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| Tuesday, 20 September 2005, 9:37 am
Column: Global Peace And Justice Auckland
Global Peace And Justice Auckland Newsletter #108, September 19, 2005
Dear friends,
PICKET THE US CONSULATE THIS SAT 24TH @ 11AM. This is part of an international
day against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and we are also linking it to the
man-made disaster in New Orleans. Our poster ?Stop the War ? Support the Poor?
can be downloaded from: http://gpja.pl.net/files/stopthewarsupporthepoor.pdf
HELP NEEDED TO PASTE UP ANTIWAR POSTER THIS TUES 6PM, UNITE OFFICE, 6A WESTERN
SPRINGS RD MORNINGSIDE. DROP BY TO PICK SOME UP IF YOU WANT TO DO SOME AT
ANOTHER TIME.
NEXT GPJA FORUM MON OCT 3: CHIEF HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONER ROS NOONAN will give
a background to Human Rights in general both civil and political rights as well
as cultural, social and economic rights. We would also like her to talk about
the Human Rights Action plan for New Zealand released earlier this year.
Human Rights Council member Anthony Ravlich has written a document titled
?Capturing the Dream: Economic, Social and Cultural Rights included in the Human
Rights Commissions?s Action Plan? that is available from:
http://gpja.pl.net/files/RAVLICH.pdf
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
?I hated my part in the charade of murder and horror. My efforts were
contributing to the deaths, to the burning alive of children ? especially the
children. The photographs of young Vietnamese children burned by napalm
destroyed me.?: Ralph McGehee former CIA intelligence analyst
"There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people for
a purpose which is unattainable." : U.S. historian Howard Zinn, 1993
?You're not 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
"The history of mankind shows that from the beginning of the world, the rich of
all countries have been in a permanent state of conspiracy to keep down the poor
of all countries, and for this plain reason - because the poverty of the poor
man is essential to the riches of the rich man. No matter by what means they may
disguise their operations, the rich are everlastingly plundering, debasing, and
brutalising the poor. All the crimes and superstitions of human nature have
their origin in this cannibal warfare of riches against poverty. The desire of
one man to live on the fruits of another's labour is the original sin of the
world. It is this which fills the world with faction and hypocrisy and has made
all past history to be what Gibbon so justly described it - 'a record of the
crimes, absurdities, and calamities of mankind.' It is the parent injustice from
which all injustice springs." British Chartist movement leader, Bronterre
O'Brien, 1835
ADVERTISEMENT
MESSAGES A big "people's power" campaign is developing over the imminent threat
to Pikes Point, the last green space left on the edge of the Upper Manukau
Harbour. The owner of Pikes Point is Ports of Auckland Ltd (POAL), which is
owned by Auckland Regional Holdings which, in turn, is controlled by the
Auckland Regional Council (ARC). POAL wants to turn Pikes Point into a giant car
lot. Increasing numbers of cars are being landed at Waitemata Harbour. Instead
of using the ample land at Waitemata to store them, the powers-that-be want to
preserve this high-priced land for more profitable purposes, and instead truck &
rail the cars to Pikes Point on the Upper Manukau. In essence, the port company
wants to export its problems from Waitemata's yuppieville to grassroots Manukau.
This is outrageous from the standpoints of: * Fairness and democracy (the
authorities should have the same rules for both the Waitemata & Manukau
Harbours). * Protection of the environment (preserving green space on the
water's edge, rather than tarsealing it for a car lot). * Creating a
recreational vision for the Manukau Harbour (just like the "visioning" exercise
for the Waitemata going on right now). RAM, in the shape of ARC councillor Robyn
Hughes & myself, have been in the forefront of this campaign and in the
organisation of communities around the Manukau Harbour. We initiated the
establishment of a wider community group called Manukau Harbour Enhancement,
which is backing the campaign to preserve Pikes Point as open green space. Robyn
has filed a notice of motion for the next ARC meeting to stop POAL evicting the
community clubs which currently occupy Pikes Point. She has also filed an
in-depth report on the issue for other ARC councillors. Both documents are
attached. Things will come to a head at the next ARC meeting on 26 September.
The Pikes Point clubs have promised to mobilise hundreds of their members to
pack out the ARC Chamber. They will support a green space submission by the
chair of Maungakiekie Community Board in the Public Forum preceding the ARC
meeting, then support Robyn when she raises her motion during the council
meeting itself. RAM is calling on its supporters to join the Pikes Point club
members at the ARC meeting. Together our "people's power" can stop the car lot
madness destroying this irreplaceable green space. PLEASE COME ALONG TO SUPPORT.
DETAILS OF ARC MEETING: 6pm on Monday 26th September, ARC Chamber, Vodafone
House, 21 Pitt St, central Auckland. Hope to see you there. Please forward this
email to your own contacts and urge them to attend. Thank you. Grant Morgan,
Organiser of RAM - Residents Action Movement, 021-2544 515, 634 4432 (day &
evening), gcm@actrix.gen.nz
WHAT?S ON IN AUCKLAND
Wednesday, September 21, 12-1pm, WA area opposite library, AUT MAKE A STATEMENT
ABOUT PEACE: Write a statement about peace and paste it on a peace wall. Enter a
competition by making a verbal statement about peace.
