#217: Protest Saturday - Never Again - Reapeal the anti-terrorism act

Submitted by gpja on Tue, 11/27/2007 - 20:51.

GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER #217, November 28, 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,

This week there are lots of events around the country to protest the terrorist raids by the NZ Police and demand the repeal of the anti-terrorism laws.

In Auckland we have a protest march on Saturday from 12 noon at Aotea Square and we will be rallying outside the court on Monday and Tuesday from 10am-12noon. Please join us.

I’m leaving the full fund appeal in the newsletter because we REALLY do need to raise real money between now and the end of the year. If you’ve never donated before make this tour time. Thanks to those who have – we got about $500 last week but we have a long way to go.

FUNDRAISING - URGENT - WE NEED $10,000 BY XMAS
We urgently need funds to help meet the large costs we have incurred so far and costs we can predict over the next few months. To put it bluntly we need to raise $10,000 before XMAS. Thanks very much to those who have donated to the defence fund. We have already paidpaid for a range of expenses such as initial legal support, emergency travel for GPJA and Tuhoe representatives to take a delegation to Wellington, campaigning costs, national media monitoring etc
However we need to pay for posters, leaflets and general campaign expenses. We also wish to support the families of those who have suffered loss of income through family members in prison for 3/4 weeks and the travel/accommodation involved in visiting and supporting them. On December 3rd for example all 17 defendants will appear in the Auckland District court for a pre-trial hearing and families will be travelling from all over to come to Auckland.
Several fundraising ventures have been organised but we will need more than this. Please consider making a donation to keep the campaign on the front foot.

MAKE A DONATION TO A DEFENCE FUND ONLINE 38-9000-0099726-00: 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 cheque to GPJA c/o treasurer Brian Van Dam, 16 Browning St Manurewa.

THE BEST SUPPORT IS A SMALL MONTHLY – IE $10 A MONTH - AUTOMATIC PAYMENT FOR THE LONG TERM THAT CAN SUPPORT THE ONGOING WORK OF GPJA.

Think about it.
Regards, John Minto, GPJA

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/

NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION ON DEC 1. This will be the time to say “NEVER AGAIN! REPEAL THE TERRORISM LAWS NOW”.
Download leaflet for Auckland march
http://www.unite.org.nz/neveragain.pdf

PICK UP POSTER & LEAFLETS FROM:
Unite House, Level 12, 300 Queen St, City
NDU, 20 Church St, Onehunga
Front Veranda, 4 Ethel St, Sandringham
PHONE PENNY TO HELP LEAFLETTING 09 8469825 / 0212114127

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

AUCKLAND

Wednesday, November 28, cnr Hobson St and Victoria St
Holding banners advertising Sat march

Saturday, Dec 1, 12 noon, Aotea Square – March to say “Never Again – Repeal the terrorism Laws”

Saturday, December 1, 7pm, PR Bar, 2 Ponsonby Rd
PARTY FOR YOUR RIGHT TO FIGHT!
This work is in the public domain. A crew of Kiwi musicians, writers and political activists is throwing a party next Saturday night to celebrate freedom of expression and raise money for the campaign against the Terrorism Supression Act. Entry is free, and donations will be taken for the Civil Rights Defence Committee. The event will be headlined by Powertools musicians Bill Direen and Otis Mace, who will also use the evening to mark the end of the national tour they started in Dunedin last week. Organisers: Powertool Records, www.powertoolrecords.co.nz ; Titus Books, titusbooks.online.fr
Contact: shamresearch (at) yahoo.co.nz

Monday and Tuesday, December 3 &4, 10am-12 noon, outside Auckland District Court
Rally to give solidarity to the 16 appearing in Court those days

Friday, December 7, 9pm to late, Kings Arms, 59 France St, Newtown
RISE UP! BENEFIT CONCERT FOR THE TUHOE – together with - : DAM NATIVE http://www.damnative.com/ CORNER STONE ROOTS - UNITY PACIFIC - BATUCADA SOUND MACHINE - NAT ROSE - DAM NATIVE - DLT - MISS B ME - DT - ANTONIO TE MAIOHA - BT - MISS GINGER HAWAIIAN MC; and more. $25 at door. $20 from Real Groovy, Conch Record. www.conscious.maori.nz

