# articles

feed_id: 6aafe5001d0413c922126c5759393294
title: Covid-19 surge in Michigan
uri: Covid-19-surge-in-Michigan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#13_April_2021_%28Covid-19_surge_in_Michigan%29
content:
<p>

Republican minority rule in Michigan has brought about a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/11/michigan-governor-gretchen-whitmer-more-vaccines-covid-cases-surge">surge in
Covid-19</a>, and the governor is powerless to do anything effective to
stop it.
<p>
She has asked Biden to send more vaccine doses to Michigan, but even
if he does, the time scale for curbing Covid-19 by vaccination is
measured in months &mdash; if Republican antivaxxers don't prevent it
from reaching that point.
<p>
The only known methods to stop the surge now are those that prevent
transmission of the disease, which is exactly what Republican
covidiots refuse to do.
<p>
Republicans in Michigan have made the elections unfair through
gerrymandering.  That is why they control the legislature even though
the voters elected a Democratic governor.
<p>
Michigan Republicans are trying to build up hatred against Democrats,
and since the governor is a woman, they are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/11/gretchen-whitmer-michigan-governor-witch-burn-stake">using misogyny</a> as part of
it.
<p>
On the global scale, Covid-19 is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/12/covid-pandemic-still-growing-exponentially-who-says">spreading exponentially</a>.
<p>
No matter what political decisions are made this year, there is no
hope of vaccinating billions of people.  The only chance of slowing
the global spread of Covid-19 this year is by preventing transmission.


feed_id: 0691859d613a827ab29c3c08b5c2f12e
title: UK report on race relations and racism
uri: UK-report-on-race-relations-and-racism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#13_April_2021_%28UK_report_on_race_relations_and_racism%29

content:
<p>

The UK government convened a commission of experts to write a report
on race relations and racism &mdash; then Bogus Johnson's staff <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/apr/11/downing-street-rewrote-independent-report-on-race-experts-claim">rewrote
their text</a> to get rid of the idea of systemic racism.


feed_id: 801a6a06adad82cae0ab0fcbd73b22d0
title: Low wages of the US economy
uri: Low-wages-of-the-US-economy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#13_April_2021_%28Low_wages_of_the_US_economy%29
content:
<p>

The low wages of the US economy are part of a system designed to make
some people rich and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/11/whats-really-behind-opposition-15-minimum-wage">keep most people struggling</a>.


feed_id: 04b71bd217d14b64ea8929cb512d7c9d
title: Illegal comments hotline
uri: Illegal-comments-hotline
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#13_April_2021_%28Illegal_comments_hotline%29
content:
<p>

*China launches hotline to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/12/china-launches-hotline-to-report-comments-about-communist-party">report "illegal" comments about Communist party</a>.*


feed_id: 59317bde55cbd4a10838ce00d12de915
title: Caron Nazario
uri: Caron-Nazario
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#13_April_2021_%28Caron_Nazario%29
content:
<p>

When Virginia <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> stopped driver Caron Nazario, he wisely stopped in
the nearest gas station so that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/11/virginia-governor-ralph-northam-disturbed-angered-caron-nazario-traffic-stop-police-officers-lawsuit">cameras would catch whet they did</a>.  He
got out with his hands up and they attacked him for no reason.
<p>
It seems that they stopped him because they did not notice his valid
temporary license plate.  As for why they beat him up, I have to
suppose it was racism.
<p>
I hope he was not seriously injured.
<p>
One of the thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/11/virginia-governor-ralph-northam-disturbed-angered-caron-nazario-traffic-stop-police-officers-lawsuit">has been fired</a>.


feed_id: d313eccd60adf6fb5c6db3947bf4a5cb
title: Commission to study Supreme Court Expansion
uri: Commission-to-study-Supreme-Court-Expansion
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#13_April_2021_%28Commission_to_study_Supreme_Court_Expansion%29

content:
<p>

*Biden Creates Commission to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/09/biden-creates-commission-study-supreme-court-expansion-other-reforms">Study Supreme Court Expansion</a>, Other Reforms.*
<p>
I am glad he is thinking about it.  However, to actually do any such
thing would require convincing Manchin to support both this and
eliminating the filibuster.


feed_id: ce13bd87d27c5f78ce1635e2c676cafd
title: Bill Gates influence on Oxford vaccine development team
uri: Bill-Gates-influence-on-Oxford-vaccine-development-team
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#13_April_2021_%28Bill_Gates_influence_on_Oxford_vaccine_development_team%29

content:
<p>

Bill Gates convinced the Oxford vaccine development team to <a href="http://aftinet.org.au/cms/node/1932">cancel its
plan</a> to allow all companies to manufacture its Covid-19 vaccine.
<p>
<a href="https://khn.org/news/rather-than-give-away-its-covid-vaccine-oxford-makes-a-deal-with-drugmaker/">More information</a>.


feed_id: 87621899069dd306baa2aaed761fc943
title: Urgent: Call on Disney not to use face recognition
uri: Urgent-Call-on-Disney-not-to-use-face-recognition
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#13_April_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Call_on_Disney_not_to_use_face_recognition%29

content:
<p>

Everyone: call on Disney <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/no-facial-recognition-in-the-magical-kingdom">not to use face recognition</a>.


feed_id: bdeb4bde8548e221e11c47ee2fd8b2b9
title: Urgent: vote No on funding militarism at over 90% of current levels
uri: Urgent-vote-No-on-funding-militarism-at-over-90-of-current-levels
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#13_April_2021_%28Urgent%3A_vote_No_on_funding_militarism_at_over_90%2525_of_current_levels%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on your congresscritter to commit to voting <a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/">No on
any bill that funds militarism at over 90%</a> of the current level.
<p>
To sign <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/javascript-trap.html">without running nonfree JavaScript</a> code
from the web site, use the <a href="https://stallman.org/salsalabs-method.html">Salsalabs workaround</a>.


feed_id: 10d1f2b86db5ca4b37ba82641b484d59
title: Urgent: Support the Tax Excessive CEO Pay Act
uri: Urgent-Support-the-Tax-Excessive-CEO-Pay-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#13_April_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Support_the_Tax_Excessive_CEO_Pay_Act%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: support the <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tax-ceos">Tax Excessive CEO Pay Act</a>.


feed_id: 27b8761dd282bf03e86f17c4ce329c8c
title: Leaving academia to become a cop
uri: Leaving-academia-to-become-a-cop
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#13_April_2021_%28Leaving_academia_to_become_a_cop%29

content:
<p>

A black British academic talks about leaving academia to become a cop
&mdash; because the police have made <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2021/apr/10/im-quitting-as-an-academic-because-of-racism-and-joining-surrey-police">more of a commitment to combat racism</a>
than universities have hade.


feed_id: bef6d8627f80ac0f5a6fdc731ba8c764
title: Belfast
uri: Belfast
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#13_April_2021_%28Belfast%29
content:
<p>
Protestant youth in Belfast started a violent riot out of a general
feeling that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/apr/11/despair-fuels-the-flames-of-young-loyalist-anger-in-northern-ireland">their side has been screwed by the deal between the UK
and the EU</a> &mdash; 
  together with the fear that they may cease to dominate Northern
Ireland's politics.

<p>
Bogus Johnson promised to do two incompatible things: end free trade
between the UK and the EU, and preserve free trade between Northern
Ireland and both of those.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/11/boris-johnson-posturing-has-put-northern-ireland-fragile-peace-at-grave-risk">That promise was a lie</a>.

<p>
It seems that separating UK trade from the EU requires a customs
barrier between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic, or a customs
barrier between Northern Ireland and Britain, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/12/boris-johnson-irish-border-northern-ireland-politics">and either one will
cause violence</a>.

<p>
The other option is to reestablish free trade between the UK and EU.


feed_id: a7959d63f90638f676d7e2a5df103abe
title: Kicking voters off voter list
uri: Kicking-voters-off-voter-list
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#13_April_2021_%28Kicking_voters_off_voter_list%29
content:
<p>
Republicans tried to kick 129,000 voters off Wisconsin's voter list;
<a href="https://www.gregpalast.com/wisconsin-court-win-stops-purge-of-129000-voters/">the state supreme court block them</a>.


feed_id: 87d1ab949ca65caeb0af520c4b0bff8d
title: Anti-protest laws
uri: 2021-04-13-Anti-protest-laws
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#13_April_2021_%28Anti-protest_laws%29
content:
<p>
*Republicans push ‘tsunami’ of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/12/republicans-push-anti-protest-laws-blm-demonstrations">harsh anti-protest laws after BLM rallies</a>.*


feed_id: 3fc7957db4355af6d8d54dcb2506a6f9
title: Facebook loophole
uri: Facebook-loophole
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#13_April_2021_%28Facebook_loophole%29
content:
<p>
*Revealed: the Facebook loophole <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/apr/12/facebook-loophole-state-backed-manipulation">that lets world leaders deceive and harass
their citizens</a>.*


feed_id: a5f63b68d89bd12da48fec85a499512f
title: Climate emergency is here
uri: Climate-emergency-is-here
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#13_April_2021_%28Climate_emergency_is_here%29
content:
<p>
*The climate emergency is here. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/12/covering-climate-now-guardian-climate-emergency">The media needs to act like it</a>.*


feed_id: ffc816855256c7f5613af150725e8800
title: Keeping immigrants away
uri: Keeping-immigrants-away
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#13_April_2021_%28Keeping_immigrants_away%29
content:
<p>
Biden is augmenting the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>'s program of having Guatemala and
Honduras, as well as Mexico, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/12/biden-migration-security-deal-mexico-guatemala-honduras">keep would-be immigrants away from the US
border</a>.


feed_id: cbddd89db135860f1a7d77eec05e5983
title: Global water giants merger
uri: Global-water-giants-merger
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#13_April_2021_%28Global_water_giants_merger%29
content:
<p>
*Critics Warn $15 Billion Merger of Global Water Giants <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/12/critics-warn-15-billion-merger-global-water-giants-would-create-dangerous-corporate">Would Create 'Dangerous Corporate Monopoly'</a>.*

<p>
Large companies should not be allowed to merge at all.


feed_id: 88e7359eab8c1b8b3b351d91c339bbc9
title: Checks and balances
uri: Checks-and-balances
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#13_April_2021_%28Checks_and_balances%29
content:
<p>
*   David Cameron’s ‘chumocracy’ instincts run through the Tory party,
   <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/12/the-greensill-affair-civil-servants-scandals-tories-whitehall">which treats Whitehall checks and balances as the enemy</a>.*

<p>
In Bogus Johnson they have found someone shameless enough <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#16_February_2020_(Selection_of_judges_in_the_UK)">to order
checks and balances to begone</a>.


feed_id: e9edb614bb7a9723452f3c11bde8852a
title: Burmese at risk of being deported back home
uri: Burmese-at-risk-of-being-deported-back-home
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#13_April_2021_%28Burmese_at_risk_of_being_deported_back_home%29

content:
<p>
*Thousands of [Burmese] citizens in Australia at risk of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/apr/13/thousands-of-myanmar-citizens-in-australia-at-risk-of-being-deported-to-violence-back-home">being deported to
violence back home</a>.*


feed_id: 8a32c09242d3a038b3325b80f9d5f09f
title: Stephen Breyer
uri: Stephen-Breyer
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#13_April_2021_%28Stephen_Breyer%29
content:
<p>
Calling on Stephen Breyer to retire now, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/09/retire-breyer-progressive-group-joins-growing-call-scotus-justice-step-down">so he can be replaced by Democrats</a>.


feed_id: 9b8a12c52e664970683f186a235b6cd3
title: Assange in prison for two years
uri: Assange-in-prison-for-two-years
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#14_April_2021_%28Assange_in_prison_for_two_years%29
content:
<p>
Julian Assange has been in prison for two years, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/11/marking-two-years-assanges-arrest-press-freedom-advocates-demand-biden-doj-drop-all">accused by the US of
journalism</a>.


feed_id: 5623a3beb3a06a8d1a6c1a9383f59f46
title: Unions and Amazon
uri: Unions-and-Amazon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#14_April_2021_%28Unions_and_Amazon%29
content:
<p>
*US unions not fazed by Amazon setback <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/13/us-unions-amazing-organizing-effort-drive">and vow to keep up the
 organizing fight</a>.*


feed_id: d267ae30d82f5dd8c90e992dae4fd2a3
title: Chumocracy
uri: Chumocracy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#14_April_2021_%28Chumocracy%29
content:
<p>
*Boris Johnson’s ‘chumocracy’ <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/apr/13/tories-accused-of-corruption-and-nhs-privatisation-by-former-chief-scientist">is using Covid crisis to sell off health
service by stealth</a>, says Sir David King (former chief scientist of the
NHS).*


feed_id: 46220300a17e000c395eccf295c9e0f0
title: 3 feet of sea-level rise
uri: 3-feet-of-sea-level-rise
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#14_April_2021_%283_feet_of_sea-level_rise%29
content:
<p>
We may have 3 feet of sea-level rise by 2050.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/2021/apr/13/sea-level-rise-climate-emergency-harold-wanless">Areas in the US and
other countries where tens of millions of people live will be
uninhabitable</a>.
  And it won't stop at 3 feet.

<p>
In addition to curbing CO2 emissions, we need to pull
CO2 out of the atmosphere.

<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#23_November_2015_(Pulling_CO2_out_of_the_atmosphere)">Large-scale engineering for pulling CO2 out of the air</a>
are preferable to attempts to reduce the sunlight that hits the Earth's
surface because they can prevent ocean acidification (which could
wipe out entire phyla)
  as well as <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>.


feed_id: 787bb83b32c3492037fbe0b1052b9a65
title: Manipulation campaign on Facebook
uri: Manipulation-campaign-on-Facebook
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#14_April_2021_%28Manipulation_campaign_on_Facebook%29

content:
<p>
*Facebook knew of Honduran president’s manipulation campaign &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/apr/13/facebook-honduras-juan-orlando-hernandez-fake-engagement">and let it
continue for 11 months</a>.*


feed_id: aa460e238f6c589b8e6b095390bed0fa
title: Shooting a gun instead of a taser
uri: Shooting-a-gun-instead-of-a-taser
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#14_April_2021_%28Shooting_a_gun_instead_of_a_taser%29

content:
<p>
A Minnesota cop shot and killed Daunte Wright, a black man, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/12/minnesota-police-shooting-daunte-wright">at the
wheel of his car</a>.

<p>
The cop thought she was shooting a taser, and when she saw she had
shot a bullet instead, she was shocked by what she had done.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/13/daunte-wright-officer-kim-potter-police-chief-resign">She has
resigned</a>.


feed_id: 17ebe15fbbe01bf473225184dbe0e531
title: Small step to reduce short flights
uri: Small-step-to-reduce-short-flights
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#14_April_2021_%28Small_step_to_reduce_short_flights%29

content:
<p>
France is taking <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/13/france-ban-short-domestic-flights-britain-air-travel">a small step to reduce short flights</a>.
  The world needs to do a lot more to reduce the amount of flying.
A substantial tax on airplane fuel would be effective.


feed_id: 848bfa23ee1dfb464506966193e562cc
title: Wealth tax and poorest millionaires
uri: Wealth-tax-and-poorest-millionaires
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#14_April_2021_%28Wealth_tax_and_poorest_millionaires%29

content:
<p>
Canada's wealth tax proposal: *If you don't have <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/13/why-poorest-millionaires-should-stop-worrying-wealth-tax">$20 million or
sitting around you can just relax</a>.*


feed_id: 9fc531014fb3627e05410d8be30d2996
title: Superfund chemical pollution site
uri: Superfund-chemical-pollution-site
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#14_April_2021_%28Superfund_chemical_pollution_site%29

content:
<p>
*Living near a US Superfund [chemical pollution] site <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/13/superfund-site-hazardous-waste-americas-dirty-divide">could shave a
year off your life</a>, study finds.*


feed_id: 76be240765c7c1df62f1357ca1f6ef82
title: Sabotage
uri: 2021-04-14-Sabotage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#14_April_2021_%28Sabotage%29
content:
<p>
Israel's sabotage of Iran's uranium refining plant may have been
intended <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/12/iran-says-israeli-nuclear-terrorism-could-have-led-catastrophic-crime-against">to sabotage negotiations between the US and Iran</a>.


feed_id: b7d0ef6fbae38bac078eb352f096f7b0
title: Regulations to pay attention to global heating
uri: Regulations-to-pay-attention-to-global-heating
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#14_April_2021_%28Regulations_to_pay_attention_to_global_heating%29

content:
<p>
60% of US voters support various sorts of regulations to make
companies pay more attention <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/04/12/new-poll-americans-support-climate-financial-reforms">to how they effect global heating and how
global heating can affect them</a>.


feed_id: e12082c59663f89006537a1457b46f0d
title: Police satire
uri: Police-satire
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#14_April_2021_%28Police_satire%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/judge-asks-if-chauvin-jury-minds-sticking-around-for-a-1846665449">satire</a>) *Judge Asks If Chauvin Jury Minds Sticking Around For A
Couple More Police Misconduct Trials.*

<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/cadet-studying-for-police-academy-exam-just-skimming-ov-1846527256">satire</a>) *Cadet Studying For Police Academy Exam Just Skimming Over Deescalation
Training He’ll Never Use In Real Life.*


feed_id: 8b9e79d3bd36ee5a28ed68dede19845d
title: Reducing impetus to migrate
uri: Reducing-impetus-to-migrate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#14_April_2021_%28Reducing_impetus_to_migrate%29
content:
<p>
Biden's plan to reduce the impetus for people from Central America to flee
to the US <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/12/politics/biden-agreement-mexico-honduras-guatemala/index.html">is limited to some disaster relief</a>.

<p>
That will be nowhere near sufficient as long as the war, on drugs,
continues in Central America.  The war fuels gangs, and those gangs
create error.  The US must stop doing this to those countries if they
are to become safe places for people to live.

<p>
The next step is to stop helping "American" companies extract the
wealth of those countries and thus push the people into penury.


feed_id: 2904ec2a87714a0634672754d33e08dc
title: Releasing Fukushima water
uri: Releasing-Fukushima-water
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#14_April_2021_%28Releasing_Fukushima_water%29
content:
<p>
Japan will release the water stored at Fukushima into the ocean,
after filtering out the more radioactive isotopes <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/13/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-plan-to-release-treated-fukushima-water">so that the release
will not harm anyone</a>.

<p>
It seems that many people don't understand the concept of "down in the noise".

<p>
We ingest Carbon-14 every time we breath.  That is why archaeologists
of the future will be able to date our bones after we die.


feed_id: b125bcaee80927a1d2614faa3fe13073
title: Eating rocks
uri: Eating-rocks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#15_April_2021_%28Eating_rocks%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/geologists-recommend-eating-at-least-one-small-rock-per-1846655112">satire</a>) *Geologists Recommend Eating At Least One Small Rock Per Day.*


feed_id: 97e297bd6a31d0a3dcf7064e9349b67b
title: Bank directors enabling fossil fuel industry
uri: Bank-directors-enabling-fossil-fuel-industry
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#15_April_2021_%28Bank_directors_enabling_fossil_fuel_industry%29

content:
<p>
A campaign has identified 30 crucial bank directors that enable the
fossil fuel industry to resist climate protection.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/13/when-it-comes-climate-crisis-those-responsible-should-be-held-accountable">Now to pressure
them to stop</a>.


feed_id: 5734105c8377e7f274ad3e505a011b8d
title: George Floyd Justice
uri: George-Floyd-Justice
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#15_April_2021_%28George_Floyd_Justice%29
content:
<p>
Jesse Jackson states the reasons <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/13/george-floyd-justice-policing-act-reform-we-need">to support the George Floyd Justice
in Policing Act</a>.


feed_id: aec7618ce7ab13e7b94f8e669868e66a
title: Freedom of Information Act
uri: Freedom-of-Information-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#15_April_2021_%28Freedom_of_Information_Act%29
content:
<p>
Calling for reform of the Freedom of Information Act to require
release of the documents that an agency is considering <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/04/13/congress-urged-reform-freedom-information-act">during the
final decisionmaking about how to handle an issue</a>.


feed_id: 3adee3bb92d9fd82b1280d854cbc0402
title: Inventing their own games
uri: Inventing-their-own-games
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#15_April_2021_%28Inventing_their_own_games%29
content:
<p>
Physical Education classes can let the students <a href="https://letgrow.org/when-p-e-teacher-let-his-students-organize-their-own-games-outside-he-was-blown-away/">invent their own games
and play them freely</a>.


feed_id: 8cbc4a05013e5875fb2a5778f2647953
title: Fascist parties
uri: Fascist-parties
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#15_April_2021_%28Fascist_parties%29
content:
<p>
Comparing the US Republican Party <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/13/republican-party-must-be-purged-nazis-and-fascists">with Órban's Fidesz Party and other
fascist parties</a>.

<p>
The Republican Party is now a fanatical <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#6_February_2020_(Republicans_normalize_contempt_for_law_and_truth)">anti-truth cult</a>,
  which retains power only by rigging elections (<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-sep-dec.html#28_September_2019_(Republican_officials_wrote_about_their_intentions_of_gerrymandering)">gerrymandering</a>
  and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2004-sep-dec.html#12 October 2004 (Voter suppression)">voter suppression</a>).


feed_id: ec9716e60f69ab6485e4ab60e18e707e
title: Integrated pest management
uri: Integrated-pest-management
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#15_April_2021_%28Integrated_pest_management%29
content:
<p>
Walmart will require all its produce suppliers <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/04/13/walmart-announces-industry-leading-policy-protect-pollinators-pesticides">to adopt integrated
pest management</a>, 
   which will protect pollinators and insects generally.

<p>
Fresh fruits and vegetables make up only a small fraction of farming.
So this is an important step but doesn't reach the goal.


feed_id: cc84394013ba36f5b9a8e089ca7c43ab
title: Carrying all guns
uri: Carrying-all-guns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#15_April_2021_%28Carrying_all_guns%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/police-department-to-avoid-future-errors-by-replacing-a-1846676437">satire</a>) *Police Department To Avoid Future Errors By Replacing All
Equipment Officers Carry With Guns.*


feed_id: 29efc69b41748349a4ec887cae5d8f0d
title: Racial profiling
uri: 2021-04-15-Racial-profiling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#15_April_2021_%28Racial_profiling%29
content:
<p>
*Police officer jailed for breaking Black man's knee <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/13/uk/met-police-officer-jailed-knee-scli-intl-gbr/index.html">in 'clear case of
racial profiling'</a>.*

<p>
It will be harder for people to deny the existence of racial profiling
as cases like this accumulate.


feed_id: 9bf10ac4650863849da6dc7d7b15ace9
title: Climate emergency is here
uri: 2021-04-15-Climate-emergency-is-here
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#15_April_2021_%28Climate_emergency_is_here%29
content:
<p>
Several news publications say: *Journalism should reflect what the
science says: <a href="https://coveringclimatenow.org/the-press-and-the-climate-emergency/">the climate emergency is here</a>.*

<p>
Scientific American <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/13/scientific-american-use-climate-emergency-magazines-future-coverage">is one of them</a>.


feed_id: 7e3931635ad14d2b148b0a82156885e4
title: Regulating banks
uri: Regulating-banks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#15_April_2021_%28Regulating_banks%29
content:
<p>
Around 60% of US voters support various measures to regulate banks <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/12/majority-voters-want-government-rein-wall-streets-climate-destruction-poll">so
they cannot facilitate increases in fossil fuel infrastructure or use</a>.

<p>
I think we need to do more than those four requirements.


feed_id: 71b441ef4ab17e947d87c20f1e66e1b4
title: Blood-filtering machine
uri: Blood-filtering-machine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#15_April_2021_%28Blood-filtering_machine%29
content:
<p>
A special blood-filtering machine <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9460389/Pentagon-scientists-invent-microchip-senses-COVID-19-body-symptoms.html">can cure Covid-19</a>.

<p>
Most people won't die from Covid-19 now, but many will develop a lasting
disability.  We don't know whether they will ever recover.  Instead of
limiting these machines to those who are close to dying, we should
see if they prevent "long Covid".


feed_id: 64b4a6d472acfb93a1c0e8b56e913c80
title: Excuses to stop and search a car
uri: Excuses-to-stop-and-search-a-car
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#15_April_2021_%28Excuses_to_stop_and_search_a_car%29

content:
<p>
Cops admit that they use minor driving infractions, such as an air
freshener attached to the rear view mirror, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/12/us/police-shooting-air-freshener-trnd/index.html">as excuses to stop and
search a car based on vague and groundless suspicion</a>.

<p>
If we take the idea of rights seriously, we should not allow the
supposed enforcers of laws to set them at nought.

<p>
Of course, there is another risk to justice that occurs whenever cops
search a car: <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#26_May_2015_(Matt_DeHart_farce)">that they may "find" something that wasn't there before
the search</a>.
        Can we develop a way to end this risk?


feed_id: 92815f34966524119af999dfe1e73030
title: Out of Afghanistan
uri: Out-of-Afghanistan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#15_April_2021_%28Out_of_Afghanistan%29
content:
<p>
Biden has ordered US troops <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/14/damned-either-way-biden-opts-out-of-afghanistan-as-us-tires-of-forever-wars">out of Afghanistan by September</a>.
  I am very impressed by his courage.

<p>
After several attempts to "stabilize" Afghanistan, we know that
we do not know any way to do that.  To "stabilize Afghanistan first"
means, in practice, "keep the war going forever."

<p>
It is silly to insist that the US has a responsibility to "fix"
Afghanistan, because no one knows how.

<p>
If this means that the Taliban win the war, that will be a setback for
human rights in Afghanistan &mdash; especially for women, but also for men.
But keeping that country forever at war is not a better outcome.

<p>
Here's what Senator Sanders <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/04/13/sanders-statement-withdrawal-ustroops-afghanistan">said about this decision</a>.

<p>
In the first years after the US invasion, it looked like Afghanistan
would be peaceful and better off.  I hoped for a lasting improvement
in women's rights there.
                                   I have long thought that <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#dubya">Dubya</a>'s
decision to attack Iraq played a part in spoiling that peace.
                                                               Of
course, I can only speculate about what would have happened otherwise.


feed_id: 9c9ffa284b8789e5ab608898e039dcb7
title: Death rate
uri: Death-rate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#15_April_2021_%28Death_rate%29
content:
<p>
The US has a higher death rate, for people under 85 years old, than 
European countries.  If the US had had a typical European death rate,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/12/us-death-rate-mortality-europe">400,000 Americans under 85 would have survived past 2017</a>.

<p>
Curiously, about 100,000 more Americans over 85 would have died in
2017 with a European death rate.  However, each death of an younger
person typically means more years of life lost than the death of an
oldster.

<p>
This problem started to appear after 2000, and has been getting worse
since then.


feed_id: 0ffc69c13d1c1ebbef804dfd516bf4ec
title: Urgent: End the war on Yemen
uri: Urgent-End-the-war-on-Yemen
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28Urgent%3A_End_the_war_on_Yemen%29
content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/">End the War on Yemen</a>.

<p>The Capitol Switchboard number is 202-224-3121.</p>
<p>If you call, please spread the word!</a>


feed_id: 5891367436f1d1fe4118960f13a28408
title: Toxic local pollution
uri: Toxic-local-pollution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28Toxic_local_pollution%29
content:
<p>

Fossil fuel extraction and refining <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/04/13/new-report-details-how-fossil-fuel-production-has-created-public-health-crisis">emits lots of toxic local pollution</a>.
<p>
They can even harm plants in the vicinity with their loud pumps that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/14/noisy-environments-have-detrimental-effect-plants-new-mexico-study-finds-persistent-noise-natural-gas-wells">drive
birds away</a>.
<p>
The people who live near them are the disprivileged people who
lose the competition for better places.
<p>
The best way to correct this injustice is by ending the extraction and
refining of fossil fuels.  We need to do that anyway.  Then we need to
clean up the closed facilities.


feed_id: a34209bb336d0b04c5e0d213fc2e3423
title: Belarus arrests director
uri: Belarus-arrests-director
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28Belarus_arrests_director%29
content:
<p>

Belarus has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/apr/13/tatsiana-tanya-hatsura-yavorskaya-belarus-minsk-watch-docs-film-festival">arrested the director</a> of a documentary film festival.
I guess one of the documentaries said something dictator Lukashenko
did not like.


feed_id: f2ac2ae513b7860851c39cfeafcb4b55
title: Introducing bison to Spain
uri: Introducing-bison-to-Spain
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28Introducing_bison_to_Spain%29
content:
<p>

Introducing bison to forests in Spain <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/14/european-bison-spain-forest-fires-aoe">may reduce forest fires</a>.
<p>
Is anyone trying something like this in California and Australia?


feed_id: 14caa60b30c07e84c95d29770fa33e5c
title: Confession under torture
uri: Confession-under-torture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28Confession_under_torture%29
content:
<p>

Lukman Thalib fears that while tortured in Qatar he <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/apr/14/australian-academic-haunted-by-possibility-of-false-confession-during-torture-in-qatar">confessed to
something he can't remember</a>, because Sri Lanka now accuses him of
helping to plan a terrorist attack two years ago.


feed_id: 38740a95a4f06e2e510422c21e9bfd2e
title: Israel's use of U.S. aid
uri: Israel-s-use-of-U-S-aid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28Israel%27s_use_of_U.S._aid%29
content:
<p>

* Rep. Betty McCollum Leads Effort to <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/04/14/israel-palestine-us-aid-betty-mccollum/">Block Israel From Using U.S. Aid</a> to
 Destroy Palestinian Homes.*


feed_id: c6e019b19d13e957b2ab7ae200ad1d86
title: 1.5C global temperature rise
uri: 1-5C-global-temperature-rise
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%281.5C_global_temperature_rise%29
content:
<p>

*Report claiming global temperature rise will top 1.5C by 2030s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/15/report-claiming-global-temperature-rise-will-top-15c-by-2030s-divides-scientists">divides
scientists</a>.*
<p>
I am not an expert on climate modeling.  I hope scientists can figure out
what we should really expect.


feed_id: f3828cb33d03d4119df3d140d880da56
title: Call to prohibit face recognition
uri: Call-to-prohibit-face-recognition
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28Call_to_prohibit_face_recognition%29

content:
<p>

Several organizations for privacy have taken up the call to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/04/14/first-its-kind-letter-calls-ban-private-and-corporate-use-facial-recognition">prohibit all use
of face recognition</a>, which I have advocated for many years.
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/14/too-dangerous-exist-coalition-calls-ban-private-corporate-use-facial-recognition">More info</a>.


feed_id: ac69a1fb9f5e2180210b94075074637f
title: Capitol police force
uri: Capitol-police-force
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28Capitol_police_force%29
content:
<p>

The Capitol police force was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/14/capitol-attack-police-internal-report-watchdog">debilitated by many kinds of mismanagement</a>.
<p>
I get the impression that everyone in the force expected it would never
be put to a difficult test.  It never had been before.
<p>
In addition, the leaders <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/14/probe-finds-capitol-police-leaders-ignored-key-intel-ahead-january-6-insurrection">disregarded warnings</a> of a coming violent attack.


feed_id: 8a05870029ab7eb0b2b5fcf79420b8e2
title: FBI Crackers
uri: FBI-Crackers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28FBI_Crackers%29
content:
<p>

The FBI cracks servers to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/apr/14/fbi-hacks-vulnerable-united-states-computers-to-fix-hack-malicious-malware-microsoft-exchange-software">delete malware</a> previously installed by crackers.
<p>
I think this action is legitimate and useful, but please don't use the
word "hacking" to describe what the FBI are doing.  That gives us hackers
a bad name.  Please <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/on-hacking.html ">distinguish between hacking</a>,
which is playful cleverness, and cracking, which is breaking security.
<p>
If I were an adherent of cancellationism, I'd say that your use of
antihackerist language is an aggression against us hackers, doing us
psychological harm, and that you're a bad person if you don't stop.


feed_id: b9d8de0dd2785624a648081b555f05d8
title: Democrats beware
uri: Democrats-beware
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28Democrats_beware%29
content:
<p>

If big business takes its support away from the Republicans, Democrats
must <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/14/republicans-big-business-democrats-us-politics">beware of accepting it</a>.


feed_id: 951cee7a885856e8c68aff2f0d18817a
title: The US food system
uri: The-US-food-system
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28The_US_food_system%29
content:
<p>

The US food system lets big businesses <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/2021/apr/14/the-us-food-system-creates-hunger-and-debt-but-there-is-another-way">exploit the people who actually
produce food</a>, while letting millions of Americans go hungry.
It exhausts the land, too.
<p>
The loss of most black farmers' land parallels the loss of most white
farmers' land.  A lot of this happened under President Reagan, which
inspired me to write a <a href="https://stallman.org/doggerel.html#OldMacDonald">parody of Old MacDonald's Farm</a>.


feed_id: 975cf50c72277895b7e8c5346edb3b24
title: Plan to house homeless
uri: Plan-to-house-homeless
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28Plan_to_house_homeless%29
content:
<p>

San Francisco has a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/14/san-francisco-homelessness-funding-covid-19">new plan to house homeless people</a>. Previous efforts have in many cases offered people housing that
requires they give up their work, their close relationships,
or their pets.


feed_id: 3c4981cc656a49ea306ffe5f7e12679f
title: California fires likely
uri: California-fires-likely
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28California_fires_likely%29
content:
<p>

California is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/14/california-wildfire-season-2021">likely to have devastating fires</a> again this year.
<p>
No local wildlands management can possibly overcome the inexorable effects of
continuing <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>, just as no construction of seawalls can
possibly overcome the inexorable effects of continuing sea level rise.
<p>
We need to curb <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>.


feed_id: 9c1dd09efb36524293ad8cdc5d8668dd
title: Forest protectors in Canada
uri: Forest-protectors-in-Canada
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28Forest_protectors_in_Canada%29
content:
<p>

Forest protectors in Canada are trying to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/14/canada-logging-blockade-first-nations-pacheedaht">defend old-growth forests</a> while factions among of the indigenous peoples are trying to sell the
timber.
<p>
Protecting wild lands must be a global priority, Well-organized
indigenous peoples are often excellent defenders of wild lands, but we
should not let indigenous people cut down old-growth forests any more
than we let other people do so.


feed_id: 46a1f61c8d68e1b1dccb10fd0779d918
title: Mergers of large companies
uri: 2021-04-16-Mergers-of-large-companies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28Mergers_of_large_companies%29
content:
<p>

Mergers of large companies are often approved under the idea that the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/apr/14/virgin-media-and-o2-merger-cleared-by-competition-watchdog">resulting very large company can compete with a pre-existing very
large company</a>.
<p>
The net result is to exacerbate the concentration of that industry,
which is the initial problem.  Thus, this way of thinking is a
pretend-solution that contributes to the problem.
<p>
The right thing to do is to break up the pre-existing very large
company.


feed_id: 180c983ee8f98fc35733abe043ba4fa3
title: Auditing rich people
uri: Auditing-rich-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28Auditing_rich_people%29
content:
<p>
Progressives in Congress propose to fund the IRS adequately <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/14/japayal-calls-crackdown-wealthiest-after-irs-chief-says-tax-evasion-costs-us-1">to audit lots
of rich people to see if they are evading taxes</a>.


feed_id: f2bf72a55d4bcc9bf5f53a5adc216f9e
title: Learning from first New Deal
uri: Learning-from-first-New-Deal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28Learning_from_first_New_Deal%29
content:
<p>
*What We Can Learn <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/14/what-we-can-learn-first-new-deal-make-new-one-better">From the First New Deal to Make the New One Better</a>.*

<p>
The tradeoff between efficiency and effectiveness relates to the point that
an effective system for dealing with emergencies needs to have more capacity
than is needed on the average.


feed_id: a2242a112f907f86a20dd9274f12e73c
title: Patents on vaccines
uri: Patents-on-vaccines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28Patents_on_vaccines%29
content:
<p>
72% of Democrats want Biden <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/04/15/covid-vaccine-patent-ip-poll/">to clear away the patents that limit
vaccine production</a>.


feed_id: 690cdefe28f7859c2791978bee44e523
title: Removing fake accounts
uri: Removing-fake-accounts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28Removing_fake_accounts%29
content:
<p>
*Facebook planned to remove fake accounts in India &mdash; until it
realized <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/apr/15/facebook-india-bjp-fake-accounts">a [Hindu-repression party] politician was involved</a>.*


feed_id: 0df711b670cde4647a97f064da3c874c
title: Abandoned oil wells
uri: 2021-04-16-Abandoned-oil-wells
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28Abandoned_oil_wells%29
content:
<p>
There are thousands of abandoned oil wells in Texas, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/15/texas-zombie-oil-wells-environmental-disaster-zone">no plan for how
to pay for cleaning them up and shutting them down</a>.

<p>
I can propose one straightforward method: engage all the capable
oil-well cleaning teams, put them to work cleaning oil wells and
training more workers as fast as is reasonable and proper, and make
the oil companies that are still operating pay the cost.

<p>
The reason there is a problem is that vested interests won't allow
that.  So the problem is purely political.


feed_id: 1b5c3164852f68a5dfcdbded6090e705
title: Convicting Derek Chauvin
uri: Convicting-Derek-Chauvin
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28Convicting_Derek_Chauvin%29
content:
<p>
Convicting Derek Chauvin <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/15/derek-chauvin-trial-george-floyd-death-policing-america">must not let all other uniformed thugs off
the hook</a>.


feed_id: 558b1468d08f95df5bc17b3d6116d2b3
title: Police officer
uri: Police-officer
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28Police_officer%29
content:
<p>
Cop Cariol Horne tried to stop another cop from using a choke hold on
a prisoner, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/15/cariol-horne-new-york-officer-chokehold-firing-overturned">and was fired for doing so</a>.

<p>
I'd say Horne was a <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#police">police officer</a>, and a judge has now agreed,
ruling that Horne was fired unjustly.

<p>
Even better, the city of Buffalo adopted a law calling on cops to do
this.


feed_id: 7f86b5a2b808dd7def260ff977df30c3
title: Culpable negligence
uri: Culpable-negligence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28Culpable_negligence%29
content:
<p>
Is firing a gun, while thinking it is a taser, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/15/kim-potter-court-police-manslaughter-charge-daunte-wright">"culpable negligence"</a>?
  Is it negligence at all?


feed_id: 492e10a1a35010402d6ade9412642784
title: Corruption
uri: 2021-04-16-Corruption
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28Corruption%29
content:
<p>
*Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid vaccine research <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/apr/15/oxfordastrazeneca-covid-vaccine-research-was-97-publicly-funded">"was 97% publicly funded"</a>.

