GPJA #380: No Youth Rates Protests Sat / Eye-witness reports from Palestine Sun-Sat

GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER No. 380, June 23, 2011

PROTESTS THIS SATURDAY – NO YOUTH RATES

This weekend there will be demonstrations in a number of cities to oppose the re-introduction of youth rates and to oppose any extension to the new entrant rate provisions. National has already attacked working people and unions by changing union access rights, introducing new conditions for access to sick leave, and introducing a probationary employment procedure which provides employers with the power to sack workers without reason in the first 90 days of employment. John Key and National’s Minister of Labour Kate Wilkinson have not ruled out a return to youth rates and are clearly putting youth rates back in the frame for discussion. Wilkinson, for instance, has cited high youth unemployment as a reason for the government to take a close look at policies that will give work experience to youth. (http://www.unite.org.nz/youthrates_unemployment this article written by Mike Treen in 2010 dispels the myth that lowering wages serves to lower unemployment). The ability of employers to legally pay youth rates below the adult minimum wage for 16-18 year-olds was brought to an end in 2007. This victory was a result of a combined industrial campaign by Unite Union, street campaign by Unite Union and Radical Youth, and parliamentary campaign led by then Green MP Sue Bradford. This was one of the more significant offensive campaigns waged by the labour movement over the past decade. For a whole generation of younger workers it was certainly the most significant. Fight any attempts by the bosses and government to roll back wages and conditions of workers of any age group.

Auckland: Assemble at Holy Trinity Cathedral, 446 Parnell Road, Parnell, 11:30am

Hamilton: Assemble at National MP David Bennett’s office, 510 Grey Street, Hamilton East at 12pm.

Wellington: Assemble at the bucket fountain, Cuba Mall, at 12pm.

Christchurch: Assemble at National MP Kate Wilkinson’s office 130A Percival Street, Rangiora at 12. Car pool from Christchurch meeting at Riccarton Ave side of Hagley park (opposite Hospital near Parkside bus exchange) at 11.15am – look for the Unite flag.

Dunedin: Assemble at the Octagon at 12pm, followed by a march to National MP’s office.

A CRY FROM THE HEART. A PLEA FROM PALESTINE. EYEWITNESS REPORTS – AUCKLAND, HAMILTON, ROTORUA, TAURANGA, WHANGAREI

Speakers: New Zealanders Martin & Lois Griffiths are recently returned from Israel and the Occupied West Bank. There they saw many examples of oppression, even ethnic cleansing of whole neighbourhoods and Bedouin villages. And things keep getting worse, they were informed by both Palestinian and Israeli human rights activists, who want the outside world to know the truth. Don’t miss the eyewitness testimony of Lois & Martin. Why attend?: Lois & Martin’s presentation on the West Bank runs with the tide of history. Palestinians everywhere are feeling energised by the wave of Arab democracy revolutions, the recent unity agreement between Fatah and Hamas, the second Freedom Flotilla sailing to Gaza soon and the overwhelming United Nations support for creating a Palestinian state. These positive changes will gain weight by your attendance at Lois & Martin’s presentation, while you will gain an eyewitness update about on-the-ground realities in occupied Palestine. And you can stay in daily touch with occupied Palestine, the Arab world and related issues through kiaoragaza.net, the website of New Zealand’s Gaza support movement Kia OraGaza. Email contact: office

AUCKLAND: 12 noon Sunday 26 June. St-Matthew-in-the-City, cnr Wellesley & Hobson Sts, central city. Free parking at Tournament Car Park on Hobson St. Hosted by St-Matthew-in-the-City with support from Kia Ora Gaza. Contact Clay: (09) 281 4894. clay

HAMILTON: 7.30pm Tuesday 28 June. Wintec A Block, Room A1.04, Enter Gate 5 of Wintec on Tristram St. Follow the signs. Parking inside. Hosted by Kia Ora Gaza. Contact Janice: 021 259 5283, janiceaboganis

ROTORUA: 4pm Wednesday 29 June: 13 Tii St (orange roof front, next to Dimonds). Hosted by Kia Ora Gaza. Contact Bernie: (07) 345 9853, bernieh

TAURANGA: 7.30pm Friday 1 July. Wesley Church, 100 13th Avenue. Hosted by Kia Ora Gaza. Contact Tony: (07) 5441859, tonysnell

