Humans are causing extinction of species at 100 to 1000 times the natural rate of extinction — far faster than new species evolve.

]]>15 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#15%20March%202010%20%28Karl%20Rove%20is%20proud%20of%20waterboarding%2915 March 2010 (Karl Rove is proud of waterboarding) Karl Rove says he is "proud" of waterboarding. In addition to the vicious idea that this torture can be justified, he repeats the lie that it was a success. Compare them with the information in this article. It shows that torture, whether the acute physical kind that Bush loved or the slow mental kind (brainwashing) that Obama approves, causes lasting mental illness. It also reports that torture tends to corrupt the victim's memories. Thus, even if the victim is a real terrorist, not one mistakenly accused, and even if he has crucial information, and even supposing torture makes him give that information rather than a false confession, what he says still can't be trusted. Torture works great for extracting confessions, as long as you don't care whether they are true or false. 15 March 2010 (Karl Rove is proud of waterboarding)

Karl Rove says he is "proud" of waterboarding.

In addition to the vicious idea that this torture can be justified, he repeats the lie that it was a success.

Compare them with the information in this article.

It shows that torture, whether the acute physical kind that Bush loved or the slow mental kind (brainwashing) that Obama approves, causes lasting mental illness.

It also reports that torture tends to corrupt the victim's memories. Thus, even if the victim is a real terrorist, not one mistakenly accused, and even if he has crucial information, and even supposing torture makes him give that information rather than a false confession, what he says still can't be trusted.

Torture works great for extracting confessions, as long as you don't care whether they are true or false.

]]>15 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#15%20March%202010%20%28People%20who%20flee%20to%20the%20UK%20are%20imprisoned%2915 March 2010 (People who flee to the UK are imprisoned) People who flee to the UK after being tortured in their home countries are almost always imprisoned there, then refused asylum. 15 March 2010 (People who flee to the UK are imprisoned)

People who flee to the UK after being tortured in their home countries are almost always imprisoned there, then refused asylum.

]]>15 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#15%20March%202010%20%28Israel%20arrests%20Palestinian%20children%2915 March 2010 (Israel arrests Palestinian children) Israel arrests Palestinian children as young as 12, and forces them to sign confessions they cannot read. 15 March 2010 (Israel arrests Palestinian children)

Israel arrests Palestinian children as young as 12, and forces them to sign confessions they cannot read.

]]>15 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#14%20March%202010%20%28If%20only%2914 March 2010 (If only) The city of Mountain View "protected" elderly Loretta Pangrac from the danger of her unrepairable leaky roof by demolishing her house and billing her for it. Perhaps it is true that Ms Pangrac might have been killed by collapse of part of her house, and then the city could have been sued. But she is not out of danger now. If she cannot afford another place to live, she could die from sleeping under no roof at all. But the city would not be liable if she dies that way. Thus, the city has not protected her, only itself. A house which is dangerous to live in is a real problem — unlike disconnecting your refrigerator — and something has to be done about it. If it could not be repaired, it would have to be demolished, some day. But why the rush? Surely some temporary makeshift could have made it safe enough for Ms Pangrac to continue living there for her remaining years. Then they could demolish it. 14 March 2010 (If only)

The city of Mountain View "protected" elderly Loretta Pangrac from the danger of her unrepairable leaky roof by demolishing her house and billing her for it. Perhaps it is true that Ms Pangrac might have been killed by collapse of part of her house, and then the city could have been sued. But she is not out of danger now. If she cannot afford another place to live, she could die from sleeping under no roof at all. But the city would not be liable if she dies that way. Thus, the city has not protected her, only itself.

A house which is dangerous to live in is a real problem — unlike disconnecting your refrigerator — and something has to be done about it. If it could not be repaired, it would have to be demolished, some day. But why the rush? Surely some temporary makeshift could have made it safe enough for Ms Pangrac to continue living there for her remaining years. Then they could demolish it.

