# articles

feed_id: 7df1d370fc40373b9cbdc2e2acc2864f
title: Newspaper ditches Facebook
uri: Newspaper-ditches-Facebook
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_February_2018_%28Newspaper_ditches_Facebook%29
content:
<p>
A major newspaper in Brazil has
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/02/09/accusing-facebook-effectively-banning-professional-journalism-brazils-largest-paper">
stopped publishing via Facebook.
</a>
<p>
The major newspapers of Brazil are right-wing and sometimes publish
fake news.  My Brazilian friend told me, tongue in cheek, that he
thought this decision was because the owners were concerned their
articles would be tagged as fake on Facebook.
<p>
However, Facebook itself is so dangerous that any movement by the
media towards rejecting it is cause for applause.


feed_id: 04f5ef57466ac11dd4422bdc2cd942db
title: Baltimore Thugs convicted
uri: Baltimore-Thugs-convicted
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_February_2018_%28Baltimore_Thugs_convicted%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> in Baltimore were convicted of stealing money and drugs (to
resell), plus lots and lots of lies.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/12/two-baltimore-detectives-convicted-of-racketeering-and-robbery">
They carried BB guns to plant on people
to frame them
</a>
or make excuses for killing them.
<p>
None of this was part of their job, which was to seize illegal guns.
<p>
It is so gratifying to see some <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> get the punishment they deserve.
Perhaps most <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> are not as thoroughly corrupt as these.


feed_id: b3e33d466c3711d4dc90741422865d35
title: Facebook takes down review
uri: Facebook-takes-down-review
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_February_2018_%28Facebook_takes_down_review%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20180208/10584139193/facebook-takes-down-post-critical-indian-film-copyright-violation-even-though-it-was-all-text-post.shtml">
Facebook took down a negative movie review
</a>
because the movie company
claimed the review was copyright infringement.


feed_id: c95ff68930adf09e1e559b0178aa8493
title: The Republican Party
uri: 2018-02-17-The-Republican-Party
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_February_2018_%28The_Republican_Party%29
content:
<p>
Instead of hammering specifically on the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> and his scandals,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/13/forget-trump-his-party-problem-now">
Americans
should group the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> with his followers, the Republican Party,
</a>
and focus
on the harm they have done and are trying to do.


feed_id: 13a42fdb73727812cb8dc7f3529474ab
title: Urgent: Texas Republicans' lawsuit
uri: Urgent-Texas-Republicans-lawsuit
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_February_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Texas_Republicans%27_lawsuit%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/Dallaslawsuit/">Tell Texas Republicans</a> to back off their bogus
lawsuit which aims to exclude black Democratic candidates.


feed_id: 1134d28476252161b3647c8eec5d8e3b
title: Urgent: Warren's credit bureau bills
uri: Urgent-Warren-s-credit-bureau-bills
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_February_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Warren%27s_credit_bureau_bills%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/equifax_warren_2018">support Senator Warren's bills</a> to protect the public from
credit bureaus.


feed_id: 76aa65f43c7979fb28d717df281a9ee0
title: Fired by the White House
uri: Fired-by-the-White-House
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_February_2018_%28Fired_by_the_White_House%29
content:
<p>
The one and only crime that can get a person fired by the White House
is <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/14/1741360/-Domestic-violence-gets-a-pass-in-the-Trump-White-House-but-not-using-pot">having tried marijuana</a>.


feed_id: 47371b7a7e0a97065f2c1177dea31fd8
title: Funds for crime victims
uri: Funds-for-crime-victims
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#17_February_2018_%28Funds_for_crime_victims%29
content:
<p>
The bully's budget proposal <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/14/1741314/-Trump-budget-pretends-to-boost-funding-for-domestic-violence-prevention">takes away funds</a> allotted for victims of crime.
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> thinks they should sign nondisclosure agreements and get their
funds from him (or from his lawyer).


feed_id: 07c01fdd64ded2216956be311e29e894
title: Homelessness in Britain
uri: Homelessness-in-Britain
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Homelessness_in_Britain%29
content:
<p>
A homeless man <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/feb/14/homeless-man-dies-on-doorstep-of-houses-of-parliament">died next to Parliament</a> in London, effectively a reproach
to the Tories that created most of the homelessness in Britain.


feed_id: 72a1e4b7784660cb9207e57b04fd0e7e
title: Canada's medical system
uri: Canada-s-medical-system
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Canada%27s_medical_system%29
content:
<p>
Canada's national medical system covers medical care but not medicines.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/14/canadians-sacrifice-food-and-heating-to-afford-prescription-drugs-report">A million Canadians</a> skipped food or heating to pay for medicine last year,
and a larger number skipped medicine because they could not afford it.
<p>
Still, it's a lot better <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-jul-oct.html#05_August_2011_(US_Physicians)">than the US</a>.


feed_id: e32dfee73de1aa3414bbdcb4c627863d
title: Departing staffers
uri: Departing-staffers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Departing_staffers%29
content:
<p>
The Onion: White House Now Just Holding Continuous Going-Away Party <a href="https://politics.theonion.com/white-house-now-just-holding-continuous-going-away-part-1822978954">For Departing
Staffers</a>.


feed_id: 518a35ca225e969337ebca13c5538c8f
title: Immigration thug lawyer
uri: Immigration-thug-lawyer
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Immigration_thug_lawyer%29
content:
<p>
An immigration thug lawyer is charged with <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/14/1741290/-ICE-attorney-charged-after-stealing-immigrants-identities-to-defraud-credit-card-companies">using the credit cards</a> of
people who were being deported, to defraud them and others.


feed_id: b298f7f6e62fc53463ce4f2036f4f5bd
title: Student loans and social security
uri: Student-loans-and-social-security
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Student_loans_and_social_security%29

content:
<p>
Instead of forgiving Americans' unpayable student loans, Republicans
want to take the money <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/13/latest-devious-republican-attack-social-security">out of their social security</a>.


feed_id: a6e05914dcf70d2913e7b81acca1f769
title: Obstacles in the West Bank
uri: Obstacles-in-the-West-Bank
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Obstacles_in_the_West_Bank%29
content:
<p>
Israel has dozens of ways to try to chase Palestinians out of their
villages in the West Bank.  It <a href="https://www.btselem.org/communities_facing_expulsion/20180208_update">fabricates excuses</a> to create artificial
bureaucratic obstacles to normal life.


feed_id: dbb72173bc5fdbe8671cf42367281018
title: Protests in Ethiopia
uri: Protests-in-Ethiopia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Protests_in_Ethiopia%29
content:
<p>
Mass Protests Force Ethiopia to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/14/mass-protests-force-ethiopia-to-free-opposition-leader">Free Opposition Leader</a>.
<p>
Ethiopia is ruled by a rather nasty dictatorship.


feed_id: 55eceb6ab75c41931478d51634f6f628
title: Gratis public transport
uri: Gratis-public-transport
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Gratis_public_transport%29
content:
<p>
German Cities to Trial <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/14/german-cities-to-trial-free-public-transport-to-cut-pollution">[Gratis] Public Transport</a> to Cut Pollution.


feed_id: 71848cec1ae3d1d60b134db750054c2a
title: Mexico elections
uri: Mexico-elections
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Mexico_elections%29
content:
<p>
The candidate from one Mexico's main right-wing political party says
that the state <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/13/mexico-presidential-race-spying-accusations-ricardo-anaya">is spying on him</a>.  The candidate of the left-wing PRD
says the same.
<p>
I am not surprised.  20 years ago, Mexican elections were being rigged
by altering the final results — maybe they still are.


feed_id: beb579df3b64d756b1e8c59991dd1a4d
title: Union solidarity
uri: Union-solidarity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Union_solidarity%29
content:
<p>
Teamsters' union solidarity includes <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/13/1741051/-Following-member-s-deportation-N-Y-Teamsters-kick-into-action-with-Know-Your-Rights-workshops">protecting members from deportation</a>.


feed_id: a84b89f684f467e603725fb8251e47e9
title: Krill population
uri: Krill-population
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Krill_population%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#global heating">Global heating</a> effects, together with fishing for krill, have knocked
the krill population <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/14/decline-in-krill-threatens-antarctic-wildlife-from-whales-to-penguins">down by 80%</a>.  Many other animals are impacted,
including penguins and whales.


feed_id: 952fd9f20141473fd0debe73bea02e30
title: Tories and the disabled
uri: 2018-02-18-Tories-and-the-disabled
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Tories_and_the_disabled%29
content:
<p>
Why can't the Tories make their system for cutting support for the
disabled work without errors?  Because errors <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/14/tory-disabled-people-contractors-benefits">contribute to the
intended effect</a> of cutting aid to the disabled.
<p>
I suspect, however, that spending less to help the disabled is a means
to another end: demonizing the disabled.  Tories don't want the
non-disabled people who are likewise suffering to recognize whose
fault it is: the Tories and the rich people they serve.


feed_id: 8b0942c72c6593fe7e848ff5eb5f9433
title: Afghanistan negotiation
uri: Afghanistan-negotiation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Afghanistan_negotiation%29
content:
<p>
The Taliban publicly invited the US to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/14/taliban-publish-letter-calling-us-start-afghan-peace-talks">start negotiating</a> ending the
war in Afghanistan.
<p>
As long as the situation remains basically unchanged, the US cannot
win the war in Afghanistan, any more than the Soviet Union could.  It
would be better to acknowledge this and stop the useless bloodshed.
Much as I condemn the Taliban's Islamist repression, perpetual war is
worse.


feed_id: fae9b9fb44bcb7846645f96cbb2a5200
title: Phony warrants for deportation
uri: Phony-warrants-for-deportation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Phony_warrants_for_deportation%29

content:
<p>
US immigration thugs put <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/13/1741090/-Immigrant-man-calls-police-to-report-possible-intruder-gets-arrested-and-turned-over-to-ICE-instead">phony imitation arrest warrants</a> in people's files
to trick local <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> into handing them over for deportation.


feed_id: 625a2b0f3800814944d96702767011ce
title: Anti-immigration demands
uri: Anti-immigration-demands
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Anti-immigration_demands%29
content:
<p>
SCROTUS and the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> say they won't renew DACA unless the law
contains their <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/14/1741280/-Republicans-turn-Senate-immigration-debate-into-2018-campaign-rally">four anti-immigration demands</a>.
<p>
Now we know that the reason the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> cancelled DACA in the first place
was to use those immigrants as hostages to gain these demands.
<p>
As <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#26_January_2017_(Republican_Party_the_disloyal_party)">President Reagan showed us</a>,
giving hostage-takers what they want
encourages them to take more hostages.  Republicans are no less clever
than Islamist kidnapers, and no less cruel.  To enable their cruelty
because they have hostages would surely make things worse.  We should
not do that.
<p>
Meanwhile, there is a chance of preserving DACA <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/02/14/gop-lawmakers-delay-debates-another-win-daca-recipients-federal-court">through court actions</a>.


feed_id: 08f77285972caeb313b0860409b509b3
title: Fracking increase
uri: Fracking-increase
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Fracking_increase%29
content:
<p>
The Department of Energy predicts that fracking will <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/12/us-department-energy-doubles-down-shale-optimism">extract increasing amounts</a>
of oil and gas for decades.
<p>
They might be able to keep increasing this for a few decades, but if they do,
there will be no avoiding <a href="/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> disaster.


feed_id: f2df89a19a664cdf8afe4139f712c3b1
title: Dicamba
uri: Dicamba
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Dicamba%29
content:
<p>
The EPA carelessly approved use of the toxic pesticide dicamba on
additional crops.  It produced <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/02/12/farmers-conservationists-challenge-trumps-epa-monsanto-over-crop-damaging">blowing clouds of pesticides</a> that
damaged other crops, as well as wildlife.


feed_id: 7e110beb2637447e631f557e644caf3d
title: Locked in to Apple
uri: Locked-in-to-Apple
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Locked_in_to_Apple%29
content:
<p>
Apple devices <a href="https://gizmodo.com/homepod-is-the-ultimate-apple-product-in-a-bad-way-1822883347">lock users in</a> solely to Apple services by being
incompatible with all other options, ethical or unethical.


feed_id: d14acb7f4a818348b36c8d928e25e2fe
title: Urgent: Protect wildlife
uri: 2018-02-19-Urgent-Protect-wildlife
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Protect_wildlife%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://secure.defenders.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=3291">protect wildlife</a> by opposing the bully's infrastructure and budget
plans.


feed_id: b9f32fbc1a79c613730d606f1f8b1da6
title: Urgent: Child Care for Working Families Act
uri: Urgent-Child-Care-for-Working-Families-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Child_Care_for_Working_Families_Act%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.pfaw.org/sign/support-childcare-for-working-families-act/">Call on Congress</a> to support the Child Care for Working
Families Act.


feed_id: e6c3c1f5552c04cae4d6bb2e4b5b8d58
title: School shooter
uri: School-shooter
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28School_shooter%29
content:
<p>
The latest school shooter was a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/15/1741647/-Florida-white-supremacy-group-admits-Parkland-school-shooter-recently-trained-with-them">right-wing extremist</a>.  This killing
could be an act of right-wing terrorism.
<p>
After a school shooting killed 17 people, Russian bots are <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/15/1741716/-Russia-is-using-its-bot-army-to-spread-false-stories-about-the-Florida-shooting">supporting
the NRA</a> against gun control, and claiming that the killer is
associated with Antifa.


feed_id: ce28d419a3c5f35bd43664ca1322f8ef
title: 'Smart cities'
uri: 2018-02-19-Smart-cities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28%27Smart_cities%27%29
content:
<p>
"Smart cities" use tech that resembles military, <a href="https://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/rinesi20180215">for systematic reasons</a>. 


feed_id: 21be04783d67ba7d235b706d3c3f0a7e
title: Internal whistleblowers
uri: Internal-whistleblowers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Internal_whistleblowers%29
content:
<p>
The intelligence agencies' inspector general investigated 190 cases in
which internal whistleblowers complained of retaliation.  <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/us-intelligence-shut-downs-damning-report-on-whistleblower-retaliation">Only once
did it rule in favor</a> of the whistleblower.
<p>
Meanwhile, whatever wrongdoing or corruption they reported has
probably been ignored.
<p>
The whistleblowers such as Snowden that tell the public
know that reporting the matter internally would be useless
and would result in their punishment.


feed_id: 4c7f663f9ca8e20eb7263c53f2d9c4f2
title: Arctic shipping
uri: Arctic-shipping
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Arctic_shipping%29
content:
<p>
A tanker is sailing from Korea to France <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/13/shipping-first-as-commercial-tanker-crosses-arctic-sea-route-in-winter">along the Arctic coast</a> of Russia.
<p>
If this were the principal effect of <a href="/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>, we could well celebrate.
In fact, though, it warns we are approaching a turning point at which the lack
of ice greatly increases the absorption of sunlight in the Arctic.


feed_id: 5f958811c7e94c4bc3beae278de61a1d
title: Arguments against immigration
uri: Arguments-against-immigration
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Arguments_against_immigration%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://reason.com/reasontv/2018/02/14/best-arguments-against-immigration">Fallacious arguments</a> often supplied against allowing immigration into the US.


feed_id: bba46687753a6aa6614f2cff6b54c0f6
title: Pain treatment
uri: Pain-treatment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Pain_treatment%29
content:
<p>
Sessions, as part of the <a href="https://reason.com/archives/2018/02/14/jeff-sessions-cruel-prescription-for-pai">War on Pain Sufferers</a>, said they should take
an aspirin and suffer — no matter how bad the pain.  Restrictions on opioids
are making it difficult for some people to get treatment for their pain.
<p>
Before crushing people with pain, let's see if the recent diminution
in prescribing oxycontin reduces the number of people that get addicted
to opioids.
<p>
I expect to have an operation in a few months.  I am terrified
of what will happen after I leave the hospital.


feed_id: d51b3abbb25e9ea7647fe10808969398
title: Quoting racist insults
uri: Quoting-racist-insults
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Quoting_racist_insults%29
content:
<p>
A professor at Princeton started a discussion in class about racism
and racist insults.  Students reported him for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/14/princeton-university-professor-cancels-hate-speech-course-racial-slur">quoting a racist
insult</a>.
<p>
We can't discuss and think about the issue of racism if we don't
dare quote racist statements.
<p>
I am disappointed that the professor cancelled the course in response
to this criticism.


feed_id: 3a861315d752fc4eb7a461c54c50e7eb
title: Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe
uri: Nazanin-Zaghari-Ratcliffe
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Nazanin_Zaghari-Ratcliffe%29
content:
<p>
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, prisoner in Iran, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/feb/14/treatment-of-nazanin-zaghari-ratcliffe-amounts-to-torture-say-family">is now a pawn</a> in the hands of the
foreign ministry.


feed_id: 2ef7c8d7396c7370c1b9d99d11a316ab
title: Methane waste
uri: Methane-waste
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Methane_waste%29
content:
<p>
Administration Moves To Trample Taxpayers, Public Health, And Climate Via
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/02/13/administration-moves-trample-taxpayers-public-health-and-climate-methane-waste">Methane Waste Rule Rollback</a>.


feed_id: 24536d69bde0f432d44e49d6141d6463
title: Google's plans for email
uri: Google-s-plans-for-email
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Google%27s_plans_for_email%29
content:
<p>
Google wants to put <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2018/02/13/amp-for-email-is-a-terrible-idea/">surveillance ads into email</a>,
as well as other things that will depend on nonfree software.
<p>
You can protect yourself with free email readers, because many of them will
refuse to run the "dynamic" (i.e., dangerous) material in email messages.


feed_id: 0e4594c5985eec6aa9b75a692a903168
title: Republicans making life difficult
uri: Republicans-making-life-difficult
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Republicans_making_life_difficult%29

content:
<p>
Republicans know that making life difficult for poor people can result
in an irrational reaction where they <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/14/how-trumps-medicaid-restrictions-will-stop-people-voting">give up on political activity</a>
(which lets the Republicans win).


feed_id: 868cc539a08f321373fda16eb0a3c030
title: Westminster God Show
uri: Westminster-God-Show
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Westminster_God_Show%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/ra-wins-westminster-god-show-1822961049">Results</a> of the Westminster God Show.


feed_id: 25ca2cb319d36531ca4250832d0ee6d9
title: Exxon's secret
uri: Exxon-s-secret
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Exxon%27s_secret%29
content:
<p>
Exxon discovered decades ago that fossil fuels were going to cause
<a href="/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>, and kept it secret.  Several states and cities are
suing Exxon for this.  Now <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/02/13/big-scare-tactic-exxonmobil-files-conspiracy-counter-suits-against-climate-defenders">Exxon is suing them</a>, trying to present itself
as the poor little rich kid that merely wanted to get richer.


feed_id: 55418fafd0db2a478c351b466ac4302d
title: Baltimore corruption
uri: Baltimore-corruption
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Baltimore_corruption%29
content:
<p>
"Baltimore cops so corrupt two of them <a href="https://boingboing.net/2018/02/12/baltimore-cops-so-corrupt-two.html">actually got convicted of something</a>."


feed_id: ba54f483cbb632f58855ec131e7cd3ff
title: Tax-dodging host
uri: Tax-dodging-host
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Tax-dodging_host%29
content:
<p>
The US is <a href="https://qz.com/1200096/the-us-is-the-worlds-second-worst-tax-haven-say-tax-justice-networks-ranking/">number 2 in the world</a> as a tax-dodging host.


feed_id: a9d72f717d8e57c50dd298a88a62318f
title: White supremacists
uri: 2018-02-19-White-supremacists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28White_supremacists%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/white-supremacists-running-for-office-2018_us_5a7da926e4b0c6726e1285c1">All The White Supremacists</a> Running For Office In 2018.


feed_id: 689538e84d443f2ac5e13cee37d9387c
title: Accused of spying in Iran
uri: Accused-of-spying-in-Iran
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Accused_of_spying_in_Iran%29
content:
<p>
Iran's equivalent of Pizzagate: environmentalists studying rare cheetahs
have been accused of spying.  One of them recently was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/15/iran-urged-by-un-to-respect-environment-activists-after-wildlife-campaigner-death">killed in prison</a>.


feed_id: 6acf428ab23427a30ed77436ea585cea
title: Invented scandals
uri: Invented-scandals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Invented_scandals%29
content:
<p>
With a scandal in the news about some humanitarian aid groups,
right-wingers are inventing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/feb/15/charities-aid-agencies-fake-news-says-report">lots more fake scandals</a>.
<p>
Why?  I think they hate the idea that suffering people deserve some help
and that governments can fund it.


feed_id: afba19a64b07a541cc5cbd0f3573a875
title: Zuma resigned
uri: Zuma-resigned
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Zuma_resigned%29
content:
<p>
South Africa's super-corrupt president Zuma <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/15/jacob-zuma-departure-ends-south-africas-most-troubled-period-since-apartheid">has resigned</a>.


feed_id: 29756642c5968da4cbcaf2dda56a79e1
title: Asylum seeker in solitary
uri: Asylum-seeker-in-solitary
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_%28Asylum_seeker_in_solitary%29
content:
<p>
US immigration prison <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>, working for a private company, put an
asylum seeker in solitary to punish her for reporting other acts of
harassment.  They said they would not release her unless she <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/14/1741308/-ICE-allegedly-threw-a-detainee-in-solitary-for-60-hours-in-demand-she-recant-sexual-abuse-claims">retracted her
complaints</a>.


feed_id: b976de9ed66bf3eb2f2143db4e6cdf96
title: Urgent: Coal lobbyist nomination
uri: Urgent-Coal-lobbyist-nomination
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_February_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Coal_lobbyist_nomination%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/call/no_epa_coal_lobbyist_calls/">phone senators</a> to oppose the nomination of a coal lobbyist
as the second in command of the EPA.


feed_id: 13a859b15bfb645237dd1da22db8a9dd
title: Urgent: Ban assault weapons
uri: Urgent-Ban-assault-weapons
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_February_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Ban_assault_weapons%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/parkland">tell SCROTUS</a> to ban assault weapons and large-capacity magazines.


feed_id: 25e42b4e27c745a953b1531c564ad22d
title: Mueller's indictments
uri: Mueller-s-indictments
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_February_2018_%28Mueller%27s_indictments%29
content:
<p>
Mueller has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/16/russians-indictment-mueller-charges-fbi-investigation-what-are-they">indicted 13 Russians</a> and some Russian companies for
meddling in the US election.
<p>
They started doing this in 2014, which is when <a href="/glossary.html#trump">the troll</a> started
praising Putin.  It is possible <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/16/1742074/-Trump-s-response-to-indictments-puts-focus-on-what-he-was-doing-with-Russia-in-2013-14">the two had a deal</a> starting then.
<p>
But this is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/16/trump-mueller-russia-indictment-what-does-it-mean">not yet proven</a>.


feed_id: f7eaec58ce91aac45addf29c01b94a5c
title: Traits of rich and poor people
uri: Traits-of-rich-and-poor-people
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_February_2018_%28Traits_of_rich_and_poor_people%29

content:
<p>
Rich people are "<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/14/what-price-love">less likely than poorer people</a> to exhibit flexibility,
empathy, and all the other traits: that lead to healthy, long-term
relationships."


feed_id: 36878395294c08a5b130afdd1a44d9ac
title: School shooter drills
uri: 2018-02-20-School-shooter-drills
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_February_2018_%28School_shooter_drills%29
content:
<p>
The Onion: <a href="https://www.theonion.com/new-school-shooter-drill-includes-practicing-pleas-to-l-1823049024">New School Shooter Drill</a> Includes Practicing Pleas To
Lawmakers To Do Something About This.


feed_id: c7d1759f0fc1278af112d296c7aa8bf9
title: Student strike
uri: Student-strike
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_February_2018_%28Student_strike%29
content:
<p>
Students at a Houston high school <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/02/15/freedennis-300-students-stage-walkout-after-texas-teen-detained-ice">went on strike</a>
after <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> arrested one who is an unauthorized immigrant
and handed him over for deportation.


feed_id: 14553237798a113ebb6be3e554437ce0
title: John Kelly
uri: John-Kelly
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_February_2018_%28John_Kelly%29
content:
<p>
The Onion: <a href="https://politics.theonion.com/john-kelly-apologizes-for-assuming-everyone-would-ignor-1823035070">John Kelly Apologizes</a> For Assuming Everyone Would Ignore Abuse
Allegations Like They Do In Military.


feed_id: 35f5449c306bb762911ffe1cf31b8829
title: War and poverty
uri: War-and-poverty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_February_2018_%28War_and_poverty%29
content:
<p>
War and Poverty: <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/15/war-and-poverty-compromise-hell">A Compromise With Hell</a>.


feed_id: 30aa3fe0d65cfc985f18ee56fd4c4b8e
title: Civilian casualties
uri: 2018-02-20-Civilian-casualties
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_February_2018_%28Civilian_casualties%29
content:
<p>
There were <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/feb/16/10000-civilians-killed-injured-afghanistan-2017-united-nations">10,000 civilian war casualties</a> in Afghanistan in 2017.
<p>
Is it worth continuing the war at that cost, to keep the Taliban from
winning?  No one has an idea for how to really defeat them.


feed_id: 60b7e95d4ca1c7eb1e790bf021a8c1c4
title: Tax cuts for the rich
uri: 2018-02-20-Tax-cuts-for-the-rich
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_February_2018_%28Tax_cuts_for_the_rich%29
content:
<p>
80% of the tax attacks' (temporary) individual tax cuts go to the
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/14/1741287/-How-much-of-tax-bill-s-benefits-do-the-richest-1-get-The-answer-might-surprise-you">richest 1% of Americans</a>.


feed_id: 0e8ff61b63b58e77d92abdfd2a6f7a3e
title: Stopped deportation
uri: Stopped-deportation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_February_2018_%28Stopped_deportation%29
content:
<p>
A court stopped the deportation of Syed Ahmed Jamal at the very last minute,
but instead of freeing him, the immigration thugs <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/15/1741639/-In-legal-rollercoaster-deportation-of-Kansas-dad-stopped-mid-flight-gets-sent-to-Missouri-jail">put him in jail</a>.


feed_id: 4eefb5286085f803ddf0d442194ca0c2
title: Political asylum in Japan
uri: Political-asylum-in-Japan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_February_2018_%28Political_asylum_in_Japan%29
content:
<p>
Japan has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/16/japan-asylum-applications-2017-accepted-20">almost completely shut the door</a> on political asylum.


feed_id: 302de97116ed71093d5f6e089745cc02
title: Investigation delays
uri: Investigation-delays
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_February_2018_%28Investigation_delays%29
content:
<p>
It is fishy that investigating Kushner and other cronies of the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>
for security clearances has taken a whole year.  The delays are <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/15/1741389/-White-House-adviser-Jared-Kushner-s-debts-have-ballooned-since-joining-the-White-House">probably
not the fault</a> of the investigators.


feed_id: 5fcddb2691c6ac9a744606df5ee92515
title: Sackler family legacy
uri: Sackler-family-legacy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_February_2018_%28Sackler_family_legacy%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/16/sackler-family-blood-money-disgrace-museums">What should museums do</a> about the wings and rooms named after the
Sackler family?
<p>
It is not entirely fair to compare the Sacklers to drug pushers.  Drug
pushers know, when they start, what harm they are sure to do.  The
harm oxycontin has caused was just a possibility when the
Sacklers started selling it.
<p>
Of course, as evidence of harm accumulated, they resisted the
conclusion that they were doing something wrong.  I suppose they are
still resisting it.
<p>
This is not limited to pharmaceuticals.  Think of the Gates Foundation
(funded by subjugating people in their computing) and the MIT-Lemelson
program (funded by a bequest from a blatant patent <a href="/glossary.html#trump">troll</a>).


feed_id: b5036919077a26e7a101cdaf82710007
title: Cows in the Netherlands
uri: Cows-in-the-Netherlands
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_February_2018_%28Cows_in_the_Netherlands%29
content:
<p>
The Netherlands has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/16/dutch-cow-poo-overload-causes-an-environmental-stink">so many cows</a> that they can't dispose of the manure
safely.


feed_id: 1568431da62e6cc624c6ad212f721ddc
title: Donations to Temer
uri: Donations-to-Temer
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_February_2018_%28Donations_to_Temer%29
content:
<p>
Brazil's president Temer got donations from companies "linked to
slavery".  So did <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/feb/16/one-in-10-senior-politicians-in-brazil-funded-by-companies-linked-to-slavery">many other Brazilian politicians</a>.
<p>
Some of them actively oppose efforts to stamp out slavery.


feed_id: 909a76745c23edc073dfb4a7d18807fc
title: Accidental nuclear war
uri: 2018-02-20-Accidental-nuclear-war
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_February_2018_%28Accidental_nuclear_war%29
content:
<p>
Ernest Moniz, former Secretary of Energy, warns that the danger of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/15/nuclear-weapons-ernest-moniz-accident-risk">accidental nuclear war</a> is increasing.


feed_id: 32bd1ce24659f804e0e8d6210d78bb5e
title: Upgrading nuclear bombs
uri: Upgrading-nuclear-bombs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_February_2018_%28Upgrading_nuclear_bombs%29
content:
<p>
The bully wants to spend billions of dollars to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/15/us-nuclear-bomb-risks-security-report">upgrade B61 nuclear bombs</a>
which are kept in Europe, even though it is dangerous to have them there.


feed_id: f66549dd7a81d410e2ae28036d213597
title: Ending coal burning
uri: Ending-coal-burning
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_February_2018_%28Ending_coal_burning%29
content:
<p>
A South Korean presidential candidate campaigns to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/16/south-koreas-ahn-hee-jung-on-coal-trade-after-paris-everything-should-change">end the burning of coal</a>
world-wide.


feed_id: e55a24ee779b69ae150e694aae18e03e
title: African National Congress
uri: African-National-Congress
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_February_2018_%28African_National_Congress%29
content:
<p>
The African National Congress is still <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/15/zuma-anc-corruption-ramaphosa-south-africa-future">full of corruption</a>
even though President Zuma is gone.


feed_id: 0f856d0a4d2bc2b09b4f3aac183ffff5
title: Plan for toll roads
uri: Plan-for-toll-roads
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_February_2018_%28Plan_for_toll_roads%29
content:
<p>
The saboteur's "infrastructure" plan is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/15/america-public-infrastructure-white-house">designed to make toll roads</a> in places
where well-off people are likely to pay the tolls.


feed_id: 5cabbd435e557f68eb1f56ccf5968b66
title: Ethiopia's prime minister
uri: Ethiopia-s-prime-minister
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#19_February_2018_%28Ethiopia%27s_prime_minister%29
content:
<p>
The formerly repressive prime minister of Ethiopia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/15/ethiopia-prime-minister-hailemariam-desalegn-resigns-after-mass-protests">has resigned</a>.
Something complicated seems to be going on there.


feed_id: d8e56847f84d4e6bce7dae20c9017ae5
title: Urgent: Assault weapons
uri: Urgent-Assault-weapons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_February_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Assault_weapons%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://petitions.moveon.org/sign/ban-military-style-assault-2">call for banning assault weapons</a> and large capacity magazines.


feed_id: 55d731584103f7a4e0d1f2be0802f125
title: Urgent: Campaign money
uri: Urgent-Campaign-money
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_February_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Campaign_money%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://salsa4.salsalabs.com/o/51152/p/salsa/web/common/public/signup?signup_page_KEY=11168">phone your congresscritter</a> to oppose amendments that would
open more channels for the rich to pay for political campaigning.
<p>
The <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#28_February_2017_(Urgent:_Preserve_the_Johnson_amendment)">Johnson Amendment</a> is the law that prohibits churches from
campaigning for or against candidates.


feed_id: 0a3cd539bb77392469dda024b4704852
title: Urgent: Guns and domestic violence
uri: Urgent-Guns-and-domestic-violence
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_February_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Guns_and_domestic_violence%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/abusers-guns/">call on Congress</a> to keep guns away from those
who commit domestic violence.


feed_id: a884db0bfda2454dc090654468cd7a37
title: The right to make links
uri: The-right-to-make-links
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_February_2018_%28The_right_to_make_links%29
content:
<p>
A federal court's <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2018/02/federal-judge-says-embedding-tweet-can-be-copyright-infringement">surprise ruling</a> threatens the right to make links.


feed_id: 2d1a7e55606a8aff7a808d381b45343e
title: Banning circumcision
uri: Banning-circumcision
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_February_2018_%28Banning_circumcision%29
content:
<p>
Iceland proposes to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/feb/18/iceland-ban-male-circumcision-first-european-country">ban circumcision</a> of baby boys, treating it the same
as female genital mutilation.
<p>
From what I have read, the two practices are not comparable in
practice.  Female genital mutilation systematically prevents women's
sexual pleasure and can lead to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#25_April_2017_(Female_genital_mutilation)">life-long medical problems</a>.
Circumcision for males is not like that.
<p>
But there is an argument for allowing boys to make their own decision
about circumcision, when they are old enough to decide.


feed_id: ce744aa39abcf2fb37ef5ad0361a941f
title: Protected land
uri: Protected-land
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_February_2018_%28Protected_land%29
content:
<p>
15% of the world's land area is protected for wildlife, but that's not
enough. To preserve most of the species, we should protect <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/18/should-we-give-half-planet-earth-wildlife-nature-reserve">something
like 50%</a>.
<p>
First step: stop increasing the human population.


feed_id: 6f20a25eb2460dd30fcf8a4b08c18153
title: Facebook's VPN service
uri: Facebook-s-VPN-service
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_February_2018_%28Facebook%27s_VPN_service%29
content:
<p>
Facebook has a VPN service, which <a href="http://web-old.archive.org/web/20180216141746/https://www.wired.com/story/facebook-onavo-protect-vpn-privacy/">doesn't respect privacy</a> the way most
VPN services do.


feed_id: 26b14f82877f6cac9fa68b6268fc7dff
title: Racism in Italy
uri: Racism-in-Italy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_February_2018_%28Racism_in_Italy%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/18/italy-used-to-be-a-tolerant-country-but-now-racism-is-rising">Racism is spreading</a> in Italy, where it wasn't traditional before.


feed_id: 4f3794e47398d43df356e5f89a1d4f95
title: Gun regulation
uri: Gun-regulation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_February_2018_%28Gun_regulation%29
content:
<p>
A conservative gun owner <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/16/1742024/--I-will-be-the-change-Man-s-post-on-turning-in-assault-rifle-after-Parkland-shooting-goes-viral">advocates strict investigations</a> before someone
is allowed to own a gun.
<p>
He turned in his assault rifle to the <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> because he did not want
it to be available to anyone.  That was well-intentioned, but does
that <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department destroy the weapons that people hand in?
Or does it sell them?  Some US <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> departments sell weapons
under those circumstances.


feed_id: d4ef56acd76c98d25b897df57f6a499d
title: View of disabled people
uri: View-of-disabled-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_February_2018_%28View_of_disabled_people%29
content:
<p>
UK jobcenters view disabled people with a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/feb/18/disabled-people-million-benefit-sanctions-since-2010">"culture of disbelief"</a>,
treating them all as cheaters to be guarded against.
<p>
Right-wing regimes squeeze poor and disabled people by (1) cutting their
support so much that they practically have to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#23_July_2017_(New_Zealand)">cheat to survive</a>,
then (2) <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#18_February_2018_(Tories_and_the_disabled)">demonizing them</a> for cheating.


feed_id: 031a497b432740cab817e62620b67570
title: Fighting against PISSI
uri: Fighting-against-PISSI
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_February_2018_%28Fighting_against_PISSI%29
content:
<p>
Britons who return home from fighting against <a href="/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a>, for the Syrian Kurds,
are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/feb/16/british-man-aidan-james-fought-isis-syria-charged-terror-offences">prosecuted for "terrorism"</a>.
<p>
This is to placate the dictator of Turkey, the same one that is imprisoning
journalists and political opposition.  Recall that the Turkish state
had a truce with the Kurds of Turkey for many years; ErdoÄan broke it
by <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#23_May_2016_(Turkeys_parliament)">starting a civil war</a>,
so he could <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#17_August_2015_(Provoking_PKK)">rerun the election</a> and get a majority,
which put him in position to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jul-oct.html#2_August_2016_(Turkey_violates_human_rights)">eliminate human rights</a> in Turkey.


feed_id: 8de0850162327558bc2e35162e26b237
title: Cambodian news media
uri: Cambodian-news-media
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_February_2018_%28Cambodian_news_media%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://rsf.org/en/news/rsf-publishes-report-media-freedom-under-attack-cambodia">Cambodia's dictator has crushed</a> all the independent news media.


feed_id: d36c157052545fdee00449a94a68dd56
title: NRA funding of Congress
uri: NRA-funding-of-Congress
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_February_2018_%28NRA_funding_of_Congress%29
content:
<p>
Listing the NRA's <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/2/14/1741437/-A-reminder-of-the-NRA-s-top-ten-funded-elected-officials-in-both-the-House-and-the-Senate">ten most highly paid</a> members of Congress.


feed_id: 7a98eeb0148651f40e00598ae3de82ca
title: Training the school murderer
uri: Training-the-school-murderer
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_February_2018_%28Training_the_school_murderer%29
content:
<p>
The Florida school murderer trained with a white-supremacist 
paramilitary group, <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/2/15/1741647/-Florida-white-supremacy-group-admits-Parkland-school-shooter-recently-trained-with-them">said the group's leader</a>.
<p>
Later he said that his first statement was a mistake, that he had been
<a href="https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/16/florida-shooting-white-nationalists-415672">tricked by right-wing trolls</a>.
<p>
Who were these trolls, and what was their motive?
Were the pranksters opposed to neo-Nazis?
<p>
Were they neo-Nazis trying to cause trouble for a rival group?
<p>
Were they neo-Nazis who calculated they would win support for their
cause by associating themselves with murder?  It worked for <a href="/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a>, so
maybe they think it will work for them.


feed_id: 2a06f4f23d699b3e4878728796ea19f9
title: Green Left Party in Turkey
uri: Green-Left-Party-in-Turkey
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_February_2018_%28Green_Left_Party_in_Turkey%29
content:
<p>
Turkey has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/02/16/green-party-us-demands-release-eylem-tuncaelli-and-naci-sonmez-turkish-green">arrested the leaders</a> of the Green Left Party.
<p>
Turkish journalists have been sentenced to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/02/16/turkey-dark-day-press-freedom-and-justice-journalists-sentenced-life">30 years in prison</a>,
in cruel conditions reminiscent of US "Supermax" prisons.


feed_id: 25bac068de6fe864efa2320d9cae5a66
title: Military robot poetry
uri: Military-robot-poetry
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_February_2018_%28Military_robot_poetry%29
content:
<p>
The Onion: "<a href="https://www.theonion.com/raytheon-unveils-military-robot-capable-of-composing-po-1823080006">The Laureate-IV military robot pens haunting verse</a>
describing death, grief, and senseless violence to capture the grisly
realities of war."


feed_id: 0e8b9e9c205bb57c81a26ab3d4e364b7
title: Facebook in Belgium
uri: Facebook-in-Belgium
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_February_2018_%28Facebook_in_Belgium%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/feb/16/facebook-ordered-stop-collecting-user-data-fines-belgian-court">Belgium has ruled</a> that some aspects of Facebook data collection are
illegal, and ordered Facebook to delete the data or face a large fine.
<p>
While this is firm compared with the usual levels of regulation of
companies nowadays, it is inadequate in recompense because it assumes
that deleting the data will entirely undo the wrong to the users.  There are
two reasons that is not so:
<ul>
  <li>Facebook has already had a chance to manipulate and mistreat users
    by means of that data.</li>
  <li>The US government may have collected some of that data, using PAT
    RIOT Act blanket surveillance powers.  If Facebook deletes that data now,
    that won't make the US delete it.</li>
</ul>


feed_id: ff4ef52768366537cca5540dd4082011
title: British housing crisis
uri: British-housing-crisis
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_February_2018_%28British_housing_crisis%29
content:
<p>
The British housing crisis is the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/16/labour-housing-crisis-tories-home-ownership">consequence of Tory ideology</a> and
goals.  Kicking out the Tories is the first step to taking all the
necessary measures to end the problem.
<p>
Britons, hiss at the Tory government when you vote and you can make it
hiss-tory.


feed_id: 5a70cabd20f7f696f72a5a0b08e1ebb8
title: US border visits
uri: US-border-visits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_February_2018_%28US_border_visits%29
content:
<p>
The US border patrol has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/16/us-border-patrol-immigration-mexico-friendship-park">cut down border visits</a> between US citizens and
their relatives who can't enter the US.
<p>
I share the suspicion that "This has to do with the message of hate
that Trump screams out."


feed_id: 1a2cbd19ae00d813578054b93278adee
title: Visible poverty
uri: Visible-poverty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_February_2018_%28Visible_poverty%29
content:
<p>
Poverty Is Now So Visible That <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/17/poverty-visible-richest-grenfell-homelessness">Even the Richest Can See It</a>.
<p>
I recall a cartoon from the 1980s showing rich people wearing "stealth
hats", in the shape of the "stealth bomber", so that they would not see the
poverty around them.


feed_id: 52685ffd2bfaf15c8f76077f26ad4bea
title: Energy Star program
uri: Energy-Star-program
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_February_2018_%28Energy_Star_program%29
content:
<p>
The saboteur-in-chief wants to <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/16/1741962/-Judge-forces-Perry-to-enforce-energy-efficiency-standards-but-Energy-Star-is-probably-dead">eliminiate the Energy Star efficiency program</a>,
which saves energy for a small price.
<p>
Is this because it gives his hotels a low rating for energy
efficiency?  Or because he hates the idea of encouraging people to
think about saving energy?


feed_id: f9508bc4460860ea576ad11f0286c7f3
title: David Shulgin
uri: David-Shulgin
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_February_2018_%28David_Shulgin%29
content:
<p>
The saboteur-in-chief <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/16/1741913/-Trump-White-House-schemes-to-replace-popular-qualified-VA-Secretary-with-a-political-candidate">regrets having appointed</a> David Shulgin to head
the Veterans' Administration.  It seems that Shulgin is qualified,
capable, and wants to do a good job.
<p>
Does this sound like The Onion?  Alas, it's true.


