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GPJA # 467: Fri – McStrike / Sat – Beggar Ban / Sun – Minto 4 Mayor

July 4, 2013 Leave a comment

GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER No. 467, JULY 4, 2013

MCSTRIKE – JOIN THE PICKET ON QUEEN ST THIS FRIDAY

On the freezing night of Thursday 27th June, Unite Union Picket lines outside Queen St McDonald’s were attacked by private security thugs and the police . The union delegate, Siddhata Vyas, was not allowed access her own workplace, neither were Union officials in contravention of both the agreed Collective Contract and Section 20 of the Employment Relations Act.

Watch what happened here-

Unite is appealing to all trade unionists to stand up for workers and union rights and join with us in a mass picket of McDonalds Queen Street this Friday night.

Union access can not be stopped by hired security thugs, and the NZ Police should not be automatically taking the Employers side during industrial disputes.

If so, then basic democratic rights are under attack, and if the National Party gets its way with labour law changes, then the scenes of last Thursday will be replayed at every front door of every work place in Aotearoa.

We will march up from Britomart McDonalds – assembling there at 6pm.

For further information contact Joe at 029 4455702.

www.mcstrike.org.nz #McStrike

Bring your union banners and flags.

https://www.facebook.com/events/470384413046878/?ref=22

BEGGING BAN – TAKE ACTION THIS SATURDAY, 12PM AT SMITH AND CAUGHEY’S QUEEN ST

Kia ora AAAP friends and supporters. Many of you would have seen in the media that the Auckland City Council is planning on banning begging in the Auckland region. This is clearly a short sighted response to the real problem of increasing poverty, homelessness and drug addiction. AAAP will be supporting an event to speak out on this this coming Saturday on Queen St at 12pm outside Smith and Caughey’s (who are one of the three submitters requesting this ban be enforced). Join us there in letting the council know that they have an economic and social responsibility to their people and that instead of banning begging, their top priority should be major resourcing and other support for housing and jobs, and lobbying government for decent welfare policies. Facebook event details: https://www.facebook.com/events/384259328352958/?notif_t=plan_edited Media: http://www.3news.co.nz/Welfare-groups-slam-Auckland-begging-ban/tabid/423/articleID/303672/Default.aspx

MINTO 4 MAYOR LAUNCH 2PM SUNDAY

Sunday 7th July, 2pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Road Grey Lynn
Minto for Mayor – policy launch: Find out how Mana’s transport policy will give Aucklanders an hour extra at home – every day! A warm welcome to everyone to this policy launch which will focus on Auckland’s traffic crisis. Everyone welcome!! Minto – “You know which side he’s on”

WHAT’S ON IN AOTEAROA/NEW ZEALAND

Friday, July 5, 6pm, Britomart McDonad’s

Defend Workers Rights- March on McDonalds. Union Picket lines in Queen St were attacked by private security thugs and the police on Thursday 27th June. The union delegate was not allowed access her own workplace. Unite is appealing to all trade unionists to stand up for workers and union rights and join with us in a mass picket of McDonalds Queen Street next Friday night. We will march up from Britomart McDonalds- assembling there at 6pm.

Sunday, July 7, 10am, Parakiwai Quarry Road, Whangamata
Protect Parakiwai: Too precious to mine. Join us this Sunday to celebrate the stunning bush in Parakiwai, Coromandel Forest Park. (Just 9km from the center of Whangamata). Bush walk protest and picnic . Sunday July 7th, 2013 – 10 am. Meet at road end of Parakiwai Quarry Road, Whangamata. Bring your friends, a picnic, instruments & banners. Newmont Waihi Gold and Glass Earth Gold are currently drilling in the Parakiwai Valley on conservation land that should be protected by Schedule 4. This area is the home to the endangered Archey’s Frogs, Helm’s Butterflies and Coromandel Brown Kiwi as well as other native species. We believe conservation land should be off-limits to mining, yet the government and Newmont are doing their best to undermine the integrity of our most precious places. The Coromandel is too precious to mine – join us on Sunday to oppose drilling in conservation land and protect Parakiwai! Directions: Driving through Whangamata heading south drive for 5km, turn right onto Parakiwai Quarry Road, drive for 3kms to roadend. Tramping: This will involve tramping for 1hr 30mins one way to the drill site: an enjoyable, mostly flat walk that will be guided by a Whangamata local with extensive knowledge of the bush and the history of the area. There is also a beautiful waterfall at a 20 minute detour from where we turn off to the rig that people may want to visit on their way home. Wet weather plan: We will still go with the day’s event unless it is bad weather, at this stage it looks like there will be light showers in which case we are all steam ahead – bring a raincoat. For further information call Renee on 0220181764 or email on renee or visit www.watchdog.org.nz

