#212: Forum Mon - Jane Kelsey speaks
GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER #212, November 4, 2007
Website http://www.gpja.org.nz/ Contact details: Forums – John Minto, Work: (09) 845 2132, Home 09 846 3173 jbminto@xtra.co.nz; Newsletter Editor – Mike Treen 0295254744 / 09 845 4027 mike@unite.org.nz; Web page - media@ndu.org.nz Donations can be sent to GPJA, P O Box 7175, Welesley St, Auckland. To subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter visit http://www.gpja.org.nz/ or click the unsubscribe link at the bottom of this email.
Dear friends,
AUCKLAND
Monday November 5, 7.30pm, Methodist Chapel, Queen St, Opposite Town Hall
SPECIAL GPJA FORUM WITH GUEST SPEAKER JANE KELSEY
AND DEFENCE CAMPAIGN PLANNING MEETING – ALL WELCOME
We want everyone to come to this meeting if they can. Jane will update us all on the current legal situation and the implications for civil liberties in New Zealand. We will also be planning the next steps of the campaign to stop the use of the terror laws and get the arrested out of prison.
ORGANISING MEETINGS
AUCKLAND: Civil Rights Defence Committee, 6pm, Tuesdays, Unite House, Level 12, 300 Queen St
WELLINGTON: Weekly support group meetings - open to all - 6pm Tuesdays at 128 Abel Smith St
WEBSITES TO LOOK AT
www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz
Full Scoop Coverage: Urewera 17
http://www.scoop.co.nz/features/urewera17.html
http://www.indymedia.org.nz/
http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/nzterror.htm
http://www.conscious.maori.nz/front.php
GET SUBSCRIBERS TO THIS NEWSLETTER
Please forward this newsletter to anyone you think may be interested and tell them they can subscribe at http://gpja.org.nz/
DEFEND CIVIL LIBERTIES, NO USE OF TERROR LAWS
Everywhere: Any letters emailed to lettersforprisoners[at]riseup[dot]net will printed out and distributed to arrestees. Obviously don't write anything that could negatively impact on you or anyone else! If you can help with processing these letters, please email the crew on the same address. For more information, see http://www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz
NATIONAL EVENTS CALENDER
http://www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz/event
POSTER AND OTHER RESOURCES
Or download national posters from
http://www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz/resources
MAKE A DONATION TO A DEFENCE FUND ONLINE 38-9000-0099726-00 GLOBAL PEACE & JUSTICE AKLD: Indentify donation as being for the defence fund. Initial patrons of the fund are Jane Kelsey, John Minto, Simon Oosterman and Mike Treen Or Use your credit card through Paypal
http://www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz/donate
SEND A MESSAGE OF SUPPORT TO BE FORWARDED TO PEOPLE IN PRISON
http://www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz/node/add/support
INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY
QUOTE
“Rise like lions after slumber
In unvanquished number,
Shake your chains to earth like dew,
Which in sleep have fallen on you:
Ye are many, they are few,”
PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY
OTHER NEWS REPORTS
Protest at LP conference – extended TV3 Coverage
http://www.tv3.co.nz/VideoBrowseAll/NationalVideo/tabid/309/articleID/38...
"Shame" Calls Target Left-Leaning Labourites
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0711/S00069.htm
David Williams: Self-determination is not apartheid
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/story.cfm?c_id=252&objectid=10473260
Howard Broad
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0604/S00041.htm
INTERNATIONAL WAR ON FREEDOM
Fatal flaws in the fight against terror
http://www.guardian.co.uk/terrorism/story/0,,2204990,00.html
British intelligence accused of complicity in torture
http://www.guardian.co.uk/terrorism/story/0,,2172742,00.html
Spanish lessons for Britain
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/story/0,,2202750,00.html
Immoral Relativism - Mukasey Won't Say Waterboarding Is Torture But in 1947 the U.S. Called It a War Crime, Sentenced Enemy Officer to 15 Years Hard Labor
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article18639.htm
US accused of torture - THE United States's willingness to resort to harsh interrogation techniques in its so-called war on terror undermined human rights and the international ban on torture, a United Nations spokesman says.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/us-accused-of-torture/2007/10/30/119361...