feed_id: c394c6a734c53aed0b809a9a43a2b170
title: Pruitt's isolation
uri: Pruitt-s-isolation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_February_2018_%28Pruitt%27s_isolation%29
content:
<p>
Saboteur Pruitt <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/16/1741903/-Scott-Pruitt-makes-it-clear-He-flies-first-class-to-avoid-the-dirty-hippies-at-the-back-of-the-plane">has isolated himself</a> inside the EPA office, with
personal security guards (several on duty at every moment).
He has given people reason to hate him and he knows it.
<p>
He said he <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/02/15/pruitt-admits-he-flies-first-class-avoid-people-mad-him-destroying-planet">flies first class</a> because fewer people there
disapprove of his sabotage to the environment and the ecosphere.
<p>
By his lights, though, the side effects of his security are all to the
good.  A whole floor of the EPA offices for him?  With all the staff
he has dismissed, there is surely plenty of extra space, and if not,
it is an excuse to dismiss more staff.  Paying his guards?  Use the
funds saved by not paying scientists and investigators.


feed_id: b4cdf2713500553b3285b5a99bbe88c4
title: Easing up on Wells Fargo
uri: Easing-up-on-Wells-Fargo
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Easing_up_on_Wells_Fargo%29
content:
<p>
Pity the poor sad criminal banksters at Wells Fargo --
<a href="https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2018/02/wells-fargo-screws-customers-yet-now-failing-make-right-abuses-elizabeth-warren-demands-answers.html">
regulators
should ease up on them,
</a>
says the a big investor in the bank.
<p>
What about the Americans that are needy, like the 50% that are broke?
When will you let up on them, rich guy?


feed_id: d3ac786b4693a72ac7cb01ac03c9348b
title: Sitting during the pledge
uri: Sitting-during-the-pledge
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Sitting_during_the_pledge%29
content:
<p>
A teacher in the US faces charges for violently dragging a student out
of class for
<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/world-us-canada-43061808">
not standing up for the Pledge of Allegiance.
</a>
<p>
Students have the right to abstain from the Pledge of Allegiance
as part of the US Constitution, which is what Americans' allegiance
really ought to be directed towards.


feed_id: d18ecb24890d599ec540464caa6bfcef
title: Selecting deportees
uri: Selecting-deportees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Selecting_deportees%29
content:
<p>
Immigrants' representatives are suing the immigration thug agency, accusing
it of
<a href="https://shadowproof.com/2018/02/09/first-amendment-lawsuit-ice-targets-immigrant-rights-groups-activists-political-speech/">
selecting people to deport based on their political views,
</a>
  and planning to grab them at times no one will notice.


feed_id: 384022b450c18f09c7ad759ae8946775
title: Ads or bitcoin mining
uri: Ads-or-bitcoin-mining
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Ads_or_bitcoin_mining%29
content:
<p>
Salon magazine offers users two options:
<a href="https://www.salon.com/about/faq-what-happens-when-i-choose-to-suppress-ads-on-salon/">
view surveillance ads, or mine
bitcoin for the magazine.
</a>
<p>
In principle, I do not object to this, provided the implementation
respects my privacy and my freedom.  But I suspect that the
implementation uses nonfree Javascript code.  Can someone check that
for me?


feed_id: 591562f7ff82a0ce32895440dab32169
title: 'Smart' cities
uri: 2018-02-21-Smart-cities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28%27Smart%27_cities%29
content:
<p>
"Smart" cities are an excuse to
<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2018/02/stupid-cities/553052/">
replace participatory government
with massive surveillance.
</a>
Big Brother "knows" what you need.


feed_id: 4109036a75bd5d5c62080b65513dff8c
title: Volunteer
uri: 2018-02-22-Volunteer
url: https://stallman.org/index.html#volunteerListAnc
content:
<p>I am looking for people to (in India) make and sell buttons that say, "DON'T BE
	 TRACKED  PAY CASH", in English and/or a local
s	 language, to resist the campaign against
	 cash.  Talk with a local company that makes buttons, buy a
	 batch of 50 to 500 buttons for a quantity price, then sell
	 them for 2 or 3 times that price.</p>


feed_id: 6dbd607ab6380975c97ec4ab6a47c111
title: Urgent: Pebble Mine
uri: Urgent-Pebble-Mine
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Pebble_Mine%29
content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://act.nrdc.org/letter/first-quantum-nud-180208">call on First Quantum</a> not to invest in Pebble Mine.


feed_id: ac25cf9e9a49c47ff18bc022fc8357c4
title: Urgent: Mueller's investigation
uri: 2018-02-22-Urgent-Mueller-s-investigation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Mueller%27s_investigation%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://secure2.convio.net/comcau/site/Advocacy;jsessionid=00000000.app202a?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=2253">Call on the Senate</a> to protect Mueller's investigation.


feed_id: 5e48b353e9840c16767cf2b250c048d4
title: Urgent: NRA money
uri: Urgent-NRA-money
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Urgent%3A_NRA_money%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://petitions.moveon.org/sign/politicians-stop-taking">call on politicians</a> to stop taking money from the NRA.


feed_id: 357f08722b46d2535b9749a808f9dd98
title: Danger to children
uri: Danger-to-children
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Danger_to_children%29
content:
<p>
In the long term, the <a href="http://truth-out.org/buzzflash/commentary/the-plight-of-children-affeced-by-climate-change">biggest danger to children</a> is
<a href="/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>.
Instead of obsessing about rare dangers, adults should focus on this
one.


feed_id: f69107e83fee1f85f043e72b2d3bb707
title: Oklahoma taxes
uri: Oklahoma-taxes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Oklahoma_taxes%29
content:
<p>
Oklahoma has cut taxes so much that it can't run schools any more.
Teachers have to <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20180217051945/https://www.economist.com/news/united-states/21736102-low-teacher-pay-and-severe-budget-cuts-are-driving-schools-brink-whats-matter">moonlight at Walmart</a>.
<p>
Republicans have made it almost impossible to repeal the tax cuts,
so the state is trapped on the road to disaster.


feed_id: 50baccb843b66182eb12c6b228b78d69
title: Protection from businesses
uri: Protection-from-businesses
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Protection_from_businesses%29
content:
<p>
Sabotage that will bite Americans later: <a href="https://earthjustice.org/features/legislative-attacks-on-access-to-justice">denying people the right to sue</a> to
protect their rights from businesses.


feed_id: 8046be198f1d39ba83452986bb7fb51b
title: Second amendment
uri: Second-amendment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Second_amendment%29
content:
<p>
It was accepted constitutional law that the second amendment did
conflict with gun control.  Right-wing extremists <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/18/1741614/-How-the-Republicans-stole-the-Second-Amendment">campaigned for decades</a>
to gain enough power to change that.
<p>
Eliminating gun control, like eliminating abortion and birth control,
are not really important to right-wing supporters.  Rather, their
leaders are expert at using these issues to build communities of
supporters who are fanatical about them, and can then be led through
them to support right-wing candidates in spite of all other issues
and all their real interests.


feed_id: 98d4e6cc2813b7977088ce9dbb2770d5
title: Manipulating Americans
uri: Manipulating-Americans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Manipulating_Americans%29
content:
<p>
For manipulating Americans, Facebook is the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/17/technology/indictment-russian-tech-facebook.html">platform of choice</a>.
<p>
Don't be so easy to manipulate — stop being a used of Facebook!


feed_id: aebc244476867b173a0ac5f6057eee29
title: School killer was investigated
uri: School-killer-was-investigated
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28School_killer_was_investigated%29

content:
<p>
A Florida agency <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/17/us/nikolas-cruz-florida-shooting.html">investigated</a> the recent school killer, and concluded
he wasn't likely to commit an actual crime.
<p>
Such estimates are inherently fallible.  At least they looked at the
situation.


feed_id: cba92304d7af4bd6716b20ba76bf83bf
title: Medical care in Kentucky
uri: Medical-care-in-Kentucky
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Medical_care_in_Kentucky%29
content:
<p>
The governor of Kentucky is so hot to deny medical care to poor people
that he's <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/16/1741981/-Kentucky-is-going-to-have-to-pay-more-for-covering-fewer-people-with-Medicaid-under-Bevin-s-plan">willing to spend millions</a> for the decrease in aid.


feed_id: 6b517b9eee3b9a4d396c06406573ebc7
title: Florida shooter warning
uri: Florida-shooter-warning
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Florida_shooter_warning%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/16/1742000/-Trump-wants-people-to-report-each-other-Wray-admits-FBI-knew-about-Parkland-shooter-and-did-nothing">Someone warned the FBI</a> about the Florida shooter, but the Miami office
never received the message so it did not investigate him.
<p>
That appears to have been a mistake.  Surely the system can be
improved, but there is no way to eliminate mistakes.  The FBI may
able to prevent some such killings, but it could never prevent them
all.
<p>
A bigger obstacle is that lots of people show the general signs of
being possibly murderous, and only a few of them go on to try to kill
anyone.  So it would take quite a few investigations to prevent one
crime.  That gets to the point of oppressing lots of people who have
not and will not do anything criminal.
<p>
On the other hand, if we got rid of large magazines, those who decide
to kill won't be able to kill so many people.
<p>
We should also consider following Canada's gun regulations.  According
to Bowling for Columbine, Canadians can own guns, but there are strict
regulations about how to store and carry them, which reduce the
use of guns to shoot at people.


feed_id: 29cf9d1915b8e0fa8534673e62c09784
title: Leaky pipelines
uri: Leaky-pipelines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Leaky_pipelines%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>'s "infrastructure" plan proposes to make it hard for people to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/02/16/warnings-mount-trumps-infrastructure-plan-will-make-it-harder-fight-pipelines">oppose leaky pipelines</a> that can poison their water supplies.


feed_id: ed765ae73d6ac5a7518c3bb8b215c56e
title: Ajit Pai under investigation
uri: Ajit-Pai-under-investigation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Ajit_Pai_under_investigation%29
content:
<p>
Ajit Pai is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/16/fcc-chairman-under-investigation">under investigation</a> for a conflict of interest for his
elimination of the limits on media concentration, apparently intended
to allow the right-wing propaganda broadcaster Sinclair to take over
many more TV stations.


feed_id: 8df70f8f6255e1788ee391bd25a5c70c
title: Uber's accounting
uri: Uber-s-accounting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Uber%27s_accounting%29
content:
<p>
Uber is losing a lot of money every year, but we cannot tell how much
because it releases only <a href="https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2018/02/can-uber-ever-deliver-part-thirteen-even-4q-cost-cuts-uber-lost-4-5-billion-2017.html">vaguely defined accounting information</a>,
insufficient to tell its real losses.
<p>
This is crucial because it can't keep this up indefinitely.
Some day it will have to raise its prices quite a bit.
If Uber customers patronize Uber so much now that its competitors
disappear before that day, they will regret their actions
when the price goes up.


feed_id: 74ef1dd192fe222ed0a40e3ebe7e2398
title: Zapatistas
uri: Zapatistas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Zapatistas%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/feb/17/mexico-zapatistas-rebels-24-years-mountain-strongholds">An interview</a> with the Zapatistas of Chiapas.


feed_id: 00b172ecd938194da88544173f34ab9b
title: Energy on Balearic Islands
uri: Energy-on-Balearic-Islands
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Energy_on_Balearic_Islands%29
content:
<p>
The Balearic Islands want to move fast to renewable energy,
but the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/15/balearics-launch-pioneering-plan-to-phase-out-emissions">Spanish state demands</a> to upgrade coal-burning plants
instead of shutting them.


feed_id: 1bda192de05e547bff9be0fbdbda6201
title: US voting systems
uri: US-voting-systems
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28US_voting_systems%29
content:
<p>
Some US states are <a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/02/18/paper-ballots-amidst-election-security-worries-suddenly-paper-ballots-are-making-a-comeback/">moving toward voting systems</a> that are less vulnerable
to digital fraud.
<p>
What I fear most, in the area of centralized digital election fraud,
is not that Russia will do it (though it might try to), but that US
politicians will do it.


feed_id: 472234d2f610592b6eb5678dbba8df7b
title: Bill Clinton and the bully
uri: Bill-Clinton-and-the-bully
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Bill_Clinton_and_the_bully%29
content:
<p>
President Clinton was almost removed from office for having sex with
Monica Lewinsky.  How is it that the bully more or less <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/18/donald-trump-bill-clinton-extramarital-affairs-double-standard">gets away with
it</a>?
<p>
The article gives good reasons, but I'd like to add one more.  Recall
that the hardest charge against Bill Clinton was that he lied when he
denied having sex with her.  Republicans claimed to hold him to
a standard of total honesty (which, of course, they did not meet).
And he claimed to meet that standard.
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> shows blatant contempt for the truth.  As a result, to make
a big deal about any one lie of his seems like missing the point.
<p>
My view is different.  I did not criticize Bill Clinton for sex with
Lewinsky — I considered it unimportant.  I don't believe non-monogamy
is wrong.  As for lying about extramarital sex, I forgive that because
I blame the unjustified pressure society puts on people to be or
appear monogamous.
<p>
I criticized Bill Clinton for things that hurt or endangered millions
of Americans, such as "welfare reform."
<p>
Likewise, I don't care if the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> had sex with models, porn stars,
or accountants.  I don't care if he paid them not to talk about it, or
paid them to talk about it.  Those things are unimportant.  I condemn
the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> for the gross wrongs he commits every day.  There is no
excuse for those.
<p>
American theocratic right-wing Christians have got rid of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/18/donald-trump-evangelicals-code-of-ethics">most
of the principles</a> that their Christianity used to mean to them.
<p>
However, a minor correction is called for.  Roy Moore did not date
children.  <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#27_November_2017_(Roy_Moore's_relationships)">He dated teenagers</a>.


feed_id: 7589e082233a4030ac2e4b82562f3311
title: Censorship on Instagram
uri: Censorship-on-Instagram
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Censorship_on_Instagram%29
content:
<p>
Facebook has <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-43070555">imposed political censorship</a> on Instagram, bowing to
Russia.


feed_id: 7ca77e8caee54b1526d26bf90ddde006
title: Global heating denial campaign
uri: 2018-02-22-Global-heating-denial-campaign
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Global_heating_denial_campaign%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/16/who-guilty-climate-crimes">Profiling the companies and people</a> that fund the
<a href="/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> denial campaign.


feed_id: e0d1fd0eb90d28aa85e1c1352eaf5435
title: Sea plastic and fracking
uri: Sea-plastic-and-fracking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Sea_plastic_and_fracking%29
content:
<p>
The flood of plastics that endangers animals in the sea is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/16/we-are-drowning-plastic-and-fracking-companies-are-profiting">tied up
with fracking</a>.


feed_id: 0076b886c46f455f7b2300362668772b
title: California college fees
uri: California-college-fees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28California_college_fees%29
content:
<p>
California <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/16/taxing-wealth-make-public-college-free-again">plans to eliminate fees</a> for public colleges with an estate tax.
<p>
I am in favor, but this is just a small step towards taxing the rich properly.


feed_id: 02f1d556b577ecb2e83797a694401579
title: War crimes in Afghanistan
uri: War-crimes-in-Afghanistan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28War_crimes_in_Afghanistan%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/02/16/icc-weighing-more-million-statements-afghans-alleging-war-crimes-violations">A million Afghans</a> have reported war crimes to the International
Criminal Court.


feed_id: 0c551c8cc06619458c969b41b7d22e77
title: Easing up on Wells Fargo
uri: 2018-02-22-Easing-up-on-Wells-Fargo
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Easing_up_on_Wells_Fargo%29
content:
<p>
Pity the poor sad criminal <a href="/glossary.html#bankster">banksters</a> at Wells Fargo --
<a href="https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2018/02/wells-fargo-screws-customers-yet-now-failing-make-right-abuses-elizabeth-warren-demands-answers.html">
regulators
should ease up on them,
</a>
says the a big investor in the bank.
<p>
What about the Americans that are needy, like the 50% that are broke?
When will you let up on them, rich guy?


feed_id: bfaa4cdabad6c9aed9f016244ea67f6b
title: Selecting deportees
uri: 2018-02-22-Selecting-deportees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#21_February_2018_%28Selecting_deportees%29
content:
<p>
Immigrants' representatives are suing the immigration <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> agency, accusing
it of
<a href="https://shadowproof.com/2018/02/09/first-amendment-lawsuit-ice-targets-immigrant-rights-groups-activists-political-speech/">
selecting people to deport based on their political views,
</a>
  and planning to grab them at times no one will notice.


feed_id: 80dd05f1fd7e5a1cc11bc3870b671cdb
title: Urgent: Infrastructure privatization
uri: Urgent-Infrastructure-privatization
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#22_February_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Infrastructure_privatization%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.demandprogress.org/sign/tell-congress-stop-trumps-corporate-infrastructurescam/">tell Congress</a> to reject the bully's privatization of
infrastructure plan.


feed_id: 1f1b9bd0aea36924f27ecf930fd79eba
title: UK arms sales
uri: UK-arms-sales
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#22_February_2018_%28UK_arms_sales%29
content:
<p>
The UK eagerly sells arms to many tyrannical regimes, and the Tory plan
for exiting the EU is to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/18/brexit-meansmore-arms-dealing-human-rights-abusers">sell even more</a>.


feed_id: a196e913564b7ba2d7ae5f1b83f648a3
title: Nazi Party's strategy
uri: Nazi-Party-s-strategy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#22_February_2018_%28Nazi_Party%27s_strategy%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-should-we-protest-neo-nazis-lessons-from-german-history-82645">Provoking violent opposition</a> won the Nazi Party more support, which
enabled it to take over Germany.
This is because the establishment, and the principal media, always
gave the left more of its share of the blame.  Even if the left did
not engage in violence, it was blamed for any real or imaginary
violence.
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>'s advisors appear to be following the same approach.
<p>
The article recommends expressing disagreement with Nazis by holding an event
far enough away that it will avoid direct confrontation.


feed_id: 4f0bf9214c4c918d4ab061b0a2ed821f
title: Mass graves in Burma
uri: Mass-graves-in-Burma
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#22_February_2018_%28Mass_graves_in_Burma%29
content:
<p>
The Burmese government is reportedly <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/feb/19/myanmar-government-bulldozing-rohingya-mass-grave-hide-evidence">bulldozing mass graves</a> of Rohingya
to cover up the massacres.


feed_id: c8ba13f5c91eeab7bd13c4eacb8a496a
title: 'Inappropriate' court case
uri: Inappropriate-court-case
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#22_February_2018_%28%27Inappropriate%27_court_case%29

content:
<p>
The question of the opaque accusation of "inappropriate" <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/feb/19/geoffrey-rush-touched-actor-in-way-that-made-her-uncomfortable-defamation-trial-told">has reach a
court</a>.  The lawyer of the person thus criticized, Mr Rush, asks how
one can defend oneself from such an accusation.  Do you say, "I donât
know what it was, but I didn't do it"?
<p>
Or do you say, "I donât know what it was, but it wasn't wrong"?
<p>
This case illustrates the point that it is never legitimate to punish
or rebuke someone on the grounds of <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#29_December_2017_('Inappropriate'_behavior)">"inappropriateness"</a>.  
For an accusation to be valid, it has to be concrete.
<p>
If we knew what Mr Rush was accused of doing, we might say it was
wrong.  Or we might not.  At least we would have a question to think
about.
<p>
But when the accusation says only "inappropriate", we have to reject it.


feed_id: 934d4dc1daf59f4dcbd61b598db5de64
title: Letter from the Taliban
uri: Letter-from-the-Taliban
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#22_February_2018_%28Letter_from_the_Taliban%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.paulcraigroberts.org/2018/02/17/why-are-we-in-afghanistan/">Here is the letter</a> from the Taliban to the American people, calling
for peace negotiations.
<p>
As you would expect, the letter contains exaggerations and false points
that put the Taliban in a better light than it deserves.
<ul>
<li>The US did have some basis for invading Afghanistan:
al Qa'ida was based there, with the Taliban's approval.
<p>
However, the US had not exhausted peaceful ways to deal with that
issue.  The Taliban had expressed a willingness to discuss expelling
al Qa'ida, <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-may-aug.html#28%20July%202010%20(Taliban)">not long before</a>.</li>
<li>The Taliban did not unite all of Afghanistan — one region in the
north resisted.  Perhaps this was because of an interethnic dispute.</li>
<li>The Afghan people are not unanimous in support of the Taliban,
and I am not convinced that the majority do, though they clearly
have substantial support.</li>
<li>The Taliban are hardly entitled to criticize the Afghan state about
women's rights.  Bad as the government is, the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-jul-oct.html#17%20July%202010%20(Intimidation%20campaign%20against%20women)">Taliban are even worse</a>.</li>
<li>The Taliban are <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-nov-feb.html#21_February_2013_(Civilian_casualties_in_Afghanistan)">even more callous</a> about killing civilians than the
US.</li>
<li>Any government that calls itself an "Islamic Emirate" is evidently
inclined to trample human rights — much like the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2005-mar-jun.html#27%20April%202005%20(Controlled%20by%20Christian%20fanatics)">theocratic
Christians</a> of the Republican Party.</li>
</ul>
Despite these errors and distortions, I think the letter presents the
situation accurately, overall.  The US has no realistic chance of
establishing a good government in Afghanistan, and continuing the war
ad nauseam cannot be justified.
<p>
I hope the US has the decency to make peace.


feed_id: 0cca4402e7c6750aeae72049242dfe37
title: Students for gun control
uri: Students-for-gun-control
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#22_February_2018_%28Students_for_gun_control%29
content:
<p>
US High school students are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/19/students-who-escaped-florida-shooting-voice-anger-at-trump-as-protests-spread">mobilizing for gun control</a>, led by those
whose friends were shot last week.


feed_id: afe6e7dee2a746bc5204f144e1ae4f3d
title: Death penalty in Gambia
uri: Death-penalty-in-Gambia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#22_February_2018_%28Death_penalty_in_Gambia%29
content:
<p>
Gambia's president is moving to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/19/gambia-suspends-death-penalty-abolition">abolish the death penalty</a>.


feed_id: 18e70a833fad068485c346aa8e21f84d
title: Protest law in Tasmania
uri: Protest-law-in-Tasmania
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#22_February_2018_%28Protest_law_in_Tasmania%29
content:
<p>
The plutocratist government of Tasmania <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/feb/19/tasmanian-liberals-vow-to-restore-anti-protest-laws-struck-down-by-high-court">pledges to enact a new
law</a> to repress protests, after the old one was overturned as
unconstitutional.
<p>
Protests are a transient inconvenience.  Extinction is forever.


feed_id: c9e22adb4d8662b3620060fb185df75e
title: Politicians' looks
uri: Politicians-looks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#22_February_2018_%28Politicians%27_looks%29
content:
<p>
Women who stand for something more important than fashion
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/19/women-right-bare-arms-canada-prime-minister-kim-campbell">should not face arguments</a> about the way they dress.
<p>
How foolish it is to judge a politician by per looks.
I didn't refuse to vote for Hillary Clinton because of her appearance.
I didn't vote for Jill Stein because of her appearance.
I chose based on their political stands.
<p>
This applies to male politicians, too.  Americans have tended for a
long time to elect for the (male) presidential candidate that has
better looks.  How foolish.


feed_id: 2256ff69d27e3bd210f72bf12bd756d9
title: Right-wing in Italy
uri: Right-wing-in-Italy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#22_February_2018_%28Right-wing_in_Italy%29
content:
<p>
The neofascist right-wing in Italy is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/19/italys-northern-league-pledges-mass-migrant-deportations">using hatred of immigrants</a>.


feed_id: ee0761a4f036d111924590b392a956d2
title: Prostitution in Haiti
uri: Prostitution-in-Haiti
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#22_February_2018_%28Prostitution_in_Haiti%29
content:
<p>
Oxfam staff in Haiti are accused of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/19/trio-oxfam-haiti-team-threatened-key-witness-confidential-report">threatening a witness</a> to demand silence
about their activities with prostitutes.
<p>
Hiring sex workers is not wrong; it is one of those things that prudes
condemn for no good reason, and then try to drag everyone else into
condemning too.
<p>
The danger of retribution by prudes is real and substantial, so the
fear of retribution is rational.  Sad to say, that fear leads some
people to commit real wrongs, such as threatening violence.
<p>
To illustrate the general point, this used to be the case for
homosexuals.  It is not wrong to be homosexual or to have homosexual
sex, but prudes condemned that for no good reason, and manage to drag
society along with that prudery.  To be a closeted homosexual was
truly dangerous, and they were vulnerable to being blackmailed and
coerced into doing real wrongs.
<p>
That is mostly no longer a problem for homosexuals in liberal
countries today, because prudish prejudice against homosexuals no
longer receives much open support.  Instead we see the new prudish
campaign against sex workers and their customers.  That too can coerce
people into doing real wrongs.  You can <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/18/if-paying-for-sex-wrong-in-haiti-why-do-we-tolerate-it-in-uk">see the campaign here</a>.
<p>
The article is incoherent — argument from juxtaposition with
derision.  The closest it comes to validity is when it points out that
Haitians may do sex work because they live in desperate circumstances.
<p>
It draws the wrong conclusion from that.  The problem those Haitians
suffer is not sex work as such, it is their desperate poverty.  Sex
work is one of the ways they cope with it.  To help them would mean
giving them improved circumstances in which they could easily avoid
sex work, if they wish to.
<p>
The poverty of Haitians was not caused by Oxfam.  Rather, it is the
result of centuries of oppression: first slavery, then decades of war
for independence, then the huge indemnity that France demanded <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#16_May_2015_(Frances_debt_to_Haiti)">in
exchange for Haiti's independence</a>,
followed for many decades by tyranny supported or imposed by the US,
from the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-nov-feb.html#17%20January%202011%20(Return%20of%20Duvalier)">Duvalier family</a>
to the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-mar-jun.html#08_May_2011_(1/6_the_voters)">presidents that the US selected</a>
after the US <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2004-jan-apr.html#5%20March%202004%20(President%20Aristide%27s%20Exit)">kicked out
Aristide</a> for the second time.
<p>
To get out of this desperate situation, Haitians need humanitarian
aid, such as Oxfam provides, but above all they need self-government
that is honest.
<p>
The prudish article does identify one practice of Oxfam which will
tend to cause problems: giving its foreign staff a luxurious villa to
live in, and more generally a life of luxury compared with the local
people.
<p>
The problem is not a matter of any specific luxury they might pay for.
It is that their lifestyle tends to distance them from the people they
have come to serve.  That can lead them to look down at the local
people and consider their work nothing more than a career to make
money from.  In effect, they forget the point of their being there.
That doesn't automatically cause them to act badly, but tends to
lead them in that direction.


feed_id: c3956c75599a34859043161cf05736da
title: Facebook for children
uri: Facebook-for-children
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#22_February_2018_%28Facebook_for_children%29
content:
<p>
When Facebook sought advice about how to offer its dis-service to children,
it consulted the experts that it funded, while giving independent analysts
<a href="http://web-old.archive.org/web/20180217043851/https://www.wired.com/story/facebook-funds-its-favorite-experts-but-skirts-tough-critics/">too little time to respond</a> to the plan.


feed_id: a1c6ced81136e8546e80d15e140d3e67
title: Report on encryption
uri: Report-on-encryption
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#22_February_2018_%28Report_on_encryption%29
content:
<p>
New National Academy of Sciences Report on Encryption <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2018/02/new-national-academy-sciences-report-encryption-asks-wrong-questions">Asks the Wrong 
Questions</a>.


feed_id: 9a02da335a00d9cc37b6a61205b602fb
title: Microsoft DRM
uri: Microsoft-DRM
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#22_February_2018_%28Microsoft_DRM%29
content:
<p>
Reverse-engineers <a href="https://torrentfreak.com/pirates-crack-microsofts-uwp-protection-five-layers-of-drm-defeated-180215/">defeated a Microsoft system of DRM</a> (Digital
Restrictions Management) for Windows applications.
<p>
I would cheer for them, except that even once these applications' DRM
is removed, they remain proprietary software — you use them at the
cost of your freedom.  An unauthorized copy of a proprietary program
is a rather bad thing, almost as bad as an authorized copy of the same
program.
<p>
To protect your freedom, you need to refuse to run the program.
And refuse to run Windows, too.
<p>
Please don't refer to unauthorized sharing as "piracy".
It is <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Piracy">propaganda for the enemy</a>.


feed_id: a287377e87624b7a341ea5d23eeb8bf5
title: Precautionary principle
uri: Precautionary-principle
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#22_February_2018_%28Precautionary_principle%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/43517-the-precautionary-principle-asks-how-much-harm-is-avoidable-rather-than-how-much-harm-is-acceptable">Arguing for the precautionary principle</a>: evaluating projects and plans
by numerical risk assessment is unscientific, and systematically leads
to too much risk.
<p>
The precautionary principle is easy to apply when "do nothing" is a
fine alternative to the project being evaluated.  Often that is the
case, but it gets more difficult when inaction is dangerous too.
Also, it has to be applied with a sense of proportion.  Walking
downstairs might result in a fall, but it would be absurd to reject a
project because implementing it would require someone to walk
downstairs.


feed_id: 1c7d810f8a480018a8eeec419695ad9d
title: The gun lobby
uri: The-gun-lobby
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#22_February_2018_%28The_gun_lobby%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/17/the-resistance-niow-activists-gun-lobby">"Throw Them Out"</a>: Plans to Eject Politicians "Beholden to the Gun Lobby".


feed_id: 89fa9770686ac04680dbadd1d2aa33b4
title: US food assistance
uri: US-food-assistance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#22_February_2018_%28US_food_assistance%29
content:
<p>
The plan to give poor people one-size-fits-all <a href="http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/43569-yes-replacing-food-stamps-with-a-blue-apron-style-delivery-system-is-as-bad-as-it-sounds">imposed food packages</a>
will be bad for nutrition, inefficient for the government, and a
give-away to big food companies.
<p>
There is no need to worry that Americans receiving food assistance money
are splurging it on luxuries.  Benefits for the poor in the US have been
gradually cut, over the past 20 years, to the point where they can barely
get by.  Thus they are compelled to find the most inexpensive food.


feed_id: 8c04ff5dd0ec40f539161a37ee97f053
title: Thugs in US courts
uri: Thugs-in-US-courts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#22_February_2018_%28Thugs_in_US_courts%29
content:
<p>
US courts treat <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> as perfect sources of authority when they
testify for the prosecution, but when they are sued for violence, they
can always get off by <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20180213/14504739228/appeals-court-handcuffing-compliant-ten-year-old-is-unreasonable-deputy-had-no-way-knowing-that.shtml">pleading ignorance of the law</a>.


feed_id: 8fc222da24730c98cc3b2c609c86e9af
title: 'Peace through strength'
uri: Peace-through-strength
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#22_February_2018_%28%27Peace_through_strength%27%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://reason.com/archives/2018/02/18/peace-through-strength-is-a-racket">"Peace Through Strength" Is a Racket</a> — an excuse for letting military
spending gobble more and more of the US budget.
<p>
It's not just a theoretical possibility that the Peace Through
Strength Doctrine, or PTSD as the article abbreviates it, can
encourage real war.  Look at how many countries the US is fighting in.
<p>
That leads to ever more veterans with PTSD from the PTSD.


feed_id: 110ab08cf8a363dd5678bf4209ff4a9d
title: The cheater diverting funds
uri: The-cheater-diverting-funds
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#22_February_2018_%28The_cheater_diverting_funds%29
content:
<p>
The cheater started diverting funds to his family friends <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/17/1741696/--26-million-in-inauguration-funds-went-to-a-brand-new-company-formed-by-longtime-Melania-friend">even before
being inaugurated</a>.


feed_id: f2f75424f1e7d6fc7845e852f1bc40db
title: Urgent: Fire LA thug
uri: Urgent-Fire-LA-thug
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#23_February_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Fire_LA_thug%29
content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/Bye_Kevin/">call on Los Angeles</a> to fire the thug that shot a gun at a group
of teenagers because they were crossing a lawn.


feed_id: 9061bae25ec0c5302436f2430568719a
title: Registered intermediaries
uri: Registered-intermediaries
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#23_February_2018_%28Registered_intermediaries%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/feb/17/child-witnesses-one-girl-evidence-hamster">"Registered intermediaries"</a> help young children testify about sexual
abuse.
<p>
In the US, "recovered memory" therapists used to convince vulnerable
people that they "remembered" being sexually abused while children —
but the abuse had not really happened.  Some people were imprisoned
for years then exonerated.
<p>
It might be the case that these "intermediaries" are doing the same
thing, some of the time.  Or maybe they take care to avoid it.  The
article does not address the issue.


feed_id: 141778edff6b1213968bace21007cbb9
title: 'State of emergency' in Ethiopia
uri: State-of-emergency-in-Ethiopia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#23_February_2018_%28%27State_of_emergency%27_in_Ethiopia%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/16/state-of-emergency-declared-in-ethiopia-amid-political-unrest">What is happening in Ethiopia?</a>
<p>
This "state of emergency" shows something big is happening.  What is it?


feed_id: 21141d3dff796c4d8315230eacc30898
title: Hostility towards Oxfam
uri: Hostility-towards-Oxfam
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#23_February_2018_%28Hostility_towards_Oxfam%29
content:
<p>
Oxfam faces an inexplicable climate of hostility, in which everything
it says is taken as a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/16/oxfam-boss-mark-goldring-anything-we-say-is-being-manipulated-weve-been-savaged">sign of wrongdoing</a>.
<p>
You can see this bias when people label this uproar with the terms
"sex exploitation" and "sexual abuse".  At that point enters the premise
that doing business with a sex worker is a wrong that deserves condemnation.
Then the attack typically condemns the organization because someone on
its staff did this "wrong".
<p>
If an Oxfam staffer hires a country music band, a genre which I
dislike rather strongly, should I say Oxfam has a music exploitation
scandal?


feed_id: 6b30cab1b40fb403577ab40c54db42a4
title: US war crimes in Afghanistan
uri: US-war-crimes-in-Afghanistan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#23_February_2018_%28US_war_crimes_in_Afghanistan%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/16/icc-us-accountable-for-crimes-afghanistan">Campaigning for</a> the International Criminal Court to investigate US war
crimes in Afghanistan, and target the highest leaders responsible —
starting with <a href="/glossary.html#dubya">Dubya</a>.


feed_id: 1bac72234d92adb79b7cea19aba20b82
title: Endangered species
uri: 2018-02-23-Endangered-species
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#23_February_2018_%28Endangered_species%29
content:
<p>
Australia has laws for protection of endangered species, but usually
it only <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/20/fantasy-documents-recovery-plans-failing-australias-endangered-species">goes through the motions</a> of trying, or not even that.


feed_id: 937d8128d9bc896dad30824709482b6e
title: Syrian Kurds in Afrin
uri: Syrian-Kurds-in-Afrin
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#23_February_2018_%28Syrian_Kurds_in_Afrin%29
content:
<p>
The Syrian Kurds in Afrin have asked Assad to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/19/turkey-warns-assad-not-intervene-kurdish-enclave-afrin">defend them from Turkey</a>.
ErdoÄan warned Assad that Turkey would attack Assad.  And Assad's
Russian backers, too?
<p>
It is very strange for a breakaway part of Syria to ally in effect
with Syria (and thus maybe Russia).  Even stranger to ally with Syria
and the US at the same time.  I don't know what to make of this.


feed_id: fb100a463e1d714a9cc47b5e697bc9f7
title: UK and Qadhafi
uri: UK-and-Qadhafi
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#23_February_2018_%28UK_and_Qadhafi%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/19/extent-of-uk-cooperation-with-gaddafi-regime-libya-mi6-revealed">How the UK told Qadhafi</a> where to find exiled dissidents so he could
kidnap them.


feed_id: 75ea103fda0c631400c0be2bc598cbe4
title: Temperature study
uri: Temperature-study
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#23_February_2018_%28Temperature_study%29
content:
<p>
A study measured temperatures for the past 11,000 years, since the end of
the last ice age.  It has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2018/feb/19/pollen-data-shows-humans-reversed-natural-global-cooling">never been as hot</a> as it is now.


feed_id: 6de742475b4088e242387ce32918add6
title: Global heating and aviation
uri: Global-heating-and-aviation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#23_February_2018_%28Global_heating_and_aviation%29
content:
<p>
Global heating effects are causing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/19/climate-change-spells-turbulent-times-ahead-for-air-travel">problems for aviation</a>.


feed_id: f0028038b5a1241e316d9c96e924b6ae
title: Cash propaganda
uri: Cash-propaganda
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#23_February_2018_%28Cash_propaganda%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/19/krona-public-toilets-cashless-sweden-coin">Look at the propaganda</a> designed to dishearten people about the privacy
of cash.
<p>
It takes a gently derisive tone towards some minor practical inconveniences
of tracked digital payments, while suggesting they will soon be solved.
The result is to disparage the idea that there is something serious at stake.
<p>
If you live in Sweden — or any other country — plan in advance to
carry cash, and only pay cash in stores.  If a store won't take cash,
say "I'm going to another store that will."
<p>
You can easily think of bogus objections, if you are willing to
exaggerate — so ignore them instead.
<p>
If you find yourself without cash one day, don't give up — just do
better the next day.
<p>
And don't use a pay toilet no matter how they want you to pay.  It is
vicious and cruel to make people pay to use a toilet.  I have money,
and I could afford to pay, but <em>some people can't</em>.  I have boycotted
pay toilets for 10 years.


feed_id: 6c4f73c6e866f955a40fa4d96401de77
title: New privatized prison
uri: New-privatized-prison
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#23_February_2018_%28New_privatized_prison%29
content:
<p>
Texas has a new privatized prison, which pretends to be a "treatment
program" for ex-cons, except that <a href="http://www.texasobserver.org/a-prison-by-any-other-name/">there is no treatment</a> and prisoners
are never released except to die.


feed_id: d9a1095f671a97440a866fbbe5e18e5b
title: Preventing massacres
uri: Preventing-massacres
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#23_February_2018_%28Preventing_massacres%29
content:
<p>
The time to talk about preventing more massacres <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/02/18/time-now-marjory-stoneman-douglas-high-students-take-streets-washington">is March 24</a>.
(And before, and after.)


feed_id: b466a9b982a410f5ac9afb9516274e2b
title: Lies leading to war with Iraq
uri: Lies-leading-to-war-with-Iraq
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#23_February_2018_%28Lies_leading_to_war_with_Iraq%29

content:
<p>
The rulers that lied to go to war with Iraq have not faced justice,
but <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/18/there-no-justice-our-world">they still deserve it</a>.


feed_id: 9c14d60bc241eaa95003825092870e1e
title: Undercover thug resigned
uri: Undercover-thug-resigned
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#23_February_2018_%28Undercover_thug_resigned%29
content:
<p>
An undercover <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a>, sent to infiltrate dissidents that opposed fox hunting
by pretending to love one of them, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/feb/18/police-spy-christine-greening-long-term-relationship-activist-tom-frampton-after-quitting-covert-role">fell in love for real</a> and resigned.


feed_id: 6a05f657060437c04c8d24ae1dd01a80
title: Animals and the wall
uri: Animals-and-the-wall
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#23_February_2018_%28Animals_and_the_wall%29
content:
<p>
If the bully's wall is built, it would <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/18/rewriting-biological-history-trump-border-wall-puts-wildlife-risk">put bison and jaguars in danger</a>
in Mexico and the US.
<p>
180 already-endangered species would be harmed.
<p>
Is it possible to make openings that these animals could get through,
and watch them closely enough that humans could not get through?
Is it possible to make small holes for smaller animals to get through?
<p>
If this could be done, the wall would be a foolish expenditure but not
a cause of extinction.


feed_id: 5128bbf9f99365cf357001b2b4b0bcbd
title: Urgent: Bank deregulation
uri: Urgent-Bank-deregulation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#24_February_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Bank_deregulation%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/bailout_caucus">call on the Senate</a> not to deregulate banks.


feed_id: 5caa7b1fec1e4046cf369853c65945e8
title: Urgent: Budget bill amendments
uri: Urgent-Budget-bill-amendments
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#24_February_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Budget_bill_amendments%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://salsa4.salsalabs.com/o/51152/p/salsa/web/common/public/signup?signup_page_KEY=11168">phone your congresscritter</a> to oppose budget bill
amendments that would allow rich people to put even more money into
political campaigns.


feed_id: 71559aa1d3406e6b21e1e761d7ac511a
title: Arctic sea ice
uri: 2018-02-25-Arctic-sea-ice
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#24_February_2018_%28Arctic_sea_ice%29
content:
<p>
Arctic sea ice has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/20/2018-starts-record-lows-arctic-sea-ice-extent">reached a record low</a>, less than ever in the past
12,000 years or more.


feed_id: b9a9b21d83e48bdf1f7742d31f0839a1
title: Marjory Stoneman Douglas
uri: Marjory-Stoneman-Douglas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#24_February_2018_%28Marjory_Stoneman_Douglas%29
content:
<p>
The school shooting in Florida was in a high school named after
journalist <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/20/who-was-marjory-stoneman-douglas">Marjory Stoneman Douglas</a> because of her campaigns for
women's rights, racial equality and preserving the Everglades.


feed_id: 35d869d4055b7228762bbf1d439679b8
title: Mink farm
uri: Mink-farm
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#24_February_2018_%28Mink_farm%29
content:
<p>
An undercover <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> in the UK infiltrated the animal rights group that
released minks from cages where they were being bred, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/feb/20/police-admit-officers-role-in-mass-release-of-mink-by-protesters">participated
in the action</a>.
<p>
Releasing minks in Britain, where they are a harmful invasive species,
was a significant act of ecological sabotage, comparable (though on a
much smaller scale) to palm-oil plantations and oil pipelines.
However, they were sure to escape some day, just as an oil pipeline is
sure to leak from time to time.  The root of the problem was breeding
minks in a place where they would be dangerous.  This should not be
allowed.


