# articles

feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_September_2023_(Indiginous_win_huge,_Brazil)
title: Indigenous win huge, Brazil
uri: Indigenous-win-huge-Brazil
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_September_2023_(Indiginous_win_huge,_Brazil)
content:
 
<p>
The Brazilian supreme court rejected a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/21/brazil-supreme-court-indigenous-land-rights-win">right-wing attempt to deny</a>
indigenous groups' claims to ancestral lands from which they had
already been kicked out before 1988.
<p>
1988 is not long ago.  I think this decision is correct when an
indigenous group was kicked out a few decades before 1988.  But I
worry that it could extend too far: it could result in evicting
non-indigenous farmers from land that they have farmed for
generations, replacing one wave of dispossessed with another.
Situations like that call for compromise.
<p>
I wonder what other limits there are in the law regarding how many
decades it takes for non-indigenous farmers' title to be valid.
<p>
<a href="/archives/2022-sep-dec.html#15_December_2022_(Amazon_anti-forestry_chaos)">Illegal gold miners</a>
should never get valid title.

<p>
 


title: Extraterritorial assassination de-escalation, CA, IN
uri: Extraterritorial-assassination-de-escalation-CA-IN
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_September_2023_(Extraterritorial_assassination_de-esalation,_CA,_IN)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_September_2023_(Extraterritorial_assassination_de-esalation,_CA,_IN)

content:
 
<p>
Canada reports
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/22/canada-evidence-indian-diplomats-sikh-activist-murder-hardeep-singh-najjir">evidence directly tying Indian diplomats</a>
to the murder of Sikh separatist living in Canada under asylum.

<p>
 


title: McCarthy VS Extremist Republicans
uri: McCarthy-VS-Extremist-Republicans
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_September_2023_(McCarthy_VS_Extremist_Republicans)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_September_2023_(McCarthy_VS_Extremist_Republicans)

content:
 
<p>
House Speaker McCarthy, in thrall to Republican lunatic extremists who
are willing to sabotage anything and everything to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/22/government-shutdown-house-speaker-kevin-mccarthy">any helpful
government policies</a>
they can get their hands on, is desperately trying to remain in the
office of speaker by obeying their impossible demands.
<p>
The result of this is that he is losing what little shreds of honor
and political respect remain to him.  How foolish that is.  If he
resigns now and consigns the lunatics to hell, he may be unable to
remain as speaker but he will salvage some respectability.
<p>
The lunatics of <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#scrotus">SCROTUS</a> will look for another Republican willing to
dangle on their strings to be a puppet "speaker".  But the rest of the
Republicans might decide to make a deal with Democrats on a bipartisan
House leadership that would adopt compromise policies.  I expect that
sooner or later they will decide to climb out of the lunatics' vice.

<p>
 


title: Environmental stewardship mistake, CA
uri: Environmental-stewardship-mistake-CA
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_September_2023_(Environmental_stewardship_mistake,_CA)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_September_2023_(Environmental_stewardship_mistake,_CA)

content:
 
<p>
Logging companies clear-cut Canadian forests in the 1980s, and
replaced them with
<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230921130623/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/15/opinion/wildfires-treeplanting-timebomb.html">a monoculture of highly flammable black spruce</a>.
Those appear to have been the cause of many of the unquenchable giant wildfires of this year.

<p>
 


title: Yango taxi disservice: an EU, ISR warning
uri: Yango-taxi-disservice-an-EU-ISR-warning
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_September_2023_(Yango_taxi_disservice:_an_EU,_ISR_warning)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_September_2023_(Yango_taxi_disservice:_an_EU,_ISR_warning)

content:
 
<p>
Putin's spy service directly tracks the ride service Yango.
<a href="https://meduza.io/en/feature/2023/08/08/user-x-with-driver-y-traveled-from-point-a-to-point-b">Everyone who gets a ride on Yango</a>
will be tracked and reported immediately.  That includes clients in
Israel and Europe as well as in Russia.
<p>
It is unjust for a ride service to identify you!
Boycott <a href="/uber.html">GUber</a>!

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_September_2023_(Oil_Cos._dupe_CA_Dems)
title: Oil Cos. dupe CA
uri: Oil-Cos-dupe-CA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_September_2023_(Oil_Cos._dupe_CA_Dems)
content:
 
<p>
How one oil industry agent set up
<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/newsom-oil-regulations-california-18156243.php?link_id=2&can_id=8b24519448cbedadde1c8a966f94caad">a web of pretend "grass roots"
groups</a>
to make a lot of noise and thus give hesitant California
legislators an excuse to water down a new oil regulation.
<p>
The agent responds with misleading words, such as claiming that these
organizations are "real".  They probably are "real" in the sense of
really being legally registered, but they are not really what they
claim to be.  Then he insists that their arguments are "valid", which
is no indication that they are valid.

<p>
 


title: Extraterritorial harassment of Iranian activists
uri: Extraterritorial-harassment-of-Iranian-activists
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_September_2023_(Extraterratorial_harassment_of_Iranian_activists)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_September_2023_(Extraterratorial_harassment_of_Iranian_activists)

content:
 
<p>
*Iran and its agents appear to be orchestrating a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/22/iranian-activists-across-europe-are-targets-of-threats-and-harassment">Europe-wide campaign</a>
of harassment, surveillance, kidnap plots and death threats targeting
political activists who are protesting against the regime.*

<p>
 


title: Urgent: "Stop Cop City" activists murdered, attacked
uri: Urgent-Stop-Cop-City-activists-murdered-attacked
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_September_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_Cop_City_activists_murdered,_attacked)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_September_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_Cop_City_activists_murdered,_attacked)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-now-the-doj-must-investigate-attacks-on-stop-cop-city-activists?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-sign-now-investigate-attacks-on-stop-cop-city-activists">call on the DOJ to investigate</a>
attacks on Stop Cop City activists.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_((satire)_Citizen_swap_deal)
title: (satire) Citizen swap deal
uri: (satire)-Citizen-swap-deal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_((satire)_Citizen_swap_deal)
content:
 
<p>

(satire) *<a href="https://www.theonion.com/every-american-exchanged-for-iranian-population-in-firs-1850849729">Every American Exchanged For Iranian Population In First
    Successful Citizen Swap Deal.</a>*
</p>

 


title: Women prisoners required to be strip searched
uri: Women-prisoners-required-to-be-strip-searched
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(Women_prisoners_required_to_be_strip_searched)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(Women_prisoners_required_to_be_strip_searched)

content:
 
<p>

  Part of Australia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/sep/20/traumatic-strip-searches-lead-women-in-queensland-jails-to-avoid-medical-treatment-and-family-visits-review-finds">requires women prisoners to undergo strip searches</a>
to see doctors or their families.
  The prisoners respond to this practice by avoiding medical and
family visits.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(Why_women_don't_report_rape)
title: Why women don't report rape
uri: Why-women-don-t-report-rape
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(Why_women_don't_report_rape)
content:
 
<p>

Rebecca Solnit explains why many women who have been raped or abused
    <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/19/russell-brand-rape-sexual-assault-familiar-story">do not report it to the law</a>.  It takes a lot of courage to face the
multiple punishments they are likely to receive for making the report.
</p>

 


title: Missing half the global heating equation
uri: Missing-half-the-global-heating-equation
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(Missing_half_the_global_heating_equation)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(Missing_half_the_global_heating_equation)

content:
 
<p>

  *   The Australian government is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/19/missing-half-the-equation-scientists-criticise-australia-over-approach-to-fossil-fuels">“missing half the equation”</a> in acting on
   the climate crisis by backing a shift to renewable energy but having no
   plan to get out of fossil fuels, according to an author of a new
   scientific review.*
</p>

 


title: Shrinking railways in favour of road-building
uri: Shrinking-railways-in-favour-of-road-building
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(Shrinking_railways_in_favour_of_road-building)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(Shrinking_railways_in_favour_of_road-building)

content:
 
<p>

  *European governments <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/19/european-governments-railways-road-building-report-motorways-funding-rail">shrinking railways in favour of road-building</a>, report
finds.*
</p>

 


title: Program to work on climate defense and fire prevention
uri: Program-to-work-on-climate-defense-and-fire-prevention
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(Program_to_work_on_climate_defense_and_fire_prevention)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(Program_to_work_on_climate_defense_and_fire_prevention)

content:
 
<p>

Biden has launched a program to employ 20,000 young adult Americans
to work on <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/20/biden-american-climate-corps-green-jobs">climate defense and fire prevention</a>.
</p>

<p>
  Sierra Club gives <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/sierra-club-statement-on-launch-of-american-climate-corps">more information</a>.
</p>
<p>
However, Biden is simultaneously failing to do the most important things
for climate defense. *Joe Biden and Xi Jinping, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/20/un-climate-summit-polluting-countries-leaders-skipping">leaders of two biggest carbon emitters</a>, among
   those not attending the [UN climate] summit in New York.*
</p>

 


title: China demands return of "cultural relics"
uri: China-demands-return-of-cultural-relics
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(China_demands_return_of_cultural_relics)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(China_demands_return_of_cultural_relics)

content:
 
<p>

China has launched a campaign demanding the British Museum return all
"cultural relics acquired through improper channels" to China.  Its
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/20/viral-douyin-series-chinese-teapot-escaping-british-museum-film">supposed star example</a> is a recent pot that the museum bought from the
potter who made it.
</p>
<p>
There are plenty of examples of stolen art that museums should return.
But often these conclusions are reached by anachronisticly applying
standards for recent times to a world that that didn't have these
standards and which these standards did not fit.  To decide which
standards to judge an old event by calls for careful thought.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(Warnings_of_coup_in_Guatemala)
title: Warnings of coup in Guatemala
uri: Warnings-of-coup-in-Guatemala
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(Warnings_of_coup_in_Guatemala)
content:
 
<p>

  US and Brazil warn that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/20/brazil-warns-of-potential-guatemala-coup-to-stop-president-taking-power">powerful oligarchs in Guatemala might hold a coup</a>
to stop Guatemala's president-elect from taking power.
</p>

 


title: UK confiscated journalist's phone and laptop
uri: UK-confiscated-journalist-s-phone-and-laptop
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(UK_confiscated_journalist's_phone_and_laptop)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(UK_confiscated_journalist's_phone_and_laptop)

content:
 
<p>

The UK questioned a British journalist at an airport, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/sep/20/british-journalist-held-by-police-at-luton-airport-for-five-hours-without-arrest">claiming he was
    suspected of "terrorism"</a>, and confiscated his phone and laptop.
</p>
<p>
He was suspected for his positive coverage of <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-mar-jun.html#10_May_2018_(Attacking_Rojava)">Rojava, the Kurdish
    state in Syria</a> that stands for equality and unusual systems of democracy.
</p>
<p>
  <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-jul-oct.html#17_October_2021_(Kurds_of_Rojava)">Rojava was an unofficial ally</a> of the US during the fight against
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a>.
</p>
<p>
The most horrible thing about these law, and similar British law,
is that the crime is not actual terrorism or whatever.  It is
being suspected of terrorism or whatever.
</p>
<p>
  It is punishment on suspicion, with the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-sep-dec.html#5_September_2011_(35,000_Worldwide_Convicted_for_Terror)">bogus excuse</a> that
being suspected is itself a crime.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(Japan's_unusually_long_summer)
title: Japan's unusually long summer
uri: Japan-s-unusually-long-summer
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(Japan's_unusually_long_summer)
content:
 
<p>

  Japan's summer is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/20/japan-heatwave-autumn-temperatures-august-tokyo">extending far longer than usual</a>, 
   surely due to <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a>.
</p>
<p>
People around the world must wake up to start envisioning what this
will do to their lives after a couple more decades of getting worse.
</p>

 


title: Facebook pressured to delay end-to-end encryption
uri: Facebook-pressured-to-delay-end-to-end-encryption
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(Facebook_pressured_to_delay_end-to-end_encryption)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(Facebook_pressured_to_delay_end-to-end_encryption)

content:
 
<p>

The UK is again pressuring Facebook and its allied messaging features
to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/sep/20/meta-encryption-plan-will-let-child-abusers-hide-in-the-dark-says-uk-campaign">delay end-to-end encryption</a> until they snoop for the state.
</p>
<p>
I sympathize with the goal of protecting children from pressure for sex,
but snooping is the foundation of tyranny and that threatens everyone.
</p>
<!--
[pol note]
  -->
<p>
I would never use Facebook, because (1) <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">it requires running nonfree
    software</a>, which never deserves users' trust,
  and Facebook itself does lots of snooping.
</p>

 


title: Votes for keeping pollution high
uri: Votes-for-keeping-pollution-high
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(Votes_for_keeping_pollution_high)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(Votes_for_keeping_pollution_high)

content:
 
<p>

  George Monbiot explains how lobbies <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/22/air-pollution-lobbying-politics-ulez">convince the public</a> to vote to keep
the level of disease-causing pollution high.
</p>

 


title: Extremist Republican Senator threatened to fire workers for striking
uri: Extremist-Republican-Senator-threatened-to-fire-workers-for-striking
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(Extremist_Republican_Senator_threatened_to_fire_workers_for_striking)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(Extremist_Republican_Senator_threatened_to_fire_workers_for_striking)

content:
 
<p>

When extremist Republican Senator Tim Scott <a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/09/21/uaw-strike-tim-scott/">threatened to fire workers
    for striking</a>, he violated US labor law.  He was urging for auto workers
to be treated this way, but he is an employer himself, and he can't
treat workers that way.
</p>
<p>
So the UAW has filed a complaint against him.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(A_license_for_a_dog)
title: A license for a dog
uri: A-license-for-a-dog
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(A_license_for_a_dog)
content:
 
<p>

  Keeping a dog <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/sep/20/bring-back-the-dog-licence-with-a-test">should require a license</a>, and to get the license you
should have to pass a test in how to teach a tog to be friendly rather
than aggressive.
</p>
<p>
There could be alternate tests for training guard dogs, where the
trainer would have to demonstrate ability to train a guard dog so that
it will keep its actions within the bounds of what is acceptable for
such dogs.
</p>

 


title: Google search generated fake image instead of real one
uri: Google-search-generated-fake-image-instead-of-real-one
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(Google_search_generated_fake_image_instead_of_real_one)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_September_2023_(Google_search_generated_fake_image_instead_of_real_one)

content:
 
<p>

  Google's search algorithm chose a <a href="https://www.404media.co/first-google-search-result-for-tiananmen-square-tank-man-is-ai-generated-selfie/">generated fake image</a> rather than the
real photo of Tank Man as the response to a search for "tank man".
</p>
<p>
Google manually corrected this, but it shows the error-prone nature of
its system as operating.
</p>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Google V DOJ trial is murky
uri: Urgent-Google-V-DOJ-trial-is-murky
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_September_2023_(Urgent:_Google_V_DOJ_trial_is_murky____)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_September_2023_(Urgent:_Google_V_DOJ_trial_is_murky____)

content:
 
<p>
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/demand-a-full-transparent-live-feed-of-the-landmark-google-trial-now?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-big-techs-monopolies-must-be-broken-up">call on the judge</a>
in the Google antitrust trial to provide a live video feed.  It is a
matter of showing that the public interest is sufficient to justify it.

<p>
 


title: Wildfire VS economic emissions, CAN
uri: Wildfire-VS-economic-emissions-CAN
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_September_2023_(Wildfire_VS_economic_emmissions,_CAN)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_September_2023_(Wildfire_VS_economic_emmissions,_CAN)

content:
 
<p>
*Wildfires turn Canada’s
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/22/canada-wildfires-forests-carbon-emissions">vast forests from carbon sink</a>
into super-emitter.* This years emissions amount to three times Canada's
usual annual emissions, and the fires are not finished yet.
<p>
Further <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> is sure to increase the emissions from burning
forest in further years &mdash; until it is all burned up.  This is the
sort of <a href="/archives/2022-jul-oct.html#9_September_2022_(Five_major_climate_tipping_points)">tipping point</a>
that can cause unstoppable disaster.
<p>
The article describes precautions that might be able to reduce the fires in future years.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Limit heavy-duty trucks' emissions
uri: Urgent-Limit-heavy-duty-trucks-emissions
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#27_September_2023_(Urgent:_Heavy-duty_trucks'_emmissions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#27_September_2023_(Urgent:_Heavy-duty_trucks'_emmissions)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://www.evergreenaction.com/actions/epa-hdv-clean-trucks-petition-2023">call on the EPA</a>
to adopt a stronger limit for pollution from trucks.

<p>
 


title: Richard Stallman will give a talk
uri: Richard-Stallman-will-give-a-talk
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#27_September_2023_(Richard_Stallman_will_give_a_talk)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#27_September_2023_(Richard_Stallman_will_give_a_talk)

content:
 
<p>
Richard Stallman will <a href="/talks.html#30sep2023">give a talk</a>
on September 30<sup>th</sup> in Prague,  Czech Republic,  at Charles University (Univerzita Karlova) at 14:00h.  
<p>
The event is organized by The Faculty of Educational Studies
(Pedagogická fakulta), Free Digital Society members.  It ends at 16:30.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#27_September_2023_(53K_Armenians_on_the_road)
title: 53K Armenians on the road
uri: 53K-Armenians-on-the-road
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#27_September_2023_(53K_Armenians_on_the_road)
content:
 
<p>
The Armenian
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/27/nagorno-karabakh-azerbaijan-conflict-quarter-region-population-flee-into-armenia">inhabitants of Nagorno-Karabakh</a>
are fleeing after Azerbaijan's conquest.

<p>
 


title: Striking auto workers and presidential power brokers
uri: Striking-auto-workers-and-presidential-power-brokers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#27_September_2023_(Striking_auto_workers_and_presidential_power_brokers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#27_September_2023_(Striking_auto_workers_and_presidential_power_brokers)

content:
 
<p>
Striking auto workers now see that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/26/uaw-strike-biden-visit-update-trump">Biden supports them and the fascist
despises them</a>.

<p>
 


title: UN Refugee, and EU Rights conventions targeted by Tory
uri: UN-Refugee-and-EU-Rights-conventions-targeted-by-Tory
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#27_September_2023_(UN_Refugee,_and_EU_Rights_conventions_targeted_by_Tory)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#27_September_2023_(UN_Refugee,_and_EU_Rights_conventions_targeted_by_Tory)

content:
 
<p>
The Tory minister in charge of the hostile environment in Britain
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/sep/26/smirking-suella-trashes-70-years-of-human-rights-in-30-minutes">calls for rejecting</a>
the European convention on human rights.
<p>
Julian Assange's perfunctory final hearing is expected <a href="/archives/2023-may-aug.html#31_August_2023_(Wikileaks_and_imperialist_agriculture)">very soon</a>.
Extraditing him raises issues of violating the <a href="/archives/2022-nov-feb.html#7_February_2023_(UK_to_deport_refugees_arriving_in_boats)">European convention on
human rights</a>.
Will the UK follow its obligations under the treaty, or
use the occasion, <a href="/archives/2022-jan-apr.html#21_March_2022_(Enslaved_civilians)">Putin-like</a>, to display contempt for it?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#27_September_2023_(Conman_guilty_of_fraud)
title: Conman guilty of fraud
uri: Conman-guilty-of-fraud
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#27_September_2023_(Conman_guilty_of_fraud)
content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">The corrupter</a> has been found guilty of fraud for tremendously
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/26/donald-trump-new-york-financial-fraud-key-takeaways">exaggerating
the value of his businesses</a>
in order to get deals.
<p>
The judge canceled his business certificates in New York State.
Large fines follow.
<p>
*Trump is a real estate "genius" only in a "fantasy world".*


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Defund_the_prosecutors)
title: "Defund the prosecutors"
uri: Defund-the-prosecutors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Defund_the_prosecutors)
content:
 
<p>
*[The] <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#conman">Conman</a> [&hellip;] tells GOP to shut down the government to
<a href="https://boingboing.net/2023/09/22/donald-trump-tells-gop-to-shut-down-government-to-stop-his-criminal-trials.html">stop
his criminal trials</a>
(which it won't).*

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Stop platforming the fascist leader
uri: Urgent-Stop-platforming-the-fascist-leader
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_platforming_the_fascist_leader)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_platforming_the_fascist_leader)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/msm_cancel_trump/">call on ABC, CBS, PBS, NBC, CNN, and affiliates</a>:
Stop platforming the fascist leader.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Public_spending,_a_rationale)
title: Public spending: a rationale
uri: Public-spending-a-rationale
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Public_spending,_a_rationale)
content:
 
<p>
*It’s a lie promoted by the right [wing] that state help saps
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/24/lie-promoted-by-the-right-that-state-help-saps-people-of-their-drive">people
of their drive</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Unemployment as antidote to arrogance
uri: Unemployment-as-antidote-to-arrogance
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(On_unemployment:_quotes_from_above)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(On_unemployment:_quotes_from_above)

content:
 
<p>
Plutocrats want working-class people to have to try desperately to
find a job, so that they will
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/09/23/tim-gurner-speech-unemployment/">take a subservient attitude</a>
towards their so-called "betters".

<p>
 


title: Urgent: The Israeli Democracy Resolution
uri: Urgent-The-Israeli-Democracy-Resolution
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Urgent:_The_Israeli_Democracy_Resolution)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Urgent:_The_Israeli_Democracy_Resolution)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.jstreet.org/sign/ask-your-rep-co-sponsor-israeli-democracy-resolution-newmoc/?t=1006&akid=335048%2E538688%2EclClvF">call on members of Congress</a>
to co-sponsor the Israeli Democracy Resolution.
<p>
I am <a href="/archives/2023-may-aug.html#21_August_2023_(Prominant_Israelis_urge_protest_of_apartheid_state)">not forgetting</a>
about the injustice of the <a href="/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#11_September_2023_(Israel's_apartheid_system_on_Palestinians)">occupation of Palestine</a>,
but the fight to prevent Israel from being taken by fascism is in a crucial stage now.
<p> The Capitol Switchboard number is
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Please phone your congresscritter
uri: Urgent-Please-phone-your-congresscritter
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Urgent:_phone_your_congresscritter)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Urgent:_phone_your_congresscritter)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter and convey this message.
<p>
My name is NAME, I am your constituent. Please reject any budget that
slashes Medicaid, and publicly oppose any plan to create a closed-door
commission to cut Social Security and Medicare.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard number is
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_funding_JBS_meats)
title: Urgent: Stop funding JBS meats
uri: Urgent-Stop-funding-JBS-meats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_funding_JBS_meats)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.ran.org/page/56955/petition/1">call on Citibank and BofA</a>
to stop funding JBS Foods, because of its deforestation.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Protect the Western Arctic from oil drilling
uri: Urgent-Protect-the-Western-Arctic-from-oil-drilling
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Urgent:_Protect_the_Western_Arctic_from_oil_drilling)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Urgent:_Protect_the_Western_Arctic_from_oil_drilling)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=55446&supporter_KEY=229474">call on the Bureau of Land Management</a>
to protect the Western Arctic from oil drilling.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Reality_TV_show_contestants)
title: Reality TV show contestants
uri: Reality-TV-show-contestants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Reality_TV_show_contestants)
content:
 
<p>

  * Reality TV show contestants are <a href="https://theconversation.com/reality-tv-show-contestants-are-more-like-unpaid-interns-than-hollywood-stars-213437">more like unpaid interns</a> than
Hollywood stars.*
</p>
<p>
  <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#15_October_2015_(Chinese_students_used_as_unpaid_workers)">Exploitation of interns</a> occurs in many fields of business.
</p>
   When there is competitive pressure on people starting out on
careers, they are compelled to accept whatever form of hazing might
get them started.  A need for an unpaid internship can really cut down
the candidate pool.  Meanwhile, the candidate or per parents needs to
have money in order to support the internship.  It becomes one of the
things that keeps the children of poor families out of good jobs.
  <p>
But let's not forget that enabling the most capable young people
get the best jobs is only part of what is needed for a good society.
We need to enable everyone to have a decent life &mdash; which means,
the less capable <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#6_July_2017_(Meritocracy)">don't get so much less than the more skilled</a>.
  </p>
<p>
Likewise, social mobility is not as important as giving everyone a
decent life.  Social mobility is one of the ways the wealthy try to
convince most of society to settle  for a chance of getting rich
rather than demanding a decent life.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Family_life_in_Scandinavia)
title: Family life in Scandinavia
uri: Family-life-in-Scandinavia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Family_life_in_Scandinavia)
content:
 
<p>

Family life in Scandinavia, with the help of government-funded child
care, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/22/danes-share-housework-british-family-friendly-policies">encourages couples to share housework and to reserve mealtimes
    for togetherness</a>.
</p>

 


title: FDA warns pharma companies about patents
uri: FDA-warns-pharma-companies-about-patents
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(FDA_warns_pharma_companies_about_patents)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(FDA_warns_pharma_companies_about_patents)

content:
 
<p>

The FDA warned pharma companies to <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/2023/09/18/ftc-warns-pharma-companies-that-it-may-go-after-them-for-sham-patent-listings-designed-to-delay-generic-competitors/">stop lying about which drugs
    are covered by their patents</a>.
</p>
<p>
The patent system is basically a scheme to give big companies power
over markets.  In the area of medicine, they enable pharma companies
to make medicines so expensive that most people who need them, even in
a "rich" country (one with a comparatively large fraction of rich
people), cannot afford them.
</p>
<p>
The companies argue for this power based on the expense of developing
and then testing the drugs.  Indeed, those are expensive, and we can't
just wish those expenses away.  But the development expenses are often
paid for by the government (as they should be) and yet the government
allows the company to seize the profit for itself.  As for the
testing, giving pharma companies control over testing of medicines
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-sep-dec.html#26_October_2012_(System_for_testing_medicines_corrupted)">enables them to corrupt it</a>.
</p>
<p>
We should most definitely remove testing of the effects
of medicines from their hands.
</p>

 


title: Disney silent on issues such as gay rights
uri: Disney-silent-on-issues-such-as-gay-rights
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Disney_silent_on_issues_such_as_gay_rights)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Disney_silent_on_issues_such_as_gay_rights)

content:
 
<p>

Disney has yielded to right-wing culture wars and <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/disney-ceo-says-company-will-quiet-noise-culture-wars-analyst-2023-09-20/">plans to be s silent
    about issues</a> such as gay rights and racial equality.
</p>
<p>
Since the right-wing extremists will surely continue fighting to impose their
views on everyone, this is a setback for society.
</p>

<p>
Please keep in mind that Disney's commercial activities are fully based on
injustice: <a href="https://DefectiveByDesign.org">DRM</a>,
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html ">identifying all customers</a>,
and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jan-apr.html#3_April_2019_(Amazon">antisocializing contracts</a> which demand users commit not to share copies,
</p>
<p>
  Sharing is good and <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/copyright-vs-community.html">should be lawful</a>.
  Thus, the only modern copy of a Disney movie or TV program that does
not do you injustice is an unauthorized copy.
</p>

 


title: Michigan raised minimum age for marriage
uri: Michigan-raised-minimum-age-for-marriage
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Michigan_raised_minimum_age_for_marriage)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Michigan_raised_minimum_age_for_marriage)

content:
 
<p>

  Michigan has <a href="https://boingboing.net/2023/09/22/michigan-bans-child-marriage.html">raised the minimum age for marriage to 18</a>, protested by
Republicans.
</p>
<p>
This change may be for the better.  Marriage is a difficult
responsibility, nowadays more than ever.
</p>
<p>
  However, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#5_February_2018_(Rights_of_the_Child)">referring to teenagers under 18 as "children" is propaganda</a>
for treating them as helpless and "protecting" them from any agency,
even in activities and relationships far less difficult than marriage.
</p>

 


title: Chinese-style surveillance in the UK
uri: Chinese-style-surveillance-in-the-UK
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Chinese-style_surveillance_in_the_UK)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Chinese-style_surveillance_in_the_UK)

content:
 
<p>

  Lauren Weinstein: <a href="https://lauren.vortex.com/2023/09/20/uk-online-safety-bill-tracking-censorship">Chinese-style surveillance of everyone, in the UK</a>.
</p>
<p>
The UK has gone heavily for surveillance.  It has tracked all car
travel using <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2008-jan-apr.html#24%20March%202008%20(Peace%20Activists%20Questioned%20Under%20terrorism%20Laws)">license-plate recognition</a> cameras since around 15 years
ago.
</p>

 


title: We should borrow from other cultures
uri: We-should-borrow-from-other-cultures
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(We_should_borrow_from_other_cultures)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(We_should_borrow_from_other_cultures)

content:
 
<p>

Yascha Mounk: *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/24/should-we-borrow-from-other-cultures-of-course-we-should">Should we borrow from other cultures? Of course we
    should, just as we always have.</a>*
</p>
<p>
The article explains how "cultural appropriation" has been applied to
situations in which real wrong was done &mdash; but the real wrong was
something else, and that concept was an invalid explanation of it.
</p>
<p>
*Instead of condemning appropriation, we should seek to build a society
in which members of every group are valued equally – and all are free
to draw inspiration from the cultures of their compatriots.*
</p>
<p>
To do that is a big challenge; but it will be a little less difficult
if we stop thinking that inequality and prejudice can be part of the solution.
</p>
<p>
  See also Kwame Anthony Appiah's <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#13_November_2020_(The_concept_of_cultural_appropriation)">brilliant analysis</a>.
</p>

 


title: Defying DeMentis's school censorship
uri: Defying-DeMentis-s-school-censorship
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Defying_DeMentis's_school_censorship)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Defying_DeMentis's_school_censorship)

content:
 
<p>

Students and parents are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/23/florida-desantis-book-ban-school-student-parent">organizing to defy Governor DeMentis's school
    censorship</a>.
</p>

 


title: Britons support rejoining the EU
uri: Britons-support-rejoining-the-EU
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Britons_support_rejoining_the_EU)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Britons_support_rejoining_the_EU)

content:
 
<p>

  Britons <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/sep/23/brexit-called-a-huge-mistake-by-protesters-at-rally-in-london">rallied to support rejoining the EU</a>.
</p>
<p>
  I <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jul-oct.html#09_July_2016_(UKs_vote_to_leave_the_EU)">predicted</a> that leaving the EU could be beneficial if Corbyn were in charge
but would be disastrous with Tories in charge.
</p>
<p>
Rejoining the EU would be beneficial for Britain if plutocatists such
as Tories or Starmer-Labour will be in charge.
</p>

 


title: Inheritance tax debate in the UK
uri: Inheritance-tax-debate-in-the-UK
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Inheritance_tax_debate_in_the_UK)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Inheritance_tax_debate_in_the_UK)

content:
 
<p>

*The inheritance tax debate we should really be having [in the UK]?
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/25/the-inheritance-tax-debate-we-should-really-be-having-whether-to-set-it-at-100">Whether to set it at 100%</a>.*
</p>
<p>
That goes for other countries too.
</p>
<p>
I don't see a need for inheritance tax on the rich to be quite so
high.  Surely 90% of large fortunes is enough to collect as taxes.
</p>

 


title: Calling for stronger pipeline safety rules
uri: Calling-for-stronger-pipeline-safety-rules
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Calling_for_stronger_pipeline_safety_rules)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Calling_for_stronger_pipeline_safety_rules)

content:
 
<p>

  Calling for <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/advocates-demand-stronger-pipeline-safety-rules">stronger pipeline safety rules</a> in the US.
</p>
<p>
If the pipeline carries fossil fuel, we must include in its safety
risks not only the risk of a leak, but also the risk that the fuel
will <em>not</em> leak and instead be delivered and burnt as intended.
</p>

 


title: Education systems to fit world with internet
uri: Education-systems-to-fit-world-with-internet
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Education_systems_to_fit_world_with_internet)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Education_systems_to_fit_world_with_internet)

content:
 
<p>

Proposing to reshape education systems to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/sep/25/the-big-idea-how-do-we-make-future-generations-smarter">better fit a world with an
    internet</a>.
</p>
<p>
The author's misguided perspective can be seen fro the fact
that he thinks that the number of startup companies (and thus billionaires)
measures success.  But his points about education may be valid nonetheless.
</p>
<p>
But they may not remain valid.  By 2060 there may be no internet,
because globalized manufacturing may have been wiped out by climate
disaster.  We may need old methods of education once again.
</p>

 


title: First president to march in union picket line
uri: First-president-to-march-in-union-picket-line
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(First_president_to_march_in_union_picket_line)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(First_president_to_march_in_union_picket_line)

content:
 
<p>

Robert Reich: Biden is now the <a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/why-biden-and-the-democrats-must">first President of the United States to
    march in a union picket line</a>.
  Next he should oppose the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a> policies that, since 1980, have
systematically transferred Americans' wealth from the non-rich to the
rich.
</p>
<p>
I marched in a union picket line before Biden did, but I was only
president of the Free Software Foundation, not president of a
potentially great country.
</p>

 


title: UK parties pledge not to increase taxes on rich
uri: UK-parties-pledge-not-to-increase-taxes-on-rich
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(UK_parties_pledge_not_to_increase_taxes_on_rich)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(UK_parties_pledge_not_to_increase_taxes_on_rich)

content:
 
<p>

The UK's third major party, the Liberal Democrats, has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/sep/25/lib-dems-tax-ed-davey-tory-voters-nhs">joined the
    other two</a> in pledging not to increase taxes on rich people.
</p>
<p>
All three have now sworn not to do the only thing that would make it
possible to fix "broken Britain": bring more money into the treasury
from the people who can afford to pay it.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(How_to_really_know_a_person)
title: How to really know a person
uri: How-to-really-know-a-person
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(How_to_really_know_a_person)
content:
 
<p>

  *How can you really get to know a person? <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/25/how-can-you-really-get-to-know-a-person-ask-to-see-their-loyalty-cards">Ask to see [per] loyalty cards</a>.*
</p>
<p>
If I showed you mine, you'd get to know me well enough.  I have only
one &mdash; from a chain which let me have it without my giving any
personal data.  That is why I judge it is acceptable to use.
</p>
<p>
The Boston subways and buses would let me pay a reduced rate
because of my age, but then it would associate all my travel with
my name and personal data.  No thanks!
</p>
<p>
if you asked to see what store apps I use, the answer would be even
more revealing: none at all.  I refuse to carry a snoop-phone, so I
can't use phone apps.  Anyway, I don't want to, since all those apps
are <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">nonfree programs</a>,
which means they are not worthy of trust.  So I don't trust them to run on my computers.
</p>

 


title: The finance needed to stop global heating
uri: The-finance-needed-to-stop-global-heating
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(The_finance_needed_to_stop_global_heating)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(The_finance_needed_to_stop_global_heating)

content:
 
<p>

  One way the world can <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/25/we-need-trillions-of-dollars-to-fight-the-climate-crisis-this-is-my-plan-to-raise-it">unlock the finance needed to stop global heating</a>,
</p>

 


title: Failing to answer call to phase out fossil fuels
uri: Failing-to-answer-call-to-phase-out-fossil-fuels
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Failing_to_answer_call_to_phase_out_fossil_fuels)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Failing_to_answer_call_to_phase_out_fossil_fuels)

content:
 
<p>

*Key Countries Responsible for the Climate Crisis <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/key-countries-responsible-for-the-climate-crisis-fail-to-answer-call-to-phase-out-fossil-fuels">Fail to Answer Call to
    Phase Out Fossil Fuels</a>.*
</p>

 


title: How Russia targeted Kherson's hospitals
uri: How-Russia-targeted-Kherson-s-hospitals
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(How_Russia_targeted_Kherson's_hospitals)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(How_Russia_targeted_Kherson's_hospitals)

content:
 
<p>

  *Revealed: how Russia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/20/revealed-how-russia-deliberately-targeted-kherson-hospitals">deliberately targeted Kherson’s hospitals</a>.*

 


title: Efforts to ban books spread to public libraries
uri: Efforts-to-ban-books-spread-to-public-libraries
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Efforts_to_ban_books_spread_to_public_libraries)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(Efforts_to_ban_books_spread_to_public_libraries)

content:
 
<p>

*   American Library Association notes efforts to ban titles have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/sep/20/book-bans-us-rise-public-libraries">spread
    beyond school libraries to those open to general public</a>.*
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(White_House_boosts_fossil_fuels)
title: White House boosts fossil fuels
uri: White-House-boosts-fossil-fuels
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(White_House_boosts_fossil_fuels)
content:
 
<p>

  *White House <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/bidens-u-n-climate-rhetoric-doesnt-match-reality">boosts fossil fuels</a> while speaking to the urgency of
climate threat.*

<p>
 


title: Bolsonaro insider leaks coup plot
uri: Bolsonaro-insider-leaks-coup-plot
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(Bolsonaro_insider_leaks_coup_plot)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(Bolsonaro_insider_leaks_coup_plot)

content:
 
<p>
A witness claims that Bolsonaro discussed a coup with the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/21/bolsonaro-military-coup-plans-former-secretary-reports">heads of the
Brazilian army, navy and air force</a>,
after losing the election last year.
<p>
They may all face trial for this.  I hope so!

