GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER No. 453, January 5, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 7pm, Lecture Room B28, Auckland University Library, Alfred St, City.
GAZA REPORT – Hear UK documentary maker & activist HARRY FEAR. Harry Fear & veteran Kiwi activist Roger Fowler were on a fact-finding mission in Gaza when the recent Israeli bombing raids took place. They will speak about their experiences. Hosted by Auckland University Students For Justice in Palestine. Website: uoasjp.wordpress.com Organised by Kia Ora Gaza. Website: kiaoragaza.net
FREE SOUTH AUCKLAND BUS DEPARTS FROM THE MANGERE EAST COMMUNTY CENTRE, 372 MASSEY RD at 6pm.
Legendary reggae band ‘Unity Pacific’ will also perform & launch their solidarity anthem: “We Are All Palestinians”
BEFORE THE JOINT GPJA AND KIA ORA GAZA FORUM THERE IS
Thursday, February 7, 5pm, Event Cinemas, Queen St, Auckland
Justice for the Highland Park Cinema workers- come to the rally this Thursday at 5pm in Queen Street. Event Cinemas have laid off Highland park workers, many with long service of 8, 12 and 16 years length, and paid them only 2 weeks pay. Workers in Aotearoa have no basic rights to redundancy protected by law, as most other workers do in developed countries. How they have been treated could happen to us all, and in these times of recession and cutbacks, it is unjust that a company that can spend millions on Digital and 3D Projection technology can not do the right thing by workers who have given them a huge part of their working lives. Join the brave women and men of Highland Park on Thursday 7th February at 5pm, for a mass picket at Event Cinemas in Queen Street. Invite your workmates and friends, bring your union, community and party banners. It is about time that workers in New Zealand had basic rights, and that the Multinational Corporations who profit and siphon the wealth out of here paid the rent. Time for a minimum four weeks redundancy, and 2 weeks for every additional year worked as recognition for length of service. An injury to one is an injury to all. https://www.facebook.com/events/578268278850295/
APPEAL FOR WITNESSES AND VIDEO CLIPS FROM TPP PROTEST.
Hi everyone, As a result of the protest against the TPP on 8 December outside Skycity one of our protest group is facing a serious charge of assault with intent to injure a police officer. We are helping to co-ordinate the defence and we need witnesses and video footage of the incident where the police officer with motorbike helmet (Robocop?) grabbed a woman around the neck and wrestled with her on the ground. If you were directly or indirectly involved in the incident please get in touch with us urgently. Please send video footage to mike as well as write down NOW what you actually saw of the incident and send that through as well. You can also call or text John Minto at 0220850161.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PETITION: COROMANDEL – TOO PRECIOUS TO MINE!
Kia ora koutou friends and family, There is over 80,000HA of land in the Coromandel Hauraki region that is under permit for exploration for minerals such as gold and silver. The social, environmental, economic and cultural impacts of mining would be devastating to our communities who deserve better than a boom and bust industry based on the fluctuating price of gold. We must act to stop this – please sign our petition. The first part of the petition asks to maintain robust protection of Schedule 4 land and extend it so it continues south to include all conservation and coastal land in the Coromandel Peninsula. The second part asks to ban mining under homes which could potentially happen in Waihi soon in a case that is awaiting a ruling from the Environment Court. Several residents groups opposed this application which proposes to go under a huge portion of the east side of the town. We need to support these residents as they oppose this consent which could set a very dangerous legal precedent for the rest of Hauraki Coromandel as well as the rest of the country. Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki is a grassroots organisation that has stood alongside Coromandel communities for over 30 years to protect this unique area. We already have over 1000 signatures on paper after one week! You can also like us on facebook and visit our website to see other ways to support our campaign. Please help us save the Coromandel. Warm Regards – Nga mihi nui, Renee Annan, Coordinator, Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki. M: 022 018 1764 h: 07 869 0311 www.watchdog.org.nz