feed_id: 74d4163e37efca899504fa9aab649354
title: Distraction from domestic violence
uri: Distraction-from-domestic-violence
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#24_February_2018_%28Distraction_from_domestic_violence%29

content:
<p>
For Republicans, the school shooting in Florida was a <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/for-the-weary-white-house-florida-shooting-offered-a-reprieve-from-scandals/2018/02/19/04293442-158a-11e8-92c9-376b4fe57ff7_story.html">welcome
distraction</a> from condemnation for covering up the domestic violence of
White House staff.


feed_id: 787ea71c456b1ecd4d7350de95dc24b4
title: Drone radio-tracking system
uri: Drone-radio-tracking-system
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#24_February_2018_%28Drone_radio-tracking_system%29
content:
<p>
A new radio-tracking system for commercial drones would also potentially
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/feb/20/vodafone-pilots-new-software-to-thwart-rogue-drones">force them to land</a> when they reach a prohibited area.
<p>
I don't know whether this includes a radio back door or not.


feed_id: 61ed663c48e29991c5d098317194d44f
title: Palestinian children
uri: Palestinian-children
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#24_February_2018_%28Palestinian_children%29
content:
<p>
Israeli soldiers <a href="https://972mag.com/watch-soldiers-arrest-palestinian-children-for-throwing-stones-without-proof/133216/">arrested Palestinian children</a> because they were in
the area where someone threw stones.


feed_id: f2772a2a184e2d8517b1865a58baca20
title: Book store threatened
uri: Book-store-threatened
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#24_February_2018_%28Book_store_threatened%29
content:
<p>
A book store in the US <a href="https://electronicintifada.net/content/new-york-bookseller-bowed-israel-supporters-after-violent-threats/23301">yielded to violent threats</a> from supporters of
Israel, by publishing a statement condemning the Palestinian Boycott,
Divestment and Sanctions campaign.
<p>
Now students opposed to the occupation of Palestine have launched a
nonviolent campaign calling on the bookstore to move back to a neutral
stance.
<p>
I think it is wrong to accuse the bookstore of "suppression of
literary freedom", but it is clear that that was the aim of those that
made the threats.


feed_id: 7c99d8269b3f16817367913e985b009d
title: Penalties on journalists
uri: Penalties-on-journalists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#24_February_2018_%28Penalties_on_journalists%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/feb/20/un-warns-australia-against-imposing-draconian-penalties-on-journalists">UN Warns Australia</a> Against Imposing "Draconian Penalties" on Journalists.
This law could violate a treaty on human rights.


feed_id: a4e9d6a034487d648d9921e643dfa378
title: Carter's business policies
uri: Carter-s-business-policies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#24_February_2018_%28Carter%27s_business_policies%29
content:
<p>
President Carter, a right-wing Democrat, <a href="http://web-old.archive.org/web/20180218213622/https://www.salon.com/2011/02/08/lind_reaganism_carter/">began shifting US policies</a> towards
business and against democracy.
<p>
Carter has <a href="https://theintercept.com/2015/07/30/jimmy-carter-u-s-oligarchy-unlimited-political-bribery/">learned a lot since then</a>, but he cannot undo what he did then.


feed_id: f4a3c09d09d15f693f503185f211056b
title: 1 degree C
uri: 1-degree-C
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#24_February_2018_%281_degree_C%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.futurity.org/paris-agreement-extreme-weather-1680752-2/">Just 1 Degree C</a> Changes Our Risk of Severe Weather.


feed_id: 7d8c4310b84299e54110f12b44507c23
title: E-book setback
uri: E-book-setback
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#24_February_2018_%28E-book_setback%29
content:
<p>
E-books have hit a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/feb/20/ebooks-are-stupid-hachette-livre-arnaud-nourry">commercial setback</a>.
<p>
However, not enough of a setback to <a href="media/3f1e898d.ebooks.pdf" data-original-source="https://stallman.org/ebooks.pdf">make our freedom safe</a>.
Please help teach others to reject them.


feed_id: 0a8440a3058ef58e85a2462add4b01fc
title: More spying on everyone
uri: More-spying-on-everyone
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#24_February_2018_%28More_spying_on_everyone%29
content:
<p>
The US immigration thugs are pushing for <a href="https://reason.com/archives/2018/02/20/border-bouncers-dont-need-big-brother-sp">more and more spying</a> on everyone.
<p>
Whatever they get, other agencies will get.  Eventually the fourth amendment
will be effectively a no-op.


feed_id: 4b7a9c497d90d3ee6720fdcba5eeea7a
title: Lawsuits blocking sabotage
uri: Lawsuits-blocking-sabotage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#24_February_2018_%28Lawsuits_blocking_sabotage%29
content:
<p>
Lawsuits are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/20/donald-trump-epa-environmental-rollbacks-court-challenges">blocking Republican sabotage</a> of environmental protection.


feed_id: e80c5012d7a0459844bef025bf2f5f7c
title: Electricity in Puerto Rico
uri: Electricity-in-Puerto-Rico
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#24_February_2018_%28Electricity_in_Puerto_Rico%29
content:
<p>
Restoration of electric power in Puerto Rico is held up
because subcontractors <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/02/19/instability-mounts-puerto-rico-amid-privatization-efforts-and-power-authoritys-cash">fail to do their work</a>.
<p>
I urge Puerto Ricans to do everything possible to convince potential
buyers to refuse to buy its power grid.  The less it is sold for,
the less it will be necessary to pay to seize it back.


feed_id: 138a516c82ed34e590c1b6b59c1894a3
title: Forests and trains
uri: Forests-and-trains
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#24_February_2018_%28Forests_and_trains%29
content:
<p>
The UK government has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/feb/19/transport-secretary-injunction-stop-hs2-protesters-chris-grayling-london">banned protests</a> in an ancient forest scheduled to
be cut down to build a train line.
<p>
In general I support high-speed trains.  They help replace air travel
with something much more efficient (as well as pleasant).  But the UK
needs to get rid of the laws that make it so easy to destroy forests,
and so easy to ban protests.


feed_id: 9a4570ee30fb7d9931670b14cfd66224
title: Wage theft
uri: Wage-theft
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#24_February_2018_%28Wage_theft%29
content:
<p>
"Wage theft is the rule, not the exception, for low-wage workers."
In the US, it adds up to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/02/19/shady-bosses-stealing-15-billion-wages-low-income-workers-report">15 billion dollars per year</a>, stolen from
the people who can least afford to lose it.


feed_id: c4c98812db3ab46fad243404347be043
title: War on workers
uri: 2018-02-25-War-on-workers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#24_February_2018_%28War_on_workers%29
content:
<p>
The Trump Administrationâs <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/19/trump-administrations-war-workers">War on Workers</a>.


feed_id: 3a5033b7e50a4de42ccab0df34397b0d
title: Food and drug safety standards
uri: Food-and-drug-safety-standards
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#24_February_2018_%28Food_and_drug_safety_standards%29

content:
<p>
If the UK leaves the EU, businesses and right-wing ideologues are
organizing to take advantage of this by adopting the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/feb/17/revealed-us-uk-rightwing-thinktanks-talks-to-ditch-eu-safety-checks">weaker food and
drug safety standards</a> of the US.


feed_id: c207893a2fef67bc5bbcf57bca368572
title: NRA's intent
uri: NRA-s-intent
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#24_February_2018_%28NRA%27s_intent%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/17/the-week-in-patriarchy-florida-school-shooting-nra">"After Florida, I see the NRA</a> as nothing less than a terrorist organization."
<p>
But is that valid?  Terrorism is a matter of intent: political
influence through threats of violence.  Does the NRA do that?  Not
directly.  It doesn't threaten to shoot anyone.
<p>
However, in an indirect way, maybe it brings this about.
<p>
The NRA functions <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#17_May_2016_(NRA_misleads_and_misrepresents)">as a marketing arm</a> for gun companies.
Its program is to make Americans scared of gun
crime, so that they will buy guns.  Thus, it appears that a higher
rate of gun crime is not merely a byproduct of the NRA's activity,
but part of its plan.
<p>
Does that fit the definition of terrorism?  I'd say it is on the
borderline.  In the end, I think it is better not to stretch the word
this far.  We can condemn an organization for wrongdoing without calling
that wrongdoing "terrorism".


feed_id: 874ae335842a7145325436f0984558e6
title: Cross-partisan discussion
uri: Cross-partisan-discussion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#24_February_2018_%28Cross-partisan_discussion%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/17/american-democracy-four-pillars-activism-arlie-hochschild">Cross-partisan discussion groups</a> enable Americans to get to know
people from the other side of politics.


feed_id: ea8bc0b780c4dec85ee28ef337106637
title: Volunteer
uri: 2018-02-26-Volunteer
url: https://stallman.org/index.html#volunteerListAnc
content:
<p>I am looking for people to American Promise (americanpromise.net) is looking for a Boston
       area
       volunteer to help suggest and implement changes to their web site to
       reduce use of DropBox and nonfree JavaScript code.  Ideally it would
       function properly even with JavaScript disabled.
       <p>
	 To volunteer, please write to Johannes
	 Epke <johannese@americanpromise.net>
	   and to me at rms at gnu dot org.</p>


feed_id: b2262dfefd048c1eba81df71d5efe595
title: Urgent: Payment to Stormy Daniels
uri: Urgent-Payment-to-Stormy-Daniels
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#25_February_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Payment_to_Stormy_Daniels%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on the Federal Election Commission and the Justice Department
to <a href="https://petitions.moveon.org/sign/investigate-trumps-hush">investigate the payment</a> made to Stormy Daniels, which may have violated
campaign finance laws.


feed_id: 09af44e6b48e1dea421608bdb76cda41
title: Urgent: Massachusetts and the NRA
uri: Urgent-Massachusetts-and-the-NRA
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#25_February_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Massachusetts_and_the_NRA%29

content:
<p>
Citizens of Massachusetts: <a href="https://petitions.moveon.org/sign/gov-charlie-baker-dump">call on the state government</a> to drop its support
for the NRA.


feed_id: a9de5d5e511d65c004a275ed07c862ea
title: Assad regime
uri: Assad-regime
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#25_February_2018_%28Assad_regime%29
content:
<p>
Assad Regime <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/20/its-not-a-war-its-a-massacre-scores-killed-in-syrian-enclave-eastern-ghouta">Uses Barrel Bombs</a> and Attacks Hospitals in Rebel-Held
Eastern Ghouta.


feed_id: 575c65ce43456a2d50e07bdec4a4abf9
title: Water infrastructure
uri: Water-infrastructure
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#25_February_2018_%28Water_infrastructure%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/02/20/nestle-and-others-cashing-us-water-infrastructure-crisis">NestlÃ© and Others Cashing in</a> On U.S. Water Infrastructure Crisis.


feed_id: 94e17a17796cbbf1a5e3be895801aae8
title: Honduran protester raids
uri: Honduran-protester-raids
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#25_February_2018_%28Honduran_protester_raids%29
content:
<p>
Honduran thugs are <a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/02/20/honduras-election-protest-tigres/">raiding homes at night</a> to arrest protesters against
election fraud.
<p>
They have also shot and killed protesters on various occasions.


feed_id: 2987647233c3a9347768e806038a94d2
title: Gun laws
uri: Gun-laws
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#25_February_2018_%28Gun_laws%29
content:
<p>
Republicans offer to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/20/trump-gun-control-bump-stock-ban-background-check-law">exchange tiny steps</a> towards gun control for passage
of their bill to undermine all states' gun regulations.
<p>
I don't think it is sufficient to prohibit the sale of certain kinds
of guns and accessories.  We need to collect them and make them
non-functional.


feed_id: a7d1dc70876ba873fa3bdd8562d289f2
title: Gun control support
uri: Gun-control-support
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#25_February_2018_%28Gun_control_support%29
content:
<p>
US gun owners <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/20/1743202/-Quinnipiac-poll-Support-for-gun-control-tops-2-1-the-highest-ever">overwhelmingly support</a> some kinds of gun control
regulations.


feed_id: 51a37898516d7f60e7cb84e64f18da49
title: South Australia electricity
uri: South-Australia-electricity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#25_February_2018_%28South_Australia_electricity%29
content:
<p>
South Australia, a state in Australia, will aim to meet <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/feb/21/all-in-on-renewable-energy-jay-weatherill-to-ramp-up-sa-target-to-75">25% of peak
electric demand</a> from storage — batteries and pumped hydro power.
This goes with a target of 75% total electricity from renewable
sources.


feed_id: 96e6f846e94c7d32294d7a57d00cb789
title: Global heating and cities
uri: Global-heating-and-cities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#25_February_2018_%28Global_heating_and_cities%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#global heating">Global heating</a> will expose cities to floods, droughts and heat waves,
due to extreme weather.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/21/climate-change-will-push-european-cities-towards-breaking-point">Most cities are not ready</a>.


feed_id: 93333c154b2046121e37b122e64a322a
title: Precarious part-time employment
uri: Precarious-part-time-employment
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#25_February_2018_%28Precarious_part-time_employment%29

content:
<p>
Precarious part-time employment is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/feb/21/rise-in-zero-hours-jobs-for-single-parents-risks-causing-child-poverty">making children poor</a>.


feed_id: c9acda547efef09d23fb1dd96da0573b
title: Florida conspiracy theory
uri: Florida-conspiracy-theory
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#25_February_2018_%28Florida_conspiracy_theory%29
content:
<p>
A Florida state representative's staffer <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/20/florida-shooting-conspiracy-theory-actors-benjamin-kelly-shawn-harrison">promoted a conspiracy theory</a>
accusation against the activist students that survived the school
shooting.


feed_id: 1679fafd0166399f9837db5de3ebf66b
title: Surveillance in the Philippines
uri: Surveillance-in-the-Philippines
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#25_February_2018_%28Surveillance_in_the_Philippines%29

content:
<p>
The UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/21/britain-sold-spying-gear-to-philippines-despite-dutertes-brutal-drugs-war">sold surveillance equipment</a> to the Philippines even as
Do-dirty had set up death squads.


feed_id: bbb63c38fefa37b7047fbd0ccad2db78
title: al-Shabaab
uri: al-Shabaab
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#25_February_2018_%28al-Shabaab%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/21/al-shabaab-extortion-indoctrination-somalia">A defector reports</a> that al-Shabaab imposes crushing taxes on the
people it controls and conscripts 8-year-olds to train them
as fanatical soldiers.
<p>
However, people still think that al-Shabaab courts are honest
while government courts are corrupt.


feed_id: 47c3557a2a3a3b9785af7384cd6b1684
title: Arizona districting
uri: Arizona-districting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#25_February_2018_%28Arizona_districting%29
content:
<p>
Arizona Republicans have failed three times to defeat the state's independent
election districting commission, and failed.  <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/20/1741796/-Razing-Arizona-Republican-lawmakers-assault-independent-redistricting-commission-AGAIN">Now they are trying again.</a>


feed_id: 1e56d64dcf567f752af75fd9dd00b690
title: Social isolation
uri: 2018-02-26-Social-isolation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#25_February_2018_%28Social_isolation%29
content:
<p>
Since social isolation tends to make people sick, social help can <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/21/town-cure-illness-community-frome-somerset-isolation">keep
people healthy</a>.


feed_id: 6bfbfd13c7012a51692ec8c1a8ee4d04
title: Sexual harassment
uri: 2018-02-26-Sexual-harassment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#25_February_2018_%28Sexual_harassment%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/21/women-have-changed-the-mood-now-we-need-to-change-policy">On what is needed</a> to put an end to sexual harassment by men that have
power over women's careers.


feed_id: 316deb979828ed0f798cf1378475b0db
title: Racism in infrastructure
uri: Racism-in-infrastructure
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#25_February_2018_%28Racism_in_infrastructure%29
content:
<p>
Since the 1930s, the US has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/feb/21/roads-nowhere-infrastructure-american-inequality">built racism into its infrastructure</a>.
Surely the bigot's infrastructure plan will do more of this.


feed_id: d3974eab6ea6d713bd3f7fd2521eaede
title: Media and war crimes
uri: Media-and-war-crimes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#25_February_2018_%28Media_and_war_crimes%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/16/us-stumbled-torture-says-nyt-reporter">An analyzed example</a> of how the mainstream media legitimize US war
crimes: the New York Times said that the US "stumbled into torture"
and that drone attacks that kill civilians merely "go wrong".
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#dubya">Dubya</a> pushed hard for use of torture, including finding subordinates to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2005-sep-dec.html#16%20December%202005%20(Torture)">create legalistic excuses</a> for it.
As for the drone attacks, the US
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-nov-feb.html#28_December_2012_(US_drone_strikes_that_killed_civilians)">resists acknowledging</a> that they kill civilians.


feed_id: ab2324b3ad1d7c5b7615b0b0b174d954
title: 'Global threats' list
uri: Global-threats-list
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#25_February_2018_%28%27Global_threats%27_list%29
content:
<p>
The US military's list of "global threats" doesn't change much: it's
always calculated to appear to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/20/trumps-national-defense-strategy">justify increased spending</a> on every
part of the military.
<p>
It's not clear that the "rogue states" are more rogue than the US,
or that the US can't coexist peacefully with them.


feed_id: 3ed72ff73e61470a54a17e2fd6902a37
title: Gerrymandering
uri: 2018-02-26-Gerrymandering
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#25_February_2018_%28Gerrymandering%29
content:
<p>
The cheater <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/02/20/trump-blatantly-backs-gerrymandering-call-gop-fight-new-pa-maps">openly endorsed rigging elections</a> through gerrymandering.


feed_id: 16b0917c66ba07b347ce666718203c90
title: Crime of rudeness
uri: Crime-of-rudeness
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#25_February_2018_%28Crime_of_rudeness%29
content:
<p>
The UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/feb/20/woman-who-left-abusive-note-on-ambulance-admits-public-order-offence">makes it a crime</a> to say "move your fucking van".
<p>
I disapprove totally of what she said — she was talking to ambulance
crew who had come to take a sick person to a hospital — but the state
should not punish people for rude language.


feed_id: f745c90396e5df3edc77db7babe93b7a
title: Drug prices
uri: Drug-prices
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#25_February_2018_%28Drug_prices%29
content:
<p>
A combination of two cheap drugs, important to avoid the dangerous
mistake of taking one without the other, has been jacked up in price
to the point that <a href="https://arstechnica.com/science/2018/02/price-of-2-in-1-drug-spikes-to-3000-separately-the-two-drugs-cost-36/">patients can't afford it</a>.


feed_id: 1890f97802ba6f67c20f594d029457e6
title: Urgent: Gun control
uri: 2018-02-27-Urgent-Gun-control
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#26_February_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Gun_control%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: Support <a href="https://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/parkland_gun_reform/">commonsense gun control</a>.


feed_id: 288987119679188f035a949d26e3aa57
title: Urgent: California's deserts
uri: Urgent-California-s-deserts
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#26_February_2018_%28Urgent%3A_California%27s_deserts%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/save-the-desert">Call on the Bureau of Land Management</a> to protect
California's deserts.


feed_id: e79c5dd30810f2fef882868870db429d
title: Aid that helps locals
uri: Aid-that-helps-locals
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#26_February_2018_%28Aid_that_helps_locals%29
content:
<p>
We Need <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/22/we-need-aid-that-helps-locals-not-multinationals-and-bloated-ngos">Aid That Helps Locals</a>, Not Multinationals and Bloated NGOs.


feed_id: a1ed843432d57fd3bf7272a51eb15e4c
title: Fascists in Italy
uri: Fascists-in-Italy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#26_February_2018_%28Fascists_in_Italy%29
content:
<p>
People that overtly call themselves fascists have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/feb/22/casapound-italy-mussolini-fascism-mainstream">started a political party</a>
in Italy.
<p>
"No ideology, only rhetoric" — sounds a bit like <a href="/glossary.html#trump">the troll</a>.


feed_id: c980e0790990753c2c06ff614941d5d1
title: Employees' sex lives
uri: Employees-sex-lives
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#26_February_2018_%28Employees%27_sex_lives%29
content:
<p>
A US appeals court ruled that government agencies <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/2/12/1740718/-Ninth-Circuit-decision-could-lead-to-SCOTUS-showdown-over-your-right-to-a-private-sex-life">can't fire employees</a>
over their private sex lives.
<p>
I hope that the Supreme Court eventually supports this decision, but I
am not optimistic.  
<p>
I refuse to criticize anyone for "adultery", because it consists of
breaking a promise that many people find almost impossible to keep,
and in many cases is bad for them.  People make this promise because
of social pressure that many do not see a way to resist.  Under such
circumstances, I refuse to criticize them for breaking it.
<p>
This is why I refuse to criticize the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> for having affairs with
attractive celebrities.
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> is doing tremendous harm to the US and the world.  Let's not
get distracted from this by peccadilloes.


feed_id: dcef0f6225a10975bbc2b413fcde95e3
title: Walmart jobs
uri: Walmart-jobs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#26_February_2018_%28Walmart_jobs%29
content:
<p>
Walmart's profits and stock price are rising, so it is <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/2/13/1741079/-The-winning-continues-as-Walmart-announces-another-massive-round-of-layoffs">eliminating
some 10,000 management jobs</a>.
<p>
I refuse to shop at Walmart in the US; I don't like the way it pays
most of its employees so little that they <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jan-apr.html#07_March_2015_(Walmarts_raise_not_enough)">need public assistance</a>.


feed_id: bc9a17ece07660fa7f5558f2bfdc592c
title: Purpose of education
uri: Purpose-of-education
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#26_February_2018_%28Purpose_of_education%29
content:
<p>
Measuring education in terms of increased income afterwards is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/20/economists-dont-know-crap-about-education">missing
the main point</a> of education.
<p>
We used to acknowledge clearly that the purpose of education was to
prepare people to be capable citizens of a democracy.  The mere
attempt to judge issues of education in narrow economic terms
indicates a basic error.


feed_id: f4bc1ce28efb41c7bd12cef156654f7e
title: Civil rights ratings
uri: Civil-rights-ratings
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#26_February_2018_%28Civil_rights_ratings%29
content:
<p>
The NAACP <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/02/21/naacp-releases-legislative-report-card-2017-congress">scores members of the US Congress</a> on how they voted on civil
rights issues in 2017.


feed_id: 130bce1ef533a59558415a6b52d13bf5
title: Non-native farmed fish
uri: Non-native-farmed-fish
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#26_February_2018_%28Non-native_farmed_fish%29
content:
<p>
Washington State is in the process of legislating a ban on fish farms
that hold non-native fish, because if the fish escape it can cause
permanent ecological damage.  A Canadian company <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/21/canadian-company-threatens-nafta-investor-state-challenge-over-washington-state">plans to sue using NAFTA</a>.
<p>
This is possible due to the ISDS (<a href="https://stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">I Sue Democratic States</a>) provision
of NAFTA.


feed_id: 0ade51498c934493f1225d526c49fc7a
title: Solar-powered economy
uri: Solar-powered-economy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#26_February_2018_%28Solar-powered_economy%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/21/red-clouds-revolution-oglalla-sioux-freeing-themselves-fossil-fuel">Launching US indigenous tribes</a> into a solar-powered economy.


feed_id: fabc84e5596cd9e9d3ec493e91c36606
title: Koch questions
uri: Koch-questions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#26_February_2018_%28Koch_questions%29
content:
<p>
Jonathan Smucker asked his congresscritter "how much the Koch brothers
are getting in tax cuts and how much they're contributing to your
campaign."  The congresscritter <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/02/21/activist-ejected-meeting-lawmaker-after-asking-how-much-money-hes-getting-koch">had him thrown out</a>.


feed_id: b38cf924f6b50e9c76bd716ca1eeacfe
title: Immigration subpoenas
uri: Immigration-subpoenas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#26_February_2018_%28Immigration_subpoenas%29
content:
<p>
Jordon Dyrdahl-Roberts was a legal secretary in the Montana Department
of Labor.  When told he would have to work on subpoenas from the US
immigration thugs, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/posteverything/wp/2018/02/16/i-was-asked-to-help-ice-at-my-government-job-i-couldnt-do-that-so-i-quit/">he immediately quit</a>.


feed_id: 247446cda379dbe3e25e17c422c7ce18
title: Deporting old people
uri: Deporting-old-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#26_February_2018_%28Deporting_old_people%29
content:
<p>
The UK government, as part of its policy of maximum cruelty to immigrants,
is trying to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/feb/21/ive-been-here-for-50-years-the-scandal-of-the-former-commonwealth-citizens-threatened-with-deportation">squeeze out old people</a> that are legally allowed to live there
but haven't got documents to prove it.


feed_id: c2644caef68434a1916658fa16627325
title: Union workers under attack
uri: Union-workers-under-attack
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#26_February_2018_%28Union_workers_under_attack%29
content:
<p>
The Concerted Attack On Public Sector Union Workers Is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/02/21/concerted-attack-public-sector-union-workers-coordinated-effort-financed-wealthy">A Coordinated Effort</a>
Financed By Wealthy Donors.


feed_id: a39985743daa97c042664956298c2a55
title: Veiled racism
uri: Veiled-racism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#26_February_2018_%28Veiled_racism%29
content:
<p>
Political attacks on immigrants can be a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/feb/21/some-use-immigration-as-euphemism-for-race-says-diane-abbott">way to veil racism</a>.


feed_id: 011a2f6fece5af35f767fde0241f3a73
title: Bahraini political prisoner
uri: Bahraini-political-prisoner
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#26_February_2018_%28Bahraini_political_prisoner%29
content:
<p>
A Bahraini political prisoner has been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/21/us-seriously-concerned-over-jailing-of-bahraini-activist-nabeel-rajab">sentenced to more years in
prison</a> for saying that Bahrain tortures political prisoners, and for
insulting <a href="/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a> by criticizing its air campaign against Yemen.
<p>
He's surely right in criticizing that.  As for the torture, if he says Bahrain
uses torture he surely knows.
<p>
For either of those statements to be a crime is in itself sufficient
to conclude that Bahrain is a repressive, evil state — if we didn't
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-nov-feb.html#16_November_2016_(Repression_in_Bahrain)">already know that</a>.


feed_id: 996b93662681dd947ce08cbfcdc211d5
title: Glyphosate petition
uri: Glyphosate-petition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#26_February_2018_%28Glyphosate_petition%29
content:
<p>
Monsanto has <a href="http://www.gmwatch.org/en/news/latest-news/18131-now-monsanto-goes-after-civil-society">given Avaaz a subpoena</a> demanding the name and other info
of everyone who signed a petition against glyphosate.
<p>
I used to sign Avaaz petitions, but they started using nonfree
Javascript code, at which I decided not to sign or post them.  But I have
asked someone to check whether it is possible to sign them now.


feed_id: 4c2e015ec16db41d95238845b6ea5799
title: Environmental compensation
uri: Environmental-compensation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#26_February_2018_%28Environmental_compensation%29
content:
<p>
International courts are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/21/international-law-cross-border-victims-environment-rulings">taking small steps</a> toward recognizing environmental degradation as a cause for compensation.
<p>
Compensation may be sufficient when the total damage is small compared
to the wealth of humanity.  However, the damage that <a href="/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>
threatens to do will be so big that compensation is impossible.  We
must instead prevent it.


feed_id: 9c3d5839f8a13e43aaa39a255aae5bb0
title: Plans for North Korea
uri: Plans-for-North-Korea
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#26_February_2018_%28Plans_for_North_Korea%29
content:
<p>
A Republican US senator <a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/02/21/gop-senator-says-trump-is-ready-to-start-war-with-north-korea-that-would-be-one-of-the-worst-catastrophic-events-in-history/">told a security conference</a> that the bully was
planning to bomb North Korea to try to destroy its nuclear weapons
capability.


feed_id: 73c0b9f5f2f9c0f1a72ecbea1282aa66
title: Leaving Gaza
uri: Leaving-Gaza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#26_February_2018_%28Leaving_Gaza%29
content:
<p>
Egypt is allowing selected people to leave Gaza <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/21/thousands-of-gazans-rush-to-border-as-egypt-opens-crossing">during just four days</a>.


feed_id: 49add460dc16c465a284bf1d44c2572f
title: Student protests
uri: Student-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#26_February_2018_%28Student_protests%29
content:
<p>
Florida high school students <a href="Https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/21/florida-students-confront-lawmakers-on-gun-control-as-thousands-walk-out">went to the state capitol</a>
to demand gun control.  Thousands of students left school to protest.
<p>
The school superintendent of Needville, Texas, declared he would <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/21/1743418/-Texas-school-district-threatens-suspension-if-students-protest-to-prevent-the-next-mass-shooting">suspend
any students</a> that walk out of school to protest.
<p>
I hope all the high school students in that district walk out to
protest at his office, to show they are not going to be intimidated.
<p>
If he follows through with the threat to "suspend" them, they can
organize a three-day teach-in, where they will learn things that are
more important than what is normally taught in school.


feed_id: 6192f356e6d2ffc0efc547e6216c64fa
title: Pennsylvania judges
uri: Pennsylvania-judges
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#26_February_2018_%28Pennsylvania_judges%29
content:
<p>
Republican Pennsylvania state legislators are <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/21/1743438/-Pennsylvania-Republicans-utterly-rejecting-democracy-want-to-impeach-judges-who-ordered-new-maps">seriously planning to impeach
most judges</a> of the state's Supreme Court specifically for instating nonbiased
legislative districts.
<p>
Can anything be done to stop them from seizing power?


feed_id: 51a899ca61c89c5a747db6d8d783d493
title: Urgent: Stop NRA support
uri: Urgent-Stop-NRA-support
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#27_February_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_NRA_support%29
content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/NRA_Sponsors">Call on companies</a> to stop giving support to the NRA.


feed_id: d0c864d176ed0893403c78a345a066ac
title: Urgent: Free Toffiq al-Bihani
uri: Urgent-Free-Toffiq-al-Bihani
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#27_February_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Free_Toffiq_al-Bihani%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://e-activist.com/page/17643/action/1?ea.url.id=1265696">Call on Mattis</a> to free Toffiq al-Bihani,
and to end imprisonment without trial.
<p>
Here's the message I put in.
<blockquote>
Dear Secretary Mattis,
<p>
I urge you to immediately transfer Toffiq al-Bihani, who has been
imprisoned at GuantÃ¡namo without charge or fair trial since 2003.
He faces no charges and the US already said there is no reason to
keep him in prison.
<p>
Imprisonment without trial is vicious and the fact that the US
practices this is a blot on our country.  Secondarily, it inspires
hatred which can express itself as terrorism.  Justice and human
rights demand that the US give each prisoner in Guantanamo a fair
trial or release him.  Those who are convicted should be treated
according to the US constitution, which prohibits cruel and unusual
punishment.
<p>
Those responsible for torture and enforced disappearance must be
brought to justice in fair trial.
<p>
In the name of our country's honor,
and the Constitution you have sworn to defend,
</blockquote>


feed_id: 74e87591c536769a2c942c5873b72228
title: The bully's known wrongs
uri: The-bully-s-known-wrongs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#27_February_2018_%28The_bully%27s_known_wrongs%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>'s possible collusion with Russia could be criminal,
but it is not as damaging as the wrongs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/21/trump-russia-mueller-investigation-democrats">we know he is doing</a>.


feed_id: 5d9183b78e572afa1a5c12668b29c806
title: Human-fighting robot
uri: Human-fighting-robot
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#27_February_2018_%28Human-fighting_robot%29
content:
<p>
A US company is already developing a robot to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/feb/21/boston-dynamics-teaching-robot-dog-fight-back-humans">fight with humans</a>.


feed_id: f6ba3381c288ea780a60ae52bf373fa4
title: Social reliability score
uri: Social-reliability-score
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#27_February_2018_%28Social_reliability_score%29
content:
<p>
Although China's social reliability score is set up by the state,
a set of private businesses <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2018/02/chinas-dangerous-dream-of-urban-control/553097/">could do the same thing</a> if we don't stop them.


feed_id: 004797ffb3bd976e365096d6a65ae990
title: Vote-counting machines
uri: Vote-counting-machines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#27_February_2018_%28Vote-counting_machines%29
content:
<p>
Vote-counting machines that use a cellular modem to transmit results
are <a href="https://freedom-to-tinker.com/2018/02/22/are-voting-machine-modems-truly-divorced-from-the-internet/">connected by it to the internet</a>, and therefore insecure.


feed_id: a15330b4a9360e6191d0e7954d6c80e0
title: Organ transplants
uri: Organ-transplants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#27_February_2018_%28Organ_transplants%29
content:
<p>
People in Venezuela who have had organ transplants, if they are not
rich, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-transplants/with-medicine-running-out-venezuelans-with-transplants-live-in-fear-idUSKCN1G41FR">can't get the medicines necessary</a> to protect the transplanted
organs from their immune systems.
People who need kidney dialysis are in trouble too, as many
dialysis machines are broken.
<p>
Contrast this with the US where <a href="/glossary.html#scrotus">SCROTUS</a> are trying to cut the funds
to pay for these treatments for <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#20_December_2017_(Tax_attacks_and_medical_insurance)">Americans that are not rich</a>.


feed_id: 86e2668754d384518000f1bf6dbce727
title: Lawsuits for reporting flaws
uri: Lawsuits-for-reporting-flaws
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#27_February_2018_%28Lawsuits_for_reporting_flaws%29
content:
<p>
Security investigators and reporters in the US <a href="http://www.zdnet.com/article/chilling-effect-lawsuits-threaten-security-research-need-it-most/">face lawsuits</a> when they
report flaws.
<p>
In the long term, the way to be safe is to insist on software that the
users control — free software.  This doesn't guarantee no bugs ever, but it
means that the users can fix any bugs (and <a href="https://gnu.org/malware/">any malicious functionalities</a>!)
rather than being at the mercy of the one company that can do it.


feed_id: b227da0230a7e2fd06f93d500f472a20
title: Methane leaks from fracking
uri: 2018-02-28-Methane-leaks-from-fracking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#27_February_2018_%28Methane_leaks_from_fracking%29
content:
<p>
Methane leaks from fracking in Pennsylvania have the same <a href="/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> effect
as <a href="https://thinkprogress.org/stunning-new-research-finds-fracking-a-major-source-of-carbon-pollution-in-pennsylvania-9d2bdb63f2ec/">11 coal-fired power plants</a>.
Much of this comes from abandoned wells, which no longer provide any fuel
but still leak.


feed_id: 9fd473c039ccd5ec9263d801a6727eb3
title: Decline of US hegemony
uri: Decline-of-US-hegemony
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#27_February_2018_%28Decline_of_US_hegemony%29
content:
<p>
Most of the world <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/22/world-will-not-mourn-decline-us-hegemony">won't mourn the end</a> of the period of US hegemony,
during which it has launched many wars and overthrown many governments
to make the world safe for plutocracy.
<p>
I take exception to two of the points in the article.  First, the
"idea that government has direct responsibility for the welfare of its
people" does not necessarily mean a communist dictatorship.  It could
refer to social democracy, such as the New Deal in the US.
<p>
Second, the brief US attack on Serbia was intended to stop violent
ethnic cleansing in Kosovo.  I won't argue that this was the only or
the best way to do it, but it wasn't bare-faced aggression and it did
stop the attacks against Albanian Kosovars.
<p>
Reducing US world interventions won't necessarily mean peace.  Chinese
hegemony is not likely to care much about human rights either.


feed_id: 02ea6ce6effe3c1696db2e5746cb1cd5
title: Cheapening human life
uri: Cheapening-human-life
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#27_February_2018_%28Cheapening_human_life%29
content:
<p>
The resistance to gun control in the US fits in a
broader tendency to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/23/cheapening-human-life">cheapen human life</a>.
<p>
Still we should keep in mind that only a powerful minority of Americans
oppose stricter gun regulations.


feed_id: a87efafbb5357fb7e5f5910c0d47ccce
title: US corruption
uri: US-corruption
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#27_February_2018_%28US_corruption%29
content:
<p>
The US hasn't got a lot of corruption in everyday life, but in bigger things
it is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/23/top-ten-signs-us-most-corrupt-nation-world-2018-edn">as corrupt as can be</a>.


feed_id: 88012b9d328d00a7b4e7c26336c0e37d
title: Flattening Rohingya villages
uri: Flattening-Rohingya-villages
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#27_February_2018_%28Flattening_Rohingya_villages%29
content:
<p>
The Burmese army is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/24/myanmar-rohingya-villages-bulldozed-satellite-images">flattening all traces</a> of Rohingya villages that it
burned last year.


feed_id: 6afa9f1bf1f7a22a5378b480929649b5
title: Republicans on gun regulations
uri: Republicans-on-gun-regulations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#27_February_2018_%28Republicans_on_gun_regulations%29

content:
<p>
Republicans say we don't need gun regulations because dangerously
insane people won't be able to buy guns, <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/22/1743872/-NRA-s-Dana-Loesch-wants-us-to-blame-people-who-are-crazy-for-mass-shootings-facts-be-damned">while opposing measures</a> to
block dangerously insane people from buying guns.


feed_id: c590f49b6fba84a221a4409a82923f10
title: Disney's bogus bonus
uri: Disney-s-bogus-bonus
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#27_February_2018_%28Disney%27s_bogus_bonus%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/20/1743175/-Disney-is-using-tax-cut-bonus-to-try-to-force-union-workers-to-accept-low-pay">Disney's bogus bonus</a>, which excludes the workers that are negotiating
a contract.


feed_id: 81bf8aae714e3ea10072f9de6283e7ee
title: Armed thug at Stoneman Douglas
uri: Armed-thug-at-Stoneman-Douglas
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#27_February_2018_%28Armed_thug_at_Stoneman_Douglas%29

content:
<p>
The Stoneman Douglas had an armed <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> for protection.  While the
shooting was going on, person took up a position at a door and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/22/stoneman-douglas-shooting-armed-guard-did-not-go-in">did not
go in</a>.
<p>
I can't blame per much.  To enter a building where someone else is
shooting people is rather dangerous.  Most likely the <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> wasn't
trained for that.
<p>
What this mainly proves is how foolish it is to expect some armed
teacher to stop a massacre.


feed_id: e6d96ac19be03798efd696bff914f2d2
title: Governor's blackmailing
uri: Governor-s-blackmailing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#27_February_2018_%28Governor%27s_blackmailing%29
content:
<p>
The Republican governor of Missouri <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/22/1743972/-Missouri-Governor-Eric-Greitens-indicted-for-Felony-Invasion-of-Privacy-is-now-in-sheriff-s-custody">faces charges</a> for taking a nude photo
of a lover without permission and then trying to blackmail her with it.
<p>
The aim of his blackmail attempt — not that it makes any ethical
difference — was to enforce her silence about their affair.


feed_id: 78e005cac3c8beb7248531bbaefced7b
title: Democratic candidates
uri: Democratic-candidates
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#27_February_2018_%28Democratic_candidates%29
content:
<p>
The Democratic Party establishment is <a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/02/22/national-democrats-go-nuclear-publicly-slam-a-dem-candidate-as-corrupt-for-far-less-than-its-own-officials-do/">fighting hard for</a> right-wing
Democrat Fletcher against activist Moser.
<p>
I don't give to Democrat Congressional Campaign Committee.  I give to
progressive candidates (as far as I can tell) and organizations that
support them.


feed_id: 995cbe766a4f317b5be8caa0ae921927
title: Google's AMP plan
uri: Google-s-AMP-plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#27_February_2018_%28Google%27s_AMP_plan%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.socpub.com/articles/chris-graham-why-google-amp-threat-open-web-15847">AMP is Google's plan</a> to try to pressure web sites to become part of a
single empire of the web.
<p>
Mobile operating systems that support cr…apps are similar
in spirit — intended to lead people away from the interoperable web.
<p>
Javascript does it in another way.


feed_id: b6c649da06618baa76cdcd47d013ff9f
title: Microsoft lawsuit
uri: Microsoft-lawsuit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#27_February_2018_%28Microsoft_lawsuit%29
content:
<p>
A number of users are <a href="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/man-sues-microsoft-seek">suing Microsoft</a> for forcibly
downgrading their computers from Windows 7 to Windows 10.
<p>
That's one way of protecting yourself from a universal back door.
But it provides only a little protection.  What you really need
to do us <a href="https://gnu.org">switch to GNU/Linux</a>.


feed_id: 3fa3def37ce7f2db2da735ad75e61444
title: Patrick Ryan
uri: Patrick-Ryan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#27_February_2018_%28Patrick_Ryan%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/02/22/patrick-ryan-congress-berico-dataminr/">Surveillance magnate Patrick Ryan</a> wants to run for Congress as a
Democrat.
<p>
With Democrats like these, who needs Republicans?


feed_id: d62b0b663c6388f584912c1c24da9056
title: Russian manipulation
uri: Russian-manipulation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#27_February_2018_%28Russian_manipulation%29
content:
<p>
Calling Russian manipulation <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/23/russian-bots-us-election-coup-d-etat">"a new cold war"</a> is somewhat of an
exaggeration.
<p>
It is not necessary for the Russian <a href="/glossary.html#trump">troll</a> system to be invincible for
it to be important enough to condemn, or to prosecute US politicians
that collaborated with it.


feed_id: 3cf576083f2cfa6015e428ccc9f47abf
title: Urgent: Deregulating banks
uri: Urgent-Deregulating-banks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Deregulating_banks%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.demandprogress.org/call/tell-senate-reject-bank-lobbyist-act/">phone your senators</a> to oppose deregulating banks.
The Capitol Switchboard
numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641 and 888-355-3588.
<p>
Banks get away with <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-nov-feb.html#31_December_2016_(Wells_Fargo)">too much already</a>.
Let's regulate banks so thoroughly that there will be no room
for creativity or innovation in them.