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(Fuel_export_ban,_RUS)
title: Fuel export ban, RUS
uri: Fuel-export-ban-RUS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(Fuel_export_ban,_RUS)
content:
 
<p>
Russia has been
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/21/russia-temporarily-bans-export-of-petrol-and-diesel-to-stabilise-domestic-market">hit badly in the budget</a>
by difficulty in exporting petroleum.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(US_Role_in_Chile,_a_development)
title: US Role in Chile, a development
uri: US-Role-in-Chile-a-development
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(US_Role_in_Chile,_a_development)
content:
 
<p>
*Sanders and AOC Unveil Resolution to Apologize for US Role in Chile
Coup,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/chile-coup-resolution">Declassify Secret Docs</a>.*
<p>
I support this.  The US government intentionally did a <a href="/archives/2023-may-aug.html#13_August_2023_(Infamous_malevolence_of_US_in_Chile)">great wrong</a>
to Chile, which caused suffering of <a href="/archives/2013-jan-apr.html#14_April_2013_(Pinochet's_Regime)">murder and torture while Pinochet was in power</a>,
followed by the suffering of <a href="/archives/2021-jul-oct.html#15_October_2021_(Impeachment_after_Pandora_papers)">plutocratist rule</a>
more or less ever since.  That calls for a solemn apology.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(Coalition_V_Corporations)
title: Woke coalitions V global corporations
uri: Woke-coalitions-V-global-corporations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(Coalition_V_Corporations)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/14/prop-22-never-again/#norms-code-laws-markets">How</a>
unions won a 30% raise for every fast food worker in California.*

<p>
 


title: Spacecraft workers have woken up, India
uri: Spacecraft-workers-have-woken-up-India
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(Spacecraft_workers'_problem,_India)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(Spacecraft_workers'_problem,_India)

content:
 
<p>
India is gaining prestige from an impressive mission to the Moon,
built by workers who
<a href="https://scroll.in/article/1056368/no-salaries-in-last-18-months-workers-who-made-parts-for-isro-satellite-launches-stage-protest">did not get their salaries</a>.

<p>
 


title: For whom "appearance is everything"
uri: For-whom-appearance-is-everything
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(For_whom_appearance_is_everything)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(For_whom_appearance_is_everything)

content:
 
<p>
Many US conservative who do not give total obedience to the
spirit-breaker hate him for his practice of sneering at
<a href="https://www.newsweek.com/trumps-reported-disgust-wounded-veteran-sparks-fury-pure-scum-1828949">wounded combat
veterans</a>.
<p>
Even in the case of US wars that it should never have started, it is wrong to do that,

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(The_fight_against_malaria)
title: The malaria struggle now
uri: The-malaria-struggle-now
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(The_fight_against_malaria)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/sep/22/eliminate-malaria-once-and-for-all-or-it-will-come-back-stronger-un-warned">Eliminate malaria</a>
once and for all or it will come back stronger, UN warned.*

<p>
 


title: Local standards of welfare and safety
uri: Local-standards-of-welfare-and-safety
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(Local_standards_of_welfare_and_safety)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(Local_standards_of_welfare_and_safety)

content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#scrotus">SCROTUS</a> want
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/22/republicans-animal-welfare-law-food-safety">to override</a>
all state laws that prohibit cruelty to farm animals, and some that protect the health of farm animals too.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(List_of_Muslims_to_target,_US)
title: List of Muslims to target, US
uri: List-of-Muslims-to-target-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(List_of_Muslims_to_target,_US)
content:
 
<p>
CAIR, a civil rights group for the rights of Muslims in the US, has
sued the US government for maintaining a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/22/us-sued-terror-watchlist-muslim-rights-group">"terrorist watch list"</a>
which it uses to harass Muslims.
<p>
To have a watch list to keep track of the actions of people suspected
of planning terrorism is legitimate if it is used in honestly.
However, the US has used this watch list to pressure Muslims with no
terrorist involvement into <a href="/archives/2021-sep-dec.html#2_December_2021_(FBI_and_recruiting_non-US-citizens)">becoming informers and snooping regularly</a>
on their friends and families.
<p>
Furthermore, the US does not just "watch" the people on the list.
It regularly harasses them as well.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(Millions_embezzled,_EU)
title: Extensive embezzlement, fraud, EU
uri: Extensive-embezzlement-fraud-EU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(Millions_embezzled,_EU)
content:
 
<p>
The French right-wing extremist Marine Le Pen, and 23 other members of
her party, face
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/22/marine-le-pen-trial-alleged-misuse-eu-funds-say-prosecutors">prosecutors' request for criminal charges</a>
for redirecting some EU funds to the party staff.

<p>
 


title: Armenians' displacements, UN tensions
uri: Armenians-displacements-UN-tensions
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(Armenian_displacements,_UN_tensions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(Armenian_displacements,_UN_tensions)

content:
 
<p>
Azerbaijan with its oil-funded arms has taken military control of
Nagorno-Karabakh. 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/22/armenian-pm-hopes-ethnic-armenians-can-remain-in-nagorno-karabakh-azerbaijan">Now the question</a>
is whether it will force the Armenians out &mdash; either now or later.
<p>
Armenians have a millennium of history of Muslim conquerors seizing
some of its territory and perhaps expelling them or killing them.  <a href="/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#3_October_2020_(Issues_that_surround_the_fighting_between_Armenia_and_Azerbaijan)">It
doesn't necessarily have to happen now.</a>
Sometimes the conquerors tolerate Christians &mdash; Islam has a
tradition of tolerating Christians and Jews &mdash; but the tolerance can come and go.
<p>
When tolerated, they are second-class citizens.  Furthermore, they can
be punished for violating unjust religious demands, such as the law
against blasphemy, Azerbaijan's dictator may not be interested in
doing that, but they are not fans of human rights.

<p>
 


title: COP28: major aspects infiltrated
uri: COP28-major-aspects-infiltrated
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(COP28:_major_aspects_infiltrated)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(COP28:_major_aspects_infiltrated)

content:
 
<p>
The coming UN climate conference is pervasively corrupt.  UAE oil
company executives are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/22/uae-oil-company-executives-working-with-cop28-team-leak-reveals">working with the event's management team</a>.
<p>
This is just what we would have expected the UAE emir in charge of the event
to do, looking at the matter with the most jaundiced possible eye.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(Primes_NOT_ministering,_UK)
title: Primes NOT ministering, UK
uri: Primes-NOT-ministering-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(Primes_NOT_ministering,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
*[The UK prime minister]'s anti-green stance exposes his reckless
dishonesty. His fate is what matters,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/21/sunak-net-zero-reckless-dishonest">the planet can go hang</a>.*

 


title: RMS will speak in Frankfurt, Czeck Republic
uri: RMS-will-speak-in-Frankfurt-Czeck-Republic
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#28_September_2023_(RMS_will_speak_in_Frankfurt,_Czeck_Republic)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#28_September_2023_(RMS_will_speak_in_Frankfurt,_Czeck_Republic)

content:
 
<p>
Richard Stallman will give some talks in Frankfurt in Czech Republic:
<ul> 
<li> "Free Software and Your Freedom", Oct 3<sup>rd</sup>, 7pm
<li>  "Artificial Intelligence vs Language Models" on Oct 4<sup>th</sup>, 7pm
</ul>
See <a href="/talks.html#34oct2023">talks</a> for more info.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Reject secret commissions on SS and Medicare
uri: Urgent-Reject-secret-commissions-on-SS-and-Medicare
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#28_September_2023_(Urgent:_Reject_secret_commissions_on_SS_and_Medicare)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#28_September_2023_(Urgent:_Reject_secret_commissions_on_SS_and_Medicare)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-now-no-closed-door-commissions-to-cut-social-security-and-medicare?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-social-security-works&source=group-social-security-works">call on Congress</a>
to reject secret commissions designed to decide to cut Social Security and Medicare.
<p>
Also phone your representative to convey the same message.
The Capitol Switchboard number is
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#28_September_2023_(Azerbajain-blitz_results)
title: Azerbaijan-blitz results
uri: Azerbaijan-blitz-results
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#28_September_2023_(Azerbajain-blitz_results)
content:
 
<p>
The Armenian government of Nagorno-Karabakh has announced
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/28/nagorno-karabakh-separatist-government-says-dissolve-azerbaijan-armenia">it will dissolve</a>
at the end of this year.  Over half the Armenians there have already fled.
   I suppose the rest will flee soon.
<p>
This is how ethnic cleansing operates.  Azerbaijan, which is a
dictatorship and does not take human rights seriously, doesn't need an
official policy saying "No Armenians allowed."
<p>
However, in the years when Armenians ruled the Azeri areas of
Nagorno-Karabakh, ISTR that the Azeri population mostly fled
from some of those areas.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#28_September_2023_(New_pun:_Le_Concours_Pyrenéen)
title: New pun: Le Concours Pyrenéen
uri: New-pun-Le-Concours-Pyrenéen
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#28_September_2023_(New_pun:_Le_Concours_Pyrenéen)
content:
 
<p>
  <a href="/french-puns.html#Concours">New pun:</a>  Le Concours Pyrenéen
<blockquote>
À Lourdes, tous les pères sont maltraités par leur fils aínés.
Ils ont donc organisé le Concours Pyrenéen.
</blockquote>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#28_September_2023_(Election_suppression_playbook)
title: Election suppression playbook
uri: Election-suppression-playbook
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#28_September_2023_(Election_suppression_playbook)
content:
 
<p>
The Tories have
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/26/tories-electoral-system-millions-of-voters">rigged elections</a>
in Britain much as Republicans have
done so in the US &mdash; with voter suppression and gerrymandering.

<p>
 


title: The 2020 youth protests results, Thailand
uri: The-2020-youth-protests-results-Thailand
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#28_September_2023_(The_2020_youth_protests,_Thailand)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#28_September_2023_(The_2020_youth_protests,_Thailand)

content:
 
<p>
A Thai free speech activist has been sentenced to 4 years in prison
for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/26/thai-pro-democracy-activist-arnon-nampa-jailed-monarchy-protest">damaging the king's reputation</a>
with some of his remarks.
<p>
This shows how repressive Thai law is.

<p>
 


title: The 2001 Sept. 11 trials
uri: The-2001-Sept-11-trials
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#28_September_2023_(Sept._11_defendant_unfit_for_trial)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#28_September_2023_(Sept._11_defendant_unfit_for_trial)

content:
 
<p>
*September 11 defendant declared unfit for trial
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/22/september-11-defendant-declared-unfit-trial-cia-abuse-psychotic">after panel finds CIA
abuse</a>
rendered him psychotic.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Global_heating_and_marmots)
title: Global heating and marmots
uri: Global-heating-and-marmots
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Global_heating_and_marmots)
content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">Global heating</a> and its effects are making <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/28/they-kill-their-own-parents-children-and-neighbours-now-life-is-even-worse-for-the-vicious-alpine-marmot-aoe">marmots' violent, dangerous
lives even more violent and dangerous</a>.
<p>
Whether they will adapt or be wiped out is not clear.

<p>
 


title: Battle between drivers and pedestrians
uri: Battle-between-drivers-and-pedestrians
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Battle_between_drivers_and_pedestrians)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Battle_between_drivers_and_pedestrians)

content:
 
<p>
In the 20th century there was a long battle between car drivers and
pedestrians about <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/28/the-war-on-motorists-the-secret-history-of-a-myth-as-old-as-cars-themselves">who streets were really for</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Underwriting_coal)
title: Underwriting coal
uri: Underwriting-coal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Underwriting_coal)
content:
 
<p>
*Big European insurers "<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/28/big-european-insurers-us-coal-lloyds-of-london-zurich-swiss-re">underwrite 30% of US coal</a> despite net zero pledges".*
<p>
Does that conflict with their pledges?  How could we know?
Formulating emission reduction plans in terms
of "net zero" makes it easy to fudge such things, so let's
not give them that loophole.

<p>
 


title: Undermining "net-zero" commitments
uri: Undermining-net-zero-commitments
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Undermining_net-zero_commitments)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Undermining_net-zero_commitments)

content:
 
<p>
*Insurance Giants Deeply Involved in Underwriting U.S. Coal,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/insurance-giants-deeply-involved-in-underwriting-u-s-coal-undermining-public-net-zero-commitments">Undermining Public "Net-Zero" Commitments</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Olive_oil_harvest_damaged)
title: Olive oil harvest damaged
uri: Olive-oil-harvest-damaged
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Olive_oil_harvest_damaged)
content:
 
<p>
Due to global heating effects, Europe's olive oil harvest has been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/28/europes-local-olive-oil-supply-runs-almost-dry-after-summer-of-extreme-weather">badly
damaged</a> and its own production is exhausted for this year.

<p>
 


title: AI's response-time fix for budget's performance
uri: AI-s-response-time-fix-for-budget-s-performance
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_September_2023_(AI's_response_time_for_budgets,_labor_shortages)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_September_2023_(AI's_response_time_for_budgets,_labor_shortages)

content:
 
<p>
AI pattern recognizers are effective at getting a good chance of recognizing
many significant phenomena. 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/sep/03/uk-warned-over-lack-transparency-use-ai-vet-welfare-claims">Fraudulent welfare claims</a>
is one of them.
But humans accused of any sort of wrongdoing deserve a real investigation.
<p>
It is inherently unjust to punish someone because a program reported <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#perse">perse's</a> actions "resemble crime."
<p>
We must keep in mind that the UK's welfare system is designed to be cruel; it reduces
   <a href="/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(On_unemployment:_quotes_from_above)">unemployed</a>
              and <a href="/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_September_2023_(Voter-ID_playbook,_UK)">disabled</a>
   people to a point where they
   can't actually get by, and imposes <a href="/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Dentistry_decline,_NHS)">impossible requirements</a>.  Whatever <a href="/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Fake_debts_imposed_on_destitute_people_in_Australia)">system
     of enforcement</a>
   of those requirements the state happens to use is a means
   to a <a href="/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Republican_Death_Star_plan)">horrible end</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_September_2023_(Supreme_justice_questionable)
title: Supreme justice questionable
uri: Supreme-justice-questionable
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_September_2023_(Supreme_justice_questionable)
content:
 
<p>
*[Injustice] Thomas Secretly Participated
<a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/clarence-thomas-secretly-attended-koch-brothers-donor-events-scotus">in Koch Network Donor Events</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_September_2023_(Labour_power_by_FUD)
title: Labour power by FUD
uri: Labour-power-by-FUD
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_September_2023_(Labour_power_by_FUD)
content:
 
<p>
*Labour conference rule changes
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/sep/26/labour-conference-rule-changes-could-stop-members-debating-issues-like-brexit">could stop members debating</a>  issues like Brexit.*
  <p>
Starmer is determined not to allow the Labour Party to be in any way
a vehicle to focus public opinion on major public issues.  Only the small
questions Starmer will tolerate are going to be in order.
<p>
Starmer has already assured that advocates of bigger changes  can't run <a href="/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#5_May_2023_(Starmer's_Labour_betrayals)">for MP</a>
or even <a href="/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_March_2023_(Labour_policy_self-defeating,_UK)">local offices</a>
in the Labour Party.


<p>
 


title: Tyrant terrorizes "election losers", ZWE
uri: Tyrant-terrorizes-election-losers-ZWE
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_September_2023_(Zimbabwe_tyrant_Mnangagwa,_terrorizes_losers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_September_2023_(Zimbabwe_tyrant_Mnangagwa,_terrorizes_losers)

content:
 
<p>
Allegedly re-elected
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/26/zimbabwe-opposition-figures-detained-in-crackdown-after-disputed-election">President Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe</a>
has arrested a number of opposition politicians.  Others were kidnapped
and tortured.  Some of their lawyers have been, too.
<p>
There were doubts about Mnangagwa's <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jun/24/zimbabwe-opposition-fears-crackdown-election-rally-bombing-emmerson-mnangagwa">first alleged election</a>
too.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_September_2023_(AFL-CIO_vs_Conman)
title: AFL-CIO vs Conman
uri: AFL-CIO-vs-Conman
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_September_2023_(AFL-CIO_vs_Conman)
content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">The bullshitter</a> is now claiming he supports working people and their
unions.  As usual, that is more bullshit. 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/donald-trumps-catastrophic-and-devastating-anti-labor-track-record">Here are facts</a>
about his career of opposition to unions.

<p>
 


title: Disguised as "Union members" and "Auto workers"
uri: Disguised-as-Union-members-and-Auto-workers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_September_2023_(Disguised_as_Union_members_and_Auto_workers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_September_2023_(Disguised_as_Union_members_and_Auto_workers)

content:
 
<p>
Some Republicans at an auto workers'
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/28/trump-michigan-fake-signs-auto-workers-union">rally for the corrupter</a>
were true devotees of his.  They carried signs claiming to be
auto workers or union members which were lies.

<p>
 


title: AI's response-time fix for budget's performance
uri: 2023-09-30-AI-s-response-time-fix-for-budget-s-performance
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(AI's_response_time_for_budgets,_labor_shortages)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(AI's_response_time_for_budgets,_labor_shortages)

content:
 
<p>
AI pattern recognizers are effective at getting a good chance of recognizing
many significant phenomena. 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/sep/03/uk-warned-over-lack-transparency-use-ai-vet-welfare-claims">Fraudulent welfare claims</a>
is one of them.
But humans accused of any sort of wrongdoing deserve a real investigation.
<p>
It is inherently unjust to punish someone because a program reported <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#perse">perse's</a> actions "resemble crime."
<p>
We must keep in mind that the UK's welfare system is designed to be cruel; it reduces
   <a href="/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_September_2023_(On_unemployment:_quotes_from_above)">unemployed</a>
              and <a href="/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_September_2023_(Voter-ID_playbook,_UK)">disabled</a>
   people to a point where they
   can't actually get by, and imposes <a href="/archives/2023-may-aug.html#17_July_2023_(Dentistry_decline,_NHS)">impossible requirements</a>.  Whatever <a href="/archives/2023-may-aug.html#10_July_2023_(Fake_debts_imposed_on_destitute_people_in_Australia)">system
     of enforcement</a>
   of those requirements the state happens to use is a means
   to a <a href="/archives/2023-may-aug.html#11_August_2023_(Republican_Death_Star_plan)">horrible end</a>.

<p>
 


title: Tyrant terrorizes "election losers", ZWE
uri: 2023-09-30-Tyrant-terrorizes-election-losers-ZWE
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Zimbabwe_tyrant_Mnangagwa,_terrorizes_losers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Zimbabwe_tyrant_Mnangagwa,_terrorizes_losers)

content:
 
<p>
Allegedly re-elected
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/26/zimbabwe-opposition-figures-detained-in-crackdown-after-disputed-election">President Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe</a>
has arrested a number of opposition politicians.  Others were kidnapped
and tortured.  Some of their lawyers have been, too.
<p>
There were doubts about Mnangagwa's <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jun/24/zimbabwe-opposition-fears-crackdown-election-rally-bombing-emmerson-mnangagwa">first alleged election</a>
too.

<p>
 


title: Disguised as "Union members" and "Auto workers"
uri: 2023-09-30-Disguised-as-Union-members-and-Auto-workers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Disguised_as_Union_members_and_Auto_workers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Disguised_as_Union_members_and_Auto_workers)

content:
 
<p>
Some Republicans at an auto workers'
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/28/trump-michigan-fake-signs-auto-workers-union">rally for the corrupter</a>
were true devotees of his.  They carried signs claiming to be
auto workers or union members which were lies.
  
<p>
 


title: Thugs and unmarked torture warehouses
uri: Thugs-and-unmarked-torture-warehouses
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Thugs_and_unmarked_torture_warehouses)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Thugs_and_unmarked_torture_warehouses)

content:
 
<p>
*Investigation [of four Louisiana <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>] triggered by lawsuits
alleging <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/29/louisiana-police-brave-cave-abuse-officers-charged">abuse
and sexual humiliation of people taken to unmarked torture
warehouse</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Thinktank hired global heating denialist to prepare report
uri: Thinktank-hired-global-heating-denialist-to-prepare-report
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Thinktank_hired_global_heating_denialist_to_prepare_report)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Thinktank_hired_global_heating_denialist_to_prepare_report)

content:
 
<p>
A UK thinktank published a report overestimating the cost of achieving
"net zero" which was "full of errors that even a schoolboy would be
embarrassed about."  This should have been no surprise given that the
thinktank -- or should we call it a "drunktank" -- <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/29/how-a-thinktank-got-the-cost-of-net-zero-for-the-uk-wildly-wrong">hired a global
heating denialist to prepare the report</a>.
<p>
The article refers to him as a "climate skeptic", but that PR term is
used to excuse climate denialism.  A real skeptic applies rationality
to check claimed conclusions.  Clearly that denialist did not aim to
qualify as a real skeptic.

<p>
 


title: Biden authorized fossil fuel leases
uri: Biden-authorized-fossil-fuel-leases
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Biden_authorized_fossil_fuel_leases)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Biden_authorized_fossil_fuel_leases)

content:
 
<p>
Biden has authorized sale of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/29/biden-administration-oil-gas-lease-sale-climate-crisis">three fossil fuel leases</a> over five years.
<p>
These would add to future US oil production -- when what survival
requires is a massive reduction.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Identity_politics_law)
title: Identity politics law
uri: Identity-politics-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Identity_politics_law)
content:
 
<p>
AI programs (real or pretend) often implement racial bias.  California
is considering a law that attempts to stop this -- <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/29/we-have-a-bias-problem-california-bill-addresses-race-and-gender-in-venture-capital-funding">by identity
politics</a>!
<p>
Identity politics is not a real solution to any problem.  What's more,
the problem of bias in algorithms is subtle.  It is a mistake to
assume that people know how to avoid it or even detect it as a
consequence of their demographic background.
<p>
What California (and all polities) ought to do is require all software
used to make decisions about individual people to be free software and
its source code published,  That way the public will be able to study
whether its behavior is biased.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Thugs_aren't_above_the_law)
title: Thugs aren't above the law
uri: Thugs-aren-t-above-the-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Thugs_aren't_above_the_law)
content:
 
<p>
A UK <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> has been charged with murder for shooting a man dead
who was unarmed and caught in his car, which was blocked in and
could not move.  So the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> that carry guns went on a sort of
strike.
<p>
A former head of a <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/29/firearms-officers-met-public-law-chris-kaba-sue-fish">rebukes the demand of thugs
to be above the law</a>.

<p>
 


title: Sit-down protest at labour's shadow cabinet offices
uri: Sit-down-protest-at-labour-s-shadow-cabinet-offices
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Sit-down_protest_at_labour's_shadow_cabinet_offices)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Sit-down_protest_at_labour's_shadow_cabinet_offices)

content:
 
<p>
*Young climate activists staged <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/sep/29/activists-stage-rosebank-oilfield-protest-offices-labour-frontbench">sit-down protests outside the offices
of every member of Labour’s shadow cabinet</a> on Friday, calling on
the party to take a tougher line on the proposed new Rosebank
oilfield and back a comprehensive Green New Deal.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Biden's_giveaway_to_polluters)
title: Biden's giveaway to polluters
uri: Biden-s-giveaway-to-polluters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Biden's_giveaway_to_polluters)
content:
 
<p>
*Oil Change International: Biden’s offshore drilling plan is
a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/oil-change-international-bidens-offshore-drilling-plan-is-a-massive-giveaway-to-polluters-just-days-after-president-skips-united-nations-summit-on-ending-fossil-fuels">massive
giveaway to polluters</a> just days after president skips United
Nations summit on ending fossil fuels.*

<p>
 


title: Commission for cutting Social Security and Medicare
uri: Commission-for-cutting-Social-Security-and-Medicare
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Commission_for_cutting_Social_Security_and_Medicare)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Commission_for_cutting_Social_Security_and_Medicare)

content:
 
<p>
How the Republican's
secret <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/republicans-are-about-to-vote-for-a-social-security-death-panel">commission
to cut Social Security and Medicare</a> would work.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(FEMA_out_of_money)
title: FEMA out of money
uri: FEMA-out-of-money
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(FEMA_out_of_money)
content:
 
<p>
*Disaster recovery projects stall nationwide
as <a href="https://grist.org/article/fema-disaster-relief-fund-government-shutdown-recovery-congress/">FEMA
runs out of money</a>.*
<p>
This is because it is compelled to prepare for the government shutdown.


 


title: Apology for statement on child-grooming gangs
uri: Apology-for-statement-on-child-grooming-gangs
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Apology_for_statement_on_child-grooming_gangs)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Apology_for_statement_on_child-grooming_gangs)

content:
 
<p>

Tory minister Suella Braverman stated in an interview that
child-grooming gangs in the UK were mainly made up of
Pakistani-British.  The newspaper was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/sep/28/braverman-ethnicity-child-grooming-gangs-false-mail-on-sunday">forced to apologize</a> for
publishing this, since it turns out those gangs are mostly whites.
</p>
<p>
Braverman is Indian-British.  Since India and Pakistan have been
persistent enemies since the partition which divided them in 1947.  I
suppose she seized an opportunity to spread hate against Pakistan.
</p>
<p>
You can hardly trust a Tory.
</p>
<p>
*Whether or not Suella Braverman becomes the next Tory leader, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/28/bravermanism-future-british-right-extreme-views-mainstream-suella-braverman">her
    extreme [and usually cruel] ideas rule the party</a>.*
</p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Senator_Feinstein)
title: Senator Feinstein
uri: Senator-Feinstein
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Senator_Feinstein)
content:
 
<p>
Senator Feinstein, a "centrist" (somewhat right-wing) Democrat,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/29/dianne-feinstein-senator-dies">has died</a>.
<p>
Her death, as such, is regrettable; no human being deserves to die.
However, her departure from the Senate is good for America and the
world, because it will enable California's Governor Newsom to replace
her soon with a progressive Democrat.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#1_October_2023_(Ivasive_species:_lionfish)
title: Ivasive species: lionfish
uri: Ivasive-species-lionfish
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#1_October_2023_(Ivasive_species:_lionfish)
content:
 
<p>
Lionfish, with
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/sep/26/off-the-reef-and-on-the-menu-fishers-in-the-caribbean-wage-war-on-the-invasive-lionfish">toxic barbs</a>,
are taking over the reefs of the Caribbean
and nearby marine areas, and wiping out most other species.
<p>
  Some fishermen now mainly catch lionfish, but it is hard to do that
without getting stung.
<p>
Is it possible to design a trap that would open a door to a large
chamber, then squeeze the water out leaving only the lionfish in the
trap?
<p>
Are there any ideas for biological control?  It is hard to mske
sure that those systems don't get out of hand.

<p>
 


title: Polar winter-ice: 1m sq km lower than ever
uri: Polar-winter-ice-1m-sq-km-lower-than-ever
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#1_October_2023_(Polar_winter-ice:_1m_sq_km_lower_than_ever)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#1_October_2023_(Polar_winter-ice:_1m_sq_km_lower_than_ever)

content:
 
<p>
*Antarctic sea ice shrinks to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/26/antarctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-lowest-annual-maximum-level-on-record-data-shows">lowest annual maximum</a>
level on record.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#1_October_2023_(Bear_cubs_starve:_no_salmon,_JPN)
title: Bear cubs starve: no salmon, JPN
uri: Bear-cubs-starve-no-salmon-JPN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#1_October_2023_(Bear_cubs_starve:_no_salmon,_JPN)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/26/brown-bear-cubs-in-japan-die-of-starvation-amid-salmon-shortage">Global heating</a>
has eliminated most of the salmon population in northern Japan this
year, and that has eliminated most bear cubs born there this year.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#2_October_2023_(Advanced_recycling_for_plastics)
title: "Advanced recycling" for plastics
uri: Advanced-recycling-for-plastics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#2_October_2023_(Advanced_recycling_for_plastics)
content:
 
<p>

Supposed "advanced recycling" for plastics <a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/09/28/braven-plastic-recycling-toxic-waste/">seems to use more energy
    and release more toxic waste</a> than making new plastic.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#2_October_2023_(Tories'_approval_of_new_oilfield)
title: Tories' approval of new oilfield
uri: Tories-approval-of-new-oilfield
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#2_October_2023_(Tories'_approval_of_new_oilfield)
content:
 
<p>

The Tories' approval of a giant new oilfield, which will be paid
for 90% by state funds, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/27/tories-oilfield-rosebank-oil-climate-caroline-lucas">totally trashes the idea of decarbonization</a>.
  And Starmer-Labour supports it too.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#2_October_2023_(Volume_loss_of_Swiss_glaciers)
title: Volume loss of Swiss glaciers
uri: Volume-loss-of-Swiss-glaciers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#2_October_2023_(Volume_loss_of_Swiss_glaciers)
content:
 
<p>

  *Swiss glaciers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/28/swiss-glaciers-lose-tenth-volume-in-two-years-climate-crisis">lose 10% of their volume</a> in two years.*
</p>
<p>
This effect is not in itself a disaster, but it is a sign
that disasters will be coming rapidly from now on.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#2_October_2023_(When_homeless_receive_more_money)
title: When homeless receive more money
uri: When-homeless-receive-more-money
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#2_October_2023_(When_homeless_receive_more_money)
content:
 
<p>

An experiment found that when homeless people received more aid money,
they spent that money <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/27/canada-study-homelessness-money">mainly on important things that they needed</a>.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#2_October_2023_(Covid_vaccine_disinformation)
title: Covid vaccine disinformation
uri: Covid-vaccine-disinformation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#2_October_2023_(Covid_vaccine_disinformation)
content:
 
<p>

Covid vaccine disinformation, believed by many members of the public,
has <a href="https://www.futurity.org/vaccine-hesitancy-dogs-pets-2969112/">dissuaded many Americans from using those vaccines to protect
    themselves</a>.  The distrust has spread to dog vaccines, so
many Americans leave their dogs vulnerable to disease by not
vaccinating them either.
</p>

 


title: Methane release from breakup of Pangaea
uri: Methane-release-from-breakup-of-Pangaea
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#2_October_2023_(Methane_release_from_breakup_of_Pangaea)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#2_October_2023_(Methane_release_from_breakup_of_Pangaea)

content:
 
<p>

The breakup of the super-continent Pangaea 55 million years ago
released large amounts of methane that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/sep/27/birth-of-north-atlantic-ocean-55m-years-ago-caused-rapid-global-warming">caused 5C of global heating</a>.
Many species went extinct.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#2_October_2023_(Line_5_pipeline)
title: Line 5 pipeline
uri: Line-5-pipeline
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#2_October_2023_(Line_5_pipeline)
content:
 
<p>

The old and damaged Line 5 pipeline crosses the Great Lakes, 
and if it breaks it <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/26/line-5-pipeline-great-lakes-michigan-oil-water">could pollute the drinking water</a> for
a substantial part of North America's population.
</p>
<p>
The danger of pollution from any rupture of the Line 5 pipeline is
very important, and may be a reason to shut down that pipeline and
remove it.  By contrast, what a religion says about the lake is of
anthropological interest.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#2_October_2023_(Republicans'_government_shutdowns)
title: Republicans' government shutdowns
uri: Republicans-government-shutdowns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#2_October_2023_(Republicans'_government_shutdowns)
content:
 
<p>

Robert Reich describes <a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/ive-been-directly-involved-in-two">Republicans' government shutdowns decades
    ago</a> that happened while he was working for the US government.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#2_October_2023_(Contextual_advertising)
title: "Contextual advertising"
uri: Contextual-advertising
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#2_October_2023_(Contextual_advertising)
content:
 
<p>

We have imagined "contextual advertising" as a simple system that
sited advertisements based on the subject matter of what users are
looking at.  In fact, these systems <a href="https://techpolicy.press/is-so-called-contextual-advertising-the-cure-to-surveillance-based-behavioral-advertising/">make sophisticated use of whatever
    other data it can get</a> about a user.
</p>
<p>
The conclusion I reach is that we should require systems not to be
able to get any other data about individuals and not to require people
to non nonfree software.
</p>
<p>
The Uber example is telling.  Uber places ads based on where someone
is traveling to.  It can do that because it runs nonfree software (a
cr&helip;app) in the customer's computer.  It also uses whatever it
knows about that particular customer (whom it has identified on each
trip).
</p>
<p>
We should not allow companies to require (or pressure) customers to
use systems that make them vulnerable to tracking.  Privacy is a human
right, and businesses are not entitled to human rights.  So it is
justified to regulate business practices simply to prevent businesses
from deducing too much about humans.
</p>

 


title: (satire) Starvation-induced organ failure
uri: (satire)-Starvation-induced-organ-failure
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#2_October_2023_((satire)_Starvation-induced_organ_failure)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#2_October_2023_((satire)_Starvation-induced_organ_failure)

content:
 
<p>

(satire) *<a href="https://www.theonion.com/snap-recipients-now-required-to-show-starvation-induced-1850883366">SNAP [formerly known as "food stamps"] Recipients Now
    Required To Show Starvation-Induced Organ Failure.*</a>
</p>
<p>
We often see, in reality, efforts to limit all sorts of aid to those
who are "truly needy".
</p>

 


title: Attempted ban on participation of Banned Books Week
uri: Attempted-ban-on-participation-of-Banned-Books-Week
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#2_October_2023_(Attempted_ban_on_participation_of_Banned_Books_Week)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#2_October_2023_(Attempted_ban_on_participation_of_Banned_Books_Week)

content:
 
<p>

A Republican-dominated school district in North Carolina <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/30/north-carolina-bans-banned-books-week-but-retracts-after-media-backlash">tried to ban
    schools from participating</a> in the American Library Association's annual
Banned Books Week, but backed down in response to press coverage.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#3_October_2023_(McCarthy_V_Gaetz)
title: McCarthy V Gaetz
uri: McCarthy-V-Gaetz
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#3_October_2023_(McCarthy_V_Gaetz)
content:
 
<p>
McCarthy allowed a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/01/matt-gaetz-kevin-mccarthy-house-speaker-shutdown-deal">stopgap funding resolution</a>
to be voted on; most Democrats and most Republicans voted for it.  The
only harmful part was that it aids Putin (and global fascism) by
denying funds for Ukraine's defense.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#2_October_2023_(Extremist_Satanic_cult)
title: Extremist Satanic cult
uri: Extremist-Satanic-cult
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#2_October_2023_(Extremist_Satanic_cult)
content:
 
<p>

  The FBI <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/28/new-york-satanic-cult-764-fbi">discovered a right-wing extremist Satanic cult</a> that entraps
children as young as 8 and adolescents as old as 17, making them
make videos of porn or self-wounding.  The leader faces trial.
</p>
<p>
These deeds are horrible.  If the FBI caught a gang which does that,
it has done good service.  At the same time, I must recall that the
FBI has a history of <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#2_August_2023_(FBI_grooms_troubled_teen_as_fantasy_terrorist)">leading hapless helpless</a>, mentally weak people to
go through motions of fantasy terrorism, for which they face real
trial and real imprisonment. I wish I could be sure that the FBI has caught
a real abuser rather than manufacturing one.
</p>
-->

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#4_October_2023_(2003_violence_in_Bolivia)
title: 2003 violence in Bolivia
uri: 2003-violence-in-Bolivia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#4_October_2023_(2003_violence_in_Bolivia)
content:
 
<p>

* [Bolivian ex-president] Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada and former defense
minister <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/01/bolivia-sanchez-de-lozada-settlement-protesters-killed">agree to pay for 2003 violence</a> in which 60 protesters were
   killed [by the Bolivian military].*
    This was the outcome of a lawsuit in US court by the victims.
</p>

 


title: Hard to identify accused Nazi war criminals
uri: Hard-to-identify-accused-Nazi-war-criminals
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#4_October_2023_(Hard_to_identify_accused_Nazi_war_criminals)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#4_October_2023_(Hard_to_identify_accused_Nazi_war_criminals)

content:
 
<p>

  It has proved <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/01/its-hard-to-pin-down-nazi-atrocities-as-canadas-speaker-has-just-discovered">very hard to identify accused Nazi war criminals</a> well
enough to convict them of participation in the Holocaust.
</p>
<p>
Things may be different for today's war crimes &mdash; it seems that there
is far more data nowadays to identify <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#28_March_2023_(Trying_Putin's_war_crimes)">Putin-forces war criminals</a>.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#4_October_2023_(Taxing_inheritance_is_vital)
title: Taxing inheritance is vital
uri: Taxing-inheritance-is-vital
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#4_October_2023_(Taxing_inheritance_is_vital)
content:
 
<p>

  Why taxing inheritance is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/01/passing-on-great-wealth-to-children-spells-end-of-society-will-hutton">vital for a good society</a>.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#4_October_2023_(Calls_for_robbers_to_be_shot)
title: Calls for robbers to be shot
uri: Calls-for-robbers-to-be-shot
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#4_October_2023_(Calls_for_robbers_to_be_shot)
content:
 
<p>

  *[The fascist] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/30/donald-trump-california-speech-robbers-shot">calls for store robbers to be shot</a>.*
</p>
<p>
How about election stealers and voter suppressors?
</p>

 


title: Fears Azerbaijan will conquer more land
uri: Fears-Azerbaijan-will-conquer-more-land
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#4_October_2023_(Fears_Azerbaijan_will_conquer_more_land)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#4_October_2023_(Fears_Azerbaijan_will_conquer_more_land)

content:
 
<p>

Some Azeris attack Armenians living near the border between the
two countries.  The latter <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/30/azerbaijan-is-hungry-for-land-armenians-fear-country-will-seek-to-grab-more-territory">fear Azerbaijan will conquer more land</a>,

 


title: Hints at support for white supremacism
uri: Hints-at-support-for-white-supremacism
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#4_October_2023_(Hints_at_support_for_white_supremacism)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#4_October_2023_(Hints_at_support_for_white_supremacism)

content:
 
<p>

  <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis's</a> ally Christopher Rufo <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/30/conservative-christopher-rufo-florida-twitter-debate">hints at support for white supremacism</a>.
</p>
<p>
This is no surprise to me.  The US fascist movement has made
supporting white supremacism normal, along with antisemitism,
antimuslimism, as well as fascist political violence.
</p>

 


title: Boycott of Russian fossil fuel exports
uri: Boycott-of-Russian-fossil-fuel-exports
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#4_October_2023_(Boycott_of_Russian_fossil_fuel_exports)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#4_October_2023_(Boycott_of_Russian_fossil_fuel_exports)

content:
 
<p>

The European boycott of Russian fossil fuel exports has <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/russia-gas-production-collapse-ussr-levels-1831087">greatly cut
    Russia's sales and income</a>.
<p>
I expected Russia to sell to its new friends, India and China, all it wished
to sell.  It seems that is not possible, but I don't know why.
</p>

 


title: Disparaging nature of the term "content"
uri: Disparaging-nature-of-the-term-content
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#4_October_2023_(Disparaging_nature_of_the_term_content)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#4_October_2023_(Disparaging_nature_of_the_term_content)

content:
 
<p>

Artists and actors are <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230929154717/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/27/movies/emma-thompson-writers-strike-content.html">recognizing the disparaging nature of the term
    "content"</a>.
  And "creator", too, when it is stretched to included all sorts of
participation in making works of authorship.
</p>
<p>
  I have <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">condemned these terms since 2002</a>.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#4_October_2023_(Revisions_to_Danish_dictionary)
title: Revisions to Danish dictionary
uri: Revisions-to-Danish-dictionary
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#4_October_2023_(Revisions_to_Danish_dictionary)
content:
 
<p>

  Denmark is revising its dictionary of Danish to <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230929180104/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/23/danish-dictionary-to-weed-out-gender-stereotypes">achieve more gender equality</a>
by coining words to balance out points of inequality.
</p>
<p>
I support this, because the goal is a good one and there is no wrong in it.
</p>
<p>
Contrast this with the demand made in Spain to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#11_September_2023_(Antisemitic_word_meanings_in_dictionary_of_Spanish)">delete antisemitic word
    definitions</a> from the official dictionary. Using those words expresses
bigotry, and those who use them deserve criticism for that.  But
hiding their existence by deleting them from the dictionary is
dishonesty about facts.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#4_October_2023_(Results_of_slowing_climate_defense)
title: Results of slowing climate defense
uri: Results-of-slowing-climate-defense
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#4_October_2023_(Results_of_slowing_climate_defense)
content:
 
<p>

Slowing down climate defense action will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/02/slow-route-to-net-zero-will-worsen-global-climate-crisis-ipcc-chief-warns">result in increased heat and
    increased damage</a>, even if it still reaches "net zero" by 2050.
</p>
<p>
*Approving new oil and gas fields only
increased the already large amount of reserves that will have to be
kept in the ground if <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> limits are to be reached.*
But what's the point of developing more reserves if it doesn't
lead to extracting a larger quantity?  Obviously the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#planet">planet roasters</a>
<em>will</em> extract more, meaning they are lying if they claim they won't.
</p>

<p>
 


title: Tory voters who switch parties: 34%
uri: Tory-voters-who-switch-parties-34
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#4_October_2023_(Tory_voters_who_switch_parties:_34%25)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#4_October_2023_(Tory_voters_who_switch_parties:_34%25)

content:
 
<p>
The Tory
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/sep/30/tory-turmoil-as-third-of-voters-desert-party-and-factions-launch-rival-manifestoes">Party is suffering</a>
disaster among its supporters.
<p>
If only there were a party that supported democracy, human rights, and
partial socialism that they could vote for.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#5_October_2023_(Urgent:_restore_net_neutrality)
title: Urgent: restore net neutrality
uri: Urgent-restore-net-neutrality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#5_October_2023_(Urgent:_restore_net_neutrality)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/net-neutrality-fcc-news/?t=1002&akid=31270%2E96703%2EMG80Pz">call on the FCC</a>
to restore net neutrality.
<p>
The <a href="/archives/2010-sep-dec.html#26 December 2010 (FCC Doublespeak)">FCC's version</a>
of network neutrality is too little, but it is better than nothing,

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Defend IRS' new audit-the-rich policy. Stop Republicans.
uri: Urgent-Defend-IRS-new-audit-the-rich-policy-Stop-Republicans
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#5_October_2023_(Urgent:_Defend_IRS'_new_audit-the-rich_policy_against_Republicans)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#5_October_2023_(Urgent:_Defend_IRS'_new_audit-the-rich_policy_against_Republicans)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-congress-increase-dont-cut-irs-funding-now?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-patriotic-millionaires&source=group-patriotic-millionaires">call on Congress</a>
to increase &mdash; not cut &mdash; IRS funding.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard number is
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#5_October_2023_(Feinstein's_replacement)
title: Feinstein's replacement
uri: Feinstein-s-replacement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#5_October_2023_(Feinstein's_replacement)
content:
 
<p>
Governor Newsom has chosen a replacement for Senator Feinstein, but
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/02/laphonza-butler-to-fill-dianne-feinsteins-vacant-senate-seat-newsom-office-says">she is not a progressive champion</a>.
<p>
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/10/04/laphonza-butler-kamala-harris-emilys-list/">Here is criticism</a>
of some of her actions.
<p>
It is too bad that identity politics &mdash; a person's demographic
classification &mdash; exercises people so much that it can distract public
opinion from where an official stands on the issues that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#perse">perse</a> can
help decide.

