# articles

feed_id: 45b80094ad3dfd6a8c563371dd089fa7
title: Billionaires buy privacy for themselves
uri: Billionaires-buy-privacy-for-themselves
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#30_May_2016_%28Billionaires_buy_privacy_for_themselves%29

content:
<p>
Technology billionaires buy lots of privacy for themselves 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/may/28/gawker-hulk-hogan-silicon-valley-privacy-peter-thiel">using
the money that they got from snooping on millions of others</a>.


feed_id: 1f48cb3c5288d0c017971419a8d9774e
title: Unpaywalled research publications
uri: Unpaywalled-research-publications
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#30_May_2016_%28Unpaywalled_research_publications%29
content:
<p>
The EU decided to 
<a href="http://techcrunch.com/2016/05/27/eu-mandates-open-access-for-all-publicly-funded-research-by-2020/">require
research it funds to publish results without paywall</a>.
<p>
I don't know whether this means it will be published under a free
license, but unpaywalled papers usually do that.


feed_id: 4e307807f9a191dc462a525e436022af
title: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube censorship
uri: Facebook-Twitter-YouTube-censorship
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#30_May_2016_%28Facebook%2C_Twitter%2C_YouTube_censorship%29

content:
<p>
The ACLU wants to know 
<a href="https://www.aclu.org/blog/free-future/government-trying-influence-speech-social-media-how">whether
the US government is asking</a> Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to
censor people.


feed_id: 9d3c6ccb3583d01942a531e184ef5612
title: UK weapons sales to oppressive regimes
uri: UK-weapons-sales-to-oppressive-regimes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#30_May_2016_%28UK_weapons_sales_to_oppressive_regimes%29

content:
<p>
UK Weapons Sales to Oppressive Regimes Top 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/28/uk-weapons-sold-countries-poor-human-rights-saudi-arabia">$3bn
a Year</a>.


feed_id: c77b6b264665cbbbd4bfdfccd1b9ba93
title: Uber Knows Too Much About You
uri: Uber-Knows-Too-Much-About-You
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#30_May_2016_%28Uber_Knows_Too_Much_About_You%29
content:
<p>
Uber 
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/uber-knows-too-much-about-you">Knows
Too Much About You</a>.  And so do many other companies.


feed_id: 6c914da90394271a7c3d38947121bdcd
title: Billionaires' idea of "real journalism"
uri: Billionaires-idea-of-real-journalism
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#30_May_2016_%28Billionaires_idea_of_real_journalism%29

content:
<p>
Many billionaires believe 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/may/27/silicon-valley-billionaires-peter-thiel-gawker-first-amendment-journalism">"real
journalism" means praising them</a>, and that they are entitled to
crush the press when it doesn't do that.
<p>
Billionaires have several methods to hush up media criticism.
They can 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/27/peter-thiel-gawker-philanthropy-paypal-mogul-secret-war-billionaire">pay
someone to sue a media outlet</a>, or they can
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#28_April_2016_(Sheldon_Adelson%27s_propaganda_rag)">buy
it</a>.


feed_id: 863d280638b31976c8f48524d1f7e00e
title: Urgent: Privacy rules for ISPs
uri: Urgent-Privacy-rules-for-ISPs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Privacy_rules_for_ISPs%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/letter/tell-the-fcc-pass-isp-privacy-rules/">call
on the FCC</a> to adopt real privacy rules for ISPs.
<p>
In my message, I said that the ISP should not be allowed <em>even to
keep any records</em> of what a customer has connected to, except
based on a warrant issued about a specific customer for a specific
reasonable period of time.


feed_id: eed1114a916a38abaa8d3b08ce9e5235
title: Urgent: Cancel Trump convention support
uri: Urgent-Cancel-Trump-convention-support
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Cancel_Trump_convention_support%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="http://act.presente.org/sign/trumphaternc">call on some
companies</a> to cancel their support for Trump's convention.


feed_id: b5822e9a25a9ea7bd2c5f219f49213c2
title: Urgent: Free Mohamedou Slahi
uri: Urgent-Free-Mohamedou-Slahi
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Free_Mohamedou_Slahi%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://action.aclu.org/secure/freeslahi">call on the
Pentagon</a> to free Mohamedou Slahi.


feed_id: 73dd8a7f1993d40ae840eb007e8fe692
title: Urgent: Support the WATER Act
uri: Urgent-Support-the-WATER-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Support_the_WATER_Act%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://secure.foodandwaterwatch.org/site/Advocacypagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=2627">support</a>
the WATER Act.


feed_id: bd548d2c4cd1c04794c7a37cabc26fb5
title: Urgent: Public records access law
uri: Urgent-Public-records-access-law
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Public_records_access_law%29

content:
<p>
Massachusetts citizens: 
<a href="https://secure2.convio.net/comcau/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1613">call
on Governor Baker to sign the new public records access law.


feed_id: 6629c1f44a065e940a98521190cf6354
title: Attack net neutrality
uri: Attack-net-neutrality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Attack_net_neutrality%29
content:
<p>
House Republicans Again Target Net Neutrality With 
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/republicans-target-net-neutrality-2017-budget">Budget
Attack</a>.


feed_id: 2979d1dfd5f1c4a1bde4a75c649d4f6d
title: Leak of medical patient data on internet
uri: Leak-of-medical-patient-data-on-internet
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Leak_of_medical_patient_data_on_internet%29

content:
<p>
Justin Shafer found medical patient data available on the internet and
reported it to the government.  So the company that was leaking the
data (on an anonymous FTP server)
<a href="http://www.dailydot.com/politics/justin-shafer-fbi-raid/">SWATted
him</a>.


feed_id: 774987918469650a4c1b07c8ae27ef8c
title: Face data law
uri: Face-data-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Face_data_law%29
content:
<p>
Facebook and Google are 
<a href="http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/05/illinois-senators-plan-to-weaken-biometric-privacy-law-put-on-hold/">trying
to weaken Illinois' law on collection of face data</a>.


feed_id: b255ecec967dcb6275d1ffb78819c73a
title: Fungus in Rikers Island air vents
uri: Fungus-in-Rikers-Island-air-vents
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Fungus_in_Rikers_Island_air_vents%29
content:
<p>
The fungus in the air vents in the Rikers Island jail makes the air so
sickness-provoking that a guard 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/28/mold-infested-prisons-sicken-guards-and-prisoners/">begged
a prisoner to file a complaint</a>.  The guard was afraid of being
punished for complaining.
<p>
Similar problems are found in many US jails and prisons.  The fungus
can cause permanent illness.


feed_id: 52ef0d782332d2d152ca542de8003e16
title: Why US infrastructure is crumbling
uri: Why-US-infrastructure-is-crumbling
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Why_US_infrastructure_is_crumbling%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2016/05/chart-day-heres-why-our-infrastructure-crumbling-and-our-recovery-so-weak">Here's
Why Our [US] Infrastructure Is Crumbling and Our Recovery Is So
Weak</a>.


feed_id: 160951f96a9aedc6563657e310bad440
title: Urgent: Veto "stand your ground" law
uri: Urgent-Veto-stand-your-ground-law
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Veto_stand_your_ground_law%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/stop-missouri-stand-your-ground-law/">call
on the governor of Missouri</a> to veto the "stand your ground" law.


feed_id: 2fb746cd3f8c3dc0209706770c60ac8a
title: Israeli military courts
uri: Israeli-military-courts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Israeli_military_courts%29
content:
<p>
The Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem has 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/further/2016/05/27/seeds-fascism">given
up complaining to military courts about the crimes of occupation
soldiers</a>.  These courts are so biased that reporting crimes to
them is useless.


feed_id: 045b9839f77a9ef5fedcc126d3ef424d
title: Cultures where menstruation is taboo
uri: Cultures-where-menstruation-is-taboo
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Cultures_where_menstruation_is_taboo%29

content:
<p>
Millions of girls live in cultures where menstruation is taboo, and
they 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/may/28/we-dont-know-enough-about-menstruation-and-girls-are-paying-a-price">don't
understand what is happening or what is best to do</a>.  Some have to
sell sex in order to get pads to wear.
<p>
Some skip school while menstruating, because they would be sneered at
in class.
<p>
This is patriarchy at work, aided by its faithful servant, religion.


feed_id: 289ef053437f9a68a976c6625ff000e8
title: Bangladeshi slaves in Scotland
uri: Bangladeshi-slaves-in-Scotland
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Bangladeshi_slaves_in_Scotland%29
content:
<p>
Abul Kamal Azad was lured into borrowing thousands of dollars to get a
job in London.  There his sponsor 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/may/28/slavery-human-trafficking-hotel-workers-bangladesh-scotland">enslaved
him</a>.  He couldn't refuse, because his sponsor could have him
deported at any time.
<p>
After he and his fellow slaves testified against their enslaver, they
were threatened with deportation.  But if they went back to Bangladesh
without paying their debts, the money lenders might kill their
families.
<p>
That threat is the other key to the situation, as it makes almost
any resolution hopeless.
<p>
Other injustices appear in the background.  What enabled him to sell
his wife's jewelry — was he trampling her rights so he could
lose her money as well as his own?
<p>
In an overpopulated place like Bangladesh, circumstances will
inevitably put many people into desperate situations where they feel
impelled to take bad risks.  Some will end up destitute; the only
uncertainty is whom and how.  To have children in such a situation is
simply wrong.  What Bangladesh needs most is a lot 
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/children.html">fewer
children</a>.


feed_id: b91091bfb72e9cd90e7cac2abfaa0740
title: French people still protesting
uri: French-people-still-protesting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28French_people_still_protesting%29
content:
<p>
French people are still protesting and striking against a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/28/france-gripped-by-escalating-protests-over-labour-bill-police-woman-throw">proposed
law to reduce workers' rights</a>.
<p>
The president has adopted a standard right-wing position and justifies
it with standard right-wing arguments: he claims this will benefit
workers by giving employers the "flexibility" (i.e., more power over
the workers).  How could that be?  Implicitly, he assumes France is
competing with other countries to attract businesses by letting them
mistreat workers more.


feed_id: fcd3b1a748002dc270097fe426ca62be
title: Curfews
uri: 2016-05-31-Curfews
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Curfews%29
content:
<p>
Millions of US teenagers live in places that have a permanent curfew.
They 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/28/curfew-laws-san-diego">can
be arrested just for being outside</a>.
<p>
Aside from being repressive, selective enforcement creates a way
to direct minority group children into a life of legal difficulties
even when they don't commit any real crimes.


feed_id: 9378ef31c26ad8a85d5ad07c09200800
title: Repression and dishonesty in UK prisons
uri: Repression-and-dishonesty-in-UK-prisons
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Repression_and_dishonesty_in_UK_prisons%29

content:
<p>
British dissidents jailed for their acts of protest describe the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/28/activists-life-after-prison-charlie-gilmour">repression
and dishonesty</a> they encountered in prison.
<p>
Typically their "offenses" are not real, just excuses the state finds
convenient.
<p>
Some found their resolve strengthened by the experience.


feed_id: 3c0add2bcd3106c428e0931711b7df1c
title: Ties as a symbol of submission
uri: Ties-as-a-symbol-of-submission
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Ties_as_a_symbol_of_submission%29
content:
<p>
A UK teacher writes about being 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2016/may/28/secret-teacher-naughty-pupil-wearing-tie-workwear">threatened
with dismissal for violating an unwritten requirement to wear a
tie</a>.
<p>
I reject ties both as a matter of comfort and as an act of rebellion.
If it were just a matter of personal preference, I wouldn't need to
talk about it, I'd just do it.  However, many men are forced to wear
ties, basically as a symbol of submission, and that makes it an
ethical issue.
<p>
I hope that my refusal to wear a tie will help clear the path for
others to refuse.


feed_id: d0d926306946bd20d915b5e70cc2f753
title: Trump chickens out of debating Sanders
uri: Trump-chickens-out-of-debating-Sanders
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Trump_chickens_out_of_debating_Sanders%29

content:
<p>
Trump 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/28/donald-trump-refuses-to-debate-bernie-sanders">chickened
out of debating Sanders</a> after Sanders accepted the challenge.
<p>
Trump was apparently bluffing, and did not know what to do when
Sanders called his bluff.


feed_id: 9efd8289bd0ff7f1db803c4713c4a2e8
title: Trump claims no drought in California
uri: Trump-claims-no-drought-in-California
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Trump_claims_no_drought_in_California%29

content:
<p>
Trump 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/28/protesters-clash-with-police-outside-donald-trump-rally-in-san-diego">claimed
that there is no drought in California</a>.


feed_id: 431f7e9f26113032b5552e99f8c9ef1d
title: Sunscreen harming Coral Reefs
uri: Sunscreen-harming-Coral-Reefs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Sunscreen_harming_Coral_Reefs%29
content:
<p>
Sunscreen 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/oct/21/sunscreen-contributing-to-decline-of-coral-reefs-study-shows">Contributing
to Decline of Coral Reefs</a>, Study Shows.
<p>
This could explain why massive tourism tends to harm reefs.


feed_id: d6b2c5cd6252b5feba25b5c9bf4272c4
title: US wasting stockpile of helium
uri: US-wasting-stockpile-of-helium
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28US_wasting_stockpile_of_helium%29
content:
<p>
The US is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2012/mar/18/helium-party-balloons-squandered">wasting
its stockpile of helium</a>, and ought to start charging a lot of
money for it.


feed_id: 1f4a521d12c41939e9b68dda184bc4d1
title: Military murderers sentenced in Argentina
uri: Military-murderers-sentenced-in-Argentina
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Military_murderers_sentenced_in_Argentina%29

content:
<p>
A court in Argentina has sentenced various various military murderers
who participated in Operation Condor, and found that this
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/27/argentinas-last-military-dictator-jailed-over-role-in-operation-condor">collaboration
in repression between 6 different countries in South America</a>
really did occur.
<p>
Of course, it was organized by the US.


feed_id: f6097bfcdebafb5fcb3ba0cd8ef69575
title: Urgent: Take On Wall Street
uri: Urgent-Take-On-Wall-Street
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Take_On_Wall_Street%29
content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://takeonwallst.com/">call on Congress</a> to support
the Take On Wall Street agenda.


feed_id: d172d76f5d0f4e36ba84739a231b27e6
title: Urgent: Cancel coal export terminal
uri: Urgent-Cancel-coal-export-terminal
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Cancel_coal_export_terminal%29

content:
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="https://secure.earthjustice.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1862">call
on Washington State</a> to cancel the Millennium coal export terminal.


feed_id: 26c7f3ccf0c2c320776ce2ab7bdc62db
title: Destruction of the Great Barrier Reef
uri: Destruction-of-the-Great-Barrier-Reef
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Destruction_of_the_Great_Barrier_Reef%29

content:
<p>
Australia convinced the UN to drop Australia from a report on
environmental damage, so as not to highlight how Australia is
destroying the Great Barrier Reef.  A draft of the report has been
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/27/revealed-the-report-on-the-great-barrier-reef-that-australia-didnt-want-the-world-to-see">leaked</a>,
and it is bleak.


feed_id: e7f143480d79d1c3e10cdee11afb5a85
title: Meteorologists see global heating effects
uri: Meteorologists-see-global-heating-effects
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Meteorologists_see_global_heating_effects%29

content:
<p>
Meteorologists Are Seeing Global [Heating]'s
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2016/may/27/meteorologists-are-seeing-global-warmings-effect-on-the-weather">Effect
on the Weather</a>.
<p>
It is becoming more common for weather patterns to get "stuck" in one
spot, which could mean a lot of rain, a lot of snow, a long heat wave,
a long fire, whatever.


feed_id: e2dc1b5039850cc5917a8051c766c73f
title: Misogyny
uri: Misogyny
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Misogyny%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/may/26/half-of-misogynistic-tweets-sent-by-women-study-finds">Women
as well as men</a> join in storms of tweets and use misogynistic
insults against women who are being criticized.


feed_id: 85f026ba071ce93752fa433fe49b917d
title: Sanders may debate Trump
uri: Sanders-may-debate-Trump
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Sanders_may_debate_Trump%29
content:
<p>
Since Clinton refuses to debate Sanders before the California Primary,
he may
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/26/california-debate-bernie-sanders-donald-trump">debate
Trump instead</a>.
<p>
But Trump seems to be
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/05/donald-trump-debate-bernie-sanders-charity-womens-health">trying
to create an excuse not to do it</a>.


feed_id: 5f951e4003afaf59c756c878c0e8b8ec
title: Warning from French environment minister
uri: Warning-from-French-environment-minister
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Warning_from_French_environment_minister%29

content:
<p>
The environment minister of France warns that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/26/french-minister-warns-of-mass-climate-change-migration-if-world-doesnt-act">hundreds
of millions of people will be forced to try to migrate by global
heating</a>.
<p>
If we consider late in this century, I think that is an underestimate.


feed_id: b86cd371c3d93a53e806eaa5782304ab
title: Men interrupting women
uri: Men-interrupting-women
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Men_interrupting_women%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/05/even-female-supreme-court-justices-get-interrupted-lot-men">Even
in the Supreme Court</a>, men tend to interrupt women.


feed_id: 9a3eda263a443289e6823a399c50cdda
title: Chile considers new copyright law
uri: Chile-considers-new-copyright-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28Chile_considers_new_copyright_law%29
content:
<p>
Chile is considering a copyright law that
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160520/09464734498/chiles-new-copyright-legislation-would-make-creative-commons-licensing-impossible-audiovisual-works.shtml">would
prohibit any sort of sharing license for audiovisual works</a>.


feed_id: 04953d6bf464f8f31ed62236d872a17d
title: FBI's mass collection of data
uri: FBI-s-mass-collection-of-data
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_May_2016_%28FBIs_mass_collection_of_data%29
content:
<p>
The FBI massively collects data about millions people.  A legal action
directed specifically at
<a href="http://bordc.org/news/no-the-fbis-huge-biometrics-database-should-not-be-exempt-from-privacy-rules/">biometric
data, including photos of non-suspects going about their daily
lives</a>, demands the FBI follow standard US government privacy
rules.
<p>
A victory in this would be just a small first step towards making the
US government respect our freedom.  For democracy's sake, we need to
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">prevent
even the accumulation of most of that data</a>.


feed_id: 7cb80c6b55e2b982b3a4b5c4546b31fe
title: Urgent: Block attack on Net Neutrality
uri: Urgent-Block-attack-on-Net-Neutrality
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#01_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Block_attack_on_Net_Neutrality%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://act.freepress.net/sign/internet_nn_congress_approp/">call
on your congresscritter</a> to block the sneak attack on Net
Neutrality.


feed_id: 565ac70ac09240fb96a97dae35b7b898
title: Urgent: Reject China's future puppet
uri: Urgent-Reject-China-s-future-puppet
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#01_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Reject_Chinas_future_puppet%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://www.freetibet.org/petitions/3487">call on everyone</a>
to reject China's future puppet Dalai Lama.


feed_id: 75349408829956cecb9170e0e4f0bc97
title: Urgent: GMO Food labelling
uri: Urgent-GMO-Food-labelling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#01_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_GMO_Food_labelling%29
content:
<p>
Citizens of Massachusetts:
<a href="http://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/1881/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=16190">call
on the legislator</a> to vote on GMO Food labelling bill and pass it.
<p>
With Javascript disabled, the signing process won't work all the way
through automatically.  Instead, it will terminate showing you a long
URL with [URL] in place of the domain name.
<p>
If you replace [URL] with http://salsa3.salsalabs.com, and visit the
resulting URL, that will finish signing.


feed_id: 39064b4b131ab506da69416446af98ee
title: Worst argument for leaving the EU
uri: Worst-argument-for-leaving-the-EU
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#01_June_2016_%28Worst_argument_for_leaving_the_EU%29

content:
<p>
The worst possible argument for talking Britain out of the EU:
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/may/31/will-leaving-eu-save-british-households-17bn-energy-bills">reducing
tax on heating oil</a>.
<p>
It would be easy for the state to help poor people cope with these
costs: increase welfare benefits for the poor, to an extent that
covers what the poor pay in VAT on oil.  (Or even more, why not?)
For the poor, this would be equivalent; meanwhile, the wealthier
would still pay the tax, and the poor would still have an incentive
to use less fossil fuel.
<p>
The idea of cutting taxes on fossil fuels, instead of cutting their
subsidies, reflects a planet roaster.


feed_id: 6e2d7c99a110ea3cd6993beaf615fff9
title: Journalist Khadija Ismayilova
uri: Journalist-Khadija-Ismayilova
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#01_June_2016_%28Journalist_Khadija_Ismayilova%29
content:
<p>
Azeri journalist Khadija Ismayilova, freed from 18 months as a
political prisoner,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/31/freed-journalist-khadija-ismayilova-azerbaijan-interview">will
resume investigating government corruption</a>.


feed_id: a456886645c73ce9254dc8a0c11b8a51
title: Brazil corruption investigation
uri: Brazil-corruption-investigation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#01_June_2016_%28Brazil_corruption_investigation%29
content:
<p>
The "transparency, monitoring and control" minister of Brazil has quit
after a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/31/lava-jato-brazilian-anti-corruption-minister-quits-over-secret-recording">leaked
recording tied him to plotting to end the "lava jato" corruption
investigation</a>.
<p>
The whole point of the legal coup, as we now know, was to end that
investigation and protect the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#28_May_2016_(Leaked_conspiracy_conversation_in_Brazil)">extremely
corrupt officials</a> who plotted it.


feed_id: 7254a817e70f4a2b93a0f219aebafb25
title: Poor and middle-class incomes
uri: Poor-and-middle-class-incomes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#01_June_2016_%28Poor_and_middle-class_incomes%29
content:
<p>
In the US, poor and middle-class families' incomes
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/12/wealthy-surge-us-poor-and-middle-class-incomes-have-gone-backward">dropped
(on the average) from 1999 to 2014</a>.
<p>
In addition, the middle class shrank, with a few of the departing
families becoming wealthy and most of them becoming poor.
<p>
The study analyzed the
<a href="http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2016/05/11/americas-shrinking-middle-class-a-close-look-at-changes-within-metropolitan-areas/">229
metropolitan areas</a> for which data were available, and perforce
omitted 152 other areas for which it wasn't.
<p>
Here's the
<a href="media/7904c7d7.Middle-Class-Metro-Areas-FINAL.pdf" data-original-source="http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/files/2016/05/Middle-Class-Metro-Areas-FINAL.pdf">full
report</a>.


feed_id: 1aab1fb1c51d152f2d14a36e87ee3d8f
title: India wants satirical video removed
uri: India-wants-satirical-video-removed
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#01_June_2016_%28India_wants_satirical_video_removed%29

content:
<p>
India asked YouTube and Facebook to take down a
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/31/indian-police-try-to-block-facebook-video-mocking-sachin-tendulkar">satirical
video that mocks two Indian celebrities</a>.


feed_id: 64a682ba4983b6b2e09b3ce45285ea9b
title: UK's planned new nuclear power plant
uri: UK-s-planned-new-nuclear-power-plant
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#01_June_2016_%28UKs_planned_new_nuclear_power_plant%29

content:
<p>
The UK made a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/may/30/edf-hinkley-point-deal-radioactive-waste-sparks-anger">secret
agreement about dealing with the nuclear waste</a> from its absurdly
expensive planned new nuclear power plant.


feed_id: 0456bfea778e242824fcba08f9fd4cf3
title: Frequent viewing of porn
uri: Frequent-viewing-of-porn
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#01_June_2016_%28Frequent_viewing_of_porn%29
content:
<p>
It seems that frequent viewing of porn
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2016/may/30/online-porn-addiction-reddit-nofap">often
leads men to sexual difficulty</a>, but it could be a matter of how
and how often they masturbate.


feed_id: ff2c905f389280fd6e456bb59452ce14
title: Universal basic income
uri: 2016-06-01-Universal-basic-income
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#01_June_2016_%28Universal_basic_income%29
content:
<p>
A universal basic income
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/may/16/universal-basic-income-equality-tech-silicon-valley">would
not solve all of society's problems</a>.  We would still need
democratic control over important social issues.
<p>
However, I don't think this means that the universal basic income is a
bad idea.  And even though plutocracy and business-dominated
globalization have an important role in inequality, that doesn't mean
there is no technological unemployment.


feed_id: 0e1712ecc55a367b8f11f6b1b2583fa9
title: Confrontations with pushy men
uri: Confrontations-with-pushy-men
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#01_June_2016_%28Confrontations_with_pushy_men%29
content:
<p>
Women in general
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gretchen-kelly/the-thing-all-women-do-you-dont-know-about_b_8630416.html">frequently
need to de-escalate confrontations</a> with pushy men, and most men
don't even know about the problem.
<p>
I agree with the writer's position except on one point: about being
looked at.  No matter what the reason, you don't have a right to
demand that people not look at you.  Just being too young to have a
driver's license doesn't entitle you to tell people where to point
their eyes.


feed_id: 3cd9d2da17bca3f658aec473160a3222
title: Former dictator of Chad convicted
uri: Former-dictator-of-Chad-convicted
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#01_June_2016_%28Former_dictator_of_Chad_convicted%29

content:
<p>
Hissène Habré, former dictator of Chad, has been
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/30/chad-hissene-habre-guilty-crimes-against-humanity-senegal">convicted
of crimes against humanity</a> including torture and summary
execution.
<p>
Now we need to put Dubya on trial for torture, in Abu Ghraib and
Guantanamo, and someone (Obama?) on trial for the summary execution of
Osama bin Laden (who deserved a trial for the murders he was accused
of).


feed_id: c7559e53fd4ce77d0161df30d96fd011
title: UK referendum about whether to leave EU
uri: UK-referendum-about-whether-to-leave-EU
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#01_June_2016_%28UK_referendum_about_whether_to_leave_EU%29

content:
<p>
The UK referendum about whether to leave the European Union is a
dispute about
"<a href='http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/30/eu-referendum-neoliberal-irvine-welsh'>which
is the better way for citizens to be ripped off</a>, as part of the EU
or as an independent UK?"
<p>
Like many other referendums, it is a recognition that democracy has
been corrupted so much by the elite that we can't trust it to work for
the public good.
<p>
I love the last sentence: "Whether you back red or black in the
tawdry, crumbling casino of neoliberalism, and whatever the slimy
croupiers of the mainstream media urge, itâs the house that invariably
wins."
<p>
We the People need to take control of our house.  Any politician that
the plutocrats are happy with is not on our side.


feed_id: 394b8d76673c0f6d86d51844cfbc4e6a
title: Urgent: Public records reform
uri: Urgent-Public-records-reform
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#31_May_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Public_records_reform%29
content:
<p>
Massachusetts citizens: 
<a href="https://ssl.capwiz.com/aclu/ma/issues/alert/?alertid=72486631">call
on Governor Baker</a> to sign the public records reform bill.


feed_id: 824389908ff24f2a5c256167741403b5
title: Urgent: Sentencing Reform and Corrections
uri: Urgent-Sentencing-Reform-and-Corrections
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#31_May_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Sentencing_Reform_and_Corrections%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://action.aclu.org/secure/real-criminal-justice-reform">call
on your senators</a> to support the Sentencing Reform and Corrections
Act.


feed_id: 95b2ad9767ce9b0c3b75424e2fcbc3ee
title: CETA the Canadian Sea Monster
uri: CETA-the-Canadian-Sea-Monster
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#31_May_2016_%28CETA_the_Canadian_Sea_Monster%29
content:
<p>
CETA the Canadian Sea Monster would impose essentially the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/30/ttip-trade-deal-agreements-ceta-eu-canada">same
injustice as the TTIP on Europe</a>.  All the regulations that protect
the public from dangerous actions of business would be vulnerable to
being swept away.


feed_id: 26b9bbd20aa122369bd4c9bd165dc515
title: El Niño
uri: 2016-06-01-El-Niño
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#31_May_2016_%28El_Nino%29
content:
<p>
El Niño Is Over — But It
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/may/30/el-nino-is-over-but-it-leaves-nearly-100-million-people-short-of-food">Leaves
Nearly 100 Million People Short of Food</a>.


feed_id: 10fb98364497d84316f0cbb3118f370d
title: Collection of babies' data
uri: Collection-of-babies-data
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#31_May_2016_%28Collection_of_babies_data%29
content:
<p>
Companies such as Fitbit and 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/may/30/wearables-for-babies-saving-lives-or-instilling-fear-in-parents">trying
to scare parents</a> into paying the companies to collect data about
their babies.
<p>
These devices should cause parents lots of anxiety about how that data
will be used.
<p>
A product to monitor a baby's health might be a reasonable thing to
use if it is run by free software and all the data remains under the
control of the parent.


feed_id: 27cd4616f8d0b832d6a64b4c1a58437a
title: Projected sea-level rise
uri: 2016-06-01-Projected-sea-level-rise
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#31_May_2016_%28Projected_sea-level_rise%29
content:
<p>
Australians: see how projected sea-level rise will affect 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/apr/15/climate-change-website-reveals-which-homes-will-be-swamped-by-rising-sea-levels">cities,
beaches, famous buildings, and your home</a> (or the home you might be
thinking of buying).


feed_id: 784745c9c8319c76a5f98dbc37d991de
title: TPP is not "free trade agreement"
uri: TPP-is-not-free-trade-agreement
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#31_May_2016_%28TPP_is_not_free_trade_agreement%29
content:
<p>
To understand why the TPP is bad, 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/26/tpp-has-always-been-about-corporate-dominance-not-trade-or-economic-growth">stop
believing that it's a "free trade agreement"</a>.


feed_id: 3eff90bd9cbc5821a5b21b6161d454ff
title: Sanders's economic policies
uri: Sanders-s-economic-policies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#31_May_2016_%28Sanderss_economic_policies%29
content:
<p>
Why Sanders's economic policies 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/26/bernie-sanders-easily-wins-policy-debate">make
sense</a>.


feed_id: 0c320a05e767daf7080fface15ad807d
title: Record-setting temperatures
uri: Record-setting-temperatures
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#31_May_2016_%28Record-setting_temperatures%29
content:
<p>
As world temperatures set record after record, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/mar/15/record-global-temperatures-are-shocking-and-yet-we-dont-respond-seriously">society
and the state seem hardly to notice</a>.


feed_id: 08dc5ad32f1538ed5fa5bdaea2d47930
title: FBI's warrantless access to online records
uri: FBI-s-warrantless-access-to-online-records
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#31_May_2016_%28FBIs_warrantless_access_to_online_records%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/26/fbi-intelligence-senate-bill-warrants-data-access">Bill
Would Expand FBI's Warrantless Access</a> to Online Records, Senators
Warn.


feed_id: 072b84c82972ab10f8968c7c56d11bdf
title: The coup in Brazil
uri: The-coup-in-Brazil
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#31_May_2016_%28The_coup_in_Brazil%29
content:
<p>
The US government seems to have been coordinating with the architects
of the coup in Brazil 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/27/brazilian-coup-and-washingtons-rollback-latin-america">while
they were setting it up</a>.


feed_id: b1c7c8649aec3277784b43e42607622f
title: Taxi driver killed by drone bomber
uri: Taxi-driver-killed-by-drone-bomber
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#31_May_2016_%28Taxi_driver_killed_by_drone_bomber%29

content:
<p>
When a US drone bomber killed the leader of the Taliban, he was riding
in a taxi.  The bomb 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/29/family-of-driver-mohammad-azam-killed-in-us-strike-on-taliban-leader-mullah-mansoor-file-criminal-case">killed
the taxi driver</a>, who did not know who his passenger was.


feed_id: 3997743bdf19c6a03888b986b3aa76f1
title: Taxes owed by Google and McDonalds
uri: Taxes-owed-by-Google-and-McDonalds
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#31_May_2016_%28Taxes_owed_by_Google_and_McDonalds%29

content:
<p>
The French finance minister says France 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/29/france-multinationals-pay-taxes-michel-sapin-google-mcdonalds">will
make Google and McDonalds pay all the tax they owe</a>.


feed_id: d449a6c13ae823f6867d8e09ead74a62
title: "Software audits"
uri: Software-audits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#31_May_2016_%28Software_audits%29
content:
<p>
"Software audits", checking small or medium size businesses for
unauthorized copies of user-subjugating software are a form of
<a href="http://techcrunch.com/2016/05/10/software-piracy-claims-can-ruin-your-business-and-reward-those-responsible/">organized
bullying</a>.  They demand gigantic penalties in order to make the
users collapse in fear.
<p>
The author of the article endorses the official position that
proprietary software is legitimate and using unauthorized copies of
proprietary software is doing wrong to the developer.  He even calls
that practice by the smear term, 
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Piracy">"piracy"</a>.
<p>
I think all that is mistaken.  It is foolish to use proprietary
software, whether authorized copies or not; but making and using
unauthorized copies of proprietary software is not wrong.  Rather, the
wrong is in trying to STOP people from sharing and using software.  In
other words, the wrong is proprietary software.
<p>
These audits are just a part of
the <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">injustice
of nonfree software</a>.  Your business can be safe by rejecting
nonfree software.


feed_id: 1e542b55d55c2f56d47229767049b116
title: Colombia threatened about cancer drug
uri: Colombia-threatened-about-cancer-drug
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#31_May_2016_%28Colombia_threatened_about_cancer_drug%29

content:
<p>
The US Trade Representative 
<a href="https://www.statnews.com/pharmalot/2016/05/26/bernie-sanders-novartis-patent/">threatened
Colombia with cuts in support for peace with the guerrillas</a> if it
went ahead with licensing generic versions of a cancer drug.
<p>
If not for the murderous World Trade Organization, Colombia could
simply legislate that there are 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-jan-apr.html#03_April_2013_(Novartis_threatens_India)">no
patents on medicines</a>.
<p>
Here is 
<a href="http://keionline.org/node/2568">more information</a> about
this issue.
<p>
It is disappointing that KEI uses the spin term "protection" to
describe what patents do.  There is no reason to use that word except
propaganda for the drug companies.


feed_id: ae25184a8258f93b94b5cdf1b5fe4d0e
title: UK's psychoactive drug ban
uri: UK-s-psychoactive-drug-ban
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#1_June_2016_%28UKs_psychoactive_drug_ban%29
content:
<p>
The UK's ban on nearly all psychoactive drugs 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/31/ban-legal-highs-drug-related-deaths-alcohol">will
drive people to more dangerous drugs such as alcohol</a>.  It is the
result of a misguided choice of goal: promoting abstinence, rather
than reducing harm.


feed_id: b7ac18915526feb8515696dff8c63a5b
title: Destruction of evidence
uri: Destruction-of-evidence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#1_June_2016_%28Destruction_of_evidence%29
content:
<p>
Mohammed Sheikh Mohammed's lawyers accuse the military kangaroo court
of destroying evidence in its favor, then 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/31/9-11-attacks-destroyed-evidence-khalid-sheikh-mohammed">pretending
to have ordered its preservation</a>.
<p>
Each of the prisoners in Guantanamo has a right to a fair trial
or to be released.


feed_id: c04eb7b8947b3e6de5b2925be47592e6
title: Neoliberal economic policy
uri: Neoliberal-economic-policy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#1_June_2016_%28Neoliberal_economic_policy%29
content:
<p>
The IMF's researchers acknowledge that neoliberal economic policy exists,
and that it's 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/31/witnessing-death-neoliberalism-imf-economists">lousy</a>.


feed_id: da6e42eba0ac85b800732a5cb9e2e9e9
title: Guessing character based on face
uri: Guessing-character-based-on-face
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#1_June_2016_%28Guessing_character_based_on_face%29
content:
<p>
Using facial examination to guess people's character traits is 
<a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Passcode/Passcode-Voices/2016/0527/Opinion-The-ugliest-side-of-facial-recognition-technology">dangerous
when it is unreliable, and unjust when it is reliable</a>.


feed_id: 9a0aae9e440a95deadffc52d9af70f01
title: Loomis Reef bleached and half dead
uri: Loomis-Reef-bleached-and-half-dead
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#1_June_2016_%28Loomis_Reef_bleached_and_half_dead%29

content:
<p>
In Loomis Reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/planet-oz/2016/apr/21/mourning-loomis-reef-the-heart-of-the-great-barrier-reefs-coral-bleaching-disaster">nearly
all the coral has bleached and half of it is dead</a>.  The fish that
used to live there are now gone.
<p>
The extractionists that rule Australia might respond, "Since the coral
is doomed anyway, and the billion people who depend on it will soon
starve, so why not burn all the coal?"
<p>
But it is not too late to prevent this act of mass murder, if we curb
fossil fuel use with dispatch.


feed_id: a304b05925d1050201fd450de1473787
title: Spying on internet traffic in Thailand
uri: Spying-on-internet-traffic-in-Thailand
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#1_June_2016_%28Spying_on_internet_traffic_in_Thailand%29

content:
<p>
The Thai military government has given itself the 
<a href="http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/993937/internet-laws-a-time-bomb">power
to spy on all internet traffic in the country</a>.
<p>
Leaks suggest that it intends to carry out man-in-the-middle attacks
to spy on use of foreign web sites through https.


feed_id: de9f62f84b54c96b5a6e912e5dac7fdd
title: Censorship of "hate speech"
uri: 2016-06-02-Censorship-of-hate-speech
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#1_June_2016_%28Censorship_of_hate_speech%29
content:
<p>
Several "US" companies have 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/may/31/facebook-youtube-twitter-microsoft-eu-hate-speech-code">signed
a pledge to censor "hate speech"</a>, which is a crime in many
European countries.
<p>
This includes statements of views that are protected in the US.
We must not ban expression of opinions just because we find them
disgusting.


feed_id: 7ecf3e6d61ce8081f69c4ae4237c1282
title: Erdo&gbreve;an labels Gülen's movement as "terrorist"
uri: Erdo-gbreve-an-labels-Gülen-s-movement-as-terrorist
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#1_June_2016_%28Erdogan_labels_Gulens_movement_as_terrorist%29

content:
<p>
Erdo&gbreve;an has 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/31/turkey-labels-ex-erdogan-ally-fethullah-gulen-group-terrorists">officially
labeled Gülen's movement as "terrorist"</a>.  (Apparently they
tried to explode Erdo&gbreve;an's overinflated ego.)
<p>
This is meant to try to pressure the US government to hand Gülen
over to Turkey, but I expect it will be an excuse for more persecution
in Turkey.


feed_id: 2cb8698b0c0dabd63b712f88ec6ae15b
title: Duterte advocates murdering journalists
uri: Duterte-advocates-murdering-journalists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#1_June_2016_%28Duterte_advocates_murdering_journalists%29

content:
<p>
President-elect Duterte of the Philippines 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/31/philippine-president-elect-says-corrupt-journalists-will-be-killed">advocates
murdering "corrupt" journalists</a>.  It appears that "corrupt", in
his mouth, means anyone that criticizes him.
<p>
Thugs in the Philippines have already started a wave of murders, with
his encouragement.  They are killing suspected drug dealers.  If they
kill some suspected dissidents too, maybe those will be lost among the
suspected drug dealers.


feed_id: 4c86c2df915a942224ebd46311cb3514
title: Fair use for music samples
uri: Fair-use-for-music-samples
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#1_June_2016_%28Fair_use_for_music_samples%29
content:
<p>
A German court has 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/may/31/kraftwerk-lose-legal-battle-over-their-music-being-sampled">approved
a form of fair use</a> for short music samples.
<p>
Good news — and shame on Kraftwerk for opposing this!


feed_id: 25c68b6272bacc2f4b1d84e3d99ec900
title: Assad's air force bombs hospital
uri: Assad-s-air-force-bombs-hospital
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#1_June_2016_%28Assads_air_force_bombs_hospital%29
content:
<p>
Assad's air force 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/31/syria-idlib-national-hospital-bombing-dozens-killed">bombed
a hospital in Idlib</a>.
<p>
They have bombed quite a few hospitals.


feed_id: 5c2e4836fa6e2860ea69cd88f7690552
title: Urgent: No cluster bombs for Salafi Arabia
uri: Urgent-No-cluster-bombs-for-Salafi-Arabia
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_No_cluster_bombs_for_Salafi_Arabia%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/make-ban-on-cluster-bomb">support
a permanent ban</a> on providing cluster bombs to Salafi Arabia.


feed_id: 966b188782cd4e12bba5400efa7be9fe
title: Urgent: Close carried interest loophole
uri: Urgent-Close-carried-interest-loophole
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Close_carried_interest_loophole%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/congress_carried_interest">call
on Congress</a> to close the carried interest loophole that lets hedge
funds pay little or no tax.


feed_id: d6f9202c8459d9ce5cf7621a3384ff52
title: Gun control measures
uri: Gun-control-measures
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Gun_control_measures%29
content:
<p>
Three gun control measures would greatly reduce the rate of killings
with
guns: <a href="http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-03/bumc-bsi030916.php">universal
background checks in buying guns and ammunition, and ballistic
fingerprinting of guns</a>.
<p>
However, this won't prevent your toddlers from killing you or
themselves unintentionally with your gun.  Especially if you follow
the NRA's 
<a href="http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2016/05/31/3782497/nra-kids-shooting/">cockeyed
advice to keep a gun in your child's room</a>.
<p>
I expect people will still be safer with no guns in the house,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#23_August_2015_(Gun_in_your_home)">as
is the case now</a>.


feed_id: 25eed264acd24586ce758db243452987
title: Giant beer companies merging
uri: Giant-beer-companies-merging
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Giant_beer_companies_merging%29
content:
<p>
Two giant beer companies are merging.  The combination will be 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/may/31/ab-inbev-purchase-of-sabmiller-given-conditional-approval">much
larger than any of its competitors</a>.
<p>
Mergers so large should be absolutely blocked.


feed_id: a73a81af87cf62a4e4e603d74e6f5e39
title: Digital payments and fraud
uri: Digital-payments-and-fraud
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Digital_payments_and_fraud%29
content:
<p>
Digital payments carry an 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/may/31/online-victims-should-be-better-protected-not-blamed">increasing
likelihood that you'll be the victim of fraud</a>, as well as a
certainty that you'll be the victim of snooping.


feed_id: 8cd1dee32af5041ecedb1f76db664f6e
title: Women's reproductive rights
uri: Women-s-reproductive-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Womens_reproductive_rights%29
content:
<p>
Extending women's reproductive rights world-wide is an 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/may/31/climate-change-women-reproductive-rights-birth-control">effective
way to reduce global heating</a>.


feed_id: 18324a045f8b9a407b037312d39f24ed
title: Wage theft by Domino's Pizza
uri: Wage-theft-by-Domino-s-Pizza
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Wage_theft_by_Dominos_Pizza%29
content:
<p>
New York State has sued Domino's Pizza (and its franchisees) for
<a href="http://www.thenation.com/article/this-lawsuit-against-dominos-could-be-huge-for-workers/">systematic
theft of employees' wages</a>.


feed_id: ce517a97e5130293e23b49d3d9f36986
title: Dangerous censorship in Belgium
uri: Dangerous-censorship-in-Belgium
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Dangerous_censorship_in_Belgium%29
content:
<p>
Belgium now gives people the right to 
<a href="http://www.flanderstoday.eu/business/right-be-forgotten-extends-newspaper-archives">force
newspaper archives to delete articles</a> about them.
<p>
This is terribly dangerous censorship.


feed_id: a88ef4ff976836e8ecc10a4c23375c19
title: Holder on Snowden's revelations
uri: Holder-on-Snowden-s-revelations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Holder_on_Snowdens_revelations%29
content:
<p>
Former Attorney General Holder 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/30/hypocrite-holder-says-snowden-performed-important-public-service">admits
that Snowden's revelations were a service to the nation</a>, but wants
him to meekly submit to imprisonment for it.
<p>
He is not such a fool as to put himself totally at the mercy of
officials that persecute whistleblowers and <em>only then</em>
negotiate a deal.


feed_id: 7443749160aed76493b5c6ac6ab66d3f
title: Canada's proposed LNG port
uri: Canada-s-proposed-LNG-port
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Canadas_proposed_LNG_port%29
content:
<p>
Scientists Say Canada's Proposed LNG Port 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/30/scientists-say-canadas-proposed-lng-port-threatens-paris-climate-accord">Threatens
Paris Climate Accord</a>.


feed_id: 8971858026faada8ace688776d0ac99d
title: Censorship in the UK
uri: Censorship-in-the-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Censorship_in_the_UK%29
content:
<p>
Censorship in the UK 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/may/30/man-charged-t-shirt-mocking-hillsborough-tragedy">extends
to harsh opinions</a>.  A man has been charged with the "crime" of
saying good riddance about the 96 soccer fans killed by UK thugs.
<p>
Even the name of the crime he is charged with is a vicious smear,
since it uses the word "threatening" and "harassment", but the words
he said contained no threat or harassment.  Imagine making it a crime
to "kill or tickle" someone, and charging a tickler with "killing or
tickling".
<p>
The UK spits on freedom of expression 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jul-oct.html#22_September_2015_(Threats_to_freedom_of_speech_in_the_UK)">in
many other ways</a>, too.
<p>
When people talk about punishing "hate speech", they advocate
censorship of opinions.  Censorship is dangerous to society and
democracy.
<p>
That is why I see danger in the recent agreement by three
multinational companies to work harder to 
<a href="http://techcrunch.com/2016/05/31/facebook-twitter-youtube-and-microsoft-agree-to-remove-hate-speech-across-the-eu/">delete
"hate speech"</a>.


feed_id: 6ce121b57a463c6185feb976e9901cda
title: If Facebook respects journalism
uri: If-Facebook-respects-journalism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28If_Facebook_respects_journalism%29
content:
<p>
If Facebook respects journalism, it will 
<a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2016/05/26/mark_zuckerberg_needs_to_dump_peter_thiel_from_the_facebook_board_of_directors.html">disconnect
from Peter Thiel</a>.


feed_id: b4cecd752d452ad60206a417cefba3bb
title: Fires in Alaska
uri: Fires-in-Alaska
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Fires_in_Alaska%29
content:
<p>
Fires in Alaska, caused by global heating, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/01/alaska-wildfires-climate-change">add to global heating</a>.
<p>
This is one of the positive feedbacks that scientists have warned about.
If enough of these feedbacks start, the planet roasters will have won
a final victory.


feed_id: e235555bbbd94bba57bc5176100b46fc
title: Palmyra
uri: 2016-06-03-Palmyra
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Palmyra%29
content:
<p>
Syrian Troops <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/01/syrian-troops-looting-ancient-city-palmyra-says-archaeologist">Are Looting</a> Ancient Palmyra, Says Archaeologist.


feed_id: 5eec43e5d9819aee9d820628236ea8f9
title: Marijuana
uri: 2016-06-03-Marijuana
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Marijuana%29
content:
<p>
A study of long term marijuana use <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jun/01/long-term-pot-use-study-poor-gum-health-marijuana">found only one</a> tiny physical health effect:
a small increase in the chance of having gum disease.


feed_id: e524acb4cd06ee474c263e308d1ba0d7
title: US soldiers
uri: US-soldiers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28US_soldiers%29
content:
<p>
When US soldiers attacked a friendly family's celebration and killed
seven of them, perhaps it was a mistake.  A military investigation says so.
The "fog of war" <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/01/pentagon-special-ops-killing-of-pregnant-afghan-women-was-appropriate-use-of-force/">frequently leads</a> to mistakes.
<p>
However, nothing could excuse the cover up that followed.
The investigation arbitrarily ignored this.


feed_id: 21c92dd4fa9ae453fe1746e89bce6157
title: Spying thugs
uri: Spying-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Spying_thugs%29
content:
<p>
A US appeals court <a href="http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/05/cops-can-easily-get-hundreds-of-days-of-location-data-appeals-court-rules/">ruled</a> that thugs can collect people's cell phone
location data for any length of time from the phone company without
a court order.
<p>
The other decision would not be enough to respect people's privacy.
The phone company should not be allowed even to <em>record</em> your
location data without a specific court order about you.  Tracking
everyone's movements <a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">is a threat to democracy</a> as well as each person.


feed_id: 5873c53aa94190549772a69f9be0521e
title: European Commission
uri: 2016-06-03-European-Commission
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28European_Commission%29
content:
<p>
The European Commission <a href="http://www.laquadrature.net/en/european-commission-consultation-panorama">seems to want to change copyright law</a>
to benefit publishers at the expense of authors and the public.
<p>
When the article says "editors", it means "publishers".  This
could be a mistranslation from the French. 
<p>
It also seems to be hostile to the freedom to take and use photos on
the street with buildings in view ("freedom of panorama").


feed_id: 72386df3d23b3c2e121b8200590efe8a
title: Paper money in Libya
uri: Paper-money-in-Libya
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Paper_money_in_Libya%29
content:
<p>
The two governments in Libya <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/01/distribution-of-new-banknotes-raises-fears-for-libyan-unity">are introducing</a> different forms of paper
money.
<p>
This is not, in itself, a problem.  The UK has various kind of paper money
made by different banks.  But the US wants to make it out to be a problem.


feed_id: 1f82b73bf256f2b4f76a6a31b0c82573
title: Water through fish tanks
uri: Water-through-fish-tanks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Water_through_fish_tanks%29
content:
<p>
Reusing water through fish tanks <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/may/31/california-drought-fish-farming-water-crops-agriculture-southwest">enables</a> agriculture to use much less
water and produces useful fish.


feed_id: 99262f619ddd7992d0a28abe06c2e0e6
title: Avon Ladies
uri: Avon-Ladies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Avon_Ladies%29
content:
<p>
The 'Avon Ladies' of Pakistan <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/jun/01/the-avon-ladies-of-pakistan-selling-contraception-door-to-door">Selling</a> Contraception Door to Door.


feed_id: 61820daf8849091a1cb0260c394aa095
title: Abortion
uri: 2016-06-03-Abortion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Abortion%29
content:
<p>
Some US women, perhaps hundreds of thousands, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/01/anti-abortion-laws-legislation-clinics-dangerous-methods">have used dangerous
abortion methods</a> because they were barred from safe legal abortion.
<p>
If this amounts to 2% of all US women, which is the lower bound the
researcher suggests, that would amount to millions.


feed_id: cac0dc9d35195c720e69c19dbd47c6ec
title: Foreign donations
uri: Foreign-donations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Foreign_donations%29
content:
<p>
Foreigners can donate to US election campaigns via US-based front
corporations.  It's not a crime, but <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/01/va-gov-terry-mcauliffe-took-120k-from-a-chinese-billionaire-but-the-crime-is-that-it-was-legal/">it ought to be</a>.


feed_id: 76dc36403398f17d20212d017cd739fd
title: Renewable energy
uri: 2016-06-03-Renewable-energy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Renewable_energy%29
content:
<p>
The world <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/01/renewable-energy-smashes-global-records-in-2015-report-shows">installed</a> 147 GW of renewable energy capacity in 2015, despite the bigger subsidies for fossil fuels.
<p>
This would be good news if we had decades to wait, but we don't.


feed_id: 1dd2713b612e751712fdd92746223c5e
title: Snowden and Manning
uri: Snowden-and-Manning
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Snowden_and_Manning%29
content:
<p>
President Obama, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/01/edward-snowden-chelsea-manning-barack-obama-pardon">Pardon</a> Edward Snowden And Chelsea Manning.


feed_id: af655961a4f73ed85b38504baa373ca4
title: Biodiesel
uri: Biodiesel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Biodiesel%29
content:
<p>
"Biodiesel" fuel in Europe <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/01/leaked-figures-show-spike-in-palm-oil-use-for-biodiesel-in-europe">now includes</a> palm oil.
<p>
Instead of CO2 from burning petroleum, it emits CO2 from burning
tropical forests.


feed_id: 340882209abd2f21928aec25c8332caf
title: Montreal
uri: Montreal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Montreal%29
content:
<p>
Anti-gentrification protesters in Montreal <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/01/montreal-gentrification-st-henri-looting-vandalism">set off smoke bombs in a
grocery for the rich</a>, as well as swiping fancy food.
<p>
In principle, I don't see anything wrong with gentrification.  The
problem is when the former residents of the area have to move
someplace lousy and far away.


feed_id: b309d9cbffc7e3654c77eb50c37b277e
title: Chinese thugs
uri: Chinese-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Chinese_thugs%29
content:
<p>
It appears Chinese thugs occasionally <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/01/beijing-prosecutors-investigate-lei-yang-death-police-custody">kill prisoners</a> and lie about it, much like thugs in the US.


feed_id: 20db8dd28301a317a947f9b6b77ca28c
title: Digital newspapers
uri: Digital-newspapers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Digital_newspapers%29
content:
<p>
Digital newspapers <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2016/jun/01/canadian-newspaper-reports-increased-readership-for-its-tablet-edition">spy</a> on readers, tracking how much time a reader
spends reading the paper.
<p>
They have no right to collect such data about readers.  Please join me
in rejecting digital systems that give anyone the power to track what
you read.


feed_id: b65b64d5aed17dde34d3de20b57c6d21
title: Prisoners in UK
uri: Prisoners-in-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Prisoners_in_UK%29
content:
<p>
Many prisoners in the UK <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jun/01/prisoners-reveal-regular-spice-use-tripled-legal-high-violence-illness-debt">take</a> hallucinatory addictive drugs to make
the months pass in a blur.
The drugs are bad for them, but they can't resist.


feed_id: 450bb58299aee5eccf454f2ae6380976
title: Tiananmen Square 1989
uri: Tiananmen-Square-1989
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Tiananmen_Square_1989%29
content:
<p>
Mothers of students killed by China in 1989 at Tiananmen Square
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/01/families-tiananmen-square-victims-beijing-white-terror">continue</a> to rebuke the state.


feed_id: 7ad40ca0f24cd61fb3a59c1650eaa416
title: Eric Harris
uri: Eric-Harris
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Eric_Harris%29
content:
<p>
The deputy thug that killed Eric Harris <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/31/oklahoma-sheriffs-deputy-fatal-shooting-eric-harris">has been sentenced</a> to four
years in prison for manslaughter.


feed_id: 06a3ebf465da594f099b570d851b79d6
title: Trump
uri: 2016-06-03-Trump
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Trump%29
content:
<p>
Trump University (not a real university) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/01/donald-trump-university-presidential-campaign-language">was Trump's dry run</a> for the
dishonest practices he is now using in his campaign.
<p>
Trump University's predatory business <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/31/donald-trump-university-playbook-real-estate-courses">practices</a> lured students to
pay thousands with their credit cards based on exaggerated promises of
future riches.  A personal message from Trump poured on the pressure.
<p>
No wonder New York State and students are suing.
<p>
Here are <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/education/2016/05/31/3783202/trump-university-playbook-revealed/">some details</a> of the dirty sales methods that the company used.
<p>
Former staff <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/01/trump-university-staff-testimony-fraudulent-scheme">say</a> that the company was a "total lie".


feed_id: d55ad60a833ff6fed2ff3d2a1174443c
title: Cincinnati zoo
uri: Cincinnati-zoo
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28Cincinnati_zoo%29
content:
<p>
The parents of a child that climbed into a zoo's gorilla enclosure
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/31/cincinnati-zoo-gorilla-boy-police-family-investigation">are being investigated by thugs.
<p>
The thugs seem to demand that children be kept on leash at all times.


feed_id: ed3f8be0b03177136d91775d433962c7
title: FBI
uri: 2016-06-03-FBI
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#3_June_2016_%28FBI%29
content:
<p>

Congressâ Treachery, the FBIâs Double-Crossing and the American 
Citizenryâs Cluelessness: <a href="http://www.rutherford.org/publications_resources/john_whiteheads_commentary/congress_treachery_the_fbis_double_crossing_and_the_american_citizenry">With Friends Like These, Who Needs Enemies</a>?


feed_id: 104b9cdf4b44758606c832b1539ff921
title: MSF condemns governments for bombings
uri: MSF-condemns-governments-for-bombings
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#4_June_2016_%28MSF_condemns_governments_for_bombings%29

content:
<p>
Médecins sans Frontières
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/01/hospitals-are-now-normal-targets-of-war-says-medecins-sans-frontieres-adviser">condemns
several governments</a> for systematically bombing hospitals or
supporting the states that do.


feed_id: 89101145372cc683c71e47aa9993b199
title: Building standards and global heating
uri: Building-standards-and-global-heating
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#4_June_2016_%28Building_standards_and_global_heating%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/01/make-building-standards-top-priority-for-tackling-climate-change-says-iea-chief">Make
Building Standards Top Priority</a> for Tackling [Global Heating],
Says IEA Chief.
<p>
The term "climate change" was chosen by Dubya's officials to downplay
the danger; we should not keep following his choice.


feed_id: e3a8aab47aaf1746a0e450961c84c7b4
title: Expensive speeches funding Clinton
uri: Expensive-speeches-funding-Clinton
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#4_June_2016_%28Expensive_speeches_funding_Clinton%29

content:
<p>
After Clinton stopped giving expensive speeches for companies in order to
run for president, her husband Bill Clinton continued, and took funds
even from the lowest of the low: an 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/06/bill-clinton-gave-six-figure-speech-vulture-fund-apollo">asset-stripping
"vulture fund"</a>.


feed_id: 6c69c65ea6e06c2ab6dde5ab61c4fd74
title: How Flint cheated on lead tests
uri: How-Flint-cheated-on-lead-tests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#4_June_2016_%28How_Flint_cheated_on_lead_tests%29
content:
<p>
Flint had a way to cheat on tests of lead in the water: 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/02/flint-water-crisis-tests-targeted-homes-far-from-lead-pipes">doing
the tests in areas which don't have lead pipes</a>.


feed_id: dad4fd30f47719f5be7fc2bbc2193253
title: Payday loans
uri: Payday-loans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#4_June_2016_%28Payday_loans%29
content:
<p>
Even with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's new rules,
payday loans continue to carry 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/02/new-payday-loan-rules-wont-stop-predatory-lenders/">very
heavy interest</a>.
<p>
The real causes of the problem include (1) too low pay for workers in
the US, and (2) insufficient government help (because the rich and
businesses have escaped from paying tax), and (3) banks' sending
credit cards to young adults, encouraging them to get deep in debt.
<p>
One of the reasons not to pay by credit card is that people tend to
spend more money that way.


feed_id: d81391a7c88ba60333f5b34fde6e3305
title: Syrian Arab wants to fight PISSI
uri: Syrian-Arab-wants-to-fight-PISSI
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#4_June_2016_%28Syrian_Arab_wants_to_fight_PISSI%29
content:
<p>
A Syrian Arab says he wants to fight PISSI, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/02/isis-islamic-state-risk-losing-territory-caliphate-syria-iraq">but
not under coercion from Kurds</a>.


feed_id: 7165ce94f1f952acb0269e1ed1fe88aa
title: Ukraine puts sanctions on journalists
uri: Ukraine-puts-sanctions-on-journalists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#4_June_2016_%28Ukraine_puts_sanctions_on_journalists%29

content:
<p>
Ukraine has put sanctions on Russian journalists which it accuses of
"stirring hatred", 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/02/ukraine-bans-russian-journalists-margarita-simonyan">banning
them from entering Ukraine or owning property there</a>.
<p>
One of them is actually a Ukrainian citizen, and plans to challenge
the sanctions legally.
<p>
I wish the US would stop making journalists apply for 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2004-may-aug.html#17%20June%202004%20(Elena%20Lappin)">special
visas to report on the US</a>.


feed_id: 123123da71cc1ce8a1cc05bd481e868d
title: Accuracy of Google Maps tracking
uri: Accuracy-of-Google-Maps-tracking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#4_June_2016_%28Accuracy_of_Google_Maps_tracking%29
content:
<p>
Google Maps 
<a href="http://www.theverge.com/2016/6/1/11824118/google-android-location-data-police-warrants">collects
a history of everywhere the user has been</a>, and calculates the
locations with several methods to make them extremely accurate.
<p>
Catching some criminals is a good thing.  Ten years ago I would have
said that catching a bank robber was good.  Now that banks have stolen
so many billions from people around the world, and the US government
has 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_May_2016_(Fraudulent_foreclosure_continues_in_the_US)">let
them get away with it</a>, I hesitate to condemn someone for stealing
from banks.  Nonetheless, there are other crimes for which I would
support catching the perpetrators.
<p>
But this method can be used for all sorts of reasons, including
catching whistleblowers.  It is 
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">dangerous
to allow the existence of
<em>any</em> system which tracks people's movements</a>.


feed_id: 67d8a6dcb21e579038aa635eb39b3af8
title: Austerity
uri: 2016-06-05-Austerity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#4_June_2016_%28Austerity%29
content:
<p>
The OECD now 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/economics-blog/2016/jun/01/global-economy-recovery-growth-governments-keynes">recognizes
that governments should end austerity</a> and spend more on public
works.
<p>
Increased benefits for the poor would help too.  They would spend the
money on food, transportation and medicine.


feed_id: bb8a82426faba0c490a1edadb6e9965d
title: Polish constitutional court
uri: Polish-constitutional-court
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#4_June_2016_%28Polish_constitutional_court%29
content:
<p>
Poland Gets 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/01/poland-gets-official-warning-from-eu-over-constitutional-court-changes">Official
Warning from EU</a> over Constitutional Court Changes.
<p>
More information about the changes and how they 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-nov-feb.html#13_December_2015_(Poland)">endanger
rule of law</a>.


feed_id: 3fb4cb0796dcdd60e096c8af8b79df1f
title: Urgent: Tell Walmart to be responsible
uri: Urgent-Tell-Walmart-to-be-responsible
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#4_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Tell_Walmart_to_be_responsible%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://secure3.convio.net/gpeace/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=1979">call
on Walmart</a> to stop selling tuna caught in ways that kill
threatened sea life or caught by enslaved workers.


feed_id: f2d8aa6f2ae1e232fd613d11545af7ce
title: Germany recognizes genocide of Armenians
uri: Germany-recognizes-genocide-of-Armenians
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#4_June_2016_%28Germany_recognizes_genocide_of_Armenians%29

content:
<p>
Germany has officially recognized the genocide of the Armenians,
so 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/02/germany-braces-for-turkish-backlash-as-it-votes-to-recognise-armenian-genocide">Turkish
officials are freaking out</a> and threatening "bad relations".
<p>
I approve of this resolution because its statement is true; that it
irritates Erdo&gbreve;an is a bonus.


feed_id: 860a7c67a93a0d95047da313dd3e042b
title: US cities cheated in lead tests
uri: US-cities-cheated-in-lead-tests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#4_June_2016_%28US_cities_cheated_in_lead_tests%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/02/lead-water-testing-cheats-chicago-boston-philadelphia">33
US cities</a> cheated in lead tests to hide excessive levels of lead
in their drinking water.
<p>
They have 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/02/lead-testing-cheats-us-water-departments">agreed
to stop</a>.


feed_id: 354f7b19436c853013bf8b0ea17dbffb
title: Tajik opposition leaders jailed
uri: Tajik-opposition-leaders-jailed
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#4_June_2016_%28Tajik_opposition_leaders_jailed%29
content:
<p>
Tajikistan's "president" for life has 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/02/tajikistan-human-rights-fears-banned-irpt-party-leaders-jailed-life">jailed
the leaders of the opposition</a>, hammering the lid on any chance of
democracy there.


feed_id: b00f044bb9706fce402bdd81b6407e25
title: False accusations of antisemitism
uri: False-accusations-of-antisemitism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#4_June_2016_%28False_accusations_of_antisemitism%29
content:
<p>
Students at Brooklyn College who took the microphone at a faculty
meeting to talk briefly about Palestinians' rights have 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/05/31/brooklyn-college-students-cleared-controversial-disciplinary-hearing">vanquished
false accusations of antisemitism</a>.


feed_id: 68c8d67298acfcec94d4ab0634be57d1
title: Unsafe conditions for garment workers
uri: Unsafe-conditions-for-garment-workers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#4_June_2016_%28Unsafe_conditions_for_garment_workers%29

content:
<p>
In three years since the Rana Plaza factory collapse, work safety
conditions for garment workers in Bangladesh 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/may/31/rana-plaza-bangladesh-collapse-fashion-working-conditions">have
not substantially improved</a>.
<p>
People tried to put pressure on the western middleman companies that
control the garment trade, and some companies promised to vet their
supply chains, but they are doing it so lackadaisically that it has
not changed much.


feed_id: 3293ce355179389eda86e3f1bbe9cbfd
title: Coal
uri: 2016-06-05-Coal
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#4_June_2016_%28Coal%29
content:
<p>
Sweden 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/02/sweden-should-keep-coal-in-the-ground-not-sell-it-off">Should
Keep Coal in the Ground</a>, Not Sell It Off.
<p>
Statesmen serve their countries by making the necessary investments in
the future rather than spending on today's pleasures.  The most
important investment today is in cutting down greenhouse gas
emissions.


feed_id: e3fde348383264d7827278784009d358
title: Street lights interfere with pollination
uri: Street-lights-interfere-with-pollination
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#4_June_2016_%28Street_lights_interfere_with_pollination%29

content:
<p>
Street lights 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/jun/02/street-lights-lure-moths-away-from-gardens-say-scientists">attract
moths to fly high</a>, out of reach of the flowers they should be
pollinating.


feed_id: 69e62c0553fff5400fb964dc901d4d65
title: Oil spill cleanups
uri: Oil-spill-cleanups
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#4_June_2016_%28Oil_spill_cleanups%29
content:
<p>
A 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/jun/02/niger-delta-oil-spill-clean-up-launched-ogoniland-communities-1bn">25-year
plan</a> to clean up the oil spills in the Niger delta has begun.
<p>
It is a lot cheaper to avoid polluting an area than to clean it up.


feed_id: 7f02aa767f90e6aae0836716cbcfaf71
title: Urgent: Trump's tax returns
uri: 2016-06-06-Urgent-Trump-s-tax-returns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Trumps_tax_returns%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Trump_Taxes">tell Trump</a>
to release his tax returns.


feed_id: 9349d53ff96ebe03b225bacd40a578f0
title: Urgent: Oppose colony expansion
uri: Urgent-Oppose-colony-expansion
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_colony_expansion%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://pac.petitions.moveon.org/sign/democratic-platform-committe">call
on the Democratic Party</a> to oppose expansion of Israel's colonies
in Palestine.


feed_id: 8d65f00e4c4b2687a1e5d0ebc80b86ef
title: Urgent: Don't sponsor Trump
uri: Urgent-Don-t-sponsor-Trump
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Dont_sponsor_Trump%29
content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="http://act.colorofchangepac.org/call/tell-amazon-dont-sponsor-donald/">call
Amazon executives</a> and say, don't sponsor Trump's convention.


feed_id: be87274dcfa638684e35eccd5f662ec6
title: Exxon global heating fraud investigation
uri: Exxon-global-heating-fraud-investigation
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Exxon_global_heating_fraud_investigation%29

content:
<p>
SCROTUS 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/01/illegitimate-request-denied-gop-gets-middle-finger-exxonknew-ploy">demanded
that Greenpeace, 350.org and the Union of Concerned Scientists hand
over privileged legal communications</a> about investigating Exxon's
global heating fraud.
<p>
They demanded this in the name of a bogus "Congressional
investigation" which is just as fraudulent as Exxon's denial.


feed_id: 69ee5e551ca910c6f4a9f660607e4169
title: Trump supporters physically attacked
uri: Trump-supporters-physically-attacked
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Trump_supporters_physically_attacked%29

content:
<p>
At an anti-Trump protest in San Jose, some of the protesters 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/02/donald-trump-protests-san-jose-rally-violence-sanders-clinton">attacked
Trump supporters who were leaving</a>.
<p>
It was foolish to physically attack the Trump supporters, and wrong,
but Trump is also responsible through his preaching hatred and
violence.


feed_id: 49e180b2b18a521b00b4bb7e6c325a3c
title: Philadelphia Water Department lead tests
uri: Philadelphia-Water-Department-lead-tests
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Philadelphia_Water_Department_lead_tests%29

content:
<p>
Philadelphia Water Department 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/03/water-lead-testing-cheats-philadelphia-flint-crisis">Faces
Class Action Lawsuit over Water Testing</a>.  (The tests were done
wrong so as to underestimate the amount of lead in the water.)


feed_id: e1025ff4a122c65d8c6b25dd8fab4457
title: Harvard's new fracking investments
uri: Harvard-s-new-fracking-investments
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#4_June_2016_%28Harvards_new_fracking_investments%29
content:
<p>
Harvard is has 
<a href="http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2016/5/19/franta-harvard-fracking-investments/">made
new investments in fracking companies in the past two years</a>.


feed_id: 491e7e62b52eb2018d16619bd4fb034d
title: The Great Barrier Reef
uri: 2016-06-06-The-Great-Barrier-Reef
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#4_June_2016_%28The_Great_Barrier_Reef%29
content:
<p>
The Australian government and an NGO 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/03/agencies-say-22-of-barrier-reef-coral-is-dead-correcting-misinterpretation">dispute
how to present how much coral in the Great Barrier Reef has died</a>.
<p>
But they might agree that the deaths amount to 25% of the coral in the
whole reef, concentrated closer to the equator.
<p>
After 20 years more heating, the subsequent el Niño event will leave
much less coral alive.


feed_id: ebc02a6c7763f903827b367ddbb631ea
title: California "provisional ballots"
uri: California-provisional-ballots
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#4_June_2016_%28California_provisional_ballots%29
content:
<p>
The Democratic Party is 
<a href="http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=33e4ec877eed6a43863a4a92e&id=40d81f1fbb&e=8283eff9b8">illegally
trying to give some primary voters in California "provisional
ballots"</a> that probably won't be counted.


feed_id: ed010e04186afeb53e691656a0678991
title: Six years without a trial
uri: Six-years-without-a-trial
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Six_years_without_a_trial%29
content:
<p>
A prisoner in New York's Rikers Island jail <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/01/amid-a-growing-movement-to-close-rikers-one-prisoner-approaches-six-years-without-trial/">has been waiting</a> 6 years
for trial.


feed_id: 4bbd3934f1c29f3b395b7df045b81763
title: New Jersey
uri: New-Jersey
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28New_Jersey%29
content:
<p>
New Jersey <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/02/why-new-jersey-needs-bernie-sanders">needs</a> Bernie Sanders's political revolution so it can end
the extreme inequality that has made 1/3 of the population struggle.


feed_id: f50f3a5c00e4291c0e851990ecd5d18c
title: Microplastics
uri: Microplastics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Microplastics%29
content:
<p>
Microplastics Killing Fish Before They Reach Reproductive Age, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/02/microplastics-killing-fish-before-they-reach-reproductive-age-study-finds">Study Finds</a>.


feed_id: eba4bcb21c4344315c2f8c18d07ee6ba
title: Victor Jara
uri: Victor-Jara
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Victor_Jara%29
content:
<p>
The US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/02/victor-jara-murder-former-chilean-soldier-faces-trial">continues to protect</a> the Chilean officer accused of murdering
Victor Jara, but he faces a civil suit.


feed_id: a11cf6d30f16ed61b9f414ef87afa1b7
title: Obama
uri: 2016-06-06-Obama
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Obama%29
content:
<p>
Chomsky <a href="http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/36260-a-mixed-story-ranging-from-criminal-to-moderate-improvement-noam-chomsky-on-obama-s-legacy">evaluates</a> Obama's presidency.


feed_id: 92e426ff570a68927bcab2d4036867bb
title: Snooping
uri: 2016-06-06-Snooping
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Snooping%29
content:
<p>
Federal prosecutors in Florida <a href="http://www.floridabulldog.org/2016/06/u-s-attorneys-office-fbi-accused-of-spying-on-defense-in-fraud-case/">are accused</a> of persistently snooping on
a defendant's privileged legal communications


feed_id: 9ce5fa48c6a54f8e0ebd1e11e5f74a0f
title: Subsidies for corporations
uri: Subsidies-for-corporations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Subsidies_for_corporations%29
content:
<p>

Specific subsidies for corporations in the US <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/02/pay-subsidies-massive-corporations-states-are-waging-war-poor-families">amount</a> to $250 billion since
2010, and that doesn't include the general loopholes that they all use.
<p>
Plutocratist politicians are helping companies pay so little that the
workers need public assistance, then bashing them for receiving it.
We need to recognize that they have chosen the side of the enemies
of our country.


feed_id: 6086ed4f692182ebb110e95707a9a070
title: Automation
uri: 2016-06-06-Automation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Automation%29
content:
<p>
Robot milkers are much more comfortable for cows, but the result of
advancing farm automation (not limited to dairy farms) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/jun/04/transforming-the-bush-robots-drones-and-cows-that-milk-themselves">will be to eliminate</a>
most of the jobs that remain there.
<p>
There will indeed be a need for people to repair robots, but I'd
expect to see only one repair job for dozens of today's milker jobs.
And jobs reprogramming robots will be fewer still.
<p>
Add this to the automation of other kinds of work, and it leads to
economic disaster.
<p>
Eventually most of the automated farms will cease to be needed,
because the people who still have an income won't need a lot
of farm products.


feed_id: 8fd32fa7f70211487d92b10ce43c9f1a
title: Control of the sea
uri: Control-of-the-sea
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Control_of_the_sea%29
content:
<p>
China and several other states (including Vietnam and the Philippines,
which are US allies) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/04/south-china-sea-us-warns-beijing-against-building-great-wall-of-self-isolation">dispute</a> control of the sea between them.  Part of
what makes the dispute hot is that the area contains lots of oil.
In other words, lots of opportunities to risk local disasters (oil
spills) in order to contribute to global heating disaster.
<p>
If these countries sign a treaty to leave that oil in the sea bottom,
perhaps it will become easier for them to agree on how to divide up
the sovereignty.


feed_id: ac100915ee70575a074f089d112f2eaf
title: TPP
uri: 2016-06-06-TPP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28TPP%29
content:
<p>

The US International Trade Commission <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160525/08131834543/official-us-international-trade-commission-predicts-negligible-economic-benefits-tpp.shtml">predicts</a> that the economic "benefits"
of the TPP will be so small as not to matter.
<p>
Even if these "benefits" were larger, they would not be significant for
US workers, since they would mostly be for the rich.


feed_id: e04914989181c39ae8ad153b6289b8fa
title: Cheating Donald
uri: Cheating-Donald
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Cheating_Donald%29
content:
<p>
Ralph Nader: call him "Cheating Donald" <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/02/cheating-donald">since he has cheated</a> so many.
<p>
I like "Treacherous Trump" better, because of the alliteration.


feed_id: 03e2c3f30b276cccb2a2461a8097a2be
title: India
uri: 2016-06-06-India
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28India%29
content:
<p>
India <a href="http://jebruner.com/2016/06/geopolitical-hedging-as-a-service/">is considering</a> a censorship law that would imprison people for
publishing maps that disagree with India's disputed territorial
claims.
<p>
An honest map would describe disputed territory as disputed, and also
show where the actual boundaries of physical control lie.


feed_id: 5b7458a4b10437b6bb5582a20e2b67a8
title: Copyright on list of postal codes
uri: Copyright-on-list-of-postal-codes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Copyright_on_list_of_postal_codes%29
content:
<p>
The Canadian post office has given up on <a href="http://www.michaelgeist.ca/2016/06/crowdsourcedpostalcodelawsuit/">trying to use copyright to
block</a> the distribution of an independently compiled list of the
geography of postal codes.
<p>
It is unfortunate that the article uses the term "intellectual
property" since that term confuses the issue.  It is a mistake
to generalize about copyright law and those other laws, since
each one is more different from the others than similar.
<p>
In the US, this database would be uncopyrightable since it is a mere
statement of facts rather than a creative choice of details.  Canada
should adopt the same principle.


feed_id: 52261094884d448abad3ea749032fc56
title: Caracas
uri: Caracas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Caracas%29
content:
<p>
Journalists covering a protest in Caracas <a href="https://cpj.org/2016/06/journalists-attacked-equipment-stolen-during-prote.php">say that people stole their
equipment and the thugs refused to intervene</a>.


feed_id: 46b775a7f8c71eb1fd3d4e0a5ed1f783
title: Oil train derailed in Oregon
uri: Oil-train-derailed-in-Oregon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Oil_train_derailed_in_Oregon%29
content:
<p>
An oil train in Oregon <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/03/oregon-oil-train-derails-columbia-river-gorge">derailed and caught fire</a>, fortunately not near
a town, but rather near the Columbia River.
Will the river be polluted, or will all the oil burn?
<p>
The fact that a slow train derailed suggests that the line was badly
maintained.  Either that was illegal, or the legal standards are
inadequate to assure safety of oil trains.


feed_id: 06d3e4c493f27e0a995039bb408a16e9
title: GCHQ
uri: 2016-06-06-GCHQ
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28GCHQ%29
content:
<p>
Investigation <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160602/17210734610/investigation-shows-gchq-using-us-companies-nsa-to-route-around-domestic-surveillance-restrictions.shtml">Shows</a> GCHQ Using US Companies, NSA To Route Around 
Domestic Surveillance Restrictions.
Specifically, it can collect the emails of members of Parliament
this way, because they pass it through Microsoft.


feed_id: 86722a05791343ff516e1dad9346a758
title: Tattoo Recognition Research
uri: Tattoo-Recognition-Research
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Tattoo_Recognition_Research%29
content:
<p>
Tattoo Recognition Research <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/06/tattoo-recognition-research-threatens-free-speech-and-privacy">Threatens</a> Free Speech and Privacy.
<p>
<a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/05/5-ways-law-enforcement-will-use-tattoo-recognition-technology">Here</a> are some ways these computerized systems could be used, and why that
could be harmful. 
<p>
Face recognition technology is dangerous in many of the same ways.
What's more, many of us have no tattoos, or none that would generally
be visible, but everyone has a face.


feed_id: a8e551629f1b733c8b204be70b71b0a5
title: Trump
uri: 2016-06-06-Trump
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Trump%29
content:
<p>
Trump's 100-million debt to Deutsche Bank <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/06/elizabeth-warren-slams-donald-trump-huge-conflicts-interest">would be a giant conflict of interest</a>
if he were president.


feed_id: 0f6ba127421130fa1a6bb74bbbaf2042
title: Environmental crimes
uri: Environmental-crimes
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Environmental_crimes%29
content:
<p>
Environmental crime <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/03/value-eco-crimes-soars-26-with-devastating-impacts-natural-world">costs the world at least 90 billion dollars a
year, perhaps 3 times that</a>.


feed_id: 185639b1eca15f45ef3e7f852e8bb356
title: Addictions
uri: Addictions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Addictions%29
content:
<p>
Addictions <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/01/drug-addiction-income-inequality-impacts-recovery">Are Harder to Kick</a> When You're Poor.


feed_id: 4d77f459cde7a3f1120659bfd152e96f
title: Air pollution
uri: 2016-06-06-Air-pollution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Air_pollution%29
content:
<p>
The EU was going to legislate to reduce air pollution.  The UK
government, working as usual for business against people, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/03/eu-dilutes-proposal-halve-air-pollution-deaths-uk-lobbying">weakened</a> the
directive.
This is expected to mean 14,000 additional deaths per year by 2030,
when the reductions will have been implemented.


feed_id: 3446ac4af8e4ed4d59180a24c56e620e
title: Pranksters
uri: Pranksters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Pranksters%29
content:
<p>
Some pranksters make videos of saying things to women that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/jun/02/how-video-pranksters-are-cashing-in-on-the-abuse-and-harassment-of-women">annoy them
or simply confuse them</a>.
<p>
Some of the pranks are not particularly bad in themselves, but the
nasty messages that the women receive afterward are inexcusable.


feed_id: fe6041d3779211f34037b79d38ce12f1
title: Child protective services
uri: Child-protective-services
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Child_protective_services%29
content:
<p>
In England, 1 in 5 young children <a href="http://www.freerangekids.com/1-in-5-kids-reported-to-child-protective-services/">is reported</a> to a state agency by
someone who suspects the child is being neglected or abused.
<p>
This creates a reign of terror for parents.


feed_id: acded6022520b95000404bc255987936
title: Israel
uri: 2016-06-06-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Israel%29
content:
<p>
Uri Avnery: the extreme right wing <a href="http://zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en/channels/avnery/1464962298/">is forcing</a> all parts of the Israeli
state and all other influential institutions into line.


feed_id: 2dc1057d1647d4c0c1ade253902737d7
title: Social Security
uri: Social-Security
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Social_Security%29
content:
<p>
Thank Sanders for forcing Obama <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/02/obama-wanted-to-cut-social-security-then-bernie-sanders-happened/">to endorse</a> expanding Social Security.


feed_id: fa007f4cec368658e5cdc5d0481f943d
title: UAE
uri: UAE
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28UAE%29
content:
<p>
A Canadian of Libyan origin, held for two years and tortured in the
UAE, < a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/02/salim-alaradi-freed-uae-canada">has now been allowed to leave the country</a>.
<p>
A few others have been freed from prison, but still remain in the
greater prison of the UAE.


feed_id: 05b8f73e5c21963a35f3d926955f42c3
title: James Hansen
uri: James-Hansen
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28James_Hansen%29
content:
<p>

James Hansen's paper, now transparently peer-reviewed, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/planet-oz/2016/mar/24/has-veteran-climate-scientist-james-hansen-foretold-the-loss-of-all-coastal-cities-with-latest-study">presents</a> a
process that would cause several meters of global heating over the
next century, together with much more powerful storms in the North
Atlantic
<p>
Essentially all coastal cities would be destroyed.


feed_id: 57731eac5afed5c5d3d9ff8d4b13cc87
title: Natural gas
uri: 2016-06-06-Natural-gas
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Natural_gas%29
content:
<p>

Natural gas export from southern Peru <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/andes-to-the-amazon/2016/jun/02/pioneer-gas-latin-america-indigenous-peoples">has been a disaster</a> for the indigenous
people that live in the Camisea region.
<p>
If that's not bad enough, think of what it is doing to Earth's whole
biosphere.  This gas export terminal isn't needed if we take the
required steps to prevent global disaster -- so it should be shut
down.


feed_id: 6d2eb2f9f5ddea49a1da313fa0be1b6b
title: Trump
uri: 2016-06-06-Trump
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_%28Trump%29
content:
<p>
Trump's <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/03/donald-trump-judge-curiel-university-case-biased-mexican">response</a> to the evidence that his "university" cheated students
is to say the judge is biased because of his Mexican ancestry.
<p>
This is the standard Trump response to anyone he can't buy.
He has already bought off the attorneys general of Florida, Texas
and other states.


feed_id: 04f0492fbc6e34781a2de11ed18652ff
title: Urgent: Decent pay and full-time hours
uri: Urgent-Decent-pay-and-full-time-hours
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#6_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Decent_pay_and_full-time_hours%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: call on Walmart to 
<a href="http://act.presente.org/sign/walmart15">give employees decent
pay, full-time hours and proper working conditions</a>.


feed_id: 50eaf792f23c6408777748270bb3c915
title: Urgent: Block coal trains
uri: Urgent-Block-coal-trains
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#6_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Block_coal_trains%29
content:
<p>
Residents of California: 
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/grandma-marilyns-petition">call
on Governor Brown</a> to block coal trains to the port of Oakland.


feed_id: 7b91f05c2d76f00bbe732c576c179b89
title: Urgent: Conyers-Love letter
uri: Urgent-Conyers-Love-letter
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#6_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Conyers-Love_letter%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/un-end-the-cholera-epidemic">call
on Congress</a> to sign the Conyers-Love letter which calls on the UN
to take the necessary steps to eliminate cholera in Haiti.
<p>
It was the UN's uncalled-for intervention in Haiti that 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#12_April_2016_(UN_denies_its_responsibility)">brought
cholera there</a>.


feed_id: 5021ca753f70a239c700c5f55ad0b98f
title: Google Voice records and keeps conversations
uri: Google-Voice-records-and-keeps-conversations
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#6_June_2016_%28Google_Voice_records_and_keeps_conversations%29

content:
<p>
Google Voice Search 
<a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/google-voice-search-records-and-stores-conversation-people-have-around-their-phones-but-files-can-be-a7059376.html">Records
And Keeps Conversations People Have round Their Phones</a>.
<p>
The user can order deletion of the files, but this surely won't delete
any copies Big Brother has already saved.


feed_id: f801bde6141d014dd609080ef21e4366
title: Reagan's election
uri: Reagan-s-election
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#6_June_2016_%28Reagans_election%29
content:
<p>
Reagan got himself elected president using 
<a href="http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2016/05/ronald-reagan-was-once-donald-trump.html">dishonesty
somewhat like Trump's</a>.


feed_id: e87addaa84c7ed22a0f0834181ccb0d3
title: Trump's tendency to bully
uri: Trump-s-tendency-to-bully
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#6_June_2016_%28Trumps_tendency_to_bully%29
content:
<p>
Trump has been involved in an 
<a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/06/01/donald-trump-lawsuits-legal-battles/84995854/">unusual
number of lawsuits for a rich real estate developer</a>, and they show
his tendency to bully with his money.


feed_id: e69dcc5301ccd21bbe43a8ce0b97c0be
title: Prison for criticizing Russia
uri: Prison-for-criticizing-Russia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#6_June_2016_%28Prison_for_criticizing_Russia%29
content:
<p>
Putin is 
<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/dozens-russia-imprisoned-social-media-likes-reposts-39502785">imprisoning
people in Russia for posting criticism of Russia</a>, even in abstract
and nonviolent ways.


feed_id: e5460c2cc5d9b08fa1bb8089c911dd3c
title: MPAA lobbyist
uri: MPAA-lobbyist
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#6_June_2016_%28MPAA_lobbyist%29
content:
<p>
Rep. Wasserman Schultz 
<a href="https://torrentfreak.com/mpaa-lobbyist-sopa-sponsor-to-draft-democratic-party-platform-160531/">put
an MPAA lobbyist on the Democratic Party platform committee</a>, where
he will certainly campaign to attack us.


feed_id: a7befa7475b1a9b0ef78dc3dc7441a1d
title: "Vulnerable 20" countries
uri: Vulnerable-20-countries
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#6_June_2016_%28Vulnerable_20_countries%29
content:
<p>
The "vulnerable 20" countries, which 
<a href="http://www.v-20.org/vulnerable-twenty-group-founded/">will
suffer the most and soonest from climate mayhem</a>, have organized to
try to stop it.


feed_id: f605eca771d2f7b2fabce1b856c1f582
title: Americans' bank accounts at UBS
uri: Americans-bank-accounts-at-UBS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#6_June_2016_%28Americans_bank_accounts_at_UBS%29
content:
<p>
Brad Birkenfeld reported to the IRS 19000 Americans' bank accounts at
the Swiss bank UBS, which they had not reported to the IRS.
<p>
Secretary of State Clinton directly negotiated a settlement with UBS,
which 
<a href="http://fullmeasure.news/news/politics/the-whistleblower-05-23-2016">allowed
it to keep most of the profit and conceal most of the names</a>,
including the "politically exposed people".
<p>
Then Birkenfeld was imprisoned for reporting the crimes to the US
government, and UBS increased its donations to the Clinton Foundation.


feed_id: 7af815ff9ec32258d4536d4ad90098fe
title: Medical errors
uri: Medical-errors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#6_June_2016_%28Medical_errors%29
content:
<p>
Another study says that medical error in the US causes 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jun/03/medical-error-study-cause-of-death-criticized">only
around 1% of deaths</a>.
<p>
This disagrees with 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#7_May_2016_(Deaths_caused_by_medical_error)">another
recent study</a>.  If this one is correct, the problem is not
tremendously grave.


feed_id: 018761309ce0d35662731f91c638977b
title: US prosecutes PISSI defector
uri: US-prosecutes-PISSI-defector
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#10_June_2016_%28US_prosecutes_PISSI_defector%29
content:
<p>
The US is making an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/09/mohamed-khweis-charged-isis-support-defection">unwise choice</a> in prosecuting a defector from PISSI.


feed_id: 45e2431bb8335b9293e7e91a5c8db547
title: Oklahoma thugs and people's bank accounts
uri: Oklahoma-thugs-and-people-s-bank-accounts
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#10_June_2016_%28Oklahoma_thugs_and_people%27s_bank_accounts%29

content:
<p>
Oklahoma thugs <a href="http://www.news9.com/story/32168555/ohp-uses-new-device-to-seize-money-used-during-the-commission-of-a-crime">can take money from people's bank accounts</a> on mere suspicion.
<p>
This may work only with debit cards.


feed_id: cf277d64eb9006b5be7d8db2e179e7cb
title: Libya claims to have taken all PISSI territories
uri: Libya-claims-to-have-taken-all-PISSI-territories
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#10_June_2016_%28Libya_claims_to_have_taken_all_PISSI_territories%29

content:
<p>
Libya's western-created government says it has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/09/libyan-forces-claim-ousted-isis-sirte-final-stronghold">taken all the territory that PISSI held</a>.
<p>
However, some PISSI soldiers are still fortified in parts of Sirte,
and others may have melted away, guerrilla-style.


feed_id: 80520b738f7af5a9201978a3fa92ebe0
title: School days and grenade launchers
uri: School-days-and-grenade-launchers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#10_June_2016_%28School_days_and_grenade_launchers%29

content:
<p>
The Los Angeles School Thug Department has acknowledged, after a long
campaign, that having armored vehicles to launch tear gas, and
carrying automatic rifles, is <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/09/school-days-and-grenade-launchers">fundamentally a bad idea</a>.
<p>
That is a change for the better, but I suspect that most students that
on the school-to-prison pipeline got there through an arrest in a
school by a single thug.  Will the school district recognize that having
thugs in schools is dangerous for the students?


feed_id: 98bfccffc07478bd541a0a6a667fa3a2
title: We need to reduce air pollution
uri: We-need-to-reduce-air-pollution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#10_June_2016_%28We_need_to_reduce_air_pollution%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/09/urgent-action-needed-to-stop-terrifying-rise-in-air-pollution-warns-oecd">Urgent action is needed to reduce air pollution</a>, which is expected to kill 9 million people per year over the next few decades if not reduced.
<p>
This danger dwarfs that of terrorists and jihadis.
Even PISSI in Syria can't kill people like that.


feed_id: e2d07e8d1efce9c04184331cff2cab4d
title: HissÃ¨ne HabrÃ© supporters not on trial
uri: HissÃ-ne-HabrÃ-supporters-not-on-trial
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#10_June_2016_%28Hiss%C3%83%C2%A8ne_Habr%C3%83%C2%A9_supporters_not_on_trial%29

content:
<p>
Former dictator HissÃ¨ne HabrÃ© of Chad, recently convicted of crimes
against humanity, was installed and supported by the US.  The US
leaders that supported him are <a href="http://medialens.org/index.php?option=com_acymailing&ctrl=archive&task=view&mailid=391&key=ec922e33b33450f5ecbbb078eae4acdb&subid=13568-a51e360650918e4c53ba0c2a179d2bb6&tmpl=component">not on trial</a>.


feed_id: db21faa7595471ddda485687278c4573
title: UK official kidnappers enjoy total impunity
uri: UK-official-kidnappers-enjoy-total-impunity
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#10_June_2016_%28UK_official_kidnappers_enjoy_total_impunity%29

content:
<p>
The UK officials behind kidnaping Libyan dissidents and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/09/rendition-islamists-mi6-torture-libya">handing them
over for torture</a> will enjoy total impunity.


feed_id: 767e4526d0ceb6b45d3494cf10df8cb3
title: Trump inspires school bullies
uri: Trump-inspires-school-bullies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#10_June_2016_%28Trump_inspires_school_bullies%29
content:
<p>
Trump <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/09/california-primary-trump-rhetoric-school-bully">inspires school bullies</a> all across the US.
<p>
Trump is a school bully that never grew out of it.


feed_id: d6110769749f9753e1b5d0e6843385e5
title: Urgent: Limit arms transfers
uri: Urgent-Limit-arms-transfers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Limit_arms_transfers%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/senate-limit-arms-transfers-1">call
on Congress</a> to limit arms for Salafi Arabia and Syrian rebels (in
different ways).


feed_id: b2284e267ba202bbc4272ac94f92ccc6
title: Urgent: Aid for civilians fleeing Falluja
uri: Urgent-Aid-for-civilians-fleeing-Falluja
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Aid_for_civilians_fleeing_Falluja%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/congress-aid-iraqi-civilians">call
on Congress</a> to provide aid for civilians fleeing Falluja.


feed_id: e86ebb94ca43db4802df979413fe8c7b
title: Urgent: Sierra Club petitions without JS
uri: Urgent-Sierra-Club-petitions-without-JS
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Sierra_Club_petitions_without_JS%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: please write to 
<a href="mailto:AddUp@sierraclub.org">AddUp@sierraclub.org</a> and
<a href="mailto:webmaster@sierraclub.org">webmaster@sierraclub.org</a>
to request <em>in a respectful tone</em> that the Sierra Club make
sure that people can sign its petitions without running Javascript
code.
<p>
That used to work.  It could certainly work again, if they decide
to make it work.
<p>
If, as is the case with me, you support some of their petitions and
would sign them if you didn't have to pay with your freedom to sign,
I suggest telling them so.


feed_id: 31c9a0e1986da9b7b785cdc1963a3479
title: Palestinian protesters shot
uri: Palestinian-protesters-shot
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28Palestinian_protesters_shot%29
content:
<p>
Israeli soldiers attacked several different Palestinian protests, and
<a href="http://www.alternativenews.org/english/index.php/news/1393-nine-palestinians-shot-and-wounded">nine
protesters were shot</a>.


feed_id: b992d48b3931438d8459ceb7ca6228c2
title: Traceability rule for seafood fraud
uri: Traceability-rule-for-seafood-fraud
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28Traceability_rule_for_seafood_fraud%29

content:
<p>
New Traceability Rule 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/06/07/new-traceability-rule-doesnt-go-far-enough-stop-seafood-fraud-us">Doesnât
Go Far Enough</a> to Stop Seafood Fraud in US.
<p>
It only affects certain cases, and those are not the majority of
fraud.


feed_id: 7970be7079859accaa55f58b0f6a557b
title: The US-backed coup in Honduras
uri: The-US-backed-coup-in-Honduras
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28The_US-backed_coup_in_Honduras%29
content:
<p>
Report Details How US-Backed Coup 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/07/report-details-how-us-backed-coup-unleashed-wave-abuses-honduras">Unleashed
Wave of Abuses in Honduras</a>.
<p>
Specifically, it was Secretary of State Clinton who 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#22_February_2016_(How_Clinton_enabled_coup_in_Honduras)">winked
at that coup</a>.


feed_id: 95997d8760e7cefe4cde8ee6ca04e25f
title: UK's blanket spying law
uri: UK-s-blanket-spying-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28UKs_blanket_spying_law%29
content:
<p>
The UK's blanket spying law has 
<a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-wp-blm-britain-encrypt-41ce0ee2-2ce5-11e6-b9d5-3c3063f8332c-20160607-story.html">passed
the House of Commons</a>.  It gives legal permission for the illegal
snooping that GCHQ has been doing.


feed_id: 2954b067b47449aa2c8e059938ff9cf3
title: Addiction
uri: Addiction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28Addiction%29
content:
<p>
It's 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/07/addiction-not-disease-science-stigma">not
really accurate to call addiction a disease</a>.  However, that's a
lot better than calling it a moral weakness.


feed_id: 80f95e1a10e768de7e540a543d146439
title: FBI's mass surveillance power
uri: FBI-s-mass-surveillance-power
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28FBIs_mass_surveillance_power%29
content:
<p>
A bill being considered by the Senate 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/07/new-intelligence-bill-gives-fbi-more-secret-surveillance-power/">would
give the FBI additional power to snoop on most Americans secretly</a>.
<p>
This is the opposite of what we need.  The US has too much power to
track people, and for democracy's sake, we need to knock down the
surveillance, across the board.


feed_id: 3a0266febd0bb1a58e5d6e92b0a974c5
title: Countries that maim and kill children
uri: Countries-that-maim-and-kill-children
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28Countries_that_maim_and_kill_children%29

content:
<p>
The UN removed Salafi Arabia and its allies from the list of countries
that maim and kill children, apparently 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/07/u-n-quickly-removes-saudi-led-coalition-from-its-list-of-child-killers/">as
a political decision</a>.


feed_id: a935e549cba5f865296e33d3e68f6cdf
title: Urgent: Federal Contractors
uri: Urgent-Federal-Contractors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Federal_Contractors%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: phone the White House at (888) 848-4824
and call on Obama to make an executive order requiring
<a href="https://org2.salsalabs.com/o/7003/">federal contractors</a> to announce their political spending.


feed_id: 5e9b172912254093288090fc8a2139f8
title: China's memory manipulators
uri: China-s-memory-manipulators
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28Chinas_memory_manipulators%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/08/chinas-memory-manipulators">China systematically erases history</a> or replaces it with a modern
imitation.  Many "old" temples and monuments are modern replicas.


feed_id: 776dfd7630f8a3510281314ef31a4bec
title: Lancôme closes its stores in Hong Kong
uri: Lancôme-closes-its-stores-in-Hong-Kong
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28Lancome_closes_its_stores_in_Hong_Kong%29

content:
<p>
Lancôme cancelled a concert in a store in Hong Kong, bowing to
pressure from China.  People in Hong Kong protested this, and the
company
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/08/lancome-shuts-hong-kong-stores-cancelled-denise-ho-gig-protests">shut
its stores</a>.
<p>
I hope they protest until Lancôme learns a lesson.  Western
businesses that sell in China often betray human rights globally to
cater to China.


feed_id: cbce513ea81fff740867504d0b6c9db6
title: EFF urges Senate
uri: EFF-urges-Senate
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28EFF_urges_Senate%29
content:
<p>
EFF Urges Senate Not to Expand FBIâs <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/06/eff-urges-senate-not-expand-fbis-controversial-national-security-letter-authority">Controversial National Security Letter Authority</a>.


feed_id: 1a8ef5c63163288698b420ea0e4455de
title: Sanders supporters cry foul over Clinton
uri: Sanders-supporters-cry-foul-over-Clinton
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28Sanders_supporters_cry_foul_over_Clinton%29

content:
<p>
Last weekend, before <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/07/sanders-supporters-cry-foul-over-clintons-suspicious-secret-win-email">the AP's premature announcement</a> that Clinton had won the nomination, the Clinton campaign was already arranging what it would say about that announcement.


feed_id: a06f97d34e38617b678addec8f57cc98
title: Outsourcing online remote education
uri: Outsourcing-online-remote-education
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28Outsourcing_online_remote_education%29

content:
<p>
Well-known and previously respected US universities are <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2016/06/for-profit-companies-nonprofit-colleges/485930/">outsourcing their online remote education to companies</a>, making them in effect almost
equivalent to for-profit colleges.
<p>
This goes with adopting some of the sleazy practices of those.


feed_id: ee5a1722753d6dac953b397a421b0a3b
title: Salafi Arabia pressure on UN
uri: Salafi-Arabia-pressure-on-UN
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28Salafi_Arabia_pressure_on_UN%29
content:
<p>
Salafi Arabia organized allies through the Organization of Islamic
Cooperation to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/08/saudi-arabia-united-nations-blacklist-yemen-ban-ki-moon">pressure the UN</a> to remove it from the list of countries that are killing children.


feed_id: 12d5fae3a1a0df13d635603a1fa4e46c
title: Approval needed for surveillance technology
uri: Approval-needed-for-surveillance-technology
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28Approval_needed_for_surveillance_technology%29

content:
<p>
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors adopted a law that
requires "law enforcement agencies" to get <a href="http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/06/silicon-valley-county-passes-new-law-requiring-approval-before-cops-buy-spy-kit/">approval for their purchases of surveillance technology</a>.
<p>
This is not strong enough, but it is a good step.


feed_id: 8ec96d11243d08b474250d62eb0e2309
title: Russian court frees artist
uri: Russian-court-frees-artist
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28Russian_court_frees_artist%29
content:
<p>
A Russian performance artist who <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/08/russian-court-frees-radical-performance-artist-petr-pavlensky">set fire to the door of the spy agency FSB</a> has been freed with a fine.
<p>
I wish the US could be counted on respect dissent this way.


feed_id: b7c342bf8bd2833b514b135051608425
title: Erdo&gbreve;ans draconian new law
uri: Erdo-gbreve-ans-draconian-new-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28Erdogans_draconian_new_law%29
content:
<p>
Erdo&gbreve;an can now
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/08/erdogans-draconian-new-law-demolish-turkeys-eu-ambitions">prosecute
and remove opposition MPs</a>.  With them gone, he will be able to
change the constitution and make himself effectively dictator.


feed_id: f5791685c500717a573d4560c161d973
title: World carbon emissions stopped growing in 2015
uri: World-carbon-emissions-stopped-growing-in-2015
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28World_carbon_emissions_stopped_growing_in_2015%29

content:
<p>
In 2015, estimated human greenhouse <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/08/world-carbon-emissions-stopped-growing-in-2015-says-bp">gas emissions decreased</a>.
<p>
This is like learning that the car you're riding in, which is heading
for a cliff you can't see, has stopped accelerating.  Now we need to slow
it down and turn it around.


feed_id: 6375d5ab2c7f78bd3734eb0fba173fa8
title: Something ain't right about Bill Clinton
uri: Something-ain-t-right-about-Bill-Clinton
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28Something_ain%27t_right_about_Bill_Clinton%29

content:
<p>
Something Ainât Right About <a href="http://raprehab.com/something-aint-right-bill-clinton-eulogizing-muhammad-ali/">Bill Clinton Eulogizing Muhammad Ali</a>.
<p>
I don't care about athletics or people's success in them.
But I admire Muhammad Ali for refusing to join the US Army
to help one dictator fight another dictator for power in Vietnam.


feed_id: 14e46deb69c266bdfaf793576eeee247
title: Students have a point
uri: Students-have-a-point
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28Students_have_a_point%29
content:
<p>
"Papua New Guinea's students have a point.  [Prime Minister] Peter O'Neill
should <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/08/papua-new-guineas-students-have-a-point-peter-oneill-should-talk-to-them-not-send-police">talk to them</a>, not send police."


feed_id: 76ef6a6fb0ae3ea7115927187a482d3f
title: Chinese human rights lawyers
uri: Chinese-human-rights-lawyers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28Chinese_human_rights_lawyers%29
content:
<p>
When <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/08/my-friend-li-heping-the-man-china-thinks-is-more-dangerous-than-bin-laden">Chinese human rights lawyers</a> are disappeared, they go into a smaller prison.


feed_id: 6b110e9071ec537d9f59382a5caae579
title: Mothers fear of prosecution
uri: Mothers-fear-of-prosecution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28Mothers_fear_of_prosecution%29
content:
<p>
A mother reports how she has to expose her children to danger every
day in a parking lot, <a href="http://www.freerangekids.com/must-read-the-day-i-caved-into-peer-pressure-and-dragged-my-kids-out-of-the-car-for-a-very-short-errand/">because she fears to be prosecuted</a> if she leaves
one of them alone in the car for a couple of minutes.


feed_id: 81748cc3121361f11af27b780d2e85d4
title: Reptiles changing sex
uri: Reptiles-changing-sex
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_June_2016_%28Reptiles_changing_sex%29
content:
<p>
Some reptiles <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/08/central-bearded-dragons-change-sex-when-the-heat-is-on-study-shows">grow up female</a> if their eggs are in a warm nest.
<p>
Maybe this means global heating could make them all female, resulting
in extinction of the species.


feed_id: bf0487047124819be5e108f127edf859
title: "Diversity programs"
uri: Diversity-programs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Diversity_programs%29
content:
<p>
Many companies adopt "diversity programs" to overcome bias in hiring,
but they don't reduce the bias, they 
<a href="https://theatlantic.com/business/archive/2016/03/white-resume-diversity/475032/">only
convince the staff that there is no bias</a>.


feed_id: 3313507fa5dfdbcd9f90e13dd20da9e9
title: Thugs attack protest march in Burma
uri: Thugs-attack-protest-march-in-Burma
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Thugs_attack_protest_march_in_Burma%29

content:
<p>
Burma's military still impose injustice: a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/07/bbc-myanmar-reporter-jailed-over-scuffle-with-police-officer">protest
march of students</a> was attacked by thugs.


feed_id: 6aeed021a9b1f52ef4d38e905b684eec
title: Boycott of companies that boycott Israel
uri: Boycott-of-companies-that-boycott-Israel
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Boycott_of_companies_that_boycott_Israel%29

content:
<p>
Governor Cuomo 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/06/andrew-cuomo-and-other-democrats-launch-severe-attack-on-free-speech-to-protect-israel/">imposed
a New York State boycott</a> of all companies that boycott Israel,
even if they do so to demand Israel change its occupation policies.


feed_id: 39c23f72726d8d9e11b18f482796d74a
title: Murders witnessed by Palestinians
uri: Murders-witnessed-by-Palestinians
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Murders_witnessed_by_Palestinians_%29

content:
<p>
Palestinian witnesses say Israeli soldiers 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/06/two-wounded-palestinians-executed-hebron-not-one-witnesses-say/">murdered
two Palestinians in Hebron on March</a>, but one killing happened so
suddenly they were unable to record video of it.


feed_id: eb73dc694caa789bc1976c3dd593a70d
title: The Great Barrier Reef
uri: 2016-06-10-The-Great-Barrier-Reef
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28The_Great_Barrier_Reef%29
content:
<p>
As a Worker on the Great Barrier Reef I'm 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/jun/07/as-a-worker-on-the-great-barrier-reef-im-ashamed-to-look-my-children-in-the-eye">Ashamed
to Look My Children in the Eye</a>.


feed_id: 1c89f7d407cec01abf2fa95f81dd86db
title: Sounds of the natural world
uri: Sounds-of-the-natural-world
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Sounds_of_the_natural_world%29
content:
<p>
The sounds of the natural world are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/sep/03/bernie-krause-natural-world-recordings">being
silenced</a> as human activity destroys habitats and eliminates
species.


feed_id: 93c13afdc9421473042195af8b82521c
title: Pig-human embryos
uri: Pig-human-embryos
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Pig-human_embryos%29
content:
<p>
Don't Fear 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/06/pig-human-embryos-scare-stories-stem-cells-organs">Pig-Human
Embryos</a> — They Could Revolutionise Our Old Age.


feed_id: 76c04812123ee6000432c22672bb0381
title: Iran imprisons musicians
uri: Iran-imprisons-musicians
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Iran_imprisons_musicians%29
content:
<p>
Iran has imprisoned musicians 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/06/iran-mehdi-hossein-rajabian-yousef-emadi-jailed-distributing-underground-music">for
expressing forbidden sentiments</a>.


feed_id: 7780539b84e1b8e11f58cbacde2cfdfe
title: Mossack Fonseca
uri: Mossack-Fonseca
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Mossack_Fonseca%29
content:
<p>
Mossack Fonseca did more than shell companies; it 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/06/how-panama-papers-firm-helped-us-clients-escape-tax-rules">helped
some Americans disguise income</a>.


feed_id: 866672d1cdfde3ed6319874536c5574d
title: Accidents
uri: Accidents
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Accidents%29
content:
<p>
We need to be able to recognize a tragic accident where there is no
one to be blamed, so we 
<a href="http://www.freerangekids.com/last-zoo-thought-why-do-we-assume-theres-always-someone-to-blame-in-a-tragedy/">don't
blame parents whose children suffer such accidents</a>, and oppress
all the other parents.


feed_id: f9c0fce00ae0ebd617d56bc6c1662305
title: The right to die
uri: 2016-06-10-The-right-to-die
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28The_right_to_die%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/06/why-should-not-be-allowed-to-choose-when-we-die">Why
Should We Not Be Allowed to Choose</a> When We Die?


feed_id: dc5a3e697f6b90745715c4be61c19166
title: Climate mayhem threatens culture
uri: Climate-mayhem-threatens-culture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Climate_mayhem_threatens_culture%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/jonathanjonesblog/2016/jun/06/louvre-closure-flooding-paris-climate-change">Closing
the Louvre as floods approach it</a> demonstrates that culture is in
direct danger from climate mayhem.


feed_id: 9f8e1a80948e24f0ed842d5041b9afb7
title: French thugs attack protesters
uri: French-thugs-attack-protesters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28French_thugs_attack_protesters%29
content:
<p>
French thugs have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/07/french-police-violence-labour-law-protests-watchdog">attacked protesters in France</a> recently, much as US thugs attack protesters here.


feed_id: 5b76cfc4c5ece8c5bd5c693315058570
title: Brazil's party leaders to be arrested
uri: Brazil-s-party-leaders-to-be-arrested
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Brazils_party_leaders_to_be_arrested%29

content:
<p>
Four leaders of the party of Brazil's acting president are to be arrested
on <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/07/brazil-president-party-prosecutor-arrests">corruption charges</a>.


feed_id: 1b6a32156d7e6dc6a341a1c645eb55d7
title: UK's disaster disabled testing
uri: UK-s-disaster-disabled-testing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28UK%27s_disaster_disabled_testing%29
content:
<p>
The UK's kafkaesque system for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/07/pip-disaster-disabled-access-report-benefits">testing disabled people is a disaster</a>, leaving them stuck in their apartments without the ability to move, or making them work when they are falling down.


feed_id: 76af8d053d07e17cf7841f65e828e890
title: School pupils arrested
uri: School-pupils-arrested
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28School_pupils_arrested%29
content:
<p>
The dictator of Burundi has <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/07/school-pupils-arrested-burundi-defacing-photos-president-pierre-nkurunziza">arrested students for writing something</a> on photos of him.


feed_id: 785ec12373dfd91a9e1617ab69b39746
title: No hope for fleeing civilians
uri: No-hope-for-fleeing-civilians
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28No_hope_for_fleeing_civilians%29
content:
<p>
If civilians in Falluja escape being killed by PISSI, they face
getting <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/07/un-human-rights-chief-claims-abuse-fleeing-falluja-iraq-civilians">tortured or killed by Shi'ite militias</a>.


feed_id: 302d1f29d066ed1e979d0c525a74e8bf
title: Associated Press declares race over
uri: Associated-Press-declares-race-over
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Associated_Press_declares_race_over%29

content:
<p>
The Associated Press <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/07/establishment-media-commit-massive-act-malpractice-and-claim-clinton-clinched">prematurely declared</a> the Democratic nomination race over, one day before the California primary.
<p>
This looks like an attempt to convince voters not to bother to show up and
vote for Sanders.
<p>
The Associated Press was counting how superdelegates have said they
will vote; but they are free to change their minds until the
convention.


feed_id: f053fc6ea16458b13586e3f6cb1050f5
title: 'Free Trade' will kill climate movement
uri: Free-Trade-will-kill-climate-movement
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28%27Free_Trade%27_will_kill_climate_movement%29

content:
<p>
'<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/06/free-trade-will-kill-climate-movement-hundreds-groups-warn-congress">Free Trade</a>' Will Kill Climate Movement, Hundreds of Groups Warn Congress.


feed_id: 5e3e9d53ee4e4791fb1af27155a5fc07
title: How the world sees NSA surveillance
uri: How-the-world-sees-NSA-surveillance
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28How_the_world_sees_NSA_surveillance%29

content:
<p>
Three Years Later, the <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/06/three-years-later-snowden-leaks-have-changed-how-world-sees-nsa-surveillance">Snowden Leaks Have Changed How the World Sees NSA
Surveillance</a>.


feed_id: 19c23fdd64ce8f4d6b13a7fe711a2677
title: The Clinton Foundation
uri: The-Clinton-Foundation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28The_Clinton_Foundation%29
content:
<p>
The Clinton Foundation serves as an <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/06/06/clinton-foundation-opaque-fundraising-arm-campaign">opaque fund-raising arm</a> for the Clinton campaign.


feed_id: fc105403cbbddce54e1696546c25ee33
title: Violent Islamists murder hindu priest
uri: Violent-Islamists-murder-hindu-priest
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Violent_Islamists_murder_hindu_priest%29

content:
<p>
Violent Islamists in Bangladesh have now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/07/hindu-priest-in-bangladesh-killed-in-suspected-islamist-attack">murdered a Hindu priest</a>.
<p>
They are making it clear they want to kill anyone that disagrees with
their views.  Other Islamists don't go in for murder, but they too
seek to convict and punish anyone that disagrees with or disobeys
their religion.
<p>
Before you think of them as an "oppressed group", remember that their
intention is to oppress everyone else.


feed_id: 5f3335e1f5337a565f54547546712c10
title: Workplace dress code
uri: Workplace-dress-code
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Workplace_dress_code%29
content:
<p>
Requiring men to wear ties is nasty enough, but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/careers/2016/jun/07/dress-code-discrimination-stories-workplace">women's dress codes are far, far nastier</a>.
<p>
For the Free Software Foundation staff, we have a very simple dress code:
a propeller beanie is required, but all other clothing is optional.
However, we never enforce this code.


feed_id: c6309202cc3c18eb536ccb2f14cbd842
title: Celebrities promote Homeopathy
uri: Celebrities-promote-Homeopathy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Celebrities_promote_Homeopathy%29
content:
<p>
Fictitious medical "cures" <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/brain-flapping/2012/aug/16/antidote-celebrities-promote-homeopathy">benefit from endorsements</a> from real celebrities (for pay, I presume); here are endorsements for real cures from fictitious celebrities.
<p>
For additional ridicule of homeopathy, see my song, <a href="https://www.stallman.org/poppycock.html">Poppycock</a>.


feed_id: 3862e5dd87d80d5226ac8a13a1118bcf
title: Urgent: Call on DNC to oppose fracking
uri: Urgent-Call-on-DNC-to-oppose-fracking
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Call_on_DNC_to_oppose_fracking%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://www.climatehawksvote.com/ban_fracking_in_the_democratic_party_platform">Call
on the Democratic Party</a> to adopt a platform against fracking.


feed_id: be99b480f0a4457df4cc7dc06a8ae544
title: Urgent: Ban neonicotinoid pesticides
uri: 2016-06-10-Urgent-Ban-neonicotinoid-pesticides
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Ban_neonicotinoid_pesticides%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/neonics_epa_2016">call on the
EPA</a> to ban neonicotinoid pesticides before its too late for bees
and the plants they pollinate.


feed_id: 997312c1da920b8b41073ad791035496
title: Urgent: DNC support for progressive agenda
uri: Urgent-DNC-support-for-progressive-agenda
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_DNC_support_for_progressive_agenda%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/dnc-support-the-bernie">call
on the Democratic National Committee</a> to support Sanders's
progressive agenda.


feed_id: fa804909a72532b4b7b818d49277af7f
title: Genetically modified human embryos
uri: 2016-06-10-Genetically-modified-human-embryos
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Genetically_modified_human_embryos%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/sep/18/uk-scientists-seek-permission-to-genetically-modify-human-embryos">Religiously
inspired irrational fear</a> of making genetically modified human
embryos threatens to intimidate scientists out of doing important
research.
<p>
There are no real ethical issues at stake here.  An embryo is not a
human being, and neither is a fetus.  It could grow into one, and if
it did it would deserve human rights; but that will not happen in
these experiments.
<p>
Gene editing on real human beings raises real issues, because it could
go wrong and lead to humans with various medical problems.  However,
one issue we probably need not worry about is that these problems
would be inherited.  By the time such a person is old enough to have
children, we will have no difficulty making a corrective change for
those children.


feed_id: 4c34bd7c8ceb993357a911d3f89376f9
title: Neonicotinoids kill honeybee colonies
uri: Neonicotinoids-kill-honeybee-colonies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Neonicotinoids_kill_honeybee_colonies%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/may/09/honeybees-dying-insecticide-harvard-study">Direct
proof</a> that neonicotionoids kill honeybee colonies.
<p>
Other causes such as the 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#03_May_2013_(Neonicotinoids_may_kill_birds_as_well_as_bees)">varroa 
mite</a> may contribute to the problem,
but that changes nothing.  We have no choice about whether the varroa
mite exists.  On the contrary, we can get rid of the neonicotionoids,
though it will take time for the amounts 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-nov-feb.html#14_December_2012_(More_evidence_ties_bee_deaths_to_neonicotinoids)">accumulated
in the soil</a> to wash away.


feed_id: 7df519bbc566eb450ea1f9b20e6f31bc
title: "Open source" gun plans
uri: Open-source-gun-plans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Open_source_gun_plans%29
content:
<p>
"Open source" gun plans test the boundary between 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/06/cody-wilson-3d-guns-printing-firearms-lower-receivers">freedom
of speech and gun control</a>.
<p>
I support freedom of speech, and gun control.  Thus, I believe it
should be lawful to publish these plans, but making a gun from them
can be regulated as appropriate.
<p>
A gun is a dangerous thing to own.  Overall, you're 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#23_August_2015_(Gun_in_your_home)">safer
if you <em>don't</em> have a gun in your house</a>.


feed_id: 41a0270d2713de69d4e10101621b0fdb
title: Products advertised by music stars
uri: Products-advertised-by-music-stars
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Products_advertised_by_music_stars%29

content:
<p>
Music stars generally advertise the products that 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jun/06/celebrities-mainly-plug-nutrient-poor-high-sugar-products">make
people (especially young people) fat</a>.
<p>
I lose respect for people that advertise products (any products) for
pay.


feed_id: 81dcc9ac397205a9005289d69923d9ae
title: Brazil's corrupt acting president
uri: Brazil-s-corrupt-acting-president
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Brazils_corrupt_acting_president%29
content:
<p>
Brazilians are 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/03/temer-convicted-breaking-election-laws-thousands-march-democracy-brazil">marching
for the ouster of corrupt acting president Temer</a>, who has just
been sentenced to 8 years exclusion from running for office.


feed_id: 448f1490302981c712db8550452ca45b
title: Trade agreements
uri: Trade-agreements
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Trade_agreements%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/03/what-if-trade-agreements-helped-people-not-corporations">What
If Trade Agreements Helped People, Not Corporations</a>.  (A list of
suggestions towards that end.)