<p>
It follows that allowing it to be privatized was a form of corruption.
A very common form, sad to say.


feed_id: 619c04703c33921c6f27ef3c5419e7a2
title: Incentive to resit climate action
uri: Incentive-to-resit-climate-action
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28Incentive_to_resit_climate_action%29

content:
<p>
*Oil firm CEOs’ pay is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/15/oil-firm-ceos-pay-is-an-incentive-to-resist-climate-action-study-finds">an incentive to resist climate action</a>, study finds.*
  It motivates them personally to do anything whatever to keep the oil
flowing, and the money too.


feed_id: 41e2b57801248926fb54e7c43fd571f3
title: Intact ecosystems
uri: Intact-ecosystems
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28Intact_ecosystems%29
content:
<p>
*Just 3% of world’s ecosystems <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/15/just-3-of-worlds-ecosystems-remain-intact-study-suggests">remain intact</a>, study suggests.*


feed_id: 3b83ad6e03fc0e5d2f0457bbd31d1928
title: High Covid death toll
uri: High-Covid-death-toll
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28High_Covid_death_toll%29
content:
<p>
*Mexico’s high Covid death toll <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/14/mexicos-high-covid-death-toll-blamed-on-government-penny-pinching">blamed on populist government</a>.*


feed_id: 052ec7964385f244e24a291ec466c229
title: Bogus research
uri: Bogus-research
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#16_April_2021_%28Bogus_research%29
content:
<p>
The research that claimed to demonstrate that cognitive behavioral therapy
can treat chronic fatigue syndrome <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/14/super-spreading-long-covid-professor-press-coverage">seems to have been based on improper
analysis</a>.


feed_id: 82df53a966668483594fa20de761aadd
title: Urgent: Advocate an increased estate tax
uri: Urgent-Advocate-an-increased-estate-tax
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#17_April_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Advocate_an_increased_estate_tax%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Biden to advocate an <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-president-biden-a-strengthened-estate-tax-is-critical-to-taxing-accumulated-fortunes-of-millionaires-and-billionaires">increased estate tax</a>.


feed_id: 2733f7b0bab6f89b9abf490a87689cd1
title: Tackling systemic racism in US thug departments
uri: Tackling-systemic-racism-in-US-thug-departments
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#17_April_2021_%28Tackling_systemic_racism_in_US_thug_departments%29

content:
<p>

Attorney General Garland <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/14/politics/merrick-garland-justice-police-daunte-wright/index.html">pledged to tackle</a> systemic racism in the
practices of US <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> departments.


feed_id: 2035c659db5e5c9745e0b0424849d5e8
title: Keep It in the Ground act
uri: Keep-It-in-the-Ground-act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#17_April_2021_%28Keep_It_in_the_Ground_act%29
content:
<p>

The <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/14/climate-groups-cheer-keep-it-ground-act-2021">Keep It in the Ground act</a> would ban new fossil fuel leases on
public lands.
<p>
It is just a first step towards stopping the expansion of fossil fuel
extraction.  To achieve that goal would require banning construction
of new wells on land already leased, and extending the ban to private
lands, too.
<p>
This article describes a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/13/climate-emergency-not-coming-it-here-local-officials-across-us-demand-fracking-ban">more complete effort to decarbonize</a>.
<p>
But even a first step would be good.


feed_id: 5ad5d95d46c322a64abe838ace6dacf2
title: Contrast of fear
uri: Contrast-of-fear
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#17_April_2021_%28Contrast_of_fear%29
content:
<p>

A black reporter <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/14/opinions/daunte-wright-caron-nazario-police-and-black-lives-bailey/index.html">contrasts his fear</a> of uniformed thugs and their
violence with cops' fear of black men who might be violent.
<p>
One crucial difference is that cops tend to enjoy impunity for their violence.


feed_id: a4645ab7d69e6c86081ce25de89c221f
title: Living under Taliban rule
uri: Living-under-Taliban-rule
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#17_April_2021_%28Living_under_Taliban_rule%29
content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/14/middleeast/afghanistan-life-under-the-taliban-musa-qala-intl/index.html">Interviews with Afghans</a> living under Taliban rule.


feed_id: 10e6b04f243ec299acb3ab13761f212b
title: Protecting non-dangerous prisoners from Covid-19
uri: Protecting-non-dangerous-prisoners-from-Covid-19
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#17_April_2021_%28Protecting_non-dangerous_prisoners_from_Covid-19%29

content:
<p>

The US has mostly failed to release non-dangerous prisoners from jail
to protect them from Covid-19.  Prisoners in jail are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/15/covid-is-ravaging-american-jails-and-prisons-and-inmates-are-rightly-rising-up">rioting to
demand protection</a>.
<p>
Prisoners are especially exposed to Covid-19 because conditions won't
let them maintain proper distance or good sanitation.  And when there
is an outbreak in a prison, the guards catch it and spread it to the
surrounding community.  For both reasons, vaccinating prisoners should
be a priority, like vaccinating retain workers and meat packers.


feed_id: 0992036a0bf02d946a5f7fbdac5e6981
title: Vaccine manufacturing for the world
uri: Vaccine-manufacturing-for-the-world
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#17_April_2021_%28Vaccine_manufacturing_for_the_world%29

content:
<p>

*Public Health Coalition Urges Biden to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/13/public-health-coalition-urges-biden-create-vaccine-manufacturing-operation-world">Create Vaccine 'Manufacturing
Operation for the World'</a>.*


feed_id: 47cbc44beaff83949bde73514a00aeaf
title: Private monopolies over public health
uri: Private-monopolies-over-public-health
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#17_April_2021_%28Private_monopolies_over_public_health%29

content:
<p>

ACT-Accelerator is Bill Gates's way of <a href="https://newrepublic.com/article/162000/bill-gates-impeded-global-access-covid-vaccines">infiltrating of the World
Health Organization</a> to ensure the triumph of private monopolies over
public health.
<p>
I am heartened to see the building condemnation of the use of patents
to put profit over people's health.  It is unfortunate that it uses
the term "intellectual property", which is a bad fit for each real
issue including this one.  The article acknowledges this when it talks
about "technology transfer".
<p>
My proposal to remedy several problems in medicine is that
pharmaceuticals should not be patentable, that the government should
run all trials of pharmaceuticals, and pharma companies should make
medicines and sell them in a non-monopolistic world.


feed_id: 515df0f13e8227534279f2ad40705ac4
title: Data brokers threaten privacy
uri: Data-brokers-threaten-privacy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#17_April_2021_%28Data_brokers_threaten_privacy%29
content:
<p>

Alongside Facebook and Google, data brokers that buy databases and
correlate them are <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-data-brokers-are-a-threat-to-democracy/">another threat to people's privacy and independence
of thought</a>.
<p>
This is why I reject most opportunities to let a business have my name.
Don't pay digitally &mdash; pay cash!


feed_id: d01fa51bfece2f1e338b172c8c4f4c51
title: Work culture based on overwork
uri: Work-culture-based-on-overwork
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#17_April_2021_%28Work_culture_based_on_overwork%29
content:
<p>

Businesses exploit workers by putting them into a "work culture" which
is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/apr/15/married-job-long-hours-working-culture-single-lonely-love">based on overwork</a>.
That tends to isolate people as a byproduct, leaving them lonely.
<p>
My work is also my life &mdash; but I'm not working for a company's profit.
I'm working for your freedom and mine.  And it keeps me going when
I am lonely.


feed_id: 87b7ff36b46ebeb1f6a5c559c88e226b
title: Starting school later
uri: Starting-school-later
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#17_April_2021_%28Starting_school_later%29
content:
<p>

Adolescents generally <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/15/health/school-start-time-sleep-study-wellness/index.html">get more sleep</a> when school starts at a later time.
<p>
They delay their bedtime, but not as much as the delay in school start
time.


feed_id: fa87b3e736f5cc209bdfca1045fa61b2
title: Adult asylum-seekers
uri: Adult-asylum-seekers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#17_April_2021_%28Adult_asylum-seekers%29
content:
<p>

The US border <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> make a practice of releasing adult asylum-seekers
in minuscule towns just on the US side of the border, <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/04/14/intercepted-customs-border-protection-asylum-seekers-arizona/">which cannot
support them</a>.


feed_id: a5b815766e160ecac7a55d234744c788
title: Eliminating tobacco in New Zealand
uri: Eliminating-tobacco-in-New-Zealand
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#17_April_2021_%28Eliminating_tobacco_in_New_Zealand%29

content:
<p>

New Zealand is trying to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/16/new-zealand-aims-to-create-smoke-free-generation-cigarettes">eliminate the practice of smoking tobacco</a>.
<p>
I hope this succeeds, but I am concerned that the prohibition will
become repressive.


feed_id: f9a2b409f85bf1422d9c1098e63a9760
title: Bill to label protests as riots
uri: Bill-to-label-protests-as-riots
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#17_April_2021_%28Bill_to_label_protests_as_riots%29
content:
<p>

Florida has passed the bill to make it easy to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/15/florida-anti-riot-bill-protesters-republicans">label protests as "riots"</a> and
jail the protesters.


feed_id: 560451829abcabe7b61e2a0a3c333d58
title: Delaying climate defense
uri: Delaying-climate-defense
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#17_April_2021_%28Delaying_climate_defense%29
content:
<p>

As we get close to the climate cliff, delaying climate defense is
almost <a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2021/04/15/now-is-our-last-best-chance-to-confront-the-climate-crisis/">equivalent to not doing it at all</a>.


feed_id: 8c17190e36a85a527510a0c542b694c9
title: Tories' lobbying law
uri: Tories-lobbying-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#17_April_2021_%28Tories%27_lobbying_law%29
content:
<p>

The Tories' lobbying law was intended to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/15/cameron-lobbying-act-business-politicians-2014-charities">restrict lobbying by the charities
that help the poor and weak</a>.  Corruption continued as before.


feed_id: be7d04a1d9adbdb21d0ed01ac57fa6cf
title: Bill to block US from starting nuclear war
uri: Bill-to-block-US-from-starting-nuclear-war
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#17_April_2021_%28Bill_to_block_US_from_starting_nuclear_war%29

content:
<p>

*Warren and Smith Reintroduce 'Critical' Bill to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/15/warren-and-smith-reintroduce-critical-bill-block-us-starting-nuclear-war">Block US From
Starting Nuclear War</a>.*


feed_id: 878bc82b539164343a76c661ea6f3234
title: Curb the spread of hate
uri: Curb-the-spread-of-hate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#18_April_2021_%28Curb_the_spread_of_hate%29
content:
<p>

Convincing antisocial media to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/15/curbing-spread-global-hate">curb the spread of hate</a>.
<p>
The companies' business model leads them to promote hostility because
hostility in general gets the biggest amount of "user engagement."


feed_id: 6d87e98ae649f99c245bc56044d020e4
title: Obstacles to broader vaccine manufacturing
uri: Obstacles-to-broader-vaccine-manufacturing
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#18_April_2021_%28Obstacles_to_broader_vaccine_manufacturing%29

content:
<p>

US voters favor by 2 to 1 <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/15/60-us-voters-want-biden-support-patent-waiver-covid-vaccines-poll">eliminating the patent and secrecy</a> obstacles to
broader vaccine manufacturing.
<p>
Please don't use the term <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">"intellectual property"</a> to refer to those
two very different artificial obstacles.


feed_id: 908fe5e256e31e05d38ce515502c632d
title: The End Polluter Welfare Act
uri: The-End-Polluter-Welfare-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#18_April_2021_%28The_End_Polluter_Welfare_Act%29
content:
<p>

The <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/15/sanders-omar-unveil-bill-end-absurd-corporate-handouts-fossil-fuel-industry">End Polluter Welfare Act of 2021</a> would eliminate several tax
Breaks that promote fossil fuels, as well as increasing a tax that
pays for medical care for coal miners with black lung disease.


feed_id: b391f2bb5ad0b841bbdc349ec07e2db6
title: (satire) Recantation beat out of confessed murderer
uri: (satire)-Recantation-beat-out-of-confessed-murderer
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#18_April_2021_%28%28satire%29_Recantation_beat_out_of_confessed_murderer%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Loose-Cannon ACLU Investigator <a href="https://www.theonion.com/loose-cannon-aclu-investigator-beats-recantation-out-of-1846644136">Beats Recantation Out Of
Confessed Murderer</a>.*


feed_id: 852b72b649e5e82a3fda2355d22457eb
title: Trump EPA blocked release of cancer danger
uri: Trump-EPA-blocked-release-of-cancer-danger
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#18_April_2021_%28Trump_EPA_blocked_release_of_cancer_danger%29

content:
<p>

*Trump EPA appointee <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/16/politics/epa-cancer-ethylene-oxide/index.html">blocked public release of cancer danger</a>,
inspector general says.*


feed_id: 10aefc95410e1f0561cb9673f5bd9f5f
title: Artificial intelligence and killer robots
uri: Artificial-intelligence-and-killer-robots
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#18_April_2021_%28Artificial_intelligence_and_killer_robots%29

content:
<p>

*Nobel Laureate Warns of 'Devastating Marriage' Between <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/16/nobel-laureate-warns-devastating-marriage-between-artificial-intelligence-and-killer">Artificial
Intelligence and Killer Robots</a>.*
<p>
I agree that the US should sign the land mine ban treaty.


feed_id: e975e6295c8acf975ce16cc98c9c2c65
title: (satire) Mandatory deescalation training
uri: (satire)-Mandatory-deescalation-training
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#18_April_2021_%28%28satire%29_Mandatory_deescalation_training%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *In an attempt to address community outcry over recent police
   encounters, [Chicago] Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced a <a href="https://www.theonion.com/new-reform-effort-will-require-teenagers-to-undergo-dee-1846699936">reform
   effort</a> Friday that would require all city teenagers to undergo
   mandatory deescalation training.*


feed_id: 50ac8aa6a3330920e109af2df30352b6
title: (satire) Deployed ahead of next week's police shooting
uri: (satire)-Deployed-ahead-of-next-week-s-police-shooting
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#18_April_2021_%28%28satire%29_Deployed_ahead_of_next_week%27s_police_shooting%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Minnesota <a href="https://www.theonion.com/minnesota-deploys-national-guard-ahead-of-next-week-s-p-1846699850">Deploys National Guard Ahead Of Next Week’s Police
Shooting</a>.*


feed_id: 92fd2475d27f3a975483f60d675c0b94
title: Children's books from the 1950s and 60s
uri: Children-s-books-from-the-1950s-and-60s
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#18_April_2021_%28Children%27s_books_from_the_1950s_and_60s%29

content:
<p>

Famous children's books from the 1950s and 60s present a way of life
in which <a href="https://letgrow.org/mommy-why-do-the-kids-in-these-books-get-to-walk-around-without-an-adult">children had considerable freedom</a>.
<p>
I especially enjoyed the hours between the end of school and when my
mother got home from teaching &mdash; the hours when I could be alone.


feed_id: cc23e234b8213ecf0cdad25017660eff
title: (satire) 30 days to complete espionage
uri: (satire)-30-days-to-complete-espionage
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#18_April_2021_%28%28satire%29_30_days_to_complete_espionage%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Russian Diplomats Given 30 Days To <a href="https://www.theonion.com/russian-diplomats-given-30-days-to-complete-espionage-b-1846694004">Complete Espionage</a> Before
Being Expelled.*


feed_id: 330d6f585cfe0e310bd0c9d88ea2a476
title: "Inert" ingredients in weed killers
uri: Inert-ingredients-in-weed-killers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#18_April_2021_%28Inert_ingredients_in_weed_killers%29

content:
<p>

Many weed killer products combine glyphosate with various secret "inert"
ingredients.  The "inert" ingredients vary from product to product, and
some of them are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/16/new-study-finds-undisclosed-ingredients-roundup-lethal-bumblebees">highly toxic to bees</a>.
<p>
I don't think we should continue to permit the practice of adding
secret ingredients that are presumed to be harmless.


feed_id: d8829aae5ad7b57849d79590d78d9467
title: Unfair election
uri: Unfair-election
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#18_April_2021_%28Unfair_election%29
content:
<p>

An unfair election with various dirty tricks <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/16/dirty-campaign-underlying-ecuadors-free-and-fair-election">enabled a right-wing candidate
to win Ecuador's presidential election</a>.


feed_id: 0614fdc4a7ae9e3e6c7b8f936a84263c
title: Responding to Covid-19 costs
uri: Responding-to-Covid-19-costs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#18_April_2021_%28Responding_to_Covid-19_costs%29
content:
<p>

Plutocracy is leading many governments to respond to the cost of
dealing with Covid-19 by <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/16/nations-slash-budgets-global-study-warns-looming-austerity-shocks">making budget cuts</a>.
That could lead to recessions, amounting to more unemployment and more
suffering for the poor.


feed_id: 881d25a78418579a7eaa5999f70e4570
title: Israel's use of US aid
uri: Israel-s-use-of-US-aid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#18_April_2021_%28Israel%27s_use_of_US_aid%29
content:
<p>

A bill in Congress would require Israel <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/15/jewish-voice-peace-action-endorses-mccollum-bill-placing-conditions-us-aid-israel">not to use US aid for
violating Palestinians' human rights</a>.
<p>
Based on the description here, I support the bill.  However, I wonder
how such requirements deal with the fact that funds are fungible.  For
the sake of such conditions, how does one determine whether the funds
spent on the specific actions that violate Palestinians' human rights
came from the US aid money or not?
<p>
Maybe there is a standard answer to this &mdash; if anyone can tell me, I would
appreciate it.


feed_id: e6cdec042d6c409897182800d626f2c5
title: Tech giants doing Modi's bidding
uri: Tech-giants-doing-Modi-s-bidding
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#18_April_2021_%28Tech_giants_doing_Modi%27s_bidding%29

content:
<p>

*Tech giants are happy to do Modi’s bidding in return for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/commentisfree/2021/apr/17/tech-giants-happy-to-do-narendra-modis-bidding-indian-market-facebook-twitter">access to
the Indian market</a>.*


feed_id: f6612565de96aa901454f91d55daff37
title: Data surveillance
uri: Data-surveillance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Data_surveillance%29
content:
<p>
*   We must ensure that temporary Covid-19 data surveillance
   infrastructures <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/17/covid-19-may-fade-will-tracking-tools-built-fight-it">do not needlessly outlast this once-in-a-century
   pandemic</a>.*


feed_id: 24f5da1fc5758e80e1bfd0732956e578
title: Urgent: close Guantanamo
uri: Urgent-close-Guantanamo
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Urgent%3A_close_Guantanamo%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://diy.rootsaction.org/petitions/president-biden-close-guantanamo">call on Biden</a> to close the Guantanamo prison.


feed_id: 7b3cf9cf5969d2ca10d69bfc77e3a308
title: Urgent: Keep It in the Ground Act
uri: 2021-04-19-Urgent-Keep-It-in-the-Ground-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Keep_It_in_the_Ground_Act%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.350.org/letter/pass-kiitg-act/">call on your congresscritter</a> to co-sponsor the Keep It
in the Ground Act.

<p>
It is a small first step, but it is nonetheless in the right direction.


feed_id: 7ed226b8991f0b7cac89b1f33b3e9bd1
title: Urgent: shut down Dakota Access Pipeline
uri: Urgent-shut-down-Dakota-Access-Pipeline
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Urgent%3A_shut_down_Dakota_Access_Pipeline%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.350.org/sign/biden-stop-dakota-access/">call on Biden</a> to shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline.


feed_id: 3ca51c8792b9fcf6357f979e8c60a92a
title: Bags for life
uri: Bags-for-life
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Bags_for_life%29
content:
<p>
*Supermarket ‘bags for life’ <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/18/supermarket-bags-for-life-must-cost-more-to-cut-plastic-use-urge-campaigners">must cost more to cut plastic use</a>, urge
campaigners.*


feed_id: 1fdbadae7a3be0284f559a359a6e818a
title: Covid-19 spreading fast
uri: Covid-19-spreading-fast
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Covid-19_spreading_fast%29
content:
<p>
Covid-19 is spreading fast in most of the world, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/18/global-death-toll-passes-3m-as-pandemic-grows-at-an-alarming-rate">and 3 million people
have died</a>.


feed_id: ccd47652d973d6467549be13373205d0
title: Collecting clams
uri: Collecting-clams
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Collecting_clams%29
content:
<p>
A system to collect clams faster and in large quantities
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/18/california-clam-hunting-hydraulic-pump-environment">could endanger them and other species</a>.

<p>
In general, equipment that collects wild animals or plants, in bulk,
faster than people used to do is potentially dangerous.


feed_id: 682cadb5444e223e05b4baac6ba7a0f5
title: Alexei Navalny
uri: Alexei-Navalny
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Alexei_Navalny%29
content:
<p>
*Alexei Navalny allies <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/18/alexei-navalny-allies-call-for-mass-protests-in-russia-to-save-his-life">call for mass protests in Russia to save his
 life</a>.*


feed_id: c63acf681ac6e1f822a7574c16908278
title: Deforestation
uri: 2021-04-19-Deforestation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Deforestation%29
content:
<p>
Brazilian progressive organizations call on Biden not to give money to
Bolsonaro's government <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/17/no-blank-check-enemies-environment-brazil">in exchange for a promised partial reduction in
deforestation</a>.


feed_id: eef5afa96704a9e3c6d207d6c883dc43
title: Thug unions
uri: 2021-04-19-Thug-unions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Thug_unions%29
content:
<p>
How US police unions developed into <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> unions: they built so much
power that they demanded, and got<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/10/us/police-unions.html">, basically everything they could
think of wanting</a>.

<p>
I support most of what these unions have obtained for their members.
Indeed, I think workers in general deserve those benefits.

<p>
The two exceptions, the benefits that cops should not have, are (1)
payment for their family court bills, which is unfair to their present
and former spouses, and (2) impunity after committing violence against
the public, whether based on racism or not.


feed_id: 57d9c49d8415e43efa373383ea8ce1ac
title: Arrested for smoking legal weed
uri: Arrested-for-smoking-legal-weed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Arrested_for_smoking_legal_weed%29
content:
<p>
*Man smokes legal weed in Nevada, <a href="https://boingboing.net/2021/04/13/man-smokes-legal-weed-in-nevada-gets-arrested-in-dubai-could-face-3-years.html">gets arrested in Dubai, could face 3 years [in prison]</a>.*

<p>
If they are reasonable about applying their laws, they will recognize
that he did not commit any crime in Dubai.  But one can't count on
that &mdash; and they might keep him in jail for months while deciding.

<p>
So <a href="https://stallman.org/stay-away-countries.html">stay away from Dubai, and the UAE in general</a>.


feed_id: 32614833745342898d3a9b1a1d63b43e
title: Cover up
uri: Cover-up
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Cover_up%29
content:
<p>
The US mainstream media use many methods <a href="https://boingboing.net/2021/04/14/maryland-state-police-trooper-shoots-and-kills-16-year-old-in-leonardtown.html">to help cover up the facts
after a thug shoots somebody</a>,
  including the basic fact that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> did the shooting and that
killed someone.

<p>
I had not identified this pattern of vagueness, but I had noticed that
the first stories I see about such a killing don't say enough abot
what happened to be useful to link to.  I wait a few days and see stories
that make it clear.


feed_id: a4ab5ff57f0df991efa637185f802e06
title: Reverting policy changed favoring fossil fuels
uri: Reverting-policy-changed-favoring-fossil-fuels
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Reverting_policy_changed_favoring_fossil_fuels%29

content:
<p>
The Interior Department just reverted <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/16/watershed-moment-haaland-revokes-trump-era-orders-creates-climate-task-force">many of the wrecker's policy changes
that favored fossil fuels</a>.


feed_id: 5a1400ef842eb3d21a463aa64fd154fd
title: Investing in political campaigns
uri: Investing-in-political-campaigns
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Investing_in_political_campaigns%29

content:
<p>
Banks and investment companies spent almost 3 billion dollars <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/16/wall-street-gave-more-money-during-2020-election-any-campaign-season-us-history">on
political campaigns for the last election</a>.

<p>
Probably more than that, since 1 billion can't be traced.

<p>
We need to pass the <a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#8_April_2021_(We_the_people)">We the People amendment</a>.


feed_id: 9479da516fb6973cfe7300b129c05887
title: Committing to curb global heating
uri: Committing-to-curb-global-heating
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Committing_to_curb_global_heating%29

content:
<p>
The US and China <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/18/us-and-china-commit-to-cooperating-on-climate-crisis">stated a joint commitment to curbing global heating</a>.

<p>
Both countries have to cut down greenhouse emissions much faster than
they are committed to doing.  China's commitment to "net zero emissions"
(<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#12_July_2019_(UK_emissions_proposal)">a vague way to formulate the goal</a>)
  by 2060 is far too slow.


feed_id: 5db1d89f2a20ac8f3835956c164f0203
title: Deported from the UK
uri: Deported-from-the-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Deported_from_the_UK%29
content:
<p>

*Witnesses to deaths in detention <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/apr/17/witnesses-to-deaths-in-detention-deliberately-deported-from-the-uk">‘deliberately’ deported from the UK</a>.*


feed_id: 2342e40c4849c221ef15d8d49984c2af
title: Standard practice of Republican candidates for presidency
uri: Standard-practice-of-Republican-candidates-for-presidency
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Standard_practice_of_Republican_candidates_for_presidency%29

content:
<p>

Betraying their country is the <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/17/will-trump-end-prison">standard practice</a> of Republican
candidates for the presidency.  That has been so since 1968.


feed_id: a8657f3249e52a52024ee3ed971b6ea1
title: Dog-robot
uri: Dog-robot
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Dog-robot%29
content:
<p>

The New York City thug department has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/16/crazy-jamaal-bowman-excoriates-nypd-digidog-robotic-k-9">acquired a dog-robot</a>.  Is that
good or bad?
<p>
I can see very good uses for that robot, to save people's lives.
But it can also be used against protesters.  The question is, as I see it,
is how the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department will decide what to do with it.  As it is,
I would not trust it to make good decisions.


feed_id: 2e6c32b758b450b60c339928b768af17
title: Activist for liberal Islam
uri: Activist-for-liberal-Islam
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Activist_for_liberal_Islam%29
content:
<p>

A <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/18/seyran-ates-im-not-a-traitor-im-fighting-for-progressive-islam">documentary about an activist</a> for liberal Islam.
<p>
She faces death threats from Islamist extremists.
They are not threatening only us "infidels".


feed_id: 559351bf8644a15ac9225e5cca940efc
title: Interview with Maria Ressa
uri: Interview-with-Maria-Ressa
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Interview_with_Maria_Ressa%29
content:
<p>

An <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/18/facebook-and-fear-in-manila-maria-ressas-fight-for-facts">interview with Maria Ressa</a>, Philippine journalist facing imprisonment.


feed_id: f9f42a8deeebdd0180d737fa9e146be9
title: Pressuring BlackRock
uri: Pressuring-BlackRock
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Pressuring_BlackRock%29
content:
<p>

Systematically pressuring BlackRock and other investment companies to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/18/climate-activists-put-all-eyes-blackrock-protests-demanding-shareholder-action">stop promoting fossil fuels and disaster</a>.


feed_id: e91829dbbe8c3f5f1121a7c7a79c1273
title: Amazon's methods of disinformation
uri: Amazon-s-methods-of-disinformation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Amazon%27s_methods_of_disinformation%29

content:
<p>

Some of the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-56742772">methods of disinformation</a> that Amazon used to win the union vote.


feed_id: d3f4d8d3a0eb21f8d5a9529e3740f7ba
title: Big tech pushing privacy laws
uri: Big-tech-pushing-privacy-laws
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Big_tech_pushing_privacy_laws%29
content:
<p>

*Big Tech Is <a href="https://themarkup.org/privacy/2021/04/15/big-tech-is-pushing-states-to-pass-privacy-laws-and-yes-you-should-be-suspicious">Pushing States to Pass Privacy Laws</a>, and Yes, You Should
Be Suspicious.*
<p>
In general, these bills' approach to "privacy" is that of "data
protection" &mdash; limiting the use of personal data once sites collect it
&mdash; and that is <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">fundamentally inadequate</a>.
The only real way to protect privacy is to limit the data that
systems can collect about people.


feed_id: af241eb69344845795af708bcdc65d8b
title: Ideas rich people don't like
uri: Ideas-rich-people-don-t-like
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Ideas_rich_people_don%27t_like%29
content:
<p>

For the mainstream media, a political idea is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/18/divisive-how-corporate-media-dismiss-ideas-unpopular-elites">"divisive" or
"controversial" if rich people don't like it</a>.


feed_id: 27c83ca92b5e3f20aef150f38f6e5da8
title: New renewable electric capacity
uri: New-renewable-electric-capacity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28New_renewable_electric_capacity%29
content:
<p>

The new renewable electric capacity installed in 2020 equaled <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/18/new-wind-and-solar-50-globally-2020-china-beats-us-over-4-1">3/4 of
the world's total nuclear generating capacity</a>.
<p>
With a little push, we could build enough extra renewable capacity
to replace all the existing nuclear generation, and shut those plants down.


feed_id: 4c44a75ab6cc30d06671fd670c8f33ec
title: UK prosecuting ex-thugs
uri: UK-prosecuting-ex-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28UK_prosecuting_ex-thugs%29
content:
<p>

The UK is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/apr/18/hillsborough-police-face-trial-accused-of-perverting-course-of-justice">prosecuting ex-thugs</a> for false statements about what they did
at the time of a fatal panic in 1989.
Those false statements were intended to evade the cops'
responsibility for the deaths.
<p>
The US should learn that Blue Lies Matter.


feed_id: be2b6299edcf797a76534a852f45aaed
title: Recognizing fascism
uri: Recognizing-fascism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Recognizing_fascism%29
content:
<p>

We must learn to recognize fascism so we can take care not to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/19/the-guardian-view-on-an-america-first-caucus-a-warning-democracy-is-under-siege">treat its talking points as ordinary politics</a>.


feed_id: e29e8fe4070b79d778b130e45e72e938
title: Australia's government continues fossil fuel extraction
uri: Australia-s-government-continues-fossil-fuel-extraction
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Australia%27s_government_continues_fossil_fuel_extraction%29

content:
<p>

Australia's government is doing all possible to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/20/no-action-on-anything-australia-increasingly-isolated-as-us-and-others-ramp-up-climate-ambition">continue fossil fuel extraction</a>
while saying it aims to reduce greenhouse emissions at some distant date.


feed_id: 90361a724f7addb1993cffe58e6d8f02
title: Today's corruption of the Tory party
uri: Today-s-corruption-of-the-Tory-party
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#19_April_2021_%28Today%27s_corruption_of_the_Tory_party%29

content:
<p>

The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/19/tory-sleaze-scandals-johnson-john-major">corruption of the Tory party today</a> is measured in millions
and directly involves current and former ministers.


feed_id: 29c05b79791af26d23c1c0c7d673f36a
title: If you really want to stop voter suppression
uri: If-you-really-want-to-stop-voter-suppression
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#18_April_2021_%28If_you_really_want_to_stop_voter_suppression%29

content:
<p>

*Statement to CEOs: If You Really Want to Stop Voter Suppression,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/04/14/statement-ceos-if-you-really-want-stop-voter-suppression-support-people-act">Support the For the People Act</a>.*
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/14/if-ceos-really-want-stop-gop-attacks-voting-say-progressives-theyd-support-people">More</a> about this.


feed_id: cf8005fa61cd53f8161446313eaf045d
title: Urgent: Pull troops out of Afghanistan
uri: Urgent-Pull-troops-out-of-Afghanistan
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#20_April_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Pull_troops_out_of_Afghanistan%29

content:
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/biden-pull-out-afghanistan">support
Biden’s decision</a> to pull troops out of Afghanistan.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 01d3efce6f67c42a3b350a8f7304adaa
title: Urgent: Washington DC statehood bill
uri: Urgent-Washington-DC-statehood-bill
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#20_April_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Washington_DC_statehood_bill%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.pfaw.org/sign/dc-statehood-congress-2021/">call
on Congress</a> to pass the Washington DC statehood bill.
<p>
If you sign, please spread the word!


feed_id: 72aa7222f15ffb6f3c6a92a3d0b20d9e
title: Journalists and cops' lies
uri: Journalists-and-cops-lies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#20_April_2021_%28Journalists_and_cops_lies%29
content:
<p>
It is
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/16/media/newsrooms-police-reliable-sources/index.html">difficult
for journalists to adapt their methods</a> to the awareness that cops
often lie.


feed_id: 79a65988b2845b1a2b1f75ff2fb55d00
title: National Security Education Day in Hong Kong
uri: National-Security-Education-Day-in-Hong-Kong
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#20_April_2021_%28National_Security_Education_Day_in_Hong_Kong%29

content:
<p>
The National Security Education Day celebration in Hong Kong
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/15/china/hong-kong-national-security-day-intl-hnk/index.html">sold
souvenirs of the repression of 2019</a>.
<p>
I wonder how long before China takes note of anyone who does not buy
them with proper enthusiasm.


feed_id: f5183d56dcfe6cfe1ae488b45dc69db9
title: Biden to extend bully's war on fentanyl
uri: Biden-to-extend-bully-s-war-on-fentanyl
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#20_April_2021_%28Biden_to_extend_bullys_war_on_fentanyl%29

content:
<p>
Biden plans to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/14/bidens-embrace-trump-era-fentanyl-ban-threatens-repeat-past-missteps-critics-warn">extend
the bully's war on fentanyl</a>.


feed_id: 25db51d42fd9c57e754b273ed1a94a6f
title: Covid-19 speeding demise of endangered languages
uri: Covid-19-speeding-demise-of-endangered-languages
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#20_April_2021_%28Covid-19_speeding_demise_of_endangered_languages%29

content:
<p>
Covid-19 is
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2021/04/us/losing-languages/">speeding
the demise of many endangered languages</a>.  The remaining native
speakers are usually old, and thus in special danger from the disease.
<p>
A language, like a species, is a self-propagating bundle of
information.  If its propagation is interrupted, it is lost
forever.
<p>
Passing a language through a stage of existing only in dictionaries
and teaching tools is damaging, too &mdash; comparable in a very broad
sense to a population bottleneck that strips a species of genetic
diversity.
<p>
Potowatomi's close relative, Ojibwe, is much healthier.


feed_id: b17e6424772bd33204b86b139ccb9cdd
title: Deforestation in Brazil
uri: 2021-04-20-Deforestation-in-Brazil
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#20_April_2021_%28Deforestation_in_Brazil%29
content:
<p>
Bolsonaro has proposed an
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/15/americas/brazil-amazon-plan-intl-latam/index.html">inadequate-hearted
effort to reduce deforestation</a>, but
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/11/negotiating-with-your-worst-enemy-biden-in-risky-talks-to-pay-brazil-to-save-amazon">only
if other countries pay Brazil to do it</a>.


feed_id: 8e40b96c896e083b84000117ba521c48
title: US troops in Afghanistan
uri: 2021-04-20-US-troops-in-Afghanistan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#20_April_2021_%28US_troops_in_Afghanistan%29
content:
<p>
Biden has announced a plan to remove US ground troops from
Afghanistan, but it looks like
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/15/contrary-what-biden-said-us-warfare-afghanistan-set-continue">US
airplanes, drones and mercenaries will continue fighting there</a>.
<p>
Biden has continued the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>'s secrecy about drone bombings, so we
will be told nothing about what is going on.
<p>
If it is true (we can't really know) that these attacks are mainly
directed at al-Qa'ida and PISAP (Pseudo-Islamic State in Afghanistan
and Pakistan) rather than the Taliban, they may not prevent movement
in the direction of peace.  The Taliban are at war with PISSA, and I
think they might find al-Qa'ida an inconvenience if they win.


feed_id: b8c28e36f7ed17c8cd331ef163597965
title: P1 variant of Covid-19
uri: P1-variant-of-Covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#20_April_2021_%28P1_variant_of_Covid-19%29
content:
<p>
The P1 variant of Covid-19 that dominates in Brazil is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/16/brazil-warns-women-to-delay-pregnancy-amid-covid-19-surge">especially
dangerous to pregnant patients</a>, so officials have urged people to
avoid pregnancy now.
<p>
Avoiding pregnancy in Brazil faces the extra obstacles of restrictive
abortion laws and fervent Christianity.  Indeed, you might want to get
an abortion now so as not to die if you catch Covid-19, but the
government will make that difficult.


feed_id: 2169180c01eb8b8516be818ff9994dc6
title: Covid-19 killing young, healthy people in Brazil
uri: Covid-19-killing-young-healthy-people-in-Brazil
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#20_April_2021_%28Covid-19_killing_young%2C_healthy_people_in_Brazil%29

content:
<p>
In Brazil, Covid-19 is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/16/spreading-faster-hitting-harder-why-young-brazilians-are-dying-of-covid">killing
lots of young, vigorous, formerly healthy people</a>.  It could be
that the Brazilian variant is the explanation.


feed_id: 532e1d43f90f1d46e1a2a835ec64ecfc
title: Putin to criminalize support for opposition
uri: Putin-to-criminalize-support-for-opposition
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#20_April_2021_%28Putin_to_criminalize_support_for_opposition%29

content:
<p>
Putin plans to criminalize support for Navalny's opposition movement
by arbitrarily
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/16/russian-prosecutors-move-to-liquidate-navalnys-extremist-movement">designating
it an "extremist group"</a>.
<p>
I've denounced for years the US practice of designating organizations
as "terrorist" without holding a trial to prove it.  When the US shows
contempt for human rights, other countries are quick to follow the
same path.


feed_id: a325b366463cdcc6daa3a89f1c4772a6
title: Private corruption of the state's work
uri: Private-corruption-of-the-state-s-work
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#20_April_2021_%28Private_corruption_of_the_states_work%29

content:
<p>
The Tories have made
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/apr/16/tory-government-infected-with-widespread-cronyism-labour">private
corruption of the state's work</a> into normal practice.
<p>
Various aspects of the response to Covid-19 were contracted out to
companies that didn't have the capacity to do the job at all.  Almost
everything that the UK government tried to do, failed.  Vaccine
production was the exception because the Tories didn't have the choice
to hire unknown companies to make pharmaceuticals.


feed_id: a31ad8c15cacc81e6e788563aca34aef
title: Lifelong UK resident to be denied UK passport
uri: Lifelong-UK-resident-to-be-denied-UK-passport
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#20_April_2021_%28Lifelong_UK_resident_to_be_denied_UK_passport%29

content:
<p>
The latest lifelong UK resident to be denied a UK passport is,
ironically, a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/apr/14/irish-born-dup-peer-willie-hay-criticises-rules-for-obtaining-british-passport">member
of British nobility</a>.
<p>
With his position, he won't suffer much difficulty &mdash; unlike the
people who were
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jan-apr.html#13_February_2020_(Deporting_people_born_in_the_country)">forced
to live in Jamaica for lack of records</a> of living in Britain as
children.


feed_id: 58862f2ef7033e1f84c49b1d17a7009f
title: Sign of decline
uri: Sign-of-decline
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#20_April_2021_%28Sign_of_decline%29
content:
<p>
*Compulsory worship of national symbols <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/19/worship-national-symbols-culture-decline-flags-statues">is the sure sign of a culture in
decline</a>.*


feed_id: 87fc3572b7a0d82de13068fcdf00b9dd
title: Using Covid
uri: Using-Covid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#20_April_2021_%28Using_Covid%29
content:
<p>
*Cambodia accused of using Covid <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/apr/19/cambodia-accused-of-using-covid-to-edge-towards-totalitarian-dictatorship">to edge towards ‘totalitarian dictatorship’</a>.*


feed_id: 804f44bc554f3e0df6abdd646708f4ba
title: Defending borders
uri: Defending-borders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#20_April_2021_%28Defending_borders%29
content:
<p>
*Why is the right obsessed with ‘defending’ borders? Because <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/19/conservatives-citizenship-human-right-asylum-seekers-migrants-hong-kong">it sees
citizenship as a commodity</a>.*


feed_id: 68e5866e58e1cf596314ca71fca22ea3
title: Navalny in hospital
uri: Navalny-in-hospital
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#20_April_2021_%28Navalny_in_hospital%29
content:
<p>
*Alexei Navalny moved to hospital <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/19/alexei-navalny-moved-to-hospital-as-fears-grow-for-life-of-putin-critic">as fears grow for life of Putin critic</a>.*


feed_id: 8b43482ecf3567deaf3e1ab1515cc123
title: Possible snooping
uri: Possible-snooping
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#20_April_2021_%28Possible_snooping%29
content:
<p>
Huawei equipment seems to have been able <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/apr/19/huawei-may-have-eavesdropped-on-dutch-mobile-networks-calls">to snoop on all calls in the
main Dutch mobile phone network</a>.

<p>
To put this in context, mobile phones enable much more spying than
that.


feed_id: ab36dd85324ba989e9af5b8399af0895
title: Environment protest criminalised
uri: Environment-protest-criminalised
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#20_April_2021_%28Environment_protest_criminalised%29

content:
<p>
*Environment protest <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/19/environment-protest-being-criminalised-around-world-say-experts">being criminalised around world</a>, say experts.*

<p>
*Extinction Rebellion prosecutions <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/19/extinction-rebellion-prosecutions-showed-the-spectrum-of-climate-protest">showed the spectrum of climate protest</a>.*


feed_id: e03bc5742e22714d5dc05499047cf172
title: Urgent: H.R. 2509 / S. 1139
uri: Urgent-H-R-2509-S-1139
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#21_April_2021_%28Urgent%3A_H.R._2509_%2F_S._1139%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter and senators to support
H.R. 2509 / S. 1139, which would eliminate the mechanism for the
military draft.  Specifically, it would do these things:

<ul>
  <li>Repeal the Military Selective Service Act (thereby eliminating Presidential authority to order men to register with the Selective Service System for a possible military draft and eliminating criminal penalties for failure or refusal to register);</li>
  <li>Abolish the Selective Service System (thereby ending contingency planning by the SSS for the Health Care Personnel Delivery System or any other form of special-skills draft);</li> 
  <li>Prohibit all other Federal agencies from imposing civil sanctions (denial of federal student financial aid, federally-funded jobs, etc.) for nonregistration or using nonregistration as a basis for other adverse determinations (denial of naturalization as a U.S. citizen, etc.);</li> 
  <li> "Preempt" (and thereby override and prohibit) all state sanctions for nonregistration (denial of drivers' licenses, state financial aid, state jobs, etc.); and</li> 
  <li> Preserve the rights of conscientious objectors under other laws and regulations (such as applicants for reassignment to noncombatant duties or discharge from the military on the basis of conscientious objection).</li> 
</ul>


feed_id: 0dd499b8eac074db5036ddc4f15f6add
title: Treasury and green spending
uri: Treasury-and-green-spending
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#21_April_2021_%28Treasury_and_green_spending%29
content:
<p>
*The UK chancellor, Rishi Sunak, must radically overhaul the
   Treasury’s response to the climate crisis, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/20/without-the-treasury-backing-climate-action-the-uks-net-zero-target-is-doomed">reforming the department’s
   longstanding hostility to green spending and resetting its priorities</a>,
   experts said.*


feed_id: 47d489168a0c469bb39cb35107b3768d
title: Less freedom for children
uri: Less-freedom-for-children
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#21_April_2021_%28Less_freedom_for_children%29
content:
<p>
UK is suffering from the problem of giving children less freedom.
This shows up in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/apr/20/gradual-lockdown-of-uk-children-as-age-for-solo-outdoor-play-rises">not letting them go outside to play on their own</a>.


feed_id: 72a204accc09a7536ac15ff3bf507ed1
title: Vaccination based on social security number
uri: Vaccination-based-on-social-security-number
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#21_April_2021_%28Vaccination_based_on_social_security_number%29

content:
<p>
Greece set up a system for Covid-19 vaccination that depends on a
Greek social security number.  Foreigners, and Greeks who came home to retire,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/20/the-system-isnt-working-the-expats-in-greece-who-cant-book-covid-jabs">are excluded in practice</a>.

<p>
This seems to bespeak incredible bureaucratic rigidity.


feed_id: 690f89053fbbde0e676b7909fa0e5266
title: Support of voting rights
uri: Support-of-voting-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#21_April_2021_%28Support_of_voting_rights%29
content:
<p>
Some of the companies that publicly support voting rights
also help fund the US Chamber of Commerce, <a href="https://prospect.org/power/companies-signing-voting-rights-statement-anti-hr1-lobbying-group/">which campaigns
for the same voter suppression laws</a>.


feed_id: c20c795f1087539dac2adc645f9f03b4
title: Systemic racism in vaccination
uri: Systemic-racism-in-vaccination
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#21_April_2021_%28Systemic_racism_in_vaccination%29
content:
<p>
Systemic racism is visible in vaccination: blacks and Hispanics face
practical obstacles in dealing with the system of vaccination, and the result
is that <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/19/structural-racism-continues-beset-pandemic-response">vaccination has reached a smaller fraction of them and a larger
fraction of whites</a>.


feed_id: ea7b9958d9acafe15c3fc972d0e480d3
title: Voters backing Green New Deal
uri: Voters-backing-Green-New-Deal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#21_April_2021_%28Voters_backing_Green_New_Deal%29
content:
<p>
*Poll Finds Majority of US Voters <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/19/poll-finds-majority-us-voters-back-green-new-deal-and-want-lawmakers-co-sponsor">Back Green New Deal and Want
Lawmakers to Co-Sponsor Resolution</a>.*

<p>
If the US had an effective democracy, the strong backing from voters
would lead to passage within a few years.  However, a plutocratic
system can reject it for decades.


feed_id: 0254d876471659133e1fb4659693b616
title: Privatization Movement
uri: Privatization-Movement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#21_April_2021_%28Privatization_Movement%29
content:
<p>
*A Former Lobbyist Explains How the Privatization Movement <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/19/former-lobbyist-explains-how-privatization-movement-trying-end-public-education">Is Trying to End
Public Education</a>.*
  Its goal is to make parents pay for education of their children.
Parents with low income would have to beg or borrow for elementary school.

<p>
The article refers to "libertarians" and their policies, but that term
is misleading.  They are not about liberty; the aim of those policies
is to enrich the wealthy at the expense of the poor: that is, dooH
niboR.  I refer to those people and policies as "antisocialist".

