#253: Taser decision unprinciples and dangerous

GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER #253, September 22, 2008

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 mike@unite.org.nz; Web page - media@ndu.org.nz Donations can be sent to GPJA, P O Box 7175, Wellesley 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.

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If you find this news letter useful, kindly forward it to your friends and encourage them to join this mailing list. http://www.gpja.org.nz/

This newsletter has been delayed for several weeks due to technical problems. My apologies to activities I haven't been able top advertise that have been and gone.

TASER DECISION UNPRINCIPLED AND DANGEROUS

Below is the press release from the Campaign Against the Taser (which Peace Movement Aotearoa is part of) re the Police Commissioner's decision to deploy tasers. Further information and comment about the decision is available on 'The NZ Police stun gun trial' web page at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/taser.htm

29 August 2008

The Campaign Against the Taser (CATT) has expressed deep concern about the Police Commissioner's decision to introduce Tasers, describing it as unprincipled and dangerous. "Our analysis of the preliminary information about the trial initially released by the police indicated that more than 40% of incidents between just September 2006 and March 2007 were in breach of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) drawn up to regulate Taser use during the trial period", spokesperson Marie Dyhrberg said today.

"The Police Commissioner's decision has been made despite repeated calls for delay until the public had had the opportunity to view and comment on all relevant information about the trial, not just the summaries released by Police, which the Chief Ombudsman called "sanitised". Despite the Chief Ombudsman's recommendation in May that wrongly withheld information be released to CATT, the police have still not provided information covering the full year of the trial."

In CATT's report, Stun guns in Aotearoa New Zealand? The shocking trial, serious concerns were raised about inappropriate and dangerous use of Tasers during the trial, such as use of the weapons in service stations, on individuals in mental health crisis, on people whose behaviour was not assaultive, and the disproportionate number of Maori and Pacific people targeted with Tasers. In addition, it highlighted the increasing controversy over the use of Tasers overseas as the death toll among those struck by police Tasers continues to rise, and the United Nations Committee Against Torture's description of the use of TaserX26 weapons as constituting a form of torture which could in certain cases cause death.

"There has been no public discussion of these concerns, and without the complete set of information about the New Zealand trial, it has not even been possible for the public to properly assess the trial. The trial has been run by Police, assessed by Police, and now the decision has been made by Police, with no transparency or openness in the process", Dyhrberg said. "Transparency is especially important in a trial, which is supposed to provide an opportunity for reflection and considered debate - this trial has had neither."

"The Police Commissioner said that the debate in the House on Wednesday did not raise any new issues. That is no wonder - how can the matter be properly debated when most of the relevant information is kept secret? A decision such as this, which will change the face of policing in New Zealand, should be subject to a rigorous democratic process and public scrutiny. The decision is both unprincipled and dangerous, and the lack of process and transparency around it is unacceptable in a modern democracy."

It is inevitable that at some point there will be serious injuries or deaths related to Taser use, and that the introduction of the Taser will needlessly increase the violence of policing in New Zealand. CATT remains concerned about the lack of thorough and independent investigations into Taser use and its effects. The Campaign is also concerned that Tasers will be used as a tool of routine force, not of last resort, and that vulnerable groups (such as those with mental health issues) will again be inappropriately subjected to electric shocks.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CUBAN HURRICAN APPEAL
The situation in Cuba is increasingly very difficult, with millions of displaced, the agricultural sector decimated and no hard-cash income coming in with which to buy the necessary food and materials to recover from the hurricane damage. The biggest factor standing in the way of recovery efforts is the US blockade, preventing access to the nearest and cheapest source of the necessary construction and other goods and services, and the credit with which to purchase them. See this article:
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0809/S00264.htm
The most important act of solidarity we can do now, apart from sending money, is to put as much pressure on the United States as possible to lift the blockade, even if only for six months, to enable Cuba to survive until the hurricane season is over, and newly planted crops have yielded.
Please telephone, email, write to or visit your local US embassy or consulate, and also your local member of parliament and demand they act to ensure that the United States heeds the overwhelming majority vote in the United Nations to lift the blockade of Cuba, such that Cuba can get the food and materials it needs to provide the humanitarian assistance to its people to enable them to recover from this series of natural disasters.
Cuba has been providing assistance to numerous countries in crisis for decades - now it is their time of need - please take the time to help. I have put contact details for US emabssies in NZ and Australai below - others will have to find them for their own country.
Thank you. JWP
US CONSULATES AND EMBASSIES NEW ZEALAND
Email: aucklandacs@state.gov
Telephone & Fax numbers
Auckland Ph: +64 9 303 2724 ext: 2800/2842/2848/2856 Fax: +64 9 366 0870
Wellington Ph: +64 4 462 6082 Fax: +64 4 499 04

