GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER No. 471, AUGUST 6, 2013
REMEMBERING HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI By David Krieger http://www.hiroshimacommittee.org/RememberingNagasaki&Hiroshima.htm
John Pilger: The lies of Hiroshima live on, props in the war crimes of the 20th century http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2008/aug/06/secondworldwar.warcrimes
This Week in ‘Nation’ History: Hiroshima and the Roots of American Secrecy http://www.thenation.com/blog/175579/week-nation-history-hiroshima-and-roots-american-secrecy#axzz2bAZ6r3Sg
WHAT’S ON IN AOTEAROA/NEW ZEALAND
Wednesday, August 7, 6pm, Henderson Council Chamber Civic Building (Level 2), 6 Henderson Valley Road Henderson
The WEB invites you to a forum on: Migrant workers experiences on labour exploitation in New Zealand. Presenter: Dennis Maga (Co-ordinator of Union Network of Migrants (UNEMIG). 6:00pm for registration/networking; Meeting from 6:30pm -8:00pm. RSVP: contact or Phone (09) 836 0169 by 2nd August for catering purposes, as seating is strictly limited. Baljit Singh I Coordinator I Waitakere Ethnic Board PO Box 21068, Henderson, Waitakere City 0650, Auckland. Website:www.waitakereethnicboard.org.nz
Wednesday, August 7, 6.00pm, University of Auckland Conference Centre, 26 Symonds St, Auckland
Frances Joychild QC talk on human rights litigation in New Zealand. Frances Joychild QC will be speaking at our annual general meeting on 7 August 2013 about the environment of human rights litigation in New Zealand. In particular, Frances will share her recent experiences in significant discrimination cases in the Court of Appeal: representing the Child Poverty Action Group in their challenge of the government’s In-Work Tax Credit scheme (Court of Appeal decision expected in the coming months); and representing Atkinson in the Family Caregivers Case (Ministry of Health v Atkinson [2012] 3 NZLR 456 (CA)), where the government policy that excluded family members from payment for providing various disability support services to their disabled children was found to be unjustified discrimination. Frances Joychild QC is one of New Zealand’s leading human rights lawyers. She has 15 years experience as a barrister sole working in civil litigation, and has spent 3 years as a Law Commissioner. WHEN: Wednesday 7 August 2013 at 6:00 pm for drinks and nibbles for a 6:30 pm start.
Annual General Meeting, Human Rights Lawyers Association of NZ: At the conclusion of Frances Joychild QC’s speech, the Association will hold its second Annual General Meeting (AGM). We expect that it will take approximately 30 minutes, and the Association will provide further drinks and nibbles at its conclusion. All members are welcome. For more information, follow this link.
Thursday, August 8, Outside Straterra Inc, Ground Floor, 93 The Terrace, Wellington
On Thursday 8 August, Simon Bridges, Minister of Energy and Resources is going to the mining club, Straterra, to “discuss how he sees the energy and resources portfolio evolving and his views on challenges facing the minerals industry.” He’s speaking at Straterra at 4:45pm. Let’s tell him what those challenges are. Let’s remind him of the damage the mining he supports is doing. The Denniston plateau (under threat from open cast coal mining by Bathurst Resources). The Pegasus Basin (under threat from Deep Sea Oil drilling by Anadarko). Taranaki (where farmland is poisoned by fracking). Let’s remind him about Solid Energy’s recent implosion at huge cost to workers and local communities – this is the boom and bust nature of the mining industry. Let’s remind him that this is not the future we want in Aotearoa. Join other Wellingtonians in a demonstration against the Government’s mining agenda. Organised by a coalition of community anti-mining groups in Wellington. If you are on Facebook, please join the Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/291012641040815/ and – this is the crucial part invite likemided friends to the event.
Tuesday, August 13, 1pm, Parnell Trust Jubilee Building, 545 Parnell Rd, Parnell, Auckland
Women’s Health Action, Counselling Services Centre, HELP, Rape Prevention Education and Tu Wahine Trust invite you to the annaul Cartwright Seminar, ‘One in a Hundred: Improving Justice for sexual violence survivors’ on Tuesday, August 13th from 1pm. The seminar will include a panel of presenters followed by discussion and then a light refreshments. Tickets cost $10. Register online at info or phone 09 520 5295. Please circulate this invitation among your networks.
Wednesday, August 14, 7-9pm, St Colomba Centre, 40 Vermont St, Ponsonby
A social justice forum on youth and employment. “Walk Alongside: Meaningful Work for the Young”. Guest Speakers: Cathy Bi, Caritas Aotearoa; Sarah Thompson, Auckland Action Against Poverty. For more information see: maryb
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.