Wednesday, July 10, 5pm, Peace Place, 22 Emily Place, Auckland Central.
Asia Pacific Human Rights Coalition.

Wednesday, July 10, 6.30pm, Kinder House Parnell, Crn. Ayr St. and Parnell Rd.
United Nations Association of New Zealand PUBLIC MEETING.
– Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Meeting UN Geneva April 2013. Report by Laurie Ross.
– Humanitarian Consequences of Nuclear Weapons – ICAN Demand a Ban. Oslo Conference March 2013. Report by Kate Dewes and Rob Green
– Abolition 2000 Edinburgh/Faslane Declaration. Nuclear Free Local Authorities Seminar. Report by Matt Robson.
The UNANZ provides an opportunity for people to learn about the progress being made this year at three international conferences for nuclear disarmament. The reports are presented by leading Nuclear Free New Zealand NGO representatives who attended the events. They will explain the process and the current strategies being employed to overcome the blockages to achieving the abolition of nuclear weapons. There will be time for questions and discussion. Supported by the Peace Foundation and Abolition 2000 NZ. For more information contact Laurie Ross 818 0696 or Gary Russell 379 4008. Email: laurie-ross

Wednesday, July 10, 1pm, The Limelight Room, Upper NZI Level, Aotea Centre, Auckland CBD
Joris de Bres – ‘Cultural diversity and race relations: Reflections after a decade as New Zealand’s Race Relations Commissioner’. Abstract: Joris de Bres recently retired after ten and a half years as Race Relations Commissioner. In this presentation he will look at what has changed over that time, what needs to change now, and what he sees as the challenges and opportunities for Auckland in particular. Please feel free to forward this invitation to anyone who may be interested. Please RSVP to Alyssa Stent: Alyssa.stent Ph: 09 484 8780

Saturday, July 13, 12pm, Upper Hut Library
A cultural and artistic event celebrating the life and work of Nobel Prize Chilean poet – Pablo Neruda. This year marks the 40-year anniversary of his death and the 40-year anniversary of the military coup in Chile – this event is framed within this context and will showcase some of his poetry through both narrative and music (in Spanish and English!) as well as some music from Chilean singer/songwriter, Victor Jara, who was killed in the early days of the military dictatorship also. Entry is free so hope to see you there!

Tuesday, July 16, 6pm, Caseroom3, Auckland University Owen Glenn Centre
Dr Geoff Bertram – “Is there a regulatory compact on electricty gentailer asset prices? If so, what does it say?” I would like to invite you to the above lecture by Dr Geoff Bertram of the Institute for Governance and Policy Studies at Victoria University, to be held in Caseroom3, Auckland University Owen Glenn Centre, on Tuesday 16th July at 8pm. Over the past twenty years residential electricity prices have doubled in real terms, driving many households into energy poverty. The Electricity Authority has argued in a recent paper that the resulting windfall profits and asset revaluations secured by the five large generator-retailers are in accordance with an “implicit regulatory compact”. Geoff Bertram believes that in fact the original regulatory compact renders the asset revaluations illegitimate, and that asset values ought to be rolled back to historic-cost with price reductions to match. Up to $1.5 billion per year is at stake (nearly $1,000 per year per household). Labour and the Greens propose to claw back only about half of this from the companies, which means their policy proposals are quite conservative – certainly not extremist and revolutionary as some business spokespersons have claimed. All welcome. Please register here.