<p>
 


title: Severe UK oppression on edu. and human dev.
uri: Severe-UK-oppression-on-edu-and-human-dev
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#5_October_2023_(Severe_oppression_on_education,_human_dev,_UK)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#5_October_2023_(Severe_oppression_on_education,_human_dev,_UK)

content:
 
<p>
The UK government is tracking the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2023/sep/30/revealed-uk-government-keeping-files-on-education-critics-social-media-activity">posts of education experts</a>
in order
to cancel events they were invited to.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2023/sep/30/it-felt-like-a-dictatorship-uk-teaching-experts-hit-out-at-government-bid-to-cancel-them">They don't like it</a>
one bit.
<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#5_October_2023_(Nauru_restarted_again,_AUS)
title: Nauru restarted again, AUS
uri: Nauru-restarted-again-AUS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#5_October_2023_(Nauru_restarted_again,_AUS)
content:
 
<p>
Australia is still sending boat people to Nauru for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/oct/04/asylum-seekers-sent-to-nauru-by-australian-government-only-months-after-last-detainees-were-removed">semipermanent
imprisonment</a>
in <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jul-oct.html#11_August_2016_(Nauru_refugee_prison)">a place</a>
where the press are excluded.

 


title: Urgent: Stop Walmart selling neonicotinoid pesticides
uri: Urgent-Stop-Walmart-selling-neonicotinoid-pesticides
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#6_October_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_Walmart_selling_neonicotinoid_pesticides)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#6_October_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_Walmart_selling_neonicotinoid_pesticides)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=55455&supporter_KEY=229474">call on Walmart</a>
to take bee-killing neonicotinoid pesticides off its shelves.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Fix the corporate-profits, 15%-minimum tax-loopholes
uri: Urgent-Fix-the-corporate-profits-15-minimum-tax-loopholes
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#6_October_2023_(Urgent:_Fix_the_corporate-profits,_15%25-minimum_tax-loopholes)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#6_October_2023_(Urgent:_Fix_the_corporate-profits,_15%25-minimum_tax-loopholes)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-the-biden-administration-stay-firm-against-corporate-lobbyists-tax-billion-dollar-corporations?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-patriotic-millionaires&source=group-patriotic-millionaires">Tell the Biden Administration to stand firm</a>
against corporation lobbyists, and tax billion dollar corporations.
<p>
The White House comments lines are 
<a href="tel:+12024561111">+1-202-456-1111</a>
and (TTY/TDD) +1-202-456-6213.</p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Protect Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
uri: 2023-10-07-Urgent-Protect-Consumer-Financial-Protection-Bureau
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#6_October_2023_(Urgent:_Protect_Consumer_Financial_Protection_Bureau)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#6_October_2023_(Urgent:_Protect_Consumer_Financial_Protection_Bureau)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter and call on per to oppose all
bills that would weaken or break up the Consumer Financial Protection
Bureau (CFPB).
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard number is
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


title: Congressional character: Republican vs Democrat
uri: Congressional-character-Republican-vs-Democrat
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#6_October_2023_(Congressional_character:_Republican_vs_Democrat)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#6_October_2023_(Congressional_character:_Republican_vs_Democrat)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/04/republicans-freedom-caucus-kevin-maccarthy">Rep. McCarthy</a>
was desperate to be Speaker of the House, so in January
he accepted conditions that put him at the mercy of the lunatic
Republican fringe.  Now they have forced him out of the position.
<p>
The lunatics forced a vote, in which they and the Democrats declined
to vote for McCarthy.  That denied him the majority he needed to
remain speaker.

<a href="/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#3_October_2023_(McCarthy_V_Gaetz)">Most Republicans voted for a deal</a>
with Democrats to avoid a government shutdown.  But the lunatics won't
support any Republican as speaker who would agree to such compromises.
<p>
It seems to me that the Republicans who are willing to compromise
should compromise with the Democrats and elect a speaker who will
support such compromises.  However, I expect that even the
most right-wing of so-called
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/10_November_2021_(Democrat_centrism_doomed_trump)">"centrist"</a>
Democrats won't be acceptable to them.
<p>
A few Republicans broke with the bulk of them and advocated a
compromise to allow the government to continue operating.  I wonder if
it would be possible to make a deal in which one of them and one of
the Democrats alternate speakership, perhaps week by week.
<p>
One lunatic plans to nominate <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a> for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/04/republican-congressman-troy-nehls-trump-speaker">Speaker of the House</a>.
I fear he may win, if enough Republicans don't dare refuse to vote
for him.  He won't be willing to do the actual work involved, so
his occupation of that office could paralyze the House entirely.
That may be exactly what he wants.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#6_October_2023_(New_climate_tipping_point)
title: New climate tipping point
uri: New-climate-tipping-point
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#6_October_2023_(New_climate_tipping_point)
content:
 
<p>
Scientists have predicted a tipping point that will dry up the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/04/south-american-monsoon-heading-towards-tipping-point-likely-to-cause-amazon-dieback">South
American monsoon</a>
and eliminate most of the Amazon rain forest.  It could decrease the rainfall by 30%.
<p>
Several measurements show signs of approaching the tipping point.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Stop Amazon exploiting its monopolies
uri: Urgent-Stop-Amazon-exploiting-its-monopolies
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_Amazon_exploiting_its_monopolies)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Urgent:_Stop_Amazon_exploiting_its_monopolies)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/hold-amazon-accountable?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-take-action-the-public-and-small-businesses-alike-need-protections-from-monopolies">call on all US states</a>
to join the FTC's enforcement case
against Amazon for its abuse of near-monopoly.
<p>
<a href="/amazon.html">Amazon</a>
is guilty of many other injustices, and together they convince me
to boycott the company totally.  I ask people, when buying anything for me,
not to get it from Amazon.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: End Solitary Confinement Act
uri: Urgent-End-Solitary-Confinement-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Urgent:_End_Solitary_Confinement_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Urgent:_End_Solitary_Confinement_Act)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-make-a-stand-for-human-rights-end-solitary-confinement-4?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-cori-bush-for-congress-2&source=group-cori-bush-for-congress-2">call on Congress</a>
to pass the End Solitary Confinement Act.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard number is
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Urge Costco against Citibank for its credit card
uri: Urgent-Urge-Costco-against-Citibank-for-its-credit-card
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Urgent:_Urge_Costco_against_Citibank_for_its_credit_card)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Urgent:_Urge_Costco_against_Citibank_for_its_credit_card)

content:
 
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-costco-to-clean-up-its-credit-card?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-climatedefenders&source=direct_link">call on Costco</a>
to stop using Citibank for its credit card.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Urgent:_Raise_the_Wage_Act)
title: Urgent: Raise the Wage Act
uri: 2023-10-07-Urgent-Raise-the-Wage-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Urgent:_Raise_the_Wage_Act)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/raise-the-wage-act-2?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-corporate-profits-are-rising-while-worker-pay-remains-stagnant">call on Congress</a>
to pass the Raise the Wage Act, to raise the US minimum wage.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard number is
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Exclude medical debt from credit reports
uri: Urgent-Exclude-medical-debt-from-credit-reports
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Urgent:_Exclude_medical_debt_from_credit_reports)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Urgent:_Exclude_medical_debt_from_credit_reports)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/medical-debt-credit-reporting/?t=1015&akid=31277%2E96703%2E7XVeSf">call on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau</a>:
to finalize the draft rule to exclude medical debt from credit reports.

<p>
 


title: Hobnobbing ministers: Conservative business day, UK
uri: Hobnobbing-ministers-Conservative-business-day-UK
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Hobnobbing_ministers_at_UK_business_conferance)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Hobnobbing_ministers_at_UK_business_conferance)

content:
 
<p>
*Gambling and crypto lobbyists [and TikTok]
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/oct/03/gambling-crypto-lobbyists-pay-3k-sit-alongside-tory-ministers">pay £3k to sit alongside</a>
Tory ministers.*

<p>
 


title: Biden building TX wall against promise
uri: Biden-building-TX-wall-against-promise
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Biden_to_build_TX_wall_against_own_promise)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Biden_to_build_TX_wall_against_own_promise)

content:
 
<p>
Biden has endorsed building the border wall that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">the bullshitter</a> ordered,
and has declared a number of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/05/biden-border-wall-construction-waives-laws-texas">exceptions to federal law protections</a>
for wildlife to unblock the project.

<p>
 


title: Ortega suppressing indigenous politics
uri: Ortega-suppressing-indigenous-politics
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Ortega_suppressing_indiginous_politics)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Ortega_suppressing_indiginous_politics)

content:
 
<p>
In Nicaragua, the Sandinista party has banned the opposition party
from entering the coming
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/05/indigenous-party-says-it-is-barred-from-running-in-nicaragua-elections">local elections</a>.  So it will run unopposed.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Tit-for-tat_speaker_of_the_House)
title: Tit-for-tat speaker of the House
uri: Tit-for-tat-speaker-of-the-House
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Tit-for-tat_speaker_of_the_House)
content:
 
<p>
The hatefulness and dishonest of lunatic Republicans is illustrated by
the interim speaker's demand that Rep. Pelosi vacate a secondary
office
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/04/nancy-pelosi-republican-patrick-mchenry-office-kevin-mccarthy-speaker">immediately if not sooner, while she is away</a>
at Senator
Feinstein's funeral.
<p>
The conveniently located extra office, traditionally a perk for former
speakers, is not terribly important and neither is its withdrawal.  A
person who was not foaming at the mouth with hate might have given
Pelosi a few extra days to move.  Someone who was not hateful might
not have brought it up at all.
<p>
I wonder how the interim speaker was appointed.  I suppose it was not
<em>officially</em> a hate contest, but unofficially it might have been.

<p>
 


title: Oil industry infiltrates higher education
uri: Oil-industry-infiltrates-higher-education
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Oil_industry_infiltrates_higher_education)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Oil_industry_infiltrates_higher_education)

content:
 
<p>
* At least 20 members [of various governing boards] at California
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/04/california-public-universities-fossil-fuels-csu">public universities</a>
have direct ties to the fossil fuel industry.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Thugs'_traffic_stop,_FL_man)
title: Thugs' traffic stop, FL man
uri: Thugs-traffic-stop-FL-man
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Thugs'_traffic_stop,_FL_man)
content:
 
<p>
Several Florida <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> beat up
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/04/florida-black-man-lekeian-woods-arrest">Le'Keian Woods</a>
and maimed him, then placed criminal charges on him.  Video suggests
the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> are the ones who should be in jail.

<p>
 


title: Govt. surveillance for violent suppression, SSD
uri: Govt-surveillance-for-violent-suppression-SSD
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Govt._surveillance_for_violent_suppression,_SSD)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Govt._surveillance_for_violent_suppression,_SSD)

content:
 
<p>
*South Sudan ‘attacking’ journalists and activists who
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/06/south-sudan-attacking-journalists-and-activists-who-criticise-the-state">criticize the state</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Deforestation_for_Cargill,_and_ADM)
title: Amazon deforestation for Cargill, and ADM
uri: Amazon-deforestation-for-Cargill-and-ADM
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Deforestation_for_Cargill,_and_ADM)
content:
 
<p>
Two giant agricultural trading companies, Cargill and ADM,
successfully campaigned
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/06/top-grain-traders-helped-scupper-ban-on-soya-from-deforested-land">to prevent a treaty</a>
that would stop sales of
soy beans grown on deforested land.
<p>
That enabled deforestation to continue at high speed.  This deforestation
has brought the Amazon rainforest close to a tipping point which could
destroy that forest and this destroy civilization.
<p>
This was when Bolsonaro was president of Brazil.  I would guess that he
also worked to prevent that agreement.  Lula has decreased deforestation,
but an international agreement would decrease it a lot more.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Leaked_US_military_secrets)
title: Leaked US military secrets
uri: Leaked-US-military-secrets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Leaked_US_military_secrets)
content:
 
<p>
The former <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#s-i-c">saboteur-in-chief</a> has been accused of giving US military
secrets to an Australian billionaire
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/06/donald-trump-us-nuclear-submarines-potentially-sensitive-information-australian-billionaire-anthony-pratt">after leaving office</a>.
<p>
I expect that this was a crime, and he ought to be prosecuted for it.
<p>
You will know that there are situations in which I think it is
legitimate, even morally imperative, for whistleblowers to inform the
public about certain kinds of government secrets, sometimes military
secrets.  Namely, those that involve grave wrongdoing (sometimes even
war crimes) that the public needs to know about &mdash; for instance,
<a href="/archives/2023-may-aug.html#31_August_2023_(Wikileaks_and_imperialist_agriculture)">crimes that Wikileaks revealed</a>.
<p>
What <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a> did here was unlike that on every dimension, He
told one person privately, not the public.  The secrets he told were
of military importance but did not concert crimes that the public has
a duty to be concerned with.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Kaiser_Permanente_on_strike)
title: Kaiser Permanente on strike
uri: Kaiser-Permanente-on-strike
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Kaiser_Permanente_on_strike)
content:
 
<p>
Workers at Kaiser Permanente are on strike,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/04/healthcare-worker-strike-kaiser-permanente">demanding wage increases</a>
and the hiring of more staff so that the current workers won't be overloaded.

<p>
 


title: Climate emergency, economic justice
uri: Climate-emergency-economic-justice
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Climate_emergency,_economic_justice)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Climate_emergency,_economic_justice)

content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/05/un-report-urges-global-end-to-fossil-fuel-exploration-by-2030">UN report urges</a>
global end to fossil fuel exploration by 2030.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Indiginous_restitution,_BRA)
title: Indigenous restitution, BRA
uri: Indigenous-restitution-BRA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#7_October_2023_(Indiginous_restitution,_BRA)
content:
 
<p>
*Brazil expels
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/03/brazil-expels-non-indigenous-settlers-apyterewa-trincheira-bacaja-para">illegal settlers</a>
from indigenous lands in Amazon.*
<p>
In many cases, illegal settlers drove indigenous people off their lands
by force, and not very long ago.  Restitution is simply and clearly appropriate.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Urgent:_Protect_Rice_whales)
title: Urgent: Protect Rice whales
uri: Urgent-Protect-Rice-whales
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Urgent:_Protect_Rice_whales)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=55454&supporter_KEY=229474">call on Congress</a>
to reject HR 5239, whose purpose is
simply to prevent the protection of critically endangered Rice's whales.
<p>
To sign without running
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/javascript-trap.html">nonfree JavaScript</a>
code from the web site,
use the <a href="/salsalabs-method.html">Salsalabs workaround</a>.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard number is
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Supreme Court code of ethics
uri: Urgent-Supreme-Court-code-of-ethics
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Urgent:_Supreme_Court_code_of_ethics)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Urgent:_Supreme_Court_code_of_ethics)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/SCOTUS_ethics/">call on Congress</a>
to pass a binding code of ethics for the Supreme Court.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard number is
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Increase critical aid programs
uri: Urgent-Increase-critical-aid-programs
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Urgent:_Increase_critical_aid_programs)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Urgent:_Increase_critical_aid_programs)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-if-you-agree-congress-must-expandnot-cutessential-government-programs?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-update-government-shutdown-avertedfor-now">call on Congress</a>
to increase critical aid programs that save people's lives.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard number is
<a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!<p>


<p>
 


title: Asylum claims by those crossing Channel
uri: Asylum-claims-by-those-crossing-Channel
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Asylum_claims_by_those_crossing_Channel)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Asylum_claims_by_those_crossing_Channel)

content:
 
<p>

*[A study by the Refugee Council charity] suggests asylum claims by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/oct/02/charity-challenges-home-secretarys-claims-about-economic-migrants">three out of four crossing Channel [are valid and] would be granted</a>.*
  If this is correct, Tory claims that most are "economic migrants" are false.
</p>
<p>
Right-wing politicians often do this: they try to put the
disadvantaged in the wrong, and don't hesitate to do so falsely.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(US_student_held_in_Dubai)
title: US student held in Dubai
uri: US-student-held-in-Dubai
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(US_student_held_in_Dubai)
content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/04/new-york-college-student-dubai-jail">US student held in Dubai for weeks for tapping security officer’s arm.</a>*
</p>
  
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Ukrainians'_hatred_of_Russians)
title: Ukrainians' hatred of Russians
uri: Ukrainians-hatred-of-Russians
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Ukrainians'_hatred_of_Russians)
content:
 
<p>

I am disappointed that Ukrainians are reacting to Putin's invasion
by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/04/russian-language-war-ukrainian-literature">hating Russians and characteristics of Russians</a>.
</p>
<p>
A few weeks after the invasion, I urged Ukrainians to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-jan-apr.html#20_March_2022_(Violence_against_Russians)">direct their
    anger at Putin and his crimes</a>, not at Russia and Russians.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Monoculture_tree_plantations)
title: Monoculture tree plantations
uri: Monoculture-tree-plantations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Monoculture_tree_plantations)
content:
 
<p>

Ecologists warn that monoculture tree plantations <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/03/carbon-tree-planting-schemes-threaten-tropical-biodiversity-aoe">endanger native
    wildlife while doing little good against global heating</a>.
  This is especially the case when the trees planted are an intrusive
species to begin with.
</p>
<p>
Negative consequences reported include drying out ecosystems, acidifying soils,
crowding out native plants and turbocharging wildfires.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Australia's_latest_climate_plan)
title: Australia's latest climate plan
uri: Australia-s-latest-climate-plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Australia's_latest_climate_plan)
content:
 
<p>

Australia's latest climate plan would allow some coal mines to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/03/labor-coalmine-safeguard-mechanism-climate-scheme-emissions-benefits">increase
    their coal-burning emissions</a> until 2030 and profit from it.
</p>
<p>
The Labor government is still much better than the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-may-aug.html#20_July_2022_(Business-supremacy_treaty_without_debate)">previous constantly
    dishonest right-wing government</a>,
and much better than the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_September_2023_(Biden_authorized_fossil_fuel_leases)">US on climate issues</a>,
but we can't help being very disappointed by its occasional egregious attacks
on hope for the future.
</p>

 


title: Correcting common myths about cancer
uri: Correcting-common-myths-about-cancer
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Correcting_common_myths_about_cancer)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Correcting_common_myths_about_cancer)

content:
 
<p>

  Correcting <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/pioneering-cancer-research/2023/sep/22/cancer-is-a-modern-disease-seven-common-misbeliefs-about-the-illness">common myths about cancer</a>.
</p>
<p>
As for homeopathy, that is such an absurd idea it can't possibly do anything.
It is quackery with dilutions of grandeur.
</p> 

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Hollywood_writers-studios_contract)
title: Hollywood writers-studios contract
uri: Hollywood-writers-studios-contract
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Hollywood_writers-studios_contract)
content:
 
<p>

The Hollywood writers-studios contract has interesting rules to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2023/oct/01/hollywood-writers-strike-artificial-intelligence">permit
    some uses of large language models</a> but not allow them to replace writers.
</p>
<p>
I hope that they give good results &mdash; but we still should not call
those models "AI", because whatever their output says you had better
not believe it is true.
</p>
<p>
Chatgpt is an injustice because it is software that is not released
for users, not even as an executable.  So it is even more restrictive
than a nonfree program.  We call that <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/who-does-that-server-really-serve.html">"Service as a Software
    Substitute"</a>.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(The_marketing_of_gambling)
title: The marketing of gambling
uri: The-marketing-of-gambling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(The_marketing_of_gambling)
content:
 
<p>

  Comparing the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/03/the-parallels-between-tobacco-and-gambling-are-striking-so-why-are-we-ignoring-the-lessons-of-the-past">marketing of gambling</a> with the marketing of tobacco.
  Both can get people hooked on habits that can can prove dangerous.
</p>
<p>
I am opposed to prohibition of tobacco, and opposed to prohibition of
gambling, but that doesn't mean we should allow them to be the object
of planned advertising and marketing.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Indian_coffee_plantation_workers)
title: Indian coffee plantation workers
uri: Indian-coffee-plantation-workers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Indian_coffee_plantation_workers)
content:
 
<p>

  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/oct/05/we-know-the-pain-freed-india-coffee-workers-lead-way-from-bonded-labour">Freeing Indian coffee plantation workers</a> from debt slavery.
</p>

 


title: "Right to shelter" law in New York City
uri: Right-to-shelter-law-in-New-York-City
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Right_to_shelter_law_in_New_York_City)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Right_to_shelter_law_in_New_York_City)

content:
 
<p>

*What will happen [to migrants] if the "right to shelter" law is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/04/new-york-city-right-to-shelter-law">rolled back in New York City</a>?*
</p>

 


title: Assurances over free speech at Cop28 summit
uri: Assurances-over-free-speech-at-Cop28-summit
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Assurances_over_free_speech_at_Cop28_summit)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Assurances_over_free_speech_at_Cop28_summit)

content:
 
<p>

*UK government <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/04/uk-united-arab-emirates-uae-free-speech-cop28-climate-summit">asks UAE for assurances over free speech at Cop28
    summit</a>.*
</p>
<p>
This point is valid and would be crucial, but the Cop28 climate
summit is so <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_September_2023_(COP28:_major_aspects_infiltrated)">corrupted already</a> 
  that I can't see any hope for it.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Renouncing_US_citizenship)
title: Renouncing US citizenship
uri: Renouncing-US-citizenship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Renouncing_US_citizenship)
content:
 
<p>

Some Americans who want to renounce US citizenship are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/04/renounce-american-citizenship-passport-fee-lawsuit">suing because the
    government demands they pay over $2000</a> for the bureaucratic act.
</p>
<p>
To impose a fee for renouncing citizenship is, in effect, an attempt
to block renunciation, and that is unjust.  The US government should
simply absorb any costs of the updating of records.
</p>

 


title: Student safety not improved by surveillance technology
uri: Student-safety-not-improved-by-surveillance-technology
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Student_safety_not_improved_by_surveillance_technology)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Student_safety_not_improved_by_surveillance_technology)

content:
 
<p>

  *US student safety <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/oct/04/school-surveillance-tech-aclu-report">not improved by surveillance technology</a> such as
cameras and facial recognition software, research shows.*
<p>
<p>
Keep in mind that many of the edtech "tools" that students and teachers
are compelled to use <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-jul-oct.html#30_October_2021_(Edtech_great_surveillance_power)">are also surveillance technology</a>
   even though surveillance is not their ostensible purpose.
(I suspect it is a substantial part of businesses' purpose
in selling those products and dis-services.)
</p>
<p>
Surveillance that is a "byproduct" is just as wrong as surveillance
"on purpose."
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(UK_facial_recognition_database)
title: UK facial recognition database
uri: UK-facial-recognition-database
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(UK_facial_recognition_database)
content:
 
<p>

UK ministers want to put everyone in the UK into a <a href="
">facial recognition
    database</a> that can be searched instantly.
</p>
<p>
This would be ideal for finding shoplifters, protesters, journalists,
whistleblowers, and anyone else the state wants to catch.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Alpaca_farming_in_Peru)
title: Alpaca farming in Peru
uri: Alpaca-farming-in-Peru
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Alpaca_farming_in_Peru)
content:
 
<p>

  <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">Global heating</a> is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/oct/06/hanging-by-a-thread-peruvian-alpaca-breeders-way-of-life-under-threat">ruining alpaca farming in Peru</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Ad_bleed,_so_clickbate_attempt,_X)
title: Ad bleed, so clickbait attempts, X
uri: Ad-bleed-so-clickbait-attempts-X
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Ad_bleed,_so_clickbate_attempt,_X)
content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#extwitter">Ex-Twitter</a> now shows
<a href="https://mashable.com/article/twitter-x-new-clickbait-ad-format">ads that don't</a>
identify themselves as ads, and don't say who is doing the advertising.
<p>
Musk seems determined to adopt for <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#extwitter">Ex-Twitter</a> every nasty thing
that users have criticized web sites for.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Chief_thug,_raider,_suspended,_KS)
title: Chief thug suspended, KS
uri: Chief-thug-suspended-KS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Chief_thug,_raider,_suspended,_KS)
content:
 
<p>
*Police chief who led raid of small Kansas newspaper
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/02/marion-county-record-raid-police-chief-suspended">put on
 suspension</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Web-research_polluted,_Bing)
title: Web-research pollution, Bing
uri: Web-research-pollution-Bing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Web-research_polluted,_Bing)
content:
 
<p>
*Untruths [that is, bullshit] spouted by chatbots ended up on the web — and Microsoft's Bing
  <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/fast-forward-chatbot-hallucinations-are-poisoning-web-search/">search engine served them up</a>
as facts.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Near-Arctic_melt)
title: Near-Arctic melt
uri: Near-Arctic-melt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#8_October_2023_(Near-Arctic_melt)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/oct/07/washy-clouds-and-a-weepy-sky-floating-upside-down-simon-armitages-arctic-expedition">A poet visited Svalbard</a>
and found that the retreat of the ice was so blatant that one couldn't miss it.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(A_citizens_audit_group,_NY)
title: A "citizens audit" group, NY
uri: A-citizens-audit-group-NY
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(A_citizens_audit_group,_NY)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-voter-rolls-access-trump-fraud-claims-7bf841f66cf6e0731ca6322e08de737c">Right-wing fanatics</a>
in New York state have been impersonating state
officials to intimidate Democratic voters.
<p>
Right-wing fanatics eagerly seek ways to intimidate those who oppose
them.  If real officials want to reassure bona fide voters that they
are safe, they should do more than just order them to  "cease and desist".
Limiting the response to that looks like going soft on a criminal gang.
<p>
The state should vigorously prosecute right-wing election fraudsters whatever their methods.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Poland's_elections,_Oct_15)
title: Poland's "elections", Oct 15
uri: Poland-s-elections-Oct-15
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Poland's_elections,_Oct_15)
content:
 
<p>
The antidemocratic government of Poland is employing all the tools of
fascism to defeat a last-ditch attempt to defeat fascism in the Polish
election and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/06/poland-ukraine-ally-rival-war-nationalist-election">return the country</a>
to democratic government and human rights.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Investigate Jared Kushner's connections to Salafi Arabia
uri: Urgent-Investigate-Jared-Kushner-s-connections-to-Salafi-Arabia
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Urgent:_Investigate_Jared_Kushner's_connections_to_Salafi_Arabia)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Urgent:_Investigate_Jared_Kushner's_connections_to_Salafi_Arabia)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/kushner-saudiarabia">investigate Jared Kushner's
    connections to Salafi Arabia</a>.
</p>

<p>If you phone, please spread the word!                              
  Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>

 


title: Urgent: Phase out fossil fuel extraction on federal lands
uri: Urgent-Phase-out-fossil-fuel-extraction-on-federal-lands
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Urgent:_Phase_out_fossil_fuel_extraction_on_federal_lands)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Urgent:_Phase_out_fossil_fuel_extraction_on_federal_lands)

content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on Biden to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/co-sign-the-letter-to-president-biden-phase-out-federal-fossil-fuels-on-federal-lands-and-waters">phase out fossil fuel extraction</a> on
federal lands and waters.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Urgent:_Extend_and_improve_SNAP)
title: Urgent: Extend and improve SNAP
uri: Urgent-Extend-and-improve-SNAP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Urgent:_Extend_and_improve_SNAP)
content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-support-rural-communities-strengthen-snap-in-the-2023-farm-bill">extend and improve SNAP</a> in the 2023
Farm Bill.
</p>

<p>If you phone, please spread the word!                              
  Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>

 


title: New Zealand's reaction to Covid-19
uri: New-Zealand-s-reaction-to-Covid-19
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(New_Zealand's_reaction_to_Covid-19)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(New_Zealand's_reaction_to_Covid-19)

content:
 
<p>

New Zealand's reaction to Covid-19, closing the border, seems to have
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/06/new-zealand-covid-strategy-saves-lives">reduced its death rate</a> to just 20% of the US death rate in that period.
</p>

 


title: Republican Extremist Gaetz on reforms to government
uri: Republican-Extremist-Gaetz-on-reforms-to-government
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Republican_Extremist_Gaetz_on_reforms_to_government)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Republican_Extremist_Gaetz_on_reforms_to_government)

content:
 
<p>

Republican Extremist Gaetz seems to agree with progressive leader Ro
Khanna about <a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/10/05/matt-gaetz-ro-khanna-house-speaker/">some reforms to Congress and the US government</a>.
</p>

<ol>
  <li> Ban money from lobbyists and political actions committees to congressional candidates </li>
  <li> Ban members of Congress from trading stocks and from ever becoming lobbyists</li>
  <li> Term limits for members of Congress</li>
  <li> Term limits for Supreme Court justices</li>
  <li>An ethics code for Supreme Court justices</li>
</ol>
<p>
I agree with the author that term limits for Congress are a foolish
idea and that term limits for the Supreme Court require a
constitutional amendment.  I support the other three.
</p>
<p>
Is it wort while negotiating a deal like this with a sabotage-minded
Republican?  He may not stick to any good deal long enough to get it
enacted and through9ugh the Senate.  And it would be hard to cooperate
with him on one issue while he demands to abolish other programs that
poor Americans depend on for their survival.
</p>
<p>
However, if he can learn to tone himself down enough to cooperate
successfully, it could be a good thing.
</p>

 


title: US Supreme Court a problem for rights and democracy
uri: US-Supreme-Court-a-problem-for-rights-and-democracy
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(US_Supreme_Court_a_problem_for_rights_and_democracy)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(US_Supreme_Court_a_problem_for_rights_and_democracy)

content:
 
<p>

The US Supreme Court is recognized by most Americans as a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/05/us-supreme-court-facing-crisis-of-legitimacy">problem for
    Americans' rights and democracy</a> &mdash; a broken limb of our system of
government.
</p>

 


title: Stadiums Greece built for 2004 Olympic games
uri: Stadiums-Greece-built-for-2004-Olympic-games
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Stadiums_Greece_built_for_2004_Olympic_games)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Stadiums_Greece_built_for_2004_Olympic_games)

content:
 
<p>

  Stadiums that Greece built for the 2004 Olympic games are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/05/olympic-torture-greece-contemplates-dismantling-of-games-stadium-roof">now unsafe</a>
due to lack of maintenance,
  which was caused by financial crisis <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-jan-apr.html#23_February_2012_(Greece)">imposed by the Euro-banks</a>
  together with the rules of the Euro zone that <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-mar-jun.html#23_June_2018_(Greece_and_the_banksters)">condemn countries to disaster</a> by limiting deficit spending
  even when that is the way to avoid disaster.
</p>
<p>
Greece under financial attack couldn't find the funds to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jul-oct.html#30_July_2018_(Wildfires_in_Greece)">save
    thousands of citizens from death</a>,
  and certainly not for maintaining mere stadiums.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Above_preindustrial_temperatures)
title: Above preindustrial temperatures
uri: Above-preindustrial-temperatures
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Above_preindustrial_temperatures)
content:
 
<p>

  September's temperatures were <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/2023/oct/05/global-heating-weather-temperatures-climate-impact">1.8°C above preindustrial temperatures</a>.
  For that month, the Earth reached a level of heat that implies
almost certain disaster.
</p>

<p>
Because that level of heat isn't permanent yet, there is still hope of
avoiding disaster.  People are installing solar and wind generation
very fast, but now we need to stop all new fossil fuel development
(Hello, USA!  Hello, China!) and speed up decarbonization as much as
possible before 2030.
</p>
<p>
*Biden Ignores Public Interest In Push For <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/biden-ignores-public-interest-in-push-for-record-methane-gas-exports-and-fracking">Record Methane Gas Exports and
    Fracking</a>.*
</p>
<p>
Of course, Republicans want to do worse &mdash; but that doesn't make this ok.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Denver_medical_relief_plan)
title: Denver medical relief plan
uri: Denver-medical-relief-plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Denver_medical_relief_plan)
content:
 
<p>

  *Denver city council members propose <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/05/denver-city-council-members-medical-debt-relief-plan">$300m medical debt relief plan</a>
for residents.*
</p>

<p>
The article also explains how the primarily private US medical system
systematically puts people into debt.
</p>
<p>
What we really need is a proper national medical system that would
treat everyone who is ill and never put anyone in debt.  However,
actions like these are a step forward.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(War_on_poverty,_war_on_poor)
title: War on poverty, war on poor
uri: War-on-poverty-war-on-poor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(War_on_poverty,_war_on_poor)
content:
 
<p>

Nobelist Angus Deaton on inequality: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/inequality/2023/oct/07/angus-deaton-interview-book-economics-in-america">"The war on poverty has become a
    war on the poor."</a>
  He aims to revitalize attention to the suffering caused by an economic
system that rewards predators.
</p>
<p>
I think "has been replaced by" would state it more accurately than
"has become".  The change was intentional.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Warning_on_beating_inflation)
title: Warning on "beating inflation"
uri: Warning-on-beating-inflation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Warning_on_beating_inflation)
content:
 
<p>

The IMF's managing director warns central banks to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/oct/05/imf-head-kristalina-georgieva-warns-of-costs-overcoming-inflation-interest-rates-covid-ukraine-war">stop trying to
    "beat inflation"</a> with high interest rates.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Pakistan_deportation_of_Afghans)
title: Pakistan deportation of Afghans
uri: Pakistan-deportation-of-Afghans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Pakistan_deportation_of_Afghans)
content:
 