]]>14 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#14%20March%202010%20%28Urgent%3A%20Get%20a%20public%20option%21%2914 March 2010 (Urgent: Get a public option!) US citizens: phone your congresscritter and say, "Ask Speaker Pelosi to include a public option in the House health care bill." 14 March 2010 (Urgent: Get a public option!)

US citizens: phone your congresscritter and say, "Ask Speaker Pelosi to include a public option in the House health care bill."

]]>14 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#14%20March%202010%20%28Multiple%20standards%20can%20lead%20to%20anything%2914 March 2010 (Multiple standards can lead to anything) Cigarette companies are trying hard to encourage smoking in poor countries; they have sued in Uruguay to block pictorial warnings of the danger of tobacco. 14 March 2010 (Multiple standards can lead to anything)

Cigarette companies are trying hard to encourage smoking in poor countries; they have sued in Uruguay to block pictorial warnings of the danger of tobacco.

]]>14 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#14%20March%202010%20%28Urgent%3A%20Regulate%20US%20Banks%2914 March 2010 (Urgent: Regulate US Banks) US citizens: phone your senators in support of strong regulations on banks and other companies that lend to the public. 14 March 2010 (Urgent: Regulate US Banks)

US citizens: phone your senators in support of strong regulations on banks and other companies that lend to the public.

]]>14 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#14%20March%202010%20%28Foods%20that%20make%20people%20eat%2914 March 2010 (Foods that make people eat) The food industry has learned to design foods that make people eat (and therefore buy) more, leading to spreading obesity. 14 March 2010 (Foods that make people eat)

The food industry has learned to design foods that make people eat (and therefore buy) more, leading to spreading obesity.

]]>14 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#14%20March%202010%20%28Disappointing%20description%2914 March 2010 (Disappointing description) Some Democrats who mistook Obama for a progressive are recognizing his nature. 14 March 2010 (Disappointing description)

Some Democrats who mistook Obama for a progressive are recognizing his nature.

]]>14 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#14%20March%202010%20%28Crazy%20pops%2914 March 2010 (Crazy pops) Big beverage companies are using distraction campaigns to sabotage efforts to impose a tax to discourage consumption of sugar-filled beverages in schools. I doubt that selling smaller portion of soda would directly reduce the amount students drink. They might just as likely buy more portions. A larger number of smaller portions might cost more; this price increase could reduce consumption just as a tax would. But the money would go to the companies instead of to the public treasury. Maybe schools should stop selling sugary drinks. 14 March 2010 (Crazy pops)

Big beverage companies are using distraction campaigns to sabotage efforts to impose a tax to discourage consumption of sugar-filled beverages in schools. I doubt that selling smaller portion of soda would directly reduce the amount students drink. They might just as likely buy more portions. A larger number of smaller portions might cost more; this price increase could reduce consumption just as a tax would. But the money would go to the companies instead of to the public treasury. Maybe schools should stop selling sugary drinks.

]]>14 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#14%20March%202010%20%28Six%20and%20two%20threes%3F%2914 March 2010 (Six and two threes?) The vaunted US offensive in the "city of Marja" was a P.R. deception to impress Americans; the city which was supposedly liberated from the Taliban is not a city at all. 14 March 2010 (Six and two threes?)

The vaunted US offensive in the "city of Marja" was a P.R. deception to impress Americans; the city which was supposedly liberated from the Taliban is not a city at all.

]]>14 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#14%20March%202010%20%28No%20frying%20pan%20%26mdash%3B%20just%20fire%2914 March 2010 (No frying pan — just fire) The US calls for protecting polar bears from hunting, since global warming and melting Arctic ice is likely to cause their numbers to crash. The goal is valid, but these measures can hardly suffice to protect polar bears if we destroy their habitat. What we need to do is cut greenhouse gas emissions. 14 March 2010 (No frying pan — just fire)

The US calls for protecting polar bears from hunting, since global warming and melting Arctic ice is likely to cause their numbers to crash. The goal is valid, but these measures can hardly suffice to protect polar bears if we destroy their habitat. What we need to do is cut greenhouse gas emissions.