TIME FOR CHANGE: A FRAMEWORK FOR COMMUNITY DISCUSSION ON VALUES-BASED AND TREATY-BASED CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS Peace Movement Aotearoa, December 2012, Softcover, ISBN 978-0-473-23400-3
While the thought of a discussion on constitutional matters may seem daunting and far removed from daily life, the exercise of public power has a direct impact on us all on an ongoing basis. ‘Time for change’ provides a framework for Pakeha / Tauiwi organisations to use for discussion within their organisations, as well as for wider community discussions, on moving towards Treaty-based and values-based constitutional arrangements. This is an opportunity to contribute to discussions about developing constitutional arrangements that would ensure a better, fairer society for all New Zealanders – with protection for the guarantees of the Treaty, for human rights, for the environment, and for real democracy – now and for future generations. Link: http://www.facebook.com/notes/peace-movement-aotearoa/time-for-change-a-framework-for-community-discussion-on-values-based-and-treaty-/456552647725443 and http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/change.htm
Ordering information: · Community groups and NGOs with an annual income of less than $25,000 – $10 each + P&P; · Institutional rate and NGOs with an annual income of more than $25,000 – $15 each + P&P; · P&P: $2.50 for 1 – 3 copies, add $2.50 for subsequent 1 to 3 copies (eg: $5 for 4 – 6 copies etc). GST: a GST receipt will be sent with all orders. Donations: to help with the cost of subsidised pricing are welcome. Thank you. Payment by cheque: please use the attached form (available at pma with ‘Time for change: Constitutional change resource’ in the subject line of your message.
2012 ROGER AWARD PEOPLE’S CHOICE
Cast your vote at http://bit.ly/UIq28W For the first time, the organisers of the Roger Award for the Worst Transnational Corporation Operating in Aotearoa/New Zealand are inviting the public to have their say by voting online for the People’s Choice winner. This is an online poll only; the field is restricted to the eight finalists for the 2012 Roger Award listed at the People’s Choice Website, along with brief information about why each of them was selected; the People’s Choice winner will be announced at the same May Day event in Wellington at which the Roger Award judges announce their winner. The judges’ choice is the actual winner of the Roger Award and, as always, will be accompanied by a detailed Judges’ Report and Financial Analysis. There will be no equivalent reports about the People’s Choice winner. Please help to publicise this. Spread the word. Murray Horton, Secretary/Organiser
WHAT’S ON IN AOTEAROA/NEW ZEALAND
Thursday, February 7, 5pm, Event Cinemas, Queen St, Auckland
Justice for the Highland Park Cinema workers- come to the rally this Thursday at 5pm in Queen Street. Event Cinemas have laid off Highland park workers, many with long service of 8, 12 and 16 years length, and paid them only 2 weeks pay. Workers in Aotearoa have no basic rights to redundancy protected by law, as most other workers do in developed countries. How they have been treated could happen to us all, and in these times of recession and cutbacks, it is unjust that a company that can spend millions on Digital and 3D Projection technology can not do the right thing by workers who have given them a huge part of their working lives. Join the brave women and men of Highland Park on Thursday 7th February at 5pm, for a mass picket at Event Cinemas in Queen Street. Invite your workmates and friends, bring your union, community and party banners. It is about time that workers in New Zealand had basic rights, and that the Multinational Corporations who profit and siphon the wealth out of here paid the rent. Time for a minimum four weeks redundancy, and 2 weeks for every additional year worked as recognition for length of service. An injury to one is an injury to all. https://www.facebook.com/events/578268278850295/
Thursday, February 7, 7pm, Lecture Room B28, Auckland University Library, Alfred St, City.
GAZA REPORT – Hear UK documentary maker & activist HARRY FEAR. Harry Fear & veteran Kiwi activist Roger Fowler were on a fact-finding mission in Gaza when the recent Israeli bombing raids took place. They will speak about their experiences. Hosted by Auckland University Students For Justice in Palestine. Website: uoasjp.wordpress.com Organised by Kia Ora Gaza. Website: kiaoragaza.net
FREE SOUTH AUCKLAND BUS DEPARTS FROM THE MANGERE EAST COMMUNTY CENTRE, 372 MASSEY RD at 6pm.