<p>

  Pakistan says it will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/06/pakistan-says-it-will-deport-17m-afghans-and-all-other-immigrants">deport an estimated 1.7m Afghans</a> who don't have
official permission to be in Pakistan.
</p>
<p>
The announcement says that the 1.4m Afghans with official permission
to live in Pakistan can stay.  However, the Taliban oppress all women
and all girls, and a large set of men (those who had relationships
with the former government agencies or any western institutions).
</p>
<p>
Do all of the Afghans in those categories living in Pakistan have
official refugee papers?  I would expect Pakistan's criteria for
granting asylum are narrower than that, perhaps much narrower.
</p>

 


title: Historical background of Nagorno-Karabakh
uri: Historical-background-of-Nagorno-Karabakh
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Historical_background_of_Nagorno-Karabakh)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Historical_background_of_Nagorno-Karabakh)

content:
 
<p>

  The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/02/nagorno-karabakhs-tragedy-has-echoes-of-europes-dark-past-but-a-remedy-lies-in-europe-too">historical background of Nagorno-Karabakh</a>, and the conflict
between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(To_save_the_spotted_owl)
title: To save the spotted owl
uri: To-save-the-spotted-owl
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(To_save_the_spotted_owl)
content:
 
<p>

  To save the spotted owl <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/07/endangered-owl-who-can-only-be-saved-if-we-kill-other-owls">requires killing other owl species</a> that
compete with it.
</p>
<p>
I don't feel sentimental about this.  Since there is no automatic
"balance of nature" that maintains itself, keeping things in balance
and protecting species requires intervention.  Therefore let us
intervene &mdash; to protect all the existing species from extinction,
</p>

 


title: Tories to restrict private solar installations
uri: Tories-to-restrict-private-solar-installations
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Tories_to_restrict_private_solar_installations)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Tories_to_restrict_private_solar_installations)

content:
 
<p>

  The Tories now plan to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/07/rishi-sunak-plans-to-restrict-solar-panels">restrict private installation of solar panels</a>.
</p>
<p>
Plutocracy politicians have shown a pattern of doing this, citing
various reasons.
</p>
<p>
A US example: paying electricity customers for delivering their excess
solar electricity to the grid makes sense only if the grid can
transmit that power to someone else who wants it; but transmitting
increasing amounts of power that way requires upgrades to the grid.
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">Plutocratist</a> politicians dismiss the idea of spending to upgrade the
grid, preferring that we spend over and over on burning extra fossil
fuels and destroying civilization.
</p>
<p>
I suspect that these politicians' real motive is some sort of past or
future reward from the fossil fuel companies.
</p>

 


title: George Orwell's advice on protecting freedom
uri: George-Orwell-s-advice-on-protecting-freedom
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(George_Orwell's_advice_on_protecting_freedom)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(George_Orwell's_advice_on_protecting_freedom)

content:
 
<p>

George Orwell's advice on protecting freedom:
</p>
<p>
“Nourished for hundreds of years on a literature in which Right
   invariably triumphs in the last chapter, we believe
   half-instinctively that evil always defeats itself in the long
   run. &hellip;. We have become too civilized to grasp the
   obvious.
</p>
<p>
For the truth is very simple. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/oct/07/orwellian-nightmares-george-orwell-rage-culture-rewriting-1984">To survive you often have to fight, and
    to fight you have to dirty yourself</a>. War is evil, and it is often
   the lesser evil."
</p>
<p>
Orwell learned this by joining in the war against fascism in Spain,
back when no other government would support the Spanish Republic
against the rebellious fascist military.
</p>
<p>
The article is full of interesting remarks on other topics.  One is
how to draw the line between satire used to provoke violence and
oppression and satire that rebukes it.
</p>
<p>
The article points out that the organizers of genocide in Rwanda used humor to
convey messages of hatred and murder, to deadly effect.  <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-mar-jun.html#18_May_2018_(Fascists_in_America)">American
    fascists</a> likewise often foment violence, even murder, with messages
that have the superficial form of jokes.
</p>

 


title: Disillusionment for Labour supporters
uri: Disillusionment-for-Labour-supporters
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Disillusionment_for_Labour_supporters)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Disillusionment_for_Labour_supporters)

content:
 
<p>

A Labour MP warns that Starmer's policies of low taxes for the rich
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/07/keir-starmer-bold-policies-harold-wilson-labour">will cause disillusionment for Labour supporters</a>.
  They see that the only hope from Labour would be that Starmer
doesn't really mean the policies he states so clearly.
</p>
<p>
I know a Labour supporter who is planning not to vote in the coming
election because <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#perse">perse</a> sees no party to vote for.
</p>

 


title: Campaign against real time facial recognition
uri: Campaign-against-real-time-facial-recognition
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Campaign_against_real_time_facial_recognition)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#10_October_2023_(Campaign_against_real_time_facial_recognition)

content:
 
<p>

  UK legislators have started a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/oct/06/mps-and-peers-call-for-immediate-stop-to-live-facial-recognition-surveillance">campaign against real time facial recognition</a>.
  As China demonstrates, it puts human rights in danger.
</p>
<p>
After-the-fact recognition is also a threat to human rights.
As a famous science fiction story pointed out, the past continues
until infinitesimally close to the present; the ability to "watch the past"
approaches, as a limit, the ability to "watch the present".
</p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#11_October_2023_(Black_Sea_game-theory,_UKR)
title: Black Sea game, UKR
uri: Black-Sea-game-UKR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#11_October_2023_(Black_Sea_game-theory,_UKR)
content:
 
<p>
Ukraine's victories over Putin's navy has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/08/as-ukraine-reels-from-attacks-on-land-conflict-at-sea-signals-hope">reopened the grain export</a>
sea route &mdash; but the flow rate is small now.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#11_October_2023_(Addressing_impunity)
title: Addressing impunity
uri: Addressing-impunity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#11_October_2023_(Addressing_impunity)
content:
 
<p>
Putin has inspired a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/08/murderous-putin-is-sure-of-his-own-impunity-he-could-not-be-more-wrong">global push for a system</a>
of sanctioning and prosecuting war criminals.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#11_October_2023_(Inculcating_inhumanity)
title: Inculcating inhumanity
uri: Inculcating-inhumanity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#11_October_2023_(Inculcating_inhumanity)
content:
 
<p>
A displaced Kurd from Azerbaijan comments on the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/09/azerbaijani-ethnic-cleansing-armenians-nagorno-karabakh-children">carefully stimulated
hatred</a>
between Armenians and Azeris, and the falsehoods used to stimulated it.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#11_October_2023_(UN_HRC_seat_for_China)
title: UN HRC seat for China
uri: UN-HRC-seat-for-China
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#11_October_2023_(UN_HRC_seat_for_China)
content:
 
<p>
Human rights campaigners have
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/08/campaigners-aim-to-lower-support-for-china-on-un-human-rights-council">no hope of excluding China</a>
from getting a seat on the UN Human Rights Counsel, but they are trying
at least to reduce the number of votes it will get.
<p>
Other international institutions are likewise structured based on the
assumptions that governments that disrespect human rights wholesale
(not just occasionally in practice, as the US does) will not come to
dominate the institutions.  But when they do, it is like a Republican
gerrymander &mdash; it is almost impossible to end their unjust influence.

 


title: General Assembly contests for Human Rights Council
uri: General-Assembly-contests-for-Human-Rights-Council
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#12_October_2023_(General_Assembly_contests_for_Human_Rights_Council)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#12_October_2023_(General_Assembly_contests_for_Human_Rights_Council)

content:
 
<p>
Russia
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/10/russia-fails-to-win-back-seat-on-human-rights-council-after-un-vote">failed to get enough votes</a>
for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council.
This says the world has a little more moral commitment than I thought.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#12_October_2023_(Gaza_under_full_seige)
title: Gaza under full siege
uri: Gaza-under-full-siege
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#12_October_2023_(Gaza_under_full_seige)
content:
 
<p>
HAMAS carried out a massive terrorist attack on Israeli civilians
in areas neighboring Gaza,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/10/israeli-troops-mass-on-gaza-border-as-death-toll-from-hamas-attack-passes-1000">killing at least 1000</a>.
It also took over 100 hostages.
<p>
In revenge,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/10/830-dead-in-gaza-since-saturday-as-shelling-hits-school-hospitals-and-homes">Israel bombed residential neighborhoods</a>

of Gaza.  It has not finished yet, and I expect it will kill many
thousands of Gazan civilians.  The report I've seen is that at least
830 in Gaza have been killed by shelling which has hit a school a well as hospitals and homes.
<p>
In the past, Israel has always offered some sort of excuses after
killing unarmed Palestinian civilians, individually or massively.  But
the excuses are often strained.  <a href="/archives/2022-mar-jun.html#3_June_2022_(Israel's_strike_against_chemical_storage_plant_akin_to_chemical_weapons)">Israel's attacks</a>
have hit 
<a href="/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#17_May_2021_(Offices_of_Associated_Press_and_al-Jazeera)">press offices</a>
and <a href="/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#24_May_2021_(Bombing_of_medical_facilities)">medical clinics</a>,
as well as <a href="/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#19_May_2021_(Air_attacks_on_civilians)">residences</a>
too. Israeli 
<a href="/archives/2019-mar-jun.html#29_May_2019_(Paramedic_shot_while_treating_protester)">snipers have shot medics</a>
attending protests.
<p>
I can't conclude that Israel's attacks on Gaza are really other than
larger terrorist attacks.
<p>
Meanwhile, Israel has put Gaza under total siege, keeping out
food and medicine even as the hospitals are overwhelmed.
<p>
I expect that <a href="/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#29_March_2023_(netanyahu_israeli_judiciary)">Netanyahu will use this</a>
to force through the final blow against judicial independence in Israel.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#12_October_2023_(Ex%2FTwitter_info_unreliable)
title: Ex/Twitter info unreliable
uri: Ex-Twitter-info-unreliable
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#12_October_2023_(Ex%2FTwitter_info_unreliable)
content:
 
<p>
Ex/Twitter's <!----> coverage of the conflict in Gaza is so full of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/10/x-twitter-elon-musk-israel-gaza-hamas">lies
and deepfakes</a>
that it is hard to find anything that is truth.
<p>
I urge people to stop reading <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#extwitter">Ex/Twitter</a> &mdash; to avoid wasting their
time, as a protest against what the Musk-rat is doing, and to reject the
nonfree app that <!----> Ex/Twitter says you have to use.
<p>
I tried recently to look at a specific tweet using Nitter, and it did
eventually work after a substantial delay.

<p>
 


title: Top student lowered for dancing, La.
uri: Top-student-lowered-for-dancing-La
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#12_October_2023_(Top_student_lowered_for_dancing,_La.)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#12_October_2023_(Top_student_lowered_for_dancing,_La.)

content:
 
<p>
The principal of a public school in Louisiana punished a student for
dancing at a party. 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/07/louisiana-student-punished-by-school-for-dancing-at-private-party">The punishment was grave</a>
&mdash; it could hurt per academic future.
<p>
The principal admitted he was trying to impose his religion the student.
That is prima facie unjust, and unconstitutional to boot.
<p>
The fact that students paid for the party venue is a side issue,
because such imposition of religion would have been unjust even if
they had been dancing in the public school.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#12_October_2023_(Caste-based_discrimination,_Ca.)
title: Caste-based discrimination, Ca.
uri: Caste-based-discrimination-Ca
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#12_October_2023_(Caste-based_discrimination,_Ca.)
content:
 
<p>
Governor Newsom vetoed the California
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/07/california-caste-discrimination-ban-vetoed-gavin-newsom">bill to prohibit</a>
discrimination based on caste.   He claimed that such discrimination was already prohibited by
California law, but a recent court decision found otherwise.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#12_October_2023_(Delete_Act_on_data_brokers,_Ca.)
title: Delete Act on data brokers, Ca.
uri: Delete-Act-on-data-brokers-Ca
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#12_October_2023_(Delete_Act_on_data_brokers,_Ca.)
content:
 
<p>
California passed a law requiring all data brokers to participate in
a state
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/oct/10/california-delete-act-signed-newsom">"delete all my data"</a>
program.   The bill makes some exceptions (not listed in the article).
If you can tell me the specifics, I would appreciate it.
<p>
Also, I am not sure if it covers data brokers that keep data on
Californians but are not "in" California.  If it does not cover
them, I tend to think it won't make a big difference.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#12_October_2023_(Climate_displacement-stats)
title: Climate displacement-stats
uri: Climate-displacement-stats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#12_October_2023_(Climate_displacement-stats)
content:
 
<p>
*Extreme weather displaced 43m children in past six years,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/oct/05/extreme-weather-climate-crisis-displaced-children-unicef-report">UNICEF reports</a>.*
<p>
The article says that 125 million people of all ages were displaced due to extreme weather events.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Urgent:_OLIGARCH_Act)
title: Urgent: OLIGARCH Act
uri: Urgent-OLIGARCH-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Urgent:_OLIGARCH_Act)
content:
 
<p>

US citizens: phone your congresscritter and ask per to cosponsor the
OLIGARCH Act, which would establish a graduated wealth tax starting at
a household wealh 1000 times the median US household wealh.
</p>
<p>
As of 2019, according to Wikipedia,

[Wealth in United States]

  the median household wealh in the US was a little under $100,000.
Going by that fiture, the tax would start at a household wealh of 100
million dollars.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Sinister_threats_of_the_corrupter)
title: Sinister threats of the corrupter
uri: Sinister-threats-of-the-corrupter
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Sinister_threats_of_the_corrupter)
content:
 
<p>

*The greater the fear [<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a>] feels, the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/09/the-greater-the-fear-trump-feels-the-more-sinister-his-threats-become">more sinister his
    threats become</a>.*
</p>
<p>
The article also asserts that anyone with the slightest scruple of
conscience who tries to obey orders from <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a> eventually gets
an order that per conscience can't swallow, and <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a> orders
hisfollowers to cancel per.  This is what happened to McCarthy after he
compromised to avoid a shutdown.
</p>

 


title: The insurrectionist's destabilization strategy
uri: The-insurrectionist-s-destabilization-strategy
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(The_insurrectionist's_destabilization_strategy)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(The_insurrectionist's_destabilization_strategy)

content:
 
<p>

  Robert Reich: <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#insurrectionist">the insurrectionist's</a> <a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/the-catastrophic-asymmetry-at-the">current destabilization strategy</a>
is to create chaos and make it appear that the US can't be governed
democratically.  He hopes that people who defend democracy and human
rights will give up on them and let him take over.
</p>
<p>
This follows a line of development from Reagan's sabotage strategy of
trying to make Americans forget the great effectiveness of the New
Deal and the War on Poverty &mdash; government programs to help people who
needed help &mdash; and claiming that government was bizarrely a problem.
itself.
</p>
<p>
When Iran took the US embassy personnel hostage, President Carter
ordered a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Eagle_Claw">military rescue mission</a>.  The mission messed up before
any contact with the enemy, but Carter's decision was correct.
</p>
<p>
  What did Reagan do?  He <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#18_September_2015_(Reagan's_deal_with_Iran)">made a deal with the hostage takers</a> that they
would hold the hostages until after the election.
  Then Reagan <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2006-nov-feb.html#26%20November%202006%20(Robert%20Gates%20distorted%20reports)">paid a ransom for the hostages</a>.
</p>
<p>
Today's Republicans don't need to ransom hostages taken by foreign
enemies.  Instead they <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_January_2018_(Holding_CHIP_hostage)">take the hostages and demand the ransom</a>.
</p>

 


title: Brazil's campaign to stop illegal deforestation
uri: Brazil-s-campaign-to-stop-illegal-deforestation
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Brazil's_campaign_to_stop_illegal_deforestation)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Brazil's_campaign_to_stop_illegal_deforestation)

content:
 
<p>

Brazil's latest campaign to stop illegal deforestation: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/05/brazil-launches-biggest-operation-illegal-cattle-farms-amazon">seizing
    the cows that the deforesters are raising</a>.
</p>
<p>
I expect it will be difficult for deforesters to resist this approach.
They can't hide or move the cows, and if they can't raise cows,
they can't profit from the deforestation (aside from places where
there is gold to filter).
</p>
<p>
I think some deforested areas are used to grow soybeans to be shipped
elsewhere and fed to cows.  The soybean plants can't be hidden or
moved either.  But it would be a shame to waste the current year's
harvest by destroying the plants.  Perhaps the state can bring in
workers temporarily to harvest and remove the soy beans.  This would
still be effective for deterring further deforestation because 
the people who expected to profit will not profit.
</p>
<p>
Brazil should not limit this campaign to land designated as reserves for
indigenous groups.  The whole world depends on keeping the Amazon forest going,
and we need to preserve as much of it as we can.  Any parcel that can be
identified as having been illegally deforested should get this treatment.
</p>
<p>
If a neoliberal government did these things, it would push many
desperately poor Brazilians into hoepless poverty.  But Lula rejects
neoliberalism; he is committed to helping them escape poverty in ways
that won't do harm.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Cartoonist_detained_by_Tunisia)
title: Cartoonist detained by Tunisia
uri: Cartoonist-detained-by-Tunisia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Cartoonist_detained_by_Tunisia)
content:
 
<p>

  *Tunisia <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/tunisia-arrests-cartoonist-over-drawings-mocking-prime-minister-2023-09-21/">detains cartoonist</a> over drawings mocking prime minister.*
</p>
<p>
For a decade, Tunisia enjoyed hard-won human rights and democracy,
but the authoritarian president has abolished them completely.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Fallacy_of_effective_altruism)
title: Fallacy of "effective altruism"
uri: Fallacy-of-effective-altruism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Fallacy_of_effective_altruism)
content:
 
<p>

Highlighting the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/commentisfree/2023/oct/08/getting-rich-in-order-to-give-to-the-poor-the-jury-is-out-but-it-seems-morally-shaky">fallacy in the seductive argument for "effective
    altruism"</a>.
</p>
<p>
Actions such as fraud, and abuses that are not actual fraud but
neighboring to fraud, do have bad consequences: they undermine
society's reserves of rationality and trust, just as surely as the
corrupter and his followers do.  The calculations of "effective
altruism" don't measure this harm so they cannot include it in
the conclusions.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Call_for_store_robbers_to_be_shot)
title: Call for store robbers to be shot
uri: Call-for-store-robbers-to-be-shot
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Call_for_store_robbers_to_be_shot)
content:
 
<p>

In a previous political note I wrote:
</p>
<blockquote>
The fascist calls for store robbers to be shot:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/30/donald-trump-california-speech-robbers-shot
How about election stealers and voter suppressors?
</blockquote>
<p>
The point I intended was to show the conclusion that the fascist's own
logic would lead to about how to deal with criminals like him.  I
expected it to be obvious that I disagreed with his attitude
towards shoplifters, but just in case, here I say so explicitly.
</p>
<p>
I disagree with fascist thinking.  Neither shoplifters nor election
underminers deserve to be summarily killed.  People don't deserve to
be killed for those crimes even if they have been convicted, because
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-may-aug.html#14_August_2011_(Truth_About_Lethal_Injection)">the death penalty is unjust in itself</a>.
  What we should do to them is give them fair trials, and if we find them
guilty, punish them in accord with their actions.
</p>
<p>
Rigging or undermining an election is a far graver crime than
shoplifting.  Also, we should excuse shoplifting when poor people are
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#18_November_2021_(Supporting_poor_people)">stealing the necessities of life</a>.
To put an end to shoplifting we
should correct its root cause: poverty.  The government <a href="why-we-need-a-state.html">should help
    everyone</a> to have a decent life without stealing.
</p>

 


title: Ponzi scheme to benefit investor class
uri: Ponzi-scheme-to-benefit-investor-class
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Ponzi_scheme_to_benefit_investor_class)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Ponzi_scheme_to_benefit_investor_class)

content:
 
<p>

*The American dream has been sold and replaced with a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2023/oct/08/us-student-debt-class-poverty-wealth">Ponzi scheme
    meant to benefit the investor class</a>.&hellip; The American education
system has become a way of forcing lower-class citizens into a form of
indentured servitude.*
</p>

 


title: Ex-Twitter disinformation about Hamas
uri: Ex-Twitter-disinformation-about-Hamas
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Ex-Twitter_disinformation_about_Hamas)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Ex-Twitter_disinformation_about_Hamas)

content:
 
<p>

  The EU <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/oct/10/eu-warns-elon-musk-over-disinformation-about-hamas-attack-on-x">threatened to punish Ex-Twitter</a> for disinformation about Hamas.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(NYPD_handling_of_protests)
title: NYPD handling of protests
uri: NYPD-handling-of-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(NYPD_handling_of_protests)
content:
 
<p>

  *NYPD agrees to ‘significantly’ <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/05/nypd-protest-reform-lawsuit-george-floyd">change how it handles protests</a> in the city.*
</p>

 


title: Starmer promises to keep taxes low
uri: Starmer-promises-to-keep-taxes-low
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Starmer_promises_to_keep_taxes_low)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Starmer_promises_to_keep_taxes_low)

content:
 
<p>

  Starmer continues to appeal to Tory voters by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/oct/10/five-key-points-from-keir-starmers-speech">promising to keep taxes low</a>.
This precludes obtaining the funds needed to fix Britain's giant problems.
</p>
<p>
The article presents this as asking Tory voters to switch to Labour,
but I'd describe it as switching Labour to Tory voters and ditching
many Labour voters.
</p>

 


title: Ground water polluted by sea water
uri: Ground-water-polluted-by-sea-water
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Ground_water_polluted_by_sea_water)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Ground_water_polluted_by_sea_water)

content:
 
<p>

Drought caused by <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> is helping <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/10/louisiana-drinking-water-saltwater-mississippi-river">sea water pollute ground
    water</a> and rivers in Louisiana, and ruin it for human use.
</p>
<p>
This problem will spread to other rivers and other coastal areas as <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> advances.
</p>

 


title: Nonprofit hospitals exploiting tax breaks
uri: Nonprofit-hospitals-exploiting-tax-breaks
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Nonprofit_hospitals_exploiting_tax_breaks)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Nonprofit_hospitals_exploiting_tax_breaks)

content:
 
<p>

*Chairman Sanders Releases New Report Showing Major Nonprofit Hospital
Systems <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/chairman-sanders-releases-new-report-showing-major-nonprofit-hospital-systems-exploiting-tax-breaks-and-prioritizing-ceo-pay-over-helping-patients-afford-medical-care">Exploiting Tax Breaks</a> and Prioritizing CEO Pay Over Helping
 Patients Afford Medical Care.*
</p>

 


title: Russia's internal "security" apparatus
uri: Russia-s-internal-security-apparatus
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Russia's_internal_security_apparatus)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Russia's_internal_security_apparatus)

content:
 
<p>

Russia's internal "security" apparatus proposes to require all web
sites in Russia to <a href="https://meduza.io/en/news/2023/10/04/russia-s-fsb-requests-online-services-be-required-to-collect-and-provide-users-geolocation-and-payment-information">store visitors' geolocations and "payment
    information"</a> to give to the state later.
</p>
<p>
It is not clear to me whether this would require all web sites to
_collect_ that information, or only require them to store it and hand
it over <em>if</em> they collect it.
</p>
<p>
In the US, large companies record this information if you ever
transmit it to a site which uses it.  I don't want those companies to
get such data about me.  Fortunately my free browser, IceCat, does not
know or send my geolocation, and using the Tor network prevents sites
from figuring out from my IP address.
</p>
<p>
As for payment information, most sites impose use of nonfree
JavaScript code in order to pay (fsf.org being a happy exception), and
I refuse to run that.  For that reason, in addition to my privacy, I
never pay for anything over the internet.  Never!
</p>

 


title: Alert system for missing black women and girls
uri: Alert-system-for-missing-black-women-and-girls
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Alert_system_for_missing_black_women_and_girls)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Alert_system_for_missing_black_women_and_girls)

content:
 
<p>

California is setting up an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/12/california-ebony-alert-system-bill-black-women-girls">alert system to help find missing black women and
    girls</a> who may have been kidnaped or coerced.
</p>

 


title: Potential rally participants as criminal suspects
uri: Potential-rally-participants-as-criminal-suspects
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Potential_rally_participants_as_criminal_suspects)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Potential_rally_participants_as_criminal_suspects)

content:
 
<p>

The Sydney <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department wants to treat even <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/oct/13/sydney-police-search-powers-pro-palestine-protest-id-hyde-park-israel-hamas-war">potential participants
    at a pro-Palestine rally as criminal suspects</a>: searching them
arbitrarily and jailing people who refuse to show their papers.
</p>
<p>
Setting off flares on an outdoor stairway is not violence, neither
against persons nor against property.  Neither is chanting slogans,
even odious slogans of bigotry such as antisemitism.  We should 
detest those slogans but not arrest people for them.
</p>
<p>
  Sydney has also <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/oct/13/experts-slam-disproportionate-nsw-approach-to-pro-palestine-rallies-as-government-threatens-full-force-of-law">banned all marches in support of Gazans</a>.  Human rights
defender condenm this action.
</p>
<p>
I condemn HAMAS's terrorism.  I condemn Israel's siege and killing in
Gaza also.
</p>
<p>
Note, I capitalize "HAMAS" because it is an acronym.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Gazans_cut_off_from_Internet)
title: Gazans cut off from Internet
uri: Gazans-cut-off-from-Internet
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Gazans_cut_off_from_Internet)
content:
 
<p>

  Most Gazans are now <a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/10/12/israel-gaza-internet-access/">cut off from the Internet</a> following Israel's air
attacks against communication facilities and the electric power grid.<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<title>2023: July - October Political Notes</title>
<link rel="author" href="mailto:rms@gnu.org">
<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/common/stallman.css">
<link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="RMS RSS" href="https://stallman.org/rss/rss.xml">
</head>
<body>
<a href="https://stallman.org/rss/rss.xml">RSS site feed</a>
<H3 id="polnotes-title">Political notes from 2023: July - October</H3>
<p class="fullwide">[
2023 July - October |
<a href="2023-mar-jun.html">2023 March - June</a> |
<a href="2022-nov-feb.html">2022 November - February</a> |
<a href="2022-jul-oct.html">2022 July - October</a> |
<a href="2022-mar-jun.html">2022 March - June</a> |
<a href="2021-nov-feb.html">2021 November - February</a> |
<a href="2021-jul-oct.html">2021 July - October</a> |
<a href="2021-mar-jun.html">2021 March - June</a> |
<a href="2020-nov-feb.html">2020 November - February</a> |
<a href="2020-jul-oct.html">2020 July - October</a> |
<a href="2020-mar-jun.html">2020 March - June</a> |
<a href="2019-nov-feb.html">2019 November - February</a> |
<a href="2019-jul-oct.html">2019 July - October</a> |
<a href="2019-mar-jun.html">2019 March - June</a> |
<a href="2018-nov-feb.html">2018 November - February</a> |
<a href="2018-jul-oct.html">2018 July - October</a> |
<a href="2018-mar-jun.html">2018 March - June</a> |
<a href="2017-nov-feb.html">2017 November - February</a> |
<a href="2017-jul-oct.html">2017 July - October</a> |
<a href="2017-mar-jun.html">2017 March - June</a> |
<a href="2016-nov-feb.html">2016 November - February</a> |
<a href="2016-jul-oct.html">2016 July - October</a> |
<a href="2016-mar-jun.html">2016 March - June</a> |
<a href="2015-nov-feb.html">2015 November - February</a> |
<a href="2015-jul-oct.html">2015 July - October</a> |
<a href="2015-mar-jun.html">2015 March - June</a> |
<a href="2014-nov-feb.html">2014 November - February</a> |
<a href="2014-jul-oct.html">2014 July - October</a> |
<a href="2014-mar-jun.html">2014 March - June</a> |
<a href="2013-nov-feb.html">2013 November - February</a> |
<a href="2013-jul-oct.html">2013 July - October</a> |
<a href="2013-mar-jun.html">2013 March - June</a> |
<a href="2012-nov-feb.html">2012 November - February</a> |
<a href="2012-jul-oct.html">2012 July - October</a> |
<a href="2012-mar-jun.html">2012 March - June</a> |
<a href="2011-nov-feb.html">2011 November - February</a> |
<a href="2011-jul-oct.html">2011 July - October</a> |
<a href="2011-mar-jun.html">2011 March - June</a> |
<a href="2010-nov-feb.html">2010 November - February</a> |
<a href="2010-jul-oct.html">2010 July - October</a> |
<a href="2010-mar-jun.html">2010 March - June</a> |
<a href="2009-nov-feb.html">2009 November - February</a> |
<a href="2009-jul-oct.html">2009 July - October</a> |
<a href="2009-mar-jun.html">2009 March - June</a> |
<a href="2008-nov-feb.html">2008 November - February</a> |
<a href="2008-jul-oct.html">2008 July - October</a> |
<a href="2008-mar-jun.html">2008 March - June</a> |
<a href="2007-nov-feb.html">2007 November - February</a> |
<a href="2007-jul-oct.html">2007 July - October</a> |
<a href="2007-mar-jun.html">2007 March - June</a> |
<a href="2006-nov-feb.html">2006 November - February</a> |
<a href="2006-jul-oct.html">2006 July - October</a> |
<a href="2006-mar-jun.html">2006 March - June</a> |
<a href="2005-nov-feb.html">2005 November - February</a> |
<a href="2005-jul-oct.html">2005 July - October</a> |
<a href="2005-mar-jun.html">2005 March - June</a> |
<a href="2004-nov-feb.html">2004 November - February</a> |
<a href="2004-jul-oct.html">2004 July - October</a> |
<a href="2004-mar-jun.html">2004 March - June</a> |
<a href="2003-nov-feb.html">2003 November - February</a> |
<a href="2003-jul-oct.html">2003 July - October</a> |
<a href="2003-mar-jun.html">2003 March - June</a> |
<a href="archive-2002.html">2002</a> |
<a href="archive-2001.html">2001</a> |
<a href="archive-2000.html">2000</a>
]
<p>
Each political note has its own anchor in case you
want to link to it.
<p>
My intention is to make links only to publicly accessible, stable
URLs.  If you find a link to a page that requires subscription,
please report that as you would report any other broken link.
<p>
<a href="/linkpolicy.html">Link Policy</a>
<p> 
<a href="/glossary.html">Glossary</a>

<ul>
<!-- Do not modify this line:  needed for scripts  ZZNEWINSERT -->

 


title: Urgent: Oppose "Kids Online Safety Act"
uri: Urgent-Oppose-Kids-Online-Safety-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Urgent:_Oppose_Kids_Online_Safety_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Urgent:_Oppose_Kids_Online_Safety_Act)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: phone your senators (especially Democrats) to <a href="https://jezebel.com/22-democrats-sponsor-a-bill-that-could-censor-abortion-1850923128">oppose
    the vague censorship bill called "Kids Online Safety Act"</a>.  Republican
attorneys general could use it to intimidate web sites over any topics
that their states prohibit, including abortion and queerness.
</p>
<p>
  I wince when I see the article refer to all web pages as <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Content">"content"</a>, but
that unfortunate usage does not at all reduce the validity and importance of the article's point.

<p>If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

 


title: Urgent: Prioritize confirming Biden's judicial nominees
uri: Urgent-Prioritize-confirming-Biden-s-judicial-nominees
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Urgent:_Prioritize_confirming_Biden's_judicial_nominees)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Urgent:_Prioritize_confirming_Biden's_judicial_nominees)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: phone Senator Schumer and call on him to prioritize
confirming Biden's judicial nominees.  This process is dragging and
risks leaving vacancies that might be blocked or even filled by Republicans.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Urgent:_Moore_v._United_States)
title: Urgent: Moore v. United States
uri: Urgent-Moore-v-United-States
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Urgent:_Moore_v._United_States)
content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the Supreme Court to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/dismiss-moore-v-us">dismiss Moore v. United
    States</a>.
</p>
<p>
  Supreme Court members Roberts and Alito <a href="https://www.levernews.com/justices-have-financial-interest-in-major-tax-case/">own stock in companies</a> that could
win around 30 billion dollars from a decision they will soon participate in.
</p>
<p>
There were apparent falsehoods in the claims made in the case.
</p>

 


title: Urgent: Safeguard lives in Israel and Gaza
uri: Urgent-Safeguard-lives-in-Israel-and-Gaza
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Urgent:_Safeguard_lives_in_Israel_and_Gaza)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Urgent:_Safeguard_lives_in_Israel_and_Gaza)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Biden to prevent further violence and <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/go/34272?c0=biden-ispal.JI7wOq">safeguard
    peoples' lives in Israel and Gaza</a>.
</p>

 


title: Urgent: Mass surveillance of crypto
uri: Urgent-Mass-surveillance-of-crypto
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Urgent:_Mass_surveillance_of_crypto)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Urgent:_Mass_surveillance_of_crypto)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on US Treasury <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-treasury-dont-mandate-mass-surveillance-of-crypto">not to mandate mass surveillance of
    crypto</a>.
</p>

 


title: Urgent: Refillable glass bottles from Coca Cola
uri: Urgent-Refillable-glass-bottles-from-Coca-Cola
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Urgent:_Refillable_glass_bottles_from_Coca_Cola)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Urgent:_Refillable_glass_bottles_from_Coca_Cola)

content:
 
<p>

  Everyone: call on Coca Cola to <a href="https://action.storyofstuff.org/sign/tell-coca-cola-bring-back-refill/?t=1011&akid=420584%2E1041074%2EcmaHX3">offer refillable glass bottles</a> in the
US  and support laws requiring deposits on bottles.
</p>

 


title: Urgent: Protect Social Security (again)
uri: Urgent-Protect-Social-Security-(again)
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Urgent:_Protect_Social_Security_(again))

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Urgent:_Protect_Social_Security_(again))

content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/social-security-gop-speaker/?t=1001&akid=31321%2E96703%2EP6Ak8j">protect Social Security</a> from proposed
right-wing cuts &mdash; yet again.
</p>

<p>If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

 


title: Thug convicted of killing Elijah McClain
uri: Thug-convicted-of-killing-Elijah-McClain
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Thug_convicted_of_killing_Elijah_McClain)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Thug_convicted_of_killing_Elijah_McClain)

content:
 
<p>

One of the Colorado <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> involved in killing Elijah McClain <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/12/elijah-mcclain-one-colorado-officer-convicted-and-one-acquitted-in-2019-killing">has been
    convicted of homicide</a>.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(HAMAS_not_following_rules_of_war)
title: HAMAS not following rules of war
uri: HAMAS-not-following-rules-of-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(HAMAS_not_following_rules_of_war)
content:
 
<p>

HAMAS, as usual, has shown <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2023/oct/12/what-are-the-rules-of-war-and-how-do-they-apply-to-the-israel-gaza-conflict">total contempt for the rules of war</a>
with its massacres and hostage-taking.
</p>
<p>
Israel claims to be following the rules, but in practical terms is
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2007-jan-apr.html#09%20April%202007%20(Israeli%20atrocities%20in%20Palestine)">violating them massively</a>.  Its attacks on hospitals and homes violate
them, and blockage of food and medicine,
are clear violations, and they could kill hundreds of thousands of civilians as the fighting
continues.
</p>
<p>
  *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/12/no-power-water-or-fuel-to-gaza-until-hostages-freed-says-israeli-minister">No power, water or fuel to Gaza until hostages freed, says Israel minister.</a>*
  That makes it explicit.  Isn't denying fuel to hospitals and water
to the whole population a war crime?
</p>
<p>
Preventing civilians from fleeing the battlefield may also be
a war crime.  I don't know for certain but I expect so.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Sabotaged_gas_pipeline)
title: Sabotaged gas pipeline
uri: Sabotaged-gas-pipeline
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Sabotaged_gas_pipeline)
content:
 
<p>

A pipeline carrying fossil gas from Estonia to Finland was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/12/finland-says-state-actor-not-ruled-out-in-mystery-of-damaged-baltic-gas-pipeline">recently
    sabotaged</a>.  Finland hints that some other state did it.
</p>
<p>
I suspect that Russia did it, because having the pipeline out of
service clearly benefits Putin.  For a similar reason, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-jul-oct.html#29_September_2022_(Nord_stream_pipelines_sabotaged)">I suspected
that the destruction of the Nordstream pipelines was not done by
    Putin</a>.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Crackdown_on_climate_protesters)
title: Crackdown on climate protesters
uri: Crackdown-on-climate-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Crackdown_on_climate_protesters)
content:
 
<p>

*   In Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, the [104]Netherlands and the UK,
   authorities have responded to climate protests with mass arrests, the
passing of draconian new laws, the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/12/human-rights-experts-warn-against-european-crackdown-on-climate-protesters">imposing of severe sentences</a> for
   non-violent protests and the labeling of activists as hooligans,
   saboteurs or eco-terrorists.*
</p>
<p>
They seem to be confused about where the real threat comes from.  The
protesters do not threaten to destroy civilization and cause a mass
extinction; that threat comes from the businesses that insist on
continuing to cause the danger and the politicians that refuse to stop
them.
</p>
<p>
If the politicians carried out their responsibility to make those
businesses stop roasting the Earth, the protesters wouldn't need to
undertake to campaign for them to do it.
</p>
<p>
When politicians call climate defense protesters "selfish", they are
saying the opposite of the truth, denying deny the danger that global
heating poses to all of us and the virtue of trying to save
civilization from disaster.  In effect, they declare allegiance to
the planet-roaster side.
</p>
<p>
*How criminalization is being used to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/12/how-criminalisation-is-being-used-to-silence-climate-activists-across-the-world">silence climate activists across the
    world</a>.*
</p>

 


title: China sentenced Uyghur scholar to life in prison
uri: China-sentenced-Uyghur-scholar-to-life-in-prison
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(China_sentenced_Uyghur_scholar_to_life_in_prison)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(China_sentenced_Uyghur_scholar_to_life_in_prison)

content:
 