DEALING WITH POLICE – KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/YourRights.pdf
ANNOUNCEMENTS
SPEAKING TOUR ON CLUSTER MUNITIONS - JOHN RODSTED
Australian photographer John Rodsted has documented the humanitarian impacts of landmines, cluster munitions and other unexploded ordnance in some of the most war-torn regions including Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Laos, Lebanon, and Mozambique. His compelling presentation of still and video imagery has been critical in influencing global opinion to ban these weapons. More information about John and his work is available at
http://www.stopclusterbombs.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/cmcnz_bior...
Wellington - Tuesday, 6 November: 6pm, Capital E Mackenzie Theatre, Civic Square
Auckland - Wednesday , 7 November: 6.30pm, Room 1.439, University of Auckland School of Engineering, 20 Symonds Street
A printable A4 poster for this speaking tour is available at
http://www.stopclusterbombs.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/cmc_flyer_...
This speaking tour has been organized by the Aotearoa / NZ Cluster Munition Coalition, a coalition of New Zealand NGOs calling for an end to the manufacture and use of cluster munitions, more information about the Coalition is available at http://www.stopclusterbombs.org.nz
NOV 25 - INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN - UNIFEM NZ introduced the White Ribbon campaign from Canada four years ago and it had such a good public response that the Families Commission picked it up on behalf of a number of statutory agencies. A wide range of community NGOs also hold special events to raise awareness of this hidden problem facing many women and children throughout New Zealand society. Wearing a white ribbon before / on Sunday 25 November (and then through 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence: Nov 25 – Dec 10) signals commitment “to always speak out against violence towards women and children” For more info and ideas on both White Ribbon and 16 Days of Activism campaigns, see: www.unifem.org.nz
WAIHOPAI SPYBASE PROTEST JANUARY 25-27, 2008
The public face of New Zealand’s role as an American ally is the NZ military presence in Afghanistan. But New Zealand’s most significant contribution to that, and other American wars, including the one in Iraq, is the Waihopai spybase. http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0701/S00036.htm
To register send $40 ($20 unwaged) to the Anti-Bases Campaign, P.O. Box 2258, Christchurch. Make all cheques to ABC. E-mail cafca@chch.planet.org.nz www.converge.org.nz/abc
VISIT CUBA THIS SUMMER
Cuba consistently makes the news: whether it is it’s health care system (see Salud or Sicko), its response to its oil crisis, its environmental programmes, or by remaining a political opponent of US imperialism for forty years. It is also the home of salsa and its music is world renowned.
Registrations are open for the 25th Southern Cross Brigade to Cuba. Members of the Brigade, which is made up of Australians and New Zealanders, spend approximately four weeks in Cuba, leaving 27th December and returning 24th January. The all up cost is $5500, including airfare, spending money and all accommodation and meals. Members of the Brigade often stay longer in Cuba as private travelers or move onto other countries in the region. For further enquiries and registration e- mail Ina at inashina@clear.net.nz or Paul at wkcultur@ihug.co.nz (03 732 4010).