<p>
A few decades ago, the IMF bullied many poor countries <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-jan-apr.html#22_April_2011_(Honduran_Destruction)">to eliminate
their public education programs</a>,
  in accord with the then-prevailing "neoliberal" economics.
                                                         How did that
view of economics come to prevail?  By means of contributions to
academia from various rich people who saw it as a long-term method to
obtain laws for <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a>.


feed_id: 52eefd49111f63cbccc1a6057b108bf0
title: Energy Charter Treaty
uri: Energy-Charter-Treaty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#21_April_2021_%28Energy_Charter_Treaty%29
content:
<p>
The Energy Charter Treaty, a business-supremacy treaty, threatens to
make European countries pay hundreds of billions of dollars in
"compensation" <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/19/critics-warn-lawsuits-eu-fossil-fuel-giants-steal-billions-public-undermine-green">for taking explicit action to cut down on fossil fuels</a>.

<p>
When a treaty puts the business interests of private parties over the
vital needs of society, that must make the treaty invalid.


feed_id: 22fdab429f3ae7cd2e85609741e62ff3
title: Industrial policy
uri: Industrial-policy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#21_April_2021_%28Industrial_policy%29
content:
<p>
Biden is changing the US industrial policy.  The old one gives
handouts to businesses for the sake of billionaire's enrichment.
The new one <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/19/bidens-new-industrial-policy-must-not-repeat-mistakes-past">must reject that practice</a>.


feed_id: 1d4d6b6d17b2ee1648546f9037c713cf
title: Remaining very still
uri: Remaining-very-still
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#21_April_2021_%28Remaining_very_still%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/rainforest-tree-remains-very-still-in-hopes-that-bulldo-1846712845">satire</a>) *Rainforest Tree Remains Very Still In Hopes That Bulldozer
Will Lose Interest And Drive Away.*


feed_id: 4a57bcbffd4986ed20a9cddfc64fa024
title: Green New Deal for Public Housing Act
uri: Green-New-Deal-for-Public-Housing-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#21_April_2021_%28Green_New_Deal_for_Public_Housing_Act%29

content:
<p>
The Green New Deal for Public Housing Act would invest in public
housing to build more, make it cheaper and safer to live in, and
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/04/19/sanders-and-ocasio-cortez-rollout-green-new-deal-public-housing-act">and achieve this by making good jobs</a>.


feed_id: c2e9d5adfe993d671bce45b2f366a09a
title: Preventing Covid-19
uri: Preventing-Covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#21_April_2021_%28Preventing_Covid-19%29
content:
<p>
Disinfecting surfaces is much less important, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/19/health/cdc-covid-guidelines-cleaning/index.html">for preventing Covid-19</a>,
  than wearing a mask, keeping distance from other people, and
frequently washing hands.


feed_id: 2bd15dad29e46bfac946dbdd230905d9
title: Union accepting end of coal mining
uri: Union-accepting-end-of-coal-mining
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#21_April_2021_%28Union_accepting_end_of_coal_mining%29

content:
<p>
The principal union of US coal miners <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/19/climate-movement-applauds-coal-miners-demand-just-transition-green-jobs">has accepted the need to put an end to
coal mining</a>.

<p>
This raises a number of issues of justice.

<p>
The miners have the duty, like the mine owners, to cooperate fully
with rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as toxic
pollution.

<p>
Former miners, present and future, deserve the things that the union
now demands for them.  They deserve this <em>not</em> as an exchange for
ceasing to campaign against civilization's survival, but because all
unemployed and retired people deserve those benefits, to the extent we
can provide them.  They are parts of a proper welfare system.

<p>
One demand is to properly clean up and close abandoned mines.  That is
a necessary part of reducing the toxic pollution over the long term.


feed_id: 5c9fabd2d351ae6dc6cb8cc1f448557b
title: Pressuring countries to move fast
uri: Pressuring-countries-to-move-fast
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#21_April_2021_%28Pressuring_countries_to_move_fast%29

content:
<p>
The US is planning to pressure other countries to move faster to curb
global heating, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/20/secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-countries-investing-new-coal-will-hear-from-us-climate-action">after announcing plans to do that itself</a>.

<p>
This is what all countries should have done starting 20 years ago or
more, and they would have done so if not for the influence of the
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#planet">planet roasters</a>.

<p>
Better late than never, but we hope it is not too late.


feed_id: b116dcb4829296da5f29cb4b272eb149
title: License to carry a gun
uri: License-to-carry-a-gun
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#22_April_2021_%28License_to_carry_a_gun%29
content:
<p>
The US should require a license to have or carry a gun, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/20/gop-has-blood-their-hands">just as it
requires a license to drive a car</a>.


feed_id: 3afd862a46bf1a7b48c83c2672511057
title: Racially Biased Algorithms
uri: Racially-Biased-Algorithms
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#22_April_2021_%28Racially_Biased_Algorithms%29
content:
<p>
*FTC Declares Racially Biased Algorithms in Artificial Intelligence
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/04/20/ftc-declares-racially-biased-algorithms-artificial-intelligence-unfair-and">Unfair and Deceptive, Prohibited by Law</a>.*

<p>
This should have a real effect against that problem.


feed_id: 812737af52e0fa390afcc4cdd1f181a4
title: System at large
uri: System-at-large
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#22_April_2021_%28System_at_large%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://local.theonion.com/depressed-police-officer-reminds-self-that-chauvin-verd-1846726192">satire</a>) *Depressed Police Officer Reminds Self That Chauvin Verdict
Not Representative Of System At Large.*


feed_id: 0b0ec07648e3f26c9ff4936748e0447f
title: Drive in straight line
uri: Drive-in-straight-line
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#22_April_2021_%28Drive_in_straight_line%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/police-ask-tesla-to-drive-in-straight-line-recite-alph-1846724680">satire</a>) *Police Ask Tesla To Drive In Straight Line, Recite Alphabet
Backwards After Vehicle Crashes Into Tree.*


feed_id: e275ed957dd700a051408a002df47099
title: Making it easy to get away
uri: Making-it-easy-to-get-away
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#22_April_2021_%28Making_it_easy_to_get_away%29
content:
<p>
The International Life Sciences Institute gets its funding from big
food companies, and works to form the standards of scientific
integrity <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/04/20/food-industry-shaping-principles-scientific-integrity-study-says">to make it easy for those companies to get away with things</a>.


feed_id: ff0399c6082c0c3b94f82a0251d7014e
title: Cancellation of Pence's memoir
uri: Cancellation-of-Pence-s-memoir
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#22_April_2021_%28Cancellation_of_Pence%27s_memoir%29

content:
<p>
Simon & Schuster rejected demands from staff <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/apr/21/mike-pences-publisher-refuses-to-cancel-memoir-after-staff-protest">to cancel publication of
Pence's memoir</a>.

<p>
I thoroughly oppose Pence's politics, and I would not regret if his book
were not published,  But I also oppose the efforts of the publisher's staff
to bully the company into cancelling books.


feed_id: dd6d3ec8b5e302a42d4dfc52de252b59
title: Holding dual-citizens hostage
uri: Holding-dual-citizens-hostage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#22_April_2021_%28Holding_dual-citizens_hostage%29
content:
<p>
Iran as much as admits that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/21/iran-sets-trial-dates-for-dual-nationals-before-nuclear-deal-talks-in-vienna">it is holding dual-citizens hostage for
exchanges</a>.

<p>
I conclude that it is not safe for citizens of likely target countries
to visit Iran.  But the chance that any given person will be targeted
is small enough that they will convince themselves that "It won't
happen to me."


feed_id: c973fe7939ead0c6084e0328c7d30abf
title: Arresting medics an doctors
uri: Arresting-medics-an-doctors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#22_April_2021_%28Arresting_medics_an_doctors%29
content:
<p>
The Burmese army is arresting medics and doctors, even people who have
first-aid supplies on the assumption <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/21/scores-of-medics-in-myanmar-face-charges-over-anti-coup-strike">that they mean to aid civilians that
the army shoots</a>.


feed_id: bb4f7829f8fc8fe443df1ed1a984ea5f
title: Covid-19 spreading at alarming rate
uri: Covid-19-spreading-at-alarming-rate
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#22_April_2021_%28Covid-19_spreading_at_alarming_rate%29

content:
<p>
Covid-19 is spreading in India at an alarming rate.  Hospitals have
run out of beds and are running out of oxygen for ventilators.  Even
young, healthy adults <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/21/system-has-collapsed-india-descent-into-covid-hell">are dying in large numbers</a>.

<p>
This is the result of a right-wing truth-rejecting government
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/21/why-is-india-seeing-such-a-huge-surge-in-covid-19-cases">that recklessly "reopened the economy"</a>.
  As well as causes that people could not easily have changed.


feed_id: c11cfa17c17245b239e1e765ae1272cd
title: Unhealthy air pollution
uri: Unhealthy-air-pollution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#22_April_2021_%28Unhealthy_air_pollution%29
content:
<p>
*Four in 10 Americans live in counties <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/21/us-air-pollution-report-american-lung-association">with unhealthy air pollution
 levels</a>.*

<p>
Do we know a feasible way to substantially reduce toxic air pollution?


feed_id: d667ae4021ad9bf2e9b6cd035d916aaf
title: Fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty
uri: Fossil-fuel-non-proliferation-treaty
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#22_April_2021_%28Fossil_fuel_non-proliferation_treaty%29

content:
<p>
*101 Nobel laureates <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/21/101-nobel-laureates-call-for-global-fossil-fuel-non-proliferation-treaty">call for global fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty</a>.*


feed_id: cffe1e57dfb55ef036d5997d02975399
title: Derek Chauvin convicted
uri: Derek-Chauvin-convicted
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#22_April_2021_%28Derek_Chauvin_convicted%29
content:
<p>
Derek Chauvin <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/20/derek-chauvin-verdict-guilty-murder-george-floyd">has been convicted of murdering George Floyd</a>.

<p>
That killing was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/20/derek-chauvin-verdict-guilty-murder-george-floyd">one instance of a recurring pattern</a>.
  Lesser
instances, which are not fatal but do oppress, happen all over the
country every day.  One conviction is just a step towards the goal of
ending that.

<p>
I wonder &mdash; if Chauvin had let Floyd up after 7 minutes, and Floyd had
survived with evident brain damage, would Chauvin have been prosecuted at all?


feed_id: 5bd05f686b90117e71e6f08cde8b6a83
title: Gang war season
uri: Gang-war-season
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#22_April_2021_%28Gang_war_season%29
content:
<p>
In Mexico, election season is also drug gang war season, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/apr/20/mexico-violence-gangs-cartels-criminal-elections">since the
rival gangs want to control state governments</a>.


feed_id: 35c1e0bb501791829db98b49179ff9d0
title: Deporting protesters
uri: Deporting-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#22_April_2021_%28Deporting_protesters%29
content:
<p>
Turkey is deporting Iranian exiles to Iran <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/20/iranian-activists-at-increasing-risk-in-former-haven-turkey">after they joined Turks in
protests</a>.


feed_id: c208c23c974a8de0b42d6950ecff1980
title: Clerics for climate defense
uri: Clerics-for-climate-defense
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#22_April_2021_%28Clerics_for_climate_defense%29
content:
<p>
Some Christian clerics <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/20/the-rev-scott-hardin-nieri-north-carolina-climate-action">are working for climate defense</a>.


feed_id: 325bd693c6b8f9dd2b38089d150c1fbf
title: Commercial mining in Brazil
uri: Commercial-mining-in-Brazil
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#23_April_2021_%28Commercial_mining_in_Brazil%29
content:
<p>

*Brazil's indigenous groups <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/19/americas/brazil-indigenous-protest-mining-intl-latam/index.html">protest bill</a> that would allow commercial mining on
their land.*
<p>
That's the sort of thing we'd expect Bolsonaro to support.


feed_id: ef7d71b43d01139261a64d3dd9cd6703
title: Preventing China's influence in Australia
uri: Preventing-China-s-influence-in-Australia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#23_April_2021_%28Preventing_China%27s_influence_in_Australia%29

content:
<p>

Australia's federal government is using new laws to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/apr/21/federal-government-tears-up-victorias-belt-and-road-agreements-with-china">prevent China from
spending money to buy influence in Australia</a>.


feed_id: f689ba8b4ff32e6056c93cbd5a86c636
title: Cellebrite's bad security
uri: Cellebrite-s-bad-security
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#23_April_2021_%28Cellebrite%27s_bad_security%29
content:
<p>

The phone-cracking program Cellebrite has such bad security that
a special poison file in a phone being cracked could <a href="https://gizmodo.com/signals-ceo-just-hacked-the-cops-favorite-phone-crackin-1846733412">alter any
and all of the data</a> in the Cellebrite installation.


feed_id: 1c0b2534a3928df363f0fde83d839028
title: (satire) Blue-Uniformed Killer
uri: (satire)-Blue-Uniformed-Killer
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#23_April_2021_%28%28satire%29_Blue-Uniformed_Killer%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *FBI Says Chauvin <a href="https://www.theonion.com/fbi-says-chauvin-matches-profile-of-blue-uniformed-kill-1846732261">Matches Profile Of Blue-Uniformed Killer</a>
Behind Hundreds More Unsolved Murders.*


feed_id: 9115738a4e7100680cf87c297cb296a0
title: Covid-19 as an excuse to interfere with reporters
uri: Covid-19-as-an-excuse-to-interfere-with-reporters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#23_April_2021_%28Covid-19_as_an_excuse_to_interfere_with_reporters%29

content:
<p>

Reporters Without Borders says that 3/4 of countries have used Covid-19 as
an <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/20/watchdog-says-journalism-vaccine-against-disinformation-took-global-hit-during">excuse to interfere</a> with reporters' access to information.


feed_id: 3a65923b46004209a41f7a1bacb559ef
title: Federal probe into Minneapolis police department
uri: Federal-probe-into-Minneapolis-police-department
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#23_April_2021_%28Federal_probe_into_Minneapolis_police_department%29

content:
<p>

*To Confront 'Systemic Failures,' DOJ <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/21/confront-systemic-failures-doj-announces-federal-probe-minneapolis-police-department">Announces Federal Probe</a> Into Minneapolis
Police Department.*
<p>
That's the sort of thing we need, to reduce the lawlessness of cops.


feed_id: 3e6fe43be955e62005e9c6d8cd39b312
title: Ireland helps corporations pay less tax
uri: Ireland-helps-corporations-pay-less-tax
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#23_April_2021_%28Ireland_helps_corporations_pay_less_tax%29

content:
<p>

When Ireland helps multinational corporations pay less tax,
they pay Ireland a fraction of the tax they avoided paying elsewhere.
Ireland says it will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/apr/21/ireland-will-resist-global-corporate-tax-rate-says-finance-minister">fight hard to continue</a> this betrayal of the
rest of the world.
<p>
My proposed <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/progressive-tax-on-business-gross-income.html">progressive tax on businesses</a>
can be implemented by one country or several coumtries, regardless of what the rest of the world does.


feed_id: fc80a33eefc1b6b42458d74a4d39bbcd
title: Not prosecuting for prostitution
uri: Not-prosecuting-for-prostitution
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#23_April_2021_%28Not_prosecuting_for_prostitution%29

content:
<p>

Several large US cities have adopted a policy of <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/21/paradigm-shift-manhattan-da-will-no-longer-prosecute-prostitution">not prosecuting
anyone for prostitution</a>.
<p>
This is a big step forward.  I think sex work should be legal,
and sex workers should be free to work with support businesses for
advertising, security and finance.  If they cannot work because
of an epidemic, they should get unemployment payments.
<p>
Legalization does not have to mean deregulation.  It is reasonable
to require sex workers follow hygeine standards and get regular tests
for STDs, for public health.
<p>
Meanwhile, some sex workers are enslaved.  Prohibiting sex work has
failed to prevent enslavement; indeed, it can help keeping trafficked
sex workers in slavery because they don't see how they could survive
if they escape.  We should design other methods so that they work.


feed_id: aea127e5f3e28d57e75c6a00584b8821
title: The Fourth Amendment is Not For Sale Act
uri: The-Fourth-Amendment-is-Not-For-Sale-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#23_April_2021_%28The_Fourth_Amendment_is_Not_For_Sale_Act%29

content:
<p>

The Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act would <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/21/privacy-champions-urge-passage-fourth-amendment-not-sale-act">forbid the government agencies
in the US from buying location tracking data</a>.
<p>
This is a good but small start at what we need to do to restore
privacy.  We should prohibit systems that collect personal data
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">without a specific warrant</a>.


feed_id: cd985e1f127276fbc6097e303f0f38ec
title: Contrasting Navalny and Assange
uri: Contrasting-Navalny-and-Assange
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#23_April_2021_%28Contrasting_Navalny_and_Assange%29
content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2021/04/21/pers-j01.html">Contrasting the cases</a> of Alexei Navalny and Julian Assange: they
receive similar repression, but the former gets mainstream western
support, and the latter does not.
<p>
I support them both.  I have some political disagreements
with each of them, but I set those aside because of their heroism
in a good cause.
<p>
In general, the right way to criticize a double standard
is to apply the right standard, and criticize judgment based
on a wrong standard.


feed_id: 5c6b43bb384f359897b885722071a831
title: Corporate capture in the first 100 days
uri: Corporate-capture-in-the-first-100-days
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#23_April_2021_%28Corporate_capture_in_the_first_100_days%29

content:
<p>

*[The Revolving Door Project] Gives <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/21/revolving-door-watchdog-gives-biden-white-house-b-corporate-capture-after-first-100">Biden White House 'B-'</a> on
Corporate Capture in First 100 Days.*
<p>
That is better than I would have expected from a US administration.


feed_id: 3b03961efaf00cdf6b1a96c5eb9f3285
title: Radio instructions on Jan 6
uri: Radio-instructions-on-Jan-6
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#23_April_2021_%28Radio_instructions_on_Jan_6%29
content:
<p>

Reportedly one Capitol <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#police">Police officer</a> gave radio instructions on Jan 6
to focus on hypothetical progressive counterprotesters and <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/21/politics/us-capitol-police-officer-investigation-radio-broadcast-lofgren/index.html">disregard the
wrecker's insurrectionists</a>.


feed_id: 213cd9449b1bd2641769601f04d79640
title: Children need free time
uri: Children-need-free-time
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#23_April_2021_%28Children_need_free_time%29
content:
<p>

*Children need free time to figure out <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/risking-it/202104/why-kids-need-go-play-and-get-uncomfortable">how to handle stressful situations</a>.*


feed_id: 0756050e0150682b24d7188415a9bd51
title: Emissions cuts by 2030
uri: Emissions-cuts-by-2030
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#23_April_2021_%28Emissions_cuts_by_2030%29
content:
<p>

*US vows to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/22/us-emissions-climate-crisis-2030-biden">cut its emissions at least 50%</a> by 2030 ahead of climate summit.*


feed_id: 113622e623ddc2998a4d9950b5d5e3ee
title: Sunlight-dimming technology
uri: Sunlight-dimming-technology
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#23_April_2021_%28Sunlight-dimming_technology%29
content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/22/climate-crisis-emergency-earth-day">Hypothetical sunlight-dimming technology</a> would not be a correct
substitute for sufficient cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.  Promoting them
as if they were a substitute tends to encourage fewer cuts.


feed_id: ce1af1e8777bfcb726fec54d9b696703
title: Cancellation of Pence's memoir
uri: 2021-04-23-Cancellation-of-Pence-s-memoir
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#22_April_2021_%28Cancellation_of_Pence%27s_memoir%29

content:
<p>
Simon & Schuster rejected demands from staff <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/apr/21/mike-pences-publisher-refuses-to-cancel-memoir-after-staff-protest">to cancel publication of
Pence's memoir</a>.

<p>
I thoroughly oppose Pence's politics, and I would not regret if his book
were not published,  But I also oppose the efforts of the publisher's staff
to <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> the company into cancelling books.


feed_id: d73d3bc46bbe22dc6d1b07578d17458b
title: The Fourth Amendment is Not For Sale Act
uri: 2021-04-23-The-Fourth-Amendment-is-Not-For-Sale-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#23_April_2021_%28The_Fourth_Amendment_is_Not_For_Sale_Act%29

content:
<p>

The Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act would <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/21/privacy-champions-urge-passage-fourth-amendment-not-sale-act">forbid the government agencies
in the US from buying location tracking data in bulk</a>.
<p>
This is a good but small start at what we need to do to restore
privacy.  We should prohibit systems that collect personal data
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">without a specific warrant</a>.


feed_id: cb4292cff56a1206013e7bd91d6eb39f
title: Environment protest criminalised
uri: 2021-04-23-Environment-protest-criminalised
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#20_April_2021_%28Environment_protest_criminalised%29

content:
<p>
*Environment protest <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/environment-protest-being-criminalised-around-world-say-experts/ar-BB1fOMSv">being criminalised around world</a>, say experts.*

<p>
*Extinction Rebellion prosecutions <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/19/extinction-rebellion-prosecutions-showed-the-spectrum-of-climate-protest">showed the spectrum of climate protest</a>.*


feed_id: a98a843d03e4ec3211881d2704271d1b
title: Urgent: pass the NO BAN act
uri: Urgent-pass-the-NO-BAN-act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#24_April_2021_%28Urgent%3A_pass_the_NO_BAN_act%29
content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/tell-congress-stop-hate-fueled-policy-and-pass-no-ban-act-2">pass the NO BAN Act</a>.
It would prohibit religious discrimination in regard to entering the US.

<p>The Capitol Switchboard number is 202-224-3121.</p>
<p>If you call, please spread the word!</p>


feed_id: f1a88232cd3b7d6979230333544e02d3
title: UK Covid contracts raise red flags
uri: UK-Covid-contracts-raise-red-flags
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#24_April_2021_%28UK_Covid_contracts_raise_red_flags%29

content:
<p>

*Fifth of UK Covid contracts <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/22/fifth-of-uk-covid-contracts-raised-red-flags-for-possible-corruption">‘raised red flags for possible
 corruption’</a>.*


feed_id: aca5c9a03bd3c099101b5c68344e4784
title: Gambia eradicated trachoma
uri: Gambia-eradicated-trachoma
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#24_April_2021_%28Gambia_eradicated_trachoma%29
content:
<p>

The Gambia has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/apr/22/the-gambia-becomes-second-african-state-to-end-trachoma">eradicated trachoma</a>, following the example of Ghana.
<p>
We can eradicate trachoma globally with the same methods.  All it
requires is spending money, plus having the trust of the people.  If
there is trachoma in Afghanistan or Pakistan, it may be impossible to
make progress there.


feed_id: 5abeafffb42fc381634622ad2f1ce6ee
title: Emissions cuts look large
uri: Emissions-cuts-look-large
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#24_April_2021_%28Emissions_cuts_look_large%29
content:
<p>

Biden's proposals for emissions cuts <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/21/climate-groups-warn-reported-biden-plan-cut-emissions-half-2030-not-good-enough">look large</a>, partly because they
are presented in misleading ways.
For instance, using 2005 as a basis for measuring greenhouse gas
emissions reductions exaggerates the amount of reduction being
proposed.
<p>
Green Party: *The President is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/04/21/greens-biden-climate-you-are-not-party-science">offering half of a parachute</a> when we’re
about to be kicked out of an airplane.*
<p>
The article describes the Green Party's plan for a <em>full</em> Green New Deal.
<p>
Australia is also using <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/23/australia-has-been-talking-up-its-climate-credentials-but-do-the-claims-stack-up">fudged accounting</a> to magnify small planned reductions.
<p>
The world may be at a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/21/time-urgency-and-hope-how-do-we-move-planet-forward">tipping point</a> for climate defense action.


feed_id: 139672978f27432ab20ec34ee266d1e7
title: Identification by palm-prints
uri: Identification-by-palm-prints
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#24_April_2021_%28Identification_by_palm-prints%29
content:
<p>

Amazon is offering customers the option of using <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/21/tech/amazon-whole-foods-palm-scan-payments/index.html">palm-prints to identify themselves</a>.
<p>
In situations where it is acceptable to demand people identify
themselves, palm-prints are somewhat better than fingerprints, because
people in other activities leave fewer palm prints than fingerprints.
<p>
However, people people should not have to <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">identify themselves</a> to buy
things.


feed_id: 82124a5f7f1e6d0e70dadc99f45b3b87
title: CVS donated to campaign against single-payer medical care
uri: CVS-donated-to-campaign-against-single-payer-medical-care
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#24_April_2021_%28CVS_donated_to_campaign_against_single-payer_medical_care%29

content:
<p>

CVS recently donated millions of dollars to a lobbying campaign <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/04/21/cvs-lobby-health-insurance-medicare-for-all/">against single-payer medical care</a>.
<p>
We could think of it as PAHCEF, or Partnership for America's Heath
Care's Expensive Future.


feed_id: 7d54f0a995679f48abf8e6172297a5e4
title: Covax vaccine scheme
uri: Covax-vaccine-scheme
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#24_April_2021_%28Covax_vaccine_scheme%29
content:
<p>

Wealthy countries set up a scheme called Covax to donate vaccine to
poor countries, instead of permitting alternate producers.  But Covax
is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/22/no-hiding-behind-covax-anymore-critics-say-delivery-shortfall-shows-dire-need">running far behind its schedule</a>.  The manufacturers are not
delivering as much as they promised.
<p>
I continue to support ordering the vaccine companies to stop impeding
the generic manufacture of vaccines.


feed_id: b4f0e4361c2205079f51c5114298e49b
title: Biden's restrictions on fossil fuel development
uri: Biden-s-restrictions-on-fossil-fuel-development
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#24_April_2021_%28Biden%27s_restrictions_on_fossil_fuel_development%29

content:
<p>

Biden's new restrictions on financing fossil fuel development outside the US
are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/04/22/biden-administration-announces-restrictions-overseas-fossil-fuel-financing">simultaneously a great advance and terribly inadequate</a>.
<p>
This is the Biden pattern.  Starting from such a low level of climate defense,
it is not difficult to make a great advance and be terribly inadequate.


feed_id: 8ba7a4d10dd5745752bd037540cdd3bc
title: US urban transportation
uri: US-urban-transportation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#24_April_2021_%28US_urban_transportation%29
content:
<p>

For decades, US urban transportation facilities have been situated in
places where they <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/22/opinions/american-infrastructure-spending-racism-foxx/index.html">cut off or eliminated black neighborhoods</a>.
Their disenfranchisement (even where not official) left them unable to
stop this.


feed_id: 78a187053d85edad53429eeefc16fd06
title: We cannot fool nature and physics
uri: We-cannot-fool-nature-and-physics
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#24_April_2021_%28We_cannot_fool_nature_and_physics%29

content:
<p>

Greta Thunberg: *We can keep using creative carbon accounting and
   cheat in order to pretend that these targets are in line with what is
   needed. But we must not forget that while we can fool others and even
   ourselves, we <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/22/we-must-call-out-our-naked-emperors-climate-emergency">cannot fool nature and physics</a>.*


feed_id: 51604db2f832a0e9193c591aa8ea9628
title: (satire) Streamline Ecosystem
uri: (satire)-Streamline-Ecosystem
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#24_April_2021_%28%28satire%29_Streamline_Ecosystem%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *EPA Hoping To <a href="https://www.theonion.com/epa-hoping-to-streamline-ecosystem-by-hosting-team-buil-1846702831">Streamline Ecosystem</a> By Hosting Team-Building Lunch
Meet-And-Greets Between Species.*


feed_id: 5cc36d03582ba1aa721829e6dd4c3750
title: Strict curbs on facial recognition
uri: Strict-curbs-on-facial-recognition
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#24_April_2021_%28Strict_curbs_on_facial_recognition%29

content:
<p>

*EU lawmakers propose <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2021/04/eu-lawmakers-propose-strict-curbs-on-use-of-facial-recognition/">strict curbs</a> on use of facial recognition.*
<p>
The proposal described here comes in range of what is really needed.
But since massive tracking of people's past movements is enough
to make society repressive, that too must be regulated.  I've <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">proposed</a> that
the right action to regulate is systematically collecting images of people
and making them available for automatic identification.


feed_id: 5768c00205432633d7cfc66564d02eea
title: New vaccine against malaria
uri: New-vaccine-against-malaria
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#24_April_2021_%28New_vaccine_against_malaria%29
content:
<p>

A new vaccine against malaria <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/23/oxford-malaria-vaccine-proves-highly-effective-in-burkina-faso-trial">prevented 3/4 of the expected cases</a> of
malaria in its test.
<p>
In combination with other measures, maybe this will make it possible
to eradicate malaria.


feed_id: 8635e539c66b14dedc1d06aed33d51df
title: California Governor decided to stop fracking
uri: California-Governor-decided-to-stop-fracking
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#24_April_2021_%28California_Governor_decided_to_stop_fracking%29

content:
<p>

California Governor Newsom decided to stop fracking &mdash; slowly.
The state will take 3 years simply to stop issuing <em>new</em> permits
for fracking.  And it will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/23/california-fracking-ban-oil-extraction">end oil extraction</a>, so many decades from now
that it will be too late.
<p>
Newsom seems to think we've got all century!


feed_id: 5b36f51c889cb7dc62be2e7df4c2de67
title: Patent gives US leverage
uri: Patent-gives-US-leverage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#24_April_2021_%28Patent_gives_US_leverage%29
content:
<p>

*NIH Scientist Who Developed Key Vaccine Technology Says Patent <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/23/nih-scientist-who-developed-key-vaccine-technology-says-patent-gives-us-leverage">Gives
 US Leverage</a> Over Big Pharma.*
<p>
The question is whether the US wants to use this leverage.  Around 1980,
the US changed its policy on technology developed with government funds.
Before that, it prioritized public access to that technology.  Then, with
the Bayh-Dole bill, it it switched to the trickle-down goal of giving
companies "more incentive".


feed_id: 12334d6fcda4e1425a992cc72ec07bc3
title: Extinction Rebellion protesters
uri: 2021-04-24-Extinction-Rebellion-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#24_April_2021_%28Extinction_Rebellion_protesters%29
content:
<p>

Several Extinction Rebellion protesters were <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/23/jury-acquits-extinction-rebellion-protesters-despite-no-defence-in-law">found innocent</a> of various
minor offenses they committed in a protest against Shell.
They presented the defense of necessity, and the jury acquitted them
even though the judge said not to.


feed_id: 5ceb7e46b56317b1d86c59a563aad609
title: Blocking generic Covid-19 vaccines
uri: Blocking-generic-Covid-19-vaccines
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#24_April_2021_%28Blocking_generic_Covid-19_vaccines%29

content:
<p>

*Pharmaceutical Industry Dispatches Army of Lobbyists to <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/04/23/covid-vaccine-ip-waiver-lobbying/">Block Generic Covid-19 Vaccines</a>.*
<p>
When you talk about this issue, please choose not to employ the term
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">"intellectual property"</a>.  It is subtle propaganda for the other side.


feed_id: 526c4d69101db6790e00aa006cfa15e4
title: Questioning why Isaiah Brown was shot 10 times
uri: Questioning-why-Isaiah-Brown-was-shot-10-times
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#24_April_2021_%28Questioning_why_Isaiah_Brown_was_shot_10_times%29

content:
<p>

*Virginia family questions <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/23/virginia-isaiah-brown-sheriffs-deputy-shot">why sheriff’s deputy shot [Isaiah Brown] 10 times</a>.*


feed_id: b0da2ac9b51cbc66509df74dd528c5f7
title: Urgent: Support the Green New Deal
uri: Urgent-Support-the-Green-New-Deal
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#25_April_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Support_the_Green_New_Deal%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: <a href="https://act.350.org/sign/sign-support-green-new-deal/">support the Democrats' Green New Deal</a>.
<p>
Indeed, it is not as good as the Green Party's Green New Deal,
but it's better than none at all.


feed_id: 0e98b9c23f30dc0cb6433a60ee0c7e4a
title: Urgent: Fix the Supreme court
uri: Urgent-Fix-the-Supreme-court
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#25_April_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Fix_the_Supreme_court%29
content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="http://act.boldprogressives.org/survey/petition_2021_scotus_reform/">fix the Supreme court</a>.
<p>
Increasing its size may not be the best method.  I think it would be
better to reduce the size to six, if it is possible to ensure that the
three most-recently-appointed justices are the ones that are moved to
other federal courts.
<p>
None of these methods can actually be enacted now without first
eliminating the filibuster.

<p>The Capitol Switchboard number is 202-224-3121.</p>
<p>If you call, please spread the word!</p>


feed_id: f79240f0d8c2c62c68b89d3b102f3480
title: Women who work in massage parlors
uri: Women-who-work-in-massage-parlors
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#25_April_2021_%28Women_who_work_in_massage_parlors%29

content:
<p>

Women who work in massage parlors in New York City are afraid <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>
will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/23/massage-parlor-workers-police-threat-safety">pressure them into sex or into prostitution</a>, or what could be
portrayed as prostitution, whether or not they normally do sex work &mdash;
and then arrest them.
<p>
This means that the decision not to prosecute prostitution in
Manhattan any more (following Brooklyn's example) makes them much
safer.  But not as safe as they would be if sex work were not a crime
at all.
<p>
Meanwhile, I've read that some of the sex workers in massage parlors
are enslaved.  It happens in a <a href="https://stallman.org/enslaved-workers.html">wide range of occupations</a>,
and that includes sex work.
<p>
Arresting them does no good against enslavement, but
has anyone found a method that is effective for freeing them?


feed_id: e0ad3fe45a1a23915fa01d9e589bca41
title: Exposing phony "news sites"
uri: Exposing-phony-news-sites
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#25_April_2021_%28Exposing_phony_news_sites%29
content:
<p>

Exposing <a href="https://pluralistic.net/2021/04/23/reputation-laundry/#dark-ops">phony "news sites"</a> whose purpose is to fabricate backdated
"original" news stories, so as to accuse journalists of copyright
infringement on their own writing.


feed_id: bc558ed17a645be883a4da155e4a5503
title: (satire) Person criticizing police
uri: (satire)-Person-criticizing-police
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#25_April_2021_%28%28satire%29_Person_criticizing_police%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Person Criticizing Police Has <a href="https://www.theonion.com/person-criticizing-police-has-no-idea-what-it-s-like-to-1846742315">No Idea What It’s Like</a> To Wake
Up Every Day And Put Lives In Danger.*


feed_id: e67ed35694ce1e26130a539dec7d9b9f
title: Excluding Jamaican people from UK citizenship
uri: Excluding-Jamaican-people-from-UK-citizenship
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#25_April_2021_%28Excluding_Jamaican_people_from_UK_citizenship%29

content:
<p>

The UK government turned to minor crimes, committed decades ago, as
reasons to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/apr/23/home-office-handling-of-windrush-citizenship-claims-ruled-irrational">exclude people of Jamaican origin</a> from the UK citizenship
they had been entitled to claim earlier if they realized it would be
important.

(satire) D.C. becoming its own planet
(satire) *Republicans Argue <a href="https://politics.theonion.com/republicans-argue-d-c-statehood-slippery-slope-to-dist-1846742751">D.C. Statehood Slippery Slope</a> To District
One Day Becoming Own Planet.*
<p>
Seriously, it would be a great thing if a part of the Earth could
become a separate planet capable of supporting human civilization.
Then civilization would have two chances for survival.


feed_id: cab9e61ba98d71ae8404fb45233b20a7
title: (satire) All the police brutality of Chicago
uri: (satire)-All-the-police-brutality-of-Chicago
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#25_April_2021_%28%28satire%29_All_the_police_brutality_of_Chicago%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *<a href="https://www.theonion.com/milwaukee-promotes-itself-as-hip-affordable-place-to-l-1846740352">Milwaukee Promotes Itself</a> As Hip, Affordable Place To Live
With All The Police Brutality Of Chicago.*


feed_id: 8b6a785c1d7b63b14f46ed9cc7739fc3
title: Big banks continue financing fossil fuels
uri: Big-banks-continue-financing-fossil-fuels
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#25_April_2021_%28Big_banks_continue_financing_fossil_fuels%29

content:
<p>

The big banks, in the US and elsewhere, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/22/big-banks-are-fueling-climate-emergency">continue financing fossil fuels</a>,
for all that they talk about wanting to reduce greenhouse emissions.
<p>
The big US banks also were behind the recession of 2008, followed by
taking the homes of millions of Americans with <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-sep-dec.html#24%20November%202010%20(Floridas%20special%20foreclosure%20courts)">fraudulent
foreclosures</a>.
<p>
Afterward, there was a campaign 10 years ago to move our money out of
those banks, and I did.
<p>
It's not too late to participate in this campaign.


feed_id: 74d5313dd682272d31181ff477419542
title: Sexual assault investigations
uri: Sexual-assault-investigations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#25_April_2021_%28Sexual_assault_investigations%29
content:
<p>

*Pentagon review panel recommends <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/22/politics/pentagon-sexual-assault-allegations-recommendation-lloyd-austin/index.html">taking sexual assault investigations out of
commanders' hands</a>.*
<p>
I object to the vagueness of accusing a person of "sexual assault" &mdash;
people have a right to a more specific accusation.  However, in this
issue we are not talking about any specific person or any specific
alleged action.  Rather, it is a proposal for how to handle trials for
all crimes of a sexual nature.  That doesn't constitute vagueness
about any individual.
<p>
The fundamental problem of military "justice" overall is <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#22_July_2013_(Command_influence_on_judge_in_Bradley_Mannings_trial)">"command
influence"</a> &mdash; the fact that your trial is under the control of one of your
commanders and the judges also report to that commander.  The
consequence is that the court has a tendency to rule as that commander
wishes.
<p>
In the 19th century, with travel so slow, it may have been necessary
to hold courts martial locally.  That is no longer necessary now.  So
it is good to see a plan to eliminate command influence, even if it is
for just some kinds of charges.  If this is adopted, perhaps
eventually the US military will do this for all kinds of charges.


feed_id: a8f98b3a0e752f135cbe7745d0d5ab57
title: Continued air attacks in Afghanistan
uri: Continued-air-attacks-in-Afghanistan
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#25_April_2021_%28Continued_air_attacks_in_Afghanistan%29

content:
<p>

The US will <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/22/politics/mckenzie-afghanistan-air-strikes/index.html">continue air attacks in Afghanistan</a> after withdrawing
ground troops.
However, the US may withdraw all its military contractors,
including those that act as mercenaries.


feed_id: 1d9eb6c31845da678b2898e53b51cb37
title: Russia's military buildup near Ukraine
uri: Russia-s-military-buildup-near-Ukraine
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#25_April_2021_%28Russia%27s_military_buildup_near_Ukraine%29

content:
<p>

Russia's military buildup near Ukraine seems to have been a <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56746144">bargaining
point</a>.


feed_id: 8145a71083f9179f6599b3d094db9cc7
title: Overcrowded private renters in England
uri: Overcrowded-private-renters-in-England
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#25_April_2021_%28Overcrowded_private_renters_in_England%29

content:
<p>

*Covid spread as <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/apr/24/covid-spread-as-overcrowding-doubles-among-private-renters-in-england">overcrowding doubles</a> among private renters in England.*
<p>
Many aspects of life in poverty tend to make people sick, and shorten
their lives.


feed_id: 546582fb2948a19ff33ce3604b494d97
title: Concentration of industry
uri: 2021-04-26-Concentration-of-industry
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28Concentration_of_industry%29
content:
<p>
The European Union's policies against concentration of industry <a href="https://thecounterbalance.substack.com/p/the-european-system-of-monopoly">are so weak
that hardly ever is a merger blocked</a>.


feed_id: 16d2026dbee919783060d467a2dc77db
title: Evictions during Covid emergency
uri: Evictions-during-Covid-emergency
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28Evictions_during_Covid_emergency%29

content:
<p>
Thanks to action by the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau, people
who are evicted during the Covid emergency <a href="https://pluralistic.net/2021/04/20/euthanize-rentier-enablers/#cfpb">will be able to sue</a>.


feed_id: 83756b10cbecb6ccfa3532979a763760
title: Restaurants and vaccination
uri: Restaurants-and-vaccination
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28Restaurants_and_vaccination%29
content:
<p>

Proposing a campaign to ask US restaurants <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/24/its-time-destroy-sick-and-twisted-plans-american-maskholes">to admit only clients who
can prove having been vaccinated</a>.

<p>
I think we should not start this now.  Many people in the US have not
had a chance to become fully vaccinated yet &mdash; they became eligible
for vaccination only recently.  We should wait a month or two, until
the time when everyone over 16 will have had a chance to be fully
vaccinated.

<p>
A small fraction of Americans cannot be vaccinated, for medical
reasons.  Allowing them in will make little difference in public
health, so restaurants ought to do so.

<p>
People under 16 can't get vaccinated yet, but in fancy restaurants only
a few of the clients are so young, and there is no significant risk
of transmission between them as long as they are few in number.

<p>
With these two exceptions, people who cooperate with public health
measures, as much as they can safely do, will not be excluded.

<p>
Thus, the only people excluded will be those who <em>intentionally
refuse</em> to join in putting an end to Covid-19 in the US.


feed_id: e80154deebd45d47d4fdba4d41f5c4d3
title: 10,000 UKP fine
uri: 10-000-UKP-fine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%2810%2C000_UKP_fine%29
content:
<p>
UK <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> issued a fine of 10,000 UKP (more than 12,000 USD)
for a peaceful protest, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/apr/24/law-firm-takes-up-case-of-nurse-fined-10000-for-1-pay-protest">without bothering with a trial</a>.

<p>
The Tory government wants to make it clear that <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> can do this
with no accountability.


feed_id: 12f47d0c567960d2fbdedf3071cc1a67
title: Basic rights in space
uri: Basic-rights-in-space
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28Basic_rights_in_space%29
content:
<p>
*In space, no one will hear <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/25/elon-musk-jeff-bezos-space-moon-mars-workers-rights-unions">Bezos and Musk's workers' call for basic rights</a>.*


feed_id: 59360a9e4357413a2ef045e9c2b2fd12
title: Controlling the poor
uri: Controlling-the-poor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28Controlling_the_poor%29
content:
<p>
*US policing is far less about fighting crime <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/25/us-policing-is-far-less-about-fighting-crime-than-controlling-the-poor">than controlling the poor</a>.*


feed_id: 922133e50fe00376d85bc067c66235e5
title: Organizing own games
uri: Organizing-own-games
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28Organizing_own_games%29
content:
<p>
Organized opportunities for groups of children <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/apr/25/how-one-uk-charity-is-reclaiming-childrens-right-to-roam">to organize their own games</a>.


feed_id: 27b9b54b51a2ea8abe177b8e3dd008ce
title: Urgent: Made in America tax plan
uri: Urgent-Made-in-America-tax-plan
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Made_in_America_tax_plan%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/take-action-tell-congress-to-pass-president-bidens-made-in-america-tax-plan?nowrapper=true">call on Congress</a> to pass the Made in America tax plan.


feed_id: 9eaef5fb395616b6eee33813078015f9
title: Urgent: Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act
uri: Urgent-Fourth-Amendment-Is-Not-For-Sale-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Fourth_Amendment_Is_Not_For_Sale_Act%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.freepress.net/sign/congress_protect_privacy/">call on Congress</a> to pass the Fourth Amendment Is Not for Sale Act.