Legendary reggae band ‘Unity Pacific’ will also perform & launch their solidarity anthem: “We Are All Palestinians”
Thursday, February 7, 7.30pm, Gilmore House, 9 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson, Auckland
Someone Elses’ Country (1996): Historical NZ documentary. Not since the enclosure of the ‘Commons’ in Tudor England has there been such grab by the rich for the common wealth of the poor. See David Lange, Richard Prebble, Roger Kerr, and Rod Deane in their glory days insisting that there can be no gain without pain — that tax cuts for the rich would bring prosperity to the poor … the ‘Trickle-down Effect’ … Yeah right! The subjects of this “experiment” found it difficult to defend themselves. Here, ordinary New Zealanders speak for themselves without being shouted down by experts and business commentators. Workers made redundant, communities watching their local post office close voice their anxieties and outrage. Some of the most moving interviews are with the older breed of public servant who enacted the Rogernomics revolution while disagreeing with it.
Saturday, February 9, 6pm, New Crossways, Level 1, 6 Roxburgh St, Mt Victoria, Wellington
Supporting Mapuche people in Chile – documentary plus information. Free entry.
Saturday, February 9, 12 noon, Okahu Bay, Orakei, Auckland
Feed the Kids: Hone Harawira’s private members bill to provide free breakfast and lunch at all Decile 1 and 2 schools throughout New Zealand was drawn from the ballot last November and comes up for its first vote in parliament on 13 February. It has huge support from schools, parents and children as well as from many organisations. Visit the website http://feedthekids.org.nz/ and the Mana sitehttp://mana.net.nz/ for more information. Feed the Kids Picnic: Saturday 9th February at Okahu Bay, Orakei from 12noon. Bring family and friends, a picnic lunch and togs for a swim – look for the Mana flags!
Monday, February 11, 7.30pm, St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont St, Ponsonby, Auckland
Benny Wenda Freedom Tour Auckland Public Meeting. Come hear Benny Wenda, West Papuan tribal leader and one of the leading voices of the peaceful independence movement. Benny is currently living in exile in the UK. He is the founder of the Free West Papua Campaign (UK) and founder of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua. Also speaking will be Jennifer Robinson, prominent human rights lawyer and representative of International Lawyers for West Papua. In 2002, Jennifer worked as volunteer for respected human rights monitoring organisation, Elsham in West Papua. All welcome. Benny is visiting New Zealand as part of his first official overseas tour. He will visit political leaders, lawyers, activists and supporters in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea to build support and awareness of the campaign for self-determination for the people of West Papua. Ahead of the tour, Benny Wenda spoke of his hopes that “it will further raise the voice of the West Papuan people whose cries for freedom and justice have been largely ignored by the international community for the last 50 years”. Also at this meeting a proposal for a new Auckland based West Papua solidarity group will be discussed. For more information please contact the Indonesian Human Rights Committee on marnilisa
Wednesday, February 13, 6pm, Frank Kitts Park in Wellington
Rally to oppose government asset sales. The Rainbow Warrior will be in town and will drop a banner off her side in support.