WHANGAREI: 7.30pm Saturday 2 July. Eymard House, cnr Park Av and Kamo Rd (beside Catholic Church). Hosted by Kia Ora Gaza. Contact Vaughan 021 0415 082,svpl

PLEA FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF NZ’ER ABOARD HARMEET SOODEN

Dear friends, kia ora, the Palestine Human Rights Campaign is supporting HARMEET SOODEN on Flotilla II. WE NEED YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT DESPERATELY. TO DATE 20% OF THE $10,000 REQUIRED HAS BEEN RAISED! PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY AND PLEASE SEND THIS MESSAGE ON TO FRIENDS, RELATIONS, COLLEAGUES WHO ARE LIKLEY SUPPORT HARMEET, FLOTILLA II AND THE BESEIGED PALESTINIANS . Please make donations by direct deposit to PHRC 06 0145 0045138 00 or by sending a cheque to PHRC, Box 56150, Mt Eden, Auckland. All donations will be receipted (advice on internet deposits must be emailed to jwakim@xtra.co.nz so that a receipt can be provided).

PLEASE SIGN ONLINE PETITION AGAINST TRANSPACIFIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

This closes on July 4th, so please sign it now (if you haven’t already done so). And if you’ve got a hard copy of it, please post it to New Zealand Not For Sale Campaign, Box 2258, Christchurch 8140. We urge you to circulate and publicise the petition, online and hard copy, through your organisations and networks. Murray Horton, Convenor, New Zealand Not For Sale Campaign. nznot4sale www.nznotforsale.org

Petition:

We the undersigned citizens and permanent residents of New Zealand call upon the Government of New Zealand

• to cease negotiations on the Transpacific Partnership agreement; and

• to not sign this agreement; and

• to cease work on any other in-progress or proposed international trade and investment treaties containing clauses which limit or abrogate New Zealand’s sovereign and democratic right to make and enforce laws and regulations and provide services which differ from those of other states or transnational organisations.

Sign the petition

For full details, visit our Website nznot4sale

Please Join CAFCA’s Facebook Group & Follow Our Blog http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=117427631610589&ref=ts http://www.watchblogaotearoa.blogspot.com/

NO OIL DRILLING IN AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND PETITION

Aotearoa New Zealand is still a beautiful country. I disagree with those who use & abuse the environment, meaning pollution, oil drilling and mining. Think about it, think about the consequences. What will happen if there was too much pollution in our foreshore and seabed? What will happen if there was an oil spill in our harbour, killing all our seafood, our last resource? What will happen if there was another mining disaster in our beautiful country? Seeing this happen to our earth mother is not worth it. But our people will never sit and watch this happen to our environment, because we are the true protectors of the land, we are the indigenous people of New Zealand. Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/4/no-oil-drilling-in-new-zealand/

ME RONGO 2011 PEACE CONGRESS INFORMATION, REGISTRATION AND INVITATION 7 TO 21 NOVEMBER 2011, REKOHU (CHATHAM ISLANDS)

This message is to let you know that information about the Me Rongo 2011 Peace Congress – ‘Peace, Sustainability and Respect for the Sacred’ – the registration form and draft programme are now available. Below is the welcome message from the Congress hosts, an outline of the purpose and vision of the Congress, and an invitation for peace to groups to present workshops at it. The document with more information, the registration details, draft programme and contact details for the organisers, is available as a pdf file at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/merongo01.pdf and as a Word document at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/merongo01.doc This message is available online at http://www.facebook.com/notes/peace-movement-aotearoa/me-rongo-2011-peace-congress-information-registration-and-invitation/195449993835711

WHAT’S ON

Saturday, June 25, 2.30pm, Friends Meeting House, 113 Mt Eden Road, Auckland

On the Global Day of Action for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons, Saturday, 25 June 2011. You are invited to the launch of ICAN (International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons) Aotearoa New Zealand followed by afternoon tea and a screening of ‘Beating the Bomb’. ‘Beating the Bomb’ is an award winning documentary produced and directed by Meera Patel and Wolfgang Matt. It is about the biggest weapons of mass destruction ever created, the people who use them and, more importantly, the people who oppose them. ‘Beating the Bomb’ charts the history of the British peace movement against the backdrop of the atomic age. The film frames nuclear weapons within the wider context of global justice, and the narrative follows the so called ‘nuclear deterrent’, starting at the dawn of the nuclear age in WWII to present. Plus the opportunity to have your say about the abolition of nuclear weapons on ICAN-ANZ’s first video! Hosted by the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) and ICAN Aotearoa New Zealand (ICAN-ANZ). For more information contact ICAN-ANZ, tel 04 382 8129, email icanz or go to icanz if you would like your organisation added to the list of supporting groups.

