GPJA #403: Continuing solidarity with locked out workers
November 21, 2011 Leave a comment
GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER No. 403, November 21, 2011
SOLIDARITY WITH LOCKED OUT MARTON WORKERS
http://www.facebook.com/groups/211101752294033/
Day 20: "A fightback for meat workers nationwide" http://socialistaotearoa.blogspot.com/2011/11/day-20-fightback-for-meat-workers.html
Support the locked out workers at ANZCO Rangitikei http://union.org.nz/ANZCOlockout
The New Zealand lamb processor, CMP, has brutally locked out 111 workers at its plant in Marton in order to force them and their union, the New Zealand Meatworkers Union, to sign off on pay cuts and unacceptable changes to terms and conditions. To learn more and send a message to CMP’s parent company, ANZCO Foods, demanding an end to the lockout and a return to the bargaining table, click here! Ron Oswald, General Secretary, IUF
Japanese unions raise ANZCO lockout with employers http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00489/japanese-unions-raise-anzco-lockout-with-employers.htm
OCCUPY AOTEAROA
Occupy protesters will stay until ‘the world changes’ http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/occupy-protesters-stay-until-world-changes-4521093
Gordon Campbell on the election campaign’s fixation with the future & This is what democracy looks like: Why Occupy Together exists http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1111/S00094/gordon-campbell-on-the-campaigns-fixation-with-the-future.htm
Occupy and Theory- where now for the Movement? http://socialistaotearoa.blogspot.com/2011/11/occupy-and-theory-where-now-for.html
Auckland
Occupy Auckland http://www.occupyauckland.org/ Facebook http://www.facebook.com/OccupyAuck
Christchurch
Occupy Ōtautahi Christchurch http://occupychristchurch.org/ Facebook http://www.facebook.com/occupychristchurch
Dunedin
Occupy Dunedin Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Occupy-Dunedin/141220149310691
Debbie Porteous (ODT): Occupy Dunedin: police fear being sued
NZN: Dunedin police say hands are tied over protestors
Yasmin Ginai (BM): Community wants ‘Occupy Dunedin’ protesters to leave
TVNZ: Camping the issue not protesting – Mayor
Andrew Geddis (Pundit): Some quick legal advice for Dave Cull
No Right Turn: It’s the BORA, stupid II
Wellington
Occupy Wellington http://www.facebook.com/OccupyWellingtonNZ
OCCUPY WALL STREET
This Struggle Has Re-awakened Our Imagination By Arundhati Roy http://www.countercurrents.org/roy201111.htm
The Occupy movement now has its iconic image of martyrdom: The photograph of pepper-sprayed pensioner Dorli Rainey recreates the image of a humiliated Christ in a modern context http://tinyurl.com/6r863ex
Resisting Expropriation of the Occupy Movement http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/571.php
You Can’t Evict a Revolution http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/569.php
Occupy Movement Inspires Unions to Embrace Bold Tactics http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/09/business/occupy-movement-inspires-unions-to-embrace-bold-tactics.html?_r=2
Slavoj Zizek: ‘Now the field is open’ – The philosopher discusses the momentous changes taking place in the global financial and political system. http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/talktojazeera/2011/10/2011102813360731764.html
David Rovics: "Occupy Wall Street (We’re Gonna Stay Right Here)" http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=111310&songID=11208667&showPlayer=true
An Open Letter to the Occupy Movement http://blogs.alternet.org/speakeasy/2011/11/10/an-open-letter-to-the-occupy-movement/
How Wall Street Occupied America http://www.thenation.com/article/164349/how-wall-street-occupied-america?page=full
APEC World Leaders Dinner Gets Occupied – Within secure zone, musician sings on behalf of the many http://www.yeslab.org/APEC
KEEP THE COAL IN THE HOLE SUMMER FESTIVAL – MATAURA, SOUTHLAND, NZ. 20-23 JANUARY 2012
You are warmly invited……to gather for a Summer Festival and camp. We will share ideas, skills, knowledge, enthusiasm and take action now to oppose lignite mining in the Mataura Valley. This event will be fun, friendly and 100% coal-free! We’ve got the Festival Kaupapa, detailed Festival Information and our Programme. For more information or to get involved in Festival organising please Email Us.
