# articles

feed_id: 5407392655eb5cf5309944becd8ca571
title: Chinese Communist Party parrots
uri: Chinese-Communist-Party-parrots
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#29_October_2017_%28Chinese_Communist_Party_parrots%29

content:
<p>
Everyone in the Chinese Communist Party will now have to study 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/27/xi-jinping-thought-to-be-taught-in-chinas-universities">"Xi
Jinping Thought"</a>.
<p>
Anyone in a "department of Xi Jinping Thought" that tries to be
anything but a parrot will sooner or later fail to match the real Xi
Jinping, and get punished.  Of course, everyone will know this and
will work hard to be a parrot, at least in public.  Being in one of
those departments will be mind-numbing.
<p>
I like parrots when they are friendly, but those will be too dangerous
to be friends with.


feed_id: 8ec28ad171471043a316048d8bc0ed17
title: Boycott of election in Kenya
uri: Boycott-of-election-in-Kenya
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#29_October_2017_%28Boycott_of_election_in_Kenya%29
content:
<p>
The boycott of the election in Kenya seems to be quite strong.  with
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/27/kenya-election-less-than-half-of-those-eligible-thought-to-have-voted">only
1/3 of voters voting</a>.


feed_id: a679c064f94c3e680bded29c6c4a0713
title: Corporations pay almost no tax in UK
uri: Corporations-pay-almost-no-tax-in-UK
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#29_October_2017_%28Corporations_pay_almost_no_tax_in_UK%29

content:
<p>
The UK has made progress getting some rich individuals to pay their
fair tax, but corporations are still getting away with paying 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/oct/27/multinationals-tax-avoidance-gary-barlow-hmrc-corporations">almost
none</a>.
<p>
Would exiting the EU enable the UK to tax the profits that companies
send to Ireland or Luxembourg?


feed_id: 19a0c58c9e3e60c259dc6406125aff6f
title: Saboteur to subsidize dirty fuel
uri: Saboteur-to-subsidize-dirty-fuel
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#29_October_2017_%28Saboteur_to_subsidize_dirty_fuel%29

content:
<p>
The <a href="/glossary.html#saboteur">Saboteur</a> of Energy 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/27/subsidize-coal-nuclear-plants-taxpayer-cost-rick-perry">plans
to subsidize the dirtiest fossil fuel and nuclear power plants</a>,
apparently just to prop up mines.


feed_id: 19d9e9642daed31c75db0936093b17b3
title: Detroit incinerator
uri: 2017-10-29-Detroit-incinerator
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#28_October_2017_%28Detroit_incinerator%29
content:
<p>
Detroit has a giant incinerator that burns trash from several states
and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/10/25/smells-environmental-racism">spreads a sickening cloud for miles around</a>.
<p>
I think that the racial categories of those who suffer this is a
secondary issue. 
<p>
The primary issue is that such incinerators should (1) be modified to emit 
less pollution and (2) should be located in rural areas where the towns are 
dying anyway (there's no work so most people move away) and far fewer people will be affected.
<p>
It might also be possible to buy out their homes so they can move away.


feed_id: fa0ae016345579fe2fe7d3d59bf68ff5
title: Medicare-for-All
uri: Medicare-for-All
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#29_October_2017_%28Medicare-for-All%29
content:
<p>
To make Medicare-for-All function properly we need to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/oct/28/big-medicine-monopoly-medicare-for-all">
create a lot
more competition in providing medical care.
</a>


feed_id: d530451d5df63bc4a6acb77cb642d314
title: Office for Civil Rights
uri: Office-for-Civil-Rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#29_October_2017_%28Office_for_Civil_Rights%29
content:
<p>
The troll supports free speech for students so much that he has
nominated a head for the DoE's Office for Civil Rights who has made a
career of
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/10/28/anti-bds-campaigner-nominated-for-top-civil-rights-job-at-department-of-education/">
banning the student movements to pressure Israel to end the
occupation of Palestine.
</a>
<p>
Perhaps the troll supports freedom of speech only for Nazis.


feed_id: 96e4b76c9ac765ee041bffcec1b18c75
title: Catalan government fired
uri: Catalan-government-fired
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#29_October_2017_%28Catalan_government_fired%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/28/spain-fires-catalan-government-independence-carles-puigdemont-mariano-rajoy">
Rajoy has abolished the Catalan government
after the latter made a
declaration of independence.
</a>
<p>
The Catalan government should not have done that, since it doesn't
have a clear mandate to do so.  The participation in the referendum
was too small to constitute a mandate.
<p>
Rajoy has also closed down an investigation into violence by the Spanish
thugs during the referendum.
Covering up for violent thugs is
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#14_July_2015_(Spain_Government_Goes_Full_Police_State)">
a long-standing practice with Rajoy.
</a>
Then Rajoy
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/29/catalonia-independence-madrid-elections-rajoy">
called an election in Catalonia.
</a>
If the election is held fairly, and does not exclude the prominent
supporters of independence, I think it will be a good thing.  It will
show the will of Catalans better than the referendum, which would have
been imperfect even if the national thugs had not attacked voters.


feed_id: f5ba1bea5f6aec6c9ea12baa3fc5ad51
title: Anarchist's Cookbook
uri: Anarchist-s-Cookbook
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Anarchist%27s_Cookbook%29
content:
<p>
Josh Walker was put on trial in the UK just for
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/10/28/josh-walker-anarchist-cookbook-terrorism-act-uk/">
having a copy of the
Anarchist's Cookbook.
</a>
<p>
Nobody should be prosecuted for having a copy of a book.
Such censorship makes a state extremely dangerous.


feed_id: 2574208afa47c2fcefcefbe58ad8a0e1
title: Child tax credit
uri: Child-tax-credit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Child_tax_credit%29
content:
<p>
A notional "child tax credit" will be used
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/10/27/ivanka-trumps-child-tax-credit-ploy-pass-tax-cuts-rich">
to make the Republican tax cut plan
appear less skewed towards the rich.
</a>
<p>
The reason I say "notional" is that the poor people it pretends to help
won't get much benefit from it.  Basically, poor people don't pay
a lot of federal tax, so tax reduction can't help them.  What they need
is to receive welfare benefits and not to be charged for things
like education and medical care.


feed_id: 1aed228080f1e731ff36c5eda8844bde
title: White Americans
uri: White-Americans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28White_Americans%29
content:
<p>
Half of white Americans believe
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/10/27/trump-and-gop-fuel-fantasies-white-victimhood">
whites are discriminated against. 
</a>
"To those who have been used to privilege all their lives, equality may
feel like oppression."


feed_id: d401e43a34e135d59caa7e8dbc709875
title: Concentration of wealth
uri: Concentration-of-wealth
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Concentration_of_wealth%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/10/27/new-gilded-age-reaches-new-heights-worlds-billionaires-owning-staggering-6-trillion">
Concentration of wealth continues to increase,
</a>
as billionaires now own
6 trillion dollars.  Their grip on power is so strong that they
are making states cut taxes for them.


feed_id: a793e7be1eb71f2aa1c1b38fbe040ed8
title: Voter suppression
uri: 2017-10-30-Voter-suppression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Voter_suppression%29
content:
<p>
Kris Kobach, the troll's chief of voter suppression, has been pushing
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/10/27/unsealed-documents-show-kris-kobach-dead-set-suppressing-right-vote">
a specific voter suppression plan
</a>
since about a year ago.  He said
that wasn't so, but now a court has release the plan as he lobbied
for it a year ago.


feed_id: d42b61342c579b69ad772ee5c2987b08
title: Rape in wartime
uri: Rape-in-wartime
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Rape_in_wartime%29
content:
<p>
It is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2005/jul/02/featuresreviews.guardianreview5">
very common for soldiers to rape the women
</a>
that live in territory
they conquer.


feed_id: e67708541fc9e7808bdf5c68dbd39a22
title: Censorship of statements
uri: 2017-10-30-Censorship-of-statements
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#29_October_2017_%28Censorship_of_statements%29
content:
<p>
We must <a href="http://reason.com/archives/2017/10/26/cleveland-state-debates-free-speech-boun">not impose censorship of statements</a> merely because they are nasty,
cruel, and hateful.


feed_id: 3b3f89b3477cf03c95b4b430c350f881
title: Office for Civil Rights
uri: 2017-10-30-Office-for-Civil-Rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#29_October_2017_%28Office_for_Civil_Rights%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#trump">The troll</a> supports free speech for students so much that he has
nominated a head for the DoE's Office for Civil Rights who has made a
career of
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/10/28/anti-bds-campaigner-nominated-for-top-civil-rights-job-at-department-of-education/">
banning the student movements to pressure Israel to end the
occupation of Palestine.
</a>
<p>
Perhaps the troll supports freedom of speech only for Nazis.


feed_id: 341fa9bd257499691d3fbbedc56b1ae5
title: Special administrative measures
uri: Special-administrative-measures
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Special_administrative_measures%29

content:
<p>
  “Special administrative measures” in US prisons are like a <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/10/23/sams-torture-prisons-ccr-extreme-isolation-accountability/">harsher
form of solitary confinement</a>.
<p>
Prisoners barely speak to anyone, except occasionally a lawyer, parent or sibling.
<p>
After one prisoner reads a book, the guards destroy it.
<p>
Prosecutors impose this severe regime on prisoners arbitrarily, since
there are no legal criteria, but courts rarely question their
decisions.
<p>
There is evidence that they use this as pressure to make prisoners
plead guilty.


feed_id: b129fa51886102eb830694012f6f89c4
title: Psychiatric diagnosis
uri: Psychiatric-diagnosis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Psychiatric_diagnosis%29
content:
<p>
“Psychiatric diagnosis must serve an ethical purpose: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/oct/30/we-need-to-rethink-how-we-classify-mental-illness">relieving certain
forms of suffering and disease</a>. Science alone canât do that.”


feed_id: ac39ea5f8b32fe3db0af8d689b79f6cb
title: Fruit harvesters
uri: Fruit-harvesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Fruit_harvesters%29
content:
<p>
Australian fruit harvesters <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/30/australian-slavery-inquiry-told-fruit-pickers-brainwashed-and-trapped-in-debt">suffer oppressive working conditions</a>
tantamount to slavery.


feed_id: 53eeed444ca97ee2e7fd60b761768ee4
title: Outbreaks of Ebola
uri: Outbreaks-of-Ebola
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Outbreaks_of_Ebola%29
content:
<p>
Scientists hope to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/oct/30/ebola-research-breakthrough-raises-hope-predicting-future-outbreaks">predict outbreaks of Ebola</a> based on when forests are cut down.
<p>
Now if only the scientists found a way to prevent clearance of these
forest in Africa, they could prevent much bigger future problems, such
as extinction of hundreds of thousands of species, global heating
disaster, etc.


feed_id: a5aafcefbb42af79430b34f99b7f1465
title: Unauthorized immigrants
uri: 2017-10-30-Unauthorized-immigrants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Unauthorized_immigrants%29
content:
<p>
When the US <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/10/24/5-fast-facts-federal-immigration-jails">arrests unauthorized immigrants</a>, it often jails them,
treating them effectively as criminals; but since being an
unauthorized immigrant is not a crime, they don't get the protections
and rights that criminal suspects are entitled to.


feed_id: 1cf8c9de273ad474a28b2e409f944300
title: Sustainable high road
uri: Sustainable-high-road
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Sustainable_high_road%29
content:
<p>
Sustainable <a href=" https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/10/24/new-report-high-road-business-practices-benefit-businesses-and-society">“high road” businesses</a>, that pay decent wages, can be
profitable.


feed_id: d7243bf6aa35351ae7046110f62d1ac4
title: Stealthy surveillance planes
uri: Stealthy-surveillance-planes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Stealthy_surveillance_planes%29
content:
<p>
The FBI has dozens of high-flying <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/peteraldhous/spies-in-the-skies">stealthy surveillance planes</a> flying over US cities every weekday.
<p>
Don't get distracted by talk about who the <em>targets</em> are;
the issue that matters is who they keep or check data about.
<p>
We need a law prohibiting the FBI from checking or keeping any
information about the people these planes see, outside of suspects
designated by court orders.


feed_id: 5ec121e5ba10bea00155b78b37dc9107
title: Vietnam War
uri: 2017-10-30-Vietnam-War
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Vietnam_War%29
content:
<p>
Four stages of the <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/10/24/four-stages-antiwar-movement">movement against the Vietnam War</a>.


feed_id: b01bae1877b239763fdd13ebffb68acc
title: Global heating effects
uri: 2017-10-30-Global-heating-effects
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Global_heating_effects%29
content:
<p>
The US Government Accountability Office says that global heating
effects have <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/10/24/chiding-trump-inaction-gao-report-shows-climate-cost-us-taxpayers-trillions">cost the US government 350 billion dollars</a>, and the cost
is going to increase.
<p>
While the US subsidizes monoculture pesticide agriculture, some states
are trying to move towards <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/10/24/global-warming-costing-taxpayers-billions-heres-how-fix-it">regenerative agriculture</a>, which would help
the soil absorb more CO2.


feed_id: 1defb8ddba5116023e1f7775c2d70137
title: Persecuting prominent netizens
uri: Persecuting-prominent-netizens
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Persecuting_prominent_netizens_%29

content:
<p>
The FBI is prosecuting security researcher Justin Shafer for
identifying bad security in proprietary software.
<p>
Even worse, it has <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20171023/18275838465/doj-subpoenas-twitter-about-popehat-dissent-doe-others-over-smiley-emoji-tweet.shtml">demanded lots of information from Twitter</a> about a number of prominent netizens because Justin Shafer messaged them with a smiley face.
<p>
This adds up to multiple levels of persecution.
<p>
It is an open question whether the FBI does more to keep us safe
or more to put us in danger.


feed_id: 134aa1eb18128eb4543c176e3b44f8b1
title: Urgent: Budget for the People
uri: Urgent-Budget-for-the-People
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Budget_for_the_people%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: How Can We Turn Military Spending into a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/10/24/how-can-we-turn-military-spending-budget-people">Budget for the People</a>?


feed_id: dba8233ba28cdf722803b7548834606c
title: Urgent: opioid black market
uri: Urgent-opioid-black-market
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Urgent%3A_opioid_black_market%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/pharma_opioids">call on Congress</a> to support the law to restore the DEA's power
to act against drug companies that fuel the opioid black market.
<p>
This power was <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2017/investigations/dea-drug-industry-congress/">eliminated in 2016</a> by a law that was snuck through
Congress with the help of Congresscritters that were in the pocket of
the drug companies, and revolving door officials.


feed_id: 84724ee94244a2cb5ab9a04656a5074f
title: Urgent: gun violence research
uri: Urgent-gun-violence-research
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Urgent%3A_gun_violence_research%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: call on the National Institutes of Health to <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/NIH_Gun_Violence">continue research</a>
about gun violence.


feed_id: b8fd3f4fff7b95371e41887ec91f9943
title: 'Social media'
uri: 2017-10-31-Social-media
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28%27Social_media%27%29
content:
<p>
"Self-centeredness and solipsism, division and tribalism,
disinformation and misinformation tailored to oneâs predispositions,
the need for constant stimulation (FOMO) without reflection, bullying
against those who disagree, a lack of empathy": these are what <a href="https://www.truthdig.com/articles/social-media-abet-political-right/">"social
media" do</a>, and they serve right-wing hatemongers.


feed_id: 6d4838c0583f2f30caca5c44c3265980
title: Stopping global heating
uri: Stopping-global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Stopping_global_heating%29
content:
<p>
People seem to be demoralized about stopping global heating disaster,
but if enough of us act against the banks and the plane roaster
politicians, we can <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/10/28/talking-about-our-future-haze-envelopes-us-all">make them stop</a>.
<p>
I hope you will do it elsewhere than on Facebook — because you shouldn't
be used by Facebook.


feed_id: fab7eb3542349e6b521dda356a9a4c70
title: 'Rent to own'
uri: Rent-to-own
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28%27Rent_to_own%27%29
content:
<p>
"Rent to own" stores make products cost more than <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/oct/28/brighthouse-buying-interest-rates-rent-to-own">three times as much</a>
as ordinary retail.
<p>
This is one of many ways that our society makes things more expensive
for the poor.


feed_id: 17ad5d954714747c22179fe444ec516f
title: Debt of swindled students
uri: Debt-of-swindled-students
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Debt_of_swindled_students%29
content:
<p>
DeVos is considering <a href="http://www.pressherald.com/2017/10/28/ripped-off-students-may-get-stuck-with-bills/">cancelling the plan</a> to forgive all the student
debt of students that were swindled by for-profit colleges.


feed_id: 05ebc4eb56165e27fbcede6fdd88eed5
title: Australia and refugees
uri: Australia-and-refugees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Australia_and_refugees%29
content:
<p>
Papua has told Australia to find some other place for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/oct/30/papua-new-guinea-tells-australia-it-must-resettle-refugees-unwilling-to-stay">all the refugees</a>
on Manus Island that don't want to stay there.
<p>
Perhaps on the Maldive Islands? They are poor enough that it wouldn't
take much money to buy their permission, and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-nov-feb.html#19_February_2016_(Tyrannical_government_of_the_Maldives)">tyrannical enough</a> to keep
the press away.
<p>
A UN investigator condemned Australia for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/oct/30/australias-asylum-boat-turnbacks-are-illegal-and-risk-lives-un-told">towing boats</a> full of refugees
back to Indonesia.


feed_id: 4797eac056b6a9137df290cf7650f67f
title: Hidden unemployment
uri: Hidden-unemployment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Hidden_unemployment%29
content:
<p>
The low official unemployment rate in the UK has failed to raise
workers' wages because first it has to work through the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/oct/29/sparkling-jobless-figures-mask-real-picture-uk-economy-unemployed">hidden
unemployment</a>.


feed_id: ead956cd354cf844c97058c1b3cdedb4
title: Tax evasion claims
uri: Tax-evasion-claims
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Tax_evasion_claims%29
content:
<p>
A single Indian customs official has repeatedly <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/oct/29/indian-official-reportedly-dismisses-allegations-against-adani-group">dismissed claims</a> of tax evasion
against the coal-mining company Adani.


feed_id: 64cc86c70676df2761ae3f5129433b7c
title: Yearning to buy
uri: Yearning-to-buy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Yearning_to_buy%29
content:
<p>
We need to unlearn the mental habit of yearning to buy something new.
It leads people to buy things and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/oct/30/to-cure-affluenza-we-have-to-be-satisfied-with-the-stuff-we-already-own">waste them</a>.
<p>
I see brown spots on a banana as a signal that it won't be sweet
enough to eat for a few more days.


feed_id: 8f948db31247861ab15b8888fd9e9c5f
title: Barcelona march
uri: Barcelona-march
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#30_October_2017_%28Barcelona_march%29
content:
<p>
Hundreds of thousands of Catalans marched in Barcelona to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/29/catalonias-silent-majority-descend-on-barcelona">remain
part of Spain</a>.


feed_id: 5261f64c4b39b01ffd52880586be30d2
title: Steel plant in Australia
uri: Steel-plant-in-Australia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#1_November_2017_%28Steel_plant_in_Australia%29
content:
<p>
A steel plant in Australia will be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/oct/31/whyalla-steelworks-to-be-powered-by-700m-solar-battery-and-pumped-hydro-project">powered by solar cells together with a large energy storage system</a>.


feed_id: 330ec50eb538665a79d845e337f6dce0
title: Louisiana swamp rat
uri: Louisiana-swamp-rat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#1_November_2017_%28Louisiana_swamp_rat%29
content:
<p>
Introduced nutria are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/oct/31/louisiana-swamp-rat-hunters-rodents-of-unusual-size">overrunning southern Louisiana</a>.
<p>
They can wipe out native species.
<p>
Louisiana encourages eating the nutria, which raises the question, is
the nutria nutritious?


feed_id: 377bbd0a0dd53441cd617fbf90ea9dbd
title: Chinese medicine superstition
uri: Chinese-medicine-superstition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#1_November_2017_%28Chinese_medicine_superstition%29
content:
<p>
Another Chinese medicine superstition has arisen and <a href=" https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/oct/31/the-chinese-miracle-elixir-that-threatens-donkeys-around-the-world">is making donkeys
unavailable to farmers</a>.


feed_id: a6e8a8ba1844420d998ff3381d035440
title: Trigger warnings
uri: 2017-11-01-Trigger-warnings
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#1_November_2017_%28Trigger_warnings%29
content:
<p>
Giving trigger warnings is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/oct/31/shakespeare-trigger-warning-students-snowflakes-cambridge-university-sexual-abuse-victims">not a sign of censorship</a> — often it is just the opposite.


feed_id: 7f25f8e622920311f60ab938c83b68c0
title: Consumer Product Safety
uri: Consumer-Product-Safety
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#1_November_2017_%28Consumer_Product_Safety%29
content:
<p>
The troll has nominated a saboteur to head the Consumer Product Safety
Commission, who has made a career of <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/10/31/trump-consumer-product-safety-commission-dana-baiocco/">defending dangerous products</a>.


feed_id: 84f29aeddf01eee481c29b441d9b09d8
title: Orwellian PR
uri: Orwellian-PR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#1_November_2017_%28Orwellian_PR%29
content:
<p>
The bully's Orwellian PR: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/oct/31/trump-manafort-relationship-timeline">“We have always considered Paul Manafort unimportant.”</a>


feed_id: cda8ddbc1d7ee87315ddcabaea889736
title: Global heating refugees
uri: 2017-11-01-Global-heating-refugees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#1_November_2017_%28Global_heating_refugees%29
content:
<p>
New Zealand may allow special visas for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/31/new-zealand-considers-creating-climate-change-refugee-visas">global heating refugees</a>.


feed_id: e9c445784602adf5a6d6898d85a3593d
title: Day of the Dead
uri: Day-of-the-Dead
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#1_November_2017_%28Day_of_the_Dead%29
content:
<p>
Mexicans have rejected the corporate holiday of Halloween by incorporating
a parade into <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/31/mexicans-embrace-day-of-the-dead-spectacle-in-place-of-halloween">their celebration of the Day of the Dead</a>.


feed_id: f5104cbd68b78ea3c5e8f20a8ef158b2
title: Unconditional basic income
uri: Unconditional-basic-income
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#1_November_2017_%28Unconditional_basic_income%29
content:
<p>
An <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/oct/31/finland-universal-basic-income">unconditional basic income</a>, being tried in a part of Finland,
has enabled some people who were previously dependent on welfare
to start businesses.
<p>
Successful entrepreneurs love to emphasize that they took a risk — when
it comes to arguing that we should not tax them much.
<p>
Then they argue that everyone should be more entrepreneurial, ignoring the point that
you shouldn't gamble what you can't afford to lose, and most people
can't afford to lose a dollar.
<p>
The basic income gives poor people some money that they can afford to lose, so they can rationally take a
risk.
<p>
The basic income does not justify Finland's cuts in education and
welfare.


feed_id: 47bcaa463446983272b8a8cb4e9c1fb1
title: Global heating
uri: 2017-11-01-Global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#1_November_2017_%28Global_heating%29
content:
<p>
The UN says that current greenhouse <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/31/un-warns-of-unacceptable-greenhouse-gas-emissions-gap">gas reduction pledges are inadequate</a>
and would lead to 3C or more of global heating in this century.
<p>
Global heating effects are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/oct/31/climate-change-public-health-emergency-doctors-lancet-countdown">harming the health of hundreds of millions of people</a>.


feed_id: 56b4986e9092d5625f2ef34ec9a7c519
title: Consumer Product Safety
uri: 2017-11-01-Consumer-Product-Safety
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#1_November_2017_%28Consumer_Product_Safety%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#trump">The troll</a> has nominated a saboteur to head the Consumer Product Safety
Commission, who has made a career of <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/10/31/trump-consumer-product-safety-commission-dana-baiocco/">defending dangerous products</a>.


feed_id: c2a52991cd8b6a9276f68733d66a3be2
title: Urgent: Black Lives Matter supporters
uri: Urgent-Black-Lives-Matter-supporters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#1_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Black_Lives_Matter_supporters%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: tell the FBI to
<a href="http://act.demandprogress.org/sign/tell-fbi-black-lives-matter-activists-are-not-domestic-terrorists/">stop
supposing that Black Lives Matter supporters are likely to be
terrorists</a>.


feed_id: 557e9650621dc5831896b93f3a319f50
title: Urgent: Fire misogynist announcer
uri: Urgent-Fire-misogynist-announcer
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#1_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Fire_misogynist_announcer%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: call on iHeartRadio to 
<a href="https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/tell-iheartradio-fire-bill-handel-derogatory-comments-about-rep-frederica-wilson/">fire
right-wing misogynist announcer Bill Handel</a>.


feed_id: 498f9bb2f5389d771db5563261c726e0
title: Manipulation by Facebook
uri: Manipulation-by-Facebook
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#1_November_2017_%28Manipulation_by_Facebook%29
content:
<p>
Facebook has lured publishers into helpless dependence through
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/oct/29/media-symbiotic-relationship-facebook-worry-democracy">collaboration
in manipulating the public</a>.
<p>
Perhaps the solution could take the form of a new anti-monopoly law
regulating companies that have more than 1% of the US advertising
market.  The rules could require the site to identify every ad an ad,
each time it is shown, along with the company it is an ad for, as well
as what criterion it is targeted at.  This would apply to articles
reposted on behalf of other sites, when the articles are partly
advertising.
<p>
In addition, the site should be required to publish (permitting
anonymous access) all ads under the heading of the advertiser that
paid for them, along with the price it paid for each one.
<p>
Further regulations might be required for the site's relationship with
commercial publishers.  Perhaps Facebook should not be allowed to
repost any published articles or works, only links to them.
<p>
Facebook 
<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/business/facebook-vows-more-transparency-over-political-ads/">says
it will do some of these things</a>, but we should not leave the
choice up to these businesses.


feed_id: 3043ad4fde49ae7db627480111f78be6
title: Australia's mistreatment of refugees
uri: Australia-s-mistreatment-of-refugees
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#1_November_2017_%28Australias_mistreatment_of_refugees%29

content:
<p>
By shutting its immigration dump in Manus Island, Australia will close
a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/oct/29/manus-island-dark-chapter-of-australian-immigration-poised-to-close">"dark
chapter" in its treatment of refugees</a>, which will segue
immediately into a new dark chapter.


feed_id: fa5e3804b03a809d7cd9adbb04be23a2
title: Votes against dooH niboR
uri: Votes-against-dooH-niboR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#1_November_2017_%28Votes_against_dooH_niboR%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/10/26/216-gop-house-members-just-voted-destroy-safety-net-and-deliver-trillion-dollar-tax">20
Republicans</a> voted against the dooH niboR budget, but that wasn't
quite enough to stop it — that needed three more.


feed_id: 26f3a7f2ac1df07d6ac082983cad866a
title: Nestle's "certification"
uri: Nestle-s-certification
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#1_November_2017_%28Nestles_certification%29
content:
<p>
Nestle is looking for a "certification" of its water-bottling 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/10/26/council-canadians-calls-nestle-out-blue-washing">from
an organization it helped to set up</a>.


feed_id: 858f551f98a6e902b190f532f221fdda
title: Affluent society of the Ju/'hoansi
uri: Affluent-society-of-the-Ju-hoansi
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#1_November_2017_%28Affluent_society_of_the_Ju%252Fhoansi%29

content:
<p>
In the original affluent society of the Ju/âhoansi, social equality is
maintained by 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/inequality/2017/oct/29/why-bushman-banter-was-crucial-to-hunter-gatherers-evolutionary-success">condemning
those who look might come to think of themselves as above the
rest</a>.
<p>
If we develop robots that can do almost all the work we want done,
maybe we will all be able to work only 15 hours a week.  But if we
want that society to be stable, we will need to adopt customs that
effectively discourage anyone from trying to be above the rest.  In
other words, the post-scarcity society is the opposite of plutocracy.
<p>
I disagree with the use of the word "civilization" to describe
hunter-gatherers.  The word refers to living in cities.


feed_id: 0d3e9769791479a722fa2c6a4c720c54
title: Underpaid garment workers
uri: Underpaid-garment-workers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#1_November_2017_%28Underpaid_garment_workers%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/oct/29/just-4-of-what-australians-spend-on-clothing-goes-to-garment-workers-oxfam">Just
4%</a> of What Australians Spend on Clothing Goes to Garment Workers.
<p>
This unfair division of the funds is quite standard.  I think it
occurs because the businesses have more clout than those workers.


feed_id: 43bfe755fb19ba75ce7146504802ae77
title: Coal
uri: 2017-11-02-Coal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#1_November_2017_%28Coal%29
content:
<p>
Reports of the death of coal are 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/10/27/coal-kills-and-coal-not-dead">anticipation
of its wished-for demise</a>.


feed_id: fb7e3d5ee3088bb20a22551d68ca9f43
title: Troll's supporters
uri: 2017-11-02-Troll-s-supporters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#1_November_2017_%28Trolls_supporters%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>'s base is 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/10/27/have-we-reached-trumps-tipping-point">not
giving up on him</a>, because it trusts his lies more than it trusts
any source of corrective information.


feed_id: e5bed00d3191a2eaabd711f2ebdb3ead
title: Organic food
uri: Organic-food
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#1_November_2017_%28Organic_food%29
content:
<p>
Organic food produced in the US is being replaced by 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/10/27/organic-farming-rules-are-not-made-be-broken">cheaper
production that cuts corners on the rules</a>.  Due to regulatory
capture, the US fails to enforce its standards fully.
<p>
I do not make a point of buying organic food; I do not know if it
makes a big difference.  Nonetheless, I object to falsification.
<p>
Inspection of food is one of the many 
<a href="/articles/why-we-need-a-state.html">jobs of the state</a>.
If we don't tax the rich enough, the state cannot do its jobs.


feed_id: 2d3594eee47962e3ca61f16a146d6bad
title: Disgust for both major US parties
uri: Disgust-for-both-major-US-parties
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#1_November_2017_%28Disgust_for_both_major_US_parties%29

content:
<p>
The real winner of the US presidential election was none-of-the-above,
reflecting most people's disgust for both the major parties.
<p>
That's because the Democratic Party has been bought out by rich
right-wingers and has 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/10/27/democrats-still-drifting-toward-disaster">ceased
to stand for the progressive, liberal policies</a> that most Americans
want.
<p>
Will the party learn to be progressive again, or will it continue
to be Republican Lite?


feed_id: 1d6711e8ac96f3afc1f2962fbf81dc7c
title: Urgent: Nuclear weapons and energy
uri: Urgent-Nuclear-weapons-and-energy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Nuclear_weapons_and_energy%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=11837">support</a> the Nuclear Weapons Abolition and Economic and
Energy Conversion Act.
<p>
To sign with Javascript disabled, you will need to use the <a href="/salsalabs-method.html">Salsalabs
workaround</a>.


feed_id: 4980491be56c532cdb3051aec6cf8e50
title: Urgent: Protect Mueller
uri: Urgent-Protect-Mueller
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Protect_Mueller%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/Protect_Mueller">Urge Republican senators</a> that have criticized the bully
to make Mueller's investigation independent.


feed_id: ca194126299a002c29a2ff685e80f740
title: Urgent: Abortion ban
uri: Urgent-Abortion-ban
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Abortion_ban%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/Senate_Abortion_Ban">call on the Senate</a> to block the proposed ban on abortion
after 20 weeks.


feed_id: 860ee079191cc30cba39770e5586ca87
title: Bully approval down
uri: Bully-approval-down
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Bully_approval_down%29
content:
<p>
The bully is starting to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/10/31/amid-indictments-and-tax-push-polls-show-trumps-disapproval-all-time-high">lose approval</a> even among his supporters.


feed_id: 243d85ce10fe34bddd6a869c9de8faf3
title: Sanders would have won
uri: Sanders-would-have-won
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Sanders_would_have_won%29
content:
<p>
Sanders would have <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/10/31/top-trump-pollster-no-question-bernie-sanders-would-have-won">defeated the bully</a>, according to the bully's chief pollster.


feed_id: bdb1fa2b3e9a6f2d5b31e7488dfa4cde
title: Concentrating food industry
uri: Concentrating-food-industry
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Concentrating_food_industry%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/10/31/agrifood-atlas-how-corporations-are-tightening-their-stranglehold-peoples-food">Increasing concentration</a> of the food industry harms workers,
consumers, and soil.


feed_id: d6e71ebf90ab8af0ad6337a55650b1e0
title: North Korea bomb test
uri: North-Korea-bomb-test
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28North_Korea_bomb_test%29
content:
<p>
North Korea's hydrogen bomb test seems to have <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/10/31/fears-radiation-leak-soar-after-north-korea-nuclear-site-collapse-kills-200">destabilized</a> the mountain
it was conducted under. It has had repeated earthquakes since.


feed_id: 2c17b4a84ea6c4aeb16fb7ef36ecf54c
title: Global heating refugees
uri: 2017-11-02-Global-heating-refugees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Global_heating_refugees%29
content:
<p>
A study forecasts that global heating effects could drive <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/10/31/lancet-study-warns-global-health-crisis-and-1-billion-climate-refugees-2050">a billion
people</a> from their homes by 2050.
<p>
Even if the study is off by a factor of two, and only half a billion
become refugees for this reason, so many people won't find places that
will let them in. A million or so refugees were enough to convinced
the European Union to take firm measures to keep refugees out,
even <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_(Shelter_for_immigrants)">unjust measures</a>.
<p>
However, many of the billion will be armed, and ready to fight for
other people's land rather than sit down and die. We will see wars
around the world.


feed_id: 2054a1df4c13c1a1bfd3da5300a04f23
title: Shelter for immigrants
uri: Shelter-for-immigrants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Shelter_for_immigrants%29
content:
<p>
Most European countries <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/10/31/europes-quiet-offensive-against-people-helping-refugees">have prohibited</a> giving shelter or giving food to
unauthorized immigrants.


feed_id: c2d3458913344ba96632337a765ef6bb
title: Repairing Puerto Rico
uri: Repairing-Puerto-Rico
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Repairing_Puerto_Rico%29
content:
<p>
The US is proceeding with <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/10/31/wheres-urgency-un-experts-slam-us-emergency-response-puerto-rico">notable slowness</a> in repairing the power and
water systems of Puerto Rico.


feed_id: d30eb804181c23b1be469763f040691c
title: Palestinian olives
uri: Palestinian-olives
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Palestinian_olives%29
content:
<p>
Israeli colonists in Palestinian territory regularly steal olives from
Palestinians' olive trees. This time, some of them <a href="http://imemc.org/article/israeli-colonists-flood-dozens-of-palestinian-olive-trees-with-sewage/">poisoned the trees</a>
as well.
<p>
In some cases, the Palestinians can't monitor their trees because they
need special permits from Israel even to approach them. But if they
could stay near the trees to guard them, it wouldn't do much good,
since the colonists can maim or kill Palestinians with impunity.
Often Israeli soldiers stand by and allow the colonists to do this.


feed_id: 8e7815c8c765c91a9b721817d15ea015
title: Afghan women
uri: Afghan-women
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Afghan_women%29
content:
<p>
Afghan Women Beg <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/10/31/afghan-women-beg-key-question-what-earth-has-war-accomplished">Key Question</a>: What on Earth Has This War Accomplished?
<p>
They don't appreciate any extra freedom that foreign intervention has
given them, perhaps because it isn't much freedom, or because in
practice they don't dare exercise it.
<p>
One thing that they desperately needed, but didn't get, is birth control
so that they could avoid having the children that they now can't feed.


feed_id: 8d846d62116deddbd66ea089f8015820
title: Whitefish scandal
uri: Whitefish-scandal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Whitefish_scandal%29
content:
<p>
More about the <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/10/31/puerto-rico-electric-contract-cobra/">Whitefish scandal</a>.


feed_id: 5bccdf061f0af712e5cb5f756bba1d68
title: New giant coal mine
uri: New-giant-coal-mine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28New_giant_coal_mine%29
content:
<p>
Inhabitants of low-lying Pacific islands have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/01/pacific-islanders-call-for-australia-not-to-fund-adani-coalmine">implored Australia</a>
not to fund the proposed new giant coal mine.
<p>
This mine would also <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#3_August_2017_(Adani_climate_change)">speed the destruction</a> of the Great Barrier Reef.


feed_id: e6f68b7c312cf5b824fd66572b20606d
title: Fracking protests
uri: Fracking-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Fracking_protests%29
content:
<p>
Frackers in the UK are seeking a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/oct/31/moves-to-curb-democratic-fracking-protests-in-the-uk-extremely-worrying">sweeping injunction</a> against all sorts
of protesters, to imprison them.
<p>
When peaceful protests are broadly forbidden, you can't criticize people
for turning to violent opposition.


feed_id: ab8bc9f8e58cf16cb3de6c8ef01eecec
title: "Compromise" about slavery
uri: Compromise-about-slavery
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Compromise_about_slavery%29
content:
<p>
John Kelly expressed regrets that the US didn't reach some sort of
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/10/31/both-sides-slavery-argument-latest-proof-john-kelly-no-moderating-force">
"compromise" about slavery in 1860.
</a>
<p>
This is
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#18_August_2017_(Condemnation_for_Bigot-in-Chief)">
the same false-equivalence veil for bigotry
</a>
that the troll has
used.
<p>
The US Congress made a series of compromises over slavery in the
decades preceding the Civil War.
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missouri_Compromise">
(See the Missouri Compromise in
Wikipedia.)
</a>
	     The effect of these compromises was to perpetuate
slavery, and that would have been true in 1860, 1880, 1900, and 2000
if the North hadn't said "No more compromises."


feed_id: 3fa325fedca20852e689b955f5fe87f2
title: Judicial kidnapping
uri: Judicial-kidnapping
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Judicial_kidnapping%29
content:
<p>
A court in Mississippi
<a href="https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2017/10/26/unpaid-court-fines-block-mother-from-child/802254001/">
banned a woman from contact with her baby
</a>
because she had not paid fines.
<p>
The article makes it clear that this is part of the general US practice
of loading down the poor with fines they can't pay.  It is noteworthy
that the mother was jailed while looking for work.  It is clear
that the system is designed so that the fines cannot be paid.
<p>
If you want to be able to fine any American, you must stop making
millions of Americans so poor that they have to go to jail rather than
pay.


feed_id: ca87009f6fde352846f6b212c1505ca8
title: Network neutrality
uri: 2017-11-02-Network-neutrality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Network_neutrality%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://boingboing.net/2017/10/28/warning-taken-as-suggestion.html">
A Portuguese ISP shows
</a>
what the loss of network neutrality would lead
to: separate fees for access to various services.


feed_id: 4d04d2ca6f7885b6cf4eab8870f1e62d
title: Employees' medical care
uri: Employees-medical-care
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Employees%27_medical_care%29
content:
<p>
Medicare for All,
<a href="https://www.jacobinmag.com/2017/10/medicare-for-all-single-payer-freedom">
by disconnecting medical care from employment,
</a>
would free
Americans from being stuck to a specific job.
<p>
If employers did not have to pay for employees' medical care -- if that came
from taxes not associated with employing anyone -- that would also reduce
the pressure to replace workers with automation.


feed_id: 41dc3d7af792029e056a535a7b03c68d
title: Selling solar systems
uri: Selling-solar-systems
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Selling_solar_systems%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/10/30/groups-denounce-energy-departments-sneak-attack-solar">
Groups Denounce Energy Departmentâs Sneak Attack on Solar.
</a>
<p>
The attack consists of setting up a study that seems designed to
provide an excuse to eliminate net metering -- the practice of buying
electric power from owners of home solar power systems.
<p>
I met someone who said per business was "selling solar systems."
So I asked, "How do people that buy solar systems travel to them?
Have you got faster-than-light travel?"


feed_id: 4b020cecfb0fb7c37b62122ebc936e42
title: Bully's campaign
uri: Bully-s-campaign
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Bully%27s_campaign%29
content:
<p>
Papadopoulos has admitted that the Russian contact only wanted to meet
with him because he <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2017/10/30/politics/george-papadopolous-trump-guilty/index.html">was part of the bully's campaign</a>, and that the
purpose of the contacts was to get supposed dirt on Clinton.


feed_id: 679ad608d5c60ddba0f2c5933b227500
title: Fabricated scandals
uri: Fabricated-scandals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Fabricated_scandals%29
content:
<p>
Republicans are using <a href="https://thinkprogress.org/trump-distract-robert-mueller-explained-807999089c9e/">fabricated scandals to distract attention</a> from
the troll's real scandal.


feed_id: 98250aea6555d1a2ef8d6b4d1ca67b0a
title: CO2 level
uri: CO2-level
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28CO2_level%29
content:
<p>
The CO2 level in Earth's atmosphere increased last year faster than before,
and has reached a level <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/10/30/alarm-bells-ringing-global-co2-levels-highest-3-million-years">last experienced 3 million years ago</a>.
<p>
That's before the Earth started the current series of glaciations.
<p>
It has also been reported that human CO2 emissions have been stable for
a few years, that they are no longer increasing.
<p>
These two observations do not conflict.
<p>
It could well be that the natural absorption of CO2 from the air has decreased due to causes
such as deforestation, as well as ecological changes.


feed_id: 9838ceb3dca0867272a37e28e8973769
title: Democratic Party defeat
uri: Democratic-Party-defeat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Democratic_Party_defeat%29
content:
<p>
The progressive “autopsy” of the 2016 Democratic Party defeat shows
how <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/10/30/new-autopsy-democratic-party-reveals-continued-missteps-2016-election-neglect">it needs to stop seeking support from the plutocratic right-wing</a>
“center” and start appealing to the progressive majority of Americans.
<p>
This is also necessary for a more basic reason: unless it does this,
the Democratic Party will not deserve support.