Wednesday, September 21, 6pm, B28 (the lecture theatre underneath the Library),
University of Auckland, Princes St. PEACE IN ISLAM - History, Precept and
Practice: A public lecture by AHMED ZAOUI Salaam (peace) is at the core of
Islam. The Qu'ran is replete with exhortations to non-violence over violence,
and forgiveness over retribution. The life and actions of the Prophet Mohammed
are an example of the value in which Islam holds peace. The challenge of
transforming precepts into contextually relevant practices can be met, it is
argued, by a commitment to dialogue, and education about the essential
principles of Islam. Ahmed Zaoui has become a familiar name to many New
Zealanders. He hit media headlines for being the first person in this country to
be detained without charge for almost two years. Mr Zaoui was initially accused
of having links to an armed Algerian group, however, the Refugee Status Appeals
Authority, a world-respected independent tribunal, cleared his name and found Mr
Zaoui deserving of refugee status in their most extensive investigation to date.
However, Mr Zaoui's fate remains undetermined as the government still refuses to
release the secret information on his alleged connections. In Algeria, Zaoui was
an Imam (priest) and an academic who specialized in Comparative Religious
Studies. Currently, he is residing on bail with the Dominican Friars. This has
afforded him the opportunity to continue his work, which focuses on how
inter-faith communications can be used as a vehicle to promote justice and human
rights.
Wednesday, September 21, 6pm, Orewa Beach, Hibiscus Coast, Rodney District
FLOWERS ON THE OCEAN.The Rodney District Branch of the United Nations
Association of New Zealand, in conjunction with the Mayor John Law and Rodney
District Council, invites everyone in the community and nationwide to celebrate
United Nations Day of Peace on September 21st. Join us on that day where the
Nukumea Stream meets the sea at the northern end of Orewa Beach. As a symbolic
gesture of peace we plan to gift flowers to the ocean, flowers being the symbol
of love and compassion, and water the source of all life that sustains and links
humanity together. In Peace, Catherine Shrigley, Pres. UN Association Rodney.
Ambassador for Peace IIFWPC. (+649) 4266972. aslan@xtra.co.nz
Saturday, September 24, 11am, US Consulate, Customs St, Downtown INTERNATIONAL
DAY OF ACTION AGAINST THE WAR
Monday, September 26, 6pm, ARC Chamber, Vodafone House, 21 Pitt St, central
Auckland Protest threats to Pike?s Point
Monday, September 26, 7 - 9pm, Room 032, ClockTower Bldg, 22 Princes Street,
Bldg No. 105 CHILD POVERTY IN NEW ZEALAND; education course with Diane
Robertson, Innes Asher, ONZM, BSc, MBChB, FRACP; Alan Johnson, BTP, MPhil (Hons)
(convenor). Children are fundamental to the future of our society however an
estimated 300,000 children in New Zealand are at present growing up in poverty.
This places New Zealand near the bottom of the child poverty table which ranks
the world's 26 richest nations. Living in poverty, where there is inadequate
food and poor housing, has long-term effects on children's health, education,
social and emotional development. This seminar will outline the current
situation of the health and well-being of New Zealand's children and young
people. We will look at current policy in this area and suggest ways in which
improvements may be made so that all New Zealand children can reach their full
potential. There will be an opportunity for discussion between the audience and
speakers at the conclusion of the seminar. Innes Asher is a Paediatrician, who
has worked with children for more than 30 years. She works at Starship
Children's Hospital and in 2002 she was appointed as Professor of Paediatrics at
The university of Auckland. She is member of the Management Committee of the
Child Poverty Action Group in New Zealand. Diane Robertson made history by
becoming the Auckland City Mission's first non-clergy, female City Missioner in
March 1998.Prior to that she was Director of Social Services for the Mission.
She currently sits on a number of boards including The Auckland University
Community Advisory Board and Social Investment NZ. She is also a member of the
Child Poverty Action Group. Alan Johnson is a Public Policy Manager at Auckland
Regional Council with a long experience in local government and community
activism. Class Number: 38121; Cost: $22.00 or $12 (students/unwaged). To enrol
ph: 3737599 ext 87832 or online: www.cce.auckland.ac.nz Kind regards, Jo Davies,
Programme Manager,Community education Centre for Continuing Education, The
University of Auckland, Ph: 3737599 ext 88693; je.davies@auckland.ac.nz
Monday, October 3, 7.30pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Road, Grey Lynn. GPJA
FORUM: CHIEF HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONER ROS NOONAN will give a background to
Human Rights in general both civil and political rights as well as cultural,
social and economic rights. We would also like her to talk about the Human
Rights Action plan for New Zealand released earlier this year.