Thursday, February 14, 12noon, Takaparawhau/ Bastion Point via Michael Savage Memorial Park, Auckland
V-day Dance Stop Violence against Women and Whanau: Dear Friends, Hope you can join us on Vday. “One billion women being raped or beaten is an atrocity.” http://www.onebillionrising.org/page/event/detail/startarising/4v5k2a “Domestic violence is a pervasive, life-threatening crime that impacts on thousands of New Zealanders with serious physical, psychological and economic effects.” – Women’s Refuge * Between 33 to 39% of New Zealand women experience physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime, according to a study by Janet Fanslow and Elizabeth Robinson1. The year 2012 ended with tragic news about the gang rape and murder of a girl on a bus in Delhi. To view/rehearse dance steps please check out: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jan/11/delhi-rape-savile-ohio-violence-tolerated More info: http://www.onebillionrising.org/pages/about-one-billion-rising Migrante Aotearoa New Zealand, Advancing the rights and welfare of Filipinos and other migrants in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Thursday and Friday 14 & 15 February 2013, AUT University Business School, 42 Wakefield St, Auckland city
Supported by the Occupational Health and Safety Research Group, AUT University; the NZCTU; the SFWU; the University of Auckland and the NZ Industrial Relations Foundation Trust Inc. PRECARIOUS WORK AND THE LIVING WAGE IN OUR COMMUNITIES. Two Day Symposium and Workshops. Keynote speakers include: Guy Standing, Professor of Economics, University of London; Malcolm Sargeant, Professor of Labour Law, Middlesex University; Iain Campbell, Senior Research Fellow, RMIT University; Deborah Littman, Metro Vancouver Alliance. This symposium will include in-depth discussions on the employment of vulnerable workers and the current developments around a living wage in New Zealand and around the world. We encourage participants from academia, unions, NGOs, faith communities and government agencies to attend. There is a charge of $40 per day. Attendees must register to: work.research More info: www.workresearch.aut.ac.nz/ohs www.livingwagenz.org.nz
Saturday, February 16, 9am – 5.30pm, Blockhouse Bay Boat Club, end of Endeavour St, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland
The Workshop for Agents of Change is an interactive, transformational workshop designed to deepen our understanding of what it means to be an Agent of Change, and to empower our capacity to address humanity’s most pressing issues. All participants will receive a resource notebook from the day that includes worksheets, resources and inspiration. Participation by koha: Participants are invited to contribute with great love commensurate with their experience.
Saturday, February 16, 11.30am, Mission Bay Fountain, Auckland
Tamaki Housing Group has organised a march to the Micky Savage memorial on Bastion Point to reclaim the Micky Savage housing vision of a decent home for ALL families. Come along and support this courageous community fighting the destruction of their community to make way for the wealthy who want the nice sea views.
Wednesday, February 27, 7pm, Waipapa Marae, Auckland University, Wynyard Street, Auckland
Next Mana Tamaki Meeting: We will be planning the year ahead and in particular looking at the local body elections in October. How should Mana be involved? Everyone welcome!
Sunday, March 10, 10am to 4pm (set up Saturday 9th, or Sunday morning), Olympic Park, New Lynn (area surrounding Sustainable Living Centre).
EcoDay 2013 – an opportunity to show your green credentials! Calling for Eco Expo exhibitors and stall holders. EcoDay is back by popular demand. If you would like to be part of the biggest EcoDay in West Auckland then get in touch with us as soon as possible. The details of EcoDay are: – Eco Expo featuring commercial businesses selling and promoting sustainable or environmentally friendly products; – Green Marketplace with art, craft, growers and not for profit groups; – Green Transport zone; – Free Interactive Workshops; – Kids entertainment and activities; – Food and Beverage providers. Booking deadlines: to assist with site planning we would appreciate a verbal commitment by Friday 8thFebruary. Final booking & payment by 1 March 2013. For more information and an application form please contact EcoDay Event Manager – Anna Fomison atecoday or on 021 163 7492
Saturday, March 16, 4pm, Westlake Boys’ High School, 30 Forrest Hill Road, Auckland, New Zealand
MIGRANTE: The Filipino Diaspora ( A Joel C. Lamangan Film). A touching movie about the trials, hopes and dreams of migrants working in foreign countries. Bring along your family and friends to this inspiring film about migrants helping one another in times of great need. Ticket sales will be donated to support purchase of lifeboats for communities vulnerable to massive flooding and for rebuilding of schools for indigenous people devastated by typhoon Pablo in Mindanao.
