Repeal of Estate Tax Morally Bankrupt
"Revenue from the estate tax today generates about $30 billion, or about 1 percent of federal revenue. But that amount will skyrocket in the coming years because of an unprecedented intergenerational transfer of wealth.
"The estimated size of the intergenerational transfer of wealth between 1998 and 2052 ranges from a low estimate of $40.6 trillion, based on a modest 2 percent growth rate, to a high estimate of $136.2 trillion, based on a 4 percent growth rate . . ."
Sunday, January 26, 2003
Palestinian Militants demand end to Israeli attacks
"Palestinian militant groups meeting in Egypt say they will not end attacks against Israeli civilians without a promise from Israel to end its military aggression in the West Bank and Gaza. Representatives of 12 militant Muslim groups attending the meeting say they are making progress toward agreement to unify political action by the various factions. However, Friday's sessions ended with a statement saying resistance must continue until Israel ends its occupation of Palestinian land."
"Palestinian militant groups meeting in Egypt say they will not end attacks against Israeli civilians without a promise from Israel to end its military aggression in the West Bank and Gaza. Representatives of 12 militant Muslim groups attending the meeting say they are making progress toward agreement to unify political action by the various factions. However, Friday's sessions ended with a statement saying resistance must continue until Israel ends its occupation of Palestinian land."
Blow to US Hawks as Inspectors Draw Blank
"The United Nations' nuclear inspectors will deliver a serious blow on Monday to Washington's case for going to war with Iraq, telling the world they have found nothing and giving Saddam Hussein good grades for cooperation. Just as damaging to the US position will be the insistence to the UN security council by the chief nuclear inspector, Mohamed El Baradei, that his team needs several more months to complete its work and that some important testing equipment has only just arrived in the country."
"The United Nations' nuclear inspectors will deliver a serious blow on Monday to Washington's case for going to war with Iraq, telling the world they have found nothing and giving Saddam Hussein good grades for cooperation. Just as damaging to the US position will be the insistence to the UN security council by the chief nuclear inspector, Mohamed El Baradei, that his team needs several more months to complete its work and that some important testing equipment has only just arrived in the country."
U.S. Weighs Tactical Nuclear Strike on Iraq
"If the United States dropped a bomb on an Arab country, it might be a military success, but it would be a diplomatic, political and strategic disaster," said Joseph Cirincione, director of nonproliferation studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington." No kidding.
"If the United States dropped a bomb on an Arab country, it might be a military success, but it would be a diplomatic, political and strategic disaster," said Joseph Cirincione, director of nonproliferation studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington." No kidding.
Thursday, January 23, 2003
Shahak on Israeli plans against Iran
"But I do want to make some comments on ihe incitement of Israelis against Iran. I am well aware that a lot of expert opinions and predictions quoted here will sound to non-Israeli readers like fantasy running amok. Yet I perceive those opinions and predictions, no matter how mendacious and deceitful they obviously are, as politically quite meaningful. Let me explain my reasons. In the first place, I have not quoted the opinions of raving extremists. I was careful to select only the writings of respected and influential Israeli experts or commentators on strategic affairs, who can be presumed to be well acquainted with the thinking of the Israeli Security System. Since militarily Israel is the strongest state in the Middle East and has the monopoly on nuclear weapons in the region, strategical doctrines of its Security System deserve to be disseminated world-wide, especially when they are forcefully pressed upon the Israeli public. Whether one likes it or not, Israel is a great power, not only in military but also in political terms, by virtue of its increasing influence upon US policies. The opinions of the Israeli Security System may mean something different from what they say. But this doesn't detract from their importance."