Wednesday, July 31, 6:30pm-8.30pm, Western Springs Garden Community Hall, 956 Great North Road, Western Springs
A winter’s night with CPAG. 6.30pm: AGM. 7.30pm: Launch. Please join us for: CPAG’s Annual General Meeting. Followed by the official launch of CPAG’s two-part series on: Child Abuse and Poverty: What are the links? Come along, meet the CPAG team, chat to fellow supporters, learn more about what we’re doing, hear from great speakers and enjoy some drinks and nibbles! Please remember to RSVP for catering purposes. If you have any questions about the event or how to RSVP please contact our office on 09 303 9260. Marianna Munting, Child Poverty Action Group, admin 09 320 5260

JOIN THE 2013 SOLIDARITY BRIGADE TO VENEZUELA – DECEMBER 4-13, 2013

Witness a people’s revolution in action. The Australia-Venezuela Solidarity Network’s 14th international solidarity brigade to Venezuela this December is a very special opportunity to observe, learn about and be inspired by the Bolivarian revolution that is transforming Latin America and challenging the greed and exploitation of global capitalism by showing that a better world is possible.

Since 1998, when the late Hugo Chavez was first elected president, the Bolivarian revolution has achieved remarkable things by putting control of Venezuela’s politics and economy back into the hands of the poor majority. Despite the challenges created by Chavez’s death last March and the right-wing’s campaign to undermine new President Nicolas Maduro, this people-power driven revolution continues to flourish and defy all attempts by the imperialism-backed opposition to destroy it.

The brigade itinerary is being planned in consultation with our partners in Venezuela, but during the 10-day visit, participants will:

visit social missions, communal councils and communes, as well as production cooperatives, public health and education services, sustainable development projects, community controlled media stations, and women’s and Indigenous organisations and projects; and

meet with a wide range of grassroots organisations, community activists, trade unions and government representatives to learn more about the “socialism of the 21st century” being created by the Venezuelan people; and

spend time in the capital, Caracas, and travel to a regional area of Venezuela.

Brigade registration and costs

The registration deadline for the 2013 brigade is September 1, 2013. Accommodation, transport within Venezuela and English-Spanish translation throughout the brigade will be organised for all participants by the AVSN.

Participants will need to book their own international airfares. Please do not purchase your tickets before the registration deadline of September 1.

In addition to your international airfare, you will need to budget for approximately $1200. This will cover your brigade registration fee ($500 for waged workers or $350 for students/pensioners), and your food, transport and (shared) accommodation in Venezuela.

To register or for more information: EMAIL: brigades

www.venezuelasolidarity.org

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ROBERT WADE PUBLIC LECTURES

Robert Wade, Professor of Political Economy, London School of Economics, will be visiting New Zealand inJuly, speaking on: “Inequality and the West – Capitalism at a Tipping Point”. Free public lectures will be held in Auckland, Dunedin, Christchurch and Wellington. A New Zealander, Professor Wade is a leading international writer on globalisation, inequality and world financial systems, and the author of the award-winning workGoverning the Market. Professor Wade was the winner, with José Antonio Ocampo, of the Leontief Prize in Economics in 2008.
Professor Wade is also a contributor to “Inequality: A New Zealand Crisis”, edited by Max Rashbrooke. Please click on the links below for more information:
Auckland:Monday 8 July 6pm
Old Government House Lecture Theatre. Co-hosted with the University of Auckland Business School. To be followed by the launch of Inequality in the OGH Members Lounge. Bookseller: Unity Books Auckland
Dunedin: Thursday 11 July 5.30pm
Archway 3 Lecture Theatre. Co-hosted with the Division of Humanities, University of Otago Bookseller: UBS Otago.
Christchurch: Friday 12 July 4pm
A3 Lecture Theatre. Co-hosted with the School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Canterbury and the New Zealand Fabian Society. To be followed by wine and light refreshments. Bookseller: UBS Canterbury
Wellington: Tuesday 16 July, 6pm
Soundings Theatre, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Please contact Megan Simpson at BWB for more informationmegan. We do not require confirmation of attendance for these events. Robert Wade’s tour is supported by the J. R. McKenzie Trust and the BWB Publishing Trust.