feed_id: 653857c3e149c5e83ab729b27ebbb398
title: Urgent: Ajit Pai recusal
uri: Urgent-Ajit-Pai-recusal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Ajit_Pai_recusal%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.demandprogress.org/sign/tell-ajit-pai-recuse-himself-sinclair-merger/">call on Ajit Pai</a> to recuse himself from FCC decisions
about Sinclair.
<p>
Come on, let's ajitate!


feed_id: bdd6311c738a563b29b44c23c89eb66e
title: Violence in the West Bank
uri: Violence-in-the-West-Bank
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Violence_in_the_West_Bank%29
content:
<p>
Palestinians in the occupied West Bank describe the violence of
Israeli soldiers — which included <a href="https://www.btselem.org/press_releases/20180215_reprehensible_actions_in_jenin">sending dogs to bite them</a>.


feed_id: 763bb9a43902a42b69d12ba57270e20a
title: Koch brothers' successes
uri: Koch-brothers-successes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Koch_brothers%27_successes%29
content:
<p>
The Koch brothers have <a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/02/25/koch-brothers-trump-administration/">listed their successes</a> in reshaping the US to serve
the very rich.


feed_id: 6c6d6b25ef730d56a9da6d6157ad46b8
title: Spying on spouses
uri: Spying-on-spouses
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Spying_on_spouses%29
content:
<p>
It's not just Big Brother and gangsters that spy on people through their
portable phones.  <a href="https://freedom-to-tinker.com/2018/02/23/how-tech-is-failing-victims-of-intimate-partner-violence-thomas-ristenpart-at-citp/">Violent spouses do it</a>, too.


feed_id: cbd3e6a5d9817ba6b742897e60262048
title: Election security
uri: Election-security
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Election_security%29
content:
<p>
Election Security Is a High Priority — Until It Comes to <a href="http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/43620-election-security-a-high-priority-until-it-comes-to-paying-for-new-voting-machines">Paying for New 
Voting Machines</a>.


feed_id: 5289e5daf795a6cdfe7e6cc0105fa293
title: Effect of Russian meddling
uri: Effect-of-Russian-meddling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Effect_of_Russian_meddling%29
content:
<p>
It is hard to determine whether Russian meddling <a href="http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/43647-masha-gessen-did-a-russian-troll-farm-s-inflammatory-posts-really-sway-the-2016-election-for-trump">affected the outcome</a>
of the 2016 US election.
<p>
In today's climate, propaganda does not need to be sophisticated or nuanced
to influence Americans.


feed_id: 6c1ca73f04270d255891273e4299a562
title: Toxic chemicals in ice
uri: Toxic-chemicals-in-ice
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Toxic_chemicals_in_ice%29
content:
<p>
Melting Arctic ice could <a href="https://grist.org/article/melting-ice-could-unleash-hazardous-waste-from-abandoned-cold-war-project/">expose toxic chemicals</a> from the remains of
Camp Century.


feed_id: 4f05fe8705f9322df611cdb796adc657
title: Debate on the internet
uri: Debate-on-the-internet
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Debate_on_the_internet%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/25/on-the-other-hand-behavioural-psychology-sunday-essay">An experiment</a> in using reason for debate on the internet.


feed_id: 9ee616152ff581258030902ccc577ac1
title: Massacre survivors
uri: Massacre-survivors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Massacre_survivors%29
content:
<p>
Prominent right-wingers are <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/21/1743251/-Why-is-the-GOP-alienating-a-generation-of-soon-to-be-voters-who-were-raised-on-school-shootings">joining in dustraction attacks</a> on the
students that survived the recent massacre.
(By "dustraction" I mean throwing dust at people to distract from
the real issue.)


feed_id: 789e3d0daf423ecb9d4053c3d63aba67
title: Secret deal in Raqqa
uri: Secret-deal-in-Raqqa
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Secret_deal_in_Raqqa%29
content:
<p>
250 or so <a href="/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a> fighters, and their families, were allowed to leave
Raqqa in a truce deal.  <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-sh/raqqas_dirty_secret">This was kept secret</a>.


feed_id: 67d290fdd5dbf2c052208273459f3320
title: Tourism and coral reefs
uri: Tourism-and-coral-reefs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Tourism_and_coral_reefs%29
content:
<p>
Excessive tourism is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/25/can-tourist-ban-save-dicaprios-coral-paradise-thailand-maya-bay-philippines-boracay">destroying coral reefs</a> in Thailand and the
Philippines.


feed_id: af6a075c3a35e58bc025888a25624451
title: Paid actors as protesters
uri: Paid-actors-as-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Paid_actors_as_protesters%29
content:
<p>
There's a <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/23/1744180/-Crisis-actors-The-long-history-of-ugly-attacks-on-survivors-and-activists-as-fakes">long history in the US</a> of right-wing bigots saying that
progressive protesters were paid actors.
<p>
Rich right-wingers <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jan-apr.html#21_April_2015_(Paid_protesters)">have done this</a>,
so they accuse us of doing what they would do.


feed_id: cf9e5a13d1d2c97a4e6841e1f374bc25
title: Invasive toads
uri: Invasive-toads
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Invasive_toads%29
content:
<p>
Poisonous toads from Asia are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/24/madagascar-toxic-toads-lemurs-ecology-threat">overrunning Madagascar</a>.  They will wipe out many
native species if humans can't get rid of them.


feed_id: 505ca55525e33a5fb430f6a5b2d9fc3d
title: Pork plant inspections
uri: Pork-plant-inspections
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Pork_plant_inspections%29
content:
<p>
Unsurprisingly, allowing company staff to do some of the inspection in
pork plants makes inspection faster, cheaper, and <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/02/21/new-documents-show-privatized-hog-inspection-scheme-rife-food-safety-violations">less effective</a> at
preventing possible food poisoning.
<p>
US meat inspection is generally <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/animals-farmed/2018/feb/21/dirty-meat-shocking-hygiene-failings-discovered-in-us-pig-and-chicken-plants">rushed and shoddy</a>.
That suits the meat processors, and they have lobbied hard for it.


feed_id: 00d0f0f92564cd5e1f0eec242bcf0997
title: Sarin gas bombs
uri: Sarin-gas-bombs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Sarin_gas_bombs%29
content:
<p>
Mattis said that the Department of Defense <a href="http://www.newsweek.com/now-mattis-admits-there-was-no-evidence-assad-using-poison-gas-his-people-801542">has no evidence</a> proving that Assad
dropped sarin gas bombs.
<p>
This confirms <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#31_December_2017_(Sarin_and_missiles)">what Seymour Hersch said</a> about the alleged attack in
Khan Sheikhoun.


feed_id: 7454637cd7442d901ce1b9ae30a68b2a
title: Oxfam program for girls
uri: Oxfam-program-for-girls
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Oxfam_program_for_girls%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/feb/21/minnie-driver-oxfam-bosses-knew-what-was-going-on-and-did-nothing">Oxfam has programs</a> that teach girls how they can live without being
prostitutes.
<p>
That's the only effective way to help them.  As long as they need the
money from prostitution, punishing them or their customers does not help them.
<p>
For the same reason, I think it is a mistake to fuss about whether Oxfam
staff hire some of those prostitutes.  It's a distraction from effective
help, such as these programs.


feed_id: fb8681c6d6358796510e257e1c15dc5e
title: Putting debtors in jail
uri: Putting-debtors-in-jail
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Putting_debtors_in_jail%29
content:
<p>
Debt collectors regularly <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/02/21/new-report-details-how-americans-who-have-debt-held-collection-agencies-can-get">put unsuspecting debtors in jail</a>, even for debts
as little as two dollars.


feed_id: 842e73c9a5a1e1477f08e6bcc96fd386
title: Bombing hospitals in Ghouta
uri: Bombing-hospitals-in-Ghouta
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Bombing_hospitals_in_Ghouta%29
content:
<p>
Assad's forces are systematically <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/22/eastern-ghouta-medical-crisis-as-hospitals-systematically-targeted">bombing hospitals in Ghouta</a>.
<p>
They have <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jul-oct.html#2_October_2016_(Attacks_on_medical_facilities_in_Syria)">done this sort of thing</a> before.


feed_id: 74d62d657baf3c75c22e07f71be87504
title: Plan to arm teachers
uri: Plan-to-arm-teachers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Plan_to_arm_teachers%29
content:
<p>
To use a gun against a killer, you need military training.  The
<a href="/glossary.html#trump">troll</a>'s absurd plan for school shootings is
to <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/23/1744241/-Combat-vets-on-arming-teachers-So-in-order-to-teach-now-you-have-to-be-a-soldier-That-s-insane">train 20% of US
teachers</a> as soldiers.
<p>
To react quickly, you need frequent drill, too.  If you train your
response to that point, you might shoot someone rather than take time
to think.  <a href="/glossary.html#thug">Thugs</a> do it, so why would teachers be immune?


feed_id: 12cc3204bd87cba90d7d0b44a00780cb
title: Progressive agenda
uri: Progressive-agenda
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Progressive_agenda%29
content:
<p>
An <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/02/23/demanding-fundamental-restructuring-economy-progressives-embrace-bold-new-agenda">11-point progressive agenda</a>.
<p>
I support all these points.


feed_id: 37d43b676a01ef4dfda6bf301dee52e7
title: Iona Craig
uri: Iona-Craig
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Iona_Craig%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/02/24/iona-craig-won-a-polk-award-for-her-investigation-of-a-seal-team-raid-that-killed-women-and-children-in-yemen-heres-how-she-did-it/">What it took</a> for independent journalist Iona Craig to find the truth
of the effects of a raid in Yemen by Navy Seals.


feed_id: e82efd9d16175dd4898befd6c3743794
title: Urgent: NAFTA
uri: 2018-03-02-Urgent-NAFTA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_NAFTA%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://petitions.signforgood.com/GreenNAFTA/">Call on Congress</a> to demand NAFTA put people and ecosystems
above corporations' profits.


feed_id: 2b2f79b5c2b376a32e3595b0f0236329
title: Urgent: Drilling off US coasts
uri: Urgent-Drilling-off-US-coasts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Drilling_off_US_coasts%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.couragecampaign.org/sign/trumpdrilling">call on Congress</a> to reject the plan to allow oil drilling
off all the US coasts.


feed_id: a1b39c2a8d29a72dc9b553ed95bf3d11
title: Urgent: FedEx and the NRA
uri: Urgent-FedEx-and-the-NRA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Fedex_and_the_NRA%29
content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="https://petitions.moveon.org/sign/fedex-end-your-partnership">call on FedEx</a> to stop cooperating with the National Rifle Association.


feed_id: 7609025191e4d4df82ea3e79a3e2cf0a
title: Urgent: Clean DREAM Act
uri: Urgent-Clean-DREAM-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Clean_DREAM_Act%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/dreamact_discharge">call on the House of Representatives</a> to use a discharge petition
to force a vote on a clean DREAM Act, without unrelated provisions.
<p>
This would give unauthorized immigrants who arrived many years ago as
children permission to stay in the US and a way to become citizens.


feed_id: cfc775ac42e1d511c9451592a8a2dd02
title: Hot Arctic
uri: Hot-Arctic
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Hot_Arctic%29
content:
<p>
The North Pole is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/02/26/these-climate-scientists-tweets-about-unusually-warm-arctic-might-scare-your-pants">30C hotter than normal</a>.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/27/arctic-warming-scientists-alarmed-by-crazy-temperature-rises">Several days this year</a> have been above freezing in parts of the Arctic.
Anomalously hot weather in the Arctic
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#14_December_2017_(Thawing_permafrost)">has become frequent</a>.


feed_id: c8169ae0365bbaa261f346caf5401957
title: North Atlantic right whales
uri: North-Atlantic-right-whales
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28North_Atlantic_right_whales%29
content:
<p>
North Atlantic right whales are headed for extinction.  This year,
it seems <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/26/north-atlantic-right-whale-extinction-no-births-fishing">there were no births</a>.


feed_id: ba36ac7499d1e8b5f86dd983c4362787
title: Spy camera in tree
uri: Spy-camera-in-tree
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Spy_camera_in_tree%29
content:
<p>
Texan Ricardo Palacios took down a remote-transmitting camera that he
found on his land, placed there by persons unknown without his
permission.  Now he is <a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/02/rancher-finds-creepy-and-un-american-spy-cam-tied-to-his-tree-sues-feds/">suing various suppression agencies</a> that
threaten to arrest him for that.


feed_id: 013b4aad5f53cb3a5f17c247116ddcbc
title: Authoritarian movement
uri: Authoritarian-movement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Authoritarian_movement%29
content:
<p>
Amnesty International reports that the bully is <a href="https://www.amnestyusa.org/reports/amnesty-international-state-of-the-worlds-human-rights-annual-report-2017-18/">leading a world-wide move</a>
towards authoritarian rule and contempt for human rights.


feed_id: a08ffb3f01c22a8563a7daffb1672c57
title: Anti-right-to-repair lobby
uri: Anti-right-to-repair-lobby
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Anti-right-to-repair_lobby%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://securityledger.com/2018/02/new-lobbying-group-fights-right-repair-laws/">A new lobbying group</a> opposes right-to-repair laws by pretending that
modification of products by their owners would give them worse security
than they already have.
<p>
As Bruce Schneier points out, most of them are made with such bad
security that they couldn't be worse.


feed_id: 58213060a0ec621ce9b94023b30b2134
title: Armed against shooters
uri: Armed-against-shooters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Armed_against_shooters%29
content:
<p>
A veteran who had a pistol when someone else started killing people in his
university campus <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2015/10/03/1427420/-Armed-Vet-proves-NRA-wrong-and-explains-why-he-didn-t-confront-Oregon-Killer-with-Good-Guy-Gun">explains why he judged it was a bad idea</a> to try to find
and kill the shooter.
<p>
Several sheriff's deputies waited outside the Marjory Stoneman Douglas
High School while the killing was going on, and <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/23/politics/parkland-school-shooting-broward-deputies/index.html">did not go in</a>.
<p>
I don't know enough to judge whether they acted wrongly, but this is
more demonstration that having some armed and trained people in the
vicinity is no guaranteed protection.


feed_id: da8f56025a848c36b73cb1a790e9e623
title: The cheater's profits
uri: The-cheater-s-profits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28The_cheater%27s_profits%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#cheater">The cheater</a>'s business says that it gave the US treasury the profits it g
from foreign governments, but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/26/trump-organization-hotel-profits-treasury-accountability">won't show us</a> what that means.
<p>
The question of how much money in the sales price is "profit" is not a
simple one.  They could easily have chosen an interpretation that
minimizes the "profit".


feed_id: 4ddaf3bc4c97f6efa8b35041b0b53e32
title: Zinke and public lands
uri: Zinke-and-public-lands
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Zinke_and_public_lands%29
content:
<p>
Saboteur Zinke is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/26/public-lands-advisory-groups-ryan-zinke-trump-shut-out">persistently ignoring</a> the public advisory boards
which stand up for conservation of public lands.


feed_id: a7ba9fe6e57eacca57f8ae7b1ad91c32
title: Environmental protesters
uri: Environmental-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Environmental_protesters%29
content:
<p>
Toxic Brew: State Politicians, Gas & Oil Lobbyists, and ALEC <a href="https://rightsanddissent.org/news/toxic-brew-state-politicians-gas-oil-lobbyists-alec-join-forces-environmental-protesters/">Join Forces 
Against Environmental Protesters</a>.


feed_id: 1c2340180e31d93a8f72490e16565afa
title: Asylum-seeking family
uri: Asylum-seeking-family
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Asylum-seeking_family%29
content:
<p>
US border <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> imprisoned an asylum seeker and her 7-year-old child,
separately, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/26/us-immigration-kept-asylum-seeker-and-daughter-apart-for-months-suit-says">keeping them apart for 4 months</a>.


feed_id: d6b6be16d4cf2f378e3566f4ad71c107
title: King penguins
uri: King-penguins
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28King_penguins%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/26/antarcticas-king-penguins-could-disappear-by-the-end-of-the-century">King penguins face extinction</a> due to two human activities: global heating
and overfishing.


feed_id: 17eca2a23380a896467efcd3c3887759
title: French railway debts
uri: French-railway-debts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28French_railway_debts%29
content:
<p>
Macron's approach to the debts of the French railways is …
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/26/emmanuel-macron-takes-on-french-unions-to-cut-rail-workers-rights">crush the unions</a>, as usual.


feed_id: 00e3e421c8d3986bd028025dc30f5d18
title: Mohammed Tamimi
uri: Mohammed-Tamimi
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Mohammed_Tamimi%29
content:
<p>
Israeli soldiers <a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/02/26/pre-dawn-raid-israel-arrests-badly-wounded-cousin-ahed-tamimi-jailed-protest-icon/">arrested Mohammed Tamimi</a>, age 15, who is awaiting
reconstructive surgery to treat the results of the bullet in the head
he received from an Israeli soldier last year.
Tamimi had been told he was too ill to leave home for 6 months.
<p>
Fortunately the soldiers let him return home.  Apparently some cruelty
goes too far even for the occupation of Palestine.


feed_id: 57f01df54a805b60bd7414bc1138765b
title: The cheater and Mueller
uri: The-cheater-and-Mueller
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28The_cheater_and_Mueller%29
content:
<p>
The cheater says he is "eager" to be interviewed by Mueller, <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/26/1744886/-Trump-s-legal-team-in-desperate-search-for-way-to-keep-Trump-from-testifying-for-Robert-Mueller">but his lawyers
are afraid</a> he'd tell lies and be caught.


feed_id: 5435defb33a99b93810988c15f290547
title: Mistakes in tax law
uri: Mistakes-in-tax-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Mistakes_in_tax_law%29
content:
<p>
Because SCROTUS wrote the new tax law in a big hurry, they made <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/26/1744896/-The-dysfunctional-Republican-Congress-passed-a-massively-error-ridden-tax-law">big careless
mistakes</a>.
Democrats say they won't cooperate with fixing the unintentional bad parts
unless they can fix some of the intentional bad parts too.


feed_id: 8ef3781b6cd4e1f850aa08639850a25e
title: Suicides from opioid rules
uri: Suicides-from-opioid-rules
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Suicides_from_opioid_rules%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://medium.com/@ThomasKlineMD/suicides-associated-with-non-consented-opioid-pain-medication-reductions-356b4ef7e02a">Americans who killed themselves</a> to escape from unending pain after they
were denied opioid painkillers by rules set up to "protect" them from
addiction.


feed_id: f440832a57d5084a01eed546b2113880
title: Chinese company and US elections
uri: Chinese-company-and-US-elections
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Chinese_company_and_US_elections%29
content:
<p>
A Chinese state-owned chemical company has <a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/02/15/chinese-state-owned-chemical-firm-joins-dark-money-group-pouring-cash-into-u-s-elections/">joined a US lobbying
organization</a>, presumably to influence US elections.


feed_id: f4d4d5a800754e53e1bcd16d7b637b5f
title: Soros on Google and Facebook
uri: Soros-on-Google-and-Facebook
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Soros_on_Google_and_Facebook%29
content:
<p>
George Soros warns that the monopoly power of Google and Facebook <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/15/internet-monopolies-facebook-and-google-have-become-public-menace">is a danger
to society</a> and calls for them to be regulated.
<p>
Soros is right, but he misses part of the danger.
He recognizes how China uses commercial databases for oppression,
but doesn't recognize how the US is <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#10_February_2018_(Data_for_immigration_agency)">increasingly doing the same thing</a>.
<p>
Having the US regulate these databases will not prevent that danger.
What we need is to protect anonymity by <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">preventing these databases
from being collected</a> at all.


feed_id: ebeea0dbb71bb00ff54b366d6fe9e96e
title: Researcher metrics
uri: Researcher-metrics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Researcher_metrics%29
content:
<p>
Performance metrics for evaluating researchers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/2018/feb/16/performance-driven-culture-is-ruining-scientific-research">are distorting research</a>
because researchers are under pressure to game the system.
<p>
It often happens that a metric is useful for evaluation but optimizing
it ruins things.


feed_id: 1fb4b450ef3ebb21557d19313f1856db
title: Injustice of face recognition
uri: Injustice-of-face-recognition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Injustice_of_face_recognition%29
content:
<p>
Law Enforcement <a href="https://www.eff.org/press/releases/law-enforcement-use-face-recognition-systems-threatens-civil-liberties">Use of Face Recognition Systems</a> Threatens Civil 
Liberties.
<p>
When a practice is an injustice to anyone and everyone, I don't think
we need to resort to arguing that the injustice falls heavily on
certain racial groups.  I think it is better to argue in the name of
all people rather than in the name of a subset.
<p>
And I can't stomach the term <a href="https://stallman.org/antiglossary.html#poc">"people of color"</a>.


feed_id: 8c2eede22ae42713b34bd0f92bfd1ae8
title: Ghouta besieged
uri: Ghouta-besieged
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Ghouta_besieged%29
content:
<p>
Assad's army is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/22/syria-unimaginable-carnage-as-ghouta-blitz-enters-second-week">
besieging Ghouta.
</a>
<p>
It did the same thing to
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-sep-dec.html#7_December_2016_(Eastern_Aleppo_out_of_food)">
east Aleppo.
</a>


feed_id: e1ec3df26e1df7ded07d525fe1e71152
title: Category six hurricanes
uri: Category-six-hurricanes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Category_six_hurricanes%29
content:
<p>
As hurricanes are getting more powerful,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/22/category-six-storms-cyclones">
a new "category six" is needed
</a>
for
hurricanes that are much stronger than category five.


feed_id: 1f05691e98405fa25303e3be2165cbb6
title: Hate-filled narratives
uri: Hate-filled-narratives
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Hate-filled_narratives%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/22/hate-filled-narratives-target-minorities-globally-says-amnesty-international">
"Hate-filled" Narratives Target Minorities Globally,
</a>
Says Amnesty
International.


feed_id: 3aa3d21a6ae4cf78c63854158ea6dbd4
title: Activism on Facebook
uri: Activism-on-Facebook
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Activism_on_Facebook%29
content:
<p>
You can't win battles against the political power
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/20/opinion/get-out-of-facebook-and-into-the-nras-face.html?partner=rss&emc=rss">
by talking with people
on the internet.
</a>
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/facebook.html">
(Also, please don't be a used of Facebook.)
</a>


feed_id: 0522a8c66ce1f227663e8d702ca34647
title: Freezing to death
uri: Freezing-to-death
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Freezing_to_death%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> wants to eliminate the funds that keep poor people from
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/21/1742889/-Trump-administration-again-proposes-the-full-elimination-of-home-heating-assistance-to-the-poor">
freezing
to death in their homes.
</a>


feed_id: ccc91246898eeb33dd804bc7874bd986
title: Coal burning regulations
uri: Coal-burning-regulations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Coal_burning_regulations%29
content:
<p>
China's strong enforcement of regulations on burning coal has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/22/blue-sky-thinking-how-chinas-crackdown-on-pollution-is-paying-off">
greatly
reduced pollution in Beijing,
</a>
but it is still too much.


feed_id: d3d885084ffb284738e869c4ac034e10
title: Durian fruit
uri: Durian-fruit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Durian_fruit%29
content:
<p>
The production of durian fruit depends on
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/radical-conservation/2018/feb/19/durian-flying-fox-bats-pollination-pollinators-deforestation-hunting-conservation">
bats that are threatened
with extinction.
</a>


feed_id: 87dddc5cd9729adb8bf5a0639cce5cbb
title: Torture in Abu Ghraib
uri: Torture-in-Abu-Ghraib
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Torture_in_Abu_Ghraib%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/02/21/private-corporation-may-be-sued-role-abu-ghraib-torture-judge-rules">
A company that supported torture
</a>
of prisoners in Abu Ghraib for the US
will be sued for it.
<p>
This is very shabby compared with what justice requires.


feed_id: 5d11dc074eda09b54528a102dc78cd85
title: Gender stereotypes
uri: Gender-stereotypes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Gender_stereotypes%29
content:
<p>
ACLU: some US schools
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/19/where-does-metoo-start">
assume different gender stereotypes
</a>
and 
teach so as to inculcate them.  Could this be part of the cause
of sexual bullying among adults?


feed_id: b4c58c13291b1da51c8be63e452be542
title: Condoms
uri: Condoms
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Condoms%29
content:
<p>
The Onion illustrates
<a href="https://local.theonion.com/teen-on-brink-of-experiencing-incredible-journey-of-mot-1823138801">
how Christian fanatics think about condoms.
</a>


feed_id: fbda4535ea796c31fa5e32a02b6c9c6a
title: Ghettoized fiction
uri: Ghettoized-fiction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Ghettoized_fiction%29
content:
<p>
An author warns that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/feb/22/lionel-shriver-says-politically-correct-censorship-is-damaging-fiction">
"politically correct censorship" is constricting fiction.
</a>
<p>
If white writers are pressured not to include nonwhite characters, and
nonwhite writers are pressured not to include white characters,
the result will be ghettoized fiction.


feed_id: fb841d8785d2407349d1209f56ea8258
title: Rotting tents in Nauru
uri: Rotting-tents-in-Nauru
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Rotting_tents_in_Nauru%29
content:
<p>
Boat refugees that Australia has imprisoned in Nauru
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/23/nauru-refugees-asylum-seekers-and-staff-exposed-to-highly-toxic-mould">
live in rotting tents
which contain poisonous fungus.
</a>
It makes them sick.  Australia learned this
4 years ago and has not corrected the problem.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#20_February_2016_(Nauru_restricting_visits_by_Australians)">
Since Australia has arranged with Nauru to keep the press away,
</a>
  maybe the government of Australia figured it could stop people from
noticing this again.


feed_id: c29546b7af29308e73ace9eba415e6d5
title: Antibiotic-resistant typhoid
uri: Antibiotic-resistant-typhoid
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Antibiotic-resistant_typhoid%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/feb/22/drug-resistant-superbug-deadly-typhoid-outbreak-pakistan">
A new strain of typhoid that is resistant to multiple antibiotics
</a>
is
causing an epidemic in Pakistan.
<p>
Typhoid spreads through untreated water, so proper sanitation systems
will stop it dead.


feed_id: 6b35a8041e72b19309c5c124c9ce9b83
title: Armed teachers
uri: Armed-teachers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Armed_teachers%29
content:
<p>
Even if it made sense to have teachers carry guns,
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/22/1743746/-Set-aside-how-stupid-it-is-for-a-minute-How-much-would-arming-teachers-cost">
<a href="/glossary.html#trump">the troll</a>'s plan
for 20% of teachers to carry guns
</a>
would cost a billion dollars just to
train and arm them.
<p>
But that doesn't count all the students that teachers would shoot,
whether from error, from malice, or from insanity.  Even for a good shot,
it is not easy to hit a specific person.  On those rare occasions
where an armed teacher did try to shoot a killer, the teacher would be
likely to miss, or even hit a student unintentionally.
<p>
The whole idea is bullshit, and would be dismissed immediately
if not for the political machine that insists it makes sense.


feed_id: 426463f8d1254808496dcd646cad0fe5
title: Dating apps
uri: Dating-apps
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Dating_apps%29
content:
<p>
People often lie to dating apps, but
<a href="https://theconversation.com/dating-apps-are-in-danger-of-confusing-the-justice-system-90027">
if their messages are brought into court,
</a>
the jury may not understand this.


feed_id: 6fd61589358ed0a386c3d131ad799142
title: Kill switches
uri: Kill-switches
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Kill_switches%29
content:
<p>
The FCC proposes to solve a minor problem (prisoners with forbidden
cell phones) by
<a href="https://cdt.org/blog/opposing-the-mandating-of-kill-switches-to-address-contraband-cell-phones/">
requiring remote-controlled "kill switches" in all
portable phones,
</a>
to brick them remotely.
<p>
The arguments presented tiptoe around the truly important issue: that
this would give the state another unjust power that could be used for
repression.  We have got to stop being intimidated into silence about
such points.
<p>
The kill switch that should be required in every portable phone is one
that allows the user to make sure it is really shut off.


feed_id: f984a5647b7c70e79847d4e3e071cee8
title: Debt for dolphins
uri: Debt-for-dolphins
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Debt_for_dolphins%29
content:
<p>
The Seychelles have created
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/22/debt-for-dolphins-seychelles-create-huge-new-marine-parks-in-world-first-finance-scheme">
a protected area in the ocean
</a>
in exchange
for forgiveness of debt.


feed_id: 3dbcbd8a1d4bf774e2e8d58611908b7d
title: Alexei Navalny jailed
uri: Alexei-Navalny-jailed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#28_February_2018_%28Alexei_Navalny_jailed%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/22/alexei-navalny-detained-moscow-russian-opposition-leader-faces-jail-election">
Putin has jailed Alexei Navalny until the "election"
</a>
so he can't
spread unwanted ideas.


feed_id: 9f155c9a783c2325fbe54e338665833b
title: Blue Cross / Blue Shield
uri: Blue-Cross-Blue-Shield
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Blue_Cross_Blue_Shield%29
content:
<p>
Blue Cross / Blue Shield in Michigan is campaigning
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/02/22/gretchen-whitmer-executives-are-working-hard-against-a-pro-single-payer-candidate-for-governor/">
against the Democratic
candidate that supports universal medical coverage.
</a>


feed_id: f690153c6baab04b089a7ad620e83481
title: Appearance of empathy
uri: Appearance-of-empathy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Appearance_of_empathy%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#trump">The troll</a> used a checklist to remind him to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/22/i-hear-you-trump-uses-cue-cards-to-remind-him-to-listen-to-shooting-survivors">
present an appearance of
empathy
</a>
to students who had seen their friends shot.


feed_id: 1fa1243656899f357770261d94a9f6bb
title: Responsibility for the Holocaust
uri: Responsibility-for-the-Holocaust
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Responsibility_for_the_Holocaust%29
content:
<p>
Although a substantial number of Poles participated in atrocities
against Jews during the German occupation,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/21/poland-shares-no-responsibility-for-the-holocaust">
the underground Polish state 
prohibited this and punished it firmly.
</a>
<p>
Whether the antisemitism of a substantial fraction of Poles should be
held against "the Polish nation" is a complex question.  Perhaps the
answer has to be, "in some sense yes, and in some sense no."  In any
case, the answer should not be dictated by laws.
<p>
The fact that many Poles killed Jews even though une underground
Polish state prohibited this demonstrates the strength of antisemitism
in Poland -- so strong that the state could not fully enforce its
prohibition.
<p>
<a href="https://archive.org/details/TheMassExterminationOfJewsInGermanOccupiedPoland">
Here's how the Polish state reported German atrocities to the allies.
</a> 


feed_id: df9b77945b804389ce6c424c337e424d
title: Making war anywhere
uri: Making-war-anywhere
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Making_war_anywhere%29
content:
<p>
The lunatic is having arguments prepared
<a href="https://act.winwithoutwar.org/go/4723?">
to justify making war anywhere
without any approval from Congress.
</a>


feed_id: 0a4380b78a59e3cde3c9d64a743d9cb4
title: Banning assault weapons
uri: 2018-03-02-Banning-assault-weapons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Banning_assault_weapons%29
content:
<p>
Banning assault weapons, or at least the AR-15, is important because
<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/02/what-i-saw-treating-the-victims-from-parkland-should-change-the-debate-on-guns/553937/">
its high-velocity bullets are more likely to kill the people they hit.
</a>


feed_id: 7e80f4bea143b2ac4fb78b0404f4a271
title: Appalachian pipeline
uri: Appalachian-pipeline
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Appalachian_pipeline%29
content:
<p>
A pipeline across the Appalachian Trail would mean
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/22/im-eagle-scout-and-i-dont-want-pipelines-my-wilderness">
a scar 40 yards wide,
</a>
like the biggest of highways, stretching all the way across the
wilderness area.


feed_id: ed42d875464a59925c003bc060b423b9
title: Bail for nonviolent crimes
uri: Bail-for-nonviolent-crimes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Bail_for_nonviolent_crimes%29
content:
<p>
Philadelphia will end
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/02/22/latest-progressive-reform-philadelphia-da-ends-cash-bail-many-non-violent-offenses">
the requirement for bail for nonviolent minor crimes.
</a>


feed_id: 0221a7d6aaf59733f623f3301f17b11b
title: Collars for dollars
uri: Collars-for-dollars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Collars_for_dollars%29
content:
<p>
Some New York City <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/2/21/1743413/-NYPD-officers-on-trial-for-arresting-someone-just-to-rack-up-overtime-pay?detail=emaildkre">
arrest people at random near the end of a
shift,
</a>
just to make an excuse for some overtime pay.


feed_id: d78dc88bd62c232ce7eb1f153b0f09f7
title: Impeaching justice Thomas
uri: Impeaching-justice-Thomas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Impeaching_justice_Thomas%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/2/21/1743638/-The-case-for-impeaching-Clarence-Thomas?detail=emaildkre">
Justice Thomas deserves to be impeached for perjury.
</a>
  With these valid grounds, all that is required is political will.


feed_id: e049813d827f3f2a91b31083353da213
title: Universities in the UK
uri: Universities-in-the-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Universities_in_the_UK%29
content:
<p>
Some universities in the UK have become
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/2018/feb/23/lecturing-in-a-uk-university-is-starting-to-feel-like-working-in-a-business">
mere instruction businesses.
</a>


feed_id: e45ca637fa7c6eca761c2247d1e7ed68
title: September 2001 hijackers
uri: September-2001-hijackers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28September_2001_hijackers%29
content:
<p>
Today's college students no longer believe the myth that the September
2001 hijackers were from Iraq.
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/22/911-hijackers-were-iraqis-right">
Now they believe the myth that the
hijackers were from Iran.
</a>
<p>
In fact,
<a href="http://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#14_May_2016_(Salafi_Arabian_officials_supported_hijackers)">
most of them were from <a href="/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a>,
</a>
which is a US "ally".


feed_id: c5b5f345eeb281f1aea8ab560ddc1bb4
title: Bottled water
uri: 2018-03-02-Bottled-water
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#1_March_2018_%28Bottled_water%29
content:
<p>
Debunking the marketing campaign that leads people to
<a href="media/db9f140f.rpt_1802_tbttbigwaterhustle-web.pdf" data-original-source="https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/sites/default/files/rpt_1802_tbttbigwaterhustle-web.pdf">
buy bottled water
in places where the water from the faucet is potable. 
</a>
<p>
I almost never buy water in the US.  I carry a reusable bottle and I
refill it.


feed_id: 1e3d48a7c059d52de8227f8cc766a5ba
title: Blockchain
uri: Blockchain
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#2_March_2018_%28Blockchain%29
content:
<p>
Some right-wing extremists want to use blockchain as an opportunity to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/23/blockchain-reshape-world-far-right-ahead-crypto-technology">
eliminate democratic city governments and replace them with businesses
that would own the city.
</a>


feed_id: d92b5c6cf927247be1033d466d61ad1d
title: Fascism's appeal
uri: Fascism-s-appeal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#2_March_2018_%28Fascism%27s_appeal%29
content:
<p>
Clara Zetkin saw the Nazis take power in Germany and preseted an
explanation of fascism's appeal, under the conditions where
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/19/how-we-fight-fascism">
democracy
is too corrupted by the rich to offer the poor any hope.
</a>


feed_id: 56b6857be3dca69c517f763117156263
title: 'Inappropriate touching'
uri: Inappropriate-touching
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#2_March_2018_%28Inappropriate_touching%29
content:
<p>
The accusations against Geoffrey Rush have been made somewhat more
specific.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/feb/20/geoffrey-rushs-co-star-visibly-upset-after-confrontation-court-told">
Pursuing a woman into the women's bathroom and making some sort of
demand from just outside her toilet stall
</a>
would be hard to justify.
<p>
As for touching her in some unspecified way while carrying her, that
is still too vague.  I could imagine things it might mean which she
would validly object to, and other possible meanings that would not
deserve criticism.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#13_November_2017_('Inappropriate_behavior')">
Anyway, this is a big step forward in clarity from "inappropriate".
</a>


feed_id: 5f019687f7919d6ab0b95f52f5ae02f9
title: Biometric data snooping
uri: Biometric-data-snooping
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#2_March_2018_%28Biometric_data_snooping%29
content:
<p>
EFF:
<a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2018/02/customs-and-border-protections-biometric-data-snooping-goes-too-far">
Customs and Border Protection's Biometric Data Snooping Goes Too Far.
</a>
<p>
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">
I think it is wrong for the state to make a register of people's
biometric data,
</a>
aside from people convicted of serious crimes.


feed_id: f29813bb63a77f78d40a2df506a428a4
title: Biometric identification
uri: Biometric-identification
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#2_March_2018_%28Biometric_identification%29
content:
<p>
The Mozilla foundation called on India to release
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20180212/08121639204/mozillas-open-letter-to-expert-committee-drafting-indias-first-data-protection-law-slams-aadhaar-biometric-identity-system.shtml">
the software for its
biometric identification system
</a>
as free software
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html">
  (actually they said "open source", but I don't advocate that).
</a>
<p>
Their recommendations don't go far enough.
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">
The existence of a
national ID system is a tool for repression regardless of how it is
implemented.
</a>


feed_id: c80d9a7a6985a88f65caa4f6c77a8186
title: Using touch-screens
uri: Using-touch-screens
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#2_March_2018_%28Using_touch-screens%29
content:
<p>
Using touch-screens and not using pencils leads to children that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/feb/25/children-struggle-to-hold-pencils-due-to-too-much-tech-doctors-say">
don't
have the finger strength to hold a pencil properly.
</a>


feed_id: 014c34d473358d11cf75c644ade9b6b1
title: Evicted poor people
uri: Evicted-poor-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#2_March_2018_%28Evicted_poor_people%29
content:
<p>
Mumbai moves evicted poor people into
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/feb/26/mumbai-poor-mahul-gentrification-polluted">
a modern slum where the air is
so polluted that nearly everyone is ill from that.
</a>
The neighborhood
has no schools, pharmacies or work.  They have been sent there to die.
<p>
It is certainly possible for India to treat them better -- today.
But if India's population keeps growing, there will be a time when
that is no longer possible.


feed_id: ed7e62770e58911ee9bb7f3b1b927cdf
title: Safety of vaccines
uri: Safety-of-vaccines
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#2_March_2018_%28Safety_of_vaccines%29
content:
<p>
Dr Wakefield, whose false research results cast doubt on the safety of
vaccines, is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/26/texas-vaccinations-safety-andrew-wakefield-fear-elections">
still campaigning against vaccination despite the lack of
any evidence against them.
</a>
Now he in Texas trying to benefit from the
right-wing tendency to believe fashionable conspiracy theories.
<p>
Remember when it was leftist extremists that believed conspiracy theories?
The rightists have gone far beyond them in irrationality.


feed_id: 4730f17e530e92d9da9b8ec6d063b09e
title: Ecomodernism
uri: Ecomodernism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#2_March_2018_%28Ecomodernism%29
content:
<p>
Monbiot:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/georgemonbiot/2015/sep/24/meet-the-ecomodernists-ignorant-of-history-and-paradoxically-old-fashioned">
arguing against ecomodernism.
</a>


feed_id: d8305c496d510919c7ffe09894485513
title: President-for-life
uri: President-for-life
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#2_March_2018_%28President-for-life%29
content:
<p>
China's President Xi is trying to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/26/xi-jinping-china-presidential-limit-scrap-dictator-for-life">
make himself president-for-life.
</a>


feed_id: f6b9384ef80bb3a36e8dea7a08bf6b81
title: United States of Care
uri: United-States-of-Care
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#2_March_2018_%28United_States_of_Care%29
content:
<p>
"Centrist" politicians have created the
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/19/media-embrace-new-reform-group-bulwark-against-guaranteed-healthcare">
United States of Care to campaign
for something short of single-payer medical care.
</a>
  Something that would still leave room for business to gouge
Americans that get sick.
<p>
A center-right Democratic think tank has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/25/us-healthcare-reform-medicare-for-all">
its own inferior
proposal.
</a>


feed_id: 7cc5e3b4af6d0185a239bd4728bd7a76
title: Sexual harassment
uri: 2018-03-02-Sexual-harassment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#2_March_2018_%28Sexual_harassment%29
content:
<p>
The US makes it difficult to take legal action against persistent
sexual harassment.  The investigation, inside an organization, aims
above all to protect the organization. Even when the organization
finds the complaint was valid,
<a href="https://pando.com/2018/02/23/bears-lair-untold-story-systemic-gender-discrimination-inside-uc-berkeleys-it-department/">
often the only response is to fire the
complainant.
</a>


feed_id: e3ed5d84399bb947f9935c0f05331239
title: The Second Amendment
uri: The-Second-Amendment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#2_March_2018_%28The_Second_Amendment%29
content:
<p>
The Second Amendment was intended to protect state militias, but
recent right-wing judges have twisted it into
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/24/no-founding-fathers-didnt-give-you-right-bear-arms">
an individual right to
own guns.
</a>


feed_id: 564f4fa361b0a50c5f7d7cdbde8b8156
title: Democratic response memo
uri: Democratic-response-memo
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#2_March_2018_%28Democratic_response_memo%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://democrats-intelligence.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=358">
Congressional Democrats have released a memo
</a>
showing how Nunes's memo
was designed to mislead by omission.


feed_id: f736fe469d31b6fb1012cf081752126a
title: Paying in advance
uri: Paying-in-advance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#2_March_2018_%28Paying_in_advance%29
content:
<p>
Some restaurants in the UK
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/feb/25/restaurants-turn-up-heat-on-no-show-diners">
require customers making reservations to pay
in advance, or give credit card numbers.
</a>
<p>
While I sympathize with them about the problems that no-shows cause,
their solution is intolerable since it forces customers to identify
themselves.
<p>
If most of the no-shows come through the online booking systems, 
which are unjust in this and other ways already, how about putting these
requirements only on the people who come through those services?


