# articles

title: Why the attraction to a US dictatorship
uri: Why-the-attraction-to-a-US-dictatorship
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#27_June_2024_(Why_the_attraction_to_a_US_dictatorship)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#27_June_2024_(Why_the_attraction_to_a_US_dictatorship)

content:
 
<p>
A young right-wing American, a supporter of <!-- nolnk --> the wrecker, told Robert Reich,
"Think of Putin, Xi, Kim, Ali Khamenei, Netanyahu — they’re all odious <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>," he said. "We
need
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/why-im-scared-shtless-about-thursday">our own
odious thug</a> to stand up to them."
<p>
That thinking has a blatant flaw.  The other "odious <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>" (his words) he listed, aside from
Netanyahu, made their own peoples the first and principal target of their oppression, though
they hurt some minorities worse.  I think <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a> would be similar.  An American would
need to be very lucky to benefit from being under <!---->the wrecker's heel.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#27_June_2024_(Digital-only_payments_fails,_SWE)
title: Digital-only payments failings, SWE
uri: Digital-only-payments-failings-SWE
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#27_June_2024_(Digital-only_payments_fails,_SWE)
content:
 
<p>
Sweden's foolish campaign to push everyone into using tracked digital payments instead of
anonymous cash is unjust to everyone who uses the digital system.  Ironically, it has
<a href="https://fortune.com/europe/2024/06/21/why-going-cashless-has-turned-sweden-from-one-of-the-safest-countries-into-a-high-crime-nation/">also boosted fraud</a>.
<p>
A digital payment systems fraud can steal far more money than a small store would ever have on
hand as cash.  Thus, leaving cash has magnified the danger from crime.
<p>
If they were using <a><a href="taler.net">GNU Taler</a> for digital payments, instead of
BankID, that would fix both problems.  A Taler payment <em>never</em> reveals the payer's
identity, and does not enable fraud against merchants.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#27_June_2024_(Urgent:_Prosecute_Big_Oil)
title: Urgent: Prosecute Big Oil
uri: Urgent-Prosecute-Big-Oil
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#27_June_2024_(Urgent:_Prosecute_Big_Oil)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/doj-prosecute-big-oil2?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-more-perfect-union&source=group-more-perfect-union">call on the Department of Justice</a>
to prosecute Big Oil.

<p>
 


title: Apple violates EU Digital Markets Act
uri: Apple-violates-EU-Digital-Markets-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#27_June_2024_(Apple_violates_EU_Digital_Markets_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#27_June_2024_(Apple_violates_EU_Digital_Markets_Act)

content:
 
<p>
Apple's narrow and restricted provisions for alternate app stores have
been found to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/jun/24/apple-breach-eu-competition-rules-digital-markets-act">violate the EU's Digital Markets Act</a>.
<p>
If the EU stands by this, it may eventually compel Apple to allow
<a href="https://f-droid.org/">something comparable to F-droid</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#27_June_2024_(Religious_texts_and_public_schools)
title: Religious texts and public schools
uri: Religious-texts-and-public-schools
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#27_June_2024_(Religious_texts_and_public_schools)
content:
 
<p>
Posting a religious text in a public school classroom <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jun/24/ten-commandments-religion-us-public-schools">isn't harmless,
let alone neutral</a>.
<p>
It would be difficult to write it in English and be neutral between
monotheism and polytheism, and including atheism in the range of views
respected would be even harder.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#27_June_2024_(Abortion_travel_permission)
title: Abortion travel permission
uri: Abortion-travel-permission
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#27_June_2024_(Abortion_travel_permission)
content:
 
<p>
*Over half of US women on probation or parole <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jun/24/abortion-probation-parole-permission-travel-report">need permission to
travel for abortion</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#27_June_2024_(Gaza_banned_items)
title: Gaza banned items
uri: Gaza-banned-items
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#27_June_2024_(Gaza_banned_items)
content:
 
<p>
*Toys, spices, sewing machines [and many other things]: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/24/gaza-blockade-israel-banned-items">the items
Israel banned from entering Gaza</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#27_June_2024_(Climate_crisis)
title: Climate crisis
uri: 2024-06-27-Climate-crisis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#27_June_2024_(Climate_crisis)
content:
 
<p>
*The climate crisis is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/24/climate-crisis-driving-exponential-rise-in-most-extreme-wildfires">driving an exponential rise in the most extreme
wildfires</a> in key regions around the world.*
<p>
Extreme fires are a small fraction of total wildfires, but they release
more greenhouse gases because they burn whole trees.  The gases
accelerate global heating.
<p>
Whether the effect of this feedback loop is truly exponential remains
to be observed, but if it is, reducing greenhouse emissions may become
impossible.  We should not wait for those observations before we act
vigorously to reduce greenhouse emissions while we still can do so.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Biden_pardons)
title: Biden pardons
uri: Biden-pardons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Biden_pardons)
content:
 
<p>
*Biden pardons
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/26/biden-pardons-veterans-military-law-gay-sex">thousands
of US veterans</a> convicted under law banning gay sex.*
<p>
This should have been done years ago, but better late than never.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Farage_and_Ukraine)
title: Farage and Ukraine
uri: Farage-and-Ukraine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Farage_and_Ukraine)
content:
 
<p>
The UK's right-wing extremist leader, Farage, said that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jun/26/farage-urges-zelenskiy-to-seek-ukraine-peace-deal-with-russia">Ukraine should
give Putin some of its territory</a>.
<p>
Many right-wing leaders seem to be allied with Putin -- starting with
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a>. The ones in the US blocked arms for Ukraine to help Putin
conquer some more territory, while Farage cites that as a reason to
accept defeat.
<p>
It may prove impossible to defeat the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#putinforces">Putin forces</a> completely, It may
be unavoidable for Ukraine to cede some territory to him, but that
would be a very sad victory for tyrannical conquest.  We should not
let a tyrant conquer without a hard fight.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Great_Barrier_Reef_bleaching)
title: Great Barrier Reef bleaching
uri: 2024-06-29-Great-Barrier-Reef-bleaching
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Great_Barrier_Reef_bleaching)
content:
 
<p>
The Great Barrier Reef has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jun/26/most-of-it-was-dead-scientists-discovers-one-of-great-barrier-reefs-worst-coral-bleaching-events">suffered 97% bleaching</a> in some areas.
<p>
A coral reef typically has many species of coral.
I have a suspicion that different species have different rates
of survival.  If the overall rate of survival is 10%, some species
may have 20% survival and some 5% survival, and some 0% survival.
If some species have become locally extinct, that region's coral
reef may be changed permanently.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Israel_anti-war_movement)
title: Israel anti-war movement
uri: Israel-anti-war-movement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Israel_anti-war_movement)
content:
 
<p>
A substantial fraction Israelis are recognizing that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jun/25/israel-anti-war-movement-impossible">letting the
extreme right wing and the fanatical colonists lead Israel is harmful
to Israel</a>.  Now Israelis are recognizing that they act like tyrants and lead
the state into repression.
<p>
For decades there have always been Israelis who wanted to make peace
with Palestinians, but their numbers have dwindled since the 90s.
Maybe now they will increase.

<p>
 


title: 1.2% of land could save most threatened species
uri: 1-2-of-land-could-save-most-threatened-species
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(1.2%25_of_land_could_save_most_threatened_species)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(1.2%25_of_land_could_save_most_threatened_species)

content:
 
<p>
*Protecting <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jun/25/protecting-just-12-of-earths-land-could-save-worlds-most-threatened-species-says-study-aoe">just 1.2% of Earth’s land could save most-threatened species</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(New_ice_sheet_tipping_point)
title: New ice sheet tipping point
uri: New-ice-sheet-tipping-point
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(New_ice_sheet_tipping_point)
content:
 
<p>
*Newly identified <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jun/25/newly-identified-tipping-point-for-ice-sheets-could-mean-greater-sea-level-rise">tipping point for ice sheets</a> could mean greater sea level
rise.*
   Small increase in temperature of intruding water could lead to very big
increase in loss of ice, scientists say.
<p>
*Sea level rise is the greatest long-term impact of the climate crisis
and is set to redraw the world map in coming centuries. It has the
potential to put scores of major cities, from New York City to
Shanghai, below sea level and to affect billions of people.*

<p>
 


title: EU "sustainable" funds invests in polluters
uri: EU-sustainable-funds-invests-in-polluters
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(EU_sustainable_funds_invests_in_polluters)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(EU_sustainable_funds_invests_in_polluters)

content:
 
<p>
*EU-regulated "sustainable" funds <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/25/eu-regulated-sustainable-funds-invest-14bn-in-biggest-polluters">invest [around 20 billion dollars]
in biggest polluters</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Israeli_war_crimes)
title: Israeli war crimes
uri: Israeli-war-crimes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Israeli_war_crimes)
content:
 
<p>
Israel's army has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/25/grey-zone-how-hamas-linked-journalists-legitimate-targets">defined journalists working for organizations linked
with HAMAS as enemy combatants</a>, to be killed.
<p>
This is a bogus excuse for killing civilians, and a war crime.
<p>
*The Day Israeli Tanks <a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/06/25/israel-gaza-journalism-afp-office-bombing/">Fired Directly at AFP's Gaza Bureau</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Julian_Assange)
title: Julian Assange
uri: 2024-06-29-Julian-Assange
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Julian_Assange)
content:
 
<p>
*Julian Assange may be on his way to freedom but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/article/2024/jun/25/julian-assange-may-be-on-his-way-to-freedom-but-this-is-not-a-clear-victory-for-freedom-of-the-press">this is not a clear victory
for freedom of the press</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Urgent:_Nukes_debate)
title: Urgent: Nukes debate
uri: Urgent-Nukes-debate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Urgent:_Nukes_debate)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on CNN to ask the candidates, <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/nukes-debate?akid=9910.223515.beSGXW&c0=nukes-debate.XV2xAW&rd=1&source=em20240618&t=1007">at the first presidential debate, "How will you work to reduce   nuclear tensions as President?</a>"

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Urgent:_declate_climate_emergency)
title: Urgent: declare climate emergency
uri: Urgent-declare-climate-emergency
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Urgent:_declate_climate_emergency)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Biden to <a href="US citizens: call on Biden to declare a climate emergency now.">declare a climate emergency now</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Urgent:_Defend_CFPB_rules)
title: Urgent: Defend CFPB rules
uri: Urgent-Defend-CFPB-rules
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Urgent:_Defend_CFPB_rules)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.boldprogressives.org/survey/petition_2024_abusive_credit_card_fees/?variation=1437&source=e240618_1409-fin-rest&amount=10&tandembox=show&t=1001&akid=87953%2E636740%2EccIw5f">defend the CFPB's new rule limiting
credit card late fees</a>.  These hit mainly Americans who are poor.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: stop $18bn sale of bombs and jets to Israel
uri: Urgent-stop-18bn-sale-of-bombs-and-jets-to-Israel
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Urgent:_stop_$18bn_sale_of_bombs_and_jets_to_Israel)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Urgent:_stop_$18bn_sale_of_bombs_and_jets_to_Israel)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress and Biden to <a href="https://act.ourrevolution.com/signup/18-billion-weapons-sale/?akid=6199.7207819.BZ0_Kn&rd=1&source=email-20240618&t=1011">stop the $18 billion sale
of bombs and fighter jets to Israel</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Pier_failure)
title: Pier failure
uri: Pier-failure
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Pier_failure)
content:
 
<p>
The expensive US pier, meant to provide a way to land aid from ships,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/23/they-miscalculated-gazas-floating-aid-pier-failing-to-deliver-in-rough-seas">has been mostly a failure</a>.  As of June 23, it had been physically
functional for 12 days out of the 37 days it had been in place.
  This is because the waves on the Gaza coast have been higher than
normal, and the designers did not allow enough safety margin for it.
<p>
On most of those 12 days when the pier itself was usable, there was no
transport to take the aid to the starving civilians.
<p>
The rules of war say that attacking a military target with some
civilians nearby must satisfy the criterion of "proportionality".  If
there are a few HAMAS cops near an aid convoy, who are there to keep
security for the convoy, attacking them and endangering the more
numerous] civilians handling the aid (and this ought to count those
whose lives depend on its arrival) cannot satisfy that criterion.
To attack the convoy would be a war crime.
<p>
If Israel did attack the convoy, that would be interference with
delivery of US humanitarian aid.  Under US law the US would have to
suspend weapons deliveries to Israel.
<p>
The US thus has plenty of leverage to make Israel stop blocking this
aid, but does not use it.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Weak_vs_strong_in_political_debate)
title: Weak vs strong in political debate
uri: Weak-vs-strong-in-political-debate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Weak_vs_strong_in_political_debate)
content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich: *[<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">The wrecker</a>] has convinced many Americans that stridency is a sign of strength while
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jun/26/biden-trump-debate-robert-reich">truth
and humility signal weakness</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Julian_Assange_plea_bargain_okayed)
title: Julian Assange plea bargain OKed
uri: Julian-Assange-plea-bargain-OKed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Julian_Assange_plea_bargain_okayed)
content:
 
<p>
The US judge in Julian Assange's case approved his plea bargain,
but
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/article/2024/jun/26/julian-assange-prison-release-inside-saipan-court">warned
that future journalists</a> were indeed in danger from the US.

<p>
 


title: More ICC arrest warrants: RUS war-crimes
uri: More-ICC-arrest-warrants-RUS-war-crimes
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(ICC's_war-criminal_arrest_warrants,_RUS)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(ICC's_war-criminal_arrest_warrants,_RUS)

content:
 
<p>
*The International Criminal Court issues arrest warrants for Russian officials over alleged
Ukraine war crimes,* such as firing missiles at
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/25/icc-issues-arrest-warrants-for-russias-sergei-shoigu-and-valery-gerasimov">civilian
targets</a>.

<p>
 


title: Bosnian War, new book criticizing Serbia
uri: Bosnian-War-new-book-criticizing-Serbia
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Bosnian_War,_new_book_criticizing_Serbia)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Bosnian_War,_new_book_criticizing_Serbia)

content:
 
<p>
Fedja Stukan, a Bosnian, recently wrote a book about his experiences in the civil war in the
90s.  It criticized Serbia for that; he has also accused Serbia's current government of running
nonfree elections.
<p>
Recently he tried to go to a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/25/free-speech-serbia-deported-actor-war-critic-feda-fedja-stukan">book
festival in Serbia</a>, but was denied entry.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Urgent:_Climate_defence_measures)
title: Urgent: Climate defense measures
uri: Urgent-Climate-defense-measures
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Urgent:_Climate_defence_measures)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actnow.evergreenaction.com/page/68674/petition/1?ea.tracking.id=advo-ema-A&utm_medium=email&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_campaign=IRA&utm_content=EM+240610+-+ADVO+-+Defend+Our+Climate+Petition+-+all+-+SplitA&ea.url.id=2610684">call
on Congress</a> to reject Republican efforts to cancel climate defense measures.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: An opening to tax billionaire wealth
uri: Urgent-An-opening-to-tax-billionaire-wealth
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Urgent:_An_opening_to_tax_billionaire_wealth)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Urgent:_An_opening_to_tax_billionaire_wealth)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.boldprogressives.org/survey/petition_2025_wealth_tax/?source=e240620_1701-r1-v1-subj&amount=10&tandembox=show&t=1001">call
on Congress</a> to pass a wealth tax on billionaires.
<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/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Urgent:_Ban_machine_guns)
title: Urgent: Ban machine guns
uri: Urgent-Ban-machine-guns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Urgent:_Ban_machine_guns)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://civicshout.com/p/tell-congress-ban-bump-stocks?ref=kgbTnCs&link_id=2&can_id=8b24519448cbedadde1c8a966f94caad&source=email-sign-the-petition-ban-bump-stocks&email_referrer=email_2361718___subject_2893040&email_subject=action-needed-results-of-yesterdays-attempt-to-ban-bump-stocks-in-the-us-senate">call
on Congress</a> to ban bump stocks.  They effectively convert rifles into machine guns.
<p>
Right-wing judges recently ruled against an executive order to treat them as machine guns.  So
a new law is needed.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: Routine, coastal flooding by 2050
uri: Routine-coastal-flooding-by-2050
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Freqent,_repeat,_coastal_flooding,_2050)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#28_June_2024_(Freqent,_repeat,_coastal_flooding,_2050)

content:
 
<p>
*Rising sea levels will disrupt
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jun/25/rising-sea-levels-flooding">millions of Americans’</a>
lives by 2050, study finds.*
<p>
The same is true in various other countries.  I've seen places in France, Italy and Turkey that
are likely to be inundated in a few decades.  Some of them have millennia of history.  Some of
them are very important to excavate for archeology.


<p>
 


title: Nuclear reactors stats, AUS analysis
uri: Nuclear-reactors-stats-AUS-analysis
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#29_June_2024_(Nuclear_reactors_analysis,_stats,_AUS)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#29_June_2024_(Nuclear_reactors_analysis,_stats,_AUS)

content:
 
<p>
Cheap talk about expensive
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/article/2024/jun/25/the-coalition-talks-so-much-about-its-nuclear-energy-plan-but-provides-so-little-evidence">nuclear
reactors</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#29_June_2024_(West_Bank_intentions_covert,_ISR)
title: West Bank intentions covert, ISR
uri: West-Bank-intentions-covert-ISR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#29_June_2024_(West_Bank_intentions_covert,_ISR)
content:
 
<p>
Smotrich, a right-wing extremist in Netanyahu's cabinet, stated his
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/24/israeli-far-right-minister-bezalel-smotrich-annex-west-bank">aim
to annex</a> the West Bank.  I suppose
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#14_December_2019_(Silencing_boycott)">that
would lead to</a> making it <em>araberrein</em>,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/12_January_2020_(Imprisonment_for_nonviolent_criticism)">as
Uri Avnery foretold</a>.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Bill a path to danger: censorship
uri: Urgent-Bill-a-path-to-danger-censorship
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#29_June_2024_(Urgent:_Bill_a_path_to_danger:_censorship)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#29_June_2024_(Urgent:_Bill_a_path_to_danger:_censorship)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/censorship-wont-make-kids-safe?nowrapper=true">call
on Congress</a> to reject KOSA, so-called "protection" for children that would compel users of
all ages to prove their identity.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: An investment fund-mgmnt's US$8t question
uri: Urgent-An-investment-fund-mgmnt-s-US-8t-question
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#29_June_2024_(Urgent:_Investment_fund-mgmnt's_US$8t_question)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#29_June_2024_(Urgent:_Investment_fund-mgmnt's_US$8t_question)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/vanguard-protect-retirement-savers-from-climate-risks?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-tell-vanguards-ceo-protect-retirement-savers-from-climate-risks-2">call
on Vanguard's new CEO</a> to protect retirement savers from climate-related financial risks.
<p>
Those risks would be just a part of the colossal damage that climate disaster causes to
everyone.  But it is useful as a basis to raise the issue here.  An investment company can
easily shrug off damage it will do to the whole world, but damage specifically to its clients
is hard to disregard.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Urgent:_SNAP_benefits)
title: Urgent: SNAP benefits
uri: Urgent-SNAP-benefits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Urgent:_SNAP_benefits)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress <a href="https://civicshout.com/p/tell-congress-don-t-cut-snap-benefits?ref=MObjpHE&link_id=1&can_id=8b24519448cbedadde1c8a966f94caad&source=email-sign-to-tell-republicans-no-cuts-to-food-stamps&email_referrer=email_2367625&email_subject=sign-to-tell-republicans-no-cuts-to-food-stamps">not to cut SNAP benefits</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Biden's_supporters_turning_on_him)
title: Biden's supporters turning on him
uri: Biden-s-supporters-turning-on-him
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Biden's_supporters_turning_on_him)
content:
 
<p>
Some of Biden's important supporters are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jun/29/new-york-times-turns-against-joe-biden-in-walter-cronkite-moment">pressing him to step aside</a>
for some other Democrat.
<p>
Biden is around 30% progressive.  That means (1) a real progressive
would be much better, but (2) he is the most progressive president the
US has had since the 1970s, and it is causing improvements already,
despite opposition from Congress and the Supreme Court.
<p>
Choosing a stronger Democratic candidate would help prevent <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a>
from winning or stealing the presidency.  But <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#perse">perse</a> would be chosen
entirely by the smoke-filled rooms of political insiders, with no
primaries for the public to influence the choice.  I am afraid that
will give us a <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a> like Hillary Clinton.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Israel_news_censorship)
title: Israel news censorship
uri: Israel-news-censorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Israel_news_censorship)
content:
 
<p>
Israel's parliament is working on a law to allow the Communications
Minister to <a href="https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-807878">arbitrarily shut down any foreign journalist organization</a>
by citing "national security".

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Microplastics)
title: Microplastics
uri: 2024-07-02-Microplastics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Microplastics)
content:
 
<p>
Microplastics (which includes pieces as big as 5mm, which I would call
milliplastics) have <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/microplastic-found-in-penis-infertility-sperm-count-erectile-dysfunction">been found in human penises and testes</a>.
It is possible that they are responsible for the world-wide decrease
in human fertility over the past few decades.
<p>
But that is not proved.  The cause could be PFAS.  Or something else.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(US_continues_arming_Israel)
title: US continues arming Israel
uri: US-continues-arming-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(US_continues_arming_Israel)
content:
 
<p>
Israel and the US jointly affirmed that <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/agreeing-with-gallant-us-says-progress-made-in-smoothing-arms-transfer-process/">the US is not withholding any
weapons deliveries except for one shipment of large bombs</a>.
Any other delays were due to bureaucratic complexity.
<p>
Of course, I find this news very discouraging.  Biden showed he had
some leverage, Netanyahu dared him to use it some more, and Biden has
not tried.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Perenco)
title: Perenco
uri: Perenco
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Perenco)
content:
 
<p>
The North Sea’s biggest oil and gas infrastructure company is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jun/28/north-sea-oil-and-gas-firm-perenco-failing-to-seal-old-wells-documents-show">risking
fires and environmental disasters</a> by failing to plug and decommission
old wells.  Sometimes it is many years late.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Fossil_gas_export_increase)
title: Fossil gas export increase
uri: Fossil-gas-export-increase
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Fossil_gas_export_increase)
content:
 
<p>
A high advisor to Biden defended US plans to increase export of fossil gas
by saying the US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jun/25/us-climate-finance-gas-expansion-john-podesta-biden">would contribute an important sum to helping poor countries
cope with the consequences</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Taxing_billionaires)
title: Taxing billionaires
uri: Taxing-billionaires
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Taxing_billionaires)
content:
 
<p>
*An international scheme to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/article/2024/jun/25/international-scheme-to-tax-billionaires-wealth-technically-feasible-study-finds">tax the wealth of the world’s 3,000
billionaires</a> is technically feasible and could net up to $250bn
(£197bn) a year in extra revenue, a new report says.*

<p>
 


title: Calls to rescind Netanyahu's invitations
uri: Calls-to-rescind-Netanyahu-s-invitations
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Calls_to_rescind_Netanyahu's_invitations)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Calls_to_rescind_Netanyahu's_invitations)

content:
 
<p>
Six leading Israelis, not in political office now, call on the US Congress
to <a href="https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/06/26/israeli-critics-tell-us-congress-to-disinvite-netanyahu/">rescind its invitation for Netanyahu to speak</a>.  This is their letter
to Congress.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Denmark_livestock_taxes)
title: Denmark livestock taxes
uri: Denmark-livestock-taxes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Denmark_livestock_taxes)
content:
 
<p>
Denmark plans to make farmers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/26/flatulent-livestock-to-incur-green-levy-in-denmark-from-2035">pay a tax on their cattle and sheep</a> to
compensate for the harm done by the methane those animals emit.
<p>
The plan was negotiated with farmers' organizations, which suggests a chance
that farmers won't protest it later.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Big_oil_and_heatwaves)
title: Big oil and heatwaves
uri: Big-oil-and-heatwaves
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Big_oil_and_heatwaves)
content:
 
<p>
Lawyers assert it <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jun/26/arizona-heatwave-big-oil-lawsuit">should be possible to sue oil companies</a> for their
part in causing a deadly heatwave in Arizona.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Film_fiction)
title: Film fiction
uri: Film-fiction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Film_fiction)
content:
 
<p>
I hate it when a "true story" has in fact <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/article/2024/jun/23/the-lost-king-and-baby-reindeer-turning-fact-into-film-fiction-is-a-tricky-business">been altered to make it
"more dramatic"</a>.  People falsely portrayed as bad guys may hate it
enough to sue.
<p>
People writing works of non-fiction should try to be honest to the facts.

<p>
 


title: The state should not give businesses money
uri: The-state-should-not-give-businesses-money
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(The_state_should_not_give_businesses_money)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(The_state_should_not_give_businesses_money)

content:
 
<p>
*China-owned British Steel said to have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/jun/23/china-owned-british-steel-requested-600m-taxpayer-support">requested &pound;600m of taxpayer
support</a>.*
<p>
Whether the owners are Chinese is a question that there is no need to
ask, because the state should <em>never</em> give money to a business "to
support it."
Instead it should offer to lend money to the company for suitable
repayment, or else buy equity at a fair price.
<p>
These two ways of supporting a company avoid giving the owners an
opportunity to rip off the state -- which the company's owners are likely
to try to do, if they can, regardless of which country they are from.
<p>
With a policy like this, it wouldn't matter which country the
company's owners are from.

<p>
 


title: Freedom of Information act requesting urged
uri: Freedom-of-Information-act-requesting-urged
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Freedom_of_Information_act_requesting_urged)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Freedom_of_Information_act_requesting_urged)

content:
 
<p>
*Stella Assange has urged Australian journalists to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/jun/27/julian-assange-wife-stella-foi-act-case-prison-release-plea-deal">lodge freedom of
information requests with the United States government</a> to extract
details on its criminal case against her husband because the
now-returned WikiLeaks publisher's plea deal bans him from doing
so.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Oklahoma_bible_teaching)
title: Oklahoma bible teaching
uri: Oklahoma-bible-teaching
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Oklahoma_bible_teaching)
content:
 
<p>
*Oklahoma state superintendent <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jun/27/oklahoma-public-schools-bible-teachings">orders public schools to teach the
Bible</a>.*
<p>
Ten years ago we could have confidently counted on the Supreme Court
to overturn that.  And officials, realizing that, probably wouldn't
have tried it.
<p>
Nowadays, which sympathizers of Christian Nationalism forming a
majority of the court, we can't be sure.  We need to get those
fanatics off the court -- and ensure no more get put on it,
<p>
This means we need to make sure that their openly dictatorial leader
does NOT get to be president in 2025.  All the bad things that Biden
has done. even if we don't count the good things he has done, are
small potatoes compared to the tyranny and repression that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a>
would systematically wreck under <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#16_June_2024_(Project_2025)">Project 2025</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Bribery_legalized)
title: Bribery legalized
uri: Bribery-legalized
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Bribery_legalized)
content:
 
<p>
*The US supreme court <a href="https://www.levernews.com/the-supreme-court-just-legalized-bribery/">just legalized bribery</a>.*
<p>
The bribe has to be given after the service it rewards is done, and
there must be at least the pretense that it wasn't promised in
advance.

<p>
 


title: Boeing's double trouble next week, DOJ
uri: Boeing-s-double-trouble-next-week-DOJ
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_June_2024_(Boing's_double_trouble_next_week,_DOJ)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_June_2024_(Boing's_double_trouble_next_week,_DOJ)

content:
 
<p>
Boeing made a deferred prosecution agreement with the Justice Department
to avoid prosecution for causing two fatal crashes.  Then it did not
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/jun/24/boeing-charges-us-prosecutors-737-max-crashes">carry
out the agreement</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_June_2024_(Water_riots_in_Algeria)
title: Water riots in Algeria
uri: Water-riots-in-Algeria
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_June_2024_(Water_riots_in_Algeria)
content:
 
<p>
As <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> reduces the rainfall in Algeria, the government is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/27/algerian-officials-wrestle-water-shortage-anger">building
desalination plants</a>, but not fast enough.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_June_2024_(Oligarchs,_a_history)
title: Oligarchs, a history of injustice
uri: Oligarchs-a-history-of-injustice
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_June_2024_(Oligarchs,_a_history)
content:
 
<p>
George Monbiot: *Things are not going to get better as long as
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jun/27/oligarchs-democracies-britain-1945-economic-powers">oligarchs
rule the roost</a> in our democracies.*
<p>
That is true to first order, but not exactly 100% true.  The dominion of the billionaires is
not an all-or-nothing thing, and there are issues important to us which are not particularly
important to them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_June_2024_(Another_Bolivia_coup_put_down)
title: Another Bolivia coup put down
uri: Another-Bolivia-coup-put-down
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_June_2024_(Another_Bolivia_coup_put_down)
content:
 
<p>
Bolivia put down a right-wing
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/27/heads-of-bolivias-army-and-navy-sacked-and-arrested-over-failed-coup">coup
by army generals</a>.  Right-wingers, including followers of Bolsonaro, applauded the attempt,
demonstrating their opposition to democracy.
<p>
An arrested coup leader said that the president ordered him to carry out a phony coup, as
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/29/bolivias-president-accused-of-plotting-coup-against-himself-to-boost-popularity">political
theater</a>.
<p>
I don't know enough about Bolivia to have any basis for trying to
judge whether this is true.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_June_2024_(Presidential_debate_analysis)
title: Presidential debate analysis
uri: Presidential-debate-analysis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_June_2024_(Presidential_debate_analysis)
content:
 
<p>
In the debate, <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">the bullshitter</a> pummeled Biden with high speed lies, making him seem
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jun/28/trumps-lies-biden-debate">old and
weak</a>.
<p>
Each candidate has had
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jun/28/debate-losers-american-people">time
to show us who</a> [<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#perse">perse</a> is], and one is a felon trying to destroy democracy.
<p>
If you have to choose between a weak and tottering friend and a vigorous, greedy, hostile
cheater, which should you choose?  I'd choose the friend, because <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#cheater">the cheater</a> is sure to do
more harm.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_June_2024_(Urgent:_Reject_corporate_tax_breaks)
title: Urgent: Reject corporate tax breaks
uri: Urgent-Reject-corporate-tax-breaks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_June_2024_(Urgent:_Reject_corporate_tax_breaks)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://civicshout.com/p/reject-republican-tax-breaks-for-big-corporations?ref=tViJSpo&link_id=1&can_id=8b24519448cbedadde1c8a966f94caad&source=email-re-signatures-needed-say-no-to-another-round-of-republican-tax-cuts-for-the-wealthy-and-large-corporations&email_referrer=email_2363926&email_subject=re-signatures-needed-say-no-to-another-round-of-republican-tax-cuts-for-the-wealthy-and-large-corporations">call
on Congress</a> to reject Republican tax breaks for big corporations.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: COP29 territory journalist-hostile, AZE
uri: COP29-territory-journalist-hostile-AZE
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#2_July_2024_(COP29_territory_journalist-hostile,_AZE)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#2_July_2024_(COP29_territory_journalist-hostile,_AZE)

content:
 
<p>
Some journalists were arbitrarily excluded from an "energy industry"
conference in Azerbaijan, one of the preparations for the COP29
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jun/28/journalists-refused-entry-to-azerbaijan-energy-conference-ahead-of-cop29">climate
defense discussion</a>.
<p>
The event last year was in Dubai, and was headed by the country's oil minister, who seems to
have ensured it made
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_December_2023_(Cop38)">no progress
towards achieving its mission</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#2_July_2024_(Uber_and_Lyft_driver_compensation,_US)
title: Uber and Lyft driver compensation, US
uri: Uber-and-Lyft-driver-compensation-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#2_July_2024_(Uber_and_Lyft_driver_compensation,_US)
content:
 
<p>
Several US states
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jun/28/uber-lyft-massachusetts-pay-benefits-deal">require
Uber and Lyft to pay drivers</a> a determined minimum wage, and to provide benefits including
paid sick leave.
<p>
This step forward is a step forward, in those states; it eliminates, there, one of the
<a href=/uber.html>many reasons to refuse to do business with those companies.</a>
<p>
However, the injustices to customers &mdash making users identify themselves to book a ride and
to pay, making them run nonfree software, add tracking their movements &mdash; are unchanged.  As
long as that continues, I hope you will join me in refusing to do business with them.

<p>
 


title: BP profits by shedding climate efforts
uri: BP-profits-by-shedding-climate-efforts
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#2_July_2024_(BP_profits_by_shedding_climate_efforts)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#2_July_2024_(BP_profits_by_shedding_climate_efforts)

content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bp">Billionaire Polluters</a> is blowing off what it told the public
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/jun/27/bp-imposes-hiring-freeze-and-halts-new-offshore-wind-projects">to
convince us that it was trying</a> not to be a <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#planet">planet roaster</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#2_July_2024_(Homelessness_is_now_a_crime,_US)
title: Homelessness now potentially a crime, US
uri: Homelessness-now-potentially-a-crime-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#2_July_2024_(Homelessness_is_now_a_crime,_US)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/jun/29/law-professor-homeless-rights-supreme-court-ruling">The
Supreme Court ruled</a> that cities can imprison people for being homeless.
<p>
This is likely to put tens of thousands of Americans in faraway camps that are essentially
prisons and faraway dumping grounds.  Once there, they are likely to die from all sorts of
diseases.
<p>
Here is
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/aclu-responds-to-supreme-court-decision-that-cities-can-punish-people-for-being-homeless">the
ACLU's response</a>.
<p>
For me, it is clear that punishing people for being poor is inexcusably poor.  Forcing poor
people to live in a place from which they can't get to work is cruel and self-defeating.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#2_July_2024_(Biden_vs_Trump_presidency)
title: Presidential debate analysis
uri: 2024-07-03-Presidential-debate-analysis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#2_July_2024_(Biden_vs_Trump_presidency)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jun/29/biden-debate-election-stakes">Biden's
agonizing debate performance</a> doesn’t change the reality of this election.*
<p>
The biggest question is whether the mob of liars and wreckers led by <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a> will win and
impose authoritarian, <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a> rule on the US, and persecute his enemies.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#2_July_2024_(PFAS_research_efforts)
title: PFAS research efforts
uri: PFAS-research-efforts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#2_July_2024_(PFAS_research_efforts)
content:
 
<p>
Research suggests
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jun/30/pfas-absorbed-skin-study">PFAS are absorbed significantly</a>
through human skin.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#2_July_2024_((Satire)_Meuseum_returns_fire_exhibit)
title: (Satire) Museum returns fire exhibit
uri: (Satire)-Museum-returns-fire-exhibit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#2_July_2024_((Satire)_Meuseum_returns_fire_exhibit)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *British Science Museum Forced To Return Fire Exhibit Originally
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/british-science-museum-forced-to-return-fire-exhibit-or-1851551059">Plundered
From The Gods</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Slovakia repolarizing like Hungary, EU
uri: Slovakia-repolarizing-like-Hungary-EU
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Slovakia_repolarizing_like_Hungary,_EU)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Slovakia_repolarizing_like_Hungary,_EU)

content:
 
<p>
*Since the attempted assassination of the prime minister of Slovakia,
the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jun/28/robert-fico-shooting-slovakia-authoritarianism-assassination-far-right">far
right has wasted no time</a> in silencing its critics.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Urgent:_No_military_draft)
title: Urgent: No military draft
uri: Urgent-No-military-draft
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Urgent:_No_military_draft)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/no-draft?akid=9916.223515.xjwWCh&c0=no-draft.ZM90uT&rd=1&source=em20240624_1&t=1007">call
on Congress</a> not to allow a military draft.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: Plutocracy's historical mechanics, USA
uri: Plutocracy-s-historical-mechanics-USA
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Plutocracy's_historical_mechanics,_USA)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Plutocracy's_historical_mechanics,_USA)

content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich: *The "free market" is nothing but
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/debunking-myth-5-the-market-doesnt">a set of
rules</a>, established and enforced by government.* There are many possible sets of rules, and
no one of them is "the" free market.  Some rules are better for society than others.
<p>
The rules we have now were decided by the power of plutocrats that bought politicians.  Those
rules are bad for most of us.  Biden has made improvements in some, but big improvements would
require Congress's support.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Urgent:_Corporations_funding_RAGA)
title: Urgent: Corporations funding RAGA
uri: Urgent-Corporations-funding-RAGA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Urgent:_Corporations_funding_RAGA)
content:
 
<p>
Everyone: call on
<a href="https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/Tell_MAGA_RAGA/">T-Mobile, CVS, GM, and Elevance
Health</a> to stop funding the right-wing Republican Attorney Generals Association.