LET'S CLOSE WAIHOPAI SPYBASE SONG RELEASED
http://www.jeffsimmonds.org/Jeff-Simmonds-Free-MP3s.php
LOCAL PEACE GRANTS 2008
Forwarded on behalf of Quaker Peace & Service Aotearoa/New Zealand. This message invites applications for the next round of Local Peace Grants, and the 2009 Loxley Award - the deadline for both is 31 October 2008. This information is online at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/qps1008.htm
Quaker Peace & Service Aotearoa / New Zealand invites applications for grants of up to $500 to assist with non-violent local peace work anywhere within Aotearoa-New Zealand. The deadline is 31 October 2008 (allow four weeks for notification of decision).
• Applicants need not be Quakers;
• Preference is given to work which is innovative in content or starting up. It could be a one-off occasion (constructing a mobile peace stall; printing / advertising; inter-faith peace conference; peace / green fair; non-violence training day) or for a longer project (eg. restorative justice; a new organisation);
• Grants are decided twice a year (deadlines are 30 April and 31 October).
Application form / enquiries: Local Peace Grants, QPSANZ, Friends (Quaker) Meeting House, 72 Cresswell Avenue, Christchurch 8061, email qpsanz@quaker.org.nz or from the Quaker Peace & Service web page at http://www.quaker.org.nz/groups/qpsanz - the flier advertising the Local Peace grants is at http://www.quaker.org.nz/file_download/67/2008_Local_Peace_Grants_Advert... with the application form at
http://www.quaker.org.nz/file_download/66/2008_Local_Peace_Grants_applic...

2009 LOXLEY AWARD
Quaker Peace & Service Aotearoa/New Zealand invites applications for the 2009 Loxley Award - a grant of up to $10,000 established to assist New Zealand Quakers or non-Quakers to undertake a study programme or project of their choosing, in New Zealand or abroad, which promotes understanding of peace, justice and environmental issues. Applications close on 31st October 2008. The first award given in 2008 supported a project to record the experiences of women who had come to New Zealand from the Middle East and New Zealand women who had lived in the Middle East. Information and application forms are available from QPSANZ, Friends (Quaker) Meeting House, 72 Cresswell Avenue, Christchurch 8061, email qpsanz@quaker.org.nz or from your nearest Quaker Meeting or from the Quaker Peace & Service web page at http://www.quaker.org.nz/groups/qpsanz - the flier advertising the Loxley Award is at http://www.quaker.org.nz/file_download/87/2008_Loxley_Awards_Information... with further information and the application form at http://www.quaker.org.nz/file_download/86/2008_Loxley_Awards_Application...

ROBERT FISK INTERVIEW
It's a long story but Martin and I were able to have a private interview with Robert Fisk, for Earthwise, when he was here in Christchurch. Robert discusses : what chance for justice in the Middle East, whether the West really wants democracy for Muslim countries, how and why Western media reports the way it does (including fear of charges of
anti-Semitism). Monday 15 Sept, repeated Wed 17 Sept, both at 10pm Earthwise on PlainsFM96.9. The program can be hear via streaming from our website www.plainsfm.org.nz Podcasting is possible too. Warm regards, Lois

PEACE RESEARCHER ONLINE
- Pop Goes The Spybase! Waihopai Domebusters Severely Embarrass The Covert State – by Murray Horton
- Waihopai Protest 08 – by Murray Horton
- Pine Gap Spybase “Invaders” Acquitted: Huge Defeat For The Covert State – by Murray Horton
- In The Dragon’s Lair – by Herbert Docena
- West Papua: Have We Forgotten The Lessons Of East Timor? – by Maire Leadbeater
- Reviews by Bob Leonard & Jeremy Agar
“America In Peril”, by Bob Aldridge
“The Three Trillion Dollar War” by Joseph Stiglitz and Linda Bilmes
“Against Freedom: The War On Terrorism In Everyday New Zealand Life” by Valerie Morse
“Unconventional Warfare” A DVD
“The Peace Movement In Christchurch 1937-41, 1946-47: A Memoir”, by Will Foote
- Obituaries by Murray Horton - Philip Agee; Reg Duder
http://www.converge.org.nz/abc/prcont36.html

FOREIGN CONTROL WATCHDOG 118, AUGUST 2008 ONLINE
http://www.converge.org.nz/watchdog/18/index18.htm