Sunday, December 9, 2.30pm, St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont Street, Ponsonby
TERRORISM LEGISLATION, INDIGENOUS RIGHTS AND YOU! A Human Rights Network public forum – Dignity and Justice for All of Us. Panel of speakers chaired by Margaret Bedggood with Edwina Hughes –Indigenous Rights/ UN Declaration; Greg Thwaite- Terrorism legislation/ human rights; Tim McBride- NZ Terrorism legislation; Women’s Rights/New Issues-Shila Nair; Kristin Ross and Cicilia Khin-Youth Concerns. For information contact Joan Macdonald email joanmac@pl.net. Phone 360 8001

PALMERSTON NORTH

Thursday, November 29, @ Square Edge [Evelyn Rawlins Room], Palmerston North
PUBLIC MEETING: Anti-terror law, dawn raids and human rights
In a wave of massive state repression, 300+ Police, in many cases armed, raided houses around the country making 17 arrests. Search warrants were carried out in Auckland, Whakatane, Ruatoki, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington and Christchurch. The arrestees are all activists in the Tino Rangatiratanga, peace and environmental movements. Find out more on the raids from a panel of speakers including whanau, activists affected by the raids and commentators with an analysis on the events and recent updates. "I weep for what has just happened at Maungapohatu in Tuhoe. The Police raid seems to be about punishing Kenana for questioning the Crown and will only take us back in the mists of fear and doubt…I wonder if we will ever stop worrying when it might happen again". - Karaitiana Rarere, Ngäti Kahungunu, 1916.
For more info see:
http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/nzterror2.htm
http://www.conscious.maori.nz
Contact email consciouscollaborations@gmail.com phone 027 457 8326

WELLINGTON

Every Tuesday - 6pm - Support Meeting at 128 Abel Smith St.

Wednesday, November 28, 7pm, Supper Room, Horticultural Hall, (between the carpark and the Town Hall), Laings Road, Lower Hutt
PUBLIC MEETING: ANTI-TERRORISM LAW, DAWN RAIDS, AND HUMAN RIGHTS
with guest speaker Moana Jackson (Ngati Kahungunu / Ngati Porou), followed by a light supper
Organised by a group of concerned Hutt residents, for more information contact tel 382 8129 or email pma@xtra.co.nz LEAFLET: http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/mj281107.pdf

Thursday - November 29 - 7pm - Film Archive Cinema - 84 Taranaki St - The Last Resort

Friday - November 30 - 8:30pm - Paramount Cinema, Wellington: PATU! - 1981 Springbok tour documentary

Saturday - December 1 - FREE CONCERT, Frank Kitts Park, Wellington. You are invited to E tu! A free day concert on Sat 1st December (Sun 2nd if rain) from Noon till 7pm. Come and check out the amazing line up of bands, knowledgeable and insightful speakers, plus enjoy kids activities, food stalls and our Wellington waterfront. E tu! will provide you with the space, time, resources, and relaxed atmosphere to educated yourself, whanau and wider community about the Terrorism Suppression Act 2002, its background, global context and implications.

WAIKAREMOANA

December 31 - January 03 - Ten year anniversary of the Waikaremoana occupation

CHRISTCHURCH

Every Friday until Christmas - Vigil in Solidarity with the Tuhoe people: "each week, the vigil will feature a speaker to talk about the issues that have emerged from the raids of the 15 October. On the 15 October 2007, the Tuhoe people of Ruatoki were subject to an unprecedented police raid that targeted all their inhabitants including children and the elderly. These innocent people were subject to abuse, humiliation and terror. The police raids citing the Suppression of Terrorism Act 2002 force us to examine the context in which they occur. One cannot comprehend their implications without looking at the global context of the “war against terrorism”. The “war against terrorism” has divided the world into what US President George Bush has described as “those who are for us and those who are against us”. In the West, it is a simplistic worldview that has been very effective in marginalizing and labeling ‘dissenters' and those engaged in the struggle for self-determination. It has also been effective in creating a climate of fear and suspicion. We ask you respond to this climate by vigiling in a spirit of solidarity with the Tuhoe people who have resisted colonization with great patience and dignity. To vigil means to ‘remain awake’. We must remain awake to the political agendas at work in the current climate of the “war against terrorism” and demand an end to the targeting of sisters and brothers who speak truth to power. The vigil will be a peaceful and prayerful presence." From 5pm to 6pm, in Cathedral Square; for more information contact email moanacole.barrister@paradise.net.nz