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
PROCHOICE HIGHWAY
Many thanks to all for a great 24 July Auckland launch of Fighting to Choose: The Abortion Rights Struggle in New Zealand. The follow-up book tour-cum-roadshow, Prochoice Highway, kicks off next month, and runs till the end of the year. If you’d like to follow the Highway via occasional email updates, this link will take you to a page where you can sign up. Otherwise your in-box will be left in peace from now on (unless, that is, you already happen to be a subscriber). Ngā mihi nui, Alison McCulloch
COROMANDEL WATCHDOG
Please see attached our Winter Newsletter. It has been a busy year for Hauraki/Coromandel with the Manaia campaign, closely followed by the Regatta and most recently the protest to protect Parakiwai, as well as expanding threats of mining in areas that are totally inappropriate. The government continue to present short-sighted committment to facilitating the mineral industry over and above communities and the environment. Thank you for being part of protecting the Coromandel, we know that communities deserve better than short-term unsustainable economic solutions and together we can save the Coromandel from this. Do not hesitate to get in touch with your ideas and/or to volunteer your time. Kind Regards, Renee Annan, Coordinator, Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki. m: 0220181764 www.watchdog.org.nz Newsletter: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/18076151/Newsletter%20Winter%202013%20for%20email.pdf
ROGER AWARD
Nominations are open for the Worst Transnational Corporation Operating in Aotearoa – New Zealand in 2013. Download a nomination form here http://bit.ly/13RBjuT
DAVID ROVICS TOUR DOWN UNDER
Hi folks in aotearoa, Five weeks before I land in Christchurch, and then ramble around the south and north islands of New Zealand, before then going to tour Australia, starting in Perth and then moving on to drive from Adelaide to Brisbane, including lots of cities in between, such as Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney… At this point the tour is looking good, but there is still a heck of a lot of room for improvement! More gigs on both islands of Aotearoa and in the smaller cities anywhere in southeastern Australia would be very, very welcome indeed. I hope to hear from some of you who might be up for organizing something, and I hope to see many of you on the upcoming tour! Please let people know about all this if you see fit. That’s the only way this works, I’ve discovered… Details of what’s definite so far below and of course on my website…
Saturday, August 17th: The Free House, 95 Collingwood Street, Nelson
Monday, August 19th: Doors open at 6 pm, show starts at 8 pm! Puppies, Wellington
Friday, August 23rd: Old Stone Butter Factory, 8 Butter Factory Lane, Whangarei
Saturday, August 24th: Thirsty Dog, Auckland
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, 40 Vermont St, 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 @ Tuvalu Church, Aetna Pl | September 18, 6-8pm
Pacific Communities @ Pacific Island Church Otara | October 4, 5-7pm
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 secretariat See the Philippines, learn and make a difference!
BEST ON THE WEB
NEW ZEALAND
“At some stage you have to fight” – In this eye-opening and thought provoking article a recent guest at Dunedin’s Milton Prison explains what prison life is actually like in New Zealand. From getting in to getting out the author describes the barbaric, brutal interior of the country’s criminal justice system http://socialistaotearoa.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/at-some-stage-you-have-to-fight.html
Gordon Campbell on the Fonterra milk powder scandal, and the ongoing Dunne email saga http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2013/08/05/gordon-campbell-on-the-fonterra-milk-powder-scandal-and-the-ongoing-dunne-email-saga/
Racial abuse rife, says taxi driver http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10907932
Matt McCarten: Teflon PM survives perfect storm http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10907865
Nats face protest at big meet http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/8995215/Nats-face-protest-at-big-meet
Families paid after SAS killings, film says http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10906857
Law group wants change after claims of illegal expulsions http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10906330
Few options for the desperate – As Australia closes the door on desperate boat arrivals, Amnesty International New Zealand head Grant Bayldon thinks it’s time for New Zealand to increase the number of refugees it takes. http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/columnists/8984189/Few-options-for-the-desperate
Minto for Mayor, transport http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=72Qa9IyKutk#at=16
Darktown (Amazon $2.99): Tania Simpson is an environmental activist living in Aro Valley, campaigning against plans to build a massive luxury hotel on the site of an old petrol station, the year before the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Her body has just been found washed up on Sommes Island, in the middle of Wellington harbour. Welcome to Darktown. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E9R7GGG
Peter Williams: Criminals are victims http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10907877
Witness to a revolution http://fightback.org.nz/2013/08/04/witness-to-a-revolution/
John Minto Releases Affordable Housing Policy – Video – See more at: http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/08/03/john-minto-releases-affordable-housing-policy-video/#sthash.yX3iclqY.5XUUwx6V.dpuf
Cosying up to Americans brings big costs for Key http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/columnists/dave-armstrong/9001137/Cosying-up-to-Americans-brings-big-costs-for-Key
Officer failed in his duty http://www.northernadvocate.co.nz/news/officer-failed-in-his-duty/1973019/
NZ – GCSB
Anne Salmond: Govt must heed Kiwis’ unwillingness to live in spy state http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10908578
Close Waihopai! Abolish the SIS! By Mike Treen http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/08/02/close-waihopai-abolish-the-sis/
Can NZ say no to the US? By Chris Barton http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10908486
Gehan Gunasekara: Let’s lead the spooks a merry dance http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10908579
9:30 AM TuesdaJeff Simmonds – Let’s Shut Down Waihopai!