PLAY: THE PITMEN PAINTERS
“Lee Hall’s play is ablaze with intellectual vigour, political passion and incendiary emotional energy. A beautiful work of art that everybody should see.” The Times. The Pitmen Painters is the true story of a group of English miners whose after-work art class reveals a wealth of hidden artistic talent. They are propelled overnight from the humble mines of the North East to a rich, intellectual art world. The pitmen’s raw, unpretentious paintings of mining life are an unexpected sensation. With a wealthy patron keen to take them under her wing, the miners are forced to choose between their working class roots and the lure of fame and success. (potent pause) PRODUCTIONS present the Auckland premiere of this internationally acclaimed play by Lee Hall, the Tony award-winning writer of Billy Elliot. Projections of the original paintings bring this story to life for art lovers and theatre fans alike. The Pitmen Painters is a humorous and arresting testament to the power of individual expression and collective spirit. Would you leave behind the world you know for a chance at fame? Proudly supported by: Auckland Council Arts Alive http://www.qtheatre.co.nz/the-pitmen-painters
PEACE RESEARCHER ISSUE # 41 JULY 2011
Update On The GCSB – by Warren Thomson
Spooky Bits – by Warren Thomson
Another Massive Intelligence Failure – by Warren Thomson
Report On January 2011 Protest At Waihopai – by Doug Craig
Why Do We Want Waihopai Closed? – by Murray Horton
More Media Warmongering: A Sign Of Things To Come. Part 1 – by Dennis Small
Reviews by Jeremy Agar and Doug Craig
"Operation 8" A Film by Errol Wright and Abi King-Jones
"Standing Army" A Film by Enrico Parenti and Thomas Fazi
“Security Without Nuclear Deterrence” by Commander Robert Green
"In Mortal Hands" by Stephanie Cooke
Obituary by Kate Dewes and Murray Horton
Space Shuttles RIP by Doug Craig
Expansion Of US Military Bases Continues by Warren Thomson
Apologies For Lateness by Murray Horton
KIA ORA GAZA – URGENT APPEAL
In the first quarter of 2012 Kia Ora Gaza will join an international aid convoy to Gaza led by UK charity Viva Palestina. The convoy intends to break Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza by linking up with Cairo’s democracy movement and entering through Egypt’s land gate. This strategy could well lead towards the permanent opening of Egypt’s gateway to Gaza, thus fatally wounding Israel’s cruel siege. That would be a truly world historic event.
How can you reach out to the 1.5 million Palestinians imprisoned in Gaza? By donating towards our $50,000 Gaza Appeal to fund a four-person Kiwi Team and their humanitarian aid. Kia Ora Gaza has a proven track record. Our team was on last year’s Viva Palestina convoy which broke the Gaza blockade and delivered NZ$7 million in medical supplies. Can we do it again? That’s where you come in. Please donate generously to our $50,000 Gaza Appeal – and spread the word! To see how to donate, go to the sidebar of our website: office
COROMANDEL WATCHDOG
Kia ora and Greetings, Coromandel Watchdog is still working hard to protect the peninsula from mining. We are preparing for a busy summer raising awareness and money to continue doing the work that we do. We would love to see you at one of the events below. Thank you for supporting us to keep the Coromandel mining-free! Coromandel Watchdog AGM and Social Gathering. Please join us for a brief AGM followed by pot luck dinner and music! Date: Sunday November 20th, 2011. Time: 4.30pm for meeting followed by food and music. Venue: Kauaeranga Valley Hall, 437 Kauaeranga Valley Road, Thames. What: Annual General Meeting of Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki, all offices open for nominations. Please bring a plate for a shared meal and instruments if you please! This is a great opportunity to catch up with friends old and new, hope to see you there! Watchdog at Prana. Watchdog will have a stall at Prana, if you are going make sure you pop in to see us! If you are going and interested in volunteering for a few hours get in contact with Renee. Date: December 30th 2011 – January 3rd 2012. Venue: Prana Eco Retreat, Opoutere. watchdog and send us your name and contact details. Or Print this Membership/Donation Form and post with your cheque to Watchdog’s Treasurer: Coromandel Watchdog, PO Box 211, Coromandel 3543. Get Involved! Summer’s going to be busy with stalls at markets and festivals. If you are able to help out get in contact with our co-ordinator Renee Annan on 022 018 1764 / r.annan . Also see http://watchdog.org.nz/join-us/
PLEASE HELP THE POOREST WORKERS IN THE WORLD!
As some of you may already know I (Duncan) have recently set up a website to provide funds to the Bangladesh Center for Workers Solidarity (BCWS). This is a Bangladeshi organization helping the poorest workers in the world – the nearly 3 million garment workers of Bangladesh. BCWS provide advocacy, training, education and childcare to help improve the lives of these mostly female workers. (read more about BCWS here)
This email is an appeal to encourage you to donate to this worthy cause. A monthly contribution would be most appreciated, but even if you can make a one off donation this would be great. A suggested amount would be $10 – $20 per month, it doesn’t need to be much. Donate here
Last year BCWS were very active in a successful campaign to raise the minimum wage for garment workers. Thousands of workers protested in the streets and were beaten by police. BCWS staff were arrested and a number of garment companies filed trumped up charges against the BCWS leaders. The government removed their NGO status, raided their offices and shut down their bank accounts. Why? Because the work they do is effective and change is occurring. (aotearoasolidaritynetwork
In solidarity, Duncan Allan
EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA! JOIN THE 29TH ANNUAL SOUTHERN CROSS WORK-STUDY TOUR TO CUBA
Organised by the New Zealand – Australia Cuba Friendship Society 28 Dec 2011 to 20 Jan 2012. Be more than just a tourist join the 29th Southern Cross Work-Study Tour and support Cuba in the most direct manner by working alongside Cubans for a few days picking fruit, pruning or planting fruit trees or slashing grass and then visiting schools, hospitals, cultural sites & urban agriculture projects, etc. You’ll experience at first hand the cultural, political and social conditions in socialist Cuba. This year’s program will give participants an opportunity to celebrate the 51st anniversary of ICAP & gain an insight into how the Cuban people have triumphed over adversity to keep the revolution strong. For more information about the 29th Contingent of the Southern Cross Brigade visit the Brigade Webpage , email us or call 027 226 9950.
WHAT’S ON
Thursday, November 24, 7.30pm, Canterbury WEA, 59 Gloucester Street, Christchurch
Election Issues: Starts 27 October, All welcome! 5 Thursdays, gold coin donation.