INEQUALITY – A NEW ZEALAND CRISIS – MAX RASHBROOKE (ED)
Available from BWB

The divide between New Zealand’s poorest and wealthiest inhabitants has widened alarmingly over recent decades. Differences in income have grown faster than in most other developed countries. New Zealand society is being reshaped, stretching to accommodate new distance between those who ‘have’ and those who ‘have not’. Income inequality is a crisis that affects us all.
A diverse gathering of New Zealand scholars, journalists, researchers, business leaders, workers, students and parents share these pages. Their voices speak to the complex shape of income inequality, and its effects on the communities of these Pacific islands.

Inequality means watching people close to you … persistently struggling … to keep their households afloat, to do their best for their children and to make good decisions by weighing up the constrained range of choices on offer. Karlo Mila

The sharp increase in income concentration at the top of national income distributions over recent decades should have prompted a … public debate about the question: ‘When are the rich too rich?’ Robert Wade

While equality is highly valued, there is huge disagreement about why equality matters and what precisely should be equalised. Jonathan Boston

The future, in one sense, is now. It is not an abstract, theoretical or even visionary picture of what the world may be like in fifty years or a hundred years. It is, rather, the potential we hold now, as a society. Linda Tuhiwai Smith

LIVING WAGE TO FEATURE AT LOCAL ELECTIONS

Candidates will be asked by communities to step up for a Living Wage at this year’s local body elections in Auckland, Wellington and beyond. The Living Wage Movement will hold seven meetings in Auckland with communities that want to see employees and contracted workers at Auckland Council paid a Living Wage. Living Wage Aotearoa NZ will join with the following Auckland communities to call for a Living Wage and to support other critical issues that really matter to their communities:

Unions @ Papatoetoe Cosi Club | August 22, 4-6pm

Women @ Columbus Centre, Ponsonby | September 3, 6-8pm

Youth @ Auckland University quad | September 4, 12.30-1.30pm

Migrant and Refugees @ Mays Rd Memorial Hall | September 7, 4-6pm

Faith-based groups @ Columbus Centre, Ponsonby | September 10, 7-9pm

West Auckland communities & unions @ | TBA

Pacific Communities @ Pacific Island Church Otara | October 4, 5-7pm

PEACE RESEARCHER ISSUE # 45 JUNE 2013

FESTIVAL FILMS ON HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES

Hi there, Just letting you know about a few of the great films we are screening in the 2013 NZ International Film Festival that will appeal to anyone with an interest in human rights. NZIFF offers great concession rates for groups of over twenty people and can also work with you to run a fundraiser for your organisation. Do let me know if you would like further information about group bookings and fundraisers.

I have attached a flier with our list of human rights films, but will point out a couple in particular to you now.

Firstly, Joshua Oppenheimer’s astounding documentary, The Act of Killing, depicts re-enactments performed by Indonesian death squad members of their 1960s reprisals against communism. “If we are to transform Indonesia into the democracy it claims to be, citizens must recognise the terror and repression on which our contemporary history has been built. No film, or any other work of art for that matter, has done this more effectively than The Act of Killing. It is essential viewing for us all.” — National Human Rights Commission of Indonesia. You may have heard Oppenheimer’s thorough discussion of the film in his recent interview with Kim Hill on Radio NZ National: http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/saturday/20130608

We are also screening two films that portray different aspects of the treatment of HIV in developing nations. Winner of both Jury and Audience Awards for Best Documentary at Sundance in January, Blood Brother explores the idealism of a young American aid worker in India. “Engaging and joyful… Documentaries don’t come any bigger-hearted than Blood Brother.” — Dennis Harvey, Variety. In somewhat stark contrast is Fire in the Blood, which chronicles resistance to the grotesque conjunction of market forces and health care in impoverished Africa. Both these films make excellent viewing for anyone interested in the human rights and development.

These films will be shown throughout our regions and the full programme, notes and details can be found on our website, www.nziff.co.nz. Do get in touch if you would like the full programme sent to you or if you would like to discuss the festival further.