feed_id: 05fe46c71532b1fcd29b18c36635e4cd
title: Germany "reforms" electricity laws
uri: Germany-reforms-electricity-laws
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Germany_reforms_electricity_laws%29
content:
<p>
Germany has "reformed" its electricity laws so as to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/01/angela-merkel-signs-deal-with-german-states-to-regulate-green-energy-rollout">slow
the installation of home solar generation</a>.
<p>
This is the 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#01_August_2014_(Lobbying_against_solar)">same
"reform"</a> that has been imposed through lobbying in some US states.
<p>
It is true that utilising and buying the surplus solar electricity
that buildings generate imposes costs on the utility.  The utility
should charge those costs to customers buying electricity.
<p>
I wonder if someone can design an electric-powered device to store
chemical energy.  For instance, to make ethanol and oxygen out of
water and CO<sub>2</sub>.


feed_id: c4623b63b88216d616823aeecc2ad531
title: Snooping on defense counsel
uri: Snooping-on-defense-counsel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Snooping_on_defense_counsel%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.floridabulldog.org/2016/06/u-s-attorneys-office-fbi-accused-of-spying-on-defense-in-fraud-case/">More
info about the government's snooping</a> on defense counsel activities
in Florida.  The lawyers charge that this was standard practice for
ten years.


feed_id: a8b062330923b92abc18a4a01b6df669
title: Tory cuts in welfare benefits
uri: Tory-cuts-in-welfare-benefits
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Tory_cuts_in_welfare_benefits%29
content:
<p>
Tory cuts in welfare benefits for the unemployed
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jun/05/docking-welfare-payments-is-not-incentive-to-work-report-claims">make
it less likely they will find work</a>.
<p>
The Tories will find some other excuse to keep on driving poor people
down.


feed_id: 2d5fdbc85a2d4f8d1bb227a64f128f6b
title: Trump can be declared in contempt of court
uri: Trump-can-be-declared-in-contempt-of-court
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Trump_can_be_declared_in_contempt_of_court%29

content:
<p>
Judge Curiel 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/03/contemptible-trump-contempt-court">has
given Trump great leeway so he can have a fair trial</a>.  He has
grounds to declare Trump in contempt of court, but doesn't.


feed_id: 1ad1c9439c720634c47b369ab0ed153a
title: SCROTUS trying to remove science funding
uri: SCROTUS-trying-to-remove-science-funding
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28SCROTUS_trying_to_remove_science_funding%29

content:
<p>
SCROTUS are 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/03/house-gop-again-trying-gut-climate-science-funding">trying
to remove funding</a> for US science programs that study the details
and causes of global heating.
<p>
SCROTUS = Sleazy Congressional Republicans Of The United States.


feed_id: caa63ac64048a3b6e6675690beadf85f
title: Chiquita's support for paramilitares
uri: Chiquita-s-support-for-paramilitares
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Chiquitas_support_for_paramilitares%29

content:
<p>
Chiquita corporation in Colombia supported the government-supported
right-wing paramilitares; 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/03/families-death-squad-victims-allowed-sue-chiquita-executives">relatives
of the people they killed are now suing Chiquita in the US</a>.


feed_id: 324a91dc4aba4617f348b9c6632a7abc
title: Clinton's scary foreign policy ideas
uri: Clinton-s-scary-foreign-policy-ideas
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Clintons_scary_foreign_policy_ideas%29

content:
<p>
Sanders to Clinton: Yes, Trump's Foreign Policy Ideas Are Scary. 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/03/sanders-clinton-yes-trumps-foreign-policy-ideas-are-scary-so-are-yours">But
So Are Yours</a>.
<p>
Clinton, meanwhile, 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/03/hillary-clintons-speech-against-trump-hypocritically-touts-her-foreign-policy">misrepresents
her own foreign policy</a> to hide the really bad parts.


feed_id: b61de693a468da14234ad3f24169ec74
title: Tiger smuggling
uri: Tiger-smuggling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Tiger_smuggling%29
content:
<p>
Thailand's famous "tiger temple" was a node for 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/04/tiger-temple-scandal-billion-dollar-trade-china-thailand">smuggling
tigers and tiger parts</a> to fools in China.
<p>
Reportedly other tiger farms and "sanctuaries" do the same thing.
<p>
I find it surprising that the farms are unable to pass off cultivated
tiger parts as "wild".  Clearly they do not mind lying.  Is there
anything that could help them do this?


feed_id: 3ba3d394714c09a189c19b8e8fca764e
title: Deletion of "hate speech"
uri: Deletion-of-hate-speech
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_%28Deletion_of_hate_speech%29
content:
<p>
The European Union has 
<a href="https://edri.org/guide-code-conduct-hate-speech/">recruited
internet communication companies</a> to delete "hate speech".
<p>
I disapprove of this policy, for different reasons
from those of EDRI.
<p>
It is legitimate to prosecute incitement to violence,
and this is a crime in the US, although inexplicably
Trump is allowed to get away with it.
<p>
However, people have a right to hate, and to say so, even when it is
irrational, unjustified and foolish (for instance, based on race,
color, etc.)  When Europe's laws against "hate speech" prohibit this,
they go to far.  The US does not prosecute people for this, when it
doesn't go as far as inciting violence.
<p>
What does it mean, then, for US companies to agree to a policy
of quickly deleting such statements?  I fear it means censorship
imposed on the to satisfy an EU law.


feed_id: 51ff1ffe06ee19594cd00f5a2e10a8ff
title: "Gene-drive" organisms
uri: Gene-drive-organisms
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#10_June_2016_%28Gene-drive_organisms%29
content:
<p>
'Gene-Drive' Organisms
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/jun/08/gene-drive-organisms-require-far-more-research-say-experts">Require
Far More Research</a>, because of danger to various wildlife.
<p>
Schemes for biological control of pests have often backfired.
<p>
Gene drives raise issues beyond the danger of extinctions.  There are
also
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/political-science/2016/jun/09/the-national-academies-gene-drive-study-has-ignored-important-and-obvious-issues">militarization,
food security, and commercial power</a>.


feed_id: f2cf72f7934d3e2ff81441c16b1f1621
title: Keep cats indoors
uri: Keep-cats-indoors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#10_June_2016_%28Keep_cats_indoors%29
content:
<p>
You may like cats, but don't let them outdoors!  Cats kill
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/09/jonathan-franzen-cats-screens-feline-harm">millions
of wild birds</a>.


feed_id: 3091fc8b77afb74d1fad23249cdf3a33
title: Eradication of AIDS
uri: Eradication-of-AIDS
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#10_June_2016_%28Eradication_of_AIDS%29
content:
<p>
"It isn't lack of drugs preventing us eradicating AIDS, but
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/jun/09/hiv-rates-eradicating-aids-inequality-social-stigma">inequality</a>."
<p>
The UN talks of seeking to eliminate HIV, but
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jun/08/un-hiv-aids-summit-gay-transgender-groups-excluded">refuses
to acknowledge groups such as gay men, sex workers and intravenous
drug users</a> which it would have to support so as to achieve that
goal.


feed_id: b5a21c368cd96cc981ffa50e2af70312
title: The DMCA takedown system
uri: The-DMCA-takedown-system
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#10_June_2016_%28The_DMCA_takedown_system%29
content:
<p>
The Register of Copyrights is supporting Hollywood's worldwide
campaign to impose something even worse than the censorship-ridden
DMCA takedown system.  This would require computers to
<a href="https://torrentfreak.com/takedown-staydown-would-be-a-disaster-internet-archive-warns-160607/">block
fair use on internet platforms</a>, even though nominally people would
still have that right.
<p>
Fifteen years ago there was a strong campaign to pin back the wrongs
of the DMCA, with some supporters in Congress.  This campaign has
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_April_2016_(A_push_to_make_DMCA_nastier)">fizzled
away</a>.  The lack of a campaign for improvement weakens our
resistance to this attempt to make it worse.


feed_id: dd6f9b711ebaa1120620e94809e8b30d
title: Israeli police officers
uri: Israeli-police-officers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#10_June_2016_%28Israeli_police_officers%29
content:
<p>
Two Palestinians shot at Israelis in a mall, killing some and wounding
some.  Cops
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/08/deadly-attack-tel-aviv-prompts-calls-police-execute-captive-suspect/">shot
them to disarm them, then arrested them</a>.
<p>
Bystanders urged the cops to murder the killers, but they refused and
did their duty instead.  It seems these cops were police officers, not
thugs.  The killers will presumably stand trial.


feed_id: 12ec3a1b0bc3f46e33ebeb35a1e26d66
title: Iran imprisons visiting expatriate
uri: Iran-imprisons-visiting-expatriate
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#10_June_2016_%28Iran_imprisons_visiting_expatriate%29

content:
<p>
Iran has imprisoned another visiting expatriate,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/08/canadian-iranian-professor-arrested-iran-homa-hoodfar">Professor
Homa Hoodfar</a>.
<p>
Her family speculate that the mullahs' special thug force is using her
as a pawn against president Rouhani.
<p>
Although I am not an Iranian expatriate, I still consider Iran too
dangerous a place to visit.  It is one of the countries I refuse to
enter.


feed_id: 56d7480b8ce1b057fc08d843e55ccd55
title: A plan to make more poverty in the US
uri: A-plan-to-make-more-poverty-in-the-US
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#10_June_2016_%28A_plan_to_make_more_poverty_in_the_US%29

content:
<p>
Paul Ryan says he has a new plan for poverty in the US:
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/06/elizabeth-warren-rips-paul-ryans-poverty-plan">making
more of it</a>.  Except that it isn't really new.  It's the same as
before.


feed_id: fe5ac32bfba974a307084feb71feb004
title: Hissène Habré supporters not on trial
uri: Hissène-Habré-supporters-not-on-trial
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#10_June_2016_%28Hissene_Habre_supporters_not_on_trial%29

content:
<p>
Former dictator Hissène Habré of Chad, recently
convicted of crimes against humanity, was installed and supported by
the US.  The US leaders that supported him
are <a href="http://medialens.org/index.php/alerts/alert-archive/2016/820-how-the-press-hides-the-global-crimes-of-the-west-corporate-media-coverage-of-chad.html">not
on trial</a>.


feed_id: ff6b23286b13c75eaabc5fe0ae18734a
title: Oklahoma thugs and people's bank accounts
uri: 2016-06-11-Oklahoma-thugs-and-people-s-bank-accounts
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#10_June_2016_%28Oklahoma_thugs_and_people%27s_bank_accounts%29

content:
<p>
Oklahoma thugs 
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2016/06/08/oklahoma-police-can-pull-you-over-and-di">can 
take money from people's bank accounts</a> on mere suspicion.
<p>
This may work only with debit cards.


feed_id: d2f3b451d8a2a23a7d0023310153cabc
title: Brazil's corrupt new rulers
uri: Brazil-s-corrupt-new-rulers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#11_June_2016_%28Brazils_corrupt_new_rulers%29
content:
<p>
Brazil's corrupt new rulers have been 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/10/as-brasilias-corruption-is-exposed-lawmakers-try-to-criminalize-dissent/">plagued
by leaked tapes showing their corruption</a>.  Their response is to
plan a law to prohibit publication of these leaks.


feed_id: 5e125598b713146b6c33e7e47b08643f
title: Internet-connected pacemakers
uri: Internet-connected-pacemakers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#11_June_2016_%28Internet-connected_pacemakers%29
content:
<p>
The NSA wants to use people's internet-connected pacemakers to 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/10/nsa-looking-to-exploit-internet-of-things-including-biomedical-devices-official-says/">spy
on them</a>.


feed_id: a1398e8d4b6bfdb9a8cba30ea5ee0ef4
title: Secret US documents about Khomeini
uri: Secret-US-documents-about-Khomeini
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#11_June_2016_%28Secret_US_documents_about_Khomeini%29

content:
<p>
Secret US documents suggest that Ayatollah Khomeini 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/10/ayatollah-khomeini-jimmy-carter-administration-iran-revolution">asked
for US help in returning to Iran, and received it</a>.


feed_id: ca584b939edd8ce522634d339b742160
title: Netanyahu and Lieberman's talk
uri: Netanyahu-and-Lieberman-s-talk
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#11_June_2016_%28Netanyahu_and_Liebermans_talk%29
content:
<p>
Netanyahu and even Lieberman are 
<a href="http://zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en/channels/avnery/1465567618/">talking
like Uri Avnery in 1969</a>.  Alas, says Avnery, they don't mean it
— it is only a trick.


feed_id: fab9acac1c445da2e1518f0ba054706b
title: Gawker forced into bankruptcy
uri: Gawker-forced-into-bankruptcy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#11_June_2016_%28Gawker_forced_into_bankruptcy%29
content:
<p>
Gawker has been forced into bankruptcy by the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/jun/10/gawker-media-bankruptcy-auction-hulk-hogan-lawsuit">lawsuit
funded by billionaire Peter Thiel</a>.  Thiel says his goal is to
prevent further disclosures.  It seems that billionaires want to make
sure no one dares publish what they don't like.


feed_id: 573b13ebc38edeb64b3569bf31ecb896
title: Trump's shameless unending lies
uri: Trump-s-shameless-unending-lies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#11_June_2016_%28Trumps_shameless_unending_lies%29
content:
<p>
The acceptance of Trump's shameless unending lies makes a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/10/lying-sext-pest-anthony-weiner-donald-trump-nina-bawden-jude-law">strange
contrast</a> with the politicians whose careers were ended when they
were caught in minor lies.
<p>
But then, some of their lies were about sex.  Americans seem to go
nuts about politicians' sex lives.


feed_id: 3ac09bc3a71a6713cc72f91940b08ac1
title: Jill Stein to Bernie Sanders
uri: Jill-Stein-to-Bernie-Sanders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#11_June_2016_%28Jill_Stein_to_Bernie_Sanders%29
content:
<p>
Jill Stein urged Sanders to 
<a href="http://www.democracynow.org/2016/6/9/jill_stein_to_bernie_sanders_run">run
in the Green Party</a>.


feed_id: 9456a0f4f1e12b76ca1ddfba9fc4ad82
title: Apple opposes right-to-repair laws
uri: Apple-opposes-right-to-repair-laws
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#11_June_2016_%28Apple_opposes_right-to-repair_laws%29

content:
<p>
Apple 
<a href="
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/apple-right-to-repair_us_5755a6b4e4b0ed593f14fdea">opposes
right-to-repair laws</a> that could reduce e-waste.


feed_id: 07df1786006f32ac804c185f25be084c
title: NSA internal documents about Snowden
uri: NSA-internal-documents-about-Snowden
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#11_June_2016_%28NSA_internal_documents_about_Snowden%29

content:
<p>
Released NSA internal documents show how Snowden 
<a href="https://news.vice.com/article/edward-snowden-leaks-tried-to-tell-nsa-about-surveillance-concerns-exclusive">tried
to raise concerns about illegal snooping inside the organization</a>,
and was rebuffed.
<p>
They also belie the official efforts to smear him falsely.


feed_id: 6367f4af8c11c8ad66e8675d9bf22c0b
title: Floods in Paris
uri: Floods-in-Paris
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#11_June_2016_%28Floods_in_Paris%29
content:
<p>
Global heating made the recent floods in Paris 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/10/paris-floods-made-almost-twice-as-likely-by-climate-change-say-scientists">twice
as likely to occur</a>.


feed_id: 371b9c8c378ef647e46295460927813c
title: Auction business waters sidewalk in SF
uri: Auction-business-waters-sidewalk-in-SF
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#11_June_2016_%28Auction_business_waters_sidewalk_in_SF%29

content:
<p>
An art auction business in San Francisco sprayed water on the
sidewalk,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/10/san-francisco-homeless-sprinklers-bonhams-auction-house">wetting
homeless people's belongings</a>.  Let's hope the company gets fined
for wasting water.


feed_id: 60a837733fa2a41d7f18132286fe841a
title: Urgent: Medical confidentiality
uri: Urgent-Medical-confidentiality
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#12_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Medical_confidentiality%29

content:
<p>
Citizens of Massachussetts: 
<a href="https://act1.myngp.com/Forms/NoScript/727331339820335104">support
the bill</a> to give people medical confidentiality from their
parents.


feed_id: d30f3f0f47743b44ae46db0c9c4bdad1
title: Britain's welfare cuts
uri: Britain-s-welfare-cuts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#12_June_2016_%28Britains_welfare_cuts%29
content:
<p>
The UN says Britain's welfare cuts 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jun/09/poorer-children-disproportionately-affected-by-austerity-measures-says-un">violate
children's rights</a>.


feed_id: 497cbcec72c3d1c6722992594acec917
title: Today's celebrities
uri: Today-s-celebrities
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#12_June_2016_%28Todays_celebrities%29
content:
<p>
Muhammad Ali shows by contrast the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/11/muhammad-ali-fame-social-change-modern-celebrities">vacuousness
of celebrities which are adulated today</a> where in the past people
admired heroes who had really done something.
<p>
This change was one of many pointed out by Daniel Boorstin's book, The
Image.


feed_id: bd8a193458360b1aaffc04fb60d6dabf
title: DEA wants prescription records
uri: DEA-wants-prescription-records
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#12_June_2016_%28DEA_wants_prescription_records%29
content:
<p>
The Drug Repression Agency wants to collect massive amounts of
prescription records in order to place 
<a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/06/10/dea-wants-inside-your-medical-records-to-fight-the-war-on-drugs.html">charges
against people taking too many painkillers</a>.
<p>
Some of them are suffering from horrible pain.  Some of them are
addicts, but prosecuting them is not going to help at all.


feed_id: a18abf8937093f8b7fd985f7e056f943
title: Koch Brothers fighting electric cars
uri: Koch-Brothers-fighting-electric-cars
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#12_June_2016_%28Koch_Brothers_fighting_electric_cars%29

content:
<p>
The Koch Brothers are 
<a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/big-oil-declares-war-on-the-electric-car-1.2574257">lobbying
to stop adoption of electric cars</a>.


feed_id: c455c0dafdaffe64c2022388e7b03bb9
title: Trademark dispute over the word "thanks"
uri: Trademark-dispute-over-the-word-thanks
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#12_June_2016_%28Trademark_dispute_over_the_word_thanks%29

content:
<p>
Citigroup Is Suing AT&T For 
<a href="http://gizmodo.com/citigroup-is-suing-at-t-for-using-the-word-thanks-1781753942">Using
the Word "Thanks"</a>
<p>
Trade marks are basically a useful system, but the US implements them
without taking proper care of public interests.
<p>
The article foolishly uses the term "intellectual property" which
confuses several unrelated laws and treats them as a single subject.
Please 
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">don't ever generalize
about these laws</a>.


feed_id: ab19a1b011d9485dd66ca252be1f32c4
title: UN head admits caving to threats
uri: UN-head-admits-caving-to-threats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#12_June_2016_%28UN_head_admits_caving_to_threats%29
content:
<p>
UN Head Admits He 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/09/un-head-admits-he-caved-threats-removing-saudi-coalition-blacklist">Caved
to Threats</a> in Removing Saudi Coalition From Blacklist.


feed_id: 18606d1ee95e72e7eddf43016e08936e
title: Slug pesticides in drinking water
uri: Slug-pesticides-in-drinking-water
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#12_June_2016_%28Slug_pesticides_in_drinking_water%29

content:
<p>
Chemicals meant to kill slugs 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/blog/2013/jul/10/slug-pesticides-metaldehyde-drinking-water">get
into drinking water for humans and poison pets</a>.


feed_id: 8a5035856305535d998a09e0c149cf2a
title: Urgent: Thug department reporting
uri: Urgent-Thug-department-reporting
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#12_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Thug_department_reporting%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://action.aclu.org/secure/we-need-data">call on the
Department of Justice</a> to require all thug departments to report
when they kill people.


feed_id: 0165df93df2d7ad2f4b2ebdf7d34f724
title: Urgent: Pardon Jasmine Richards
uri: Urgent-Pardon-Jasmine-Richards
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#12_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Pardon_Jasmine_Richards%29

content:
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/tell-gov-jerry-brown-pardon-jasmine-abdullah-richards-sentence/">call
on California Governor Brown</a> to pardon Jasmine Richards.


feed_id: 7b0d35c24dba3d6e459a539d3ebb4f53
title: Racism in university admission policies
uri: Racism-in-university-admission-policies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#12_June_2016_%28Racism_in_university_admission_policies%29

content:
<p>
Racism is demonstrated in some UK universities'
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jun/09/black-and-asian-students-under-represented-in-university-offers">admission
policies</a>.


feed_id: 465ff6aaf9f762d446040581bd28aa56
title: UK massive snooping
uri: UK-massive-snooping
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#12_June_2016_%28UK_massive_snooping%29
content:
<p>
In 2010, UK massive snoopers warned that they were
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/07/mi5-gchq-digint-surveillance-data-deluge/">collecting
so much data that real terrorists were needles in the haystack</a>.


feed_id: 1d9153d1db732cfaf67f22036a4d55e7
title: UK thugs involved with murders in the 90s
uri: UK-thugs-involved-with-murders-in-the-90s
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#12_June_2016_%28UK_thugs_involved_with_murders_in_the_90s%29

content:
<p>
UK thugs were
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jun/09/loyalist-informers-smuggled-weapons-used-in-dozens-troubles-murders-report-loughinisland">closely
involved</a> with murders committed by paramilitaries in Ulster in the
90s, including one case which today would be called an act of
terrorism.


feed_id: 91934ea49767437cae139ed5294d6767
title: Record heat and drought in Alaska
uri: Record-heat-and-drought-in-Alaska
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#12_June_2016_%28Record_heat_and_drought_in_Alaska%29

content:
<p>
Alaska is suffering from
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/09/ten-degrees-above-average-alaska-having-its-hottest-year-records-began">record
heat, and drought</a>.


feed_id: 94c23fb161caf6b606adefd9a2fcc4c6
title: Tesla NDA
uri: Tesla-NDA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#12_June_2016_%28Tesla_NDA%29
content:
<p>
Tesla is reportedly making customers sign nondisclosures about a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jun/10/tesla-model-s-suspension-probe-of-troublesome-customer-secrecy-deals">dangerous
technical fault</a>.


feed_id: 2d96aaa907fe2de8acdb7bcdba4cd09c
title: Ross Sea conservation
uri: Ross-Sea-conservation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#11_June_2016_%28Ross_Sea_conservation%29
content:
<p>
The plan to establish a conservation zone in the Ross Sea, off
Antarctica, is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/10/russia-dragging-heels-on-creation-of-antarctic-conservation-zone">being
blocked only by Russia</a>.
<p>
I would sign the petition in favor of this conservation zone, if only
Avaaz made it possible to sign without running nonfree Javascript
code.  I asked Avaaz to do this, but I alone was not influential
enough.  How about if you too ask them?


feed_id: c716c89c7b549ffa5f39c8e3228e2864
title: Ability to defer gratification
uri: Ability-to-defer-gratification
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#11_June_2016_%28Ability_to_defer_gratification%29
content:
<p>
Does 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/10/amazon-fresh-culture-instant-gratification">immediate
delivery</a> train people not to develop the ability to defer
gratification?


feed_id: 8e557091d2b15917989c955c18f22912
title: Clinton's use of money "for other candidates"
uri: Clinton-s-use-of-money-for-other-candidates
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#11_June_2016_%28Clintons_use_of_money_for_other_candidates%29

content:
<p>
Clinton has a past history of raising money "for other candidates"
and 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/10/hillary-clinton-used-leadership-pac-as-slush-fund-in-2008-09/">using
it on her own campaign</a>.


feed_id: f0b891afe80c52c3b651d0bd1497630c
title: Enemies of abortion rights
uri: Enemies-of-abortion-rights
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#11_June_2016_%28Enemies_of_abortion_rights%29
content:
<p>
The enemies of abortion rights don't scruple at 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/10/life-peddling-misinformation-online-anti-abortion-drive-charity">mixing
flat-out falsehoods with their religious hooey</a>.


feed_id: 318cb1a4b21d92497f7b2c79872d5c60
title: The Democratic Party
uri: 2016-06-13-The-Democratic-Party
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#11_June_2016_%28The_Democratic_Party%29
content:
<p>
At the heart of the Democratic Party apparatus are some elected
officials that are in the 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/08/wasserman-schultz-has-change-heart-too-little-too-late">habit
of giving businesses what they want</a>.


feed_id: bb79cb7a79e31c566c884e0933a38d27
title: Starvation in Yemen
uri: 2016-06-13-Starvation-in-Yemen
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#13_June_2016_%28Starvation_in_Yemen%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/jun/08/yemen-fighting-rising-food-prices-scarce-resources-famine">1/4
of the population of Yemen</a> is starving as a result of the
persistent civil war.
<p>
The civil war drags on because of Salafi Arabia's intervention, which
is possible because of
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jan-apr.html#26_April_2015_(Civil_war_in_Yemen)">US
support</a>.


feed_id: 77953be2502c0e8ebe29bf46cc643de1
title: Clinton the Republican
uri: Clinton-the-Republican
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#13_June_2016_%28Clinton_the_Republican%29
content:
<p>
Clinton won the California primary, and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/08/hillary-clinton-bernie-sanders-california-democratic-nominee">will
probably get the Democratic Party nomination</a>.
<p>
She will not get my vote, however.  I consider her a Republican, based
on her support for banksters, welfare cuts, business-supremacy
treaties and wars of aggression.
<p>
I will decide later whether to write in Sanders' name or vote Green.
<p>
As for the fact that the US has now nominated a woman to represent a
major party, I think it is good that the US can do that.
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#06_February_2016_(Sanders_questioning_Clintons_integrity)">If
in addition she were a progressive</a>, I'd vote for her.  However,
her sex is no milestone for me: I have already voted for a woman for
president
(<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-jan-apr.html#05_March_2012_(Urgent:_Support_Jill_Stein)">Jill
Stein, Green Party, 2012</a>).
<p>
I felt the same thing when the US nominated a black man for president
for the first time: he was
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-nov-feb.html#1_December_2011_(Obama)">clearly
no progressive</a> so I did not vote for him.


feed_id: 32e30573dd7019a20b11ed2932429f49
title: Retired army officers for Arab peace plan
uri: Retired-army-officers-for-Arab-peace-plan
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#13_June_2016_%28Retired_army_officers_for_Arab_peace_plan%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/world/2016/05/27/israeli-officers-issue-peace-plan-condemn-government-inaction/zcvhtnFUr1BZ7kxbgP2leO/story.html">200
retired Israeli army officers</a> called for accepting the Arab peace
plan.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#09_July_2014_(The_Arab_Peace_Initiative)">That
plan</a> is reasonable one, so it makes sense for them to agree.
What's surprising is that support for it comes from that direction.
But it is not really so surprising.  Soldiers that have fought in war
have a basis to understand how bad war is, and soldiers who have
actually fought understand how occupation duty damages an army for
fighting a real enemy.


feed_id: d18b06675155370a9c2d4b99aee4bcf0
title: Urgent: Medical confidentiality
uri: 2016-06-13-Urgent-Medical-confidentiality
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#12_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Medical_confidentiality%29

content:
<p>
Citizens of Massachusetts: 
<a href="https://act1.myngp.com/Forms/NoScript/727331339820335104">support
the bill</a> to give people medical confidentiality from their
parents.


feed_id: 055e7d3a9599c0268aa9cf951344721b
title: Urgent: No lame-duck vote on TPP
uri: Urgent-No-lame-duck-vote-on-TPP
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#13_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_No_lame-duck_vote_on_TPP%29

content:
<p>
Constituents of Nancy Pelosi: 
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/campaigns/petitions/sign-the-petition-to-nancy-pelosi-no-lame-duck-vote-2">phone
her office</a> to demand no lame-duck vote on the TPP.


feed_id: 003588a559d7db81e2efbc7c421ba674
title: Urgent: Access to birth control pills
uri: Urgent-Access-to-birth-control-pills
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#13_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Access_to_birth_control_pills%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="http://actnow.prochoiceamerica.org/sign/160607_illinoisBC/">call
on Illinois</a> to allow prescriptions for 12 months of birth control
pills.


feed_id: 88a7fbd99ed14b5fe9027b355ea5611b
title: Urgent: Reject wildlife-killer bill
uri: Urgent-Reject-wildlife-killer-bill
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#13_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Reject_wildlife-killer_bill%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://secure.defenders.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=3085">Call
on your senators</a> to reject the House-passed substitute to the
Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016 (S.2012)


feed_id: cab9283954542560873071c70dbb878e
title: War on predatory debt collectors
uri: War-on-predatory-debt-collectors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#13_June_2016_%28War_on_predatory_debt_collectors%29
content:
<p>
The war on predatory debt collectors 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/us-money-blog/2016/jun/12/debt-collection-predatory-lending-war-on-drugs">may
come to resemble the "war on drugs"</a>.
<p>
I think the underlying problem is that we make it too tough
to get by, as a poor people.  Various progressive policies
would reduce their need to borrow just to get by.  Eliminating
the paranoid "protective" regulation of children would also help.


feed_id: 70ae6a0363d17156297a0b20f8ee2bcc
title: Clinton's TPP-related emails
uri: Clinton-s-TPP-related-emails
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#13_June_2016_%28Clintons_TPP-related_emails%29
content:
<p>
The US is 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/06/obama-administration-bars-release-clintons-tpp-emails-until-post-election">delaying
publication of Clinton's TPP-related emails</a> until after the
election.


feed_id: d6bc43bb2ca15857fc6ed2300b1643ad
title: UK undercover thugs in Germany
uri: UK-undercover-thugs-in-Germany
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#13_June_2016_%28UK_undercover_thugs_in_Germany%29
content:
<p>
Germany demands information about UK undercover thugs that 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jun/11/germany-asks-uk-to-widen-undercover-policing-inquiry-mark-kennedy">infiltrated
political groups in Germany</a>.


feed_id: 43e5f305d202b0bd2d7f2a8d09120d23
title: Google supports the TPP
uri: Google-supports-the-TPP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#13_June_2016_%28Google_supports_the_TPP%29
content:
<p>
Google supports the TPP because of 
<a href="https://publicpolicy.googleblog.com/2016/06/the-trans-pacific-partnership-step.html">three
mostly-evil provisions that would benefit Google</a>.
<p>
Shame on Google!


feed_id: 4a7938c932203774eb193250a6f69898
title: Patent suits and corruption
uri: Patent-suits-and-corruption
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#13_June_2016_%28Patent_suits_and_corruption%29
content:
<p>
The reason why so many patent suits are filed in a particular court in
Texas may be 
<a href="http://www.technobuffalo.com/2016/06/07/x-plane-flight-simulator-patent-troll-uniloc/">a
judge who was corrupt through family ties</a>.


feed_id: e39bd1b4d75548e7596700e248b3009b
title: Parent charged with absurd "crime"
uri: Parent-charged-with-absurd-crime
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#13_June_2016_%28Parent_charged_with_absurd_crime%29
content:
<p>
A woman who 
<a href="http://www.freerangekids.com/outrage-of-the-week-mom-on-electronic-monitor-25000-bail-for-letting-kids-wait-10-mins-in-car-within-view-windows-down/">left
two children safely in a parked car for 10 minutes</a> was arrested
and charged with an absurd "crime" and made to post $25,000 bail.
<p>
Theoretically, when you post bail, you eventually get it back.
However, she probably did not have $25,000 on hand for this.  So she
probably had to pay $2,500 to a bail bonds company, and she will never
get that back.
<p>
For a typical American family, an unexpected expense of $2,500 can
mean bankruptcy and homelessness.  Arresting struggling parents is
therefore far more dangerous than leaving kids in a car.


feed_id: 50edf49482eef54345e829ad3b4cdbae
title: Drilling in the Chukchi Sea
uri: Drilling-in-the-Chukchi-Sea
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#13_June_2016_%28Drilling_in_the_Chukchi_Sea%29
content:
<p>
Nearly all oil companies have 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/10/dont-look-now-there-was-just-mass-exodus-oil-companies-arctic">abandoned
their leases</a> for drilling in the Chukchi Sea.
<p>
So why not put an end to it?


feed_id: 034f0eeab869eea73218a1d911919044
title: Cost of offshore drilling
uri: Cost-of-offshore-drilling
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#13_June_2016_%28Cost_of_offshore_drilling%29
content:
<p>
If the US allows offshore drilling, the monetary costs for the public
could be as much as 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/10/cost-you-and-me-proposed-offshore-drilling-1792-billion">180
billion dollars</a>.


feed_id: 96b05c20d2ace684e9cdb6957c6ca851
title: US combat troops in Afghanistan
uri: US-combat-troops-in-Afghanistan
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#13_June_2016_%28US_combat_troops_in_Afghanistan%29
content:
<p>
Obama ordered US troops in Afghanistan 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/10/deeper-and-deeper-war-obama-authorizes-more-military-force-afghanistan">to
increase their direct participation in combat</a>.
<p>
The corrupt Afghan government can't inspire soldiers to fight hard to
defeat the Taliban.  The US can keep propping it up, but the Taliban
will remain, so the US will have to prop it up ad infinitem, or else
stop at some point and let the Taliban win.  Sooner or later, the US
will have to do that.
<p>
I think Clinton would not feel bad about keeping this war going for 4
or 8 more years.  But this achieves nothing except to continue the
deaths.


feed_id: 013d47acd86acc34cb93db565d5efcdf
title: Severance pay
uri: Severance-pay
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#13_June_2016_%28Severance_pay%29
content:
<p>
US companies use severance pay to 
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/12/us/laid-off-americans-required-to-zip-lips-on-way-out-grow-bolder.html">coerce
employees to train their own replacements and to shut up about it
after they are fired</a>.
<p>
I think it should be a felony for managers or executives to
participate in such schemes (either of the two kinds), and employees
that testify publicly about such felonies should be given a large
reward.


feed_id: 0bed27701b01943c4aaa02d09fcd0d45
title: The capacity for introspection
uri: The-capacity-for-introspection
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#13_June_2016_%28The_capacity_for_introspection%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/12/fashion/internet-technology-phones-introspection.html">Internet-connected
mobile devices may be interfering</a> with people's capacity for
reflecting about what they are doing.


feed_id: ffefb1c771366ac624d830fb93be4ae9
title: The next mass extinction
uri: The-next-mass-extinction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#13_June_2016_%28The_next_mass_extinction%29
content:
<p>
The 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/radical-conservation/2015/oct/20/the-four-horsemen-of-the-sixth-mass-extinction">coming
anthropogenic mass extinction</a> will be different from the six
previous mass extinctions.
<p>
If technological civilization survives the coming disaster, the human
population will probably be less than half what it is now (the rest
having perished).  Humanity could allow half of today's farmland to
become wild again.  It will be possible to remove the excess carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere using solar energy.
<p>
It won't be possible to repair the extinction, or the effects of
flooding the world's coastal cities, toxic factories, and
archaeological sites.


feed_id: 262d2bd6bfb554837f7d8f7cd6f79260
title: Sleep-deprived students
uri: 2016-06-14-Sleep-deprived-students
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#13_June_2016_%28Sleep-deprived_students%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/sep/08/start-school-later-11am-students-sleep">Start
School Day at 11am to Let Students Sleep In</a>.
<p>
I sure wish they had done that when I was young.


feed_id: 64cb7fdd33165f46f54b6550bc0c209e
title: EFF campaign to restrain face recognition
uri: EFF-campaign-to-restrain-face-recognition
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28EFF_campaign_to_restrain_face_recognition%29

content:
<p>
The EFF campaigns for laws to <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/06/danger-corporate-facial-recognition-tech">restrain face recognition surveillance</a>, but what we need is to ban systematic face recognition of people
in public places, except under a specific court order.


feed_id: 4d07b79b524f48f1ff035380a2783ab6
title: Thug tased youth 5 times
uri: Thug-tased-youth-5-times
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28Thug_tased_youth_5_times%29
content:
<p>
A thug <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/07/tased-in-the-chest-for-23-seconds-dead-for-8-minutes-now-facing-a-lifetime-of-recovery/">gratuitously tased Bryce Masters 5 times in a row</a>, causing him
a heart attack (not usual at age 18) which led to permanent brain
damage.  To make things worse, the thug then dropped him on his face,
breaking lots of his teeth.
<p>
Afterwards he falsified records to create an excuse.
<p>
That thug was sentened to 4 years in prison, but many others
get away with it.
<p>
But there is another factor: thugs have been taught that tasers are so safe
that they don't need to hesitate before using them.


feed_id: 00e8d12d161595f19654a3ff1d91522a
title: Ireland abortion laws
uri: Ireland-abortion-laws
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28Ireland_abortion_laws%29
content:
<p>
A UN human rights committee ruled that Ireland's ban on abortion violated
the rights of a woman who had a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/09/ireland-abortion-laws-violated-human-rights-says-un">nonviable pregnancy</a>.


feed_id: a21b8d46ff2d1b4abb6ce441fc093696
title: Urgent: Reject the TPP
uri: 2016-06-14-Urgent-Reject-the-TPP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Reject_the_TPP%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/tpp_enviroment?t=1005&akid=18450.1183552.9McwWk">tell Congress to reject the TPP</a> as it is an environmental
disaster.


feed_id: 0be904cb1b8167f09dfcdeb0df26a77b
title: House Poised to Advance Privacy
uri: House-Poised-to-Advance-Privacy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28House_Poised_to_Advance_Privacy%29
content:
<p>
House [of Representatives] Poised to <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/06/house-poised-advance-privacy-defend-encryption-if-allowed-vote">Advance Privacy and Defend Encryption</a>â¦If Allowed to Vote.


feed_id: a4c98875adb9bf8c89ba6ff9c288a9cf
title: Shady Debt Collectors
uri: Shady-Debt-Collectors
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28Shady_Debt_Collectors%29
content:
<p>
Opinion: <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Passcode/Security-culture/2016/0610/Opinion-Your-data-needs-more-protection-from-shady-debt-collectors">Your Data Needs More Protection</a> from Shady Debt Collectors.


feed_id: fe71c739b684b905c4643c51dd1bb9d1
title: Buying groceries from Amazon
uri: Buying-groceries-from-Amazon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28Buying_groceries_from_Amazon%29
content:
<p>
Buying groceries from Amazon is a <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/12/amazon-fresh-onine-security-food-shopping-surveillance-gchq-david-mitchell">bad road for society to go down</a>.


feed_id: ea679f2393bab0e00870385424fdd4bf
title: UK and US Business Ethics
uri: UK-and-US-Business-Ethics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28UK_and_US_Business_Ethics%29
content:
<p>
UK (and US business) aims to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/12/the-guardian-view-on-business-ethics-decency-needed">take money by hook or by crook</a>, from citizens or from the public.
<p>
"Business ethics" has become an oxymoron.
<p>
I distrust the idea of addressing the problem with the help
of hypothetical less-greedy business owners.  I doubt they can
be relied on, and they may not exist.


feed_id: 26d2032d0a5ec1f0176c441f7488bdd9
title: Thousands arrested in Bangladesh
uri: Thousands-arrested-in-Bangladesh
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28Thousands_arrested_in_Bangladesh%29
content:
<p>
Bangladesh has arrested thousands of people accused of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/12/thousands-arrested-in-bangladesh-in-crackdown-after-attacks-on-minorities">killing nonconformists</a>.


feed_id: 38ef15ebbfc50887e1f1e76b9c1dfbf0
title: Massacre at gay bar
uri: Massacre-at-gay-bar
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28Massacre_at_gay_bar%29
content:
<p>
The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/12/lets-not-give-in-to-fear-after-the-orlando-shooting-florida">massacre at a gay bar in Orlando</a> should not be used as an excuse to promote hatred or attack human rights.
<p>
The <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/12/before-nightclub-shooting-fbi-pursued-questionable-florida-terror-suspects/">killer had a firearms license</a>, but a ban on large magazines might have hampered him from killing so many people.
<p> 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/12/queer-muslims-mourning-orlando-nightclub-shooting">Right-wing bigots </a>must be rather perplexed now, trying to decide whether to side with the victims (gays) or the killer (a Muslim).
<p>
Perhaps we could use this event to teach a lesson against judging
people based on such categories.


feed_id: d6d50f9b38b66c13dbf5e9b214f7748c
title: FBI might blackmail President Clinton
uri: FBI-might-blackmail-President-Clinton
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28FBI_might_blackmail_President_Clinton%29

content:
<p>
Assange points out that the FBI might blackmail a President Clinton
to get more <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/jun/12/wikileaks-to-publish-more-hillary-clinton-emails-julian-assange">concessions against our constitutional rights</a>.


feed_id: 55c403c6878f5aaa8dccc7e7720315fa
title: The Sanders Revolution
uri: The-Sanders-Revolution
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28The_Sanders_Revolution%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/12/revolution-isnt-over-heres-how-it-can-be-sustained-and-why-it-must-be">The [Sanders] Revolution Isn't Over</a>: Hereâs How It Can Be Sustained â-
and Why It Must Be.


feed_id: 034d9767171a6fd023bd7c340351fb25
title: Urgent: Massachusetts ban fracking
uri: Urgent-Massachusetts-ban-fracking
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Massachusetts_ban_fracking%29

content:
<p>
Citizens of Massachusetts: call on the state legislature to <a href="https://secure.foodandwaterwatch.org/site/Advocacy;jsessionid=937A369F2214DDE187D2820157514538.app324a?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=2647">ban fracking</a>.


feed_id: 403efa0a3c83371e6dd52b99d14337f2
title: Repression against queer people
uri: Repression-against-queer-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28Repression_against_queer_people%29
content:
<p>
Repression against queer people has been
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/13/stop-exploiting-lgbt-issues-to-demonize-islam-and-justify-anti-muslim-policies/">inspired
by Christianity and Judaism as well as Islam</a>.


feed_id: 9ef3e0b6bc88f11e5d35fd51805f5668
title: Paris summit carbon pledges
uri: Paris-summit-carbon-pledges
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28Paris_summit_carbon_pledges%29
content:
<p>
Paris summit carbon pledges 'are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/oct/10/climate-2c-global-warming-target-fail">not
enough</a> to stop temperature rise'.


feed_id: 9f4fbc564e43c3fd3050b74c0d10da74
title: Germans protest US drone bombings
uri: Germans-protest-US-drone-bombings
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28Germans_protest_US_drone_bombings%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/11/germany-thousands-surround-us-air-base-protest-use-drones">Thousands
of Germans</a> protested US drone bombings outside Ramstein air base,
which relays the drone control data.


feed_id: 5a1924d0314adceb2bf5e327433c16f1
title: Manning on Orlando nightclub terror
uri: Manning-on-Orlando-nightclub-terror
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28Manning_on_Orlando_nightclub_terror%29

content:
<p>
Chelsea Manning: We
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/13/chelsea-manning-civil-liberties-orlando-terrorism">must
not let the Orlando nightclub terror further strangle our civil
liberties</a>.


feed_id: fe91cb6077164a4dd51e89359a485ce4
title: Global heating denial funding
uri: Global-heating-denial-funding
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28Global_heating_denial_funding%29
content:
<p>
Peabody Energy funded
<a href="http://www.prwatch.org/news/2016/06/13114/peabody-coal-bankruptcy-reveals-extensive-funding-climate-denial-network">dozens
of global heating denialist front groups</a>.
<p>
SCROTUS have now been
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2016/jun/13/the-grand-oil-party-house-republicans-denounce-a-carbon-tax">paid
to take a stand against the carbon tax</a> that is necessary to slow
global heating.
<p>
It is a mistake to make the carbon tax revenue-neutral, because the US
needs to spend more money on many things.  We should provide increased
help to people with low incomes, so that they can cope with the new
tax, but we should aim to tax the rich a lot more.


feed_id: 2f85cbf7b92cee08b1bb2dddfbe2057a
title: Weapons of war used by mass shooters
uri: Weapons-of-war-used-by-mass-shooters
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28Weapons_of_war_used_by_mass_shooters%29

content:
<p>
How America's Mass Shooters
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/06/mass-shooters-assault-weapons-orlando">Now
Use Weapons of War</a>.


feed_id: 1c560376fc2d592eaddaf0004995ce4b
title: Saving the Great Barrier Reef
uri: Saving-the-Great-Barrier-Reef
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28Saving_the_Great_Barrier_Reef%29
content:
<p>
Here is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/commentisfree/2016/jun/13/five-things-we-can-do-right-now-to-save-the-great-barrier-reef">what
Australia must do</a> to save the Great Barrier Reef.


feed_id: 2d0c975636b25088ab5ad2dc2471e204
title: Palm oil plantations on protected land
uri: Palm-oil-plantations-on-protected-land
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28Palm_oil_plantations_on_protected_land%29

content:
<p>
Greenpeace accuses palm oil company IOI of illegally converting
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/jun/09/palm-oil-giant-ioi-impact-indonesia-worse-than-reported-says-greenpeace">protected
peatland</a> into plantations.
<p>
It is not unusual for companies'
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2005-jan-apr.html#28%20February%202005%20(Bad%20advice%20for%20environmentalists)">"social
responsibility" policies</a> to be
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-nov-feb.html#11_December_2013_(Corporate_social_responsibility)">meaningless
noises</a>.


feed_id: bb2a477159d55a19b92125d275dbba0c
title: The cruelty of Shari'a law
uri: The-cruelty-of-Shari-a-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28The_cruelty_of_Sharia_law%29
content:
<p>
A Dutch woman visiting Qatar reported that she was drugged and raped.
In accord with Shari'a law, she now faces
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/12/dutch-woman-arrested-qatar-after-reporting-rape-court-doha-hotel">charges
of adultery</a>.
<p>
Shari'a law is especially cruel to women, but it is
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-nov-feb.html#04_February_2013_(Sharia_law_means_mutilation_and_killing)">unjust
to men as well</a>.  To advocate Islamic law is to oppose human
rights, which is why Salafi Arabia opposed the universal declaration
of human rights.
<p>
We must respect people's right to advocate that system, but they
deserve our disgust as well as our opposition.


feed_id: e2b4121acdff40a325ac6b1169320003
title: Thug tased youth 5 times
uri: 2016-06-15-Thug-tased-youth-5-times
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28Thug_tased_youth_5_times%29
content:
<p>
A thug <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/07/tased-in-the-chest-for-23-seconds-dead-for-8-minutes-now-facing-a-lifetime-of-recovery/">gratuitously tased Bryce Masters 5 times in a row</a>, causing him
a heart attack (not usual at age 18) which led to permanent brain
damage.  To make things worse, the thug then dropped him on his face,
breaking lots of his teeth.
<p>
Afterwards he falsified records to create an excuse.
<p>
That thug was sentenced to 4 years in prison, but many others
get away with it.
<p>
But there is another factor: thugs have been taught that tasers are so safe
that they don't need to hesitate before using them.


feed_id: 919ad8e1bf7ddb47948b4e0fad48316c
title: Urgent: Reject the TPP
uri: 2016-06-15-Urgent-Reject-the-TPP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Reject_the_TPP%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/tpp_enviroment">tell Congress to reject the TPP</a> as it is an environmental
disaster.


feed_id: a201ea5a7dc97e9c7755ba65c00aab34
title: Urgent: Massachusetts ban fracking
uri: 2016-06-15-Urgent-Massachusetts-ban-fracking
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#14_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Massachusetts_ban_fracking%29

content:
<p>
Citizens of Massachusetts: call on the state legislature to <a href="https://secure.foodandwaterwatch.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=2647">ban fracking</a>.


feed_id: 1ea8a540702a12f69ca7462b1764ed95
title: Extinction through global heating
uri: Extinction-through-global-heating
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#15_June_2016_%28Extinction_through_global_heating%29

content:
<p>
A new kind achievement for humanity: <a href="
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/14/first-case-emerges-of-mammal-species-wiped-out-by-human-induced-climate-change">we have caused the extinction</a> of
a mammalian species indirectly through global heating alone.
<p>
When the other ways <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/21/mass-extinction-science-warning">we destroy species are included</a>, our record
includes over 450 species of vertebrates extinguished by human action
since 1900.
<p>
Scientists estimate that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/apr/30/one-in-six-of-worlds-species-faces-extinction-due-to-climate-change-study">1/6 of the existing species face extinction</a> due to global heating.


feed_id: e161fc6523b2efbe974ff6c984de683b
title: Orlando shooter was nightclub regular
uri: Orlando-shooter-was-nightclub-regular
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#15_June_2016_%28Orlando_shooter_was_nightclub_regular%29

content:
<p>
The Orlando killer apparently had <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/14/orlando-shooter-omar-mateen-was-a-regular-at-nightclub">closeted homosexual leanings</a>.
<p>
Perhaps he was taught a strong stigma about that, such that he hated
himself for his sexual orientation; murder could have been his twisted
way out.
<p>
It wouldn't be the first time a person's life was crushed by that
stigma, nor the first time it inflicted great suffering on others.


feed_id: dac63d2d164de9b07057f470fddd6208
title: UK rich get away with major rip-offs
uri: UK-rich-get-away-with-major-rip-offs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#15_June_2016_%28UK_rich_get_away_with_major_rip-offs%29

content:
<p>
Plutocracy at work: the UK is very strict toward poor who refuse to
pay a little tax, but lets the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/14/freeloaders-free-market-britain-business-taxpayer-philip-green">rich get away with major rip-offs</a>.


feed_id: b6a82e51bdf747220cc56090852bb55f
title: Everyone: Oppose internet shutdowns
uri: Everyone-Oppose-internet-shutdowns
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#15_June_2016_%28Everyone%3A_Oppose_internet_shutdowns%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: Oppose <a href="https://act.accessnow.org/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1921&ea.campaign.id=50509&ea.tracking.id=tile">government-imposed internet shutdowns</a>.


feed_id: 4d88ab0ab13d96ece725ed6264c18f73
title: Giving up Beef will reduce Carbon Footprint
uri: Giving-up-Beef-will-reduce-Carbon-Footprint
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#15_June_2016_%28Giving_up_Beef_will_reduce_Carbon_Footprint%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jul/21/giving-up-beef-reduce-carbon-footprint-more-than-cars">Giving up Beef</a> Will Reduce Carbon Footprint More Than Cars.
<p>
This isn't all-or-nothing.  I had beef today, but not Thursday,
Friday, Saturday or Sunday.


feed_id: 92dd1bd2fa73da4ed6c2cd0e2ef488cf
title: Pakistani clerics issue fatwa
uri: Pakistani-clerics-issue-fatwa
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#15_June_2016_%28Pakistani_clerics_issue_fatwa%29
content:
<p>
An influential Muslim legal group in Pakistan made a fatwa against
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/14/pakistani-clerics-issue-fatwa-against-honour-killings">killing women for marrying freely</a>.


feed_id: 8955e3882cbab0ee16ab4f038d1c9b6f
title: Governments lie about encryption back doors
uri: Governments-lie-about-encryption-back-doors
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#15_June_2016_%28Governments_lie_about_encryption_back_doors%29

content:
<p>
When officials <a href="http://lauren.vortex.com/2016/06/why-governments-lie-about-encryption-backdoors">demand encryption back doors</a>, their reasons are bullshit.


feed_id: 7582834cba4a4e83fff62960bf2f9e63
title: Urgent: Reduce air pollution in national parks
uri: Urgent-Reduce-air-pollution-in-national-parks
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#15_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Reduce_air_pollution_in_national_parks%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on the EPA to <a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/EPA_haze?t=1002&akid=18498.1183552.Nu34SD">reduce air pollution in national parks</a>.


feed_id: 5c26fa24fd0aeb49106eab083ffa964c
title: Everyone: Oppose internet shutdowns
uri: 2016-06-15-Everyone-Oppose-internet-shutdowns
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#15_June_2016_%28Everyone%3A_Oppose_internet_shutdowns%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: Oppose <a href="https://act.accessnow.org/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1921&ea.campaign.id=50509">government-imposed internet shutdowns</a>.


feed_id: c10210d0be48587d37289bf0668d90e2
title: Urgent: Reduce air pollution in national parks
uri: 2016-06-15-Urgent-Reduce-air-pollution-in-national-parks
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#15_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Reduce_air_pollution_in_national_parks%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on the EPA to <a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/EPA_haze">reduce air pollution in national parks</a>.


feed_id: e6fa3994159dfa8f283194936706d71e
title: Switzerland prosecuting Mossack Employee
uri: Switzerland-prosecuting-Mossack-Employee
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#16_June_2016_%28Switzerland_prosecuting_Mossack_Employee%29

content:
<p>
Switzerland is prosecuting someone who works for Mossack Fonseca,
apparently accused of being the one <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/15/mossack-fonseca-worker-arrested-switzerland-panama-papers">who leaked the data</a>.


feed_id: d37b492e10a8b7ca219e1278bdd7834c
title: Recycling of plastic in US is almost dead
uri: Recycling-of-plastic-in-US-is-almost-dead
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#16_June_2016_%28Recycling_of_plastic_in_US_is_almost_dead%29

content:
<p>
With oil now cheap, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/jun/14/green-waste-distribution-methods-recycling-plastic-oil-epa">recycling of plastic in the US is almost dead</a>.
<p>
A heavy tax on petroleum -- which we need to do anyway -- would solve this
problem.


feed_id: 6574235c2f4ff171b46fe7b44c2d7685
title: Norway to be carbon-neutral by 2030
uri: Norway-to-be-carbon-neutral-by-2030
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#16_June_2016_%28Norway_to_be_carbon-neutral_by_2030%29

content:
<p>
Norway has decided to aim to be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/15/norway-pledges-to-become-climate-neutral-by-2030">carbon-neutral by 2030</a>.  However, that plan is based on using carbon offsets to cancel out emissions.
These schemes are in many cases somewhere between fraud and self-delusion.
<p>
The decision does not include reducing exports of fossil fuels.


feed_id: 83135664c2deb32c3e0603613636ff86
title: Chinese Dissident book of abuses
uri: Chinese-Dissident-book-of-abuses
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#16_June_2016_%28Chinese_Dissident_book_of_abuses%29
content:
<p>
Chinese dissident Gao Zhisheng wrote an account of his <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/15/gao-zhisheng-persecuted-chinese-dissident-smuggles-out-book-of-abuses">imprisonment and
torture</a>, and smuggled it out for publication.


feed_id: 00c74126e3e57458ee3e7515be450f85
title: G4S and Orlando killer
uri: G4S-and-Orlando-killer
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#16_June_2016_%28G4S_and_Orlando_killer%29
content:
<p>
The Orlando killer worked for G4S, a company that operates private prisons
among other things.  The company helped him buy weapons, and ignored
reports from coworkers <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/14/orlando-shooter-wasnt-the-first-murderer-employed-by-global-mercenary-firm/">associating him with bigotry and Islamism</a>.


feed_id: c56e02fa70fe6f8cdcb130b1560c567f
title: Landlords service for your private data
uri: Landlords-service-for-your-private-data
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#16_June_2016_%28Landlords_service_for_your_private_data%29

content:
<p>
A service called "<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2016/06/09/creepy-startup-will-help-landlords-employers-and-online-dates-strip-mine-intimate-data-from-your-facebook-page/">Tenant Assured</a>" wants to help landlords demand and
get all the private data in a potential tenant's social media
accounts, including private messages.
<p>
It should be illegal for landlords or employers to ask for such
access, directly or indirectly.


feed_id: 9503f9d7a75ea53cb0159d030f755d25
title: Brazil's Dams Risk Destroying Amazon
uri: Brazil-s-Dams-Risk-Destroying-Amazon
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#16_June_2016_%28Brazil%27s_Dams_Risk_Destroying_Amazon%29

content:
<p>
Brazil's Giant Dams <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/jun/15/brazil-giant-hydropower-dams-risk-destroying-amazon-greenpeace-tapajos-river">Risk Destroying Heart of the Amazon</a>, Says Greenpeace.


feed_id: 1fe3c101b36fc90189cb1a46a45555f7
title: Mass murder Orlando was hate crime
uri: Mass-murder-Orlando-was-hate-crime
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#16_June_2016_%28Mass_murder_Orlando_was_hate_crime%29

content:
<p>
Surveillance agencies prefer to present the Orlando murders as
Islamist terrorism rather than as an anti-gay hate crime,
because the <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/14/mass-murder-orlando-was-hate-crime">former suits their agenda of control</a>.


feed_id: 83b8aac79d8b6089b8e4a4433ed4dc4f
title: WHO Olympics conclusions
uri: WHO-Olympics-conclusions
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#16_June_2016_%28WHO_Olympics_conclusions%29
content:
<p>
WHO concluded that the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/14/very-low-risk-of-zika-virus-spreading-internationally-after-olympics-who-says">Olympics probably won't cause Zika to spread</a> more than it would otherwise have done.


feed_id: 5273723773d0f3318a808a75dfba0d96
title: The British elite
uri: The-British-elite
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#16_June_2016_%28The_British_elite%29
content:
<p>
The British elite call on Britons to reject the "European elite" so that the
British elite can have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/14/the-guardian-view-on-the-leave-campaign-anatomy-of-another-elite">full power over them</a>.
<p>
A threat to leave the EU might be useful for Britain if done by a government
led by Corbyn.
<p>
George Monbiot: the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/15/european-union-eu-britain-sovereignty">UK's plutocratic system</a> is even worse than the EU's plutocratic system.


feed_id: 2a3b0d5496ca412e85fa763f38f3a4cf
title: labor flexibility protests
uri: labor-flexibility-protests
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#16_June_2016_%28labor_flexibility_protests%29
content:
<p>
Tens of thousands protested the new <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/14/chaos-erupts-paris-riot-police-unleash-50000-strong-labor-protest">"labor flexibility"</a> law in Paris.
<p>
Once a state begins trying to compete with other countries to woo
companies by allowing them "flexibility" to treat workers worse, it
joins those countries in a race to the bottom -- exactly what
plutocrats want.


feed_id: 9372c2fc6aacde68cb57015795d064cc
title: Why I dislike video
uri: Why-I-dislike-video
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#15_June_2016_%28Why_I_dislike_video%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2016/06/why-i-hate-video-part-548">This
article</a> expresses why I dislike video.
<p>
I won't even try to watch a video unless I am very very interested in
seeing it — for instance, at rare intervals a movie I expect to
like.


feed_id: 6638b6d52ecd74d4675355006e97c12a
title: The Orlando killer
uri: The-Orlando-killer
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#15_June_2016_%28The_Orlando_killer%29
content:
<p>
The Orlando killer had 
<a href="http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-orlando-nightclub-shooting-20160613-snap-story.html">visited
gay bars and gay dating apps for quite a while, and he had shown
sympathy for Islamist terror attacks as early as 2001</a>.
<p>
US Republicans have resolved their dilemma about the Orlando murders
by 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/13/hypocrisy-orlando-republicans-condemned-fomenting-anti-gay-hate">taking
the side of the gay men (who they habitually mistreat) in order to
condemn Muslims</a>.


feed_id: 869e0567a126107cda8a17095a3862f9
title: Trump's unpaid workers
uri: Trump-s-unpaid-workers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#15_June_2016_%28Trumps_unpaid_workers%29
content:
<p>
Hundreds of people and companies that Trump hired to do work have 
<a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/06/09/donald-trump-unpaid-bills-republican-president-laswuits/85297274/">sued
him for not paying them</a>.  Even hourly workers have sued him for
not paying them.
<p>
The article cleverly states that if Trump's claim that they all did
bad work is true, he must be incompetent in business.
<p>
Alternatively, his "competence" in business is really a great skill in
using his wealth to shaft people that work for them.


feed_id: 3bb907bdecd03c546852b52e616b0fa5
title: Olympic Games "security" measures
uri: Olympic-Games-security-measures
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#15_June_2016_%28Olympic_Games_security_measures%29
content:
<p>
"Security" measures for the Olympic Games have 
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/the-olympics-are-turning-rio-into-a-military-state">turned
Rio de Janeiro into a panopticon</a>.  Quite handy for crushing
protests against the pseudo-coup.
<p>
Other Olympic measures 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2016/jun/15/rio-olympics-exclusion-zone-gentrification-favela-babilonia">oppress
the poor residents of favelas</a> on various pretexts.


feed_id: 600153953832d7a36078336440de5ac5
title: For-profit school companies
uri: For-profit-school-companies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#15_June_2016_%28For-profit_school_companies%29
content:
<p>
For-profit school companies from the US and Europe are 
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alan-singer/education-imperialism-in_b_10435744.html">drooling
about Africa</a>.
<p>
African countries funds for education are insufficient, but these
companies would like to divert some of that to their profits.


feed_id: 613ab748635c0a28f17876a04ba2f8e0
title: Insecure work in England and Wales
uri: Insecure-work-in-England-and-Wales
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#15_June_2016_%28Insecure_work_in_England_and_Wales%29

content:
<p>
1/6 of all workers in England and Wales (most of the UK) are in
insecure work, such as 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/jun/13/england-wales-zero-hours-contracts-citizens-advice-insecure-work">zero-hours
contracts</a>.  They cannot count on enough hours to make money to
live on.


feed_id: 5590fdb815e3df621edc1e2996ef6737
title: Network neutrality
uri: 2016-06-17-Network-neutrality
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#15_June_2016_%28Network_neutrality%29
content:
<p>
The FCC's network neutrality rules 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jun/14/net-neutrality-fcc-public-utility-fast-lanes">stood
up to a legal challenge in federal appeals court</a>.  However, the
major ISPs are rich and will surely try to appeal further.
<p>
In addition, they are lobbying for a law to roll back the FCC's
policies.
<p>
The FCC's neutrality policies are not strong enough.  The ISP should
not be allowed to examine the packet in any way, only to transmit it.


feed_id: 8919c4f4bb143145ee4baa247afadee6
title: Decriminalization of sexting
uri: Decriminalization-of-sexting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#15_June_2016_%28Decriminalization_of_sexting%29
content:
<p>
The UK is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jun/14/police-chiefs-sexting-guidance-schools">moving
to decriminalize sexting for teenagers</a>.
<p>
The article contributes, however, to the general practice of
infantilizing them by calling them "children".


feed_id: 3d3d87a8e7802d8188e0d946bb969bd5
title: Brazilian journalists gagged
uri: Brazilian-journalists-gagged
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#15_June_2016_%28Brazilian_journalists_gagged%29
content:
<p>
Some Brazilian journalists have been gagged after they 
<a href="https://knightcenter.utexas.edu/blog/00-17199-journalists-brazilian-newspaper-suffer-judicial-harassment-after-publishing-reports-sa">revealed
that some judges are paid an illegally high salary</a>.


feed_id: a8b40c71dea77b451e51513732e8cb22
title: Another heat record set in May
uri: Another-heat-record-set-in-May
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#15_June_2016_%28Another_heat_record_set_in_May%29
content:
<p>
This May set 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/14/may-marks-one-more-record-hot-month-for-the-world">another
heat record</a>.
<p>
Each month this year has set a heat record.


feed_id: e5f540352ef28ccaee0732f5228579bf
title: Trump and Clinton's response to murders
uri: Trump-and-Clinton-s-response-to-murders
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#15_June_2016_%28Trump_and_Clintons_response_to_murders%29

content:
<p>
Both Trump and Clinton propose to respond to the Orlando murders by
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/13/hillary-clinton-and-donald-trump-call-for-more-airstrikes-on-isis-after-orlando-massacre-that-isis-didnt-direct/">bombing
Syria</a>.
<p>
Defeating PISSI is a desirable goal, but bombing other than on
battlefields tends to kill civilians rather than enemies.
<p>
As the article points out, this won't prevent individuals from
carrying out attacks, especially if their real motivation is personal
and the religious "cause" is only an excuse they make to themselves.


feed_id: 5118b454448e829091f7a640ba0b2076
title: Legal system's bias against the poor
uri: Legal-system-s-bias-against-the-poor
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#15_June_2016_%28Legal_systems_bias_against_the_poor%29

content:
<p>
Stanford Sexual Assault: Records Show 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/13/stanford-sexual-assault-aaron-persky-brock-turner-transcript">Judge's
Logic Behind Light Sentence</a>.
<p>
Some of these reasons seem valid to me, but I see a general injustice
in the policy of giving privileged people lighter sentences for a
whole range of crimes.  What it means is that the legal system is
intentionally biased here against the poor.  Of course, it's biased
against them in other ways, too: many have to 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_(Six_years_without_a_trial)">spend 
months or years in jail awaiting trial</a>, and their public defenders
are 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#07_May_2013_(Public_defender_system_understaffed)">overloaded
and can't put much time into each case</a>.


feed_id: e2ea9b66387a713ac2bb5beb0515046a
title: No guns for domestic abuse convicts
uri: No-guns-for-domestic-abuse-convicts
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#17_June_2016_%28No_guns_for_domestic_abuse_convicts%29

content:
<p>
Why
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2016/06/13/after-orlando-massacre-obama-predictably">being
on a "watch list" should not disqualify a person from buying guns</a>
(or anything else).
<p>
However, there would be no such problem with barring those convicted for
domestic abuse from buying guns, or continuing to own guns.  That
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/13/omar-mateen-domestic-violence-clue-murderous-future">would
have disqualified the Orlando murderer</a>.  It would also save lots
of women from being
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-mar-jun.html#29_May_2014_(Urgent:_Protect_domestic_violence_victims)">shot
by their spouses or lovers</a>.


feed_id: 51106fd34c8403898294e381f54f6dac
title: Ignoring People for Phones
uri: Ignoring-People-for-Phones
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#17_June_2016_%28Ignoring_People_for_Phones%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/06/ignoring-people-for-phones-is-the-new-normal-phubbing-study/486845/">Ignoring People for Phones</a> Is the New Normal.
<p>
I sometimes ignore people for my laptop, but never for a phone (since,
to resist surveillance and nonfree software, I refuse to carry one).


feed_id: e561a9fb9360be02a963ce1c9d26db92
title: Civil Liberties Keep Americans Safe
uri: Civil-Liberties-Keep-Americans-Safe
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#17_June_2016_%28Civil_Liberties_Keep_Americans_Safe%29

content:
<p>
We should <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/06/terror-civil-liberties/487115/">reject the proposal</a> to reinstate the House Un-american
Activities Committee, as well as other injustices such as imprisonment
without trial, torture, the no-fly list, and massive surveillance.


feed_id: bd5dc160a773edb0ae0cdcb169111d88
title: Urgent: Maine woods
uri: Urgent-Maine-woods
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#17_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Maine_woods%29
content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Maine_Woods">Tell
Congress</a>: "Oppose House Republicans' attempt to block the
designation of a new national monument in the Maine woods."


feed_id: 22f2903bec83f80a15864fe353eb8bfa
title: Urgent: Conyers amendment
uri: Urgent-Conyers-amendment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#17_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Conyers_amendment%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter at (202) 224-3121 to say to
<a href="http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/act/conyers-ban-saudi-cluster-bombs-call-in">support
the Conyers amendment</a> to ban the transfer of cluster bombs to
Salafi Arabia.


feed_id: 1ef340b262dc3db277f0dec4c4d8b38b
title: Publication of voter registration lists
uri: Publication-of-voter-registration-lists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#17_June_2016_%28Publication_of_voter_registration_lists%29

content:
<p>
Is it right or wrong to publish voter registration lists —
including their addresses —
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2016/06/14/d-c-s-board-of-elections-makes-it-shockingly-easy-to-snoop-on-your-fellow-voters/">on
the internet</a>?
<p>
I expect that companies can afford to scrape the physical copies that
were traditionally published, so the real question I think is whether
to publish addresses and party affiliations.


feed_id: 9da5ffb67ca08f89cab175400d8de9ec
title: Secretive, flawed terror watchlist
uri: Secretive-flawed-terror-watchlist
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#17_June_2016_%28Secretive%2C_flawed_terror_watchlist%29

content:
<p>
Democrats Embrace
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/15/democrats-embrace-secretive-flawed-terror-watchlist-in-fight-against-gun-violence/">Secretive,
Flawed Terror Watchlist</a> in Fight Against Gun Violence.
<p>
If there is concrete evidence that a person sympathizes with a
terrorist group, it could be legitimate to deny per the right to own
guns for that.  However, doing so based on rumors is wrong.
<p>
As for the no-fly list, that is punishment without trial and
must be abolished.


feed_id: 5cb5317c570ed42f7676210bfe436a5f
title: Doctors involved in CIA torture
uri: Doctors-involved-in-CIA-torture
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#17_June_2016_%28Doctors_involved_in_CIA_torture%29
content:
<p>
The CIA's Office of Medical Staff
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/15/cia-torture-program-september-11-medical-staff-instructions-details">provided
detailed advice for torture</a>.  The doctors who provided this advice
betrayed their oath as physicians.
<p>
The American Psychological Association
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#30_January_2016_(Psychologists_torture_ban)">changed
its professional standards</a> to rule out such participation by its
members.


feed_id: 355ad6749d922d97d4e34011187a2756
title: Catholic orders divest from fossil fuels
uri: Catholic-orders-divest-from-fossil-fuels
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#17_June_2016_%28Catholic_orders_divest_from_fossil_fuels%29

content:
<p>
Some Catholic orders (of monks or nuns) in Australia have
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/16/catholic-orders-take-their-lead-from-the-pope-and-divest-from-fossil-fuels">publicly
announced divestment from fossil fuels</a>.
<p>
Both of the major Australian parties are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/16/we-have-a-stark-choice-protect-the-global-commons-or-give-in-to-special-interests">too
close to the planet roasters</a> and fail to propose sufficient
actions to curb global heating.


feed_id: f7828928e9465940cc21e04f354a82ca
title: US economy for the rich under Clinton
uri: US-economy-for-the-rich-under-Clinton
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#17_June_2016_%28US_economy_for_the_rich_under_Clinton%29

content:
<p>
Clinton says she
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/15/hillary-wants-bring-back-bill-she-shouldnt">would
give her husband another chance to manage the US economy for the
rich</a>.


feed_id: 72ec8a9212f48d580d3a24d573f16f04
title: Dupont merging and splitting
uri: Dupont-merging-and-splitting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#17_June_2016_%28Dupont_merging_and_splitting%29
content:
<p>
Dupont is merging and splitting, and that
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/15/dupont-may-dodge-toxic-lawsuits-by-pulling-a-disappearing-act/">may
be a scheme to bury its liability</a> for past environmental poisoning
in places from which no one can collect.
<p>
The way a non-plutocratist government could block this loophole is
pretty obvious.


feed_id: 6501c31d42227974391be769724d6c0c
title: Surveillance station in Scotland
uri: Surveillance-station-in-Scotland
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#17_June_2016_%28Surveillance_station_in_Scotland%29
content:
<p>
Thugs in Scotland have for years enjoyed access to bulk surveillance
data through a surveillance station that the government of Scotland
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/15/snowden-scottish-recording-centre-parliament-milkwhite/">says
it did not know about</a>.


feed_id: 35b66c7a19b8ceb7a7df65e69dc5f0cf
title: Avoiding mass extinction
uri: 2016-06-17-Avoiding-mass-extinction
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#17_June_2016_%28Avoiding_mass_extinction%29
content:
<p>
Biologist E. O. Wilson proposes that we
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/radical-conservation/2016/jun/15/could-we-set-aside-half-the-earth-for-nature">set
aside half of Earth for nature</a>, to avoid mass extinction.
<p>
That goal requires that we also curb
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#15_June_2016_(Extinction_through_global_heating)">global
heating</a> and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-may-aug.html#10_July_2012_(Ocean_acidification_due_to_CO2)">ocean
acidification</a>.  In practice, we also need to curb the human
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jul-oct.html#24_September_2015_(End_population_growth)">birth
rate</a>.


feed_id: 6e2f75b83f20998965c7c65978634820
title: Urgent: Trump's tax returns
uri: 2016-06-20-Urgent-Trump-s-tax-returns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#19_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Trumps_tax_returns%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://www.signherenow.org/petition/trump-release-returns/pda/">call
on Trump</a> to release his tax returns.


feed_id: 8264cf9595bdd091529bc18f6fc924c0
title: Urgent: Democratic Party
uri: Urgent-Democratic-Party
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#19_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Democratic_Party%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://secure3.convio.net/zpg/site/Advocacy;?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=562">call on the Democratic Party</a> to adopt a platform plank to
legalize US support for organizations that do abortion.


feed_id: 40f33173f083d60813334a87686db876
title: Violent Islamist fanatics
uri: Violent-Islamist-fanatics
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#19_June_2016_%28Violent_Islamist_fanatics%29
content:
<p>
The US 
<a href="http://reason.com/archives/2016/06/16/how-not-to-fight-islamic-terrorism">cannot
protect itself from violent Islamist fanatics by fighting wars in
Muslim countries</a>.


feed_id: 4d032cb597eb7e490091bd8af4da5367
title: Legal theft by California thugs
uri: Legal-theft-by-California-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#19_June_2016_%28Legal_theft_by_California_thugs%29
content:
<p>
California legislators are 
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2016/06/16/reformers-again-attempt-to-curtail-legal">trying
again to stop thugs</a> from taking people's money without a trial.


feed_id: ac43c528a2a74b9ba2acac53d0a3311e
title: Lobbying by US pesticide companies
uri: Lobbying-by-US-pesticide-companies
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#19_June_2016_%28Lobbying_by_US_pesticide_companies%29

content:
<p>
US pesticide companies are lobbying effectively to 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/15/exposed-pesticide-industry-deployed-aggressive-lobby-effort-quash-bee-protections">block
efforts to protect pollinators</a>.


feed_id: b1971e7fdd9b2465fed1213b1495b293
title: Urgent: Hold coal companies accountable
uri: Urgent-Hold-coal-companies-accountable
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#19_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Hold_coal_companies_accountable%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/bonding_comments">call for
reforming the way coal companies arrange to pay for cleanup</a>, so
that they can't evade the obligation.
<p>
Here's what I said.
<blockquote>
Please reform the law so that coal companies cannot sneak out of their
obligation to pay for cleaning up mines.  There must be no way they
can arrange to spin off a subsidiary to go out of business and evade
the responsibility.  They should not be allowed to do self-bonding;
they should have to buy insurance.
<p>
The likelihood that coal mining will decline, as we put a stop to the
air pollution it causes, will increase the temptation for coal
businesses to adopt a short-term attitude that encourages cheating.
<p>
A secondary benefit of this change will be to discourage coal mining
and coal burning.  We need to make coal mining decline faster, for
public health (coal emissions are toxic) and to help curb global
heating.
</blockquote>


feed_id: 1ed711b46179090922e368bd240d3834
title: Urgent: Urgent Sanders to continue
uri: Urgent-Urgent-Sanders-to-continue
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#19_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Urgent_Sanders_to_continue%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: urge Sanders to 
<a href="https://stallman.org/petitions/petition-bern/">continue his
campaign till the Democratic Convention</a>.


feed_id: 0b67dfcc672d4f23cf9df5e8d7dfa139
title: Secularists in Bangladesh threatened
uri: Secularists-in-Bangladesh-threatened
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#18_June_2016_%28Secularists_in_Bangladesh_threatened%29

content:
<p>
Secularists in Bangladesh are <a href="http://www.thebookseller.com/news/ipa-calls-immediate-release-arrested-bangladeshi-publisher-322878">threatened by imprisonment by the Islamist state</a>
as well as murder by Islamist fanatics.


feed_id: 699639ead3f9f3d6bc2f3ab9e5e1820e
title: ACLU sues Cleveland over draconian rules
uri: ACLU-sues-Cleveland-over-draconian-rules
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#18_June_2016_%28ACLU_sues_Cleveland_over_draconian_rules%29

content:
<p>
The ACLU is suing to <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/15/aclu-sues-cleveland-over-draconian-reach-rnc-protest-rules">allow visible protests</a> at the Republican National
Convention.


feed_id: 79bea1b8bf8917e0a270b0619eaddb64
title: What happened civil rights movement after 1965
uri: What-happened-civil-rights-movement-after-1965
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#18_June_2016_%28What_happened_civil_rights_movement_after_1965%29

content:
<p>
US history teaching <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/15/what-happened-civil-rights-movement-after-1965-dont-ask-your-textbook">assumes the civil rights movement was finished</a>,
victorious, in 1965.
<p>
This disregards subsequent desegregation and resegregation
and today's racism.


feed_id: 6cb79d640364178e56b553eafd83f646
title: US Chamber of Commerce
uri: US-Chamber-of-Commerce
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#18_June_2016_%28US_Chamber_of_Commerce%29
content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/15/who-does-biggest-lobbying-force-us-represent-not-its-members">The US Chamber of Commerce</a> lobbies for tobacco and for global heating,
while getting its funds from companies that say they don't support
those campaigns.


feed_id: a5e6662e95b5681d5bde1e80580c00ea
title: Microsoft to monitor legal marijuana sales
uri: Microsoft-to-monitor-legal-marijuana-sales
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#18_June_2016_%28Microsoft_to_monitor_legal_marijuana_sales%29

content:
<p>
Microsoft wants medical marijuana dispensaries to use its servers.
I suspect it <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jun/16/microsoft-licenses-cloud-services-monitor-legalized-marijuana-sales">intends to collect data about all the patients</a>.
<p>
Whatever commitments Microsoft makes about how it will use the data
are not worth paying attention to; the data, once collected,
<em>will</em> be misused.  They will be misused by Microsoft (using
loopholes in the misleading assurances), by rogue employees, by
crackers that steal the data, and by the state (which will demand
access to it all).
<p>
I hope people will campaign for dispensaries not to use this or any
similar system.


feed_id: 1c072af936dcfce2d60c13036ca65175
title: Brazil tourism minister resigns
uri: Brazil-tourism-minister-resigns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#18_June_2016_%28Brazil_tourism_minister_resigns_%29
content:
<p>
Another coup-installed minister in Brazil has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/16/brazil-tourism-minister-resigns-weeks-before-olympics">resigned for corruption</a>, because a politician turned state's evidence and testified against him
and various other politicians.


feed_id: 123207cd8c35bde17b7c668beffde806
title: Obama continued providing cluster bombs
uri: Obama-continued-providing-cluster-bombs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#18_June_2016_%28Obama_continued_providing_cluster_bombs%29

content:
<p>
SCROTUS helped Obama continue <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/16/worried-about-stigmatizing-cluster-bombs-house-approves-more-sales-to-saudi-arabia/">providing cluster bombs</a> to Salafi Arabia.


feed_id: bb874d16002d0016d4815f5929fbb329
title: Urgent: Gun control measures
uri: Urgent-Gun-control-measures
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#18_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Gun_control_measures%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: phone your senators to support gun control measures but
<a href="http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/act/conyers-ban-saudi-cluster-bombs-call-in"><em>not</em>
based on a rumor mill</a> such as a watch list.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
and 888-355-3588.


feed_id: 5947c5b13f3ee502547c7b28d73f3be6
title: Obstacles in way of employment in the US
uri: Obstacles-in-way-of-employment-in-the-US
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#18_June_2016_%28Obstacles_in_way_of_employment_in_the_US%29

content:
<p>
The US has placed so many obstacles in the way of employment for
ex-cons and people convicted of felonies that it amounts to a
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/06/16/us-loses-when-former-prisoners-and-people-convicted-felonies-cant-re-enter-labor">substantial
drag on the economy</a>.


feed_id: e4b85a0209ab8204859eeb5fe2466b2a
title: Regulation of endocrine distruptors
uri: Regulation-of-endocrine-distruptors
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#18_June_2016_%28Regulation_of_endocrine_distruptors%29

content:
<p>
The EU has taken a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/16/new-rules-to-regulate-europes-hormone-disrupting-chemicals">baby
step</a> to prepare to regulate endocrine disruptors.


feed_id: 8c7de7bf3228b7f3309101abffaa0dec
title: Facebook exposes lovers
uri: Facebook-exposes-lovers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#18_June_2016_%28Facebook_exposes_lovers%29
content:
<p>
Facebook exposes lovers to lots of information about each other
which can
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-facebook-could-be-threatening-your-romantic-relationship-60391">stimulate
jealousy</a>.


feed_id: b01e56568634a019b5257ed486105adf
title: HK bookseller describes imprisonment
uri: HK-bookseller-describes-imprisonment
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#18_June_2016_%28HK_bookseller_describes_imprisonment%29

content:
<p>
Hong Kong bookseller Lam Wing-kee describes his imprisonment in China
and how he was
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/16/hong-kong-bookseller-lam-wing-kee-speaks-out-about-detention-in-china">forced
to recite a scripted confession for a video</a>.
<p>
China sent him back to Hong Kong to return with records about
customers who bought their books (which accused important Chinese
politicians of corruption).  He says he will not do this; I suppose he
or his family will face some sort of reprisals for his non-return,
which makes it a heroic act.
<p>
Never let a book store know your name!  Especially,
<a href="https://stallman.org/amazon.html">don't buy books from
Amazon</a>.


feed_id: 55678a3578ebfcdd2b0a13637e5d6291
title: Criminalization of homosexual sex
uri: Criminalization-of-homosexual-sex
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#18_June_2016_%28Criminalization_of_homosexual_sex%29

content:
<p>
A judge in Kenya ruled that requiring an anal exam
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/16/kenya-upholds-use-of-anal-exam-to-determine-sexual-orientation">to
see if two men had been penetrated anally</a> was not torture, and a
required blood test for two sexually transmitted diseases was not
degrading.
<p>
I agree with this ruling.  I had a colonoscopy and it was not bad.
I've also had blood tests, and they don't actually hurt.  I don't
feel degraded by either of them.
<p>
The real injustice here is the criminalization of homosexual sex.


feed_id: ea57021d9d66b52d9199bc5b2581a340
title: The great internet swindle
uri: The-great-internet-swindle
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#18_June_2016_%28The_great_internet_swindle%29
content:
<p>
The great internet swindle: powerful monopoly intermediaries that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/feb/09/andrew-keen-internet-not-answer-interview">suck
the wealth out people while accumulating personal data about them</a>.
<p>
My simple rule of paying cash, which I adopted to protect my privacy,
mostly means I don't deal with those companies at all.  And that's how
I want it.


feed_id: 4afef2fc1e4c59800db4b9571b55e61f
title: Effects of maltreatment of children
uri: Effects-of-maltreatment-of-children
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#18_June_2016_%28Effects_of_maltreatment_of_children%29

content:
<p>
Abuse or maltreatment of children tends to have specific effects on
the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2012/feb/13/childhood-abuse-growth-brain-emotions">development
of the brain</a>.  It is also known to make later mental illness more
likely.
<p>
Many government programs can help protect children from the stress
that can hurt their development.  Welfare funds for families, good
funding for public schools, shelters for victims of domestic violence,
as well as providing contraception and abortion (you shouldn't have a
child if you feel unready to take care of one).


feed_id: 3c42cd8dd6a4c7227d5eef7e936b4bcb
title: Apple lobbies against "right to repair"
uri: Apple-lobbies-against-right-to-repair
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#18_June_2016_%28Apple_lobbies_against_right_to_repair%29

content:
<p>
Apple
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/apple-right-to-repair_us_5755a6b4e4b0ed593f14fdea">lobbies
against "right to repair" laws</a>.


feed_id: 6dda8a55580233f240faa14e355dfe0a
title: White America blind racism
uri: White-America-blind-racism
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28White_America_blind_racism%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/18/white-america-blind-racism-majority-ignore-black-minority-bubble-privilege">Segregation in the US</a> makes it easy for whites to tell themselves that blacks get a fair shake.


feed_id: 78ea458997db0841e2f15d8966685dce
title: Indonesia Sri Lanka boat asylum seekers
uri: Indonesia-Sri-Lanka-boat-asylum-seekers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28Indonesia_Sri_Lanka_boat_asylum_seekers%29

content:
<p>
Amnesty International says that Indonesia must allow Sri Lankan
boat people to request asylum, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/18/indonesia-sri-lanka-boat-asylum-seekers">rather than forcing them back</a>.


feed_id: c7fe80d975b1b1e958df607cd28a0fca
title: Third Polie Chief quits in a week
uri: Third-Polie-Chief-quits-in-a-week
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28Third_Polie_Chief_quits_in_a_week%29

content:
<p>
Oakland <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/18/third-oakland-police-chief-quits-within-a-week-amid-scandals">Loses Third Police Chief</a> in a Week Amid Scandals.
<p>
The thug department has a "toxic, macho culture" which includes
racism.  This most likely leads to serious wrongs against non-thugs.
<p>
However, having sex with a 17-year-old prostitute is not one of them.
The article says that thugs "took advantage" of her.
Perhaps that was the case, if they pressured her.
But if she did this by choice, perhaps wanting extra money,
it is wrong to blame her customers.
<p>
It is possible that she was raped; it is possible she was
trafficked.  But when the law claims that being her customer
constitutes "rape" or "human trafficking", it lies.  We must
not let these lies pass as truth.


feed_id: e04dc0a6959ad7a8d925c7827c3ec8d6
title: Istanbul bans gay pride march
uri: Istanbul-bans-gay-pride-march
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28Istanbul_bans_gay_pride_march%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/17/istanbul-transgender-gay-pride-marches-ban-alperen-hearths">Istanbul banned a gay pride march</a> because right-wing extremists threatened violence against the marchers.
<p>
In effect, the city government made itself an accessory to the extremists.


feed_id: 38dee8a0dd910dc31c963f2789f9f37b
title: Urgent: Stand with Queer Community
uri: Urgent-Stand-with-Queer-Community
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Stand_with_Queer_Community%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: stand with queer community <a href="https://action.aclu.org/secure/against-hate?emsrc=Nat_Appeal_AutologinEnabled&emissue=LGBTrights&emtype=petition&ms=eml_160614_LGBTrights_Orlando&__af=query_string_encrypted">against violence and hate</a>.


feed_id: 8bac5958a96fa2d8967c9d306a5cecd1
title: Urgent: Call on Sanders to continue his campaign
uri: Urgent-Call-on-Sanders-to-continue-his-campaign
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Call_on_Sanders_to_continue_his_campaign%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on Sanders to <a href="https://stallman.org/petitions/petition-bern/">continue his campaign</a> till the convention.


feed_id: aca49fd2823e3e970e6aa2eee2dc681d
title: Chinese CCTV Surveillance
uri: Chinese-CCTV-Surveillance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28Chinese_CCTV_Surveillance%29
content:
<p>
China shows <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/16/chinese-university-students-cctv-surveillance-wuchang">how far TV camera surveillance can go</a>: outside dissidents' doors, in classrooms, in the halls of college dormitories.
<p>
Americans are not safe from this.
The US tends to follow China in issues of human rights.


feed_id: f630afa63af0d89c744800526a57aedd
title: Pregnant 12 year olds to obtain court order
uri: Pregnant-12-year-olds-to-obtain-court-order
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28Pregnant_12_year_olds_to_obtain_court_order%29

content:
<p>
Pregnant 12-year-olds in Queensland have to obtain a court order in
order <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/16/queensland-doctor-abortion-more-teenagers-face-appalling-choice">to get an abortion</a>.
<p>
The law has this exactly backwards.  If 12-year-olds are not quite
prepared to have an abortion, they are far from prepared to raise a
baby.


feed_id: 67f44839f3e8f645ff642a71a8542ae8
title: FBI Facial Recognition
uri: FBI-Facial-Recognition
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28FBI_Facial_Recognition%29
content:
<p>
The FBI has face photos of over 170 million Americans from drivers' licenses,
and others from other sources, and uses this for <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2016/6/15/11946304/fbi-facial-recognition-system-data-collection-privacy">face recognition with no regulation</a>.
<p>
While the article says that it does this matching for criminal
suspects, that could be stretched to include everyone.  Does anything
stop the FBI or state thugs from doing this to photos of everyone walking
down the street?


feed_id: 3c1e97415098f04d909f31481b76abf1
title: Illegal Abortions are Killing Women
uri: Illegal-Abortions-are-Killing-Women
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28Illegal_Abortions_are_Killing_Women%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/jun/17/development-community-abortion-america">Illegal Abortions Are Killing Women</a> And Aid Restrictions Are Just Making It Worse.


feed_id: 943274bda3b05e67c3753d5cae63581c
title: Politicians exploited Orlando attack
uri: Politicians-exploited-Orlando-attack
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28Politicians_exploited_Orlando_attack%29

content:
<p>
Politicians exploited the attack in Orlando dishonestly in order
to <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/06/house-leaders-politicize-tragedy-block-bipartisan-surveillance-reforms">defeat a plan to limit massive surveillance</a>.


feed_id: 29350185459a237f77fe269251e84ae6
title: Islamist Radiohead bullies
uri: Islamist-Radiohead-bullies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28Islamist_Radiohead_bullies%29
content:
<p>
Islamist bullies <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/18/turkish-radiohead-fans-attacked-istanbul">attacked Radiohead fans</a> in a record store in Istanbul.
<p>
These bullies believe they are entitled to impose their religion on
others.


feed_id: 5145a3119b37d01c9f0f8401ea8def17
title: Politicians help create a Climate of Hate for LGBT
uri: Politicians-help-create-a-Climate-of-Hate-for-LGBT
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28Politicians_help_create_a_Climate_of_Hate_for_LGBT%29

content:
<p>
How Politicians Helped <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/18/how-politicians-helped-create-climate-hate-lgbt-people">Create a Climate of Hate</a> for LGBT People.
<p>
The climate of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jun/18/vile-online-abuse-against-women-mps-needs-to-be-challenged-now">repeated abusive statements</a> against female politicians is pervasive, and can inspire physical violence.
<p>
Freedom of speech includes the freedom to say one hates a person, or a
group.  (Among sensible people, those who say they hate a group will
tend to discredit themselves.)  But it doesn't include threatening
violence.  If you see people threaten violence against someone online,
please show that this impresses you negatively.


feed_id: 804bdbb44e31c860c1ee1ca0987b8ca3
title: US should follow Australias gun ban
uri: US-should-follow-Australias-gun-ban
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28US_should_follow_Australias_gun_ban%29

content:
<p>
The US should follow Australia by banning the guns that are handy for
killing lots of people, and <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/17/lets-learn-australia-semi-automatic-weapons-bans-work">instituting thorough background checks</a> for people that want to buy guns.
<p>
On the other hand, renting an apartment or enrolling in a school
should <em>not</em> require such a background check.  You can do fine
without a gun, but you're really handicaped if you can't get education
or a place to live.


feed_id: 146db054e9485ed1b2b1b0e3bae3cf4e
title: Cornel West discusses
uri: Cornel-West-discusses
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28Cornel_West_discusses%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://opendemocracy.net/george-souvlis-cornel-west/cornel-west-black-america-s-neo-liberal-sleepwalking-is-coming-to-end">Cornel West discusses</a> Sanders, Clinton and Trump.


feed_id: 07254f3dbbe6454c849766c8bf1302c5
title: Charter school money
uri: Charter-school-money
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28Charter_school_money%29
content:
<p>
Charter school money joined fossil fuel money to <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/18/how-long-can-big-money-keep-democrats-charter-school-camp">elect right-wing Democrats in California primaries.


feed_id: b6599e1c186b6b6630f0bea390a72c1b
title: Robotic trucks
uri: Robotic-trucks
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28Robotic_trucks%29
content:
<p>
Robotic trucks could 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jun/17/self-driving-trucks-impact-on-drivers-jobs-us">eliminate
the jobs of millions of truck drivers</a> in the US, and millions of
others that serve truck drivers food and coffee.
<p>
There is no inherent merit in a more advanced technology; technology
is good or bad depending on how it affects people.  If the principal
effect of robotic trucks is massive unemployment, we should not allow
robotic trucks.  As for the bosses that want to save money by not
employing people, they can jump in the lake.
<p>
The purpose of democracy is to allow us to decide together about
issues that affect us, such as this one.


feed_id: 7753644f5c7fadc8fe6fc86c12cb6fa6
title: Trump's audience
uri: Trump-s-audience
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28Trumps_audience%29
content:
<p>
David Eggers waited three hours in line for a Trump rally along with
thousands of others, to find that the audience was 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/jun/17/could-he-actually-win-dave-eggers-donald-trump-rally-presidential-campaign">interested
in Trump mainly for entertainment value</a> and left before he
finished speaking.


feed_id: 6f52a38922670b71eb947243c8515ef7
title: US should follow Australia's gun ban
uri: US-should-follow-Australia-s-gun-ban
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28US_should_follow_Australias_gun_ban%29

content:
<p>
The US should follow Australia by banning the guns that are handy for
killing lots of people, and <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/17/lets-learn-australia-semi-automatic-weapons-bans-work">instituting thorough background checks</a> for people that want to buy guns.
<p>
On the other hand, renting an apartment or enrolling in a school
should <em>not</em> require such a background check.  You can do fine
without a gun, but you're really handicapped if you can't get education
or a place to live.


feed_id: 6183b1bdbfd5266851311e9a2a7d2820
title: Urgent: Stop fossil fool projects
uri: Urgent-Stop-fossil-fool-projects
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_fossil_fool_projects%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="http://www.ran.org/shortingtheclimate">call on big banks</a>
to stop financing fossil fool projects.


feed_id: 70daa89a842e5556d5d6d3a9698d392b
title: Urgent: Oppose the DARK act
uri: 2016-06-20-Urgent-Oppose-the-DARK-act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_the_DARK_act%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: phone senators McConnell and Grassley to 
<a href="http://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/1881/p/salsa/web/common/public/content?content_item_KEY=14239">oppose
the DARK act</a>.


feed_id: 7c2491b660eff2e30823d1cfd1700d3b
title: Urgent: Yellowstone's grizzly bears
uri: Urgent-Yellowstone-s-grizzly-bears
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Yellowstones_grizzly_bears%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://www.nrdconline.org/site/R?i=SMp8Fsgk8Ho5Ie084k81CQ
">call for continued protection</a> of Yellowstone's grizzly bears.


feed_id: 61620a354c2655a91235a46c26516aee
title: FBI entrapment
uri: 2016-06-20-FBI-entrapment
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28FBI_entrapment%29
content:
<p>
Descriptions of some people being 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/17/nine-lost-souls-the-fbi-charged-as-terrorists-while-letting-the-orlando-shooter-go/">prosecuted
by the FBI for aiding PISSI</a>.
<p>
Some of these people were entrapped by the FBI.  (If the legal
definition of entrapment does not apply, it is too narrow.)  However,
others were not entrapped, at least according to the facts in the
article.
<p>
That is a step up for the FBI.  I congratulate the FBI for starting to
catch people who really did provide material support to PISSI, or
really tried to do so, without the FBI's guidance.


feed_id: 361488c5d1985506dc04a75ba13c7152
title: 13 months in a row of record heat
uri: 13-months-in-a-row-of-record-heat
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%2813_months_in_a_row_of_record_heat%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/17/shattered-records-climate-change-emergency-today-scientists-warn">13
months in a row</a> have broken heat records.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/17/seven-climate-records-set-so-far-in-2016">Other
temperature and related records</a> have been set this year.
<p>
What will it take to enable us to overcome the planet roasters?


feed_id: 0fc495ff7bf61035b7ed593c94b064b6
title: US banksters
uri: US-banksters
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28US_banksters%29
content:
<p>
US banksters 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/17/mortgage-companies-seek-time-travelers-to-find-missing-documents/">seek
to continue falsifying documents for illegal, fraudulent
foreclosures</a>.


feed_id: 0cbb4fe73682b674fc624e1bdfc7aa41
title: Protesters arrested in Indonesia
uri: Protesters-arrested-in-Indonesia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28Protesters_arrested_in_Indonesia%29
content:
<p>
Indonesia has apparently 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/17/indonesia-accused-of-arresting-more-than-1000-in-west-papua">arrested
1000 protesters</a> who were supporting independence for West Papua,
which Indonesia conquered by force.
<p>
Indonesia has a long history of repression there, as well as bring
colonists from Java.


feed_id: 607b6ee6984f8574dd031d1eedc57591
title: Right-wing Catholics campaign against queer people
uri: Right-wing-Catholics-campaign-against-queer-people
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Right-wing_Catholics_campaign_against_queer_people%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/jun/15/anti-lgbtq-rhetoric-organisation-american-states-human-rights-orlando-shooting">Right-wing Catholics are campaigning</a> against rights for queer
people, and for women in general, at organizations such as the OAS.


feed_id: 0a30603728a47b382de72b0c6a3a000b
title: CIA torture documents
uri: CIA-torture-documents
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28CIA_torture_documents%29
content:
<p>
Released documents show CIA torturers <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/15/new-cia-documents-reveal-more-horrors-president-bushs-torture-program">knew they were committing crimes</a>,
and that they tortured people harder for protesting that torture violated
their rights.


feed_id: 5b20274062b706b1565b502b28bd57e7
title: Limiting global heating to 1.5C
uri: Limiting-global-heating-to-1-5C
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Limiting_global_heating_to_1.5C%29
content:
<p>
Limiting global heating to 1.5C might prevent the permanent loss of all
Arctic ice, and might <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/16/what-would-a-global-warming-increase-of-15c-be-like">prevent the melting of the Arctic tundra</a> which would cause a lot more global heating.
<p>
It might also save the Amazon rainforest from drying up.


feed_id: 340e5bb69aa4755cc463d89f8e188dba
title: Insane work hours
uri: Insane-work-hours
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Insane_work_hours%29
content:
<p>
Well-paid Americans are compelled to work painfully heavy hours, while
Americans with low wages <a href="http://theweek.com/articles/629256/how-insane-work-hours-became-mark-american-privilege">can't get enough hours to make a living</a>.


feed_id: 0893aa5e417e0a7933ff8359b5d03a8b
title: Google Fibre evil practices
uri: Google-Fibre-evil-practices
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Google_Fibre_evil_practices%29
content:
<p>
Google Fibre has followed the evil practice of AT&T and Comcast by
making customers agree to <a href="https://consumerist.com/2016/06/16/google-fiber-copies-comcast-att-forces-users-to-give-up-their-legal-right-to-sue/">mandatory arbitration</a> instead of lawsuits.
<p>
This calls for state laws to bar the practice.


feed_id: d6631d4ad826a7fb70ce8e7d5b6749e7
title: France refuses UK aid convoy
uri: France-refuses-UK-aid-convoy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28France_refuses_UK_aid_convoy%29
content:
<p>
Britons decided to send supplies to immigrants parked in Calais (not
allowed into Britain), and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jun/18/france-refuses-entry-to-uk-aid-convoy-for-calais-refugees">France blocked the convoy from entering</a>, citing incredible grounds of "security".


feed_id: ca86602e70e69f9ba5430e7f72911ee3
title: Thugs attack Gay Pride march
uri: Thugs-attack-Gay-Pride-march
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Thugs_attack_Gay_Pride_march%29
content:
<p>
A few dozen activists tried to hold a forbidden <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/19/police-use-teargas-against-lgbt-activists-in-istanbul">Gay Pride march in Istanbul</a>.  Hundreds of thugs attacked them.


feed_id: 5d91ec31f094ab1f148acadfde750948
title: Chewing and Advertising
uri: Chewing-and-Advertising
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Chewing_and_Advertising%29
content:
<p>
Chewing helps people <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2013/oct/13/eating-popcorn-cinema-advertisers">resist the effect</a> of advertising.


feed_id: d7c5204b08154d1b9eba387f8795eec4
title: Tesco Food Waste
uri: Tesco-Food-Waste
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Tesco_Food_Waste%29
content:
<p>
The supermarket system is <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/18/tesco-supermarket-food-waste">designed to cause food waste</a> at home as well
waste food directly.  And digital ordering tends to make it worse.
<p>
As often happens, the people who participate in the system are less
responsible for its behavior than the large, concentrated actors that
more or less buy the regulations they operate under.


feed_id: df29b7f964952fe4ec7bcd3a85c58c26
title: EU referendum brexit
uri: EU-referendum-brexit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28EU_referendum_brexit%29
content:
<p>
The politicians who want to take Britain out of the EU are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/18/england-eu-referendum-brexit">bare-faced trumpish bullshitters</a>.
<p>
Immigration causes problems in neighborhoods where poor Britons live
because of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/18/eu-referendeum-politicians-public-no-trust">cruel plutocratic policies</a> that force all the marginal people to compete with each other.  Rationally, they should unite against their real enemies, the plutocrats.
<p>
The EU is also to a large extent a tool of the plutocrats.  A Britain ready
to crush the banksters might do well to get out of the EU.


feed_id: 3af08ec7ac577cfc60c05f12df22378f
title: American hyper parenting
uri: American-hyper-parenting
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28American_hyper_parenting%29
content:
<p>
A report from Norway, where <a href="http://www.freerangekids.com/american-hyper-parenting-is-infiltrating-norway/">American-style paranoid parenting</a> has not
arrived.


feed_id: 96f8d306d9ab11421286c436a71f6a22
title: Protect the seabirds that are dying off
uri: Protect-the-seabirds-that-are-dying-off
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Protect_the_seabirds_that_are_dying_off%29

content:
<p>
Funds can preserve the disused houses of St Kilda, but nothing can
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/19/fundraising-drive-aims-save-seabird-paradise-off-scotland">protect the seabirds</a> that are dying off due to effects of global heating.


feed_id: 391dd262231c2879c7bd10b09ad7d00f
title: Study of racist thug be havior
uri: Study-of-racist-thug-be-havior
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Study_of_racist_thug_behavior%29
content:
<p>
An extensive empirical study of <a href="http://www.futurity.org/oakland-california-police-race-1184802-2/">racist behavior by thugs</a>
leads to measures to reduce their racism.


feed_id: 5753a59f8884e88f26304e4b12a75192
title: Orlando Shooter and Surveillance
uri: Orlando-Shooter-and-Surveillance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Orlando_Shooter_and_Surveillance%29
content:
<p>
The Failure to Stop Orlando Shooter <a href="http://reason.com/blog/2016/06/15/the-failure-to-stop-orlando-shooter-was">Was Not a Surveillance Gap</a>, So Reject
Calls for More.


feed_id: a43a95317012795a5c2d2a62153ca9ed
title: Urgent: Resist approval of the TPP
uri: Urgent-Resist-approval-of-the-TPP
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Resist_approval_of_the_TPP%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on Rep. Pelosi to <a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/tpp_pelosi?t=1003&akid=18574.1183552.ioT5ZW">resist approval of the TPP</a>
in a lame-duck congressional session.


feed_id: a2b8c1b6442be509558f07f7c4e6ff08
title: Freedom of the Press Lawsuit
uri: Freedom-of-the-Press-Lawsuit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Freedom_of_the_Press_Lawsuit%29
content:
<p>
Many US newspapers and news sites have supported Freedom of the Press
Foundation's lawsuit demanding to know the rules for <a href="https://freedom.press/blog/2016/06/dozens-news-orgs-demand-doj-release-its-secret-rules-targeting-journalists-national">secretly
demanding information from journalists</a> with "National Security Letters".
<p>
This is one of the tyrannical aspects of the U SAP AT RIOT Act.


feed_id: 24f99d3562cfe5db5cefb348916851dd
title: Intel CPU back door
uri: Intel-CPU-back-door
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Intel_CPU_back_door%29
content:
<p>
Current Intel processors are <a href="http://boingboing.net/2016/06/15/intel-x86-processors-ship-with.html">completely untrustworthy</a> because
of the "management engine" back door designed into them.
Here's an explanation of why people trying to write free software
to run in the management engine are totally stymied.


feed_id: 4bf1de8f73d1821f88ff11c5490f0f93
title: Insane work hours
uri: 2016-06-21-Insane-work-hours
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Insane_work_hours%29
content:
<p>
Well-paid Americans are compelled to <a href="http://theweek.com/articles/629256/how-insane-work-hours-became-mark-american-privilege">work painfully heavy hours</a>, while
Americans with low wages can't get enough hours to make a living.


feed_id: 8b37543c7e49713cff252d3904d9c812
title: Sweeden meet Julian Assange
uri: Sweeden-meet-Julian-Assange
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Sweeden_meet_Julian_Assange%29
content:
<p>
In a victory for Assange, the Swedish prosecutors say they want to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/jun/20/sweden-meet-julian-assange-inside-ecuador-embassy-wikileaks">accept the invitation to question him</a> inside the Ecuadorian embassy.
<p>
They have had this option ever since he sought asylum there,
but didn't take it.


feed_id: 2e3bd09575b1219f3541527a268560fd
title: Growing Case for Massive Taxed on the Rich
uri: Growing-Case-for-Massive-Taxed-on-the-Rich
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Growing_Case_for_Massive_Taxed_on_the_Rich%29

content:
<p>
The Growing Case for <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/20/growing-case-massive-taxes-rich">Massive Taxes on the Rich</a>.
<p>
Plutocrats are so brash that they pay Congress to cut IRS
investigators so they can cheat more.


feed_id: 407b84cc17240b04fa119bebf2c504c5
title: Brexit Won't Stop Cheap Labour
uri: Brexit-Won-t-Stop-Cheap-Labour
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Brexit_Won%27t_Stop_Cheap_Labour%29
content:
<p>
A <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/20/brexit-cheap-labour-britain-wages-eu-trade-unions">Brexit Won't Stop Cheap Labour Coming</a> to Britain.


feed_id: 890d77325510ce576e1116de24bb3791
title: Urgent: Ban Neurotoxic Pesticides
uri: Urgent-Ban-Neurotoxic-Pesticides
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Ban_Neurotoxic_Pesticides%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on the EPA to <a href="https://secure.earthjustice.org/site/Advocacy;jsessionid=664C56D54589CEB087D1491BDC5C5D83.app338b">ban neurotoxic pesticides</a>.


feed_id: 97c113bb79cd455c9ff6bb033efe7a38
title: Urgent: Do not treat Puerto Rico like Greece
uri: Urgent-Do-not-treat-Puerto-Rico-like-Greece
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Do_not_treat_Puerto_Rico_like_Greece%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to reject the bill to <a href="http://a.cpdaction.org/page/s/promesa">treat Puerto Rico
like Greece</a>.


feed_id: 8e28ed97734888b80492f120e27f759d
title: Urgent: Reduce Ocean noise
uri: Urgent-Reduce-Ocean-noise
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Reduce_Ocean_noise%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: call for an <a href="https://secure.nrdconline.org/site/Advocacy;jsessionid=A8A4D0CDB7697570A38A3A441B997F65.app337a?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=4030">action plan for reducing ocean noise</a> that harms marine mammals.


feed_id: 7d79bc5a01e74e40b07fb751dda7dc76
title: Sri Lanka dropped cluster bombs
uri: Sri-Lanka-dropped-cluster-bombs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Sri_Lanka_dropped_cluster_bombs%29
content:
<p>
Various forms of evidence support the claim that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/20/cluster-bombs-used-sri-lanka-civil-war-leaked-photos-suggest">Sri Lanka dropped cluster bombs</a> on civilians in rebel Tamil areas.


feed_id: b8f0954f93c8e1e5b49cb956e6b44760
title: NASA theoretical model
uri: NASA-theoretical-model
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28NASA_theoretical_model%29
content:
<p>
A theoretical NASA model suggests that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/earth-insight/2014/mar/14/nasa-civilisation-irreversible-collapse-study-scientists">modern civilization could easily collapse</a>.
<p>
Other studies suggest that a major survival crisis could happen in 15
years.


feed_id: d99a8a35772ea4a630fad3ac44b676f6
title: Urgent: Ban Coal Rally
uri: Urgent-Ban-Coal-Rally
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Ban_Coal_Rally%29
content:
<p>
In Oakland, California: <a href="http://nocoalinoakland.info/event/ban-coal-rally/">rally on June 25 against coal export</a> through
Oakland.


feed_id: ac6acff5599e29833e5458f7afdfa664
title: No-fly zone
uri: No-fly-zone
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28No-fly_zone%29
content:
<p>
"Does [Clinton] think that [former] Secretary of Defense Gates was
wrong when he said creating a no-fly zone
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/17/leaked-cable-greasing-skids-clintons-next-regime-change-disaster">starts
with going to war</a>? Or does she think going to war against Russia
is just fine?"


feed_id: 0858ba047362f2c125a0cffb9edf72fa
title: Bombing PISSI ineffective
uri: Bombing-PISSI-ineffective
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Bombing_PISSI_ineffective%29
content:
<p>
The head of the CIA agrees: bombing PISSI
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/16/cia-chief-just-confirmed-war-terror-has-created-lot-more-terrorists">has
not reduced its ability to inspire terrorism</a>, and probably can't
do so.
<p>
Fortunately, terrorism is not a big threat to anyone in the US, except
right-wing terrorism against abortion doctors.  We can cope with the
danger by treating it like other street crime (just as long as we
don't wink at it the way Obama winks at
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#16_November_2015_(Fraudulent_foreclosure_of_home)">foreclosure
fraud</a>).
<p>
We should not panic and surrender civil liberties because of
terrorism.


feed_id: 5632cacb0fe657ba4b9c984eea8cf8ce
title: Swedish prosecutors to meet Assange
uri: Swedish-prosecutors-to-meet-Assange
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Swedish_prosecutors_to_meet_Assange%29

content:
<p>
In a victory for Assange, the Swedish prosecutors say they want to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/jun/20/sweden-meet-julian-assange-inside-ecuador-embassy-wikileaks">accept
the invitation to question him</a> inside the Ecuadorian embassy.
<p>
They have had this option ever since he sought asylum there,
but didn't take it.


feed_id: 9cf1a324c74595c42e6880fbb525728f
title: Urgent: Ban Neurotoxic Pesticides
uri: 2016-06-22-Urgent-Ban-Neurotoxic-Pesticides
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Ban_Neurotoxic_Pesticides%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on the EPA to 
<a href="https://secure.earthjustice.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1869">ban 
neurotoxic pesticides</a>.


feed_id: 54343a6aa916d1bd1ed1d3b792da27ed
title: Urgent: Do not treat Puerto Rico like Greece
uri: 2016-06-22-Urgent-Do-not-treat-Puerto-Rico-like-Greece
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Do_not_treat_Puerto_Rico_like_Greece%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to reject the bill to 
<a href="http://a.cpdaction.org/page/s/promesa">treat Puerto Rico like
Greece</a>.


feed_id: 1651246ad9187bd7ce7a1bbc695eecaf
title: Urgent: Reduce ocean noise
uri: Urgent-Reduce-ocean-noise
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Reduce_ocean_noise%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: call for an 
<a href="https://secure.nrdconline.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=4030">action 
plan for reducing ocean noise</a> that harms marine mammals.


feed_id: a9fe8a52f7465b45908106856248e638
title: Urgent: Resist approval of the TPP
uri: 2016-06-22-Urgent-Resist-approval-of-the-TPP
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Resist_approval_of_the_TPP%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on Rep. Pelosi to <a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/tpp_pelosi">resist approval of the TPP</a>
in a lame-duck congressional session.


feed_id: 0a3df81b07d819c73524e44149735933
title: UK Snooper's Charter
uri: 2016-06-22-UK-Snooper-s-Charter
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_%28UK_Snoopers_Charter%29
content:
<p>
The Liberal Democrats will try to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/21/snoopers-charter-gchq-would-be-licensed-for-bulk-hacking">reduce the danger</a> of the UK's new surveillance powers.


feed_id: 5898a7c9987db829fae894e21090bcbc
title: Less meat, less heat
uri: Less-meat-less-heat
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_%28Less_meat%2C_less_heat%29
content:
<p>
China aims to cut the level of <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/21/less-meat-less-heat-chinas-plan-drop-meat-consumption-gets-praise">meat consumption in half</a>, both for health and to avoid global heating.


feed_id: 8899554ab09c8acafebfdb9f159e1c6a
title: Trump and Thiel attack free press
uri: Trump-and-Thiel-attack-free-press
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_%28Trump_and_Thiel_attack_free_press%29

content:
<p>
Trump and Thiel are blatant in <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/21/how-billionaires-corporations-and-secretive-governments-curtail-press-freedom">attacking the free press in the US</a>, but they
are part of something much bigger and broader.


feed_id: ad52485eab84752c9b70fc1f05f549a1
title: France requires companies to give food to poor people
uri: France-requires-companies-to-give-food-to-poor-people
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_%28France_requires_companies_to_give_food_to_poor_people%29

content:
<p>
France now requires companies to give food to poor people
rather than <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/21/france-leftover-food-waste-law-industry">throw it away</a>.  Other countries could do it too.


feed_id: 7fa436c5ce05360213e6ba6af5f288b6
title: Terrorist Fear-Mongering
uri: Terrorist-Fear-Mongering
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_%28Terrorist_Fear-Mongering%29
content:
<p>
Democratsâ War on Due Process and <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/21/democrats-war-on-due-process-and-terrorist-fear-mongering-long-pre-dates-orlando/">Terrorist Fear-Mongering</a> Long Pre-Dates Orlando.


feed_id: 53de030494f96d270ddeeaec14f299af
title: Huge drop in stranger child murders
uri: Huge-drop-in-stranger-child-murders
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_%28Huge_drop_in_stranger_child_murders%29

content:
<p>
US parents should relax: <a href="http://www.freerangekids.com/breaking-news-new-study-shows-huge-drop-in-stranger-danger-child-murders/">kidnaping of children by stranger</a> remains just as unlikely as always, and nearly all of those few children
are returned safe.


feed_id: 41018cb6225b68556aeaf314c493a790
title: Clinton's Wall Street donors revolt
uri: Clinton-s-Wall-Street-donors-revolt
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_%28Clintons_Wall_Street_donors_revolt%29

content:
<p>
The banksters told Clinton: <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/20/clintons-wall-street-donors-revolt-after-warren-emerges-vp-contender">no money if you pick Senator Warren</a> as your running mate.
<p>
Mainstream media often <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/21/anonymous-quote-warren/">print anonymous insults</a> about Senator Warren.
<p>
I phoned Senator Warren's office to implore her not to run for Vice
President.  I said that she'd have less influence to resist Clinton's
plutocratism as VP than she has now in the Senate.
<p>
You might want to call also.


feed_id: c487dddee78860dc5e1610a0fd21a48c
title: Engineering projects more exciting for men
uri: Engineering-projects-more-exciting-for-men
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_%28Engineering_projects_more_exciting_for_men%29

content:
<p>
When women and men work together on engineering projects,
the men tend to hog the exciting parts of the job and <a href="http://spectrum.ieee.org/view-from-the-valley/at-work/tech-careers/are-women-being-pushed-out-of-engineering-because-men-have-all-the-fun">dump the less exciting parts on the women.


feed_id: 3466620b340514931cd62f8adb068df5
title: Billion-Dollar Brain Training Industry a Sham
uri: Billion-Dollar-Brain-Training-Industry-a-Sham
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_%28Billion-Dollar_Brain_Training_Industry_a_Sham%29

content:
<p>
Billion-Dollar Brain Training Industry a Sham -â <a href="http://arstechnica.com/science/2016/06/billion-dollar-brain-training-industry-a-sham-nothing-but-placebo-study-suggests/">Nothing But Placebo</a>, Study Suggests.


feed_id: 4b567ffa664e354817bf456fd3092ae5
title: PISSI's forces withdrawing from Falluja
uri: PISSI-s-forces-withdrawing-from-Falluja
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_%28PISSI%27s_forces_withdrawing_from_Falluja%29

content:
<p>
PISSI's forces are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/21/falluja-iraqi-troops-advance-refugee-crisis-islamic-state">withdrawing from Falluja</a>, and lots of civilians have been freed, but Iraq has not done enough so far to feed them.


feed_id: 1dd6e1eeb2ca93fe622e2656b99b633d
title: Urgent: Yellowstone's grizzly bears
uri: 2016-06-22-Urgent-Yellowstone-s-grizzly-bears
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Yellowstones_grizzly_bears%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://www.nrdconline.org/site/R?i=SMp8Fsgk8Ho5Ie084k81CQ
">call for continued protection</a> of Yellowstone's grizzly bears.


feed_id: 879d8743d444d5a03c9286139fbef8fd
title: Military spending
uri: Military-spending
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_%28Military_spending%29
content:
<p>
Presidential candidates don't talk about 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/20/issues-candidates-arent-talking-about">cutting
military spending</a>, but that is essential for the US to do other
more necessary things.


feed_id: b10ebba4342d1e38c0c81b93638c20f1
title: Violence against protesting teachers
uri: Violence-against-protesting-teachers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_%28Violence_against_protesting_teachers%29

content:
<p>
Mexican Police Unleash 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/20/mexican-police-unleash-deadly-violence-against-protesting-teachers">Deadly
Violence Against Protesting Teachers</a>.


feed_id: 520cedb7f174b576b41830c39c09b29d
title: Radioactive fracking waste
uri: Radioactive-fracking-waste
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_%28Radioactive_fracking_waste%29
content:
<p>
Some fracking waste is radioactive enough to 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/20/hot-mess-states-struggle-deal-radioactive-fracking-waste">set
off alarms at landfills</a>.


feed_id: a89b098e6fe69bedbb0a8579c456d5c9
title: Graffiti instead of PISSI
uri: Graffiti-instead-of-PISSI
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_%28Graffiti_instead_of_PISSI%29
content:
<p>
Marginalised Tunisian Youth 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/21/tunisian-youth-encouraged-to-choose-graffiti-over-isis-tarek-dhibi">Encouraged
to Choose Graffiti</a> over [PISSI].
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-jul-oct.html#29_September_2014_(PISSI)">PISSI</a>
= Pseudo-Islamic State in Syria and Iraq


feed_id: 6db55d610065536fb4ac8a13b167d5e6
title: Journalists arrested in Turkey
uri: Journalists-arrested-in-Turkey
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_%28Journalists_arrested_in_Turkey%29
content:
<p>
Erdo&gbreve;an's men have arrested journalists, including the Turkish
representative of Reporters Without Borders, on charges of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/21/turkey-arrests-raise-further-concerns-over-press-freedom">participating
in a campaign to defend a pro-Kurdish magazine from legal
repression</a>.
<p>
Sounds a lot like 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#13_January_2016_(China_arrests_human_rights_campaigner)">China</a>
to me.