]]>14 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#14%20March%202010%20%28Go%20Vultures%2914 March 2010 (Go Vultures) The UK bill to defeat vulture funds was blocked through a strange parliamentary maneuver. I don't understand how this maneuver worked, or why they cannot bring the bill to a vote again. 14 March 2010 (Go Vultures)

The UK bill to defeat vulture funds was blocked through a strange parliamentary maneuver. I don't understand how this maneuver worked, or why they cannot bring the bill to a vote again.

]]>14 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#14%20March%202010%20%28What%26%2339%3Bs%20important%2914 March 2010 (What's important) When Israel slapped Biden's face by announcing settlement construction in Jerusalem suburbs that it wants to annex, just after his visit, the timing was only partly an accident. 14 March 2010 (What's important)

When Israel slapped Biden's face by announcing settlement construction in Jerusalem suburbs that it wants to annex, just after his visit, the timing was only partly an accident.

]]>14 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#13%20March%202010%20%28Battle%20for%20the%20Bluefin%2913 March 2010 (Battle for the Bluefin) The EU will support a ban on international sales of bluefin tuna, so the species can recover. I am all in favor of better management of the fish stocks, but experience shows that we must not presume the management will improve. We also must not presume that an attempt at better management will succeed in increasing fish stocks. A ban on international sales may not even be enough; consider the cod of the Grand Banks, which have not recovered despite more than a decade of incomplete protection. It would be safer to ban all catching of bluefin tuna in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, then apply better management. If stocks increase, fishing could resume. 13 March 2010 (Battle for the Bluefin)

The EU will support a ban on international sales of bluefin tuna, so the species can recover. I am all in favor of better management of the fish stocks, but experience shows that we must not presume the management will improve. We also must not presume that an attempt at better management will succeed in increasing fish stocks. A ban on international sales may not even be enough; consider the cod of the Grand Banks, which have not recovered despite more than a decade of incomplete protection. It would be safer to ban all catching of bluefin tuna in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, then apply better management. If stocks increase, fishing could resume.

]]>13 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#13%20March%202010%20%28Justice%20isn%26%2339%3Bt%20for%20everybody%2913 March 2010 (Justice isn't for everybody) Un-american extremists such as Liz Cheney are attacking the US government for providing lawyers to people accused of terrorism. I guess Cheney and friends would prefer a system which simply declares people guilty, as Stalin used to do. 13 March 2010 (Justice isn't for everybody)

Un-american extremists such as Liz Cheney are attacking the US government for providing lawyers to people accused of terrorism. I guess Cheney and friends would prefer a system which simply declares people guilty, as Stalin used to do.

]]>13 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#13%20March%202010%20%28The%20devil%20in%20the%20details%2913 March 2010 (The devil in the details) European companies are saving up large amounts of carbon emission credits, bought from countries where nobody needed them, so that they can avoid any real emissions reduction under possible future treaties. This is a well-known flaw in the "cap and trade" approach to CO2 emissions: it is too easy to game that system. (Likewise, most "carbon-neutral" business schemes are bogus.) It is much better to put a tax on all emissions. If this is done in an intelligent way (for instance, tax the sale of fuel rather than the burning of the fuel), it would be easy to collect and hard to evade. 13 March 2010 (The devil in the details)

European companies are saving up large amounts of carbon emission credits, bought from countries where nobody needed them, so that they can avoid any real emissions reduction under possible future treaties. This is a well-known flaw in the "cap and trade" approach to CO2 emissions: it is too easy to game that system. (Likewise, most "carbon-neutral" business schemes are bogus.) It is much better to put a tax on all emissions. If this is done in an intelligent way (for instance, tax the sale of fuel rather than the burning of the fuel), it would be easy to collect and hard to evade.

]]>13 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#13%20March%202010%20%28It%20should%20be%20a%20crime%2913 March 2010 (It should be a crime) The US Chamber of Commerce launders money for businesses, buying "issue" ads while concealing who paid for them. 13 March 2010 (It should be a crime)

The US Chamber of Commerce launders money for businesses, buying "issue" ads while concealing who paid for them.