WHAT’S ON IN AUCKLAND
Monday,November 5, 7.30pm, Methodist Church, Queen St (Opposite Town hall)
SPECIAL GPJA FORUM TO DISCUSS ACTIVIST ARRESTS AND PLAN PROTEST ACTION
Wednesday , November 7, 6.30pm, Room 1.439, Uni of Auck School of Engineering, 20 Symonds St
SPEAKING TOUR ON CLUSTER MUNITIONS - JOHN RODSTED (see Announcements for details)
Thursday, November 8, 7.30pm, Maidment Theatre, Auckland University
2007 MEDIA PEACE AWARDS - Special Guest Bill Ralston interviewed by John Campbell. MC’s Michele A’Court and Jeremy Elwood. Tickets $30 waged $15 unwaged. Ph 09 3082383 www.maidment.auckland.ac.nz
Friday, November 9, 6.30pm (5.30pm bar), Maidment Theatre, Auckland University
2007 BRUCE JESSON LECTURE: Laila Harre, National Secretary National Distribution Union: “Union relevance in Aotearoa in the 21st Century”. For 20 years unions have been engaged in a struggle for relevance - relevance to both workers and the wider social and economic environment in which we organise. This lecture will look at possible futures for the union movement and the potential and need for workers to organise industrially and politically. More than ever we are dependent on what happens at work and what we get from doing it. The question is not whether we need unions, but what sort of unions we need. A collection for donations to the Bruce Jesson Trust will be taken. Sponsored by the Faculty of Arts and The Bruce Jesson Foundation
Sunday, November 11 @ 11am, Waikaraka Park, Cemetary, Onehunga
MEMORIAL FOR UNIONIST VICTIM OF STATE TERROR - Fred Evans was batoned to death by police outside the Waihi Miners Hall during a Miners Strike in 1912. His grave is easy to spot as it has a broken column that his workmates erected to signify a life taken so early.
Sunday Nov. 18, 6 to 9pm, A Space Inside, 193a Symonds St. (upstairs), Newton.
Auckland book launch for Rabble Rousers and Merry Pranksters: A History of Anarchism in Aotearoa/New Zealand from the mid-1950s to the early 1980s by Toby Boraman. To read the introduction of the book, go to http://www.rabblerousers.co.nz and click on 'excerpt'. There was also a feature in the Press recently about the book.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/thepress/4251620a19743.html
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4251621a13135.html
Rabble Rousers and Merry Pranksters is jointly published by Katipo Books (web: http://www.katipo.net.nz, e-mail: info@katipo.net.nz) and Irrecuperable Press (e-mail:
irrecuperablepress@gmail.com). If you can't make the book launch, the book can be purchased online at www.katipo.net.nz and through Irrecuperable Press by post (download the order form from www.rabblerousers.co.nz). It is also available at some bookstores.
Wednesday, November 21, at 6pm at Unite House, Level 12, 300 Queen St, central Auckland
CUBA FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY – Meeting to help plan speaking tour for Leonard Weinglass, noted US civil rights lawyer and counsel for the Miami 5 – Cubans imprisoned in the US for trying to stop terrorism.
Friday, Nov 23 to Sat Nov 24, St Columba’s Centre, 40 Vermont St, Ponsonby
PAX CHRISTI ANNUAL ASSEMBLY: ‘Pax Christi’s Place in Peacemaking in the Pacific’
The Friday programme begins with a keynote address by Professor Joe Camilleri of the Centre for Dialogue, Latrobe University, Melbourne, titled ‘From the Middle East to Asia Pacific: Arc of Conflict or Dialogue of Cultures and Religions’. Saturday’s programme will look at different aspects of the relationship between New Zealand and Pacific Islands, some unresolved conflicts in the region and hopefully, some paths towards resolutions of those conflicts by peaceful means. Contributions to the discussion will include Pacific Island and New Zealand speakers with experience in justice and peace work in the region. There will also be plenty of time for discussion on a wide range of topics. We offer a warm invitation to anyone who would be interested in this gathering. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided but we would be grateful for a plate of finger food, or a contribution towards the costs of the venue and meals. The programme runs from Friday 23 November: 6pm (shared meal); 7pm prayer and welcome; 7.30pm to 9.30pm keynote address; to Saturday 24 November: 9.15am – 4.30pm. We hope you can join us for this important review of peace needs in the Asia-Pacific region.
