
<p>

  There are people in the UK that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/05/public-health-flu-covid-colds-winter-virus">hate and revile people who wear masks</a>
on trains and therefore help protect others from getting sick.
   These people are doing the Putin's work.  In the US, they are
helping Putin, and helping <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a> too, by making Americans sicker
and weaker, increasing medical debt, and basically making society's
existing problems somewhat worse.
</p>
<p>
I always wear a good mask when indoors with other people, outside of
very special situations.  When I am in a train or bus and someone else
is also wearing a mask, I often tell per I appreciate this: "Thank you
for wearing a mask."  It is an easy and friendly way to encourage the
practice.
</p>
<p>
A carefully designed PR campaign would surely lead more people to wear
masks and thus help protect the public.  I suggested this to the mayor
of Boston, when mask requirements were dropped, but I got no reply.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_January_2024_(Hotter_drier_air_in_Europe)
title: Hotter drier air in Europe
uri: Hotter-drier-air-in-Europe
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#7_January_2024_(Hotter_drier_air_in_Europe)
content:
 
<p>

*Hotter, drier air in Europe <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2024/jan/05/hotter-drier-air-in-europe-causing-poor-crops-and-greater-wildfire-risk">"causing poor crops and greater wildfire
    risk."</a>*
  This means irrigation is needed in places that didn't need it before.
But do they have the water available to do this?
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_January_2024_(SUV_pollution)
title: SUV pollution
uri: SUV-pollution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_January_2024_(SUV_pollution)
content:
 
<p>
Emissions from the motor sector could have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/24/motor-emissions-could-have-fallen-without-suv-trend-report">fallen by more than 30%
between 2010 and 2022</a> if vehicles had stayed the same size,*
if people had not switched to buying SUVs instead of regular size
cars.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_January_2024_(Tory_power_grabs)
title: Tory power grabs
uri: Tory-power-grabs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_January_2024_(Tory_power_grabs)
content:
 
<p>
*The reason for these cynical [Tory] power grabs: the weaker the
Tories become, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/nov/24/tories-power-grabs-government-britain-voters">the stronger they need to appear</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Israel says they need additional year of fighting
uri: Israel-says-they-need-additional-year-of-fighting
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_January_2024_(Israel_says_they_need_additional_year_of_fighting)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_January_2024_(Israel_says_they_need_additional_year_of_fighting)

content:
 
<p>
Israel still claims it will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/07/israel-says-gaza-fighting-could-last-a-year-amplifying-fears-of-regional-war">totally eliminate HAMAS and free the
hostages</a> it took, saying that this will require an additional year of
fighting.
<p>
I don't think it is possible to achieve both of those goals -- they
are essentially incompatible.  Also, I wonder what fraction of the
Palestinian population of Gaza could remain alive after such fighting,
with the deadly hunger and thirst which Israel imposes there.  I
expect it would be much less than 50%.
<p>
At some point soon, the US must say to Netanyahu, "We can't let you go
on this way."

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_January_2024_(Artificial_intelligence_threats)
title: Artificial intelligence threats
uri: Artificial-intelligence-threats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_January_2024_(Artificial_intelligence_threats)
content:
 
<p>
*Artificial intelligence could <a href="https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/advances-ai-increase-risks-government-social-media-monitoring">supercharge threats to civil liberties, civil rights, and privacy</a>.*
<p>
*Programs aimed at "situational awareness," like those run by many
parts of DHS or police departments preparing for public events, tend
to have few safeguards. They often veer into monitoring social and
political movements,*
<p>
When the authors say "Artificial Intelligence," that includes
degenerative systems such as bullshit generators.  Spying uses them to
converse with people, pretending to be human beings.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_January_2024_(Solar_cells)
title: Solar cells
uri: Solar-cells
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_January_2024_(Solar_cells)
content:
 
<p>
Production of solar cells and efficient modern storage batteries <a href="https://billmckibben.substack.com/p/fully-recharged">are
growing enormously</a>.  Perhaps we can beat greenhouse gas emissions that
way.
<p>
Aside from generation of electricity, we must decarbonize other causes
of global heating, including <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#14_May_2014_(US_transportation_infrastructure)">transportation that uses fossil fuel</a>, and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#26_July_2019_(Increasing_industrial_agriculture)">agriculture</a> (including <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#25_March_2021_(When_biomass_means_wood_chips)">deforestation</a>).

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_January_2024_(Institutionally_racist)
title: Institutionally racist
uri: Institutionally-racist
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_January_2024_(Institutionally_racist)
content:
 
<p>
*Head of Britain's association of police chiefs says the police departments
there <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/jan/05/head-of-britains-police-chiefs-says-force-is-institutionally-racist-gavin-stephens">are "institutionally racist."</a>*
<p>
That they acknowledge this is a step forward, but the thing is to change that.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Supreme Court code of ethics
uri: 2024-01-09-Urgent-Supreme-Court-code-of-ethics
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_January_2024_(Urgent:_Supreme_Court_code_of_ethics)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_January_2024_(Urgent:_Supreme_Court_code_of_ethics)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.commoncause.org/petitions/we-need-a-real-supreme-court-code-of-conduct?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-patriotic-millionaires&source=111723swap-pm">give us an enforceable Supreme Court code
of ethics</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_January_2024_(DNA_profiling)
title: DNA profiling
uri: DNA-profiling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_January_2024_(DNA_profiling)
content:
 
<p>
China is using DNA profiling to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/06/thermo-fisher-stops-sale-dna-kits-tibet-activists-raised-fears-of-rights-abuses">help monitor Tibetans in Tibet</a>.
A US company was selling the suppression forces DNA identification kits
which it was using to do this.  It has ceased to sell them there.
<p>
It's obligatory to cease the sales, but that won't end the repression.
<p>
I wonder if Tibetans living in territory that China annexed around
1960, which is ostensibly not Tibet, are repressed as much as Tibetans
living in the regions still called Tibet.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_January_2024_(The_insurrectionist)
title: The insurrectionist
uri: 2024-01-09-The-insurrectionist
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_January_2024_(The_insurrectionist)
content:
 
<p>
The insurrectionist said that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/06/trump-pardon-january-6-rioters-if-elected-president">if he captures the Presidency this year
he will pardon the people who participated three years ago in the
insurrection he launched</a>.
<p>
He is the enemy of democracy in the US and intends to destroy it.
<p>
The five truths <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/06/what-happened-january-6-trump-democracy-election">[he] hopes you will forget about 6 January 2021</a>.
<p>
He is a narcissist, and he gets pleasure when anyone says his name.
I've decided not to give him any that pleasure.  That's the first step
in fighting him -- but not the last, or course.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_January_2024_(Moon_resources_could_be_destroyed)
title: Moon resources could be destroyed
uri: Moon-resources-could-be-destroyed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_January_2024_(Moon_resources_could_be_destroyed)
content:
 
<p>
Astronomers call for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/jan/06/moons-resources-could-be-destroyed-by-thoughtless-exploitation-nasa-warned">care in deciding where on the moon spacecraft
should land</a>, lest they damage things or sites that should be saved for
more important uses, or use up scarce resources.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_January_2024_(Energy_charter_treaty)
title: Energy charter treaty
uri: Energy-charter-treaty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_January_2024_(Energy_charter_treaty)
content:
 
<p>
An oil company is trying to use the Energy Charter Treaty to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/20/eu-germany-and-denmark-sued-by-oil-firm-over-windfall-tax">eliminate
the EU's windfall profitstax</a>.
<p>
The Energy Charter Treaty will kill millions of people if we let it.
Even war could be justified if it's necessary in order to eliminate
that treaty.  But perhaps the threat of trade sanctions could suffice.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_January_2024_(DRM)
title: DRM
uri: 2024-01-09-DRM
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#9_January_2024_(DRM)
content:
 
<p>
An organization that represent <a href="https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/researchers-face-legal-threats-over-sdmi-hack/">DRM interests is suing security researchers</a>,
claiming that investigating their technology is copyright infringement.
<p>
This is part of the general tendency to make copyright more and more
oppressive.
<p>
The article's use of the <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">propaganda term "intellectual property"</a>
incorporates that tendency.


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Urgent:_Tax_extreme_wealth)
title: Urgent: Tax extreme wealth
uri: 2024-01-10-Urgent-Tax-extreme-wealth
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Urgent:_Tax_extreme_wealth)
content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on global leaders at the World Economic Forum to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-global-leaders-at-the-world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-in-davos-switzerland-tax-extreme-wealth">tax extreme wealth</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Stop Wall Street and big tech from exploiting housing crisis
uri: Urgent-Stop-Wall-Street-and-big-tech-from-exploiting-housing-crisis
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_Wall_Street_and_big_tech_from_exploiting_housing_crisis)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_Wall_Street_and_big_tech_from_exploiting_housing_crisis)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/wall-street-housing/">stop Wall Street and big tech from
    exploiting the housing crisis</a>.
</p>
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Protect our democracy in 2024
uri: Urgent-Protect-our-democracy-in-2024
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Urgent:_Protect_our_democracy_in_2024)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Urgent:_Protect_our_democracy_in_2024)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Facebook/Instagram, <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#extwitter">Ex-Twitter</a> and YouTube to
<a href="https://act.freepress.net/sign/btb-tech-cos-24/">protect their users and our democracy in 2024</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Justice Thomas on whether to disqualify the insurrectionist
uri: Urgent-Justice-Thomas-on-whether-to-disqualify-the-insurrectionist
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Urgent:_Justice_Thomas_on_whether_to_disqualify_the_insurrectionist)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Urgent:_Justice_Thomas_on_whether_to_disqualify_the_insurrectionist)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Justice Thomas to <a href="https://act.commoncause.org/petitions/tell-justice-thomas-recuse-yourself-from-trumps-case-2">Recuse himself from the case
    about whether to disqualify the insurrectionist for his insurrection</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Urgent:_Rules_for_payment_apps)
title: Urgent: Rules for payment apps
uri: Urgent-Rules-for-payment-apps
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Urgent:_Rules_for_payment_apps)
content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on the CFPB to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/protect-financial-privacy">apply the same rules to payment apps</a>
that banks and credit cards are already subject to.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Imagined_Tory_reality)
title: Imagined Tory reality
uri: Imagined-Tory-reality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Imagined_Tory_reality)
content:
 
<p>

  * In this <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/07/councils-scapegoat-parents-disabled-vulnerable-children-support">imagined [Tory] reality</a>, sharp-elbowed parents [of children
with disabilities] are handed ‘golden tickets’ for endless support.
Meanwhile, we battle for the bare minimum.*
</p>
</li>

 


title: Billionaires driving up housing costs
uri: Billionaires-driving-up-housing-costs
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Billionaires_driving_up_housing_costs)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Billionaires_driving_up_housing_costs)

content:
 
<p>

  *The Billionaire Next Door <a href="https://inequality.org/great-divide/the-rich-who-own-the-home-next-door/">Driving Up Housing Costs for Everyone</a>.*
</p>
</li>

 


title: Fishing boats turning off tracking beacons
uri: Fishing-boats-turning-off-tracking-beacons
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Fishing_boats_turning_off_tracking_beacons)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Fishing_boats_turning_off_tracking_beacons)

content:
 
<p>

  Almost 3/4 of fishing ships <a href="https://theconversation.com/we-used-ai-and-satellite-imagery-to-map-ocean-activities-that-take-place-out-of-sight-including-fishing-shipping-and-energy-development-219367">turn off their tracking beacons</a> while fishing.
Some of them are hiding the fact that they are fishing in protected waters.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Peregrine_moon_lander_fuel_leak)
title: Peregrine moon lander fuel leak
uri: Peregrine-moon-lander-fuel-leak
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Peregrine_moon_lander_fuel_leak)
content:
 
<p>

  Due to a fuel leak, the Peregrine moon lander <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/jan/09/nasa-peregrine-1-us-lander-will-not-make-it-to-the-moons-surface-due-to-fuel-leak">won't be able to land</a>.
</p>
<p>
I wonder if they could put it into an orbit from which a future
spacecraft could recover it and land it.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Three_French_thugs_on_trial)
title: Three French thugs on trial
uri: Three-French-thugs-on-trial
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Three_French_thugs_on_trial)
content:
 
<p>

  Three French <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> are on trial for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/09/france-police-officers-trial-assault-theodore-luhaka-black-footballer">beating and maiming a young black man</a>
who was part of a group that they decided to stop and search.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(2023_is_hottest_year_on_record)
title: 2023 is hottest year on record
uri: 2023-is-hottest-year-on-record
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(2023_is_hottest_year_on_record)
content:
 
<p>

  2023 was the hottest year ever recorded, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/09/2023-record-world-hottest-climate-fossil-fuel">came very close to 1.5°C of heating</a> compared with before the mass use of fossil fuels.
  As predicted, this level of heating has caused extreme weather
disasters around the world.
</p>
<p>
Bad as 2023 was, 2024 will be worse.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Israel fired rockets at a car, killed journalists
uri: Israel-fired-rockets-at-a-car-killed-journalists
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Israel_fired_rockets_at_a_car,_killed_journalists)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Israel_fired_rockets_at_a_car,_killed_journalists)

content:
 
<p>

Israel fired rockets at a car, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/08/al-jazeera-accuses-israel-of-targeted-strike-as-two-of-its-journalists-killed-in-gaza">killing two al-Jazeera journalists in
    it</a>.  Al-Jazeera accuses Israel of intentionally targeting them.
</p>
<p>
I wonder, how many people were in that car, and what were they doing?
</p>
</li>

 


title: Killing of civilians in war in Gaza
uri: Killing-of-civilians-in-war-in-Gaza
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Killing_of_civilians_in_war_in_Gaza)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Killing_of_civilians_in_war_in_Gaza)

content:
 
<p>

The war in Gaza is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/08/the-numbers-that-reveal-the-extent-of-the-destruction-in-gaza">killing civilians (Palestinian civilians, nowadays)
    much faster than other recent wars</a>.  It has wrecked most of the
buildings and most of the hospitals.  The schools that have not been wrecked
are sheltering people driven out of their homes.
</p>
<p>
The World Food Programme says that around 700,000 people are facing
catastrophic hunger, and that 577,000 of them are in Gaza.  Evidently
food aid agencies are doing a great job of providing food to people
who otherwise would be starving &mdash; except in Gaza where Israel is
making it too hard.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Environmental_harm_affects_bees)
title: Environmental harm affects bees
uri: Environmental-harm-affects-bees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Environmental_harm_affects_bees)
content:
 
<p>

  Environmental harm affects bees, and it has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/08/declining-honey-yields-bees-research">reduced the production of honey</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Residents of Berchtesgaden to discourage visits by Nazis
uri: Residents-of-Berchtesgaden-to-discourage-visits-by-Nazis
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Residents_of_Berchtesgaden_to_discourage_visits_by_Nazis)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#10_January_2024_(Residents_of_Berchtesgaden_to_discourage_visits_by_Nazis)

content:
 
<p>

The residents of Berchtesgaden, once Hitler's secondary home,
have decided to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/03/residents-of-hitler-alpine-home-berchtesgaden-rise-up-against-neo-nazi-visitors-germany">actively discourage visits by Nazis</a> who use
it as a kind of shrine.
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#11_January_2024_(Urgent:_No_death_panels)
title: Urgent: No death panels
uri: Urgent-No-death-panels
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#11_January_2024_(Urgent:_No_death_panels)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: tell Congress that <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/death-panel-pac?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-the-people-united&source=group-the-people-united">a vote for a "fiscal commission" is a
vote to cut Social Security and Medicare.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#11_January_2024_(Patriotic_education)
title: "Patriotic" education
uri: Patriotic-education
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#11_January_2024_(Patriotic_education)
content:
 
<p>
*Hong Kong to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/24/hong-kong-to-restructure-primary-education-to-make-it-more-patriotic">restructure primary education to make it more "patriotic."</a>*
<p>
(satire) Since Florida governor <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis</a> can't run for governor again
thus year and probably won't be a candidate for president, maybe he
will seek a post in Hong Kong's education redesign, which (aside from
superficial details) has a lot in common with his philosophy of
education.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#11_January_2024_(Israel_incitement)
title: Israel incitement
uri: Israel-incitement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#11_January_2024_(Israel_incitement)
content:
 
<p>
*Israeli public figures accuse judiciary of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/03/israeli-public-figures-accuse-judiciary-of-ignoring-incitement-to-genocide-in-gaza">ignoring incitement to
[atrocities, or even genocide,]</a> in Gaza.*
<p>
Some instances of such incitement go so far as to call for genocide.
Other instances call for atrocities and killing that might or might
not reach the scale of genocide -- but would clearly be criminal
in the absence of specific justification.
<p>
The complainants point out that Israel's government hyperactively
prosecutes anything it can construe as support for HAMAS's violence,
while going to the opposite extreme in tolerating advocacy of
anti-Palestinian violence.