PHILIPPINES SOLIDARITY NETWORK'S LATEST "KAPATIRAN" ONLINE: One point needs to be made. The hard copy of this was published in May just days before the tragic accidental death of Congressman Crispin Beltran (universally known as Ka Bel). Indeed we posted a copy to him just the day before. So please bear this in mind when reading the lead article, in which Ka Bel features. Murray Horton, Editor, Kapatiran
http://www.converge.org.nz/psna/Kapatiran/KapNo29n30/Kap29n30List.htm

URGENT APPEALS FROM PAKISTAN, ECUADOR AND MEXICO
The IUF is asking for all of us to show our support for Karachi hotel workers who have been engaged in a seven-year-long struggle for justice. Full details here: http://www.iuf.org/den5255
Public Services International has issued an urgent action alert regarding the cases of two union leaders accused of 'terrorism' - their trial starts next month. Full details here: http://www.world-psi.org/
In Mexico, the Authentic Workers Front (FAT) is asking all of us to send messages to the municipal government in Janos, Chihuahua in support of sacked workers. Please take a moment to visit the campaign page and send off your message: http://www.labourstart.org/fat

HUMAN RIGHTS LECTURE SERIES
- the Centre for Continuing Education, in association with the United Nations Association of New Zealand, brings you three lectures looking at human rights in recognition of the 60th anniversary of the signing of the declaration. You may choose to attend individual lectures or register for the series. The fee is $27 per lecture or $67.50 for the series. A concession of $18 per lecture or $45 for the series is available to students and unwaged.
ENROLMENT FOR THE SERIES Class Number: 78063 Cost: $67.50 (International Fee $106.90), $45 Student/Unwaged
When: 3 sessions, Monday 6, 13 & 20 October, 7 - 9pm Where: Room 018, ClockTower Building No. 105, 22 Princes Street Click here for more information and to enrol for the series http://www.cce.auckland.ac.nz/cce/continuing/index.cfm?P=8548&ClassNumbe...
THE PLACE OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN A GLOBALISED WORLD: THE UNIVERSALIST-RELATIVIST DEBATE IN THE 21ST CENTURY Mohsen al Attar LLB, LLM . Since the birth of human rights, a debate has raged between two camps. Universalists argue that rights should be regarded in exactly the same manner across the globe and thus criticise societies that do not follow the dominant Western model. Conversely, relativists maintain that cultures vary and that even fundamental human rights can be perceived differently from nation to nation; the one-size-fits-all model must give way to national autonomy. In this seminar, we will examine the place of this debate today. Are Asian values still a viable alternative to the universalist doctrine? Are First World feminists justified in challenging cultural practices that they perceive to undermine female autonomy in the Third World? What of the rebuttal of Third World feminists? How has globalisation and the 'neoliberal' Washington Consensus impacted our perception of socio-economic human rights and has the 'democratic socialist' Bolivarian Revolution of Venezuela undermined this consensus? These issues, among others, will be discussed and debated.
Class Number: 78062 Cost: $27.00 (International Fee $40.15), $18.00 Student/Unwaged
When: 1 session, Monday 6 October, 7 - 9pm Where: Room 018, ClockTower Building No. 105, 22 Princes Street
Click here to enrol in this lecture only http://www.cce.auckland.ac.nz/cce/continuing/index.cfm?P=8548&ClassNumbe...
HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE LAW Kris Gledhill, BA, LLM,Margaret Bedggood, MA, LLB
This lecture will be in two parts as follows: Part one, Enhancing the protection of economic, social and cultural rights in Aotearoa New Zealand will be presented by Margaret Bedggood. This lecture will outline developments in the protection of economic, social and cultural rights in the last decade at international, regional and local level. It will then consider the situation in this country in the light of these developments and international norms and suggest ways in law and policy in which such rights can be better protected for various groups in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Part two entitled, Taking Human Rights Seriously: Key Developments in the Human Rights Framework will be presented by Kris Gledhill. This lecture will trace the key steps which have the potential for turning the fine ideals expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights into a practical reality, emphasising the role of a committed international judiciary in this process. An assessment will be offered as to whether New Zealand's government - including its judiciary – takes its duties seriously.
Class Number: 78053, Cost: $27.00 (International Fee $40.15), $18.00 Student/Unwaged
When: 1 session, Monday 13 October, 7 - 9pm, Where: Room 018, ClockTower Building No. 105, 22 Princes Street
Click here to enrol in this lecture only http://www.cce.auckland.ac.nz/cce/continuing/index.cfm?P=8548&ClassNumbe...
"WE DON'T TALK ABOUT IT ANYMORE": SEXUALITY, GENDER AND HUMAN RIGHTS Joy Liddicoat, LLM (HONS)
In this lecture we will examine current issues of sexuality, gender and human rights in New Zealand and the Pacific region. We will consider both human rights and development theory changes, including from "women in development", to "women and development", up to the present day theories of "gender and development." In doing so, Joy will draw on experiences from New Zealand and the region to critically reflect on sexuality, gender and human rights issues, seeking to provoke discussion on such questions as: What happened to women's human rights? Is gender still relevant? Can we talk about sex and human rights?
Class Number: 78079 Cost: $27.00 (International Fee $40.15), $18.00 Student/Unwaged When: 1 session, Monday 20 October, 7 - 9pm Where: Room 018, ClockTower Building No. 105, 22 Princes Street
Click here to enrol in this lecture only http://www.cce.auckland.ac.nz/cce/continuing/index.cfm?P=8548&ClassNumbe...