"But I do want to make some comments on ihe incitement of Israelis against Iran. I am well aware that a lot of expert opinions and predictions quoted here will sound to non-Israeli readers like fantasy running amok. Yet I perceive those opinions and predictions, no matter how mendacious and deceitful they obviously are, as politically quite meaningful. Let me explain my reasons. In the first place, I have not quoted the opinions of raving extremists. I was careful to select only the writings of respected and influential Israeli experts or commentators on strategic affairs, who can be presumed to be well acquainted with the thinking of the Israeli Security System. Since militarily Israel is the strongest state in the Middle East and has the monopoly on nuclear weapons in the region, strategical doctrines of its Security System deserve to be disseminated world-wide, especially when they are forcefully pressed upon the Israeli public. Whether one likes it or not, Israel is a great power, not only in military but also in political terms, by virtue of its increasing influence upon US policies. The opinions of the Israeli Security System may mean something different from what they say. But this doesn't detract from their importance."
Shahak on Yom Kippur, Dayan and Nuking Syrian cities
"Already on the second day of the Yom Kippur War (7 October), however, Dayan together with all other Israeli leaders realized that the war was going badly, with all their hopes for a rapid victory dashed. As Brown recounts, they nevertheless kept pretending to the Israelis as well as to the whole world (including their friend Henry Kissinger) that everything was going on according to the Israeli Army's plans... The deception only aggravated the situation."
"Already on the second day of the Yom Kippur War (7 October), however, Dayan together with all other Israeli leaders realized that the war was going badly, with all their hopes for a rapid victory dashed. As Brown recounts, they nevertheless kept pretending to the Israelis as well as to the whole world (including their friend Henry Kissinger) that everything was going on according to the Israeli Army's plans... The deception only aggravated the situation."
Russia Military See U.S. Iraq Attack in Feb -Report
"Russia's armed forces have obtained information that the United States and its allies have already decided to launch military action in Iraq from mid-February... U.S.-led operations would be launched once an attacking force of 150,000 had been assembled in the Gulf... the operation is planned for the second half of February. The decision to launch it has been taken but not yet been made public... The source added that the main aim of the war would be to secure control of Iraqi oilfields."
"Russia's armed forces have obtained information that the United States and its allies have already decided to launch military action in Iraq from mid-February... U.S.-led operations would be launched once an attacking force of 150,000 had been assembled in the Gulf... the operation is planned for the second half of February. The decision to launch it has been taken but not yet been made public... The source added that the main aim of the war would be to secure control of Iraqi oilfields."
Israel Shahak on Israeli nuclear madness
"Moreover, some argue that Israel's unremittent nuclear development only propels Arab countries, Iran and other Muslim states to equip themselves with all sorts of non-conventional, but primarily nuclear, weapons.' None of these apprehensions have ever appeared not only in the censored Hebrew press but, to the best of my knowledge, in the mainstream international press as well. All of them are nevertheless in my view quite justified. Not only is the prospect of Dimona one day becoming another Chernobyl something to be seriously discussed. The prospect of Gush Emunim ('The Block of the Faithful'), or some secular right-wing Israeli fanatics, or some of the delirious Israeli Army generals, seizing control of Israeli nuclear weapons and using them in accordance with their `knowledge' of politics or by the authority of `divine command' cannot be precluded either. In my view the likelihood of the occurrence of some such calamity is growing. We should not forget that while Israeli Jewish society undergoes a steady political polarization, the Israeli Security System increasingly relies on the recruitment of cohorts from the ranks of the extreme right."
"When dealing with the long-concealed events of October 1973 War, I documented that the Israeli Army High Command of that time, possibly including Moshe Dayan, favoured Israeli nuclear response against Syria, but were halted in doing so by Golda Meir, backed by Kissinger."
"Moreover, some argue that Israel's unremittent nuclear development only propels Arab countries, Iran and other Muslim states to equip themselves with all sorts of non-conventional, but primarily nuclear, weapons.' None of these apprehensions have ever appeared not only in the censored Hebrew press but, to the best of my knowledge, in the mainstream international press as well. All of them are nevertheless in my view quite justified. Not only is the prospect of Dimona one day becoming another Chernobyl something to be seriously discussed. The prospect of Gush Emunim ('The Block of the Faithful'), or some secular right-wing Israeli fanatics, or some of the delirious Israeli Army generals, seizing control of Israeli nuclear weapons and using them in accordance with their `knowledge' of politics or by the authority of `divine command' cannot be precluded either. In my view the likelihood of the occurrence of some such calamity is growing. We should not forget that while Israeli Jewish society undergoes a steady political polarization, the Israeli Security System increasingly relies on the recruitment of cohorts from the ranks of the extreme right."