feed_id: a31cf2ac6f1a08b47f1335b4fb39b7aa
title: Global heating
uri: 2016-06-23-Global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_%28Global_heating%29
content:
<p>
A model forecasts that, with 4C of global heating, the coast of the
Persian Gulf will have fatal heatwaves every decade or two, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/oct/26/extreme-heatwaves-could-push-gulf-climate-beyond-human-endurance-study-shows">starting
in 2070</a>.  "Fatal" means that <em>all</em> humans exposed to the
outside air conditions will die.
<p>
Humans could survive using air conditioning, but if they had a power
failure they would die in hours.  These heat waves could last for many
days.
<p>
A large underground chamber might be more reliable.


feed_id: 951fb10a29362f982000f60c6573a9f2
title: Imprisoned HK publisher
uri: 2016-06-23-Imprisoned-HK-publisher
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_%28Imprisoned_HK_publisher%29
content:
<p>
Hong Kong publisher Lam Wing-kee tells about how he was imprisoned,
and that his jailers seem to be 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/20/chinese-crackdown-rooting-out-xi-opponents-hong-kong-bookseller-lam-wingkee">trying
to learn where the publishers got information</a> about Xi Jinping's
attempts to subvert the internal political process of the Communist
Party.


feed_id: 930adfcf377b7f54f95e9f63901a7097
title: Brexit fake revolt
uri: Brexit-fake-revolt
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_%28Brexit_fake_revolt%29
content:
<p>
Brexit Is a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/20/brexit-fake-revolt-eu-working-class-culture-hijacked-help-elite">Fake
Revolt</a> — Working-Class Culture Is Being Hijacked to Help the
Elite.


feed_id: 87d59bedd55c643cfe0f0651e62de1f1
title: Company wrecked for yacht and plane
uri: Company-wrecked-for-yacht-and-plane
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_%28Company_wrecked_for_yacht_and_plane%29

content:
<p>
The British mogul that removed around $800 million from his company
and wrecked it has 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/jun/19/sir-philip-green-takes-delivery-of-46m-private-jet-says-media-report">spent
around $200 million of that on a yacht and a private plane</a>.


feed_id: e2668094e5d178a25b74851467642efc
title: Plastic microfibers
uri: Plastic-microfibers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_%28Plastic_microfibers%29
content:
<p>
Plastic microfibers, released by clothing, abound in seas, rivers and
lakes, and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/20/microfibers-plastic-pollution-oceans-patagonia-synthetic-clothes-microbeads">poison
aquatic life</a>.


feed_id: b59328bf4904f50879266cb7380b9516
title: New fatal kidney disease
uri: New-fatal-kidney-disease
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_%28New_fatal_kidney_disease%29
content:
<p>
A 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/news/2016/jun/20/claimate-change-bad-kidneys-weatherwatch">new
fatal kidney disease</a> seems to be caused by hard work in high
temperatures.  Global heating will make it spread.


feed_id: d46d3a4e7bf94170ba8b20be71d334fb
title: Elephant relocation
uri: Elephant-relocation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_%28Elephant_relocation%29
content:
<p>
Conservationists will move 500 elephants from a place where numbers
are growing to a sanctuary for eventual 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/20/mass-elephant-relocation-populations-africa">repopulation
of other areas</a>.


feed_id: 54e5199ec94a862f53bbc6cc2a2e6261
title: Wall Street vultures suing Puerto Rico
uri: Wall-Street-vultures-suing-Puerto-Rico
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_%28Wall_Street_vultures_suing_Puerto_Rico%29

content:
<p>
Wall Street vultures are suing Puerto Rico, asking the US to make
Puerto Rico 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/21/puerto-rico-sued-bondholders-debt-negotiations">prioritize
paying them over caring for its citizens</a>.
<p>
However, the "PROMESA" bill is 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_(Urgent:_Do_not_treat_Puerto_Rico_like_Greece)">not
a solution</a>.  It is repression as seen in
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_(Detroit%27s_bankruptcy)">Detroit</a>
and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#25_May_2016_(Current_round_of_austerity_in_Greece)">Greece</a>.


feed_id: 444300606061b811ae339fc8d653c81c
title: Order to kill Berta Cáceres
uri: Order-to-kill-Berta-Cáceres
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_%28Order_to_kill_Berta_Caceres%29
content:
<p>
A defector from the Honduran army says that a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/21/berta-caceres-name-honduran-military-hitlist-former-soldier">US-trained
unit was ordered to kill Berta Cáceres</a>.
<p>
This is not unusual for US-trained Latin American military.
US-trained officers participated in 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2004-may-aug.html#18%20May%202004%20(US-sponsored%20Torture)">torture
and murder of dissidents</a> in the 1970s.


feed_id: 21290ad63b6d88c7170c4fc82fabbcde
title: NSA
uri: 2016-06-23-NSA
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28NSA%29
content:
<p>
The NSA <a href="http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/security/news/a21319/the-nsa-wants-to-spy-on-internet-of-things/">is investigating</a> how it will spy on internet-connected "smart"
gadgets and appliances in the homes of people who make the mistake of
having such things.
<p>
If the device has proprietary software in it, it does not deserve to
be trusted.  The software's proprietor might design it to snoop on you
or mislead you.  However, even if the proprietor doesn't put in a
malicious feature, the software is likely to have security flaws, and
users won't be <em>allowed</em> to release corrected versions for you
to install.


feed_id: d2353c3cd47a71e513ec9e12df487386
title: College students in London
uri: College-students-in-London
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28College_students_in_London%29
content:
<p>
A considerable number of college students in London <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jun/21/homeless-students-nowhere-sleep-london-emergency-accommodation">are</a> homeless. Some were given state housing in a place so far away they can't get
to their classes.
<p>
I can't for the life of me understand why students, or other people
with imposed disadvantages, interpret this as their own personal
failing.  That is very convenient for the ones whose moral failing is
really responsible.


feed_id: 97e9eb60c473c366dc73328a63f5f331
title: England school
uri: England-school
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28England_school%29
content:
<p>
A failing school in England <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jun/21/school-results-bottom-top-shakespeare-kent">became a great school</a> with real actors
teaching performance of Shakespeare's plays.
<p>
I really like the way the history class teaches students to question
Shakespeare's bias, too.


feed_id: 099a4311b586d563d9a739fca80e4db5
title: Russia
uri: 2016-06-23-Russia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28Russia%29
content:
<p>
Russia plans to <a href="http://www.dailydot.com/politics/encryption-backdoor-russia-fsb/">require a back door</a> in all messaging applications. They could easily enforce this on proprietary apps offered in Russia.
<p>
The article doesn't make it clear whether this law would forbid
individuals to install and use trustworthy free software applications.
<p>
We should tell the US politicians that want to impose such laws
to "go to Russia".


feed_id: 58e6127d494f434a1e7cd5536d8b5984
title: Universal Basic Income
uri: Universal-Basic-Income
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28Universal_Basic_Income%29
content:
<p>

Some want to use a small Universal Basic Income as an excuse to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jun/22/silicon-valley-universal-basic-income-y-combinator">eliminate other forms of support</a> for the poor, or to encourage people
to work for a pittance.
<p>
I would support a UBI if the money comes from taxing the rich
and supports people at more than a rudimentary standard of living.
<p>
Perhaps the UBI should be tied to having no children.


feed_id: 59cc686adac1e698655d0e8ac0ea10bb
title: Australia's gun law
uri: Australia-s-gun-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28Australia%27s_gun_law%29
content:
<p>
Australia's 1996 gun laws, introduced to stop mass shootings, 
greatly <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/23/australias-gun-laws-stopped-mass-shootings-and-reduced-homicides-study-finds">reduced</a> all gun killings and gun suicides.


feed_id: dc41a0564cdb9bf652c70123e956e9eb
title: Chronic pain
uri: Chronic-pain
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28Chronic_pain%29
content:
<p>
For Americans with chronic pain, the crackdown on narcotic painkillers
potentially <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/commentisfree/2016/jun/22/chronic-pain-management-medication-opioids-prescription-drug-epidemic">threatens</a> to drive them to death.


feed_id: 72653b068bc5e940997ed161f100ad56
title: Palestinians
uri: Palestinians
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28Palestinians%29
content:
<p>
Palestinian officials <a href="http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/06/israel-west-bank-area-c-solve-palestinian-right-of-return.html">propose</a> compromises on the right of refugees to
return to territory that is now Israel.


feed_id: 583858c0016a76aa556ad8edfd9ad4ea
title: Israel
uri: 2016-06-23-Israel
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28Israel%29
content:
<p>
Israel <a href="http://palsolidarity.org/2016/06/testimony-of-one-of-the-latest-attacks-against-gazas-fishermen/">attacked</a> Palestinian fishermen, captured them, didn't treat
their wounds, and took their boats.


feed_id: 2176f2bc216669bef1ae0bbdb742a235
title: US air power
uri: US-air-power
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28US_air_power%29
content:
<p>
US air power <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/21/dominating-skies-and-losing-wars">has proved</a> to be ineffective for winning wars.


feed_id: 52cb22afa7311b74ae3ea02ee5d1c4c1
title: Endangered Species Act
uri: 2016-06-23-Endangered-Species-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28Endangered_Species_Act%29
content:
<p>
The Endangered Species Act <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/06/21/analysis-85-percent-continental-us-birds-protected-endangered-species-act-have">has been very successful</a> for birds:
85% of the protected birds have maintained or increased their populations.
<p>
I wonder what is causing the failures with the other 15% of birds.


feed_id: e60d5c6b7f0a63d9345df3490dda4d0d
title: Global Commission on Internet Governance
uri: Global-Commission-on-Internet-Governance
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#24_June_2016_%28Global_Commission_on_Internet_Governance%29

content:
<p>
The Global Commission on <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/06/how-do-we-achieve-open-secure-trustworthy-and-inclusive-internet">Internet Governance</a> report includes many admirable principles.
<p>
However, it fails to include two principles that are necessary for a
freedom-respecting internet:
<p>
Users must have <a href="
http://gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.htm">control over the software</a> that does their
computing (it is free software).
<p>
Systems must <a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">collect the minimum possible data about users</a>.


feed_id: 30924081f5db20c52c81a82413eb6cca
title: Taliban assassinate sufi singer
uri: Taliban-assassinate-sufi-singer
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#24_June_2016_%28Taliban_assassinate_sufi_singer%29
content:
<p>
The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/22/pakistani-sufi-singer-shot-dead-in-karachi">Pakistani Taliban assassinated a prized Sufi singer</a>.
They are intolerant of any version of Islam that isn't cruel and hard.


feed_id: 03776911220862963bc4cc16ab94b665
title: Stripping Miss Great Britain
uri: Stripping-Miss-Great-Britain
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#24_June_2016_%28Stripping_Miss_Great_Britain%29
content:
<p>
"An organisation that judges women on how attractive they are to men
has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/jun/21/stripping-miss-great-britain-title-sex-on-tv-double-standards">publicly humiliated</a> its own winner for going on a TV show all
about being attractive to men."


feed_id: f748f7d72bf8ffe219a40de4c8f21317
title: Lifeline Program
uri: Lifeline-Program
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#24_June_2016_%28Lifeline_Program%29
content:
<p>
The House of Representatives <a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/fcc-lifeline-program-republicans-congress">rejected an attack</a> on the "lifeline" program
that enables poor people to have telephones.


feed_id: ee034988b5172ca0f4f60cc4c775f37f
title: Beetles kill 66 million pine trees
uri: Beetles-kill-66-million-pine-trees
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#24_June_2016_%28Beetles_kill_66_million_pine_trees%29

content:
<p>
Due to global heating, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/22/dead-trees-california-wildfire-risk-sierra-nevada">beetles have killed 66 million pine trees</a> in
California.  These dead trees, together with drought and heat, could
lead to giant wildfires.


feed_id: e7a14505d66c4745744f7b5b49081a40
title: Illegal Police Stops are OK
uri: Illegal-Police-Stops-are-OK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#24_June_2016_%28Illegal_Police_Stops_are_OK%29
content:
<p>
Supreme Court Says Illegal <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2016/06/supreme-court-says-illegal-police-stops-are-ok-long-they-find-outstanding-warrant">Police Stops Are OK</a> as Long as They Find an Outstanding Warrant Afterward.


feed_id: 36495abcdf0de8b7e4b8098493e229d1
title: Tamil refugees
uri: Tamil-refugees
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#24_June_2016_%28Tamil_refugees%29
content:
<p>
The Tamil refugees that Indonesia proposes to return to Sri Lanka
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/23/tamils-stranded-in-indonesia-face-probable-torture-if-returned-to-sri-lanka">were tortured there before</a>.


feed_id: d1aa0e884acb4e130b5b2d5fef6da4f0
title: Demand for Abortions Soars
uri: Demand-for-Abortions-Soars
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#24_June_2016_%28Demand_for_Abortions_Soars%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/22/abortion-information-zika-virus-birth-defects-latin-america-study">Demand for Abortions</a> Soars in Countries Hit by Zika Outbreak.  Unfortunately, these abortions are in many cases illegal.


feed_id: 9afb0553030da489da22ad0d7045db5c
title: Urgent: Non-hawk for Pentagon
uri: Urgent-Non-hawk-for-Pentagon
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Non-hawk_for_Pentagon%29
content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/larry-korb-for-secretary">call
on Clinton</a> to choose non-hawk Larry Korb to head the Pentagon,
instead of belligerent Michele Flournoy.


feed_id: 18356523c602d92f1b7f545001047c19
title: Urgent: Oppose DARK Act again
uri: Urgent-Oppose-DARK-Act-again
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_DARK_Act_again%29
content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://secure.foodandwaterwatch.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2484">oppose</a> 
the DARK Act yet again.


feed_id: 754a8096d753a99dc9f7c76c14264317
title: Urgent: Communications freedom and access
uri: Urgent-Communications-freedom-and-access
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Communications_freedom_and_access%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter to oppose SCROTUS' 6 different
campaigns to attack
<a href="http://act.freepress.net/call/internet_approp_house_nn/">communications
freedom and access</a>, and push media concentration.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
and 888-355-3588.


feed_id: 94069d10cd9cbdd20609a69913523fee
title: Vote for good, not evil
uri: Vote-for-good-not-evil
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28Vote_for_good%2C_not_evil%29
content:
<p>
Plutocratist Democrats are once again
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/22/return-lesser-evilism">using
"lesser evil"</a> to claim we owe them our votes.
<p>
I won't vote for an evil candidate.  Whoever I vote for need not
be perfect, but must at least be good.
<p>
That means either Sanders (as a write-in) or the Green candidate.


feed_id: 653d6a5582a110c28ce4e17e3b89b1fa
title: IMF warns US about poverty
uri: IMF-warns-US-about-poverty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28IMF_warns_US_about_poverty%29
content:
<p>
IMF Warns that US
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/22/imf-warns-us-needs-urgently-tackle-poverty">Needs
to 'Urgently' Tackle Poverty</a>.


feed_id: 132505cc19bbe45a1a47d216c45d20e9
title: Oakland thug
uri: Oakland-thug
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28Oakland_thug%29
content:
<p>
Oakland's Latest Top Cop Was Reportedly
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/06/sex-scandal-oakland-police-chief-david-downing-concord-ticket-fixing">Ousted
From His Last Job After 11 Months</a>, for his "military style of
leadership."


feed_id: a91d686ab652862e68f15357341d83e4
title: Clinton returns to right-wing FUD
uri: Clinton-returns-to-right-wing-FUD
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28Clinton_returns_to_right-wing_FUD%29

content:
<p>
Clinton has returned to right-wing
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/22/hillary-clinton-adopts-the-shorthand-of-the-deficit-fearmongers/">deficit
FUD</a>.


feed_id: 90db6fda6816efdd6984a5ccc880f2ec
title: Success for the ICC
uri: Success-for-the-ICC
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28Success_for_the_ICC%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/22/the-guardian-view-on-jean-pierre-bemba-no-impunity-for-wartime">Another
success for the ICC</a>: Congolese militia commander Bemba has been
convicted of allowing his troops to systematically commit rape.


feed_id: 513bae79f3e38f0037746fa9ca0e8ecc
title: Industrial concentration
uri: Industrial-concentration
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28Industrial_concentration%29
content:
<p>
Another reason industrial concentration is bad: it
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2016/06/want-more-dynamic-economy-rein-size-big-market-incumbents">stifles
new competitors</a>.
<p>
This is in addition to giving the companies lobbying power so that we
can't pass laws to stop them from mistreating the public.


feed_id: 3dabaf4fbb3923ce1fe576d73beffddb
title: Non-fanatical gun owners
uri: Non-fanatical-gun-owners
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28Non-fanatical_gun_owners%29
content:
<p>
Talking with non-fanatical gun owners: they point out that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/22/gun-rights-supporters-national-rifle-association-nra">only
a tiny fraction of guns are misused</a>.
<p>
Nonetheless, that fraction adds up to a measurable increment in danger
for those
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#23_August_2015_(Gun_in_your_home)">living
in a house with a gun</a>.  They are right that background checks
would not stop all gun killings, but background checks would not do
much harm.
<p>
I think people should need to get a license to own a gun.  All the
checking would be done when you apply for a license; then the check at
the time of buying a gun would only be to verify that your license is
still valid.  The license could require training in safety practices.
<p>
If substantial evidence appears that you are connected with terrorism,
a court could cancel your license.


feed_id: cdf5f55e7a85ce49d451297529cabace
title: Tories accused of planning to destroy NHS
uri: Tories-accused-of-planning-to-destroy-NHS
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28Tories_accused_of_planning_to_destroy_NHS%29

content:
<p>
The head of the UK's doctors' association accuses the Tories of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jun/22/kailash-chand-bma-tory-party-agenda-wash-hands-nhs">planning
to destroy the NHS</a>: "The agenda of the Tory party is to wash its
hands of the NHS".


feed_id: 34741159be9255d008139e47f66f26c7
title: Unidos Podemos party in Spain
uri: Unidos-Podemos-party-in-Spain
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28Unidos_Podemos_party_in_Spain%29
content:
<p>
The Unidos Podemos party in Spain sets an example of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/22/politics-spain-podemos-radical-europe-uk">opposing
plutocratic policies</a> instead of blaming immigrants.
<p>
Spain's right-wing Minister of the Interior, whose portfolio includes
thug departments, was caught
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/22/spanish-minister-accused-of-conspiring-against-political-rivals">plotting
against politicians that advocate independence for Catalonia</a>.
<p>
I do not support independence for Catalonia.  The advocates of
independence say it is unfair for Catalonia to subsidize development
of other parts of Spain.  I think that's exactly what the wealthiest
regions of a country should do for the poorer regions.


feed_id: 74c3a367dcdf33f510dbd5c51fd32411
title: Proposal for more FBI snooping power
uri: Proposal-for-more-FBI-snooping-power
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28Proposal_for_more_FBI_snooping_power%29

content:
<p>
The US Senate just
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/22/senate-narrowly-rejects-controversial-fbi-surveillance-expansion-for-now/">barely
defeated</a> a proposal to give the FBI increased power to track
Americans' internet usage.


feed_id: 391b4804f6c52cc78c65823d4bc6f73d
title: Shortages in Venezuela
uri: Shortages-in-Venezuela
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#23_June_2016_%28Shortages_in_Venezuela%29
content:
<p>
Venezuela is suffering from devastating
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/22/venezuela-economic-crisis-guardian-briefing">shortages
of all sorts of commodities including food</a>.
<p>
Chavez decided to subsidize food for poor people, which the US does
too, but his method operated at the store level and offered low prices
to everyone for unlimited quantities.  This led naturally to
shortages.
<p>
The US food stamp program, by contrast, applies only to poor people
and only to a limited amount of purchases.  Its main problem is that
not all poor people are included, but it does not cause distort the
markets for the food products, so it does not cause shortages.


feed_id: 657fb84d1cffd9341ceeb6a898e348c8
title: Urgent: Stop Mass Cracking Act
uri: Urgent-Stop-Mass-Cracking-Act
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#24_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Stop_Mass_Cracking_Act%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/tell-congress-co-sponsor-stop-mass-hacking-act-now/">support
the Stop Mass Cracking Act</a> to block the FBI's plan to facilitate
authorization to crack people's computers.
<p>
Actually, the bill uses the word 
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/on-hacking.html">"Hacking"</a>,
but its substance deserves our support.


feed_id: 594a36aa927e66428f84e4cdab9d8f1c
title: Urgent: Oppose sponsorship of RNC
uri: 2016-06-24-Urgent-Oppose-sponsorship-of-RNC
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#24_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_sponsorship_of_RNC%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Divest_Trump">call on various
corporations</a> (including Google and Facebook) not to sponsor the
Republican National Convention.


feed_id: d3b9d96eaa205b1f023dd0f7e3430412
title: Urgent: Condemn Exxon's dishonesty
uri: Urgent-Condemn-Exxon-s-dishonesty
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#24_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Condemn_Exxons_dishonesty%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://act.climatetruth.org/sign/back_off_Ags">tell 13
Republican attorneys general</a> not to campaign to protect Exxon's
dishonest global heating denialism.


feed_id: 3798b91557345d747b0c4980fd631eaf
title: Urgent: S.2138
uri: Urgent-S-2138
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#24_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_S.2138%29
content:
<p>
Citizens of Massachusetts: 
<a href="https://act1.myngp.com/Forms/NoScript/6636054050930425856">call
on your state representative</a> to support S.2138 (confidential
health care for teenagers covered by their parent's family insurance
plans).


feed_id: 5d3f9646495b5e60a598ac598ebd657a
title: Urgent: HR 5474
uri: Urgent-HR-5474
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#24_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_HR_5474%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/cosponsor-the-berta-caceres">call
on your representative</a> to cosponsor HR 5474, the Berta Caceres
Human Rights in Honduras Act.


feed_id: df1415bbe1e463e1d31380a0ae3fd510
title: UN to celebrate War on Drugs Day
uri: UN-to-celebrate-War-on-Drugs-Day
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#24_June_2016_%28UN_to_celebrate_War_on_Drugs_Day%29
content:
<p>
The UN is about to celebrate 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/23/war-on-drugs-failing-decriminalisation-prohibition">War
on Drugs Day</a> (not its official name).  It should take its own
advice, and start listening to the reasons why that war is futile and
destructive.


feed_id: 14907b66ec99ce45cc02f5faf30d40ab
title: Privatization of UK nursing homes
uri: Privatization-of-UK-nursing-homes
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#24_June_2016_%28Privatization_of_UK_nursing_homes%29

content:
<p>
The quiet gradual privatization of nursing homes in the UK has been 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/careers/2016/jun/21/privatisation-social-care-workforce-careers">bad
for the workers and the patients</a>.  It must be good for the owners
of those businesses.


feed_id: b1c5466518496e368b798d591df7d722
title: UK spy agencies' impunity from torture
uri: UK-spy-agencies-impunity-from-torture
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#24_June_2016_%28UK_spy_agencies_impunity_from_torture%29

content:
<p>
UK spy agencies have been given 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/21/libya-renditions-uk-spies-under-spotlight">total
secrecy and total impunity from torture</a>; the government obstructs
all attempts to hold them accountable for the most gruesome crimes.


feed_id: a8bf01e9fd578f8f6bfb285ea5245eb8
title: EU subsidizes removal of wildlife
uri: EU-subsidizes-removal-of-wildlife
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#24_June_2016_%28EU_subsidizes_removal_of_wildlife%29

content:
<p>
The EU pays a subsidy to anyone who owns land and 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/21/waste-cash-leavers-in-out-land-subsidie">clears
the wildlife off it</a>.
<p>
Strange to say, those who want to take Britain out of the EU
say they won't take advantage of that by ending this subsidy.


feed_id: 1c43beab2dbebdcb291687319fd40c21
title: Very urgent: Oppose S. 2609
uri: Very-urgent-Oppose-S-2609
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#25_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_S._2609%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: Phone both your senators to oppose S. 2609, which would
override state laws to require labeling of foods with GMOs.  The
senate will vote some time next week.
<p>
866-772-3843


feed_id: 575f071305378bde7e1c528294ccab7c
title: Disenfranchised British expats
uri: Disenfranchised-British-expats
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#25_June_2016_%28Disenfranchised_British_expats%29
content:
<p>
The UK seems to have disenfranchised many British expatriates from the
EU referendum by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/23/brits-abroad-use-couriers-to-return-eu-referendum-ballots-in-time">sending
their ballot papers late</a>.


feed_id: c1b8ce123e2c9d724af5700b8308e561
title: Students face persecution for protest
uri: Students-face-persecution-for-protest
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#25_June_2016_%28Students_face_persecution_for_protest%29

content:
<p>
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/23/students-in-california-might-face-criminal-investigation-for-protesting-film-on-israeli-army/">Student
protesters at UC Irvine</a> are the latest to face persecution for
protesting Israel's occupation policies.
<p>
Their protest did not disrupt anything, but the university called the
thugs, who referred them for prosecution.
<p>
The Democratic Party
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/22/democratic-clash-over-palestine-signals-changing-party">now
has a debate</a> about changing its unquestioning support for the
occupation.


feed_id: 23e3ec0d00c4bc93fde6f957b64c84de
title: Cartoonist convicted for insult
uri: Cartoonist-convicted-for-insult
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#25_June_2016_%28Cartoonist_convicted_for_insult%29
content:
<p>
A Turkish cartoonist has been
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/23/rifat-cetin-erdogan-gollum-suspended-sentence-turkey">convicted
of insulting Erdo&gbreve;an</a>.
<p>
Shame on Turkey for having laws that make insults a crime.
Shame on Erdo&gbreve;an for applying them.


feed_id: d1f538e21c6a1c47c4dee790053735bf
title: Urgent: Price of pharmaceuticals
uri: Urgent-Price-of-pharmaceuticals
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#25_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Price_of_pharmaceuticals%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://www.signherenow.org/petition/stand-up-to-drug-companies/ssw/">call
for government measures</a> to reduce the price of pharmaceuticals.


feed_id: 6f745007c1db3b379fb1437a1ffb22a3
title: Urgent: Stand up to insurance industry
uri: Urgent-Stand-up-to-insurance-industry
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#25_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Stand_up_to_insurance_industry%29

content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/malloy_cigna_merger/">tell
the DNC</a>: Gov. Malloy must stand up to the insurance industry now.


feed_id: 0da6eb2357a7ac95b78115b61fd30740
title: Data about you
uri: Data-about-you
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#25_June_2016_%28Data_about_you%29
content:
<p>
Canada has a law
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/how-to-ask-dating-apps-and-fitness-trackers-for-your-personal-data-in-canada">requiring
any online service to give you whatever data it has about you</a>.
<p>
This is a good law, in that it helps users find out how much they are
being snooped on.  But it is not enough.  Important services must be
<em>required</em> to offer you a mode that doesn't surveil or track
you.  For instance, Guber must allow people to request a
<a href="https://stallman.org/uber.html">ride
anonymously and pay anonymously</a>.


feed_id: 99cfbc0c8ae1c800652fa1898df976fd
title: Cleveland's restrictions on protests
uri: Cleveland-s-restrictions-on-protests
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#25_June_2016_%28Clevelands_restrictions_on_protests%29

content:
<p>
Cleveland's strict restrictions on protests near the Republican Convention
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/22/cleveland-gears-up-for-republican-convention-with-restrictions-on-speech-but-not-on-guns/">prohibit
anything people could stand on, but allow guns</a>.
<p>
This is what the ACLU
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#18_June_2016_(ACLU_sues_Cleveland_over_draconian_rules)">has
sued</a> about.


feed_id: eb64b5e5c753febaf2310c1660d4141e
title: There would be more bombing with Clinton
uri: There-would-be-more-bombing-with-Clinton
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#25_June_2016_%28There_would_be_more_bombing_with_Clinton%29

content:
<p>
Hillary Clintonâs Likely Pentagon Chief Already
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/22/hillary-clintons-likely-pentagon-chief-already-advocating-for-more-bombing-and-intervention/">Advocating
for More Bombing and Intervention</a>.
<p>
Imposing a "no-fly" zone in Syria would mean a direct confrontation
with Russia.
<p>
The only party in Syria that is not monstrous is that of the Kurds.
But Arabs tend to distrust them, so
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#03_February_2016_(Kurds_not_invited_to_Syria_peace_talks)">they
directly can't become a government of Syria</a>.  For the rest, there
is no one to support.


feed_id: 175430c8ee10e38ba1a9cce9476b16c5
title: FARC and Colombia agree on cease-fire
uri: FARC-and-Colombia-agree-on-cease-fire
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#25_June_2016_%28FARC_and_Colombia_agree_on_cease-fire%29

content:
<p>
The FARC and the Colombian government have
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/22/colombian-government-farc-rebels-ceasefire-deal">agreed
on a cease-fire</a>.
<p>
The FARC started out as a left-wing rebellion after the assassination
of a presidential candidate showed that the elite-controlled system
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-mar-jun.html#24_June_2014_(Desertion_by_FARC_soldiers)">would
never allow itself to be replaced by mere voting</a>.  However, they
degenerated over the decades into a criminal gang.
<p>
Colombia's even nastier criminal gang, the paramilitares, is
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-jul-oct.html#30_July_2014_(US-supported_terrorism_in_Colombia)">tightly
associated with the government</a>.  It will not be so easily
convinced to stop its violence.


feed_id: dd00834fe7d6b8415f4fc4964ce9f12f
title: Israel's new "anti-terrorism" law
uri: Israel-s-new-anti-terrorism-law
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#25_June_2016_%28Israels_new_anti-terrorism_law%29
content:
<p>
Israel's new "anti-terrorism" law will
<a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/06/israel-anti-terror-law-dangerous-anti-arab-160619054527306.html">criminalize
wearing a t-shirt or chanting a slogan as "terrorism"</a>.
<p>
"A stone-throwing Arab will become a terrorist, while a
stone-throwing ultra-Orthodox Jew will not."
<p>
This law includes some of the injustices applied in the US,
such as
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2008-nov-feb.html#07%20December%202008%20(Charity%20for%20poor%20Palestinians)">prosecuting
humanitarian charities</a> despite their making every careful attempt
to comply with US laws.
<p>
The law also perversely defines fighting the army of occupation as
"terrorism".
<p>
Americans, do you think the Minutemen were "terrorists"?


feed_id: fa57cee92cb5b65af4575b99c5ec319a
title: Syrian Escalation
uri: Syrian-Escalation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Syrian_Escalation%29
content:
<p>
The <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/23/fraudulent-case-syrian-escalation">Fraudulent Case</a> for a Syrian Escalation: US war hawks are wallowing in wishful thinking, and hoping that Clinton
will give them a chance to test it against reality.


feed_id: d74d7d7a1014f9ab62de402190b5d0b3
title: NYC thugs
uri: 2016-06-26-NYC-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28NYC_thugs%29
content:
<p>
The NYC thug department's inspector general <a href="https://mathbabe.org/2016/06/23/oig-report-broken-windows-doesnt-work/">concluded</a> that the "broken
windows" theory of policing, famously applied by those thugs, has no
empirical basis and that its harshness is gratuitous.


feed_id: fce5d4dffca8cda4e5799055ff1dcd36
title: Republicans
uri: 2016-06-26-Republicans
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Republicans%29
content:
<p>
Republicans <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/welcome-to-the-first-presidential-election-since-voting-rights-act-gutted-20160623">are still trying</a> to win in November through voter suppression.
By requiring expensive ID cards based on expensive birth certificates,
they have effectively brought back the "poll tax" that once stopped poor
people from voting.


feed_id: 3748f7c9ae4d37d70fe3c9078b9023cb
title: Graphics cards
uri: Graphics-cards
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Graphics_cards%29
content:
<p>
Some graphics cards manufacturers <a href="http://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2016/6/21/11986836/msi-asus-overclocked-graphics-cards-review">have been tricking reviewers</a>
by changing the clock parameters in the products they send to reviewers.


feed_id: 2eb86b249888fb630fac3093fbda0a08
title: ACLU
uri: 2016-06-26-ACLU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28ACLU%29
content:
<p>
The ACLU <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/06/24/aclu-sues-federal-government-granting-millions-dollars-religious-groups-deny">has sued to stop the US</a> from contracting medical care for
underage refugees to religious organizations that deny them access to
contraception and abortion.
<p>
Right on, ACLU!


feed_id: de58019a94ff1c372ca2d169f96d0f58
title: Tina Louise Rothery
uri: Tina-Louise-Rothery
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Tina_Louise_Rothery%29
content:
<p>

Tina Louise Rothery <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/24/anti-fracking-activist-refuses-to-pay-legal-bill-cuadrilla">joined an anti-fracking protest and was ordered to pay
55,000 pounds to the fracking company</a>.  She refuses to pay, and challenges
the British state to jail her.


feed_id: 94504c1f5d0a0a0b0573cedee7b46200
title: Trump
uri: 2016-06-26-Trump
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Trump%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/24/donald-trump-fact-check-foreign-policy-taxes-business">This week's Trump lies</a>.


feed_id: 144dceb5161137287f57257671418ffc
title: Fracking
uri: 2016-06-26-Fracking
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Fracking%29
content:
<p>
Germany <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/24/germany-bans-fracking-after-years-of-dispute">has banned</a> fracking.


feed_id: 82360af2cb5ba279dc1ee9d55fae817d
title: Brexit
uri: Brexit
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Brexit%29
content:
<p>
The Dispossessed [in the UK] Voted For Brexit.  Jeremy Corbyn <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/24/brexit-dispossessed-jeremy-corbyn-diane-abbott-new-left">Offers</a>
Real Change.


feed_id: 68985e638f4365683fca6db3c4e79b93
title: Fear of immigration
uri: Fear-of-immigration
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Fear_of_immigration%29
content:
<p>
Fear of Immigration <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/24/voting-details-show-immigration-fears-were-paradoxical-but-decisive">Drove</a> the "Leave" Victory -â Not Immigration Itself.


feed_id: b7ab3541be9d1e63dfaf79109a93ed18
title: Guns
uri: 2016-06-26-Guns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Guns%29
content:
<p>
Dramatic House Sit-In on Guns <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/22/dramatic-house-sit-guns-undercut-focus-secret-racist-watchlist">Is Undercut</a> By Focus on Secret, Racist Watchlist.
<p>
The ACLU's statement <a href="media/91a5fe0c.commendation_on_feinstein_and_cornyn_amendments_to_h.r._2578.pdf" data-original-source="https://www.aclu.org/sites/default/files/field_document/2016_06_20_aclu_vote_recommendation_on_feinstein_and_cornyn_amendments_to_h.r._2578.pdf">opposing</a> use of arbitrary "watch lists" to decide
who can buy a gun.


feed_id: cdf05150aeef2c2f2b7b35c8295bd964
title: Trump
uri: 2016-06-26-Trump
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Trump%29
content:
<p>
Trump's cruelty and vindictiveness <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/23/donald-trump-faces-wall-of-opposition-as-he-returns-to-scotland"are highlighted</a> by his actions in
Scotland.
<p>
"Here he intimidate[d] ordinary people;
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/24/donald-trump-frosty-reception-scotland-broken-promises-golf">he made outrageous promises</a> to hoodwink the gullible; and he showed
a breathtaking disdain for the environmental toll..."


feed_id: e7035d55adf3c17f681b230948aef0ed
title: Satellite surveillance
uri: Satellite-surveillance
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Satellite_surveillance%29
content:
<p>
Satellite surveillance <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/mar/02/new-satellite-mapping-a-game-changer-against-illegal-logging">can now report</a> illegal logging "almost in real
time".


feed_id: 8137e3217ae418899fb285ac8e72369b
title: Sanders
uri: 2016-06-26-Sanders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Sanders%29
content:
<p>
Sanders: his political revolution <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/24/bernie-sanders-my-political-revolution-is-just-getting-started">is "just getting started"</a>.


feed_id: ddbae114b49bafb1f605746f3d485ec7
title: Thugs in Cleveland
uri: Thugs-in-Cleveland
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Thugs_in_Cleveland%29
content:
<p>
Thugs have been visiting dissidents in Cleveland to ask them about planned
protests for the Republican Convention, <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/23/fbi-and-police-are-knocking-on-activists-doors-ahead-of-republican-national-convention/">apparently for intimidation</a>.


feed_id: 417da3df59ec7231e06e2e94c27be9c3
title: Nauru
uri: 2016-06-26-Nauru
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Nauru%29
content:
<p>
Nauru says it welcomes "respectful, objective" journalists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/22/only-respectful-and-objective-media-outlets-are-welcome-says-nauru">but not</a>
"extreme left activist" journalists. In two years, only two groups have been sufficiently "respectful"
to get approval.  The visa fee is enough to convince most journalists
not to ask.
<p>
Nauru is "sovereignty" makes it a convenient and deniable proxy
for Australia.


feed_id: e7ddf3022c6fdc2b79bef2263a918ff1
title: Britain
uri: Britain
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Britain%29
content:
<p>
The Real Threat to Britain's Borders <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/23/real-threat-britain-borders-flow-dirty-money-eu">Is the Flow</a> of Dirty Money.


feed_id: ec8bcef85a668082cb61859b7312db59
title: Turkey
uri: 2016-06-26-Turkey
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Turkey%29
content:
<p>
Elif Shafak: "Turkeyâs LGBT community is fighting for freedom. Thatâs
why Erdogan <a href"https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/23/turkey-lgbt-freedom-erdogan-istanbul-pride">targets it</a>."


feed_id: 63817b142810feb2247eaec0c63dbdc5
title: Freddie Gray
uri: Freddie-Gray
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Freddie_Gray%29
content:
<p>
One of the thugs involved in killing Freddie Gray <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/23/freddie-gray-trial-caesar-goodson-acquitted-baltimore">was acquitted</a>. It was impossible to prove that the treatment which caused Gray's
death was an intentional attempt to kill or injure him.
<p>
Of course, the thugs and their allies present this as a personal
failing of DA Mosby, rather than as their own success in maintaining
impunity.


feed_id: cc88bf2745437f64494d0c451a3260fb
title: Putin
uri: 2016-06-26-Putin
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Putin%29
content:
<p>
Putin <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/23/russia-opposition-infighting-parliamentary-elections">plans to exclude</a> opposition parties totally from Russia's legislature,
through repression.
<p>
Dissidents <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/23/violence-against-russias-web-dissidents-raises-fresh-fears-for-internet-freedoms">face</a> repression too.


feed_id: d3aca285458dac6b9de4155991e70a86
title: Clinton and the TPP
uri: 2016-06-26-Clinton-and-the-TPP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Clinton_and_the_TPP%29
content:
<p>

Clinton says she opposes the TPP, but <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/23/trump-speech-shows-clinton-must-be-vociferous-opposing-tpp">she refuses</a> to take action to
prevent it from being adopted later this year.


feed_id: f7356ed25036b614074a13367296e84c
title: Sanders
uri: 2016-06-26-Sanders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Sanders%29
content:
<p>
Establishment delegates <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/23/new-york-democrats-anoint-cuomo-chair-clinton-delegate-strikes-sanders-delegate">gagged the Sanders delegates</a> inside a
Democratic Party meeting in New York State, and physically attacked
one of them.


feed_id: 7881940b29a200a92cb011ec241b56fe
title: Apple
uri: 2016-06-26-Apple
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Apple%29
content:
<p>
Apple is planning to eliminate headphone jacks from new iThings
so <a href="http://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2016/6/21/11991302/iphone-no-headphone-jack-user-hostile-stupid">as to impose DRM</a>. A secondary benefit for Apple is that it would make users buy
additional hardware.


feed_id: e4cf9fee4b97e2f1f7e7f160004db30f
title: Assault on Privacy
uri: Assault-on-Privacy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Assault_on_Privacy%29
content:
<p>

As Quietly as Possible, the Government <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/22/quietly-possible-government-renewing-its-assault-your-privacy">is Renewing</a> Its Assault on Your Privacy.
<p>
"Privacy" is an understatement.  What Big Brother's men are trying to do
is reinterpret the fourth amendment into nullity.


feed_id: 060eff7880cdb61af059d146d0b016cf
title: Sentences for convicted c riminals
uri: Sentences-for-convicted-c-riminals
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Sentences_for_convicted_criminals%29

content:
<p>

Some US states use secret, proprietary algorithms <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/23/us/backlash-in-wisconsin-against-using-data-to-foretell-defendants-futures.html?_r=1">to decide on
sentences for convicted criminals</a>.
<p>
This illustrates the general point that the use of nonfree software by
the state violates sovereignty and human rights.  Using an algorithm
for this purpose could be legitimate if it is published so that people
can judge whether it is just.


feed_id: 2bab7955235802a7d93217964ff18645
title: Transcanada sues US
uri: Transcanada-sues-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28Transcanada_sues_US%29
content:
<p>
Transcanada, the company that was going to build the Keystone XL
planet-roaster pipeline, has sued the US under NAFTA for 15 billion
dollars for 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/26/transcanada-files-nafta-suit-demanding-more-15-billion-keystone-xl-rejection">denying
it the profit it "expected"</a> to get from the pipeline.
<p>
This one of the "investor-state" lawsuits that the TPP would extend to
many other countries.  That's exactly why we must defeat the TPP and
cancel NAFTA.
<p>
In general we must abolish the 
<a href="https://stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">business
supremacy treaties</a>.
<p>
The Democratic Party 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/26/democrats-prioritize-party-unity-over-including-stand-against-tpp-platform">rejected
a platform statement against the TPP</a>.


feed_id: 96d277882b03ed71e8e3632feca49173
title: "New Labour" MPs attempt to oust Corbyn
uri: New-Labour-MPs-attempt-to-oust-Corbyn
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28New_Labour_MPs_attempt_to_oust_Corbyn%29

content:
<p>
Leftover "New Labour" MPs took the referendum outcome as the
opportunity for their long-planned 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/26/labour-in-crisis-shadow-ministers-resign-in-protests-jeremy-corbyn">attempt
to oust Corbyn as head of the Labour Party</a>.  Corbyn has responded
vigorously.
<p>
The Labour rebels are part of the elites whose 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#7_February_2016_(Tories_to_kick_people_out_of_state_housing)">disregard
for British working people</a> led many of them to give up on the
party and scapegoat immigrants.


feed_id: 41870e85f4ce6ae60404b2518640c91c
title: PISSI loses Falluja, losing Manbij
uri: PISSI-loses-Falluja-losing-Manbij
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28PISSI_loses_Falluja%2C_losing_Manbij%29

content:
<p>
PISSI has lost Falluja; even more important, it 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/26/falluja-iraq-fully-liberated-from-isis">may
soon lose Manbij</a>, the border city that anchors its line of
communication to Turkey.
<p>
Without the Manbij corridor, PISSI won't be able to bring in recruits via
Turkey, or trade arms and oil with Turkey.  Recall that Turkish
journalists have been prosecuted for revealing how Turkey 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#21_November_2015_(Turkey_keeps_PISSIs_supply_lines_open)">delivered
arms to PISSI</a>.
<p>
I expect PISSI to collapse within a year if it loses Manbij.
<p>
I hope we will get more news of the civilians of Falluja.  PISSI
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_May_2016_(Families_that_escaped_from_Fallujah_are_starving)">killed
those that tried to flee</a>, and some of those who succeeded in
fleeing were
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_(No_hope_for_fleeing_civilians)">imprisoned
and abused by Iraqi forces</a>.


feed_id: eb93c9d122cc83c7400c8fa46e9d3b0b
title: Sanders
uri: 2016-06-28-Sanders
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28Sanders%29
content:
<p>
Sanders 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/16/bernie-sanders-will-work-with-clinton-donald-trump-speech">said
he will vote for Clinton</a>, to stop Trump.
<p>
It would take more than that for me ignore the 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-jan-apr.html#11_February_2013_(Hilary_Clinton_did_many_bad_things_as_Secretary_of_State)">bad
things about Clinton</a>.


feed_id: 8c0b578044facc0ddce6d511a54aeca6
title: Nebraska's death penalty
uri: Nebraska-s-death-penalty
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28Nebraskas_death_penalty%29
content:
<p>
The daughter of a murdered man is a leader in the campaign to keep the
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/20/in-the-battle-over-nebraskas-death-penalty-victims-families-refuse-to-be-political-pawns/">death penalty abolished in Nebraska</a>.


feed_id: 46b97156faf420a89a0cfa6e692a5d75
title: New campaign for Obama to pardon Snowden
uri: New-campaign-for-Obama-to-pardon-Snowden
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28New_campaign_for_Obama_to_pardon_Snowden%29

content:
<p>
Snowden's lawyer will launch a new campaign for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/26/edward-snowden-lawyer-pardon-obama">Obama to pardon Snowden</a>.


feed_id: aff1f387c63e41f36187491965027106
title: Turkish police fire tear gas at gay activists
uri: Turkish-police-fire-tear-gas-at-gay-activists
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28Turkish_police_fire_tear_gas_at_gay_activists%29

content:
<p>
Turkish [Thugs] Use Teargas Against <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/26/turkish-police-fire-teargas-at-gay-activists">Gay Activists in Istanbul</a>.


feed_id: ef98307f0f3fb803adfc04be2bb229c4
title: What are governments for
uri: What-are-governments-for
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28What_are_governments_for%29
content:
<p>
The prime responsibility of the state is to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/24/it-seems-like-a-good-time-to-ask-what-are-governments-for">plan and manage</a>, but plutocratic states refuse to face the responsibility.
<p>
Australians have privately organized a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/24/solar-battery-storage-bulk-buy-scheme-promises-lower-prices-sooner">mass battery purchase</a> to advance home battery technology.  The state should have done this.  In fact, I proposed such a thing
in a legislative hearing in Massachusetts a year ago.  Ten years ago,
states were doing the same sort of thing for solar power cells.
<p>
The neoliberal ideology is both an excuse for this refusal and a way
of covering up contrary actions.  Every market is regulated; a market
can't exist without some regulations or other.  The market mechanism
could be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, if regulated with a
carbon tax.  If the state instead subsidizes fossil fuels, then it's
managing society so as to run off the carbon cliff; but it can pretend
that "the invisible hand is doing this -- we are only watching."
<p>
Neoliberal ideology is also an excuse to cut taxes to the point where
all spending projects are impossible, again denying responsibility for
the policies that are adopted.


feed_id: 29bf39d4a6136aa4882c2d97d88c7266
title: Gun Debate America Violence
uri: Gun-Debate-America-Violence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28Gun_Debate_America_Violence%29
content:
<p>
The US already has a law that could be used to stop domestic abusers from
buying or keeping guns.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/26/gun-debate-america-violence">We have failed to enforce it</a>.


feed_id: cef037da643b50662c8f3a8b811263c5
title: Watermarking code for e-books
uri: Watermarking-code-for-e-books
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28Watermarking_code_for_e-books%29
content:
<p>
Researchers have broken a <a href="https://torrentfreak.com/researchers-crack-social-drm-ebook-watermarks-160625/">watermarking code</a> for e-books.  Here's the <a href="
https://pastebin.com/raw/E1xgCUmb">developers' statement</a>.
<p>
Watermarking used as a scheme to stop people from sharing is wrong
because its goal is wrong.  <a href="
http://gnu.org/philosophy/copyright-vs-community.html">Sharing is good, and ought to be legal</a>.  However, the scheme presupposes another injustice: making people
identify themselves to buy a copy.  <a href="media/d0e54868.ebooks.pdf" data-original-source="http://stallman.org/ebooks.pdf">To defend my privacy, I refuse
to identify myself to a bookseller</a>.  I pay cash and only cash.


feed_id: 4379b1c43f893c002ba9caab1c806739
title: Tech Companies fight FBI requests
uri: Tech-Companies-fight-FBI-requests
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28Tech_Companies_fight_FBI_requests%29

content:
<p>
The FBI stretches the unjust PAT RIOT Act, and small companies often
don't know how to resist.  Meanwhile, bills in Congress threaten to
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/21/tech-companies-fight-back-after-years-of-being-deluged-with-secret-fbi-requests/">give the FBI more power</a>.


feed_id: 07b14a6b8e505aa4fd4f1d7960e608f3
title: Scotland and EU Referendum
uri: Scotland-and-EU-Referendum
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28Scotland_and_EU_Referendum%29
content:
<p>
If the UK leaves the EU, Scotland is likely to secede from the UK
and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/26/eu-referendum-nicola-sturgeon-snp-union">rejoin the EU</a>.
<p>
Ironically, both the Scottish nationalist movement and the movement
to take the UK out of the EU are similar false revolts.  People who
had been dumped on by the rich elites signed up for a rebellion
aimed at something else.


feed_id: 7b6e9eb3e6be7c429b2417e25d418778
title: Nicaragua is crushing the opposition
uri: Nicaragua-is-crushing-the-opposition
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28Nicaragua_is_crushing_the_opposition%29

content:
<p>
The government of Nicaragua is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/26/nicaragua-opposition-daniel-ortega-presidential-election">crushing the opposition and criticism</a>.


feed_id: c0470243815d311ad59bfb35a99d2eb8
title: Russian Big Brother measures
uri: Russian-Big-Brother-measures
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28Russian_Big_Brother_measures%29
content:
<p>
Russia's congress has approved a law to require phone companies and
ISPs to record a person's calls and communication, and to <a href="http://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/1981490/russian-mps-approve-anti-terror-big-brother-measures">hand over encryption keys</a> to the state on demand.
<p>
This is what the FBI and the NSA want in the US.
They are the enemies of American's freedom; they are Putin.


feed_id: 3ee0b91dc9ca986cec0a3775b956386a
title: Urgent: Call Senator Reed to drop support for Cluster Bombs
uri: Urgent-Call-Senator-Reed-to-drop-support-for-Cluster-Bombs
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Call_Senator_Reed_to_drop_support_for_Cluster_Bombs%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: call on Senator Reed to drop his <a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/senjackreed-renounce">support for cluster bombs</a>,
and specifically for exporting them to Salafi Arabia.


feed_id: fc7136664b692b31c166cee615ea6dad
title: Urgent: Public funding for elections
uri: Urgent-Public-funding-for-elections
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Public_funding_for_elections%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/tell-congress-pass-fair-elections-campaign-finance-system/">call
on Congress</a> to adopt public funding for elections.


feed_id: 4060c75595a46c50b70c9cb2acda8d07
title: Urgent: Ban shark fin trade
uri: Urgent-Ban-shark-fin-trade
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Ban_shark_fin_trade%29
content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.oceana.org/sign/Congress_shark-fin-ban_2016/">Call
on Congress</a> to ban trade in shark fins.


feed_id: 5ebe8cf5b19b664468fa9e22040d49ad
title: Urgent: No drug test for food stamps
uri: Urgent-No-drug-test-for-food-stamps
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_No_drug_test_for_food_stamps%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/food_stamps_drug_testing">call
on Congress</a> not to permit drug test requirements for food stamps.
<p>
Are these idiots trying to make addicts quit by starving them?
Or punish their children?


feed_id: 21bbbd2a394a91e1f0459a72b7ed729a
title: Dissatisfaction with the EU
uri: Dissatisfaction-with-the-EU
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Dissatisfaction_with_the_EU%29
content:
<p>
The UK voters voted 52%-48% in favor of taking the UK out of the EU,
but 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/24/brexit-earthquake-has-happened-the-rubble-will-take-years-to-clear">actually
doing so will be very difficult</a>.
<p>
The referendum has no direct legal effect; it is just a
recommendation.  I tend to think that Parliament will ultimately
decide to disregard the recommendation, because the small margin was
not a real mandate.
<p>
The vote reflects a broad level of 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/24/brexit-threat-europe-visionary-outcome-debate">dissatisfaction
with the EU all across its territory</a>.
<p>
It is a shame that the dissatisfaction is being 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2016/06/brexit-wins">mobilized
by right-wing nationalists playing on racism</a>, with a 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_(Brexit_fake_revolt)">fake
revolt</a>, rather than by progressives who would instead aim to 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-nov-feb.html#05_December_2013_(How_the_UK_can_win_independence_from_the_banksters)">free
the EU from control by business and plutocrats</a>.


feed_id: 784a92510f61188f1efaeedc3ffa13da
title: Fear of immigration
uri: 2016-06-28-Fear-of-immigration
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Fear_of_immigration%29
content:
<p>
Fear of Immigration 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/24/voting-details-show-immigration-fears-were-paradoxical-but-decisive">Drove</a>
the "Leave" Victory — Not Immigration Itself.


feed_id: d45679ada4f091766db6d4b10f2162c4
title: Trump
uri: 2016-06-28-Trump
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Trump%29
content:
<p>
Trump's cruelty and vindictiveness 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/23/donald-trump-faces-wall-of-opposition-as-he-returns-to-scotland">are 
highlighted</a> by his actions in Scotland.
<p>
"Here he intimidate[d] ordinary people;
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/24/donald-trump-frosty-reception-scotland-broken-promises-golf">he
made outrageous promises</a> to hoodwink the gullible; and he showed a
breathtaking disdain for the environmental toll..."


feed_id: 7e09cec294dd7f3f195bffe10b35e98f
title: Turkey
uri: 2016-06-28-Turkey
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Turkey%29
content:
<p>
Elif Shafak: "Turkeyâs LGBT community is fighting for freedom. Thatâs
why Erdogan
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/23/turkey-lgbt-freedom-erdogan-istanbul-pride">targets
it</a>."


feed_id: d8878d18b07a6d11dd02643a7f57cf5e
title: Apple
uri: 2016-06-28-Apple
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Apple%29
content:
<p>
Apple is planning to eliminate headphone jacks from new iThings so
<a href="http://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2016/6/21/11991302/iphone-no-headphone-jack-user-hostile-stupid">as
to impose DRM</a>. A secondary benefit for Apple is that it would make
users buy additional hardware.


feed_id: 3de98f46bce5d2d967b1c8ac235e04d5
title: Assault on Privacy
uri: 2016-06-28-Assault-on-Privacy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Assault_on_Privacy%29
content:
<p>
As Quietly as Possible, the Government <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/22/quietly-possible-government-renewing-its-assault-your-privacy">is Renewing</a> Its Assault on Your Privacy.
<p>
"Privacy" is an understatement.  What Big Brother's men are trying to do
is reinterpret the fourth amendment into nullity.


feed_id: 09f09f74a166360763e5a41438ec82c0
title: Sentences for convicted criminals
uri: Sentences-for-convicted-criminals
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_June_2016_%28Sentences_for_convicted_criminals%29

content:
<p>
Some US states use secret, proprietary algorithms 
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/23/us/backlash-in-wisconsin-against-using-data-to-foretell-defendants-futures.html?_r=1">to
decide on sentences for convicted criminals</a>.
<p>
This illustrates the general point that the use of nonfree software by
the state violates sovereignty and human rights.  Using an algorithm
for this purpose could be legitimate if it is published so that people
can judge whether it is just.


feed_id: 2832960bc6750e1c01a6ce6a436e0fd8
title: Urgent: Israel's colonies
uri: Urgent-Israel-s-colonies
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Israels_colonies%29
content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/repcummings-affirm-us">call
on the Democratic Party</a> to take a stand against expansion of
Israel's colonies in Palestinian territory.


feed_id: e0c322ef1ce2b95a289a5f7a2e82badc
title: Urgent: Gun control measures
uri: 2016-06-28-Urgent-Gun-control-measures
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Gun_control_measures%29
content:
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/tell-paul-ryan-nobillnobreak">call
on the House of Representatives</a> to adopt several gun control
measures.
<p>
I support this version of the "suspected terrorist" provision because
it calls for giving suspects due process, rather than the arbitrary
watch list used now.  If this passes, maybe it could provide a basis
to insert due process to the no-fly list, which is currently a system
of
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#13_December_2015_(Injustice_of_the_no-fly_list)">punishment
without trial</a>.
<p>
The bills actually proposed are well-meant but
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/23/welcome-democratic-stand-guns-are-these-bills-were-looking">unjust</a>.


feed_id: 3ccbd1643dd9df4c194807571fb1fecb
title: Civil suit by dissidents against UK gov't
uri: Civil-suit-by-dissidents-against-UK-gov-t
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28Civil_suit_by_dissidents_against_UK_govt%29

content:
<p>
The UK government is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/25/mi6-600k-legal-bill-block-libyan-couple-rendition-civil-case">going
to great lengths to shut down a civil suit</a> by Libyan dissidents
about its participation in handing them over to Qadhafi for torture.


feed_id: 8e45e02ec20c5538a59d2020f9928a8f
title: The plutocratic elite
uri: The-plutocratic-elite
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28The_plutocratic_elite%29
content:
<p>
The British working class, deindustrialized and impoverished,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/25/brexit-vote-poor-elite">seized
on the EU referendum to attack an elite</a> that had demonstrated
decades of not caring about them.
<p>
However, bollixing some of the elite will not result by itself in
defeating the plutocratic elite.  What they need is a party that
stands for them.
<p>
The EU is getting paid back for its
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/25/brexit-stern-rebuke-arrogant-elites">lack
of democracy</a>.
<p>
Not only the European Commission is undemocratic; so are the banks
that the euro zone has elevated to cruel and tyrannical power
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_(Cash_shortage_in_Greece)">as
seen in Greece</a>.


feed_id: 9ad206f078c65cd34c8a025e3ae01364
title: The next PM of the UK
uri: The-next-PM-of-the-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28The_next_PM_of_the_UK%29
content:
<p>
The bombastic former London mayor is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/25/who-is-boris-johnson-brexit-referendum-uk-prime-minister">likely
to be the next PM</a> of the UK.
<p>
The other likely candidate is the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/25/theresa-may-emerges-as-stop-boris-tory-leadership-candidate">chief
advocate of massive surveillance</a>.
<p>
I can't judge which is worse.


feed_id: 28f3bc7a75c1938a5c6829e119dd758f
title: Another EU referendum in the UK
uri: Another-EU-referendum-in-the-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28Another_EU_referendum_in_the_UK%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/25/britain-rainy-fascist-island-progrexit-brexit">How
progressives in Britain could respond</a> to the UK's leaving the EU.
<p>
A million Britons have already
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/24/petition-second-eu-referendum-crashes-house-of-commons-website">asked
for another referendum</a>.


feed_id: abb3bbfc878024c7f8c073f61986a444
title: Charged with designing a web site
uri: Charged-with-designing-a-web-site
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28Charged_with_designing_a_web_site%29

content:
<p>
Nazanin Zaghari is a prisoner in Iran, and her daughter is effectively
a prisoner too.  She can't return home except with her father, and he
dares not go, fearing
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/25/nazanin-zaghari-richard-ratcliffe-iran-imprisoned">he
too might be arrested</a>.
<p>
Nazanin is charged with
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/25/iran-holds-web-designer-in-solitary-confinement">helping
design a web site for protesters</a>.


feed_id: cde57332b0597c264ba09217fd6e65f6
title: Oakland Proposes Ban On Coal Handling
uri: Oakland-Proposes-Ban-On-Coal-Handling
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28Oakland_Proposes_Ban_On_Coal_Handling%29

content:
<p>
<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/4045118-155/oakland-proposes-ban-on-coal-handling">Oakland
Proposes Ban On Coal Handling</a>.


feed_id: 4487e3db43273cd6ac07ab1cfb5a2683
title: Arrested for handing out leaflets
uri: Arrested-for-handing-out-leaflets
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28Arrested_for_handing_out_leaflets%29

content:
<p>
The military regime in Thailand has arrested people for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/25/thailand-jails-activists-for-campaigning-to-reject-constitution-in-referendum">handing
out leaflets</a> urging people to vote no in the referendum on the
military's proposed unjust constitution.


feed_id: d128de09432636cb1660973f3792bc53
title: Oil spills in California
uri: Oil-spills-in-California
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28Oil_spills_in_California%29
content:
<p>
Small oil spills
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/23/california-oil-spill-leaves-gooey-mess-and-reminder-big-oils-dangers">keep
happening in California</a> and surely in other places that oil
pipelines run.  While a small spill like this is not a regional
disaster like the Big Spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the damage of their
small spills accumulates over time.  And if the spill gets into a
river, it can
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#26_July_2015_(Kalamazoo_river)">ruin
drinking water for a region</a>.


feed_id: 44e8d2ecb96bcba61b569badfb41416d
title: Guber pays drivers peanuts
uri: Guber-pays-drivers-peanuts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_June_2016_%28Guber_pays_drivers_peanuts%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/carolineodonovan/internal-uber-driver-pay-numbers">Internal
data from Guber</a> show that it really pays drivers peanuts.


feed_id: d30eb5d80884565a4aae669907cd766d
title: Airbnb New York city housing
uri: Airbnb-New-York-city-housing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#28_June_2016_%28Airbnb_New_York_city_housing_%29
content:
<p>
Airbnb and similar services have caused a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/27/airbnb-new-york-city-housing-stock-reduction-study">big drop</a> in NYC's rentak vacancies.
<p>
This must be driving rents up for people who live in the city,
adding to the effect of other pressures.


feed_id: 77f6b9a1912ae039eaa4eda868b77ae3
title: SA journalists fired for covering protests
uri: SA-journalists-fired-for-covering-protests
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#28_June_2016_%28SA_journalists_fired_for_covering_protests%29

content:
<p>
South African journalists have been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2016/jun/27/south-african-journalists-suspended-by-public-broadcaster">fired for covering protests</a>.


feed_id: 7c03c4f282927f39c804d6a884841638
title: Everyone: call on CNN not to hire Lewandowski
uri: Everyone-call-on-CNN-not-to-hire-Lewandowski
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#28_June_2016_%28Everyone%3A_call_on_CNN_not_to_hire_Lewandowski%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: call on CNN <a href="http://act.freepress.net/sign/journ_cnn_lewandowski/">not to hire Lewandowski</a>, Trump's former campaign manager.


feed_id: ddf10a000fdf77f137e271c260d1b8f0
title: Austerity economic woes EU referendum
uri: Austerity-economic-woes-EU-referendum
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#28_June_2016_%28Austerity_economic_woes_EU_referendum%29

content:
<p>
"<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/27/austerity-economic-woes-eu-referendum-brexit">Austerity is the cause</a> of our economic woes.  Itâs nothing to do with the EU."
<p>
The EU is also a force for austerity, but mainly in the euro zone.
This did not touch the UK because the pound is independent of the euro.


feed_id: 89c023f29255a16769a34c4a3b0a250e
title: Brexit and diseased liberal mind
uri: Brexit-and-diseased-liberal-mind
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#28_June_2016_%28Brexit_and_diseased_liberal_mind%29
content:
<p>
Most British campaigners either for or against the EU focused on
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/27/brexit-and-diseased-liberal-mind">short-term superficial effects</a>.


feed_id: c1e2fe78ae4f3d6458be3ddaf61c4e64
title: Proposed Policies to curb thug violence
uri: Proposed-Policies-to-curb-thug-violence
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#28_June_2016_%28Proposed_Policies_to_curb_thug_violence%29

content:
<p>
A former San Francisco thug chief proposes policies to <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/06/sfpd-shootings-george-gascon">curb violence by thugs in San Francisco</a>.


feed_id: 4d4ad885e95e29bfd189d4f1efc24c57
title: US Supreme Court Texas abortion ruling
uri: US-Supreme-Court-Texas-abortion-ruling
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#28_June_2016_%28US_Supreme_Court_Texas_abortion_ruling%29

content:
<p>
The US Supreme Court <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/law/2016/jun/27/us-supreme-court-texas-abortion-ruling">overturned the Texas abortion law</a> that tried to
impose pointless restrictions only so that clinics would be unable to comply.
<p>
The decision is broad, and constitutes a big setback for fanatical
Christians that want to deny women the right to an abortion by hook or
by crook.


feed_id: 505c2078f1fda694dfe580c2f49e09fe
title: Clinton to give multinationals huge tax cuts
uri: Clinton-to-give-multinationals-huge-tax-cuts
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#28_June_2016_%28Clinton_to_give_multinationals_huge_tax_cuts%29

content:
<p>
Clinton's recent speech indicates she plans to give the multinational
corporations a <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/27/hillary-clinton-hints-at-giant-trump-like-giveaway-to-corporate-america/">big tax cut</a>.


feed_id: 5ffc67478f6791ea8e99138cbe998571
title: Eastern Europeans in Brexit Britain
uri: Eastern-Europeans-in-Brexit-Britain
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#28_June_2016_%28Eastern_Europeans_in_Brexit_Britain%29

content:
<p>
Eastern Europeans in Britain now face the danger of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/27/family-safe-eastern-europeans-brexit-britain-eu-referendum">violence by bigots</a>.


feed_id: 2aadee02dadd7144a494bf6a20e47924
title: Urgent: Call for research about gun violence
uri: Urgent-Call-for-research-about-gun-violence
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#28_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Call_for_research_about_gun_violence%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call for legalizing federal support for <a href="https://secure3.convio.net/ucs/site/Advocacy;jsessionid=2A5CAE866535555687D51C363708B481.app314a?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=5302">research about gun violence</a..


feed_id: 3ac0f6793feb1b1080b43192190eb9a0
title: Urgent: Call on Congress to pass the Equality Act
uri: Urgent-Call-on-Congress-to-pass-the-Equality-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#28_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Call_on_Congress_to_pass_the_Equality_Act%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Equality_Act_2016?t=1002&akid=18678.1183552.CNtSFs">pass the Equality Act</a> and extend civil rights legislation to genderqueer people.


feed_id: 837510c1dc9b47c8b940e0b70e619750
title: Brexit reject austerity
uri: Brexit-reject-austerity
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#28_June_2016_%28Brexit_reject_austerity%29
content:
<p>
"In pushing for Brexit, the powerful have exploited marginalised
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/24/reject-austerity-brexit-left">peopleâs fears and needs</a>. The left must help them to take back control."


feed_id: e04c4a78d787f536219c4f767f0704e7
title: Australia's right-wing government wants tax cuts
uri: Australia-s-right-wing-government-wants-tax-cuts
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#28_June_2016_%28Australia%27s_right-wing_government_wants_tax_cuts%29

content:
<p>
Australia's right-wing government wants tax cuts for business, heavily
oriented towards <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/jun/28/coalitions-company-tax-cuts-more-than-40-of-benefit-flows-overseas-report-finds">foreign investors</a>.
<p>
What this shows is that the right-wing parties are functioning as a government
of occupation for the plutocrats.


feed_id: f1887b78fea5b4b5c6c83891c5d9a306
title: Private prisons CEO views
uri: Private-prisons-CEO-views
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#28_June_2016_%28Private_prisons_CEO_views%29
content:
<p>
A CEO of privatized prisons says his company <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/27/private-prison-trump-clinton/">will do just fine</a>
with either Clinton or Trump in the White House.
<p>
Sanders would have tried to put a crimp in their business.


feed_id: da9108150d5b65ce2d9e72fb02408583
title: Egyptian authorities ban feminist from travelling
uri: Egyptian-authorities-ban-feminist-from-travelling
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#28_June_2016_%28Egyptian_authorities_ban_feminist_from_travelling_%29

content:
<p>
Egyptian Authorities <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/27/egyptian-authorities-ban-feminist-mozn-hassan-from-travelling-to-beirut">Ban Feminist</a> Mozn Hassan from Travelling to Beirut.
<p>
To stop someone from leaving a country is in itself a mark of tyranny.


feed_id: c32703bea6c4a9535fa1c2603ce24fcb
title: Urgent: Call for research about gun violence
uri: 2016-06-28-Urgent-Call-for-research-about-gun-violence
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#28_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Call_for_research_about_gun_violence%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call for legalizing federal support for <a href="https://secure3.convio.net/ucs/site/Advocacy;jsessionid=2A5CAE866535555687D51C363708B481.app314a?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=5302">research about gun violence</a>.


feed_id: 6b3b17a11ef09a8946db89dae1803996
title: The latest tactic for protecting privacy
uri: The-latest-tactic-for-protecting-privacy
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_June_2016_%28The_latest_tactic_for_protecting_privacy%29

content:
<p>
Fake fingerprints make it easy to avoid <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Passcode/Security-culture/2016/0627/Fake-fingerprints-The-latest-tactic-for-protecting-privacy">using your real fingerprints</a> to authenticate.
<p>
To make sure you can dispose of them quickly, they need to be edible
and digestible.


feed_id: 2c6e404d6832456503cbd733c3bc7c4b
title: US ask visitors locations of their 'online presence'
uri: US-ask-visitors-locations-of-their-online-presence
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_June_2016_%28US_ask_visitors_locations_of_their_%27online_presence%27%29

content:
<p>
The US plans to ask visitors to declare the locations of their "<a href="http://www.theverge.com/2016/6/24/12026364/us-customs-border-patrol-online-account-twitter-facebook-instagram">online presence</a>".
<p>
This seems dangerous to me, since there will be no limits to the
pressure for self-censorship.  Even if the US applies this only to
keep out terrorists, other governments will follow the same approach
to exclude human rights defenders.
<p>
Systematically some will be <a href="http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/06/attention-us-bound-tourists-social-media-accounts-subject-to-inspection/">led to give their passwords</a> too, by mistake.


feed_id: 9addef19749cd6eea9774833470bde74
title: Brexit UK
uri: Brexit-UK
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_June_2016_%28Brexit_UK%29
content:
<p>
The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/28/brexit-great-news-eu-britain-sovereignty">UK's departure from the EU</a> would remove one obstacle to reforming it.
<p>
To take advantage of this opportunity would require electing parties
committed to such reform in many EU countries.


feed_id: b6404085eb061212762de1e09b6adbd4
title: User sues MS over Windows 10
uri: User-sues-MS-over-Windows-10
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_June_2016_%28User_sues_MS_over_Windows_10%29
content:
<p>
A users sued Microsoft and <a href="http://gizmodo.com/woman-wins-10-000-from-microsoft-after-unwanted-window-1782666146">collected $10,000 damages</a> over the imposed
installation of Windows 10.


feed_id: bbe7182ecc42214cee96c0575980506e
title: Disney contribute to body esteem issues
uri: Disney-contribute-to-body-esteem-issues
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_June_2016_%28Disney_contribute_to_body_esteem_issues%29

content:
<p>
Disney "princess" marketing teaches girls a limiting gender image and
is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jun/27/disney-princesses-contribute-to-body-esteem-issues-amongst-young-girls-finds-study">bad for their self-esteem</a>.


feed_id: 183cb0a4fc43be6a6242959bbb8e2cf3
title: Urgent: Oppose lame-duck vote on the TPP
uri: Urgent-Oppose-lame-duck-vote-on-the-TPP
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_lame-duck_vote_on_the_TPP%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: Phone Rep. Pelosi to oppose a <a href="http://act.credoaction.com/call/pelosi_tpp_calls/?t=1004&akid=18680.1183552.-_0jZ-">lame-duck vote on the TPP</a>.


feed_id: 63ea1ce6562ee23a7b29ca580877c94e
title: India imposing biometric identification
uri: India-imposing-biometric-identification
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_June_2016_%28India_imposing_biometric_identification%29

content:
<p>
India is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/28/india-village-compile-worlds-biggest-id-database-aadhaar">imposing
biometric identification on the whole population</a>, including
fingerprinting and iris scans.
<p>
It may be possible, or it may become possible, to recognize people on
the street by iris scanning from a distance, turning this into a
horrible orwellian system.
<p>
We tried to resist this.


feed_id: 9082d99a5a6bfd0b21d2d24874523cfb
title: 1989 Tiananmen protest survivor
uri: 1989-Tiananmen-protest-survivor
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_June_2016_%281989_Tiananmen_protest_survivor%29
content:
<p>
Chen Yunfei, survivor of the Tiananmen protests in 1989, has tried to
spread awareness of them in China.  He is now 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/28/chinese-activist-arrested-for-visiting-grave-of-man-killed-in-tiananmen-massacre-to-stand-trial">being
tried on charges of saying what the State wants people to forget</a>.


feed_id: 61318da9144b286f5b14c748ed0282d6
title: "New Labour" MPs
uri: New-Labour-MPs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_June_2016_%28New_Labour_MPs%29
content:
<p>
Labour MPs from B'liar's "New Labour" sellout era demand that Corbyn
resign as the party leader, but
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/27/bruising-day-ends-with-labour-in-turmoil-and-corbyn-turning-to-the-grassroots">don't
dare face him in a vote of the membership</a>.  Corbyn and his backers
have threatened to replace them in the next election, which could be
this year of four years from now.


feed_id: e4b42c02fe5a8cd811f38fb4ee76ce87
title: Murder of singer Victor Jara
uri: Murder-of-singer-Victor-Jara
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_June_2016_%28Murder_of_singer_Victor_Jara%29
content:
<p>
A Chilean officer of the 1970s was found liable in a civil suit for
the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/27/victor-jara-pedro-pablo-barrientos-nunez-killing-chile">murder
of singer Victor Jara</a>.  If he is convicted in a criminal trial,
that would be really something to cheer.
<p>
The US was behind the 
<a href="http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Kissinger/KissingerTranscriptsChile.html">military
coup</a> after this murder took place.


feed_id: 250aded7b7bad6c10b95c0063c17d9d3
title: Bill to "protect" Puerto Rico
uri: Bill-to-protect-Puerto-Rico
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_June_2016_%28Bill_to_protect_Puerto_Rico%29
content:
<p>
The Obama regime is pressing the Senate to pass a bill to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/27/puerto-rico-debt-default-senate-bill-jack-lew">"protect"
Puerto Rico from default</a>.
<p>
However, I've read 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_May_2016_(SCROTUS_wants_to_screw_Puerto_Rico)">elsewhere</a>
that this bill would give Puerto Rico the same nondemocratic treatment
as
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jan-apr.html#06_February_2015_(Austerity_and_suicide_rate_in_Greece)">Greece</a>, 
and 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jan-apr.html#27_April_2015_(Detroit)">Detroit</a>
and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#17_December_2015_(State-imposed_bankruptcy_goverment)">Flint</a>.


feed_id: 2769199bd6f04e9a55bb0badc3c6af48
title: Google public transport "help"
uri: Google-public-transport-help
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_June_2016_%28Google_public_transport_help%29
content:
<p>
Google is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jun/27/google-flow-sidewalk-labs-columbus-ohio-parking-transit">trying
to "help" cities provide public transport</a>.  The threat is that
public buses will be eliminated and replaced by Guber, which 
<a href="https://stallman.org/uber.html">tramples
passengers' freedom</a>.


feed_id: 6e98384e34e362c3316dfb03a268b114
title: Neocon Clinton
uri: Neocon-Clinton
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_June_2016_%28Neocon_Clinton%29
content:
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/27/hillary-clinton-necono-republican-endorsements-donald-trump-policy-issues">Is
Hillary Clinton a Neocon?</a>
<p>
It sure looks that way.  The Democratic Party just 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/27/dnc-platform-leaves-door-open-for-no-fly-zone-in-syria-refuses-to-call-for-end-to-israeli-occupation/">rejected
a proposal to rule out a "no fly" zone in Syria</a>.  Such a zone
would be a direct confrontation with Russia.
<p>
Last time the neocons had a president on their side, they 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2004-jan-apr.html#12%20January%202004%20(Invasion%20excuses)">started
the gratuitous war that engulfed Iraq</a> and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#21_May_2015_(How_Dubya_created_PISSI)">created 
PISSI</a>.  They also gave the US torture and imprisonment without
trial: that is, national shame.
<p>
If we prosecute the neocons responsible for these crimes against
humanity, we can turn them into cons, and eventually into ex-cons.
<p>
We need to convert the neocons into ex-cons.


feed_id: 3e279868ee374faeecdecea33cb481b5
title: Urgent: Oppose lame-duck vote on the TPP
uri: 2016-06-30-Urgent-Oppose-lame-duck-vote-on-the-TPP
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Oppose_lame-duck_vote_on_the_TPP%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: Phone Rep. Pelosi to oppose a <a href="http://act.credoaction.com/call/pelosi_tpp_calls/">lame-duck vote on the TPP</a>.


feed_id: d323affed055ec549bc773bf4fa9d2b1
title: Urgent: Call for research about gun violence
uri: 2016-06-30-Urgent-Call-for-research-about-gun-violence
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#28_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Call_for_research_about_gun_violence%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call for legalizing federal support for <a href="https://secure3.convio.net/ucs/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=5302">research about gun violence</a>.


feed_id: d219745c443f2e9e9fd57944e87b4877
title: Urgent: Call on Congress to pass the Equality Act
uri: 2016-06-30-Urgent-Call-on-Congress-to-pass-the-Equality-Act
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#28_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Call_on_Congress_to_pass_the_Equality_Act%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Equality_Act_2016">pass the Equality Act</a> and extend civil rights legislation to genderqueer people.


feed_id: b0f67c0cc8bf21fd8fcb69581b13d103
title: Urgent: Medical care for Mustafa al Hawsawi
uri: Urgent-Medical-care-for-Mustafa-al-Hawsawi
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#30_June_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Medical_care_for_Mustafa_al_Hawsawi%29

content:
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://act.amnestyusa.org/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1839&ea.campaign.id=47766">call
on the Pentagon</a> to give Mustafa al Hawsawi the medical care he
needs to cope with the lasting damage done by US torture.
<p>
He also 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-mar-jun.html#25_March_2014_(Guards_at_Guantanamo_prison_planning_for_operating_into_2017)">deserves
to be given a fair trial or released</a>.


feed_id: 26fbcddbde4efe4a22dc74804a3fed30
title: Internet-connected devices
uri: Internet-connected-devices
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#30_June_2016_%28Internet-connected_devices%29
content:
<p>
Internet-connected devices with bad security are 
<a href="https://blog.sucuri.net/2016/06/large-cctv-botnet-leveraged-ddos-attacks.html">just
great for botnets</a>.


feed_id: b556a661f1fb10186e818869b9dae67e
title: Human rights violations in the UN
uri: Human-rights-violations-in-the-UN
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#30_June_2016_%28Human_rights_violations_in_the_UN%29

content:
<p>
Anders Kompass explains why the persistent corruption and human rights
violations he saw in the UN 
<a href="https://www.whistleblower.org/multimedia/irin-exclusive-ethical-failure-%E2%80%93-why-i-resigned-un">led
him to feel obliged to resign</a>.


feed_id: 17af56f778e4f6bb1716e2dc8ce556b2
title: Physical location of Facebook useds
uri: Physical-location-of-Facebook-useds
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#30_June_2016_%28Physical_location_of_Facebook_useds%29

content:
<p>
When Facebook sees two useds are in the same physical location, it may
<a href="http://fusion.net/story/319108/facebook-phone-location-friend-suggestions/">suggest
that the two "friend" each other</a>.
<p>
This can cause lots of trouble for people in certain circumstances.
But remember that 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-nov-feb.html#05_December_2013_(NSA_collects_5_billion_cell_phone_locations_per_day)">the
NSA is doing the same thing</a>, and doesn't let you opt out —
except the way I do, by not carrying a mobile phone.


feed_id: f4d0c0139d93fa9f6ac6546f793a21d0
title: Gun nut shoots daughters dead
uri: Gun-nut-shoots-daughters-dead
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#30_June_2016_%28Gun_nut_shoots_daughters_dead%29
content:
<p>
Christy Sheats was a gun nut who claimed she needed lots of guns to
keep her family safe.  Then she 
<a href="http://www.news.com.au/world/north-america/texas-mum-who-killed-two-daughters-before-being-shot-by-police-was-a-gun-advocate/news-story/78c9faaf4b1a4e9b1caa4a22679b05a4">shot
her daughters dead, and was killed by a thug when she wouldn't drop
her gun</a>.
<p>
In general, you're 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#23_August_2015_(Gun_in_your_home)">safer
if you do <em>not</em> have a gun at home</a>.


feed_id: 621fd33e76b686bcdf5a088d8f9fd553
title: The "Vote Leave" campaign
uri: The-Vote-Leave-campaign
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#30_June_2016_%28The_Vote_Leave_campaign%29
content:
<p>
Some of the anti-EU voters were grasping at a chance to rebel against
the politician system, and 
<a href="http://www.perc.org.uk/project_posts/thoughts-on-the-sociology-of-brexit/">didn't
really want that choice to win</a>.
<p>
Serious consideration of arguments was undermined by a general sense
of vague distrust of logical reasoning, which made wishful thinking
seem as valid as sober thinking.
<p>
The "Vote Leave" campaign 
<a href="http://www.cnet.com/news/brexit-leave-campaign-wipes-website-amid-accusations-of-false-promises/">promised
great practical benefits</a>.  After winning, it deleted them from its
web site.


feed_id: b0f8433452cad847ed8adce51fceec63
title: Cities that tend to fine people
uri: Cities-that-tend-to-fine-people
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#30_June_2016_%28Cities_that_tend_to_fine_people%29
content:
<p>
US cities 
<a href="http://priceonomics.com/the-fining-of-black-america/">with a
large percentage of black residents</a> tend to make a practice of
fining people to raise money.


feed_id: a82930ba821ddcaf501342ed00a130b6
title: Erdo&gbreve;an and Putin
uri: Erdo-gbreve-an-and-Putin
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#30_June_2016_%28Erdogan_and_Putin%29
content:
<p>
Tyrannical bullies of the world, unite!  
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/28/erdogan-russia-turkey-foreign-policy">Erdo&gbreve;an
is trying to mend relations with Putin</a>.
<p>
At the same time, Erdo&gbreve;an has made a positive achievement by
gaining permission from Israel to deliver humanitarian supplies to
Gaza.  But that good is small in comparison with the evil of his
repression in Turkey itself.  There are a lot more Turks than Gazans.
Erdo&gbreve;an could surely have got permission to help Gaza without
repressing Turks.


feed_id: 0350ed98ba2be51ae94c011f4cabfa9f
title: Germany to restrict cooperation with NSA
uri: Germany-to-restrict-cooperation-with-NSA
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#30_June_2016_%28Germany_to_restrict_cooperation_with_NSA%29

content:
<p>
Germany is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/28/germany-curb-spy-agency-nsa-scandal-angela-merkel">planning
to restrict cooperation between its spy agency and the NSA</a>.  The
NSA was using it to spy on European officials.


feed_id: 6ddff731a64323cee826e9e2fa50dcde
title: Americans on the economy
uri: Americans-on-the-economy
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#30_June_2016_%28Americans_on_the_economy%29
content:
<p>
2/3 of Americans in a poll said that the economy is 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/28/7-out-10-americans-agree-economy-rigged-against-them">rigged
against them</a>.
<p>
Most of them were not impressed by Trump or Clinton.  It is too bad
they didn't get Sanders nominated.


feed_id: fbbde1f7016eea343b8a2037b59f180b
title: The Democratic Party platform
uri: The-Democratic-Party-platform
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#30_June_2016_%28The_Democratic_Party_platform%29
content:
<p>
The Democratic Party platform 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/06/28/nurses-criticize-democratic-platform-committee-vote-oppose-guaranteed">will
oppose Sanders's universal single payer medical care program</a>,
obeying Clinton.


feed_id: 1765ae1c34e1bdead10324d6bde4a6a6
title: Implicit bias of federal thugs
uri: Implicit-bias-of-federal-thugs
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#30_June_2016_%28Implicit_bias_of_federal_thugs%29
content:
<p>
The US 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/06/27/civil-and-human-rights-coalition-applauds-department-justice-initiative-implicit">will
give all federal thugs and prosecutors training</a> to try to curb
implicit bias.
<p>
I don't know whether there is a demonstrated method for doing this
job, but it is good that they are trying.


feed_id: 86243a669cda829b0af1ae67e4c60a73
title: Thugs massacre protesting teachers
uri: Thugs-massacre-protesting-teachers
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#30_June_2016_%28Thugs_massacre_protesting_teachers%29

content:
<p>
Thugs in Oaxaca massacred teachers protesting the government's
preparations for privatizing schools, but 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/27/oaxacas-teachers-movement-not-thwarted-state-terror">the
teachers are not cowed</a>.
<p>
Denouncing Violent Tactics of 'Political Mafia,' 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/27/denouncing-violent-tactics-political-mafia-tens-thousands-march-mexico-city">Tens
of Thousands March in Mexico City</a>.
<p>
This sort of state terrorism, visible in US in the CIA torture and
Guantanamo prison, is more dangerous than foreign-organized or
underground terrorism.  The measures that are proposed to block the
latter are exactly what enables the former.


feed_id: 0f47193f5263b7178ea145e4f1fa6d4d
title: Domestic violence and guns
uri: Domestic-violence-and-guns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#30_June_2016_%28Domestic_violence_and_guns%29
content:
<p>
Reckless domestic violence has been ruled 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/06/27/victory-safety-scotus-holds-firearms-ban-reckless-domestic-violence">grounds
for denying someone the right to buy or own guns</a>, just like
flat-out deliberate violence.
<p>
If this law had been enforced, it would have prevented the Orlando
massacre.


feed_id: 59788270d64cac53907fa596277c50ca
title: Private prison
uri: Private-prison
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#30_June_2016_%28Private_prison%29
content:
<p>
A journalist working in a CCA private prison reports that the way CCA
extracts a profit is through 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2016/06/shane-bauers-four-months-private-prison-guard">low
pay and understaffing</a>.  The guards can't stop prisoners from
stabbing other prisoners.
<p>
His training class explicitly taught him 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/06/cca-private-prisons-corrections-corporation-inmates-investigation-bauer">not
to try to stop prisoners from attacking other prisoners</a>.


feed_id: dfdb6e54c63d505475422b7966a34092
title: Conditions for chickens raised for sale
uri: Conditions-for-chickens-raised-for-sale
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#30_June_2016_%28Conditions_for_chickens_raised_for_sale%29

content:
<p>
Perdue says it 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/06/perdue-chicken-antibiotics-welfare-windows">will
pay the cost of improving conditions</a> for chickens that are raised
for it to sell.


feed_id: a3c9c2b4d9aca9eea227f42bdd4304cc
title: The UK political situation
uri: The-UK-political-situation
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#30_June_2016_%28The_UK_political_situation%29
content:
<p>
The UK political situation reflects the fact that 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/28/political-leaders-elitism-eu-referendum">politicians
almost completely ignored the people</a>, as well as the serious
political issues that affect them.
<p>
It is not an accident that this has become the norm there, and in the
US.  It is a result of plutocracy, which uses the media to spread the
idea that resisting the actions of the plutocracy is "unrealistic".


feed_id: d61d43e1f96a4a2577852a3fd44653af
title: Facebook exposing hidden accounts
uri: Facebook-exposing-hidden-accounts
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_July_2016_%28Facebook_exposing_hidden_accounts%29
content:
<p>
Facebook silently changed its search system to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jun/29/facebook-privacy-secret-profile-exposed">expose
the existence of hidden accounts</a>.
<p>
In addition, Facebook goes to great lengths to hide some privacy
settings.  Apparently it wants to claim users have that option
while making it so hard to find that people won't use it.
<p>
If anything suggests to you that you "must" have a Facebook account,
that is proof of the importance of your duty to <em>refuse</em> to
have a Facebook account.


feed_id: 0c13940d65a4c41265a23b3432d60b14
title: Apple conceives of DRM in physical spaces
uri: Apple-conceives-of-DRM-in-physical-spaces
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_July_2016_%28Apple_conceives_of_DRM_in_physical_spaces%29

content:
<p>
Apple has conceived of 
<a href="http://qz.com/718939/apple-patented-a-way-to-keep-people-from-filming-at-concerts-and-movie-theaters-on-their-phones/">making
phones and cameras cease working when they receive a special infrared
code</a>.
<p>
This would be like building DRM into physical spaces.  As with any
DRM, it is conceivable only because of proprietary software.


feed_id: 3d57219e849860bd1496c9b0d244c00d
title: College loans in the US
uri: College-loans-in-the-US
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_July_2016_%28College_loans_in_the_US%29
content:
<p>
College loans in the US have made thousands of students into 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/28/who-got-rich-student-debt-crisis">permanent
debt slaves</a>.  They can barely survive, and their debt keeps
increasing.
<p>
Don't take the risk of borrowing to go to college under today's terms.
Instead, study something that might be useful, such as political
activism.


feed_id: bd606d6c51365fdd2c6aab31547cb132
title: Lack of leadership in Australia
uri: Lack-of-leadership-in-Australia
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_July_2016_%28Lack_of_leadership_in_Australia%29
content:
<p>
Australia: Tragic Lack of Leadership 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/planet-oz/2016/jun/29/tragic-lack-of-leadership-put-red-hot-climate-change-out-in-the-cold">Puts
Red Hot [Global Heating] out in the Cold</a>.


feed_id: ac0d939c7e97f86fd87fec8678af6b23
title: Democracy working badly
uri: Democracy-working-badly
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_July_2016_%28Democracy_working_badly%29
content:
<p>
Around the world, people who want democracy think that democracy is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/29/if-you-value-the-guardian-coverage-of-brexit-please-help-fund-it">working
badly</a>.  Perhaps because we have focused it too narrowly on
elections.
<p>
However, any analysis of why democracy is working badly must cope with
the issue of plutocracy.  A clique including rich people with
influence over unions and media manipulated the contest between
Clinton and Sanders.  An effective reform of democracy needs to
address this.


feed_id: 7e267a318675ed3891085410fd0e0189
title: Data Google keeps about account holders
uri: Data-Google-keeps-about-account-holders
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_July_2016_%28Data_Google_keeps_about_account_holders%29

content:
<p>
Google now offers 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jun/29/google-reveals-information-it-knows-about-you-my-activity">a
way for account holders to find out what data Google keeps about
them</a>.  Or at least part of that, since there is no guarantee that
Google shows all it has.
<p>
The data you see ought to be a warning.  If you use this data to draw
specific detailed conclusions about how to get the ads you want, I
think you've missed the point.


feed_id: aabcaebd50aff48ba6827eeef91ed907
title: Harvard's fossil fuel investments
uri: Harvard-s-fossil-fuel-investments
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_July_2016_%28Harvards_fossil_fuel_investments%29
content:
<p>
Look at the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2016/jun/29/after-6-years-of-working-on-climate-at-harvard-i-implore-it-to-show-the-courage-to-divest">cowardly
excuses and stratagems</a> that Harvard uses to duck the issue of what
its fossil fuel investments do to the world.
<p>
If you are a Harvard alumnum (*), when Harvard asks for a donation and
you would otherwise have donated, I suggest you respond, "I gave to
350.org instead."
<p>
* That is the Latin neuter version of alumnus or alumna.


feed_id: 6e2ec0a3f9d5ff38682cbfc096574377
title: B'liar's Tory Lite wing
uri: B-liar-s-Tory-Lite-wing
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_July_2016_%28Bliars_Tory_Lite_wing%29
content:
<p>
Most Labour MPs belong to B'liar's Tory Lite wing, and they are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/29/labour-mps-vs-corbyn-war-party-members-tories-brexit">trying
to force Corbyn out of the party leadership to which he was elected by
the party members</a>.  Since the party rules do not give them that
authority, they are trying in effect to go on strike against him and
the party members, until the latter vote them out of office.
<p>
It shows how hard plutocratists fight any movement against plutocracy.


feed_id: 85e98a846b280f593662a338578df085
title: Candy Crush Saga tuned to be addictive
uri: Candy-Crush-Saga-tuned-to-be-addictive
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_July_2016_%28Candy_Crush_Saga_tuned_to_be_addictive%29

content:
<p>
How Candy Crush Saga is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2014/apr/01/candy-crush-saga-app-brain">tuned
to be addictive</a>.
<p>
I am safe from it because, on principle, I won't install a nonfree
program on my computer.  (And it doesn't run on GNU/Linux anyway.)
Nothing prevents a free (libre) game from being tuned to be addictive,
but it appears not to happen.
<p>
This is one additional secondary reason you should run only free
software.  The main reason is that you deserve 
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">control
over your computing</a>.


feed_id: 972378b5a7bc164558277b910b63cb51
title: Global heating
uri: 2016-07-02-Global-heating
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_July_2016_%28Global_heating%29
content:
<p>
Many governments 
<a href="http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a36228/ballad-of-the-sad-climatologists-0815/">don't
want climate scientists to say how bad things are going to get</a>.
The scientists themselves figure they need to present some hope, so
that people will keep fighting rather than give up.  Continuing the
fight could make the disaster less complete.
<p>
I think that young people today should know that global heating could
cause collapse of civilization, which would kill most of humanity and
reduce most of the rest to destitution.  The planet roasters are
planning to kill you.  Nothing personal about it: the planet roasters
want more money, and if the way to get it happens to kill billions of
people and extinguish hundreds of thousands of species, they don't see
a problem in that.


feed_id: 8a8a2f3465e392b9eda783300449cf9e
title: Apple funds Paul Ryan's campaigns
uri: Apple-funds-Paul-Ryan-s-campaigns
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_July_2016_%28Apple_funds_Paul_Ryans_campaigns%29
content:
<p>
Apple funds Paul Ryan's campaigns, 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/28/apples-tim-cook-has-billions-of-reasons-to-raise-money-for-the-gop/">hoping
that it is buying a tax cut</a>.
<p>
I call that corruption.


feed_id: 36581da21e9ca91f0fb33145a4f5a6ef
title: US solar electric installations
uri: US-solar-electric-installations
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_July_2016_%28US_solar_electric_installations%29
content:
<p>
Solar electric installations in the US are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/jun/28/solar-power-energy-us-utilities-environment-climate-change">booming</a>;
alas, not enough, since coal and gas-fired plants are still being
installed.  We need to have less of them than now, a lot less.
<p>
The US should start paying for home batteries, so as to create a
sufficient market to make the price drop soon.


feed_id: b7cd4f9bdfe35e2c6499b7f0c1b2a407
title: Lead in American water systems
uri: Lead-in-American-water-systems
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_July_2016_%28Lead_in_American_water_systems%29
content:
<p>
Almost 20 million Americans get water from systems with 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/28/lead-drinking-water-level-nrdc-report-flint-crisis">high
levels of lead</a>.


feed_id: 5f75c3104680c3e032544cd69fec4e52
title: How Clinton would deal with college loans
uri: How-Clinton-would-deal-with-college-loans
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_July_2016_%28How_Clinton_would_deal_with_college_loans%29

content:
<p>
Clinton's solution for the crushing loans of US college students: 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/28/hillary-clinton-student-debt-proposal-startup-tech-founders">aid
for the founders of startups</a>.
<p>
How pitifully small.


feed_id: 42fd0cb3e91b764428cc4bf2a99844bf
title: Clinton not the president we need
uri: Clinton-not-the-president-we-need
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_July_2016_%28Clinton_not_the_president_we_need%29
content:
<p>
As Clinton ensures the Democratic Party 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/27/hillary-democrats-against-economic-justice">won't
try to end plutocratic rule</a>, she shows she is not the president we
need.


feed_id: b692e1e111e5f34482a78c4270892b29
title: Harassment by Exxon puppets
uri: Harassment-by-Exxon-puppets
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_July_2016_%28Harassment_by_Exxon_puppets%29
content:
<p>
Exxon's puppets in the US Congress are harassing Greenpeace, 350.org
and several state governments with 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/06/27/exxon-funded-members-congress-play-key-role-climate-deception-machine">pointless
investigations</a>.


feed_id: d35659abeaa6633fba12209b38359c06
title: Hollande to veto the TTIP
uri: Hollande-to-veto-the-TTIP
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_July_2016_%28Hollande_to_veto_the_TTIP%29
content:
<p>
French President Hollande says he will 
<a href="http://www.politico.eu/article/francois-hollande-no-to-ttip-at-this-stage-matthias-fekl/">veto
the TTIP</a>.


feed_id: a5018c3c1107239f8770d02754e78b58
title: Breaking the Silence
uri: 2016-07-02-Breaking-the-Silence
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_July_2016_%28Breaking_the_Silence%29
content:
<p>
A university department in Israel was going to give an award to
Breaking the Silence, but the president of the university 
<a href="http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/1.727487">caved in to pressure
and vetoed it</a>.
<p>
Breaking the Silence encourages occupation soldiers to state the
things they did and witnessed — things that the government does
not want us to know about.


feed_id: 6a62086e20d613be73daabb16018974a
title: Israeli checkpoints
uri: Israeli-checkpoints
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_July_2016_%28Israeli_checkpoints%29
content:
<p>
When Palestinians get medical treatment in Israel, such as
chemotherapy for cancer, Israeli checkpoints 
<a href="http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/a-shorter-road-to-peace/">make
it impossible to get there</a>.  A group of Israelis volunteer to
drive these patients to the hospital.
<p>
Israeli drivers don't get stopped at the checkpoints on
Israelis-only roads.


feed_id: b6ba6222c08d1400fe203b3fcf1021da
title: Arsonist Israeli "settlers"
uri: Arsonist-Israeli-settlers
url: https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_July_2016_%28Arsonist_Israeli_settlers%29
content:
<p>
Israeli "Settlers" 
<a href="http://maannews.com/Content.aspx?id=771982">Set Fire to
Palestinian Agricultural Lands Near Nablus</a>.


feed_id: 26407da5febd5e94da9eba3f9182c17c
title: Palestinian rep barred from entering Israel
uri: Palestinian-rep-barred-from-entering-Israel
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#1_July_2016_%28Palestinian_rep_barred_from_entering_Israel%29

content:
<p>
Liberman 
<a href="http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/06/israel-liberman-revokes-entry-permits-palestinian-activists.html">crushed
a plan for cooperation between Israeli mayors and the Palestinian
Authority</a>, by barring the Palestinian representative from entering
Israel to meet with them.
<p>
The ostensible reason was that the representative had engaged in
"subversion".  In other words, an all purpose excuse that they
can always make and never need to justify.


feed_id: d9de8cfdbb2fe66086bd5d98985817c8
title: Very urgent: Reject fake GMO labeling bill
uri: Very-urgent-Reject-fake-GMO-labeling-bill
url:
https://stallman.org/archives/2016-may-aug.html#3_July_2016_%28Urgent%3A_Reject_fake_GMO_labeling_bill%29

content:
<p>
US citizens: phone your senators at 1-888-894-1033 to oppose the bill
to defeat state requirements for labeling GMOs in food.  The Senate
seems about to approve it, and the House already did.
<p>
The Center for Food Safety suggests saying something like this:
<blockquote>
I urge you to reject the fake GMO labeling bill from Senators Stabenow
and Roberts, a substitution amendment to Senate bill 764. This bill
takes away the rights of states to label GE foods and sticks consumers
with QR code technology for smartphones or 1-800 numbers instead of
clear, simple, on-package labeling. But a substantial majority of
Americans would be deprived of their right to know if GE labeling were
done through QR codes. Don't hide information behind high-tech codes
and phone numbers. Please oppose this bill and support mandatory
on-package labeling that clearly states-in words-whether a food
product is genetically engineered.
</blockquote>
Here's how senators voted on a test vote — you can 
<a href="http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=114&session=2&vote=00117#position">see
how yours voted</a>.  If they voted for it, tell them you insist they
represent the people instead of business (but don't curse them out, as
that would inspire them to oppose you).
<p>
They further said:
<p>
Why is the Stabenow-Roberts bill so bad?
<p>
Instead of providing consumers with simple, on-package labeling of
genetically engineered foods, the Stabenow-Roberts bill:
<ol>
<li>
HAS NO MANDATORY STANDARDS — The Senate bill itself proscribes
no mandatory standards for GMO labeling. Rather it preempts the
labeling laws of several states including Vermont, Connecticut, Maine
and Alaska based solely on a multi-year discretionary process
determined by an as yet unknown, future USDA Secretary.</li>
<li>
ALLOWS A VAST NUMBER OF CURRENT AND FUTURE GE FOODS TO BE EXEMPT FROM
ANY LABELING — The definition of "bioengineering" under the Act
would exclude from labeling a vast number of current foods produced
with genetic engineering including those where the "modification" is
"found in nature," those in which technology cannot as yet detect the
novel genetic material, and foods made with non in vitro recombinant
DNA techniques such as new generations of food made with RNAi and
so-called "gene-editing" techniques.  In fact, 99% of all GMO food
COULD be exempt from labeling as the bill leaves it entirely up to a
future USDA Secretary to determine what "amount" of GMO ingredients in
a food qualifies it for labeling.</li>
<li>
CONSTITUTES DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THE RURAL, LOW INCOME, AND THE
ELDERLY - The bill anticipates that GMO labeling will be done
primarily through QR codes ("digital" labeling). Because of their lack
of access to smart phones, more than 50% of rural and low income
populations, and more that 65% of the elderly, will have no access to
these labels. This impact will fall disproportionately on minority
communities. Millions more that do have smart phones may not be able
to access these QR codes because they cannot afford to maintain their
data service or their neighborhoods do not have adequate network
coverage. The study of the efficacy of QR codes outlined in the bill
is to take place significantly AFTER any labeling is established and
in the marketplace. The results of such a study, if any, may take many
years to clarify and codify. Such a "study" provision is clearly not
sufficient to absolve the bill of an unconstitutional discriminatory
impact.</li>
<li>
IS A VIOLATION OF STATE SOVEREIGNTY BY SPECIFICALLY PREEMPTING GMO
SEED LAWS AND POTENTIALLY NUMEROUS OTHER LAWS AND REGULATIONS —
The bill not only preempts state food labeling laws but also
specifically preempts GMO seed labeling laws such as those in Vermont
and Virginia that are designed to help farmers determine what seeds to
buy and plant.  Additionally, either intentionally or through poor
drafting, the bill could be interpreted to be a preemption of more
than 100 different state and municipal laws and regulations throughout
the nation.
<li>
INCLUDES ZERO ENFORCEMENT AGAINST THOSE WHO VIOLATE MANDATORY GMO
LABELING — The bill provides no civil or criminal penalties
whatsoever against those not complying with any GMO labeling
requirement.  The bill even specifically excludes the capacity of the
USDA to order any recall of misbranded food even in cases where a
product has been produced with genetic engineering but the corporation
involved purposely decides to violate the law and not label.

<p>
<li><a name="1_July_2016_(Facebook_exposing_hidden_accounts)" />1 July 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_July_2016_(Facebook_exposing_hidden_accounts)">Facebook exposing hidden accounts</a>)
<p>
Facebook silently changed its search system to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jun/29/facebook-privacy-secret-profile-exposed">expose
the existence of hidden accounts</a>.
<p>
In addition, Facebook goes to great lengths to hide some privacy
settings.  Apparently it wants to claim users have that option
while making it so hard to find that people won't use it.
<p>
If anything suggests to you that you "must" have a Facebook account,
that is proof of the importance of your duty to <em>refuse</em> to
have a Facebook account.

<p>
<li><a name="1_July_2016_(Apple_conceives_of_DRM_in_physical_spaces)" />1 July 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_July_2016_(Apple_conceives_of_DRM_in_physical_spaces)">Apple conceives of DRM in physical spaces</a>)
<p>
Apple has conceived of 
<a href="http://qz.com/718939/apple-patented-a-way-to-keep-people-from-filming-at-concerts-and-movie-theaters-on-their-phones/">making
phones and cameras cease working when they receive a special infrared
code</a>.
<p>
This would be like building DRM into physical spaces.  As with any
DRM, it is conceivable only because of proprietary software.

<p>
<li><a name="1_July_2016_(College_loans_in_the_US)" />1 July 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_July_2016_(College_loans_in_the_US)">College loans in the US</a>)
<p>
College loans in the US have made thousands of students into 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/28/who-got-rich-student-debt-crisis">permanent
debt slaves</a>.  They can barely survive, and their debt keeps
increasing.
<p>
Don't take the risk of borrowing to go to college under today's terms.
Instead, study something that might be useful, such as political
activism.

<p>
<li><a name="1_July_2016_(Lack_of_leadership_in_Australia)" />1 July 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_July_2016_(Lack_of_leadership_in_Australia)">Lack of leadership in Australia</a>)
<p>
Australia: Tragic Lack of Leadership 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/planet-oz/2016/jun/29/tragic-lack-of-leadership-put-red-hot-climate-change-out-in-the-cold">Puts
Red Hot [Global Heating] out in the Cold</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_July_2016_(Democracy_working_badly)" />1 July 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_July_2016_(Democracy_working_badly)">Democracy working badly</a>)
<p>
Around the world, people who want democracy think that democracy is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/29/if-you-value-the-guardian-coverage-of-brexit-please-help-fund-it">working
badly</a>.  Perhaps because we have focused it too narrowly on
elections.
<p>
However, any analysis of why democracy is working badly must cope with
the issue of plutocracy.  A clique including rich people with
influence over unions and media manipulated the contest between
Clinton and Sanders.  An effective reform of democracy needs to
address this.

<p>
<li><a name="1_July_2016_(Data_Google_keeps_about_account_holders)" />1 July 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_July_2016_(Data_Google_keeps_about_account_holders)">Data Google keeps about account holders</a>)
<p>
Google now offers 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jun/29/google-reveals-information-it-knows-about-you-my-activity">a
way for account holders to find out what data Google keeps about
them</a>.  Or at least part of that, since there is no guarantee that
Google shows all it has.
<p>
The data you see ought to be a warning.  If you use this data to draw
specific detailed conclusions about how to get the ads you want, I
think you've missed the point.

<p>
<li><a name="1_July_2016_(Harvards_fossil_fuel_investments)" />1 July 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_July_2016_(Harvards_fossil_fuel_investments)">Harvard's fossil fuel investments</a>)
<p>
Look at the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2016/jun/29/after-6-years-of-working-on-climate-at-harvard-i-implore-it-to-show-the-courage-to-divest">cowardly
excuses and stratagems</a> that Harvard uses to duck the issue of what
its fossil fuel investments do to the world.
<p>
If you are a Harvard alumnum (*), when Harvard asks for a donation and
you would otherwise have donated, I suggest you respond, "I gave to
350.org instead."
<p>
* That is the Latin neuter version of alumnus or alumna.

<p>
<li><a name="1_July_2016_(Bliars_Tory_Lite_wing)" />1 July 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_July_2016_(Bliars_Tory_Lite_wing)">B'liar's Tory Lite wing</a>)
<p>
Most Labour MPs belong to B'liar's Tory Lite wing, and they are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/29/labour-mps-vs-corbyn-war-party-members-tories-brexit">trying
to force Corbyn out of the party leadership to which he was elected by
the party members</a>.  Since the party rules do not give them that
authority, they are trying in effect to go on strike against him and
the party members, until the latter vote them out of office.
<p>
It shows how hard plutocratists fight any movement against plutocracy.

<p>
<li><a name="1_July_2016_(Candy_Crush_Saga_tuned_to_be_addictive)" />1 July 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_July_2016_(Candy_Crush_Saga_tuned_to_be_addictive)">Candy Crush Saga tuned to be addictive</a>)
<p>
How Candy Crush Saga is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2014/apr/01/candy-crush-saga-app-brain">tuned
to be addictive</a>.
<p>
I am safe from it because, on principle, I won't install a nonfree
program on my computer.  (And it doesn't run on GNU/Linux anyway.)
Nothing prevents a free (libre) game from being tuned to be addictive,
but it appears not to happen.
<p>
This is one additional secondary reason you should run only free
software.  The main reason is that you deserve 
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">control
over your computing</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_July_2016_(Global_heating)" />1 July 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_July_2016_(Global_heating)">Global heating</a>)
<p>
Many governments 
<a href="http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a36228/ballad-of-the-sad-climatologists-0815/">don't
want climate scientists to say how bad things are going to get</a>.
The scientists themselves figure they need to present some hope, so
that people will keep fighting rather than give up.  Continuing the
fight could make the disaster less complete.
<p>
I think that young people today should know that global heating could
cause collapse of civilization, which would kill most of humanity and
reduce most of the rest to destitution.  The planet roasters are
planning to kill you.  Nothing personal about it: the planet roasters
want more money, and if the way to get it happens to kill billions of
people and extinguish hundreds of thousands of species, they don't see
a problem in that.

<p>
<li><a name="1_July_2016_(Apple_funds_Paul_Ryans_campaigns)" />1 July 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_July_2016_(Apple_funds_Paul_Ryans_campaigns)">Apple funds Paul Ryan's campaigns</a>)
<p>
Apple funds Paul Ryan's campaigns, 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/28/apples-tim-cook-has-billions-of-reasons-to-raise-money-for-the-gop/">hoping
that it is buying a tax cut</a>.
<p>
I call that corruption.

<p>
<li><a name="1_July_2016_(US_solar_electric_installations)" />1 July 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_July_2016_(US_solar_electric_installations)">US solar electric installations</a>)
<p>
Solar electric installations in the US are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/jun/28/solar-power-energy-us-utilities-environment-climate-change">booming</a>;
alas, not enough, since coal and gas-fired plants are still being
installed.  We need to have less of them than now, a lot less.
<p>
The US should start paying for home batteries, so as to create a
sufficient market to make the price drop soon.

<p>
<li><a name="1_July_2016_(Lead_in_American_water_systems)" />1 July 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_July_2016_(Lead_in_American_water_systems)">Lead in American water systems</a>)
<p>
Almost 20 million Americans get water from systems with 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/28/lead-drinking-water-level-nrdc-report-flint-crisis">high
levels of lead</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_July_2016_(How_Clinton_would_deal_with_college_loans)" />1 July 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_July_2016_(How_Clinton_would_deal_with_college_loans)">How Clinton would deal with college loans</a>)
<p>
Clinton's solution for the crushing loans of US college students: 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/28/hillary-clinton-student-debt-proposal-startup-tech-founders">aid
for the founders of startups</a>.
<p>
How pitifully small.

<p>
<li><a name="1_July_2016_(Clinton_not_the_president_we_need)" />1 July 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_July_2016_(Clinton_not_the_president_we_need)">Clinton not the president we need</a>)
<p>
As Clinton ensures the Democratic Party 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/27/hillary-democrats-against-economic-justice">won't
try to end plutocratic rule</a>, she shows she is not the president we
need.

<p>
<li><a name="1_July_2016_(Harassment_by_Exxon_puppets)" />1 July 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_July_2016_(Harassment_by_Exxon_puppets)">Harassment by Exxon puppets</a>)
<p>
Exxon's puppets in the US Congress are harassing Greenpeace, 350.org
and several state governments with 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/06/27/exxon-funded-members-congress-play-key-role-climate-deception-machine">pointless
investigations</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_July_2016_(Hollande_to_veto_the_TTIP)" />1 July 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_July_2016_(Hollande_to_veto_the_TTIP)">Hollande to veto the TTIP</a>)
<p>
French President Hollande says he will 
<a href="http://www.politico.eu/article/francois-hollande-no-to-ttip-at-this-stage-matthias-fekl/">veto
the TTIP</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_July_2016_(Breaking_the_Silence)" />1 July 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_July_2016_(Breaking_the_Silence)">Breaking the Silence</a>)
<p>
A university department in Israel was going to give an award to
Breaking the Silence, but the president of the university 
<a href="http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/1.727487">caved in to pressure
and vetoed it</a>.
<p>
Breaking the Silence encourages occupation soldiers to state the
things they did and witnessed — things that the government does
not want us to know about.

<p>
<li><a name="1_July_2016_(Israeli_checkpoints)" />1 July 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_July_2016_(Israeli_checkpoints)">Israeli checkpoints</a>)
<p>
When Palestinians get medical treatment in Israel, such as
chemotherapy for cancer, Israeli checkpoints 
<a href="http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/a-shorter-road-to-peace/">make
it impossible to get there</a>.  A group of Israelis volunteer to
drive these patients to the hospital.
<p>
Israeli drivers don't get stopped at the checkpoints on
Israelis-only roads.

<p>
<li><a name="1_July_2016_(Arsonist_Israeli_settlers)" />1 July 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_July_2016_(Arsonist_Israeli_settlers)">Arsonist Israeli "settlers"</a>)
<p>
Israeli "Settlers" 
<a href="http://maannews.com/Content.aspx?id=771982">Set Fire to
Palestinian Agricultural Lands Near Nablus</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_July_2016_(Palestinian_rep_barred_from_entering_Israel)" />1 July 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_July_2016_(Palestinian_rep_barred_from_entering_Israel)">Palestinian rep barred from entering Israel</a>)
<p>
Liberman 
<a href="http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/06/israel-liberman-revokes-entry-permits-palestinian-activists.html">crushed
a plan for cooperation between Israeli mayors and the Palestinian
Authority</a>, by barring the Palestinian representative from entering
Israel to meet with them.
<p>
The ostensible reason was that the representative had engaged in
"subversion".  In other words, an all purpose excuse that they
can always make and never need to justify.

<p>
<li><a name="30_June_2016_(Urgent:_Medical_care_for_Mustafa_al_Hawsawi)" />30 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_June_2016_(Urgent:_Medical_care_for_Mustafa_al_Hawsawi)">Urgent: Medical care for Mustafa al Hawsawi</a>)
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://act.amnestyusa.org/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1839&ea.campaign.id=47766">call
on the Pentagon</a> to give Mustafa al Hawsawi the medical care he
needs to cope with the lasting damage done by US torture.
<p>
He also 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-mar-jun.html#25_March_2014_(Guards_at_Guantanamo_prison_planning_for_operating_into_2017)">deserves
to be given a fair trial or released</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="30_June_2016_(Internet-connected_devices)" />30 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_June_2016_(Internet-connected_devices)">Internet-connected devices</a>)
<p>
Internet-connected devices with bad security are 
<a href="https://blog.sucuri.net/2016/06/large-cctv-botnet-leveraged-ddos-attacks.html">just
great for botnets</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="30_June_2016_(Human_rights_violations_in_the_UN)" />30 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_June_2016_(Human_rights_violations_in_the_UN)">Human rights violations in the UN</a>)
<p>
Anders Kompass explains why the persistent corruption and human rights
violations he saw in the UN 
<a href="https://www.whistleblower.org/multimedia/irin-exclusive-ethical-failure-%E2%80%93-why-i-resigned-un">led
him to feel obliged to resign</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="30_June_2016_(Physical_location_of_Facebook_useds)" />30 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_June_2016_(Physical_location_of_Facebook_useds)">Physical location of Facebook useds</a>)
<p>
When Facebook sees two useds are in the same physical location, it may
<a href="http://fusion.net/story/319108/facebook-phone-location-friend-suggestions/">suggest
that the two "friend" each other</a>.
<p>
This can cause lots of trouble for people in certain circumstances.
But remember that 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-nov-feb.html#05_December_2013_(NSA_collects_5_billion_cell_phone_locations_per_day)">the
NSA is doing the same thing</a>, and doesn't let you opt out —
except the way I do, by not carrying a mobile phone.

<p>
<li><a name="30_June_2016_(Gun_nut_shoots_daughters_dead)" />30 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_June_2016_(Gun_nut_shoots_daughters_dead)">Gun nut shoots daughters dead</a>)
<p>
Christy Sheats was a gun nut who claimed she needed lots of guns to
keep her family safe.  Then she 
<a href="http://www.news.com.au/world/north-america/texas-mum-who-killed-two-daughters-before-being-shot-by-police-was-a-gun-advocate/news-story/78c9faaf4b1a4e9b1caa4a22679b05a4">shot
her daughters dead, and was killed by a thug when she wouldn't drop
her gun</a>.
<p>
In general, you're 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#23_August_2015_(Gun_in_your_home)">safer
if you do <em>not</em> have a gun at home</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="30_June_2016_(The_Vote_Leave_campaign)" />30 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_June_2016_(The_Vote_Leave_campaign)">The "Vote Leave" campaign</a>)
<p>
Some of the anti-EU voters were grasping at a chance to rebel against
the politician system, and 
<a href="http://www.perc.org.uk/project_posts/thoughts-on-the-sociology-of-brexit/">didn't
really want that choice to win</a>.
<p>
Serious consideration of arguments was undermined by a general sense
of vague distrust of logical reasoning, which made wishful thinking
seem as valid as sober thinking.
<p>
The "Vote Leave" campaign 
<a href="http://www.cnet.com/news/brexit-leave-campaign-wipes-website-amid-accusations-of-false-promises/">promised
great practical benefits</a>.  After winning, it deleted them from its
web site.

<p>
<li><a name="30_June_2016_(Cities_that_tend_to_fine_people)" />30 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_June_2016_(Cities_that_tend_to_fine_people)">Cities that tend to fine people</a>)
<p>
US cities 
<a href="http://priceonomics.com/the-fining-of-black-america/">with a
large percentage of black residents</a> tend to make a practice of
fining people to raise money.

<p>
<li><a name="30_June_2016_(Erdogan_and_Putin)" />30 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_June_2016_(Erdogan_and_Putin)">Erdo&gbreve;an and Putin</a>)
<p>
Tyrannical bullies of the world, unite!  
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/28/erdogan-russia-turkey-foreign-policy">Erdo&gbreve;an
is trying to mend relations with Putin</a>.
<p>
At the same time, Erdo&gbreve;an has made a positive achievement by
gaining permission from Israel to deliver humanitarian supplies to
Gaza.  But that good is small in comparison with the evil of his
repression in Turkey itself.  There are a lot more Turks than Gazans.
Erdo&gbreve;an could surely have got permission to help Gaza without
repressing Turks.

<p>
<li><a name="30_June_2016_(Germany_to_restrict_cooperation_with_NSA)" />30 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_June_2016_(Germany_to_restrict_cooperation_with_NSA)">Germany to restrict cooperation with NSA</a>)
<p>
Germany is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/28/germany-curb-spy-agency-nsa-scandal-angela-merkel">planning
to restrict cooperation between its spy agency and the NSA</a>.  The
NSA was using it to spy on European officials.