RIOT EXTRAS NEEDED
Jim Edwards' book "Waiting For the Revolution" is being turNed into a television drama. It tells the story of the Unemployed Workers' Movement and the hunger marches and the 1932 Queen St riot. The producers need hundreds of volunteers to take part in the re-created marches and the riot.They need lean and hungry males, 18-60.
Anyone interested, contact Aileen O'Sullivan, seann@ihug.co.nz

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE 2008 ROGER AWARD.
You can send your nomination, and any supporting material, by 1/ Filling in the below form and e-mailing it to this address. 2/ Or by sending it by snail mail to the Roger Award, Box 2258, Christchurch. The nomination form and full details about the Award, including past winners, Judges’ Reports, etc, can be accessed online at http://canterbury.cyberplace.co.nz/community/CAFCA/publications/Roger/in...
Murray Horton, Secretary/Organiser, CAFCA, Campaign Against Foreign Control of Aotearoa, Box 2258, Christchurch, New Zealand. cafca@chch.planet.org.nz www.cafca.org.nz

INTERNATIONAL BRIGADE “50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRIUMPH OF THE CUBAN REVOLUTION”
Dear Friends: Next year the Cuban Revolution will arrive to its 50th anniversary: 50 years of solidarity and friendship between Cuba and the peoples of the world. From October 5th through 19th this year, our Institute will welcome the “50th Anniversary of the Revolution” International Brigade and friends coming from all over the world will enjoy this unique opportunity to celebrate this important date in Cuba. We are looking forward to hosting you!!!!
Asia-Pacific Division, Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, Email: dasia@icap.cu Tlf: (53-7) 838 2430

INVITATION TO VENEZUELA EDUCATION STUDY TOUR
A Collaborative Exchange and Study Tour for Academics, Teachers & Students January 2009
Dear Friends and Colleagues, We would like to invite you to participate in the first Education Exchange and Study Tour of Venezuela. A number of educators here in Australia and internationally have become increasingly interested in the radical education reform currently taking place in Venezuela. The study tour will take place in January 2009 and will involve a range of meetings (seminars) and visits with educational groups, institutions, and community organisations. The details of the week are to worked out in conjunction with colleagues from the Bolivarian University of Venezuela, and local schools and community organizations in Caracas. For further details, to contribute ideas and/or to register your interest please contact the organising committee: Tom Griffiths Tom.Griffiths [at] newcastle [dot] edu [dot] au / Jo Williams Jo.Williams [at] vu [dot] edu [dot] au / Roberto Jorquera roberto [at] latinamericasolidarity [dot] org / Jorge Jorquera Jorge.Jorquera [at] rmit [dot] edu [dot] au

WHAT’S ON IN AUCKLAND

Thursday, September 25, 5-6.30pm, Pacific Media Centre, WT0032, AUT Tower, 2 Rutland St, AUCKLAND
Kidnap - conflict reporting: The dangers of hostage-taking and the abduction of TV journalist Ces Drilon A mother of four, Ces tells the story of her nine days in captivity and today's lessons for journalists in the so-called 'war on terror'. A compelling and controversial documentary never before being shown in New Zealand. Del Abcede will background the issues of the Muslim south in the Philippines.

Thursday, September 25, 6-7.30pm, Lecture Theatre 018, Clock Tower Building, 22 Princes Street
Burma/Myanmar Update: Naing Ko Ko speaks on “The Struggle for Democracy in Burma” and Steve Green speaks on “Environmental Devastation in Burma”. Naing Ko Ko, Burmese political activist, student, and refugee in New Zealand since 2006. He was a student leader during the 1988 Burmese Democracy Uprising and a political prisoner for seven years. Steve Green, New Zealand environmental activist, who has lived in the Thai-Burma border area since 1989, working with ethnic and indigenous minority groups such as the Karen, Mon and Shan people. His recent research has focused on proposed Hydro dam projects on the Salween River in Burma, and in China, with potentially disastrous effects in this earthquake-prone area.