"When dealing with the long-concealed events of October 1973 War, I documented that the Israeli Army High Command of that time, possibly including Moshe Dayan, favoured Israeli nuclear response against Syria, but were halted in doing so by Golda Meir, backed by Kissinger."
Christopher Hitchens: Israel Shahak, 1933-2001 (The Nation, 23 July 2001)
"For Shahak, the liberation of the Jewish people was an aspect of the Enlightenment, and involved their own self-emancipation from ghetto life and from clerical control, no less than from ancient “Gentile” prejudice. It therefore naturally ensued that Jews should never traffic in superstitions or racial myths; they stood to lose the most from the toleration of such rubbish. And it went almost without saying that there could be no defensible Jewish excuse for denying the human rights of others...
"Only the other day, I read some sanguinary proclamation from the rabbinical commander of the Shas party, Ovadia Yosef, himself much sought after by both Ehud Barak and Ariel Sharon. It was a vulgar demand for the holy extermination of non-Jews; the vilest effusions of Hamas and Islamic Jihad would have been hard-pressed to match it. The man wants a dictatorial theocracy for Jews and helotry or expulsion for the Palestinians, and he sees (as Shahak did in reverse) the connection. This is not a detail; Yosef’s government receives an enormous US subsidy, and his intended victims live (and die, every day) under a Pax Americana. Men like Shahak, who force us to face these reponsibilities, are naturally rare. He was never interviewed by the New York Times, and its obituary pages have let pass the death of a great and serious man."
- Shahak must surely be one of the most important Jewish/Israeli writers of recent times. It is therefore a minor classic of New York Times censorship by omission that he was never interviewed and had no obituary.
"For Shahak, the liberation of the Jewish people was an aspect of the Enlightenment, and involved their own self-emancipation from ghetto life and from clerical control, no less than from ancient “Gentile” prejudice. It therefore naturally ensued that Jews should never traffic in superstitions or racial myths; they stood to lose the most from the toleration of such rubbish. And it went almost without saying that there could be no defensible Jewish excuse for denying the human rights of others...
"Only the other day, I read some sanguinary proclamation from the rabbinical commander of the Shas party, Ovadia Yosef, himself much sought after by both Ehud Barak and Ariel Sharon. It was a vulgar demand for the holy extermination of non-Jews; the vilest effusions of Hamas and Islamic Jihad would have been hard-pressed to match it. The man wants a dictatorial theocracy for Jews and helotry or expulsion for the Palestinians, and he sees (as Shahak did in reverse) the connection. This is not a detail; Yosef’s government receives an enormous US subsidy, and his intended victims live (and die, every day) under a Pax Americana. Men like Shahak, who force us to face these reponsibilities, are naturally rare. He was never interviewed by the New York Times, and its obituary pages have let pass the death of a great and serious man."
- Shahak must surely be one of the most important Jewish/Israeli writers of recent times. It is therefore a minor classic of New York Times censorship by omission that he was never interviewed and had no obituary.
Levy on developers to pay for new roads
"Sydney developers will be forced to pay a $15,000 levy on newly released blocks of land, under a new government plan to ensure the private sector helps fund new roads and public transport."
Development levies are not without merit but it would be better if State and Local government shouldered their responsibilities for transport and other essential infrastructure development and funded them via the existing mechanisms of land tax and site value rating.
"Sydney developers will be forced to pay a $15,000 levy on newly released blocks of land, under a new government plan to ensure the private sector helps fund new roads and public transport."
Development levies are not without merit but it would be better if State and Local government shouldered their responsibilities for transport and other essential infrastructure development and funded them via the existing mechanisms of land tax and site value rating.