<p>
<li><a name="30_June_2016_(Americans_on_the_economy)" />30 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_June_2016_(Americans_on_the_economy)">Americans on the economy</a>)
<p>
2/3 of Americans in a poll said that the economy is 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/28/7-out-10-americans-agree-economy-rigged-against-them">rigged
against them</a>.
<p>
Most of them were not impressed by Trump or Clinton.  It is too bad
they didn't get Sanders nominated.

<p>
<li><a name="30_June_2016_(The_Democratic_Party_platform)" />30 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_June_2016_(The_Democratic_Party_platform)">The Democratic Party platform</a>)
<p>
The Democratic Party platform 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/06/28/nurses-criticize-democratic-platform-committee-vote-oppose-guaranteed">will
oppose Sanders's universal single payer medical care program</a>,
obeying Clinton.

<p>
<li><a name="30_June_2016_(Implicit_bias_of_federal_thugs)" />30 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_June_2016_(Implicit_bias_of_federal_thugs)">Implicit bias of federal thugs</a>)
<p>
The US 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/06/27/civil-and-human-rights-coalition-applauds-department-justice-initiative-implicit">will
give all federal thugs and prosecutors training</a> to try to curb
implicit bias.
<p>
I don't know whether there is a demonstrated method for doing this
job, but it is good that they are trying.

<p>
<li><a name="30_June_2016_(Thugs_massacre_protesting_teachers)" />30 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_June_2016_(Thugs_massacre_protesting_teachers)">Thugs massacre protesting teachers</a>)
<p>
Thugs in Oaxaca massacred teachers protesting the government's
preparations for privatizing schools, but 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/27/oaxacas-teachers-movement-not-thwarted-state-terror">the
teachers are not cowed</a>.
<p>
Denouncing Violent Tactics of 'Political Mafia,' 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/27/denouncing-violent-tactics-political-mafia-tens-thousands-march-mexico-city">Tens
of Thousands March in Mexico City</a>.
<p>
This sort of state terrorism, visible in US in the CIA torture and
Guantanamo prison, is more dangerous than foreign-organized or
underground terrorism.  The measures that are proposed to block the
latter are exactly what enables the former.

<p>
<li><a name="30_June_2016_(Domestic_violence_and_guns)" />30 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_June_2016_(Domestic_violence_and_guns)">Domestic violence and guns</a>)
<p>
Reckless domestic violence has been ruled 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/06/27/victory-safety-scotus-holds-firearms-ban-reckless-domestic-violence">grounds
for denying someone the right to buy or own guns</a>, just like
flat-out deliberate violence.
<p>
If this law had been enforced, it would have prevented the Orlando
massacre.

<p>
<li><a name="30_June_2016_(Private_prison)" />30 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_June_2016_(Private_prison)">Private prison</a>)
<p>
A journalist working in a CCA private prison reports that the way CCA
extracts a profit is through 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2016/06/shane-bauers-four-months-private-prison-guard">low
pay and understaffing</a>.  The guards can't stop prisoners from
stabbing other prisoners.
<p>
His training class explicitly taught him 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/06/cca-private-prisons-corrections-corporation-inmates-investigation-bauer">not
to try to stop prisoners from attacking other prisoners</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="30_June_2016_(Conditions_for_chickens_raised_for_sale)" />30 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_June_2016_(Conditions_for_chickens_raised_for_sale)">Conditions for chickens raised for sale</a>)
<p>
Perdue says it 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/06/perdue-chicken-antibiotics-welfare-windows">will
pay the cost of improving conditions</a> for chickens that are raised
for it to sell.

<p>
<li><a name="30_June_2016_(The_UK_political_situation)" />30 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_June_2016_(The_UK_political_situation)">The UK political situation</a>)
<p>
The UK political situation reflects the fact that 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/28/political-leaders-elitism-eu-referendum">politicians
almost completely ignored the people</a>, as well as the serious
political issues that affect them.
<p>
It is not an accident that this has become the norm there, and in the
US.  It is a result of plutocracy, which uses the media to spread the
idea that resisting the actions of the plutocracy is "unrealistic".

<p>
<li><a name="29_June_2016_(India_imposing_biometric_identification)" />29 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_June_2016_(India_imposing_biometric_identification)">India imposing biometric identification</a>)
<p>
India is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/28/india-village-compile-worlds-biggest-id-database-aadhaar">imposing
biometric identification on the whole population</a>, including
fingerprinting and iris scans.
<p>
It may be possible, or it may become possible, to recognize people on
the street by iris scanning from a distance, turning this into a
horrible orwellian system.
<p>
We tried to resist this.

<p>
<li><a name="29_June_2016_(1989_Tiananmen_protest_survivor)" />29 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_June_2016_(1989_Tiananmen_protest_survivor)">1989 Tiananmen protest survivor</a>)
<p>
Chen Yunfei, survivor of the Tiananmen protests in 1989, has tried to
spread awareness of them in China.  He is now 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/28/chinese-activist-arrested-for-visiting-grave-of-man-killed-in-tiananmen-massacre-to-stand-trial">being
tried on charges of saying what the State wants people to forget</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="29_June_2016_(New_Labour_MPs)" />29 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_June_2016_(New_Labour_MPs)">"New Labour" MPs</a>)
<p>
Labour MPs from B'liar's "New Labour" sellout era demand that Corbyn
resign as the party leader, but
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/27/bruising-day-ends-with-labour-in-turmoil-and-corbyn-turning-to-the-grassroots">don't
dare face him in a vote of the membership</a>.  Corbyn and his backers
have threatened to replace them in the next election, which could be
this year of four years from now.

<p>
<li><a name="29_June_2016_(Murder_of_singer_Victor_Jara)" />29 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_June_2016_(Murder_of_singer_Victor_Jara)">Murder of singer Victor Jara</a>)
<p>
A Chilean officer of the 1970s was found liable in a civil suit for
the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/27/victor-jara-pedro-pablo-barrientos-nunez-killing-chile">murder
of singer Victor Jara</a>.  If he is convicted in a criminal trial,
that would be really something to cheer.
<p>
The US was behind the 
<a href="http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Kissinger/KissingerTranscriptsChile.html">military
coup</a> after this murder took place.

<p>
<li><a name="29_June_2016_(Bill_to_protect_Puerto_Rico)" />29 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_June_2016_(Bill_to_protect_Puerto_Rico)">Bill to "protect" Puerto Rico</a>)
<p>
The Obama regime is pressing the Senate to pass a bill to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/27/puerto-rico-debt-default-senate-bill-jack-lew">"protect"
Puerto Rico from default</a>.
<p>
However, I've read 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#26_May_2016_(SCROTUS_wants_to_screw_Puerto_Rico)">elsewhere</a>
that this bill would give Puerto Rico the same nondemocratic treatment
as
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jan-apr.html#06_February_2015_(Austerity_and_suicide_rate_in_Greece)">Greece</a>, 
and 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jan-apr.html#27_April_2015_(Detroit)">Detroit</a>
and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#17_December_2015_(State-imposed_bankruptcy_goverment)">Flint</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="29_June_2016_(Google_public_transport_help)" />29 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_June_2016_(Google_public_transport_help)">Google public transport "help"</a>)
<p>
Google is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jun/27/google-flow-sidewalk-labs-columbus-ohio-parking-transit">trying
to "help" cities provide public transport</a>.  The threat is that
public buses will be eliminated and replaced by Guber, which 
<a href="https://stallman.org/uber.html">tramples
passengers' freedom</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="29_June_2016_(Neocon_Clinton)" />29 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_June_2016_(Neocon_Clinton)">Neocon Clinton</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/27/hillary-clinton-necono-republican-endorsements-donald-trump-policy-issues">Is
Hillary Clinton a Neocon?</a>
<p>
It sure looks that way.  The Democratic Party just 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/27/dnc-platform-leaves-door-open-for-no-fly-zone-in-syria-refuses-to-call-for-end-to-israeli-occupation/">rejected
a proposal to rule out a "no fly" zone in Syria</a>.  Such a zone
would be a direct confrontation with Russia.
<p>
Last time the neocons had a president on their side, they 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2004-jan-apr.html#12%20January%202004%20(Invasion%20excuses)">started
the gratuitous war that engulfed Iraq</a> and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#21_May_2015_(How_Dubya_created_PISSI)">created 
PISSI</a>.  They also gave the US torture and imprisonment without
trial: that is, national shame.
<p>
If we prosecute the neocons responsible for these crimes against
humanity, we can turn them into cons, and eventually into ex-cons.
<p>
We need to convert the neocons into ex-cons.

<p>
<li><a name="29_June_2016_(The_latest_tactic_for_protecting_privacy)" />29 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_June_2016_(The_latest_tactic_for_protecting_privacy)">The latest tactic for protecting privacy</a>)
<p>
Fake fingerprints make it easy to avoid <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Passcode/Security-culture/2016/0627/Fake-fingerprints-The-latest-tactic-for-protecting-privacy">using your real fingerprints</a> to authenticate.
<p>
To make sure you can dispose of them quickly, they need to be edible
and digestible.

<p>
<li><a name="29_June_2016_(US_ask_visitors_locations_of_their_'online_presence')" />29 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_June_2016_(US_ask_visitors_locations_of_the
ir_'online_presence')">US ask visitors locations of their 'online presence'</a>)
<p>
The US plans to ask visitors to declare the locations of their "<a href="http://www.theverge.com/2016/6/24/12026364/us-customs-border-patrol-online-account-twitter-facebook-instagram">online presence</a>".
<p>
This seems dangerous to me, since there will be no limits to the
pressure for self-censorship.  Even if the US applies this only to
keep out terrorists, other governments will follow the same approach
to exclude human rights defenders.
<p>
Systematically some will be <a href="http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/06/attention-us-bound-tourists-social-media-accounts-subject-to-inspection/">led to give their passwords</a> too, by mistake.

<p>
<li><a name="29_June_2016_(Brexit_UK)" />29 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_June_2016_(Brexit_UK)">Brexit UK</a>)
<p>
The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/28/brexit-great-news-eu-britain-sovereignty">UK's departure from the EU</a> would remove one obstacle to reforming it.
<p>
To take advantage of this opportunity would require electing parties
committed to such reform in many EU countries.

<p>
<li><a name="29_June_2016_(User_sues_MS_over_Windows_10)" />29 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_June_2016_(User_sues_MS_over_Windows_10)">User sues MS over Windows 10</a>)
<p>
A users sued Microsoft and <a href="http://gizmodo.com/woman-wins-10-000-from-microsoft-after-unwanted-window-1782666146">collected $10,000 damages</a> over the imposed
installation of Windows 10.

<p>
<li><a name="29_June_2016_(Disney_contribute_to_body_esteem_issues)" />29 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_June_2016_(Disney_contribute_to_body_esteem_issues)">Disney contribute to body esteem issues</a>)
<p>
Disney "princess" marketing teaches girls a limiting gender image and
is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jun/27/disney-princesses-contribute-to-body-esteem-issues-amongst-young-girls-finds-study">bad for their self-esteem</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="29_June_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_lame-duck_vote_on_the_TPP)" />29 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_June_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_lame-duck_vote_on_the_TPP)">Urgent: Oppose lame-duck vote on the TPP</a>)
<p>
US citizens: Phone Rep. Pelosi to oppose a <a href="http://act.credoaction.com/call/pelosi_tpp_calls/">lame-duck vote on the TPP</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="28_June_2016_(Australia's_right-wing_government_wants_tax_cuts)" />28 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_June_2016_(Australia's_right-wing_government_wa
nts_tax_cuts)">Australia's right-wing government wants tax cuts</a>)
<p>
Australia's right-wing government wants tax cuts for business, heavily
oriented towards <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/jun/28/coalitions-company-tax-cuts-more-than-40-of-benefit-flows-overseas-report-finds">foreign investors</a>.
<p>
What this shows is that the right-wing parties are functioning as a government
of occupation for the plutocrats.

<p>
<li><a name="28_June_2016_(Private_prisons_CEO_views)" />28 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_June_2016_(Private_prisons_CEO_views)">Private prisons CEO views</a>)
<p>
A CEO of privatized prisons says his company <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/27/private-prison-trump-clinton/">will do just fine</a>
with either Clinton or Trump in the White House.
<p>
Sanders would have tried to put a crimp in their business.

<p>
<li><a name="28_June_2016_(Egyptian_authorities_ban_feminist_from_travelling_)" />28 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_June_2016_(Egyptian_authorities_ban_feminist_
from_travelling_)">Egyptian authorities ban feminist from travelling </a>)
<p>
Egyptian Authorities <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/27/egyptian-authorities-ban-feminist-mozn-hassan-from-travelling-to-beirut">Ban Feminist</a> Mozn Hassan from Travelling to Beirut.
<p>
To stop someone from leaving a country is in itself a mark of tyranny.

<p>
<li><a name="28_June_2016_(Airbnb_New_York_city_housing_)" />28 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_June_2016_(Airbnb_New_York_city_housing_)">Airbnb New York city housing </a>)
<p>
Airbnb and similar services have caused a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/27/airbnb-new-york-city-housing-stock-reduction-study">big drop</a> in NYC's rentak vacancies.
<p>
This must be driving rents up for people who live in the city,
adding to the effect of other pressures.

<p>
<li><a name="28_June_2016_(SA_journalists_fired_for_covering_protests)" />28 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_June_2016_(SA_journalists_fired_for_covering_protests
)">SA journalists fired for covering protests</a>)
<p>
South African journalists have been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2016/jun/27/south-african-journalists-suspended-by-public-broadcaster">fired for covering protests</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="28_June_2016_(Everyone:_call_on_CNN_not_to_hire_Lewandowski)" />28 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_June_2016_(Everyone:_call_on_CNN_not_to_hire_Lewan
dowski)">Everyone: call on CNN not to hire Lewandowski</a>)
<p>
Everyone: call on CNN <a href="http://act.freepress.net/sign/journ_cnn_lewandowski/">not to hire Lewandowski</a>, Trump's former campaign manager.

<p>
<li><a name="28_June_2016_(Austerity_economic_woes_EU_referendum)" />28 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_June_2016_(Austerity_economic_woes_EU_referendum)">Austerity economic woes EU referendum</a>)
<p>
"<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/27/austerity-economic-woes-eu-referendum-brexit">Austerity is the cause</a> of our economic woes.  Itâs nothing to do with the EU."
<p>
The EU is also a force for austerity, but mainly in the euro zone.
This did not touch the UK because the pound is independent of the euro.


<p>
<li><a name="28_June_2016_(Brexit_and_diseased_liberal_mind)" />28 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_June_2016_(Brexit_and_diseased_liberal_mind)">Brexit and diseased liberal mind</a>)
<p>
Most British campaigners either for or against the EU focused on
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/27/brexit-and-diseased-liberal-mind">short-term superficial effects</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="28_June_2016_(Proposed_Policies_to_curb_thug_violence)" />28 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_June_2016_(Proposed_Policies_to_curb_thug_violence)">Proposed Policies to curb thug violence</a>)
<p>
A former San Francisco thug chief proposes policies to <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/06/sfpd-shootings-george-gascon">curb violence by thugs in San Francisco</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="28_June_2016_(US_Supreme_Court_Texas_abortion_ruling)" />28 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_June_2016_(US_Supreme_Court_Texas_abortion_ruling)">US Supreme Court Texas abortion ruling</a>)
<p>
The US Supreme Court <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/law/2016/jun/27/us-supreme-court-texas-abortion-ruling">overturned the Texas abortion law</a> that tried to
impose pointless restrictions only so that clinics would be unable to comply.
<p>
The decision is broad, and constitutes a big setback for fanatical
Christians that want to deny women the right to an abortion by hook or
by crook.

<p>
<li><a name="28_June_2016_(Clinton_to_give_multinationals_huge_tax_cuts)" />28 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_June_2016_(Clinton_to_give_multinationals_huge_tax_
cuts)">Clinton to give multinationals huge tax cuts</a>)
<p>
Clinton's recent speech indicates she plans to give the multinational
corporations a <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/27/hillary-clinton-hints-at-giant-trump-like-giveaway-to-corporate-america/">big tax cut</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="28_June_2016_(Eastern_Europeans_in_Brexit_Britain)" />28 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_June_2016_(Eastern_Europeans_in_Brexit_Britain)">Eastern Europeans in Brexit Britain</a>)
<p>
Eastern Europeans in Britain now face the danger of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/27/family-safe-eastern-europeans-brexit-britain-eu-referendum">violence by bigots</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="28_June_2016_(Urgent:_Call_for_research_about_gun_violence)" />28 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_June_2016_(Urgent:_Call_for_research_about_gun_viol
ence)">Urgent: Call for research about gun violence</a>)
<p>
US citizens: call for legalizing federal support for <a href="https://secure3.convio.net/ucs/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=5302">research about gun violence</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="28_June_2016_(Urgent:_Call_on_Congress_to_pass_the_Equality_Act)" />28 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_June_2016_(Urgent:_Call_on_Congress_to_pass_th
e_Equality_Act)">Urgent: Call on Congress to pass the Equality Act</a>)
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to <a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Equality_Act_2016">pass the Equality Act</a> and extend civil rights legislation to genderqueer people.

<p>
<li><a name="28_June_2016_(Brexit_reject_austerity)" />28 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_June_2016_(Brexit_reject_austerity)">Brexit reject austerity</a>)
<p>
"In pushing for Brexit, the powerful have exploited marginalised
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/24/reject-austerity-brexit-left">peopleâs fears and needs</a>. The left must help them to take back control."


<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(Urgent:_Israels_colonies)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(Urgent:_Israels_colonies)">Urgent: Israel's colonies</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/repcummings-affirm-us">call
on the Democratic Party</a> to take a stand against expansion of
Israel's colonies in Palestinian territory.

<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(Urgent:_Gun_control_measures)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(Urgent:_Gun_control_measures)">Urgent: Gun control measures</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/tell-paul-ryan-nobillnobreak">call
on the House of Representatives</a> to adopt several gun control
measures.
<p>
I support this version of the "suspected terrorist" provision because
it calls for giving suspects due process, rather than the arbitrary
watch list used now.  If this passes, maybe it could provide a basis
to insert due process to the no-fly list, which is currently a system
of
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#13_December_2015_(Injustice_of_the_no-fly_list)">punishment
without trial</a>.
<p>
The bills actually proposed are well-meant but
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/23/welcome-democratic-stand-guns-are-these-bills-were-looking">unjust</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(Civil_suit_by_dissidents_against_UK_govt)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(Civil_suit_by_dissidents_against_UK_govt)">Civil suit by dissidents against UK gov't</a>)
<p>
The UK government is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/25/mi6-600k-legal-bill-block-libyan-couple-rendition-civil-case">going
to great lengths to shut down a civil suit</a> by Libyan dissidents
about its participation in handing them over to Qadhafi for torture.

<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(The_plutocratic_elite)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(The_plutocratic_elite)">The plutocratic elite</a>)
<p>
The British working class, deindustrialized and impoverished,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/25/brexit-vote-poor-elite">seized
on the EU referendum to attack an elite</a> that had demonstrated
decades of not caring about them.
<p>
However, bollixing some of the elite will not result by itself in
defeating the plutocratic elite.  What they need is a party that
stands for them.
<p>
The EU is getting paid back for its
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/25/brexit-stern-rebuke-arrogant-elites">lack
of democracy</a>.
<p>
Not only the European Commission is undemocratic; so are the banks
that the euro zone has elevated to cruel and tyrannical power
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#12_July_2015_(Cash_shortage_in_Greece)">as
seen in Greece</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(The_next_PM_of_the_UK)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(The_next_PM_of_the_UK)">The next PM of the UK</a>)
<p>
The bombastic former London mayor is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/25/who-is-boris-johnson-brexit-referendum-uk-prime-minister">likely
to be the next PM</a> of the UK.
<p>
The other likely candidate is the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/25/theresa-may-emerges-as-stop-boris-tory-leadership-candidate">chief
advocate of massive surveillance</a>.
<p>
I can't judge which is worse.

<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(Another_EU_referendum_in_the_UK)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(Another_EU_referendum_in_the_UK)">Another EU referendum in the UK</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/25/britain-rainy-fascist-island-progrexit-brexit">How
progressives in Britain could respond</a> to the UK's leaving the EU.
<p>
A million Britons have already
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/24/petition-second-eu-referendum-crashes-house-of-commons-website">asked
for another referendum</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(Charged_with_designing_a_web_site)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(Charged_with_designing_a_web_site)">Charged with designing a web site</a>)
<p>
Nazanin Zaghari is a prisoner in Iran, and her daughter is effectively
a prisoner too.  She can't return home except with her father, and he
dares not go, fearing
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/25/nazanin-zaghari-richard-ratcliffe-iran-imprisoned">he
too might be arrested</a>.
<p>
Nazanin is charged with
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/25/iran-holds-web-designer-in-solitary-confinement">helping
design a web site for protesters</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(Oakland_Proposes_Ban_On_Coal_Handling)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(Oakland_Proposes_Ban_On_Coal_Handling)">Oakland Proposes Ban On Coal Handling</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.sltrib.com/news/4045118-155/oakland-proposes-ban-on-coal-handling">Oakland
Proposes Ban On Coal Handling</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(Arrested_for_handing_out_leaflets)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(Arrested_for_handing_out_leaflets)">Arrested for handing out leaflets</a>)
<p>
The military regime in Thailand has arrested people for
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/25/thailand-jails-activists-for-campaigning-to-reject-constitution-in-referendum">handing
out leaflets</a> urging people to vote no in the referendum on the
military's proposed unjust constitution.

<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(Oil_spills_in_California)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(Oil_spills_in_California)">Oil spills in California</a>)
<p>
Small oil spills
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/23/california-oil-spill-leaves-gooey-mess-and-reminder-big-oils-dangers">keep
happening in California</a> and surely in other places that oil
pipelines run.  While a small spill like this is not a regional
disaster like the Big Spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the damage of their
small spills accumulates over time.  And if the spill gets into a
river, it can
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#26_July_2015_(Kalamazoo_river)">ruin
drinking water for a region</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(Guber_pays_drivers_peanuts)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(Guber_pays_drivers_peanuts)">Guber pays drivers peanuts</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/carolineodonovan/internal-uber-driver-pay-numbers">Internal
data from Guber</a> show that it really pays drivers peanuts.

<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(Transcanada_sues_US)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(Transcanada_sues_US)">Transcanada sues US</a>)
<p>
Transcanada, the company that was going to build the Keystone XL
planet-roaster pipeline, has sued the US under NAFTA for 15 billion
dollars for 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/26/transcanada-files-nafta-suit-demanding-more-15-billion-keystone-xl-rejection">denying
it the profit it "expected"</a> to get from the pipeline.
<p>
This one of the "investor-state" lawsuits that the TPP would extend to
many other countries.  That's exactly why we must defeat the TPP and
cancel NAFTA.
<p>
In general we must abolish the 
<a href="https://stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">business
supremacy treaties</a>.
<p>
The Democratic Party 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/26/democrats-prioritize-party-unity-over-including-stand-against-tpp-platform">rejected
a platform statement against the TPP</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(New_Labour_MPs_attempt_to_oust_Corbyn)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(New_Labour_MPs_attempt_to_oust_Corbyn)">"New Labour" MPs attempt to oust Corbyn</a>)
<p>
Leftover "New Labour" MPs took the referendum outcome as the
opportunity for their long-planned 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/26/labour-in-crisis-shadow-ministers-resign-in-protests-jeremy-corbyn">attempt
to oust Corbyn as head of the Labour Party</a>.  Corbyn has responded
vigorously.
<p>
The Labour rebels are part of the elites whose 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#7_February_2016_(Tories_to_kick_people_out_of_state_housing)">disregard
for British working people</a> led many of them to give up on the
party and scapegoat immigrants.

<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(PISSI_loses_Falluja,_losing_Manbij)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(PISSI_loses_Falluja,_losing_Manbij)">PISSI loses Falluja, losing Manbij</a>)
<p>
PISSI has lost Falluja; even more important, it 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/26/falluja-iraq-fully-liberated-from-isis">may
soon lose Manbij</a>, the border city that anchors its line of
communication to Turkey.
<p>
Without the Manbij corridor, PISSI won't be able to bring in recruits via
Turkey, or trade arms and oil with Turkey.  Recall that Turkish
journalists have been prosecuted for revealing how Turkey 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#21_November_2015_(Turkey_keeps_PISSIs_supply_lines_open)">delivered
arms to PISSI</a>.
<p>
I expect PISSI to collapse within a year if it loses Manbij.
<p>
I hope we will get more news of the civilians of Falluja.  PISSI
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#27_May_2016_(Families_that_escaped_from_Fallujah_are_starving)">killed
those that tried to flee</a>, and some of those who succeeded in
fleeing were
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#8_June_2016_(No_hope_for_fleeing_civilians)">imprisoned
and abused by Iraqi forces</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(Sanders)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(Sanders)">Sanders</a>)
<p>
Sanders 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/16/bernie-sanders-will-work-with-clinton-donald-trump-speech">said
he will vote for Clinton</a>, to stop Trump.
<p>
It would take more than that for me ignore the 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-jan-apr.html#11_February_2013_(Hilary_Clinton_did_many_bad_things_as_Secretary_of_State)">bad
things about Clinton</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(Nebraskas_death_penalty)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(Nebraskas_death_penalty)">Nebraska's death penalty</a>)
<p>
The daughter of a murdered man is a leader in the campaign to keep the
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/20/in-the-battle-over-nebraskas-death-penalty-victims-families-refuse-to-be-political-pawns/">death penalty abolished in Nebraska</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(New_campaign_for_Obama_to_pardon_Snowden)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(New_campaign_for_Obama_to_pardon_Snowden)">New campaign for Obama to pardon Snowden</a>)
<p>
Snowden's lawyer will launch a new campaign for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/26/edward-snowden-lawyer-pardon-obama">Obama to pardon Snowden</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(Turkish_police_fire_tear_gas_at_gay_activists)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(Turkish_police_fire_tear_gas_at_gay_act
ivists)">Turkish police fire tear gas at gay activists</a>)
<p>
Turkish [Thugs] Use Teargas Against <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/26/turkish-police-fire-teargas-at-gay-activists">Gay Activists in Istanbul</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(What_are_governments_for)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(What_are_governments_for)">What are governments for</a>)
<p>
The prime responsibility of the state is to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/24/it-seems-like-a-good-time-to-ask-what-are-governments-for">plan and manage</a>, but plutocratic states refuse to face the responsibility.
<p>
Australians have privately organized a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/24/solar-battery-storage-bulk-buy-scheme-promises-lower-prices-sooner">mass battery purchase</a> to advance home battery technology.  The state should have done this.  In fact, I proposed such a thing
in a legislative hearing in Massachusetts a year ago.  Ten years ago,
states were doing the same sort of thing for solar power cells.
<p>
The neoliberal ideology is both an excuse for this refusal and a way
of covering up contrary actions.  Every market is regulated; a market
can't exist without some regulations or other.  The market mechanism
could be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, if regulated with a
carbon tax.  If the state instead subsidizes fossil fuels, then it's
managing society so as to run off the carbon cliff; but it can pretend
that "the invisible hand is doing this -- we are only watching."
<p>
Neoliberal ideology is also an excuse to cut taxes to the point where
all spending projects are impossible, again denying responsibility for
the policies that are adopted.


<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(Gun_Debate_America_Violence)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(Gun_Debate_America_Violence)">Gun Debate America Violence
</a>)
<p>
The US already has a law that could be used to stop domestic abusers from
buying or keeping guns.  <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/26/gun-debate-america-violence">We have failed to enforce it</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(Watermarking_code_for_e-books)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(Watermarking_code_for_e-books)">Watermarking code for e-books</a>)
<p>
Researchers have broken a <a href="https://torrentfreak.com/researchers-crack-social-drm-ebook-watermarks-160625/">watermarking code</a> for e-books.  Here's the <a href="
https://pastebin.com/raw/E1xgCUmb">developers' statement</a>.
<p>
Watermarking used as a scheme to stop people from sharing is wrong
because its goal is wrong.  <a href="
http://gnu.org/philosophy/copyright-vs-community.html">Sharing is good, and ought to be legal</a>.  However, the scheme presupposes another injustice: making people
identify themselves to buy a copy.  <a href="media/d0e54868.ebooks.pdf" data-original-source="http://stallman.org/ebooks.pdf">To defend my privacy, I refuse
to identify myself to a bookseller</a>.  I pay cash and only cash.

<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(Tech_Companies_fight_FBI_requests)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(Tech_Companies_fight_FBI_requests)">Tech Companies fight FBI requests</a>)
<p>
The FBI stretches the unjust PAT RIOT Act, and small companies often
don't know how to resist.  Meanwhile, bills in Congress threaten to
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/21/tech-companies-fight-back-after-years-of-being-deluged-with-secret-fbi-requests/">give the FBI more power</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(Scotland_and_EU_Referendum)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(Scotland_and_EU_Referendum)">Scotland and EU Referendum</a
>)
<p>
If the UK leaves the EU, Scotland is likely to secede from the UK
and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/26/eu-referendum-nicola-sturgeon-snp-union">rejoin the EU</a>.
<p>
Ironically, both the Scottish nationalist movement and the movement
to take the UK out of the EU are similar false revolts.  People who
had been dumped on by the rich elites signed up for a rebellion
aimed at something else.

<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(Nicaragua_is_crushing_the_opposition)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(Nicaragua_is_crushing_the_opposition)">Nicaragua
is crushing the opposition</a>)
<p>
The government of Nicaragua is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/26/nicaragua-opposition-daniel-ortega-presidential-election">crushing the opposition and criticism</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(Russian_Big_Brother_measures)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(Russian_Big_Brother_measures)">Russian Big Brother measures</a>)
<p>
Russia's congress has approved a law to require phone companies and
ISPs to record a person's calls and communication, and to <a href="http://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/1981490/russian-mps-approve-anti-terror-big-brother-measures">hand over encryption keys</a> to the state on demand.
<p>
This is what the FBI and the NSA want in the US.
They are the enemies of American's freedom; they are Putin.


<p>
<li><a name="27_June_2016_(Urgent:_Call_Senator_Reed_to_drop_support_for_Cluster_Bombs)" />27 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_June_2016_(Urgent:_Call_Senator_Reed
_to_drop_support_for_Cluster_Bombs)">Urgent: Call Senator Reed to drop support for Cluster Bombs</a>)
<p>
Everyone: call on Senator Reed to drop his <a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/senjackreed-renounce">support for cluster bombs</a>,
and specifically for exporting them to Salafi Arabia.


<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Urgent:_Public_funding_for_elections)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Urgent:_Public_funding_for_elections)">Urgent: Public funding for elections</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/tell-congress-pass-fair-elections-campaign-finance-system/">call
on Congress</a> to adopt public funding for elections.

<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Urgent:_Ban_shark_fin_trade)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Urgent:_Ban_shark_fin_trade)">Urgent: Ban shark fin trade</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.oceana.org/sign/Congress_shark-fin-ban_2016/">Call
on Congress</a> to ban trade in shark fins.

<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Urgent:_No_drug_test_for_food_stamps)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Urgent:_No_drug_test_for_food_stamps)">Urgent: No drug test for food stamps</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/food_stamps_drug_testing">call
on Congress</a> not to permit drug test requirements for food stamps.
<p>
Are these idiots trying to make addicts quit by starving them?
Or punish their children?

<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Dissatisfaction_with_the_EU)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Dissatisfaction_with_the_EU)">Dissatisfaction with the EU</a>)
<p>
The UK voters voted 52%-48% in favor of taking the UK out of the EU,
but 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/24/brexit-earthquake-has-happened-the-rubble-will-take-years-to-clear">actually
doing so will be very difficult</a>.
<p>
The referendum has no direct legal effect; it is just a
recommendation.  I tend to think that Parliament will ultimately
decide to disregard the recommendation, because the small margin was
not a real mandate.
<p>
The vote reflects a broad level of 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/24/brexit-threat-europe-visionary-outcome-debate">dissatisfaction
with the EU all across its territory</a>.
<p>
It is a shame that the dissatisfaction is being 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2016/06/brexit-wins">mobilized
by right-wing nationalists playing on racism</a>, with a 
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#22_June_2016_(Brexit_fake_revolt)">fake
revolt</a>, rather than by progressives who would instead aim to 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-nov-feb.html#05_December_2013_(How_the_UK_can_win_independence_from_the_banksters)">free
the EU from control by business and plutocrats</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Syrian_Escalation)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Syrian_Escalation)">Syrian Escalation</a>)
<p>
The <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/23/fraudulent-case-syrian-escalation">Fraudulent Case</a> for a Syrian Escalation: US war hawks are wallowing in wishful thinking, and hoping that Clinton
will give them a chance to test it against reality.


<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(NYC_thugs)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(NYC_thugs)">NYC thugs</a>)
<p>
The NYC thug department's inspector general <a href="https://mathbabe.org/2016/06/23/oig-report-broken-windows-doesnt-work/">concluded</a> that the "broken
windows" theory of policing, famously applied by those thugs, has no
empirical basis and that its harshness is gratuitous.

<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Republicans)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Republicans)">Republicans</a>)
<p>
Republicans <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/welcome-to-the-first-presidential-election-since-voting-rights-act-gutted-20160623">are still trying</a> to win in November through voter suppression.
By requiring expensive ID cards based on expensive birth certificates,
they have effectively brought back the "poll tax" that once stopped poor
people from voting.

<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Graphics_cards)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Graphics_cards)">Graphics cards</a>)
<p>
Some graphics cards manufacturers <a href="http://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2016/6/21/11986836/msi-asus-overclocked-graphics-cards-review">have been tricking reviewers</a>
by changing the clock parameters in the products they send to reviewers.

<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(ACLU)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(ACLU)">ACLU</a>)
<p>
The ACLU <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/06/24/aclu-sues-federal-government-granting-millions-dollars-religious-groups-deny">has sued to stop the US</a> from contracting medical care for
underage refugees to religious organizations that deny them access to
contraception and abortion.
<p>
Right on, ACLU!


<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Tina_Louise_Rothery)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Tina_Louise_Rothery)">Tina Louise Rothery</a>)
<p>

Tina Louise Rothery <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/24/anti-fracking-activist-refuses-to-pay-legal-bill-cuadrilla">joined an anti-fracking protest and was ordered to pay
55,000 pounds to the fracking company</a>.  She refuses to pay, and challenges
the British state to jail her.

<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Trump)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Trump)">Trump</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/24/donald-trump-fact-check-foreign-policy-taxes-business">This week's Trump lies</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Fracking)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Fracking)">Fracking</a>)
<p>
Germany <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/24/germany-bans-fracking-after-years-of-dispute">has banned</a> fracking.

<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Brexit)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Brexit)">Brexit</a>)
<p>
The Dispossessed [in the UK] Voted For Brexit.  Jeremy Corbyn <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/24/brexit-dispossessed-jeremy-corbyn-diane-abbott-new-left">Offers</a>
Real Change.

<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Fear_of_immigration)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Fear_of_immigration)">Fear of immigration</a>)
<p>
Fear of Immigration 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/24/voting-details-show-immigration-fears-were-paradoxical-but-decisive">Drove</a>
the "Leave" Victory — Not Immigration Itself.

<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Guns)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Guns)">Guns</a>)
<p>
Dramatic House Sit-In on Guns <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/22/dramatic-house-sit-guns-undercut-focus-secret-racist-watchlist">Is Undercut</a> By Focus on Secret, Racist Watchlist.
<p>
The ACLU's statement <a href="media/91a5fe0c.commendation_on_feinstein_and_cornyn_amendments_to_h.r._2578.pdf" data-original-source="https://www.aclu.org/sites/default/files/field_document/2016_06_20_aclu_vote_recommendation_on_feinstein_and_cornyn_amendments_to_h.r._2578.pdf">opposing</a> use of arbitrary "watch lists" to decide
who can buy a gun.

<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Trump)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Trump)">Trump</a>)
<p>
Trump's cruelty and vindictiveness 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/23/donald-trump-faces-wall-of-opposition-as-he-returns-to-scotland">are 
highlighted</a> by his actions in Scotland.
<p>
"Here he intimidate[d] ordinary people;
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/24/donald-trump-frosty-reception-scotland-broken-promises-golf">he
made outrageous promises</a> to hoodwink the gullible; and he showed a
breathtaking disdain for the environmental toll..."

<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Satellite_surveillance)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Satellite_surveillance)">Satellite surveillance</a>)
<p>
Satellite surveillance <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/mar/02/new-satellite-mapping-a-game-changer-against-illegal-logging">can now report</a> illegal logging "almost in real
time".

<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Sanders)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Sanders)">Sanders</a>)
<p>
Sanders: his political revolution <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/24/bernie-sanders-my-political-revolution-is-just-getting-started">is "just getting started"</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Thugs_in_Cleveland)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Thugs_in_Cleveland)">Thugs in Cleveland</a>)
<p>
Thugs have been visiting dissidents in Cleveland to ask them about planned
protests for the Republican Convention, <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/23/fbi-and-police-are-knocking-on-activists-doors-ahead-of-republican-national-convention/">apparently for intimidation</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Nauru)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Nauru)">Nauru</a>)
<p>
Nauru says it welcomes "respectful, objective" journalists <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/22/only-respectful-and-objective-media-outlets-are-welcome-says-nauru">but not</a>
"extreme left activist" journalists. In two years, only two groups have been sufficiently "respectful"
to get approval.  The visa fee is enough to convince most journalists
not to ask.
<p>
Nauru is "sovereignty" makes it a convenient and deniable proxy
for Australia.


<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Britain)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Britain)">Britain</a>)
<p>
The Real Threat to Britain's Borders <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/23/real-threat-britain-borders-flow-dirty-money-eu">Is the Flow</a> of Dirty Money.

<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Turkey)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Turkey)">Turkey</a>)
<p>
Elif Shafak: "Turkeyâs LGBT community is fighting for freedom. Thatâs
why Erdogan
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/23/turkey-lgbt-freedom-erdogan-istanbul-pride">targets
it</a>."

<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Freddie_Gray)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Freddie_Gray)">Freddie Gray</a>)
<p>
One of the thugs involved in killing Freddie Gray <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/23/freddie-gray-trial-caesar-goodson-acquitted-baltimore">was acquitted</a>. It was impossible to prove that the treatment which caused Gray's
death was an intentional attempt to kill or injure him.
<p>
Of course, the thugs and their allies present this as a personal
failing of DA Mosby, rather than as their own success in maintaining
impunity.


<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Putin)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Putin)">Putin</a>)
<p>
Putin <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/23/russia-opposition-infighting-parliamentary-elections">plans to exclude</a> opposition parties totally from Russia's legislature,
through repression.
<p>
Dissidents <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/23/violence-against-russias-web-dissidents-raises-fresh-fears-for-internet-freedoms">face</a> repression too.

<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Clinton_and_the_TPP)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Clinton_and_the_TPP)">Clinton and the TPP</a>)
<p>

Clinton says she opposes the TPP, but <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/23/trump-speech-shows-clinton-must-be-vociferous-opposing-tpp">she refuses</a> to take action to
prevent it from being adopted later this year.

<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Sanders)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Sanders)">Sanders</a>)
<p>
Establishment delegates <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/23/new-york-democrats-anoint-cuomo-chair-clinton-delegate-strikes-sanders-delegate">gagged the Sanders delegates</a> inside a
Democratic Party meeting in New York State, and physically attacked
one of them.

<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Apple)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Apple)">Apple</a>)
<p>
Apple is planning to eliminate headphone jacks from new iThings so
<a href="http://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2016/6/21/11991302/iphone-no-headphone-jack-user-hostile-stupid">as
to impose DRM</a>. A secondary benefit for Apple is that it would make
users buy additional hardware.

<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Assault_on_Privacy)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Assault_on_Privacy)">Assault on Privacy</a>)
<p>
As Quietly as Possible, the Government <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/22/quietly-possible-government-renewing-its-assault-your-privacy">is Renewing</a> Its Assault on Your Privacy.
<p>
"Privacy" is an understatement.  What Big Brother's men are trying to do
is reinterpret the fourth amendment into nullity.

<p>
<li><a name="26_June_2016_(Sentences_for_convicted_criminals)" />26 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_June_2016_(Sentences_for_convicted_criminals)">Sentences for convicted criminals</a>)
<p>
Some US states use secret, proprietary algorithms 
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/23/us/backlash-in-wisconsin-against-using-data-to-foretell-defendants-futures.html?_r=1">to
decide on sentences for convicted criminals</a>.
<p>
This illustrates the general point that the use of nonfree software by
the state violates sovereignty and human rights.  Using an algorithm
for this purpose could be legitimate if it is published so that people
can judge whether it is just.

<p>
<li><a name="25_June_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_S._2609)" />25 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_June_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_S._2609)">Urgent: Oppose S. 2609</a>)
<p>
US citizens: Phone both your senators to oppose S. 2609, which would
override state laws to require labeling of foods with GMOs.  The
senate will vote some time next week.
<p>
866-772-3843

<p>
<li><a name="25_June_2016_(Disenfranchised_British_expats)" />25 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_June_2016_(Disenfranchised_British_expats)">Disenfranchised British expats</a>)
<p>
The UK seems to have disenfranchised many British expatriates from the
EU referendum by
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/23/brits-abroad-use-couriers-to-return-eu-referendum-ballots-in-time">sending
their ballot papers late</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="25_June_2016_(Students_face_persecution_for_protest)" />25 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_June_2016_(Students_face_persecution_for_protest)">Students face persecution for protest</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/23/students-in-california-might-face-criminal-investigation-for-protesting-film-on-israeli-army/">Student
protesters at UC Irvine</a> are the latest to face persecution for
protesting Israel's occupation policies.
<p>
Their protest did not disrupt anything, but the university called the
thugs, who referred them for prosecution.
<p>
The Democratic Party
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/22/democratic-clash-over-palestine-signals-changing-party">now
has a debate</a> about changing its unquestioning support for the
occupation.

<p>
<li><a name="25_June_2016_(Cartoonist_convicted_for_insult)" />25 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_June_2016_(Cartoonist_convicted_for_insult)">Cartoonist convicted for insult</a>)
<p>
A Turkish cartoonist has been
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/23/rifat-cetin-erdogan-gollum-suspended-sentence-turkey">convicted
of insulting Erdo&gbreve;an</a>.
<p>
Shame on Turkey for having laws that make insults a crime.
Shame on Erdo&gbreve;an for applying them.

<p>
<li><a name="25_June_2016_(Urgent:_Price_of_pharmaceuticals)" />25 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_June_2016_(Urgent:_Price_of_pharmaceuticals)">Urgent: Price of pharmaceuticals</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://www.signherenow.org/petition/stand-up-to-drug-companies/ssw/">call
for government measures</a> to reduce the price of pharmaceuticals.

<p>
<li><a name="25_June_2016_(Urgent:_Stand_up_to_insurance_industry)" />25 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_June_2016_(Urgent:_Stand_up_to_insurance_industry)">Urgent: Stand up to insurance industry</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/malloy_cigna_merger/">tell
the DNC</a>: Gov. Malloy must stand up to the insurance industry now.

<p>
<li><a name="25_June_2016_(Data_about_you)" />25 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_June_2016_(Data_about_you)">Data about you</a>)
<p>
Canada has a law
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/how-to-ask-dating-apps-and-fitness-trackers-for-your-personal-data-in-canada">requiring
any online service to give you whatever data it has about you</a>.
<p>
This is a good law, in that it helps users find out how much they are
being snooped on.  But it is not enough.  Important services must be
<em>required</em> to offer you a mode that doesn't surveil or track
you.  For instance, Guber must allow people to request a
<a href="https://stallman.org/uber.html">ride
anonymously and pay anonymously</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="25_June_2016_(Clevelands_restrictions_on_protests)" />25 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_June_2016_(Clevelands_restrictions_on_protests)">Cleveland's restrictions on protests</a>)
<p>
Cleveland's strict restrictions on protests near the Republican Convention
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/22/cleveland-gears-up-for-republican-convention-with-restrictions-on-speech-but-not-on-guns/">prohibit
anything people could stand on, but allow guns</a>.
<p>
This is what the ACLU
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#18_June_2016_(ACLU_sues_Cleveland_over_draconian_rules)">has
sued</a> about.

<p>
<li><a name="25_June_2016_(There_would_be_more_bombing_with_Clinton)" />25 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_June_2016_(There_would_be_more_bombing_with_Clinton)">There would be more bombing with Clinton</a>)
<p>
Hillary Clintonâs Likely Pentagon Chief Already
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/22/hillary-clintons-likely-pentagon-chief-already-advocating-for-more-bombing-and-intervention/">Advocating
for More Bombing and Intervention</a>.
<p>
Imposing a "no-fly" zone in Syria would mean a direct confrontation
with Russia.
<p>
The only party in Syria that is not monstrous is that of the Kurds.
But Arabs tend to distrust them, so
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#03_February_2016_(Kurds_not_invited_to_Syria_peace_talks)">they
directly can't become a government of Syria</a>.  For the rest, there
is no one to support.

<p>
<li><a name="25_June_2016_(FARC_and_Colombia_agree_on_cease-fire)" />25 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_June_2016_(FARC_and_Colombia_agree_on_cease-fire)">FARC and Colombia agree on cease-fire</a>)
<p>
The FARC and the Colombian government have
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/22/colombian-government-farc-rebels-ceasefire-deal">agreed
on a cease-fire</a>.
<p>
The FARC started out as a left-wing rebellion after the assassination
of a presidential candidate showed that the elite-controlled system
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-mar-jun.html#24_June_2014_(Desertion_by_FARC_soldiers)">would
never allow itself to be replaced by mere voting</a>.  However, they
degenerated over the decades into a criminal gang.
<p>
Colombia's even nastier criminal gang, the paramilitares, is
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-jul-oct.html#30_July_2014_(US-supported_terrorism_in_Colombia)">tightly
associated with the government</a>.  It will not be so easily
convinced to stop its violence.

<p>
<li><a name="25_June_2016_(Israels_new_anti-terrorism_law)" />25 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_June_2016_(Israels_new_anti-terrorism_law)">Israel's new "anti-terrorism" law</a>)
<p>
Israel's new "anti-terrorism" law will
<a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/06/israel-anti-terror-law-dangerous-anti-arab-160619054527306.html">criminalize
wearing a t-shirt or chanting a slogan as "terrorism"</a>.
<p>
"A stone-throwing Arab will become a terrorist, while a
stone-throwing ultra-Orthodox Jew will not."
<p>
This law includes some of the injustices applied in the US,
such as
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2008-nov-feb.html#07%20December%202008%20(Charity%20for%20poor%20Palestinians)">prosecuting
humanitarian charities</a> despite their making every careful attempt
to comply with US laws.
<p>
The law also perversely defines fighting the army of occupation as
"terrorism".
<p>
Americans, do you think the Minutemen were "terrorists"?

<p>
<li><a name="24_June_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_Mass_Cracking_Act)" />24 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_June_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_Mass_Cracking_Act)">Urgent: Stop Mass Cracking Act</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/tell-congress-co-sponsor-stop-mass-hacking-act-now/">support
the Stop Mass Cracking Act</a> to block the FBI's plan to facilitate
authorization to crack people's computers.
<p>
Actually, the bill uses the word 
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/on-hacking.html">"Hacking"</a>,
but its substance deserves our support.

<p>
<li><a name="24_June_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_sponsorship_of_RNC)" />24 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_June_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_sponsorship_of_RNC)">Urgent: Oppose sponsorship of RNC</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Divest_Trump">call on various
corporations</a> (including Google and Facebook) not to sponsor the
Republican National Convention.

<p>
<li><a name="24_June_2016_(Urgent:_Condemn_Exxons_dishonesty)" />24 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_June_2016_(Urgent:_Condemn_Exxons_dishonesty)">Urgent: Condemn Exxon's dishonesty</a>)
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://act.climatetruth.org/sign/back_off_Ags">tell 13
Republican attorneys general</a> not to campaign to protect Exxon's
dishonest global heating denialism.

<p>
<li><a name="24_June_2016_(Urgent:_S.2138)" />24 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_June_2016_(Urgent:_S.2138)">Urgent: S.2138</a>)
<p>
Citizens of Massachusetts: 
<a href="https://act1.myngp.com/Forms/NoScript/6636054050930425856">call
on your state representative</a> to support S.2138 (confidential
health care for teenagers covered by their parent's family insurance
plans).

<p>
<li><a name="24_June_2016_(Urgent:_HR_5474)" />24 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_June_2016_(Urgent:_HR_5474)">Urgent: HR 5474</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/cosponsor-the-berta-caceres">call
on your representative</a> to cosponsor HR 5474, the Berta Caceres
Human Rights in Honduras Act.

<p>
<li><a name="24_June_2016_(UN_to_celebrate_War_on_Drugs_Day)" />24 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_June_2016_(UN_to_celebrate_War_on_Drugs_Day)">UN to celebrate War on Drugs Day</a>)
<p>
The UN is about to celebrate 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/23/war-on-drugs-failing-decriminalisation-prohibition">War
on Drugs Day</a> (not its official name).  It should take its own
advice, and start listening to the reasons why that war is futile and
destructive.

<p>
<li><a name="24_June_2016_(Privatization_of_UK_nursing_homes)" />24 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_June_2016_(Privatization_of_UK_nursing_homes)">Privatization of UK nursing homes</a>)
<p>
The quiet gradual privatization of nursing homes in the UK has been 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/careers/2016/jun/21/privatisation-social-care-workforce-careers">bad
for the workers and the patients</a>.  It must be good for the owners
of those businesses.

<p>
<li><a name="24_June_2016_(UK_spy_agencies_impunity_from_torture)" />24 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_June_2016_(UK_spy_agencies_impunity_from_torture)">UK spy agencies' impunity from torture</a>)
<p>
UK spy agencies have been given 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/21/libya-renditions-uk-spies-under-spotlight">total
secrecy and total impunity from torture</a>; the government obstructs
all attempts to hold them accountable for the most gruesome crimes.

<p>
<li><a name="24_June_2016_(EU_subsidizes_removal_of_wildlife)" />24 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_June_2016_(EU_subsidizes_removal_of_wildlife)">EU subsidizes removal of wildlife</a>)
<p>
The EU pays a subsidy to anyone who owns land and 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/21/waste-cash-leavers-in-out-land-subsidie">clears
the wildlife off it</a>.
<p>
Strange to say, those who want to take Britain out of the EU
say they won't take advantage of that by ending this subsidy.

<p>
<li><a name="24_June_2016_(Global_Commission_on_Internet_Governance)" />24 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_June_2016_(Global_Commission_on_Internet_Governance)">Global Commission on Internet Governance</a>)
<p>
The Global Commission on <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/06/how-do-we-achieve-open-secure-trustworthy-and-inclusive-internet">Internet Governance</a> report includes many admirable principles.
<p>
However, it fails to include two principles that are necessary for a
freedom-respecting internet:
<p>
Users must have <a href="
http://gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.htm">control over the software</a> that does their
computing (it is free software).
<p>
Systems must <a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">collect the minimum possible data about users</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="24_June_2016_(Taliban_assassinate_Sufi_singer)" />24 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_June_2016_(Taliban_assassinate_Sufi_singer)">Taliban assassinate Sufi singer</a>)
<p>
The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/22/pakistani-sufi-singer-shot-dead-in-karachi">Pakistani Taliban assassinated a prized Sufi singer</a>.
They are intolerant of any version of Islam that isn't cruel and hard.

<p>
<li><a name="24_June_2016_(Stripping_Miss_Great_Britain)" />24 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_June_2016_(Stripping_Miss_Great_Britain)">Stripping Miss Great Britain</a>)
<p>
"An organisation that judges women on how attractive they are to men
has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/jun/21/stripping-miss-great-britain-title-sex-on-tv-double-standards">publicly humiliated</a> its own winner for going on a TV show all
about being attractive to men."

<p>
<li><a name="24_June_2016_(Lifeline_Program)" />24 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_June_2016_(Lifeline_Program)">Lifeline Program</a>)
<p>
The House of Representatives <a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/fcc-lifeline-program-republicans-congress">rejected an attack</a> on the "lifeline" program
that enables poor people to have telephones.

<p>
<li><a name="24_June_2016_(Beetles_kill_66_million_pine_trees)" />24 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_June_2016_(Beetles_kill_66_million_pine_trees)">Beetles kill 66 million pine trees</a>)
<p>
Due to global heating, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/22/dead-trees-california-wildfire-risk-sierra-nevada">beetles have killed 66 million pine trees</a> in
California.  These dead trees, together with drought and heat, could
lead to giant wildfires.

<p>
<li><a name="24_June_2016_(Illegal_Police_Stops_are_OK)" />24 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_June_2016_(Illegal_Police_Stops_are_OK)">Illegal Police Stops are OK
</a>)
<p>
Supreme Court Says Illegal <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2016/06/supreme-court-says-illegal-police-stops-are-ok-long-they-find-outstanding-warrant">Police Stops Are OK</a> as Long as They Find an Outstanding Warrant Afterward.

<p>
<li><a name="24_June_2016_(Tamil_refugees)" />24 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_June_2016_(Tamil_refugees)">Tamil refugees</a>)
<p>
The Tamil refugees that Indonesia proposes to return to Sri Lanka
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/23/tamils-stranded-in-indonesia-face-probable-torture-if-returned-to-sri-lanka">were tortured there before</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="24_June_2016_(Demand_for_Abortions_Soars)" />24 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_June_2016_(Demand_for_Abortions_Soars)">Demand for Abortions Soars</a
>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/22/abortion-information-zika-virus-birth-defects-latin-america-study">Demand for Abortions</a> Soars in Countries Hit by Zika Outbreak.  Unfortunately, these abortions are in many cases illegal.

<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(Urgent:_Non-hawk_for_Pentagon)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(Urgent:_Non-hawk_for_Pentagon)">Urgent: Non-hawk for Pentagon</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/larry-korb-for-secretary">call
on Clinton</a> to choose non-hawk Larry Korb to head the Pentagon,
instead of belligerent Michele Flournoy.

<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_DARK_Act_again)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_DARK_Act_again)">Urgent: Oppose DARK Act again</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://secure.foodandwaterwatch.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2484">oppose</a> 
the DARK Act yet again.

<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(Urgent:_Communications_freedom_and_access)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(Urgent:_Communications_freedom_and_access)">Urgent: Communications freedom and access</a>)
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter to oppose SCROTUS' 6 different
campaigns to attack
<a href="http://act.freepress.net/call/internet_approp_house_nn/">communications
freedom and access</a>, and push media concentration.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
and 888-355-3588.

<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(Vote_for_good,_not_evil)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(Vote_for_good,_not_evil)">Vote for good, not evil</a>)
<p>
Plutocratist Democrats are once again
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/22/return-lesser-evilism">using
"lesser evil"</a> to claim we owe them our votes.
<p>
I won't vote for an evil candidate.  Whoever I vote for need not
be perfect, but must at least be good.
<p>
That means either Sanders (as a write-in) or the Green candidate.

<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(IMF_warns_US_about_poverty)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(IMF_warns_US_about_poverty)">IMF warns US about poverty</a>)
<p>
IMF Warns that US
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/22/imf-warns-us-needs-urgently-tackle-poverty">Needs
to 'Urgently' Tackle Poverty</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(Oakland_thug)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(Oakland_thug)">Oakland thug</a>)
<p>
Oakland's Latest Top Cop Was Reportedly
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/06/sex-scandal-oakland-police-chief-david-downing-concord-ticket-fixing">Ousted
From His Last Job After 11 Months</a>, for his "military style of
leadership."

<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(Clinton_returns_to_right-wing_FUD)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(Clinton_returns_to_right-wing_FUD)">Clinton returns to right-wing FUD</a>)
<p>
Clinton has returned to right-wing
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/22/hillary-clinton-adopts-the-shorthand-of-the-deficit-fearmongers/">deficit
FUD</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(Success_for_the_ICC)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(Success_for_the_ICC)">Success for the ICC</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/22/the-guardian-view-on-jean-pierre-bemba-no-impunity-for-wartime">Another
success for the ICC</a>: Congolese militia commander Bemba has been
convicted of allowing his troops to systematically commit rape.

<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(Industrial_concentration)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(Industrial_concentration)">Industrial concentration</a>)
<p>
Another reason industrial concentration is bad: it
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2016/06/want-more-dynamic-economy-rein-size-big-market-incumbents">stifles
new competitors</a>.
<p>
This is in addition to giving the companies lobbying power so that we
can't pass laws to stop them from mistreating the public.

<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(Non-fanatical_gun_owners)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(Non-fanatical_gun_owners)">Non-fanatical gun owners</a>)
<p>
Talking with non-fanatical gun owners: they point out that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/22/gun-rights-supporters-national-rifle-association-nra">only
a tiny fraction of guns are misused</a>.
<p>
Nonetheless, that fraction adds up to a measurable increment in danger
for those
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#23_August_2015_(Gun_in_your_home)">living
in a house with a gun</a>.  They are right that background checks
would not stop all gun killings, but background checks would not do
much harm.
<p>
I think people should need to get a license to own a gun.  All the
checking would be done when you apply for a license; then the check at
the time of buying a gun would only be to verify that your license is
still valid.  The license could require training in safety practices.
<p>
If substantial evidence appears that you are connected with terrorism,
a court could cancel your license.

<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(Tories_accused_of_planning_to_destroy_NHS)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(Tories_accused_of_planning_to_destroy_NHS)">Tories accused of planning to destroy NHS</a>)
<p>
The head of the UK's doctors' association accuses the Tories of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jun/22/kailash-chand-bma-tory-party-agenda-wash-hands-nhs">planning
to destroy the NHS</a>: "The agenda of the Tory party is to wash its
hands of the NHS".

<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(Unidos_Podemos_party_in_Spain)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(Unidos_Podemos_party_in_Spain)">Unidos Podemos party in Spain</a>)
<p>
The Unidos Podemos party in Spain sets an example of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/22/politics-spain-podemos-radical-europe-uk">opposing
plutocratic policies</a> instead of blaming immigrants.
<p>
Spain's right-wing Minister of the Interior, whose portfolio includes
thug departments, was caught
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/22/spanish-minister-accused-of-conspiring-against-political-rivals">plotting
against politicians that advocate independence for Catalonia</a>.
<p>
I do not support independence for Catalonia.  The advocates of
independence say it is unfair for Catalonia to subsidize development
of other parts of Spain.  I think that's exactly what the wealthiest
regions of a country should do for the poorer regions.

<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(Proposal_for_more_FBI_snooping_power)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(Proposal_for_more_FBI_snooping_power)">Proposal for more FBI snooping power</a>)
<p>
The US Senate just
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/22/senate-narrowly-rejects-controversial-fbi-surveillance-expansion-for-now/">barely
defeated</a> a proposal to give the FBI increased power to track
Americans' internet usage.

<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(Shortages_in_Venezuela)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(Shortages_in_Venezuela)">Shortages in Venezuela</a>)
<p>
Venezuela is suffering from devastating
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/22/venezuela-economic-crisis-guardian-briefing">shortages
of all sorts of commodities including food</a>.
<p>
Chavez decided to subsidize food for poor people, which the US does
too, but his method operated at the store level and offered low prices
to everyone for unlimited quantities.  This led naturally to
shortages.
<p>
The US food stamp program, by contrast, applies only to poor people
and only to a limited amount of purchases.  Its main problem is that
not all poor people are included, but it does not cause distort the
markets for the food products, so it does not cause shortages.

<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(NSA)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(NSA)">NSA</a>)
<p>
The NSA <a href="http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/security/news/a21319/the-nsa-wants-to-spy-on-internet-of-things/">is investigating</a> how it will spy on internet-connected "smart"
gadgets and appliances in the homes of people who make the mistake of
having such things.
<p>
If the device has proprietary software in it, it does not deserve to
be trusted.  The software's proprietor might design it to snoop on you
or mislead you.  However, even if the proprietor doesn't put in a
malicious feature, the software is likely to have security flaws, and
users won't be <em>allowed</em> to release corrected versions for you
to install.

<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(College_students_in_London)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(College_students_in_London)">College students in London</a>)
<p>
A considerable number of college students in London <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jun/21/homeless-students-nowhere-sleep-london-emergency-accommodation">are</a> homeless. Some were given state housing in a place so far away they can't get
to their classes.
<p>
I can't for the life of me understand why students, or other people
with imposed disadvantages, interpret this as their own personal
failing.  That is very convenient for the ones whose moral failing is
really responsible.


<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(England_school)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(England_school)">England school</a>)
<p>
A failing school in England <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jun/21/school-results-bottom-top-shakespeare-kent">became a great school</a> with real actors
teaching performance of Shakespeare's plays.
<p>
I really like the way the history class teaches students to question
Shakespeare's bias, too.


<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(Russia)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(Russia)">Russia</a>)
<p>
Russia plans to <a href="http://www.dailydot.com/politics/encryption-backdoor-russia-fsb/">require a back door</a> in all messaging applications. They could easily enforce this on proprietary apps offered in Russia.
<p>
The article doesn't make it clear whether this law would forbid
individuals to install and use trustworthy free software applications.
<p>
We should tell the US politicians that want to impose such laws
to "go to Russia".


<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(Universal_Basic_Income)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(Universal_Basic_Income)">Universal Basic Income</a>)
<p>

Some want to use a small Universal Basic Income as an excuse to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jun/22/silicon-valley-universal-basic-income-y-combinator">eliminate other forms of support</a> for the poor, or to encourage people
to work for a pittance.
<p>
I would support a UBI if the money comes from taxing the rich
and supports people at more than a rudimentary standard of living.
<p>
Perhaps the UBI should be tied to having no children.



<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(Australia's_gun_law)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(Australia's_gun_law)">Australia's gun law</a>)
<p>
Australia's 1996 gun laws, introduced to stop mass shootings, 
greatly <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/23/australias-gun-laws-stopped-mass-shootings-and-reduced-homicides-study-finds">reduced</a> all gun killings and gun suicides.

<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(Chronic_pain)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(Chronic_pain)">Chronic pain</a>)
<p>
For Americans with chronic pain, the crackdown on narcotic painkillers
potentially <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/commentisfree/2016/jun/22/chronic-pain-management-medication-opioids-prescription-drug-epidemic">threatens</a> to drive them to death.

<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(Palestinians)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(Palestinians)">Palestinians</a>)
<p>
Palestinian officials <a href="http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/06/israel-west-bank-area-c-solve-palestinian-right-of-return.html">propose</a> compromises on the right of refugees to
return to territory that is now Israel.

<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(Israel)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(Israel)">Israel</a>)
<p>
Israel <a href="http://palsolidarity.org/2016/06/testimony-of-one-of-the-latest-attacks-against-gazas-fishermen/">attacked</a> Palestinian fishermen, captured them, didn't treat
their wounds, and took their boats.

<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(US_air_power)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(US_air_power)">US air power</a>)
<p>
US air power <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/21/dominating-skies-and-losing-wars">has proved</a> to be ineffective for winning wars.


<p>
<li><a name="23_June_2016_(Endangered_Species_Act)" />23 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_June_2016_(Endangered_Species_Act)">Endangered Species Act</a>)
<p>
The Endangered Species Act <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/06/21/analysis-85-percent-continental-us-birds-protected-endangered-species-act-have">has been very successful</a> for birds:
85% of the protected birds have maintained or increased their populations.
<p>
I wonder what is causing the failures with the other 15% of birds.


<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(Wall_Street_vultures_suing_Puerto_Rico)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(Wall_Street_vultures_suing_Puerto_Rico)">Wall Street vultures suing Puerto Rico</a>)
<p>
Wall Street vultures are suing Puerto Rico, asking the US to make
Puerto Rico 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/21/puerto-rico-sued-bondholders-debt-negotiations">prioritize
paying them over caring for its citizens</a>.
<p>
However, the "PROMESA" bill is 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_June_2016_(Urgent:_Do_not_treat_Puerto_Rico_like_Greece)">not
a solution</a>.  It is repression as seen in
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_(Detroit%27s_bankruptcy)">Detroit</a>
and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#25_May_2016_(Current_round_of_austerity_in_Greece)">Greece</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(Order_to_kill_Berta_Caceres)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(Order_to_kill_Berta_Caceres)">Order to kill Berta Cáceres</a>)
<p>
A defector from the Honduran army says that a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/21/berta-caceres-name-honduran-military-hitlist-former-soldier">US-trained
unit was ordered to kill Berta Cáceres</a>.
<p>
This is not unusual for US-trained Latin American military.
US-trained officers participated in 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2004-may-aug.html#18%20May%202004%20(US-sponsored%20Torture)">torture
and murder of dissidents</a> in the 1970s.

<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(Military_spending)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(Military_spending)">Military spending</a>)
<p>
Presidential candidates don't talk about 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/20/issues-candidates-arent-talking-about">cutting
military spending</a>, but that is essential for the US to do other
more necessary things.

<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(Violence_against_protesting_teachers)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(Violence_against_protesting_teachers)">Violence against protesting teachers</a>)
<p>
Mexican Police Unleash 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/20/mexican-police-unleash-deadly-violence-against-protesting-teachers">Deadly
Violence Against Protesting Teachers</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(Radioactive_fracking_waste)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(Radioactive_fracking_waste)">Radioactive fracking waste</a>)
<p>
Some fracking waste is radioactive enough to 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/20/hot-mess-states-struggle-deal-radioactive-fracking-waste">set
off alarms at landfills</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(Graffiti_instead_of_PISSI)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(Graffiti_instead_of_PISSI)">Graffiti instead of PISSI</a>)
<p>
Marginalised Tunisian Youth 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/21/tunisian-youth-encouraged-to-choose-graffiti-over-isis-tarek-dhibi">Encouraged
to Choose Graffiti</a> over [PISSI].
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-jul-oct.html#29_September_2014_(PISSI)">PISSI</a>
= Pseudo-Islamic State in Syria and Iraq

<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(Journalists_arrested_in_Turkey)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(Journalists_arrested_in_Turkey)">Journalists arrested in Turkey</a>)
<p>
Erdo&gbreve;an's men have arrested journalists, including the Turkish
representative of Reporters Without Borders, on charges of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/21/turkey-arrests-raise-further-concerns-over-press-freedom">participating
in a campaign to defend a pro-Kurdish magazine from legal
repression</a>.
<p>
Sounds a lot like 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#13_January_2016_(China_arrests_human_rights_campaigner)">China</a>
to me.

<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(Global_heating)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(Global_heating)">Global heating</a>)
<p>
A model forecasts that, with 4C of global heating, the coast of the
Persian Gulf will have fatal heatwaves every decade or two, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/oct/26/extreme-heatwaves-could-push-gulf-climate-beyond-human-endurance-study-shows">starting
in 2070</a>.  "Fatal" means that <em>all</em> humans exposed to the
outside air conditions will die.
<p>
Humans could survive using air conditioning, but if they had a power
failure they would die in hours.  These heat waves could last for many
days.
<p>
A large underground chamber might be more reliable.

<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(Imprisoned_HK_publisher)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(Imprisoned_HK_publisher)">Imprisoned HK publisher</a>)
<p>
Hong Kong publisher Lam Wing-kee tells about how he was imprisoned,
and that his jailers seem to be 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/20/chinese-crackdown-rooting-out-xi-opponents-hong-kong-bookseller-lam-wingkee">trying
to learn where the publishers got information</a> about Xi Jinping's
attempts to subvert the internal political process of the Communist
Party.

<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(Brexit_fake_revolt)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(Brexit_fake_revolt)">Brexit fake revolt</a>)
<p>
Brexit Is a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/20/brexit-fake-revolt-eu-working-class-culture-hijacked-help-elite">Fake
Revolt</a> — Working-Class Culture Is Being Hijacked to Help the
Elite.

<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(Company_wrecked_for_yacht_and_plane)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(Company_wrecked_for_yacht_and_plane)">Company wrecked for yacht and plane</a>)
<p>
The British mogul that removed around $800 million from his company
and wrecked it has 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/jun/19/sir-philip-green-takes-delivery-of-46m-private-jet-says-media-report">spent
around $200 million of that on a yacht and a private plane</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(Plastic_microfibers)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(Plastic_microfibers)">Plastic microfibers</a>)
<p>
Plastic microfibers, released by clothing, abound in seas, rivers and
lakes, and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/20/microfibers-plastic-pollution-oceans-patagonia-synthetic-clothes-microbeads">poison
aquatic life</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(New_fatal_kidney_disease)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(New_fatal_kidney_disease)">New fatal kidney disease</a>)
<p>
A 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/news/2016/jun/20/claimate-change-bad-kidneys-weatherwatch">new
fatal kidney disease</a> seems to be caused by hard work in high
temperatures.  Global heating will make it spread.

<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(Elephant_relocation)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(Elephant_relocation)">Elephant relocation</a>)
<p>
Conservationists will move 500 elephants from a place where numbers
are growing to a sanctuary for eventual 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/20/mass-elephant-relocation-populations-africa">repopulation
of other areas</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(Bombing_PISSI_ineffective)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(Bombing_PISSI_ineffective)">Bombing PISSI ineffective</a>)
<p>
The head of the CIA agrees: bombing PISSI
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/16/cia-chief-just-confirmed-war-terror-has-created-lot-more-terrorists">has
not reduced its ability to inspire terrorism</a>, and probably can't
do so.
<p>
Fortunately, terrorism is not a big threat to anyone in the US, except
right-wing terrorism against abortion doctors.  We can cope with the
danger by treating it like other street crime (just as long as we
don't wink at it the way Obama winks at
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#16_November_2015_(Fraudulent_foreclosure_of_home)">foreclosure
fraud</a>).
<p>
We should not panic and surrender civil liberties because of
terrorism.

<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(UK_Snoopers_Charter)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(UK_Snoopers_Charter)">UK Snooper's Charter</a>)
<p>
The Liberal Democrats will try to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/21/snoopers-charter-gchq-would-be-licensed-for-bulk-hacking">reduce the danger</a> of the UK's new surveillance powers.

<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(Less_meat,_less_heat)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(Less_meat,_less_heat)">Less meat, less heat</a>)
<p>
China aims to cut the level of <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/21/less-meat-less-heat-chinas-plan-drop-meat-consumption-gets-praise">meat consumption in half</a>, both for health and to avoid global heating.

<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(Trump_and_Thiel_attack_free_press)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(Trump_and_Thiel_attack_free_press)">Trump and Thiel attack free press</a>)
<p>
Trump and Thiel are blatant in <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/21/how-billionaires-corporations-and-secretive-governments-curtail-press-freedom">attacking the free press in the US</a>, but they
are part of something much bigger and broader.


<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(France_requires_companies_to_give_food_to_poor_people)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(France_requires_companies_to_give_food_to_poor_people)">France requires companies to give food to poor people</a>)
<p>
France now requires companies to give food to poor people
rather than <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/21/france-leftover-food-waste-law-industry">throw it away</a>.  Other countries could do it too.

<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(Terrorist_Fear-Mongering)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(Terrorist_Fear-Mongering)">Terrorist Fear-Mongering</a>)
<p>
Democratsâ War on Due Process and <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/21/democrats-war-on-due-process-and-terrorist-fear-mongering-long-pre-dates-orlando/">Terrorist Fear-Mongering</a> Long Pre-Dates Orlando.

<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(Huge_drop_in_stranger_child_murders)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(Huge_drop_in_stranger_child_murders)">Huge drop in stranger child murders</a>)
<p>
US parents should relax: <a href="http://www.freerangekids.com/breaking-news-new-study-shows-huge-drop-in-stranger-danger-child-murders/">kidnaping of children by stranger</a> remains just as unlikely as always, and nearly all of those few children
are returned safe.

<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(Clintons_Wall_Street_donors_revolt)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(Clintons_Wall_Street_donors_revolt)">Clinton's Wall Street donors revolt</a>)
<p>
The banksters told Clinton: <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/20/clintons-wall-street-donors-revolt-after-warren-emerges-vp-contender">no money if you pick Senator Warren</a> as your running mate.
<p>
Mainstream media often <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/21/anonymous-quote-warren/">print anonymous insults</a> about Senator Warren.
<p>
I phoned Senator Warren's office to implore her not to run for Vice
President.  I said that she'd have less influence to resist Clinton's
plutocratism as VP than she has now in the Senate.
<p>
You might want to call also.

<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(Engineering_projects_more_exciting_for_men)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(Engineering_projects_more_exciting_for_men)">Engineering projects more exciting for men</a>)
<p>
When women and men work together on engineering projects,
the men tend to hog the exciting parts of the job and <a href="http://spectrum.ieee.org/view-from-the-valley/at-work/tech-careers/are-women-being-pushed-out-of-engineering-because-men-have-all-the-fun">dump the less exciting parts on the women.

<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(Billion-Dollar_Brain_Training_Industry_a_Sham)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(Billion-Dollar_Brain_Training_Industry_a_Sham)">Billion-Dollar Brain Training Industry a Sham</a>)
<p>
Billion-Dollar Brain Training Industry a Sham -â <a href="http://arstechnica.com/science/2016/06/billion-dollar-brain-training-industry-a-sham-nothing-but-placebo-study-suggests/">Nothing But Placebo</a>, Study Suggests.

<p>
<li><a name="22_June_2016_(PISSI's_forces_withdrawing_from_Falluja)" />22 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_June_2016_(PISSI's_forces_withdrawing_from_Falluja)">PISSI's forces withdrawing from Falluja</a>)
<p>
PISSI's forces are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/21/falluja-iraqi-troops-advance-refugee-crisis-islamic-state">withdrawing from Falluja</a>, and lots of civilians have been freed, but Iraq has not done enough so far to feed them.

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(No-fly_zone)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(No-fly_zone)">No-fly zone</a>)
<p>
"Does [Clinton] think that [former] Secretary of Defense Gates was
wrong when he said creating a no-fly zone
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/17/leaked-cable-greasing-skids-clintons-next-regime-change-disaster">starts
with going to war</a>? Or does she think going to war against Russia
is just fine?"

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(Bombing_PISSI_ineffective)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(Bombing_PISSI_ineffective)">Bombing PISSI ineffective</a>)
<p>
The head of the CIA agrees: bombing PISSI
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/16/cia-chief-just-confirmed-war-terror-has-created-lot-more-terrorists">has
not reduced its ability to inspire terrorism</a>, and probably can't
do so.
<p>
Fortunately, terrorism is not a big threat to anyone in the US, except
right-wing terrorism against abortion doctors.  We can cope with the
danger by treating it like other street crime (just as long as we
don't wink at it the way Obama winks at
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-sep-dec.html#16_November_2015_(Fraudulent_foreclosure_of_home)">foreclosure
fraud</a>).
<p>
We should not panic and surrender civil liberties because of
terrorism.

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(Swedish_prosecutors_to_meet_Assange)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(Swedish_prosecutors_to_meet_Assange)">Swedish prosecutors to meet Assange</a>)
<p>
In a victory for Assange, the Swedish prosecutors say they want to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/jun/20/sweden-meet-julian-assange-inside-ecuador-embassy-wikileaks">accept
the invitation to question him</a> inside the Ecuadorian embassy.
<p>
They have had this option ever since he sought asylum there,
but didn't take it.

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(Growing_case_for_massive_taxes_on_rich)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(Growing_case_for_massive_taxes_on_rich)">Growing case for massive taxes on rich</a>)
<p>
The Growing Case for <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/20/growing-case-massive-taxes-rich">Massive Taxes on the Rich</a>.
<p>
Plutocrats are so brash that they pay Congress to cut IRS
investigators so they can cheat more.

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(Brexit_Won't_Stop_Cheap_Labour)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(Brexit_Won't_Stop_Cheap_Labour)">Brexit Won't Stop Cheap Labour</a>)
<p>
A <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/20/brexit-cheap-labour-britain-wages-eu-trade-unions">Brexit Won't Stop Cheap Labour Coming</a> to Britain.


<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(Urgent:_Ban_Neurotoxic_Pesticides)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(Urgent:_Ban_Neurotoxic_Pesticides)">Urgent: Ban Neurotoxic Pesticides</a>)
<p>
US citizens: call on the EPA to 
<a href="https://secure.earthjustice.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1869">ban 
neurotoxic pesticides</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(Urgent:_Do_not_treat_Puerto_Rico_like_Greece)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(Urgent:_Do_not_treat_Puerto_Rico_like_Greece)">Urgent: Do not treat Puerto Rico like Greece</a>)
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress to reject the bill to 
<a href="http://a.cpdaction.org/page/s/promesa">treat Puerto Rico like
Greece</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(Urgent:_Reduce_ocean_noise)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(Urgent:_Reduce_ocean_noise)">Urgent: Reduce ocean noise</a
>)
<p>
US citizens: call for an 
<a href="https://secure.nrdconline.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=4030">action 
plan for reducing ocean noise</a> that harms marine mammals.


<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(Sri_Lanka_dropped_cluster_bombs)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(Sri_Lanka_dropped_cluster_bombs)">Sri Lanka dropped cluster bombs</a>)
<p>
Various forms of evidence support the claim that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/20/cluster-bombs-used-sri-lanka-civil-war-leaked-photos-suggest">Sri Lanka dropped cluster bombs</a> on civilians in rebel Tamil areas.

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(NASA_theoretical_model)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(NASA_theoretical_model)">NASA theoretical model</a>)
<p>
A theoretical NASA model suggests that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/earth-insight/2014/mar/14/nasa-civilisation-irreversible-collapse-study-scientists">modern civilization could easily collapse</a>.
<p>
Other studies suggest that a major survival crisis could happen in 15
years.

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(Urgent:_Ban_Coal_Rally)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(Urgent:_Ban_Coal_Rally)">Urgent: Ban Coal Rally</a>)
<p>
In Oakland, California: <a href="http://nocoalinoakland.info/event/ban-coal-rally/">rally on June 25 against coal export</a> through
Oakland.

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(American_hyper_parenting)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(American_hyper_parenting)">American hyper parenting</a>)
<p>
A report from Norway, where <a href="http://www.freerangekids.com/american-hyper-parenting-is-infiltrating-norway/">American-style paranoid parenting</a> has not
arrived.

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(Protect_the_seabirds_that_are_dying_off)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(Protect_the_seabirds_that_are_dying_off)">Protect the seabirds that are dying off</a>)
<p>
Funds can preserve the disused houses of St Kilda, but nothing can
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/19/fundraising-drive-aims-save-seabird-paradise-off-scotland">protect the seabirds</a> that are dying off due to effects of global heating.

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(Study_of_racist_thug_behavior)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(Study_of_racist_thug_behavior)">Study of racist thug behavior</a>)
<p>
An extensive empirical study of <a href="http://www.futurity.org/oakland-california-police-race-1184802-2/">racist behavior by thugs</a>
leads to measures to reduce their racism.

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(Orlando_Shooter_and_Surveillance)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(Orlando_Shooter_and_Surveillance)">Orlando Shooter and Surveillance</a>)
<p>
The Failure to Stop Orlando Shooter <a href="http://reason.com/blog/2016/06/15/the-failure-to-stop-orlando-shooter-was">Was Not a Surveillance Gap</a>, So Reject
Calls for More.

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(Urgent:_Resist_approval_of_the_TPP)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(Urgent:_Resist_approval_of_the_TPP)">Urgent: Resist approval of the TPP</a>)
<p>
US citizens: call on Rep. Pelosi to <a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/tpp_pelosi">resist approval of the TPP</a>
in a lame-duck congressional session.

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(Freedom_of_the_Press_Lawsuit)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(Freedom_of_the_Press_Lawsuit)">Freedom of the Press Lawsuit</a>)
<p>
Many US newspapers and news sites have supported Freedom of the Press
Foundation's lawsuit demanding to know the rules for <a href="https://freedom.press/blog/2016/06/dozens-news-orgs-demand-doj-release-its-secret-rules-targeting-journalists-national">secretly
demanding information from journalists</a> with "National Security Letters".
<p>
This is one of the tyrannical aspects of the U SAP AT RIOT Act.

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(Intel_CPU_back_door)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(Intel_CPU_back_door)">Intel CPU back door</a>)
<p>
Current Intel processors are <a href="http://boingboing.net/2016/06/15/intel-x86-processors-ship-with.html">completely untrustworthy</a> because
of the "management engine" back door designed into them.
Here's an explanation of why people trying to write free software
to run in the management engine are totally stymied.

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(Insane_work_hours)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(Insane_work_hours)">Insane work hours</a>)
<p>
Well-paid Americans are compelled to <a href="http://theweek.com/articles/629256/how-insane-work-hours-became-mark-american-privilege">work painfully heavy hours</a>, while
Americans with low wages can't get enough hours to make a living.

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(Google_Fibre_evil_practices)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(Google_Fibre_evil_practices)">Google Fibre evil practices
</a>)
<p>
Google Fibre has followed the evil practice of AT&T and Comcast by
making customers agree to <a href="https://consumerist.com/2016/06/16/google-fiber-copies-comcast-att-forces-users-to-give-up-their-legal-right-to-sue/">mandatory arbitration</a> instead of lawsuits.
<p>
This calls for state laws to bar the practice.

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(France_refuses_UK_aid_convoy)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(France_refuses_UK_aid_convoy)">France refuses UK aid convoy</a>)
<p>
Britons decided to send supplies to immigrants parked in Calais (not
allowed into Britain), and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jun/18/france-refuses-entry-to-uk-aid-convoy-for-calais-refugees">France blocked the convoy from entering</a>, citing incredible grounds of "security".

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(Thugs_attack_Gay_Pride_march)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(Thugs_attack_Gay_Pride_march)">Thugs attack Gay Pride march</a>)
<p>
A few dozen activists tried to hold a forbidden <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/19/police-use-teargas-against-lgbt-activists-in-istanbul">Gay Pride march in Istanbul</a>.  Hundreds of thugs attacked them.

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(Chewing_and_Advertising)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(Chewing_and_Advertising)">Chewing and Advertising</a>)
<p>
Chewing helps people <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2013/oct/13/eating-popcorn-cinema-advertisers">resist the effect</a> of advertising.

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(Tesco_Food_Waste)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(Tesco_Food_Waste)">Tesco Food Waste</a>)
<p>
The supermarket system is <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/18/tesco-supermarket-food-waste">designed to cause food waste</a> at home as well
waste food directly.  And digital ordering tends to make it worse.
<p>
As often happens, the people who participate in the system are less
responsible for its behavior than the large, concentrated actors that
more or less buy the regulations they operate under.

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(EU_referendum_brexit)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(EU_referendum_brexit)">EU referendum brexit</a>)
<p>
The politicians who want to take Britain out of the EU are <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/18/england-eu-referendum-brexit">bare-faced trumpish bullshitters</a>.
<p>
Immigration causes problems in neighborhoods where poor Britons live
because of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/18/eu-referendeum-politicians-public-no-trust">cruel plutocratic policies</a> that force all the marginal people to compete with each other.  Rationally, they should unite against their real enemies, the plutocrats.
<p>
The EU is also to a large extent a tool of the plutocrats.  A Britain ready
to crush the banksters might do well to get out of the EU.

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(Right-wing_Catholics_campaign_against_queer_people)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(Right-wing_Catholics_campaign_agai
nst_queer_people)">Right-wing Catholics campaign against queer people</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/jun/15/anti-lgbtq-rhetoric-organisation-american-states-human-rights-orlando-shooting">Right-wing Catholics are campaigning</a> against rights for queer
people, and for women in general, at organizations such as the OAS.

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(CIA_torture_documents)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(CIA_torture_documents)">CIA torture documents</a>)
<p>
Released documents show CIA torturers <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/15/new-cia-documents-reveal-more-horrors-president-bushs-torture-program">knew they were committing crimes</a>,
and that they tortured people harder for protesting that torture violated
their rights.

<p>
<li><a name="21_June_2016_(Limiting_global_heating_to_1.5C)" />21 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_June_2016_(Limiting_global_heating_to_1.5C)">Limiting global heating to 1.5C</a>)
<p>
Limiting global heating to 1.5C might prevent the permanent loss of all
Arctic ice, and might <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/16/what-would-a-global-warming-increase-of-15c-be-like">prevent the melting of the Arctic tundra</a> which would cause a lot more global heating.
<p>
It might also save the Amazon rainforest from drying up.

<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_fossil_fool_projects)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_fossil_fool_projects)">Urgent: Stop fossil fool projects</a>)
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="http://www.ran.org/shortingtheclimate">call on big banks</a>
to stop financing fossil fool projects.

<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_the_DARK_act)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_the_DARK_act)">Urgent: Oppose the DARK act</a>)
<p>
US citizens: phone senators McConnell and Grassley to 
<a href="http://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/1881/p/salsa/web/common/public/content?content_item_KEY=14239">oppose
the DARK act</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(Urgent:_Yellowstones_grizzly_bears)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(Urgent:_Yellowstones_grizzly_bears)">Urgent: Yellowstone's grizzly bears</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://www.nrdconline.org/site/R?i=SMp8Fsgk8Ho5Ie084k81CQ
">call for continued protection</a> of Yellowstone's grizzly bears.

<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(FBI_entrapment)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(FBI_entrapment)">FBI entrapment</a>)
<p>
Descriptions of some people being 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/17/nine-lost-souls-the-fbi-charged-as-terrorists-while-letting-the-orlando-shooter-go/">prosecuted
by the FBI for aiding PISSI</a>.
<p>
Some of these people were entrapped by the FBI.  (If the legal
definition of entrapment does not apply, it is too narrow.)  However,
others were not entrapped, at least according to the facts in the
article.
<p>
That is a step up for the FBI.  I congratulate the FBI for starting to
catch people who really did provide material support to PISSI, or
really tried to do so, without the FBI's guidance.

<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(13_months_in_a_row_of_record_heat)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(13_months_in_a_row_of_record_heat)">13 months in a row of record heat</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/17/shattered-records-climate-change-emergency-today-scientists-warn">13
months in a row</a> have broken heat records.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/17/seven-climate-records-set-so-far-in-2016">Other
temperature and related records</a> have been set this year.
<p>
What will it take to enable us to overcome the planet roasters?

<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(US_banksters)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(US_banksters)">US banksters</a>)
<p>
US banksters 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/17/mortgage-companies-seek-time-travelers-to-find-missing-documents/">seek
to continue falsifying documents for illegal, fraudulent
foreclosures</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(Protesters_arrested_in_Indonesia)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(Protesters_arrested_in_Indonesia)">Protesters arrested in Indonesia</a>)
<p>
Indonesia has apparently 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/17/indonesia-accused-of-arresting-more-than-1000-in-west-papua">arrested
1000 protesters</a> who were supporting independence for West Papua,
which Indonesia conquered by force.
<p>
Indonesia has a long history of repression there, as well as bring
colonists from Java.

<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(Robotic_trucks)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(Robotic_trucks)">Robotic trucks</a>)
<p>
Robotic trucks could 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jun/17/self-driving-trucks-impact-on-drivers-jobs-us">eliminate
the jobs of millions of truck drivers</a> in the US, and millions of
others that serve truck drivers food and coffee.
<p>
There is no inherent merit in a more advanced technology; technology
is good or bad depending on how it affects people.  If the principal
effect of robotic trucks is massive unemployment, we should not allow
robotic trucks.  As for the bosses that want to save money by not
employing people, they can jump in the lake.
<p>
The purpose of democracy is to allow us to decide together about
issues that affect us, such as this one.

<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(Trumps_audience)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(Trumps_audience)">Trump's audience</a>)
<p>
David Eggers waited three hours in line for a Trump rally along with
thousands of others, to find that the audience was 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/jun/17/could-he-actually-win-dave-eggers-donald-trump-rally-presidential-campaign">interested
in Trump mainly for entertainment value</a> and left before he
finished speaking.

<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(Urgent:_Stand_with_Queer_Community)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(Urgent:_Stand_with_Queer_Community)">Urgent: Stand with Queer Community</a>)
<p>
US citizens: stand with queer community <a href="https://action.aclu.org/secure/against-hate?emsrc=Nat_Appeal_AutologinEnabled&emissue=LGBTrights&emtype=petition&ms=eml_160614_LGBTrights_Orlando&__af=query_string_encrypted">against violence and hate</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(Urgent:_Call_on_Sanders_to_continue_his_campaign)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(Urgent:_Call_on_Sanders_to_continue_
his_campaign)">Urgent: Call on Sanders to continue his campaign</a>)
<p>
US citizens: call on Sanders to <a href="https://stallman.org/petitions/petition-bern/">continue his campaign</a> till the convention.

<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(Chinese_CCTV_Surveillance)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(Chinese_CCTV_Surveillance)">Chinese CCTV Surveillance</a>)
<p>
China shows <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/16/chinese-university-students-cctv-surveillance-wuchang">how far TV camera surveillance can go</a>: outside dissidents' doors, in classrooms, in the halls of college dormitories.
<p>
Americans are not safe from this.
The US tends to follow China in issues of human rights.

<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(Pregnant_12_year_olds_to_obtain_court_order)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(Pregnant_12_year_olds_to_obtain_court_ord
er)">Pregnant 12 year olds to obtain court order</a>)
<p>
Pregnant 12-year-olds in Queensland have to obtain a court order in
order <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/16/queensland-doctor-abortion-more-teenagers-face-appalling-choice">to get an abortion</a>.
<p>
The law has this exactly backwards.  If 12-year-olds are not quite
prepared to have an abortion, they are far from prepared to raise a
baby.

<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(FBI_Facial_Recognition)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(FBI_Facial_Recognition)">FBI Facial Recognition</a>)
<p>
The FBI has face photos of over 170 million Americans from drivers' licenses,
and others from other sources, and uses this for <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2016/6/15/11946304/fbi-facial-recognition-system-data-collection-privacy">face recognition with no regulation</a>.
<p>
While the article says that it does this matching for criminal
suspects, that could be stretched to include everyone.  Does anything
stop the FBI or state thugs from doing this to photos of everyone walking
down the street?

<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(Illegal_Abortions_are_Killing_Women)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(Illegal_Abortions_are_Killing_Women)">Illegal Abortions are Killing Women</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/jun/17/development-community-abortion-america">Illegal Abortions Are Killing Women</a> And Aid Restrictions Are Just Making It Worse.

<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(Politicians_exploit_Orlando_attack)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(Politicians_exploit_Orlando_attack)">Politicians exploit Orlando attack</a>)
<p>
Politicians exploited the attack in Orlando dishonestly in order
to <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/06/house-leaders-politicize-tragedy-block-bipartisan-surveillance-reforms">defeat a plan to limit massive surveillance</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(Islamists_bully_Radiohead_fans)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(Islamists_bully_Radiohead_fans)">Islamists bully Radiohead fans</a>)
<p>
Islamist bullies <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/18/turkish-radiohead-fans-attacked-istanbul">attacked Radiohead fans</a> in a record store in Istanbul.
<p>
These bullies believe they are entitled to impose their religion on
others.

<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(Politicians_help_create_a_Climate_of_Hate_for_LGBT)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(Politicians_help_create_a_Climate_of_Hate_for_LGBT)">Politicians help create a Climate of Hate for LGBT</a>)
<p>
How Politicians Helped <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/18/how-politicians-helped-create-climate-hate-lgbt-people">Create a Climate of Hate</a> for LGBT People.
<p>
The climate of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jun/18/vile-online-abuse-against-women-mps-needs-to-be-challenged-now">repeated abusive statements</a> against female politicians is pervasive, and can inspire physical violence.
<p>
Freedom of speech includes the freedom to say one hates a person, or a
group.  (Among sensible people, those who say they hate a group will
tend to discredit themselves.)  But it doesn't include threatening
violence.  If you see people threaten violence against someone online,
please show that this impresses you negatively.


<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(US_should_follow_Australias_gun_ban)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(US_should_follow_Australias_gun_ban)">US should follow Australia's gun ban</a>)
<p>
The US should follow Australia by banning the guns that are handy for
killing lots of people, and <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/17/lets-learn-australia-semi-automatic-weapons-bans-work">instituting thorough background checks</a> for people that want to buy guns.
<p>
On the other hand, renting an apartment or enrolling in a school
should <em>not</em> require such a background check.  You can do fine
without a gun, but you're really handicapped if you can't get education
or a place to live.

<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(Cornel_West_discusses)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(Cornel_West_discusses)">Cornel West discusses</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://opendemocracy.net/george-souvlis-cornel-west/cornel-west-black-america-s-neo-liberal-sleepwalking-is-coming-to-end">Cornel West discusses</a> Sanders, Clinton and Trump.

<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(Charter_school_money)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(Charter_school_money)">Charter school money</a>)
<p>
Charter school money joined fossil fuel money to <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/18/how-long-can-big-money-keep-democrats-charter-school-camp">elect right-wing Democrats in California primaries.

<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(White_America_blind_racism)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(White_America_blind_racism)">White America blind racism</a
>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/18/white-america-blind-racism-majority-ignore-black-minority-bubble-privilege">Segregation in the US</a> makes it easy for whites to tell themselves that blacks get a fair shake.

<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(Indonesia_Sri_Lanka_boat_asylum_seekers)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(Indonesia_Sri_Lanka_boat_asylum_seekers)">Indonesia Sri Lanka boat asylum seekers</a>)
<p>
Amnesty International says that Indonesia must allow Sri Lankan
boat people to request asylum, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/18/indonesia-sri-lanka-boat-asylum-seekers">rather than forcing them back</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(Third_Polie_Chief_quits_in_a_week)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(Third_Polie_Chief_quits_in_a_week)">Third Police Chief quits in a week</a>)
<p>
Oakland <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/18/third-oakland-police-chief-quits-within-a-week-amid-scandals">Loses Third Police Chief</a> in a Week Amid Scandals.
<p>
The thug department has a "toxic, macho culture" which includes
racism.  This most likely leads to serious wrongs against non-thugs.
<p>
However, having sex with a 17-year-old prostitute is not one of them.
The article says that thugs "took advantage" of her.
Perhaps that was the case, if they pressured her.
But if she did this by choice, perhaps wanting extra money,
it is wrong to blame her customers.
<p>
It is possible that she was raped; it is possible she was
trafficked.  But when the law claims that being her customer
constitutes "rape" or "human trafficking", it lies.  We must
not let these lies pass as truth.

<p>
<li><a name="20_June_2016_(Istanbul_bans_gay_pride_march)" />20 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_June_2016_(Istanbul_bans_gay_pride_march)">Istanbul bans gay pride march</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/17/istanbul-transgender-gay-pride-marches-ban-alperen-hearths">Istanbul banned a gay pride march</a> because right-wing extremists threatened violence against the marchers.
<p>
In effect, the city government made itself an accessory to the extremists.


<p>
<li><a name="19_June_2016_(Urgent:_Trumps_tax_returns)" />19 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_June_2016_(Urgent:_Trumps_tax_returns)">Urgent: Trump's tax returns</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://www.signherenow.org/petition/trump-release-returns/pda/">call
on Trump</a> to release his tax returns.

<p>
<li><a name="19_June_2016_(Urgent:_Democratic_Party)" />19 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_June_2016_(Urgent:_Democratic_Party)">Urgent: Democratic Party</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://secure3.convio.net/zpg/site/Advocacy;?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=562">call on the Democratic Party</a> to adopt a platform plank to
legalize US support for organizations that do abortion.

<p>
<li><a name="19_June_2016_(Violent_Islamist_fanatics)" />19 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_June_2016_(Violent_Islamist_fanatics)">Violent Islamist fanatics</a>)
<p>
The US 
<a href="http://reason.com/archives/2016/06/16/how-not-to-fight-islamic-terrorism">cannot
protect itself from violent Islamist fanatics by fighting wars in
Muslim countries</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="19_June_2016_(Legal_theft_by_California_thugs)" />19 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_June_2016_(Legal_theft_by_California_thugs)">Legal theft by California thugs</a>)
<p>
California legislators are 
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2016/06/16/reformers-again-attempt-to-curtail-legal">trying
again to stop thugs</a> from taking people's money without a trial.

<p>
<li><a name="19_June_2016_(Lobbying_by_US_pesticide_companies)" />19 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_June_2016_(Lobbying_by_US_pesticide_companies)">Lobbying by US pesticide companies</a>)
<p>
US pesticide companies are lobbying effectively to 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/15/exposed-pesticide-industry-deployed-aggressive-lobby-effort-quash-bee-protections">block
efforts to protect pollinators</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="19_June_2016_(Urgent:_Hold_coal_companies_accountable)" />19 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_June_2016_(Urgent:_Hold_coal_companies_accountable)">Urgent: Hold coal companies accountable</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/bonding_comments">call for
reforming the way coal companies arrange to pay for cleanup</a>, so
that they can't evade the obligation.
<p>
Here's what I said.
<blockquote>
Please reform the law so that coal companies cannot sneak out of their
obligation to pay for cleaning up mines.  There must be no way they
can arrange to spin off a subsidiary to go out of business and evade
the responsibility.  They should not be allowed to do self-bonding;
they should have to buy insurance.
<p>
The likelihood that coal mining will decline, as we put a stop to the
air pollution it causes, will increase the temptation for coal
businesses to adopt a short-term attitude that encourages cheating.
<p>
A secondary benefit of this change will be to discourage coal mining
and coal burning.  We need to make coal mining decline faster, for
public health (coal emissions are toxic) and to help curb global
heating.
</blockquote>

<p>
<li><a name="19_June_2016_(Urgent:_Urgent_Sanders_to_continue)" />19 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_June_2016_(Urgent:_Urgent_Sanders_to_continue)">Urgent: Urgent Sanders to continue</a>)
<p>
US citizens: urge Sanders to 
<a href="https://stallman.org/petitions/petition-bern/">continue his
campaign till the Democratic Convention</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="18_June_2016_(Secularists_in_Bangladesh_threatened)" />18 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_June_2016_(Secularists_in_Bangladesh_threatened)">Secularists in Bangladesh threatened</a>)
<p>
Secularists in Bangladesh are <a href="http://www.thebookseller.com/news/ipa-calls-immediate-release-arrested-bangladeshi-publisher-322878">threatened by imprisonment by the Islamist state</a>
as well as murder by Islamist fanatics.

<p>
<li><a name="18_June_2016_(ACLU_sues_Cleveland_over_draconian_rules)" />18 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_June_2016_(ACLU_sues_Cleveland_over_draconian_rules)">ACLU sues Cleveland over draconian rules</a>)
<p>
The ACLU is suing to <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/15/aclu-sues-cleveland-over-draconian-reach-rnc-protest-rules">allow visible protests</a> at the Republican National
Convention.

<p>
<li><a name="18_June_2016_(What_happened_civil_rights_movement_after_1965)" />18 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_June_2016_(What_happened_civil_rights_movement_af
ter_1965)">What happened civil rights movement after 1965</a>)
<p>
US history teaching <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/15/what-happened-civil-rights-movement-after-1965-dont-ask-your-textbook">assumes the civil rights movement was finished</a>,
victorious, in 1965.
<p>
This disregards subsequent desegregation and resegregation
and today's racism.

<p>
<li><a name="18_June_2016_(US_Chamber_of_Commerce)" />18 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_June_2016_(US_Chamber_of_Commerce)">US Chamber of Commerce</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/15/who-does-biggest-lobbying-force-us-represent-not-its-members">The US Chamber of Commerce</a> lobbies for tobacco and for global heating,
while getting its funds from companies that say they don't support
those campaigns.


<p>
<li><a name="18_June_2016_(Microsoft_to_monitor_legal_marijuana_sales)" />18 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_June_2016_(Microsoft_to_monitor_legal_marijuana_sales
)">Microsoft to monitor legal marijuana sales</a>)
<p>
Microsoft wants medical marijuana dispensaries to use its servers.
I suspect it <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jun/16/microsoft-licenses-cloud-services-monitor-legalized-marijuana-sales">intends to collect data about all the patients</a>.
<p>
Whatever commitments Microsoft makes about how it will use the data
are not worth paying attention to; the data, once collected,
<em>will</em> be misused.  They will be misused by Microsoft (using
loopholes in the misleading assurances), by rogue employees, by
crackers that steal the data, and by the state (which will demand
access to it all).
<p>
I hope people will campaign for dispensaries not to use this or any
similar system.

<p>
<li><a name="18_June_2016_(Brazil_tourism_minister_resigns_)" />18 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_June_2016_(Brazil_tourism_minister_resigns_)">Brazil tourism minister resigns </a>)
<p>
Another coup-installed minister in Brazil has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/16/brazil-tourism-minister-resigns-weeks-before-olympics">resigned for corruption</a>, because a politician turned state's evidence and testified against him
and various other politicians.

<p>
<li><a name="18_June_2016_(Obama_continued_providing_cluster_bombs)" />18 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_June_2016_(Obama_continued_providing_cluster_bombs)">Obama continued providing cluster bombs</a>)
<p>
SCROTUS helped Obama continue <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/16/worried-about-stigmatizing-cluster-bombs-house-approves-more-sales-to-saudi-arabia/">providing cluster bombs</a> to Salafi Arabia.

<p>
<li><a name="18_June_2016_(Urgent:_Gun_control_measures)" />18 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_June_2016_(Urgent:_Gun_control_measures)">Urgent: Gun control measures</a>)
<p>
US citizens: phone your senators to support gun control measures but
<a href="http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/act/conyers-ban-saudi-cluster-bombs-call-in"><em>not</em>
based on a rumor mill</a> such as a watch list.
<p>
The Capitol Switchboard numbers are 202-224-3121, 888-818-6641
and 888-355-3588.

<p>
<li><a name="18_June_2016_(Obstacles_in_way_of_employment_in_the_US)" />18 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_June_2016_(Obstacles_in_way_of_employment_in_the_US)">Obstacles in way of employment in the US</a>)
<p>
The US has placed so many obstacles in the way of employment for
ex-cons and people convicted of felonies that it amounts to a
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/06/16/us-loses-when-former-prisoners-and-people-convicted-felonies-cant-re-enter-labor">substantial
drag on the economy</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="18_June_2016_(Regulation_of_endocrine_distruptors)" />18 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_June_2016_(Regulation_of_endocrine_distruptors)">Regulation of endocrine distruptors</a>)
<p>
The EU has taken a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/16/new-rules-to-regulate-europes-hormone-disrupting-chemicals">baby
step</a> to prepare to regulate endocrine disruptors.

<p>
<li><a name="18_June_2016_(Facebook_exposes_lovers)" />18 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_June_2016_(Facebook_exposes_lovers)">Facebook exposes lovers</a>)
<p>
Facebook exposes lovers to lots of information about each other
which can
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-facebook-could-be-threatening-your-romantic-relationship-60391">stimulate
jealousy</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="18_June_2016_(HK_bookseller_describes_imprisonment)" />18 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_June_2016_(HK_bookseller_describes_imprisonment)">HK bookseller describes imprisonment</a>)
<p>
Hong Kong bookseller Lam Wing-kee describes his imprisonment in China
and how he was
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/16/hong-kong-bookseller-lam-wing-kee-speaks-out-about-detention-in-china">forced
to recite a scripted confession for a video</a>.
<p>
China sent him back to Hong Kong to return with records about
customers who bought their books (which accused important Chinese
politicians of corruption).  He says he will not do this; I suppose he
or his family will face some sort of reprisals for his non-return,
which makes it a heroic act.
<p>
Never let a book store know your name!  Especially,
<a href="https://stallman.org/amazon.html">don't buy books from
Amazon</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="18_June_2016_(Criminalization_of_homosexual_sex)" />18 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_June_2016_(Criminalization_of_homosexual_sex)">Criminalization of homosexual sex</a>)
<p>
A judge in Kenya ruled that requiring an anal exam
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/16/kenya-upholds-use-of-anal-exam-to-determine-sexual-orientation">to
see if two men had been penetrated anally</a> was not torture, and a
required blood test for two sexually transmitted diseases was not
degrading.
<p>
I agree with this ruling.  I had a colonoscopy and it was not bad.
I've also had blood tests, and they don't actually hurt.  I don't
feel degraded by either of them.
<p>
The real injustice here is the criminalization of homosexual sex.

<p>
<li><a name="18_June_2016_(The_great_internet_swindle)" />18 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_June_2016_(The_great_internet_swindle)">The great internet swindle</a>)
<p>
The great internet swindle: powerful monopoly intermediaries that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/feb/09/andrew-keen-internet-not-answer-interview">suck
the wealth out people while accumulating personal data about them</a>.
<p>
My simple rule of paying cash, which I adopted to protect my privacy,
mostly means I don't deal with those companies at all.  And that's how
I want it.

<p>
<li><a name="18_June_2016_(Effects_of_maltreatment_of_children)" />18 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_June_2016_(Effects_of_maltreatment_of_children)">Effects of maltreatment of children</a>)
<p>
Abuse or maltreatment of children tends to have specific effects on
the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2012/feb/13/childhood-abuse-growth-brain-emotions">development
of the brain</a>.  It is also known to make later mental illness more
likely.
<p>
Many government programs can help protect children from the stress
that can hurt their development.  Welfare funds for families, good
funding for public schools, shelters for victims of domestic violence,
as well as providing contraception and abortion (you shouldn't have a
child if you feel unready to take care of one).

<p>
<li><a name="18_June_2016_(Apple_lobbies_against_right_to_repair)" />18 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_June_2016_(Apple_lobbies_against_right_to_repair)">Apple lobbies against "right to repair"</a>)
<p>
Apple
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/apple-right-to-repair_us_5755a6b4e4b0ed593f14fdea">lobbies
against "right to repair" laws</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="17_June_2016_(No_guns_for_domestic_abuse_convicts)" />17 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_June_2016_(No_guns_for_domestic_abuse_convicts)">No guns for domestic abuse convicts</a>)
<p>
Why
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2016/06/13/after-orlando-massacre-obama-predictably">being
on a "watch list" should not disqualify a person from buying guns</a>
(or anything else).
<p>
However, there would be no such problem with barring those convicted for
domestic abuse from buying guns, or continuing to own guns.  That
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/13/omar-mateen-domestic-violence-clue-murderous-future">would
have disqualified the Orlando murderer</a>.  It would also save lots
of women from being
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-mar-jun.html#29_May_2014_(Urgent:_Protect_domestic_violence_victims)">shot
by their spouses or lovers</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="17_June_2016_(Ignoring_People_for_Phones)" />17 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_June_2016_(Ignoring_People_for_Phones)">Ignoring People for Phones</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/06/ignoring-people-for-phones-is-the-new-normal-phubbing-study/486845/">Ignoring People for Phones</a> Is the New Normal.
<p>
I sometimes ignore people for my laptop, but never for a phone (since,
to resist surveillance and nonfree software, I refuse to carry one).

<p>
<li><a name="17_June_2016_(Civil_Liberties_Keep_Americans_Safe)" />17 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_June_2016_(Civil_Liberties_Keep_Americans_Safe)">Civil Liberties Keep Americans Safe</a>)
<p>
We should <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/06/terror-civil-liberties/487115/">reject the proposal</a> to reinstate the House Un-american
Activities Committee, as well as other injustices such as imprisonment
without trial, torture, the no-fly list, and massive surveillance.

<p>
<li><a name="17_June_2016_(Urgent:_Maine_woods)" />17 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_June_2016_(Urgent:_Maine_woods)">Urgent: Maine woods</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Maine_Woods">Tell
Congress</a>: "Oppose House Republicans' attempt to block the
designation of a new national monument in the Maine woods."

<p>
<li><a name="17_June_2016_(Urgent:_Conyers_amendment)" />17 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_June_2016_(Urgent:_Conyers_amendment)">Urgent: Conyers amendment</a>)
<p>
US citizens: phone your congresscritter at (202) 224-3121 to say to
<a href="http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/act/conyers-ban-saudi-cluster-bombs-call-in">support
the Conyers amendment</a> to ban the transfer of cluster bombs to
Salafi Arabia.

<p>
<li><a name="17_June_2016_(Publication_of_voter_registration_lists)" />17 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_June_2016_(Publication_of_voter_registration_lists)">Publication of voter registration lists</a>)
<p>
Is it right or wrong to publish voter registration lists —
including their addresses —
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2016/06/14/d-c-s-board-of-elections-makes-it-shockingly-easy-to-snoop-on-your-fellow-voters/">on
the internet</a>?
<p>
I expect that companies can afford to scrape the physical copies that
were traditionally published, so the real question I think is whether
to publish addresses and party affiliations.

<p>
<li><a name="17_June_2016_(Secretive,_flawed_terror_watchlist)" />17 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_June_2016_(Secretive,_flawed_terror_watchlist)">Secretive, flawed terror watchlist</a>)
<p>
Democrats Embrace
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/15/democrats-embrace-secretive-flawed-terror-watchlist-in-fight-against-gun-violence/">Secretive,
Flawed Terror Watchlist</a> in Fight Against Gun Violence.
<p>
If there is concrete evidence that a person sympathizes with a
terrorist group, it could be legitimate to deny per the right to own
guns for that.  However, doing so based on rumors is wrong.
<p>
As for the no-fly list, that is punishment without trial and
must be abolished.

<p>
<li><a name="17_June_2016_(Doctors_involved_in_CIA_torture)" />17 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_June_2016_(Doctors_involved_in_CIA_torture)">Doctors involved in CIA torture</a>)
<p>
The CIA's Office of Medical Staff
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/15/cia-torture-program-september-11-medical-staff-instructions-details">provided
detailed advice for torture</a>.  The doctors who provided this advice
betrayed their oath as physicians.
<p>
The American Psychological Association
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#30_January_2016_(Psychologists_torture_ban)">changed
its professional standards</a> to rule out such participation by its
members.

<p>
<li><a name="17_June_2016_(Catholic_orders_divest_from_fossil_fuels)" />17 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_June_2016_(Catholic_orders_divest_from_fossil_fuels)">Catholic orders divest from fossil fuels</a>)
<p>
Some Catholic orders (of monks or nuns) in Australia have
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/16/catholic-orders-take-their-lead-from-the-pope-and-divest-from-fossil-fuels">publicly
announced divestment from fossil fuels</a>.
<p>
Both of the major Australian parties are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/16/we-have-a-stark-choice-protect-the-global-commons-or-give-in-to-special-interests">too
close to the planet roasters</a> and fail to propose sufficient
actions to curb global heating.

<p>
<li><a name="17_June_2016_(US_economy_for_the_rich_under_Clinton)" />17 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_June_2016_(US_economy_for_the_rich_under_Clinton)">US economy for the rich under Clinton</a>)
<p>
Clinton says she
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/15/hillary-wants-bring-back-bill-she-shouldnt">would
give her husband another chance to manage the US economy for the
rich</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="17_June_2016_(Dupont_merging_and_splitting)" />17 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_June_2016_(Dupont_merging_and_splitting)">Dupont merging and splitting</a>)
<p>
Dupont is merging and splitting, and that
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/15/dupont-may-dodge-toxic-lawsuits-by-pulling-a-disappearing-act/">may
be a scheme to bury its liability</a> for past environmental poisoning
in places from which no one can collect.
<p>
The way a non-plutocratist government could block this loophole is
pretty obvious.

<p>
<li><a name="17_June_2016_(Surveillance_station_in_Scotland)" />17 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_June_2016_(Surveillance_station_in_Scotland)">Surveillance station in Scotland</a>)
<p>
Thugs in Scotland have for years enjoyed access to bulk surveillance
data through a surveillance station that the government of Scotland
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/15/snowden-scottish-recording-centre-parliament-milkwhite/">says
it did not know about</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="17_June_2016_(Avoiding_mass_extinction)" />17 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_June_2016_(Avoiding_mass_extinction)">Avoiding mass extinction</a>)
<p>
Biologist E. O. Wilson proposes that we
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/radical-conservation/2016/jun/15/could-we-set-aside-half-the-earth-for-nature">set
aside half of Earth for nature</a>, to avoid mass extinction.
<p>
That goal requires that we also curb
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#15_June_2016_(Extinction_through_global_heating)">global
heating</a> and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-may-aug.html#10_July_2012_(Ocean_acidification_due_to_CO2)">ocean
acidification</a>.  In practice, we also need to curb the human
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jul-oct.html#24_September_2015_(End_population_growth)">birth
rate</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="16_June_2016_(Switzerland_prosecuting_Mossack_Employee)" />16 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_June_2016_(Switzerland_prosecuting_Mossack_Employee)"
>Switzerland prosecuting Mossack Employee</a>)
<p>
Switzerland is prosecuting someone who works for Mossack Fonseca,
apparently accused of being the one <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/15/mossack-fonseca-worker-arrested-switzerland-panama-papers">who leaked the data</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="16_June_2016_(Recycling_of_plastic_in_US_is_almost_dead)" />16 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_June_2016_(Recycling_of_plastic_in_US_is_almost_dead)"
>Recycling of plastic in US is almost dead</a>)
<p>
With oil now cheap, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/jun/14/green-waste-distribution-methods-recycling-plastic-oil-epa">recycling of plastic in the US is almost dead</a>.
<p>
A heavy tax on petroleum -- which we need to do anyway -- would solve this
problem.

<p>
<li><a name="16_June_2016_(Norway_to_be_carbon-neutral_by_2030)" />16 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_June_2016_(Norway_to_be_carbon-neutral_by_2030)">Norway to be carbon-neutral by 2030</a>)
<p>
Norway has decided to aim to be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/15/norway-pledges-to-become-climate-neutral-by-2030">carbon-neutral by 2030</a>.  However, that plan is based on using carbon offsets to cancel out emissions.
These schemes are in many cases somewhere between fraud and self-delusion.
<p>
The decision does not include reducing exports of fossil fuels.

<p>
<li><a name="16_June_2016_(Chinese_Dissident_book_of_abuses)" />16 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_June_2016_(Chinese_Dissident_book_of_abuses)">Chinese Dissident book of abuses</a>)
<p>
Chinese dissident Gao Zhisheng wrote an account of his <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/15/gao-zhisheng-persecuted-chinese-dissident-smuggles-out-book-of-abuses">imprisonment and
torture</a>, and smuggled it out for publication.

<p>
<li><a name="16_June_2016_(G4S_and_Orlando_killer)" />16 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_June_2016_(G4S_and_Orlando_killer)">G4S and Orlando killer</a>)
<p>
The Orlando killer worked for G4S, a company that operates private prisons
among other things.  The company helped him buy weapons, and ignored
reports from coworkers <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/14/orlando-shooter-wasnt-the-first-murderer-employed-by-global-mercenary-firm/">associating him with bigotry and Islamism</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="16_June_2016_(Landlords_service_for_your_private_data)" />16 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_June_2016_(Landlords_service_for_your_private_data)">Landlords service for your private data</a>)
<p>
A service called "<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2016/06/09/creepy-startup-will-help-landlords-employers-and-online-dates-strip-mine-intimate-data-from-your-facebook-page/">Tenant Assured</a>" wants to help landlords demand and
get all the private data in a potential tenant's social media
accounts, including private messages.
<p>
It should be illegal for landlords or employers to ask for such
access, directly or indirectly.

<p>
<li><a name="16_June_2016_(Brazil's_Dams_Risk_Destroying_Amazon)" />16 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_June_2016_(Brazil's_Dams_Risk_Destroying_Amazon)">Brazil's Dams Risk Destroying Amazon</a>)
<p>
Brazil's Giant Dams <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/jun/15/brazil-giant-hydropower-dams-risk-destroying-amazon-greenpeace-tapajos-river">Risk Destroying Heart of the Amazon</a>, Says Greenpeace.


<p>
<li><a name="16_June_2016_(Mass_murder_Orlando_was_hate_crime)" />16 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_June_2016_(Mass_murder_Orlando_was_hate_crime)">Mass murder Orlando was hate crime</a>)
<p>
Surveillance agencies prefer to present the Orlando murders as
Islamist terrorism rather than as an anti-gay hate crime,
because the <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/14/mass-murder-orlando-was-hate-crime">former suits their agenda of control</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="16_June_2016_(WHO_Olympics_conclusions)" />16 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_June_2016_(WHO_Olympics_conclusions)">WHO Olympics conclusions</a>)
<p>
WHO concluded that the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/14/very-low-risk-of-zika-virus-spreading-internationally-after-olympics-who-says">Olympics probably won't cause Zika to spread</a> more than it would otherwise have done.


<p>
<li><a name="16_June_2016_(The_British_elite)" />16 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_June_2016_(The_British_elite)">The British elite</a>)
<p>
The British elite call on Britons to reject the "European elite" so that the
British elite can have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/14/the-guardian-view-on-the-leave-campaign-anatomy-of-another-elite">full power over them</a>.
<p>
A threat to leave the EU might be useful for Britain if done by a government
led by Corbyn.
<p>
George Monbiot: the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/15/european-union-eu-britain-sovereignty">UK's plutocratic system</a> is even worse than the EU's plutocratic system.

<p>
<li><a name="16_June_2016_(labor_flexibility_protests)" />16 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_June_2016_(labor_flexibility_protests)">labor flexibility protests</a>
<p>
Tens of thousands protested the new <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/14/chaos-erupts-paris-riot-police-unleash-50000-strong-labor-protest">"labor flexibility"</a> law in Paris.
<p>
Once a state begins trying to compete with other countries to woo
companies by allowing them "flexibility" to treat workers worse, it
joins those countries in a race to the bottom -- exactly what
plutocrats want.

<p>
<li><a name="15_June_2016_(Why_I_dislike_video)" />15 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_June_2016_(Why_I_dislike_video)">Why I dislike video</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2016/06/why-i-hate-video-part-548">This
article</a> expresses why I dislike video.
<p>
I won't even try to watch a video unless I am very very interested in
seeing it — for instance, at rare intervals a movie I expect to
like.