Thursday, September 25, Room 260-219, Owen Glenn building, School of Business, Auckland University
Don't Just Vote- Get Active! Socialist Aotearoa forum on the 2008 Elections- where guest speakers from the electoral tickets meet the extra-parliamentary campaigns.

Friday, September 26, 6.00pm – 8.0pm, Conference Room, All Seasons Motel, 93-95 Greenlane East, Ellerslie
An invitation to attend the Annual General Meeting of ACTION FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH AOTEAROA INC. Light refreshments served at 5.30. Our guest speaker Dr Susan St John will speak on the topic “Do children’s rights matter? CPAG v Attorney General — the acid test”. Susan St John has long been an informed, strong and courageous advocate for children, especially those who are poor. Economics Advisor to Child Poverty Action Group Inc. (CPAG), she co-edited the recent CPAG report, Left Behind, and was instrumental in arguing the CPAG case to the Human Rights Tribunal that the In-Work Tax Credit is discriminatory and a breach of children's rights. A Senior Lecturer in Economics at the University of Auckland, Susan’s research and teaching interests include economics of families, retirement policy issues, macroeconomics and the economics of the public sector. She is Co-director of the University's Retirement and Research Centre and a former member of advisory board for the 2007 Retirement Commission's Review of Retirement Policies. Susan St John will speak at 6pm. For catering, please RSVP to Judith McMorland judith.mcm@xtra.co.nz (09 528 0252) or Peter Shuttleworth elaineandpeter@clear.net.nz (09 846 4723) by Wed 24th Sept.

Friday, October 3, 6pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
“STAND TOGETHER” - SONGS OF PROTEST, PEACE AND THE WORKING LIFE. Come and hear this community choir from Newcastle, Australia, sing no-holds-barred renditions with all the passion of a performance on the picket lines. Their depth of feeling for the songs and commitment to the cause is unmistakable.

Friday, October 3, 6-8.30pm, Peace Place, 2F/22 Emily Place, Auckland
AN EVENING WITH Claudette Werleigh Secretary-General of Pax Christi International (peace organisation). Former Foreign Minister and Prime Minister of Haiti. [Light refreshments from 5.30 pm]

Wednesday, October 8, 7pm, Wesley Community Centre, 740 Sandringham Rd Ext.
Do you want the proposed WATERVIEW TUNNEL MOTORWAY CONNECTION to be built and run for PRIVATE PROFIT? Do you agree with TOLLS for this tunnel? We already pay road and petrol taxes!! Come along and support PUBLIC OWNERSHIP for PUBLIC SERVICES. Info: Ph 828 0238 or 836 6389 Organised by Citizens against Privatisation

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Don't be taken in when they paternally pat you on the shoulder and say that there's no inequality worth speaking of and no more reason to fight because if you believe them they will be completely in charge in their marble homes and granite banks from which they rob the people of the world under the pretence of bringing them culture. Watch out, for as soon as it pleases them they'll send you out to protect their gold in wars whose weapons, rapidly developed by servile scientists, will become more and more deadly until they can with a flick of the finger tear a million of you to pieces”: Jean-Paul Marat (May 24, 1743 - July 13, 1793), was a Swiss-born scientist and physician
“Kings had always been involving and impoverishing their people in wars, pretending generally, if not always, that the good of the people was the object. This, our [1787] Convention understood to be the most oppressive of all Kingly oppressions; and they resolved to so frame the Constitution that no one man should hold the power of bringing this oppression upon us”: Abraham Lincoln - Source: in an 1848 letter to William Herndon
"I refuse to accept the cynical notion that nation after nation must spiral down a militaristic stairway into the hell of thermonuclear destruction. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant. I believe that even amid today's motor bursts and whining bullets, there is still hope for a brighter tomorrow.": Martin Luther King's Acceptance Speech, on the occasion of the award of the Nobel Peace Peace Prize in Oslo, December 10, 1964 http://nobelprize.org/peace/laureates/1964/king-acceptance.html

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

He moves in mysterious ways: “This is why God made banks, for this kind of transaction.” — A surprised US factory owner, whose bank unexpectedly refused him a loan to expand his business.

Hard work on the border: “We have a lot of work to do, and I’m afraid that it’s a very hard struggle, particularly given the situation on the Iraq-Pakistan border.” — US Republican presidential candidate John McCain in a July 21 TV interview, trying to prove he is a suitable replacement for Dubya.

Like exploding?: “They all have their own eccentricities.” — Dr Ron Cameron, acting chief executive of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, on its new $400 million reactor, which is leaking water.

Fundamentally resilient: “The nation’s economy has continued to expand and remains fundamentally resilient.” — The White House budget office, predicting a US government deficit next year of US$482 billion, not counting $80 billion in Iraq war costs.