How much does the NSA subsidise the GCSB? By Keith Locke – See more at: http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/08/02/how-much-does-the-nsa-subsidise-the-gcsb/#sthash.tuA9Pnxd.dpuf
Extended spying won’t diminish terrorist threat – expert http://tvnz.co.nz/politics-news/extended-spying-won-t-diminish-terrorist-threat-expert-5525185
Al-Qaida claim a GCSB ‘sales job’ – Stephenson http://www.3news.co.nz/Al-Qaida-claim-a-GCSB-sales-job—Stephenson/tabid/423/articleID/307315/Default.aspx
88 flavours of bullshit http://thestandard.org.nz/88-flavours-of-bullshit/
OK. Let’s kill that GCSB Bill! http://masspolicy.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/ok-lets-kill-that-gcsb-bill.html
We all have something to hide http://socialistaotearoa.blogspot.co.nz/2013/07/we-all-have-something-to-hide.html
New Zealand is ‘part of NSA surveillance’ – report http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/new-zealand-part-nsa-surveillance-report-5524544
Key’s terror claims under fire http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10906882
John Minto Speaks Out Against the GCSB Bill In Auckland http://mintoformayor.org.nz/john-minto-speaks-the-auckland-protest-against-the-gcsb/
Phone taps old news for activists http://www.waateanews.com/Waatea+News.html?story_id=NDk3OQ%3D%3D
Tech giants: GCSB bill will hurt economy http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10906138
Drop GCSB bill, Dunne urged http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9000051/Drop-GCSB-bill-Dunne-urged
The GCSB Act – some history… http://fmacskasy.wordpress.com/2013/08/04/the-gcsb-act-some-history/
Spy laws dangerous says Marama Davidson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI5Xbu9HGkY
Playing the fear card – Key’s last frantic gamble By John Minto – See more at: http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/08/04/playing-the-fear-card-keys-last-frantic-gamble/#sthash.27nqjcjO.dpuf
The HRF’s Tim McBride with Chris Laidlaw on Sunday http://podcast.radionz.co.nz/ideas/ideas-20130804-1006-ideas_for_4_august_2013-048.mp3
Spying leak hints at wider NZ role http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10908642
NZ – SPYING ON JOURNALISTS
Spy scandal journalist speaks out http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/8987970/Spy-scandal-journalist-speaks-out
Espiner: Free press more important than GCSB http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/opinion/columnists/9000818/Espiner-Free-press-more-important-than-GCSB
Images of state surveillance of the media in NZ: This is a collection of recent cartoons relating to the scandals over surveillence of journalists such as Andrea Vance and Jon Stephenson by the Government and military. More will be added. http://liberation.typepad.com/liberation/2013/08/images-of-state-surveillance-of-the-media-in-nz.html
I’m angry at my records being released http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/8987091/I-m-angry-at-my-records-being-released
Govt betrayal on a monumental scale By John Armstrong http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10907488
Key’s media spying scandal deepens – Press Release: Green Party http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1308/S00059/keys-media-spying-scandal-deepens.htm
Gordon Campbell on the Vance phone scandal http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2013/08/01/gordon-campbell-on-the-vance-phone-scandal/
GCSB saga becoming National’s version of hell http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10906252
Photos: GCSB protests nationwide http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/image.cfm?c_id=466&gal_objectid=10906252&gallery_id=134467#11778068
NZ part of NSA surveillance – Snowden http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/8989755/NZ-part-of-NSA-surveillance-Snowden
John Key trashes the Constitution http://thestandard.org.nz/peter-dunne-really-should-make-a-stand/
Thorn’s silence will be broken at inquiry http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/8994948/Thorns-silence-will-be-broken-at-inquiry
Who’s to blame for the abuse on Andrea Vance? by Tim Watkin http://www.pundit.co.nz/content/whos-to-blame-for-the-abuse-on-andrea-vance
Editors want answers in Kiwi spying claims http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/americas/8994947/Editors-want-answers-in-Kiwi-spying-claims
Chris Trotter: Media misses the real story http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/opinion/8994022/Media-misses-the-real-story
Gower slams ‘cowboy spying operation’ http://www.3news.co.nz/Gower-slams-cowboy-spying-operation/tabid/423/articleID/307018/Default.aspx
Prime Minister adamant over Vance emails http://www.3news.co.nz/Prime-Minister-adamant-over-Vance-emails/tabid/1607/articleID/307115/Default.aspx
Sir Geoffrey: Why phone record gaffe matters http://www.3news.co.nz/Sir-Geoffrey-Why-phone-record-gaffe-matters/tabid/817/articleID/306943/Default.aspx