Saturday, October 8, 7.30pm, Classic Comedy Bar, 321 Queen St, City On 9 October
2004, Auckland returned a centre-left council. To celebrate one year in office,
we would like to invite you to a fund-raising birthday debate (tickets $20
waged, $10 unwaged). WHAT: A fun debate: "After one year of a City Vision/Labour
Council the women are winning!" WHO: MC Chris Trotter; Boys team: Mark Gosche MP
(captain), Cr Vern Walsh, Cr John Hinchcliff; Girls team: Hon Judith Tizard MP
(captain), Cr Leila Boyle, Cr Cathy Casey. A cash bar and free nibbles will be
provided throughout the evening and entertainment until late. If you would like
a ticket please advise Cathy soonest on cmcasey@xtra.co.nz or telephone 09 620
1952 or 0274 744231.
Saturday, October 22, 10am-5pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn
WORKERS CHARTER CONFERENCE. (Social in evening, same venue). Register with Grant
Morgan 021 2544 515; workerscharter@actrix.co.nz
BEST ON THE WEB
NEW ZEALAND Doco: Chance To Be In Same Boat As Tampa Refugees
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0509/S00119.htm
TONGA Thousands Turnout for The PSA Feast For The People
http://www.tongaonstrike.com/
ANTIWAR On September 24, people around the world will demonstrate against the
war in Iraq, with thousands marching on Washington to a rally headlined by Cindy
Sheehan. Our new interviews with Phyllis Bennis, Phil Donahue, Amy Goodman and
Danny Schecter explore the media's role in selling and covering the war in Iraq.
http://www.iwtnews.com/videoindex Memory's Revenge: The planners of Operation
Iraqi Freedom forgot another thing on the road to Baghdad: how veterans would
affect their ability to get new boots on the ground
http://www.motherjones.com/commenta...ys_revenge.html The
St. Patrick Four: The Feds Confront the Anti-War Movement
http://www.counterpunch.org/petras09162005.html
http://www.stpatricksfour.org/press09-13-2005.php U.S. worries about the toll
Iraq is taking, poll finds ? Majority favour immediate withdrawal
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/09/16/news/poll.php Galloway/Hitchens Debate -
British MP George Galloway v. Christopher Hitchens: A debate on the Iraq war
http://www.democracynow.org/
VENEZUELA How United States Intervention Against Venezuela WorksBy Philip Agee,
Venezuelanalysis.com http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/articles.php?artno=1548
President Chavez's Speech to the United Nations: The full respect towards the
principles of International Law and the United Nations Charter must be, Mr.
President, the keystone for international relations in today?s world and the
base for the new order we are currently proposing.
http://www.informationclearinghouse...rticle10315.htm Transcript: Hugo
Chavez Interview: Venezuelan President On Rocky Relations with Washington
http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/print?id=1134098
ENVIRONMENT Global warming past the point of no return
http://news.independent.co.uk/world...ticle312997.ece
PALESTINE How to Succeed as a War Criminal
http://www.altpr.org/modules.php?op...e&sid=486&mode=
thread&order=0&thold=0 Video: Ariel Sharon: The Accused - The man who is now
Israel's Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, sent Lebanese militiamen into the
Palestine refugee camps of Sabra and Shatilla. When they left 36 hours later at
least 800 people lay dead after a rampage of murder, torture and rape.
http://www.informationclearinghouse...article6403.htm Killing Us Not So
Softly, But Slowly: Ever wonder why nine thousand Palestinians are behind bars
and upwards of one quarter of Palestinian men have been detained by the
occupiers? Perhaps the same reason the US detains Iraqis, ninety-nine percent of
whom according to Ali Shalal al-Qaysi, the hooded Christlike Iraqi prisoner, are
innocent. http://snipurl.com/hpp9
AUSTRALIA Australian Complicity in Iraq Mass Mortality: The US, UK and Australia
are clearly complicit in horrendous avoidable mortality and infant mortality in
a swathe of invaded Asian countries in the post-1950 era. This now raises the
philosophic issue of responsibility. http://snipurl.com/hqp1
PHILIPPINES Philippines suffers poverty divide
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4245422.stm
Alan, son of Nemesis.
Anyone who doubts that I am the son of Nemesis is obviously an infidel
lacking in faith whose soul is in peril of everlasting damnation.
"We love your adherence to democratic principles."
-- Vice President George Bush to Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos
http://www.veloceraptor.free-online.../protector.html
http://theoriginalfirebird.blogspot.com/
http://www.insurgent.org/~jhd/kookway.htm
Nemesis, winged balancer of life,
dark-faced Goddess, daughter of Justice,
You who restrain with adamantine bridles
the frivolous insolences of mortals,
and spurning the destructive violence of mankind
drive out black envy!
Beneath Your unceasing, traceless orbit
is spun the grey fortune of man
and unnoticed You walk in his tracks,
you bend the neck that is proud.
Beneath Your arm You ever measure out life
and ever do You lower Your eye to Your bosom
as You control the scales in Your hand.
Be gracious, blessed dealer of justice,
Nemesis, winged balancer of life.
Nemesis the deathless Goddess we sing,
Victory with slender wings, all-powerful
infallible, and the assistant to Justice,
You who in displeasure at the pride of men
carry it down into Tartarus.
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