BEST ON THE WEB
NEW ZEALAND
Matt McCarten: Rearranging the deck chairs may be enough for the voterS
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10473853
ENVIRONMENT
Forests Losing The Ability To Absorb Carbon - The sprawling forests of the northern hemisphere which extend from China and Siberia to Canada and Alaska are in danger of becoming a gigantic source of carbon dioxide rather than being a major "sink" that helps to offset man-made emissions of the greenhouse gas
http://www.countercurrents.org/connor011107.htm
Civilization Ends With A Shutdown Of Human Concern. Are We There Already? By George Monbiot
A powerful novel's vision of a dystopian future shines a cold light on the dreadful consequences of our universal apath.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article18641.htm
PACIFIC
Tonga - Class Restored: One year after 16/11 the riots that left 80 percent of Nuku'Alofa destroyed by fire, Scoop returns to Tonga to find out what has happened to those seeking democratic reform in Tonga
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0711/S00049.htm
LATIN AMERICA
A Bank of Their Own: Latin America Casting off Washington's Shackles By Mark Weisbrot
http://www.alternet.org/story/66529/
Latin America's New Petro-Politics
http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/2791
VENEZUELA
Without Workers Management There Can Be No Socialism
http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/2784
Supermodel Naomi Campbell "Amazed" at Venezuelan Social Programs
http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/news/2792
Opposition Students Clash with Police in Effort to Get to Venezuela’s Electoral Council
http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/news/2796
Changing Income Distribution in Venezuela: Sorting Out Data and Bias
http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/2794
Lawmakers in Venezuela Approve Expanded Power for Chávez
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/03/world/americas/03venez.html?ref=world
CUBA
The Sovereignty of Cuba must be respected!
http://www.cubaminrex.cu/English/The%20sovereignty%20of%20Cuba/More%20In...
Signed decclaration
http://www.embacubalebanon.com/ultimas080806e.html
ECUADOR
Toward a ‘citizen's revolution’: President Correa's 21st-Century socialism
http://progreso-weekly.com/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20...
NICARAGUA
Nicaragua confronts natural disasters: time to strengthen solidarity
http://axisoflogic.com/artman/publish/article_25433.shtml
INDIA
Tehelka, Journalists Lead Indians To Redeem Their Values
http://www.countercurrents.org/beg021107.htm
USA
Who Really Set the California Fires? By Mike Davis, Tomdispatch.com
http://www.alternet.org/story/66706/
Hegemony's Cost By Paul Craig Roberts - When he departs the White House on 20 January, 2009, the current resident will bequeath to the American people and the next administration an interminable war in the Middle East and a depreciated currency. And that's the good news.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article18654.htm
I Should Pay More Tax, Says US Billionaire Warren Buffett - Warren Buffett, the famous investor known as the "Sage of Omaha", has complained that he pays a lower rate of tax than any of his staff - including his receptionist. Mr Buffett, who is worth an estimated $52bn (£25bn), said: "The taxation system has tilted towards the rich and away from the middle class in the last 10 years. It's dramatic; I don't think it's appreciated and I think it should be addressed."
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article18651.htm
IRAQ
What I saw in Fallujah - Dahr Jamail set out to report the truth about the US invasion of Iraq and its terrible impact on daily life. Determined to remain independent of the army, he embedded himself instead with the Iraqi people
http://www.newstatesman.com/200711010031
Meeting Resistance, portrays a side of the Iraqi insurgency President Bush doesn't want the world to see.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article18657.htm
IRAN
Turning Truth On Its Head - Condoleezza Rice's declaration of Iran's complicity in terrorism looks like another step on the White House's march to war.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article18643.htm
IAEA findings on Iran dismissed: France and the US have dismissed a finding by the head of the UN's nuclear watchdog Mohammed ElBaradei that there is no evidence of Iran building a bomb.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7068478.stm
PALESTINE
Israel's decision to cut power in Gaza is illegal, says UN: The UN's top official in Gaza will tell British ministers today that Israel's cuts in fuel and power to the Palestinians violate international law
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/article3110339.ece
Conditions worsen in Gaza as Israel tightens grip: "The situation is so bad that you really prefer to die," Sultan said. "I prefer to die rather than to live a life like this."
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/20921.html
Desmond Tutu Likens Israeli Actions to Apartheid: In Boston, complaints were lodged with Old South Church in the weeks prior to the event, in an effort to halt the conference.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/10/29/4872/