<p>
<li><a name="15_June_2016_(The_Orlando_killer)" />15 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_June_2016_(The_Orlando_killer)">The Orlando killer</a>)
<p>
The Orlando killer had 
<a href="http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-orlando-nightclub-shooting-20160613-snap-story.html">visited
gay bars and gay dating apps for quite a while, and he had shown
sympathy for Islamist terror attacks as early as 2001</a>.
<p>
US Republicans have resolved their dilemma about the Orlando murders
by 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/13/hypocrisy-orlando-republicans-condemned-fomenting-anti-gay-hate">taking
the side of the gay men (who they habitually mistreat) in order to
condemn Muslims</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="15_June_2016_(Trumps_unpaid_workers)" />15 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_June_2016_(Trumps_unpaid_workers)">Trump's unpaid workers</a>)
<p>
Hundreds of people and companies that Trump hired to do work have 
<a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/06/09/donald-trump-unpaid-bills-republican-president-laswuits/85297274/">sued
him for not paying them</a>.  Even hourly workers have sued him for
not paying them.
<p>
The article cleverly states that if Trump's claim that they all did
bad work is true, he must be incompetent in business.
<p>
Alternatively, his "competence" in business is really a great skill in
using his wealth to shaft people that work for them.

<p>
<li><a name="15_June_2016_(Olympic_Games_security_measures)" />15 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_June_2016_(Olympic_Games_security_measures)">Olympic Games "security" measures</a>)
<p>
"Security" measures for the Olympic Games have 
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/the-olympics-are-turning-rio-into-a-military-state">turned
Rio de Janeiro into a panopticon</a>.  Quite handy for crushing
protests against the pseudo-coup.
<p>
Other Olympic measures 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2016/jun/15/rio-olympics-exclusion-zone-gentrification-favela-babilonia">oppress
the poor residents of favelas</a> on various pretexts.

<p>
<li><a name="15_June_2016_(For-profit_school_companies)" />15 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_June_2016_(For-profit_school_companies)">For-profit school companies</a>)
<p>
For-profit school companies from the US and Europe are 
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alan-singer/education-imperialism-in_b_10435744.html">drooling
about Africa</a>.
<p>
African countries funds for education are insufficient, but these
companies would like to divert some of that to their profits.

<p>
<li><a name="15_June_2016_(Insecure_work_in_England_and_Wales)" />15 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_June_2016_(Insecure_work_in_England_and_Wales)">Insecure work in England and Wales</a>)
<p>
1/6 of all workers in England and Wales (most of the UK) are in
insecure work, such as 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/jun/13/england-wales-zero-hours-contracts-citizens-advice-insecure-work">zero-hours
contracts</a>.  They cannot count on enough hours to make money to
live on.

<p>
<li><a name="15_June_2016_(Network_neutrality)" />15 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_June_2016_(Network_neutrality)">Network neutrality</a>)
<p>
The FCC's network neutrality rules 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jun/14/net-neutrality-fcc-public-utility-fast-lanes">stood
up to a legal challenge in federal appeals court</a>.  However, the
major ISPs are rich and will surely try to appeal further.
<p>
In addition, they are lobbying for a law to roll back the FCC's
policies.
<p>
The FCC's neutrality policies are not strong enough.  The ISP should
not be allowed to examine the packet in any way, only to transmit it.

<p>
<li><a name="15_June_2016_(Decriminalization_of_sexting)" />15 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_June_2016_(Decriminalization_of_sexting)">Decriminalization of sexting</a>)
<p>
The UK is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jun/14/police-chiefs-sexting-guidance-schools">moving
to decriminalize sexting for teenagers</a>.
<p>
The article contributes, however, to the general practice of
infantilizing them by calling them "children".

<p>
<li><a name="15_June_2016_(Brazilian_journalists_gagged)" />15 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_June_2016_(Brazilian_journalists_gagged)">Brazilian journalists gagged</a>)
<p>
Some Brazilian journalists have been gagged after they 
<a href="https://knightcenter.utexas.edu/blog/00-17199-journalists-brazilian-newspaper-suffer-judicial-harassment-after-publishing-reports-sa">revealed
that some judges are paid an illegally high salary</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="15_June_2016_(Another_heat_record_set_in_May)" />15 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_June_2016_(Another_heat_record_set_in_May)">Another heat record set in May</a>)
<p>
This May set 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/14/may-marks-one-more-record-hot-month-for-the-world">another
heat record</a>.
<p>
Each month this year has set a heat record.

<p>
<li><a name="15_June_2016_(Trump_and_Clintons_response_to_murders)" />15 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_June_2016_(Trump_and_Clintons_response_to_murders)">Trump and Clinton's response to murders</a>)
<p>
Both Trump and Clinton propose to respond to the Orlando murders by
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/13/hillary-clinton-and-donald-trump-call-for-more-airstrikes-on-isis-after-orlando-massacre-that-isis-didnt-direct/">bombing
Syria</a>.
<p>
Defeating PISSI is a desirable goal, but bombing other than on
battlefields tends to kill civilians rather than enemies.
<p>
As the article points out, this won't prevent individuals from
carrying out attacks, especially if their real motivation is personal
and the religious "cause" is only an excuse they make to themselves.

<p>
<li><a name="15_June_2016_(Legal_systems_bias_against_the_poor)" />15 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_June_2016_(Legal_systems_bias_against_the_poor)">Legal system's bias against the poor</a>)
<p>
Stanford Sexual Assault: Records Show 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/13/stanford-sexual-assault-aaron-persky-brock-turner-transcript">Judge's
Logic Behind Light Sentence</a>.
<p>
Some of these reasons seem valid to me, but I see a general injustice
in the policy of giving privileged people lighter sentences for a
whole range of crimes.  What it means is that the legal system is
intentionally biased here against the poor.  Of course, it's biased
against them in other ways, too: many have to 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#5_June_2016_(Six_years_without_a_trial)">spend 
months or years in jail awaiting trial</a>, and their public defenders
are 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#07_May_2013_(Public_defender_system_understaffed)">overloaded
and can't put much time into each case</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="15_June_2016_(Extinction_through_global_heating)" />15 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_June_2016_(Extinction_through_global_heating)">Extinction through global heating</a>)
<p>
A new kind achievement for humanity: <a href="
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/14/first-case-emerges-of-mammal-species-wiped-out-by-human-induced-climate-change">we have caused the extinction</a> of
a mammalian species indirectly through global heating alone.
<p>
When the other ways <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/21/mass-extinction-science-warning">we destroy species are included</a>, our record
includes over 450 species of vertebrates extinguished by human action
since 1900.
<p>
Scientists estimate that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/apr/30/one-in-six-of-worlds-species-faces-extinction-due-to-climate-change-study">1/6 of the existing species face extinction</a> due to global heating.

<p>
<li><a name="15_June_2016_(Orlando_shooter_was_nightclub_regular)" />15 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_June_2016_(Orlando_shooter_was_nightclub_regular)">Orlando shooter was nightclub regular</a>)
<p>
The Orlando killer apparently had <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/14/orlando-shooter-omar-mateen-was-a-regular-at-nightclub">closeted homosexual leanings</a>.
<p>
Perhaps he was taught a strong stigma about that, such that he hated
himself for his sexual orientation; murder could have been his twisted
way out.
<p>
It wouldn't be the first time a person's life was crushed by that
stigma, nor the first time it inflicted great suffering on others.

<p>
<li><a name="15_June_2016_(UK_rich_get_away_with_major_rip-offs)" />15 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_June_2016_(UK_rich_get_away_with_major_rip-offs)">UK rich get away with major rip-offs</a>)
<p>
Plutocracy at work: the UK is very strict toward poor who refuse to
pay a little tax, but lets the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/14/freeloaders-free-market-britain-business-taxpayer-philip-green">rich get away with major rip-offs</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="15_June_2016_(Everyone:_Oppose_internet_shutdowns)" />15 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_June_2016_(Everyone:_Oppose_internet_shutdowns)">Everyone: Oppose internet shutdowns</a>)
<p>
Everyone: Oppose <a href="https://act.accessnow.org/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1921&ea.campaign.id=50509">government-imposed internet shutdowns</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="15_June_2016_(Giving_up_Beef_will_reduce_Carbon_Footprint)" />15 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_June_2016_(Giving_up_Beef_will_reduce_Carbon_Footpri
nt)">Giving up Beef will reduce Carbon Footprint</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jul/21/giving-up-beef-reduce-carbon-footprint-more-than-cars">Giving up Beef</a> Will Reduce Carbon Footprint More Than Cars.
<p>
This isn't all-or-nothing.  I had beef today, but not Thursday,
Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

<p>
<li><a name="15_June_2016_(Pakistani_clerics_issue_fatwa)" />15 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_June_2016_(Pakistani_clerics_issue_fatwa)">Pakistani clerics issue fatwa</a>)
<p>
An influential Muslim legal group in Pakistan made a fatwa against
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/14/pakistani-clerics-issue-fatwa-against-honour-killings">killing women for marrying freely</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="15_June_2016_(Governments_lie_about_encryption_back_doors)" />15 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_June_2016_(Governments_lie_about_encryption_back_doo
rs)">Governments lie about encryption back doors</a>)
<p>
When officials <a href="http://lauren.vortex.com/2016/06/why-governments-lie-about-encryption-backdoors">demand encryption back doors</a>, their reasons are bullshit.

<p>
<li><a name="15_June_2016_(Urgent:_Reduce_air_pollution_in_national_parks)" />15 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#15_June_2016_(Urgent:_Reduce_air_pollution_in_nation
al_parks)">Urgent: Reduce air pollution in national parks</a>)
<p>
US citizens: call on the EPA to <a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/EPA_haze">reduce air pollution in national parks</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="14_June_2016_(Repression_against_queer_people)" />14 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_June_2016_(Repression_against_queer_people)">Repression against queer people</a>)
<p>
Repression against queer people has been
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/13/stop-exploiting-lgbt-issues-to-demonize-islam-and-justify-anti-muslim-policies/">inspired
by Christianity and Judaism as well as Islam</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="14_June_2016_(Paris_summit_carbon_pledges)" />14 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_June_2016_(Paris_summit_carbon_pledges)">Paris summit carbon pledges</a>)
<p>
Paris summit carbon pledges 'are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/oct/10/climate-2c-global-warming-target-fail">not
enough</a> to stop temperature rise'.

<p>
<li><a name="14_June_2016_(Germans_protest_US_drone_bombings)" />14 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_June_2016_(Germans_protest_US_drone_bombings)">Germans protest US drone bombings</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/11/germany-thousands-surround-us-air-base-protest-use-drones">Thousands
of Germans</a> protested US drone bombings outside Ramstein air base,
which relays the drone control data.

<p>
<li><a name="14_June_2016_(Manning_on_Orlando_nightclub_terror)" />14 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_June_2016_(Manning_on_Orlando_nightclub_terror)">Manning on Orlando nightclub terror</a>)
<p>
Chelsea Manning: We
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/13/chelsea-manning-civil-liberties-orlando-terrorism">must
not let the Orlando nightclub terror further strangle our civil
liberties</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="14_June_2016_(Global_heating_denial_funding)" />14 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_June_2016_(Global_heating_denial_funding)">Global heating denial funding</a>)
<p>
Peabody Energy funded
<a href="http://www.prwatch.org/news/2016/06/13114/peabody-coal-bankruptcy-reveals-extensive-funding-climate-denial-network">dozens
of global heating denialist front groups</a>.
<p>
SCROTUS have now been
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2016/jun/13/the-grand-oil-party-house-republicans-denounce-a-carbon-tax">paid
to take a stand against the carbon tax</a> that is necessary to slow
global heating.
<p>
It is a mistake to make the carbon tax revenue-neutral, because the US
needs to spend more money on many things.  We should provide increased
help to people with low incomes, so that they can cope with the new
tax, but we should aim to tax the rich a lot more.

<p>
<li><a name="14_June_2016_(Weapons_of_war_used_by_mass_shooters)" />14 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_June_2016_(Weapons_of_war_used_by_mass_shooters)">Weapons of war used by mass shooters</a>)
<p>
How America's Mass Shooters
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/06/mass-shooters-assault-weapons-orlando">Now
Use Weapons of War</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="14_June_2016_(Saving_the_Great_Barrier_Reef)" />14 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_June_2016_(Saving_the_Great_Barrier_Reef)">Saving the Great Barrier Reef</a>)
<p>
Here is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/commentisfree/2016/jun/13/five-things-we-can-do-right-now-to-save-the-great-barrier-reef">what
Australia must do</a> to save the Great Barrier Reef.

<p>
<li><a name="14_June_2016_(Palm_oil_plantations_on_protected_land)" />14 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_June_2016_(Palm_oil_plantations_on_protected_land)">Palm oil plantations on protected land</a>)
<p>
Greenpeace accuses palm oil company IOI of illegally converting
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/jun/09/palm-oil-giant-ioi-impact-indonesia-worse-than-reported-says-greenpeace">protected
peatland</a> into plantations.
<p>
It is not unusual for companies'
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2005-jan-apr.html#28%20February%202005%20(Bad%20advice%20for%20environmentalists)">"social
responsibility" policies</a> to be
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-nov-feb.html#11_December_2013_(Corporate_social_responsibility)">meaningless
noises</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="14_June_2016_(The_cruelty_of_Sharia_law)" />14 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_June_2016_(The_cruelty_of_Sharia_law)">The cruelty of Shari'a law</a>)
<p>
A Dutch woman visiting Qatar reported that she was drugged and raped.
In accord with Shari'a law, she now faces
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/12/dutch-woman-arrested-qatar-after-reporting-rape-court-doha-hotel">charges
of adultery</a>.
<p>
Shari'a law is especially cruel to women, but it is
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-nov-feb.html#04_February_2013_(Sharia_law_means_mutilation_and_killing)">unjust
to men as well</a>.  To advocate Islamic law is to oppose human
rights, which is why Salafi Arabia opposed the universal declaration
of human rights.
<p>
We must respect people's right to advocate that system, but they
deserve our disgust as well as our opposition.

<p>
<li><a name="14_June_2016_(EFF_campaign_to_restrain_face_recognition)" />14 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_June_2016_(EFF_campaign_to_restrain_face_recognition)"
>EFF campaign to restrain face recognition</a>)
<p>
The EFF campaigns for laws to <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/06/danger-corporate-facial-recognition-tech">restrain face recognition surveillance</a>, but what we need is to ban systematic face recognition of people
in public places, except under a specific court order.

<p>
<li><a name="14_June_2016_(Thug_tased_youth_5_times)" />14 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_June_2016_(Thug_tased_youth_5_times)">Thug tased youth 5 times</a>)
<p>
A thug <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/07/tased-in-the-chest-for-23-seconds-dead-for-8-minutes-now-facing-a-lifetime-of-recovery/">gratuitously tased Bryce Masters 5 times in a row</a>, causing him
a heart attack (not usual at age 18) which led to permanent brain
damage.  To make things worse, the thug then dropped him on his face,
breaking lots of his teeth.
<p>
Afterwards he falsified records to create an excuse.
<p>
That thug was sentenced to 4 years in prison, but many others
get away with it.
<p>
But there is another factor: thugs have been taught that tasers are so safe
that they don't need to hesitate before using them.

<p>
<li><a name="14_June_2016_(Ireland_abortion_laws)" />14 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_June_2016_(Ireland_abortion_laws)">Ireland abortion laws</a>)
<p>
A UN human rights committee ruled that Ireland's ban on abortion violated
the rights of a woman who had a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/09/ireland-abortion-laws-violated-human-rights-says-un">nonviable pregnancy</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="14_June_2016_(Urgent:_Reject_the_TPP)" />14 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_June_2016_(Urgent:_Reject_the_TPP)">Urgent: Reject the TPP</a>)
<p>
US citizens: <a href="https://act.credoaction.com/sign/tpp_enviroment">tell Congress to reject the TPP</a> as it is an environmental
disaster.

<p>
<li><a name="14_June_2016_(House_Poised_to_Advance_Privacy)" />14 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_June_2016_(House_Poised_to_Advance_Privacy)">House Poised to Advance Privacy</a>)
<p>
House [of Representatives] Poised to <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/06/house-poised-advance-privacy-defend-encryption-if-allowed-vote">Advance Privacy and Defend Encryption</a>â¦If Allowed to Vote.

<p>
<li><a name="14_June_2016_(Shady_Debt_Collectors)" />14 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_June_2016_(Shady_Debt_Collectors)">Shady Debt Collectors</a>)
<p>
Opinion: <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Passcode/Security-culture/2016/0610/Opinion-Your-data-needs-more-protection-from-shady-debt-collectors">Your Data Needs More Protection</a> from Shady Debt Collectors.

<p>
<li><a name="14_June_2016_(Buying_groceries_from_Amazon)" />14 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_June_2016_(Buying_groceries_from_Amazon)">Buying groceries from Amazon</a>)
<p>
Buying groceries from Amazon is a <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/12/amazon-fresh-onine-security-food-shopping-surveillance-gchq-david-mitchell">bad road for society to go down</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="14_June_2016_(UK_and_US_Business_Ethics)" />14 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_June_2016_(UK_and_US_Business_Ethics)">UK and US Business Ethics</a>)
<p>
UK (and US business) aims to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/12/the-guardian-view-on-business-ethics-decency-needed">take money by hook or by crook</a>, from citizens or from the public.
<p>
"Business ethics" has become an oxymoron.
<p>
I distrust the idea of addressing the problem with the help
of hypothetical less-greedy business owners.  I doubt they can
be relied on, and they may not exist.


<p>
<li><a name="14_June_2016_(Thousands_arrested_in_Bangladesh)" />14 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_June_2016_(Thousands_arrested_in_Bangladesh)">Thousands arrested in Bangladesh</a>)
<p>
Bangladesh has arrested thousands of people accused of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/12/thousands-arrested-in-bangladesh-in-crackdown-after-attacks-on-minorities">killing nonconformists</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="14_June_2016_(Massacre_at_gay_bar)" />14 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_June_2016_(Massacre_at_gay_bar)">Massacre at gay bar</a>)
<p>
The <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/12/lets-not-give-in-to-fear-after-the-orlando-shooting-florida">massacre at a gay bar in Orlando</a> should not be used as an excuse to promote hatred or attack human rights.
<p>
The <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/12/before-nightclub-shooting-fbi-pursued-questionable-florida-terror-suspects/">killer had a firearms license</a>, but a ban on large magazines might have hampered him from killing so many people.
<p> 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/12/queer-muslims-mourning-orlando-nightclub-shooting">Right-wing bigots </a>must be rather perplexed now, trying to decide whether to side with the victims (gays) or the killer (a Muslim).
<p>
Perhaps we could use this event to teach a lesson against judging
people based on such categories.

<p>
<li><a name="14_June_2016_(FBI_might_blackmail_President_Clinton)" />14 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_June_2016_(FBI_might_blackmail_President_Clinton)">FBI might blackmail President Clinton</a>)
<p>
Assange points out that the FBI might blackmail a President Clinton
to get more <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/jun/12/wikileaks-to-publish-more-hillary-clinton-emails-julian-assange">concessions against our constitutional rights</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="14_June_2016_(The_Sanders_Revolution)" />14 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_June_2016_(The_Sanders_Revolution)">The Sanders Revolution</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/12/revolution-isnt-over-heres-how-it-can-be-sustained-and-why-it-must-be">The [Sanders] Revolution Isn't Over</a>: Hereâs How It Can Be Sustained â-
and Why It Must Be.

<p>
<li><a name="14_June_2016_(Urgent:_Massachusetts_ban_fracking)" />14 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_June_2016_(Urgent:_Massachusetts_ban_fracking)">Urgent: Massachusetts ban fracking</a>)
<p>
Citizens of Massachusetts: call on the state legislature to <a href="https://secure.foodandwaterwatch.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=2647">ban fracking</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="13_June_2016_(Urgent:_No_lame-duck_vote_on_TPP)" />13 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_June_2016_(Urgent:_No_lame-duck_vote_on_TPP)">Urgent: No lame-duck vote on TPP</a>)
<p>
Constituents of Nancy Pelosi: 
<a href="https://www.dailykos.com/campaigns/petitions/sign-the-petition-to-nancy-pelosi-no-lame-duck-vote-2">phone
her office</a> to demand no lame-duck vote on the TPP.

<p>
<li><a name="13_June_2016_(Urgent:_Access_to_birth_control_pills)" />13 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_June_2016_(Urgent:_Access_to_birth_control_pills)">Urgent: Access to birth control pills</a>)
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="http://actnow.prochoiceamerica.org/sign/160607_illinoisBC/">call
on Illinois</a> to allow prescriptions for 12 months of birth control
pills.

<p>
<li><a name="13_June_2016_(Urgent:_Reject_wildlife-killer_bill)" />13 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_June_2016_(Urgent:_Reject_wildlife-killer_bill)">Urgent: Reject wildlife-killer bill</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://secure.defenders.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=3085">Call
on your senators</a> to reject the House-passed substitute to the
Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016 (S.2012)

<p>
<li><a name="13_June_2016_(War_on_predatory_debt_collectors)" />13 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_June_2016_(War_on_predatory_debt_collectors)">War on predatory debt collectors</a>)
<p>
The war on predatory debt collectors 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/us-money-blog/2016/jun/12/debt-collection-predatory-lending-war-on-drugs">may
come to resemble the "war on drugs"</a>.
<p>
I think the underlying problem is that we make it too tough
to get by, as a poor people.  Various progressive policies
would reduce their need to borrow just to get by.  Eliminating
the paranoid "protective" regulation of children would also help.

<p>
<li><a name="13_June_2016_(Clintons_TPP-related_emails)" />13 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_June_2016_(Clintons_TPP-related_emails)">Clinton's TPP-related emails</a>)
<p>
The US is 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/06/obama-administration-bars-release-clintons-tpp-emails-until-post-election">delaying
publication of Clinton's TPP-related emails</a> until after the
election.

<p>
<li><a name="13_June_2016_(UK_undercover_thugs_in_Germany)" />13 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_June_2016_(UK_undercover_thugs_in_Germany)">UK undercover thugs in Germany</a>)
<p>
Germany demands information about UK undercover thugs that 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jun/11/germany-asks-uk-to-widen-undercover-policing-inquiry-mark-kennedy">infiltrated
political groups in Germany</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="13_June_2016_(Google_supports_the_TPP)" />13 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_June_2016_(Google_supports_the_TPP)">Google supports the TPP</a>)
<p>
Google supports the TPP because of 
<a href="https://publicpolicy.googleblog.com/2016/06/the-trans-pacific-partnership-step.html">three
mostly-evil provisions that would benefit Google</a>.
<p>
Shame on Google!

<p>
<li><a name="13_June_2016_(Patent_suits_and_corruption)" />13 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_June_2016_(Patent_suits_and_corruption)">Patent suits and corruption</a>)
<p>
The reason why so many patent suits are filed in a particular court in
Texas may be 
<a href="http://www.technobuffalo.com/2016/06/07/x-plane-flight-simulator-patent-troll-uniloc/">a
judge who was corrupt through family ties</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="13_June_2016_(Parent_charged_with_absurd_crime)" />13 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_June_2016_(Parent_charged_with_absurd_crime)">Parent charged with absurd "crime"</a>)
<p>
A woman who 
<a href="http://www.freerangekids.com/outrage-of-the-week-mom-on-electronic-monitor-25000-bail-for-letting-kids-wait-10-mins-in-car-within-view-windows-down/">left
two children safely in a parked car for 10 minutes</a> was arrested
and charged with an absurd "crime" and made to post $25,000 bail.
<p>
Theoretically, when you post bail, you eventually get it back.
However, she probably did not have $25,000 on hand for this.  So she
probably had to pay $2,500 to a bail bonds company, and she will never
get that back.
<p>
For a typical American family, an unexpected expense of $2,500 can
mean bankruptcy and homelessness.  Arresting struggling parents is
therefore far more dangerous than leaving kids in a car.

<p>
<li><a name="13_June_2016_(Drilling_in_the_Chukchi_Sea)" />13 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_June_2016_(Drilling_in_the_Chukchi_Sea)">Drilling in the Chukchi Sea</a>)
<p>
Nearly all oil companies have 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/10/dont-look-now-there-was-just-mass-exodus-oil-companies-arctic">abandoned
their leases</a> for drilling in the Chukchi Sea.
<p>
So why not put an end to it?

<p>
<li><a name="13_June_2016_(Cost_of_offshore_drilling)" />13 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_June_2016_(Cost_of_offshore_drilling)">Cost of offshore drilling</a>)
<p>
If the US allows offshore drilling, the monetary costs for the public
could be as much as 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/10/cost-you-and-me-proposed-offshore-drilling-1792-billion">180
billion dollars</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="13_June_2016_(US_combat_troops_in_Afghanistan)" />13 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_June_2016_(US_combat_troops_in_Afghanistan)">US combat troops in Afghanistan</a>)
<p>
Obama ordered US troops in Afghanistan 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/10/deeper-and-deeper-war-obama-authorizes-more-military-force-afghanistan">to
increase their direct participation in combat</a>.
<p>
The corrupt Afghan government can't inspire soldiers to fight hard to
defeat the Taliban.  The US can keep propping it up, but the Taliban
will remain, so the US will have to prop it up ad infinitem, or else
stop at some point and let the Taliban win.  Sooner or later, the US
will have to do that.
<p>
I think Clinton would not feel bad about keeping this war going for 4
or 8 more years.  But this achieves nothing except to continue the
deaths.

<p>
<li><a name="13_June_2016_(Severance_pay)" />13 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_June_2016_(Severance_pay)">Severance pay</a>)
<p>
US companies use severance pay to 
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/12/us/laid-off-americans-required-to-zip-lips-on-way-out-grow-bolder.html">coerce
employees to train their own replacements and to shut up about it
after they are fired</a>.
<p>
I think it should be a felony for managers or executives to
participate in such schemes (either of the two kinds), and employees
that testify publicly about such felonies should be given a large
reward.

<p>
<li><a name="13_June_2016_(The_capacity_for_introspection)" />13 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_June_2016_(The_capacity_for_introspection)">The capacity for introspection</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/12/fashion/internet-technology-phones-introspection.html">Internet-connected
mobile devices may be interfering</a> with people's capacity for
reflecting about what they are doing.

<p>
<li><a name="13_June_2016_(The_next_mass_extinction)" />13 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_June_2016_(The_next_mass_extinction)">The next mass extinction</a>)
<p>
The 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/radical-conservation/2015/oct/20/the-four-horsemen-of-the-sixth-mass-extinction">coming
anthropogenic mass extinction</a> will be different from the six
previous mass extinctions.
<p>
If technological civilization survives the coming disaster, the human
population will probably be less than half what it is now (the rest
having perished).  Humanity could allow half of today's farmland to
become wild again.  It will be possible to remove the excess carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere using solar energy.
<p>
It won't be possible to repair the extinction, or the effects of
flooding the world's coastal cities, toxic factories, and
archaeological sites.

<p>
<li><a name="13_June_2016_(Sleep-deprived_students)" />13 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_June_2016_(Sleep-deprived_students)">Sleep-deprived students</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/sep/08/start-school-later-11am-students-sleep">Start
School Day at 11am to Let Students Sleep In</a>.
<p>
I sure wish they had done that when I was young.

<p>
<li><a name="13_June_2016_(Starvation_in_Yemen)" />13 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_June_2016_(Starvation_in_Yemen)">Starvation in Yemen</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/jun/08/yemen-fighting-rising-food-prices-scarce-resources-famine">1/4
of the population of Yemen</a> is starving as a result of the
persistent civil war.
<p>
The civil war drags on because of Salafi Arabia's intervention, which
is possible because of
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jan-apr.html#26_April_2015_(Civil_war_in_Yemen)">US
support</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="13_June_2016_(Clinton_the_Republican)" />13 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_June_2016_(Clinton_the_Republican)">Clinton the Republican</a>)
<p>
Clinton won the California primary, and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/08/hillary-clinton-bernie-sanders-california-democratic-nominee">will
probably get the Democratic Party nomination</a>.
<p>
She will not get my vote, however.  I consider her a Republican, based
on her support for banksters, welfare cuts, business-supremacy
treaties and wars of aggression.
<p>
I will decide later whether to write in Sanders' name or vote Green.
<p>
As for the fact that the US has now nominated a woman to represent a
major party, I think it is good that the US can do that.
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#06_February_2016_(Sanders_questioning_Clintons_integrity)">If
in addition she were a progressive</a>, I'd vote for her.  However,
her sex is no milestone for me: I have already voted for a woman for
president
(<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-jan-apr.html#05_March_2012_(Urgent:_Support_Jill_Stein)">Jill
Stein, Green Party, 2012</a>).
<p>
I felt the same thing when the US nominated a black man for president
for the first time: he was
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-nov-feb.html#1_December_2011_(Obama)">clearly
no progressive</a> so I did not vote for him.

<p>
<li><a name="13_June_2016_(Retired_army_officers_for_Arab_peace_plan)" />13 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_June_2016_(Retired_army_officers_for_Arab_peace_plan)">Retired army officers for Arab peace plan</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/world/2016/05/27/israeli-officers-issue-peace-plan-condemn-government-inaction/zcvhtnFUr1BZ7kxbgP2leO/story.html">200
retired Israeli army officers</a> called for accepting the Arab peace
plan.
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#09_July_2014_(The_Arab_Peace_Initiative)">That
plan</a> is reasonable one, so it makes sense for them to agree.
What's surprising is that support for it comes from that direction.
But it is not really so surprising.  Soldiers that have fought in war
have a basis to understand how bad war is, and soldiers who have
actually fought understand how occupation duty damages an army for
fighting a real enemy.

<p>
<li><a name="12_June_2016_(Urgent:_Medical_confidentiality)" />12 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_June_2016_(Urgent:_Medical_confidentiality)">Urgent: Medical confidentiality</a>)
<p>
Citizens of Massachusetts: 
<a href="https://act1.myngp.com/Forms/NoScript/727331339820335104">support
the bill</a> to give people medical confidentiality from their
parents.

<p>
<li><a name="12_June_2016_(Britains_welfare_cuts)" />12 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_June_2016_(Britains_welfare_cuts)">Britain's welfare cuts</a>)
<p>
The UN says Britain's welfare cuts 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jun/09/poorer-children-disproportionately-affected-by-austerity-measures-says-un">violate
children's rights</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="12_June_2016_(Todays_celebrities)" />12 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_June_2016_(Todays_celebrities)">Today's celebrities</a>)
<p>
Muhammad Ali shows by contrast the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/11/muhammad-ali-fame-social-change-modern-celebrities">vacuousness
of celebrities which are adulated today</a> where in the past people
admired heroes who had really done something.
<p>
This change was one of many pointed out by Daniel Boorstin's book, The
Image.

<p>
<li><a name="12_June_2016_(DEA_wants_prescription_records)" />12 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_June_2016_(DEA_wants_prescription_records)">DEA wants prescription records</a>)
<p>
The Drug Repression Agency wants to collect massive amounts of
prescription records in order to place 
<a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/06/10/dea-wants-inside-your-medical-records-to-fight-the-war-on-drugs.html">charges
against people taking too many painkillers</a>.
<p>
Some of them are suffering from horrible pain.  Some of them are
addicts, but prosecuting them is not going to help at all.

<p>
<li><a name="12_June_2016_(Koch_Brothers_fighting_electric_cars)" />12 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_June_2016_(Koch_Brothers_fighting_electric_cars)">Koch Brothers fighting electric cars</a>)
<p>
The Koch Brothers are 
<a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/big-oil-declares-war-on-the-electric-car-1.2574257">lobbying
to stop adoption of electric cars</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="12_June_2016_(Trademark_dispute_over_the_word_thanks)" />12 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_June_2016_(Trademark_dispute_over_the_word_thanks)">Trademark dispute over the word "thanks"</a>)
<p>
Citigroup Is Suing AT&T For 
<a href="http://gizmodo.com/citigroup-is-suing-at-t-for-using-the-word-thanks-1781753942">Using
the Word "Thanks"</a>
<p>
Trade marks are basically a useful system, but the US implements them
without taking proper care of public interests.
<p>
The article foolishly uses the term "intellectual property" which
confuses several unrelated laws and treats them as a single subject.
Please 
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">don't ever generalize
about these laws</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="12_June_2016_(UN_head_admits_caving_to_threats)" />12 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_June_2016_(UN_head_admits_caving_to_threats)">UN head admits caving to threats</a>)
<p>
UN Head Admits He 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/09/un-head-admits-he-caved-threats-removing-saudi-coalition-blacklist">Caved
to Threats</a> in Removing Saudi Coalition From Blacklist.

<p>
<li><a name="12_June_2016_(Slug_pesticides_in_drinking_water)" />12 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_June_2016_(Slug_pesticides_in_drinking_water)">Slug pesticides in drinking water</a>)
<p>
Chemicals meant to kill slugs 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/blog/2013/jul/10/slug-pesticides-metaldehyde-drinking-water">get
into drinking water for humans and poison pets</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="12_June_2016_(Urgent:_Thug_department_reporting)" />12 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_June_2016_(Urgent:_Thug_department_reporting)">Urgent: Thug department reporting</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://action.aclu.org/secure/we-need-data">call on the
Department of Justice</a> to require all thug departments to report
when they kill people.

<p>
<li><a name="12_June_2016_(Urgent:_Pardon_Jasmine_Richards)" />12 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_June_2016_(Urgent:_Pardon_Jasmine_Richards)">Urgent: Pardon Jasmine Richards</a>)
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/tell-gov-jerry-brown-pardon-jasmine-abdullah-richards-sentence/">call
on California Governor Brown</a> to pardon Jasmine Richards.

<p>
<li><a name="12_June_2016_(Racism_in_university_admission_policies)" />12 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_June_2016_(Racism_in_university_admission_policies)">Racism in university admission policies</a>)
<p>
Racism is demonstrated in some UK universities'
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jun/09/black-and-asian-students-under-represented-in-university-offers">admission
policies</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="12_June_2016_(UK_massive_snooping)" />12 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_June_2016_(UK_massive_snooping)">UK massive snooping</a>)
<p>
In 2010, UK massive snoopers warned that they were
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/07/mi5-gchq-digint-surveillance-data-deluge/">collecting
so much data that real terrorists were needles in the haystack</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="12_June_2016_(UK_thugs_involved_with_murders_in_the_90s)" />12 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_June_2016_(UK_thugs_involved_with_murders_in_the_90s)">UK thugs involved with murders in the 90s</a>)
<p>
UK thugs were
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jun/09/loyalist-informers-smuggled-weapons-used-in-dozens-troubles-murders-report-loughinisland">closely
involved</a> with murders committed by paramilitaries in Ulster in the
90s, including one case which today would be called an act of
terrorism.

<p>
<li><a name="12_June_2016_(Record_heat_and_drought_in_Alaska)" />12 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_June_2016_(Record_heat_and_drought_in_Alaska)">Record heat and drought in Alaska</a>)
<p>
Alaska is suffering from
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/09/ten-degrees-above-average-alaska-having-its-hottest-year-records-began">record
heat, and drought</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="12_June_2016_(Tesla_NDA)" />12 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_June_2016_(Tesla_NDA)">Tesla NDA</a>)
<p>
Tesla is reportedly making customers sign nondisclosures about a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jun/10/tesla-model-s-suspension-probe-of-troublesome-customer-secrecy-deals">dangerous
technical fault</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="11_June_2016_(Ross_Sea_conservation)" />11 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_June_2016_(Ross_Sea_conservation)">Ross Sea conservation</a>)
<p>
The plan to establish a conservation zone in the Ross Sea, off
Antarctica, is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/10/russia-dragging-heels-on-creation-of-antarctic-conservation-zone">being
blocked only by Russia</a>.
<p>
I would sign the petition in favor of this conservation zone, if only
Avaaz made it possible to sign without running nonfree Javascript
code.  I asked Avaaz to do this, but I alone was not influential
enough.  How about if you too ask them?

<p>
<li><a name="11_June_2016_(Ability_to_defer_gratification)" />11 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_June_2016_(Ability_to_defer_gratification)">Ability to defer gratification</a>)
<p>
Does 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/10/amazon-fresh-culture-instant-gratification">immediate
delivery</a> train people not to develop the ability to defer
gratification?

<p>
<li><a name="11_June_2016_(Clintons_use_of_money_for_other_candidates)" />11 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_June_2016_(Clintons_use_of_money_for_other_candidates)">Clinton's use of money "for other candidates"</a>)
<p>
Clinton has a past history of raising money "for other candidates"
and 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/10/hillary-clinton-used-leadership-pac-as-slush-fund-in-2008-09/">using
it on her own campaign</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="11_June_2016_(Enemies_of_abortion_rights)" />11 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_June_2016_(Enemies_of_abortion_rights)">Enemies of abortion rights</a>)
<p>
The enemies of abortion rights don't scruple at 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/10/life-peddling-misinformation-online-anti-abortion-drive-charity">mixing
flat-out falsehoods with their religious hooey</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="11_June_2016_(The_Democratic_Party)" />11 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_June_2016_(The_Democratic_Party)">The Democratic Party</a>)
<p>
At the heart of the Democratic Party apparatus are some elected
officials that are in the 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/08/wasserman-schultz-has-change-heart-too-little-too-late">habit
of giving businesses what they want</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="11_June_2016_(Brazils_corrupt_new_rulers)" />11 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_June_2016_(Brazils_corrupt_new_rulers)">Brazil's corrupt new rulers</a>)
<p>
Brazil's corrupt new rulers have been 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/10/as-brasilias-corruption-is-exposed-lawmakers-try-to-criminalize-dissent/">plagued
by leaked tapes showing their corruption</a>.  Their response is to
plan a law to prohibit publication of these leaks.

<p>
<li><a name="11_June_2016_(Internet-connected_pacemakers)" />11 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_June_2016_(Internet-connected_pacemakers)">Internet-connected pacemakers</a>)
<p>
The NSA wants to use people's internet-connected pacemakers to 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/10/nsa-looking-to-exploit-internet-of-things-including-biomedical-devices-official-says/">spy
on them</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="11_June_2016_(Secret_US_documents_about_Khomeini)" />11 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_June_2016_(Secret_US_documents_about_Khomeini)">Secret US documents about Khomeini</a>)
<p>
Secret US documents suggest that Ayatollah Khomeini 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/10/ayatollah-khomeini-jimmy-carter-administration-iran-revolution">asked
for US help in returning to Iran, and received it</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="11_June_2016_(Netanyahu_and_Liebermans_talk)" />11 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_June_2016_(Netanyahu_and_Liebermans_talk)">Netanyahu and Lieberman's talk</a>)
<p>
Netanyahu and even Lieberman are 
<a href="http://zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en/channels/avnery/1465567618/">talking
like Uri Avnery in 1969</a>.  Alas, says Avnery, they don't mean it
— it is only a trick.

<p>
<li><a name="11_June_2016_(Gawker_forced_into_bankruptcy)" />11 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_June_2016_(Gawker_forced_into_bankruptcy)">Gawker forced into bankruptcy</a>)
<p>
Gawker has been forced into bankruptcy by the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/jun/10/gawker-media-bankruptcy-auction-hulk-hogan-lawsuit">lawsuit
funded by billionaire Peter Thiel</a>.  Thiel says his goal is to
prevent further disclosures.  It seems that billionaires want to make
sure no one dares publish what they don't like.

<p>
<li><a name="11_June_2016_(Trumps_shameless_unending_lies)" />11 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_June_2016_(Trumps_shameless_unending_lies)">Trump's shameless unending lies</a>)
<p>
The acceptance of Trump's shameless unending lies makes a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/10/lying-sext-pest-anthony-weiner-donald-trump-nina-bawden-jude-law">strange
contrast</a> with the politicians whose careers were ended when they
were caught in minor lies.
<p>
But then, some of their lies were about sex.  Americans seem to go
nuts about politicians' sex lives.

<p>
<li><a name="11_June_2016_(Jill_Stein_to_Bernie_Sanders)" />11 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_June_2016_(Jill_Stein_to_Bernie_Sanders)">Jill Stein to Bernie Sanders</a>)
<p>
Jill Stein urged Sanders to 
<a href="http://www.democracynow.org/2016/6/9/jill_stein_to_bernie_sanders_run">run
in the Green Party</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="11_June_2016_(Apple_opposes_right-to-repair_laws)" />11 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_June_2016_(Apple_opposes_right-to-repair_laws)">Apple opposes right-to-repair laws</a>)
<p>
Apple 
<a href="
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/apple-right-to-repair_us_5755a6b4e4b0ed593f14fdea">opposes
right-to-repair laws</a> that could reduce e-waste.

<p>
<li><a name="11_June_2016_(NSA_internal_documents_about_Snowden)" />11 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_June_2016_(NSA_internal_documents_about_Snowden)">NSA internal documents about Snowden</a>)
<p>
Released NSA internal documents show how Snowden 
<a href="https://news.vice.com/article/edward-snowden-leaks-tried-to-tell-nsa-about-surveillance-concerns-exclusive">tried
to raise concerns about illegal snooping inside the organization</a>,
and was rebuffed.
<p>
They also belie the official efforts to smear him falsely.

<p>
<li><a name="11_June_2016_(Floods_in_Paris)" />11 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_June_2016_(Floods_in_Paris)">Floods in Paris</a>)
<p>
Global heating made the recent floods in Paris 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/10/paris-floods-made-almost-twice-as-likely-by-climate-change-say-scientists">twice
as likely to occur</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="11_June_2016_(Auction_business_waters_sidewalk_in_SF)" />11 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_June_2016_(Auction_business_waters_sidewalk_in_SF)">Auction business waters sidewalk in SF</a>)
<p>
An art auction business in San Francisco sprayed water on the
sidewalk,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/10/san-francisco-homeless-sprinklers-bonhams-auction-house">wetting
homeless people's belongings</a>.  Let's hope the company gets fined
for wasting water.

<p>
<li><a name="10_June_2016_(Gene-drive_organisms)" />10 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_June_2016_(Gene-drive_organisms)">"Gene-drive" organisms</a>)
<p>
'Gene-Drive' Organisms
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/jun/08/gene-drive-organisms-require-far-more-research-say-experts">Require
Far More Research</a>, because of danger to various wildlife.
<p>
Schemes for biological control of pests have often backfired.
<p>
Gene drives raise issues beyond the danger of extinctions.  There are
also
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/political-science/2016/jun/09/the-national-academies-gene-drive-study-has-ignored-important-and-obvious-issues">militarization,
food security, and commercial power</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="10_June_2016_(Keep_cats_indoors)" />10 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_June_2016_(Keep_cats_indoors)">Keep cats indoors</a>)
<p>
You may like cats, but don't let them outdoors!  Cats kill
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/09/jonathan-franzen-cats-screens-feline-harm">millions
of wild birds</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="10_June_2016_(Eradication_of_AIDS)" />10 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_June_2016_(Eradication_of_AIDS)">Eradication of AIDS</a>)
<p>
"It isn't lack of drugs preventing us eradicating AIDS, but
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/jun/09/hiv-rates-eradicating-aids-inequality-social-stigma">inequality</a>."
<p>
The UN talks of seeking to eliminate HIV, but
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jun/08/un-hiv-aids-summit-gay-transgender-groups-excluded">refuses
to acknowledge groups such as gay men, sex workers and intravenous
drug users</a> which it would have to support so as to achieve that
goal.

<p>
<li><a name="10_June_2016_(The_DMCA_takedown_system)" />10 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_June_2016_(The_DMCA_takedown_system)">The DMCA takedown system</a>)
<p>
The Register of Copyrights is supporting Hollywood's worldwide
campaign to impose something even worse than the censorship-ridden
DMCA takedown system.  This would require computers to
<a href="https://torrentfreak.com/takedown-staydown-would-be-a-disaster-internet-archive-warns-160607/">block
fair use on internet platforms</a>, even though nominally people would
still have that right.
<p>
Fifteen years ago there was a strong campaign to pin back the wrongs
of the DMCA, with some supporters in Congress.  This campaign has
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_April_2016_(A_push_to_make_DMCA_nastier)">fizzled
away</a>.  The lack of a campaign for improvement weakens our
resistance to this attempt to make it worse.

<p>
<li><a name="10_June_2016_(Israeli_police_officers)" />10 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_June_2016_(Israeli_police_officers)">Israeli police officers</a>)
<p>
Two Palestinians shot at Israelis in a mall, killing some and wounding
some.  Cops
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/08/deadly-attack-tel-aviv-prompts-calls-police-execute-captive-suspect/">shot
them to disarm them, then arrested them</a>.
<p>
Bystanders urged the cops to murder the killers, but they refused and
did their duty instead.  It seems these cops were police officers, not
thugs.  The killers will presumably stand trial.

<p>
<li><a name="10_June_2016_(Iran_imprisons_visiting_expatriate)" />10 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_June_2016_(Iran_imprisons_visiting_expatriate)">Iran imprisons visiting expatriate</a>)
<p>
Iran has imprisoned another visiting expatriate,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/08/canadian-iranian-professor-arrested-iran-homa-hoodfar">Professor
Homa Hoodfar</a>.
<p>
Her family speculate that the mullahs' special thug force is using her
as a pawn against president Rouhani.
<p>
Although I am not an Iranian expatriate, I still consider Iran too
dangerous a place to visit.  It is one of the countries I refuse to
enter.

<p>
<li><a name="10_June_2016_(A_plan_to_make_more_poverty_in_the_US)" />10 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_June_2016_(A_plan_to_make_more_poverty_in_the_US)">A plan to make more poverty in the US</a>)
<p>
Paul Ryan says he has a new plan for poverty in the US:
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/06/elizabeth-warren-rips-paul-ryans-poverty-plan">making
more of it</a>.  Except that it isn't really new.  It's the same as
before.

<p>
<li><a name="10_June_2016_(US_prosecutes_PISSI_defector)" />10 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_June_2016_(US_prosecutes_PISSI_defector)">US prosecutes PISSI defector</a>)
<p>
The US is making an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/09/mohamed-khweis-charged-isis-support-defection">unwise choice</a> in prosecuting a defector from PISSI.

<p>
<li><a name="10_June_2016_(Oklahoma_thugs_and_people's_bank_accounts)" />10 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_June_2016_(Oklahoma_thugs_and_people's_bank_accounts)"
>Oklahoma thugs and people's bank accounts</a>)
<p>
Oklahoma thugs 
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2016/06/08/oklahoma-police-can-pull-you-over-and-di">can 
take money from people's bank accounts</a> on mere suspicion.
<p>
This may work only with debit cards.

<p>
<li><a name="10_June_2016_(Libya_claims_to_have_taken_all_PISSI_territories)" />10 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_June_2016_(Libya_claims_to_have_taken_all_PISSI
_territories)">Libya claims to have taken all PISSI territories</a>)
<p>
Libya's western-created government says it has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/09/libyan-forces-claim-ousted-isis-sirte-final-stronghold">taken all the territory that PISSI held</a>.
<p>
However, some PISSI soldiers are still fortified in parts of Sirte,
and others may have melted away, guerrilla-style.

<p>
<li><a name="10_June_2016_(School_days_and_grenade_launchers)" />10 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_June_2016_(School_days_and_grenade_launchers)">School days and
grenade launchers</a>)
<p>
The Los Angeles School Thug Department has acknowledged, after a long
campaign, that having armored vehicles to launch tear gas, and
carrying automatic rifles, is <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/09/school-days-and-grenade-launchers">fundamentally a bad idea</a>.
<p>
That is a change for the better, but I suspect that most students that
on the school-to-prison pipeline got there through an arrest in a
school by a single thug.  Will the school district recognize that having
thugs in schools is dangerous for the students?

<p>
<li><a name="10_June_2016_(We_need_to_reduce_air_pollution)" />10 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_June_2016_(We_need_to_reduce_air_pollution)">We need to reduce air pollution</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/09/urgent-action-needed-to-stop-terrifying-rise-in-air-pollution-warns-oecd">Urgent action is needed to reduce air pollution</a>, which is expected to kill 9 million people per year over the next few decades if not reduced.
<p>
This danger dwarfs that of terrorists and jihadis.
Even PISSI in Syria can't kill people like that.

<p>
<li><a name="10_June_2016_(Hissene_Habre_supporters_not_on_trial)" />10 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_June_2016_(Hissene_Habre_supporters_not_on_trial)">Hissène
Habré supporters not on trial</a>)
<p>
Former dictator Hissène Habré of Chad, recently
convicted of crimes against humanity, was installed and supported by
the US.  The US leaders that supported him
are <a href="http://medialens.org/index.php/alerts/alert-archive/2016/820-how-the-press-hides-the-global-crimes-of-the-west-corporate-media-coverage-of-chad.html">not
on trial</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="10_June_2016_(UK_official_kidnappers_enjoy_total_impunity)" />10 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_June_2016_(UK_official_kidnappers_enjoy_total_impunity)">UK official kidnappers enjoy total impunity</a>)
<p>
The UK officials behind kidnaping Libyan dissidents and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/09/rendition-islamists-mi6-torture-libya">handing them
over for torture</a> will enjoy total impunity.

<p>
<li><a name="10_June_2016_(Trump_inspires_school_bullies)" />10 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_June_2016_(Trump_inspires_school_bullies)">Trump inspires school bullies</a>)
<p>
Trump <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/09/california-primary-trump-rhetoric-school-bully">inspires school bullies</a> all across the US.
<p>
Trump is a school bully that never grew out of it.

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(Urgent:_Limit_arms_transfers)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(Urgent:_Limit_arms_transfers)">Urgent: Limit arms transfers</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/senate-limit-arms-transfers-1">call
on Congress</a> to limit arms for Salafi Arabia and Syrian rebels (in
different ways).

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(Urgent:_Aid_for_civilians_fleeing_Falluja)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(Urgent:_Aid_for_civilians_fleeing_Falluja)">Urgent: Aid for civilians fleeing Falluja</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/congress-aid-iraqi-civilians">call
on Congress</a> to provide aid for civilians fleeing Falluja.

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(Urgent:_Sierra_Club_petitions_without_JS)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(Urgent:_Sierra_Club_petitions_without_JS)">Urgent: Sierra Club petitions without JS</a>)
<p>
Everyone: please write to 
<a href="mailto:AddUp@sierraclub.org">AddUp@sierraclub.org</a> and
<a href="mailto:webmaster@sierraclub.org">webmaster@sierraclub.org</a>
to request <em>in a respectful tone</em> that the Sierra Club make
sure that people can sign its petitions without running Javascript
code.
<p>
That used to work.  It could certainly work again, if they decide
to make it work.
<p>
If, as is the case with me, you support some of their petitions and
would sign them if you didn't have to pay with your freedom to sign,
I suggest telling them so.

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(Palestinian_protesters_shot)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(Palestinian_protesters_shot)">Palestinian protesters shot</a>)
<p>
Israeli soldiers attacked several different Palestinian protests, and
<a href="http://www.alternativenews.org/english/index.php/news/1393-nine-palestinians-shot-and-wounded">nine
protesters were shot</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(Traceability_rule_for_seafood_fraud)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(Traceability_rule_for_seafood_fraud)">Traceability rule for seafood fraud</a>)
<p>
New Traceability Rule 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/06/07/new-traceability-rule-doesnt-go-far-enough-stop-seafood-fraud-us">Doesnât
Go Far Enough</a> to Stop Seafood Fraud in US.
<p>
It only affects certain cases, and those are not the majority of
fraud.

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(The_US-backed_coup_in_Honduras)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(The_US-backed_coup_in_Honduras)">The US-backed coup in Honduras</a>)
<p>
Report Details How US-Backed Coup 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/07/report-details-how-us-backed-coup-unleashed-wave-abuses-honduras">Unleashed
Wave of Abuses in Honduras</a>.
<p>
Specifically, it was Secretary of State Clinton who 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#22_February_2016_(How_Clinton_enabled_coup_in_Honduras)">winked
at that coup</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(UKs_blanket_spying_law)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(UKs_blanket_spying_law)">UK's blanket spying law</a>)
<p>
The UK's blanket spying law has 
<a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-wp-blm-britain-encrypt-41ce0ee2-2ce5-11e6-b9d5-3c3063f8332c-20160607-story.html">passed
the House of Commons</a>.  It gives legal permission for the illegal
snooping that GCHQ has been doing.

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(Addiction)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(Addiction)">Addiction</a>)
<p>
It's 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/07/addiction-not-disease-science-stigma">not
really accurate to call addiction a disease</a>.  However, that's a
lot better than calling it a moral weakness.

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(FBIs_mass_surveillance_power)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(FBIs_mass_surveillance_power)">FBI's mass surveillance power</a>)
<p>
A bill being considered by the Senate 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/07/new-intelligence-bill-gives-fbi-more-secret-surveillance-power/">would
give the FBI additional power to snoop on most Americans secretly</a>.
<p>
This is the opposite of what we need.  The US has too much power to
track people, and for democracy's sake, we need to knock down the
surveillance, across the board.

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(Countries_that_maim_and_kill_children)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(Countries_that_maim_and_kill_children)">Countries that maim and kill children</a>)
<p>
The UN removed Salafi Arabia and its allies from the list of countries
that maim and kill children, apparently 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/07/u-n-quickly-removes-saudi-led-coalition-from-its-list-of-child-killers/">as
a political decision</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(Urgent:_Federal_Contractors)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(Urgent:_Federal_Contractors)">Urgent: Federal Contractors</a
>)
<p>
US citizens: phone the White House at (888) 848-4824
and call on Obama to make an executive order requiring
<a href="https://org2.salsalabs.com/o/7003/">federal contractors</a> to announce their political spending.

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(Chinas_memory_manipulators)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(Chinas_memory_manipulators)">China's memory manipulators</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/08/chinas-memory-manipulators">China systematically erases history</a> or replaces it with a modern
imitation.  Many "old" temples and monuments are modern replicas.

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(Lancome_closes_its_stores_in_Hong_Kong)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(Lancome_closes_its_stores_in_Hong_Kong)">Lancôme closes its stores in Hong Kong</a>)
<p>
Lancôme cancelled a concert in a store in Hong Kong, bowing to
pressure from China.  People in Hong Kong protested this, and the
company
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/08/lancome-shuts-hong-kong-stores-cancelled-denise-ho-gig-protests">shut
its stores</a>.
<p>
I hope they protest until Lancôme learns a lesson.  Western
businesses that sell in China often betray human rights globally to
cater to China.

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(EFF_urges_Senate)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(EFF_urges_Senate)">EFF urges Senate</a>)
<p>
EFF Urges Senate Not to Expand FBIâs <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/06/eff-urges-senate-not-expand-fbis-controversial-national-security-letter-authority">Controversial National Security Letter Authority</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(Sanders_supporters_cry_foul_over_Clinton)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(Sanders_supporters_cry_foul_over_Clinton)">Sanders supporters cry foul over Clinton</a>)
<p>
Last weekend, before <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/07/sanders-supporters-cry-foul-over-clintons-suspicious-secret-win-email">the AP's premature announcement</a> that Clinton had won the nomination, the Clinton campaign was already arranging what it would say about that announcement.

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(Outsourcing_online_remote_education)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(Outsourcing_online_remote_education)">Outsourcing online remote education</a>)
<p>
Well-known and previously respected US universities are <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2016/06/for-profit-companies-nonprofit-colleges/485930/">outsourcing their online remote education to companies</a>, making them in effect almost
equivalent to for-profit colleges.
<p>
This goes with adopting some of the sleazy practices of those.

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(Salafi_Arabia_pressure_on_UN)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(Salafi_Arabia_pressure_on_UN)">Salafi Arabia pressure on UN
</a>)
<p>
Salafi Arabia organized allies through the Organization of Islamic
Cooperation to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/08/saudi-arabia-united-nations-blacklist-yemen-ban-ki-moon">pressure the UN</a> to remove it from the list of countries that are killing children.

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(Approval_needed_for_surveillance_technology)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(Approval_needed_for_surveillance_technology)
">Approval needed for surveillance technology</a>)
<p>
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors adopted a law that
requires "law enforcement agencies" to get <a href="http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/06/silicon-valley-county-passes-new-law-requiring-approval-before-cops-buy-spy-kit/">approval for their purchases of surveillance technology</a>.
<p>
This is not strong enough, but it is a good step.

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(Russian_court_frees_artist)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(Russian_court_frees_artist)">Russian court frees artist</a>)
<p>
A Russian performance artist who <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/08/russian-court-frees-radical-performance-artist-petr-pavlensky">set fire to the door of the spy agency FSB</a> has been freed with a fine.
<p>
I wish the US could be counted on respect dissent this way.

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(Erdogans_draconian_new_law)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(Erdogans_draconian_new_law)">Erdo&gbreve;ans draconian new law</a>)
<p>
Erdo&gbreve;an can now
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/08/erdogans-draconian-new-law-demolish-turkeys-eu-ambitions">prosecute
and remove opposition MPs</a>.  With them gone, he will be able to
change the constitution and make himself effectively dictator.

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(World_carbon_emissions_stopped_growing_in_2015)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(World_carbon_emissions_stopped_growing_in
_2015)">World carbon emissions stopped growing in 2015</a>)
<p>
In 2015, estimated human greenhouse <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/08/world-carbon-emissions-stopped-growing-in-2015-says-bp">gas emissions decreased</a>.
<p>
This is like learning that the car you're riding in, which is heading
for a cliff you can't see, has stopped accelerating.  Now we need to slow
it down and turn it around.

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(Something_ain't_right_about_Bill_Clinton)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(Something_ain't_right_about_Bill_Clinton)">Something ain't right about Bill Clinton</a>)
<p>
Something Ainât Right About <a href="http://raprehab.com/something-aint-right-bill-clinton-eulogizing-muhammad-ali/">Bill Clinton Eulogizing Muhammad Ali</a>.
<p>
I don't care about athletics or people's success in them.
But I admire Muhammad Ali for refusing to join the US Army
to help one dictator fight another dictator for power in Vietnam.

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(Students_have_a_point)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(Students_have_a_point)">Students have a point</a>)
<p>
"Papua New Guinea's students have a point.  [Prime Minister] Peter O'Neill
should <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/08/papua-new-guineas-students-have-a-point-peter-oneill-should-talk-to-them-not-send-police">talk to them</a>, not send police."

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(Chinese_human_rights_lawyers)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(Chinese_human_rights_lawyers)">Chinese human rights lawyers</a>)
<p>
When <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/08/my-friend-li-heping-the-man-china-thinks-is-more-dangerous-than-bin-laden">Chinese human rights lawyers</a> are disappeared, they go into a smaller prison.

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(Mothers_fear_of_prosecution)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(Mothers_fear_of_prosecution)">Mothers fear of prosecution</a
>)
<p>
A mother reports how she has to expose her children to danger every
day in a parking lot, <a href="http://www.freerangekids.com/must-read-the-day-i-caved-into-peer-pressure-and-dragged-my-kids-out-of-the-car-for-a-very-short-errand/">because she fears to be prosecuted</a> if she leaves
one of them alone in the car for a couple of minutes.

<p>
<li><a name="9_June_2016_(Reptiles_changing_sex)" />9 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_June_2016_(Reptiles_changing_sex)">Reptiles changing sex</a>)
<p>
Some reptiles <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/08/central-bearded-dragons-change-sex-when-the-heat-is-on-study-shows">grow up female</a> if their eggs are in a warm nest.
<p>
Maybe this means global heating could make them all female, resulting
in extinction of the species.


<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Diversity_programs)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Diversity_programs)">"Diversity programs"</a>)
<p>
Many companies adopt "diversity programs" to overcome bias in hiring,
but they don't reduce the bias, they 
<a href="https://theatlantic.com/business/archive/2016/03/white-resume-diversity/475032/">only
convince the staff that there is no bias</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Thugs_attack_protest_march_in_Burma)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Thugs_attack_protest_march_in_Burma)">Thugs attack protest march in Burma</a>)
<p>
Burma's military still impose injustice: a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/07/bbc-myanmar-reporter-jailed-over-scuffle-with-police-officer">protest
march of students</a> was attacked by thugs.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Boycott_of_companies_that_boycott_Israel)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Boycott_of_companies_that_boycott_Israel)">Boycott of companies that boycott Israel</a>)
<p>
Governor Cuomo 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/06/andrew-cuomo-and-other-democrats-launch-severe-attack-on-free-speech-to-protect-israel/">imposed
a New York State boycott</a> of all companies that boycott Israel,
even if they do so to demand Israel change its occupation policies.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Murders_witnessed_by_Palestinians_)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Murders_witnessed_by_Palestinians_)">Murders witnessed by Palestinians </a>)
<p>
Palestinian witnesses say Israeli soldiers 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/06/two-wounded-palestinians-executed-hebron-not-one-witnesses-say/">murdered
two Palestinians in Hebron on March</a>, but one killing happened so
suddenly they were unable to record video of it.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(The_Great_Barrier_Reef)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(The_Great_Barrier_Reef)">The Great Barrier Reef</a>)
<p>
As a Worker on the Great Barrier Reef I'm 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/jun/07/as-a-worker-on-the-great-barrier-reef-im-ashamed-to-look-my-children-in-the-eye">Ashamed
to Look My Children in the Eye</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Sounds_of_the_natural_world)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Sounds_of_the_natural_world)">Sounds of the natural world</a>)
<p>
The sounds of the natural world are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/sep/03/bernie-krause-natural-world-recordings">being
silenced</a> as human activity destroys habitats and eliminates
species.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Pig-human_embryos)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Pig-human_embryos)">Pig-human embryos</a>)
<p>
Don't Fear 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/06/pig-human-embryos-scare-stories-stem-cells-organs">Pig-Human
Embryos</a> — They Could Revolutionise Our Old Age.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Iran_imprisons_musicians)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Iran_imprisons_musicians)">Iran imprisons musicians</a>)
<p>
Iran has imprisoned musicians 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/06/iran-mehdi-hossein-rajabian-yousef-emadi-jailed-distributing-underground-music">for
expressing forbidden sentiments</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Mossack_Fonseca)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Mossack_Fonseca)">Mossack Fonseca</a>)
<p>
Mossack Fonseca did more than shell companies; it 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/06/how-panama-papers-firm-helped-us-clients-escape-tax-rules">helped
some Americans disguise income</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Accidents)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Accidents)">Accidents</a>)
<p>
We need to be able to recognize a tragic accident where there is no
one to be blamed, so we 
<a href="http://www.freerangekids.com/last-zoo-thought-why-do-we-assume-theres-always-someone-to-blame-in-a-tragedy/">don't
blame parents whose children suffer such accidents</a>, and oppress
all the other parents.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(The_right_to_die)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(The_right_to_die)">The right to die</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/06/why-should-not-be-allowed-to-choose-when-we-die">Why
Should We Not Be Allowed to Choose</a> When We Die?

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Climate_mayhem_threatens_culture)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Climate_mayhem_threatens_culture)">Climate mayhem threatens culture</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/jonathanjonesblog/2016/jun/06/louvre-closure-flooding-paris-climate-change">Closing
the Louvre as floods approach it</a> demonstrates that culture is in
direct danger from climate mayhem.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(French_thugs_attack_protesters)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(French_thugs_attack_protesters)">French thugs attack protesters</a>)
<p>
French thugs have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/07/french-police-violence-labour-law-protests-watchdog">attacked protesters in France</a> recently, much as US thugs attack protesters here.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Brazils_party_leaders_to_be_arrested)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Brazils_party_leaders_to_be_arrested)">Brazil's party leaders to be arrested</a>)
<p>
Four leaders of the party of Brazil's acting president are to be arrested
on <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/07/brazil-president-party-prosecutor-arrests">corruption charges</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(UK's_disaster_disabled_testing)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(UK's_disaster_disabled_testing)">UK's disaster disabled testing</a>)
<p>
The UK's kafkaesque system for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/07/pip-disaster-disabled-access-report-benefits">testing disabled people is a disaster</a>, leaving them stuck in their apartments without the ability to move, or making them work when they are falling down.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(School_pupils_arrested)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(School_pupils_arrested)">School pupils arrested</a>)
<p>
The dictator of Burundi has <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/07/school-pupils-arrested-burundi-defacing-photos-president-pierre-nkurunziza">arrested students for writing something</a> on photos of him.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(No_hope_for_fleeing_civilians)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(No_hope_for_fleeing_civilians)">No hope for fleeing civilians</a>)
<p>
If civilians in Falluja escape being killed by PISSI, they face
getting <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/07/un-human-rights-chief-claims-abuse-fleeing-falluja-iraq-civilians">tortured or killed by Shi'ite militias</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Associated_Press_declares_race_over)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Associated_Press_declares_race_over)">Associated Press declares race over</a>)
<p>
The Associated Press <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/07/establishment-media-commit-massive-act-malpractice-and-claim-clinton-clinched">prematurely declared</a> the Democratic nomination race over, one day before the California primary.
<p>
This looks like an attempt to convince voters not to bother to show up and
vote for Sanders.
<p>
The Associated Press was counting how superdelegates have said they
will vote; but they are free to change their minds until the
convention.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_('Free_Trade'_will_kill_climate_movement)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_('Free_Trade'_will_kill_climate_movement)">'Free Trade' will kill climate movement</a>)
<p>
'<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/06/free-trade-will-kill-climate-movement-hundreds-groups-warn-congress">Free Trade</a>' Will Kill Climate Movement, Hundreds of Groups Warn Congress.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(How_the_world_sees_NSA_surveillance)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(How_the_world_sees_NSA_surveillance)">How the world sees NSA surveillance</a>)
<p>
Three Years Later, the <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/06/three-years-later-snowden-leaks-have-changed-how-world-sees-nsa-surveillance">Snowden Leaks Have Changed How the World Sees NSA
Surveillance</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(The_Clinton_Foundation)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(The_Clinton_Foundation)">The Clinton Foundation</a>)
<p>
The Clinton Foundation serves as an <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/06/06/clinton-foundation-opaque-fundraising-arm-campaign">opaque fund-raising arm</a> for the Clinton campaign.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Violent_Islamists_murder_hindu_priest)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Violent_Islamists_murder_hindu_priest)">Violent Islamists murder hindu priest</a>)
<p>
Violent Islamists in Bangladesh have now <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/07/hindu-priest-in-bangladesh-killed-in-suspected-islamist-attack">murdered a Hindu priest</a>.
<p>
They are making it clear they want to kill anyone that disagrees with
their views.  Other Islamists don't go in for murder, but they too
seek to convict and punish anyone that disagrees with or disobeys
their religion.
<p>
Before you think of them as an "oppressed group", remember that their
intention is to oppress everyone else.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Workplace_dress_code)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Workplace_dress_code)">Workplace dress code</a>)
<p>
Requiring men to wear ties is nasty enough, but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/careers/2016/jun/07/dress-code-discrimination-stories-workplace">women's dress codes are far, far nastier</a>.
<p>
For the Free Software Foundation staff, we have a very simple dress code:
a propeller beanie is required, but all other clothing is optional.
However, we never enforce this code.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Celebrities_promote_Homeopathy)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Celebrities_promote_Homeopathy)">Celebrities promote Homeopathy</a>)
<p>
Fictitious medical "cures" <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/brain-flapping/2012/aug/16/antidote-celebrities-promote-homeopathy">benefit from endorsements</a> from real celebrities (for pay, I presume); here are endorsements for real cures from fictitious celebrities.
<p>
For additional ridicule of homeopathy, see my song, <a href="https://www.stallman.org/poppycock.html">Poppycock</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Urgent:_Call_on_DNC_to_oppose_fracking)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Urgent:_Call_on_DNC_to_oppose_fracking)">Urgent: Call on DNC to oppose fracking</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://www.climatehawksvote.com/ban_fracking_in_the_democratic_party_platform">Call
on the Democratic Party</a> to adopt a platform against fracking.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Urgent:_Ban_neonicotinoid_pesticides)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Urgent:_Ban_neonicotinoid_pesticides)">Urgent: Ban neonicotinoid pesticides</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/neonics_epa_2016">call on the
EPA</a> to ban neonicotinoid pesticides before its too late for bees
and the plants they pollinate.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Urgent:_DNC_support_for_progressive_agenda)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Urgent:_DNC_support_for_progressive_agenda)">Urgent: DNC support for progressive agenda</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/dnc-support-the-bernie">call
on the Democratic National Committee</a> to support Sanders's
progressive agenda.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Genetically_modified_human_embryos)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Genetically_modified_human_embryos)">Genetically modified human embryos</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/sep/18/uk-scientists-seek-permission-to-genetically-modify-human-embryos">Religiously
inspired irrational fear</a> of making genetically modified human
embryos threatens to intimidate scientists out of doing important
research.
<p>
There are no real ethical issues at stake here.  An embryo is not a
human being, and neither is a fetus.  It could grow into one, and if
it did it would deserve human rights; but that will not happen in
these experiments.
<p>
Gene editing on real human beings raises real issues, because it could
go wrong and lead to humans with various medical problems.  However,
one issue we probably need not worry about is that these problems
would be inherited.  By the time such a person is old enough to have
children, we will have no difficulty making a corrective change for
those children.


<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Neonicotinoids_kill_honeybee_colonies)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Neonicotinoids_kill_honeybee_colonies)">Neonicotinoids kill honeybee colonies</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/may/09/honeybees-dying-insecticide-harvard-study">Direct
proof</a> that neonicotionoids kill honeybee colonies.
<p>
Other causes such as the 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-may-aug.html#03_May_2013_(Neonicotinoids_may_kill_birds_as_well_as_bees)">varroa 
mite</a> may contribute to the problem,
but that changes nothing.  We have no choice about whether the varroa
mite exists.  On the contrary, we can get rid of the neonicotionoids,
though it will take time for the amounts 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-nov-feb.html#14_December_2012_(More_evidence_ties_bee_deaths_to_neonicotinoids)">accumulated
in the soil</a> to wash away.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Open_source_gun_plans)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Open_source_gun_plans)">"Open source" gun plans</a>)
<p>
"Open source" gun plans test the boundary between 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/06/cody-wilson-3d-guns-printing-firearms-lower-receivers">freedom
of speech and gun control</a>.
<p>
I support freedom of speech, and gun control.  Thus, I believe it
should be lawful to publish these plans, but making a gun from them
can be regulated as appropriate.
<p>
A gun is a dangerous thing to own.  Overall, you're 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#23_August_2015_(Gun_in_your_home)">safer
if you <em>don't</em> have a gun in your house</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Products_advertised_by_music_stars)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Products_advertised_by_music_stars)">Products advertised by music stars</a>)
<p>
Music stars generally advertise the products that 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jun/06/celebrities-mainly-plug-nutrient-poor-high-sugar-products">make
people (especially young people) fat</a>.
<p>
I lose respect for people that advertise products (any products) for
pay.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Brazils_corrupt_acting_president)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Brazils_corrupt_acting_president)">Brazil's corrupt acting president</a>)
<p>
Brazilians are 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/03/temer-convicted-breaking-election-laws-thousands-march-democracy-brazil">marching
for the ouster of corrupt acting president Temer</a>, who has just
been sentenced to 8 years exclusion from running for office.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Trade_agreements)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Trade_agreements)">Trade agreements</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/03/what-if-trade-agreements-helped-people-not-corporations">What
If Trade Agreements Helped People, Not Corporations</a>.  (A list of
suggestions towards that end.)

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Germany_reforms_electricity_laws)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Germany_reforms_electricity_laws)">Germany "reforms" electricity laws</a>)
<p>
Germany has "reformed" its electricity laws so as to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/01/angela-merkel-signs-deal-with-german-states-to-regulate-green-energy-rollout">slow
the installation of home solar generation</a>.
<p>
This is the 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#01_August_2014_(Lobbying_against_solar)">same
"reform"</a> that has been imposed through lobbying in some US states.
<p>
It is true that utilising and buying the surplus solar electricity
that buildings generate imposes costs on the utility.  The utility
should charge those costs to customers buying electricity.
<p>
I wonder if someone can design an electric-powered device to store
chemical energy.  For instance, to make ethanol and oxygen out of
water and CO<sub>2</sub>.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Snooping_on_defense_counsel)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Snooping_on_defense_counsel)">Snooping on defense counsel</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.floridabulldog.org/2016/06/u-s-attorneys-office-fbi-accused-of-spying-on-defense-in-fraud-case/">More
info about the government's snooping</a> on defense counsel activities
in Florida.  The lawyers charge that this was standard practice for
ten years.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Tory_cuts_in_welfare_benefits)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Tory_cuts_in_welfare_benefits)">Tory cuts in welfare benefits</a>)
<p>
Tory cuts in welfare benefits for the unemployed
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jun/05/docking-welfare-payments-is-not-incentive-to-work-report-claims">make
it less likely they will find work</a>.
<p>
The Tories will find some other excuse to keep on driving poor people
down.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Trump_can_be_declared_in_contempt_of_court)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Trump_can_be_declared_in_contempt_of_court)">Trump can be declared in contempt of court</a>)
<p>
Judge Curiel 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/03/contemptible-trump-contempt-court">has
given Trump great leeway so he can have a fair trial</a>.  He has
grounds to declare Trump in contempt of court, but doesn't.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(SCROTUS_trying_to_remove_science_funding)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(SCROTUS_trying_to_remove_science_funding)">SCROTUS trying to remove science funding</a>)
<p>
SCROTUS are 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/03/house-gop-again-trying-gut-climate-science-funding">trying
to remove funding</a> for US science programs that study the details
and causes of global heating.
<p>
SCROTUS = Sleazy Congressional Republicans Of The United States.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Chiquitas_support_for_paramilitares)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Chiquitas_support_for_paramilitares)">Chiquita's support for paramilitares</a>)
<p>
Chiquita corporation in Colombia supported the government-supported
right-wing paramilitares; 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/03/families-death-squad-victims-allowed-sue-chiquita-executives">relatives
of the people they killed are now suing Chiquita in the US</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Clintons_scary_foreign_policy_ideas)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Clintons_scary_foreign_policy_ideas)">Clinton's scary foreign policy ideas</a>)
<p>
Sanders to Clinton: Yes, Trump's Foreign Policy Ideas Are Scary. 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/03/sanders-clinton-yes-trumps-foreign-policy-ideas-are-scary-so-are-yours">But
So Are Yours</a>.
<p>
Clinton, meanwhile, 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/03/hillary-clintons-speech-against-trump-hypocritically-touts-her-foreign-policy">misrepresents
her own foreign policy</a> to hide the really bad parts.

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Tiger_smuggling)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Tiger_smuggling)">Tiger smuggling</a>)
<p>
Thailand's famous "tiger temple" was a node for 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/04/tiger-temple-scandal-billion-dollar-trade-china-thailand">smuggling
tigers and tiger parts</a> to fools in China.
<p>
Reportedly other tiger farms and "sanctuaries" do the same thing.
<p>
I find it surprising that the farms are unable to pass off cultivated
tiger parts as "wild".  Clearly they do not mind lying.  Is there
anything that could help them do this?

<p>
<li><a name="8_June_2016_(Deletion_of_hate_speech)" />8 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_June_2016_(Deletion_of_hate_speech)">Deletion of "hate speech"</a>)
<p>
The European Union has 
<a href="https://edri.org/guide-code-conduct-hate-speech/">recruited
internet communication companies</a> to delete "hate speech".
<p>
I disapprove of this policy, for different reasons
from those of EDRI.
<p>
It is legitimate to prosecute incitement to violence,
and this is a crime in the US, although inexplicably
Trump is allowed to get away with it.
<p>
However, people have a right to hate, and to say so, even when it is
irrational, unjustified and foolish (for instance, based on race,
color, etc.)  When Europe's laws against "hate speech" prohibit this,
they go to far.  The US does not prosecute people for this, when it
doesn't go as far as inciting violence.
<p>
What does it mean, then, for US companies to agree to a policy
of quickly deleting such statements?  I fear it means censorship
imposed on the to satisfy an EU law.

<p>
<li><a name="6_June_2016_(Urgent:_Decent_pay_and_full-time_hours)" />6 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_June_2016_(Urgent:_Decent_pay_and_full-time_hour
s)">Urgent: Decent pay and full-time hours</a>)
<p>
Everyone: call on Walmart to 
<a href="http://act.presente.org/sign/walmart15">give employees decent
pay, full-time hours and proper working conditions</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="6_June_2016_(Urgent:_Block_coal_trains)" />6 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_June_2016_(Urgent:_Block_coal_trains)">Urgent: Block coal trains</a>)
<p>
Residents of California: 
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/grandma-marilyns-petition">call
on Governor Brown</a> to block coal trains to the port of Oakland.

<p>
<li><a name="6_June_2016_(Urgent:_Conyers-Love_letter)" />6 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_June_2016_(Urgent:_Conyers-Love_letter)">Urgent: Conyers-Love letter</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/un-end-the-cholera-epidemic">call
on Congress</a> to sign the Conyers-Love letter which calls on the UN
to take the necessary steps to eliminate cholera in Haiti.
<p>
It was the UN's uncalled-for intervention in Haiti that 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#12_April_2016_(UN_denies_its_responsibility)">brought
cholera there</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="6_June_2016_(Google_Voice_records_and_keeps_conversations)" />6 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_June_2016_(Google_Voice_records_and_keeps_conversations)">Google Voice records and keeps conversations</a>)
<p>
Google Voice Search 
<a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/google-voice-search-records-and-stores-conversation-people-have-around-their-phones-but-files-can-be-a7059376.html">Records
And Keeps Conversations People Have round Their Phones</a>.
<p>
The user can order deletion of the files, but this surely won't delete
any copies Big Brother has already saved.

<p>
<li><a name="6_June_2016_(Reagans_election)" />6 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_June_2016_(Reagans_election)">Reagan's election</a>)
<p>
Reagan got himself elected president using 
<a href="http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2016/05/ronald-reagan-was-once-donald-trump.html">dishonesty
somewhat like Trump's</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="6_June_2016_(Trumps_tendency_to_bully)" />6 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_June_2016_(Trumps_tendency_to_bully)">Trump's tendency to bully</a>)
<p>
Trump has been involved in an 
<a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/06/01/donald-trump-lawsuits-legal-battles/84995854/">unusual
number of lawsuits for a rich real estate developer</a>, and they show
his tendency to bully with his money.

<p>
<li><a name="6_June_2016_(Prison_for_criticizing_Russia)" />6 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_June_2016_(Prison_for_criticizing_Russia)">Prison for criticizing Russia</a>)
<p>
Putin is 
<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/dozens-russia-imprisoned-social-media-likes-reposts-39502785">imprisoning
people in Russia for posting criticism of Russia</a>, even in abstract
and nonviolent ways.

<p>
<li><a name="6_June_2016_(MPAA_lobbyist)" />6 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_June_2016_(MPAA_lobbyist)">MPAA lobbyist</a>)
<p>
Rep. Wasserman Schultz 
<a href="https://torrentfreak.com/mpaa-lobbyist-sopa-sponsor-to-draft-democratic-party-platform-160531/">put
an MPAA lobbyist on the Democratic Party platform committee</a>, where
he will certainly campaign to attack us.

<p>
<li><a name="6_June_2016_(Vulnerable_20_countries)" />6 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_June_2016_(Vulnerable_20_countries)">"Vulnerable 20" countries</a>)
<p>
The "vulnerable 20" countries, which 
<a href="http://www.v-20.org/vulnerable-twenty-group-founded/">will
suffer the most and soonest from climate mayhem</a>, have organized to
try to stop it.

<p>
<li><a name="6_June_2016_(Americans_bank_accounts_at_UBS)" />6 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_June_2016_(Americans_bank_accounts_at_UBS)">Americans' bank accounts at UBS</a>)
<p>
Brad Birkenfeld reported to the IRS 19000 Americans' bank accounts at
the Swiss bank UBS, which they had not reported to the IRS.
<p>
Secretary of State Clinton directly negotiated a settlement with UBS,
which 
<a href="http://fullmeasure.news/news/politics/the-whistleblower-05-23-2016">allowed
it to keep most of the profit and conceal most of the names</a>,
including the "politically exposed people".
<p>
Then Birkenfeld was imprisoned for reporting the crimes to the US
government, and UBS increased its donations to the Clinton Foundation.

<p>
<li><a name="6_June_2016_(Medical_errors)" />6 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_June_2016_(Medical_errors)">Medical errors</a>)
<p>
Another study says that medical error in the US causes 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jun/03/medical-error-study-cause-of-death-criticized">only
around 1% of deaths</a>.
<p>
This disagrees with 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#7_May_2016_(Deaths_caused_by_medical_error)">another
recent study</a>.  If this one is correct, the problem is not
tremendously grave.

<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Urgent:_Trumps_tax_returns)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Urgent:_Trumps_tax_returns)">Urgent: Trump's tax returns</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Trump_Taxes">tell Trump</a>
to release his tax returns.

<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_colony_expansion)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_colony_expansion)">Urgent: Oppose colony expansion</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://pac.petitions.moveon.org/sign/democratic-platform-committe">call
on the Democratic Party</a> to oppose expansion of Israel's colonies
in Palestine.

<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Urgent:_Dont_sponsor_Trump)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Urgent:_Dont_sponsor_Trump)">Urgent: Don't sponsor Trump</a>)
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="http://act.colorofchangepac.org/call/tell-amazon-dont-sponsor-donald/">call
Amazon executives</a> and say, don't sponsor Trump's convention.

<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Exxon_global_heating_fraud_investigation)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Exxon_global_heating_fraud_investigation)">Exxon global heating fraud investigation</a>)
<p>
SCROTUS 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/06/01/illegitimate-request-denied-gop-gets-middle-finger-exxonknew-ploy">demanded
that Greenpeace, 350.org and the Union of Concerned Scientists hand
over privileged legal communications</a> about investigating Exxon's
global heating fraud.
<p>
They demanded this in the name of a bogus "Congressional
investigation" which is just as fraudulent as Exxon's denial.

<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Trump_supporters_physically_attacked)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Trump_supporters_physically_attacked)">Trump supporters physically attacked</a>)
<p>
At an anti-Trump protest in San Jose, some of the protesters 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/02/donald-trump-protests-san-jose-rally-violence-sanders-clinton">attacked
Trump supporters who were leaving</a>.
<p>
It was foolish to physically attack the Trump supporters, and wrong,
but Trump is also responsible through his preaching hatred and
violence.

<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Philadelphia_Water_Department_lead_tests)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Philadelphia_Water_Department_lead_tests)">Philadelphia Water Department lead tests</a>)
<p>
Philadelphia Water Department 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/03/water-lead-testing-cheats-philadelphia-flint-crisis">Faces
Class Action Lawsuit over Water Testing</a>.  (The tests were done
wrong so as to underestimate the amount of lead in the water.)

<p>
<li><a name="4_June_2016_(Harvards_new_fracking_investments)" />4 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_June_2016_(Harvards_new_fracking_investments)">Harvard's new fracking investments</a>)
<p>
Harvard is has 
<a href="http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2016/5/19/franta-harvard-fracking-investments/">made
new investments in fracking companies in the past two years</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="4_June_2016_(The_Great_Barrier_Reef)" />4 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_June_2016_(The_Great_Barrier_Reef)">The Great Barrier Reef</a>)
<p>
The Australian government and an NGO 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/03/agencies-say-22-of-barrier-reef-coral-is-dead-correcting-misinterpretation">dispute
how to present how much coral in the Great Barrier Reef has died</a>.
<p>
But they might agree that the deaths amount to 25% of the coral in the
whole reef, concentrated closer to the equator.
<p>
After 20 years more heating, the subsequent el Niño event will leave
much less coral alive.

<p>
<li><a name="4_June_2016_(California_provisional_ballots)" />4 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_June_2016_(California_provisional_ballots)">California "provisional ballots"</a>)
<p>
The Democratic Party is 
<a href="http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=33e4ec877eed6a43863a4a92e&id=40d81f1fbb&e=8283eff9b8">illegally
trying to give some primary voters in California "provisional
ballots"</a> that probably won't be counted.


<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Six_years_without_a_trial)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Six_years_without_a_trial)">Six years without a trial</a>)
<p>
A prisoner in New York's Rikers Island jail <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/01/amid-a-growing-movement-to-close-rikers-one-prisoner-approaches-six-years-without-trial/">has been waiting</a> 6 years
for trial.

<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(New_Jersey)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(New_Jersey)">New Jersey</a>)
<p>
New Jersey <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/02/why-new-jersey-needs-bernie-sanders">needs</a> Bernie Sanders's political revolution so it can end
the extreme inequality that has made 1/3 of the population struggle.

<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Microplastics)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Microplastics)">Microplastics</a>)
<p>
Microplastics Killing Fish Before They Reach Reproductive Age, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/02/microplastics-killing-fish-before-they-reach-reproductive-age-study-finds">Study Finds</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Victor_Jara)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Victor_Jara)">Victor Jara</a>)
<p>
The US <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/02/victor-jara-murder-former-chilean-soldier-faces-trial">continues to protect</a> the Chilean officer accused of murdering
Victor Jara, but he faces a civil suit.

<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Obama)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Obama)">Obama</a>)
<p>
Chomsky <a href="http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/36260-a-mixed-story-ranging-from-criminal-to-moderate-improvement-noam-chomsky-on-obama-s-legacy">evaluates</a> Obama's presidency.

<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Snooping)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Snooping)">Snooping</a>)
<p>
Federal prosecutors in Florida <a href="http://www.floridabulldog.org/2016/06/u-s-attorneys-office-fbi-accused-of-spying-on-defense-in-fraud-case/">are accused</a> of persistently snooping on
a defendant's privileged legal communications

<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Subsidies_for_corporations)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Subsidies_for_corporations)">Subsidies for corporations</a>)
<p>

Specific subsidies for corporations in the US <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/02/pay-subsidies-massive-corporations-states-are-waging-war-poor-families">amount</a> to $250 billion since
2010, and that doesn't include the general loopholes that they all use.
<p>
Plutocratist politicians are helping companies pay so little that the
workers need public assistance, then bashing them for receiving it.
We need to recognize that they have chosen the side of the enemies
of our country.



<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Automation)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Automation)">Automation</a>)
<p>
Robot milkers are much more comfortable for cows, but the result of
advancing farm automation (not limited to dairy farms) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/jun/04/transforming-the-bush-robots-drones-and-cows-that-milk-themselves">will be to eliminate</a>
most of the jobs that remain there.
<p>
There will indeed be a need for people to repair robots, but I'd
expect to see only one repair job for dozens of today's milker jobs.
And jobs reprogramming robots will be fewer still.
<p>
Add this to the automation of other kinds of work, and it leads to
economic disaster.
<p>
Eventually most of the automated farms will cease to be needed,
because the people who still have an income won't need a lot
of farm products.


<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Control_of_the_sea)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Control_of_the_sea)">Control of the sea</a>)
<p>
China and several other states (including Vietnam and the Philippines,
which are US allies) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/04/south-china-sea-us-warns-beijing-against-building-great-wall-of-self-isolation">dispute</a> control of the sea between them.  Part of
what makes the dispute hot is that the area contains lots of oil.
In other words, lots of opportunities to risk local disasters (oil
spills) in order to contribute to global heating disaster.
<p>
If these countries sign a treaty to leave that oil in the sea bottom,
perhaps it will become easier for them to agree on how to divide up
the sovereignty.


<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(TPP)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(TPP)">TPP</a>)
<p>

The US International Trade Commission <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160525/08131834543/official-us-international-trade-commission-predicts-negligible-economic-benefits-tpp.shtml">predicts</a> that the economic "benefits"
of the TPP will be so small as not to matter.
<p>
Even if these "benefits" were larger, they would not be significant for
US workers, since they would mostly be for the rich.


<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Cheating_Donald)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Cheating_Donald)">Cheating Donald</a>)
<p>
Ralph Nader: call him "Cheating Donald" <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/06/02/cheating-donald">since he has cheated</a> so many.
<p>
I like "Treacherous Trump" better, because of the alliteration.

<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(India)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(India)">India</a>)
<p>
India <a href="http://jebruner.com/2016/06/geopolitical-hedging-as-a-service/">is considering</a> a censorship law that would imprison people for
publishing maps that disagree with India's disputed territorial
claims.
<p>
An honest map would describe disputed territory as disputed, and also
show where the actual boundaries of physical control lie.


<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Copyright_on_list_of_postal_codes)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Copyright_on_list_of_postal_codes)">Copyright on list of
 postal codes</a>)
<p>
The Canadian post office has given up on <a href="http://www.michaelgeist.ca/2016/06/crowdsourcedpostalcodelawsuit/">trying to use copyright to
block</a> the distribution of an independently compiled list of the
geography of postal codes.
<p>
It is unfortunate that the article uses the term "intellectual
property" since that term confuses the issue.  It is a mistake
to generalize about copyright law and those other laws, since
each one is more different from the others than similar.
<p>
In the US, this database would be uncopyrightable since it is a mere
statement of facts rather than a creative choice of details.  Canada
should adopt the same principle.


<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Caracas)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Caracas)">Caracas</a>)
<p>
Journalists covering a protest in Caracas <a href="https://cpj.org/2016/06/journalists-attacked-equipment-stolen-during-prote.php">say that people stole their
equipment and the thugs refused to intervene</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Oil_train_derailed_in_Oregon)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Oil_train_derailed_in_Oregon)">Oil train derailed in Oregon)
<p>
An oil train in Oregon <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/03/oregon-oil-train-derails-columbia-river-gorge">derailed and caught fire</a>, fortunately not near
a town, but rather near the Columbia River.
Will the river be polluted, or will all the oil burn?
<p>
The fact that a slow train derailed suggests that the line was badly
maintained.  Either that was illegal, or the legal standards are
inadequate to assure safety of oil trains.


<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(GCHQ)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(GCHQ)">GCHQ</a>)
<p>
Investigation <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160602/17210734610/investigation-shows-gchq-using-us-companies-nsa-to-route-around-domestic-surveillance-restrictions.shtml">Shows</a> GCHQ Using US Companies, NSA To Route Around 
Domestic Surveillance Restrictions.
Specifically, it can collect the emails of members of Parliament
this way, because they pass it through Microsoft.

<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Tattoo_Recognition_Research)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Tattoo_Recognition_Research)">Tattoo Recognition Research</a>)
<p>
Tattoo Recognition Research <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/06/tattoo-recognition-research-threatens-free-speech-and-privacy">Threatens</a> Free Speech and Privacy.
<p>
<a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/05/5-ways-law-enforcement-will-use-tattoo-recognition-technology">Here</a> are some ways these computerized systems could be used, and why that
could be harmful. 
<p>
Face recognition technology is dangerous in many of the same ways.
What's more, many of us have no tattoos, or none that would generally
be visible, but everyone has a face.


<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Trump)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Trump)">Trump</a>)
<p>
Trump's 100-million debt to Deutsche Bank <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/06/elizabeth-warren-slams-donald-trump-huge-conflicts-interest">would be a giant conflict of interest</a>
if he were president.

<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Environmental_crimes)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Environmental_crimes)">Environmental crimes</a>)
<p>
Environmental crime <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/03/value-eco-crimes-soars-26-with-devastating-impacts-natural-world">costs the world at least 90 billion dollars a
year, perhaps 3 times that</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Addictions)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Addictions)">Addictions</a>)
<p>
Addictions <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/01/drug-addiction-income-inequality-impacts-recovery">Are Harder to Kick</a> When You're Poor.

<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Air_pollution)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Air_pollution)">Air pollution</a>)
<p>
The EU was going to legislate to reduce air pollution.  The UK
government, working as usual for business against people, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/03/eu-dilutes-proposal-halve-air-pollution-deaths-uk-lobbying">weakened</a> the
directive.
This is expected to mean 14,000 additional deaths per year by 2030,
when the reductions will have been implemented.


<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Pranksters)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Pranksters)">Pranksters</a>)
<p>
Some pranksters make videos of saying things to women that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/jun/02/how-video-pranksters-are-cashing-in-on-the-abuse-and-harassment-of-women">annoy them
or simply confuse them</a>.
<p>
Some of the pranks are not particularly bad in themselves, but the
nasty messages that the women receive afterward are inexcusable.


<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Child_protective_services)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Child_protective_services)">Child protective services</a>)
<p>
In England, 1 in 5 young children <a href="http://www.freerangekids.com/1-in-5-kids-reported-to-child-protective-services/">is reported</a> to a state agency by
someone who suspects the child is being neglected or abused.
<p>
This creates a reign of terror for parents.


<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Israel)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Israel)">Israel</a>)
<p>
Uri Avnery: the extreme right wing <a href="http://zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en/channels/avnery/1464962298/">is forcing</a> all parts of the Israeli
state and all other influential institutions into line.

<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Social_Security)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Social_Security)">Social Security</a>)
<p>
Thank Sanders for forcing Obama <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/02/obama-wanted-to-cut-social-security-then-bernie-sanders-happened/">to endorse</a> expanding Social Security.

<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(UAE)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(UAE)">UAE</a>)
<p>
A Canadian of Libyan origin, held for two years and tortured in the
UAE, < a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/02/salim-alaradi-freed-uae-canada">has now been allowed to leave the country</a>.
<p>
A few others have been freed from prison, but still remain in the
greater prison of the UAE.


<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(James_Hansen)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(James_Hansen)">James Hansen</a>)
<p>

James Hansen's paper, now transparently peer-reviewed, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/planet-oz/2016/mar/24/has-veteran-climate-scientist-james-hansen-foretold-the-loss-of-all-coastal-cities-with-latest-study">presents</a> a
process that would cause several meters of global heating over the
next century, together with much more powerful storms in the North
Atlantic
<p>
Essentially all coastal cities would be destroyed.

<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Natural_gas)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Natural_gas)">Natural gas</a>)
<p>

Natural gas export from southern Peru <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/andes-to-the-amazon/2016/jun/02/pioneer-gas-latin-america-indigenous-peoples">has been a disaster</a> for the indigenous
people that live in the Camisea region.
<p>
If that's not bad enough, think of what it is doing to Earth's whole
biosphere.  This gas export terminal isn't needed if we take the
required steps to prevent global disaster — so it should be shut
down.

<p>
<li><a name="5_June_2016_(Trump)" />5 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_June_2016_(Trump)">Trump</a>)
<p>
Trump's <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/03/donald-trump-judge-curiel-university-case-biased-mexican">response</a> to the evidence that his "university" cheated students
is to say the judge is biased because of his Mexican ancestry.
<p>
This is the standard Trump response to anyone he can't buy.
He has already bought off the attorneys general of Florida, Texas
and other states.

<p>
<li><a name="4_June_2016_(MSF_condemns_governments_for_bombings)" />4 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_June_2016_(MSF_condemns_governments_for_bombings)">MSF condemns governments for bombings</a>)
<p>
Médecins sans Frontières
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/01/hospitals-are-now-normal-targets-of-war-says-medecins-sans-frontieres-adviser">condemns
several governments</a> for systematically bombing hospitals or
supporting the states that do.

<p>
<li><a name="4_June_2016_(Building_standards_and_global_heating)" />4 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_June_2016_(Building_standards_and_global_heating)">Building standards and global heating</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/01/make-building-standards-top-priority-for-tackling-climate-change-says-iea-chief">Make
Building Standards Top Priority</a> for Tackling [Global Heating],
Says IEA Chief.
<p>
The term "climate change" was chosen by Dubya's officials to downplay
the danger; we should not keep following his choice.

<p>
<li><a name="4_June_2016_(Expensive_speeches_funding_Clinton)" />4 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_June_2016_(Expensive_speeches_funding_Clinton)">Expensive speeches funding Clinton</a>)
<p>
After Clinton stopped giving expensive speeches for companies in order to
run for president, her husband Bill Clinton continued, and took funds
even from the lowest of the low: an 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/06/bill-clinton-gave-six-figure-speech-vulture-fund-apollo">asset-stripping
"vulture fund"</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="4_June_2016_(How_Flint_cheated_on_lead_tests)" />4 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_June_2016_(How_Flint_cheated_on_lead_tests)">How Flint cheated on lead tests</a>)
<p>
Flint had a way to cheat on tests of lead in the water: 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/02/flint-water-crisis-tests-targeted-homes-far-from-lead-pipes">doing
the tests in areas which don't have lead pipes</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="4_June_2016_(Payday_loans)" />4 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_June_2016_(Payday_loans)">Payday loans</a>)
<p>
Even with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's new rules,
payday loans continue to carry 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/02/new-payday-loan-rules-wont-stop-predatory-lenders/">very
heavy interest</a>.
<p>
The real causes of the problem include (1) too low pay for workers in
the US, and (2) insufficient government help (because the rich and
businesses have escaped from paying tax), and (3) banks' sending
credit cards to young adults, encouraging them to get deep in debt.
<p>
One of the reasons not to pay by credit card is that people tend to
spend more money that way.

<p>
<li><a name="4_June_2016_(Syrian_Arab_wants_to_fight_PISSI)" />4 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_June_2016_(Syrian_Arab_wants_to_fight_PISSI)">Syrian Arab wants to fight PISSI</a>)
<p>
A Syrian Arab says he wants to fight PISSI, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/02/isis-islamic-state-risk-losing-territory-caliphate-syria-iraq">but
not under coercion from Kurds</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="4_June_2016_(Ukraine_puts_sanctions_on_journalists)" />4 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_June_2016_(Ukraine_puts_sanctions_on_journalists)">Ukraine puts sanctions on journalists</a>)
<p>
Ukraine has put sanctions on Russian journalists which it accuses of
"stirring hatred", 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/02/ukraine-bans-russian-journalists-margarita-simonyan">banning
them from entering Ukraine or owning property there</a>.
<p>
One of them is actually a Ukrainian citizen, and plans to challenge
the sanctions legally.
<p>
I wish the US would stop making journalists apply for 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2004-may-aug.html#17%20June%202004%20(Elena%20Lappin)">special
visas to report on the US</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="4_June_2016_(Accuracy_of_Google_Maps_tracking)" />4 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_June_2016_(Accuracy_of_Google_Maps_tracking)">Accuracy of Google Maps tracking</a>)
<p>
Google Maps 
<a href="http://www.theverge.com/2016/6/1/11824118/google-android-location-data-police-warrants">collects
a history of everywhere the user has been</a>, and calculates the
locations with several methods to make them extremely accurate.
<p>
Catching some criminals is a good thing.  Ten years ago I would have
said that catching a bank robber was good.  Now that banks have stolen
so many billions from people around the world, and the US government
has 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#20_May_2016_(Fraudulent_foreclosure_continues_in_the_US)">let
them get away with it</a>, I hesitate to condemn someone for stealing
from banks.  Nonetheless, there are other crimes for which I would
support catching the perpetrators.
<p>
But this method can be used for all sorts of reasons, including
catching whistleblowers.  It is 
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">dangerous
to allow the existence of
<em>any</em> system which tracks people's movements</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="4_June_2016_(Austerity)" />4 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_June_2016_(Austerity)">Austerity</a>)
<p>
The OECD now 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/economics-blog/2016/jun/01/global-economy-recovery-growth-governments-keynes">recognizes
that governments should end austerity</a> and spend more on public
works.
<p>
Increased benefits for the poor would help too.  They would spend the
money on food, transportation and medicine.

<p>
<li><a name="4_June_2016_(Polish_constitutional_court)" />4 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_June_2016_(Polish_constitutional_court)">Polish constitutional court</a>)
<p>
Poland Gets 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/01/poland-gets-official-warning-from-eu-over-constitutional-court-changes">Official
Warning from EU</a> over Constitutional Court Changes.
<p>
More information about the changes and how they 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-nov-feb.html#13_December_2015_(Poland)">endanger
rule of law</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="4_June_2016_(Urgent:_Tell_Walmart_to_be_responsible)" />4 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_June_2016_(Urgent:_Tell_Walmart_to_be_responsible)">Urgent: Tell Walmart to be responsible</a>)
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://secure3.convio.net/gpeace/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=1979">call
on Walmart</a> to stop selling tuna caught in ways that kill
threatened sea life or caught by enslaved workers.

<p>
<li><a name="4_June_2016_(Germany_recognizes_genocide_of_Armenians)" />4 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_June_2016_(Germany_recognizes_genocide_of_Armenians)">Germany recognizes genocide of Armenians</a>)
<p>
Germany has officially recognized the genocide of the Armenians,
so 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/02/germany-braces-for-turkish-backlash-as-it-votes-to-recognise-armenian-genocide">Turkish
officials are freaking out</a> and threatening "bad relations".
<p>
I approve of this resolution because its statement is true; that it
irritates Erdo&gbreve;an is a bonus.

<p>
<li><a name="4_June_2016_(US_cities_cheated_in_lead_tests)" />4 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_June_2016_(US_cities_cheated_in_lead_tests)">US cities cheated in lead tests</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/02/lead-water-testing-cheats-chicago-boston-philadelphia">33
US cities</a> cheated in lead tests to hide excessive levels of lead
in their drinking water.
<p>
They have 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/02/lead-testing-cheats-us-water-departments">agreed
to stop</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="4_June_2016_(Tajik_opposition_leaders_jailed)" />4 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_June_2016_(Tajik_opposition_leaders_jailed)">Tajik opposition leaders jailed</a>)
<p>
Tajikistan's "president" for life has 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/02/tajikistan-human-rights-fears-banned-irpt-party-leaders-jailed-life">jailed
the leaders of the opposition</a>, hammering the lid on any chance of
democracy there.

<p>
<li><a name="4_June_2016_(False_accusations_of_antisemitism)" />4 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_June_2016_(False_accusations_of_antisemitism)">False accusations of antisemitism</a>)
<p>
Students at Brooklyn College who took the microphone at a faculty
meeting to talk briefly about Palestinians' rights have 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/05/31/brooklyn-college-students-cleared-controversial-disciplinary-hearing">vanquished
false accusations of antisemitism</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="4_June_2016_(Unsafe_conditions_for_garment_workers)" />4 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_June_2016_(Unsafe_conditions_for_garment_workers)">Unsafe conditions for garment workers</a>)
<p>
In three years since the Rana Plaza factory collapse, work safety
conditions for garment workers in Bangladesh 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/may/31/rana-plaza-bangladesh-collapse-fashion-working-conditions">have
not substantially improved</a>.
<p>
People tried to put pressure on the western middleman companies that
control the garment trade, and some companies promised to vet their
supply chains, but they are doing it so lackadaisically that it has
not changed much.

<p>
<li><a name="4_June_2016_(Coal)" />4 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_June_2016_(Coal)">Coal</a>)
<p>
Sweden 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/02/sweden-should-keep-coal-in-the-ground-not-sell-it-off">Should
Keep Coal in the Ground</a>, Not Sell It Off.
<p>
Statesmen serve their countries by making the necessary investments in
the future rather than spending on today's pleasures.  The most
important investment today is in cutting down greenhouse gas
emissions.

<p>
<li><a name="4_June_2016_(Street_lights_interfere_with_pollination)" />4 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_June_2016_(Street_lights_interfere_with_pollination)">Street lights interfere with pollination</a>)
<p>
Street lights 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/jun/02/street-lights-lure-moths-away-from-gardens-say-scientists">attract
moths to fly high</a>, out of reach of the flowers they should be
pollinating.

<p>
<li><a name="4_June_2016_(Oil_spill_cleanups)" />4 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_June_2016_(Oil_spill_cleanups)">Oil spill cleanups</a>)
<p>
A 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/jun/02/niger-delta-oil-spill-clean-up-launched-ogoniland-communities-1bn">25-year
plan</a> to clean up the oil spills in the Niger delta has begun.
<p>
It is a lot cheaper to avoid polluting an area than to clean it up.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Fires_in_Alaska)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Fires_in_Alaska)">Fires in Alaska</a>)
<p>
Fires in Alaska, caused by global heating, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/01/alaska-wildfires-climate-change">add to global heating</a>.
<p>
This is one of the positive feedbacks that scientists have warned about.
If enough of these feedbacks start, the planet roasters will have won
a final victory.


<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Palmyra)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Palmyra)">Palmyra</a>)
<p>
Syrian Troops <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/01/syrian-troops-looting-ancient-city-palmyra-says-archaeologist">Are Looting</a> Ancient Palmyra, Says Archaeologist.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Marijuana)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Marijuana)">Marijuana</a>)
<p>
A study of long term marijuana use <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jun/01/long-term-pot-use-study-poor-gum-health-marijuana">found only one</a> tiny physical health effect:
a small increase in the chance of having gum disease.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(US_soldiers)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(US_soldiers)">US soldiers</a>)
<p>
When US soldiers attacked a friendly family's celebration and killed
seven of them, perhaps it was a mistake.  A military investigation says so.
The "fog of war" <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/01/pentagon-special-ops-killing-of-pregnant-afghan-women-was-appropriate-use-of-force/">frequently leads</a> to mistakes.
<p>
However, nothing could excuse the cover up that followed.
The investigation arbitrarily ignored this.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Spying_thugs)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Spying_thugs)">Spying thugs</a>)
<p>
A US appeals court <a href="http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/05/cops-can-easily-get-hundreds-of-days-of-location-data-appeals-court-rules/">ruled</a> that thugs can collect people's cell phone
location data for any length of time from the phone company without
a court order.
<p>
The other decision would not be enough to respect people's privacy.
The phone company should not be allowed even to <em>record</em> your
location data without a specific court order about you.  Tracking
everyone's movements <a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">is a threat to democracy</a> as well as each person.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(European_Commission)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(European_Commission)">European Commission</a>)
<p>
The European Commission <a href="http://www.laquadrature.net/en/european-commission-consultation-panorama">seems to want to change copyright law</a>
to benefit publishers at the expense of authors and the public.
<p>
When the article says "editors", it means "publishers".  This
could be a mistranslation from the French. 
<p>
It also seems to be hostile to the freedom to take and use photos on
the street with buildings in view ("freedom of panorama").

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Paper_money_in_Libya)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Paper_money_in_Libya)">Paper money in Libya</a>)
<p>
The two governments in Libya <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/01/distribution-of-new-banknotes-raises-fears-for-libyan-unity">are introducing</a> different forms of paper
money.
<p>
This is not, in itself, a problem.  The UK has various kind of paper money
made by different banks.  But the US wants to make it out to be a problem.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Water_through_fish_tanks)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Water_through_fish_tanks)">Water through fish tanks</a>)
<p>
Reusing water through fish tanks <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/may/31/california-drought-fish-farming-water-crops-agriculture-southwest">enables</a> agriculture to use much less
water and produces useful fish.




<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Avon_Ladies)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Avon_Ladies)">Avon Ladies</a>)
<p>
The 'Avon Ladies' of Pakistan <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/jun/01/the-avon-ladies-of-pakistan-selling-contraception-door-to-door">Selling</a> Contraception Door to Door.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Abortion)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Abortion)">Abortion</a>)
<p>
Some US women, perhaps hundreds of thousands, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/01/anti-abortion-laws-legislation-clinics-dangerous-methods">have used dangerous
abortion methods</a> because they were barred from safe legal abortion.
<p>
If this amounts to 2% of all US women, which is the lower bound the
researcher suggests, that would amount to millions.


<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Foreign_donations)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Foreign_donations)">Foreign donations</a>)
<p>
Foreigners can donate to US election campaigns via US-based front
corporations.  It's not a crime, but <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/06/01/va-gov-terry-mcauliffe-took-120k-from-a-chinese-billionaire-but-the-crime-is-that-it-was-legal/">it ought to be</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Renewable_energy)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Renewable_energy)">Renewable energy</a>)
<p>
The world <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/01/renewable-energy-smashes-global-records-in-2015-report-shows">installed</a> 147 GW of renewable energy capacity in 2015, despite the bigger subsidies for fossil fuels.
<p>
This would be good news if we had decades to wait, but we don't.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Snowden_and_Manning)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Snowden_and_Manning)">Snowden and Manning</a>)
<p>
President Obama, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/01/edward-snowden-chelsea-manning-barack-obama-pardon">Pardon</a> Edward Snowden And Chelsea Manning.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Biodiesel)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Biodiesel)">Biodiesel</a>)
<p>
"Biodiesel" fuel in Europe <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/01/leaked-figures-show-spike-in-palm-oil-use-for-biodiesel-in-europe">now includes</a> palm oil.
<p>
Instead of CO2 from burning petroleum, it emits CO2 from burning
tropical forests.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Montreal)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Montreal)">Montreal</a>)
<p>
Anti-gentrification protesters in Montreal <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/01/montreal-gentrification-st-henri-looting-vandalism">set off smoke bombs in a
grocery for the rich</a>, as well as swiping fancy food.
<p>
In principle, I don't see anything wrong with gentrification.  The
problem is when the former residents of the area have to move
someplace lousy and far away.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Chinese_thugs)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Chinese_thugs)">Chinese thugs</a>)
<p>
It appears Chinese thugs occasionally <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/01/beijing-prosecutors-investigate-lei-yang-death-police-custody">kill prisoners</a> and lie about it, much like thugs in the US.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Digital_newspapers)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Digital_newspapers)">Digital newspapers</a>)
<p>
Digital newspapers <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2016/jun/01/canadian-newspaper-reports-increased-readership-for-its-tablet-edition">spy</a> on readers, tracking how much time a reader
spends reading the paper.
<p>
They have no right to collect such data about readers.  Please join me
in rejecting digital systems that give anyone the power to track what
you read.


<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Prisoners_in_UK)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Prisoners_in_UK)">Prisoners in UK</a>)
<p>
Many prisoners in the UK <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jun/01/prisoners-reveal-regular-spice-use-tripled-legal-high-violence-illness-debt">take</a> hallucinatory addictive drugs to make
the months pass in a blur.
The drugs are bad for them, but they can't resist.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Tiananmen_Square_1989)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Tiananmen_Square_1989)">Tiananmen Square 1989</a>)
<p>
Mothers of students killed by China in 1989 at Tiananmen Square
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/01/families-tiananmen-square-victims-beijing-white-terror">continue</a> to rebuke the state.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Eric_Harris)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Eric_Harris)">Eric Harris</a>)
<p>
The deputy thug that killed Eric Harris <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/31/oklahoma-sheriffs-deputy-fatal-shooting-eric-harris">has been sentenced</a> to four
years in prison for manslaughter.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Trump)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Trump)">Trump</a>)
<p>
Trump University (not a real university) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/01/donald-trump-university-presidential-campaign-language">was Trump's dry run</a> for the
dishonest practices he is now using in his campaign.
<p>
Trump University's predatory business <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/31/donald-trump-university-playbook-real-estate-courses">practices</a> lured students to
pay thousands with their credit cards based on exaggerated promises of
future riches.  A personal message from Trump poured on the pressure.
<p>
No wonder New York State and students are suing.
<p>
Here are <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/education/2016/05/31/3783202/trump-university-playbook-revealed/">some details</a> of the dirty sales methods that the company used.
<p>
Former staff <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/01/trump-university-staff-testimony-fraudulent-scheme">say</a> that the company was a "total lie".

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Cincinnati_zoo)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Cincinnati_zoo)">Cincinnati zoo</a>)
<p>
The parents of a child that climbed into a zoo's gorilla enclosure
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/31/cincinnati-zoo-gorilla-boy-police-family-investigation">are being investigated by thugs.
<p>
The thugs seem to demand that children be kept on leash at all times.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(FBI)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(FBI)">FBI</a>)
<p>

Congressâ Treachery, the FBIâs Double-Crossing and the American 
Citizenryâs Cluelessness: <a href="http://www.rutherford.org/publications_resources/john_whiteheads_commentary/congress_treachery_the_fbis_double_crossing_and_the_american_citizenry">With Friends Like These, Who Needs Enemies</a>?

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Urgent:_No_cluster_bombs_for_Salafi_Arabia)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Urgent:_No_cluster_bombs_for_Salafi_Arabia)">Urgent: No cluster bombs for Salafi Arabia</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/make-ban-on-cluster-bomb">support
a permanent ban</a> on providing cluster bombs to Salafi Arabia.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Urgent:_Close_carried_interest_loophole)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Urgent:_Close_carried_interest_loophole)">Urgent: Close carried interest loophole</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/congress_carried_interest">call
on Congress</a> to close the carried interest loophole that lets hedge
funds pay little or no tax.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Gun_control_measures)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Gun_control_measures)">Gun control measures</a>)
<p>
Three gun control measures would greatly reduce the rate of killings
with
guns: <a href="http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-03/bumc-bsi030916.php">universal
background checks in buying guns and ammunition, and ballistic
fingerprinting of guns</a>.
<p>
However, this won't prevent your toddlers from killing you or
themselves unintentionally with your gun.  Especially if you follow
the NRA's 
<a href="http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2016/05/31/3782497/nra-kids-shooting/">cockeyed
advice to keep a gun in your child's room</a>.
<p>
I expect people will still be safer with no guns in the house,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#23_August_2015_(Gun_in_your_home)">as
is the case now</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Giant_beer_companies_merging)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Giant_beer_companies_merging)">Giant beer companies merging</a>)
<p>
Two giant beer companies are merging.  The combination will be 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/may/31/ab-inbev-purchase-of-sabmiller-given-conditional-approval">much
larger than any of its competitors</a>.
<p>
Mergers so large should be absolutely blocked.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Digital_payments_and_fraud)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Digital_payments_and_fraud)">Digital payments and fraud</a>)
<p>
Digital payments carry an 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/may/31/online-victims-should-be-better-protected-not-blamed">increasing
likelihood that you'll be the victim of fraud</a>, as well as a
certainty that you'll be the victim of snooping.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Womens_reproductive_rights)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Womens_reproductive_rights)">Women's reproductive rights</a>)
<p>
Extending women's reproductive rights world-wide is an 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/may/31/climate-change-women-reproductive-rights-birth-control">effective
way to reduce global heating</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Wage_theft_by_Dominos_Pizza)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Wage_theft_by_Dominos_Pizza)">Wage theft by Domino's Pizza</a>)
<p>
New York State has sued Domino's Pizza (and its franchisees) for
<a href="http://www.thenation.com/article/this-lawsuit-against-dominos-could-be-huge-for-workers/">systematic
theft of employees' wages</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Dangerous_censorship_in_Belgium)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Dangerous_censorship_in_Belgium)">Dangerous censorship in Belgium</a>)
<p>
Belgium now gives people the right to 
<a href="http://www.flanderstoday.eu/business/right-be-forgotten-extends-newspaper-archives">force
newspaper archives to delete articles</a> about them.
<p>
This is terribly dangerous censorship.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Holder_on_Snowdens_revelations)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Holder_on_Snowdens_revelations)">Holder on Snowden's revelations</a>)
<p>
Former Attorney General Holder 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/30/hypocrite-holder-says-snowden-performed-important-public-service">admits
that Snowden's revelations were a service to the nation</a>, but wants
him to meekly submit to imprisonment for it.
<p>
He is not such a fool as to put himself totally at the mercy of
officials that persecute whistleblowers and <em>only then</em>
negotiate a deal.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Canadas_proposed_LNG_port)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Canadas_proposed_LNG_port)">Canada's proposed LNG port</a>)
<p>
Scientists Say Canada's Proposed LNG Port 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/30/scientists-say-canadas-proposed-lng-port-threatens-paris-climate-accord">Threatens
Paris Climate Accord</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(Censorship_in_the_UK)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(Censorship_in_the_UK)">Censorship in the UK</a>)
<p>
Censorship in the UK 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/may/30/man-charged-t-shirt-mocking-hillsborough-tragedy">extends
to harsh opinions</a>.  A man has been charged with the "crime" of
saying good riddance about the 96 soccer fans killed by UK thugs.
<p>
Even the name of the crime he is charged with is a vicious smear,
since it uses the word "threatening" and "harassment", but the words
he said contained no threat or harassment.  Imagine making it a crime
to "kill or tickle" someone, and charging a tickler with "killing or
tickling".
<p>
The UK spits on freedom of expression 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jul-oct.html#22_September_2015_(Threats_to_freedom_of_speech_in_the_UK)">in
many other ways</a>, too.
<p>
When people talk about punishing "hate speech", they advocate
censorship of opinions.  Censorship is dangerous to society and
democracy.
<p>
That is why I see danger in the recent agreement by three
multinational companies to work harder to 
<a href="http://techcrunch.com/2016/05/31/facebook-twitter-youtube-and-microsoft-agree-to-remove-hate-speech-across-the-eu/">delete
"hate speech"</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="3_June_2016_(If_Facebook_respects_journalism)" />3 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_June_2016_(If_Facebook_respects_journalism)">If Facebook respects journalism</a>)
<p>
If Facebook respects journalism, it will 
<a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2016/05/26/mark_zuckerberg_needs_to_dump_peter_thiel_from_the_facebook_board_of_directors.html">disconnect
from Peter Thiel</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_June_2016_(Destruction_of_evidence)" />1 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_June_2016_(Destruction_of_evidence)">Destruction of evidence</a>)
<p>
Mohammed Sheikh Mohammed's lawyers accuse the military kangaroo court
of destroying evidence in its favor, then 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/31/9-11-attacks-destroyed-evidence-khalid-sheikh-mohammed">pretending
to have ordered its preservation</a>.
<p>
Each of the prisoners in Guantanamo has a right to a fair trial
or to be released.