 


title: Urgent: Fully fund the WIC program
uri: Urgent-Fully-fund-the-WIC-program
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_January_2024_(Urgent:_Fully_fund_the_WIC_program)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_January_2024_(Urgent:_Fully_fund_the_WIC_program)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: phone your Congresscritter and say to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-to-congress-support-aid-to-parents-and-children">fully fund the WIC
    supplemental nutrition program</a> (for young children and their mothers).
</p>
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_January_2024_(Tax_report_on_50_US_states)
title: Tax report on 50 US states
uri: Tax-report-on-50-US-states
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_January_2024_(Tax_report_on_50_US_states)
content:
 
<p>

A report on the tax systems of the 50 US states presents how most of
them <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/tax-systems-in-44-states-exacerbate-inequality-in-depth-who-pays-study-finds">tax the poor more heavily than the rich</a> &mdash; but some are much
worse than others.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_January_2024_(Bangladesh's_phoney_election)
title: Bangladesh's phoney election
uri: Bangladesh-s-phoney-election
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_January_2024_(Bangladesh's_phoney_election)
content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/09/the-guardian-view-on-bangladeshs-phoney-election-a-bad-day-for-democracy">The Guardian view on Bangladesh's phoney election</a>: a bad day for
 democracy.*
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_January_2024_(Romance_fraud_scam)
title: Romance fraud scam
uri: Romance-fraud-scam
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_January_2024_(Romance_fraud_scam)
content:
 
<p>

  Gating a few years older <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/09/romance-fraud-scam-common-perfect-victim-money">will not protect you from manipulative seducers</a>.
Even getting 10 or 20 years older will not do that.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_January_2024_(Global_heating_wiping_out_cod)
title: Global heating wiping out cod
uri: Global-heating-wiping-out-cod
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_January_2024_(Global_heating_wiping_out_cod)
content:
 
<p>

  <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">Global heating</a> of the ocean is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/27/too-little-too-late-the-desperate-search-for-cod-babies">wiping out cod</a>, from south to north.
</p>
<p>
The only way to avoid this is (1) if cod adapt to reproduce at a higher
temperature or (2) we keep the Atlantic Ocean cool.
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_January_2024_(Provocateur_threatens_US_chaos)
title: Provocateur threatens chaos, US
uri: Provocateur-threatens-chaos-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_January_2024_(Provocateur_threatens_US_chaos)
content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#insurrectionist">The insurrectionist</a> former president threatens to start more
insurrections if his first insurrection is judged by courts to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/10/donald-trump-bedlam-criminal-cases">bar him
from running</a>
for president.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_January_2024_(Nationwide_gang-attacks,_ECU)
title: Nationwide gang-attacks, ECU
uri: Nationwide-gang-attacks-ECU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_January_2024_(Nationwide_gang-attacks,_ECU)
content:
 
<p>
Members of a drug
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/10/ecuador-tv-station-attack-workers">gang seized a TV broadcaster</a>
in Ecuador, terrorist-style, but surrendered when the police came in such large
numbers that the gangsters could not imagine defeating them.
<p>
Selling drugs is not the sort of cause that can inspire people to be willing to die for it.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_January_2024_(Israel_lobby,_an_analysis)
title: Israel lobby, an analysis
uri: Israel-lobby-an-analysis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_January_2024_(Israel_lobby,_an_analysis)
content:
 
<p>
*Revealed: Congress backers of Gaza war [had already]
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/10/congress-member-pro-israel-donations-military-support">received most
[money]</a>
from pro-Israel donors.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_January_2024_(Oil_lobby's_oportunistic_ad_blitz)
title: Oil lobby's opportunistic ad blitz
uri: Oil-lobby-s-opportunistic-ad-blitz
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_January_2024_(Oil_lobby's_oportunistic_ad_blitz)
content:
 
<p>
The <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#planet">planet roasters</a> are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/10/oil-ads-lights-on-energy">citing the bombardment of Gaza</a>
as a supposed reason to increase oil production.
<p>
I see the parallel.  That increase in <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> would do to the
whole earth what Israel is doing to Gaza.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Shut down the Line 5 pipeline
uri: Urgent-Shut-down-the-Line-5-pipeline
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_January_2024_(Urgent:_Shut_down_the_Line_5_pipeline)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#12_January_2024_(Urgent:_Shut_down_the_Line_5_pipeline)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-president-biden-shut-down-the-line-5-pipeline-now/?nowrapper=true">call on Biden</a>
to shut down the Line 5 pipeline.


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Hydroxychloroquine)
title: Hydroxychloroquine
uri: Hydroxychloroquine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Hydroxychloroquine)
content:
 
<p>
*Study calculated that there was an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/12/hydroxychloroquine-covid-increase-chance-death-trump">11% increase in mortality</a> [when
patients used] hydroxychloroquine*, the "cure" that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">the bullshitter</a> recommended
based on zero evidence.
<p>
Causality has not been established.  It could be that the people who
followed <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">the bullshitter's</a> advice were a priori less capable of
resisting Covid-19.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Wrecker_bomb_threats)
title: Wrecker bomb threats
uri: Wrecker-bomb-threats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Wrecker_bomb_threats)
content:
 
<p>
Various officials involved in prosecuting or resisting <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/12/bomb-threat-trump-new-york-trial-swatting">have been swatted</a>.
<p>
This confirms what we knew: he is the leader of a fascist movement
to overthrow democracy in the US.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Urgent:_no_new_tax_cuts)
title: Urgent: no new tax cuts
uri: Urgent-no-new-tax-cuts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Urgent:_no_new_tax_cuts)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: Tell Congress: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-congress-no-new-tax-cuts-for-the-rich-in-2024?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-re-take-action-demand-congress-reject-any-new-tax-cuts-for-the-rich-in-2024">No New Tax Cuts for the Rich in 2024</a>.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: stop giving white phosphorus to Israel
uri: Urgent-stop-giving-white-phosphorus-to-Israel
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Urgent:_stop_giving_white_phosphorus_to_Israel)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Urgent:_stop_giving_white_phosphorus_to_Israel)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Biden to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/stop-the-use-of-white-phosphorus-on-civilians?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-tell-msnbc-bring-back-mehdi-hasans-show-2">stop giving white phosphorus to Israel</a>,
which uses it on civilians.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(EV_charger_funding)
title: EV charger funding
uri: EV-charger-funding
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(EV_charger_funding)
content:
 
<p>
Biden has allocated $500 million in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/11/white-house-funds-electric-vehicle-charging-climate-crisis">funding for chargers for EVs</a>.
<p>
I wonder if <em>any</em> of them allow charging a car without identifying
yourself?  I doubt it.
<p>
Slowly and steadily flying under the media, the establishment of total
surveillance in the US advances step by step.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Gaza_sexual_violence)
title: Gaza sexual violence
uri: Gaza-sexual-violence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Gaza_sexual_violence)
content:
 
<p>
This article complains that the world is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/11/israeli-women-and-girls-have-suffered-horrific-sexual-violence-from-hamas-where-is-the-outrage">not focusing outrage
especially on the women who were captured and then raped in Gaza by
HAMAS</a>.
<p>
The rape of around 100 people would in ordinary circumstances stand
out as an major atrocity.  However, in Gaza it happened alongside the
killing of 20,000 people and wounding of 60,000.  That is an atrocity
800 times bigger, and it continues to grow.
<p>
The Jewish victims of HAMAS terrorism are not responsible for the
Israeli bombardment and siege,  Neither are the Palestinian victims
of the Israeli bombardment responsible for the HAMAS terrorism.
Neither group deserved to be the victims of an atrocity.
<p>
These atrocities are both gravely morally culpable, but it is proper
to focus first on the far larger atrocity, especially if it continues
to happen.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Ocean_temperature)
title: Ocean temperature
uri: Ocean-temperature
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Ocean_temperature)
content:
 
<p>
*"Astounding" ocean temperatures in 2023 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/11/ocean-warming-temperatures-2023-extreme-weather-data">intensified extreme weather</a>, data
shows.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(The_wrecker_and_Europe)
title: The wrecker and Europe
uri: The-wrecker-and-Europe
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(The_wrecker_and_Europe)
content:
 
<p>
In 2020, <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a> (while still president) told EU leaders that
<a href="https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-vow-never-help-europe-attack-thierry-breton/">the US would refuse to help defend Europe if it is attacked</a>.
<p>
This is no surprise to me, since the only likely attacker is Russia,
and <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a> considers himself to be allied with Putin rather than
with Europe.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Nation_for_sale)
title: Nation for sale
uri: Nation-for-sale
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Nation_for_sale)
content:
 
<p>
*Rightwing Billionaires & [<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a>] Want <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/1/9/2216352/-Rightwing-Billionaires-Trump-Want-a-Nation-Where-Everything-is-For-Sale?detail=emaildkre&pm_source=DKRE&pm_medium=email">a Nation Where Everything is For
Sale</a>.*
Where they will be allowed to disregard any law by paying a big enough bribe.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Stay_peaceful_tweet)
title: "Stay peaceful" tweet
uri: Stay-peaceful-tweet
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Stay_peaceful_tweet)
content:
 
<p>
During the Jan 6 insurrection, a tweet appeared on <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker's</a>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#extwitter">Ex-Twitter</a> account saying "Stay peaceful."  Turns out one of his staff
sent that on his own initiative; <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/1/8/2216076/-The-one-good-thing-Trump-did-on-Jan-6-turns-out-to-be-a-lie?detail=emaildkreicymi&pm_source=DKRE&pm_medium=email">the wrecker had nothing to do with it</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Harvard_sued)
title: Harvard sued
uri: Harvard-sued
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Harvard_sued)
content:
 
<p>
Some Jewish students at Harvard have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2024/jan/12/harvard-lawsuit-jewish-students-antisemitism">sued the university for
"tolerating" antisemitism</a>.
<p>
The allegation could be true; antisemitism is found in many places,
and it may have been manifested at Harvard.  However, it could also be
an instance of the frequent distortion which construes condemnation of
Israel's actions as "antisemitic", and erroneously equating support for
Palestinians rights with support for HAMAS.
<p>
There is also the question of whether respect for the constitutional
rights of the accused students requires some of the toleration that
the plaintiffs object to.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Oligarchy)
title: Oligarchy
uri: 2024-01-14-Oligarchy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Oligarchy)
content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich: *How the <a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/the-declining-power-of-the-middle">oligarchy shrank America’s middle class</a> (Why American capitalism is so rotten, Part 8).*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Austerity)
title: Austerity
uri: 2024-01-14-Austerity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Austerity)
content:
 
<p>
George Monbiot: *There are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/12/broken-rail-britain-privatisation-trains">no savings from austerity and
privatisation</a>, just a wholesale shifting of costs. The rich pay
less tax and the public service companies in which they own shares
make greater profits. The rest of us pick up the bill.*
<p>
He had been on a train run by a privatized train company, but the
train was stopped by extreme weather.  The company found a clever way
of reducing discharging its legal duty to give the passengers
alternate transport to London: it gave them taxi vouchers, which most
of them couldn't use since few taxis were available.
<p>
The rest of the passengers just had to wait hours in the rain.  The
company never had to actually pay those vouchers because the vouchers
were never used.
<p>
Clever and destructive!

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Regulating_driverless_vehicles)
title: Regulating driverless vehicles
uri: Regulating-driverless-vehicles
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Regulating_driverless_vehicles)
content:
 
<p>
California is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/09/cruise-waymo-robotaxis-regulation-local-government/">giving cities and counties the power to regulate
driverless vehicles</a>.
<p>
This is a step forward, but part of the benefit is that it will allow
cities and counties to ban them entirely.
<p>
Most criticism of driverless vehicles is because they cause various
sorts of local danger.  That issue is properly treated as very
important, but we must not overlook the surveillance threat they pose.
No taxi company should be allowed to operate on the basis of
systematically identifying everyone that hires a ride -- there must
be a reasonable way to travel anonymously.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Climate_crisis)
title: Climate crisis
uri: 2024-01-14-Climate-crisis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Climate_crisis)
content:
 
<p>
What a psycherapists says to clients that are overcome with grief from
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/13/climate-change-crisis-fears-despair-younger-generations-impact">seeing global heating disaster</a> doing major harm to the Earth.

<p>
 


title: FBI agents pretending to work for PISSI
uri: FBI-agents-pretending-to-work-for-PISSI
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(FBI_agents_pretending_to_work_for_PISSI)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(FBI_agents_pretending_to_work_for_PISSI)

content:
 
<p>
FBI agents pretending to work for <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a> convinced a mentally disabled
teenager to fly to Syria or Afghanistan (it wasn't clear to him which
one) to join <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a>.  As soon as he turned 18, <a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/01/10/fbi-sting-isis-autistic-teen/">they told him to head for
the airport, where they arrested him</a>.
<p>
A competent person who was capable of actually doing these things
could be a real terrorist and a real threat.  But that young man was
hardly capable of hurting anyone without being led on a leash to do
it.  If the FBI had not set out to do just that, he would have been
harmless.
<p>
What strikes me as wrong is that the FBI is eager for the chance
to make headlines by setting traps for Walter Mitty terrorists,
which doesn't do much good against real terrorists.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Border_patrol_thugs)
title: Border patrol thugs
uri: Border-patrol-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#14_January_2024_(Border_patrol_thugs)
content:
 
<p>
Israeli border patrol <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/10/west-bank-videos-show-israeli-troops-killing-teenager-and-driving-over-mans-body">repeatedly drove over the body of a
wounded Palestinian</a> who was lying helplessly in the street.  Some of
the border patrol had shot him just before, but he may still have been
alive.
<p>
An Israeli peace supporter told me 20 years ago that the border patrol
were especially cruel towards Palestinians.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(West_Bank_repression)
title: West Bank repression
uri: West-Bank-repression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(West_Bank_repression)
content:
 
<p>
*[Olive] harvest rots as West Bank
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/30/no-work-and-no-olives-harvest-rots-as-west-bank-farmers-cut-off-from-trees">farmers cut off</a>
from trees.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(3rd_party_in_elections,_UK)
title: 3rd party in elections, UK
uri: 3rd-party-in-elections-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(3rd_party_in_elections,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/jan/12/done-with-labour-and-tories-reform-uk-angry-voters">Because Starmer has clamped down</a>
on any proposals for more than small changes
in the Labour Party, Britons who see that big change is needed see no proposals
from any party except the even-more-right-wing competitors of the Tories.
<p>
The right wing has shut the left completely out of British politics
with the help of Labour.  Britain desperately needs a progressive
party such as Labour sometimes was.



<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(Return_to_office)
title: Working in the office
uri: Working-in-the-office
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(Return_to_office)
content:
 
<p>
Research finds that requiring workers to work in the office (rather
than from home)
<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/rto-policies-dont-improve-employee-performance-company-value-controlling-bosses-2024-1">does not make the company more profitable</a>.
In other words, the companies have no objective reason, in business
terms, to make workers go to the office.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(Urgent:_Oppose_H.J.Res_98)
title: Urgent: Oppose H.J.Res 98
uri: Urgent-Oppose-H-J-Res-98
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(Urgent:_Oppose_H.J.Res_98)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: phone your senators to oppose H.J.Res 98, which would
cancel a regulation Biden's officials adopted to give some outsourced
workers more of the rights of employees.
<p>
That regulation is a change for the better, since it will reduce the
exploitation of American workers, so naturally <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a> politicians are
being paid to oppose it.  But they will hesitate to do so if they hear
from enough US voters.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!
White House: <a href="tel:+12024561111">+1-202-456-1111</a>
and (TTY/TDD) +1-202-456-6213

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(South_Africa_V._Israel)
title: South Africa V. Israel
uri: South-Africa-V-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(South_Africa_V._Israel)
content:
 
<p>
Analyzing the legal case
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/13/south-africa-israel-genocide-the-hague">of the accusation of genocide</a>
brought by South Africa against Israel.
<p>
I do not know the law about genocide, as the author does, but I read
about what is happening in Gaza and I think I understand how to
characterize it.  Killing 20,000 or more civilians out of a population
of 2.5 million is a series of atrocities, a crime, and it must stop.
However, calling it "genocide" is an exaggeration.
<p>
Some people think that exaggerative rhetoric is legitimate, that the
harsher-sounding condemnation is justified because it will be more
effective at putting an end to the atrocities.  Why do I disagree?
<ol>
  <li>
Stretching the definition of a crime to apply it to lesser acts of
wrong is harmful in the long run, because it pulls on the moral
compass.  It will be hard to do justice to the more severe crimes
when the terms for that have been stretched to cover lesser crimes.
<p>
In the snort run, it makes sides hate each other more and thus
interferes with deescalation.
  <li> Committing a series of atrocities is a very grave crime.  There is
no need to exaggerate that &mdash; it's sufficient to call it what it is.
  <li> I doubt the exaggeration is effective, or necessary, for the
purpose.  If we can convince the US government to recognize that this
is a series of atrocities and demand Israel stop, that will I expect
put an end to the atrocities.  Convincing the US of that is the hard
part.
</ol>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(Thoughtcrimes_in_Israel)
title: Thoughtcrimes in Israel
uri: Thoughtcrimes-in-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(Thoughtcrimes_in_Israel)
content:
 
<p>
*"It is a time of witch hunts in Israel":
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/13/it-is-a-time-of-witch-hunts-in-israel-teacher-held-in-solitary-confinement-for-posting-concern-about-gaza-deaths">teacher held in solitary confinement</a>
for posting concern about Gaza deaths.*
<p>
He is accused of thoughtcrime: "intent to commit treason".  In Israel, he is not the only one.
<p>
We have seen similar efforts in the US, for instance those using
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#14_December_2023_(University_presidents_questioned_on_antisemitic_statements)">university presidents as show victims</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(Yemen_V._Israel_and_US)
title: Yemen V. Israel and US
uri: Yemen-V-Israel-and-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(Yemen_V._Israel_and_US)
content:
 
