Top US military officials spoke in favor of allowing gays to serve in the military.

I hope this gratuitous prejudice will be eliminated. The change will set an example for eliminating prejudice in other circles, and will give straight soldiers a chance to get to know gays and become comfortable with them.

However, the most important change to make in the US military is to make it start serving the country instead of serving for the conquest and subjection of other countries.

]]>09 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#09%20February%202010%20%28Drone%20missiles%20in%20Afghanistan.%2909 February 2010 (Drone missiles in Afghanistan.) The UK is using drone missiles increasingly in Afghanistan. Drones could be less dangerous to civilians than manned airplanes, since the drone offers the chance to wait and watch for a longer time. That doesn't imply that the drone attacks are not killing civilians. If we want to know whether an army's operations have killed civilians, the army's PR officers are the last ones in the world we should trust. What do others say about US and UK drone attacks in Afghanistan? 09 February 2010 (Drone missiles in Afghanistan.)

The UK is using drone missiles increasingly in Afghanistan.

Drones could be less dangerous to civilians than manned airplanes, since the drone offers the chance to wait and watch for a longer time.

That doesn't imply that the drone attacks are not killing civilians. If we want to know whether an army's operations have killed civilians, the army's PR officers are the last ones in the world we should trust. What do others say about US and UK drone attacks in Afghanistan?

]]>09 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#09%20February%202010%20%28One%20law%20for%20all%2909 February 2010 (One law for all) British Atheists have objected to a judge's decision to give a convicted man a lesser sentence because he is religious. 09 February 2010 (One law for all)

British Atheists have objected to a judge's decision to give a convicted man a lesser sentence because he is religious.

]]>09 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#8%20February%202010%20%28Urgent%3A%20Petition%20for%20renewable%20energy%298 February 2010 (Urgent: Petition for renewable energy) US citizens: sign this petition to redirect government funding from coal and nuclear electricity into renewable electricity and efficiency. The key point is that nuclear power is so inefficient that no one will build it without a tremendous subsidy. If we put the same funds into renewable power and energy efficiency, we will reduce emissions more, and with less danger and less risk. [More info on the bad proposal] | [More info on the issue] 8 February 2010 (Urgent: Petition for renewable energy)

US citizens: sign this petition to redirect government funding from coal and nuclear electricity into renewable electricity and efficiency. The key point is that nuclear power is so inefficient that no one will build it without a tremendous subsidy. If we put the same funds into renewable power and energy efficiency, we will reduce emissions more, and with less danger and less risk. [More info on the bad proposal] | [More info on the issue]

]]>8 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#8%20February%202010%20%28Urgent%3A%20Resist%20US%20surveillance%20in%20Europe%298 February 2010 (Urgent: Resist US surveillance in Europe) European citizens: call your MEP and say, "Support the civil liberties committee: don't hand over all our bank data to the US." Note how the US threatens "bad relations", just as China threatens "bad relations" when world leaders meet with the Dalai Lama. Both of those countries deserve, in response, to get the finger. The US must learn to respect people's rights. I am sure European countries will cooperate on those occasions when the US presents solid grounds to investigate someone. 8 February 2010 (Urgent: Resist US surveillance in Europe)

European citizens: call your MEP and say, "Support the civil liberties committee: don't hand over all our bank data to the US." Note how the US threatens "bad relations", just as China threatens "bad relations" when world leaders meet with the Dalai Lama. Both of those countries deserve, in response, to get the finger. The US must learn to respect people's rights.

I am sure European countries will cooperate on those occasions when the US presents solid grounds to investigate someone.

]]>8 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#8%20February%202010%20%28What%20should%20you%20pay%20for%20this%3F%298 February 2010 (What should you pay for this?) I distribute zero-dollar bills as a joke, but zero-rupee notes in India are a serious way of fighting corruption. 8 February 2010 (What should you pay for this?)

I distribute zero-dollar bills as a joke, but zero-rupee notes in India are a serious way of fighting corruption.