<p>

  *China has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/12/china-uyghur-rahile-dawut-prison">sentenced [Uyghur scholar] Rahile Dawut to life in prison</a>
and would like the world to forget her. We must not.*
</p>

 


title: Women working as domestic workers in UAE
uri: Women-working-as-domestic-workers-in-UAE
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Women_working_as_domestic_workers_in_UAE)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Women_working_as_domestic_workers_in_UAE)

content:
 
<p>

*   Women seeking jobs as domestic workers in the UAE allege they are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/oct/12/we-lie-on-the-floor-till-someone-buys-us-shocking-allegations-of-uae-agencies-abuse-of-domestic-workers">being
    detained and abused in squalid accommodation</a>, while recruiters sell
them over apps and social media platforms to household employers.*
</p>
<p>
Trafficking and enslavement of workers in many industries exists in
many countries, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-sep-dec.html#12_December_2012_(Prohibition_of_prostitution)">including in Europe</a>,
but Arab countries on the Persian Gulf seem to protect
it especially strongly.
</p>

 


title: Israel urged to talk on two-state solution
uri: Israel-urged-to-talk-on-two-state-solution
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Israel_urged_to_talk_on_two-state_solution)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Israel_urged_to_talk_on_two-state_solution)

content:
 
<p>

  *Arab ministers urge Israel to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/11/arab-ministers-urge-israel-to-resume-talks-on-two-state-solution">resume talks on two-state solution</a>.*
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Lobbying_against_WHO_on_vapes)
title: Lobbying against WHO on vapes
uri: Lobbying-against-WHO-on-vapes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Lobbying_against_WHO_on_vapes)
content:
 
<p>

  *Philip Morris <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/oct/12/philip-morris-lobbying-to-stop-who-attack-on-vapes-and-similar-products">lobbying to stop WHO ‘attack’ on vapes</a> and similar products.*
</p>
<p>
Information in the article shows clearly that vapes are being marketed towards
children.
</p>

 


title: Blacklist of students that supported HAMAS
uri: Blacklist-of-students-that-supported-HAMAS
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Blacklist_of_students_that_supported_HAMAS)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Blacklist_of_students_that_supported_HAMAS)

content:
 
<p>

Some business executives want to start a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2023/oct/12/harvard-letter-israel-hamas-calls-name-students">blacklist of all the students
    in Harvard student groups</a> that signed their name to a letter that
supported HAMAS.
</p>
<p>
This would be adding evil to evil.  The last thing we need in the US
is another massive blacklist campaign against freedom of speech.
</p>
<p>
The letter took an extreme position which entirely exculpated HAMAS
for massacres and kidnapping of hundreds of civilians.  As you can see
in my recent political notes, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Potential_rally_participants_as_criminal_suspects)">I reject that view</a>.
</p>
<p>
It is true that Israel confines millions of Palestinians to what <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2008-jul-oct.html#22%20August%202008%20(Keeping%20Gaza%20in%20poverty)">can
    be called open-air prisons</a>,
but that doesn't excuse HAMAS's response.
</p>
<p>
In a situation with wrong on all sides, we need to be able to see the
various wrongs of various sides, and also to weigh them against each
other.  Two great wrongs are not necessarily equivalent.  Whether one
wrong overrides or justifies another is a subtle question and it
depends on details.
</p>
<p>
For instance, a crime such as Putin's invasion of Ukraine justifies
the violence of fighting back with war, which Ukraine is doing, but it
would not justify terrorism as a response.  (Ukraine is not doing
that.)
</p>

 


title: Putin jails Navalny's defense lawyers
uri: Putin-jails-Navalny-s-defense-lawyers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Putin_jails_Navalny's_defense_lawyers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Putin_jails_Navalny's_defense_lawyers)

content:
 
<p>

  Putin has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/14/russia-detains-lawyers-acting-for-opposition-leader-alexei-navalny">jailed Alexei Navalny's defense lawyers</a>.
</p>

 


title: Republicans unable to agree on speaker
uri: Republicans-unable-to-agree-on-speaker
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Republicans_unable_to_agree_on_speaker)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Republicans_unable_to_agree_on_speaker)

content:
 
<p>

Republicans in the House of Representatives are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/13/no-house-speaker-what-it-means-republicans-divided">unable to agree on a
    speaker</a>.
</p>

 


title: Killing and expelling of Palestinians
uri: Killing-and-expelling-of-Palestinians
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Killing_and_expelling_of_Palestinians)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Killing_and_expelling_of_Palestinians)

content:
 
<p>

Israeli soldiers in occupied Palestine, and fanatical "settlers" whose
goal is ethnic cleansing, have <a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/10/13/israel-settlers-gaza-palestinians-west-bank/">killed 51 Palestinians</a> in the past week
and expelled everyone from small Palestinian villages.
</p>
<p>
This is terrorism, and it cannot rationally be presented as any sort
of defense against HAMAS.
</p>
<p>
  *When the US Media <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/us-media-coverage-of-israel-gaza-war">Silences One Side's Suffering</a>, Only More Death and
War Follow.*
</p>
<p>
We should mourn the Israelis killed by HAMAS.  We should mourn the Gazans
bombed and shelled by Israel.  We should mourn the Israelis killed by the
intifadas.  We should mourn the Palestinians killed or merely oppressed
by the occupation.  And we should make a peace agreement the goal.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Decriminalization_of_drugs)
title: Decriminalization of drugs
uri: Decriminalization-of-drugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Decriminalization_of_drugs)
content:
 
<p>

Criminal prosecution and harassment of drug users are both cruel and
ineffective for reducing use of the dangerous drugs.  San Francisco in
particular, and the rest of the US, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/decriminalization-of-drug-use">should decriminalize the forbidden
    drugs</a>.
</p>

 


title: Sexual assault for stealing a kiss
uri: Sexual-assault-for-stealing-a-kiss
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Sexual_assault_for_stealing_a_kiss)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Sexual_assault_for_stealing_a_kiss)

content:
 
<p>

I warned that the stretchable term "sexual assault", which extends
from grave crimes such as rape through significant crimes such as
groping and down to no clear lower bound, could be stretched to
criminalize minor things, perhaps <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/06/jenni-hermoso-files-criminal-complaint-against-luis-rubiales-over-kiss">even stealing a kiss</a>.  Now this has
happened.
</p>
<p>
What next?  Will a pat on the arm or a hug be criminalized?  There is
no clear limit to how far this can go, when a group builds up enough
outrage to push it.
</p>

 


title: Israel warned Palestinians to flee
uri: Israel-warned-Palestinians-to-flee
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Israel_warned_Palestinians_to_flee)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#15_October_2023_(Israel_warned_Palestinians_to_flee)

content:
 
<p>

  Israel <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/13/palestinians-flee-northern-gaza-before-expected-israeli-ground-invasion">warned Palestinians to flee</a> a large part of Gaza before a
bigger attack, which might be carpet bombing or a ground attack.  Civilians are
leaving their homes in terror.
</p>
<p>
Gaza being small, they don't have far to go.  But there is no safe
place they can flee to in Gaza today.  When the fighting is over, they will
probably have no homes to return to.  Israeli bombers have <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#12_October_2023_(Gaza_under_full_seige)">already flattened
    entire neighborhoods</a>.
</p>
<p>
  People in Gaza <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/13/we-dont-know-what-to-do-people-gaza-caught-between-hamas-order-idf-tanks">caught between evacuation order, Hamas and bombs</a>.
  There is no way to move badly sick patients in hospitals, and no
guarantee those hospitals won't be bombed.  The UNWRA is not
evaluating schools in Gaza; will Israel bomb them for revenge?
</p>
<p>
  *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/13/blinken-urges-israel-to-avoid-civilian-deaths-and-set-up-safe-zones-in-gaza">Blinken urges Israel to avoid civilian deaths and set up safe zones in Gaza.</a>*
</p>
<p>
That is at least a step in the right direction for the US.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Cruel_torture_instruments)
title: Cruel torture instruments
uri: Cruel-torture-instruments
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Cruel_torture_instruments)
content:
 
<p>

  *UN torture expert accuses private firms of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2023/oct/13/un-torture-expert-private-manufacturers-ban">making ever more cruel instruments</a>*
and proposes a treaty to ban them.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Iranian_coup_of_1953)
title: Iranian coup of 1953
uri: Iranian-coup-of-1953
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Iranian_coup_of_1953)
content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/13/cia-1953-iran-coup-undemocratic-argo">CIA admits 1953 Iranian coup it backed was undemocratic.</a>*
</p>
<p>
This coup put the repressive Shah on the throne.  That later backfired
on the US when it lead to the repressive (and initially murderous)
Islamic Revolution.  You could say the US "got what it deserved" &mdash;
but that does not mean the outcome was just, since Iranians got what
they did <em>not</em> deserve and they are still stuck with it.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Military_base_pollution)
title: Military base pollution
uri: Military-base-pollution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Military_base_pollution)
content:
 
<p>

  245 US military bases are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/13/pfas-pollution-us-military-bases-forever-chemicals">polluting, or threatening to pollute</a>, their
neighborhood with toxic PFAS.
</p>
<p>
The PFAS come from firefighting foam.  I think people did not initially
realize that it was dangerous, perhaps because in the US there is no
requirement to test that before using a new substance.
</p>
<!--
[pol note about that issue.  There was one many years ago.]
  -->
<p>
The level of PFAS is not very high above the level considered acceptable.
Maybe this will not cause a much harm.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Safety_myths_of_owning_a_gun)
title: Safety myths of owning a gun
uri: Safety-myths-of-owning-a-gun
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Safety_myths_of_owning_a_gun)
content:
 
<p>

Most young Americans have been convinced that owning a gun makes you safer.
In fact, it is the other way around: owning a handgun makes you <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#14_August_2023_(Concealed_gun_licenses_and_homicides)">more likely
    to be shot</a>.
</p>
<p>
Indeed, the presence of a gun in the house makes you <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#14_August_2023_(Concealed_gun_licenses_and_homicides)">more likely
    to be shot</a>.
</p>

 


title: Money to poor countries for climate crisis
uri: Money-to-poor-countries-for-climate-crisis
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Money_to_poor_countries_for_climate_crisis)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Money_to_poor_countries_for_climate_crisis)

content:
 
<p>

  *Poorest countries <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/13/poorest-countries-should-get-300bn-a-year-to-fight-climate-crisis-says-joseph-stiglitz">should get $300bn a year from IMF to fight climate crisis</a>,
says Joseph Stiglitz.*
</p>

 


title: Threats to Germany's climate campaigners
uri: Threats-to-Germany-s-climate-campaigners
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Threats_to_Germany's_climate_campaigners)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Threats_to_Germany's_climate_campaigners)

content:
 
<p>

  *Threats to Germany’s climate campaigners <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/12/threats-to-germanys-climate-campaigners-fueled-by-politicians-rhetoric-says-activist">fueled by politicians’ rhetoric</a>, says [Luisa Neubauer, of Fridays for Future].*
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Expansion_of_facial_recognition)
title: Expansion of facial recognition
uri: Expansion-of-facial-recognition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Expansion_of_facial_recognition)
content:
 
<p>

*Under cover of a shoplifting panic, the Tories are pushing through a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/12/shoplifting-facial-recognition-shops-police-surveillance-powers">shocking
    expansion of facial recognition</a>.*
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Bigger,_heavier_cars)
title: Bigger, heavier cars
uri: Bigger-heavier-cars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Bigger,_heavier_cars)
content:
 
<p>

*Trend for bigger, heavier cars <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/08/autobesity-on-course-to-worsen-air-pollution-caused-by-motoring">means more particles get released from
    breaks, tires and road surfaces</a>.*
</p>
<p>
This is in addition to using more energy (whether fossil fuel or electricity)
and causing more damage in collisions.
</p>
<p>
It is crucial to impose sufficient taxes on SUVs and other heavy cars
to reduce their sales to a much smaller level.  We should deter people
from buying them unless they really need them.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(GPT-4_artificial_intelligence)
title: GPT-4 "artificial intelligence"
uri: GPT-4-artificial-intelligence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(GPT-4_artificial_intelligence)
content:
 
<p>

One kind of use in which GPT-4 can <a href="https://slashdot.org/story/23/10/13/2034249/chatgpt-is-being-used-to-declassify-redacted-government-docs">actually qualify as "artificial
    intelligence"</a> is when it is used to figure out obscured or hard-to-read
words on a document.
</p>
<p>
If it does a certain kind of job well frequently, we can say that it
displays understanding of that limited field, which would be
intelligence.
</p>
<p>
As distinguished from the bullshit generation which ChatGPT does.
</p>

 


title: Senator Menendez corruption with Egypt
uri: Senator-Menendez-corruption-with-Egypt
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Senator_Menendez_corruption_with_Egypt)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Senator_Menendez_corruption_with_Egypt)

content:
 
<p>

  Describing the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/14/i-was-a-political-prisoner-in-egypt-the-bob-menendez-allegations-are-appalling">corruption Senator Menendez is accused of with Egypt</a>, and the effects on Egyptian dissidents.

 


title: Pakistan's plans to deport Afghans
uri: Pakistan-s-plans-to-deport-Afghans
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Pakistan's_plans_to_deport_Afghans)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Pakistan's_plans_to_deport_Afghans)

content:
 
<p>

Pakistan's plans to deport Afghans include <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/oct/14/afghans-living-in-fear-pakistan-to-deport-17m">700,000 who fled
    persecution by the Taliban</a> after those took over.
  It is unconscionable not to give them asylum.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Fountain,_conceptual_art)
title: "Fountain", "conceptual art"
uri: Fountain-conceptual-art
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Fountain,_conceptual_art)
content:
 
<p>

Was "Fountain", considered to be pioneering "conceptual art", <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2023/oct/15/conceptualist-art-fountain-is-fake-say-historians-marcel-duchamp">really
    made by Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven</a> rather than Marcel Duchamp?
</p>
<p>
  Perhaps we should consider it a <a href="/articles/on-hacking.html ">hack</a>
  rather than art.  I contend that it has little artistic value but
does have some hack value.
</p>
<p>
The article does not excuse Duchamp of plagiarizing her work; rather
it suggests she invited him to present it as his.  If they didn't
think of it as real art, they would not have felt competitive over
artistic credit for it.
</p>
<p>
I do not appreciate conceptual art.  I don't want to reprise the
pointless argument about whether it "really is art", I only say that
I'd usually prefer to see a concept presented in clear words.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Chicken_frogs_in_Dominica)
title: Chicken frogs in Dominica
uri: Chicken-frogs-in-Dominica
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Chicken_frogs_in_Dominica)
content:
 
<p>

20 years ago, people on Dominica ate the numerous mountain chicken
frogs as their national dish.  After the chytrid fungus and a big hurricane,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/15/dominicas-mountain-chicken-frog-disappears-in-fastest-extinction-ever-recorded">hardly any remain</a>.
</p>

 


title: Initiatives for coexistence in Israel
uri: Initiatives-for-coexistence-in-Israel
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Initiatives_for_coexistence_in_Israel)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Initiatives_for_coexistence_in_Israel)

content:
 
<p>

In Israel, swimming against the current of inter-ethnic hatred, there are
many <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/15/examples-jewish-arab-solidarity-offer-hope-israel">initiatives for coexistence and cooperation</a>, some of them new or growing
in reaction to the hatred.
</p>
<p>
I am sad that one of them operates using the digital dis-service
WhatsApp.  If I were there, I could laud the spirit of it while
declining to participate or promote that actual activity because of
that techoethical issue.
</p>
<p>
  There is also the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/15/orchestra-palestinians-israelis-humanity-daniel-barenboim-west-eastern-divan-orchestra">West-Eastern Divan Orchestra</a>, founded by Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said for the specific goal of bringing the two
peoples together.
</p>

 


title: Complexity of Israel and Palestine
uri: Complexity-of-Israel-and-Palestine
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Complexity_of_Israel_and_Palestine)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Complexity_of_Israel_and_Palestine)

content:
 
<p>

The moral questions about Israel and Palestine are complex at many levels.
Simplistic answers are inadequate.  This is a <a href="https://www.levernews.com/lever-time-the-fog-of-war-in-israel-and-palestine/">good introduction</a> to that
complexity.
</p>

 


title: Transparency in private firms running public services
uri: Transparency-in-private-firms-running-public-services
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Transparency_in_private_firms_running_public_services)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Transparency_in_private_firms_running_public_services)

content:
 
<p>

One of many reasons we should not outsource government functions to private
companies is that they will tend to block the public's right to learn
how those functions are being administered.  The outgoing information
commissioner of Scotland calls for making Freedom of Information laws
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/oct/15/call-to-extend-scottish-foi-laws-to-private-firms-running-public-services">apply to those companies</a>.
</p>
<p>
I agree with that as far as it goes, but I think that solution is
incomplete, because this is far from the only problem caused
by outsourcing.  The real solution is to put an end to it.
</p>

 


title: Apology to student punished for dancing
uri: Apology-to-student-punished-for-dancing
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Apology_to_student_punished_for_dancing)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#16_October_2023_(Apology_to_student_punished_for_dancing)

content:
 
<p>

  *Louisiana school principal <a href="https://boingboing.net/2023/10/10/louisiana-school-principal-forced-to-apologize-after-punishing-a-student-for-dancing.html">forced to apologize</a> after punishing a student for dancing* (and failing to follow the rules of his church).
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#17_October_2023_(General_war_journalism)
title: General war journalism
uri: General-war-journalism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#17_October_2023_(General_war_journalism)
content:
 
<p>
Israel shelled a group of journalists reporting just
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/13/shelling-on-south-lebanon-border-kills-one-journalist-and-injures-six">across
the border</a>
in Lebanon.
<p>
Israel has
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2008-nov-feb.html#18 February 2009 (Hamas censors journalists living in Gaza)">a history</a>
of
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#18_April_2018_(Gaza:_journalist_Yasser_Murtaja_killed)">attacking</a>
the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-mar-jun.html#14_June_2018_(US_ambassador_to_Israel)">press</a>
when it bombs Gaza.
<p>
The <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2003-mar-jun.html#9 April 2003 ()">US attacked a press office in Baghdad</a>
in one of the invasions of Iraq.

<p>
 


title: Israeli&ndash;Hamas war from afar
uri: Israeli-Hamas-war-from-afar
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#17_October_2023_(Israeli%26ndash;Hamas_war_from_afar)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#17_October_2023_(Israeli%26ndash;Hamas_war_from_afar)

content:
 
<p>
*You can condemn Hamas and name its actions as evil, even as you
support the Palestinians in their quest for a life free of occupation
and oppression. And
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/13/pogrom-israel-angel-of-death-gaza-hamas-jews">there should still be room</a>
in your heart for a Jewish child whose last moments were filled with
unimaginable terror &mdash; the same terror his grandparents, and
their grandparents, thought they had escaped for ever.*

<p>
 


title: Colleges react to Palestinian&ndash;Jew crisis
uri: Colleges-react-to-Palestinian-Jew-crisis
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#17_October_2023_(Colleges_react_to_Palestine%26ndash;Israel_crisis)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#17_October_2023_(Colleges_react_to_Palestine%26ndash;Israel_crisis)

content:
 
<p>
At some US colleges,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/13/us-campuses-in-uproar-as-israel-palestine-conflict-exposes-divide">supporters of Palestinians and supporters of Jews</a>
are accusing each other of bloodlust.
<p>
Both HAMAS and Israel are displaying plenty of bloodlust.  To diminish
that, it behooves us to criticize the bloodlust of both sides and to
mourn the civilian victims (present and past) on both sides.

<p>
 


title: Unknown state of Israel and Palestine
uri: Unknown-state-of-Israel-and-Palestine
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#17_October_2023_(Unknown_state_of_Israel_and_Palestine)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#17_October_2023_(Unknown_state_of_Israel_and_Palestine)

content:
 
<p>
Netanyahu has silenced the soldiers' protest movement for democracy,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/14/netanyahu-forges-rare-moment-of-israeli-political-unity-but-for-how-long">for the time being</a>,
but his failure to prevent the HAMAS massacres has aroused widespread public hatred.
<p>
I hope that their justified rage against that failure does not
distract Israelis too long from
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/14/the-next-stage-is-coming-israel-issues-warning-as-residents-flee-gaza-assault">Netanyahu's deeper threat</a>:
the authoritarianism he seeks to impose on their country.
<p>
Netanyahu speaks of wiping out HAMAS completely with a ground attack, but
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/14/gaza-lost-generation-conditioned-to-worship-death-israel">that is futile</a>.
Young people growing up in Gaza, the open-air prison, expect to be killed.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#17_October_2023_(Run_and_hit_in_Gaza)
title: Run and hit in Gaza
uri: Run-and-hit-in-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#17_October_2023_(Run_and_hit_in_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
*Israeli airstrikes hit northern Gaza
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/14/israeli-airstrikes-hit-northern-gaza-as-palestinians-try-to-leave">as Palestinians try</a>
to leave* (as Israel told them to).
<p>
This does not surprise me; many Israelis are as full of
terrorist-spirited hatred as HAMAS.  That attitude will tend to lead
to ever-escalating violence on both sides.
<p>
*Analysis of aerial photos and social media posts confirms
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/14/gaza-civilians-afraid-to-leave-home-after-bombing-of-safe-routes">attack on
road identified as safe</a>
by Israeli army.*
<p>
The man Israel needs now is Uri Avnery, but I don't know of anyone alive like him.
I wish I did.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#17_October_2023_((Satire)_Gaza_as_HAMAS)
title: (Satire) Gaza as HAMAS
uri: (Satire)-Gaza-as-HAMAS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#17_October_2023_((Satire)_Gaza_as_HAMAS)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Dying Gazans Criticized For Not Using
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/dying-gazans-criticized-for-not-using-last-words-to-con-1850925657">Last Words</a>
To Condemn Hamas.*
<p>
That page is mean as satire, but I am afraid there are Americans who
would say the same thing seriously.

<p>
 


title: Category error of powers-that-be and peoples
uri: Category-error-of-powers-that-be-and-peoples
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#17_October_2023_(Category_error_of_powers-that-be_and_peoples)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#17_October_2023_(Category_error_of_powers-that-be_and_peoples)

content:
 
<p>
*Netanyahu told 1.1 million Palestinians they had 24 hours to evacuate. What is that if not
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/14/benjamin-netanyahu-palestinians-evacuate-ethnic-cleansing">ethnic cleansing</a>?*
<p>
*Israel's response to this terror must be resolute. But it must remain consistent with
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/14/israel-response-terror-resolute-kfar-aza-kibbutz">international law</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Egyptian negotiations for certain refugees
uri: Egyptian-negotiations-for-certain-refugees
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#17_October_2023_(Egyptian_negotiations_for_certain_refugees)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#17_October_2023_(Egyptian_negotiations_for_certain_refugees)

content:
 
<p>
Egypt accuses Israel of planning to push hundreds of thousands of Gazans
across the border into Egypt.  Some ministers are actually
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/15/egypt-moves-troops-to-gaza-border-amid-fears-of-expulsion-of-palestinians">talking about it</a>.
<p>
Egypt is stationing troops at the border
to block this.  How troops would actually do that is not clear to me.
<p>
It is hard for me to grasp how the movement of Gazans into Egypt would
be importantly different from Egypt's taking over Gaza.  And in either
case, I see a potential for fighting between HAMAS and Egypt &mdash; both
of which are oppressive governments, but in different ways.

 


title: Urgent: call on Citibank to stop fueling the climate crisis
uri: Urgent-call-on-Citibank-to-stop-fueling-the-climate-crisis
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(Urgent:_call_on_Citibank_to_stop_fueling_the_climate_crisis)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(Urgent:_call_on_Citibank_to_stop_fueling_the_climate_crisis)

content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/fossilfreeciti">call on Citibank to stop fueling the climate crisis</a>.
</p>

 


title: Urgent: call on Senator Robert Menendez to resign now
uri: Urgent-call-on-Senator-Robert-Menendez-to-resign-now
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(Urgent:_call_on_Senator_Robert_Menendez_to_resign_now)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(Urgent:_call_on_Senator_Robert_Menendez_to_resign_now)

content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/menendez-resign">call on Senator Robert Menendez to resign now</a>.
</p>

 


title: Urgent: Prevent government shutdown
uri: Urgent-Prevent-government-shutdown
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(Urgent:_Prevent_government_shutdown)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(Urgent:_Prevent_government_shutdown)

content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on Congress to once again <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-no-government-shutdown-again">prevent a government shutdown</a>.
<p>If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

</p>

 


title: Urgent: Don't confirm Demetrios Kouzoukas
uri: Urgent-Don-t-confirm-Demetrios-Kouzoukas
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(Urgent:_Don't_confirm_Demetrios_Kouzoukas)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(Urgent:_Don't_confirm_Demetrios_Kouzoukas)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the Senate <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-the-senate-dont-confirm-kouzoukas-for-medicare-trustee">NOT to confirm Republican nominee
    Demetrios Kouzoukas as Medicare Trustee</a>. He has a conflict of interest
involving a private company that hopes to profit from his decisions.
</p>

 


title: White supremacism badges worn by thugs
uri: White-supremacism-badges-worn-by-thugs
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(White_supremacism_badges_worn_by_thugs)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(White_supremacism_badges_worn_by_thugs)

content:
 
<p>

  <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> in London are wearing protest badges <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/oct/14/london-police-defy-ban-on-badges-linked-to-far-right-and-white-supremacy">linked to white supremacism</a>,
even while on duty.
</p>
<p>
Cops are, in general, entitled to freedom of speech, but not when what
they say implies prejudice that conflicts with carrying out the
responsibilities of their job: to protect the public without
prejudice.
</p>

 


title: Palestinian voices "shut down" at Frankfurt Book Fair
uri: Palestinian-voices-shut-down-at-Frankfurt-Book-Fair
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(Palestinian_voices_shut_down_at_Frankfurt_Book_Fair)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(Palestinian_voices_shut_down_at_Frankfurt_Book_Fair)

content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/15/palestinian-voices-shut-down-at-frankfurt-book-fair-say-authors">Palestinian voices "shut down"</a> at Frankfurt Book Fair, say authors.
Open letter rebukes LitProm decision to cancel award ceremony for
[author] Adania Shibli [on account of] "war started by Hamas".*
</p>

 


title: Climate crisis causes 3 trillion dollars in damage
uri: Climate-crisis-causes-3-trillion-dollars-in-damage
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(Climate_crisis_causes_3_trillion_dollars_in_damage)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(Climate_crisis_causes_3_trillion_dollars_in_damage)

content:
 
<p>

  The increasing climate crisis <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/09/climate-crisis-cost-extreme-weather-damage-study">causes almost 3 trillion dollars in damage</a>
from 2000 to 2019 through worsened storms, floods and heatwaves.
</p>

 


title: California's fast-food workers win $20 hourly pay
uri: California-s-fast-food-workers-win-20-hourly-pay
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(California's_fast-food_workers_win_$20_hourly_pay)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(California's_fast-food_workers_win_$20_hourly_pay)

content:
 
<p>

*California's fast-food workers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/28/california-fast-food-workers-minimum-wages-victory">win fight for $20 hourly pay and
    industry council</a>.*
</p>

 


title: Professor attacked after teaching class on queer culture
uri: Professor-attacked-after-teaching-class-on-queer-culture
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(Professor_attacked_after_teaching_class_on_queer_culture)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(Professor_attacked_after_teaching_class_on_queer_culture)

content:
 
<p>

A right-wing provocation group <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/16/asu-professor-david-boyles-harassed-turning-point-usa-lgbt">attacked a professor at Arizona State University
    after he taught a class on queer culture</a>.
  The university is investigating this as a hate crime.
</p>

 


title: Court order on the insurrectionist
uri: Court-order-on-the-insurrectionist
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(Court_order_on_the_insurrectionist)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(Court_order_on_the_insurrectionist)

content:
 
<p>

*[<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#insurrectionist">The insurrectionist</a>] is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/16/donald-trump-trial-court-gag-order-2020-election">prohibited [by a court order] from making
   public statements attacking prosecutors, court staff and potential
    trial witnesses</a>.*
</p>

 


title: US marine that joined in the Jan 6 insurrection
uri: US-marine-that-joined-in-the-Jan-6-insurrection
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(US_marine_that_joined_in_the_Jan_6_insurrection)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(US_marine_that_joined_in_the_Jan_6_insurrection)

content:
 
<p>

A US marine who violated his oath to defend the Constitution has
received an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/12/us-marine-capitol-attack-sentencing">interesting sentence for violating that oath</a> by joining in
the Jan 6 insurrection.
</p>

 


title: When rich people misapply their talents
uri: When-rich-people-misapply-their-talents
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(When_rich_people_misapply_their_talents)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(When_rich_people_misapply_their_talents)

content:
 
<p>

*   When rich people convince themselves that they’re rich because they’re
smart &mdash; instead of lucky and ruthless &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/12/elon-musk-spacex-twitter-x-russia-ukraine">they misapply their talents</a> to
   areas beyond their expertise.*
</p>
<p>
The article uses <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#extwitter">Ex-Twitter</a> and Starlink as examples to show that we should
not allow companies to direct such systems however they wish, given that
more important things than private profit are at stake.
</p>

 


title: Privatization of probation service
uri: Privatization-of-probation-service
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(Privatization_of_probation_service)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(Privatization_of_probation_service)

content:
 
<p>

The Tories made convicts' probation centralized nationwide, then
privatized it.  That drove the experienced workers to quit.  The
Tories since undid the privatization, but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/16/the-guardian-view-on-probation-the-service-has-not-recovered-from-a-privatisation-disaster">that has not fixed the
    problem</a>.
</p>
<p>
Basically, reorganizing such activities based primarily on thinking about
"efficiency" (low cost of the activity) is foolish because how well the
activity does its job for society is more important.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(Language_coming_out_of_Israel)
title: Language coming out of Israel
uri: Language-coming-out-of-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#18_October_2023_(Language_coming_out_of_Israel)
content:
 
<p>

*   I covered the Rwandan genocide as a reporter. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/16/the-language-being-used-to-describe-palestinians-is-genocidal">The language spilling out
    of Israel is eerily familiar</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#19_October_2023_(She_had_never_used_Emacs)
title: She had never used Emacs
uri: She-had-never-used-Emacs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#19_October_2023_(She_had_never_used_Emacs)
content:
 
<p>
New article:
<blockquote>
What I learned about gender and language from talking about the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/articles/virgin-of-emacs.html">
Virgin of Emacs</a>, 
and how I made use of that in practice.
</blockquote>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#19_October_2023_(Julian_Assange)
title: Some Julian Assange Support
uri: Some-Julian-Assange-Support
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#19_October_2023_(Julian_Assange)
content:
 
<p>
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese is arriving in DC on
October 23, so that is
the <a href="https://stallman.org/index.html#assange">time to
show support for Assange</a>, and our national office is coordinating
people all over the country to do banner drops.
<p>
Albanese has told Biden before that he is not happy about the
prosecution of Assange and we understand that he will be pushing
harder this time, with 9 out of 10 Australians and 60 Australian
lawmakers now favoring dropping the charges.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#19_October_2023_(The_slaughterers)
title: The slaughterers
uri: The-slaughterers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#19_October_2023_(The_slaughterers)
content:
 
<p>
*If someone killed my child I’d want bloody revenge.  But I’d be wrong &mdash;
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/17/killed-child-revenge-israeli-government-slaughter-gaza-uk-us">as is
the Israeli government</a>.*
<p>
If I were in that situation, I would feel anger and grief, but grief
doesn't turn me directly to the goal of bloody revenge.  I've suffered
from grief enough times (more often from rejection that from someone's
death, but it is nonetheless grief) that I have learned some
self-control in the situation.
<p>
Biden understands this.  *Biden urges Israel not to be
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/18/joe-biden-urges-israel-not-be-consumed-by-rage-pledges-support-netanyahu-gaza-hamas">"consumed by
rage"</a>
as he reaffirms US support.*
<p>
He added, *The Palestinian people are suffering greatly as well, and
we mourn the loss of innocent Palestinian lives like the entire
world.*
<p>
This is the first time I have seen Biden do something that inspired my
admiration and support.
<p>
Don't worry, I will not start to support him when he endorses
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a> policies ;-{.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#19_October_2023_(Gaza_Hospital_tragedy)
title: Gaza Hospital tragedy
uri: Gaza-Hospital-tragedy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#19_October_2023_(Gaza_Hospital_tragedy)
content:
 
<p>
An explosion in the Baptist Hospital in Gaza has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/18/they-believed-it-was-safe-death-toll-rising-blast-gaza-hospital">killed at least 500
people</a>,
Palestinians who were sheltering there.
<p>
HAMAS says that an Israel air attack caused the explosion.
<p>
Israel said that a Palestinian faction caused it by launching a
missile which misfired, but then later said that a Palestinian faction
fired several missiles at the hospital.  I am skeptical of those
stories.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/18/al-ahli-arab-hospital-piecing-together-what-happened-as-israel-insists-militant-rocket-to-blame">Experts analyzing the videos</a>
say that it looks like a weapon malfunctioned.  Maybe no one intended to bomb the hospital.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#19_October_2023_(Ceasefire_needed_immediately)
title: Ceasefire needed immediately
uri: Ceasefire-needed-immediately
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#19_October_2023_(Ceasefire_needed_immediately)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/17/letter-biden-israel-ceasefire-legal-scholars">US legal scholars urge Biden</a>
to seek immediate ceasefire from Israel.