Sunday, June 26, 7pm, Top Floor, 13 Garrett St (Off Cuba St), Wellington

Wellington Palestine Group & Concerned Citizens presents “Life In Occupied Palestine: Eyewitness Stories & Photos”. This film by Anna Blatzer provides an excellent introduction to the occupation in Palestine and the nonviolent movement for freedom and equality. An awareness and fundraising event for the Freedom Flotilla Two – aid flotilla to Gaza. There will be some snacks and also discussion following the film. 5 dollar minimum donation. What are we raising money for? In May 2010, nine aid workers were killed by Israeli commandos when a humanitarian flotilla destined for

Gaza was intercepted in international waters by the Israeli Navy. Israel’s naval forces continue to enforce an illegal and inhumane blockade of the Gaza Strip. The flotillas were formed to raise public awareness and challenge the Israeli‐Egyptian blockade directly, by sailing ships carrying human rights defenders and humanitarian aid to Gaza. This coming June, Freedom Flotilla Two (FF2), a coalition of vessels from Canada, France, USA, UK, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Greece, Turkey and other countries, is to set sail in the hope of breaking the blockade. We are helping to raise money to enable a New Zealander, Harmeet Sooden, to join the upcoming flotilla and contribute cargo.

Monday, June 27, 7.30pm, The Peace Palace, 22 Emily Place, Auckland City

Films at The Peace Place …exploring justice for Indigenous Peoples. “The Rabbit-Proof Fence” Director: Phillip Noyce. 
Admission: by Koha / donation

(Please pass this notice to your friends, Parish, Mail List, Notice Board etc). The Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002): Based on the book Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence by Doris Pilkington Garimara. This true story of three Aboriginal girls comes from the era of the “stolen generations”. These film screenings, and other activities of The Peace Place can be seen at our website: http://thepeaceplace.wordpress.com/

Tuesday, June 28, 6pm, St. John’s Conference Centre, cnr. Dixon & Willis Streets, Wellington

SELLING ACC: WORSENING WORKPLACE SAFETY – Speakers include: Hazel Armstrong (Spokesperson for the ACC Coalition), and Chris Hipkins [Labour spokesperson on ACC]. Organised by Unions Wellington [Local arm of the NZCTU] and supported by the Labour Regional Council. And on this subject, see the Listener editorial this week – ” A bad time to change ACC ” – http://www.listener.co.nz/commentary/editorial/acc-versus-private-insurance-worth-the-change/

Friday, July 1, 7pm, Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Road, Auckland

Book Launch: The 2011 Election: a critical guide. The book features interviews with academics and activists from across the country: Dr Bryce Edwards (Otago University) The Main Political Parties & MMP; Dr Sean Phelan (Massey University) The Media; Professor Klaus Bosselmann (Auckland University) The Environment; David Do (New Zealand University Students’ Association) Student Loans; Professor Jim Flynn (Otago University) Privatisation; Professor Paul Roth (Otago University) Employment Law; Mike Treen (UNITE union) Unionism; Dr Brian Roper (Otago University) Taxation; Ali Nissenbaum (Wellington Activists) Anarchism; Andrew Tait (Dunedin Activist) Marxism; Sue Bradford (Auckland Activist & former Green MP) Feminism & Unemployment. Visit our website www.aptitute.co.nz to read a sample chapter

Wednesday, July 6, 6pm, Wellington Public Library – mezzanine meeting room, Wellington

“Release the Text” – public meeting. The Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) is being negotiated in secret by the United States with several Asian countries including New Zealand. Based on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the USA will seek to extract long term binding agreement to limit the New Zealand government’s sovereign right to make laws and adopt policies. Pharmac’s ability to provide medicines, or our government’s ability to limit promotion of tobacco products are already under threat. All for the benefit of global corporations.