Credibility gap: “I’m only 10 years old and even I know that is a lie.” — Darin Sullivan, daughter of a NSW firefighter, to the state treasurer, Michael Costa, after Costa defended a cap on firefighters’ pay by saying they were paid more than in any other state.

2003 not in the 21st century: “In the 21st century, nations do not invade other nations.” — US Senator John McCain, a staunch defender of the US-led 2003 invasion of Iraq, commenting on Moscow’s response to the Georgian military assault on the breakaway nation of South Ossetia.

Bad bet: “I have staked my country’s fate on the West’s rhetoric about democracy and liberty.” — Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili.

Foresight like Saakashvili’s: “All I know is, there is water where it didn’t used to be, and I’m responsible for dealing with that.” — Admiral Thad Allen, head of the US Coast Guard, lamenting insufficient preparation for militarising the Arctic Ocean when it thaws.

BEST ON THE WEB

NEW ZEALAND
Spy base activists committed for trial
http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlboroughexpress/4698575a6008.html
McDonald's workers plan strikes timed with lunch and dinner
http://www.3news.co.nz/News/NationalNews/McDonaldsworkersplanstrikestime...
Super-sized payout for McDonald's worker
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4685737a11.html
McDonald's worker discusses her super-sized payout - Chantelle Coup, like many young people, got a part time job at McDonald's. However unlike most, she also joined a union - the increasingly successful Unite Union.
http://www.3news.co.nz/TVShows/CampbellLive/Stories/tabid/817/articleID/...
'Waihopai 3' to face court after attack on spy base
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4692556a11.html?source=RSSnationalnews_20080915
John Minto at Indigenous rights Debate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biocBaMeWBc&feature=user
Give us funds for the job
http://www.stuff.co.nz/thepress/4685170a16155.html
Cheaper food
http://www.captimes.co.nz/news/32/n/2009/Cheaperfood.boss
Wave Goodby
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obIYxl-xwWo
Gordon Campbell interviews Robert Fisk
http://election08.scoop.co.nz/gordon-campbell-interviews-robert-fisk/
Maori Documentary Winner at Qantas Awards 2008
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0809/S00208.htm
Protestors slam big brother state
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0809/S00075.htm
Matt McCarten: The schmoozing begins as big guns cuddle up to Maori Party
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10530911
John Minto: Deploying tasers in NZ an extremely bad idea
http://www.stuff.co.nz/thepress/4676508a16155.html
National's secret agenda presents a new low in New Zealand politics
http://www.stuff.co.nz/thepress/4651500a16155.html

REVIEWS
Revolution! New Book Charts Roller Coaster Ride of South American Left
http://upsidedownworld.org/main/content/view/1462/1/
Patrice Lumumba `will live forever’ -- exclusive book excerpt
http://links.org.au/node/624
Scenes from Marx in Soho, by Howard Zinn
http://links.org.au/node/634

WORLD ECONOMY
The Market and the Terminator Machines - America's Own Kleptocracy
http://www.counterpunch.org/hudson09202008.html
Naomi Klein: Free Market Ideology is Far From Finished - But with Wall Street rescued by government intervention,
there's never been a better time to argue for collectivist solutions
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/sep/19/marketturmoil.usa
Seumas Milne: The political class can't face up to the scale of this crisis - Financial meltdown spells the end of the free market model. It is a gift for any leader prepared to advance a new agenda
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/sep/18/economy.creditcrunch...
Full-Spectrum Breakdown - Grasping at Straws
http://www.counterpunch.org/whitney09202008.html
The sub-prine primer
http://docs.google.com/TeamPresent?docid=ddp4zq7n_0cdjsr4fn&skipauth=tru...
One thing is clear from the history of trade: protectionism makes you rich: However much Peter Mandelson bullies them, poor countries know his equation of fair trade and free trade is nonsense
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/sep/09/eu.globaleconomy
The destruction of African agriculture
http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article11299
Global Starvation Ignored by American Policy Elites- Over 30,000 people a day (85% children under 5) die of malnutrition, curable diseases, and starvation. The numbers of unnecessary deaths has exceeded three hundred million people over the past forty years.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article20748.htm
Global Famine Is It A Conspiracy? If indeed 6,000 elite business leaders control the world’s fate, surely such an immensely wealthy and powerful coterie could solve the food crisis in a flash.
http://www.countercurrents.org/walberg310808.htm
World Poverty 'More Widespread' By Steve Schifferes Economics reporter, BBC News: The World Bank has warned that world poverty is much greater than previously thought. It has revised its previous estimate and now says that 1.4 billion people live in poverty, based on a new poverty line of $1.25 per day.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article20643.htm

AFGHANISTAN
John Pilger: Western media justify Iraq, Afghan bloodshed
http://www.greenleft.org.au/2008/767/39585
New air and artillery strikes kill hundreds of civilians claim eyewitnesses
http://www.asia-pacific-action.org/node/168
'US troops are committing war crimes' : AN AFGHAN human rights organisation has accused the United States army of committing war crimes in Afghanistan.
http://quqnoos.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1514&Itemid...