DominionPost Editorial: Speaking truth to power http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/comment/editorials/8977945/Editorial-Speaking-truth-to-power
NZH Editorial: PM should take care when flexing his muscles http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10906240
Southland Times Editorial: Nice of them to inquire http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/opinion/8987973/Editorial-Nice-of-them-to-inquire
NSA accused of spying on McClatchy reporter
Emails given to inquiry http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/8996411/Emails-given-to-inquiry
Police seize Cuppagate texts http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10907972
Chilling attacks on freedom http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10907976
Spying scandal forensics http://thestandard.org.nz/spying-scandal-forensics/
Brian Rudman: Big Brother’s agents keep bumbling on http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10908238
TWENTY “MIND-BOGGLING” SECONDS http://humanrightsfoundation.wordpress.com/2013/08/04/twenty-mind-boggling-seconds/
Bryce Edwards: Political roundup: The bullying of the media http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10908483
More military intimidation http://norightturn.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/more-military-intimidation.html
Spying on another journalist – what did Key have to hide? http://thestandard.org.nz/spying-on-another-journalist-what-did-key-have-to-hide/
NZ – TEINA PORA CASE
Teina Poraa’s lawyer to lodge Privy Council appeal http://www.3news.co.nz/Collins-seeks-advice-on-Pora-case/tabid/1607/articleID/307602/Default.aspx
Teina Pora: Injustice we believe http://www.3news.co.nz/Teina-Pora-Injustice-we-believe/tabid/1771/articleID/307100/Default.aspx
Teina Pora case: Police fear miscarriage of justice http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10907529
Support an urgent independent inquiry into the conviction of Teina Pora. http://www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/support-an-urgent-independent-inquiry-into-the-conviction-of-teina-pora
TV Review: 3rd Degree http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/08/01/tv-review-3rd-degree/
Wrong man jailed for 1992 killing http://www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz/news/wrong-man-jailed-for-1992-killing2/1970555/
Teina Pora: ‘He knows nothing’ http://www.nzherald.co.nz/national/news/video.cfm?c_id=1503075&gal_cid=1503075&gallery_id=132601
NZ – POVERTY AND INEQUALITY
If you’ve got it, flaunt it http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10907980
‘They’re there and we’re here but we’re all the same’ http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10907983
Give away some of the ‘obscene’ money http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10907982
Social ills blamed on growing inequality http://www.3news.co.nz/Social-ills-blamed-on-growing-inequality/tabid/423/articleID/305076/Default.aspx
Evidence Clear, Disparity Growing http://localbodies-bsprout.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/evidence-clear-disparity-growing.html
NZ – MCD’S ON STRIKE
Unite decries WINZ wage subsidy to McDonald’s http://unitenews.wordpress.com/2013/08/06/unite-decries-winz-wage-subsidy-to-mcdonalds/
Wairau Park strike – store empty http://unitenews.wordpress.com/2013/08/06/wairau-park-stike-store-empty/
The 15 year old fighting back against McDonalds http://unitenews.wordpress.com/2013/08/03/the-15-year-old-fighting-back-against-mcdonalds/
State gives McDonald’s $270,000 in subsidies http://fightback.org.nz/2013/08/06/state-gives-mcdonalds-270000-in-subsidies/
NZ – WORKRIGHTS
Union challenges The Warehouse living wage claims http://tvnz.co.nz/business-news/union-challenges-warehouse-living-wage-claims-5526310
Peter Lyons: Kiwi battlers losing power in economic apartheid http://m.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10906743
Slave Free Seas Challenges Loophole http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1308/S00022/slave-free-seas-challenges-loophole.htm
CTU wants workers included on safety board http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/215944/ctu-wants-workers-included-on-safety-board
Unions appalled at iwi fishery exemptions http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/auckland/news/nbpol/1685456880-unions-appalled-at-iwi-fishery-exemptions
It Wasn’t the Workers or Unions Misusing their Power that Killed the Pike River Miners – CTU Submission http://thestandard.org.nz/it-wasnt-the-workers-or-unions-misusing-their-power-that-killed-the-pike-river-miners-ctu-submission/
Forestry safety inquiry planned http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/8999324/Forestry-safety-inquiry-planned
120 jobs to go at Westport cement plant http://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/267071/120-jobs-go-westport-cement-plant