NEWS STORIES
Tangatawhenua.Com: When Dissent Becomes Terrorism
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0711/S00342.htm
New Police instructions on protests - Keith Locke, this week, expressed concern that newly released Police instructions curtail the right to legitimate protest. New Police instructions emerged in the wake of a Police Complaints Authority ruling about the handling of pro-Tibetan demonstrations in 1999.“These instructions go well beyond the existing law that Police have to uphold. The Crimes Act doesn't contain laws against 'humiliating' people, nor does it put VIPs into a separate category with extra rights.” Visiting Heads of State are often subject to loud and emotional protest, particularly when deemed to be responsible for the death or persecution of political dissenters. "The right to vigorous protest ( and the fact that the VIPs hold public office ) means that there should be a higher bar to acceptable behaviour, not a lower bar , argues Keith Locke.
http://www.greens.org.nz/searchdocs/PR11415.html
More of the excellent and informative Te Ahi Kaa programmes on the "terrorism" raids are now available as podcasts - scan down the page for: 'What do you do when the authorities march into your home ... you march onto theirs' on the hikoi mo te iwi (Whiringa a rangi 18) and 'Yet more fallout from October 15th in the form of a resignation' (Whiringa a Rangi 11). 'What's the difference between Te Mana Motuhake o Tuhoe and Terrorism?' (Whiringa a rangi 04) is still available, but may not be for much longer as Radio NZ podcasts are taken offline as new ones are added.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/podcasts/teahikaa.rss
Terrorism isn’t just for Arabs anymore
http://www.usu.co.nz/inunison/blog/terrorism-its-not-just-for-arabs/

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
http://kaupapamaori.com/

POSTER AND OTHER RESOURCES
Or download national posters from
http://www.civilrightsdefence.org.nz/resources

A PRIMER ON OPERATION 8 BY MOANA JACKSON
“The decision of the Solicitor-General that there was insufficient evidence to warrant charges being laid against twelve people under the Terrorism Suppression Act was welcome news for the whänau of those involved. However many questions still remain about the nature and scope of Operation Eight.”
A formatted printable version of this Primer is available online at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/mj121107.pdf
the html version will be available at
http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/nzterror.htm

DEALING WITH POLICE – KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/YourRights.pdf

PHOTO GALLERY
Visit our Flickr photo group. (Join the group and add your pictures!)
http://flickr.com/groups/civilrightsdefence/

FACEBOOK
Visit our FaceBook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=12434385103

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"We are reluctant to admit that we owe our liberties to men of a type that today we hate and fear -- unruly men, disturbers of the peace, men who resent and denounce what Whitman called 'the insolence of elected persons' -- in a word, free men." -- Gerald W. Johnson - (1890-1980) Source: American Freedom and the Press, 1958

"To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men.": - Abraham Lincoln - (1809-1865) 16th US President

ANNOUNCEMENT

AUCKLAND VERBAL SUBMISSIONS ON IMMIGRATION BILL 28 & 29 NOV
The Transport & Industrial Relations Select Committee will be in Auckland next week to hear two days of verbal submissions by locals on the Immigration Bill. This draconian re-write of already appalling immigration law parallels the Terrorism legislation in its implications for immigrants and citizens, and especially for asylum seekers should they ever manage to arrive here in future. Voting at the First Reading was like that for the Terrorism Suppression Bill - this addition to the police state is very probably on its way. You'll want to know about it. No restrictions on public attendance: 10am - 5pm
Wed Nov 28 & Thurs Nov 29, Level 3, Ellerslie Stand, Ellerslie Events Centre, 80-100 Ascot Ave
Greenlane