The text of the agreement must be released so its provisions can be openly debated. Speakers: Jane Kelsey – Univ of Auckland. Convenor of the ‘Release the Text’ campaign. Author of No Ordinary Deal- Unmasking the Trans-Pacific Partnership Free Trade Agreement; Des O’Day – Univ. of Otago Wellington Medical School; Thomas Beagle -Tech Liberty. Student of intellectual property issues. For further information contact Mary Ellen O’Connor 04 9707147 0274810770

Thursday, July 28, 7pm, WT1004 (AUT Tower Building, 2 Rutland St, 10th floor seminar room, next door to the new Pacific Media Centre office)

Papua New Guinea’s Tok Pisin language newspaper Wantok, founded in 1969, is one of the publishing icons of the South Pacific. Drawing on interviews with Fr Francis Mihalic and Bishop Leo Arkfeld made in the early 1990s, a manuscript history of the early days of the Wantok, written by Mihalic, and material drawn from the archives in the Society of the Divine Word’s mother house in Mt Hagen, Dr Philip Cass seeks to present a picture of a man who was at once a priest, a publisher, a propagandist, a linguist, a lecturer and often a cause of bewilderment to the very bishops whose work he was supposed to be doing. Dr Cass is head of postgraduate studies in the School of Communication Studies at Unitec. He is also a research associate of the Pacific Media Centre.

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

“The disposition to admire, and almost to worship, the rich and the powerful, and to despise, or, at least, to neglect persons of poor and mean condition is the great and most universal cause of the corruption of our moral sentiments.” Adam Smith, Scottish political economist (1723-1790)

“Neither of us cares a straw for popularity. Let me cite one proof of this: such was my aversion to the personality cult that at the time of the International, when plagued by numerous moves – originating from various countries – to accord me public honour, I never allowed one of these to enter the domain of publicity, nor did I ever reply to them, save with an occasional snub. When Engels and I first joined the secret communist society, we did so only on condition that anything conducive to a superstitious belief in authority be eliminated from the Rules.”–Marx, Letter to Blos (1877)

BEST ON THE WEB

NEW ZEALAND

The Shock Doctrine and The EQ Response in Christchurch http://actionforchristchurcheast.blogspot.com/2011/06/shock-doctrine-and-eq-response-in.html

Whenever you’re ready, John http://thestandard.org.nz/whenever-youre-ready-john/

Chris Trotter (The Press): Who’s In Charge And Where’s The Plan?

$8.95 Welfare Forum Presentations http://welfarejustice.org.nz/?sid=87

John Minto: What Paul Henry Tells Us About New Zealand http://auckland.scoop.co.nz/2011/06/to-the-front-what-paul-henry-tells-us-about-new-zealand/

Peter Adams: Casinos create worse addictions than Kronic http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10733612

Caravan: ChCh residents vent their frustration http://www.3news.co.nz/Caravan-ChCh-residents-vent-their-frustration/tabid/817/articleID/215545/Default.aspx

‘Patience has expired’ http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-earthquake/5131475/Patience-has-expired

Bexley’s earthquake struggles – Video http://www.3news.co.nz/Bexleys-earthquake-struggles/tabid/367/articleID/215218/Default.aspx

Bryce Edwards: Earthquake media review http://liberation.typepad.com/liberation/2011/06/nz-politics-daily-16-june.html

The Closer Together Whakatata Mai Blog is a place to comment and discuss the issues about reducing inequalities in Aotearoa New Zealand. This blog is hosted by NZCCSS and we welcome your feedback and comments. http://www.closertogether.org.nz/blog/

Brian Rudman (NZH): Key too quick to move SkyCity’s limits

Govt’s delay over suburbs has residents at wits’ end http://bit.ly/l5PiLX

‘Large-scale breach’ of privacy rules by NZ Post http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/5164885/Large-scale-breach-of-privacy-rules-by-NZ-Post

Dayle Takitimu on offshore drilling

New Zealand’s slaving history http://readingthemaps.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-zealands-slaving-history.html

TVNZ: Kiwi’s daring Gaza mission (9:53) – Peace activist Harmeet Sooden tells Close Up why he’s going to Gaza. http://tvnz.co.nz/close-up/kiwi-s-daring-gaza-mission-9-53-video-4250874

NZers to participate in Gaza flotilla http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10733341

Israel Embassy Says IHH Freedom Flotila Linked To Terrorism http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1106/S00106/israel-embassy-says-ihh-freedom-flotila-linked-to-terrorism.htm

Al Nakba Aotea Square 16 may 2011: Part 1 http://vimeo.com/24822727 Part 2 http://vimeo.com/24848813