<p>
<li><a name="1_June_2016_(Neoliberal_economic_policy)" />1 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_June_2016_(Neoliberal_economic_policy)">Neoliberal economic policy</a>)
<p>
The IMF's researchers acknowledge that neoliberal economic policy exists,
and that it's 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/31/witnessing-death-neoliberalism-imf-economists">lousy</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_June_2016_(Guessing_character_based_on_face)" />1 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_June_2016_(Guessing_character_based_on_face)">Guessing character based on face</a>)
<p>
Using facial examination to guess people's character traits is 
<a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Passcode/Passcode-Voices/2016/0527/Opinion-The-ugliest-side-of-facial-recognition-technology">dangerous
when it is unreliable, and unjust when it is reliable</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_June_2016_(Loomis_Reef_bleached_and_half_dead)" />1 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_June_2016_(Loomis_Reef_bleached_and_half_dead)">Loomis Reef bleached and half dead</a>)
<p>
In Loomis Reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/planet-oz/2016/apr/21/mourning-loomis-reef-the-heart-of-the-great-barrier-reefs-coral-bleaching-disaster">nearly
all the coral has bleached and half of it is dead</a>.  The fish that
used to live there are now gone.
<p>
The extractionists that rule Australia might respond, "Since the coral
is doomed anyway, and the billion people who depend on it will soon
starve, so why not burn all the coal?"
<p>
But it is not too late to prevent this act of mass murder, if we curb
fossil fuel use with dispatch.

<p>
<li><a name="1_June_2016_(Spying_on_internet_traffic_in_Thailand)" />1 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_June_2016_(Spying_on_internet_traffic_in_Thailand)">Spying on internet traffic in Thailand</a>)
<p>
The Thai military government has given itself the 
<a href="http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/993937/internet-laws-a-time-bomb">power
to spy on all internet traffic in the country</a>.
<p>
Leaks suggest that it intends to carry out man-in-the-middle attacks
to spy on use of foreign web sites through https.

<p>
<li><a name="1_June_2016_(Censorship_of_hate_speech)" />1 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_June_2016_(Censorship_of_hate_speech)">Censorship of "hate speech"</a>)
<p>
Several "US" companies have 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/may/31/facebook-youtube-twitter-microsoft-eu-hate-speech-code">signed
a pledge to censor "hate speech"</a>, which is a crime in many
European countries.
<p>
This includes statements of views that are protected in the US.
We must not ban expression of opinions just because we find them
disgusting.

<p>
<li><a name="1_June_2016_(Erdogan_labels_Gulens_movement_as_terrorist)" />1 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_June_2016_(Erdogan_labels_Gulens_movement_as_terrorist)">Erdo&gbreve;an labels Gülen's movement as "terrorist"</a>)
<p>
Erdo&gbreve;an has 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/31/turkey-labels-ex-erdogan-ally-fethullah-gulen-group-terrorists">officially
labeled Gülen's movement as "terrorist"</a>.  (Apparently they
tried to explode Erdo&gbreve;an's overinflated ego.)
<p>
This is meant to try to pressure the US government to hand Gülen
over to Turkey, but I expect it will be an excuse for more persecution
in Turkey.

<p>
<li><a name="1_June_2016_(Duterte_advocates_murdering_journalists)" />1 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_June_2016_(Duterte_advocates_murdering_journalists)">Duterte advocates murdering journalists</a>)
<p>
President-elect Duterte of the Philippines 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/31/philippine-president-elect-says-corrupt-journalists-will-be-killed">advocates
murdering "corrupt" journalists</a>.  It appears that "corrupt", in
his mouth, means anyone that criticizes him.
<p>
Thugs in the Philippines have already started a wave of murders, with
his encouragement.  They are killing suspected drug dealers.  If they
kill some suspected dissidents too, maybe those will be lost among the
suspected drug dealers.

<p>
<li><a name="1_June_2016_(Fair_use_for_music_samples)" />1 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_June_2016_(Fair_use_for_music_samples)">Fair use for music samples</a>)
<p>
A German court has 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/may/31/kraftwerk-lose-legal-battle-over-their-music-being-sampled">approved
a form of fair use</a> for short music samples.
<p>
Good news — and shame on Kraftwerk for opposing this!

<p>
<li><a name="1_June_2016_(Assads_air_force_bombs_hospital)" />1 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_June_2016_(Assads_air_force_bombs_hospital)">Assad's air force bombs hospital</a>)
<p>
Assad's air force 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/31/syria-idlib-national-hospital-bombing-dozens-killed">bombed
a hospital in Idlib</a>.
<p>
They have bombed quite a few hospitals.

<p>
<li><a name="1_June_2016_(UKs_psychoactive_drug_ban)" />1 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_June_2016_(UKs_psychoactive_drug_ban)">UK's psychoactive drug ban</a>)
<p>
The UK's ban on nearly all psychoactive drugs 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/31/ban-legal-highs-drug-related-deaths-alcohol">will
drive people to more dangerous drugs such as alcohol</a>.  It is the
result of a misguided choice of goal: promoting abstinence, rather
than reducing harm.

<p>
<li><a name="01_June_2016_(Urgent:_Block_attack_on_Net_Neutrality)" />01 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#01_June_2016_(Urgent:_Block_attack_on_Net_Neutrality)">Urgent: Block attack on Net Neutrality</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://act.freepress.net/sign/internet_nn_congress_approp/">call
on your congresscritter</a> to block the sneak attack on Net
Neutrality.

<p>
<li><a name="01_June_2016_(Urgent:_Reject_Chinas_future_puppet)" />01 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#01_June_2016_(Urgent:_Reject_Chinas_future_puppet)">Urgent: Reject China's future puppet</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://www.freetibet.org/petitions/3487">call on everyone</a>
to reject China's future puppet Dalai Lama.

<p>
<li><a name="01_June_2016_(Urgent:_GMO_Food_labelling)" />01 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#01_June_2016_(Urgent:_GMO_Food_labelling)">Urgent: GMO Food labelling</a>)
<p>
Citizens of Massachusetts:
<a href="http://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/1881/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=16190">call
on the legislator</a> to vote on GMO Food labelling bill and pass it.
<p>
With Javascript disabled, the signing process won't work all the way
through automatically.  Instead, it will terminate showing you a long
URL with [URL] in place of the domain name.
<p>
If you replace [URL] with http://salsa3.salsalabs.com, and visit the
resulting URL, that will finish signing.

<p>
<li><a name="01_June_2016_(Worst_argument_for_leaving_the_EU)" />01 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#01_June_2016_(Worst_argument_for_leaving_the_EU)">Worst argument for leaving the EU</a>)
<p>
The worst possible argument for talking Britain out of the EU:
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/may/31/will-leaving-eu-save-british-households-17bn-energy-bills">reducing
tax on heating oil</a>.
<p>
It would be easy for the state to help poor people cope with these
costs: increase welfare benefits for the poor, to an extent that
covers what the poor pay in VAT on oil.  (Or even more, why not?)
For the poor, this would be equivalent; meanwhile, the wealthier
would still pay the tax, and the poor would still have an incentive
to use less fossil fuel.
<p>
The idea of cutting taxes on fossil fuels, instead of cutting their
subsidies, reflects a planet roaster.

<p>
<li><a name="01_June_2016_(Journalist_Khadija_Ismayilova)" />01 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#01_June_2016_(Journalist_Khadija_Ismayilova)">Journalist Khadija Ismayilova</a>)
<p>
Azeri journalist Khadija Ismayilova, freed from 18 months as a
political prisoner,
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/31/freed-journalist-khadija-ismayilova-azerbaijan-interview">will
resume investigating government corruption</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="01_June_2016_(Brazil_corruption_investigation)" />01 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#01_June_2016_(Brazil_corruption_investigation)">Brazil corruption investigation</a>)
<p>
The "transparency, monitoring and control" minister of Brazil has quit
after a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/31/lava-jato-brazilian-anti-corruption-minister-quits-over-secret-recording">leaked
recording tied him to plotting to end the "lava jato" corruption
investigation</a>.
<p>
The whole point of the legal coup, as we now know, was to end that
investigation and protect the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#28_May_2016_(Leaked_conspiracy_conversation_in_Brazil)">extremely
corrupt officials</a> who plotted it.

<p>
<li><a name="01_June_2016_(Poor_and_middle-class_incomes)" />01 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#01_June_2016_(Poor_and_middle-class_incomes)">Poor and middle-class incomes</a>)
<p>
In the US, poor and middle-class families' incomes
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/12/wealthy-surge-us-poor-and-middle-class-incomes-have-gone-backward">dropped
(on the average) from 1999 to 2014</a>.
<p>
In addition, the middle class shrank, with a few of the departing
families becoming wealthy and most of them becoming poor.
<p>
The study analyzed the
<a href="http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2016/05/11/americas-shrinking-middle-class-a-close-look-at-changes-within-metropolitan-areas/">229
metropolitan areas</a> for which data were available, and perforce
omitted 152 other areas for which it wasn't.
<p>
Here's the
<a href="media/7904c7d7.Middle-Class-Metro-Areas-FINAL.pdf" data-original-source="http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/files/2016/05/Middle-Class-Metro-Areas-FINAL.pdf">full
report</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="01_June_2016_(India_wants_satirical_video_removed)" />01 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#01_June_2016_(India_wants_satirical_video_removed)">India wants satirical video removed</a>)
<p>
India asked YouTube and Facebook to take down a
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/31/indian-police-try-to-block-facebook-video-mocking-sachin-tendulkar">satirical
video that mocks two Indian celebrities</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="01_June_2016_(UKs_planned_new_nuclear_power_plant)" />01 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#01_June_2016_(UKs_planned_new_nuclear_power_plant)">UK's planned new nuclear power plant</a>)
<p>
The UK made a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/may/30/edf-hinkley-point-deal-radioactive-waste-sparks-anger">secret
agreement about dealing with the nuclear waste</a> from its absurdly
expensive planned new nuclear power plant.

<p>
<li><a name="01_June_2016_(Frequent_viewing_of_porn)" />01 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#01_June_2016_(Frequent_viewing_of_porn)">Frequent viewing of porn</a>)
<p>
It seems that frequent viewing of porn
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2016/may/30/online-porn-addiction-reddit-nofap">often
leads men to sexual difficulty</a>, but it could be a matter of how
and how often they masturbate.

<p>
<li><a name="01_June_2016_(Universal_basic_income)" />01 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#01_June_2016_(Universal_basic_income)">Universal basic income</a>)
<p>
A universal basic income
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/may/16/universal-basic-income-equality-tech-silicon-valley">would
not solve all of society's problems</a>.  We would still need
democratic control over important social issues.
<p>
However, I don't think this means that the universal basic income is a
bad idea.  And even though plutocracy and business-dominated
globalization have an important role in inequality, that doesn't mean
there is no technological unemployment.

<p>
<li><a name="01_June_2016_(Confrontations_with_pushy_men)" />01 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#01_June_2016_(Confrontations_with_pushy_men)">Confrontations with pushy men</a>)
<p>
Women in general
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gretchen-kelly/the-thing-all-women-do-you-dont-know-about_b_8630416.html">frequently
need to de-escalate confrontations</a> with pushy men, and most men
don't even know about the problem.
<p>
I agree with the writer's position except on one point: about being
looked at.  No matter what the reason, you don't have a right to
demand that people not look at you.  Just being too young to have a
driver's license doesn't entitle you to tell people where to point
their eyes.

<p>
<li><a name="01_June_2016_(Former_dictator_of_Chad_convicted)" />01 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#01_June_2016_(Former_dictator_of_Chad_convicted)">Former dictator of Chad convicted</a>)
<p>
Hissène Habré, former dictator of Chad, has been
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/30/chad-hissene-habre-guilty-crimes-against-humanity-senegal">convicted
of crimes against humanity</a> including torture and summary
execution.
<p>
Now we need to put Dubya on trial for torture, in Abu Ghraib and
Guantanamo, and someone (Obama?) on trial for the summary execution of
Osama bin Laden (who deserved a trial for the murders he was accused
of).

<p>
<li><a name="01_June_2016_(UK_referendum_about_whether_to_leave_EU)" />01 June 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#01_June_2016_(UK_referendum_about_whether_to_leave_EU)">UK referendum about whether to leave EU</a>)
<p>
The UK referendum about whether to leave the European Union is a
dispute about
"<a href='http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/30/eu-referendum-neoliberal-irvine-welsh'>which
is the better way for citizens to be ripped off</a>, as part of the EU
or as an independent UK?"
<p>
Like many other referendums, it is a recognition that democracy has
been corrupted so much by the elite that we can't trust it to work for
the public good.
<p>
I love the last sentence: "Whether you back red or black in the
tawdry, crumbling casino of neoliberalism, and whatever the slimy
croupiers of the mainstream media urge, it's the house that invariably
wins."
<p>
We the People need to take control of our house.  Any politician that
the plutocrats are happy with is not on our side.

<p>
<li><a name="31_May_2016_(Urgent:_Public_records_reform)" />31 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_May_2016_(Urgent:_Public_records_reform)">Urgent: Public records reform</a>)
<p>
Massachusetts citizens: 
<a href="https://ssl.capwiz.com/aclu/ma/issues/alert/?alertid=72486631">call
on Governor Baker</a> to sign the public records reform bill.

<p>
<li><a name="31_May_2016_(Urgent:_Sentencing_Reform_and_Corrections)" />31 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_May_2016_(Urgent:_Sentencing_Reform_and_Corrections)">Urgent: Sentencing Reform and Corrections</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://action.aclu.org/secure/real-criminal-justice-reform">call
on your senators</a> to support the Sentencing Reform and Corrections
Act.

<p>
<li><a name="31_May_2016_(CETA_the_Canadian_Sea_Monster)" />31 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_May_2016_(CETA_the_Canadian_Sea_Monster)">CETA the Canadian Sea Monster</a>)
<p>
CETA the Canadian Sea Monster would impose essentially the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/30/ttip-trade-deal-agreements-ceta-eu-canada">same
injustice as the TTIP on Europe</a>.  All the regulations that protect
the public from dangerous actions of business would be vulnerable to
being swept away.

<p>
<li><a name="31_May_2016_(El_Nino)" />31 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_May_2016_(El_Nino)">El Niño</a>)
<p>
El Niño Is Over — But It
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/may/30/el-nino-is-over-but-it-leaves-nearly-100-million-people-short-of-food">Leaves
Nearly 100 Million People Short of Food</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="31_May_2016_(Collection_of_babies_data)" />31 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_May_2016_(Collection_of_babies_data)">Collection of babies' data</a>)
<p>
Companies such as Fitbit and 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/may/30/wearables-for-babies-saving-lives-or-instilling-fear-in-parents">trying
to scare parents</a> into paying the companies to collect data about
their babies.
<p>
These devices should cause parents lots of anxiety about how that data
will be used.
<p>
A product to monitor a baby's health might be a reasonable thing to
use if it is run by free software and all the data remains under the
control of the parent.

<p>
<li><a name="31_May_2016_(Projected_sea-level_rise)" />31 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_May_2016_(Projected_sea-level_rise)">Projected sea-level rise</a>)
<p>
Australians: see how projected sea-level rise will affect 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/apr/15/climate-change-website-reveals-which-homes-will-be-swamped-by-rising-sea-levels">cities,
beaches, famous buildings, and your home</a> (or the home you might be
thinking of buying).

<p>
<li><a name="31_May_2016_(TPP_is_not_free_trade_agreement)" />31 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_May_2016_(TPP_is_not_free_trade_agreement)">TPP is not "free trade agreement"</a>)
<p>
To understand why the TPP is bad, 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/26/tpp-has-always-been-about-corporate-dominance-not-trade-or-economic-growth">stop
believing that it's a "free trade agreement"</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="31_May_2016_(Sanderss_economic_policies)" />31 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_May_2016_(Sanderss_economic_policies)">Sanders's economic policies</a>)
<p>
Why Sanders's economic policies 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/26/bernie-sanders-easily-wins-policy-debate">make
sense</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="31_May_2016_(Record-setting_temperatures)" />31 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_May_2016_(Record-setting_temperatures)">Record-setting temperatures</a>)
<p>
As world temperatures set record after record, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/mar/15/record-global-temperatures-are-shocking-and-yet-we-dont-respond-seriously">society
and the state seem hardly to notice</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="31_May_2016_(FBIs_warrantless_access_to_online_records)" />31 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_May_2016_(FBIs_warrantless_access_to_online_records)">FBI's warrantless access to online records</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/26/fbi-intelligence-senate-bill-warrants-data-access">Bill
Would Expand FBI's Warrantless Access</a> to Online Records, Senators
Warn.

<p>
<li><a name="31_May_2016_(The_coup_in_Brazil)" />31 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_May_2016_(The_coup_in_Brazil)">The coup in Brazil</a>)
<p>
The US government seems to have been coordinating with the architects
of the coup in Brazil 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/27/brazilian-coup-and-washingtons-rollback-latin-america">while
they were setting it up</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="31_May_2016_(Taxi_driver_killed_by_drone_bomber)" />31 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_May_2016_(Taxi_driver_killed_by_drone_bomber)">Taxi driver killed by drone bomber</a>)
<p>
When a US drone bomber killed the leader of the Taliban, he was riding
in a taxi.  The bomb 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/29/family-of-driver-mohammad-azam-killed-in-us-strike-on-taliban-leader-mullah-mansoor-file-criminal-case">killed
the taxi driver</a>, who did not know who his passenger was.

<p>
<li><a name="31_May_2016_(Taxes_owed_by_Google_and_McDonalds)" />31 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_May_2016_(Taxes_owed_by_Google_and_McDonalds)">Taxes owed by Google and McDonalds</a>)
<p>
The French finance minister says France 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/29/france-multinationals-pay-taxes-michel-sapin-google-mcdonalds">will
make Google and McDonalds pay all the tax they owe</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="31_May_2016_(Software_audits)" />31 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_May_2016_(Software_audits)">"Software audits"</a>)
<p>
"Software audits", checking small or medium size businesses for
unauthorized copies of user-subjugating software are a form of
<a href="http://techcrunch.com/2016/05/10/software-piracy-claims-can-ruin-your-business-and-reward-those-responsible/">organized
bullying</a>.  They demand gigantic penalties in order to make the
users collapse in fear.
<p>
The author of the article endorses the official position that
proprietary software is legitimate and using unauthorized copies of
proprietary software is doing wrong to the developer.  He even calls
that practice by the smear term, 
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Piracy">"piracy"</a>.
<p>
I think all that is mistaken.  It is foolish to use proprietary
software, whether authorized copies or not; but making and using
unauthorized copies of proprietary software is not wrong.  Rather, the
wrong is in trying to STOP people from sharing and using software.  In
other words, the wrong is proprietary software.
<p>
These audits are just a part of
the <a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">injustice
of nonfree software</a>.  Your business can be safe by rejecting
nonfree software.

<p>
<li><a name="31_May_2016_(Colombia_threatened_about_cancer_drug)" />31 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#31_May_2016_(Colombia_threatened_about_cancer_drug)">Colombia threatened about cancer drug</a>)
<p>
The US Trade Representative 
<a href="https://www.statnews.com/pharmalot/2016/05/26/bernie-sanders-novartis-patent/">threatened
Colombia with cuts in support for peace with the guerrillas</a> if it
went ahead with licensing generic versions of a cancer drug.
<p>
If not for the murderous World Trade Organization, Colombia could
simply legislate that there are 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-jan-apr.html#03_April_2013_(Novartis_threatens_India)">no
patents on medicines</a>.
<p>
Here is 
<a href="http://keionline.org/node/2568">more information</a> about
this issue.
<p>
It is disappointing that KEI uses the spin term "protection" to
describe what patents do.  There is no reason to use that word except
propaganda for the drug companies.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(Raising_taxes_on_the_rich)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(Raising_taxes_on_the_rich)">Raising taxes on the rich</a>)
<p>
Raising taxes on the rich
<a href="http://boingboing.net/2016/05/27/rich-people-dont-move-when-t.html">does
not lead most of them to move somewhere else</a> for lower taxes.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(Subgroup_of_Anonymous_digs_up_financial_dirt)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(Subgroup_of_Anonymous_digs_up_financial_dirt)">Subgroup of Anonymous digs up financial dirt</a>)
<p>
A subgroup of Anonymous
<a href="http://news.softpedia.com/news/anonymous-hackers-turned-stock-analysts-are-targeting-us-chinese-corporations-504495.shtml">digs
up financial dirt on some big companies</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(Nauru)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(Nauru)">Nauru</a>)
<p>
Some of the boat people set to Nauru by Australia have attempted
suicide, and the usual fraction of them are homosexual.  For their
sake, Nauru has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/29/nauru-decriminalises-homosexuality-and-suicide">decriminalized
homosexuality and suicide</a>.  Some other positive reforms have been
made.
<p>
This doesn't correct the basic wrong, though.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(Tropical_fish)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(Tropical_fish)">Tropical fish</a>)
<p>
If you buy tropical fish, think about
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/29/eco-guide-to-pet-fish">which
species to get</a>.  Some are wild-caught, which is harmful, and some
will get too big for your tank and will be physically maimed.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(Edible_beer_holders)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(Edible_beer_holders)">Edible beer holders</a>)
<p>
Florida Brewery Creates
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/may/29/florida-brewery-creates-edible-beer-holders-save-marine-life-saltwater">Edible
Beer Holders</a> to Save Marine Life.
<p>
Unlike ordinary
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#25_May_2016_(Biodegradable_plastics_in_the_ocean)">"biodegradable"
plastics</a>, these really do degrade in a reasonable time, floating
in the ocean.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(Crimes_of_dictator_Franco_and_his_army)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(Crimes_of_dictator_Franco_and_his_army)">Crimes of dictator Franco and his army</a>)
<p>
Some in Spain are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/29/national-museum-spanish-civil-war-barcelona">starting
to talk about the mass murders</a> committed after the civil war by
dictator Franco and his army.
<p>
People in Spain told me, ten years ago, that Franquistas still
held positions of power and that they blocked efforts to remember
their crimes.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(UN_report_silenced_by_Australia)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(UN_report_silenced_by_Australia)">UN report silenced by Australia</a>)
<p>
Australia silenced the UN report to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/29/australia-covered-up-un-climate-change-fears-for-tasmania-forests-and-kakadu">cover
up danger to Kakadu and Tasmanian forests as well as the Great Barrier
Reef</a>.
<p>
There is no cure for Tas-mania, but at least the sufferers can apply
for Addle-aid.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(Clintons_memoir_changes)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(Clintons_memoir_changes)">Clinton's memoir changes</a>)
<p>
Clinton's
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/28/hillary-clintons-memoir-deletions-detail">changes
in the paperback edition of her memoirs</a> are illuminating,
especially about the TPP.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(UK_blocks_EU_regulations_on_fracking)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(UK_blocks_EU_regulations_on_fracking)">UK blocks EU regulations on fracking</a>)
<p>
The UK
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jan/14/uk-defeats-european-bid-fracking-regulations">blocked
EU regulations on fracking</a>.
<p>
The Tories are lower than vermin, and they plague all of Europe.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(Oxycontin)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(Oxycontin)">Oxycontin</a>)
<p>
One factor that makes oxycontin dangerous is that its manufacturer
claims its effect lasts for 12 hours, and
<a href="http://static.latimes.com/oxycontin-part1/">refuses to
recognize evidence that people need it more often</a>.
<p>
Instead, the company wants patients to take bigger doses every 12
hours.  These bigger doses are dangerous.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(Urgent:_Amount_of_lost_US_tax_money)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(Urgent:_Amount_of_lost_US_tax_money)">Urgent: Amount of lost US tax money</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/show-us-the-money-how">call
on the IRS</a> to publish how much tax money the US loses through the
carried interest loophole.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(Urgent:_US_national_parks)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(Urgent:_US_national_parks)">Urgent: US national parks</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/show-us-the-money-how">oppose
plans</a> to convert US national parks into promotion for companies.
<p>
We should get funds from these companies for upkeep of parks —
by taxing them!

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(SCROTUS_blocking_FEC_investigation)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(SCROTUS_blocking_FEC_investigation)">SCROTUS blocking FEC investigation</a>)
<p>
SCROTUS are blocking the Federal Election Commission from
investigating a case where a 
<a href="http://prospect.org/blog/checks/fec-deadlocks-over-employer-political-coercion">company
owner ordered employees to contribute to the company's PAC</a>.
<p>
In general, the FEC has become useless because Republicans protect
all abuses by the rich and powerful.  In effect, the Republican
Party has become the Crush Democracy Party.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(Questions_for_Donald_Trump)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(Questions_for_Donald_Trump)">Questions for Donald Trump</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.nationalmemo.com/21-questions-for-donald-trump/">21
questions for Donald Trump</a>.  Some of them point at possible
involvement with organized crime gangs.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(Loss_of_jobs_to_robots)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(Loss_of_jobs_to_robots)">Loss of jobs to robots</a>)
<p>
Chinese may face the loss of 
<a href="http://www.scmp.com/news/china/economy/article/1949918/rise-robots-60000-workers-culled-just-one-factory-chinas">hundreds
of thousands of jobs</a> as factories replace workers with robots.
<p>
The jobs being lost are grueling, and we should have stopped companies
such as Apple from moving to this sort of manufacturing.  Having the
jobs automated, in a world of spreading poverty, is not a solution.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(Crime_prediction_algorithms)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(Crime_prediction_algorithms)">Crime prediction algorithms</a>)
<p>
US governments use algorithms to predict which arrested people are
likely to commit crimes again.  The algorithms are secret, but they
appear to be 
<a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/machine-bias-risk-assessments-in-criminal-sentencing">biased
against blacks</a>.
<p>
The government should be required to publish these algorithms.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(Niger_Delta_Avengers)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(Niger_Delta_Avengers)">Niger Delta Avengers</a>)
<p>
The Niger Delta Avengers are 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/27/oil-soaked-niger-delta-avengers-bombing-pipelines-struggle-compensation">blowing
up oil facilities</a> to demand compensation for the harm done by oil
extraction and pipelines in Nigeria.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(The_TPP)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(The_TPP)">The TPP</a>)
<p>
The "US" Trade Representative was 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/27/emails-show-tpp-collusion-between-big-banks-obama-administration">working
closely with Goldman Sachs</a> in the TPP.
<p>
That official officially represents the US, but in fact represents
the banksters and other plutocrats instead.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(Ending_fossil_fuel_subsidies)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(Ending_fossil_fuel_subsidies)">Ending fossil fuel subsidies</a>)
<p>
G7 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/27/g7-wants-kill-fossil-fuel-subsidies-2025-we-could-do-it-twice-fast">Wants
to Kill Fossil Fuel Subsidies by 2025</a>, But We Could Do It 'Twice
as Fast'.
<p>
Governments could end them this year, if they were not dominated
by the planet roasters.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(Verizon_strike)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(Verizon_strike)">Verizon strike</a>)
<p>
Verizon workers have 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/27/after-six-week-strike-verizon-workers-claim-major-victory-deal-reached">tentative
agreement</a> on a contract that they are happy with.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(Portable_phones)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(Portable_phones)">Portable phones</a>)
<p>
Portable phones make people helpless and dependent, and they 
<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20151119015307/http://www.creators.com/opinion/lenore-skenazy/cell-phone-holdouts-are-right-buy-a-phone-become-a-baby.html">lose
the concept of making plans</a>.
<p>
I've seen that when people get used to depending on GPS navigators,
they lose the ability to keep track of where they are.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(IMF_economists_criticize_spending_cuts)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(IMF_economists_criticize_spending_cuts)">IMF economists criticize spending cuts</a>)
<p>
IMF economists criticized the neoliberal policy of 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/may/27/austerity-policies-do-more-harm-than-good-imf-study-concludes">spending
cuts to reduce deficit</a>.
<p>
Even they see it!

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(Facebook_tracking)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(Facebook_tracking)">Facebook tracking</a>)
<p>
Facebook will compete to target ads on other web sites 
<a href="http://www.theverge.com/2016/5/27/11795248/facebook-ad-network-non-users-cookies-plug-ins">even
to visitors that are not useds of Facebook</a>, based on other ways of
tracking people on the net.
<p>
This includes "Like" buttons.  If you see a "Like" button in a page,
Facebook knows that your computer visited that page.  This is why
we made the GNU Browser IceCat block the "Like" buttons.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(Rigid_rules_keep_RNC_protests_far_away)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(Rigid_rules_keep_RNC_protests_far_away)">Rigid rules keep RNC protests far away</a>)
<p>
The 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/26/official-rnc-protest-rules-designed-stifle-demonstrators-groups-say">rigid
rules for protests at the Republican National Convention</a> keep
protesters far away from the convention, from the delegates, and
mostly from the public as well.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(PISSI_attacking_Syrian_rebel_groups)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(PISSI_attacking_Syrian_rebel_groups)">PISSI attacking Syrian rebel groups</a>)
<p>
PISSI is attacking Syrian rebel groups that have been 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/28/assault-falluja-bloodbath-islamic-state">weakened
by Russian attacks</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(Billionaires_buy_privacy_for_themselves)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(Billionaires_buy_privacy_for_themselves)">Billionaires buy privacy for themselves</a>)
<p>
Technology billionaires buy lots of privacy for themselves 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/may/28/gawker-hulk-hogan-silicon-valley-privacy-peter-thiel">using
the money that they got from snooping on millions of others</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(Unpaywalled_research_publications)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(Unpaywalled_research_publications)">Unpaywalled research publications</a>)
<p>
The EU decided to 
<a href="http://techcrunch.com/2016/05/27/eu-mandates-open-access-for-all-publicly-funded-research-by-2020/">require
research it funds to publish results without paywall</a>.
<p>
I don't know whether this means it will be published under a free
license, but unpaywalled papers usually do that.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(Facebook,_Twitter,_YouTube_censorship)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(Facebook,_Twitter,_YouTube_censorship)">Facebook, Twitter, YouTube censorship</a>)
<p>
The ACLU wants to know 
<a href="https://www.aclu.org/blog/free-future/government-trying-influence-speech-social-media-how">whether
the US government is asking</a> Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to
censor people.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(UK_weapons_sales_to_oppressive_regimes)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(UK_weapons_sales_to_oppressive_regimes)">UK weapons sales to oppressive regimes</a>)
<p>
UK Weapons Sales to Oppressive Regimes Top 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/28/uk-weapons-sold-countries-poor-human-rights-saudi-arabia">$3bn
a Year</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(Uber_Knows_Too_Much_About_You)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(Uber_Knows_Too_Much_About_You)">Uber Knows Too Much About You</a>)
<p>
Uber 
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/uber-knows-too-much-about-you">Knows
Too Much About You</a>.  And so do many other companies.

<p>
<li><a name="30_May_2016_(Billionaires_idea_of_real_journalism)" />30 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#30_May_2016_(Billionaires_idea_of_real_journalism)">Billionaires' idea of "real journalism"</a>)
<p>
Many billionaires believe 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/may/27/silicon-valley-billionaires-peter-thiel-gawker-first-amendment-journalism">"real
journalism" means praising them</a>, and that they are entitled to
crush the press when it doesn't do that.
<p>
Billionaires have several methods to hush up media criticism.
They can 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/27/peter-thiel-gawker-philanthropy-paypal-mogul-secret-war-billionaire">pay
someone to sue a media outlet</a>, or they can
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#28_April_2016_(Sheldon_Adelson%27s_propaganda_rag)">buy
it</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Urgent:_Privacy_rules_for_ISPs)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Urgent:_Privacy_rules_for_ISPs)">Urgent: Privacy rules for ISPs</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/letter/tell-the-fcc-pass-isp-privacy-rules/">call
on the FCC</a> to adopt real privacy rules for ISPs.
<p>
In my message, I said that the ISP should not be allowed <em>even to
keep any records</em> of what a customer has connected to, except
based on a warrant issued about a specific customer for a specific
reasonable period of time.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Urgent:_Cancel_Trump_convention_support)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Urgent:_Cancel_Trump_convention_support)">Urgent: Cancel Trump convention support</a>)
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="http://act.presente.org/sign/trumphaternc">call on some
companies</a> to cancel their support for Trump's convention.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Urgent:_Free_Mohamedou_Slahi)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Urgent:_Free_Mohamedou_Slahi)">Urgent: Free Mohamedou Slahi</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://action.aclu.org/secure/freeslahi">call on the
Pentagon</a> to free Mohamedou Slahi.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Urgent:_Support_the_WATER_Act)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Urgent:_Support_the_WATER_Act)">Urgent: Support the WATER Act</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://secure.foodandwaterwatch.org/site/Advocacypagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=2627">support</a>
the WATER Act.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Urgent:_Public_records_access_law)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Urgent:_Public_records_access_law)">Urgent: Public records access law</a>)
<p>
Massachusetts citizens: 
<a href="https://secure2.convio.net/comcau/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1613">call
on Governor Baker to sign the new public records access law.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Attack_net_neutrality)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Attack_net_neutrality)">Attack net neutrality</a>)
<p>
House Republicans Again Target Net Neutrality With 
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/republicans-target-net-neutrality-2017-budget">Budget
Attack</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Leak_of_medical_patient_data_on_internet)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Leak_of_medical_patient_data_on_internet)">Leak of medical patient data on internet</a>)
<p>
Justin Shafer found medical patient data available on the internet and
reported it to the government.  So the company that was leaking the
data (on an anonymous FTP server)
<a href="http://www.dailydot.com/politics/justin-shafer-fbi-raid/">SWATted
him</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Face_data_law)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Face_data_law)">Face data law</a>)
<p>
Facebook and Google are 
<a href="http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/05/illinois-senators-plan-to-weaken-biometric-privacy-law-put-on-hold/">trying
to weaken Illinois' law on collection of face data</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Fungus_in_Rikers_Island_air_vents)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Fungus_in_Rikers_Island_air_vents)">Fungus in Rikers Island air vents</a>)
<p>
The fungus in the air vents in the Rikers Island jail makes the air so
sickness-provoking that a guard 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/28/mold-infested-prisons-sicken-guards-and-prisoners/">begged
a prisoner to file a complaint</a>.  The guard was afraid of being
punished for complaining.
<p>
Similar problems are found in many US jails and prisons.  The fungus
can cause permanent illness.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Why_US_infrastructure_is_crumbling)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Why_US_infrastructure_is_crumbling)">Why US infrastructure is crumbling</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2016/05/chart-day-heres-why-our-infrastructure-crumbling-and-our-recovery-so-weak">Here's
Why Our [US] Infrastructure Is Crumbling and Our Recovery Is So
Weak</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Urgent:_Veto_stand_your_ground_law)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Urgent:_Veto_stand_your_ground_law)">Urgent: Veto "stand your ground" law</a>)
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/stop-missouri-stand-your-ground-law/">call
on the governor of Missouri</a> to veto the "stand your ground" law.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Israeli_military_courts)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Israeli_military_courts)">Israeli military courts</a>)
<p>
The Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem has 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/further/2016/05/27/seeds-fascism">given
up complaining to military courts about the crimes of occupation
soldiers</a>.  These courts are so biased that reporting crimes to
them is useless.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Cultures_where_menstruation_is_taboo)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Cultures_where_menstruation_is_taboo)">Cultures where menstruation is taboo</a>)
<p>
Millions of girls live in cultures where menstruation is taboo, and
they 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/may/28/we-dont-know-enough-about-menstruation-and-girls-are-paying-a-price">don't
understand what is happening or what is best to do</a>.  Some have to
sell sex in order to get pads to wear.
<p>
Some skip school while menstruating, because they would be sneered at
in class.
<p>
This is patriarchy at work, aided by its faithful servant, religion.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Bangladeshi_slaves_in_Scotland)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Bangladeshi_slaves_in_Scotland)">Bangladeshi slaves in Scotland</a>)
<p>
Abul Kamal Azad was lured into borrowing thousands of dollars to get a
job in London.  There his sponsor 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/may/28/slavery-human-trafficking-hotel-workers-bangladesh-scotland">enslaved
him</a>.  He couldn't refuse, because his sponsor could have him
deported at any time.
<p>
After he and his fellow slaves testified against their enslaver, they
were threatened with deportation.  But if they went back to Bangladesh
without paying their debts, the money lenders might kill their
families.
<p>
That threat is the other key to the situation, as it makes almost
any resolution hopeless.
<p>
Other injustices appear in the background.  What enabled him to sell
his wife's jewelry — was he trampling her rights so he could
lose her money as well as his own?
<p>
In an overpopulated place like Bangladesh, circumstances will
inevitably put many people into desperate situations where they feel
impelled to take bad risks.  Some will end up destitute; the only
uncertainty is whom and how.  To have children in such a situation is
simply wrong.  What Bangladesh needs most is a lot 
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/children.html">fewer
children</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(French_people_still_protesting)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(French_people_still_protesting)">French people still protesting</a>)
<p>
French people are still protesting and striking against a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/28/france-gripped-by-escalating-protests-over-labour-bill-police-woman-throw">proposed
law to reduce workers' rights</a>.
<p>
The president has adopted a standard right-wing position and justifies
it with standard right-wing arguments: he claims this will benefit
workers by giving employers the "flexibility" (i.e., more power over
the workers).  How could that be?  Implicitly, he assumes France is
competing with other countries to attract businesses by letting them
mistreat workers more.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Curfews)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Curfews)">Curfews</a>)
<p>
Millions of US teenagers live in places that have a permanent curfew.
They 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/28/curfew-laws-san-diego">can
be arrested just for being outside</a>.
<p>
Aside from being repressive, selective enforcement creates a way
to direct minority group children into a life of legal difficulties
even when they don't commit any real crimes.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Repression_and_dishonesty_in_UK_prisons)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Repression_and_dishonesty_in_UK_prisons)">Repression and dishonesty in UK prisons</a>)
<p>
British dissidents jailed for their acts of protest describe the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/28/activists-life-after-prison-charlie-gilmour">repression
and dishonesty</a> they encountered in prison.
<p>
Typically their "offenses" are not real, just excuses the state finds
convenient.
<p>
Some found their resolve strengthened by the experience.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Ties_as_a_symbol_of_submission)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Ties_as_a_symbol_of_submission)">Ties as a symbol of submission</a>)
<p>
A UK teacher writes about being 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2016/may/28/secret-teacher-naughty-pupil-wearing-tie-workwear">threatened
with dismissal for violating an unwritten requirement to wear a
tie</a>.
<p>
I reject ties both as a matter of comfort and as an act of rebellion.
If it were just a matter of personal preference, I wouldn't need to
talk about it, I'd just do it.  However, many men are forced to wear
ties, basically as a symbol of submission, and that makes it an
ethical issue.
<p>
I hope that my refusal to wear a tie will help clear the path for
others to refuse.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Trump_chickens_out_of_debating_Sanders)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Trump_chickens_out_of_debating_Sanders)">Trump chickens out of debating Sanders</a>)
<p>
Trump 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/28/donald-trump-refuses-to-debate-bernie-sanders">chickened
out of debating Sanders</a> after Sanders accepted the challenge.
<p>
Trump was apparently bluffing, and did not know what to do when
Sanders called his bluff.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Trump_claims_no_drought_in_California)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Trump_claims_no_drought_in_California)">Trump claims no drought in California</a>)
<p>
Trump 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/28/protesters-clash-with-police-outside-donald-trump-rally-in-san-diego">claimed
that there is no drought in California</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Sunscreen_harming_Coral_Reefs)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Sunscreen_harming_Coral_Reefs)">Sunscreen harming Coral Reefs</a>)
<p>
Sunscreen 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/oct/21/sunscreen-contributing-to-decline-of-coral-reefs-study-shows">Contributing
to Decline of Coral Reefs</a>, Study Shows.
<p>
This could explain why massive tourism tends to harm reefs.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(US_wasting_stockpile_of_helium)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(US_wasting_stockpile_of_helium)">US wasting stockpile of helium</a>)
<p>
The US is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2012/mar/18/helium-party-balloons-squandered">wasting
its stockpile of helium</a>, and ought to start charging a lot of
money for it.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Military_murderers_sentenced_in_Argentina)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Military_murderers_sentenced_in_Argentina)">Military murderers sentenced in Argentina</a>)
<p>
A court in Argentina has sentenced various various military murderers
who participated in Operation Condor, and found that this
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/27/argentinas-last-military-dictator-jailed-over-role-in-operation-condor">collaboration
in repression between 6 different countries in South America</a>
really did occur.
<p>
Of course, it was organized by the US.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Urgent:_Take_On_Wall_Street)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Urgent:_Take_On_Wall_Street)">Urgent: Take On Wall Street</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://takeonwallst.com/">call on Congress</a> to support
the Take On Wall Street agenda.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Urgent:_Cancel_coal_export_terminal)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Urgent:_Cancel_coal_export_terminal)">Urgent: Cancel coal export terminal</a>)
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="https://secure.earthjustice.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1862">call
on Washington State</a> to cancel the Millennium coal export terminal.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Destruction_of_the_Great_Barrier_Reef)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Destruction_of_the_Great_Barrier_Reef)">Destruction of the Great Barrier Reef</a>)
<p>
Australia convinced the UN to drop Australia from a report on
environmental damage, so as not to highlight how Australia is
destroying the Great Barrier Reef.  A draft of the report has been
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/27/revealed-the-report-on-the-great-barrier-reef-that-australia-didnt-want-the-world-to-see">leaked</a>,
and it is bleak.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Meteorologists_see_global_heating_effects)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Meteorologists_see_global_heating_effects)">Meteorologists see global heating effects</a>)
<p>
Meteorologists Are Seeing Global [Heating]'s
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2016/may/27/meteorologists-are-seeing-global-warmings-effect-on-the-weather">Effect
on the Weather</a>.
<p>
It is becoming more common for weather patterns to get "stuck" in one
spot, which could mean a lot of rain, a lot of snow, a long heat wave,
a long fire, whatever.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Misogyny)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Misogyny)">Misogyny</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/may/26/half-of-misogynistic-tweets-sent-by-women-study-finds">Women
as well as men</a> join in storms of tweets and use misogynistic
insults against women who are being criticized.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Sanders_may_debate_Trump)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Sanders_may_debate_Trump)">Sanders may debate Trump</a>)
<p>
Since Clinton refuses to debate Sanders before the California Primary,
he may
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/26/california-debate-bernie-sanders-donald-trump">debate
Trump instead</a>.
<p>
But Trump seems to be
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/05/donald-trump-debate-bernie-sanders-charity-womens-health">trying
to create an excuse not to do it</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Warning_from_French_environment_minister)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Warning_from_French_environment_minister)">Warning from French environment minister</a>)
<p>
The environment minister of France warns that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/26/french-minister-warns-of-mass-climate-change-migration-if-world-doesnt-act">hundreds
of millions of people will be forced to try to migrate by global
heating</a>.
<p>
If we consider late in this century, I think that is an underestimate.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Men_interrupting_women)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Men_interrupting_women)">Men interrupting women</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/05/even-female-supreme-court-justices-get-interrupted-lot-men">Even
in the Supreme Court</a>, men tend to interrupt women.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Chile_considers_new_copyright_law)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Chile_considers_new_copyright_law)">Chile considers new copyright law</a>)
<p>
Chile is considering a copyright law that
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160520/09464734498/chiles-new-copyright-legislation-would-make-creative-commons-licensing-impossible-audiovisual-works.shtml">would
prohibit any sort of sharing license for audiovisual works</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(FBIs_mass_collection_of_data)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(FBIs_mass_collection_of_data)">FBI's mass collection of data</a>)
<p>
The FBI massively collects data about millions people.  A legal action
directed specifically at
<a href="http://bordc.org/news/no-the-fbis-huge-biometrics-database-should-not-be-exempt-from-privacy-rules/">biometric
data, including photos of non-suspects going about their daily
lives</a>, demands the FBI follow standard US government privacy
rules.
<p>
A victory in this would be just a small first step towards making the
US government respect our freedom.  For democracy's sake, we need to
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">prevent
even the accumulation of most of that data</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Trade_in_Services_Agreement)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Trade_in_Services_Agreement)">Trade in Services Agreement</a>)
<p>
The proposed Trade in Services Agreement would give businesses 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/26/new-wikileaks-trove-further-exposes-tisas-neoliberal-agenda">broad
and detailed power over over countries and people</a>.  For instance,
a town would not even be allowed to impose a limit on the size of
stores.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Proposed_US_chemical_safety_law)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Proposed_US_chemical_safety_law)">Proposed US chemical safety law</a>)
<p>
The proposed reform of US chemical safety law is just a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/27/poison-chemical-health-law-toxic-regulation-harmful-substances">small
step towards what really ought to be done</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Using_exaggerations_to_scare_parents)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Using_exaggerations_to_scare_parents)">Using exaggerations to scare parents</a>)
<p>
A 
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2016/05/26/sex-trafficking-stat-check-ohio-children">report
on the prevalence of sex trafficking of minors in Ohio</a> is not only
a series of exaggerations and worst-case assumptions, it is also based
on false concepts: equating "engaging in prostitution" with "being a
victim of trafficking".
<p>
The result is to scare parents in a way that encourages unjust laws.
<p>
Here's another example: Canadian parents are supposed to be terrified
because 
<a href="http://www.freerangekids.com/a-chilling-new-portrait-of-child-predators-or-a-craven-old-way-to-scare-us-shtless/"><em>three
girls per year</em> are kidnaped and killed</a>.
<p>
Those murders are grave crimes, like any murder, but the danger they
amount to is insignificant compared to life's other dangers.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Property_seized_by_Illinois_thugs)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Property_seized_by_Illinois_thugs)">Property seized by Illinois thugs</a>)
<p>
Illinois thugs seized 
<a href="http://reason.com/archives/2016/05/26/illinois-racks-up-millions-in-property-s">$72
million worth of property without official criminal charges during two
years</a>, and $50 million has not even been legally adjudicated.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Military_tyranny_in_Thailand)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Military_tyranny_in_Thailand)">Military tyranny in Thailand</a>)
<p>
The military tyranny in Thailand now 
<a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36328865">intends to
imprison people if they take note of criticism of the state without
denouncing it</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Surveillance-advertising_networks)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Surveillance-advertising_networks)">Surveillance-advertising networks</a>)
<p>
Christian extremists in the US are 
<a href="https://rewire.news/article/2016/05/25/anti-choice-groups-deploy-smartphone-surveillance-target-abortion-minded-women-clinic-visits/">using
surveillance-advertising networks to harass women in Planned
Parenthood clinics</a> through their phones.
<p>
They send ads for one of the phony abortion counseling services that
claim to offer help but really distribute misleading information.
They also find out enough information, in many cases, to identify
the person.
<p>
I think this is an instance of the general injustice of the
surveillance-advertising system.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Goldman_Sachs_CEO_invests_in_Clinton)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Goldman_Sachs_CEO_invests_in_Clinton)">Goldman Sachs CEO invests in Clinton</a>)
<p>
Chelsea Clinton's husband's investment fund got a 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/27/hillary-clinton-wont-say-how-much-goldman-sachs-ceo-invested-with-her-son-in-law/">big
investment from the CEO of Goldman Sachs</a>.
<p>
I suspect the CEO doesn't mind that the fund lost money and shut down.
He probably thinks of this as an investment to be repaid by a future
President Clinton.

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Fossil_fuel_subsidies)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Fossil_fuel_subsidies)">Fossil fuel subsidies</a>)
<p>
G7 Nations Pledge to End Fossil Fuel Subsidies by 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/27/g7-nations-pledge-to-end-fossil-fuel-subsidies-by-2025">2025</a>.
<p>
Why such a rush?

<p>
<li><a name="29_May_2016_(Obama_rejects_Keystone_XL_pipeline)" />29 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#29_May_2016_(Obama_rejects_Keystone_XL_pipeline)">Obama rejects Keystone XL pipeline</a>)
<p>
Obama has finally 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/nov/06/obama-rejects-keystone-xl-pipeline">rejected
the Keystone XL pipeline</a>.
<p>
What reluctant "leadership"!

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(Googles_access_to_private_medical_data)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(Googles_access_to_private_medical_data)">Google's access to private medical data</a>)
<p>
Google Should Not Be Allowed to 
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/edward-frenkel-/google-should-not-be-allo_b_10057602.html">Secretly
Collect Private Medical Data</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(Australian_parties_that_have_sold_out)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(Australian_parties_that_have_sold_out)">Australian parties that have sold out</a>)
<p>
A call to arms against the Australian parties that have 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/26/our-democracy-has-been-bought-to-win-on-climate-we-have-to-take-it-back">sold
out to the mining and fossil fuel companies</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(Manipulation_of_users_by_web_platforms)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(Manipulation_of_users_by_web_platforms)">Manipulation of users by web platforms</a>)
<p>
Many web platforms systematically manipulate users to give the company
what it wants.  Here are 
<a href="https://medium.com/@tristanharris/how-technology-hijacks-peoples-minds-from-a-magician-and-google-s-design-ethicist-56d62ef5edf3">some
of the techniques used</a>.
<p>
The way for users to have control over
such activities is to replace those disservices with distributed
social networks implemented by free software.

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(Censorship_by_Apple)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(Censorship_by_Apple)">Censorship by Apple</a>)
<p>
Apple censors games, 
<a href="http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/05/apple-says-game-about-palestinian-child-isnt-a-game/">banning
some games from the cr…app store because of which political
points they suggest</a>.  Some political points are apparently
considered acceptable.

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(Security_rules_violated_by_Clinton)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(Security_rules_violated_by_Clinton)">Security rules violated by Clinton</a>)
<p>
Clinton was found to have 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/25/hillary-clinton-private-email-state-department-guidelines">violated
security rules while Secretary of State</a>, in a way that created an
espionage risk.
<p>
This carelessness was a far lesser wrong than the really bad things
she has done (supporting coups, helping plutocrats), but it might
convince Democratic superdelegates that they had better choose
Sanders.

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(No_debt_relief_for_Greece)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(No_debt_relief_for_Greece)">No debt relief for Greece</a>)
<p>
The IMF 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/25/eu-officials-hail-deal-bailout-loans-greece-climbdown-imf-greek-unions-strikes">backed
down from demanding debt relief for Greece</a>.  This means the
euro-banksters are proceeding with their scheme to "rescue" Greece to
death.
<p>
The "bail-out" isn't for Greece, but rather for the creditor banks.
Each step imposes more poverty, supposedly so that Greece will have a
surplus and pay back the ever bigger debt.  However, the actual result
of the poverty is further economic contraction, so there is no
surplus, and that "justifies" the next step.
<p>
This economic warfare is killing Greeks, probably by tens of
thousands.  When people die in Greece as a consequence of poverty, I
suggest Greeks turn their funerals into rallies to denounce the
banksters that killed them.

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(TPP_text)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(TPP_text)">TPP text</a>)
<p>
A copy of 
<a href="https://www.fightthetpp.org/#read">the TPP text</a>, with
annotations saying what harm various parts can do.

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(War_on_terror)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(War_on_terror)">"War on terror"</a>)
<p>
The "war on terror", in the US, has harmed Americans and their rights,
but 
<a href="http://reason.com/archives/2016/05/22/the-4-trillion-war-on-terror">does
not seem to have done even the slightest bit against the few and rare
terrorists in the US</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(Deportation)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(Deportation)">Deportation</a>)
<p>
Abuse victim and habitual criminal Kelly Webb faces deportation from
Australia to the UK, because she was 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/may/24/mother-of-five-who-has-lived-in-australia-for-28-years-faces-deportation-to-uk">brought
to Australia at age 2 and was never naturalized</a>.
<p>
I understand why Australia wants to expel foreigners that commit
crimes, and for most cases such laws are legitimate.  However, people
who were brought to a country as children should not be deported to a
place where they have no roots.
<p>
The world won't be a better place if Ms Webb is sent to the UK.

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(Nongendered_toilets)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(Nongendered_toilets)">Nongendered toilets</a>)
<p>
Some US universities have 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/may/21/yale-gender-neutral-bathrooms-transgender-rights">made
all toilets nongendered</a>.
<p>
If the students want it this way, I won't argue against it.  In
principle, there is nothing wrong with it.  However, if this is
applied to toilets with urinals, I'm concerned that women might feel
uncomfortable, or that 
<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20100514142327/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/05/11/how-your-son-could-end-up-on-the-sex-offender-list">some
males might be accused with exposing themselves for using the urinal
when a female enters</a>.  This is not just my imagination.

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(Leaked_conspiracy_conversation_in_Brazil)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(Leaked_conspiracy_conversation_in_Brazil)">Leaked conspiracy conversation in Brazil</a>)
<p>
The leaked conspiracy conversation demonstrates that the 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/23/new-political-earthquake-in-brazil-is-it-now-time-for-media-outlets-to-call-this-a-coup/">impeachment
of President Rousseff is a coup against democracy</a> in Brazil.

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(Counter-extremism_bill)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(Counter-extremism_bill)">Counter-extremism bill</a>)
<p>
Prominent Britons say: counter-extremism bill 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2016/may/23/counter-extremism-bill-puts-our-rights-at-risk">puts
our rights at risk</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(Chinese_academics_fleeing_China)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(Chinese_academics_fleeing_China)">Chinese academics fleeing China</a>)
<p>
Many Chinese academics are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/24/academics-china-crackdown-forces-intellectuals-abroad">fleeing
China</a>, where censorship is becoming ever more pervasive.

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(Vietnam_jails_people_who_flee_and_seek_asylum)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(Vietnam_jails_people_who_flee_and_seek_asylum)">Vietnam jails people who flee and seek asylum</a>)
<p>
Vietnam systematically jails people that fled Vietnam and asked for
asylum, after they are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/may/24/vietnamese-asylum-seekers-forcibly-returned-by-australia-face-jail">forcibly
returned based on promises they would not be punished for leaving
Vietnam</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(Growing_crops_without_irrigation)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(Growing_crops_without_irrigation)">Growing crops without irrigation</a>)
<p>
Some California farmers are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/05/dry-farming-california-drought-wine-crops">relearning
to grow crops without irrigation</a>.  They can even grow tomatoes
that are worth eating, unlike the usual commercial US tomatoes.
<p>
I doubt that all crops will work this way.  California may have to
stop growing almonds, for instance.  I will miss them.

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(US_nastiness_towards_Guantanamo_prisoners_brother)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(US_nastiness_towards_Guantanamo_prisoners_brother)">US nastiness towards Guantanamo prisoner's brother</a>)
<p>
Mohamedou Ould Slahi's brother, a German citizen, wanted to go to the
US to advocate for Mohamedou's release from Guantanamo prison.  The US
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/23/brother-of-guantanamo-diary-author-barred-from-entering-u-s/">denied
him entry, after questioning him for hours about his family</a>.
<p>
The US could easily have blocked him from boarding the flight, but
that would have been insufficiently nasty.
<p>
Since imprisonment without trial is tyranny, the US must release all
the prisoners in Guantanamo, or else charge them with crimes and give
them fair trials.

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(Apology_from_head_of_Victorias_govt)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(Apology_from_head_of_Victorias_govt)">Apology from head of Victoria's gov't</a>)
<p>
The head of Victoria's government has apologized to the men 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/24/victorian-premier-sorry-gay-convictions-abominable-laws">convicted
(in effect) of being gay</a>.
<p>
Victoria is a state in Australia.  Some years ago I proposed people
should start a magazine to reveal corruption in Victoria; it could be
called "Victoria's Secret".

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(The_celebrity_threesome_injunction)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(The_celebrity_threesome_injunction)">The "celebrity threesome injunction"</a>)
<p>
Twitter is sending messages to people that tweeted identifying
names behind the "celebrity threesome injunction", 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/law/2016/may/19/celebrity-threesome-twitter-warns-illegal-tweets-supreme-court-privacy-injunction">pressuring
them to delete their tweets "voluntarily"</a> and warning them of
legal action.
<p>
According to this not entirely trustworthy newspaper, such messages
are 
<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3600554/Now-secret-threesome-star-tries-gag-Twitter-users-naming-online-contacting-people-countries-gagging-order-doesn-t-apply.html">going
to people in the US and Spain</a>, where the injunction does not apply
and British courts have no authority.

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(Austerity)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(Austerity)">"Austerity"</a>)
<p>
"Austerity" means more than spending cuts.  It is a scheme to transfer
wealth from the poor to the rich.  It includes 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/24/austerity-cuts-privatising-george-osborne-britain-assets">selling
everything public to the rich at a cut-rate price</a>.
<p>
The budget deficit that is the excuse for these policies is no
accident.  It is the result of not taxing the rich enough.
<p>
Thus, past plutocratic injustice is being used as the excuse for even
more plutocratic injustice.

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(Fired_by_hospital_for_reporting_a_virus)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(Fired_by_hospital_for_reporting_a_virus)">Fired by hospital for reporting a virus</a>)
<p>
Professor Zaki was 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2013/mar/15/coronavirus-next-global-pandemic">fired
by a hospital in Saudi Arabia</a> for doing his duty: reporting the
unknown virus that was killing his patient.
<p>
The article suggests research that should be done to figure out how
people catch this virus.

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(Prison_for_campaigning_against_death_penalty)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(Prison_for_campaigning_against_death_penalty)">Prison for campaigning against death penalty</a>)
<p>
Iran has sentenced Narges Mohammadi to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/may/24/narges-mohammadi-iranian-activist-un-condemns-10-year-jail-sentence">10
years in prison</a> for campaigning to abolish the death penalty.
<p>
Unlike many other oppressive regimes, the Iranian regime does not
fabricate a phony crime as an excuse.  It openly admits its contempt
for human rights.  It is made up of religious fanatics that label
disagreement with their views as evil by definition.

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(Unemployed_people_excluded_from_work)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(Unemployed_people_excluded_from_work)">Unemployed people excluded from work</a>)
<p>
Unemployed people in Detroit are excluded from work by 
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/23/technology/unemployed-detroit-residents-are-trapped-by-a-digital-divide.html">stores
that require people to apply for jobs only by internet</a>.
<p>
I am concerned that applying requires (1) running nonfree software
too.  And almost certainly it provides lots of personal data to data
brokers
<p>
The right solution is <em>not to require</em> job applicants to hand
over so much personal data to a computer data base.  We should not
allow employers to demand this.
<p>
Meanwhile, public agencies, at all levels of government, should offer
sufficient public computers for people to come and use to carry out
their dealings with the state.

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(Persecution_of_whistleblowers)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(Persecution_of_whistleblowers)">Persecution of whistleblowers</a>)
<p>
NSA officials set on ruining Thomas Drake's life 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/22/snowden-whistleblower-protections-john-crane">went
as far as to destroy documents that would help his defense</a>,
according to Pentagon Inspector Crane.
<p>
Crane 
<a href="http://www.democracynow.org/2016/5/23/exclusive_source_reveals_how_pentagon_ruined">wants
the legal system to protect internal whistleblowers from being treated
like Drake and Binney</a>.  He hopes that this way they won't need to
report government wrongdoing to the public.
<p>
I see his heart is in the right place, but he's trying to solve only
part of the problem.  I think whistleblowers should tell <em>the
people</em> what the state is really doing, because we are supposed to
be in charge of the state.  Accountability, in the state, means <em>
accountability to us </em>.
<p>
The interview also reveals that the officials who are supposed to
investigate accusations of retaliation (against other officials, for
resisting corrupt or illegal practices) are afraid they will face
retaliation for doing their job.

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(Fracksters_coming_to_England)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(Fracksters_coming_to_England)">Fracksters coming to England</a>)
<p>
Fracksters 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/23/north-yorkshire-council-backs-first-uk-fracking-tests-for-five-years">gained
approval for test fracking</a> in part of England.  Their
representative compared a frack well to a human baby, in effect asking
counselors to suppose it would grow into something admirable.
<p>
Due to the prevalence of fracking in the US, there is no mystery about
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-sep-dec.html#11_September_2014_(Methane_leaks_from_fracking)">what
a test can grow into</a> or about 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-nov-feb.html#06_November_2012_(Poisoning_from_fracking_covered_up)">how
they will try to cover up the local damage</a>.  A sprouting weed
might be a better comparison than a baby.
<p>
Clinton, as Secretary of State, 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/23/hillary-clinton-fracking/">worked
to encourage fracking world-wide</a>.  Fracksters claim that fracking
as a "bridge" to renewable energy, but this is based on ignoring the
methane links.  The way to get to renewable energy is by building
renewable energy systems.  It's not hard if we spend enough money on
it.
<p>
Preventing global disaster is worth a lot of investment.

<p>
<li><a name="28_May_2016_(Asylum_in_Britain_for_Nasheed)" />28 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#28_May_2016_(Asylum_in_Britain_for_Nasheed)">Asylum in Britain for Nasheed</a>)
<p>
Former President Nasheed of the Maldives has been 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/23/ex-president-of-the-maldives-granted-asylum-in-uk-mohammed-nasheed">given
asylum in Britain</a>.  Nasheed was 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-nov-feb.html#04_December_2015_(President_of_the_Maldives)">deposed
by a coup for demanding action to curb global heating</a> before the
Maldives are inundated.
<p>
Nasheed got permission to go to the UK for medical treatment, then
asked to stay.  This means he broke a promise to the tyrant.  The
tyrant has no standing to complain, because he has done much worse to
Nasheed and threatens to do more of it.  He deserves whatever bad he
gets.
<p>
However, one can debate whether this endangers the chances of other
political prisoners that might in the future seek permission for
medical care in a foreign country.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_the_revolving_door)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_the_revolving_door)">Urgent: Stop the "revolving door"</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://www.credomobilize.com/petitions/tell-congress-stop-the-revolving-door-between-wall-street-and-washington">support
the Financial Services Conflict of Interest Act</a> which would partly
close the "revolving door" that admits corrupt people as officials.
<p>
A proper president would never appoint people like that.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(Urgent:_Investigate_working_conditions)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(Urgent:_Investigate_working_conditions)">Urgent: Investigate working conditions</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Big_Poultry">call on the
Department of Labor</a> to investigate cruel working conditions
imposed on poultry workers.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(Trump_and_Muslim_Republicans)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(Trump_and_Muslim_Republicans)">Trump and Muslim Republicans</a>)
<p>
Trump's men are winning the support of Muslim Republicans by 
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/5/23/1530010/-Donald-Trump-woos-Muslim-Republicans-and-yep-it-s-working">saying
that they shouldn't believe anything Trump said during the
campaign</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(FBI_malware_code)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(FBI_malware_code)">FBI malware code</a>)
<p>
One US judge ruled that the FBI, to use in court evidence obtained by
cracking a computer, 
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/playpen-tor-browser-exploit">must
show the malware code to the defense</a>.  The effect was that the FBI
abandoned use of that evidence.
<p>
This makes legal sense, but I suspect the FBI will resort to lying
instead: using the evidence obtained by cracking to find other
evidence, then making up a false explanation of how that other
evidence was found.  That is illegal, as I understand it, but
hard to detect.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(Chinas_coal_trucks)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(Chinas_coal_trucks)">China's coal trucks</a>)
<p>
China's coal trucks produce 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/blog/2010/aug/25/china-mega-jams-coal">giant
traffic jams</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(Strikes_all_across_France)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(Strikes_all_across_France)">Strikes all across France</a>)
<p>
There are strikes all across France 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/26/french-dock-workers-storm-le-havre-square-labour-bill">to
oppose the "socialist" government's labor flexibility bill</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(Statue_of_Liberty_threatened)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(Statue_of_Liberty_threatened)">Statue of Liberty threatened</a>)
<p>
Americans, global heating is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/26/statue-of-liberty-venice-climate-change-threat-un-report">likely
to damage the Statue of Liberty</a>.
<p>
But don't worry, damage to the Mall of Convenience won't come for a
few more decades.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(Drop_Dropbox)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(Drop_Dropbox)">Drop Dropbox</a>)
<p>
Dropbox wants users to install a 
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/dropbox-infinite">kernel
module written by Dropbox</a>.  This would allow Dropbox to spy on, or
interfere with, anything the computer does.
<p>
The nonfree Dropbox Javascript code is 
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/javascript-trap.html">already a
step too far</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(India_might_use_iris_scanning)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(India_might_use_iris_scanning)">India might use iris scanning</a>)
<p>
India 
<a href="http://venturebeat.com/2016/05/25/samsung-targets-india-with-200-galaxy-tab-iris-an-iris-recognition-tablet-for-authenticating-citizens/">might
use Iris scanning</a> to identify airplane and railroad passengers, as
well as everyone filing a tax return.
<p>
They are already arranging to track all the poor by welfare benefits,
but even for the middle class, there would be no escape.
<p>
Iris scanning is currently not as nasty as fingerprint identification,
because people don't leave iris prints in places where they go.  But
there is a 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#19_May_2015_(Long-range_iris_scanning)">danger
that iris-scanning cameras will in the future identify people walking
by on the street</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(Algorithms_used_by_government)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(Algorithms_used_by_government)">Algorithms used by government</a>)
<p>
We Need to Know the 
<a href="https://theconversation.com/we-need-to-know-the-algorithms-the-government-uses-to-make-important-decisions-about-us-57869">Algorithms
the Government Uses to Make Important Decisions about Us</a>, but most
US states make excuses to conceal them.  In some cases, the algorithm
is a company's trade secret.  This is a case where, in effect, code is
law — and the law must be published for all to see.
<p>
In fact, US states have 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#30_January_2016_(Copyrighted_laws_in_the_US)">laws
that belong to companies</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(Sanders)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(Sanders)">Sanders</a>)
<p>
Sanders has 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/23/what-does-bernie-want">good
reasons not to throw in the towel to Clinton</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(Urgent:_Call_on_Congress_to_Stop_the_Coup)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(Urgent:_Call_on_Congress_to_Stop_the_Coup)">Urgent: Call on Congress to Stop the Coup</a>)
<p>
US citizens: call on Congress not to impose a nondemocratic austerity
government on <a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/stop-the-coup-no-imf?r_by=1135580">Puerto Rico</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(EU_trade_treaty_with_Japan)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(EU_trade_treaty_with_Japan)">EU trade treaty with Japan</a>)
<p>
The EU is working on another "<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/26/european-union-japan-trade-agreement-g7-summit-david-cameron">trade treaty</a>", with Japan this time.
<p>
People had better find out what's in it, because it could be as nasty
as the other proposed "trade treaties".  Even worse, it could be only
half as nasty, in the hope that taking smaller steps towards plutocracy
will provoke less resistance.
<p>
NO "trade treaty" made by plutocratic governments can be expected to be
good for people other than plutocrats.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(Banksters_responsible_for_deaths)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(Banksters_responsible_for_deaths)">Banksters responsible for deaths</a>)
<p>
Unemployment And Austerity '<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/may/25/cancer-mortality-unemployment-austerity">Increases Cancer Mortality</a>'.  Hundreds of thousands may have been killed this way by the effects of the financial crisis.
<p>
That crisis was provoked by banksters, and the austerity response was 
demanded by them.  The banksters are responsible for these deaths.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(Families_that_escaped_from_Fallujah_are_starving)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(Families_that_escaped_from_Fallujah_are
_starving)">Families that escaped from Fallujah are starving</a>)
<p>
Families that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/may/26/fallujah-siege-families-are-surviving-on-dried-dates-and-river-water">escaped from Fallujah</a>, sometimes running at night
without shoes so PISSI would not shoot them, say that the people who
remain there are starving.
<p>
I have to wonder whether they are starving because PISSI keeps the food
for its soldiers, or starving because the Iraqi army won't let food in,
or both.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(1000_killed_in_attacks_on_hospitals)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(1000_killed_in_attacks_on_hospitals)">1000 killed in
 attacks on hospitals</a>)
<p>
Almost 1000 people have been killed in two years by <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/may/26/world-health-organisation-hospital-attacks-959-lives-two-years">attacks on hospitals</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(Decriminalise_Sex_Work)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(Decriminalise_Sex_Work)">Decriminalise Sex Work</a>)
<p>
Amnesty International in Global Programme to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/26/amnesty-international-decriminalise-sex-work-prostitution-human-rights">Decriminalise Sex Work</a>.
<p>
The criminalization helps maintain the stigma which is part of a patriarchal
idea that women are supposed to be good little properties of men.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(Anti_abortion_bill_passed)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(Anti_abortion_bill_passed)">Anti abortion bill passed</a>)
<p>
13 US states have <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/25/south-carolina-governor-passes-anti-abortion-bill">banned all abortions after 20 weeks</a>, based on questionable assumptions.
<p>
I think they aim to do anything possible to impede abortions.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(Met_Chief_and_online_banking_refunds)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(Met_Chief_and_online_banking_refunds)">Met Chief and online banking refunds</a>)
<p>
The basic reason to avoid <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/mar/24/dont-refund-online-victims-met-chief-tells-banks">online banking</a> is that the banks leave users holding the bag for security failures.  In fact, there is sometimes
pressure to treat them worse.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(Politics_of_Extreme_Energy)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(Politics_of_Extreme_Energy)">Politics of Extreme Energy</a>)
<p>
How the <a href="http://upsidedownworld.org/main/argentina-archives-32/5507-how-the-politics-of-extreme-energy-lead-to-the-criminalization-of-social-protest-in-argentina">Politics of Extreme Energy</a> Lead to the Criminalization of Social Protest in Argentina.
<p>
Fracking in Argentina (like fracking anywhere else) immediately
threatens the Mapuche that live there, but in the long term it
threatens all of civilization, by smoothing the path to more global
heating.
<p>
I wonder if the dispute over the Falkland Islands could be settled
with the help of an initial agreement not to extract any oil from the
sea around them.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(Digital_Assistants_are_spies)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(Digital_Assistants_are_spies)">Digital Assistants are spies
</a>)
<p>
Today's "<a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/05/the-privacy-problem-with-digital-assistants/483950/">digital assistants</a>" are also spies.
<p>
For them not to be spies, they would have to be (1) entirely local and
(2) entirely free (libre) software.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(Shaken_baby_syndrome)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(Shaken_baby_syndrome)">Shaken baby syndrome</a>)
<p>
A thousand Americans have been convicted of shaking their babies
because the babies appeared to have "<a href="http://www.freerangekids.com/shaken-up-about-shaken-baby-syndrome/">shaken baby syndrome</a>", but it
seems that syndrome may be an erroneous theory and perhaps those
parents did not really do anything.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(Data_is_systematically_biased)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(Data_is_systematically_biased)">Data is systematically biased</a>)
<p>
Studying big data leads to slanted results when the data are <a href="https://theconversation.com/big-datas-streetlight-effect-where-and-how-we-look-affects-what-we-see-58122">systematically biased</a>, and often they are.
<p>
How to get unbiased data?  I fear that today's scientists will support
industry and government in trying to forcibly monitor everyone.
However, many people will give data voluntarily if it is collected in
an anonymous way and can't be reidentified.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(Ada_Colau_the_radical_mayor_of_Barcelona)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(Ada_Colau_the_radical_mayor_of_Barcelona)">Ada Colau the radical mayor of Barcelona</a>)
<p>
An in-depth article about <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/26/ada-colau-barcelona-most-radical-mayor-in-the-world">Ada Colau</a>, the radical mayor of Barcelona.
<p>
I find her admirably firm in her stance.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(US_and_China_in_nuclear_arms_race)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(US_and_China_in_nuclear_arms_race)">US and China in nuclear arms race</a>)
<p>
The US and China are in a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/26/china-send-nuclear-armed-submarines-into-pacific-us">nuclear arms race</a>.
<p>
As with the US and USSR in the 70s and 80s, an advance by one side
often puts the other side in danger of losing its deterrent capacity.
<p>
Wiser heads should negotiate treaties to limit the advances on both sides.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(Brazil_to_pardon_corruption_charges)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(Brazil_to_pardon_corruption_charges)">Brazil to pardon corruption charges</a>)
<p>
The head of Brazil's senate has conspired with the new acting
president to pardon people <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/26/brazil-senate-head-recorded-proposing-weaken-bribes-investigation">facing corruption charges</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(London_Stock_Exchange_bar_firm_over_Amazon)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(London_Stock_Exchange_bar_firm_over_Amazon)">
London Stock Exchange bar firm over Amazon</a>)
<p>
Will London Stock Exchange Bar Firm over <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/andes-to-the-amazon/2016/may/25/london-stock-exchange-amazon-deforestation">Amazon Deforestation</a>?

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(Student_harassed_by_thug_over_milk)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(Student_harassed_by_thug_over_milk)">Student harassed by thug over milk</a>)
<p>
A student in middle school in Virginia was harassed by a thug
for getting some milk in the lunch room, <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/further/2016/05/25/drinking-milk-while-black-middle-school-kid-busted-stealing-milk-carton-he-was">then arrested for "stealing" it</a>, though in fact he was entitled to get it.
<p>
This is the start of the school-to-prison pipeline.
We've got to get the thugs out of the schools.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(Exxon_tried_to_pressure_Congress)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(Exxon_tried_to_pressure_Congress)">Exxon tried to pressure Congress</a>)
<p>
When Dubya was elected, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/may/25/exxonmobil-climate-change-scientists-congress-george-w-bush">Exxon tried to pressure Congress</a> to cancel a series of presentations on global heating.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(More_government_spending_needed)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(More_government_spending_needed)">More government spending needed</a>)
<p>
Government monetary shenanigans such as negative interest rates, even
threats to prohibit cash, are bad substitutes for what's really needed:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/may/25/negative-interest-rates-the-case-against-john-maynard-keynes">more government spending</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(Indonesia_refuses_palm_oil_permits)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(Indonesia_refuses_palm_oil_permits)">Indonesia refuses palm oil permits</a>)
<p>
Indonesia has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/25/indonesia-refuses-palm-oil-permits-in-anti-haze-push">denied many requests</a> for palm oil plantations.

<p>
<li><a name="27_May_2016_(UN_Expert_Calls_for_Tax_on_Meat_Production)" />27 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#27_May_2016_(UN_Expert_Calls_for_Tax_on_Meat_Production)">UN Expert Calls for Tax on Meat Production</a>)
<p>
UN Expert Calls for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/25/un-expert-calls-for-tax-on-meat-production">Tax on Meat Production</a>
<p>
Since eating meat is not the best thing for human health,
and places a big burden on the environment (including global heating),
it makes sense to discourage it this way.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Urgent:_Email_Privacy_Act_without_riders)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Urgent:_Email_Privacy_Act_without_riders)">Urgent: Email Privacy Act without riders</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://savethefourth.net/">call on the Senate</a> to pass
the Email Privacy Act without weakening riders or exceptions.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_DARK_act)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_DARK_act)">Urgent: Oppose DARK act</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/call/QR_code_call/">phone Senator
Stabenow</a> to oppose the DARK act and protect state requirements for
labeling of GMOs in food.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Microsoft_continues_forcing_upgrades)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Microsoft_continues_forcing_upgrades)">Microsoft continues forcing "upgrades"</a>)
<p>
Microsoft continues more or less 
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-peterson/warning-your-computer-may_b_10099208.html">forcing
"upgrades" to Windows 10 onto users that don't want the change</a>.
<p>
That this is even possible shows how much unjust power Microsoft
exercises over its users.  How slow they are, most of them, to
recognize that the problem is pervasive in Windows and this is just
the culmination of decades of it.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Monitoring_and_manipulation_of_people)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Monitoring_and_manipulation_of_people)">Monitoring and manipulation of people</a>)
<p>
A method for commercial monitoring and manipulation of millions of
people: profiling their way of thinking from their 
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/facial-recognition-brands-mattersight">facial
expressions in Youtube videos</a>.
<p>
Meanwhile, states are planning to try to figure out people's feelings
and thoughts from watching them with computer programs.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Romes_ancient_monuments)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Romes_ancient_monuments)">Rome's ancient monuments</a>)
<p>
The municipal government of Rome is 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/25/rome-calls-on-companies-and-the-rich-to-adopt-crumbling-ancient-sites">begging
companies to donate to preserve ancient monuments</a>.
<p>
This is what happens when companies don't pay enough taxes for the
state to do its job.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(The_Bialowieza_forest)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(The_Bialowieza_forest)">The Bialowieza forest</a>)
<p>
Poland's right-wing government 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/25/poland-starts-logging-primeval-bialowieza-forest-despite-protests">has
begun its plan to cut down a large part of the Bialowieza forest</a>.
<p>
If a fanatical or extractivist government gets just one turn at power,
it can destroy things that can never be replaced.  Forests are
especially vulnerable to this.  Perhaps destruction of natural forests
or wetlands should be prosecuted by the International Criminal Court.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Obamas_visit_to_the_Ise_shrine)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Obamas_visit_to_the_Ise_shrine)">Obama's visit to the Ise shrine</a>)
<p>
Obama's visit to the Ise shrine along with Japan's prime minister
could support his 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/25/g7-japan-world-leaders-tour-shrine-cameron-obama-abe">efforts
to use Shinto as a vehicle for nationalism</a>.
<p>
Shinto is basically an unreformed ancient religion, comparable to
ancient Greek paganism, which believes that kamis (powerful spirits
such as gods) can be found everywhere in nature.
<p>
The last US political leader to support Shinto was Senator Joe
McCarthy.  He too believed that kamis could be found almost everywhere,
including Hollywood and the US State Department ;-}.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Fighting_the_ash_borer_with_wasps)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Fighting_the_ash_borer_with_wasps)">Fighting the ash borer with wasps</a>)
<p>
The US is trying to wipe out the ash borer with 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/25/us-releases-millions-of-wasps-to-fight-ash-tree-borer">four
species of parasitic wasps</a>.
<p>
This might actually work, but can we really be sure these wasps won't
find other prey once the ash borers are gone?

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Mainstream_parties_losing_strength)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Mainstream_parties_losing_strength)">"Mainstream" parties losing strength</a>)
<p>
Across Europe, the "mainstream" parties are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/25/across-europe-distrust-of-mainstream-political-parties-is-on-the-rise">losing
strength</a>.
<p>
I would say this is because they are too timid to denounce plutocracy
and people are getting sick of what plutocracy does to them.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Russias_independent_media)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Russias_independent_media)">Russia's independent media</a>)
<p>
How Russia's Independent Media Was 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/25/how-russia-independent-media-was-dismantled-piece-by-piece">Dismantled
Piece by Piece</a> (over a period of five years).

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(UK_university_teachers_on_strike)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(UK_university_teachers_on_strike)">UK university teachers on strike</a>)
<p>
Non-tenure-track teachers in UK universities are on strike because
they get 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/25/lecturers-striking-low-pay-casual-work-students-university">low
pay and no job security</a>.
<p>
US universities have the same problem.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Australias_tax_exemption_for_the_rich)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Australias_tax_exemption_for_the_rich)">Australia's tax exemption for the rich</a>)
<p>
Varoufakis says Australia is living on a bubble and condemns its 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/25/yanis-varoufakis-australias-negative-gearing-is-scandalous">tax
exemption for people that own existing expensive houses</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Trumps_donation)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Trumps_donation)">Trump's donation</a>)
<p>
Trump said he would donate money to help veterans.  Later his
spokesman said he had donated, but wouldn't give any details.  Turns
out that was a lie, and they 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2016/05/trump-finally-caves-gives-money-vets-after-media-badgers-him-it">rushed
to actually donate once the press started investigating</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Sanctions_against_human_rights_violators)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Sanctions_against_human_rights_violators)">Sanctions against human rights violators</a>)
<p>
A 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2016/may/25/us-act-aimed-at-curbing-impunity-for-journalist-murderers">proposed
US law</a> would provide for sanctions against people in other
countries accused of important human rights violations.
<p>
It is a good thing in principle, but I fear that the US will apply
this selectively, sparing various tyrannical rulers because they are
US allies.  The US 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#21_May_2016_(Egypt)">already
does that</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Ruined_by_foreign_farm_plantations)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Ruined_by_foreign_farm_plantations)">Ruined by foreign farm plantations</a>)
<p>
People from Cajolá in Guatemala have been 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/25/guatemalan-town-migrants-american-dream">ruined
by foreign farm plantations and cheap grain imports</a>.  Their only
hope is to try to get into the US to work.
<p>
The US does not have an obligation to admit them as workers.  It does
have an obligation to get rid of the practices that have ruined their
lives at home.  I expect that the Guatemalan government allowed these
practices due to US pressure in the first place.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Prohibition_of_alcohol)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Prohibition_of_alcohol)">Prohibition of alcohol</a>)
<p>
Indian women attribute domestic violence to alcohol and 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/25/tamil-nadu-women-alcohol-banned-prohibition-domestic-violence">want
it prohibited</a>.
<p>
I understand where they are coming from.  I saw a small version of
that progression in my father, and it convinced me to lead a life of
sobriety (which doesn't conflict with occasionally drinking a little
wine).
<p>
However, prohibition of an addictive drug is likely to do more harm
than good.  The people who are dependent will get it through crime
syndicates.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Global_heating_warning_from_the_1970s)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Global_heating_warning_from_the_1970s)">Global heating warning from the 1970s</a>)
<p>
"My father 
<a href='https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/25/exxon-climate-change-greenhouse-gasses'>warned
Exxon about climate change in the 1970s</a>. They didn't listen."

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(War_on_Painkillers)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(War_on_Painkillers)">War on Painkillers</a>)
<p>
Florida's escalation of the War on Painkillers drove 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/may/25/opioid-epidemic-prescription-painkillers-heroin-addiction">abusers
to use heroin instead</a>.
<p>
The overall effect is likely to be dangerous.  The painkillers are
made in regulated labs and the pills always the same contents.  Heroin
is made by unregulated labs and typically diluted with who-knows-what.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Russian_and_Ukrainian_POWs)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Russian_and_Ukrainian_POWs)">Russian and Ukrainian POWs</a>)
<p>
Russia and Ukraine traded prisoners of war, which both countries had
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/25/ukrainian-pilot-nadiya-savchenko-released-by-russia-in-prisoner-swap-deal">put
on trial</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(IMF_social_spending_targets)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(IMF_social_spending_targets)">IMF social spending targets</a>)
<p>
The IMF puts social spending targets into many 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/may/25/the-imf-international-monetary-fund-has-not-lived-up-to-hype-on-social-protection">"aid"
contracts</a>, but these are usually not actually followed, and they
have little effect compared with the crushing austerity the IMF
imposes.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(The_updated_overtime_requirement)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(The_updated_overtime_requirement)">The updated overtime requirement</a>)
<p>
US retail company executives admit that the updated overtime requirement
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/24/dire-predictions-about-obama-overtime-rule-overblown/">won't
lead to (more) loss of jobs</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(SSRN_bought_by_Elsevier)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(SSRN_bought_by_Elsevier)">SSRN bought by Elsevier</a>)
<p>
Elsevier, the continual copyright aggressor, has 
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160517/13513134465/disappointing-elsevier-buys-open-access-academic-pre-publisher-ssrn.shtml">bought
SSRN where papers are posted for gratis access</a>.  There is plenty
of reason to worry.
<p>
With proper antitrust laws, this purchase would have been blocked.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Acquittal_of_thug_involved_in_killing)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Acquittal_of_thug_involved_in_killing)">Acquittal of thug involved in killing</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/23/second-freddie-gray-trial-ends-in-acquittal-raises-questions-about-reasonable-suspicion/">An
analysis</a> of the acquittal of one thug that was involved in the
killing of Freddie Gray.
<p>
The person quoted who claims that thugs are "no more or no less honest
than the vast majority of witnesses" is surely mistaken: we know that
they are habituated to lying in court, and that 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-nov-feb.html#07_February_2013_(Testilying_thugs)">they
lie as standard practice to protect each other</a>.  Other witnesses
do lie but it's impossible that they lie as much as that.
<p>
I don't know enough about the situation to have an opinion about
whether this particular thug was guilty.
<p>
We need to change the policies that give thugs 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/23/edward-nero-freddie-gray-verdict-no-justice">almost
100% impunity</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(The_EU_and_Erdogan)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(The_EU_and_Erdogan)">The EU and Erdo&gbreve;an</a>)
<p>
Erdo&gbreve;an now believes he can make the EU bow to his demands,
with his 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/24/turkey--eu-migration-deal-visa-free-travel-recep-tayyip-erdogan">power
to grant or not grant help in keeping millions of Syrian refugees
away</a>.
<p>
I don't think the EU will give in this far, though.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(SCROTUS_wants_to_screw_Puerto_Rico)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(SCROTUS_wants_to_screw_Puerto_Rico)">SCROTUS wants to screw Puerto Rico</a>)
<p>
SCROTUS want to treat Puerto Rico 
<a href="http://www.thenation.com/article/no-paul-ryan-the-cure-for-what-ails-puerto-rico-is-not-anti-democratic-austerity/">the
way they screwed Detroit</a>.
<p>
SCROTUS = Sleazy Congressional Republicans Of The United States.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Atheism_is_not_a_matter_of_faith)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Atheism_is_not_a_matter_of_faith)">Atheism is not a matter of faith</a>)
<p>
Atheism is not a <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/24/atheists-faith-religion-uk">matter of faith</a>
<p>
However, the claim that gods exist is not merely devoid of supporting
evidence.  When argued as clever theists argue it, it becomes
unfalsifiable by any evidence, and therefore void as a statement about
the real world.  That constitutes valid grounds to reject it outright,
not merely to doubt it.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Childrens_toys_are_full_of_ads)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Childrens_toys_are_full_of_ads)">Children's toys are full of ads</a>)
<p>
Reportedly mass-market toys nowadays are almost all media tie-ins —
that is, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/24/children-lego-weapons-play-militarisation">ads that you pay to show your children</a>.  Meanwhile, what children mostly use to play are proprietary games afflicted with DRM.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Resettling_refugees_in_papua_guinea)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Resettling_refugees_in_papua_guinea)">Resettling refugees in papua guinea</a>)
<p>
Australia sent refugees to prison in Manus Island, and demands they be
allowed to settle in Papua New Guinea, but it is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/20/resettling-refugees-in-papua-new-guinea-a-tragic-theatre-of-the-absurd">impossible for them to live there</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Trump_and_global_heating)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Trump_and_global_heating)">Trump and global heating</a>)
<p>
Trump acknowledges global heating when it serves <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/24/donald-trump-bunker-climate-change-views">his own business interests</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(UAE_illegally_detained_prisoners)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(UAE_illegally_detained_prisoners)">UAE illegally detained prisoners</a>)
<p>
Mohamed Alaradi was arrested and tortured in the United Arab Emirates
along with 9 other Libyan expats.  Six of them, including his brother,
have been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/24/united-arab-emirates-illegally-detained-prisoners-state-security">imprisoned over two years</a>.  They now finally have a trial, which is alleged to be unfair.
<p>
The US ought to call on its ally to stop doing this sort of thing, but
if it tried to, the example of Guantanamo would make the position
hypocritical.  Meanwhile, I wonder if the US is partly responsible
for their arrests.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(New_agenda_taking_wall_street)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(New_agenda_taking_wall_street)">New agenda taking wall street</a>)
<p>
A <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/24/new-agenda-taking-wall-street">reform agenda for Wall Street</a> that we can try to pressure Clinton to endorse.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(UK_to_investigate_cluster_bombs_on_Yemen)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(UK_to_investigate_cluster_bombs_on_Yemen)">UK to investigate cluster bombs on Yemen</a>)
<p>
The UK says it will <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/24/mod-to-investigate-claims-saudis-used-uk-cluster-bombs-in-yemen">investigate the evidence</a> that Salafi Arabia dropped UK cluster bombs on Yemen.
<p>
To the UK's credit, it has prohibited the manufacture, sale and use of
cluster bombs.  In that specific department, there is nothing more it
should do.  But the UK should not support Salafi Arabia's bombardment
of Yemen.  If it has to recognize that Salafi Arabia is using old British
cluster bombs, it may be forced to stop that support.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Teen_birth_rate_hits_all_time_low)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Teen_birth_rate_hits_all_time_low)">Teen birth rate hits all time low</a>)
<p>
The birth rate for US teenagers has reached a record low, thanks to education
and <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2016/04/28/teen-birth-rate-hits-all-time-low-led-by-50-percent-decline-among-hispanics-and-blacks/">access to birth control</a>.
<p>
The rate of abortions has fallen too, since fewer girls get pregnant
without intending to have a baby.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Malian_Jihadi_to_Plead_Guilty)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Malian_Jihadi_to_Plead_Guilty)">Malian Jihadi to Plead Guilty</a>)
<p>
Malian Jihadi to Plead Guilty in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2016/may/24/malian-jihadi-to-plead-guilty-forgiveness-icc-cultural-destruction-trial">ICC Cultural Destruction Trial</a>.
<p>
I am glad to see progress made in the prosecution of people who
desecrate human heritage.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Riots_in_Barcelona_after_squatters_evicted)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Riots_in_Barcelona_after_squatters_evicted)">
Riots in Barcelona after squatters evicted</a>)
<p>
In Barcelona, evicting a 5-year squat which turned a former bank into
a community center has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/24/riots-in-barcelona-after-squatters-evicted-from-bank">provoked rioting</a>.
<p>
If the city government can't prevent this eviction (except by paying
ransom), then I don't think the city government should be blamed
for it.  But I do wonder if there is more that it could do, such as
to threaten the evicting owner with public criticism and pressure.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Mauritania_has_convicted_people_of_enslavement)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Mauritania_has_convicted_people_of_enslavement)">Mauritania has convicted people of enslavement</a>)
<p>
For the first time, Mauritania has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/may/24/campaigners-celebrate-slavery-prosecutions-in-mauritania-activists-release">convicted people of enslavement</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="26_May_2016_(Exam_Company_threatens_to_sue_Teacher)" />26 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#26_May_2016_(Exam_Company_threatens_to_sue_Teacher)">Exam Company threatens to sue Teacher</a>)
<p>
Celia Oyler published another teacher's criticism of a widely used US
school exam.  The article quotes a few short questions quoted from the
exam.  The company that made the exam threatened to <a href="https://www.lumendatabase.org/notices/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&term=parcc&sort_by=">sue her for
copyright infringement</a>, and has got Google and Twitter to censor
discussion of the issue.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_Pentagon_funding_increase)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_Pentagon_funding_i
ncrease)">Urgent: Oppose Pentagon funding increase</a>)
<p>
US citizens: phone your senators (each of them) at 877-429-0678 to
oppose proposed funding increases for the Pentagon in S. 2943.
<p>
Also say that such a decision should not be made with a voice vote.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(French_Pun)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(French_Pun)">French Pun</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://stallman.org/french-puns.html#mange">New french pun</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Urgent:_Close_campaign_finance_loophole)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Urgent:_Close_campaign_finance_loophole)">Urgent: Close campaign finance loophole</a>)
<p>
Citizens of Massachusetts: 
<a href="https://secure2.convio.net/comcau/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1588">Support
Sen. Eldridge's amendment</a> to close a campaign finance loophole in
Massachusetts.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(British-made_cluster_bombs_in_Yemen)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(British-made_cluster_bombs_in_Yemen)">British-made cluster bombs in Yemen</a>)
<p>
British-Made Cluster Bombs Are 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/23/british-cluster-bombs-yemen-cameron-killing-civilians-inquiry">Turning
Up in Yemen</a>. Will Cameron Tell Us Why?
<p>
Cluster bombs are already killing children in Yemen, and may continue
to do so for decades.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Thug_involved_in_killing_acquitted)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Thug_involved_in_killing_acquitted)">Thug involved in killing acquitted</a>)
<p>
One of the thugs that collectively killed Freddie Gray has been
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/23/freddie-gray-trial-police-officer-edward-nero-not-guilty">acquitted
of charges</a>.
<p>
The judge seems to have pushed for a narrow interpretation of the laws
he was charged under.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Burning_all_known_fossil_fuels)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Burning_all_known_fossil_fuels)">Burning all known fossil fuels</a>)
<p>
Burning all currently known fossil fuels would lead to 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/23/world-could-warm-by-massive-10c-if-all-fossil-fuels-are-burned">10C
of global heating</a>, according to a model.  That's on the average
— some areas would be heated more, and others less.
<p>
Many regions would be entirely uninhabitable for humans.  We could
only visit them with multiple backup air conditioning systems.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(The_plot_to_remove_president_Rousseff)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(The_plot_to_remove_president_Rousseff)">The plot to remove president Rousseff</a>)
<p>
A 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/23/new-political-earthquake-in-brazil-is-it-now-time-for-media-outlets-to-call-this-a-coup/">leaked
conversation among key Brazilian ministers</a> shows that they plotted
to remove president Rousseff specifically to quash a corruption
investigation that threatened them.
<p>
One said he had corrupted most of the Supreme Court.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Biodegradable_plastics_in_the_ocean)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Biodegradable_plastics_in_the_ocean)">"Biodegradable" plastics in the ocean</a>)
<p>
"Biodegradable" plastics 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/23/biodegradable-plastic-false-solution-for-ocean-waste-problem">don't
biodegrade</a> in the ocean.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Fraudulent_DMCA_takedown_notices)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Fraudulent_DMCA_takedown_notices)">Fraudulent DMCA takedown notices</a>)
<p>
Fraudulent DMCA takedown notices impose a plague of 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/may/23/copyright-law-internet-mumsnet">censorship
on the internet</a>.  Even the most absurd false claims are taken at
face value, making censorship nearly risk-free.
<p>
Big publishers are lobbying constantly for an even worse system, one
that would require web sites to check for anything that had been
the target of a takedown before.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Right-wingers_set_on_privatizing)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Right-wingers_set_on_privatizing)">Right-wingers set on privatizing</a>)
<p>
Right-wingers are so set on privatizing that they 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/may/23/selling-off-assets-such-as-land-registry-will-leave-government-worse-off">will
do it even when it's a loss of money for the state</a>.
<p>
Which just goes to demonstrate their real motive.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Protests_against_Monsanto)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Protests_against_Monsanto)">Protests against Monsanto</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/21/activists-farmers-indigenous-people-rise-march-against-monsanto">World-wide
protests</a> against Monsanto.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(New_Yorkers_block_construction_of_pipeline)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(New_Yorkers_block_construction_of_pipeline)">New Yorkers block construction of pipeline</a>)
<p>
New Yorkers 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/22/peaceful-activists-arrested-ny-halting-construction-methane-pipeline">blocked
construction of a pipeline for natural gas</a> (which would probably
be from fracking).

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Fistula)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Fistula)">Fistula</a>)
<p>
In poor countries, women are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/may/23/why-do-a-million-women-still-suffer-the-treatable-condition-of-fistulaa">still
in danger of developing fistula in childbirth</a>.  Then they are
typically ostracized.  It is easily fixed with surgery, but no surgery
is available to them.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Seeds_of_dangerous_weeds)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Seeds_of_dangerous_weeds)">Seeds of dangerous weeds</a>)
<p>
Seeds of dangerous weeds are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/23/australias-worst-invasive-species-available-for-import-on-amazon-and-ebay">for
sale on the internet</a>.
<p>
I think few people would order these if they knew what a problem they
cause.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Prosecution_of_John_Crane)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Prosecution_of_John_Crane)">Prosecution of John Crane</a>)
<p>
After the US government persecuted internal whistleblowers such as
Thomas Drake, it also persecuted John Crane, an official who 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/22/how-pentagon-punished-nsa-whistleblowers">tried
to insist on treating whistleblowers according to the law</a>, Crane
believes that the office which was 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/23/national-security-whistleblowing-inquiry-edward-snowden-analysis">supposed
to protect confidential whistleblowers</a> instead helped persecute
Drake.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Response_to_humanitarian_crisis)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Response_to_humanitarian_crisis)">Response to humanitarian crisis</a>)
<p>
In Any Humanitarian Crisis, 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/23/in-any-humanitarian-crisis-educating-children-must-be-part-of-the-response">Educating
Children</a> Must Be Part of the Response.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Current_round_of_austerity_in_Greece)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Current_round_of_austerity_in_Greece)">Current round of austerity in Greece</a>)
<p>
The current round of tax increases and privatization imposed on Greece
include plans for additional automatic cuts when (the banksters say
"if") the current round causes so much contraction that Greece 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/22/greece-to-unveil-fresh-round-of-austerity-to-unlock-bailout-funds">still
doesn't have enough surplus</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Plant_intelligence)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Plant_intelligence)">Plant intelligence</a>)
<p>
Plants have a kind of intelligence that operates at a slow timescale,
so that humans usually don't notice except through 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/radical-conservation/2015/aug/04/plants-intelligent-sentient-book-brilliant-green-internet">careful
study</a>.
<p>
Occasionally people do notice.  There is a kind of tea from Taiwan
which is made only from leaves that an insect has started to chew on,
because those leaves taste different.
<p>
Although plants make complex decisions, no evidence has been presented
that any plant engages in conscious thought.  Without conscious
thought, I don't think an organism is entitled to the right to life.
<p>
Isn't it silly how people find it hard to call it a crime to wipe out
a species unless the individual members of it have rights?  Wiping out
a species is a wrong of a different kind, a crime against the world,
regardless of whether the individuals of that species have rights as
individuals.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Leader_of_Afghan_Taliban_killed)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Leader_of_Afghan_Taliban_killed)">Leader of Afghan Taliban killed</a>)
<p>
A US drone attack killed the leader of the Afghan Taliban.  I expect
it will make little difference to the situation in Afghanistan, except
for 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/22/death-of-mullah-akhtar-mansoor-likely-to-enrage-pakistan">political
repercussions</a>.
<p>
What ultimate effect it will have is imponderable.  But the main point
is that you can't defeat an insurgency with substantial popular
support by killing its leaders.  They will appoint new leaders.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Cigarette_branding)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Cigarette_branding)">Cigarette branding</a>)
<p>
How Big Tobacco 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/may/22/big-tobacco-final-fight-cigarette-branding-uk">Lost
Its Final Fight for Hearts, Lungs And Minds</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Drought_in_southern_Africa)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Drought_in_southern_Africa)">Drought in southern Africa</a>)
<p>
A second year of drought in southern Africa 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/may/22/africa-worst-famine-since-1985-looms-for-50-million">threatens
to kill up to 50 million people</a>.
<p>
Droughts nowadays are only partially natural in origin.  I suspect
global heating contributed to this drought.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Exxon_support_for_heating_denial)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Exxon_support_for_heating_denial)">Exxon support for heating denial</a>)
<p>
Exxon says it will 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2008/may/28/climatechange.fossilfuels">cut
its support for 9 heating denialist groups</a>.  That will leave
around 24 more that it will apparently continue to fund, including
ALEC.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Canada_approves_sale_of_GM_salmon)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Canada_approves_sale_of_GM_salmon)">Canada approves sale of GM salmon</a>)
<p>
Canada has 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/19/gmo-salmon-approved-canada">approved
sale of genetically modified salmon</a>.
<p>
I find it entirely plausible that eating these salmon is safe.
The concern for these salmon is that some might escape and transmit
the modified genes to wild salmon.  Just one escaper might cause
permanent and irreparable harm.
<p>
Supposedly the modified salmon are sterilized, but how reliable is
that process?  99%?  99.9%?  There are systems to prevent the salmon
from escaping, but how reliable are they?  99.9%?
<p>
Is that reliability maintained when thousands of low-paid workers have
to run those systems, under management that doesn't want to
immediately fix everything that breaks?  The US has no Federal Salmon
Agency to make sure every salmon farm gets an annual inspection
and certify the people who maintain it.
<p>
If just one modified salmon in a thousand is not sterile, and just one
in a thousand escapes, and the modified salmon number millions over
the course of years, escapes of fertile modified salmon are almost
a certainty.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Glyphosate)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Glyphosate)">Glyphosate</a>)
<p>
WHO's statement that glyphosate seems to be safe was 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/18/eu-weighs-approval-more-evidence-industry-rigging-glyphosate-game">written
by a committee whose chair and co-chair work in another organization
that got a lot of money from Monsanto</a>.
<p>
Whether the amounts of glyphosate that people actually ingest actually
cause significant danger to humans may be a hard question to answer.
Whether Roundup is dangerous is a different question, since there is
some 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-jan-apr.html#03_March_2013_(Toxic_ingredients_in_Roundup)">evidence
that other ingredients can harm people</a>.  But it is clear that
Roundup
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2013-nov-feb.html#30_January_2014_(Roundup_responsible_for_the_great_decline_in_Monarch_butterflies)">endangers
wildlife</a>, and that patented GMOs promote 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-mar-jun.html#14_March_2014_(Report_claiming_that_GMOs_are_needed_to_keep_up_the_food_supply)">concentration
and corporate control of our food</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Factors_leading_Syrian_youths_to_extremist_groups)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Factors_leading_Syrian_youths_to_extremist_groups)">Factors leading Syrian youths to extremist groups</a>)
<p>
300 interviews conducted by International Alert lead to the conclusion
that the main factors leading Syrian youths to extremist groups are
"personal experiences of 
<a href='https://theintercept.com/2016/05/19/trauma-and-deprivation-lead-syrian-youths-to-extremist-groups-says-new-report/'>trauma,
loss of economic and educational opportunities, and a desire for
vengeance against the Syrian government</a>."
<p>
The way "loss of opportunities" does this is that they join for the
pay, regardless of whether they entirely agree.
<p>
I wonder where groups such as al-Nusra get the money to pay them.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Where_do_humans_fit_in_)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Where_do_humans_fit_in_)">Where do humans fit in?</a>)
<p>
If robots are the future of work, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/24/robots-future-work-humans-jobs-leisure">where do humans fit in</a>?
<p>
We are nowhere near being able to scan and emulate a human brain,
and nowhere near being able to make the emulated brain run faster
than the original.  But these issues may arise even without that.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Urgent:_Verizon,_settle_with_your_workers)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Urgent:_Verizon,_settle_with_your_workers)">Urgent: Verizon, settle with your workers</a>)
<p>
US citizens: Verizon, <a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/support-striking-verizon">settle with your workers</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Urgent:_Demand_fairness_for_verizon_workers)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Urgent:_Demand_fairness_for_verizon_workers)
">Urgent: Demand fairness for verizon workers</a>)
<p>
In the US: Verizon, <a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/demand-fairness-for-verizon">be fair to your workers</a>.
<p>
Also <a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/demand-fairness-for-verizon">say you stand with striking Verizon workers</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Northern_Ireland_Women_ask_to_be_Prosecuted)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Northern_Ireland_Women_ask_to_be_Prosecuted)
">Northern Ireland Women ask to be Prosecuted</a>)
<p>
Northern Irish Women <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/23/northern-ireland-women-ask-to-be-prosecuted-for-taking-abortion-pills">Ask to be Prosecuted for Taking Abortion Pills</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Man_kills_sick_wife_as_they_couldn't_afford_medicine)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Man_kills_sick_wife_as_they_couldn'
t_afford_medicine)">Man kills sick wife as they couldn't afford medicine</a>)
<p>
William Hager could no longer afford the medicine for his wife's many
painful illnesses, and <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/20/us/florida-man-says-he-killed-sick-wife-because-he-couldnt-afford-her-medicine-sheriffs-say.html?_r=1">she told him repeatedly she wanted to die</a>.  He
shot her, then called the sheriff to arrest him.
<p>
I feel sorry for them both, but especially for him, since he may
now have to spend years in prison.
<p>
I wonder if he considered bringing home something she could take to
kill herself.  That way, it would be clearly her act and her
responsibility, and he would perhaps not face prison.
<p>
It would be so much better if Florida gave people in her situation the
option to formally ask for a humane death.  However, most such laws
are limited to people with a terminal illness.  The article does not
say she had one; her future could have been many years of increasing
pain.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(EFF_appeals_Chelsea_Manning's_conviction)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(EFF_appeals_Chelsea_Manning's_conviction)">EFF appeals Chelsea Manning's conviction</a>)
<p>
The EFF has appealed <a href="https://www.eff.org/press/releases/eff-asks-court-reverse-chelsea-mannings-conviction-violating-federal-anti-hacking-law">Chelsea Manning's conviction</a> under the CFAA,
which interpreted that law in the most dangerous way, criminalizing
any violation of terms of service.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Midwives_wrong_about_abortion)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Midwives_wrong_about_abortion)">Midwives wrong about abortion</a>)
<p>
"I love <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/may/22/oh-midwives-you-are-so-wrong-about-abortion">abortion</a> the way I love liver transplants and antidepressants."

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Perfume_not_ecologically_friendly)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Perfume_not_ecologically_friendly)">Perfume not ecologically friendly</a>)
<p>
In perfume, use of natural ingredients can be very harmful ecologically
because growing them is <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/may/23/perfume-synthetic-sustainability-vanilla-madagascar">terribly inefficient</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(India_standing_up_to_Monsanto)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(India_standing_up_to_Monsanto)">India standing up to Monsanto</a>)
<p>
India is taking measures to <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/23/small-farmers-are-foundation-food-security-not-corporations-monsanto">stop Monsanto</a> from impeding the cultivation of non-genetically-modified cotton.

<p>
<li><a name="25_May_2016_(Kenyan_opposition_supporters_protesting)" />25 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#25_May_2016_(Kenyan_opposition_supporters_protesting)">Kenyan opposition supporters protesting</a>)
<p>
Kenyan opposition supporters are protesting repeatedly against <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/23/kenyan-police-in-fresh-clashes-with-political-activists">expected rigging of the 2017 election</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="24_May_2016_(Colorado_is_the_future_for_the_US)" />24 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_May_2016_(Colorado_is_the_future_for_the_US)">Colorado is the future for the US</a>)
<p>
Boulder, Colorado, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/22/city-of-boulder-colorado-is-the-future-for-the-us">represents what a good future</a> for the US would look like.
<p>
I don't believe it is inevitable that the US (or any country) will make a good 
choice for its future.  If we want that to happen, we have to work for it.

<p>
<li><a name="24_May_2016_(Aboriginal_sorry_day_massacre)" />24 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_May_2016_(Aboriginal_sorry_day_massacre)">Aboriginal sorry day massacre</a>)
<p>
Australia's National Sorry Day is an apology to the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/may/21/aboriginal-sorry-day-massacre-gunai">aboriginal people
who were massacred</a>, often in cold blood, by British colonists.
<p>
I can think of some other countries that should have a National Sorry Day.
For instance, the US.  Also Argentina, in which the intentional killing
of indigenous people en masse continued into the 20th century.

<p>
<li><a name="24_May_2016_(Five_Main_Anti-Abortion_Arguments)" />24 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_May_2016_(Five_Main_Anti-Abortion_Arguments)">Five Main Anti-Abortion Arguments</a>)
<p>
A Scientist Weighs Up the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2015/aug/12/five-main-anti-abortion-arguments-examined">Five Main Anti-Abortion Arguments</a>.
<p>
As always, it is a mistake to repeat the spin term "pro-life" with
which the enemies of abortion rights twist the issue.  I support the
right to life for human beings as much as they do; many of them
support that less than I do, since they are in favor of the death
penalty.

<p>
<li><a name="24_May_2016_(Boston_Big_Brother)" />24 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_May_2016_(Boston_Big_Brother)">Boston Big Brother</a>)
<p>
Boston used face recognition systems to try to <a href="http://noisey.vice.com/blog/beantowns-big-brother">identify every visitor</a> to a large concert.
<p>
This was a test.  If and when it works, they might use it on every
street corner.  We need laws to limit how the state and private
entities can use such systems to accumulate data about people.

<p>
<li><a name="24_May_2016_(Protesters_in_Paris_fight_back)" />24 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_May_2016_(Protesters_in_Paris_fight_back)">Protesters in Paris fight back</a>)
<p>
Protesters in Paris, when their banned protest against killer thugs was
attacked by thugs, fought back and <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/18/police-car-set-on-fire-as-officers-and-protesters-clash-in-paris">set fire to a thug car</a>.
<p>
Fortunately, the thugs in the car got out.
<p>
I can't blame people for fighting back when attacked, but one should
not escalate so far.  If you sink to the level of thugs, you will be
no better than them.

<p>
<li><a name="24_May_2016_(Koch_backing_list)" />24 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_May_2016_(Koch_backing_list)">Koch backing list</a>)
<p>
A list of congressional and gubernatorial candidates known to have <a href="http://www.prwatch.org/news/2016/05/13107/koch-candidates-2016-revealed">Koch backing</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="24_May_2016_(Should_Trump_be_excluded_from_the_UK_)" />24 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_May_2016_(Should_Trump_be_excluded_from_the_UK_)">Should Trump be excluded from the UK?</a>)
<p>
Should Trump be excluded from the UK for having encouraged <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2016/may/19/jk-rowling-right-donald-trump">violence
against protesters?</a>
<p>
I think he should be prosecuted when he does that, no matter where.

<p>
<li><a name="24_May_2016_(Irreversible_Climate_Change)" />24 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_May_2016_(Irreversible_Climate_Change)">Irreversible Climate Change</a
>)
<p>
World Headed for <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2011/nov/09/fossil-fuel-infrastructure-climate-change">Irreversible Climate Change</a> in Five Years, IEA Warns.
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/19/norway-arctic-new-oil-drilling-licences">Norway has approved oil drilling</a> in new areas of Arctic waters.
<p>
Since sea ice comes into that area, it is asking for a spill.
<p>
When you look at the supposed benefits of this crazy decision,
you can see that the decision completely ignores the disastrous
downside.

<p>
<li><a name="24_May_2016_(Urgent:_Labeling_of_GMOs)" />24 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_May_2016_(Urgent:_Labeling_of_GMOs)">Urgent: Labeling of GMOs</a>)
<p>
US citizens: phone your senators to block attempts to forbid
states from requiring labeling of GMOs.

<p>
<li><a name="24_May_2016_(San_Francisco's_thug_chief_has_resigned)" />24 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_May_2016_(San_Francisco's_thug_chief_has_resigned)">San Francisco's thug chief has resigned</a>)
<p>
San Francisco's <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/19/san-francisco-police-greg-suhr-resigns-fatal-shooting-scandal">thug chief Suhr has resigned</a> after another gratuitous killing by a thug.

<p>
<li><a name="24_May_2016_(Congress_truck_safety)" />24 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_May_2016_(Congress_truck_safety)">Congress truck safety</a>)
<p>
Members of Congress that serve trucking companies persistently try to
allow those companies to <a href="
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/congress-zika-truck-safety_us_573cfc0ae4b0646cbeec1b89">make truck drivers work over 80 hours a week</a>.
<p>
Sleepiness of the driver is a significant cause of accidents.

<p>
<li><a name="24_May_2016_(Ferguson_thugs_victims_not_to_sue_city)" />24 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_May_2016_(Ferguson_thugs_victims_not_to_sue_city)">Ferguson thugs victims not to sue city</a>)
<p>
After thugs in Ferguson arrested journalists to prevent them from
doing their work, and lied about it, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/ryan-reilly-ferguson-arrest-st-louis-county_us_573cb0eae4b0646cbeebce8a">prosecutors used invalid charges as leverage</a>to get the victims to agree not to sue the city.
<p>
I'd call that a successful act of state terrorism.
<p>
The article points out that many other victims plead guilty to false
charges because they can't afford the cost of defending themselves
from even the most absurd accusation.

<p>
<li><a name="24_May_2016_(Denmarks_total_tracking_system)" />24 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_May_2016_(Denmarks_total_tracking_system)">Denmark's total tracking system</a>)
<p>
Denmark is adopting a <a href="https://edri.org/danish-ticketing-system-a-threat-to-privacy/">total tracking system</a> for paying for public transit.
<p>
A new anonymous card costs 10 euro, creating a strong disincentive
against getting a new card.  However, trading cards is feasible
if there is a way to find the balance on each card.

<p>
<li><a name="24_May_2016_(Canada's_Prime_Minister_lost_his_temper)" />24 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_May_2016_(Canada's_Prime_Minister_lost_his_temper)">Canada's Prime Minister lost his temper</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/20/justin-trudeau-elbow-ruth-ellen-brosseau-cananda-parliament">Canada's Prime Minister Trudeau lost his temper</a> and started hitting MPs from other parties.  He banged one MP in the breast with his elbow,
hard enough to cause her pain.
<p>
He apologized for this, but his misogynistic followers are now
sending her hate mail.
<p>
I wonder what in the world he thought he was doing by trying to drag
an opposition MP away from an official activity.  Was there any legitimate
grounds for that, or was it an act in opposition to Canada's constitution?
I don't know.

<p>
<li><a name="24_May_2016_(The_future_views_of_Democrats)" />24 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_May_2016_(The_future_views_of_Democrats)">The future views of Democrats</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/seth-abramson/make-no-mistake-sanderism_b_10008136.html">Sanders
is clearly beating Clinton</a> in campaigning for the future views of
Democrats.
<p>
Some prominent Democrats
<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/king-leaving-democratic-party-article-1.2644307">call
for replacing the Democratic Party</a> if it chooses Clinton.

<p>
<li><a name="24_May_2016_(Thugs_exploiting_intrusive_technologies)" />24 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_May_2016_(Thugs_exploiting_intrusive_technologies)">Thugs exploiting intrusive technologies</a>)
<p>
[US Thugs] Nationwide Are
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matthew-harwood/power-loves-the-dark-_b_10047478.html">Secretly
Exploiting Intrusive Technologies With the Fedsâ Complicity</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="24_May_2016_(Myanmars_marine_resources)" />24 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_May_2016_(Myanmars_marine_resources)">Myanmar's marine resources</a>)
<p>
Protect Myanmar's Marine Resources from
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/20/myanmar-marine-resources-fishing-aung-san-suu-kyi">Being
Pillaged</a> To Point of No Return.

<p>
<li><a name="24_May_2016_(Frances_demand_to_censor_searches)" />24 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_May_2016_(Frances_demand_to_censor_searches)">France's demand to censor searches</a>)
<p>
Freedom of expression is in danger world wide from France's
<a href="http://lauren.vortex.com/2016/05/frances-guillotining-of-global-free-speech-continues">demand
to censor searches world-wide</a>.
<p>
Unlike the author of that article, I think that limiting searches is
less of an issue than limiting the contents of articles.  However,
allowing countries to impose global limits of any kind is intolerable.

<p>
<li><a name="24_May_2016_(ALEC_attacks_solar_power)" />24 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#24_May_2016_(ALEC_attacks_solar_power)">ALEC attacks solar power</a>)
<p>
ALEC is
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/20/alec-attack-solar-power">campaigning
to stop "net metering"</a>, the practice whereby utilities must buy
from homeowners the surplus electricity that they generate from solar
power systems.

<p>
<li><a name="23_May_2016_(Opposition_to_single-payer_medical_system)" />23 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_May_2016_(Opposition_to_single-payer_medical_system)">Opposition to single-payer medical system</a>)
<p>
Leading Democratic politicians in Colorado
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/20/establishment-dems-fight-defeat-medicare-all-colorado">oppose
the ballot initiative for a single-payer medical system in that
state</a>.  However, the opposition campaign is funded mainly by
companies that profit from the current system.

<p>
<li><a name="23_May_2016_(Urgent:_Reject_SB_1552)" />23 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_May_2016_(Urgent:_Reject_SB_1552)">Urgent: Reject SB 1552</a>)
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="https://action.aclu.org/secure/abortion-felony">Call on
Oklahoma legislators</a> to reject SB 1552 which would make abortion a
felony.

<p>
<li><a name="23_May_2016_(Bahnhof_police_requests)" />23 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_May_2016_(Bahnhof_police_requests)">Bahnhof police requests</a>)
<p>
Bahnhof, a Swedish ISP that resists the <a href="https://torrentfreak.com/bahnhof-police-requests-160521/">War on Sharing</a>,
reports that 27% of state demands for subscribers' identities are for that purpose.
<p>
That is more than any other purpose.

<p>
<li><a name="23_May_2016_(Anti-Terrorism_directive)" />23 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_May_2016_(Anti-Terrorism_directive)">Anti-Terrorism directive</a>)
<p>
Europe is rushing the design of an <a href="https://edri.org/enditorial-next-year-youll-complain-about-the-terrorism-directive/">"anti-terrorism" directive</a>, 
using a process that will run secretly until it is too late
for the public to influence anything.

<p>
<li><a name="23_May_2016_(The_dangers_cameras_pose)" />23 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_May_2016_(The_dangers_cameras_pose)">The dangers cameras pose</a>)
<p>
The "sunbathing partly undressed woman" argument against drone cameras
is convenient, but omits the most <a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2016/05/drone_privacy_is_about_much_more_than_sunbathing_teenage_daughters.html">important part of the danger</a> flying cameras pose to all of us.
<p>
Nonflying cameras on the street pose much of the same danger, <em>except</em>
the part about being partly undressed (except if the camera can be directed
to look in your window, which is the case for some of them).

<p>
<li><a name="23_May_2016_(Colorado_ballot_to_limit_fracking)" />23 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_May_2016_(Colorado_ballot_to_limit_fracking)">Colorado ballot to limit fracking</a>)
<p>
Fossil fuel companies are spending heavily to oppose Colorado ballot
initiatives to limit fracking, and <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/21/top-democrats-ally-with-oil-and-gas-industry-to-fight-colorado-anti-fracking-ballot-measures/">plutocratic Democrats are helping the companies</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="23_May_2016_(Rule_of_law_is_increasingly_rejected)" />23 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_May_2016_(Rule_of_law_is_increasingly_rejected)">Rule of law is increasingly rejected</a>)
<p>
Around the world, both within countries and internationally, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/21/europe-asia-law-rule-of-mob-rule-institutions-defuse-tensions-populism">rule of law is increasingly rejected</a>.  Democracy and the UN are unable to handle the problems they face.
<p>
I conjecture this is because of national and international
plutocratic control that makes democracy fail as an instrument
for the people to get anything that the plutocrats don't approve.

<p>
<li><a name="23_May_2016_(World-Wide_climate_protests)" />23 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_May_2016_(World-Wide_climate_protests)">World-Wide climate protests</a
>)
<p>
With Obama taking it slow, and Big Oil fighting to make it slower,
the growing <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/19/breaking-free-rising-tide-climate-resistance">world-wide climate protests</a> are our main chance of speeding up necessary action.