24 Nov: Youth Health: The community’s wealth? – Dr Sue Bagshaw, Korowai Youth Well-being Trust
Canterbury WEA, phone 366 0285, email: cwea Web: www.cwea.org.nz
Thursday, November 24, 4.45pm, Large Meeting Room, CTU Office, Education House, 178 Willis Street, Wellington.
Burma Update – Discussion with Steve Marshall. ILO liaison officer for Burma, Steve Marshall is meeting with the Burmese Young Leaders here in NZ. At the end of their meeting at 4.45 pm, you are invited to join us for an hour or so to discuss the latest situation in Burma.
Friday, December 2, Victoria University, Wellington.
New Zealand Labour Law Society Inc (In conjunction with Victoria University of Wellington Law School). Invites you to attend its Inaugural Conference. The New Zealand Labour Law Society Inc will hold its inaugural conference at Victoria University of Wellington on Friday 2nd December 2011. This conference which occurs shortly after the election will focus on two main themes: Labour law across the Tasman and future directions in labour law. Labour Law Across the Tasman: Professor Andrew Stewart (University of Adelaide) will give an address on the current state of labour law in Australia and on the impact of the Australian government’s Fair Work reforms. Professor Richard Johnstone (Griffith University) will speak on Australia’s proposed model OHS law. Future Directions for Labour Law?: The conference date is one week after the 2011 General Election – the ideal opportunity for crystal ball gazing. In addition to keynote speakers and commentators the conference will also feature special sessions looking at future directions in selected areas of the law. These (depending on interest and papers received) are likely to include: Legal Challenges in Advancing Pay Equity, Good Faith Bargaining, Workplace Health and Safety, Employment Security, whether New Zealand should adopt a comprehensive National Employment Standards on the Australian Model. Enrol online now at the Early Bird rate of $200 -Places will be limited. Online enrolment is now open at www.victoria.ac.nz/law/about/events/2011/labour-law-conf.aspx
Monday, December 5, 7.30pm, St Marks Catholic Church, 334 Pakuranga Rd, Pakuranga, Auckland
Remembering Fr. Fausto Tentorio: Pontifical Mission Society priest Fr. Fausto Tentorio was recently assassinated in Mindanao, the Philippines. Fr. Fausto was prominent in opposing exploitative practices of mining companies in Mindanao. Thirteen priests have been killed in Mindanao since 1970. The St Marks Catholic Justice & Peace Group will celebrate Fr Tentorio’s courageous work with the poor and indigenous people. We will pray the Office of the Dead and Amie Dural-Maga of Auckland Philippines Solidarity will speak on Fr Tentorio’s work for social justice.
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
"A true revolution of values will soon cause us to question the fairness and justice of many of our past and present policies. On the one hand, we are called to play the Good Samaritan on life’s roadside, but that will be only an initial act. One day we must come to see that the whole Jericho Road must be transformed so that men and women will not be constantly beaten and robbed as they make their journey on life’s highway. True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar. It comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
"The question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be…The nation and the world are in dire need of creative extremists." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
"The single largest pool of untapped resource in this world is human good intentions that never translate into action" ~ Cindy Gallop
To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe." ~ Anatole France
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~ Anne Frank
"Pity the nation that has to silence its writers for speaking their minds… Pity the nation that needs to jail those who ask for justice while communal killers, mass murderers, corporate scamsters, looters, rapists and those who prey on the poorest of the poor, roam free." – Arundhati Roy
BEST ON THE WEB
NEW ZEALAND
Welfare Of Kiwi Kids Under The Microscope http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00506/welfare-of-kiwi-kids-under-the-microscope.htm
Revealing the gap between NZ’s rich and poor http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/5989843/Revealing-the-gap-between-NZs-rich-and-poor
We shall Not Be Moved- Glen Innes against evictions http://socialistaotearoa.blogspot.com/2011/11/we-shall-not-be-moved-glen-innes.html
Ten Myths About Welfare – The politics behind the government’s welfare reform process by Gordon Campbell http://werewolf.co.nz/2011/02/ten-myths-about-welfare/
Gordon Campbell: On whether politicians should have the same rights to privacy http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2011/11/18/gordon-campbell-on-politicians-and-privacy/
Labour, neo-liberalism, and a blueberry smoothie: a chat with Carmel http://readingthemaps.blogspot.com/2011/11/labour-neo-liberalism-and-blueberry.html
Criminalising Journalism http://publicaddress.net/hardnews/criminalising-journalism/
On Epsom, and dodgy aspects of the asset sales programme http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2011/11/17/gordon-campbell-on-epsom-and-dodgy-aspects-of-asset-sales/#more-1790
Policy Watch: ELECTION WATCH – “Those in need have gifts to bring also, including exposure of hypocrisy and greed, and challenging unfair systems which become embedded in our societies.” Church Leaders statement 30 October 2011 http://christiansocialservices.blogspot.com/
No note required to vote: CTU President Helen Kelly reminds workers, and their bosses, that everyone has the right to time off to vote. http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00520/no-note-required-to-vote.htm
Labour "will contemplate" a Financial Transactions Tax http://unityaotearoa.blogspot.com/2011/11/labour-will-contemplate-financial.html?mid=52