<p>
 


title: Oil well profits unafforded cleanup, CO
uri: Oil-well-profits-unafforded-cleanup-CO
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Oil_well_profits_unafforded_cleanup,_CO)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Oil_well_profits_unafforded_cleanup,_CO)

content:
 
<p>
*Colorado oil and gas wells
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jun/28/colorado-oil-gas-well-cleanup">can’t
fund their own cleanup</a>.  Taxpayers may foot the bill.*
<p>
*A Carbon Tracker report shows the cost to safely shut down
low-producing wells is $3bn more than what they earn.*
<p>
The efforts in the US to make mine owners pay the cost of closing up and cleaning up a mine has
been haphazard and half-hearted, and mines have continued to cheat the public by dumping these
costs on the public.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Labour_is_now_a_conservative_party)
title: Labour is now a conservative party
uri: Labour-is-now-a-conservative-party
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Labour_is_now_a_conservative_party)
content:
 
<p>
*Labour is telling Britain it is now a conservative party &mdash; and we should
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jun/28/keir-starmer-labour-britain-conservative-party">believe it</a>.*
<p>
Britons who used to look to the Labour Party for something more than small change cling to the
hope it will try to But it can't be soon &mdash; Starmer has promised so clearly and firmly to
reject all that the Labour Party used to stand for that if he did much of that he would be
accused of lying.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Wikileaks_is_now_normal_journalism)
title: Wikileaks fathered today's journalism
uri: Wikileaks-fathered-today-s-journalism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Wikileaks_is_now_normal_journalism)
content:
 
<p>
Wikileaks changed the nature of journalism, but with many organizations now set up to publish
leaks, there may not be
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/article/2024/jun/28/you-can-expect-everything-what-next-for-julian-assange-and-wikileaks">a
need for Wikileaks itself</a> to resume doing so.  However, Wikileaks has a reputation for
separating the truth from the disinformation, and that could help the public distinguish the two.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Street_dogs_in_Turkey)
title: Street dogs in Turkey
uri: Street-dogs-in-Turkey
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Street_dogs_in_Turkey)
content:
 
<p>
Turkey's urban street dogs befriend the people who live nearby
and are taken care of by them.  Now
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jun/30/erdogan-cull-turkey-street-dogs">Erdoğan
wants to eliminate them</a>.
<p>
This article suggests some questions to me:
<ol>
 <li>
The street dogs must recognize the people who live in the neighborhood.  How do they treat
strangers?  Do they (or did they) serve to warn the local people about incursions?
 <li>
How were street dogs treated in Anatolia before the Turkish conquest, when it was part of the
Byzantine Empire?  In other words, was this specifically a Turkish custom or was it an older
Anatolian custom?
 <li>
How did the many non-Turks in Anatolia in the 19th century, living under Turkish rule, treat
street dogs?
</ol>

<p>
 


title: Republican subterfuge targets President
uri: Republican-subterfuge-targets-President
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Republican_subterfuge_targets_President)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Republican_subterfuge_targets_President)

content:
 
<p>
Republican Senator Graham warns of a campaign to invent excuses to prosecute Biden, as
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jun/30/lindsey-graham-retribution-against-democrats">a
way of pretending</a> that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter's</a> serious criminal accusations are mere
Republican-style bullshit.
<p>
That is the tactic right-wingers use to normalize the persecution of opposition in a right-wing
authoritarian regime.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Meticulous_electronic_voting,_IND)
title: Meticulous electronic voting, IND
uri: Meticulous-electronic-voting-IND
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Meticulous_electronic_voting,_IND)
content:
 
<p>
In the
<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/evm-tracking-congress-mva-lok-sabha-maharashtra-9414660/">recent
Indian election</a>, Congress Party election monitors checked the numbers and security seals of
individual digital voting machines to detect tampering or failures.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Urgent:_All_felons_should_vote)
title: Urgent: All citizens should vote
uri: Urgent-All-citizens-should-vote
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Urgent:_All_felons_should_vote)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.commoncause.org/petitions/tell-congress-end-shameful-double-standards?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=062124-trump-inclusive-democracy">call
on Congress</a> to ensure no American citizen is denied the right to vote on account of felony
convictions.
<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/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Activists'_disruption_tactics,_UK)
title: Activists' disruption tactics, UK
uri: Activists-disruption-tactics-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Activists'_disruption_tactics,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
Climate defense
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/jun/25/m25-protest-recruiter-called-for-biggest-disruption-in-modern-uk-history-court-hears">activists
are on trial</a> in the UK, charged with organizing a nonviolent and nondestructive protest,
intended to be massively disruptive.
<p>
I dislike the disruption caused by protests, just as many people do.  But climate disaster will
be fatal, perhaps for most of humanity, and will cause massive injustice and suffering along
the way.  The strategies of Just Obey Orders, Just Complain and Just Give Up have failed, so
what should humanity do to protect itself if not this?

<p>
 


title: Urgent: One man's US$8tn investment plan
uri: Urgent-One-man-s-US-8tn-investment-plan
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Urgent:_One_man's_US$8tn_investment_plan)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Urgent:_One_man's_US$8tn_investment_plan)

content:
 
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-vanguards-new-ceo-its-time-to-lead-on-climate?nowrapper=true">call
on Vanguard's new CEO</a> to take the lead in defending the climate.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(90%25_Gazans_displaced)
title: 90% Gazans displaced
uri: 90-Gazans-displaced
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(90%25_Gazans_displaced)
content:
 
<p>
The UN agency OCHA estimates that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/03/about-90-of-people-in-gaza-displaced-since-war-began-says-un-agency">90% of the people of Gaza have been
displaced <em>at least once</em></a> by the fighting since October.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Boeing_and_Spirit_AeroSystems)
title: Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems
uri: Boeing-and-Spirit-AeroSystems
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Boeing_and_Spirit_AeroSystems)
content:
 
<p>
Boeing has been pressured by the US government to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/jul/01/boeing-to-buy-supplier-spirit-aerosystems-deal">buy the part of
Spirit AeroSystems</a> that makes parts for Boeing planes -- a part that
it spun off a few decades ago.
<p>
Spinning off parts or aspects of production is effective for
increasing profits -- by paying some workers less, and by shirking
accountability for whatever goes wrong.  Except that when what goes
wrong is that a plane crashes, the responsibility bounces back.
<p>
I would expect the previous management of Boeing viewed making their
parts in-house as a way to make their planes safer.  So it always
comes back to one's values.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Feiglin_on_Palestinians)
title: Feiglin on Palestinians
uri: Feiglin-on-Palestinians
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Feiglin_on_Palestinians)
content:
 
<p>
Israeli right-wing politician Moshe Feiglin <a href="Israeli right-wing politician Moshe Feiglin cited Hitler's attitude
towards Jews to explain his own attitude towards Palestinians.">cited Hitler's attitude
towards Jews</a> to explain his own attitude towards Palestinians.
<p>
His version of the Golden Rule must be, "Do one to others before they
do one to you."  Not as a joke, but seriously.
<p>
However, that is the extreme right-wing creed, found in many
countries, and Israelis are not immune to it.  It is shocking, though,
that a Jew would unhesitatingly cite Hitler as a model.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Democratic_Party_convention)
title: Democratic Party convention
uri: Democratic-Party-convention
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Democratic_Party_convention)
content:
 
<p>
The Democratic Party set its convention for August 19-22, but Ohio's
deadline for parties to choose a presidential candidate is Aug 7.  So
the Democratic Party made a plan to have <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-ballot-biden-access-3bf359cce8e73714be45cb99a6e31546">a virtual meeting to formally
vote on the candidate</a>, who had already been chosen by primaries.
<p>
A week ago, that seemed to be a painless plan.  But now that some
consider replacing Biden (if he steps aside) with some other
candidate, it poses a problem: they can't afford to wait for the
convention to make that decision.  They have to arrange a way to
decide in July.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Light_pollution_luring_fish)
title: Light pollution luring fish
uri: Light-pollution-luring-fish
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Light_pollution_luring_fish)
content:
 
<p>
*Light pollution <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/03/artificial-light-pollution-coastlines-lures-fish-predators-study-coral-reef">[draws in] young fish [to the coast]</a>, then predators
[come and eat them.].*

<p>
 


title: Magna Carta and Declaration of Independence
uri: Magna-Carta-and-Declaration-of-Independence
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Magna_Carta_and_Declaration_of_Independence)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Magna_Carta_and_Declaration_of_Independence)

content:
 
<p>
*The Extreme Court <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/7/2/2250602/-Extreme-Court-Repeals-the-Magna-Carta-and-Revokes-Declaration-of-Independence?_=2024-07-02T07:05:14.000-07:00">Repeals the Magna Carta and Revokes Declaration of
Independence</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Addressing_the_housing_shortage)
title: Addressing the housing shortage
uri: Addressing-the-housing-shortage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Addressing_the_housing_shortage)
content:
 
<p>
Proposing better ways of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/03/labour-housing-policies-tried-failed-radical-solution">addressing the housing shortage</a> instead of the
mostly capitalist ways usually proposed today.
<p>
As a side point, I think the author is mistaken about Labour's
attitude today.  Starmer has publicly rejected the idea of heroic
achievements such as Labour did before.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Urgent:_Reject_military_conscription)
title: Urgent: Reject military conscription
uri: Urgent-Reject-military-conscription
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Urgent:_Reject_military_conscription)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/mandatory-military-service?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-hd&source=group-hd">reject military conscription</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_the_pharma_lawsuits)
title: Urgent: Stop the pharma lawsuits
uri: Urgent-Stop-the-pharma-lawsuits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_the_pharma_lawsuits)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: Call on various pharma companies to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/join-the-action-against-big-pharma?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-social-security-works&source=group-social-security-works">drop the
lawsuits</a> that aim to stop Biden from lowering the prices of medicines.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Social Security Expansion bill
uri: Urgent-Social-Security-Expansion-bill
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Urgent:_Social_Security_Expansion_bill)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Urgent:_Social_Security_Expansion_bill)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.ourrevolution.com/signup/threshold_social_security_heritage/">pass Bernie Sanders's Social Security
Expansion bill</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Prison-like_asylum_conditions)
title: Prison-like asylum conditions
uri: Prison-like-asylum-conditions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Prison-like_asylum_conditions)
content:
 
<p>
The UK's "living accommodation" for asylum seekers on former
Wethersfield air base <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/jun/30/hunger-strikes-and-suicide-attempts-as-asylum-seekers-claim-essex-site-is-like-prison">feels like a prison</a>.
They are permitted to leave, but it is so isolated that in practice
it is not feasible for them to go anywhere useful to go or where
people they know live.
<p>
This unprison was approved, despite its evident drawbacks, risks and
dangers, because supposedly it would be cheaper, but it ultimately
cost far more than the estimates.  Much like <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-jul-oct.html#12_September_2022_(High_costs_of_operating_nuclear_power_plants)">a nuclear power plant</a>.
<p>
Ultimately, how did the cost of housing asylum seekers there compare
with the usual cost?  What is the usual cost?

<p>
 


title: Boeing prosecuted with reported plea deal
uri: Boeing-prosecuted-with-reported-plea-deal
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Boeing_prosecuted_with_reported_plea_deal)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Boeing_prosecuted_with_reported_plea_deal)

content:
 
<p>
The US is prosecuting Boeing for fraud, but reportedly <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/jun/30/boeing-justice-department-sweetheart-deal-ethiopian-lion-air">is offering a
plea bargain that will let it off the hook</a> with little punishment.
<p>
Biden is encouraging somewhat more prosecution of lawbreaking
corporations, but that does not go far enough.  To restrain
corporations effectively from dangerous crimes, we should prosecute
the individual executives who decided to break them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Presidential_immunity)
title: Presidential immunity
uri: Presidential-immunity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Presidential_immunity)
content:
 
<p>
A more precise description of the new presidential immunity from
prosecution: *core executive functions of the presidency have absolute
immunity from prosecution, official acts of the presidency are
presumptively immune, and unofficial acts carry no immunity.* However,
in addition, *official acts cannot be used as evidence at all to
bolster a criminal case.*
<p>
Each part can help a corrupt president to engage in conspiracies
against laws and the Constitution, including those that the corrupter
tried in 2020 and those he threatens to carry out if he wins or steals
the presidency again.
<p>
The judge in the corrupter's trial for violating campaign finance laws
(crimes he committed before he was president) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/02/trump-hush-money-trial-sentencing-delayed">has delayed the
sentencing, to consider whether any of the evidence in the trial
mentioned subsequent "official" acts</a>.
<p>
*Sotomayor says, in stark dissent, ruling makes president <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/01/sonia-sotomayor-dissent-trump-immunity-case">"king above the law"</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Regulations in an administrative state
uri: Regulations-in-an-administrative-state
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Regulations_in_an_administrative_state)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Regulations_in_an_administrative_state)

content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich: *Last week, the Supreme Court made it much harder for the FTC, the Labor
Department, and dozens of other agencies &mdash; ranging from the Environmental Protection
Agency to the Food and Drug Administration, Securities and Exchange Commission, Occupational
Safety and Health Administration, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and National Highway
and Safety Administration &mdash;
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/the-truth-about-the-administrative">to protect
Americans from corporate misconduct</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(An_ISR-LBN_war_scenario)
title: An ISR-LBN war scenario
uri: An-ISR-LBN-war-scenario
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(An_ISR-LBN_war_scenario)
content:
 
<p>
*Israel risks going to war against Hezbollah to ensure Benjamin Netanyahu’s political survival,
but it would be a miscalculation that could
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/02/israel-hezbollah-war-warning">lead
to mass civilian deaths</a> in both Lebanon and Israel, a former US military intelligence
analyst has warned.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Heat_protection,_US_workers)
title: Extreme heat protection, US workers
uri: Extreme-heat-protection-US-workers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Heat_protection,_US_workers)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/02/biden-extreme-heat-proposaal">Biden
unveils rules</a> to protect millions of US workers from extreme heat.*
<p>
Republicans will ask Congress to cancel this rule, and if that fails, ask courts to rule
against it.  They always do.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Costly_slow-mail_failures,_UK_ballots)
title: Costly slow-mail failures, UK ballots
uri: Costly-slow-mail-failures-UK-ballots
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Costly_slow-mail_failures,_UK_ballots)
content:
 
<p>
*Voters in the UK and abroad have either not received their ballots or
have been left with
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jul/01/thousands-unable-vote-delays-postal-ballots-uk-general-election">too
little time</a> to return them.*
<p>
The Tory-undermined
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-mar-jun.html#16_June_2022_(Tory_government_undermined_supervision_of_state_activities)">state
apparatus</a> is simply incapable of carrying out its responsibilities even when it tries to.
<p>
It requires people to get new paperwork and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-nov-feb.html#20_January_2023_(Tories_neglected_their_commitments_to_protect_wildlife_in_Britain)">fails
to give it</a> to them in time.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Predator_culls,_NZL)
title: Predator culls, NZL
uri: Predator-culls-NZL
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Predator_culls,_NZL)
content:
 
<p>
New Zealanders are working to eliminate the intrusive mammals (mostly predators)
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/02/new-zealand-feral-cat-killing-competition">that
 endanger endemic animals</a>.  Feral cats are now in the target list.
<p>
Alas, some people demand to protect feral cats instead of the animals (often endangered) that
the cat would wipe out.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Internet_user-ID,_AUS)
title: Internet user-ID, AUS
uri: Internet-user-ID-AUS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Internet_user-ID,_AUS)
content:
 
<p>
Australia plans to require porn sites and antisocial media sites to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/jul/02/social-media-porn-site-ban-australia-trial-age-assurance">check
users' ages</a>.
<p>
If the system truly did nothing other than determine whether the user's age is above or below N
years, I would not object to it.  However, such systems are likely to demand to see official ID
records, which would identify the user as well as check per age, or take photos, which could be
saved and used to identify the user.

There are plans to implement
<a href="https://taler.net">a way to use GNU Taler</a> to check ages.  Just as Taker payments
allow users to send a store payments that it can validate but cannot use to identify them, the
same technique makes it possible for users to send a site a proof of age that it can validate
but cannot use to identify them.

<p>
 


title: Presidential immunity, US Supreme Court
uri: Presidential-immunity-US-Supreme-Court
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Presidental_immunity,_US_Supreme_Court)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Presidental_immunity,_US_Supreme_Court)

content:
 
<p>
The Supreme Court ruled that the president has absolute immunity from criminal prosecution over
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/01/trump-immunity-ruling-affect-criminal-cases">official
acts</a>.  This covers some of the things he is accused of doing to steal the 2020 election.
<p>
I am puzzled by this statement:
<blockquote>
his prosecutors will not be able to introduce as evidence any acts deemed to be official and
struck from the case, even as contextual information for jurors to show Trump’s intent.
</blockquote>
Why should facts be prohibited from use as evidence to prove a crime not covered by immunity,
merely because they are not in themselves criminal?
<p>
The attempted explanation at the end of the article did not make sense to me.

<p>
 


title: Gaza hospital head capture, torture, ISR
uri: Gaza-hospital-head-capture-torture-ISR
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Gaza_hospital_chief_capure,_torture,_ISR)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Gaza_hospital_chief_capure,_torture,_ISR)

content:
 
<p>
Israel captured
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/01/freed-gaza-hospital-head-accuses-israel-of-repeated-torture">Mohammed
Abu Salmiya</a>, the head of al-Shifa Hospital, and tortured him in prison for 7 months.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Nazi_verses:_prizewinning_poetry,_RUS)
title: Nazi verses as prizewinning poetry, RUS
uri: Nazi-verses-as-prizewinning-poetry-RUS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Nazi_verses:_prizewinning_poetry,_RUS)
content:
 
<p>
A poetry
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/01/russian-pranksters-reveal-odes-to-putin-were-translations-of-nazi-verse">hoax
demonstrated how similar</a> Putin's admirers are to Hitler's admirers.
<p>
Didn't they have to replace "Jews" in Nazi poetry with "Ukrainians" in Putinite poetry?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Explosions_and_brain_damage)
title: Explosions and brain damage
uri: Explosions-and-brain-damage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Explosions_and_brain_damage)
content:
 
<p>
People exposed to explosions tend to show certain kinds of brain damage which often result in
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/01/blast-exposure-brain-damage-us-navy-suicides">problems
in thinking</a>.
<p>
One case was an instructor who taught soldiers to use hand grenades.  He surely did not explode
them close enough to wound him externally, but he was wounded internally nonetheless.  I wonder
how close to him they were when they exploded.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_July_2024_(New_article)
title: New article
uri: 2024-07-05-New-article
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_July_2024_(New_article)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="/articles/propaganda.html">A way to recognize misleading political propaganda</a>

<p>
 


title: Magna Carta and Declaration of Independence
uri: 2024-07-05-Magna-Carta-and-Declaration-of-Independence
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_July_2024_(Magna_Carta_and_Declaration_of_Independence)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_July_2024_(Magna_Carta_and_Declaration_of_Independence)

content:
 
<p>
*The Extreme Court <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/7/2/2250602/-Extreme-Court-Repeals-the-Magna-Carta-and-Revokes-Declaration-of-Independence?_=2024-07-02T07:05:14.000-07:00">Repeals the Magna Carta and Revokes Declaration of
Independence</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Social Security Expansion bill
uri: 2024-07-05-Urgent-Social-Security-Expansion-bill
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_July_2024_(Urgent:_Social_Security_Expansion_bill)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_July_2024_(Urgent:_Social_Security_Expansion_bill)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.ourrevolution.com/signup/threshold_social_security_heritage/">pass Bernie Sanders's Social Security
Expansion bill</a>.

<p>
 


title: Boeing prosecuted with reported plea deal
uri: 2024-07-05-Boeing-prosecuted-with-reported-plea-deal
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_July_2024_(Boeing_prosecuted_with_reported_plea_deal)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_July_2024_(Boeing_prosecuted_with_reported_plea_deal)

content:
 
<p>
The US is prosecuting Boeing for fraud, but reportedly <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/jun/30/boeing-justice-department-sweetheart-deal-ethiopian-lion-air">is offering a
plea bargain that will let it off the hook</a> with little punishment.
<p>
Biden is encouraging somewhat more prosecution of lawbreaking
corporations, but that does not go far enough.  To restrain
corporations effectively from dangerous crimes, we should prosecute
the individual executives who decided to break them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_July_2024_(Presidential_immunity)
title: Presidential immunity
uri: 2024-07-05-Presidential-immunity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_July_2024_(Presidential_immunity)
content:
 
<p>
A more precise description of the new presidential immunity from
prosecution: *core executive functions of the presidency have absolute
immunity from prosecution, official acts of the presidency are
presumptively immune, and unofficial acts carry no immunity.* However,
in addition, *official acts cannot be used as evidence at all to
bolster a criminal case.*
<p>
Each part can help a corrupt president to engage in conspiracies
against laws and the Constitution, including those that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a>
tried in 2020 and those he threatens to carry out if he wins or steals
the presidency again.
<p>
The judge in <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter's</a> trial for violating campaign finance laws
(crimes he committed before he was president) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/02/trump-hush-money-trial-sentencing-delayed">has delayed the
sentencing, to consider whether any of the evidence in the trial
mentioned subsequent "official" acts</a>.
<p>
*Sotomayor says, in stark dissent, ruling makes president <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/01/sonia-sotomayor-dissent-trump-immunity-case">"king above the law"</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Jeremy_Corbyn_stands,_UK_MP)
title: Jeremy Corbyn stands, UK MP
uri: Jeremy-Corbyn-stands-UK-MP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Jeremy_Corbyn_stands,_UK_MP)
content:
 
<p>
Jeremy Corbyn won reelection to Parliament,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jul/05/jeremy-corbyn-re-elected-in-islington-north-for-first-time-as-independent-mp">defeating
the Starmer Labour candidate</a> running against him.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Top_election-candidacy_story_in_VEN)
title: Top election-candidacy story in VEN
uri: Top-election-candidacy-story-in-VEN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Top_election-candidacy_story_in_VEN)
content:
 
<p>
Maduro in Venezuela is a bully and does not respect democracy.  Now he
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/04/venezuela-election-polls-maduro">may
be ousted</a>, but what would come next?
<p>
The article tries to spread Maduro's deserved condemnation on his predecessor, the late
President Chávez.  That is unjust: Chávez was popular.  He was reelected honestly, after the
people had defeated a coup attempt arranged by the US.  He gave Venezuela more socialism but
did not eliminate capitalist business or democracy.
<p>
Maduro, by contrast, is not honest and has not done good for the people.  He inspired strong
opposition, which he overcame by undermining democracy.  But his opposition (including coup
leader Guaido, backed by the US) has not deserved support either.  It showed signs of working
to restore the pre-Chávez <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a> authoritarianism.
<p>
Opposition candidate González is described as a stand-in.  For whom, I have to wonder.  Will he
be an improvement over Maduro, or another authoritarian plutocratist?<!---->

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Yes_Your_Innocency_presidency,_US)
title: "Yes Your Innocency" presidency, US
uri: Yes-Your-Innocency-presidency-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_July_2024_(Yes_Your_Innocency_presidency,_US)
content:
 
<p>
<p>
*[<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">The corrupter</a>] would be
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/04/trump-immunity-ruling-analysis">free
to obstruct justice</a> in second term, after [the recent] immunity ruling.*

<p>
 


title: A human-oriented vs a GDP-based economy
uri: A-human-oriented-vs-a-GDP-based-economy
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_July_2024_(A_human-oriented_vs_a_GDP-based_economy)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_July_2024_(A_human-oriented_vs_a_GDP-based_economy)

content:
 
<p>
*Obsession with growth is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/article/2024/jul/02/obsession-with-growth-is-enriching-elites-and-killing-the-planet-we-need-an-economy-based-on-human-rights-olivier-de-schutter">enriching
elites</a> and 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-mar-jun.html#17_May_2024_(GDP_growth_as_a_phase)">killing the planet</a>.  We need an economy based on human rights.* Meanwhile, the
number of poor people is increasing.
<p>
The flaws of GDP as a measure to target increase in are clear.  What I don't know of is a good
replacement.  I tried looking at proposals, but the few I saw were flawed in other ways.  Then
I tried trying to invent one, but did not come up with anything good.
<p>

 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_July_2024_(Spending_needed,_UK,_US)
title: Spending needed, UK, US
uri: Spending-needed-UK-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_July_2024_(Spending_needed,_UK,_US)
content:
 
<p>
The UK and the US both have many crucial national needs that call for
spending money.  If a party tries to woo wealthy voters whose priority
is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jun/13/keir-starmer-uk-election-labour-manifesto">not
to pay</a> more tax, by promising not to raise taxes, it has made a choice not to address the
long list of pressing national needs that require spending more money.  By making this choice
for Labour, Starmer has limited it to small change.
<p>
Many Britons supported the Labour Party precisely because its goal was to do something about
that.  It rejected Communism, but advocated an increased level of Socialism.  Now Starmer
thinks to drag them along for lack of a better alternative.
<p>
However, the Liberal Democrats have now pledged to raise taxes on the wealthy to fix the NHS.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_July_2024_(Parents'_fears_mislead)
title: Parents' fears mislead
uri: Parents-fears-mislead
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_July_2024_(Parents'_fears_mislead)
content:
 
<p>
How parents' unreasonable anxiety drives them to
<a href="https://www.freerangekids.com/is-the-phone-for-my-kids-safety-or-my-own-anxiety/">give
children snoop-phones</a> and never let them go off by themselves.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_July_2024_(Ten_activists,_prison_sentences,_KHM)
title: Ten activists, prison sentences, KHM
uri: Ten-activists-prison-sentences-KHM
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_July_2024_(Ten_activists,_prison_sentences,_KHM)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/02/cambodia-jails-10-environmentalists-in-crushing-blow-to-civil-society">Imprisoning
environmental protectors</a> is not limited to corrupt western democracies.  Cambodia, which is
controlled by a hereditary "prime minister" in the name of a hereditary king, does it too.
<p>
Now that China has a policy of investing abroad to gain influence, it has a lot of influence in
many of its smaller neighbors.  Cambodia would seem to be one of them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_July_2024_((Satire)_Right_v._Wrong)
title: (Satire) Right v. Wrong
uri: (Satire)-Right-v-Wrong
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_July_2024_((Satire)_Right_v._Wrong)
content:
 
<p>
(satire)
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/supreme-court-overturns-right-v-wrong-1819573211">Supreme
Court Overturns</a> "Right v. Wrong"
<p>
How prescient!

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_July_2024_((Satire)_Daily_crime-spree_window)
title: (Satire) Daily crime-spree window
uri: (Satire)-Daily-crime-spree-window
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_July_2024_((Satire)_Daily_crime-spree_window)
content:
 
<p>
(satire)
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/supreme-court-rules-trump-has-immunity-for-any-crime-co-1851573124">*Supreme
Court Rules</a> [<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a>] Has Immunity For Any Crime Committed Between 9 And 5.*
<p>
(satire?) If Republicans take power, they will give their followers "herd immunity", meaning
immunity for any crimes they commit in the course of following those leaders.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_July_2024_((Satire)_Chief_Justice_graft_benefits)
title: (Satire) Chief Justice graft benefits
uri: (Satire)-Chief-Justice-graft-benefits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_July_2024_((Satire)_Chief_Justice_graft_benefits)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Clarence Thomas Torn Over Case Where
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/clarence-thomas-torn-over-case-where-both-sides-offer-c-1851566812">Both
Sides Offer</a> Compelling Scuba Trips.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_July_2024_(Activist_counter-punch,_AFG)
title: Activist counter-punch, AFG
uri: Activist-counter-punch-AFG
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_July_2024_(Activist_counter-punch,_AFG)
content:
 
<p>
An Afghan human rights activist who is a woman was arrested by the Taliban, who gang-raped her
in jail.  The rapists made a video to silence her with.  When released, she fled the country,
and they sent her a copy, threatening to publish it if she continued to criticize them.
<p>
Far from being intimidated, she
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/article/2024/jul/03/video-appears-to-shows-gang-rape-of-woman-in-a-taliban-jail">sent
it to news organizations</a>.
<p>
That is courage.  She does not have anything to be ashamed of -- the
rapists do.
<p>
The article reports on other cases of Taliban's raping, even killing,
women they arrested.
<p>
I suppose they brutalize men also who criticize them, perhaps
in different ways.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_July_2024_(Hurricane_earliest_category_5_ever)
title: Hurricane earliest category 5 ever
uri: Hurricane-earliest-category-5-ever
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_July_2024_(Hurricane_earliest_category_5_ever)
content:
 
<p>
A surprisingly powerful hurricane caused near total devastation in
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/04/the-guardian-view-on-hurricane-beryl-the-west-cant-sit-this-out">two
Caribbean islands</a>; nearly all buildings there were destroyed.
<p>
Each hurricane's devastation centers on a few places, but which places
are hit each time is random.  Any place in the hurricane zone could be
devastated by the next hurricane.  As <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> makes for more
powerful hurricanes, buildings that formerly were probably safe become
vulnerable.
<p>
(Different terms are officially used, rather than "hurricane", for
similar storms in other parts of the world.  For simplicity I write
"hurricane" to refer to all of them.)
<p>
But hurricanes are just one of the dangers we are increasing.  There
are also
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_November_2023_(Wildfire_smoke_slowed_corn_crop_maturation)">wildfires</a>,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#31_March_2023_(Redesigning_cities_to_cope_with_increase_in_rain)">floods</a>,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-sep-dec.html#3_September_2021_(Desertification)">desertification</a>,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#23_January_2020_(Ecological_disconnect)">ecological disruption</a>,
and the spread of
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#3_September_2023_(Global_heating_enabling_spread_of_tropical_tiger_mosquitoes)">tropical
diseases</a> and parasites.  Many of these disrupt food production, and that is likely to cause
mass starvation later this century.
<p>
To argue about how much some countries owe other countries because of 
<!---->global heating is
divisive and shortsighted.  All of humanity (and a lot of nature) is in danger from global
heating.  Instead of divisiveness, civilization must unite to curb 
<!----> global heating and decrease
the future danger we are creating.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_July_2024_(Israel_strikes_Gaza_school%2Fshelter)
title: Israel strikes Gaza school/shelter
uri: Israel-strikes-Gaza-school-shelter
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_July_2024_(Israel_strikes_Gaza_school%2Fshelter)
content:
 
<p>
*Israeli strike on Gaza school
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/06/israeli-strike-on-gaza-school-kills-16-say-palestinian-officials">kills
16</a>, say Palestinian officials,* and injured 50.  The school was serving as shelter for 7000
people who had fled other places in Gaza.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_July_2024_(Global_trade_myth)
title: Global trade myth
uri: Global-trade-myth
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_July_2024_(Global_trade_myth)
content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich: *Debunking Myth #6: “Global trade is
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/myth-5-global-trade-is-good-for-everyone">good for
everyone</a>!”*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_July_2024_(Cease-Fire_deal,_Gaza)
title: Cease-Fire deal, Gaza
uri: Cease-Fire-deal-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_July_2024_(Cease-Fire_deal,_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
There has been
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/05/israel-hamas-talks-to-resume-raising-hopes-of-a-gaza-ceasefire">some
progress</a> towards a cease-fire deal for Gaza.  But it is still blocked by the most
bloodthirsty member of Israel's governing coalition.  This calls for the US to increase the
pressure until that party cannot stand against it.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_July_2024_(Labour_and_Greens,_UK)
title: Labour and Green party takes, UK
uri: Labour-and-Green-party-takes-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_July_2024_(Labour_and_Greens,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
Many former Labour supporters voted for Labour reluctantly, solely to eliminate Tory rule.
Many others voted Green.  Next time, with less threat from Tories, the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/05/the-left-revolt-against-labour-is-significant-and-the-party-ignores-that-at-its-peril">Green
Party may win</a> many Labour seats.
<p>
Competing with the Greens could pressure Labour to stand for what, before Starmer, it used to
stand for.  But if it does not do that, many former Labour voters will become Green voters, and
Starmer will continue making Labour into the image of the former competent but cruel already
cruel Tory Party.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_July_2024_(Project_2025_aloofness)
title: Project 2025 aloofness
uri: Project-2025-aloofness
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_July_2024_(Project_2025_aloofness)
content:
 
<p>
*[<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">The corrupter</a>] attempting to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/05/donald-trump-project-2025">claim
to "know nothing"</a> about Project 2025.  Critics point out political roadmap for a potential
second term created by "more than 20 officials <a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_May_2024_(The_Saboteur's_Project_2025)">Trump appointed</a>."*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_July_2024_(Peace_Now_reporta_another_land_grab)
title: Peace Now reports another land grab
uri: Peace-Now-reports-another-land-grab
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_July_2024_(Peace_Now_reporta_another_land_grab)
content:
 
<p>
Peace Now, an Israeli organization that aims for peace between Israel
and Palestine, reports that Israel's
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/04/israel-has-approved-largest-west-bank-land-grab-in-30-years-watchdog-says">latest
seizure of land</a> in the West Bank is larger than usual.
<p>
Israel continually
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#19_November_2017_(Annexation_of_Jordan_Valley)">seizes
parcels of land</a> near the Jordan River so that a Palestinian state would be surrounded.
<p>
It also declares land to be a
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-may-aug.html#10_August_2011_(Colonies_Linked_To_Demolition)">"military
zone</a>" as an excuse for expelling Palestinians.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_July_2024_(Ranked-choice_voting_push,_Boston)
title: Ranked-choice voting push, Boston
uri: Ranked-choice-voting-push-Boston
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_July_2024_(Ranked-choice_voting_push,_Boston)
content:
 
<p>
Boston's city council has
<a href="https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2024/06/12/boston-city-council-renews-push-for-ranked-choice-voting/">asked
the state of Massachusetts</a> to allow Boston to use ranked choice voting.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_July_2024_(Tactical_voting_to_down_Le_Penn,_FRA)
title: Tactical voting to down Le Penn, FRA
uri: Tactical-voting-to-down-Le-Penn-FRA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_July_2024_(Tactical_voting_to_down_Le_Penn,_FRA)
content:
 
<p>
Non right-wing French voters answered
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/07/exit-poll-shows-surprise-win-for-left-wing-alliance-in-french-election">the
call to ally together</a> to defeat the extreme right-wing.

<p>
 


title: Standard, presidential cognitive testing
uri: Standard-presidential-cognitive-testing
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_July_2024_(Standard,_presidential_cognitive_testing)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_July_2024_(Standard,_presidential_cognitive_testing)

content:
 
<p>
*Lindsey Graham [a follower of
<!---->the corrupter] calls for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/07/lindsey-graham-presidential-nominee-evaluations">physical
and cognitive tests</a> for Biden and 
[<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a>].*
<p>
Naturally, his choice of what to test is biased so as to flunk Biden.  To test the candidates
for the full range of grave human flaws calls for testing also for conscience and empathy.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_July_2024_(Redesigning-democracy_experiment,_VEN)
title: Redesigning-democracy experiment, VEN
uri: Redesigning-democracy-experiment-VEN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_July_2024_(Redesigning-democracy_experiment,_VEN)
content:
 
<p>
A detailed explanation about how plans to redesign and rebuild
democracy in Venezuela
<a href="https://uncommontater.net/2019/01/11/whats-gone-wrong-in-venezuela/">went wrong and
ultimately failed</a>, written by someone with generally similar political views and goals.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_July_2024_(Scambaiting)
title: Scambaiting
uri: Scambaiting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_July_2024_(Scambaiting)
content:
 
<p>
Here's a legitimate job that a chatbot can really do &mdash; because truthfulness and accuracy
have nothing to do with the job.  The job consists of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/jul/07/ai-chatbots-phone-scams">fooling
human scammers</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_July_2024_(Detailed_Israel,_HAMAS,_illegalities)
title: Detailed Israel, HAMAS, illegalities
uri: Detailed-Israel-HAMAS-illegalities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_July_2024_(Detailed_Israel,_HAMAS,_illegalities)
content:
 
<p>
A
<a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/06/1150946">UN human rights body</a> spell out the
many violations of human rights law committed by Israel, and by HAMAS.
<p>
Another article
<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cl55gzp7vn9o">about the same report</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_July_2024_(Historical_opposition_to_slavery,_US)
title: Historical opposition to slavery, US
uri: Historical-opposition-to-slavery-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_July_2024_(Historical_opposition_to_slavery,_US)
content:
 
<p>
Information about opposition to slavery
<a href="https://www.gregpalast.com/jefferson-the-abolitionist/">in the pre-revolutionary
colonies</a> that later formed the United States.
<p>
Some comments from me about this.
 <ul><li>
Condemnation of slavery by workers afraid of competition from slaves
is not the same thing as moral condemnation of slavery as an injustice.
 <li>
Free workers concerned about unfair competition from unpaid slaves can make a difference in
the decision about whether to allow slavery.  We can hope that it will do so.  that includes
the case of convicts who are compelled nowadays to work in prison for wages so low that that
undercut and reduce the wages of free workers.
 <li>
The existence in the British colonies of a minority who opposed slavery on moral grounds
is interesting, but they may have been too few to be seen as anything but a fringe group.  It
is not impossible to end an injustice that is deeply embedded in society, but it may take a
struggle.
 </ul>


<p>
 


title: Extreme, Supreme Court, legal decision
uri: Extreme-Supreme-Court-legal-decision
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_July_2024_(Extreme,_Supreme_Court,_legal_decision)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_July_2024_(Extreme,_Supreme_Court,_legal_decision)

content:
 
<p>
*The US supreme court utterly
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/05/supreme-court-presidential-immunity-threat-american-democracy">distorted
the true threat</a> to American democracy.*
<p>
Meanwhile, I should point out that the Extreme Court's decision applies to accusations against
an ex-president.  I've read that no criminal charges can be made against someone who is
currently president.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_July_2024_(Prison_conditions_amid_cuts,_England)
title: Prison conditions amid cuts, England
uri: Prison-conditions-amid-cuts-England
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_July_2024_(Prison_conditions_amid_cuts,_England)
content:
 
<p>
A video showed a British prison guard having sex with a prisoner, in a prison cell.  A former
prison guard writes that the fact that they could do this is a consequence of budget cuts that
have made prisons
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/04/appalled-video-alleged-misconduct-prison-officer">unsafe and harmful</a>.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_July_2024_(Labour_ministers_who_aren't_MPs)
title: Labour ministers who aren't MPs
uri: Labour-ministers-who-aren-t-MPs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_July_2024_(Labour_ministers_who_aren't_MPs)
content:
 
<p>
Labour has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jul/07/familiar-faces-but-not-all-from-politics-meet-the-surprise-labour-ministers">appointed as attorney general</a> a Jewish human rights lawyer
who has rebuked Israel for violating international law in its
bombardment and siege of Gaza.
<p>
I did not realize it was possible in the UK to have ministers of state
who were not MPs.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_July_2024_(British_thug_investigation)
title: British thug investigation
uri: British-thug-investigation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_July_2024_(British_thug_investigation)
content:
 
<p>
A tour through the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/jul/06/what-happens-when-police-go-rogue-and-get-caught-met-police">British system of investigating misconduct by
official thugs</a>, including the system's flaws.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_July_2024_(Italy_silencing_critics)
title: Italy silencing critics
uri: Italy-silencing-critics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_July_2024_(Italy_silencing_critics)
content:
 
<p>
Italy's right-wing government has been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/06/defending-democracy-is-paramount-rula-jebreal-warns-against-meloni-rule">silencing critics by suing them</a> for
defamation.