<p>
This is <a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#23_April_2021_(The_Fourth_Amendment_is_Not_For_Sale_Act)">just the first step</a> of what we need to restore digital privacy.


feed_id: dfe062a947ef6fb5e7163b789b89b8e1
title: Unconscious bias
uri: Unconscious-bias
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28Unconscious_bias%29
content:
<p>
Many courses that aim to train people out of unconscious bias <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/apr/25/what-unconscious-bias-training-gets-wrong-and-how-to-fix-it">use
methods too weak to do the job</a>.


feed_id: 1bf228cdfae503081e5f6de94a94ba89
title: Decades of police violence
uri: Decades-of-police-violence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28Decades_of_police_violence%29
content:
<p>
*Before Chauvin: decades of Minneapolis police violence <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/25/minneapolis-police-incidents-promises-reform">that failed to spark
reform</a>.*

<p>
The article linked to just above displays symbolic bigotry by
capitalizing "black" but not "white".  (To avoid that bigotry,
capitalize both words or neither one.)  I object to bigotry, and
normally I decline to link to articles which promote it.  But I make
an exception for articles which give important information about
racism or the fight to eliminate racism.  This is one of the
exceptions.


feed_id: eb215dfc54800ec3530f44f85631dc88
title: Human-rights conditions
uri: Human-rights-conditions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28Human-rights_conditions%29
content:
<p>
Calling on the US State Department to take its own conclusions seriously
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/23/groups-urge-blinken-keep-human-rights-conditions-us-military-aid-egypt">by insisting on the human-rights conditions on military aid to Egypt</a>.

<p>
Why not replace it with civilian aid?


feed_id: 4b27d693a768fc396e9ca883c7e202a2
title: Covid anxiety syndrome
uri: Covid-anxiety-syndrome
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28Covid_anxiety_syndrome%29
content:
<p>
*Fears Covid anxiety syndrome <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/24/fears-covid-anxiety-syndrome-could-stop-people-reintegrating">could stop people reintegrating</a>.*

<p>
I see parallels with the Americans who were paralyzed with fear of
terrorist attacks in the 2000s, and the parents who won't let their
children alone for a minute.


feed_id: 4d1c5e73ae2b34584d0f30dbbaf2a078
title: Scaled with $5 ladders
uri: Scaled-with-5-ladders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28Scaled_with_%245_ladders%29
content:
<p>
[The bullshitter's] $27m-a-mile border wall <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/24/donald-trump-border-wall-scaled-ladders">being scaled with $5 ladders</a>.


feed_id: 4c616157b862e216d94d97a3b86c01ae
title: Urgent: reject face recognition
uri: Urgent-reject-face-recognition
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28Urgent%3A_reject_face_recognition%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/live-event-producers-dont-use-facial-recognition-in-the-name-of-covid-safety?nowrapper=true">call on live event producers</a> to reject imposing face
recognition in the name of Covid safety.


feed_id: 3f6bc06592d76b5863bd4c5645dd9009
title: France support of the dictator of Chad
uri: France-support-of-the-dictator-of-Chad
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28France_support_of_the_dictator_of_Chad%29

content:
<p>

France <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/25/chad-dictators-death-spells-chaos-in-islamist-terrors-new-ground-zero">supported the dictator of Chad</a> (who was just killed by rebels)
in exchange for his help in fighting <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a>.
<p>
I agree that fighting <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a> is a good thing to do, but keeping a
dictator in power (and now his son and heir) is not.


feed_id: 6815b939de2b03b6d9ad06454e0c4842
title: Tracked by Google
uri: Tracked-by-Google
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28Tracked_by_Google%29
content:
<p>

Google has decided to protect users of Android from being tracked &mdash; <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2021/04/fighting-floc-and-fighting-monopoly-are-fully-compatible">except
by Google</a>.
<p>
What gives Google the power to make this choice and impose it on users?
That is due to Google's <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/android-and-users-freedom.html">nonfree software in Android</a>.


feed_id: 745338dd58df28e8572d6476a7ad1bfe
title: Solar panels from Xinjiang forced labour
uri: Solar-panels-from-Xinjiang-forced-labour
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28Solar_panels_from_Xinjiang_forced_labour%29

content:
<p>

*Revealed: UK solar projects using panels from firms linked to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/23/revealed-uk-solar-projects-using-panels-from-firms-linked-to-xinjiang-forced-labour">Xinjiang forced labour</a>.*
<p>
The effective way to get away from using products of China's forced
labor is to plan to develop production capacity outside China, and
plan to refuse to buy the products from China.  However, the WTO may
make that difficult.
<p>
Which is one more reason why the WTO, which is a business-supremacy treaty,
is an injustice.  Add that to the obstruction of generic Covid-19 vaccines
and a <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#13_August_2017_(Business_supremacy_treaties)">long list of other injustice</a>.


feed_id: 72b74d47e689cbae9709813e702a1948
title: Australia's retirement funds
uri: Australia-s-retirement-funds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28Australia%27s_retirement_funds%29
content:
<p>

Australia's retirement funds have decided to cast their votes in
corporations' bodes in favor of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/apr/26/australian-super-funds-to-vote-against-company-directors-not-tackling-climate-crisis">greenhouse emission reduction targets</a>.
To be sure, following the Paris treaty is aiming for failure,
and 2050 is far too late; but it is a shift to start pushing aside
the Australian government's planet-roaster policies.


feed_id: 8e0ed11be5d03c483a000189a0a9e0ff
title: United Airlines layoffs
uri: United-Airlines-layoffs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28United_Airlines_layoffs%29
content:
<p>

*United Airlines received billions in Covid aid. Now thousands of workers
could <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/apr/25/united-airlines-layoffs-covid-relief">lose their jobs</a>.*
<p>
Why didn't Congress attach conditions to that "bailout" money?  It's
not that nobody thought of doing that.  The same Covid relief law,
passed a year ago, included "forgivable" loans to small businesses and
organizations; in order to convert these loans into grants, the
organization had to maintain the level of staffing.  Why not put the
same conditions on handouts to airlines?


feed_id: 68ee05f2bfb483716d75b004365b238b
title: Eliminalia
uri: Eliminalia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28Eliminalia%29
content:
<p>

"Eliminalia" is a network of 300 fraudulent "news" web sites
which <a href="https://pluralistic.net/2021/04/23/reputation-laundry/#deere-john">eliminate real news articles</a> by posting copies of them,
backdating them, and filing DMCA takedowns on them.


feed_id: 01d1f3f40d3ad4c02eceaeeab27a7837
title: Demands to pay for time in jail
uri: Demands-to-pay-for-time-in-jail
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28Demands_to_pay_for_time_in_jail%29
content:
<p>

David Jones was jailed, pre-trial, for 14 months.  Then his charges were
dropped, but the jail <a href="https://www.wkyt.com/2021/04/21/man-hit-with-4000-bill-after-year-long-jail-stay-for-charges-that-were-later-dismissed/">demands he pay</a> $4,000 for the service of jailing him.
<p>
I imagine him daring the jail to jail him again because he will never
pay a cent either way.  If it does, it will have to spend even more
money on him.  How long will it take the jail to give up and limit its
loss?


feed_id: 29cf559b237757c2ba807595547a83e3
title: Disclosure of who donates to campaign funds
uri: Disclosure-of-who-donates-to-campaign-funds
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28Disclosure_of_who_donates_to_campaign_funds%29

content:
<p>

The now-right-wing Supreme Court could <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/25/much-depends-supreme-courts-review-dark-money-case">sweep away laws</a> requiring disclosure
of who donates campaign funds.


feed_id: 3a996f96224bc4824ff67f55e8083337
title: Indian government's contempt for freedom of speech
uri: Indian-government-s-contempt-for-freedom-of-speech
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28Indian_government%27s_contempt_for_freedom_of_speech%29

content:
<p>

Twitter is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/25/not-surprise-terrifying-indias-request-twitter-blocks-posts-critical-modi-covid">censoring tweets that criticize the Indian government's
handling of Covid-19</a>, upholding the Indian government's contempt for
freedom of speech.


feed_id: c8f98a7600b7cfd2a4e97be5a147ec1a
title: Urgent: Make the American Families Plan reduce drug prices
uri: Urgent-Make-the-American-Families-Plan-reduce-drug-prices
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Make_the_American_Families_Plan_reduce_drug_prices%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Biden to <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/americans-voted-for-lower-drug-prices-now-its-time-for-president-biden-to-keep-his-promise">make the American Families Plan reduce
drug prices</a>.


feed_id: deb01fdcad5f3a0586c35dcecbcd0cbf
title: Eliminalia
uri: 2021-04-28-Eliminalia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_%28Eliminalia%29
content:
<p>
"Eliminalia" is a network of 300 fraudulent "news" web sites which
<a href="https://pluralistic.net/2021/04/23/reputation-laundry/#dark-ops">eliminate
real news articles</a> by posting copies of them, backdating them, and
filing DMCA takedowns on them.


feed_id: cb0c48ca2120af32c2729a107018f8a9
title: Cultural appropriation
uri: 2021-04-28-Cultural-appropriation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28Cultural_appropriation%29
content:
<p>
Yet another accusation of "cultural appropriation" &mdash; this one aiming
to establish <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2021/apr/27/justin-bieber-hairstyle-cultural-appropriation">racial restrictions on wearing certain hair styles</a>.

<p>
Each person is entitled to the right to wear per hair in any style.


feed_id: 6784de31dd43513c3af92167705fa37a
title: Investigating Covid response
uri: Investigating-Covid-response
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28Investigating_Covid_response%29
content:
<p>
*Brazil begins parliamentary inquiry <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/27/brazil-begins-parliamentary-inquiry-into-bolsonaros-covid-response">into Bolsonaro’s Covid response</a>.*


feed_id: e123c0ac52d75ca83c4728d9e65a00b3
title: Brutality against elder
uri: Brutality-against-elder
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28Brutality_against_elder%29
content:
<p>
Colorado cops arrested a 73-year-old woman with Alsheimer's disease
who had tried to leaving a store with a little merchandise she had not
paid for (and maybe did not remember she had).  Staff had taken it
from her already.

<p>
The cops <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/21/colorado-police-arrest-woman-with-dementia-break-arm-karen-garner">broke her arm and caused her other injuries</a>.

<p>
*Police video shows officers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/27/colorado-walmart-karen-garner-loveland-police-arrest">joking about violent arrest of Colorado woman</a>.*


feed_id: 5c63a7978af24e5872edc21294e408b7
title: Threat to ocean life
uri: Threat-to-ocean-life
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28Threat_to_ocean_life%29
content:
<p>
The threat to ocean life is not just overfishing &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/27/regulators-missing-pollutions-effect-on-marine-life-study-finds">pollution is involved too</a>.


feed_id: ca74f9b2d64e39f22fbb76febbbf6469
title: Civilian rule
uri: Civilian-rule
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28Civilian_rule%29
content:
<p>
*Protests erupt in N’Djamena as <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/27/protests-ndjamena-chad-civilian-rule-president-idriss-deby">Chadians demand civilian rule</a>.*


feed_id: 69a712a66f2f8482c8e15a90aa47afa5
title: Pressure to refuse publishing books
uri: Pressure-to-refuse-publishing-books
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28Pressure_to_refuse_publishing_books%29

content:
<p>
A pressure campaign demands that Simon &amp; Schuster refuse to publish
books by right-wing politicians even if they did not support the
attack on the Capitol &mdash; <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/apr/27/simon-and-schuster-staff-campaign-against-book-deal-mike-pence">for instance, Pence</a>.

<p>
I find this frightening.  I disagree with Pence on issues across the
board, but it is wrong to make it impossible for him and other
right-wingers to publish books.


feed_id: 2e2e31be74d5c2cda714d477851a8dde
title: Water pumping
uri: Water-pumping
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28Water_pumping%29
content:
<p>
*Drought-hit California [prepares to order] Nestlé <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/27/california-nestle-water-san-bernardino-forest-drought">to stop pumping millions of
gallons of water</a>.*

<p>
Companies like Nestlé and its successor privatize the profits while
dumping the cost on the public.


feed_id: 19d8db54ac1cd2b11f21e8bbed60503f
title: Auditing tax returns
uri: Auditing-tax-returns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28Auditing_tax_returns%29
content:
<p>
Biden proposes to give the IRS a lot more money <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/27/joe-biden-raise-80bn-high-earners-corporations">to audit the tax returns
of people with a lot of income</a>.


feed_id: a30514893df056611e8f60c8fdbbb722
title: Systematic discrimination
uri: Systematic-discrimination
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28Systematic_discrimination%29
content:
<p>
* Human Rights Watch calls on international criminal court <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/27/israel-committing-crime-apartheid-human-rights-watch">to
   investigate ‘systematic discrimination’ against Palestinians</a>* 
   in Palestinian territory and in Israel.


feed_id: 313e7ee87227d630397f185e32185e71
title: Vaccination persuasion
uri: Vaccination-persuasion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28Vaccination_persuasion%29
content:
<p>
*   A coronavirus “vaccination persuasion” initiative targeting elderly
   people who have declined invitations to get vaccinated <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/27/covid-vaccination-persuasion-teams-reap-rewards-in-turkey">is gearing up to
   be rolled out across Turkey</a>.*


feed_id: 365c351bbef013fd50c2c19ed63b55f3
title: Climate exhibit, by Shell
uri: Climate-exhibit-by-Shell
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28Climate_exhibit%2C_by_Shell%29
content:
<p>
The climate-striking students in the UK call for a boycott of an exhibit
about the climate in the Science Museum, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2021/apr/26/school-climate-strikers-urge-boycott-of-science-museum-exhibition-shell-deal">sponsored by Shell</a>.

<p>
Oil companies have used their money in clever and subtle ways to deny,
then downplay, then delay action to reduce fossil fuel use.  We should
not trust them to have influence in education about the climate.


feed_id: 6c5e41d171654134bfbbcc4c2d0b51c5
title: Methane emissions
uri: 2021-04-28-Methane-emissions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28Methane_emissions%29
content:
<p>
*Slashing Methane Emissions <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/apr/26/police-spy-issued-nasty-threat-to-womans-family-inquiry-told">Must Play Larger Role in Fighting Climate
Crisis</a>, UN Says.*


feed_id: 1d9c7168ad9319e136f28519f846cc7e
title: Cruel ban on food and cash aid
uri: Cruel-ban-on-food-and-cash-aid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28Cruel_ban_on_food_and_cash_aid%29
content:
<p>
*House Dems Propose Lifting 'Cruel' Ban <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/26/house-dems-propose-lifting-cruel-ban-former-drug-felons-receiving-food-and-cash-aid">on Former Drug Felons
Receiving Food and Cash Aid</a>.*

<p>
It is harmful for society overall if people who have been convicted of crimes
are thereafter excluded from survival without crime.


feed_id: 0242e9156c007eb2f468baaa9478742d
title: Mob tortures two women
uri: Mob-tortures-two-women
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28Mob_tortures_two_women%29
content:
<p>
A mob in Papua New Guinea tortured two women with burning metal,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/27/two-women-tortured-in-latest-sorcery-related-attack-in-papua-new-guinea">demanding they confess to being witches</a>.

<p>
This sort of atrocity still occurs in many parts of the world.

<p>
Our internet hate mobs are the same sort of psychological phenomenon,
but without the physical violence.


feed_id: 109e72e12b21c89cfc83e44eb422741d
title: Still campaigning against generic vaccines
uri: Still-campaigning-against-generic-vaccines
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28Still_campaigning_against_generic_vaccines%29

content:
<p>
Bill Gates <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/25/share-vaccine-recipes-poor-during-pandemic-one-worlds-richest-men-bill-gates-says-no">is still campaigning hard against generic Covid-19 vaccines</a>.


feed_id: 7b0a17054022bc4a4e2d701d6f63acf5
title: Brutality against elder
uri: 2021-04-29-Brutality-against-elder
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28Brutality_against_elder%29
content:
<p>
Colorado cops arrested a 73-year-old woman with Alzheimer's disease
who had tried to leave a store with a little merchandise she had not
paid for (and maybe did not remember she had).  Staff had taken it
from her already.
<p>
The cops
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/21/colorado-police-arrest-woman-with-dementia-break-arm-karen-garner">broke
her arm and caused her other injuries</a>.
<p>
*Police video shows officers
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/27/colorado-walmart-karen-garner-loveland-police-arrest">joking
about violent arrest of Colorado woman</a>.*


feed_id: a0a8f90707af3ae8e5d0a39ca3ea4170
title: Repression by the "music industry"
uri: Repression-by-the-music-industry
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28Repression_by_the_music_industry%29

content:
<p>

The "music industry" <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/apr/27/music-industry-confronts-climate-crisis-gigs-resume">represses people who listen to music</a., using unjust copyright laws such as the DMCA
<p>
The "music industry" plants its boot on people who listen to music, using
a <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#20_August_2015_(Record_companies_want_censorship)">repressive copyright system</a>
such as the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2003-sep-dec.html#11%20October%202003%20(DMCA)">DMCA,</a>
in the name of musicians and composers.  At the same time, it
increases its plutocratist exploitation of musicians and composers to the point
where those get almost none of the money that the companies squeeze out of us.
<p>
I've proposed <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/copyright-vs-community.html">two better ways</a> for listeners to support the musicians
and composers.
Let's make a deal with them, and tell Spotify and the music
copyright industry to dry up and blow away.
<p>
The first, personal step: always listen to music from a non-DRM copy
in your own computer &mdash; never from a streaming dis-service.  By
insisting on having a copy, you make sure that the possibility of sharing
a copy is always available to you.


feed_id: 78eeb9e0d23244b540181ae956f02f93
title: Lobbying against exception to vaccine patents
uri: Lobbying-against-exception-to-vaccine-patents
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28Lobbying_against_exception_to_vaccine_patents%29

content:
<p>

The copyright industry is <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/04/27/covid-vaccine-copyright-hollywood-lobbyists/">lobbying the WTO against an exception to
vaccine patents</a>.
<p>
Since copyrights and patents are independent laws, different on every
detail, why would the copyright industry care about this question?  I
think it is the result of lumping these and other unrelated laws
together under the umbrella term "intellectual property".  That is
meant to teach people to imagine a mythical principle of "intellectual
property," which is so important that it overrides practical needs of
whatever kind.
<p>
The world would be better off if we eliminate patents entirely.
We should do so, <a href="https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/limit-patent-effect.html">in software</a>
and <a href="https://www.wired.com/opinion/2012/11/richard-stallman-software-patents/">in general</a>.
<p>
I do not advocate entirely eliminating copyright &mdash; rather, <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/copyright-vs-community.html">reducing it</a>
to some extent.
<p>
But we should entirely reject the term and myth of <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">"intellectual property."</a>


feed_id: 22ec848619213277d9b7576b05faae96
title: Voter suppression bill
uri: Voter-suppression-bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28Voter_suppression_bill%29
content:
<p>

Florida is still working on a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/26/stop-bill-gop-led-florida-senate-sparks-alarm-attack-voting-rights">voter-suppression bill</a>.
<p>
The prohibition on handing out food or water to people waiting on long
voting lines (themselves a consequence of voter-suppression measures)
<em>may</em> be omitted.


feed_id: 8333a676d5fae0474b04d495a514e773
title: Shot in the back of the head
uri: Shot-in-the-back-of-the-head
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28Shot_in_the_back_of_the_head%29
content:
<p>

North Carolina thugs <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/27/us/andrew-brown-elizabeth-city-shooting-tuesday/index.html">shot Andrew Brown in the back of the head</a> as he
was driving away from them.
<p>
The FBI is going to investigate the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>' actions.
<p>
The <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> were carrying body cameras but the thug department seems
reluctant to show the video.


feed_id: 3e00ce544f6040a7d32a644eded40fd8
title: The wrecker's secret vaccine contracts
uri: The-wrecker-s-secret-vaccine-contracts
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28The_wrecker%27s_secret_vaccine_contracts%29

content:
<p>

Sanders and Democrats in Congress call for <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/27/democrats-sanders-demand-biden-release-secret-covid-vaccine-contracts-inked-under">publication</a> of the wrecker's
secret vaccine contracts.


feed_id: 6242bd311803b40b6ce3f45719a89559
title: Defending our imperfect democracy
uri: Defending-our-imperfect-democracy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28Defending_our_imperfect_democracy%29

content:
<p>

The imperfect democracy that the US has is our only avenue for
addressing the injustices and threats we now face.  With Republicans
dead-set on negating it, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/27/putting-liberal-democracy-first-has-never-been-more-important">we must now defend it</a>.
<p>
There are two kinds of criticism of American democracy: the kind that
accepts democracy in principle, and the kind that rejects it.  We are all
aware of the flaws in the way the democratic system functions in the US, and
of campaigns to fix them.
<p>
What is shocking is the existence of progressives who reject democracy
in principle.  What do they imagine as a better alternative?  


feed_id: cb2728e663b59439b2253ed3d703781e
title: 21st-Century Civilian Climate Corps
uri: 21st-Century-Civilian-Climate-Corps
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%2821st-Century_Civilian_Climate_Corps%29

content:
<p>

*America Needs a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/27/america-needs-21st-century-civilian-climate-corps">21st-Century Civilian Climate Corps</a>.*
<p>
Reducing greenhouse emissions is curing the disease.  Protecting
people and places from the effects of greenhouse emissions is treating
the symptoms.  We must make sure to cure the disease, and then if we
have resources to spare, we can treat the symptoms.
<p>
The place to get those resources is from the rich.


feed_id: d3ba3dc0de52288690e2dc29433211d3
title: Obstructing the transition to renewable energy
uri: Obstructing-the-transition-to-renewable-energy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28Obstructing_the_transition_to_renewable_energy%29

content:
<p>

Florida is passing laws to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/04/27/floridas-extreme-preemption-bills-target-clean-energy-transition">obstruct the transition to renewable energy</a>.
<p>
The Republican death cult has decided that <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> is not a
threat and efforts to curb <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> are acts of the devil.
So they will do anything they can think of to interfere with that.
<p>
Likewise, efforts to curb Covid-19 are acts of the devil and they will
do anything they can think of to interfere with that.


feed_id: b1b2e13106a0046fd406546af0d499d3
title: Repression by the "music industry"
uri: 2021-04-29-Repression-by-the-music-industry
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28Repression_by_the_music_industry%29

content:
<p>

The "music industry" <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/apr/27/music-industry-confronts-climate-crisis-gigs-resume">represses people who listen to music</a>, using unjust copyright laws such as the DMCA
<p>
The "music industry" plants its boot on people who listen to music, using
a <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#20_August_2015_(Record_companies_want_censorship)">repressive copyright system</a>
such as the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2003-sep-dec.html#11%20October%202003%20(DMCA)">DMCA,</a>
in the name of musicians and composers.  At the same time, it
increases its plutocratist exploitation of musicians and composers to the point
where those get almost none of the money that the companies squeeze out of us.
<p>
I've proposed <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/copyright-vs-community.html">two better ways</a> for listeners to support the musicians
and composers.
Let's make a deal with them, and tell Spotify and the music
copyright industry to dry up and blow away.
<p>
The first, personal step: always listen to music from a non-DRM copy
in your own computer &mdash; never from a streaming dis-service.  By
insisting on having a copy, you make sure that the possibility of sharing
a copy is always available to you.


feed_id: 5a03f76ca6b1707961b0cf1c24930cfb
title: Methane emissions
uri: 2021-04-29-Methane-emissions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#28_April_2021_%28Methane_emissions%29
content:
<p>
*Slashing Methane Emissions <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/26/slashing-methane-emissions-must-play-larger-role-fighting-climate-crisis-un-says">Must Play Larger Role in Fighting Climate
Crisis</a>, UN Says.*


feed_id: ddf178dd5a9ba528c3b225a56ab30cdf
title: Demand for clean water
uri: Demand-for-clean-water
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#29_April_2021_%28Demand_for_clean_water%29
content:
<p>
*Tribes without clean water <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/28/indigenous-americans-drinking-water-navajo-nation">demand an end to decades of US government neglect</a>.*


feed_id: 9f5cdf5a60757df6527035454c8af68d
title: American Families Plan
uri: American-Families-Plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#29_April_2021_%28American_Families_Plan%29
content:
<p>
The American Families Plan <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/28/joe-biden-american-families-plan-childcare-community-college">would help low-wage families in several ways</a>.

<p>
We still need <a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#26_April_2021_(Urgent:_Make_the_American_Families_Plan_reduce_drug_prices)">to reduce drug prices</a>.
  As well as a national medical system.


feed_id: 100afc28095fb370df1c6c246bcf5ccf
title: Ban on leaving
uri: Ban-on-leaving
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#29_April_2021_%28Ban_on_leaving%29
content:
<p>
China has set up to arbitrarily ban certain people from leaving Hong Kong,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/28/hong-kong-passes-law-that-can-stop-people-leaving">as it arbitrarily bans certain people from leaving China</a>.

<p>
The Soviet Union and its puppet countries famously required people to
get an "exit visa" in order to leave the country.  This practice was a
constant reminder of that empire's tyranny.


feed_id: 774e9ae69511a5648effc1c5b220652e
title: Search without warrant
uri: Search-without-warrant
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#29_April_2021_%28Search_without_warrant%29
content:
<p>
New Zealand proposes to "fight terrorism" by giving <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> the power to
search anywhere without a search warrant <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/28/who-guards-the-guards-experts-call-for-oversight-of-new-zealands-terror-laws">when they say it's because they
suspect terrorism</a>.

<p>
This would be a grave error.  Terrorism is a real danger.  Unchecked
policing is a real danger, too.


feed_id: 25beb5da9415dd0cc0992736d1ba4511
title: Unesco press freedom prize
uri: Unesco-press-freedom-prize
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#29_April_2021_%28Unesco_press_freedom_prize%29
content:
<p>
Philippine journalist Maria Ressa <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/28/philippines-journalist-maria-ressa-wins-unesco-press-freedom-prize">has won the Unesco press freedom
prize</a>.

<p>
Let's hope this convinces President Do-dirty that <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#13_July_2020_(Urgent:_stop_attacking_independent_media)">putting her in prison on
bizarre charges</a>
                would not be wise for him.

<p>
I call him Do-dirty because <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jul-oct.html#8_October_2016_(President_Do-dirty)">he boasts of sending thugs to kill people
in the street</a>.
                He says that those killed are drug traffickers.  I
suppose some of them really are drug traffickers.


feed_id: 57a5b0f2c78830110ff8af485069c8fb
title: Further USPS sabotage
uri: Further-USPS-sabotage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#30_April_2021_%28Further_USPS_sabotage%29
content:
<p>
DeJoy plans further sabotage of the USPS &mdash; closing facilities and
slowing delivery, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/28/slap-face-postal-union-slams-dejoy-plan-close-mail-processing-facilities">in the name of cost savings that are probably
exaggerated</a>.


feed_id: 90a76a0311e73aae1cf187819fa43c8f
title: Google Search Frustration
uri: Google-Search-Frustration
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#30_April_2021_%28Google_Search_Frustration%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/god-frustrated-after-google-search-reveals-octopuses-al-1846774782">satire</a>) *God Frustrated After Google Search Reveals Octopuses Already
Exist.*


feed_id: 8ef3810d76d429386f5240c333426494
title: Faked own extinction
uri: Faked-own-extinction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#30_April_2021_%28Faked_own_extinction%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/researchers-determine-coelacanth-faked-own-extinction-t-1846777826">satire</a>) *Researchers Determine Coelacanth Faked Own Extinction To
Escape Massive Gambling Debt.*


feed_id: 215307bba6ea6c92762089834d5f8e81
title: Speed of melting
uri: Speed-of-melting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#30_April_2021_%28Speed_of_melting%29
content:
<p>
*Speed at which world’s glaciers are melting <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/28/speed-at-which-worlds-glaciers-are-melting-has-doubled-in-20-years">has doubled in 20 years</a>.*


feed_id: 3bd018994661fa188c8c7c863b398a90
title: Squeezing journalists
uri: Squeezing-journalists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#30_April_2021_%28Squeezing_journalists%29
content:
<p>
Chinese repression <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/28/media/hong-kong-media-bao-choy-intl-hnk/index.html">is squeezing journalists in Hong Kong</a>.

<p>
However, China is hardly alone in repressing journalism more these days.
It is <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-mar-jun.html#4_June_2018_(Journalism_hatred)">a global trend</a>.


feed_id: eb8030c6300c90a684be714c33562020
title: Increased tax deduction
uri: Increased-tax-deduction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#30_April_2021_%28Increased_tax_deduction%29
content:
<p>
Plutocratist Democrats in the House of Representatives are pushing for an
increased tax deduction, <a href="https://www.taxpolicycenter.org/taxvox/salt-cap-repeal-would-overwhelmingly-benefit-high-income-households">almost entirely for high-income taxpayers</a>.


feed_id: 3df76b94236673656d38f600bff89fdd
title: Much more progressive than expected
uri: Much-more-progressive-than-expected
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#30_April_2021_%28Much_more_progressive_than_expected%29

content:
<p>
Biden has proved to be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/28/joe-biden-speech-congress-sketch">much more progressive than I expected</a>.

<p>
We need to keep pushing on the areas where he isn't; but mostly we need
to convince a few plutocratist Democrats in the Senate to eliminate
the filibuster.


feed_id: eabc2e320a71e777d3af04cf1e8708a1
title: Urgent: Medicare for All
uri: 2021-04-30-Urgent-Medicare-for-All
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#30_April_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Medicare_for_All%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=14199">call on your congresscritter and senators</a> to support
Medicare for All.

<p>
To sign <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/javascript-trap.html">without running nonfree JavaScript code</a>
                                                from the web site,
use <a href="https://stallman.org/salsalabs-method.html">the Salsalabs workaround</a>.


feed_id: 72e10c81d1c8190dd3eb38adfd421e10
title: Urgent: George Floyd Justice in Policing Act
uri: Urgent-George-Floyd-Justice-in-Policing-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#30_April_2021_%28Urgent%3A_George_Floyd_Justice_in_Policing_Act%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.pfaw.org/sign/george-floyd-justice-policing-act-senate-2021/">call on your senators</a> to support the George Floyd
Justice in Policing Act.


feed_id: d50410a7170d8d18da829bf9820ab094
title: Urgent: halt use of land mines
uri: Urgent-halt-use-of-land-mines
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#30_April_2021_%28Urgent%3A_halt_use_of_land_mines%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/biden-end-trumps-landmine-policy">call on Biden</a> to halt use of land mines.


feed_id: 7fe0f4bce9f892c72b9c45687653909f
title: Ahmed Zaoui allowed to live in freedom
uri: Ahmed-Zaoui-allowed-to-live-in-freedom
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#30_April_2021_%28Ahmed_Zaoui_allowed_to_live_in_freedom%29

content:
<p>
I was pleased to learn that New Zealand concluded that Ahmed Zaoui was
not a terrorist after all, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/28/who-guards-the-guards-experts-call-for-oversight-of-new-zealands-terror-laws">and allowed him to live there in freedom</a>.

<p>
I first heard about Zaoui when New Zealand had imprisoned him without trial,
Guantanamo-style, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2005-mar-jun.html#07 April 2005 (Ahmed Zaoui had to flee for his life)">based on unverified suspicions</a>.


feed_id: 33317b0a98e5fff28beea914dc731554
title: Navalny in court
uri: Navalny-in-court
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#30_April_2021_%28Navalny_in_court%29
content:
<p>
Navalny is ending his hunger strike and has appeared in court <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/29/alexei-navalny-looks-gaunt-as-he-appears-in-court-after-hunger-strike">in an
attempt to appeal his bogus conviction</a>.

<p>
With the benefit of hindsight, I think that Navalny's dramatic return
to Russia, which at first galvanized opposition, has been defeated by
Putin's willingness to throw away all restraint.


feed_id: d6cb10ff7d13364be9bb0e1d57c5091d
title: Outdoors liberty
uri: Outdoors-liberty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#30_April_2021_%28Outdoors_liberty%29
content:
<p>
People around 10 years older than me write about <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/apr/28/the-good-old-days-when-children-were-free-to-play">enjoying liberty
outdoors by themselves at the age of 4 or 5 years</a>.


feed_id: 409f31bd895eed7f68f2b66a0078deaf
title: Great Barrier Reef
uri: 2021-04-30-Great-Barrier-Reef
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#30_April_2021_%28Great_Barrier_Reef%29
content:
<p>
Local action to protect the Great Barrier Reef would extend its life for
only two decades, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/29/life-support-measures-could-buy-great-barrier-reef-another-two-decades-study-finds">unless we also curb greenhouse emissions</a>.


feed_id: 65518f54babb59a592a924fea2b4c7ad
title: Air pollution exposure
uri: Air-pollution-exposure
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-jan-apr.html#30_April_2021_%28Air_pollution_exposure%29
content:
<p>
*Study links childhood air pollution exposure <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/28/study-links-childhood-air-pollution-exposure-to-poorer-mental-health">to poorer mental health</a>.*

<p>
What makes it interesting is that it controls for other variables that
might affect people's mental health.


feed_id: 444f0b1e6cb5d22d9e9cdc8c4653dfd8
title: Urgent: Add Medicare expansions and improvements to the American Families Plan
uri: Urgent-Add-Medicare-expansions-and-improvements-to-the-American-Famil
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Add_Medicare_expansions_and_improvements_to_the_American_Families_Plan%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Biden to <a href="http://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/Medicare_Expansion_Now/">add Medicare expansions and
improvements to the American Families Plan</a>.


feed_id: d7ad45c5bd06efdcf798df325177aeb5
title: Urgent: Green augmentation of Biden's infrastructure plan
uri: Urgent-Green-augmentation-of-Biden-s-infrastructure-plan
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Green_augmentation_of_Biden%27s_infrastructure_plan%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call for <a href="https://act.350.org/letter/infrastructure_biden/">green augmentation of Biden's
infrastructure plan</a>.


feed_id: 1ad4be1824f016ae2d4cdd71e35acef7
title: Letting Republicans rig the 2022 election
uri: Letting-Republicans-rig-the-2022-election
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Letting_Republicans_rig_the_2022_election%29

content:
<p>

Manchin argues for letting Republicans rig the 2022 election
because otherwise they would try to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/27/letting-terrorists-win-manchin-suggests-pro-democracy-reform-would-spark-another">steal it by force</a>.
<p>
Is it better if they rig it?


feed_id: 82c5bc6e1b61abbde05505c402532bac
title: Virtual reality to train cops
uri: Virtual-reality-to-train-cops
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Virtual_reality_to_train_cops%29
content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/27/us/virtual-reality-police-training-sacramento/index.html">Using virtual reality to train cops</a> on how to respond to difficult situations
and avoid killing innocent people.
<p>
If it enables them to see how their scores are worse when dealing with
blacks than with whites, could it train them out of unconscious bias?


feed_id: 9543d0481e2ef14b64c1451e79641c33
title: Indoor Covid-safety
uri: Indoor-Covid-safety
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Indoor_Covid-safety%29
content:
<p>

Covid-safety of people in an indoor space depends greatly on the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/27/health/covid-spread-inside-wellness/index.html">amount of
ventilation</a> &mdash; and on use of face masks.


feed_id: 92e7fcab1616774c190f59cf67925863
title: Not stopping an inmate from killing himself
uri: Not-stopping-an-inmate-from-killing-himself
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Not_stopping_an_inmate_from_killing_himself%29

content:
<p>

A New York City thug faces criminal charges for <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/27/us/inmate-death-nyc-correction-officer-charge/index.html">ordering subordinates</a> not
to save a prisoner who was killing himself.


feed_id: 25aed4461f13fbd1b6597d420cc3fa53
title: Video of the death of Andrew Brown, Jr.
uri: Video-of-the-death-of-Andrew-Brown-Jr
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Video_of_the_death_of_Andrew_Brown%2C_Jr.%29

content:
<p>

Elizabeth City, North Carolina, privately <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/27/demand-release-full-tape-grows-fbi-opens-probe-police-killing-andrew-brown-jr">showed relatives</a> a heavily
edited video of how <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> shot and killed Andrew Brown, Jr.
<p>
One thing they saw is that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> began shooting just as they said,
"Show us your hands", while in fact his hands were in plain view.


feed_id: 4bdc87292235afb7cfaaa0373b5c9000
title: Chill all controversial public statements
uri: Chill-all-controversial-public-statements
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Chill_all_controversial_public_statements%29

content:
<p>

Vanuatu is about to chill all controversial public statements
with a law making <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/29/chilling-vanuatu-libel-bill-prompts-fears-for-free-speech">libel a crime</a>.
<p>
Even if that law is applied honestly, it will make all controversial
journalism dangerous.  But such honesty is not likely, as the powerful
will keep trying to distort the law.
<p>
We have seen <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#29_October_2014_(Secret_searches_in_the_US)">many examples</a> of <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#02_September_2015_(Anti-terrorism_laws)">use of such laws</a> for <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#25_June_2014_(UK_minister_wants_more_surveillance)">repression</a>.


feed_id: bc4b34abf0006d0bfa6981589a9ff847
title: German government's climate protection measures
uri: German-government-s-climate-protection-measures
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28German_government%27s_climate_protection_measures%29

content:
<p>

* Germany’s supreme constitutional court has ruled that the
   government’s climate protection measures are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/29/historic-german-ruling-says-climate-goals-not-tough-enough">insufficient to
   protect future generations</a>.*  The government must adopt stronger
climate defense measures.


feed_id: 82943d83aa8063e134ca4601e799b2ec
title: Extinction Rebellion activists found not guilty
uri: Extinction-Rebellion-activists-found-not-guilty
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Extinction_Rebellion_activists_found_not_guilty%29

content:
<p>

Three Extinction Rebellion activists were found <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/29/three-extinction-rebellion-activists-acquitted-over-press-protests">not guilty</a> of charges
for a protest against a denialist right-wing newspaper.


feed_id: aa69e8ce0d3368404968f8c46d570b40
title: Regulating Chlorpyrifos
uri: Regulating-Chlorpyrifos
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Regulating_Chlorpyrifos%29
content:
<p>

A court ordered the EPA make a proper decision about <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/04/29/chlorpyrifos-epa-brain-damage-children/">regulating
Chlorpyrifos</a>.


feed_id: 47daa9b181c34ec8ad3caf9ca8ad50f1
title: Laws for leaving children unattended
uri: Laws-for-leaving-children-unattended
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Laws_for_leaving_children_unattended%29

content:
<p>

Two more states have passed laws to allow parents to leave their
children alone for a while, <a href="https://www.freerangekids.com/texas-and-oklahoma-pass-reasonable-childhood-independence-laws/">without being accused of "neglect"</a>.


feed_id: aea72324ce8af5bf115509fca28fdf23
title: Dealing with the homeless
uri: Dealing-with-the-homeless
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Dealing_with_the_homeless%29
content:
<p>

San Francisco is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/29/san-francisco-homelessness-police">taking the police out</a> of dealing with the homeless
and complaints about them.
<p>
The idea is to regard them as people that need help, rather than as
nuisances to be pushed away, which is how San Francisco has <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#16_December_2017_(Robots_and_homeless_people)">treated
them historically</a> for a long time.


feed_id: 06b6c8a645cfdac9ee980282d6abc9f8
title: Factories ready to manufacture Covid-19 Vaccines
uri: Factories-ready-to-manufacture-Covid-19-Vaccines
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Factories_ready_to_manufacture_Covid-19_Vaccines%29

content:
<p>

*Factory Owners Around the World Stand <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/04/29/covid-vaccine-factory-production-ip/">Ready to Manufacture Covid-19
 Vaccines</a>.*
<p>
Those who lobby not to allow them to try to do it
claim they could not.


feed_id: cc26bee73bf7aee770ab2370164b0b5a
title: Portland protesters sprayed by tear gas
uri: Portland-protesters-sprayed-by-tear-gas
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Portland_protesters_sprayed_by_tear_gas%29

content:
<p>

After Portland <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> sprayed protesters with tear gas in July, over
1000 of the protesters <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/29/teargas-protest-menstrual-cycles-health-impact">reported medical problems</a> that did not quickly
go away.
<p>
In particular, it seems to have a tendency to cause abnormal
menstruation.  I wonder if it can cause abortions also.  Would
Republicans ban tear gas, if so?
<p>
We say "tear gas", but I've read that there are different products
with different composition.  They might have different medical
effects, too.  I wonder what kind, or kinds, the Portland <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>
sprayed.


feed_id: 18c8922b384597a6cbbeecc529d81fb0
title: Senators urged Biden to close Guantanamo
uri: Senators-urged-Biden-to-close-Guantanamo
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Senators_urged_Biden_to_close_Guantanamo%29

content:
<p>

24 senators <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/04/16/988078547/senators-urge-biden-to-shut-down-guantanamo-calling-it-a-symbol-of-lawlessness">urged Biden</a> to get to work on closing the Guantanamo prison.
<p>
The US should either offer them real trials or stop holding them in
prison.


feed_id: a9242df3c18da5ab1f0016a6481e6d74
title: Republicans drawing new congressional districts
uri: Republicans-drawing-new-congressional-districts
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Republicans_drawing_new_congressional_districts%29

content:
<p>

Republicans in many states are working to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/29/us-voting-rights-census-house-seats-districts">draw new congressional districts</a>
so as to dominate the House of Representatives with a minority of the votes.


feed_id: d5202e3a63303f1d2273ffb296cfd359
title: AI to analyze and manipulate
uri: AI-to-analyze-and-manipulate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28AI_to_analyze_and_manipulate%29
content:
<p>

Companies and apps are using AI to <a href="https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2021/04/shhhh-theyre-listening-inside-the-coming-voice-profiling-revolution.html">analyze people's voices to
manipulate them</a>.


feed_id: e4ee584f19255c9f72f12c730038611f
title: Nigeria permitting jailing for criticizing religion
uri: Nigeria-permitting-jailing-for-criticizing-religion
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Nigeria_permitting_jailing_for_criticizing_religion%29

content:
<p>

The government of Nigeria is permitting religious fanatics to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/28/un-condemns-one-year-detention-of-nigerian-humanist-mubarak-bala">jail
humanist Mubarak Bala for criticizing religion</a>.


feed_id: 17cf6fddeca138aa720e7d19d2b70b91
title: Attorney Beaudreau for Deputy Interior Secretary
uri: Attorney-Beaudreau-for-Deputy-Interior-Secretary
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Attorney_Beaudreau_for_Deputy_Interior_Secretary%29

content:
<p>

*Senate <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/04/29/senate-urged-reject-fossil-fuel-attorney-beaudreau-deputy-interior-secretary">Urged to Reject</a> Fossil Fuel Attorney Beaudreau for Deputy Interior
Secretary.*


feed_id: a35556db3008a9167fea6222789984c9
title: Permanent apartheid system
uri: Permanent-apartheid-system
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Permanent_apartheid_system%29
content:
<p>

Human Rights Watch has recognized that Israel intends to <a href="https://www.972mag.com/hrw-apartheid-persecution-omar-shakir/">operate
an apartheid system permanently</a>, in Palestine and in Israel.


feed_id: 7a938726a117e99bace755284bef92f4
title: NYC suing Chipotle
uri: NYC-suing-Chipotle
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28NYC_suing_Chipotle%29
content:
<p>

New York City is <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/29/business/chipotle-nyc-lawsuit-labor-law/index.html">suing Chipotle</a> for failing to give workers
predictable schedules.
<p>
For workers that are terrified of losing their jobs, being compelled
to work at last minute is a big hardship.


feed_id: 7b2da75eb45134a47029fe74a99472e0
title: Urgent: Senate counterpart to Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act
uri: Urgent-Senate-counterpart-to-Stop-Militarizing-Law-Enforcement-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Senate_counterpart_to_Stop_Militarizing_Law_Enforcement_Act%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on your senators to <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/stop-militarizing-our-communities">introduce a Senate counterpart</a>
to the Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act (H.R. 1694).