<p>
The
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/12/us-uk-houthi-strikes-attack-yemen-visual-guide">US and UK bombed Yemen</a>,
reportedly attacking Houthi "military facilities" (a vague term).
<p>
If these attacks make Houthi attacks on shipping hard or impossible, that could stop them.
Otherwise, I expect this retaliation to have little effect on the Houthis' actions. 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/12/houthis-yemen-show-resolve-that-us-uk-western-airstrikes-will-be-hard-pushed-to-shake">Others
agree</a>.
The Houthis knew the ways the US can attack them, and have surely figured in advance what their
anti-shipping war will cost them.
<p>
They say that their attacks will
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/12/houthi-threats-of-retaliation-and-mass-protests-in-yemen-after-us-uk-airstrikes">"punish" the US for counterattacking</a>
them, but they don't think of being counterattacked as punishment for
their own attacks.  I don't think they evaluate the results of their
actions by comparing their victories with damage they take.
<p>
I don't think the Houthis' attacks on shipping will have much effect
on fighting in Gaza.
<p>
There are some who say that the US should pressure Israel to accept a
cease fire in Gaza instead of retaliating against Houthi attacks on shipping.
<p>
I agree with half of that &mdash; the US should pressure Israel to accept a cease fire in Gaza.
But not "instead of" anything.  The reason to demand a cease fire in Gaza is that
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(HAMAS_not_following_rules_of_war)">Israel continues to kill</a>
thousands
of Palestinian civilians, and that is a great crime.
<p>
That reason is so strong that no other reason is required.
<p>
By contrast, terrorist attacks against global shipping are not a reason to grant the attacker's
demands.  A world order dominated by violent religious fanatics is no improvement over the
current world order.
<p>
As regards
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/10/houthis-call-wests-bluff-with-renewed-red-sea-drone-assault">repelling further such attacks</a>,
the US needs a cheap anti-drone drone.  It could be designed to collide with the attacking
drone, or tangle it in a net and bring it down.  Since it would not need to carry a bomb, it
could be smaller and cheaper.  These defensive drones could have other uses &mdash; for
instance, to deal with drones operating dangerously near airports.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(Climate_tipping_points)
title: Climate tipping points
uri: 2024-01-15-Climate-tipping-points
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(Climate_tipping_points)
content:
 
<p>
*Earth on verge of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/06/earth-on-verge-of-five-catastrophic-tipping-points-scientists-warn">five catastrophic climate tipping points</a>, scientists warn.*
<p>
These tipping points are not easy to reverse -- if they tip, small
changes in the other direction would not tip them back.  Perhaps large
changes could do that, but we would have to cool the Earth a lot
to achieve that.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(Kelsey_Carpenter)
title: Kelsey Carpenter
uri: Kelsey-Carpenter
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(Kelsey_Carpenter)
content:
 
<p>
Kelsey Carpenter had a miscarriage and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/04/california-mom-charges-dropped-home-birth-death">was prosecuted for murder.
She spent almost two years in jail as the prosecution continued.
Eventually she was allowed to plead guilty to a lesser charge.
<p>
That was a partial defeat for her, not a victory, and it doesn't mean
that other women are safe from similar treatment.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(Ohio_woman_miscarriage)
title: Ohio woman miscarriage
uri: Ohio-woman-miscarriage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(Ohio_woman_miscarriage)
content:
 
<p>
*Ohio woman <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/11/ohio-woman-miscarriage-not-indicted-abuse-corpse-brittany-watts">won’t be indicted for abuse of corpse after miscarriage</a>, grand
jury decides.*
<p>
I'm glad that the grand jury, a body of citizens chosen at random, decided to
stop this persecution.  But grand juries usually <a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2014-sep-dec.html#08_December_2014_(Indictment_of_non-thugs)">convict whoever they
are asked to convict</a>.
We should not count on the next grand jury to save the next woman who
had a miscarriage.  We should make it absolutely clear in the law.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(Water_shortage)
title: Water shortage
uri: Water-shortage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(Water_shortage)
content:
 
<p>
*Water shortages disrupt the Plaquemines parish as millions of gallons
are used to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/12/louisiana-water-crisis-fossil-fuel-plant-venture-global-lng">construct Venture Global’s LNG terminal</a>.*
<p>
(Humorous aside) It has also caused the encrustations on the teeth of
corpses in cemeteries, which made possible the plaque mining industry,
which gave that parish its name.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(The_insurrectionist's_strategy)
title: The insurrectionist's strategy
uri: 2024-01-15-The-insurrectionist-s-strategy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(The_insurrectionist's_strategy)
content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich: the insurrectionist has a <a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/how-trump-is-exploiting-our-scarcest">strategy to dominate the
election</a>: by making a big nuisance of himself all the time, he aims to
direct all attention to him, and that he hopes will people perceive
him as powerful and perceive Biden as weak.
<p>
Some people will vote for whoever seems strong.  They'd vote for a
tyrannosaurus to threaten them.  It seems that many Americans don't
have a clear focus for deciding their votes based on which candidate
will do the most good.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(Omnicides)
title: Omnicides
uri: Omnicides
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(Omnicides)
content:
 
<p>
Ralph Nader lists <a href="https://mailchi.mp/nader/five-omnicides-facing-our-unprepared-world-fm7q1b4c41">five sources of possible destruction of humanity or
civilization</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(Most_livable_city)
title: Most livable city
uri: Most-livable-city
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(Most_livable_city)
content:
 
<p>
Vienna has half-solved the problem of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/jan/10/the-social-housing-secret-how-vienna-became-the-worlds-most-livable-city">giving all residents affordable
and decent housing</a>.
This puts it miles above all other prosperous cities in Europe or the US.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(Big_business_tax_cuts)
title: Big business tax cuts
uri: Big-business-tax-cuts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(Big_business_tax_cuts)
content:
 
<p>
Republicans are pushing for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/12/corporation-tax-break-lobby">further tax cuts for big business</a>.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#16_January_2024_(Immigrant_controls,_TX)
title: Immigrant controls, TX
uri: Immigrant-controls-TX
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#16_January_2024_(Immigrant_controls,_TX)
content:
 
<p>
<p>
Texas governor Abbott said he would like Texas to kill immigrants crossing the border,
<a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4404134-abbott-texas-border-shooting-migrants/">if he could get away with it</a>.
<p>
I'm sure most Republicans are more harmful to the US than most refugees.  Does that
justify shooting them?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#16_January_2024_(The_insurrectionist's_doublethink)
title: The insurrectionist's doublespeak
uri: The-insurrectionist-s-doublespeak
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#16_January_2024_(The_insurrectionist's_doublethink)
content:
 
<p>
The latest step in <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">the bullshitter's</a> blackwhiting: calling people in prison for
joining in the Jan 6 attack on the Capitol
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/13/trump-january-6-rioters-hostages">"hostages"</a>.
<p>
In effect, he aims to make the Big Lie as big and false as possible.  While denying he
incited for the Jan 6 insurrection, he is explicitly endorsing it now and preparing to
start another one.
<p>
If he succeeds in capturing full control of the US government, he will go full 1984,
punishing anyone who refuses to assent vigorously to his lies.  The right-wing members of
the US Supreme Court will be reduced to his puppets, no longer free to trade their
decisions voluntarily for money.
<p>
Will they recognize that this year, in time to rule that he can't run for office?
<p>
*Wisconsin: far-right group bids to recall speaker [of the Wisconsin legislature] for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/11/wisconsin-speaker-recall-robin-vos-trump">resisting [the insurrectionist's] big lie</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Restore the Network Neutrality rules
uri: Urgent-Restore-the-Network-Neutrality-rules
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#16_January_2024_(Urgent:_Restore_the_Network_Neutrality_rules)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#16_January_2024_(Urgent:_Restore_the_Network_Neutrality_rules)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.freepress.net/sign/fcc-reinstate-title-ii?akid=32160.9489429.fU0h8d&rd=1&t=1003">call on the FCC</a>
to restore the Network Neutrality rules that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a> eliminated.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#17_January_2024_(Church_%26_state,_RUS)
title: Church & state, RUS
uri: Church-state-RUS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#17_January_2024_(Church_%26_state,_RUS)
content:
 
<p>
Russia illustrates the consequences of failure to maintain
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/14/russian-orthodox-priest-faces-expulsion-for-refusing-to-pray-for-victory-over-ukraine">separation
of church and state</a>.
<p>
The Romanov dynasty converted the Russian Orthodox Church into an arm
of state power.  The people who reject this change were called the
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Believers">"old believers"</a>,
and were persecuted. Putin is continuing this practice.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#17_January_2024_(Assange_rally,_Boston)
title: Next Assange rally, Boston
uri: Next-Assange-rally-Boston
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#17_January_2024_(Assange_rally,_Boston)
content:
 
<p>
An eleventh-hour rally for Julian Assange will be on an upcoming <b>Saturday,
Jan 27<sup>th</sup>, 11&ndash;12:30</b>pm at Park St Station, on the Boston Common.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Investigate Israel's war crimes
uri: Urgent-Investigate-Israel-s-war-crimes
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#17_January_2024_(Urgent:_Investigate_Israel's_war_crimes)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#17_January_2024_(Urgent:_Investigate_Israel's_war_crimes)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/sanders-502b?akid=9515.223515.WXIcAu&c0=sanders-502b.ePLl5V&rd=1&source=em20240111&t=1006">call on the Senate</a>
to support Senator Sanders' resolution
to direct the State Department to investigate Israel's war crimes in Gaza.
<p>
The question is whether Israel is using weapons from the US to commit war crimes.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(US_military-aid_to_Israel)
title: US military-aid to Israel
uri: 2024-01-18-US-military-aid-to-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(US_military-aid_to_Israel)
content:
 
<p>
<p>
The US Senate rejected
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/01/16/senate-israel-human-rights-condition-aid/">Senator
Sanders's resolution</a>
to investigate Israel for using US military aid for killing tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza.
<p>
This is bad news, because it means that Israel is likely to continue its policy of killing tens of thousands.
<p>
Thank you for trying, Bernie.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Urgent:_Israel's_motives_in_Gaza)
title: Urgent: Israel's motives in Gaza
uri: Urgent-Israel-s-motives-in-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Urgent:_Israel's_motives_in_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.jstreet.org/sign/petition-no-mass-displacement-gaza/?t=1008&akid=343081%2E538688%2EZr5Rl2">call on Biden</a>
to pressure Israel to commit not to carry out colonization or depopulation in Gaza.
<p>
The words in the petition are not as clear and plain-spoken as that, but that is what they mean.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!
White House: <a href="tel:+12024561111">+1-202-456-1111</a>
and (TTY/TDD) +1-202-456-6213

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Chatbots_as_sweethearts)
title: Chatbots as sweethearts
uri: Chatbots-as-sweethearts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Chatbots_as_sweethearts)
content:
 
<p>

Chatbots seem to be good at giving a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/13/ai-girlfriend-chatbots">superficial imitation of the emotional
    responses</a> humans want from sweethearts.
</p>
<p>
The article discusses several potential dangers to society if many
people decide to have fake-intelligent sweethearts, but doesn't take
that far enough.  Society could fragment increasingly into male and
female fractions, perhaps more than one of each.  As a science fiction
fan, I am reminded of <em>A World out of Time</em> by Larry Niven, in which
the Boys and the Girls (each immortal) became separate groups and
fought a war.
</p>
<p>
The author, unaware of the issues raised by the free software
movement, omits the one we would think of first: each one of these
chatbots, if it isn't free software running on the user's own
computer, will be controlled by a company.  Barring unforeseeable
major changes, those companies will <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#3_August_2023_(Replika_chatbot)">profit by emotionally manipulating
    the users they supposedly serve</a>.  They will program the servers, and
the apps for interacting with them, to make the customers obey the
company and serve its goal.
</p>
<p>
  Calling chatbots <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#ArtificialIntelligence">"artificial intelligence"</a> helps lull humans into
treating them like persons.  That is why I decided never to do that,
  and refer to them instead as "bullshit generators".
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Superpowers_in_the_Middle_East)
title: Superpowers in the Middle East
uri: Superpowers-in-the-Middle-East
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Superpowers_in_the_Middle_East)
content:
 
<p>

  *The US isn’t the biggest power in the Middle East any more. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/13/iran-is-thwith-china-and-russia-behind-it-iran-is-the-big-kid-on-the-block">Iran is</a>.*
<p>
The fact that foolish US actions, and sometimes unjust US actions,
helped bring about this result does not make it a good thing.  Iran is
a <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_August_2023_(Peace_towards_Iran)">cruel, repressive state</a>,
much like <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-jul-oct.html#12_October_2022_(sergei_surovikin)">Russia</a>
and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-may-aug.html#30_June_2021_(Chinese_students_in_Australia)">China</a>
which are its allies.  We face, this time for real, an "axis of evil."
</p>
</li>

 


title: Effort to smear University of Pennsylvania president
uri: Effort-to-smear-University-of-Pennsylvania-president
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Effort_to_smear_University_of_Pennsylvania_president)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Effort_to_smear_University_of_Pennsylvania_president)

content:
 
<p>

*Pro-Israel Effort to Smear [University of Pennsylvania] President
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/01/13/penn-palestine-writes-liz-magill/">Started Well Before Oct. 7</a>.*
</p>
</li>

 


title: UK's subsidy for fuel for fishing boats
uri: UK-s-subsidy-for-fuel-for-fishing-boats
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(UK's_subsidy_for_fuel_for_fishing_boats)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(UK's_subsidy_for_fuel_for_fishing_boats)

content:
 
<p>

The UK's subsidy for fuel for fishing boats <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/13/polluting-tax-breaks-on-diesel-for-british-fishing-fleet-worth-up-to-18bn-a-decade">endangers fish from two
    directions at once</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Accusations of US plan to meddle in Russian election
uri: Accusations-of-US-plan-to-meddle-in-Russian-election
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Accusations_of_US_plan_to_meddle_in_Russian_election)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Accusations_of_US_plan_to_meddle_in_Russian_election)

content:
 
<p>

  Putin's official *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/11/russia-election-us-spymania-svr">accuses US of plan to meddle in its election</a>.*
</p>
<p>
The first level of lie in this accusation is the assumption that Russia
is free enough that its elections could be influenced.  With all the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2007-nov-feb.html#14%20December%202007%20(Kasparov%20resigns%20in%20early%20mid-game)">meddling
    that Putin directs in Russian elections</a>,
there is no space for anyone else to meddle.
</p>
<p>
  Meanwhile, people who criticize Putin are <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-sep-dec.html#12_December_2022_(Ilya_Yashin_sentenced_to_eight_and_a_half_years)">likely to end up in prison</a>.
</p>
<p>
This sort of lie is typical of right-wingers.  Whatever accusation
could be validly made against them, they make it against their
critics, because the truth is of no significance to them.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Florida school district pulls dictionaries
uri: Florida-school-district-pulls-dictionaries
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Florida_school_district_pulls_dictionaries)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Florida_school_district_pulls_dictionaries)

content:
 
<p>

  *Florida school district <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/11/florida-schools-ron-desantis-ban-books-sexual-content">pulls dictionaries</a> for "sexual conduct" descriptions.*
</p>
<p>
They look for opportunities to be absurdly repressive as a way of
proving their loyalty to extremism.  The sad thing is that progressives
go in for something similar &mdash; it is called "virtue signaling".
</p>
<p>
I resent being pressured to do anything for such reasons, so I often
resist such pressure, even for a cause I fully support.  I may like
your way of stating these views, and follow you.  But if I don't like
it, I will state our shared views in my own way.
</p>
<p>
You're entitled to do that too.
</p>
</li>

 


title: No excuse for endless fossil fuel expansion
uri: No-excuse-for-endless-fossil-fuel-expansion
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(No_excuse_for_endless_fossil_fuel_expansion)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(No_excuse_for_endless_fossil_fuel_expansion)

content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/14/ukraine-war-fossil-fuel-expansion">The Ukraine war is no excuse for endless fossil fuel expansion.</a>*
</p>
<p>
Destroying everyone on all sides does not constitute victory.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Ex-Shin_Bet_director)
title: Ex-Shin Bet director
uri: Ex-Shin-Bet-director
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Ex-Shin_Bet_director)
content:
 
<p>

*Ex-Shin Bet director Ayalon calls on Israel to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/14/shin-bet-ami-ayalon-calls-on-israel-release-intifada-leader-marwan-barghouti">release intifada
    leader</a> [Marwan] Barghouti [and negotiate with him to recognize the
state of Palestine].*
</p>
<p>
*“We Israelis will have security only when they, Palestinians, &hellip;
have hope.*
</p>
<p>
Be careful to avoid confusion about Palestinian leaders named
"Barghouti".  There are other political leaders in the Barghouti
family, and they follow different approaches.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Local_governments_in_England)
title: Local governments in England
uri: Local-governments-in-England
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Local_governments_in_England)
content:
 
<p>

Due to big Tory cuts in support for local government, plus inflation,
1/5 of the local governments in England <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/14/englands-councils-bankrupt-westminster">will go bankrupt in 2025</a>.
</p>
<p>
Tories won't help avoid that, of course.  Clearly that crisis is
something they desire.  What could their motive be?  They have
adjusted the fuse to make it explode after the next election; that
could be one purpose, but I think they must have another alongside
that.
</p>
<p>
It would be natural for the Labour Party to try to fix this, but that
would require spending money.  Starmer understandably refuses to
borrow that money, but he won't do that because he has changed the
party into <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(3rd_party_in_elections,_UK)">Tory Light</a>.
</p>
<p>
A former leader of Labour said, "<a href="https://labourlist.org/2015/01/the-labour-party-is-a-moral-crusade-or-it-is-nothing-and-nows-the-time-to-fight/">The Labour Party is a moral crusade
    or it is nothing</a>."
  Starmer's choice is "nothing".  How can Britain get itself a true
Labour Party, or something comparable?
</p>
<p>
I think it must start with Corbyn, 
Ideally he should be joined by several progressive-minded
Jews, to demonstrate that this party may criticize Israel's actions,
but it will <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jan-apr.html#19_March_2019_(Alleged_antisemitism)">never tolerate antisemitism</a>.
</p>