AUSTRALIA
Rebellious diggers: Military unrest in World War 2
http://www.leftwrites.net/2008/08/27/rebellious-diggers-military-unrest-...
Australian troops kept Afghan prisoners in dog pens
http://www.asia-pacific-action.org/node/170

BOLIVIA
Dear friends, You may be aware of the US-backed "civic coup" underway in the Bolivia, and the threats this poses to democracy in Latin America and all nations' right to political, economic and social sovereignty. I am forwarding on this request to sign the online petition in solidarity with President Evo Morales and the Bolivian people, and circulate it widely among other progressive individuals and organisations. The petition is at:
http://www.gopetition.com/online/21871.html
Additional information is available at:
1. Fascist coup in Bolivia: http://www.greenleft.org.au/2008/767/39595
2. Eyewitness to Pando massacre: http://incakolanews.blogspot.com/2008/09/just-for-record.html
3. Eyewitness to Santa Cruz violence: http://www.marxist.com/orgy-fascist-violence-bolivia.htm
4. Ongoing news and information: http://boliviarising.blogspot.com
Two years of `post-neoliberal’ Indigenous nationalism -- a balance sheet
http://links.org.au/node/598
Evo, social movements organise new offensive
http://www.greenleft.org.au/2008/765/39495
Bolivia sets date for referendum
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7587544.stm
Morales and hundreds of tribal leaders in historic Alaska meeting
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096418165
Divisions Emerge in Opposition Strategy
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=43788

CHILE
New Kissinger ‘Telcons’ Reveal Chile Plotting At Highest Levels Of U.S. Government
http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB255/index.htm

CHINA
Winners and Losers in the New China - Interview with Minqi Li
http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/li170808p.html

CUBA
Julie Webb-Pullman: Yikes - Ike has sliced through Cuba like the Grim Reaper's scythe, savaging crops desperately-needed to feed the scores of thousands left homeless and hungry by his siblings Gustav and Hanna. This terrible trio, two category fours and a tropical storm all within eight days, are unprecedented in recorded hurricane history, and are continuing to devastate the entire country.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0809/S00113.htm
Cuba: Police state or democracy?
http://directaction.org.au/issue4/cuba_police_state_or_democracy
Celia Hart's last essay: A revolutionary fight against the demon - On September 9, 2008, supporters of the Cuban Revolution were saddened to learn of the sudden deaths of Celia Hart Santamaría and Abel Hart Santamaría, the daughter and son of Armando Hart Dávalos and Haydée Santamaría, in a car accident in Havana on September 7, possibly caused by the conditions resulting from Hurricane Gustav. Below is the last essay written by Celia, on the topic of hurricanes, global warming and the Cuban Revolution's and Cuban society's ability to protect its people from devastating storms like hurricanes Katrina and Gustav.
http://links.org.au/node/622
Ian Steadman: The Cuban Five
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0809/S00073.htm
Cuban trade unionist: `Workers are key participants in the Cuban revolution'
http://links.org.au/node/603

ECUADOR
Ecuador Giving U.S. Air Base the Boot
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/03/AR200809...

FRANCE
Light on the Left Guides His Comrades Toward France’s Mainstream
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/13/world/europe/13france.html

INDIA
Interview Arundhati Roy Brave New India
http://www.isreview.org/issues/61/feat-arundhatiint.shtml
Commonwealth Games And A Beggar Free Delhi By Loveleen Kaur
http://www.countercurrents.org/karur110908.htm
Victims Of India's 'War On Terror' By Yoginder Sikand
http://www.countercurrents.org/sikand110908.htm
Even In Flood, India's `Untouchables' Last Rescued By Gavin Rabinowitz
http://www.countercurrents.org/rabinowitz020908.htm

NEPAL
‘Historic changes’ shaking Nepal
http://www.greenleft.org.au/2008/768/39630
New Democracy In Nepal
http://www.countercurrents.org/rawat280808.htm
Prachanda -- `No illusions on the ultimate goal of socialist communism'
http://links.org.au/node/617
Nepal abolishes slave labour system
http://in.reuters.com/article/southAsiaNews/idINIndia-35363420080907