]]>13 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#13%20March%202010%20%28Lies%2C%20lies%2C%20and%20more%20lies%2913 March 2010 (Lies, lies, and more lies) A bankrupcy examiner says that Lehman Brothers executives misrepresented the firm's balance as it was bought out, and the accountanting firm, Ernst & Young, supported the deception despite warning from a whistleblower. The health of the financial system depends on punishing those responsible severely, especially the accounting firm. Everyone involved there should not be allowed to practice accounting any more. 13 March 2010 (Lies, lies, and more lies)

A bankrupcy examiner says that Lehman Brothers executives misrepresented the firm's balance as it was bought out, and the accountanting firm, Ernst & Young, supported the deception despite warning from a whistleblower. The health of the financial system depends on punishing those responsible severely, especially the accounting firm. Everyone involved there should not be allowed to practice accounting any more.

]]>13 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#13%20March%202010%20%28Sad%20day%20for%20KC%20schools%2913 March 2010 (Sad day for KC schools) In Kansas City, everyone who isn't poor has abandoned the public schools, and now half of them have to be closed to save expense. Consolidating the schools is not a bad thing; why waste money keeping open more schools than are needed? But there remains the deeper issue remains how to fund public schools. Many have argued that funding schools from local taxes leads to bad education in areas where people are poor. 13 March 2010 (Sad day for KC schools)

In Kansas City, everyone who isn't poor has abandoned the public schools, and now half of them have to be closed to save expense. Consolidating the schools is not a bad thing; why waste money keeping open more schools than are needed? But there remains the deeper issue remains how to fund public schools. Many have argued that funding schools from local taxes leads to bad education in areas where people are poor.

]]>13 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#13%20March%202010%20%28Juvenile%20mentality%20rules%20in%20Mississippi%20schoold%20board%2913 March 2010 (Juvenile mentality rules in Mississippi schoold board) A girl wanted to go to the prom with her girlfriend, so the school canceled the prom. The school is trying to manipulate the other students into blaming this girl for the school's decision. "The authorities" commonly use this trick. The response is to explain the trick so students learn not to fall for it. 13 March 2010 (Juvenile mentality rules in Mississippi schoold board)

A girl wanted to go to the prom with her girlfriend, so the school canceled the prom. The school is trying to manipulate the other students into blaming this girl for the school's decision. "The authorities" commonly use this trick. The response is to explain the trick so students learn not to fall for it.

]]>13 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#13%20March%202010%20%28Urgent%3A%20Let%26%2339%3Bs%20hear%20the%20truth%20about%20who%26%2339%3Bs%20holding%20up%20health%20care%2913 March 2010 (Urgent: Let's hear the truth about who's holding up health care) US citizens: sign this petition calling on Obama to name the Democratic senators that no longer support the public option. 13 March 2010 (Urgent: Let's hear the truth about who's holding up health care)

US citizens: sign this petition calling on Obama to name the Democratic senators that no longer support the public option.

]]>13 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#13%20March%202010%20%28DIY%20in%20the%20West%20Bank%2913 March 2010 (DIY in the West Bank) The Palestinian Authority is adopting a law forbidding Palestinians from working in the Israeli colonies in the West Bank. This boycott, entirely nonviolent, is an obvious step, but it will require real sacrifice. 13 March 2010 (DIY in the West Bank)

The Palestinian Authority is adopting a law forbidding Palestinians from working in the Israeli colonies in the West Bank. This boycott, entirely nonviolent, is an obvious step, but it will require real sacrifice.

]]>13 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#13%20March%202010%20%28Democracy%20in%20Burma%2913 March 2010 (Democracy in Burma) Burma's dictators say they have annulled Aung San Suu Kyi's election as president. Their "law" cannot change the truth, which is that her prior election as president annuls any authority they claim to have. The UN official in charge of Burma's human rights record called for investigation of the dictators for crimes against humanity. 13 March 2010 (Democracy in Burma)

Burma's dictators say they have annulled Aung San Suu Kyi's election as president. Their "law" cannot change the truth, which is that her prior election as president annuls any authority they claim to have.