NOW THE PEOPLE HAVE AWOKEN: EXPLORING VENEZUELA'S REVOLUTION
Except for beauty queens and oil, Venezuela has never been on the international stage. Now Venezuela is at the center of international controversy: for some it has been stolen by populist dictator, while for others Venezuela represents the centre of a continent-wide democratic revolution. There is much at stake. Venezuela sits atop the biggest oil reserves in the world, which are being used to foment a new order. President Hugo Chavez, who survived a military coup in 2002, has supported a number of controversial social programs which have pushed Venezuela onto the United States government, and media, enemy radar. What makes Venezuela tick? Who is behind the movement and what does it seek? Filmed through the 2006 presidential elections, this is a film about the people of the new Venezuela.
New NZ Documentary, 12 December, 8.15 pm, Academy Cinemas, Public Library, Lorne St, Auckland
Film followed by discussion with local directors. To reserve your ticket contact
activoproductions@yahoo.com or call 0210339220. $10 unwaged; $14 waged

TOUR FOR NOTED US CIVIL RIGHTS LAWYER LEONARD WEINGLASS
Dear Friend, The Cuba Friendship Society in Auckland invites you to be part of an international campaign calling for the release of five Cubans imprisoned in the United States. Gerardo Hernández, René González, Ramón Labañino, Antonio Guerrero, and Fernando González – the Cuban Five, as they are known – have been in U.S. prisons for nine years. They were convicted in 2001 of conspiracy to commit espionage for the government of Cuba, and related charges.
The five men were monitoring Cuban-American organisations based in Miami in order to uncover plans and activities that posed a threat to the safety of the Cuban people. These organisations have an extensive record of carrying out violent attacks against Cuba from U.S. soil, including assassination attempts on Cuban officials, biological warfare, and bombings.
Leonard Weinglass, one of the U.S.-based attorneys for the Cuban Five, will be touring Australia early April 2008 to raise awareness and build support for this campaign. He will be available to visit Auckland for two days as part of this tour.
Beginning in the 1970s, Leonard Weinglass has defended many political activists, including Angela Davis, Mumia Abu Jamal, and leaders of the American Indian Movement. In 2004, the American Trial Lawyers Association voted to name an annual award, the Leonard I. Weinglass Award, honouring lawyers who contribute to human rights and civil liberties causes.
If you want to help with the tour, need further information, or have ideas on fund-raising or others to approach, please let us know. Email: cubafriendship@xtra.co.nz More information about the Cuban Five can be found at www.freethefive.org

THE TRADE UNION HISTORY PROJECT INVITES YOU TO THE: Inaugural Rona Bailey Memorial Lecture. Rona Bailey was an icon of left wing politics in New Zealand and a founding member of the Trade Union History Project (TUHP). To acknowledge Rona’s massive contribution to trade unionism and workers rights, her opposition to racism and war, her support for biculturalism and women’s rights, and so much more in Aotearoa / New Zealand and internationally, the TUHP determined after her death on 7 September 2005 (at 90 years of age) that it would commemorate her memory by holding a biennial lecture in her honour. Robert Reid, President of the National Distribution Union (NDU) and long time comrade and friend of Rona will deliver this first biennial lecture: “Looking Backwards: Looking Forward”. WHEN: Friday 30 November 2007; WHAT TIME: 6.00 PM (pre lecture drinks and nibbles from 5.30pm); WHERE: NZ Drama School (Toi Whakaari)
11 Huchison Road, Newtown (formerly the Wellington Show Building). This is an open lecture for TUHP members, trade unionists and the public. The lecture will be followed by a party (complete with a band and a generous amounts of food and drink) to celebrate the 20th birthday of the TUHP. The TUHP urges you to come and spread the word to encourage friends to come as well. Entry by gold coin donation

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

Saturday, Dec 1, 12 noon, Aotea Square
March to say “Never Again – Repeal the terrorism Laws”