feed_id: 8a2630d0869e1954289a4b54fe9a1e04
title: Unauthorized immigrant
uri: Unauthorized-immigrant
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Unauthorized_immigrant%29
content:
<p>
Demanding that immigration thugs <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/10/30/freerosa-supporters-demand-release-10-year-old-detained-trumps-ice">release a 10-year-old handicapped and
seriously ill unauthorized immigrant from prison</a> so she can see her parents.
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>'s publicly visible policies focus on being tough to weak
people so as to make authoritarian followers feel strong by
identifying with him.
<p>
A handicapped 10-year-old who just needed surgery is a perfect target for that.
<p>
His other policies, those meant for their real effects, are aimed at
helping businesses make more money and pay less tax, which imposes
suffering on the non-rich.


feed_id: f3d0fcb15fefc6a0648ca8760dfdca66
title: Black Lives Matter movement
uri: Black-Lives-Matter-movement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Black_Lives_Matter_movement%29
content:
<p>
Two thugs that had been shot and wounded <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20171030/21305738514/judge-smacks-dow">tried to sue the Black Lives Matter movement</a>, claiming the shooter was acting as a part of it.
<p>
The judge tossed out these suits because a social movement is not a
specific group with members, it is just a point of view.
<p>
There was no need to mention the fact that the Black Lives Matter
movement does not advocate shooting anyone.


feed_id: f9a5bc3659563e432837cf2c50bd9b57
title: Racial discrimination
uri: Racial-discrimination
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Racial_discrimination%29
content:
<p>
Around half of black Americans, in a poll, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/10/31/systemic-failure-study-details-black-americans-experiences-discrimination">report racial
discrimination by thugs and courts</a>. 
<p>
1/3 have refrained from calling the thugs for help for fear that 
they will show their thuggish side towards blacks.


feed_id: 8a95f2aafefe538c8a6e2b00b7b295c2
title: Hurricane Maria
uri: 2017-11-03-Hurricane-Maria
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Hurricane_Maria%29
content:
<p>
Six weeks after the hurricane, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/nov/01/it-feels-like-dominica-is-finished-life-amid-the-ruins-left-by-hurricane-maria">the inhabitants of Dominica mostly have
no homes, electricity, work, school, or income</a>.
<p>
If hurricanes will come every few years, there is no use rebuilding
the place &mdash people will have to leave.


feed_id: 59bd76fb8c5cd1b5a6dcbb2fe552dc43
title: Paris climate agreement
uri: 2017-11-03-Paris-climate-agreement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Paris_climate_agreement%29
content:
<p>
Big planet-roaster <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/01/fossil-fuel-companies-undermining-paris-agreement-negotiations-report">corporations have hijacked continuing negotiations</a> under
the Paris climate agreement.


feed_id: 1898e50675ceda313f0a030d02478c06
title: UK welfare benefits
uri: UK-welfare-benefits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28UK_welfare_benefits%29
content:
<p>
The reorganization of welfare benefits in the UK hits disabled people hard.
<p>
Especially those with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/nov/01/i-have-lost-hope-the-people-with-mental-health-problems-who-are-being-stripped-of-their-benefits">mental disabilities</a>
and those that <a href=" https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/oct/31/switch-to-universal-credit-will-hit-lone-disabled-people">live alone</a>.


feed_id: 3d00b116d2baf922f64ea7cd1067e2a5
title: Flirting with a party activist
uri: Flirting-with-a-party-activist
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Flirting_with_a_party_activist%29

content:
<p>
A UK minister is accused of <a href=" https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/nov/01/damian-green-denies-making-sexual-advances-towards-kate-maltby-tory-activist">flirting with a party activist</a>.
<p>
If the minister did what Maltby claims, what would it imply? In
general, there is nothing wrong with touching someone's knee for a
second, or sending a message hinting at sexual interest, as long as
there is no pressure in it.
<p>
However, for a political leader to request a relationship with a party
activist, if it risks offending the activist, risks harming the party.
<p>
Our society does not offer a way of expressing sexual interest in
someone that avoids all risk of offending.
<p>
That is part of what makes starting a relationship so difficult.


feed_id: 8841477e895fb19f1e69511bf9eea008
title: Democratic Party
uri: 2017-11-03-Democratic-Party
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Democratic_Party%29
content:
<p>
What the Democratic Party needs to do, to be <a href=" https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/10/30/address-historic-failures-autopsy-urges-progressive-reboot-democrats">worth supporting and then to win</a>.


feed_id: c9a778f43393fd06bf4650138b62e775
title: Washington DC thugs
uri: Washington-DC-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Washington_DC_thugs%29
content:
<p>
The Washington DC thugs bought a thousand gas masks, plus lots of
weapons and ammunition to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/10/30/dc-police-spent-over-300000-weapons-ammunition-use-against-inauguration-day">attack inauguration protesters with</a>.
<p>
They gratuitously attacked hundreds of protesters, then arrested them with no valid reason.


feed_id: 7749ccb6760d4dff937c69bb3731409c
title: Patriotic Millionaires
uri: Patriotic-Millionaires
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Patriotic_Millionaires%29
content:
<p>
The Patriotic Millionaires warn the US middle class that Republicans
are about to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/10/31/gop-releases-tax-plan-patriotic-millionaires-issue-dire-warning-middle-class">increase their taxes as a gift to millionaires</a>.


feed_id: 9325dc7b447a7c97088452005bf39dc7
title: NYC terrorist attack
uri: NYC-terrorist-attack
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28NYC_terrorist_attack%29
content:
<p>
An immigrant, inspired by PISSI, carried out a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/01/isis-note-new-york-attack-suspect-truck">small terrorist attack in New York City</a>.
<p>
A NYC thug responded well: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/01/new-york-truck-terror-attack-nypd-officer-who-shot-sayfullo-saipov">he shot the truck terrorist</a>, and even
better, managed not to kill him.
<p>
Thus, it will be possible to interrogate him and try him.
<p>
He became a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/01/sayfullo-saipov-carried-out-truck-attack-in-name-of-isis-after-weeks-of-planning">supporter of PISSI after immigrating to the US</a>.
<p>
It will not be feasible to discover such people even with all the
surveillance that the state will demand.
<p>
So let's strengthen ourselves now to reject the demand.


feed_id: c58c55898ee7e826da76b8ac4301a55d
title: Shield against terrorism
uri: Shield-against-terrorism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Shield_against_terrorism%29
content:
<p>
Our best shield against terrorism is to have the perspective
<a href=" https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/01/donald-trump-reaction-terror-make-america-terrified-las-vegas-massacre">not to freak out about it</a>.


feed_id: 04af788a093fcecee01c53b9f62b533e
title: Palestinian Authority
uri: 2017-11-03-Palestinian-Authority
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Palestinian_Authority%29
content:
<p>
Hamas and the Palestinian Authority are really <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/01/hamas-hand-over-control-of-crossings-to-palestinian-authority">taking steps
to make peace with each other</a>.


feed_id: 42fd67c7c1df421df7df65e032df03ab
title: Informed Jury Association
uri: Informed-Jury-Association
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Informed_Jury_Association%29
content:
<p>
Keith Wood was convicted for <a href="https://reason.com/archives/2017/11/01/can-you-go-to-jail-for-handing">handing out Fully Informed Jury Association</a> publications in front of his local courthouse. 
<p>
His lawyer in the trial was forbidden to mention the First Amendment,
which this conviction apparently violates.


feed_id: 4cfe74df0e4fedcd58dc3e57aab4b03d
title: Addictive goods
uri: Addictive-goods
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#2_November_2017_%28Addictive_goods%29
content:
<p>
Today's global capitalism produces ever more <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/nov/01/marx-capital-and-the-madness-of-economic-reason-review">addictive goods that
get society ever more screwed up</a>.
<p>
I like this quote: “The logic of exchange-value follows its own path,
its own mad dance, irrespective of the real needs of real people.”


feed_id: e8581203ca189155b1a8dd3005ea1f46
title: Thugs in Virginia
uri: Thugs-in-Virginia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#3_November_2017_%28Thugs_in_Virginia%29
content:
<p>
Thugs in Virginia arrested a reporter for covering a candidate for governor,
supposedly <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20171101/00322438524/reporter-arrested-thrown-to-ground-cursing.shtml">because he said “fuck”</a>.
<p>
They were violent about it, too.


feed_id: 5aa6a6187e47c24c5656e8cc0dc0a04d
title: Deir ez-Zor
uri: Deir-ez-Zor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#3_November_2017_%28Deir_ez-Zor%29
content:
<p>
<a href=" https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/02/deir-ez-zor-cleared-of-last-islamic-state-fighters-isis">Deir ez-Zor has been taken from PISSI</a>, leaving it with very little territory.


feed_id: e5d65c3f2ef35dc2f1e4f2299ff326b4
title: British MP punished by his party
uri: British-MP-punished-by-his-party
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#3_November_2017_%28British_MP_punished_by_his_party%29

content:
<p>
A British MP is being punished by his party for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/nov/02/labour-suspends-kelvin-hopkins-allegations-sexual-misconduct">doing something
“inappropriate”</a>. 
<p>
That should never happen.
<p>
“Inappropriate” means “not fitting for the circumstances, and causing
annoyance.”
<p>
That is a vague and weak criticism.
<p>
Nobody should be reviled, let alone punished, for having “done something
inappropriate”, because that is too vague.
<p>
I don't know what that MP is accused of doing.
<p>
So I won't say it was not a really bad thing to do.
<p>
Perhaps it was.
<p>
Or perhaps it wasn't. 
<p>
“Inappropriate” fails to tell us.
<p>
What I do say is that anyone who is criticized has the right to a
clear statement of the criticism.


feed_id: a8d044cd03d758c571565ee6e24d23c2
title: UK's new cuts in welfare
uri: UK-s-new-cuts-in-welfare
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#3_November_2017_%28UK%27s_new_cuts_in_welfare%29
content:
<p>
The UK's new cuts in welfare will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/nov/02/child-benefit-rules-in-northern-ireland-may-criminalise-women">imprison women</a> who say they got
pregnant due to rape if they did not make a police report.
<p>
Women often don't make police reports about rape, because they rightly fear
that they'd have to go through with a trial in which they are effectively
the accused.


feed_id: f8597adaa89fc1b3322654e42fd6975e
title: Reject an artist's work
uri: Reject-an-artist-s-work
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#3_November_2017_%28Reject_an_artist%27s_work%29
content:
<p>
Should you reject an artist's work because you <a  href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/02/kevin-spacey-deserves-scorned-watch-house-of-cards">condemn something that
artist did?</a>


feed_id: 97858a36ee3670f0c9c3d6eca3452e0c
title: Sponsor of terrorism
uri: Sponsor-of-terrorism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#3_November_2017_%28Sponsor_of_terrorism%29
content:
<p>
The US says it might label North Korea as a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/02/korea-north-south-us-bombers-fly-terrorism-sponsor">sponsor of terrorism</a>.
<p>
This is not the case, as far as I know. 
<p>
Assassination of a specific person, in this case Kim Jong-nam, is premeditated murder, but it is
not terrorism.
<p>
Kidnaping of Japanese people, which North Korea did many times,  is a crime but it is not terrorism.
<p>
Why do our politicians think that you have not really condemned a
crime unless you call it “terrorism”?


feed_id: 1eccb70de02143abe486475d9aad6000
title: Saboteur of Energy
uri: Saboteur-of-Energy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#3_November_2017_%28Saboteur_of_Energy%29
content:
<p>
Saboteur of Energy Perry said that fossil fuels were <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/02/rick-perry-fossil-fuels-sexual-assault">needed to reduce
“sexual assault”</a>.
<p>
The term “sexual assault” is not suitable for a serious discussion,
because it covers crimes of varying severities which call for
different responses, plus sexual harassment which is not a crime.
<p>
If we want to discuss why Perry's claim is mistaken, let's not let him
sweep us into another confusion.
<p>
As far as I can see, it is mistaken because rapes are usually committed
by someone who knows the victim, and that doesn't require darkness.
<p>
It is also mistaken because, to whatever extent light is useful,
it is equally effective if made from renewable power generation as
if made from fossil fuels.
<p>
If we keep burning fossil fuels as now, that could reduce the rate of
rape by 50% by 2100, if it reduces the human population by 50%.


feed_id: b2966c06e03817cc473ca9e8318e90e6
title: Global heating refugees
uri: 2017-11-03-Global-heating-refugees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#3_November_2017_%28Global_heating_refugees%29
content:
<p>
How will Europe deal with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/02/climate-change-will-create-worlds-biggest-refugee-crisis">20 million Africans global heating refugees</a>
trying to get into Europe rather than die of hunger or thirst?
<p>
Keep in mind that global heating won't be the Africans' fault.
<p>
We in wealthy countries are burning most of the fuel.


feed_id: 91f98b0e383d5ce66b849ba12459e474
title: Pregnant sharks
uri: Pregnant-sharks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#3_November_2017_%28Pregnant_sharks%29
content:
<p>
When pregnant sharks are captured, they often <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/02/pregnant-sharks-and-rays-likely-to-abort-their-young-if-caught">abort their young</a>.


feed_id: 63bdc72d2577c7066cd0363e9d9d3cb4
title: The FCC's fraudulent comments
uri: The-FCC-s-fraudulent-comments
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#3_November_2017_%28The_FCC%27s_fraudulent_comments%29

content:
<p>
The FCC's <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20171030/11255938512/dead-people-myst">fraudulent comments against network neutrality</a> include dead signatories, as well as living 
people who didn't file “their” comments.


feed_id: a225c75e5410213f5dfb6393ef904cb0
title: Thugs in Virginia
uri: 2017-11-03-Thugs-in-Virginia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#3_November_2017_%28Thugs_in_Virginia%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> in Virginia arrested a reporter for covering a candidate for governor,
supposedly <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20171101/00322438524/reporter-arrested-thrown-to-ground-cursing.shtml">because he said “fuck”</a>.
<p>
They were violent about it, too.


feed_id: 23d25b3fbd8a3832da9ec2ad7c4bbfa9
title: Maltese journalist
uri: Maltese-journalist
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Maltese_journalist%29
content:
<p>
Calling for an EU investigation to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/nov/02/world-media-chiefs-call-for-eu-inquiry-into-maltese-journalists">find the murderers of Daphne
Caruana Galizia</a>, Maltese journalist that investigated the gangsters.


feed_id: c104f755f139da915e2f9cc14168717d
title: Iranian nuclear weapon
uri: Iranian-nuclear-weapon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Iranian_nuclear_weapon%29
content:
<p>
Uri Avnery: A hypothetical <a href="http://zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en/channels/avnery/1509703886/">Iranian nuclear weapon</a> would not put
Israel in any real danger.
<p>
The leaders of Iran know better
then to use the bomb as anything but a deterrent.
<p>
Notwithstanding that, I think it is better if Iran does not get
nuclear weapons.
<p>
Continuing the nuclear deal with Iran is our
best chance of achieving that goal.


feed_id: d0737f8e95cde973d56e16dc9679f431
title: Rogue employees
uri: Rogue-employees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Rogue_employees%29
content:
<p>
Twitter has very little security against rogue employees.
<p>
They might even be able to start a war by <a href="https://plus.google.com/+LaurenWeinstein/posts/5oTwYTMNre1">faking tweets on the bully's account</a>.


feed_id: 595b17a254c1f7566b612ee4861e40ea
title: Hypersensitivity
uri: 2017-11-04-Hypersensitivity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Hypersensitivity%29
content:
<p>
Hypersensitivity has reached the point <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/nov/03/jewish-group-calls-on-harriet-harman-to-apologise-for-repeating-holocaust-joke">where you can't cite a bigoted joke
to condemn its bigotry</a>, without getting rebuked for bigotry yourself.
<p>
It is impossible to discuss any subject thoughtfully if you are barred
from citing examples.
<p>
In 1950 it was almost impossible to discuss the
question of what is or is not pornography; you couldn't cite examples
of pornography, so you were limited to abstract statements whose
concrete referents were hard to be sure of.
<p>
Now the taboos have shifted: there is no obstacle to discussing what
is pornography, but it is difficult to discuss what is bigotry.
<p>
Different people will always have different judgment about how to
state a point.
<p>
As long as we agree on opposing bigotry, which is the
substance, we should stay calm in disagreeing about the advantages and
disadvantages of various ways of presenting this opposition.
<p>
You'll note that when I talk about the disrespectful practice of
mislabeling the GNU system as “Linux”, <a href="https://gnu.org/gnu/linux-and-gnu.html">which denies us credit for our work</a>, I don't jump down the throats of people that do this, or even
demand an apology.
<p>
I just ask them to please give us equal mention henceforth.


feed_id: f578a50732faf699f7a0239e9dc6c2af
title: Urgent: Deforestation bill
uri: Urgent-Deforestation-bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Deforestation_bill%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://secure.defenders.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=3221">call on Congress</a> to defeat the plutocratic deforestation bill.


feed_id: f424cab9e6c74f8eecdd040d715f5228
title: Urgent: New IRS head
uri: Urgent-New-IRS-head
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_New_IRS_head%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.demandprogress.org/sign/no-trump-loyalist-irs-head/">call on the Senate</a> to require the bully to get Senate
approval for new IRS head.


feed_id: 12a0bf4205e69ecba305f403db41cf0b
title: Urgent: Judicial nominations
uri: Urgent-Judicial-nominations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Judicial_nominations%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.pfaw.org/sign/oppose-trump-coa-noms/">Call on the Senate</a> to reject the bully's extremist
judicial nominations.


feed_id: cf2972e8e06681577b88bb3a383c6245
title: Urgent: Protect Mueller from firing
uri: Urgent-Protect-Mueller-from-firing
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Protect_Mueller_from_firing%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.pfaw.org/sign/legislation-protect-mueller/">call on Congress</a> to pass a law to protect Mueller from being
fired by the bully.


feed_id: 279b4124efca428195ed375b434b0355
title: US activism and Russia
uri: US-activism-and-Russia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28US_activism_and_Russia%29
content:
<p>
US activists must resist <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/02/activist-russia-protest-occupy-black-lives-matter">co-optation by Russia</a>. As Russia infiltrates
social movements, every social movement will become vulnerable to the
suspicion it is nothing but Russia's tool — even when that isn't so.


feed_id: 5e12a4f1264a1d854b05a91669a7efde
title: Closing jobcenters
uri: Closing-jobcenters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Closing_jobcenters%29
content:
<p>
After forcing unemployed Britons to spend lots of time in jobcenters,
and to go hungry to afford taking a bus there, now the Tories are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/02/shutting-down-jobcentres-austerity-underhand-cut">closing 10%</a> of the jobcenters, which will make reaching them even harder.
<p>
Injured and sick people will have to hobble.


feed_id: 2436e6ebd791ee2511da1125c910fb55
title: Google and Facebook power
uri: Google-and-Facebook-power
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Google_and_Facebook_power%29
content:
<p>
A first step to curb the power of Google and Facebook would be to ban
them from <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/02/facebook-google-monopoly-companies">buying other companies</a>.


feed_id: 45d18a960d3dbbe4f81e2d7f7eb8447f
title: Baltimore violence
uri: Baltimore-violence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Baltimore_violence%29
content:
<p>
Nobody knows how to stop the murderous <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/02/baltimore-murder-rate-homicides-ceasefire">gang violence</a> in Baltimore.
<p>
I wonder if replacing the thug department with a new department
would provide an opportunity to turn over a new leaf.


feed_id: d82639d2cc2797cdf1b84330c1aeea4e
title: Danger to South Korea
uri: Danger-to-South-Korea
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Danger_to_South_Korea%29
content:
<p>
Korean-Americans consider the bully <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/02/korean-americans-donald-trump-north-korea-nuclear-threats">more of a danger</a> to South Korea
than Kim Jong-un is.


feed_id: 687ca484f1ae35c2477415d58948e724
title: Terrorists and mental illness
uri: Terrorists-and-mental-illness
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Terrorists_and_mental_illness%29
content:
<p>
Are terrorists influenced partly by their own <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/02/when-an-attacker-is-muslim-mental-health-questions-rarely-seem-to-get-raised/">mental illnesses</a>?


feed_id: 5da84226950c18bdb8ef2c07006ec028
title: Democracy in Israel
uri: Democracy-in-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Democracy_in_Israel%29
content:
<p>
Even Israeli right-wing politicians and officials warn that Netanyahu
is <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/31/world/middleeast/israel-rivlin-netanyahu-democracy.html">attacking democracy</a> in Israel.


feed_id: 63f32f9d63a19dfbdb6122d2a701b2c7
title: Fossil fuel plan
uri: Fossil-fuel-plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Fossil_fuel_plan%29
content:
<p>
We need a plan to manage the end of most fossil fuel use.
Here are the <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/01/fossil-fuels-are-killing-us-so-whats-plan">requisites</a> for a good plan.


feed_id: 30c089bfa8f75a4b9643e1efcd9b87ba
title: Rights of ISP customers
uri: Rights-of-ISP-customers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Rights_of_ISP_customers%29
content:
<p>
Verizon is asking the FCC to <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20171031/09320238517/verizon-lobbies-fcc-to-block-states-protecting-broadband-privacy-net-neutrality.shtml">ban US states</a> from protecting ISP
customers' rights.
<p>
Many states are really trying to do this.


feed_id: f738bdc7876caeb22f5e6c2c878c4bc9
title: Voter suppression
uri: 2017-11-04-Voter-suppression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Voter_suppression%29
content:
<p>
Americans: phone 866-OUR-VOTE if your state <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/11/01/election-protection-offering-live-assistance-voters-states-across-country">stops you from voting</a>.
<p>
Unfortunately, this group of legal assistants cannot help when states
are correctly interpreting unjust voter-suppression laws.


feed_id: 81142c9a058840d7a762b076d9bc8fcc
title: Stirring American hostility
uri: Stirring-American-hostility
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Stirring_American_hostility%29
content:
<p>
Russian political manipulators were very astute in <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/russian-ads-now-publicly-released-show-sophistication-of-influence-campaign/2017/11/01/d26aead2-bf1b-11e7-8444-a0d4f04b89eb_story.html">stirring up</a>
hostility among Americans.
<p>
The article lists various false accusations that Russians supplied to
right-wing Americans, many of whom are eager to snap them up without
checking. However, for left-wing Americans and blacks, it was
sufficient for the Russians to point out the truth.


feed_id: 49e083259c6ee10e46574b54f3283d61
title: Korean protest against bully
uri: Korean-protest-against-bully
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Korean_protest_against_bully%29
content:
<p>
South Koreans plan a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/01/south-koreans-plan-welcome-war-lunatic-trump-mass-protest-demands-peace">massive protest</a> against the bully when he visits.
<p>
Part of their demand is to get rid of the South Korea-US <a href="/business-supremacy-treaty.html">business
supremacy treaty</a>.
<p>
Eliminating this treaty is necessary for two reasons I know of.
<ul>
<li>It imposes a DMCA-style ban on devices that can break <a href="https://DefectiveByDesign.org">Digital
Restrictions Management</a> (DRM).
<p>
DRM is an injustice and treaties like this prop up the injustice.
<p>
Every treaty with this requirement must be abolished.</li>

<li>It imposes ISDS, which stands for "investor-state dispute
settlement" or "I sue democratic states". This system gives foreign
companies more rights in either country than its own citizens have,
thus effectively moving both countries a step towards being colonies
of business.</li>
</ul>

Every treaty with this system must be abolished.


feed_id: a20958377cdcf71b36a05207ae46f9e4
title: Indigenous group
uri: Indigenous-group
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Indigenous_group%29
content:
<p>
An indigenous group has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/11/02/solar-panels-installed-path-kinder-morgan-pipeline">built houses with solar power on their land</a>
where the Unkinder-Morgan pipeline is supposed to cross it.


feed_id: 42f11729b7f2ee93ce3ff6a1a643ea47
title: Islamist extremists
uri: Islamist-extremists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Islamist_extremists%29
content:
<p>
One thing that right-wing and Islamist extremists have in common is that
they come from <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/nov/02/social-isolation-behind-extremism-and-terrorism-police-told">communities that are socially isolated</a>, not integrated into
society.


feed_id: e4b466eb9cb5bb9274939dd920c899b4
title: Chinese tyranny
uri: Chinese-tyranny
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Chinese_tyranny%29
content:
<p>
Springer has <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/01/world/asia/china-springer-nature-censorship.html?partner=rss&emc=rss">blocked certain articles on its web site</a> for users in China,
obeying the Chinese tyranny.
<p>
However, Springer's nastiest policy is what it does to everyone.
<p>
Paywalled scientific journals are an injustice in any country.


feed_id: 380ff88df76122ca1fc3bbd818677f23
title: Plutocratist groups
uri: Plutocratist-groups
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Plutocratist_groups%29
content:
<p>
Plutocratist groups in many US states are campaigning to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/11/02/americans-call-more-solar-power-special-interest-attacks-continue-mount">eliminate
measures to promote renewable energy</a>.


feed_id: 5439deb5567efba86273206b1cbb2e8a
title: New variety of orangutan
uri: New-variety-of-orangutan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28New_variety_of_orangutan%29
content:
<p>
A new <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/nov/02/new-species-of-orangutan-discovered-in-northern-sumatra-tapanuli-pongo-tapanuliensis">variety of orangutan has been discovered</a>
on the west coast of Sumatra, but it may not be around for long before humans wipe it out.


feed_id: 18e4659b6254d0b21fd4baf7baa974ee
title: Tax attacks bill
uri: Tax-attacks-bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Tax_attacks_bill%29
content:
<p>
SCROTUS have published their <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/02/house-republicans-unveil-tax-plan-benefiting-corporations-and-the-wealthy">tax attacks bill</a>.
<p>
Some of these changes might be improvements, depending on details that
someone would have to analyze carefully.
<p>
However, they can't make up for the giveaways to the rich.
<p>
This article does not mention the big giveaway to multinationals
which would allow them to bring into the <a href=" https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/11/02/house-bill-gift-offshore-tax-dodgers-and-outsourcers">US the profits they have
stored in tax havens</a>, paying no tax on them.
<p>
The idea that cutting taxes on corporations would boost anything for
the rest of us is known as “trickle down”.
<p>
It didn't work in the past and there is no reason to expect things to be different this time.
<p>
It is pure <a href="/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a>.
<p>
The troll and his family would <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/02/3-ways-gop-tax-plan-would-save-trump-family-millions-annually-and-billions-overall">save billions in taxes from this</a>.


feed_id: a4cd418ecb828557db9cdf7ad9633879
title: Leaders of Catalonia
uri: Leaders-of-Catalonia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Leaders_of_Catalonia%29
content:
<p>
Spain has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/04/crisis-over-catalonia-an-explainer">arrested most of the leaders of the government of Catalonia</a> and they
face imprisonment for decades.
<p>
I still think that Catalans' objections to paying taxes to help
poor regions of Spain are churlish.
<p>
However, if a sizeable majority of Catalans want independence, they should get it.


feed_id: 5f163d42164cba6b96d4fedbf4322d7a
title: Barred from Papua New Guinea
uri: Barred-from-Papua-New-Guinea
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Barred_from_Papua_New_Guinea%29
content:
<p>
Photojournalist Matthew Abbott was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/04/australian-journalist-who-reported-on-manus-last-year-detained-in-png">barred from Papua New Guinea</a>,
clearly because he had revealed embarrassing facts about the Manus Island
camp where Australia has dumped refugees.


feed_id: db9d22b3b954a069e73afe255761b612
title: US border thugs
uri: 2017-11-05-US-border-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28US_border_thugs%29
content:
<p>
US border thugs have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/03/10-year-old-girl-deportation-texas-border-patrol-released">released 10-year-old Rosa Maria Hernandez</a> from
immigration prison.
<p>
It was absurd to put her in one.
<p>
Since she is 10 years old, mentally disabled, and seriously ill,
she could hardly be able to run away or live on her own.


feed_id: 910b498210e44a9765dce3b905862ed5
title: Security researcher
uri: Security-researcher
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Security_researcher%29
content:
<p>
The prosecution of security researcher Justin Shafer seems to be related 
to the prosecution of John Rivello for ending a video to Kurt Eichenwald 
which was <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2017/03/man-arrested-for-allegedly-sending-newsweek-writer-a-seizure-inducing-tweet/">designed to send him into an epileptic seizure</a>.
<p>
I think it is legitimate to prosecute someone for doing that.
<p>
We might also want our software to detect such videos to detect them.
<p>
This ties up a loose end in the previous political note but doesn't
address the issue of Justin Shafer himself.


feed_id: 32f4a411bf997ad8cf8fd47b39ee7ff8
title: International Criminal Court
uri: 2017-11-05-International-Criminal-Court
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28International_Criminal_Court%29
content:
<p>
The International Criminal Court wants to investigate all sides' <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/03/war-crimes-prosecutor-seeks-investigation-into-afghan-conflict-icc-us-force-cia-taliban">war
crimes in Afghanistan</a>.


feed_id: ddcb67da0988556290a991dcaff03583
title: The Red Cross
uri: The-Red-Cross
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28The_Red_Cross%29
content:
<p>
The Red Cross seeks to prosecute the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/nov/03/red-cross-outraged-over-pilfering-of-ebola-aid-millions-by-its-own-staff">staff that stole 6 million dollars</a>
from the funds for dealing with the Ebola outbreak.


feed_id: 08fc72012efbbb02a2345a309ea55d86
title: KGB disinformation
uri: KGB-disinformation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28KGB_disinformation%29
content:
<p>
KGB disinformation, now magnified by the internet, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/04/beware-russian-cyber-warfare-threatens-every-democracy-kremlin">threatens every democracy</a>.
<p>
It is interesting to contrast China's political censorship
requirements with Germany's.
<p>
Denial of the mass murder of Jews was
one of the first right-wing lie schemes, and it's despicable,
but we must not use censorship to get rid of it.


feed_id: 184ac3f776e25e592e2495b48bd4ebbf
title: Legalizing marijuana
uri: 2017-11-05-Legalizing-marijuana
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Legalizing_marijuana%29
content:
<p>
Legalizing marijuana is a <a href=" https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/03/solve-nhs-chronic-underfunding-legalise-cannabis-tax-medicinal-aid-patients">good way to reduce the demand for opioids
and antidepressive medicine</a>, while providing considerable additional
funding for other medical care.


feed_id: a9607736d0be1a39759404974e1d9dcf
title: Children need to grow up in families
uri: Children-need-to-grow-up-in-families
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Children_need_to_grow_up_in_families%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/voluntary-sector-network/2017/nov/03/un-disability-committee-children-institutions">Children need to grow up in families</a> — orphanages stunt them,
especially mentally.


feed_id: 0c2f011370fa23b4a6fb38eeb791f6d6
title: Plan to build a ski resort
uri: Plan-to-build-a-ski-resort
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Plan_to_build_a_ski_resort%29
content:
<p>
Canada's supreme court ruled that a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/03/canada-supreme-court-ski-resort-indigenous-sacred-land">plan to build a ski resort</a>
can go ahead even though an indigenous tribe considers the lane
sacred.
<p>
People are entitled to their beliefs, but people are not entitled to
have whatever resources their religion says it requires.
<p>
Indigenous peoples have moved around quite a bit, and when they can't use their
former sacred place, they designate a new one.
<p>
So I think it is valid that an important public interest can 
override anyone's idea of a sacred spot.
<p>
On the other hand, a ski resort is hardly an important public
interest.
<p>
If nothing more than a ski resort is at stake, why not
cater to the tribe's wishes?
<p>
I don't think people should have the power to stop other people
from using their land, merely by calling it “sacred”.
<p>
On the other hand, maybe this land belonged to the indigenous group
and Europeans took it away from them.


feed_id: b89c70dd01dfb3b7e48af65c7f5d320d
title: Ocean acidification
uri: 2017-11-05-Ocean-acidification
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Ocean_acidification%29
content:
<p>
Ocean acidification can hurt a species' survival in synergy with a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2017/nov/03/what-do-jellyfish-teach-us-about-climate-change">predator
that isn't harmed by ocean acidification</a>.


feed_id: 9afbe76423dedb9d76c4366a3057cb31
title: Precarious employment
uri: Precarious-employment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Precarious_employment%29
content:
<p>
The precarious employment of most professors <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/2017/nov/03/im-a-lecturer-and-i-dont-feel-i-can-speak-freely-any-more">makes them afraid to say
what they think about any issue</a>.


feed_id: 6e32ca77c51429103315a13c1c200454
title: Global heating
uri: 2017-11-05-Global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Global_heating%29
content:
<p>
3C of global heating will eventually <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2017/nov/03/miami-shanghai-3c-warming-cities-underwater">raise the ocean enough to
inundate 1/3 of Florida</a> — not to mention many great cities around
the world.
<p>
The cities include Bangkok, Shanghai and Tokyo.


feed_id: f61fb69d9be217eb4cc304acd6993714
title: Rejected the use of UN funds
uri: Rejected-the-use-of-UN-funds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Rejected_the_use_of_UN_funds%29
content:
<p>
The most powerful countries <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/nov/02/shameful-uk-us-blocked-funds-haiti-cholera-victims-un-donors-china-france-russia">rejected the use of UN funds</a>
for Haitians that contracted cholera in the epidemic started by the UN soldiers that were sent 
there after Dubya had President Aristide kidnaped.
<p>
I think the UN should look ahead, not back.
<p>
Its primary obligation in regard to cholera in Haiti is to pay for the infrastructure that will
put an end to cholera there.


feed_id: 6593983d5694dec35abcf89e4d888155
title: Climate negotiators
uri: Climate-negotiators
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Climate_negotiators%29
content:
<p>
Climate negotiators are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/04/bonn-climate-conference-on-the-road-with-defenders-of-the-forest">starting to recognize the importance of
indigenous peoples</a> that manage the forests they live in.


feed_id: 3ee922cda9b58c1f4161eff1208aab91
title: Disrespect for national anthem
uri: Disrespect-for-national-anthem
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Disrespect_for_national_anthem%29

content:
<p>
Puppets of China quietly snuck a law punishing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/04/china-extends-national-anthem-disrespect-law-to-hong-kong">disrespect for China's
national anthem</a> into Hong Kong's constitution.
<p>
Criminalizing “desecrating” a flag, or disrespect for some official
statement, violates the principle of freedom of expression.
<p>
I think state disrespect for that principle is far worse than an individual's
disrespect for some symbol.


feed_id: 9ae5dfc4da80c7c25d5b6a54a436ea0d
title: US immigration officials
uri: US-immigration-officials
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28US_immigration_officials%29
content:
<p>
Interrogations by US immigration officials can reduce refugees to
incoherence, so that they are <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/04/uganda-lesbian-us-asylum-seeker/">unable to describe the torture that
drove them out of their native countries</a>.


feed_id: 1eea7d740aad634dbeb94febce28cf6b
title: Businesses and sexual harassment
uri: Businesses-and-sexual-harassment
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Businesses_and_sexual_harassment%29

content:
<p>
Businesses tend to promote men for having <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/04/sexual-harassers-rise-ranks-red-flag">characteristics that tend to go with
sexual harassment</a>.


feed_id: 4f1b6e95d3f0860e639da02abfdd2e96
title: Couples that met while homeless
uri: Couples-that-met-while-homeless
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Couples_that_met_while_homeless%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/04/homeless-couples-tell-their-love-stories">Couples that met while homeless</a>, or while at least one of them was
homeless, tell how they met and what their lives are like.


feed_id: 892e9a1a3e7cd086fdcd8fafb3d545ee
title: Strict standard of sexual harassment
uri: Strict-standard-of-sexual-harassment
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Strict_standard_of_sexual_harassment%29

content:
<p>
The UK Parliament is imposing a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/nov/02/michael-fallon-resigned-defence-secretary-andrea-leadsom">very strict standard of sexual harassment</a>.
<p>
I think it would be wrong to impose that standard on everyone.
<p>
However, Parliament is a special case.
<p>
Legislators and their staff have special status, which they compete 
hard for, so it can be legitimate to hold them to a stricter standard than everyone else.
<p>
This could be a change for the better.
<p>
However, every standard should be objective.
<p>
“If someone else took offense at you, you're wrong” 
gives arbitrary power to anyone who takes offense.
<p>
I suspect that Leadsome does intend an objective standard of what
is offensive, but her words say there won't be one.


feed_id: 1dc7cc2f89e7946ecf252945fb83699b
title: Republican gift to corporations
uri: Republican-gift-to-corporations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Republican_gift_to_corporations%29

content:
<p>
Ironically, the big <a href=" https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/01/great-american-tax-heist">Republican gift to multinational corporations</a> is coming at a time 
when they have more money than they have ways to invest it.


feed_id: edfd4f3f58147653011ec550bd0de529
title: Lawful opposition research
uri: Lawful-opposition-research
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Lawful_opposition_research%29
content:
<p>
The Clinton campaign faces charges of <a href="https://lawnewz.com/high-profile/breaking-fec-complaint-says-clinton-campaign-dnc-violated-law-over-trump-dossier/">disguising expenditures for lawful
opposition research as legal services</a>.
<p>
This misrepresentation should be investigated and punished, but I
don't see it as a big deal.


feed_id: 6f447bb14f3561325c5bf72e8155c552
title: Preventing scientific study
uri: Preventing-scientific-study
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Preventing_scientific_study%29
content:
<p>
The latest damage done by copyright law: <a href="https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/59ydmx/copyright-law-artificial-intelligence-bias">preventing scientific study of
AI systems</a>.


feed_id: 8b3fd0659c46cc37d08f8a65de922e7b
title: Casualties of war
uri: Casualties-of-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Casualties_of_war%29
content:
<p>
Facebook and other companies regularly <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/02/war-crimes-youtube-facebook-syria-rohingya/">delete photos that show
casualties of war</a> because they are “too gory”.
<p>
This hampers efforts to document and investigate war crimes.


feed_id: 06706513223876ea4e73d0b5b5777e4a
title: Dehumanizes enemies
uri: Dehumanizes-enemies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Dehumanizes_enemies%29
content:
<p>
The bully <a hreF="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/02/donald-trump-and-dangers-dehumanizing-enemy">dehumanizes enemies</a> just as terrorists do.


feed_id: 3230704d3c912edcff8a9c7af6ad4f9d
title: USDA's science and economics division
uri: USDA-s-science-and-economics-division
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28USDA%27s_science_and_economics_division%29

content:
<p>
The saboteur-in-chief's nominee for head of the USDA's science and
economics division, Sam Clovis, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/02/feeling-heat-muellers-russia-probe-trump-usda-pick-sam-clovis-drops-out">has withdrawn his name from
consideration</a>, but not because he would be a saboteur.
<p>
He is involved with the ties with Russia that Mueller is investigating.


feed_id: c140dbedbeec1bef63b7f0dd75d04eb5
title: Republican tax attacks
uri: Republican-tax-attacks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Republican_tax_attacks%29
content:
<p>
The Republican tax attacks bill would <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/11/02/cuts-electric-vehicle-and-clean-energy-tax-credits-will-undermine-growing">cut the clean energy credit</a>, in
a last-ditch attempt to keep us racing towards global disaster.


feed_id: 1f57eb0ff024bb4ab91af9a46b733ea1
title: Democratic National Committee
uri: 2017-11-05-Democratic-National-Committee
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Democratic_National_Committee%29
content:
<p>
In 2015, the Democratic National Committee was broke, so it <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/03/dnc-donna-brazile-hillary-clinton-barack-obama/">sold itself
corruptly to the Clinton campaign</a>.
<p>
Here's <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/02/deeply-disturbing-bombshell-piece-exposes-unethical-clinton-dnc-fundraising-deal">other information</a>.
<p>
That is why Sanders is not president of the US.


feed_id: 4c5a58934f7efae1a312317d580767b9
title: Eliminate deductions
uri: Eliminate-deductions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Eliminate_deductions%29
content:
<p>
SCROTUS aim to <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/trump-tax-plan-affects-on-medical-deductions-2017-11">eliminate deductions for medical expenses</a>.
<p>
If we had Medicare for All, we wouldn't have crushing medical
expenses, so we would need deductions for them.


feed_id: 843c3630509ce25f602f2e42ad9422a5
title: The troll's idiotic treats
uri: The-troll-s-idiotic-treats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28The_troll%27s_idiotic_treats%29
content:
<p>
The troll's idiotic treats may <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/02/legal-experts-aghast-trumps-careless-call-death-penalty-nyc-suspect">have made a fair trial impossible</a> for
the New York truck terrorist.
<p>
He might get a mistrial; he might even get off.


feed_id: 5458ab905676e9e0ade36b61b081755a
title: Destroying law and human rights
uri: Destroying-law-and-human-rights
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Destroying_law_and_human_rights%29

content:
<p>
We should know better by now than to respond to murder by <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/02/how-not-respond-new-york-attack">destroying law and human rights</a>.


feed_id: 64f7fb96b3ace343d9fc14d36867b755
title: SCROTUS' tax attacks
uri: SCROTUS-tax-attacks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28SCROTUS%27_tax_attacks%29
content:
<p>
SCROTUS' tax attacks will “<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/02/pittance-people-trumptaxscam-permanently-cuts-corporate-tax-rate-20">deposit a trillion and a half dollars into
the bank accounts of the richest people</a> in the country and then
hands the bill to the middle class.”


feed_id: 723924b2c4570bc66c8608c813d48ec6
title: AI will eliminate jobs
uri: AI-will-eliminate-jobs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28AI_will_eliminate_jobs%29
content:
<p>
An article argues that AI will <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/10/you-will-lose-your-job-to-a-robot-and-sooner-than-you-think/">eliminate half of all jobs in 10-20
years</a>, and nearly all human work a couple of decades later.
<p>
It could happen.
<p>
However, that advance of technology will be in a race against global
heating disaster that could destroy high-tech manufacturing entirely.
<p>
The article is too quick to conclude that we cannot either tax or ban
robotic production.
<p>
There are tasks have to be done locally, and if we want to reserve 
those jobs for human workers, we can simply pass laws to do so.
As for foreign robotic competition, we don't have to allow 
imported goods made by automation.
<p>
“Free trade” is just a trick to <a href="/business-supremacy-treaties.html">give power to the rich</a>; we need to get rid of those treaties anyway.
<p>
We can also do as <a href="/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_(The_Amish)">the Amish do</a>: decide which technologies to adopt and which ones to reject.
<p>
I am not saying that limiting automation is necessarily the best
option.
<p>
Nationalizing the robotic production, so that the former
owners have to get their share of the robot-made bounty along with
all the rest of us, might be better.
<p>
But if the robot masters stop us from doing that, the Amish
option would be a good second choice.