The UN official in charge of Burma's human rights record called for investigation of the dictators for crimes against humanity.

]]>13 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#13%20March%202010%20%28Pay%20attention%2913 March 2010 (Pay attention) Theory: congressional Democrats planned all along to pass a bad health care bill. The theory as stated has a flaw: it assumes that Democratic legislators planned to be voted out of office. I expect most of them can be bought, more or less, but I doubt they would sell their careers. Nonetheless, it is useful to look in these directions for a theory. 13 March 2010 (Pay attention)

Theory: congressional Democrats planned all along to pass a bad health care bill. The theory as stated has a flaw: it assumes that Democratic legislators planned to be voted out of office. I expect most of them can be bought, more or less, but I doubt they would sell their careers. Nonetheless, it is useful to look in these directions for a theory.

]]>13 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#13%20March%202010%20%28Expect%20this%2913 March 2010 (Expect this) The Republican Party's message to its supporters, which presents centrist Democrats as Batman's enemies, is based on a big lie: that these Democrats are "socialists". 13 March 2010 (Expect this)

The Republican Party's message to its supporters, which presents centrist Democrats as Batman's enemies, is based on a big lie: that these Democrats are "socialists".

]]>13 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#13%20March%202010%20%28Is%20this%20the%20American%20Way%3F%2913 March 2010 (Is this the American Way?) Christine Stevens may lose her home because she disconnected her electricity and lived without a refrigerator. We need laws about the quality of housing offered for sale or rent, to protect the public from mistreatment. But if you live in your own house, as long as it isn't dangerous to others, they have no business telling you it isn't good enough. 13 March 2010 (Is this the American Way?)

Christine Stevens may lose her home because she disconnected her electricity and lived without a refrigerator. We need laws about the quality of housing offered for sale or rent, to protect the public from mistreatment. But if you live in your own house, as long as it isn't dangerous to others, they have no business telling you it isn't good enough.

]]>13 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#13%20March%202010%20%28ACTA%20tripped%20up%20in%20EU%2913 March 2010 (ACTA tripped up in EU) The European Parliament voted nearly unanimously to oppose ACTA. This is a victory, but not a complete victory over ACTA. The European Parliament has limited power. It is too bad this article uses the propaganda term "piracy" to refer to forbidden sharing of copies. 13 March 2010 (ACTA tripped up in EU)

The European Parliament voted nearly unanimously to oppose ACTA. This is a victory, but not a complete victory over ACTA. The European Parliament has limited power.

It is too bad this article uses the propaganda term "piracy" to refer to forbidden sharing of copies.

]]>13 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#13%20March%202010%20%28More%20of%20the%20Same%20in%20the%20Holy%20Land%2913 March 2010 (More of the Same in the Holy Land) A growing protest campaign opposes Israel's evictions of Palestinians from East Jerusalem. Israel has put 30% of Gaza's farmland off limits to the inhabitants, but people there are engaged in nonviolent protest too. Nonviolent protests also continue in West Bank towns including Bil'in. So the Israeli government demands that the Palestinian Authority repress these protests, threatening reprisals if it does not. This clearly shows that Israel is opposed to human rights. 13 March 2010 (More of the Same in the Holy Land)

A growing protest campaign opposes Israel's evictions of Palestinians from East Jerusalem.

Israel has put 30% of Gaza's farmland off limits to the inhabitants, but people there are engaged in nonviolent protest too. Nonviolent protests also continue in West Bank towns including Bil'in.

So the Israeli government demands that the Palestinian Authority repress these protests, threatening reprisals if it does not. This clearly shows that Israel is opposed to human rights.