]]>8 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#8%20February%202010%20%28Obamam%20neglects%20surveillance%20oversight%20board%298 February 2010 (Obamam neglects surveillance oversight board) Congress set up a panel to monitor how "anti-terror" measures affect civil liberties, but Obama has not bothered to fill it. Since he supports torture, imprisonment without trial, and even assassination, and since he secretly authorizes illegal surveillance, perhaps he thinks this panel could only annoy him. 8 February 2010 (Obamam neglects surveillance oversight board)

Congress set up a panel to monitor how "anti-terror" measures affect civil liberties, but Obama has not bothered to fill it. Since he supports torture, imprisonment without trial, and even assassination, and since he secretly authorizes illegal surveillance, perhaps he thinks this panel could only annoy him.

]]>8 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#8%20February%202010%20%28Debt%20and%20poverty%20in%20the%20UK%298 February 2010 (Debt and poverty in the UK) Many poor families in the UK have been lured into a cycle of inescapable debt. The measures that the government proposes are inadequate either to solve the present problem or to prevent recurrence. Poor people's debts to predatory lenders should simply be canceled. That will help the poor, and discourage predatory lending in the future. 8 February 2010 (Debt and poverty in the UK)

Many poor families in the UK have been lured into a cycle of inescapable debt. The measures that the government proposes are inadequate either to solve the present problem or to prevent recurrence. Poor people's debts to predatory lenders should simply be canceled. That will help the poor, and discourage predatory lending in the future.

]]>8 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#8%20February%202010%20%28Your%20phone%20may%20be%20killing%20you%298 February 2010 (Your phone may be killing you) Medical evidence for danger from cell phone microwaves is quite strong, if you throw out the industry-funded studies. 8 February 2010 (Your phone may be killing you)

Medical evidence for danger from cell phone microwaves is quite strong, if you throw out the industry-funded studies.

]]>8 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#08%20February%202010%20%28The%20power%20to%20order%20the%20assassination%20of%20US%20citizens%2908 February 2010 (The power to order the assassination of US citizens) Obama claims the power to order the assassination of US citizens, and the US is now trying to assassinate one, apparently for exercizing his constitutional rights to freedom of speech. 08 February 2010 (The power to order the assassination of US citizens)

Obama claims the power to order the assassination of US citizens, and the US is now trying to assassinate one, apparently for exercizing his constitutional rights to freedom of speech.

]]>08 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#7%20February%202010%20%28Strong%20words%20but%20not%20much%20else%20from%20President%297 February 2010 (Strong words but not much else from President) Obama is starting to talk tough regarding the banksters, but his support for people such as Geithner and Bernanke undermines that stand. 7 February 2010 (Strong words but not much else from President)

Obama is starting to talk tough regarding the banksters, but his support for people such as Geithner and Bernanke undermines that stand.

]]>7 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#7%20February%202010%20%28Wake%20of%20Supreme%20Court%20decision%20on%20corporate%20ad%20campaigns%297 February 2010 (Wake of Supreme Court decision on corporate ad campaigns) Secret funds are already flooding into the US Chamber of Commerce to make Congress a sock puppet for business. 7 February 2010 (Wake of Supreme Court decision on corporate ad campaigns)

Secret funds are already flooding into the US Chamber of Commerce to make Congress a sock puppet for business.

]]>7 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#7%20February%202010%20%28Obama%20follows%20Bush%20legacy%297 February 2010 (Obama follows Bush legacy) The Obama regime defends illegal FBI spying and illegal torture, using all-purpose excuses copied from the Bush regime. 7 February 2010 (Obama follows Bush legacy)

The Obama regime defends illegal FBI spying and illegal torture, using all-purpose excuses copied from the Bush regime.

]]>7 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#7%20February%202010%20%28US%20mercenaries%20may%20outnumber%20US%20Army%297 February 2010 (US mercenaries may outnumber US Army) The strength of the US intervention in Afghanistan is hidden by the use of mercenaries. 7 February 2010 (US mercenaries may outnumber US Army)

The strength of the US intervention in Afghanistan is hidden by the use of mercenaries.

]]>7 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#7%20February%202010%20%28Ken%20Lewis%20and%20friends%20face%20civil%20charges%297 February 2010 (Ken Lewis and friends face civil charges) Fraud charges were filed against Bank of America and its former CEO. 7 February 2010 (Ken Lewis and friends face civil charges)

Fraud charges were filed against Bank of America and its former CEO.