feed_id: a29b2c90176fb191b737db72b573f71e
title: The Amish
uri: The-Amish
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28The_Amish%29
content:
<p>
The Amish show that it is possible for society to decide <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/nov/03/are-the-amish-right-about-new-technology-oliver-burkeman">which
technologies to adopt</a>.
<p>
Once we start doing this, companies will find it hard to sucker people
onto technologies that are designed as addictive malware.
<p>
We could even require — force — desirable technologies to be designed so
that we control them instead of they us.


feed_id: a77fe3186032415e915b6e851d8679f8
title: Plan to ban abortion
uri: Plan-to-ban-abortion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Plan_to_ban_abortion%29
content:
<p>
SCROTUS <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/03/republican-abortion-ban-adoption-tax-credit/">plan to ban abortion</a> (almost entirely) and eliminate support for adoptive parents.


feed_id: 98e7c7813c92023e746dc8a8b2ab260f
title: War has poisoned Mosul
uri: War-has-poisoned-Mosul
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28War_has_poisoned_Mosul%29
content:
<p>
War has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/nov/03/sheep-turn-black-mosul-iraq-war-toxic-legacy-erik-solheim-un-environment">poisoned Mosul</a> so much that we must regard the environment
as a casualty.


feed_id: cea1e52f2f71d2d0f796fd49b028134f
title: The bully admires tyrants
uri: The-bully-admires-tyrants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28The_bully_admires_tyrants%29
content:
<p>
The bully <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/03/trump-asia-tour-despots-philippines-vietnam-china">admires tyrants</a>, perhaps because he sees them as champion
bullies.


feed_id: 42bdd326f07fd93129dfbb8b418984b0
title: Rejected the use of UN funds
uri: 2017-11-05-Rejected-the-use-of-UN-funds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#4_November_2017_%28Rejected_the_use_of_UN_funds%29
content:
<p>
The most powerful countries <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/nov/02/shameful-uk-us-blocked-funds-haiti-cholera-victims-un-donors-china-france-russia">rejected the use of UN funds</a>
for Haitians that contracted cholera in the epidemic started by the UN soldiers that were sent 
there after <a href="/glossary.html#dubya">Dubya</a> had President Aristide kidnaped.
<p>
I think the UN should look ahead, not back.
<p>
Its primary obligation in regard to cholera in Haiti is to pay for the infrastructure that will
put an end to cholera there.


feed_id: 69a65baddf123836fcb4410de4006eba
title: Urgent: prison on toxic waste
uri: Urgent-prison-on-toxic-waste
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_prison_on_toxic_waste%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: Object to building a federal prison on top of toxic coal
waste that would <a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=13111">poison the prisoners</a>.


feed_id: bbbb047072aa66e95399f59febd76ed2
title: Urgent: internet political ads
uri: Urgent-internet-political-ads
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_internet_political_ads%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.demandprogress.org/sign/tell-fec-end-secret-online-political-ads/">Call on the FEC</a> to require disclosure of origin on
internet political ads.


feed_id: fc1ff498ef118219fc2861d5d185e216
title: Urgent: Net Neutrality
uri: Urgent-Net-Neutrality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Net_Neutrality%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: phone 413-923-6120 to urge your congresscritter to <a href="https://act.freepress.net/call/internet_nn_call_congress/">defend
Net Neutrality</a>.


feed_id: ce6f246ec5d3d8544b8239af6d89c0a4
title: Urgent: USA Rights Act
uri: Urgent-USA-Rights-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_USA_Rights_Act%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: Call on Congress to pass the <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/USA-rights">USA Rights Act</a>,
which will limit some PAT RIOT Act surveillance.


feed_id: 81b98a9f997d010739bd065e065d8e1e
title: 'Burglary' arrest
uri: Burglary-arrest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28%27Burglary%27_arrest%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> in Gulfport, Mississippi, arrested Kelvin Fairley and his
children at gunpoint, because they thought they had all burgled
the house where they <a href="http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/crime/article181760136.html">actually lived</a>.
<p>
The thugs were unwilling to look at his identification, which would
have demonstrated the truth, until they had brought him to jail.
<p>
Later, when he went to complain, the thugs didn't care.
So now he plans to sue them.


feed_id: 508fa2e21f5b80bab3db26d3f1e096ab
title: Prisoners and district lines
uri: Prisoners-and-district-lines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Prisoners_and_district_lines%29
content:
<p>
Ohio Republicans cheat to make Republican districts by <a href="http://www.cleveland.com/datacentral/index.ssf/2017/10/prisons_are_important_pieces_i.html">counting prisoners</a>
(who can't actually vote) in drawing the lines.


feed_id: 073ad29993d4fbee708b820679cda6d6
title: Indiana voter list
uri: Indiana-voter-list
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Indiana_voter_list%29
content:
<p>
Indiana removes voters from the voter list using a program that
is wrong <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/lawsuit-indiana-purging-voters-using-software-thats-99-inaccurate">99% of the time</a>.
<p>
The program is called Crosscheck, but Indiana used to crosscheck its
results before removing people. Nowadays, if the program says a
person with your name and birthdate is registered in another state,
Indiana will take you off the lists immediately. Even though most
of the people the program accuses do belong on the list.
<p>
Being double-registered is not wrong, anyway. Voting twice is fraud,
but having a registration in another state may only mean that you
moved and the other state doesn't know. As long as you don't actually
vote twice, you shouldn't be blocked from voting once.


feed_id: 00bec8b3f2d5dd09b14d39de945d688b
title: Facebook's election team
uri: Facebook-s-election-team
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Facebook%27s_election_team%29
content:
<p>
Facebookâs 2016 Election Team Gave Advertisers a <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/alexkantrowitz/facebooks-2016-election-team-gave-advertisers-a-blueprint">Blueprint to a Divided US</a>.


feed_id: 75cb686f45369681d71ef3c83659a14b
title: Warren on Dem primary
uri: Warren-on-Dem-primary
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Warren_on_Dem_primary%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/03/was-democratic-primary-rigged-against-sanders-warren-says-definitively-yes">Senator Warren affirmed</a> that the Democratic primary election system was rigged
in favor of Clinton, and demands that the party set up a system that won't
be rigged.


feed_id: 83f62401b4d488bf18db2505fcfecf29
title: Jailed investigator
uri: Jailed-investigator
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Jailed_investigator%29
content:
<p>
Ibrahim Metwally Hegazy was investigating the murder of Giulio Regeni
by the Egyptian government, so now they <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/04/uk-deeply-concerned-detention-of-human-rights-lawyer-in-egypt-ibrahim-metwally-hegazy-giulio-regeni">have jailed him</a>.


feed_id: caa38eab3f751136fbacfe85e3f9b05a
title: Urgent: Oppose Bridenstine
uri: Urgent-Oppose-Bridenstine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_Bridenstine%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: phone your senators to oppose Bridenstine as head of
NASA.  Here's a suggested call script.
<p>
Hi, my name is ____, and I am your constituent calling from _____. I
am calling to demand that Senator ____ vote to oppose the confirmation
of Jim Bridenstine for NASA Administrator. Bridenstineâs ties to the
oil and gas industry, his lack of scientific background, his denial of
global heating, and his bigotry are disqualifying. Will Senator ____
commit to voting no on Bridenstineâs confirmation?
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641 and
888-355-3588.


feed_id: 2310dee9f111ad5c78cb9eb2527b5828
title: Urgent: Robert Mueller's investigation
uri: Urgent-Robert-Mueller-s-investigation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Robert_Muellers_investigation%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter and senators to ask them to
support legislation to stop the troll from undermining Robert
Mueller's investigation.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
and 888-355-3588.


feed_id: dab303f6b1e9b34b6028102ae82c7c39
title: Urgent: Block Sinclair-Tribune merger
uri: 2017-11-06-Urgent-Block-Sinclair-Tribune-merger
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Block_Sinclair-Tribune_merger%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/tell-fcc-block-sinclair-tribune-merger/">call
on the FCC</a> to block the Sinclair-Tribune merger.
<p>
Also call on the FCC not to change its 
<a href="http://act.freepress.net/sign/consol_pai_ownership/">rules to
allow more media concentration</a>.


feed_id: cc434c23014f5accd1d45d6afa832a31
title: Urgent: Close privatized juvenile prisons
uri: Urgent-Close-privatized-juvenile-prisons
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Close_privatized_juvenile_prisons%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://campaigns.organizefor.org/petitions/tell-florida-to-close-all-its-juvenile-prisons-aka-fight-clubs">call
 on Florida</a> to close the privatized juvenile prisons that are run
 to make prisoners fight each other.


feed_id: 3cf8219acd851cc18f69b036956dc6de
title: Urgent: Protect net metering
uri: Urgent-Protect-net-metering
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Protect_net_metering%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://secure.foodandwaterwatch.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=3126&autologin=true">call
on the DoE</a> to protect net metering from a biased review.


feed_id: e649dbd402688dc205fa98fa38b5822e
title: NY thugs charged with rape
uri: NY-thugs-charged-with-rape
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28NY_thugs_charged_with_rape%29
content:
<p>
Two New York thugs have been charged with 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/oct/30/nypd-new-york-detectives-charged-rape">arresting
a woman and then raping her</a> while she was handcuffed.
<p>
That's more thuggish than most thugs.


feed_id: 50512c7bcce5b8547a9cf89cf3b64199
title: Investigation of Whitefish Energy
uri: Investigation-of-Whitefish-Energy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Investigation_of_Whitefish_Energy%29

content:
<p>
The FBI may be investigating how tiny Whitefish Energy company 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/30/puerto-rico-whitefish-energy-fbi-investigation">won
the giant contract to restore Puerto Rico</a>.
<p>
There is every reason to suspect corruption in whatever the troll's
saboteurs do.


feed_id: bb28fa6c35d363dda24daecb8b769449
title: Attempted character assassination
uri: Attempted-character-assassination
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Attempted_character_assassination%29

content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>'s supporter, Robert Murdoch, is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/oct/30/robert-mueller-special-counsel-republicans-conservatives">trying
character assassination</a> against Robert Mueller.
<p>
I don't think the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/oct/30/russia-inquiry-charges-trump-manafort-papadopoulos-gates">charges
against Manaforte and Gates tie the troll to a crime</a>.  However,
they may be offered lesser charges in exchange for testifying against
others.
<p>
Papadopoulos's testimony shows that the troll's campaign 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/oct/30/george-papadopoulos-timeline-trump-campaign-adviser-russia-links">had
ties to Russia</a>.
<p>
It also shows that Sessions 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/10/30/jeff-sessions-indictment-bad-news-for-attorney-general/">lied
to the Senate</a> to cover up these contacts.
<p>
I fear, however, that his base have already insulated themselves
against caring about proven ties to Russia.  He could blow up the
Statue of Liberty and have his fanatical supporters crash Air Force
One into the Capitol, and they would still support him.
<p>
Paul Manafort: how decades of serving dictators 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/oct/30/paul-manafort-profile-donald-trump-dictators">led
to role as Trump's go-to guy</a>.


feed_id: c7e312e926c0335c0565f4b1f9f0906a
title: White supremacists
uri: 2017-11-06-White-supremacists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28White_supremacists%29
content:
<p>
White supremacists rallying in Nashville 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/30/woman-alleges-attack-by-white-nationalists-after-nashville-rally">punched
a white woman</a> who refused their invitation to leave her black
boyfriend and join them.


feed_id: 990097c8cae4eeca297400223efd2788
title: Nondisclosure agreements
uri: 2017-11-06-Nondisclosure-agreements
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Nondisclosure_agreements%29
content:
<p>
Stop Letting Powerful Men 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/oct/30/powerful-men-silence-victims-confidentiality-agreements-harvey-weinstein">Silence
Victims</a> with Confidentiality Agreements.
<p>
The appearance of the term "intellectual property" in the article
shows that the author has fallen into the confusion which that term
generally spreads.  If he had said "trade secrets", he would have made
a coherent and clear statement.
<p>
However, other confused people have taught him the habit of using the
vague term "intellectual property", and he didn't know that he was
bringing in other irrelevant laws.  Nondisclosure agreements have
nothing to do with copyrights, patents, trademarks, plant variety
monopolies, or publicity rights.  Including them here was a mistake.
<p>
I refuse to sign a nondisclosure agreement for generally useful
technical information, such as software.  They are a conspiracy to
keep society in the dark.


feed_id: d627981487c1f476265ab0b68e9a8dfa
title: Jobs
uri: 2017-11-06-Jobs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Jobs%29
content:
<p>
A 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/oct/30/fourth-industrial-revolution-could-unlock-445bn-for-uk-report-reveals">hypothetical
"fourth industrial revolution"</a> would supposedly make new good jobs
in the UK.
<p>
If these predictions prove accurate, the UK might gain 175,000 good
jobs — but that is minuscule compared with the millions stuck in
McJobs, and the millions that might lose their jobs.  The state will
have to give them funds so they can have a decent life.
<p>
It's the same thing in the US.  We should decide which technologies to
allow to reshape society — not let companies compete to make
them addictive.


feed_id: d7a256e1bb39803390a34ca9a51edfb4
title: Funds for hurricane damage
uri: Funds-for-hurricane-damage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Funds_for_hurricane_damage%29
content:
<p>
Five former US presidents asked Americans to donate money for aid to
repair hurricane damage.  But 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/10/29/sad-state-disaster-relief">why
not ask Congress</a> to provide the funds?


feed_id: cc403fe3c4a65f1d6c6fdd6f132c5c0e
title: PISSI returnees
uri: PISSI-returnees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28PISSI_returnees%29
content:
<p>
"Britain can deal with its [<a href="/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a>] returnees. But 
<a href='https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/oct/30/britain-isis-returnees-killingislamic-state'>not
by killing them</a>."
<p>
Killing armed enemies on the battlefield is legitimate because
arresting them is not feasible.  However, killing prisoners is
unconscionable — the sort of thing that <a href="/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a> does.


feed_id: 970337e558e4e3c55c4e73550ab3e2e6
title: Hindu fanatics in India
uri: Hindu-fanatics-in-India
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Hindu_fanatics_in_India%29
content:
<p>
Hindu fanatics in India 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/30/hardline-hindu-nationalists-step-up-campaign-against-taj-mahal">hate
the Taj Mahal because it was built by a Muslim</a>.
<p>
They cite absurd fake history that would fit perfectly into the US
lunatic right wing.
<p>
This would be funny if not for the fact that the ruling party comes
out of that fanaticism, and it shows in things that affect Indians in
their lives.


feed_id: e7e90c802e741abce33146420bbc0c89
title: Urgent: Oppose Bridenstine
uri: 2017-11-06-Urgent-Oppose-Bridenstine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_Bridenstine%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: phone your senators to oppose Bridenstine as head of
NASA.  Here's a suggested call script.
<p>
Hi, my name is ____, and I am your constituent calling from _____. I
am calling to demand that Senator ____ vote to oppose the confirmation
of Jim Bridenstine for NASA Administrator. Bridenstineâs ties to the
oil and gas industry, his lack of scientific background, his denial of
global heating, and his bigotry are disqualifying. Will Senator ____
commit to voting no on Bridenstineâs confirmation?
<p>
Capitol Switchboard number: 202-224-3121


feed_id: e9af705fa0a2c32543b5b3bd26d924a1
title: Urgent: Robert Mueller's investigation
uri: 2017-11-06-Urgent-Robert-Mueller-s-investigation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#5_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Robert_Muellers_investigation%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter and senators to ask them to
support legislation to stop the troll from undermining Robert
Mueller's investigation.
<p>
Capitol Switchboard number: 202-224-3121


feed_id: 115082ecc95e7985ae58f5a83bca71de
title: Arrests in Zimbabwe
uri: Arrests-in-Zimbabwe
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#6_November_2017_%28Arrests_in_Zimbabwe%29
content:
<p>
People regularly get arrested in Zimbabwe for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/03/martha-odonovan-arrested-zimbabwe-alleged-mugabe-goblin-tweet-harare">insulting President Mugabe</a>.


feed_id: 082ce8ed86523070d0a72208a02667e5
title: Endorse candidates
uri: Endorse-candidates
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#6_November_2017_%28Endorse_candidates%29
content:
<p>
The SCROTUS tax bill would <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/11/02/1711990/-Fine-print:-GOP-tax-bill-repeals-a-law-barring-churches-from-endorsing-political-candidates?detail=emaildkre">permit churches to endorse candidates</a>.


feed_id: 8a786990ffdf138103ec24e61621bca1
title: Fossil fuel companies
uri: 2017-11-07-Fossil-fuel-companies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#6_November_2017_%28Fossil_fuel_companies%29
content:
<p>
The troll <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/03/what-are-exxon-and-chevron-so-desperate-hide-trump-ditches-oil-anti-corruption">has withdrawn support for a program</a> to limit bribery by
fossil fuel companies.


feed_id: 40be08ffcf96c29ac1d2e456616f05e1
title: Time Warner Cable
uri: Time-Warner-Cable
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#6_November_2017_%28Time_Warner_Cable%29
content:
<p>
Workers at Time Warner Cable <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/03/strike-time-warner-cable-spectrum-new-york">have been on strike for over 6 months</a>
rather that accept cuts in their retirement and medical benefits.
<p>
Workers at Gothamist formed a union, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/nov/03/billionaire-shuts-down-us-and-chinese-news-sites-after-staff-join-union">the owner shut down the company</a>.
<p>
This sort of tactic is possible when businesses are owned by robber barons
and good jobs are very scarce.


feed_id: e53c6696ecafad57689349b9ada4b0a4
title: National Defense Authorization Act
uri: 2017-11-07-National-Defense-Authorization-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#6_November_2017_%28National_Defense_Authorization_Act%29

content:
<p>
Hidden in the latest National Defense Authorization Act <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/02/amazon-amendment-online-marketplaces/">is a clause that would give Amazon dominance</a> over federal purchases.


feed_id: 1f3fe8aec48d90b58e2410d4a6e5aab8
title: Investment in renewable energy
uri: 2017-11-07-Investment-in-renewable-energy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#6_November_2017_%28Investment_in_renewable_energy%29

content:
<p>
If private investment in renewable energy and efficiency continues, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/02/huge-private-sector-investment-puts-paris-climate-target-in-reach-says-report">it
could reach the Paris targets</a>, which might avoid global disaster.
<p>
The planet roasters are not licked yet.
<p>
They are fighting hard to reduce the rate of investment by cutting various
incentives for this investment, such as net metering and tax credits.
<p>
They may yet succeed in destroying civilization and killing billions of people.


feed_id: f85290c67838d4607c8507653d3b38c0
title: Sexual Harassment
uri: Sexual-Harassment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#6_November_2017_%28Sexual_Harassment%29
content:
<p>
Female Members of Congress Describe <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/03/congress-sexual-harassment-mary-bono-barbara-boxer-linda-sanchez-hilda-solis">Sexual Harassment by Male Lawmakers</a>.


feed_id: 047f1bea2d911e2595bf3317b00eb217
title: Black lives
uri: Black-lives
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#6_November_2017_%28Black_lives%29
content:
<p>
When <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/04/when-black-lives-mattered-why-teach-reconstruction">black lives really mattered</a> — the history of reconstruction of
the south is mostly ignored in teaching US history.


feed_id: 4cbeb57a3c4e316f71d3aad3ddb6eb72
title: Unmasking Demands
uri: Unmasking-Demands
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#6_November_2017_%28Unmasking_Demands%29
content:
<p>
Some Thoughts On <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20171102/12003738538/some-thoughts-ga">Gag Rules And Government Unmasking Demands</a>.


feed_id: 325fb2a1dcc2923eba27dc3ef6d718f7
title: Publicly owned banks
uri: 2017-11-07-Publicly-owned-banks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#6_November_2017_%28Publicly_owned_banks%29
content:
<p>
US states and/or <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/05/public-bank-option-safer-local-and-half-cost">major cities should set up publicly owned banks</a>.
<p>
These will avoid several of the dangers of today's large
hardly-regulated banks.


feed_id: e97d8264d34d06a3d0bfb4bd2078c5ea
title: Climate activists
uri: Climate-activists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#6_November_2017_%28Clinate_activists%29
content:
<p>
Clint activists around the world <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/04/ahead-cop23-climate-talks-tens-thousands-march-demanding-end-era-fossil-fuels">will march for action to reduce
global heating</a>.


feed_id: 884362bc9ca49be55e09edd127ad230d
title: Urgent: Oppose SCROTUS tax attacks
uri: Urgent-Oppose-SCROTUS-tax-attacks
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_SCROTUS_tax_attacks%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter at 877-795-7862 to 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/03/call-congress-now-stop-trumps-giant-tax-giveaway">oppose
the SCROTUS tax attacks</a>.


feed_id: 144d002765f8974b30b0b19b3b9b51e2
title: Urgent: Reject Saboteur Perry's plan
uri: Urgent-Reject-Saboteur-Perry-s-plan
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Reject_Saboteur_Perrys_plan%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/no-coal-handouts">Reject</a>
<a href="/glossary.html#saboteur">Saboteur</a> Perry's plan to make us pay to keep coal and nuclear power
afloat.


feed_id: c15ac6a77ec85062392ff82d131d1a56
title: Rapists
uri: Rapists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28Rapists%29
content:
<p>
Harvey Weinstein is being investigated for rape, because one of the many
accusations is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/nov/03/paz-de-la-huerta-accuses-harvey-weinstein-of-sexual-assaulting-her-on-two-occasions-nypd">recent
enough that it could be prosecuted</a>.
<p>
What I find most shocking about this report is the total selfishness
of his reported actions, lacking the slightest interest in intimacy
with her.
<p>
I can't imagine having sex that way even with someone who asked me to.
Without a feeling of shared intimacy, and the hope it will continue
beyond that sexual act, what would be the point?  If my hand on her
head isn't comforting and exciting for her, and likewise her hand on
my head, we aren't in a situation to consider going any further.
<p>
I suppose this is what is meant by the statement that rape is about
power, not desire.  Rapists, at least many of them, are not trying to
force someone into an act of intimacy.  They seem to want a sex act
that has no intimacy in it, and that act is what I can't imagine.


feed_id: c7887c0c2d7fa70ceb821105fc846de1
title: Urgent: Impeach Sessions
uri: Urgent-Impeach-Sessions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Impeach_Sessions%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/Impeach_Sessions">Call on
Congress</a> to impeach Sessions for lying to Congress.


feed_id: f4d2631222cbf82edec89439288059e2
title: People blocking fossil fuel projects
uri: People-blocking-fossil-fuel-projects
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28People_blocking_fossil_fuel_projects%29

content:
<p>
Local people are blocking fossil fuel projects in 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/03/blockadia">70
places</a>.


feed_id: a783f9c7afa0cbe1c75ef677843c9cff
title: Spy Feinstein
uri: Spy-Feinstein
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28Spy_Feinstein%29
content:
<p>
Dianne Feinstein 
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20171102/16380738541/dianne-feinstein">Wants
Twitter To Just Hand Her A Bunch Of Private Communications</a>.


feed_id: 93948d2cc0f28e61c4f229b720dda12b
title: Civilians killed by US bomb raid
uri: Civilians-killed-by-US-bomb-raid
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28Civilians_killed_by_US_bomb_raid%29

content:
<p>
A US bomb raid 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/04/us-airstrikes-kill-civilians-kunduz-afghanistan">killed
40 or more civilians in Afghanistan</a>, then Afghan thugs or soldiers
kept the victims' families away, apparently stopping the public from
getting any verification of what happened.


feed_id: 6479f4f5abf50fd8085a5044f12bb710
title: Spain and Catalonia
uri: Spain-and-Catalonia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28Spain_and_Catalonia%29
content:
<p>
Both Spain and Catalonia are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/05/in-spain-democracy-and-law-reduced-to-hollow-shells">acting
undemocratically</a>.


feed_id: c73b65c55abf68edca3160052e7f4ad6
title: Underpaid UK workers
uri: Underpaid-UK-workers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28Underpaid_UK_workers%29
content:
<p>
Many UK workers are paid so little that they 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/nov/05/working-poor-skip-meals-living-wage-foundation-poll">need
to borrow for necessities</a>.


feed_id: 7ef4d290d1cf7e98794530e0d3dd2819
title: If troll were to pardon Manfort
uri: If-troll-were-to-pardon-Manfort
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28If_troll_were_to_pardon_Manfort%29

content:
<p>
It looks like Mueller is cooperating carefully with NY attorney
general Schneiderman so that, if the troll were to pardon Manafort for
federal crimes, New York could 
<a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/jurisprudence/2017/11/robert_mueller_s_brilliant_strategy_for_outmaneuvering_trump_pardons.html">prosecute
him for state crimes that the president cannot pardon</a>.


feed_id: b7ce29ba3db118b30a94cec908d4e37e
title: Russian disinformation operatives
uri: Russian-disinformation-operatives
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28Russian_disinformation_operatives%29

content:
<p>
Russian disinformation operatives invented a bogus person, "Jenna
Abrams", to present 
<a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/jenna-abrams-russias-clown-troll-princess-duped-the-mainstream-media-and-the-world">bogus
right-wing claims</a>.  This hoax had large political effects.


feed_id: a783cdbd1cf03fdb7937c3ae12b07653
title: Massive surveillance technology
uri: Massive-surveillance-technology
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28Massive_surveillance_technology%29

content:
<p>
China serves as the 
<a href="https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/blog/2017/10/dhs-expanding-national-biometrics-database-hold-details-500-million-people-including-many-us-citizens/">testing
ground for new technology for massive surveillance</a> because it is
so tyrannical that it doesn't need to disguise them.  Then they get
implemented in the US and elsewhere.
<p>
We have to train ourselves to reject the excuse that "this is to
protect us", every time we hear it.


feed_id: b1b699e4493f7cc5c800e13dfe003e95
title: Volkswagen's tax-dodging
uri: Volkswagen-s-tax-dodging
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28Volkswagens_tax-dodging%29
content:
<p>
Volkswagen's CFO said that Volkswagen didn't do tax-dodging.  That was
<a href="http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/volkswagen-relies-on-luxembourg-to-save-on-taxes-a-1175060.html">not
true</a>.


feed_id: 77521f16e28615d376bc97b0a56b681f
title: Troll's bogus coal mining promises
uri: Troll-s-bogus-coal-mining-promises
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28Trolls_bogus_coal_mining_promises%29

content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#trump">The troll</a>'s bogus promises to resurrect coal mining are 
<a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-trump-effect-coal-retraining-insight/awaiting-trumps-coal-comeback-miners-reject-retraining-idUSKBN1D14G0">convincing
many former miners not to learn to do something else</a>.
<p>
There is no possibility that retraining will give all Americans
prosperity, because the globalized economy creates only a few
good jobs in the US.  This is only a partial solution.


feed_id: dc66ecf2eca5afd2a2896c4946209df3
title: Rape of hotel workers
uri: Rape-of-hotel-workers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28Rape_of_hotel_workers%29
content:
<p>
"The only logical explanation was that businessmen, politicians,
officials and financiers rape, or attempt to rape, hotel workers all
the time. Itâs just that normally, those assaulted know thereâs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/05/dsk-sexual-assault-feminism-weinstein-casting-couch">nothing
they can do</a> about it."


feed_id: c1d61fb146a52cd52a8712e3ee170a58
title: Arctic sea ice satellite
uri: Arctic-sea-ice-satellite
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28Arctic_sea_ice_satellite%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#scrotus">SCROTUS</a> ordered the destruction of a backup replacement satellite to
measure the Arctic sea ice. As a result, there is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/nov/05/donald-trump-accused-blocking-satellite-climate-change-research">no way to replace</a>
the one that just broke down, and a gap in coverage is now inevitable.
<p>
The US is waging climate war against more or less all other countries
and the Earth's ecosphere.


feed_id: 2c5ea28e1b381c5cabaf1e5d92f5db39
title: Gordon Brown on Iraq
uri: Gordon-Brown-on-Iraq
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28Gordon_Brown_on_Iraq%29
content:
<p>
Former prime minister Gordon Brown says that the US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/05/iraq-weapons-mass-destruction-america-misled-britain-gordon-brown">misled the UK</a>
government (even the ministers) about Iraq's fictitious "weapons of
mass destruction".
<p>
That's what happens to you when your government enters into a "special
relationship" with a great power, of the sort generally called
"subservience".


feed_id: 56443b9443c05233417f556af6e811a2
title: Ice in the Himalayas
uri: Ice-in-the-Himalayas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28Ice_in_the_Himalayas%29
content:
<p>
The Himalayas have been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/feb/08/glaciers-mountains">an exception</a> to the worldwide tendency of
decrease in mountain ice.


feed_id: 14ce69a8e58759836024ce37d286e3d5
title: Climate assessment
uri: Climate-assessment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28Climate_assessment%29
content:
<p>
Part one of the US National Climate Assessment has been published, and
<a href="https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/11/us-government-climate-report-climate-change-is-real-and-our-fault/">reports honestly</a> on how human actions are causing global heating.
<p>
Apparently the troll's saboteurs were unable to interfere.
I wonder what stopped them.  Were heroic scientists quietly at work?
Did a bureaucratic structure protect them?


feed_id: 8875a692fdb1f05861bd70b578e22302
title: Car software
uri: Car-software
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28Car_software%29
content:
<p>
"Stopping terrorism" is a new excuse for stopping you from <a href="https://theconversation.com/on-board-computers-and-sensors-could-stop-the-next-car-based-attack-86088">changing
the software</a> in your car.
<p>
Since terrorism is insignificant as a cause of death or injury in the
in the US and Europe, this would be the tail wagging the dog.


feed_id: c894259fc8c1caef2a9cd8cedc978a10
title: Digital busywork
uri: Digital-busywork
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28Digital_busywork%29
content:
<p>
"Stop doing companiesâ digital busywork for free."  Many companies
<a href="https://theconversation.com/stop-doing-companies-digital-busywork-for-free-82203">offload</a> their own bureaucratic work onto their customers.
<p>
The same systems also snoop on users, which I consider nastier than
merely using some of my time.  They also typically require running
nonfree software.  So I generally reject those platforms.  Even for
medical companies, to which I have to give my name, I still refuse to
talk to their web platforms.


feed_id: 3b0c09715739703552e6bc8bd45bfbb2
title: Size of the universe
uri: Size-of-the-universe
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28Size_of_the_universe%29
content:
<p>
The size of the universe, compared with the tiny part that humans
occupy for such a short part of its existence, <a href="https://theconversation.com/does-the-size-of-the-universe-prove-god-doesnt-exist-86645">is an argument</a> that
there can't plausibly be a god that cares particularly about humans.
<p>
This is not a precise mathematical proof, but it is a strong
philosophical argument nonetheless.


feed_id: 80a84a30961add8f5caa8060d35eaa8b
title: Yemen missile
uri: Yemen-missile
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28Yemen_missile%29
content:
<p>
The Houthis in Yemen <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/nov/03/why-was-there-a-cover-up-film-maker-alex-gibney-on-a-case-of-cold-killing-in-county-down">fired a missile</a> at Salafi Arabia.
<p>
How many thousands of bombs has <a href="/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a> dropped on areas of
Yemen controlled by the Houthis?


feed_id: 38841bd4b0bc5a8d02a54d0088d8c284
title: Russia and British politics
uri: Russia-and-British-politics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28Russia_and_British_politics%29
content:
<p>
Russian influence in British politics must be investigated.  Some of the same
people that were involved with the bully's campaign <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/nov/04/brexit-ministers-spy-russia-uk-brexit">were also involved</a>
with the campaign to leave the EU.


feed_id: d680b20f3e9ac9fbd40b78e078551438
title: Immigrant investigations
uri: Immigrant-investigations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28Immigrant_investigations%29
content:
<p>
The investigation of people that wish to immigrate to the US is
already so strict that it would be foolish to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/03/not-tough-not-smart-what-trump-gets-wrong-about-vetting-and-justice-system">demand more</a> merely
because one immigrant has committed murder.


feed_id: a9fce4ce28cc13527bcc36efe90b2bfb
title: Pledge of allegiance
uri: Pledge-of-allegiance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#7_November_2017_%28Pledge_of_allegiance%29
content:
<p>
The anti-immigrant <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/made-by-history/wp/2017/11/03/the-ugly-history-of-the-pledge-of-allegiance-and-why-it-matters/">bias and racism</a> at the root of the US pledge of allegiance.
<p>
I agree with what the pledge of allegiance says, except for the words
"under god" which I would say only under threat of force, but trying to
force students to recite it violates the spirit of freedom that it endorses.
<p>
To the people that want to ban disrespect for the US national anthem:
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#1_September_2017_(Prison_for_disrespecting_Chinas_anthem)">move to China</a>
and you'll find a tyranny to your liking.


feed_id: 2c7adcf5c46f677b9649d04fe92e3600
title: Pitfalls for the poor
uri: Pitfalls-for-the-poor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28Pitfalls_for_the_poor%29
content:
<p>
Laws in the US set pitfalls for the poor such that it is almost
impossible not to fall into them.  Once you fall in, you are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/06/how-poverty-became-crime-america">loaded down
with debts</a> that you can never finish paying.


feed_id: 8c2047ca69c695d3e82fea15b60d6738
title: Protests in St Louis
uri: Protests-in-St-Louis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28Protests_in_St_Louis%29
content:
<p>
Protests have spread <a href="http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/42492-st-louis-rises-up-against-police-violence-again-corporate-media-ignore-uprising">around St Louis</a> since the acquittal of the thug
who killed Anthony Lamar Smith with explicit premeditation.
<p>
The thugs have repressed the protests fiercely, teaching many about
what they really are.


feed_id: e77ac223b99577841d01a985c5a7c8f8
title: Restoring the Everglades
uri: Restoring-the-Everglades
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28Restoring_the_Everglades%29
content:
<p>
Florida is running <a href="https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/43nnjm/florida-army-corps-restore-everglades-lake-okeechobee-flood">a megaproject</a> to restore some of the natural water
circulation of Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades.
<p>
To truly protect the Everglades requires curbing global heating
before we cause so much sea-level rise that this whole part of Florida
becomes ocean.


feed_id: 085cc0f0f673326e4aa51cf2515821d3
title: Tax havens
uri: 2017-11-09-Tax-havens
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28Tax_havens%29
content:
<p>
Bernie Sanders points to tax havens as the way the world's oligarchs
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/nov/06/bernie-sanders-paradise-papers-leak-international-oligarchy">rip off</a> the rest of the world.


feed_id: 893dbc8f565b6f8c9d93d0e5d44d6f1a
title: UK tax-dodging
uri: UK-tax-dodging
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28UK_tax-dodging%29
content:
<p>
The UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/nov/06/uk-under-pressure-tax-havens-paradise-papers-leak">fights stubbornly</a> to preserve global tax-dodging.


feed_id: 2ee92238ff88f794a1dda0925f14c5cf
title: Giving the bully the finger
uri: Giving-the-bully-the-finger
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28Giving_the_bully_the_finger%29
content:
<p>
Juli Briskman gave the bully the finger as he rode past her, and the
jerks that employed her fired her, making a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/06/woman-trump-middle-finger-fired-juli-briskman">hypocritical excuse</a> to
put her in the wrong.
<p>
I suspect that the bosses, aside from being hypocrites, expected
retribution from government clients if they did not fire her.  They support
plutocratic rule out of their cowardice.


feed_id: 9261f03e0f857331136013348f8e6d1a
title: Tax-dodging by Apple and Nike
uri: Tax-dodging-by-Apple-and-Nike
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28Tax-dodging_by_Apple_and_Nike%29
content:
<p>
When Ireland made itself less attractive for tax-dodging, Apple
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/nov/06/apple-secretly-moved-jersey-ireland-tax-row-paradise-papers">nominally relocated</a> some of its income to Jersey.
<p>
Over 250 billion dollars went along with that.
<p>
Nike funnels its money through <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/nov/06/nike-tax-paradise-papers">various countries</a>, through a path that includes
a subsidiary that claims not to be located in any country.
<p>
These and other tax-dodging companies say they do this because it is
lawful, but why is it lawful?  Because their political power prevents
governments from changing their laws to put a stop to it.


feed_id: 017e1063752e67bbc7ebfe4fa991a8fe
title: African children to Europe
uri: African-children-to-Europe
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28African_children_to_Europe%29
content:
<p>
African families <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/06/they-know-the-risks-and-still-they-come-why-young-africans-chase-the-european-dream">send their children</a> to be smuggled into Europe because
that's the only way the family can get food.
<p>
In other words, they have children because they can't feed the current
population.  That is collective suicide.


feed_id: 992c8bc8a79dfe31e1c98d8b3a99e43c
title: Recruiting teenagers
uri: Recruiting-teenagers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28Recruiting_teenagers%29
content:
<p>
Many US mothers of teenage boys are terrified that their boys are
being pressured into enlisting in the army, while also <a href="http://truth-out.org/buzzflash/commentary/kids-and-military-recruiters-a-compendium-of-horror-stories">being
seduced</a> by military recruiters that they meet in their school.
<p>
If you think grooming teenagers to be prostitutes is bad, how about
grooming them to be soldiers and fight for plutocracy around the world?
<p>
The lack of decision-making ability and character that is produced by
denying American children the chance to play or move around on their
own surely makes them more vulnerable to this.


feed_id: e6dc2719ec418316b2cee1a8068b782d
title: Bonn climate talks
uri: Bonn-climate-talks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28Bonn_climate_talks%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/06/bonn-climate-talks-must-go-further-than-paris-pledges-to-succeed">Bonn Climate Talks</a> Must Go Further Than Paris Pledges to Succeed.
<p>
The US is trying to sabotage the process.
<p>
If we have a choice between spending money effectively on adaptation,
or resilience, or whatever you call it, or spending the same money
effectively on curbing the increase of greenhouse gases, we should
always choose the latter.  The harm done by each increment of
greenhouse gases affects the whole world, so avoiding it helps
globally, while protection against the effects has to be done in
parallel in every place we want to protect.


feed_id: f34cabdb276d8b5cff79fef4659555b6
title: Child tax credits
uri: Child-tax-credits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28Child_tax_credits%29
content:
<p>
Tax attacks: while increasing the <em>amount</em> of the child credit,
SCROTUS want to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/05/house-gops-child-tax-credit-expansion-excludes-millions-children-lower-income">deny it entirely</a> to parents that work for low pay.


feed_id: b9e037ad915f2ae74ee30bfe6324bdaf
title: US prisoner in Iraq
uri: US-prisoner-in-Iraq
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28US_prisoner_in_Iraq%29
content:
<p>
ACLU: the bully is holding a <a href="https://www.aclu.org/blog/national-security/detention/trump-administration-keeping-us-citizen-secretly-locked-without">US citizen prisoner</a> incommunicado in Iraq
and making absurd excuses to stop him from talking to a lawyer.


feed_id: 6ddada50d0645cb6f1bd7b9f7e56cec5
title: Tory sexual accusations
uri: Tory-sexual-accusations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28Tory_sexual_accusations%29
content:
<p>
So many Tories face <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/nov/04/damian-green-denies-pornography-was-found-on-his-commons-computer">sexual accusations</a> that their resignations might
bring Tory rule to an end.
<p>
It is natural for male Tories to act this way, because using one's
power to get someone into bed is entirely coherent with the party's
political philosophy that the powerful should take what they want.


feed_id: 2883f2703a239c72bf35a3fcb38599a6
title: Urgent: Athletes for justice
uri: Urgent-Athletes-for-justice
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Athletes_for_justice%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://superpowerchange.colorofchange.org">support the athletes</a> protesting for justice.


feed_id: 9b1a3ced307a96f5377a6d62c2726967
title: Urgent: Political ads
uri: Urgent-Political-ads
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Political_ads%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: demand that political ads <a href="https://secure2.convio.net/comcau/site/Advocacy;jsessionid=00000000.app261a?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=2257">identify the advertiser</a>.


feed_id: f7b6085844d34e412e7c953ef0d65e0f
title: Urgent: Justice in Jamaica
uri: Urgent-Justice-in-Jamaica
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Justice_in_Jamaica%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.amnestyusa.org/page/14217/action/1">call on Jamaica</a> to give justice when people there are
killed by thugs.


feed_id: 384352029f18a8530f87ac541f489f77
title: Oil spills damage ova
uri: Oil-spills-damage-ova
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28Oil_spills_damage_ova%29
content:
<p>
Oil spills damage human ova.  In Nigeria, babies are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/nov/06/niger-delta-oil-spills-linked-infant-deaths">twice as likely</a>
to die in the first month if the mother had previously lived near an
oil spill, even as much as 5 years before.


feed_id: 3d2c0641c5196ae7cdfeddf36303a400
title: Prosecutor murdered
uri: Prosecutor-murdered
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28Prosecutor_murdered%29
content:
<p>
State investigators say that Argentine prosecutor Alberto Nisman
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/06/argentinian-lawyer-alberto-nisman-was-murdered-police-report-finds">was murdered</a>.
<p>
It could be that the latest investigation is an attempt to do dirt to
the ex-president.  I can't rule that out.  But the early
investigations seem to have so many anomalies that I trust the latest
investigation more.


feed_id: f062392e63cbc3079849d64007a3e3be
title: Plastic in rivers
uri: Plastic-in-rivers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28Plastic_in_rivers%29
content:
<p>
90% of plastic that enters the ocean <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/nov/05/terrawatch-the-rivers-taking-plastic-to-the-oceans">comes through 10 rivers</a> in Africa
and Asia.
<p>
It might be possible to change the practices that put so much plastic
into those rivers.


feed_id: 288e9aeec99e017ebe7b5cf2bd3cf00a
title: Queen's investments
uri: Queen-s-investments
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28Queen%27s_investments%29
content:
<p>
The Queen of England <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/nov/05/revealed-queen-private-estate-invested-offshore-paradise-papers">hides investments</a> in abusive businesses via a
front company.