<p>The Capitol Switchboard number is 202-224-3121.</p>
<p>If you call, please spread the word!</p>


feed_id: 44a1ed0dca14fd123aa3da92bcaf33b2
title: Ban on flavored cigarettes and cigars
uri: Ban-on-flavored-cigarettes-and-cigars
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Ban_on_flavored_cigarettes_and_cigars%29

content:
<p>

The FDA is planning to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/29/health/fda-menthol-cigarette-ban/index.html">ban flavored cigarettes and cigars</a>.
<p>
The flavored cigarettes in the US are mainly flavored with menthol.
ISTR reading that the menthol makes cigarettes more attractive to
teenagers.


feed_id: de2046992ae4dc71616aa808b304a9b0
title: Controversies about Substack
uri: Controversies-about-Substack
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Controversies_about_Substack%29
content:
<p>

A <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/apr/29/substack-news-writing-pyramind-scheme">discussion</a> of controversies about Substack.
<p>
Is it possible to read Substack and make a donation to a writer
without running nonfree software?  The usual ways of paying most web
sites require the payer to run nonfree software, which is why I never
pay a web site.


feed_id: add7747be8f1f389cc9b33b88daf1ab2
title: Biden's proposed reform to the international tax system
uri: Biden-s-proposed-reform-to-the-international-tax-system
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Biden%27s_proposed_reform_to_the_international_tax_system%29

content:
<p>

The head of the OECD is in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/apr/29/bidens-plans-are-once-in-a-lifetime-chance-to-end-global-tax-abuse-says-oecd-boss">favor of Biden's proposed reform</a> to the
international tax system.
<p>
I agree it would be a step forward, but the system <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/progressive-tax-on-business-gross-income.html">I proposed</a> to put
pressure on big companies to split themselves up would be much better.


feed_id: 33717e13478c17e72d031edf72a3e8af
title: Torture of people in jail
uri: Torture-of-people-in-jail
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Torture_of_people_in_jail%29
content:
<p>

A sheriff in Georgia faces charges for <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/28/us/georgia-sheriff-victor-hill-clayton-county-indictment/index.html">ordering torture of people in jail</a>.


feed_id: cd94acec41b368be9dbc08f55932e573
title: Case mounted by Chevron against Steven Donziger
uri: Case-mounted-by-Chevron-against-Steven-Donziger
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Case_mounted_by_Chevron_against_Steven_Donziger%29

content:
<p>

Progressives in Congress have asked Attorney General Garland to review
the <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/28/house-dems-ask-ag-garland-review-chevrons-unjust-legal-assault-steven-donziger">case mounted by Chevron against Steven Donziger</a>.


feed_id: c1d751a3ff1c745be7a8d12c17022d8a
title: Thugs that injured Karen Garner
uri: Thugs-that-injured-Karen-Garner
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Thugs_that_injured_Karen_Garner%29
content:
<p>

The thugs that injured Karen Garner <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/30/colorado-police-loveland-officers-resign">have resigned</a>.
<p>
I am heartened to see several cases in which <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> have been held accountable
for violence that was not fatal.  This is the way to teach cops to avoid the
habits that lead to unjustified violence, which occasionally is fatal.


feed_id: 2a1cf545841ec3b6512247e8d14065cd
title: Police robo-dog
uri: Police-robo-dog
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Police_robo-dog%29
content:
<p>

*New York mayor <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/30/new-york-mayor-creepy-police-robo-dog">calls off ‘creepy, alienating’ police robo-dog</a>.*


feed_id: 51ba03cfe1d4b5a949700001ab643f27
title: Navalny's opposition movement
uri: Navalny-s-opposition-movement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Navalny%27s_opposition_movement%29
content:
<p>

Putin has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/30/russian-state-watchdog-adds-navalny-network-to-terrorism-database">labeled Navalny's opposition  movement as "terrorist"</a>.
<p>
We should not forget that "anti-terrorism" laws often turn out to be
anti-dissent laws.


feed_id: 17c250ec7d0a0cc568b1a3ca3f5d646c
title: Britons taught by Bogus Johnson
uri: Britons-taught-by-Bogus-Johnson
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Britons_taught_by_Bogus_Johnson%29
content:
<p>

Has Bogus Johnson taught most Britons to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/apr/30/accusations-of-lying-pile-up-against-boris-johnson-does-it-matter">accept bullshit from their leaders</a>?


feed_id: e1742a28f9cb05a82284628b1a561619
title: Female political prisoners in Iran
uri: Female-political-prisoners-in-Iran
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Female_political_prisoners_in_Iran%29
content:
<p>

*Female political prisoners in Iran <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/apr/30/female-political-prisoners-in-iran-facing-psychological-torture-say-campaigners">facing ‘psychological torture’</a>, say
campaigners.*


feed_id: c05120deed9b17439956107efdc0b042
title: UK government sued over climate crisis
uri: UK-government-sued-over-climate-crisis
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28UK_government_sued_over_climate_crisis%29

content:
<p>

*[Three] UK students <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/30/uk-students-sue-government-human-rights-climate-crisis">sue government</a> over human rights impact of climate crisis.*


feed_id: 6fae39458e5a685d401e8e61964be3eb
title: Phasing out glyphosate genetically modified corn
uri: Phasing-out-glyphosate-genetically-modified-corn
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Phasing_out_glyphosate_genetically_modified_corn%29

content:
<p>

Mexico is trying to phase out glyphosate genetically modified corn,
but the US is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/29/80-groups-blast-us-interference-mexicos-phaseout-glyphosate-and-gm-corn">trying to interfere</a>.


feed_id: 8b5ae49dc97d374fe17e5f954dbdedc5
title: UN Treaty
uri: UN-Treaty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28UN_Treaty%29
content:
<p>

*UN Treaty Could Force Mining Companies to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/28/un-treaty-could-force-mining-companies-behave-responsibly">Behave Responsibly</a>.*


feed_id: 06cf012c79dd27596bbd2acb471a47e6
title: Thugs who killed Mario Gonzalez
uri: Thugs-who-killed-Mario-Gonzalez
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Thugs_who_killed_Mario_Gonzalez%29
content:
<p>

Thugs in Alameda, California, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/28/police-killed-my-brother-video-shows-officers-kneeling-mario-gonzalezs-back-5">killed Mario Gonzalez by kneeling on his back</a>,
then lied about it.


feed_id: 7ad7f6cb247827f0abf6388765844ec0
title: Low-hanging fruit in the climate battle
uri: Low-hanging-fruit-in-the-climate-battle
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Low-hanging_fruit_in_the_climate_battle%29

content:
<p>

*The low-hanging fruit in the climate battle? <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/30/climate-battle-cutting-down-on-meat-animal-products-dairy-carbon">Cutting down on meat</a>.*


feed_id: 6dbfd6523a45e3ae7540c77197f26d77
title: Epoch times and conspiracy theories
uri: Epoch-times-and-conspiracy-theories
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#1_May_2021_%28Epoch_times_and_conspiracy_theories%29

content:
<p>

The Epoch Times is accused of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/30/falun-gong-media-epoch-times-democrats-chinese-communists">sinking into far-fetched conspiracy theories
since 2017</a>.
<p>
A priori I can't tell whether the accusation that it is fake news
is valid, or fake news itself.  I would like to be able to verify this.


feed_id: 8ad34da12df9595d39dfb5fbcb0f9b6a
title: End profit-based decisions on fossil fuels
uri: End-profit-based-decisions-on-fossil-fuels
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#2_May_2021_%28End_profit-based_decisions_on_fossil_fuels%29

content:
<p>

Proposing to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/apr/30/net-zero-climate-crisis-decarbonise-economy">end the profit-based decisions</a> on whether to invest
in fossil fuel infrastructure.


feed_id: 6cbf15f421f07faa368aeb0b27b1d55d
title: West Antarctic ice sheet
uri: West-Antarctic-ice-sheet
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#2_May_2021_%28West_Antarctic_ice_sheet%29
content:
<p>

The West Antarctic ice sheet could start to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/30/antarctic-doomsday-glacier-may-be-melting-faster-than-was-thought">break up within this decade</a>.
If it does, it will eventually raise sea level by an additional two feet.
I don't know how long it would take for that extra sea level rise to occur.


feed_id: 3e92d06b4e96d7d16617fae8f3730120
title: UK undercover thugs
uri: 2021-05-03-UK-undercover-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#2_May_2021_%28UK_undercover_thugs%29
content:
<p>

UK undercover thugs that infiltrated peaceful political groups <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/apr/30/undercover-police-officers-spied-on-peter-hain-over-25-years">lied
about their activities</a> to justify continuing to spy on them.
This according to former minister Peter Hain, who participated in a
political campaign to end apartheid in South Africa and thereby became
one of the targets for this spying.
<p>
He charges that the choice to infiltrate that movement was made for
political reasons: the government supported South Africa and therefore
opposed pressure against apartheid.


feed_id: 133167be72bdd6ddd720f883982ab197
title: UK police officers convicted
uri: UK-police-officers-convicted
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#2_May_2021_%28UK_police_officers_convicted%29
content:
<p>

*Four [UK] police officers have been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/apr/30/four-merseyside-police-officers-convicted-after-assault-and-cover-up">convicted</a> after one of them beat up a
member of the public and the others helped him to cover it up.*


feed_id: a28ee00ce5b6f5a24caec36f9cdd191c
title: Latest round of US relief checks
uri: Latest-round-of-US-relief-checks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#2_May_2021_%28Latest_round_of_US_relief_checks%29
content:
<p>

The latest round of relief checks sent to US taxpayers made a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/30/third-round-coronavirus-relief-checks-led-largest-monthly-rise-household-income-1959">big, though
temporary, dent</a> in overall poverty in the US..
<p>
Making this permanent would convert it into a form of universal basic
income.
<p>
The popularity of extra support to Americans suggests it might be
politically possible to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/30/eradicating-child-poverty-beyond-pandemic">lift all children in the US out of poverty</a>.


feed_id: 1801bad70d35aec606a7bd0996fba12c
title: Border-crossing children
uri: Border-crossing-children
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#2_May_2021_%28Border-crossing_children%29
content:
<p>

The US border thugs are now <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/29/politics/border-patrol-unaccompanied-minors/index.html">quickly transferring border-crossing
children</a> to long-term shelters run by the Department of Health and
Human Services.  Far fewer children are in the first-level camps at
any time.
This is how the system is supposed to work.
<p>
It is still necessary for journalists to look at the conditions in
those shelters, and in the first-level camps.


feed_id: cfc07a13a858cbd684cba4776f4f9b24
title: Climate defense activism
uri: 2021-05-03-Climate-defense-activism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#2_May_2021_%28Climate_defense_activism%29
content:
<p>

Climate defense activism, shared, can give people a feeling of joy
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/30/opinions/climate-movement-joy-meyaard-schaap/index.html">to cope with the external disasters</a>.


feed_id: 418cfed67b2c6b5bc3d71d1893e76ecd
title: Former Louisiana thug faces charges
uri: Former-Louisiana-thug-faces-charges
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#2_May_2021_%28Former_Louisiana_thug_faces_charges%29

content:
<p>

A former Louisiana thug faces state and federal charges for <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/30/us/shreveport-louisiana-officer-excessive-force-indictment/index.html">attacking
and injuring a man he was arresting</a>, 
with no legitimate reason.
<p>
If we weed out the violent <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> for crimes that are not fatal,
we may be able to avoid most of the killings that some of them
would have gone on to commit.


feed_id: 19aa0bfef63e3f6fc752e8973de26a9a
title: Free childcare
uri: Free-childcare
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#2_May_2021_%28Free_childcare%29
content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/01/republicans-threatened-biden-universal-daycare-week-in-patriarchy">Free childcare equals class warfare</a>, say Republicans.*
I agree, and it's time the non-rich fought back &mdash; let's march!
Children should grow up with less stress.


feed_id: 099d3717303de44e28ef635d5656a8cc
title: US prescription drug prices
uri: US-prescription-drug-prices
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#2_May_2021_%28US_prescription_drug_prices%29
content:
<p>

*Study Commissioned by Sanders Shows US Pays <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/28/study-commissioned-sanders-shows-us-pays-2-4-times-more-prescription-drugs-other">2 to 4 Times More</a> for
Prescription Drugs Than Other Nations.*
<p>
US laws provide a handout to pharma companies by restricting the
practice of buying prescription drugs at retail price in other
countries and selling them to Americans to fill their prescriptions.
That allows pharma companies to charge a higher price in the US
than anywhere else in the world.


feed_id: 9764b4b34b4bb7fd4a587cd7194e4091
title: Increase in military spending
uri: Increase-in-military-spending
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#2_May_2021_%28Increase_in_military_spending%29
content:
<p>

The world's major powers <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/28/amid-widespread-disease-death-and-poverty-major-powers-increased-their-military">increased their military spending
substantially</a> in 2020.


feed_id: 4d8feed8274980c5366fd8bb133d18db
title: Australians stuck in India
uri: Australians-stuck-in-India
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#2_May_2021_%28Australians_stuck_in_India%29
content:
<p>

Australia has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/may/01/coalition-condemned-for-outrageous-decision-to-fine-or-imprison-australians-returning-from-india">made it a crime</a> for Australians stuck in India to
return home.  They face imprisonment, and ruinous fines.
<p>
Many of them have been stuck in India for a year trying to get a flight
home.  The seats available were few and expensive.


feed_id: 3bf3cf8e491d9981734e03454e439289
title: Climate scientists are seeing hope
uri: Climate-scientists-are-seeing-hope
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#2_May_2021_%28Climate_scientists_are_seeing_hope%29
content:
<p>

Rebecca Solnit: climate scientists are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/01/climate-change-environment-hope-future-optimism-success">starting to see hope that we
will do what is necessary</a>, as fast as is necessary, to avoid climate
disaster.
<p>
But we are not on a course for safety yet.  We need to fight for this.
The new hope is that, by fighting, we can win.


feed_id: 29cb6fb77c9704bf6d08612f10e2042e
title: Theocratic populism
uri: Theocratic-populism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#2_May_2021_%28Theocratic_populism%29
content:
<p>

India's encounter with theocratic populism is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/01/india-oxygen-politicians-second-wave-covid">much like that in the US</a>.
<p>
Indian politicians threaten criminal charges against people that report
the shortage of oxygen.
<p>
I am disappointed that the article propagates a claim about the
emperor Nero that may be a lie concocted by his enemies.


feed_id: 319b562ab4387db74ca402d9e26946d2
title: Bolsonaro may face impeachment
uri: Bolsonaro-may-face-impeachment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#2_May_2021_%28Bolsonaro_may_face_impeachment%29
content:
<p>

Bolsonaro <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/05/01/covid-brazil-deaths-bolsonaro-investigation/">may face impeachment and prosecution</a> for almost half
a million Brazilians that his policies caused to die.


feed_id: 5c2d5c1ce92b8132159d0435c571a553
title: Defending rights of wetlands
uri: Defending-rights-of-wetlands
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#2_May_2021_%28Defending_rights_of_wetlands%29
content:
<p>

A lawsuit in Florida attempts to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/01/florida-rights-of-nature-lawsuit-waterways-housing-development">defend the rights of some wetlands</a>.
<p>
I may well agree that the construction of that housing should be
stopped.  Aside from the threat to the wetlands, it sounds like the
construction is too close to sea level and likely to be flooded in a
few decades.  I suspect that someone is being swindled.  No one should
build anything in lowland areas of Florida.
<p>
However, the idea that the wetlands "have rights" seems like a kludge.
Philosophically, only a being that can have desires and make choices
can have rights.  I would rather achieve the same result &mdash; blocking
bad development &mdash; in a conceptually coherent way.


feed_id: ea5223beaaa881b7f694ae9a27ba9286
title: England reducing toxic particulate pollution
uri: England-reducing-toxic-particulate-pollution
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#2_May_2021_%28England_reducing_toxic_particulate_pollution%29

content:
<p>

England has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/01/house-coal-and-wet-wood-restrictions-come-into-force-in-england">restricted burning coal and wood inside houses</a>, to reduce
toxic particulate pollution.


feed_id: d95035f8775231b8aa005279ddbb6275
title: Taliban deal with the US
uri: Taliban-deal-with-the-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#2_May_2021_%28Taliban_deal_with_the_US%29
content:
<p>

The Taliban made a deal with the US to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-taliban-exclusive/exclusive-as-u-s-prepared-exit-taliban-protected-foreign-bases-but-killed-afghans-idUSKBN2CH1LK">protect US and other western
forces</a> in Afghanistan, until their planned departure on May 1, from
other Islamist groups.
<p>
This follows the Taliban's pattern.  In 2001, the Taliban offered to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#30_November_2017_(Choosing_peace_in_2001)">kick
out al-Qa'ida</a> for the sake of peace with the US.
Too bad <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#dubya">Dubya</a> was not interested.


feed_id: ca27fa264eaec4719c64d66f298a622e
title: Tunisia loan through the IMF
uri: Tunisia-loan-through-the-IMF
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#2_May_2021_%28Tunisia_loan_through_the_IMF%29
content:
<p>

Tunisia has <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tunisia-prime-minister/tunisia-to-seek-4-billion-imf-loan-pm-says-idUSKBN2CH2HH">arranged a loan through the IMF</a>, and (as usual) there
is an element of <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#doohnibor">dooH niboR</a> in it.
Wages will be reduced.
<p>
Will the profits of business shareholders be reduced?


feed_id: 8980ce15e844b5823399f12663b9da8d
title: Abu Zubaydah suing countries that kidnapped and tortured him
uri: Abu-Zubaydah-suing-countries-that-kidnapped-and-tortured-him
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#2_May_2021_%28Abu_Zubaydah_suing_countries_that_kidnapped_and_tortured_him%29

content:
<p>

Abu Zubaydah, a prisoner in Guantanamo based on an false accusation of being a member of al-Qa'ida, is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/apr/30/guantanamo-torture-abu-zubaydah-un-human-rights">suing the countries that kidnapped and tortured him</a>.


feed_id: 94471448ee2839598b8b23b0a314d5be
title: How to trigger you
uri: How-to-trigger-you
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#3_May_2021_%28How_to_trigger_you%29
content:
<p>
Delete your social media accounts, because sooner or later
the algorithm will figure out <a href="http://simondedeo.com/?p=705">how to trigger you and start changing
you so you can't get away</a>.


feed_id: 716d98cbeede54e0dfc55d6c90a6b494
title: Study pressure
uri: Study-pressure
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#3_May_2021_%28Study_pressure%29
content:
<p>
Pressure for people to study for careers in science and technology
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2021/may/01/studying-history-should-not-be-only-for-the-elite-say-academics">is leading universities to stop teaching history</a>.


feed_id: b7400af4aba8ba383e524d1bb0307845
title: COVID vaccine
uri: COVID-vaccine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#3_May_2021_%28COVID_vaccine%29
content:
<p>
*Who's Controlling the COVID Vaccine: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/01/whos-controlling-covid-vaccine-10-myths-and-misdirections">10 Myths and Misdirections</a>.*

<p>
I posted this link because overall the points are valid.  However,
talking about the concept of "intellectual property" inevitably <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">spreads
confusion through overgeneralization</a>
  and putting scare quotes around the term does nothing to undo that
confusion.  Each use of that term inherently misinforms.

<p>
The way to avoid that misinformation is to talk about patents and
about trade secrecy as two separate issues which are legally
unrelated.


feed_id: 232e5992795da470e5c293dbc061ec1f
title: Thugs and military weapons
uri: Thugs-and-military-weapons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#3_May_2021_%28Thugs_and_military_weapons%29
content:
<p>
Win Without War's campaign <a href="https://winwithoutwar.org/policy/stop-militarizing-our-communities-an-activist-guide/">to end the arming of US thug departments
with military weapons</a>.


feed_id: 2cc97efe62a8017892ae8ca54e7edefa
title: Democracy and repression
uri: Democracy-and-repression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#3_May_2021_%28Democracy_and_repression%29
content:
<p>
The world struggle between democracy and repression has been going
oppression's way for ten years.  The influence of repressive powers,
China and Russia plays an important role, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/30/opinions/democracy-vs-autocracy-biden-putin-xi-ghitis/index.html">and so do the supporters
of the bullshitter</a>.

<p>
The existence of a powerful antidemocratic party in the US undermines
its influence for democracy in several ways: it makes the US a
disappointing example of democracy's functioning; it encourages
repressive and aggressive US policies, which set bad examples
themselves; its support for plutocracy weakens the US and thus
undermines its ability to do anything inspiring.


feed_id: afa16696c59c3c84dd2a08b7b2df1fe2
title: Right to take and publish photos
uri: Right-to-take-and-publish-photos
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#3_May_2021_%28Right_to_take_and_publish_photos%29
content:
<p>
The right to take and publish photos in public places is under threat
from another direction: in the UK, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/may/01/labour-mp-stella-creasy-horror-photographed-while-breastfeeding-prompts-campaign">some campaign to criminalize
photos of breast-feeding in public</a>.

<p>
I sympathize with Ms Creasy's feeling of disgust, but we should not be
led into supporting a dangerous law by a feeling alone.

<p>
The right to take and publish photos is already threatened on several
fronts.  Some US states have adopted "ag gag" bills <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-jan-apr.html#8_February_2019_(Iowa_ag-gag_law)">that criminalize
publishing pictures of farms' treatment of animals</a>.
   Some countries, including Spain, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#13_December_2014_(Million-dollar_fine_for_protests_in_Spain)">criminalize publishing photos of thugs
committing acts of violence</a>,
  under vague and stretchable conditions.  And many countries restrict
photos that include buildings whose architecture is copyrighted,
   even in the background.

<p>
To combat these threats, we need to insist on a simple and general
principle: wherever you have the right to be, you have the right to
photograph anything that you can see, and to show the photograph to
others.

<p>
Those who wish to breast-feed in public and avoid others' looking at
or photographing their breasts have an easy way to prevent this: wear
(or don at the moment of need) a garment that can be arrayed to block
the view.  This can achieve the goal more reliably than the proposed
law, while not putting anyone's rights in question.


feed_id: 55ef4527d5fd9db778db346f953ba9b0
title: Extinction Rebellion protests
uri: 2021-05-03-Extinction-Rebellion-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#3_May_2021_%28Extinction_Rebellion_protests%29
content:
<p>
Extinction Rebellion organized highly visible protests in London, in many cases
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/may/01/climate-activist-arrested-after-gluing-himself-to-tower-bridge-extinction-rebellion">blocking the travel of cars which are mostly using fossil fuels</a>.

<p>
The four factors of the apocalypse:
<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>, global hating,
<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;global eating, global mating.


feed_id: 7fa57b3bdec01f564bfcf4e1a5495f7b
title: Anti-Protest Laws
uri: Anti-Protest-Laws
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#3_May_2021_%28Anti-Protest_Laws%29
content:
<p>
*Dangerous Republican Anti-Protest Laws <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/30/dangerous-republican-anti-protest-laws-grant-drivers-license-kill">Grant Drivers License to Kill</a>.*


feed_id: d5ffc06d20da0d79cf73878e8a609643
title: Right-wing extremism on the rise
uri: Right-wing-extremism-on-the-rise
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#3_May_2021_%28Right-wing_extremism_on_the_rise%29
content:
<p>
*Right-Wing Extremism <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/30/right-wing-extremism-rise-israel">Is on the Rise in Israel</a>.*

<p>
It is ironic in the extreme to see that a party with views comparable
to Nazis is so powerful in Israel that it may soon be in government.


feed_id: acbf71409215163fdfe82e04823d57d7
title: Tax proposals
uri: Tax-proposals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#3_May_2021_%28Tax_proposals%29
content:
<p>
Comparing Biden's tax proposals <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/04/30/just-how-bold-president-bidens-tax-rich-plan">with what FDR actually did</a>.

<p>
Biden's plan goes further in regard to capital gains, though in some
others it does not go as far.

<p>
Ralph Nader: we must make Congress <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/01/tim-cook-apple-and-runaway-limitless-corporate-greed">raise the taxes on rich businesses and
rich people</a>.


feed_id: e5aee504a2d167ce8dec35d697320a99
title: Urgent: reduce drug prices
uri: Urgent-reduce-drug-prices
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#3_May_2021_%28Urgent%3A_reduce_drug_prices%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/congress-must-lower-drug-prices-this-year?nowrapper=true">call on Congress</a> to reduce drug prices this year.


feed_id: 57463c1aa273f37e8ab9474228198a13
title: Sale tax
uri: Sale-tax
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#3_May_2021_%28Sale_tax%29
content:
<p>
Thousands are protesting in Bogotá <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/02/colombia-tax-protests-six-dead-as-marchers-clash-with-police-for-fourth-day">against a plan by the right-wing
government to institute a sales tax</a>.

<p>
A sales tax is a very regressive method, so this plan is designed to
hurt the poor and spare the rich.  So I support the protesters.


feed_id: 43bddf7379fe72995171ef8470054a05
title: Mining companies
uri: Mining-companies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#3_May_2021_%28Mining_companies%29
content:
<p>
Pedro Castillo, Socialist, says that as president of Peru <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-peru-election/top-peru-presidential-candidate-vows-to-curb-foreign-firms-looting-mining-wealth-idUSKBN2CJ01P">he would make
mining companies "70% of the profits in Peru"</a>.


feed_id: 147fa27d97d074d0d2cb0b9b34a59713
title: Charged for letting violent protesters in
uri: Charged-for-letting-violent-protesters-in
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#3_May_2021_%28Charged_for_letting_violent_protesters_in%29

content:
<p>
*Republican [state representative] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/may/01/oregon-state-capitol-republican-charged">who let violent protesters into
Oregon state capitol is charged</a>.*


feed_id: 45ce17f73c4d41af6bf687064e713091
title: Interfering with some kind of tracking
uri: Interfering-with-some-kind-of-tracking
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#3_May_2021_%28Interfering_with_some_kind_of_tracking%29

content:
<p>
Apple takes a step to interfere <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/01/apple-comes-out-swinging-in-the-duel-of-the-data-titans">with <em>some</em> kinds of tracking of users</a>.

<p>
If Apple's operating <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.html">were free/libre</a>,
                                      public-spirited hackers would
<em>already</em> have released a modified version which had the defaults set
to protect privacy.  You could get the benefit of these modifications
without having to work on them yourself.


feed_id: 2df75d574871b738bfd147e14a5989e3
title: Chickenpox vaccine
uri: Chickenpox-vaccine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#4_May_2021_%28Chickenpox_vaccine%29
content:
<p>
Complex and subtle factors have to be weighed to determine whether use
of the chickenpox vaccine is desirable.  One factor is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/may/02/the-chickenpox-party-is-over-as-scientists-call-for-uk-vaccine-rollout">whether everyone
will agree to be vaccinated</a>.


feed_id: f58308cfe1b2e06addd98ee6a1615c02
title: Funeral
uri: Funeral
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#4_May_2021_%28Funeral%29
content:
<p>
Funeral <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/02/its-like-a-rotting-carcass-of-its-former-self-funeral-for-an-oregon-glacier">for a glacier</a>.


feed_id: c2bba53cf865e31300c37d8ad4b00e0c
title: Radiation attack
uri: Radiation-attack
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#4_May_2021_%28Radiation_attack%29
content:
<p>
Evidence that some sort of directed radiation attack <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/02/havana-syndrome-nsa-officer-microwave-attacks-since-90s">was made against
US personnel in the 1990s</a>.


feed_id: 9e9b17bd161ecedf67397d9ac1d27ebb
title: Redirect harmful subsidies
uri: Redirect-harmful-subsidies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#4_May_2021_%28Redirect_harmful_subsidies%29
content:
<p>
*Redirect harmful subsidies <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/02/redirect-harmful-subsidies-to-benefit-planet-un-urges-governments-aoe">to benefit the planet</a>, UN urges governments.*


feed_id: 4f1929e8bde3a5eddfe31d3bc4347ac9
title: Witchcraft
uri: 2021-05-04-Witchcraft
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#4_May_2021_%28Witchcraft%29
content:
<p>
Witchcraft accusations in New Guinea: is it correct to call this a
"highly modern phenomenon" and say <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/03/sorcery-related-violence-should-be-thought-of-as-profoundly-modern">it is not a practice from "ages
past"</a>?

<p>
I think that is a false choice, and that it is part one and part the
other.

<p>
It may be true that an accusation of witchcraft nowadays typically
results from conflicts related to modern society and the precarious
economy.  I have no reason to doubt that.  It would result from whatever
tends to cause strong conflict.

<p>
However, the choice to handle the conflict by accusing someone of
witchcraft surely comes out of cruel traditions, and so does the
choice to deal with that accusation by torturing the alleged witch.

<p>
The fact that in some regions it is usually males that are accused of
witchcraft, while in other regions usually females are accused,
supports the idea that the traditional culture of each region is
responsible.  New Guinea traditional cultures varied greatly in their
customs and religious beliefs, including their beliefs about
witchcraft.

<p>
Whatever the explanation, the idea of witchcraft is a plague of
irrationality that leads to persecution of many innocent people.

<p>
One thing secular humanists do, in many countries, is campaign for an
end to persecution of "witches".  I see articles about this
occasionally in the secular humanist magazine, Free Inquiry.


feed_id: 33e4029c31a26845ec9619a73b01c7ae
title: Glacial lakes
uri: Glacial-lakes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#4_May_2021_%28Glacial_lakes%29
content:
<p>
*Glacial lakes <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/02/glacial-lakes-threaten-millions-with-floods-as-planet-heats-up">threaten millions with flooding as planet heats up</a>.*


feed_id: 901f17a5c4963c65715c0625f20ed6df
title: Transmitting Covid-19
uri: Transmitting-Covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#4_May_2021_%28Transmitting_Covid-19%29
content:
<p>
Getting a Covid-19 vaccination <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/commentisfree/2021/may/02/vaccinated-people-less-likely-to-pass-covid-on">greatly reduces the chance of your
transmitting Covid-19 to anyone else</a>.

<p>
Please get vaccinated as soon as you can.


feed_id: da95447d3e18d28b1ab0d2714671fec9
title: False figures of Covid-19 deaths
uri: False-figures-of-Covid-19-deaths
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#4_May_2021_%28False_figures_of_Covid-19_deaths%29
content:
<p>
India is giving false figures for the number of people killed by
Covid-19, reporting <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/01/were-burning-pyres-all-day-india-accused-of-undercounting-deaths">only half as many deaths as the number of bodies
that were cremated</a>.

<p>
In the US we have seen governments falsify Covid-19 statistics
in Florida
  and New York State.


feed_id: b3793cc29c6017d2a2ac981003678424
title: Reinstating Covid-19 restrictions
uri: Reinstating-Covid-19-restrictions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#4_May_2021_%28Reinstating_Covid-19_restrictions%29
content:
<p>
Oregon has reinstated restrictions to prevent spread of Covid-19,
based on projections <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/may/01/oregon-restores-restrictions-covid-surge-vaccine-hesitancy">that this would avoid hundreds of deaths from
Covid-19</a>.

<p>
How about conditioning reopening in each area on the fraction of residents who
have been vaccinated?


feed_id: 9fcae0d2c3dadfb3f2f1723d6d867d68
title: Shooting protesters
uri: Shooting-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#4_May_2021_%28Shooting_protesters%29
content:
<p>
Chad's military shot protesters <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-chad-security/chadian-security-forces-fire-upon-protesters-in-southern-town-idUSKBN2CI3A5">who were criticizing Chad's military rulers</a> &mdash;
  which include the son of the recently deceased former dictator.


feed_id: 399e5bb27ffad65c7de746cdc990db0b
title: Evidence-Free Destruction of Reputations
uri: Evidence-Free-Destruction-of-Reputations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#4_May_2021_%28Evidence-Free_Destruction_of_Reputations%29

content:
<p>
Glenn Greenwald: *The Left Continues to Destroy Itself and Others <a href="https://greenwald.substack.com/p/the-left-continues-to-destroy-itself">With
Evidence-Free Destruction of Reputations</a>.*


feed_id: edc3d71fc2df857e31ea6105e8262af1
title: Denuclearization
uri: Denuclearization
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#4_May_2021_%28Denuclearization%29
content:
<p>
Biden says that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/02/north-korea-dismisses-nuclear-talks-with-us-says-bidens-approach-intolerable">he continues to push for "denuclearization" of North Korea</a>,
  which is an impossible goal.  Kim has learned that nuclear
weapons are the way to protect his dictatorial power, and will not consider
giving up that protection.


feed_id: 012850cda84a55ef97e0f4f2b0dd30b6
title: Concealing pipeline assurance company
uri: Concealing-pipeline-assurance-company
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#4_May_2021_%28Concealing_pipeline_assurance_company%29

content:
<p>
Canada has obtained new insurance coverage for the planet-roasting
Trans Mountain pipeline, and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/30/outrage-canadian-regulator-lets-government-owned-pipeline-keep-insurers-secret">is concealing which insurance companies
are providing the coverage</a>.

<p>
This is a reaction to the pressure already placed on insurance
companies to stop insuring fossil fuel projects.

<p>
Canada's government takes a planet-roaster stance, and what we see here
is how far it will go to continue destroying civilization's future.


feed_id: 1039549cfccde2b1ba4776eed5203a6a
title: New York Times 1619 project
uri: New-York-Times-1619-project
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#4_May_2021_%28New_York_Times_1619_project%29
content:
<p>
Some Republicans object to the New York Times' 1619 project,
about the history of slavery in the US, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2021/apr/30/senate-republicans-black-history-schools-1619-project">claiming that it is wrong
to call attention to the country's flaws</a>.

<p>
Since some of these flaws continue to cause injustice today, I believe
as a general principle that we should pay attention to them, not cover
them up.  Therefore, I would like to look at the 1619 Project and see
what it says.

<p>
I am blocked from doing so because its web site <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/javascript-trap.html">insists on running
nonfree software (written in Javascript) in my browser</a>.
  Since I don't allow anyone to do that
to me, the site shows me a blank window.

<p>
Does anyone know of another way I can look at that material?  Perhaps
a way that is not "interactive"?

<p>
Because of that injustice in the site's infrastructure, I must urge
everyone to decline to visit that site, unless and until they fix it
to be accessible from the Free World.  I hope that school curriculums
will likewise refuse to suggest the site as a resource until it has
been fixed.

<p>
I hope that they fix it soon, to make the material available for
viewing from the Free World.  But we will need to press them to do it.