]]>7 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#7%20February%202010%20%28Homeopath%20advocates%20lie%20to%20secure%20public%20funds%297 February 2010 (Homeopath advocates lie to secure public funds) Homeopaths cited some scientific papers as granting validity to homeopathy, but the authors of those papers say the words they wrote were taken out of context and twisted. 7 February 2010 (Homeopath advocates lie to secure public funds)

Homeopaths cited some scientific papers as granting validity to homeopathy, but the authors of those papers say the words they wrote were taken out of context and twisted.

]]>7 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#7%20February%202010%20%28BAE%20to%20pay%20more%20than%20a%20half%20billion%20in%20fines%297 February 2010 (BAE to pay more than a half billion in fines) BAE, a major UK arms company, has admitted fraud, but in exchange the US and UK will not prosecute anyone. This is better than what happened when B'liar intervened to protect it from prosecution (I guess it was considered "too big to criticize"), but it is still not justice. 7 February 2010 (BAE to pay more than a half billion in fines)

BAE, a major UK arms company, has admitted fraud, but in exchange the US and UK will not prosecute anyone. This is better than what happened when B'liar intervened to protect it from prosecution (I guess it was considered "too big to criticize"), but it is still not justice.

]]>7 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#7%20February%202010%20%28Cash%20for%20compromise%297 February 2010 (Cash for compromise) The Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland have agreed to a power-sharing deal. I rejoice in this agreement, as a step towards peace. However, there is one aspect which calls for criticism: there is something sick about foreign investment as a reward for anything. The investments will produce wealth, and which will mostly belong to the foreign investors, and the local people will get the leftovers. Peace in Northern Ireland is a good thing in its own right — not because of these leftovers. 7 February 2010 (Cash for compromise)

The Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland have agreed to a power-sharing deal. I rejoice in this agreement, as a step towards peace. However, there is one aspect which calls for criticism: there is something sick about foreign investment as a reward for anything. The investments will produce wealth, and which will mostly belong to the foreign investors, and the local people will get the leftovers. Peace in Northern Ireland is a good thing in its own right — not because of these leftovers.

]]>7 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#07%20February%202010%20%28Urgent%20Note%3A%20Protest%20against%20the%20Berne%20Convention%2907 February 2010 (Urgent Note: Protest against the Berne Convention) Join the protest in Berne against the Berne Copyright Convention on Feb 10. German text of the same announcement. Press release in English. Press release in German. 07 February 2010 (Urgent Note: Protest against the Berne Convention)

Join the protest in Berne against the Berne Copyright Convention on Feb 10.

German text of the same announcement.

Press release in English.

Press release in German.

]]>07 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#05%20February%202010%20%28Iraq%27s%20oil%20production%2905 February 2010 (Iraq's oil production) Iraq's oil production has come close to prewar levels, but the oil companies still face obstacles. 05 February 2010 (Iraq's oil production)

Iraq's oil production has come close to prewar levels, but the oil companies still face obstacles.

]]>05 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#05%20February%202010%20%28Little%20girl%20was%20murdered%20for%20conversing%20with%20boys.%2905 February 2010 (Little girl was murdered for conversing with boys.) A 16-year-old girl in Turkey was murdered by her family for conversing with boys. 05 February 2010 (Little girl was murdered for conversing with boys.)

A 16-year-old girl in Turkey was murdered by her family for conversing with boys.

]]>05 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#05%20February%202010%20%28Wal-mart%20creates%20phony%20activist%20groups%2905 February 2010 (Wal-mart creates phony activist groups) Wal-mart creates phony grass-roots activist groups. 05 February 2010 (Wal-mart creates phony activist groups)

Wal-mart creates phony grass-roots activist groups.

]]>05 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#05%20February%202010%20%28US%20under%20Obama%20is%20an%20Orwellian%20state%2905 February 2010 (US under Obama is an Orwellian state) John Pilger: the US under Obama is an Orwellian state. I think the article is too harsh on some of its interpretations. Given the limited ability of the US to influence Afghanistan, it may not be able to protect women's rights there without occupying the country. The Viet Cong were thoroughly infiltrated and controlled by Vietnamese Communists, and after their "victory" over the corrupt dictatorship of South Vietnam they handed it over promptly to the Communist dictatorship in Hanoi. Most of all, I doubt that the Bush regime intended Iraq to fall apart into three groups that fight each other. It seemed that the bushmen were surprised when this happened, and it got them in hot water in the US. However, I think that the facts about Afghanistan that the article cites are important and the arguments based on them are strong. 05 February 2010 (US under Obama is an Orwellian state)

John Pilger: the US under Obama is an Orwellian state.