Minto decision ‘a victory for democracy’ http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/5953728/Minto-decision-a-victory-for-democracy Police arrest protestors at ASB Classic http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/image.cfm?c_id=1&gal_objectid=10619307&gallery_id=108761#6796991
Left Wing Rants: The Campaign So Far http://left-wing-rants.blogspot.com/2011/11/campaign-so-far.html?mid=5337937
New parties gaining on both sides http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10764928
Left has numbers among southern voters http://www.odt.co.nz/election-2011/-south/185963/left-has-numbers-among-southern-voters
Matt McCarten: Key wipes off smirk and Greens can grin http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10765612
State Housing protest http://tvnz.co.nz/breakfast-news/state-housing-protest-video-4517889
Gordon Campbell: On the only foreign policy issue in this campaign http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2011/11/09/gordon-campbell-on-the-only-foreign-policy-in-this-campaign/
Gordon Campbell on the election campaign’s fixation with the future http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1111/S00094/gordon-campbell-on-the-campaigns-fixation-with-the-future.htm
Gordon Campbell: On credibility, and the government’s irrigation plans http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2011/11/10/gordon-campbell-on-credibility-and-irrigation-plans/
Warning on GM laws http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10764965
Uncertain future for the Maori Party http://mauistreet.blogspot.com/2011/11/uncertain-future-for-maori-party.html
National Party Environment and Climate Policy Too Weak http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00253/national-party-environment-and-climate-policy-too-weak.htm
Dark Matter: Are Solid Energy’s lignite plans a significant step down the wrong energy path? http://www.listener.co.nz/current-affairs/business/dark-matter/
Prostesters ‘make National’s signs more honest’ http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/5962008/Prostesters-make-Nationals-signs-more-honest
Green Party will change law to ensure equal pay http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1111/S00401/green-party-will-change-law-to-ensure-equal-pay.htm
Call For Moratorium On Oil And Gas Fracking In New Zealand http://www.suite101.com/news/call-for-moratorium-on-oil-and-gas-fracking-in-new-zealand-a396772#ixzz1eIEYIaPE
Fear not punishment behind inmate increase – Chief Justice http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/91312/fear-not-punishment-behind-inmate-increase-chief-justice?mid=52
Editorial: MPs’ travel perk raise unwarranted http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/5989340/Editorial-MPs-travel-perk-raise-unwarranted
Joining the top 1% http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2011/11/joining-top-1.html
National Standards for bi-lingual and ESOL students is cultural bullying http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED1111/S00123/national-standards-for-bi-lingual-students-is-cultural-bully.htm
Wrong approach to investment in early childhood education http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00404/wrong-approach-to-investment-in-early-childhood-education.htm
NZ WORK RIGHTS
Hillside Workers Down Tools, Express ‘No Confidence’ in Their Bosses and Call on CEO Jim Quinn to ‘Step In’ http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00382/hillside-workers-down-tools-express-no-confidence-in-bosses.htm
CTU releases submission to the 2011 Minimum Wage Review http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00284/ctu-releases-submission-to-the-2011-minimum-wage-review.htm
Raising minimum wage won’t cost jobs – Treasury http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/politics/58695.html
John Key lying about minimum wage http://tumeke.blogspot.com/2011/11/john-key-lying-about-minimum-wage.html
Key ‘sat on wage report’ http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5950736/Key-sat-on-wage-report
key’s figures dodgy on minimum wage http://www.3news.co.nz/Keys-figures-dodgy-on-minimum-wage—blog/tabid/1382/articleID/232399/Default.aspx
Key covered up minimum wage facts – Goff http://tvnz.co.nz/election-2011/key-covered-up-minimum-wage-facts-claims-goff-4523245
Research confirms the realities for health workers http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1111/S00098/research-confirms-the-realities-for-health-workers.htm
National’s vision for public services – cut services and swell the dole queue http://tinyurl.com/7gz82zr
NZ ECONOMY
Fair taxation for just society http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/opinion/perspective/5965996/Fair-taxation-for-just-society
CEOs of country’s four big banks get A$11.7 mln (NZ$15.3 mln), combined, in annual pay with 31% in fixed pay and rest in bonuses and benefits http://www.interest.co.nz/news/56716/ceos-countrys-four-big-banks-get-a117-mln-nz153-mln-combined-annual-pay-31-fixed-pay-and-
The job crisis for young New Zealanders http://www.listener.co.nz/commentary/the-job-crisis-for-young-new-zealanders/3/
Debt or jobs – that’s the big decision http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10764912
Major economic risk in private debt http://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/opinion/185899/major-economic-risk-private-debt
What Should Be Our Economic Priorities? Brian Easton argued in a recent Wellington Fabian lecture that in a time of prolonged economic stagnation we should not equate income with wellbeing, or pursue income growth at all costs. http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11111592/Easton%20October%202011.pdf
Downgrade the Credit Rating Agencies by Bill Rosenberg http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11111592/Rosenberg%20Article%20November%202011.pdf
Credit Ratings, credit rating agencies & NZ’s rating by David Tripe http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11111592/Tripe%20November%202011.pdf
What do credit ratings organisations tell us by Bill Rosenberg http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11111592/Tripe%20November%202011.pdf