feed_id: 57fb2e79db40644ea6f445e926f4fb6d
title: Saboteur of commerce
uri: Saboteur-of-commerce
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28Saboteur_of_commerce%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#trump">The troll</a>'s saboteur of commerce owns investments in a Russian company
run by the Putin family, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/nov/05/trump-commerce-secretary-wilbur-ross-business-links-putin-family-paradise-papers">concealed this</a> using front companies in
tax havens.


feed_id: dc3f68ddfcc9d2362bc72b2894d2d0df
title: Immigration prison
uri: Immigration-prison
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28Immigration_prison%29
content:
<p>
Before Rosamaria Hernandez was released from immigration prison, the
thugs stopped her from <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/11/3/1712290/-Government-officials-have-repeatedly-blocked-detained-10-year-old-child-from-accessing-post-op-care">getting medical care</a>.


feed_id: 66e5744ad1482eac2072dc635528adc8
title: Face recognition
uri: 2017-11-09-Face-recognition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28Face_recognition%29
content:
<p>
The US government wants to develop technology to <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/11/2/1711989/-Homeland-Security-seeking-tech-to-scan-everyone-s-face-as-they-drive-over-the-border">identify people
visually</a> even if they are looking away or part of their face is hidden.


feed_id: d1ca5abc4b0f23927742da51bb8d4381
title: Object to SESTA
uri: Object-to-SESTA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28Object_to_SESTA%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter to object to SESTA — the bill
that threatens to make all web sites responsible for what users post.
It was changed just a little, but the EFF says that it <a href="https://gizmodo.com/now-silicon-valley-is-totally-cool-with-a-bill-that-co-1820131215">remains
dangerous</a>.


feed_id: 2f89bdc7b290843b32e12fda4d4e94c5
title: Joseph Weizenbaum 1985
uri: Joseph-Weizenbaum-1985
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28Joseph_Weizenbaum_1985%29
content:
<p>
Some <a href="http://tech.mit.edu/V105/N16/weisen.16n.html">wise warnings</a> from Joseph Weizenbaum in 1985.
<p>
In particular, what he says about computers and banks is interesting.


feed_id: 495492149be87093d50f986f14cd6717
title: Vehicle-to-vehicle radio
uri: Vehicle-to-vehicle-radio
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28Vehicle-to-vehicle_radio%29
content:
<p>
The planned vehicle-to-vehicle radio requirement for cars <a href="https://epic.org/2017/11/white-house-cancels-safety-rul.html">has been
canceled</a>.
<p>
In principle, this system will be a good thing if it can be designed
to respect privacy.  It was supposed to be designed for that, but
there are flaws in the design that need to be fixed.


feed_id: d1fae87a5a828be8814eee6743a7373e
title: DNC corruption revelations
uri: DNC-corruption-revelations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28DNC_corruption_revelations%29
content:
<p>
Plutocratist Democrats are <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/05/four-viral-claims-spread-by-journalists-on-twitter-in-the-last-week-alone-that-are-false/">spreading lies</a> to discredit the revelations about
the Clinton campaign's corruption of the DNC.


feed_id: 3c527a180199ecf14d6660a4fca94231
title: Gerrymander running race
uri: Gerrymander-running-race
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#8_November_2017_%28Gerrymander_running_race%29
content:
<p>
A running race <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/05/gerrymander-5k-run-asheville-north-carolina-republicans">in North Carolina</a> is a protest to highlight the screwy
Republican gerrymander.


feed_id: 5cc7a864457108ab4a9ff78705c78893
title: Tax dodging
uri: 2017-11-09-Tax-dodging
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28Tax_dodging%29
content:
<p>
Tories have struggled for years
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/06/tories-tax-scandal-tory-paradise-papers-labour">
to protect tax dodging by the rich.
</a>
<p>
Part of the reason is that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/nov/07/tory-ex-minister-james-sassoon-bahamas-trust-fund">
some of them engage in tax dodging.
</a>
<p>
A lobbying association for companies that help rich people dodge taxes
boasted of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/nov/07/tax-haven-lobby-superb-penetration-uk-government-paradise-papers">
having influence at the top of the UK government.
</a>
  This may be true, but perhaps the Tories would have served those companies
even without lobbying.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/nov/07/uk-isle-of-man-subsidy-tax-haven-common-purse-payments">
The UK is subsidizing the Isle of Man
</a>
so it can remain an aid to tax dodging.


feed_id: 251ca2d371e38720b25df435c27102d2
title: Overprotection
uri: 2017-11-09-Overprotection
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28Overprotection%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://letgrow.org/church-shooting-feel-must-helicopter-parent/">
Overprotecting your child
</a>
is not a rational response to rare acts of
random violence.


feed_id: 0800a752301240410990b95e66176e5d
title: Democratizing the Democrats
uri: Democratizing-the-Democrats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28Democratizing_the_Democrats%29
content:
<p>
Suggestions for
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/06/donna-brazile-dnc-and-democratizing-democrats">
democratizing the Democratic Party.
</a>


feed_id: 5e9d62444c8db62d658165535b3c32bf
title: Tax attacks
uri: Tax-attacks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28Tax_attacks%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/06/9-reasons-stop-gops-giant-tax-gift-bucket">
9 reasons to reject the SCROTUS tax attacks.
</a>
<p>
Well, the idea that it breaks a "promise" made  by the troll
does not seem like much of a reason to me.
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/11/06/new-report-wealthy-taxpayers-would-receive-growing-share-gops-tax-cut-plan-over">
The advantage the tax attacks would give to rich people
</a>
would grow as the years go by.


feed_id: f0caf14e0e360c6a63d568a3eb6553ad
title: Hush money
uri: Hush-money
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28Hush_money%29
content:
<p>
Hush money paid
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/06/taxpayers-are-subsidizing-hush-money-sexual-harassment-and-assault">
to silence people who have been raped or groped
</a>
(or
mistreated in any other way) should not be a tax deduction.
<p>
I do not use the term "sexual assault."  Just because raping and
groping are both wrong, and both related to sex, is no reason to lump
them together.


feed_id: edd1fdccd14532c2bee65c68c005d8cc
title: Limiting US wars
uri: Limiting-US-wars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28Limiting_US_wars%29
content:
<p>
When it comes to limiting US wars
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/06/congresss-romance-cowardice">
Congress has been a coward for a
long time.
</a>


feed_id: 84c53f2eda3b27e01488e3d4d2775b25
title: "I Made This... But Didn't Get Paid"
uri: I-Made-This-But-Didn-t-Get-Paid
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28I_Made_This..._But_Didn%27t_Get_Paid%29

content:
<p>
Shoppers at Zara stores found clothes with labels saying,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/06/i-made-didnt-get-paid-garment-workers-appeal-directly-shoppers">
"I Made This... But Didn't Get Paid".
</a>


feed_id: 53e39011e422f2aea8c1bbf1c6238373
title: Extreme poverty
uri: Extreme-poverty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28Extreme_poverty%29
content:
<p>
Claims that the world has reduced extreme poverty
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/06/extreme-poverty-cut-half-only-minds-capitalists">
rest on fishy statistics
and failure to fully adjust for inflation.
</a>
  The world's median income has decreased drastically in the past 10 years,
as global plutocracy cuts into everyone else's wealth.
<p>
I suspect that both global heating and increasing population play a
part as well.  The most important aid for poor countries' future is
contraception.


feed_id: 66768d3b01c31361ef47122f60162b0a
title: Urgent: Investigate tax-dodging
uri: Urgent-Investigate-tax-dodging
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Investigate_tax-dodging%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/paradise-papers">call on Congress</a> not to pass any tax laws before an
investigation of the tax-dodging practices revealed by the "paradise"
papers.


feed_id: c3478267844defdafb90d83ae3ae207f
title: No running water for refugees
uri: No-running-water-for-refugees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28No_running_water_for_refugees%29
content:
<p>
The "new home" for refugees that Australia dumped on Manus, which they
are bring forced to move to, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/08/manus-refugees-being-coerced-to-move-to-centre-with-no-running-water-un-says">is not finished</a> and has no running water.


feed_id: 0ebf460dce78558119bbd2a7cdf4e7cf
title: Names of mass murderers
uri: Names-of-mass-murderers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28Names_of_mass_murderers%29
content:
<p>
Some US officials have taken up the policy of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/07/texas-shooting-gunman-sutherland-springs-church">not mentioning</a> the names
of mass murderers, or hardly ever.
<p>
I support that policy — that's why I generally don't refer to the
bully by name.  He is a <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#25_April_2017_(Almost_300_Iraqi_and_Syrians_killed_by_US_Bombs)">mass murderer</a> too.


feed_id: 55c8bd882f58bc91bdc171d856433f4f
title: Tax-dodging big banks
uri: Tax-dodging-big-banks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28Tax-dodging_big_banks%29
content:
<p>
Big banks <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/nov/07/australian-bank-sheryl-crow-back-catalogue-paradise-papers">are involved</a> in tax-dodging through tax havens.


feed_id: be2698d993a10298f5135bd15c6e065f
title: Tax-dodging political donors
uri: Tax-dodging-political-donors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28Tax-dodging_political_donors%29
content:
<p>
Big US political donors are caught in tax dodging.  Mainly <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/nov/07/us-republican-donors-offshore-paradise-papers">Republicans</a>
but also <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/nov/07/democratic-donor-james-simons-private-wealth-fund-tax-haven-paradise-papers">a Democrat</a>.


feed_id: cb3faadb86767f172c3af989491cfd2d
title: Blocking Sci-Hub
uri: Blocking-Sci-Hub
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28Blocking_Sci-Hub%29
content:
<p>
The American Chemical Society won a US court order for ISPs to <a href="https://torrentfreak.com/us-court-grants-isps-and-search-engine-blockade-of-sci-hub-171106/">block
access to Sci-Hub</a>.
<p>
This won't stop determined users from reaching Sci-Hub, but it takes
the US legal system one step further into general repression for the
copyright industry.


feed_id: 854286d7bfb02b5dea576827aa43ada5
title: Domestic violence and guns
uri: 2017-11-09-Domestic-violence-and-guns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28Domestic_violence_and_guns%29
content:
<p>
The perpetrators of massacres are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/07/guns-domestic-abusers-texas-shooting">often guilty</a> of domestic violence.
If we stop those people from buying guns, it could mean fewer massacres.


feed_id: 0d270a65ca49d2ef44465fd58ff567b5
title: South Africa corruption
uri: South-Africa-corruption
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28South_Africa_corruption%29
content:
<p>
South Africa's government is trying to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/nov/07/south-african-security-ban-expose-jacob-zuma-government-jacques-pauw-the-presidents-keepers">quash the publication</a> of a book
exposing the corruption of the government.


feed_id: 2709ec68d220a389a2fcfa0f69eda32e
title: Yemen bombs and missiles
uri: Yemen-bombs-and-missiles
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28Yemen_bombs_and_missiles%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a> says that the missile fired by Houthis from Yemen
is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/07/saudi-arabia-accuses-iran-of-supplying-missile-to-houthi-rebels-in-yemen">"direct aggression"</a> by Iran.
<p>
What, then, were the thousands of bombs that <a href="/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a> dropped on Yemen?
Could even a fool take such a biased accusation seriously?
<p>
Alas, I know of one fool who will.
<p>
Salafi Arabia has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/nov/07/closure-of-yemen-borders-to-aid-deliveries-is-catastrophic-un-united-nations-warns">imposed a blockade</a> on humanitarian aid into Yemen.


feed_id: 90d468cbb5790831581b487fc2475a0f
title: Prosecution for satire
uri: Prosecution-for-satire
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28Prosecution_for_satire%29
content:
<p>
Spanish thugs have brought about <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/07/satirical-article-spanish-riot-police-cocaine-lands-editor-el-jueves-court-catalonia">prosecution</a> against the humor
magazine El Jueves for a satirical article.
This shows that the arrogance of Spanish thugs is comparable to
that of American thugs.  It also demonstrates the repressiveness
of the Spanish state.
<p>
As the article says, "Just because you're offended doesnât mean you're
right."  That applies to any kind of offense.
<p>
The assassinated admiral Luis Carrero Blanco was the chosen successor
of the dictator Franco, his comrade in rebelling against the Spanish
Republic.  After they won, their regime killed thousands of prisoners.
Killing Carrero Blanco was as legitimate as killing Franco would have
been.
<p>
Why does the Spanish state punish people for merely joking
about this?  My Spanish friends say that the right-wing ruling party,
led today by Rajoy, is the descendant of Franco's party and includes
many people who supported Franco's dictatorship.
<p>
Prosecuting people that joke about killing Carrero Blanco is the
Spanish equivalent of putting up statues of confederate generals.


feed_id: 3b976f41dcac9d70b8d44f2a8654f575
title: Paris climate treaty
uri: Paris-climate-treaty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28Paris_climate_treaty%29
content:
<p>
Syria has signed the Paris climate treaty, leaving the US as the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/07/syria-signs-paris-climate-agreement-and-leaves-us-isolated">only country</a> openly opposed to saving the world from disaster.


feed_id: a0df67f097346e7e3816e3ab69540087
title: Offshore cash for Bannon's attacks
uri: Offshore-cash-for-Bannon-s-attacks
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28Offshore_cash_for_Bannon%27s_attacks%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/nov/07/steve-bannon-bermuda-robert-mercer">Offshore Cash</a> Helped Fund Steve Bannon's Attacks on Hillary Clinton.
<p>
This is not to say that Clinton is a great campaigner against tax-dodging.
For that, we need President Sanders.


feed_id: 6c4f454043c95871999fa974d869daca
title: Priest celibacy
uri: Priest-celibacy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28Priest_celibacy%29
content:
<p>
The Catholic Church is starting to face <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/07/brazil-bishops-pope-francis-married-priests-celibacy-clergy">internal pressure</a> to stop requiring
priests to be celibate.
<p>
The argument against has lost its validity now that married women do
not have to be dependent on their husbands.


feed_id: 6b6e35539c2f48ea007d8c2824a0491e
title: Asking for dates
uri: Asking-for-dates
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28Asking_for_dates%29
content:
<p>
Great as it is to use the internet to expose rapists, public shaming
can <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/nov/07/internet-outrage-good-bad-harvey-weinstein">become mob rule</a> if it is used to deal with small annoyance that
are not so clear cut.
<p>
If you decide not to rape people, it isn't very hard to recognize
what you should avoid doing.
<p>
I've seen articles posted which say that men that show attraction to a
women in a way the woman finds uncomfortable are culpable and deserve
to be condemned.  In effect, they treat a man as vicious if he does
not have perfect judgment.
<p>
Asking a woman out too many times is one of the things that men can
easily do because they are not mind-readers.  I must have done it
quite a few times.
<p>
I always believed that "no" meant "no."  But many women wouldn't say
"no" — instead they said things like, "Sorry, I have other plans for
that evening".  Believing them, I asked again for a different day.
Each time, they were busy.
<p>
Eventually someone told me that the women who said this might mean
they didn't want to go out with me.  But even knowing that that
message was sometimes a code, I could not determine <em>in any given
case</em> whether it was a code or not.  I agonized over that question
with various women.  The problem ended when I recognized that my
asking for a date had never turned out well, so I stopped.
<p>
If some man is not entirely hopeless at dating, that doesn't mean he
understands what to do.  Most men are not powerful, nor polished.
Many are flailing around in trial and error.  Inevitably they hurt
others' feelings as well as their own.
<p>
Instead of looking to jump down their throat when they get it wrong,
calling them misogynists or abusers, how about helping them understand
a good way to approach women?  A way that won't offend, but also
gives a hope of reciprocated interest?


feed_id: fb4a41d0ab481c6b4d5f72b6f00bccb2
title: Natural gas
uri: 2017-11-09-Natural-gas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28Natural_gas%29
content:
<p>
Europe must <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/07/natural-gas-emissions-will-blow-europes-carbon-budget-at-current-levels">stop extracting</a> natural gas, as well as other fossil fuels,
by 2035.
<p>
This is needed to stay within the Paris agreement limits, which
as we know <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#28_April_2016_(Paris_climate_agreement)">are too high</a>
to be almost sure of avoiding disaster.
<p>
The idea of natural gas as a "bridging fuel" has never made any sense
except as an excuse to keep drilling and burning.


feed_id: 46ef77d74893cf2438167b9aae6ef122
title: Prison for Egyptian TV presenter
uri: Prison-for-Egyptian-TV-presenter
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28Prison_for_Egyptian_TV_presenter%29

content:
<p>
Egyptian TV hostess Doaa Salah <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/03/egyptian-tv-presenter-jailed-for-pregnancy-out-of-wedlock-remarks">has been sentenced</a> to three years in prison
for discussing the possibility of single women having babies.


feed_id: bb04c8672fd35fff0c5b5819fe123d9e
title: Tax attacks
uri: 2017-11-09-Tax-attacks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#9_November_2017_%28Tax_attacks%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/06/9-reasons-stop-gops-giant-tax-gift-bucket">
9 reasons to reject the <a href="/glossary.html#scrotus">SCROTUS</a> tax attacks.
</a>
<p>
Well, the idea that it breaks a "promise" made  by the troll
does not seem like much of a reason to me.
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/11/06/new-report-wealthy-taxpayers-would-receive-growing-share-gops-tax-cut-plan-over">
The advantage the tax attacks would give to rich people
</a>
would grow as the years go by.


feed_id: f01a7d8d33ae3f6eb849c8d28484aeb2
title: Urgent: Peace in Afghanistan
uri: Urgent-Peace-in-Afghanistan
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#10_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Peace_in_Afghanistan%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.winwithoutwar.org/sign/end_afghanistan_war/">call on Mattis</a> to make a plan for peace in Afghanistan.


feed_id: c79ad44b1e7cc92c76647db2bea70362
title: Urgent: Aid to Puerto Rico
uri: Urgent-Aid-to-Puerto-Rico
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#10_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Aid_to_Puerto_Rico%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://go.commondefensepac.com/page/s/stand-with-puerto-rico">tell the Troll</a> to send aid to Puerto Rico.


feed_id: 13e434157e4219392de17731e9185cbc
title: Urgent: Prevent preemptive war
uri: Urgent-Prevent-preemptive-war
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#10_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Prevent_preemptive_war%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/No_War_North_Korea">endorse</a> the "Preventing Preemptive War in North Korea Act
of 2017."


feed_id: f781470f74c1ff8463575fbc388281a9
title: Disney media boycott
uri: Disney-media-boycott
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#10_November_2017_%28Disney_media_boycott%29
content:
<p>
Disney punished the LA Times for negative coverage by barring its
reporters from movie previews.  Many other reporters responded by
saying they wouldn't go either, and Disney <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/nov/07/disney-los-angeles-times-media-boycott">backed down</a>.
<p>
The CEO of Disney seems to have political ambitions.  Perhaps he was
inspired by the bully.  I don't think we should elect him.


feed_id: 1daf5fd6a46afd8a514ad47acf04e07d
title: Machover readmitted
uri: Machover-readmitted
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#10_November_2017_%28Machover_readmitted%29
content:
<p>
The Labour Party grudgingly <a href="http://www.jewishvoiceforlabour.org.uk/labour-party-policy/branch-motions-resolutions-expulsion-moshe-machover/">readmitted MoshÃ© Machover</a>, after many members
protested that his support for Palestinians' rights is not antisemitism.
<p>
My mother told me about the antisemitism she experienced as a girl.
After Easter, her fellows students, some of them normally her friends,
would run after her as a mob shouting "Christ-killer."
<p>
In the 1930s, antisemitism in the US was not hidden.  There were clubs
that did not allow Jews in, and places Jews were not allowed to live.
(This partially resembled the way blacks were treated.)  After the
holocaust, antisemitism became socially unacceptable, so I have hardly
ever encountered it.  Maybe the bully and his friends have brought it
back.
<p>
Supporting the rights of Palestinians is not antisemitism.


feed_id: 0779444f8f085013209da3e2312e280d
title: US stock market
uri: 2017-11-10-US-stock-market
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#10_November_2017_%28US_stock_market%29
content:
<p>
The US stock market has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/07/trumps-stock-market-and-un-shared-american-prosperity">gone up a lot</a> — but that doesn't mean good news
for most Americans.  It means that <a href="/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a> is very successful.


feed_id: 3e5a12d072a6d56b014252aac2764ff7
title: Guns designed for war
uri: Guns-designed-for-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#10_November_2017_%28Guns_designed_for_war%29
content:
<p>
Most massacres in the US are carried out with guns designed for
war.  Why does the US keep allowing people to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/07/blood-innocents-our-hands">buy and own them</a>?


feed_id: a08061e50a83d257d521593e932577e0
title: South Korea bully protest
uri: South-Korea-bully-protest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#10_November_2017_%28South_Korea_bully_protest%29
content:
<p>
Thousands of South Koreans <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/07/south-koreans-greet-warmongering-trump-clear-message-shut-get-out">protested the arrival</a> of the bully.  They don't
want him starting a war in their country.


feed_id: 4727c90ca9c42368ad28eb7a35abff42
title: Meat and dairy emissions
uri: Meat-and-dairy-emissions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#10_November_2017_%28Meat_and_dairy_emissions%29
content:
<p>
An attempt to estimate the greenhouse gas emissions of meat and dairy
companies shows they are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/07/big-meat-big-dairy-carbon-emmissions-exxon-mobil">in the big leagues</a>, comparable with some
wealthy countries.
<p>
Furthermore, they operate with government subsidies and undercut small
farms around the world.  These small farms aren't so dependent on
fossil fuels.


feed_id: 9a2084e054a71df4d072cd375211c22d
title: Bono's tax-dodging
uri: Bono-s-tax-dodging
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#10_November_2017_%28Bono%27s_tax-dodging%29
content:
<p>
Although Bono said he didn't know about his <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/07/tax-bono-harming-world-poorest-glastonbury-avoidance-paradise-papers">latest exposed investment</a>
in a tax-dodging scheme, U2 set up such a scheme for its own profits in 2006
and faced a protest for this in 2011.


feed_id: ccebf6afaccdd6919ca194ebd38cebf1
title: Country Music Awards
uri: Country-Music-Awards
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#10_November_2017_%28Country_Music_Awards%29
content:
<p>
The Country Music Awards threatened to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/nov/07/country-music-awards-las-vegas-shooting-press-suppression">eject any journalists</a> that brought up
issues such as gun control, or the murder with guns of country music fans.


feed_id: eb3ae0ab68d51a9cd1123dcba36d850b
title: Mexican soldiers
uri: Mexican-soldiers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#10_November_2017_%28Mexican_soldiers%29
content:
<p>
Mexican soldiers carrying out the "war on drugs" are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/07/mexican-military-human-rights-abuses-war-on-drugs-report">hardly ever
prosecuted</a> when they violate human rights, and those few who are
prosecuted are hardly ever convicted.


feed_id: fd21ed1b20099873729fff39975d5981
title: Tax dodging investigation
uri: Tax-dodging-investigation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#10_November_2017_%28Tax_dodging_investigation%29
content:
<p>
Senator Sanders and some Democrats <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/nov/07/senators-call-for-investigation-after-paradise-papers-reveal-tax-avoidance">want to investigate</a> the methods of
tax dodging that are facilitated by the tax-dodging industry.


feed_id: 3417860f35b0dca376bfff0f2a811122
title: University tax dodging
uri: University-tax-dodging
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28University_tax_dodging%29
content:
<p>
Many prestigious US universities <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/nov/08/us-universities-offshore-funds-endowments-fossil-fuels-paradise-papers">have invested</a> in tax dodging.


feed_id: acd6530ed6081c56dafb9c77836d81cb
title: Puerto Rico schools
uri: Puerto-Rico-schools
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Puerto_Rico_schools%29
content:
<p>
Puerto Rico's imposed, unelected government is trying to use the hurricane's
devastation as an excuse to privatize the schools.  However, people in some
towns <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/08/puerto-rico-schools-system-with-post-katrina-new-orleans-as-the-model/">are reopening</a> their local public schools.


feed_id: 4b79c15ec60bc7480f68c84a148e083d
title: Driving out diplomats
uri: Driving-out-diplomats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Driving_out_diplomats%29
content:
<p>
The troll is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/08/top-ranks-of-us-diplomacy-depleted-at-dizzying-speed-under-trump">driving diplomats out</a> of the foreign service.  To make up for
this loss will take many years, maybe decades.


feed_id: a34b8a93ca7ec6886415d17e1451f685
title: Children in contact
uri: Children-in-contact
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Children_in_contact%29
content:
<p>
Due to the hairtrigger mentality, when children are playing sports and
collide and a hand touches what will someday be an erogenous zone,
the staff treat this as a <a href="https://letgrow.org/son-9-accused-inappropriately-touching-classmate/">horrible incident</a>.
<p>
We see the weasel-word "inappropriate" at work here.


feed_id: 97c6576213b53786b071773082949e07
title: Miscarriage
uri: Miscarriage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Miscarriage%29
content:
<p>
Mexican women who miscarry a fetus can be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/08/mexico-miscarriage-trial-perscution-women-abortion">imprisoned</a> of murdering a
baby.
<p>
Religious fanatics have done <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-may-aug.html#26_June_2011_(War_On_Women)">similar things</a> in the US.


feed_id: ddafe4ddcb499c4a4afcfee5d8f462da
title: Train tickets
uri: Train-tickets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Train_tickets%29
content:
<p>
UK train companies are excited about <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/small-business-network/2017/nov/07/the-rail-revolution-how-tech-firms-are-helping-train-companies-move-with-the-times">new methods</a> of selling tickets,
that clearly will make users identify themselves.


feed_id: 9831c3c50436f6656e3b90e7c714dc78
title: Illegitimate president
uri: Illegitimate-president
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Illegitimate_president%29
content:
<p>
The troll <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/08/donald-trump-illegitimate-president-rebecca-solnit">remains illegitimate</a> as president.  Merely not being impeached
is insufficient to change that.


feed_id: 69241e71482af09e8886aac3f6503f5b
title: Curbing deforestation
uri: Curbing-deforestation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Curbing_deforestation%29
content:
<p>
Ivory Coast and Ghana <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/08/rare-victory-for-rainforests-as-nations-vow-to-stop-death-by-chocolate">have made plans</a> to curb deforestation for cocoa
plantations.


feed_id: 83d8bd5dac52e5e0f53f34fd6df1a6ea
title: Reporting domestic violence
uri: Reporting-domestic-violence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Reporting_domestic_violence%29
content:
<p>
US Military Consistently <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/07/us-military-domestic-violence-gun-database">Fails to Report</a> Domestic Violence to Gun Database,
Senators Say. This is what enabled the recent Texas massacre.


feed_id: 194352c04df9ec0063c1420990614aac
title: Stephanie Morales
uri: Stephanie-Morales
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Stephanie_Morales%29
content:
<p>
Prosecutor Stephanie Morales, who prosecuted and convicted a thug
for killing a black, <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/07/prosecutor-who-convicted-white-police-officer-for-killing-black-teen-is-re-elected-in-contentious-race/">has been reelected</a> by a landslide.


feed_id: 3749f0a3b924057f1b43a05f08af0fd8
title: Exaggerating wealth
uri: Exaggerating-wealth
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Exaggerating_wealth%29
content:
<p>
Saboteur of Commerce Wilbur Ross appears to have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/07/wilbur-ross-forbes-rich-list-exaggerated-wealth">exaggerated</a> his assets
in order to get onto Forbes magazine's list of the richest people.


feed_id: 4a0f41164d4c5bb47514ef8f8ab5cbe3
title: Charter of the Forest
uri: Charter-of-the-Forest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Charter_of_the_Forest%29
content:
<p>
The <a href="https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2017/11/youve-never-heard-charter-important-magna-carta.html">Charter of the Forest</a>, in 1217, made the wilderness areas of England
a commons that all could use.


feed_id: 194ed741cac7b2bdd48911327debb759
title: Rich GOP funders
uri: Rich-GOP-funders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Rich_GOP_funders%29
content:
<p>
A GOP congresscritter admitted publicly that the tax attacks <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/07/youre-not-supposed-say-out-loud-gop-lawmaker-admits-pushing-tax-scam-please-his-rich">are demanded</a>
by his rich funders.


feed_id: 671616ea4461d589cb044e41b08f444f
title: Drawing districts
uri: Drawing-districts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Drawing_districts%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.newscientist.com/article/2152106-how-learning-to-share-cakes-could-help-stop-unfair-us-elections/">A method</a> for two parties to draw up fair electoral districts 
such that neither one gets an advantage from them.
<p>
This assumes that the parties are equally good at figuring out what is
or isn't advantageous to them.  That may be a valid assumption nowadays.
<p>
It also assumes that there are only two significant parties.
In the US, some local officials are being elected by the Green Party
and perhaps others.


feed_id: c19f52cac99961b5abfe2290e5151255
title: Spying for Weinstein
uri: Spying-for-Weinstein
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Spying_for_Weinstein%29
content:
<p>
Harvey Weinstein employed private investigators to <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/harvey-weinsteins-army-of-spies">pry into the lives</a>
of women he thought might accuse him.
<p>
The main effect was to frighten them, since they believed he could
sabotage their careers.


feed_id: d5256810f9f888094c64d98e9a3474f8
title: Kern County
uri: Kern-County
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Kern_County%29
content:
<p>
The ACLU has accused the thugs of Kern County of frequent <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/09/california-aclu-says-culture-of-violence-at-police-departments-violated-rights">unjustified
violence</a>, sometimes deadly violence.


feed_id: 8293ff312a89754dafa9debfb8760636
title: Press conference in China
uri: Press-conference-in-China
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Press_conference_in_China%29
content:
<p>
The bully is a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/nov/09/trump-no-questions-press-conference-china-slammed-by-former-media-staff">coward at heart</a>; in China he accepted Xi's demand
for a press conference with no questions.
<p>
Asking the bully questions is about as useless as asking Xi questions,
but it remains the case that a good US president would not have agreed
to this.


feed_id: 4e7eab55d0da5a2a7c821e4c31d303b6
title: Richest Americans
uri: Richest-Americans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Richest_Americans%29
content:
<p>
Three Richest Americans Now <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/08/three-richest-americans-now-own-more-wealth-bottom-half-us-combined-report">Own More Wealth</a> Than Bottom Half of US Combined: Report.


feed_id: b3a30d9a055edd199be1ee73affec78a
title: Progressive wins
uri: Progressive-wins
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Progressive_wins%29
content:
<p>
Progressive candidates <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/08/tsunami-progressive-victories-delivers-massive-repudiation-trumpism">won many races</a> this week, showing that the
Democratic Party must turn progressive in order to win.


feed_id: a0da39b9c40c13f7b9e5cbda9451f2f7
title: Dissident repression
uri: Dissident-repression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Dissident_repression%29
content:
<p>
Chinese dissidents face <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/09/harassment-house-arrest-china-trump-beyond-terrific-time">extra repression</a> because the troll is visiting.


feed_id: 9d24a92a435c00bfae2f86a2e2c0597d
title: Protecting the bully
uri: Protecting-the-bully
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Protecting_the_bully%29
content:
<p>
The right-wing bigots worked with billionaires, and perhaps with
Russia, to make the bully president.  Now they will work to <a href="https://www.prwatch.org/news/2017/11/13295/fake-news-machine-ready-defend-trump-white-house-against-robert-mueller">protect him</a>
from Mueller's investigation.


feed_id: 87a3f5db473176542f957e2e3e682e25
title: Patriots owner
uri: Patriots-owner
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Patriots_owner%29
content:
<p>
The owner of the New England Patriots (a football team) owns a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/nov/09/donald-trump-robert-kraft-owner-offshore-firm-new-england-patriots-paradise-papers">Bermuda
company</a> set up not to disclose his income.
<p>
Presumably this is tax dodging.


feed_id: b77c12b5dd697761766bc81a4d9e491a
title: War on coal
uri: War-on-coal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28War_on_coal%29
content:
<p>
Bloomberg's war on coal <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/09/michael-bloombergs-war-on-coal-goes-global-with-50m-fund">now targets</a> European coal-burning electric
generators.
<p>
Ceasing to burn coal means at least less toxic pollution to breathe
today.  But in order for it to mean less greenhouse emission, we
must avoid replacing it with <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#24_June_2017_(Reducing_use_of_natural_gas)">burning natural gas</a>.


feed_id: 00d1cf80ead6f8b1452a628afd0882ab
title: Australian protesters
uri: Australian-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Australian_protesters%29
content:
<p>
Australian protesters face criminal charges for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/09/manus-protest-five-charged-after-sydney-opera-house-stunt">dropping banners</a> from
the roof of the Sydney opera house.
<p>
The repression of protesters in Australia is not as severe as what it
did to the boat people, but it reflects the same general attitude.


feed_id: 462577b3b706090a8383624be83782cc
title: Tax havens
uri: 2017-11-12-Tax-havens
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Tax_havens%29
content:
<p>
Tax havens are not a fringe phenomenon.  They are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/09/paradise-papers-offshore-billionaires">at the center</a> of
<a href="/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a>.  We suffer lack of medical care, hunger, homelessness,
occasionally even collapsing bridges, because haven't made rich people
and businesses pay their proper share of taxes.
<p>
Sometimes their tax dodging is lawful; sometimes it is a crime.  I
consider that a secondary detail, because either way the primary point
is that we have to put a stop to it.
<p>
Who is morally to blame — the system, or those who abuse it?
<b>Both are!</b>


feed_id: a9280a1f4490573a3cae887b463a1211
title: Ranked choice voting
uri: Ranked-choice-voting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Ranked_choice_voting%29
content:
<p>
The citizens of Maine voted to adopt ranked choice voting.  The
legislators passed a law to get rid of it.  Now the citizens are
<a href="http://www.voterchoicema.org/defend_ranked_choice_voting_in_maine">organizing to veto</a> that.


feed_id: 301cbeb5aa00c47b075c091d6e765f58
title: NHS underfunding
uri: NHS-underfunding
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28NHS_underfunding%29
content:
<p>
The NHS Is Still Standing.  But Underfunding Will Soon <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/09/government-lucky-nhs-wolf-at-door-serious-epidemic-underfunding">Bring It Down</a>.


feed_id: a5e2e7282f849c3aa9588928597ecb36
title: Workers rights
uri: 2017-11-12-Workers-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Workers_rights%29
content:
<p>
We need <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/08/zara-workers-protest-fast-fashion-worry-all-of-us">global standards</a> for safety and minimum wage, to protect
subcontracted workers.
<p>
But we also need global mechanisms for enforcing workers rights — for
instance, their right to receive their pay.  I think we need to limit
imports from countries that don't effectively make employers pay their
workers.
<p>
Sometimes the US doesn't adequately require employers to pay their
workers.  In some situations, we might want to require employers to
post a bond to pay the workers if the company fails to.  Or we might
want to make the marketing front companies that sell the imported
goods responsible for paying subcontracted workers.


feed_id: b30a24bba77a57c0610674e4a117d4d5
title: Sexual harassment
uri: 2017-11-12-Sexual-harassment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Sexual_harassment%29
content:
<p>
Women who report sexual harassment often face <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/08/women-complain-sexual-harassment-branded-a-troublemaker">harsh retaliation</a>, even
blacklisting.


feed_id: 67c3df8d5d6087a5c153676ba3b1449c
title: 'Paradise' papers info
uri: Paradise-papers-info
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28%27Paradise%27_papers_info%29
content:
<p>
The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/nov/08/key-revelations-from-the-paradise-papers">principal information</a> obtained from the "paradise" papers.


feed_id: fdf593c3f3c677883abfb7b86bfbc242
title: Coal plant subsidy
uri: Coal-plant-subsidy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#11_November_2017_%28Coal_plant_subsidy%29
content:
<p>
Australia gave a coal plant a subsidy of $117 million, and the owner then
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/nov/08/coal-fired-plant-shifted-1bn-offshore-while-pocketing-117m-from-australian-taxpayers">moved a billion</a> to tax-dodging investment.
<p>
It looks like the plant didn't really need a subsidy to keep operating.


feed_id: f56dbf9ce887dab73efe55e210b984ef
title: Urgent: Cut off Wells Fargo
uri: Urgent-Cut-off-Wells-Fargo
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#12_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Cut_off_Wells_Fargo%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on US bank regulators to <a href="http://act.demandprogress.org/sign/tell-bank-regulators-cut-off-wells-fargo/">cut off Wells Fargo</a>.


feed_id: 2858622d38fdbd190ea8f361db9fac96
title: Urgent: Tax bill fetus clause
uri: Urgent-Tax-bill-fetus-clause
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#12_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Tax_bill_fetus_clause%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter at 1-866-665-4470
and call for <a href="https://actnow.prochoiceamerica.org/go/3873">removing the clause</a> in the tax bill that declares
fetuses to be persons (and abortion to be murder).


feed_id: 4a1e37328bd515bc2e2296ba52b66b67
title: Labor shortage
uri: Labor-shortage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#12_November_2017_%28Labor_shortage%29
content:
<p>
A <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/nov/08/shortage-of-factory-workers-starts-to-push-up-pay-rates">shortage of labor</a> in some fields is starting to give some British workers
a raise.


feed_id: 55e6e154a35b3b9312d3333ceb03dcfc
title: Farm antibiotic use
uri: Farm-antibiotic-use
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#12_November_2017_%28Farm_antibiotic_use%29
content:
<p>
The WTO has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/08/fight-global-threat-antibiotic-resistance-who-issues-first-ever-guidelines-curb-use">issued guidelines</a> for farms to reduce use of antibiotics.
I think we need to make laws about this, rather than depend on farms
to act voluntarily.


feed_id: 06bed8b695e9cf33211beca82af2f3ed
title: Lands and waters giveaway
uri: Lands-and-waters-giveaway
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#12_November_2017_%28Lands_and_waters_giveaway%29
content:
<p>
SCROTUS <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/11/08/secure-act-public-lands-and-waters-giveaway-dirty-industry">plans</a> a "Public Lands and Waters Giveaway to Dirty Industry."


feed_id: 084ced3f3ae3241df480f2ff083048c6
title: 5.6 trillion on war
uri: 5-6-trillion-on-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#12_November_2017_%285.6_trillion_on_war%29
content:
<p>
Nation That Says It Can't Afford Medicare for All Has Spent <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/08/nation-says-it-cant-afford-medicare-all-has-spent-56-trillion-war-911">$5.6 Trillion</a> on
War Since 2011.
<p>
War can be though of as negative medical care, since it creates the sort of
problems that medicine aims to correct.


feed_id: dbbd6c113772ba9e549ea6308695807a
title: Richer faster
uri: Richer-faster
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#12_November_2017_%28Richer_faster%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a> is accelerating in the US, as billionaires
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/nov/08/bill-gates-jeff-bezos-warren-buffett-wealthier-than-poorest-half-of-us">get richer faster</a> than ever before.


feed_id: 1c5a345067a4d8b7ae516021ad60c56f
title: Data to Equifax
uri: Data-to-Equifax
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#12_November_2017_%28Data_to_Equifax%29
content:
<p>
Many employers <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/40485634/equifax-salary-data-and-the-work-number-database">give Equifax data</a> about their employees, including
their salaries.
<p>
This should not be allowed.


feed_id: 6ba657944fc128fc85cf4ce166337378
title: FEMA in Puerto Rico
uri: FEMA-in-Puerto-Rico
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#12_November_2017_%28FEMA_in_Puerto_Rico%29
content:
<p>
FEMA is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/09/six-weeks-after-hurricane-maria-puerto-ricans-still-waiting-for-help-from-fema">unable to help</a> people in Puerto Rico because its methods
assume functioning infrastructure, and because its staff can't speak
Spanish.
<p>
It seems that FEMA designed its methods for rather small disasters.


feed_id: caa28b4e15ff165548597e7e9dc6fd5f
title: Britain and Gaddafi
uri: Britain-and-Gaddafi
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#12_November_2017_%28Britain_and_Gaddafi%29
content:
<p>
Britain <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/nov/09/how-britain-did-gaddafis-dirty-work-libya">kidnaped dissidents</a> for Gaddafi, then based on what Gaddafi's
torturers made them say, put various people under house arrest
incommunicado.


feed_id: d4ccea6ac01996657344e247a49a5ea3
title: Hong Kong football fans
uri: Hong-Kong-football-fans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#12_November_2017_%28Hong_Kong_football_fans%29
content:
<p>
Football fans in Hong Kong <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/09/defiant-hong-kong-football-fans-boo-china-national-anthem">shouted their rebuke</a> when China's national
anthem was played.  "We are Hong Kong."
<p>
If the football association demands fans give their names, Hong
Kongers should boycott the football matches.  A few months of low
attendance will make the football association back down.


feed_id: 1aaef81d06dbc9ec57b139aea6e4fa9a
title: Gift to billionaires
uri: Gift-to-billionaires
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#12_November_2017_%28Gift_to_billionaires%29
content:
<p>
Senator Graham <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/09/lindsey-graham-latest-republican-admit-gop-tax-plan-all-about-keeping-financial">admitted</a> that the SCROTUS tax plan is a gift to the billionaires
that the Republicans work for.
<p>
It also includes a <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/gop-abortion-tax-bill_us_59fca946e4b0baea2631965f">ban on abortions</a>, although that has nothing to do
with tax.


feed_id: 86f4fd076dcabeae4e307cd1a2f75f4e
title: American racial distinction
uri: American-racial-distinction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#12_November_2017_%28American_racial_distinction%29
content:
<p>
The American racial distinction between "black" and "white" was <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/09/racial-wedge-politics-invented-colonial-america">set up
in 1676</a> so that all the poor people in Virginia wouldn't unite against
the rich plantation owners.
<p>
By telling some poor people that they were "white", the plantation
owners convinced the poor "whites" to identify with the masters, the
plantation owners.