<p>
<li><a name="23_May_2016_(Urgent:_Overtime_pay_requirement)" />23 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_May_2016_(Urgent:_Overtime_pay_requirement)">Urgent: Overtime pay requirement</a>)
<p>
US citizens: call on Democrats in Congress to defend the recent
extension of <a href="http://act.democracyforamerica.com/sign/support_overtime/">
overtime pay requirement to more workers</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="23_May_2016_(Oakland_Thugs)" />23 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_May_2016_(Oakland_Thugs)">Oakland Thugs</a>)
<p>
The big danger of violence in Oakland, California, is its <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/21/oakland-police-misconduct-scandals-pile-up
">thug department</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="23_May_2016_(Urgent:_Protection_against_toxic_chemicals)" />23 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_May_2016_(Urgent:_Protection_against_toxic_chemicals)">
Urgent: Protection against toxic chemicals</a>)
<p>
US citizens: Call on Congress to support the Lautenberg Act and give Americans systematic <a href="https://secure2.edf.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&id=2797&page=UserAction">protection against toxic chemicals</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="23_May_2016_(Urgent:_Save_Wyoming's_Wolves)" />23 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_May_2016_(Urgent:_Save_Wyoming's_Wolves)">Urgent: Save Wyoming's Wolves</a>)
<p>
US citizens: call for saving <a href="
https://secure.nrdconline.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=4017">Wyoming's wolves</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="23_May_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_drilling_in_Wyoming_Range)" />23 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_May_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_drilling_in_Wyoming_Range)">Urgent: Oppose drilling in Wyoming Range</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://secure.defenders.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=3078">Keep
Oil and Gas Drilling out</a> of the Wyoming Range.

<p>
<li><a name="23_May_2016_(Urgent:_Rebuke_FERC_chair)" />23 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_May_2016_(Urgent:_Rebuke_FERC_chair)">Urgent: Rebuke FERC chair</a>)
<p>
US citizens: phone Federal Energy Regulatory Commission chair Norman
Bay at 1-800-571-2435 to
<a href="http://environmental-action.org/blog/2612/">rebuke him for
excluding the public</a> from the meetings at which they gave fossil
fuel companies what they wanted.

<p>
<li><a name="23_May_2016_(Urgent:_Reform_prosecution_of_rape)" />23 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_May_2016_(Urgent:_Reform_prosecution_of_rape)">Urgent: Reform prosecution of rape</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/MJIA_2016">support</a>
Senator Gillibrand's bill to reform prosecution of rape in the US
military.

<p>
<li><a name="23_May_2016_(Air_pollution_from_cruise_ships)" />23 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_May_2016_(Air_pollution_from_cruise_ships)">Air pollution from cruise ships</a>)
<p>
Ever larger cruise ships
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/21/the-worlds-largest-cruise-ship-and-its-supersized-pollution-problem">spew
ever more air pollution</a>.
<p>
The largest are estimated to emit "more sulphur than several million
cars, more NO<sub>2</sub> gas than all the traffic passing through a
medium-sized town and more particulate emissions than thousands of
London buses."  The air in some port cities is making people sick.

<p>
<li><a name="23_May_2016_(Bricks_from_industrial_waste)" />23 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_May_2016_(Bricks_from_industrial_waste)">Bricks from industrial waste</a>)
<p>
Making
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/may/21/rotterdam-couple-house-made-from-waste-stonecycling-bricks-netherlands">bricks</a>
from industrial waste.

<p>
<li><a name="23_May_2016_(Urgent:_Marijuana_for_sick_veterans)" />23 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_May_2016_(Urgent:_Marijuana_for_sick_veterans)">Urgent: Marijuana for sick veterans</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://engage.drugpolicy.org/secure/help-veterans-access-medical-marijuana-house">Support</a>
allowing the Veterans Administration to recommend marijuana to sick
veterans, in states which permit medical marijuana.

<p>
<li><a name="23_May_2016_(Urgent:_Denounce_Trumps_harassment)" />23 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_May_2016_(Urgent:_Denounce_Trumps_harassment)">Urgent: Denounce Trump's harassment</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/trump_nyt/">call on the
Republican Party</a> to denounce Trump's repeated harassment of women.

<p>
<li><a name="23_May_2016_(Turkeys_parliament)" />23 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#23_May_2016_(Turkeys_parliament)">Turkey's parliament</a>)
<p>
Turkey has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/20/turkish-mps-vote-lifting-immunity-from-prosecution">eliminated
immunity from prosecution for members of parliament</a>.
<p>
This is a scheme to allow trumped up charges to remove the
representation of the party that stands for human rights for Kurds and
Turks.  It would be the culmination of the plan that Erdo&gbreve;an
started when he
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2015-jul-oct.html#17_August_2015_(Provoking_PKK)">launched
a civil war against the Kurds in order to get a better election
result</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="22_May_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_oil_leasing)" />22 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_May_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_oil_leasing)">Urgent: Stop oil leasing</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://secure3.convio.net/gpeace/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1983">Call
on Obama</a> to stop oil leasing off ALL US coasts.

<p>
<li><a name="22_May_2016_(Urgent:_Wall_street_reform)" />22 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_May_2016_(Urgent:_Wall_street_reform)">Urgent: Wall street reform</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/shelby_wall_street_2016">Tell
Democratic leaders</a>: Don't Help Republicans Gut Wall Street Reform.

<p>
<li><a name="22_May_2016_(Politicians_threaten_environmentalists)" />22 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_May_2016_(Politicians_threaten_environmentalists)">Politicians threaten environmentalists</a>)
<p>
Poland's extractivist politicians
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/18/last-stand-for-europes-remaining-ancient-forest-as-loggers-prepare-to-move-in-bialowieza">threaten
to maim, kill or imprison</a> environmentalists opposed to cutting
down Europe's last primeval forest.
<p>
One turn in power is enough for extractivist government to destroy
forever something irreplaceable.  The Polish government's plan to cut
this forest, and the Australian government's plan to destroy unique
forest in Australia, must be compared with PISSI's destruction of
ancient buildings in Palmyra.
<p>
We should establish heavy world-wide punishments for crimes against
world heritage.

<p>
<li><a name="22_May_2016_(The_extremists_that_occupied_Malheur)" />22 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_May_2016_(The_extremists_that_occupied_Malheur)">The extremists that occupied Malheur</a>)
<p>
The extremists that occupied the Malheur wildlife reserve come from a
movement of 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/18/great-american-west-land-bundys-oregon">kooks
who want to privatize large amounts of land</a> in the American west,
and believe that they are entitled to own it.
<p>
In fact, private development is 
<a href="http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2016/05/17/3778905/disappearing-west/">spreading
rapidly in the west</a>, though it would take centuries at this rate
for all the land to be built over.

<p>
<li><a name="22_May_2016_(Opposition_to_marijuana_legalization)" />22 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_May_2016_(Opposition_to_marijuana_legalization)">Opposition to marijuana legalization</a>)
<p>
"<a href='https://theintercept.com/2016/05/18/ca-marijuana-measure/'>Roughly
half of</a> the money raised to oppose a ballot measure to legalize
recreational marijuana in California is coming from police and prison
guard groups, terrified that they might lose the revenue streams to
which they have become so deeply addicted."
<p>
The same reasons they oppose the measure are reasons why the public
should support it.

<p>
<li><a name="22_May_2016_(Many_older_Americans_dont_dare_retire)" />22 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_May_2016_(Many_older_Americans_dont_dare_retire)">Many older Americans don't dare retire</a>)
<p>
Many older Americans don't dare retire, because they are 
<a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3059837/older-workers-are-basically-planning-to-keep-working-forever">supporting
their children or grandchildren</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="22_May_2016_(GMO_foods_neither_dangerous_or_important)" />22 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_May_2016_(GMO_foods_neither_dangerous_or_important)">GMO foods neither dangerous or important</a>)
<p>
The National Science Foundation concludes that genetically modified
foods are 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/18/gm-food-is-generally-safe-for-humans-and-the-environment-report-says">not
particularly dangerous, nor particularly important for our food
supply</a>.
<p>
It is clear that the widely grown GMO foods generally do not hurt the
people who eat them.  If they did, medical records would show it.
<p>
That doesn't mean they don't hurt wildlife.  The widespread use of
Roundup, generally with GMO food crops, has done a lot of 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jan-apr.html#07_March_2015_(General_tendency_to_reject_science)">harm
to milkweed and to monarch butterflies</a>.  However, each kind of
modification is a separate different issue as regards environmental
harm.
<p>
So far, we don't see instances in which a certain crop has several
quite different alternative forms of genetic modification.  If that
starts to happen, consumers might want labels to indicate
<em>which</em> genetic modifications are used in a given food.

<p>
<li><a name="22_May_2016_(Urgent:_Call_on_EPA_to_follow_science)" />22 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_May_2016_(Urgent:_Call_on_EPA_to_follow_science)">Urgent: Call on EPA to follow science</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://secure.foodandwaterwatch.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=2452">call
on the EPA</a> to follow science, not fossils, on the issue of
fracking and water pollution.

<p>
<li><a name="22_May_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_Dakota_Access_Pipeline)" />22 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_May_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_Dakota_Access_Pipeline)">Urgent: Stop Dakota Access Pipeline</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://secure.earthjustice.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1861">stop</a>
the Dakota Access Pipeline.

<p>
<li><a name="22_May_2016_(Urgent:_Gun_violence_research)" />22 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_May_2016_(Urgent:_Gun_violence_research)">Urgent: Gun violence research</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/NRA_Dickey_Amendment">call on
Congress</a> to lift the ban on research into the phenomenon of gun
violence.

<p>
<li><a name="22_May_2016_(Urgent:_Trumps_tax_returns)" />22 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_May_2016_(Urgent:_Trumps_tax_returns)">Urgent: Trump's tax returns</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://pac.petitions.moveon.org/sign/donald-trump-stop-hiding">call
on Trump</a> to publish his tax returns.

<p>
<li><a name="22_May_2016_(Cigarette_packaging)" />22 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_May_2016_(Cigarette_packaging)">Cigarette packaging</a>)
<p>
The UK, France and Ireland are adopting a requirement to sell
cigarettes in plain drab packaging, that has less to arouse desire and
less to
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/sifting-the-evidence/2016/may/20/plain-standardised-cigarette-packaging-has-arrived-but-will-it-reduce-smoking">distract
attention from the warnings that tobacco kills</a>.  Studies in Australia suggest that this contributes a small but
significant amount to decrease in smoking, but it will take more years
to get a clear picture of the results.
<p>
The article doesn't mention that Uruguay tried to impose plain drab
packaging of cigarettes, and was
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-may-aug.html#29%20July%202010%20(Toxic%20trade%20treaty)">forced
to stop</a> by means of a
<a href="https://stallman.org/business-supremacy-treaties.html">business
supremacy treaty</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="22_May_2016_(Thugs_with_military_weapons)" />22 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_May_2016_(Thugs_with_military_weapons)">Thugs with military weapons</a>)
<p>
The US is allowing the Pentagon to 
<a href="http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/35998-pentagon-allowed-to-supply-military-gear-to-homeland-security-department-for-war-on-immigrants">provide
military weapons to federal thugs</a> now, as well as local thugs.
<p>
The militarization of thugs in the US has led to a large number of
SWAT teams, and they need practice, so they are 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-mar-jun.html#26_June_2014_(SWAT_teams_mainly_used_for_minor_matters)">used
when not needed</a>.  Each time they are used, there is a chance they
will kill someone for no good reason.

<p>
<li><a name="22_May_2016_(Luck)" />22 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#22_May_2016_(Luck)">Luck</a>)
<p>
Successful Americans 
<a href="http://nymag.com/scienceofus/2016/05/why-americans-ignore-the-role-of-luck-in-everything.html">systematically
deny the role that luck played in their success</a>.  This threatens their self image, which is 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2012-jan-apr.html#16_April_2012_(Earning_Richness)">that
they are self-made and that they earned every penny, including what
they got from welfare, public education</a>, or
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-mar-jun.html#19_May_2014_(Entrenched_oligarchy)">their
parents</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Exxon)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Exxon)">Exxon</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/20/exxon-shareholders-climate-change-reform-divest">Stop using</a> ineffective "shareholder engagement" with Exxon as a substitute
for divesting from Exxon!

<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Hawks)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Hawks)">Hawks</a>)
<p>
Even hawks <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/20/israel-turned-right-netanyahu-brutal-reshuffle-obama-last-push">are not welcome in the Israeli government</a>, unless they have
a Trump-like contempt for any idea of restraint and decency.
<p>
Uri Avnery <a href="http://zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en/channels/avnery/1463756720/">describes</a> the takeover of Israel by the bloodthirsty right
wing, followed by forcing all institutions into line.
<p>
He compares it to the takeover of Germany by the bloodthirsty right
wing, which he witnessed as a boy.


<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(US_labor_law_extension)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(US_labor_law_extension)">US labor law extension</a>)
<p>
Senator Warren <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/may/20/elizabeth-warren-uber-lyft-gig-economy-workers">proposes necessary extensions</a> of US labor law to cover
people who work irregularly for something like Guber.
<p>
Does the minimum wage already apply to such work?  If not, it needs to.


<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Koch_brothers)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Koch_brothers)">Koch brothers</a>)
<p>
The Koch brothers <a href="http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/36079-koch-candidates-koch-machine-spending-in-2016-so-far">are already giving lots of money</a> to congressional
candidates.

<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Egypt)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Egypt)">Egypt</a>)
<p>
US State Department <a href="http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/36080-us-state-department-gave-egypt-passing-grade-on-human-rights-for-military-aid">Gave Egypt Passing Grade on Human Rights</a> for Military Aid.

<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Michigan_Republicans)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Michigan_Republicans)">Michigan Republicans</a>)
<p>
Michigan Republicans <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/19/michigan-corporations-pay-0-taxes-year-despite-crises-flint-and-detroit">have shifted taxation</a> from businesses to
individuals (mostly to the non-rich ones); corporations will pay zero
tax there this year.

<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Trump)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Trump)">Trump</a>)
<p>
Trump <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/19/new-national-poll-trump-increasing-lead-over-clinton">has increased his lead over Clinton</a> in the polls,
but Sanders still beats Trump as before.

<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Americans)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Americans)">Americans</a>)
<p>
2/3 of Americans <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/19/age-precarious-6-10-americans-living-financial-edge">would have a big problem</a> coping with an unexpected
expense of just $1000.

  They are also afraid of being shafted if they lose their jobs.
<p>
They are not destitute, but their lives are precarious.


<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Thugs)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Thugs)">Thugs</a>)
<p>
A bill in Congress <a href="http://reason.com/blog/2016/05/19/bill-requires-police-learn-de-escalation">would require</a> training thugs in de-escalation, so
that they know how to do something with black suspects other than shoot
them dead.

<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Trump)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Trump)">Trump</a>)
<p>
Trump and his supporters look aside from, and even excuse, <a href="https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/5/19/1528224/-Anti-Semitic-Attack-Death-Threats-on-Jewish-Reporter-Donald-Refuses-to-Condemn-Melania-Blames-Her">the threats
of violence against a reporter</a> who published a negative article
against his wife.

<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Brazil)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Brazil)">Brazil</a>)
<p>
Brazil's new acting president <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/20/brazil-rightwing-government-michel-temer">is imposing</a> right-wing austerity and
privatization.

<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Libya)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Libya)">Libya</a>)
<p>
Foreign powers <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/05/us-american-weapons-libya-embargo">have set up</a> a new "government" in Libya, and now plan
to send it arms, but it hardly has real existence.
<p>
Who will end up with those arms?
<p>
There is another government in the eastern part of Libya, and both
now <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/20/battle-of-the-banknotes-rival-currencies-libya">plan</a> to issue money — different money.

<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Temperatures_in_India)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Temperatures_in_India)">Temperatures in India</a>)
<p>
Temperatures in parts of India have reached 51C, a record in that
country.  People <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/20/indians-demand-government-action-after-temperatures-hit-51c">are demanding</a> that the government do something about
this.
<p>
The first thing it should do is to prevent things from getting worse.
India must stop burning coal for electricity and invest heavily in
renewable generation and storage.


<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Public_schools_in_US)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Public_schools_in_US)">Public schools in US</a>)
<p>
Public schools in many US cities <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/20/detroit-schools-desegregation-congress-report-civil-rights">are becoming racially segregated</a>,
due to segregation in where people live.
<p>
Adding to the harm this does is the fact that the racial minorities tend to
be poorer, so their school districts have less funds.
<p>
A large part of the civil rights battle of the 1960s needs to be
fought again.  In addition, we should stop the practice of funding
schools from local taxes.  We need to tax the rich and businesses more.


<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Clinton)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Clinton)">Clinton</a>)
<p>
Clinton, if elected, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/20/hillary-clinton-90s-bill-clinton-economy-thomas-frank">will put Bill Clinton</a> in charge of the economy.
<p>
His right-wing policies in the 1990s, including support for business
supremacy treaties, are why I began voting for Ralph Nader and Green
candidates.


<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Illegal_fishing)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Illegal_fishing)">Illegal fishing</a>)
<p>
A new treaty <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/may/20/illegal-fishing-fight-thieves-seafood-international-treaty">tries to interfere</a> with sale of catch from illegal fishing.

<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Billionaire_Polluters)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Billionaire_Polluters)">Billionaire Polluters</a>)
<p>
Old messages <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/political-science/2016/may/20/the-science-museum-is-free-so-what-is-bp-buying">show</a> that Billionaire Polluters issued directions about
exhibits, in exchange for the money it gave to the Science Museum in
London.

<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Wolves_of_Yellowstone)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Wolves_of_Yellowstone)">Wolves of Yellowstone</a>)
<p>
The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone, 25 years ago, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/20/gray-wolf-us-reintroduction-yellowstone">fixed
various ecological problems that humans had created</a> by wiping out the
wolves decades before.
<p>
Due to this success, and the lack of harm to humans as a result,
many Americans are coming to appreciate wolves instead of fearing them.
I'm in favor of having wolves in the rural parts of America.


<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Surveillance_robots)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Surveillance_robots)">Surveillance robots</a>)
<p>
A new surveillance robot carries microphones and cameras, and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/20/robocop-robot-mall-security-guard-palo-alto-california">can scan
the license plates</a> of all the cars it sees.
<p>
It sends the data it collects to a company's server, which means the
data can be misused by the company, by the state, and by whatever
criminals get into the data base.  That is the worst possible
scenario, but it is standard practice.
<p>
Listening and watching systems such as this <a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">should be prohibited</a> by law,
except when authorized by a court for a specific place and time period.

<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(UK's_foreign_ministry)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(UK's_foreign_ministry)">UK's foreign ministry</a>)
<p>
Privatizing parts of the UK's foreign ministry was supposed to save money
but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/may/20/privatisation-at-whitehall-offices-has-cost-4m-more-than-it-saved">cost</a> money instead.
<p>
Privatizers typically claim that it will do the same job and cost
less, for some theoretical reason such as "investment" or "improved
methods" or "economy of scale".  Over and over, the result is the
opposite.  Do they then respond, "It was worth trying, but it failed,
so let's now unprivatize that"?
<p>
Never.  Because those theoretical reasons are merely excuses.


<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Blockbusters)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Blockbusters)">Blockbusters</a>)
<p>
Some blockbuster Hollywood movies <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/may/19/captain-america-civil-war-blockbuster-moviegoer-experience">are now designed</a> principally to
make viewers feel they have to see the prequels or sequels.

  They don't need to have a meaningful plot any more, and they don't
need to please the audience, only convince them to see other movies.
<p>
We can change this: don't watch a movie unless you think it is likely
to be good (by whatever criterion of goodness you use).  Otherwise,
you know in advance that you're wasting your time (as well as your
money).  Don't be a sheeple and watch crap just because your friends
are in the habit of settling for that.
<p>
If you use this opportunity to practice refusing to follow the
crowd, eventually you will get good at that, and you can apply
it to other things too.


<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Opioids)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Opioids)">Opioids</a>)
<p>
Only a small fraction of patients <a href="http://reason.com/archives/2016/05/18/opioid-epidemic-myths">that use opioids ever abuse them</a>.
It is a mistake to panic about them.

<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Social_media_location_data)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Social_media_location_data)">Social media location data</a>)
<p>
People who can see where you made social media posts <a href="http://newsoffice.mit.edu/2016/twitter-location-data-homes-workplaces-0517">can easily</a> figure
out where you live.
<p>
This is not just a reason to ask Twitter not to tell others where you
were when you posted.  It is a reason not to let Twitter know where
you posted, by connecting through Tor.

<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Brain-computer_interfaces)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Brain-computer_interfaces)">Brain-computer interfaces</a>)
<p>
Implanted brain-computer interfaces would bring 
<a href="http://boingboing.net/2016/05/14/brainjacking-the-future-of-so.html">digital
insecurity to people's brains</a>.
<p>
The necessary starting point for Computer security is free software.
Security for brain-computer interfaces requires insisting that the
software that controls the interface be free.  This includes not only
the firmware in the device itself, but also other software that will
tell the firmware how to influence your brain.
<p>
For the paper referenced there, see 
<a href="media/0423ffc9.pycroft2016.pdf" data-original-source="http://sci-hub.cc/downloads/ef93/pycroft2016.pdf">http://sci-hub.cc/downloads/ef93/pycroft2016.pdf</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(European_Union)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(European_Union)">European Union</a>)
<p>
The European Union is an instrument of plutocrats.  "Staying in the EU
means hitching ourselves to an undemocratic project run by and for a
remote elite."  To change that, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/20/brexit-best-answer-to-dying-eurozone-eu-undemocratic-elite">is it better to leave the EU, or to
try to reform it?</a>  It is not easy to decide.
<p>
Unfortunately, the UK is run for an elite that is nastier and nearer
to Britain.  I think it would be a mistake for the UK to leave the EU
in such circumstances.
<p>
If Corbyn's Labour comes to power, that might be a good time to either
do this or threaten it.


<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(China)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(China)">China</a>)
<p>
Chinese officials <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/20/chinese-officials-create-488m-social-media-posts-a-year-study-finds">make almost 250 million personal social media posts</a>
per year, typically praising the government to drown out all
criticism.
<p>
Basically, if you're in China, you may as well consider that any
praise of the government means nothing unless it comes from someone
you know.


<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Environment)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Environment)">Environment</a>)
<p>
Humans <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/19/humans-damaging-the-environment-faster-than-it-can-recover-report-finds">Damaging</a> the Environment Faster Than It Can Recover, report finds.

<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(UK_doctors)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(UK_doctors)">UK doctors</a>)
<p>
The UK's junior doctors' strike <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/19/junior-doctors-strike">won some improvements</a> in their working
conditions, but the NHS continues to decline as the Tories continue
giving it insufficient funds.
<p>
I believe that the Tories aim to destroy the NHS as we know it,
perhaps making it comparable to what you can get in the emergency room
in a public hospital in the US.  The firmness of the doctors has dealt
them a setback, but hasn't defeated them.


<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Marijuana)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Marijuana)">Marijuana</a>)
<p>
A <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/sifting-the-evidence/2016/may/19/say-why-to-drugs-the-highs-and-lows-of-cannabis">review</a> of the effects of marijuana.

<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Australian_thugs)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Australian_thugs)">Australian thugs</a>)
<p>
The Australian government <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/may/19/australian-federal-police-raid-labor-party-offices-in-melbourne">sent thugs to raid the offices of opposition
party politicians</a> suspected of leaking true but embarrassing
information of problems the government wanted to conceal.


<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Mini-TTIP)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Mini-TTIP)">Mini-TTIP</a>)
<p>
Some EU countries <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/19/proposed-eu-trade-treaty-threatens-progressive-laws-say-campaigners">are proposing</a> a mini-TTIP within the European Union.
<p>
They are obeying the demands of companies based in the EU, which
demand the same power over European governments that the TTIP would
give to foreign companies.


<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Fracking_projects)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Fracking_projects)">Fracking projects</a>)
<p>
Would-be frackers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/19/fracking-investors-losing-patience-with-planning-delays-says-industry-boss">demand that the UK approve fracking projects faster</a>,
threatening that otherwise they might take their money home and not play.
<p>
If this is true, it offers a great opportunity to Britons: they can
block fracking entirely by simply delaying it.
<p>
Or the investors could be lying.

<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(US_military)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(US_military)">US military</a>)
<p>
Members of the US military that complained about sexual abuse
(including rape) <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/19/derogatory-discharge-papers-military-sexual-assault">were often punished</a> with an arbitrary diagnosis
of "personality disorder".

<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Climate_Scientists)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Climate_Scientists)">Climate Scientists</a>)
<p>
Climate Scientists, Mourning Earth's Losses, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2016/may/19/climate-scientists-mourning-earths-losses-should-make-their-voices-heard">Should Make</a> Their Voices Heard.

<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Estate_tax)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Estate_tax)">Estate tax</a>)
<p>
Most US states <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/18/commencement-address-most-indebted-class-ever">have given up on the estate tax, and this costs them a
lot of money</a>.  It is part of what makes college education in the US so
expensive.


<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(United_States)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(United_States)">United States</a>)
<p>
The US can excel in lots of areas <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/19/michael-moore-where-to-invade-next-world-hope">if it stops</a> trying to be number one
in blood and gore, and imitates the countries that do peaceful things
well.

<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Great_Barrier)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Great_Barrier)">Great Barrier</a>)
<p>

Great Barrier Reef <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/19/great-barrier-reef-needs-10bn-for-chance-of-survival-scientists-say">Needs</a> $10bn for Chance of Survival, Scientists Say.
<p>
The funds would be to clean water pollution so as to help the coral
cope with global heating.
<p>
However, ocean acidification would eventually kill the coral, all of
it, if we don't reduce that.


<p>
<li><a name="21_May_2016_(Antibiotics)" />21 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#21_May_2016_(Antibiotics)">Antibiotics</a>)
<p>

50,000 people die annually, in just the US and UK, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/may/19/englands-chief-medical-officer-warns-of-antibiotic-apocalypse">from resistance to
antibiotics</a>.
<p>
To a large extent, this is due to factory farms that keep animals in
crowded conditions and give them all antibiotics to avoid the diseases
that would result.  They are killing us.
<p>
The UK <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/19/uk-farmers-to-cut-antibiotic-use-to-combat-drug-resistance">has launched</a> a program to reduce or eliminate indiscriminate
antibiotic use in farm animals.

  Finally, political will to confront the issue.
<p>
As new antibiotics are developed, it should be absolutely forbidden to
use them in animals.



<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Oil_prospecting)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Oil_prospecting)">Oil prospecting</a>)
<p>
Obama has decided to allow oil prospecting in the Atlantic,
although that
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/mar/30/atlantic-ocean-oil-gas-prospecting-marine-life-threats-obama">
will cause injury and even death for whales</a>.
<p>
All this to get more of something we
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#4_May_2016_%28Obamas_offshore_drilling_proposal%29">
already have far too much of</a>!

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(The_stench_alone)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(The_stench_alone)">The stench alone</a>)
<p>
A prisoner in Auschwitz says that
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/29/auschwitz-trials-impossible-accused-unaware-killings-holocaust">
nobody at the camp could have been
ignorant
of the mass murder</a> —- the stench alone would have told them.

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Compare_and_Contrast)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Compare_and_Contrast)">Compare and Contrast</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160328/00471234030/compare-contrast-treatment-thomas-drake-hillary-clinton-having-classified-info.shtml">
Compare And Contrast:</a> Treatment Of Thomas Drake & Hillary Clinton For
Having Classified Info.

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(DuckDuckGo)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(DuckDuckGo)">DuckDuckGo</a>)
<p>
Is
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/duckduckgo-censorship.html">duckduckgo.com
partially enforcing</a> the "celebrity threesome injunction"?
</p>

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Where_to_invade_next)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Where_to_invade_next)">Where to invade next</a>)
<p>
The US can excel in lots of areas if it stops trying to be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/19/michael-moore-where-to-invade-next-world-hope
">number one in blood and gore</a>, and imitates the countries that do peaceful things well.

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Brazils_replacement_leader_investigated_for_attempted_murder)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Brazils_replacement_leader_
investigated_for_attempted_murder)">Brazil's replacement leader investigated for attempted murder</a>)
<p>
The replacement leader of Brazil's lower house of congress is being
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/19/brazil-new-lower-house-leader-investigated-attempted">investigated for attempted murder</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(America's_500_Top_CEOs)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(America's_500_Top_CEOs)">America's 500 Top CEOs</a>)
<p>
America's 500 Top CEOs <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/17/ceo-pay-ratio-average-worker-afl-cio">Pocket 355 Times</a> More Than Average Workers.

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Urgent:_Take_our_children_to_the_park)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Urgent:_Take_our_children_to_the_park)">Urgent: "Take our children to the park"</a>)
<p>
US citizens: Saturday May 21 is "<a href="http://www.freerangekids.com/take-our-children-to-the-park-and-leave-them-there-day-this-saturday-may-21/">Take Our Children to the Park and Leave Them There</a>" Day.

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Urgent:_Call_for_making_election_day_a_holiday)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Urgent:_Call_for_making_election_day_a_holiday)">Urgent: Call for making election day a holiday</a>)
<p>
US citizens: call for making <a href="http://go.turnoutpac.org/Election-Holiday">election day a holiday</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Australia_sent_asylum_seekers_back_to_Sri_Lanka)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Australia_sent_asylum_seekers_back_to_Sri_Lanka)">Australia sent asylum seekers back to Sri Lanka</a>)
<p>
Australia sent asylum seekers back to Sri Lanka without even listening
to their <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/may/18/asylum-seeker-forcibly-returned-by-australia-says-his-refugee-claim-was-ignored
">claims for asylum</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_coal_export_terminal)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_coal_export_terminal)">
Urgent: Oppose coal export terminal</a>)
<p>
US citizens: Oppose building the <a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Millennium_Coal">Millennium coal export terminal.</a>

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Fraudulent_foreclosure_continues_in_the_US)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Fraudulent_foreclosure_continues_in_the_US)">Fraudulent foreclosure continues in the US</a>)
<p>
Fraudulent foreclosure continues in the US.
<p><a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/18/foreclosure-fraud-is-supposed-to-be-a-thing-of-the-past-but-it-happens-every-day/">That the banksters are not prosecuted and jailed for this fraud</a> demonstrates the power of the plutocrats.

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Trump's_insults_of_journalists_must_be_taken_seriously.)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Trump's_insults_of_journalists_m
ust_be_taken_seriously.)">Trump's insults of journalists must be taken seriously.</a>)
<p>
Trump's insults of journalists must be taken seriously.
<p><a href="https://www.cpj.org/blog/2016/05/why-trumps-insults-of-journalists-must-be-taken-se.php">He is leading a harassment campaign and pretending not to.</a>

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Chelsea_Clintons_husband_shuts_down_hedge_fund)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Chelsea_Clintons_husband_shuts_down_hedge_fund)">Chelsea Clinton's husband shuts down hedge fund</a>)
<p>
Chelsea Clinton's husband owns a hedge fund.
<p>He is shutting it down because <a href="http://dailycaller.com/2016/05/11/chelsea-clintons-husband-closing-hedge-fund-after-losing-90-percent-of-its-money/">he lost most of its money.</a>
<p>I don't feel much sympathy for him or his investors; they gambled,
they lost, and I expect they aren't broke.  However, the most
important point is what it implies about Clinton family values.  They
are plutocratists.

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Pipeline_company_being_prosecuted)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Pipeline_company_being_prosecuted)">Pipeline company being prosecuted</a>)
<p>
In regard to a <a href="http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-santa-barbara-county-oil-spill-20160517-snap-story.html">pipeline that ruptured near Santa Barbara in 2015,</a> the company that owns the pipeline and one of its employees are being prosecuted.

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(FBI_put_microphones_in_a_courthouse)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(FBI_put_microphones_in_a_courthouse)">FBI put microphones in a courthouse</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.eastbayexpress.com/SevenDays/archives/2016/05/11/fbi-hid-surveillance-devices-around-alameda-county-courthouse
">The FBI put microphones in a courthouse without a court order,</a> and listened
to everyone's conversations (even with their lawyers) for 10 months.
<p>
Investigating corruption is a good thing for the FBI to do, but it
should not do this by listening without a warrant, or in a way that
allows it to snoop on everyone at the court rather than particular
suspects.


<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Government_Spy_Truck)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Government_Spy_Truck)">Government Spy Truck</a>)
<p>
This Isn't a Google Streetview Car, <a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/this-isnt-a-google-streetview-car-its-a-government-spy-truck
">Its a Government Spy Truck.</a>
<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(HIV)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(HIV)">HIV</a>)

<p>
"We will lose <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/may/18/we-will-lose-the-battle-against-hiv-without-lgbt-decriminalisation">the battle against HIV without LGBT decriminalisation</a>."

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Renewables_in_Portugal)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Renewables_in_Portugal)">Renewables in Portugal</a>)

<p>
For four days last week, Portugal generated <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/18/portugal-runs-for-four-days-straight-on-renewable-energy-alone">all its electricity from
renewables</a>.
<p>
This milestone shows what can be done, but it doesn't mean Portugal
has eliminated its carbon emissions.  More development will be needed
to be able to generate all electricity from renewables on most days of
the year.
<p>
That still won't be enough, because it doesn't count the burning of
fuel in cars, trucks, factories, and maybe homes (if homes in Portugal
ever need heating).

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Poor_Schools)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Poor_Schools)">Poor Schools</a>)

<p>
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/18/upshot/why-poor-districts-receive-less-government-school-funding-than-rich-ones.html">Why There's an Uproar</a> Over Trying to Increase Funding for Poor [US] Schools.
<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Venezuela)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Venezuela)">Venezuela</a>)

<p>
Venezuela <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global/2016/may/18/venezuelans-on-food-shortages-economic-crisis-blighting-daily-lives-maduro">is in an economic crisis</a>, with shortages of food and other
everyday products.
<p>
This is partly because price controls tend to cause shortages, but
also partly the result of political struggles between the state and
businesses run by plutocrats.  For instance, the state might have
stopped Polar from getting foreign currency to buy malted barley
because that company is run by someone who supports the right-wing
takeover, which was probably organized with help from the US.
<p>
Corruption surely plays a role too.

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Girls'_education)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Girls'_education)">Girls' education</a>)

<p>
Spending more on girls' education <a href="media/8c0e9b5f.AllFactsheetsUpdated.pdf" data-original-source="https://s3.amazonaws.com/malala-fund/All+Factsheets+Updated.pdf">is a great investment</a> for society's
benefit.

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Breaking_the_Silence)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Breaking_the_Silence)">Breaking the Silence</a>)

<p>
The Israeli government <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/18/israel-action-threatens-rights-group-free-speech-breaking-silence-soliers">is trying</a> to wipe out Breaking the Silence by
making it identify its sources, soldiers who testify about crimes
committed by themselves or other soldiers.
<p>
The principal aim of Breaking the Silence is to show the persistent
general cruelty of the occupation of Palestine, which Israel
systematically denies.

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Native_forests)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Native_forests)">Native forests</a>)

<p>
Environmental Groups <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/18/environmental-groups-demand-end-to-logging-of-australias-native-forests">Demand End to Logging of Australia's Native Forests</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Wildfire_in_Alberta)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Wildfire_in_Alberta)">Wildfire in Alberta</a>)

<p>
The wildfire in Alberta that burned through Fort McMurray
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/18/alberta-wildfire-work-camp-destroyed-evacuated">has
now covered over 1300 square miles</a>.  Only 10% of Fort McMurray was
actually destroyed, but the rest of the city is not safe.
<p>
Ironically, the fire is now destroying a tar sands mine.  If only Canada
had the sends not to rebuild it later.

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Israel)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Israel)">Israel</a>)

<p>
Israel delayed the trial of a 13-year-old Palestinian boy until he
was 14, so <a href="http://imemc.org/article/israeli-court-convicts-palestinian-child-who-was-nearly-beaten-to-death-by-mob/">it could try him as an adult</a>.
<p>
He was convicted of murder, based on no evidence except that a mob
assumed he was involved in it, and beat him nearly to death.

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Israeli_state)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Israeli_state)">Israeli state</a>)

<p>
The Israeli state issues <a href="http://972mag.com/gag-orders-in-israel-have-tripled-over-last-15-years/119196/">uses hundreds of gag orders to prevent press
discussion of events and topics that might make political difficulties</a>
for the government.
<p>
As the article mentions, it once used gag orders so it could get away
with attacking Palestinians based on a false pretense.

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Democratic_Party)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Democratic_Party)">Democratic Party</a>)

<p>
Democratic Party insiders in Nevada rigged the choice of some delegates
in favor of Clinton, by <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/16/when-system-feels-rigged-how-surprising-convention-mayhem">imposing new rules at the last minute and overriding
the representatives</a> there through a falsified voice vote.

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Philip_Morris)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Philip_Morris)">Philip Morris</a>)
<p>
One of the nonresponsible international "tribunals" created by
business supremacy treaties <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/may/17/court-condemns-tobacco-giant-philip-morris-over-secret-bid-to-sue-australia">rejected Philip Morris's complaint against
Australia's plain paper packaging law</a>.
<p>
This is good, but take not of the reasoning: that Philip Morris had
set up a front in Hong Kong merely to take advantage of the treaty.
If the US and Australia ratify the TPP, US companies trying to
obstruct Australia's public health policies (or environmental, or
economic, or anything else important) would not lose for that reason.
<p>
Note also that it would have been easy for the same tribunal to ignore
this point.  I suspect that the decision was partly in response to the
great deal of political attention that this particular point received.

<p>
<li><a name="20_May_2016_(Abortion)" />20 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#20_May_2016_(Abortion)">Abortion</a>)
<p>
Among philosophers of ethics, hardly anyone objects to abortion
<a href="http://ieet.org/index.php/IEET/more/Messerly20160517">except those that use religion as a starting point</a>.
<p>
The term "pro-life" was chosen by the antiabortionists to misrepresent
the views of us proabortionists.  It's a smear, and we should denounce
it, not adopt it.
<p>
<li><a name="19_May_2016_(Democratic_Party_faces_deep_split)" />19 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_May_2016_(Democratic_Party_faces_deep_split)">Democratic Party faces deep split</a>)
<p>
Robert Parry: The Democratic Party is facing a deep split
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/16/coming-democratic-crackup">between
the supporters of war (Clinton) and peace (Sanders)</a>.
<p>
I think that the split between plutocracy-as-usual (Clinton) and
new-new-deal (Sanders) is bigger than that split.

<p>
<li><a name="19_May_2016_(Democratic_convention_in_Nevada_rigged)" />19 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_May_2016_(Democratic_convention_in_Nevada_rigged)">Democratic convention in Nevada rigged</a>)
<p>
Democratic Party insiders in Nevada rigged the choice of some
delegates in favor of Clinton, by
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/16/when-system-feels-rigged-how-surprising-convention-mayhem">imposing
new rules at the last minute and overriding the representatives there
through a falsified voice vote</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="19_May_2016_(LGBT_groups_blocked_from_UN_AIDS_meeting)" />19 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_May_2016_(LGBT_groups_blocked_from_UN_AIDS_meeting)">LGBT groups blocked from UN AIDS meeting</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/17/muslim-states-united-nations-lgbt-groups-aids-meeting">Muslim
States Block 11 LGBT Groups</a> from Attending UN Aids Meeting.

<p>
<li><a name="19_May_2016_(Money_and_happiness)" />19 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_May_2016_(Money_and_happiness)">Money and happiness</a>)
<p>
Money can't directly buy happiness, but it
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/17/money-cant-buy-happiness-wishful-thinking">can
buy human company</a>, and avoiding loneliness is important for
happiness.

<p>
<li><a name="19_May_2016_(Iran_continues_repression_of_Bahais)" />19 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_May_2016_(Iran_continues_repression_of_Bahais)">Iran continues repression of Baha'is</a>)
<p>
Iran continues repression of Baháâís, and
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/17/rafsanjani-daughter-criticised-meeting-leader-banned-sect-iran">even
to talk with their leaders can be dangerous</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="19_May_2016_(Facebook)" />19 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_May_2016_(Facebook)">Facebook</a>)
<p>
A former Facebook journalist employee says it was per
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/may/17/facebook-trending-news-team-curators-toxic-work-environment">"most
toxic work experience"</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="19_May_2016_(Glyphosate)" />19 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_May_2016_(Glyphosate)">Glyphosate</a>)
<p>
A new study claims that glyphosate in food is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/16/glyphosate-unlikely-to-pose-risk-to-humans-unwho-study-says">probably
not dangerous to humans</a>, but the researcher in charge has a
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/17/unwho-panel-in-conflict-of-interest-row-over-glyphosates-cancer-risk">big
conflict of interest</a> that suggests this result needs to be checked
for gaps.
<p>
Meanwhile, the
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/17/new-evidence-about-the-dangers-of-monsantos-roundup/">other
chemicals in Roundup might be part of the danger</a>.  They could make
glyphosate more toxic.  They could be more toxic than glyphosate.
<p>
The manufacturers of those chemicals try to prevent anyone from
studying their effects.  There should be a legal requirement for the
manufacturer of an industrial chemical to make it available for
experimental study.

<p>
<li><a name="19_May_2016_(Dust_pollution)" />19 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_May_2016_(Dust_pollution)">Dust pollution</a>)
<p>
Dust pollution spread in the air by human activities
<a href="http://phys.org/news/2016-05-polluted-impact-ocean-life-thousands.html">cause
dead zones in the ocean thousands of miles away</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="19_May_2016_(Psilocybin)" />19 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_May_2016_(Psilocybin)">Psilocybin</a>)
<p>
Psilocybin
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/may/17/magic-mushrooms-lift-severe-depression-in-clinical-trial">lifted
depression for weeks in several patients that nothing else could
help</a>.
<p>
Evidence that psychedelics can cure the most refractory cases of
depression has appeared before, and there is now
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2016/may/17/why-psychedelics-could-be-a-new-class-of-antidepressant-psilocybin">some
idea of how it works</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="19_May_2016_(The_right_to_be_offensive_and_bigoted)" />19 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_May_2016_(The_right_to_be_offensive_and_bigoted)">The right to be offensive and bigoted</a>)
<p>
JK Rowling Defends Donald Trump's
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/may/17/jk-rowling-defends-donald-trumps-right-to-be-offensive-pen-america">Right
To Be 'Offensive And Bigoted'</a>.
<p>
That's what I've been saying.  Censorship is not the answer.

<p>
<li><a name="19_May_2016_(Protests_against_fossil_fuels)" />19 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_May_2016_(Protests_against_fossil_fuels)">Protests against fossil fuels</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://breakfree2016.org/">World-wide protests</a> against
fossil fuels.

<p>
<li><a name="19_May_2016_(Corruption_in_poor_countries)" />19 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_May_2016_(Corruption_in_poor_countries)">Corruption in poor countries</a>)
<p>
Corruption in poor countries is in many cases
<a href="https://opendemocracy.net/clare-short/why-did-david-cameron-reject-this-essay-from-anti-corruption-book">suborned
by businesses in rich countries</a>.
<p>
Bribing a politician is a crime, in most places.  Bribing the state is
not.  When a business offers a government, "Support our policy
initiatives and we will spend a million dollars a year in your
country", that's probably not a crime, but it is just as corrupt as
paying that country's politicians a million dollars a year would be.

<p>
<li><a name="19_May_2016_(Taboo_on_breasts)" />19 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_May_2016_(Taboo_on_breasts)">Taboo on breasts</a>)
<p>
Women are
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/16/women-breasts-sexual-feed-babies-mother-breastfeeding">harassed
for giving suck to babies</a>, while surrounded by ads showing breasts
that are hardly covered at all.
<p>
This may be ironic, but it is no coincidence.  Our taboo on breasts,
and especially nipples, makes it effective to hint at them in ads, and
leads to repression of women that use them.

<p>
<li><a name="19_May_2016_(The_working_people_of_Auckland)" />19 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_May_2016_(The_working_people_of_Auckland)">The working people of Auckland</a>)
<p>
In Auckland, New Zealand, even working people
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/17/new-zealand-housing-crisis-forces-hundreds-to-live-in-garages-tents-and-cars">can't
afford a place to live</a>.  They are stuck living in tents as winter
comes, and winter in Auckland is cold and rainy.

<p>
<li><a name="19_May_2016_(Everyones_phone_call_records)" />19 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_May_2016_(Everyones_phone_call_records)">Everyone's phone call records</a>)
<p>
Moving the collection of everyone's phone call records from the NSA to
phone companies
<a href="http://www.theverge.com/2016/5/16/11683774/call-records-metadata-sensitive-privacy-research-surveillance">changes
nothing</a> in regard to the government's power to learn about all
Americans' lives through that data.

<p>
<li><a name="19_May_2016_(Salmon_farming_in_Chile)" />19 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_May_2016_(Salmon_farming_in_Chile)">Salmon farming in Chile</a>)
<p>
Salmon farming might be the cause of
Chile's <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/17/chile-red-tide-salmon-farming-neurotoxin">red
tide of poisonous algae</a> that have made seafood inedible on long
stretches of the coast.

<p>
<li><a name="19_May_2016_(Tories_hire_lawyers_against_sick_people)" />19 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_May_2016_(Tories_hire_lawyers_against_sick_people)">Tories hire lawyers against sick people</a>)
<p>
The Tories have for years employed careless and slipshod evaluations
to deny sick people welfare benefits they need.  Most sick people who
appeal these decisions, win.  So now the Tories have
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/may/17/government-skewing-benefits-appeals-process-against-disabled-people">hired
lawyers</a> to argue these appeals against the sick people and make
sure the cruel and vicious goal is achieved.
<p>
The Tories are
<a href="media/62a79bb0.anuran-bevan.jpg" data-original-source="https://stallman.org/images/anuran-bevan.jpg">lower than
vermin</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="19_May_2016_(Americas_food_economy)" />19 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_May_2016_(Americas_food_economy)">America's food economy</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.newamerica.org/weekly/122/consolidation-is-eating-our-food-economy/">Consolidation
Is Eating [America's] Food Economy</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="19_May_2016_(St_Louis_thug_faces_murder_charges)" />19 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_May_2016_(St_Louis_thug_faces_murder_charges)">St Louis thug faces murder charges</a>)
<p>
A St Louis thug faces murder charges
for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/16/st-louis-fatal-police-shooting-jason-stockley-anthony-lamar-smith">shooting
Anthony Lamar Smith</a>.  The thug appears to have planted a gun in
Smith's car to frame him.

<p>
<li><a name="19_May_2016_(Great_Barrier_Reef)" />19 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#19_May_2016_(Great_Barrier_Reef)">Great Barrier Reef</a>)
<p>
Environmentalist Tim Flannery
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/17/saving-great-barrier-reef-climate-change-should-be-central-election-issue-says-tim-flannery">calls
on Australia to make it an election issue</a> to save Great Barrier
Reef from global heating.

<p>
<li><a name="18_May_2016_(Urgent:_Reject_coal_exports)" />18 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_May_2016_(Urgent:_Reject_coal_exports)">Urgent: Reject coal exports</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://stallman.org/petitions/petition-coal-export/">Tell
the Army Corps of Engineers</a> to reject coal exports.

<p>
<li><a name="18_May_2016_(Urgent:_$15_minimum_wage_in_DC)" />18 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_May_2016_(Urgent:_$15_minimum_wage_in_DC)">Urgent: $15 minimum wage in DC</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://www.epi.org/action/we-need-to-raisethewage-in-d-c/">support
the campaign</a> for a minimum wage of $15 in Washington DC.

<p>
<li><a name="18_May_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_attack_on_sage_grouse)" />18 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_May_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_attack_on_sage_grouse)">Urgent: Stop attack on sage grouse</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="https://secure2.edf.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&id=2798&page=UserAction">object</a>
to using the defense authorization bill to attack conservation for the
sage grouse.

<p>
<li><a name="18_May_2016_(Urgent:_Drop_charges_against_Andy_Hall)" />18 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_May_2016_(Urgent:_Drop_charges_against_Andy_Hall)">Urgent: Drop charges against Andy Hall</a>)
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="https://www.walkfree.org/drop-the-charges-against-andy-hall-now/">Call
on Thailand</a> to drop the charges against Andy Hall.

<p>
<li><a name="18_May_2016_(Afghan_army)" />18 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_May_2016_(Afghan_army)">Afghan "army"</a>)
<p>
The Afghan "army" in Helmand is
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/17/afghanistan-ghost-soldiers-taliban-babaji">almost
half nonexistent "soldiers"</a>.
<p>
Achieving this required corruption at every level of the army
as well as the connivance of other officials.
<p>
Moreover, the lack of food for the real soldiers is probably not
because the government has no money for it, but because officials and
commanders have diverted that money.  But then, most of the soldiers
have joined the army only for the money.
<p>
The use of drugs by the soldiers reminds me of the US army in Vietnam.
They had low morale, too.
<p>
The US can keep propping up the Afghan government as long as it wants
to keep spending the money, but it can't defeat the Taliban that way.

<p>
<li><a name="18_May_2016_(Plans_for_coal_burning_in_Japan)" />18 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_May_2016_(Plans_for_coal_burning_in_Japan)">Plans for coal burning in Japan</a>)
<p>
Japan
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/17/japans-coal-fired-plants-to-cause-thousands-of-early-deaths-greenpeace">plans
to replace shuttered nuclear power plants with coal burning</a>.
<p>
In addition to the short-term pollution that will kill people,
these will contribute greatly to global heating.  Tokyo is very
close to sea level; does Japan want it flooded?
<p>
Japan should invest in renewable power.

<p>
<li><a name="18_May_2016_(US_govt_practice_of_cracking_computers)" />18 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_May_2016_(US_govt_practice_of_cracking_computers)">US gov't practice of cracking computers</a>)
<p>
The US government
<a href="https://privacysos.org/blog/fbi-hacking-computers/">conceals
its practice of cracking computers</a>, which prevents courts from
judging whether they follow the constitution.
<p>
The article uses the word "hacking" to mean security breaking and only
that, which insults us
<a href="https://stallman.org/articles/on-hacking.html">hackers</a>.
Please use the word "cracking" when what you mean is "breaking
security".

<p>
<li><a name="18_May_2016_(Congresspeople_of_underwater_districts)" />18 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_May_2016_(Congresspeople_of_underwater_districts)">Congresspeople of underwater districts</a>)
<p>
What Are The Congresspeople Whose Districts Will Be Underwater Doing
To
<a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3058819/what-are-the-congresspeople-whose-districts-will-be-underwater-doing-to-stop-climate-change">Stop
[Global Heating]</a>?

<p>
<li><a name="18_May_2016_(Systematic_oppression_of_women)" />18 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_May_2016_(Systematic_oppression_of_women)">Systematic oppression of women</a>)
<p>
Ayaan Hirsi Ali reminds us of
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/17/ayaan-hirsi-ali-qanda-west-muslims-only-as-victims">how
Islam systematically oppresses women</a>.
<p>
It is absurd to say that no one but Muslims can criticize these
injustices.  Imagine claiming that no one but Christians can criticize
the injustice of fanatical Christians — how absurd!

<p>
<li><a name="18_May_2016_(Phone_call_metadata)" />18 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_May_2016_(Phone_call_metadata)">Phone call "metadata"</a>)
<p>
Recording everyone's phone call "metadata" is a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/may/16/even-basic-phone-logs-can-reveal-deeply-personal-information-researchers-find">substantial
threat to everyone's privacy</a>.
<p>
Researchers used basic phone logs to identify people and uncover
confidential information about their lives.

<p>
<li><a name="18_May_2016_(War_crimes_against_Kurds_in_Aleppo)" />18 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_May_2016_(War_crimes_against_Kurds_in_Aleppo)">War crimes against Kurds in Aleppo</a>)
<p>
Syrian Arab opposition militias are
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/05/13/syria-armed-opposition-groups-committing-war-crimes-aleppo-city">committing
war crimes against Kurds in Aleppo</a>.
<p>
These crimes are small compared to those committed by Assad's
supporters and PISSI, but it won't be easy to unite the groups that
oppose those two.

<p>
<li><a name="18_May_2016_(US_unions_too_weak)" />18 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_May_2016_(US_unions_too_weak)">US unions too weak</a>)
<p>
The reason why US workers are
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/16/bitter-consequences-corporate-americas-war-unions">not
allowed to go to the toilet</a> is that we have allowed unions to
become too weak.

<p>
<li><a name="18_May_2016_(Trump_emboldens_bigots)" />18 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_May_2016_(Trump_emboldens_bigots)">Trump emboldens bigots</a>)
<p>
How Donald Trump
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/16/donald-trump-hindu-nationalist-far-right-presidential-election">Emboldens
Bigots Across the World</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="18_May_2016_(API_fair_use)" />18 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_May_2016_(API_fair_use)">API fair use</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/05/round-2-of-oracle-v-google-is-an-unpredictable-trial-over-api-fair-use/">A
jury will be asked to decide</a> whether reimplementing the Java APIs
is fair use.
<p>
The decision by this appeals court (the CAFC) was stupid and
dangerous, but few copyright cases will be covered by that court.
<p>
The FSF urged the Supreme Court not to take the case, because the
danger was it would extend the decision to the whole US.

<p>
<li><a name="18_May_2016_(British_Bill_of_No_Rights)" />18 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_May_2016_(British_Bill_of_No_Rights)">British Bill of No Rights</a>)
<p>
The Tories' proposed "British Bill of Rights" is more likely to be a
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/16/human-rights-abuse-of-power-conservatives-bill-of-rights">Bill
of No Rights</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="18_May_2016_(Trump_endorses_deficit_reduction_as_goal)" />18 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_May_2016_(Trump_endorses_deficit_reduction_as_goal)">Trump endorses deficit reduction as goal</a>)
<p>
Trump has
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/16/donald-trumps-pledge-to-defend-spending-for-old-and-poor-belied-by-staff-picks/">endorsed
deficit reduction as a goal</a>.  That means surrender to the
plutocrats.  Everything important that the government does would be
cut, rather than make them pay taxes as they ought.

<p>
<li><a name="18_May_2016_(Unsafe_sex_threatens_girls_health)" />18 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_May_2016_(Unsafe_sex_threatens_girls_health)">Unsafe sex threatens girls' health</a>)
<p>
Unsafe Sex Threatens Girls' Health Worldwide.  The Prescription?
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/16/unsafe-sex-girls-health-feminism-sexual-trend-young-people">Feminism</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="18_May_2016_(Coral_bleaching)" />18 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#18_May_2016_(Coral_bleaching)">Coral bleaching</a>)
<p>
A study projects that this year's coral bleaching (and death)
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/apr/29/great-barrier-reef-bleaching-made-175-times-likelier-by-human-caused-climate-change-say-scientists">could
be a normal annual event in the Great Barrier Reef in 18 years</a>.
<p>
Occasionally there will be a much worse bleaching event
which might destroy the reef entirely.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(What_Facebook_thinks_of_journalists)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(What_Facebook_thinks_of_journalists)">What Facebook thinks of journalists</a>)
<p>
Want to Know What Facebook Really Thinks of Journalists? Here's 
<a href="http://gizmodo.com/want-to-know-what-facebook-really-thinks-of-journalists-1773916117">What
Happened When It Hired Some</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(Frequent_use_of_computers)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(Frequent_use_of_computers)">Frequent use of computers</a>)
<p>
Using computers frequently for reading 
<a href="http://phys.org/news/2016-05-digital-media.html">can reduce
your ability to understand information abstractly</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(The_connected_car)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(The_connected_car)">The "connected car"</a>)
<p>
The "connected car" is the 
<a href="http://arstechnica.com/cars/2016/05/its-time-for-a-candid-talk-about-connected-cars/">dumbest
idea in automobiles ever</a>, or at least since the Edsel.
<p>
There is the danger that someone unauthorized will break the security
of the car.  And the even greater danger, to society as a whole, that
this will be used to track where you drive.  Remember, there is no
such thing as "the cloud" — that's a misleading name for
"someone else's computer".
<p>
Let's organize <em>now</em> to stop either the state or companies from
pushing society into using "connected cars"!

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(Breakfast_and_childrens_learning)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(Breakfast_and_childrens_learning)">Breakfast and children's learning</a>)
<p>
It turns out that 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/may/14/breakfast-feeds-young-minds-link-school-meals-learning">children's
learning really suffers when they don't get a good breakfast</a>.
<p>
Government policies that squeeze the poor often mean that children don't
get enough to eat at any time.  These policies hold children back
for their whole lives, in this way and other ways, including 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jul-oct.html#07_October_2015_(Lead_in_the_water_in_Flint,_Michigan)">lead
poisoning</a> and
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#24_July_2015_(Welfare)">other
effects</a>.
<p>
The plutocrats then point at the consequences of this to 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-mar-jun.html#23_April_2014_(UK_right-wing_cruelty)">claim
that those people deserve to be poor</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(Australias_direct_action_scheme)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(Australias_direct_action_scheme)">Australia's "direct action" scheme</a>)
<p>
Australia's "direct action" scheme to support renewable energy
investments 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/may/16/direct-action-funds-likely-spent-on-projects-that-would-have-happened-anyway">mainly
funds schemes that were going to go ahead anyway</a>.
<p>
It might nonetheless do some good, since it will effectively
subsidize those schemes and make them easier to set up.
However, a carbon tax would do a lot more.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(Unity_government_in_Libya)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(Unity_government_in_Libya)">"Unity government" in Libya</a>)
<p>
The Western-created "unity government" in Libya is 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/16/libya-ministers-vienna-plan-help-government-gain-foothold">neither
unity nor a government</a>.
<p>
Given the violent chaos and extremism of Libya today, even an
externally imposed government might be a step up — if Libyans
generally accept it.  If only a minority support this "unity
government", they will do it mainly for western money, and it will be
a phony that needs to be propped up ad infinitem like the Afghan
government.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(Temperature_record_set_in_April)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(Temperature_record_set_in_April)">Temperature record set in April</a>)
<p>
This April was the 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/16/april-third-month-in-row-to-break-global-temperature-records">seventh
month in a row</a> to set a temperature record for that month.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(NRA_misleads_and_misrepresents)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(NRA_misleads_and_misrepresents)">NRA misleads and misrepresents</a>)
<p>
The NRA misleads its members, and misrepresents them.  (Most of them
support some additional gun control measures.)  The NRA has close
connections with gun companies, and a lot of its effort is 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/15/gun-control-nra-stephanie-soechtig-under-the-gun">dedicated
to boosting the sale of guns</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(EUs_antitrust_case_against_Google)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(EUs_antitrust_case_against_Google)">EU's antitrust case against Google</a>)
<p>
The European Union's antitrust case against Google 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/apr/15/europes-targeting-google-under-antitrust-laws-missing-bigger-picture">raises
a small part of a big issue</a>.
<p>
Perhaps the search engine should be split off from Google and made
into a regulated monopoly.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(CIA_and_arrest_of_of_Nelson_Mandela)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(CIA_and_arrest_of_of_Nelson_Mandela)">CIA and arrest of of Nelson Mandela</a>)
<p>
The CIA 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/15/cia-operative-nelson-mandela-1962-arrest">told
the apartheid regime how to arrest Nelson Mandela</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_subsidy_to_big_banks)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_subsidy_to_big_banks)">Urgent: Stop subsidy to big banks</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.demandprogress.org/sign/bank-constitutional-right-subsudy/">tell
Federal Reserve</a> to stop its 7 billion dollar subsidy to the big
banks.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(Blacklisted_UK_construction_workers)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(Blacklisted_UK_construction_workers)">Blacklisted UK construction workers</a>)
<p>
The UK construction workers who were blacklisted 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/may/14/blacklist-construction-workers-mcalpine">demand
an investigation of the construction companies</a> for trying to cover
up the evidence.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(Protecting_debtors)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(Protecting_debtors)">Protecting debtors</a>)
<p>
Proposing 
<a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/what-can-be-done-to-fix-the-debt-collection-right-now">measures
to protect debtors in the US</a> from the cruelty of collection
agencies.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(Copyright_and_patents)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(Copyright_and_patents)">Copyright and patents</a>)
<p>
An Australian study has again recognized that
<a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/05/australian-productivity-commission-slams-protectionist-copyright-and-patent-laws">copyright
gives companies too much power</a>.
<p>
The same report also examined patent law and concluded that patents
give companies too much power.
<p>
It is a 
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">mistake to study
these two different laws together</a>, but in this
case I agree with both conclusions.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(Surveillance_cameras)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(Surveillance_cameras)">Surveillance cameras</a>)
<p>
A 
<a href="http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2016/Q2/system-harnesses-thousands-of-network-cameras-for-public-safety.html">new
system</a> would make it easier for Big Brother to monitor people
through thousands of surveillance cameras.
<p>
It's a great example of what happens when researchers fail to consider
the ethics of their research.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(Chilling_effect_of_lack_of_privacy)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(Chilling_effect_of_lack_of_privacy)">Chilling effect of lack of privacy</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/lack-of-online-privacy-has-chilling-effect-us-department-of-commerce-says">Lack
of Online Privacy Has Chilling Effect</a>, U.S. Department of Commerce
Says.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(Sentenced_to_prison_for_peaceful_protest)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(Sentenced_to_prison_for_peaceful_protest)">Sentenced to prison for peaceful protest</a>)
<p>
100 Egyptians were 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/15/egypt-protesters-jailed-red-sea-islands-demonstrations-cairo">sentenced
to years in prison</a> for a peaceful protest.
<p>
It doesn't matter that the protest was over a fatuous and confused
issue of nationalism.  People in Egypt deserve the right to state
their views, even confused views.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(Invasive_foreign_carp_in_Australia)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(Invasive_foreign_carp_in_Australia)">Invasive foreign carp in Australia</a>)
<p>
Australia is planning to get rid of invasive foreign carp by 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/01/australia-budget-2016-15m-eradicate-carp-herpes-virus-murray-darling">releasing
a virus that attacks only them</a>.
<p>
This weapon may be useful, but using it alone is likely to provide
only a temporary effect.  Australia tried to get rid of rabbits
(another invasive species) with the myxoma virus, and it killed over
80% of the rabbits, but since then they have developed resistance.
Surely carp will evolve resistance to this virus.
<p>
If they apply several measures at the same time, maybe they could
eradicate the carp from Australia.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(Official_government_ID)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(Official_government_ID)">Official government ID</a>)
<p>
The US is becoming 
<a href="http://thinkprogress.org/immigration/2016/05/13/3778011/faith-action-id/">increasingly
repressive to anyone that doesn't have official government
identification</a>.
<p>
This is what right-wing officials want.  While these IDs for
immigrants and homeless people are a good thing, it is wrong to
require people to have IDs in order to fill prescriptions, to vote, or
do other daily things.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(Dishonest_sales_and_marketing)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(Dishonest_sales_and_marketing)">Dishonest sales and marketing</a>)
<p>
Dishonest sales and marketing practices are 
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/15/technology/personaltech/when-websites-wont-take-no-for-an-answer.html">rife
on the internet</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(Considering_prohibition)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(Considering_prohibition)">Considering prohibition</a>)
<p>
Queensland, a state in Australia, is considering 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/may/15/queensland-health-minister-open-to-lifetime-smoking-ban-for-those-born-after-2001">prohibiting
tobacco smoking permanently for everyone born after 2001</a>.
<p>
Tobacco is a deadly, addictive drug, but they are cocky fools if they
think that prohibiting a drug is simply going to result in its
non-use.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(House_Science_Committee)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(House_Science_Committee)">House Science Committee</a>)
<p>
The House Science Committee Hates Science And 
<a href="http://www.salon.com/2016/05/14/the_house_science_committee_hates_science_and_should_be_disbanded/">Should
Be Disbanded</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(New_epidemics)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(New_epidemics)">New epidemics</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/may/15/the-planets-health-is-essential-to-prevent-infectious-disease">Disruption
of natural ecosystems</a> is part of what causes new epidemics for
humans.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(UK_plans_broad_censorship)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(UK_plans_broad_censorship)">UK plans broad censorship</a>)
<p>
The UK government 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/may/14/queens-speech-clampdown-on-extremism">plans
to impose broad censorship</a> of publications and individuals
considered "extremist".
<p>
This "protection" is more dangerous than the Islamist extremism it is
aimed at.  Sooner or later, "extremist" will be stretched to include
opposition to plutocracy.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(Air_pollution)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(Air_pollution)">Air pollution</a>)
<p>
The UK Tories are trying to eviscerate an EU directive to limit
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/14/britain-eu-air-pollution-limits">dangerous
particulate air pollution</a>.
<p>
The Tories are 
<a href="media/62a79bb0.anuran-bevan.jpg" data-original-source="https://stallman.org/images/anuran-bevan.jpg">lower than
vermin</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(Urgent:_Sensible_gun_control_measures)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(Urgent:_Sensible_gun_control_measures)">Urgent: Sensible gun control measures</a>)
<p>
California residents: 
<a href="http://safetyforall.com/">support the ballot initiative</a>
for some sensible gun control measures.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(Urgent:_$15_an_hour_at_Walmart)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(Urgent:_$15_an_hour_at_Walmart)">Urgent: $15 an hour at Walmart</a>)
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://www.credomobilize.com/petitions/pay-workers-15-an-hour-with-consistent-full-time-hours">call
on Walmart</a> to pay workers $15 an hour and give people full-time
work.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(Urgent:_Reject_censorship)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(Urgent:_Reject_censorship)">Urgent: Reject censorship</a>)
<p>
Citizens of Minnesota: 
<a href="https://action.eff.org/o/9042/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=10323">tell
your state legislature</a> to reject the dangerous extension of
publicity rights into a form of censorship.
<p>
If you know anyone in Minnesota, please spread the word.
Most people won't find out about this issue.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(Half_of_wild_animals_wiped_out_in_40_years)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(Half_of_wild_animals_wiped_out_in_40_years)">Half of wild animals wiped out in 40 years</a>)
<p>
The WWF says half of the world's wild animals have been 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/sep/29/earth-lost-50-wildlife-in-40-years-wwf">wiped
out in 40 years</a>.  (This doesn't cover small animals such as
insects and worms.)
<p>
It is part of the general extractionist approach that our society
takes: use everything up fast, and let the future go hang.

<p>
<li><a name="17_May_2016_(Censorship_by_Facebook)" />17 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#17_May_2016_(Censorship_by_Facebook)">Censorship by Facebook</a>)
<p>
Facebook <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/may/13/facebook-turkish-government-zed-books">deleted
without explanation the page of a publisher in the UK</a> that had
posted articles about publications that criticize Erdo&gbreve;an.
<p>
The article shows that Facebook has censored on behalf of
Erdo&gbreve;an before.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(7-11)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(7-11)">7-11</a>)
<p>
7-11 underpaid its workers and was ordered to pay what it owed them.
Then <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/may/15/7-eleven-sacked-panellist-says-chain-spooked-by-size-of-payouts">it was unhappy with the independent adjudicators who agreed to
workers' claims</a>, and acted to interfere.
<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Minnesota)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Minnesota)">Minnesota</a>)
<p>
Minnesota is considering a law to <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/05/minnesota-legislators-go-crazy-pushing-dangerous-prince-act">make publicity rights perpetual</a>, and so broad
that it would constitute censorship.
<p>
I think that publicity rights, in basic form, are legitimate.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Thugs)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Thugs)">Thugs</a>)
<p>
Massachusetts thugs <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/11/video-police-beating-driver-new-hampshire-massachusetts">beat up a man</a> who had surrendered; he had never
threatened any violence.
<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Freedom_of_speech)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Freedom_of_speech)">Freedom of speech</a>)
<p>
Around the world, freedom of speech and publication <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/12/free-speech-under-attack-beijing-istanbul">is being attacked</a>
by governments.
<p>
In "free" countries, the usual excuse is "national security" — in
other words, sacrificing our freedom in the name of protecting our
lives.  In principle, that's backwards!  But it's also bullshit: these
assaults on our freedom are generally not necessary, and rarely even
useful, for protecting anything but unjust power.
<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Trump)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Trump)">Trump</a>)
<p>
Trump <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/13/amazon-getting-away-with-on-tax-says-donald-trump">has threatened</a> an anti-trust investigation of Amazon as retaliation
for investigation of Trump by the Washington Post.
<p>
Both investigations ought to be done as a matter of course.  The fact
that they are being pursued for specific political reasons, rather
than as a matter of course, reflects the dangerous power of plutocrats
such as Bezos and Trump.
<p>
Taking power away from them, and changing the system not to concentrate
wealth and power, go hand in hand.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Learning_Management_Systems)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Learning_Management_Systems)">Learning Management Systems</a>)
<p>
As schools impose "learning management" systems to track what students
do, <a href="https://theconversation.com/data-collected-about-student-behaviour-doesnt-help-improve-teaching-or-learning-57793">they collect lots of data about students.  There is no evidence
that this snooping contributes to education</a>, but it is obviously an
injustice.
<p>
If some sort of snooping ever does contribute to education, the school should
leave all the data in a per-student memory which the student can wipe when
classes end.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Too_poor_for_justice)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Too_poor_for_justice)">Too poor for justice</a>)
<p>
In the US, people are jailed <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/13/too-poor-for-justice/">as a result of trials in which they
had no lawyer</a>.
<p>
Often this is for nonpayment of child support.
<p>
It is legitimate to make fathers with money provide some of that
for their children.  It is nonsensical to do this to poor people;
they can't pay what they don't have.
<p>
The right solution for this problem is (1) to improve the welfare
system so that no child has to grow up in poverty, father or no
father, and (2) help and encourage people that can't afford to raise
children properly to use reliable birth control.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Ferguson_effect)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Ferguson_effect)">Ferguson effect</a>)
<p>
If the "Ferguson effect" is real, what <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/13/ferguson-effect-real-researcher-richard-rosenfield-second-thoughts">conclusions</a> should we draw?
<p>
US blacks have good reason to fear that thugs will kill them and/or
frame them.  To a lesser extent, so do other Americans.  If the thugs
want to be trusted, they should start being trustworthy.
<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Capitalism_and_technology)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Capitalism_and_technology)">Capitalism and technology</a>)
<p>
Confronting the <a href="http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/35946-robert-mcchesney-capitalism-is-a-bad-fit-for-a-technological-revolution">threat</a> of massive technological unemployment combined
with allow plutocratic.
<p>
As someone said in a public hearing in Cambridge, some 20 years ago:
"If the robots make it, we've gotta take it."

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Seed_supply)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Seed_supply)">Seed supply</a>)
<p>
Proposed mergers, such as Bayer with Monsanto, <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/12/monsanto-takeover-corporate-cabals-control-food-supply-continues">would increase
concentration of the seed supply</a> and other industries related to
farming.
<p>
Monsanto <a href="http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/35985-the-epa-s-ties-to-monsanto-could-be-disastrous-for-the-us">seems to have too much influence</a> with the EPA's decisions.
<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Cancer_drug)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Cancer_drug)">Cancer drug</a>)
<p>
A US senate committee staffer <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/14/leaks-show-senate-aide-threatened-colombia-over-cheap-cancer-drug/">made threats to try to stop Colombia
from approving a license for an generic</a>, affordable cancer drug.
<p>
Of course, <a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">the threat used the propaganda term "intellectual
property", which not only carries spin in favor of the drug companies,
but also impedes understanding of any issue</a> because it confuses
several unrelated laws.
<p>
What is sad is that the article uses that term too.  The author, who
criticizes the staffer's actions, probably does not realize that the
term gives implicit support to them, as well as impeding clear
thinking about any specific law (in this case, patent law).

That term should <em>never</em> be used.  I object to it every time
I hear or see it.  You can, too.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Brazil)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Brazil)">Brazil</a>)

<p>
The temporary president that is replacing Dilma Rousseff <a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/11/brazils-democracy-to-suffer-grievous-blow-today-as-unelectable-corrupt-neoliberal-is-installed/">has himself
been convicted of illegal campaign activities</a>, and there is just as much
basis to impeach him as to impeach Rousseff.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Urgent:_Coverage_for_contraception)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Urgent:_Coverage_for_contraception)">Urgent: Coverage for contraception</a>)
<p>
Citizens of Massachusetts: 
<a href="https://act1.myngp.com/Forms/NoScript/3753468814436597760">support
full health insurance coverage for contraception</a>, with no gaps or
loopholes.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Urgent:_Ban_transfer_of_cluster_bombs)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Urgent:_Ban_transfer_of_cluster_bombs)">Urgent: Ban transfer of cluster bombs</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/support-conyers-ban-cluster">call
for a ban</a> on transferring cluster bombs to Salafi Arabia.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Urgent:_ASAP_Act)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Urgent:_ASAP_Act)">Urgent: ASAP Act</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.oceana.org/sign/senate-ASAP-seismic-bill_2016/">support</a>
the Atlantic Seismic Airgun Protection (ASAP) Act.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Fighting_global_heating)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Fighting_global_heating)">Fighting global heating</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/13/civil-disobedience-climate-change-protesters">Civil
Disobedience</a> Is the Only Way Left to Fight [global heating].
<p>
It is a mistake to use the term 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2014-may-aug.html#16_June_2014_(Destroyed_by_global_heating)">"climate
change"</a>; that term was imposed by Dubya <em>to downplay the
danger</em>, and it works all too well.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Tax-dodging_in_New_Zealand)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Tax-dodging_in_New_Zealand)">Tax-dodging in New Zealand</a>)
<p>
New Zealand is 
<a href="http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/panama-papers/303356/nz-at-heart-of-panama-money-go-round">very
useful for tax-dodging businesses</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Shootings_by_toddlers)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Shootings_by_toddlers)">Shootings by toddlers</a>)
<p>
Toddlers in the US have 
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/05/01/toddlers-have-shot-at-least-23-people-this-year/">shot
at least 23 people this year</a>.
<p>
Over 1/3 of the people shot were killed.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Companies_based_on_tax_havens)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Companies_based_on_tax_havens)">Companies based on tax havens</a>)
<p>
Hundreds of companies in the London Stock Exchange are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/may/12/london-stock-exchange-listed-companies-tax-havens-uk">based
on tax havens connected with Britain</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_vote_on_TPP)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_vote_on_TPP)">Urgent: Oppose vote on TPP</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://pac.petitions.moveon.org/sign/stand-with-hillary-bernie-1">Call
on the Democratic Party</a> to oppose any vote on the Treacherous
Plutocratic Poison until the next president takes office.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Motivation_of_Trump_supporters)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Motivation_of_Trump_supporters)">Motivation of Trump supporters</a>)
<p>
Real Trump supporters are very much motivated by his 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/13/donald-trump-supporters-bigots-left-demonise">opposition
to business-supremacy treaties</a> that Clinton has supported.
<p>
It's no accident that Sanders polls better against Trump than Clinton
does.  These people would be potential Sanders supporters.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Windfarms_vs_fracking_in_UK)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Windfarms_vs_fracking_in_UK)">Windfarms vs fracking in UK</a>)
<p>
The UK government makes it easy for people to block nearby windfarms
but 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/13/fracking-north-york-moors-gets-go-ahead-protests-kirby-misperton">rams
fracking (and possible future poisoned water) down their throats</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Solar-thermal_power_plants)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Solar-thermal_power_plants)">Solar-thermal power plants</a>)
<p>
Solar-thermal power plants store heat during the day, and 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/may/13/tantalisingly-close-is-solar-thermal-energy-ready-to-replace-coal-fired-power">can
convert it into electricity at any time</a>.  In some areas, they are
competitive with fossil fuels already.
<p>
These plants could replace a large fraction of fossil fuel use in a
few years, but for inertia and fossil fuel subsidies subsidies.
Governments could overcome both, if not for the power of the
planet-roasters.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(McGill_University_grads_return_diplomas)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(McGill_University_grads_return_diplomas)">McGill University grads return diplomas</a>)
<p>
McGill University graduates are returning their diplomas to 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/true-north/2016/mar/15/why-graduates-of-a-top-canadian-university-are-returning-our-diplomas">demand
divestment from fossil fuel companies</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Anti-civilian_weapons_from_US)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Anti-civilian_weapons_from_US)">Anti-civilian weapons from US</a>)
<p>
The GAO says that the US is failing to monitor the use of
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/12/state-department-fails-to-vet-or-monitor-military-aid-to-egypt/">anti-civilian
weapons it has provided to Egypt</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Protests_aimed_at_Olive_Garden)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Protests_aimed_at_Olive_Garden)">Protests aimed at Olive Garden</a>)
<p>
Protests are aimed at Olive Garden restaurants, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/may/12/olive-garden-protests-chicken-fair-wages">demanding
better treatment of their workers and that they stop selling meat that
contributes to antibiotic resistance</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Zika_virus_and_Olympic_Games_in_Rio)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Zika_virus_and_Olympic_Games_in_Rio)">Zika virus and Olympic Games in Rio</a>)
<p>
The Olympic Games in Rio could spread the Zika virus 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/12/rio-olympics-zika-amir-attaran-public-health-threat">to
poor countries that could not cope with it</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(US_poultry_packing_workers)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(US_poultry_packing_workers)">US poultry packing workers</a>)
<p>
Oxfam says that US poultry packing workers have to wear diapers
because they are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/12/poultry-workers-wear-diapers-work-bathroom-breaks">afraid
they will be fired if they ask to go to the toilet</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Billionaires_threaten_Britain)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Billionaires_threaten_Britain)">Billionaires threaten Britain</a>)
<p>
Billionaires threaten Britain: if you end secrecy rules, 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/12/super-rich-may-sell-london-homes-under-anti-corruption-rules">we
will sell our mansions</a> in London!
<p>
That would drive down housing prices in London and make the city more
affordable.  Two birds with one stone!

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Prosecution_of_Guantanamo_prisoner)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Prosecution_of_Guantanamo_prisoner)">Prosecution of Guantanamo prisoner</a>)
<p>
Ammar al-Baluchi says the US wants to prosecute him using statements
he made under torture, 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/12/guantanamo-camp-7-torture-ammar-al-baluchi-un">asks
for a UN investigation</a>.
<p>
I don't think the US is likely to grant that.
<p>
The US should release all the prisoners in Guantanamo prison.
Even if some of them really did commit terrorism, they have been
punished enough.  It is wrong to punish people without trial,
and in order for the US clear its name, it has to stop doing this.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Egypts_tyrannical_regime)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Egypts_tyrannical_regime)">Egypt's tyrannical regime</a>)
<p>
Egyptians refer to the tyrannical regime as 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2016/may/12/pleas-release-egyptian-writer-ahmed-naji">"the
zombies"</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Tax_dodging)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Tax_dodging)">Tax dodging</a>)
<p>
The British colonies that live on tax dodging make the argument that
stopping them is futile 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/12/tax-transparency-efforts-fail-american-states-excluded-summit">without
stopping the US too</a>.
<p>
Of course, we must prevent tax dodging in all these places, but if we
have an opportunity to do it in some places, we should take it The
argument, "Don't stop us before you stop others", is simply invalid.
<p>
The fewer such states remain, the easier it will be to concentrate
pressure on those.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Repression_in_the_UK)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Repression_in_the_UK)">Repression in the UK</a>)
<p>
Repression in the UK: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/may/13/man-jailed-after-breaching-tidy-home-injunction">a man has been jailed because he didn't keep his yard clean,</a> and for having visitors after 9:30pm.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Crocodile_species_in_danger)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Crocodile_species_in_danger)">Crocodile species in danger</a
>)
<p>
Half of all species of crocodilians are in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/sep/08/human-activity-driving-half-of-worlds-crocodile-species-to-extinction">danger of extinction</a> due to human activity.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Muslim_fanatics_latest_victim)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Muslim_fanatics_latest_victim)">Muslim fanatics latest victim</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/14/bangladesh-elderly-buddhist-monk-hacked-to-death-say-police">The latest victim of Muslim fanatics</a> in Bangladesh was a Buddhist monk.
<p>Many Muslims are willing to tolerate dissent, but the current of
disrespect for others' religious freedom goes back to Muhammad.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Rhinoceros_are_close_to_extinction)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Rhinoceros_are_close_to_extinction)">Rhinoceros are close to extinction</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/africa-wild/2015/sep/18/how-not-to-save-the-rhino">Many species of rhinoceros are close to extinct.</a>  How can we save them?

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Vaquita_Porpoises_are_being_swiftly_wiped_out)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Vaquita_Porpoises_are_being_swiftly_wiped_
out)">Vaquita Porpoises are being swiftly wiped out</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/14/worlds-smallest-porpoise-vaquita-marina-edge-of-extinction-illegal-gillnets">The vaquita porpoises are being swiftly wiped out</a> despite Mexican navy patrols.
<p>The cause is one of the many superstitions typical of Chinese medicine.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(WiFi_routers_will_soon_block_users_installing_their_own_software)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(WiFi_routers_will_soon_block_users_installing_their_own_software)">WiFi routers will soon block users installing their own software</a>)
<p>
Most WiFi router models sold in the US will soon <a href="http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/05/linksys-wrt-routers-wont-block-open-source-firmware-despite-fcc-rules/">block users from installing their own software,</a> supposedly because of FCC regulations. However, the one exception demonstrates that the FCC regulations don't actually require this.
<p>They use the term <a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.html">"open source"</a> because they don't want to endorse our ethical principles.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Pfizer_blocks_drugs)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Pfizer_blocks_drugs)">Pfizer blocks drugs</a>)
<p>
Pfizer has forbidden US states from <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/13/pfizer-blocks-drugs-lethal-injections">using its drug products for executions.</a>
<p>The death penalty is an injustice, and if this stops states from doing them,
that is a good thing.  However, I don't think manufacturers should have
control over how their products are used.  The industry consolidation
that made this blockage possible is also, in general, a bad thing.
<p>We should stop the death penalty with a decision to abolish it, not
by letting companies have such control.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Clinton_and_Trump_connected_to_Goldman_Sachs)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Clinton_and_Trump_connected_to_Goldman_Sach
s)">Clinton and Trump connected to Goldman Sachs</a>)
<p>
Both Clinton and Trump are <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/12/clinton-and-trump-two-candidates-enveloped-shadow-goldman-sachs">connected to Goldman Sachs.</a>

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Tax_Experts_Push_IRS)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Tax_Experts_Push_IRS)">Tax Experts Push IRS</a>)
<p>
Tax Experts Push IRS to <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/05/12/tax-experts-push-irs-expose-multinational-tax-dodging">Expose Multinational Tax Dodging.</a>

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(The_EPA_has_proposed_rules_to_reduce_methane_leaks)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(The_EPA_has_proposed_rules_to_reduce_
methane_leaks)">The EPA has proposed rules to reduce methane leaks</a>)
<p>
The EPA has proposed rules to <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/12/wholly-inadequate-environmentalists-decry-epas-new-methane-rules">reduce methane leaks from new facilities,</a> but still has not tackled the existing facilities.
<p>The right thing to do with new fossil fuel facilities is <em>not build any</em>.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Secrecy_of_Corporations)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Secrecy_of_Corporations)">Secrecy of Corporations</a>)
<p>
Obama's new rules about <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/12/new-rules-corporate-secrecy-have-glaring-loopholes">secrecy of corporations</a> may be meant to forestall stronger action being considered in Congress.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Washingtons_Military_Addiction)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Washingtons_Military_Addiction)">Washington's Military Addiction</a>)
<p>
The US has an addition to war, and tends to <a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/12/washingtons-military-addiction-and-ruins-still-come">engage in ever more war regardless of details.</a>
<p>I am not a pacifist: I think that fighting PISSI is legitimate
provided it is done in ways that don't tend to cause lots of civilian
casualties.  I don't trust the US government to limit itself to those ways.
<p>In other cases, such as supporting the bombardment Yemen, the US
hardly bothers to offer a reason.
<p><a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/12/neocons-and-neolibs-how-dead-ideas-kill">Clinton is not likely to do anything to restrain the increase.</a>
<p>Trump says he will do so, but what such a liar says means little.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Fracking_has_caused_widespread_pollution)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Fracking_has_caused_widespread_pollution)">Fracking has caused widespread pollution</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/35977-duke-study-finds-a-legacy-of-radioactivity-contamination-from-fracking-wastewater-spills">Fracking in North Dakota</a> 
has caused widespread pollution of water.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Post-Truth_Politicians)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Post-Truth_Politicians)">Post-Truth Politicians</a>)
<p>
Post-Truth Politicians Such As <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/13/boris-johnson-donald-trump-post-truth-politician">
Donald Trump And Boris Johnson</a> Are No Joke.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Individual_Corruption_Flourishing)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Individual_Corruption_Flourishing)">Individual Corruption Flourishing</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/13/corruption-individual-flourishing-david-cameron-summit">Some aspects of society and law tempt people to be corrupt.</a>  However, other aspects make it very hard for a poor person not to be corrupt.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(French_women_are_rising_up)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(French_women_are_rising_up)">French women are rising up</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/13/we-can-no-longer-stay-silent-fury-erupts-over-sexism-in-french-politics">
French women are rising up</a> against a pervasive culture of sexual harassment
by male politicians.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Israel_has_banned_Omar_Barghouti_from_travelling)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Israel_has_banned_Omar_Barghouti_from_t
ravelling)">Israel has banned Omar Barghouti from travelling</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/13/interview-with-bds-advocate-omar-barghouti-banned-by-israel-from-traveling-threatened-with-worse/">Israel 
has banned Omar Barghouti from travelling abroad,</a> apparently out of disapproval of the views he advocates while travelling.

<p>
<li><a name="16_May_2016_(Employers_Can't_Force_You_To_Be_Happy)" />16 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#16_May_2016_(Employers_Can't_Force_You_To_Be_Happy)">Employers 
Can't Force You To Be Happy</a>)
<p>
It's Official: [US] Employers <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/13/employers-cant-force-you-to-be-happy-labor-relations-board">
Can't Force You To Be Happy.</a>

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(Urgent:_End_cap_on_Social_Security_tax)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(Urgent:_End_cap_on_Social_Security_tax)">Urgent: End cap on Social Security tax</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://leftaction.com/scrap-the-cap">call for ending the
cap</a> on Social Security tax.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(Urgent:_Clean_Power_Plan)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(Urgent:_Clean_Power_Plan)">Urgent: Clean Power Plan</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://secure.nrdconline.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=4015">call
on the Peabody Energy CEO</a> to stop fighting the Clean Power Plan.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_fracking)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_fracking)">Urgent: Oppose fracking</a>)
<p>
Citizens of Massachusetts: 
<a href="https://secure.foodandwaterwatch.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=2616">oppose
new infrastructure</a> for using fracked gas.
<p>
I my message, I stated that gas that requires fracking should be left
in the ground.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(Indian_cities_in_top_10_for_pollution)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(Indian_cities_in_top_10_for_pollution)">Indian cities in top 10 for pollution</a>)
<p>
Delhi and five other Indian cities are in the top 10 for pollution,
which 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/12/calls-for-action-mount-as-six-indian-cities-hit-top-10-of-air-pollution">shortens
people's lives</a>.  Nonetheless India has not changed its 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-nov-feb.html#7_December_2015_(Indian_energy_plans)">plans
to increase coal combustion</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(Corruption_in_the_US_and_UK)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(Corruption_in_the_US_and_UK)">Corruption in the US and UK</a>)
<p>
To end corruption, start with the US and UK.  
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/12/anti-corruption-summit-us-united-kingdom-tax-havens">They
allow it in broad daylight</a>.
<p>
The British banks are in effect the hub of a global network of
organized crime.
<p>
It is telling that Mossack Fonseca claims to have done "due diligence"
to check the legitimacy of an average of 37 new corporations per day.
Their definition of "due diligence" is clearly inadequate.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(The_US_political_and_media_system)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(The_US_political_and_media_system)">The US political and media system</a>)
<p>
Nader: The U.S. Political & Media System Is 
<a href="http://www.democracynow.org/2016/5/10/nader_the_us_political_media_system">Designed
to Obstruct, Silence Third-Party Candidates</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(Segregation_in_the_US)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(Segregation_in_the_US)">Segregation in the US</a>)
<p>
Wealthier US families with children are boosting segregation by
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/residential-segregation-children-families_us_57214692e4b01a5ebde47d34">squeezing
into neighborhoods with better schools</a>, forcing poorer families to
the worse schools.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(Voter_ID_laws)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(Voter_ID_laws)">Voter ID laws</a>)
<p>
Voter ID laws are effective at 
<a href="http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/05/11/3777214/voter-id-reports/">voter
suppression</a>, against students and Latinos.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(The_reward_structure_of_science)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(The_reward_structure_of_science)">The reward structure of science</a>)
<p>
The reward structure of science 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/political-science/2016/may/12/to-confront-21st-century-challenges-science-needs-to-rethink-its-reward-system">encourages
publication of many papers of so little interest that they are never
cited</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(President_Rousseff_impeached)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(President_Rousseff_impeached)">President Rousseff impeached</a>)
<p>
Brazil's senate has 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/12/dilma-rousseff-brazil-president-impeached-senate-vote">impeached
President Rousseff</a>, who will now be temporarily replaced in office
during her trial.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(Dominicans_stripped_of_citizenship)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(Dominicans_stripped_of_citizenship)">Dominicans stripped of citizenship</a>)
<p>
Dominicans of Haitian ancestry, who were stripped of citizenship
retroactively and expelled to Haiti, remain 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/may/12/haiti-dominican-republic-migrants-makeshift-camp">in
camps near the border</a>, with no medical care, no work, and little
food.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(High_heels_in_the_office)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(High_heels_in_the_office)">High heels in the office</a>)
<p>
"Enforcing high heels in the office is the height of 
<a href='http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2016/may/12/enforcing-high-heels-in-the-office-is-the-height-of-workplace-sexism'>workplace
sexism</a>."  Especially since they are bad for the feet.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(UK_rejects_cases_of_mistreated_Iraqis)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(UK_rejects_cases_of_mistreated_Iraqis)">UK rejects cases of mistreated Iraqis</a>)
<p>
The UK has rejected the cases of Iraqis 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2016/may/12/court-rejects-600-iraqis-claims-of-mistreatment-by-uk-soldiers">mistreated
by UK soldiers occupying Iraq</a>, on the excuse that Iraqi law says
they brought the cases too late.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(Tax_havens)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(Tax_havens)">Tax havens</a>)
<p>
Tax Havens 'Serve 
<a href="https://www.oxfam.org/en/pressroom/pressreleases/2016-05-09/tax-havens-serve-no-useful-economic-purpose-300-economists-tell">No
Useful Economic Purpose</a>': 300 Economists Tell World Leaders.
<p>
This conclusion is valid if you look at the stated goals of
governments and businesses.  But those tax havens do serve the
goals of the rich people that these governments really obey.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(Arson_committed_by_planet_roasters)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(Arson_committed_by_planet_roasters)">Arson committed by planet roasters</a>)
<p>
The
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/true-north/2016/may/12/the-arsonists-of-fort-mcmurray-have-a-name">burning
of Fort McMurray</a> was effectively arson committed by the planet
roasters.
<p>
After the Fort McMurray fire, now is the time to talk about
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/11/fort-mcmurray-fire-absolutely-harbinger-things-come">how
to stop our global heating practices</a>.
<p>
When people tell us, "Now is not the right time," we must respond,
"The right time was 10 years ago, and now we are very late.  Don't
suggest we wait another day!"
<p>
Each part of the world has a mission it must do to prevent global
disaster.  For Alberta, that mission is to stop the tar sands
extraction.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(Trump_attacks_trigger_happy_Clinton)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(Trump_attacks_trigger_happy_Clinton)">Trump attacks "trigger happy" Clinton</a>)
<p>
Trump has
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/12/donald-trump-calls-hillary-clinton-trigger-happy-as-she-courts-neocons/">attacked
Clinton for her readiness to attack other countries</a>.
<p>
However, he too supported the invasion of Iraq, ignoring all the
obvious
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2004-may-aug.html#08%20August%202004%20(Control%20of%20Iraq)">reasons
it was wrong</a>.
<p>
The president we need is Bernie Sanders.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(Salafi_Arabian_officials_supported_hijackers)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(Salafi_Arabian_officials_supported_hijackers)">Salafi Arabian officials supported hijackers</a>)
<p>
A member of the 9/11 commission says that Salafi Arabian officials
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/12/911-commission-saudi-arabia-hijackers">provided
support for the hijackers</a>, though not with approval of their
government.
<p>
He called for release of the suppressed part of the commission's
report.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(The_prisoners_tortured_in_Abu_Ghraib)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(The_prisoners_tortured_in_Abu_Ghraib)">The prisoners tortured in Abu Ghraib</a>)
<p>
The prisoners tortured in Abu Ghraib are
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/11/abu-ghraib-prisoners-deserve-their-day-in-court-war-in-iraq">still
seeking justice in US courts</a>, while those responsible are seeking
legal excuses to make the issue disappear.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(Playing_into_al_Qaidas_plan)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(Playing_into_al_Qaidas_plan)">Playing into al Qa'ida's plan</a>)
<p>
Chomsky: repeating the approach of
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/11/al-qaida-war-on-terror-noam-chomsky-masters-of-mankind">taking
a sledgehammer to vulnerable societies</a> plays into al Qa'ida's plan
to draw the west into a quagmire.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(The_proposed_autonomous_zone_for_Mindanao)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(The_proposed_autonomous_zone_for_Mindanao)">The proposed autonomous zone for Mindanao</a>)
<p>
The proposed autonomy agreement for areas of Mindanao in the
Philippines
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/09/nascent-peace-deal-at-risk-amid-philippines-political-uncertainty">may
now never be ratified</a>.
<p>
An autonomous zone for a specific ethnic group is sometimes a good way
to resolve disputes — as long as human rights are protected.
<p>
In the Philippines, I was told that this proposed autonomous zone
would be allowed to set its own definition of human rights.  I fear
this means trashing human rights in accord with Shari'a law, against
women and against those who want to stop being Muslim.  Thus, I do not
regret the failure of this agreement.  I hope they negotiate another
agreement that respects the human rights of everyone in the autonomous
zone, not only the males that want to be Muslims.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(Drone_killings)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(Drone_killings)">Drone killings</a>)
<p>
We Need a Debate on
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/11/debate-drone-killings-military-conflict-committee">Drone
Killings</a> — Whether They Should Be Happening At All.
<p>
The legitimacy of targeted killing (assassination off the battlefield)
is in question as well as that of the unintended victims.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(Push_for_renewable_energy_in_Australia)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(Push_for_renewable_energy_in_Australia)">Push for renewable energy in Australia</a>)
<p>
Some local communities in Australia are
<a href="
http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/may/12/australias-regions-already-have-an-energy-crisis-and-a-climate-of-investment-is-the-answer">pushing
hard for renewable energy</a> even against the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#17_July_2015_(Protecting_fossil_fuel_consumption)">national
government's push to continue fossil fuels</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(Damage_to_the_Great_Barrier_Reef)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(Damage_to_the_Great_Barrier_Reef)">Damage to the Great Barrier Reef</a>)
<p>
Tourist boat operators are
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/may/12/australias-regions-already-have-an-energy-crisis-and-a-climate-of-investment-is-the-answer">trying
to conceal</a> the damage to the Great Barrier Reef from politicians
and reporters.
<p>
This is the same short-term spirit as the fossil fuel companies carry
out.  It's easier than preventing further damage, but it won't work
for long.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(Encryption_software_as_munitions)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(Encryption_software_as_munitions)">Encryption software as "munitions"</a>)
<p>
If encryption software is "munitions", does the Second Amendment guarantee
the
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/the-second-amendment-case-for-the-right-to-bear-encryption">right
to bear encryption software</a>?

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(Punishing_abortion)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(Punishing_abortion)">Punishing abortion</a>)
<p>
Punishing abortion
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/11/criminalising-abortion-does-not-cut-number-of-terminations-says-study">does
not reduce the rate of abortions</a>.  (It does put women in danger.)
However, access to modern contraception does reduce the rate of
abortions, because it avoids unwanted pregnancies.


<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(French_Surveillance_Law)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(French_Surveillance_Law)">French Surveillance Law</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.laquadrature.net/en/surveillance-law-before-french-council-of-state">Legal
Action against</a> the French Surveillance Law (of 2015).
<p>
Note that the repeatedly extended "state of emergency" in France makes
the surveillance even worse than what this law authorizes.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(War_on_Sharing)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(War_on_Sharing)">War on Sharing</a>)
<p>
Germany
<a href="https://torrentfreak.com/germany-to-rescind-piracy-liability-for-open-wifi-operators-160511/">will
repeal one repressive measure</a> that is part of the War on Sharing:
punishing owners of unrestricted WiFi networks when they are used to
share.
<p>
This is an example of collective responsibility, which in general is
what states do to enforce laws that the people in general do not
support.  A democratic government would put an end to the War on
Sharing, and adopt
<a href="https://gnu.org/philosophy/copyright-vs-community.html">non-repressive
means to support the arts</a>.
<p>
The article uses the word
<a href="https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Piracy">"piracy"</a>
to refer to sharing.  Since that derogatory word carries spin that
supports the War on Sharing, we should reject it.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(Trump_ties_with_Clinton_in_polls)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(Trump_ties_with_Clinton_in_polls)">Trump ties with Clinton in polls</a>)
<p>
Trump now
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/11/terrifying-new-national-poll-shows-trump-and-clinton-statistically-tied">ties
with Clinton</a> in polls.

<p>
<li><a name="14_May_2016_(Global_heating_denialism)" />14 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#14_May_2016_(Global_heating_denialism)">Global heating denialism</a>)
<p>
Peabody Energy
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2016/may/11/coal-made-its-best-case-against-climate-change-and-lost">argued
global heating denialism in court</a>, and lost.

<p>
<li><a name="13_May_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_financing_global_heating_denial)" />13 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_May_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_financing_global_heating_denial)">Urgent: Stop financing global heating denial</a>)
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="https://actions.sumofus.org/a/stop-bankrolling-exxon-s-climate-change-denial/">call
on big banks</a> to stop financing Exxon's global heating denial.

<p>
<li><a name="13_May_2016_(Better_grades_without_computers)" />13 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_May_2016_(Better_grades_without_computers)">Better grades without computers</a>)
<p>
An experiment which randomly chose which students could use computers
in class found that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/may/11/students-who-use-digital-devices-in-class-perform-worse-in-exams">those
who did not use computers got better grades</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="13_May_2016_(Urgent:_Protect_Palestinian_minors)" />13 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_May_2016_(Urgent:_Protect_Palestinian_minors)">Urgent: Protect Palestinian minors</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/protect-children-in-military">call
on Congress</a> to ask the US to appoint a special representative to
protect Palestinian minors in Israeli prisons.
<p>
Some of those minors are so young that they really are children.
Others are adolescents, and I don't think we should call them
"children", but it is still wrong the way Israel treats them in
prison.

<p>
<li><a name="13_May_2016_(For-profit_colleges)" />13 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_May_2016_(For-profit_colleges)">For-profit colleges</a>)
<p>
For-profit colleges in the US regularly
<a href="http://www.thenation.com/article/for-profit-colleges-have-found-a-new-way-to-hoodwink-their-students/">make
their students agree to contracts that impose arbitration instead of
lawsuits</a>, and in some cases require them to keep their complaints
secret.
<p>
No company should be allowed to impose such requirements on its
customers.  Meanwhile, for-profit colleges are a bad idea, and a big
risk; don't spend your money on them.

<p>
<li><a name="13_May_2016_(Farming_the_sea_for_plants_and_shellfish)" />13 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_May_2016_(Farming_the_sea_for_plants_and_shellfish)">Farming the sea for plants and shellfish</a>)
<p>
Farming the sea for plants and shellfish is a
<a href="http://www.thenation.com/article/this-former-fisherman-is-now-farming-the-most-sustainable-food-on-earth-underwater/">sustainable
food production method</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="13_May_2016_(Climate_disinformation_from_Exxon)" />13 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_May_2016_(Climate_disinformation_from_Exxon)">Climate disinformation from Exxon</a>)
<p>
Exxon is
<a href="http://www.ucsusa.org/publications/got-science/2016/got-science-may-2016">still
spreading climate disinformation</a>, including via ALEC.
<p>
On the <a href="/articles/exxon.html">correct pronunciation of
"Exxon"</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="13_May_2016_(War_on_Diarrhea_Medication)" />13 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_May_2016_(War_on_Diarrhea_Medication)">War on Diarrhea Medication</a>)
<p>
Now that the War on Painkillers is in high gear, the
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2016/05/11/where-will-opioid-panic-lead-how-about-r">War
on Diarrhea Medication</a> may come next.

<p>
<li><a name="13_May_2016_(Arkansas_thug_steals_20000)" />13 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_May_2016_(Arkansas_thug_steals_20000)">Arkansas thug steals 20000</a>)
<p>
An Arkansas thug
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2016/05/11/arkansas-trooper-steals-20000-because-no">took
Guillermo Espinoza's $20,000</a>, assuming that if he had so much
money it could only be from selling drugs.  Then, when prosecutors had
second thoughts, the judge approved the grab anyway.

<p>
<li><a name="13_May_2016_(Segregation_in_public_toilets)" />13 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_May_2016_(Segregation_in_public_toilets)">Segregation in public toilets</a>)
<p>
There is a
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/05/north-carolina-transgender-history-bathrooms-freakouts-timeline">long
history</a> of dealing with issues of segregation (racial or gender)
in public toilets.

<p>
<li><a name="13_May_2016_(Hedge_fund_managers)" />13 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_May_2016_(Hedge_fund_managers)">Hedge fund managers</a>)
<p>
The leading hedge fund managers were paid an
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/11/hedge-fund-managers-are-winning-2015-another-year-outrageous-compensation">average
of half a billion dollars each</a> in 2015, even though most of the
funds actually lost money.

<p>
<li><a name="13_May_2016_(Toxic_e-waste_regulation)" />13 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_May_2016_(Toxic_e-waste_regulation)">Toxic e-waste regulation</a>)
<p>
Regulations and voluntary policies to avoid sending toxic e-waste to
poor countries for manual recycling are
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/10/gps-tracking-devices-catch-major-u-s-recyclers-in-improper-e-waste-exports/">failing
a lot of the time</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="13_May_2016_(The_Democratic_Convention)" />13 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_May_2016_(The_Democratic_Convention)">The Democratic Convention</a>)
<p>
The Democratic Party has invited
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/11/lobbyists-dnc-2016-convention/">business
executives and lobbyists</a> into the heart of planning the Democratic
Convention.

<p>
<li><a name="13_May_2016_(Prisoners_in_Alabama_on_strike)" />13 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_May_2016_(Prisoners_in_Alabama_on_strike)">Prisoners in Alabama on strike</a>)
<p>
Prisoners in Alabama, who are on strike, say
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/10/striking-prisoners-in-alabama-accuse-officials-of-using-food-as-weapon/">the
prison is now trying to starve them into surrender</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="13_May_2016_(The_Great_Barrier_Reef)" />13 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_May_2016_(The_Great_Barrier_Reef)">The Great Barrier Reef</a>)
<p>
The heat of the ocean has
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/12/great-barrier-reef-devastating-images-tell-story-of-coral-colonies-destruction">killed
all the coral in large parts of the Great Barrier Reef</a>, and made
it useless as a shelter for the many species of fish that depend on
it.

<p>
<li><a name="13_May_2016_(The_thug_that_killed_Walter_Scott)" />13 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_May_2016_(The_thug_that_killed_Walter_Scott)">The thug that killed Walter Scott</a>)
<p>
The thug that killed Walter Scott faces federal charges:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/11/walter-scott-shooting-officer-michael-slager-federal-charges">obstruction
of justice, and deprivation of civil rights</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="13_May_2016_(French_whistleblowers_face_prosecution)" />13 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_May_2016_(French_whistleblowers_face_prosecution)">French whistleblowers face prosecution</a>)
<p>
Two French whistleblowers
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/may/10/luxleaks-prosecutors-whistleblowers-tax-evasion-luxembourg-deltour-halet">face
prosecution in Luxembourg</a>.  They exposed how Luxembourg eagerly
helped multinationals to pay very little tax.

<p>
<li><a name="13_May_2016_(Turkey_refuses_human_rights_investigation)" />13 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_May_2016_(Turkey_refuses_human_rights_investigation)">Turkey refuses human rights investigation</a>)
<p>
Turkey has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/11/turkey-dismisses-un-alarm-at-alleged-rights-abuses-in-kurdish-region">refused
to allow UN human rights investigators to visit</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="13_May_2016_(Loss_of_bee_colonies)" />13 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#13_May_2016_(Loss_of_bee_colonies)">Loss of bee colonies</a>)
<p>
US bee keepers
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/11/bee-colony-deaths-environmental-problems">lost
44% of their colonies in a year</a>.
<p>
Global heating effects may be part of the cause, because they
<a href="http://e360.yale.edu/feature/bee_collapse_co2_climate_change_agriculture/2991/">reduce
the fraction of protein in the pollen that bees eat</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="12_May_2016_(Urgent:_Climate_coverage_on_CNN)" />12 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_May_2016_(Urgent:_Climate_coverage_on_CNN)">Urgent: Climate coverage on CNN</a>)
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/CNN_climate">Tell CNN</a> to
stop the climate negligence. Show climate coverage, not fossil fuel
ads.

<p>
<li><a name="12_May_2016_(Urgent:_Investigate_toxic_swaps)" />12 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_May_2016_(Urgent:_Investigate_toxic_swaps)">Urgent: Investigate "toxic swaps"</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://act.demandprogress.org/sign/toxic-swaps/">call on the
SEC</a> investigate "toxic swaps" that drain US cities, and make the
banksters return what they have taken.

<p>
<li><a name="12_May_2016_(Global_heating)" />12 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_May_2016_(Global_heating)">Global heating</a>)
<p>
A
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/10/headlines-exaggerated-climate-link-to-sinking-of-pacific-islands">confused
claim</a> that global heating wasn't really responsible for submerging
some of the Solomon Islands.
<p>
Looking closely at this article, it appears that heating really is the
main responsible factor.  The Pacific Decadal Oscillation, being
cyclical, can make such events happen a few years sooner or later, but
doesn't change anything in the long term.

<p>
<li><a name="12_May_2016_(Navys_intent_to_break_law)" />12 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_May_2016_(Navys_intent_to_break_law)">Navy's intent to break law</a>)
<p>
Emails Reveal Navy's Intent to Break Law,
<a href="http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/35954-exclusive-emails-reveal-navy-s-intent-to-break-law-threatening-endangered-wildlife">Threatening
Endangered Wildlife</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="12_May_2016_(Torture_by_Mexicos_state_agents)" />12 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_May_2016_(Torture_by_Mexicos_state_agents)">Torture by Mexico's state agents</a>)
<p>
Mexicans say state agents
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/10/suspects-missing-mexican-students-tortured-to-confess">tortured
them to make them support the state's (demonstratedly false) version
of events in the disappearance of 43 students</a>.  Independent
examinations found evidence of this torture.
<p>
They say state agents even threatened to murder their family members.

<p>
<li><a name="12_May_2016_(Medical_marijuana_dispensaries)" />12 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_May_2016_(Medical_marijuana_dispensaries)">Medical marijuana dispensaries</a>)
<p>
The US government has
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/may/10/medical-marijuana-harborside-health-center">abandoned
its effort to close two medical marijuana dispensaries</a> in
California.

<p>
<li><a name="12_May_2016_(Wells_Fargo_Bank_tries_to_cheat)" />12 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_May_2016_(Wells_Fargo_Bank_tries_to_cheat)">Wells Fargo Bank tries to cheat</a>)
<p>
Duke Tran is suing Wells Fargo Bank, saying his boss fired him because
he told the truth to a mortgage-holder that the bank was
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/05/09/1524770/-Wells-Fargo-told-employees-to-pretend-like-they-didn-t-lose-important-customer-papers">trying
to cheat</a>.
<p>
The boss told him and other staff not to admit to customers that the
bank had lost their contracts (or perhaps had
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-jul-oct.html#18_August_2011_(Massive_Bank_Fraud)">never
had them</a>).

<p>
<li><a name="12_May_2016_(Anti-Zionism_is_not_antisemitism)" />12 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_May_2016_(Anti-Zionism_is_not_antisemitism)">Anti-Zionism is not antisemitism</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/10/anti-zionism-does-not-equate-to-antisemitism">Anti-Zionism
Does Not Equate to Antisemitism</a>, say British Jews rebuking the
claims of the Chief Rabbi.
<p>
Rooting out antisemitism from various British political parties
requires carefully
<a href="http://www.thejc.com/comment-and-debate/comment/157790/the-problem-real-also-exaggerated">distinguishing
condemnation of the occupation of Palestine from antisemitism</a>.
Confusing the two, which defenders of the occupation persistently try
to do, is likely to encourage antisemitism.

<p>
<li><a name="12_May_2016_(Lummi_tribe_blocks_coal_export_terminal)" />12 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_May_2016_(Lummi_tribe_blocks_coal_export_terminal)">Lummi tribe blocks coal export terminal</a>)
<p>
The Lummi tribe
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/10/first-nation-wins-historic-victory-over-mammoth-coal-export-terminal">won
a court case</a> to block the construction of a coal export terminal at
Cherry Point, Washington.

<p>
<li><a name="12_May_2016_(Having_children)" />12 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_May_2016_(Having_children)">Having children</a>)
<p>
"I decided not to have children for
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2011/sep/27/not-have-children-environmental-reasons">environmental
reasons</a>."
<p>
Especially the well-off Americans, who consume so much per person,
should have fewer children.

<p>
<li><a name="12_May_2016_(Canadas_oil_production_reduced)" />12 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_May_2016_(Canadas_oil_production_reduced)">Canada's oil production reduced</a>)
<p>
The fire that burned parts of Fort McMurray has
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/11/fort-mcmurray-wildfire-cuts-canadas-oil-output-by-a-third">cut
Canada's oil production by 1/3</a>.  Alas, it is only temporary.  If
it were permanent, it might help avoid even worse fires in the future.

<p>
<li><a name="12_May_2016_(Another_arrest_for_defaming_the_king)" />12 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#12_May_2016_(Another_arrest_for_defaming_the_king)">Another arrest for "defaming the king"</a>)
<p>
Thailand
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/11/us-condemns-arrest-of-thai-activists-mother-over-one-word-facebook-post">arrested
another person for "defaming the king"</a>, and the US has condemned
it.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Nauru_refugee_prison)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Nauru_refugee_prison)">Nauru refugee prison</a>)
<p>
A refugee forcibly sent by Australia to Nauru had a heart attack, and
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/may/11/bangladeshi-refugee-dies-on-nauru-of-suspected-heart-attack">died
waiting to be sent to Australia for treatment</a>.  He apparently had
tried to commit suicide by taking an overdose of medicines.
<p>
Nauru <a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#20_February_2016_(Nauru_restricting_visits_by_Australians)">does
not allow journalists unless they are totally tame</a>.
<p>
Meanwhile, the Australian staff face
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jul-oct.html#21_October_2015_(Australian_governments_priorities)">threats
of imprisonment if they talk about any sort of mistreatment of the
prisoners</a>.  Australia is running a vicious scheme that allows it
to conceal any abuse.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Mosul)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Mosul)">Mosul</a>)
<p>
The Iraqi army is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/11/mosul-the-city-that-will-define-not-just-iraqs-war-but-its-future">still
incapable of taking Mosul</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Cruelty_towards_welfare_recipients)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Cruelty_towards_welfare_recipients)">Cruelty towards welfare recipients</a>)
<p>
The UK government's cruelty towards welfare recipients is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/may/11/benefit-sanctions-hurting-low-paid-vulnerable-people">pushing
low-paid workers into desperation</a>.  Some have to steal to eat.
Some children can't afford to go to school.
<p>
If the Tories seriously wanted workers to work more hours, or get
higher pay, they would make employers give workers longer hours and
higher pay.  That would be effective.  But Tories don't really want
those changes to occur, they only want an excuse to harass and punish
workers.
<p>
This adds to other injustices to the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-nov-feb.html#21_December_2015_(Suicide_and_depression_in_the_UK)">disabled</a> and the
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-mar-jun.html#27_June_2015_(Tories_are_morderers)">unemployed</a>.
<p>
The real purpose is to demonize the non-rich as an excuse for dooH
niboR (Robin Hood in reverse).