 


title: Rushing execution of Marcellus Williams
uri: Rushing-execution-of-Marcellus-Williams
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Rushing_execution_of_Marcellus_Williams)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Rushing_execution_of_Marcellus_Williams)

content:
 
<p>

  Missouri's governor is <a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/01/14/missouri-dna-marcellus-williams-execution/">rushing to execute Marcellus Williams</a> and
disregard the evidence that he was convicted unjustly.  He was
convicted of murdering Felicia Picus using a knife.  Later DNA was
found on the knife, and it certainly did not belong to Picus or
Williams.
</p>
<p>
It looks like the governor is trying to bring about something we could
call an "abortion of justice".
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Taliban's_bar_on_women_teaching)
title: Taliban's bar on women teaching
uri: Taliban-s-bar-on-women-teaching
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Taliban's_bar_on_women_teaching)
content:
 
<p>

* Human Rights Watch warns [that the Taliban's] bar on women [as
teachers] means <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/dec/06/human-rights-watch-taliban-schools-damage-education-afghanistan">unqualified men now teach boys</a>, fewer subjects are
taught and beatings [of students] are routine.*
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Adopting_right-wing_policies)
title: Adopting right-wing policies
uri: Adopting-right-wing-policies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Adopting_right-wing_policies)
content:
 
<p>

*[Data show that] adopting rightwing policies "<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/jan/10/adopting-rightwing-policies-does-not-help-centre-left-win-votes">does not help
    centre-left win votes</a>."
   Study of European electoral data suggests social democratic parties
alienate supporters by moving towards the political centre.*
</p>
<p>
I conjecture that parties do this to cede to pressure from the
rich. rather than pressure from the voters.  Even if it did win more
votes, it would be wrong.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Ten years away from world's first Trillionaire
uri: Ten-years-away-from-world-s-first-Trillionaire
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Ten_years_away_from_world's_first_Trillionaire)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Ten_years_away_from_world's_first_Trillionaire)

content:
 
<p>

  *World's First Trillionaire <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/oxfam-worlds-richest">Just 10 Years Away</a> as Richest Men Double
 Their Wealth.*
</p>
</li>

 


title: Mexicans who drowned trying to cross the Rio Grande
uri: Mexicans-who-drowned-trying-to-cross-the-Rio-Grande
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Mexicans_who_drowned_trying_to_cross_the_Rio_Grande)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Mexicans_who_drowned_trying_to_cross_the_Rio_Grande)

content:
 
<p>

Texas state <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/15/texas-border-dispute-white-house-migrants-drowing">blocked US border patrol agents from approaching the
    border to rescue some Mexicans</a> who had drowned while trying to cross
the Rio Grande.
</p>
<p>
I find it strange that article reports, unquestioningly, that Texas
personnel could bar US border patrol agents from Shelby Park if the
former insist.  I would expect the border patrol to arrest them
rather than heeding their objectives.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Iranian women journalist not covering their head
uri: Iranian-women-journalist-not-covering-their-head
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Iranian_women_journalist_not_covering_their_head)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#18_January_2024_(Iranian_women_journalist_not_covering_their_head)

content:
 
<p>

Two Iranian women journalists were jailed for not covering their heads;
then they were freed on appeal.  They celebrated this by appearing in
public and not covering their heads, so now they <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/jan/15/niloofar-hamedi-elaheh-mohammadi-iran-hijab-mahsa-amini-bail-release">face new charges</a>.
</p>
<p>
They seem to be determined to show their rejection of these unjust
laws.
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Stop funding fake abortion clinics
uri: 2024-01-19-Urgent-Stop-funding-fake-abortion-clinics
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_funding_fake_abortion_clinics)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_funding_fake_abortion_clinics)

content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on states to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-demand-states-stop-funding-fake-abortion-clinics">stop funding fake abortion clinics</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Stop spending money on Ex-Twitter
uri: Urgent-Stop-spending-money-on-Ex-Twitter
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_spending_money_on_Ex-Twitter)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_spending_money_on_Ex-Twitter)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Democrats to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-democratic-candidates-to-stop-spending-money-on-the-fascist-hate-machine-formerly-known-as-twitter">stop spending money on advertising
    in Ex-Twitter</a>, since it mainly funds Musk.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Pass the Public Banking Act
uri: Urgent-Pass-the-Public-Banking-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(Urgent:_Pass_the_Public_Banking_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(Urgent:_Pass_the_Public_Banking_Act)

content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tows-banking-act">pass the Public Banking Act</a>.
</p>
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Investigate DeJoy's coverups
uri: Urgent-Investigate-DeJoy-s-coverups
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(Urgent:_Investigate_DeJoy's_coverups)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(Urgent:_Investigate_DeJoy's_coverups)

content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-congress-must-investigate-dejoys-deadly-cover-ups">investigate DeJoy's coverups</a> of
neglecting to protect postal workers from heat stroke.
</p>
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(Tossing_human_rights_aside)
title: Tossing human rights aside
uri: Tossing-human-rights-aside
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(Tossing_human_rights_aside)
content:
 
<p>

Several countries in Latin America are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/15/ecuador-el-salvador-war-gangs-spiral-violence-latin-america-organised-crime">tossing human rights on the
    garbage pile</a> in trying to defeat gangs by making war on them in parallel with
arbitrary imprisonment of suspects.
</p>
<p>
This war of repression looks like "the only way" for the government to
end gang violence, but that assumes the government will win the war &mdash;
and they don't seem to actually win.  (The US government likewise
assumed it would eventually win in Vietnam and Afghanistan, but it
never did.)  The governments of El Salvador and Ecuador may not win
either.  Haiti's government eventually surrendered to gang rule.
</p>
<p>
I don't know what these governments should do.  Maybe it is hopeless.
But it seems to me that this war is an extension of the US "war on
drugs".  If the US switches to a harm-reduction policy, with
decriminalization and treatment, it could reduce the profits that
keep gangs interested.
</p>
</li>

 


title: US conservatives thought Martin Luther King Jr on their side
uri: US-conservatives-thought-Martin-Luther-King-Jr-on-their-side
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(US_conservatives_thought_Martin_Luther_King_Jr_on_their_side)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(US_conservatives_thought_Martin_Luther_King_Jr_on_their_side)

content:
 
<p>

How conservatives in the US have for decades <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/15/martin-luther-king-jr-politicians-legacy">misrepresented Martin
    Luther King Jr as being on their side</a>, only color-blind.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Laws being invoked against the insurrectionist
uri: Laws-being-invoked-against-the-insurrectionist
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(Laws_being_invoked_against_the_insurrectionist)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(Laws_being_invoked_against_the_insurrectionist)

content:
 
<p>

  The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/15/why-prosecutors-charging-trump-kkk-confederate-laws">laws now being invoked against the insurrectionist</a> grew out of the
response to violent southern racists, after the Civil War and during
the Civil Rights Movement.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Elon Musk is a free speech hypocrite
uri: Elon-Musk-is-a-free-speech-hypocrite
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(Elon_Musk_is_a_free_speech_hypocrite)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(Elon_Musk_is_a_free_speech_hypocrite)

content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/15/elon-musk-hypocrite-free-speech">Elon Musk has become the world's biggest hypocrite on free speech.</a>*
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(FTC_suing_data_brokers)
title: FTC suing data brokers
uri: FTC-suing-data-brokers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(FTC_suing_data_brokers)
content:
 
<p>

Data brokers collect lots of data about most people, including location data
that they get from snoop phones, apps for sapps, and  web sites and use machine
learning to identify patterns in that data and what the patterns mean.
The FTC is <a href="https://theconversation.com/data-brokers-know-everything-about-you-what-ftc-case-against-ad-tech-giant-kochava-reveals-218232">suing individual data brokers</a> and making them agree not to
do these things in the future.
</p>
<p>
It is a brave effort, but when one company stops, another will pop up
to do the same thing.  To make privacy secure. we need to require
products and services to be designed so that they don't tend to track
anyone.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Oil companies mis-using First Amendment
uri: Oil-companies-mis-using-First-Amendment
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(Oil_companies_mis-using_First_Amendment)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(Oil_companies_mis-using_First_Amendment)

content:
 
<p>

Oil companies are arguing in court that the First Amendment <a href="https://www.levernews.com/big-oil-is-weaponizing-the-first-amendment/">prevents them
    from being held liable</a> for damages caused by misleading people.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Lithuania let CIA us "black site" for torture
uri: Lithuania-let-CIA-us-black-site-for-torture
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(Lithuania_let_CIA_us_black_site_for_torture)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(Lithuania_let_CIA_us_black_site_for_torture)

content:
 
<p>

  The European Court of Human Rights <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2024/jan/16/echr-rules-lithuania-allowed-inhuman-treatment-of-alleged-911-suspect-by-cia">found Lithuania guilty</a> of allowing
the CIA to use one of its "black sites" to torture someone accused of
participating in the September 2011 terrorist attacks.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Aid can't be delivered to Gaza during bombing
uri: Aid-can-t-be-delivered-to-Gaza-during-bombing
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(Aid_can't_be_delivered_to_Gaza_during_bombing)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(Aid_can't_be_delivered_to_Gaza_during_bombing)

content:
 
<p>

  *Oxfam GB says <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/16/gaza-aid-is-welcome-but-a-ceasefire-is-vital">aid cannot be delivered effectively</a> [to Gaza]
 while bombing continues and supplies are rejected.*
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(Canadian_man_admits_arson)
title: Canadian man admits arson
uri: Canadian-man-admits-arson
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(Canadian_man_admits_arson)
content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/16/canada-wildfires-conspiracy-man-pleads-guilty-arson">Canadian man who claimed wildfires were a federal conspiracy admits arson.</a>*
</p>
<p>
That demonstrates the moral values of right-wing conspiracy thinkers
in a nutshell.  They treat their country and its people as "the
enemy", and try to harm them both by any possible means.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(Voting_machine_ballots_in_code)
title: Voting machine ballots in code
uri: Voting-machine-ballots-in-code
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(Voting_machine_ballots_in_code)
content:
 
<p>

  A court case demands that Georgia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/09/georgia-election-voting-system-trial">stop using voting machines</a> that
write the votes on ballots in a code that voters can't read if they try.
</p>
<p>
  As explained <a href="evoting.html">here</a>, 
devices like this create the possibility of a centralized
fraud that would be hard to detect.
</p>
<p>
This case is not about any specific allegation of actual rigging.
Republicans have used may efforts to rig US elections, including
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#20_November_2021_(Gerrymandering">gerrymandering</a> and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_November_2014_(Voter_Suppression">voter suppression</a>, and are continuing to do so, but this case is not about those
methods.  Facts suggested that a few US elections were rigged through
voting machines around 20 years ago, but there was no proof.
</p>
[pol notes about those instances, or copy links from evoting.html if
they are there]
<p>
Fraud can be committed using paper ballots too, and that has been done
for centuries.  However, a big fraud with paper ballots tends to be bulky
and thus hard to hide.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(News_shows_in_Israel)
title: Settlers & news shows, ISR
uri: Settlers-news-shows-ISR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#19_January_2024_(News_shows_in_Israel)
content:
 
<p>
*The far right infiltration [and even domination] of Israel's media is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/09/israel-media-gaza-benjamin-netanyahu-settler-movement">blinding the public</a>
to the truth about Gaza.*
<p>
There is a peace movement in Israel which demands to end Israel's
atrocities in Gaza, and an end to the fighting there.  Fair access to
the media would help it succeed.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Recording)
title: Recording
uri: Recording
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Recording)
content:
 
<p>
A <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/18/roger-stone-death-threats-jerry-nadler-fbi-trump">recording of a clear proposal</a> to assassinate Rep. Nadler or
journalist Eric Swalwell was turned in to the Capitol Police.  But it
isn't clear whether it is a real recording or a deepfake.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Clothing_industry_greenhouse_gas)
title: Clothing industry greenhouse gas
uri: Clothing-industry-greenhouse-gas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Clothing_industry_greenhouse_gas)
content:
 
<p>
The clothing industry contributes <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2024/jan/18/its-the-industrys-dirty-secret-why-fashions-oversupply-problem-is-an-environmental-disaster">significantly to greenhouse
emissions</a> and to the waste society ultimately discards.  How to reduce
these two burdens is not clear.
<p>
One thing which is not clear to me is how this accounting deals with
remaindered garments -- like the ones you can find in Marshalls.  Are
they included in the "sold" category (after all, they do eventually
get sold by the company that ordered their production) or the "waste"
category?  If these are considered "sold", how come any garments
remain as "waste"? Why aren't they all remaindered, and thus
eventually put in the hands of someone who will wear them?
<p>
Some fraction must be bizarre styles that hardly anyone wants to wear.
But it seems implausible to me that they would be a substantial
fraction of total production.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Urgent:_HJ_Res_25)
title: Urgent: HJ Res 25
uri: Urgent-HJ-Res-25
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Urgent:_HJ_Res_25)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter and say to sign the discharge
petition to bring HJ Res 25 to a vote.  This is the resolution to
bring the Equal Rights Amendment into effect by recognizing the
ratifications that a sufficient number of states have already done.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Wellness_programs_fail)
title: Wellness programs fail
uri: Wellness-programs-fail
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Wellness_programs_fail)
content:
 
<p>
Studies have found that workplace <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/17/work-wellness-programmes-dont-make-employees-happier-but-i-know-what-does">"wellness" programs fail to make
workers healthier or happier</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(EU_advertising_rule)
title: EU advertising rule
uri: EU-advertising-rule
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(EU_advertising_rule)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/17/eu-bans-misleading-environmental-claims-that-rely-on-offsetting">New EU advertising rule</a>: *Products and services billed as climate
   neutral, biodegradable or eco [(organic)] must provide proof, with
carbon schemes banned as evidence.*

<p>
 


title: Election denier programs in Georgia
uri: Election-denier-programs-in-Georgia
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Election_denier_programs_in_Georgia)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Election_denier_programs_in_Georgia)

content:
 
<p>
*Georgia county to use <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/02/georgia-county-eagleai-program-ineligible-voters">program linked to election denier to flag
ineligible voters</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Global_heating_arsenic)
title: Global heating arsenic
uri: Global-heating-arsenic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Global_heating_arsenic)
content:
 
<p>
Global heating's consequence, sea-level rise, will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/17/climate-crisis-increase-cancer-risk-bangladesh-water">increase the arsenic
in Bangladesh's water</a>.
This is the result of a series of chemical consequences.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Tortured)
title: Tortured
uri: Tortured
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Tortured)
content:
 
<p>
*Serbian opposition leader says <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/17/serbian-opposition-leader-says-secret-service-tortured-and-threatened-him">secret service tortured and threatened him</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_((Satire)_DeMentis)
title: (Satire) DeMentis
uri: (Satire)-DeMentis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_((Satire)_DeMentis)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *[DeMentis] Going Door To Door To <a href="https://www.theonion.com/ron-desantis-going-door-to-door-to-beg-own-campaign-sta-1851163202">Beg Own Campaign Staff</a> To
Vote For Him.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(AT%26T_cheating_customers)
title: AT&T cheating customers
uri: AT-T-cheating-customers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(AT%26T_cheating_customers)
content:
 
<p>
AT&T in California has been cheating its customers, the public and the state
for over a decade.  <a href="https://kushnickbruce.medium.com/explosive-new-unredacted-report-by-ca-commission-about-at-t-california-789adab05609">All the details are here</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Tories_and_carbon)
title: Tories and carbon
uri: Tories-and-carbon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Tories_and_carbon)
content:
 
<p>
The Tories have decided to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/jan/16/drax-gets-go-ahead-for-carbon-capture-project-at-estimated-40bn-cost-to-bill-payers">build and run a "carbon capture and
storage"</a> plant at the cost of 50 billion dollars, if fully
implemented.
<p>
"Carbon capture and storage", if it works, will reduce greenhouse
gases in the atmosphere.  We will need to do that in he future, once
we have cut greenhouse gas emissions, if we have damaged forests and
algae so much that they can't remove the excess CO2 we will have
emitted.
<p>
However, what we need now is to reduce the rate of increase down to
zero, and the money used for this absurdly expensive system could
achieve a lot more of that if spent on building renewable generation,
battery storage, and grid enhancement.
<p>
I suspect that the Tories' decision was intended to please those who
will get that money.


<p>
 


title: Profits and payouts over passengers
uri: Profits-and-payouts-over-passengers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Profits_and_payouts_over_passengers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Profits_and_payouts_over_passengers)

content:
 
<p>
Boeing and its spin-off Spirit put *<a href="https://www.levernews.com/r/d324994a?m=a1296444-4385-46f7-b56f-c5acabd34844">Profits And Payouts Over Passenger
Safety</a>.*  This article gives the history and details.
<p>
The US system of business is fundamentally broken, systematically
producing results that don't resemble what is said to make capitalism
beneficial.  It is no longer "If we do a good job of XYZ, we will make
a lot of money"; rather, "Let's make more money by doing a bad job and
screwing our customers, our workers and the public."