Australian troops on rocky war path
"The Minister for Defence, Robert Hill, said the decision to send troops before a UN resolution on a war against Iraq was "for the safety of the forces, for them to be able to guarantee their professional best".
"We believe that they are entitled to a period within the region to acclimatise, to work with coalition allies," he said. He said the deployment would put pressure on Saddam Hussein to voluntarily disarm."
This is deception of the public. The minor nature of Australia's deployment will hardly be noticed by Iraq compared to the immense American force. The deployment of the troops means they will inevitably be engaged when the war starts. Howard, Hill and the government are putting themselves in a position where they will have no choice but to support an illegal US war which is opposed by majorities of the population right across the Western world.
"The Minister for Defence, Robert Hill, said the decision to send troops before a UN resolution on a war against Iraq was "for the safety of the forces, for them to be able to guarantee their professional best".
"We believe that they are entitled to a period within the region to acclimatise, to work with coalition allies," he said. He said the deployment would put pressure on Saddam Hussein to voluntarily disarm."
This is deception of the public. The minor nature of Australia's deployment will hardly be noticed by Iraq compared to the immense American force. The deployment of the troops means they will inevitably be engaged when the war starts. Howard, Hill and the government are putting themselves in a position where they will have no choice but to support an illegal US war which is opposed by majorities of the population right across the Western world.
PM talks tough as troops go
"The Prime Minister, John Howard, has joined the United States in condemning Iraq's lack of co-operation with weapons inspectors as Washington warned that its diplomatic efforts to disarm Saddam Hussein were "just about exhausted". Mr Howard also refused to endorse giving the inspectors "as much time as they want"
- Howard is simply echoing the Washington line, reading the script provided by them. The US has given every indication they will attack without a second UN resolution, which looks increasingly unlikely to be had, and Howard will find himself committed to war despite the strong protest back home.
"The Prime Minister, John Howard, has joined the United States in condemning Iraq's lack of co-operation with weapons inspectors as Washington warned that its diplomatic efforts to disarm Saddam Hussein were "just about exhausted". Mr Howard also refused to endorse giving the inspectors "as much time as they want"
- Howard is simply echoing the Washington line, reading the script provided by them. The US has given every indication they will attack without a second UN resolution, which looks increasingly unlikely to be had, and Howard will find himself committed to war despite the strong protest back home.
Wednesday, January 22, 2003
France Vows to Block Resolution on Iraq War
"France suggested today it would wage a major diplomatic fight, including possible use of its veto power, to prevent the U.N. Security Council from passing a resolution authorizing military action against Iraq. Russia and China, which have veto power, and Germany, which will chair the Security Council in February, also signaled today they were willing to let the inspections continue for months."
"Rising opposition to war, particularly in France, appears to have played a role in the hardening positions on the Security Council. Foreign officials are also aware of polls in the United States suggesting that support for a war drops dramatically if the Bush administration does not have U.N. approval. At the United Nations, several foreign ministers said a war in Iraq would spawn more terrorist acts around the globe and, in the words of Germany's Joschka Fischer, have "disastrous consequences for long-term regional stability."
US Secretary of State Colin Powell is probably an unpopular figure right now in the Bush administration. The US hyperpower neither needs nor wants UN "endorsement" for their attack on Iraq. They did not seek or obtain UN endorsement for their wars against Yugoslavia and Afghanistan, and the decision to attack Iraq was made from the start on the basis that it would be unilateral if necessary. But now the potential UN opposition is emerging in domestic opinion polls as a serious political obstacle. At the time of UN resolution 1441 there was an argument that UN credibility would have been enhanced by vetoing the Resolution, which was regarded as a figleaf of diplomatic respectability for unilateral US aggression. The United States got the wording that if there was "material breach" Iraq would face "serious consequences", meaning war; however France and Russia stated immediately after the Resolution was passed that the UN Security Council would have to meet and consider the matter again before war was started.