I think the article is too harsh on some of its interpretations. Given the limited ability of the US to influence Afghanistan, it may not be able to protect women's rights there without occupying the country. The Viet Cong were thoroughly infiltrated and controlled by Vietnamese Communists, and after their "victory" over the corrupt dictatorship of South Vietnam they handed it over promptly to the Communist dictatorship in Hanoi. Most of all, I doubt that the Bush regime intended Iraq to fall apart into three groups that fight each other. It seemed that the bushmen were surprised when this happened, and it got them in hot water in the US.

However, I think that the facts about Afghanistan that the article cites are important and the arguments based on them are strong.

]]>05 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#05%20February%202010%20%28Obama%20plans%20to%20build%20nuclear%20plants%2905 February 2010 (Obama plans to build nuclear plants) As Obama plans to spend billions to build nuclear plants that produce dangerous waste, Amory Lovins explains that it is far more effective to spend the same money on renewable electric generation, and it avoids feeding nuclear weapons proliferation. 05 February 2010 (Obama plans to build nuclear plants)

As Obama plans to spend billions to build nuclear plants that produce dangerous waste, Amory Lovins explains that it is far more effective to spend the same money on renewable electric generation, and it avoids feeding nuclear weapons proliferation.

]]>05 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#05%20February%202010%20%28National%20Public%20Radio%27s%20right-wing%20bias%2905 February 2010 (National Public Radio's right-wing bias) National Public Radio's right-wing bias can be seen by comparing its obituaries for Howard Zinn ad William Buckley. I used to donate to the local NPR station in the 90s. Then I noticed its increasingly right-wing attitude, its hostility towards Clinton for the wrong reasons — and the commercials (which they call by another name, but they are still commercials). So I stopped donating. 05 February 2010 (National Public Radio's right-wing bias)

National Public Radio's right-wing bias can be seen by comparing its obituaries for Howard Zinn ad William Buckley.

I used to donate to the local NPR station in the 90s. Then I noticed its increasingly right-wing attitude, its hostility towards Clinton for the wrong reasons — and the commercials (which they call by another name, but they are still commercials). So I stopped donating.

]]>05 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#05%20February%202010%20%28Apparently%20unthinking05 February 2010 (Apparently unthinking "vegetables" may be conscious) A hospitalized patient who appeared to be a mindless "vegetable" is able to answer questions "yes" and "no" via a machine that detects brainwaves. The article suggests that up to 40% of the people who are apparently unthinking may be conscious but unable to communicate. This is pertinent to the issue of whether to keep those patients alive and whether to give them a painless death. If they are conscious, we must ask them what they want. However, it doesn't follow that people were wrong to assume in the past that these patients were unconscious. We need to make the best decision we can based on the information we can obtain. 05 February 2010 (Apparently unthinking "vegetables" may be conscious)

A hospitalized patient who appeared to be a mindless "vegetable" is able to answer questions "yes" and "no" via a machine that detects brainwaves.

The article suggests that up to 40% of the people who are apparently unthinking may be conscious but unable to communicate.

This is pertinent to the issue of whether to keep those patients alive and whether to give them a painless death. If they are conscious, we must ask them what they want.

However, it doesn't follow that people were wrong to assume in the past that these patients were unconscious. We need to make the best decision we can based on the information we can obtain.

]]>05 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#4%20February%202010%20%28Crack%20down%20on%20all%20activism%20continues%20in%20Palestine%294 February 2010 (Crack down on all activism continues in Palestine) While arresting a Palestinian nonviolent activist, Israeli troops told the family, "You have one minute to get of the house where your children are sleeping, or we will blow it up." Israel considers nonviolent protestors an intolerable threat because it cannot pretend to have the moral high ground with them. 4 February 2010 (Crack down on all activism continues in Palestine)

While arresting a Palestinian nonviolent activist, Israeli troops told the family, "You have one minute to get of the house where your children are sleeping, or we will blow it up." Israel considers nonviolent protestors an intolerable threat because it cannot pretend to have the moral high ground with them.