Union campaign fights to achieve living wage http://www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz/news/union-campaign-fights-to-achieve-living-wage/1970515/
Kiwi Steel fined $52,000 after worker lost three fingers http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10908086
Mining unions go head to head with company over safety http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10906753
Forestry worker suffers serious head and back injuries http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10908516
Pizza delivery man bashed by mystery attacker http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10908430
$elling out workers’ rights http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/08/05/elling-out-workers-rights/
STATS OF THE WEEK
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
“The few own the many because they possess the means of livelihood of all … The country is governed for the richest, for the corporations, the bankers, the land speculators, and for the exploiters of labour. The majority of mankind are working people. So long as their fair demands – the ownership and control of their livelihoods – are set at naught, we can have neither men’s rights nor women’s rights. The majority of mankind is ground down by industrial oppression in order that the small remnant may live in ease.” ― Helen Keller, Rebel Lives
FEATURES
Crackdown – Aziz Choudry on the post-9/11 chill that is undermining struggles for social justice worldwide. http://newint.org/features/2005/03/01/targeting-activists/
Egypt, Brazil, Turkey: without politics, protest is at the mercy of the elites – From Egypt to Brazil, street action is driving change, but organisation is essential if it’s not to be hijacked or disarmed http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/jul/02/politics-protest-elites-brazil-egypt-organisation
Noam Chomsky: Is Edward J. Snowden Aboard This Plane? http://truth-out.org/opinion/item/17923-is-edward-j-snowden-aboard-this-plane
Dirty Wars and Self-indulgence http://dissidentvoice.org/2013/06/dirty-wars-as-self-indulgence/
Software that tracks people on social media created by defence firm http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/feb/10/software-tracks-social-media-defence
First Americans were Black according to BBC documentary http://originalpeople.org/first-americans-were-black-aborigines-2/
The Hole in Our Collective Memory: How Copyright Made Mid-Century Books Vanish http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/07/the-hole-in-our-collective-memory-how-copyright-made-mid-century-books-vanish/278209/
Architecture, Occupation, and Resistance http://www.socialistproject.ca/leftstreamed/ls183.php
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Tallinn, Estonia’s Capital, Introduces Free Public Transportation For Residents http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/04/estonias-capital-introduces-free-public-transportation_n_3014589.html
WORLD ECONOMIC CRISIS
Greece still bust, Spain depressed, Italy paralysed http://thenextrecession.wordpress.com/2013/08/05/greece-still-bust-spain-depressed-italy-paralysed/
Online course: The economic crisis and globalisation http://academicearth.org/courses/economic-crisis-and-globalization/
LAND, LABOUR & THE ENVIRONMENT
Oil, energy and capitalism: An unpublished talk by Barry Commoner http://climateandcapitalism.com/2013/07/30/exclusive-an-unpublished-talk-by-barry-commoner/
New pipeline plan dwarfs Keystone XL http://climateandcapitalism.com/2013/08/03/new-transcanada-pipeline-plan-dwarfs-keystone-xl/
Cuba’s 1st solar farm a step toward renewables http://www.thenewstribune.com/2013/08/01/2708483/cubas-1st-solar-farm-a-step-toward.html#storylink=cpy
The New Neros: The Koch Bros Profit from Burning the World Up (Halperin Infographic) http://www.juancole.com/2013/08/burning-halperin-infographic.html
CULTURAL DISSENT
Women and Turkish Cinema http://www.counterfire.org/index.php/articles/book-reviews/16581-women-and-turkish-cinema
Darktown (Amazon $2.99): Tania Simpson is an environmental activist living in Aro Valley, campaigning against plans to build a massive luxury hotel on the site of an old petrol station, the year before the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Her body has just been found washed up on Sommes Island, in the middle of Wellington harbour. Welcome to Darktown. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E9R7GGG
Politics In the World of Tintin and Asterix http://www.redwedgemagazine.com/4/post/2013/08/politics-in-the-world-of-tintin-and-asterix.html
Free Downloadable Featured Books http://ouleft.sp-mesolite.tilted.net/?page_id=93
AFGHANISTAN
White House Closes Inquiry Into Afghan Massacre – and Will Release No Details http://www.propublica.org/article/white-house-closes-inquiry-into-afghan-massacre-and-will-release-no-details
AUSTRALIA
Mining firm desecrated Australia Aboriginal site http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23527303