Thus the international debate has been successfully framed in terms of a need for the UN Security Council to respond to the report of the Weapons Inspectors, and to be the body that authorises war. The US might not want to risk the bringing of a second resolution in order to avoid the embarrassment of it being vetoed or voted down. They will instead argue that Saddam is in "material breach" and a second resolution is not necessary. However France and Germany would be able to propose a resolution calling for an extension of time to allow the inspectors to continue their work, perhaps for months. Such a resolution would have every chance of being supported by the Security Council. The US would then be in the awkward position of either having to veto the resolution or else ignore it and commence the war at a time of their choosing. Either choice would reveal them as being starkly out of touch with both the UN and with the domestic populations of Western countries. Powell's efforts to push the Bush administration into seeking UN approval for their actions has in fact, either deliberately or not, only succeeded in creating substantial obstacles in front of the War party which dominates the Bush administration.
"France suggested today it would wage a major diplomatic fight, including possible use of its veto power, to prevent the U.N. Security Council from passing a resolution authorizing military action against Iraq. Russia and China, which have veto power, and Germany, which will chair the Security Council in February, also signaled today they were willing to let the inspections continue for months."
"Rising opposition to war, particularly in France, appears to have played a role in the hardening positions on the Security Council. Foreign officials are also aware of polls in the United States suggesting that support for a war drops dramatically if the Bush administration does not have U.N. approval. At the United Nations, several foreign ministers said a war in Iraq would spawn more terrorist acts around the globe and, in the words of Germany's Joschka Fischer, have "disastrous consequences for long-term regional stability."
US Secretary of State Colin Powell is probably an unpopular figure right now in the Bush administration. The US hyperpower neither needs nor wants UN "endorsement" for their attack on Iraq. They did not seek or obtain UN endorsement for their wars against Yugoslavia and Afghanistan, and the decision to attack Iraq was made from the start on the basis that it would be unilateral if necessary. But now the potential UN opposition is emerging in domestic opinion polls as a serious political obstacle. At the time of UN resolution 1441 there was an argument that UN credibility would have been enhanced by vetoing the Resolution, which was regarded as a figleaf of diplomatic respectability for unilateral US aggression. The United States got the wording that if there was "material breach" Iraq would face "serious consequences", meaning war; however France and Russia stated immediately after the Resolution was passed that the UN Security Council would have to meet and consider the matter again before war was started.
Thus the international debate has been successfully framed in terms of a need for the UN Security Council to respond to the report of the Weapons Inspectors, and to be the body that authorises war. The US might not want to risk the bringing of a second resolution in order to avoid the embarrassment of it being vetoed or voted down. They will instead argue that Saddam is in "material breach" and a second resolution is not necessary. However France and Germany would be able to propose a resolution calling for an extension of time to allow the inspectors to continue their work, perhaps for months. Such a resolution would have every chance of being supported by the Security Council. The US would then be in the awkward position of either having to veto the resolution or else ignore it and commence the war at a time of their choosing. Either choice would reveal them as being starkly out of touch with both the UN and with the domestic populations of Western countries. Powell's efforts to push the Bush administration into seeking UN approval for their actions has in fact, either deliberately or not, only succeeded in creating substantial obstacles in front of the War party which dominates the Bush administration.
European Leaders Hear Anti-War Cry -- And Listen
"In France, a new poll published by the left-wing newspaper L'Humanite showed 82 percent against a war with Iraq and 75 percent in favor of France's using its veto on the UN security council to block a new UN resolution. A poll conducted by the weekly Journal du Dimanche showed similar results. The German polling group Infratest-Dimpa showed that 76 percent of the population opposed a war with Iraq even if it had UN backing."
"We will not take part in a military intervention in Iraq, and that is exactly how our voting behavior will be in all international bodies," German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said in a weekend speech. German Defense Minister Peter Struck said that a "yes" vote by Germany was "no longer conceivable."