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(HAMAS_terror_evidence,_ISR)
title: HAMAS sexual terror evidence, ISR
uri: HAMAS-sexual-terror-evidence-ISR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(HAMAS_terror_evidence,_ISR)
content:
 
<p>
The HAMAS killers and kidnappers were
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/18/evidence-points-to-systematic-use-of-rape-by-hamas-in-7-october-attacks">raving with hate</a>
to a degree that they
raped and mutilated Israeli women, some in the process of killing them, and
perhaps also corpses of those they had already killed.
<p>
This demonstrates how humans can be lead to depravity that destroys
their reason and humanity.  We see this happening to Israeli soldiers, too.

<p>
 


title: (Satire) Children of divorce are better adapted
uri: (Satire)-Children-of-divorce-are-better-adapted
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_((Satire)_Children_of_divorce_better_adapted_to_reality)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_((Satire)_Children_of_divorce_better_adapted_to_reality)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Study Finds Children Of Divorce
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/study-finds-children-of-divorce-better-prepared-for-lif-1851160415">Better Prepared For Life’s
Relentless Misery</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(The_expoiter's_courtroom_antics)
title: The exploiter's courtroom antics
uri: The-exploiter-s-courtroom-antics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(The_expoiter's_courtroom_antics)
content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#insurrectionist">The insurrectionist</a> is intentionally obstructing his civil trial,
daring the judge to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/17/donald-trump-court-temper-tantrum-e-jean-carroll">order him to leave</a>
the courtroom.
<p>
The judge understands that ordering him out of the courtroom is what he wants, and
therefore doesn't do it, but the result is that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#insurrectionist">the insurrectionist</a> comes across as more
powerful than the judge in the judge's own court.  That surely <a href="2024-nov-feb.html#15_January_2024_(The_insurrectionist's_strategy)">serves his political
strategy</a>
too.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Drug_pricing,_researching_tactics)
title: Drug development and pricing tactics
uri: Drug-development-and-pricing-tactics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Drug_pricing,_researching_tactics)
content:
 
<p>
*Manufacturers of 10 Drugs Slated for Medicare Price Negotiation Spent Billions More on
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/manufacturers-of-10-drugs-slated-for-medicare-price-negotiation-spent-billions-more-on-buybacks-dividends-and-executive-compensation-than-rd">Buybacks, Dividends and Executive Compensation</a>
than R&amp;D.*
<p>
US drug companies have worked hard to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-may-aug.html#15%20August%202010%20(Drug%20companies%20distort%20science)">corrupt the system of studies</a>
to measure the effects of approved and proposed medicines.  They can do this
because the investigations get their <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2007-sep-dec.html#20
%20December%202007%20(drug%20company%20researchers)">funds from the drug companies</a>.
Therefore, we should take those studies entirely away from companies.  The government
should pay for these studies, getting funds from drug companies through taxes but denying
them any say about what will be tested or by whom.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Craze_to_jail_journalists,_Isr)
title: A craze to jail journalists, ISR
uri: A-craze-to-jail-journalists-ISR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Craze_to_jail_journalists,_Isr)
content:
 
<p>
The Committee to Protect Journalists has listed
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2024/jan/18/journalists-jailed-imprisoned-israel">Israel as tied with
Iran</a>
for sixth place on the "worst jailers of journalists" list.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Dragnet_fishing_CO2)
title: Dragnets release stored CO2
uri: Dragnets-release-stored-CO2
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#20_January_2024_(Dragnet_fishing_CO2)
content:
 
<p>
Fishing by dragging a net across the sea bottom does worse than
destroy habitat and ecosystems; it also
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/18/carbon-released-by-bottom-trawling-too-big-to-ignore-says-study">releases lots of CO2</a>,
half of which gets into the atmosphere.
<p>
There was already a one sufficient reason to ban it.  This is another.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_January_2024_(Boeing_defects)
title: Boeing defects
uri: Boeing-defects
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_January_2024_(Boeing_defects)
content:
 
<p>
Employees at Spirit AeroSystems, a subcontractor that Boeing spun off,
accused the company of <a href="https://www.levernews.com/boeing-supplier-ignored-warnings-of-excessive-amount-of-defects-former-employees-allege/">disregarding high levels of defects</a>.
<p>
This attitude is common in US businesses, and it makes life painful.
We need to change the system that makes it profitable to run businesses
with this attitude.
<p>
Structural reasons why Boeing is doing badly in the safety field:
it's owned by banks and asset managers, its outsourcing is out of control,
and the US <a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/why-is-boeing-such-a-shitty-corporation">doesn't have laws to ensure workers' safety concerns are heeded</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_January_2024_(Reading_on_paper)
title: Reading on paper
uri: Reading-on-paper
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_January_2024_(Reading_on_paper)
content:
 
<p>
A study has found that children learn to read better <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/jan/17/kids-reading-better-paper-vs-screen">when they read on
paper</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_January_2024_(School's_snoop-phone_ban)
title: School's snoop-phone ban
uri: School-s-snoop-phone-ban
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_January_2024_(School's_snoop-phone_ban)
content:
 
<p>
A school that banned snoop-phones on campus found that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/jan/17/cellphone-smartphone-bans-schools">this made
life and education much better</a>.  Most of the students agree.
<p>
Alas, they are still being tracked, and perhaps listened to, by the
non-"smart" portable phones that they carry.  These phones are likewise
running nonfree software that the user can't change _but others can_.
<p>
Still, this is a big step forward.  If you can take that big step, you
can probably take the smaller step that remains.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_January_2024_(Fictionalizing)
title: Fictionalizing
uri: Fictionalizing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_January_2024_(Fictionalizing)
content:
 
<p>
On the ethical issues of <a href="On the ethical issues of fictionalizing parts of a movie which claims
to present true events.">fictionalizing parts of a movie which claims
to present true events</a>.
<p>
It is impossible to recount history with perfect accuracy, no matter
how hard you work.  Even for recent history there are always things
which the best research cannot determine.  For events further in the
past, there are often disagreements about how to interpret the primary
sources, and even major uncertainties.  You may have to choose which
interpretation to dramatize.  Whichever you choose, it may be mistaken
or only part of the truth.  One can only do one's best.
<p>
But that doesn't excuse intentionally choosing not to do one's best.
I am deeply disappointed by gratuitous falsification of history simply
to make the plot "more exciting".  When I learned that <i>The Great
Escape</i> was mostly fiction, I felt cheated by it.  It presents a
notice which tries to acknowledge that parts are fiction, but phrased
misleadingly: the notice states that the way they dug and used the
tunnel were accurate, but did not explicitly say that most of the rest
was not.
<p>
Even in <i>Midway</i>, which is mostly accurate, some points have been
made erroneous -- and it would have been so easy to get them right.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_January_2024_(Khan_Younis)
title: Khan Younis
uri: Khan-Younis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_January_2024_(Khan_Younis)
content:
 
<p>
*Fears grow for largest remaining hospital in Gaza as <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/19/israel-gaza-war-largest-remaining-hospital-nasser-khan-younis-attack-fears-strike">Israeli forces bombard
Khan Younis</a>*, bombing sometimes very close to the hospital.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_January_2024_(Vigilante_justice_threats)
title: Vigilante justice threats
uri: Vigilante-justice-threats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_January_2024_(Vigilante_justice_threats)
content:
 
<p>
*As the election looms, we must be alert to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/19/donald-trump-threats-vigilante-justice-2024-election">[the insurrectionist's]
threats</a> of vigilante justice.*
<p>
The insurrectionist has already bullied senators into voting not to
convict him of insurrection.  Now his followers are threatening
judges.  Next November he will surely launch his fanatics into bigger
violence.  We must be ready to defeat it crushingly so that it cannot
try again.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_January_2024_(Republican_chaos)
title: Republican chaos
uri: Republican-chaos
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_January_2024_(Republican_chaos)
content:
 
<p>
The head of the Michigan Republican Party has been ousted by the state
committee after <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/19/michigan-republican-party-chaos">claiming to have won votes within the party that in
fact perse had lost</a>.
Now, following the lead of their greatest inspiration, perse has
refused to honor the vote that ousted per, and the two fractions look
like fighting in court soon.
<p>
It is beautifully ironic for Republicans to get a taste of their own
medicine.  I laugh at their predicament.  Will they learn a lesson
from it?  Will they recognize, in these events, a reason not to
support the bullshitter as candidate for president?

*How an Alabama utility wields influence by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/17/alabama-power-electric-utility-finance-birmingham-news">financing news broadcasting</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_January_2024_(Deportation_plan)
title: Deportation plan
uri: Deportation-plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_January_2024_(Deportation_plan)
content:
 
<p>
A German minister accused the fascist-tinged far-right party of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/17/afd-plans-to-turn-germany-into-authoritarian-state-vice-chancellor-warns">secretly planning mass deportations</a> if it gets power.
<p>
*AfD leader "<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/18/afd-leader-wolf-in-sheeps-clothing-says-german-social-democrats-head">wolf in sheep’s clothing</a>," says German Social Democrats head.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_January_2024_(Google_abortion_clinic_data)
title: Google abortion clinic data
uri: Google-abortion-clinic-data
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_January_2024_(Google_abortion_clinic_data)
content:
 
<p>
Google promised to delete location data about <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/jan/16/google-keeps-location-history-data-abortion-clinics-despite-delete-pledge">visits to abortion
clinics -- and some other places, too</a>.  But the changes are
only effective in a fraction of cases.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_January_2024_(Crime_falling)
title: Crime falling
uri: Crime-falling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_January_2024_(Crime_falling)
content:
 
<p>
*Crime in the US is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/17/crime-decreasing-trend-police-spending-public-safety-data">once again falling. Can we rethink policing</a>?*
<p>
Oakland, California, is an exception.  Oakland's <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/18/oakland-california-operation-ceasefire-gun-violence-prevention-program">Operation Ceasefire
cut the murder rate by almost half</a>, during 2012-2017, but then it was
altered and made ineffective; the murder rate almost to the previous
level.
<p>
It worked by identifying gang members who were likely to get involved
in deadly fights, then -- rather than repressing them -- making
relationships with them to lead them away from that danger.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_January_2024_(Alabama_utility_influence)
title: Alabama utility influence
uri: Alabama-utility-influence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#21_January_2024_(Alabama_utility_influence)
content:
 
<p>
*How an Alabama utility wields influence by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/17/alabama-power-electric-utility-finance-birmingham-news">financing news broadcasting</a>.*

<p>
 


title: German farmers supporting extreme right-wing
uri: German-farmers-supporting-extreme-right-wing
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#22_January_2024_(German_farmers_supporting_extreme_right-wing)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#22_January_2024_(German_farmers_supporting_extreme_right-wing)

content:
 
<p>

  German farmers are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/20/germany-farmers-boots-fuel-far-right-protests-afd">supporting the extreme right-wing</a> after the center-left government reduced the subsidy on fossil fuels.
</p>
<p>
It made the usual mistake that governments make in how they do this:
they cut that subsidy and changed nothing else.  The effect on farmers
was an immediate loss of income and they had no better alternative to
shift to.
</p>
<p>
The subsidy for fossil fuel must end.  One way to end it without
crushing the farmers is to make the subsidy not depend on whether
they buy fossil fuel.
  Then they will have an incentive to switch to a substitute &mdash; if and
when one exists.  The government should actively make electric
tractors a reality.
</p>
<p>
Don't forget that farmers can no longer own a tractor &mdash; the manufacturer
designs them with proprietary software, which is malware: it snoops on
the farmer's actions and on data it measures about the farm, and it even has
a <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-mar-jun.html#4_May_2022_(putin_forces_chechnya_tractors)">remote shut-off switch</a>.
</p>
<p>
This ought to be illegal.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Cypriots demand end to UK military base
uri: Cypriots-demand-end-to-UK-military-base
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#22_January_2024_(Cypriots_demand_end_to_UK_military_base)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#22_January_2024_(Cypriots_demand_end_to_UK_military_base)

content:
 
<p>

The UK has a military base on Cyprus, which it is using for attacks on
Houthi missile and drone launching facilities that it is using to
threaten shipping.  Now some Cypriots <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/20/cyprus-faces-backlash-over-use-of-british-bases-to-bomb-houthis">demand an end to this cooperation</a>.
</p>
<p>
They make two arguments.  One is the reductionism that labels the
Houthis and their patron, Iran, as "good" because they act against
Israel.  The other is using cowardice as the basic premise &mdash; "What if
Cyprus becomes a target?"  They don't seem to notice the fundamental
contradiction between these two arguments.
</p>
<p>
Gaza or no Gaza, it is unacceptable to allow Houthis to menace the
whole world's economy when and as they see fit.
</p>
<p>
As a separate matter, governments including the US have a duty to
make Israel <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(US-Qatar_relations_per_Israel)">stop the bombardment and siege of Gaza</a>.  But we didn't
need the Houthis to teach us that.
</p>
<p>
We agree with then on that one point, but that doesn't change the fact
that they are violent and repressive religious fanatics who would
oppress us if they could.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#22_January_2024_(If_society_valued_civics)
title: If society valued civics
uri: If-society-valued-civics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#22_January_2024_(If_society_valued_civics)
content:
 
<p>

  Ralph Nader: *<a href="https://mailchi.mp/nader/what-if-our-society-valued-civics-as-it-does-entertainment-mwo00jkc1l">What If Our Society Valued Civics as It Does Entertainment?</a>*
</p>

 


title: Hospitals become worse when bought by private equity firms
uri: Hospitals-become-worse-when-bought-by-private-equity-firms
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#22_January_2024_(Hospitals_become_worse_when_bought_by_private_equity_firms)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#22_January_2024_(Hospitals_become_worse_when_bought_by_private_equity_firms)

content:
 
<p>

  When private equity firms buy US hospitals, the <a href="https://arstechnica.com/health/2024/01/hospitals-slash-staff-services-quality-of-care-when-private-equity-takes-over/">hospitals become worse</a>.
*The [private] equity firms cut corners, slash services, lay off
staff, lower quality of care, take on substantial debt, and reduce
charity care, leading to lower ratings and more medical errors, the
[two] reports collectively find.*
</p>
</li>

 


title: US inflation from high corporate profits
uri: US-inflation-from-high-corporate-profits
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#22_January_2024_(US_inflation_from_high_corporate_profits)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#22_January_2024_(US_inflation_from_high_corporate_profits)

content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/jan/19/us-inflation-caused-by-corporate-profits">Half of recent US inflation due to high corporate profits, report finds.</a>*
</p>
<p>
*Thinktank report says ‘resounding evidence’ shows companies continue to
keep prices high even as their inflationary costs drop.*
</p>
</li>

 


title: Newburgh Four to be released from prison
uri: Newburgh-Four-to-be-released-from-prison
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#22_January_2024_(Newburgh_Four_to_be_released_from_prison)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#22_January_2024_(Newburgh_Four_to_be_released_from_prison)

content:
 
<p>

The FBI concocted a fake plot and inveigled people into a fantasy of
planning terrorism.  Those people were since known as the Newburgh
Four.  Now they will be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/20/newburgh-four-james-cromitie-ordered-released">released from prison</a>.
</p>
<p>
If they had really taken initiative to plan such attacks, they would
deserve prison sentences, but the FBI does the country no service by
protecting us from fantasy terrorism.
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#23_January_2024_(Costs_of_sports_stadiums)
title: Costs of sports stadiums
uri: Costs-of-sports-stadiums
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#23_January_2024_(Costs_of_sports_stadiums)
content:
 
<p>
Sports teams
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/18/sports-stadiums-affordable-housing-development-deal">bully cities</a>
into paying for expensive new stadiums which the teams will get the profit from.  Now they
sweeten the deal by promising to build housing too &mdash; but once the stadium is built,
the team may not carry them out.
<p>
Teams exert the pressure by making cities bid against each other for
which will have the team.  I've proposed a law to stop businesses of
all kinds from making cities or states
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-jul-oct.html#23_September_2014_(Sports_teams_bully_US_cities)">bid on how much subsidy to
offer</a>.
<p>
I am absolutely against spending municipal funds on enriching sports
team owners.  There should be a federal law prohibiting this &mdash; any
assistance to the team should be a loan which must come first on the
team's list of creditors.  The city can spend those loan payments on
housing if it wants to.
<p>
The law could require that all such loans be paid back at 150%.

