#349: Thurs: Cuban ambassador, Jane Kelsey & Keith Locke speak on “Cuban 5”

GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND
NEWSLETTER No. 349, September 28, 2010

FREE THE CUBAN FIVE!
Forum with Cuban ambassador Jose Robaina; Jane Kelsey; Keith Locke; Mike Treen; Annalucia Vermunt.
7pm, Thursday, September 30: Basement Lecture Theatre, Auckland University Library
Oppose Attacks on Cuba: The Cuban Five are five Cuban men who have been imprisoned in the United States for 12 years. They were falsely accused by the U.S. government of conspiracy to commit espionage against the United States.
The Five are Gerardo Hernández, Ramón Labañino, Antonio Guerrero, Fernando González and René González. They explained that they were monitoring the actions of Miami-based groups who have launched violent attacks on Cuba and its citizens. The Five continue to stand up to the U.S. government’s efforts to break them, speaking out from jail against injustice and exploitation. There is an international campaign to win their freedom. Come and hear about the Cuban Five, and why Cuba faces ongoing hostility from the U.S. government and its allies. Speakers: José Luis Robaina Garcia, Cuba’s ambassador to New Zealand; Jane Kelsey, law professor and activist academic; Keith Locke, Member of Parliament, Green Party; Mike Treen, National Director of Unite union Cuba Friendship Society; Annalucia Vermunt, participant in International Youth Meeting in Solidarity with the Cuban Five held last year in Havana, Cuba.
7pm, Thursday, September 30: Basement Lecture Theatre, Auckland University Library
Sponsored by the International Affairs Officer with the help of the Cuba Friendship Society. For more details, contact: AUSA, 309 0789

GPJA October Forum Monday 4th October, 7.30pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Road, Grey Lynn.
Sue Bradford will speak on welfare reform. She is a former Green Party MP and lifetime activist for the unemployed and beneficiaries. She will speak about the government’s Welfare Working Group which is due to report by the end of the year and which will deliver proposals for wide-ranging attacks on the unemployed and beneficiaries which the government will implement. These attacks on beneficiaries come, as they always do, in conjunction with attacks on workers’ rights. The low-paid and beneficiaries will be caught in a squeeze of high unemployment and beneficiary bashing. Sue will speak about the most likely attacks and strategies to counter the government’s welfare agenda.

REBEL PRESS WARMLY INVITES YOU TO A BOOK LAUNCH OCTOBER 15, WELLINGTON
The day the raids came: Stories of survival and resistance to the state terror raids. 6pm, Thistle Hall (upstairs), 293 Cuba Street, Wellington. Music, food and readings. On October 15th, 2007 an estimated 300 police raided houses all over Aotearoa New Zealand and arrested people based on warrants issued under the Terrorism Suppression Act. Lives were turned upside down as the police searched for evidence of ‘terrorism.’ This book is a collection of oral history interviews of people affected by those raids and the aftermath: defendants, friends, family, supporters and other people subject to the state’s coercive powers on that day. The case is the first ever attempted use of the Terrorism Suppression Act, a piece of legislation enacted in response to the 9/11 events in New York and Washington DC. The terrorism charges were not brought, but the people arrested continue to face a long journey to freedom as the state seeks to punish political activists and to reinforce the status quo. For more information, please contact info@rebelpress.org.nz

NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS

STAND UP FOR YOUR WORK RIGHTS
On 20 October 2010 thousands of workers all around New Zealand are standing up for fairness at work and protesting at the proposed employment law changes that the Government is pushing through Parliament. While there isn’t a union meeting happening in your town that day, here’s three things you can do to be part of the day of action.
1. Attend a stopwork meeting in your area or Discuss fairness at work on 20 October at smoko break, and why your work rights are important to you
2. Sign some postcards to the Prime Minister: call Member Support Centre on 0800 438 638 to have some sent out to you
3. Send in a photo of your workmates making your lunchroom a Fairness at Work zone on 20 October to www.fairness.org.nz

NZ LETTER OF CONCERN FOR THE LIFE OF THE 34 MAPUCHE HUNGER STRIKERS IN CHILE
Tuesday 21 September 2010,  Ambassador of Chile in New Zealand, Wellington. (please circulate this letter. If you wish to add your name email fideluna@gmail.com)

Dear Sir
After 70 days of Hunger Strike by 34 Mapuche political prisoners,  the undersigned, Chileans living in New Zealand and friends and supporters in this case, we express our deep concern for the physical integrity of these people and declare the following:
1 – We give our support for the actions undertaken by Mapuche organizations on arrival to find a solution to their urgent and fair judicial proceedings.
2 – We support their demands that require an immediate end to the application of Law No. 18 314, known as the Terrorism Act. This law, designed and approved in 1984 by order of Augusto Pinochet, is and has been specifically and consistently criticized by international organizations, as reflected in the latest report by the Human Rights Council to the General Assembly of the United Nations on 14 February, 2009 by Finn Martin Scheinin, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.
3 – We call for eliminating the practice of the Chilean government to grant criminal jurisdiction to military courts to resolve cases arising from land tenure issues. We demand an end to the double application of civil and military prosecution.
4 – We demand an end to the militarization of indigenous communities affected by land disputes. The Chilean government must ensure an effective remedy for victims of police abuse, ensuring that the ordinary courts have jurisdiction over crimes related to human rights violation.
5 – We call on the Chilean government to fulfill its task of defending and guaranteeing the rights of indigenous peoples according to international law and the rule of law, pursuant to various international treaties signed and ratified by the State of Chile international legal forum. Agreements as valued as Convention 169 of ILO and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (resolution 61/295 adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations) to guide and requires governments as to how to treat cases of ancestral land claims of native peoples.
6 – We ask the Chilean authorities to begin a process of dialogue and openness to the demands of the prisoners on hunger strike, immediately, in order not to advance in an escalation of violence against the Mapuche people and to rectify the current discriminatory policy applied to the historic demands of the Mapuche people of Chile that the State continues to violate.
7 – We call on the New Zealand public opinion, organizations of civil society, government, political parties and all defenders of Human Rights to demand compliance in Chile Human Rights. Demand the end use of the Terrorism Act when social movements, such as indigenous peoples, require the enjoyment of their fundamental rights.
Signed;
Esteban A Espinoza, Asistente Social (Social Worker) , Auckland.
Mike Treen, National Director, Unite Union