<p>
Does anyone know where we should direct the pressure?


feed_id: ce18825fd991b784900694e91c15cb2b
title: For the People Act
uri: 2021-05-04-For-the-People-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#4_May_2021_%28For_the_People_Act%29
content:
<p>
*How the For the People Act <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/04/30/how-people-act-blunts-new-florida-voting-restrictions">[would blunt] New Florida Voting Restrictions</a>.*


feed_id: 4d1e242c54a82a9a7230915e464479da
title: Urgent: Gratis college education in public colleges
uri: Urgent-Gratis-college-education-in-public-colleges
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Gratis_college_education_in_public_colleges%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call for the US to <a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=14220">offer gratis college education in public colleges</a>.
<p>
To sign without running <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/javascript-trap.html">nonfree JavaScript</a> code
from the web site, use the <a href="https://stallman.org/salsalabs-method.html">Salsalabs workaround</a>.


feed_id: f57d92b3fed25476464ca5acdb675583
title: Urgent: Cancel college debt
uri: Urgent-Cancel-college-debt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Cancel_college_debt%29
content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Biden to <a href="http://act.boldprogressives.org/survey/petition_cancel_student_debt/">cancel college debt</a>.


feed_id: 47ca964f87aea46f24861213ce70ac35
title: Urgent: Texas abortion ban
uri: Urgent-Texas-abortion-ban
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Texas_abortion_ban%29
content:
<p>

Everyone: call on AT&T to <a href="https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/HB1515_ATT/">speak out against</a> the Texas abortion ban
and pledge to stop funding anti-abortion politicians.


feed_id: 0383e69421eebc69622bcaf99915fb85
title: Bogus Johnson on keeping the UK economy open
uri: Bogus-Johnson-on-keeping-the-UK-economy-open
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Bogus_Johnson_on_keeping_the_UK_economy_open%29

content:
<p>

Bogus Johnson appears to have said, "let the bodies pile high in the
thousands," <a href="https://boingboing.net/2021/04/27/british-prime-minister-said-let-the-bodies-pile-high-in-the-thousands-to-save-economy-as-covid-pandemic-spread-and-they-did.html">insisting on keeping the UK economy open</a>.
(He later changed his mind about that decision, and changed it again, and again, etc.)
<p>
Bogus Johnson has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/02/sleaze-allegations-becoming-more-menacing-for-boris-johnson">evaded scandal after scandal</a> by refusing to take
them seriously, but the current scandal about accepting gifts of money
and covering them up is constricting around him.
<p>
Nonetheless, he continues trying to thwart punishment by ignoring it.
<p>
The UK used to hold its ministers accountable with a firm expectation
that a minister would resign over any wrongdoing, whether public or
personal.  The Tories have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/02/if-public-life-goes-unregulated-who-will-hold-politicians-to-account">abolished that expectation</a> by disregarding
it, and now they can get away with just about anything.  But they are
still pushing to destroy every institution that could stop them.
<p>
I can imagine them as saying, "If you're a Tory politician, they let
you do it."  And, as when the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> said it, it's not really true,
unless "let you" includes "be too scared to stop you".


feed_id: c1ddee2be18f650b3af4cf8be1560dd7
title: Indian government ignored scientists
uri: Indian-government-ignored-scientists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Indian_government_ignored_scientists%29

content:
<p>

The Indian government asked Indian scientists for advice for dealing
with Covid-19, but when they said that the variants threatened another
wave of illness, the <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-india-warning-excl/exclusive-scientists-say-india-government-ignored-warnings-amid-coronavirus-surge-idUSKBN2CI2XW">government ignored them</a>.


feed_id: 05009e6b7d2ff4880364f457cdcfb0cf
title: Outsourcing regulation
uri: Outsourcing-regulation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Outsourcing_regulation%29
content:
<p>

The UK, by outsourcing regulation, has demonstrated that this practice
encourages corruption that defeats the regulation, with results that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/02/grenfell-is-still-giving-up-its-secrets-and-they-retain-the-power-to-shock">sometimes kill and often ruin people</a>.


feed_id: eda6a36e58e59101e753b46c22d43641
title: Unionizing workers in charter schools
uri: Unionizing-workers-in-charter-schools
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Unionizing_workers_in_charter_schools%29

content:
<p>

Unionizing the workers in charter schools <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/02/can-unions-defang-charter-school-vampires">prevents some of their
usual kinds of exploitation</a>.  Is that enough to make them harmless?


feed_id: df610eb56c098ba82aa67aa5cc98dac7
title: Peaceful London protests
uri: Peaceful-London-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Peaceful_London_protests%29
content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/may/01/thousands-march-through-london-in-biggest-kill-the-bill-protest-yet">Thousands protested peacefully</a> in London against Tory plans to repress
protesters if they cause inconvenience to anyone.
<p>
I fear this will not be enough.  The Tories figure they will win the
next election, with some help from <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-sep-dec.html#12_December_2018_(Voter_ID_lawsuit_in_UK)">voter suppression</a>,
and aside from that they care about nothing and no one.


feed_id: 3cd8cb6094e220a3aa2881f3436d593b
title: A thug attacked a teenager
uri: A-thug-attacked-a-teenager
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28A_thug_attacked_a_teenager%29
content:
<p>

A thug went mad and <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/preston-adam-wolf-autism-california-police-punch/">attacked a teenager</a> who had surrendered, for not obeying
every violent demand.


feed_id: b855c6c59a237084470678cc25a45656
title: Last resident of Wollar Australia
uri: Last-resident-of-Wollar-Australia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Last_resident_of_Wollar_Australia%29
content:
<p>

An interview with the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/02/im-not-selling-what-happens-when-an-australian-town-is-consumed-by-a-us-coalminer">last resident of the village of Wollar in Australia</a>.
Everyone else has sold per property to Peabody coal mining.
<p>
If the new use of the town's land was something necessary for
Australia and the world to survive, I would say that what has happened
in Wollar was not so bad.  At least people are getting bought out and
they can move to other communities.
<p>
But given that mining more coal is death, the state should not have permitted
a new coal mine at all.  Laws should prohibit new coal mines.


feed_id: 0575a92664593a6e113be41e43ae387a
title: Republican election sabotage bills
uri: Republican-election-sabotage-bills
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Republican_election_sabotage_bills%29
content:
<p>

Republican election sabotage bills go beyond making it inconvenient to
vote (especially for Democrats).  They propose to allow poll watchers
to look at people's ballots (and see how they are voting), <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/01/politics/republican-bills-empower-partisan-poll-watchers/index.html">harass
voters, even try to disqualify voters</a>.
<p>
Republican officials would judge the challenges and there is no reason
to expect them to try to judge in a non-partisan or fair manner.


feed_id: 6d8f59a9408822b443158808e9a0716d
title: Data that cars record
uri: Data-that-cars-record
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Data_that_cars_record%29
content:
<p>

Cars record everything that happens in them, even opening doors and
windows.  If you connect a phone to one, it gets lots of data from the
phone, and <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/05/03/car-surveillance-berla-msab-cbp/">stores them permanently</a> too.
<p>
In the US, various government agencies can get this data out of the
car.  However, it's not just the government.  Surely the car manufacturer
gets it too, and can sell it.
<p>
I wonder whether all this data enables the government, and the car
manufacturer, to track the car's movements by dead reckoning if the
GPS antenna is covered.
<p>
We need laws to tightly <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">restrict what data a car can record</a>.


feed_id: 510b37a6af0d0dcce5536debeb3f07d4
title: Intention to privatize UK public schools
uri: Intention-to-privatize-UK-public-schools
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Intention_to_privatize_UK_public_schools%29

content:
<p>

The Tory government has stated the intention to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/03/the-guardian-view-on-gavin-williamson-plans-not-fit-for-purpose">privatize all public
schools in the UK</a>.
<p>
Privatization would result in paying teachers less, spending less on
education, and providing profit to the operators.  In addition, the
privatized schools could get away with disregarding educational needs,
even kicking out students because they cost more money, perhaps
leaving them with no school that will admit them.


feed_id: 728e8e669e84ae4ef66890de8afd853e
title: Big Pharma doesn't want Medicare
uri: Big-Pharma-doesn-t-want-Medicare
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Big_Pharma_doesn%27t_want_Medicare%29
content:
<p>

Bernie Sanders: *Big Pharma doesn’t want us to expand Medicare. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/03/big-pharma-doesnt-want-us-to-expand-medicare-we-have-to-fight-them">We
have to fight them</a>.*


feed_id: 43908aaf7fdbd4888c608e2e86a847ae
title: Children who catch Covid-19
uri: Children-who-catch-Covid-19
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Children_who_catch_Covid-19%29
content:
<p>

Children who catch Covid-19, even without symptoms, have a significant chance
of ending up with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/may/03/its-terrifying-parents-struggle-to-get-help-for-children-with-long-covid">lasting pain and disability</a>.
<p>
Putting aside the gratuitous disrespect reported for some doctors,
there is, in fact, nothing that medicine can do for those people now.
No one has any idea what might help.  Maybe research will discover
treatments in the future, but there is no guarantee.
<p>
This is a fate worse than death.  I suppose some of those children
wish for death.  If they don't now, they may start in a year or
several years.  But it may take them years to attain that wish.
<p>
To prevent this horrible fate, we need to eradicate Covid-19, from our
countries and from the whole world.  That means a large fraction of
the population must be vaccinated.
<p>
We cannot allow perverse cults to stand in the way.


feed_id: f5364aaa3090b99e48f1c6c4ad8edb7e
title: UK's fines for violating Covid-19 suppression rules
uri: UK-s-fines-for-violating-Covid-19-suppression-rules
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28UK%27s_fines_for_violating_Covid-19_suppression_rules%29

content:
<p>

The UK's fines for violating Covid-19-suppression rules <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/03/covid-fines-pandemic-policing-england-bame">fell most heavily
on disprivileged racial groups</a>.  
<p>
I think it would be interesting to study the importance of various
factors in producing that result, including these:

<ul>
<li>
Bias, conscious or unconscious, on the part of those issuing the fines,
so that whites get fined less often for the same behavior.
</li>

<li>
people in disprivileged racial groups need more often to go somewhere
physically and meet with someone.
</li>

<li>
people in disprivileged racial groups are less likely to have a private
outdoor space where meeting someone else was permitted.
</li>

<li>
people in disprivileged racial groups tend to be poorer.
</li>
</ul>


feed_id: 741e2b1df159a8f04fdd9ed0d727806a
title: Green Party in Germany
uri: Green-Party-in-Germany
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Green_Party_in_Germany%29
content:
<p>

Polls suggest that the Green Party may be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/03/polls-put-german-green-party-in-lead-five-months-before-election">Germany's strongest party</a> after
the next election.
That would be truly revolutionary.
<p>
So don't say, "Colorless Green ideas sleep furiously."  They are not
colorless, and they are not sleeping any more.


feed_id: cd08648107116cbd077c915e1585cef5
title: Covid-19 vaccination in Hong Kong
uri: Covid-19-vaccination-in-Hong-Kong
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Covid-19_vaccination_in_Hong_Kong%29
content:
<p>

Hong Kong plans to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/03/hong-kong-plan-to-force-covid-vaccines-on-foreign-domestic-workers-sparks-alarm">require foreign domestic workers</a> to get Covid-19
vaccination.
<p>
Each domestic worker works in close proximity to a family, over long
periods of time.  If the worker catches Covid-19, person is very
likely to transmit it to that family.  Therefore, the worker should be
vaccinated.
<p>
Perhaps people who work in stores and deal with the public should also
have to be vaccinated.  A store worker rarely spends even 5 minutes
near one customer, but one infected worker in a store for hours can
fill the store with virus and several people could catch Covid-19 from
that.
<p>
The likelihood of this depends on the store's ventilation system.  It
also depends on whether customers keep wearing masks when in a store.
<p>
The only sort of exception that, for ethical reasons, needs to exist
is for those who, for medical reasons, cannot be vaccinated.  Hong
Kong says it will offer that exception.
<p>
Aside from those people, anyone who feels discriminated against by
this policy has a simple solution at hand: get vaccinated.  It's the
right thing to do and the safe thing to do.  Humanity needs to
eradicate Covid-19, and this is the way.  Stop complaining, and get
vaccinated!
<p>
However, for the time being, many people don't have the option of
getting vaccinated, because they live in places where little or no
vaccine is available.  It would be proper for a country that has money
to burn, such as Hong Kong (i.e., China), to offer people admitted
with work visas vaccination before or after arrival, if they are
coming from one of those places.
<p>
Singapore is using a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/03/singapore-turns-to-disco-to-keep-covid-vaccine-rollout-on-track">disco ad</a> to encourage people to get vaccinated.


feed_id: 89c973a1ce1b02fdff8edb24e1b926a5
title: Stopping Australian citizens returning from India
uri: Stopping-Australian-citizens-returning-from-India
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Stopping_Australian_citizens_returning_from_India%29

content:
<p>

Australia's chief medical officer talks about the need to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/may/03/australians-could-die-from-covid-in-india-under-flight-ban-medical-chief-warns">stop
citizens from returning from India</a> while getting the quarantine system
ready to cope with the extremely contagious virus variant now
spreading there.
<p>
I think this is legitimate as long as they work fast and get this
over quickly.


feed_id: 66c23e26e12acfb959cb5a27c4b1be0f
title: Rare South African plants
uri: Rare-South-African-plants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Rare_South_African_plants%29
content:
<p>

Poaching rare plants in a South African desert is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/03/drought-dust-storms-plant-theft-unique-botanical-landscape-peril-aoe">likely to wipe them
out</a>, and if it doesn't, global heating effects can do it.


feed_id: efd59d84dd5f51b811eabf2958c31818
title: New York Times 1619 project
uri: 2021-05-05-New-York-Times-1619-project
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#4_May_2021_%28New_York_Times_1619_project%29
content:
<p>
Some Republicans object to the New York Times' 1619 project,
about the history of slavery in the US, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2021/apr/30/senate-republicans-black-history-schools-1619-project">claiming that it is wrong
to call attention to the country's flaws</a>.

<p>
Since some of these flaws continue to cause injustice today, I believe
as a general principle that we should pay attention to them, not cover
them up.  Therefore, I would like to look at the 1619 Project and see
what it says.

<p>
I am blocked from doing so because its web site <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/javascript-trap.html">insists on running
nonfree software (written in Javascript) in my browser</a>.
  Since I don't allow anyone to do that
to me, the site shows me a blank window.

<p>
Does anyone know of another way I can look at that material?  Perhaps
a way that is not "interactive"?

<p>
Because of that injustice in the site's infrastructure, I must urge
everyone to decline to visit that site, unless and until they fix it
to be accessible from the Free World.  I hope that school curriculum
will likewise refuse to suggest the site as a resource until it has
been fixed.

<p>
I hope that they fix it soon, to make the material available for
viewing from the Free World.  But we will need to press them to do it.

<p>
Does anyone know where we should direct the pressure?


feed_id: 33f2951d1c99ed9c3a01ae4fd81a70ec
title: COVID vaccine
uri: 2021-05-05-COVID-vaccine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#3_May_2021_%28COVID_vaccine%29
content:
<p>
*Who's Controlling the COVID Vaccine: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/01/whos-controlling-covid-vaccine-10-myths-and-misdirections">10 Myths and Misdirections</a>.*

<p>
I posted this link because overall the points are valid.  However,
talking about the concept of "intellectual property" inevitably <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">spreads
confusion through over generalization</a>
  and putting scare quotes around the term does nothing to undo that
confusion.  Each use of that term inherently misinforms.

<p>
The way to avoid that misinformation is to talk about patents and
about trade secrecy as two separate issues which are legally
unrelated.


feed_id: 9f3f71aaf44944020e419c2b250f0ab5
title: Remote talk on May 10
uri: Remote-talk-on-May-10
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Remote_talk_on_May_10%29
content:
<p>
On May 10, RMS will give a remote talk for the University of
Buckingham Free Speech Society, starting at 7pm UK time.
<p>
You can watch the stream
<a href="https://stallman.org/live/stream-buckingham-may-10.html">here</a>. 


feed_id: 132fa912935797f63937918d60d4e42a
title: Concerns about the surveillance state
uri: Concerns-about-the-surveillance-state
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Concerns_about_the_surveillance_state%29

content:
<p>
*   We are told by some opponents of the far-right that supporters of
   equality and civil liberties should not be worried about expansions of
   U.S. surveillance and counterterrorism capabilities. <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/03/more-domestic-spying-power-not-answer?cd-origin=rss">They are wrong.*</a>


feed_id: 08f76e109cd73a91c9652ec7e5e7a836
title: US Covid Vaccine patent
uri: US-Covid-Vaccine-patent
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28US_Covid_Vaccine_patent%29
content:
<p>
(satire) *U.S. Vows To <a href="https://www.theonion.com/u-s-vows-to-invade-next-country-that-asks-for-covid-va-1846811651">Invade Next Country</a> That Asks For Covid Vaccine
[patent licenses or trade secrets]*
<p>
  
Even when you're joking, please don't lump together trade secrets and
patents <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">as if they were similar!</a>


feed_id: 304b84c066735bf5de1e42ae8f31aa66
title: Columbian tax plan responses
uri: Columbian-tax-plan-responses
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Columbian_tax_plan_responses%29
content:
<p>
Colombia's president pulled back the regressive tax plan in response to
big protests around the country.  However, thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/may/03/colombia-protests-police-response-unrest">attacked the protesters</a>.


feed_id: 792f7bc7e7321637b3115ea8c95a588c
title: Tories law proposal
uri: Tories-law-proposal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Tories_law_proposal%29
content:
<p>
The Tories are proposing a law to make it so hard to sue the UK
government (claiming its policies are illegal) that the government
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2021/apr/30/judicial-review-changes-will-make-government-untouchable-warns-law-society">could get away with anything</a>.


feed_id: a67750ef7348ed3a786ca7d5aee666d8
title: New Zealand's China Policy
uri: New-Zealand-s-China-Policy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28New_Zealand%27s_China_Policy%29
content:
<p>
New Zealand is proud of taking an "independent" foreign policy towards
China: independent of the west, but going along <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2021/may/03/arderns-speech-was-not-an-attack-on-china-or-even-a-shift-away-from-beijing">with China in
practical terms</a>.


feed_id: 0a15afa33576a76aca3204e204d8d61c
title: Biden's surveillance state
uri: Biden-s-surveillance-state
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Biden%27s_surveillance_state%29
content:
<p>
*   The Biden administration is reportedly considering teaming up with
   private companies to monitor <a href="https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/private-companies-may-spy-on/">American citizens' private online activity
   and digital communications</a>.*
<p>
  What creates the opportunity to try this the fact that these companies
are already snooping on users' private activities.  That in turn is
due to people's use of nonfree software which snoops, and online
dis-services which snoop.


feed_id: 454d240c753b679eeac7ed9018d98322
title: So-called Israeli dates
uri: So-called-Israeli-dates
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28So-called_Israeli_dates%29
content:
<p>
"Israeli" dates are mainly grown in Palestinian territory, and those grown
in Israel proper depend on <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/03/oppression-form-israeli-dates?cd-origin=rss">underpaid Palestinian workers</a>.


feed_id: 12cff8bbbeafb5d474af8057817a8fcd
title: Will Biden crack down?
uri: Will-Biden-crack-down
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Will_Biden_crack_down_%29
content:
<p>
Several plutocratist presidents have found ways to let businesses off
the hook for their crimes. <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/05/03/after-prosecutions-dove-25-year-low-under-trump-will-biden-doj-crack-down-corporate?cd-origin=rss">Will Biden change directions</a>?


feed_id: c06a21913e4f079fbfc9e2d35ff0bb88
title: NAFTA glyphosate
uri: NAFTA-glyphosate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28NAFTA_glyphosate%29
content:
<p>
  The US is using NAFTA to try to stop Mexico from <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/03/bayer-goes-after-mexico-glyphosate-ban?cd-origin=rss">banning glyphosate</a>.
<p>
  NAFTA is a <a href="https://stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">business-supremacy treaty,</a> and it used to contain an ISDS clause (I Sue Democratic States)
which authorized businesses to sue a country for adopting a law or
policy that interferes with their plans.
<p>
The bully revised NAFTA, eliminating the power, but another member
country can still do so, and that is what the US is threatening to do.


feed_id: 53f0c012d6f8121cae061580b7b6b93c
title: US Covid Vaccine patent
uri: 2021-05-05-US-Covid-Vaccine-patent
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28US_Covid_Vaccine_patent%29
content:
<p>
(satire) *U.S. Vows To <a href="https://www.theonion.com/u-s-vows-to-invade-next-country-that-asks-for-covid-va-1846811651">Invade Next Country</a> That Asks For Covid Vaccine
[patent licenses or trade secrets]*
<p>

Even when you're joking, please don't lump together trade secrets and
patents <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">as if they were similar!</a>


feed_id: 05e8b1d9ec0158a780b7ca1619e74ce0
title: New Zealand's China Policy
uri: 2021-05-05-New-Zealand-s-China-Policy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28New_Zealand%27s_China_Policy%29
content:
<p>
New Zealand is proud of taking an "independent" foreign policy towards China: independent of the west, but going along <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2021/may/03/arderns-speech-was-not-an-attack-on-china-or-even-a-shift-away-from-beijing">with China in
practical terms</a>.


feed_id: 29a59210c5f818a641b98d8eab3305ea
title: Climate targets
uri: Climate-targets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Climate_targets%29
content:
<p>
*Rich nations' climate targets <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/04/rich-nations-climate-targets-will-mean-global-heating-of-24c-study">will mean global heating of 2.4C</a> &mdash; study.*

<p>
That's if there are no unexpected positive feedback loops.


feed_id: fc10dd8b46ba107373d8ce4256867604
title: 1619 Project
uri: 1619-Project
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%281619_Project%29
content:
<p>
I've discovered that it is possible to view <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/1619-america-slavery.html">the 1619 Project</a>
  using IceCat by clicking on the "Reveal Hidden HTML" button
that appears at the bottom right corner of the window.

<p>
In other graphical web browsers, open the "web developer tools," usually
by pressing the F12 key, then switch to the console and run:

<blockquote><pre>
(() => {
  Array.from (document.styleSheets).forEach (e => { e.disabled = true; })
  document.querySelectorAll ("*").forEach (e => e.removeAttribute ("style"))
})()
</pre></blockquote>

<p>
You should paste and run that as a single block.
It reveals the contents of the 1619 Project page.

<p>
The New York Times ought to use Javascript to make the contents
initially invisible &mdash; that way, when Javascript is not running,
the contents will be visible.

<p>
If you know a way to pass that message to the Times, please do so.
They might fix this, since it won't be a big change.


feed_id: a3bc784e1c9c7153f0a1628fa80ca29a
title: Harassing families of people killed
uri: Harassing-families-of-people-killed
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Harassing_families_of_people_killed%29

content:
<p>
*LA sheriffs frequently <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/may/04/los-angeles-sheriffs-harass-families-of-victims-report">harass families of people they
kill</a>, says report.*


feed_id: 8b5823e4627ef683526b497c43695fa6
title: Selling fighter-bombers
uri: Selling-fighter-bombers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Selling_fighter-bombers%29
content:
<p>
France has decided to sell Egypt <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-egypt-rafale/france-to-sell-egypt-30-fighter-jets-in-4-5-billion-deal-egyptian-defense-ministry-report-idUSKBN2CK22H">more fighter-bombers</a>.
  There are points in that message that seem like bullshit, but I don't
understand what's really behind them.

<p>
I don't see that human rights are a direct concern regarding fighter jets.
The Egyptian military regime <a href="https://stallman.org/stay-away-countries.html#egypt">is highly repressive</a>, 
  but I don't think fighter jets are very apt, or necessary, for
attacking protesters, journalists or bloggers.

<p>
I also don't see how terrorism relates to sale of fighter jets.
Egypt <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-sep-dec.html#25_November_2016_(Egypt_to_hold_mass_trial_of_300_people)">does have a problem with domestic terrorists</a>,
                                                    but I don't see
how fighter jets are very useful against them.


feed_id: 179eb0a5761d6b8981e3b48b945367a1
title: Killing dissidents with mail bomb
uri: Killing-dissidents-with-mail-bomb
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Killing_dissidents_with_mail_bomb%29
content:
<p>
The Burmese military <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-politics/myanmar-parcel-bomb-blasts-kill-five-including-ousted-lawmaker-media-idUSKBN2CL04X">killed several dissidents with a mail bomb</a>.


feed_id: d2188d12edd6c86de6948a98abe5ecf0
title: Pesticides
uri: 2021-05-05-Pesticides
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Pesticides%29
content:
<p>
Pesticides are harming the animals <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/04/vital-soil-organisms-being-harmed-by-pesticides-study-shows">that turn dirt into soil</a>,
   including earthworms and insects.

<p>
This is very dangerous.


feed_id: debff4ea3e0288233d8cb9377c39b96e
title: Racial slurs
uri: Racial-slurs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Racial_slurs%29
content:
<p>
A professor of linguistics explains how (and perhaps why) the US has
converted racial slurs into taboos that can't be mentioned, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20210501083303/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/30/opinion/john-mcwhorter-n-word-unsayable.html">not even
to discuss them</a>.

<p>
I agree that overt racist attitudes should be "ridiculed and socially
punished in general society"; it is wrong to make racial slurs against
anyone.

<p>
However, that is no reason to put taboos on them.  I am opposed to
putting taboos on any words, for any reason, because they gratuitously
tie society in knots.  When the taboo is on a racial slur, it
prevents discussion of racism,
                               and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#20_August_2019_(Investigation_of_professor_Sheck_dropped)">famous anti-racist statements</a>
    cannot be quoted.

<p>
The same hypersensitivity does its harmful work when students seeing a
picture of George Washington with slaves are "triggered," and lose the
ability to think and speak <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2019-may-aug.html#14_June_2019_(George_Washington_murals)">about the significance of the fact that
Washington owned slaves</a>.


feed_id: d5ef8283bb1926e5e4333fc84b2914aa
title: Progressive democrats gaining power
uri: Progressive-democrats-gaining-power
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Progressive_democrats_gaining_power%29

content:
<p>
How progressive Democrats gained power in the New Mexico state
legislature, <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/04/16/deconstructed-new-mexico-spring/">replacing some plutocratist Democrats</a>.

<p>
They had to fight against identity politics.  If you choose which candidate
to support based on matters of identity, you are asking to be manipulated.


feed_id: eaa329bb2f95b0152677e8cb3ff20bfe
title: Oil windfall
uri: Oil-windfall
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Oil_windfall%29
content:
<p>
A big oil discovery in Namibia offers windfall profits to some of the
inhabitants, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/03/africa/namibia-oil-exploration-intl-cmd/index.html">until global heating destroys their country</a>.

<p>
So the people of Namibia have a right to a better life &mdash; for a couple
of decades &mdash; thanks to a little trickle-down from the profits of
exploiting a giant oilfield and perhaps destroying civilization?

<p>
Of course not!  Nobody does!  There is no room in the world's carbon
budget for any new fossil fuel development, whether it is in
California, Namibia, the Mediterranean Sea, or anywhere else.

<p>
President Correa of Ecuador asked the wealthy countries to pay Ecuador
not to exploit a new oil field.  No one took up that deal, but the
basic is still a good one.  Let's give the people of Namibia a better
life in exchange for an agreement to keep that oil forever in the
ground.

<p>
Of course, we need to structure the deal so that corrupt oligarchs don't
swipe the money and put it into secret offshore investments.


feed_id: 4b38ec5f8631415ad657105409520586
title: Traffic enforcement
uri: Traffic-enforcement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Traffic_enforcement%29
content:
<p>
*   Removing armed [<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>] from traffic enforcement and turning it
   over to civilians <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/03/want-fewer-police-shootings-get-armed-cops-out-traffic-enforcement">should be a major goal of the racial justice
   movement</a>.*

<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> use minor traffic violations &mdash; or possible appearance of one &mdash;
as pretexts to stop blacks and search their cars.  Civilian traffic
code enforcers would put an end to this practice.

<p>
I contend that the practice violates the fourth amendment <em>regardless
of whether racial profiling is used</em>, because an unaggravated moving
violation, by itself, is no excuse to search a car.


feed_id: 0bb8e2284ef9b92ae9179337175b062a
title: Hydrofluorocarbons
uri: 2021-05-05-Hydrofluorocarbons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Hydrofluorocarbons%29
content:
<p>
The EPA is moving to reduce use of hydrofluorocarbons, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/05/03/critical-and-totally-doable-first-step-epa-proposes-phasedown-climate-super">which are 
very powerful greenhouse gases</a>.


feed_id: f10316403b9727d85adfd5d2d12af974
title: Data merging
uri: Data-merging
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28Data_merging%29
content:
<p>
There is a campaign to stop Facebook from merging two collections of
data about useds: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/05/03/coalition-mobilizes-protect-billions-whatsapp-users-facebooks-privacy-invasion">the data about the useds of Facebook itself, and the
data about the useds of WhatsApp</a>.

<p>
Of course, if Facebook eliminates an internal policy barrier that
limits its use of the massive data it collects from its useds, that
will make its power to abuse people a little greater.  It would be
better to prevent that.

<p>
But I cannot support this campaign, because doing so would legitimize
the injustice those dis-services already do.

<p>
Facebook in its current form should not be allowed to exist at all,
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">because much of the data collection it does should be illegal</a>.

<p>
Don't be a zucker!  Stop letting Facebook and WhatsApp use you!


feed_id: b26bb6ab997f1db293e28c03977b27f9
title: NAFTA glyphosate
uri: 2021-05-05-NAFTA-glyphosate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#5_May_2021_%28NAFTA_glyphosate%29
content:
<p>
  The US is using NAFTA to try to stop Mexico from <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/03/bayer-goes-after-mexico-glyphosate-ban?cd-origin=rss">banning glyphosate</a>.
<p>
  NAFTA is a <a href="https://stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">business-supremacy treaty,</a> and it used to contain an ISDS clause (I Sue Democratic States)
which authorized businesses to sue a country for adopting a law or
policy that interferes with their plans.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> revised NAFTA, eliminating the power, but another member
country can still do so, and that is what the US is threatening to do.


feed_id: 2e43daa6d7b5e2a82eaf3b308884ed9a
title: Urgent: Ban oil and gas development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
uri: Urgent-Ban-oil-and-gas-development-in-the-Arctic-National-Wildlife-Re
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#6_May_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Ban_oil_and_gas_development_in_the_Arctic_National_Wildlife_Refuge%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://us.e-activist.com/page/email/click/10063/840977">ban oil and gas development in the
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge</a>.

<p>The Capitol Switchboard number is 202-224-3121.</p>
<p>If you call, please spread the word!</p>


feed_id: ce9dc04cdebb23801bab35a44a4a3770
title: Mayoral candidate Scott Stringer cancelled
uri: Mayoral-candidate-Scott-Stringer-cancelled
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#6_May_2021_%28Mayoral_candidate_Scott_Stringer_cancelled%29

content:
<p>

Progressives immediately cancelled mayoral candidate Scott Stringer
when a former intern <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/05/04/nyc-mayor-scott-stringer-jean-kim/">accused him of groping her</a>.  However, others say that the two had a relationship and she wasn't an intern.


feed_id: 65243bd41aad90922d590445cc704b9f
title: No sense of crisis
uri: No-sense-of-crisis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#6_May_2021_%28No_sense_of_crisis%29
content:
<p>

Greta Thunberg says that the political leaders she has met with
<a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-climate-change-thunberg/activist-thunberg-says-global-leaders-still-in-denial-over-climate-idUSKBN2CL1V7">show no "sense of crisis" about the climate</a>.
<p>
No wonder they think it is acceptable to surrender to the business pressure to take it slow.


feed_id: 2b87ad4e5c6f3b1642526c7dde1d2102
title: International Criminal Court, not by a Sudanese court
uri: International-Criminal-Court-not-by-a-Sudanese-court
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#6_May_2021_%28International_Criminal_Court%2C_not_by_a_Sudanese_court%29

content:
<p>

One of Sudanese tyrant al-Bashir's lieutenants says he wants to be <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sudan-darfur/bashir-ally-would-prefer-icc-to-sudan-court-for-darfur-trial-idUSKBN2CL1SB">tried
by the International Criminal Court</a>, not by a Sudanese court.
He expects the ICC to be less biased.
<p>
Bravo to the ICC.  The US should cease its <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2018-sep-dec.html#14_September_2018_(The_ICC)">campaign to delegitimize the ICC</a> and sign up for it.


feed_id: ae3085b25692411a97cf99f8b3ba3e37
title: Carbon offsetting
uri: 2021-05-06-Carbon-offsetting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#6_May_2021_%28Carbon_offsetting%29
content:
<p>

"Carbon offsetting" or climate defense by protecting forests, as it is
now done, is a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/04/what-is-carbon-offsetting-and-how-does-it-work">weak scheme</a>.
It may do some good, but certainly not enough.


feed_id: 19fd6d6962e48f393ed20fea16e08608
title: Journalists face murder threats
uri: Journalists-face-murder-threats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#6_May_2021_%28Journalists_face_murder_threats%29
content:
<p>

Afghan journalists face <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/may/04/threats-to-safety-force-dozens-of-afghan-journalists-to-go-into-hiding">murder threats from the Taliban</a>,
especially those who are women.
<p>
The US should offer them all asylum.


feed_id: e220e551466f3c6b673b7a6c31493d16
title: Right-wing hatred displays
uri: Right-wing-hatred-displays
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#6_May_2021_%28Right-wing_hatred_displays%29
content:
<p>

Germany is suffering a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/04/rightwing-extremism-germany-stability-interior-minister-says">peak level of right-wing hatred displays</a>.
<p>
The figure of 24,000 "attacks" includes mere statements (I will not
call this censoring messages merely because I disapprove of what was
said) as well as actual violence.  The article does not tell us how
acts of actual right-wing violence took place last year in Germany.
I wish it did.  I would expect that that too has increased.


feed_id: 0d0e00622ace940e452cefd906c6c4b5
title: DoJ threatened MIT researchers
uri: DoJ-threatened-MIT-researchers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#6_May_2021_%28DoJ_threatened_MIT_researchers%29
content:
<p>

The US Department of Justice, then operating under the control of the
wrecker, threatened MIT researchers who had published a statistical
demonstration that there was no sign of fraud in Evo Morales's
electoral victory, which was <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/05/04/bolivia-coup-trump-mit-evo-morales/">followed by the coup in Bolivia</a>.


feed_id: 0b273cbea65141fa8a45926b2f845827
title: Colombia protests
uri: Colombia-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#6_May_2021_%28Colombia_protests%29
content:
<p>

*UN <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/may/04/colombia-protests-violence-deaths-missing-un">condemns violent repression of Colombia protests</a> after at least 18 die.*


feed_id: 576afeae21c55a38340633b903ffb450
title: PISSI strength in Iraq
uri: PISSI-strength-in-Iraq
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#6_May_2021_%28PISSI_strength_in_Iraq%29
content:
<p>

PISSI is gradually <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/iraq-security-islamic-state-int/kurdish-leader-says-he-fears-islamic-state-comeback-in-iraq-idUSKBN2CM0Y4">recovering its strength in Iraq</a>.
<p>
After the US assisted Rojava in defeating <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a>, the wrecker removed
US troops and cooperation and let the remnants survive.  That was a foolish move.


feed_id: e17cfa74905572afb6f14c99e28ac89e
title: Crimes against Belarusian dissidents
uri: Crimes-against-Belarusian-dissidents
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#6_May_2021_%28Crimes_against_Belarusian_dissidents%29

content:
<p>

Belarusian dissidents ask for Germany to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-belarus-court/ten-belarusians-file-criminal-case-against-lukashenko-in-germany-idUSKBN2CM12S">investigate Lukashenko's crimes
against them</a>.


feed_id: 04a48966df4a775be9b12ecf99698df2
title: More democracy than Tories allow
uri: More-democracy-than-Tories-allow
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#6_May_2021_%28More_democracy_than_Tories_allow%29
content:
<p>

If Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland break away from the United
Kingdom, they will have a chance of more democracy than Tories allow
(though that will be limited by the European Union, which they would
join).
<p>
Meanwhile, England, with most of the UK's population, would <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/05/united-kingdom-westminster-independence-union-democracy">sink under
inescapable Tory dictatorship</a>, with democracy more tenuous each year.
<p>
England would have as much chance of restoring democracy as Hungary
has.  I can't see that as a happy ending.


feed_id: 17caabaae0a73c723f2cb67904b79ac4
title: Treated as criminals
uri: 2021-05-06-Treated-as-criminals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#6_May_2021_%28Treated_as_criminals%29
content:
<p>

People who have been trafficked into the UK and forced into crimes are
nearly <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/may/05/tougher-rules-leave-more-trafficking-victims-facing-forcible-removal">always treated as criminals, not as victims</a>.  Parliament decided
recently to make it even harder to escape this fate.


feed_id: 1ae2ad90116c280d33869fde9e0d7af4
title: Uganda criminalizes homosexuality
uri: Uganda-criminalizes-homosexuality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#6_May_2021_%28Uganda_criminalizes_homosexuality%29
content:
<p>

Uganda has reprised an old law imposed by the British Empire which <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/may/05/uganda-passes-bill-criminalising-same-sex-relationships-and-sex-work">criminalizes
homosexuality</a>.


feed_id: 05423a494d5ff9bc2afe77dc3aea6cf2
title: First amendment training
uri: First-amendment-training
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#6_May_2021_%28First_amendment_training%29
content:
<p>

*Internal NYPD Documents Show Cops Were Sent to Protests With <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/05/05/nypd-george-floyd-protests-training/">Barely Any First Amendment Training</a>.*
<p>
It is complex, organizationally, to choose the personnel for a
specific mission based on which trainings they have had.  The easy thing
to do is train everyone.  The next easiest is to have specific units
for specific jobs and give those units the training for those jobs.


feed_id: c5783fbdefde724862f2b1922e1793da
title: Lawsuit against the German government
uri: Lawsuit-against-the-German-government
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#6_May_2021_%28Lawsuit_against_the_German_government%29

content:
<p>

Several young Germans <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-climate-change-germany-pellworm/its-my-home-the-island-activist-who-forced-german-climate-action-idUSKBN2CM0OS">won a lawsuit against the government</a> for failing to take
adequate action against <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>.


feed_id: 4c5fd02c62de7d71c7a9bff75df3e980
title: Forest-protection programs
uri: Forest-protection-programs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#6_May_2021_%28Forest-protection_programs%29
content:
<p>
The forest-protection programs that airlines present as "offsets" for
for their greenhouse emissions <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/05/reducing-emissions-should-be-airlines-first-priority-not-buying-carbon-offsets">don't necessary do much good</a>.


feed_id: cdf742be2dd1ed745711c934691df3d2
title: Head of WTO on Covid-19 vaccines
uri: Head-of-WTO-on-Covid-19-vaccines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#6_May_2021_%28Head_of_WTO_on_Covid-19_vaccines%29
content:
<p>
Even the head of the WTO says that the world <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-trade-wto/put-idle-capacity-to-work-now-making-vaccines-says-wto-head-idUSKBN2CM22D">should make Covid-19
vaccine as fast as possible</a>.

<p>
Alas, the head of the WTO has no power to override its rules, which
are not designed for public health.


feed_id: 68099da7849f70234b01abfc1b735109
title: No employees left to fire
uri: No-employees-left-to-fire
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#6_May_2021_%28No_employees_left_to_fire%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/private-equity-firm-heartbroken-after-realizing-there-n-1846813478">satire</a>) *Private Equity Firm Heartbroken After Realizing There No AOL
Employees Left To Fire.*


feed_id: f750618635bc1c5f3fc2ab81f9cd67f3
title: Birth rate drop
uri: Birth-rate-drop
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#6_May_2021_%28Birth_rate_drop%29
content:
<p>
The US birth rate <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/may/05/us-birth-rate-sees-biggest-fall-for-nearly-50-years">took a big drop in 2020</a>.

<p>
If this is due to cruel starve-the-poor policies, those are a terrible wrong.
But the birth rate drop itself <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/children.html ">will be a good thing</a>.


feed_id: 08674a48a04dd3b81a35475326811732
title: Ban on satellite dishes
uri: Ban-on-satellite-dishes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#6_May_2021_%28Ban_on_satellite_dishes%29
content:
<p>
*Myanmar junta <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/05/myanmar-junta-bans-satellite-dishes-in-media-crackdown">bans satellite dishes in media crackdown</a>.*


feed_id: 1261df4b18d770a3c51cd23a165a13f0
title: Bigger threat to democracy
uri: Bigger-threat-to-democracy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#6_May_2021_%28Bigger_threat_to_democracy%29
content:
<p>
*US seen as bigger threat to democracy than Russia or China, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/05/us-threat-democracy-russia-china-global-poll">global
poll finds</a>.*

<p>
That was true for most of the time since 1990, and it is still true for
Russia, but it is not true any more regarding China.


feed_id: 647acd122137449da04556b61aeb6ec5
title: Confiscated explosives
uri: Confiscated-explosives
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#6_May_2021_%28Confiscated_explosives%29
content:
<p>
A wide variety of explosives and weapons <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/may/05/explosives-incendiary-devices-found-far-right-protests">have been confiscated from
right-wing protesters in the past year</a>.


feed_id: 91a4d90e3886f1c0be98b92b04d22dd6
title: Urgent: paid sick leave and family leave
uri: Urgent-paid-sick-leave-and-family-leave
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#7_May_2021_%28Urgent%3A_paid_sick_leave_and_family_leave%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://www.actionnetwork.org/petitions/american-families-plan">call on Congress</a> to include paid sick leave and family
leave in the American Families Plan.


feed_id: 2c27152789d7de5698b419b20c026781
title: Patent waiver on Covid-19 vaccines
uri: Patent-waiver-on-Covid-19-vaccines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#7_May_2021_%28Patent_waiver_on_Covid-19_vaccines%29
content:
<p>
*US declares support <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/05/us-declares-support-for-patent-waiver-on-covid-19-vaccines">for patent waiver on Covid-19 vaccines</a>.*

<p>
I am curious to see how this change of position came about,
and who championed it.  Most of the officials that Biden chose
for foreign policy have plutocratist leanings.

<p>
The article says nothing about the trade secrets of the vaccine
companies, but I've read elsewhere that the US means to include them too.

<p>
Governments should require the vaccine companies to teach their
methods to new producers, but that (unlike the patent license) is not
just a matter of stating a new policy.


feed_id: c1d01534b62efb68fd7aa412338adb0e
title: Moving from pledges
uri: Moving-from-pledges
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#7_May_2021_%28Moving_from_pledges%29
content:
<p>
*World Must Move From Pledges <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/04/world-must-move-pledges-actual-green-recovery-spending">to Actual Green Recovery Spending</a>.*


feed_id: d764d754e4790a05146aeea2c83766bd
title: Leader's Compound
uri: Leader-s-Compound
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#7_May_2021_%28Leader%27s_Compound%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/couple-worried-relationship-will-lose-spark-once-they-m-1846814345">satire</a>) *Couple Worried Relationship Will Lose Spark Once They Move
Into Leader's Compound.*


feed_id: d7dee520b36520abbe5403d40f4cdc4c
title: Proposing what is needed
uri: Proposing-what-is-needed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#7_May_2021_%28Proposing_what_is_needed%29
content:
<p>
Will Biden find the courage to propose the whole of what the country needs,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/04/biden-flirting-better-economic-paradigm-young-people-need-him-commit">instead of just 1/3</a>?


feed_id: fed579e2f9aaef9e7f87311dffac8ab6
title: COINTELPRO files
uri: COINTELPRO-files
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#7_May_2021_%28COINTELPRO_files%29
content:
<p>
*House Democrat introduces bill to release <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/04/politics/black-panthers-fred-hampton-cointelpro-fbi-democrat-bill/index.html">COINTELPRO files on surveillance of
Black Panthers and Fred Hampton</a>.*


feed_id: f7dfdf692a3d02c97f7c9ae9ded8bd9c
title: Right-wing ideology
uri: 2021-05-07-Right-wing-ideology
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#7_May_2021_%28Right-wing_ideology%29
content:
<p>
Since 1980 the world's elites have adopted right-wing ideology and
spread suffering.  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/05/why-future-belongs-left">Only left-wing politics offers an answer</a>.

<p>
"left-wing" covers a lot of ground, so we must be careful about which
variety we support.


feed_id: 7a86de97c6cc50619c8d3067fc6a865f
title: Why young adults need to get vaccinated
uri: Why-young-adults-need-to-get-vaccinated
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#7_May_2021_%28Why_young_adults_need_to_get_vaccinated%29

content:
<p>
Why young (and middle-aged) adults <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/05/health/young-people-covid-vaccine/index.html">need to get vaccinated</a>,
   for their own health and everyone else's.


feed_id: 47ed736e5323bf5172aea9c9b9338a9a
title: Algorithm and business model
uri: Algorithm-and-business-model
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#7_May_2021_%28Algorithm_and_business_model%29
content:
<p>
Fight for the Future gets to the root of how surveillance capitalism
promotes civic strife: it's the algorithm, and behind the algorithm,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/05/05/focusing-trump-ban-missing-point-facebooks-business-model-incompatible-democracy">the business model</a>.

<p>
Notorious civic saboteurs, such as the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>, are the creations of
that algorithm and that business model.  They are people who had
enough talent to exploit it, and lacked the conscience to hold them
back.  Instead of playing whack-a-mole with them, we should fix the
system they exploit.


feed_id: a0c77cfdc02a3bf93565cedf4dce0f78
title: Cleaner energy
uri: Cleaner-energy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#7_May_2021_%28Cleaner_energy%29
content:
<p>
*Tens of Thousands of Premature Deaths <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/05/05/tens-thousands-premature-deaths-linked-so-called-cleaner-energy-fracked-gas-study">Linked to So-Called "Cleaner" Energy
Like Fracked Gas</a>: Study.*


feed_id: 8160ff75818609e8a45697def9c7e0cb
title: Undercover leader
uri: Undercover-leader
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#7_May_2021_%28Undercover_leader%29
content:
<p>
A UK undercover infiltrator in the Troops Out Movement became its
leader <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/may/05/undercover-officer-rose-to-top-of-campaign-group-he-infiltrated">and surely reported all the personal details of supporters</a>.