feed_id: 2d01a7c73baf45965dc6c27ed48b3a2d
title: Weapon factory
uri: Weapon-factory
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#2_March_2018_%28Weapon_factory%29
content:
<p>
Saboteur of the Interior Zinke has
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/25/1744715/-Interior-Secretary-Zinke-held-private-meeting-with-executives-of-a-company-he-still-owns-shares-in">
a corrupt conflict of interest in a
weapon factory.
</a>


feed_id: c0400f1e4c1f114f5df018d35e355370
title: Progressive primary challenger
uri: Progressive-primary-challenger
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#2_March_2018_%28Progressive_primary_challenger%29
content:
<p>
Senator Feinstein faces
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/25/dianne-feinstein-loses-party-endorsement-kevin-de-leon">
a progressive primary challenger who got more
support
</a>
at the state Democratic convention than she did.


feed_id: ebac7daba87bbb68d476b36e67742b93
title: Black-lung disease
uri: Black-lung-disease
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#2_March_2018_%28Black-lung_disease%29
content:
<p>
The bully loves coal miners so much that he aims to
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/25/1740104/-Showing-its-love-of-coal-miners-Trump-regime-seeks-rule-change-to-kill-more-of-them-from-black-lung">
cancel a rule that will
reduce their chances of getting black-lung disease.
</a>


feed_id: 52e5d172b7488aff13ced0bfe265ce9b
title: Cease-fire for Syria
uri: Cease-fire-for-Syria
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#2_March_2018_%28Cease-fire_for_Syria%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/25/syrias-return-to-bombing-as-usual-is-down-to-russia">
The UN approved a cease-fire for Syria,
</a>
which had no effect because
Putin and Russia did not carry it out.


feed_id: f2e63e096209242c30b52d8ef92eefd6
title: Subtitle files
uri: Subtitle-files
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#2_March_2018_%28Subtitle_files%29
content:
<p>
After a documentary that presents
<a href="https://torrentfreak.com/subtitle-heroes-fansubbing-movie-criticized-for-piracy-promotion-180217/">
the movie fans that write subtitle files,
</a>
the barons of film are trying to abolish this useful activity.
<p>
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Piracy">
The term "piracy", except when applied to attacking ships,
is propaganda for the enemy.
</a>
Please join me in rejecting it
vociferously.


feed_id: 6b09d4544147f3c9cad2556879bdc754
title: Urgent: Investigate deportation thugs
uri: Urgent-Investigate-deportation-thugs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Investigate_deportation_thugs%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/investigate_ice">call on the Department of Homeland Security</a> to investigate
the deportation <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> for human rights violations.


feed_id: c7eb74a5e0088de92ddaed71580de291
title: Urgent: Oppose FOSTA
uri: Urgent-Oppose-FOSTA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_FOSTA%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter to <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2018/02/fosta-would-be-disaster-online-communities">oppose the FOSTA bill</a>,
which threatens to punish web platforms for what people post in them.
The Capitol Switchboard
numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641 and 888-355-3588.
<p>    
Also object to the use of the dishonest term "sex trafficking", which
appears to mean only "advertising prostitution services" but is
intended to trick people into thinking of enslavement.


feed_id: 02c7b4259b04c3019d4c1f4d804912d0
title: Arming teachers
uri: Arming-teachers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Arming_teachers%29
content:
<p>
Arming teachers would <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-trumps-idea-to-arm-teachers-may-miss-the-mark-92335">increase the risk</a> of shooting students.


feed_id: 3990b2870127b53d7024278a79821ac4
title: Imprisoned writers
uri: Imprisoned-writers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Imprisoned_writers%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/28/nobel-laureates-president-erdogan-turkey-free-writers">Nobel laureates write to ErdoÄan</a> calling on him to free the imprisoned
writers.


feed_id: e35b910419e5a69f2db380170f7a0327
title: Global heating and fruit trees
uri: Global-heating-and-fruit-trees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Global_heating_and_fruit_trees%29
content:
<p>
Global heating can <a href="http://www.climatecentral.org/gallery/graphics/fruit-trees-need-winter-chill-for-spring-growth">harm fruit trees</a> by denying them the winter cold
they need.


feed_id: e8bb681454f5e3edd909109228b63c77
title: Switzerland censorship
uri: Switzerland-censorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Switzerland_censorship%29
content:
<p>
Switzerland, yielding to US copyright bullies, plans to require all
web sites to <a href="https://torrentfreak.com/switzerland-hopes-new-law-will-keep-it-off-us-pirate-watchlist-180228/">actively censor new postings</a> to prevent copyright
infringement.
<p>
These automatic censorship systems make lots of mistakes,
but the worst injustice is their contribution to the <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/copyright-vs-community.html">War
on Sharing</a>.
<p>
I hope the Swiss people vote to reject this law
and tell the copyright bullies to jump in the lake.


feed_id: 6d514285d61fcd324f822db43758d00f
title: From North Korea to Syria
uri: From-North-Korea-to-Syria
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28From_North_Korea_to_Syria%29
content:
<p>
The UN says that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/28/north-korea-sent-syria-missile-and-chemical-weapon-items-says-un-report">North Korea sent Syria equipment</a> for missiles and
chemical weapons.


feed_id: 85fe693cedfba993a35448a8fbc598e0
title: Commercial vs public services
uri: Commercial-vs-public-services
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Commercial_vs_public_services%29
content:
<p>
The commercial marketplace depends on companies to take risks which
could lead them to fail.  Public services must be stable and
accountable.  Therefore, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/28/futile-firms-run-public-services">companies should never be entrusted</a> with
providing public services.


feed_id: f1a52df5aa3486d257faf35f576e4ae1
title: Jailed after emergency visit
uri: Jailed-after-emergency-visit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Jailed_after_emergency_visit%29
content:
<p>
Rex Iverson was killed by an emergency visit to the hospital.
Not by the treatment, but <a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/02/28/criminalization-of-debt-imprisonment-aclu-report/">by being jailed later</a> because he could
not pay the bill.
<p>
He had every reason to expect to spend his life
in jail, working for a few cents an hour to pay it.
No wonder he committed suicide instead.


feed_id: 36b253e05c8af3965b8d974d16fb9d1a
title: Bee-harming pesticides
uri: Bee-harming-pesticides
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Bee-harming_pesticides%29
content:
<p>
An EU analysis found that neonicotinoid pesticides <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/28/total-ban-on-bee-harming-pesticides-likely-after-major-new-eu-analysis">harm all kinds of
bees</a>.
They accumulate in the environment and remain persistently.


feed_id: aa62b34f68d8ce4acb66ada75a0f903c
title: Recognizing the Taliban
uri: Recognizing-the-Taliban
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Recognizing_the_Taliban%29
content:
<p>
Afghan President <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/28/afghan-president-ashraf-ghani-offers-to-recognise-taliban-to-end-war">Offers to Recognise Taliban</a> to End War.


feed_id: 31df8c6866c478a7f4775d3481d87478
title: Aid workers in Haiti
uri: Aid-workers-in-Haiti
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Aid_workers_in_Haiti%29
content:
<p>
The arrival of many aid workers in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake was
a boon for prostitutes, since the aid workers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/feb/28/aid-staff-sex-workers-earthquake-haiti-speak-out">would pay five times</a>
what Haitian clients paid.
<p>
I don't understand why some men desire sex with women that desire only
their money and not them.  But many men do, and given that they do, I
don't see that they are doing the women any wrong by paying for their
services.
<p>
Thus I conclude that this so-called "scandal" is nothing but an
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#22_February_2018_(Prostitution_in_Haiti)">outbreak of irrational prudery</a>.
I suspect it has been boosted for some right-wing political motive,
although I have no proof of that.
<p>
The real scandal is how some aid agencies managed to deliver <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#16_February_2018_(Haiti_aid_scandal)">so little
real aid</a> to Haiti using so much money.
It's possible that the aid workers' use of the service of sex
workers reflects some of the causes of the agencies' ineffectiveness,
but we should focus on the causes, not on the salacious side effects.


feed_id: c791391cba7ea34f40b8169e7877e453
title: Unprivatizing utilities
uri: Unprivatizing-utilities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Unprivatizing_utilities%29
content:
<p>
A <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/28/small-town-wolfhagen-community-revolution-german-europe-energy-contract">small town in Germany</a> started a wave of unprivatizing public
utilities.


feed_id: 56c9705acaab3996cdd00ec6bb685f95
title: Islamist repression in Indonesia
uri: Islamist-repression-in-Indonesia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Islamist_repression_in_Indonesia%29
content:
<p>
Islamist repression <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/28/indonesia-christians-flogged-in-public-for-playing-banned-childrens-game">continues in Aceh</a>, with small examples
of the general injustice of Islamic law.
<p>
Even worse, Islamist repression is spreading into <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#16_May_2017_(Blasphemy_Law)">other parts
of Indonesia</a>.


feed_id: 60c8a310a3b4caf56ec076c2bc59a165
title: Disapproval of Xi's plan
uri: Disapproval-of-Xi-s-plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Disapproval_of_Xi%27s_plan%29
content:
<p>
China's censors are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/28/china-bans-the-letter-n-internet-xi-jinping-extends-power">working overtime</a> to ban the clever ways Chinese people
have expressed their disapproval of Xi's plan to become dictator for life.


feed_id: d44cac962962e55532aec36bb4fa8257
title: Labor board reversal
uri: Labor-board-reversal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Labor_board_reversal%29
content:
<p>
One of the National Labor Relations Board's sabotage decisions
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/27/1745154/-Trump-appointee-s-conflict-of-interest-forces-labor-board-to-toss-anti-worker-ruling">has been reversed</a> because an official who voted on it was hiding
a conflict of interest.


feed_id: 631f5750d65d5e1beb23a3441709d9c4
title: Carson's excessive spending
uri: Carson-s-excessive-spending
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Carson%27s_excessive_spending%29
content:
<p>
Now it is <a href="/glossary.html#saboteur">Saboteur</a> Carson of Housing and Urban Development who is
caught in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/27/ben-carson-spokesman-falsely-denied-expensive-table-bought">illegal excessive spending of money</a> on his own office,
and firing an official who objected.
<p>
Corruption at the top encourages corruption at all levels.


feed_id: 70346f7dc63b2c749865c6514cb8ac57
title: Treatment for Palestinians
uri: Treatment-for-Palestinians
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Treatment_for_Palestinians%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.newsweek.com/more-palestinians-are-dying-waiting-get-medical-treatment-because-israel-wont-807989">More Palestinians Are Dying</a> Waiting to Get Medical Treatment Because Israel Wonât Give Them Travel Permits.


feed_id: 37e4498cdfa5e64ea817ffdd641dad55
title: Palestinian shot
uri: Palestinian-shot
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Palestinian_shot%29
content:
<p>
Israeli soldiers shot a Palestinian dead, then <a href="https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/palestinian-man-reportedly-dies-after-being-arrested-by-israel-1.5845680">claimed they
hadn't shot him</a>.


feed_id: 5cff8d387583664fef97ef18920aba91
title: Israeli schools
uri: Israeli-schools
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Israeli_schools%29
content:
<p>
Israel plans to ban dissident organizations such as Breaking the Silence
from <a href="http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Knesset-passes-bill-banning-Breaking-the-Silence-from-schools-543752">going to schools</a>.
<p>
Israel is converting itself step by step from a democratic society
with open debate into a repressive state in which disagreement with
the official ideology is hampered across the board.


feed_id: c091e3760ec42c1e350af5ff324fc3da
title: US immigration ruling
uri: US-immigration-ruling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28US_immigration_ruling%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/02/27/dystopia-intensifies-supreme-court-rules-immigrants-can-be-detained-indefinitely">The Supreme Court ruled</a> that the US immigration thugs can imprison
immigrants arbitrarily with no court hearings while trying to deport them.


feed_id: b9dfd63b366205c45baae6d04385efa7
title: Pros and cons of free speech
uri: Pros-and-cons-of-free-speech
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Pros_and_cons_of_free_speech%29
content:
<p>
The Onion: <a href="https://www.theonion.com/pros-and-cons-of-free-speech-on-college-campuses-1823361255">Pros And Cons</a> Of Free Speech On College Campuses.


feed_id: aa97838155c722276416889b0a706cb9
title: Fascism's appeal
uri: 2018-03-04-Fascism-s-appeal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#2_March_2018_%28Fascism%27s_appeal%29
content:
<p>
Clara Zetkin saw the Nazis take power in Germany and presented an
explanation of fascism's appeal, under the conditions where
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/19/how-we-fight-fascism">
democracy
is too corrupted by the rich to offer the poor any hope.
</a>


feed_id: b5453e49fc3cbca6141b2e121ac4a581
title: Weapon factory
uri: 2018-03-04-Weapon-factory
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#2_March_2018_%28Weapon_factory%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#saboteur">Saboteur</a> of the Interior Zinke has
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/25/1744715/-Interior-Secretary-Zinke-held-private-meeting-with-executives-of-a-company-he-still-owns-shares-in">
a corrupt conflict of interest in a
weapon factory.
</a>


feed_id: 1fcd697fdf92be43d0220d1c32cf10cf
title: Black-lung disease
uri: 2018-03-04-Black-lung-disease
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#2_March_2018_%28Black-lung_disease%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> loves coal miners so much that he aims to
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/25/1740104/-Showing-its-love-of-coal-miners-Trump-regime-seeks-rule-change-to-kill-more-of-them-from-black-lung">
cancel a rule that will
reduce their chances of getting black-lung disease.
</a>


feed_id: 69868111361d37ec9dcf5c9300fdb63a
title: Neonicotinoids
uri: 2018-03-04-Neonicotinoids
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28Neonicotinoids%29
content:
<p>
A large study finds that
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/02/26/new-global-study-wildlife-harming-neonicotinoid-pesticides-generally-fail">
neonicotinoid pesticides have harmed many
kinds of wildlife
</a>


feed_id: 168cc637393962326b5dcc48a1fc4283
title: Tax windfall
uri: Tax-windfall
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28Tax_windfall%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/02/26/system-so-rigged-warren-buffetts-company-rakes-29-billion-it-didnt-earn-or-want">
Warren Buffett rebuked the Republican Party
</a>
for giving his investment company
29 billion dollars in tax cuts that the company didn't need and didn't earn.


feed_id: 841580331c90184af6c9d843697a551b
title: Election Assistance Commission
uri: Election-Assistance-Commission
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28Election_Assistance_Commission%29
content:
<p>
Republicans have removed the head of the Election Assistance Commission,
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/2/24/1744419/-Knowing-Russia-intends-to-hack-Midterms-Paul-Ryan-fires-key-official-who-battles-cyber-attacks?detail=emaildkre">
which helps states make their voting systems resistant to interference.
</a>


feed_id: 2b5aac41cefa1b598ded3305733a3a73
title: Sugary food
uri: Sugary-food
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28Sugary_food%29
content:
<p>
The Onion: Americans waste enough sugary food each year
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/report-americans-waste-enough-food-each-year-to-give-o-1823327345">
to give a
billion people diabetes.
</a>


feed_id: 32d8629463e875df6f172ca40408a6b2
title: The lies in the Nunes memo
uri: The-lies-in-the-Nunes-memo
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28The_lies_in_the_Nunes_memo%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/2/26/1744859/-Democratic-memo-shows-that-Devin-Nunes-simply-lied-and-Nunes-responds-with-more-lies?detail=emaildkre">
Explaining the lies in the Nunes memo,
</a>
exposed by the Democrats'
counter-memo.


feed_id: e2fe682979cce49c8dbfd1a531fce353
title: Student protests
uri: 2018-03-04-Student-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28Student_protests%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/27/my-kid-doesnt-need-permission-walk-out">
Students have a right to go out of school to protest,
</a>
and the US has
a long history of successful protests by students.


feed_id: 343bc23fc6a4b6aaba780339ced54e41
title: Digitized and destroyed
uri: Digitized-and-destroyed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28Digitized_and_destroyed%29
content:
<p>
Radio Canada plans to destroy 200,000 CDs, some rare,
<a href="http://www.rcinet.ca/en/2018/02/23/public-broadcaster-music-library-closing-cds-to-be-digitised-destroyed/">
and says that copyright
forbids it from giving them away.
</a>
<p>
The viciousness of copyright law has no end.
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/copyright-vs-community.html">
We must legalize
noncommercial sharing of copies of every published work!
</a>
<p>
Canadians, you may be able to campaign to get the government to
pass a law to allow these CDs to be given to a library.


feed_id: 697fbabc9478cde6d745b91a94a025df
title: 'Right to be forgotten'
uri: 2018-03-04-Right-to-be-forgotten
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28Right_to_be_forgotten%29
content:
<p>
Europe's "right to be forgotten", when applied to search results,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/feb/27/right-to-be-forgotten-claimant-wants-to-rewrite-history-says-google">
becomes a "right to rewrite history".
</a>
<p>
I support this right for companies' private databases.


feed_id: ae9e17c23164e1737b9f3cf161e451db
title: Antisemitic incidents
uri: Antisemitic-incidents
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28Antisemitic_incidents%29
content:
<p>
Antisemitic Incidents in US Soar to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/feb/27/antisemitism-us-rises-anti-defamation-league">
Highest Level in Two Decades.
</a>
<p>
The bully supports all the usual forms of bigotry -- whether about
race, religion, national origin, or gender.  Hates R Us could be the
Republican Party slogan.


feed_id: 48d668742d2a0914643add782ce4f21f
title: Cashless society
uri: 2018-03-04-Cashless-society
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28Cashless_society%29
content:
<p>
The foolish practice of letting the state know
everything you buy
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/feb/27/card-cashless-society-homeless-contactless-payments-britain">
also rebounds to harm homeless people, not to mention street musicians
and charities.
</a>


feed_id: 0082a75b5a34ec4d1b56ca7ecb32b3ae
title: The rise in sea level
uri: The-rise-in-sea-level
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28The_rise_in_sea_level%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2018/feb/27/scientists-have-detected-an-acceleration-in-sea-level-rise">
The rise in sea level is speeding up.
</a>
<p>
The current acceleration, if it continues unchanged, will more than
double the total rise by 2100.  However, we don't know whether it will
continue unchanged.  Positive feedback could cause it to increase.


feed_id: 8cb15f15c193d63e45295af5167a2399
title: Victim blaming
uri: 2018-03-04-Victim-blaming
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28Victim_blaming%29
content:
<p>
The "just world" myth leads people to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/27/victim-blaming-science-behind-psychology-research">
blame victims of any sort of
misfortune.
</a>
<p>
Justice is artificial, not natural.  We can't expect nature to give
people what they deserve.  If we want there to be justice, it's up to
us to <em>make</em> justice.


feed_id: 612a23d84afa686065ade956b8187958
title: Manta rays
uri: Manta-rays
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28Manta_rays%29
content:
<p>
Evidence suggests that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2018/feb/27/mirrors-have-revealed-something-new-about-manta-rays-and-it-reflects-badly-on-us">
giant manta rays can recognize themselves in a mirror.
</a>


feed_id: a579b5426c18cf1ddc3ff6fe0145f985
title: Semi-automatic guns
uri: Semi-automatic-guns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28Semi-automatic_guns%29
content:
<p>
Norway Set to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/27/norway-guns-ban-semi-automatic-law">
Ban Semi-Automatic Guns from 2021,
</a>
Says Lawmaker.


feed_id: 9904ac7c133d23de80fc131ca8b6c7c1
title: Urgent: Oppose site blocking bill
uri: Urgent-Oppose-site-blocking-bill
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_site_blocking_bill%29

content:
<p>
Canadian citizens:
<a href="https://services.crtc.gc.ca/pub/ListeInterventionList/Default-Defaut.aspx?en=2018-0046-7&dt=i&lang=e&S=O&PA=T&PT=A&PST=A">
oppose the bill to order ISPs to block access to sites
without trial.
</a>
<p>
If filing a comment through that page requires nonfree Javascript code,
you can email it to
<a href="mailto:response@ccts-cprst.ca">
response@ccts-cprst.ca
</a>.


feed_id: 2a273c345ee460f955bbf0ec5ac4b5df
title: Obamacare sabotage
uri: Obamacare-sabotage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28Obamacare_sabotage%29
content:
<p>
A new Republican scheme to drive millions of Americans out of medical
insurance:
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/26/1744951/-Trump-s-latest-Obamacare-sabotage-will-increase-number-of-uninsured-premiums-and-federal-spending">
create cheaper plans for healthy people only,
</a>
so that those
who aren't healthy will have to pay more.


feed_id: 9f6875a4b3b5cf9a1cd68c2366f0e206
title: Progressive initiatives
uri: Progressive-initiatives
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28Progressive_initiatives%29
content:
<p>
Several US states are
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/26/6-states-where-voters-could-push-democracy-forward-midterms">
considering progressive initiative positions.
</a>


feed_id: 1f82be72415677c3d9efd7ac09af3f13
title: Urgent: Stop phony abortion clinics
uri: Urgent-Stop-phony-abortion-clinics
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_phony_abortion_clinics%29

content:
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/google_cpc_lies/?t=1002&">
call on Google to stop phony abortion clinics from
pretending to be real abortion clinics.
</a>


feed_id: b7593d19ad503a3c4ec96c24b6317a0d
title: Died in custody
uri: Died-in-custody
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28Died_in_custody%29
content:
<p>
In 1998, UK thugs watched idly as prisoner Christopher Alder choked to
death.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/feb/26/police-face-disciplinary-panel-over-claim-they-spied-on-janet-alder-sister-of-man-who-died-in-custody">
After his sister made a fuss about this, thugs started
investigating her.
</a>
<p>
It is clear that they did so to stop her from embarrassing them over
their own wrongdoing.


feed_id: 826b5aa28e2786155c1d1f1119ed32cc
title: Selling foreign policy decisions
uri: Selling-foreign-policy-decisions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28Selling_foreign_policy_decisions%29
content:
<p>
Now that the cheater is
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/26/privatization-us-foreign-policy">
selling foreign policy decisions for his
business profits,
</a>
will selling naming rights of embassies be next?


feed_id: f968be08d22f14bd66303f1d14afd8e9
title: Gun control laws
uri: 2018-03-04-Gun-control-laws
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28Gun_control_laws%29
content:
<p>
Other countries including Australia, Canada, Britain and Israel
have
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/2/26/1744848/-Other-Countries-Have-Banned-Guns-and-So-Can-the-United-States?_=2018-02-26T03:33:45.508-08:00">
strict gun control laws.
</a>
The US should, too.


feed_id: 1b5771d75b6ea4510d007ba03f36798e
title: Teenagers protesting global heating
uri: Teenagers-protesting-global-heating
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28Teenagers_protesting_global_heating%29

content:
<p>
Now that US teenagers are mobilizing for gun control, it would
make sense for them to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/26/time-teens-take-kochs-over-climate">
mobilize to curb global heating.
</a>
<p>
Only a small fraction of them will be killed by guns,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_(Fossil_fuel_health_effects)">
but global
heating could kill tens of millions of them, a few decades
from now.
</a>


feed_id: 18a8ae95d159935c15041c8dff2f7148
title: Urgent: Reject the Crosscheck scheme
uri: Urgent-Reject-the-Crosscheck-scheme
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Reject_the_Crosscheck_scheme%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sign-the-petition-tell-your-state-to-leave-the-unreliable-and-racist-interstate-crosscheck-program?nowrapper=true&referrer=group-common-cause-holding-power-accountable&source=Feb18CrossSWCC">
call on your state to reject the Crosscheck
voter-suppression program.
</a>


feed_id: 5166ef62dfee4b4266bf13ac7d715c0b
title: America's richest 2%
uri: America-s-richest-2
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28America%27s_richest%29
content:
<p>
America's Richest 2% Made
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/26/americas-richest-2-made-more-money-2017-cost-entire-safety-net">
More Money in 2017 than the Cost of the Entire
Safety Net.
</a>


feed_id: 9b6eb141da714658bcb0dcaf3959ec0d
title: Military budgets
uri: Military-budgets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_marts_2018_%28Military_budgets%29
content:
<p>
How the Pentagon
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/27/how-pentagon-devours-budget">
Devours the Budget.
</a>


feed_id: e1e289534906a8638c71c63b0d2169e2
title: Urgent: Oppose deregulation of banks
uri: Urgent-Oppose-deregulation-of-banks
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_marts_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_deregulation_of_banks%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.credoaction.com/call/bailout_caucus_calls/?t=1002&">
phone certain senators to oppose
plans to deregulate banks even more.
</a>


feed_id: 7b3c9b27045b267d3b050c9c4bc32264
title: Teachers strike
uri: Teachers-strike
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_marts_2018_%28Teachers_strike%29
content:
<p>
The teachers of West Virginia are
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/02/26/west-virginia-historic-statewide-teacher-walkouts-head-fourth-day">
on strike, state-wide.
</a>


feed_id: 3bf7ceb9e7247a686aca56c77874c429
title: Urgent: Reject ISDS provision
uri: Urgent-Reject-ISDS-provision
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_marts_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Reject_ISDS_provision%29
content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/green_nafta?t=1001&">
call on Congress to insist that a redesigned NAFTA eliminate
the ISDS provision, and other important changes.
</a>


feed_id: 439e6846b61a4e61c3eff02c4a60cc05
title: How chemicals affect children
uri: How-chemicals-affect-children
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_marts_2018_%28How_chemicals_affect_children%29
content:
<p>
The Environmental Poisoning Agency has terminated a program to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/02/27/truly-wicked-trump-epa-dissolves-program-studies-effects-chemical-exposure-children">
investigate
how chemicals affect children's health.
</a>
<p>
"Finally America's children will be allowed to choke on the freedom of
a lighter regulatory burden."


feed_id: 600ed09845b558060e85fbd4875457bd
title: Gun control movement
uri: Gun-control-movement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_marts_2018_%28Gun_control_movement%29
content:
<p>
The reinvigorated gun control movement can be seen as fitting into
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/27/moral-movement-against-violence">
a broader movement to root out systemically entrenched violence.
</a>


feed_id: bb66e9fddc7122516ee8822a8e2eba1e
title: Tax attack 'bonuses'
uri: Tax-attack-bonuses
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_March_2018_%28Tax_attack_%27bonuses%27%29
content:
<p>
A broad campaign of misleading articles in mainstream media
with headlines about "$1000 bonuses" have convinced the public
that the tax attacks are benefiting working Americans.
Too bad <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/01/media-parroting-1000-bonus-stories-helped-give-trumps-tax-cuts-majority-support">the articles are misleading</a>.


feed_id: c95a57f34583ffe5a3568fd5c651f112
title: Parental controls
uri: Parental-controls
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_March_2018_%28Parental_controls%29
content:
<p>
The Onion: Pornhub announces <a href="https://www.theonion.com/pornhub-expands-parental-controls-for-user-accounts-1823430366">more selective parental controls</a>.


feed_id: 2a120e4866d1c17a521f09c43735d740
title: Saboteur DeVos
uri: Saboteur-DeVos
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_March_2018_%28Saboteur_DeVos%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#saboteur">Saboteur</a> of Education DeVos appears to have many conflicts of interest,
but her main preoccupation is <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/01/warren-grades-devos-worst-secretary-education-country-has-ever-seen-large-margin">attacking the rights of students</a>.


feed_id: 7ef21201a92a2de033fe270244911b64
title: Americans welcome immigrants
uri: Americans-welcome-immigrants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_March_2018_%28Americans_welcome_immigrants%29
content:
<p>
Despite the efforts of racists, most Americans <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/02/america-nation-immigrants-uscis-deleted">still welcome
immigrants</a>.
<p>
I too welcome immigrants, in small quantities.  It's the large
number of immigrants that causes the problem of increasing the
total population of the US.  That weighs on the whole world,
since immigrants to the US are almost compelled to have the
same sort of carbon footprint as native-born Americans.


feed_id: 341352f8b8c05dd1c2177869cfc197bc
title: Prison gangs
uri: Prison-gangs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_March_2018_%28Prison_gangs%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/10/how-gangs-took-over-prisons/379330/">How prison gangs create order</a> in US prisons — and to criminals
outside prison.
<p>
If essentially all the prisoners have "forbidden" cell phones, and the
guards know this, I expect the guards do more than just search for them
once in a while.  With a Stingray they can identify the phones.
I'm sure they know how to convert them to listening devices, too.
<p>
Note: other articles say that prisoners can be labeled as gang-affiliated
based on <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#02_September_2015_(Solitary_confinement_of_gang_leaders)">vague suggestive evidence</a> and that this leads to heavy additional
punishment.


feed_id: 0e1da7d3a356b3262acff96a1ac74dea
title: Election interference
uri: Election-interference
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_March_2018_%28Election_interference%29
content:
<p>
The US has interfered in elections in many countries around the world,
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/01/foreign-correspondent-russians-arent-only-election-hackers">doing things a lot nastier</a> than what Russia is accused of doing now.
<p>
That's in addition to overthrowing elected governments in <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#22_May_2013_(Support_of_Guatemalan_dictators_from_US)">Guatemala</a>,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-jul-oct.html#25_September_2013_(Nuclear_negotiations_with_Iran)">Iran</a>,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#16_February_2017_(Haiti_elections)">Haiti</a>
and <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#26_November_2017_(Honduras_president)">Honduras</a>.
<p>
This does not mean we should passively allow Russia
to stir up racism and division in the US.  But we should
stop our country from doing wrong in the future.


feed_id: b9faac5d38cd91ffd318a346055cd792
title: Credit-reporting bills
uri: Credit-reporting-bills
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_March_2018_%28Credit-reporting_bills%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://epic.org/2018/03/rep-lieu-introduces-two-consum.html">Two proposed bills</a> would make small advances in Americans'
rights against credit-reporting companies.


feed_id: 18f01e559255144a5546622444f6bed5
title: Global heating in Alaska
uri: Global-heating-in-Alaska
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_March_2018_%28Global_heating_in_Alaska%29
content:
<p>
In Shishmaref, Alaska, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/mar/02/alaska-climate-change-indigenous-hunting">no one can miss the effects</a> of
<a href="/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>.
They affect hunting and even survival of the prey animals.  They are
also destroying the town's land and houses.


feed_id: 7e92d5ca55019bec8a763348a1f5362c
title: Kemper 'clean coal' plant
uri: Kemper-clean-coal-plant
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_March_2018_%28Kemper_%27clean_coal%27_plant%29
content:
<p>
The experimental Kemper "clean coal" power plant, which was supposed
to burn coal and capture the CO2, was doomed before it was started.
Executives knew their plans were likely to fail, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/mar/02/clean-coal-kemper-plant-mississippi-problems">covered it up</a>.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/mar/02/clean-coal-america-kemper-power-plant">More about it.</a>
<p>
I suspect that "clean coal" was hyped intentionally by <a href="/glossary.html#planet">planet roasters</a>
with the specific purpose of discouraging society from doing what
really needed doing: putting an end to fossil fuel use with all due
speed — while there was still time to avoid disaster.


feed_id: 154084e8f1db04beae7fe499ff3e6ffd
title: Gun violence research
uri: Gun-violence-research
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_March_2018_%28Gun_violence_research%29
content:
<p>
Since Republicans blocked the US government from funding research into
gun violence, we have no good data about how effective
various gun control measures have been — <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/mar/01/gun-control-study-rand-corporation-assault-weapons-ban">only the guesses</a>
of various camps.


feed_id: 6b6c16f6c5b47d2b64f16de77f8a9825
title: Uber and Lyft wages
uri: 2018-03-05-Uber-and-Lyft-wages
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_March_2018_%28Uber_and_Lyft_wages%29
content:
<p>
Uber and Lyft Drivers' Median Hourly Wage <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/mar/01/uber-lyft-driver-wages-median-report">Is Just $3.37</a>.
In other words, half make even less.
<p>
Since these businesses are based on identifying customers and tracking
them, they are an injustice.  Even if they paid more, they would still
be an injustice.  But they would not continue to exist if they didn't
cheat their drivers too.
<p>
So let's just get rid of them!


feed_id: a2adb686f747c9df54e1c0bd16593a25
title: Burning wood
uri: Burning-wood
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_March_2018_%28Burning_wood%29
content:
<p>
Burning wood at home <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/mar/01/pollutionwatch-wood-burning-is-not-climate-friendly">is not green energy</a>.


feed_id: 311df9b45826b66f62dfe887f6ec8ae1
title: Disneyland wages
uri: Disneyland-wages
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_March_2018_%28Disneyland_wages%29
content:
<p>
Thousands of the workers in Disneyland <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/mar/01/disneyland-california-employees-poverty-homelessness-study">don't get paid
enough money to live on</a>.
<p>
Disney's denial is based on fallacies.  For instance, so what if the
respondents were self-selected?  Even if all the staff that did not
respond have no difficulty living on their wages, that doesn't alter
the fact that thousands of them do have difficulty.


feed_id: e67bda1362b6688e26825bcc2944c5d0
title: 'Sex trafficking' bill
uri: Sex-trafficking-bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_March_2018_%28%27Sex_trafficking%27_bill%29
content:
<p>
The House of Representatives <a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/03/01/sex-trafficking-bill-free-speech/P">passed the bill</a> to censor advertisement
of prostitution services on the internet.
<p>
The bill is dishonest because it uses the term "sex trafficking" to
mislead people.  The text I saw did not have an explicit definition of
that term, but implicitly defines it — through what it actually
prohibits — to mean "advertising prostitution services".
<p>
However, the term was designed to call to mind the term "human
trafficking", which refers to a form of enslavement.
<p>
Any law which uses that dishonest term is a swindle
and should be rejected simply for that.
<p>
Please phone your senators to oppose it.


feed_id: 3a2487e8231d212bc51dc08f60909f01
title: Oakland deportation warning
uri: Oakland-deportation-warning
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_March_2018_%28Oakland_deportation_warning%29
content:
<p>
Oakland Mayor Schaaf <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/28/ice-immigration-raid-northern-california-oakland-mayor-warning">warned the city</a> that the immigration thugs
were about to come through and seize them for deportation.
<p>
As usual, the <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> claimed to be getting rid of dangerous criminals,
and perhaps a few of their targets really were such, but most of them
were not.


feed_id: 6b1f12a5274d0efa78bf23a5ca93b7c1
title: Unfairness for blacks in the US
uri: Unfairness-for-blacks-in-the-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_March_2018_%28Unfairness_for_blacks_in_the_US%29
content:
<p>
Laid out in details, how blacks in the US <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/28/1745256/-New-report-finds-no-progress-made-for-blacks-in-employment-housing-and-incarceration-since-1968">face the same unfairnesses</a>
as they did 50 years ago.


feed_id: 44d8923544bc91f2d5c9a2bc62097231
title: Charged for posting images
uri: Charged-for-posting-images
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_March_2018_%28Charged_for_posting_images%29
content:
<p>
French politicians <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/01/marine-le-pen-charged-for-posting-violent-isis-images-on-twitter">face prosecution</a> for posting images
showing <a href="/glossary.html#pissi">PISSI</a>'s crimes.
<p>
I do not agree at all with those politicians, who are right-wing, but
this prosecution is unjust censorship regardless of their views.


feed_id: c557933ca5b5c164d84ae84a47c2f035
title: Immigrant medical records
uri: Immigrant-medical-records
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_March_2018_%28Immigrant_medical_records%29
content:
<p>
The UK is using medical records to find unauthorized immigrants,
so now they are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/feb/28/immigration-officials-to-continue-to-seek-nhs-england-patient-data">afraid to visit a doctor</a>.


feed_id: 49df11866d1177dcd4f387fdd12a345d
title: Great Barrier Reef
uri: 2018-03-05-Great-Barrier-Reef
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_March_2018_%28Great_Barrier_Reef%29
content:
<p>
The Onion: <a href="https://www.theonion.com/great-barrier-reef-offers-scuba-divers-chance-to-see-be-1823390993">tourism at the Great Barrier Reef</a> a few decades from now.


feed_id: a79ebd1e7f42924fef3bf6ba6904a708
title: Safe places for injecting
uri: Safe-places-for-injecting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#4_March_2018_%28Safe_places_for_injecting%29
content:
<p>
Various US cities are <a href="http://www.drugpolicy.org/press-release/2018/02/san-francisco-become-first-city-us-implement-supervised-consumption-services">planning safe places</a> for users of illegal drugs
to inject themselves.  This will reduce various secondary dangers that
result from the prohibition of those drugs.


feed_id: ae287c1f917c71fcc5b83696b09eabe6
title: Antisemitic incidents
uri: 2018-03-05-Antisemitic-incidents
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Antisemitic_incidents%29
content:
<p>
Antisemitic Incidents in US Soar to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/feb/27/antisemitism-us-rises-anti-defamation-league">
Highest Level in Two Decades.
</a>
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> supports all the usual forms of bigotry -- whether about
race, religion, national origin, or gender.  Hates R Us could be the
Republican Party slogan.


feed_id: 054c37b9f12853eae274ed0e2b3d7899
title: Died in custody
uri: 2018-03-05-Died-in-custody
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Died_in_custody%29
content:
<p>
In 1998, UK <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> watched idly as prisoner Christopher Alder choked to
death.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/feb/26/police-face-disciplinary-panel-over-claim-they-spied-on-janet-alder-sister-of-man-who-died-in-custody">
After his sister made a fuss about this, <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> started
investigating her.
</a>
<p>
It is clear that they did so to stop her from embarrassing them over
their own wrongdoing.


feed_id: 7e9c8964a42552099653461d3240ca19
title: Selling foreign policy decisions
uri: 2018-03-05-Selling-foreign-policy-decisions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Selling_foreign_policy_decisions%29
content:
<p>
Now that <a href="/glossary.html#cheater">the cheater</a> is
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/26/privatization-us-foreign-policy">
selling foreign policy decisions for his
business profits,
</a>
will selling naming rights of embassies be next?


feed_id: a4c9a27cde4c43cada6319feb98114d9
title: Teenagers protesting global heating
uri: 2018-03-05-Teenagers-protesting-global-heating
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Teenagers_protesting_global_heating%29

content:
<p>
Now that US teenagers are mobilizing for gun control, it would
make sense for them to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/26/time-teens-take-kochs-over-climate">
mobilize to curb <a href="/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>.
</a>
<p>
Only a small fraction of them will be killed by guns,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#27_December_2017_(Fossil_fuel_health_effects)">
but global
heating could kill tens of millions of them, a few decades
from now.
</a>


feed_id: 0eb2a5bbda5560c10b438a1dce21e360
title: Bike Racks
uri: Bike-Racks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Bike_Racks%29
content:
<p>
Seattle is installing
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/jan/24/anti-homeless-architecture-seattle-bike-racks-block-rough-sleepers">superfluous bike racks to kick out homeless
people</a>.


feed_id: 15d3179bc3004d5cabfed73fc024b458
title: Blocked off town
uri: Blocked-off-town
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Blocked_off_town%29
content:
<p>
Israel has <a href="https://btselem.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=920751e31402107695c00c26f&id=44b9cd04e0&e=01d3cef7f4">blocked off the Palestinian town of Hizma</a>, population 7000.
One exit is now pedestrians only, and the other is a dirt road.
Israeli soldiers won't allow anyone in except the residents.


feed_id: 4d9e262a6fd52bfa9f183a0d8357e5a1
title: Civil rights progress
uri: Civil-rights-progress
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Civil_rights_progress%29
content:
<p>
The civil rights progress of 50 years ago
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/27/us-civil-rights-report-kerner-commission">
has been mostly wiped out.
</a>
Blacks are being pushed into poverty, stopped from voting, and
stuck with bad education.


feed_id: d98e888c993d2f0529921d195a80116b
title: Copyright infringement
uri: 2018-03-06-Copyright-infringement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Copyright_infringement%29
content:
<p>
The European Parliament is considering a twisted compromise
<a href="https://edri.org/final-copyright-compromise-upload-filters-everyone-google-co/">
to require
most web sites to actively censor new postings to prevent copyright
infringement.
</a>
However, some big businesses such as Google could buy
their way out of it.


feed_id: 2c4f99e12340e2881c1a22768f0d7cca
title: Arming Islamist rebels
uri: Arming-Islamist-rebels
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Arming_Islamist_rebels%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/02/26/libya-bombing-gaddafi-uk-terror-attacks/">
Arming Islamist rebels has led to violent blowback,
</a>
first in
Afghanistan and then in Libya.


feed_id: 047a25efe9f313553abf8dad0f5b359f
title: Planning to lie during attack
uri: Planning-to-lie-during-attack
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Planning_to_lie_during_attack%29
content:
<p>
Right-wing falsifiers started
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/28/1745451/-Father-admits-that-he-doctored-emails-to-make-it-look-like-CNN-had-scripted-town-hall-questions">
planning to lie about the students in
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School before the attack even finished.
</a>


feed_id: d7a929c5521f469feacf3731aca84d0e
title: The No Tax Breaks For Outsourcing Act
uri: The-No-Tax-Breaks-For-Outsourcing-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28The_No_Tax_Breaks_For_Outsourcing_Act%29

content:
<p>
The Republicans' tax attacks
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/02/27/new-bill-removes-tax-incentives-move-jobs-profits-offshore">
created tax incentives to move
work out of the US.
</a>
The No Tax Breaks For Outsourcing Act
would correct them.
<p>


feed_id: db6859bb94f1ba1b305daac498eff02e
title: Touching snow
uri: Touching-snow
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Touching_snow%29
content:
<p>
Some schools are so overwhelmingly afraid of exaggerated dangers
that they
<a href="https://letgrow.org/snow-fun-headmaster-tells-kids-not-allowed-even-touch-snow/">
forbid students from even touching snow.
</a>


feed_id: ab17252754868cdc4abe08dc427e712b
title: Kushner's housing company
uri: Kushner-s-housing-company
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Kushner%27s_housing_company%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/investigations/bs-md-kushner-arrests-20170812-story.html">
Jared Kushner's housing company jails tenants for falling behind on
their rent.
</a>
<p>
The state legislature tried to prohibit the practice, but the
representatives of the rich blocked it.  Now it only dares propose to
prohibit this when the arrears are small.