NZ Government Misrepresents Peaceful Humanitarian Flotilla as Provocative http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1106/S00226/nz-govt-misrepresents-peaceful-humanitarian-flotilla.htm

PSA supports “Keep Public Libraries Free” Campaign http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1106/S00227/psa-supports-keep-public-libraries-free-campaign.htm

Workplace bullying on the rise in Christchurch http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1106/S00659/workplace-bullying-on-the-rise-in-christchurch.htm

Ross Meurant: The case for decriminalization http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10733409

NDU Fona: Don’t wait to act on loan sharks http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1106/S00251/dont-wait-to-act-on-loan-sharks.htm

High price tag excludes the poor from welfare discussions http://www.caritas.org.nz/?sid=1333

CPAG: Time to rethink support for children http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1106/S00195/time-to-rethink-support-for-children.htm

NZEI: Government steps up National Standards bullying http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1106/S00271/government-steps-up-national-standards-bullying.htm

MANA PARTY

Duncan Garner (TV3): Maori Party criticizes own by-election candidate http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/politics/52337.html

Matt McCarten: Hats off to Harawira for honourable choice http://www.nzherald.co.nz/matt-mccarten/news/article.cfm?a_id=284&objectid=10733088

Willie Jackson: Opinion: Maori Party needs to stand down in north http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/opinion/willie-jackson/5158978/Opinion-Maori-Party-needs-to-stand-down-in-north

Marae Investigates by-election debate http://tvnz.co.nz/marae-investigates/s2011-e31-video-4232639

Relaxed Harawira looks to be gaining traction http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10733264

Hone Harawira’s work for dole call http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5164248/Hone-Harawiras-work-for-dole-call

Hone’s still the favourite http://bit.ly/iMhn1X

Claire Trevett (NZH): Harawira urges creation of Maori ‘parliament’

Tim Selwyn (Tumeke!): Tai Tokerau by-election debate

Andrea Vance (Stuff): Some patients wait ‘up to two years’

17 yr Old Appeals to Te Taitokerau Constituency to Vote Mana http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1106/S00219/17-yr-old-appeals-to-te-taitokerau-constituency-to-vote-mana.htm

Marae Investigates review http://bit.ly/ju8N5k

Hone Harawira: Watch the extended interview with Hone Harawira which aired on Sunday 13 February. http://tvnz.co.nz/marae-investigates/s2011-extra-harawira-video-4027210

NZ WORK RIGHTS

Return to youth rates decried by Unite Union – Video http://www.3news.co.nz/Return-to-youth-rates-decried-by-Unite-Union/tabid/370/articleID/215535/Default.aspx

Govt targets lower ‘youth rate of pay http://www.3news.co.nz/Govt-targets-lower-youth-rate-of-pay/tabid/421/articleID/215406/Default.aspx

Video: http://www.3news.co.nz/Govt-targets-lower-youth-rate-of-pay/tabid/370/articleID/215406/Default.aspx

TVNZ: Youth rates debate http://tvnz.co.nz/breakfast-news/youth-wage-rates-7-40-video-4247479

NZPA: Concerns raised over return to youth rates

‘Horrendous’ workplace bullying in Christchurch http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10733567

Hillside Workers Announce Public Meeting and Call on KiwiRail and the Government to Invest in the Future http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1106/S00514/hillside-workers-announce-public-meeting.htm

NDU: Whitcoulls staff relieved sale process complete http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1106/S00676/whitcoulls-staff-relieved-sale-process-complete.htm

PSA mental health workers march against violence in the workplace http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1106/S00240/psa-mental-health-workers-march-against-violence.htm

Equal pay issues go under the spotlight in new Bill http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1106/S00360/equal-pay-issues-go-under-the-spotlight-in-new-bill.htm

Pay equity coalition welcomes new Equal Pay Bill

Equal pay issues go under the spotlight in new Bill

Talks between rail union and KiwiRail break down

Mass Meeting Condemns KiwiRail Job Cull; Calls On Government to Invest In Hillside and Rail Engineering http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1106/S00279/mass-meeting-condemns-kiwirail-job-cull.htm

Govt must make safety changes to mining industry now http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1106/S00381/govt-must-make-safety-changes-to-mining-industry-now.htm