 


title: UK’s crackdown on climate protesters
uri: UK-s-crackdown-on-climate-protesters
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#24_January_2024_(uks_crackdown_on_climate_protestors)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#24_January_2024_(uks_crackdown_on_climate_protestors)

content:
 
<p>
*Five examples of the UK’s crackdown on 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/23/five-examples-of-the-uks-crackdown-on-climate-protesters">climate protesters.*</a>
<p>
Has Starmer said that Labour would end this repression, or defend the
climate enough to the protests unnecessary?  I don't think so, but I'd like
to be reminded if I forgot.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#24_January_2024_(israeal_man_refuse_serve_military)
title: Tal Mitnick, 18, on going to prison instead of joining IDF
uri: Tal-Mitnick-18-on-going-to-prison-instead-of-joining-IDF
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#24_January_2024_(israeal_man_refuse_serve_military)
content:
 
<p>
*Tal Mitnick, 18, on going to
prison instead of joining 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/23/israel-man-jailed-refuse-serve-idf-military-tal-mitnick-interview">[the Israeli army].*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#24_January_2024_(clean_cookstove_carbon_offsets)
title: Cooking carbon offsets overstate climate benefit by 1,000%, study finds
uri: Cooking-carbon-offsets-overstate-climate-benefit-by-1-000-study-find
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#24_January_2024_(clean_cookstove_carbon_offsets)
content:
 
<p>
Burning wood indoors for cooking is a bad idea because the wood smoke
harms people's health.  Projects to hand out wood-burning stoves in
poor countries are supported by "carbon offsets" which are 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/23/clean-cookstove-carbon-offsets-overstate-climate-benefit-by-1000-percent">fraudulent
in the usual way.</a>
<p>
I've heard of projects to give people inexpensive solar-powered
cookers.  They don't cause any pollution; the users don't even need to
buy or cut wood.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#24_January_2024_(us_uranium_mine_grand_canyon)
title: Alarm as first uranium mine in years opens near Grand Canyon
uri: Alarm-as-first-uranium-mine-in-years-opens-near-Grand-Canyon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#24_January_2024_(us_uranium_mine_grand_canyon)
content:
 
<p>
The Cop28 climate conference failed to set a target for decarbonizing,
but it did set a target of 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/23/us-uranium-mine-grand-canyon">tripling nuclear generation.</a>
<p>
The US is rushing to carry out.this plan.
<p>
Nuclear generation is more expensive and slower to build than renewable
generation, it pollutes at many levels, and it carries the risk of disaster.
We should not  carry out that agreement -- we should build renewable generators
and batteries instead.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#24_January_2024_(us_solar_energy)
title: Bureau of Land Management proposed land for solar projects
uri: Bureau-of-Land-Management-proposed-land-for-solar-projects
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#24_January_2024_(us_solar_energy)
content:
 
<p>
The Bureau of Land Management has proposed 22 million acres of public land
to designate for solar power use.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/23/us-solar-energy-transition-land">since civilization's survival depends on that.</a>
<p>
This is 1% of the land area of the US.  I think we can spare that much,
especially

<p>
 


title: War-money sit-ins at university, MA crackdown
uri: War-money-sit-ins-at-university-MA-crackdown
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(War-money_sit-ins_at_university,_MA)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(War-money_sit-ins_at_university,_MA)

content:
 
<p>
Students at the University of Massachusetts held a sit-in strike
calling for
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/01/21/university-student-sit-ins-palestine/">disassociation from manufactures of weapons</a>
Israel uses in the occupation of Palestine.  The university is prosecuting 57 protesters
for trespassing.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Stop the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians
uri: Urgent-Stop-the-ethnic-cleansing-of-Palestinians
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_the_ethnic_cleansing_of_Palestinians)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_the_ethnic_cleansing_of_Palestinians)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Biden to
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-now-to-president-biden-stop-the-ethnic-cleansing-of-palestinians-dont-allow-israels-government-to-force-the-palestinian-people-out-of-their-historic-homeland?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-rashida-tlaib-for-congress&source=group-rashida-tlaib-for-congress">stop the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians</a>
from Gaza.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!
White House: <a href="tel:+12024561111">+1-202-456-1111</a>
and (TTY/TDD) +1-202-456-6213

<p>
 


title: Chemical attack on university protesters, NY
uri: Chemical-attack-on-university-protesters-NY
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Chemical_attack_on_university_protesters,_NY)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Chemical_attack_on_university_protesters,_NY)

content:
 
<p>
*[Columbia University] students protesting Israel's bombardment of
Gaza reported being
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/23/alleged-chemical-attack-columbia-students-pro-palestine-new-york">sprayed with a chemical</a>
that caused nausea and
headaches.*
<p>
Ironically, they may have been sprayed with a chemical used in Israel
against protesting Palestinians.
<p>
Protest organizers accused two former Israeli soldiers who are now students there.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Restore the Voting Rights act
uri: Urgent-Restore-the-Voting-Rights-act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Urgent:_Restore_the_Voting_Rights_act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Urgent:_Restore_the_Voting_Rights_act)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to
<a href="https://act.commoncause.org/petitions/tell-congress-honor-dr-king-by-passing-voting-rights-legislation?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-demand-change-to-uphold-dr-kings-legacy">restore the strength of the Voting
Rights Act</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Urgent:_Protect_bees_habitat)
title: Urgent: Protect bees' habitat
uri: Urgent-Protect-bees-habitat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Urgent:_Protect_bees_habitat)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on your
<a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=55484">state governor to protect bees</a>
by expanding bee-friendly habitat.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Pass the Raise the Wage Act
uri: Urgent-Pass-the-Raise-the-Wage-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Urgent:_Pass_the_Raise_the_Wage_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Urgent:_Pass_the_Raise_the_Wage_Act)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-congress-to-pass-the-raise-the-wage-act-and-lift-millions-of-people-out-of-poverty?nowrapper=true">pass the Raise the Wage Act</a>,
which will raise the US minimum wage.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: *"No one should have more than [$10 million]": the author of
uri: No-one-should-have-more-than-10-million-the-author-of
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(*No_one_should_have_more_than_[$10_million]:_the_author_of)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(*No_one_should_have_more_than_[$10_million]:_the_author_of)

content:
 
<p>
Limitarianism on
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/jan/21/how-much-personal-wealth-is-enough-ingrid-robeyns-limitarianism">why the super-rich need to level down</a>
radically.*
<p>
An absolute limit on any person's wealth is roughly equivalent to a
100% marginal tax rate on income beyond a certain point.  A 93% tax
rate would give similar results, and we know it is feasible and works.  So I think
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-jan-apr.html#18_April_2022_(macron_cap_on_exec_pay)">we should try that instead</a>.
<p>
To fully implement that 93% marginal tax rate entails eliminating the deductions and
manipulations currently used by the rich to shelter much of their wealth and income from it.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Expand Social Security &mdash; tax the riches
uri: Urgent-Expand-Social-Security-tax-the-riches
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Urgent:_Expand_Social_Security_%26mdash;_tax_the_riches)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Urgent:_Expand_Social_Security_%26mdash;_tax_the_riches)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/social-security-expansion-24/?">tax the rich and expand Social Security</a>
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: The JP Morgan Chase, US presidential "vote", Davos
uri: The-JP-Morgan-Chase-US-presidential-vote-Davos
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(The_JPMorgan_Chase,_US_presidential_vote,_Davos)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(The_JPMorgan_Chase,_US_presidential_vote,_Davos)

content:
 
<p>
Jamie Dimon,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/21/jpmorgan-ceo-jamie-dimon-defends-trump">CEO of the bank JP Morgan Chase</a>,
has started to give
mendacious praise for <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">the bullshitter's</a> policies while president.
<p>
Evidently he doesn't mind joining in the bullshit in order to win the favor
of someone who may become dictator of the US.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Corporations United decision
uri: Urgent-Corporations-United-decision
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Urgent:_Corporations_United_decision)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Urgent:_Corporations_United_decision)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to pass the Democracy for All amendment and
<a href="https://act.pfaw.org/sign/democracy-for-all-amendment-2024/">reverse the Corporations United decision</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Urgent:_Ban_single-use_plastics)
title: Urgent: Ban single-use plastics
uri: Urgent-Ban-single-use-plastics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Urgent:_Ban_single-use_plastics)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/ban-plastics/">ban single-use plastics</a>
to protect our environment and public health.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Pass the Right-to-Repair legislation
uri: Urgent-Pass-the-Right-to-Repair-legislation
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Urgent:_Pass_the_Right-to-Repair_legislation)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Urgent:_Pass_the_Right-to-Repair_legislation)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to
<a href="https://action.storyofstuff.org/sign/ftc-repair-petition/">pass Right-to-Repair legislation</a>.
<p>
Fully effective Right-to-Repair legislation must require the software to be something
close to free.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: Israel in context of European settler colonialism
uri: Israel-in-context-of-European-settler-colonialism
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Israel_in_context_of_European_settler_colonialism)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Israel_in_context_of_European_settler_colonialism)

content:
 
<p>

  Seeing Israel in the <a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/01/20/israel-colonialism-europe/">context of European settler colonialism</a>:
it partly fits, and at the same time it doesn't.
</p>
<p>
The other colonial powers were looking mainly for profit and power,
not for survival against murderous persecution.  Morally that changes
some things, but not everything: it does not entitle Zionists to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#30_October_2015_(Permanent_oppression_of_Palestinians)">oppress Palestinians</a>, 
let alone to commit massive and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Netanyahu's_hostage_situations)">repeated atrocities</a>.
</p>
<p>
Keep in mind that colonization is not limited to European
countries.  Ancient empires practiced colonization &mdash; Rome, for instance.
Nowadays, China is practicing <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#24_May_2021_(Tibetan_culture)">settler colonialism in Tibet</a>,
and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#27_September_2017_(Western_New_Guinea)">Indonesia in its half of New Guinea</a>.
</p>
<p>
India's treatment of Muslims under its system of Hindu nationalism
is not "colonization' in a territorial sense, but it has much in common.
</p>
[pol note or two about that]
</li>

 


title: Biden must press Israel to end occupation
uri: Biden-must-press-Israel-to-end-occupation
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Biden_must_press_Israel_to_end_occupation)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Biden_must_press_Israel_to_end_occupation)

content:
 
<p>

Biden must press Israel to agree to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/19/biden-israel-netanyahu-war">recognize the state of Palestine
    and end the occupation</a>.
</p>
<p>
Since Netanyahu says that "The prime minister needs to be capable of
saying no to our friends," Biden must likewise be capable of saying no
to America's traditional friends.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Thugs_crashed_car_into_a_gay_bar)
title: Thugs crashed car into a gay bar
uri: Thugs-crashed-car-into-a-gay-bar
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Thugs_crashed_car_into_a_gay_bar)
content:
 
<p>

St Louis <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> crashed a car into a gay bar, then bullied and arrested
the bar's owner.  This while <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/20/missouri-police-crash-car-gay-bar-owner-arrested-lgbt">concealing video evidence</a> of what happened.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Unlimited_right_to_abortion)
title: Unlimited right to abortion
uri: Unlimited-right-to-abortion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Unlimited_right_to_abortion)
content:
 
<p>

Arguing for the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/21/abortion-activists-future-roe-v-wade">unlimited right for anyone who is pregnant to have an
    abortion</a>, at no cost, &mdash; with no exceptions.
</p>
<p>
  Future people, not yet born, are entitled to certain things <em>in case</em>
they are born: namely, a livable world to be born into, and a free and
compassionate society to be part of.  But that does not impose an
obligation to bring someone into that world.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Germans protesting German fascist party
uri: Germans-protesting-German-fascist-party
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Germans_protesting_German_fascist_party)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Germans_protesting_German_fascist_party)

content:
 
<p>

  Germans are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/21/germany-afd-party-deportation-masterplan-protests">protesting against the new German fascist party</a>, recently
revealed as such.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Bugs_in_Fujitsu_software)
title: Bugs in Fujitsu software
uri: Bugs-in-Fujitsu-software
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Bugs_in_Fujitsu_software)
content:
 
<p>

900 UK post office branch managers were accused and convicted of
stealing funds from the branch's accounts, the grounds being that
their records did not match what the Fujitsu software said.  The
software's reports were incorrect because of bugs.
</p>
<p>
  We now know that Fujitsu staff <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/01/fujitsu-bugs-that-sent-innocent-people-to-prison-were-known-from-the-start/">knew about these bugs</a> at the time of he
prosecutions, and tried to inform the courts about them, but
management of the Post Office altered their witness statements.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Unprepared for changes from global heating
uri: Unprepared-for-changes-from-global-heating
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Unprepared_for_changes_from_global_heating)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Unprepared_for_changes_from_global_heating)

content:
 
<p>

Australia (and the rest of the world) are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/jan/21/antarctica-melting-ice-shelf-sea-cover-professor-matt-king">unprepared for the global
    consequences</a> of the changes <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> will cause in Antarctica.
And not putting much effect into figuring out what those changes or
their consequences will be.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Gaza_civilians_report_torture)
title: Gaza civilians report torture
uri: Gaza-civilians-report-torture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Gaza_civilians_report_torture)
content:
 
<p>

  Gaza civilians arrested by the Israeli army <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/21/gaza-activist-tells-of-beating-and-abuse-in-israeli-detention">report torture</a>.
  Then they may be released far from their families with no way to
rejoin them.
</p>
<p>
Both the place they are released, and the place where the relatives
are, may be in danger of bombardment, and likewise the route between
them.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Pastor charged for opening church to homeless
uri: Pastor-charged-for-opening-church-to-homeless
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Pastor_charged_for_opening_church_to_homeless)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Pastor_charged_for_opening_church_to_homeless)

content:
 
<p>

  *Ohio Pastor <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/ohio-pastor">Charged for Opening Church to Homeless</a> People in
 Freezing Weather.*
</p>
<p>
Hospitality to poor, homeless people is at the basis of Christianity.
I do not hold with Christianity in general, but I do admire that part
of it.  Many Christians, by contrast, disdain that part.
</p>
<p>
People have noted the irony of seeing Christians worshiping an ancient
homeless refugee family and being so cruel to refugees and homeless
people today.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Further weakening of Voting Rights Act
uri: Further-weakening-of-Voting-Rights-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Further_weakening_of_Voting_Rights_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Further_weakening_of_Voting_Rights_Act)

content:
 
<p>

A US court further weakened the Voting Rights Act by <a href="https://mailchi.mp/gregpalast/court-approves-vigilante-mass-voter-challenges?e=8283eff9b8">ruling in favor
    of a mass challenge of 36,000 voters</a>, based on an algorithm with no
attempt to investigate those individual voters.
</p>
<p>
This is a practice right-wing parties use to suppress minority voters.
People whose lives are stressful may just give up.  The purpose of the
Voting Rights Act, passed in the 1960s, was to block voter suppression,
but right-wing judges have ruled for weakened interpretations that <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-nov-feb.html#16_January_2023_(What_remains_of_the_Voting_Rights_Act)">negate
    the law's purpose</a>.
</p>
<p>
  Republicans know that the only way they can win power in the US is by rigging the electoral system.  <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#8_July_2017_(Mass_Voter_Suppression">Voter-suppression</a> is one approach; gerrymandering 
is the other.
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Limitarianism)
title: Limitarianism
uri: Limitarianism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#25_January_2024_(Limitarianism)
content:
 
<p>
*"No one should have more than [$10 million]": the author of</a>
Limitarianism on
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/jan/21/how-much-personal-wealth-is-enough-ingrid-robeyns-limitarianism">why the super-rich need to level down</a>
radically.*
<p>
An absolute limit on any person's wealth is roughly equivalent to a
100% marginal tax rate on income beyond a certain point.  A 93% tax
rate would give similar results, and we know it is feasible and works.  So I think
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-jan-apr.html#18_April_2022_(macron_cap_on_exec_pay)">we should try that instead</a>.
<p>
To fully implement that 93% marginal tax rate entails eliminating the deductions and
manipulations currently used by the rich to shelter much of their wealth and income from it.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_January_2024_(UK_breaks_fossil_fuel_promise)
title: UK breaks fossil fuel promise
uri: UK-breaks-fossil-fuel-promise
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_January_2024_(UK_breaks_fossil_fuel_promise)
content:
 
<p>
The Tories plan a massive expansion of extracting oil and fossil gas
from the North Sea, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/22/oil-and-gas-bill-breaks-uk-promise-phase-out-fossil-fuels-alok-sharma-says">violating the commitment</a> to phase out fossil fuels.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_January_2024_(Palestinian_rights)
title: Palestinian rights
uri: Palestinian-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_January_2024_(Palestinian_rights)
content:
 
<p>
US courts have <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/supreme-court-rejects-attempt-to-silence-palestinian-human-rights-advocacy">rejected a demand</a> to equate Palestinians' rights with
"support for terrorism".
However. strong lobbying muscle is pressuring for private organizations
to make this false equation.

<p>
 


title: California State University strike
uri: California-State-University-strike
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_January_2024_(California_State_University_strike)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_January_2024_(California_State_University_strike)

content:
 
<p>
Workers at the California State University will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/22/cal-state-strike-university-faculty-higher-pay">go on strike on all 23
campuses</a>, demanding a raise.
<p>
Keep in mind that the cause of inflation a year ago was not the raises
for some workers, it was <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-may-aug.html#15_July_2022_(Current_causes_of_high_inflation)">intentional gouging</a> that business did (and
still do) because they can get away with it.
And they could get away with it because of the insufficiency of
competition, which is due to the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#31_August_2017_(US_antitrust_law)">failure to properly enforce antitrust
law</a> since Reagan's days.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_January_2024_(Babri_Masjid)
title: Babri Masjid
uri: Babri-Masjid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_January_2024_(Babri_Masjid)
content:
 
<p>
Modi has celebrated the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/22/modi-inaugurates-hindu-temple-on-site-of-razed-mosque-in-india">partial construction of a Hindu temple where
the Babri Masjid used to stand</a>, treating it as a symbolic defeat of
Islam.
<p>
Former Indian governments tried to promote interreligious peace and
tolerance.  No longer.  Modi's party (BJP) has used <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_January_2021_(Killer_venerated)">religious hostility</a> to boost its power, much as American fascists do.  Now it
wants to make Hinduism the de facto official religion, and oppress
others.
<p>
In the past, some Muslim rulers repressed Buddhism generally, as did
some Hindu rulers.  Some historians maintain that the Dalits of today
are the descendants of people who were Buddhists.  In recent decades,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2004-sep-dec.html#08%20September%202004%20(Dalit%20Resistance)">Dalits have faced forcible opposition</a> from Hindu fanatics when they
try to hold ceremonies to convert to Buddhism.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_January_2024_(Measles)
title: Measles
uri: 2024-01-26-Measles
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_January_2024_(Measles)
content:
 
<p>
Anti-vax propaganda is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/jan/23/world-health-organization-who-measles-warning-cases-rise-europe">spreading measles in countries where it
had become rare</a>.  The WHO warns that measles occasionally causes
lifelong disability, or death.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_January_2024_(Disinformation)
title: Disinformation
uri: 2024-01-26-Disinformation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_January_2024_(Disinformation)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.levernews.com/a-fossil-fuel-miseducation/?utm_source=newsletter-email&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=newsletter-article&attribution_id=65af057cbb14fd0001c20c39&attribution_type=post">Fossil fuel companies' disinformation</a> in US public schools.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_January_2024_(Drones)
title: Drones
uri: 2024-01-26-Drones
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_January_2024_(Drones)
content:
 
<p>
With plentiful drones, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/25/how-drones-froze-ukraine-frontlines">neither Ukraine nor the Putin forces can
advance</a> along the front.  A breakthrough is impossible.
<p>
I am puzzled that the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#putinforces">Putin forces</a> don't attack again across the frontier.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_January_2024_(Printing_subscription)
title: Printing "subscription"
uri: Printing-subscription
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_January_2024_(Printing_subscription)
content:
 
<p>
HP's CEO admits that the company wants to <a href="https://www.theregister.com/2024/01/19/hps_ceo_spells_it_out/">make printing a "subscription"</a>.
<p>
I am concerned about malware in printers.  That includes malware
inserted by third parties, and malware inserted by the printer
manufacturer.  Any software designed to snoop on, restrict or
interfere with the user is malware.
<p>
One way to block malware from affecting anything outside the printer
is to put the printer on a separate ethernet which talks only to a
special computer which won't allow it to communicate with anything
else.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_January_2024_(Deepfake_election_sabotage)
title: Deepfake election sabotage
uri: Deepfake-election-sabotage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_January_2024_(Deepfake_election_sabotage)
content:
 
<p>
Election sabotage in New Hampshire: a deepfake audio call pretended to
be Biden telling people to <a href="https://www.voanews.com/a/7450337.html">stay home rather than vote</a> for him in the
state's Democratic primary.