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Condemnation_for_test-based_education)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Condemnation_for_test-based_education)">Condemnation for test-based education</a>)
<p>
An organization of British authors
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/may/11/sats-tests-will-harm-next-generation-of-writers-says-society-of-authors">condemns
Britain's test-based education</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Success_for_fishing_diplomacy)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Success_for_fishing_diplomacy)">Success for fishing diplomacy</a>)
<p>
A success for fishing diplomacy:
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/11/north-east-atlantic-mackerel-wins-back-sustainable-status">Atlantic
mackerel</a> are now managed sustainably.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Study_about_atrazine_deleted_by_EPA)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Study_about_atrazine_deleted_by_EPA)">Study about atrazine deleted by EPA</a>)
<p>
EPA scientists published a study reporting that the pesticide atrazine
seems to harm wild plants and aquatic animals.  The EPA
<a href="http://www.prwatch.org/news/2016/05/13104/epa-atrazine-likely-harming-most-species-plants-and-animals">deleted
it without saying why</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Rising_CO2_level)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Rising_CO2_level)">Rising CO<sub>2</sub> level</a>)
<p>
The CO<sub>2</sub> level is now
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/11/worlds-carbon-dioxide-concentration-teetering-on-the-point-of-no-return">reaching
400 parts per million</a>, yet willfully blindness continues.  For
instance, look at
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/11/heathrow-airport-ban-night-flights-plan-third-runway">the
plan to build another runway in a London airport</a>.
<p>
It would be a wasted investment, because they could not keep using it
for enough decades to recoup the cost.
<p>
Note how the discussion of the effect on the "environment" is limited
to the local area around the airport.  CO<sub>2</sub> emissions are
ignored completely.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Failure_to_build_energy_efficient_homes)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Failure_to_build_energy_efficient_homes)">Failure to build energy efficient homes</a>)
<p>
"The UK governmentâs failure to build new homes that are energy
efficient
<a href='http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/11/we-are-mortgaging-the-future-by-scrapping-zero-carbon-home-rules'>will
see future generations dealing with our costly mistakes</a>."
<p>
The same can be said about many other places.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Facebooks_trending_topics)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Facebooks_trending_topics)">Facebook's "trending topics"</a>)
<p>
Facebook's team of editors for "trending topics"
<a href="http://gizmodo.com/former-facebook-workers-we-routinely-suppressed-conser-1775461006">altered
the list of stories</a> based on their own biases, and based on
instructions from their bosses.
<p>
This is little different from what happens in US mass media generally.
Most of the US media
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#19_August_2015_(Mass_media_don%27t_cover_Sanders)">shut
Bernie Sanders out entirely until he started winning some state
primaries</a>, while
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#8_March_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_CBS_news_Trump-boosting)">one
TV network hyped Trump</a> because his crudeness attracted viewers.
<p>
It's wrong, however, for Facebook to do this if it claims that it
isn't selecting stories, just showing what its useds are looking at.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Erdogan)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Erdogan)">Erdo&gbreve;an</a>)
<p>
Erdo&gbreve;an
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/may/11/recep-tayyip-erdogan-injunction-german-axel-springer-poem">has
been denied a German court order requiring a German businessman not to
support publicly a satirical poem video about Erdo&gbreve;an</a>.
<p>
However, another German was ordered not to say that Erdo&gbreve;an
should be shot.
<p>
Some Turkish citizens are already fighting Erdo&gbreve;an's men, since
last summer
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-may-aug.html#04_August_2015_(Turkish_journalist_fired_for_tweet)">when
he started a war against them</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Sex_work)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Sex_work)">Sex work</a>)
<p>
Former sex workers speak against
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/may/10/belle-de-jour-author-mps-prostitution-laws-brooke-magnanti">plans
to make sex workers' customers criminals</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Urgent:_Fair_representation)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Urgent:_Fair_representation)">Urgent: Fair representation</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://pac.petitions.moveon.org/sign/ensure-fair-representation">call
on the Democratic National Convention</a> to give Sanders supporters
fair representation on the platform committee.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_sponsorship_of_RNC)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_sponsorship_of_RNC)">Urgent: Oppose sponsorship of RNC</a>)
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/stop-sponsoring-trump/">call
on Google and other tech companies</a> not to support the Republican
National Convention.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Urgent:_Test_modified_mushrooms)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Urgent:_Test_modified_mushrooms)">Urgent: Test modified mushrooms</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/gmo-mushrooms-are-not">call
for thorough testing</a> of genetically modified mushrooms whose sole
justification is that they stay whiter for longer.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Women_who_regret_having_had_children)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Women_who_regret_having_had_children)">Women who regret having had children</a>)
<p>
Women who regret having had children face
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/may/09/love-regret-mothers-wish-never-had-children-motherhood">strong
social pressure to shut up about this</a>, but some are daring to say
so.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Freedom_of_speech_in_Scotland)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Freedom_of_speech_in_Scotland)">Freedom of speech in Scotland</a>)
<p>
The lack of freedom of speech in Scotland is demonstrated by the
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/may/09/nazi-salute-dog-man-faces-hate-crime-charge-scotland">prosecution
of someone for posting a video considered "offensive"</a>.
<p>

I can't tell from the description who it is thought to offend.  Jews?
Nazis?  Either way, that should not be a crime.  Freedom of speech
includes the right to offend, insult, mock or condemn any person,
group, organization, belief or activity.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Banksters_new_darling)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Banksters_new_darling)">Banksters' new darling</a>)
<p>
Clinton is the new darling of banksters, now that the Republicans they
supported are out of the race.  In March,
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/09/wall-street-donors-flocking-clinton">over
50% of banksters' campaign contributions went to Clinton</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Journalists_required_to_get_background_checks)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Journalists_required_to_get_background_checks)">Journalists required to get background checks</a>)
<p>
Journalists in the Democratic and Republican conventions will be required
to get
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/09/upcoming-conventions-secret-service-aims-handcuff-first-amendment">background
checks from the Secret Service</a>.  This is a dangerous form of
censorship.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Uganda_bans_coverage_of_protests)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Uganda_bans_coverage_of_protests)">Uganda bans coverage of protests</a>)
<p>
Uganda has
<a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-36212266">banned
coverage of opposition protests</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Charges_against_Mordechai_Vanunu)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Charges_against_Mordechai_Vanunu)">Charges against Mordechai Vanunu</a>)
<p>
Mordechai Vanunu faces new criminal charges, but they are nothing
except violating the
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/09/israel-fresh-charges-nuclear-whistleblower-mordechai-vanunu">outrageous
controls that have been placed on him</a>.
<p>
These controls are an
<a href="http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4801269,00.html">excuse
to pretend that Vanunu is a monster who would justify them</a>.  The
charges are absurd anyway.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Putin_seeking_admiration)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Putin_seeking_admiration)">Putin seeking admiration</a>)
<p>
Putin is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/10/russia-five-cuban-spies-released-us">trying
to capture some</a> of the admiration for the Cuban Five.
<p>
The Cuban Five were convicted of "spying" in the United States, but
they were never accused of spying on the United States.  They spied on
terrorist groups sponsored by the US that carried out attacks in Cuba.
By prosecuting them, the US made a mockery of its supposed opposition
to terrorism.
<p>
I gave my support to a campaign to free the Cuban Five, but what
did Putin do for them?  Probably nothing, until he got the idea
of inviting them to Moscow so that some of their glory would rub
off on him.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Leader_of_the_Philippines)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Leader_of_the_Philippines)">Leader of the Philippines</a>)
<p>
Don't Compare Trump And Duterte — the Philippines Leader Is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/10/donald-trump-rodrigo-duterte-philippines">Far
Worse</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Use_of_New_Zealand_for_dodging_taxes)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Use_of_New_Zealand_for_dodging_taxes)">Use of New Zealand for dodging taxes</a>)
<p>
The Panama papers reveal
<a href="http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/panama-papers/303356/nz-at-heart-of-panama-money-go-round">heavy
use of New Zealand</a> for purposes of dodging taxes and more.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(US_courts_going_dark)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(US_courts_going_dark)">US courts going dark</a>)
<p>
US courts are gradually going dark, with
<a href="https://www.justsecurity.org/30920/courts-going-dark/">secret
evidence and even secret cases</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Medical_malpractice_insurance_payouts)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Medical_malpractice_insurance_payouts)">Medical malpractice insurance payouts</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://boingboing.net/2016/05/09/safe-patient-project-searchab.html">Less
than 2% of US doctors are responsible for half</a> the medical
malpractice insurance payouts.  If state medical boards stopped
protecting doctors that repeatedly screw up, the US would not have a
medical malpractice problem.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Euro-boas_squeezing_Greece)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Euro-boas_squeezing_Greece)">Euro-boas squeezing Greece</a>)
<p>
Although the euro-boas have backed off demanding a new round of
squeezing Greece, the current round is still being enacted, and it is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/10/greece-austerity-grexit-drachma">likely
to crush people to death</a>.
<p>
Meanwhile, they are currently
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/09/eurozone-ministers-to-examine-how-to-ease-greeces-debt-burden">proposing
only to tinker with secondary aspects of Greece's debt burden</a>.  I
wonder whether the IMF will make them go further.
<p>
The article repeats a common falsehood by saying that there is a
bailout "for Greece".  The bailout is
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#9_May_2016_(Bailout_of_Greece)">really
for the boa-banksters</a>.
<p>
They launder the money through Greece and pretend they are doing
Greece a favor.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Turkish_Border_Guards_continue_to_Shoot_and_Beat)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Turkish_Border_Guards_continue_to_Shoot
_and_Beat)">Turkish Border Guards continue to Shoot and Beat</a>)
<p>
Turkish Border Guards <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/10/turkish-border-guards-continuing-to-shoot-and-beat-refugees-at-border">
'Continuing to Shoot and Beat Refugees at Border'</a>,
according to Human Rights Watch.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Egyptian_Satirists_Arrested)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Egyptian_Satirists_Arrested)">Egyptian Satirists Arrested</a
>)
<p>
Egyptian Satirists <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/10/egyptian-satirists-arrested-for-mocking-president">Arrested for Mocking President</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Philippines_president_promises_to_abolish_human_rights)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Philippines_president_promises_to
_abolish_human_rights)">Philippines president promises to abolish human rights</a>)
<p>
The newly elected president of the Philippines promises to <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/10/rodrigo-the-punisher-duterte-claims-victory-in-philippines-election">abolish human rights and assassinate those he considers criminals</a>.
<p>What this means is, if he puts you on his list, you will not get a trial.
<p>If any democracy at all survives this, it will be by luck.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(The_TPP_would_impose_enforcement_on_employees)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(The_TPP_would_impose_enforcement_on_employees)">The TPP would impose enforcement on employees</a>)
<p>
The <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dean-baker/will-the-trans-pacific-pa_b_9878794.html">
TPP would impose enforcement of non-competition agreements on
employees.</a>  Technology companies want this, but it would be bad for
people who work in technical fields, and perhaps bad for technology
industries over all.
<p>Please don't use the word <a href="
http://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Protection">"protection"</a> in relation with copyright law or patent law.  That term is propaganda for those that want to restrict us.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Tories_quashed_renewable_energy_investment)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Tories_quashed_renewable_energy_investment)">
Tories quashed renewable energy investment</a>)
<p>
Tory rule has been effective in <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/10/uks-attractiveness-for-renewables-investment-plummets-to-all-time-low">
quashing renewable energy investment in the UK.</a>

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Sea-level_rise_submerges_small_islands)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Sea-level_rise_submerges_small_islands)">Sea-level rise submerges small islands</a>)
<p>
Sea-level rise has <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/10/five-pacific-islands-lost-rising-seas-climate-change">submerged some small uninhabited islands in the Solomons.</a>  Worse, inhabited parts of some larger islands have been
inundated permanently.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(One_in_Five_plant_species_face_extinction)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(One_in_Five_plant_species_face_extinction)">One in Five plant species face extinction</a>)
<p>
<a href="
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/10/one-in-five-of-worlds-plant-species-at-risk-of-extinction">
1/5 of the world's plant species face extinction</a> in the short term due
to habitat destruction.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(UK_drone_attacks)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(UK_drone_attacks)">UK drone attacks</a>)
<p>
Those involved in UK drone attacks targeted at specific people could
be <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/may/10/uk-drone-strikes-murder-charges-clarify-legal-basis-targeted-kill-policy-isis">
prosecuted for murder.</a>

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Reddit_ponders_supporting_Adblock_Users)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Reddit_ponders_supporting_Adblock_Users)">Reddit ponders supporting Adblock Users</a>)
<p>
Reddit's Technology Subreddit Ponders <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160509/07311734387/reddits-technology-subreddit-ponders-banning-wired-forbes-blocking-adblock-users.shtml">Banning Wired & Forbes For Blocking Adblock Users.</a>
<p>What they call "ad blockers", I call "surveillance blockers",
and that's what's important about them.  I don't care about seeing an ad,
as such; I object to surveillance and I will block surveillance.
<p>I encourage the redditors to ban sites that are egregious supporters
of surveillance.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Email_Privacy_Act)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Email_Privacy_Act)">Email Privacy Act</a>)
<p>
SEC And Chuck Grassley Still <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160505/00183734348/sec-chuck-grassley-still-trying-to-stop-email-privacy-act-that-got-unanimous-support-house.shtml">Trying To Stop Email Privacy Act</a> That Got UNANIMOUS Support In The House.

<p>
<li><a name="11_May_2016_(Tories_to_impose_control_over_BBC)" />11 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#11_May_2016_(Tories_to_impose_control_over_BBC)">Tories to impose control over BBC</a>)
<p>
The Tories want to <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/may/09/bbc-fears-government-will-win-battle-to-impose-board-members">
impose political control over the BBC</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="10_May_2016_(The_TTIP)" />10 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_May_2016_(The_TTIP)">The TTIP</a>)
<p>
More information about 
<a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/ttip-leaks-shocking-what-are-they-eu-us-deal-a7010121.html">the
damage the TTIP would do to Europe</a>.
<p>
It would do damage to the US as well, but perhaps not the same damage.
If you see good articles about this, please email them to me.

<p>
<li><a name="10_May_2016_(Offshore_front_companies)" />10 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_May_2016_(Offshore_front_companies)">Offshore front companies</a>)
<p>
Offshore front companies are not just for tax-dodging: 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/news/2016/may/09/fraudsters-used-panama-papers-tax-haven-firms-to-trick-amateur-uk-investors">swindlers
use them too</a>.
<p>
Mossack Fonseca practiced a formal sort of 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/news/2016/may/09/how-mossack-fonseca-missed-warning-signs-of-70-million-boiler-room-scam-panama-papers">"due
diligence" with its eyes wide shut</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="10_May_2016_(The_Theater_of_Security_Agency)" />10 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_May_2016_(The_Theater_of_Security_Agency)">The Theater of Security Agency</a>)
<p>
The Theater of Security Agency is short of staff and is 
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/03/business/airport-security-lines.html">causing
big problems for air travellers</a> in the US.

<p>
<li><a name="10_May_2016_(Copyright_on_old_works_of_art)" />10 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_May_2016_(Copyright_on_old_works_of_art)">Copyright on old works of art</a>)
<p>
Scanning old physical works of art gives museums an opportunity to 
<a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/ideas/2016/04/30/kaytal/jUr7WJ5XdIUm5yLLB7HGFP/story.html">try
to impose copyright on them</a>.
<p>
The article uses "intellectual property" as a synonym for copyright.
That is a confusing practice, since in another article "intellectual
property" will be a synonym for some other law.  The term
"intellectual property" adds nothing to any discussion except a 
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html">false
generalization</a>, we should reject it every time it appears.

<p>
<li><a name="10_May_2016_(Private_lawyers_employed_by_Ferguson)" />10 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_May_2016_(Private_lawyers_employed_by_Ferguson)">Private lawyers employed by Ferguson</a>)
<p>
Ferguson employs private lawyers to prosecute people for imaginary,
even fantastic infractions, and 
<a href="http://m.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/legal-bills-mount-as-ferguson-stands-by-failure-to-comply/article_2070be9f-99f1-5218-9e3a-cdfaf4dfed5e.html">they
refuse to obey orders to stop</a>.
<p>
Fire them?

<p>
<li><a name="10_May_2016_(Chinese_censorship)" />10 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_May_2016_(Chinese_censorship)">Chinese censorship</a>)
<p>
The 
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160426/09130934278/why-growing-unpredictability-chinas-censorship-is-feature-not-bug.shtml">unpredictability</a>
of Chinese censorship may be intentional, to make people generally
timid.

<p>
<li><a name="10_May_2016_(FBI_menacing_core_Tor_developer)" />10 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_May_2016_(FBI_menacing_core_Tor_developer)">FBI menacing core Tor developer</a>)
<p>
The FBI is menacing a core Tor developer, 
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160505/00383034349/fbi-harassing-core-tor-developer-demanding-she-meet-with-them-refusing-to-explain-why.shtml">trying
to make her answer questions without a lawyer present</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="10_May_2016_(DRM)" />10 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_May_2016_(DRM)">DRM</a>)
<p>
Digital Restrictions Management is an injustice in itself, but it has
a tendency to develop into sabotage — occasionally some
DRM-afflicted works 
<a href="http://www.teleread.com/drm-nightmare-after-recent-upgrade-kobo-customers-report-losing-sony-books-from-their-libraries/">stop
functioning because a company decides they are "no longer
supported"</a>.
<p>
Since DRM is an injustice, so are the laws that prohibit breaking DRM.
These laws' purpose is to give certain businesses power over the
public.  That purpose is evil, and the laws' effect is evil.  It
follows that these laws have no moral authority, and violating them is
not in any way wrong.
<p>
If the government wants to teach people the habit of obeying laws, it
should repeal laws like these.
<p>
In addition to being an injustice in itself, DRM implies a 
<a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/05/yes-all-drm">security
vulnerability</a>.
<p>
The article doesn't say it, but the vulnerability has a name:
"<a href='http://gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html'>nonfree
software</a>."
<p>
It would be better to avoid using the term 
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#DigitalLocks">"digital
locks"</a> to describe DRM, since that fails to express why DRM is an
injustice.

<p>
<li><a name="10_May_2016_(Blacklisted_UK_construction_workers)" />10 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_May_2016_(Blacklisted_UK_construction_workers)">Blacklisted UK construction workers</a>)
<p>
UK construction companies will pay millions of dollars to the workers
that they
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/may/09/blacklisted-workers-win-10m-payout-from-construction-firms">conspired
to blacklist</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="10_May_2016_(Chomsky_on_world_geopolitical_situation)" />10 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_May_2016_(Chomsky_on_world_geopolitical_situation)">Chomsky on world geopolitical situation</a>)
<p>
Noam Chomsky comments on the 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/09/noam-chomsky-who-rules-the-world-us-foregin-policy">world
geopolitical situation</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="10_May_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_natural_gas_subsidy)" />10 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_May_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_natural_gas_subsidy)">Urgent: Oppose natural gas subsidy</a>)
<p>
Massachusetts citizens: 
<a href="https://secure3.convio.net/ucs/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=5239">Oppose</a>
a new subsidy for natural gas.
<p>
In my message I called for ending existing subsidies for fossil fuels.

<p>
<li><a name="10_May_2016_(Urgent:_Fire_SF_Thug_Chief)" />10 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_May_2016_(Urgent:_Fire_SF_Thug_Chief)">Urgent: Fire SF Thug Chief</a>)
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="http://act.presente.org/sign/frisco5">call on the mayor of
San Francisco</a> to fire Thug Chief Suhr.

<p>
<li><a name="10_May_2016_(Urgent:_Veto_anti-abortion_bills)" />10 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_May_2016_(Urgent:_Veto_anti-abortion_bills)">Urgent: Veto anti-abortion bills</a>)
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://action.aclu.org/secure/stop-alabama-attack-on-abortion">call
on the governor of Alabama</a> to veto anti-abortion bills.

<p>
<li><a name="10_May_2016_(Urgent:_Joshua_Tree_National_Park)" />10 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_May_2016_(Urgent:_Joshua_Tree_National_Park)">Urgent: Joshua Tree National Park</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/joshua_tree">call on the
Department of the Interior</a> to protect Joshua Tree National Park
from a nearby dam.

<p>
<li><a name="10_May_2016_(Convicted_of_obscenity_for_kayak_design)" />10 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#10_May_2016_(Convicted_of_obscenity_for_kayak_design)">Convicted of obscenity for kayak design</a>)
<p>
Megumi Igarashi, who distributed 3d printer plans for a kayak modelled
on her vagina, has been 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/09/japanese-vagina-kayak-artist-found-guilty-of-obscenity">convicted
of obscenity</a>.
<p>
Prohibitions like these create a sense of taboo about female genitals.
I think that contributes to various sorts of sexual ignorance and
confusion.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(The_large_fire_in_Alberta_may_burn_for_months)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(The_large_fire_in_Alberta_may_burn_for_months)">The large fire in Alberta may burn for months</a>)
<p>
The large fire in Alberta 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/08/fort-mcmurray-wildfire-canada-firefighters-months">may burn for months</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Reforming_democracy_grassroots)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Reforming_democracy_grassroots)">Reforming democracy grassroots</a>)
<p>
represent.us campaigns to 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/04/29/reforming-democracy-grassroots">limit
corrupting campaign finance at the local level</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(ISP_boss_criticizes_calls_to_criminalize_file_sharers)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(ISP_boss_criticizes_calls_to_criminalize_file_sharers)">ISP boss criticizes calls to criminalize file sharers</a>)
<p>
A Swedish ISP head has attacked 
<a href="https://torrentfreak.com/isp-boss-criticizes-calls-to-criminalize-file-sharers-160507/">proposed
laws to criminalize people who share files</a>.


<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Hospitals_following_rules_imposed_by_Catholic_Church_put_womens_lives_in_danger)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Hospitals_following_rules_imposed_by_Catholic_Church_put_womens_lives_in_danger)">Hospitals following rules imposed by Catholic Church put womens' lives in danger</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/may/05/hospitals-pregnancy-abortion-reproductive-healthcare-catholic-rules-report">Hundreds
of US hospitals</a> follow rules imposed by the Catholic Church that
put womens' lives and health in danger.
<p>I believe hospital owners should not be allowed to impose such
rules.  The Church should have to back off on these rules or sell the
hospitals.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Panama_papers_whistleblower_is...)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Panama_papers_whistleblower_is...)">Panama papers whistleblower is...</a>)
<p>
The Panama Papers whistleblower has accused specific political leaders
of protecting offshoring and tax dodging, and 
<a href="http://boingboing.net/2016/05/07/panama-papers-whistleblower-is.html">fears
those same leaders will try to prosecute per (the whistleblower) for
exposing the practice.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Indonesia_genocide_human_rights_abuse)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Indonesia_genocide_human_rights_abuse)">Indonesia genocide human rights abuse</a>)
<p>
The 1965 massacre of perhaps a million alleged Communists in Indonesia
left the military in a position of total impunity.  Now it uses this
impunity to protect the companies that 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/03/genocide-indonesia-human-rights-abuse-climate-change-palm-oil">burn
thousands of square miles of rain forest to create palm oil
plantations</a>.
<p>I don't think that a massacre of people for their political views
should be called "genocide".  The victims were belonged to various
ethnic and religious groups.  A massacre is bad enough; we don't need
to call it "genocide" to condemn it.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Brazil_considering_a_law_that_would_lead_to_lots_of_internet_censorship)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Brazil_considering_a_law_to_that_would_lead_to_lots_of_internet_censorship)">Brazil considering a law that would lead to lots of internet censorship</a>)
<p>
Brazil is considering a law that would lead to 
<a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/05/if-cpiciber-passes-whatsapp-blockade-brazil-could-be-taste-more-censorship-come">lots
of Internet censorship</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Lead_water_pipes_caused_higher_crime_rates)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Lead_water_pipes_caused_higher_crime_rates)">Lead water pipes caused higher crime rates</a>)
<p>
Lead water pipes laid in some cities in 1900 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2016/05/lead-water-pipes-1900-caused-higher-crime-rates-1920">caused
higher crime rates in those cities</a> in 1920.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Keeping_wall_street_speeches_secret)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Keeping_wall_street_speeches_secret)">Keeping wall street speeches secret</a>)
<p>
It has been three months since Clinton 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/02/keeping-wall-street-speeches-secret-speaks-volumes-about-hillary-clinton">made
flimsy excuses</a> for not releasing the text of her highly paid
speeches to banksters.
<p>While we do not have proof "beyond a reasonable doubt", for the
standards of politics we are entitled to conclude that she thinks we
would not like what she said.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Africa_frontline_of_wildlife_wars)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Africa_frontline_of_wildlife_wars)">Africa frontline of wildlife wars</a>)
<p>
Groups of heavily armed poachers 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/07/africa-frontline-of-wildlife-wars">regularly
fight the rangers that try to protect elephants</a> at Virunga Park.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Homeland_Security_Wants_To_Subpoena_Us)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Homeland_Security_Wants_To_Subpoena_Us)">Homeland Security Wants To Subpoena Us</a>)
<p>
Techdirt: Homeland Security Wants To Subpoena Us
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160506/10324634363/homeland-security-wants-to-subpoena-us-over-clearly-hyperbolic-techdirt-comment.shtml">Over
A Clearly Hyperbolic Techdirt Comment</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Greece_has_basically_achieved_reform_goals)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Greece_has_basically_achieved_reform_goals)">Greece has basically achieved reform goals</a>)
<p>
The European Commission head said that
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/08/greece-has-basically-achieved-reform-goals-says-jean-claude-juncker">Greece
has suffered enough.</a>
<p>This is an abrupt change: just recently the boa-banksters wanted to
squeeze Greece harder.  (When they say "reform", it means "squeeze the
people".)
<p>The article says that the IMF "demanded more reforms".  However, a
few days ago the IMF did just the opposite: it refused to go along
with further squeezing, pointing out that additional "reforms" would
increase Greece's deficit, just as the "reforms" so far have done.
<p>Has the IMF forced the boas to stop constricting Greece?  Or is
this too good to be true?  Is it plausible that the IMF has actually
done something good?

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Urgent:_US_citizens:_call_on_the_US_to_demand_justice_for_Berta_Caceres)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Urgent:_US_citizens
:_call_on_the_US_to_demand_justice_for_Berta_Caceres)">Urgent: US citizens: call on the US to demand justice for Berta Caceres</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://ggj.ourpowerbase.net/civicrm/petition/sign?sid=4&reset=1">call
on the US</a> to demand justice for Berta Caceres and stop supporting the
coup-installed government.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Urgent:_US_citizens:_Ask_your_state_legislator_to_support_automatic_voter_registration)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Urgent:_US_citizens:_Ask_your_state_legislator_to_support_automatic_voter_registration)">Urgent: US citizens: Ask your state legislator to support automatic voter registration</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=11095">Ask
your state legislator</a> to support automatic voter registration.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Urgent:_Support_Human_Rights_Watch's_call_for_US_to_stop_producing_cluster_bombs)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Urgent:_Support_Human_Rights_Watch's_call_for_US_to_stop_producing_cluster_bombs)">Urgent: Support Human Rights Watch's call for US to stop producing cluster bombs</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/stand-with-hrw-stop-producin">support
Human Rights Watch's call</a> for the US to stop producing cluster
bombs and stop giving them to Salafi Arabia.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Protesters_stop_coal_train)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Protesters_stop_coal_train)">Protesters stop coal train</a>)
<p>
Over a thousand protesters blocked tracks to stop a coal train.
while 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/08/hundreds-of-anti-fossil-fuel-protesters-join-australian-coal-blockade">hundreds
blocked Newcastle, Australia, harbor</a> to stop coal ships.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Sea_level_rise_eating_into_Louisiana_and_Alaska)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Sea_level_rise_eating_into_Louisiana_and_Alaska)">Sea level rise eating into Louisiana and Alaska</a>)
<p>
Sea level rise and loss of land are 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global/commentisfree/2016/may/08/climate-change-refugees-louisiana-rising-seas-vicki-arroyo">eating into Louisiana and Alaska</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Poverty_driving_Syrian_males_into_ISIS)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Poverty_driving_Syrian_males_into_ISIS)">Poverty driving Syrian males into ISIS</a>)
<p>
Syrians' principal motive for joining PISSI is that they 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/may/04/poverty-driving-syrian-men-and-boys-into-the-arms-of-isis">need
to get paid</a>.
<p>The US should be able to offer them more money than PISSI can.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(FBI_told_cops_to_recreate_evidence)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(FBI_told_cops_to_recreate_evidence)">FBI told cops to recreate evidence</a>)
<p>
When the FBI 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/05/fbi-told-cops-to-recreate-evidence-from-secret-cell-phone-trackers/">directs
local thugs to create alternative stories to hide the fact that they
actually used a stingray</a>, they violate the constitutional rights
of the suspect with lies.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Computers_could_recognize_location_of_all_outdoor_photos)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Computers_could_recognize_location_of_all_outdoor_photos)">Computers could recognize location of all outdoor photos</a>)
<p>
Computers may soon be able to 
<a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3059593/this-app-knows-exactly-where-you-were-standing-when-you-took-a-photo">recognize
the location of all outdoor photos</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Colorado_to_pay_back_destitute_people)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Colorado_to_pay_back_destitute_people)">Colorado to pay back destitute people</a>)
<p>
"Colorado Springs 
<a href='http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2016/05/06/3776098/debtors-prison-repeal-colorado/'>will
pay back destitute people it illegally jailed because they couldn't
pay court fines</a>, the city announced Thursday."

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(European_Greens_want_to_Protect_Whistleblowers)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(European_Greens_want_to_Protect_Whistleblowers)">European Greens want to Protect Whistleblowers</a>)
<p>
European Greens Present Draft Law On 
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160505/09225834352/european-greens-present-draft-law-protecting-whistleblowers.shtml">Protecting
Whistleblowers</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Ordinary_voters_can_now_lobby_superdelegates)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Ordinary_voters_can_now_lobby_superdelegates)">Ordinary voters can now lobby superdelegates</a>)
<p>
US voters: 
<a href="http://www.truthdig.com/eartotheground/item/ordinary_voters_can_now_lobby_superdelegates_for_bernie_sanders_20160504">you
can ask</a> Democratic "superdelegates" to vote for Sanders.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(US_Flight_delayed_due_to_professor_solving_equations)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(US_Flight_delayed_due_to_professor_solving_equations)">US Flight delayed due to professor solving equations</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/07/professor-flight-delay-terrorism-equation-american-airlines">A
passenger on a US flight was treated as suspect because he was writing
mathematical symbols, solving an equation</a>
<p>Fortunately for him, he was not actually removed from the flight.
Perhaps airline personnel are starting to have a slight glimmer of
intelligence in dealing with panicking idiots.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Orwellian_Australia)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Orwellian_Australia)">Orwellian Australia</a>)
<p>
Part of Australia has allowed courts and even individual thugs to
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/06/we-have-an-orwellian-shadow-government-and-your-liberty-is-at-risk">impose
punishments on people based on mere suspicion</a>, no evidence needed.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(SCROTUS_wants_to_make_poor_people_poorer)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(SCROTUS_wants_to_make_poor_people_poorer)">SCROTUS wants to make poor people poorer</a>)
<p>
SCROTUS want to make children of poor families 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/07/republicans-congress-want-cut-free-lunches-poor-kids-dont-let-them">pay
for school lunch</a>.
<p>SCROTUS = Sleazy Congressional Republicans Of The United States.
They want to make poor people poorer so as to enrich the rich people
they serve.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(US_military_admits_troops_are_helping_Yemen)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(US_military_admits_troops_are_helping_Yemen)">US military admits troops are helping Yemen</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/06/yemen-al-qaida-us-troops">The
Guardian repeats the Pentagon's take on Yemen,</a> saying that US
troops and Salafi Arabian bombardment are supporting "Yemen's
government" against al-Qa'ida.
<p>However, the main enemy of the US-supported "government" is the
Houthis, who are Shi'ites.  Al-Qa'ida is no friend of theirs.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Urgent:_No_Google_sponsorship_of_RNC)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Urgent:_No_Google_sponsorship_of_RNC)">Urgent: No Google sponsorship of RNC</a>)
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="http://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/google_dumptrump/">call
on Google</a> not to sponsor the RNC now that we know it will promote
Trump.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Progressive_Muslim_defeats_bigoted_Tory)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Progressive_Muslim_defeats_bigoted_Tory)">Progressive Muslim defeats bigoted Tory</a>)
<p>
Sadiq Khan, a progressive Muslim, was
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/07/zac-goldsmith-racist-campaign-london">elected
mayor of London</a>, defeating a Tory whose campaign was based on
bigotry.
<p>
I agree with what this article says about that Tory, and Tories in
general.  But not solely because they use one racism while condemning
another, both crassly for political gain alone.  Their worst bigotry
is against the non-rich of whatever religion or race.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Tax_havens_used_by_President_Marcos)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Tax_havens_used_by_President_Marcos)">Tax havens used by President Marcos</a>)
<p>
President Marcos of the Philippines
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/07/10bn-dollar-question-marcos-millions-nick-davies">pioneered
the use of tax havens and secret dealings</a> to conceal billions of
dollars in wealth that he stole from the Philippines.  Many other
governments, including the US, protected the Marcos family in exile,
so only a fraction of what he and his associates stole has been
recovered.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Fossil_fuel_companies_under_investigation)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Fossil_fuel_companies_under_investigation)">Fossil fuel companies under investigation</a>)
<p>
The Philippines is investigating the responsibility of 50 large fossil
fuel companies for
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/may/07/climate-change-shell-exxon-philippines-fossil-fuel-companies-liability-extreme-weather">human
rights violations</a> in the form of global heating and is present and
future disastrous effects.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(TSA_Precheck)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(TSA_Precheck)">"TSA Precheck"</a>)
<p>
"TSA Precheck" functions as a system to
<a href="https://www.aclu.org/blog/free-future/tsa-pressuring-americans-submitting-background-checks">pressure
Americans to submit to background checks</a>.
<p>
It can morph smoothly, just like a store discount card, from "You can
save by using this" to "You will be penalized for not using this".
<p>
I am not going to enroll.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Social_media_monitoring)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Social_media_monitoring)">Social media monitoring</a>)
<p>
Social media monitoring doesn't pry into anyone's secrets, but it
gives the state (or business) that uses it
<a href="https://www.aclu.org/blog/speak-freely/why-government-use-social-media-monitoring-software-direct-threat-our-liberty-and">power
that threatens democracy</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(More_Australian_species_on_endangered_list)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(More_Australian_species_on_endangered_list)">More Australian species on endangered list</a>)
<p>
More Australian species are now on the endangered list, and the main
reason is government's laxity in protecting their habitat from
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/07/australia-quietly-adds-49-species-to-threatened-and-endangered-lists">commercial
destruction</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Civil_forfeiture)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Civil_forfeiture)">"Civil forfeiture"</a>)
<p>
Rep. Issa Calls Out Civil Asset Forfeiture As Letting
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160504/16451934347/rep-issa-calls-out-civil-asset-forfeiture-as-letting-cops-go-treasure-hunting.shtml">'Cops Go Treasure
Hunting'</a>.
<p>
I think the word "cops" is too nice for them, but otherwise I agree.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Bigger_and_longer_wild_fires)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Bigger_and_longer_wild_fires)">Bigger and longer wild fires</a>)
<p>
The fire that rages through Fort McMurray is part of a world-wide
trend towards bigger and longer wild fires,
<a href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/climate-context-fort-mcmurray-wildfire-20311">caused
by global heating</a>.
<p>
This article
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/06/fort-mcmurray-oil-sands-wildfires-canada">implores
our sympathy for the people of Fort McMurray who have lost their
homes</a> to global heating effects.
<p>
It is a good clear example of distraction spin.
<p>
I don't strongly object to anything in the article.  We can sympathize
with the displaced people of Fort McMurray, along with the hundreds of
millions of others who will be rendered homeless or killed by global
heating effects.  There is no point condemning people for taking jobs
in fossil fuel extraction, since mostly they are not responsible for
the decision to extract the fuel.  (That changes if they campaign
politically to keep the practice going — through that, they make
themselves into planet roasters, co-responsible for attempted
genocide.)
<p>
But Canadians should not let that distract them from the vital point:
Canada must curb fossil fuel extraction as fast as possible, along
with the rest of the world.
<p>
Canada should care for the displaced people of Fort McMurray
elsewhere, and make sure there is no more tar sands extraction to draw
any of them back.  Since that wasn't the town's only reason for being,
some will go back for other reasons, and that's fine.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Ending_elephant_poaching)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Ending_elephant_poaching)">Ending elephant poaching</a>)
<p>
Burning Kenya's ivory
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/africa-wild/2016/may/06/burning-the-ivory-is-just-the-beginning">must
be followed by changes</a> if we are to end elephant poaching.
<p>
I should point out two of the important reasons why life in Kenya is
"difficult" for most people.
<li>
Offshoring of wealth into tax havens, which is
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-nov-feb.html#6_December_2015_(SCROTUS_preparing_tax_breaks_for_businesses)">impoverishing
even the US</a>, is
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#9_April_2016_(Tax_havens)">hitting
Africa especially hard</a>.
<li>
Population growth is guaranteed to lead to lead most people to poverty
if it goes faster than economic growth, and humanity is already using
natural resources faster than the Earth can regenerate them.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Republican_Neocons_and_Clinton)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Republican_Neocons_and_Clinton)">Republican Neocons and Clinton</a>)
<p>
Clinton
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/05/trump-unifier-are-hillary-clinton-and-neoconservatives-ready-join-forces">may
get the support of Republican Neocons</a> that will encourage her to
shed lots of blood.
<p>
She is
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#25_March_2016_(Paid_Speeches)">already
leaning their way</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(How_the_White_House_shapes_foreign_affairs_coverage)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(How_the_White_House_shapes_foreign_affairs_coverage)">How the White House shapes foreign affairs coverage</a>)
<p>
Most US press coverage of foreign events is 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2016/05/heres-how-white-house-shapes-foreign-affairs-coverage">dictated 
by the White House</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(China_cancelled_performances)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(China_cancelled_performances)">China cancelled performances</a
>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/06/shen-yun-dance-troupe-falun-gong-china-cancelled-performances">China
used its influence to cancel the Shen Yun dance troupe's shows</a> in
South Korea.
<p>This illustrates the danger that we face outside China when
businesses depend too much on exporting to China.
<p>I watched a Shen Yun show once, and enjoyed the pieces that were
not tendentious, but disliked those that were heavy-handed propaganda.
They put me off even though I agreed completely with their point,
which was to condemn the Chinese state's repression (which has got
much worse since then).  My friend who went with me said, "It preaches
too much."

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Tyranny_in_Turkey)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Tyranny_in_Turkey)">Tyranny in Turkey</a>)
<p>
Tyranny in Turkey: reporter Can Dundar and bureau chief Erdem Gul have
been 
<a href="https://www.cpj.org/2016/05/leading-turkish-journalists-sentenced-to-five-year.php">sentenced
to five years in prison for reporting</a> on Turkey's support for
Islamist extremists in Syria.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Panama_papers_source_breaks_silence)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Panama_papers_source_breaks_silence)">Panama papers source breaks silence</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/news/2016/may/06/panama-papers-source-breaks-silence-over-scale-of-injustices">The
Panama papers leaker wants to cooperate with prosecution of tax
evaders</a>, if person can be sure governments won't prosecute per.
<p>This article's use of "they" in singular shows how confusing it is,
and how wrong it reads.  I reject it.  I think we should use Marge
Piercy's gender-neutral third person <em>singular</em> pronouns,
"person", "per" and "pers", which work like "she", "her" and "hers".
They fit the English language well.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(India_death_row_prisoners_horrific_conditions)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(India_death_row_prisoners_horrific_conditions)">India death row prisoners horrific conditions</a>)
<p>
Indian prisoners sentenced to death will probably not actually be
executed, but
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/06/india-death-row-prisoners-horrific-conditions-study">regularly
face torture and solitary confinement</a> and are stopped from seeing
their lawyers.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(More_than_8_million_in_UK_struggle_to_put_food_on_table)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(More_than_8_million_in_UK_struggle_to_put_food_on_table)">More than 8 million in UK struggle to put food on table</a>)
<p>
8 million Britons suffer from food insecurity, and almost 5 million
regularly pass a day without eating because they
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/may/06/more-than-8-million-in-uk-struggle-to-put-food-on-table-survey-says">can't
afford food.</a>
<p>This is a measure of the Tories' success in taking from the poor to
give to the rich (dooH niboR).
<p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aneurin_Bevan">The Tories
are lower than vermin</a> — Aneurin Bevan.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(The_US_asks_for_release_of_Zainab_al-Khawaja)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(The_US_asks_for_release_of_Zainab_al-Khawaja)">The US asks for release of Zainab al-Khawaja</a>)
<p>
The US has asked Bahrain publicly to 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/on-the-middle-east/2016/may/06/bahrain-faces-rare-us-pressure-over-jailed-rights-activist-zainab-al-khawaja">release
dissident Zainab al-Khawaja.</a>
<p>But it is not putting any real pressure into this request.
Bahrain would have trouble resisting any real US pressure.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(London_students_in_rent_strike)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(London_students_in_rent_strike)">London students in rent strike</a>)
<p>
Many students in London are participating in a 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/may/06/university-students-across-london-take-part-in-rent-strike">rent
strike</a> against universities that charge dorm rents so high only
the rich can afford them.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Sanders_vs_Clinton)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Sanders_vs_Clinton)">Sanders vs Clinton</a>)
<p>
Sanders vs Clinton is a battle for the spirit of the Democratic Party.
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/05/which-democratic-party-bernie-sanders-and-fdrs-second-bill-rights">Sanders
would return to the New Deal</a> and the Great Society programs that
sought to make sure everyone in America has a decent life.  Clinton
would continue Bill Clinton's quasi-Republican policies.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Prisoners_cut_off_from_visits)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Prisoners_cut_off_from_visits)">Prisoners cut off from visits</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://mic.com/articles/142779/the-end-of-prison-visitation">Many
prisons in the US are eliminating in-person visits.</a>  The prisoner
is cut off from the outside except for very expensive video calls that
require proprietary software.
<p>
With such tenuous human contact, recidivism is sure to increase.
However, the right-wingers in control of most US states don't
want to reduce crime.  They want to show how tough they are.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Offshore_tax-dodging)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Offshore_tax-dodging)">Offshore tax-dodging</a>)
<p>
Clinton and Trump are 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/05/going-offshore-2016-election-campaign">personally
too close to offshore tax-dodging</a> for us to believe that they
would really try to stop it.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Bailout_of_Greece)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Bailout_of_Greece)">Bailout of Greece</a>)
<p><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/06/imf-threatens-greece-eurozone-christine-lagarde">The
IMF has vetoed the boa-banksters'</a> plan to "rescue" Greece,
pointing out that it will only create the need for a series of
increasingly destructive "rescues".
<p>Confirmed: the 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/05/bailouts-were-banks-study-confirms-rescue-loans-didnt-serve-greeks">bailout
of Greece"</a> was really a matter of supporting the euro-banksters
that Greece owed money to.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Embryo_Research)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Embryo_Research)">Embryo Research</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/06/extend-14-day-limit-embryo-research">It's
Time to Extend the 14-Day Limit for Embryo Research</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Claim_that_suicide_is_'selfish')" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Claim_that_suicide_is_'selfish')">Claim that suicide is 'selfish'</a>)
<p>
The claim that suicide is "selfish" is a form of 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/brain-flapping/2014/aug/12/robin-williams-suicide-and-depression-are-not-selfish">victim-blaming</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(AirBnB_Discrimination)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(AirBnB_Discrimination)">AirBnB Discrimination</a>)
<p>
AirBnB creates an opportunity for 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/may/06/airbnb-racism-civil-rights-laws-sharing-economy">racial
discrimination</a> that is outlawed for hotels.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Americans_debt)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Americans_debt)">Americans' debt</a>)
<p>
Americans' debt is
<a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/business/the_united_states_of_debt/2016/05/overspending_isn_t_why_americans_are_in_debt_an_excerpt_from_elizabeth_warren.html">mostly
due to dooH niboR</a>, not to frivolous purchases.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Syrian_refugee_minors)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Syrian_refugee_minors)">Syrian refugee minors</a>)
<p>
Most Syrian refugee minors can't go to school, and many of them are
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/06/war-to-sweatshop-for-child-refugees">forced
to work in sweatshops</a> instead.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Alberta_fires)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Alberta_fires)">Alberta fires</a>)
<p>
As the Alberta fires continue to grow in "unseasonably hot" weather,
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/06/canadas-wildfires-grow-tenfold-in-size-as-thousands-more-people-are-evacuated">the
Guardian's coverage</a> avoids relating this to Alberta's oil exports.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(French_thugs)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(French_thugs)">French thugs</a>)
<p>
French thugs complain that criticism of them is unfair, but plenty of
people can testify about how thugs
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/06/french-police-anti-cop-hatred-protest-violence">attacked
protesters</a>.
<p>
I criticize any protesters that start avoidable violence against
thugs.  But don't be too quick to assume that isn't the fault of the
thugs.  Those "protesters" might <em>be</em> thugs, acting as
provocateurs to give the protesters a bad name.  I don't know whether
this is happening in France, but it has happened in other places.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Protection_of_grizzly_bears)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Protection_of_grizzly_bears)">Protection of grizzly bears</a>)
<p>
Protection of grizzly bears has enabled their population to increase,
but they are now
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/05/jane-goodall-grizzly-bears-yellowstone-endangered-species">threatened
by global heating effects</a>, so it is a mistake to remove the
protection.
<p>
It seems to me that there needs to be an intermediate status of
partial protection for species that seem to have recovered.  They may
not need the full protection that enabled the population to recover,
but they need some protection so we don't wipe them out.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Chomsky_predicted_rise_of_Trump)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Chomsky_predicted_rise_of_Trump)">Chomsky predicted rise of Trump</a>)
<p>
Noam Chomsky Predicted the Rise of Trump
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/05/noam-chomsky-predicted-rise-trump-six-years-ago">Six
Years Ago</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Laughing_at_politicians_in_Turkey)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Laughing_at_politicians_in_Turkey)">Laughing at politicians in Turkey</a>)
<p>
Elif Shafak: "In Turkey we
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/05/turkish-laugh-politicians-president-erdogan-prime-minister-resigned">canât
even laugh at our politicians any more</a>."
<p>
If Europe wants to halt the spread of Islamist extremism, it should
prioritize stopping that in Turkey.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Trump)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Trump)">Trump</a>)
<p>
After attacking other candidates for taking money from other rich
people, Trump now
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2016/05/trump-prepares-tap-his-expansive-personal-rolodex">says
he will do the same thing</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Taxes_on_sugary_drinks)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Taxes_on_sugary_drinks)">Taxes on sugary drinks</a>)
<p>
Sanders is mistaken on one issue:
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/05/bernie-sanders-progressive-fail-soda-tax-philadelphia-berkeley">taxes
on sugary drinks</a>.
<p>
This issue is small compared with the major issues on which he is
right.  I hope he will get some good advice about it, though.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(British_thug_violence)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(British_thug_violence)">British thug violence</a>)
<p>
It is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/05/lies-bind-hillsborough-battle-orgreave">not
too late to investigate</a> the British thugs' violent attack on
striking miners in 1984, after which the thugs tried to frame the
miners they had arrested.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Prisoners_kept_in_tiny_cages_in_Iraq)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Prisoners_kept_in_tiny_cages_in_Iraq)">Prisoners kept in tiny cages in Iraq</a>)
<p>
Iraq holds a thousand prisoners who are perhaps supporters of PISSI,
and keeps them in
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/05/03/more-1000-detained-shocking-conditions-counterterrorism-centers-anbar-iraq">tiny
cages</a>.
<p>
Maybe there is a good reason to keep hold of them prisoner, but even
Iraq can build a prison where prisoners have room to lie down and walk
around.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Corporate_welfare)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Corporate_welfare)">Corporate welfare</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/03/mcdonalds-corporate-welfare-moocher">McDonald's</a>,
the Corporate Welfare Moocher.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Clinton_backtracks_on_ending_use_of_coal)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Clinton_backtracks_on_ending_use_of_coal)">Clinton backtracks on ending use of coal</a>)
<p>
Clinton talked about ending use of coal, but now she
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/03/backtracking-clean-energy-clinton-turns-chameleon-coal">says
she didn't really mean it</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Detroit_teachers_on_strike)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Detroit_teachers_on_strike)">Detroit teachers on strike</a>)
<p>
Detroit teachers are on strike because
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/03/detroit-schools-shuttered-lawmakers-illegally-withhold-teacher-pay">officials
refuse to promise they would get paid if they did work</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Felony_charges_for_having_pants_down)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Felony_charges_for_having_pants_down)">Felony charges for having pants down</a>)
<p>
A high-school student faces felony charges for
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2016/05/03/cops-arrest-high-schooler-on-69-counts-o">pulling
his pants down momentarily for a photo</a> that was put in the
yearbook.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Plans_for_coal-fired_power_in_Asia)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Plans_for_coal-fired_power_in_Asia)">Plans for coal-fired power in Asia</a>)
<p>
Plans for Coal-Fired Power in Asia Are
'<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/05/climate-change-coal-power-asia-world-bank-disaster">Disaster
For Planet</a>', Warns World Bank.

<p>
<li><a name="9_May_2016_(Refugee_camp_inside_Syria_bombed)" />9 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#9_May_2016_(Refugee_camp_inside_Syria_bombed)">Refugee camp inside Syria bombed</a>)
<p>
Assad's forces or allies
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/05/airstrike-hits-refugee-camp-in-northern-syria-say-activists">bombed
a refugees camp</a> inside Syria.

<p>
<li><a name="8_May_2016_(Careerist_Republicans_align_with_Trump)" />8 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_May_2016_(Careerist_Republicans_align_with_Trump)">Careerist Republicans align with Trump</a>)
<p>
Careerist Republican politicians — the majority of Republican
politicians — are
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2016/05/03/republicans-are-coming-around-to-donald">changing
their positions to agree with Trump</a>.
<p>
Trump as Republican nominee is intensely embarrassing to Republican
candidates for other offices.  Some have already
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/05/will-republican-party-embrace-donald-trump-nomination">blatantly
contradicted themselves</a>.
<p>
This may result in their defeat, but we should not count on that.
Republicans can forgive their politicians all sorts of hypocrisy, as
long as said politicians attack those who are weak, different or poor.

<p>
<li><a name="8_May_2016_(Universal_health_care)" />8 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_May_2016_(Universal_health_care)">Universal health care</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/05/us-doctors-calling-universal-healthcare-system-affordable-care-act">2000
US doctors</a> call for universal health care.

<p>
<li><a name="8_May_2016_(Journalist_Mohamed_Fawzy)" />8 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_May_2016_(Journalist_Mohamed_Fawzy)">Journalist Mohamed Fawzy</a>)
<p>
Egyptian journalist Mohamed Fawzy, arrested by Egypt for being
somewhere near a protest, 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/may/05/mohamed-fawzy-al-jazeera-laid-off-egypt">may
be forced to return to Egypt and prison</a> because he no longer has a
US work visa.

<p>
<li><a name="8_May_2016_(Mega-mergers)" />8 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_May_2016_(Mega-mergers)">Mega-mergers</a>)
<p>
Monsanto, Dow, Syngenta: Rush for Mega-Mergers 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/may/05/monsanto-dow-syngenta-rush-for-mega-mergers-puts-food-security-at-risk">Puts
Food Security at Risk</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="8_May_2016_(Tories_racist_remarks)" />8 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_May_2016_(Tories_racist_remarks)">Tories' racist remarks</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/may/05/unite-boss-claims-tory-racism-goes-unpunished">Why
give the Tories a free pass</a> on racist remarks?

<p>
<li><a name="8_May_2016_(Protecting_national_parks)" />8 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_May_2016_(Protecting_national_parks)">"Protecting" national parks</a>)
<p>
Governments have made unprotecting a national park so commonplace that
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/05/how-safe-does-protected-status-keep-the-worlds-national-parks">"protecting"
them gives little protection</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="8_May_2016_(Egyptian_press_freedom_campaign)" />8 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_May_2016_(Egyptian_press_freedom_campaign)">Egyptian press freedom campaign</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/05/egypts-newspapers-open-revolt-police-attack-press-freedom/">Thousands
of Egyptian journalists, and even newspapers</a>, have joined a
campaign "Journalism is not a crime."

<p>
<li><a name="8_May_2016_(UK_NHS_patient_data_given_to_Google)" />8 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_May_2016_(UK_NHS_patient_data_given_to_Google)">UK NHS patient data given to Google</a>)
<p>
The UK NHS has 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/media-network/2016/may/05/google-deepmind-patient-data-privacy-data-sharing">given
Google a copy of lots of patients' data</a>, without public scrutiny
of what Google will be allowed to do with the data.

<p>
<li><a name="8_May_2016_(Honor_killing_in_Pakistan)" />8 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_May_2016_(Honor_killing_in_Pakistan)">"Honor killing" in Pakistan</a>)
<p>
In Pakistan, tribal council members that were the ringleaders in burning
a teenage girl to death have been 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/05/pakistani-police-arrest-15-tribal-council-members-so-called-honour-killing">arrested</a>.
Her relatives who agreed to the killing were also arrested.
<p>
I fear that Pakistan will execute them.  In addition to the general
wrongs of the death penalty, this risks enabling them to claim status
as martyrs for the murder they did.  I suggest instead punishing them
in a way that will make them the object of public contempt.  That way,
others won't be tempted to follow their example.

<p>
<li><a name="8_May_2016_(Corruption_in_Brazil)" />8 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_May_2016_(Corruption_in_Brazil)">Corruption in Brazil</a>)
<p>
Eduardo Cunha, one of the leaders of the campaign to impeach President
Rousseff, has been suspended from Congress for 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/05/speaker-of-brazils-lower-house-eduardo-cunha-suspended">trying
to intimidate corruption investigations directed at him</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="8_May_2016_(Justice_for_Telecommunications_Consumers_Act)" />8 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_May_2016_(Justice_for_Telecommunications_Consumers_Act)">Justice for Telecommunications Consumers Act</a>)
<p>
Justice for Telecommunications Consumers Act Would 
<a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/04/forced-arbitration-bad-deal">Thwart
Unfair Arbitration Clauses</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="8_May_2016_(War,_dooH_niboR_and_global_heating)" />8 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_May_2016_(War,_dooH_niboR_and_global_heating)">War, dooH niboR and global heating</a>)
<p>
Naomi Klein says that war, dooH niboR and global heating are 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/may/04/climate-change-is-corroding-our-values-says-naomi-klein">three
aspects of the same problem</a>.  We should unite the struggles
against them.

<p>
<li><a name="8_May_2016_(Urgent:_US_forests)" />8 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_May_2016_(Urgent:_US_forests)">Urgent: US forests</a>)
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://secure.nrdconline.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=4013">call
on he EU</a> to stop paying to cut down US forests for Europe's fuel.

<p>
<li><a name="8_May_2016_(Urgent:_Halt_fossil_fuel_leases)" />8 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_May_2016_(Urgent:_Halt_fossil_fuel_leases)">Urgent: Halt fossil fuel leases</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://ran.org/publiclands">Tell Obama</a> to halt new and
expanded fossil fuel leases on public lands.

<p>
<li><a name="8_May_2016_(Urgent:_Banks_and_credit_card_companies)" />8 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_May_2016_(Urgent:_Banks_and_credit_card_companies)">Urgent: Banks and credit card companies</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/05/finally-justice-consumers-wronged-banks-within-reach">tell
the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau</a> you support a regulation
barring banks and credit card companies from imposing arbitration on
customers and barring them from filing class action suits.

<p>
<li><a name="8_May_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_secret_plans_for_NSA_data)" />8 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_May_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_secret_plans_for_NSA_data)">Urgent: Stop secret plans for NSA data</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://act.demandprogress.org/sign/tell-president-obama-stop-secret-plan-expand-nsa-data-sharing/">Call
on Obama</a> to stop the secret plan for the NSA to hand over its
snooping data for prosecuting Americans.

<p>
<li><a name="8_May_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_tax_on_hyperlinks)" />8 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_May_2016_(Urgent:_Oppose_tax_on_hyperlinks)">Urgent: Oppose tax on hyperlinks</a>)
<p>
Everyone: 
<a href="https://savethelink.org/eu">oppose the new EU plan</a> to
impose a tax on hyperlinks.

<p>
<li><a name="8_May_2016_(Urgent:_Nuclear_disarmament)" />8 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#8_May_2016_(Urgent:_Nuclear_disarmament)">Urgent: Nuclear disarmament</a>)
<p>
US citizens: 
<a href="https://secure3.convio.net/ucs/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=5232">call
on Obama</a> to work towards nuclear disarmament by cancelling plans
to spend a trillion dollars on new generation nuclear weapons.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Breakup_of_Floridas_barrier_reef)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Breakup_of_Floridas_barrier_reef)">Breakup of Florida's barrier reef</a>)
<p>
The breakup of Florida's barrier reef, previously forecast for 2050,
is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/04/florida-coral-reefs-disintegrating-climate-change">already
happening</a>.  The cause is human-generated CO<sub>2</sub> that
dissolves in the ocean and makes it more acidic.
<p>
This is expected to wipe out all coral,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2011-jul-oct.html#12_September_2011_(Coral_Reefs)">later
in this century</a>.  The result of that would be the extinction of
thousands of species and a collapse of fisheries that hundreds of
millions of humans depend on for food.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Leaked_documents_about_the_TTIP)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Leaked_documents_about_the_TTIP)">Leaked documents about the TTIP</a>)
<p>
Leaked documents about the TTIP show that
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/05/protest-never-changes-anything-derailing-ttip-trade-agreement">This
Treaty is Indeed Plutocratic</a>.  Even more so than we thought: it
would give the US and foreign companies a veto over EU regulations.
<p>
The leaked text of the TTIP
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/04/pro-corporate-ttip-ropes-top-french-officials-lambaste-bad-deal">has
made the French government reject it</a>.  That could kill it
entirely, but we cannot take that for granted.  The rejection was
phrased in nationalist terms.  The US might propose "more concessions"
(nominally, to France; actually, to the plutocrats and banksters) and
France might support it again.
<p>
We have to kill it dead.  And CETA.  And the TPP.
<p>
Clinton denounced the TPP only because she needed to compete with
Sanders.  She has supported business-supremacy treaties for decades.
If she wins the Democratic nomination, I expect she will find a way to
push for such treaties again.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Schools_in_Delhi_closed_due_to_heat)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Schools_in_Delhi_closed_due_to_heat)">Schools in Delhi closed due to heat</a>)
<p>
Due to unprecedented heat, all schools in Delhi have been
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/04/delhi-schools-ordered-to-close-early-for-summer-as-temperatures-soar">closed
for the summer</a>.
<p>
It is not clear that the students will be any safer at home.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Protests_in_the_Gambia)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Protests_in_the_Gambia)">Protests in the Gambia</a>)
<p>
Although the "president" of the Gambia's men arrest and shoot
protesters,
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/04/gambia-yahya-jammeh-protests-uprising-solo-sandeng">people
keep protesting</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Racist_gaffes)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Racist_gaffes)">Racist gaffes</a>)
<p>
It is a mistake to let racist gaffes
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/04/racism-gerry-adams-n-word-fetishise-bloopers-cumberbatch">overshadow
the substance of racism</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Voter_suppression)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Voter_suppression)">Voter suppression</a>)
<p>
Conservative Think Tank President Says Voter ID
<a href="http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2016/05/02/3774447/jim-demint-voter-id/">Helps
Conservatives Win Elections</a>.
<p>
Republicans have imposed voter suppression on
<a href="http://www.salon.com/2016/05/03/republicans_are_preparing_to_suppress_minority_voters_in_november_through_new_voter_id_laws_and_theyre_getting_away_with_it/">33
states</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Leader_of_group_that_burned_teenager_sentenced)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Leader_of_group_that_burned_teenager_sentenced)">Leader of group that burned teenager sentenced</a>)
<p>
The leader of a group of Israelis that burned a Palestinian teenager
to death has been sentenced to
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/03/israeli-yosef-haim-ben-david-who-set-alight-and-killed-palestinian-mohammed-abu-khdeir-given-life">life
in prison for murder</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Wildfire_in_Canada)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Wildfire_in_Canada)">Wildfire in Canada</a>)
<p>
A wildfire in Canada is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/03/wildfire-alberta-canada-fort-mcmurray-evacuation">consuming
the town of Fort McMurray</a>, which ironically is the origin of tar
sands oil extraction.
<p>
The fire is the result of "unseasonably hot" weather, but it's only
"unseasonable" by 20th century standards.  Global heating is making
this (and the drought) the new normal.
<p>
You could call the destruction by fire of that town poetic justice, if
the harmful effects of their oil sands extraction were limited to
them.  However, as we know, they will hit the whole world.  Canadians,
you must put an end to tar sands oil extraction.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Deaths_caused_by_medical_error)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Deaths_caused_by_medical_error)">Deaths caused by medical error</a>)
<p>
A study estimates that
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/may/03/cause-of-death-united-states-medical-error">almost
10% of deaths in the US</a> are caused by a medical error.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Camerons_new_censorship_plan)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Camerons_new_censorship_plan)">Cameron's new censorship plan</a>)
<p>
Cameron's new censorship plan pretends to be aimed at "violent
extremists", but actually
<a href="http://www.thecanary.co/2016/05/03/david-cameron-planning-crackdown-free-speech-silence-dissent/">targets
all sorts of political opposition</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Offering_stock_to_employees)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Offering_stock_to_employees)">Offering stock to employees</a>)
<p>
Wise entrepreneurs can still
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/02/third-way-share-gains-capitalism">offer
stock to their employees</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Climate-Exodus)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Climate-Exodus)">Climate-Exodus</a>)
<p>
Climate-Exodus Expected in the 
<a href="http://phys.org/news/2016-05-climate-exodus-middle-east-north-africa.html">Middle
East and North Africa</a>.
<p>
Human life will become difficult as very hot regions become even
hotter.  Tens of millions could start to flee, maybe hundreds of
millions.
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/03/climate-change-water-shortage-middle-east-asia-africa-world-bank">Global
Water Shortages to Deliver 'Severe Hit' to Economies</a>, World Bank
Warns.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Use_of_biometrics_instead_of_password)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Use_of_biometrics_instead_of_password)">Use of biometrics instead of password</a>)
<p>
In the US, using biometrics instead of a password 
<a href="http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/05/should-the-govt-be-able-to-force-you-to-open-your-phone-with-just-your-fingerprint/">cedes
legal rights</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Hair_matching_forensic_technique)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Hair_matching_forensic_technique)">"Hair matching" forensic technique</a>)
<p>
The FBI acknowledged officially that its "hair matching" forensic
technique was 
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/fbi-overstated-forensic-hair-matches-in-nearly-all-criminal-trials-for-decades/2015/04/18/39c8d8c6-e515-11e4-b510-962fcfabc310_story.html">worthless</a>.
2500 trials must now be checked to see whether they were miscarriages
of justice.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Common_Core_education_reform)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Common_Core_education_reform)">"Common Core" education reform</a>)
<p>
Obama's "Common Core" education reform has 
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alan-singer/results-are-in--common-co_b_9819736.html">failed
to improve education</a>.
<p>
We may as well get rid of it, and "No Child Left Alone".

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(LA_thugs_redefine_prostitution)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(LA_thugs_redefine_prostitution)">LA thugs redefine prostitution</a>)
<p>
LA thugs have 
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2016/05/02/homeland-security-la-police-team-up-to-a">redefined
prostitution as "human trafficking"</a> to make arresting prostitutes
and their customers appear justified.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(SCROTUS_support_for_nuclear_weapons_plan)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(SCROTUS_support_for_nuclear_weapons_plan)">SCROTUS support for nuclear weapons plan</a>)
<p>
SCROTUS supports Obama's new nuclear weapons plan so much that they
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/02/republicans-dont-want-to-know-costs-of-u-s-nuclear-arsenal/">don't
want to find out what this will cost</a>.
<p>
Obama and the Republicans are both part of the Plutocratist Party.
<p>
SCROTUS = Sleazy Congressional Republicans Of The United States.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Murder_of_Berta_Caceres)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Murder_of_Berta_Caceres)">Murder of Berta Cáceres</a>)
<p>
Honduras has 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/02/berta-caceres-murder-four-men-arrested-honduras">charged
suspects</a> with the murder of Berta Cáceres.
<p>
Given their job descriptions, I don't think they would have acted on
their own initiative.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Egyptian_journalists_protest)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Egyptian_journalists_protest)">Egyptian journalists protest</a>)
<p>
Egypt's journalists are 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/02/egyptian-journalists-protest-arrests-cairo">holding
a sit-in</a> next to the journalists' union after thugs raided it and
arrested two journalists.
<p>
It takes real courage to protest in Egypt under General al-Sisi.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Labour_suspends_officials_for_antisemitism)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Labour_suspends_officials_for_antisemitism)">Labour suspends officials for "antisemitism"</a>)
<p>
Labour has suspended two local officials for "antisemitism" because of
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/may/02/labour-suspends-two-councillors-alleged-antisemitism">statements
that really only criticize the occupation of Palestine</a>.
<p>
Those two people may or may not be antisemitic, but these statements
don't indicate that.
<p>
Neither of the quoted statements appears antisemitic to me.  One said
that European support for Israel's occupation of Palestine helped to
provoke terrorist attacks in Europe.  This is surely true.  The
statement criticizes Israel, but does not express hostility towards
Jews.
<p>
The other one compares Israel's occupation policies with Nazi
genocide.  To equate them would be an exaggeration — Israel is
not trying to kill Palestinians, only to ethnically cleanse them from
certain areas — but 
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2010-mar-jun.html#27%20April%202010%20(The%20Israeli%20right%20win)">Uri
Avnery sees a similarity</a>.  Unlike us, he saw real Nazis before his
family fled Germany.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(FBI_secrecy_about_stingray_use)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(FBI_secrecy_about_stingray_use)">FBI secrecy about stingray use</a>)
<p>
The FBI 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/02/fbi-chooses-secrecy-over-locking-up-criminals/">imposes
secrecy about use of stingrays</a> (fake cell towers for snooping on
people) on state and local thugs, even when this requires cases to be
thrown out.
<p>
However, it is quite possible that this secrecy enables them to
illegally deny the use of stingrays in cases where they did use them.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Media_witch-hunt_in_Turkey)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Media_witch-hunt_in_Turkey)">Media witch-hunt in Turkey</a>)
<p>
Turkish Journalists Accuse Erdo&gbreve;an of 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/02/turkish-journalists-accuse-erdogan-of-media-witch-hunt">Media
Witch-Hunt</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Isolation_of_prisoners)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Isolation_of_prisoners)">Isolation of prisoners</a>)
<p>
Some European countries have 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/02/solitary-confinement-european-prisons-terror-threat">isolated
jihadi prisoners</a> to stop them from spreading their ideology to
other prisoners.
<p>
Isolation from other prisoners does not have to mean isolation from
everyone.  In principle, this does not have to be solitary confinement
— it could be like the prison Anders Breivik is in (which seems
acceptable to me).  In practice, it tends to be almost solitary
confinement.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Union_buster_Trump)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Union_buster_Trump)">Union buster Trump</a>)
<p>
Trump, the 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/02/donald-trump-workers-hotel-international-las-vegas">union
buster</a>.
<p>
What Trump says doesn't mean much, but we can get an idea of how he
wants to treat workers from the way he treats the workers in his
hotel.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Manning_describes_solitary_confinement)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Manning_describes_solitary_confinement)">Manning describes solitary confinement</a>)
<p>
Chelsea Manning describes her horrible solitary confinement, in which
she was 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2016/may/02/solitary-confinement-is-solitary-confinement-is-torture-6x9-cells-chelsea-manningno-touch-torture-and-it-must-be-abolished">constantly
watched and forbidden to lie down or sit against the wall</a> for 17
hours each day.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Australian_thugs_acting_like_kidnapers)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Australian_thugs_acting_like_kidnapers)">Australian thugs acting like kidnapers</a>)
<p>
Australian thugs imprisoning an Iranian refugee (whose husband
recently set himself on fire and died) are acting like kidnapers,
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/may/02/widow-of-refugee-who-set-himself-alight-being-kept-in-hotel-and-denied-a-lawyer">threatening
to punish her if she looks out the window</a> since she might be seen.
When she cries, they inject her with sedatives.
<p>
They are trying to bully her into going back to Iran, where she faces
a danger of persecution.
<p>
Apparently Australia's policy for keeping refugees away is to threaten
them with worse persecution than what they are fleeing from.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Overfishing)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Overfishing)">Overfishing</a>)
<p>
The tuna fishing business can be 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/may/02/overfishing-42bn-tuna-industry-risk-collapse">wiped
out by overfishing</a> unless the fishing countries make an agreement
to preserve the stocks.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Mothers_of_jihadis_offer_counseling)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Mothers_of_jihadis_offer_counseling)">Mothers of jihadis offer counseling</a>)
<p>
Mothers of jihadis now offer family counseling to 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/02/joining-isis-foreign-jihadis-syria-deradicalisation">help
mothers dissuade their children from becoming jihadis</a>.
<p>
I think this has a chance of working, unlike the heavy-handed
government surveillance/repression campaigns.  In addition, this won't
give large numbers of young Muslims grounds to feel resentment.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(War_on_Sharing)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(War_on_Sharing)">War on Sharing</a>)
<p>
The European Commission is 
<a href="https://edri.org/leaked-eu-communication-privatised-censorship-and-surveillance/">inventing
and distorting evidence</a> to justify a new regime of censorship for
the internet.
<p>
It's for the sake of the War on Sharing, of course.

<p>
<li><a name="7_May_2016_(Insurance_companies_and_data_brokers)" />7 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#7_May_2016_(Insurance_companies_and_data_brokers)">Insurance companies and data brokers</a>)
<p>
US insurance companies, and the data brokers that serve them, 
<a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/04/credit-reporting-spying/480510/">must
be strictly regulated</a> about what kinds of data they can collect.

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(Urgent:_Healthful_school_meals)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(Urgent:_Healthful_school_meals)">Urgent: Healthful school meals</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/House_CNR_2016">oppose
SCROTUS's attack</a> on support for healthful school meals for US
children.
<p>
The Republicans are working for the billionaires, who are confident
that <em>they</em> can afford good food for their children and judge
that poor people are superfluous.

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(Uber_changes_city_regulations)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(Uber_changes_city_regulations)">Uber changes city regulations</a>)
<p>
Uber has
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/apr/29/uber-penalty-fees-late-passengers">changed
the regulations</a> that cover charging passengers for making cars
wait.
<p>
This decision itself may not be objectionable.  Taxis typically charge
for making them wait.  But that regulation is set by a city agency
which is at least somewhat responsible to the people.  Uber is a
business headquartered somewhere else, which accepts no responsibility
to the people of any city.
<p>
We should not allow a company to privatize the making of the
regulations that create our social order.

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(CIA_torture_kidnapping)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(CIA_torture_kidnapping)">CIA torture kidnapping</a>)
<p>
Abu Omar, who was kidnaped by the CIA in Italy and sent to Egypt for
torture, says that former agent Sabrina De Sousa is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/apr/29/egyptian-cleric-defends-cia-agent-convicted-rendition-abu-omar">one
of the small fry and shouldn't be prosecuted</a>.
<p>
The real culprits are higher-ups and not on the list to prosecute.

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(Poaching_of_tigers_in_India)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(Poaching_of_tigers_in_India)">Poaching of tigers in India</a>)
<p>
Poaching of tigers in India is now going at
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/apr/29/more-tigers-poached-india-so-far-this-year-than-2015">4
times the 2015 rate</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(Making_the_rich_pay_enough_taxes)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(Making_the_rich_pay_enough_taxes)">Making the rich pay enough taxes</a>)
<p>
To reduce poverty, stop obsessing about what poor people do to
survive, and more attention to
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/apr/29/making-poverty-history-didnt-happen-tackling-rich">making
the rich pay enough taxes</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(Jailing_the_poor)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(Jailing_the_poor)">Jailing the poor</a>)
<p>
Angola is worse than Ferguson for jailing the poor: A man who fell
asleep in a stranger's minivan has been
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/29/angolas-punitive-prison-system-rafael-marques-de-morais">in
jail 8 years awaiting trial</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(Destruction_of_towns_in_the_Arctic)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(Destruction_of_towns_in_the_Arctic)">Destruction of towns in the Arctic</a>)
<p>
Global heating is destroying many towns in the Arctic, and will cause
a wave of
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/apr/29/climate-change-refugees-arctic-obama-administration-warning">climate
refugees</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(The_Scott_Walker_John_Doe_case)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(The_Scott_Walker_John_Doe_case)">The Scott Walker John Doe case</a>)
<p>
Wisconsin prosecutors have
<a href="http://www.prwatch.org/news/2016/04/13097/wisconsin-prosecutors-appeal-walker-john-doe-united-states-supreme-court%C2%A0">appealed
to the US Supreme Court to reopen their investigation</a> that is
likely to touch Governor Walker and his henchmen.
<p>
The investigation was shut down by the Wisconsin Supreme Court,
which Governor Walker had packed.

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(Cruelty_in_Nauru_prison)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(Cruelty_in_Nauru_prison)">Cruelty in Nauru prison</a>)
<p>
A prisoner in Nauru, who was raped, needs a surgical abortion which
might have complications.  Doctors say to send her to Australia for
this, but
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/29/nauru-victims-health-not-exceptional-enough-to-fly-to-australia-for-abortion-court-told">the
state won't allow it</a>.
<p>
She cannot communicate with the public, and her name has been replaced
with "S99".
<p>
Despite all efforts to keep Australia's outsourced immigration prisons
secret, and the prisoners incommunicado, some footage has leaked out,
and
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/apr/30/eva-orner-on-chasing-asylum-every-whistleblower-that-i-interviewed-wept">some
whistleblowers are willing to risk imprisonment</a> to recount the
cruelty they have witnessed.
<p>
I hope Ms Orner is finishing this film in a safe place, far away from
Australia.

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(Yolo_County_farm_workers_malnourished)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(Yolo_County_farm_workers_malnourished)">Yolo County farm workers malnourished</a>)
<p>
Farm workers in Yolo county, California, have
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/04/california-tomatoes-farm-workers-hunger-food-yolo-county">inadequate
nutrition</a> because of their low pay and other limitations.

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(US_teen_pregnancy_down)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(US_teen_pregnancy_down)">US teen pregnancy down</a>)
<p>
The US teen pregnancy rate has fallen substantially, due to
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/04/teen-birth-rate-black-hispanic-birth-control">reliable
long-term contraceptive methods</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(The_Democratic_Party)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(The_Democratic_Party)">The Democratic Party</a>)
<p>
Why Do
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/04/29/why-do-progressives-cling-hillary">Progressives
Cling to Hillary</a>?
<p>
Sanders asks the Democratic Party to think about which side it's on:
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/04/28/sanders-calls-50-state-strategy-revitalize-american-democracy">the
rich and powerful, or the rest</a>.
<p>
Which is
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/04/28/pragmatic-impacts-sanders-big-dreams">more
realistic</a>, Sanders or Clinton?

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(Corporate_corruption_of_US_media)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(Corporate_corruption_of_US_media)">Corporate corruption of US media</a>)
<p>
Chomsky measures the corporate corruption of US media by
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/04/28/noam-chomsky-young-bernie-sanders-supporters-are-mobilized-force-could-change">the
way they dismiss Sanders</a>, who stands for mainstream America, as a
"radical extremist".

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(Plutocracy)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(Plutocracy)">Plutocracy</a>)
<p>
Plutocracy is pushing for
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/04/29/millions-workers-face-pension-cuts-thanks-wall-street-greed-executive-benefits">cuts
in workers' pensions</a>, while retired executives get lavish
retirement pay.

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(Fracking:_Environmental_Groups_Sue_EPA)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(Fracking:_Environmental_Groups_Sue_EPA)">Fracking: Environmental Groups Sue EPA</a>)
<p>
Fracking: <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/04/epa-fracking-lawsuit-environment">Environmental Groups Sue EPA</a> in Call for Strict Rules on Waste.
<p>Fracking might not be so attractive if frackers had to take responsibility
for the various kinds of environmental damage that it causes.

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(Trump_has_gained_the_Republican_nomination)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(Trump_has_gained_the_Republican_nomination)">Trump has gained the Republican nomination</a>)
<p>
Trump has gained the Republican nomination; 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/04/john-kasich-drop-out-republican-presidential-race-donald-trump-nomination">other candidates have given up.</a>
<p>Kasich eschewed the I'm-toughest-cruelest-extremest rhetoric that Cruz
and Bush used, but his actions make him a right-wing extremist.

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(Bill_Clinton's_1996_antiterrorism_bill)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(Bill_Clinton's_1996_antiterrorism_bill)">Bill Clinton's 1996 "antiterrorism" bill</a>)
<p>
Bill Clinton's 1996 "antiterrorism" bill continues to prop up
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/04/the-untold-story-of-bill-clintons-other-crime-bill/">miscarriages 
of justice</a>

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(Apple_refuses_to_pay_taxes)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(Apple_refuses_to_pay_taxes)">Apple refuses to pay taxes</a>)
<p>
Apple 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/may/05/apple-taxes-cupertino-mayor-infrastructure-plan">refuses 
to pay taxes to maintain Cupertino's infrastructure</a>.  Residents 
are getting angry.

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(Gay_people_persecuted)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(Gay_people_persecuted)">Gay people persecuted</a>)
<p>In Uganda, women known as gay just get murdered.  In Somalia, they are
given the choice between <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/may/05/the-lesbian-rapper-who-escaped-forced-marriage-in-somalia">marriage (a form of slavery) and death.</a>
<p>Queers in Kyrgyzstan are persecuted; bigots <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/04/kyrgyzstan-lgbt-community-fear-attacks-russia">murder them with impunity.</a>

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(Rising_seas_release_pollution)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(Rising_seas_release_pollution)">Rising seas release pollution
</a>)
<p>
Rising seas (due to global heating) will release pollution from
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/05/pollution-risk-from-over-1000-landfill-sites-england-wales-coastal-erosion">coastal 
landfills</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(Saudi_keeps_on_bombing_Yemen_with_help_from_the_Tories)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(Saudi_keeps_on_bombing_Yemen_with_help_from_the_Tories)">Saudi keeps on bombing Yemen with help from the Tories</a>)
<p>
Who's making sure the Saudi bombs keep falling on Yemen? 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/05/saudi-arabia-bombs-yemen-tories-human-rights">The 
Tories</a>.
<p>(Plus Obama, of course.)

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(Dalits_converting_to_Buddhism)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(Dalits_converting_to_Buddhism)">Dalits converting to Buddhism</a>)
<p>
Increasing numbers of Dalits in India are 
<a href="http://www.indiapress.org/gen/news.php/Indian_Express/400x60/0">converting 
to Buddhism</a>.
<p>57 lakh equals 5.7 million.

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(Families_must_choose:_heating_or_eating)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(Families_must_choose:_heating_or_eating)">Families must choose: heating or eating</a>)
<p>
In winter under Tory cruelty, families must choose: 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/05/decent-toilet-roll-kids-delighted-hope-for-food">heating 
or eating.</a>

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(Israel_taking_up_Nazi_traits)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(Israel_taking_up_Nazi_traits)">Israel taking up Nazi traits</a>)
<p>
The second in command of the Israeli Army warned that Israel was 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/05/israeli-military-chief-yair-golan-nazi-germany-comparison">taking
up Nazi traits</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="6_May_2016_(Death_by_GPS)" />6 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#6_May_2016_(Death_by_GPS)">Death by GPS</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://arstechnica.com/cars/2016/05/death-by-gps/">Death 
by GPS</a> is the extreme case of a very common problem:
using a GPS makes people helpless at orienting themselves.
<p>I'd rather use a paper map.

<p>
<li><a name="5_May_2016_(Solitary_confinement)" />5 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_May_2016_(Solitary_confinement)">Solitary confinement</a>)
<p>
A woman in solitary confinement speaks to the world through a play
that shows how solitary confinement 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2016/may/01/olitary-confinement-prison-6-x-9-mariposa-and-the-saint-theater-julia-steele-allen">crushes
the spirit</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="5_May_2016_(Smart-Gun_Tech)" />5 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_May_2016_(Smart-Gun_Tech)">Smart-Gun Tech</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.computerworld.com/article/3063561/emerging-technology/white-house-releases-study-on-how-to-spur-smart-gun-tech.html">White
House Releases Report on How to Spur Smart-Gun Tech</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="5_May_2016_(Reasons_to_reject_cruise_ship_vacations)" />5 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_May_2016_(Reasons_to_reject_cruise_ship_vacations)">Reasons to reject cruise ship vacations</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/01/eco-guide-to-cruises">Numerous
reasons</a> to reject a cruise ship vacation.
<p>
Another reason is that they are as artificial as a resort hotel.  (I
know this because I was once hired to give talks on a cruise —
I'd never spend money to go on one.)  All the specific pleasures
available on them, you can find closer to home and much cheaper.
<p>
I think that what people mainly like about them is the idea of being
on a cruise.  They think they gave themselves a prize.  Well, you can
pick almost anything and think of it that way.

<p>
<li><a name="5_May_2016_(NHS_expected_to_deteriorate)" />5 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_May_2016_(NHS_expected_to_deteriorate)">NHS expected to deteriorate</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/apr/30/nhs-worse-services-three-quarters-britons-expect-survey">Over
70% of Britons</a> expect the NHS to deteriorate.
<p>
Of course it will: the Tories are trying to kill it.
Only a callous rich bastard can rationally vote for a Tory.

<p>
<li><a name="5_May_2016_(80,000_preventable_deaths_per_year_in_UK)" />5 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_May_2016_(80,000_preventable_deaths_per_year_in_UK)">80,000 preventable deaths per year in UK</a>)
<p>
A study estimates that the UK could prevent 80,000 deaths annually by
better regulating 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/apr/30/pollution-food-poisoning-health-safety-deaths-thinktank">pollution,
workplace safety, and food safety</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="5_May_2016_(Ryan_wants_cancer_treatment_unaffordable)" />5 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_May_2016_(Ryan_wants_cancer_treatment_unaffordable)">Ryan wants cancer treatment unaffordable</a>)
<p>
Rep. Ryan 
<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/04/29/1521335/-DEADPOOL-Paul-Ryan-essentially-tells-cancer-patients-to-Die-Quickly">wants
to make cancer treatment unaffordable for many Americans</a> by
changing a crucial point in Obama's medical care funding law.

<p>
<li><a name="5_May_2016_(Crackdown_turns_Journalists_into_'Terrorists')" />5 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_May_2016_(Crackdown_turns_Journalists_into_'Terrorists'
)">Crackdown turns Journalists into 'Terrorists'</a>)
<p>
Crackdown in Turkey's Kurdish South-East <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/03/crackdown-in-turkeys-kurdish-south-east-turns-journalists-into-terrorists">Turns 
Journalists into 'Terrorists'</a>.<p>
This is so Erdogan can cover up the continuing atrocities against
the Kurds in Turkey.

<p>
<li><a name="5_May_2016_(Climate_protesters_block_coal_mine)" />5 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_May_2016_(Climate_protesters_block_coal_mine)">Climate protesters 
block coal mine</a>)
<p>
Climate protesters 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/03/climate-protesters-invade-uks-largest-opencast-coal-mine">blocked 
the largest coal mine in Britain</a>.<p>

<p>
<li><a name="5_May_2016_(Urgent:_clemency_for_Leonard_Peltier)" />5 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_May_2016_(Urgent:_clemency_for_Leonard_Peltier)">Urgent: clemency for Leonard Peltier</a>)
<p>
Everyone: support 
<a href="http://act.amnestyusa.org/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1839&ea.campaign.id=27118">clemency for Leonard Peltier</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="5_May_2016_(Puerto_Rico_is_defaulting_on_its_debt)" />5 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_May_2016_(Puerto_Rico_is_defaulting_on_its_debt)">Puerto Rico is defaulting on its debt</a>)
<p>
Puerto Rico is defaulting on its debt, because 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/05/02/vulture-funds-circle-puerto-rico-set-default-debt">vulture 
banksters</a> lobbied Congress not to allow Puerto Rico a form of 
bankruptcy.

<p>
<li><a name="5_May_2016_(If_everyone_lived_like_Americans)" />5 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_May_2016_(If_everyone_lived_like_Americans)">If everyone lived like 
Americans</a>)
<p>
If everyone lived like Americans, the human world 
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/04/world-already-would-be-out-water-if-everyone-ate-americans">would 
have already exhausted its fresh water supplies</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="5_May_2016_(Erdogan_wants_to_prosecute_members_of_Parliament)" />5 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_May_2016_(Erdogan_wants_to_prosecute_members_of_Parliament)">Erdogan wants to prosecute members of Parliament</a>)
<p>
Erdogan wants to prosecute members of Parliament for 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/03/turkish-politicians-brawl-over-plans-to-drop-legal-immunity">"terrorism"</a>.
<p>
Will they be able to find asylum in Europe?

<p>
<li><a name="5_May_2016_(Snowden_analyzes_leaks)" />5 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_May_2016_(Snowden_analyzes_leaks)">Snowden analyzes leaks</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/03/edward-snowden-whistleblowing-is-not-just-leaking-its-an-act-of-political-resistance/">Snowden 
analyzes</a> the difference between whistleblowers' leaks and the
establishments' leaks (which often damage security interests much
more).

<p>
<li><a name="5_May_2016_(Britains_long_history_of_antisemitism)" />5 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_May_2016_(Britains_long_history_of_antisemitism)">Britain's long history of antisemitism</a>)
<p>
Britain has a long history of 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/03/everyday-antisemitism-britain-prejudice">real 
antisemitism</a>.
<p>
This needs to be rooted out.  Note, however, that none of these
examples had anything to do with concerns about Israel's occupation
policy.

<p>
<li><a name="5_May_2016_(Global_Heating_Starving_West_Coast_Waters)" />5 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_May_2016_(Global_Heating_Starving_West_Coast_Waters)">Global Heating Starving West Coast Waters</a>)
<p>
Global Heating Is 
<a href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/global-warming-starving-waters-of-oxygen-20303">Starving 
West Coast Waters of Oxygen</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="5_May_2016_(EU_proposals_for_web_sites)" />5 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_May_2016_(EU_proposals_for_web_sites)">EU proposals for web sites</a>)
<p>
The
<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160502014025/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/04/29/eu_login_youtube_national_id_card/">EU
proposes</a> that web sites should require visitors to give their
national ID numbers.

<p>
<li><a name="5_May_2016_(We_need_to_curb_global_heating_now!)" />5 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_May_2016_(We_need_to_curb_global_heating_now!)">We need to curb global heating now!</a>)
<p>
Stop waiting for the 
"<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/may/03/the-time-has-come-to-turn-up-the-heat-on-those-who-are-wrecking-planet-earth">right 
moment</a>" to curb global heating.  The right moment was 15 years ago!

<p>
<li><a name="5_May_2016_(Women_who_carry_guns_are_far_more_likely_to_be_shot_with_a_gun)" />5 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_May_2016_(Women_who_carry_guns_are_far_more_likely_to_be_shot_with_a_gun)">Women who carry guns are far more likely to be shot with a gun</a>)
<p>
People, and especially women, who carry guns are 
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2013/mar/25/guns-protection-national-rifle-association">far 
more likely to be shot with a gun</a>.
<p>
A part of this may be because people who feel more threatened are more
likely to get a gun.  But surely that is not the only cause.

<p>
<li><a name="5_May_2016_(Ban_of_free_encryption_software_in_the_US)"/>5 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_May_2016_(Ban_of_free_encryption_software_in_the_US)">Ban of free encryption software in the US</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://www.justsecurity.org/30740/feinstein-burr-bill-bans-bro">The 
Feinstein-Burr anti-encryption bill</a> would ban the distribution of
free encryption software in the US.  All distribution of free systems
would have to move out of the US.

<p>
<li><a name="5_May_2016_(Stealing_food_to_eat_is_not_a_crime)" />5 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_May_2016_(Stealing_food_to_eat_is_not_a_crime)">Stealing food to eat is not a crime</a>)
<p>
Italy's supreme court ruled that 
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/03/theft-sausage-cheese-hungry-homeless-man-not-crime-italy">stealing 
food to eat is not a crime</a> if you are desperately hungry.

<p>
<li><a name="5_May_2016_(Warrantless_Searches_on_Americans)" />5 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#5_May_2016_(Warrantless_Searches_on_Americans)">Warrantless Searches on Americans</a>)
<p>
NSA and CIA Double Their 
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/05/03/nsa-and-cia-double-their-warrantless-searches-on-americans-in-two-years/">Warrantless 
Searches on Americans</a> in Two Years.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Urgent:_Make_banks_return_money)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Urgent:_Make_banks_return_money)">Urgent: Make banks return money</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/sec_city_predatory_loans">call
on the SEC</a> to make Wall Street banks return the money they got
from cheating American cities.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Urgent:_Maintain_Ebola_emergency_fund)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Urgent:_Maintain_Ebola_emergency_fund)">Urgent: Maintain Ebola emergency fund</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://leftaction.com/stop-ebola">call for maintaining
funds</a> allocated for coping with future Ebola outbreaks.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(UK_immigration)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(UK_immigration)">UK immigration</a>)
<p>
The UK regularly deports Romanian prostitutes by
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/may/01/romanian-sex-workers-challenge-uk-immigration-policy">claiming
they are not working</a>.  In fact, they are working, but they have
trouble proving this.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Large_British_retail_chain_bankrupt)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Large_British_retail_chain_bankrupt)">Large British retail chain bankrupt</a>)
<p>
A large British retail chain has gone bankrupt because
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/apr/25/the-guardian-view-on-bhs-on-the-high-street">its
main owner drained it constantly of money</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Parents_Shouldnt_Spy_on_Their_Kids)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Parents_Shouldnt_Spy_on_Their_Kids)">Parents Shouldn't Spy on Their Kids</a>)
<p>
Parents Shouldn't Spy on Their Kids — it is
<a href="http://nautil.us/issue/35/boundaries/parents-shouldnt-spy-on-their-kids">bad
for them</a>, as well as unjust.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Profiles_about_everyone)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Profiles_about_everyone)">Profiles about everyone</a>)
<p>
It was
<a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Passcode/Security-culture/2016/0427/Dutch-art-project-exposes-extent-of-surveillance-tests-limits-of-law">dangerously
easy</a> to make profiles about everyone in the Netherlands based on
data available to the public.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Inequality)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Inequality)">Inequality</a>)
<p>
Inequality
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/05/01/inequality-will-get-worse-until-theres-revolution">Will
Get Worse Until There's a Revolution</a>.
<p>
Electing Clinton, Trump, Cruz or Kasich sure won't help.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Poor_peoples_votes)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Poor_peoples_votes)">Poor people's votes</a>)
<p>
Bernie Sanders Is Right:
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/apr/26/bernie-sanders-is-right-poor-people-dont-vote">Poor
People Don't Vote And It's a Problem</a>.
<p>
One significant obstacle is logistical: coping with poverty is so hard
that they have no time to vote.  Another is Republican interference
with voting.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Girls_convinced_they_need_plastic_surgery)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Girls_convinced_they_need_plastic_surgery)">Girls convinced they need plastic surgery</a>)
<p>
Many teenage girls in the US today have been
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/apr/28/girls-labiaplasty-self-hatred-body-image">convinced
they need plastic surgery on their genitals</a> in order to be
attractive to boys.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Murder_conviction_in_secret_trial)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Murder_conviction_in_secret_trial)">Murder conviction in secret trial</a>)
<p>
Wang Yam was convicted of murder in a secret trial.  Now his
conviction has been put in doubt because the
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/law/2016/apr/28/conviction-of-chinese-mi6-informant-referred-to-appeal-court">thugs
concealed evidence that could have helped his defense</a>.
<p>
There is other evidence of official shenanigans in connection with
this case.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Terror_in_Bangladesh)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Terror_in_Bangladesh)">Terror in Bangladesh</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/30/bangladesh-islamist-attacks-murder-gay-atheist-activists-dhaka">Islamist
murderers</a> have spread terror in Bangladesh.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Urgent:_Lead-Safe_Housing_for_Kids_Act)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Urgent:_Lead-Safe_Housing_for_Kids_Act)">Urgent: Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Lead_Housing">call on
Congress</a> to pass the Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_advocating_fossil_fuels)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_advocating_fossil_fuels)">Urgent: Stop advocating fossil fuels</a>)
<p>
US citizens: call on the Democratic and Republican parties to 
<a href="https://secure.foodandwaterwatch.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=2597">stop
advocating use of fossil fuels</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Urgent:_Repeal_gag_on_abortion_info)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Urgent:_Repeal_gag_on_abortion_info)">Urgent: Repeal gag on abortion info</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://actnow.prochoiceamerica.org/sign/160427_americorps/">call
on Congress</a> to repeal the gag rule that AmeriCorps volunteers are
not allowed to give information about abortion.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Obamas_offshore_drilling_proposal)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Obamas_offshore_drilling_proposal)">Obama's offshore drilling proposal</a>)
<p>
Obama's Controversial Offshore Drilling Proposal
<a href="http://www.ibtimes.com/political-capital/obamas-controversial-offshore-drilling-proposal-rests-research-funded-fossil-fuel">Rests
On Research Funded By Fossil Fuel Industry</a>.
<p>
This policy is based on a refusal to recognize the fact that oil is
now cheap, and the knowledge that we need to keep 80% of known
reserves in the ground.
<p>
This shows an example of the standard way businesses corrupt science
nowadays.  Businesses fund professors, who know what they have to say
in order to get more support in the future.  They also support "think
tanks" in which those professors can meet and produce reports to say
what the businesses want them to say.
<p>
Then the same businesses' pet politicians can cite these studies as an
excuse to do what these businesses want.
<p>
The first step in putting an end to this is to make businesses get
smaller.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(The_right_to_die)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(The_right_to_die)">The right to die</a>)
<p>
Shame on states that
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/apr/30/assisted-dying-mcs-minimally-conscious-state-lu-spinney-beyond-high-blue-air-son-snowboarding">force
totally incapacitated people to suffer years of futile pain</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Young_people_sue_state)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Young_people_sue_state)">Young people sue state</a>)
<p>
A group of young people sued the state of Washington, demanding that
it protect them (and everyone else alive decades from now) from the
danger of climate mayhem.  The court has
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/04/29/these-kids-cant-wait-new-win-youth-climate-lawsuit-washington">ordered
the state to do more to curb greenhouse gas emissions</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(The_US_crime_of_conspiracy)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(The_US_crime_of_conspiracy)">The US crime of "conspiracy"</a>)
<p>
The US crime of "conspiracy" is so vague that people can get
<a href="http://reason.com/blog/2016/04/29/conspiracy-laws-ripe-for-abuse">long
prison sentences for crimes they didn't know about and had only a
tenuous relationship to</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(FISA)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(FISA)">FISA</a>)
<p>
FISA:
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/law/2016/apr/30/fisa-court-foreign-intelligence-surveillance-fbi-nsa-applications">the
surveillance court that never says no</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_lobbying_against_better_pay)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_lobbying_against_better_pay)">Urgent: Stop lobbying against better pay</a>)
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="http://a.cpdaction.org/page/s/tell-the-chamber-don-t-obstruct-pro-worker-policies">call
on US Chamber of Commerce</a> to stop lobbying against better pay and
working conditions.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Urgent:_Reject_money_from_oil_companies)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Urgent:_Reject_money_from_oil_companies)">Urgent: Reject money from oil companies</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://signforgood.com/oilmoney/">call on legislators</a> not
to take money from oil companies.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Expelled_from_BYU_for_being_raped)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Expelled_from_BYU_for_being_raped)">Expelled from BYU for being raped</a>)
<p>
Brigham Young University expelled Madi Barney when the administration
found out that she had reported being raped.  So she
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/30/mormon-rape-victims-shame-brigham-young-university">launched
a campaign to pressure the university to change the "honor code"</a>.
<p>
The current policy is totally logical if you believe the idea that
"honor" consists of staying far away from sex.  I'd say that idea is
the root of the problem.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Exiled_Soviet_dissident_on_hunger_strike)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Exiled_Soviet_dissident_on_hunger_strike)">Exiled Soviet dissident on hunger strike</a>)
<p>
Exiled Soviet, then Russian, dissident Vladimir Bukovsky says he is
being framed for possession of "child pornography".  He has
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/29/vladimir-bukovsky-russian-dissident-hunger-strike-litvinenko-uk-judicial-system">started
a hunger strike just as he did in the gulag</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Stanford_refuses_to_divest_from_fossil_fuel)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Stanford_refuses_to_divest_from_fossil_fuel)">Stanford refuses to divest from fossil fuel</a>)
<p>
Stanford University
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/apr/28/standford-university-votes-against-fossil-fuel-divestment-protests">rebuffed
persistent protests</a>, refusing to divest from fossil fuel
companies.
<p>
The cited reason was simply "Let's take it slowly", which is exactly
the attitude that is now fatal.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Real_antisemitism_vs_misrepresentation)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Real_antisemitism_vs_misrepresentation)">Real antisemitism vs misrepresentation</a>)
<p>
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/04/29/british-fight-critics-israel-anti-semitism-matters-rest-us/">Disentangling
real antisemitism in Britain from right-wing misrepresentations</a> is
sometimes a difficult question.
<p>
Some of the accusations are based on statements taken out of context
or misinterpreted.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Bombing_of_MSF_hospital_in_Kunduz)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Bombing_of_MSF_hospital_in_Kunduz)">Bombing of MSF hospital in Kunduz</a>)
<p>
Was the bombing of the MSF hospital in Kunduz a
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/04/29/pentagon-denies-war-crimes-allegations-in-kunduz-hospital-killings/">war
crime</a>?
<p>
Reckless action can be a war crime, but I think it is a stretch to
equate confusion to recklessness.  Especially since confusion is
almost ubiquitous in war.  For instance, US Army officers try very
hard not to kill their fellow soldiers, but that happens anyway
— through confusion.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Cruz_behind_bill_to_ban_municipal_WiFi)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Cruz_behind_bill_to_ban_municipal_WiFi)">Cruz behind bill to ban municipal WiFi</a>)
<p>
Ted Cruz is behind a bill to support
<a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160427/04424834288/ted-cruz-pushing-bill-protecting-large-isps-competition.shtml">state
bans on municipal WiFi access</a>.
<p>
In effect, he is trying to give more power to the merged
Charter/Time-Warner.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Klingon_in_court)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Klingon_in_court)">Klingon in court</a>)
<p>
In resisting a movie company's claim to have a copyright on the
artificially constructed Klingon language, an amicus brief
<a href="https://www.publicknowledge.org/news-blog/blogs/in-a-lawsuit-over-copyright-in-klingon-here-come-the-klingon-speakers">cites
proverbs in Klingon</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="4_May_2016_(Snooping_on_Tinder_users)" />4 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#4_May_2016_(Snooping_on_Tinder_users)">Snooping on Tinder users</a>)
<p>
If you are using Tinder from an iThing, your parents or your ex could
be
<a href="http://motherboard.vice.com/read/abusers-could-use-this-parenting-service-to-secretly-track-an-exs-tinder-usage-teensafe">snooping
on your use</a>.
<p>
It must be the case that either Tinder or Apple offers some interface
for snooping.

<p>
<li><a name="3_May_2016_(Muslims_in_US_often_treated_as_terrorists)" />3 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_May_2016_(Muslims_in_US_often_treated_as_terrorists)">Muslims in US often treated as terrorists</a>)
<p>
Muslims in the US are
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/apr/29/sikh-man-arrested-bus-terrorist-bomb-islamophobia">often
treated as terrorists</a>, just because they are Muslim and talk with
someone in a language other than English.  Sikhs face the same
harassment, since ignorant Americans think they are Muslims.

<p>
<li><a name="3_May_2016_(Indians_dying_from_drought_and_heat)" />3 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_May_2016_(Indians_dying_from_drought_and_heat)">Indians dying from drought and heat</a>)
<p>
Indians are
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/30/daytime-cooking-ban-in-india-as-heatwave-claims-300-lives">dying
from drought and heat</a>, and also from the fires that have been
caused by those.
<p>
Will India learn its lesson and start cutting back on fossil fuels?

<p>
<li><a name="3_May_2016_(Charge_against_Bangladeshi_editor)" />3 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_May_2016_(Charge_against_Bangladeshi_editor)">Charge against Bangladeshi editor</a>)
<p>
Shafik Rehman, Bangladeshi editor that supports an opposition party,
has been
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/29/bangladeshi-british-editor-held-on-farcical-charges-son-says">charged
with plotting to murder the prime minister's son</a>.  It seems he was
investigating someone who was alleged to be planning this.
<p>
The Bangladeshi state is more interested in
<a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2016/04/28/opinions/bangladeshi-bloggers-opinion/">imprisoning
secular writers</a> than catching those who kill them.

<p>
<li><a name="3_May_2016_(Deoxygenation_of_ocean)" />3 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_May_2016_(Deoxygenation_of_ocean)">Deoxygenation of ocean</a>)
<p>
Global heating
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/04/28/save-starfish-deoxygenated-dead-zones-threatening-marine-life">could
deoxygenate large areas of the ocean</a> within 20 years.
<p>
This would mean no more seafood in some parts of the world, and
perhaps extinction of some (or many) species.

<p>
<li><a name="3_May_2016_(Taxing_the_wealth_of_the_rich)" />3 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_May_2016_(Taxing_the_wealth_of_the_rich)">Taxing the wealth of the rich</a>)
<p>
Arguing for
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/04/28/how-redistribute-wealth-without-guillotine">taxing
the wealth of the rich</a>, not only their income.

<p>
<li><a name="3_May_2016_(Riders_in_military_spending_bill)" />3 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#3_May_2016_(Riders_in_military_spending_bill)">Riders in
 military spending bill</a>)
<p>
SCROTUS are 
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/04/28/defense-spending-bill-burdened-once-again-unrelated-anti-wildlife-riders">trying 
to attack the protection of endangered species</a> through the 
military spending bill.
<p>
SCROTUS = Sleazy Congressional Republicans Of The United States.

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(Urgent:_No_more_cluster_bombs)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(Urgent:_No_more_cluster_bombs)">Urgent: No more cluster bombs</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/senatorbaldwin-repgwenmoore">call
on Senator Baldwin & Rep Gwen Moore</a> to end sending cluster bombs
to Salafi Arabia.

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(Florida_thug_prosecuted_for_battery)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(Florida_thug_prosecuted_for_battery)">Florida thug prosecuted for battery</a>)
<p>
A Florida thug is being prosecuted for battery; he
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/apr/29/florida-police-officer-arrested-video-hitting-handcuffed-woman">attacked
a handcuffed woman</a> who was being put in jail.
<p>
She tried to kick him, which was a provocation.  But since she was
handcuffed at the time, she was unable to really hurt the thug, and he
could have handled the situation without brutality.  He should have
controlled himself.  That's the job — of a police officer.

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(FBI_needs_warrant_to_inject_malware)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(FBI_needs_warrant_to_inject_malware)">FBI needs warrant to inject malware</a>)
<p>
A court ruled the FBI
<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160424002452/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/04/21/federal_judge_torpedos_tor_pedo_torpedo/">needs
to get a warrant to inject malware into someone's machine</a>.  It
can't just set a trap for whoever visits a certain site, without the
authority of a court order.
<p>
However, the FBI has written new regulations for itself,
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/04/28/supreme-court-gives-fbi-more-hacking-power/">saying
that one court order can authorize it to attack an unlimited set of
computers</a>, if they are using Tor.
<p>
Senator Widen
<a href="https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-congress-must-reject-sprawling-expansion-of-government-surveillance">will
try to cut this back</a>.
<p>
I think it is legitimate for the state to install spy software in
suspects' computers, with a court order; but these orders must be
limited in scope so as not to threaten everyone.

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(Hot_water_killing_Great_Barrier_Reef)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(Hot_water_killing_Great_Barrier_Reef)">Hot water killing Great Barrier Reef</a>)
<p>
The hot water that is killing much of the Great Barrier Reef is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/apr/29/great-barrier-reef-bleaching-made-175-times-likelier-by-human-caused-climate-change-say-scientists">due
to El Niño on top of global heating</a>.  By 20 years from now,
continued global heating could make this temperature normal, and the
reef certainly won't survive.

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(Bliars_sales_work_for_Salafi_oil)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(Bliars_sales_work_for_Salafi_oil)">B'liar's sales work for Salafi oil</a>)
<p>
Tony B'liar did sales work for Salafi Arabia's oil business while
ostensibly the UK's
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/apr/28/tony-blair-chinese-leaders-saudi-princes-oil-firm-middle-east-envoy">"Middle
East peace envoy"</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(Minors_in_solitary_confinement)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(Minors_in_solitary_confinement)">Minors in solitary confinement</a>)
<p>
We must stop putting
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2016/apr/29/end-juvenile-solitary-confinement-prison-reform-cory-booker">minors
in solitary confinement</a>.  (And mostly adults, too.)

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(Self-immolation_in_Nauru)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(Self-immolation_in_Nauru)">Self-immolation in Nauru</a>)
<p>
An Iranian who tried to go to Australia but was sent to Nauru couldn't
stand being there.  He
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/apr/29/refugee-who-set-himself-alight-on-nauru-dies-of-injuries-in-hospital">set
himself on fire, and later died</a>.
<p>
He could not get proper medical care in Nauru, so Australia moved him
to Brisbane in Australia, but this took a long time because Nauru is
4500 miles away from Brisbane.  Who was responsible for forcibly
placing him so far away?  The Australian state.
<p>
His wife, who accompanied him to Brisbane, is being held incognito.
The Australian government uses a variety of unjust means to suppress
information about the various cruel things it does to would-be
refugees.  For instance,
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2015-jul-oct.html#21_October_2015_(Australian_governments_priorities)">making
it a crime to report those things</a>.  and sending them to a place
(Nauru) where
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2016-jan-apr.html#20_February_2016_(Nauru_restricting_visits_by_Australians)">independent
journalists are excluded</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(Thugs_in_Paris_attack_protesters)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(Thugs_in_Paris_attack_protesters)">Thugs in Paris attack protesters</a>)
<p>
Thugs in Paris
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/29/france-labour-law-protests-turn-violent">violently
attacked Nuit Debout protesters</a> to force them out of the Place de
la République.
<p>
I spoke there two weeks ago about
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">free
software</a> and
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/surveillance-vs-democracy.html">how
massive surveillance threatens democracy</a>.
<p>
The response was very favorable.

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(Urgent:_Protect_coastal_national_parks)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(Urgent:_Protect_coastal_national_parks)">Urgent: Protect coastal national parks</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/sign/Coastal_Parks">tell the
Senate</a> to protect America's coastal national parks.

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_corporate_water_profiteering)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(Urgent:_Stop_corporate_water_profiteering)">Urgent: Stop corporate water profiteering</a>)
<p>
US citizens:
<a href="http://act.credoaction.com/letter/nestle_scoping/">tell the
Forest Service</a>: Don't renew Nestlé's water withdrawal
permit.

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(Divestment_from_fossil_fuels)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(Divestment_from_fossil_fuels)">Divestment from fossil fuels</a>)
<p>
Students at many US universities are
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/04/27/neutral-not-acceptable-nationwide-protests-demand-colleges-go-fossil-free">holding
protests</a>, in some cases sit-ins, to demand divestment from fossil
fuels.
<p>
Today's college students have a good chance to be killed by global
heating in the second half of this century.  Planet-roasters are
spending millions to make sure this happens.  It is rational for the
students to take big risks and make substantial sacrifices to try to
overcome the planet-roasters.

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(Exploding_missiles_to_warn_civilians)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(Exploding_missiles_to_warn_civilians)">Exploding missiles to "warn" civilians</a>)
<p>
The US has adopted in Iraq the technique of exploding a missile above
the roof of a building as a way of
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/04/27/taking-page-israel-war-tactics-us-military-employs-controversial-roof-knocking">"warning"
civilians to leave the building</a> (which is scheduled to be bombed
shortly thereafter).
<p>
The problems are that (1) the people don't necessarily recognize what
the explosion means, or even that it was an explosion, and (2) the
actual bombardment may come so fast that people don't have time to get
their children or elderly parents out of the building.
<p>
Giving this sort of warning cannot as such be bad, but if it becomes
an excuse for predictably killing civilians, that is bad.

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(Koch_brothers_henchmen_in_Arizona)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(Koch_brothers_henchmen_in_Arizona)">Koch brothers' henchmen in Arizona</a>)
<p>
Arizona has earmarked
<a href="http://thinkprogress.org/education/2016/04/28/3773610/arizona-freedom-schools/">5
million dollars for the Koch brothers' right-wing propaganda
institutes</a>.  That's because many politicians there are already
their henchmen.
<p>
Don't the Koch brothers have enough money to fund their own
propaganda?

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(Arrested_in_Germany_for_quoting_poem)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(Arrested_in_Germany_for_quoting_poem)">Arrested in Germany for quoting poem</a>)
<p>
Bruno Kramm of the German Pirate Party was arrested for
<a href="http://boingboing.net/2016/04/23/german-political-leader-arrest.html">quoting
part of the famous poem that insults Erdo&gbreve;an</a>.
<p>
Some towns in Australia find some slogans on the sides of vans
offensive and
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/apr/28/wicked-campers-offensive-slogans-hard-to-ban-says-expert">want
to institute a regime of public censorship against offending
anyone</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(Misleading_accounting_by_US_companies)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(Misleading_accounting_by_US_companies)">Misleading accounting by US companies</a>)
<p>
Many US companies
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/24/business/fantasy-math-is-helping-companies-spin-losses-into-profits.html">overstate
their profits</a> by using misleading accounting.

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(Thug_breaks_bones_at_Walmart)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(Thug_breaks_bones_at_Walmart)">Thug breaks bones at Walmart</a>)
<p>
A thug working as a security guard at Walmart accused Tyrone Carnegay
of stealing a tomato.  Rather than allow Carnegay to show the receipt,
the thug
<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/atlanta-man-beaten-walmart-guard-false-accusation-article-1.2615159">broke
his bones with a stick, then arrested him</a>.
<p>
This thug should spend 200 times as long in jail as Carnegay had to
spend.

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(Buying_less)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(Buying_less)">Buying less</a>)
<p>
Why are people in Western countries
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/economics-blog/2016/apr/26/less-bank-of-england-blogger-happier-and-fix-economic-stagnation">buying
less</a>?  Is it a cultural shift influenced by Buddhism?
<p>
I have a different theory: so many people have reduced incomes, or
live in a very small space, that they simply can't buy a lot of stuff.

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(Israels_war_against_Palestinian_media)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(Israels_war_against_Palestinian_media)">Israel's war against Palestinian media</a>)
<p>
Israel's
<a href="http://972mag.com/israels-covert-war-against-palestinian-media/118717/">Covert
War Against Palestinian Media</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(Divestment_from_companies_that_aid_occupation)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(Divestment_from_companies_that_aid_occupation)">Divestment from companies that aid occupation</a>)
<p>
The Dalhousie University student union has
<a href="https://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/canadian-student-union-will-divest-firms-aiding-israeli-abuses">decided
to divest</a> from certain companies that directly aid Israel's
occupation of Palestine.

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(Israel_confiscating_Palestinian_farm_land)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(Israel_confiscating_Palestinian_farm_land)">Israel confiscating Palestinian farm land</a>)
<p>
Israel is
<a href="http://imemc.org/article/daghlas-israel-approves-more-land-theft-of-hundreds-of-dunams-near-nablus/">confiscating
land from Palestinian farmers</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(10_sunny_states_discourage_solar_power)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(10_sunny_states_discourage_solar_power)">10 sunny states discourage solar power</a>)
<p>
10 states with lots of sun have obeyed fossil fuel companies by
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2016/04/26/new-report-rooftop-solar-power-blocked-sunny-states-bad-policy">discouraging
solar power</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(Political_spending_by_billionaires)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(Political_spending_by_billionaires)">Political spending by billionaires</a>)
<p>
A vehicle for billionaires' disguised political spending
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/04/26/lying-about-election-spending-dark-money-group-brags-donors-it-will-win-senate">openly
flouts US campaign finance law</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(Merger_of_Comcast_and_Charter_Cable)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(Merger_of_Comcast_and_Charter_Cable)">Merger of Comcast and Charter Cable</a>)
<p>
The FCC has
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/04/26/fcc-green-lights-crushing-charter-cable-mega-merger">authorized
the merger of Comcast and Charter Cable</a>.  After this merger, only
two companies will control 2/3 of US subscribers.  No industry should
ever be allowed to get that concentrated, unless it is a tightly
regulated monopoly.

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(Mitsubishis_vehicle_emissions_lies)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(Mitsubishis_vehicle_emissions_lies)">Mitsubishi's vehicle emissions lies</a>)
<p>
Mitsubishi
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/04/26/mitsubishi-lied-about-vehicle-emissions-25-years">Lied
About Vehicle Emissions for 25 Years</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="2_May_2016_(Obamas_Offshore_Drilling_Proposal)" />2 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#2_May_2016_(Obamas_Offshore_Drilling_Proposal)">Obama's Offshore Drilling Proposal</a>)
<p>
Obama's Offshore Drilling Proposal
<a href="http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/04/26/obamas-offshore-drilling-proposal-based-fossil-fuel-industry-research">Based
on Fossil Fuel Industry Research</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_May_2016_(Urgent:_No_Dead_Sharks_for_Cheap_Tuna)" />1 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_May_2016_(Urgent:_No_Dead_Sharks_for_Cheap_Tuna)">Urgent: No Dead Sharks for Cheap Tuna</a>)
<p>
Everyone:
<a href="https://secure3.convio.net/gpeace/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=1979">call
on Walmart</a> to make sure its canned tuna was caught without killing
sharks; also to make sure all the workers involved are treated
decently.

<p>
<li><a name="1_May_2016_(Luxembourg_prosecuting_whistleblowers)" />1 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_May_2016_(Luxembourg_prosecuting_whistleblowers)">Luxembourg prosecuting whistleblowers</a>)
<p>
Luxembourg is prosecuting
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/04/27/luxembourg-puts-journalist-and-whistleblowers-on-trial-for-ruining-its-magical-fairyland-of-tax-avoidance/">two
whistleblowers and a journalist</a> for revealing how Price Waterhouse
Coopers helps companies dodge taxes.

<p>
<li><a name="1_May_2016_(Iranian_journalists_sentenced_to_prison)" />1 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_May_2016_(Iranian_journalists_sentenced_to_prison)">Iranian journalists sentenced to prison</a>)
<p>
Three Iranian journalists have been sentenced to many years in prison
on thinly disguised charges of
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/27/tehran-court-jails-three-iranian-journalists-for-spreading-propaganda">saying
things the mullahs do not like</a>.
<p>
Under Iran's peculiar system of repression, the mullahs are above the
elected president, so he can't do anything when they arrest his
supporters.

<p>
<li><a name="1_May_2016_(The_richest_0.1%25)" />1 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_May_2016_(The_richest_0.1%25)">The richest 0.1%</a>)
<p>
The
<a href="http://www.alternet.org/economy/1-really-problem">richest
0.1%</a> are the ones who really have the influence in the US.  Even
the others in the 1% are starting to be treated like prey.

<p>
<li><a name="1_May_2016_(Church_of_Scientology)" />1 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_May_2016_(Church_of_Scientology)">Church of Scientology</a>)
<p>
David Miscavige, head of the Church of Scientology, threatened to sue
the publisher of a forthcoming book which rips him to shreds —
written by
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/apr/27/scientology-leader-david-miscavige-threatens-to-sue-uk-publisher-over-fathers-memoir">his
father</a>.
<p>
Scientology has torn many other families apart.  That it is doing so
to the Miscavige family is sad, but poetic justice.

<p>
<li><a name="1_May_2016_(The_Tory_in_charge_of_crushing_NHS)" />1 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_May_2016_(The_Tory_in_charge_of_crushing_NHS)">The Tory in charge of crushing NHS</a>)
<p>
The Tory in charge of crushing the National Health Service comes from
a background of such privilege that he has
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/apr/27/jeremy-hunt-doesnt-understand-junior-doctors-book-dismantle-nhs">no
compassion either for patients or the doctors that treat them</a>.
<p>
All he understands is life in the class that gains from dooH niboR.

<p>
<li><a name="1_May_2016_(Abortion_in_Australia)" />1 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_May_2016_(Abortion_in_Australia)">Abortion in Australia</a>)
<p>
Abortion is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/apr/27/girl-aged-12-forced-to-wait-weeks-for-australian-court-to-approve-abortion">still
a crime in part of Australia</a>, except when "necessary" for the
woman's health.

<p>
<li><a name="1_May_2016_(Indias_drought_migrants)" />1 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_May_2016_(Indias_drought_migrants)">India's drought migrants</a>)
<p>
India's Drought Migrants Head to Cities
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/apr/27/india-drought-migrants-head-to-cities-in-desperate-search-for-water">in
Desperate Search for Water</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_May_2016_(Protest_against_practices_that_harm_science)" />1 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_May_2016_(Protest_against_practices_that_harm_science)">Protest against practices that harm science</a>)
<p>
Nobelist Randy Schekman says his lab
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2013/dec/09/nobel-winner-boycott-science-journals">will
boycott the most prestigious journals</a> to protest practices that
harm science.
<p>
One of those practices is the paywall, but he cites other harms as
well.

<p>
<li><a name="1_May_2016_(Effects_of_marijuana_legalization)" />1 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_May_2016_(Effects_of_marijuana_legalization)">Effects of marijuana legalization</a>)
<p>
The effects of marijuana legalization
<a href="http://reason.com/archives/2016/04/25/early-lessons-from-marijuana-legalizatio">in
Colorado</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_May_2016_(Anonymous_election_campaign_funding)" />1 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_May_2016_(Anonymous_election_campaign_funding)">Anonymous election campaign funding</a>)
<p>
A new victory for those who
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/04/26/dark-money-hypocrisy/">want
to pour lots of money into US election campaigns anonymously</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_May_2016_(Sending_aid_to_a_tyranny)" />1 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_May_2016_(Sending_aid_to_a_tyranny)">Sending aid to a tyranny</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/28/eu-plan-to-pay-millions-to-eritrea">Aid
to the Eritrian tyranny</a> in the hope that it will drive fewer
Eritrians into exile is fatuous.
<p>
How about providing aid to refugees from Eritria just outside the
borders of Eritria?

<p>
<li><a name="1_May_2016_(Content_provider)" />1 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_May_2016_(Content_provider)">"Content provider"</a>)
<p>
Do you want to think of Shakespeare as a
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/apr/28/art-craft-creativity-bhs-artificial-intelligence">"content
provider"</a>?
<p>
If not, please don't call <em>anyone</em> that.  And please don't
call works or publications
<a href="http://gnu.org/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Content">"content"</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_May_2016_(Solitary_confinement)" />1 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_May_2016_(Solitary_confinement)">Solitary confinement</a>)
<p>
If you are in solitary confinement, the thugs can do all sorts of
nasty (and prohibited) things to you and get away with it, because
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2016/apr/28/solitary-confinement-inhumane-prison-stories-6-x-9">they
can prevent you from telling anyone about it</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_May_2016_(Thugs)" />1 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_May_2016_(Thugs)">Thugs</a>)
<p>
Thugs in the UK (and the US)
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/apr/28/hillsborough-could-happen-again-police-views-liverpool-fans">continue
to demonize large segments of society</a>, and are ready to maim or
kill them given any excuse.

<p>
<li><a name="1_May_2016_(Terrorized_by_surveillance)" />1 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_May_2016_(Terrorized_by_surveillance)">Terrorized by surveillance</a>)
<p>
Pervasive surveillance inhibits masses of people: after Snowden showed
everyone how much the US tracks people's browsing, there was a
<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/04/28/new-study-shows-mass-surveillance-breeds-meekness-fear-and-self-censorship/">20%
decrease in visits to Wikipedia pages about topics relating to
terrorism</a>.  Evidently a large fraction of people are terrorized by
surveillance.
<p>
The rate of visits to those pages remain depressed three years later.

<p>
<li><a name="1_May_2016_(Netanyahu_has_no_wish_to_make_peace)" />1 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_May_2016_(Netanyahu_has_no_wish_to_make_peace)">Netanyahu has no wish to make peace</a>)
<p>
Netanyahu
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/28/israeli-prime-minister-binyamin-netanyahu-rejects-french-peace-conference-initiative-palestinians">rejected
a French plan for a peace conference</a> in which other countries
would have tried to pressure Israel and Palestine to agree.
<p>
Netanyahu has no wish to make peace with Palestinians; his only use
for peace negotiations is as an
<a href="https://stallman.org/archives/2009-mar-jun.html#20%20June%202009%20(Netanyahu%20and%20the%20Palestinian%20state)">excuse
for continuing the occupation indefinitely</a>.
<p>
Uri Avnery: Israel needs a new leftist/peace movement
of people that are
<a href="http://zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en/channels/avnery/1461939035/">proudly
both Arab-lovers and Jew-lovers</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_May_2016_(Increased_rate_of_heat-related_injuries)" />1 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_May_2016_(Increased_rate_of_heat-related_injuries)">Increased rate of heat-related injuries</a>)
<p>
Global heating has already
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/apr/28/workers-epidemic-heat-related-injuries-climate-change-un-report">increased
the rate of heat-related injuries</a>, but we ain't seen nothin' yet.

<p>
<li><a name="1_May_2016_(UK_thugs_target_dissidents)" />1 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_May_2016_(UK_thugs_target_dissidents)">UK thugs target dissidents</a>)
<p>
UK thugs whose official job was to investigate "extremists" planning
violent crimes were in fact investigating dissidents,
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/apr/28/police-anti-extremism-unit-monitoring-green-party-caroline-lucas-sian-berry">including
Green Party politicians</a>.  A year ago they "promised" not to do
this any more, but they continued anyway.
<p>
A Green Party leader explains
<a href="https://www.stallman.org/archives/2016-mar-jun.html#29_April_2016_(Greens_critical_of_the_status_quo)">why
they do this</a>.

<p>
<li><a name="1_May_2016_(Protest_against_SF_thug_killings)" />1 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_May_2016_(Protest_against_SF_thug_killings)">Protest against SF thug killings</a>)
<p>
Protesters are
<a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/04/hunger-strike-san-francisco-police-shootings">camped
outside a thug office</a> in San Francisco to protest killings by the
thugs.
<p>
I don't think we should stretch the term "hunger strike" to include
taking sugar or vitamins.  A hunger strike is so powerful precisely
because the striker goes to the utmost limit of nonviolence.

<p>
<li><a name="1_May_2016_(The_Hijab)" />1 May 2016 (<a class="titlelink" href="#1_May_2016_(The_Hijab)">The Hijab</a>)
<p>
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/28/iranian-women-hate-hijab-tehranbureau">Why
So Many Iranians Have Come to Hate the Hijab</a>.
<p>
That repression (freudian pun intended) is what the hijab really means
— its purpose.  People have a right to wear them, but we should
not give the practice any respect.

</ul>
<br>
<hr>

2016 May - August |
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Copyright (C) 2016 Richard Stallman
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