feed_id: 92a7cc7436f51be6b3b43595cac88e16
title: Carrier factory jobs
uri: Carrier-factory-jobs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#12_November_2017_%28Carrier_factory_jobs%29
content:
<p>
Remember when the troll said he had saved the jobs at Carrier's factory?
They are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/09/despite-much-heralded-deal-trump-carrier-announces-it-will-cut-200-more-jobs">dribbling away</a>.


feed_id: 74c1dfb25abc8f6a44aab50202d1bf10
title: Puerto Rico as haven
uri: Puerto-Rico-as-haven
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#12_November_2017_%28Puerto_Rico_as_haven%29
content:
<p>
SCROTUS want to make Puerto Rico into a <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/09/puerto-rico-hurricane-fossil-fuels-congress/">low-wage haven</a> for companies,
especially planet-roasting companies.


feed_id: e9f5d95e031fca16c250d5397d7c8d67
title: Facebook and vulnerability
uri: Facebook-and-vulnerability
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#12_November_2017_%28Facebook_and_vulnerability%29
content:
<p>
A former president of Facebook admits that the system was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/nov/09/facebook-sean-parker-vulnerability-brain-psychology">designed to
exploit</a> the "vulnerability" of users.
<p>
Please don't let yourself be used by Facebook.  Especially, don't let
it use you to get data about your friends.  (Giving data about your enemies
might be ok.)


feed_id: 728975ae03f2e786581c19407650f7f8
title: Urgent: Dem Party autopsy
uri: Urgent-Dem-Party-autopsy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Dem_Party_autopsy%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: if your congresscritter is a Democrat, call on per
to read the <a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=13115">Democratic Party autopsy</a> and respond to it.
<p>
You can sign this without running the page's nonfree Javascript code
using the <a href="https://stallman.org/salsalabs-method.html">Salsalabs workaround</a>.


feed_id: 41e7cde57eeff0f41f41d86be7a8cd4d
title: Hyderabad homeless people
uri: Hyderabad-homeless-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Hyderabad_homeless_people%29
content:
<p>
The thugs of Hyderabad have taken the homeless people off the streets
for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/10/india-hyderabad-police-round-up-homeless-people-ivanka-trump-visit">"rehabilitation"</a> because the bully's daughter is going to visit.
<p>
Maybe some of them could use rehabilitation for some reason.  But
surely some of them are homeless and begging simply because they are
poor.


feed_id: c3ca746ad353ab3509a247d6954ea549
title: Jelani Maraj
uri: Jelani-Maraj
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Jelani_Maraj%29
content:
<p>
Jelani Maraj (who I had never heard of) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/nov/10/nicki-minaj-brother-jelani-maraj-convicted-of-raping-a-child">could be imprisoned</a> for a long
time for "sexual assault".  What does that concretely mean?
<p>
Due to the vagueness of the term "sexual assault" together with the
dishonest law that labels sex with adolescents as "rape" even if they
are willing, we cannot tell from this article what sort of acts Maraj
was found to have committed.  So we can't begin to judge whether those
acts were wrong.
<p>
I see at least three possibilities.  Perhaps those acts really
constituted rape — it is a possibility.  Or perhaps the two had sex
willingly, but her parents freaked out and demanded prosecution.  Or,
intermediate between those two, perhaps he pressured her into having
sex, or got her drunk.


feed_id: 145b817dba77d6c17c77bb1ceb4c37f0
title: Drug gang in Mexico
uri: Drug-gang-in-Mexico
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Drug_gang_in_Mexico%29
content:
<p>
The Zetas drug gang massively <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/10/mexico-drug-cartels-grip-on-politicians-and-police-revealed-in-texas-court-files">bribed politicians and thugs</a> in Mexico
while carrying out lots of murders.
<p>
The "War on Drugs" fuels all this.  Help get that poor war off drugs!


feed_id: 27ab5cf080eb4f2b53c13d55fc5bfd9a
title: Eminent domain in Atlanta
uri: Eminent-domain-in-Atlanta
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Eminent_domain_in_Atlanta%29
content:
<p>
Atlanta is using <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/10/atlanta-super-gentrification-eminent-domain">eminent domain power</a> to force blacks out of their
homes, to support gentrification projects.


feed_id: 045b81f49cb472923f25203bfe553866
title: Fawning to China
uri: Fawning-to-China
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Fawning_to_China%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#trump">The troll</a>'s fawning to China was acknowledged with a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/10/chinese-media-hails-success-of-trumps-pilgrimage-to-b\
eijing">pat on the head</a>.


feed_id: 97f96457712b1ac6cf3fb203924dfbc4
title: Terrorism and banks
uri: Terrorism-and-banks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Terrorism_and_banks%29
content:
<p>
[The overreaction to] terrorism <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/nov/10/terrorism-makes-it-difficult-for-banks-to-get-your-money-to-people-in-crisis">makes it hard</a> for banks to get your
money to people in crisis.
<p>
Muslim charities find it difficult to operate in the US.
Even when they go to great lengths to follow the rules,
they are <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-sep-dec.html#14%20November%202009%20(US%20government%20moves%20to%20sieze%20$500M%20from%20Muslim%20charity)">shut down</a>.


feed_id: 3a4c72456f9b54f8d4429fb98c045e5b
title: Lawsuit over article
uri: Lawsuit-over-article
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Lawsuit_over_article%29
content:
<p>
Whether his article was correct or flawed, Professor Mark Jacobson
does wrong to <a href="https://reason.com/archives/2017/11/10/a-professor-whose-renewable-energy-claim">sue the lead author</a> of another article which claims it
was flawed.


feed_id: 2681f893b817df18e4521a624cedbfca
title: 'Inappropriate behavior'
uri: Inappropriate-behavior
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28%27Inappropriate_behavior%27%29
content:
<p>
One UK MP has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/nov/10/labour-mp-accuses-kelvin-hopkins-of-inappropriate-behaviour">accused another</a> of "inappropriate behavior", and the article
gives us enough detail to see exactly what "inappropriate" means.
<p>
It means sending her a letter, once in a while, asking to go out with
her.  There was no pressure in them, as I see it.  On the other hand,
some might say that the high frequency of his letters — five in a
mere 20 years — constituted pressure.
<p>
The vague word "inappropriate" makes it easy to put people in the
wrong for asking for a date.  We must reject vague accusations like
that.
<p>
Aside from being a direct injustice to specific men, and sowing fear
among many more, this distortion also wrongs the many women who have
experienced rape, groping, or threats and pressure for sex.  Surely
most of those complaints are valid.  Exaggerations like this one will
undermine the response to those valid complaints.
<p>
By contrast, what he is accused of doing to another woman, rubbing his
crotch against her, went too far.  You mustn't do that to people who
have not given a direct invitation.


feed_id: a67c88b3b6d29f9a470b5eb8546f08ac
title: Fake news and 'social media'
uri: Fake-news-and-social-media
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Fake_news_and_%27social_media%27%29

content:
<p>
One aspect of the fake news phenomenon is that people circulate
articles on "social media" as a way of showing allegiance to an identity.
Whether the article is likely to be true and correct is a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/10/fake-news-social-media-current-affairs-approval">secondary
matter</a>.
<p>
The difference between what they do on "social media" and what I do on
stallman.org is that I'm not trying to win approval by demonstrating
adherence to an identity.  Also, I have some heuristics for avoiding
false claims — not perfect, but they help.
<p>
What the author says "we" do nowadays does not apply to me, and I hope
you know better than to act like that.  I post about the things I want
to tell people.  What I wish to keep private, I don't post about.
<p>
It is too bad the article falls into the confused <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">conceptual habits</a> of
referring to publications as "content" and to reading them as "consumption".
I think people think using those terms makes them sophisticated.
But that doesn't make the point invalid.


feed_id: 0d2068fb88ede387534e983aaa64b847
title: Rally for DACA
uri: Rally-for-DACA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Rally_for_DACA%29
content:
<p>
1000 immigrants who were given permission to work, under DACA, <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/09/dreamers-dream-act-protest-daca-immigration/">rallied in Washington</a> for renewal of that program.


feed_id: bff69605568d460240797aa982c6bc85
title: Effects of global heating
uri: 2017-11-13-Effects-of-global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Effects_of_global_heating%29
content:
<p>
During the past 1500 years, natural climate changes caused social upheaval.
We are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/nov/09/the-climate-has-changed-before-but-this-is-different-look-at-the-archeological-record">on the path</a> to cause heating bigger than any of those natural changes.
<p>
The effects will endanger everyone — even wealthy regions can <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/09/climate-change-ravage-rich-poor-alike-hurricane-irma-maria">encounter
devastation</a> it cannot cope with.
<p>
A rational allocation of funds to the climate danger would be to put
almost all the funds into curbing the greenhouse gas level.  (This in
addition to cutting off all subsidies to fossil fuels.)  When a region
is devastated in a way that is likely to repeat in a few years, we
need to move the population elsewhere rather than rebuild in place.
<p>
This gives us the best chance of avoiding global disaster, and that
must be our priority.


feed_id: 7553af2cac713fac584090a1df5736d6
title: Comcast campaign
uri: Comcast-campaign
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Comcast_campaign%29
content:
<p>
Comcast, which profits from an effective monopoly on internet subscriptions
in Colorado City, <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20171106/09481638554/comcast-tries-to-stop-colorado-city-even-talking-about-building-own-broadband-network.shtml">spent $200,000</a> to campaign to stop the city from
even considering the possibility.
<p>
The city needed to have a referendum to begin considering the issue
because of a Colorado law purchased by the main ISPs.  This is an
instance of how business corrupts our governments at every level.
<p>
Americans, when you see an expensive ad campaign for any political
question, I suggest you suspect that the ad campaign advocates a
course of surrender to business — so, if you're not an expert,
vote against the ad campaign.


feed_id: 4cf9df532f765c316f2ee4ba9d723282
title: If SESTA passes
uri: If-SESTA-passes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28If_SESTA_passes%29
content:
<p>
Dear Senators Portman & Blumenthal: <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20171107/10023238562/dear-senators-portman-blumenthal-what-should-blogs-do-if-sesta-passes.shtml">What Should Blogs Do</a> If SESTA 
Passes?


feed_id: c40e770a1309da4c2a4569ab92efb00d
title: Sri Lanka's prison thugs
uri: Sri-Lanka-s-prison-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Sri_Lanka%27s_prison_thugs%29
content:
<p>
Tamil men say that Sri Lanka's prison thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/nov/08/tamil-men-accuse-sri-lanka-of-rape-torture">raped and tortured</a> them
when they were prisoners.


feed_id: 535896f4f801e453bc0527fa85886efb
title: Legalized bribery
uri: Legalized-bribery
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Legalized_bribery%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/08/finance-laws-opaque-system-legalized-bribery-russ-feingold">Former senator Feingold</a>: US Campaign Finance Laws Resemble Legalized
Bribery.  We Must Reform Them.


feed_id: 2a8504cf76f478641b7ee888a12de93e
title: Medicaid work requirements
uri: Medicaid-work-requirements
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Medicaid_work_requirements%29
content:
<p>
The troll's Saboteur of Medicaid wants to encourage states to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/07/twisted-push-trump-admin-encourages-states-impose-work-requirements-medicaid">impose
work requirements</a> on their Medicaid programs.
<p>
Based on the UK's example, we can expect that these work requirements
will be enforced in an intentionally error-prone way that errs in the
direction of cutting people off.


feed_id: 269dc6df98b5c8703eea704c1c206eb5
title: Dismantling regulation
uri: Dismantling-regulation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Dismantling_regulation%29
content:
<p>
The bully is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/07/donald-trump-dismantling-american-administrative-state">dismantling</a> the regulatory part of the US government,
endangering the safety, health, and welfare of all Americans.


feed_id: 766d175c7fd9d46212db0698013ee8f4
title: Tolerating rape
uri: Tolerating-rape
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Tolerating_rape%29
content:
<p>
Some men that don't commit rape do encourage or tolerate rape,
and that is a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/06/good-guys-and-bad-guys">substantial part</a> of the problem.
<p>
I agree with the overall point of the article, but I should make
a few points.

<ul>
<li>What "be a man" implies for me is a call to exercise <em>self</em>-control
and carry out your responsibilities.</li>

<li>From what I have read, sex workers generally expect to negotiate in
advance which service they will perform.  The price may depend on
this, and each sex worker typically sets limits.</li>

<li>From what I have read, the people that are sexually stimulated by
pornography featuring women in situations that depict rape-like acts
are mainly women.</li>
</ul>


feed_id: 2daf37ece5a999e3d3ea985959d9a977
title: Tax dodging
uri: 2017-11-13-Tax-dodging
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Tax_dodging%29
content:
<p>
Tax dodging is corruption and it makes <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/07/end-offshore-games-democracy-die-paradise-papers">democracy rotten</a>.
<p>
Tax Avoidance May Be Legal But It's <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/07/paradise-papers-bankrupt-social-order-tax-avoiders">Bankrupting</a> Our Social Order.


feed_id: a25dd4a9615fc3c61f0bbde9fc03031c
title: Tillerson's tax dodging
uri: Tillerson-s-tax-dodging
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Tillerson%27s_tax_dodging%29
content:
<p>
Tillerson, during his career at Exxon, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/06/probe-demanded-after-wilbur-ross-rex-tillerson-implicated-paradise-papers">was the manager</a> of two different
offshore subsidiaries that were set up for tax dodging.


feed_id: aeeb2259330459a6682f0e71bb68e881
title: Very urgent: sentencing reform
uri: Very-urgent-sentencing-reform
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Very_urgent%3A_sentencing_reform%29

content:
<p>
Citizens of Massachusetts: <a href="https://ssl.capwiz.com/aclu/issues/alert/?alertid=79110626&type=ST&ms=web_171113_aff_MA_">tell your state rep</a> to support sentencing
reform and reject increases in government surveillance.


feed_id: cca523d47e66aa750702117686b57597
title: Urgent: tax cuts for the rich
uri: Urgent-tax-cuts-for-the-rich
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_tax_cuts_for_the_rich%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/call/Stop_Trump_Tax_Plan_keyRcalls/">phone certain Republican congresscritters</a> to oppose
even one penny of tax cuts for rich people and rich corporations.


feed_id: 0aec4fd8a8285d99213bd045fcd14db3
title: George Blake
uri: George-Blake
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28George_Blake%29
content:
<p>
George Blake <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/11/george-blake-russian-spies-must-save-world-from-nuclear-hell">became a Russian spy</a> after he saw how the US Air Force
bombed civilians all across North Korea.
<p>
I can understand the feelings that this must have inspired.  However,
I know that the Communist regimes have often done even worse things.


feed_id: 0adb5804acea128371d346d6fa8a96dd
title: Dem Party reforms
uri: Dem-Party-reforms
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Dem_Party_reforms%29
content:
<p>
Sanders calls for <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/09/bernie-sanders-calls-dnc-chair-tom-perez-implement-findings-unityreformcommission">specific reforms</a> in the Democratic Party.


feed_id: 014d68a2303244e14b80ff2bba9827c7
title: Hunter-gatherers
uri: Hunter-gatherers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Hunter-gatherers%29
content:
<p>
Hunter-gatherers developed a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/10/resisting-trump-five-tips-hunter-gatherer-playbook">finely-honed system</a> for discouraging man
from thinking they were superior to the rest of the band.  We have
forms of the same mechanisms, but we don't use them as effectively as
our ancestors did.


feed_id: eb2c770d98950c820d04ebd9f3edb0bc
title: Puerto Rico schools
uri: 2017-11-14-Puerto-Rico-schools
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Puerto_Rico_schools%29
content:
<p>
Business privatized New Orleans schools after the hurricane there, and
it was a disaster.  Now they plan to do <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/10/making-puerto-rico-new-new-orleans-steal-schools-and-give-them-big-business-run">the same thing</a> in Puerto Rico.
<p>
Teachers protested peacefully, demanding that the imposed government
reopen schools whose buildings are sound.  The imposed government
arrested them.


feed_id: 04b819b8009d69e64735fad8553c07fd
title: Tarpaulins in Puerto Rico
uri: Tarpaulins-in-Puerto-Rico
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Tarpaulins_in_Puerto_Rico%29
content:
<p>
FEMA has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/10/hurricane-maria-puerto-rico-relief-effort-tarps-roofs">failed to hand out</a> tarpaulins in Puerto Rico to cover the tops
of the buildings whose roofs were torn off by the hurricane.


feed_id: fd576ca9b9994cd42f9a460f80604ddd
title: Shorter winters
uri: Shorter-winters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Shorter_winters%29
content:
<p>
Winter in New Zealand is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/10/new-zealands-winter-shorter-by-a-month-over-100-years">1 month shorter</a> nowadays than it was 100
years ago.  This can knock everything out of whack.
<p>
The US has changed the same way.


feed_id: fa86265c2021ea2d96357c73b52afd95
title: Punishing poor debtors
uri: Punishing-poor-debtors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Punishing_poor_debtors%29
content:
<p>
America's Cruel Way to Punish Poor Debtors: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/10/america-punish-poor-debtors-drivers-license-suspension">Take Away</a> Their Driver's License.
This can mean a life sentence to debt bondage.


feed_id: c8a3eb3ff9f40f584acbc66578906960
title: Greenhouse gas lawsuits
uri: Greenhouse-gas-lawsuits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Greenhouse_gas_lawsuits%29
content:
<p>
Young people are now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/10/can-direct-democracy-offer-a-third-way-to-meet-the-climate-challenge">suing to stop</a> greenhouse gas emissions
in several countries.


feed_id: 4fb1ec1025185d049b9c1f25db4f9c2c
title: US event at Bonn
uri: US-event-at-Bonn
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28US_event_at_Bonn%29
content:
<p>
The US is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/10/us-switches-focus-of-its-bonn-event-from-clean-energy-to-fossil-fuels">running an event</a> at the Bonn climate conference — to promote
fossil fuels and nuclear power.


feed_id: 79274a8247969aa1f25abc77814610ed
title: Neonicotinoids
uri: 2017-11-14-Neonicotinoids
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Neonicotinoids%29
content:
<p>
Increasing evidence shows that neonicotinoid pesticides endanger
pollinators.  A Tory minister now says he will further <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/09/uk-will-back-total-ban-on-bee-harming-pesticides-michael-gove-reveals">restrict their use</a>
and supports an EU-wide ban on using them outside of greenhouses.
<p>
US officials show no sign of understanding this.


feed_id: 7572e551545b9f5eaf941011e35a5eaf
title: Urgent: Domestic violence and guns
uri: Urgent-Domestic-violence-and-guns
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#14_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Domestic_violence_and_guns%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on your congresscritter and senators to <a href="http://act.everytown.org/sign/Protect-domestic-violence-and-stalking-victims-act-2017/">co-sponsor
S. 1539</a>, which would ban those convicted of domestic violence from
buying or owning guns.


feed_id: 224b15477f95d584bc5a671bb6f0fbd0
title: Urgent: Medical marijuana
uri: Urgent-Medical-marijuana
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#14_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Medical_marijuana%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://engage.drugpolicy.org/secure/deadline-protect-medical-marijuana-sessions">call on Congress</a> to renew the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer amendment
whereby the US government does not interfere with medical marijuana legalized
by states.


feed_id: 3455daae71a650995a9e922a377f6bfd
title: Manus Island refugees
uri: 2017-11-14-Manus-Island-refugees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#14_November_2017_%28Manus_Island_refugees%29
content:
<p>
Manus Island Police Begin <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/10/secret-footage-reveals-squalor-inside-closed-manus-detention-centre">Destroying Shelters</a> Housing Refugees.


feed_id: 318e14f09696a74ad1a0cb25cfff8042
title: Rohingya children
uri: Rohingya-children
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#14_November_2017_%28Rohingya_children%29
content:
<p>
1/4 of the Rohingya children that fled to Bangladesh are so malnourished
that they are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/nov/10/rohingya-kids-starvation-health-crisis-unimaginable-scale-malnutrition-myanmar-bangladesh">likely to die</a> from it.


feed_id: cdced1e2ffd3e427a41c8c085aa9ff01
title: Regulate Facebook and Google
uri: Regulate-Facebook-and-Google
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#14_November_2017_%28Regulate_Facebook_and_Google%29
content:
<p>
Let's regulate Facebook and Google's addictive technology, especially
now that it <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/11/facebook-google-public-health-democracy">threatens</a> privacy and democracy.
We can impose requirements on such business to protect society's needs.
<p>
Their pressure is like a current that is hard to swim against, but you
can swim perpendicular to the current and get out of it.  You can
come do as I do, getting your news and political commentary from
other sites.  Facebook and Google collect no data from me.


feed_id: 7c34ec76c579d5fed8211b39a0678ed0
title: Egypt disappearings
uri: Egypt-disappearings
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#14_November_2017_%28Egypt_disappearings%29
content:
<p>
Egypt is arresting people and disappearing them; often that means
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/11/egypt-war-on-terror-extrajudicial-killings/">killing them</a>.


feed_id: d1877d8fadcb64ea5bd47f7f19970428
title: Copyright in Estonia
uri: Copyright-in-Estonia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#14_November_2017_%28Copyright_in_Estonia%29
content:
<p>
Estonia's new <a href="https://edri.org/new-estonian-presidency-compromise-creates-copyright-chaos/">copyright "compromise"</a> takes the extreme repression from
France and Spain and calls it a "compromise".


feed_id: 480f609d35784d3c5a12e73feb351859
title: Other US delegation to Bonn
uri: Other-US-delegation-to-Bonn
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#14_November_2017_%28Other_US_delegation_to_Bonn%29
content:
<p>
US climate activists, representing states and cities, asked to be admitted
to the Bonn climate conference as an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/11/alternative-us-group-honouring-paris-climate-accord-demands-seat-at-the-table-bonn">alternative</a> US delegation.
<p>
The conference ought to recognize that the official US delegation is there
only for sabotage, and expel it.


feed_id: 6c8e8f6f40dd72d7f2ccfd403bbb8b61
title: Replicability in science
uri: Replicability-in-science
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#14_November_2017_%28Replicability_in_science%29
content:
<p>
Some fields of science have sunk to such low quality of research that
most of the published results fail to replicate.  For the sake of
knowledge we <a href="https://theconversation.com/sciences-credibility-crisis-why-it-will-get-worse-before-it-can-get-better-86865">need to fix this</a>.


feed_id: 26465bfa8e0120f7354f185e225679d6
title: Employer reviews
uri: Employer-reviews
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#14_November_2017_%28Employer_reviews%29
content:
<p>
A secret appeals court decision ordered a site to <a href="https://cdt.org/blog/anonymous-speech-online-dealt-a-blow-in-us-v-glassdoor-opinion/">identify the employees</a> that
posted reviews of a certain employer.
<p>
The motive is a good one — that employer is facing a criminal
investigation — but the danger that employees will be identified
to employers they criticize threatens to chill the system entirely.


feed_id: 4e713977658568bd078b0f5bbeeeecd9
title: Trolls and the troll's recording
uri: Trolls-and-the-troll-s-recording
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#14_November_2017_%28Trolls_and_the_troll%27s_recording%29

content:
<p>
Russian trolls <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/ap-exclusive-russia-twitter-trolls-deflected-bad-trump-news/2017/11/09/cab7945c-c560-11e7-9922-4151f5ca6168_story.html">worked to distract</a> Americans' attention from the troll's
"grab their pussies" recording.


feed_id: a426a8e483537103e20079c46af9274e
title: Wishing for rape
uri: Wishing-for-rape
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#14_November_2017_%28Wishing_for_rape%29
content:
<p>
UK thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/nov/09/police-officers-sacked-at-risk-teenager-avon-somerset-vulnerable-boy">were fired</a> for expressing their frustration by suggesting
that they wished a troubled adolescent would be raped.


feed_id: 76414997c6103271c403a2cddd794088
title: dooH niboR and violence
uri: dooH-niboR-and-violence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#14_November_2017_%28dooH_niboR_and_violence%29
content:
<p>
If the rich elite keep grinding most people into poverty through <a href="/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a>,
it is likely to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/09/best-times-worst-times">lead to violence</a> against them.
<p>
We must add this to global heating, which will continue leading to
violence &mdash the only uncertainty is whether any of the world will
escape that violence.


feed_id: d47ad834e4328e5d76db30e4f791ed9b
title: Drilling in Alaska
uri: Drilling-in-Alaska
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#14_November_2017_%28Drilling_in_Alaska%29
content:
<p>
The saboteurs want to drill for fossil fuels <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/09/drilling-drilling-everywhere">all around Alaska</a>.


feed_id: c03b5bdbd3308c9647c2bd32aec24999
title: Fawning to China
uri: 2017-11-15-Fawning-to-China
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_%28Fawning_to_China%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#trump">The troll</a>'s fawning to China was acknowledged with a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/10/chinese-media-hails-success-of-trumps-pilgrimage-to-beijing">pat on the head</a>.


feed_id: 8cfb6076848c0b02cf11663c1ae08334
title: Urgent: Council on Environmental Quality
uri: Urgent-Council-on-Environmental-Quality
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Council_on_Environmental_Quality%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/reject_hartnett_white">oppose the nomination</a> of a saboteur to head the Council
on Environmental Quality.


feed_id: 7a0cee4f02b9431a9d3a87cf6313ab2b
title: Urgent: Marijuana for veterans
uri: Urgent-Marijuana-for-veterans
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Marijuana_for_veterans%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://engage.drugpolicy.org/secure/its-time-congress-pass-carers-act">call on Congress</a> to let veterans have medical marijuana.


feed_id: 9ad2de57ebfd5f19d1a2df9b7869a245
title: Polish Independence Day
uri: Polish-Independence-Day
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_November_2017_%28Polish_Independence_Day%29
content:
<p>
Polish President Condemns <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/13/polish-president-condemns-far-right-scenes-at-independence-day-march">Far-Right Scenes</a> at Independence Day March.


feed_id: fe697d306f720622e76c4bf60dad74b2
title: Donald Trump Jr. and Wikileaks
uri: Donald-Trump-Jr-and-Wikileaks
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_November_2017_%28Donald_Trump_Jr._and_Wikileaks%29

content:
<p>
Donald Trump Jr. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/13/donald-trump-jr-communicated-with-wikileaks-during-final-stages-of-election">asked Wikileaks</a> to help the troll's campaign, and Wikileaks
responded by begging for some sort of deal.


feed_id: b2dc878405ccb77ee41713ff3b96e5b5
title: Hypothetical UK-US treaty
uri: Hypothetical-UK-US-treaty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_November_2017_%28Hypothetical_UK-US_treaty%29
content:
<p>
The UK government wants <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/11/13/britain-faces-ttip-steroids-us-trade-talks-begin-campaigners-warn">parliament to approve</a> a hypothetical future
business-supremacy treaty with the US in advance, regardless of what
the threaty might say.


feed_id: 0998981ca45c5a4773fb6d229e2757c4
title: Thug hand signals
uri: Thug-hand-signals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_November_2017_%28Thug_hand_signals%29
content:
<p>
LA thugs have worked out a system of hand signals so they can plant evidence
undetected by the mikes on body cameras.  Then, just once, <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/11/10/1714613/-LAPD-body-cam-video-shows-officers-planting-drugs-on-a-suspect?detail=emaildkre">they tripped up</a>
and were caught.
<p>
These uniformed thugs are a menace to society.  For our safety,
we must prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.


feed_id: 1b0cbdae1ab14fcd1922ace315ff1737
title: Sex toy recording
uri: Sex-toy-recording
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_November_2017_%28Sex_toy_recording%29
content:
<p>
A remote-control sex toy was found to make <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2017/11/10/16634442/lovense-sex-toy-spy-survei">audio recordings</a> of the
conversation between the two users.


feed_id: 08f80a6ac47650a8bd224e59ece407a4
title: Surveillance ads
uri: Surveillance-ads
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_November_2017_%28Surveillance_ads%29
content:
<p>
If someone is served ads by phone from the major advertising networks,
it is <a href="https://www.washington.edu/news/2017/10/18/for-1000-anyone-can-purchase">easy to buy ads</a> that will tell you when that person goes to a
certain place and how that person uses apps.


feed_id: a9a1797703fcdf6018adc66d3505b5df
title: Info from Facebook 'like'
uri: Info-from-Facebook-like
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_November_2017_%28Info_from_Facebook_%27like%27%29

content:
<p>
A single "like" on Facebook can give <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/nov/13/facebook-likes-targeted-advertising-psychological-persuasion-academics-research">substantial information</a>
about the used who clicked on that.


feed_id: 7335f0d141b78a2813ab8d5c4416c958
title: Saboteur of Health
uri: 2017-11-16-Saboteur-of-Health
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_November_2017_%28Saboteur_of_Health%29
content:
<p>
The troll's nominee for Saboteur of Health is a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/13/trump-nominates-ex-drug-company-executive-as-new-health-secretary">pharma executive</a>.


feed_id: 9d7c02566241e8c42a5abf14b1f03280
title: Activists for Palestinians
uri: Activists-for-Palestinians
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_November_2017_%28Activists_for_Palestinians%29
content:
<p>
Scottish activists for Palestinians <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/13/scottish-police-thwarted-palestinian-activists-right-to-protest-in-peace">vindicated</a> by a ruling
that thugs unjustly impeded their peaceful protest.


feed_id: abdc4429bc25d627815d6e1ad395cb47
title: Fossil fuel investments
uri: Fossil-fuel-investments
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_November_2017_%28Fossil_fuel_investments%29
content:
<p>
Pension funds should swear off fossil fuel investments, and some <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/public-leaders-network/2017/nov/13/southwark-council-pension-fund-divesting-12bn-from-fossil-fuels">have done so</a>.


feed_id: bdecacff6ca0dd0d2106c7e7e7e10d0e
title: Conservative governments
uri: Conservative-governments
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_November_2017_%28Conservative_governments%29
content:
<p>
Conservative Governments <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/13/conservative-governments-kill-people-health-disability-benefits-prisons">Really Do Kill People</a>.
<p>
In the UK, this comes to tens of thousands of people.


feed_id: 4ff61e58361adeae32258e9da4e975e1
title: Refugees on Manus and Nauru
uri: Refugees-on-Manus-and-Nauru
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_November_2017_%28Refugees_on_Manus_and_Nauru%29
content:
<p>
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights says Australia must <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/10/australia-should-bring-manus-and-nauru-refugees-to-immediate-safety-un-says">bring
refugees to Australia</a> from Manus and Nauru.
<p>
<a href="http://www.ohchr.org/EN/AboutUs/Pages/WhoWeAre.aspx">Information</a> on that organization.


feed_id: 9d8d22ea6972aee69e6c8de830231c3f
title: Destroying world wonders
uri: Destroying-world-wonders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_November_2017_%28Destroying_world_wonders%29
content:
<p>
From the Everglades to Kilimanjaro <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global%20heating">Global Heating</a> Is Destroying
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/13/from-the-everglades-to-kilimanjaro-climate-change-is-destroying-world-wonders">World Wonders</a>.


feed_id: 664bf7944e51274e0210e47f6c835c07
title: UK welfare cuts
uri: 2017-11-16-UK-welfare-cuts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_November_2017_%28UK_welfare_cuts%29
content:
<p>
The latest UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/housing-network/2017/nov/13/benefit-cap-mother-50p-week-housing-families-foodbanks">veiled welfare cuts</a> are pushing many families into losing
their homes or going without food.
<p>
You shouldn't have a third baby, or a first baby, if you would need
public assistance to take care of it.  However, punishing children for
being born in such families makes no sense, either in terms of justice
(the children didn't choose) or in terms of future well-being (making
them grow up stunted, physically or mentally, is bad for society as well
as for them personally).  Discouraging burdensome reproduction has to
be done in other ways.


feed_id: 274c315d8255a1e2be5d70ec2b4a1646
title: UK austerity
uri: 2017-11-16-UK-austerity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_November_2017_%28UK_austerity%29
content:
<p>
Many Britons will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/13/austerity-britain-free-movement-causes-more-pain-brexit-the-cure-for-many">demand exit</a> from the EU as long as UK austerity
leaves them at a disadvantage compared with workers coming from other
EU countries.
<p>
The root of this problem is that the EU favors business, on the
balance, over workers.  In an imaginary labor shortage, a Europe-wide
labor market could pressure businesses to compete to offer high wages
and benefits, but in the real circumstances the effect is to help
businesses push wages down.


feed_id: f61e4b80baf991b688269127b444f8b6
title: Polish neo-Nazis
uri: Polish-neo-Nazis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_November_2017_%28Polish_neo-Nazis%29
content:
<p>
Polish neo-Nazis call for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/13/this-weekends-march-in-poland-proves-the-far-right-isnt-going-away-without-a-fight">killing Muslims</a> and the government smiles.


feed_id: 9d8c5a63aafbfb0bfe4995f54627a603
title: Blocking pipelines
uri: Blocking-pipelines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_November_2017_%28Blocking_pipelines%29
content:
<p>
Cities in the Pacific Northwest are <a href="https://thinkprogress.org/northwest-communities-fossil-fuel-infrastructure-bans-0a4a9b1dbf85/">using zoning laws</a> to block fossil
fuel pipelines.


feed_id: 058f0569bca21e4410b0f65972b12671
title: Limiting firearms
uri: Limiting-firearms
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_November_2017_%28Limiting_firearms%29
content:
<p>
The US needs to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/12/hand-over-your-weapons">limit ownership</a> of some kinds of firearms and take
them away from people.


feed_id: 076d64c85cc4aa69a84a85c41cb437b1
title: Byrd rule
uri: Byrd-rule
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_November_2017_%28Byrd_rule%29
content:
<p>
The SCROTUS tax attacks run afoul of <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/11/10/1714439/-Both-Senate-and-House-tax-bills-bust-the-Byrd-Rule-can-t-pass-without-Democratic-support?detail=emaildkre">the "Byrd rule"</a> which requires
60 votes in the senate for a law that would cause a lasting increase
in the spending deficit.
<p>
It is ironic that this rule was imposed by Republicans who like to use
the deficit as a tool to cut spending programs that help non-rich
Americans.  Their concern about the deficit evaporates when it comes
to helping rich people.


feed_id: c94bc4313c7af68dbbe6a21a7ccf2eb1
title: Littering and deportation
uri: Littering-and-deportation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#15_November_2017_%28Littering_and_deportation%29
content:
<p>
Since refugees in Britain are kept destitute, even a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/nov/12/how-dropping-cigarette-butt-left-asylum-seeker-facing-risk-of-deportation">fine for littering</a>
can cost more money than they have, and result in their being convicted of the
crime of nonpayment, leading to their deportation.
<p>
It's like the US money machine that squeezes fines out of poor people
for <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#10_October_2017_(Alabama_voting_laws)">being too poor</a> to pay fines.


feed_id: 0e75786060c9af4d58938f7c8d944cd8
title: Urgent: REI staff raise
uri: Urgent-REI-staff-raise
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_REI_staff_raise%29
content:
<p>
Everyone: call on REI to
<a href="https://www.coworker.org/petitions/adopt-target-s-starting-pay-of-15-hour-store-wide-by-2020-because-we-re-worth-it-1/?rd=1&source=em-171110-full-rei-sbj1&t=1002">
give its staff a raise to $15 an hour.
</a>


feed_id: 2db506da1a218a881bdae47ab70bff60
title: Greenpeace suing Norway
uri: Greenpeace-suing-Norway
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Greenpeace_suing_Norway%29
content:
<p>
Greenpeace is suing Norway for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/14/norway-sued-over-arctic-oil-exploration-plans">
plans to explore the Barents sea for oil.
</a>


feed_id: 00b3c8dadb39e9fe1c315a64a784f06d
title: Tar sands
uri: 2017-11-16-Tar-sands
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Tar_sands%29
content:
<p>
Don't be fooled by Canada's green rhetoric:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/14/canadas-shameful-environmental-secret-tar-sands-tailings-ponds">
tar sands mining is the
worst of the worst,
</a>
combining CO2 pollution and toxic pollution.


feed_id: 370ca266f6ce224c2d7b730c266d918b
title: A world of robots
uri: A-world-of-robots
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28A_world_of_robots%29
content:
<p>
We need to work out
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/14/post-work-world-age-of-robots-social-contract-jobs-artificial-intelligence">
how humans will prosper in a world of robots.
</a>
<p>
The example of hunter gatherers shows that people can be contented with life
without having to work very much or very hard.  But they did that in a highly
egalitarian society, with no billionaire oligarchs.


feed_id: a2f6a240c519592cd25a0fe6e39f344e
title: Limited partial Muslim ban
uri: Limited-partial-Muslim-ban
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Limited_partial_Muslim_ban%29
content:
<p>
A US appeals court allowed
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/14/trump-travel-ban-us-appeals-court-allows-partial-implementation">
a limited version of the bully's partial ban
on Muslim visitors.
</a>
<p>
It has been cut back enough that it won't often lead to gross injustice.
Miniature farm robots could deposit pesticides only on specific
infested plants.


feed_id: 05e2cbd27a67192e1290643f89196ea4
title: Weeding robots
uri: Weeding-robots
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Weeding_robots%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/14/miniature-robots-could-cut-pesticide-use-on-farms-in-future">
If this enables the use of much less pesticide, I am for that.
</a>
But that doesn't make it wise or safe to use neonicotinouds.


feed_id: 01ec83a50539f84cced126ffa1a49282
title: Americans with Disabilities Act
uri: Americans-with-Disabilities-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Americans_with_Disabilities_Act%29

content:
<p>
SCROTUS want to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/nov/14/new-law-segregate-disabled-people-rights-american-disabilities-act">
weaken the Americans with Disabilities Act.
</a>
<p>
Making it easier for businesses and harder for people in wheelchairs --
isn't that just what you'd expect from Republicans?
<p>
There was a time when I had trouble walking, due to a knee injury.
There was a time when I broke an ankle and needed to use two crutches
or else a wheelchair.  These problems of mine were temporary, but they
taught me to appreciate the importance of the ADA, for those who are
temporarily disabled and even more so for those who are permanently
disabled.


feed_id: 2cac2b1824ca4a0a8bb13302143ef411
title: Teenage criminals
uri: Teenage-criminals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Teenage_criminals%29
content:
<p>
If teenage criminals are not afraid of being jailed, they won't be
afraid of being jailed for longer.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/14/locking-up-teenage-thugs-children-cressida-dick-prison-young-criminals">
What we need to do is get them
something better than crime to live for.
</a>


feed_id: 76b1df014b75b917376e87a2d3c8e42e
title: Inauguration violence
uri: Inauguration-violence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Inauguration_violence%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/14/j20-defendants-inauguration-protest-police-foundation/">
Washington DC's "independent consultant" to investigate violence by
thugs at the bully's inauguration
</a>
appears to be insufficiently
independent of the thugs.


feed_id: a944942df2fd9261597f62d26c4450e1
title: GOP tax plan
uri: 2017-11-16-GOP-tax-plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28GOP_tax_plan%29
content:
<p>
House GOP Tax Plan Would
<a href="https://www.npr.org/2017/11/14/563879136/house-gop-tax-plan-would-hit-grad-students-with-massive-tax-hike?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=news">
Hit Grad Students With Massive Tax Hike.
</a>


feed_id: 409de3532a3e7351cbbf6f83672d67ba
title: Roy Moore rape
uri: Roy-Moore-rape
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Roy_Moore_rape%29
content:
<p>
A woman accused Roy Moore of trying to push her into sex and then
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/13/roy-moore-backers-circle-wagons-second-woman-steps-forward-assault-allegations">
threatening
to use his power as DA to silence her
</a>
if she told anyone.
<p>
On this occasion he seems to have been too slow to take no for an
answer, as the woman thought he was about to rape her.


feed_id: b39a3d605a874753ea50318c4c6acc46
title: Rape shield laws
uri: Rape-shield-laws
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Rape_shield_laws%29
content:
<p>
Roy Moore, as an Alabama judge, often
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/14/roy-moore-alabama-law-rape-victims-judge">
argued to interpret rape shield laws
laws to favor the accused rapists.
</a>


feed_id: abe7969fd8c26d07a0e63558220d468c
title: Head-stomping thug
uri: Head-stomping-thug
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Head-stomping_thug%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20171102/10282438536/cop-loses-immunity-after-shooting-headstomping-gravely-injured-suspect.shtml">
A thug shot a knife-armed man over and over,
</a>
and is being sued
by the man's relatives.  An appeals court ruled he is not entitled
to immunity.
<p>
I can understand how a person can become enraged and continue shooting
someone threatening even after that person has ceased to be dangerous.
But people should not do a job that involves carrying a gun unless
they have enough self control not to do that.  Once Zion was on the
ground, he with his knife was not an immediate threat to anyone;
Higgens should have stopped shooting immediately then.


feed_id: f3fb8f743bfd31db1f7dba24b46337a1
title: Money from investments
uri: Money-from-investments
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Money_from_investments%29
content:
<p>
The Republicans' tax attacks
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/who-wins-biggest-in-the-gop-tax-plan-the-lazy-rich/2017/11/06/0d010482-c337-11e7-84bc-5e285c7f4512_story.html">
favor people who get money from investments
over people who work for their income.
</a>


feed_id: ed711b30306f74248b50fcb694506fd4
title: UK money laundering
uri: UK-money-laundering
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28UK_money_laundering%29
content:
<p>
The UK itself has
<a href="http://www.transparency.org.uk/press-releases/revealed-britains-own-applebys/">
laws that serve great for tax dodging.
</a>


feed_id: 605d7306682f17619f104d00a1ae9910
title: TSA failure rate
uri: TSA-failure-rate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28TSA_failure_rate%29
content:
<p>
TSA employees
<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/tsa-fails-tests-latest-undercover-operation-us-airports/story?id=51022188">
fail to find weapons or bombs
</a>
a lot more than half the time
in tests.