Monday, April 15
2013 Global Day of Action on Military Spending: 15 April 2013 – if you would like to be involved in the 2013 Global Day of Action in Aotearoa New Zealand, or would like your organisation listed as a pma
BEST ON THE WEB
NEW ZEALAND
Waitangi Day ‘protests will happen’ – activist http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/waitangi-day-protests-happen-activist-5331589
Are some of us more equal than others? http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/life/8227563/Are-some-of-us-more-equal-than-others
Editorial: Is a school worth more than education? http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/editorials/8242223/Editorial-Is-a-school-worth-more-than-education
Afghanistan – so yesterday’s war … by David Beatson http://www.pundit.co.nz/content/afghanistan-%25E2%2580%2593-so-yesterday%25E2%2580%2599s-war-%25E2%2580%25A6
Former Afghan Interpreters seek asylum in NZ http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1301/S00124/former-afghan-interpreters-seek-asylum-in-nz.htm
New website Political Organisation Aotearoa http://poa.org.nz/publications.html
Turia leads party across a tightrope http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/politics/8254766/Turia-leads-party-across-a-tightrope
Matt McCarten: When your product benefits health, George, I’ll show you some respect http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10860193
Matt McCarten: Popularity tables turn on Key at Ratana Pa http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10861655
Entrenched public hospital specialist shortages unsafe http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1302/S00014/entrenched-public-hospital-specialist-shortages-unsafe.htm
Water Means More than Money http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1301/S00188/water-means-more-than-money.htm
Cost-cutter’s cleaver leaves deep wounds http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/opinion/8257379/Cost-cutters-cleaver-leaves-deep-wounds
Quake-hit Christchurch families still living in squalor http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-earthquake/8233403/Quake-hit-Christchurch-families-still-living-in-squalor
NZ ECONOMY
Manufacturing inquiry draws submissions http://www.3news.co.nz/Manufacturing-inquiry-draws-submissions/tabid/1607/articleID/284706/Default.aspx
CTU Economic Bulletin 142, January 2013 https://dl.dropbox.com/u/18076151/CTU%20Monthly%20Economic%20Bulletin%20142%20January%202013.pdf
Employment: Are we there yet? With the latest job figures showing huge fluctuations in how New Zealand’s regions are coping with unemployment, the Sunday Star-Times dug into the numbers to see if John Key’s claims of falling unemployment stack up. http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/8227603/Employment-Are-we-there-yet
CTU: A start made on apprenticeships, but more is needed http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1301/S00111/a-start-made-on-apprenticeships-but-more-is-needed.htm
RBNZ and Government need to focus on the real problems http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1301/S00145/rbnz-and-government-need-to-focus-on-the-real-problems.htm
Bryan Gould: Blame ideology for housing crisis – A free market is supposed to match need with resources, but it’s pushed up house prices to insane levels. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10862381
Kiwibuild and housing in the modern capitalist economy http://workersparty.org.nz/2013/02/01/kiwibuild-and-housing-in-the-modern-capitalist-economy/
EPMU: Manufacturing strategy needed for New Zealand http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1301/S00125/manufacturing-strategy-needed-for-new-zealand.htm
Lid blown on power price rort http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10863135
POVERTY & WELFARE DEBATE
Policy Watch Newsletter – 25 Jan 2013: NZ Council of Christian Social Services
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1301/S00107/policy-watch-newsletter-25-jan-2013.htm
Is The Welfare Safety Net Starting To Slip? http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1301/S00049/is-the-welfare-safety-net-starting-to-slip.htm
Prescription hike will hit poor says MP http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/8136268/Prescription-hike-hit-poor-says-MP
Welfare drug tests may break privacy law http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/8215584/Welfare-drug-tests-may-break-privacy-law
Sponsorship programme for Kiwi kids http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/8233382/Sponsorship-programme-for-Kiwi-kids