Saturday, December 1, 3.30pm-6pm, St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont St, Ponsonby
SEMINAR: Human Rights and ASEAN West Papua, The Philippines,Burma and Aotearoa
Keith Locke MP - ASEAN’s Role; Naing Ko Ko - Burma; Dennis Maga - The Philippines; Maire Leadbeater - West Papua; Cameron Walker - Spectre of terrorism in Aotearoa - drawing the parallels
Dec1 - West Papua Independence Day. You are also invited to join us for a symbolic flag raising outside NZ Army Headquarters in Great North Rd prior to the seminar: meet Corner Great North Rd and Ponsonby Rd by the Peace Mural at 2-30 pm 1 December. Indonesia Human Rights Committee
Box 68-419 Auckland. Inquires Maire Leadbeater 815 9000

Monday and Tuesday, December 3 &4, 10am-12 noon, outside Auckland District Court
Rally to give solidarity to the 16 appearing in Court those days

Wednesday, December 12, 8.15pm, Academy Cinemas, Public Library, Lorne St, Auckland
NOW THE PEOPLE HAVE AWOKEN: EXPLORING VENEZUELA'S REVOLUTION
Except for beauty queens and oil, Venezuela has never been on the international stage. Now Venezuela is at the center of international controversy: for some it has been stolen by populist dictator, while for others Venezuela represents the centre of a continent-wide democratic revolution. There is much at stake. Venezuela sits atop the biggest oil reserves in the world, which are being used to foment a new order. President Hugo Chavez, who survived a military coup in 2002, has supported a number of controversial social programs which have pushed Venezuela onto the United States government, and media, enemy radar. What makes Venezuela tick? Who is behind the movement and what does it seek? Filmed through the 2006 presidential elections, this is a film about the people of the new Venezuela.
New NZ Documentary, 4 December, 8.15 pm, Academy Cinemas, Public Library, Lorne St, Auckland
Film followed by discussion with local directors. To reserve your ticket contact
activoproductions@yahoo.com or call 0210339220. $10 unwaged; $14 waged
Preview here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=gSWOLRl0i04

Saturday, December 15, 9am – 2pm, 2F / 22 Emily Place, Auckland
The Dominican Friars and their friends invite you to their HOUSE WARMING AT THE PEACE PLACE. With your help the Peace Place will be: a quiet place in the heart of the city for meditation and prayer where friends work for peace through hospitality, conversation between people of every faith, study of ecology, conflict resolution and social justice. Lifting of Tapu and blessings 9am. Join us for morning tea or call in during the day. Open House to 2pm.

BEST ON THE WEB

NEW ZEALAND
Killing shows dangers of adopting Tasers
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0711/S00326.htm
For more information about the use of tasers in North America and Canada go to the truth not tasers blog set up by the family of Robert Bagnall, who was tasered to death by Police in 2004 http://truthnottasers.blogspot.com/
Workers Wait for Wage Rise - New Zealand Nurses Organisation: The thumping $34.7 million half-yearly profit announced with fanfare by Ryman Healthcare this morning reveals the truth behind Healthcare Providers New Zealand’s war on workers’ wages that saw Aged Care employers take District Health Boards to court ...
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0711/S00421.htm
Matt McCarten: Rules for them and rules for us evident in the Rickards case
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/466/story.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=104781...
Banks accused of tax 'rort'
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10478200
Manufacturing no longer the biggest employer
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0711/S00465.htm
Poor child health trends reversible
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0711/S00133.htm
Children Blighted by Poor Health status
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0711/S00521.htm
Child health shames us again
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0711/S00125.htm
The documents ‘Monitoring the Health of New Zealand Children and Young People; A Literature Review and Framework Development’ and the companion document the ‘Indicator Framework’ is launched by the New Zealand Child and Youth Epidemiology Service and will be available on http://www.paediatrics.org.nz/
Climate Action Festival
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0711/S00433.htm
Wellington Palestine Group Raise Gaza With NZ MPs
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0711/S00427.htm

WORLD ECONOMY
Reckoning: The Economic Consequences Of Mr. Bush By Joseph E. Stiglitz
http://www.countercurrents.org/stiglitz261107.htm
The Financial Tsunami: Sub-Prime Mortgage Debt is but the Tip of the Iceberg
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=7413
The G20: The New Ruling Aristocracy of the World?
http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/hattingh151107.html
Banks Gone Wild By Paul Krugman - "What were they smoking?" asks the cover of the current issue of Fortune magazine. Underneath the headline are photos of recently deposed Wall Street titans, captioned with the staggering sums they managed to lose.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article18774.htm