Trams resume service after refugee protest causes disruptions http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/refugee-rally-disrupts-five-tram-services-in-city/story-fni0fit3-1226690421302
Refugees and the ideological imperatives of late capitalism in Australia – by Max Lane. http://maxlaneonline.com/2013/08/03/article-refugees-and-the-ideological-imperatives-of-late-capitalism-in-australia-by-max-lane/
Private companies making a fortune from asylum seekers http://antonyloewenstein.com/2013/08/03/private-companies-making-a-fortune-from-asylum-seekers/
There’s a paradox at the heart of the PNG plan – Whichever way you look at it, Labor’s brutal plan to stop the boats signals that Australia is no longer interested in offering protection. http://www.theage.com.au/comment/theres-a-paradox-at-the-heart-of-the-png-plan-20130725-2qn7h.html#ixzz2b3DU9UB5
Trades Hall calls on unionists to oppose refugee policy http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2013/07/24/369884_news.html
Australia Sends First Refugees to Papua New Guinea http://www.ipsnews.net/2013/08/australia-sends-first-refugees-to-papua-new-guinea/
BOLIVIA
The Cocaleros and the rise of Evo Morales http://boliviarising.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/the-cocaleros-and-rise-of-evo-morales.html
Benjamin Kohl on “Bolivia under Morales: A Work in Progress” http://boliviarising.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/benjamin-kohl-on-bolivia-under-morales.html
BRAZIL
Brazil’s middle class protest for basic needs – Despite millions being lifted out of poverty through economic growth, many still struggling on minimum wage. http://www.aljazeera.com/video/americas/2013/06/201362254549372152.html
BULGARIA
Bulgarians in revolt against a country ‘parcelled out to business interests’ – See more at: http://aworldtowin.net/blog/bulgarians-in-revolt-against-country.html#sthash.3pbBsa0C.dpuf
CANADA
The Presumed Innocence of Capitalism and Lac-Mégantic by Harry Glasbeek http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/858.php
CHILE
CHINA
Shandong workers strike over Indian takeover of US tyre firmn http://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1293330/shandong-workers-strike-over-indian-takeover-us-tyre-firm
CUBA
A Story that Needed to be Told by Ricardo Alarcón de Quesada http://www.freethefive.org/updates/CubanMedia/CMAlarconKimber80213.htm
EGYPT
Egypt’s long revolution: knowing your enemy http://www.opendemocracy.net/sameh-naguib-rosemary-bechler/egypt%E2%80%99s-long-revolution-knowing-your-enemy
An Impending Bloodbath in Egypt: Will It Break the Coup? http://www.counterpunch.org/2013/08/02/an-impending-bloodbath-in-egypt-will-it-break-the-coup/
30 June was neither a revolution nor a coup http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/78264.aspx
GERMANY
Germany scraps old surveillance pact with US, Britain over NSA leaks http://rt.com/news/germany-cancels-surveillance-pact-962/
GUATEMALA
How the Media Got Guatemala’s Dos Erres Massacre Wrong http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=10519
INDONESIA
Indonesia’s Palm Oil Industry Rife With Human-Rights Abuses http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-07-18/indonesias-palm-oil-industry-rife-with-human-rights-abuses
IRAN
The Effects of The Economic Sanctions Against Iran http://www.jadaliyya.com/pages/index/13200/the-effects-of-the-economic-sanctions-against-iran
IRELAND
Dublin Bus workers are on strike indefinately since August 4th because they refuse to take any more cuts to pay. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=pjFZMAtu0fY
JAPAN
Fukushima Going From Horrible To Horrendous http://www.popularresistance.org/fukushima-going-from-horrible-to-horrendous/
LIBYA
CIA ‘running arms smuggling team in Benghazi when consulate was attacked’ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/10218288/CIA-running-arms-smuggling-team-in-Benghazi-when-consulate-was-attacked.html
NICARAGUA
July 19, 1979: Nicaragua’s Sandinista revolution remembered — Video by John Pilger: On July 19, 1979, the Nicaraguan people led by the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) overthrew the brutal US-backed dictator Somoza. In this film, made by John Pilger in the 1980s, the background to the revolt and the gains won — and the United States’ virulent opposition — are graphically explained. http://links.org.au/node/530
PACIFIC
Police Forced To Release West Papuan Political Prisoners http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2013/August/08-02-10.htm
Australia complicit in PNG’s Bougainville blight http://cafepacific.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/australia-complicit-in-pngs.html
Australians funding PNG’s feared cops http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2013/australians-funding-pngs-feared-cops-20130803-2r65w.html
NZ unions back Fiji sugar workers http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=77953
Cuba’s unsung medical training helps develop Timor Leste and Pacific island countries http://links.org.au/node/3463