]]>13 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#13%20March%202010%20%28Peter%20Bethune%26%2339%3Bs%20Japanese%20vacation%2913 March 2010 (Peter Bethune's Japanese vacation) A Sea Shepherd protestor who boarded a Japanese whaling ship, to conduct a symbolic arrest of its captain, faces charges carrying 3 years in prison. Meanwhile Japanese anti-whaling activists who found whale meat that had been stolen by whaling ship crew, and showed it to the authorities as evidence of that theft, still face trial for "stealing" the meat. 13 March 2010 (Peter Bethune's Japanese vacation)

A Sea Shepherd protestor who boarded a Japanese whaling ship, to conduct a symbolic arrest of its captain, faces charges carrying 3 years in prison. Meanwhile Japanese anti-whaling activists who found whale meat that had been stolen by whaling ship crew, and showed it to the authorities as evidence of that theft, still face trial for "stealing" the meat.

]]>13 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#13%20March%202010%20%28Urgent%3A%20Medical%20Marijuana%20in%20MA%2913 March 2010 (Urgent: Medical Marijuana in MA) Massachusetts citizens: call Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo, and State Rep. Sanchez, co chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health, and Senate President Teresa Murray, to support HB 2160, the medical marijuana bill. For more info, see mpp.org. 13 March 2010 (Urgent: Medical Marijuana in MA)

Massachusetts citizens: call Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo, and State Rep. Sanchez, co chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health, and Senate President Teresa Murray, to support HB 2160, the medical marijuana bill. For more info, see mpp.org.

]]>13 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#11%20March%202010%20%28Legalistic%20excuse%20to%20kick%20out%20Aung%20San%20Suu%20Kyi%2911 March 2010 (Legalistic excuse to kick out Aung San Suu Kyi) The Burmese generals have invented a legalistic excuse to force Aung San Suu Kyi out of the National League for Democracy. This illustrates the principle that laws deserve only the respect they earn. 11 March 2010 (Legalistic excuse to kick out Aung San Suu Kyi)

The Burmese generals have invented a legalistic excuse to force Aung San Suu Kyi out of the National League for Democracy.

This illustrates the principle that laws deserve only the respect they earn.

]]>11 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#11%20March%202010%20%28Beware%20the%20unscrupulous%2911 March 2010 (Beware the unscrupulous) Phishing attacks to get at people's bank accounts are mushrooming. Viruses could also be set up to get people's bank account information. I think the wisest thing to do is avoid online banking. 11 March 2010 (Beware the unscrupulous)

Phishing attacks to get at people's bank accounts are mushrooming. Viruses could also be set up to get people's bank account information. I think the wisest thing to do is avoid online banking.

]]>11 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#11%20March%202010%20%28MI5%20head%20speaks%20quietly%2911 March 2010 (MI5 head speaks quietly) The UK protested privately to the US about Bush's torture policies, when it found out about them. It made sense to try a private protest as the first step. However, when that protest achieved nothing, the UK went on with its "special relationship" with the torturer. That cannot be excused. 11 March 2010 (MI5 head speaks quietly)

The UK protested privately to the US about Bush's torture policies, when it found out about them. It made sense to try a private protest as the first step. However, when that protest achieved nothing, the UK went on with its "special relationship" with the torturer. That cannot be excused.

]]>11 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#11%20March%202010%20%28EUreka%2911 March 2010 (EUreka) The EU is talking about restricting credit default swaps. This is the right direction to go; any solution to the problem caused by financial speculators must work by interfering with what they can do. 11 March 2010 (EUreka)

The EU is talking about restricting credit default swaps. This is the right direction to go; any solution to the problem caused by financial speculators must work by interfering with what they can do.

]]>11 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#11%20March%202010%20%28Help%20save%20wikileaks%21%2911 March 2010 (Help save wikileaks!) Wikileaks is looking for donations. 11 March 2010 (Help save wikileaks!)

Wikileaks is looking for donations.

]]>11 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#11%20March%202010%20%28Smut%20for%20Smut%20in%20San%20Antonio%2911 March 2010 (Smut for Smut in San Antonio) Atheist students are offering to trade pornography for religious "holy" books, saying that the latter are more smutty. I like the idea, I just wish they wouldn't endorse the position that pornography is in general bad. 11 March 2010 (Smut for Smut in San Antonio)

Atheist students are offering to trade pornography for religious "holy" books, saying that the latter are more smutty. I like the idea, I just wish they wouldn't endorse the position that pornography is in general bad.