 


title: Likely to die young in Republican states
uri: Likely-to-die-young-in-Republican-states
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Likely_to_die_young_in_Republican_states)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Likely_to_die_young_in_Republican_states)

content:
 
<p>

In US states controlled by Republicans, people are <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20231014175644/https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/interactive/2023/republican-politics-south-midwest-life-expectancy/">considerably more likely to die young</a>.
  They die young from smoking, diabetes, heart attacks, car crashes,
and despair.
</p>
<p>
Republicans don't win these states' elections honestly.
They do it via <a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#20_November_2021_(Gerrymandering">gerrymandering</a>
and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_November_2014_(Voter_Suppression">voter suppression</a>
  as well as spending lots of billionaires' money
to distract voters.
</p>

 


title: Quantum-resistant encryption algorithms
uri: Quantum-resistant-encryption-algorithms
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Quantum-resistant_encryption_algorithms)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Quantum-resistant_encryption_algorithms)

content:
 
<p>

Daniel Bernstein warns that NIST seems to be allowing the NSA to
<a href="https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396510-mathematician-warns-us-spies-may-be-weakening-next-gen-encryption/">weaken proposed standards for quantum-resistant encryption algorithms</a>,
by miscalculating the vulnerability of candidates.
</p>
<p>
The NIST's reply is, basically, "You can't possibly believe we would
do that!"  However, it <a href="https://www.theregister.com/2013/09/11/nist_denies_that_the_nsa_weakened_its_encryption_standard/">seems to have done this in a previous
    encryption standard</a>.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Covid_deaths_on_the_rise_again)
title: Covid deaths on the rise again
uri: Covid-deaths-on-the-rise-again
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Covid_deaths_on_the_rise_again)
content:
 
<p>

*Covid deaths are on the rise again, so what happens? <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/16/covid-deaths-rise-scrap-mask-wearing-hospitals">Mask-wearing in
    hospitals is scrapped</a>.*
  That abandons people to the risk that a medical system ought to
use discipline to protect people from.
</p>
<p>
Even if your politicians are cowards, we can use courage to make each
other safe.  A disciplined group can sometimes protect most of its
members from threats that individuals can't defend against.  Covid-19
is one example.  But there is another clearer and more vivid one.
</p>
<p>
In ancient and medieval times, infantry could protect themselves from
charging cavalry if they had pikes and knew how to stand firm with
them in a line.  An individual infantryman was defenseless against
charging cavalry, but a close infantry line with pikes was stronger
than cavalry and could stand the horses off.  They could save their
lives together by being firm and disciplined.
</p>
<p>
We are not likely ever to be in that situation, but it can teach
us how to resist Covid-19 together.
</p>

 


title: Pro-democracy supporters who fled Hong Kong
uri: Pro-democracy-supporters-who-fled-Hong-Kong
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Pro-democracy_supporters_who_fled_Hong_Kong)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Pro-democracy_supporters_who_fled_Hong_Kong)

content:
 
<p>

*   Pro-democracy supporters who fled Hong Kong for Britain <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/oct/17/we-dont-feel-safe-here-hongkongers-in-uk-fear-long-reach-of-chinese-government">speak about
    continued harassment</a>, threats and physical attacks [by China's agents].*
</p>

 


title: UAE permitted Iranian agents to kidnap dissident
uri: UAE-permitted-Iranian-agents-to-kidnap-dissident
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(UAE_permitted_Iranian_agents_to_kidnap_dissident)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(UAE_permitted_Iranian_agents_to_kidnap_dissident)

content:
 
<p>

The UN accuses the UAE of permitting Iranian agents to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/oct/16/dissidents-warned-over-detention-threat-in-dubai-at-un-cop28-climate-summit">kidnap exiled dissident Jamshid Sharmahd</a> from Dubai airport.  Iran has announced plans
to execute him.
</p>
<p>
Human Rights Watch warns dissidents from other countries not to
transit through Dubai, because the UAE might jail them or worse.
</p>
<p>
I have no reason to think I am important enough that the UAE might
bother to harass me, but why take the chance?  I never even consider
such flight itineraries.  Not all the victims listed in 
<a href="../stay-away-countries.html">stay-away-countries.html</a> for the UAE were famous.
</p>
<p>
If rejection for this reason hurts the business of Emirates airlines,
that by itself is a good thing.
</p>

<p>
Countries that support human rights should reject and denounce all
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-sep-dec.html#24_December_2022_(COP28_in_UAE)">plans to hold important international conferences</a> (for instance,
climate conferences)
in the UAE or other similar repressive countries.
</p>

 


title: Climate crisis threatens seed production
uri: Climate-crisis-threatens-seed-production
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Climate_crisis_threatens_seed_production)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Climate_crisis_threatens_seed_production)

content:
 
<p>

The climate crisis (specifically floods, freezes and heatwaves)
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/16/seed-farmers-climate-change">threatens seed production</a> in the US.
  The weather no longer follows
the normal seasons.
</p>

 


title: Marcon takes advantage of emotional reaction
uri: Marcon-takes-advantage-of-emotional-reaction
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Marcon_takes_advantage_of_emotional_reaction)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Marcon_takes_advantage_of_emotional_reaction)

content:
 
<p>

An apparent Islamist fanatic, already under suspicion and monitored by
the state, murdered a teacher in a French high school.  Macron took
advantage of the emotional reaction to the murder by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/16/macron-calls-for-ruthless-approach-to-extremism-in-wake-of-arras-attack">calling for a
    "ruthless" response</a>.
</p>
<p>
I can't see how "ruthlessness", as such, would help prevent future
terrorist murders.  It sounds like a way to stir up hatred against
Muslims.
</p>
<p>
A more strict system of surveillance, applied by
courts to people whose actions have justified it, might help.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Inquiry_into_thugs_of_Trenton,_NJ)
title: Inquiry into thugs of Trenton, NJ
uri: Inquiry-into-thugs-of-Trenton-NJ
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Inquiry_into_thugs_of_Trenton,_NJ)
content:
 
<p>

  * Justice department <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/17/trenton-new-jersey-police-doj-investigation">launches inquiry [into thugs of Trenton, NJ]</a>
after "numerous reports" that Trenton officers conducted "stops and
arrests with no good reason."*
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Bolsonaro_accused_of_coup_attempt)
title: Bolsonaro accused of coup attempt
uri: Bolsonaro-accused-of-coup-attempt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Bolsonaro_accused_of_coup_attempt)
content:
 
<p>

  Brazil's congress <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/17/bolsonaro-brazil-coup-report">accuses Bolsonaro of a willful coup attempt on Jan 8</a>,
and calls for charging him with four crimes.
</p>

 


title: Australian prisoner killed in prison
uri: Australian-prisoner-killed-in-prison
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Australian_prisoner_killed_in_prison)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Australian_prisoner_killed_in_prison)

content:
 
<p>

It seems that Australian prisoner Selesa Tafaifa was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/oct/17/prison-video-shows-selesa-tafaifa-being-wrestled-to-the-ground-by-officers-six-minutes-later-she-was-dead">killed in an
    Australian prison</a> by putting a spit hood on her.  It hampered her
breathing and caused a heart attack.  An emergency medicine specialist
watched the video in court and explained what was happening to her at
each point.
</p>

 


title: Tory leaders spreading disinformation
uri: Tory-leaders-spreading-disinformation
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Tory_leaders_spreading_disinformation)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Tory_leaders_spreading_disinformation)

content:
 
<p>

  Tory leaders are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/oct/17/tories-spreading-misinformation-about-labours-immigration-plans">spreading disinformation</a> about Labour's plans.
  What else would you expect?
</p>

 


title: 21 species extinct, no longer endangered
uri: 21-species-extinct-no-longer-endangered
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(21_species_extinct,_no_longer_endangered)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(21_species_extinct,_no_longer_endangered)

content:
 
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/17/extinct-species-removed-endangered-species-act">21 species removed from US Endangered Species Act after going
    extinct.</a>*
</p>

 


title: Higher numbers of pedestrians dying from car collisions
uri: Higher-numbers-of-pedestrians-dying-from-car-collisions
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Higher_numbers_of_pedestrians_dying_from_car_collisions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Higher_numbers_of_pedestrians_dying_from_car_collisions)

content:
 
<p>

It is not clear why more pedestrians are dying from car collisions now
in the US than before, but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/17/right-turn-on-red-light-ban">some people are certain of whet remedy they
    want to impose</a>.
  Their argument is, "Whether or not it's a good solution,
it has to do <em>some</em> good, right?"  They also say, "If it saves
even one life, it is worth doing."  I don't think those are valid.
</p>
<p>
The right approach is to figure out what benefit various possible
changes would give, and then decide which change is best.
</p>
<p>
We know that the increasing number of SUVs increases casualties, and
that it increases greenhouse gas emissions which which increase
casualties from climate disaster.  I suspect &mdash; though I have no basis
to be certain &mdash; that the most effective way to address all these
problems is to strongly discourage SUVs.
</p>
<p>
For instance, we could increase the fee to register an SUV
substantially each year.  People would start selling their SUVs.
</p>

 


title: Effort to exclude wildfire from pollution record
uri: Effort-to-exclude-wildfire-from-pollution-record
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Effort_to_exclude_wildfire_from_pollution_record)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Effort_to_exclude_wildfire_from_pollution_record)

content:
 
<p>

*   Across the US, local governments, lobbyists and industry have spent
millions to get <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/17/us-local-governments-oil-gas-lobbyists-use-millions-dollars-hiding-wildfire-climate-change-pollution">[wildfires' air] pollution excluded from the record</a>.*
</p>
<p>
As wildfires become more frequent, the effects of this policy will
shift from disguising a rare unusual situation to misrepresenting the
usual state of affairs.
</p>

 


title: NGO leaders and technical experts locked up
uri: NGO-leaders-and-technical-experts-locked-up
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(NGO_leaders_and_technical_experts_locked_up)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(NGO_leaders_and_technical_experts_locked_up)

content:
 
<p>

* [Vietnam's] NGO leaders and technical experts who helped secure
   western aid for official shift to clean energy are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/17/they-challenged-the-communist-monopoly-vietnam-regime-turns-on-its-climate-champions">being locked up
    now that they are no longer needed</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Water_situation_in_Gaza)
title: Water situation in Gaza
uri: Water-situation-in-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Water_situation_in_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
*Fears grow people are dehydrating to death in Gaza as
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/17/fears-grow-people-are-dehydrating-to-death-in-gaza-as-clean-water-runs-out">clean water
runs out</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(US_to_Israel_on_Gaza)
title: US to Israel on Gaza
uri: US-to-Israel-on-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(US_to_Israel_on_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
The US has engaged in delicate diplomacy trying to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/16/what-is-the-us-up-to-in-its-dealings-with-israel-over-gaza">steer Israel
away from killing</a>
tens or hundreds of thousands of Gazans.  This may be doing some good,
though it is too early to be certain.
<p>
Biden is also
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/16/joe-biden-israel-benjamin-netanyahu-law-war-democracy">warning Netanyahu to refrain</a>
from atrocities that he
may have in mind.  That is a good effort.
<p>
*Israel
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/16/israel-hamas-war-occupation-gaza-mistake-joe-biden-rafah-crossing-egypt">occupation of Gaza</a>
would be "big mistake" says Biden.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Progressive_win,_POL)
title: Progressive win, POL
uri: Progressive-win-POL
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Progressive_win,_POL)
content:
 
<p>
It looks like
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/16/poland-general-election-civic-coalition-donald-tusk">the
democracy coalition</a> has won the election in Poland.  However, I
don't want to count this victory before it has hatched.
<p>
If it can assume government power, it will have a lot of work to do to
restore democratic institutions.
<p>
The EU rules and treaties can be used to eliminate authoritarian
government in a single member state, if only one member state has it;
but when two member states have it, they can 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-jan-apr.html#28_March_2022_(Poland)">protect each other</a>

and bring the treaty requirements to naught.  In recent years, Poland
and Hungary protected each other's authoritarian institutions.

Returning Poland to democracy and human rights could have made an
opportunity to rescue Hungary too, but alas no &mdash; a far-right
extremist government just won the election in Slovakia.  I suspect
Slovakia and Hungary will now protect each other from human rights.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Poland_progressive_win)
title: Poland election strategy
uri: Poland-election-strategy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Poland_progressive_win)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/17/the-guardian-view-on-lessons-from-poland-how-to-take-on-the-radical-right">Strategies</a>
which enabled the campaign to restore democracy in Poland
to reach apparent success.
<p>
I am very glad that they dropped the cruel "make enough money or
starve" policies known as neoliberalism.  Helping the poor and the suffering
is one of the essential <a href="/articles/why-we-need-a-state.html">purposes of the state</a>p.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Protests_for_Palestinians,_UK)
title: Protests for Palestinians, UK
uri: Protests-for-Palestinians-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Protests_for_Palestinians,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/16/israel-hamas-war-what-are-the-laws-about-protest-flag-chants-england-wales">the subtleties of distinguishing</a>
support for Palestinians
and their having a country from support for HAMAS and terrorism.
<p>
The distinctions proposed in this article are arguably valid.
For instance, "from the river to the sea" does not advocate
a free state of Palestine alongside Israel; rather, it advocates
giving the whole territory of Israel to Palestinians.
<p>
However, I do not have confidence in right-wing politicians to
come even close to applying these distinctions properly &mdash; they have
a history rather of <a href="2019-jan-apr.html#25_March_2019_(False_accusations_of_antisemitism)">weaponizing false accusations of antisemitism</a>
against people such as Jeremy Corbyn and trying to impose
use of the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/15_October_2020_(Definition_of_antisemitism)">badly designed IHRA criterion</a>
for antisemitism.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#21_October_2023_(Rhetoric_on_Gaza,_US)
title: Rhetoric on Gaza, US
uri: Rhetoric-on-Gaza-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#21_October_2023_(Rhetoric_on_Gaza,_US)
content:
 
<p>
Some US politicians, including right-wing politicians, are calling for
bloody war
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/19/extreme-republican-palestine-conflict-us-muslim-safety">against Palestinians in general</a>.
<p>
Right-wing extremists sometimes focus their hate on Muslims and
sometimes on Jews.  I think that is a matter of simple tactics,
though: which target is most useful <em>this week</em> for promoting fascism?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#21_October_2023_(Israel's_revenge_cycle)
title: Israel's revenge cycle
uri: Israel-s-revenge-cycle
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#21_October_2023_(Israel's_revenge_cycle)
content:
 
<p>
*"Do not use our death to bring death": plea to Israel from
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/19/do-not-use-our-death-to-bring-death-plea-to-israel-from-peace-activists-grieving-families">peace
activists' grieving families</a>.*
<p>
*A real friend of Israel would be making it face up to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/19/israel-president-joe-biden-violence">some uncomfortable
truths</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#21_October_2023_(20_trucks_of_aid_for_Gaza)
title: Trucks of aid for Gaza
uri: Trucks-of-aid-for-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#21_October_2023_(20_trucks_of_aid_for_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/19/gaza-aid-rafah-crossing-joe-biden-israel-egypt-agreement">Biden persuaded Israel and Egypt</a>
to allow humanitarian aid to Gaza, passing through Egypt's Rafah crossing.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#21_October_2023_(Energy_Intelligence_Forum,_London)
title: London oil summit arrests
uri: London-oil-summit-arrests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#21_October_2023_(Energy_Intelligence_Forum,_London)
content:
 
<p>
UK <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/oct/18/greta-thunberg-charged-with-public-order-offence-after-london-oil-protest">preemptively arrested founders of Just Stop Oil</a>
for planning
a nonviolent protest in London.
<p>
The UK has been <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-may-aug.html#25%20May%202009%20(Track%20all%20car%20travel)">doing that for years</a>.
<p>
The protest was at a meeting of fossil fuel executives and
politicians.  One must suspect they were meeting to make plans
that stand a good chance of <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/12_October_2022_(isis_gas_reserves)">destroying civilization</a>.    
Greta Thunberg was arrested there and has been charged with the crime of blocking a doorway.
<p>
The UK government's commitment to protecting the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#planet">planet roasters</a> is
strong, and it appears ready to go to almost any lengths to defend
fossil fuel <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-jul-oct.html#10_September_2022_(Famine_will_follow_superflood)">plans that are likely to cause the death of billions</a>
later this century.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#21_October_2023_(London_oil_summit_protests)
title: London oil summit protests
uri: London-oil-summit-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#21_October_2023_(London_oil_summit_protests)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/oct/17/greta-thunberg-arrested-at-london-oil-summit-protest">Greta Thunberg arrested</a>
at London oil summit protest.  Climate activist taken away by Met
police after protesters denounce meeting of fossil fuel executives and ministers.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#22_October_2023_(US,_Israel,_Palestine_coverage)
title: US, Israel, Palestine coverage
uri: US-Israel-Palestine-coverage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#22_October_2023_(US,_Israel,_Palestine_coverage)
content:
 
<p>
TikTok and Instagram banned a lot of new coverage of the HAMAS-Israel
fighting and its effects, including the news site
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/10/11/tiktok-instagram-israel-palestine/">mondoweiss.net</a>.
<p>
Mondoweiss is led by <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#15_December_2020_(Discrimination_against_Palestinian_citizens)">Jews that call for justice</a>
for Palestinians.
I've made <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#10_August_2020_(Holocaust_lens)">links</a>
to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#1_April_2020_(Selling_weapons_for_violations)">it on</a>
stallman.org.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Narrow_spending_limits_in_Britain)
title: Narrow spending limits in Britain
uri: Narrow-spending-limits-in-Britain
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Narrow_spending_limits_in_Britain)
content:
 
<p>

Now, before the election which Labour is likely to win, is when voters
would be wise to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/11/labour-conference-keir-starmer-speech-tories-politics">demand it reverse the choice of narrow spending limits</a>
that will prevent fixing most of what's broken in Britain.
</p>

 


title: Government backtracking on environmental promises
uri: Government-backtracking-on-environmental-promises
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Government_backtracking_on_environmental_promises)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Government_backtracking_on_environmental_promises)

content:
 
<p>

*   Government backtracking on environmental promises is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/11/politicians-not-public-driving-green-uturns-says-un-biodiversity-chief-david-cooper">being driven by
    politicians and vested interests</a>, not the public, the acting UN
   biodiversity chief has said.*
</p>

 


title: Stockholm to ban petrol and diesel cars
uri: Stockholm-to-ban-petrol-and-diesel-cars
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Stockholm_to_ban_petrol_and_diesel_cars)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Stockholm_to_ban_petrol_and_diesel_cars)

content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/11/stockholm-ban-petrol-and-diesel-cars-city-centre-2025-swedish-capital-pollution">Stockholm to ban petrol and diesel cars from [city] centre from 2025.</a>*
Only electric vehicles will be permitted there.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(The_Achilles'_Heel_Of_Propaganda)
title: The Achilles' Heel Of Propaganda
uri: The-Achilles-Heel-Of-Propaganda
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(The_Achilles'_Heel_Of_Propaganda)
content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://www.medialens.org/2023/the-achilles-heel-of-propaganda-julian-assange-nick-cohen-and-russell-brand/">The Achilles' Heel Of Propaganda</a> &mdash; Julian Assange, Nick Cohen And
Russell Brand.*
</p>
<p>
This describes how the mainstream media, in unison, work to boost
sexual accusations against some people, and bury charges against
others, in each case with little regard to the truth.
</p>
<p>
I know a fair amount about the campaign to destroy Julian Assange for
his work as a journalist for Wikileaks, and I see how sex accusations
were faked and used as an <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#26_June_2019_(Procedural_abuses_in_Julian_Assange_case)">excuse to prosecute him for journalism</a>.
</p>
<p>
By contrast, I have barely heard of Nick Cohen and Russell Brand (the
famous British one), and know almost nothing about them.  I do not
watch TV, I refuse to have a TV cable connection (it has DRM and it
snoops on what user watch &mdash; both of which I reject as injustice), and
I have hardly ever seen an article by Nick Cohen in the places I find
articles.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Israel_could_forfeit_sympathy)
title: Israel could forfeit sympathy
uri: Israel-could-forfeit-sympathy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Israel_could_forfeit_sympathy)
content:
 
<p>

Just as the US forfeited the world's sympathy for the September 2001
terror attacks when it used them as an excuse to attack Iraq, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/11/israel-hamas-attack-gaza-9-11-cautionary-tale">Israel
    can forfeit the world's sympathy for HAMAS's terrorism</a> if it uses
that as an excuse for massive war crimes in Gaza.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Killings_of_Israeli_Jews)
title: Killings of Israeli Jews
uri: Killings-of-Israeli-Jews
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Killings_of_Israeli_Jews)
content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/11/why-are-some-of-the-left-celebrating-the-killings-of-israeli-jews">Why are some of the left celebrating the killings of Israeli Jews?</a>*
</p>
<p>
When people bitterly condemn an injustice, for valid reasons, and are
stymied in trying to do anything to reduce it, that condemnation can
fester and develop into irrational hatred of the "side" that carries
out the injustice.  In this way, condemnation of the many unjust
Israeli occupation policies that add up to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#30_October_2015_(Permanent_oppression_of_Palestinians)">oppression of Palestinians</a>
(one form in the West Bank, another form in Gaza) 
can develop into hatred of Israelis, even hatred of Jews in general.
</p>
<p>
I think that is what has happened.  How sad it will be if those who
oppose injustice to Palestinians turn into irrational haters instead
of champions of justice.  They will be unable to persuade people of
the validity of their cause if their cause is antisemitic hatred.
They could gain their goal only by deploying the bigger force and the
more powerful cruelty.
</p>
<p>
As Naomi Klein writes, by adopting antisemitism they will give violent
Zionists a justification to point to for their violence.
</p>
<p>
But worst of all, by letting their sense of justice morph into hatred
and celebration of death, they will move from the side of good to the
side of another kind of evil.
</p>
<p>
Just as we should not let condemnation of the occupation's injustice
against the Palestinians lead us to excuse murderous antisemitism, we
should also not let condemnation of HAMAS for its murderous
antisemitism <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/11/hamas-attack-israel-us-palestine">blind us to injustices of the occupation of Palestine</a>.
</p>

 


title: Sufficient justification to declare a climate emergency
uri: Sufficient-justification-to-declare-a-climate-emergency
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Sufficient_justification_to_declare_a_climate_emergency)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Sufficient_justification_to_declare_a_climate_emergency)

content:
 
<p>

  *New IEA Report gives President Biden <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/new-iea-report-gives-president-biden-sufficient-justification-to-declare-a-climate-emergency">sufficient justification</a> to declare a
 climate emergency.*
</p>

 


title: Executed without time to finish appeals
uri: Executed-without-time-to-finish-appeals
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Executed_without_time_to_finish_appeals)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Executed_without_time_to_finish_appeals)

content:
 
<p>

  Texas <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/11/texas-executes-jedidiah-murphy">rushed to execute Jedidiah Murphy</a> without allowing time
to finish his appeals.
</p>
<p>
Texas law arbitrarily rules out DNA testing of the convict to call into
question a death sentence.  In effect, it says, "Whether we kill you is not
important enough to justify checking the truth of conclusions on which
we based that decision."
</p>

 


title: Racial profiling by police in France
uri: Racial-profiling-by-police-in-France
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Racial_profiling_by_police_in_France)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Racial_profiling_by_police_in_France)

content:
 
<p>

*Court finds police in France often <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/11/court-police-france-racial-profiling-identity-checks-discriminatory">use racial profiling in identity
    checks</a>.*
</p>
<p>
This is no surprise &mdash; <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> do similar things in many countries
including the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-nov-feb.html#5_January_2023_(Racial_profiling)">US</a> and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#31_October_2020_(Stop_and_search)">UK</a>.
</p>

 


title: Ferdinand Marcos Jr drops Philippines holiday
uri: Ferdinand-Marcos-Jr-drops-Philippines-holiday
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Ferdinand_Marcos_Jr_drops_Philippines_holiday)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Ferdinand_Marcos_Jr_drops_Philippines_holiday)

content:
 
<p>

*Ferdinand Marcos Jr <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/13/ferdinand-marcos-jr-drops-philippines-holiday-marking-toppling-of-father">drops Philippines holiday marking toppling of
    father</a>.*
</p>
<p>
His father was a corrupt dictator who was toppled by massive protests.
It looks like this adds to Marcos Jr's campaign to cover up the truth
about that dictator.
</p>
<p>
The book Controlling Corruption, by Robert Klitgaard, describes in one
chapter the measures that Marcos Sr used to stamp out corruption in
the Philippine Customs Agency.  In most of the government agencies,
Marcos encouraged agents to take bribes and give part of them to him.
But anyone practicing corruption in the customs agency was stealing
<em>from Marcos</em> and he did not like that.  The book points out that the
measures in question were effective in the customs agency despite the
fact that the whole government around it was pervasively corrupt.
</p>

 


title: Pharma companies suing US government
uri: Pharma-companies-suing-US-government
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Pharma_companies_suing_US_government)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Pharma_companies_suing_US_government)

content:
 
<p>

Pharma companies are suing the US government, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/ro-khanna-drug-prices">claiming that a price
    cap on a product constitutes "taking property"</a>.
</p>
<p>
That claim is something that right-wing economist that worship the
concept of property might believe, but clashes with the US legal tradition.
Alas, we can't count on the right-wing extremists on the Supreme Court
to follow that tradition rather than bow to billionaires.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Texas's_age-verification_law)
title: Texas's age-verification law
uri: Texas-s-age-verification-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Texas's_age-verification_law)
content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://boingboing.net/2023/09/01/judge-rules-texass-age-verification-law-violates-first-amendment-in-win-for-pornhub.html">Judge rules Texas's age-verification law violates First Amendment.</a>*
</p>
<p>
If we had a standard system for verifying a user's age online
without identifying per, I would not object greatly to requiring this
for some sorts of publication.  As far as I know, there is no such standard and
what sites would actually demand is to see government ID.
</p>

 


title: First complete "scientific health check"
uri: First-complete-scientific-health-check
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(First_complete_scientific_health_check)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(First_complete_scientific_health_check)

content:
 
<p>

*   First complete "scientific health check" shows most global systems
[are] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/13/earth-well-outside-safe-operating-space-for-humanity-scientists-find">beyond [the] stable range in which modern civilization emerged</a>.*

 


title: Ex-twitter requires phone number verification
uri: Ex-twitter-requires-phone-number-verification
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Ex-twitter_requires_phone_number_verification)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Ex-twitter_requires_phone_number_verification)

content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#extwitter">Ex-Twitter</a> has started requiring (in certain countries) every new user
to <a href="https://www.engadget.com/x-is-starting-to-charge-new-users-1-per-year-to-send-tweets-000925191.html?src=rss">verify per phone numbers and a payment method</a>.
</p>
<p>
The user is required to pay a trivial sum, but the surveillance
implied by the payment is more important than the payment itself.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Bullying_to_vote_for_Jim_Jordan)
title: Bullying to vote for Jim Jordan
uri: Bullying-to-vote-for-Jim-Jordan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Bullying_to_vote_for_Jim_Jordan)
content:
 
<p>

House Republicans describe <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/18/jim-jordan-speaker-republican-texts">bullying intended to make them vote
    for Jim Jordan</a> for speaker. The bullying may have backfired.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Half_the_orca_pop_)
title: Half the orca pop?
uri: Half-the-orca-pop
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Half_the_orca_pop_)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/18/flame-retardant-pollution-endangered-wildlife">Flame retardant pollution</a>
threatens wildlife on all continents, research finds.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Free-speech-truth_v_-myth)
title: Free-speech-truth v -myth
uri: Free-speech-truth-v-myth
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Free-speech-truth_v_-myth)
content:
 
<p>
*"We're facing
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/sep/13/were-facing-another-old-enemy-rushdie-warns-against-global-authoritarianism">another old enemy</a>":
Rushdie warns against global authoritarianism [and specifically its US
form, the Republican Party].*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Lukashenko's_brutal_overreach)
title: Lukashenko's brutal overreach
uri: Lukashenko-s-brutal-overreach
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Lukashenko's_brutal_overreach)
content:
 
<p>
Lukashenko continues to pursue Belarusian
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/oct/19/a-fake-ryanair-hijack-and-the-fear-that-has-stalked-belaruss-people-ever-since">dissidents and journalists in exile</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(General_police_misconduct,_NYC)
title: General police misconduct, NYC
uri: General-police-misconduct-NYC
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(General_police_misconduct,_NYC)
content:
 
<p>
**NYPD [<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>] Sued for Misconduct Cost City Millions in Settlements &mdash;
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/10/19/nypd-lawsuits-promotions-misconduct/">Then Get Promotions</a>.*
<p>
As long as <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> can continue to dump the cost of their depredations
on their cities, those cities have two reasons to get rid of <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>
that cause them: to protect the city's funds, and to protect the
public from harm.  Either one should be enough.  So why doesn't
NYC do it?  I suspect there is a systemic problem to be found.

Six years in prison
*Teens 18 & 16 Had Consensual Sex. The
<a href="https://www.freerangekids.com/teens-18-16-had-consensual-sex-the-18-year-old-went-to-prison-for-six-years/">18-year-old Went to Prison</a>
for Six Years.*
<p>
The primary business of adolescents is sex, and they need to learn to
make sex good &mdash; for themselves and for their lovers.  It is absurd to
limit them to sex only with others as young and ignorant as they.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Satire:_TikTok_stunt)
title: Satire: TikTok stunt
uri: Satire-TikTok-stunt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Satire:_TikTok_stunt)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *New TikTok Stunt Challenges Parents
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/new-tiktok-stunt-challenges-parents-to-see-how-fast-the-1850917922">To See How Fast</a>
They Can Get Kids Taken Away By CPS.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Official_language_push,_JAM)
title: Official language push, JAM
uri: Official-language-push-JAM
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Official_language_push,_JAM)
content:
 
<p>
A large fraction of Jamaicans
<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20231014034918/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/11/world/americas/jamaica-official-language-patois.html">grow
up speaking Jamaican creole</a>, 
and when they later go to school and have to use English without
having used it before, many fail.  Jamaica is now considering
converting the schools to a bilingual curriculum designed to teach
children both languages.
<p>
It is <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/5_August_2016_(Growing_up_bilingual_helps_children)">well established</a>
that a carefully designed bilingual curriculum is effective at
graduating students who can speak and write both languages &mdash; more
effective than dumping students precipitously into taking class using
a language they don't really know.  Americans who want to make sure
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/3_April_2018_(US_Hispanics)">immigrant Hispanic children</a>
in the US become good in English should support bilingual education.
<p>
I suspect that the opposition many right-wing Americans display
towards this is a way of venting resentment at those children for
being present in the US, not a serious effort to help them learn English.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(large-scale_fossil-fuel_Q%26amp;A)
title: large-scale fossil-fuel Q&amp;A
uri: large-scale-fossil-fuel-Q-A
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(large-scale_fossil-fuel_Q%26amp;A)
content:
 
<p>
* Fatih Birol, The ED of the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/14/fossil-fuel-investment-very-unwise-economic-risk-energy-expert-fatih-birol">International Energy Agency</a>
said: "New large-scale fossil fuel projects not only carry major climate risks,
but also business and financial risks for the companies and their investors."*
<p>
In other words, those investors are making a big mistake even in
narrow terms of their own profit.
<p>
If they don't care about dooming civilization,
let's hope that they heed his advice.  But they may not.
<p>
I suspect that "investment" in fossil fuels is driven to a large
extent by inside influence exercised by fuel barons who expect to
profit from getting institutions other people's money into the
companies the barons will profit from.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Aid_in_Gaza)
title: Aid in Gaza
uri: Aid-in-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Aid_in_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
A <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/21/israel-hamas-war-aid-trucks-enter-gaza-egypt-rafah-border-crossing-opens">pitifully small number of aid trucks have been allowed into Gaza</a>,
far from what is needed to save civilians' lives.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Urgent:_Tax_the_rich_more)
title: Urgent: Tax the rich more
uri: 2023-10-24-Urgent-Tax-the-rich-more
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Urgent:_Tax_the_rich_more)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="US citizens: call on Congress to tax the rich more in various ways.">tax the rich more in various ways</a>.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Don't cut family-supporting programs
uri: Urgent-Don-t-cut-family-supporting-programs
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Urgent:_Don't_cut_family-supporting_programs)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Urgent:_Don't_cut_family-supporting_programs)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.aflcio.org/forms/say-no-to-extreme-cuts-that-could-hurt-our-families?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-budget-cuts-3">make no cuts to family-supporting
programs</a>.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: reject insurrectionists as House speakers
uri: Urgent-reject-insurrectionists-as-House-speakers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Urgent:_reject_insurrectionists_as_House_speakers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Urgent:_reject_insurrectionists_as_House_speakers)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on the House to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-the-house-to-reject-any-insurrectionist-as-speaker?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-patriotic-millionaires&source=group-patriotic-millionaires">reject any insurrectionist as
speaker</a>.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Jail the wrecker if he violates the gag order
uri: Urgent-Jail-the-wrecker-if-he-violates-the-gag-order
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Urgent:_Jail_the_wrecker_if_he_violates_the_gag_order)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Urgent:_Jail_the_wrecker_if_he_violates_the_gag_order)

content:
 
<p>US citizens: call for <a href="https://act.commoncause.org/forms/add-your-name-donald-trump-is-not-above-the-law-3?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-trump-is-not-above-the-law-16">putting the wrecker in jail if he violates the gag
order</a>, which was imposed by a court to protect others involved in the trial
from possible threats.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Pass the School Lunch Debt Cancellation Act
uri: Urgent-Pass-the-School-Lunch-Debt-Cancellation-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Urgent:_Pass_the_School_Lunch_Debt_Cancellation_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Urgent:_Pass_the_School_Lunch_Debt_Cancellation_Act)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-now-end-lunch-debt?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-the-people-united&source=group-the-people-united">pass the School Lunch Debt
Cancellation Act</a>, which would pay all student lunch debt and provide
meals for all school children henceforth.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Keeping_record_against_criticism)
title: Keeping record against criticism
uri: Keeping-record-against-criticism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Keeping_record_against_criticism)
content:
 
<p>
*UK government keeping files on [some] teaching assistants and librarians’
[social media posts]* to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/oct/21/uk-government-keeping-files-on-teaching-assistants-and-librarians-internet-activity">keep records of criticism of its policies</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Venezuela opposition has potential to beat President Maduro
uri: Venezuela-opposition-has-potential-to-beat-President-Maduro
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Venezuela_opposition_has_potential_to_beat_President_Maduro)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Venezuela_opposition_has_potential_to_beat_President_Maduro)

content:
 
<p>
It looks like an opposition candidate has
the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/21/venezuela-oppostion-election-2024-nicolas-maduro-maria-corina-machado">potential
to beat President Maduro in Venezuela</a>, if he permits a fair race.
<p>
What she says about the oil industry suggests a possibility that even
though she may respect human rights better than Maduro, her other
political views may lean towards neoliberalism and extractivism.  There
isn't enough substance in the article for me to really tell.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Exxon's_Climate_Science_Doubt)
title: Exxon's Climate Science Doubt
uri: Exxon-s-Climate-Science-Doubt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Exxon's_Climate_Science_Doubt)
content:
 
<p>
*New[ly published] Documents Show Exxon Executives <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/new-documents-show-exxon-executives-cast-doubt-on-climate-science-to-protect-profits">Cast Doubt on
Climate Science to Protect Profits</a>.*
According to the article, Exxon did this in 1988, 2008, 2012 and 2015.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Infrastructure_and_illness)
title: Infrastructure and illness
uri: Infrastructure-and-illness
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Infrastructure_and_illness)
content:
 
<p>
*Scientists are examining how <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/20/why-health-wellbeing-should-centre-urban-planning">building and use of infrastructure relates
to the burden of illness [in a city]</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Call for a ceasefire in Gaza
uri: Urgent-Call-for-a-ceasefire-in-Gaza
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Urgent:_Call_for_a_ceasefire_in_Gaza)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Urgent:_Call_for_a_ceasefire_in_Gaza)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.newmode.net/action/mpower-change/ceasefire-now-stop-genocidep">support an immediate ceasefire in
Gaza</a>, so as to stop the loss of life and allow humanitarian aid,
including medical attention, food, and water.
<p>
We should not forget that Israel's mistreatment of Palestinians
consists of more than just direct killing, occasionally of many
Palestinians at once, usually of a few at a time.  <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jul-oct.html#27_July_2018_(Israels_siege_of_Gaza)">The siege of Gaza
causes suffering and death every day</a>,
and so too (in different ways)
does the gradual suffocation of Palestinians in the West Bank (<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-may-aug.html#21_August_2012_(Driving_Palestinians_off_their_land)">while
"settlers" take their land</a>).

<p>
 


title: Organized lobbying and bullying campaign for cattle
uri: Organized-lobbying-and-bullying-campaign-for-cattle
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Organized_lobbying_and_bullying_campaign_for_cattle)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Organized_lobbying_and_bullying_campaign_for_cattle)

content:
 
<p>
When the FAO tried to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/20/the-anti-livestock-people-are-a-pest-how-un-fao-played-down-role-of-farming-in-climate-change">publicize the role of cattle farming in global
heating</a>, it was hit by an organized lobbying and bullying campaign.
<p>
Since then it has downplayed this crucial issue of civilization's
survival.
<p>
*Ex-officials at [FAO] say <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/20/ex-officials-at-un-farming-fao-say-work-on-methane-emissions-was-censored">work on methane emissions was censored</a>.*
<p>
*Impact of farming on climate crisis <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/20/impact-farming-climate-crisis-key-cop-topic-finally">will be a key Cop topic</a> -- finally.*
<p>
This year's climate conference is <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#23_August_2023_(Failure_to_report_methane_emissions)">permeated by planet roaster
influence, from the oil emir</a>
that is its head to the planet roaster
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#10_December_2015_(Global_heating_denial)">companies that "sponsor" it</a> and have tremendous influence.
<p>
I hope that it achieves some good despite that handicap.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Unlawful_attacks)
title: Unlawful attacks
uri: Unlawful-attacks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Unlawful_attacks)
content:
 
<p>
*Amnesty International has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/damning-evidence-of-war-crimes-as-israeli-attacks-wipe-out-entire-families-in-gaza">documented unlawful Israeli attacks,
 including indiscriminate attacks, which caused mass civilian
casualties and must be investigated as war crimes.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(1%2F3_of_Gaza_housing_damaged)
title: 1/3 of Gaza housing damaged
uri: 1-3-of-Gaza-housing-damaged
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(1%2F3_of_Gaza_housing_damaged)
content:
 
<p>
Israel has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/20/destruction-chased-them-funeral-held-for-those-killed-in-gaza-church-airstrike">damaged 1/3 of the housing in Gaza</a>.  It continues deliberately
bombing and destroying residential buildings.
<p>
The very old St Porphyrius Church, in which civilians were sheltering,
was damaged by a missile which hit a nearby building.  Although the
missile killed some of them, at least nobody tried to attack the church.

<p>
 


title: Censorship and punishment for opposing war
uri: Censorship-and-punishment-for-opposing-war
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Censorship_and_punishment_for_opposing_war)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Censorship_and_punishment_for_opposing_war)

content:
 
<p>
In Israel, Arabs and Israelis now face <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/20/israeli-arabs-reprisals-online-solidarity-gaza">censorship and punishment</a>
if they oppose the war in Gaza.

<p>
 


title: Jordan forced out from house speaker
uri: Jordan-forced-out-from-house-speaker
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Jordan_forced_out_from_house_speaker)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Jordan_forced_out_from_house_speaker)

content:
 
<p>
Each time trumpet Republican Rep. Jordan held a vote on becoming speaker,
the number of Republicans voting against him increased.  It is now clear
that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/20/jim-jordan-forced-out-house-speaker-republicans">the insurrectionists cannot elect a speaker</a>.
<p>
That is something we can celebrate, but how can the House elect a
speaker?  Since the speaker does not have to be a member of the House,
I suggest looking for a respected older leader, perhaps a retired
judge, who is known for more probity than partisanship, to seek support
among Democrats and Republicans.

<p>
 


title: North Koreans working remote jobs for US companies
uri: North-Koreans-working-remote-jobs-for-US-companies
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(North_Koreans_working_remote_jobs_for_US_companies)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(North_Koreans_working_remote_jobs_for_US_companies)

content:
 
<p>
The US claims that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/19/north-korea-remote-us-workers-missile-program">thousands of North Koreans, hiding their
identities, got jobs are remote workers for US companies</a>, received pay
in dollars, and gave that pay to North Korea's missile development.
<p>
This could have boosted North Korea's missile development greatly.

<p>
 


title: Amsterdam moving red light district
uri: Amsterdam-moving-red-light-district
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Amsterdam_moving_red_light_district)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Amsterdam_moving_red_light_district)

content:
 
<p>
*Amsterdam sex workers protest against <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/19/amsterdam-sex-workers-protest-against-plan-to-move-red-light-district">plan to move red light district</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(War_mistakes)
title: War "mistakes"
uri: War-mistakes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(War_mistakes)
content:
 
<p>
Biden called on Israelis not to be "captured by rage" and to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/19/joe-biden-warning-israel-nod-mistakes-made-in-war-on-terror">avoid
making "mistakes" like the US invasion of Iraq</a>.
<p>
As an act by the US, the invasion of Iraq qualifies as a "mistake".
However, as an act by Dubya, it was an <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-nov-feb.html#16_January_2023_(Unofficial_war_crimes_tribunal)">intentional crime of aggressive
war</a>, carried out with calculation for the gain of some Americans.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Paxlovid)
title: Paxlovid
uri: Paxlovid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Paxlovid)
content:
 
<p>
*Pfizer Spikes Paxlovid Prices to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/pfizer-spikes-paxlovid-prices-to-100-times-cost-of-production">100 Times Cost of Production</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Pharmacy_strike)
title: Pharmacy strike
uri: Pharmacy-strike
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Pharmacy_strike)
content:
 
<p>
CVS and Walgreens are making enormous profits, but still trying to 
increase those profits by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/oct/19/cvs-walgreens-strike-pharmacy-workers">understaffing their pharmacies</a>.  That puts patients at risk of errors.