Martin Johnston (NZH): Protestors want workplace made safer

Elizabeth Binning (NZH): Women unpaid for most of their work

NZ ECONOMY

Radio NZ: Drug industry’s links with anti-Pharmac revealed http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport

‘We were barely surviving’ http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-star-times/features/5161154/We-were-barely-surviving

Bollard ‘experiment’ led to boom, bust http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/5148254/Bollard-experiment-led-to-boom-bust

Global Day of Action for a Financial Transaction Tax (22 June) http://www.nogstonfood.org/2011/06/21/global-day-of-action-for-a-financial-transaction-tax-22-june/

Jane Kelsey: Key Glosses over Trans-Tasman Differences on Trans-Pacific Partnership Deal http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1106/S00241/key-glosses-over-trans-tasman-differences-on-tpp-deal.htm

NDU: Manufacturing needs to fire up also http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1106/S00193/manufacturing-needs-to-fire-up-also.htm

Maritime Union says free trade deals a threat to New Zealand’s future http://www.munz.org.nz/2011/06/22/free-trade-deals-a-threat-to-new-zealands-future/

Brian Fallow: NZ safer than Greece but the risk is real

CULTURAL DISSENT

Tariq Ali: Malcom X – Leaving Shabazz http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article21990

It’s not that complicated—Malcolm X was a revolutionary – Confused terminology, concepts mar Marable biography http://www.pslweb.org/liberationnews/news/malcolm-x-revolutionary.html

Diary of a revolution: New Che Guevara book reveals details of three-year campaign with Castro to overthrow Cuban regime http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2003738/Che-Guevara-diaries-reveal-campaign-Castro-overthrow-Cuban-regime.html#ixzz1Q2oZUxGR

Fuel on the Fire is a history of the struggle for Iraq’s oil which began with the 2003 war and where despite overwhelming military and economic might, the US has failed to impose its designs. http://tinyurl.com/6bzrq9x

FEATURES

Chomsky: Wealthiest 1% Rule Our Politics — But There’s Hope in the Fight Against Global Capital http://tinyurl.com/5v5lr35

OUR RIGHT TO WATER: A People’s Guide to Implementing the United Nations’ Recognition of the Right to Water and Sanitation

http://www.canadians.org/media/water/2011/20-Jun-11.html

LAND, LABOUR AND THE ENVIROMENT

Oceans on brink of catastrophe: Marine life facing mass extinction ‘within one human generation’ / State of seas ‘much worse than we thought’, says global panel of scientists http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/oceans-on-brink-of-catastrophe-2300272.html

John Vidal: Warning: extreme weather ahead – Tornados, wildfires, droughts and floods were once seen as freak conditions. But the environmental disasters now striking the world are shocking signs of ‘global weirding’ http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jun/13/extreme-weather-flooding-droughts-fires

Ian Angus: Ecosocialism vs. Deep Ecology http://www.ecosocialistsunite.com/2/post/2011/06/ian-angus-ecosocialism-vs-deep-ecology.html

The truth behind Chevron’s greenwashing: ‘The true cost of Chevron’ http://links.org.au/node/2370

WORLD ECONOMIC CRISIS

Inequality: How Many Of These Do We Need Before It Makes a Difference? http://globalsociology.com/2011/06/19/how-many-of-these-do-we-need-before-it-makes-a-difference/

Paul Krugman: Who benefits from austerity economics? http://socialistworker.org/blog/critical-reading/2011/06/10/who-benefits-washingtons-econo

Larry Elliot: Decline and fall of the American empire – The economic powerhouse of the 20th century emerged stronger from the Depression. But faced with cultural decay, structural weaknesses and reliance on finance, can the US do it again? http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/jun/06/us-economy-decline-recovery-challenges

Dean Baker: What makes the IMF think it’s right about Greece? The same economists who failed to predict the 2007 financial crash are still in the driving seat – and just as clueless in a crisis http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/jun/20/imf-economists-greece-crisis

Some Big Things Ha-Joon Chang Doesn’t Tell You About Capitalism By Paul Street http://www.zcommunications.org/some-big-things-ha-joon-chang-doesn-t-tell-you-about-capitalism-by-paul-street

AFGHANISTAN

Full Story of the Taliban’s Amazing Jailbreak – The Great Escape From Kandahar By Patrick Cockburn http://www.counterpunch.com/patrick06212011.html

BOLIVIA

In Bolivia, Social Protest Is a Way of Life http://boliviarising.blogspot.com/2011/06/in-bolivia-social-protest-is-way-of.html

Bolivia Averts Transport Strike After Talks With Unions http://boliviarising.blogspot.com/2011/06/bolivia-averts-transport-strike-after.html

Will Bolivia make the breakthrough on food security and the environment?