West Papua Media: Women ‘shield’ activists as rally forcibly dispersed by police http://freedomflotillawestpapua.org/2013/08/02/west-papua-media-women-shield-activists-as-rally-forcibly-dispersed-by-police/
PAKISTAN
Bureau investigation finds fresh evidence of CIA drone strikes on rescuers http://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/2013/08/01/bureau-investigation-finds-fresh-evidence-of-cia-drone-strikes-on-rescuers/
PALESTINE
The Prawer Plan
Soldiers assault a twelve-year-old Palestinian while settlers invade family rooftop in Hebron http://palsolidarity.org/2013/08/soldiers-assault-a-twelve-year-old-palestinian-while-settlers-invade-family-rooftop-in-hebron/
‘Peace talks’ meaningless says survivor of Gaza massacre http://kiaoragaza.wordpress.com/2013/08/05/peace-talks-meaningless-says-survivor-of-gaza-massacre/
PHILIPPINES
Noy urged to appoint HR victims’ compensation board http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/08/04/1048471/noy-urged-appoint-hr-victims-compensation-board
Liberation International Interview with Luis G. Jalandoni of NDFP : Social Conflict and Peace in the Philippines http://democracyandclasstruggle.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/liberation-international-interview-with.html
SOUTH AFRICA
Terry Bell: The Marikana watershed http://terrybellwrites.com/2013/08/04/the-marikana-watershed/
SYRIA
Kurdish Struggle Blurs Syria’s Battle Lines http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/02/world/middleeast/syria.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Patrick Cockburn: Covering Syria’s Complicated Civil War http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/patrick_cockburn_covering_syrias_complicated_civil_war_20130731/
TUNISIA
Tunisian tensions escalate amid Arab spring’s unravelling http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/02/tunisia-tensions-arab-spring-unravelling
TURKEY
The Gezi Park Resistance and Social Class: A Revolt of the ‘Middle Class’? By Yalcin Burkev http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/857.php
UK
Exclusive: NSA pays £100m in secret funding for GCHQ http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/aug/01/nsa-paid-gchq-spying-edward-snowden
Immigrant checkpoints are naked state racism http://aworldtowin.net/blog/immigrant-checkpoints-are-naked-state.html
Serco: the company that is running Britain: From prisons to rail franchises and even London’s Boris bikes, Serco is a giant global corporation that has hoovered up outsourced government contracts. Now the NHS is firmly in its sights. But it stands accused of mismanagement, lying and even charging for non-existent work http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/jul/29/serco-biggest-company-never-heard-of
How children lost the right to roam in four generations http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-462091/How-children-lost-right-roam-generations.html#ixzz2asZ9Q6uL
Telecom giants give GCHQ unlimited access to networks, develop own spyware – Snowden leaks http://rt.com/news/spy-agency-telecoms-access-966/
Britain in debt: Half of UK adults ‘living on financial edge’ http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/britain-in-debt-half-of-uk-adults-living-on-financial-edge-8742978.html
This hunt for illegal immigrants is revolting http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/aug/03/spot-checks-erode-racial-unity
George the Poet: ‘Go Home’ – video http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/video/2013/aug/01/george-the-poet-go-home-video
The water companies and the foul stench of exploitation – The privatisation of water is a story of greed, incompetence and fleecing the public http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/aug/03/water-industry-exploitation-pollution?CMP=twt_gu
Zero-hours contracts cover more than 1m UK workers http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/aug/05/zero-hours-contracts-cover-1m-uk-workers
McDonald’s ties nine out of 10 workers to zero-hours contracts http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/aug/05/mcdonalds-workers-zero-hour-contracts?CMP=twt_gu
USA
How the Execs Who Brought Down Bear Stearns Bounced Back http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/07/bear-stearns-executives-wall-street-recession
The Great Eviction: The Landscape of Wall Street’s Creative Destruction http://truth-out.org/news/item/17936-the-great-eviction-the-landscape-of-wall-streets-creative-destruction
10 Million Americans Have Had Their Homes Taken Away by the Banks — Often at the Point of a Gun http://www.alternet.org/investigations/10-million-americans-foreclosed-neighborhoods-devastated
Locking Up Millions of Americans Isn’t Just About Punishing the Underclass, It’s About Raking in the Dough http://www.alternet.org/civil-liberties/locking-millions-americans-isnt-just-about-punishing-underclass-its-about-raking
North Carolina Becomes the Front Line of a Brutal Corporate Assault on Education Raging in America http://www.alternet.org/activism/moral-monday-and-education