"In France, a new poll published by the left-wing newspaper L'Humanite showed 82 percent against a war with Iraq and 75 percent in favor of France's using its veto on the UN security council to block a new UN resolution. A poll conducted by the weekly Journal du Dimanche showed similar results. The German polling group Infratest-Dimpa showed that 76 percent of the population opposed a war with Iraq even if it had UN backing."
"We will not take part in a military intervention in Iraq, and that is exactly how our voting behavior will be in all international bodies," German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said in a weekend speech. German Defense Minister Peter Struck said that a "yes" vote by Germany was "no longer conceivable."
Tuesday, January 21, 2003
Chirac: Unilateral action illegal
"French President Jacques Chirac said that any unilateral action against Iraq would break international law. He said it was up to the UN Security Council to decide on the inspectors' progress report, due to be presented on January 27. But US Secretary of State Colin Powell told a German daily... many countries believed a new UN resolution was needed to justify a war against Iraq, he said. "But we have always made clear that the US will act without a second resolution"
Given that war is a crime, the worst of crimes, it has to be wondered whether in the event of an illegal war PM Howard and Defence Minister Hill would be vulnerable for warcrimes prosecution. Meantime, Iraqi President Saddam has promised to rout any US invasion at the gates of Baghdad, an improbable scenario, it seems to me.
"French President Jacques Chirac said that any unilateral action against Iraq would break international law. He said it was up to the UN Security Council to decide on the inspectors' progress report, due to be presented on January 27. But US Secretary of State Colin Powell told a German daily... many countries believed a new UN resolution was needed to justify a war against Iraq, he said. "But we have always made clear that the US will act without a second resolution"
Given that war is a crime, the worst of crimes, it has to be wondered whether in the event of an illegal war PM Howard and Defence Minister Hill would be vulnerable for warcrimes prosecution. Meantime, Iraqi President Saddam has promised to rout any US invasion at the gates of Baghdad, an improbable scenario, it seems to me.
UN Security Council split over disarming Saddam: Germany opposed
"Germany said bluntly that it would not support any use of force to compel Iraq to disarm fearing "disastrous consequences"... German Foreign Joschka Fischer said Berlin would reject the use of force because it could destabilise the Middle East and hamper the anti-terror campaign. "These are fundamental reasons for our rejection of military action," Fischer said."
"Germany said bluntly that it would not support any use of force to compel Iraq to disarm fearing "disastrous consequences"... German Foreign Joschka Fischer said Berlin would reject the use of force because it could destabilise the Middle East and hamper the anti-terror campaign. "These are fundamental reasons for our rejection of military action," Fischer said."
Monday, January 20, 2003
Strong anti-war article by Labor MP Carmen Lawrence
"The rhetoric of Bush administration invites us to believe that they are good international citizens, interested only in bringing democracy to downtrodden people and preventing the development of weapons of mass destruction. Sadly, neither is true. And the United States has reserved to itself the right to act as it chooses. The Howard Government not only endorses this stance, but angered our neighbours when Howard recently indicated that he believed he would be justified in bombing our neighbours in order to hit terrorist targets."
Resigning from the frontbench and speaking her mind are the best things she could have done. More Labor MPs should also find the courage to speak their minds on an issue which must be of concern to many of them.
"The rhetoric of Bush administration invites us to believe that they are good international citizens, interested only in bringing democracy to downtrodden people and preventing the development of weapons of mass destruction. Sadly, neither is true. And the United States has reserved to itself the right to act as it chooses. The Howard Government not only endorses this stance, but angered our neighbours when Howard recently indicated that he believed he would be justified in bombing our neighbours in order to hit terrorist targets."
Resigning from the frontbench and speaking her mind are the best things she could have done. More Labor MPs should also find the courage to speak their minds on an issue which must be of concern to many of them.
Bin Laden urges Muslims to unite against 'crusader coalition'
"A 26 page statement purportedly written by terrorist leader Osama bin Laden urges Muslims to stop fighting each other and unite against the "crusader coalition" that is attacking the Islamic world."
"A 26 page statement purportedly written by terrorist leader Osama bin Laden urges Muslims to stop fighting each other and unite against the "crusader coalition" that is attacking the Islamic world."