<p>
He used deceptive sexual relationships with other supporters as a
means to advance in the group.


feed_id: 9b9154cca8c6ca13030f58eae78cb1e6
title: Lending for coal
uri: Lending-for-coal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#7_May_2021_%28Lending_for_coal%29
content:
<p>
British banks <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/may/04/uk-banks-coal-industry-2015-paris-climate-pact-barclays-hsbc">have increased their lending for coal since 2015</a>.


feed_id: e0a5e81599a92398fbc4a3683fc1f312
title: Face recognition
uri: 2021-05-07-Face-recognition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#7_May_2021_%28Face_recognition%29
content:
<p>
A dis-service now offers everyone face recognition <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/04/tech/pimeyes-facial-recognition/index.html">applied to lots of collected
pictures of anyone and everyone</a>.


feed_id: 6e7ddb27960ff45f14b4ee956dff1266
title: Pushing back refugees
uri: Pushing-back-refugees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#7_May_2021_%28Pushing_back_refugees%29
content:
<p>
*European countries, supported by EU’s border agency Frontex,
   systematically pushed back refugees [numbering 40,000] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/may/05/revealed-2000-refugee-deaths-linked-to-eu-pushbacks">using
   illegal tactics ranging from assault to brutality during detention
   or transportation</a>.*
   2,000 of them died from this.


feed_id: 60019a03809bcfeb90a26a10d7daf657
title: Election council
uri: Election-council
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#7_May_2021_%28Election_council%29
content:
<p>
Venezuela has refilled the election council, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics/venezuelas-congress-names-opposition-linked-election-council-members-idUSKBN2CM016">including some members of
the democratic opposition</a>.


feed_id: cfbf24673cf7c05b040fc6694facc0de
title: Australia lenders
uri: Australia-lenders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#9_May_2021_%28Australia_lenders%29
content:
<p>
Australia refused to lend money for a wind farm and battery farm,
saying that all funding for that is supposed to come from <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/may/06/coalition-vetoes-funding-for-wind-and-battery-farm-in-northern-queensland">private
lenders</a>.
<p>
Does Australia provide any subsidies for fossil fuel development or
extraction?  Any tax write-offs such as depletion?  I would expect it
does.  By its stated philosophy, it should stop that immediately.


feed_id: 475a725ba40c78a0399e1d9af576765b
title: 15 Months Hong Kong
uri: 15-Months-Hong-Kong
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#9_May_2021_%2815_Months_Hong_Kong%29
content:
<p>
The new standard in Hong Kong is <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-security/hong-kong-activist-joshua-wong-jailed-for-10-months-over-june-4-assembly-idUSKBN2CN07I">15 months in prison</a> for telling people
about the Tian An Men Square protest and massacre.


feed_id: 91825e48cf6be3d39b5990b01e3acf7a
title: Get both doses!
uri: Get-both-doses
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#9_May_2021_%28Get_both_doses%21%29
content:
<p>
One dose of Covid-19 vaccine improves your chances a lot, but the
second dose is a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/05/two-pfizer-covid-vaccine-doses-give-over-95-protection-shows-israel-study">big improvement on top of that.</a>
<p>
  Conclusion: get
  vaccinated and get both doses!


feed_id: f4992982880a1ee3baae9875ebb6c4e6
title: Bill Gates' Invisible Climate Hand
uri: Bill-Gates-Invisible-Climate-Hand
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#9_May_2021_%28Bill_Gates%27_Invisible_Climate_Hand%29

content:
<p>
Bill Gates says, have faith in the <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/04/system-will-not-solve-climate-crisis-without-push-thats-where-you-come?cd-origin=rss">Invisible Hand</a> and assume technology
will prevent global heating.
<p>
  When confronted with the political issues about which way the world
will go, he plays dumb.


feed_id: b3a11df1a3aa2b0fbb35daf69e50607c
title: Hydrogen fuel
uri: 2021-05-09-Hydrogen-fuel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#9_May_2021_%28Hydrogen_fuel%29
content:
<p>
It is physically possible to make hydrogen and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/06/hydrogen-fuel-risks-reliance-on-fossil-fuels">use it as a fuel</a>,
and it's renewable if generated using renewable electricity,
but that is inefficient use of funds.  In this decade we can decarbonize
more by converting the uses of energy to run off renewable electricity.<p>
    
I wonder if it is possible to generate hydrogen efficiently from petroleum
without producing any greenhouse gases as the result.  Maybe the result
could be sugar.


feed_id: 8fb04f575f68ed1b245c206be63b9fae
title: Covid waiver
uri: Covid-waiver
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#9_May_2021_%28Covid_waiver%29
content:
<p>
Even with US support, a waiver on patents and trademarks on Covid-19
vaccines is likely to take many <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-waiver-wto/vaccine-ip-waiver-could-take-months-for-wto-to-negotiate-experts-idUSKBN2CN0CV">months to negotiate</a>, in effect keeping humanity helpless against the virus.<p>
    The WTO is structured to resist any initiative to reduce the power
of the businesses that it exists to serve.  Of course, it claims that
this is for our own good, to ensure plenty of wealth for the rich
    that could theoretically trickle down to the rest of us.
  <p>
    I have said before that we should <a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#28_April_2021_(Lobbying_against_exception_to_vaccine_patents)">abolish the WTO</a>.  I repeat that now.


feed_id: 1492fdebdedf10f57bd33646a35758f5
title: Skepticism towards governments and corporations
uri: Skepticism-towards-governments-and-corporations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#9_May_2021_%28Skepticism_towards_governments_and_corporations%29

content:
<p>
*   Unless actions by governments and corporations cut emissions in the
   here and now, a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/06/difference-real-climate-policy-greenwashing-emissions">dose of scepticism</a> is in order.*


feed_id: 080647a8fb6286e398fc7f730993981a
title: Amsterdam prostitution move
uri: Amsterdam-prostitution-move
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#9_May_2021_%28Amsterdam_prostitution_move%29
content:
<p>
Amsterdam's mayor wants to move the visible prostitutes' windows to an
out-of-the-way place where tourists will not see them.  This change is
supposed to "protect" the prostitutes, but the prostitutes <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/06/amsterdam-plans-out-of-town-erotic-centre-as-part-of-cleanup-bid">do not want</a>
to be protected in this way.<p>
I think the mayor is motivated by prudish disgust.
<p>
It would be better to consult the prostitutes and see what sort of
protection they would actually like.


feed_id: 136fb1a136af0bf4001b47a1e6888873
title: UN report methane
uri: UN-report-methane
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#9_May_2021_%28UN_report_methane%29
content:
<p>
*Cut methane emissions to rapidly fight climate disasters, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/06/cut-methane-emissions-rapidly-fight-climate-disasters-un-report-greenhouse-gas-global-heating">UN report says</a>.*


feed_id: 418118818f26346459b2672cc452f6fa
title: Cheyney to be replaced
uri: Cheyney-to-be-replaced
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#9_May_2021_%28Cheyney_to_be_replaced%29
content:
<p>
Rep. Liz Cheney is the one Republican leader in the House of
Representatives that refuses to be a puppet of the bullshitter. So
the puppets are planning to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/may/05/liz-cheney-republicans-donald-trump">replace her</a> as a leader.


feed_id: eef40abd077d24bb24efbd27e89ae5b3
title: New Zealand Labour Citizenship
uri: New-Zealand-Labour-Citizenship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#9_May_2021_%28New_Zealand_Labour_Citizenship%29
content:
<p>
New Zealand's Labour Party is sliding into establishing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/06/judith-collins-comments-on-maori-health-policy-are-a-diversion">two classes of
citizenship</a> with two different laws.
<p>
  It may well be that the Maori deserve compensation for being
mistreated in the past by European colonists.  That sort of thing has
happened in many colonies including the US, Canada and Australia.  I
don't know enough about New Zealand history to have a firm opinion
about that case.
<p>
  But this compensation should not take the form of a permanent division
of society between two kinds of citizens, with different rules and
  privileges.
  


feed_id: 6987969d9e09123798b96466b2d98814
title: Koch brother
uri: 2021-05-10-Koch-brother
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28Koch_brother%29
content:
<p>
The remaining Koch brother is <a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2021/05/07/cmd-presents-reporting-at-unkoch-press-conference/">still promoting extremist Republicans</a>
that supported the Republican big lie that the bully won the election.


feed_id: f9f535d5792ff40ece010f17cd959a1a
title: Floyd thugs charged
uri: Floyd-thugs-charged
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28Floyd_thugs_charged%29
content:
<p>
There are now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/may/07/george-floyd-death-murder-police-officers-civil-rights-charges">federal charges</a> against four thugs that participated in
the killing of George Floyd.


feed_id: ba6d70834675d9462ba107e0666ad101
title: ICE disregarding orders
uri: ICE-disregarding-orders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28ICE_disregarding_orders%29
content:
<p>
The US deportation agency, ICE, is <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/05/07/ice-biden-priorities-deportation/">disregarding Biden's orders</a>
and doing gratuitous harm -- because it can.


feed_id: 8e93b294e1aa9bfd71c4085ba51f0ce3
title: Israel west-bank
uri: Israel-west-bank
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28Israel_west-bank%29
content:
<p>
*France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Britain urged Israel&hellip; to
 halt <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-palestinians-settlement-europe/european-powers-tell-israel-to-stop-settlement-expansion-idUSKBN2CN2ES">settlement-building in the West Bank</a>.*


feed_id: 88ef786c00fbaac709d4324a966f2d23
title: COVID death estimate
uri: COVID-death-estimate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28COVID_death_estimate%29
content:
<p>
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation estimates that almost <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-casualties/global-covid-19-death-toll-more-than-double-official-estimates-ihme-idUSKBN2CN24M">7 million
people have died</a> from Covid-19.
<p>
That is a lot more than governments recognize.


  


feed_id: 02a36c81efb49645b2364b6a31163d3b
title: Former Maldives President Injured
uri: Former-Maldives-President-Injured
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28Former_Maldives_President_Injured%29
content:
<p>
Former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed was <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-maldives-blast/maldives-ex-president-nasheed-wounded-in-blast-undergoing-surgery-idUSKBN2CO0DQ">injured by a bomb</a>.
<p>
He championed climate defense, and was removed by a coup which we must
suspect was organized by planet-roasters.
<p>
The article says he is now speaker of the Maldives Parliament.
I hope he is still pushing for the need to curb sea-level rise
before the Maldives are inundated.
<p>


feed_id: 01831da2bfcedee9570b92c25acec356
title: Hong Kong Dissidents
uri: Hong-Kong-Dissidents
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28Hong_Kong_Dissidents%29
content:
<p>
Three Hong Kong dissidents have been imprisoned for "rioting" simply because
they were <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/06/hong-kong-court-jails-riot-charges-joshua-wong-tiananmen-vigil-protest">present at a protest</a>.
<p>
Republicans are trying to make it easier to imprison protesters for
"rioting."  This seems to be a standard item in the repressive playbook.

  


feed_id: 3f738d7e9d850ebdb31d0bb4b61331e4
title: Uber & Lyft Against Unions
uri: Uber-Lyft-Against-Unions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28Uber_%2526_Lyft_Against_Unions%29
content:
<p>
Uber and Lyft are lobbying against the PRO Act, which would facilitate
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/05/06/pro-act-uber-lyft-doordash-instacart-lobbying/">forming unions</a>.
<p>
So are Instacart and some of the food-delivery companies.
This is another reason to boycott them all. (I won't use them anyway
since they won't let me pay anonymous cash.)


feed_id: ffaa8261718418e9140abd8758d6c49c
title: Urgent: clean up ICE
uri: Urgent-clean-up-ICE
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28Urgent%3A_clean_up_ICE%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/Cleanup_or_Shutdown_ICE/">call on Biden's team</a> to clean up ICE or shut it down.


feed_id: 6bce95950dc313f5c87819781cbb6749
title: Prosecution for drawing penises
uri: Prosecution-for-drawing-penises
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28Prosecution_for_drawing_penises%29
content:
<p>
New Zealand threatens to prosecute Geoff Upson <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/07/new-zealand-man-threatened-with-prosecution-over-penis-pothole-drawings">for trying to get potholes
fixed by drawing penises around them</a>.

<p>
Sick and cruel prudery is seeping back, threatening to reverse the
sexual revolution.


feed_id: f13cbbaa9dc1f1fda398f21521a49a8b
title: Tracking tags
uri: Tracking-tags
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28Tracking_tags%29
content:
<p>
Very small tracking tags, made by Apple and other companies, make it
easy to track any person or object.  We may have to start <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/05/05/apple-airtags-stalking/">checking our
clothing and other property regularly to remove them</a>.


feed_id: 0f2fe79762a9eaa9081f99328d7d4819
title: Waking Snow White
uri: Waking-Snow-White
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28Waking_Snow_White%29
content:
<p>
Some say that Prince Charming has no right to wake Snow White with a
kiss without first waking her to ask for her consent.  His obligation
<a href="https://ew.com/movies/disneyland-snow-white-ride-criticized-kiss/">is to leave her unconscious forever</a>, they contend.

<p>
In real life, nobody needs a kiss to regain consciousness.  But there
are real situations in which medics need to cut clothing off of
unconscious people, perhaps even exposing their genitals.  This is a
prelude to medical treatments which aim at restoring those people to
consciousness.  Medics have presumed that that goal justifies
stripping them.

<p>
Maybe we will see real pressure for medics medics to leave those
people untreated, on pain of being charged with some sort of sex
crime.

<p>
I compare this to the right-wing political pressure to let women die
rather than abort ectopic pregnancies.


feed_id: c00c19f360161b4791c691ee46058c62
title: Nuclear plants
uri: Nuclear-plants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28Nuclear_plants%29
content:
<p>
Biden's infrastructure plan includes subsidy for the existing nuclear
power plants, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/05/05/courting-disaster-progressives-denounce-biden-plan-taxpayer-bailout-nuclear-industry">as well as plans to build a new one</a>.

<p>
This would be a harmful use of the money, as well as wasteful &mdash; it
would be cheaper to replace the nuclear plants with storage batteries
&mdash; but if it can convince Manchin to vote to end the filibuster, it
would be a price worth paying.


feed_id: 5b362a2bc7d5d27aa2ea82e70036d4f8
title: Harassing dissidents
uri: Harassing-dissidents
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28Harassing_dissidents%29
content:
<p>
A London <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> probably killed dissident Blair Peach; afterward,
undercover <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> spied on dissidents (including his lover) for 20
years <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/may/06/met-spied-on-blair-peach-partner-for-more-than-two-decades-inquiry-hears">as they demanded information on how he was killed</a>.

<p>
One must suppose the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> were seeking a way to discredit the
dissidents who were, for them, an inconvenience.


feed_id: 2850b193744daa71aef8a5b68b5d9305
title: Corruption of cops
uri: Corruption-of-cops
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28Corruption_of_cops%29
content:
<p>
The BBC has exposed <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/07/tv-line-of-duty-police-history-corruption-money">the persistent corruption of London cops</a>.


feed_id: 65a8f896769a7996699435fcc2103e25
title: Urgent: exclude the wrecker
uri: Urgent-exclude-the-wrecker
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28Urgent%3A_exclude_the_wrecker%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/youtube-must-ban-trump/">call on youtube</a> to exclude the wrecker.


feed_id: f1e40affe4f4e96534fc21119f609221
title: Urgent: Wealth tax
uri: Urgent-Wealth-tax
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Wealth_tax%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/wealth-tax-dp">call on Congress</a> to adopt a wealth tax.


feed_id: 11463f66b258969a380c26ab5d4c582e
title: Exploiting vulnerable people for profit
uri: Exploiting-vulnerable-people-for-profit
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28Exploiting_vulnerable_people_for_profit%29

content:
<p>
*The company I founded in my 20s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global/2021/may/07/funeral-grace-cremation-startup-alex-kruger">exploited vulnerable people for profit</a>.*
  It sold special kinds of funeral activities, mainly to people who
would pay for more ways to grieve.


feed_id: 6cf2c355764ed4a367e3a7a820d48edf
title: Suing states not burning coal
uri: Suing-states-not-burning-coal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28Suing_states_not_burning_coal%29
content:
<p>
Republicans in Wyoming <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/07/wyoming-coal-threat-mining-republican-governor">threaten to sue states that don't burn coal</a>.


feed_id: df433cf22626904281333c6da2642934
title: Upholding ban on neonicotinoid
uri: Upholding-ban-on-neonicotinoid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28Upholding_ban_on_neonicotinoid%29
content:
<p>
*EU court <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/07/eu-court-upholds-ban-on-insecticides-linked-to-harming-bees">upholds ban on [neonicotinoid] insecticides linked to harming bees</a>.*

<p>
They harm <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#11_August_2020_(Neonicotinoids_and_birds)">other kinds of animals too</a>.


feed_id: 898ce0aeb2e2cf5096705fbda9e65854
title: Millions for endangered species
uri: Millions-for-endangered-species
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28Millions_for_endangered_species%29
content:
<p>
Florida has agreed to spend 400 million <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/may/07/florida-panther-conservation-wildlife-endangered-species">to help various endangered species
including the Florida panther</a>.

<p>
My "childhood sweetheart" Melinda <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/childhood-sweetheart.html">would be glad if she were still
alive</a>.


feed_id: 056a6e82f81094200494e23c6f95b31d
title: Refugees chased out
uri: Refugees-chased-out
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28Refugees_chased_out%29
content:
<p>
After the 2018 California fires, 20,000 refugees fled to the city of
Chico.  After a while of warmth and assistance, the city got tired
of them <a href="https://theintercept.com/2021/05/07/california-fires-chico-housing-real-estate/">and now tries to chase out those that remain</a>.


feed_id: 4f965a733c7ddca2cafdc9d1472b6645
title: Vaccinal plans exclusion
uri: Vaccinal-plans-exclusion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28Vaccinal_plans_exclusion%29
content:
<p>
*   Research reveals that many national vaccination plans <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/07/at-least-46m-displaced-people-excluded-from-covid-jabs-who-study-shows">exclude asylum
   seekers, refugees, migrants and [internally displaced persons]</a>.*


feed_id: a0ea6e4df02ba49d456c0502212ac366
title: Koch brother
uri: 2021-05-10-Koch-brother
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28Koch_brother%29
content:
<p>
The remaining Koch brother is <a href="https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2021/05/07/cmd-presents-reporting-at-unkoch-press-conference/">still promoting extremist Republicans</a>
that supported the Republican big lie that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> won the election.


feed_id: 18b8fa7e9a5ad94f1ed35489b12e7ba1
title: Bill Gates' Invisible Climate Hand
uri: 2021-05-10-Bill-Gates-Invisible-Climate-Hand
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#9_May_2021_%28Bill_Gates%27_Invisible_Climate_Hand%29

content:
<p>
Bill Gates says, have faith in the <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/04/system-will-not-solve-climate-crisis-without-push-thats-where-you-come?cd-origin=rss">Invisible Hand</a> and assume technology
will prevent <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>.
<p>
  When confronted with the political issues about which way the world
will go, he plays dumb.


feed_id: 75a6d4180dc1353bc8236670876e100b
title: Urgent: Call on Biden to ban fracking
uri: Urgent-Call-on-Biden-to-ban-fracking
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Call_on_Biden_to_ban_fracking%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Biden to <a href="https://act.350.org/letter/fracking_biden">ban fracking</a>.


feed_id: 123b276d0f14ad33f3b398a47547ba30
title: Crimes of the bully's 2016 campaign
uri: Crimes-of-the-bully-s-2016-campaign
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Crimes_of_the_bully%27s_2016_campaign%29

content:
<p>

The Department of Justice has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/05/07/deadlock-broken-fec-fails-enforce-rule-law-trump-daniels-violations">only 5 more months</a> to prosecute crimes
of the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>'s 2016 campaign.


feed_id: 7ace9d578d8ab509449928a1a54faf4b
title: Big Pharma Greed
uri: Big-Pharma-Greed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Big_Pharma_Greed%29
content:
<p>

Stiglitz: *Big Pharma Greed Will <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/07/big-pharma-greed-will-prolong-pandemic-if-we-dont-fight-back">Prolong Pandemic</a>—If We Don't Fight Back.*
<p>
I agree fully with the substance of his points.  I wish he did not
fall into trap of using the term <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">"intellectual property"</a> to talk about
patents. copyrights, trade secrets and trademarks as if they were
similar enough to generalize about.
<p>
Since the whole point of the WTO is to <a href="https://stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">give businesses more power over
national governments</a>, and thereby more power over people, we should
abolish the WTO.


feed_id: cf4e7335777a7339596d278e6fdcd527
title: Reasons Americans hesitate to go back to work
uri: Reasons-Americans-hesitate-to-go-back-to-work
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Reasons_Americans_hesitate_to_go_back_to_work%29

content:
<p>

Higher unemployment payments are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/may/07/truth-behind-unemployment-benefits-myth">not the main reason</a> Americans
hesitate to go back to work.  Safety is one.  Taking care of children
who are not spending the day in school is another.


feed_id: 79d5d90259a9abaf35e47028a0eef8a9
title: Fascism spreading
uri: Fascism-spreading
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Fascism_spreading%29
content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/07/fascisms-global-spread-real-pandemics">Fascism is spreading around the world</a>, with fascist ideas spreading
before it.  No two fascist regimes are identical, but we must acknowledge
that that is what they are.


feed_id: 4ef7835b363732b44dea0b9eadaa70ba
title: Gates Foundation's forays into education
uri: Gates-Foundation-s-forays-into-education
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Gates_Foundation%27s_forays_into_education%29

content:
<p>

The Gates Foundation's <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2021/05/05/what-bill-melinda-gates-did-to-education/">forays into education</a> have not turned out well.


feed_id: 3d59f1fea7853cbb034f5c821176cb48
title: The Lie-Cheat-Steal party
uri: The-Lie-Cheat-Steal-party
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28The_Lie-Cheat-Steal_party%29
content:
<p>

The Republican Party has become the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/06/opinions/gop-zoe-lofgren-complaint-social-media-ghitis/index.html">Lie-Cheat-Steal Party</a>, still
repeating in unison that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> really won the 2020 election.
<p>
Every year since 2000, if not before, the Republican Party has tried
to rig the election.  In <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/archive-2001.html#Florida_voter_disenfranchisement">2000</a>, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2004-nov-feb.html#02%20November%202004%20(Bush%20trying%20to%20steal%20the%20vote%20in%20Ohio)">2004</a> and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-sep-dec.html#11_December_2016_(Democrats)">2016</a> it succeeded.


feed_id: 3eb7bc4025c891f089b7fcab52139830
title: (satire) Facebook oversight board
uri: (satire)-Facebook-oversight-board
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28%28satire%29_Facebook_oversight_board%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Mark Zuckerberg Asks Facebook Oversight Board To <a href="https://www.theonion.com/mark-zuckerberg-asks-facebook-oversight-board-to-rule-o-1846838173">Rule On
Whether Argument Wife's Fault</a>.


feed_id: a8474cec99ac1f43225d9e6836ee342b
title: Ban on Bee-killing pesticides
uri: Ban-on-Bee-killing-pesticides
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Ban_on_Bee-killing_pesticides%29
content:
<p>

*Rejecting Bayer Appeal, Top EU Court <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/05/06/rejecting-bayer-appeal-top-eu-court-upholds-ban-bee-killing-pesticides">Upholds Ban on Bee-Killing Pesticides</a>.*


feed_id: 33f7320eafcca7a6f090fe0a93f3afb2
title: Fake letters to the FCC
uri: Fake-letters-to-the-FCC
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Fake_letters_to_the_FCC%29
content:
<p>

The US attorney for Southern New York says that the scheme that sent
fake letters to the FCC about network neutrality <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/05/06/new-york-attorney-general-finds-broadband-industry-funded-illegal-scheme-flood">was illegal</a>.
<p>
Will we see some charges?


feed_id: bf3e3371e30158a94712d04ac6f1b728
title: Motorcycle airbag vest
uri: Motorcycle-airbag-vest
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Motorcycle_airbag_vest%29
content:
<p>

*This Motorcycle Airbag Vest Will <a href="https://www.newscon.net/en-gb/posts/this-motorcycle-airbag-vest-will-stop-working-if-you-miss-a-payment/">Stop Working If You Miss a Payment</a>.*
<p>
In the world of the future, you won't own anything, not even the vest
around your torso.  Unless you are rich.


feed_id: 8a63e96a84c8ced1626238b15d084063
title: DRM-gouging to dishwashers
uri: DRM-gouging-to-dishwashers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28DRM-gouging_to_dishwashers%29
content:
<p>

Introducing <a href="https://pluralistic.net/2021/05/03/cassette-rewinder/#disher-bob">DRM-gouging</a> to dishwashers.
<p>
Normally, a new kind of product may start out expensive, but
the price goes down.  However, if the product requires a subscription,
its price may never fall.


feed_id: a63e74d73559e3a6c1cf75913a72340c
title: Heirs of Samsung
uri: Heirs-of-Samsung
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Heirs_of_Samsung%29
content:
<p>

The heirs of Samsung will have to <a href="https://pluralistic.net/2021/04/29/writers-must-be-paid/#dynasties">pay a substantial fraction in
inheritance tax</a>.  
<p>
South Korea has made a wise decision.  The US should follow it.


feed_id: c5b5f7638d8e4e3d516938e08001af6d
title: Disappearance of activist
uri: Disappearance-of-activist
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Disappearance_of_activist%29
content:
<p>

*Mayor of Mexican town and two officials <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/07/mexico-mayor-arrested-disappearance-activist">arrested over disappearance of
activist</a>.*
<p>
Claudia Uruchurtu Cruz was grabbed after a meeting and forced into a
van belonging to the city.


feed_id: 323c4ced62a16659a155d080a1b71588
title: Signs of 'arbitrary execution'
uri: Signs-of-arbitrary-execution
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Signs_of_%27arbitrary_execution%27%29

content:
<p>

*Brazil judge sees <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-violence/brazil-judge-sees-signs-of-arbitrary-execution-in-rio-police-raid-idUSKBN2CO219">signs of 'arbitrary execution'</a> in Rio police raid.*


feed_id: 9d59322c224b3e1d967b91b6595b880d
title: Anti-Bolsonaro coalition
uri: Anti-Bolsonaro-coalition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Anti-Bolsonaro_coalition%29
content:
<p>

*Lula <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-politics-lula/back-in-brasilia-lula-lays-foundations-of-anti-bolsonaro-coalition-idUSKBN2CO1T2">lays foundations of anti-Bolsonaro coalition</a>.*


feed_id: ccb477a474d0616262b2d8039bb441af
title: Prisoner of conscience
uri: 2021-05-11-Prisoner-of-conscience
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Prisoner_of_conscience%29
content:
<p>

Amnesty International has resumed referring to Alexei Navalny as a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/07/alexei-navalny-amnesty-international-prisoner-of-conscience-restored">"prisoner of conscience"</a>.
<p>
The organization has decided to be less particular, and recognize
people that courageously resist tyrants, even if they have expressed
views that Amnesty disagrees with.
<p>
I disagree with those views too, but I think Amnesty's change in
policy is wise.


feed_id: 5eaea9f062ea5ae00c5afba81381c628
title: Ponca chief Standing Bear
uri: Ponca-chief-Standing-Bear
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Ponca_chief_Standing_Bear%29
content:
<p>

A descendant of Ponca chief Standing Bear demands that Harvard <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/may/07/harvard-ponca-chief-standing-bear-tomahawk-lawyer">return
a hatchet</a> that Standing Bear gave away in gratitude.
<p>
We know that the US committed many injustices against Standing Bear
and the rest of the Poncas, as it did to many other indigenous
Americans.  Only a fraction of them are mentioned in the article.
<p>
However, none of that invalidates Standing Bear's gift of the hatchet
to Webster, who had defended his right to be considered human.  That
was a valid gift, and so (as far as we know) was Webster's gift of the
hatchet to Harvard.  Thus, I conclude that Chapman's argument is
invalid and Harvard should keep the hatchet.
<p>
Displaying the hatchet in a museum can teach Americans about what
indigenous Americans had to do to claim human rights in the United
States.


feed_id: d37d9b80efd78cb3284a4c6cd79b4064
title: Prosecution of Extinction Rebellion protesters
uri: Prosecution-of-Extinction-Rebellion-protesters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Prosecution_of_Extinction_Rebellion_protesters%29

content:
<p>

The UK should <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/08/extinction-rebellion-activists-trail-public-interest-crown-court">stop prosecuting</a> Extinction Rebellion protesters.
The public are protecting them by finding them not guilty.  Bravo for
the public!  Now it is time for the state to back down.


feed_id: 302d1d75b2e9e6aec311e4e0261dcdaf
title: Excuse to thwart generic Covid vaccines
uri: Excuse-to-thwart-generic-Covid-vaccines
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Excuse_to_thwart_generic_Covid_vaccines%29

content:
<p>

European politicians have found an excuse to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/08/us-must-export-doses-before-waiving-covid-vaccine-patents-say-eu-leaders">thwart generic Covid vaccines</a>:
demanding that the US start exporting vaccine first.
<p>
This is a bizarre nonsequitur.  The US will have spare capacity soon
and could export it, but that won't be enough to vaccinate the whole
world quickly.


feed_id: d9c00c16cf6282551fd817bba81f3e57
title: Deal between Georgian political parties
uri: Deal-between-Georgian-political-parties
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Deal_between_Georgian_political_parties%29

content:
<p>

The EU has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/08/eu-posts-bail-to-free-jailed-georgia-opposition-leader-nika-melia">brokered a deal</a> between the two main political parties
of Georgia.  The opposition alleged rigging of the election,
so the ruling party imprisoned the leader of the opposition.
<p>
With no information to go by except this article, I'm inclined to believe
the opposition.  It is hard to set up an ecosystem disinformation as complete
as the one that Republicans have established in the US, and even that one
can only fool those who wish to be fooled.


feed_id: d236db62b02477c5a5101591a12a9772
title: Seizure of phone records
uri: Seizure-of-phone-records
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Seizure_of_phone_records%29
content:
<p>

The bully had the Department of Justice <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/may/08/trump-doj-washington-post-reports-phone-records">seize phone records</a> of
reporters who were investigating whether Attorney General Sessions
had talked with the Russian ambassador.


feed_id: 6400061b06c1a11d76422d1b32895b6a
title: Urgent: clean up ICE
uri: 2021-05-11-Urgent-clean-up-ICE
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#10_May_2021_%28Urgent%3A_clean_up_ICE%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/Cleanup_or_Shutdown_ICE/">call on Biden's team</a> to clean up ICE or shut it down.


feed_id: cf9b614c624f4c2778a7e07dc9800ba5
title: Deplatforming president of Taiwan
uri: Deplatforming-president-of-Taiwan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Deplatforming_president_of_Taiwan%29
content:
<p>
China is trying to deplatform Tsai Ing-wen, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-denmark-china-taiwan/denmark-draws-china-ire-for-inviting-taiwan-leader-to-speak-at-democracy-summit-idUSKBN2CR1K4">the president of Taiwan</a>.

<p>
China's wrath is not limited to invective.  It uses all the power at its
disposal to <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> countries into shunning Taiwan while China gets the world
used to the prospect China will invade.

<p>
The situation calls for a courageous response: uniting to defend
Taiwan, and backing this up with action while this could avoid the war.


feed_id: 7e09b28ab1f4f53d1c14c013e7093bbc
title: Global heating and tea
uri: Global-heating-and-tea
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Global_heating_and_tea%29
content:
<p>
Global heating may damage tea production as <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/10/tea-growing-areas-to-be-badly-hit-if-global-heating-intensifies">some of the growing places
become too hot for it</a>.


feed_id: 5c238c0fddff1f93d11e95a7d405fd8f
title: PRO Act
uri: 2021-05-11-PRO-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28PRO_Act%29
content:
<p>
The PRO Act might need to be amended to clear up <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/may/09/pro-act-freelancers-small-businesses-independent-contractors">what it would do
regarding some independent contractors</a>.
  Or perhaps it's ok as now written.


feed_id: e102289c8b27e8684254845e44df7e76
title: Voter-ID law
uri: 2021-05-11-Voter-ID-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Voter-ID_law%29
content:
<p>
The Tories <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/may/10/queens-speech-photo-id-future-elections-social-care">will impose a voter-ID law on the UK</a>.
   Apparently they found the voter-suppression effect quite satisfactory.


feed_id: 85c8f46c4f6174f00bc9059927bc2fb0
title: Manufacturers repair restrictions
uri: Manufacturers-repair-restrictions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Manufacturers_repair_restrictions%29
content:
<p>
*FTC Report <a href="https://www.ifixit.com/News/50251/ftc-report-congress-nixing-fix-repair-restrictions-reactions">Finds Manufacturers' Repair Restrictions Unwarranted</a>.*

<p>
I support the right to repair movement but its goal is only a first
step.  It should be illegal to block purchasers of a product from
replacing the software embedded in it, or to impede them from together
to replace that software with free software.


feed_id: ea25b7f5b4afef05696d46b81e2532dc
title: Carried interest loophole
uri: Carried-interest-loophole
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Carried_interest_loophole%29
content:
<p>
Private equity fund managers arranged to have their management fees
taxed as capital gains rather than as ordinary income.  This
intentional giveaway to the abusive finance industry is referred to
by the misnomer of "carried interest loophole".  <a href="https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2021/04/private-equity-and-hedge-fund-barons-having-a-hissy-over-carried-interest-grift-because-biden-isnt-staying-bought.html">It may be eliminated soon</a>.

<p>
I am in favor of this change, but it won't be enough to put an end to
the "private equity" funds that have eliminated many companies we used
to deal with.


feed_id: e23df368d304d46469f2b02c87b122de
title: Protests against banks funding pipeline
uri: Protests-against-banks-funding-pipeline
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Protests_against_banks_funding_pipeline%29

content:
<p>
*Global Protests Target <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/05/07/global-protests-target-banks-funding-line-3-tar-sands-pipeline">Banks Funding Line 3 Tar Sands Pipeline</a>.*

<p>
I wish I had found out a week ago and could have posted an urgent note
suggesting that people participate in these protests.  Does anyone
know where these plans are announced in advance?  If necessary, I will
recruit developers to help you access the announcements without
running nonfree JavaScript code, then link to them here.


feed_id: 8c68d37205aae4d94f4f0898b7385dff
title: Most harmful points in voter-suppression law
uri: Most-harmful-points-in-voter-suppression-law
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Most_harmful_points_in_voter-suppression_law%29

content:
<p>
Summarizing the most harmful points <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/07/politics/fact-check-florida-elections-law-desantis-drop-boxes-id-applications/index.html">in Florida's new voter-suppression law</a>.

<p>
Texas Republicans passed a bill to interfere with voting in a number
of ways.  This article describes how Democrats <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/05/07/gop-led-texas-house-passes-straight-assault-voting-rights-dead-night">resisted efforts to make
it even worse</a>.

<p>
The article mentions the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting
Rights Act.  The only way to get these past the coup-supporting
Republicans in the US Senate is to eliminate the filibuster, and that requires
the support of a few plutocratist die-hard Democrats.

<p>
I hope someone has a plausible plan for how to achieve this, a plan I
could support.  So far I have not seen any discussion of one.


feed_id: 86c59f7a62df176070fe4d7a94f2679c
title: Corporation duty
uri: Corporation-duty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Corporation_duty%29
content:
<p>
The US needs to undo the plutocratist revolution of the 1980s
and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/08/corporate-america-has-been-shoving-fascism-down-our-throats-decades">reject the idea that a corporation's only duty profit</a>.


feed_id: 621b9ef25c9d56c5ab99dedd1616e536
title: Genocide
uri: 2021-05-11-Genocide
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Genocide%29
content:
<p>
The head of Ethiopia's Orthodox Church made a video saying that genocide is
occurring in Ethiopia <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ethiopia-conflict/ethiopian-orthodox-church-head-says-genocide-is-taking-place-in-tigray-idUSKBN2CQ04J">and that he had been stopped from talking about it</a>.
  He did  not give the details to answer the obvious first questions.

<p>
One must suppose that the Ethiopian government is doing those things.


feed_id: 5e86eac672f8dea505d940c9a321cbc7
title: Covid-19 decreasing
uri: Covid-19-decreasing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Covid-19_decreasing%29
content:
<p>
With the US adult population roughly half-vaccinated, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/may/09/us-covid-vaccines-reduce-infections">cases of
Covid-19 are decreasing</a>.

<p>
However, in order to get rid of Covid-19, we need to vaccinate 80% of the
population, in every country.


feed_id: 5550b0ced43d158b0d87b7a5d1390756
title: Audit of election
uri: Audit-of-election
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Audit_of_election%29
content:
<p>
Arizona's "audit" of the 2020 election may violate civil right law
because <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/05/06/doj-warns-gop-led-arizona-election-audit-may-violate-civil-rights-law">it provides opportunities to generate suspicion based on
racial profiling</a>,


feed_id: 7fc841a64c220a32e517926f195c2bc9
title: Reducing danger of search warrants
uri: Reducing-danger-of-search-warrants
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Reducing_danger_of_search_warrants%29

content:
<p>
Kentucky has set up a commission to study how <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> carry out search
warrants, looking for ways <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/07/us/kentucky-task-force-review-search-warrant/index.html">to reduce the danger that they might hurt
someone in the process</a>.


feed_id: 0fef6da96a76001bdc39af9a8491165e
title: State-sanctioned campaign of violence
uri: State-sanctioned-campaign-of-violence
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28State-sanctioned_campaign_of_violence%29

content:
<p>
*Hundreds of Palestinians Protesting Evictions in Jerusalem <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/05/08/hundreds-palestinians-protesting-evictions-jerusalem-injured-state-sanctioned">Injured in
'State-Sanctioned Campaign of Israeli Violence</a>'.*

<p>
These evictions are not like the ones in the US, carried out because someone
cannot pay the rent.  Israel is systematically seizing Palestinians' homes
in Jerusalem.


feed_id: 765f5ca85a9cbe95672ec0b87573baa8
title: Shocking defeat
uri: Shocking-defeat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Shocking_defeat%29
content:
<p>
A shocking defeat in an election Labour expected to win <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/may/08/labour-reshuffle-and-policy-review-expected-after-may-election-losses">has made the party
aware it needs to change something</a>.

<p>
What it needs is to unite behind Jeremy Corbyn, but that name did not even
appear in the article.


feed_id: b6ba4d398f7662d69041d70b9201e798
title: Urgent: Demand an end to Israel's displacement of Palestinians from East Jerusalem
uri: Urgent-Demand-an-end-to-Israel-s-displacement-of-Palestinians-from-Ea
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Demand_an_end_to_Israel%27s_displacement_of_Palestinians_from_East_Jerusalem%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on the U.S. State Department and Department of
Defense to demand an <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-now-to-call-on-the-us-state-department-and-department-of-defense-demand-an-end-to-israels-forced-displacement-of-palestinians-from-east-jerusalem">end to Israel’s forced displacement of
Palestinians from East Jerusalem</a>.


feed_id: 15c853d2b8d742bf67477d5622a7b935
title: Urgent: Oppose Salafi Arabia's blockade of Yemen
uri: Urgent-Oppose-Salafi-Arabia-s-blockade-of-Yemen
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_Salafi_Arabia%27s_blockade_of_Yemen%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on your Senators to <a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=14225">sign letter opposing Salafi
Arabia's blockade of Yemen</a>.
<p>
To sign without running <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/javascript-trap.html">nonfree JavaScript code</a>
from the web site, use the <a href="https://stallman.org/salsalabs-method.html">Salsalabs workaround</a>.

<p>The Capitol Switchboard number is 202-224-3121.</p>
<p>If you call, please spread the word!</p>


feed_id: e2beb33b86f051f15fcacf63ebdaf626
title: Columbia's countrywide protesters
uri: Columbia-s-countrywide-protesters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Columbia%27s_countrywide_protesters%29

content:
<p>

Colombia's president has <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-colombia-protests/colombias-duque-recognizes-protesters-concerns-after-cali-violence-idUSKBN2CR1IV">acknowledged the demands</a> of the countrywide
protesters that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> have been killing.


feed_id: 881c5dc08cbb620e43e99c76fcf0ae8e
title: Colombian right-wing gunmen
uri: Colombian-right-wing-gunmen
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Colombian_right-wing_gunmen%29
content:
<p>

In Colombia, protesters have built barricades, and right-wing gunmen
with support from the uniformed thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/may/10/cali-colombia-protests-violence">shoot to kill them</a>.
<p>
I suspect that these killers are part of, or related to, the notorious
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#9_March_2017_(Colombias_paramilitares)">"paramilitares"</a> right-wing gangs.


feed_id: 73b16813fc4bc5c98954429e6ee5190c
title: Senate Budget Committee hearing
uri: Senate-Budget-Committee-hearing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Senate_Budget_Committee_hearing%29
content:
<p>

*Sen. Bernie Sanders &hellip; announced that the Senate Budget Committee will <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/05/10/chairman-sanders-announces-senate-budget-committee-hearing-wasteful-pentagon">hold a hearing</a> &hellip; on "Waste, Fraud, Cost Overruns, and Auditing at the Pentagon."*


feed_id: 9d75b9b210682ce90058e78e8e42e534
title: Portuguese border thugs sentenced to prison
uri: Portuguese-border-thugs-sentenced-to-prison
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Portuguese_border_thugs_sentenced_to_prison%29

content:
<p>

Three Portuguese border <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> have been sentenced to years in prison
for <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-portugal-crime-airport-trial/portugal-border-cops-sentenced-to-jail-over-death-of-detained-traveller-idUSKBN2CR1XB">beating a would-be immigrant to death</a>.


feed_id: b449cbb3a2329f82ce0ad1934acea038
title: Endless undeclared wars
uri: Endless-undeclared-wars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Endless_undeclared_wars%29
content:
<p>

The US has become accustomed to many <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/10/endless-war-feature-our-national-programming">endless undeclared wars</a>;
to end them all is almost unthinkable.


feed_id: 9b109e303311a3d3956dabd2e70d5a88
title: UK greenhouse emissions reduction
uri: UK-greenhouse-emissions-reduction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28UK_greenhouse_emissions_reduction%29
content:
<p>

Now that the UK has adopted binding targets for greenhouse emissions reduction,
it must <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/10/campaigners-say-uk-airport-expansion-plans-must-be-suspended-amid-new-climate-goals">reconsider its plans to expand airports</a>.


feed_id: 85cfd0b0a62e95a16d3f1fcc71d4684a
title: Australia's endangered species protection laws
uri: Australia-s-endangered-species-protection-laws
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Australia%27s_endangered_species_protection_laws%29

content:
<p>

Australia's endangered species protection laws <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/10/logging-exempt-from-environment-laws-despite-destroying-threatened-species-victorian-habitat-court-finds">do not seem to apply to logging</a>.
<p>
Logging is the main direct threat to forest habitats, so this omission
is disastrous.


feed_id: a57bfa45791ed8e125620cae43b2e7ea
title: Sponsoring anti-voter and anti-protest bills
uri: Sponsoring-anti-voter-and-anti-protest-bills
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Sponsoring_anti-voter_and_anti-protest_bills%29

content:
<p>

*The <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/05/10/report-reveals-major-corporations-are-funding-lawmakers-behind-anti-democracy-bills">10 companies</a> that have contributed the most to state lawmakers
   sponsoring both anti-voter and anti-protest bills are: AT&T, Dominion
   Energy, Zurich North America and its subsidiaries, Berkshire Hathaway
   and its subsidiaries, UnitedHealth Group, Mednax Services, Charter
   Communications, State Farm Insurance and its subsidiaries, Phillip
   Morris USA, and Vistra Energy (FKA Energy Future Holdings) and its
   subsidiaries.*
<p>
Some of these are easy to pressure or boycott.
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/05/10/new-report-exposing-corporate-donors-attacks-voting-rights-and-peaceful-protest">More information</a>.


feed_id: 8574381824c8d79ed0832d380bad9cb8
title: Rehabilitate Republican supporters
uri: Rehabilitate-Republican-supporters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Rehabilitate_Republican_supporters%29

content:
<p>

Mainstream media are trying to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/10/we-cannot-afford-forget-death-and-damage-trump-has-caused">rehabilitate Republican supporters</a> of
overthrowing the US government and overturning the 2020 election.


feed_id: 6e96840d6996ccf13d9a703c9b677541
title: UK's Covid-testing
uri: UK-s-Covid-testing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28UK%27s_Covid-testing%29
content:
<p>

The UK's Covid-testing operation employs 50,000 people, but they are paid
through <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/may/10/tax-dodging-concerns-over-small-firms-used-to-pay-nhs-test-and-trace-workers">many small companies which obscure where the money actually goes</a>.
<p>
It's exactly the sort of system one would set up to facilitate corruption.


feed_id: 59bfbd9f036c56a2bb40cba3de1f62c7
title: (satire) Insufficient Loyalty to the Bully
uri: (satire)-Insufficient-Loyalty-to-the-Bully
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28%28satire%29_Insufficient_Loyalty_to_the_Bully%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *Conservatives Panicking After Every Member Of Republican
Party <a href="https://www.theonion.com/conservatives-panicking-after-every-member-of-republica-1846860454">Ousted For Insufficient Loyalty To [the bully]</a>.*


feed_id: d5718865a85344855dffbf0deb5fc2bd
title: Tiehm's buckwheat
uri: Tiehm-s-buckwheat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Tiehm%27s_buckwheat%29
content:
<p>

A proposed lithium mine in Nevada would likely <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/10/cars/evs-species-extinct-nevada/index.html">cause the extinction of
Tiehm's buckwheat</a>, a plant that has adapted to grow in soil with
lithium and boron and is not found anywhere else.


feed_id: 27f67d12ca5f51bab06dfdd61965ceed
title: Robots
uri: Robots
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Robots%29
content:
<p>

Dealing with a decreasing population has some inconveniences, but the
robots that will exist in 20 years will ensure it is not really
difficult.  The main challenge will be to ensure that these robots are
under the control of the people that they serve, rather than acting as
companies' agents to control those people.


feed_id: d2a06d31e7687cbbd1e445d0508a991c
title: Burmese journalists
uri: 2021-05-12-Burmese-journalists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Burmese_journalists%29
content:
<p>

Burmese journalists who fled to Thailand to escape the army's
murderous crackdown <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-politics-journalists/myanmar-reporters-activists-arrested-in-thailand-idUSKBN2CS086">face the threat of being sent back to Burma</a>.


feed_id: adc9fcb2e813b9b7aa2cd88504f19959
title: Australian immigration prison
uri: Australian-immigration-prison
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#11_May_2021_%28Australian_immigration_prison%29
content:
<p>

Australia has an immigration prison where the average prisoner has
been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/may/11/escape-tunnel-found-under-western-australia-immigration-detention-centre">held for five years</a>.  (A year from now that average might be six
years.)
<p>
The prisoners have, effectively, no legal rights.  So some of them dug
an escape tunnel, which was discovered unfinished.


feed_id: 4acf9c8ef3854e0da21bdc4075e2087e
title: Shutting down oil pipeline
uri: Shutting-down-oil-pipeline
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#12_May_2021_%28Shutting_down_oil_pipeline%29
content:
<p>
*Michigan governor orders Enbridge <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/may/11/michigan-governor-enbridge-line5-shutdown">to shut down controversial Canadian
[Line 5] oil pipeline</a>.*


feed_id: 16e2528c1fec7280a80ce3b1e0c5af7e
title: Holding minors
uri: Holding-minors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#12_May_2021_%28Holding_minors%29
content:
<p>
The US border <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> now holds 21,000 border-crossing minors, though nowadays
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/may/11/us-migrant-children-opaque-network-facilities">they mostly stay only a few weeks in those camps</a>.


feed_id: d1353756fa60e2223b2e6643b2886742
title: Merging data
uri: Merging-data
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#12_May_2021_%28Merging_data%29
content:
<p>
Facebook insisting on merging all WhatsApp data into its main data base.
This is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/may/11/what-happens-when-whatsapp-new-terms-start-on-15-may">a great impetus to stop using WhatsApp forever</a>.


feed_id: 33cc4f24415920ca1bc398eb47d23c6c
title: Conservation and deforestation
uri: Conservation-and-deforestation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#12_May_2021_%28Conservation_and_deforestation%29
content:
<p>
Conservation efforts have enabled large areas of forest to regrow.
However, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/11/forest-size-of-france-regrown-worldwide">deforestation is going much faster</a>.


feed_id: cb9fe97ca72be31e19875a3dd6b49ea0
title: Wind farm approved
uri: Wind-farm-approved
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#12_May_2021_%28Wind_farm_approved%29
content:
<p>
The US has approved <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/11/biden-administration-approves-first-major-us-offshore-windfarm">an 800-megawatt wind farm in the Atlantic Ocean to
the south of Massachusetts</a>.