<p>
 


title: Shika nuclear power plant earthquake
uri: Shika-nuclear-power-plant-earthquake
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_January_2024_(Shika_nuclear_power_plant_earthquake)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#26_January_2024_(Shika_nuclear_power_plant_earthquake)

content:
 
<p>
An earthquake <a href="https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15126064">destroyed roads near the Shika nuclear power plant</a> in
Japan, trapping 400 people within the evacuation zone.  Fortunately
the plant was idle and there was no leak.


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_January_2024_(Assange_rally:_TODAY)
title: Assange rally: TODAY
uri: Assange-rally-TODAY
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_January_2024_(Assange_rally:_TODAY)
content:
 
<p>
An eleventh-hour rally for Julian Assange will held <b>today, Saturday,
Jan 27<sup>th</sup>, 11&ndash;12:30</b>pm at Park St Station, on the Boston Common.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Save the Gunnison sage grouse
uri: Urgent-Save-the-Gunnison-sage-grouse
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_January_2024_(Urgent:_Save_the_Gunnison_sage_grouse)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_January_2024_(Urgent:_Save_the_Gunnison_sage_grouse)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=55500&tag=email_blast:129617&supporter_KEY=229474">call on the BLM</a>
to save the Gunnison sage grouse.
<p>
If you have disabled the page's JavaScript, you may get a blank response after signing.
That does not mean anything is wrong; your signature has probably been sent in properly.
The blank screen has text that is rendered invisible by CSS; if your browser gives you a
way to disable the CSS in the page (as Icecat does), that should make the text appear.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_January_2024_(Milei's_Thatcherism,_ARG)
title: Milei's Thatcherism, ARG
uri: Milei-s-Thatcherism-ARG
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_January_2024_(Milei's_Thatcherism,_ARG)
content:
 
<p>
A
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/24/argentina-strike-protest-javier-milei">nationwide strike against the president</a>,
who calls himself "the madman," shut down much of Argentina.
<p>
In addition, tens of thousands protested.  I wonder how many
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sept-dec.html#21_December_2023_(Argentina's_protest_repression)">he will arrest
under his new law</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_January_2024_(Milei_targets_feminists,_ARG)
title: Milei targets feminists, ARG
uri: Milei-targets-feminists-ARG
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_January_2024_(Milei_targets_feminists,_ARG)
content:
 
<p>
Milei's supporters target feminist leaders and media figures with
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/jan/08/feminists-under-attack-ultra-right-threat-milei-argentina-writer-exile-luciana-peker">threats of personal violence</a>.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Establish Abortion as a human right
uri: Urgent-Establish-Abortion-as-a-human-right
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_January_2024_(Urgent:_Establish_Abortion_as_a_human_right)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_January_2024_(Urgent:_Establish_Abortion_as_a_human_right)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.ayannapressley.com/sign/em_20240124_e_ap_abortionxwhpa_v1s1?refcode=em_20240124_e_ap_abortionxwhpa_v1s1&t=1002&akid=3671%2E324449%2Ep4SyGM">call on Congress</a>
to pass the Women's Health Protection Act and Abortion Justice Act, to establish Abortion as a human right
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_January_2024_(UN_court_to_Israel:_DTRT)
title: UN court to Israel: DTRT
uri: UN-court-to-Israel-DTRT
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_January_2024_(UN_court_to_Israel:_DTRT)
content:
 
<p>
*The UN court in The Hague told Israel
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/26/icj-ruling-increases-pressure-israel-prevent-civilian-deaths-gaza">it must "take all measures
within its power"</a>
to desist from killing Palestinians in contravention
of the genocide convention, and to prevent and punish the incitement
of genocide and facilitate the provision of "urgent basic services".
<p>
The court did not find Israel guilty of genocide, but seems to
consider Israel's conduct as leading in that direction, hence orders
to make sure it does not commit genocide.
<p>
I think that ruling is right for the facts of the situation: Israel's crimes include mass
killing of civilians, and potentially many more.  That doesn't amount to genocide &mdash;
this far &mdash; but it is an enormous crime.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_January_2024_(Caricatures_and_true_riches)
title: Caricatures and true riches
uri: Caricatures-and-true-riches
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#27_January_2024_(Caricatures_and_true_riches)
content:
 
<p>
The court ordered
<!---->the bullshitter to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/26/trump-damages-e-jean-carroll-defamation-case">pay 83 million dollars</a>
in damages for raping and then defaming E. Jean Carroll.
<p>
I can imagine <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">the bullshitter</a> riding on a broomstick and a stereotype
witch's hat while saying, "I'm the victim of a witch hunt!"
<p>
Speaking of which. if you are a cartoonist and you'd like to draw
cartoons for me occasionally as a volunteer, please write to me.
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#cheater">The cheater</a>
<!---->(another name for the bullshitter) has
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-nov-feb.html#20_January_2017_(Trolls_net_assets)">a history</a>
of
refusing to pay
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#12_January_2017_(Trump's_debts)">his debts</a>.
Even debts to
<a href="https://stallman.org//2016-may-aug.html#1_August_2016_(Trump_cheated_painting_contractor)">contractors who did work for him</a>.
I predict he will refuse to pay this
debt, and dare the court to do something.  That fits his general strategy of daring courts
to stop him from acting as if he were above the law.  His supporters admire whoever is
strong.  Biden needs to deal with him in a way that demonstrates 
<!---->the cheater's weakness.
<p>
Ralph Nader suggests
<a href="https://nader.org/2023/12/29/biden-pope-francis-and-the-matter-of-faith/">Democrats provoke the cheater to defeat himself</a>,
Jujitsu style.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Moral_clarity)
title: Moral clarity
uri: Moral-clarity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Moral_clarity)
content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich: Ending the war in Gaza, and ending the oppression of the
occupation of Palestine, calls for moral clarity.  The US called on
Israel to manifest that.
<p>
Biden should show that <a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/moral-clarity-in-gaza">Palestinian lives matter to him</a> by insisting
that Israel end the atrocities in Gaza.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: bullshit generator voter suppression
uri: Urgent-bullshit-generator-voter-suppression
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Urgent:_bullshit_generator_voter_suppression)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Urgent:_bullshit_generator_voter_suppression)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on the DOJ to <a href="https://act.commoncause.org/petitions/tell-doj-investigate-ai-generated-vote-suppression-in-new-hampshire?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=012324-AI-NH">investigate autobullshit-generated
voter suppression disinformation in New Hampshire</a>.
<p>
Please don't refer to <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#ArtificialOntelligence">automated bullshit generators as "intelligence"</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Urgent:_Airstrike_compensation)
title: Urgent: Airstrike compensation
uri: Urgent-Airstrike-compensation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Urgent:_Airstrike_compensation)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: Demand the Pentagon <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/pentagon-exgratiapayments?akid=9539.223515.QSyOv9&c0=pentagon-exgratiapayments.5Qx2N1&rd=1&source=em20240123&t=1006">compensate civilians harmed in
US airstrikes</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Recipe_change_notifications)
title: Recipe change notifications
uri: Recipe-change-notifications
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Recipe_change_notifications)
content:
 
<p>
Food products should notify customers of any <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/27/food-labels-shrinkflation-smaller-worse">changes in the recipe</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Lod_interviews)
title: Lod interviews
uri: Lod-interviews
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Lod_interviews)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/27/it-can-explode-at-any-second-fear-at-the-israeli-market-town-split-between-two-communities">Interviews</a> with Jewish and Arab inhabitants of the Israeli town of Lod.
<p>
I find it noteworthy that the Arab residents face repression and are
barred entirely from holding political rallies.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Invasive_ants)
title: Invasive ants
uri: Invasive-ants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Invasive_ants)
content:
 
<p>
Invasive ants could wipe out the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/25/how-invasive-ants-are-impeding-lions-hunt">native ants that defend acacia trees</a>
in east Africa.  This could indirectly harm many other species, and indirectly
protect a few.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Alexandre_Ramagem)
title: Alexandre Ramagem
uri: Alexandre-Ramagem
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Alexandre_Ramagem)
content:
 
<p>
*Alexandre Ramagem ran Brazil’s intelligence agency under Bolsonaro,
allegedly <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/25/brazil-police-raid-bolsonaro-ally-home-spying-allegations">using spyware to track political opponents</a>.* Computers
have been seized from his home.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_((Satire)_Wedlock_chickens)
title: (Satire) Wedlock chickens
uri: (Satire)-Wedlock-chickens
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_((Satire)_Wedlock_chickens)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Chick-Fil-A Announces They Will <a href="https://www.theonion.com/chick-fil-a-announces-they-will-only-serve-chickens-con-1851111815">Only Serve Chickens
Conceived In Wedlock</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Bogus_fossil_fuel_arguments)
title: Bogus fossil fuel arguments
uri: Bogus-fossil-fuel-arguments
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Bogus_fossil_fuel_arguments)
content:
 
<p>
How the UK government uses <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/08/factchecked-the-uk-governments-claims-about-north-sea-oil-and-gas">bogus arguments to justify</a> extracting the maximum
possible fossil fuels.
<p>
We could call the arguments sleight of mind, since they are the
equivalent, for thoughts, of what sleight of hand is for physical
operations.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Majority_verdicts)
title: Majority verdicts
uri: Majority-verdicts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Majority_verdicts)
content:
 
<p>
Allowing convictions by 10 votes out of the 12 jurors may have been
adopted in the UK as a way to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2024/jan/24/majority-verdicts-england-wales-brought-partly-racial-class-reasons">facilitate repression</a> of minorities.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Water_battle)
title: Water battle
uri: Water-battle
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Water_battle)
content:
 
<p>
In Tiningu, Pará, Brazil, outside farmers have bought land that includes the
area's springs, and now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/jan/24/haroldo-betcel-water-battle-amazon-resources-survival">claim all the water belongs to them</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(CO2_emissions)
title: CO2 emissions
uri: 2024-01-29-CO2-emissions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(CO2_emissions)
content:
 
<p>
The EU has made <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/24/eu-fossil-fuel-co2-emissions-hit-60-year-low">significant reductions</a> in CO2 emissions from fossil
fuels.
It's going in the right direction but we all need to do it, and faster,
if we are to avoid disaster.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Nondisclosure_agreement)
title: Nondisclosure agreement
uri: Nondisclosure-agreement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Nondisclosure_agreement)
content:
 
<p>
An Australian local government council, about to vote on a proposed
event about Harry Potter, was told that each member had to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/jan/24/he-who-must-not-be-named-australian-council-told-not-to-mention-harry-potter-themed-event-in-local-park">sign a
nondisclosure agreement</a> in order to receive information about the plans.
This violated government's democratic duty of transparency for the
public.
<p>
Businesses often demand, and get, secrecy pledges from businesses,
and often they apply to facts that affect possible issues for safety
of people and the environment.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Khan_Younis_hospital)
title: Khan Younis hospital
uri: Khan-Younis-hospital
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Khan_Younis_hospital)
content:
 
<p>
*Thousands <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/24/thousands-trapped-in-gaza-hospitals-as-israeli-troops-encircle-khan-younis">trapped in Gaza hospitals</a> as Israeli troops encircle Khan Younis.*
And civilians can't easily get in or out of the three main hospitals.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Amazon_drought)
title: Amazon drought
uri: Amazon-drought
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Amazon_drought)
content:
 
<p>
*Devastating drought in Amazon <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/24/devastating-drought-in-amazon-result-of-climate-crisis-study-shows">result of climate crisis</a>, study shows.*
The forest is close to the predicted transformation into a savannah,
which would mean most of the trees die and release their carbon
into the air.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Carbon_mega_bomb_paused)
title: Carbon mega bomb paused
uri: Carbon-mega-bomb-paused
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Carbon_mega_bomb_paused)
content:
 
<p>
*Biden administration reportedly pauses approval of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/24/biden-pauses-cp2-gas-export-hub">"carbon mega bomb" gas
export hub</a>.*
<p>
If this export terminal is built, it could speed up global heating to
the point that sea-level rise forces it to stop operating.  That would
be ironic, but what we need is not an ironic self-defeat for some of
those working global disaster.  Rather, we need to avoid that
disaster.

<p>
 


title: Proud Boys member sentenced to only 6 years
uri: Proud-Boys-member-sentenced-to-only-6-years
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Proud_Boys_member_sentenced_to_only_6_years)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#28_January_2024_(Proud_Boys_member_sentenced_to_only_6_years)

content:
 
<p>
A Proud Boys member who joined in the Jan 6 insurrection, then planned
to try an insurrection in Portland, Oregon, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/24/proud-boys-capitol-rioter-sentenced-marc-bru">has been sentenced to only
6 years in prison</a>.
<p>
Given his unrepentant determination to support a fascist take-over of
the US that is a combination of massive crimes, he will be eager to
support a right-wing coup when he gets out.  It would be wiser to give
him a sentence several times as long.
<p>
The most worrisome part is that if the bullshitter grabs power, he
will pardon violent supporters like this one, then use them in an
unofficial extralegal repression squad.  That is the fascist way.


<p>
 


title: Urgent: Stop fake clinics' dooH niboR
uri: Urgent-Stop-fake-clinics-dooH-niboR
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#29_January_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_fake_clinics'_dooH_niboR)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#29_January_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_fake_clinics'_dooH_niboR)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/Defund-fake-clinics?t=1006&akid=54583%2E1105163%2ERg7C4a">call on Congress</a>
not to give government subsidy to phony abortion clinics.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#29_January_2024_(Methane_greenwashing_warning)
title: Methane greenwashing warning
uri: Methane-greenwashing-warning
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#29_January_2024_(Methane_greenwashing_warning)
content:
 
<p>
Propane companies are presenting that carbon-containing fuel as "renewable"
based on
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/25/propane-industry-rebrand-fuel-as-renewable">a chain of exaggerations</a>.
<p>
You can use it, if you are pro-pain, but that would not avoid the impending
destruction of civilization due to <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> effects.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#29_January_2024_(Russian_cyberwar_camp,_DE)
title: Russian cyberwar camp, DE
uri: Russian-cyberwar-camp-DE
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#29_January_2024_(Russian_cyberwar_camp,_DE)
content:
 
<p>
*Germany unearths pro-Russia disinformation
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/26/germany-unearths-pro-russia-disinformation-campaign-on-x">campaign on [Ex-Twitter]</a>.*
The campaign operated 50,000 fake accounts.
<p>
Anyone supporting Putin, who is known for repression inside Russia's
borders and wars of conquest outside them, is probably either an
intentional disinformationist, or someone persuaded by intentional
disinformationists.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(Urgent:_End_death_penalty)
title: Urgent: End death penalty
uri: Urgent-End-death-penalty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(Urgent:_End_death_penalty)
content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call for <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-end-the-death-penalty-3">ending the death penalty</a>.
</p>
<p>
Note that the wrecker wants to expand use of the death penalty.  It
might seem appropriate, poetic justice even, to compromise by
authorizing the death penalty only for those convicted of trying to
overthrow democratic government, but I think that that would be
harmful in the long term &mdash; it would be responding to hatred with more
hatred.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(Stop_arms_transfers_to_Israel)
title: Stop arms transfers to Israel
uri: Stop-arms-transfers-to-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(Stop_arms_transfers_to_Israel)
content:
 
<p>

*16 &hellip; humanitarian and human rights organizations call to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/16-leading-humanitarian-and-human-rights-organizations-call-to-stop-arms-transfers-to-israel-palestinian-armed-groups">stop arms
    transfers to Israel</a> [and to] Palestinian armed groups.*
</p>
<p>
They include Amnesty International, Oxfam and Save the Children, among others.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(FBI_search_of_deposit_boxes)
title: FBI search of deposit boxes
uri: FBI-search-of-deposit-boxes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(FBI_search_of_deposit_boxes)
content:
 