<p>
 


title: Knocked off bike for brightly colored water pistol
uri: Knocked-off-bike-for-brightly-colored-water-pistol
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Knocked_off_bike_for_brightly_colored_water_pistol)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Knocked_off_bike_for_brightly_colored_water_pistol)

content:
 
<p>
UK thugs knocked a black 13-year-old off his bicycle because he was
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/oct/19/met-rammed-boy-13-playing-with-water-pistol-off-bike-and-pointed-guns-at-him">pointing a water pistol</a>.  His mother said the water pistol was "brightly colored", which
implied it did not look much like a real gun.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Russia_and_elections)
title: Russia and elections
uri: Russia-and-elections
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(Russia_and_elections)
content:
 
<p>
*Russia working to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/20/russia-spy-network-elections-democracy-us-intelligence">undermine trust in elections globally</a>, US
 intelligence says.*


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_October_2023_(Urgent:_Decriminalize_Marijuana)
title: Urgent: Decriminalize Marijuana
uri: Urgent-Decriminalize-Marijuana
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_October_2023_(Urgent:_Decriminalize_Marijuana)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-to-president-biden-keep-your-promise-decriminalize-marijuana-3?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-the-people-united&source=2023DecriminalizeCannabis_TPU">call on Biden to keep his promise</a>
by decriminalizing marijuana.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!
White House: <a href="tel:+12024561111">+1-202-456-1111</a>
and (TTY/TDD) +1-202-456-6213

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_October_2023_(Urgent:_A_cease_fire_in_Gaza)
title: Urgent: A cease fire in Gaza
uri: Urgent-A-cease-fire-in-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_October_2023_(Urgent:_A_cease_fire_in_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to push for a cease fire in Gaza and for
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/call-ceasefire-israel-and-gaza/?t=1001&akid=31338%2E96703%2EcCktm_">both sides to respect international humanitarian law</a>
<p>
HAMAS has total contempt for international humanitarian law; for that,
we condemn it.  However, this does not excuse Israel for imitating HAMAS
and sinking to that same level.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: SEC listings' mandatory, standard, carbon-financial info
uri: Urgent-SEC-listings-mandatory-standard-carbon-financial-info
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_October_2023_(Urgent:_SEC-listings'_mandatory,_standard,_carbon_info)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_October_2023_(Urgent:_SEC-listings'_mandatory,_standard,_carbon_info)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-congress-the-sec-must-protect-retirement-savings-from-climate-related-financial-risks?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-weve-just-won-a-major-victory-in-california">call on Congress to tell the SEC</a>
to exercise its full
authority and protect investors from climate-related financial risks,
specifically by requiring each corporation to publish the amount of
greenhouse emissions expected from burning the fossil fuel that it expects
to <em>sell</em>.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Restore the expanded Child Tax Credit
uri: Urgent-Restore-the-expanded-Child-Tax-Credit
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_October_2023_(Urgent:_Restore_the_expanded_Child_Tax_Credit)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#24_October_2023_(Urgent:_Restore_the_expanded_Child_Tax_Credit)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/restore-ctc/?t=1015&akid=31355%2E96703%2ECLjgX8">call on Congress</a>
to restore the expanded Child Tax Credit.
It brought the child poverty rate to historic lows, and can do so again.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: Parents keeping kids in sight at stores
uri: Parents-keeping-kids-in-sight-at-stores
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Parents_keeping_kids_in_sight_at_stores)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Parents_keeping_kids_in_sight_at_stores)

content:
 
<p>

*50% of [US] Parents <a href="https://www.freerangekids.com/50-of-parents-wont-let-their-kids-go-to-another-aisle-in-grocery-poll/">Won’t Let Their [10-year-old] Kids Go to Another
    Aisle</a> in Grocery.*
</p>

 


title: Worst case scenario for Queensland climate defense protester
uri: Worst-case-scenario-for-Queensland-climate-defense-protester
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Worst_case_scenario_for_Queensland_climate_defense_protester)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Worst_case_scenario_for_Queensland_climate_defense_protester)

content:
 
<p>

For Queensland climate defense protester Rob Keller, age 73, "The
worst-case scenario isn’t [3 years in] jail," he says. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/oct/23/worst-case-scenario-isnt-jail-but-climate-breakdown-queensland-activists-say-as-day-in-court-arrives">"The worst-case
    scenario is climate breakdown."</a>
</p>
<p>
Australian governments are escalating their repression in defense of
business activities that promise megadeaths.  As Keller says, the
officials putting him on trial &mdash; and the fossil fuel businesses they
are protecting &mdash; are the criminals.

 


title: Junior public servants' 'hotties list'
uri: Junior-public-servants-hotties-list
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Junior_public_servants'_'hotties_list')

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Junior_public_servants'_'hotties_list')

content:
 
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/oct/23/hotties-list-junior-public-servants-allegedly-ranked-female-colleagues-transport-department-senate-budget-estimates">Junior public servants allegedly made ‘hotties list’ that ranked female
    colleagues, Senate hears.</a>*
</p>
<p>
It is wrong to demand that human beings act as if they were sexless.
That men &mdash; or women &mdash; in an office are comparing their coworkers for
attractiveness is normal, even inevitable, and it treating it as a
monstrosity is the start of repression that will make life ugly.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Cash_payments_on_the_rise_in_UK)
title: Cash payments on the rise in UK
uri: Cash-payments-on-the-rise-in-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Cash_payments_on_the_rise_in_UK)
content:
 
<p>

  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/sep/14/cash-payments-rise-in-uk-as-people-seek-ways-to-manage-budgets">More people in the UK are using cash payments</a>.  I urge people in Britain
to organize now to encourage the use of cash, and publicize all the
nasty treatment you can avoid that way.
</p>
<p>
The organization could also campaign for requirements for stores to
accept cash, and to situate an ATM in every settlement that is likely
to have a family with no car.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Required_to_declare_relationships)
title: Required to declare relationships
uri: Required-to-declare-relationships
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Required_to_declare_relationships)
content:
 
<p>

A British TV company now requires all staff to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/oct/22/new-itv-rules-require-staff-to-declare-relationships-with-colleagues">declare all their
    sexual and romantic relationships</a>, all "close" relationships, and all
friendships, and all roommate relationships.
  This intolerable system of repression is the natural endpoint of the
ever-increasing repression of office romances.  It was always heading
for this.
</p>
<p>
There are valid reasons for rules against office romances, but given
the harm that those rules do even when not carried to these absurd
extremes, the reasons are not strong enough to justify them.
</p>
<p>
Human beings need sexual relationships; human beings need love; human
beings need friendship.  If your main social contact is through work,
where are you supposed to look for these things?  Degrading yourself
by running nonfree software such a dating app or Grindr?  Going to a
club (if you can look sharp enough to be allowed in) and getting
drunk?
</p>
<p>
We had better adapt our rules to those human needs.
</p>

 


title: Christian prayers in Australian city council meeting
uri: Christian-prayers-in-Australian-city-council-meeting
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Christian_prayers_in_Australian_city_council_meeting)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Christian_prayers_in_Australian_city_council_meeting)

content:
 
<p>

An Australian city council has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/oct/24/boroondara-city-council-christian-prayer-voted-out-melbourne-legal-human-rights">ceased its practice of Christian
    prayers</a> at meetings, in the name of separation of church and state.
</p>
<p>
In the US we have to keep fightin against religious fanatics
who try to impose their religion through government out
of disrespect for people whose religious views differ from theirs.
</p>

 


title: British Parliament stopped for flight due to his name
uri: British-Parliament-stopped-for-flight-due-to-his-name
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(British_Parliament_stopped_for_flight_due_to_his_name)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(British_Parliament_stopped_for_flight_due_to_his_name)

content:
 
<p>

Mohammad Yasin, member of the British Parliament, was about to fly to Canada
as part of an official parliamentary visit, when he was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2023/oct/23/mp-stopped-from-boarding-air-canada-flight-as-his-name-was-mohammad">stopped and questioned
    because &mdash; get this &mdash; his name was "Mohammad"</a>.
</p>
<p>
Not only is it crazy to stop a passenger who is an MP for that reason.
It is crazy to stop any other passenger for that reason.  If your
security believes that being named "Mohammad" is a rational reason to
suspect someone of anything, it is worse than incompetent.
</p>

 


title: Flooding as the Antarctic ice shelf melts
uri: Flooding-as-the-Antarctic-ice-shelf-melts
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Flooding_as_the_Antarctic_ice_shelf_melts)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Flooding_as_the_Antarctic_ice_shelf_melts)

content:
 
<p>

Oops, we just lost New York and dozens of other coastal cities.
Their <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/23/rapid-ice-melt-in-west-antarctica-now-inevitable-research-shows">eventual flooding is inevitable</a> as the West Antarctic ice shelf melts.
</p>
<p>
How long it will take for them to be inundated is not clear.
</p>

 


title: Allow writers to create characters outside of their own experience
uri: Allow-writers-to-create-characters-outside-of-their-own-experience
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Allow_writers_to_create_characters_outside_of_their_own_experience)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Allow_writers_to_create_characters_outside_of_their_own_experience)

content:
 
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/oct/23/salman-rushdie-allow-writers-to-create-characters-outside-of-their-own-experience">Salman Rushdie: allow writers to create characters outside of their
    own experience.</a>*
   *"If we’re in a world where only women can write about women and
   only people from India can write about people from India and only
   straight people can write about straight people … then that’s the
   death of the art," the novelist said, according to the Times.*  Or,
   at the very least, it means no story can have both men and women in
   it.

 


title: Secret algorithms decide how to treat people
uri: Secret-algorithms-decide-how-to-treat-people
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Secret_algorithms_decide_how_to_treat_people)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Secret_algorithms_decide_how_to_treat_people)

content:
 
<p>

Government departments in the UK are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/oct/23/uk-risks-scandal-over-bias-in-ai-tools-in-use-across-public-sector">using secret algorithms
    (implemented by nonfree software)</a> to decide how to treat people.
</p>
<p>
This is inherently unjust regardless of the details.
The mere fact that a decision was made this way should count
as grounds to invalidate it.
</p>

 


title: Biden boasting about fossil gas export hub
uri: Biden-boasting-about-fossil-gas-export-hub
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Biden_boasting_about_fossil_gas_export_hub)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Biden_boasting_about_fossil_gas_export_hub)

content:
 
<p>

  Biden is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/23/louisiana-gas-export-hub-biden-climate-crisis">boasting about the new fossil gas export hub</a>, that will
substanially boost <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a>.
</p>

 


title: Migrant workers in Israel often trapped
uri: Migrant-workers-in-Israel-often-trapped
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Migrant_workers_in_Israel_often_trapped)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Migrant_workers_in_Israel_often_trapped)

content:
 
<p>

  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/oct/23/trapped-by-debt-migrant-workers-in-israel-unable-to-escape-conflict">Migrant workers in Israel are often trapped</a>, much like migrant workers
in the UAE.  Now they can't afford to leave.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Urgent:_de-escalation_now_in_Gaza)
title: Urgent: de-escalation now in Gaza
uri: Urgent-de-escalation-now-in-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Urgent:_de-escalation_now_in_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: Call for de-escalation and ceasefire
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-to-support-immediate-de-escalation-and-ceasefire-in-israel-and-occupied-palestine?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-rashida-for-congress&source=group-rashida-for-congress">now in Gaza</a>.
<p>
The answer to war crimes is not more war crimes.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Protect our freedom to vote
uri: Urgent-Protect-our-freedom-to-vote
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Urgent:_Protect_our_freedom_to_vote)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Urgent:_Protect_our_freedom_to_vote)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-to-congress-do-everything-you-can-to-protect-our-freedom-to-vote?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-coalition-on-human-needs&source=2023VRAA_CHN">call on Congress</a>
to do everything it can to protect our freedom to
vote.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Urgent:_Seabed_Protection_Acts)
title: Urgent: Seabed Protection Acts
uri: Urgent-Seabed-Protection-Acts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Urgent:_Seabed_Protection_Acts)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=55462&supporter_KEY=229474">call on your congresscritter</a>
to support the International and American Seabed Protection Acts.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Atrocious_quality_new-builds,_UK)
title: Atrocious quality new-builds, UK
uri: Atrocious-quality-new-builds-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Atrocious_quality_new-builds,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
Construction of new houses generally
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/oct/21/cracked-tiles-wonky-gutters-leaning-walls-why-are-britains-new-houses-so-rubbish">churns them out full of grave
flaws</a>,
sometimes dangerous.
<p>
The problem starts with concentration of the industry into a few large
corporations, which (typically for large corporations) make greed
their watchword.
<p>
Whenever large corporations systematically harm the public, the state
should break them up.

<p>
 


title: NYC battles a secret society: shell companies
uri: NYC-battles-a-secret-society-shell-companies
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(NYC_battles_a_secret_society:_shell_companies)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(NYC_battles_a_secret_society:_shell_companies)

content:
 
<p>
Many buildings in the US are nominally owned by shell companies.
Tenants who want to complain about mistreatment can't report the
landlord's address, as required, because it is secret.  The New York
State legislature has passed a bill requiring these shell companies to
hand over crucial information to the public, such as who owns them.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/22/kathy-hochul-new-york-finance-real-estate-shell-corporations-llcs">Billionaires are lobbying the governor</a>,
whose progressive commitments
are rather weak, not to sign it.
<p>
I suggest approaching this with a somewhat different law: to require
every company that directly or indirectly owns a building to hand over
all the crucial information about its ownership.  If an building-owning
company refuses to do this, the punishment should be seizure of
the building.
<p>
These billionaires and exploiters deserve no clemency or comfort
when they try to screw their tenants.

<p>
 


title: Netanyahu's Israel: no sympathy no free speech
uri: Netanyahu-s-Israel-no-sympathy-no-free-speech
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Netanyahu's_Israel:_no_sympathy_no_free_speech)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Netanyahu's_Israel:_no_sympathy_no_free_speech)

content:
 
<p>
*Jewish and Arab Israelis [arrested], fired from jobs and even attacked
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/22/an-atmosphere-of-fear-free-speech-under-threat-in-israel-activists-say">for expressing sentiments</a>
interpreted as pro-Hamas.*
<p>
Criticism of Israel and support for aspects of Palestinians' rights
have subtle gradations, and it is not unusual for annexationists and
supporters of Israel's occupation of Palestine <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#2_June_2019_(AIPAC)">to distort the views
of those that criticize them</a>.
<p>
In the examples in the article, the distortions range
from subtle to gross and blatant.
<p>
We should stand with Israel against HAMAS and its terrorism.  However,
we must not allow that to mean (or be taken to mean) that we support all
Israeli acts (even if violent or cruel) which <em>according to Israel</em>
are "directed against HAMAS."
<p>
Meanwhile, anyone who cares about Israel should now help stand for
human rights and democracy in Israel.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_((Satire)_Online_empathy_dangerous)
title: (Satire) Online empathy dangerous
uri: (Satire)-Online-empathy-dangerous
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_((Satire)_Online_empathy_dangerous)
content:
 
<p>
(satire)
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/biden-urges-americans-not-to-let-dangerous-online-rheto-1850941897">*Biden Urges Americans</a>
Not To Let Dangerous Online Rhetoric Humanize Palestinians.*

<p>
 


title: News co.'s Israeli bias, DEU
uri: News-co-s-Israeli-bias-DEU
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(News_co._bias%26mdash;pro_Israel,_DEU)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(News_co._bias%26mdash;pro_Israel,_DEU)

content:
 
<p>
*Europe’s Largest News Aggregator Orders Editors to
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/10/19/upday-news-gaza-israel-axel-springer/">Play Down</a>
Palestinian Deaths.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Netanyahu's_hostage_situations)
title: Netanyahu's hostage situations
uri: Netanyahu-s-hostage-situations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Netanyahu's_hostage_situations)
content:
 
<p>
Israel would like to free HAMAS's hostages with a military raid, but
that is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/23/efforts-to-free-gaza-hostages-intensify-amid-reports-some-may-soon-be-released">next to impossible</a>
so it seems Israel will have to negotiate
instead.
<p>
This might provide a route for stopping Israel's massive continuing
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#23_October_2023_(1%2F3_of_Gaza_housing_damaged)">atrocities against the population</a>
of Gaza.

<p>
 


title: Far-right threat raises bloody past
uri: Far-right-threat-raises-bloody-past
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Far-right_threat_raises_bloody_past)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Far-right_threat_raises_bloody_past)

content:
 
<p>
Javier
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/19/argentina-javier-milei-dictatorship-presidential-election">Milei</a>,
a candidate for Argentina's presidency who may yet win,
has been trying to underestimate the number of prisoners that the
military dictatorship murdered.
<p>
The fact that it was a murderous lying right-wing dictatorship is more
important than the precise number of political murders it carried out.
But why then bring up that number as an election issue?  I can't see
any motive that isn't a bad one.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Trump's_rats)
title: Trump's rats
uri: Trump-s-rats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Trump's_rats)
content:
 
<p>
<!---->The insurrectionist's lawyer, Kenneth Chesebro, who recently pled guilty,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/23/donald-trump-georgia-kenneth-chesebro-plea-deal-criminal-case">can inculpate</a>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#insurrectionist">the insurrectionist</a> in two different criminal trials.

 


title: Culture warrior chairs lower chamber, US
uri: Culture-warrior-chairs-lower-chamber-US
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_October_2023_(Culture_warrior_chairs_lower_chamber,_US)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_October_2023_(Culture_warrior_chairs_lower_chamber,_US)

content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#scrotus">SCROTUS</a> made one of their
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/25/who-is-mike-johnson-house-speaker-election-denier-climate-anti-abortion">most extreme</a>
members speaker of the House.  Mike Johnson is an election denialist,
a climate denialist, an abortion persecutor, and seeks to impose Christianity.
<p>
In addition, he also wants to make non-rich people poorer.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_October_2023_(Poland's_progressive_gov._sewn_up)
title: Poland's progressive govt sewn up
uri: Poland-s-progressive-govt-sewn-up
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_October_2023_(Poland's_progressive_gov._sewn_up)
content:
 
<p>
It looks like the democratic victory in Poland is for real &mdash; the
winning parties are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/24/polish-opposition-alliance-says-it-is-ready-to-take-power-with-donald-tusk-as-pm">ready to form a coalition</a>
and replace the right-wing religious authoritarian government.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_October_2023_(N._Gaza_1km_tank-raid)
title: N. Gaza 1km tank-raid
uri: N-Gaza-1km-tank-raid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_October_2023_(N._Gaza_1km_tank-raid)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/26/joe-biden-west-bank-settlers-israel-prepares-gaza-ground-invasion">Biden rebuked</a>
the fanatical "settlers" that systematically inflict violent pogroms
on Palestinians in the West Bank, saying that they are "pouring gasoline on the fire."

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_October_2023_(Guterres_rebukes_Israel)
title: UN chief rebukes Israel
uri: UN-chief-rebukes-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_October_2023_(Guterres_rebukes_Israel)
content:
 
<p>
Secretary General
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/24/un-calls-for-immediate-ceasefire-to-end-epic-suffering-in-gaza">Guterres rebuked Israel</a>
for the bombardment and
blockade of Gaza, which he rightly compared to "collective punishment
of the Palestinian people".
<p>
Israel replied by falsely equating Guterres's support for
international law to "support for terrorism", in its standard way.
Its policy is to try to stop the rest of the world from recognizing,
and saying that "Condemning HAMAS for its terrorism does not require
us to condone the other war crimes, those that Israel is carrying
out."
<p>
Likewise, *Israel must stop
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/24/israel-gaza-palestinians-holocaust">weaponizing the Holocaust</a>.*
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/24/gaza-hospitals-ceasing-to-function-as-water-and-fuel-run-out">Gaza hospitals</a>
ceasing to function as water and fuel run out.*
<p>
Israel could, and is morally obliged to, let them get the humanitarian supplies
they need &mdash; and the rest of Gaza too.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_October_2023_(Israel_punishes_UN)
title: Israel punishes UN
uri: Israel-punishes-UN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_October_2023_(Israel_punishes_UN)
content:
 
<p>
Israel says it will
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/25/israel-says-it-will-ban-un-staff-after-secretary-generals-comments">punish the UN</a>
by barring UN staff from visiting Israel.  This is in response to
Secretary General Guterres's mentioning Israel's long oppression of the Palestinians in Gaza.
<p>
This may provide Israel with the secondary coup of preventing UN staff
from meeting with anyone in Gaza or the West Bank.  Egypt could let
them into Gaza; will it?  Jordan has a bridge by which people can enter
the West Bank, but the western side is controlled by Israel and it
might block UN staff there too.
<p>
This step calls for international pressure on Israel.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_October_2023_(Al_Jazeera_losses_in_Gaza)
title: Al Jazeera losses in Gaza
uri: Al-Jazeera-losses-in-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_October_2023_(Al_Jazeera_losses_in_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
* The wife, son, daughter and grandson of Wael al-Dahdouh, the [Al
Jazeera] bureau chief in Gaza, were
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/25/al-jazeera-journalist-family-killed-wael-al-dahdouh">targeted at a relief camp</a>,
outlet says.*  This is one small fraction of an enormous war crime.
<p>
Al-Dahdouh asserts that Israel is systematically targeting civilians
who have fled &mdash; that this is not just a long series of coincidences.

<p>
 


title: Fossil-fuels cuts behind schedule, EU
uri: Fossil-fuels-cuts-behind-schedule-EU
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_October_2023_(Fossil-fuels_cuts_behind_schedule,_EU)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_October_2023_(Fossil-fuels_cuts_behind_schedule,_EU)

content:
 
<p>
*EU must cut carbon emissions
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/24/eu-must-cut-emissions-three-times-more-quickly-report-says">three times faster</a>
to meet targets, [according to climate commissioner].*
<p>
*Earth’s
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/24/earth-vital-signs-human-history-scientists-sustainable-future">"vital signs"</a>
worse than at any time in human history, scientists warn.*

<p>
 


title: Plutocratic, anti-protest, state laws
uri: Plutocratic-anti-protest-state-laws
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_October_2023_(Plutocratic,_anti-protest,_state_laws)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_October_2023_(Plutocratic,_anti-protest,_state_laws)

content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/25/fossil-fuel-company-donate-lawmakers-anti-protest-exxon-koch">Fossil fuel firms</a>
spent millions on US lawmakers who sponsored anti-protest bills.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_October_2023_(Polycrisis_tipping_points_at_hand)
title: Polycrisis tipping points at hand
uri: Polycrisis-tipping-points-at-hand
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_October_2023_(Polycrisis_tipping_points_at_hand)
content:
 
<p>
*Humanity is moving dangerously close to irreversible tipping points
that would drastically damage
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/25/climate-crisis-threatens-tipping-point-of-uninsurable-homes-says-un">our ability to cope</a>
with disasters, UN researchers have warned.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(scholastic_book_fair_rgs)
title: Scholastic reverses decision to separate books on race, gender and sexuality
uri: Scholastic-reverses-decision-to-separate-books-on-race-gender-and-sex
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(scholastic_book_fair_rgs)
content:
 
<p>
Scholastic, the main publisher of books (other than textbooks) for
students in the US, has reversed its decision to put books with 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/oct/25/scholastic-book-fair-reverse-race-gender-sexuality">queer
characters into a separate catalog.</a>
<p>
That decision was aimed at avoiding conflict with right-wing
censorship.  Reversing the decision means Scholastic will confront the
censors head-on.  That has a chance of damaging SCROTUS, and since
SCROTUS is dead set on wrecking democracy and religious freedom in the US,
any damage to SCROTUS has a chance of saving them.


 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(eu_worlds_first_law_regulation_ai)
title: EU ‘in touching distance’ of world’s first laws regulating artificial intelligence
uri: EU-in-touching-distance-of-world-s-first-laws-regulating-artif
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(eu_worlds_first_law_regulation_ai)
content:
 
<p>
The EU is drawing up a directive to restrict 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/oct/24/eu-touching-distance-world-first-law-regulating-artificial-intelligence-dragos-tudorache">"artificial intelligence".</a>
<p>
I get the impression that this directive will also cover machine
learning systems.  It may be a good thing for the directive to cover those
systems, although it is very bad to refer to them as "intelligence".
<p>
artificial intelligence
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html">item in</a>
<p>
The restrictions on facial recognition and emotional recognition are a
good start, but I expect they will not go far enough; that they will
allow those technologies to be used in ways that would circumvent and
defeat the supposed limitations.
<p>
The article suggests that AI may be used as an excuse to make
copyright more restrictive, over activities that have never been
restricted by copyright as long as human beings have done them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(us_union_successes)
title: US unions winning big gains amid ‘Great Reset’
uri: US-unions-winning-big-gains-amid-Great-Reset
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(us_union_successes)
content:
 
<p>
US workers have become far more eager to organize, and far more ready
to strike.  They are winning 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/24/us-unions-successes-contracts">substantial pay increases.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(us_clean_energy_biden)
title: Australian company boss joins PM on Biden visit to explore US clean energy
uri: Australian-company-boss-joins-PM-on-Biden-visit-to-explore-US-clean-en
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(us_clean_energy_biden)
content:
 
<p>
An Australian company aims to produce large quantities of hydrogen by
electrolysis.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/24/paul-barrett-ceo-hysata-hydrogen-company-joins-australian-pm-anthony-albanese-joe-biden-visit-us-clean-energy">hydrogen by
electrolysis.</a>
<p>
The other part that's necessary is enough renewable electric generation
to run that much electrolysis.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(trump_alcu_gag_order)
title: ACLU sides with Trump against gag order
uri: ACLU-sides-with-Trump-against-gag-order
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(trump_alcu_gag_order)
content:
 
<p>
The ACLU argues that the gag order placed on the corrupter in a civil
trial 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/25/donald-trump-aclu-gag-order
">about business fraud is too broad.</a>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: UnitedHealth-Amedisys mega-merger
uri: Urgent-UnitedHealth-Amedisys-mega-merger
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(Urgent:_UnitedHealth-Amedisys_mega-merger)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(Urgent:_UnitedHealth-Amedisys_mega-merger)

content:
 
<p>

Everyone: <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/unitedhealth-merger/">Object to the proposed UnitedHealth-Amedisys $3.3
    billion mega-merger</a>.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(Microphones_on_devices)
title: Microphones on devices
uri: Microphones-on-devices
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(Microphones_on_devices)
content:
 
<p>

As tech companies add microphones to a wide range of products,
including refrigerators and motor vehicles, they also set up
transcription farms where human employees <a href="https://getpocket.com/explore/item/silicon-valley-got-millions-to-let-siri-and-alexa-listen-in">listen to what people
    say</a> to the devices and tweak the recognition algorithms.
</p>

 


title: GM Cruise self-driving cars in California
uri: GM-Cruise-self-driving-cars-in-California
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(GM_Cruise_self-driving_cars_in_California)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(GM_Cruise_self-driving_cars_in_California)

content:
 
<p>

  California has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/24/driverless-car-self-driving-california-cruise-gm">suspended the permit for Criuse cars</a> to operate without
a driver after a peculiar accident in which the car's computer reacted
unsafely.
</p>
<p>
I am glad that California agencies are watching out for the public's
physical safety from driverless cars.  However, there is no sign that
they will adequately protect the privacy of people in the vicinity of
these cars.  That includes the passengers who ride in driverless
taxis, and the passers-by whose faces are imaged by them and perhaps
subsequently subject to facial recognition.
</p>
<p>
Driverless cars should not be allowed to operate until they can operate
without contributing to <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">the societal danger of massive surveillance</a>.
</a>

 


title: Tennessee mayoral candidate who refused to disavow neo-Nazis
uri: Tennessee-mayoral-candidate-who-refused-to-disavow-neo-Nazis
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(Tennessee_mayoral_candidate_who_refused_to_disavow_neo-Nazis)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(Tennessee_mayoral_candidate_who_refused_to_disavow_neo-Nazis)

content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/25/tennessee-mayor-gabrielle-hanson-loses-election">Tennessee voters reject mayoral candidate who refused to disavow neo-Nazis.</a>*
</p>
<p>
This will encourage Republicans to hesitate before openly endorsing
prejudice and mass murder.  That doesn't mean we are out of the woods:
not all will learn from this lesson, and those who do may employ
"dog whistles" instead.  But it's a step forward anyway.
</p>

 


title: DeMentis trying to eliminate Students for Justice in Palestine
uri: DeMentis-trying-to-eliminate-Students-for-Justice-in-Palestine
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(DeMentis_trying_to_eliminate_Students_for_Justice_in_Palestine)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(DeMentis_trying_to_eliminate_Students_for_Justice_in_Palestine)

content:
 
<p>

Governor <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis</a> is trying to forcibly <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/25/ron-desantis-pro-palestine-college-students-sjp">eliminate chapters of Students
    for Justice in Palestine in Florida's state universities</a>.
  That is unconstitutional, but <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis</a> has no respect for the US
Constitution.
</p>
<p>
I might very well disagree with those groups about what outcome would
constitute justice in Palestine.  I advocate the two-states solution,
with one of those two states being a democratic Israel.  This would
require Israel to return much of the land it has seized or annexed.
</p>
<p>
Perhaps those student groups advocate something else that I would
disagree with.
</p>
<p>
Whatever it is, they have the right to advocate it, whether <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis</a>
likes it or not, and whether I like it not.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(Gaza's_water_network_obliterated)
title: Gaza's water network obliterated
uri: Gaza-s-water-network-obliterated
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(Gaza's_water_network_obliterated)
content:
 
<p>

  * Gaza’s already rudimentary <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/25/how-bombings-blockades-and-import-bans-caused-gaza-water-system-to-crumble">water network has been obliterated</a>, with
2.2 million residents trying to get by on three litres a day.*
</p>
<p>
  Israel has imposed shortages of water on Palestinians in both <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#15_August_2019_(Occupied_Palestine)">Gaza</a>
  and the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-mar-jun.html#19_May_2023_(Palestinians_without_enough_water_to_drink)">West Bank</a>.
  The shortages in the West Bank did not endanger human health and life
directly but they denied Palestinians the possibility of farming.
</p>

 


title: Young Europeans likely to have fewer children to save planet
uri: Young-Europeans-likely-to-have-fewer-children-to-save-planet
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(Young_Europeans_likely_to_have_fewer_children_to_save_planet)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(Young_Europeans_likely_to_have_fewer_children_to_save_planet)

content:
 
<p>

*Young Europeans more likely to quit driving and have fewer children to save
planet.

   Exclusive: Poll shows young people <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/25/young-europeans-quit-driving-fewer-children-save-planet-climate-crisis">willing to make big lifestyle
    changes but balk at smaller gestures</a>.*
</p>

 


title: When for-profit company takes over local emergency room
uri: When-for-profit-company-takes-over-local-emergency-room
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(When_for-profit_company_takes_over_local_emergency_room)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(When_for-profit_company_takes_over_local_emergency_room)

content:
 
<p>

*Here’s what happens [in the US] when a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/25/us-health-care-for-profit-emergency-rooms-physician-turnover">for-profit company takes over
    your local emergency room</a>.*
  The author is a doctor who worked in an ER that was taken over.
</p>
<p>
All emergency medicine should be run by the state &mdash; for-profit companies
should not be allowed in that field.
</p>
<p>
As the Tories have demonstrated, it is not guaranteed that a
government will keep medicine working well.  Especially if it is a
government of Tories (<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratists</a>) that seek to destroy the public
system and replace it with a privatize system that is as horrible as
the US privatize medicine system.
</p>
<p>
But we also know that government scan do this job well, for decades.
Whereas we can be absolutely certain that for-profit companies will
ruin it.
</p>

 


title: Lubbock, Texas law to persecute for helping get abortion
uri: Lubbock-Texas-law-to-persecute-for-helping-get-abortion
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(Lubbock,_Texas_law_to_persecute_for_helping_get_abortion)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(Lubbock,_Texas_law_to_persecute_for_helping_get_abortion)

content:
 
<p>

Lubbock, Texas, is the latest county to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/25/texas-abortion-travel-ban-lubbock-county">pass a law to persecute people who
    help others get an abortion</a>.
</p>
<p>
This law employs a dodge designed to nullify the applicability of
constitutional rights: instead of <em>prosecuting</em> whoever committed an
"offense", it authorizes various people to sue that person <em>as if</em>
they had been somehow harmed by per, in the absence of any actual harm
to them.  This amounts to a kind of private persecution.
</p>
<p>
In effect, the dodge creates a notional pretend "harm" which anyone
(even strangers) can then sue for.
</p>
<p>
If this dodge is allowed to stand, it would put all constitutional
rights in danger, because it would allow governments to declare
exceptions to them at will.  If we want the idea of constitutional
rights to mean anything, we must make this dodge invalid in general.
</p>

 


title: Congresscritters call to drop charges against Assange
uri: Congresscritters-call-to-drop-charges-against-Assange
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(Congresscritters_call_to_drop_charges_against_Assange)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(Congresscritters_call_to_drop_charges_against_Assange)

content:
 
<p>
A bipartisan group of congresscritters have written to two cabinet
ministers <a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/10/24/julian-assange-letter-congress/">calling for dropping charged against Julian Assange</a>.
</p>
<p>
Here's the text of the letter, so you can read it without running
nonfree Javascript code.
</p>
<blockquote>
<p>
Dear President Biden,
</p>
<p>
As Members of Congress deeply committed to the principles of free speech
and freedom of the press, we write to strongly encourage your
Administration to withdraw the U.S. extradition request currently pending
against Australian publisher Julian Assange and halt all prosecutorial
proceedings against him as soon as possible.
</p>
<p>
Mr. Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, faces multiple charges under the
Espionage Act due to his role in publishing classified documents about the
U.S. State Department, Guantanamo Bay, and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He
has been detained on remand in London since 2019 and is pending extradition
to the U.S., having lost his appeal of the extradition order in the courts
of the United Kingdom.
</p>
<p>
Deep concerns about this case have been repeatedly expressed by
international media outlets, human rights and press freedom advocates, and
Members of Congress, among others. To cite only a few of the commentaries,
in November 2022, *The New York Times*, *The Guardian*, *Le Monde*, *DER
SPEIGEL* and *El País* came together to <a href="https:/www.nytco.com/press/an-open-letter-from-editors-and-publishers-publishing-is-not-a-crime/">express their grave concerns</a>
 about the continued prosecution of Julian Assange for obtaining and
publishing classified materials, arguing that “publishing is not a crime.”
In December 2022, a coalition of press freedom, civil liberties, and
international human rights organizations <a href="https:/cpj.org/2022/12/cpj-partners-send-letter-calling-for-us-to-drop-charges-against-julian-assange/">wrote to Attorney General Merrick
    Garland</a> urging
him to correct course and abandon the relentless pursuit of Mr. Assange in
order to protect the ability of journalists to report freely on the United
States without fear of retribution. U.S. elected officials have previously
called on the Administration to drop the charges against Mr. Assange,
including in April of this year when <a href="media/27336df2.ngressional-Letter-to-DOJ-on-Julian-Assange-Indictment_Final.pdf" data-original-source="https://stallman.org/d12t4t5x3vyizu.cloudfront.net/tlaib.house.gov/uploads/2023/04/Congressional-Letter-to-DOJ-on-Julian-Assange-Indictment_Final.pdf">Members of the House argued</a>
that "[e]very day that the prosecution of Julian Assange continues is another
day that our own government needlessly undermines our own moral authority
abroad and rolls back the freedom of the press under the First Amendment at
home.”
</p>
<p>
We believe the Department of Justice acted correctly in 2013, during your
vice-presidency, when it <a href="https:/www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/julian-assange-unlikely-to-face-us-charges-over-publishing-classified-documents/2013/11/25/dd27decc-55f1-11e3-8304-caf30787c0a9_story.html">declined to pursue charges</a> against
Mr. Assange for publishing the classified documents because it recognized
that the prosecution would set a dangerous precedent. We note that the 1917
Espionage Act was ostensibly intended to punish and imprison government
employees and contractors for providing or selling state secrets to enemy
governments, not to punish journalists and whistleblowers for attempting to
inform the public about serious issues that some U.S. government officials
might prefer to keep secret. We are aware that the Assange case has been <a href="http:/english.scio.gov.cn/pressroom/2022-06/21/content_78281622.htm">cited
    by officials of the People’s Republic of China</a>
to claim that the U.S. is “hypocritical” when it comes to its purported
support for media freedom. We are also well aware that should the U.S.
extradition and prosecution go forward, there is a significant risk that
our <a href="https:/www.theguardian.com/media/2023/sep/14/julian-assange-more-than-60-australian-mps-urge-us-to-let-wikileaks-founder-walk-free">bilateral relationship with Australia will be badly damaged</a>.
</p>
<p>
It is the duty of journalists to seek out sources, including documentary
evidence, in order to report to the public on the activities of government.
The United States must not pursue an unnecessary prosecution that risks
criminalizing common journalistic practices and thus chilling the work of
the free press. We urge you to ensure that this case be brought to a close
in as timely a manner as possible.
</p>
<p>
Sincerely,
</p>
<p>
<pre>
James P. McGovern                                   Thomas Massie
Member of Congress                                  Member of Congress
</pre>
</p>
</blockquote>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_((satire)_Gaza_Ceasefire)
title: (satire) Gaza Ceasefire
uri: (satire)-Gaza-Ceasefire
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_((satire)_Gaza_Ceasefire)
content:
 
<p>

  (satire) *<a href="https://www.theonion.com/u-s-warns-a-gaza-ceasefire-would-only-benefit-humanity-1850958637">U.S. Warns A Gaza Ceasefire Would Only Benefit Humanity.</a>*

 


title: Order to end Republican gerrymandering in Georgia
uri: Order-to-end-Republican-gerrymandering-in-Georgia
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(Order_to_end_Republican_gerrymandering_in_Georgia)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(Order_to_end_Republican_gerrymandering_in_Georgia)

content:
 
<p>

  A court decision has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/26/georgia-map-black-voters-ruling-democrat-congress">ordered an end to Republican gerrymandering in Georgia</a>.
  This will leave Republicans in control of the state, because they do
have more voters there, but will make a difference in the House of
Representatives.  Also, it could deny Republicans a supermajority in
the state senate.
</p>

 


title: Pressure on officials to vote for "chatcontrol"
uri: Pressure-on-officials-to-vote-for-chatcontrol
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(Pressure_on_officials_to_vote_for_chatcontrol)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(Pressure_on_officials_to_vote_for_chatcontrol)

content:
 
<p>

The European Commission semi-secretly bought ads on <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#extwitter">Ex-Twitter</a> to <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/csar-chat-scan-proposal-european-commission-ads/">pressure
    officials to vote</a> for the repressive plan to force encrypted messaging programs
to monitor and report the unencrypted messages.
This plan is called <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-may-aug.html#19_July_2022_(EU_mass_surveillance)">"chatcontrol"</a>.
<p>
EU voters, please pressure your MEPs to oppose chatcontrol!
</p>

 


title: Civilian casualty figures for Gaza
uri: Civilian-casualty-figures-for-Gaza
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(Civilian_casualty_figures_for_Gaza)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(Civilian_casualty_figures_for_Gaza)

content:
 
<p>

  Israel and its allies <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/26/can-we-trust-casualty-figures-from-the-hamas-run-gaza-health-ministry">question the civilian casualty figures for Gaza</a>,
claiming that HAMAS exaggerates the number of casualties caused by
Israel's bombardment of Gaza.  Others argue for trusting those figures
on the grounds that there are ways to cross-check the details so that
falsifying the totals would not be feasible.
</p>
<p>
Does this question make a crucial difference?  I don't think so.  Even
if the number of Gazan civilians killed by Israel's bombardment were
only 4,000 instead of the 7,000 reported by the HAMAS-run Gaza medical
system, it would still be mass murder and a war crime.
</p>
<p>
The fact that HAMAS committed mass murder first doesn't excuse Israel
for committing mass murder second.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(Deserters_from_Putin_forces)
title: Deserters from Putin forces
uri: Deserters-from-Putin-forces
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(Deserters_from_Putin_forces)
content:
 
<p>

Deserters from the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#putinforces">Putin forces</a>, having found temporary refuge in Armenia,
speak out to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/26/russian-deserters-call-on-former-comrades-to-join-them-armenia-soldiers-ukraine-war">encourage other soldiers in the Putin forces to desert as well</a>.
  They were helped by an organization dedicated to helping Putin
forces soldiers to desert.
</p>
<p>
It takes courage to escape from an army that boasts of being ready to
shoot anyone who retreats.  Countries that support Ukraine should help
those who do escape from the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#putinforces">Putin forces</a>, so as to encourage more.
</p>

 


title: According to venture capitalist Marc Andressen
uri: According-to-venture-capitalist-Marc-Andressen
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(According_to_venture_capitalist_Marc_Andressen)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#29_October_2023_(According_to_venture_capitalist_Marc_Andressen)

content:
 
<p>

* <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/27/hey-tech-billionaires-if-you-want-to-talk-about-radical-change-lets-abolish-venture-capitalism">Do you support sustainability, social responsibility, tech ethics,
   or trust and safety? Congratulations, you’re an enemy of
   progress. That’s according to the venture capitalist Marc
    Andreessen.</a>*
</p>
<p>
In this article, the list of evils that the VC foist on society is incomplete.
"Depending on computing done by programs that the users do not control"
is another evil, not mentioned in the article's list.  It includes
inducing people to run <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">nonfree programs</a>
and inducing them to <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/who-does-that-server-really-serve.html">entrust their computing to company's servers</a>.
</p>
<p>
People overlook this because they have not learned to recognize how it
(1) is unjust in itself and (2) makes the other recognized abuses
possible.
</p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_October_2023_(Southern_Ocean_conference_failed)
title: Southern Ocean conference failed
uri: Southern-Ocean-conference-failed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_October_2023_(Southern_Ocean_conference_failed)
content:
 
<p>
An international conference to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/29/russian-delegation-stymies-creation-of-antarctic-conservation-area">improve protection and management of
the Southern Ocean failed</a> because the Russian delegation seemed not to be
interested in the goal.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_October_2023_(Ariel_Bernstein)
title: Ariel Bernstein
uri: Ariel-Bernstein
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_October_2023_(Ariel_Bernstein)
content:
 
<p>
Ariel Bernstein participated as a soldier in Israel's 2014 ground
invasion of Gaza.  What he learned is that such <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/29/i-fought-house-to-house-in-gaza-i-know-force-alone-wont-bring-peace">invasions are no path
towards peace or security</a> -- they are mere revenge.
Since then, he has worked for reconciliation and peace.