CTU: Transpacific Partnership Agreement http://union.org.nz/tppa
TPPA DEBATE
Prof Jane Kelsey: More Hypocrisy on the Trans-Pacific Partnership as APEC Meets in Honolulu http://business.scoop.co.nz/2011/11/13/more-hypocrisy-on-the-trans-pacific-partnership/
CTU: TPPA framework shows leaders only listening to business http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00330/tppa-framework-shows-leaders-only-listening-to-business.htm
Trans-Pacific Partnership is Govt’s ‘secret dirty deal’
Opponents of a trans-Pacific trade talks between New Zealand, the United States and seven other countries, have demanded the National Party leader, John Key, show them the deal. (3′30″) http://podcast.radionz.co.nz/mnr/ckpt-election2011-20111109-1840-opponents_of_tpp_demand_key_shows_them_the_deal-048.mp3
"Waikato Times" Editorial Opposing TPPA Secrecy http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/opinion/editorials/5825520/Editorial-Treated-like-mushrooms
Letter: FTAs could undermine government control of state assets http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/letters-to-the-editor/5940178/Letter-FTAs-could-undermine-government-control-of-state-assets
A real trade deal or will pigs fly? http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/5953161/A-real-trade-deal-or-will-pigs-fly
Pacific Trade Pact Misses APEC Deadline http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1111/S00311/pacific-trade-pact-misses-apec-deadline.htm
Japan’s TPP plans ‘threat to NZ exports’ http://www.3news.co.nz/Japans-TPP-plans-threat-to-NZ-exports/tabid/421/articleID/232528/Default.aspx
Maritime Union calls for New Zealand to pull out of free trade deals http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00380/maritime-union-calls-for-nz-to-pull-out-of-fta-deals.htm
MANA MOVEMENT
Harawira attacks National over poverty http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5950580/Harawira-attacks-National-over-poverty
Hone a surprise stand out http://www.nzherald.co.nz/election-2011/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503012&objectid=10766607
Harawira calls for MPs to donate pay rise http://www.3news.co.nz/Harawira-calls-for-MPs-to-donate-pay-rise/tabid/419/articleID/233077/Default.aspx#ixzz1eIpsw940
Sue Bradford – the Pakeha with Mana http://www.3news.co.nz/Sue-Bradford—the-Pakeha-with-Mana/tabid/419/articleID/232976/Default.aspx
Mana releases ‘Top 10 Crimes of the Millennium’ list http://www.3news.co.nz/Mana-releases-Top-10-Crimes-of-the-Millennium-list/tabid/419/articleID/233021/Default.aspx#ixzz1eIqJcrDR
Harawira says Cabinet should be drug tested http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10766469
Bradford: Mana a ‘party for the future http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10766460
Bradford: Drug testing will force beneficiaries into crime http://tvnz.co.nz/election-2011/bradford-drug-testing-force-beneficiaries-into-crime-4540243
Hone-lite: The new face of Mana’s leader http://www.3news.co.nz/Hone-lite-The-new-face-of-Manas-leader/tabid/419/articleID/232701/Default.aspx
Harawira dominates Tai Tokerau debate http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5965798/Harawira-dominates-Tai-Tokerau-debate
Mana seeks apology from National for misleading voters on tax http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00335/mana-seeks-apology-from-national-for-misleading-on-tax.htm
Mana Calls For Full Disclosure On TPPA http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00327/mana-calls-for-full-disclosure-on-tppa.htm
Nats lack common decency on GI housing http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00242/mana-nats-lack-common-decency-on-gi-housing.htm
Selling state assets to provide a subsidised income for farmers http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00243/selling-state-assets-to-provide-farmer-subsidies-is-wrong.htm
Sykes set to win Waiariki, says Harawira http://www.rotoruadailypost.co.nz/news/sykes-set-to-win-waiariki-says-harawira/1171269/#.Tr3A3P0vO2Z.facebook
Mana Party campaigns in Eastern Bay http://www.rotoruadailypost.co.nz/news/harawira-sykes-hit-eastern-bay/1161668/
Latest job stats expose Nats’ real agenda on welfare – Mana http://mana.net.nz/press-releases/latest-job-stats-expose-nats-real-agenda-on-welfare-mana/
Street Survey Would See Mana With 4 Mps http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00301/street-survey-would-see-mana-with-4-mps.htm
Epsom debate: Banks attacks Brash http://unityaotearoa.blogspot.com/2011/11/epsom-debate-banks-attacks-brash.html?mid=52921
Mana for all in Positive Pomare – Stop Housing NZ destroying our community! http://www.facebook.com/notes/grant-brookes/mana-for-all-in-positive-pomare-stop-housing-nz-destroying-our-community/10150417648272249
Mana ready to pick up disaffected Green-activist vote http://www.nzherald.co.nz/elections-2011-experts/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503209&objectid=10766789
MANA Hard in Waiariki http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00552/mana-hard-in-waiariki.htm
MANA is calling for an amnesty for Pacific Islander overstayers in Aotearoa. http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1111/S00413/mana-calls-for-overstayers-amnesty.htm
Mana Doing Labour’s Job http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1111/S00408/mana-doing-labours-job.htm
New Proposals Morph National Standards Into National Testing http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00535/new-proposals-morph-national-standards-into-national-testing.htm
Mana Movement – Foreign Policy http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00530/mana-movement-foreign-policy-release.htm
The breath-taking double standards of John Key http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00477/the-breath-taking-double-standards-of-john-key.htm
MANA Party Candidate for Waiariki Annette Sykes Challenge to the Maori Party: Do You Support National and ACT? http://mana.net.nz/press-releases/mana-party-candidate-for-waiariki-annette-sykes-challenge-to-the-maori-party/