feed_id: 425e8771a88fd227f7f6c606e3f86dd9
title: Bringing profits to the US
uri: Bringing-profits-to-the-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Bringing_profits_to_the_US%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/28/hassett-changes-story-repatriated-foreign-profits-under-new-tax-law">
The big tax cut on bringing foreign profits to the US
encouraged many multinationals to do that,
</a>
but they didn't
invest it -- they handed it out to owners.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#22_November_2017_(Taxing_foreign_profits)">
Just as was predicted before the Republicans did it.
</a>


feed_id: b4aa0a59faca23ab2b7710464c63c474
title: Dubya's AUMF
uri: Dubya-s-AUMF
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Dubya%27s_AUMF%29
content:
<p>
Bipartisan pressure in Congress to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/02/28/members-congress-call-debate-and-vote-ongoing-wars">
reconsider Dubya's Authorization
for the Use of Military Force,
</a>
which is dangerously overbroad but not
universally broad the way Obama and the bully have interpreted it.


feed_id: 71e4a52198beb52e8bc07e4141cb1e74
title: Do tax cuts "work"?
uri: Do-tax-cuts-work
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Do_tax_cuts_work%3F%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/28/doesnt-anyone-care-if-trump-tax-cuts-are-working">
Doesn't anyone care whether the Republicans' tax cut "works"?	
</a>
<p>
It <u>is</u> working -- to give more money to the rich.
That was its real purpose.
<p>
As for whether it encourages more investment,
the Republicans never cared about that.


feed_id: c5791540f082c2123733659a664a594a
title: Kushner's Russian contacts
uri: Kushner-s-Russian-contacts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Kushner%27s_Russian_contacts%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/28/jared-kushner-white-house-security-clearance">
Jared Kushner can't get a security clearance
</a>
because of suspicious
Russian contacts.
<p>
Could Donald Trump get a security clearance?


feed_id: 8fb0da71f299bbd203350f5cda9d52d4
title: Slovak journalist assassinated
uri: Slovak-journalist-assassinated
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Slovak_journalist_assassinated%29
content:
<p>
Slovak journalist JÃ¡n Kuciak was assassinated
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/02/28/murdered-slovak-journalist-investigating-reputed-italian-mafia-figure-linked-prime-ministers-aide/">
while investigating
an official's ties with Italian criminal gangs.
</a>


feed_id: a1a0345a44d652ab6dece3733693f212
title: Violence in US schools
uri: Violence-in-US-schools
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Violence_in_US_schools%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/02/28/parkland-florida-school-shootings-arming-teachers/">
US schools are pervaded by sublethal violence by the staff towards
students.
</a>
It is especially intense against students in groups that
are targets of general prejudice or disapproval.
<p>
Giving teachers guns would enable more of this violence to be lethal.


feed_id: 9a27ea7d0f2915b28af18ea24baaaeea
title: Mexican death squads
uri: Mexican-death-squads
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Mexican_death_squads%29
content:
<p>
High-ranking Mexican thugs face trial for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/28/mexico-police-charged-with-using-death-squad-tactics-on-drug-suspects">
setting up death squads to
disappear suspected drug gang assistants,
</a>
after torturing them in the
police academy.
<p>
In Mexico one can hardly separate the thugs from the gangs.  Could it be
that thugs targeted those people for belonging to a rival gang?


feed_id: 92c52041064fba2148c927400a169bb0
title: Recommendations for new AUMF
uri: Recommendations-for-new-AUMF
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Recommendations_for_new_AUMF%29
content:
<p>
Rep. Barbara Lee's recommendations for
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/02/28/vital-congressional-hearing-endless-war-probably-nobody-watched">
what any new Authorization for
Use of Military Force should contain.
</a>
<p>
The recommendations from the article:
<blockquote>
First, any new AUMF should name the specific enemy that military force
is authorized against and specify the permitted mission objectives to
prevent the executive branch from overstepping Congress's intent.
<p>
Second, any new AUMF should include robust reporting requirements to
promote democratic accountability and enable Congress to fulfill its
critical oversight functions.
<p>
Third, any new AUMF should require compliance with U.S. obligations
under international law to demonstrate to our allies and enemies alike
that the United States is a nation that complies with the rule of law
and is committed to its obligations to respect state sovereignty,
human rightsÂ  and the law of armed conflict.
<p>
Fourth, any new AUMF should include language that makes it clear that
it is the sole source of statutory authority to use force against the
enemy named in the authorization to avoid overlap, confusion, or
loopholes.
<p>
And last, but perhaps most importantly, any new AUMF should include a
sunset provision that sets a timetable for ensuring continued
congressional approval and oversight as the conflict evolves,
providing a safeguard against perpetual armed conflict or overly
expansive executive interpretations
</blockquote>


feed_id: d30ce8027ddc176732822a3d1adb4307
title: US support for Salafi Arabia
uri: 2018-03-06-US-support-for-Salafi-Arabia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28US_support_for_Salafi_Arabia%29
content:
<p>
Bernie Sanders as well as one Democratic senator and one Republican
senator propose to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/02/28/sanders-led-group-introduces-bill-calling-removal-us-forces-yemen">
end US support for Salafi Arabia's bombardment and
siege of Yemen.
</a>
<p>
US support includes selling lots of ammunition as well as tactical
assistance.


feed_id: 35a6306ef61fcb98c1db8a0df6c02701
title: Background checks
uri: Background-checks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Background_checks%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/28/trump-background-checks-gun-control">
The troll stated support for closing the loopholes for buying a gun
without a background check.
</a>
<p>
If the result is to pass such a law, that will be a good thing.
However, it had better be done quickly before he changes his mind
again.
<p>
He also insisted on the foolish plan to arm lots of teachers.


feed_id: 15e6a564666f7f6941fb03c37accb37b
title: Slow-down job action
uri: Slow-down-job-action
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Slow-down_job_action%29
content:
<p>
The Senate Intelligence Committee is
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/28/1745565/-Sen-Ron-Wyden-again-asks-Senate-Intelligence-Committee-to-probe-Trump-s-business-dealings">
protecting the cheater
with a slow-down job action.
</a>


feed_id: 8f372af4d7ed2bf48653d52c94f788de
title: If only Jews had had guns
uri: If-only-Jews-had-had-guns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28If_only_Jews_had_had_guns%29
content:
<p>
A Republican idiot said he thought
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/mar/01/republican-gun-control-holocaust-jews-not-armed-don-young">
Jews could have survived Nazi extermination
if only they had had guns.
</a>
<p>
If Rep. Young wants to know how armed Jews fought Nazis,
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warsaw_Ghetto_Uprising">
he should
read about the Warsaw Ghetto uprising.
</a>
  They fought valiantly, outnumbered and without heavy weapons,
because they preferred to take some of the enemy with them; but they
never had a hope of winning.


feed_id: ba4439239bd30792e7b3aeb651b9584c
title: Medicaid limits
uri: Medicaid-limits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Medicaid_limits%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/28/1745513/-Alabama-one-ups-Kentucky-on-being-evil-to-people-on-Medicaid">
Alabama limits Medicaid to families with an income under $4000 a year,
</a>
but that isn't harsh enough to satisfy Republicans.


feed_id: 7113802dcab0a8d9ce75d9954b6814d4
title: The Svalbard seed vault
uri: The-Svalbard-seed-vault
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28The_Svalbard_seed_vault%29
content:
<p>
The Svalbard seed vault, meant to preserve many varieties of plants
in case they are lost,
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/28/1745551/-Norway-s-doomsday-seed-vault-is-getting-a-13-million-upgrade-to-fight-against-climate-change">
will be upgraded to protect it from the
effects of global heating.
</a>
<p>
Now if only we could upgrade all the places that plants live.


feed_id: 4e30cd150610c29e736251f40f7957ef
title: Gas extraction in Groningen
uri: Gas-extraction-in-Groningen
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Gas_extraction_in_Groningen%29
content:
<p>

<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/oct/10/shell-exxon-gas-drilling-sets-off-earthquakes-wrecks-homes">
Gas extraction in Groningen has caused hundreds of small earthquakes
which have cumulatively damaged lots of buildings.
</a>
The cost of
compensating the owners of the buildings can be more than 5 billion euros,
more than the worth of the gas and wells.
<p>
The oil company is clever about dragging its feet and pressuring homeowners
to accept only partial compensation.


feed_id: 24ce99d108b7f3c2e3bdc823b6d1b923
title: Inviting deforestation
uri: Inviting-deforestation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Inviting_deforestation%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/01/brazil-amazon-protection-laws-invite-deforestation-ngo">
"Brazil's Amazon Protection Laws Invite Deforestation."
</a>
<p>
When a government says it arranges for a "balance" between the
interests of the rich and the interests of humanity and/or wildlife,
we should expect it to tip over and crush the latter at any moment.


feed_id: 90ac467ca62844796a62f6c08cb7f30c
title: Nitrites in meat
uri: Nitrites-in-meat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Nitrites_in_meat%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/mar/01/bacon-cancer-processed-meats-nitrates-nitrites-sausages">
Why the nitrites used to cure meat are carcinogenic
</a>
while the nitrites found in lettuce are not.


feed_id: 870f1376de63b2477b44ee2c7ad09449
title: Privatized spy systems
uri: Privatized-spy-systems
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Privatized_spy_systems%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/mar/01/smart-cities-data-privacy-eindhoven-utrecht">
A "smart" product is generally a spying product, and that's true for
cities too.
</a>
In addition, their spy systems tend to be privatized,
so there is no public accountability about what data they collect
or how that data is used.
<p>
Supposedly the data collected in Stratumseind is "about crowds, not
individuals" -- but what does that really mean, concretely?  Does it
mean that the record data do not permit identification of individuals,
only of crowds?  If so, maybe it is not a threat to human rights.
<p>
But it could mean that they collect and store data about lots of
individuals but <u>they are only interested</u> when that data shows
a crowd.  If so, that is no protection at all, and no excuse.
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">
Tracking people's movements is a threat to human rights,
</a>
  and we must not stand for it except in very small and limited ways.


feed_id: d3bfdabc281dc9cdd35a7a1741d3cf02
title: Curbing global heating
uri: 2018-03-06-Curbing-global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Curbing_global_heating%29
content:
<p>
According to theoretical modelling,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2018/mar/01/decisions-today-will-decide-antarctic-ice-sheet-loss-and-sea-level-rise">
5 years' delay in curbing
</a>
global heating means 20cm extra rise in sea level.


feed_id: 1114543621bbee09234f8fea1efb0075
title: The NRA convention
uri: The-NRA-convention
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28The_NRA_convention%29
content:
<p>
Every year during the NRA convention,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/28/rate-of-gun-injuries-drops-20-during-nra-conventions-study-finds">
the rate of injuries caused
by guns temporarily falls by 20%.
</a>
<p>
Apparently the people who attend these conventions are responsible
for over 20% of the usual rate of injuries.


feed_id: 481b4c26d938dd62809316a9591f010a
title: Gentrification
uri: 2018-03-06-Gentrification
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Gentrification%29
content:
<p>
Portland, Oregon, has a program to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/mar/01/portland-anti-gentrification-housing-scheme-right-return">
help the people forced
out of the city by gentrification to move back.
</a>
<p>
It's well-meaning, but I expect that thousands of people have been
forced out of the city by gentrification, and that only a few percent
of them will get this help to move back.


feed_id: bfb4086f6d96e7c4b86f1f82bcad5fe5
title: Russia's new missiles
uri: Russia-s-new-missiles
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Russia%27s_new_missiles%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/01/vladimir-putin-threatens-arms-race-with-new-missiles-announcement">
Putin says that Russia has developed missiles that can get past US ABM
defenses,
</a>
since Dubya terminated the ABM treaty in 2002, and warns
that Russia will respond likewise to the troll's plans to develop new
nuclear weapons.
<p>
I don't find this shocking, or particularly evil.  Nor is Putin
necessarily telling the truth about these things.
<p>
Regardless of those points, this is a further reason why the troll's
nuclear weapons plans are at best foolish and wasteful.


feed_id: ade0e7001795f1a88e1f7b42ab4ed945
title: America's identity politics
uri: America-s-identity-politics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28America%27s_identity_politics%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/mar/01/how-americas-identity-politics-went-from-inclusion-to-division">
How America's Identity Politics Went from Inclusion to Division.
</a>
The US Left made a grave mistake by adopting identity politics.
<p>
People who that see that their group is the target of systematic
wrongs have the right to organize to stop it.  I therefore respect and
support Black Lives Matter as a campaign to stop thugs from
gratuitously killing black people.
<p>
"All Lives Matter" was not a serious campaign to get thugs to stop
gratuitously killing people, regardless of race.  If it had been, it
might have deserved our support.  But in fact it was a cynical racist
right-wing way of saying, "Ignore the fact that thugs kill so many
blacks."  This distraction campaign only showed the need for Black
Lives Matter.
<p>
However, when mutual defense extends to the point of tribalism, it
discards the universal morality which we could all support with our
better nature, and aims for nothing beyond more effective competition
with other tribes.  This encourages the other tribes to fight back,
turning politics into a squabble between groups in which none of them
has any particular right on its side.
<p>
The only goal worth aiming for is to reject tribalism and return to
universal humanitarian goals.
<p>
In particular, let's reject entirely the idea that tribes own certain
cultural practices.  What would be left for the rest of us?  Hollywood?
No one should be allowed to own cultural ideas, because everyone
deserves cultural freedom.


feed_id: 367f616429224e70ab29c743597f8773
title: Joke conviction overturned
uri: Joke-conviction-overturned
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Joke_conviction_overturned%29
content:
<p>
A Spanish student was convicted for making light of the assassination
of dictator Franco's second in command.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/01/spanish-student-cassandra-vera-conviction-twitter-joke-overturned">
The Spanish Supreme Court
has overturned the conviction; but it endorsed Franco's dictatorship
by saying that the assassination a "tragedy" and a "terrorist act".
</a>
<p>
Franco's tyranny murdered around 200,000 prisoners.  The assassination
of his officers was not terrorism, it was resistance to tyranny.
<p>
Support for Franco is dangerously strong in the right-wing party that
now controls Spain; indeed, his supporters, never punished, were
integrated into that party and have great influence in it.


feed_id: ef68ddf1788cf5a17893b72d192828c6
title: Arming a million teachers
uri: Arming-a-million-teachers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Arming_a_million_teachers%29
content:
<p>
A high school teacher in Georgia brought a gun to school
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/mar/01/georgia-teacher-gun-dalton-high-school-police-motive">
and started shooting in a classroom.
</a>
<p>
This illustrates one of the many flaws with the troll's
plan to end school massacres by arming a million teachers.


feed_id: 019d6ae5f2b18ec977a35998e4952d11
title: Urgent: Allow giving birth while in office
uri: Urgent-Allow-giving-birth-while-in-office
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Allow_giving_birth_while_in_office%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/duckworth_maternity/?t=1002&">
support changing senate rules to allow
for senators that give birth to babies while in office.
</a>


feed_id: 0de5b2c22eef9b2ca466b57a72bc3a6c
title: Aquarium petting zoo tank
uri: Aquarium-petting-zoo-tank
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Aquarium_petting_zoo_tank%29
content:
<p>
The Onion: An aquarium petting zoo tank gives children
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/aquarium-touch-tank-lets-kids-pet-water-in-natural-envi-1823389128">
the chance
to pet water in its natural environment.
</a>


feed_id: dc82fef7c6e77fee045928bcada32986
title: Sex education
uri: 2018-03-06-Sex-education
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Sex_education%29
content:
<p>
Some New York City public high schools rent buildings from the
Catholic Church,
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/3/1/1745707/-Catholic-Church-Bans-Condoms-and-Sex-Education-at-Some-NYC-Public-Schools?_=2018-03-01T03:04:39.946-08:00">
and the contracts forbid sex education and
distribution of condoms.
</a>
<p>
The city should have a law requiring all public schools to offer
sex education and distribute condoms.  Then the church could either
find some other way to use these buildings or drop its conditions.


feed_id: a9264496702c7407b748d40b01fbffd6
title: Single-payer medical care
uri: Single-payer-medical-care
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Single-payer_medical_care%29
content:
<p>
Gretchen Whitmer, seeking the Democratic nomination for governor of
Michigan,
<a href="http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/43648-blue-cross-pressures-employees-to-donate-to-opponent-of-single-payer-candidates">
opposes single-payer medical care.
</a>
Michigan Blue Cross
is pressuring its staff to donate to her campaign.


feed_id: 354c3d19b0f364194082dc4ab8f489c0
title: Phony books
uri: Phony-books
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Phony_books%29
content:
<p>
People sell phony books on Amazon, apparently for money laundering,
and they use real people's social security number.  Amazon refuses
to cooperate with the victims
<a href="https://krebsonsecurity.com/2018/02/money-laundering-via-author-impersonation-on-amazon/">
who may then get stuck with paying
tax on the income they never got.
</a>


feed_id: f4ec27de886eb0366092d58fb8a1cde1
title: Obama's medical care advances
uri: Obama-s-medical-care-advances
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Obama%27s_medical_care_advances%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-hiltzik-trumpcare-urban-20180226-story.html">
Republicans have not been able to repeal Obama's medical care advances
</a>
but have adopted practices that will make it collapse.


feed_id: b95b517e50653ddbb9b11eb01d7323f7
title: Citizens of the Comoros
uri: Citizens-of-the-Comoros
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Citizens_of_the_Comoros%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2018/02/virtual-citizenship-for-sale/553733/">
Kuwait and the UAE deny citizenship to thousands of people born there.
</a>
Those countries pressure or trick the stateless inhabitants into
becoming citizens of the Comoros, then threaten to deport them there.


feed_id: 874958e5f5e988b2539ed319f16fa95a
title: Neonicotinoids
uri: 2018-03-06-Neonicotinoids
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#3_March_2018_%28Neonicotinoids%29
content:
<p>
A large study finds that
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/02/26/new-global-study-wildlife-harming-neonicotinoid-pesticides-generally-fail">
neonicotinoid pesticides have harmed many
kinds of wildlife</a> but don't increase farm yields very much.


feed_id: ac645123056bce34d35b8ada2d44f0bf
title: Urgent: Stop Olympic deforestation
uri: Urgent-Stop-Olympic-deforestation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_Olympic_deforestation%29

content:
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/Tokyo-2020?t=1001&">
call on the 2020 Olympics to stop using tropical woods
and other products that tend to cause deforestation.
</a>


feed_id: 856e93c0a8d5ccab061e3cd9d11e2f9a
title: Nuclear-powered drone
uri: Nuclear-powered-drone
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Nuclear-powered_drone%29
content:
<p>
Russia claims to have tested
<a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2018/03/01/590014611/experts-aghast-over-russian-claim-of-nuclear-powered-missile-with-unlimited-rang?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=news">
a nuclear-powered drone for dropping
nuclear bombs.
</a>
Testing it is dangerous even if it never carries
real bombs.


feed_id: 9e03b6b13d5f891515181c9571678316
title: Monarch butterflies
uri: Monarch-butterflies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Monarch_butterflies%29
content:
<p>
Monarch butterflies will be threatened by
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/01/analysis-60-million-acres-monarch-habitat-be-doused-toxic-weed-killer">
spraying
a pesticide that kills milkweed
</a>
in a very large area
through which the butterflies need to migrate every year.


feed_id: f43e27a1eef92bb2e31fe921ed9e9114
title: Spying on prisoner's sister
uri: Spying-on-prisoner-s-sister
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Spying_on_prisoner%27s_sister%29
content:
<p>
Impunity for repression
The UK dropped the investigation into
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/mar/01/officers-accused-of-spying-on-sister-of-man-who-died-in-police-custody-cleared">
thugs that tried to spy on the sister of a prisoner
that was killed by thugs.
</a>
<p>
The idea that they could have any legitimate reason to interfere with
her beggars belief.  Especially since they obtained no warrant to do
so.  What we see here is impunity for repression.


feed_id: 9857aade6e53fff8f646e899a387ee3e
title: Cars and net neutrality
uri: Cars-and-net-neutrality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Cars_and_net_neutrality%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20180226/11522939310/telecom-sector-cant-stop-falsely-claiming-that-net-neutrality-will-harm-sick-derail-smart-cars.shtml">
ISPs claim that network neutrality would protect people from
snooping driverless-but-not-autonomous cars!
</a>
<p>
If only it were true.
<p>
The only protection from surveillance cars is to require driverless
cars <u>not</u> to identify their passengers and <u>not</u> to report where they go.


feed_id: 78393a2a317076f774112b5aea4ea4e2
title: Deregulation of banks
uri: Deregulation-of-banks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Deregulation_of_banks%29
content:
<p>
How Republicans manipulated 13 Democratic senators into
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/03/02/crapo-instead-of-taking-on-gun-control-democrats-are-teaming-with-republicans-for-a-stealth-attack-on-wall-street-reform/">
supporting deregulation of banks.
</a>
<p>
Whatever good this law does in regard to community banks
is smaller than the harm it would do by deregulating big banks.
Like almost anything today's Republicans are willing to pass,
it is negative overall.


feed_id: 66d4685a565b4590526e676100ce0c63
title: Earlier spring
uri: Earlier-spring
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Earlier_spring%29
content:
<p>
Spring in the Arctic comes
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/mar/02/arctic-spring-is-starting-16-days-earlier-than-a-decade-ago-study-shows">
16 days earlier nowadays
than it did only 10 years ago.
</a>
<p>
But even winter in
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-may-aug.html#13_August_2017_(Arctic_heat)">
the Arctic is not cold the way it used to be.
</a>


feed_id: 03d70f3b922cd6319f017ef787c90149
title: Boycott of Qatar
uri: Boycott-of-Qatar
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Boycott_of_Qatar%29
content:
<p>
Kushner tried to get money from Qatar, to bail out his debts.
Qatar said no, and
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/03/02/jared-kushner-real-estate-qatar-blockade/">
soon the US supported Salafi Arabia's
boycott of Qatar.
</a>


feed_id: 41c265615303778f7defffaff30bf9aa
title: Murder of environmentalist
uri: Murder-of-environmentalist
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Murder_of_environmentalist%29
content:
<p>
Honduras has charged a former army officer with
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/02/berta-caceres-death-murder-ex-honduran-military-intelligence-officer-arrested">
arranging the murder
of environmental defender Berta CÃ¡ceres.
</a>


feed_id: db3a1abbb255f621f7752d70941cb627
title: NRA meeting
uri: NRA-meeting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28NRA_meeting%29
content:
<p>
The bully's handlers, and the NRA, say they have got him back on script and
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/02/after-great-late-night-meeting-top-nra-lobbyist-assures-nation-trump-pence-dont-want">
he won't break out into support for gun control again.
</a>
<p>
He must loathe being kept in line this way.  He might snap some day
and start a nuclear war.


feed_id: c32bda2fc0598fada6edd1475e0ff3f4
title: Sinclair Broadcasting
uri: Sinclair-Broadcasting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Sinclair_Broadcasting%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/02/sinclairs-sneaky-moves-skirt-rules-and-get-tribune-merger-approved">
Sinclair Broadcasting wants to "sell" a station and retain control
of what it transmits,
</a>
so as to meet media concentration limits
in a dishonest way.


feed_id: 4bf4678d5d01585bbb025e2d059e1ee1
title: New iPhone
uri: New-iPhone
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28New_iPhone%29
content:
<p>
The Onion:
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/report-new-iphone-will-no-longer-secretly-record-every-1819580297">
New iPhone Will No Longer Secretly Record Every Word You Say.
</a>


feed_id: 99df96d42ccdb4684e8635abc96c9f78
title: Sandy Hook
uri: Sandy-Hook
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Sandy_Hook%29
content:
<p>
Since the Sandy Hook school massacre, Republicans have foiled gun
control measures, and diverted the pressure to "do something" into
harmful measures:
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/02/will-lawmakers-again-make-schools-sacrificial-lamb-gun-control">
more thugs in schools to arrest more students.
</a>
<p>
What schools need, rather than guns, is
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/02/armmewith-solidarity-against-nra-and-militarizing-our-schools">
funds to do a proper job of education
</a>
and attend to the well-being of their students.


feed_id: a1efcfbffcad929532be6c529046862b
title: Reducing national monuments
uri: Reducing-national-monuments
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Reducing_national_monuments%29
content:
<p>
Internal emails from the Department of the Interior show that
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/02/there-you-have-it-emails-confirm-coal-oil-and-gas-extraction-drove-shrinking">
the
motive for reducing national monuments was for extracting fossil fuels.
</a>


feed_id: b471336016aecb9632405465218ff3bc
title: 23AndMe
uri: 23AndMe
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%2823AndMe%29
content:
<p>
The Onion:
<a href="https://www.theonion.com/23andme-forensic-kit-informs-customer-what-crimes-he-s-1823461487">
23AndMe Forensic Kit Informs Customer What Crimes Heâs Committed.
</a>


feed_id: 824d97d80037f6323e1dbc9450efe38e
title: Bank deregulation bill
uri: Bank-deregulation-bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Bank_deregulation_bill%29
content:
<p>
Plutocratist senators are making the bank deregulation bill do
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/02/citigroup-carveout-news-makes-it-beyond-question-bank-lobbyist-act-must-be">
even more favors for big banks.
</a>


feed_id: c5cb6688eb6f605fdfec4df55c19eef9
title: NAFTA negotiations
uri: NAFTA-negotiations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28NAFTA_negotiations%29
content:
<p>
Reports from NAFTA negotiations say they are planning a chapter to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/02/weeks-round-nafta-talks-mexico-promises-dangerous-regulatory-review-chapter">
limit
government regulations that protect public health and well-being.
</a>
<p>
This could be even more harmful than the ISDS clause of the current
NAFTA.
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-sep-dec.html#17_November_2017_(Financial_deregulation)">
The Democratic senators that support bank deregulation
</a>
							       can't
be relied on to block this.


feed_id: c6c8209a73ea3f6168997b52fc6c39b0
title: Former business lawyers
uri: Former-business-lawyers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Former_business_lawyers%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/02/more-75-trump-administration-lawyers-present-revolving-door-concerns-public">
The bully's saboteurs are hiring lots of former business lawyers to
work in the agencies that are supposed to regulate business.
</a>
  They are likely to bring with them the businesses' views about how
to interpret and enforce regulations -- that is to say, "weakly" and
"not at all".


feed_id: 53085f78ad8c775d8b11ef9e67091ab5
title: Regulations on coal ash
uri: Regulations-on-coal-ash
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Regulations_on_coal_ash%29
content:
<p>
Saboteur Pruitt is
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/02/scott-pruitt-trying-sell-safety-our-water-industrial-polluters">
"trying to sell the safety of our water to industrial
polluters"
</a>
by pulling back the regulations on coal ash.
<p>
Duke Energy tried to hide its report that
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/02/groundwater-monitoring-reveals-widespread-radioactivity-duke-energy-coal-plants">
its coal ash is leaking excessive
levels of radioactive materials into groundwater.
</a>


feed_id: 3b64dabb651ef365bdefefe184b7c840
title: Progressive ideas
uri: Progressive-ideas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Progressive_ideas%29
content:
<p>
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is going all-out to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/02/new-campaign-challenges-dcccs-all-out-war-against-progressives">
suppress progressive ideas
</a>
and even progressive primary candidates.
<p>
For many years I have tossed their fundraising mail in the recycle bin
without opening it.  That was all I could do on my own.  Now,
together, we must aim to take the Democratic Party away from the
right-wing "centrist" Democrats.


feed_id: 41b65abb6ae49ef7c28ddff71ca8d46e
title: Workers at McDonald's
uri: Workers-at-McDonald-s
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Workers_at_McDonald%27s%29
content:
<p>
The National Labor Relations Board commits
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/02/mcdonalds-workers-nlrb-let-judge-decide">
Republican sabotage
against workers at McDonald's.
</a>


feed_id: 9e5b53520ce3399416ad94f341363e19
title: Dominating YouTube
uri: Dominating-YouTube
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Dominating_YouTube%29
content:
<p>
US white supremacists designed
<a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/leaked-the-alt-right-playbook-for-taking-over-youtube?via=newsletter&source=PMDigestOrig_ABTest">
a plan to dominate YouTube
</a>
and exclude opposing views.


feed_id: 7a4da33daace6c61ca890219c0a8e65c
title: China pushing censorship
uri: China-pushing-censorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28China_pushing_censorship%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/02/technology/china-technology-censorship-borders-expansion.html?partner=rss&emc=rss">
China is pushing censorship onto Western companies, from Apple to Mercedes-Benz.
</a>
<p>
Big businesses are not generally known for their defense of
any sort of principle, other than "We should be deregulated."
We shouldn't leave resistance to Chinese censorship up to them.


feed_id: 34aebb86e773f852fb35508f3ce2cb8d
title: Urgent: Warn about microfibers
uri: Urgent-Warn-about-microfibers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Warn_about_microfibers%29
content:
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="http://action.storyofstuff.org/sign/stop_microfiber_plastic_pollution/">
Call for warnings on clothing that releases plastic
microfibers.
</a>


feed_id: 03ef54bc944f58db175cefee4ee9fd4a
title: Urgent: Help with water emergency
uri: Urgent-Help-with-water-emergency
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Help_with_water_emergency%29

content:
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="http://act.foodandwaterwatch.org/site/R?i=UGpnRtFY8GqirYeAD5oYhA">
call on Kentucky's senators to help Martin County with its
water emergency.
</a>


feed_id: f3a85d6e505ad2497d5c10250923a54d
title: Urgent: Assault weapons
uri: 2018-03-07-Urgent-Assault-weapons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Assault_weapons%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=13282">call on Congress</a> to ban distribution and production
of assault weapons and large magazines.


feed_id: cdde5097b147c9dbd27a9226f6e35bd1
title: Urgent: The bully's budget
uri: Urgent-The-bully-s-budget
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_The_bully%27s_budget%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/trump_budget_2018">oppose the bully's budget</a>.


feed_id: 861384958636fd3a6f4133a7e7cffb5e
title: Austerity's targets
uri: Austerity-s-targets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Austerity%27s_targets%29
content:
<p>
The Tories say austerity has hit its targets.  Fortunately <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/04/george-osborne-eliminating-current-deficit-austerity-terrible-cost-hubris">not all
of them are dead</a>.


feed_id: f4c8fbd52cbed35073a19995760100fc
title: Valmiki caste
uri: Valmiki-caste
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Valmiki_caste%29
content:
<p>
In India, people of the Valmiki caste are effectively forced to clean
toilets and septic tanks, because the caste bigotry <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/04/im-born-to-do-this-condemned-by-caste-indias-sewer-cleaners-risk-death-daily">won't let them do
anything else</a>.
<p>
Rather than doing the job the safe and clean way that it's done elsewhere,
they are forced to do it by hand without safety gear.  That makes the work
dangerous.
<p>
Without the bigotry, the job would have to be done by someone, but it
could be done safely.  A society without caste bigotry might
invest in plumbing to make parts of the job unnecessary.


feed_id: 15e85993fa83ce7f3b183903451a1591
title: Protecting democracy
uri: Protecting-democracy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Protecting_democracy%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/04/shock-system-liberal-democracy-populism">"Liberal democracy is at a critical point."</a>  How to protect it?


feed_id: bf6717b2ecbb622fb69f92d76911ed96
title: AI candidate evaluation
uri: AI-candidate-evaluation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28AI_candidate_evaluation%29
content:
<p>
Many companies use AI systems to evaluate job candidates.  Candidates
are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/inequality/2018/mar/04/dehumanising-impenetrable-frustrating-the-grim-reality-of-job-hunting-in-the-age-of-ai">completely mystified</a> about why they are rejected, and can't tell
whether it is due to bigotry coded into the neural net.
<p>
I would guess that many of these procedures require the candidate to
run nonfree software, which is an injustice.
<p>
I would guess that many of these procedures collect lots of
personal data, then use it or sell it for other purpose.
This suggests that the law should require the company doing the testing
to erase absolutely all the data obtained from it, after making
the hiring decision.
<p>
A job interview is an opportunity to learn about a prospective
employer.  You might learn, from this procedure, that you don't
want to work there.


feed_id: 7b701a5a4c850ad4c518b2548441d02f
title: Right to protest in US
uri: Right-to-protest-in-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Right_to_protest_in_US%29
content:
<p>
Pipeline companies and plutocratist legislators are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/03/we-will-continue-resist-assault-environmental-protest">systematically
attacking</a> the right to protest across the US.


feed_id: 4963a64202170420ea4f04252ff9c52c
title: Carl Icahn and the bully
uri: Carl-Icahn-and-the-bully
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Carl_Icahn_and_the_bully%29
content:
<p>
Billionaire Carl Icahn gave the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> "advice" on which regulations to
eliminate to help enrich Carl Icahn.  He <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/3/2/1746008/-Trump-s-billionaire-White-House-adviser-coincidentally-sold-off-all-of-his-steel-stocks-last-week">sold stock in a company</a> that
uses a lot of steel, a couple of weeks before the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> announced new
tariffs on steel imports.
<p>
Surely that's a coincidence, right?


feed_id: b9c6c1466c3e206a314f2b22c138cd62
title: Apollo Global Management
uri: Apollo-Global-Management
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Apollo_Global_Management%29
content:
<p>
The SEC "coincidentally" dropped its investigation of Apollo Global
Management shortly after it <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/3/2/1746046/-SEC-dropped-investigation-into-investment-company-after-the-company-gave-Jared-Kushner-a-huge-loan">gave Kushner a loan</a> of almost 200 million
dollars.
<p>
Of course, there is no proof that the dropped investigation was related
to the company representatives' visits to the White House.


feed_id: e9f2fe151767d08be98b2987b1b513fc
title: US immigrants with children
uri: US-immigrants-with-children
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28US_immigrants_with_children%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> wants to keep immigrants out of the US if their children, US
citizens, have got <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/03/leaked-rule-could-ban-immigrants-based-income-explained-experts">federal medical or food benefits</a>.


feed_id: 903243c331830f465d294aa6ae3fe191
title: US immigration thugs
uri: 2018-03-07-US-immigration-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28US_immigration_thugs%29
content:
<p>
US immigration <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> may be the most vicious thugs in the US.
They <a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/03/04/somali-deportation-flight-ice-detention-center/">systematically practice</a> verbal cruelty and violent physically
cruelty towards their prisoners, hoping to break their spirit
so that they will abandon appeals against deportation.
<p>
Cutting them off from medical care is another standard practice.
If US "custody" means they must suffer untreated diseases, that
might scare them away.
<p>
Blocking them from seeing their lawyers makes rational sense, too,
if the aim is to arrange a miscarriage of justice.


feed_id: e2e1acb2253dffdb03b72c7e0875524b
title: Reabsorbing staffers
uri: Reabsorbing-staffers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Reabsorbing_staffers%29
content:
<p>
The Onion: Nation Not Sure <a href="https://politics.theonion.com/nation-not-sure-how-many-ex-trump-staffers-it-can-safel-1823468346">How Many Ex-Trump Staffers</a> It Can Safely Reabsorb.


feed_id: 0ff274a276229e2a022f2e51529fec3e
title: Tax swindle
uri: Tax-swindle
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Tax_swindle%29
content:
<p>
How the tax attacks <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/3/1/1745880/-Krugman-Congratulations-America-You-ve-Been-Scammed">swindle Americans</a> (other than very rich ones).


feed_id: 032c468a811336525ff94d03491a95e3
title: Aetna's rejection
uri: Aetna-s-rejection
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Aetna%27s_rejection%29
content:
<p>
When a patient in southern California with Aetna medical coverage
needed expensive treatments, the company <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/03/shocking-aetna-report-shows-why-california-needs-single-payer">answered automatically "no"</a>.
It's no surprise — allowing the profit element in invites
such dishonesty.


feed_id: 747469183d7b41003604276b4dced83f
title: Techniques of manipulation
uri: Techniques-of-manipulation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Techniques_of_manipulation%29
content:
<p>
There are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/mar/04/has-dopamine-got-us-hooked-on-tech-facebook-apps-addiction">general techniques of manipulation</a> that can be deployed to
make any sort of interactive digital activity addictive.
<p>
Reading this leads me to want to keep such interactions out of my
life.  In fact, I've more or less totally done so, by not carrying a
mobile device, and rejecting on principle their proprietary malware
cr…app software.
<p>
You can do it too, with firmness and determination.


feed_id: 266ab38ac5c7b32f0a858dd7ce650c98
title: President for life
uri: 2018-03-07-President-for-life
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28President_for_life%29
content:
<p>
The bully <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/mar/04/donald-trump-praises-xi-jinping-power-grab-give-that-a-shot-china">stated his desire</a> to follow President Xi's example and
become president for life.
<p>
Xi prepared for that grab by increasing his power within the Chinese
Communist Party, step by step, to the point where no one could oppose
him on anything.
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> has steadily done the same within the US Republican Party.
This statement is another step in the process.  He has just taught
Republicans that, to remain in his good graces, they must stand by
uncritically while he says he'd like to abolish democracy in the US.
This step follows dozens of previous steps.  Step by step, his
supporters learn to abandon everything they used to hold dear and
become members of his cult.  Tools in his hands, ready for any use,
even for overthrowing the Constitution.
<p>
If they hate our freedoms, they should move to China.


feed_id: b86d0d4c06f066edb715f8f34bde2e00
title: Wildlife and superstition
uri: Wildlife-and-superstition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Wildlife_and_superstition%29
content:
<p>
Chinese workers in construction projects around the world
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/mar/04/jaguars-killed-for--fangs-chinese-medicine-trade">devastate local wildlife</a> to feed their superstitions.


feed_id: 5ec1c4bde96c30d59395bc8e43d4e1da
title: Demonstrating consciousness
uri: Demonstrating-consciousness
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Demonstrating_consciousness%29
content:
<p>
A completely paralyzed person has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2010/feb/03/vegetative-state-patient-communication">demonstrated consciousness</a> by
answering questions by choosing what to imagine.


feed_id: 3a8d62fcb9d0443425c617a40805a8d7
title: Cultural Revolution repeat
uri: Cultural-Revolution-repeat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Cultural_Revolution_repeat%29
content:
<p>
Chinese who remember the hell of the Cultural Revolution fear that Xi will
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/04/xi-jinping-from-president-to-china-new-dictator">repeat the horrors of Mao Zidong</a>.
<p>
There is no way to prevent this.  He has already grabbed so much power
that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/04/eight-signs-that-xi-jinping-was-planning-to-cement-his-grip-on-china">no one dares resist</a> as he tried to grab more.
<p>
With the <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-nov-feb.html#27_February_2018_(Social_reliability_score)">"social credit" system</a> they hope to convert China
into a nation of loyal robots, for whom doubting even the slightest
point of what they are told will be unthinkable.


feed_id: 92ba1f94dfbf730f5bb7caec8416de3f
title: Eradicating cervical cancer
uri: Eradicating-cervical-cancer
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Eradicating_cervical_cancer%29
content:
<p>
Australia is promoting vaccination in an aim to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/mar/04/australia-could-become-first-country-to-eradicate-cervical-cancer">eradicate cervical cancer</a>.


feed_id: fe59017750e7d23e5c0914cfdb436a5a
title: Rights for women in Salafi Arabia
uri: Rights-for-women-in-Salafi-Arabia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Rights_for_women_in_Salafi_Arabia%29

content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a> is
taking <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/03/saudi-arabia-new-mood-freedom-for-women-but-is-it-ready">some first steps</a> towards rights for women.
<p>
It has a long, long way to go, but I think we should encourage these
steps so as to press for more.
<p>
We should also press for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/04/shameful-kowtowing-saudi-prince-visit-uk">freeing political prisoner Raif Badawi</a>.


feed_id: 0617347603a96a1cc75005a3323ed019
title: Kushner question
uri: Kushner-question
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Kushner_question%29
content:
<p>
"<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/02/28/why-intel-community-targeting-kushner">What we really should be asking</a> is what McMaster and NSA director
Mike Rodgers want to do that Kushner is standing in the way of."
<p>
I agree that this is an interesting question.  Not because it might
cast any doubts on Kushner's corruption, which we can smell, but
because it might reveal some other devious schemes.  After all, we
can't suppose those spooks have a commitment to truth or justice.


feed_id: f6bfebdfc4891e484cfdc7e8ca20e6bf
title: Global tax avoidance
uri: Global-tax-avoidance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Global_tax_avoidance%29
content:
<p>
New US Bills Introduced to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/02/new-us-bills-introduced-tackle-global-tax-avoidance-and-corruption">
Tackle Global Tax Avoidance and Corruption.
</a>


feed_id: d7d1c14f931fb844b5239396f4e8f05f
title: Deadly effects of global heating
uri: Deadly-effects-of-global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Deadly_effects_of_global_heating%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/03/california-climate-change-fires-flood-landslide">
In Santa Barbara, the effects of <a href="/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> are deadly.
</a>
People there can't deny it any more.
<p>
What will it take to wake up the rest of us from
the lulling spell of the <a href="/glossary.html#planet">planet roasters</a>?


feed_id: 25b00f5a5f8f7b75f90cdcd9214dacd4
title: Oil drilling
uri: 2018-03-07-Oil-drilling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Oil_drilling%29
content:
<p>
A Canadian oil company has lost its fight to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/03/canada-oil-drilling-town-lawsuit-ristigouche-sud-est">
drill for oil next to a town's water supply.
</a>


feed_id: cd880d6c3805def71e083e8fcb5b3861
title: Managing the ecosphere
uri: Managing-the-ecosphere
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Managing_the_ecosphere%29
content:
<p>
Beware of the fools that
<a href="http://climateandcapitalism.com/2018/02/19/the-progress-of-this-storm/">
reject the idea that there is such a thing as
nature
</a>
(or physical laws), and believe humans can manage the whole
ecosphere.
<p>
I don't think humans could manage all life on Earth with our current
abilities, even with complete good will.  Even managing Biosphere II
proved to be too difficult.
<p>
In practice, this plan would be an excuse to discard all fixed limits,
so that the rich could plunder as they wish, while promising that some
unspecified clever scheme would fix up the damage.  Then it would
become known that they never had a specific clever scheme at all, and
the damage is irreparable.