Best regards,

Catherine Swallow | Outreach Co-ordinator

DDI + 64 4 802 3140 | M 021 0429560 | SKYPE catherine_nzff

The New Zealand Film Festival Trust

WELLINGTON Level 2, 2 Majoribanks St, Wellington 6011 | PO Box 9544,

Marion Square, Wellington 6141 | New Zealand | T + 64 4 385 0162

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | GOOGLE +| www.nzff.co.nz

INVITATION TO “SEE THE PHILIPPINES: LEARN AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!” WITH PEOPLE’S SOLIDARITY AND EDUCATION TOURS (PSET)

Dear friends, We are pleased to introduce to you People’s Solidarity and Education Tours (PSET), a newly-formed organization dedicated to solidarity building through tourism. More than offering fun and a glimpse of the country’s beauty, PSET offers an opportunity for travelers to have meaningful interaction and build solidarity with the Filipino people, especially in these times of worsening impoverishment and social injustices. Should you (or your members/contacts) be coming over to the Philippines, kindly consider availing of our heritage tours to see the Philippines’ famous historical and cultural sites from a different light, linking the country’s past and present with information and analysis that goes beyond the trivial, common, and colonial; or, to take part in our immersion programs in various communities for an in-depth understanding of the Filipino people’s plight, and direct contribution and long-term solidarity with them in their struggles. We also offer study tour programs which combine heritage tours and community exposures with formal lectures by institutions and authorities on the different aspects and issues of Philippine society. Alternatively, we can simply explore possible partnerships in the future. Please do not hesitate to email us at secretariat for more information and inquiries. Background information are also available at www.pset.org.ph We look forward to welcoming you/your guests to the Philippines and be a partner in building solidarity with the Filipino people. Yours truly, Lyn Pano, PSET Secretariat, www.pset.org.ph

People’s Solidarity and Education Tours (PSET) secretariat See the Philippines, learn and make a difference!

REFUGEES IN NZ – WHAT CAN I DO?

In 2009 I found over 1000 photos of Afghan families in an abandoned refugee detention centre in Iran. I smuggled them out of the country and they are having their first exhibition at Pataka Art + Museum in Porirua from July 13 – Sept 15. More information here: My Story. As a result I have researched New Zealand’s behaviour towards refugees. In February, the NZ Herald called our intake ‘paltry’ noting that Australia takes five times as many per capita. Amnesty International called our intake ‘tiny’. Around this exhibition I am working to push the government to double our refugee quota and funding. Over the coming week I will start pushing this material from our Facebook page. Please like and follow this page to stay connected.
But what can I do? Well, there are five packages to choose from – just consult the table below.

BEST ON THE WEB

NEW ZEALAND

Cathy Casey : Begging a social issue, not a crime http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10894576

Event in New Zealand draws unionists, artists, others into fight to free Cuban 5 http://www.themilitant.com/2013/7726/772650.html

Dead prisoners don’t complain about their medical treatment http://brookingblog.com/2013/06/29/dead-prisoners-dont-complain/

The winners and losers from Ikaroa-Rawhiti By John Minto – See more at: http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/06/30/the-winners-and-losers-from-ikaroa-rawhiti/#sthash.28pAwYt5.dpuf

Woodhouse signs on to refugee misinformation campaign http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1307/S00031/woodhouse-signs-on-to-refugee-misinformation-campaign.htm

GCSB

Editorial: Spying on journalist an unjustified attack http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/editorials/8864123/Editorial-Spying-on-journalist-an-unjustified-attack

Expansion of GCSB intelligence gathering intrusive http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1307/S00029/expansion-of-gcsb-intelligence-gathering-intrusive.htm

Kim Dotcom: New Zealander of the Year – why aren’t Kiwis furious at GCSB law? – See more at: http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/07/04/kim-dotcom-new-zealander-of-the-year-why-arent-kiwis-furious-at-gcsb-law/#sthash.AbUrjNLW.dpuf

‘Dark ages of spying’: Kim Dotcom lashes out at NZealand surveillance bill http://rt.com/news/kim-dotcom-surveillance-bill-623/