Housing assurances ‘wont stop destruction of a community’ http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/11766419/housing-assurances-wont-stop-destruction-of-a-community/
Abuse of Political Office http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1111/S00451/abuse-of-political-office.htm
FEATURES
Smokin’ Joe Frazier: The Death of the Disrespected http://www.thenation.com/blog/164507/smokin-joe-frazier-death-disrespected
Politics Matter: Changes in Unionization Rates in Rich Countries, 1960-2010 http://www.cepr.net/index.php/publications/reports/changes-in-unionization-rates-in-rich-countries-1960-2010
The Right To Dream – We Are Fighting For Justice By Arundhati Roy – You have reintroduced the right to dream into a system that tried to turn everybody into zombies mesmerized into equating mindless consumerism with happiness and fulfillment. http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article29766.htm
CULTURAL DISSENT
Tom Morello on unions and the #occupy movement http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ZZFZqHjQS_I
The academic as truth-teller: The logic of the bureacratisation of academia, forcing academics to ‘publish or perish’ and cut corners when it comes to teaching, has more to do with the marketisation of universities than learning and scholarship http://tinyurl.com/7a7k6ht
The Assault on Universities: An Introduction to Education Reform and Resistance http://tinyurl.com/7yroprh
‘Thomas Friedman: The imperial messenger’ – Thomas Friedman’s writing on the Middle East is condescending and often misleading. http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2011/11/2011116114832660506.html
4everevolution – Music Review by Estelle Cooch http://www.socialistreview.org.uk/article.php?articlenumber=11831
Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975: A militant fight against racism brought to life http://www.socialistworker.org.uk/art.php?id=26617
John Lennon – Give Peace A Chance
Britain’s Empire is unsparing in its portrayal of the horror and brutality of imperialism, but reveals also the breadth and depth of resistance to Empire on the part of the colonised, invaded and enslaved. http://tinyurl.com/7jhtefr
WORLD ECONOMIC CRISIS
G20 : the Symbol of a System Failure http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article23391
Robbed blind by the 1 percent – A recent report from Congressional Budget Office shows a huge increase in the income of the richest 1 percent. Elizabeth Schulte reports. http://socialistworker.org/2011/11/08/robbed-blind-1-percent
Italy and Greece: rule by the bankers http://thenextrecession.wordpress.com/2011/11/10/italy-and-greece-rule-by-the-bankers/
13 Ways to ‘Tax the Rich’ http://www.zcommunications.org/13-ways-to-tax-the-rich-by-jack-rasmus
The Global Reserve Army of Labor and the New Imperialism by John Bellamy Foster, Robert W. McChesney, and R. Jamil Jonna http://monthlyreview.org/2011/11/01/the-global-reserve-army-of-labor-and-the-new-imperialism
Who Rules the Global Economy? http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/07/who-rules-the-global-economy/
Understanding and Fighting Austerity – What are some of the forces that are driving the current crisis? How is it pushing forward the agenda of business and governments to get working people and our organizations to tighten our belts and accept their calls for austerity? What forms is resistance taking around the world – what are the strengths and limitations of that resistance and what can we learn from it?
Featuring: Sam Gindin is the Packer Chair in Social Justice, York University; Stefan Kipfer is Associate Professor in the Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University; Moderated by Kamilla Pietrzyk. http://www.socialistproject.ca/leftstreamed/ls118.php
Political Crisis in Italy and Greece: Marx on ‘Technical Government’ by Marcello Musto – In recent years Karl Marx has again been featured in the world’s press because of his prescient insights into the cyclical and structural character of capitalist crises. Now there is another reason why he should be re-read in the light of Greece and Italy: the reappearance of the ‘technical government.’ http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/570.php
LAND, LABOUR & THE ENVIRONMENT
GM crops promote superweeds, food insecurity and pesticides, say NGOs http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/oct/19/gm-crops-insecurity-superweeds-pesticides
Suffer our children unless the world changes http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/5956206/Suffer-our-children-unless-the-world-changes
La Via Campesina at the Committee on Food Security (CFS): “We can no longer wait” http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article23407
Rapa Nui/Easter Island: Blaming the victims — Jared Diamond’s myth of ‘ecocide’ http://links.org.au/node/2591
Occupy Denialism: Toward Ecological and Social Revolution by John Bellamy Foster http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/2011/foster111111.html
ALGERIA
The Long Shadow of Algeria on the Arab Autumn http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article23424
AUSTRALIA
Poultry workers hold off riot police attack http://sa.org.au/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=7134%3Apoultry-workers-hold-off-riot-police-attack&Itemid=392
Obama confirms Down Under Pearl Harbour http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/australia/5979738/Obama-confirms-Down-Under-Pearl-Harbour
BANGLADESH
The Left and Social-Movement Struggles in Bangladesh http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article23409
BAHRAIN
Western-backed police state puts trade unionists on trial http://tinyurl.com/787alqh
Hundreds Mourn After Boy Is Killed In Demonstration http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/19/bahrain-hundreds-mourn_n_1102730.html
CANADA
Police can arrest anyone who does not comply with order starting Monday afternoon http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Judge+grants+injunction+remove+tent+city/5737904/story.html#ixzz1eCqJGbUH