<p>
This is almost twice as big as the failed Cape Wind project.
I hope that it gets built.


feed_id: b38d75b1aba4018b21a78045fb1aa78e
title: Voter-ID
uri: 2021-05-12-Voter-ID
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#12_May_2021_%28Voter-ID%29
content:
<p>
Tory voter-ID plans <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/may/11/more-than-2m-voters-may-lack-photo-id-required-under-new-uk-bill">could disenfranchise up to two million UK voters</a>.


feed_id: 5078fcd3ec3766c897ec807d37d16958
title: Arrested for planning nonviolent protest
uri: Arrested-for-planning-nonviolent-protest
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#12_May_2021_%28Arrested_for_planning_nonviolent_protest%29

content:
<p>
The UK has arrested Gail Bradbrook, co-founder of Extinction Rebellion
<a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-climate-change-britain/uk-climate-activist-arrested-after-attacks-on-hsbc-and-barclays-idUSKBN2CS0YD">over a planned nonviolent protest</a>.


feed_id: 2e603cf26d84468b46fe44973af8d645
title: Paying to stop migrant departures
uri: Paying-to-stop-migrant-departures
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#12_May_2021_%28Paying_to_stop_migrant_departures%29
content:
<p>
*Italy to ask EU <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-europe-migrants-italy/italy-to-ask-eu-to-pay-libya-to-stop-migrant-departures-newspaper-idUSKBN2CS0ZX">to pay Libya to stop migrant departures</a>.*

<p>
Is it legitimate for Libya to prevent people from leaving the country,
if they are not wanted for nonpolitical criminal charges?  China stops
people from leaving, and even caught a boat in which dissidents were
fleeing Hong Kong, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#16_September_2020_(Hong_Kongers_tried_to_separate_from_China)">and arrested them all</a>.


feed_id: f27c0f75df1f7b97ed609f409d447424
title: Using bought diplomatic support
uri: Using-bought-diplomatic-support
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#12_May_2021_%28Using_bought_diplomatic_support%29
content:
<p>
China has bought lots of diplomatic support, which it is using to block
Taiwan from participating <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-who-taiwan/taiwan-says-china-is-maliciously-blocking-it-from-who-idUSKBN2CS0I4">in the World Health Organization's conferences
about dealing with Covid-19</a>.


feed_id: b7c4a8814360d74cb026a684df652a1c
title: Air pollution deaths
uri: Air-pollution-deaths
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Air_pollution_deaths%29
content:
<p>
*Air pollution from food production in the United States is linked
   <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/10/us/air-pollution-deaths-farming-agriculture/index.html">to an estimated 15,900 premature deaths each year</a>.*


feed_id: dfd09b4ea93e1934c6eb3662b7b56389
title: Need for independence
uri: Need-for-independence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Need_for_independence%29
content:
<p>
*A Developmental Psychologist <a href="https://letgrow.org/a-developmental-psychologist-on-why-kids-need-some-independence/">on Why Kids Need Some Independence</a>.*


feed_id: bdeb309d10570ec01165d1c4be7ce828
title: Vigilantes
uri: Vigilantes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Vigilantes%29
content:
<p>
Georgia has reformed the citizens arrest law that provided vigilantes
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/11/us/ahmaud-arbery-georgia-murder-federal-hearing/index.html">an excuse to stalk and kill Ahmaud Arbery</a>.


feed_id: 34121ad7deac19b1d635bf96aee4d251
title: Crisis of Low Wages
uri: Crisis-of-Low-Wages
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Crisis_of_Low_Wages%29
content:
<p>
*We Don't Have a Labor Shortage in the US, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/11/we-dont-have-labor-shortage-us-we-have-crisis-low-wages">We Have a Crisis of Low Wages</a>.*


feed_id: f7034645654c9bbceb51ff26e20573b3
title: Pandemic pay
uri: Pandemic-pay
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Pandemic_pay%29
content:
<p>
*Report Reveals How Big Corporations Rigged Rules <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/05/11/report-reveals-how-big-corporations-rigged-rules-boost-pandemic-pay-ceos-workers">to Boost Pandemic Pay of
CEOs as Workers Suffered</a>.*


feed_id: 17d8063277b2730f916185d24e0d806e
title: Sodom and Gomorrah
uri: Sodom-and-Gomorrah
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Sodom_and_Gomorrah%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/new-evidence-finds-god-destroyed-sodom-and-gomorrah-as-1846838594">satire</a>) *New Evidence Finds God Destroyed Sodom And Gomorrah As Part Of Luxury
Condominium Development Deal.*


feed_id: 57e2080fa1d58f43833080424e754828
title: Planning for new coal plants
uri: Planning-for-new-coal-plants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Planning_for_new_coal_plants%29
content:
<p>
*HSBC has stakes in firms <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/12/hsbc-has-stakes-in-firms-that-plan-more-than-70-new-coal-plants">that plan more than 70 new coal plants</a>.*

<p>
We can easily boycott HSBC.


feed_id: 256a1e7dfbae47c73abc660d044921cd
title: Urgent: no eviction of Palestinians
uri: Urgent-no-eviction-of-Palestinians
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Urgent%3A_no_eviction_of_Palestinians%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=14229">call on your congresscritter and senators</a> to demand
Israel end the practice of evicting Palestinians from Sheikh Jarrah.

<p>
Sheikh Jarrah is a part of East Jerusalem.

<p>
To sign <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/javascript-trap.html">without running nonfree JavaScript code</a>
                                                from the web site,
use <a href="https://stallman.org/salsalabs-method.html">the Salsalabs workaround</a>.


feed_id: 87c8a43afe82dd112b1d7708cf49acc9
title: Still being hit by Covid
uri: Still-being-hit-by-Covid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Still_being_hit_by_Covid%29
content:
<p>
*Why is the world still being hit by wave after wave of Covid <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/commentisfree/2021/may/12/why-is-the-world-being-hit-by-wave-after-wave-of-covid-when-we-know-how-to-stop-it">when we
know how to stop it</a>?*

<p>
*Covid pandemic <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/12/covid-pandemic-was-preventable-says-who-commissioned-report">was preventable</a>, says WHO-commissioned report.*

<p>
At the start of 2020, the virus existed, but quick action could have prevented
it from infecting very many people.

<p>
Originally, the flaws in the response were due to political leaders.
Now, however, they have taught millions of people to believe fake
news, react irrationally, and sabotage public health measures.

<p>
The next new pathogen may be even worse if we are not disciplined enough
to keep it away.


feed_id: 3f319565cbf3afce8a9dbaf16b289bac
title: Hiding chemical danger
uri: Hiding-chemical-danger
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Hiding_chemical_danger%29
content:
<p>
*Chemical giants hid dangers of [PFAs] <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/12/chemical-giants-hid-dangers-pfas-forever-chemicals-food-packaging-dupont">in food packaging</a>.*


feed_id: 4a4f3b4fc7e61fa59766c3c47c172872
title: Cooperating to deny asylum rights
uri: Cooperating-to-deny-asylum-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Cooperating_to_deny_asylum_rights%29
content:
<p>
*EU states cooperating informally <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/may/12/eu-states-cooperating-informally-to-deny-refugees-asylum-rights-report">to deny refugees asylum rights</a>.*


feed_id: f8da39e94edc67f4cb34dee190ea27b4
title: The big lie
uri: The-big-lie
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28The_big_lie%29
content:
<p>
*[Rep.] Cheney's ousting proves the "big lie" <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/may/12/liz-cheney-ousting-republican-party-trump-big-lie">is the Republican
 Party's religion</a>.*
   They still seek to abolish democracy in the US, and they will tell
any lies to do it.


feed_id: afc372525b76f10b0a9546ab7b2f0009
title: Life improvement for the non-rich
uri: Life-improvement-for-the-non-rich
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Life_improvement_for_the_non-rich%29
content:
<p>
Colombian protesters, fired up by the murders committed by <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> and
right-wing death squads, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-colombia-protests/colombia-protests-enter-third-week-with-national-strike-idUSKBN2CT1VW">are demanding policies to improve life for
the non-rich</a>.


feed_id: d7fa1cf02e6c32fa328a5c034a79a5b1
title: Coalition to defeat Orbán
uri: Coalition-to-defeat-Orbán
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Coalition_to_defeat_Orb%C3%83%C2%A1n%29

content:
<p>
Hungary's opposition parties <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hungary-election-opposition/hungarys-opposition-plans-joint-primary-in-bid-to-unseat-pm-orban-in-2022-idUSKBN2CT137">are forming a coalition to defeat Orbán</a>.


feed_id: 17be311dbed10afa50a67ab382fb9bc2
title: Violating thug department policies
uri: Violating-thug-department-policies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Violating_thug_department_policies%29

content:
<p>
A report from the Louisville thug department says that the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> that killed
Breonna Taylor <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/10/us/breonna-taylor-officers-violated-training-internal-report/index.html">violated the department policies by starting to shoot</a>.


feed_id: cbaa5887cdc5279ca651366e20d5ffbe
title: Urgent: Limit the price charged to prisoners for the phone calls in prison
uri: Urgent-Limit-the-price-charged-to-prisoners-for-the-phone-calls-in-pr
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Limit_the_price_charged_to_prisoners_for_the_phone_calls_in_prison%29

content:
<p>

US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="https://act.freepress.net/sign/congress_pass_phone_justice?akid=17238.9489429.MXeelq&rd=1&t=1002">give the FCC authority limit the
price charged to prisoners for for phone calls in prison</a>.

<p>The Capitol Switchboard number is 202-224-3121.</p>
<p>If you call, please spread the word!</p>
  


feed_id: a6c68e82841adedfecf3ae36e1430a19
title: Asim Jamal Shakir Jr
uri: Asim-Jamal-Shakir-Jr
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Asim_Jamal_Shakir_Jr%29
content:
<p>

Asim Jamal Shakir Jr watched an LA <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a>, who is Asim's uncle, tell
another thug to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/may/11/los-angeles-officer-fired-projectile-nephew-protest">shoot Asim</a>.
I get the impression that he shot Asim with rubber-coated steel bullets,


feed_id: ca70d7bd6d47ae3e5ed97baaea6828e9
title: Birth rate of Uighurs
uri: Birth-rate-of-Uighurs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Birth_rate_of_Uighurs%29
content:
<p>

The birth rate of Uighurs in Xinjiang <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/12/chinese-uyghur-policy-causes-unprecedented-fall-in-xinjiang-birthrates">fell by half</a> from 2017 to 2019.
<p>
Humanity needs to reduce its birth rate substantially, but not by means
of inflicting suffering on masses of people.  Singling out a specific
minority group for that suffering is an injustice in itself.


feed_id: 9800a3b5dcf3bb400756fdf7bfae4961
title: Eviction during pandemic
uri: Eviction-during-pandemic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Eviction_during_pandemic%29
content:
<p>

*[Wrecker]-Appointed Judge <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/05/05/trump-appointed-judge-rules-against-cdc-moratorium-evictions-during-pandemic">Rules Against CDC Moratorium< on Evictions During
Pandemic</a>.*
<p>
I do hope that this will be overturned on appeal, but eventually it
will go to the Supreme Court where the same bad outcome could be reimposed.


feed_id: 3605c4536102fda2e9c6ab89d51dee85
title: Power to monitor or dissolve NGOs
uri: Power-to-monitor-or-dissolve-NGOs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Power_to_monitor_or_dissolve_NGOs%29
content:
<p>

Guatemala's government has given itself the power to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-guatemala-court/guatemalas-top-court-backs-controversial-ngo-law-overturns-past-ruling-idUSKBN2CU08M">monitor or
dissolve NGOs</a>, particularly those that get support from outside
Guatemala.
<p>
This would include the local affiliates of international human rights
organizations.


feed_id: 133f6d4ffd5484baf14cab89c2556c66
title: Colombian protest leader Lucas Villa
uri: Colombian-protest-leader-Lucas-Villa
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Colombian_protest_leader_Lucas_Villa%29

content:
<p>

*Colombian protest leader Lucas Villa, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/11/americas/colombia-protest-leader-dies-intl/index.html">who was shot eight times, dies</a>.*
He was shot by gunmen on motorcycles, who I suspect are somehow related
to the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#9_March_2017_(Colombias_paramilitares)">paramilitares</a>.


feed_id: b9682dd4d757ad524a43574bcb5e01e1
title: Products made in Israel's colonies in Palestinian territory
uri: Products-made-in-Israel-s-colonies-in-Palestinian-territory
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Products_made_in_Israel%27s_colonies_in_Palestinian_territory%29

content:
<p>

EU citizens are signing a petition to demand an <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-court-trade/eu-court-rules-in-favor-of-initiative-fighting-trade-with-illegal-settlements-idUSKBN2CT13A">EU-wide referendum</a> for
rejecting products made in Israel's colonies in Palestinian territory.


feed_id: 65b912b44961bdd9d20dd00c0b66e256
title: Eritrean soldiers
uri: Eritrean-soldiers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Eritrean_soldiers%29
content:
<p>

Reportedly Eritrean soldiers are <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/12/africa/tigray-axum-aid-blockade-cmd-intl/index.html">occupying Tigray</a> and wearing
Ethiopian uniforms, and they are blocking aid from some regions.
<p>
The ancient city of Axum is besieged by Ethiopian and Eritrean forces,
which do not allow aid or communication.


feed_id: e01e98802eff436ab7ecdc8eb2a93d60
title: European commission refused to register a petition
uri: European-commission-refused-to-register-a-petition
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28European_commission_refused_to_register_a_petition%29

content:
<p>

EU citizens tried to establish a petition to demand an EU-wide
referendum for rejecting trade with illegal colonies in occupied
territories.  The European Commission refused to register
it, but now a court has <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-court-trade/eu-court-rules-in-favor-of-initiative-fighting-trade-with-illegal-settlements-idUSKBN2CT13A">ordered the commission to do that</a>.


feed_id: b4b6f5bcb4de9d8e8aa1274d53db881b
title: Interference with freedom of speech
uri: Interference-with-freedom-of-speech
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Interference_with_freedom_of_speech%29

content:
<p>

The Tories are considering a law to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2021/may/12/campus-free-speech-law-england-likely-opposite-effect">punish universities</a> if they interfere with freedom of speech.
Opponents say that the law would instead limit freedom of speech.
But the arguments presented in the article seem very weak: "It's
complicated, don't interfere" is not persuasive, and neither is "Only
53 people were deplatformed in a year."
<p>
Given that the law is being proposed by Tories, and Tories are not
known for scrupulously respecting the rights of the non-rich, I will
not rule out the possibility that the law would indeed do the opposite
of its stated purpose.
<p>
However, I think it should not be hard to design the law so that it
can't interfere with speaking.  If the Tories don't want to do that, a
constructive proposal could demonstrate what they are really aiming at.


feed_id: 5c5fe9bfd41fbb7684beac052b1e2269
title: (satire) Prevent vaccine from going to foreigners
uri: (satire)-Prevent-vaccine-from-going-to-foreigners
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28%28satire%29_Prevent_vaccine_from_going_to_foreigners%29

content:
<p>

(satire) *<a href="https://www.theonion.com/new-program-encourages-americans-to-get-vaccine-to-prev-1846871503">New Program</a> Encourages Americans To Get Vaccine To Prevent
It From Going To Foreigners.*


feed_id: 94f1b8a293aa945b948b8f84e383f06f
title: US blocking the UN Security Council
uri: US-blocking-the-UN-Security-Council
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28US_blocking_the_UN_Security_Council%29

content:
<p>

Reportedly the US is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/05/12/biden-administration-reportedly-blocking-un-cease-fire-statement-israel-bombards">blocking the UN Security Council</a> from publicly
calling on Israel and HAMAS to make a truce.


feed_id: 3de6e6cc227a55d890b492cda483e228
title: Right-wing elites' cancel culture
uri: Right-wing-elites-cancel-culture
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Right-wing_elites%27_cancel_culture%29

content:
<p>

Right-wing elites have <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/12/right-wing-has-always-been-pro-cancel-culture">their own forms of "cancel culture"</a> &mdash; ways of
silencing those who disagree with them.
Moreover, they are now actively cancelling Republicans that don't
recognize the <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> as their personal savior.
<p>
I think, however, that we should not get too distracted by comparing
the respective levels of cancellation activity.  It's bad on either side.


feed_id: 86bbcc68d3f77c4ba940118201202d2c
title: Protection from coercive control
uri: Protection-from-coercive-control
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Protection_from_coercive_control%29
content:
<p>

Some US states are adopting laws to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/12/domestic-violence-more-physical-violence-and-state-laws-are-beginning-recognize">protect people from coercive control</a>.


feed_id: f05cee237a3c7d169d5c8954e681c19b
title: Old mosques in China
uri: Old-mosques-in-China
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Old_mosques_in_China%29
content:
<p>

China is <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-xinjiang-ramadan/mosques-disappear-as-china-strives-to-build-a-beautiful-xinjiang-idUSKBN2CU161">"protecting" old mosques in Xinjiang</a> by partly or completely
demolishing them, and by putting fences around them.
<p>
China is not the only country that destroys the Muslim heritage.
Salafi Arabia has <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jul-oct.html#2_October_2016_(Destruction_of_cultural_heritage_a_war_crime)">systematically destroyed the oldest sites</a>.


feed_id: 5c7cccee1fb7c8f2ff4eefe124a3aa61
title: Punishment of dissidents
uri: Punishment-of-dissidents
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Punishment_of_dissidents%29
content:
<p>

Biden's decision not to put sanctions on <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a>'s acting king
was followed by a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/may/13/weak-us-let-saudis-jail-more-dissidents-says-rights-group">big increase in punishment of dissidents</a>.


feed_id: 63780ca2c3244c66ca20ca63ad4fed01
title: Forever chemicals in breast milk
uri: Forever-chemicals-in-breast-milk
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#14_May_2021_%28Forever_chemicals_in_breast_milk%29
content:
<p>
*Study finds alarming levels of ‘forever chemicals’ <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/13/pfas-forever-chemicals-breast-milk-us-study">in US mothers’
 breast milk</a>.*


feed_id: e3d046d0a23f12c5a7d0bf4ff544c063
title: Antisocial reading network
uri: Antisocial-reading-network
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#14_May_2021_%28Antisocial_reading_network%29
content:
<p>
Goodreads is an antisocial network that encourages people to show off
what they read and be judged by others accordingly.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2021/may/13/why-i-am-deleting-goodreads-and-maybe-you-should-too">One reader
thinks this perverts the enjoyment</a>.

<p>
I think that may be valid.  Of course, it also collects data about each user
and that will surely be used to manipulate per.


feed_id: b298d923333d25f42792f0b1ce3e9ae7
title: Charging use of own solar power system
uri: Charging-use-of-own-solar-power-system
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#14_May_2021_%28Charging_use_of_own_solar_power_system%29

content:
<p>
Electric companies in the US want to charge homeowners <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/may/13/solar-power-us-utility-companies-kansas">for the privilege 
of using their own solar power systems</a>.

<p>
This has the tendency to discourage decarbonization, so with rational
politics the US government would make it illegal.


feed_id: 229cb87e80a8f196ffaa7c9f0ea18e43
title: Domestic violence crisis
uri: Domestic-violence-crisis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#14_May_2021_%28Domestic_violence_crisis%29
content:
<p>
*The American gun crisis? It’s largely <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/13/american-gun-crisis-domestic-violence-crisis">a domestic violence crisis</a>.*


feed_id: f5c48bb04a553233856e35095d183f77
title: Most-unfriendly-nation prize
uri: Most-unfriendly-nation-prize
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#14_May_2021_%28Most-unfriendly-nation_prize%29
content:
<p>
The UK is competing for the most-unfriendly-nation prize by
imprisoning and deporting Europeans who visit for the purpose of a job
interview, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/may/13/eu-citizens-arriving-in-uk-being-locked-up-and-expelled">although this is supposed to be permitted</a>.


feed_id: 363383e589ae6f54582196af76487082
title: Microplastics in rivers
uri: Microplastics-in-rivers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#14_May_2021_%28Microplastics_in_rivers%29
content:
<p>
Most microplastics in UK rivers come from untreated sewage <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/13/water-firms-are-main-source-of-microplastics-in-uk-rivers-study-says">that
water companies sometimes release into rivers</a>.


feed_id: 4903096c8466ec61b6e9665123dee4a6
title: Reciprocal mobs
uri: Reciprocal-mobs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#14_May_2021_%28Reciprocal_mobs%29
content:
<p>
Jewish and Arab mobs in Israel are carrying out reciprocal mob
violence, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/13/this-is-more-than-a-reaction-to-rockets-communal-violence-spreads-in-israel">which can reach the point of lynching</a>.
  The Jewish mobs are composed of right-wing extremists, which Netanyahu
has increasingly tolerated.

<p>
*Live TV shows Israeli mob <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/13/live-tv-shows-israeli-mob-lynch-motorist-in-tel-aviv-suburb">attack motorist they believed to be an Arab</a>.*


feed_id: 5e4de06fd6ccc99855c951fa815ee736
title: Cutting down forest reserve
uri: Cutting-down-forest-reserve
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#14_May_2021_%28Cutting_down_forest_reserve%29
content:
<p>
Uganda has allowed cutting down part of a forest reserve <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/may/13/campaigners-lose-court-case-to-stop-ugandan-forest-clearance">which is
habitat for chimpanzees and other wildlife</a>.


feed_id: fa8ee31eeef01d916eadcd32b649abc4
title: Covid-19 outbreak in prison
uri: Covid-19-outbreak-in-prison
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#14_May_2021_%28Covid-19_outbreak_in_prison%29
content:
<p>
Thailand is having <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/13/thai-prisons-holding-democracy-activists-drive-record-covid-figures">a Covid-19 outbreak in two large prisons</a>.
  The prisoners there include political prisoners.


feed_id: 6da3a2c115678bc9f0265cb4e39ec9b9
title: Farms and carbon
uri: Farms-and-carbon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#14_May_2021_%28Farms_and_carbon%29
content:
<p>
Biden's proposal to pay farms to sequester carbon is designed in a way
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/13/are-bidens-carbon-markets-as-good-as-they-look-no-say-smaller-farms">that will not cover regenerative agriculture</a>.


feed_id: 176a9ab1b076a81027bcaca126322700
title: Eviction during pandemic
uri: 2021-05-14-Eviction-during-pandemic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#13_May_2021_%28Eviction_during_pandemic%29
content:
<p>
*[Wrecker]-Appointed Judge
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/05/05/trump-appointed-judge-rules-against-cdc-moratorium-evictions-during-pandemic">Rules
Against CDC Moratorium on Evictions During Pandemic</a>.*
<p>
I do hope that this will be overturned on appeal, but eventually it
will go to the Supreme Court where the same bad outcome could be
reimposed.


feed_id: 028e71755899be70810de4661a6fc90c
title: Urgent: Support diplomacy with Iran
uri: 2021-05-16-Urgent-Support-diplomacy-with-Iran
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#16_May_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Support_diplomacy_with_Iran%29

content:
<p>

Everyone: call on Senator Menendez to <a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/act/menendez-support-diplomacy-with-iran">support diplomacy
with Iran</a>.


feed_id: 9e5dce6b74a1284e14c1b44dfd41de65
title: Ministry of Cruelty
uri: Ministry-of-Cruelty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#16_May_2021_%28Ministry_of_Cruelty%29
content:
<p>

How the UK's Home Office, which deals with immigration among many
other things, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/may/13/cruel-paranoid-failing-priti-patel-inside-the-home-office">developed into Ministry of Cruelty</a>.
<p>
The minister "seeks to do and say the thing that will be perceived to be
   the toughest thing that anyone could possibly do or say in any given
   scenario."


feed_id: c5f15c0db2c2be72643825aa7c37a52b
title: Violence at Jerusalem's holy sites
uri: Violence-at-Jerusalem-s-holy-sites
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#16_May_2021_%28Violence_at_Jerusalem%27s_holy_sites%29

content:
<p>

*The violence that began at Jerusalem’s ancient holy sites is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/13/violence-jerusalem-holy-sites-israeli-right-temple-mount">driven by a
distinctly modern zeal</a>.*


feed_id: 8d46d3955ff3fd529735861f527b735f
title: (satire) Bad at being raised
uri: (satire)-Bad-at-being-raised
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#16_May_2021_%28%28satire%29_Bad_at_being_raised%29
content:
<p>

(satire) *Parents Can’t Believe <a href="https://local.theonion.com/parents-can-t-believe-how-bad-daughter-is-at-being-rais-1846873400">How Bad Daughter Is At Being Raised By Them</a>.*


feed_id: 35c41e1793a7c24e320f4d8a6928736e
title: Fear stalks streets
uri: Fear-stalks-streets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#16_May_2021_%28Fear_stalks_streets%29
content:
<p>

*<a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-palestinians-acre/fear-stalks-streets-of-israeli-city-where-jews-and-arabs-mixed-freely-idUSKBN2CU21E">Fear stalks streets</a> of Israeli city where Jews and Arabs mixed freely.*
<p>
When the extremists compel people who are not extremists to become
hostile, that is a victory for the extremists.  The hostility tends to
propagate, since change in the other direction is very difficult.
Israeli hate groups have been carrying out pogroms for many years
and I think their goal was this.


feed_id: c1095b44b001d1893a2ee01effb01b54
title: Pogroms against Arabs
uri: Pogroms-against-Arabs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#16_May_2021_%28Pogroms_against_Arabs%29
content:
<p>

Netanyahu is <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/israel-politics-int/netanyahu-poised-to-gain-political-lifeline-as-violence-flares-idUSKBN2CU268">using the pogroms against Arabs</a> (and, occasionally,
against Jews) for his own political advantage.
<p>
I have to wonder if he has done something to exacerbate the violence
in order to get this advantage.


feed_id: 8a34be23a045fe45e3f9209ef04c2674
title: Defending US industries from Chinese competition
uri: Defending-US-industries-from-Chinese-competition
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#16_May_2021_%28Defending_US_industries_from_Chinese_competition%29

content:
<p>

Proposing that the US should have laws to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/legal-us-usa-trade-china/u-s-trade-chief-new-legal-tools-needed-to-combat-future-china-threats-idUSKBN2CU2DY">defend US industries from Chinese
competition</a> before they get wiped out.
<p>
The US ought to defend the workers in these industries from their
employers, not only from their employers' competitors.


feed_id: 8203731d55dad4bf7790f7420c0f0d26
title: Sending little children to the grocery store
uri: Sending-little-children-to-the-grocery-store
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#16_May_2021_%28Sending_little_children_to_the_grocery_store%29

content:
<p>

In the 1970s, it was still normal for American mothers to <a href="https://www.freerangekids.com/a-sesame-street-classic-updated/">send little
children to the grocery store</a>.
<p>
I never saw that; when Sesame Street appeared, I was in high school.


feed_id: 7add7a57bea884bc74810061b185c853
title: Last hope over climate crisis
uri: Last-hope-over-climate-crisis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#16_May_2021_%28Last_hope_over_climate_crisis%29
content:
<p>

*Last hope over climate crisis <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/14/last-hope-over-climate-crisis-requires-end-to-coal-says-alok-sharma">requires end to coal</a>*, says the president
the Cop26 climate conference.


feed_id: 9c89f8f73b0561c7d8803a08a370da66
title: Permitting generic vaccines
uri: Permitting-generic-vaccines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#16_May_2021_%28Permitting_generic_vaccines%29
content:
<p>

When it comes to permitting generic vaccines, plutocratist officials
that Biden appointed will still have <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/12/trips-waiver-personnel-was-and-will-continue-be-policy">plenty of opportunities to get in
the way</a>.


feed_id: bd88c16536484f8980351f300a3b29a5
title: Republican authoritarian death cult
uri: Republican-authoritarian-death-cult
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#16_May_2021_%28Republican_authoritarian_death_cult%29

content:
<p>

The Republican authoritarian death cult has demonstrated, by ousting
one of its leaders on Congress, how it will <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/13/liz-cheney-and-thus-revolution-devours-its-children">purge anyone that stops
short of the latest, biggest lie</a>.
<p>
If there is any lie that you would not repeat, get out now.


feed_id: 0874e7a674f1085dcc80791edf6066c2
title: (satire) Press-On Hangnails
uri: (satire)-Press-On-Hangnails
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#16_May_2021_%28%28satire%29_Press-On_Hangnails%29
content:
<p>

(satire) *Sally Beauty <a href="https://www.theonion.com/sally-beauty-introduces-new-press-on-hangnails-1846794858">Introduces New Press-On Hangnails</a>.*


feed_id: 072705936301a2570e510c40e453f34b
title: Appearing to support decarbonization
uri: Appearing-to-support-decarbonization
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#16_May_2021_%28Appearing_to_support_decarbonization%29

content:
<p>

JPMorgan Chase announces a new policy of <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/05/13/jpmorgan-chase-sets-insufficient-emissions-intensity-targets-its-dirtiest">appearing to support
decarbonization</a> in its investments.


feed_id: d6052b0987a41cf1cbadb0c85b3914fc
title: Samoa government
uri: Samoa-government
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#16_May_2021_%28Samoa_government%29
content:
<p>

Samoa was a stable democracy but its current government is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/14/samoa-is-experiencing-a-bloodless-coup-the-pacifics-most-stable-democracy-is-in-trouble">undermining
democracy</a>.
<p>
I can't tell from the facts given here what the correct outcome of the
election was, but the efforts to weaken democracy are alarming.


feed_id: b0816560f42e3e7ec69d1c24e63ab016
title: Russia-led cyber campaign
uri: Russia-led-cyber-campaign
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#16_May_2021_%28Russia-led_cyber_campaign%29
content:
<p>

*Suspected Russia-led cyber campaign <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/13/suspected-russia-led-cyber-campaign-targets-germanys-green-party-leader">targets Germany’s Green party leader</a>.*
<p>
The motive is her opposition to the proposed Russia-to-Germany gas
pipeline.  That pipeline would boost both Russian influence in Europe,
and use of fossil fuels, and that effect would last a long time.
<p>
Since the pipeline is almost finished, I wonder if withdrawal
of support for it will come too late.


feed_id: 7bbd844c67d20ab0dd42c762e1946f90
title: People's Vaccine
uri: People-s-Vaccine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#16_May_2021_%28People%27s_Vaccine%29
content:
<p>

*Will Movement for People's Vaccine Open Doors to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/13/will-movement-peoples-vaccine-open-doors-larger-revolt-against-big-pharma">Larger Revolt Against Big Pharma</a>?*
<p>
We can't possibly know the answer to that question, but it would be good
if that happens.


feed_id: 2fcfd6e26917b8c698dbe197d58178f7
title: Treatment of corpses
uri: Treatment-of-corpses
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#16_May_2021_%28Treatment_of_corpses%29
content:
<p>

People are raging about the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/may/13/philadelphia-move-bombing-victim-remains">treatment of the corpses</a> of the people who
were killed when the Philadelphia thug department <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/14/us/philadelphia-health-commissioner-resignation/index.html">dropped a bomb on
the MOVE house</a>.
<p>
I think this is a side issue, and a distraction from the real moral
issue, which is how they died, and why.
<p>
They died by murder.  The Philadelphia <a href="https://stallman.org/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department killed 11
people, gratuitously &mdash; it could easily have let them live.  This is
the issue that matters.  Living people are important in their own
right; living people (which they were) have rights.  Corpses don't.
<p>
I don't believe that corpses deserve any special sort of "respect."
That goes for all corpses, includes my corpse when it some day exists.
I've signed papers for it to be used for scientific or medical
purpose, because that's a constructive use.  You can do that too!
<p>
Let's not shift our moral focus from respect for people's rights to
respect for taboos.


feed_id: d422a72748b104e73fa60caff93c360d
title: Covid-19 leak from lab
uri: Covid-19-leak-from-lab
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#16_May_2021_%28Covid-19_leak_from_lab%29
content:
<p>

Some real biologists say there is not yet sufficient evidence to rule
out the <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-origins/covid-19-lab-leak-theory-cannot-be-ruled-out-leading-scientists-say-idUSKBN2CV0ID">possibility that Covid-19 leaked from a lab</a>.
<p>
Morally, I don't think it makes much difference.  Everyone makes
mistakes.


feed_id: 94d446b970f06233072a57605dad9362
title: Secret order to attack protesters
uri: Secret-order-to-attack-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#16_May_2021_%28Secret_order_to_attack_protesters%29
content:
<p>

A captain in the Belarus army showed the press a <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-belarus-protests-opposition-court/belarus-army-officer-jailed-for-leaking-letter-on-crackdown-idUSKBN2CV1DF">secret order</a> that told
the army to attack protesters.  He has been sentenced to 18 years in prison.


feed_id: a13f07ab15a27caefdf07110b07e648e
title: Impossible to rent a place to live
uri: Impossible-to-rent-a-place-to-live
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#16_May_2021_%28Impossible_to_rent_a_place_to_live%29

content:
<p>

In the UK, a creditor can <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/14/boris-johnsons-county-court-judgment-actually-made-me-feel-sorry-for-him">easily make it impossible</a> for a debtor to
rent a place to live.
That is not an officially mandated consequence, but that is what
results in practice.
<p>
Perhaps it is still possible to pay to use a room in someone else's
apartment.


feed_id: 1b8a325665beddd704e9a641a2b338ad
title: Qatar arrested blogger
uri: Qatar-arrested-blogger
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#16_May_2021_%28Qatar_arrested_blogger%29
content:
<p>

Qatar <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/may/14/rights-group-fear-for-migrant-activist-detained-qatar">arrested a blogger</a> who writes about the life of migrant workers
there, and is holding him secretly, incommunicado.


feed_id: eb5abe5dcb8e586ce05df45e74eb15c1
title: Urgent: don't confirm Rahm Emanual
uri: Urgent-don-t-confirm-Rahm-Emanual
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#17_May_2021_%28Urgent%3A_don%27t_confirm_Rahm_Emanual%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=14139">call on the Senate</a> not to confirm Rahm Emanual as
ambassador.

<p>
To sign <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/javascript-trap.html">without running nonfree JavaScript code</a>
                                                from the web site,
use <a href="https:/stallman.org/salsalabs-method.html">the Salsalabs workaround</a>.


feed_id: fc7469a206c47c9178bec50c65b23235
title: Urgent: Freedom to Move Act
uri: Urgent-Freedom-to-Move-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#17_May_2021_%28Urgent%3A_Freedom_to_Move_Act%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/forms/congress-must-act-pass-the-freedom-to-move-act?nowrapper=true">support the Freedom to Move Act</a>, which would fund better
and cheaper public transportation.


feed_id: 36f956d4273ab55d4f7a8a13881d5013
title: Wage stagnation
uri: Wage-stagnation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#17_May_2021_%28Wage_stagnation%29
content:
<p>
Wage stagnation in the US is the result of policy decisions expressed
in laws, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/05/13/study-shows-intentional-policy-decisions-not-abstract-market-forces-blame-wage">not mysterious unchangeable economic "laws."</a>


feed_id: aa13d2ec1cc736b9186cdd0d0a3ce242
title: Vaccinated people and masks
uri: Vaccinated-people-and-masks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#17_May_2021_%28Vaccinated_people_and_masks%29
content:
<p>
Epidemiologists generally believe that vaccinated people <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/13/upshot/epidemiologists-coronavirus-masks.html">should wear masks
indoors with other people who might be unvaccinated</a>.

<p>
Vaccinated people can catch Covid-19, can be damaged, and can pass it on.
The vaccination makes this far less likely, but not impossible.
Let's choose to protect each other.


feed_id: ab91774ac6baa07ba4554af03798d16f
title: Adult Disney Fandom
uri: Adult-Disney-Fandom
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#17_May_2021_%28Adult_Disney_Fandom%29
content:
<p>
(<a href="https://www.theonion.com/dsm-5-finally-stops-classifying-adult-disney-fandom-as-1846878339">satire</a>) *DSM-5 Finally Stops Classifying Adult Disney Fandom As Form
Of Psychopathy.*


feed_id: f4f353cb0ca27bfdd15b4264688f5776
title: Official Covid-19 figures
uri: Official-Covid-19-figures
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#17_May_2021_%28Official_Covid-19_figures%29
content:
<p>
The major media should stop reporting official figures about Covid-19
infections or deaths <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2021/05/13/media-causing-harm-reporting-official-covid-19-figures-poorer-countries">as if they reflected the reality</a>.


feed_id: 08350ba4c5d722d7e42fb85d614f72ef
title: Bringing people home
uri: Bringing-people-home
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#17_May_2021_%28Bringing_people_home%29
content:
<p>
Australia has started bringing home Australians <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-australia/australia-carries-out-first-repatriation-flight-from-india-after-travel-ban-idUSKBN2CW046">who have been stuck in
India</a>.
  At the rate of 2000 per fortnight, it is going to take 10
weeks, provided no one else joins the waiting list.


feed_id: c9bc3328f94f050d718a3756842405af
title: Extreme standard of secrecy
uri: Extreme-standard-of-secrecy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#17_May_2021_%28Extreme_standard_of_secrecy%29
content:
<p>
Craig Murray has been imprisoned for covering the trial of Alex
Salmond, under an extreme standard of secrecy <a href="https://dissenter.substack.com/p/craig-murray-8-months-prison-sentence">that mainstream media
are not held to</a>.

<p>
I linked to his coverage of the Assange hearing.

<p>
I do not advocate independence for Scotland, but that's a separate
issue.

<p>
The UK does need to have regional governments with some real
authority, but it was <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2020-jul-oct.html#4_October_2020_(Some_Maori_activists)">a terrible mistake to set this up using
Scotland, Wals and Northern Ireland as regions</a>.


feed_id: 768f4ebbf805dd592d82af69b652add4
title: Drawing up new constitution
uri: Drawing-up-new-constitution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#17_May_2021_%28Drawing_up_new_constitution%29
content:
<p>
Chile <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/may/14/chile-constitution-gender-equality-women">is going to draw up a new constitution</a>.

<p>
I have <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/constitution-suggestions.html">suggestions for national constitutions</a>.

<p>
I urge free software supporters in Chile <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/government-free-software.html">to look at this</a>
  and think about whether these relate to the new constitution.


feed_id: b9f05d6b866fe665b91581aa422cf870
title: Another Covid-19 wave
uri: Another-Covid-19-wave
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2021-mar-jun.html#17_May_2021_%28Another_Covid-19_wave%29
content:
<p>
A new Covid-19 which may be more transmissible <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/14/india-covid-variant-could-lead-to-third-wave-uk">could cause another
wave in England</a>.