]]>4 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#4%20February%202010%20%28Monsanto%20goes%20all%20the%20way%294 February 2010 (Monsanto goes all the way) The Supreme Court will consider the case of genetically modified alfalfa. 4 February 2010 (Monsanto goes all the way)

The Supreme Court will consider the case of genetically modified alfalfa.

]]>4 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#4%20February%202010%20%28What%20happened%20to%20Tristan%20Anderson%3F%294 February 2010 (What happened to Tristan Anderson?) Israeli soldiers shot Tristan Anderson at a nonviolent protest and left him in a permanent coma, then lied about him. The police hardly bothered to investigate this crime. 4 February 2010 (What happened to Tristan Anderson?)

Israeli soldiers shot Tristan Anderson at a nonviolent protest and left him in a permanent coma, then lied about him. The police hardly bothered to investigate this crime.

]]>4 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#4%20February%202010%20%28Consequences%20of%20bad%20management%20in%20India%294 February 2010 (Consequences of bad management in India) India's surrender to globalization means that 70% of children are malnourished; the poor get no medical care and almost no education. 4 February 2010 (Consequences of bad management in India)

India's surrender to globalization means that 70% of children are malnourished; the poor get no medical care and almost no education.

]]>4 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#4%20February%202010%20%28Ehud%20Barak%20admits%20problem%294 February 2010 (Ehud Barak admits problem) Ehud Barak, Israel's defense minister, says that Israel must make peace with Palestine or turn into an apartheid state. Others such as Desmond Tutu say Israel already has established more or less an apartheid state, but recognizing the possibility is better than no recognizion at all. However, acknowledging the need for peace with Palestine is one thing; willingness to stop taking Palestinians' land is another. 4 February 2010 (Ehud Barak admits problem)

Ehud Barak, Israel's defense minister, says that Israel must make peace with Palestine or turn into an apartheid state. Others such as Desmond Tutu say Israel already has established more or less an apartheid state, but recognizing the possibility is better than no recognizion at all. However, acknowledging the need for peace with Palestine is one thing; willingness to stop taking Palestinians' land is another.

]]>4 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#4%20February%202010%20%28Banned%20candidates%20re-instated%20in%20Iraq%294 February 2010 (Banned candidates re-instated in Iraq) The Iraqi government has reversed its decision to ban 500 candidates for office. 4 February 2010 (Banned candidates re-instated in Iraq)

The Iraqi government has reversed its decision to ban 500 candidates for office.

]]>4 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#4%20February%202010%20%28Urgent%3A%20Support%20Cape%20Wind%20project%294 February 2010 (Urgent: Support Cape Wind project) US citizens: sign this petition in favor of the Cape Wind offshore wind-powered electric generation plan. 4 February 2010 (Urgent: Support Cape Wind project)

US citizens: sign this petition in favor of the Cape Wind offshore wind-powered electric generation plan.

]]>4 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#4%20February%202010%20%28Italian%20government%20places%20Prime%20Minister%20above%20the%20law%294 February 2010 (Italian government places Prime Minister above the law) Il Ducino has constructed another excuse to evade trial on many corruption charges. 4 February 2010 (Italian government places Prime Minister above the law)

Il Ducino has constructed another excuse to evade trial on many corruption charges.

]]>4 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#4%20February%202010%20%28More%20controversy%20over%20Goldstone%20report%294 February 2010 (More controversy over Goldstone report) The Goldstone report, which documents Israeli and Palestinian war crimes in Gaza, will not go away. 4 February 2010 (More controversy over Goldstone report)

The Goldstone report, which documents Israeli and Palestinian war crimes in Gaza, will not go away.

]]>4 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#4%20February%202010%20%28Egypt%20supporting%20Israel%20against%20Palestine%294 February 2010 (Egypt supporting Israel against Palestine) Egypt's participation (under US demands) in the siege of Gaza has brought its dictatorial government into contempt. Since the opposition in Egypt is Islamist, it would not respect human rights either, so Egypt has a choice between two unjust regimes. I am not sure which one would be more cruel and restrictive towards Egyptians, but it's clear that the present government is the more contemptible of the two. If the US does not want an Islamic regime in Egypt, it ought to help Egypt find a way out from participating in the siege. 4 February 2010 (Egypt supporting Israel against Palestine)

Egypt's participation (under US demands) in the siege of Gaza has brought its dictatorial government into contempt. Since the opposition in Egypt is Islamist, it would not respect human rights either, so Egypt has a choice between two unjust regimes. I am not sure which one would be more cruel and restrictive towards Egyptians, but it's clear that the present government is the more contemptible of the two.