PAKISTAN
Tariq Ali, Has the U.S. Invasion of Pakistan Begun?
http://www.tomdispatch.com/post/174977/tariq_ali_has_the_u_s_invasion_of...
Asif Ali Zardari: The Godfather As President
http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article11316
Combating Hunger or Destroying Jobs? Unilever, Blue Band, and the World Food Programme - The United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP), according to an official news release of August 27, has launched "a joint venture with the employees of industrial giant Unilever, who will donate a percentage of their pay to help combat child hunger in Pakistan." The problem is this: of the 8,000 persons involved in manufacturing Unilever products in Pakistan, only 371 are directly employed by Unilever. Heavy reliance on casual, temporary and agency workers, workers whose contracts bring them no job security and inferior pay and benefits to those formally employed by Unilever, is the rule throughout the company's operations. The industrial giant, whose products and advertising are everywhere (even at the UN), has a miniaturized payroll.
http://www.iuf.org/den5288

PALESTINE
The Palestinians: Warehousing a "surplus people"
http://www.zmag.org/znet/viewArticle/18750
Torture As Official Israeli Policy - Thousands of Palestinians are arrested, detained and abused. With little or no accountability, here's how one Israeli soldier put it: "When you deny thousands of people a day (free) movement, it is impossible to do it in a nice way."
http://www.countercurrents.org/lendman280808.htm
"The Wandering Who?" By Gilad Atzmon: University historian, Professor Shlomo Sand, opens his remarkable study of Jewish nationalism quoting Karl W. Deutsch: “A nation is a group of people united by a common mistake regarding its origin and a collective hostility towards its neighbours”
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article20675.htm

PHILIPPINES
CA orders release of pastor accused of murder
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20080911-160002/U...

SOUTH AFRICA
In defence of Naomi Klein's analysis of South Africa
http://links.org.au/node/618

SRI LANKA
Air force bombs Tamil civilian settlement
http://www.asia-pacific-action.org/node/185

UK
Is inequality worse than ever? Yes, says Tory Michael Gove, and he has an avalanche of statistics to damn Labour's record on education. But just how accurate are his figures? John Crace investigates
http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2008/aug/26/schools.socialexclusion/...
See also:
http://www.endchildpoverty.org.uk/
Men in Glasgow's east end have life expectancy of 54
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/editors-choice/tm_headline=men-in-glas...
Ken Livingstone, former Mayor of London, in conversation with Calvin Tucker, co-editor of 21st Century Socialism. Part 1: Venezuela, Cuba, China, and the changing global economy.
http://21stcenturysocialism.com/article/ken_livingstone_the_interview_01...

USA
US 'In Need of Rebellion' -Al Jazeera speaks to Howard Zinn, the author, American historian, social critic and activist, about how the Iraq war damaged attitudes towards the US and why the US "empire" is close to collapse.
http://www.countercurrents.org/zinn110908.htm
Atlanta Court rejects appeal of Cuban Five anti-terrorist case
http://www.freethefive.org/legalFront/LFSupremeCourtAppeal90508.htm
3,000 Vets, War Protesters Hand-Deliver Their Message - At least 3,000 Iraq war veterans and war protesters marched from the Denver Coliseum to the Pepsi Center perimeter. The veterans' ultimate goal was to deliver a statement to presidential candidate Barack Obama, urging him to promote the immediate withdrawal of "all occupying forces" from Iraq, among other points.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article20644.htm
Those Who Are Tasked to Police This Democracy Are Blinded by Confetti By Gary Younge - The real problem with the Bush years is not so much what he did but that America's political class enabled him to do it.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article20661.htm
Rage Against the Machine in Minnesota and the state of political pop
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/soundboard/2008/09/i-regret-not-ma.html

VENEZUELA
Go Home, Gringo By Richard Gott - On the 35th anniversary of the military overthrow of Salvador Allende in Chile on September 11, 1973, which had the overt support of the United States, the presidents of Bolivia and Venezuela have asked the US ambassadors accredited to their countries to leave.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article20750.htm
Capitalism and social classes in Venezuela: The historic mission of the working class: By Jesús Germán Faría, Venezuela’ vice-minister for social security, ministry of popular power for labour and social security
http://links.org.au/node/599
The struggle for industry to serve people
http://www.greenleft.org.au/2008/765/39466
Venezuela moves to nationalize fuel distribution
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/28/business/fuel.php?WT.mc_id=glob_m...
Venezuela rivals U.S. in Central America and Caribbean
http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKN0240396720080902?sp=true
A Little Insult Is All the Rage in Venezuela: ‘Pitiyanqui’
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/06/world/americas/06venez.html?_r=1&ref=w...
New mission, laws to extend popular power; trade union movement rebuilds
http://links.org.au/node/623