WORKRIGHTS NZ
CTU: Wages need a boost http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1302/S00126/wages-need-a-boost.htm
Christchurch teachers take a lead, government’s education plans can be defeated http://workersparty.org.nz/2013/01/29/christchurch-teachers-take-a-lead-governments-education-plans-can-be-defeated/
Working is a two way deal – unionist http://www.nzherald.co.nz/workplace/news/article.cfm?c_id=74&objectid=10862995&ref=rss
Event Cinemas gets a Visit from the Union http://unitenews.wordpress.com/2013/02/04/event-cinemas-gets-a-visit-from-the-union/
Event are Miserables- Justice for the Highland Park cinema workers- Rally this Thursday at 5pm http://unitenews.wordpress.com/2013/02/04/event-are-miserables-justice-for-the-highland-park-cinema-workers-rally-this-thursday-at-5pm/
Port dispute end in sight, but when? http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/8247005/Port-dispute-end-in-sight-but-when
Health & Safety Professionals In Favour Of Imprisonment for severe breaches of workplace health and safety standards resulting in death http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1302/S00030/health-safety-professionals-in-favour-of-imprisonment.htm
STATS OF THE WEEK
“The combined net worth of the 2012 class of the 400 richest Americans is $1.7 trillion, up from $1.5 trillion a year ago. The average net worth of a Forbes 400 member is a staggering $4.2 billion, up from $3.8 billion, and the highest ever, as two-thirds of the individuals added to their fortunes in the past year. Another factor: the gap between the very rich and the merely rich is widening. Only two in the top 20 are poorer, and as a group they are worth $73 billion more than a year ago.”
http://www.forbes.com/sites/luisakroll/2012/09/19/the-forbes-400-the-richest-people-in-america/
“The world’s top 100 billionaires now hold so much wealth, says a new Oxfam report, that just the increase in their net worth last year would be “enough to make extreme poverty history four times over.” http://toomuchonline.org/to-end-extreme-poverty-end-extreme-wealth/
“During World War II President Franklin D. Roosevelt called for what amounted to a maximum wage. FDR urged Congress to place a 100 percent tax on income over $25,000 a year, a sum now equal, after inflation, to just over $350,000. Congress didn’t go along. But FDR did end up winning a 94 percent top tax rate on income over $200,000, a move that would help usher in the greatest years of middle-class prosperity the United States has ever known.” http://toomuchonline.org/a-bold-new-labor-call-for-a-maximum-wage/
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
“The pioneers of a warless world are the young men (and women) who refuse military service.” – Albert Einstein
“I always ask two questions: How many countries have military bases in the United States? And in how many countries does the United States not have military bases?” – ose Saramago
“To ignore evil is to become an accomplice to it.”: – — Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: (1929-1968), US civil rights leader
“There is no moral difference between a Stealth bomber and a suicide bomber. They both kill innocent people for political reasons.” – Tony Benn
“The object of terrorism is terrorism. The object of oppression is oppression. The object of torture is torture. The object of murder is murder. The object of power is power. Now do you begin to understand me?” – George Orwell, 1984
FEATURES
Anti-Capitalism and Feminism http://www.socialistproject.ca/leftstreamed/ls157.php
The politics of Indigenous rights debated; plus other news of the Idle No More movement http://www.rogerannis.com/the-politics-of-indigenous-rights-debated-plus-uproar-in-thunder-bay-over-racist-attacks/
Lies of Plutocracy: Exploding Five Myths that Dehumanize the Poor http://truth-out.org/news/item/12264-lies-of-plutocracy-exploding-five-myths-that-dehumanize-the-poor
Mapping Violence: Why we need to talk about power – In a political environment in which many forms of violence are roundly condemned, Hana Riaz discusses the less visible forms of violence woven into the fabric of our society, which are equally as destructive. http://ceasefiremagazine.co.uk/mapping-violence-talk-power/
John Pilger: The untold US invasion of Africa http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/53202
Fresh wave of revolt hits Gulf countries http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/53224