<p>
 


title: Mainstream media wants Biden to resign
uri: Mainstream-media-wants-Biden-to-resign
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_July_2024_(Mainstream_media_wants_Biden_to_resign)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_July_2024_(Mainstream_media_wants_Biden_to_resign)

content:
 
<p>
Rebecca Solnit says that some <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/06/biden-trump-race-rebecca-solnit">US mainstream media are heavily pushing
the idea that Biden is a bad president, building up pressure for him
to resign</a>.
<p>
They are the point that <a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_July_2024_(Biden's_supporters_turning_on_him)">he has done a good job compared with the other
presidents of recent decades</a>.  This is all the more remarkable given
that he was held back by the lack of effective Democratic support in
Congress.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_July_2024_(The_Longest_Con_book)
title: <i>The Longest Con</i> book
uri: The-Longest-Con-book
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_July_2024_(The_Longest_Con_book)
content:
 
<p>
<em><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/article/2024/jul/06/joe-conason-the-longest-con-book">The Longest Con</a>: How <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#trump">Grifters</a>, Swindlers, and Frauds Hijacked
American Conservatism</em> describes the massive graft of the leaders
of the US right-wing.
<p>
Currently they mostly do this to their supporters, but Trump hopes to make all
of us victims.

<p>
 


title: Starmer Labour appointing former Tory minister
uri: Starmer-Labour-appointing-former-Tory-minister
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_July_2024_(Starmer_Labour_appointing_former_Tory_minister)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_July_2024_(Starmer_Labour_appointing_former_Tory_minister)

content:
 
<p>
The first thing Starmer Labour will do is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jul/06/labour-nick-boles-planning-tsar">appoint a former Tory
minister to weaken the planning system requirements</a> for local approval
of construction projects.
<p>
The change might be good or bad -- the article gives few details.
Tories changed these rules to make it particularly easy to block
approval of wind power generators, and reversing that would surely
be a good thing.
<p>
Under the Tory government, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-nov-feb.html#19_January_2023_(Right-wing_deregulation)">regulations for construction were
circumvented and disobeyed</a>, resulting in building many buildings with
flammable materials.  One of them had a <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-jan-apr.html#14_April_2022_(London_apartment_fire_and_recommendations_for_building_codes)">big fire in which many
residents died</a>.
<p>
Enforcement of safety regulations is not precisely the same issue as
getting approval for a project, but they are related and they are part
of the same system.  A government that is gung ho for "easing
regulations" is likely be insufficiently careful about which ones.

<p>
 


title: UK voter ID laws stopped around 3.5% voters
uri: UK-voter-ID-laws-stopped-around-3-5-voters
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_July_2024_(UK_voter_ID_laws_stopped_around_3.5%25_voters)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_July_2024_(UK_voter_ID_laws_stopped_around_3.5%25_voters)

content:
 
<p>
The UK's new voter ID rule seems to have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jul/08/voter-id-rule-may-have-stopped-400000-taking-part-in-uk-election-poll-suggests">blocked around 3.5% from
voting, and had a disproportionate effect on minority groups.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_July_2024_(Average_temperatures)
title: Average temperatures
uri: Average-temperatures
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_July_2024_(Average_temperatures)
content:
 
<p>
*Temperatures <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/08/temperatures-1-point-5c-above-pre-industrial-era-average-for-12-months-data-shows">1.5°C
 above pre-industrial era average</a> for 12 months, data shows.
 Copernicus Climate Change Service says results a ‘large and
continuing shift’ in the climate.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_July_2024_(Social_conflict)
title: Social conflict
uri: Social-conflict
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_July_2024_(Social_conflict)
content:
 
<p>
Proposing that the way the internet promotes social conflict is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/article/2024/jul/07/naomi-alderman-interview-radio-4-series">through replacement of reciprocal communication (conversation)</a> with
one-to-many communication.
<p>
In the age of the printing press, and of broadcast radio and TV, only
a few could communicate their ideas through those; for everyone else,
conversation was their only opportunity.
<p>
I am skeptical of her claim that printing, which was a change in a
similar direction, brought about the religious wars in Europe, because
such wars had gone on since centuries before.  I recall two previous
series of religious wars, that against the Bogomils (Gnostics)
starting around 1200 and against the Hussites starting around 1400.
In all three cases, it was the official church against another kind of
Christianity.
<p>
The Bogomils used hand-copied books to spread their ideas, and I
suppose the Hussites did too.  (This information comes from
Wikipedia.)
<p>
I think that the blame for those wars falls on the idea that one
doctrine is official, and any other variant is to be stamped out "by
any means necessary."  It was the Roman Empire which imposed this.
<p>
That doesn't imply her idea is valueless as regards the internet.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Sucralose)
title: Sucralose
uri: Sucralose
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Sucralose)
content:
 
<p>
When humans use sucralose, it goes through human bodies and human
sewage systems to end up in bodies of water, <a href="https://www.futurity.org/artificial-sweeteners-sucralose-environment-3237202/">where it affects the
cyanobacteria</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Effective_high-sugar_tax)
title: Effective high-sugar tax
uri: Effective-high-sugar-tax
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Effective_high-sugar_tax)
content:
 
<p>
Britain's extra tax on high-sugar beverages has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/jul/09/childrens-daily-sugar-consumption-halves-just-a-year-after-tax-study-finds">been very effective</a>
for both children and adults.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Republicans_and_climate)
title: Republicans and "climate"
uri: Republicans-and-climate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Republicans_and_climate)
content:
 
<p>
The Republican Party platform <a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/07/09/republican-platform-climate/">does not mention the word "climate"</a>.
<p>
They are sending a message: voting for us will put your children's
lives at risk, and maybe yours too.

<p>
 


title: Biden suffered less polling damage than expected
uri: Biden-suffered-less-polling-damage-than-expected
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Biden_suffered_less_polling_damage_than_expected)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Biden_suffered_less_polling_damage_than_expected)

content:
 
<p>
*Biden <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/09/biden-polling-debate-trump">suffered less polling damage than expected</a> after debate against
[<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a>].*
<p>
I am not firmly committed to Biden as candidate.
My principal goal for this election is to defeat <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a>.
My secretary goal is get the most progressive possible president.
<p>
If it is feasible to change cleanly and fully to some other
candidate and improve the chances of achieving those goals,
then I am in favor.
<p>
I am not confident that Kamala Harris would be as progressive
as Biden.  (I've estimated Biden as <a href="https://www.stallman.org/notes/2024-may-aug.html#3_May_2024_(Biden)">1/3 progressive</a>.)
<p>
As for whether Harris would have a better chance of defeating
the would-be fascist leader, I don't know.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Four-day_work_week_benefits)
title: Four-day work week benefits
uri: Four-day-work-week-benefits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Four-day_work_week_benefits)
content:
 
<p>
British public agency workers were asked to do the same work for the
same pay, in 80% of the hours.  They did that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/jul/08/largest-uk-public-sector-trial-four-day-week-sees-huge-benefits-research-finds-">eagerly and were much
happier, greatly reducing various sorts of problems</a>.
I don't think all workers will like this, though.  Some are quite
overworked.

<p>
 


title: Bullshitter tries to distance himself Project 2025
uri: Bullshitter-tries-to-distance-himself-Project-2025
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Bullshitter_tries_to_distance_himself_Project_2025)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Bullshitter_tries_to_distance_himself_Project_2025)

content:
 
<p>
*[<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">The bullshitter</a>] sought Friday to <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240705182701/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/07/05/trump-project-2025-disavowal/">instance himself
from a conservative think tank’s plan for the next Republican
presidency</a>, as Democrats work to make it a political vulnerability for
[him].*
<p>
It was published by the Heritage Foundation.  *Many people involved in
the effort are [former officials appointed by <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">the bullshitter</a>] ,
and [he] publicly allied himself with the think tank as
president.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(US's_Gaza_pier_getting_disassembled)
title: US's Gaza pier getting disassembled
uri: US-s-Gaza-pier-getting-disassembled
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(US's_Gaza_pier_getting_disassembled)
content:
 
<p>
The US Gaza aid pier has conclusively failed: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/10/us-gaza-aid-pier-dismantled">the US will soon
disassemble it</a>.
<p>
Will the US insist on getting aid into Gaza, or will it say, "Too bad,
but we tried"?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Urgent:_Census_funding)
title: Urgent: Census funding
uri: Urgent-Census-funding
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Urgent:_Census_funding)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/congress-must-defend-census-funding?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-bowers-news-media-main-list&source=group-bowers-news-media-main-list">defend census funding</a>.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Restore former presidents' criminal liability
uri: Urgent-Restore-former-presidents-criminal-liability
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Urgent:_Restore_former_presidents'_criminal_liability)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Urgent:_Restore_former_presidents'_criminal_liability)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://action.aclu.org/send-message/tell-congress-america-elects-presidents-not-kings?initms_aff=nat&initms_chan=eml&utm_medium=eml&initms=adv-na-sail-gradead-nat-240704_messageaction-civilliberties-na-trumpimmunity&utm_source=sail&utm_campaign=trumpimmunity&utm_content=adv-na-sail-gradead-nat-240704_messageaction-civilliberties-na-trumpimmunity&af=Yb3AJIpkvnwkl6wKwyjELOdf4si7cdbi9GZnigtn2XsinkZMgW/laHLUPy6o6RIvbf5eXPI4VQ9MCb7u6csUcuJHGCwdsf/Ekhq8Oy/iV2Y/VM5bOih/HmQmLg9UcJwBelZFsSGw38zZwE5iPDbe8SiTlCng7MmoxLHWel8aL4o%3D&gs=2S0HNICAbmtrqPM4MuEhLoyoTst%2BFzjD3IuvTxPYPzHzPb4n%2Bu10adDHhQUMKY4I&ms_aff=nat&ms_chan=eml&ms=adv-na-sail-gradead-nat-240704_messageaction-civilliberties-na-trumpimmunity">pass a constitutional amendment
restoring (former) presidents' criminal liability</a>.

<p>
 


title: Presidential immunity unconstitutional
uri: Presidential-immunity-unconstitutional
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Presidential_immunity_unconstitutional)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Presidential_immunity_unconstitutional)

content:
 
<p>
Constitutional scholar Laurence Tribe, about the presidential immunity decision: *US Supreme
Court abandoned the rule of law and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/08/us-supreme-court-presidential-immunity">triggered a need for basic reform</a>.*
<p>
He advocates a constitutional amendment to bar any interpretation that amounts to immunity for
people on the basis of past office-holding and also bars presidents from inciting crimes by
offering pardons.

<p>
 


title: Christian then Satanist school-chaplains
uri: Christian-then-Satanist-school-chaplains
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Christian_then_Satanist_school-chaplains)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Christian_then_Satanist_school-chaplains)

content:
 
<p>
*Satanic Temple objects to [Governor <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis</a>]'s push for more religion in schools and says
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/08/florida-satanic-temple-ron-desantis">members
could act</a> as student chaplains.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Progressives_back_Biden)
title: Progressives back Biden
uri: Progressives-back-Biden
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Progressives_back_Biden)
content:
 
<p>
Most of the firm progressives in the US House of Representatives firmly back Biden, while some
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/09/aoc-biden-re-election">other Democrats say he should step aside</a>.
<p>
Biden seems around 1/3 progressive to me.  His low mental acuity in the debate was real, but
everything since then confirm for me that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratists</a> want to replace Biden with someone who
is less than 1/3 progressive.
<p>
Is it crucial to replace Biden?  I think it is necessary if he will lose the election and some
other Democrat would win &mdash; but is that so?  I am no expert on that, but progressives
politicians surely know better than I do.

<p>
 


title: Small army of lawyers fight for the seas
uri: Small-army-of-lawyers-fight-for-the-seas
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Small_army_of_lawyers_fight_for_the_seas)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Small_army_of_lawyers_fight_for_the_seas)

content:
 
<p>
*"All threats to the sea come from humans":
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/10/threats-sea-humans-lawyers-fight-oceans-lawsuits-climate">how
lawyers are gearing up</a> to fight for the oceans.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Revenge-plus-rescue_strategy,_ISR)
title: Intensified revenge+rescue strategy, ISR
uri: Intensified-revenge-rescue-strategy-ISR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Revenge-plus-rescue_strategy,_ISR)
content:
 
<p>
Israel warned Palestinian civilians remaining in Gaza City that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/10/palestinian-civilians-told-to-leave-gaza-city-as-israel-steps-up-offensive">it
will make no effort</a> to avoid killing them.
<p>
I think it would be a war crime for Israel to act as it has now threatened to act.

<p>
 


title: New, large oil-fields, LATAM, CARICOM
uri: New-large-oil-fields-LATAM-CARICOM
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_July_2024_(New,_large_oil-fields,_LATAM,_CARICOM)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_July_2024_(New,_large_oil-fields,_LATAM,_CARICOM)

content:
 
<p>
Businesses and wealthy people in Guyana are profiting from a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/article/2024/jul/08/guyana-banks-on-future-as-a-latin-qatar-in-high-stakes-gamble-over-oil-production">big
increase in oil extraction</a>, though it does not "trickle down" to the rest of the
population.  Meanwhile this big local increase in oil extraction will increase the world's
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a>.
<p>
Similar things are happening in other countries of the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/article/2024/jul/08/will-you-stop-exploring-yours-latin-america-forges-ahead-on-new-oil-frontier">Caribbean region and South America</a>.
<p>
We have known since 2011 that the known fossil fuel resources were
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-may-aug.html#19_July_2011_(The_Carbon_Bubble)">too
much to fit in the world's carbon budget</a>.  Extracting all that fossil fuel, without some
surprise development, would doom civilization.  The discovery of additional fossil resources in
Guyana makes that excess even bigger; it stimulates the pressure from short-sighted businesses
and politicians to burn too much.  (We do not know precisely how much is too much, and when we
do fall over the climate cliff, it will take years to ascertain that fact.)
<p>
A big increase in the total extraction rate of fossil fuels pushes the world further into the
rush to disaster, adding to the cuts in extraction rate that the world needs to do elsewhere,
which the world is already failing to do.  Whether that increase happens in Guyana, the US, or
some other country, the effect is the same.
<p>
Arguing that it is OK to extract more in Guyana because
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(norway_judges_undersea_oil)">that
country actually consumes little of the extracted oil</a> is hiding the emissions around under
the rug.  The climate defense movement is already campaigning to stop measuring the emissions
of fossil fuel companies by counting only their own consumption.

<p>
 


title: How emissions-cuts requires paying poor
uri: How-emissions-cuts-requires-paying-poor
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_July_2024_(How_emmissions-cuts_requires_paying_poor)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_July_2024_(How_emmissions-cuts_requires_paying_poor)

content:
 
<p>
*Pristine forests and grinding poverty: why shouldn’t Brazil’s Amapá state
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/article/2024/jul/09/pristine-forests-and-grinding-poverty-why-shouldnt-brazils-amapa-state-embrace-oil-wealth">embrace oil wealth?</a>*
<p>
That is not a rhetorical question; the article offers
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-sep-dec.html#4_November_2021_(Global_heating_pressure_blocs)">an
answer based on the interests</a> of that region.  It may be valid in its own terms, but I have
a different answer: we shouldn't forget the more general reason: hardly anyone will do well out
of the collapse of civilization.

<p>
 


title: Netanyahu arrest-warrant US-blockage, UK
uri: Netanyahu-arrest-warrant-US-blockage-UK
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_July_2024_(Netanyahu_arrest-warrant_US-blockage,_UK)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_July_2024_(Netanyahu_arrest-warrant_US-blockage,_UK)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/article/2024/jul/10/america-is-pressuring-uk-to-block-iccs-netanyahu-arrest-warrant">Will
Labour give in to US pressure</a> to continue the Tories' effort to block the ICC's warrant for
the arrest of Netanyahu?
<p>
I hope Labour will proceed in accord with its stated intention to end
Britain's interference with that arrest.

<p>
 


title: (Satire) Robot-dogs creator orders "put down"
uri: (Satire)-Robot-dogs-creator-orders-put-down
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_July_2024_((Satire)_Robot-dogs_creator_orders_put_down)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_July_2024_((Satire)_Robot-dogs_creator_orders_put_down)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Tearful Boston Dynamics Engineer Forced To Drown Unwanted
Robot Puppies.*

https://www.theonion.com/tearful-boston-dynamics-engineer-forced-to-drown-unwant-1851552395

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_July_2024_(Climate_defense_activist_jailed,_AUS)
title: Climate defense activist jailed, AUS
uri: Climate-defense-activist-jailed-AUS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_July_2024_(Climate_defense_activist_jailed,_AUS)
content:
 
<p>
In Australia, a climate defense activist has been sentenced to prison for a "disruptive"
nondestructive protest that temporarily
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/jul/08/blockade-australia-climate-activist-sentenced-to-three-months-in-jail-over-port-of-newcastle-protest-ntwnfb">interfered
with operation of a coal</a> export terminal.
<p>
The
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/09/climate-protesters-wont-be-deterred-by-fines-jail-or-political-mixed-messages-on-the-environment">campaigners
are not daunted</a>.
<p>
I admire their willingness to take the risk of punishment to avoid the willing destruction of
civilization.

<p>
 


title: Greenwashing disguised as carbon offsets
uri: Greenwashing-disguised-as-carbon-offsets
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_July_2024_(Greenwashing_disguised_as_carbon_offsets)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_July_2024_(Greenwashing_disguised_as_carbon_offsets)

content:
 
<p>
The company "Finite Carbon" sells "carbon offsets" based on trees that will be spared the As.
Experts using satellite photos say that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/11/finite-carbon-forest-offsets-analysis">these offsets do little good</a>
for the climate.
<p>
Of course, it is not unusual for businesses to cheat their customers or the public.  Some of
these offsets are fraudulent &mdash; selling a commitment not to cut down trees
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#16_December_2020_(CO2_offsets)">that
won't be cut down anyway</a>.
<p>
Bu what I noticed about these "offsets" is that they can be bogus even by accident.  The trees
in question could be killed, five or ten or twenty years later, by a wildfire, a disease or
parasite, or desertification.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_July_2024_(Historical,_European,_antisemitism)
title: Historical, European, antisemitism
uri: Historical-European-antisemitism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_July_2024_(Historical,_European,_antisemitism)
content:
 
<p>
Europe encountered
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/article/2024/jul/11/europeans-are-experiencing-a-wave-of-antisemitism-survey-finds">a
tide of antisemitism</a>, even before the start of the current war in Gaza.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(Defeating_right-wing_extremism)
title: Defeating right-wing extremism
uri: Defeating-right-wing-extremism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(Defeating_right-wing_extremism)
content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich's advice on how to do your part to <a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/these-are-the-times-that-try-our">defeat right-wing
extremism</a> in the election this November.
<p>
Since I am sure Biden will win Massachusetts, I could vote for a
non-major party, but I don't know of any I would want to vote for.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(Pantanal_fires_worse_than_ever)
title: Pantanal fires worse than ever
uri: Pantanal-fires-worse-than-ever
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(Pantanal_fires_worse_than_ever)
content:
 
<p>
The Pantanal, an enormous wetland in Brazil, has fires in the dry season,
but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/09/devastation-as-worlds-biggest-wetland-burns-those-that-cannot-run-dont-stand-a-chance-brazil-pantanal">this year the fires are worse than ever</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(Everyone_has_a_price)
title: Everyone has a price
uri: Everyone-has-a-price
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(Everyone_has_a_price)
content:
 
<p>
If you are used by the online dis-services that track used's every
action, this massive surveillance will <a href="https://www.levernews.com/everyone-has-a-price-and-corporations-know-yours/">enable those companies to
predict how much you might pay for any product</a>.  And they could offer
that price to you, and a different price to each other used.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(Hurricane_Beryl)
title: Hurricane Beryl
uri: Hurricane-Beryl
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(Hurricane_Beryl)
content:
 
<p>
*Hurricane Beryl <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/09/hurricane-beryl-ocean-temperatures">supercharged by "crazy" ocean temperatures</a>, experts say.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(IMF's_draconian_austerity_measures)
title: IMF's draconian austerity measures
uri: IMF-s-draconian-austerity-measures
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(IMF's_draconian_austerity_measures)
content:
 
<p>
*Why are the US and IMF <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/10/kenya-finance-bill-protests">imposing draconian austerity measures</a> on Kenya?*
<p>
In the 1980s, the IMF was widely rebuked for compelling many poor
countries' governments to cut spending on education, medicine, and
help for the poor, to make those governments repay their debts faster.
It looks like the IMF is still doing that.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(Biden_and_the_elite)
title: Biden and the "elite"
uri: Biden-and-the-elite
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(Biden_and_the_elite)
content:
 
<p>
Biden criticized the "elite" for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/11/biden-step-down-rich-donors">pressuring him to step aside from
candidacy</a>.  These elite are the rich donors who fund the party's
campaign.
<p>
That sort of elite controls both parties.
<p>
The US has resumed <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/10/biden-resumes-sending-israel-bombs">shipping 500lb bombs to Israel</a>.
Only the 2000lb bombs will still be withheld.
<p>
The practical explanation given for this is rational, as far as it
goes.  But it reflects the lack of effort to convince or pressure
Israel to end its train of war crimes in Gaza.
<p>
I have to wonder if this reflects the demands of the same powerful
"elite" donors.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(Biden_answered_well)
title: Biden answered well
uri: Biden-answered-well
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(Biden_answered_well)
content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich says that <a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/theres-only-one-relevant-question">Biden answered well in his latest
press conference</a>, except for momentary verbal slips.
Everyone makes momentary slips, and they don't generally alter
real decisions, so they don't constitute real failings.
<p>
I think that if all US voters understood this point, it
would be better if the Democrats stick with Biden.
<p>
But, as we know, they don't all understand that.  Many overestimate
the significance of verbal slips.  Perhaps, as a consequence, someone
else might be more able than Biden to defeat <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a>.  If so,
maybe the Democratic Party would do well to switch to that other.
<p>
If Democrats want to try to judge carefully whether to switch to some
other candidate, and induce Biden to cooperate, I suggest the
following procedure.
<ol>
<li>
Press Biden to agree that he will step aside <em>if</em> the
procedure below is followed and chooses someone other than him.
<li>
Press all the delegates and superdelegates to agree to formally
implement the choice that would be made as follows.
<li>
The delegates and superdelegates -- those who would vote in the
convention -- join in anonymous virtual votes to choose a candidate.
It might follow the sequence that the convention would follow.
<li>
If the choice is not Biden, he carries out his commitment to step aside,
and they officially select the candidate.
</ol>

<p>
 


title: Free range childhood normal in Norway
uri: Free-range-childhood-normal-in-Norway
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(Free_range_childhood_normal_in_Norway)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(Free_range_childhood_normal_in_Norway)

content:
 
<p>
In Norway, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/article/2024/jul/11/how-to-be-a-norwegian-parent-let-your-kids-roam-free-stay-home-alone-have-fun-and-fail">free-range childhood is still normal</a>.
<p>
In Manhattan in the 60s, my life wasn't like Norwegian life, but I had
a similar absence of constant control.  When I meet adults who are
constantly tied up ferrying their children around, and children who
can't go anywhere without parental help, it strikes me as horrible.
<p>
Constant controlling and monitoring continues past childhood into
adolescence, so that younger teenagers have nowhere to get away to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/games/article/2024/jul/09/its-not-them-its-us-the-real-reason-teens-are-addicted-to-video-games">except into a video game</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_((Satire)_Megachurch_nuclear_test)
title: (Satire) Megachurch nuclear test
uri: (Satire)-Megachurch-nuclear-test
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_((Satire)_Megachurch_nuclear_test)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Megachurch Conducts <a href="https://www.theonion.com/megachurch-conducts-successful-nuclear-missile-test-1851575214">Successful Nuclear Missile Test</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(Labour's_prison_reformer_as_minister)
title: Labour's prison reformer as minister
uri: Labour-s-prison-reformer-as-minister
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(Labour's_prison_reformer_as_minister)
content:
 
<p>
Labour has appointed a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/08/a-shoe-fixing-key-cutting-radical-why-labours-new-prisons-minister-is-perfect-for-the-job">practical radical prison reformer as the
prisons minister</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(Privatization_of_UK_water_and_sewers)
title: Privatization of UK water and sewers
uri: Privatization-of-UK-water-and-sewers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(Privatization_of_UK_water_and_sewers)
content:
 
<p>
Privatization of water and sewer systems in the UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/jul/09/rise-sewage-pollution-thames-water-ageing-treatment-works">was allegedly going to
inspire investment</a>.
What it actually did was to enable the owners to reduce investment
(maintenance and replacement of systems) to pay themselves bigger
dividends.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/jul/10/cheap-sales-debt-and-foreign-takeovers-how-privatisation-changed-the-water-industry">The story in more detail</a>.
<p>
That's what we must expect when public functions are privatized, which
is why that is generally a terrible "solution" for most problems and
imperfections in public services.
<p>
The only exception is when the privatized service sells directly to
the public in a well-functioning competitive market where there are
many competitors for each purchase -- but only if efforts to pressure
consumers into fealty to a supplier are made to fail.

<p>
 


title: Poison pills in Republican spending bills
uri: Poison-pills-in-Republican-spending-bills
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(Poison_pills_in_Republican_spending_bills)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(Poison_pills_in_Republican_spending_bills)

content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/475-poison-pills-in-house-republican-draft-spending-bills">475 Poison Pills</a> in House Republican Draft Spending Bills.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(D’Vontaye_Mitchell)
title: D’Vontaye Mitchell
uri: D-Vontaye-Mitchell
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(D’Vontaye_Mitchell)
content:
 
<p>
Once again, "security personnel" <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/09/milwaukee-black-man-death-dvontaye-mitchell">killed a black man by putting a knee
on him</a>.
They did this in a hotel where thousands of magats will assemble
soon for the Republican Convention.  Perhaps they will cheer the
murder that took place.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(Asbestos_poisoning_investments)
title: Asbestos poisoning investments
uri: Asbestos-poisoning-investments
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(Asbestos_poisoning_investments)
content:
 
<p>
*Wall Street Is <a href="https://www.levernews.com/wall-street-is-investing-in-your-asbestos-poisoning/">Investing In Your Asbestos Poisoning</a>.*
Basically, it takes pay for accepting companies' liabilities for
past asbestos poisoning, then uses legal schemes to avoid ever paying
damages to the victims who were poisoned.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(China's_wind_and_solar_power)
title: China's wind and solar power
uri: China-s-wind-and-solar-power
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_July_2024_(China's_wind_and_solar_power)
content:
 
<p>
*China building <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/11/cape-fur-seals-rabies-surfers-south-africa">twice as much wind and solar power</a> as rest of world.*
But China has still shown no sign of ceasing to increase coal consumption,
and only reductions in fossil fuel use contribute to saving civilization.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_July_2024_(Land_grab_sanctions,_ISR)
title: Land-grab sanctions, ISR
uri: Land-grab-sanctions-ISR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_July_2024_(Land_grab_sanctions,_ISR)
content:
 
<p>
Biden has imposed US banking sanctions on some Israeli
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/11/us-sanctions-israeli-settlers-west-bank">colonies
in Palestine</a> and leaders of them, specifically for their attacks on Palestinians.
<p>
That is a good step in the right direction, but taking a step every month or two is very slow
progress.  The first one was a warning shot, which was a good step.  But now it is past time
for heavy fire of sanctions.

<p>
 


title: UN: US on recent war crimes in ISR, UKR
uri: UN-US-on-recent-war-crimes-in-ISR-UKR
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_July_2024_(UN:_US_on_recent_war_crimes_in_ISR,_UKR)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_July_2024_(UN:_US_on_recent_war_crimes_in_ISR,_UKR)

content:
 
<p>
*Russia Attacks Hospitals in Ukraine.  Israel Does the Same in Gaza. The
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/07/11/russia-ukraine-hospital-israel-gaza-wars/">U.S. Response
Couldn’t Be More Different</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Soldier's perspectives from inside Gaza
uri: Soldier-s-perspectives-from-inside-Gaza
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_July_2024_(IDF_soldiers'_perspectives_inside_Gaza)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_July_2024_(IDF_soldiers'_perspectives_inside_Gaza)

content:
 
<p>
Photos from al-Jazeera, confirmed by
<a href="https://www.972mag.com/israeli-soldiers-gaza-firing-regulations/">Israeli soldiers'
testimony</a>, show that it is not unusual for them to shoot unarmed Palestinians for no
military reason.
<blockquote>
The article linked to above contains links to YouTube.  For your freedom and privacy, modify
them to point to <strong>invidio.us</strong> to watch them.
</blockquote>
Further, the Israeli army has very lax rules of engagement.  Soldiers are welcome to shoot
&mdash; whether at a tree or at a human being &mdash; whenever they feel like it.
<p>
HAMAS fighters do not wear uniforms.  So it is indeed not possible to be entirely certain that
an adult Palestinian man walking 100 meters away is not a fighter.  But usually it is possible
to be see that that man is not a threat to anyone at present.  The small chance that he is a
HAMAS fighter does not justify killing someone who is probably a civilian.  Let alone someone
who is surely a civilian; but some soldiers kill even in those circumstances.
<p>
The lawful, and moral, thing to do is to fire a warning shot to tell him to go away.  But the
Israeli army does not order soldiers to do that.
<p>
Although I am not expert enough to state this as a certainty, from what I know I think that
these policies of the Israeli army amount to war crimes for which the highest officers and
officials are responsible.
<p>
Soldiers are also sometimes ordered to burn down or destroy any and all Palestinian houses they
have been using temporarily, citing various irrational justifications.  For instance, they must
make sure not to leave any ammunition or food that Palestinians (presumed to be "terrorists")
might use.
<p>
Destroying food so to make sure that starving Palestinians do not eat it???  Denying food to
the civilians to ensure there is none for the fighters???  That is systemic inhumanity.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_July_2024_(Travel-oppression_injustices)
title: Travel-oppression injustices
uri: Travel-oppression-injustices
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_July_2024_(Travel-oppression_injustices)
content:
 
<p>
When Sharon Johnston, permanently paralyzed, decided to travel to Switzerland to end an
unbearable life, an anthropologist and a political activist accompanies her.  The
British <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/jul/11/woman-who-went-with-briton-to-dignitas-sues-police-over-her-arrest">arrested
them both when they returned</a> to Britain.
<p>
It is noteworthy that Ms Johnston was not terminally ill.  She might have been condemned to
decades of helplessness, if not for the possibility of seeking aid in suicide.  I can imagine
myself in that same position and wishing for it to end.
<p>
Some states of the US threaten to arrest people who
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_September_2023_(Abortion-trafficking,_Ala.)">help
someone expectant to travel</a> to where abortion is legal.  These two laws are very similar,
and the same arguments prove the injustice of both.

<p>
 


title: Activist suppression judicial persecution
uri: Activist-suppression-judicial-persecution
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_July_2024_(Activist_suppression_judicial_persecution)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_July_2024_(Activist_suppression_judicial_persecution)

content:
 
<p>
The trial of Just Stop Oil activists was meant to keep the jurors in the dark about what was at
stake.  The defendants repeatedly violated the judge's orders to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/12/contempt-gagging-un-intervention-uk-wildest-climate-trial-just-stop-oil">speak
the forbidden information</a>.  The jurors paid no attention; they voted to convict.
<p>
I am very disappointed with them.  They had the opportunity to help save civilization and chose
instead to facilitate its destruction.
<p>
But the defendants' effort was not wasted.  The UN rapporteur for
environmental defenders was there, and his report on the trial
was quite stern.
<p>
Side point: I agree that people do not deserve to be punished for making a Zoom call.  However,
using <a href="/zoom.html"></a> Zoom implies being under the power of that company, and that is
itself a punishment.  They should have used <strong>Mumble</strong> or <strong>GNU
Jami</strong> instead.

<p>
 


title: Extreme capitalism as Social Darwinism
uri: Extreme-capitalism-as-Social-Darwinism
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_July_2024_(Extreme_capitalism_as_Social_Darwinism)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_July_2024_(Extreme_capitalism_as_Social_Darwinism)

content:
 
<p>
Right-wingers condemn every government policy that
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/debunking-myth-7-america-is-socialist">helps the
non-rich</a> live better than hand-to-mouth.
<p>
Socialism is essential for <a href="/articles/why-we-need-a-state.html">many of the
government's important missions</a>.  We don't have enough socialism yet in the US, but I would
oppose a complete move to socialism.  We need individualism and private activities too.
<p>
According to Robert Reich, here is how Harry Truman defended Socialism:
<blockquote>
Socialism is the epithet they have hurled at every advance the people have made in the last 20
years.
<p>
Socialism is what they called public power &hellip; Social Security &hellip; bank deposit
insurance &hellip; free and independent labor organizations &hellip; anything that helps all
the people.
<p>
When the Republican candidate inscribes the slogan "Down With Socialism" &hellip; what he
really means is, "Down with Progress."
</blockquote>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_July_2024_(Gaza_death_toll)
title: Gaza death toll
uri: Gaza-death-toll
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_July_2024_(Gaza_death_toll)
content:
 
<p>
Researchers project a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/12/gaza-death-toll-indirect-casualties">Palestinian
death toll in Gaza</a> of over 180,000, including the effects of hunger and sickness.
<p>
Around 6400 are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/12/palestinians-missing-gaza-warfare-red-cross">listed
as "missing"</a>, but most of them could in fact be dead.

<p>
 


title: A many-names sea, floating hostilities
uri: A-many-names-sea-floating-hostilities
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_July_2024_(A_many-names_sea_floating_hostilities)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_July_2024_(A_many-names_sea_floating_hostilities)

content:
 
<p>
China is using continual low-intensity violence
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/12/south-china-sea-conflict-philippines-coast-guard">to
force Philippine forces out</a> of the South China Sea.
<p>
It can do this because its naval forces greatly outnumber the Philippines'.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_July_2024_(Air_pollution,_the_aged_demise)
title: Air pollution, demise of the aged
uri: Air-pollution-demise-of-the-aged
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_July_2024_(Air_pollution,_the_aged_demise)
content:
 
<p>
*Researchers estimate 730,000 people a year in the US
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/12/lower-air-pollution-may-help-preserve-older-peoples-independence-study">lose
their ability to live independently</a> due to traffic pollution.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_July_2024_(Rightwing_risk,_FRA)
title: Rightwing risk, FRA
uri: Rightwing-risk-FRA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_July_2024_(Rightwing_risk,_FRA)
content:
 
<p>
*Risk of far right gaining power has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/12/risk-of-far-right-gaining-power-has-not-gone-away-warns-french-green-leader">not
gone away</a>, warns French Green leader.*

<p>
 


title: Sen. Susan Collins won't vote her party
uri: Sen-Susan-Collins-won-t-vote-her-party
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_July_2024_(Sen._Susan_Collins_won't_vote_her_party)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_July_2024_(Sen._Susan_Collins_won't_vote_her_party)

content:
 
<p>
*Republican senator Susan Collins says
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/12/susan-collins-donald-trump-election">she
will not vote for Trump</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Public sympathy for the hater bodes ill
uri: Public-sympathy-for-the-hater-bodes-ill
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_July_2024_(Public_sympathy_for_the_hater_bodes_ill)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_July_2024_(Public_sympathy_for_the_hater_bodes_ill)

content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">The corrupter</a> was shot and slightly wounded at a rally.  This could make
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/07/13/trump-pennsylvania-rally-shooting/">impressionable
people vote for him</a> from sympathy.
<p>
He has displayed so much hatred, so much contempt, and so much callous cruelty, that I feel
hardly any sympathy.  Please give your sympathy to Americans who are in danger of being caught
in the dictatorship he wants to set up.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_July_2024_(Sanders,_Cortez,_back_Biden)
title: Sanders, Cortez, back Biden
uri: Sanders-Cortez-back-Biden
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_July_2024_(Sanders,_Cortez,_back_Biden)
content:
 
<p>
Both Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/13/bernie-sanders-biden-democrats">back
Biden</a>.
<p>
I think their reason for this is similar to my own: that Biden does a higher fraction of
progressive things than the other Democrats would do.
<p>
I trust their goals and their sincerity, so I think their advice is good to follow.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_July_2024_(HAMAS_leaders_targeted_by_bombing)
title: HAMAS "leaders" targeted by bombing
uri: HAMAS-leaders-targeted-by-bombing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_July_2024_(HAMAS_leaders_targeted_by_bombing)
content:
 
<p>
Israel says it made an air strike
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/13/hamas-mastermind-of-7-october-attack-killed-in-gaza-strike-claims-israel">to
kill a military leader</a> of HAMAS, and another military leader was in the same area.
<p>
That killing a HAMAS military commander, or even several, is not a step towards Israel's goal
of "wiping out HAMAS".
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-mar-jun.html#08_May_2011_(al_Qa'ida_Organization)">Generally
it is impossible</a> to destroy an underground resistance group by killing its leaders, as long
as it has popular support.  It will simply recruit new leaders.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_July_2024_(Death_re-tolled,_Gaza)
title: Death re-tolled, Gaza
uri: Death-re-tolled-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_July_2024_(Death_re-tolled,_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
The Lancet concluded that HAMAS's count of people killed in Gaza is basically accurate, but
<a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24">probably an
underestimate</a>.
<p>
Compare with Iraq Body Count, which sincerely tried to be accurate, but whose methodology
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-mar-jun.html#14 March 2011 (Civilian death
records)">chose to err on the side of underestimate</a>.