Gordon Campbell on Kim Dotcom’s latest contribution to our security laws http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2013/07/04/gordon-campbell-on-kim-dotcoms-latest-contribution-to-our-security-laws/

POVERTY AND INEQUALITY

Welfare groups slam Auckland begging ban http://www.3news.co.nz/Welfare-groups-slam-Auckland-begging-ban/tabid/423/articleID/303672/Default.aspx

Waikato region slammed by post cuts http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/8846617/Waikato-region-slammed-by-post-cuts

Shivering to trim power bills http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/business/8824192/Shivering-to-trim-power-bills

‘Wealthy’ schools get more than ‘poor’ http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/8858466/Wealthy-schools-get-more-than-poor

‘Free’ school costs almost $1000 a yea http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10893670

NZ ECONOMY

New Zealand’s property dream is a nightmare for tenants http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK1306/S00799/new-zealands-property-dream-is-a-nightmare-for-tenants.htm

MCD’S ON STRIKE

McStrike – Join the Picket on Queen St this Friday http://unitenews.wordpress.com/2013/07/04/mcstrike-join-the-picket-on-queen-st-this-friday/

Unite’s long fight for improvements at McDonald’s http://fightback.org.nz/2013/06/19/8077/#more-8077

McDonald’s staff picket over wages – Chanting “Old McDonald’s had a strike” http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/8853237/McDonalds-staff-picket-over-wages

Blenheim McDonald’s STRIKE

What’s so dangerous about this leaflet, that McDonalds hired private security thugs and a phalanx of the Auckland Police force to stop Unite Union from distributing it in their Queen Street store?

Picket lines attacked by Police in Auckland: Unite delegates and union officials barred access and attacked by private security thugs and the Auckland police. Defend Workers Rights- March on McDonalds, Friday July 5th, assemble at Britomart McDs.

Joe carolan speaks outsdie Maccas http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=YF3kZVNUoFM

Photos: McStrike Pickets Panmure and Glen Innes https://www.facebook.com/jenniferbworthington/media_set?set=a.602278419803867.1073741842.100000651420214&type=1

McStrikers Westfield Prepare For A Picket In Kelston

Mcstrikers Join The Kelston Picket Line

McStrike Picket McDonalds Glen Innes – playlist of 9 videos https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwnFFMeIO2mkr5u4giLClwhfxaf83PEj5

McStrike Picket Queen Street https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwnFFMeIO2mnx1WvcpR1X1-MhnrPHJmBk

McStrike Queesn St – List of 12 videos: Security guards stop a Mcdonald’s worker from entering McDonalds and assault a Unite Union Delegate. Police refuse to enforce the law and assault protestors on the picket line. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwnFFMeIO2mnx1WvcpR1X1-MhnrPHJmBk

WORKRIGHTS NZ

Calls intensify for forestry inquiry http://www.3news.co.nz/Calls-intensify-for-forestry-inquiry/tabid/1773/articleID/303635/Default.aspx

Workers protest Botany MP’s employment bill http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/eastern-courier/8848614/Workers-protest-Botany-MPs-employment-bill

Concerns over new workplace safety body http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/8850559/Concerns-over-new-workplace-safety-body

Minister misleads Select Committee about forestry safety http://union.org.nz/news/2013/minister-misleads-select-committee-about-forestry-safety

Victor Billot: NZ Post is ours, but you wouldn’t know it http://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/opinion/263171/opinion-nz-post-ours-you-wouldnt-know-it

A century of united labour http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/8857871/A-century-of-united-labour

Court case seen as part of wages campaign http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/262895/court-case-seen-part-wages-campaign

Awaiting Equal Pay Case Decision http://unitenews.wordpress.com/2013/07/02/awaiting-equal-pay-case-decision/

Living wage gets attention http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/263550/living-wage-gets-attention

STATS OF THE WEEK

Since 1965, the gap between the compensation of America’s top corporate chief executives and average worker pay has widened by 14 times over, the Economic Policy Institute calculates.