<p>

The FBI searched many people's deposit boxes in a single massive
operation, and seized valuables found.  An appeals court <a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/01/24/fbi-raid-fourth-amendment/">ruled
    that this was unconstitutional</a>.
</p>
<p>
When the FBI applied to a lower court for a warrant, before the
massive search, it misled the court about what it planned to do.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(China_censorship_on_Hugo_awards)
title: China censorship on Hugo awards
uri: China-censorship-on-Hugo-awards
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(China_censorship_on_Hugo_awards)
content:
 
<p>

The 2023 World Science Fiction Convention was held in China, and it is
clear that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/jan/24/science-fiction-awards-held-in-china-under-fire-for-excluding-authors">China imposed censorship on the Hugo awards</a>.
</p>
<p>
The WSFS should either separate the Hugo awards from the Worldcon when the Worldcon is held in a country that imposes political censorship, or make a rule
to exclude those countries from holding the Worldcon.
</p>
</li>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(Urgent:_End_Child_Poverty_Act)
title: Urgent: End Child Poverty Act
uri: 2024-01-30-Urgent-End-Child-Poverty-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(Urgent:_End_Child_Poverty_Act)
content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: support the <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/become-a-grassroots-co-signer-of-the-end-child-poverty-act-today-2">End Child Poverty Act</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Stop inviting election deniers on the air
uri: Urgent-Stop-inviting-election-deniers-on-the-air
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_inviting_election_deniers_on_the_air)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_inviting_election_deniers_on_the_air)

content:
 
<p>

If you watch US TV news networks: call on them to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-tv-news-networks-stop-inviting-election-deniers-on-air">stop inviting
    election deniers on the air</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(Urgent:_Expand_Social_Security)
title: Urgent: Expand Social Security
uri: 2024-01-30-Urgent-Expand-Social-Security
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(Urgent:_Expand_Social_Security)
content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on Biden and Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-expand-social-security">Expand Social Security</a>.
</p>
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Stop big pharma from increasing price of prescription drugs
uri: Urgent-Stop-big-pharma-from-increasing-price-of-prescription-drugs
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_big_pharma_from_increasing_price_of_prescription_drugs)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_big_pharma_from_increasing_price_of_prescription_drugs)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Biden to stop Big Pharma from <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/big-pharma-prescription-prices/?t=1001&akid=31807%2E96703%2EmBG7Y-">jacking up the price
    of prescription drugs</a>.
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(Urgent:_Right_to_seek_asylum)
title: Urgent: Right to seek asylum
uri: Urgent-Right-to-seek-asylum
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(Urgent:_Right_to_seek_asylum)
content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-seeking-asylum-is-a-human-right">not to add permanent restrictions to the
    right to seek asylum</a>.
</p>
<p>
A permanent concession is too high a price to pay for a temporary
benefit.
</p>
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>
</li>

 


title: Urgent: Military supplies to Israel
uri: Urgent-Military-supplies-to-Israel
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(Urgent:_Military_supplies_to_Israel)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(Urgent:_Military_supplies_to_Israel)

content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/conditional-aid-Israel-24/?t=1028&akid=31819%2E96703%2EOHfWk8">condition further military supplies</a>
for Israel on respecting the human rights of Palestinians.
</p>
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>
</li>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(Wealth:_a_skewed_perception)
title: Wealth and its perception
uri: Wealth-and-its-perception
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(Wealth:_a_skewed_perception)
content:
 
<p>
A UK proposal for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/24/britain-richest-10-per-cent-wealthy-inequality-labour-private-schools">taxing the wealthy</a>
more heavily refers to family
with middle-class family incomes, equivalent to $85k per year, as "wealthy".
<p>
Using the word "wealthy" with such a low threshold surprises me, and I can
understand why people and families with such incomes conclude that "the
highest 10% of incomes" is too broad a filter to be defined as "wealthy".

<p>
 


title: Urgent: NO new tax cuts for the rich
uri: Urgent-NO-new-tax-cuts-for-the-rich
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(Urgent:_NO_new_tax_cuts_for_the_rich)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(Urgent:_NO_new_tax_cuts_for_the_rich)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-congress-no-new-tax-cuts-for-the-rich-in-2024?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-81-of-the-benefits-of-trumps-tax-scam-went-to-the-top-10-of-wealthy-households">call on Congress</a>
not to make new tax cuts for the rich in 2024.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: NO "fiscal commission" scheming
uri: Urgent-NO-fiscal-commission-scheming
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(Urgent:_NO_fiscal_commission_scheming)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#30_January_2024_(Urgent:_NO_fiscal_commission_scheming)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/fiscal-commission/?t=1001&akid=31739%2E96703%2EgaCWsR">call on Congress</a>
to reject the creation of a "fiscal commission",
since that is a scheme to cut Social Security and Medicare.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#31_January_2024_(Hope_for_Israelis)
title: Hope for Israelis
uri: Hope-for-Israelis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#31_January_2024_(Hope_for_Israelis)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/09/israel-palestine-gaza-peace-plan">In 2008, Israel</a>
and Palestine came very close to agreeing on peace and mutual recognition.  The deal they
almost accepted then could be modified into a deal for today.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#31_January_2024_(Tar-sand_air_finding,_CAN)
title: Tar-sands air finding, CAN
uri: Tar-sands-air-finding-CAN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#31_January_2024_(Tar-sand_air_finding,_CAN)
content:
 
<p>
The local toxic air pollution released by tar sands oil extraction has
been
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/25/canadian-tar-sands-pollution-is-up-to-6300-higher-than-reported-study-finds">underestimated by a large factor</a>
because of a flaw in the system used to measure it.
<p>
The article misuses the concept of percent; as a result, I can't tell
for sure what the factor might be.  As best I can tell, the
factor of underestimation ranges from 18 to 62, but I can't be sure.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#31_January_2024_(Immigrant_intent_ethics,_UK)
title: Immigrant-intent ethics, UK
uri: Immigrant-intent-ethics-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#31_January_2024_(Immigrant_intent_ethics,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
A UK court ruled that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/27/theresa-may-to-confront-home-office-over-appalling-secret-policy-on-trafficking-victims">victims of trafficking and slavery</a>
should be allowed to stay in the UK while their asylum claims were heard.  Tory ministers
secretly decided to disregard that ruling.
<p>
To me it seems unjust to make
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#11_December_2023_(uk_discouraging_refugees)">asylum seekers leave the country</a>
they are asking for asylum in while their cases are decided.  Especially by sending them
to a country which is unsafe (Rwanda) by means of a law saying that courts should
disregard that country's unsafeness.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#31_January_2024_(Apple_app_store_maneuvers)
title: Apple app store maneuvers
uri: Apple-app-store-maneuvers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#31_January_2024_(Apple_app_store_maneuvers)
content:
 
<p>
Apple has announced a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/jan/25/apple-to-allow-eu-customers-to-download-apps-without-using-app-store">plan for allowing other app stores</a>
for the iMonsters, and it seems likely to exclude free (libre) software.
<p>
The problem is that users will have to pay a fee, and it sounds like
the redistributor will have to collect that fee &mdash; but there is no way
to do that without using nonfree software and insisting that users run it.
<p>
That is not certain, though.  Depending on details, the problem may exist or not.
<p>
The operating system of the iMonsters is
<a href="https://gnu.org/malware/malware-apple.html">full of nonfree software</a>
(which is, as usual, malware).  That is unfortunate and unjust, but
it's Apple's doing, not ours.  Distributing free software that can run
on iMonsters would not make us culpable for what Apple does.  If Apple
charges the user money to install our free programs, Apple would be
culpable for that too, but again we would not be.
<p>
If Apple requires whoever redistributes the code to pay a fee and
collect it from the users, participation in that would be odious, and
perhaps (depending on details) financially prohibitive, but supposing
it is possible it would not be culpable for us.  This culpability would
naturally fall on Apple, along with all the rest.
<p>
However, if collecting that fee from the users requires us to ask the
user to run nonfree software &mdash; for instance, the nonfree JavaScript
code sent by Stripe for payment &mdash; we would be culpable for that.
There is no getting around this.
<p>
Compare with the Android situation.  The site f-droid.org uses
free/libre programs which you can download and install with free
software.  The Android/Linux operating system includes nonfree
software, and even malware, but that is not f-droid's doing nor that
of the developers of the free programs distributed there.
<p>
Why hasn't the EU required Apple to permit an Fdroid-like distributor
for free/libre software for iMonsters?  It is because the EU directive
is based on the concept of more "competition" and not on "freedom for
users."  In the competition framing, all people need is "more choices",
never mind if all of the choices are unjust.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#31_January_2024_(Burmese_army_faltering)
title: Burmese army faltering
uri: Burmese-army-faltering
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#31_January_2024_(Burmese_army_faltering)
content:
 
<p>
The military rulers of Burma have suffered major defeats; large
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/jan/30/myanmar-military-coup-junta-min-aung-hlaing">units have
surrendered</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(Russians'_doctors_visits)
title: Russians' doctors visits
uri: Russians-doctors-visits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(Russians'_doctors_visits)
content:
 
<p>
Moscow now requires clinics to record the audio of
<a href="https://meduza.io/en/feature/2024/01/16/the-anonymous-quality-control-person-will-hear-you-now">every meeting with
a patient</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(Oil_tanker_afire)
title: Oil tanker afire
uri: Oil-tanker-afire
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(Oil_tanker_afire)
content:
 
<p>
A
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/26/vessel-on-fire-after-being-struck-off-coast-of-yemen-amid-houthi-threats">Houthi attack</a>
set an oil tanker on fire, just south of Yemen.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(Hague_ruling_on_Israel)
title: Hague ruling on Israel
uri: Hague-ruling-on-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(Hague_ruling_on_Israel)
content:
 
<p>
* UN court's ruling is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2024/jan/26/icj-gaza-decision-shores-up-rules-based-order-and-puts-west-to-test">devastating for Israel</a>
and awkward for [its] allies such as the UK and US, which belittled South Africa's case.*
<p>
The court did not label the crimes Israel has already committed as "genocide", but pointed
out properly that they head in a direction which, if continued, would amount to genocide.
And it ordered Israel to bring these crimes to a halt.
<p>
The US should help make sure it does so.
<p>
If this judgment is not heeded, how
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/26/israel-gaza-icj-genocide-ruling-the-hague">can Putin ever be held</a>
to account?*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(Biden_halts_fossil_fuel_plans)
title: Biden pauses fossil fuel plans
uri: Biden-pauses-fossil-fuel-plans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(Biden_halts_fossil_fuel_plans)
content:
 
<p>
Biden has ordered a reconsideration of the criteria for
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/biden-administration-pauses-massive-gas-export-expansion-in-climate-pivot">approving
fossil gas export</a>
terminals.  As a consequence, several proposals are now on hold.
<p>
If this leads to stricter criteria, and to less construction of new export terminals, that
could be a significant step towards avoiding climate disaster.  (Although nowhere near
enough by itself.)

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(Insurrectionist_presidency,_US)
title: Insurrectionist presidency, US
uri: Insurrectionist-presidency-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(Insurrectionist_presidency,_US)
content:
 
<p>
*We
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/25/second-trump-presidency-dangers-democracy">must start urgently talking</a>
about the dangers of a second [insurrectionist bullshit] presidency.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(Ukraine-aid_deal)
title: Ukraine-aid deal
uri: Ukraine-aid-deal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(Ukraine-aid_deal)
content:
 
<p>
Congress was considering a deal which would trade military aid for Ukraine for restoring the
<!---->wrecker's
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/26/mike-johnson-us-mexico-border-ukraine-israel-aid-deal">border wall and cruel treatment</a>
if people crossing the border.
<p>
The articles I've seen do not explicitly say, but I think that the aid
for Ukraine would be temporary and the border repression would be permanent.
<p>
That alone makes it a deal for suckers.  Never make a permanent concession in exchange for
a temporary one!  If you accept that kind of deal, you're inherently at a disadvantage and
you will lose ground every year.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(Israel_dossier_on_HAMAS_in_UNRWA)
title: Israel dossier on HAMAS in UNRWA
uri: Israel-dossier-on-HAMAS-in-UNRWA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(Israel_dossier_on_HAMAS_in_UNRWA)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/29/school-counsellor-among-unrwa-staff-involved-in-7-october-attack-says-israel">Israel accused 12 members</a>
of the UNRWA staff of fighting for HAMAS or other terrorist groups.  This is being used as
an excuse to cut off the aid to the Palestinians.  Israel kept the information secret for
months until a time when it badly needed to distract public opinion from the war crimes
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-dec.html#1_February_2024_(Hague_ruling_on_Israel)">court's judgment</a>
against Israel.
<p>
The UNRWA is a UN humanitarian aid agency, not intended as a police
force or peace keepers.  It has 13,000 or so staff in Gaza,
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNRWA">99% of
whom are Palestinians from Gaza</a>.
If 12 of them were fighting for HAMAS, that amounts to 0.1% of the
total staff.  For a large organization in Gaza to have such a small
fraction of HAMAS fighters is doing pretty well at avoiding them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(UNRWA_saddled_upon)
title: UNRWA saddled upon
uri: UNRWA-saddled-upon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(UNRWA_saddled_upon)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/28/famine-in-gaza-is-being-made-inevitable-says-un-rapporteur">Famine in Gaza</a>
is being made ‘inevitable’ says UN rapporteur.  Countries defunding UNRWA, the main aid
distributor in Gaza, are accused of collectively punishing more than 2.2 million Palestinians.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(UN_Gaza_aid_endangered)
title: UN Gaza aid endangered
uri: UN-Gaza-aid-endangered
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(UN_Gaza_aid_endangered)
content:
 
<p>
* António Guterres says loss of funding from US and [other countries],
[for humanitarian aid for Gaza], means aid into Gaza for whole of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/28/un-chief-urges-donors-to-reconsider-unwra-funding-withdrawal">this
month cannot be guaranteed</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(Rebellions_brewing,_TX,_US)
title: Rebellions brewing, TX, USA
uri: Rebellions-brewing-TX-USA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(Rebellions_brewing,_TX,_US)
content:
 
<p>
Governor Abbott of Texas has declared that he can disobey the federal
government in the name of Texas.  He has also clearly echoed the
<a href="https://boingboing.net/2024/01/25/texas-governor-greg-abbott-declares-that-texas-law-supercedes-federal-authority-and-hints-at-secession.html">manifestos of the secessionists</a>
of 1861.
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">The wrecker's</a> supporters have been
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Threatening_assassin_killed,_UT)">preparing for rebellion</a>
for over three years.  They used violence on 6 Jan 2021, followed
shortly thereafter by threats of violence against senators and their
families.  So I've been expecting an open confrontation sooner or later.
<p>
Better now than later!
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">The bullshitter's</a> campaign strategy is to talk tough and defiant, giving the impression
that he is "stronger."  Biden tends to try to avoid sharp confrontation, which plays into
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker's</a> hands.
<p>
Abbott's hint of secessionism gives Biden a chance to show that he is the stronger one.
<p>
For instance, he can federalize the Texas National Guard now, and order it to take down
the barbed wire it has helped place at the border.
<p>
That would provide an opportunity to discharge immediately any guard member who refuses to
obey that order.  Showing that insurrectionists will not be tolerated will help keep the
guard loyal in any future rebellion, both by expelling the disloyal and by reminding the
loyal guard members of their duty to defend democracy against insurrection.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(Ukraine_turns_the_war)
title: Ukraine turns the war
uri: Ukraine-turns-the-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(Ukraine_turns_the_war)
content:
 
<p>
Ukraine builds
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jan/27/ukraine-levels-up-the-fight-with-drone-strikes-deep-into-russia">long-distance attack drones</a>
and uses them to attack Russia's oil export terminals.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(Biden's_climate_commitments)
title: Biden's climate commitments
uri: Biden-s-climate-commitments
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(Biden's_climate_commitments)
content:
 
<p>
*Rampant Biden Administration Oil, Gas
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/rampant-biden-administration-oil-gas-drilling-approvals-continue-to-undermine-u-s-climate-commitments">Drilling Approvals Continue</a>
to
 Undermine U.S. Climate Commitments.*
<p>
No amount of renewable electric generation will avert <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a>
disaster unless it leads to reducing total greenhouse gas emissions.
For <a href="https://stallman.org/#apocalypse">civilization's survival</a>,
that must be the goal.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(Bird_flu,_US_farms)
title: Bird flu, US farms
uri: Bird-flu-US-farms
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#1_February_2024_(Bird_flu,_US_farms)
content:
 
<p>
Bird flu is infecting some chicken farms in the US.  When a farm is
infected, it will infect nearly
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/29/avian-flu-us-egg-farmers-california">all the chickens</a>,
and the government requires killing all the chickens to hinder spread to other farms.
<p>
If that were the only way the virus can spread, this would be an effective way to stop the
spread.  But it may be useless while wild birds continue to spread the virus.
<p>
I wonder, therefore: if we let those chickens live, would a few of them, resistant to the
virus, survive and recover?  Would that lead to resistant breeds?


<p>
 


title: Urgent: Get vaccinated for measles
uri: Urgent-Get-vaccinated-for-measles
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Urgent:_Get_vaccinated_for_measles)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-nov-feb.html#2_February_2024_(Urgent:_Get_vaccinated_for_measles)

content:
 
<p>
Americans (and everyone else):
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/jan/30/increase-measles-cases-unvaccinated-vaccine-misinformation-cdc">get vaccinated for measles</a>
(unless you've already had all the diseases it covers, or the vaccine).

<p>
 