Changing face of protest: Tent city has evolved to now include a ‘homeless element’ http://www.vancouversun.com/Changing+face+protest/5673309/story.html#ixzz1dFJl5P6U
Opinion: Occupy Vancouver injunction ups the ante for backpedalling mayor, protesters http://www.vancouversun.com/travel/Opinion+Occupy+Vancouver+injunction+ante+backpedalling+mayor+protesters/5671409/story.html
City’s Occupy Vancouver injunction strategy backfires on besieged mayor http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Opinion+City+Occupy+Vancouver+injunction+strategy+backfires+besieged+mayor/5684044/story.html#ixzz1dRTFh9Rr
B.C. union leaders divided on next Occupy Vancouver actions http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/bc-politics/bc-union-leaders-divided-on-next-occupy-vancouver-actions/article2230954/
Massive protest in Quebec against huge hike in tuition fees http://lifeonleft.blogspot.com/2011/11/massive-protest-in-quebec-against-huge.html
CHINA
Workers at Pepsi bottling plants in China protest takeover http://www.clb.org.hk/en/node/101166
China: Wildcat strikes and labour advocacy http://aawl.org.au/files//pdf/awo_11_11_11.pdf
COLOMBIA
The mass movement re-emerges http://links.org.au/node/2597
CUBA
Cuba Guidelines debate PDF English: Here is my complete English translation of the booklet Information on the results of the Debate on the Economic and Social Policy Guidelines for the Party and the Revolution, an explanatory document published together with the final version of the Guidelines adopted by the Cuban Communist Party (PCC) Congress in April. http://cubasocialistrenewal.blogspot.com/2011/11/cuba-guidelines-debate-pdf-english.html
Paternalism debate http://tinyurl.com/cd9b4ql
EGYPT
The Political Economy of the Egyptian Uprising http://monthlyreview.org/2011/11/01/the-political-economy-of-the-egyptian-uprising
The Maspero Massacre: What Really Happened by Mosireen and Intifadat Intifadat http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/2011/maspero111111.html
GREECE
Elites appoint new gov’t behind the people’s backs http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/49425
Lazy Ouzo-Swilling, Olive-Pit Spitting Greeks Or, How Goldman Sacked Greece http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article29655.htm
Banks and EU on the head of Greek government http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article23411
HONDURAS
America’s great foreign policy disgrace http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/nov/18/honduras-america-foreign-policy-disgrace
IRAN
Debunking the Iran "Terror Plot" http://www.merip.org/mero/mero110311
Iran and the I.A.E.A. By Seymour M. Hersh – The new report, therefore, leaves us where we’ve been since 2002, – with lots of belligerent talk but no definitive evidence of a nuclear-weapons program. http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article29768.htm
JAPAN
Japan 7 months after: missing persons, unemployment, poverty… http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?article23177
KOREA
Hanjin workers win: Korean unionist Kim Jin-suk has touched ground for the first time since January to end her protest against Hanjin Heavy Industries http://aawl.org.au/content/hanjin-workers-win
South Korea’s 300 Day Aerial Sit-in Strike Highlights Plight of Precarious Workers http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/566.php#continue
NICARAGUA
Night of the Sandinistas – Election Night in Nicaragua http://www.counterpunch.org/2011/11/08/election-night-in-nicaragua/print
Nicaragua’s Ortega: Socialism to opportunism? After winning a landslide election victory, critics worry former revolutionary will consolidate his grip on power. http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2011/11/2011117173951437487.html
A Peaceful Nicaraguan Election Brings a Mandate for Sandinista Social Programs http://upsidedownworld.org/main/nicaragua-archives-62/3296-a-peaceful-nicaraguan-election-brings-a-mandate-for-sandinista-social-programs
Win for Alianza Nicaragua Triunfa and re-election of Daniel Ortega mark revolutionary change http://links.org.au/node/2596
Fidel Castro: The overwhelming victory of Daniel and the FSLN http://www.granma.cu/ingles/reflections-i/10nov-47Reflex1.html
PACIFIC
Donate to Freeport strikers http://aawl.org.au/content/donate-freeport-strikers
WEST PAPUA CRISIS: Indonesian commandos terrorise villagers in fresh Papua brutality http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2011/11/indonesian-commandos-terrorise-villagers-in-fresh-west-papua-brutality/
Brutal show of force against Papuan congress stirs demands for inquiry http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2011/10/brutal-show-of-force-against-papuan-congress-stirs-calls-for-inquiry/
Maire Leadbeater reflects on West Papua’s ‘Arab Spring’ http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2011/11/maire-leadbeater-reflects-on-west-papuas-arab-spring/
Fiji union leaders released http://aawl.org.au/content/fiji-union-leaders-released
The Statement of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference on Papua: Stop violence! Let us hold a dialogue! http://www.faithbasednetworkonwestpapua.org/news
PALESTINE
Truths, facts and facts on the ground – Much of the international support that Israel receives is based on several lies it tells and re-tells as "facts". http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2011/10/2011102583358314280.html
Reverend Allan Boesak calls Israeli apartheid “more terrifying” than South Africa ever was http://www.australiansforpalestine.net/54346?mid=532
Where Should the Birds Fly? A powerful story 2 young women, survivors of Israel’s brutal Dec 2008 attack on Gaza, who represent…http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1767087449/where-should-the-birds-fly?mid=530
‘They made us do it…’ — The Disordered Psychology of Israel http://www.avigailabarbanel.me.uk/they-made-us-do-it.html?mid=52