<p>
 


title: Principles, not mightiness, to fight for
uri: Principles-not-mightiness-to-fight-for
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_July_2024_(Principles,_not_mightiness,_to_fight_for)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_July_2024_(Principles,_not_mightiness,_to_fight_for)

content:
 
<p>
The Guardian: *America's future must be set by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/14/the-guardian-view-on-trumps-shooting-americas-future-must-be-set-by-voters-not-the-gun">voters,
not the gun</a>.*
<p>
If we want it to be decided by the voters, in
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_January_2024_(Further_weakening_of_Voting_Rights_Act)">a free</a>
and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#15_April_2021_(Fascist_parties)">fair
election</a>, we need to fight against
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#14_December_2020_(Same_zeal_attacking_democracy_on_the_back_end)">Republican
voter suppression and gerrymandering</a>.



<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#16_July_2024_(Climate_catastrophe_in_US)
title: Climate catastrophe in US
uri: Climate-catastrophe-in-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#16_July_2024_(Climate_catastrophe_in_US)
content:
 
<p>
*Climate Catastrophe <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/7/14/2254243/-Climate-Catastrophe-Arrives-in-Large-and-Small-Ways?_=2024-07-14T13:07:55.000-07:00">Arrives [in the US] in Large and Small Ways</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Indignation on behalf of the corrupter
uri: Indignation-on-behalf-of-the-corrupter
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#16_July_2024_(Indignation_on_behalf_of_the_corrupter)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#16_July_2024_(Indignation_on_behalf_of_the_corrupter)

content:
 
<p>
*[<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">The corrupter</a>] deserves our sympathy. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/14/trump-deserves-our-sympathy-that-doesnt-make-him-an-acceptable-candidate">That doesn’t make him an
acceptable candidate</a>.*
<p>
In my view, what he deserves is not <em>sympathy</em> for him, but rather our
<em>indignation on his behalf</em> for the crime attempted against him.
However, that indignation must be partly directed <em>at him</em>, for his
stirring up of the spirit of political violence, which surely has some
role in inspiring the attack on him.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#16_July_2024_(Ending_UK_austerity)
title: Ending UK austerity
uri: Ending-UK-austerity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#16_July_2024_(Ending_UK_austerity)
content:
 
<p>
*Labour can end [UK] austerity at a stroke -– <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/14/labour-end-austerity-tax-rich-uk-economic-growth">by taxing the rich and
taxing them hard</a>.*
<p>
"There's no money" is the standard <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a> response to proposals
to fix the gaping holes in public services by spending the amounts
that they require.  It is really a question of priorities: do you put
money into making the rich richer, or into what is needed for everyone
to have a decent life.

<p>
 


title: Biden denounces [corrupter] rally shooting
uri: Biden-denounces-corrupter-rally-shooting
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#16_July_2024_(Biden_denounces_[corrupter]_rally_shooting)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#16_July_2024_(Biden_denounces_[corrupter]_rally_shooting)

content:
 
<p>
*Biden <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/13/biden-trump-rally-shooting-reaction">denounces [corrupter] rally shooting</a>: "We must unite to condemn it".*
<p>
Our goal must be to maintain democracy with fair and free elections.
Alas, the followers of <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a> are trying to do the opposite.
<p>
However, we must not be the ones to start a war against the right-wing.
That would be a victory for them, not for us.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#16_July_2024_(Science_Museum_cut_ties_with_Equinor)
title: Science Museum cut ties with Equinor
uri: Science-Museum-cut-ties-with-Equinor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#16_July_2024_(Science_Museum_cut_ties_with_Equinor)
content:
 
<p>
* The [UK] Science Museum has been [compelled] to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/13/science-museum-equinox-drops-oil-giants-sponsorship-over-their-climate-record">cut ties with oil giant
Equinor</a> over its sponsor’s environmental record.*
<p>
The oil company used its donations to partly gag the museum as regards
the most important scientific issue of our time: the harm to the whole
world done by fossil fuels, including those extracted by Equinor.
<p>
It may be true that such gag clauses are "reciprocal and standard",
not that does not mean they are harmless.  Perhaps most of them do
little harm, but in this case it can be deadly.
<p>
Even without an explicit contract committing the museum not to cover
this danger, the desire to get future donations from the company in
the future would tend to corrupt.
<p>
The article mentions that other <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#planet">planet roaster</a> companies, such as
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bp">Billionaire Polluters</a> and Adani, have given the museum donations.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#16_July_2024_(Hurricane_Beryl)
title: Hurricane Beryl
uri: 2024-07-17-Hurricane-Beryl
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#16_July_2024_(Hurricane_Beryl)
content:
 
<p>
*After Hurricane Beryl's destruction, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/13/hurricane-beryl-climate-scientists">climate scientists fear for
what's next</a>.*
<p>
They have been warning us for decades now that this would happen.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#16_July_2024_(Nonfree_computer_games_manipulation)
title: Nonfree computer "games" manipulation
uri: Nonfree-computer-games-manipulation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#16_July_2024_(Nonfree_computer_games_manipulation)
content:
 
<p>
Some nonfree computer "games" today are really just <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/games/article/2024/jul/13/advergames-how-games-platform-roblox-became-a-corporate-marketing-playground">veiled marketing
for real products using real brands</a> -- aimed mainly at children.
<p>
The illustrate the general principle that <a href="https://gnu.org/malware/">nonfree programs tend to be malware</a>.
Manipulating the user is one kind of malware.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#17_July_2024_(Biden_housing_plan,_rent-control)
title: Biden housing plan, rent-control
uri: Biden-housing-plan-rent-control
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#17_July_2024_(Biden_housing_plan,_rent-control)
content:
 
<p>
*Biden housing plan seeks to curb rent increases by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/16/biden-rent-control-plan">penalizing
[large] landlords</a>.* The penalties would be triggered by a rent increase of more than 5% in
a year.
<p>
This requires approval from Congress.  Republicans will surely call this a monstrous attack on the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_July_2024_(Plutocracy's_historical_mechanics,_USA)">"free
market"</a>.  (A free market means one where the same rules apply to everyone who
participates.)
<p>
Please contact your congresscritter's and senators' offices and ask where they stand on Biden's
plan.  Take notes, and publish what they said.  Preferably in places that the public can see
without getting an account.  (Alas,
<a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/30/23779764/twitter-blocks-unregistered-users-account-tweets">ex-Twitter
is not such a place</a> any more.)
<p>
Please vote to defeat <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a> and all Republicans!
<p>
Nowadays, the increase in prices for many kinds of things is boosted by the lack of
competition.  The advent of large corporations that own very large amounts of rental housing
has reduced the effective competition on rents.
<p>
I think we should prohibited any private entity from controlling more than a minuscule fraction
of the rental housing market.  (I would not put this maximum as low as 50 units &mdash; perhaps
either 500 units or one local physically connected development, whichever is larger.)

<p>
 


title: Reality-rejector distraction campaign
uri: Reality-rejector-distraction-campaign
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#17_July_2024_(Reality-rejector_distraction_campaign)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#17_July_2024_(Reality-rejector_distraction_campaign)

content:
 
<p>
*[<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">The wrecker's</a>] running mate
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jul/16/trump-running-mate-jd-vance-uk-first-islamist-country-nuclear-weapon">says
UK could be</a> "first Islamist country" with nuclear weapons.*
<p>
That is not physically impossible but it disregards reality completely.  It is bullshit.
<p>
It is also a distraction campaign &mdash; as is usual for right-wing reality rejectors, they
accuse opponents baselessly of actions similar to what the reality rejectors are in fact doing.
The US could very likely become, next January, the first theocratic Christian regime with
nuclear weapons.
<p>
To prevent that, we Americans must vote and work to defeat Republicans at all levels.
<p>
That extends to <em>all</em> Republicans.
<p>
It used to be that there were Republicans that were right-wing but not radical extremists, who
had some integrity left and could coexist with other camps.  Not any more: <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a> has
converted nearly all to be as dishonest and extreme as he is.  Even those who, like Senator
Collins,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_July_2024_(Sen._Susan_Collins_won't_vote_her_party)">publicly
disendorse the wrecker</a> are likely to support extremists in other ways, such as by passing
their bills in the senate.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#17_July_2024_(Brute-factual_aftermaths,_Gaza)
title: Brute-factual aftermaths, Gaza
uri: Brute-factual-aftermaths-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#17_July_2024_(Brute-factual_aftermaths,_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
*Clearing Gaza of almost
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/15/clearing-gaza-of-almost-40m-tonnes-of-war-rubble-will-take-years-says-un">40m
tonnes of war rubble</a> will take years, says UN.*
<p>
The scenario of using only 100 trucks, over 15 years, is clearly not a real solution to the
problem.  Using 500 trucks, the job could be finished in 3 years.  But where would they put
this rubble?
<p>
After removing the rubble, could people live there?  Is the land of Gaza poisoned by toxic
chemicals?  And the water in it?

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Mainstream media on Project 2025
uri: Urgent-Mainstream-media-on-Project-2025
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#17_July_2024_(Urgent:_Mainstream_media_on_Project_2025)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#17_July_2024_(Urgent:_Mainstream_media_on_Project_2025)

content:
 
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="https://civicshout.com/p/tell-media-outlets-stop-parroting-trump-s-lies?ref=z3sFDw8&link_id=2&can_id=8b24519448cbedadde1c8a966f94caad&source=email-add-your-name-to-tell-media-outlets-dont-swallow-trumps-lies-about-supposedly-not-knowing-anything-about-project-2025-2&email_referrer=email_2384331&email_subject=add-your-name-to-tell-media-outlets-dont-swallow-trumps-lies-about-supposedly-not-knowing-anything-about-project-2025">call
on mainstream media</a> not to repeat <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter's</a> absurd claims about Project 2025 as if
they were true.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Politico-monopoly, -utility cos.
uri: Urgent-Politico-monopoly-utility-cos
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#17_July_2024_(Urgent:_Politico-monopoly,_-utility_cos.)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#17_July_2024_(Urgent:_Politico-monopoly,_-utility_cos.)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/ban-utilities-and-corps-political-contributions?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-patriotic-millionaires&source=group-patriotic-millionaires">call
on Congress</a> to ban utilities and monopoly corporations from making political contributions.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Republican squeeze on public edu
uri: Urgent-Republican-squeeze-on-public-edu
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#17_July_2024_(Urgent:_Republican_squeeze_on_public_edu)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#17_July_2024_(Urgent:_Republican_squeeze_on_public_edu)

content:
 
<p>
US residents:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/denounce-republicans-attacks-on-public-education?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-bowers-news-media-main-list&source=direct_link">denounce
Republicans</a> attacks on public education.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#17_July_2024_(RR_infrastructure,_DEU)
title: RR infrastructure, DEU
uri: RR-infrastructure-DEU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#17_July_2024_(RR_infrastructure,_DEU)
content:
 
<p>
Germany will close the railroad from Frankfurt to Mannheim, a major trunk line, to rebuild it after
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/15/germany-close-key-rail-corridor-overhaul-train-network-deutsche-bahn">years
of lack</a> of investment.
<p>
I observed this problem when I visited Germany in May, and asked my host/friend about it.  He
said that Germans had become less willing (than in the past) to prioritize the long term future.
<p>
I suspect that that manifests itself as a demand to pay lower taxes, and let the rich pay lower taxes too.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#17_July_2024_(Puberty-blockers_ban,_UK)
title: Puberty-blockers ban, UK
uri: Puberty-blockers-ban-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#17_July_2024_(Puberty-blockers_ban,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
Labour has extended the Tory
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jul/15/wes-streeting-defends-puberty-blocker-ban-decision-after-labour-criticism">ban
on prescribing puberty blockers</a> to young people.  (It is not clear from the words of the
article who the ban covers.)
<p>
The justification given by the minister is not outright nasty, but I think it is the wrong
policy.  The result will be to push people into puberty
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-jan-apr.html#5_March_2022_(ACLU_suing_over_Texas's_persecution)">in
 a sex that they may not want</a>.  It is better to give each person the choice. and the only
 way to do that is with these medicines.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#17_July_2024_(Urgent:_Taxpayer-funded_drug_patents)
title: Urgent: Taxpayer-funded drug patents
uri: Urgent-Taxpayer-funded-drug-patents
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#17_July_2024_(Urgent:_Taxpayer-funded_drug_patents)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://civicshout.com/p/sign-if-you-agree-drug-prices-are-too-high">call on
Congress</a> to support Biden's initiative to reduce prices on some drugs.
<p>
Biden did this through a change in a regulation, which (unlike a law) does not require specific
approval from Congress, but Republicans will push to override it, and <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a> Democrats
might support it, acting on the principle that the income of lobbying corporations is
sacrosanct.  The point is to dissuade them from doing so.
<p>
By the way, please vote to defeat <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a> and all Republicans!
<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/2024-may-aug.html#17_July_2024_(Urgent:_Avert_a_war_in_Lebanon)
title: Urgent: Avert a war in Lebanon
uri: Urgent-Avert-a-war-in-Lebanon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#17_July_2024_(Urgent:_Avert_a_war_in_Lebanon)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/no-war-in-lebanon?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-another-israeli-war">call
on Biden</a> to avert war in Lebanon.
<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/2024-may-aug.html#17_July_2024_((Satire)_Orthodox_Prime)
title: (Satire) Orthodox Prime
uri: (Satire)-Orthodox-Prime
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#17_July_2024_((Satire)_Orthodox_Prime)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Amazon Announces
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/amazon-announces-orthodox-prime-day-will-be-july-29-thr-1851590114">Orthodox
Prime Day</a> Will Be July 29 Through 30.*
<p>
Just as I don't celebrate Easter on any date, I won't celebrate <a href="/amazon.html">Prime Day</a>
on any date.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#18_July_2024_(Getting_a_Signal_acct)
title: Getting a Signal acct
uri: Getting-a-Signal-acct
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#18_July_2024_(Getting_a_Signal_acct)
content:
 
<p>
It is just barely possible to get a Signal account
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/07/16/signal-app-privacy-phone-number/">without giving
it a mobile phone number</a>, but it is a lot of effort and time, and depends on luck.
<p>
Rather than go to those lengths, I do without use of Signal.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#18_July_2024_(Violence_rhetoric_and_reality,_US)
title: Violence rhetoric and reality, US
uri: Violence-rhetoric-and-reality-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#18_July_2024_(Violence_rhetoric_and_reality,_US)
content:
 
<p>
Republicans have struggled for years to make it
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/16/unfortunately-gun-violence-against-trump-or-anyone-else-is-all-too-american">easy
for Americans to get guns</a> and kill people with them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#18_July_2024_(Facilitating_sanction-bypass,_ISR)
title: Facilitating sanction-bypass, ISR
uri: Facilitating-sanction-bypass-ISR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#18_July_2024_(Facilitating_sanction-bypass,_ISR)
content:
 
<p>
*US and Israel allowed
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/16/israel-gaza-aid-tax-deductible">tax-deductible
donations</a> to groups blocking Gaza aid.*
<p>
Israel's official measures to besiege Gaza are war crimes, deadly crimes.  If Israeli officials
connive at private efforts to block aid to Gaza, that is too a government war crime.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#18_July_2024_(Asylum_case_conundrums,_UK)
title: Asylum case conundrums, UK
uri: Asylum-case-conundrums-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#18_July_2024_(Asylum_case_conundrums,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
If you work for the agency that judges requests for asylum, and you tell would-be immigrants
that "You have been granted asylum", and later
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/jul/15/sheer-torment-home-office-apologises-after-asylum-approvals-retracted">you
discover a minor error</a> in the deciding of the case, what should you do?
<p>
Because of your mistake, you should set aside any minor requirements that you failed to check
before.  Unless <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#perse">perse</a> is a serious criminal, which you ought to have checked first thing, you
should make your acceptance of per final.
<p>
What you should definitely <em>not</em> do is tell per, "We made a mistake in judging your
asylum request, so we have revoked your asylum.  Cancel all your plans and wait while we judge
the fine details of your case.  We will tell you our real decision in a year or two or three."
That is cruel and inhumane.
<p>
I therefore conclude that the problem in UK asylum approvals is not a mere matter of details in
the rules.  It is a deeper matter than that, a lack of sense of proportion in carrying out the
rules when something has gone awry.  The bureaucrats have been taught to be as rigid as a badly
programmed computer.
<p>
Meanwhile, other asylum seekers are protesting about being sent to live on a barge moored in
what is effectively
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/jul/15/asylum-seekers-bibby-stockholm-barge-sit-down-protest">an
isolation camp</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#18_July_2024_(Republican_stance_on_Gaza)
title: Republican "stance" on Gaza
uri: Republican-stance-on-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#18_July_2024_(Republican_stance_on_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
In case you are so angry at Biden over Gaza that you suppose that it makes no
<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-israel-gaza-finish-problem-rcna141905">difference
who is the next president</a> of the US, look at what <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a> said about it.
<p>
 


title: Urgent: Millions of workers in poverty
uri: Urgent-Millions-of-workers-in-poverty
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#19_July_2024_(Urgent:_Millions_of_workers_in_poverty)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#19_July_2024_(Urgent:_Millions_of_workers_in_poverty)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-congress-to-pass-the-raise-the-wage-act-and-lift-millions-of-people-out-of-poverty?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=email-congress-must-raise-the-federal-minimum-wage-and-abolish-the-tipped-wage">call
on Congress</a> to pass the Raise the Wage Act and lift millions of people out of poverty.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#19_July_2024_(Extreme_Court_efforts,_US)
title: Extreme Court efforts, US
uri: Extreme-Court-efforts-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#19_July_2024_(Extreme_Court_efforts,_US)
content:
 
<p>
*Law scholar Laurence Tribe says the conservative [extreme] court majority is "destroying"
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/17/supreme-court-reform-biden">framework
of checks and balances</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#19_July_2024_(J.D._Vance_as_a_sturdy_bridge)
title: J.D. Vance as a sturdy bridge
uri: J-D-Vance-as-a-sturdy-bridge
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#19_July_2024_(J.D._Vance_as_a_sturdy_bridge)
content:
 
<p>
*On Abortion, J.D. Vance Is the Bridge Between [<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a>] and
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/07/17/jd-vance-trump-project-2025/">Project 2025</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Nuclear power plants as social construct
uri: Nuclear-power-plants-as-social-construct
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#19_July_2024_(Nuclear_power_plants_as_social_construct)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#19_July_2024_(Nuclear_power_plants_as_social_construct)

content:
 
<p>
Advocates of new nuclear power plants mislead the public about the cost and time needed to
construct the nuclear plants.  That has gone on for decades.
<p>
Now in Australia they are also
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/18/renewables-caught-in-misinformation-crossfire-from-australias-nuclear-cheerleaders">misleading
the public about the capabilities of, and safety requirements on, additional renewable
generation</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#19_July_2024_(Billboards_too_bright_for_night,_AUS)
title: Billboards too bright for night, AUS
uri: Billboards-too-bright-for-night-AUS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#19_July_2024_(Billboards_too_bright_for_night,_AUS)
content:
 
<p>
*Let there be night: digital billboards to be turned off to curb
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/jul/18/let-there-be-night-digital-billboards-to-be-turned-off-to-curb-light-pollution-under-melbourne-city-proposal">light
pollution under Melbourne city proposal</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Defeat fascism, vote your democracy, USA
uri: Defeat-fascism-vote-your-democracy-USA
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#19_July_2024_(Defeat_facism,_vote_your_democracy,_USA)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#19_July_2024_(Defeat_facism,_vote_your_democracy,_USA)

content:
 
<p>
The threat posed by <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a> and his magats is grave.  To be able
to say, "I opposed them", is not enough &mdash; we need to defeat them.  I
want to contribute to defeating them, to saving my country from
repressive rule of lies.  I hope you do, too.
<p>
Biden is not my ideal president.  I rate him as
<a href="https://stallman.org/biden.html">about 1/3 progressive</a>, and I criticize his
failure to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#25_January_2024_(Biden_must_press_Israel_to_end_occupation)">pressure Israel to cease its war crimes</a>
in Gaza.
<p>
If I had my druthers, I would help elect an honest, progressive president, such as Bernie
Sanders.  But there is no opportunity to help elect him this year.  A write-in vote, for him or
anyone else, would be a mere protest.  We need to defeat fascism.
<p>
What about third parties?  The Green Party has become too extreme for me.  As for the
self-styled "Libertarians", that name is misleading because their priority is not civil
liberties but empowering the wealthy by eliminating the regulations and government spending
that help and protect the non-rich.  They call those things "socialism".  I call them
"<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#anti">Antisocialists</a>", and I don't support them.
<p>
As for RFK Jr, he is an anti-vaxxer, and I have no wish to support pseudosience.  I expect I
would choose him over <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a> if those two were the only choices, but that is not the
situation this year.
<p>
The specific details of those actual candidates are secondary matters because none of them has
a chance of winning.  Voting for any of them would be a mere protest, not a way to defeat
fascism.
<p>
There are still primaries to be held this year.  I urge you to vote for progressive Democrats
in primaries if you have the opportunity, and vote for Democrats in November.
<p>
I myself will be happy to vote, once again, for Representative Ayanna Pressley &mdash; but
reelecting one progressive representative will not by itself be sufficient to preserve
democracy in the US.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#19_July_2024_(Cloaking_authoritarian_plans)
title: Cloaking authoritarian plans
uri: Cloaking-authoritarian-plans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#19_July_2024_(Cloaking_authoritarian_plans)
content:
 
<p>
*[<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">The corrupter's</a>] Allies Try to Bully
<a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/trump-allies-fascist-plans-dems-media-1235060142/">Dems,
Media to Shut Up</a> About His Fascist Plans.*
<p>
This is the usual right-wing lie, accusing opponents falsely of doing whet they actually do.
They regularly address their followers with blatant encouragement of political violence;
Democrats don't.  Calling a violent fascist a violent fascist does not constitute a call for
violence against per.
<p>
Lindsay Graham claims that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a> can't be a fascist, on the grounds that he has
millions of supporters.  He does have them, but that is beside the point.  It is normal for
fascists to be voted into power.
<p>
Mussolini's party had millions of supporters when he established <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#trump">the fascist</a> dictatorship in
Italy.  Bolsonaro was elected by millions of Brazilian voters, then tried to make it impossible
for voters to remove him.
<p>
What made them fascists is how they changed the system of government once they can.  The
corrupter already tried, in 2020, to overturn the election in which people voted to remove him,
using secret dishonest plots and mob violence.  He also did the usual right-wing lie then,
accusing Democrats of stealing the election he had lost.
<p>
Meanwhile, US Republicans are systematically rigging the elections in every state where they
can, with
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#8_July_2017_(Mass_Voter_Suppression)">voter
suppression</a> and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#20_November_2021_(Gerrymandering)">gerrymandering</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#19_July_2024_(J.D._Vance_nightmare)
title: J.D. Vance nightmare
uri: J-D-Vance-nightmare
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#19_July_2024_(J.D._Vance_nightmare)
content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">The wrecker's</a> choice of running mate is "A
<a href="https://www.levernews.com/j-d-vance-as-trumps-vp-a-corporate-ceos-dream-and-a-workers-nightmare/">Corporate
CEO’s Dream</a> And A Worker’s Nightmare".

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#20_July_2024_(GOP_mum_on_abortion)
title: GOP mum on abortion
uri: GOP-mum-on-abortion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#20_July_2024_(GOP_mum_on_abortion)
content:
 
<p>
Republicans think they can avoid being defeated by the supporters of abortion rights by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/19/republican-convention-abortion">avoiding
the issue</a> until the election.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Corporate lawsuits against govt
uri: Urgent-Corporate-lawsuits-against-govt
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#21_July_2024_(Urgent:_Corporate_lawsuits_against_govt)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#21_July_2024_(Urgent:_Corporate_lawsuits_against_govt)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on certain drug companies to drop their lawsuits that aim to block Biden's new
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/join-the-action-against-big-pharma?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-coalition-on-human-needs&source=direct_link">regulation
that would reduce prices</a> of certain drugs.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#21_July_2024_(ICJ:_Israel_wrongly_directed)
title: ICJ: Israel wrongly directed
uri: ICJ-Israel-wrongly-directed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#21_July_2024_(ICJ:_Israel_wrongly_directed)
content:
 
<p>
The
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/article/2024/jul/19/why-icj-ruling-against-israel-settlement-policies-hard-to-ignore-occupation-palestinian-territories">UN
International Court of Justice</a> concluded that Israel's occupation of Palestine, and its
colonization, are de-facto annexation, and illegal.  (Annexation of conquered territory is
also illegal.)
<p>
The ruling also *called for Israel to rapidly quit the occupied territories and
ruled Palestinians were due reparations for the occupation.*
<p>
*While non-binding, the ruling will provide ample ammunition for government lawyers already
actively examining future sanctions against those linked to Israeli settlement.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#21_July_2024_(Microsoft_Windows_gaff)
title: Microsoft Windows gaff
uri: Microsoft-Windows-gaff
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#21_July_2024_(Microsoft_Windows_gaff)
content:
 
<p>
Computers running Windows around the world were
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/jul/19/crowdstrike-microsoft-outage">unable
to run</a> due to a broken change remotely installed in them.
<p> With GNU/Linux, no one can forcibly install an "upgrade" (or a 'downgrade", as might prefer
to call it).  You decide when, and whether, to install changes, and whose changes to install.
  <p>
Can anyone tell me what job this CrowdStrike software does?  I have a hunch that this is one of
the unjust consequences of the proprietary nature of Windows, but I don't actually know.  It
would be very useful to know for certain.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#21_July_2024_(Election_vigilantes,_GA)
title: Election vigilantes, GA
uri: Election-vigilantes-GA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#21_July_2024_(Election_vigilantes,_GA)
content:
 
<p>
Republicans in Georgia have
<a href="https://mailchi.mp/gregpalast/the-real-issue-for-biden-44000-vigilantes-174513?e=8283eff9b8">signed
up tens of thousands</a> of election vigilantes, each of whom will be empowered to challenge
the legitimacy of voters with just a little excuse.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#21_July_2024_(Foreknowledge_of_CO2_climate-effects)
title: Foreknowledge of CO2 climate-effects
uri: Foreknowledge-of-CO2-climate-effects
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#21_July_2024_(Foreknowledge_of_CO2_climate-effects)
content:
 
<p>
Marathon Petroleum published an article
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/18/us-oil-marathon-petroleum-climate-change">in
1977 about the danger</a> of <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#climate">climate mayhem</a>.

<p>
 


title: Businesses vulnerable to today's climate
uri: Businesses-vulnerable-to-today-s-climate
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#21_July_2024_(Businesses_vulnerable_to_todays_climate)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#21_July_2024_(Businesses_vulnerable_to_todays_climate)

content:
 
<p>
Many US small businesses are very vulnerable to local disasters.
They could
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/18/flooding-small-businesses-closing">easily be wiped out</a>.
<p>
As business owners become aware of how climate disaster threatens their businesses,
increasingly every year, if they have long-term sense they will actively support
decarbonization politically.  If they don't, I expect they are fools.
<p>
I do not believe that fools deserve disaster.  Nobody deserves that, whether fools or not.
Alas, fools are likely to make it happen to them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#21_July_2024_(Polio_in_Gaza)
title: Polio in Gaza
uri: Polio-in-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#21_July_2024_(Polio_in_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
There are people in Gaza who have polio infections.  The lack of hygiene and water treatment means
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/19/israel-gaza-war-polio-sewage-samples">nothing
stops it from spreading</a> to anyone there who has not been vaccinated.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#21_July_2024_(Ben-Gvir's_strength_of_character)
title: Ben-Gvir's "strength" of character
uri: Ben-Gvir-s-strength-of-character
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#21_July_2024_(Ben-Gvir's_strength_of_character)
content:
 
<p>
Minister Ben-Gvir, the political leader of the extremist "settlers" that take land in the West
Bank from its Palestinian inhabitants, pushed his way into the al-Aqsa complex in Jerusalem, as
a gesture to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/18/israeli-minister-itamar-ben-gvir-visit-holy-muslim-site-al-aqsa-mosque">keep
the war in Gaza</a> killing.
<p>
The al-Aqsa Mosque complex was built on the hill where the Hebrew Second Temple had been
destroyed by Romans 600 years earlier.  Peace in the Middle East depends on the various
religions' respecting each others' sacred buildings, especially in Jerusalem; Israelis who
totally reject peace sometimes enter the al-Aqsa complex as a political gesture of war.
<p>
If Biden wants to inspire Democrats to vote for him, he could bar Ben-Gvir from entering the US.

<p>
 


title: Holistic plastics: pyrolysis unfeasible
uri: Holistic-plastics-pyrolysis-unfeasible
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#21_July_2024_(Wholistic_plastics:_pyrolysis_unfeasable)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#21_July_2024_(Wholistic_plastics:_pyrolysis_unfeasable)

content:
 
<p>
Shell committed to increase
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/jul/17/shell-recycling-plastic-pledge">recycling
of plastics</a>, but now admits it is unable to do that.
<p>
To decrease the amount of waste caused by use of plastic, we need to replace current plastic
with recyclable plastic, or with other materials, and make sure that the recyclable plastic can
be separated from the rest of the packaging.

<p>
 


title: Anti-savior would instead sell Ukraine
uri: Anti-savior-would-instead-sell-Ukraine
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#21_July_2024_(Anti-saviour_would_instead_sell_Ukraine)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#21_July_2024_(Anti-saviour_would_instead_sell_Ukraine)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/17/trump-jd-vance-vp-ukraine">Vance
would</a> encourage <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a> to sell
Ukraine to Putin.


<p>
 


title: How disconnect rules comport with rich
uri: How-disconnect-rules-comport-with-rich
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#22_July_2024_(How_disconnect_rules_comport_with_rich)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#22_July_2024_(How_disconnect_rules_comport_with_rich)

content:
 
<p>
*Half of Americans live in states without rules restricting
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/16/low-income-households-face-power-shut-offs">disconnections
for unpaid</a> or overdue bills.* With the dangerous and occasionally deadly heat caused by
humanity's cumulative greenhouse gas emissions, that system can kill them.
<p>
Republicans value keeping rich people rich above keeping poor people alive.  Their policies
accord with those values.
<p>
They have those values because they work for the rich who fund their campaigns and reward them
personally.  If you are too poor to pay your bills, they won't miss you if you die &mdash; and your
death is very effective for suppressing your vote.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#22_July_2024_(Stances_on_Israel,_US_fact-sheet)
title: Stances on Israel, US fact-sheet
uri: Stances-on-Israel-US-fact-sheet
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#22_July_2024_(Stances_on_Israel,_US_fact-sheet)
content:
 
<p>
Comparing the
<a href="https://www.politifact.com/article/2024/jun/25/joe-biden-and-donald-trump-on-israel-and-gaza-comp/">statements
and positions</a> of Biden and <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the
corrupter</a> in regard to Gaza, Israel and Palestine.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#22_July_2024_(RNC_atmosphere_curated)
title: RNC atmosphere curated
uri: RNC-atmosphere-curated
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#22_July_2024_(RNC_atmosphere_curated)
content:
 
<p>
*Election Deniers Have Taken Over the
<a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2024/07/17/election-deniers-have-taken-over-the-rnc/">Republican National Committee</a>.*
<p>
Not only the RNC's leaders, but even people seeking staff jobs there, were asked to affirm the
corrupter's election lies.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#22_July_2024_(Oct._7th_investigation_denied,_ISR)
title: Oct. 7th investigation denied, ISR
uri: Oct-7th-investigation-denied-ISR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#22_July_2024_(Oct._7th_investigation_denied,_ISR)
content:
 
<p>
Netanyahu said that there can be an investigation into Israel's
security failures on Oct 7
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/17/netanyahu-rejects-calls-for-immediate-inquiry-into-7-october-security-failures">when
Israel has defeated HAMAS</a>.
<p>
In other words, when pigs fly.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#22_July_2024_(Elon_Musk_building_a_US_oligarchy)
title: Elon Musk building US an oligarchy
uri: Elon-Musk-building-US-an-oligarchy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#22_July_2024_(Elon_Musk_building_a_US_oligarchy)
content:
 
<p>
Bernie Sanders thanked the musk-rat for doing "an exceptional job of demonstrating a point that
we have made for years &mdash; and that is the fact
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/elon-musk-donald-trump">we live in an oligarchic
society</a>."

<p>
 


title: Congressman's assault, extreme results
uri: Congressman-s-assault-extreme-results
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#22_July_2024_(Congressman's_violence_extreme_results)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#22_July_2024_(Congressman's_violence_extreme_results)

content:
 
<p>
CODEPINK accused a Republican congresscritter, who is a right-wing fanatic, of
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/congressman-van-ordens-false-battery-accusations-against-codepink-member-leads-to-death-threat">bashing
into one of its leaders</a> from behind and then falsely accusing per of assaulting him.
<p>
In the absence of real political violence from political opposition, the trumpets make false
accusations.  Why would they hesitate?  Following their leader, they have rejected truth and
honesty entirely, so there is no kind of lie they would refrain from due to conscience.


<p>
 


title: Urgent: Give thanks for prisoner phone calls
uri: Urgent-Give-thanks-for-prisoner-phone-calls
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#23_July_2024_(Urgent:_Give_thanks_for_prisoner_phone_calls)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#23_July_2024_(Urgent:_Give_thanks_for_prisoner_phone_calls)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.freepress.net/sign/fcc-thank-you-card-prison-phone-justice/?akid=35172.9489429.9DGPfD&rd=1&t=1002">Thank
the FCC commissioners</a> for stopping companies from gouging prisoners for their phone calls.
<p>
Because prisoners are a captive market, US companies impose
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-may-aug.html#13_May_2021_(Urgent:_Limit_the_price_charged_to_prisoners_for_the_phone_calls_in_prison)">unconscionable
fees</a> that
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#11_April_2024_(jail_monopoly_videocalls_lawsuit)">cut
them off from their families</a> &mdash; and make it more likely they will commit further
crimes once released.

<p>
 


title: Harris inspiring climate group confidence
uri: Harris-inspiring-climate-group-confidence
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(Harris_inspiring_climate_group_confidence)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(Harris_inspiring_climate_group_confidence)

content:
 
<p>
Several climate defense groups say that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/23/kamala-harris-climate-crisis">Harris inspires their
confidence</a>, pointing to her record.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(Sea_Shepherd_founder_arrested)
title: Sea Shepherd founder arrested
uri: Sea-Shepherd-founder-arrested
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(Sea_Shepherd_founder_arrested)
content:
 
<p>
Greenland has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/22/paul-watson-arrested-greenland-sea-shepherd-founder-and-anti-whaling-activist">arrested Paul Watson</a>, founder of Sea Shepherd, and
threatens to extradite him to Japan.
<p>
He was in a ship that was undertaking to interfere with Japanese
whaling, which now uses a new factory ship.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(Practice_doesn't_always_make_perfect)
title: Practice doesn't always make perfect
uri: Practice-doesn-t-always-make-perfect
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(Practice_doesn't_always_make_perfect)
content:
 
<p>
Elite ability depends on <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/21/practice-doesnt-always-make-perfect-thats-why-youre-not-in-the-olympics">innate capacity as well as on practice and
dedication</a>.
10,000 hours of practice are not guaranteed to make any specific
person excel.
<p>
For me, the word "talent" applies only to mental and perceptual
abilities.  A bodily characteristic that enables excellence in some
physical activity does not fit that word.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act
uri: 2024-07-25-Urgent-Supreme-Court-Ethics-Recusal-and-Transparency-Act
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(Urgent:_Supreme_Court_Ethics,_Recusal,_and_Transparency_Act)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(Urgent:_Supreme_Court_Ethics,_Recusal,_and_Transparency_Act)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/scotus-ethics-trump-immunity-documents-dismissed/?t=1001&akid=32453%2E96703%2EHCdzcT">pass the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal and Transparency Act</a>.
<p>
More information: <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/359">https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/359</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(Urgent:_Koch_fertilizer_merger)
title: Urgent: Koch fertilizer merger
uri: Urgent-Koch-fertilizer-merger
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(Urgent:_Koch_fertilizer_merger)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on the Federal Trace Commission to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/koch-fertilizer-merger?nowrapper=true">oppose the
billion-dollar Koch fertilizer merger</a>.
<p>
Biden created the possibility for the FTC to block his merger by
appointing the competition law champion, Lina Khan, to head the FTC.
Previous Democratic presidents, Clinton and Obama, did little more
than Republican presidents to oppose concentration of industry.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(Israel_academic_censorship)
title: Israel academic censorship
uri: Israel-academic-censorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(Israel_academic_censorship)
content:
 
<p>
Israel is considering a proposed law to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/21/draft-israeli-law-to-limit-academic-speech-labelled-mccarthyite">impose political censorship on
universities</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(Ahmad_Farhad)
title: Ahmad Farhad
uri: Ahmad-Farhad
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(Ahmad_Farhad)
content:
 
<p>
Ahmad Farhad criticized the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/22/i-fear-they-will-kill-me-for-talking-the-pakistani-poet-abducted-for-his-activism">tyranny of Pakistan's military intelligence</a>,
so they grabbed him and tortured him.
Eventually the government released him due to public pressure, with
a false criminal accusation.