]]>11 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#11%20March%202010%20%28Peaceful%20protest%20globally%20repressed%2911 March 2010 (Peaceful protest globally repressed) China has arrested lots of Tibetans to make sure there cannot be a protest. China is not the only government which preemptively sabotages protest. Iran has done this often in the past year and the UK has done it too. The European Union has closed borders to stop Europeans from coming to protests. 11 March 2010 (Peaceful protest globally repressed)

China has arrested lots of Tibetans to make sure there cannot be a protest. China is not the only government which preemptively sabotages protest. Iran has done this often in the past year and the UK has done it too. The European Union has closed borders to stop Europeans from coming to protests.

]]>11 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#11%20March%202010%20%28Israel%20settlements%20in%20West%20Bank%2911 March 2010 (Israel settlements in West Bank) Israel showed its contempt for the US by announcing big extension plan for "settlements" in the West Bank, just after Biden visited Israel. Israel calls this "East Jerusalem", but that shouldn't disguise the reality. 11 March 2010 (Israel settlements in West Bank)

Israel showed its contempt for the US by announcing big extension plan for "settlements" in the West Bank, just after Biden visited Israel.

Israel calls this "East Jerusalem", but that shouldn't disguise the reality.

]]>11 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#11%20March%202010%20%28Suicide%20assistance%2911 March 2010 (Suicide assistance) Americans who organized to provide support to people who want to commit suicide have been arrested. It appears all they gave was advice and logistical arrangements. It appears that these people are still ambulatory and don't need physical assistance to kill themselves. But they want help with preparations, and moral support. There are many kinds of suffering which make us say "I'd rather die" when we think about them. Not all of them are fatal in the short term. When these things happen, many of the victims decide they'd rather live after all. But some don't, and they should not be perversely forced to go on suffering — especially if that is forever. 11 March 2010 (Suicide assistance)

Americans who organized to provide support to people who want to commit suicide have been arrested. It appears all they gave was advice and logistical arrangements.

It appears that these people are still ambulatory and don't need physical assistance to kill themselves. But they want help with preparations, and moral support.

There are many kinds of suffering which make us say "I'd rather die" when we think about them. Not all of them are fatal in the short term. When these things happen, many of the victims decide they'd rather live after all. But some don't, and they should not be perversely forced to go on suffering — especially if that is forever.

]]>11 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#10%20March%202010%20%28Urgent%20Note%3A%20Give%20Guantanamo%20fair%20trials%2910 March 2010 (Urgent Note: Give Guantanamo fair trials) US citizens: sign the ACLU's petition telling Obama to give Guantanamo fair trials instead of military kangaroo courts. 10 March 2010 (Urgent Note: Give Guantanamo fair trials)

US citizens: sign the ACLU's petition telling Obama to give Guantanamo fair trials instead of military kangaroo courts.

]]>10 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#10%20March%202010%20%28US%20troops%20in%20Haiti%2910 March 2010 (US troops in Haiti) Most of the US troops are withdrawing from Haiti, but thousands remain. Even a few thousand troops could effectively maintain military control over Haiti's weak government, 10 March 2010 (US troops in Haiti)

Most of the US troops are withdrawing from Haiti, but thousands remain.

Even a few thousand troops could effectively maintain military control over Haiti's weak government,

]]>10 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#10%20March%202010%20%28Berlusconi%27s%20latest%20viciousness%2910 March 2010 (Berlusconi's latest viciousness) Berlusconi's latest viciousness: cowardly harassment of the family of Alexander Litvinenko, who was murdered by Russian agents. 10 March 2010 (Berlusconi's latest viciousness)

Berlusconi's latest viciousness: cowardly harassment of the family of Alexander Litvinenko, who was murdered by Russian agents.