CANADA

Harper’s bullying causes labour pains http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1010238–tim-harper-harper-s-bullying-causes-labour-pains

Austerity, the Conservative Majority and the CLC Action Plan http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/517.php#continue

A People’s Assembly: A Strategy for the Harper Years in Kingston http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/518.php#continue

CHINA

Beijing battling protest fires on all fronts http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/beijing-battling-protest-fires-on-all-fronts/story-e6frg6so-1226075255343

CUBA

Translation: Max Lesnik dialogue with Cuban youth

ECUADOR

Seeds of ‘Good Living’ in Ecuador? by René Ramírez, Roberto Navarrete: René Ramírez is Ecuador’s National Secretary of Planning and Development.

http://www.newleftproject.org/index.php/site/article_comments/good_living_in_rafael_correas_ecuador

GREECE

Millions strike in Greece over austerity plans http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/millions-strike-in-greece-over-austerity-plans-2298109.html

Athens protests: Syntagma Square on frontline of European austerity protests http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jun/19/athens-protests-syntagma-austerity-protests

Greece protests: Days of Unrest and Hope http://tinyurl.com/3v9gw5u

Athens: working class resistance breaks Pasok government http://leninology.blogspot.com/2011/06/athens-working-class-resistance-breaks.html

Greece: bond slave to Europe – Without sovereign control of their country’s debt, the Greek people are being punished with extortion by the ECB and IMF http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/jun/17/greece-bailout-austerity

HAITI

WikiLeaked Cables Reveal: U.S. Worried about International Criticism of Post-Quake Troop Deployment http://www.haiti-liberte.com/archives/volume4-48/U.S.%20Worried%20about%20International.asp

INDIA

Workers occupy Suzuki factory http://workersresist.net/

Every Thirty Minutes: Farmer Suicides, Human Rights And The Agrarian Crisis In India (PDF) By Center for Human Rights and Global Justice, New York University School of Law http://www.chrgj.org/publications/docs/every30min.pdf

Kashmir: The Mock Election By Zafar Iqbal http://www.countercurrents.org/iqbal190611.htm

JAPAN

Japan’s new anti-nuclear resistance http://socialistworker.org/2011/06/21/japans-anti-nuclear-resistance

It’s worse than you think – Experts believe Japan’s nuclear disaster is more severe than has been revealed. http://socialistworker.org/2011/06/20/worse-than-you-think

LIBYA

Imperial war behind a humanitarian charade – The U.S. government doesn’t care about ordinary Libyans, but maintaining its power. http://socialistworker.org/2011/06/15/imperial-war-behind-humanitarian-charade

Remember the Kuwaiti Incubators! Those Libyan Atrocities: Do They Really Stand Up? http://www.counterpunch.org/patrick06202011.html

Arab League chief admits second thoughts about Libya air strikes – Amr Moussa, who played central role in securing Arab support for Nato strikes, calls for ceasefire and ‘political solution http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jun/21/arab-league-chief-libya-air-strikes

PACIFIC

Fiji: defending workers’ rights at the 2011 International Labour Conference http://www.world-psi.org/Content/ContentGroups/English7/Equality_and_Rights/Winning_workers_rights1/News1/Felix_Anthony_Fiji_interview_ILC2011.pdf

Mara Visit – Nik Naidu & Rajesh Singh http://tinyurl.com/4383y74

Indonesia must end criminalization of peaceful political protests in Papua http://tinyurl.com/3noowos

PALESTINE

Leading a Global Campaign – Gaza’s New Youth Movement http://www.counterpunch.org/catron06142011.html

The Freedom Flotilla 2, with 12+ boats carrying humanitarian aid and 1000+ peace activists, is sailing to Gaza in late June. Meanwhile, the global BDS (Boycott Divestment Sanctions) movement is calling on Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Laurie Anderson and Kiri Te Kanawa to cancel their 2011 Israel concerts and get on the boat! Watch this video for more info on both

Gaza Feature: You Can’t Develop An Economy Based On Tunnels

SOUTH AFRICA

35 years since the Soweto uprising — `Past struggles must not be misused to silence the struggles of today’ http://links.org.au/node/2362