*Latest satellite imagery [of Gaza near the Egyptian border] reveals
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/20/israel-gaza-egypt-satellite-israeli-army-rafah">new roads that appear designed to support the long-term presence of
Israeli troops</a>.*
<p>
The article describes other military construction in Gaza that seems
designed for permanent occupation.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(Humans_catching_bird_flu)
title: Humans catching bird flu
uri: Humans-catching-bird-flu
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(Humans_catching_bird_flu)
content:
 
<p>
The high heat in chicken farms makes it hard to keep protective masks sealed.
Some workers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/19/extreme-heat-human-bird-flu">have caught bird flu</a>.
<p>
Whether risks a human epidemic is not yet known.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(Russia_angling_to_prisoner_exchange)
title: Russia angling to prisoner exchange
uri: Russia-angling-to-prisoner-exchange
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(Russia_angling_to_prisoner_exchange)
content:
 
<p>
Russia effectively took an American journalist hostage by charging him
with unlikely crimes.  There is no reason to believe he was guilty of
anything because Russia did not hold a real trial, which would entail
stating what he allegedly did and presenting evidence to prove it.
<p>
Putin seems to be angling to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/19/evan-gershkovich-trial-russia-us-prisoner-exchange">exchange him for a real Russian spy,
convicted in a real trial</a>.  Should the US seek to do that?
<p>
I don't think so.  I think other countries should make it clear that
Russia cannot snatch people to use as "get out of jail gratis" cards
for its spies who have been caught.
<p>
Certain governments, including Russia and China, imprison people just
as pawns.  Americans should avoid going to those countries.

<p>
 


title: False accusations against CODEPINK leader dropped
uri: False-accusations-against-CODEPINK-leader-dropped
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(False_accusations_against_CODEPINK_leader_dropped)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(False_accusations_against_CODEPINK_leader_dropped)

content:
 
<p>
The Republican fanatic's <a href="The Republican fanatic's false accusations against a CODEPINK leader
have been dropped by Milwaukee prosecutors, but he is still making
false accusations and they are stirring up death threats by fanatical
followers.">false accusations against a CODEPINK leader
have been dropped by Milwaukee prosecutors</a>, but he is still making
false accusations and they are stirring up death threats by fanatical
followers.
<p>
This is a standard right-wing extremist tactic, encouraging a
fanatical spirit that is ready to kill.  Then whenever the leaders
rail loudly against someone, followers will direct threats or even
violence at per.
<p>
I don't know whether American fascists have directly acknowledged this
tactic, but they cannot be ignorant of the fact that their movement is
a violent one.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(republicans_gun_control)
title: Silence on gun control
uri: Silence-on-gun-control
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(republicans_gun_control)
content:
 
<p>
Republicans are saying nothing about the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/21/republicans-gun-control-trump-shooting">possibility of gun control.</a>
<p>
They are willing to risk their lives in the name of making America more
dangerous and enriching gun companies.  I would admire them if that were
a worthy cause.
<p>
I've read that many towns in the old "wild" West did not allow people
to carry guns.  On entering them, people were required to hand in
their guns.  Alas, I can't find this now.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(failed_rwanda_deportation_scheme)
title: Deportation scheme
uri: Deportation-scheme
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(failed_rwanda_deportation_scheme)
content:
 
<p>
The Tories spent around a billion dollars on preparing the scheme to
send 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jul/22/failed-rwanda-deportation-scheme-cost-700m-says-yvette-cooper">asylum seekers to Rwanda.</a>
<p>
It was never meant as a serious method of shouldering the burden of
judging and aiding those who are entitled to asylum.  Its real purpose
was to pretend to do that, while actually hurting and terrifying all
asylum seekers so as to drive them away from Britain.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(chinese_artefacts)
title: Chinese artefacts
uri: Chinese-artefacts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(chinese_artefacts)
content:
 
<p>
British archaeologists brought thousands of artifacts and old art objects
out of China, with the approval and contentment of Chinese officials
and scholars who welcomed their 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/article/2024/jul/20/chinese-artefacts-in-repatriation-row-were-given-willingly-to-british-museum">advanced methods of excavation.</a>
<p>
There is nothing unjust about this.

<p>
 


title: Blank accounts
uri: Blank-accounts
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(social_media_sexist_misogyny_algorithms)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(social_media_sexist_misogyny_algorithms)

content:
 
<p>
Researchers: *We unleashed Facebook and Instagram's algorithms on
blank accounts. 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/jul/21/we-unleashed-facebook-and-instagrams-algorithms-on-blank-accounts-they-served-up-sexism-and-misogyny">They served up sexism and misogyny.*</a>
<p>
The researchers specified male gender for these accounts,
and got right-wing male dominance propaganda.  It would be interesting
to do a similar experiment with female gender.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(project_2025_trump)
title: Project 2025 summary
uri: Project-2025-summary
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(project_2025_trump)
content:
 
<p>
A summary of Project 2025, the former wrecker-administration officials'
plan for what to do if 
<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c977njnvq2do">the wrecker becomes president again.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(the_beijing_declaration)
title: The Beijing declaration
uri: The-Beijing-declaration
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(the_beijing_declaration)
content:
 
<p>
China has brokered an agreement between various Palestinian parties,
including 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/23/palestinian-factions-accord-china-talks">Fatah and HAMAS.</a>
<p>
It is disturbing that China has the influence to achieve this, but I
can't criticize the achievement itself.  It will surely benefit
Palestinians.  Now that some European countries have recognized Palestine,
it will need to appoint ambassadors to them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(teamsters_president_rnc)
title: Unions and republicans
uri: Unions-and-republicans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(teamsters_president_rnc)
content:
 
<p>
*Unions who think Republicans are warming to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/23/unions-republicans-trump-labor-rights-teamsters-uaw">labor rights are getting
 played.*</a>
 
<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(bernie_sanders_kamala_harris)
title: Needs of working class people
uri: Needs-of-working-class-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(bernie_sanders_kamala_harris)
content:
 
<p>
Sanders' advises Kamala Harris to *pursue agenda that 
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/bernie-sanders-kamala-harris">"Speaks to the
Needs of the working class."*</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(cash_global_it_outage_dangers)
title: Cashless society IT dangers
uri: Cashless-society-IT-dangers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(cash_global_it_outage_dangers)
content:
 
<p>
An additional reason to insist on support for cash payment
is to reduce the damage done by 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/jul/20/cash-global-it-outage-cashless-society-dangers-payment-choice-alliance">internet server failures.</a>
<p>
I wish there were an organization in the US to campaign for the option
of paying cash. Can anyone point me at one?

<p>
 


title: Urgent: About Project 2025 news coverage
uri: Urgent-About-Project-2025-news-coverage
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Urgent:_About_Project_2025_news_coverage)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Urgent:_About_Project_2025_news_coverage)

content:
 
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-major-news-networks-to-cover-project-2025/?nowrapper=true">call
on major news networks</a> to cover project 2025.
<p>
Here's how to make the actionnetwork.org letter campaign linked above
function without running the site's nonfree JavaScript code.
<p>
I have done the first step for you: I added `?nowrapper=true' to the end of the campaign URL
before posting it above.  That should bring you to a page that starts with, "Letter campaigns
will not work without JavaScript!"  They indeed won't work without some manual help, but the
following simple method seems adequate for some of them.
<p>
To start, in the personal information in the box on the right side of the page.  That's how you
say who's sending the letter.
<p>
Then click the "START WRITING" button.  You will get a page that does not function (assuming
you have blocked nonfree JavaScript code), but by editing its URL in the browser's address bar
you can finish sending your letter.
<p>
First, delete everything from `&amp;redirect' to the end.  Then insert, instead of what you
deleted, `&amp;nowrapper=true'.  Then tell the browser to visit that URL.  This should give you a
version of the page that works without JavaScript.  Enter the text for your letter and click on
the "SEND LETTER" button.
<p>
This method seems to work for letter campaigns that send letters to a fixed list of recipients,
the same recipients for every sender.  Editing and revisiting the URL is the only additional
step needed to bypass the nonfree JavaScript code.  I'm sure you'll agree it is a small effort
compared with the benefit of supporting the campaign without opening your computer to unjust
(and potentially malicious) software.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Snipers_against_children,_Gaza)
title: Snipers against children, Gaza
uri: Snipers-against-children-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Snipers_against_children,_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
Dr. Mark Perlmutter went to Gaza for a week to do surgery.  He reports being
<a href="https://www.thecanary.co/global/world-analysis/2024/07/23/israel-children-killed-gaza/">amazed
by the number of children</a> who were killed, and in particular the children who were shot by
snipers.  That proves an Israeli soldier looked at an evident noncombatant who posed no threat
and decided, calmly, to kill per.  Not in the heat of battle, not in the fog of war, but with
unhurried murderous dehumanization.
<p>
Perlmutter reports photographing two dead children who were each shot once in the middle of the
chest and once in the middle of the side of the head.  This makes the unhurried dehumanization
even more clear.
<p>
Some Israeli right-wing extremists post recordings of their hatred for Palestinians.  I think
that others become snipers and commit war crimes.

<p>
 


title: Labor unions' Gaza-request upon Biden
uri: Labor-unions-Gaza-request-upon-Biden
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Labor_unions'_Gaza-request_upon_Biden)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Labor_unions'_Gaza-request_upon_Biden)

content:
 
<p>
*Seven major US labor unions call on Biden to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/23/labor-unions-israel-letter-biden">"shut
off military aid to Israel</a>."*

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Ask Teamsters to oppose Republicans
uri: Urgent-Ask-Teamsters-to-oppose-Republicans
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Urgent:_Ask_Teamsters_to_oppose_Republicans)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Urgent:_Ask_Teamsters_to_oppose_Republicans)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.boldprogressives.org/survey/petition_2024_teamsters/?source=e240719_1827-r1-v1-subj&t=1004">call
on Teamsters president</a> to oppose Republicans if they won't match
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#26_September_2023_(First_president_to_march_in_union_picket_line)">Biden's
bold support</a> for workers.

<p>
 


title: Republican censorship in history lessons
uri: Republican-censorship-in-history-lessons
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Republican_censorship:_school_history)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Republican_censorship:_school_history)

content:
 
<p>
The history of Republican censorship of teaching history in the US
<a href="https://www.gregpalast.com/trumps-plan-to-enforce-amnesia-by-law">began with an executive
order</a>
made by <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a> when he was president.
<p>
Biden subsequently reversed it, but many states have passed similar censorship laws, and the
Republican Party platform calls for one.  Most teachers in the US are now afraid of being
punished for teaching the wrong part of history.
<p>
Learning about the wrongs of history, almost always committed by people other than me, can lead
me to feel discomfort, or even anger, but not on account of _my_ race or sex.  They have
nothing to do with the wrong.  And likewise for you.  As for guilt, I can feel that about
things I myself have done.
<p>
It's the same for you, whoever you are.
<p>
As for Governor Kemp, he is not responsible for his ancestors' role in
slavery, but he is responsible for his own role in censorship.

<p>
 


title: Students protesting gov. job quotas, BGD
uri: Students-protesting-gov-job-quotas-BGD
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Students_protesting_gov._job_quotas,_BGD)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Students_protesting_gov._job_quotas,_BGD)

content:
 
<p>
*Bangladeshi students allege
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/23/bangladeshi-students-allege-police-tortured-them-after-protests-crackdown">police
tortured them</a> after protests crackdown.*

<p>
 


title: UNRWA as a terrorist organization, ISR
uri: UNRWA-as-a-terrorist-organization-ISR
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(UNRWA_as_a_terrorist_organization,_ISR)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(UNRWA_as_a_terrorist_organization,_ISR)

content:
 
<p>
*Israeli
<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-parliament-votes-label-un-relief-agency-terror-organisation-2024-07-22/">parliament
voted to label</a> UNRWA a terror organisation.  UNRWA is the UN agency that provides aid to
Palestinians.
 <p>
I have said for years that it is unjust and illegitimate to "designate" any person or
organization "terrorist".  Terrorism is a serious crime and anyone accused of this crime
deserves a fair trial.
<p>
I think this accusation is meant to create a strained excuse to block relief supplies to
Palestinians in occupied territory &mdash; in other words, an excuse for more grave crime.
<p>
Let's not lose sight of
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/benevolence.html">where we want to end up</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Election_war-threat,_US)
title: Election war-threat retracted, US
uri: Election-war-threat-retracted-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Election_war-threat,_US)
content:
 
<p>
A <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#magat">magat</a> who openly threatened to start a civil war 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/23/ohio-republican-trump-civil-war">if the wrecker loses</a>
this election has apologized.
<p>
Republican leaders often say this with dog-whistles. and Americans are aware of this danger,
but Republicans try to avoid admitting it clearly.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Netanyahu_spoke_to_US_Congress)
title: Netanyahu spoke to US Congress
uri: Netanyahu-spoke-to-US-Congress
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Netanyahu_spoke_to_US_Congress)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/23/bernie-sanders-netanyahu-speech">Bernie
Sanders condemned the invitation</a> of Netanyahu in Congress shortly before Netanyahu arrived.

<p>
 


title: Lula warns of Maduro election-violence
uri: Lula-warns-of-Maduro-election-violence
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Lula_warns_of_Maduro_election_violence)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Lula_warns_of_Maduro_election_violence)

content:
 
<p>
Lula has accused President Maduro of neighboring Venezuela of threatening massive violent repression
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/22/lula-maduro-venezuela-election-result">if
he loses</a> the coming election.
<p>
Some of Maduro's opposition consists of
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-jan-apr.html#08_March_2013_(Rich_Venezuelans_celebrate_the_death_of_Chavez)">right-wing
rich families</a> that used to control Venezuela and want to control it again.  Like the US
billionaires that back <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a>, they are ready to attack using lies and distortions.  So
I can't trust them to be honest
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#3_August_2017_(Maduro_Venezuela_fraud)">any
more than I can trust Maduro</a> to be honest.
<p>
Lula's statement gives me a basis for understanding the situation.  Lula is a sincere supporter
of democracy.  When he accuses a president in Latin America of repression, I have confidence
that he is right.

<p>
 


title: Royal Botanical Garden heat woes, London
uri: Royal-Botanical-Garden-heat-woes-London
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Royal_Botanical_Garden_heat_woes,_London)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Royal_Botanical_Garden_heat_woes,_London)

content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/article/2024/jul/22/half-of-kew-tree-species-risk-death-climate-crisis-study-botanical-gardens">More
than half of the tree species</a> at Kew’s Royal Botanical Gardens are at risk of [extinction]
because of climate breakdown.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(ICJ_declares_Israel_occupier)
title: ICJ declares Israel "occupier"
uri: ICJ-declares-Israel-occupier
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(ICJ_declares_Israel_occupier)
content:
 
<p>
The most interesting point in the opinion of the International Court
of Justice about Israel and the Palestinian territories is that it
confirms that this is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/22/the-icj-has-demolished-israels-claims-that-it-is-not-occupying-palestinian-territories">legally
an occupation</a>.  (There have been disputes about that question.)  So the treaty rules about
military occupations, also described in the article, do apply.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Kamala_Harris)
title: Kamala Harris
uri: 2024-07-26-Kamala-Harris
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Kamala_Harris)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/22/kamala-harris-cheat-sheet-19-things-to-know-woman-might-be-president">Information</a>
about the politics and career history of Kamala Harris.
<p>
I would like to know what laws she would like Congress to adopt if it agreed with her &mdash;
regarding issues such as decarbonization, reduction of toxic pollution and plastic pollution,
public transit, a public medical system, the taking back the Extreme Court, decreasing the
political influence of rich people and big businesses, and reversing decades of <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a> by
applying some Robin Hood.
<p>
How would she defend democracy from what Peter Thiel defines as "freedom"?

<p>
 


title: (Satire) Opinions about most recent news
uri: (Satire)-Opinions-about-most-recent-news
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_((Satire)_Opinions_about_most_recent_news)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_((Satire)_Opinions_about_most_recent_news)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *News Happening
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/news-happening-faster-than-man-can-generate-uninformed-1851601466">Faster
Than Man Can</a> Generate Uninformed Opinions.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Billionaires_for_Trump)
title: Billionaires for Trump
uri: Billionaires-for-Trump
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Billionaires_for_Trump)
content:
 
<p>
60 billionaires are now supporting <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter's</a> campaign
hoping he will
<a href="https://substack.perfectunion.us/p/over-five-dozen-billionaires-are">reduce taxes on super-rich</a>
Americans.
<p>
The money that billionaires gain from this will come from the rest of the country, in the form
of reduced government support for their survival, reduced wages, more expensive education for
fewer people, more expensive medicine that they can't afford to buy, and so on.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Shouting_fire_as_world_burns,_UK)
title: Shouting "fire" as world burns, UK
uri: Shouting-fire-as-world-burns-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Shouting_fire_as_world_burns,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
Britain sentenced
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/19/just-stop-oil-tactics-prison-chris-packham">protesters
to years in prison</a> for *shouting "fire" while the world burns.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Protesters'_years_in_prison,_UK)
title: Protesters' years in prison, UK
uri: Protesters-years-in-prison-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Protesters'_years_in_prison,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
Nonviolent protest
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/18/five-just-stop-oil-supporters-jailed-over-protest-that-blocked-m25">organizers
for Just Stop Oil</a> have been sentenced to years in prison.
<p>
That is the policy of most governments: keep the world safe for fossil fuels,
so they can kill hundreds of millions 20 years from now.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Rules_of_law_losing_judgements)
title: Rules of law losing judgments
uri: Rules-of-law-losing-judgments
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Rules_of_law_losing_judgements)
content:
 
<p>
*American rule of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/18/trump-courts-judges">law is vanishing</a>
at the tips of [<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a>]-appointed
judges’ pens.*

<p>
 


title: How Kagame won by landslide in Rwanda
uri: How-Kagame-won-by-landslide-in-Rwanda
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(How_Kagame_won_by_landslide_in_Rwanda)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(How_Kagame_won_by_landslide_in_Rwanda)

content:
 
<p>
*Paul Kagame
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/18/paul-kagame-rwanda-election-president-democracy">banned
opponents</a> like me from Rwanda’s election. No wonder he cruised to [reelection as president
of Rwanda].*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Urgent:_limit_mass_surveillance)
title: Urgent: limit mass surveillance
uri: Urgent-limit-mass-surveillance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Urgent:_limit_mass_surveillance)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/surveillance-reforms-0724/?t=1001&akid=32461%2E96703%2EJcBbnT">call
on the Senate</a> to pass reforms to place limits on massive government surveillance.
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_March_2021_(US_government_buying_personal_data)">See</a>
past
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/articles/real-privacy-laws.html">articles</a>
about
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#24_July_2023_(FBI,_CIA,_NSA_illegal_snooping,_abuse)">this
issue</a>.
<p>
Republicans claim to be for "small government", but that is only as regards serving and aiding
the public.  Where mistreatment of non-rich people is concerned, they stand for "heavy government".
<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/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(Military_at_Egyptian_border,_ISR)
title: Military at Egyptian border, ISR
uri: Military-at-Egyptian-border-ISR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(Military_at_Egyptian_border,_ISR)
content:
 
<p>
*Latest satellite imagery [of Gaza near the Egyptian border] reveals
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/20/israel-gaza-egypt-satellite-israeli-army-rafah">new roads that appear designed to support the long-term presence of
Israeli troops</a>.*
<p>
The article describes other military construction in Gaza that seems
designed for permanent occupation.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#26_July_2024_(Asylum_seekers'_barge_to_close,_UK)
title: Asylum seekers' barge to close, UK
uri: Asylum-seekers-barge-to-close-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#26_July_2024_(Asylum_seekers'_barge_to_close,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
The new UK government said it would stop using a barge
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/jul/23/bibby-stockholm-barge-to-close-after-january-says-home-office">to house asylum seekers</a>.
<p>
This raises two big questions which I do not recall much writing about.
<ol>
<li>
Why the UK's handling of asylum requests takes years.
<li>
Why the barge was such a bad place for asylum seekers to live in.
</ol>
For (1), I suspect the causes include the Tories' desire to discourage people from seeking
asylum in the UK, budget cuts that affect bureaucracy, computerization that replaces human
workers, and an attitude of rigidity among functionaries that leads to delay whenever they
encounter an unusual situation that the rules don't explicitly address.
<p>
For (2) I have seen little concrete coverage of what makes it so bad to live there.  There may
be aspects of its arrangements and policies that make life on board painful, but I have no idea
what they are.
<p>
The one thing I do understand is the barge's remote location and consequent inconvenience of
access.  I think that makes it unfeasible for anyone living there to visit most parts of the UK
without staying away overnight &mdash; and they can't afford to rent a room for that.  I think that
would in most cases cut them off from meeting friends, relatives and support organizations.
<p>
If that is the main problem, could it be solved by mooring the barge in London, convenient to
public transit?
<p>
If there are other major problems of living there, I would like to understand them.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#26_July_2024_(Israeli_influence_campaigns,_US)
title: Israeli influence campaigns, US
uri: Israeli-influence-campaigns-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#26_July_2024_(Israeli_influence_campaigns,_US)
content:
 
<p>
*Human Rights
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/07/24/fake-social-media-israel-influence/">Groups Call
on Biden to Investigate</a> Israeli Influence Campaign Against American Lawmakers.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#26_July_2024_(Protesters_disrupt_flights,_EU)
title: Protesters disrupt flights, EU
uri: Protesters-disrupt-flights-EU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#26_July_2024_(Protesters_disrupt_flights,_EU)
content:
 
<p>
*"Oil Kills" protesters disrupt flights
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/24/oil-kills-protesters-disrupt-flights-at-airports-across-europe-in-wave-of-action">at
airports across Europe</a> in wave of action.*
<p>
Causing many flights to be canceled is quite annoying, but since the alternative is the
collapse of civilization into suffering and death&hellip;

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#26_July_2024_(Tree_bark_removes_methane_from_air)
title: Tree bark removes methane from air
uri: Tree-bark-removes-methane-from-air
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#26_July_2024_(Tree_bark_removes_methane_from_air)
content:
 
<p>
*Tree bark plays
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/24/tree-bark-vital-role-removing-methane-atmosphere-climate">vital
role</a> in removing methane from atmosphere.* Especially in the tropical forests that people
are busy cutting down.
<p>
A report on
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/new-report-details-massive-impact-of-methane-emissions-on-near-term-climate-picture">the
two main human sources</a> of methane in the air: fossil fuel fracking and corporate factory farming.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#26_July_2024_(Labour_punishes_do-gooder_MP's)
title: Labour punishes do-gooder MP's
uri: Labour-punishes-do-gooder-MP-s
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#26_July_2024_(Labour_punishes_do-gooder_MP's)
content:
 
<p>
Starmer's party has renamed itself to "belabour" by provisionally
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/24/the-guardian-view-on-labours-rebellion-removing-the-whip-is-a-step-too-far">expelling
seven MPs</a> from party endorsement, after they voted to repeal a much-hated Tory poverty
generating law.
<p>
*By disciplining MPs for voting to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/24/disciplining-mps-voting-children-poverty-keir-starmer">pull
children out of poverty</a>, Keir Starmer has shown us who he really is.*
<p>
This
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jul/24/keir-starmers-show-of-force-sends-message-to-his-backbenchers">authoritarian
attitude</a> shows that there is little chance of leading Starmer Labour back to the values and
priorities that the Labour Party previously stood for.  Former Labour voters, and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/24/labour-rebellion-child-poverty-two-child-cap-john-mcdonnell">former
labour MPs</a>, may be able to unite with Jeremy Corbyn to be the nucleus of a new democratic
leftist party for Britain.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#26_July_2024_(Vance:_circle_wagons_load_muskettes)
title: Vance: "circle wagons load muskets"
uri: Vance-circle-wagons-load-muskets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#26_July_2024_(Vance:_circle_wagons_load_muskettes)
content:
 
<p>
*JD Vance writes foreword for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/article/2024/jul/24/jd-vance-project-2025-book-kevin-roberts">Project
2025 leader's upcoming book</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#26_July_2024_(Netanyahu's_lies_to_US_Congress)
title: Netanyahu's lies to US Congress
uri: Netanyahu-s-lies-to-US-Congress
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#26_July_2024_(Netanyahu's_lies_to_US_Congress)
content:
 
<p>
Identifying
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/24/fact-check-benjamin-netanyahus-speech-to-the-us-congress">the
biggest falsehoods</a> in Netanyahu's speech to the US Congress.
<p>
*[Rep.] Rashida Tlaib
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/24/rashida-tlaib-netanyahu-israel-gaza">holds
up "war criminal" sign</a> during Netanyahu address.*
<p>
Bravo, Rep. Tlaib.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#26_July_2024_(Deputy_charged_for_murder,_IL)
title: Deputy charged for murder, IL
uri: Deputy-charged-for-murder-IL
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#26_July_2024_(Deputy_charged_for_murder,_IL)
content:
 
<p>
An Illinois <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> deputy has been charged with first degree murder
for shooting dead a black woman he had been
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/19/illinois-deputy-sheriff-charged-murder">sent to help</a>.
<p>
At least it is good to see the state authorities filed the appropriate charges without trying
to avoid it.
<p>
The article linked to just above displays symbolic bigotry by capitalizing "black" but not
"white".  (To avoid endorsing bigotry, capitalize both words or neither
one.)  <a href="/bigotry.html">I denounce bigotry</a>, and normally I will not link to articles
that practice it.  But I make exceptions for some articles because I consider them important --
and I label them like this.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#26_July_2024_(Police_reform_on_Dem._agenda)
title: Police reform on Dem. agenda
uri: Police-reform-on-Dem-agenda
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#26_July_2024_(Police_reform_on_Dem._agenda)
content:
 
<p>
Kamala Harris strongly called for reforms to stop the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/23/kamala-harris-sonya-massey-killing-police-reform">unjust
violence of uniformed</a> <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#26_July_2024_(Rocks_made_the_first_oxygen!)
title: Rocks made the first oxygen!
uri: Rocks-made-the-first-oxygen
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#26_July_2024_(Rocks_made_the_first_oxygen!)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/22/dark-oxygen-in-depths-of-pacific-ocean-could-force-rethink-about-origins-of-life">Scientific
surprise</a>: metallic nodules (lump of mixed meals) that rest on some flat areas of ocean
bottoms generate oxygen in a slow but steady way.
<p>
They may be crucial for some life on the bottom.
<p>
Scientists already warn that mining them could
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-jan-apr.html#20_March_2022_(Destructive_deep_sea_mining)">destroy
sea-bottom life</a>.  This shows another way it could have that effect.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#26_July_2024_(AI_timelines,_future_forcast)
title: AI timelines, future forecast
uri: AI-timelines-future-forecast
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#26_July_2024_(AI_timelines,_future_forcast)
content:
 
<p>
Forecasting what advanced bullshit generators will do to society
under the control of antisocial media
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/22/artificial-intelligence-panic-time-change">platforms financed by advertising</a>.
<p>
It confuses the issue by
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#ArtificialIntelligence">calling them "AI"</a>.

<p>
 


title: Nations' debt-crises at historic highs
uri: Nations-debt-crises-at-historic-highs
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#26_July_2024_(Nations'_debt-crises_at_historic_highs)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#26_July_2024_(Nations'_debt-crises_at_historic_highs)

content:
 
<p>
*Developing countries face worst debt crisis in history,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/21/developing-countries-face-worst-debt-crisis-in-history-study-shows">study
shows</a>.  Spending on health and education being cut as nearly half of budgets are used to
pay creditors, campaigners say.*
<p>
Side point: I dislike the euphemism of "developing countries."  But that doesn't diminish the
importance of the injustice.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#27_July_2024_(Urgent:_High_Court_Gift_Ban_Act)
title: Urgent: High Court Gift Ban Act
uri: Urgent-High-Court-Gift-Ban-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#27_July_2024_(Urgent:_High_Court_Gift_Ban_Act)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/support-the-gift-ban-for-supreme-court-justices?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-bowers-news-media-main-list&source=direct_link">call
on Congress</a> to pass the High Court Gift Ban Act.
<p>
This addresses the same practical issue as the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal and Transparency
Act, but the solution is not the same, so perhaps one can pass Congress if the other cannot.
<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/2024-may-aug.html#27_July_2024_(Antitrust_gov't-expert_under_fire)
title: Antitrust gov't-expert under fire
uri: Antitrust-gov-t-expert-under-fire
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#27_July_2024_(Antitrust_gov't-expert_under_fire)
content:
 
<p>
*Dems'
<a href="https://www.levernews.com/dems-billionaire-tech-donor-presses-harris-to-fire-antitrust-regulator/">Billionaire
Tech Donor</a> Presses Harris To Fire Antitrust Regulator [Lina Khan].*
<p>
As the article says, there are more subtle ways that Harris could support monopolists than the
gross maneuver of firing Khan.  Since no one but a hateful fanatic or a confused loser would
wish for the reelection of <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a>, we need to pressure Harris not to give billionaires
what they want.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#27_July_2024_(Removing_homeless_encampments,_CA)
title: Removing homeless encampments, CA
uri: Removing-homeless-encampments-CA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#27_July_2024_(Removing_homeless_encampments,_CA)
content:
 
<p>
California Governor Newsom issues an
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/25/gavin-newsom-remove-homeless-encampments-california-executive-order">executive
order about the procedure</a> local governments must use if they remove homeless encampments in
California.
<p>
The order did not command them to remove these encampments.  So I wonder just what, concretely,
it did require.  Can anyone tell me?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#27_July_2024_(Rent_recommendation_servers,_SF)
title: Rent recommendation servers, SF
uri: Rent-recommendation-servers-SF
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#27_July_2024_(Rent_recommendation_servers,_SF)
content:
 
<p>
San Francisco is considering a
<a href="https://substack.perfectunion.us/p/cities-fight-back-against-corporate">law to
prohibit landlords</a> from using rent recommendation servers to set rents.
<p>
While the landlords do not directly collude to fix prices (rents), using the same server or
program causes the same sort of harm as direct collusion.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#27_July_2024_(Digital_workers_for_rent)
title: Digital workers for rent
uri: Digital-workers-for-rent
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#27_July_2024_(Digital_workers_for_rent)
content:
 
<p>
Companies are offering
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/jul/21/ai-digital-workers-employment">rental
of "digital workers"</a>, which are
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/who-does-that-server-really-serve.html">SaaSS</a>
containing so-called "artificial intelligence", dressed up as humans.  I agree with the person
quoted as saying that this has the effect of dehumanizing human workers, as well as replacing
them.  I expect they don't work very well, either.
<p>
The article ends by asserting that we "can't blame" the entrepreneurs for this vision.  I say
we must.
<p>
If a "digital worker" has a psyche like a human, it should be have the same rights as a human.
If it has that but always obeys orders, then it is a brainwashed slave, which should be illegal
to create.  If, however, it obeys orders because it has no goals, desires or feelings of its
own, then it is a machine, and it is wrong to pretend it is a "worker".
<p>
Advances in technology will make possible more points on that spectrum
but will not alter this conclusion.

<p>
 


title: Cocaine, metabolites, in coastal waters
uri: Cocaine-metabolites-in-coastal-waters
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#27_July_2024_(Cocaine,_metabolites,_in_coastal_waters)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#27_July_2024_(Cocaine,_metabolites,_in_coastal_waters)

content:
 
<p>
Sharpnose sharks caught near Rio de Janeiro were found to have significant levels of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/23/sharks-brazil-positive-cocaine">cocaine
in their bodies</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#27_July_2024_(Alpine_resort_town_burnt,_CAN)
title: Alpine resort town burnt, CAN
uri: Alpine-resort-town-burnt-CAN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#27_July_2024_(Alpine_resort_town_burnt,_CAN)
content:
 
<p>
The city of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/25/jasper-alberta-canada-wildfire">Jasper,
in Alberta</a>, is being burnt by a wildfire and all 30,000 residents and tourists have been
evacuated.
<p>
The greenhouse gases from burning the Alberta tar sands oil,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#17_March_2021_(Undisguised_propaganda)">made
possible by lobbying</a>
and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives//2021-sep-dec.html#23_November_2021_(Canadian_pipeline_protesters_and_journalists_arrested)">repression
of protesters</a> are coming back to bite the foolish citizens of Alberta who gave in to
foolish short-term thinking and elected a
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#7_April_2020_(Beginning_pipeline_during_Covid-19_crisis)">planet-roaster government there</a>,
  along with
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#28_November_2023_(Wildfire_smoke_slowed_corn_crop_maturation)">the rest of us</a>.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#28_July_2024_(MAGA_ipso_facto)
title: MAGA ipso facto
uri: MAGA-ipso-facto
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#28_July_2024_(MAGA_ipso_facto)
content:
 
<p>
To magats any election which their master does not win must ipso facto have been stolen.  If
there are no real grounds for that accusation, they will invent something.  Now,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/23/republicans-coup-kamala-harris-election-2024">for
instance, they are saying</a> that Harris's expected assumption of Biden's candidacy, supposing
the delegates to the Democratic Convention vote for her, would be a "coup".

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#28_July_2024_(Adoptions_Project_2025,_US)
title: Adoptions Project 2025, US
uri: Adoptions-Project-2025-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#28_July_2024_(Adoptions_Project_2025,_US)
content:
 
<p>
Part of Project 2025 is to allow (or maybe require) adoption agencies to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/24/project-2025-adoption-fostering">practice
religious discrimination</a>.  In Tennessee, a couple have already been barred for not being
Christians.  The would be adopters are suing, but we can't count on the Extreme Court to defend
basic civil liberties any more.  They might decide that the constitution allows the state to
outsource any activity to entities that discriminate against non-Christians.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#28_July_2024_(US_fossil-fuel_actions_unexemplary)
title: US fossil-fuel actions unexemplary
uri: US-fossil-fuel-actions-unexemplary
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#28_July_2024_(US_fossil-fuel_actions_unexemplary)
content:
 
<p>
The US has become the world's biggest fossil fuel
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/24/fossil-fuel-liquified-natural-gas-louisiana">exporter,
and is ruining parts</a> of the US to export the combustible material that can ruin the whole world.
<p>
*Wealthy countries lead in new oil and gas expansion, threatening
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/24/new-oil-gas-emission-data-us-uk">12bn
tonnes</a> of emissions.*
<p>
However, various countries in South America are
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_July_2024_(New,_large_oil-fields,_LATAM,_CARICOM)">eagerly
competing for the gold medal</a> in planet roasting.
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/25/un-speech-fossil-fuel-climate-crisis">UN
head admonishes wealthy countries</a> for expanding fossil fuel production.*
<p>
I am glad he is taking an active approach to this vital issue.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#28_July_2024_(Denying_womens_rights_in_the_US)
title: Denying women's rights in the US
uri: Denying-women-s-rights-in-the-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#28_July_2024_(Denying_womens_rights_in_the_US)
content:
 
<p>
Rebecca Solnit:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/25/republicans-against-womens-rights">*The
Republican party remains the party</a> of denying women human rights,* even though it hoping
Americans will forget about this if it keeps quiet from now till November.  Many Republican
politicians call for menstrual surveillance so as to catch any woman who has an abortion.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#28_July_2024_(Trump_playbook_explained)
title: Trump playbook explained
uri: Trump-playbook-explained
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#28_July_2024_(Trump_playbook_explained)
content:
 
<p>
This article proposes a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/26/donald-trump-americans-vote-psychology">framework
for understanding how</a> <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a> converted many Americans into fanatics who believe
whatever he has said most lately without checking it.

<p>
 


title: Interest-rate hike to solve Inflation?
uri: Interest-rate-hike-to-solve-Inflation
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#28_July_2024_(Inflation-caused_interest-rate_raising)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#28_July_2024_(Inflation-caused_interest-rate_raising)

content:
 
<p>
Lack of competition due to many
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/debunking-myth-9-inflation-is-caused">mergers has
caused inflation</a> in the US (and many other countries), which is making life difficult for
those who are not wealthy.
<p>
*Many [American food] companies are seeing their profits jump as
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/26/food-price-inflation-corporate-profit">they
continue raising prices</a>.* The fix is not raising interest rates &mdash; it is breaking up
monopolies.  Biden has made a good start by appointing
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#4_April_2024_(Apple_antitrust_sliding_into_place)">Lina Khan to head the FTC</a>.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/progressive-tax-on-business-gross-income.html">My
proposal for taxing</a> bigger corporations at a higher rate could pressure them to split up,
and avoid the need to sue each one.