TAX JUSTICE PETITION STALLS PLANNED AROUND THE COUNTRY ON FRIDAY 1ST OCT. AND SAT 2ND OCT.
On 1st October GST will rise to 15%. To protest the increase of this most regressive tax, a Double Day of nationwide signature collecting for the Tax Justice petition is being organised on 1-2 October. We’re being ambitious and going for 10,000 signatures in two days, to go on top of the 12,000 signatures we’ve collected since the campaign was launched. The Tax Justice petition requests parliament to 1) Remove GST from food; and 2) Tax financial speculation. These two demands address the fundamental injustice in New Zealand’s tax system. Food, a necessity of life, is taxed, while financial speculation, which is hugely damaging to the economy and the lives of grassroots people, goes untaxed.
YOU CAN HELP THE CAMPAIGN: Contact me straight away if you can help collect signatures in your area on Friday 1st October and Saturday 2nd October. Email Vaughan svpl@xtra.co.nz , or ph/txt 021-0415 082. Or just take it upon yourself to print off copies of the petition and get your friends, family and workmates to sign. To download the Tax Justice petition go to http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/1927954/hr-sw-petition-pdf-may-24-2010-4-02-pm-253k?da=y . If you do collect signatures on 1-2 October, please email or txt me your tally by Sunday 3 October, so that your efforts can be added to the national total that will be presented to the media. Your assistance will help keep the twin demands of the Tax Justice campaign in the public eye. The more signatures we get the more attention the media will have to give the campaign and our demands. Political opportunities will likely flow from increased media exposure and the growing army of signatories and active supporters. Those opportunities could be converted by left forces into broad and popular opposition to the attacks on grassroots people being made by John Key’s National government. We value any feedback on the campaign and where it’s going. Contact us if you have some ideas.
In solidarity, Vaughan Gunson, Tax Justice campaign coordinator, (09)433 8897 / 021-0415 082 svpl@xtra.co.nz
For more information on the Tax Justice campaign go to www.nogstonfood.org Join the campaign on Facebook, go http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/No-GST-on-food/119541161411953?ref=ts 2,461 people already have.

ALTERNATIVE WELFARE WORKING GROUP PUBLIC MEETINGS
http://www.welfarejustice.org.nz/?sid=5
Welfare justice: the alternative welfare working group was set up in July in response to the Government’s welfare working group which is pushing an agenda of manufacturing an artificial crisis to justify potential reforms to our social security system, changes which many of us view as potentially highly damaging. Please join us for public meetings – or please make a submission if we are not able to come to your area: The meetings will be an opportunity for people with an interest in welfare reform to * learn a little more about the work of the alternative welfare working group; * workshop ideas about what you think are the most important principles for our welfare system;* share examples of what is and isn’t working; and to give your thoughts on recommendations for positive change.
SOUTH AUCKLAND, 20 September 10.00am – 1.00pm – ManurewaMarae, 81 Finlayson Ave, Manurewa.
DUNEDIN, 21 September. Alexander Macmillan Room, Community House, Lower Moray Place, Dundedin. Two meetings:  2.00-4.00pm & 5.30-7.30pm
INVERCARGILL, 23 September: disAbilities Resource Centre, 192Spey St, Invercargill: Two meetings 11.00-1.30 and 2.00-4.30
CHRISTCHURCH, 24 September: Christchurch Community Law Centre, 281 Madras St, Christchurch: Two meetings 10.00-12.30 and 1.30-4.00
HAMILTON 27 September 1.30pm at Anglican Action Conference Room, Te Ara Hou Village, 100 Morrinsville Road, Hamilton.
ROTORUA, 29 September: Bainbridge Centre, Old Taupo Road, Rotorua, 10.00am-1.00pm
Submissions: Information about making a submission to Welfare Justice is at http://alternativewelfareworkinggroup.org.nz/?sid=7 – the deadline is 30 September.

WHAT’S ON IN AUCKLAND

Wednesday, September 29, 4pm Waipapa Marae & 6pm, Case Room Level 2, Business School, Auckland University
The New Zealand Centre for Latin American Studies (NZCLAS) Nga Pae o te Maramatanga Latin American and Iberian film Society (LAIFS) present:
Aotearoa and Kullasuyo: a Comparative Approach: Mayra Gómez, Bolivian, Peace Activist and Senior Programme Officer for Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (PNND). Wednesday 29th of September 4pm-5pm
Waipapa Marae. Aotearoa and Kullasuyo are the original names of New Zealand and Western Bolivia respectively. This presentation will reflect on some commonalities and contrasts between the two, and how the processes of European colonization and cultural encounters have resulted in spiritual, cultural and environmental strains in both. Some examples are offered of how both countries assert their indigenous legacies in the present, emphasizing the fact that both countries today harbour a revitalized indigenous pride reflected in distinctive cultural manifestations of their original peoples in language, music, art, religion, healing, agriculture, diet, aesthetics, and institutions governing social life.  The talk will be followed by afternoon tea. For catering purposes please rsvp to: h.franswah@auckland.ac.nz
Film Screening: The Second Liberation: English and Spanish languages. The film will be introduced and followed by a discussion led by Mayra Gómez. Wednesday 29th of September, 6pm, Case Room Level 2, Business School. This documentary produced and directed by James Alonso Alvarez depicts Bolivia’s transformation during the presidency of Evo Morales.  Elected in 2005, Evo Morales Ayma becomes the first self-identified indigenous president in Latin America since colonization.  The indigenous led government faces fierce opposition from a minority of wealthy land owners threatened by Evo’s policies.  Violence erupts and Bolivia is pushed to the brink of civil war.  This film brings to light the reality behind the violence and chaos of the past four years.  It shows the causes and faces behind Bolivia’s radical transformation.
Biography: Mayra Gómez’s parents were born and raised in the Andes, in a small Aymara village called Chijmuni in the Aroma Province and later emigrated first to the city of La Paz, where she was born; then to Chile, and later to California. As an adult, she lived and worked in Nicaragua and Europe for an extensive time and presently resides in Aotearoa. Mayra has been an activist of Aymara/Indigenous people for much of her adult life leading her to be in Geneva in 1993 as the Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was being completed. There, she denounced the effects of uranium mining on life and indigenous peoples.  Her work experience is varied, she was a partner in an international literary agency where she dealt with copyright issues; she was an outreach coordinator for the United Nations Foundation and she also worked in Bolivia as the International Media Liaison for the government. She holds a masters degree in Pacific International Affairs from the University of California, a Multi-Disciplinary Program including economics, finance, and politics with expertise in International Environmental Policy and Latin America as Regional Area of concentration. She has also studied Human Rights and Latin American Studies at the University of Sorbonne, France. Mayra is currently a Senior Programme Officer for Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (PNND).

Wednesday, September 29, 7pm, Cityside, Mt Eden Road, Auckland CBD
Celebrate world farm animal day this weekend by challenging yourself to question where your eggs come from and confront the reality head on. Over the weekend we will be holding a visit to an Auckland battery hen farm so that you can see first hand the horror in which millions are hens are kept to produce eggs. We will first hold a workshop at Cityside (8 Mt Eden Road) on Wednesday this week to explain about the egg industry and discuss how the farm tour will work. If you would like to come on the tour this workshop is a must. For more information about our previous farm tours visit http://www.animalfreedom.org.nz/farm-tours.html

September 29-30, Telstra Clear Pacific Events Centre, Manukau City
JUST ACTION CONFERENCE: Just Action is for all those with a heart for The Salvation Army’s mission to fight suffering in all its forms, to speak out and act against injustice, and to be a force for justice, faith and mercy in the world. Here’s some information to bring you up-to-date on plans for next year’s Just Action Conference, ‘The Power to Change’, which is being held as part of Mission 2010, a combined congress of The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory. Full Conference details and registration information will be available next year. For more information, contact Major Ian Kilgour, The Salvation Army Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit. p: (09) 261 0883 or e: ian_kilgour@nzf.salvationarmy.org Plan to join us and explore how the Gospel can bring international, national, community and neighbourhood change. Plan to join us and explore how the Gospel can bring international, national, community and neighbourhood change. SPEAKERS: Jim Wallis is a best-selling author, public theologian, speaker, preacher and international commentator on religion and public life, faith and politics. He is President and Chief Executive Officer of Sojourners, where he is editor-in-chief of Sojourners magazine. Dave Andrews, Coordinator for training with the Community Initiatives Resource Association, and educator-atlarge for TEAR Australia. Dave, his wife Ange, and their family, have lived and worked in intentional communities with marginalised groups of people in Australia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Nepal for more than 30 years.

Friday, October 1, 6.30pm, Room LibB15 (Library Basement), Auckland University
SJP Mini Film-Festival – Students for Justice in Palestine hope to create solidarity amongst all struggles against imperialism. A Mini Film-Festival will take place in order to expose some untold and forgotten stories as well as to uncover the similarities between Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan, countries who are all suffering imperial wars and occupations. Come along and join us for a fun three nights of film screenings, and then followed by some enlightening and interesting discussion and debate.
Friday 01st October at 6.30pm – 8.30pm in LibB15 – Control Room (Iraq)
Friday 08th October at 6.30pm – 8.30pm in LibB15 – Taxi to the dark side (Afghanistan)
Koha/Gold coin donation at the door. Everybody Welcome. We hope to see you all there!

Friday, October 8, 6.30pm, Room LibB15 (Library Basement), Auckland University
SJP Mini Film-Festival – Students for Justice in Palestine hope to create solidarity amongst all struggles against imperialism. A Mini Film-Festival will take place in order to expose some untold and forgotten stories as well as to uncover the similarities between Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan, countries who are all suffering imperial wars and occupations. Come along and join us for a fun three nights of film screenings, and then followed by some enlightening and interesting discussion and debate.
Friday 08th October at 6.30pm – 8.30pm in LibB15 – Taxi to the dark side (Afghanistan)
Koha/Gold coin donation at the door. Everybody Welcome. We hope to see you all there!

Wednesday, October 27, 6.30pm, Maidment Theatre, University of Auckland
2010 Bruce Jesson Lecture Annette Sykes Ngäti Pikiao Lawyer and Activist. “The Politics of the Brown Table”. A self-annointed Iwi Leaders Group, a Maori Party that supports a National/ACT government, and a group of Crown mandated intermediaries drawn from retired politicians and bureaucrats, are today’s agents for the manufacturing of consent and the management of discontent amongst Maori. The commercial deals on Treelords, the Emissions Trading Scheme, geothermal resources, national parks, private prisons, mining, whanau ora are all harnessing Moari to a global capitalism that impoverishes the mass of working class Maori and making them dependent on its survival. Most whanau and hapu are excluded from decision-making and denied the rights over their resources just as they always have been. Bruce Jesson foresaw these trends back in the 1980s. This lecture challenges this agenda and identifies the basic principles for a politics that genuinely empowers the people. Professor Margaret Mutu, chairperson of Te Runanga-a-Iwi o Ngäti Kahu, will be the discussant on the lecture.

Saturday, October 30, QEII Square 10.30am. March to Albert Park by 12.00 Noon
NZEI Auckland Area Council invites members of all Auckland unions to our Rally and March Saturday 30th October.
This is to celebrating the successes of our world class education system. A family fun day with a strong message.

Thursday, November 4, 9am-5pm, Conference Room 1 – Copthorne Hotel Auckland City 196 – 200 Quay Street
Globalisation and Labour in the Pacific: Re-evaluating the 1890 Maritime Strike. Organised by the Auckland Labour History Group and the Labour History Project in association with the Australian Society for the Study of Labour History and NZWALMI. Papers will be presented on the 1890 strike, its broader political and historical impact, the nature of Pacific Rim connections in the labour market and between labour organisations, lessons for contemporary labour relations in the maritime industry in the Pacific, and the impact of globalisation generally in Pacific Rim labour relations. Attendance: All welcome. Fee: $40 includes lunch and refreshments. All registrations to Ann Williamson at nzwalmi@aut.ac.nz Information subject to change

November 9, 7pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn
NZ Speaking Tour By Filipino Progressive Leaders. WHY SHOULD NEW ZEALANDERS BE CONCERNED ABOUT THE PROSPECTS OF PEACE TALKS AND WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE PHILIPPINES? Two senior international representatives of the NDFP (National Democratic Front of the Philippines)  Mr Luis Jalandoni and Ms Coni Ledesma will be in Aotearoa this November hosted by local Solidarity organisations to speak under the theme “Justice and Liberation: The Road to Peace in the Philippines.” Auckland Philippines Solidarity (APS) will hold public meetings to draw the attention of New Zealanders to one of Asia’s most vibrant people’s movements. The speaking tour will be an opportunity for New Zealanders to critically view the ties that bind the Philippines and NZ.

Wednesday, November 10, 9am-12pm, Maori Strudies, Auckland University
Women’s Forum with Connie Ledesma (RSVP to Maori Studies)

Friday, November 12, 7pm, Civic Building, Strata 17, Civic Building, Mayoral Drive
Solidarity Dinner for Justice and Peace in the Philippines: Tickets $30 (Dinner, entertainment cash bar)
Contact: Luke Coxon (09) 8276059, 028 25803203 luke_coxon@yahoo.com

Sunday, November 21, 9.30am – 4pm, AUT Wellesley Street Conference Centre
Refugee Stories Symposium: This Symposium will consist of a day of testimonies about various aspects of the refugee experience, presented by former refugees who are now resident in New Zealand. REGISTRATION: Early bird Registration (by 1 October 2010) $75.00. Standard registration (after 1 October) $90.00. How to register and further information at www.aut.ac.nz/cre The day will also include a keynote speaker and cultural items. For all enquiries contact AUT Centre for Refugee Education Ph administration 921 9367 | refugeecentre@aut.ac.nz

QUOTES OF THE WEEK
“I am not afraid of the pen, or the scaffold, or the sword. I will tell the truth wherever I please.” –  Mother Jones
“There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.” — Buddha
“I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I’m a human being, first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.” – Malcolm X

BEST ON THE WEB

NEW ZEALAND
Matt McCarten: The Strategic Progressive Vote – Progressive and left voters should use their vote strategically to elected a pro-community Auckland Council and boards. I’ve been asked by a lot of friends, colleagues and members of my union Unite ask me who they should vote in the Super City elections. The intent of this document is to give you my recommendations based on what I know of the candidates either personally or vouched for by people I trust. http://www.supercitypicks.com/
Debts crippling school leavers http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10674958
Minto: Don’t write off ACT yet http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/blogs/frontline/4146148/Don-t-write-off-ACT-yet
Some weeks ago you wrote to us justifying Israel’s admission to membership of the OECD, seeing it as an opportunity to influence Israel, through dialogue, regarding its failure to abide by its international obligations. We have written to you since … http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1009/S00231.htm
More Evidence of a Slash and Burn Approach to ECE http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED1009/S00103/more-evidence-of-a-slash-and-burn-approach-to-ece.htm
Select Committee to Hear Deep Community Concern About National Standards http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED1009/S00095/select-committee-to-hear-deep-community-concern.htm
Open Letter to the Hon. Murray McCully http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1009/S00231/open-letter-to-the-hon-murray-mccully.htm
Teachers’ union disputes Tolley’s claim http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/4152980/Union-disputes-Tolleys-claim
We’ve been forgotten, say angry earthquake victims http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10675475
Cuts will hurt our kids http://www.theaucklander.co.nz/local/news/cuts-will-hurt-our-kids/3923446/
Inmate voting ban sorry waste of time http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10675146
Tapu Misa: It’s not really the crime, it’s the hypocrisy http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10674648
Ending rainforest destruction – direct action at Fonterra http://socialistaotearoa.blogspot.com/2010/09/ending-rainforest-destruction-direct.html
Fonterra protest highlights destructive dairy http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1009/S00309.htm
Kia Ora Gaza team says “Listen to Helen Clark.” http://tinyurl.com/22o7b97
McCarten: Remove rogue MP’s thorn before poison spreads http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10676079
National fails to listen to mainstream – Students are slamming today’s Select Committee recommendation that the Act Party’s Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill go forward. http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1009/S00313.htm
Keith Locke on Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Bill – in committee stage http://www.greens.org.nz/speeches/keith-locke-private-security-personnel-and-private-investigators-bill-committee-stage
NZUSA: Retrospective loan cuts like retrospective fines
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1009/S00301/retrospective-loan-cuts-like-retrospective-fines.htm
Big Agribusiness Threatens Our Native Fish – Green Party http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1009/S00403.htm

NZ WORK RIGHTS
Animation: Fairness at Work – National Day of Action http://goanimate.com/movie/0PyAJ3L01y9Y/1
Quake: United front starts to crack http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/quake-united-front-starts-crack-3785827/video
(2 minute into report) http://www.primetv.co.nz/news/sport-video.aspx
80 Per Cent Oppose Dismissal Law Change – The CTU has released a survey which shows 80% oppose planned changes to dismissal law. The CTU commissioned the survey because previous polls focused on the trial period aspect rather than the removal of the right of appeal against unfair dismissal. http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1009/S00227.htm
“Meanwhile, workers from the Unite union picketed outside businesses they say ill-treated staff after the earthquake.”
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10674687
Probation Period Default For New Employees, Says Group http://www.voxy.co.nz/politics/probation-period-default-new-employees-says-group/5/64391
Canterbury workers should be paid http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1009/S00649/canterbury-workers-should-be-paid.htm
CTU Releases Employment Law Submissions http://union.org.nz/news/2010/ctu-releases-employment-law-submissions
MPs present contrasting vision of state services at PSA Congress http://tinyurl.com/24x5twm
EPMU releases employment law submission http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1009/S00261/epmu-releases-employment-law-submission.htm
PSA: 90-day job trials will deepen workplace inequality http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1009/S00298/90-day-job-trials-will-deepen-workplace-inequality.htm
CTU: No breaks for workers from this Government http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1009/S00312.htm
Meal and rest breaks being taken away http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/meal-and-rest-breaks-being-taken-away/5/64892
Secret ballot Bill unnecessary and unbalanced http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1009/S00399/secret-ballot-bill-unnecessary-and-unbalanced.htm
CTU: Changes in overseas investment rules welcome, but need to go further http://tinyurl.com/26eqtso
Hobbit Should Meet Minimum Standards http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1009/S00332/hobbit-should-meet-minimum-standards.htm

NZ ECONOMY
GDP growth figure a shocker http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1009/S00289/gdp-growth-figure-a-shocker.htm
Increasing overseas investor income drives account http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1009/S00270/increasing-overseas-investor-income-drives-account.htm
Spinning while the economy burns http://thestandard.org.nz/spinning-while-the-economy-burns/
Systemic Market Failure? by David Cunliffe http://blog.labour.org.nz/index.php/2010/09/22/systemic-market-failure/
GDP growth of 0.2% weaker than economists’ forecasts for 0.7%; NZ dollar and wholesale interest rates fall by Bernard Hickey http://tinyurl.com/2aqannx
CTU: Tax changes – not fair, won’t help the economy http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1009/S00317.htm
New Zealand’s Overseas Debt, the Banks, and the Crisis – by Geoff Bertram http://www.converge.org.nz/watchdog/20/04.htm
Mortgagee sales forcing middle classes to use loan sharks as moves to toughen rules for ‘fringe lenders’ stall
http://www.interest.co.nz/news/mortgagee-sales-forcing-middle-classes-use-loan-sharks-moves-toughen-rules-fringe-lenders-stall
Public Opposition to Land Sales Forces Backdown http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1009/S00335/public-opposition-to-land-sales-forces-backdown.htm

CULTURAL DISSENT
Alan Brunton and the dream of a revolutionary art http://readingthemaps.blogspot.com/
Book Review: The Life and Death of Percy Brookfield 1875 – 1921 (Australian socialist MP) http://leftfocus.blogspot.com/2010/09/book-review-life-and-death-of-percy.html
Peace on earth so Marxist science may save the sick and those oppressed by criminal yankee capitalism by Frida Kahlo
http://tinyurl.com/2fwpjje
Movie: The Persecution and Assassination of Jean Paul Marat as Performed by the Inmates at the Asylum of Charenton under the Direction of the Marquis de Sade by Peter Weiss – Performed by the Royal Shakespeare
http://wobblytimes.blogspot.com/
The Masque of Africa: Glimpses of African Belief, By VS Naipaul Reviewed by Yasmin Alibhai-Brown http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/the-masque-of-africa-glimpses-of-african-belief-by-vs-naipaul-2075063.html
“Inside Job” is to the financial crisis as “No End in Sight” is to the war in Iraq. http://louisproyect.wordpress.com/2010/09/24/inside-job/
`A force which is truly for good’ — John Coltrane and the jazz revolution http://links.org.au/node/1906
“The United States of America Has Gone Mad” By UK author John le Carré http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article26427.htm
Middletown: Since I was familiar with Peter Davis’s “Hearts and Minds”, the definitive documentary about the war in Vietnam, I was anxious to view the Icarus Film’s rerelease of “Middletown”, a PBS documentary series that aired in 1982. As producer of the series and director of the episode “Second Time Around”, about a downwardly mobile couple about to be married, Davis sought to create a film analogue of the classic sociological study conducted by Robert and Helen Lynd in 1929. I had always assumed that the name Middletown referred to the Ohio city, but as it turns out the subject of their study and Davis’s PBS series is Muncie, Indiana. The Lynds were the parents of long-time radical scholar and activist Staughton Lynd, who shared Davis?s passionate opposition to the war in Vietnam as well as his parents? socialist beliefs. http://louisproyect.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/middletown/

LAND, LABOUR AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Extreme Heat Bleaches Coral, and Threat Is Seen http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/21/science/earth/21coral.html
GM food battle moves to fish as super-salmon nears US approval http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/sep/26/gm-food-battle-salmon
A CounterPunch Special Investigation Obama’s Abandonment of the West Global Warming, Killer Bears?
http://www.counterpunch.org/peacock09232010.html
Global Warming Reaches Deep Ocean Depths http://www.countercurrents.org/e360240910.htm
Arctic Ice In Death Spiral By Stephen Leahy http://www.countercurrents.org/leahy210910.htm
Climate Change Enlightenment Was Fun While It Lasted. But Now It’s Dead By George Monbiot
http://www.countercurrents.org/monbiot210910.htm

FEATURES
Video: Naomi Klein: Building a Real Left http://www.grittv.org/2010/09/14/naomi-klein-building-a-real-left/
Cars: a time of transformations http://www.internationalviewpoint.org/spip.php?article1912
Trade unions make workers happier: And now for some feel good news: according to a new study, people who live in countries with high union density are happier than inhabitants of countries where few people are union members http://unionrenewal.blogspot.com/2010/09/trade-unions-make-workers-happier.html

WORLD ECONOMIC CRISIS
World in Revolt: The Global Backlash Against Budget Cuts http://www.truth-out.org/world-revolt-the-global-backlash-against-budget-cuts63465
Wall Street’s greatest heist: the Tarp – The notion that without the $700bn bailout we would be reduced to bartering was a ruse by the banks to get taxpayers’ money http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2010/sep/20/tarp-bailout-banks-wall-street
‘Perfect storm’ rages in Latvia http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2010/0924/1224279584886.html
So How Did the Bush Tax Cuts Work Out for the Economy? – “The number of people reporting incomes of $200,000 or more but legally paying no federal income taxes skyrocketed in the second Bush term http://economistsview.typepad.com/economistsview/2010/09/so-how-did-the-bush-tax-cuts-work-out-for-the-economy.html
Capitalism’s insoluble crisis
http://www.marxist.com/capitalism-insoluble-crisis.htm
Dodging World Bank Schizophrenia: The Looting Of Africa Continues? By Patrick Bond http://www.countercurrents.org/bond230910.htm

AFGHANISTAN
Afghan protesters burn NATO base http://www.zcommunications.org/afghan-protesters-burn-nato-base-by-dave-markland
Killing For Sport: US Soldier Describes Thrill Kill of Innocent Afghans – Confession Video:
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article26461.htm

AUSTRALIA
Proportion of debt-free households at nine-year low http://www.smh.com.au/business/proportion-of-debtfree-households-at-nineyear-low-20100923-15oui.html

BOLIVIA
Bolivian President Evo Morales Tells Obama ‘Stop Deporting Immigrants’ http://boliviarising.blogspot.com/2010/09/bolivian-president-evo-morales-tells.html

CHILE
Public Communication Concering Mapuche Prisoners On Hunger Strike http://tinyurl.com/2g9lbs7
International Spotlight Increases On Mapuche Crisis In Chile http://www.santiagotimes.cl/news/human-rights/19800-international-spotlight-increases-on-mapuche-crisis-in-chile
Chilean Deputies Join Mapuche Prisoners On Hunger Strike http://www.santiagotimes.cl/news/human-rights/19779-chilean-deputies-join-mapuche-prisoners-on-hunger-strike

CHINA
Momentum Builds Behind Chinese Workers’ Protests http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130078240

COLOMBIA
‘Haga que pase’: Make it happen! The short documentary ‘Mi FinK’ shows the process of community organization and resistance. http://wri-irg.org/node/10787

CUBA
Continuation of Terrorist Plans from the US http://www.cubadebate.cu/especiales/2010/09/24/continuation-of-terrorist-plans-from-the-us/
Changes seek more efficient socialism http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/45508
What Castro really means – Apparent U-turns have led some to declare Cuba’s revolution dead. It has life in it yet, however http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2010/sep/17/cuba-raul-castro-new-economic-measures
Cuban report to UN on US blockade (complete, English) http://www.cubavsbloqueo.cu/Informe2010/InformeIngles/indexing.html
The Forever Fidel Obsession http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/the_forever_fidel_obsession_20100919/

FRANCE
Why Millions March in France, but Not in the US http://www.truth-out.org/why-millions-march-france-but-not-us63123

HAITI
Johann Hari: Suffocating the poor: a modern parable – They democratically elected a president to stand up to the rich and multinational corporations – so our governments have him kidnapped http://tinyurl.com/39vcpwe
“We’ve Been Forgotten”: Conditions in Haiti’s Displacement Camps Eight Months After the Earthquake http://www.canadahaitiaction.ca/human_rights_report

INDIA
Delhi becomes apartheid city
http://www.aworldtowin.net/blog/delhi-becoming-apartheid-city.html

IRAQ
Fallujah, A Disgrace For The USA, An Eternal Curse On Humanity By Dirk Adriaensens http://www.countercurrents.org/adriaensens220910.htm

IRELAND
Irish economy suffers shock contraction, fuels fears of a double-dip recession http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/8020317/Irish-economy-suffers-shock-contraction-fuels-fears-of-a-double-dip-recession.html

PACIFIC
Barry Coates: Trouble in paradise for many Pacific nations http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10674645

PAKISTAN
Selling Off Af-Pak – Rashid’s Strange Plan by Tariq Ali – The notion that the Afghan governance model could be transferred to Pakistan is risible. http://www.tni.org/article/selling-af-pak

PALESTINE
The conduct of the Israeli military and other personnel towards the flotilla passengers was not only disproportionate to the occasion but demonstrated levels of totally unnecessary and incredible violence. UN Human Rights Council report
The BBC reports: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11393836
“A survivor of the fatal Gaza flotilla incident in May headed out Saturday on a new convoy to bring medical supplies to the Palestinian territory.” http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/09/18/uk.gaza.convoy
What Israel wants from the Palestinians, it takes – By colonizing the West Bank and depriving Palestinians of basic rights, Israel has made a two-state solution impossible. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/opinionla/la-oew-moor-israel-palestine-20100917,0,4480633.story
Boycotting apartheid – The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign continues to pick up steam, notes Eric Walberg http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2010/1016/re9.htm
UEFA European President Platini threatens to annul Israel’s membership of UEFA – “Israel must choose between allowing Palestinian sport to continue and prosper or be forced to face the consequences for their behaviour.”: http://www.middleeastmonitor.org.uk/news/middle-east/1551-platini-threatens-to-annul-israels-membership-of-uefa
From Coexistence to Conquest: the international law origins of the Arab-Israeli conflict 1891 1949 http://www.middleeastmonitor.org.uk/media-review/book-review/1552-from-coexistence-to-conquest-the-international-law-origins-of-the-arab-israeli-conflict-1891-1949
Human rights centre claims that Israeli prisons “are worse than Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib”
http://www.middleeastmonitor.org.uk/news/middle-east/1539-human-rights-centre-claims-that-israeli-prisons-qare-worse-than-guantanamo-and-abu-ghraibq
Is Gideon Levy the most hated man in Israel or just the most heroic? For three decades, the writer and journalist Gideon Levy has been a lone voice, telling his readers the truth about what goes on in the Occupied Territories. Interview by Johann Hari  http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/is-gideon-levy-the-most-hated-man-in-israel-or-just-the-most-heroic-2087909.html
Settlement Activities Did Not Stop During Settlement Freeze, Research Center Says: http://www.imemc.org/article/59485

PHILIPPINES
NZ group re-echoes call for President Aquino to release Morong 43 and all political prisoners http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/letterstotheeditor/view/20100922-293796/NZ-group-re-echoes-call-for-President-Aquino–to-release-Morong-43

SOUTH AFRICA
Israeli ties: a chance to do the right thing By Archbishop Desmond Tutu – The University of Johannesburg’s Senate will next week meet to decide whether to end its relationship with an Israeli institution, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, on the grounds of that university’s active support for and involvement in the Israeli military. Archbishop Desmond Tutu supports the move. He explains why http://www.timeslive.co.za/world/article675369.ece/Israeli-ties–a-chance-to-do-the-right-thing

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
After fifty years of “independence” http://internationalviewpoint.org/spip.php?article1909&var_recherche=africa

USA
Tariq Ali & Alexander Cockburn: War and Taxes (Video) http://www.truth-out.org/tariq-ali-and-alexander-cockburn-video63360
Obama’s Betrayal of the Working Class by Roger D Hodge: Mr. Hodge, the former editor of Harper’s Magazine, is the author of The Mendacity of Hope: Barack Obama and the Betrayal of American Liberalism, out next month, from which this essay is adapted. http://www.observer.com/2010/opinion/obamas-betrayal-working-class
Never Let Fear Become A Prison For Truth By Justin Kauker: Speech delivered by Justin Kauker on September 19, 20010 at the Free Bradley Manning, Exposing War Crimes is Not a Crime Rally in Downtown San Diego http://www.countercurrents.org/kauker220910.htm
The ‘rightwing backlash’ that never was – The consensus is that angry voters are moving rightward. But it’s nothing Democrats couldn’t fix with a dose of economic populism http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2010/sep/22/midterm-elections-economy-obama
Poverty numbers grow, as well as the need to extend relief http://www.freep.com/article/20100921/OPINION01/9210325/0/OPINION05#ixzz10IkitmNa
The Role of Government and the Foreclosure Crisis http://www.truth-out.org/dean-baker-the-role-government-and-the-foreclosure-crisis63395
Wealth, Income, and Power by G. William Domhoff September 2005 (updated September 2010) http://sociology.ucsc.edu/whorulesamerica/power/wealth.html
The Unemployment Number to Fear Most: America’s unemployment rate is sky-high, but not unprecedented……However, one aspect of the current jobless problem has no precedent in the data. In June, the long-term unemployment rate, defined as the percentage of the labor force that has been jobless for more than half a year, hit its highest point since 1948. http://www.smartmoney.com/investing/economy/the-unemployment-number-you-should-fear-most/?hpadref=1
The Super-Rich Get Richer, and Everyone Else Is Going Down the Drain – Only twice before in American history has so much been held by so few, yet they’re going to keep their fat tax cuts.
http://www.alternet.org/story/148294/the_super-rich_get_richer%2C_and_everyone_else_is_going_down_the_drain
For the Unemployed Over 50, Fears of Never Working Again: Since the economic collapse, there are not enough jobs being created for the population as a whole, much less for those in the twilight of their careers.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/20/business/economy/20older.html?_r=2&hp
Confessed Union Buster Shares Trade Secrets with Delta Flight Attendants http://blog.aflcio.org/2010/09/24/confessed-union-buster-shares-trade-secrets-with-delta-flight-attendants/

VENEZUELA
Land Reform, Food Sovereignty and Agroecology by Alan Broughton http://links.org.au/node/1855
Chavez Participates in Nationwide Caravans to support socialist candidates http://venezuelaenglish.com/the_latest_in_politics_from/chavez_participates_in_nati.html
The meaning of today’s elections in Venezuela http://www.marxist.com/meaning-today-elections-venezuela-26092010.htm

OLDER ANNOUNCEMENTS

JUSTICE AND LIBERATION: THE ROAD TO PEACE – FILIPINO PROGRESSIVELEADERS TO TOUR NZ OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
Luis Jalandoni is the International Representative of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF, http://www.ndfp.net), a post that he has held since 1977, and since 1994 he has been the Chairperson of the NDF’s Negotiating Panel for peace talks with the Government of the Philippines. The NDF is the coalition of several underground groups, including the Communist Party of the Philippines and its New People’s Army, which has been waging a war of liberation throughout the Philippines for more than 40 years, making it one of the longest running armed struggles in the world. The country desperately needs peace with justice and security, so resolving this people’s war is central to that. Luis will be accompanied by his wife Coni Ledesma, who will also be speaking. She is a member of the NDF Negotiating Panel for peace talks; and is the International Spokesperson of MAKIBAKA, a revolutionary women’s group which belongs to the NDF. Luis and Coni are both veteran leading figures in the Philippine revolutionary Left. He was a Catholic priest in the 1960s and she was a nun.  Both were founders of Christians for National Liberation, a member group of the NDF. When Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in 1972, both went underground. They were both arrested and spent time as political prisoners. They left the clergy, and got married in 1974. They have lived in The Netherlands since 1976; they were the first Filipinos to apply for and receive political asylum there. They hold Dutch passports and travel extensively as NDF representatives. We are appealing for funds. PSNA will underwrite the tour, but we definitely need financial help because we are hosting two people. The amount needed is $10,000. The two international fares from Europe is the biggest cost, at $6,000. We will keep their domestic travel costs as cheap as possible. Please make cheques to PSNA, Box 2450, Christchurch, with a note saying that it is for the Jalandoni tour. Or, we will supply our bank account details upon request.
ITINERARY
Tuesday October 26 – Christchurch: Public Meeting – 7.30p.m. Knox Presbyterian Church Lounge, 28 Bealey Avenue. Contact: Murray Horton,0274 307742 cafca@chch.planet.org.nz
Wednesday October 27 – Blenheim: Public Meeting, 7.30pm,Nativity Centre Lounge, cnr Alfred and Henry Sts. Contact: Steffan Browning,021 725655 greeny25@xtra.co.nz
Thursday October 28 & Friday 29 – Wellington: PublicMeeting – 7.30 p.m. Thursday 28, St John’s Hall, corner Willis& Dixon Streets. Contact: Rod Prosser 021 0744992 communitymedia@paradise.net.nz
Monday November 1 – Palmerston North: Public Meeting – 7.30 p.m., Catholic Diocesan Centre (Te Rau Aroha), 33 Amesbury Street Contact: Dion Martin(06) 3569658 (w), 021 776029 Dion.Martin@ndu.org.nz
Tuesday November 2 & Wednesday 3 – New Plymouth: Public Meeting – 6p.m. Wednesday 3rd, Govett Brewster Art Gallery, 42Queen Street. Contact: Fiona Clark (06) 7547014; fionaclark@clear.net.nz
Thursday November 4 – Hamilton: Public Meeting –7.30 p.m., Waikato Trade Union Centre, 34 Harwood Street. Contact: BobAnderson, (07) 8297882, 021 776023; ban@xtra.co.nz
Friday November 5 – Whangarei: Public Meeting Manaia PHO Rooms, Rust Ave,central Whangarei. Contact: Tim Howard 027 3089216 the-farm@ihug.co.nz
Tuesday 9 November – Auckland: Public Meeting, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn, 7pm
Wednesday 10 November – Auckland: Women’s Forum with Connie Ledesma, Auckland University, Maori Studies 9am – 12pm (RSVP to Maori Studies)
Friday 12 November – Auckland: 7 p.m. Solidarity Dinner for Justice and Peace in the Philippines, Civic Building, Strata 17, Civic Building, Mayoral Drive: Tickets $30 (Dinner, entertainment cash bar)
Contact: Luke Coxon (09) 8276059, 028 25803203 luke_coxon@yahoo.com