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

FEATURES

Egypt, Brazil, Turkey: without politics, protest is at the mercy of the elites http://m.guardiannews.com/commentisfree/2013/jul/02/politics-protest-elites-brazil-egypt-organisation

Noam Chomsky: Can civilisation survive really existing capitalism?

Rape in the Fields http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/rape-in-the-fields/

Cuban Democracy And The Twenty-First Century Latin American Left Video http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article35428.htm

Terry Bell: A micro-chip road to real democracy http://terrybellwrites.com/2013/07/01/a-micro-chip-road-to-real-democracy/

What is work? Wage labour, unpaid work and feminism http://fightback.org.nz/2013/06/29/what-is-work-wage-labour-unpaid-work-and-feminism/

WikiLeaks Blasts U.S. for Leaving Snowden “Stateless” as NSA Leaker Withdraws Asylum Bid in Russia http://www.democracynow.org/2013/7/2/wikileaks_blasts_us_for_leaving_snowden

Obama Admin Faces Diplomatic Uproar as Massive Surveillance of EU Governments, Citizens Exposed http://www.democracynow.org/2013/7/2/obama_admin_faces_diplomatic_uproar_as

Encryption Works: How to Protect Your Privacy in the Age of NSA Surveillance https://pressfreedomfoundation.org/whitepapers/encryption-works-how-protect-your-privacy-age-nsa-surveillance#trust

Outrageous HSBC Settlement Proves the Drug War is a Joke by MATT TAIBBI Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/blogs/taibblog/outrageous-hsbc-settlement-proves-the-drug-war-is-a-joke-20121213#ixzz2Y2gK1J00

WORLD ECONOMIC CRISIS

What Would Karl Marx Think? http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-06-27/what-would-karl-marx-think

Has capitalism failed the world? Former financial regulator Lord Adair Turner discusses the role of banks, the politics behind austerity, and capitalism. http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/headtohead/2013/06/201361294652861958.html

LAND, LABOUR & THE ENVIRONMENT

How Much Change on Climate Change? http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/844.php

Why we need an ecosocialist revolution: “It’s not enough to say that socialism is the solution. In the 21st century, fighting capitalist ecocide must be at the heart of our vision, our program and our activity.” by Ian Angus. Ian Angus is editor of Climate & Capitalism. This is the text of his talk at the Socialism 2013 conference in Chicago, June 29, 2013. It has been lightly edited for publication. http://climateandcapitalism.com/2013/07/02/why-we-need-an-ecosocialist-revolution-2/

CULTURAL DISSENT

Book Review: Celia Sanchez — a crucial organiser of Cuba’s revolution – See more at: http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/54420#sthash.gQEO73Up.dpuf

Which Side Are You On? Natalie Merchant

AUSTRALIA

Literacy program changes lives in rural community http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/54396

‘Shame, shame, shame’: Australia’s first Muslim frontbencher abused for taking oath on Koran Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/shame-shame-shame-australias-first-muslim-frontbencher-abused-for-taking-oath-on-koran-20130702-2p8l2.html#ixzz2XqdapPfi

BOLIVIA

Bolivia complains to UN after Evo Morales’ plane ‘kidnapped’ http://m.guardiannews.com/world/2013/jul/03/bolivia-un-evo-morales-plane

Statement in solidarity with Evo Morales and in condemnation of imperialism http://boliviarising.blogspot.co.nz/2013/07/statement-in-solidarity-with-evo.html

BRAZIL

Public Rage Catching Up With Brazil’s Congress http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/28/world/americas/public-rage-catching-up-with-brazils-congress.html

“The main immediate challenge for the anti-capitalist left is to contribute to the development of the movement” http://internationalviewpoint.org/spip.php?article3021

Brazilian Demonstrators Fill the Streets, Unions Join In – See more at: http://www.labornotes.org/2013/07/brazilian-demonstrators-fill-streets-unions-join#sthash.WLILSl9x.dpuf

BURMA

Burma riots: Video shows police failing to stop attack (BBC)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22243676