John Pilger: The Shammies awards for shonky journos http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/53195
Noam Chomsky: US control is diminishing, but it still thinks it owns the world http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/feb/04/us-control-diminishing-own-world
WORLD ECONOMIC CRISIS
Europe is haunted by the myth of the lazy mob – It suits the wealthy to turn the debate about poverty into a morality tale, but the reality is that inequality is structural http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jan/29/myth-lazy-mob-hands-rich
Matt Taibbi on Big Banks’ Lack of Accountability – Rolling Stone‘s Matt Taibbi joins Bill to discuss the continuing lack of accountability for “too big to fail” banks which continue to break laws and act unethically because they know they can get away with it. http://billmoyers.com/segment/matt-taibbi-on-big-banks-lack-of-accountability/
New Paper Finds that the IMF is Promoting Socially and Economically Harmful Policies Broadly Across Europe http://www.cepr.net/index.php/publications/reports/macroeconomic-policy-advice-and-the-article-iv-consultations
LAND, LABOUR AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Earthworker: Workers create climate solutions http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/53162
Reduced Work Hours as a Means of Slowing Climate Change http://www.cepr.net/index.php/publications/reports/reduced-work-hours-as-a-means-of-slowing-climate-change
Why we need an ecosocialist revolution http://climateandcapitalism.com/2013/02/03/why-we-need-an-ecosocialist-revolution/
Democracy is the solution to the climate crisis http://climateandcapitalism.com/2013/02/01/democracy-is-the-solution-to-the-climate-crisis/
CULTURAL DISSENT
Lincoln: Images of History http://socialistaction.org/2013/01/lincoln-images-of-history/
“The Square”: Jehane Noujaim’s New Film Captures Egypt’s Ongoing Revolution After Mubarak’s Fall http://www.democracynow.org/2013/1/25/the_square_jehane_noujaims_new_film
At Sundance Film Festival, Documentaries Shine Light on Overlooked Stories of Global Injustice http://www.democracynow.org/2013/1/24/at_sundance_film_festival_documentaries_shine
A Novel Idea: Fiction for Labor Activists http://labornotes.org/2013/01/novel-idea-fiction-labor-activists
Savaging Primitives: Why Jared Diamond’s ‘The World Until Yesterday’ Is Completely Wrong http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/01/30/savaging-primitives-why-jared-diamond-s-the-world-until-yesterday-is-completely-wrong.html
Review | Cruel Britannia: A Secret History of Torture – Musab Younis reviews ‘Cruel Britannia’ by Ian Cobain, the shocking recent exposé of Britain’s use of torture from the Second World War onwards. http://ceasefiremagazine.co.uk/three-miles/
BOLIVIA
A balance sheet for the ‘process of change’ http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/53242
CANADA
Canada & Quebec: Idle No More movement — the high stakes of Indigenous resistance http://links.org.au/node/3198
‘You gotta know how to do things yourself up here’: For modern reserves, success is in balancing tradition and capitalism http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/01/19/for-modern-reserves-success-is-in-balancing-tradition-and-capitalism/
Membertou then and now: For First Nations, success follows power http://www.canada.com/Membertou+then+First+Nations+success+follows+power/7840974/story.html#ixzz2JGrlYhaX
Whither the Quebec left and student movement after the ‘Maple Spring’? http://lifeonleft.blogspot.ca/2013/01/whither-quebec-left-and-student.html
Choosing Not to Look Away: Confronting Colonialism in Canada http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/768.php
The High Stakes of Native Resistance http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/767.php
EGYPT
Sharif Abdel Kouddous: On Egyptian Revolution’s 2nd Anniversary, Protesters’ Demands Mostly the Same http://www.democracynow.org/2013/1/25/sharif_abdel_kouddous_on_egyptian_revolutions
Canal Provinces Defy Morsi, Weakening his Authority http://www.juancole.com/2013/01/provinces-weakening-authory.html
Egyptian Cities Erupt in anti-Morsi Demonstrations http://www.juancole.com/2013/02/egyptian-cities-demonstrations.html
Protesting in Egypt because they have nothing else http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/middleeast/la-fg-egypt-angry-men-20130202,0,1325602.story
GREECE
Striking transport workers ‘face arrest’ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21189322
European authorities still punishing Greece – can they be stopped? http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2013/02/20132295452509680.html