SPAIN

Multitudinaria marcha de los “indignados” en Barcelona.flv

UK

Mark Steel: It’s like being endorsed by Gary Glitter http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/mark-steel/mark-steel-its-like-being-endorsed-by-gary-glitter-2294255.html

Unhappy holidays: Unions planning million-strong strike to bring UK to a standstill http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1388155/Unions-plan-million-strong-strike-bring-UK-standstill-summer.html

USA

The real scandal is the media frenzy – Jen Roesch explains how–and why–private lives have become a public spectacle. http://socialistworker.org/2011/06/14/real-scandal-is-the-media

Shame of America: Desperate Man Robs Store for One Dollar in Order to Go to Jail to Get Health Coverage http://tinyurl.com/6yzb7e8

VENEZUELA

Chavez approves funds for pensioners http://www.presstv.com/detail/185744.html

OLDER ANNOUNCEMENTS

OPERATION 8 SHOWING

The documentary ‘Operation 8: Deep in the Forest’ is now screening in movie theatres across the country.In October 2007, citing the Terrorism Suppression Act, police arrested 18 people in nationwide raids linked to alleged training camps in the Urewera mountain ranges, near the township of Ruatoki in eastern Bay of Plenty. The documentary Operation 8, by independent filmmakers Errol Wright and Abi King-Jones, premiered last month as part of the World Cinema Showcase and is now opening in cinemas around the country throughout May and June. It investigates how and why the raids took place, featuring interviews with academics and professionals versed in the case. Operation 8 was shot over three years and includes first-hand accounts from some of those arrested.”The single most important New Zealand film in decades” – Crop Magazine. “Impassioned, balanced, entertaining and hugely important” Graeme Tuckett, Radio NZ, The Dominion Post. “Compelling, humane, intelligent… A film that every NZer ought to see” – David Larsen, The Listener.

Now Showing at:

Auckland, Rialto Newmarket – Sessiontimes and details here

Auckland, Academy Cinemas – Session times and details here

Waiheke Cinema – Session times and details here

Whakatane, Cinema 5 – Session times and details here

Rotorua, Basement Cinema – Session times and details here

Palmerston North, Te Manawa Gallery – Session times and details here

New Plymouth, The Arthouse Cinema – Session times and details here

Wellington, Paramount Theatre – Session times and details here

Petone, Lighthouse Cinema- Session times and details here

Motueka, The Gecko – Session times and details here

Dundein, Rialto Cinemas – Session times and details here

(links regularly updated with new session times, if the link is not found the session times are just updating). More screenings coming soon, check our website for details: www.cutcutcut.com Like us on Facebook!

THE 2011 ELECTION: A CRITICAL GUIDE

The 2011 Election: a critical guide is currently being printed. If you click on the link below, you will see the book on our publisher’s website. Also, there is a link to a sample interview, with Professor Jim Flynn on privatisation. We tried to cover a wide range of topics, and here is a summary of who was interviewed: Dr Bryce Edwards (Otago University) The Main Political Parties & MMP; Dr Sean Phelan (Massey University) The Media; Professor Klaus Bosselmann (Auckland University) The Environment; David Do (New Zealand University Students’ Association) Student Loans; Professor Jim Flynn (Otago University) Privatisation; Professor Paul Roth (Otago University) Employment Law; Mike Treen (UNITE union) Unionism; Dr Brian Roper (Otago University) Taxation; Ali Nissenbaum (Wellington Activists) Anarchism; Andrew Tait (Dunedin Activist) Marxism; Sue Bradford (Auckland Activist & former Green MP) Feminism & Unemployment. While it is important to keep in mind that the interviewees have different opinions from each other, three themes emerged: 1) A critique of neo-liberalism; 2) De-politicisation (nearly a quarter of the population did not vote in the 2008 Election); 3) Internationalism (nearly half of the interviewees are originally from overseas: Germany, Ireland, Israel, South Africa and the United States). Please also keep in mind that we are not endorsing any political party. The interviewees disagree with each other on many points. We believe that the interviewees voted in at least five different ways in 2008. We are planning to send all interviewees a free copy of the book, to show our appreciation.

Thank you for your help, R Wright http://aptitute.co.nz/site/products http://aptitute.co.nz/The_2011_Election-a_critical_guide_sample_chapter.pdf

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