Burma: End “Ethnic Cleansing” of Rohingya Muslims (Human Rights Watch)

http://www.hrw.org/news/2013/04/22/burma-end-ethnic-cleansing-rohingya-muslims

Video shows Burmese police standing by as Buddhists attack Muslims (The Guardian)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/apr/22/burmese-police-buddhists-attack-muslims

The unending plight of Burma’s unwanted Rohingyas (BBC)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23077537

CHINA

China’s migrant workers seek answers closer to home http://www.clb.org.hk/en/content/chinas-migrant-workers-seek-answers-closer-home

EGYPT

Biggest Demonstrations in Egyptian History: Millions Demand President Morsi Step Down http://www.juancole .com/2013/07/demonstrations-egyptian-president.html

Sharif Abdel Kouddous: Millions Protesting Morsi Show Egyptian Revolution Still Going Strong http://www.democracynow.org/2013/7/1/sharif_abdel_kouddous_millions_protesting_morsi

The revolution and the counterrevolution – Mahalla workers join rebellion, reject privatisation plans http://menasolidaritynetwork.com/2013/06/28/egypt-mahalla-workers-join-rebellion-reject-privatisation-plans/

Revolutionary history relived: The Mahalla strike of 6 April 2008 http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/68543.aspx

Egypt revolutionary forces: Army should stay out of domestic politics http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/75437/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-revolutionary-forces-Army-should-stay-out-of.aspx

In Egypt, we thought democracy was enough. It was not http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jul/01/egypt-thought-democracy-enough-morsi

Novelist Ahdaf Soueif: By Ignoring Egypt’s Majority, Morsi Begat the Uprising Against His Rule http://www.democracynow.org/2013/7/3/novelist_ahdaf_soueif_by_ignoring_egypts

IRAN

The Tragedy of 1953 – Uncovering Iran’s coup http://harpers.org/archive/2013/07/the-tragedy-of-1953/

KASHMIR

Over 8,000 Men Disappeared in Kashmir Since 1989

MEXICO

Indigenous Oaxacan Political Prisoners Caught in the Drug War Prison Boom http://upsidedownworld.org/main/mexico-archives-79/4358-indigenous-oaxacan-political-prisoners-caught-in-the-drug-war-prison-boom

PACIFIC

Papua New Guinea may pull out of trade agreement http://fightback.org.nz/2013/06/26/papua-new-guinea-may-pull-out-of-trade-agreement/

Tahiti nuclear fall-out far worse than previously admitted http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=77239

French nuclear tests ‘showered vast area of Polynesia with radioactivity’ – Declassified papers show extent of plutonium fall-out from South Pacific tests of 60s and 70s was kept hidden, says French paper http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/03/french-nuclear-tests-polynesia-declassified

PALESTINE

Film explores striking parallels between South African, Israeli apartheid http://electronicintifada.net/content/film-explores-striking-parallels-between-south-african-israeli-apartheid/11433

Israeli apartheid “more sophisticated” than South Africa’s, says new book http://electronicintifada.net/content/israeli-apartheid-more-sophisticated-south-africas-says-new-book/12581

PORTUGAL

Huge general strike marked by several firsts http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/54413

SOUTH AFRICA

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela: the myths and the man http://links.org.au/node/3417

SRI LANKA

Tell the truth: As Sri Lanka gears up to host a meeting of Commonwealth leaders in November, it’s time for the government to come clean about torture, unlawful detention and the countless other abuses that continue to plague the island unchecked – and stop them. http://campaigns.amnesty.org/campaigns/security-with-human-rights/tell-the-truth

SYRIA

Foreign media portrayals of the conflict in Syria are dangerously inaccurate – World View: It is naive not to accept that both sides are capable of manipulating the facts to serve their own interests http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/foreign-media-portrayals-of-the-conflict-in-syria-are-dangerously-inaccurate-8679937.html

TURKEY

Gezi Protests in Turkey: A Historic Milestone http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/843.php

Organized Labour in the Gezi Process – Reflections on a Popular Uprising and Weakened Organized Labour by Baris Karaagac and Gaye Yilmaz http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/846.php

USA

City Council Hears Plea From Fast-Food Workers http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/28/nyregion/city-council-hears-plea-from-fast-food-workers.html