feed_id: ef79251fb9cf80b474aa0940da9072c6
title: US oil extraction
uri: US-oil-extraction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28US_oil_extraction%29
content:
<p>
New technology will lead to a large increase in US oil extraction in
the coming decade.  This will lead to economic pressure on the US
government
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/nov/14/us-net-oil-exporter-iea-international-energy-agency">
not to "throw away the investment" by not extracting all
that oil.
</a>
<p>
Scientists forecast
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/13/over-15000-scientists-just-issued-second-notice-humanity-can-we-listen-now">
"widespread misery and catastrophic biodiversity"
</a>
if we don't cut back emissions.
<p>
Do we want to "throw away" all the investment we have made in our
civilization?  Burning the oil can do that.
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#20_February_2016_(Fight_to_keep_fossil_fuel_in_ground)">
To avoid it, we need to
leave 80% of the known reserves -- as of a few years ago -- in the
ground.
</a>


feed_id: 2399f190f39faeb1524311cd7eda8d34
title: Wikileaks' messages to Trump Jr.
uri: Wikileaks-messages-to-Trump-Jr
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Wikileaks_messages_to_Trump_Jr.%29

content:
<p>
The details of the
<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/11/the-secret-correspondence-between-donald-trump-jr-and-wikileaks/545738/">
emails between the bully's campaign and Wikileaks.
</a>


feed_id: ff40c70f9121653c3281d31a332287f1
title: $72 billion tax cuts
uri: 72-billion-tax-cuts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28%2472_billion_tax_cuts%29
content:
<p>
The tax attacks would mean
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/13/what-else-could-tax-cut-richest-1-buy">
72 billion dollars in tax cuts
</a>
for the rich in 2018.
Here are some other things the US could
do with that money.


feed_id: 1bb400875860708ed3d652cd23b3b43f
title: Enforcement-free IRS
uri: Enforcement-free-IRS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Enforcement-free_IRS%29
content:
<p>
The bully is planning to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/11/13/temporary-chief-irs-become-enforcement-free-zone">
make the IRS an unofficial enforcement-free
zone.
</a>


feed_id: c90fad84fb99bff0aa2bf28ac6d993ac
title: The Clinton Foundation
uri: 2017-11-16-The-Clinton-Foundation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28The_Clinton_Foundation%29
content:
<p>
Sessions is not planning to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/14/jeff-sessions-special-counsel-hillary-clinton">
name a special investigator for the
Clinton Foundation.
</a>


feed_id: 2d690e004a5fe16d64ef8c1e37ecb835
title: Farah Elahi Islamophobia
uri: Farah-Elahi-Islamophobia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Farah_Elahi_Islamophobia%29
content:
<p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/14/muslims-neither-good-nor-bad-human-islamophobia-britain">"Let's be clear: Muslims [viewed collectively] are neither good nor bad.  We're just human."</a></p>
</li></p>


feed_id: 72cba6668cbf62986a95573d6da03a22
title: Iran prisoner pawn
uri: Iran-prisoner-pawn
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Iran_prisoner_pawn%29
content:
<p>Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, prisoner of Iran, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/nov/14/nazanin-zaghari-ratcliffe-prisoner-pawn-two-gigantic-diplomatic-chessboards">has become a diplomatic pawn</a>.</p>
<p>I am concerned that elevating her importance to the UK might convince Iran that she is a valuable hostage for concessions.</p>
<p>I can't assume that she is innocent of the charges against her; but if Iran won't give her a fair and speedy trial, she might as well be innocent as far as justice is concerned.</p>
</li></p>


feed_id: 5e47918b9baea23f981d5fee50db3e9a
title: India retired judge corruption
uri: India-retired-judge-corruption
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28India_retired_judge_corruption%29

content:
<p>A <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/14/india-supreme-court-in-crisis-retired-judge-corruption-case-cash-for-decisions">bribery scandal</a> has hit the Indian Supreme Court.</p>
</li></p>


feed_id: 89320d473d31391970ae6fba36ca9930
title: Sessions Clinton Foundation
uri: Sessions-Clinton-Foundation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Sessions_Clinton_Foundation%29
content:
<p>Sessions is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/13/jeff-sessions-clinton-foundation-uranium-deal-special-counsel">considering appointing a special prosecutor</a> to investigate wrongdoing by the Clinton Foundation.</p>
<p>I don't find the idea inherently outrageous; the Clintons or their foundation could well have done something illegal or wrong.  However, I don't trust Republicans to do this honestly.  I expect <a href="/archives/2017-may-aug.html#25_May_2017_(Trolls_release_of_secrets_to_Russia)">they will twist the law to make mountains out of molehills</a> -- as they did with the Clinton emails.</p>
</li></p>


feed_id: 6abdc9525413541906414eb83c68ce47
title: Northern Peru global heating
uri: Northern-Peru-global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Northern_Peru_global_heating%29
content:
<p>A Peruvian farmer, whose farm faces the threat of flooding due to a melting glacier, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/14/peruvian-farmer-sues-german-energy-giant-rwe-climate-change">has sued a fossil fuel company in Germany</a> for contributing to that danger.</p>
<p>It is possible nowadays to estimate the fraction of present or likely damages due to global heating in any place that are the responsibility of any particular emitter.</p>
</li></p>


feed_id: 8abc1f21334d1be3d8a959c440945697
title: AI video surveillance
uri: AI-video-surveillance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28AI_video_surveillance%29
content:
<p>AI security systems pipe video from cameras to servers which use machine learning programs to try to recognize threats.  People worry that these <a href="https://phys.org/news/2017-11-privacy-artificial-intelligence-crimestopper.html">secret, nonfree AI programs are biased</a>.</p>
<p>A company that sends such data to someone else's server to be analyzed is <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/who-does-that-server-really-serve.html">making itself the victim of SaaSS</a> (Service as a Software Substitute).This is equivalent, in denying that company the control of its own computing, to running a nonfree program.</p>
<p>The article doesn't mention the worst threat of these systems: videos transmitted to a server can be recorded by the NSA, which makes this a very dangerous massive surveillance system.</p>
<p>Of course, we know better than to trust the NSA to be "good guys". Don't be a sucker!</p>
<p>Operating a video camera that is connected to a network, or that can make the video available other than locally, <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">should be forbidden by law except when authorized by a specific court order.</a></p>
<p>On the other hand, if the camera is locally connected to a computer that runs a free machine learning to analyze the video, and which doesn't send the video anywhere else, that seems basically legitimate as long as the program's behavior is not biased.  Given that the program is free, it will be possible to check for bias and correct it.</p>
</li></p>


feed_id: ebd69ea99d2e54048b1d539778da7f20
title: Zuma exposÃ© author facing criminal charges
uri: Zuma-exposÃ-author-facing-criminal-charges
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Zuma_expos%C3%83%C2%A9_author_facing_criminal_charges%29

content:
<p>Jacques Pauw, author of a book which accused South Africa's State Security Agency of crimes, is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/nov/13/author-of-jacob-zuma-expose-faces-criminal-charges">being prosecuted for revealing secrets</a>.</p>
<p>No word yet of any intention to investigate the crimes described in the book.</p>
</li></p>


feed_id: e1e9332de6f493a44038610dcf5f9aac
title: End global oligarchy
uri: End-global-oligarchy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28End_global_oligarchy%29
content:
<p><a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/13/lets-just-admit-it-capitalism-doesnt-work">Capitalism in its current form is totally broken</a>: mergers have nearly eliminated competition, and unmeasured externalities are bigger than the total economy that's included in markets.</p>
<p>The rich divert so much wealth into tax dodging that <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/13/why-we-need-confront-billionaires-paradise">they get most of the economic growth that occurs</a>.</p>
<p>Under these circumstances, the rest of us have no interest in economic growth.</p>
<p>Bernie Sanders: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/13/we-must-end-global-oligarchy">We Must End Global Oligarchy</a>.</p>
</li></p>


feed_id: 9e2bba45e36f37405061fb48f9bf7378
title: Paradise papers revelations
uri: Paradise-papers-revelations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Paradise_papers_revelations%29
content:
<p><a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/13/why-we-need-confront-billionaires-paradise">Why We Need to Confront the Billionairesâ Paradise.</a></p>
</li></p>


feed_id: c25b048e7430c9cb15d8bbdebeb30fa0
title: Scientists warn killer robot ban needed
uri: Scientists-warn-killer-robot-ban-needed
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Scientists_warn_killer_robot_ban_needed%29

content:
<p>Killer robots are an easier challenge than driver-less cars, say those <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/nov/13/ban-on-killer-robots-urgently-needed-say-scientists">proposing the UN set up a treaty to ban the development of the killer robots.</a></p>
</li></p>


feed_id: 75bcda4f9217fb2cac365e29777dde9a
title: Australian publisher fears China
uri: Australian-publisher-fears-China
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Australian_publisher_fears_China%29

content:
<p>A book <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/13/author-vows-book-exposing-chinese-influence-will-go-ahead-after-publisher-pulls-out">exposing Chinese lines of influence in Australia was dropped by its publisher</a> from fears that the Chinese government might sue the publisher for defamation.</p>
<p>Is Australian defamation law too lenient towards plaintiffs? Why should Australia allow foreign powers to sue in this way?</p>
</li></p>


feed_id: d8528a90b937425aaa3379584000b905
title: "American Apparel"
uri: American-Apparel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28%2522American_Apparel%2522%29
content:
<p>"American Apparel" <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/nov/12/the-new-american-apparel-claims-of-ethically-made-abroad-clash-with-reality">now makes clothing outside the US</a>.  Its new union-busting owner, Gildan, makes clothes in sweatshops that work people into the ground.</p>
</li></p>


feed_id: 9e587e47fcbeaabc0e45209ffe65ae3c
title: Evicting tenants
uri: Evicting-tenants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#17_November_2017_%28Evicting_tenants%29
content:
<p>
A landlord company has preemptively <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/nov/15/landlord-threatens-mass-evictions-ahead-of-universal-credit-rollout">prepared to evict</a> all its tenants
when impending changes in the welfare system cause many of them to
fall behind on rent.


feed_id: ec85090e8b17d9c1dd562d4ce10e641b
title: Wikileaks cause
uri: Wikileaks-cause
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#17_November_2017_%28Wikileaks_cause%29
content:
<p>
Wikileaks used to serve the cause of exposing corruption and lies.
Assange has <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/15/wikileaks-julian-assange-donald-trump-jr-hillary-clinton/">brought it down</a> to the level of corrupt lies.


feed_id: 5731daa5cb5750d9085b094c76e8dd2b
title: Electoral college bias
uri: Electoral-college-bias
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#17_November_2017_%28Electoral_college_bias%29
content:
<p>
The bias in the electoral college is <a href="https://reason.com/archives/2017/11/15/no-the-electoral-college-isnt-rigged">not specifically due</a> to small
Republican-leaning states.
<p>
That doesn't mean the electoral college doesn't slant presidential
elections.  We have seen two Republican presidents win in the
electoral college while losing the popular vote.  The only conclusion
we can draw from this analysis is that the slant isn't specifically
due to the small states.
<p>
It's possible that neither of those Republicans would have "won"
the election if not for Republican <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-sep-dec.html#12_November_2016_(The_election_was_stolen)">voter-suppression</a>.


feed_id: 49e9e923489f8f9fe2d44d0e0568f188
title: London tax protest
uri: London-tax-protest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#17_November_2017_%28London_tax_protest%29
content:
<p>
Students <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/nov/15/london-student-march-calls-for-rich-to-be-taxed-to-fund-free-education">protested in London</a> demanding higher taxes on the rich.


feed_id: 05a48efcdccbc237863295f46a2b136b
title: Ostracized woman
uri: Ostracized-woman
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#17_November_2017_%28Ostracized_woman%29
content:
<p>
A woman in London was ostracized by a religious sect; a court then
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/nov/15/court-hears-transgender-womans-appeal-over-access-to-her-jewish-children">denied her</a> the right to see her children because they might be
ostracized too if she did.
<p>
This ruling gave too much power to any group motivated to ostracize people.
If other people hurt your children because they hate you, you are not
responsible for that harm — those who do it are responsible.


feed_id: 3589fc61d9a6dd90045e7812c071899b
title: Zimbabwe coup
uri: Zimbabwe-coup
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#17_November_2017_%28Zimbabwe_coup%29
content:
<p>
A military coup has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/15/the-guardian-view-on-zimbabwe-the-crocodile-bites-mugabe">removed Mugabe</a> from power in Zimbabwe.  He will
be replaced by his former "chief enforcer".
<p>
Perhaps this means only a change in the name of the tyrant.


feed_id: d5afc129cc4099bb8c10349168e3a2c2
title: Solidarity economy
uri: Solidarity-economy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#17_November_2017_%28Solidarity_economy%29
content:
<p>
The solidarity economy is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/15/capitalism-not-only-choice">making progress</a> in the US, especially among
minorities.


feed_id: 77c5a49212c639a92184703cdd9d2a14
title: Same-sex marriage
uri: 2017-11-17-Same-sex-marriage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#17_November_2017_%28Same-sex_marriage%29
content:
<p>
Australians voted by a wide margin to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/15/australia-says-yes-to-same-sex-marriage-in-historic-postal-survey">legalize</a> same-sex marriage.


feed_id: 363f3ab52e6e9ce3da8f2a33b046a317
title: Rejecting nuclear war
uri: Rejecting-nuclear-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#17_November_2017_%28Rejecting_nuclear_war%29
content:
<p>
If the bully tries to start a nuclear war, the US military could
reject the order as illegal.  But <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/14/us-military-nuclear-weapons-strike-senate-trump">can we rely</a> on soldiers to do this?


feed_id: 2d07378bfce16e45d05205f89ce14904
title: Aggressive war
uri: Aggressive-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#17_November_2017_%28Aggressive_war%29
content:
<p>
The UK is trying to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/nov/15/uk-calls-for-greater-clarity-on-iccs-new-of-aggression">block the ICC</a> from prosecuting the crime of
aggressive war.
<p>
The motive, apparently, is to protect <a href="/glossary.html#bliar">Tony B'liar</a> from prosecution
for <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2004-jan-apr.html#29%20April%202004%20(Letter%20to%20Blair)">aggression in Iraq</a>.


feed_id: c0dfe8c7d2878cb076c2a6d21987222a
title: Legalizing drugs in Brazil
uri: Legalizing-drugs-in-Brazil
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#17_November_2017_%28Legalizing_drugs_in_Brazil%29
content:
<p>
A Brazilian supreme court judge calls for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/nov/15/brazil-must-legalise-drugs-existing-policy-destroys-lives-luis-roberto-barroso-supreme-court-judge">legalizing drugs</a> to take away the
power that drug gangs exercise.


feed_id: d6427ab431ad2c31a698d11424493317
title: Russian meddling
uri: 2017-11-17-Russian-meddling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#17_November_2017_%28Russian_meddling%29
content:
<p>
"Russia is meddling in western politics as it has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/15/russia-meddle-western-politics-putin-superpower">nothing to lose</a>."
<p>
The US and Europe could do various punishing things to Russia, if they were
united.  But what is really needed is not punishment of Russia, but rather
to pressure Russia into stopping this meddling.  However, there is no way
to make a deal with Russia that includes stopping, because there is never
clear proof that Russia is doing this.  It is always a matter of surmise
and probabilities.


feed_id: 30ef8da33396f442a09a52a5efa3ccc2
title: Immigrant plea bargains
uri: Immigrant-plea-bargains
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#17_November_2017_%28Immigrant_plea_bargains%29
content:
<p>
US prosecutors <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/15/deportations-plea-bargains-immigration/">systematically pressure</a> unauthorized immigrants to sign
away the right to ask for asylum as part of plea bargains.


feed_id: 94be5d859df1467ee77f6e50ea22ca8f
title: Fake Syria photos
uri: Fake-Syria-photos
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#17_November_2017_%28Fake_Syria_photos%29
content:
<p>
  Russia posted a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/14/russia-us-isis-syria-video-game-still">faked photo</a> to
  "prove" that the US supported <a href="/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a> in Syria.


feed_id: 54218bed26962331eea6ba8637ba7572
title: Financial deregulation
uri: Financial-deregulation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#17_November_2017_%28Financial_deregulation%29
content:
<p>
Congress has a sneaky <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/14/bank-deregulation-bipartisan-senate-equifax/">bipartisan plan</a> to reduce the regulation of some
big finance companies.
<p>
The ostensible reason is to help the smaller community banks,
but naturally it benefits the big banks more.


feed_id: 988ec1a608665c655376e2bbcff0fcd3
title: Voice control appliances
uri: Voice-control-appliances
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#17_November_2017_%28Voice_control_appliances%29
content:
<p>
Appliances that respond to voice control <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/12/love-objects/544143/">manipulate</a> people's feelings.


feed_id: fb2972c4b579164a99386368feb1a5c9
title: Americans with Disabilities Act
uri: 2017-11-17-Americans-with-Disabilities-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Americans_with_Disabilities_Act%29

content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#scrotus">SCROTUS</a> want to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/nov/14/new-law-segregate-disabled-people-rights-american-disabilities-act">
weaken the Americans with Disabilities Act.
</a>
<p>
Making it easier for businesses and harder for people in wheelchairs --
isn't that just what you'd expect from Republicans?
<p>
There was a time when I had trouble walking, due to a knee injury.
There was a time when I broke an ankle and needed to use two crutches
or else a wheelchair.  These problems of mine were temporary, but they
taught me to appreciate the importance of the ADA, for those who are
temporarily disabled and even more so for those who are permanently
disabled.


feed_id: 07ad3f8131fadcd21993506cc1df7c86
title: Enforcement-free IRS
uri: 2017-11-17-Enforcement-free-IRS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Enforcement-free_IRS%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> is planning to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/11/13/temporary-chief-irs-become-enforcement-free-zone">
make the IRS an unofficial enforcement-free
zone.
</a>


feed_id: c67e4c600af28e137c29cc843d46792a
title: Planned pipelines
uri: Planned-pipelines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#17_November_2017_%28Planned_pipelines%29
content:
<p>
Transcanada cancelled two planned pipelines in Canada. <a href="https://www.nationalobserver.com/2017/10/05/news/disappointment-and-delight-mark-death-energy-east-pipeline">Short-sighted
businesses</a> say the cancellation was a disaster.
<p>
In fact, it could help avoid disaster, but only if it reduces the
extraction of fossil fuels, especially tar sands oil.  I have a sad
suspicion that the reason for this cancellation was that Transcanada
now believes it can build the Keystone XL planet-roaster pipeline, so
it no longer needs a substitute.


feed_id: b713bf1df3fea62e7d5170eb723e6f2d
title: Weeding robots
uri: 2017-11-18-Weeding-robots
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Weeding_robots%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/14/miniature-robots-could-cut-pesticide-use-on-farms-in-future">
If this enables the use of much less pesticide, I am for that.
</a>
But that doesn't make it wise or safe to use neonicotinoids.


feed_id: 986f0a9536f0da5d370ae904efd922a8
title: Wikileaks' messages to Trump Jr.
uri: 2017-11-18-Wikileaks-messages-to-Trump-Jr
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_November_2017_%28Wikileaks_messages_to_Trump_Jr.%29

content:
<p>
The details of the
<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/11/the-secret-correspondence-between-donald-trump-jr-and-wikileaks/545738/">
private Twitter messages between the bully's campaign and Wikileaks.
</a>


feed_id: 5b5e06d99c77331d59a70e6036f94a30
title: Urgent: Reject Brett Talley
uri: Urgent-Reject-Brett-Talley
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Reject_Brett_Talley%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.pfaw.org/sign/senators-vote-no-talley/">call on the Senate</a> to reject Brett Talley, evaluated as totally
unqualified to be a US judge.


feed_id: f20e1e6776a7312572f2497987741a73
title: Urgent: Endangered Species Act
uri: 2017-11-18-Urgent-Endangered-Species-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Endangered_Species_Act%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://secure.defenders.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=3266">Oppose SCROTUS's plan</a> to exclude pesticides from the
protections of the Endangered Species Act.
<p>
Pesticides endangered bald eagles and orcas.


feed_id: cbc854bde3dfae0e53a3c642b18c82e4
title: Israel lobby in Britain
uri: Israel-lobby-in-Britain
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Israel_lobby_in_Britain%29
content:
<p>
The Israel lobby in Britain has recruited 4/5 of the Conservative MPs,
but it normally exercises its power behind the scenes.  The scandal of
Minister Patel's <a href="http://www.redressonline.com/2017/11/israel-lobby-is-slowly-being-dragged-into-the-light/">"private" visit</a> to Israel (part of lobbying her) shows
its normal practices.


feed_id: 9a4601d42abea0e11b8c7fbf70e74502
title: Visitors to Israel
uri: Visitors-to-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Visitors_to_Israel%29
content:
<p>
Israel <a href="https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5042339,00.html">refused to accept</a> a visit by members of the European Parliament
because they have considered the idea of sanctions against the
occupation and blockade of Palestine.


feed_id: 2975d60debe6f161fa2f25d4d4fb440e
title: Jewish-American leaders
uri: Jewish-American-leaders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Jewish-American_leaders%29
content:
<p>
"Jewish-American leaders are slowly beginning to understand <a href="https://972mag.com/american-jews-have-the-power-to-oppose-israels-govt-will-they-use-it/130616/">just how
vast</a> the gap is between their values and those represented by the
[extreme right-wing] Israeli government."
<p>
They are the Israeli equivalent of the bully and his supporters, but
they can do more damage because only a small minority opposes them.


feed_id: fec93efd606eec6d18f07c2e34681468
title: Anti-semitism in the US
uri: Anti-semitism-in-the-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Anti-semitism_in_the_US%29
content:
<p>
Now that real anti-semitism shows its face in the US,
Congress must resist the pressure to <a href="http://historynewsnetwork.org/article/167415">mislabel criticism</a> of Israel
as anti-semitism.


feed_id: ee918e663f147559454ef05fc725e094
title: Nuclear whistleblower
uri: Nuclear-whistleblower
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Nuclear_whistleblower%29
content:
<p>
Norway has given nuclear whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu and his wife
permission to move there.  Will Israel <a href="http://thearabdailynews.com/2017/11/01/mordechai-vanunu-big-media-and-the-big-get-the-media-didnt-get/">allow him to leave</a>?


feed_id: 5a556184911c2077eb2124799978f4a8
title: Blocked from occupied Palestine
uri: Blocked-from-occupied-Palestine
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Blocked_from_occupied_Palestine%29

content:
<p>
Israel <a href="https://www.globalresearch.ca/un-panel-sanctions-needed-against-israel-to-stop-ethnic-cleansing-of-palestine/5616477">has blocked</a> the UN Special Rapporteur from visiting occupied
Palestine, but he has condemned the apartheid occupation regime (not
using that name) and the blockade of Gaza, and endorsed sanctions (not
using that name) to pressure Israel to end these practices.


feed_id: 72fd8ae433aef45054558e7932f41dcd
title: Occupation tactics
uri: Occupation-tactics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Occupation_tactics%29
content:
<p>
Israel is exporting its <a href="https://dissidentvoice.org/2017/10/walls-and-militarized-police-how-israel-is-exporting-its-occupation-to-the-united-states/">occupation tactics</a> and systems to the US
for use by the plutocrats' occupation of poor people and racial minorities.


feed_id: 375d55fa3b8d7d8f19db4cbcc6da28ac
title: Client of Roy Moore
uri: Client-of-Roy-Moore
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Client_of_Roy_Moore%29
content:
<p>
A woman who was a client of lawyer Roy Moore says he <a href="http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2017/11/new_roy_moore_accuser_he_didnt.html">grabbed her ass</a>
as she was leaving his office.
<p>
A lawyer's consultation with a client is not a sexual encounter in
which one could tentatively take one more step.  What Moore did on
that occasion was simply wrong.
<p>
That Moore was married was irrelevant — this would have been equally
wrong if he had been single at the time.  Let's not support prudish
pressure for monogamy.


feed_id: 572ac8eece6f51e5d3674b237e1e898c
title: Reporting sexual harassment
uri: Reporting-sexual-harassment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Reporting_sexual_harassment%29
content:
<p>
Congress has set up a very inconvenient system for reporting sexual harassment,
so inconvenient it seems to be designed to discourage reports.  A <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/15/metoo-act-new-bill-aimed-combating-sexual-harrassment-capitol-hill">bill proposes</a>
to reform that.


feed_id: 1e3647142268c05ba4ad6a489ed72e27
title: Republicans and Medicaid
uri: Republicans-and-Medicaid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Republicans_and_Medicaid%29
content:
<p>
Republicans are exploring <a href="https://www.sandersinstitute.com/blog/new-medicaid-work-requirements-deny-more-care-">various excuses</a> to kick some Americans off Medicaid.


feed_id: 14ee1e51af9b6a2d7e34b7c120644be4
title: Cuts to Medicare
uri: Cuts-to-Medicare
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Cuts_to_Medicare%29
content:
<p>
GOP Tax Bill Would Trigger $25 Billion in <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/14/gop-tax-bill-would-trigger-25-billion-automatic-cuts-medicare-warns-cbo">Cuts to Medicare</a>, Warns CBO.
<p>
That's 25 billion per year.


feed_id: a900be5d732c2e5502b7e05fad9df819
title: Tax cuts for phone service
uri: Tax-cuts-for-phone-service
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Tax_cuts_for_phone_service%29
content:
<p>
AT&T said that if it gets a 3-billion-a year tax cut, it will put one billion,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/15/dont-fall-atts-billion-dollar-swindle">just once</a>, into domestic phone service.
<p>
Great deal for AT&T, bad deal for the USA.


feed_id: f935e0827f91f92cee914be3ff20edf2
title: Nordic diet
uri: Nordic-diet
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Nordic_diet%29
content:
<p>
Forget the Nordic Diet. Try their <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/15/forget-nordic-diet-try-their-tax-plan">Tax Plan</a>.


feed_id: 4cb8c5eeddabb879f596a783932101e3
title: US funds to Israel
uri: US-funds-to-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28US_funds_to_Israel%29
content:
<p>
Congress is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/15/house-dems-introduce-groundbreaking-and-much-overdue-bill-palestinian-rights">considering a bill</a> to deny Israel the use of US funds
to pay the military to mistreat Palestinian children.
<p>
That is a very narrow limitation, but it is a start.
<p>
I suppose Israel's lobbyists can defeat it, but by doing so
they will reveal what they do with US funds.


feed_id: fd3d89f3f4d28943e86e0d00e057621a
title: Permanent tax cuts
uri: Permanent-tax-cuts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Permanent_tax_cuts%29
content:
<p>
SCROTUS have now decided to make individual tax cuts <a href="https://www.npr.org/2017/11/15/564323858/senate-plan-now-makes-individual-tax-cuts-temporary-keeps-corporate-cuts-permane">expire in 2025</a>,
but the corporation tax cuts would be permanent.


feed_id: 996322e0208f7aa43fae59c5c70a9b85
title: Roy Moore letter
uri: Roy-Moore-letter
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Roy_Moore_letter%29
content:
<p>
Roy Moore's wife posted an <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/11/14/1715608/-Turns-out-that-Roy-Moore-s-50-pastor-support-letter-was-an-old-letter-that-was-fixed-up">edited version</a> of a letter of support
for the primary in August and passed it off as recent.
<p>
If Roy Moore himself were not complicit in this, it would be his obligation to
correct the falsehood.


feed_id: b5e3ad0dc389d59a9f36de12a3b09809
title: Lies from Pence
uri: Lies-from-Pence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Lies_from_Pence%29
content:
<p>
Pence, the vice-bully, <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/11/14/1715542/-Republican-Strategist-Steve-Schmidt-Goes-There-VP-Pence-is-a-Titanic-Fraud-and-Nonstop-Liar">lies repeatedly</a> about even small things.
He may not be as brash a bullshitter as the bully, but he isn't more honest.


feed_id: 827a180c1c59587b808da23003fae41d
title: Russian Twitter accounts
uri: Russian-Twitter-accounts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Russian_Twitter_accounts%29
content:
<p>
Russia used an estimated <a href="https://boingboing.net/2017/11/15/russia-used-150000-twitter-ac.html">150,000 twitter accounts</a> to send messages
of ethnic hatred before the UK's referendum about leaving the EU.


feed_id: 8fea7e9ff99f61adc0f744889334ebc6
title: GM banana variety
uri: GM-banana-variety
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28GM_banana_variety%29
content:
<p>
Researchers have used genetic modification to create a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/16/bananapocalypse-genetic-modification-may-save-12bn-industry">variety of banana</a>
that is safe from an incurable and unstoppable fungus.
<p>
I have no objection to this kind of genetic modification, assuming the
modified plant does no harm to people or wildlife — and the chance
that it would do that harm is tiny.
<p>
However, I fear it will carry devastating patent pollution
that would make it dangerous to grow other than for giant plantations.


feed_id: 610d65193748c7d6df8f537c616a4dad
title: Pakistani protesters
uri: Pakistani-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Pakistani_protesters%29
content:
<p>
Pakistani thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/15/pakistani-police-clash-with-protesters-at-anti-blasphemy-sit-in">attacked</a> sit-in protesters.
<p>
The protesters demand harsh prosecution of blasphemy — a despicable
policy because it tramples freedom of speech.  However, they too have freedom
of speech, including the freedom to peacefully advocate this policy.


feed_id: 4f555973a8ed0db9c3536b2467cef0ed
title: Annexation of Jordan Valley
uri: Annexation-of-Jordan-Valley
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28Annexation_of_Jordan_Valley%29
content:
<p>
Israel is
<a href="http://www.kibush.co.il/show_file.asp?num=76930">
evicting Palestinian shepherds
</a>
from their lands near the
Jordan River.  This could be preparation for annexing that land.


feed_id: c785f7939b5f2d51e96c4d10f174a35d
title: Jailing the poor
uri: 2017-11-19-Jailing-the-poor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28Jailing_the_poor%29
content:
<p>
The ACLU made Sherwood, Arkansas, stop its practice of
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/15/arkansas-town-agrees-criminal-justice-reform-ensure-poor-are-not-jailed">
dumping fines
and jail and more fines on poor people.
</a>


feed_id: fe7cf36f1e9a1029446801b307688893
title: Nonviolent student protest
uri: Nonviolent-student-protest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28Nonviolent_student_protest%29
content:
<p>
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/16/rensselaer-rpi-student-union-protest-free-speech/">
prosecuting students, faculty and
alumni for "trespassing"
</a>
after a nonviolent protest on campus.


feed_id: 1bf61495cb761e8f56d470e4f53861fc
title: Exploiting Human Rights Act
uri: Exploiting-Human-Rights-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28Exploiting_Human_Rights_Act%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/16/human-rights-act-tax-dodge-tax-isle-of-man-law">
The UK's Human Rights Act is being as an excuse
</a>
for various British
territories to conceal who gets the income received by front companies
established in them.
<p>
One corrective measure would be to tax income paid to foreign front
companies that don't reveal this information.  The tax can be levied
on whoever pays them either dividends or business expenses.
<p>
However, the UK should revise its human rights act so it does not
cover this issue.


feed_id: 2592e1dc22b45e8b4cdd3c00afd9a59d
title: Truth-defying discourse
uri: Truth-defying-discourse
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Truth-defying_discourse%29
content:
<p>
Truth-defying discourse means
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/17/were-in-a-post-truth-world-with-eroding-trust-and-accountability-it-cant-end-well">
anyone can claim anything,
</a>
based on
nothing but prejudice, and per influence is based on per identity
rather than on any grounds.
<p>
I won't use the term "post-truth" because that declares truth-defying discourse
the eventual victor.  I think we should continue resisting it.


feed_id: e8324fbc67f5d80fcba2d23b95206199
title: Deforestation
uri: 2017-11-19-Deforestation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Deforestation%29
content:
<p>
Deforestation in Queensland, permitted by a government bought by business,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/17/fears-for-great-barrier-reef-as-deforestation-surges-in-catchments">
is endangering the Great Barrier Reef.
</a>


feed_id: 9a4db3baa9e3d188238325416693ca93
title: Air pollution denial
uri: Air-pollution-denial
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Air_pollution_denial%29
content:
<p>
Politicians in several countries are now
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/16/modern-air-is-too-clean-the-rise-of-air-pollution-denial">
denying that air pollution
makes people sick and can kill them.
</a>


feed_id: 0bc44accc1192089afca6a3b0eb4c500
title: Session replay JS code
uri: Session-replay-JS-code
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Session_replay_JS_code%29
content:
<p>
Some web sites
<a href="https://freedom-to-tinker.com/2017/11/15/no-boundaries-exfiltration-of-personal-data-by-session-replay-scripts/">
send Javascript code to collect all the user's input
</a>
to be
able to reproduce the whole session.
<p>
If you use LibreJS, it will block that malicious Javascript code.


feed_id: 0f7de8c6c2cfd67a1e11782935716231
title: Extreme vetting software
uri: Extreme-vetting-software
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28Extreme_vetting_software%29
content:
<p>
Systems that try to do "extreme vetting" of immigrants to detect
possible terrorists will flag a large number of false positives,
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/16/trumps-extreme-vetting-software-will-discriminate-against-immigrants-under-a-veneer-of-objectivity-say-experts/">
and
they will inevitably carry out racial, ethnic and religious profiling.
</a>


feed_id: c2c3a75b3c6e3a9101bccbce30a831d8
title: Hope Not Hate
uri: Hope-Not-Hate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Hope_Not_Hate%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/16/libel-action-nigel-farage-fake-news-hope-not-hate">
Hope Not Hate sued a UK right-wing politician for libel
</a>
after he
claimed, falsely, that the organization tended to "pursue violent and
undemocratic means."
<p>
The politician was compelled to state publicly that that was not true.


feed_id: a774efb022981205d89d831c73cef78e
title: American elephant hunters
uri: American-elephant-hunters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28American_elephant_hunters%29
content:
<p>
Saboteur Zinke has undermined protection of elephants by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/16/us-to-allow-imports-of-elephant-trophies-from-zimbabwe">
allowing
American elephant hunters to bring trophy heads back to the US.
</a>


feed_id: dfcd079c642ce070f67dac518000871d
title: Drought in the Congo
uri: Drought-in-the-Congo
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Drought_in_the_Congo%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/nov/16/congo-crisis-iraq-syria-yemen-cholera-aid">
Drought and famine in the Congo
</a>
have forced 4 million people to flee.
<p>
The article says nothing about whether this relates to global heating,
but since global heating makes droughts more likely in many areas,
it is probable a priori that this is global heating at work.
<p>
As Africa's population is increasing rapidly, and global heating will
soon start reducing agricultural production, it is clear that in a few
decades Africa will not be able to feed its population.  A big decrease
in the birth rate is urgently needed to avoid mass starvation.


feed_id: 096e0a6d6608af46922b99807417aff0
title: Cambodia opposition dissolved
uri: Cambodia-opposition-dissolved
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28Cambodia_opposition_dissolved%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/16/death-of-democracy-cambodia-court-dissolves-opposition-hun-sen">
Cambodia has become a one-party state,
</a>
terminating its attempt at democracy.


feed_id: 29f1447d3415fd4d92d148ef467ca424
title: Four-day work week
uri: Four-day-work-week
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Four-day_work_week%29
content:
<p>
A four-day work week would
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/16/working-four-day-week-hours-labour">
reduce many of the problems people suffer,
</a>
including stress, lack of sleep, and isolation in the family.
<p>
Alas, this goes in the opposite direction to what plutocrats want: to knock
down wages and make poor people work long hours.


feed_id: f4ebcc9c27ce2e1b77be124be7bd3e0e
title: Roy Moore allegations
uri: Roy-Moore-allegations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Roy_Moore_allegations%29
content:
<p>
Women accuse Moore of hounding and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/15/roy-moore-allegations-alabama-high-school-student">
pressuring them for dates.
</a>


feed_id: 330f5faacd91b1860b9a740f61c31d68
title: Opium production
uri: Opium-production
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Opium_production%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/16/afghanistan-heroin-trade-trail-of-addiction-treatment-opium-helmand">
Opium production in Afghanistan has reached a record level,
</a>
and now Afghanis
are becoming heroin addicts.


feed_id: 19eed83f7540fbefc6bdd9727106c15f
title: Pence caught lying
uri: Pence-caught-lying
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Pence_caught_lying%29
content:
<p>
Pence claimed that
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/14/pence-caught-yet-another-demonstrably-false-claim-after-wikileaksdon-jr-revelations">
the bully's campaign didn't talk with Wikileaks.
</a>
  This is known to be false.
<p>
If Pence didn't know about the contacts, he should not have claimed to know.


feed_id: 47af4e0c83c3274881adf6c0ea440f33
title: $700B for weapons
uri: 700B-for-weapons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28%24700B_for_weapons%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/15/house-approves-700b-cash-cow-weapons-companies-single-payer-too-expensive">
House Approves $700B "Cash Cow for Weapons Companies"
</a>
-â But Single
Payer [Medical Care] "Too Expensive".


feed_id: ce77400b907622ad3934453b9875b02b
title: Illegal Guantanamo proceeding
uri: Illegal-Guantanamo-proceeding
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Illegal_Guantanamo_proceeding%29

content:
<p>
ACLU:
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/15/guantanamo-death-penalty-case-without-death-penalty-lawyer">
a Guantanamo death penalty case is proceeding illegally since the
defendant has no lawyer experienced in capital cases.
</a>
<p>
This is just one of several ways in which these
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2005-mar-jun.html#30 March 2005 (Military tribunal)">
"military tribunals"
</a>
are
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2008-jul-oct.html#30 August 2008 (Binyam Mohamed's defense)">
unjust.
</a>
  Every defendant deserves a real trial in a real court, fit to
separate the innocent from the guilty.
<p>
However, those who are guilty should not be executed.
<a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2011-jul-oct.html#30_September_2011_(Urgent:_Abolish_The_Death_Penalty)">
The death penalty is an injustice in itself.
</a>
<p>
Those found innocent should be freed,
<a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2009-mar-jun.html#25 May 2009 (Perpetual imprisonment)">
because imprisonment without trial
is tyranny.
</a>


feed_id: ed0c5453d32fc839bc733f9271e3bdb0
title: Civil partnership
uri: 2017-11-19-Civil-partnership
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Civil_partnership%29
content:
<p>
Along with marriage for same-sex couples,
how about civil partnership
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/17/marriage-power-property-control-australia-equality-civil-partnership">
for different-sex couples?
</a>


feed_id: 9377af72c1b21e81a3ee0b16f930ea47
title: The less you have
uri: The-less-you-have
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28The_less_you_have%29
content:
<p>
Now It's Official:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/17/austerity-minorities-women-disabled">
the Less You Have, the More Austerity Will Take from You.
</a>


feed_id: 79540fd8b55a97466a464cf42c0316dd
title: Freeing Mormon women
uri: Freeing-Mormon-women
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28Freeing_Mormon_women%29
content:
<p>
Freeing fundamentalist Mormon women from the power of the sect leader
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/nov/17/fundamentalist-mormons-sister-wives-homelessness">
should not imply evicting them from their homes and leaving them isolated
in penury.
</a>


feed_id: 388b730873cca633a2e9df39789e32b5
title: Allies against Iran
uri: Allies-against-Iran
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28Allies_against_Iran%29
content:
<p>
Israel and Salafi Arabia do not officially have diplomatic relations,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/17/israeli-military-chief-wants-closer-saudi-ties-as-iran-tensions-rise">
but in practice they are allies against Iran.
</a>
<p>
I can't see anything about Iran that justifies war, or proxy war, against it.


feed_id: b2f905e88708bbd4a65c6a652e0557b0
title: Fall of Mugabe
uri: Fall-of-Mugabe
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28Fall_of_Mugabe%29
content:
<p>
Zimbabwe:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/17/zimbabwe-was-mugabes-fall-a-result-of-china-flexing-its-muscle">
Was Mugabe's Fall a Result of China Flexing Its Muscle?
</a>
<p>
The US has done this all around the world, for instance in
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#4_September_2017_(US_support_for_the_coup_in_Honduras)">
Honduras
</a>
and
<a href="https://stallman.org/notes/2011-jan-apr.html#23 March 2011 (Haitians Boycott Election)">
Haiti,
</a>
  so it would not be surprising if China did likewise.


feed_id: 4abb72c421030125ed0d041ec7dc21c2
title: Disappeared politician found
uri: Disappeared-politician-found
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28Disappeared_politician_found%29
content:
<p>
The speaker of Indonesia's parliament has been
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/16/top-indonesian-politician-corruption-case-missing">
accused of
corruption.
</a>
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/17/indonesian-politician-disappeared-corruption-scandal-found-hospital">
He crashed his car
</a>
and was admitted to a hospital with injuries.


feed_id: 88c830fb41fa51b694fe8f33cacb03e9
title: Global fossil fuel tax
uri: Global-fossil-fuel-tax
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28Global_fossil_fuel_tax%29
content:
<p>
Activists call for a global tax on fossil fuel companies
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/11/16/over-60-groups-call-climate-damages-tax">
to pay the
costs of damage done by global heating.
</a>
<p>
Focusing on today's damage and helping today's victims is a
fundamental mistake -- the long-term damage will make today's damage
look like a pin-prick.
<p>
If a tax established for the purpose of helping today's victims is
heavy enough, it might have the effect of discouraging fossil fuel
use.  It <em>might</em> thus do the necessary long-term job; but we should
not presume it will be heavy enough to achieve that.
<p>
If not, we had better tax the fossil fuel companies based on the damage
that they <em>will</em> cause.


feed_id: c5da39dd5d3f4c3baaea55ab453cc17e
title: The bully toured Asia
uri: The-bully-toured-Asia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28The_bully_toured_Asia%29
content:
<p>
The bully toured Asia, and
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/16/trumps-new-blame-game">
fawned on tyrants and killers that seem
tougher than he is.
</a>
<p>
Note how the author of the article presented the TPP as something
unquestionably desirable.
<a href="https://stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">
Don't fall for that plutocracy!
</a>


feed_id: 1d940c4ad3826eac962767880699650f
title: Nuclear war
uri: Nuclear-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28Nuclear_war%29
content:
<p>
Stiglitz sees the bully as a kind of fascist, and fears he will
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/nov/16/joseph-stiglitz-trump-fascist-globalisation-bernie-sanders">
impose
repression or start a nuclear war.
</a>
<p>
However, Stiglitz agrees with the bully on one thing: that NAFTA is harmful.