Eqypt's President Mubarek: Chances of war 50/50
"Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak took another swipe at US-led plans to invade Iraq, saying a war would "pour oil on the flames" in the volatile region and have disastrous consequences. "A military attack against Iraq would have terrible consequences that no one can predict, which will pour oil on the fire," he said in a speech in the southern town of Toshka on Sunday. "No country in the world can stop the United States from attacking Iraq, but we are warning against the consequences of such an attack and trying to find a way to prevent it," he said."
"Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak took another swipe at US-led plans to invade Iraq, saying a war would "pour oil on the flames" in the volatile region and have disastrous consequences. "A military attack against Iraq would have terrible consequences that no one can predict, which will pour oil on the fire," he said in a speech in the southern town of Toshka on Sunday. "No country in the world can stop the United States from attacking Iraq, but we are warning against the consequences of such an attack and trying to find a way to prevent it," he said."
US was ready to attack North Korea: President Roh
"Mr Roh, who will become president next month, told a panel of academics in Seoul on Saturday that senior US officials had considered using military force on nuclear targets last month but decided on a diplomatic solution. "At the time of the [December19 South Korean] elections, some US officials, who held considerable responsibility in the Administration, talked about the possibility of attacking North Korea," Associated Press quoted Mr Roh as saying."
"Mr Roh, who will become president next month, told a panel of academics in Seoul on Saturday that senior US officials had considered using military force on nuclear targets last month but decided on a diplomatic solution. "At the time of the [December19 South Korean] elections, some US officials, who held considerable responsibility in the Administration, talked about the possibility of attacking North Korea," Associated Press quoted Mr Roh as saying."
The case for war: No time to be faint-hearted
"The weight of opposition to the projected war with Iraq baffles explanation."
So bemoans military historian and warmonger John Keegan, a sentiment which is sure to be shared by a great many compliant, power serving intellectuals across the Western world. Keegan proceeds to make the "case" for war, such as it is. This is to be contrasted with the case against war as stated for example by Scott Burchill (see below).
"The weight of opposition to the projected war with Iraq baffles explanation."
So bemoans military historian and warmonger John Keegan, a sentiment which is sure to be shared by a great many compliant, power serving intellectuals across the Western world. Keegan proceeds to make the "case" for war, such as it is. This is to be contrasted with the case against war as stated for example by Scott Burchill (see below).
Jordan's King Abdullah: Iraq war will happen; Isreali ethnic cleansing will not.
"King Abdullah II of Jordan, a US ally who has repeatedly spoken out against war with eastern neighbour Iraq, acknowledged today that the chances of preventing a US-led conflict were now "tiny". "Jordan has made enormous diplomatic efforts with the major powers, but the chances of avoiding war are tiny given the realities in both the region and the world," the official Petra news agency quoted the king as saying.
"Turning to another neighbour, Israel, Abdullah ruled out suggestions that the Jewish state might seek to capitalise on the instability caused by a war to force an exodus of Palestinians from the occupied territories into Jordan. "That will not happen," he said."
"King Abdullah II of Jordan, a US ally who has repeatedly spoken out against war with eastern neighbour Iraq, acknowledged today that the chances of preventing a US-led conflict were now "tiny". "Jordan has made enormous diplomatic efforts with the major powers, but the chances of avoiding war are tiny given the realities in both the region and the world," the official Petra news agency quoted the king as saying.
"Turning to another neighbour, Israel, Abdullah ruled out suggestions that the Jewish state might seek to capitalise on the instability caused by a war to force an exodus of Palestinians from the occupied territories into Jordan. "That will not happen," he said."
Poll: Canadians say any military role must have UN backing
"Sixty-two per cent of Canadians think the country's armed forces should take part in a United States-led war in Iraq only if the invasion is authorised by the United Nations, a poll released at the weekend has found. The Ipsos-Reid poll for The Globe and Mail found only 15per cent felt Ottawa should send troops if the US attacked Iraq without UN authorisation. A third of those in the Canadian poll said they regarded the Bush Administration as the greatest single threat to world peace, ahead of Iraq, North Korea or the al-Qaeda terrorist network. Eighteen per cent said they opposed any Canadian participation in an attack on Iraq, even if it was backed by the UN."
