BEST ON THE WEB NEW ZEALAND Problem Gambling Foundation funding must be reinstated http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1403/S00266/problem-gambling-foundation-funding-must-be-reinstated.htm Labour hamstrung by a sea-anchor of right-wing MPs from the 1980s. By John Minto http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2014/03/16/labour-hamstrung-by-a-sea-anchor-of-right-wing-mps-from-the-1980s/ Under Which Flag? http://iso.org.nz/2014/03/17/under-which-flag/ NZUSA: Minister Disingenuous With University Council Claims http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1403/S00217/minister-disingenuous-with-university-council-claims.htm How will Labour ‘get out the vote’? http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/opinion/columnists/chris-trotter/9838319/How-will-Labour-get-out-the-vote Christchurch: No Place for Race Hate http://iso.org.nz/2014/03/19/christchurch-no-place-for-race-hate/ Labour Pains: An interview with Labour Party leader David … Continue reading GPJA #495 (2 of 2): News & Analysis – NZ & World (21/3/14)

STATS OF THE WEEK The net worth of billionaires in India, points out IMF chief Christiane Lagarde, has increased by 12 times in the past 15 years, “enough to eliminate absolute poverty in this country twice over.” One of every eight human beings on the face of the Earth “do not have enough food to eat,” United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan points out, at the … Continue reading GPJA #491 (2 of 2): International news & analysis – 23/2/14

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

“You’re not supposed to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or says it.” – Malcolm X (U.S. civil rights activist, 1925-1965)

“There is hunger for ordinary bread, and there is hunger for love, for kindness, for thoughtfulness; and this is the great poverty that makes people suffer so much.” Mother Teresa

“Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind.” – Virginia Woolf, A Room of One’s Own

“When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw.” – Nelson Mandela

“A foolish faith in authority is the worst enemy of truth.” – Albert Einstein

FACTS OF THE WEEK

FEATURES

2013 In Review: Power, Politics and Resistance http://www.democracynow.org/2014/1/1/2013_in_review_power_politics_and

The rise of the military’s secret military – They’re called Special Operation Forces — and they’re everywhere http://www.salon.com/2014/01/08/the_rise_of_the_militarys_secret_military_partner/

Workers Stand With Locked-Out Ikea Staff http://morningstaronline.co.uk/a-2dab-Workers-stand-with-locked-out-Ikea-staff#.UsD3A_QW18E

The Media’s Absurd Hysteria About Teens and Pot: There’s very little data to suggest that cannabis causes long-lasting memory problems or an increased risk of schizophrenia. http://www.alternet.org/drugs/media-peddling-dangerous-myths-about-long-term-risks-smoking-pot-teenagers

Ripe for rebellion? http://www.economist.com/news/21589143-where-protest-likeliest-break-out-ripe-rebellion

Continue reading “GPJA #488 (2 of 2): International news and analysis”

STATS OF THE WEEK Only 5.2 percent of the world’s 2,170 billionaires have so far signed the “giving pledge,” the commitment to give away at least half their wealth that Bill Gates and Warren Buffett three years ago started asking their fellow ultra rich to make. The pledge carries no legal or contractual obligation. QUOTES OF THE WEEK Nelson Mandela Quotes You Probably Won’t See … Continue reading GPJA #486 (Part 2 of 2): International news and analysis

“How many times has the liberation movement worked together with workers and then at the moment of victory betrayed the workers? There are many examples of that in the world. “It is only if the workers strengthen their organisation before and after liberation that you can win. If you relax your vigilance you will find that your sacrifices have been in vain. “You just support … Continue reading GPJA #485 (2 of 2): International news and analysis – w/e 6/12/13