feed_id: bbc625c806a4bdff8003e4036b4a5609
title: Urgent: US medical care
uri: Urgent-US-medical-care
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_US_medical_care%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://www.istandwithpp.org/call/healthcare">phone your senators</a> to oppose the Republican bill,
which is also designed to squeeze millions of Americans out of their
medical care.
<p>
Also object to its attempts to ban abortion.  And to tax cuts for the rich.


feed_id: 6fb8f092bc5b6e2569846d6ebee38645
title: Urgent: Charges against protesters
uri: Urgent-Charges-against-protesters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Charges_against_protesters%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on the Department of Justice to drop <a href="http://act.demandprogress.org/sign/tell-doj-drop-your-bogus-charges-against-trump-protesters/">bogus felony
charges</a> against inauguration protesters.


feed_id: 1c63194bd098ee3a138994eb80b63ea1
title: Asylum-seekers in US
uri: Asylum-seekers-in-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28Asylum-seekers_in_US%29
content:
<p>
Would-be Latin-American asylum-seekers are <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/16/immigration-asylum-seekers-denied-border-entry-lawsuit/">suing the US</a> for illegal,
dishonest and sometimes violent practices designed to deny refugees
the right to apply for asylum.


feed_id: 2249d6ef62cf3f007cad3e64ec7d6d2e
title: Assisted suicide
uri: 2017-11-19-Assisted-suicide
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28Assisted_suicide%29
content:
<p>
New South Wales's legislature came <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/17/assisted-dying-bill-fails-to-pass-by-one-vote-in-new-south-wales-upper-house">within one vote</a> of legalizing
assisted suicide, though limited to terminally ill people.
<p>
Anyone blocked from suicide by physical incapacity should have the
right to ask for help in dying.


feed_id: 9df7ff76944330ff6d802abfe04694c8
title: Franken accusations
uri: Franken-accusations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28Franken_accusations%29
content:
<p>
Senator Franken is accused of forcibly kissing a woman, and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/16/nothing-funny-about-it-sen-al-franken-accused-unwanted-groping-during-iso-tour-2006">something else</a>.
<p>
It is not clear to me what the second action consisted of.
Was it grabbing her breasts, or was it making a photo which appeared
to show him grabbing her breasts (but without actually doing so)?
<p>
I think it was the latter, because if it had been the former,
describing the action would have been simple and straightforward.
<p>
Even if she found that annoying, it was not groping.


feed_id: 6025956f3fdc92067930e2e0956d9c93
title: Bush accusation
uri: Bush-accusation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28Bush_accusation%29
content:
<p>
A woman said that Bush I <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/16/george-hw-bush-accused-groping-woman-while-president">squeezed her ass</a> as they were part of a group photo,
in 1992 when he was president and not in a wheelchair.


feed_id: 7c30877abfb018d2d4bc6c896d76450f
title: Keystone pipeline
uri: Keystone-pipeline
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28Keystone_pipeline%29
content:
<p>
The (old) Keystone pipeline has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/16/keystone-pipeline-leaks-estimated-210000-gallons-oil-south-dakota">leaked 200,000 gallons</a> of oil.
This is one reason not to build the larger Keystone XL pipeline.
<p>
The main reason not to build it is to keep oil in the ground.  To
avoid disaster we need to keep 80% of the known fossil fuel reserves
in the ground, and we may as well start with the highly polluting tar
sands oil that would be shipped through the Keystone XL pipeline.


feed_id: 9d4666580b376e2d954f6fe21c202eb5
title: Cash to poor people
uri: Cash-to-poor-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28Cash_to_poor_people%29
content:
<p>
Giving fairly small amounts of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/nov/17/aid-cash-transfers-improves-health-school-attendance-international-study">cash to poor people</a>, with no strings, turns out
to reduce illness and help children go to school.


feed_id: f7c0e38c8e9b572eaac74c4e8262a920
title: Fossil fuel companies
uri: 2017-11-19-Fossil-fuel-companies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28Fossil_fuel_companies%29
content:
<p>
The fossil fuel industry already has a lot of influence on the world
climate negotiations, but Ukraine, acting for the US, thinks that is
not enough.  It wants to invite <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/17/cop23-climate-change-ukraine-paris-agreement/">individual companies</a> to participate
directly.


feed_id: 0455a1ddb512d0d8094a34f051ffbdaf
title: Freedom of speech
uri: 2017-11-19-Freedom-of-speech
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28Freedom_of_speech%29
content:
<p>
Many dissenting views face <a href="https://reason.com/archives/2017/11/17/the-move-to-stifle-speech-on-campus-beca">being banned</a> at US universities because
others consider them "dehumanizing" of someone.
<p>
I disagree with most of those views (except those of Erika Christakis,
who advocated only freedom of expression), but I defend the right to
advocate them.  Our respect for freedom of speech is measured by our
willingness to defend the expression of views we disagree with.


feed_id: e20ca72e0d738743c6621a350b3f6020
title: Digital pill
uri: Digital-pill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28Digital_pill%29
content:
<p>
The FDA approved a pill that permits a <a href="https://www.engadget.com/2017/11/14/fda-approves-digital-pill/">radio-based system</a> to
verify that the patient took the pill.
<p>
These pills suppress the patient's liberty.  I consider them
legitimate in the special case where the patient would otherwise be
involuntarily hospitalized for psychosis.
<p>
Aside from that, it should be illegal to sell them.


feed_id: b49fe1f8f3a1bcafa909670bbb64805c
title: New Zealand PM
uri: New-Zealand-PM
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28New_Zealand_PM%29
content:
<p>
Prime Minister Ardern of New Zealand <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/17/jacinda-ardern-to-donald-trump-no-one-marched-when-i-was-elected">did not kowtow</a> to the bully.


feed_id: b7063399bb2fae4ea0b44886dddc9108
title: Norway divestment
uri: Norway-divestment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28Norway_divestment%29
content:
<p>
Norway's state investment fund is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/nov/16/oil-and-gas-shares-dip-as-norways-central-bank-advises-oslo-to-divest">considering divesting</a> from oil and
natural gas.


feed_id: 02da9c17b20fda06568901591da5b3e6
title: American elephant hunters
uri: 2017-11-19-American-elephant-hunters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#18_November_2017_%28American_elephant_hunters%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#saboteur">Saboteur</a> Zinke has undermined protection of elephants by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/16/us-to-allow-imports-of-elephant-trophies-from-zimbabwe">
allowing
American elephant hunters to bring trophy heads back to the US.
</a>


feed_id: 8e6b25b6f1e57a3ae73427ef0702ab14
title: Allies against Iran
uri: 2017-11-19-Allies-against-Iran
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28Allies_against_Iran%29
content:
<p>
Israel and <a href="/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a> do not officially have diplomatic relations,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/17/israeli-military-chief-wants-closer-saudi-ties-as-iran-tensions-rise">
but in practice they are allies against Iran.
</a>
<p>
I can't see anything about Iran that justifies war, or proxy war, against it.


feed_id: 545e6b0a9d059282951bc389d5ea377e
title: The bully toured Asia
uri: 2017-11-19-The-bully-toured-Asia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_%28The_bully_toured_Asia%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> toured Asia, and
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/16/trumps-new-blame-game">
fawned on tyrants and killers that seem
tougher than he is.
</a>
<p>
Note how the author of the article presented the TPP as something
unquestionably desirable.
<a href="https://stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">
Don't fall for that plutocracy!
</a>


feed_id: 89be859eb58a6388a40bc8dd6b504a84
title: Urgent: Antiabortionists
uri: Urgent-Antiabortionists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#20_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Antiabortionists%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/facebooks-problem-women/">Call on Facebook</a> to stop helping antiabortionists spread lies.
<p>
Even if you're not a used of Facebook, as I hope you are not, you can still
sign the petition.


feed_id: bd11f89df4ed96de8800face261d329b
title: Urgent: Jim Beam and Mila Kunis
uri: Urgent-Jim-Beam-and-Mila-Kunis
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#20_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Jim_Beam_and_Mila_Kunis%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/PPFA_Mila_Kunis/">call on Jim Beam</a> to resist the right-wing campaign against
Mila Kunis.


feed_id: 8338cbbac9efffb34e21e9143ebb4915
title: Nile water
uri: Nile-water
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#20_November_2017_%28Nile_water%29
content:
<p>
An Egyptian is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/15/egyptian-pop-singer-sherine-abdel-wahab-to-face-trial-over-nile-comments">being prosecuted</a> for saying that the water in the Nile is
not safe to drink.
<p>
I am sure that statement is true, but it is no shame to Egypt.  How
could any large river that flows past cities be safe to drink from?
<p>
What is a shame to Egypt is that it prosecutes people for stating
unpleasant facts.


feed_id: 35800b4945834eab298a60611d041d12
title: Proposed Saboteur of Health
uri: Proposed-Saboteur-of-Health
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#20_November_2017_%28Proposed_Saboteur_of_Health%29
content:
<p>
A cartel of big drug companies have driven up the price of insulin in the US
so that some diabetics can't afford it.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/17/trumps-hhs-pick-alex-azar-worst-pharma-bro-all">The executive</a> who presided over one
of the companies has now been proposed as the <a href="/glossary.html#saboteur">Saboteur</a> of Health.


feed_id: d2c89398a4dc1175ba05cc17c468d798
title: Bombardment of Yemen
uri: 2017-11-20-Bombardment-of-Yemen
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#20_November_2017_%28Bombardment_of_Yemen%29
content:
<p>
Amnesty: the USA, UK and France must stop <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/11/17/usa-uk-and-france-risk-complicity-collective-punishment-civilians-yemen">providing ammunition</a> for
<a href="/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a>'s bombardment of Yemen to avoid being guilty of war crimes.


feed_id: 94ae188b9f3c5cf972ad7201b5a2e92c
title: US bombing raids
uri: US-bombing-raids
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#20_November_2017_%28US_bombing_raids%29
content:
<p>
Independent casualty investigators say the US <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/17/investigation-reveals-us-led-bombings-iraq-kill-31-times-more-civilians-reported">discards information</a>
about bombing raids such that it is hard to investigate how many people
they killed.


feed_id: 41469952304bb2942269f6cb5fcb14eb
title: War with Iran
uri: War-with-Iran
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#20_November_2017_%28War_with_Iran%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a> is trying to push the US into war with Iran.
Why does the bully want to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/17/saudi-arabia-wants-fight-iran-last-american">support this</a>?


feed_id: f64603cad7eb5b51a63a79b221a2d3ad
title: CFPB saboteur choice
uri: CFPB-saboteur-choice
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#20_November_2017_%28CFPB_saboteur_choice%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>'s choice to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is
a saboteur who wants to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/17/giant-middle-finger-consumers-trump-looks-mulvaney-head-cfpb">destroy the agency</a>.


feed_id: 5958c89dbd168308b126443767d85347
title: Global heating cover-up
uri: Global-heating-cover-up
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#20_November_2017_%28Global_heating_cover-up%29
content:
<p>
Documenting what various fossil fuel companies knew about the danger of
global heating, and when, and how they <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/11/16/smoke-and-fumes-legal-and-evidentiary-basis-holding-big-oil-accountable">covered it up</a>.
<p>
This can provide a basis for suing them.


feed_id: 9eacc62aad558da8dcdc11691babfcdf
title: Packaging charge
uri: Packaging-charge
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#20_November_2017_%28Packaging_charge%29
content:
<p>
A small charge on plastic bags to put products in in the UK has cut
the quantity used by 85%.  Now there is interest in trying to cut the
use of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/18/uk-considers-tax-on-single-use-plastics-to-tackle-ocean-pollution">other kinds of packaging</a> as well.
<p>
The idea may not work as well for other kinds of packaging
that are put on by the store before purchase.


feed_id: d426d3032c5dc878f7ea49fcfa6ad43d
title: Poor vs rich tricks
uri: Poor-vs-rich-tricks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#20_November_2017_%28Poor_vs_rich_tricks%29
content:
<p>
Most people condemn poor people that use tricks to get a little more
benefits, even though that is likely to mean food for them or their children,
but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/15/benefit-scroungers-billions-rich-paradise-papers-tax-avoidance">excuse rich people</a> for dodging millions in taxes.
<p>
The survey was done in the UK, but I think it would be similar in the US.


feed_id: 3297b8a3237ddd5241d32bea8f6b9411
title: Consolidation rules
uri: Consolidation-rules
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#20_November_2017_%28Consolidation_rules%29
content:
<p>
The FCC has eliminated <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/16/say-goodbye-local-media-trump-fcc-opens-corporate-merger-floodgates">several rules</a> that limited radio and TV consolidation.
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#trump">The troll</a> would like to have just one media company dominating the airwaves,
and that one right-wing.


feed_id: 6524f605984d086c0049105666f37175
title: Australian doctors
uri: Australian-doctors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#20_November_2017_%28Australian_doctors%29
content:
<p>
Australian doctors implore the Australian government to allow them to
go to Manus Island and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/18/manus-island-ama-calls-on-australia-to-let-doctors-help-refugees">treat the boat people</a> Australia dumped there.


feed_id: e987f0cb540b83404d4fe7dde7551368
title: Teaching the rich
uri: Teaching-the-rich
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#20_November_2017_%28Teaching_the_rich%29
content:
<p>
Drug Traffickers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/18/paradise-papers-tax-havens-mafia-roberto-saviano">Taught the Rich</a> How to Hide Money in Tax Havens.


feed_id: 83c84a9acff2cae1830be2b480df5da9
title: School shooter drills
uri: School-shooter-drills
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#20_November_2017_%28School_shooter_drills%29
content:
<p>
School <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/18/school-shootings-security-industry">"security" drills</a> with imitation killers shooting imitation
guns occasionally protect some students, but they expose millions of
students experiences that can traumatize them.
<p>
The last thing parents should ask for is a thug in the school to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-jan-apr.html#23_January_2013_(US_school-to-prison_pipeline)">arrest their children</a>.


feed_id: 0d7bd61a124b73dc709dbffff7e547f9
title: CFPB under attack
uri: CFPB-under-attack
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#20_November_2017_%28CFPB_under_attack%29
content:
<p>
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has been a model, showing how
a government regulator can protect the public.  Naturally, plutocratist
politicians <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/18/wall-street-wants-to-kill-the-agency-protecting-americans-from-financial-scams/">have been fighting</a> to make it ineffective.


feed_id: 5a142c3da42030fafc46b3cbbe02f21c
title: Payday loan lenders
uri: Payday-loan-lenders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#20_November_2017_%28Payday_loan_lenders%29
content:
<p>
Senator Warner, plutocratist Democrat, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/payday-lenders-democrats_us_5a0a211ee4b0bc648a0d5325">proposes to deregulate</a> payday
loan lenders.


feed_id: bac089f7cb815d586d068ccfc86346fb
title: Publishing in video
uri: Publishing-in-video
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#20_November_2017_%28Publishing_in_video%29
content:
<p>
There may be a crash in commercial digital publication, and its visible form
is conversion from <a href="http://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/theres-a-digital-media-crash-but-no-one-will-say-it">text to video</a>.
<p>
For me, publishing in video means effectively disappearing.
<p>
I can't access most video over the internet, because the sites make it
depend on nonfree Javascript code; but we can fix that by developing
extensions to work around the problem.
<p>
But even when there is no technical obstacle, there is always
the inherent drawback of video: it takes too long!  You can't skim over the
uninteresting parts of a video.  You have to slog through it.
<p>
I will do this, once in a while, when I think something is very
interesting.  Otherwise, I reject it straight off.


feed_id: 78923862c43633e3da63b1c48a3e90a1
title: Fossil fuel divesting
uri: Fossil-fuel-divesting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#20_November_2017_%28Fossil_fuel_divesting%29
content:
<p>
Some major European <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/15/growing-number-of-global-insurance-firms-divesting-from-fossil-fuels">insurance companies</a> are divesting from fossil fuels.


feed_id: bbdeadbcf118c47459ce68cbc54f6847
title: Guns in the US
uri: Guns-in-the-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#20_November_2017_%28Guns_in_the_US%29
content:
<p>
More than half the guns in the US belong to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/15/the-gun-numbers-just-3-of-american-adults-own-a-collective-133m-firearms">3% of the population</a>.


feed_id: c580244da50ff63bbe592fea0245cfed
title: Laws against prostitution
uri: Laws-against-prostitution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#20_November_2017_%28Laws_against_prostitution%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://reason.com/archives/2017/11/15/legalize-sex-work">A lawsuit</a> in California challenges the legitimacy of laws against
prostitution.
<p>
Once, as an aside in a discussion of some other issue, someone used
the old euphemism "selling your body".  I asked, "If you sell your
body, do you die?  Do you have to find another body to inhabit?"
<p>
It is a mistake to refer to sex work as "selling" one's body, or even
"renting" it.  (There are science fiction stories in which people do
rent out their bodies for others to operate, but that is not possible
today.)  Sex work is a kind of service.
<p>
I don't use that service because sex, for me, is no good unless it is
part of an affectionate relationship.  I don't need that relationship
to be monogamous or permanent, but I need to feel confident that it
will continue for a while.  I could hardly persuade myself that a
prostitute was making love with me from her affection and desire for
me, so the service doesn't interest me.
<p>
These attitudes of mine are no reason for me to disapprove of the
customers of sex workers.


feed_id: 65a063e13d195d12c24902cee0cdb954
title: Aung San Suu Kyi
uri: Aung-San-Suu-Kyi
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#20_November_2017_%28Aung_San_Suu_Kyi%29
content:
<p>
Aung San Suu Kyi <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/nov/15/aung-san-suu-kyi-complicit-in-rohingya-ethnic-cleansing-in-myanmar-mps-told">is complicit</a> in the atrocities against the Rohingya.
<p>
People told me that that was her attitude when I visited Burma in 2015.
At the same time, the military's power was quite visible.


feed_id: 50c43397b4c7dc786b52732930c2766c
title: Urgent: Fire Wilbur Ross
uri: Urgent-Fire-Wilbur-Ross
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Fire_Wilbur_Ross%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/wilbur_ross">call for firing</a> Saboteur of Commerce Wilbur Ross.


feed_id: c552ddb62fa4be883fcb89a9571d32cd
title: Urgent: 'Fetal personhood' clause
uri: Urgent-Fetal-personhood-clause
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_%27Fetal_personhood%27_clause%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/TaxScam_Personhood">call on Senate Democrats</a> to defeat the "fetal personhood" clause
that <a href="/glossary.html#scrotus">SCROTUS</a> stuck incongruously into the tax bill.


feed_id: 90a5f30994be1c5603e8f24023a3f3d2
title: Palestine office
uri: Palestine-office
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_November_2017_%28Palestine_office%29
content:
<p>
The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/18/palestinians-threaten-us-washington-diplomatic-office">US is closing</a> Palestine's diplomatic office because Palestine has
called for the International Criminal Court to investigate Israel's crimes.
<p>
The only way it can be allowed to stay open is if Palestine enters
"direct and meaningful negotiations with Israel."  This is impossible
because of Israel's extreme demands for starting negotiations, and because
Netanyahu has already said he is <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#1_May_2016_(Netanyahu_has_no_wish_to_make_peace)">not interested</a>.
<p>
US claims to be interested in serious negotiations are a pretense since
serious negotiations would require applying sanctions to Israel.
<p>
Palestine's claims to be working engaged in serious negotiations are
also a pretense; those are not happening for the reasons stated above.
<p>
The ICC, if it investigates, would consider Palestinian crimes as well
as Israeli crimes.


feed_id: 8e67ca1b01cfb18d318838dd2b40a575
title: McDonalds workers
uri: McDonalds-workers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_November_2017_%28McDonalds_workers%29
content:
<p>
McDonalds workers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/nov/19/mcdonalds-strikes-industrial-action-across-britain">are striking</a> in the UK.


feed_id: f485e1c9e0fa68575d75d3ab3c8c497f
title: US foreign investors
uri: US-foreign-investors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_November_2017_%28US_foreign_investors%29
content:
<p>
The <a href="/glossary.html#scrotus">SCROTUS</a> tax attacks would give 8 billion dollars to Americans (mostly
rich Americans) and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/18/under-gop-plan-wealthy-foreign-investors-get-windfall-while-us-taxpayers-stiffed">22 billion dollars</a> to wealthy foreign investors.


feed_id: 817e380c721c085496925002139d842b
title: US in Central America
uri: US-in-Central-America
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_November_2017_%28US_in_Central_America%29
content:
<p>
US intervention <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/18/we-supported-their-dictators-led-failed-war-drugs-and-now-deny-them-refuge">built up</a> the violence that now forces thousands to flee
their homes in Central America.


feed_id: 9c4dcefca060f5f3ab232c8622e03251
title: Lobbying for oil giants
uri: Lobbying-for-oil-giants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_November_2017_%28Lobbying_for_oil_giants%29
content:
<p>
UK Trade Minister <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/19/uk-trade-minister-lobbied-brazil-on-behalf-of-oil-giants">Lobbied Brazil</a> on Behalf of Oil Giants.


feed_id: bf43dc8d4782b92fd14c2262274ec95f
title: Delegitimizing taxes
uri: Delegitimizing-taxes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_November_2017_%28Delegitimizing_taxes%29
content:
<p>
"Republicans have delegitimized taxes in order to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/17/tax-reform-have-americans-finally-wised">delegitimize government</a>."


feed_id: a089ff7d18396ba33e1f738dcf36d359
title: 'inappropriate behavior'
uri: inappropriate-behavior
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_November_2017_%28%27inappropriate_behavior%27%29
content:
<p>
A BBC TV personality has been taken off the air due to vague, unstated
accusations.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/nov/19/aled-jones-off-air-after-claim-of-inappropriate-behaviour">They don't say</a> what he allegedly did, only that someone
considered it "inappropriate".
<p>
"Inappropriate" is not concrete enough to be a valid accusation.  It
stats a judgment call on which people can disagree.
<p>
Thus, my response when someone is accused of "inappropriate behavior"
is, "Every accused deserves a concrete accusation, which has a clear
definition.  No one should be punished for a vague and insubstantial
accusation.  Those should be disregarded."


feed_id: 558c551e412a450bf64bb1b247596d80
title: Flat-Earthers
uri: Flat-Earthers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_November_2017_%28Flat-Earthers%29
content:
<p>
Flat-Earthers have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/19/the-earth-may-not-be-flat-but-it-is-possibly-doomed-fake-news">jumped on the bandwagon</a> of "Don't trust experts;
believe only what you see."  That approach entails giving up the
benefit of science and going back to the ignorance of the stone age.


feed_id: ffcdeec7417c4f7cf2f0aff5594d0b96
title: Banning assault weapons
uri: Banning-assault-weapons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_November_2017_%28Banning_assault_weapons%29
content:
<p>
Almost half of millennials <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/19/americans-millennials-assault-weapons-ban-poll">oppose banning</a> assault weapons.  Is this the
influence of video games?


feed_id: 530cc391ba16925ff62a5cae4f8627b6
title: Unpopular tax cuts
uri: Unpopular-tax-cuts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_November_2017_%28Unpopular_tax_cuts%29
content:
<p>
The GOP Has Done the Impossible: Make Tax Cuts <a href="http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/11/the-gop-has-done-the-impossible-make-tax-cuts-unpopular.html">Unpopular</a>.


feed_id: a3ada655b9b0d3981d53c043540ba2f0
title: Killed by cutbacks
uri: Killed-by-cutbacks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_November_2017_%28Killed_by_cutbacks%29
content:
<p>
A study suggests that Tory cutbacks <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/tory-austerity-deaths-study-report-people-die-social-care-government-policy-a8057306.html">killed 45,000 people</a> in Britain
between 2010 and 2014.
<p>
This doesn't count people who die because their families can't afford
food, heat, or a home.


feed_id: f884a95e233c6b9bd72a81f9cd2a190f
title: Bumper sticker in Texas
uri: Bumper-sticker-in-Texas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_November_2017_%28Bumper_sticker_in_Texas%29
content:
<p>
One driver in Texas put on a bumper sticker that curses the bully's
supporters; a right-wing sheriff <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/texas-sheriff-publicly-threatens-to-charge-driver-over-anti-trump-sticker">wants to prosecute</a> him, thus
displaying contempt for America's freedom of speech.


feed_id: 43c4f41b7fac0912fb93ea83b4a1e7c0
title: 'smart' device distrust
uri: smart-device-distrust
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_November_2017_%28%27smart%27_device_distrust%29
content:
<p>
A survey found that <a href="https://boingboing.net/2017/11/16/unsafe-at-any-speed-2.html">40% of Americans</a> distrust "smart" devices that form part
of the <a href="/glossary.html#internetofstings">Internet of Stings</a>.


feed_id: 9a73f99732d782a153f550a3ff7801bd
title: Plutocrat addiction
uri: Plutocrat-addiction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_November_2017_%28Plutocrat_addiction%29
content:
<p>
Rule by plutocratist bullies is <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/explaining-the-global-rise-of-ldquo-dominance-rdquo-leadership/">addictive to society</a>: as their
policies make life harder and more risky for most voters, many voters
want to elect a strongman (i.e., a plutocratist bully) to "protect"
them.


feed_id: 8ae869d27375b749b48dd312096e4df9
title: Money laundering
uri: Money-laundering
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_November_2017_%28Money_laundering%29
content:
<p>
The bully's hotel in Panama proved an <a href="http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/360852-trump-building-in-panama-tied-to-russian-mafia-international-crime">excellent vehicle</a> for others to
launder money.


feed_id: cf4ab9097a13c3abde3df13a0c59b16b
title: Fake-news bullshit
uri: Fake-news-bullshit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_November_2017_%28Fake-news_bullshit%29
content:
<p>
Fake-news bullshit, organized by carefully planned insidious campaigns,
is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/19/my-fear-and-fury-in-the-eye-of-the-russia-leave-storm">defeating truth</a>.


feed_id: 33c897ddc4870e38241533dc73aed516
title: Economic system fix
uri: Economic-system-fix
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_November_2017_%28Economic_system_fix%29
content:
<p>
The current economic system is badly designed, because it persistently leads
to bad results.  What would it mean <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/18/design-flaw-core-humanitys-malaise">to fix it</a>?


feed_id: 4d63c90f615a7cbae1eb6c04d1de6a90
title: Downfall of Mugabe
uri: Downfall-of-Mugabe
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_November_2017_%28Downfall_of_Mugabe%29
content:
<p>
Tens of thousands of Zimbabweans <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/18/independence-day-zimbabwe-mugabe-harare">celebrated</a> the downfall of Mugabe.
<p>
However, it may not make much difference for them except <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2017/nov/18/zimbabwe-economy-robert-mugabe-grace">which thieves</a>
are in power.


feed_id: f587bb42f9c07be1338302ab1163c11f
title: Plastic in ocean trenches
uri: Plastic-in-ocean-trenches
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_November_2017_%28Plastic_in_ocean_trenches%29
content:
<p>
Plastic has reached the deepest ocean trenches, and is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/15/plastics-found-in-stomachs-of-deepest-sea-creatures">damaging animals</a> there.


feed_id: 7ee7bfdb67708e7c84a46e4a667fe54d
title: 'Smart' watch ban
uri: Smart-watch-ban
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_November_2017_%28%27Smart%27_watch_ban%29
content:
<p>
Germany <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/nov/18/germany-bans-childrens-smart-watches-over-surveillance-concerns">Bans Children's "Smart" Watches</a> over Surveillance Concerns.
<p>
The right to privacy should be not limited to children.  We should not
allow businesses to tie important activities to snooping, thus to
pressure adults to "choose" the snooping to participate in the activities.


feed_id: aea3b8c93f89bc8342faaba8a4677645
title: Program for new mothers
uri: Program-for-new-mothers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_November_2017_%28Program_for_new_mothers%29
content:
<p>
Anti-Abortion <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/15/new-mothers-program-miechv-republicans-congress/">GOP Congress Shrugs</a> as Program That Helps New Mothers Expires.


feed_id: 789fa70f57fff520091aadde430c3eab
title: Mungo Man
uri: Mungo-Man
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#21_November_2017_%28Mungo_Man%29
content:
<p>
In a loss for science, 105 skeletons that are thousands of years old
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/16/mungo-man-headed-for-final-resting-place-four-decades-and-40000-years-on">have been "returned"</a> to an indigenous group which will bury them in a
secret location.
<p>
This skeleton was arbitrarily assigned to a specific indigenous group
because it was found on their territory.  Today's indigenous cultures
did not exist when humans entered Australia; they therefore changed,
moved, and subdivided, and some of them disappeared along the way.  It
is purely arbitrary to relate the 40,000-year-old skeleton of Mungo
Man to any specific indigenous group that existed recently.
<p>
But what if we could?  What if the skeleton were only 2,000 years old,
and reliably assigned to a people whose writings we can read?  We
would say it is for archaeologists to study and belongs in a museum.
<p>
There is no reason to let religion triumph over science just because
the corpse belonged to an indigenous person in the present-day US or
Australia.
<p>
The primary value of old human skeletons is what they can contribute
to human knowledge of the past.  They can contribute this only
through scientific study, and we should preserve them for that.


feed_id: d2e2e0ecf10725660307dfd33e489974
title: Urgent: Reject Alex Azar
uri: Urgent-Reject-Alex-Azar
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Reject_Alex_Azar%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.demandprogress.org/sign/tell-senate-vote-no-pharma-bro-alex-azar/">call on the Senate</a> to reject Pharma lobbyist Alex Azar as Saboteur
of Health.


feed_id: 39a7109f501c02b1546919690a3b79a1
title: Urgent: Nobel Peace Prize
uri: Urgent-Nobel-Peace-Prize
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Nobel_Peace_Prize%29
content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/only-supporters-of-peace-should-be-appointed-to-nobel-peace-prize-committee">ask the Norwegian Parliament</a> to choose only people that
support peace to vote on the Nobel Peace Prize.


feed_id: 8e8aef03d7124d3c97ee417a2e0f1f17
title: Tax the rich
uri: Tax-the-rich
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Tax_the_rich%29
content:
<p>
Republican tax cuts are meant to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/20/republican-tax-cuts-democrats">block future Democrats</a> from solving
the country's problems, if those don't have the courage to make "Tax
the rich!" their battle cry.
<p>
This approach has worked for Republicans before.  Democrats must
repudiate entirely the plutocratist principles that have governed the
US for 20 years.


feed_id: 951bf7c188c40b241c4e5a7c55e2490c
title: Film subsidies
uri: Film-subsidies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Film_subsidies%29
content:
<p>
Many states and cities subsidize film production.  It's a racket that benefits
businesses at the <a href="https://reason.com/archives/2017/11/20/film-subsidies-are-real-losers">expense of the public</a>.
<p>
It's basically the same issue as public subsidies for sports teams
or factories.


feed_id: 2449f2ec5f529d75014a8f8e7ac574a1
title: Animal rights protests
uri: Animal-rights-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Animal_rights_protests%29
content:
<p>
The US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/15/i-released-2000-minks-fur-farm-convicted-terrorist">crushed animal rights protests</a> by labeling them as "terrorism"
and imprisoning the protesters as "terrorists".  No wonder Republicans
are now trying to apply similar repression to other kinds of protests.


feed_id: 67182a13fe208f74b165dca9d9b79b26
title: Far-right theories
uri: Far-right-theories
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Far-right_theories%29
content:
<p>
A Lesson from Syria: It's Crucial Not to Fuel Far-Right <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/15/lesson-from-syria-chemical-weapons-conspiracy-theories-alt-right">Conspiracy Theories</a>.


feed_id: 2f6626e31592345bffbd21bcda6bb9b1
title: Ordering a nuclear attack
uri: Ordering-a-nuclear-attack
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Ordering_a_nuclear_attack%29
content:
<p>
If the president of the US orders a nuclear attack, generals <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/senate-to-explore-presidents-unchecked-nuclear-authority/2017/11/14/4f396e76-c917-11e7-b506-8a10ed11ecf5_story.html">cannot
block</a> the attack by calling the order illegal, since the order goes
straight to launch crews.


feed_id: 96f762f2694c5b5c40f8719a4a0abe2f
title: Sexual misconduct
uri: Sexual-misconduct
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Sexual_misconduct%29
content:
<p>
"Have we reached <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/19/zero-tolerance-sexual-misconduct-al-franken">zero tolerance</a> for sexual misconduct?"
<p>
Since the term "misconduct" extends so far, zero tolerance of that would
mean a oppression by prudery.  The worst you can say about what Franken did
is that it was not nice and he shouldn't have done it.


feed_id: 54fb7c9c4d499485d3f5e5e26402ef01
title: Recycling electronics
uri: Recycling-electronics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Recycling_electronics%29
content:
<p>
We need to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/20/electronic-recycling-e-waste-2017-gadgets">improve recycling</a> of discarded electrical devices,
and this starts with replacing them less often.
<p>
I think that products designed to be hard to open and repair should be
prohibited.  Likewise other practices that impede repair, such as
secrecy about the devices, or refusal to sell replacement components.


feed_id: 58348c29a42d70f54573104405aa2bf2
title: Refugees getting sick
uri: Refugees-getting-sick
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Refugees_getting_sick%29
content:
<p>
The refugees Australia dumped in Manus Island are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/20/the-situation-is-critical-cholera-fears-on-manus-as-water-and-medicine-run-out">getting sick</a>, some from the
lack of clean water as well as the lack of medical treatment.
<p>
The international system of asylum was designed to handle thousands of
refugees moving between culturally similar countries, or dozens
fleeing from very different cultures.  Now that hundreds of thousands
are fleeing to other continents, the system is breaking down.
<p>
What will we do when tens of millions are fleeing for their lives?


feed_id: 4a9ddc8244c2466303e628c0522f7e5b
title: Sinclair control
uri: Sinclair-control
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Sinclair_control%29
content:
<p>
If Sinclair takes control of local broadcasting in large parts of the US,
it could broadcast <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/19/fake-news-only-beginning-fcc-votes-let-monopolies-decide-what-local-news-you-see">only fake news</a>.


feed_id: f93707d4f72ead7cdf14ceb5485c7365
title: Workplace bullying
uri: Workplace-bullying
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Workplace_bullying%29
content:
<p>
The men that use a domain of local power for sexual bullying often
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/19/sexual-harassment-assault-men-jock-culture">bully the others</a> around them too, as part of a workplace pecking order.


feed_id: 770a96ecd5b18e7952c5c051590f3758
title: UK housing prices
uri: UK-housing-prices
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28UK_housing_prices%29
content:
<p>
One policy that keeps housing in the UK down is that the state can't
buy unbuilt land based on the value of its current use.  It has to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/blog/2017/nov/18/house-prices-land-prices-cheaper-homes">pay
market rates</a> which are inflated by the idea of selling the land for
development.


feed_id: 0c69e0140d22af589c4b39e3122cd339
title: Taxing foreign profits
uri: Taxing-foreign-profits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Taxing_foreign_profits%29
content:
<p>
The supposed reason for offering "US" multinationals a tax break for bringing
foreign profits officially to the US is that they would then <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2017/11/14/why-arent-the-other-hands-up-a-top-trump-advisers-startling-response-to-ceos-not-doing-what-hed-expect/">invest it in
the US</a>.
<p>
The idea is totally bogus, because they already have plenty of money in
the US, but they are not investing it because they see no
opportunities.
<p>
We need to tax away a substantial amount of that money and invest it
in society's needs — infrastructure, measures to reduce global
heating (including birth control and abortion), and food and education
for all children.


feed_id: 82b910c76d6876d6c9600c38d28457e0
title: Sales and driving jobs
uri: Sales-and-driving-jobs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Sales_and_driving_jobs%29
content:
<p>
Online sales, a dangerous surveillance system, are wiping out sales jobs.
About 8% of these jobs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/nov/19/amazon-high-street-shop-london">have been lost</a> in Britain recently.
<p>
The Tories' response to this developing disaster is to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/nov/19/self-driving-cars-in-uk-by-2021-hammond-budget-announcement">push to
eliminate</a> jobs for drivers as well.
<p>
Once they have made millions unemployed, they will <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-nov-feb.html#7_December_2016_(Punishing_unemployed_people)">castigate those
millions</a> as "lazy".


feed_id: 8578556022bdf6eeaf8ec7d03f5b75cb
title: Fraud scheme murders
uri: Fraud-scheme-murders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Fraud_scheme_murders%29
content:
<p>
Putin has tried to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/19/bill-browder-putin-accuses-three-murders-campaigner-sergei-magnitsky">pin the blame</a> for three murders (of people
associated with a massive fraud scheme) on the people who have tried
to expose the fraud.


feed_id: 0c71b73f5f282718090a834f7f465595
title: Pollution sites
uri: Pollution-sites
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Pollution_sites%29
content:
<p>
The US has concentrated pollution sources in areas where poor or black
people live.  The troll and SCROTUS are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/20/environmental-justice-in-the-age-of-trump">eliminating the regulations</a> to
keep this in check.
<p>
Sometimes poor people are economically compelled to move near
pollution sources because housing elsewhere is too expensive for them.
Sometimes the pollution sources are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/11/14/oil-and-gas-industries-toxic-pollutants-are-poisoning-african-american">built in areas</a> that poorer people
are moving into.
<p>
If the pollution affected everyone in the US equally, that would avoid
one unjust aspect, but the pollution would still make people sick.
Therefore I think we should give priority to reducing pollution and
the harm it does, and spreading it more equally should be a secondary
goal.
<p>
We need not argue about how to site coal-burning generators, when it
makes no sense to build any new ones and we need to shut them all down
as soon as possible.  On the other hand, stored coal ash could be
moved into safer facilities that are near fewer people, until we have
the technology to render it harmless.


feed_id: 34456f6d4fc825f10dde3655ab3dd65f
title: Moving due to taxes
uri: Moving-due-to-taxes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Moving_due_to_taxes%29
content:
<p>
When we raise taxes on the rich, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/inequality/2017/nov/20/if-you-tax-the-rich-they-wont-leave-us-data-contradicts-millionaires-threats">only a few</a> of them move away.
<p>
Besides which, if a country raises taxes on income to the rich,
even when they leave they will still have to pay the official tax rate
on the income they visibly receive in that country.


feed_id: ffce9050a5d2cd95bfa62730c9e56df3
title: Plastic glitter
uri: Plastic-glitter
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Plastic_glitter%29
content:
<p>
Some schools and childcare facilities have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/20/nurseries-ban-glitter-microplastics-seas-pollution">adopted a policy</a> against using
plastic glitter.
<p>
I think this is wise.  It will not only reduce plastic pollution
directly, it will also teach children the gravity of the problem of
plastic pollution.


feed_id: c8157a70e3b667a2d3be709ddb5c661c
title: Removing wrecked boats
uri: Removing-wrecked-boats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Removing_wrecked_boats%29
content:
<p>
The British Virgin islands are finding that removing the wrecked boats
that now litter the land is an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/20/british-virgin-islands-hurricane-irma-cleanup-efforts">insuperable problem</a>.


feed_id: dd9b34448255297870103cd70cb21295
title: Per-customer pricing
uri: Per-customer-pricing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Per-customer_pricing%29
content:
<p>
When stores know who you are, they can offer each customer a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global/2017/nov/20/dynamic-personalised-pricing">different price</a>.
The asymmetry of information means this generally benefits the store
and hurts the customers.
<p>
Once the practice of price discrimination among customers gets big
enough, there is no difference between "rewarding customers A, B and C
with discounts" and "imposing a higher price on customers X, Y and Z"
except presentation.
<p>
You can thwart this by paying cash, anonymously.  Please join me in defending
the right to pay cash, in insisting "cash or no sale".


feed_id: b69f77739920705249eab7fab89fe6ef
title: 130 children a day
uri: 130-children-a-day
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28130_children_a_day%29
content:
<p>
The US-supported bombardment and blockade of Yemen by <a href="/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a>
is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/19/saudi-us-war-yemen-killing-130-children-day-and-other-bleak-statistics">killing 130 children</a> a day — through hunger and sickness.
<p>
The US has no justification for intervening in Yemen, and stands to
gain nothing.  It is doing this for the sake of alliance with Salafi
Arabia, which is worse than Iran in terms of spreading an extreme
and dangerous form of Islam around the world.


feed_id: 449b2f5a81efccdc63d9e9c1bde980e9
title: Urgent: Encryption activists
uri: Urgent-Encryption-activists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Encryption_activists%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://act.amnestyusa.org/page/14362/action/1">call on Turkey</a> to drop charges against encryption activists.


feed_id: 89ff7912fef818d3dd182296c14c9b16
title: Burnt trees
uri: Burnt-trees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Burnt_trees%29
content:
<p>
Partially burnt trees after fires in California's Sierra Nevada are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/15/it-has-no-protections-scientists-fight-for-wildfire-burned-land-amid-logging-threat">vital for other species</a>; we must not cut them down.


feed_id: afef1ae4aa962f2d9a7819cce2a73703
title: 'Universal credit'
uri: 2017-11-23-Universal-credit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28%27Universal_credit%27%29
content:
<p>
The UK's massive reshuffle of welfare benefits, called "universal
credit", regularly leaves people with no money for food, heat, even
rent.  Many go hungry; many get evicted.  Food banks can't cope.  The
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/nov/20/mistake-universal-credit-catastrophe-misery">new system</a> is so rigid and bureaucratic that it leaves victims arguing
with a computer.
<p>
Tories may have said that the purpose was to encourage people to work,
or to make the system simpler, or other kinds of bullshit, but the
real purpose of everything Tories do to the welfare system is to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jul-oct.html#24_October_2017_(Universal_credit)">degrade the poor</a> so that people with badly educated consciences
will despise them and vote Tory.
<p>
"Universal credit" is simply a game of sleight of hand, in which
benefits mysteriously disappear but people can't see where they went.