Gaza: Residents deprived of critical medications and medical care http://www.msf.org/msf/articles/2011/11/gaza–residents-deprived-of-critical-medications-and-medical-care.cfm?mid=52
PHILIPPINES
Clinton, counter-insurgency and hegemony http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2011/11/2011111373127469575.html
PETITION: Justice for all victims of extra-judicial killings! http://www.humanrightsphilippines.net/2011/11/petition-justice-for-all-victims-of-extra-judicial-killings/?mid=52
Pasay court orders Gloria Arroyo’s arrest http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=749531&publicationSubCategoryId=63
SOUTH AFRICA
COSATU leader on South African and Israeli apartheid http://links.org.au/node/2590
SYRIA
Jordan, Arab League Hypocrisy on Syria by Robert Dreyfuss http://www.thenation.com/blog/164637/jordan-arab-league-hypocrisy-syria
Syria and Iran: the great game – Regime change in Syria is a strategic prize that outstrips Libya – which is why Saudi Arabia and the west are playing their part http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/nov/04/syria-iran-great-game
The Great War of Intervention http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/great-war-intervention
Britain in Secret Talks with Syrian "Rebels" http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article29767.htm
Robert Fisk: Assad will only go if his own tanks turn against him: Predictions of Syrian leader’s imminent demise are hopelessly optimistic
TIMOR
Don’t Let the Bankers Occupy Timor – Sign the petition For Debt-Free Timor-Leste http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/support-a-debt-free-timor-leste.html
UK
In pictures: Occupy London protest swells – Demonstration swells as "99 per cent" pro-democracy protesters rally against corporate greed in British capital. http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/2011/11/2011117201951241331.html
British police accused of criminalizing protest
USA
The unions weigh in for Occupy: Lee Sustar reports on the growing momentum for the November 17 labor/Occupy day of action—and its potential for broadening the movement around the country. http://socialistworker.org/2011/11/10/unions-weigh-in-for-occupy
Opulent Sothebys’ Appalling Treatment of Its Workers Is a Perfect Symbol of the Out of Touch 1% http://tinyurl.com/7fc7wda
VENEZUELA
3.7 Million Families Registered in Venezuela’s Housing Mission http://venezuelanalysis.com/news/6600
New Venezuelan Mission Aims to Create 2.8 million Jobs in Eight Years http://venezuelanalysis.com/news/6599
Praxis, Learning, and New Cooperativism in Venezuela: An Initial Look at Venezuela’s Socialist Production Units http://venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/6625
OLDER ANNOUNCEMENTS
WAIHOPAI SPYBASE PROTEST JANUARY 20-22, 2012
The Waihopai spybase was subjected to unprecedented public attention by the March 2010 trial and acquittal of the three Ploughshares peace activists who penetrated its high security in 2008 and deflated one of the two domes concealing its satellite dishes from the NZ public. This legal saga has continued into 2011 with the Government changing the law to prevent their grounds of defence being used again and then suing the three activists personally for the $1.2 million damage to the dome. The Anti-Bases Campaign was happy to support this non-violent direct action anti-war activity, from start to finish. The public face of New Zealand’s role as an American ally is the NZ military presence in Afghanistan. But New Zealand’s most significant contribution to that, and other American wars, including the one in Iraq, is the Waihopai electronic intelligence gathering base, located in the Waihopai Valley, near Blenheim. It is controlled by the US, with New Zealand (including Parliament and the Prime Minister) having little or no idea what goes on there, let alone any control. First announced in 1987, Waihopai is operated by New Zealand’s Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) in the interests of the foreign Powers grouped together in the super-secret UKUSA Agreement (which shares global electronic and signals intelligence among the intelligence agencies of the US, UK, Canada, Australia and NZ). Its two satellite interception dishes intercept a huge volume of civilian telephone calls, telexes, faxes, e-mail and computer data communications. It spies on our Asia/Pacific neighbours, and forwards the material on to the major partners in the UKUSA Agreement, specifically the US National Security Agency (NSA). Its targets are international civilian communications involving New Zealanders, including the interception of international phone calls. Post- 9/11 the GCSB and Waihopai now spy further afield, to those regions where the US is waging wars. The codename for this – Echelon – has become notorious worldwide as the vast scope of its spying has become public. New Zealand is an integral, albeit junior part of a global spying network, a network that is ultimately accountable only to its own constituent agencies, not governments, not citizens. Join us for the weekend of anti-war protest at this spybase. Come prepared for roughing it and camping out. We provide the food (we cater for vegetarians but vegans will have to bring their own). Bring sleeping bag, groundsheet, a tent, torch, water bottle, eating utensils, clothing for all weather, and $40 (or $20 unwaged) to cover costs. No open fires. How to find our camp at Whites Bay: turn off SH1 at Tuamarina (9km north of Blenheim or 20 km south of Picton) and drive to Rarangi on the coast. Follow the steep Port Underwood Road over the hilltop before descending to the Whites Bay turnoff. There is a DoC public camp at the bay with basic facilities. ABC has to pay a fixed charge per head. Waihopai does not operate in the interests of New Zealanders or our neighbours. Basically it is a foreign spybase on NZ soil and directly involves us in America’s wars. Waihopai must be closed. Organised by the Anti-Bases Campaign, P.O. Box 2258, Christchurch. E-mail cafca www.converge.org.nz/abc $40 Registration ($20 unwaged). Make all cheques to ABC
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