]]>10 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#10%20March%202010%20%28Excluding%20banks%20from%20bond%20sales%2910 March 2010 (Excluding banks from bond sales) European countries are punishing the big banks that caused the financial crisis by excluding them from bond sales. Any punishment for these banks is good news, but this is not enough. They must be split up into pieces that are considerably smaller. 10 March 2010 (Excluding banks from bond sales)

European countries are punishing the big banks that caused the financial crisis by excluding them from bond sales.

Any punishment for these banks is good news, but this is not enough. They must be split up into pieces that are considerably smaller.

]]>10 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#10%20March%202010%20%28Iraqis%20are%20voting%2910 March 2010 (Iraqis are voting) Lots of Iraqis are voting. This article makes the election sound like a great success, but the article fails to mention that hundreds of candidates were banned from running. That's not democracy. 10 March 2010 (Iraqis are voting)

Lots of Iraqis are voting.

This article makes the election sound like a great success, but the article fails to mention that hundreds of candidates were banned from running. That's not democracy.

]]>10 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#10%20March%202010%20%28Holy%20sites%2910 March 2010 (Holy sites) Uri Avnery: Israel identifies dubious "holy sites" a an excuse for driving Arabs out of the neighborhood. 10 March 2010 (Holy sites)

Uri Avnery: Israel identifies dubious "holy sites" a an excuse for driving Arabs out of the neighborhood.

]]>10 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#10%20March%202010%20%28Nuclear%20power%20plants%20are%20dangerous%2910 March 2010 (Nuclear power plants are dangerous) Nuclear power plants are found to cause danger to their workers and the people in the surrounding areas. Renewable energy generation, and increases in the efficiency of using energy, are cheaper as well as safer. As Amory Lovins showed, spending money on building new nuclear plants will mean less reduction in carbon emissions than spending the same money on renewables and efficiency. 10 March 2010 (Nuclear power plants are dangerous)

Nuclear power plants are found to cause danger to their workers and the people in the surrounding areas.

Renewable energy generation, and increases in the efficiency of using energy, are cheaper as well as safer. As Amory Lovins showed, spending money on building new nuclear plants will mean less reduction in carbon emissions than spending the same money on renewables and efficiency.

]]>10 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#10%20March%202010%20%28Dongria%20Kondh%20people%2910 March 2010 (Dongria Kondh people) Contrasting the attractive fantasy of the movie Avatar with the ugly but real resistance of the Dongria Kondh people to their oppressors. 10 March 2010 (Dongria Kondh people)

Contrasting the attractive fantasy of the movie Avatar with the ugly but real resistance of the Dongria Kondh people to their oppressors.

]]>10 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#10%20March%202010%20%28Waterboarding%2910 March 2010 (Waterboarding) The CIA's version of waterboarding used doctors and medical technology to take the victim even closer to death and still force him to stay alive. Some victims gave up and tried to let themselves drown. If you read this article you will see how cruel the US government is. 10 March 2010 (Waterboarding)

The CIA's version of waterboarding used doctors and medical technology to take the victim even closer to death and still force him to stay alive. Some victims gave up and tried to let themselves drown.

If you read this article you will see how cruel the US government is.

]]>10 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2010-jan-apr.html#10%20March%202010%20%28CIA%27s%20secret%20prisons%2910 March 2010 (CIA's secret prisons) 39 people who entered the CIA's secret prisons were never heard of again. Were they tortured to death? Shot? Are they still prisoners? If the US does not say, that means it has disappeared them. This puts the US in the same class with the murderous generals of Argentina. General Varela is now in prison. Bush and Cheney ought to be in prison, along with everyone else who participated in the US torture system. 10 March 2010 (CIA's secret prisons)

39 people who entered the CIA's secret prisons were never heard of again. Were they tortured to death? Shot? Are they still prisoners? If the US does not say, that means it has disappeared them. This puts the US in the same class with the murderous generals of Argentina.

General Varela is now in prison. Bush and Cheney ought to be in prison, along with everyone else who participated in the US torture system.

]]>10 Mar 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman