GPJA#376: TELL THE GOVERNMENT: DON’T CUT OUR FUTURE! BUDGET 2011

GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER No. 376, May 18, 2011

TELL THE GOVERNMENT: DON’T CUT OUR FUTURE! BUDGET 2011

WELLINGTON
When: Thursday 19th May from 12.15 1.00pm (tomorrow, prior to the Budget being read)
What: Union and Community Budget Day Rally
Where: Parliament Grounds
Who: Speakers include Helen Kelly (President of the CTU), Phil Goff, Metiria Turei, David Do (NZUSA), Alan Johnson (Salvation Army), Richard Wagstaff (PSA).
The rally will bring together unions, community groups and concerned individuals who have all said that cuts to social services and public services like ECE and adult community education – is not the right approach to take at this time and will increase hardship, poverty, unemployment and tough times. We want the Government to know that there is an alternative to this approach. There will be 5-6 very short speeches from union and community leaders dispersed with some music, poetry and comedy acts.

AUCKLAND

Friday, May 20, 11am, SkyCity Convention Centre, Federal St, Auckland
Its budget time! Yes, John Key is presenting the new budget to the media and Auckland Action Against Poverty and allies are holding a rally outside the convention centre with some very special street theatre. AAAP presents the "Race to the Bottom". A solo-mum, redundant worker, casual employee, student, pensioner, and unemployed youth, are some of the participants on Friday’s race. It’s not yet clear who will win the race, but when poverty and inequality are high, at the end of the day, we’re all losers. So join us to cheer on your favourite participant. If you’d like to be part of the action there are a few spots left so get in touch! We also need people holding placards, banners and other props. Contact; Chris 0212335938

ROTORUA

Friday May 20, 12 noon, cnr Amohou & Amohia Sts, Rotorua
Protest against attacks on beneficiaries to be held in Rotorua http://news.tangatawhenua.com/archives/11456

FRIDAY, MAY 20, WHANGAREI, AUCKLAND AND WELLINGTON.
This year Child Poverty Action Group is having three events to look at the 2011 Budget and its impact on children in poverty. Information about each of these events is available online and can be accessed here for Auckland; Wellington and Whangarei.These events are all on the 20th May.

This year’s budget is more important than ever for vulnerable families. Please register as soon as you can and be part of the move to put children’s needs at the centre of policy.

AUCKLAND

Saturday, May 28, 12 noon, QE2 Square, Bottom of Queen St, Opposite Britomart, Auckland
MARCH/RALLY: Budget 2011 DON’T CUT OUR FUTURE. John Key and Don Brash are not working for NZ, food prices, GST, student loans, wage / welfare cuts, asset sales, electricity, water. We pay more whilst the rich get richer. Come along bring your banners and protest, time to get angry and active before its to late. Please pass this info onto your friends on Facebook and twitter. More info call CSJ 09 8366389 or 0212106720. "When good people lay idle, evil prospers". Stand up NZ before it’s to late! Donations would be appreciated. We have no money (for advertisements, leaflets etc). Coalition for Social Justice: Kiwibank 3890110571256 00 or cheques to P.O. Box 20-310, Glen Eden, Waitakere City 0602. Thanks, Coalition for Social Justice (members of community groups, churches, unions et al).

WHAT’S ON

Thursday, May 19, 7pm, Univeristy of Auckland Waipapa Marae 16 Wynyard Street off Alten Rd
Hone Harawira and Matt McCarten- the launch of Mana in Tamaki Makarau

Friday, May 20, 6.30pm, B15 Lecture Theatre (Library Basement), University of Auckland
Drop the Charges: Auckland Forum on the Upcoming ‘Terror raids’ Trial. Public Meeting: On May 30th a 12 week long trial for 15 of those arrested in the so called ‘terror raids’ of 15 October 2007 will begin in the Auckland High Court. On October 15 2007 armed police raided homes across New Zealand, claiming that a range of Maori, environmental and anti-war activists were planning terrorist attacks. Eighteen people were arrested most of whom were held in prison for four weeks while the Police applied to charge them under the Terrorism Suppression Act. The Solicitor General refused to allow the Police to proceed with the terrorism charges. All of the 15 are facing charges of possession of weapons under the Arms Act. Five are charged with ‘participation in an organised criminal group’. A number of prominent New Zealanders, including academics, legal experts and Maori leaders have written to the Solicitor General calling for the charges to be dropped, as the trial will unfair as the defendants have been denied many crucial civil rights, including the right to a jury trial. This panel discussion will discuss the ramifications of the case for civil rights in New Zealand and why the charges should be dropped. Speakers: David Clendon: Green MP; John Minto: Spokesman for Global Peace and Justice Auckland; Tame Iti: Drug and Alcohol counsellor for Tūhoe Hauora Trust and defendant in the case; Syd Keepa: Vice President Maori for New Zealand Council of Trade Unions; Khylie Quince: University of Auckland Law Lecturer; Barry Wilson: Auckland Council for Civil Liberties.

Friday, May 20, 6-7.30pm, Trade Aid Wellington Shop, Cnr Victoria & Bonds St, Wellington
Fair Trade Fortnight 2011: Come and meet Tadesse Meskela from Oromia Coffee Farmers’ Co-operative Union (OCFCU) in Ethiopia. Tadesse is being hosted in New Zealand by Trade Aid and the New Zealand Coffee Roasters Association. Tadesse went from working as a senior expert in Ethiopia’s Agricultural Bureau in the 1990s to developing a co-operative union system as a way for farmers to retain a greater share of the value of their product, establishing the OCFCU in 1999 and becoming its general manager. By 2011, OCFCU has grown to represent more than 130,000 coffee farmers organised into 143 primary co-operatives throughout southern Ethiopia. Ethiopian coffee is widely used by New Zealand coffee roasters. More fair trade coffee is imported into New Zealand from Ethiopia than from any other country.

Friday, May 20, 7.15am 8.30am, School of Population Health, Tamaki Campus, Auckland University, Gate 1, 262 Morrin Rd, Bldg 730, Function Rm 220 on Level 2, Glenn Innes.
CPAG’s 11th Annual Post Budget Breakfast – Budget 2011: Children, collateral damage? Speakers: Professor Paul Dalziel, Associate Professor Susan St John, Associate Professor Papaarangi Reid. Cost $30 waged, $15 unwaged. RSVP admin

Friday, May 20, 7:15am 8.30am, St John’s Conference Centre, Cnr Willis and Dixon Streets
The Annual Wellington Post-Budget Breakfast – Budget 2011: Children, collateral damage? Co-hosted by the Public Health Association and Child Poverty Action Group. Join us for breakfast and hear how local commentators score the 2011 Budget. Breakfast will begin at 7:15am; speakers will begin at 7.30am. Secure your seat! Register now to postbudgetbreakfast Please pre-pay by direct deposit to account BNZ 02-0576-0234109-000, with your name and ‘PBB’ as the particulars. Cost: $20 $12.00 for unwaged workers. With Speakers: Bill Rosenberg Economist and Policy Director of the NZ Council of Trade Unions (CTU) Anne Else Author, Editor, Blogger, long time CPAG Executive member Alan Johnson Co-chair CPAG, Senior Policy Analyst, Salvation Army Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit. Chairperson: Nikki Turner Child Poverty Action Group. The PHA’s goal is to improve the health of all New Zealanders by progressively strengthening the organised efforts of society, and by being an informed, collaborative and strong advocate for public health. Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) is an independent charity working to eliminate child poverty in New Zealand through research, education and advocacy. For any queries about this event email postbudgetbreakfast
Saturday, May 21, 12 noon, Town Hall, Queen St, Auckland City
Festival for the Planet – A Peoples Assembly on Climate Change with James E Hansen, a leading expert on climate change and performers, speakers and workshops

Monday, May 23, SU217, Student Union Building, Victoria University, Wellington
Students for Palestine presents: Miral – A film by Julian Schnabel. ‘Based on Rula Jebreal‘s firsthand account of growing up in East Jerusalem, Miral is the richly textured and deeply moving account of an intelligent young woman whose personal story is inextricably linked with the political history and social consequences of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict.’ http://www.miralmovie.com/

Friday, May 27, 11am, Aotea Square, Queen St, Auckland
Rally to oppose far right racism http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10726070
Friday, May 27, 2-5pm, University of Auckland Business School, Case Room 3, Level 0, Owen G Glenn Building, 12 Grafton Road, Auckland
Retirement Policy and Research Centre in conjunction with the Public Policy Group, The University of Auckland Department of Sociology and Child Poverty Action Group. Presenters: Dr Ben Spies-Butcher on “Reflecting on the May budgets, the recession, and the vulnerable in New Zealand and Australia” followed by a panel discussion. Dr Ben Spies-Butcher is a visitor at the Retirement Policy and Research Centre. He teaches Sociology at Macquarie University in Sydney, and is a Fellow of the Centre for Policy Development and a member of the Centre for Research on Social Inclusion.

Saturday, May 28, 12 noon, QE2 Square, Bottom of Queen St, Opposite Britomart, Auckland
MARCH/RALLY: Budget 2011 DON’T CUT OUR FUTURE. John Key and Don Brash are not working for NZ, food prices, GST, student loans, wage / welfare cuts, asset sales, electricity, water. We pay more whilst the rich get richer. Come along bring your banners and protest, time to get angry and active before its to late. Please pass this info onto your friends on Facebook and twitter. More info call CSJ 09 8366389 or 0212106720. "When good people lay idle, evil prospers". Stand up NZ before it’s to late! Donations would be appreciated. We have no money (for advertisements, leaflets etc). Coalition for Social Justice: Kiwibank 3890110571256 00 or cheques to P.O. Box 20-310, Glen Eden, Waitakere City 0602. Thanks, Coalition for Social Justice (members of community groups, churches, unions et al).

Thursday, June 9, Ellen Melville Hall, High Street, Auckland CBD
Fabian Society Seminar: “Squandering the demographic bonus”: Profs Ian Pool and Natalie Jackson, Thursday 9 June
NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS
OPERATION 8 SHOWING
The documentary ‘Operation 8: Deep in the Forest’ is now screening in movie theatres across the country. Screenings in Waiheke, Whakatane, Upper Hutt, Wellington, Motueka and Christchurch are planned. More are yet to be finalised. Check out http://www.cutcutcut.com/Operation8.html for further information. The film got 5 stars from the Dominion Post while the Listener wrote "Compelling, humane, intelligent… This is a film that every New Zealander ought to see."

POSTCARDS OPPOSING TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP AVAILABLE TO SEND TO POLITICIANS
The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) is the means to effect a Free Trade Agreement with the US. For full details on why this would have a very negative impact on NZ, check www.nznotforsale.org There is no bigger issue this election. Two versions of a postcard opposing the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement are now available, one to be sent to PM Key, the other to an MP of the sender’s choice. Postage is free (because they’re going to Parliament). Here is the text (which is the same on each one).
“Dear Prime Minister Key, I urge the Government to withdraw from negotiations for the TPPA and instead put New Zealand’s national interest at the heart of all trade and investment negotiations, rather than the interests of transnational corporations and the US government. The TPPA will, among other things: undermine what little NZ has left in the way of any controls of foreign investment; institutionalise the very same horrendous financial practices which led to the global financial crisis; allow American corporations to sue the New Zealand government in private international tribunals; attack Pharmac and drive up the cost of prescription medicines; make access to digital recordings more expensive and copying more restricted; attack our GE and tobacco controls and food labeling and food and appliance safety standards; and weaken our controls of food imports where they might carry disease. The whole process is both secret and fundamentally undemocratic in the way in which it is being negotiated and then ratified by Executive decree. I will be voting for a party which puts our national interest first, not those of foreign corporations under a TPPA”. These cards can be ordered from CAFCA, Box 2258, Christchurch. For orders of 50 500 of each or both, we would expect a koha towards copying and postage. Of orders of more than 500 of each or both, we would expect full reimbursement for copying and postage. Payment is to CAFCA. Allow at least several days for them to be copied and posted. The cards are also online at http://www.box.net/shared/ju1gxifyio and people are welcome to download and print their own. Bear in mind that they are meant to be on light card, not paper. Let the politicians know that the New Zealand people don’t want a free trade agreement with the US! Murray Horton, Secretary/Organiser, CAFCA

ACTION NEEDED: THAI HUMAN-RIGHTS ACTIVIST ARRESTED AGAIN
We need your support to demand the immediate release of the well-known Thai human-rights activist and journalist Somyot Pruksakasemsuk. He was arrested on April 30 on charges of lèse majesté, or the crime of insulting the king. This charge can lead to a maximum of 15 years in prison and is criticised for being used to silence political opponents and human-rights activists.

Please take action here.

KIWI MUMS TAKE ON FONTERRA WITH “NO MILK MONDAYS”
‘No Milk Mondays’ is the response of Kiwi mums for common cents to Fonterra’s announcement of major price increases to butter, cheese and raw milk. It is really important for the health of our society and especially our children that basic food products produced in this country are available and affordable to the citizens of this country. That kiwi families can no longer afford dairy products while Fonterra makes huge profits is shameful in the land of milk and honey. We are asking all shoppers to join the campaign and not buy milk on Mondays from supermarkets until prices for dairy products on our domestic market are set fairly and responsibly. Fonterra and the supermarket chains are making huge profits because they have monopolized the production and supply of kiwi dairy products. However, even corrupt business is reliant on consumers providing demand for the products. This is where everyday Kiwis have the power to create change in the pricing of our basic food products. By choosing No Milk Mondays consumers will send a clear message to the dairy giants – supply needs demand and we demand a fair and reasonable price on basic dairy products.

The dairy food giants need to realize Kiwis happily pay good prices for their product, but we will not allow them to steal food out of the mouths of our children for the sake of selfish profiteering on the pretext of world markets setting local prices. Kiwi Mums for Common Cents is a new network of busy mums, and others who care about the price of milk. We do not have a lot of time or resource to set up organisations but we have seen recently that with internet and social networks, ordinary people can make extraordinary changes within society. No Milk Mondays is intended not to make drastic changes to society as we know it but only to keep the price of milk, cheese and butter within the reach of everyday kiwis. Consumers can join the facebook group ‘No Milk Mondays’. No Milk Mondays is planned to be in full swing from 2nd May 2011. Help with getting the information out to milk buyers is welcome. We have posters, fliers and info available by email from kiwimums4commoncents .

PETITION: DEMAND AN INVESTIGATION INTO OUR GOVERNMENT’S COMPLICITY IN TORTURE
If New Zealand’s soldiers were being tortured, we would be outraged. We would demand it stop and that those responsible be held to account. And we must demand the same for those our forces are fighting against. Yet, a dark shadow has been cast over New Zealand’s human rights record. In 2002 the SAS transferred approximately 55 people to US forces who, among other things, allegedly stripped them naked and put them on parade. An article in the latest Metro magazine, entitled “Eyes Wide Shut”, reveals our Government may still be requiring the SAS to transfer detainees to the risk of torture. On 3 May, the Minister of Defence confirmed the SAS has transferred detainees to US forces as recently as January. Torture is never justified; no matter where, when or why it happens, or who it happens to. Take action now to tell our Government that New Zealanders will not be complicit in torture. With overwhelming evidence of torture in Afghanistan, the New Zealand Government must impose a ban on the transfer of detainees to the sole custody of those who have a record of torture until our Government can provide proof there is no longer a risk of torture. Send a message now to Prime Minister John Key and Defence Minister Wayne Mapp demanding an independent investigation into allegations our Government is complicit in torture. Thank you for taking action, Patrick Holmes, Chief Executive Officer, Amnesty International Aotearoa NZ

INTERNSHIP AT AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL NEW ZEALAND?
Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand is part of the global Amnesty International movement and exists to help New Zealanders add their voices to the many voices around the world, working to defend the human rights and dignity of people everywhere. Interns play an integral role in the running of Amnesty NZ. Our Internship Programme is designed to ensure that participants are given a rewarding and valuable experience. We are currently recruiting for Interns, for our July 2011 intake. This intake starts on the 4th of July and will run for five months. The following internships are available for this intake: Advocacy (Auckland based); Advocacy (Wellington based); Campaigns (Auckland based); Events (Auckland based); Fundraising (Auckland based); Media (Auckland based); Youth Activism (Auckland based); Activist Support (Auckland based). For further information and an application form please visit http://www.amnesty.org.nz/get-involved/work-amnesty-international/become-intern

Best regards, Chris Kerr, Advocacy & Government Relations Manager, AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL AOTEAROA NZ, PHONE: +64-9-303-4520 ext 207 | MOB: +64-21-963214 | FAX: +64-9-303-4528 | WEB: amnesty.org.nz Support the human rights revolution in the Middle East & North Africa, donate now at http://bit.ly/dUbQMR

QUOTES OF THE WEEK
"No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare. " –James Madison
"The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home." -James Madison
"Governments constantly choose between telling lies and fighting wars, with the end result always being the same. One will always lead to the other." -Thomas Jefferson
"If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there’d be peace." – John Lennon
"Liberty and democracy become unholy when their hands are dyed red with innocent blood." – Mahatma Gandhi

BEST ON THE WEB

NEW ZEALAND
Rally to oppose far right racism http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10726070

Anti-Chinese leaflets spark fear and anger http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10724703

Far-right group plans Auckland anti-Asian march http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10724994

TV3: Greenpeace loses charity status case

Keith Locke (frogblog): SAS present 35 times when prisoners taken

Matt McCarten (NZH): Urewera trial delay to hide egg on faces

Peter Adams (Dom Post): NZ aid programme fails with ‘quality not quantity’ creed

Tapu Misa (NZH): Myth of the persecuted white majority

NZPA: Journalist considers legal action over SAS comments
Statement by journalist Jon Stephenson
Russell Brown (Hard News): Doing battle alone
Patrick Holmes (Dom Post): No more amnesty for NZ’s complicity over torture

School hikoi arrives at Parliament http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10726174

NZEI: Kawerau hikoi highlights clear problems with community consultation http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1105/S00242/hikoi-highlights-problems-with-community-consultation.htm

Amnesty report reveals New Zealand’s human rights record eroding http://www.amnesty.org.nz/news/amnesty-report-reveals-new-zealand%E2%80%99s-human-rights-record-eroding

Petition flies the flag for ‘Parihaka Day’ http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/4992407/Petition-flies-the-flag-for-Parihaka-Day

ALRANZ Supports Current Law on Teens’ Privacy http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1105/S00207/alranz-supports-current-law-on-teens-privacy.htm

MANA PARTY

Aotearoa/New Zealand: A new working-class, pro-Maori political voice http://links.org.au/node/2303

Mana’s main challenge is unity Dr Rawiri Taonui http://news.tangatawhenua.com/archives/11776

Socialists support the birth of Mana Party http://socialistaotearoa.blogspot.com/2011/04/socialists-support-birth-of-mana-party.html

Harawira lecture axed because of ‘redneck racism’ http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/4996046/Harawira-lecture-axed-because-of-redneck-racism

Minto on the Mana Party http://www.3news.co.nz/Minto-on-Mana-Party-and-opposing-Brash/tabid/309/articleID/211313/Default.aspx

Minto eyes role in Mana Party http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/politics/5005904/Minto-eyes-role-in-Mana-Party

Support for Brash and Harawira up in new poll http://www.3news.co.nz/Support-for-Brash-and-Harawira-up-in-new-poll/tabid/419/articleID/211233/Default.aspx

Neil Reid (SST): Activist Minto eyes role in Mana Party

Morgan Godfery (Maui Street): Here today, gone tomorrow

The Standard: Maori Party’s prognosis ‘grim’

Harawira ‘humbled’ by online poll result http://www.northernadvocate.co.nz/local/news/harawira-humbled-by-online-poll-result/3951856/

Harawira unruffled by Mana Party registration http://tinyurl.com/68nayf7
NZ WORK RIGHTS
Double Down trouble for KFC staff http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10726314

Government funding cuts lead to cuts to Health and Safety experts in Department of Labour http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1105/S00225/government-funding-cuts-leads-to-cuts-to-health-and-safety.htm

NZPA closure a huge loss for news journalism union http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1104/S00092/nzpa-closure-a-huge-loss-for-news-journalism.htm

‘Involve working people in rebuilding Christchurch,’: Almost 100 delegates from Christchurch’s largest union are urging central and local government to involve working people in decisions around rebuilding the city they will live in. .. http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1105/S00194/involve-working-people-in-rebuilding-christchurch.htm

NZ ECONOMY

Gordon Campbell (Scoop): On the government’s latest handout to agri-business

Taxing Wages: Country note for New Zealand http://www.oecd.org/document/53/0,3746,en_33873108_33873658_47427637_1_1_1_1,00.html

KiwiSaver changes ‘will hit low-paid’ http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10725050

Bryan Gould: A Key Budget? Wake me when it’s over http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10726025

Right wrong on the youth minimum wage http://blog.greens.org.nz/2011/05/15/right-wrong-on-the-youth-minimum-wage/

The Standard: There is an alternative

Interview on BFM Budget cuts march 28th may http://95bfm.com/assets/sm/199586/3/MerreddydBarrar.mp3

Pharmac under fire ahead of US free-trade talks http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/5005467/Pharmac-under-fire-ahead-of-US-free-trade-talks

Copyright (Infringing File Sharing) Amendment Bill: A Challenge to Democratic Norms http://tinyurl.com/6emaq2m

Government hiding its poor economic management behind public sector bashing http://tinyurl.com/6d7qub9

Simon Collins (NZH): Budget cuts set to hit big families

PSA: Prime Minister’s ducking and diving can’t hide lack of economic plan http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1105/S00248/pms-ducking-and-diving-cant-hide-lack-of-economic-plan.htm

PSA: Sub-zero budget highlights tax cuts folly and Government’s lack of vision on growth http://tinyurl.com/6e44uko

CTU releases a vision for a constructive Budget http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1105/S00214/ctu-releases-a-vision-for-a-constructive-budget.htm

Jane Kelsey: Human Rights Commission Asked to Audit Trans-Pacific Partnership http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1105/S00177/human-rights-commission-asked-to-audit-tpp.htm

RMTU: Manufacturing decline in Otago shows need to back Hillside http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1105/S00172/manufacturing-decline-in-otago-shows-need-to-back-hillside.htm

PSA: Overseas investors eye potential New Zealand state-asset sales http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1105/S00166/overseas-investors-eye-potential-nz-state-asset-sales.htm

Tax Justice campaign has a message for Sheriff John Key http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1105/S00209/tax-justice-campaign-has-a-message-for-sheriff-john-key.htm

CULTURAL DISSENT

Urewera raid documentary hits screen http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10725988
FEATURES

Noam Chomsky: ‘The U.S. and its Allies Will Do Anything to Prevent Democracy in the Arab World’ http://tinyurl.com/6cboe6t

Unionism, Austerity, and the Left: An interview with Sam Gindin http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/500.php

No good answers in Libya. But war should never be the default – Libya shows again that successful regime change can be brought about only by ordinary people, not by foreign bombs by Gary Younge http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/may/08/no-good-answers-libya-war-never

Dictators or Democracy? The West’s “Arab Spring” Conundrum by Gary Leupp http://dissidentvoice.org/2011/05/dictators-or-democracy-the-west%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%9Carab-spring%E2%80%9D-conundrum/

From continental empire to world empire: Paul D’Amato explains that U.S. military has a long racist history of using Native American names–one that goes beyond its recent use of "Geronimo." http://socialistworker.org/2011/05/12/continental-empire-to-world-empire

Learning to love torture: Politicians and media commentators are using Osama bin Laden’s killing to justify human rights abuses in the name of "stopping terrorism," reports Nicole Colson. http://socialistworker.org/2011/05/09/learning-to-love-torture

The rise of corporate war mongers http://tumeke.blogspot.com/2011/05/rise-of-corporate-war-mongers.html

Democracy in the digital age: WikiLeaks and the public right to know http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/articles/democracy-digital-age-wikileaks-and-publics-right-know

Homophobic hate crimes on the rise, UN human rights chief warns http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=38406&Cr=Pillay&Cr1

LAND, LABOUR AND THE ENVIROMENT

Green capitalism: the god that failed – Maximizing profit and saving the planet are inherently in conflict. No amount of tinkering with the market can brake the drive to global ecological collapse by Richard Smith, Institute for Policy Research & Development, London http://climateandcapitalism.com/?p=4405

Nuclear Power: The Safety of Generation IV Designs by Lisbeth Gronlund, David Lochbaum, and Edwin Lyman http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/2011/ucs110511.html

Raj Patel: Can the world feed 10 billion people? Yes, but social change needed http://links.org.au/node/2312

WORLD ECONOMIC CRISIS

The Unwisdom of Elites by PAUL KRUGMAN http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/09/opinion/09krugman.html?_r=1

Global economic crisis opens up new space for discrimination at work, ILO says http://tinyurl.com/6fzblkb

AUSTRALIA

How The Murdoch Press Keeps Australia’s Dirty Secret By John Pilger http://www.countercurrents.org/pilger130511.htm
BAHRAIN

Blindfolded, beaten and tortured: grim new testimony reveals fate of Bahrain’s persecuted doctors http://tinyurl.com/6cyb4ss

CANADA

The Federal NDP’s Electoral Breakthrough in Quebec: A Challenge to Progressives in Canada http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/501.php

CUBA

Cuban TV series exposes U.S. attacks on revolution http://www.themilitant.com/2011/7519/751950.html

The Empire’s Pawns: An explosive new documentary The Empire’s Pawns aired on Cuban TV on 26 February 2011. It tells the story of two Cuban security agents who infiltrated the so-called “dissident” movement and exposed the extent of subversive efforts against the Cuban revolution financed from the US and Europe. For 10 years, Carlos Serpa Maceira was considered the spokesperson for the damas de blanco (Ladies in White) and an “independent” journalist, while Moisés Rodriguez spent 20 years working undercover with counter revolutionary groups. The full documentary running time 40mins can be watched here http://cubasolidaritycampaign.blogspot.com/2011/03/empires-pawns_03.html

Truths and principles (1) (2)

Well paid Lies (1) (2)

Cyberwar (1) (2)

EGYPT

Security forces fire on Cairo ‘Nakba’ rally: Hundreds injured and sent for military interrogation after live ammunition used to disperse Israel embassy protest. http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2011/05/20115165445325517.html

GREECE

General strike brings Greece to a standstill http://www.demotix.com/news/687250/general-strike-brings-greece-standstill

HAITI

Study bolsters UN source for Haiti’s cholera outbreak http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/other/news/may0911cholera-br.html

INDIA

"Every 30 Minutes": Crushed by Debt and Neoliberal Reforms, Indian Farmers Commit Suicide at Staggering Rate http://www.democracynow.org/2011/5/11/every_30_minutes_crushed_by_debt

LIBYA

Nato’s humanitarian credentials: Letting people die at sea http://tinyurl.com/3kalllq

PACIFIC

Undemocratic government taking away Fijian workers rights to unionise http://union.org.nz/news/2011/undemorcatic-government-taking-away-fijian-workers-rights-unionise

PAKISTAN

Predator Drones Strike: Over 957 Pakistanis killed in 2010: http://bit.ly/mmbvZ9

PALESTINE

Documentary: Al Nakba: The Palestinian Catastrophe 1948 http://links.org.au/node/2314

Israel kills 21 in Palestine, Lebanon and Syria http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/47574

Arab Revolution Knocking at Israel’s Door – The Israeli response to Palestinian protests? Killing ten people in Lebanon, eight in Syria, two in Gaza and one in the West Bank, and injuring over 200. http://tinyurl.com/6fgogur

UK

Disabled stage benefits cuts demo http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/uk/thousands-at-benefit-cuts-protest-15154116.html

USA

The People vs. Goldman Sachs: A Senate committee has laid out the evidence. Now the Justice Department should bring criminal charges By Matt Taibbi http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-people-vs-goldman-sachs-20110511

The Great Switch by the Super Rich – Forty years ago, wealthy Americans financed the U.S. government mainly through their tax payments. Today wealthy Americans finance the government mainly by lending it money. http://robertreich.org/post/5583016733

Appalling Greed: Richest 400 Average $270.5 Million Incomes, Pay Almost Nothing in Taxes http://tinyurl.com/6kdjv3a

VENEZUELA

Dodgy Dossier’s Terror Links Claims Questioned http://venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/6194

OLDER ANNOUNCEMENTS

AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE TO DISCUSS SOCIAL CHANGE TO STOP CLIMATE CHANGE SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 3
The event, which is sponsored by the Office of Environmental Programs at Melbourne University and organised by Green Left Weekly and the Socialist Alliance, will run from Friday, September 30 to Monday, October 3 at Melbourne University. The discussions at this conference will be enriched by the participation of one of the world’s foremost radical ecologists, John Bellamy Foster. A well-known economist from the United States, Foster is also an editor of Monthly Review and the author of The Ecological Rift (with Brett Clark and Richard York) The Ecological Revolution, The Great Financial Crisis (with Fred Magdoff) and Marx’s Ecology. Also leading the conference discussions will be Canadian ecosocialist writer and activist Ian Angus. Angus co-founded the Ecosocialist International Network and is the editor of Climateandcapitalism.com. He is the author of the forthcoming book Too Many People? Population, Immigration, and the Environmental Crisis (with Simon Butler) and has also authored Food Crisis: World Hunger, Agribusiness and the Food Sovereignty Alternative and edited The Global Fight for Climate Justice. http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/47144