feed_id: fafa740f0d552f1681a7da897841fa69
title: Taxing data brokers
uri: Taxing-data-brokers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Taxing_data_brokers%29
content:
<p>
An inadequate proposal: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/14/business/dealbook/taxing-companies-for-using-our-personal-data.html">taxing data brokers</a> for using people's personal data.
<p>
Profiling people based on personal data makes it easy to cheat people,
manipulate people, repress people, even manipulate elections.  Taxing
the companies a little would hardly make up for the harm that they do, but they
would cite it as legitimizing their activities.


feed_id: ff8637f4ed7904447cb07f9cd773f29f
title: Minors in prison
uri: Minors-in-prison
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Minors_in_prison%29
content:
<p>
Putting minors in prison leads them towards a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/20/youth-prisons-criminals-cressida-dick-harsher-sentencing">life of crime</a>.
<p>
Maybe prison for minors cannot be entirely eliminated.  There might be
a few for whom sensible measures are useless, and who must ultimately
be imprisoned as the last resort.  But it would be a great step forward
to avoid turning all the rest into hardened criminals.


feed_id: a3cb16a093d0a57bc7dfcb84c0d79567
title: Troll Army tweets
uri: Troll-Army-tweets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Troll_Army_tweets%29
content:
<p>
Russian "Troll Army" <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/nov/20/russian-troll-army-tweets-cited-more-than-80-times-in-uk-media">Tweets Cited</a> More Than 80 Times in UK Media.


feed_id: 7aae307a602774c5456aeadcfb3d6f04
title: Smoking in French films
uri: Smoking-in-French-films
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Smoking_in_French_films%29
content:
<p>
A senator proposes to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/nov/20/french-cinephiles-fuming-over-call-to-stub-out-on-screen-smoking">ban smoking</a> in new French films.
<p>
Forget about the response that attacks a straw man (to ban showing old
films where characters smoke, which nobody proposes); I ask, why do films
show smoking?  Is this because French directors just love to show smoking?
Or is this paid "product placement"?
<p>
If it is the latter, that suggests prohibiting paid product placement,
direct or indirect, and not censoring the films themselves.


feed_id: 25b48dd8d39c438e25200d5a5961865e
title: Keystone XL approved
uri: Keystone-XL-approved
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Keystone_XL_approved%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/20/keystone-xl-pipeline-route-approved">Nebraska approved</a> the Keystone XL pipeline.
Earth defenders will still try to stop it with lawsuits and protests.


feed_id: ffe8920cc3f99a1cfd838b1263ef65cf
title: Painkillers and charter schools
uri: Painkillers-and-charter-schools
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Painkillers_and_charter_schools%29

content:
<p>
The Sackler chain of businesses can do all the stages of making money
from a painkiller — from designing it, to getting approval of it, to
marketing it, to organizing "the public" to campaign for access to it.
<p>
Now Sackler is turning the same methods to promotion of <a href="https://www.alternet.org/education/notorious-family-contributing-opioid-crisis-and-funding-charter-schools">charter schools</a>
which he can own.


feed_id: 2dcb1c66eea79508466560381b0fb533
title: Global heating insurance
uri: Global-heating-insurance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Global_heating_insurance%29
content:
<p>
The UN has proposed a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/14/global-insurance-plan-aims-to-defuse-potential-climate-damage-bombshell">global insurance plan</a> to cover poor people against
damages due to global heating effects.
<p>
A system like this could reduce the harm done by global heating
effects for some period of time — perhaps ten years.  But if we fail
to curb the emissions, this will be like compensating people on the
sinking Titanic for their inconvenience during the sinking process.
<p>
Of course, the wealthy countries ought to pay for this.
They ought to pay the costs of ending fossil fuel use, too.


feed_id: fce3314c8b31722a18f40aa061f3d22b
title: Facebook access
uri: Facebook-access
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_%28Facebook_access%29
content:
<p>
A Judge Just Ruled The Government Can <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/zoetillman/a-judge-just-ruled-the-government-can-access-activists">Access Facebook Accounts</a>
[in regard to bogus charges of "rioting" at the bully's inauguration].


feed_id: 0df46a5af6e40096679c7287e094a6ef
title: 'Management engine'
uri: Management-engine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_November_2017_%28%27Management_engine%27%29
content:
<p>
Intel's intentional "management engine" back door has <a href="https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/11/20/intel_flags_firmware_flaws/">unintended back
doors</a> too.


feed_id: a0529b0723d8876adc15ca20db9559cb
title: Raping prisoners
uri: Raping-prisoners
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_November_2017_%28Raping_prisoners%29
content:
<p>
Raping male prisoners <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/working-in-development/2017/nov/21/male-sexual-torture-in-the-syrian-war-it-is-everywhere">is common</a> in Syria, perhaps as common as raping
female prisoners.


feed_id: 939422f29b7589679029a4081afa3678
title: Forensic tests
uri: Forensic-tests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_November_2017_%28Forensic_tests%29
content:
<p>
Privatization strikes again, this time in "manipulated" forensic tests
affecting as many as <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/nov/21/forensics-data-manipulation-may-have-affected-10000-cases">10,000 court cases</a> in the UK.
<p>
The article begs the question of whether the false results were the result
of dishonesty or merely mistakes.


feed_id: 7957d85cc8f80b8cdf89db80685bf17b
title: Haitian refugees
uri: Haitian-refugees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_November_2017_%28Haitian_refugees%29
content:
<p>
The US will end temporary residency permits for Haitians in 2019,
requiring the earthquake refugees to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/20/trump-ends-haiti-resettlement-program-earthquake">return to Haiti</a>.
<p>
In principle, I see nothing wrong with accepting refugees from
disasters temporarily.  Is Haiti safe for them to return to?  Three
hurricanes have devastated Haiti since the earthquake, as well as the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-sep-dec.html#14%20November%202010%20(Hiding%20the%20truth%20about%20outbreak)">UN-installed</a>
cholera epidemic.
<p>
I don't know the facts well enough to judge the answer to that
question.  I don't have confidence in what the US government says
about it, but I don't know of any unbiased judge either.


feed_id: 97d78ec1f4b61eacee4cdd3ef40859cd
title: Sexual harassment
uri: 2017-11-23-Sexual-harassment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_November_2017_%28Sexual_harassment%29
content:
<p>
"You'll Never Work Again": Women Tell How Sexual Harassment <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/21/women-sexual-harassment-work-careers-harvey-weinstein">Broke Their
Careers</a>.


feed_id: 0eb50a4d7adee65f49453497adfab47b
title: Illegal logging
uri: Illegal-logging
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_November_2017_%28Illegal_logging%29
content:
<p>
Poland Faces <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/21/poland-faces-100000-a-day-fines-over-illegal-logging-in-biaowieza-forest">â¬100,000-a-day Fines</a> over Illegal Logging in BiaÅowieÅ¼a Forest.


feed_id: 3d8b8f024da9fb8e8f8c345190a0d39d
title: Suspected PISSI fighters
uri: Suspected-PISSI-fighters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_November_2017_%28Suspected_PISSI_fighters%29
content:
<p>
After Iraqi soldiers capturing the last center of <a href="/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a> resistance in Mosul,
they began <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/21/after-the-liberation-of-mosul-an-orgy-of-killing">killing all the men</a> they suspected of being PISSI fighters.
If the men said they were not <a href="/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a> fighters, the soldiers tortured them
until they confessed or died.  If they confessed, the soldiers tortured them
from sheer hatred.


feed_id: b2e2a4fb247e0e25ae00e59658e49c20
title: Jiang Tianyong
uri: Jiang-Tianyong
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_November_2017_%28Jiang_Tianyong%29
content:
<p>
Chinese human rights lawyer Jiang Tianyong has been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/21/chinese-human-rights-lawyer-jiang-tianyong-jailed">sentenced to
prison</a> after confessing to "inciting subversion of state power", which
basically means exercising his human rights.  This confession was probably
squeezed out of him, though we don't know the details.


feed_id: 66a25d209eaf1f9c29948eb60b6f31d8
title: Imposing trade treaties
uri: Imposing-trade-treaties
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_November_2017_%28Imposing_trade_treaties%29
content:
<p>
The Tory government wants to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/21/trade-deals-uk-parliament-scrutiny-campaign-executive">impose trade treaties</a> without even a vote
by Parliament.


feed_id: eb6f47191b61264d841fc27d791cb2e0
title: Grad student taxes
uri: Grad-student-taxes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_November_2017_%28Grad_student_taxes%29
content:
<p>
The <a href="/glossary.html#scrotus">SCROTUS</a> tax attacks would make graduate student teaching assistants and
research assistants pay <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/20/washingtons-war-poor-grad-students">tax on the tuition fees</a> that universities waive.
<p>
Universities would have to pay them extra to cover the tax, and this
would fall on research funders.  But funders may not all increase their
research support.  Universities would have to cut the number of
graduate students by a large fraction.


feed_id: abf1abae0e683c3bfe48ccad6f6e621d
title: North Korea 'terrorism'
uri: North-Korea-terrorism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_November_2017_%28North_Korea_%27terrorism%27%29
content:
<p>
The troll has decided to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/20/donald-trump-to-declare-north-korea-state-sponsor-of-terror">label North Korea</a> as a "state sponsor of
terrorism."
<p>
Since the US already has almost total sanctions against North Korea,
I think this is merely an act of name-calling.
<p>
It's also untrue.  The assassination of Kim Jong-Nam was not
terrorism, as the word is properly understood, because it was not
meant as an act of political pressure.  It was simply murder.  The
kidnapping of an unknown number of Japanese people to force them to
teach Japanese was not terrorism; it was simply kidnaping.
<p>
Do we need to strain to call them "terrorism"?  Aren't murder and
kidnaping bad enough by themselves?


feed_id: 6b54599def73fc1b6afc3a6970420c12
title: Solitary confinement
uri: 2017-11-23-Solitary-confinement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_November_2017_%28Solitary_confinement%29
content:
<p>
California prisons were sued and agreed to end long-term solitary
confinement, but they have invented <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2017/11/20/two-years-after-historic-settlement-ending-indefinite-solitary-confinement-ca">new pretexts</a> for it.


feed_id: 6a1bff98ad929d87be125e5a986e60c0
title: Kushner lie
uri: Kushner-lie
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_November_2017_%28Kushner_lie%29
content:
<p>
Jared Kushner told Congress that he did not know of any meetings between
the bully's campaign and Russians.  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/11/19/1717046/-Jared-Kushner-appears-to-have-lied-to-Congress-about-Trump-campaign-s-contact-with-Wikileaks">This was false</a>.


feed_id: 27f471c3c95ac654a7f2e51c7114394e
title: Proceeding with TPP
uri: Proceeding-with-TPP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_November_2017_%28Proceeding_with_TPP%29
content:
<p>
Countries other than the US are foolishly <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2017/11/despite-victory-ip-tpps-resurgence-hasnt-cured-its-ills">proceeding with the TPP</a>
or <a href="media/c9a9c30b.trance-pacific-partnership.en.jpg" data-original-source="https://stallman.org/images/trance-pacific-partnership.en.jpg">Pacific Partnership Trance</a>.
<p>
They have tentatively dropped the chapter that bears the incoherent
label of <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">"intellectual property"</a>,
but they have kept many other harmful
rules, worst of all the ISDS ("I Sue Democratic States") provision
that gives foreign companies more rights than citizens.
<p>
If you are a citizen of New Zealand, please agitate against signing the TPP
as long as it contains ISDS.
<p>
The EFF article encourages the confusion of the term "intellectual
property" by using it as if it had a coherent meaning.  Please take
care not to do that.


feed_id: 4f7137266c7a3d121cd6e74d6b0e7a04
title: Trapped Rohingya
uri: Trapped-Rohingya
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_November_2017_%28Trapped_Rohingya%29
content:
<p>
Some Rohingya are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/nov/14/when-they-began-slaughtering-us-we-ran-for-our-lives-rohingya-trapped-inside-myanmar">trapped on the beach</a> in Burma, with no path to flee.


feed_id: 3ab0b36dabab5a1f0071240e674ab113
title: Economics toolkit
uri: Economics-toolkit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_November_2017_%28Economics_toolkit%29
content:
<p>
Economics is a toolkit, not a physical law.  We can fix parasitic drains
(such as tax-dodging) by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/14/super-rich-wealth-illegal-paradise-papers">changing the system</a> so that they are illegal
and can be stopped.


feed_id: 77d27ce00afb644575c89689cf7c3b23
title: Opinion shapers
uri: Opinion-shapers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_November_2017_%28Opinion_shapers%29
content:
<p>
Thirty Countries Use "Armies of Opinion Shapers" to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/nov/14/social-media-influence-election-countries-armies-of-opinion-shapers-manipulate-democracy-fake-news">Manipulate Democracy</a>.


feed_id: a19a6d9f121e735f432d31374c146ee9
title: 'Structural barriers'
uri: Structural-barriers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_November_2017_%28%27Structural_barriers%27%29
content:
<p>
Plutocrats say they will help Puerto Rico "recover" by eliminating
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/14/puerto-rico-hurricane-maria-promesa-andrew-biggs/">"structural barriers"</a>: minimum wage laws, labor rules requiring
just-cause termination, paid sick days for employees, paternity leave,
and overtime pay.
<p>
In other words, they want a fast recovery for business owners by
making things worse for workers.
<p>
I wonder if the reason they fight for rapid global heating is to make
more disasters they can use in this way.


feed_id: c0ac9c46be2a2aa111cfbbe832ae4141
title: Twitter metadata
uri: Twitter-metadata
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#23_November_2017_%28Twitter_metadata%29
content:
<p>
A journalist used <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20171115/15320238624/surveillance-fans-angry-journalist-used-metadata-contact-chaining-to-out-comeys-secret-twitter-account.shtml">just metadata</a> to tie Comey's pseudonymous Twitter
account to him personally.  This shows that we should not dismiss snooping
on "just metadata" as unintrusive.


feed_id: 29993c48240d22bb60e4a04b5f1752d2
title: Urgent: Extreme Vetting Program
uri: Urgent-Extreme-Vetting-Program
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Extreme_Vetting_Program%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/ibm-trump">tell IBM</a>, "Live up to your commitment to support
immigrants. Publicly reject Trumpâs hate by refusing to build his
Extreme Vetting Program."


feed_id: 720c37400516d355a52f4b34d65df762
title: Net neutrality
uri: 2017-11-24-Net-neutrality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_November_2017_%28Net_neutrality%29
content:
<p>
Ajit Pai's plan to eliminate network neutrality rules is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/21/what-you-need-know-about-trump-fccs-plan-end-net-neutrality">even more
destructive</a> than was expected.


feed_id: b11aa7a49175ed03f86471d90f70bf0a
title: 'Terrorist suspects' list
uri: Terrorist-suspects-list
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_November_2017_%28%27Terrorist_suspects%27_list%29

content:
<p>
British thugs put Ziad Najm on a "terrorist suspects" list, which
immediately caused him difficulties in his life, and refused to say why.
Now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/nov/21/police-face-legal-action-over-luton-airport-terror-detention">he is suing</a>, but I fear the courts will only look for excuses to
back up the arbitrary actions of the officials.


feed_id: aaa9d143485f57ef23862f96d4c79984
title: Anti-semitism and Zionism
uri: Anti-semitism-and-Zionism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_November_2017_%28Anti-semitism_and_Zionism%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/michael-f-brown/anti-semites-feted-zionist-organization-america">Anti-Semites feted</a> by Zionist Organization of America.
<p>
Just as criticizing Zionism is not a form of anti-semitism,
supporting Zionism does not imply rejecting anti-semitism.


feed_id: 85d70eb0b8169a63c63ce4a54af0bcf8
title: Abdullah Abu Rahmeh
uri: Abdullah-Abu-Rahmeh
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_November_2017_%28Abdullah_Abu_Rahmeh%29
content:
<p>
Israel <a href="http://english.wafa.ps/page.aspx?id=Wd6Gcna94385345010aWd6Gcn">arrested</a> Palestinian nonviolent protest leader Abdullah Abu Rahmeh
again.


feed_id: db71fa6622c08e18ba979e067fa4a582
title: Demolishing apartments
uri: Demolishing-apartments
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_November_2017_%28Demolishing_apartments%29
content:
<p>
The Israeli army <a href="http://imemc.org/article/israeli-soldiers-invade-residential-towers-slated-for-demolition-near-qalandia-terminal/">plans to demolish</a> 140 apartments before Israeli courts
have a chance to rule on whether to demolish them.
<p>
The supposed grounds for demolition are that the apartments are too close
to the annexation wall.  Well, who decided to put the wall there?
Not the Palestinians.


feed_id: 6c8ef2f5bc9559b2e37e2e5bed0aec6c
title: Tax attacks and real estate
uri: Tax-attacks-and-real-estate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_November_2017_%28Tax_attacks_and_real_estate%29
content:
<p>
The SCROTUS tax attacks could <a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017/11/wall-street-fears-trumps-deranged-tax-plan-could-kick-off-economic-euthanasia">cause a recession</a> if they knock down real estate prices by up to 17%.


feed_id: f22ab72a53f1f7f60fbcd8afc13e6090
title: 'Trafficking' accusation
uri: Trafficking-accusation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_November_2017_%28%27Trafficking%27_accusation%29
content:
<p>
The confused term "sex trafficking" undermines the campaign against
the grave crime of enslavement and forced prostitution, by identifying
that crime with the practice of paying for sex.
<p>
A Republican official who made a bogus accusation against Latin
American immigrants in general — that they would traffic "children"
into the US for prostitution — is now being criticized for supposedly
<a href="https://shareblue.com/trump-campaign-chair-trafficked-kids-for-sex-after-accusing-immigrants-of-doing-the-same/">doing that very thing</a> himself.  However, when you look at the details,
he was not accused of enslaving or trafficking anyone.  Rather, he is
accused of nothing more than offering to pay for sex, to someone who
was a minor.  (No word on whether the official even knew that.)
<p>
I <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jul-oct.html#02_October_2015_(War_on_Sex_Trafficking)">warned before</a> that the term "sex trafficking" was apt to lead to injustice.
Now we see it in action.
<p>
The term's confusion will undermine efforts to stop enslavement and
trafficking of both adolescents and adults.


feed_id: 30fab3a6e938eb6fbc04751ccec9b831
title: Rationing medical care
uri: Rationing-medical-care
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_November_2017_%28Rationing_medical_care%29
content:
<p>
The private US medical system indirectly rations medical care,
but some <a href="https://jacobinmag.com/2017/11/single-payer-health-care-medicare">socialist medical systems</a> (in capitalist countries) offer
luxurious treatment to everyone that needs it.


feed_id: 2cee06da69c2017b78f49c4a48a80f5d
title: Rebuilding and fleeing
uri: Rebuilding-and-fleeing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_November_2017_%28Rebuilding_and_fleeing%29
content:
<p>
Some Puerto Ricans are trying to build an <a href="http://www.nybooks.com/daily/2017/11/17/puerto-ricos-diy-disaster-relief/">autogenerated recovery</a>,
but others are fleeing to refugee camps in Florida.  Some suspect
that the American oligarchs want to depopulate the island so as
to turn it into an expensive corporate-owned resort.


feed_id: 8e234e3ba0d3cbf18d1e46ca6cc4d063
title: Dog on editorial boards
uri: Dog-on-editorial-boards
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_November_2017_%28Dog_on_editorial_boards%29
content:
<p>
Seven trash "medical journals" <a href="https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/wa/the-perth-dog-thats-probably-smarter-than-you-ng-a4de0d201ce420e0302c69532a399419">put a dog</a> onto their editorial boards.
<p>
On the internet, people still don't know you're a dog
if they don't bother to check.


feed_id: 72833360b85c185bacfbebe726126514
title: War criminal Dubya
uri: War-criminal-Dubya
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_November_2017_%28War_criminal_Dubya%29
content:
<p>
Don't Rehabilitate George W. Bush: Why the Enemy of Our Enemy Is Still
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/21/dont-rehabilitate-george-w-bush-why-enemy-our-enemy-still-war-criminal">a War Criminal</a>.


feed_id: 984787b9cc76d1ae3caf9cee2686c2f0
title: New bumper sticker
uri: New-bumper-sticker
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_November_2017_%28New_bumper_sticker%29
content:
<p>
Karen Fonseca, threatened by a Texas sheriff for having a "Fuck Trump" sticker
on her truck, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/further/2017/11/20/constitutional-law-101-its-our-freedom-speech-and-were-exercising-it-you-dimwit">added another one</a> about the sheriff.


feed_id: 00f365e9f0efe74bdbadee6f0673023e
title: Charter school funds
uri: Charter-school-funds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_November_2017_%28Charter_school_funds%29
content:
<p>
Even the charter schools that are not explicitly "for profit" have numerous
ways of <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/5a12ba34e4b0e30a958508c4">diverting public funds</a> to private profit.
This may be the real reason why charter schools are allowed in the US.


feed_id: 7cbdbb506e4a8325f38179e70a038077
title: NRCC ethics offense
uri: NRCC-ethics-offense
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_November_2017_%28NRCC_ethics_offense%29
content:
<p>
In Latest Ethics Offense, NRCC Offers Supporter a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/20/latest-ethics-offense-nrcc-offers-supporter-stay-trumps-hotel-exchange-donation">Stay in Trump's Hotel</a> In
Exchange for Donation.
<p>
The <em>real</em> big donors negotiate a payoff in legislation.


feed_id: c757f22b437d55a28e2c0c053692f2bb
title: Foreign pharmacies
uri: Foreign-pharmacies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_November_2017_%28Foreign_pharmacies%29
content:
<p>
US thugs <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/20/fda-raids-florida-suggest-trump-admin-policy-change-benefits-big-pharma">raided stores</a> that help people fill out orders for prescriptions
from foreign pharmacies.  They are enforcing a law that was purchased by the
Pharma companies to make drugs very expensive for Americans.


feed_id: 6ac0d58c35b20a398532e0b395477a36
title: GPS-spoofing for Uber
uri: GPS-spoofing-for-Uber
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_November_2017_%28GPS-spoofing_for_Uber%29
content:
<p>
Some Uber drivers are using a GPS-spoofing app to fool the Uber app
and <a href="https://qz.com/1127853/uber-drivers-in-lagos-nigeria-use-fake-lockito-app-to-boost-fares/">increase their fares</a>.
<p>
This seems to be a response to a change Uber made to reduce drivers' pay.


feed_id: f281383ffe9a0cca0e3accaf8ce88284
title: Medical misinformation
uri: Medical-misinformation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_November_2017_%28Medical_misinformation%29
content:
<p>
The Medical Misinformation Mess: most medical research studies are <a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/eci.12834/full">low
quality</a> and neither patients nor practitioners know how to identify
and disregard them.
<p>
This leads to wasted expense, continuing sickness, and sometimes death.


feed_id: 2f332f28fb965c063c84b2a33b2d5c6a
title: License to practice
uri: License-to-practice
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_November_2017_%28License_to_practice%29
content:
<p>
Many US states <a href="http://ij.org/report/license-work-2/">require licenses</a> to practice professions such as
"cosmetician" for which there is no evident rationale for requiring
one.
<p>
There are a few cases in which licenses are required specifically to
reduce competition, and it may be a valid goal.  For instance, before
taxi medallions were created, it is said, too many people tried to
drive taxis and most of them lost money.  The problem was serious
because buying a taxi was a big investment, making it hard to enter
the taxi field.
<p>
However, in other professions which don't require buying something so
expensive as a new car, this reason would not be valid.


feed_id: 7ee89392f7f539452616aa1f8056c6bf
title: School inequality
uri: School-inequality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_November_2017_%28School_inequality%29
content:
<p>
State schools in the UK propagate class inequality by giving the children
of working class parents a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/nov/21/english-class-system-shaped-in-schools">markedly worse</a> education.
<p>
A similar thing happens in the US, though it works using zoning:
wealthier parents congregate in suburbs where the smallest lot size
excludes anyone less wealthy, so their real estate taxes can fund
a better school.  The urban poor get lousy schools that can't
afford anything.
<p>
To stop stunting the growth of children from poor families,
we need to fund their schools as well as wealthy children's families.
We need to spend a lot more money per child than we do now.
<p>
We need to get the money by taxing the rich and the corporations.


feed_id: a88fcbbfcd537076a341fef32de680c2
title: Complicity in Yemen
uri: Complicity-in-Yemen
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#24_November_2017_%28Complicity_in_Yemen%29
content:
<p>
Unlike Most Western Leaders, Corbyn Demands End to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/21/unlike-most-western-leaders-corbyn-demands-end-us-uk-complicity-yemens-suffering">US-UK Complicity</a> in Yemen's Suffering.


feed_id: 34afd634fc65cc489cb0cc988be9756d
title: Urgent: Prevent nuclear war
uri: Urgent-Prevent-nuclear-war
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Prevent_nuclear_war%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=13136">call on Congress</a> to prevent the bully from launching a
nuclear war, by impeaching him.
<p>
To sign this without running nonfree Javascript code, use the
<a href="https://stallman.org/salsalabs-method.html">Salsalabs Method</a>.


feed_id: b48b52d6eb2c7307c36c88326a2ed50a
title: Urgent: Birth control access
uri: Urgent-Birth-control-access
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Birth_control_access%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://actnow.prochoiceamerica.org/sign/171006-birth-control-trump/">oppose Republican plans</a> to subject Americans' birth
control access to the boss's religion.
<p>
Here's what I posted.
<blockquote>
The only person whose religion is pertinent to whether you can get
birth control is your own.  It would be as absurd for your employer to
block you from birth control in the name of his or her religion, as it
would be for that employer to impose birth control on you in the name
of his or her religion.  Please reject the absurd proposed regulation
that would authorize this.
</blockquote>
This and other gratuitous problems come from connecting medical
insurance with employment.  If we give medical coverage to everyone,
we can disconnect them entirely.  By raising the funds from taxes on
income and profits, not from payroll tax, we can end one pressure for
employers to replace workers with machines.


feed_id: 14b8b276a3df1ea9e5afd38cf9be368a
title: Urgent: Gun background checks
uri: Urgent-Gun-background-checks
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Gun_background_checks%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.everytown.org/sign/fix-background-checks/">call on Congress</a> to make sure crimes get reported for gun purchase
background checks.


feed_id: 3cd1c284d1d3d8e59ed65cdf7aea3b07
title: Netanyahu's law
uri: Netanyahu-s-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_November_2017_%28Netanyahu%27s_law%29
content:
<p>
Netanyahu <a href="https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/10/israel-benjamin-netanyahu-nationality-law-transparency-ngo.html">advocates a law</a> that would forcibly shut down
organizations such as Breaking the Silence, in which ex-soldiers
report on war crimes they committed or witnessed.  This would be
considered "working against the interest" of (criminal) soldiers.
<p>
Another proposed law would put part of the West Bank under control of
the Jerusalem city government.  This would make Netanyahu's policy of
rejecting peace with Palestine a part of Israeli law.


feed_id: af2a12aed907cda61ae39d2b57211ecf
title: Sustainable population
uri: Sustainable-population
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_November_2017_%28Sustainable_population%29
content:
<p>
We must hold a debate on how to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/21/climate-crisis-and-managed-deindustrialization-debating-alternatives-ecological">bring production down</a> to a level
that the Earth can sustain.
<p>
It will be hard to convince the people that live at a decent standard
of living to accept the loss of many comforts.  Thus, this debate
needs to include bringing the human population down to a level the
Earth can sustain.  My guess is, around one billion people, roughly
the number that currently live at a high standard of living.  But perhaps
it should be somewhat less.


feed_id: effa60250f21c609ec647666c4703c6e
title: Uber data breach
uri: Uber-data-breach
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_November_2017_%28Uber_data_breach%29
content:
<p>
Uber is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/nov/22/uber-scrutiny-data-breach-hacking">being investigated</a> in several countries for covering up a data breach
instead of reporting it.
<p>
More important than this secondary outrage is the reason why Uber had so much
data ready for crackers to steal: its practice of making users pay by
credit card, thus providing the data to Uber.
<p>
If you ride an ordinary taxi, and have the common sense to pay cash,
it collects no data about you, and no breach in the taxi company can
touch you.
<p>
If we require all digital payment systems to pay the merchant
anonymously, so that the merchant gets no information except "you have
been paid amount X", this will prevent a large fraction of the data
breeches that are likely to happen.


feed_id: f89d46b1723d7acca1651b24650bb83d
title: U of Arkansas tenure
uri: U-of-Arkansas-tenure
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_November_2017_%28U_of_Arkansas_tenure%29
content:
<p>
The University of Arkansas wants to <a href="https://reason.com/archives/2017/11/22/arkansas-universities-want-to-be-able-to">fire tenured professors</a> if they don't
teach a subject the way they are ordered to.


feed_id: 9d5c760969fc5699057fd18ae212d247
title: Walking to Canada
uri: Walking-to-Canada
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_November_2017_%28Walking_to_Canada%29
content:
<p>
Foreigners losing temporary protective status in the US are likely to start <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/22/canada-prepares-for-a-new-wave-of-refugees-as-haitians-flee-trumps-america/">walking to Canada</a> despite the risk of losing fingers and toes.


feed_id: 3a40ab4afb9e6a61aca549a63844c7c8
title: Production and reproduction
uri: Production-and-reproduction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_November_2017_%28Production_and_reproduction%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/22/black-friday-consumption-killing-planet-growth">Raising total production</a> is ineffective as a way to help the poor: almost
none trickles down to them.  Meanwhile, those who try to reduce their personal
greenhouse gas footprint end up blowing all the savings.  We need to change
the system.
<p>
There is one form of personal greenhouse gas reduction that really
does work: not reproducing.  Each child <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/children.html">multiplies</a> your whole
ecological footprint.
<p>
Wealthy people must reduce their reproduction because each wealthy
child will consume a lot and produce lots of greenhouse gas.  Poor
people must reduce their reproduction because their children will have
no prospects except desperation.  (We have to give them reliable birth
control to help them do this.)


feed_id: 5e206f64438d8a287858bd6c58230e0b
title: Campaigning against disasters
uri: Campaigning-against-disasters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_November_2017_%28Campaigning_against_disasters%29

content:
<p>
Progressives should use disasters as opportunities for political campaigning
at all levels for policies that reduce the danger of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/21/progressives-politicise-disasters-conservatives-environmental-climate-change-profit">future disasters</a>.


feed_id: 27e5a0fbb5b8d1ec2749ad5832129f2a
title: Genocide conviction
uri: Genocide-conviction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_November_2017_%28Genocide_conviction%29
content:
<p>
Ratko MladiÄ Convicted of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/22/ratko-mladic-convicted-of-genocide-and-war-crimes-at-un-tribunal">Genocide And War Crimes</a> at UN Tribunal.


feed_id: 47f1b7ead02e06dc65633c6e48a44d1e
title: Sexual harassment
uri: 2017-11-25-Sexual-harassment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_November_2017_%28Sexual_harassment%29
content:
<p>
Sexual Harassment Doesn't Just Happen to Actors Or Journalists.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/22/sexual-harassment-doesnt-just-happen-to-actors-or-journalists-talk-to-a-waitress-or-a-cleaner">Talk to a
Waitress</a>, Or a Cleaner.


feed_id: 19817cc79f68d5f51d1c6331db038653
title: Bear hunting
uri: Bear-hunting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_November_2017_%28Bear_hunting%29
content:
<p>
Hunting bears the way people usually do it fails to discourage bears from attacking humans and human property, because it <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/22/how-the-brown-bear-became-public-enemy-number-one-in-rural-romania">targets the wrong bears</a>.


feed_id: 7dca9bcd7df8a48dd429dc0c78e37ec7
title: Renewable energy opposition
uri: Renewable-energy-opposition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_November_2017_%28Renewable_energy_opposition%29
content:
<p>
Do right-wing politicians <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/22/the-queensland-elections-renewables-versus-coal-debate-isnt-about-jobs-its-a-culture-war">oppose renewable energy</a> because those dirty hippies
are for it?
<p>
Or do they oppose for pay?


feed_id: 54d4da090bb4f903d36c3b389b914c4e
title: Overprescription
uri: Overprescription
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_November_2017_%28Overprescription%29
content:
<p>
Doctors "<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/nov/22/doctors-overprescribe-drugs-due-to-fears-of-facing-complaints">Overprescribe Drugs</a> Due to Fears of Facing Complaints."


feed_id: ca21c47e725f964887d33083c0271467
title: Location services
uri: Location-services
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_November_2017_%28Location_services%29
content:
<p>
Android <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20171121/09030238658/investigation-finds-google-collected-location-data-even-with-location-services-turned-off.shtml">tracks location</a> for Google even when "location services" are
turned off, even when the phone has no SIM card.


feed_id: c2fce60bcab1b3a9a9569eeb60ec3222
title: US government spyware
uri: US-government-spyware
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_November_2017_%28US_government_spyware%29
content:
<p>
The US government distributed <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2017/11/treasury-inspector-general-concludes-fraud-investigation-computercop-internet">proprietary spyware</a> labeled as
"protection for children".


feed_id: e3955b41eb05b40e02eb9f06d6590b23
title: US spy data to Amazon
uri: US-spy-data-to-Amazon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_November_2017_%28US_spy_data_to_Amazon%29
content:
<p>
Amazon wants to tempt US spy agencies into <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2017/11/20/amazon-launches-new-cloud-storage-service-for-u-s-spy-agencies/">leaving their data</a> in
Amazon's hands.
<p>
The security of that is null.


feed_id: 6256708d90d848e6992847c134cb59da
title: State net neutrality laws
uri: State-net-neutrality-laws
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_November_2017_%28State_net_neutrality_laws%29
content:
<p>
FCC Will Also <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2017/11/fcc-will-also-order-states-to-scrap-plans-for-their-own-net-neutrality-laws/">Order States</a> to Scrap Plans for Their Own Net Neutrality 
Laws.


feed_id: 36d6c5aaa272ba6351ed800913bc3f68
title: Build our own internet
uri: Build-our-own-internet
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_November_2017_%28Build_our_own_internet%29
content:
<p>
Neutrality, We Must <a href="https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/7x4y8a/net-neutrality-fcc-community-networks">Build Our Own</a> Internet.


feed_id: 3de26d25c118a10a5446205bbb3041b4
title: Sugar and obesity
uri: 2017-11-25-Sugar-and-obesity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_November_2017_%28Sugar_and_obesity%29
content:
<p>
A sugar industry research foundation <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2017/nov/21/sugar-industry-withheld-research-effects-of-sucrose-50-years-ago-study-claims">cancelled</a> long-running experiments shortly
before they finished, to cover up evidence that sugar was a crucial cause
of obesity.  This was in 1967.


feed_id: 563d3bd72d57fedbc424bf0e1b0f613f
title: Israel's occupation
uri: 2017-11-25-Israel-s-occupation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_November_2017_%28Israel%27s_occupation%29
content:
<p>
Israel is making the occupation more harsh, and using state power to
<a href="https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/11/israel-benjamin-netanyahu-settlements-regularization-law.html">crush criticism</a> of it by attacking basic human rights on many fronts.


feed_id: c941b300d1690e4d87d4c74a17d4ab09
title: SCROTUS tax attacks
uri: 2017-11-25-SCROTUS-tax-attacks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#25_November_2017_%28SCROTUS_tax_attacks%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/11/21/new-report-details-13-terrible-things-about-senate-gop-tax-plan">13 nasty things</a> about the SCROTUS tax attacks.


feed_id: a7479d484fdbb193bb22b498340bd259
title: Urgent: Clean Power Plan
uri: 2017-11-26-Urgent-Clean-Power-Plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Clean_Power_Plan%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://www.signherenow.org/petition/clean-power-plan/kennedy/e/">Tell the EPA</a> to continue the Clean Power Plan.


feed_id: 2f64cc473de19bdba3d40e5276496c2e
title: Urgent: Kratom
uri: 2017-11-26-Urgent-Kratom
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_November_2017_%28Urgent%3A_Kratom%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://engage.drugpolicy.org/secure/war-kratom-coming-back">call on Congress</a> not to let kratom be banned.


feed_id: de418b51324da2455a8b89c94a65829d
title: Forest in Queensland
uri: Forest-in-Queensland
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_November_2017_%28Forest_in_Queensland%29
content:
<p>
Farmers in Queensland have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/nov/24/queensland-farmers-suspected-to-have-defied-tree-clearing-controls-in-deforestation-frenzy">gone wild</a> on cutting down native forest.


feed_id: 7a6acb4f83ea25a34d4ac59b051d5a63
title: Houston reconstruction
uri: Houston-reconstruction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_November_2017_%28Houston_reconstruction%29
content:
<p>
Houston faces a political battle about how to rebuild: including
minorities and immigrants, or (as Republicans wish) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/nov/24/houston-texas-hurricane-harvey-rebuilding-immigrant-rights">leaving them out</a>
of reconstruction funds.
<p>
Texas seems to need Reconstruction as well as reconstruction.


feed_id: 719718800086896b53f9ef3a29202215
title: Veiled advertising
uri: Veiled-advertising
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_November_2017_%28Veiled_advertising%29
content:
<p>
Many companies engage in veiled advertising by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/nov/24/george-takei-pay-to-promote-social-media-facebook-mic-slate-refinery29">paying celebrities</a> to
promote their products and pretend to be disinterested.


feed_id: 34df63d45b69550de9a2ef91719dbaec
title: No tents for homeless
uri: No-tents-for-homeless
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_November_2017_%28No_tents_for_homeless%29
content:
<p>
Proposed order: a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/nov/24/council-proposes-1000-fines-for-homeless-sleeping-in-tents">1000-pound fine</a> for sleeping in a tent on a street
in a town in England.
<p>
Homeless people can show their contempt for this cruel order by daring
the court to fine them again, again, and again — and each time, responding,
"fat chance you'll ever get that money out of me."


feed_id: 8bd7abd230ca38fd85d722bd8a67fe14
title: CFPB director
uri: CFPB-director
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_November_2017_%28CFPB_director%29
content:
<p>
Richard Cordray, resigning as head of the Consumer Financial
Protection Bureau, has named a <a href="https://theintercept.com/2017/11/24/richard-cordray-sets-up-titanic-struggle-for-control-of-the-consumer-protection-bureau-with-last-minute-move/">deputy director</a> who will automatically
run the agency until Republicans formally install a saboteur to wreck
it.  Even then, the saboteur will face a fight.


feed_id: 3f587f7268f518eebba36dd36ca42855
title: Manus prison
uri: Manus-prison
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_November_2017_%28Manus_prison%29
content:
<p>
The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/nov/25/new-centre-at-manus-still-a-construction-site-says-tim-costello">new prison</a> for the Manus refugees is "still a construction site".
<p>
Since they were put there by force, and since envoys such as Costello
are blocked from entering, it is clearly a prison.


feed_id: 2f686d423725e229039e619faa0cee49
title: Tories and the disabled
uri: Tories-and-the-disabled
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_November_2017_%28Tories_and_the_disabled%29
content:
<p>
The Tories policy towards disabled Britons <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/social-care-network/2017/nov/23/government-waging-war-against-disabled-people">amounts to war</a>.


feed_id: 6ba30ed57f4544d7f2a36bed379b34e8
title: Bangladesh disappearings
uri: Bangladesh-disappearings
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_November_2017_%28Bangladesh_disappearings%29
content:
<p>
Bangladesh's government forces kidnap people and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/25/bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-claims-forced-disappearances-take-place-in-uk-and-us">disappear them</a>,
and the government pretends they have simply gone missing.


feed_id: 2b1bf52c2fc5e7cdb076040c0e020f1d
title: Egypt mosque bombing
uri: Egypt-mosque-bombing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_November_2017_%28Egypt_mosque_bombing%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a>'s branch in
Egypt <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/25/sinai-attack-needs-to-be-a-turning-point-in-egypts-war-on-terror">bombed a mosque</a> because its worshippers
practice a form of Islam that is kind and thoughtful, not rigid and cruel.


feed_id: 36f362ad6e652d11730baf1332ff8a6f
title: Honduras president
uri: Honduras-president
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_November_2017_%28Honduras_president%29
content:
<p>
Corrupt President HernÃ¡ndez of Honduras, chosen in an election managed
by military coup leaders, is reported as leading in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/24/honduras-president-hernandez-contentious-bid-second-term-elections">opinion polls</a> run
by pro-coup newspapers.
<p>
Recall when President Zelaya of Honduras was ousted by a <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-mar-jun.html#29%20June%202009%20(Military%20in%20Honduras%20overthrew%20President%20Zelaya)">military coup</a>
supported (though not overtly) <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-jul-oct.html#14%20July%202009%20(On%20the%20coup%20in%20Honduras)">by the US</a>
under the authority of <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-sep-dec.html#3_September_2016_(Clintons_support_for_coup_in_Honduras)">Hillary Clinton</a> as Secretary of State.
<p>
The supposed justification was that Zelaya wanted to hold a referendum
about permitting reelection of presidents.  The referendum would have
taken place <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-sep-dec.html#26%20December%202010%20(A%20highly%20questionable%20response)">after he left office</a>.


feed_id: 2ee963909f0aa0855bfeff669ba06b9a
title: FEMA in Puerto Rico
uri: 2017-11-26-FEMA-in-Puerto-Rico
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_November_2017_%28FEMA_in_Puerto_Rico%29
content:
<p>
FEMA's attempt to aid Puerto Rico was not merely too little and too late.
It was <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/11/24/puerto-rico-natural-disaster-us-government">not even designed</a> to function in those circumstances.


feed_id: c3f0597eca42961be1cdc1a6326e1bc3
title: Cryin'air cabin sales
uri: Cryin-air-cabin-sales
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#26_November_2017_%28Cryin%27air_cabin_sales%29
content:
<p>
The cabin crew of Cryin'air have been crying, or will be soon.  The airline
said <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/nov/23/ryanair-crew-told-to-sell-more-perfume-and-scratchcards-or-face-action">it will punish</a> those who don't sell enough in the cabin.
<p>
I never buy what the crew sell in an airplane.  Moreover, many
airlines won't take the cash that I might pay with.
<p>
Please help defend privacy rights by refusing to pay for products and
food with anything other than cash.