The Corporate Right-Wing Agenda Is Driving Thousands of Americans to Attempt Suicide http://www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/corporate-right-wing-agenda-driving-thousands-americans-attempt-suicide
Where Did The Good Jobs Go? Globalization, Free Trade And The Demise Of America’s Middle Class http://www.mintpressnews.com/where-did-the-good-jobs-go-globalization-free-trade-and-the-demise-of-americas-middle-class/166167/
The more nefarious US foreign policy, the more it relies on media complicity http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/aug/05/media-complicity-us-foreign-policy
USA – FAST FOOD WORKERS REVOLT
“We Are Slowly Dying”: Fast-Food Workers Launch Strike for Living Wage and Right to Unionize http://www.democracynow.org/2013/8/2/we_are_slowly_dying_fast_food
For Fast-Food Strikers in New York, It’s About ‘Moral Values’ http://www.unions.org/home/union-blog/2013/08/01/for-fast-food-strikers-in-new-york-its-about-moral-values-2/
A Day’s Strike Seeks to Raise Fast-Food Pay http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/01/business/strike-for-day-seeks-to-raise-fast-food-pay.html
After a Pause, Walmart Strikes Back http://www.labornotes.org/2013/07/after-pause-walmart-strikes-back-0
Where Are Workers Most Underpaid: Apple, Walmart or McDonald’s? – See more at: http://thecontributor.com/economy/where-are-workers-most-underpaid-apple-wal-mart-or-mcdonald%E2%80%99s#sthash.157rBz2m.dpuf
Fast Food Shouldn’t Mean Low Wages http://www.commondreams.org/view/2013/08/02-9
New labor movement emerges in Scott Walker’s Wisconsin http://www.salon.com/2013/08/02/new_labor_movement_emerges_in_scott_walkers_wisconsin/?source=newsletter
5 Faces Of This Week’s Fast Food Worker Strikes http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/01/fast-food-worker-strikes_n_3683234.html
Fast Food Strikes Catch Fire http://inthesetimes.com/working/entry/15366/fast_food_slow_burn/
‘I’m working as hard as I can’: For the poor, the costs of life can be higher http://inplainsight.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/08/02/.UfwoEW19-Ms.facebook
John Oliver spotlighted the plight of American fast food workers on Thursday night’s Daily Show and the plight of Fox News anchors who are very angry at them.
Pay Mas: Fast food workers agitate for higher wages and the right to unionize. (02:59)
USA – SPYING SCANDAL
Greenwald: Is U.S. Exaggerating Threat to Embassies to Silence Critics of NSA Domestic Surveillance? http://www.democracynow.org/2013/8/5/greenwald_is_us_exaggerating_threat_to
How we lost our Constitution somewhere in Iraq and came back without it to Try Manning (van Buren) http://www.juancole.com/2013/08/constitution-somewhere-without.html
The Surveillance State Is as Strong as Ever http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/the_surveillance_state_is_as_strong_as_ever_20130804
Snowden Sidestep: Latest NSA leaks fall on deaf ears in Washington
What Bradley Manning’s Sentence Will Tell Us About Our Military Justice System By Michael Moore http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/mike-friends-blog/what-bradley-mannings-sentence-will-tell-us-about-military-justice-system
Bradley Manning family statement: ‘Brad loved his country and was proud to wear its uniform’ http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jul/30/bradley-manning-family-statement-text
Noam Chomsky Praises Bradley Manning’s Actions
The Trials of Bradley Manning – His conviction on Espionage Act charges poses grave dangers for American journalism. http://www.thenation.com/article/175512/trials-bradley-manning
The Monsterization of Trayvon Martin – How George Zimmerman’s lawyers exploited racist stereotypes to justify the fear—and killing—of black men. http://www.thenation.com/article/175547/monsterization-trayvon-martin
Are Street Protests Next in the Fight Over Education Reform? http://www.thenation.com/article/175532/are-street-protests-next-fight-over-education-reform
‘Every Stroke you Type’: Greenwald Reveals Xkeyscore, Vindicating Snowden http://www.juancole.com/2013/08/greenwald-xkeyscore-vindicating.html
NSA Confirms Dragnet Phone Records Collection, But Admits It Was Key in Stopping Just 1 Terror Plot http://www.democracynow.org/2013/8/1/nsa_confirms_dragnet_phone_records_collection
Bradley Manning: Worse Crime Than My Lai? http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/07/09/1222192/-Bradley-Manning-Worse-Crime-Than-My-Lai
Calley Vs Manning: Which Army ‘Criminal’ Would You Convict? http://www.salem-news.com/articles/march192012/calley-manning-tk.php
SIMPSONS: PRISM! Lisa talking about government spying on them.
VENEZUELA
Why Did Washington Hate Hugo Chavez? An Interview with Author and Revolutionary Eva Golinger http://venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/9905
Maduro marks gains, pushes greater popular power http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/54695
GPJA 