IRELAND
Sit-ins, Sabotage and Superdollars http://ceasefiremagazine.co.uk/irish-times-7/
MALI
How Washington helped foster the Islamist uprising in Mali http://newint.org/features/2012/12/01/us-terrorism-sahara/
Reports of war atrocities grow as France/Mali invaders settle into a long war http://www.rogerannis.com/reports-of-war-atrocities-grow-as-francemali-invaders-settle-into-a-long-war/
France in Mali: The longue durée of imperial blowback http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2013/01/2013119153558185275.html Three important articles describing Mali and the foreign intervention http://www.rogerannis.com/three-important-articles-describing-mali-and-the-foreign-intervention/
Blood for Uranium: France’s Mali intervention has little to do with terrorism http://ceasefiremagazine.co.uk/blood-uranium-frances-mali-intervention-terrorism/
MEXICO
#132 Mexican Student Movement Confronts New President
PALESTINE
Dead Children and Arrested Babies: Palestinian Life under Israeli Colonialism http://www.juancole.com/2013/01/children-palestinian-colonialism.html
The Myth of the U.N. Creation of Israel http://www.jeremyrhammond.com/2010/10/26/the-myth-of-the-u-n-creation-of-israel/
BBC acknowledges that Palestinian citizens of Israel are not guaranteed equality by law http://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ben-white/bbc-acknowledges-palestinian-citizens-israel-are-not-guaranteed-equality-law
The Right of Return: the question that will not go away http://ceasefiremagazine.co.uk/special-report-palestine-home/
Palestinians lose in Israeli poll http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/53190
Zero justice: Not one charge in over 100 cases against Israeli soldiers for attacking Palestinians in 2012 http://electronicintifada.net/blogs/ali-abunimah/zero-justice-not-one-charge-over-100-cases-against-israeli-soldiers-attacking
QATAR
Qatar 2022 World Cup will exploit migrant workers, says report http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/jan/29/qatar-2022-world-cup-exploit-workers
SOUTH AFRICA
Don’t buy South African wines: striking workers’ plea to foreign consumers http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/24/south-africa-wine-farms-strike?CMP=twt_gu
Marikana massacre: police shooting video footage – Channel 4 News shows police footage which appears to undermine claims officers were acting in self-defence over the shootings. Inigo Gilmore reports on the distressing footage and its implications.
http://www.channel4.com/news/marikana-massacre-police-shooting-video-footage
SPAIN
Catalonia: War over right to decide future intensifies http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/53225
Basque Country: Huge rally for Basque political prisoners http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/53188
SYRIA
Military and political stalemate http://links.org.au/node/3195
USA
Obama Writing “Rules” for Killing People with Drones
If I Were Attorney General: Michael Ratner outlines 10 things he would do if he were Attorney General in the new Obama Administration http://tinyurl.com/b8j2ufm
Making change at Walmart http://makingchangeatwalmart.org/wwblog/
In Walmart and Fast Food, Unions Scaling Up a Strike-First Strategy by Jenny Brown http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/766.php
The Rise of the Permanent Temp Economy http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/26/the-rise-of-the-permanent-temp-economy/
VENEZUELA
Venezuela: defying predictions – again: Even in intensive care, Hugo Chávez’s authority keeps the ruling coalition of Bolivarian nationalists, socialists and oligarchs together http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jan/13/venezuela-hugo-chavez-defying-predictions-again
Disinformation still clouds the US debate on Chávez’s legacy in Venezuela http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jan/09/us-debate-chavez-venezuela-legacy
What is Chavismo http://links.org.au/node/3196
Prospects for 2013 http://links.org.au/node/3197
Media hate fest for Venezuela keeps on keepin’ on – Although Chavez isn’t perfect, his villainisation in Western media is perplexing. by Mark Weisbrot http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2013/01/201312912275351687.html
Million-strong march to defend democracy and revolution http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/53130
YEMEN
Child Sentenced To Death in Yemen, Child Prisoners On Hunger Strike http://www.countercurrents.org/cc040213B.htm
GPJA 