feed_id: 90312427523d65a4711707000609fe34
title: Publishers dependent on Facebook
uri: Publishers-dependent-on-Facebook
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Publishers_dependent_on_Facebook%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/mar/01/facebook-news-feed-experiment-media-posts">
News publishers have become dangerously dependent on Facebook,
</a>
and the
proof of just how dependent they are is that when Facebook separated
news from personal postings the publishers call it "Orwellian".
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/facebook-presence.html">
What's Orwellian is this dependence.
</a>


feed_id: 110f07c4e63ee7da326444461306ef73
title: Russian-sponsored environmentalists
uri: Russian-sponsored-environmentalists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Russian-sponsored_environmentalists%29

content:
<p>
Russian trolls supported pipeline protests, as well as fossil fuel
advocates.
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/mar/02/dakota-access-pipeline-russia-congress">
<a href="/glossary.html#scrotus">SCROTUS</a> want to hold this against the former
but not against the latter.
</a>


feed_id: 0e6e485f291e5eb1eb8f5d3f46603141
title: Nunes leak
uri: Nunes-leak
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Nunes_leak%29
content:
<p>
It appears that Rep. Nunes in the House Intelligence Committee
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/3/1/1745776/-Senate-Intelligence-leaders-say-House-Republicans-leveled-partisan-smear-campaign-at-Sen-Warner?detail=emaildkre">
leaked communications of the Senate Intelligence Committee
</a>
to cause trouble for it.


feed_id: e0a2747daf82d62a80b03ccd9c8c2a92
title: Refugees from Vietnam
uri: Refugees-from-Vietnam
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Refugees_from_Vietnam%29
content:
<p>
The US immigration <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> are now
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/mar/03/vietnamese-refugees-immigration-us-detention">
rampaging against refugees from Vietnam,
</a>
imprisoning them for deportation even though, by treaty, the US cannot
deport them.
<p>
Isolation for 23 hours a day is brainwashing treatment, and
unacceptable for more than a short period even for criminals serving
prison sentences.  It is certainly not acceptable to treat people
that way who are merely awaiting deportation.
<p>
Holding these people far away from their families, and stopping them
from touching their families, are also inexcusable.


feed_id: d09e4be4635e284d4acbbc1839ef5adb
title: Kushner's business interests
uri: Kushner-s-business-interests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Kushner%27s_business_interests%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/mar/03/jared-kushner-ivanka-trump-business-problems">
Kushner's web of business interests make him an easy target for
foreign influence.
</a>
<p>
He's also an easy target for rich Americans, whose influence is even
more dangerous.  The days when rich and non-rich people had a common
interest, what you might call a "national" interest, are far behind
us.


feed_id: dd0dce3c4cae998e618a50026de2572d
title: Antisemitism in Poland
uri: Antisemitism-in-Poland
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Antisemitism_in_Poland%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/03/03/even-poland-never-enforces-new-holocaust-law-lot-damage-already-done/">
Poland's law censoring statements that criticize "the Polish nation"
for participation in the holocaust
</a>
spurred present-day antisemitism in
Poland, as well as more of the false, exaggerated criticisms of Poles
during World War II that the law aimed to stop.
<p>
Occupied Poland was deadly hell, so we should not be surprised that
some Poles responded with great heroism and others with great
depravity.  Jan Karsi's book, Story of a Secret State, presents the
heroism.  In this article we see Karski's presentation of the
depravity.  Alas, anti-Semitism provided an easy path to depravity.
<p>
Most nations with a long history have crimes in that history.  The US
has crimes at least as big as Poland's.  To deny the crimes is
self-delusion.  Poles, like Americans, must recognize them and work to
prevent future crimes.


feed_id: 82d2153ea750345a170d68f80c55555d
title: Baltimore police damages
uri: Baltimore-police-damages
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Baltimore_police_damages%29
content:
<p>
Amazingly, Baltimore will refuse to pay damages for the lawsuits that
criminal <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> are about to start losing.
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/03/03/baltimore-police-brutality-lawsuits-accountability/">
The <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> will be
personally on the hook.
</a>
<p>
As they always should be.


feed_id: be0d7ac9967a12fc9e246e32c476f5f7
title: Erasure of publications
uri: Erasure-of-publications
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Erasure_of_publications%29
content:
<p>
The European Commission's plan for
<a href="https://cdt.org/blog/who-needs-courts-a-deeper-look-at-the-european-commissions-plans-to-speed-up-content-takedowns/">
quick and "efficient" erasure of
publications that are forbidden by censorship laws,
</a>
and even those
alleged to violate some terms of service, is just a hair's breadth
away from arbitrary censorship without legal checks or limits.
<p>
<a href="https://edri.org/eu-commissions-recommendation-lets-put-internet-giants-in-charge-of-censoring-europe/">
"EU Commissionâs Recommendation: Letâs put internet giants in charge of 
censoring Europe."
</a>
<a href="http://stallman.org/archives/2014-jul-oct.html#12_July_2014_(Greenpeace_parody_was_taken_down_from_Youtube)">
The DMCA takedown system in the US has been used many times
for political censorship.
</a>
  This system could be even worse.


feed_id: 878b5c79c5ef496e0ba2c6913ed248b1
title: Chronic pain
uri: 2018-03-07-Chronic-pain
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Chronic_pain%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#saboteur">Saboteur</a> Sessions wants people that have surgery, or chronic pain,
to
<a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/reason/Articles/~3/ERE19gQOaTQ/jeff-sessions-idiot-pot-cancer-opioids">
suffer without remedy.
</a>


feed_id: 531c90cb353923ad11b257bcefc267c4
title: Car usage data
uri: Car-usage-data
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Car_usage_data%29
content:
<p>
Car companies are planning to
<a href="https://arstechnica.com/cars/2018/02/no-one-has-a-clue-whats-happening-with-their-connected-cars-data/">
collect lots of data about
the use of the car,
</a>
and want to sell it.
<p>
The first way a "connected car" spies on the driver is through the
connection itself.  It uses a cell phone modem, and the phone network
tracks its movements just as it tracks a cell phone.
<p>
You can disconnect the modem in your car, probably just by unscrewing
it.  Then the phone network can't track you, and the car isn't
connected, so it can't send any data about you, such as where you
travel or what you say in the car.
<p>
But it might save up data to be sent or extracted later.  To prevent
this, we need laws.


feed_id: b02006799f7cca78eeb8637f1006e26e
title: The free speech of bigots
uri: The-free-speech-of-bigots
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28The_free_speech_of_bigots%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/26/free-speech-bigots-no-platformO">
Responding to leftists who think that "free speech" is just a way to
legitimize bigotry.
</a>
<p>
I respect the free speech of bigots, not because I agree with what
they say, but rather despite the fact that I disagree with them.  I am
sure that if some views come to be censored, they won't be the
plutocrats' views, or the bigots' views.  Rather, the views that
criticize them will be censored.
<p>
Since the article mentioned trigger warnings, I would like to mention
the idea (which I believe I read in an article in Free Inquiry) that
trigger warnings are like spoiler warnings: a way of doing a favor to
people who might prefer to avoid a particular topic.  To fail to warn
should not be a big deal, but when you have an opportunity to do
people this favor, why not do it?


feed_id: 31693f633c3152c792f643ec12d05185
title: Spying on prisoner's sister
uri: 2018-03-07-Spying-on-prisoner-s-sister
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Spying_on_prisoner%27s_sister%29
content:
<p>
Impunity for repression
The UK dropped the investigation into
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/mar/01/officers-accused-of-spying-on-sister-of-man-who-died-in-police-custody-cleared">
<a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> that tried to spy on the sister of a prisoner
that was killed by <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>.
</a>
<p>
The idea that they could have any legitimate reason to interfere with
her beggars belief.  Especially since they obtained no warrant to do
so.  What we see here is impunity for repression.


feed_id: 059b0101968da6fa96ef737e594aa10d
title: Boycott of Qatar
uri: 2018-03-07-Boycott-of-Qatar
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Boycott_of_Qatar%29
content:
<p>
Kushner tried to get money from Qatar, to bail out his debts.
Qatar said no, and
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/03/02/jared-kushner-real-estate-qatar-blockade/">
soon the US supported <a href="/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a>'s
boycott of Qatar.
</a>


feed_id: 2661325cacc1cac3650a509be07b76b4
title: NRA meeting
uri: 2018-03-07-NRA-meeting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28NRA_meeting%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>'s handlers, and the NRA, say they have got him back on script and
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/02/after-great-late-night-meeting-top-nra-lobbyist-assures-nation-trump-pence-dont-want">
he won't break out into support for gun control again.
</a>
<p>
He must loathe being kept in line this way.  He might snap some day
and start a nuclear war.


feed_id: db61286d35ee5b638c9f6d4b0143383e
title: Sandy Hook
uri: 2018-03-07-Sandy-Hook
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Sandy_Hook%29
content:
<p>
Since the Sandy Hook school massacre, Republicans have foiled gun
control measures, and diverted the pressure to "do something" into
harmful measures:
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/02/will-lawmakers-again-make-schools-sacrificial-lamb-gun-control">
more <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> in schools to arrest more students.
</a>
<p>
What schools need, rather than guns, is
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/02/armmewith-solidarity-against-nra-and-militarizing-our-schools">
funds to do a proper job of education
</a>
and attend to the well-being of their students.


feed_id: 766fd2be016c768f2ca341773ea78efa
title: Former business lawyers
uri: 2018-03-07-Former-business-lawyers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Former_business_lawyers%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/02/more-75-trump-administration-lawyers-present-revolving-door-concerns-public">
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>'s saboteurs are hiring lots of former business lawyers to
work in the agencies that are supposed to regulate business.
</a>
  They are likely to bring with them the businesses' views about how
to interpret and enforce regulations -- that is to say, "weakly" and
"not at all".


feed_id: 36d78289419cb81a3cc438d875429c63
title: Regulations on coal ash
uri: 2018-03-07-Regulations-on-coal-ash
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#6_March_2018_%28Regulations_on_coal_ash%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#saboteur">Saboteur</a> Pruitt is
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/02/scott-pruitt-trying-sell-safety-our-water-industrial-polluters">
"trying to sell the safety of our water to industrial
polluters"
</a>
by pulling back the regulations on coal ash.
<p>
Duke Energy tried to hide its report that
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/02/groundwater-monitoring-reveals-widespread-radioactivity-duke-energy-coal-plants">
its coal ash is leaking excessive
levels of radioactive materials into groundwater.
</a>


feed_id: d381075db39963a58b31699600410876
title: Dubya's AUMF
uri: 2018-03-07-Dubya-s-AUMF
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Dubya%27s_AUMF%29
content:
<p>
Bipartisan pressure in Congress to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/02/28/members-congress-call-debate-and-vote-ongoing-wars">
reconsider <a href="/glossary.html#dubya">Dubya</a>'s Authorization
for the Use of Military Force,
</a>
which is dangerously overbroad but not
universally broad the way Obama and the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> have interpreted it.


feed_id: 7b157f6a4b6fc0bcbed87c51c36d1f3a
title: Mexican death squads
uri: 2018-03-07-Mexican-death-squads
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Mexican_death_squads%29
content:
<p>
High-ranking Mexican <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> face trial for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/28/mexico-police-charged-with-using-death-squad-tactics-on-drug-suspects">
setting up death squads to
disappear suspected drug gang assistants,
</a>
after torturing them in the
police academy.
<p>
In Mexico one can hardly separate the <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> from the gangs.  Could it be
that <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> targeted those people for belonging to a rival gang?


feed_id: e3ad6807cec6d7da12db16e08f4a9c76
title: US support for Salafi Arabia
uri: 2018-03-07-US-support-for-Salafi-Arabia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28US_support_for_Salafi_Arabia%29
content:
<p>
Bernie Sanders as well as one Democratic senator and one Republican
senator propose to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/02/28/sanders-led-group-introduces-bill-calling-removal-us-forces-yemen">
end US support for <a href="/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a>'s bombardment and
siege of Yemen.
</a>
<p>
US support includes selling lots of ammunition as well as tactical
assistance.


feed_id: ff8e5c5116cbc1a132af3e46f83f6322
title: Background checks
uri: 2018-03-07-Background-checks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Background_checks%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/28/trump-background-checks-gun-control">
<a href="/glossary.html#trump">The troll</a> stated support for closing the loopholes for buying a gun
without a background check.
</a>
<p>
If the result is to pass such a law, that will be a good thing.
However, it had better be done quickly before he changes his mind
again.
<p>
He also insisted on the foolish plan to arm lots of teachers.


feed_id: 3223d3ea5ca2c7b6ea214f419c232bf8
title: Slow-down job action
uri: 2018-03-07-Slow-down-job-action
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Slow-down_job_action%29
content:
<p>
The Senate Intelligence Committee is
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/28/1745565/-Sen-Ron-Wyden-again-asks-Senate-Intelligence-Committee-to-probe-Trump-s-business-dealings">
protecting <a href="/glossary.html#cheater">the cheater</a>
with a slow-down job action.
</a>


feed_id: 5ddc2cc0ed0c7d3345d97cff47b915d5
title: The Svalbard seed vault
uri: 2018-03-07-The-Svalbard-seed-vault
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28The_Svalbard_seed_vault%29
content:
<p>
The Svalbard seed vault, meant to preserve many varieties of plants
in case they are lost,
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/story/2018/2/28/1745551/-Norway-s-doomsday-seed-vault-is-getting-a-13-million-upgrade-to-fight-against-climate-change">
will be upgraded to protect it from the
effects of <a href="/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a>.
</a>
<p>
Now if only we could upgrade all the places that plants live.


feed_id: ba134bc2990eb8ea5395c0b19d604b0d
title: Curbing global heating
uri: 2018-03-07-Curbing-global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Curbing_global_heating%29
content:
<p>
According to theoretical modelling,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2018/mar/01/decisions-today-will-decide-antarctic-ice-sheet-loss-and-sea-level-rise">
5 years' delay in curbing
</a>
<a href="/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> means 20cm extra rise in sea level.


feed_id: f8637d9b07afd82a3d609a9b1baa08b0
title: Russia's new missiles
uri: 2018-03-07-Russia-s-new-missiles
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Russia%27s_new_missiles%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/01/vladimir-putin-threatens-arms-race-with-new-missiles-announcement">
Putin says that Russia has developed missiles that can get past US ABM
defenses,
</a>
since <a href="/glossary.html#dubya">Dubya</a> terminated the ABM treaty in 2002, and warns
that Russia will respond likewise to <a href="/glossary.html#trump">the troll</a>'s plans to develop new
nuclear weapons.
<p>
I don't find this shocking, or particularly evil.  Nor is Putin
necessarily telling the truth about these things.
<p>
Regardless of those points, this is a further reason why <a href="/glossary.html#trump">the troll</a>'s
nuclear weapons plans are at best foolish and wasteful.


feed_id: 93a19d00a2458572399bad391ad18833
title: America's identity politics
uri: 2018-03-07-America-s-identity-politics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28America%27s_identity_politics%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/mar/01/how-americas-identity-politics-went-from-inclusion-to-division">
How America's Identity Politics Went from Inclusion to Division.
</a>
The US Left made a grave mistake by adopting identity politics.
<p>
People who that see that their group is the target of systematic
wrongs have the right to organize to stop it.  I therefore respect and
support Black Lives Matter as a campaign to stop <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> from
gratuitously killing black people.
<p>
"All Lives Matter" was not a serious campaign to get <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> to stop
gratuitously killing people, regardless of race.  If it had been, it
might have deserved our support.  But in fact it was a cynical racist
right-wing way of saying, "Ignore the fact that <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> kill so many
blacks."  This distraction campaign only showed the need for Black
Lives Matter.
<p>
However, when mutual defense extends to the point of tribalism, it
discards the universal morality which we could all support with our
better nature, and aims for nothing beyond more effective competition
with other tribes.  This encourages the other tribes to fight back,
turning politics into a squabble between groups in which none of them
has any particular right on its side.
<p>
The only goal worth aiming for is to reject tribalism and return to
universal humanitarian goals.
<p>
In particular, let's reject entirely the idea that tribes own certain
cultural practices.  What would be left for the rest of us?  Hollywood?
No one should be allowed to own cultural ideas, because everyone
deserves cultural freedom.


feed_id: df87aebe218cb049531d6262b546f13d
title: Arming a million teachers
uri: 2018-03-07-Arming-a-million-teachers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#5_March_2018_%28Arming_a_million_teachers%29
content:
<p>
A high school teacher in Georgia brought a gun to school
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/mar/01/georgia-teacher-gun-dalton-high-school-police-motive">
and started shooting in a classroom.
</a>
<p>
This illustrates one of the many flaws with <a href="/glossary.html#trump">the troll</a>'s
plan to end school massacres by arming a million teachers.


feed_id: 239f3b745187555e9b6b93269d41b04e
title: Urgent: Oppose bank deregulation
uri: Urgent-Oppose-bank-deregulation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#7_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_bank_deregulation%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.demandprogress.org/call/tell-senate-reject-bank-lobbyist-act/">phone your senators</a> to oppose deregulation of banks.


feed_id: 48272191037498e41151dfbf086d6109
title: Urgent: Progressive values
uri: 2018-03-08-Urgent-Progressive-values
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#7_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Progressive_values%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/dccc-attacks">call on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee</a>
to support progressive values instead of opposing them.


feed_id: 65d2aee0c12f955e4cbc72e2cd0e4312
title: Urgent: Bully's budget
uri: Urgent-Bully-s-budget
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#7_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Bully%27s_budget%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/trump_budget_2018">call on Congress</a> to reject the bully's budget.


feed_id: 71f5e8341c1a1e3e9e02e04b60acefd6
title: Paying authors
uri: Paying-authors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#7_March_2018_%28Paying_authors%29
content:
<p>
Authors get <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/mar/05/philip-pullman-calls-for-authors-to-get-fairer-share-of-publisher-profits">3% of the sales price</a> of their books.
<p>
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/copyright-vs-community.html">My alternative systems</a> of supporting authors and artists
might do a better job.


feed_id: 1b07c3cf50bc1cd2397150ec30ca1aff
title: Repression of journalists
uri: Repression-of-journalists
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#7_March_2018_%28Repression_of_journalists%29
content:
<p>
Australia's planned repression of whistleblowers will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/mar/06/espionage-bill-still-threatens-journalists-with-jail-union-says">include
journalists too</a>.


feed_id: 0e6b539e9256cfb8008a1d9ed17da309
title: 'Defamation' of Poland
uri: Defamation-of-Poland
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#7_March_2018_%28%27Defamation%27_of_Poland%29
content:
<p>
A Polish right-wing group, connected with the ruling right-wing party,
is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/05/polish-group-files-suit-against-argentina-newspaper-over-holocaust-story">trying to sue</a> an Argentinian newspaper for "defaming the Polish
nation".
<p>
The alleged "defamation" is a rather subtle point — a juxtaposition
— which means that this case attempts to extend the censorship to the
widest conceivable level.
<p>
When governments attempt to censor publication outside the countries
they govern, this attacks freedom world-wide.


feed_id: ce763f84a99734e583303f6db156ec7f
title: Promoting militarism
uri: Promoting-militarism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#7_March_2018_%28Promoting_militarism%29
content:
<p>
The US army <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/05/gi-nik">spreads militarism by promoting sales</a>
of army-branded guns, clothing, and video games.
<p>
I don't think we should ban, or censor, video games.  There is no
reason to believe that they make people violent.  It is not clear that
they made Nik Cruz violent.  But even if they did occasionally do that,
censorship is a threat to human rights.
<p>
Most video games are unjust because they are nonfree software.  That
is a good reason to <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/nonfree-games.html">refuse to have them on your computer</a>.
But that is a separate issue.
<p>
However, it is clear that selling US Army fan material of any kind
promotes militarism, and that increases the danger of violence that
can kill thousands or even hundreds of thousands of people — in other
words, the danger of war.


feed_id: f6f2f8d9f1c53b6fc786a840b773c838
title: Charity that helps and hurts
uri: Charity-that-helps-and-hurts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#7_March_2018_%28Charity_that_helps_and_hurts%29
content:
<p>
A charity that helps the homeless also helped the UK government
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/mar/05/st-mungos-homeless-charity-helped-target-rough-sleepers-to-deport">find and deport some of them</a>.
<p>
Homeless immigrants need assurance that accepting help will not
threaten them.  For the same reason, they need assurance that seeking
medical care or school for themselves or their children will not
threaten them, and testifying in court will not threaten them.


feed_id: 75ea31529bba492c2137dc186068e795
title: Government journalists in Egypt
uri: Government-journalists-in-Egypt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#7_March_2018_%28Government_journalists_in_Egypt%29
content:
<p>
Egypt's thugs and courts are so crazy that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/05/egypt-media-crackdown-conservative-backlash">even government journalists
are prosecuted</a> for "insulting the police".


feed_id: fca3431d307ee8a3658d2600b62ebe2e
title: al-Nashiri 'trial'
uri: al-Nashiri-trial
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#7_March_2018_%28al-Nashiri_%27trial%27%29
content:
<p>
The Guantanamo kangaroo court "trial" of prisoner al-Nashiri has come
to a halt.  The <a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/03/05/guantanamo-trials-abd-al-rahim-al-nashiri/">defense lawyers all quit</a> because they were not allowed
to meet with the defendant without being spied on.
<p>
The US government absolutely insists on spying on their conversations,
and no ethical lawyer will work under those circumstances, so there is
no way to resume the trial.  In effect, the idea of using "military
tribunals" rather than fair trials has fallen into an essential
contradiction.
<p>
The root of this contradiction is the government's insistence on
concealing how it tortured these prisoners.  However, justice demands
that that this torture be revealed, and then prosecuted.  It is more
important to prosecute the torture of prisoners than to prosecute
anything the prisoners may have done.  For a patriotic American, there
can be no worse crime than a crime committed by the US government.


feed_id: f352a64750f32c7cdf980afb379ae31e
title: Mergers and employment
uri: Mergers-and-employment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#7_March_2018_%28Mergers_and_employment%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://slate.com/business/2018/01/a-new-theory-for-why-americans-cant-get-a-raise.html">An economic hypothesis</a> for why US wages don't go up: with all the
mergers in the US, there is little competition for employees.
<p>
When companies merge, they always say it will lead to improved
"efficiency".  What they mean by "efficiency" is "fewer jobs".
So it is completely clear that these mergers are bad for most
people.


feed_id: bc515f49fe2240fde46b59c8c7dffab6
title: Fining corporations
uri: Fining-corporations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#7_March_2018_%28Fining_corporations%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#cheater">The cheater</a> has placed big corporations effectively above the law.
Under Obama, they were fined 17 billion dollars a year.
The cheater's saboteurs fine them <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/02/13/tracking-tool-shows-fines-corporate-misconduct-have-plummeted-under-trump">only 1 billion a year</a>.


feed_id: 3e114f55e37a13dceabb38b88e644ee6
title: Defeating populism
uri: Defeating-populism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#7_March_2018_%28Defeating_populism%29
content:
<p>
How Can Liberals Defeat Populism?  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/13/liberals-populism-world-forum-democracy-5-ideas">Here Are Four Ideas.</a>


feed_id: 0b65d56f2f58ea099672aa4bb445c83b
title: Secret immigration rulebook
uri: Secret-immigration-rulebook
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#7_March_2018_%28Secret_immigration_rulebook%29
content:
<p>
The US immigration <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> aim to revoke the US citizenship of naturalized
citizens, using a secret rulebook that was <a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/02/14/ice-denaturalization-naturalized-citizen-immigration/">designed to bypass their
legal rights</a>.
<p>
However, the rule book has now been published.


feed_id: 6b8667c131e4ce3d391bd29b3ac6b9d7
title: Refusing special elections
uri: Refusing-special-elections
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#7_March_2018_%28Refusing_special_elections%29
content:
<p>
Several Republican state governors are refusing to schedule special
elections for vacant legislative seats.  They would rather keep the
seats empty, and deny the people in those districts representation,
than give a Democrat a chance to win.
<p>
Now people are <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/04/scott-walker-does-not-respect-democracy">challenging those decisions</a> with lawsuits.


feed_id: 84a8b5e174fbdd8e7a6741f21bb021b6
title: A good education
uri: A-good-education
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#7_March_2018_%28A_good_education%29
content:
<p>
The students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School learned to
speak clearly and persuasively with <a href="https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2018/02/the-student-activists-of-marjory-stoneman-douglas-high-demonstrate-the-power-of-a-full-education.html">the help of a good education</a>,
including programs such as debate, drama, and journalism.


feed_id: 716a1a6f5c947dfa05f0c7fe92e0bef2
title: Divestment persuasion
uri: Divestment-persuasion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#7_March_2018_%28Divestment_persuasion%29
content:
<p>
How the fossil fuel divestment movement <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/04/how-new-york-city-won-divestment-fossil-fuels">persuaded New York City</a>.


feed_id: 7614e061a8af953f2b55ea7a5ed42c03
title: Eliminating immigration option
uri: Eliminating-immigration-option
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#7_March_2018_%28Eliminating_immigration_option%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a> wants
to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/04/laws-and-president">eliminate the immigration option</a>
that permitted his wife's parents to move to the US.
<p>
Could it be that he advocates this because he dislikes his
mother-in-law?


feed_id: f82cef5c4c07540ef65fae0a0e50ff98
title: Gender-neutral German language
uri: Gender-neutral-German-language
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#7_March_2018_%28Gender-neutral_German_language%29
content:
<p>
The challenge of <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/will-new-law-forever-change-german-language-180968289/">introducing gender-neutrality</a> into German.


feed_id: 318df13726745ce7ea83e65c2ca79eed
title: Handout to the rich
uri: Handout-to-the-rich
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#7_March_2018_%28Handout_to_the_rich%29
content:
<p>
"Trickle down" never worked before, and it won't work in the tax
attacks now.  Its handout to the rich functions, in effect, <a href="https://mobile.nytimes.com/2018/03/01/opinion/taxpayers-scammed-republicans.html">as a
handout to the rich</a>.


feed_id: ecc96f6ebdb306c061e31006bb004563
title: Portugal's decriminalization
uri: Portugal-s-decriminalization
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#7_March_2018_%28Portugal%27s_decriminalization%29
content:
<p>
Portugal's decriminalization of using illegal drugs, together
with plenty of treatment and other support for users that need it,
<a href="https://news.vice.com/article/ungass-portugal-what-happened-after-decriminalization-drugs-weed-to-heroin">has almost eliminated</a> the main secondary problems that drug use
causes in other countries.
<p>
Don't assume that all use of illegal drugs is a problem.  There are
plenty of people that sometimes use marijuana and it isn't a problem
at all.  Marijuana should be legal, not merely decriminalized.


feed_id: ce4810002d9ef773794e7bac5b4a102d
title: Korea peace negotiations
uri: Korea-peace-negotiations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#7_March_2018_%28Korea_peace_negotiations%29
content:
<p>
South Korea is trying to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/05/south-korea-nuclear-talks-north-historic-moon-jae-in">start peace negotiations</a> with North Korea,
hoping to draw in the US as well.


feed_id: e3943ed02debcc84d87945dcc48e150d
title: Personal data collection
uri: Personal-data-collection
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#7_March_2018_%28Personal_data_collection%29
content:
<p>
Allowing companies to collect all the personal data they can maneuver
people into "consenting" to will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/05/algorithms-rate-credit-scores-finances-data">develop into something similar</a>
to China's totalitarian "social credit" system.


feed_id: 21ff43fea98490e7b8bd9e75b8aab31d
title: Very urgent: Bank Lobbyist Act
uri: Very-urgent-Bank-Lobbyist-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#8_March_2018_%28Very_urgent%3A_Bank_Lobbyist_Act%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.democracyforamerica.com/call/call-bank-lobbyist-act/">phone your senator</a> to oppose the Bank Lobbyist Act. 


feed_id: c7ea160c84ae20fe68c97bce169ba68a
title: Very urgent: Automatic copyright censorship
uri: Very-urgent-Automatic-copyright-censorship
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#8_March_2018_%28Very_urgent%3A_Automatic_copyright_censorship%29

content:
<p>
European Union citizens: <a href="https://edri.org/european-policy-makers-want-faulty-filters-to-rule-the-internet-your-action-is-needed/">oppose the plan</a> to impose automatic copyright
censorship filters on the European web.


feed_id: 78d5adfb388f52271dfcfd639f5a6062
title: Urgent: Ban assault weapons
uri: 2018-03-09-Urgent-Ban-assault-weapons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#8_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Ban_assault_weapons%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=13282">support banning assault weapons</a>.
<p>
To sign this without running nonfree Javascript code, use the
<a href="https://stallman.org/salsalabs-method.html">Salsalabs workaround</a>.


feed_id: f61ba4f1ac5dd7e24314ac307145f88c
title: Urgent: Gordon Giampietro
uri: Urgent-Gordon-Giampietro
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#8_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Gordon_Giampietro%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://petitions.moveon.org/sign/withdraw-nomination-of">oppose the nomination</a> of anti-LGBT lawyer Gordon Giampietro
as a US judge.


feed_id: 7a00fe82a045c00a23d422bfc8f14aec
title: AI-led corporations
uri: AI-led-corporations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#8_March_2018_%28AI-led_corporations%29
content:
<p>
Corporations controlled by AIs would be <a href="https://boingboing.net/2018/03/01/what-happens-if-you-give-an-ai.html">an even bigger
threat</a> to humanity than corporations today.
<p>
See also my story, <a href="https://stallman.org/articles/made-for-you.html">Made for You</a>.


feed_id: 7580cf59c4b1259fa5e62584318c2b49
title: From Jamaica to the US
uri: From-Jamaica-to-the-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#8_March_2018_%28From_Jamaica_to_the_US%29
content:
<p>
A black man from Jamaica <a href="https://lithub.com/walking-while-black/">describes going to school in the US</a>, and
learning the constant fear of being attacked by <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> for the
slightest shadow of a reason.


feed_id: c390b5e2b05995d7c64a8991f82e082a
title: Support for free speech
uri: Support-for-free-speech
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#8_March_2018_%28Support_for_free_speech%29
content:
<p>
An <a href="http://jmrphy.net/blog/2018/02/16/who-is-afraid-of-free-speech/">analysis of survey data</a> suggests that US Liberals mostly support
free speech for views they oppose, even more broadly than they did
decades ago.
<p>
This is good news, since the loss of freedom of speech about political
views leads to the sort of tyranny we see congealing in China.


feed_id: 61d8f969ddda36dff728d538e53180b2
title: Hang up on the DCCC
uri: Hang-up-on-the-DCCC
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#8_March_2018_%28Hang_up_on_the_DCCC%29
content:
<p>
When the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee calls you,
<a href="https://www.thenation.com/article/when-dccc-calls-hang-up-the-phone/">hang up</a>.


feed_id: eabbf80218816dcf49afd96e21714390
title: Lottery bonus
uri: Lottery-bonus
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#8_March_2018_%28Lottery_bonus%29
content:
<p>
United cut the bonuses for its staff by <a href="https://thepointsguy.com/2018/03/united-cutting-employee-bonuses/">offering them
tickets to a lottery</a> instead.
<p>
The staff will get less money, all told, but more excitement.
Those who are foolish may think this is an improvement.


feed_id: b8e350c183c970f94c4c7159eecfe86f
title: Secret NYPD files
uri: Secret-NYPD-files
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#8_March_2018_%28Secret_NYPD_files%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/kendalltaggart/secret-nypd-files-hundreds-of-officers-committed-serious">Secret NYPD Files</a>: [Thugs] Who Lie And Brutally Beat People Can Keep Their Jobs.
<p>
Even worse, the <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a> department conceals their record of lies, to help
them get away with further <a href="/glossary.html#testilying">testilying</a> in court (to use the word the
<a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> use for it).


feed_id: dd0d794e811ece909a4613a2b27c7ee7
title: Teacher strike victory
uri: Teacher-strike-victory
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#8_March_2018_%28Teacher_strike_victory%29
content:
<p>
The West Virginia legislature gave all state employees
a 5% raise, and the teacher strike has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/mar/06/slug-west-virginia-strike-teachers-over-pay-raise-deal-lawmakers">ended in victory</a>.
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/06/west-virginia-teachers-chant-put-it-writing-lawmakers-reach-pay-raise-deal">More information.</a>


feed_id: 19c405d0702eb15aba81c8ea27c7aa38
title: Australia's native forests
uri: Australia-s-native-forests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#8_March_2018_%28Australia%27s_native_forests%29
content:
<p>
Australia is quickly destroying what remains of its native forests.
Many farmers hate and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/mar/07/scorched-country-the-destruction-of-australias-native-landscape">sabotage neighboring farmers</a> that protect forest
on their own land.


feed_id: 99d0449653fe08ac5c3b1f40ff3e21b9
title: Vague accusations
uri: Vague-accusations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#8_March_2018_%28Vague_accusations%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/mar/06/mark-mcdonald-resigns-from-snp-over-inappropriate-behaviour">Another politician</a> is being pressured to resign over vague accusations
that amount to "someone disapproves of something, someone didn't like
something".
<p>
Am I the only person who sees a danger of injustice in judging people
over secret accusations?


feed_id: 2f36bec4ef5c1940ebb6443a9b4feb7a
title: Polish ruling party
uri: Polish-ruling-party
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#8_March_2018_%28Polish_ruling_party%29
content:
<p>
Polish nationalists in the 1930s implemented anti-semitic campaigns
and discrimination.  The current ruling party <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/06/poland-antisemitism-nationalism-holocaust">is their follow-on</a>.
<p>
That doesn't mean that the current ruling party is anti-semitic.
It has a choice about that.  However, denying the past will 
interfere with making the ethical choice.


feed_id: 9c9b8cedc3abb4cc8b9e9a7740417282
title: 'Protected browsing'
uri: Protected-browsing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#8_March_2018_%28%27Protected_browsing%27%29
content:
<p>
Comcastâs "Protected Browsing" <a href="https://torrentfreak.com/comcasts-protected-browsing-blocks-torrentfreak-as-suspicious-site-18004/">Blocks TorrentFreak</a> as "Suspicious" Site.
<p>
I wish TorrentFreak would stop calling sharing "piracy".  I link
to their articles because they are interesting, but this makes
me feel bad about it.


feed_id: 1bc278be1095c93764f6173b36a6bd87
title: Surveillance cameras
uri: 2018-03-09-Surveillance-cameras
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#8_March_2018_%28Surveillance_cameras%29
content:
<p>
Detroit thugs have <a href="https://www.aclu.org/blog/privacy-technology/surveillance-technologies/detroit-police-are-playing-big-brother-local">pressured 250 businesses</a> to set up
remote cameras for the <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> to look through.  These are
expensive for the businesses, but even more expensive for
people's human rights.


feed_id: ab18ded883119febe12d2b0cc44a36c6
title: Aid trucks in Syria
uri: Aid-trucks-in-Syria
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#8_March_2018_%28Aid_trucks_in_Syria%29
content:
<p>
Violence <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/mar/06/violence-aid-trucks-flee-eastern-ghouta-besieged-city-syria">Forces Aid Trucks to Flee</a> Syria's Eastern Ghouta Without Unloading.
Assad's forces attacked them.


feed_id: 895c400d9b9874080e83f256e37416ed
title: Striking without union support
uri: Striking-without-union-support
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#8_March_2018_%28Striking_without_union_support%29
content:
<p>
The West Virginia teachers are striking <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/06/west-virginia-strike-teachers-rare-hope-dark-times">without support from their union</a>,
which is forbidden by state law from striking.
<p>
Despite the Republican hatred for workers and therefore for unions, 
workers can still win if they have courage.


feed_id: 0f52778138358e37dc6212b59988f855
title: Body scanners in Penn Station
uri: Body-scanners-in-Penn-Station
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#8_March_2018_%28Body_scanners_in_Penn_Station%29
content:
<p>
Pressing the envelope on surveillance: the TSA is <a href="https://www.aclu.org/blog/privacy-technology/privacy-borders-and-checkpoints/tsa-tests-see-through-scanners-public-new">putting body
scanners in Penn Station</a>.
<p>
Any kind of checkpoint will randomly catch some criminals of some kind,
but we don't want the repressive society that this creates.


feed_id: 32a73ab62d23485db204c7c8ed0012e1
title: Heating support
uri: Heating-support
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#8_March_2018_%28Heating_support%29
content:
<p>
Trump <a href="http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/43747-trump-wants-to-get-rid-of-the-heating-support-that-kept-me-safe">Wants to Get Rid of the Heating Support</a> That Kept Me Safe.


feed_id: 4b5fed1c1bc0eee81c1c09b269a8e080
title: Killer warning signs
uri: Killer-warning-signs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#8_March_2018_%28Killer_warning_signs%29
content:
<p>
After each mass shooting, people ask, "Why didn't we realize in
advance that person would be a killer?  We noticed some warning
signs but didn't follow up."
<p>
The reason is that these warning signs don't indicate much.  For each
person that displays some of these signs and goes on to kill,
thousands of others display the same warning signs but don't kill
anyone.
<p>
Thugs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/mar/06/mass-shootings-fbi-law-enforcement-prevention">hope that we won't realize this</a>, and that we will agree to
advance the surveillance state towards total surveillance.
<p>
The ACLU already showed that "fusion centers" are used to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-may-aug.html#15%20August%202009%20(Fusion%20centers)">investigate
dissidents and protesters</a>.
They don't protect us, they threaten us.  We should cancel them.


feed_id: 9749e8847735d0d5e979ece1da92a099
title: Denying the vote
uri: Denying-the-vote
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#8_March_2018_%28Denying_the_vote%29
content:
<p>
Following the lead of the US Republicans, the Tories are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/06/tories-id-voting-booths-labour-disadvantaged-ballot-box">step by step
denying the vote</a> to disadvantaged people who are likely to vote
against them.


feed_id: e34d8fe3462fe24b9d931690f5194dd6
title: Insult is a crime
uri: Insult-is-a-crime
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#8_March_2018_%28Insult_is_a_crime%29
content:
<p>
Freedom of speech includes the freedom to insult people, but in Belgium
a mere insult is a crime <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/06/man-becomes-first-person-convicted-under-belgian-sexism-law">if it is sexist in nature</a>.
<p>
I don't like sexist or racist insults, but that doesn't mean
it should be a crime to say them.
<p>
The prohibition is not limited to insults, and I can't figure out what
the limits are.  If you say, "I don't hang out with her because I
don't find her attractive", is that criminalized because it "reduces
someone to his or her sexual dimension"?
<p>
There is a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/06/make-catcalling-a-hate-crime-labour-mp-to-urge-parliament">proposal in the UK</a> to make it a crime
to say or do anything that makes a woman feel uncomfortable.
<p>
It starts by talking about "sexist abuse", but if you keep reading,
you'll see that the criterion for what is to be prohibited is purely
subjective.
<p>
I support the goal of teaching people not to be sexist,
but not through totalitarian means, and not by restricting freedom
of speech.


feed_id: 624e86c1858c93c7ccc45c63c0390e26
title: Women's stories
uri: Women-s-stories
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#8_March_2018_%28Women%27s_stories%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/mar/06/the-male-glance-how-we-fail-to-take-womens-stories-seriously">The Male Glance</a>: How We Fail to Take Women's Stories Seriously.
<p>
Part of the way it works is by assuming that any interesting
aspects of a woman's art are the result of luck rather than
capable artistic thought.
<p>
Another aspect is the dismissal of some books as "chick lit" because
"that is just meant to appeal to women".  We could equally well
dismiss some writing as "dick lit" because "that is just meant to
appeal to men".  The former term is, and the latter term would be,
nothing but an excuse to reject and dismiss.  But why dismiss a book
merely because it addresses issues that interest a certain large
segment of people?


feed_id: 71dd4f4a27e453e20b735b71535a8447
title: Urgent: Limit who can get guns
uri: Urgent-Limit-who-can-get-guns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Limit_who_can_get_guns%29
content:
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/warren_gun_investors?t=1001&">
call on the main investors in gun companies to demand
those companies adopt policies to limit who can get guns and how.
</a>


feed_id: 90bdfabaa1ef2b5991ab3f93864b60d4
title: Forced starvation of Rohingya
uri: Forced-starvation-of-Rohingya
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Forced_starvation_of_Rohingya%29
content:
<p>
Myanmar:
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/06/myanmar-forced-starvation-rohingya-highlights-danger-premature-returns">
Forced Starvation Of Rohingya Highlights Danger of Premature Returns.
</a>


feed_id: 76aa45ed711dff86384547d18b7139dd
title: Yarlswood hunger strike
uri: Yarlswood-hunger-strike
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Yarlswood_hunger_strike%29
content:
<p>
The UK threatens to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/mar/06/minister-defends-deportation-threats-over-yarls-wood-hunger-strike">
punish immigration prisoners for their hunger strike
</a>
by deporting them faster.
<p>
The state already intends to deport them, and is waiting only to the extent
imposed by legal requirements.  How, then, could it deport them faster?
By violating their legal rights?


feed_id: 5db16f03632c62484ecfe7f6b619f3ff
title: Fossil fuel treaty
uri: Fossil-fuel-treaty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Fossil_fuel_treaty%29
content:
<p>
Bad news:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/07/australia-and-timor-leste-sign-historic-maritime-border-treaty">
Australia and East Timor have signed a treaty to divide
up the fossil fuels in the sea between them.
</a>
<p>
That makes the biggest threat to civilization's survival even worse.
Fortunately the extraction is still held up by disagreements about
commercial plans.


feed_id: d66f3099f45103200060ccb953b0b86f
title: Australian snooping
uri: Australian-snooping
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Australian_snooping%29
content:
<p>
An Australian whistleblower revealed that
Australia was snooping on
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/07/australian-spy-who-revealed-bugging-of-timor-leste-cabinet-under-effective-house-arrest">
the cabinet of East Timor.
</a>
Ever since, Australia has kept him under
house arrest.