If the US does not want an Islamic regime in Egypt, it ought to help Egypt find a way out from participating in the siege.

]]>4 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#4%20February%202010%20%28Plight%20of%20Palestinian%20shepherds%294 February 2010 (Plight of Palestinian shepherds) The Israeli army drives Palestinian shepherds off their land, in support of a nearby colony, disregarding the Supreme Court. 4 February 2010 (Plight of Palestinian shepherds)

The Israeli army drives Palestinian shepherds off their land, in support of a nearby colony, disregarding the Supreme Court.

]]>4 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#4%20February%202010%20%28Chilcot%20inquiry%20grinds%20on%294 February 2010 (Chilcot inquiry grinds on) Clare Short, who opposed the invasion of Iraq from within the UK cabinet, says that B'liar lied to parliament and kept the cabinet in the dark. 4 February 2010 (Chilcot inquiry grinds on)

Clare Short, who opposed the invasion of Iraq from within the UK cabinet, says that B'liar lied to parliament and kept the cabinet in the dark.

]]>4 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#4%20February%202010%20%28Strange%20policies%20from%20Australian%20porn%20Classification%20Review%20Board%20%294 February 2010 (Strange policies from Australian porn Classification Review Board ) Australia censors videos that show female ejaculation — or small realistic breasts. 4 February 2010 (Strange policies from Australian porn Classification Review Board )

Australia censors videos that show female ejaculation — or small realistic breasts.

]]>4 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#4%20February%202010%20%28Israel%20fabricates%20report%20denying%20war%20crimes%20in%20Gaza%294 February 2010 (Israel fabricates report denying war crimes in Gaza) UN miner removers found an air-dropped bomb in a building in Gaza, showing that the Israeli army lied about attacking it. 4 February 2010 (Israel fabricates report denying war crimes in Gaza)

UN miner removers found an air-dropped bomb in a building in Gaza, showing that the Israeli army lied about attacking it.

]]>4 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#2%20February%202010%20%28Office%20of%20Legal%20Counsel%20serendipitously%20changing%20laws%20for%20FBI%20%292 February 2010 (Office of Legal Counsel serendipitously changing laws for FBI ) After a report showed that the FBI persistently lied and trampled the weak legal rules that limit surveillance, Obama secretly legalized the lies. Is it time to start speaking of the Obama regime? 2 February 2010 (Office of Legal Counsel serendipitously changing laws for FBI )

After a report showed that the FBI persistently lied and trampled the weak legal rules that limit surveillance, Obama secretly legalized the lies. Is it time to start speaking of the Obama regime?

]]>2 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#2%20February%202010%20%28Progess%20on%20global%20warming%20unlikely%292 February 2010 (Progess on global warming unlikely) People involved in climate change negotiations say it is hopeless to get a treaty in 2010. It is true that national policies have more direct influence on reductions in emissions. But given the tendency for business interests to corrupt and deceive national governments, it will take a strong treaty to make nations implement truly effective policies. Governments can set up strong international measures when they make it a priority. For instance, many governments decided to take power away from the citizens and give it to business, so they set up the World Trade Organization, which has the power to punish countries that disobey demands from business. If governments were equally motivated to prevent climate disaster, they would take equally strong measures for that. Civilization has fallen into a trap, the trap in which the most greedy has the most power, and lacks the willpower to pull itself out of the trap even to save itself. 2 February 2010 (Progess on global warming unlikely)

People involved in climate change negotiations say it is hopeless to get a treaty in 2010. It is true that national policies have more direct influence on reductions in emissions. But given the tendency for business interests to corrupt and deceive national governments, it will take a strong treaty to make nations implement truly effective policies.

Governments can set up strong international measures when they make it a priority. For instance, many governments decided to take power away from the citizens and give it to business, so they set up the World Trade Organization, which has the power to punish countries that disobey demands from business. If governments were equally motivated to prevent climate disaster, they would take equally strong measures for that.

Civilization has fallen into a trap, the trap in which the most greedy has the most power, and lacks the willpower to pull itself out of the trap even to save itself.