<p>
 


title: Voter movements to save Gazans from US
uri: Voter-movements-to-save-Gazans-from-US
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#28_July_2024_(Voter_movement_to_save_Gazans_from_US)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#28_July_2024_(Voter_movement_to_save_Gazans_from_US)

content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/26/uncommitted-voters-harris-israel-gaza">Uncommitted
voters</a> who protested Biden over Gaza warn Kamala Harris must earn their vote.*
<p>
I hope they succeed in making her demand forcefully that Israel end the bombardment and siege of Gaza.
<p>
Let's not lose sight of
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/benevolence.html">where we want to end up</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#28_July_2024_(Labour_to_respect_ICC_decisions)
title: Labour to respect ICC decisions
uri: Labour-to-respect-ICC-decisions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#28_July_2024_(Labour_to_respect_ICC_decisions)
content:
 
<p>
*[The UK government] confirmed on Friday that it would not submit a challenge to the
jurisdiction of the international criminal court, whose chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, is
seeking a warrant
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/article/2024/jul/26/britain-drops-challenge-icc-arrest-warrants-israeli-leaders-netanyahu-gallant">against
the Israeli prime minister</a>.*
<p>
I don't think we are likely to see Netanyahu arrested for this any time soon,
but it will add to the pressure on Israel to end the bombardment and siege.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#28_July_2024_(JD_Vance's_traveler_oppression_plan)
title: JD Vance's traveler oppression plan
uri: JD-Vance-s-traveler-oppression-plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#28_July_2024_(JD_Vance's_traveler_oppression_plan)
content:
 
<p>
*JD Vance called for "federal response" to block women from
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/26/jd-vance-abortion-ban-travel">traveling
for abortions</a>.*
<p>
That was the utterance of a would-be theocrat trying to impose his religion on everyone.
Howeer, the "warning" about Soros (see the article) was the confabulation of a conspiracist,
like the believers in <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#qanonsense">QAnonsense</a>.
<p>
Apparently Vance combines both aspects.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#28_July_2024_(Putin_forces_and_land-mines,_UKR)
title: Putin forces and land-mines, UKR
uri: Putin-forces-and-land-mines-UKR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#28_July_2024_(Putin_forces_and_land-mines,_UKR)
content:
 
<p>
The <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#putinforces">Putin forces</a> scatter landmines in and around the towns they hold, even inside houses.  They
mainly
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/investigate-use-of-antipersonnel-mines-left-after-russian-occupation-as-possible-war-crimes">kill
and injure civilians</a>.


<p>
 


title: Golan Heights attacked, related tensions
uri: Golan-Heights-attacked-related-tensions
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#29_July_2024_(Golan_Heights'_attack,_related_tensions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#29_July_2024_(Golan_Heights'_attack,_related_tensions)

content:
 
<p>
*Biden administration blames Hezbollah for ‘horrific’
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/28/biden-administration-hezbollah-golan-heights-attack">Golan
Heights rocket attack</a>.*
<p>
I agree: Hezbollah <em>is</em> to blame for this rocket attack, which killed civilians.
<p>
Juxtaposing the US stance toward Hezbollah with its stance toward Israel's attacks in Gaza adds
up to a double standard.  It is quite clear that Israel is failing to carry out its duty to
protect civilians in Gaza, and that is an enormous war crime.
<p>
<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/harris-support-israel-ironclad-after-attack-golan-heights-2024-07-28/">Harris
took a similar position</a> on the attack by Hezbollah.
<p>
She can reduce her double standard by giving Israel less support over
its attacks in Gaza, and more pressure.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#29_July_2024_(Urgent:_2030-Census_negotiations)
title: Urgent: 2030-Census negotiations
uri: Urgent-2030-Census-negotiations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#29_July_2024_(Urgent:_2030-Census_negotiations)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/congress-must-defend-census-funding?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-just-strategy&source=group-just-strategy">call
on Congress</a> to defend Census funding.
<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/2024-may-aug.html#29_July_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_Corporate_Capture_Act)
title: Urgent: Stop Corporate Capture Act
uri: Urgent-Stop-Corporate-Capture-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#29_July_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_Corporate_Capture_Act)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to pass the Stop Corporate Capture Act,
which would explicitly
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/grassroots-co-sponsor-stop-corporate-capture-act?nowrapper=true">reestablish
the Chevron doctrine</a>, which was
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#31_May_2023_(So-called_chevron_deference)">recently
overturned by</a> the extreme court.
<p>
That doctrine says that that a federal agency regulation means what the agency says it means,
as was the case for 40 years.
<p>
IANAL, but I think this question is entirely separate from whether any given regulation
complies with pertinent laws and constitutions.  That has always been a matter for courts to decide.
<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/2024-may-aug.html#29_July_2024_(EPA_cannot_regulate_PFAS_)
title: EPA cannot regulate PFAS?
uri: EPA-cannot-regulate-PFAS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#29_July_2024_(EPA_cannot_regulate_PFAS_)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/28/trump-second-term-pfas-forever-chemicals-pollution">Project
2025 includes</a>, in the long list of plans, interfering with <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#epa">EPA's</a> ability to regulate PFAS.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#29_July_2024_(RFK_Jr_movements)
title: RFK Jr movements
uri: RFK-Jr-movements
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#29_July_2024_(RFK_Jr_movements)
content:
 
<p>
RFK Jr is not only a disinformationists, he is reported to have asked 
<!---->the corrupter for the promise of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/22/rfk-jr-trump-talks">a
government position in exchange</a> for his support.
<p>
If there is any chance that another <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a> could win your state, vote to ensure he loses.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#29_July_2024_(Dry_and_afire,_OR)
title: Dry and afire, OR
uri: Dry-and-afire-OR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#29_July_2024_(Dry_and_afire,_OR)
content:
 
<p>
Oregon is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/27/oregon-wildfire-season">full
of wildfires</a> after a heat wave dried out the vegetation.
<p>
The article attributes the fire wave to "heat, dry conditions and lightning," but it is clear
that the underlying cause is <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a>. 


<p>
 


title: Somehow Maduro won the presidency, VEN
uri: Somehow-Maduro-won-the-presidency-VEN
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Somehow_Madro_won_the_presidency,_VEN)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Somehow_Madro_won_the_presidency,_VEN)

content:
 
<p>
Many accuse Maduro of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/29/venezuela-election-result-maduro-urrutia">miscounting
the votes</a> in Venezuela's election.
<p>
The article does wrong by lumping Maduro's
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#01_November_2015_(US_foreign_policy_lies)">repressive
rule</a> with Chavez's
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#4_July_2017_(Venezuela)">reforms with
popular support</a>, which it does implicitly by lumping them together as "25 years of chavista
rule." Maduro gives only lip service to Chávez.

<p>
 


title: Innocent survives 17 yr prison term, UK
uri: Innocent-survives-17-yr-prison-term-UK
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Innocent_survives_17_yr_prison_term,_UK)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Innocent_survives_17_yr_prison_term,_UK)

content:
 
<p>
Andrew Malkinson, exonerated after 17 years in prison for a crime that
was committed by someone else, excoriates the UK officials who are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/18/britain-wrongful-convictions-ccrc-criminal-cases-review-commission-andrew-malkinson">supposed to investigate such cases</a>
and free those unjustly convicted.
They give the priority to protecting the reputation of the courts.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2005-sep-dec.html#16%20December%202005%20(Tookie%20Williams)">That
happens</a>
in <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2002-jan-all.html#abujamal">the
US</a>, too.
<p>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Jaleel_Stalling)
title: The true Jaleel Stalling story
uri: The-true-Jaleel-Stalling-story
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Jaleel_Stalling)
content:
 
<p>
A SWAT team in an unmarked car started firing not-as-lethal bullets with no warning at Jaleel
Stallings, so he fired his licensed gun back at them until he figured out that they were
official <!---->thugs. 
<a href="https://reason.com/2024/07/22/the-trump-campaign-wont-stop-lying-about-a-minnesota-man-acquitted-of-shooting-at-police/?utm_medium=reason_email&utm_source=new_at_reason&utm_campaign=reason_brand&utm_content=It">Then
he surrendered</a>, so they beat him up and charged him with attempted murder.
<p>
For once, the justice system mostly worked: he was acquitted and one
of the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> even pled guilty to a minor crime.
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">The bullshitter's</a> campaign tells the story all wrong, displaying his contempt for the idea of truth.

 


title: Transnational repression in UK ignored
uri: Transnational-repression-in-UK-ignored
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Transnational_repression_in_UK_ignored)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Transnational_repression_in_UK_ignored)

content:
 
<p>
*UK "turning a blind eye" to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/article/2024/jul/18/saudi-arabia-uk-exiles-threats-transnational-repression-human-rights">threats to kill Saudi activists</a>
living in exile.*

<p>
 


title: Guns just outside National Convention
uri: Guns-just-outside-National-Convention
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Guns_just_outside_National_Convention)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Guns_just_outside_National_Convention)

content:
 
<p>
Republicans and the gun lobby adopted an anti-gun-regulation law in Wisconsin that
<a href="https://www.levernews.com/how-the-gun-lobby-ensured-the-rnc-couldnt-be-gun-free/">barred
the city of Milwaukee from prohibiting guns</a> in the vicinity of the
Republican National Convention.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Ban guns at city voting places
uri: Urgent-Ban-guns-at-city-voting-places
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Urgent:_Ban_guns_at_city_voting_places)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Urgent:_Ban_guns_at_city_voting_places)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.commoncause.org/petitions/tell-congress-no-guns-at-the-polls?nowrapper=true&referrer=&source=072324-guns-polls">call
on Congress</a> to ban carrying guns at voting places.
<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/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(JD_Vance_deviance,_shapshifting)
title: JD Vance deviance, shapshifting
uri: JD-Vance-deviance-shapshifting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(JD_Vance_deviance,_shapshifting)
content:
 
<p>
*JD Vance calls [the corrupter]<!---->
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/29/jd-vance-trump-comments">"morally
reprehensible</a>" in resurfaced emails [from 2014-2017].*
<p>
I wonder whether he has changed his appraisal of <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a> or only decided to bury it for
self-interest.
<p>
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/7/28/2258869/-JD-Vance-A-Snake-that-Sheds-its-Skin?_=2024-07-28T13:55:17.000-07:00">More</a>
about this.

<p>
 


title: House Speaker wrong about Election Law
uri: House-Speaker-wrong-about-Election-Law
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(House_Speaker_wrong_about_Election_Law)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(House_Speaker_wrong_about_Election_Law)

content:
 
<p>
Ohio election law does allow that the
<a href="https://www.factcheck.org/2024/07/experts-delegates-free-to-pick-democratic-nominee/">Democratic
Party can choose a candidate</a> at its convention.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Abolish the electoral college
uri: Urgent-Abolish-the-electoral-college
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Urgent:_Abolish_the_electoral_college)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Urgent:_Abolish_the_electoral_college)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-on-its-time-to-abolish-the-electoral-college?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-inequality-media-civic-action&source=group-inequality-media-civic-action">call
on Congress</a> to pass a constitutional amendment to abolish the electoral college.
<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/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Children_as_pawns,_ISR)
title: Children as pawns, ISR
uri: Children-as-pawns-ISR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Children_as_pawns,_ISR)
content:
 
<p>
As retaliation for a missile attack by Hezbollah that
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/netanyahu-sick-children">killed children in
Israel</a>, Netanyahu postponed the transport of some wounded and sick Palestinian children
from Gaza.
<p>
This is, in effect, taking those children hostage.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Urgent:_NO_to_an_ID_law_to_surf_web)
title: Urgent: NO to an ID law to surf web
uri: Urgent-NO-to-an-ID-law-to-surf-web
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Urgent:_NO_to_an_ID_law_to_surf_web)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to reject KOSA, the bill that purports to
"protect children" by
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/censorship-wont-make-kids-safe?nowrapper=true">requiring
all adult users</a> of social media platforms to prove their age.
<p>
To do that requires they show government ID or run nonfree software.
Both are injustices and both are dangerous.
<p>
Meanwhile, the main cause of the danger in those platforms comes from
the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#7_February_2024_(Misogynistic_messages)">recommendation
engines</a>, and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#7_June_2023_(Unregulated_AI_doomsday_scenarios)">that
danger</a> affects adults too.  A real solution would protect all users without making any of
them identify perself. 

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Online_misogynist_propaganda,_UK)
title: Online misogynist propaganda, UK
uri: Online-misogynist-propaganda-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Online_misogynist_propaganda,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
Online misogynist propaganda has caused a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/jul/23/violence-against-women-national-emergency-england-wales-police">big
increase in violence</a> against women in England and Wales.
<p>
Researchers recently found that Facebook and Instagram spontaneously show such material to
users who
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#24_July_2024_(social_media_sexist_misogyny_algorithms)">described
themselves as young men</a>.

<p>
 


title: Misfit Netanyahu applauded in Congress
uri: Misfit-Netanyahu-applauded-in-Congress
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Misfit_Netanyahu_applauded_in_Congress_)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Misfit_Netanyahu_applauded_in_Congress_)

content:
 
<p>
*Netanyahu is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/25/netanyahu-israel-consensus">presiding
over a sharp decline</a> in the US’s pro-Israel consensus.*
<p>
This is a natural reaction to his presiding over Israel's descent into
ever more
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/done.html#25_July_2024_(Snipers_against_children,_Gaza)">extreme
dehumanisation</a> and destruction of Palestinians.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: NO subsidizing waste incinerators
uri: Urgent-NO-subsidizing-waste-incinerators
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Urgent:_NO_subsidies:_waste_incinerators)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Urgent:_NO_subsidies:_waste_incinerators)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://action.storyofstuff.org/letter/us-treasury-no-subsidies-waste-incinerators/">call
on the US Treasury</a> to give no subsidies for waste incinerators.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Water_infrastructure_trickles,_Gaza)
title: Water infrastructure trickles, Gaza
uri: Water-infrastructure-trickles-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Water_infrastructure_trickles,_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="media/c466dae3.bp-water-war-crimes-180724-en.pdf" data-original-source="https://oxfamilibrary.openrepository.com/bitstream/handle/10546/621609/bp-water-war-crimes-180724-en.pdf">Oxfam
International's report</a> details Israel's destruction of nearly all of Gaza's water
infrastructure, including wells, desalinators, storage, in addition to the supply Israel used
to provide.  This puts everyone in Gaza in danger of death or lasting medical damage.
<p>
Let's not lose sight of
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/benevolence.html">where we want to end up</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Jewish_Voice_for_Peace)
title: Jewish Voice for Peace
uri: 2024-07-31-Jewish-Voice-for-Peace
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#30_July_2024_(Jewish_Voice_for_Peace)
content:
 
<p>
Jewish Voice for Peace organized a nonviolent sit-in in the US
Capitol, calling for an
<a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/23/us-capitol-police-arrest-jewish-activists-calling-for-israel-arms-embargo">end
to sending arms</a> to Israel.  The protesters expected to be arrested, and they were; they did
not resist.
<p>
What a contrast their
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#12_January_2021_(Arrest_of_insurrectionists)">honesty
and nonviolence</a> makes with the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#magat">magats'</a> attack on Jan 6, 2021.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#31_July_2024_(How_chimps_converse)
title: How chimps converse
uri: How-chimps-converse
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#31_July_2024_(How_chimps_converse)
content:
 
<p>
Wild chimpanzees communicate with hand gestures, and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/article/2024/jul/22/chimpanzee-communication-quick-fire-humans-study">respond
to each other sequentially</a> much as humans do with speech.  Some of the gestures have been
understood by scientists.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#31_July_2024_(Prolongevity_drugs_exclude_females)
title: Prolongevity drugs exclude females
uri: Prolongevity-drugs-exclude-females
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#31_July_2024_(Prolongevity_drugs_exclude_females)
content:
 
<p>
Drugs intended to extend human lifespan are developed with
testing on only male mice.  When later tested on female mice, it doesn't function for 75% of
them.  If any do function for humans, they may
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/article/2024/jul/22/sex-bias-labs-women-losers-research-ageing">treat
only human males</a>.
<p>
The article does not say why researchers normally use only male mice, but I speculate that female
mice are harder to understand because their reproductive cycles make the results more complicated.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#31_July_2024_(2030_carbon-targets_lack_£48bn)
title: 2030 carbon-targets lack £48bn, UK
uri: 2030-carbon-targets-lack-48bn-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#31_July_2024_(2030_carbon-targets_lack_£48bn)
content:
 
<p>
The UK Labour government is running into the contradiction between
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/22/solar-wind-uk-clean-energy-cornwall-insight">its
fiscal policy</a>, which imitates the Tories, and carrying out even its highest priority projects.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#31_July_2024_(UAE_fighting_alongside_RSF_in_Sudan)
title: UAE fighting alongside RSF in Sudan
uri: UAE-fighting-alongside-RSF-in-Sudan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#31_July_2024_(UAE_fighting_alongside_RSF_in_Sudan)
content:
 
<p>
*Exclusive:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/article/2024/jul/25/smoking-gun-evidence-points-to-uae-involvement-in-sudan-civil-war">Discovery
of [UAE] passports</a> in wreckage suggest covert boots on the ground, despite Gulf state's denials.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#31_July_2024_(Surgeon_worries,_Gaza_youth)
title: Surgeon on Gaza youth worries
uri: Surgeon-on-Gaza-youth-worries
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#31_July_2024_(Surgeon_worries,_Gaza_youth)
content:
 
<p>
A British surgeon in Gaza reported that a
<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68796689">large fraction of the surgery she
did</a> was on children and young teens.  But many of them are so malnourished that they their
wounds do not heal properly.
<p>
I can't find a date in the article, but the figure for deaths suggests it was a few months ago.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#31_July_2024_(The_gun_control_field)
title: The gun-control field, US
uri: The-gun-control-field-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#31_July_2024_(The_gun_control_field)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/21/republicans-gun-control-trump-shooting">Republicans
are saying nothing</a> about the possibility of gun control.  They are willing to risk their lives
in the name of making America more dangerous and enriching gun companies.  I would admire them for
that firmness, if they were serving a worthy cause.
<p>
Many towns in the
<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/gun-control-old-west-180968013/">old "wild" West had gun
control</a> and 
did not allow people to carry guns.  On entering them, people were required to hand in their guns.

<p>
 


title: (Satire) Standing together against others
uri: (Satire)-Standing-together-against-others
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#31_July_2024_((Satire)_Standing_together_against_others)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#31_July_2024_((Satire)_Standing_together_against_others)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *[<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">The bullshitter</a>] Vows To Unite Nation Against Common Enemy Of
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/trump-vows-to-unite-nation-against-common-enemy-of-othe-1851602546">Other
Americans</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#31_July_2024_((Satire)_Forgotten_communities_in_US)
title: (Satire) Forgotten communities in US
uri: (Satire)-Forgotten-communities-in-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#31_July_2024_((Satire)_Forgotten_communities_in_US)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *J.D. Vance Vows To Fight For Forgotten Communities
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/j-d-vance-vows-to-fight-for-forgotten-communities-in-s-1851602605">In
Silicon Valley</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#31_July_2024_(Ukrainian_PoWs)
title: Ukrainian POWs
uri: Ukrainian-POWs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#31_July_2024_(Ukrainian_PoWs)
content:
 
<p>
Interviews with
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/article/2024/jul/25/one-goal-is-to-destroy-ukrainian-identity-the-haunting-images-of-russias-prisoners-of-war">Ukrainians
captured and tortured</a> by the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#putinforces">Putin forces</a> for long periods of time.  Some were soldiers, some
have been and are civilians.
<p>
They describe many sorts of excruciating torture, so persistently that it leads me to think that
their guards cannot ever safely be allowed outside prison.
<p>
One person asks why have the International Red Cross and the UN not pressured Putin to treat
prisoners humanely?  I speculate that they know they have no influence, that Putin will defy them as
he defies any influence against his inhumanity.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#31_July_2024_(Hurricanes,_evacuations,_an_analysis)
title: Hurricanes, evacuations, an analysis
uri: Hurricanes-evacuations-an-analysis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#31_July_2024_(Hurricanes,_evacuations,_an_analysis)
content:
 
<p>
Now that heating of the oceans and seas makes hurricanes intensify faster, the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/27/hurricanes-evacuation">question of
whether to evacuate</a> has become more difficult.
<p>
Perhaps new building codes are needed so buildings will be able to stand up to hurricanes.  They
should also include rules to make sure the building won't be inundated.

<p>
 


title: Forest destroyed, logical reactions, BRA
uri: Forest-destroyed-logical-reactions-BRA
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#31_July_2024_(Forest_destroyed,_logical_reactions,_BRA)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#31_July_2024_(Forest_destroyed,_logical_reactions,_BRA)

content:
 
<p>
*Brazil court freezes assets of [rancher] Dirceu Kruger to pay [50 million dollars in] climate
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/25/brazilian-rancher-ordered-pay-50m-damage-amazon">compensation for illegal deforestation</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Flaws in studies recommending drinking
uri: Flaws-in-studies-recommending-drinking
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#31_July_2024_(Flaws_in_studies_recommending_drinking)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#31_July_2024_(Flaws_in_studies_recommending_drinking)

content:
 
<p>
Explaining the flaws in research that formerly suggested that using
alcohol at
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/jul/27/why-scientific-support-for-alcohols-health-benefits-is-fading">a
limited rate was good</a> for health.
<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_August_2024_(Urgent:_Get_DeJoy_fired)
title: Urgent: Get DeJoy fired
uri: Urgent-Get-DeJoy-fired
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_August_2024_(Urgent:_Get_DeJoy_fired)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: phone your senators and call on them to urge the USPS
Board of Governors to fire DeJoy.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!                              
Main Switchboard: <a href="tel:+12022243121">+1-202-224-3121</a>


<p>
 


title: Urgent: Vance's anti-abortion extremism
uri: Urgent-Vance-s-anti-abortion-extremism
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_August_2024_(Urgent:_Vance's_anti-abortion_extremism)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_August_2024_(Urgent:_Vance's_anti-abortion_extremism)

content:
 
<p>
In the US:
<a href="https://civicshout.com/p/tell-the-media-expose-j-d-vance-s-anti-abortion-extremism">call on major media</a>
to expose J.D. Vance's anti-abortion extremism.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_August_2024_(Wildfire_smoke,_and_wildfire_)
title: Wildfire smoke, and wildfire
uri: Wildfire-smoke-and-wildfire
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_August_2024_(Wildfire_smoke,_and_wildfire_)
content:
 
<p>
A glossary for US wildfire terminology, embedded in another interesting article about why
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/31/wildfire-smoke-health-dangers-explained">wildfire
smoke is more toxic</a> than the pollution from internal combustion engines and how much.
<p>
*Wildfire days are going to happen again and again. And so we need to change our frame, from
thinking that this is going to be a one-off, to understanding that for our kids, it’s more or less
going to be the equivalent of a chronic exposure.* Unless we curb <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a>, we may eventually
find wildfire smoke impossible to avoid.  But by that time food may be impossible to grow.

<p>
 


title: Summer Olympics heatdome 5+℉ hotter
uri: Summer-Olympics-heatdome-5-hotter
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_August_2024_(Summer_Olympics_heatdome_5+℉__hotter)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_August_2024_(Summer_Olympics_heatdome_5+℉__hotter)

content:
 
<p>
*The "heat dome" causing scorching temperatures across
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/31/extreme-heat-dome-hitting-olympics-impossible-without-global-heating">western
Europe and north Africa</a> [&hellip;] would have been impossible without human-caused <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a>*.

<p>
 


title: Emissions regulations weakened by Vance
uri: Emissions-regulations-weakened-by-Vance
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_August_2024_(Emissions_regulations_weakened_by_Vance)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_August_2024_(Emissions_regulations_weakened_by_Vance)

content:
 
<p>
Last year,
<a href="https://www.levernews.com/j-d-vance-fought-health-protections-for-steelworkers-and-their-communities/">Vance
opposed federal rules</a> to limit toxic pollution from factories that produce coke.
<p>
This refers to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coke_(fuel)">coke</a> that is made from
coal and used in smelting iron, not to the beverage or the drug.  Though I suppose even more
Americans need protection from those ;-}.

<p>
 


title: Haniyeh assassinated at inauguration, IRN
uri: Haniyeh-assassinated-at-inauguration-IRN
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_August_2024_(Haniyeh_assasinated_at_inaugeration,_IRN)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_August_2024_(Haniyeh_assasinated_at_inaugeration,_IRN)

content:
 
<p>
Israel assassinated the HAMAS political leader, Ismael Haniyeh, who was visiting Iran.  So Iran's
government is under
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/31/humiliation-of-ismail-haniyeh-killing-may-be-irans-final-push-into-war-with-israel">pressure
to retaliate</a>.
<p>
Haniyeh was negotiating peace in Gaza with Israel.  By killing him, Netanyahu expressed refusal to
negotiate.  The US should say that that refusal is unacceptable, as is the assassination of enemy
negotiators.
<p>
I suspect that Netanyahu intended provoke war between Iran and Israel, figuring that the US would be
dragged along into supporting Israel and then into fighting Iran.  This would make it even harder
for the US to do what it must do, which is pressure Netanyahu into ending Israel's atrocities in
Gaza.
<p>
At a deeper level, it conveys to the US government Netanyahu's message
that "I can force you into war whenever I wish, so be obedient."
<p>
But that aspect may not work.
<p>
Israel tried something similar in April, attacking Iran. 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#17_April_2024_(US,_UK,_and_Jordan_vs._Iran)">Iran
retaliated with a wave of drones</a>, and the US helped shoot down those drones &mdash; but outside
Iran.  And it did not join in any attack against Iran.  At that point, Iran stated that honor was
satisfied.  I guess that the US and Iran understand what Netanyahu is doing and that they do not
intend to let Netanyahu make them fight.
<p>
Israel is not the only to have recently committed or attempted assassinated of enemies living in
exile.
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#21_September_2023_(India_assasinating_separatists)">India
has</a> done this,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#24_December_2023_(Rwandan_dissidents_in_exile_in_Britain)">Rwanda</a>,
and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#16_September_2023_(Elena_Kostyuchenko)">Russia
too</a>.
<p>
We condemn those assassinations &mdash; which does not imply support for the causes they stand for
&mdash; and we should also condemn it when Israel does it.

<p>
 


title: An 18-year term limit, US Supreme Court
uri: An-18-year-term-limit-US-Supreme-Court
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_August_2024_(An_18-year_term_limit,_US_Supreme_Court)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_August_2024_(An_18-year_term_limit,_US_Supreme_Court)

content:
 
<p>
Biden called for an 18-year
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/29/biden-us-supreme-court-reforms">term
limit on justices</a> of the Supreme Court.  This would immediately exclude Chief Justice Roberts as
well as Their Most Corrupt Thomas and Alito.  If Democrats can appoint the replacements, it could
provide an opportunity to undo the damage done by the current Extreme Court.
<p>
Alas, that would not do anything about the three young right-wing extremists, who are likely to
plague the United States for decades to come.
<p>
Biden's proposal adopts the ideas of imposing a code of
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#4_May_2023_(Code_of_ethics_on_the_Supreme_Court)">ethics
on the justices</a> of the Supreme Court, and eliminating the extreme
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Presidential_immunity_unconstitutional)">immunity
for ex-presidents</a> recently imposed by the Supreme Court.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_August_2024_(Climate_conductors_liability)
title: Climate conductors liability
uri: Climate-conductors-liability
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_August_2024_(Climate_conductors_liability)
content:
 
<p>
When <!---->global heating helps to cause an unusual event and that event is
clearly the cause of a specific person's death, that can make it
possible to
<a href="https://www.levernews.com/taking-the-climate-killers-to-court-2/">charge oil companies with homicide</a>.
<p>
<!---->Global heating effects
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#23_March_2024_(Climate_conduct_racketeering,_conspiracy)">contribute
to many deaths</a>, but (in my limited understanding) that is not enough basis legally to charge big
contributors to <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> with homicide.  Occasionally, as here, there is a specific
heating-provoked event one can point to as the direct cause of a person's death.  IANAFL 🤨, but it
seems that that can provide a basis for charges, at least in France.
<p>
🤨 I am not a French lawyer.

<p>
 


title: Harris now promises not to ban fracking
uri: Harris-now-promises-not-to-ban-fracking
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_August_2024_(Harris_now_promises_not_to_ban_fracking)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_August_2024_(Harris_now_promises_not_to_ban_fracking)

content:
 
<p>
Harris has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/30/kamala-harris-fracking">retreated
from advocating a ban</a> on fracking.
<p>
I'm sure it is true that she would push for decarbonization to some extent, while <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a> would
do the opposite.  Nonetheless, it is clear that
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#28_July_2024_(US_fossil-fuel_actions_unexemplary)">the
US is not doing enough</a>, nowhere near enough, and this change would mean doing less.

<p>
 


title: Voters role-playing duty in wargames
uri: Voters-role-playing-duty-in-wargames
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_August_2024_(Voters_role-playing_duty_in_wargames)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_August_2024_(Voters_role-playing_duty_in_wargames)

content:
 
<p>
A war game to model ways that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a>, if he wins or steals the election, could impose an
authoritarian state found
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/30/washington-dc-role-play-second-trump-term">no
clear trustworthy defenses</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_August_2024_(Methane_accelerating_global_heating)
title: Methane accelerating global heating
uri: Methane-accelerating-global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_August_2024_(Methane_accelerating_global_heating)
content:
 
<p>
*Global methane emissions rising at
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/30/methane-emissions-study">fastest
rate in decades</a>, scientists warn.  Researchers call for immediate action to reduce methane
emissions and avert dangerous escalation in climate crisis.*

<p>
 


title: Global coral reef conditions disturbing
uri: Global-coral-reef-conditions-disturbing
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_August_2024_(Global_coral_reef_conditions_disturbing)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#1_August_2024_(Global_coral_reef_conditions_disturbing)

content:
 
<p>
*As record heat risks bleaching 73% of the world’s coral reefs, scientists ask
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/30/as-record-heat-risks-bleaching-73-of-the-worlds-coral-reefs-scientists-ask-what-do-we-do-now">"what
do we do now</a>?".*
<p>
We should have curbed <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a>
starting 20 years ago.<br/>  Or we should have curbed <!---->global heating starting 10 years
ago.<br/>
<p>
However, the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#planet">planet roasters</a> used their political influence to prevent this, so we now see our
planet slowly starting to roast.  The death of much of the world's coral is part of it.
<p>
What do we do now?  We must curb <!---->global heating now, with treaties and laws strong enough
that they will start reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
<p>
A heavy tax on the electricity used by data centers would help.
<p>
If we continue increasing the level of
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#08_May_2013_(Ocean_acidification)">carbon
dioxide in the air</a>, eventually
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2008-jan-apr.html#24%20January%202008%20(Global%20warming%20is%20destroying%20coral%20reefs)">ocean acidification will
kill</a>
all corals and many other animals with shells, by dissolving their shells.
<p>
It's not just corals that are in danger from <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a>. 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/29/warning-sign-uk-butterfly-numbers-record-low">Butterflies
are one example</a> among many.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#2_August_2024_(Urgent:_Keep_Title_X)
title: Urgent: Keep Title X
uri: Urgent-Keep-Title-X
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#2_August_2024_(Urgent:_Keep_Title_X)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/letters/heads-up-project-2025-is-already-underway?nowrapper=true">phone
your congresscritter and say</a>, don't defund Title X.
<p>
*Title X provides birth control, cancer screenings, and STI testing for 2.6 million low-income
Americans.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#2_August_2024_(Guantanamo_pleas)
title: Guantanamo pleas
uri: Guantanamo-pleas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#2_August_2024_(Guantanamo_pleas)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/31/september-11-suspects-guantanamo-bay-guilty-plea">Three
prisoners in Guantanamo</a> pleaded guilty to organizing the September 2001 terrorist attacks in New
York and Washington.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_August_2024_(Guantanamo_pleas_invalidated)
title: Guantanamo pleas invalidated
uri: Guantanamo-pleas-invalidated
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_August_2024_(Guantanamo_pleas_invalidated)
content:
 
<p>
The
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/02/lloyd-austin-revokes-plea-deal-9-11">Secretary
of Defense has canceled</a> the plea deal signed by three prisoners
in Guantanamo.
<p>
See description of
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#2_August_2024_(Guantanamo_pleas)">that
deal</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_August_2024_(Urgent:_Supreme_Court_reforms)
title: Urgent: Supreme Court reforms
uri: Urgent-Supreme-Court-reforms
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_August_2024_(Urgent:_Supreme_Court_reforms)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.boldprogressives.org/survey/signon_2024_scotus_reform/?source=e240729_1308-fin-rest&t=1001">support
Biden's proposed</a> Supreme Court reforms.
<p>
If you phone, please spread the word!
White House: <a href="tel:+12024561111">+1-202-456-1111</a> and (TTY/TDD) +1-202-456-6213

<p>
 


title: Urgent: De-escalate violence, ISR, LBN
uri: Urgent-De-escalate-violence-ISR-LBN
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_August_2024_(Urgent:_De-escalate_violence,_ISR,_LBN)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_August_2024_(Urgent:_De-escalate_violence,_ISR,_LBN)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/no-new-wars?c0=no-new-wars.9__y1u&rd=1&source=em20240730&t=1006">call
on Biden</a> to de-escalate violence in Israel and Lebanon now.
<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/2024-may-aug.html#3_August_2024_(Urgent:_Biden's_judicial_appts)
title: Urgent: Biden's judicial appts
uri: Urgent-Biden-s-judicial-appts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_August_2024_(Urgent:_Biden's_judicial_appts)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens: phone your senators and urge them to confirm Biden's judicial appointments.
<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/2024-may-aug.html#3_August_2024_(US-RUS_prisoner_exchange)
title: US-RUS prisoner exchange
uri: US-RUS-prisoner-exchange
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#3_August_2024_(US-RUS_prisoner_exchange)
content:
 
<p>
Americans are celebrating the exchange of several
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/01/russia-prisoner-swap-evan-gershkovich">convicted
Russian spies and agents</a> for several journalists and political activists that Putin took hostage.
<p>
To me this deal seems to be a victory for Putin, of a sort that will lead him to keep grabbing
hostages whenever there are convicted Russian spies he wants to protect,
<p>
It seems to me that the patriotic hostage says, "Don't ransom me if that harms my country!"  And the
prudent traveler stays away from countries such as
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-sep-dec.html#9_December_2022_(US_rescued_hostage_Brittney_Griner_by_trading_Russian_arms_dealer)">Russia</a>,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-sep-dec.html#26_September_2021_(Meng_Wanzhou)">China</a>
and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#17_June_2024_(SWE_trades_IRN_Assassin_for_spy)">Iran</a>.
that are likely to grab a hostage to exchange.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(A_Democratic_party_strategy)
title: A Democratic party strategy
uri: A-Democratic-party-strategy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(A_Democratic_party_strategy)
content:
 
<p>
Democrats need to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/aug/01/kamala-harris-working-class-voters">mobilize
support based on class</a>, which can unite most Americans, rather than race or identity, which tend
to divide groups.
<p>
Most Americans nowadays are poor and struggling; that is something they can share.  For some, bigotry
against their various identity groups plays a part in causing that; but not for all.  The other
causes, the ones associated with class, makes anyone who is not wealthy a victim, so it can mobilize
all those people together.
<p>
Given this, why does <!---->the corrupter have
followers?  Partly by appealing to religious fanatics.  Partly by blaming minority groups for the
consequences of systems that make life bad for them (which often are the work of the rich and
the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a> politicians).

We are warned not to underestimate <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the
corrupter's</a>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/01/democrats-underestimate-trump-wesley-clark">appeal
to his target audience</a>.  He knows how to touch many Americans emotionally.  His willingness to
use that dishonestly, and his lack of any commitment to really address Americans' real problems,
facilitates his doing winning misguided support.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(Kamala_meant)
title: Harris on medical entitlement
uri: Harris-on-medical-entitlement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(Kamala_meant)
content:
 
<p>
Kamala Harris said she supported "Medicare for all", but it turned out
she meant private insurance, for all with
<a href="https://www.levernews.com/how-harris-left-medicare-for-all-behind/">limits on medical
treatment</a>.  What she supports in that area now is not clear.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(Prison_exchanges,_US-RUS)
title: Prison exchanges, US-RUS
uri: Prison-exchanges-US-RUS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(Prison_exchanges,_US-RUS)
content:
 
<p>
Russian
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/02/russian-dissidents-freed-in-prisoner-swap-speak-of-deal-dilemma">liberal
opposition politician Ilya Yashin</a>, just released from Putin's prison through an exchange of
prisoners, criticized that very exchange.
<p>
He said, "It encourages Putin to take more hostages."  He is thinking
like
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/cpiral.html#3_August_2024_(US-RUS_prisoner_exchange)">the
patriotic hostage</a> I wrote about yesterday.
<p>
He did not want to leave Russia, either; he wanted to stay there and campaign for freedom.  I
understand those feelings, but in any fight there can be times when it is better to retreat than to
stay put and be totally defeated.  This was one.  Putin makes it nearly impossible to campaign for
freedom, justice, truth or peace in Russia.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(Short_US-VEN_history)
title: Recent US-VEN history
uri: Recent-US-VEN-history
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(Short_US-VEN_history)
content:
 
<p>
The US established
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/08/02/venezuela-election-maduro-us-sanctions-democracy/">crushing
trade sanctions</a> against Venezuela to punish Maduro.  It also launched
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jan-apr.html#22_February_2019_(Regime_change_in_Venezuela)">a
coup attempt</a>, which failed, together with a right-wing opposition (that
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jan-apr.html#21_March_2019_(Protests_in_Caracas)">wasn't
what people wanted</a>). I think they would have elected an honest Chavista, but they did not have
that option.
<p>
The sanctions spread poverty in Venezuela, and pressured millions of Venezuelans to flee to the US
and other countries.  That suffering many have convinced may to vote against Maduro just now.  But
the US could have been far more helpful if democracy was its goal.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(No_Kings_Act)
title: No Kings Act
uri: No-Kings-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(No_Kings_Act)
content:
 
<p>
*Democrats pitch No Kings Act to override [extreme court]’s
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/01/no-kings-act-trump-immunity-supreme-court">[ex-president]
immunity ruling</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(Never_vote_again_)
title: Never vote again?
uri: Never-vote-again
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(Never_vote_again_)
content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#trump">The fascist</a> told his followers that if they elect
him this year, they won't need to vote ever again.  That is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/29/democrats-reaction-trump-vote-comments">a
deniable suggestion</a> that he won't allow citizens the power to undo what he will have done.

<p>
 


title: The bully's causes and elections
uri: The-bully-s-causes-and-elections
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(The_bully,_his_causes,_their_elections)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(The_bully,_his_causes,_their_elections)

content:
 
<p>
When <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a> states his drastic plans
explicitly,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/31/trump-dictator-jokes">his
supporters say he is joking</a>.
<p>
I've noticed that he no longer tends to disregard all criticism, by simply taking a totally different
stand the next day.  It seems to be possible nowadays for public criticism to make him respond to
criticism of things he said.
<p>
For instance, he recently tried to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/30/donald-trump-wont-have-to-vote-anymore-fox-interview">explain
away his remark</a> about asking Christians to vote "just once."  His explanation was that
Christians tend to have a low voting rate (I am skeptical of this and I won't believe it just
because <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">the bullshitter</a> says it).  He was,
he claims, imploring them to vote this year, but in 2028 it will be ok if they return to their habit
of not voting.
<p>
Supposedly that should reassure us that he is not planning to ruin what remains of democracy in the
US.  Don't buy that!  On the contrary, that plan is implicit in his explanation.
<p>
If he needs nonvoting Christian supporters to vote for him this year, why would he not need them
next year?
<p>
Because non-rich Americans, who by then would have suffered the harmful effects of the denial of
their rights, will support him?  Not likely.  Will secular Americans have become
supporters of hierocracy?  Surely not.
<p>
The natural reason, which his supporters will believe, is that he expects to have made it impossible
by 2028 for any opponent, no matter how popular, to defeat him.
<p>
To believe he means that is not a radical claim.
Republicans
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#4_November_2020_(Republicans_are_still_working_on_voter_suppression)">have
organized</a> to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#11_June_2020_(Several_ways_that_Republicans_have_blocked_people_from_voting)">rig
elections</a> for more than a decade,
and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#4_May_2020_(Intimidating_opposition_with_rifles)">their
efforts</a> have intensified
in <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-may-aug.html#1_May_2021_(Letting_Republicans_rig_the_2022_election)">recent
years</a>.  Support from president and federal agencies, as well as the extreme court, would
potentiate those efforts, making the fight for democracy in America even more uphill.
<p>
By now, we should not be shocked by this, only determined to defeat the attempt to impose right-wing
extremist rule.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(Vance_labels_Rep._Ocasio-Cortez)
title: Vance labels Rep. Ocasio-Cortez
uri: Vance-labels-Rep-Ocasio-Cortez
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(Vance_labels_Rep._Ocasio-Cortez)
content:
 
<p>
Vance called Rep. Ocasio-Cortez "sociopathic" for choosing (at least for the time being) 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/01/jd-vance-aoc-family">not to have
children</a>.
<p>
This demonstrates the depth of his intentions to impose repression on women if he ever gets the
chance.

<p>
 


title: Family and gender values in a patriarchy
uri: Family-and-gender-values-in-a-patriarchy
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(Family_and_gender_values_in_a_patriarchy)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(Family_and_gender_values_in_a_patriarchy)

content:
 
<p>
Republicans now openly stand for imposing marriage and children on
every woman, and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/29/the-republican-partys-obsession-with-families-has-taken-a-fanatical-turn">denying
various rights to women</a> who don't have them.
<p>
I think that "family values" was meant, all along, to hint at this goal.

<p>
 


title: Election protests against Maduro, VEN
uri: Election-protests-against-Maduro-VEN
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(Election_protests_against_Maduro,_VEN)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(Election_protests_against_Maduro,_VEN)

content:
 
<p>
There are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/02/venezuela-election-us-edmundo-gonzalez-maduro-results-disputed">big
protests</a> in Venezuela against Maduro's claim to have won the recent election.  Who should I
believe?
<p>
When Chávez was president, the right-wing minority (1/4 of the population) could organize large
protests, and welcomed a US-organized coup attempt.  The protests now don't show that Maduro really
cheated.
<p>
The
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jan-apr.html#16_March_2019_(Venezuela_crisis)">opinion
of the US</a> government does not convince me of anything.  After all,
in 2019 it supported
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#19_November_2019_(The_right_wing_in_Venezuela)">Juan
Guaidó's campaign</a> to proclaim himself president of Venezuela.  True, that occurred when the
wrecker was president of the US; but the US supported the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-may-aug.html#22%20July%202009%20(US%20backs%20coup%20in%20Honduras)">coup
against President Zelaya</a> of Honduras when Obama was president.
<p>
However, given that various left-leaning presidents, some of whom I respect, are pressing Maduro to
justify his claim to have won, and since he seem to have kept the local vote counts secret, it looks
like he must in fact have lost and be trying to cheat.

<p>
 


title: "Edmundo es Presidente", say poor in VEN
uri: Edmundo-es-Presidente-say-poor-in-VEN
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(Edmundo_es_Presidente,_say_poor_in_VEN)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(Edmundo_es_Presidente,_say_poor_in_VEN)

content:
 
<p>
Even the slum dwellers, traditionally chavistas, are protesting to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/30/venezuela-election-2024-maduro-maria-corina-machado-edmundo-gonzalez">demand
that Maduro accept defeat</a>.

<p>
 


title: Quietly disappeared names, Project 2025
uri: Quietly-disappeared-names-Project-2025
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(Quietly_dissappeared_names,_Project_2025)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(Quietly_dissappeared_names,_Project_2025)

content:
 
<p>
Some of the contributors to Project 2025 are now embarrassed to receive credit for
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/08/01/project-2025-trump-abandon-ship/">their work</a>.
<p>
Or perhaps they figure that what they wished to achieve has already been achieved, and now they seek
to duck, hoping to avoid public odium for that.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(Polar_amplification,_ATA)
title: Polar amplification, ATA
uri: Polar-amplification-ATA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(Polar_amplification,_ATA)
content:
 
<p>
*Antarctic temperatures rise
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/01/antarctic-temperatures-rise-10c-above-average-in-near-record-heatwave">10°C
above average</a> in near record heatwave.  Reported temperatures on continent in midwinter reach
28°C above expectations on some days in July.*

<p>
 


title: How Israel assassinates HAMAS leaders
uri: How-Israel-assassinates-HAMAS-leaders
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(How_Israel_assassinates_HAMAS_leaders)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#4_August_2024_(How_Israel_assassinates_HAMAS_leaders)

content:
 
<p>
Israel has assassinated
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/01/whats-next-for-hamas-after-political-leader-ismail-haniyehs-assassination">many
HAMAS leaders</a> over the years, and at present most of its old leadership is gone.
<p>
That won't make it harder for HAMAS to fight in Gaza, but will make it hard for it to negotiate a
peace agreement or even a cease-fire.
<p>
Let's not lose sight of
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/benevolence.html">where we want to end up</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_August_2024_(Harris'_probable_running-mate,_PA)
title: Harris' probable running-mate, PA
uri: Harris-probable-running-mate-PA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_August_2024_(Harris'_probable_running-mate,_PA)
content:
 
<p>
I knew very little about
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/02/josh-shapiro-kamala-harris">Governor
Shapiro</a>, rumored to be Harris's choice of running mate.  This article provides some information,
and some is disturbing.
<p>
Shapiro's "high popularity among Republicans" leads me to worry that his Republican supporters may
like him for rational reasons &mdash; such as stands which are not progressive.  The article shows
several that he does, or may, hold.  Where we do not know, we should press him to clarify.  But we
won't have a chance to do that.
<p>
The most dangerous of the possible positions reported in this article is being too cooperative with
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#planet">planet roasters</a>.
The priority goal of every country must be to prevent the destruction of the natural world.
<p>
The most unjust of the stances listed in the article is the intent to restrict the right to boycott.
In general, people and most organizations should have the right to boycott people, businesses and
countries because of their actions.
<p>
There are some exceptions.  Government agencies, and companies whose services are essential, must
not be allowed to deny their services to any person or organization &mdash; they must be common carriers.
<p>
Boycotts of persons based on demographic characteristics that have (or should have)
nondiscrimination protection ought to be prohibited, because such boycotts would amount to
discrimination.  This includes discrimination by national origin.
<p>
But aside from such cases, boycotts should be permitted.
<p>
The State of Massachusetts once passed a law to
boycott <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#8_April_2016_(Laws_to_boycott_companies_that_boycott_Israel)">companies
that traded with Burma</a>.  I had the fortune to meet Assemblyman Byron Rushing, its champion, and
I told him that this law had made me proud of Massachusetts.  (It was later struck down by the
Supreme Court which said it was preempted by World Trade Organization treaty, a
<a href="/business-supremacy-treaties.html">business-supremacy treaty</a>.)

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Citi credit-card partnerships
uri: Urgent-Citi-credit-card-partnerships
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_August_2024_(Urgent:_Citi_credit-card_partnerships)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_August_2024_(Urgent:_Citi_credit-card_partnerships)

content:
 
<p>
Everyone: call on Costco, LL Bean, Macy's, Home Depot, Best Buy,
Sears, and AT&amp;T to
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-citis-largest-credit-card-clients-drop-dirty-citi?">drop
Citi</a> as credit card partner.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Biden's Supreme Court reform
uri: Urgent-Biden-s-Supreme-Court-reform
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_August_2024_(Urgent:_Biden's_Supreme_Court_reform)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_August_2024_(Urgent:_Biden's_Supreme_Court_reform)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/biden-scotus-reforms/?t=1001">Support Biden's proposed
reforms</a> for the extreme court.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: The UnitedHealth medical empire
uri: Urgent-The-UnitedHealth-medical-empire
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_August_2024_(Urgent:_The_UnitedHealth_medical_empire)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_August_2024_(Urgent:_The_UnitedHealth_medical_empire)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/block-uhc-monopoly-medicare-advantage/?t=1001&akid=32493%2E96703%2EQNBmPq">call
on the Department of Justice</a> to break up UnitedHealth's medical empire.
<p>
That company is not a monopoly, strictly speaking, but it is big enough to diminish competition in a
way that harms the public.
<p>
I've chosen to avoid the term 
"<a href=/antiglossary.html#healthcare>health care</a>" 
in referring to medicine.  The use of "care" in
describing medicine is a PR campaign that I get a bad feeling about.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_August_2024_(Urgent:_Autonomous_weapons_treaty)
title: Urgent: Autonomous weapons treaty
uri: Urgent-Autonomous-weapons-treaty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_August_2024_(Urgent:_Autonomous_weapons_treaty)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/no-ai-weapons?nowrapper=true">call on Biden</a> to support
a treaty to ban autonomous weapons.
<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/2024-may-aug.html#5_August_2024_(Political-riots_across_UK)
title: Political-riots across UK
uri: Political-riots-across-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_August_2024_(Political-riots_across_UK)
content:
 
<p>
Right-wing extremists in the UK are organizing violent rampages,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/aug/02/nigel-farage-giving-legitimacy-violent-protesters-liverpool-mayor">in
the spirit of</a> <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker's</a> Jan 6 attack on the Capitol.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/aug/02/southport-picks-up-pieces-after-week-of-horror">In
the first one</a>, a fanatic stabbed several small children, killing three.
<p>
This highlights the difference between the climate defense movement and the right wing extremist
movement: one strives peacefully to protect the weak from the powerful, while the other aims to
display power by bullying and cruelty against weak victims, the weaker the better.
<p>
Starmer should respect the first and take action to end the second.
<p>
Anti-racists are organizing
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/aug/02/anti-racists-mobilise-to-counter-protests-at-unprecedented-far-right-rallies">counter-rallies</a>
under the banner, "Don't let racism divide us."

<p>
 


title: UK riots, live-surveillance response
uri: UK-riots-live-surveillance-response
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_August_2024_(UK_riots,_live-surveillance_response)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_August_2024_(UK_riots,_live-surveillance_response)

content:
 
<p>
Starmer
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/aug/02/starmer-live-facial-recognition-plan-would-usher-in-national-id-campaigners-warn">plans
to expand face-recognition</a> surveillance in Britain.
<p>
A country that imprisons people for "disruptive" nonviolent protest would not hesitate to arrest them
on the way.  The UK has already used car tracking to arrest people suspected
of <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#7_May_2020_(Please_trust_our_contact-tracing_app)">being
on the way</a> to a nonviolent protest.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_August_2024_(Mass-arresting_protesters,_BGD)
title: Mass-arresting protesters, BGD
uri: Mass-arresting-protesters-BGD
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_August_2024_(Mass-arresting_protesters,_BGD)
content:
 
<p>
*Bangladesh arrests more than
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/01/bangladesh-arrests-protests-crackdown">10,000
in crackdown</a> on protests.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_August_2024_(No_Kings_Act)
title: No Kings Act
uri: 2024-08-06-No-Kings-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_August_2024_(No_Kings_Act)
content:
 
<p>
The No Kings Act would
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/presidents-should-not-be-kings">override the extreme
court's ruling</a> that ex-presidents have almost complete immunity from prosecution for crimes that
are part of their official acts.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_August_2024_(Uprising_of_the_poor,_VEN)
title: Uprising of the poor, VEN
uri: Uprising-of-the-poor-VEN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_August_2024_(Uprising_of_the_poor,_VEN)
content:
 
<p>
The chavistas from poor parts of Caracas have turned against Maduro, so he has ramped up the
repression to target them too.  His <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/03/maduro-has-lost-the-streets-in-venezuelas-barrios-former-loyal-voters-risk-all-in-protests">arresting
people for peaceful protests</a> or simply stating opposition to him.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_August_2024_(Journalists_targeted,_killed,_Gaza)
title: Journalists targeted, killed, Gaza
uri: Journalists-targeted-killed-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#5_August_2024_(Journalists_targeted,_killed,_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
An al-Jazeera correspondent in north Gaza, and his cameraman, were killed by an
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/31/two-al-jazeera-reporters-killed-as-israeli-airstrike-hits-car-in-northern-gaza">Israeli
missile attack</a> on their car.
<p>
The Committee to Protect Journalists says
<a href="https://cpj.org/2024/07/al-jazeera-journalists-ismail-al-ghoul-and-rami-al-refee-killed-in-gaza/">they
were driving out</a> of an area that Israel warned it would attack.  Killing of journalists can't be
legitimized by warnings.
<p>
Here is
<a href="https://network.aljazeera.net/en/press-releases/al-jazeera-condemns-assassination-its-correspondent-ismail-al-ghoul-and-cameraman">what
al-Jazeera says</a> about the killing.
<p>
Israel attacked the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-may-aug.html#17_May_2021_(Offices_of_Associated_Press_and_al-Jazeera)">al-Jazeera
office in Gaza</a> in the early days of the war.  That could not have been an accident.
<p>
Israel has killed
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2024/jan/18/journalists-jailed-imprisoned-israel">at least 85</a>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#23_December_2023_(Targeting_journalists)">journalists in Gaza</a>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#28_June_2024_(Israeli_war_crimes)">since then</a>.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(National_leaders'_qualifications)
title: National leaders' qualifications
uri: National-leaders-qualifications
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(National_leaders'_qualifications)
content:
 
<p>
Women as national leaders are no longer unusual, and we have seen enough of them to recognize that
they run the gamut of good and bad qualities, just as men as leaders do.  Women, as leaders, do not
systematically have any particular important qualities.  And no leader is perfect.
<p>
Thus, we can't find a good national leader by choosing by gender.  We should judge a candidate by
what per goals and values, and
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/genderless-pronouns.html">per</a>
abilities &mdash; not by aspects of per identity.


<p>
 


title: Congressional conspiracy-theories up
uri: Congressional-conspiracy-theories-up
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(Congressional_conspiracy-theories_up)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(Congressional_conspiracy-theories_up)

content:
 
<p>
*New Report Details
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/new-report-details-dangerous-normalization-of-bigoted-conspiracy-theories-in-118th-congress">Dangerous
Normalization</a> of Bigoted Conspiracy Theories in 118th Congress.*
<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(Power_cables_plans,_UK)
title: Power cables plans, UK
uri: Power-cables-plans-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(Power_cables_plans,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
It was reprehensible of Starmer to expel Labour MPs for voting to help
poor British families, but entirely justified to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jul/25/starmer-will-take-on-labour-councils-that-block-pylons-delivering-clean-electricity">stop
local governments from blocking</a> power cables for wind-powered generators.  Hundreds of millions
of human lives, if not more, are at stake in decarbonization &mdash; aesthetic preferences are hardly
sufficient reason to delay that work.
<p>
However, a creative compromise may perhaps soothe some of the
opposition.  Is it possible to design power pylons to serve the
humanities as well as human survival?
<p>
Could pylons, and cables, support homes for endangered birds and bats?  Could the hanging meadows of
Britain help re-wild the land?  If disused drilling platforms can help wildlife survive, maybe pylons
can too.
<p>
Might some of them act as scaffolding for colossal art works and installations, or sport walls for
rock climbing competitions, or be painted with amusing designs?
<p>
If buried cables are cheap enough that burying them won't interfere with saving civilization, by all
means bury them.  Otherwise, the pylons are coming to save us and we should rejoice.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(Manchin's_fossil-fuel_bill)
title: Manchin's fossil-fuel bill
uri: Manchin-s-fossil-fuel-bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(Manchin's_fossil-fuel_bill)
content:
 
<p>
* Critics say [US energy reform bill] is a "fossil fuel wolf in clean energy clothing" that would
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/31/energy-reform-bill-senate">gut
environmental protections</a>.*
<p>
US <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratists</a>
have made the word "reform" effectively vacuous by repeatedly using it to describe
the elimination of regulations that protect us from their power and greed.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(Urgent:_Manchin's_fossil-fuel_Bill)
title: Urgent: Manchin's fossil-fuel Bill
uri: Urgent-Manchin-s-fossil-fuel-Bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(Urgent:_Manchin's_fossil-fuel_Bill)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/reject-joe-manchins-fossil-fuel-giveaway?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-hd&source=group-hd">call
on Congress</a> to defeat the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a>
fossil-fuel giveaway bill.
<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/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(Israel_targeting_water,_Gaza)
title: Israel targeting water, Gaza
uri: Israel-targeting-water-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(Israel_targeting_water,_Gaza)
content:
 
<p>
A video posted by an Israeli soldier shows the demolition of the
<a href="https://www.tag24.com/topic/israel-war/israel-blows-up-rafah-water-facility-amid-mounting-war-crimes-accusations-3303879">main
water facility in Rafah</a>.  That is no military target; attacking it was a war crime.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(Aqsa_Mosque_Imam_arrested,_ISR)
title: Aqsa Mosque Imam arrested, ISR
uri: Aqsa-Mosque-Imam-arrested-ISR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(Aqsa_Mosque_Imam_arrested,_ISR)
content:
 
<p>
*Israel arrests Aqsa Mosque Imam Ekrema Sabri
<a href="https://www.newarab.com/news/israel-arrests-aqsa-mosque-imam-after-eulogizing-ismail-haniyeh">after
eulogizing Ismail Haniyeh</a>*
<p>
Israel says it is investigating his sermon for possible incitement of violence, which Sabri denies.
<p>
They could certainly wait to make up their minds whether to prosecute before arresting him.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(New_pun)
title: New pun
uri: 2024-08-07-New-pun
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(New_pun)
content:
 
<p>
New pun:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://stallman.org/puns.html#wholly water">Analysis of water from church&hellip;</a>



<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(scottish_beach_eroding)
title: Scottish beach eroding
uri: Scottish-beach-eroding
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(scottish_beach_eroding)
content:
 
<p>
The coast of Scotland near Montrose is eroding around 3 meters per
year.  It has eroded 70 meters in the past 30 years, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/aug/03/scottish-beach-eroding-by-7-metres-a-year-montrose-climate-change">but this is sure
to accelerate.</a>
<p>
In a few years, the town will be flooded.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(great_salt_lake_shrinking)
title: Great Salt Lake shrinking
uri: Great-Salt-Lake-shrinking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(great_salt_lake_shrinking)
content:
 
<p>
As the Great Salt Lake shrinks, it releases the carbon 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/02/great-salt-lake-shrinking-greenhouse-gas-emissions">it has stored
over the ages.</a>

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(AI_friend)
title: AI friend
uri: AI-friend
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(AI_friend)
content:
 
<p>
A portable digital product now 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/article/2024/aug/02/ai-friend-wearable-companion-loneliness">offers to be your "friend".</a>
<p>
When these "services" are implemented on servers that a user
communicates with, they create a dangerous vulnerability in society.
A change in one server could convert all the "friends" based there
into marketing "influencers", right-wing extremists, antivaxxers or
Putinites.  In other words, the sort of propagation that sometimes
happen, over months, to a collection of 
<a href="We should not allow that situation to exist.">real people could be activated
on commend.</a>
<p>
If the system is implemented in a product that communicates with no one
except its user, that danger is avoided, unless it has other
communication channels.  The article does not make it clear whether
the "Fried" box has a back channel to the manufacturer.  If this model
doesn't, the Apple model surely will.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(for_profit_colleges)
title: For-profit colleges
uri: 2024-08-07-For-profit-colleges
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(for_profit_colleges)
content:
 
<p>
For-profit colleges fund the right-wing extremists in Congress
that ignited the persecution of 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/02/elise-stefanik-virginia-foxx-funding">students protesting atrocities in Gaza.</a>
<p>
For-profit colleges are often predatory, and some were 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-may-aug.html#14_July_2021_(Student_debt)">shut down for
this a few years ago.</a>
<p>
I've recommended prohibiting them in general, to avoid the need to
prove wrongdoing case by case, because that situation tends to
encourage predatory behavior.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(ultra_cheap_energy)
title: Ultra-cheap energy
uri: Ultra-cheap-energy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_August_2024_(ultra_cheap_energy)
content:
 
<p>
Some countries charge a household a very low price per joule for up to
a specified low rate of energy use, and a higher price per joule for
additional energy beyond that necessary minimum.  That eliminates the
danger of shut-offs for the poor, and assures that 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/aug/02/ultra-cheap-energy-for-every-household-could-a-different-kind-of-tariff-change-everything">high fuel costs
won't crush them.</a>
<p>
Note that a kilowatt hour equals 3.6 mega joules.
Any kind of energy can be measured in either of these units,
and any system for delivering energy could be covered by a charging
system like this one.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Ruler_in_self-exile,_BGD)
title: Ruler in self-exile, BGD
uri: Ruler-in-self-exile-BGD
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Ruler_in_self-exile,_BGD)
content:
 
<p>
The repressive ruler of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has resigned and gone into
exile
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/05/bangladesh-pm-has-resigned-and-left-country-media-reports-say-sheikh-hasina">after massive protests filled the country</a>.
<p>
As I understand it, the protests themselves were not violent but the repression was.  Those who were
protesting in the streets are now celebrating in the streets.
<p>
The employment preferences for children and grandchildren of the independence fighters of 1971 were
frustrating to the rest of the population.  As far as I can see, they were a zero-sum policy so
reducing them or ending them would not hurt the people overall.
<p>
However, the bigger problem underlying the situation was the low wages
for the other work that Bangladeshis could get &mdash; for instance,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#3_May_2019_('Girl_Power'_factory)">making
clothing</a> to be sold in other countries,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jan-apr.html#16_February_2019_(Fundraiser_t-shirts)">paid
a pittance</a>, and sometimes
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-sep-dec.html#04_December_2012_(Burned-down_factory_in_Bangladesh)">getting
killed</a> because 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2021-may-aug.html#12_July_2021_(Locked_in_workers)">factories
locked them in</a>.  This is the other side of the global problem caused by "fast fashion".  Maybe
one change could reduce both problems at once.  I hope the next government will do something about
this.
<p>
In the long term, Bangladesh is squeezed between population growth and
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a>.  Reducing the
birth rate in Bangladesh will help the people there.  However, parts of the country are being
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2007-jan-apr.html#24%20April%202007%20(Aralia%20Island%20is%20drowning)">gradually
inundated</a> by the Bay of Bengal, and the only way to stop this in the long term is to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-jan-apr.html#5_February_2023_(Global_heating)">curb global
heating</a>,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#7_January_2020_(Get_used_to_flooding)">world-wide</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(How_Liverpool_prevented_a_riot,_UK)
title: How Liverpool prevented a riot, UK
uri: How-Liverpool-prevented-a-riot-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(How_Liverpool_prevented_a_riot,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
Liverpool surmounted a right-wing provocation-demonstration by showing up
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/aug/03/love-will-prevail-how-a-far-right-rally-in-liverpool-was-defused">en
masse with peaceful conversation</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Urgent:_Cartoonist_wanted)
title: Urgent: Cartoonist wanted
uri: Urgent-Cartoonist-wanted
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Urgent:_Cartoonist_wanted)
content:
 
<p>
I'm looking for a cartoonist who would like to draw cartoons for me once in a while, If you're
interested, please write to rms, which refers to me, at the location gnu period org.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Streetlights_as_insecticide)
title: Streetlights as insecticide
uri: Streetlights-as-insecticide
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Streetlights_as_insecticide)
content:
 
<p>
*All-night streetlights
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/aug/05/all-night-streetlights-make-leaves-inedible-to-insects-study-finds">make leaves inedible</a>
to insects, study finds.*
<p>
Doing that on any street must be good for the trees on that street, but doing that over a large area
endangers insects and animals that eat them.

<p>
 


title: The grifter's Mar-a-Lago memberships
uri: The-grifter-s-Mar-a-Lago-memberships
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(The_Grifter's_Mar-a-Lago_memberships)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(The_Grifter's_Mar-a-Lago_memberships)

content:
 
<p>
Four fortunate plutocrats will have the opporunity to buy a membership in Mar-a-Lago for the special
high price of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/05/trump-mar-a-lago-membership-price-hike">a
million dollars</a>, instead of the regular price of $700 thousands.  There they will be able to
meet privately with <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a>.
<p>
I suspect this is the pre-election price, and if he succeeds in acquiring the presidency again, the
price will go up to five million dollars.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jul-oct.html#8_August_2018_(Denialism)">For the
people</a>, he
is <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jul-oct.html#25_September_2018_(Weakness_of_truth_in_contending_with_lies)">all
bullshit</a>, all the time.  For
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#25_July_2024_(Billionaires_for_Trump)">the plutocrats</a>,
he is
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-may-aug.html#24_June_2022_(jan_6_hearings_republicans_moral_convictions)">all corruption</a>,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-sep-dec.html#7_October_2023_(Leaked_US_military_secrets)">all the time</a>.

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Ultra-wealth, corporate, taxation
uri: Urgent-Ultra-wealth-corporate-taxation
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Urgent:_Ultra-wealth,_corporate,_taxation)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Urgent:_Ultra-wealth,_corporate,_taxation)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/tax-the-rich-musk-billionaires/?t=1002">call on
Congress</a> to raise taxes on the ultra-wealthy and corporations.
<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/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(US,_ISR,_muffle_Palestinians_voices)
title: US, ISR, muffle Palestinians voices
uri: US-ISR-muffle-Palestinians-voices
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(US,_ISR,_muffle_Palestinians_voices)
content:
 
<p>
*Palestinians voices are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/aug/06/palestinian-censorship-exclusion">needed
more than ever</a>.  But they are being silenced.*
<p>
I rarely see the US manstream media.  In print, they are paywalled and no longer viewable without
running nonfree software.  On cable they are even worse: they are restricted by DRM and viewing is
surveilled, and they have the drawbacks of being video.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Conclusions_in_UNRWA-HAMAS_ties)
title: Conclusions in UNRWA-HAMAS ties
uri: Conclusions-in-UNRWA-HAMAS-ties
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Conclusions_in_UNRWA-HAMAS_ties)
content:
 
<p>
UNRWA investigated accusations that 19 of its Gaza staff were involved in HAMAS's Oct 7 terrorist
attack.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/05/nine-unrwa-staff-members-may-have-been-involved-in-7-october-attack">For
9 of them it found</a> sufficient evidence to fire them.
<p>
Since UNRWA has 13,000 employees in Gaza, to be that successful in excluding HAMAS militants from
its work force is good going.  If we estimate roughly a million adult men in Gaza, 13,000 is roughly
1% of them.  I think that HAMAS militants numbered around 10,000, also roughly 1% of the total.  So
the intersection of the two sets, by pure chance, would have numbered around 100.
<p>
To have had only a tenth that many indicates an effective effort by UNRWA to avoid hiring HAMAS
militants.
<p>
It is absurd to fault UNRWA for not doing even better than that!
<p>
The US should resume its support for UNRWA.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Harris_picked_Walz_VP,_USA_)
title: Harris picked up Walz as VP, USA
uri: Harris-picked-up-Walz-as-VP-USA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Harris_picked_Walz_VP,_USA_)
content:
 
<p>
In
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/vp-harris-chooses-democracy-champion-tim-walz-as-running-mate">praise
of Tom Walz</a>, Harris's running mate.
<p>
Regarding some
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/06/tim-walz-vp-beliefs-policies-record">political
stances</a> and actions of his.
<p>
Even <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#trump">the fascist</a> leader had favorable words for Walz, saying that he
seeks to make
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/06/kamala-harris-running-mate-tim-walz">Minnesota
as progressive</a> as California.  (Though 
<!---->the fascist
may not understand how favorable that is ;!)
<p>
I hope Harris and Walz take America farther than California has gone without federal help.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Official_state-censorship,_HUN)
title: Official state-censorship, HUN
uri: Official-state-censorship-HUN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Official_state-censorship,_HUN)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/06/somewhere-between-orwell-and-kafka-hungary-closes-in-on-its-media">Orbán
is tightening the pressure</a> on Hungarian media that criticize the state or report on official
wrongdoing.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Atlanta_city_council_grifters,_GA)
title: Atlanta city-council grifters, GA
uri: Atlanta-city-council-grifters-GA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Atlanta_city_council_grifters,_GA)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.commoncause.org/georgia/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/CommonCauseGeorgia_Atlanta_Way_2024Report.pdf?link_id=1&can_id=8b24519448cbedadde1c8a966f94caad&source=email-uncovering-corruption-the-atlanta-way-report-revealed-3&email_referrer=email_2402814&email_subject=uncovering-corruption-the-atlanta-way-report-revealed-_">A
study</a> compares the voting records of Atlanta politicians with campaign funds donated by
companies that can profit from those votes.

<p>
 


title: (Satire) Keeping billionaires humble
uri: (Satire)-Keeping-billionaires-humble
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_((Satire)_Keeping_billionaires_humble)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_((Satire)_Keeping_billionaires_humble)

content:
 
<p>
(satire) *Billionaire Credits
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/billionaire-credits-millionaire-friends-with-keeping-hi-1851607361">Millionaire
Friends</a> With Keeping Him Humble.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Electors_case_guilty_plea,_AZ)
title: "Electors" case guilty plea, AZ
uri: Electors-case-guilty-plea-AZ
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Electors_case_guilty_plea,_AZ)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/07/first-fake-elector-convicted-arizona-loraine-pellegrino">First
conviction</a> in Arizona fake electors case as Republican activist pleads guilty.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Jailor_guilty_plea,_AL)
title: Jailer guilty plea, AL
uri: Jailer-guilty-plea-AL
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Jailor_guilty_plea,_AL)
content:
 
<p>
*Alabama jailer pleads guilty in death of prisoner who froze to death in cell*
where jailers kept him
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/01/alabama-officer-pleads-guilty-prisoner-hypothermia-death">nude
in the cold</a> for two weeks.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_((Satire)_3-yr_old_vows_to_appeal)
title: (Satire) 3-yr old vows to appeal
uri: (Satire)-3-yr-old-vows-to-appeal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_((Satire)_3-yr_old_vows_to_appeal)
content:
 
<p>
(satire) *3-Year-Old Vows To Appeal
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/3-year-old-vows-to-appeal-parents-decision-to-keep-new-1851607200">Parents'
Decision To Keep Newborn</a> Baby Brother.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(A_candidate-suppression_howto,_TUN)
title: A candidate-suppression howto, TUN
uri: A-candidate-suppression-howto-TUN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(A_candidate-suppression_howto,_TUN)
content:
 
<p>
Tunisia's dictator still plans to have a presidential election but has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/06/tunisia-presidential-candidates-jailed-election">imprisoned
the serious opposition</a> candidates.
<p>
This illustrates why it is undesirable to prohibit anyone with a criminal record from running for
office.  Of course we don't want swindlers and corrupt people to be elected to office, but such a
simple method is not trustworthy.  Rulers that don't respect truth have a habit of using false
non-political charges to exclude the serious opposition.
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">The corrupter</a> has made it clear he would
do this in the US if he seizes the presidency again.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Torture-camp_jails)
title: Torture-camp "jails", ISR
uri: Torture-camp-jails-ISR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Torture-camp_jails)
content:
 
<p>
*Guardian interviews back up report by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/05/palestinian-prisoners-describe-widespread-abuse-in-israels-jails">rights
group B’Tselem</a>, which says jails should now be labeled "torture camps".*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Israeli_prison-conditions)
title: Israeli prison-conditions
uri: Israeli-prison-conditions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Israeli_prison-conditions)
content:
 
<p>
Palestinian
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/05/torture-abuse-and-humiliation-palestinians-on-israeli-prison-hell">ex-prisoners
report</a> being tortured and maimed in Israeli prisons.  Some report on the slow death of prison
neighbors from untreated wounds.
<p>
Adding an insult to their rights to the injury to their bodies, often they were imprisoned without
any charges.  It seems that this can happen to any Palestinian, with no visible rhyme or reason.
<p>
There is no possible excuse for treating prisoners this way.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Migrant-subcontracter_class-war,_UK)
title: Migrant-subcontractor class-war, UK
uri: Migrant-subcontractor-class-war-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#7_August_2024_(Migrant-subcontracter_class-war,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
Subcontracted workers in the UK can be
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/article/2024/aug/03/the-cleaner-sacked-for-eating-a-tuna-sandwich">abruptly
fired</a> for the littlest of "infractions", such as eating a catered sandwich that wasn't used in
the meeting it was purchased for and was waiting to be scavenged.
<p>
I would guess it is similar in the US, but I don't actually know.  The protection of
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#19_May_2024_(OSHA_rules_being_blunted_on_worksites)">workers'
rights in the US</a>
is very flimsy after decades of lobbying by employers.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(Heat_threatens_Great_Barrier_Reef)
title: Heat threat, Great Barrier Reef
uri: Heat-threat-Great-Barrier-Reef
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(Heat_threatens_Great_Barrier_Reef)
content:
 
<p>
*Hottest ocean temperatures in
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/aug/08/great-barrier-reef-ocean-temperatures-hottest-record">[at
least] 400 years</a> an "existential threat" to the Great Barrier Reef, report finds.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(Tax-cut_proposal)
title: Loopy tax-cut proposal
uri: Loopy-tax-cut-proposal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(Tax-cut_proposal)
content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">The corrupter</a>
proposes another tax-cut swindle: it would cut social security for the poorest retired
Americans, while reducing their taxes a pittance.  It would
<a href="https://substack.perfectunion.us/p/donald-trump-just-proposed-a-new">cut more for
wealthier</a> retirees.

<p>
 


title: The fentanyl playbook for US presidency
uri: The-fentanyl-playbook-for-US-presidency
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(The_fentenyl_playbook_for_US_presidency)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(The_fentenyl_playbook_for_US_presidency)

content:
 
<p>
90% of convicted drug
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/29/trump-fentanyl-deaths">smugglers in
the US</a> are US citizens.
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">The bullshitter</a> despises truth even more
than he despises immigrants, so he pins the smuggling falsely on them.  Two birds with one
falsehood.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(Bath-warm,_mucilaginous_water,_ITA)
title: Bath-warm, mucilaginous water, ITA
uri: Bath-warm-mucilaginous-water-ITA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(Bath-warm,_mucilaginous_water,_ITA)
content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">Global heating</a> effects
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/04/adriatic-warming-sea-italy-fishers-mucilage-microalgae">prevent
fishing</a> in the Adriatic Sea (east of Italy).

<p>
 


title: Civilians as war-targets, Dnipro, UKR
uri: Civilians-as-war-targets-Dnipro-UKR
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(Civilians_as_war_targets,_Dnipro,_UKR)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(Civilians_as_war_targets,_Dnipro,_UKR)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/05/dnipro-suffers-russia-bloody-war-ukraine">Russia
is systematically bombarding</a> civilian targets in Ukraine with missiles that are usually quite
accurate.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(Denialism_rife_in_US_Congress)
title: Denialism rife in US Congress
uri: Denialism-rife-in-US-Congress
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(Denialism_rife_in_US_Congress)
content:
 
<p>
*[<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">Global heating</a> denialists] make up nearly
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/05/climate-change-denial-congress">a
quarter of US Congress</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(Local_economics_of_global_heating)
title: Local economics of global heating
uri: Local-economics-of-global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(Local_economics_of_global_heating)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://redirect.invidious.io/watch?v=54U9-Hw2lKo">Debunking Myth #10</a>:
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/debunking-myth-10-economic-growth">Economic growth is always good</a>.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(tax_relief_bill_up_for_vote)
title: A tax "relief" bill up for vote
uri: A-tax-relief-bill-up-for-vote
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(tax_relief_bill_up_for_vote)
content:
 
<p>
Sanders voted against a tax bill that gives big
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/expanded-child-tax-credit">tax cuts to big businesses</a>.
<p>
The bill also revived support for families with children.  Sanders supports that, as do I; but I
agree with Sanders that we must not boost the power of the plutocrats by giving them any tax cuts.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(Global_capital_vs_local_voters)
title: Global capital vs local voters
uri: Global-capital-vs-local-voters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(Global_capital_vs_local_voters)
content:
 
<p>
*Who is brave enough to back
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jul/31/brazil-global-tax-billionaires-super-rich">Brazil's
global tax on billionaires</a>?  The answer will define our future.*

<p>
 


title: Detailed report on Chicago policing, UN
uri: Detailed-report-on-Chicago-policing-UN
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(Detailed_report_on_Chicago_policing,_UN)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(Detailed_report_on_Chicago_policing,_UN)

content:
 
<p>
UN special rapporteurs are calling on the US to take "immediate" action
on behalf of people who were tortured by Chicago <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> into making
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/31/chicago-police-misconduct-false-confessions">false
confessions, then imprisoned</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(A_police_trainee_cruelty,_Denver)
title: A police trainee cruelty, Denver
uri: A-police-trainee-cruelty-Denver
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(A_police_trainee_cruelty,_Denver)
content:
 
<p>
Denver cops forced trainee Victor Moses to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/31/denver-police-recruit-lawsuit-leg-amputation">keep
on fighting</a> in Fight Day even though he was collapsing.  As a result of the stress to his body,
his legs had to be amputated.  Moses had warned the trainers that he had sickle-cell disease and
could be harmed by pressing him too long, but they paid no attention.
<p>
Given that Moses has sickle-cell disease, I have a hunch he is black, and I suspect that racism
played a role in the violent and callous treatment he received from the <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> that were training
him.
<p>
Fight Day serves a crucial purpose; something like that is necessary.  It will inevitably be
somewhat dangerous, and trainers should recognize this when it occurs and protect the trainee.  I
understand that this can't always be done in a real fight, but that is no reason to neglect it when
it is possible.
<p>
Meanwhile, there is a danger that gangster
<!---->thugs will kick their enemies when their enemies
are down.  The official training for them must train them never to do that to anyone.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(Early_study_on_long_Covid)
title: Early study on long Covid, Oxford
uri: Early-study-on-long-Covid-Oxford
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(Early_study_on_long_Covid)
content:
 
<p>
Scientists studying people who caught Covid in 2020 found that *while many people with long Covid
improved over time, a substantial proportion still had cognitive problems two to three years later
and saw symptoms of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/31/long-covid-health-issues-persist-in-those-hospitalised-early-in-pandemic-study-finds">depression,
anxiety and fatigue</a> worsen rather than subside.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(Good_health_and_dubious_detox)
title: Good health in a bad environment
uri: Good-health-in-a-bad-environment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#8_August_2024_(Good_health_and_dubious_detox)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/article/2024/jul/31/can-you-detox-body-cleanse-health-myth-science">The
idea of "detoxification"</a> has become a widespread medical myth, promoted as a way to feed on the
vague anxieties of people realize they will die someday.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_August_2024_(New_leader_Yunus,_BGD)
title: New leader Yunus, BGD
uri: New-leader-Yunus-BGD
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_August_2024_(New_leader_Yunus,_BGD)
content:
 
<p>
*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/07/muhammad-yunus-bangladesh-interim-government-pm-sheikh-hasina">Nobel
laureate Muhammad Yunus</a> to head Bangladesh’s interim government.*


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_August_2024_(New_leader_Sinwar,_GAZA)
title: New leader Sinwar, GAZA
uri: New-leader-Sinwar-GAZA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_August_2024_(New_leader_Sinwar,_GAZA)
content:
 
<p>
HAMAS has appointed the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/06/hamas-yahya-sinwar-new-leader">leader
of the Oct 7 terrorist attack</a> as the overall head of HAMAS, to replace the assassinated leader
Ismail Haniyeh.
<p>
I worry that this will make further peace negotiations impossible.  Netanyahu would say, "We hate
Sinwar too much to speak with him."  But even if Netanyahu were willing, there is no way to arrange
a meeting or a call between them.
<p>
That's convenient for Netanyahu, if his goal is to continue fighting ad infinitem.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_August_2024_(Disposable_labor_force,_TX,_FL)
title: "Disposable" labor force, TX, FL
uri: Disposable-labor-force-TX-FL
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_August_2024_(Disposable_labor_force,_TX,_FL)
content:
 
<p>
*Even as extreme heat raged across the southern United States this summer, the governors of Florida
and Texas struck down heat protections for outdoor
workers.<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/aug/07/for-those-with-power-and-rich-donors-the-ac-is-always-on-even-if-its-melting-outside">
Construction companies and agricultural firms lobbied</a> against the rights of workers to water,
shade and rest breaks when temperatures soar &mdash; and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#9_March_2024_(Let_them_suffer_heat-stroke,_FL)">Ron DeSantis</a>
and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#24_June_2023_(Death_Star_bill_passes,_TX)">Greg
Abbott</a>, two men also lavishly funded by the fossil fuel industry, gave them what they wanted.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_August_2024_(2025,_Republican_plans_for_workers)
title: 2025, Republican, plans for workers
uri: 2025-Republican-plans-for-workers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_August_2024_(2025,_Republican_plans_for_workers)
content:
 
<p>
*Trump claims he's
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/04/project-2025-trump-unions-overtime-pay">pro-worker. Project
2025</a> will gut labor rights.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_August_2024_(Squad,_Cory_Bush,_lose_primary,_MO)
title: Squad, Cory Bush, lose primary, MO
uri: Squad-Cory-Bush-lose-primary-MO
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_August_2024_(Squad,_Cory_Bush,_lose_primary,_MO)
content:
 
<p>
AIPAC just barely succeeded in eliminating progressive representative
Cori Bush,
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2024/08/06/aipac-cori-bush-election-results-wesley-bell/">with 8
  million dollars</a>.  Plus some dishonesty.

<p>
 


title: Elections and "future discrepancies", GA
uri: Elections-and-future-discrepancies-GA
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_August_2024_(Elections_and_future_discrepencies,_GA)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_August_2024_(Elections_and_future_discrepencies,_GA)

content:
 
<p>
*New Georgia rules let local [election] boards
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/06/georgia-local-election-boards-allowed-withhold-vote-certification">withhold
election certification</a>.* This was proposed by Republican supporters of the wrecker, and it might
offer them a way to disrupt the presidential election.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_August_2024_(Lula's_logic:_NOT_pick_side,_Ven)
title: Lula's logic: not pick side, VEN
uri: Lula-s-logic-not-pick-side-VEN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_August_2024_(Lula's_logic:_NOT_pick_side,_Ven)
content:
 
<p>
Today's Latin American leftists
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/aug/05/latin-america-left-smart-venezuela-constested-election-maduro">give
democracy high priority</a>, and are ceasing to give authoritarian leftist regimes a free pass.
<p>
Meanwhile, the current right-wing rulers support right-wing authoritarians.

<p>
 


title: 2025, Republican, plans for abortion
uri: 2025-Republican-plans-for-abortion
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_August_2024_(2025,_Republican,_plans_for_abortion)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#9_August_2024_(2025,_Republican,_plans_for_abortion)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/05/project-2025-abortion">Six ways</a>
that Project 2025 attacks abortion rights.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Ukraine_invaded_Kursk,_RUS)
title: Ukraine invaded Kursk, RUS
uri: Ukraine-invaded-Kursk-RUS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Ukraine_invaded_Kursk,_RUS)
content:
 
<p>
Ukraine has launched a small invasion of Russia, to the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/08/ukraine-justifies-attack-on-kursk-in-first-acknowledgement-of-its-russian-incursion">north of Kharkiv</a>.
<p>
I, like Jade McGlynn, do not see how this contributes much to Ukraine's victory.  I so see some
possible benefits:
<ul>
 <li> It could draw a few thousand Russian troops away from Putin's preferred attack lines.
 <li> It could interfere with shelling of Kharkiv.
 <li> It could capture Russian soldiers and officials to exchange with some of Putin's thousands of
captives.
 <li> Putin's inability to defeat the attack quickly could embarrass him.
</ul>
<p>
But none of them seems greatly important.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Just_society_turns_violence,_UK)
title: Just society turns away violence, UK
uri: Just-society-turns-away-violence-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Just_society_turns_violence,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/aug/08/far-right-disorder-england-turning-point-after-arrests-police">Large
nonviolent community rallies</a> against right-wing extremism in England led far-right activists to
slink away in disouragement.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Antisocial_media_and_justness,_UK)
title: Antisocial media and justness, UK
uri: Antisocial-media-and-justness-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Antisocial_media_and_justness,_UK)
content:
 
<p>
*Big tech firms
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/aug/07/big-tech-disorder-riots-surveillance-live-facial-recognition">profit
from disorder</a>.  Don't let them use these riots to push for more surveillance.*
<p>
The riots in question have been organized by right-wing hate campaigners among people radicalized
over antisocial media.  That should not be an excuse to impose China-style surveillance on everyone
in the UK.
<p>
I suggest that authorization of making video or audio recordings, or doing face recognition, should be
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html.">limited</a> to a specified
place and a specified interval of time.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Gov._Tim_Walz,_aMeN)
title: SE's Intl. Union's amen to Tim Walz, MN
uri: SE-s-Intl-Union-s-amen-to-Tim-Walz-MN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Gov._Tim_Walz,_aMeN)
content:
 
<p>
SEIU'S Verrett: "Harris-Walz is the
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/seius-verrett-harris-walz-is-the-working-peoples-ticket-were-energized-like-never-before">working
people's ticket</a> &mdash; We're energized like never before".
<p>
I've seen statements with similar enthusiasm from leaders of other unions.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Tim_Walz_climate_policies,_MN)
title: Tim Walz climate policies, MN
uri: Tim-Walz-climate-policies-MN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Tim_Walz_climate_policies,_MN)
content:
 
<p>
Tim Walz, *Kamala Harris’s running mate,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/07/tim-walz-climate-change-policy-environment">boasts
a strong record</a> on climate policy and green energy as Minnesota governor.*

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Flooding_in_Juneau,_AK)
title: Flooding in Juneau, AK
uri: Flooding-in-Juneau-AK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Flooding_in_Juneau,_AK)
content:
 
<p>
Global heating has created
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/08/alaska-capital-flooding-retreating-glacier">a
geological structure</a> that causes a flood in Juneau each summer.
<p>
It seems obvious to try to prevent the annual flood of Juneau by creating a way for water to escape
from the dammed lake earlier and more slowly, when its level is low enough that it won't cause
damage.  Has anyone tried this?  Is there a reason why it would not work?

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Medical_errors,_the_urban_legend)
title: The "medical errors" statistics myth
uri: The-medical-errors-statistics-myth
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Medical_errors,_the_urban_legend)
content:
 
<p>
For patients who are not very close to death, medical errors are a
<a href="https://skeptoid.com/episodes/4948">very minor danger</a> &mdash; about 1% of the patients'
deaths are caused that way.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(LLMs_as_AI)
title: LLMs as "AI"
uri: LLMs-as-AI
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(LLMs_as_AI)
content:
 
<p>
A simple and clear demonstration that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/aug/06/ai-llms">large language models
are not intelligent</a>.  Alas, every time it refers to them as "AI" it tells people not to believe
that conclusion.
<p>
In addition, there are other kinds of systems, also referred to as "Artificial Intelligence", which
can do inference or can recognize certain crucial patterns better than the best humans.  Those
really do qualify as "intelligence".





<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Cori_Bush_vs_AIPAC)
title: Cori Bush vs AIPAC
uri: Cori-Bush-vs-AIPAC
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Cori_Bush_vs_AIPAC)
content:
 
<p>
Cori Bush says she will
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/07/cori-bush-pro-israel-lobby-warning">spend this fall</a>
campaigning against
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-jan-apr.html#7_March_2012_(AIPAC)">AIPAC</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Starving_Gazans)
title: Starving Gazans
uri: Starving-Gazans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Starving_Gazans)
content:
 
<p>
Israeli minister Smotrich accused other countries of forcing Israel to
allow some food into Gaza.  He suggested it would be
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/08/israel-finance-minister-bezalel-smotrich-gaza-starve-2m-people-comments">morally
preferable</a> to starve everyone there.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(UK_Jews_hiding)
title: UK Jews hiding
uri: UK-Jews-hiding
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(UK_Jews_hiding)
content:
 
<p>
Jews and Muslims in the UK are joining in a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/aug/08/jews-uk-antisemitism-racism-hate-incidents-minorities">campaign
against hatred</a> of whatever demographic group.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Young_UK_exile_denied_help_from_UK)
title: Young UK-exile denied UK-help, SYR
uri: Young-UK-exile-denied-UK-help-SYR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Young_UK_exile_denied_help_from_UK)
content:
 
<p>
*Judges have refused to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/aug/08/judges-shamima-begum-uk-ministers-home-secretary-keir-starmer-government">save
Shamima Begum</a>.  Labour should bring her back to the UK to face justice.*
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jan-apr.html#7_April_2019_(Deradicalizing)">Her
actions</a> in going to join <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a> may have been a crime.  If so, the UK should welcome her home and
put her on trial.  To avoid a trial by declaring someone exiled, without giving per any trial, is
never just.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(The_liar's_ties_to_Project_2025)
title: The liar's fascist ties to Project 2025
uri: The-liar-s-fascist-ties-to-Project-2025
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(The_liar's_ties_to_Project_2025)
content:
 
<p>
*[<!---->The wrecker once] shared a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/08/donald-trump-kevin-roberts-project-2025-flight">private
flight with Project 2025 visionary</a> he [recently] claimed to not know.  That person was the head
of the Heritage Foundation, who in April told a journalist he had discussed the project with the
wrecker directly.  Of course, wither one of them could be lying, or maybe both.
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">The wrecker's</a> campaign said that Project 2025
"has never and will never be an accurate reflection of [<!---->the wrecker]'s policies."  That may
be true, because the wrecker may not have policies stable enough for a statement to reflect them
properly.  An accurate description of the momentary state of his policy plans would have to be
quantum mechanical.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Urgent:_NO_political_violence)
title: Urgent: NO political violence
uri: Urgent-NO-political-violence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Urgent:_NO_political_violence)
content:
 
<p>
Everyone,
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/condemn-political-violence?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-just-strategy&source=group-just-strategy">condemn
political violence</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Urgent:_Limit_political_immunity)
title: Urgent: Limit political immunity
uri: Urgent-Limit-political-immunity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Urgent:_Limit_political_immunity)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/demand-congress-enact-essential-limits-on-presidential-immunity-to-protect-democracy?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-left-click-2&source=direct_link">call
on Congress</a> to put limits on the immunity of ex-presidents.
<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/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_Corporate_Capture_Act)
title: Urgent: Stop Corporate Capture Act
uri: 2024-08-11-Urgent-Stop-Corporate-Capture-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_Corporate_Capture_Act)
content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/grassroots-co-sponsor-stop-corporate-capture-act?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-social-security-works&source=group-social-security-works">call
on Congress</a> to pass the Stop Corporate Capture Act, which would establish explicitly that each
federal agency defines the meaning of its regulations.
<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/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Maduro_no_es_Presidente)
title: Edmundo won presidential election, VEN
uri: Edmundo-won-presidential-election-VEN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Maduro_no_es_Presidente)
content:
 
<p>
*Analyses indicate Nicolás
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/06/venezuela-election-maduro-analysis">Maduro
lost</a> the presidential election.* So the question is, how do you push out a dictator that rigs
elections?
<p>
Bangladeshis did this recently with massive protests, but that is easier said than done.  Crucial in
Bangladesh was the refusal, by the commander of the army, to order troops to shoot the protesters.
<p>
A crucial background point was that millions of Bangladeshis inclined to oppose Hasina had not fled
the country over the years; rather, they were at home where they could join the protests.

<p>
 


title: Moduro inciting a climate of terror, VEN
uri: Moduro-inciting-a-climate-of-terror-VEN
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Moduro_inciting_a_climate_of_terror,_VEN)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Moduro_inciting_a_climate_of_terror,_VEN)

content:
 
<p>
Maduro has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/article/2024/aug/08/venezuela-nicolas-maduro-contested-election-protests-detention">jailed
1100 people recently</a>, some for political opposition, but others who do not seem to be
politically active at all.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Arctic_heatwaves,_CAN)
title: Arctic heatwaves, CAN
uri: Arctic-heatwaves-CAN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(Arctic_heatwaves,_CAN)
content:
 
<p>
Even the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/08/canada-arctic-region-heat-wave">Canadian
Arctic has heatwaves</a> now, comparable to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2023-may-aug.html#28_July_2023_(North_American_heat_dome)">heatwaves in Boston</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(dooH_niboR,_FL)
title: dooH niboR, FL
uri: dooH-niboR-FL
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#10_August_2024_(dooH_niboR,_FL)
content:
 
<p>
Governor <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#dementis">DeMentis</a> defended the extreme <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratist</a> principle that
governments should
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/06/ron-desantis-rejects-federal-food-aid-children">help
only the wealthy</a> people &mdash; by denying poor people in Florida the benefit of $250 million
dollars in EBT funds offered by the federal government.
<p>
It would have cost Florida $12 million to administer the activity, and
that was unacceptable for a stingy Republican extremist.  They believe wealth
should flow only
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-sep-dec.html#20_December_2020_(Consequences_of_50_years_of_tax_cuts_for_the_rich)">from
the poor to the rich</a>.


<p>
 


title: NTSB safety-culture fixes: FAA, Boeing
uri: NTSB-safety-culture-fixes-FAA-Boeing
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_August_2024_(NTSB_safety-culture_fixes:_FAA,_Boeing)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_August_2024_(NTSB_safety-culture_fixes:_FAA,_Boeing)

content:
 
<p>
The 737 Max door-plug pop-out was caused by sloppy practices that had been reported by inspections
for years.  Boeing management chose to let the practices continue, since it had not caused them a
loss of money.  The FAA reported them to Boeing repeatedly but
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/aug/07/boeing-blowout-national-transportation-safety-board">did
not compel it to change</a> them.
<p>
Perhaps the FAA took for granted that an airplane company would prioritize safety, and was not
prepared to deal with one that would prefer to cut corners on safety.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_August_2024_(UK_Riots,_rapid_sentencings)
title: UK Riots, rapid sentencings
uri: UK-Riots-rapid-sentencings
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_August_2024_(UK_Riots,_rapid_sentencings)
content:
 
<p>
Two right-wing extremists in the UK have been sent to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/aug/09/two-men-jailed-for-social-media-posts-that-stirred-up-far-right-violence">prison
for postings</a> that urged violent attacks against asylum seekers.
<p>
The border between freedom of speech and inciting violence is subject to abuse by governments.  But
I think the facts this time merited the decision.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_August_2024_(US_presidental_brat_vibes)
title: Dems campaign catch young vibes
uri: Dems-campaign-catch-young-vibes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_August_2024_(US_presidental_brat_vibes)
content:
 
<p>
*Brats, dads and bravado: this US election will be
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/09/kamala-harris-donald-trump-vibes-personalities">decided on vibes</a>.*
<p>
How foolish it is to vote based on such emotional impressions.  We would be wiser to demand that
candidates tell us what they intend to do.
<p>
For this year's general election, it is almost certain for any office that the Democrat will do
better things than the Republican.  As for the pseudoscience candidate, RFK jr, he's not rational
enough to do anything good.
<p>
But it is not so easy to determine the best choice in Democratic primaries.  It is quite likely that
one of the candidates is more progressive than the others, but finding out which one that is may take
searching and reading.  Also, one of them may be
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-may-aug.html#20_May_2022_(Pro-Israel_lobbying_group_Aipac_wants_to_defeat_progressive_Democrats)">supported
by AIPAC</a> and the others not.
<p>
If you vote for the progressive Democrat, you are more likely to get policies that help the
non-wealthy rather than the wealthy, and that support human rights for all.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_August_2024_(Needs_of_Uncommitted_unrequited)
title: Needs of Uncommitted unrequited
uri: Needs-of-Uncommitted-unrequited
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_August_2024_(Needs_of_Uncommitted_unrequited)
content:
 
<p>
Harris campaign rejects claims she would support
<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg798l439ydo">Israel arms embargo</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_August_2024_(Reppler_news_saved_for_now,_PHL)
title: Reppler news saved for now, PHL
uri: Reppler-news-saved-for-now-PHL
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_August_2024_(Reppler_news_saved_for_now,_PHL)
content:
 
<p>
The order that closed the Philippine news site, Reppler, has been
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/09/philippines-court-voids-order-to-shut-down-independent-news-site-rappler">voided
by a court</a>.  However,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2022-may-aug.html#11_July_2022_(Maria_Ressa_convicted_of_libel)">prosecution
of Maria Ressa continues</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_August_2024_(Ortega_too_expensive_an_ally,_BRA)
title: Ortega too expensive an ally, BRA
uri: Ortega-too-expensive-an-ally-BRA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_August_2024_(Ortega_too_expensive_an_ally,_BRA)
content:
 
<p>
Brazil reduced its
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/09/brazil-nicaragua-expel-ambassador-venezuela">diplomatic
support for the dictator</a> of Nicaragua, who retaliated by expelling Brazil's ambassador.  Brazil
replied in kind.
<p>
It seems Lula is coming to recognize that a dictator that is notionally leftist can be as evil as
other dictators.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_August_2024_(Angry_voters_line_up_to_fix_USA)
title: Angry voters line up to fix USA
uri: Angry-voters-line-up-to-fix-USA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_August_2024_(Angry_voters_line_up_to_fix_USA)
content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich: The supporters of <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a> have
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/bonus-debunking-myth-trump-supporters">good reasons to
be angry</a> at the American political system.  But only progressives will seriously try to <a href="https://invidio.us/watch?v=yBBrrhO7xJE">fix the
problems</a>.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_August_2024_(The_wrecker_is_teetering)
title: The wrecker is teetering
uri: The-wrecker-is-teetering
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_August_2024_(The_wrecker_is_teetering)
content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich summarizes evidence that the bullshitter<!---->
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/why-isnt-the-media-reporting-on-trumps">is becoming
demented</a> &mdash; bullshitting himself as well as the public.
<p>
*[<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">The bullshitter</a>] lashes out at Harris 
and falsely
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/08/trump-january-6-lies-kamala-harris-attacks">claims
no one was killed</a> on January 6.*


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_August_2024_(enemy_working_class_far_right)
title: Working class far right
uri: Working-class-far-right
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_August_2024_(enemy_working_class_far_right)
content:
 
<p>
*The reality is that racism [in the UK] isn't a
   bottom-up expression of popular discontent, but a top-down project
   propagated by 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/aug/09/enemy-working-class-far-right">people in positions of power.*</a>

<p>
 


title: Activists arrested
uri: 2024-08-13-Activists-arrested
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_August_2024_(uk_police_arrest_palestine_activists)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_August_2024_(uk_police_arrest_palestine_activists)

content:
 
<p>
The practice of labeling protests as "organized crime" has spread from
the US to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/aug/06/uk-police-arrest-two-pro-palestine-activists-under-organised-laws">Germany and now the UK.</a>
<p>
The UK protest involved violence against property, and that has always
been a crime.  Nonetheless it is wrong to equate a protest, whose participants
sought no gain, with organized crime, whose purpose is gain.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_August_2024_(paywatch)
title: Executive Paywatch
uri: Executive-Paywatch
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_August_2024_(paywatch)
content:
 
<p>
Some US companies pay their CEOs thousands of times as much 
as <a href="https://aflcio.org/paywatch?link_id=5">their workers.</a>
<p>
The average for S&P 500 companies is 268 to 1.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_August_2024_(biden_kamala_election)
title: Biden endorses Harris
uri: Biden-endorses-Harris
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_August_2024_(biden_kamala_election)
content:
 
<p>
Biden announced he will not run for reelection, and endorsed Kamala Harris,
the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jul/21/biden-kamala-harris">current vice president.</a>
It looks likely that the Democratic Convention will choose Harris .  I
don't know whether to consider this good or bad, because I don't know
<li>(1) whether she will be more likely to defeat the corrupter or 
<li>(2)
whether she will be as progressive as president as 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#11_July_2024_(Progressives_back_Biden)">Biden has been.</a>
<p>
Following the advice of Martin Luther King, jr., I try not to judge
candidates by race or sex.  I judge by their politics and (when
pertinent) their chances.
<p>
My opinion of Harris's politics was raised by reading what she said
about prosecuting possession of drugs, and mass imprisonment.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_August_2024_(Extreme_asylum_obstacle_course)
title: Extreme asylum obstacle-course
uri: Extreme-asylum-obstacle-course
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_August_2024_(Extreme_asylum_obstacle_course)
content:
 
<p>
Biden has adopted the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/09/migrant-crossings-biden-asylum-ban">extreme
asylum-obstacle</a> system
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#6_June_2024_(Closing_US-MEX_border)">pioneered
by Republicans</a> when <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">the wrecker</a>
was president.  The result is that the right to asylum is already mostly eliminated in the US,
except for those who are safe enough at home to remain there while their cases are judged.
<p>
Presumably Biden did this to neutralize the issue as a political boost for Republicans.  Ironically,
the Americans who want this system don't seem to be aware that they already have it.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_August_2024_(Israeli_finance_minister_bluster)
title: Israeli finance minister bluster
uri: Israeli-finance-minister-bluster
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_August_2024_(Israeli_finance_minister_bluster)
content:
 
<p>
Australia, Germany, France and the UK have condemned extremist Israeli
minister Smotrich for suggesting it was legitimate to decide
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/aug/10/penny-wong-condemns-israeli-ministers-comments-suggesting-starvation-in-gaza-might-be-justified">to
starve two million</a> people to save a few hundred.
<p>
The US should be saying this, too.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_August_2024_(Another_Jan_6th_sentencing)
title: Another Jan 6th sentencing
uri: Another-Jan-6th-sentencing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_August_2024_(Another_Jan_6th_sentencing)
content:
 
<p>
Trials of the rioters who attacked the Capitol are not over.  One who
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/09/january-6-capitol-riot-david-dempsey-prison-sentence">repeatedly
attacked cops with weapons</a> has been sentenced to 20 years.

<p>
 


title: Heroic, historic pinning of Maduro, VEN
uri: Heroic-historic-pinning-of-Maduro-VEN
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_August_2024_(Heroic,_historic_pinning_of_Maduro,_VEN)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_August_2024_(Heroic,_historic_pinning_of_Maduro,_VEN)

content:
 
<p>
*How Venezuela's
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/10/gonzalez-proof-win-venezuela-election-vote-tally-maduro">opposition proved its election win</a>.*

<p>
 


title: Climate-defense V rioting, UK sentencing
uri: Climate-defense-V-rioting-UK-sentencing
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_August_2024_(Climate-defense_V_rioting,_UK_sentencing)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_August_2024_(Climate-defense_V_rioting,_UK_sentencing)

content:
 
<p>
The UK sentenced a peaceful climate defender to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/article/2024/aug/10/labour-donor-calls-for-review-as-southport-rioter-is-jailed-for-less-time-than-just-stop-oil-protester">a
longer prison term</a> than a violent right-wing rioter.
<p>
There is a perverse kind of logic that perhaps the judges used, although if so they would not want
to admit it.
<p>
The right-wing rioters may have been carried away with rage stimulated by disinformation.  In a
year, this phase may have passed and he might become harmless.
<p>
By contrast, the leaders of Just Stop Oil have thought long and hard about the danger of climate
disaster and the importance of preventing it.  It won't be easy to convince them to give up, with so
much at stake.
<p>
I think that the climate defenders should be rewarded, not punished.
<p>
Arguing that the right-wing rioters should be
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/11/uk-riots-expose-double-standards-far-right-islamist-violence">charged
with terrorism</a>.

<p>
 


title: Vance's momentary concerns about honesty
uri: Vance-s-momentary-concerns-about-honesty
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_August_2024_(Vance's_momentary_concerns_about_honesty)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#12_August_2024_(Vance's_momentary_concerns_about_honesty)

content:
 
<p>
*[The bullshitter]<!----> and Vance are unmatched in "the Olympics of lying",
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/11/trump-vance-olympics-of-lying-pete-buttigieg">says
Pete Buttigieg</a>.*
<p>
When battling with <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#bullshitter">the bullshitter</a>,
one must not mince words for how dishonest he is.  He pretends that is an acknowledgment
that he is truthful.


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_August_2024_(2024_election_rigged_in_GA)
title: 2024 election rigged in GA
uri: 2024-election-rigged-in-GA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_August_2024_(2024_election_rigged_in_GA)
content:
 
<p>
Greg Palast: Republicans in Georgia's state government gave themselves
the power to reject, arbitrarily,
<a href="https://www.gregpalast.com/prepare-for-novembers-quiet-coup/">the vote of any county</a>.
It is already looking at canceling Atlanta's votes in the next election.
<p>
How can the US prevent this method of stealing the election?

<p>
 


title: Urgent: Defense bill, House version
uri: Urgent-Defense-bill-House-version
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_August_2024_(Urgent:_Defense_bill,_House_version)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_August_2024_(Urgent:_Defense_bill,_House_version)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/keep-maga-bigotry-out-ndaa?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-hd&source=group-hd">call
on the Senate</a> to keep MAGA bigotry out of the National Defense Authorization Act.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_August_2024_(School_shelters_being_bombed,_ISR)
title: Many school shelters being bombed, ISR
uri: Many-school-shelters-being-bombed-ISR
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_August_2024_(School_shelters_being_bombed,_ISR)
content:
 
<p>
Israel has been attacking lots of schools, lately &mdash; and causing
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/10/israel-strikes-on-gaza-school-site-kills-almost-100-palestinian-officials-say">lots
of civilian casualties</a>, because in some schools thousands of civilians are sheltering.

<p>
 


title: Evolution of a radical ideology, ISR
uri: Evolution-of-a-radical-ideology-ISR
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_August_2024_(Evolution_of_a_radical_ideology,_ISR)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_August_2024_(Evolution_of_a_radical_ideology,_ISR)

content:
 
<p>
*The Unpunished:
<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240518031829/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/16/magazine/israel-west-bank-settler-violence-impunity.html">How
Extremists Took Over Israel</a>* After 50 years of failure to stop violence and terrorism against
Palestinians by Jewish ultranationalists, lawlessness has become the law.*
<p>
I've reported here on the gradual growth of the "settlers"' defiance and violence with state
connivance.  But this article shows that it is and was bigger and more ingrained than I realized.
And since the Gaza war started, it has broken all limits.


<p>
 


title: Urgent: Stop Israeli-escalation supply
uri: Urgent-Stop-Israeli-escalation-supply
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_August_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_supplying_Israeli_escalations)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_August_2024_(Urgent:_Stop_supplying_Israeli_escalations)

content:
 
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/israel-escalations-war/?t=1003">call on Biden</a> to
end funding and weapons shipments to Israel, in order to save Palestinian lives, stop an all out war
in the Middle East, and broker a ceasefire.
<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/2024-may-aug.html#14_August_2024_(2024_election_rigged_in_GA)
title: 2024 election rigged in GA
uri: 2024-08-15-2024-election-rigged-in-GA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_August_2024_(2024_election_rigged_in_GA)
content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/12/trump-overturn-result-presidential-election-vote">Another
analysis</a> of the danger of a Republican coup by arbitrarily rejecting vote count results.
<p>
See also
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#13_August_2024_(2024_election_rigged_in_GA)">Greg
Palast's warning</a>.

<p>
 


title: Violent-distress depiction-exposures up
uri: Violent-distress-depiction-exposures-up
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_August_2024_(Regulating_distress_inducing_depictions)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_August_2024_(Regulating_distress_inducing_depictions)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/article/2024/aug/11/its-ok-everyone-else-is-doing-it-how-do-we-deal-with-role-violence-on-social-media-played-in-uk-riots">Antisocial
media platforms</a> preferentially recommend videos that show violence, and/or signs of bigotry and
hatred.
<p>
This can <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2024-jan-apr.html#7_February_2024_(Misogynistic_messages)">give those that lean</a>
towards bigotry and hatred the impression that
"everyone is doing it",
even though most are not.  For some, that is <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-may-aug.html#18_May_2020_((satire)_Disgusting_Bigotry)">normal and acceptable</a>.

<p>
 


title: The rules in force in the Free Market
uri: The-rules-in-force-in-the-Free-Market
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_August_2024_(The_rules_in_force_in_the_Free_Market)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_August_2024_(The_rules_in_force_in_the_Free_Market)

content:
 
<p>
Every
<a href="https://invidio.us/watch?v=Pcz2yMnMDnM">free market is</a> based on a set of rules, and
different rules make different results. 
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/debunking-myth-5-the-market-doesnt?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email">Plutocracy
has brought</a> about changing the rules so that the rules make the rich richer, and give them more
power to change the rules further.
<p>
If <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#corrupter">the corrupter</a>
grabs the presidency again, which he can now do only by crooked methods or
dishonesty, it will destroy our democracy and encourage
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#global%20heating">global heating</a> disaster.
Almost anything we might do to stop this will be less bad than permitting it to occur.

<p>
 


title: The algorithm price-fixing rents, SF
uri: The-algorithm-price-fixing-rents-SF
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_August_2024_(The_algorithm_price-fixing_rents,_SF)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_August_2024_(The_algorithm_price-fixing_rents,_SF)

content:
 
<p>
*How an algorithm is helping
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/8/9/2262073/-How-an-Algorithm-is-Helping-Landlords-Collude-to-Fix-Rents">landlords
collude</a> to fix rents.*
?
<p>
 


title: Drone-delivery gig fail, Bonython, AUS
uri: Drone-delivery-gig-fail-Bonython-AUS
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_August_2024_(Drone-delivery_gig_fail,_Bonython,_AUS)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#14_August_2024_(Drone-delivery_gig_fail,_Bonython,_AUS)

content:
 
<p>
One of Big Tech's favorite tools for persuading the public to yield to a system that causes problems
for people is the claim that "progress is inevitable, so give up and get used to it."  Change is not
necessarily progress, and many "inevitable" changes can be blocked
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/aug/10/inevitability-myth-tech-determinists-google-wing-delivery-drone">if people are determined</a>.
<p>
That argument is really just a variant of "You can't stop us because we are too strong, so just give
up."


<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_August_2024_(An_economic_myth)
title: An economic myth
uri: An-economic-myth
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_August_2024_(An_economic_myth)
content:
 
<p>
Robert Reich debunks economic myth #1.
<p>
Economics,
<a href="https://invidio.us/watch?v=9j3PCm1izjI">when Adam Smith founded it</a>, was about
questions such as the
<a href="https://robertreich.substack.com/p/debunking-myth-1-economics-is-an?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email">meaning
of a good society</a>.  What sort of society do we want? How do we understand a “good” society?
What do we owe one another as members of such a society?
<p>
He called himself a moral philosopher.
<p>
And that is still what economics is about, except that <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#plutocratist">plutocratists</a> pretend that that part of it
never existed.

<p>
 


feed_id: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_August_2024_(Electorate_vs_alternate_electors)
title: Electorate vs "alternate" electors
uri: Electorate-vs-alternate-electors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_August_2024_(Electorate_vs_alternate_electors)
content:
 
<p>
*Kamala Harris said in a campaign video that former President Donald
Trump’s pick for vice president will be "loyal only to Trump, not to
our country."*
<p>
She had a firm basis to make this claim: Vance said, "If I had been vice president, I would have
told the states, like Pennsylvania, Georgia and so many others, that we needed to have
<a href="https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2024/jul/18/kamala-harris/fact-checking-kamala-harris-claim-that-jd-vance-sa/">multiple
slates of electors</a> and I think the U.S. Congress should have fought over it from there."

<p>
 


title: List of billionaires-for-Vance
uri: List-of-billionaires-for-Vance
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_August_2024_(Long_list_of_billionaires_for_Vance)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_August_2024_(Long_list_of_billionaires_for_Vance)

content:
 
<p>
<a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#wrecker">The wrecker</a> and Vance are the candidates of the billionaires.  Here is a long list of billionaire
supporters,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/billionaires-backing-trump">with descriptions of
where</a> their billions come from.

<p>
 


title: Voting referenda bypass congress, MI
uri: Voting-referenda-bypass-congress-MI
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_August_2024_(Voting_referenda_bypass_congress,_MI)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_August_2024_(Voting_referenda_bypass_congress,_MI)

content:
 
<p>
<a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/us-politics/article-michigan-has-emerged-as-a-model-for-us-electoral-reform/">Michigan's
path</a> to eliminating gerrymandering and voter suppression.

<p>
 


title: Agricultural subsidies for wildlife, UK
uri: Agricultural-subsidies-for-wildlife-UK
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_August_2024_(Agricultural_subsidies_for_wildlife,_UK)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_August_2024_(Agricultural_subsidies_for_wildlife,_UK)

content:
 
<p>
Subsidies in England for wildlife-friendly agricultural
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/aug/12/the-guardian-view-on-nature-friendly-farming-englands-green-subsidies-are-working">improved
the prevalence</a> of many kinds of wildlife.

<p>
 


title: Elections misinformation, Elon Musk
uri: Elections-misinformation-Elon-Musk
feed_id:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_August_2024_(Elections_misinformation,_Elon_Musk)

url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2024-may-aug.html#15_August_2024_(Elections_misinformation,_Elon_Musk)

content:
 
<p>
*How Musk became a driver of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/12/elon-musk-twitter-x-elections-misinformation">elections
misinformation</a>* using his control over <a class=glossary href="/glossary.html#extwitter">ex-Twitter</a>.

<p>
 