<p>
 


title: Prominent editors and executives fired for criticizing Israel
uri: Prominent-editors-and-executives-fired-for-criticizing-Israel
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_October_2023_(Porminent_editors_and_executives_fired_for_criticizing_Israel)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_October_2023_(Porminent_editors_and_executives_fired_for_criticizing_Israel)

content:
 
<p>
A few prominent magazine editors and executives have been fired or
pushed out for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/29/israel-palestine-backlash-david-velasco-artforum-nan-goldin">publicly criticizing Israel's actions towards
Palestinians</a>.  However, thousands are coming to their defense.
<p>
I don't entirely know, and don't necessarily agree with, their
specific positions.  That isn't the point anyway.  A free society
needs to offer room for people to disagree.
<p>
Unless someone is an enemy of democracy and human rights in the US,
and seriously wants to abolish them, we should accept per presence as
part of our society, and argue (if we wish) the points we disagree
about.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_October_2023_(Clarence_Thomas's_$267k_loan)
title: Clarence Thomas's $267k "loan"
uri: Clarence-Thomas-s-267k-loan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_October_2023_(Clarence_Thomas's_$267k_loan)
content:
 
<p>
Clarence Thomas got a loan from a rich friend for $267k.
A few years later, before he had to repay any of it, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/25/us/politics/clarence-thomas-rv-loan-senate-inquiry.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&link_id=2&can_id=8b24519448cbedadde1c8a966f94caad&source=email-re-this-case-could-upend-the-tax-code-as-we-know-it-four-justices-must-recuse-themselves&email_referrer=email_2092853&email_subject=re-this-case-could-upend-the-tax-code-as-we-know-it-four-justices-must-recuse-themselves">the rich friend
forgave the debt.  Thomas did not report any of this</a>.

<p>
 


title: (Satire) Fetishes on all campaign materials
uri: (Satire)-Fetishes-on-all-campaign-materials
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_October_2023_((Satire)_Fetishes_on_all_campaign_materials)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_October_2023_((Satire)_Fetishes_on_all_campaign_materials)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *New Law Requires Political Candidates To <a href="https://www.theonion.com/new-law-requires-political-candidates-to-disclose-fetis-1850964738">Disclose Fetishes
On All Campaign Materials</a>.*
<p>
  If an Onion page appears blank, try disabling Javascript entirely or
  telling LibreJS to blacklist all scripts in the page, then
  right-click and select item "Reveal hidden HTML". Or use a browser
  such as lynx that doesn't implement Javascript and CSS.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_October_2023_(Reduced_rain)
title: Reduced rain
uri: Reduced-rain
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_October_2023_(Reduced_rain)
content:
 
<p>
Reduced rain in the Mississippi basin has caused <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/27/louisiana-mississippi-river-tap-water-contamination-chemicals">tap water
disinfection in parts of Louisiana to leave toxic chemicals</a>.

<p>
 


title: Protests and strikes against Amazon.com
uri: Protests-and-strikes-against-Amazon-com
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_October_2023_(Protests_and_strikes_against_Amazon.com)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_October_2023_(Protests_and_strikes_against_Amazon.com)

content:
 
<p>Protests and strikes against Amazon.com are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/oct/27/make-amazon-pay-black-friday-strikes-planned-in-30-countries-including-uk">planned for Nov 24</a>.
<p>
Can anyone tell me where these plans are published?  
<p>
Amazon wiped out enormous numbers of jobs through its anticompetitive
practices.  That is one of many reasons to <a href="/amazon.html">refuse to buy from that company</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_October_2023_(Bandcamp_sold)
title: Bandcamp sold
uri: Bandcamp-sold
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_October_2023_(Bandcamp_sold)
content:
 
<p>
Bandcamp was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/27/epic-games-bandcamp-acquired-sondtradr">sold to a company that has no respect for the community
it served</a>.  Someone who appreciated the site laments this.
<p>
I might have appreciaeted Bandcamp too, if its unjust practices had
not excluded me from using it.  To access music there required (1)
running nonfree JavaScript software and (2) identifying oneself to
make a payment.
<p>
I did not try to check whether Bandcamp also requires/required
agreeing to an antisociaizing contract: that is, a commitment not to
share copies of the music with anyone else.  It wasn't crucial for me
to know that, since I couldn't use the site anyway.  But now I wonder
-- does anyone know if Bandcamp demands a promise to be divided and
ruled?
<p>
This is an example of a situation I notice from time to time.  Most
internet users spinelessly accept being the victim of widespread
unjust practices.  As a result, when they really love a site, it is
quite likely that I will condemn the site for injustice to its users.

<p>
 


title: Palestinian and Israeli tangled in suffering
uri: Palestinian-and-Israeli-tangled-in-suffering
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_October_2023_(Palestinian_and_Israeli_tangled_in_suffering)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#30_October_2023_(Palestinian_and_Israeli_tangled_in_suffering)

content:
 
<p>
*Palestinians and Israelis are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/27/israel-hamas-war-palestinians-un">bound together in suffering</a>. Seeking
to untangle this, as the UN has, should not be seen as making
excuses for HAMAS.*

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Irreversible_climate_crises)
title: Irreversible climate crises
uri: Irreversible-climate-crises
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Irreversible_climate_crises)
content:
 
<p>
We are close to the tipping point at which the melting of Greenland
will become
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2023/oct/27/at-what-threshold-is-greenland-ice-caps-melting-irreversible">irreversible</a>.
<p>
The melting of part of Antarctica is already
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#25_October_2023_(Flooding_as_the_Antarctic_ice_shelf_melts)">irreversible</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Urgent:_Protect_pollinators)
title: Urgent: Protect pollinators
uri: 2023-11-02-Urgent-Protect-pollinators
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Urgent:_Protect_pollinators)
content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on the USGS to <a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=55463">protect pollinators by tracking
    pesticides</a>.
</p>
<p>
If you have disabled the page's JavaScript, you may get a blank
response after signing.  That does not mean anything is wrong; your
signature has probably been sent in properly.  The blank screen has
text that is rendered invisible by CSS; if your browser gives you a
way to disable the CSS in the page (as Icecat does), that should make
the text appear.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Urgent:_Moore_v._U.S.)
title: Urgent: Moore v. U.S.
uri: Urgent-Moore-v-U-S
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Urgent:_Moore_v._U.S.)
content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on justices Alito, Gorsuch, Roberts, and Thomas to
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/demand-justices-alito-gorsuch-roberts-and-thomas-recuse-themselves-from-moore-v-us">recuse themselves from Moore v. U.S.</a>
</p>

 


title: Urgent: Humanitarian aid for Gaza must include fuel
uri: Urgent-Humanitarian-aid-for-Gaza-must-include-fuel
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Urgent:_Humanitarian_aid_for_Gaza_must_include_fuel)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Urgent:_Humanitarian_aid_for_Gaza_must_include_fuel)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: tell Biden that <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/fuel-gaza?akid=9361.223515.P1dKKc&c0=fuel-gaza.Rxk4nC&rd=1">humanitarian aid for Gaza must include
    fuel</a>.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Urgent:_Impeach_Clarence_Thomas)
title: Urgent: Impeach Clarence Thomas
uri: Urgent-Impeach-Clarence-Thomas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Urgent:_Impeach_Clarence_Thomas)
content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-congress-impeach-clarence-thomas-not-joe-biden/">call on Congress to impeach Clarence Thomas</a>.
</p>
<p>If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>

 


title: Urgent: Overdose prevention centers
uri: Urgent-Overdose-prevention-centers
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Urgent:_Overdose_prevention_centers)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Urgent:_Overdose_prevention_centers)

content:
 
<p>

In the US: call on state legislators to <a href="https://action.aclu.org/send-message/ma-overdose-prevention-centers">support overdose prevention
    centers</a>.

 


title: Urgent: Deny Egypt "security" assistance
uri: Urgent-Deny-Egypt-security-assistance
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Urgent:_Deny_Egypt_security_assistance)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Urgent:_Deny_Egypt_security_assistance)

content:
 
<p>

  US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/go/34272?c0=egypt-security-assistance.iiVeiR">deny Egypt the "security" assistance</a>
that it seems to have bribed Senator Menendez to get.
</p>
<p>If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>

 


title: Urgent: Widening highway without environmental review
uri: Urgent-Widening-highway-without-environmental-review
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Urgent:_Widening_highway_without_environmental_review)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Urgent:_Widening_highway_without_environmental_review)

content:
 
<p>

  Everyone: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/newsome-climate-action">Support Jeanie Ward-Waller's complaint</a> about Caltrans for
widening a highway without environmental review, counter to the stated
state policy to stop giving priority to car travel.
</p>

 


title: Urgent: Urge universities to divest from fossil fuels
uri: Urgent-Urge-universities-to-divest-from-fossil-fuels
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Urgent:_Urge_universities_to_divest_from_fossil_fuels)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Urgent:_Urge_universities_to_divest_from_fossil_fuels)

content:
 
<p>

  In the US: urge US universities to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-universities-divest-from-fossil-fuels">divest from fossil fuels</a>.
</p>

 


title: Urgent: Ban members of Congress from owning stocks
uri: Urgent-Ban-members-of-Congress-from-owning-stocks
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Urgent:_Ban_members_of_Congress_from_owning_stocks)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Urgent:_Ban_members_of_Congress_from_owning_stocks)

content:
 
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-the-petition-members-of-congress-should-not-own-or-trade-stock">ban its members from owning or
    trading individual stocks</a>.
</p>
<p>If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Widespread_racial_profiling)
title: Widespread racial profiling
uri: Widespread-racial-profiling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Widespread_racial_profiling)
content:
 
<p>

  *France faces court action over <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/29/france-faces-court-action-over-widespread-use-of-racial-profiling">widespread use of racial profiling</a>.
</p>
<p>
Rights groups hope to bring end to discrimination they say has gone
unaddressed by successive governments.*
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(President_Trump_2.0)
title: President Trump 2.0
uri: President-Trump-2-0
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(President_Trump_2.0)
content:
 
<p>

Timothy Garton Ash: *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/29/unless-joe-biden-stands-aside-the-world-must-prepare-for-president-trump-20">Unless Joe Biden stands aside, the world must
    prepare for President Trump 2.0.</a>*
</p>
<p>
I do not consider Biden too old to be president.  I can't understand why
people attach so much importance to age.
</p>
<p>
I judge candidates by what they stand for and what they do.  Biden has
positively surprised me with the half of his policies that have been
progressive.  That was a surprise because I expected him to be mostly
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a>.  To find the glass actually half full was good news.
</p>
<p>
I can't understand why any American who wants to continue democracy
could support the fascist.  But apparently some can.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Salt_levels_in_food)
title: Salt levels in food
uri: Salt-levels-in-food
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Salt_levels_in_food)
content:
 
<p>

Proposing that Australia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/oct/30/australia-salt-intake-grattan-institute-recommends-mandatory-daily-limits-sneaky-salt-report">limit the level of salt in certain kinds of
    prepared foods</a>, since the high level of salt in some of them could
be responsible for hundreds of deaths per year.
</p>
<p>
There is no proposal to forbid people from eating too much salt.
Rather, the intention is to alter a system that tends to lead many
people to eat too much salt without realizing it.
</p>

 


title: Rare and bizarre behavior from electric cars
uri: Rare-and-bizarre-behavior-from-electric-cars
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Rare_and_bizarre_behavior_from_electric_cars)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Rare_and_bizarre_behavior_from_electric_cars)

content:
 
<p>

  A few drivers report that electric cars <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/oct/29/uk-drivers-make-claims-of-incredibly-scary-malfunctions-with-electric-cars">behave bizarrely on rare occasions</a>.
</p>
<p>
I wonder if these problems could have been caused by a cracker who
broke the security in the car's computers and sent them remote
commands to do these things.  If a computer system is (1) connected to
networks and (2) flexible enough that almost any function could be
activated by commands coming over the network, there is probably a way
for cracking to bring about the results described in the article.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Omni-surveillance_society)
title: "Omni-surveillance" society
uri: Omni-surveillance-society
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Omni-surveillance_society)
content:
 
<p>

The UK biometrics and surveillance commissioner says that
the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/oct/29/britain-omni-surveillance-society-watchdog-warns">UK is becoming an "omni-surveillance" society</a>.
</p>
<p>
This is what happens when people allow government or commercial
surveillance to advance without fighting it at every step.
Governments and businesses are persistent; defeating their surveillance
once doesn't mean they are down.
</p>

 


title: Taxation is a means to a decent society
uri: Taxation-is-a-means-to-a-decent-society
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Taxation_is_a_means_to_a_decent_society)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#1_November_2023_(Taxation_is_a_means_to_a_decent_society)

content:
 
<p>

  *Taxation is not a "burden".* It is a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/oct/28/taxation-is-not-a-burden-its-brexit-that-weighs-britain-down">means to a decent society</a>, and
when properly spent, makes everyone better off except billionaires.
</p>
<p>
  Here are some of the things we need that <a href="/articles/why-we-need-a-state.html">require taxation</a>.
</p>

<p>
 


title: Millions have little to nothing, GAZA
uri: Millions-have-little-to-nothing-GAZA
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(Millions_have_little_to_nothing,_GAZA)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(Millions_have_little_to_nothing,_GAZA)

content:
 
<p>
Israel has cut off
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/27/gaza-internet-cutoff-israel-siege-casualties">internet, cellular and landline</a>
communication with Gaza.  This was followed soon after by an increase in bombardment.  One
must suspect that the cutoff was imposed was to keep the world in
the dark about the casualties caused by the increased bombardment.
<p>
*Furniture for firewood, radios for news:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/27/furniture-for-firewood-radios-for-news-israels-siege-throws-life-in-gaza-back-decades">Israel’s siege</a>
throws life in Gaza back decades.*
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/27/israel-gaza-war-un-general-assembly-call-immediate-durable-humanitarian-truce">UN general assembly</a>
calls for "immediate, durable humanitarian
truce" [in Gaza].*  Only 14 countries voted against the resolution, one of them being the US.
<p>
The US should have voted for that resolution.
<p>
The US is right to recognize Israel's right to self-defend against
HAMAS &mdash; but there are limits to what constitutes "self-defense".  It
does not include unlimited bombardment of civilians in Gaza.  It does
not include denying civilians access to food, water, medicine and the
fuel necessary to distribute those.  It does not include cutting them
off from communication.
<p>
There is no conflict between recognizing Israel's right of
self-defense, properly understood, and calling for a truce. The US should do both.

<p>
 


title: Palestinian side as taboo
uri: Palestinian-side-as-taboo
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(Taking_the_Palestinian_side_as_taboo)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(Taking_the_Palestinian_side_as_taboo)

content:
 
<p>
The US
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/10/27/palestine-israel-free-speech-retaliation-senate/">Senate unanimously condemned</a>
"pro-HAMAS student groups".
<p>
  I endorse the condemnation of any groups that support HAMAS.  <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#13_October_2023_(Potential_rally_participants_as_criminal_suspects)">HAMAS is a terror group</a>.
<p>
But I have to wonder if the statements of the student groups in
question were actually pro-HAMAS.  They may have been pro-Palestinian.
They may have been anti-Israel, or just anti-occupation.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(US-Qatar_relations_per_Israel)
title: US-Qatar relations per Israel
uri: US-Qatar-relations-per-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(US-Qatar_relations_per_Israel)
content:
 
<p>
A report says that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/oct/27/us-asks-qatar-to-turn-down-the-volume-of-al-jazeera-news-coverage">the US asked Qatar</a>
to reduce Al Jazeera's coverage of Israel's bombardment and siege of Gaza.
<p>
Covering stories such as the killing of Gaza <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#26_October_2023_(Al_Jazeera_losses_in_Gaza)">bureau chief Wael
al-Dahdouh's family</a>
seems to be inspiring condemnation of Israel's apparent war crimes.
<p>
Perhaps Israel should cease committing more of them.  It could declare
a cease-fire and allow in all the food, water, medicines and fuel that Gazans need.
<p>
It is not justifiable to hold everyone in Gaza hostage to demand
the surrender of HAMAS &mdash; and it won't even work.
<p>
*This isn’t a contest of heroes and villains &mdash; but two peoples in deep pain,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/27/tragedy-israel-palestine-conflict-horror">fated to share the same land</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(Airstrikes_on_bakeries,_Gaza)
title: Airstrikes on bakeries, Gaza
uri: Airstrikes-on-bakeries-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(Airstrikes_on_bakeries,_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
*The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) said
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/oct/28/airstrikes-on-gaza-bakeries-add-to-catastrophic-food-shortages">10 of the 50 bakeries</a>
[in Gaza] it supplies with flour, helping to lower the soaring cost of
bread, have been hit in airstrikes.*
<p>
It appears that either the Israeli air force is specifically targeting
food facilities or it has destroyed 1/5 of the civilian buildings in Gaza.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(Partisan_bill_to_fund_Israel)
title: Partisan bill to fund Israel
uri: Partisan-bill-to-fund-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(Partisan_bill_to_fund_Israel)
content:
 
<p>
*US House Republicans plan to give Israel $14.3bn
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/30/us-house-republicans-israel-irs-funding-cut">by cutting IRS
 funds</a>.*
<p>
The funds that the IRS has been allocated are for carrying out the war
against ripoffs by billionaires.  That is a crucial priority for the
US.
<p>
By contrast, I am skeptical that Israel requires those billions simply
to defend itself against HAMAS.  The ground attack in Gaza is not
necessary, not defense, and not compatible with the requirement to protect civilians

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(US_Jews_protest_Israel)
title: US Jews protest Israel
uri: US-Jews-protest-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(US_Jews_protest_Israel)
content:
 
<p>
Large numbers of American Jews held protests against
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/jewish-americans-hold-a-wave-of-protests-arrests-across-the-country-calling-for-ceasefire-in-gaza-pledge-more-protests-to-come">Israel's
bombardment of Gaza</a>,
led by Jewish Voice for Peace.
<p>
I generally support the positions of Jewish Voice for Peace, and I
think I would be a member of it if not for one thing: the organization
speaks for its members as being Jews by religion, not only by
ethnicity and culture.  That excludes me, because I am proud to say I
am an Atheist, on fundamental scientific grounds.  I wish the
organization's stance were consistent with my being a member.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(United_Auto_Workers_wins)
title: United Auto Workers wins
uri: United-Auto-Workers-wins
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(United_Auto_Workers_wins)
content:
 
<p>
The UAW has won
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/sierra-club-statement-on-uaw-deals-with-the-big-three-automakers">concessions from the Big 3</a>
automobile manufacturers.

<p>
 


title: Satire: Gazen targets: medical personnel
uri: Satire-Gazen-targets-medical-personnel
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(Satire:_Gazen_targets:_medical_personel)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(Satire:_Gazen_targets:_medical_personel)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Israel Warns Gaza
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/israel-warns-gaza-still-harboring-hundreds-of-doctors-1850964439">Still Harboring</a>
Hundreds Of Doctors.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(West_Bank_annexing_spree)
title: West Bank annexing spree
uri: West-Bank-annexing-spree
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(West_Bank_annexing_spree)
content:
 
<p>
Violent Israeli fanatics, hell-bent on expelling Palestinians from
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/31/west-bank-palestinian-villages-israeli-army-settlers">West Bank land</a>,
have escalated their violence.  They now break into
homes, beat people up, and steal things.
<p>
Apparently the fanatics think that it is valid to take revenge for
HAMAS terrorism on any available Palestinian &mdash; a fundamentally racist attitude.
<p>
This is an addition to the fanatics' long-established practice of
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-jan-apr.html#23_March_2012_(Water_Sources)">stealing agricultural land</a>
to drive Palestinians out.  And, in some places, shooting
at Palestinians' homes to make them impossible to live in.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(From_the_river_to_the_sea)
title: "From the river to the sea"
uri: From-the-river-to-the-sea
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(From_the_river_to_the_sea)
content:
 
<p>
On the meanings of the phrase,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/31/from-the-river-to-the-sea-where-does-the-slogan-come-from-and-what-does-it-mean-israel-palestine">"From the river to the sea"</a>.
<p>
Some common uses of the phrase imply the elimination of Israel.
<p>
The actual words that MP Andy McDonald used do not imply that.  To me,
they seem to advocate having just one state in that region, a state of
Israel-Palestine.  That idea is not outrageous in principle, though I
don't see how it could work, so I still advocate two states.
<p>
I think <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#20_October_2023_(Protests_for_Palestinians,_UK)">the Labour Party did wrong</a>
to treat him so harshly.
<p>
*As Gaza crumbles, those speaking up for innocent Palestinians are
being
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/31/gaza-innocent-palestinians-silenced-sacked-free-speech">silenced and sacked</a>.*
<p>
This article asserts that McDonald was in fact advocating two states.
It would be interesting to see the full text of his remarks.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(Palestinian_genocidal_war,_GAZA)
title: Palestinian genocidal war, GAZA
uri: Palestinian-genocidal-war-GAZA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(Palestinian_genocidal_war,_GAZA)
content:
 
<p>
*Israeli airstrikes have destroyed apartment blocks and killed dozens
of people at a refugee camp in northern Gaza.  The Israeli military
said it had targeted the camp
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/31/dozens-killed-after-israeli-airstrikes-on-gaza-refugee-camp">to kill [one</a>
Hamas commander].*
<p>
Killing one real enemy does not excuse converting a large number of
civilians into "collateral damage".  Not when Israel does it, and not
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#14_March_2017_(Raid_on_Yemen)">when the US does it</a>.

<p>
 


title: Mainstream-press HAMAS/Israel falsities
uri: Mainstream-press-HAMAS-Israel-falsities
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(Mainstream-press_HAMAS%2FIsrael_falsities_)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(Mainstream-press_HAMAS%2FIsrael_falsities_)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/31/journalism-social-media">Refuting false reports</a>
of atrocities by HAMAS and Israel.

<p>
 


title: Unions: good year, challenging trend
uri: Unions-good-year-challenging-trend
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(Unions:_good_year,_challenging_trend)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#2_November_2023_(Unions:_good_year,_challenging_trend)

content:
 
<p>
*Recent US union contract gains [have happened]
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/31/union-labor-win-strike-obstacles">against a backdrop</a>
of decades of union decline, worsening wealth inequality and broken labor laws.*

 


title: Deforestation raises temperature more than thought
uri: Deforestation-raises-temperature-more-than-thought
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Deforestation_raises_temperature_more_than_thought)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Deforestation_raises_temperature_more_than_thought)

content:
 
<p>

New research shows that deforestation of a region <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/30/deforestation-has-big-impact-on-regional-temperatures-study-of-brazilian-amazon-shows">raises its temperature
    more than was previously estimated</a>.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Outsourcing_loses_again)
title: Outsourcing loses again
uri: Outsourcing-loses-again
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Outsourcing_loses_again)
content:
 
<p>

Outsourcing loses again!  Air Canada outsources wheelchair services,
at least in Las Vegas, so it told a disabled passenger he had to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/30/air-canada-wheelchair-disabled-man-drag-himself-off-flight">drag himself
    off the plane without one</a>.
  Fortunately his wife knew how to carry his legs while he used his arms.
</p>

 


title: Criminal prosecution of corporations
uri: Criminal-prosecution-of-corporations
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Criminal_prosecution_of_corporations)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Criminal_prosecution_of_corporations)

content:
 
<p>

A US government decision to increase prosecution of corporations for their
crimes <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/corporate-prosecutions-remain-near-record-lows-in-bidens-justice-department">failed to result in many more prosecutions</a>.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Too_late_to_meet_1.5°C_goal)
title: Too late to meet 1.5°C goal
uri: Too-late-to-meet-1-5-C-goal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Too_late_to_meet_1.5°C_goal)
content:
 
<p>

  The world has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/30/climate-crisis-carbon-emissions-budget">failed to act</a> to keep <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> from exceeding
1.5°C.  Now it is basically too late.
</p>
<p>
How did we miss our chance?  Governments have fought determinedly to
oppose all efforts to save the world as we know it.  And they are
still doing so.
</p>
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/oct/30/met-arrest-more-than-60-climate-activists-just-stop-oil-protest-first-use-powers-public-order-act">[London thug department] arrests more than 60 climate activists at
  Just Stop Oil protest.</a>*  Their nonviolent protest consisted of walking slowly.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Far-right_German_legislator)
title: Far-right German legislator
uri: Far-right-German-legislator
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Far-right_German_legislator)
content:
 
<p>

A newly elected far-right German legislator <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/30/far-right-german-politician-arrested-after-sieg-heil-salutes-heard">turns out to be literally
    a Nazi</a>, but hides it from all but close supporters.

 


title: China rams Philippines resupply ships
uri: China-rams-Philippines-resupply-ships
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(China_rams_Philippines_resupply_ships)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(China_rams_Philippines_resupply_ships)

content:
 
<p>

  China <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/30/sierra-madre-phillippines-ship-china-blockade">repeatedly rams resupply ships sent by the Philippines</a> to its
base on Second Thomas Shoal, hoping to compel the Philippines to
abandon that base.
</p>

 


title: DeMentis' claims on "Students for Justice in Palestine"
uri: DeMentis-claims-on-Students-for-Justice-in-Palestine
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(DeMentis'_claims_on_Students_for_Justice_in_Palestine)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(DeMentis'_claims_on_Students_for_Justice_in_Palestine)

content:
 
<p>

<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis</a> claims that chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine
have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/29/ron-desantis-florida-colleges-pro-palestinian-groups-ban">"linked themselves to HAMAS"</a> and therefore are promoting terrorism.
  He said that this justifies prohibiting them.
</p>
<p>
If they have indeed done so, that conclusion could follow.
They might also be committing a crime by supporting HAMAS.
But do they really do that?
</p>
<p>
The quotations from Students for Justice in Palestine seem to be
ambiguously on the borderline.  The group called HAMAS's terrorist
acts "part of the resistance", which asserts legitimacy for them.
That is a moral reason to refuse to support that group.
</p>
<p>
But the information in this article does not show the group as saying
it is is "part of HAMAS".
</p>

 


title: Protest musicians convicted in Belarus
uri: Protest-musicians-convicted-in-Belarus
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Protest_musicians_convicted_in_Belarus)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Protest_musicians_convicted_in_Belarus)

content:
 
<p>

  Belarus has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/31/belarus-musicians-jailed-for-to-up-to-nine-years-amid-protest-crackdown">convicted three protest musicians of various crimes</a>
including "discrediting Belarus" and "insulting the president".
  What truly discredits Belarus is declaring those things to be crimes.

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Australian_law_invalidated)
title: Australian law invalidated
uri: Australian-law-invalidated
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Australian_law_invalidated)
content:
 
<p>

  An Australian court has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/nov/01/abdul-nacer-benbrika-australian-citizenship-convicted-terrorist-wins-high-court-battle">invalidated the law</a> that authorized a minister
to cancel the citizenship of people convicted of terrorism.
</p>
<p>
A free country can punish people for crimes, but exile should never be
used as a punishment.
</p>
<p>
The right-wing law previously invalidated, that allowed cancellation
of citizenship for a dual citizen based purely on suspicion, was even
more unjust than this one.  It was unacceptable in two different ways:
punishment using exile, and punishment without proving a crime.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Finnish_neo-Nazis_3D_printed_guns)
title: Finnish neo-Nazis 3D printed guns
uri: Finnish-neo-Nazis-3D-printed-guns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Finnish_neo-Nazis_3D_printed_guns)
content:
 
<p>

  *<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/31/finland-neo-nazis-convicted-crimes-with-terrorist-intent-3d-printer-guns">Finnish neo-Nazis used 3D printer to make guns in preparation for "race war".</a>*
</p>
<p>
Home-made guns are now a serious danger.  I think it is valid to
criminalize possessing one.
</p>
<p>
However, the British approach of making it a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/31/nca-calls-for-possession-of-3d-printed-gun-blueprints-to-be-made">crime to have
    a copy of plans for 3D-printing</a> is an injustice.
</p>
<p>
To make the mere possession of a copy of something &mdash; whatever it
might be &mdash; is an injustice because it puts everyone in danger of
being set up for prosecution.
</p>

 


title: Putin forces soldiers arrested and charged
uri: Putin-forces-soldiers-arrested-and-charged
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Putin_forces_soldiers_arrested_and_charged)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Putin_forces_soldiers_arrested_and_charged)

content:
 
<p>

Russia has arrested some <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#putinforces">Putin forces</a> soldiers and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/31/russian-soldiers-accused-of-killing-family-of-nine-in-ukraine">charged them with murdering
    a Ukrainian family</a> in the occupied territory.
</p>
<p>
This does not come close to showing that Putin will apply proper standards
of justice to the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#putinforces">Putin forces</a>, but at least it is a step in that direction.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Collapse_of_Earth's_ecosystems)
title: Collapse of Earth's ecosystems
uri: Collapse-of-Earth-s-ecosystems
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Collapse_of_Earth's_ecosystems)
content:
 
<p>

Mass extinctions come from collapse of Earth's ecosystems and
geological systems.  They shift into a new configuration in which most
species don't fit, and the result is global disaster.
</p>
<p>
The accelerated heating and local disasters we have recently seen
suggest we are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/31/flickering-earth-systems-warning-act-now-rishi-sunak-north-sea">coming closer to such a global disaster</a>.  Enormous
systems, including the Arctic sea ice, the circulation of the Southern
Ocean, and rainfall in the Amazon Forest, are showing large changes.
</p>
<p>
Earth's governments, most of them in thrall to selfish billionaires,
have been nearly useless for trying to save Earth's life.
</p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Promotion_of_plastic_recycling)
title: Promotion of plastic recycling
uri: Promotion-of-plastic-recycling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Promotion_of_plastic_recycling)
content:
 
<p>

The idea of recycling most plastic that is discarded has been promoted
for decades by plastic manufacturers to convince us to ignore waste
plastic that winds up in rivers, soil, and the ocean.
</p>
<p>
  The next step in this campaign is to <a href="https://theintercept.com/2023/10/31/plastics-pollution-advanced-recycling/">cite "advanced recycling"</a>,
which is still hypothetical.
</p>

 


title: Claims global heating has accelerated
uri: Claims-global-heating-has-accelerated
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Claims_global_heating_has_accelerated)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Claims_global_heating_has_accelerated)

content:
 
<p>

Some climate scientists claim that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> has accelerated
recently, because we have <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20231103042351/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/13/opinion/climate-change-excessive-heat-2023.html">reduced sulfur pollution that cools the
    atmosphere but have not reduced greenhouse gas emissions</a>.
  Others say more
years of observation are needed to check this.
</p>
<p>
But we can still probably prevent total disaster &mdash; depending on where
the tipping points are &mdash; if we take the strong action that actually reduces
greenhouse gas emissions.
</p>
<p>
  Planet-roasters <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#8_January_2016_(Global_heating_denialism)">struggle unceasingly</a> to prevent such strong action.
</p>

 


title: Prosecutions for protesting for democracy
uri: Prosecutions-for-protesting-for-democracy
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Prosecutions_for_protesting_for_democracy)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_November_2023_(Prosecutions_for_protesting_for_democracy)

content:
 
<p>

  China has prosecuted 3000 people for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/01/hong-kong-over-the-top-punishment-for-2019-democracy-protesters-report-finds">protesting for democracy in Hong Kong</a>.
</p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#4_November_2023_(Gaza_war_pause_wanted)
title: Gaza war pause wanted
uri: Gaza-war-pause-wanted
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#4_November_2023_(Gaza_war_pause_wanted)
content:
 
<p>

Arguing that Gaza's civilians urgently need
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/nov/01/israel-hamas-ceasefire-humanitarian-pause">a cessation of fighting</a>,
regardless of what it is called and how it is described.
<p>
The difference between a "cease fire" and a "humanitarian pause (in
fighting)" may not be the deep gulf that it appears.
<p>
Presumably a "cease fire" is intended to be permanent while a "pause"
is not.  But there have been dozens of ceasefires between Israel and
HAMAS in Gaza, and each one did end.  HAMAS broke some of them, and
Israel broke others.  Conversely, a cease fire which wasn't explicitly
designated as permanent could nonetheless be extended, as the article
points out.
<p>
I do not mean to say that the difference is nothing at all.  If a
"pause" is agreed to last for a week (say), the sides would probably
resume fighting after that week.  By contrast, a cease fire with no
scheduled end <em>might</em> last for months &mdash; many of them did in the past.
So the details of a truce do matter, but not in an all-or-nothing way.
<p>
The crucial point is that in practice there is no way Israel could
eliminate HAMAS from Gaza, except by eliminating Palestinians from
Gaza &mdash; and that would be an enormous war crime that nothing could
excuse.  Israel cannot achieve the "victory" it says it is aiming for.

As for <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jul-oct.html#12_October_2023_(Gaza_under_full_seige)">HAMAS's war crimes on Oct 7</a>,
they were based on surprise.  It lacks the power to commit more crimes
now.  Therefore, Israel has no opportunity to prevent further HAMAS
war crimes by fighting HAMAS now.  It can kill some HAMAS fighters for
revenge, but only by killing far more Palestinian civilians.  The
sooner Israel stops its bombardment and siege, the less its war crimes will be.

<p>
 