]]>2 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#2%20February%202010%20%28Impact%20of%20commercial%20HFC%20use%20%292 February 2010 (Impact of commercial HFC use ) Supermarket refrigerators use gases that contribute heavily to global warming. 2 February 2010 (Impact of commercial HFC use )

Supermarket refrigerators use gases that contribute heavily to global warming.

]]>2 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#2%20February%202010%20%28Urgent%3A%20Protest%20selective%20advocacy%20ban%20on%20CBS%292 February 2010 (Urgent: Protest selective advocacy ban on CBS) Until the day of the superbowl or when CBS changes its decision. In the US: sign this petition calling on CBS to apply the same rules on advertising to conservatives as it does to progressives, and thus reject an ad from an anti-abortion right-wing group. 2 February 2010 (Urgent: Protest selective advocacy ban on CBS)

Until the day of the superbowl or when CBS changes its decision. In the US: sign this petition calling on CBS to apply the same rules on advertising to conservatives as it does to progressives, and thus reject an ad from an anti-abortion right-wing group.

]]>2 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#2%20February%202010%20%28World%20still%20extorting%20Haiti%292 February 2010 (World still extorting Haiti) The US could find 85 billion to bail out AIG, but refuses to forgive Haiti's 1 billion dollars of debt. Bad decisions like these come from bad goals. 2 February 2010 (World still extorting Haiti)

The US could find 85 billion to bail out AIG, but refuses to forgive Haiti's 1 billion dollars of debt. Bad decisions like these come from bad goals.

]]>2 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#2%20February%202010%20%28Andrew%20Wakefield%20may%20lose%20medical%20licence%292 February 2010 (Andrew Wakefield may lose medical licence) The doctor whose mistaken claims made many people fear measles vaccine has been found to have carried out unethical experiments on children. 2 February 2010 (Andrew Wakefield may lose medical licence)

The doctor whose mistaken claims made many people fear measles vaccine has been found to have carried out unethical experiments on children.

]]>2 Feb 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#31%20January%202010%20%28Third%20world%20CO2%20emissions%2931 January 2010 (Third world CO2 emissions) Western countries say they will give aid for the third world to cope with their CO2 emissions, but they plan to take it away from other aid. 31 January 2010 (Third world CO2 emissions)

Western countries say they will give aid for the third world to cope with their CO2 emissions, but they plan to take it away from other aid.

]]>31 Jan 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#31%20January%202010%20%28Urgent%20Note%3A%20Network%20neutrality%2931 January 2010 (Urgent Note: Network neutrality) US citizens: Sign the EFF petition demanding true network neutrality, without a big loophole. 31 January 2010 (Urgent Note: Network neutrality)

US citizens: Sign the EFF petition demanding true network neutrality, without a big loophole.

]]>31 Jan 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#31%20January%202010%20%28UN%20is%20talking%20with%20the%20Taliban%2931 January 2010 (UN is talking with the Taliban) The UN has begun talking with the Taliban. 31 January 2010 (UN is talking with the Taliban)

The UN has begun talking with the Taliban.

]]>31 Jan 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#31%20January%202010%20%28Urgent%20Note%3A%20financing%20of%20election%20campaigns%2931 January 2010 (Urgent Note: financing of election campaigns) US citizens: call your congresscritter to call for public financing of election campaigns. 31 January 2010 (Urgent Note: financing of election campaigns)

US citizens: call your congresscritter to call for public financing of election campaigns.

]]>31 Jan 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman http://www.stallman.org/archives/2009-nov-feb.html#31%20January%202010%20%28Man%20has%20been%20arrested%2096%20times%20in%202%20years%2931 January 2010 (Man has been arrested 96 times in 2 years) Douglas Robinson has been arrested 96 times in 2 years, but he always gets released because the jail is full and he is no threat to anyone. Almost all of these arrests were for actions that at worst annoy someone. Is it right to arrest people for such things? 31 January 2010 (Man has been arrested 96 times in 2 years)

Douglas Robinson has been arrested 96 times in 2 years, but he always gets released because the jail is full and he is no threat to anyone.

Almost all of these arrests were for actions that at worst annoy someone. Is it right to arrest people for such things?

]]>31 Jan 2010 00:00 UTRichard Stallman