feed_id: a6a790718c4494a17ae4a7172fa437ac
title: Urgent: Leave wildlife refuge alone
uri: Urgent-Leave-wildlife-refuge-alone
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Leave_wildlife_refuge_alone%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://secure.defenders.org/site/Advocacy;cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=3296&s_src=3WDE1806A1XX1&s_subsrc=030518_ADVACTFF_airforce_desertnwr_a2d_nondonor0to6mo">
call on the Air Force to leave the Desert National
Wildlife Refuge alone.
</a>


feed_id: a5884939f99a626c32046246ba13b74f
title: Uber's underpayment of drivers
uri: Uber-s-underpayment-of-drivers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Uber%27s_underpayment_of_drivers%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/mar/07/ubers-underpayment-of-drivers-keeping-it-afloat-report-finds">
Uber's Underpayment of Drivers Keeping It Afloat,
</a>
Report Finds.
<p>
We can protect our freedom by protecting drivers' pay rates.


feed_id: a740192074cc42708da5ee9c6d482391
title: Commemorative plaques
uri: Commemorative-plaques
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Commemorative_plaques%29
content:
<p>
Around the former Soviet Union
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/07/russia-stalin-putin-guilt-victims">
small plaques on houses
commemorate the millions murdered by Stalin's repression.
</a>
<p>
Some of them were dissidents.  Some of them were suspected based on
Stalin's paranoia.  Some were merely in the wrong place at the wrong
time.


feed_id: f92bfdd0fa2926f1ce14bb7befc66b55
title: Saudi crown prince visits UK
uri: Saudi-crown-prince-visits-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Saudi_crown_prince_visits_UK%29
content:
<p>
For the Tories,
the wish to buy lots of ammunition 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/07/saudi-arabia-arms-sales-yemen">
washes away all sins from Salafi Arabia.
</a>


feed_id: 4f16e18331835f863f99b19042c25c97
title: Pinker's environmental optimism
uri: Pinker-s-environmental-optimism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Pinker%27s_environmental_optimism%29

content:
<p>
Steven Pinker's environmental optimism is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/07/environmental-calamity-facts-steven-pinker">
based on shallow fallacies.
</a>


feed_id: 3f702a045ead405ee27125fa4aa5d07e
title: Democratic primary
uri: Democratic-primary
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Democratic_primary%29
content:
<p>
Laura Moser, the progressive candidate attacked by the establishment
Democrats,
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/03/07/laura-moser-race/">
passed the first round of the Democratic primary
</a>
and is likely to win the run-off.
<p>
The publicity she gained from this attack seems to have boosted
her vote.
<p>
Americans are becoming firmly progressive, and will eventually
make the Democratic Party come along.  But it is important
to do this quickly.


feed_id: 5aebd5ad85544c4c4d4d5ee5e6d9e9f2
title: Gary 'Carried Interestâ Cohn
uri: Gary-Carried-Interestâ-Cohn
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Gary_%27Carried_Interest%C3%A2%C2%80%C2%99_Cohn%29

content:
<p>
Gary Cohn:
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/03/07/gary-cohn-mission-accomplished-wall-street-goldman-sachs/">
Mission Accomplished -- Goldman Sachs won, the US lost.
</a>


feed_id: 12f39c5f3293c1c3613244438ed09f23
title: Progressive Democrats
uri: Progressive-Democrats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Progressive_Democrats%29
content:
<p>
The establishment center-right Democratic Party of Illinois
is
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/03/07/illinois-democratic-party-michael-madigan-mailers/">
attacking progressive Democratic candidates with absurd
charges.
</a>


feed_id: 68968fe11335c1ba0a152522eb08e24f
title: Teachers afraid to touch students
uri: Teachers-afraid-to-touch-students
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Teachers_afraid_to_touch_students%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/mar/07/crisis-touch-hugging-mental-health-strokes-cuddles">
Teachers are afraid to touch students, and doctors are
afraid to touch patients.
</a>
Coworkers are afraid to touch
coworkers.


feed_id: 255395702145db8f6eddc8941df3b32a
title: National regulations in EU
uri: National-regulations-in-EU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28National_regulations_in_EU%29
content:
<p>
How the new business-supremacy treaty CETA would
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/07/case-studies-demonstrate-eu-member-state-protections-threatened-ceta">
eliminate existing
national regulations in Europe.
</a>
<p>
It would oppress Canada as well.


feed_id: 7204b7426c59a3eaa8299ff71ca45502
title: Flooding in California
uri: Flooding-in-California
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Flooding_in_California%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/mar/07/san-francisco-rising-sea-level-threat-climate-change">
Large areas of land around San Francisco Bay are likely to be flooded
in this century.
</a>
<p>
The article makes an unfair contrast between this and the failure
of some west-coast states to pass stronger green energy laws,
but that is silly.  No state can prevent global heating on its own.


feed_id: 521a1fc781e19491afbc8c685d09d0a7
title: Ayn Rand
uri: Ayn-Rand
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Ayn_Rand%29
content:
<p>
Ayn Rand was fundamentally wrong to dismiss the common good.
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/07/trumps-brand-ayn-rand">
If there is no common good, there is no society.
</a>


feed_id: 9104ef6fcc29861ffb953c69770d3554
title: EPA air pollution
uri: EPA-air-pollution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28EPA_air_pollution%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/06/trump-buried-omb-report-undermines-entire-premise-his-deregulatory-agenda">
The EPA air pollution rules that the bully is getting rid of save a
lot of money.
</a>
But they save it for poor people, and cost a smaller
amount of money for rich people.
<p>
For Republicans, only the rich people matter.


feed_id: 9c25b39c632ec79d1d5762d9c84751ff
title: A healthy environment
uri: A-healthy-environment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28A_healthy_environment%29
content:
<p>
Proposing the human right to
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/06/time-has-come-un-expert-calls-global-recognition-every-human-has-right-healthy">
an environment conducive to good health.
</a>


feed_id: 47696e178463ff40a0ff1cce4ffeade4
title: Geek Squad FBI informants
uri: Geek-Squad-FBI-informants
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Geek_Squad_FBI_informants%29
content:
<p>
The FBI pays employees of computer repair stores
<a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2018/03/geek-squads-relationship-fbi-cozier-we-thought">
to search the computers for things they can prosecute,
</a>
sneaking around the requirement to get a search warrant.
<p>
This illustrates how any prohibition on possessing copies of some
publication threatens human rights.


feed_id: 8e257c2e45e5fafd99c86f61b1d1034e
title: Urgent: WHO cancer research funding
uri: Urgent-WHO-cancer-research-funding
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_WHO_cancer_research_funding%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/fund-WHO">tell Congress</a> not to defend Monsanto by cutting
WHO's cancer research funding.


feed_id: c4dad690ec646a77dc36ea2f89476342
title: Nuclear negotiations
uri: Nuclear-negotiations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Nuclear_negotiations%29
content:
<p>
North Korea has invited the US to nuclear negotiations.
This <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/mar/07/north-korea-nuclear-talks-trump-administration">would be great news</a> if the US government were prepared
to talk.


feed_id: 5c3b1de44e04e6911e601aeb32768e9b
title: Deep learning for drone images
uri: Deep-learning-for-drone-images
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Deep_learning_for_drone_images%29
content:
<p>
The US is using Google's deep-learning free software
to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/mar/07/google-ai-us-department-of-defense-military-drone-project-maven-tensorflow">analyze images taken by drones</a>.
<p>
I don't find anything scandalous in using deep learning
to aid human analysts in understanding what they see.
But it would be a small step from there to a policy of
"bomb anything that the AI program flags", which would
be an automatic killer robot.


feed_id: 24de9db1e4f6bd902357d70d02e4d390
title: The fight for healthcare
uri: The-fight-for-healthcare
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28The_fight_for_healthcare%29
content:
<p>
The West Virginia Teachers' Strike Is Over.  But <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/07/west-virginia-teachers-strike-healthcare">the Fight for Healthcare
Isn't</a>.


feed_id: 255710cc9d6e301aafbdffd117acd63d
title: Showing your head
uri: Showing-your-head
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Showing_your_head%29
content:
<p>
Iran: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/07/iranian-woman-who-removed-headscarf-sentenced-to-two-years">two years in prison</a> for showing your head in public.


feed_id: 3dcd6b34230c0135cd6e7e9e3f6e7bbc
title: ISP censorship
uri: ISP-censorship
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28ISP_censorship%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/03/20-porn-unblocking-fee-could-hit-internet-users-if-state-bill-becomes-law/">A bill in Rhode Island</a> threatens to impose censorship requirements on
ISPs.
<p>
We've seen the results of this in the UK.  People who can afford their
own accounts can pay to disable the censorship.  Those who must use
public access WiFi will be blocked.
<p>
Any imposed censorship is incompatible with network neutrality.


feed_id: 0d24cfc448dde82be6999a8b0a0bf5c3
title: Toxic dispersant
uri: Toxic-dispersant
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Toxic_dispersant%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-jul-oct.html#17%20July%202010%20(Dispersants)">Remember the "dispersant"</a> that Billionaire Polluters (BP) dropped
on the oil from the Big Spill?
<p>
It <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/07/coast-guard-responders-harmed-chemicals-used-clean-bps-spill">proved to be toxic</a>, and a substantial fraction of the Coast Guard
and cleanup workers exposed to it got sick.


feed_id: 4fe83856575eb7b1c82e2d7ee9ac750d
title: Schumer's speech to AIPAC
uri: Schumer-s-speech-to-AIPAC
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Schumer%27s_speech_to_AIPAC%29
content:
<p>
Senator Schumer <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/07/schumer-denounced-absolutely-disgusting-aipac-speech">gave a speech</a> to the Israeli lobbying organization, AIPAC,
which in effect endorsed annexation of all of the Palestinians' territory.


feed_id: e28c3d86881c78161c82d90043ff46b0
title: Rejected right-wing
uri: Rejected-right-wing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Rejected_right-wing%29
content:
<p>
Right-wing men (they tend to be men) in Washington DC find
that <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/3/6/1746951/-Swipe-left-Trump-supporting-conservatives-in-D-C-are-upset-nobody-wants-to-date-them?detail=emaildkre">women reject them for that</a>.


feed_id: 4c9ce8f4b2e4f4702d194e1fdd3b018c
title: Offshore drilling plan
uri: Offshore-drilling-plan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Offshore_drilling_plan%29
content:
<p>
The poisoner's plan for oil drilling off all US coasts <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/07/new-economic-analysis-finds-trump-administrations-offshore-drilling-plan">threatens
important industries</a> based on the sea.  The only aspect which is not
as bad as one might have feared is that the total amount of available
oil is not so large.
<p>
At least this will limit the amount of <a href="/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> that results
from this stupid plan.


feed_id: 9a00dc60084d5fca60295190dbdeb7b2
title: Drone assassination rules
uri: Drone-assassination-rules
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Drone_assassination_rules%29
content:
<p>
The bully <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/07/leading-rights-groups-trump-publish-lethal-drones-policy">must publish his rules</a> for drone assassinations.


feed_id: 114629dee23c122e6cfd8d413dd866eb
title: Detecting school shooters
uri: Detecting-school-shooters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Detecting_school_shooters%29
content:
<p>
It's impossible to detect school shooters in advance by <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/07/monitoring-kids-social-media-accounts-wont-prevent-next-school-shooting">monitoring the
social media postings of all students</a>, because (1) most of those who
commit violence don't show signs in advance, and (2) most of the
students that show what people might take for signs don't commit
violence.


feed_id: a94fad0da47dcfcc6ab73c16e120e601
title: Thugs in schools
uri: 2018-03-10-Thugs-in-schools
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Thugs_in_schools%29
content:
<p>
To make schools safer, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/07/getting-real-about-school-safety">don't put more thugs in them</a>.
<p>
I can't judge the effectiveness of the SEAD program, but I'm pretty
sure that teachers who are overworked and overstretched, and
desperately aiming for high results on standardized tests, won't have
much attention to spare for "the whole child".  I think the first step
towards making schools safer is to address those systemic problems.
I expect that will reduce the stress on students, too, and that might
by itself reduce the school shootings along with plenty of other
problems.
<p>
Tennessee wants to fund <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> in schools — typically arresting
students — <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/3/1/1745765/-Tennessee-wants-to-use-civil-forfeiture-to-pay-off-duty-cops-to-patrol-schools">through forfeiture</a>.  Two injustices for the price of one.
<p>
Civil forfeiture is simply <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-mar-jun.html#27_May_2012_(Civil_forfeiture)">punishment without trial</a>.


feed_id: 0e1b087eb8e37af48985961b12ff4e22
title: Executions in Salafi Arabia
uri: Executions-in-Salafi-Arabia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Executions_in_Salafi_Arabia%29
content:
<p>
The new effective ruler of Salafi Arabia has <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/07/executions-double-under-saudi-crown-prince">doubled the rate of
executions</a>.  Among the prisoners awaiting execution are some
political prisoners convicted of protesting.


feed_id: a780096188a060b5673d01e9321f1bf9
title: Paying with phones
uri: Paying-with-phones
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Paying_with_phones%29
content:
<p>
Stores propose to do away with cash registers, and the staff that
run them, by pressuring people into <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/mar/07/scan-and-go-co-op-shoppers-to-avoid-tills-with-phone-app">paying with their phones</a>
and thus getting totally profiled.
<p>
Using this dis-service will put other people out of work and thus
spread poverty.  It will also result in tracking you.  So don't be
tracked — pay cash!
<p>
If you go to a store and find you don't have enough cash, that is no
reason to let the store know who you are.  Visit an ATM to get cash,
then pay cash!
<p>
And make sure that your computers' WiFi is totally off before you
enter the store.
<p>
That will take a few minutes.  Don't you value your freedom
enough to make a few minutes' effort to preserve it?


feed_id: 9d74755e96c68a0a69306a7f1008aa79
title: TV and social media
uri: TV-and-social-media
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28TV_and_social_media%29
content:
<p>
The US in 1988 had hardly anyone who supported the whole right-wing
agenda.  They were created subsequently by the right-wing media
machine.  In the past 10 years, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/06/social-media-and-rise-consistent-liberal">progressives have used social media</a>
to awaken many Americans to their agreement with progressive views,
which the mainstream media generally downplay.
<p>
The result is that there are now many thoroughgoing progressives 
as well as some thoroughgoing right-wingers.
<p>
I actively avoid watching TV news.  If it ever covers something important,
I will read about that elsewhere, and there's never any hurry about it.
Even NPR bothers me with how right-wing it tends to be.


feed_id: 10e309c25e2f01a1642cb608a06b1d02
title: Saudi crown prince visits UK
uri: 2018-03-10-Saudi-crown-prince-visits-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Saudi_crown_prince_visits_UK%29
content:
<p>
For the Tories,
the wish to buy lots of ammunition 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/07/saudi-arabia-arms-sales-yemen">
washes away all sins from <a href="/glossary.html#salafi">Salafi Arabia</a>.
</a>


feed_id: 827befcd768ffbaade37b4915cab0ea8
title: Flooding in California
uri: 2018-03-10-Flooding-in-California
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28Flooding_in_California%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/mar/07/san-francisco-rising-sea-level-threat-climate-change">
Large areas of land around San Francisco Bay are likely to be flooded
in this century.
</a>
<p>
The article makes an unfair contrast between this and the failure
of some west-coast states to pass stronger green energy laws,
but that is silly.  No state can prevent <a href="/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> on its own.


feed_id: afe1d58f04ce358c68856bcd4f3cffd8
title: EPA air pollution
uri: 2018-03-10-EPA-air-pollution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#9_March_2018_%28EPA_air_pollution%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/06/trump-buried-omb-report-undermines-entire-premise-his-deregulatory-agenda">
The EPA air pollution rules that the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> is getting rid of save a
lot of money.
</a>
But they save it for poor people, and cost a smaller
amount of money for rich people.
<p>
For Republicans, only the rich people matter.


feed_id: 9594ef00ffecfa457ec9b29559aabfaf
title: Urgent: Reinstate DACA
uri: Urgent-Reinstate-DACA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#10_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Reinstate_DACA%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/immigration_omnibus">call on Congress</a> to reinstate the DACA program
and refuse to increase funding for deportation or for the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>'s
border wall.
<p>
I hate the hokey term "dreamers", but I support the substance so I
signed it.


feed_id: f35f0da88f356dc307e97e7065360ee0
title: Urgent: Charges against killer thug
uri: Urgent-Charges-against-killer-thug
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#10_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Charges_against_killer_thug%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: <a href="http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/Charge_Officer_Joseph_Mateu/">call for charges against killer thug Mateau</a>.


feed_id: 3f99bcb96d6f42ed07328cc2c014b68f
title: Urgent: Support S.J.Res.54
uri: Urgent-Support-S-J-Res-54
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#10_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Support_S.J.Res.54%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/End_War_in_Yemen">call on the Senate</a> to support S.J.Res.54 to end
U.S. military involvement in the bombardment and blockade of Yemen.


feed_id: 29398ded9e694dff8cbc8f4b3337698b
title: Doctor and nurse pay
uri: Doctor-and-nurse-pay
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#10_March_2018_%28Doctor_and_nurse_pay%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/09/canada-doctors-protest-pay-cuts">Quebec's doctors say</a>, "Give our pay raise to the nurses — they need it."


feed_id: 9ea44a5cf43defa7684b624dbe1ff2fa
title: LAPD body camera policy
uri: LAPD-body-camera-policy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#10_March_2018_%28LAPD_body_camera_policy%29
content:
<p>
LAPD <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20180221/22220939281/lapd-finally-starts-fixing-awful-body-camera-policy-not-all-good-news.shtml">Finally Starts Fixing</a> Its Awful Body Camera Policy, But It's Not 
All Good News.


feed_id: e153fadc48183192df29d8fdc09c91cc
title: Warrantless border searches
uri: Warrantless-border-searches
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#10_March_2018_%28Warrantless_border_searches%29
content:
<p>
Senators Patrick Leahy and Steve Daines <a href="https://rightsanddissent.org/news/senators-patrick-leahy-steve-daines-seek-rein-warrantless-border-searches-electronic-devices/">Seek to Rein in</a> Warrantless 
Border Searches of Electronic Devices.


feed_id: aa9ae4417a15ba44e10991d279f1ea4b
title: Melting at the poles
uri: Melting-at-the-poles
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#10_March_2018_%28Melting_at_the_poles%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/43716-the-arctic-is-melting-down-as-the-antarctic-food-chain-is-breaking">The Arctic Is Melting Down</a> as the Antarctic Food Chain Is Breaking.
And catastrophic changes are starting in San Francisco, Louisiana,
West Africa, New Zealand, and the world's forests.  Coral reefs could
start dissolving.


feed_id: 86955c867b2119197353d5b6c859d6b7
title: Methane from gas well
uri: Methane-from-gas-well
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#10_March_2018_%28Methane_from_gas_well%29
content:
<p>
Ohio Gas Well Was <a href="http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/43768-ohio-gas-well-is-still-spewing-methane-pollution-three-weeks-after-blowout">Spewing Methane Pollution</a> Three Weeks After Blowout.
<p>
The newer safety standards approved by the EPA under Obama would have
prevented this, but they didn't apply to pre-existing wells.  And the
Republicans want to cancel them entirely.


feed_id: 4e838695ce60f129c809b2ae249c8bc8
title: Prohibiting boycotts
uri: Prohibiting-boycotts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#10_March_2018_%28Prohibiting_boycotts%29
content:
<p>
Some senators are trying to prohibit participation in boycotts
directed at Israel for its occupation of Palestine.  <a href="https://www.aclu.org/blog/free-speech/rights-protesters/new-israel-anti-boycott-act-still-unconstitutional">The ACLU explains</a> why the bill is unconstitutional.


feed_id: 0cac46358b95da2b3ed8977ab8d4bbe9
title: Monsanto's internal documents
uri: Monsanto-s-internal-documents
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#10_March_2018_%28Monsanto%27s_internal_documents%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://truepublica.org.uk/global/monsanto-papers-tell-us-corporate-science/">Monsanto's internal documents</a> show efforts to suppress scientific
investigation of its products, and a tendency to claim that studies
that show danger are "junk".


feed_id: 49c7cc669195595370bd52f8935a5300
title: Tobacco advertising
uri: Tobacco-advertising
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#10_March_2018_%28Tobacco_advertising%29
content:
<p>
How Big Tobacco is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/09/how-children-around-the-world-are-exposed-to-cigarette-advertising">pushing its addictive product to children</a>.


feed_id: f9d08e720cdef4dcb0dd30fa6890faa0
title: Do-dirty's 'terrorist' list
uri: Do-dirty-s-terrorist-list
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#10_March_2018_%28Do-dirty%27s_%27terrorist%27_list%29

content:
<p>
Do-dirty has put UN special rapporteur Victoria Tauli-Corpuz
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/09/philippines-lists-un-special-rapporteur-on-terrorist-hit-list-rodrigo-duterte">on a list of "terrorists"</a>, officially to be spied on,
unofficially to be killed.


feed_id: 820f222331eadecaf8f00e3786c8718a
title: Gui Minhai
uri: 2018-03-11-Gui-Minhai
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#10_March_2018_%28Gui_Minhai%29
content:
<p>
Sweden demands that China allow political prisoner Gui Minhai to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/09/sweden-china-unacceptable-behaviour-detaining-bookseller">meet
with its diplomats and doctors</a>.
<p>
Xi will not be afraid of Sweden's military or economic power, but
these criticisms will have an effect on China's global prestige.
Contrast this with the behavior of the UK, which visibly sucks up to
China's money, or the US, which is so hypocritical that its criticisms
have little effect.


feed_id: 58588a282fc2feec219b77215d903421
title: Nuclear negotiations
uri: 2018-03-11-Nuclear-negotiations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#10_March_2018_%28Nuclear_negotiations%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#bully">The bully</a>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/08/donald-trump-north-korea-kim-jong-un-meeting-may-letter-invite-talks-nuclear-weapons">agreed to meet Kim Jong-un</a> for nuclear
negotiations.
<p>
That's a relief.  I hope for the best in these negotiations.


feed_id: 9af181b0e732158fab40c9e1ef75c6ad
title: Kansas voter suppression
uri: Kansas-voter-suppression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#10_March_2018_%28Kansas_voter_suppression%29
content:
<p>
The ACLU is <a href="https://ms.clicks.actions.aclu.org/t/gcH1AAdbaT41sQCLBtHHX9ETPkaCYzDAX3gaaaaCGF9BNKA0Tdaa?q=4_zB14~amp;a=ujv~2513dqr.roj~amp;i=h~amp;u=">suing to overturn Kansas's law</a> that requires voters to
present either a birth certificate or a passport, or naturalization
papers, to be able to vote.
<p>
Like all Republican voter-suppression measures, it is presented as a
way to "correct" a problem that hardly exists at all, and was calculated
to block legitimate voters that are likely not to vote Republican.


feed_id: c45c42cc100d7bc4d0cff3cba05264f0
title: Rebuilding infrastructure
uri: Rebuilding-infrastructure
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#10_March_2018_%28Rebuilding_infrastructure%29
content:
<p>
Sanders and some Democratic senators <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/07/democrats-infrastructure-plan-would-roll-back-gop-tax-cuts-rich-corporations">have proposed a plan</a> to rebuild,
not privatize, America's infrastructure.


feed_id: b26929c21c76939c324d6004d05065e3
title: Fake net neutrality bill
uri: Fake-net-neutrality-bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#10_March_2018_%28Fake_net_neutrality_bill%29
content:
<p>
Republican Senator Kennedy has introduced a <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/08/sen-kennedy-introduces-fake-net-neutrality-legislation">fake net neutrality bill</a>,
designed to appear to reinstate network neutrality, but in an ineffective
way.


feed_id: e93722ca34331d1a82b08f9b830dba31
title: Reducing sexism and sexual violence
uri: Reducing-sexism-and-sexual-violence
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#10_March_2018_%28Reducing_sexism_and_sexual_violence%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/08/time-action-seven-proposals-sweden-reducing-sexism-and-sexual-violence-midst-metoo">Time For Action</a>: Seven Proposals From Sweden For Reducing Sexism and Sexual
Violence in the Midst of #MeToo.
<p>
These proposals look good to me.  They all aim at preventing serious
problems, and it is clear that they do.


feed_id: 6544b573b3ab4220872be7343860eb8f
title: Empty house tax
uri: Empty-house-tax
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28Empty_house_tax%29
content:
<p>
Vancouver has imposed
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/08/vancouver-declares-5-of-homes-empty-and-liable-for-new-tax">
a special tax on housing units
that remain empty,
</a>
or underutilized, more than half of the time.


feed_id: 4b941820e520ed29afcb437c90b1c641
title: Feminist strike
uri: Feminist-strike
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28Feminist_strike%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/08/spanish-women-give-up-work-for-a-day-in-first-feminist-strike">
Spanish Women Give Up Work for a Day
</a>
in First 'Feminist Strike'.
<p>
This is part of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/08/iceland-global-womens-strike-protest">
a broader movement.
</a>


feed_id: ffcd3d53d9b5db17f507016c1ad7322e
title: Eliminating the deficit
uri: 2018-03-11-Eliminating-the-deficit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28Eliminating_the_deficit%29
content:
<p>
For the Tories,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/08/tories-deficit-slash-state-david-cameron-george-osborne-austerity">
Eliminating the Deficit Was Just a Pretext to Slash the State.
</a>
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#27_February_2017_(Gradual_replacement_of_American_democracy)">
Likewise for US Republicans and center-right Democrats,
since Carter.
</a>


feed_id: 1ef6b246b948c1c9d15dc07928c83a54
title: Discrimination in housing
uri: Discrimination-in-housing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28Discrimination_in_housing%29
content:
<p>
The <a href="/glossary.html#saboteur">Saboteur</a> of Housing, displaying overt support for racism,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/mar/07/ben-carson-housing-department-mission-statement-discrimination-inclusion">
has eliminated the goal of ending discrimination in housing.
</a>


feed_id: 231b3685be079df828ef93a5cc845449
title: Eastern Ghouta
uri: Eastern-Ghouta
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28Eastern_Ghouta%29
content:
<p>
Assad's forces are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/07/eastern-ghouta-cut-in-two-as-syrian-army-seizes-ground">
conquering Eastern Ghouta.
</a>


feed_id: 8ac07ad5ae0ab3cfe4af440efc30f391
title: Guilty of being poor
uri: Guilty-of-being-poor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28Guilty_of_being_poor%29
content:
<p>
'Guilty of being poor':
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/mar/08/joshua-tree-mona-kirk-daniel-panico-child-abuse-poverty">
Does California Couple's Poverty Amount to Child
Abuse?
</a>
<p>
I am sure it is possible to convince them to accept state aid
without going so far as to jail them.


feed_id: 17bdecd6508042f4fbf6fd534806db55
title: Sanctuary laws
uri: Sanctuary-laws
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28Sanctuary_laws%29
content:
<p>
The US government has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/mar/06/california-sanctuary-cities-lawsuit-immigration-justice-department">
sued California over some of its
sanctuary laws
</a>
designed to impede mass deportations.


feed_id: 1d82cfa9acb211e8da0ee2c8db4743b7
title: Bank deregulation bill
uri: 2018-03-11-Bank-deregulation-bill
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28Bank_deregulation_bill%29
content:
<p>
Senator Warren proposes
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/08/refusing-play-dead-big-banks-warren-gives-fellow-senators-17-chances-put-consumers">
17 amendments to the bank deregulation bill,
</a>
to remove all its harmful aspects.
<p>
The way <a href="/glossary.html#scrotus">SCROTUS</a> are handling this,
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/03/08/senate-bank-bill-wall-street-banking/">
senators can't even tell what the bill
will be when it finally passes.
</a>
If they are rational, they have to
assume the worst, which means vote no at every stage.


feed_id: 3907d96858f84cdc342ecd800eb19706
title: False claims on Twitter
uri: False-claims-on-Twitter
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28False_claims_on_Twitter%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/mar/08/scientists-truth-fiction-twitter-bots">
On Twitter, false claims tend to spread faster than the truth.
</a>
<p>
This suggests that we regard the problem as a flaw in Twitter as a
system.  Naturally, unscrupulous people and groups take advantage of
the flaw, but who they are and what they do may be less important
than fixing the flaw.


feed_id: f544b50cff4d14a8c0caa00bf523c300
title: Urgent: Fight the bank deregulation bill
uri: Urgent-Fight-the-bank-deregulation-bill
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Fight_the_bank_deregulation_bill%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/schumer_bailout_bill?t=1001&">
Tell Senator Schumer to fight the bank deregulation bill.
</a>


feed_id: b0fbc2b375cc18242db19bdd45586272
title: Urgent: Preventing preemptive war
uri: Urgent-Preventing-preemptive-war
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Preventing_preemptive_war%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="http://act.winwithoutwar.org/letter/tell-senate-block-trumps-post-olympics-war/">call on the Senate</a> to pass the Preventing Preemptive War
in North Korea Act.
<p>
While it's good that the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> said he will talk with North Korea,
that doesn't eliminate the danger he will start a war.  What if he doesn't
like the way the meeting goes?


feed_id: dc1d8225e84800aca6cf53c55416239c
title: Palm oil deforestation
uri: Palm-oil-deforestation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28Palm_oil_deforestation%29
content:
<p>
The UK is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/mar/09/uk-defies-eu-over-indonesian-palm-oil-trade-leaked-papers-show">trying to sabotage EU negotiations</a> aimed at limiting
deforestation in Indonesia caused by the palm oil trade.


feed_id: 06029d5d8ca0673aff7e20fb0a69d2eb
title: Murder of Indian Atheist activist
uri: Murder-of-Indian-Atheist-activist
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28Murder_of_Indian_Atheist_activist%29

content:
<p>
Right-wing Hindu extremists are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/10/man-arrested-over-of-indian-journalist-gauri-lankesh">accused of murdering</a> Indian Atheist activist
Gauri Lankesh.


feed_id: 0e5bb2095953990f7d57a701c2c439f6
title: Debt, corruption and tax policies
uri: Debt-corruption-and-tax-policies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28Debt%2C_corruption_and_tax_policies%29

content:
<p>
Debt, Corruption and Tax Policies Impact Poverty, <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/09/debt-corruption-and-tax-policies-impact-poverty-says-vatican-united-nations">Says Vatican at United
Nations</a>.


feed_id: 78093c8f1041cef450852c227e796b61
title: Independent thug investigations
uri: Independent-thug-investigations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28Independent_thug_investigations%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/09/washington-state-passes-law-addressing-lethal-force-police">Washington State has passed a law</a> requiring independent investigations
of killing by <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>, and reducing their special legal protection from
prosecution.
<p>
These are positive steps, but the most important point is to make it harder
for them to <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2017-jan-apr.html#27_April_2017_(Courts_tendency_to_side_with_thugs)">conspire to lie</a> to present the killing as justified.


feed_id: d6770606d4775ff4eeae635c6985a9cb
title: Koch Brothers on slavery
uri: Koch-Brothers-on-slavery
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28Koch_Brothers_on_slavery%29
content:
<p>
The Koch Brothers want to <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/09/what-koch-brothers-want-students-learn-about-slavery">teach a misleading picture</a> of slavery in the
US and how it related to the writing of the US Constitution.


feed_id: 9aa2c32b33a790f4b66c9c2d1746cf2d
title: Credit for meddling
uri: Credit-for-meddling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28Credit_for_meddling%29
content:
<p>
The Onion: Other meddlesome countries complain that Russia is <a href="https://politics.theonion.com/dozens-of-other-countries-that-interfered-in-2016-elect-1823645160">getting
all the credit</a> for meddling in the US election.


feed_id: d23a545187d371010716ae604274f542
title: Harvest worker shortage
uri: Harvest-worker-shortage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28Harvest_worker_shortage%29
content:
<p>
The success of the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a>'s repression of unauthorized immigrants is causing
farms in California to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-02/california-fruit-is-going-to-die-on-the-vine-after-ice-raids">go without harvest workers</a>.
<p>
In the long term, the market will adjust — perhaps by paying a decent
wage for this work.
<p>
Perhaps some of the agriculture will move to Mexico.  It certainly
won't be able to stay in California, because <a href="/glossary.html#global heating">global heating</a> is
reducing the water available for irrigation there.


feed_id: 59355d65cc76ae547580ffc51dcf1256
title: Presidential power
uri: Presidential-power
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28Presidential_power%29
content:
<p>
One reason why the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> has so much power is that
<a href="https://www.truthdig.com/articles/six-ways-resistance-gave-trump-dictators-toolkit/">Democrats voted to give presidents too much power</a>.


feed_id: a0587be3f6c12d196b0b9c7d8c8653da
title: Alabama sewage
uri: Alabama-sewage
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28Alabama_sewage%29
content:
<p>
In parts of Alabama, many houses <a href="http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2017/12/un_poverty_official_touring_al.html">discharge raw sewage</a>, which often contaminates
drinking water and makes people sick.


feed_id: bd3663dd7724b1ad6a7081785eec1f55
title: Florida gun control measure
uri: Florida-gun-control-measure
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28Florida_gun_control_measure%29
content:
<p>
The students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School compelled the
Florida legislature to <a href="https://boingboing.net/2018/03/08/frustrated-ammosexuals.html">pass a gun control measure</a> with some
significant beneficial provisions.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/mar/09/florida-governor-gun-control-bill-teachers">It's a small step</a>,
and includes funds for the foolish purpose of training teachers to
shoot.  Nonetheless, it testifies to the students' effectiveness,
since no one else was able to achieve even this much.  If they keep it
up, and others support them, it could make a difference in coming
elections.


feed_id: ef58ad2874aa6dd66d5e18160f970530
title: Airbnb in NYC
uri: Airbnb-in-NYC
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28Airbnb_in_NYC%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.citylab.com/equity/2018/03/what-airbnb-did-to-new-york-city/552749/">Research shows</a> that Airbnb in New York City has raised rents, removed
housing from the rental market, and fueled gentrification.


feed_id: 2a8c8c1d8b953793c6bac57179e41178
title: Fossil fools irritated
uri: Fossil-fools-irritated
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28Fossil_fools_irritated%29
content:
<p>
Fossil fool executives <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/08/fossil-fuel-execs-very-annoyed-keepitintheground-movement-crimping-their-ability">express their irritation</a> at pipeline protesters.


feed_id: 907a6fabd42367718ffafcf5026fa53b
title: The troll's sexual liaisons
uri: The-troll-s-sexual-liaisons
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28The_troll%27s_sexual_liaisons%29
content:
<p>
The Onion: reminding Americans that the troll's sexual liaisons <a href="https://politics.theonion.com/huckabee-sanders-warns-stormy-daniels-disclosures-just-1823620557">are a
side issue</a>.
<p>
He's not just screwing porn stars.  If you're not rich, he's screwing
you every day.


feed_id: 30cbdbc4caa1f92292ee0727affd7b9b
title: Bank deregulation support
uri: Bank-deregulation-support
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28Bank_deregulation_support%29
content:
<p>
Why do some Democratic senators support bank deregulation?  <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/08/wall-street-deregulation-all-about-money">For money.</a>


feed_id: 098094bee0dbde568d91b1dd3102f44c
title: Oil companies on trial
uri: Oil-companies-on-trial
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#11_March_2018_%28Oil_companies_on_trial%29
content:
<p>
A trial, San Francisco vs various big oil companies, will <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/08/federal-judges-unprecedented-order-climate-science-could-open-floodgates-big-oil">require them
to show what they knew</a> about global heating and when they knew it.


feed_id: a05888a1d9de34c58505232614dcab84
title: Kansas voter suppression
uri: 2018-03-11-Kansas-voter-suppression
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#10_March_2018_%28Kansas_voter_suppression%29
content:
<p>
The ACLU is <a href="https://www.aclu.org/blog/voting-rights/trial-against-kobach-kicks-heres-what-you-should-know">suing to overturn Kansas's law</a> that requires voters to
present either a birth certificate or a passport, or naturalization
papers, to be able to vote.
<p>
Like all Republican voter-suppression measures, it is presented as a
way to "correct" a problem that hardly exists at all, and was calculated
to block legitimate voters that are likely not to vote Republican.


feed_id: 1fb384739a45194f817f44042cea9bba
title: Urgent: Tongass National Forest
uri: 2018-03-13-Urgent-Tongass-National-Forest
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#12_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_Tongass_National_Forest%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://secure.defenders.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=3301">call on senators</a> to protect the Tongass National Forest.


feed_id: b1d6e40dbf1765880915f0af1b302f97
title: Urgent: oppose SESTA/FOSTA
uri: Urgent-oppose-SESTA-FOSTA
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#12_March_2018_%28Urgent%3A_oppose_SESTA%252FFOSTA%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.eff.org/action/stop-sesta-fosta">phone your senators</a> to oppose SESTA/FOSTA, the bills to make
web sites responsible for what people post on them.
<p>
<a href="https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/08/stop-sestafosta-dont-let-congress-censor-internet">Here is more information.</a>
<p>
I suggest also saying you oppose the calculated confusion of the term
"sex trafficking".  Call for any laws directed at ending enslavement to
give clear boundaries for what is not allowed, so that they won't treat other
activities as enslavement.


feed_id: b89811ba34717f3ff1d1e8bfd5c7ab2c
title: Civil forfeiture
uri: 2018-03-13-Civil-forfeiture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#12_March_2018_%28Civil_forfeiture%29
content:
<p>
The Department of Injustice announced plans to <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/3/9/1747742/-DOJ-announces-plans-for-civil-asset-forfeiture-against-citizens-who-haven-t-even-been-charged">increase "civil forfeiture"</a>,
which is the practice of punishing people for alleged crimes without a trial
or even formal charges.


feed_id: 401c3b4784f19b36a665c227114b1091
title: Thug attack
uri: Thug-attack
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#12_March_2018_%28Thug_attack%29
content:
<p>
When a thug <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/3/8/1747506/-Police-brutality-remains-pervasive-in-the-U-S-Asheville-North-Carolina-provides-the-latest-example">went wild and attacked Johnnie Jermaine Rush</a>, Rush was not killed,
but it is vitally important to prosecute the <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thug</a>.
<p>
If <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a> are prosecuted only when they kill, they won't be taught a
lesson very often.  Prosecuting them for the far more frequent
nonfatal crimes is what we need in order to change their culture of
violence.


feed_id: 8265a6d03c6d5879fde7c00574629810
title: High-speed slaughterhouses
uri: High-speed-slaughterhouses
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#12_March_2018_%28High-speed_slaughterhouses%29
content:
<p>
"I've <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/06/ive-seen-the-hidden-horrors-of-high-speed-slaughterhouses">seen the hidden horrors</a> of high-speed slaughterhouses."
Allowing companies to inspect their own work is an invitation to cheating.


feed_id: 535aa9776ddd6694d48bcb234bfd5497
title: Racial segregation and inequality
uri: Racial-segregation-and-inequality
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#12_March_2018_%28Racial_segregation_and_inequality%29

content:
<p>
The higher the level of racial segregation and inequality in a state,
the more likely <a href="/glossary.html#thug">thugs</a>
are <a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/03/10/police-shootings-public-health/">to kill blacks there</a>.


feed_id: 2f90fdf3b34b22ae3fa8f8af0ee5c699
title: Repression of refugees in US
uri: Repression-of-refugees-in-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#12_March_2018_%28Repression_of_refugees_in_US%29
content:
<p>
Luis Mancheno fled for his life and got asylum in the US.  Now an
immigration lawyer, he <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/10/america-asylum-seeker-refugees-human-rights">describes the sadistic dishonest repression</a>
that confronts refugees coming to the US today.
He says that it's not worth trying, not even to save your life.
<p>
In effect, that means the <a href="/glossary.html#bully">bully</a> has achieved his goals of sadism.
<p>
It's <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/mar/05/immigrant-home-office-british-citizenship-hostile-environment">similar in Britain</a>.


feed_id: e6c6a79c0ee6cda4b77b1390962c144e
title: West Virginia resistance
uri: West-Virginia-resistance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#12_March_2018_%28West_Virginia_resistance%29
content:
<p>
The West Virginia Teacher's Strike Is What <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/10/west-virginia-teachers-strike-resistance">Real Resistance Looks Like</a>.
<p>
A one-day protest doesn't have enough impact on politicians that
blatantly act with contempt towards the non-rich.


feed_id: 6f3c878c4fd0ba49d7df0d384818ba96
title: Carson's staff
uri: Carson-s-staff
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#12_March_2018_%28Carson%27s_staff%29
content:
<p>
<a href="/glossary.html#saboteur">Saboteur</a> of Housing Carson is accused of making the staff of the department
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/mar/06/ben-carson-hud-witch-hunt-accusation">live in fear</a>.


feed_id: 9a7a7b07835689eb7cfd1ccdab8d7dea
title: Conway's electioneering
uri: Conway-s-electioneering
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#12_March_2018_%28Conway%27s_electioneering%29
content:
<p>
Kellyanne Conway <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/mar/06/kellyanne-conway-broke-law-during-alabama-election-says-watchdog">violated federal law</a> by electioneering for candidate
Roy Moore.
<p>
The big question is whether there is any way to punish her for this
without the cooperation of her boss, <a href="/glossary.html#cheater">the cheater</a> in chief.


feed_id: 57487b4ae94ed5b71727fcfffd3aad6c
title: Attacking driverless cars
uri: Attacking-driverless-cars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2018-jan-apr.html#12_March_2018_%28Attacking_driverless_cars%29
content:
<p>
People in San Francisco have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/mar/06/california-self-driving-cars-attacked">physically attacked driverless cars</a>.
It seems wise to me.
<p>
In different circumstances, there might be nothing wrong with
driverless cars, assuming they function well, which is an engineering
challenge that I suppose will eventually be achieved.
<p>
Under our present circumstances, we must expect them to do systematic
harm, at the level of employment and that of privacy, and the better
they function the worse harm they will do.