NOAM CHOMSKY ON U.S. POLICY TOWARDS IRAN Must watch - Video and Transcript
"Suppose it was true that Iran is helping insurgents in Iraq. I mean, wasn't the United States helping insurgents when the Russians invaded Afghanistan? Did we think there was anything wrong with that? I mean, Iraq's a country that was invaded and is under military occupation. You can't have a serious discussion about whether someone else is interfering in it. The basic assumption underlying the discussion is that we own the world."
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article18772.htm

CANADA
Huge win for Interior natives - B.C. land-claims process 'dead,' says grand chief
http://www.canada.com/components/print.aspx?id=44bcbe05-644b-41ac-a8c2-1...

BOLIVIA
The Final Battle In Bolivia By Roger Burbach - Evo Morales, the first Indian president of Bolivia, is forcing a showdown with the oligarchy and the right wing political parties that have stymied efforts to draft a new constitution to transform the nation. He declares, “Dead or alive I will have a new constitution for the country by December 14,” the mandated date for the specially elected Constituent Assembly to present the constitution.
http://www.countercurrents.org/burbach261107.htm

CUBA
Popular Education Transforms Women’s Lives
http://news.myspace.com/politics/humanrights/item/12067232
A Health System’s ‘Miracles’ Come With Hidden Costs
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/20/world/americas/20havana.html?ref=ameri...
Women Combating Shortage of Decent Housing
http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=38395

COLOMBIA
Uribe Didn’t Want Prisoner Exchange Talks to Succeed
http://www.colombiajournal.org/colombia267.htm

V ENEZUELA
Radio Venezuela en Vivo: Broadcasting Live from Venezuela's Constitutional Reform Referendum
What is Radio Venezuela en Vivo? Radio Venezuela en Vivo is an internet radio, launched by a group of international journalists and academics based in Venezuela, to broadcast continual objective coverage of Venezuela's upcoming Constitutional Reform Referendum. Radio Venezuela en Vivo will principally broadcast in English and French, with support programs and news coverage in Portuguese, Arab and other languages.
http://radiovenezuelaenvivo.blogspot.com/
Venezuela’s Constitutional Reform: An Article-by-Article Summary
http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/2889
Venezuela: Still A Democracy by Mark Weisbrot - New Statesman
http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/2888
Spinning Chávez
http://www.newstatesman.com/200711260004
Venezuela's bad example
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0711/S00401.htm

PALESTINE
Gaza: The Final Solution In Slow Motion - The international community has refused to put a stop to this slow and painful genocide. On the contrary, they have chosen to make it possible in many ways for Israel to carry out its own Final Solution in Palestine: giving them weapons, money, political support and punishing the Palestinians in Gaza with a boycott that cries out to heaven with anguish for its cruelty and brutality
http://www.countercurrents.org/velloso211107.htm
Apartheid In Israel Palestine! Viability In Annapolis? By Eileen Fleming
http://www.countercurrents.org/fleming261107.htm

HAITI
Haiti: Survival And Poverty In Carrefour - The families of Carrefour often live on less than one US dollar per day and suffer from malnutrition. The lack of access to potable water and basic health care further compounds the problem. Few can afford to attend school. With few options young people are put at high risk of going into prostitution and crime
http://www.countercurrents.org/nazaire211107.htm

IRAN
A plan to attack Iran swiftly and from above: A bombing campaign has been in the works for months - a blistering air war that would last anywhere from one day to two weeks
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071122.wiran22/BNSt...

CHILE
Solidarity with Mapuche political prisoners in Chile
http://lifeonleft.blogspot.com/2007/11/solidarity-with-mapuche-political...

IRAQ
Iraq’s Sovereignty Revisited - The current state of Iraq is a U.S.-installed colonial dictatorship. The puppet government is a façade legitimising the Occupation and covering-up its murderous crimes against the Iraqi people.
http://www.countercurrents.org/hassan261107.htm

MIDDLE EAST
Darkness Falls On The Middle East By Robert Fisk
http://www.countercurrents.org/fisk261107.htm

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