"Sixty-two per cent of Canadians think the country's armed forces should take part in a United States-led war in Iraq only if the invasion is authorised by the United Nations, a poll released at the weekend has found. The Ipsos-Reid poll for The Globe and Mail found only 15per cent felt Ottawa should send troops if the US attacked Iraq without UN authorisation. A third of those in the Canadian poll said they regarded the Bush Administration as the greatest single threat to world peace, ahead of Iraq, North Korea or the al-Qaeda terrorist network. Eighteen per cent said they opposed any Canadian participation in an attack on Iraq, even if it was backed by the UN."
Liberal rift opens over war stance
"Senior Liberal identities said the issue of whether troops should be dispatched if the UN Security Council did not endorse a resolution authorising the use of force was deeply dividing the party. While the Prime Minister, John Howard, has repeatedly said Australia still hoped for a peaceful solution, he has, in line with the US position, declined to rule out military action even if it is not sanctioned by the UN. A Herald poll, published on Saturday, found 92 per cent of Australians would not support such involvement."
Australia should not, of course, be involved in any war on Iraq with or without a UN resolution. But the extent of opposition in Australia, the US and the UK to a war without UN backing will place immense pressure on the US to get the necessary UN Security Council resolution. A combination of bribes, intimidation and heavy handed diplomacy may well achieve the desired result for the US, as it has done in the past. But the Council may vote against such a resolution, and countries such as France, Russia and China may veto it. Will the Bush Administration go ahead without UN support? It has has signalled repeatedly that it will. For the UN to retain credibility, it must vote down or veto the resolution to attack Iraq if and when it is put by the US. The lesson of history is that it is a mistake to appease warmongers. If you give them one country, they want another, and another, until they are stopped by united, concerted action against; until war itself is effectively outlawed. Formally speaking, war was in fact outlawed by the establishment of the UN following the Second World War, but so much more needs to be done to put it permanently behind us.
"Senior Liberal identities said the issue of whether troops should be dispatched if the UN Security Council did not endorse a resolution authorising the use of force was deeply dividing the party. While the Prime Minister, John Howard, has repeatedly said Australia still hoped for a peaceful solution, he has, in line with the US position, declined to rule out military action even if it is not sanctioned by the UN. A Herald poll, published on Saturday, found 92 per cent of Australians would not support such involvement."
Australia should not, of course, be involved in any war on Iraq with or without a UN resolution. But the extent of opposition in Australia, the US and the UK to a war without UN backing will place immense pressure on the US to get the necessary UN Security Council resolution. A combination of bribes, intimidation and heavy handed diplomacy may well achieve the desired result for the US, as it has done in the past. But the Council may vote against such a resolution, and countries such as France, Russia and China may veto it. Will the Bush Administration go ahead without UN support? It has has signalled repeatedly that it will. For the UN to retain credibility, it must vote down or veto the resolution to attack Iraq if and when it is put by the US. The lesson of history is that it is a mistake to appease warmongers. If you give them one country, they want another, and another, until they are stopped by united, concerted action against; until war itself is effectively outlawed. Formally speaking, war was in fact outlawed by the establishment of the UN following the Second World War, but so much more needs to be done to put it permanently behind us.
Sunday, January 19, 2003
Fisk: This Looming War Isn't About Chemical Warheads or Human Rights: It's About Oil
"Through the open door, where rain splashed on the paving stones, a sharp east wind howled in from the east, from the Jordanian and Iraqi deserts. Every man in the room believed President Bush wanted Iraqi oil. Indeed, every Arab I've met in the past six months believes that this – and this alone – explains his enthusiasm for invading Iraq. Many Israelis think the same. So do I."
"Through the open door, where rain splashed on the paving stones, a sharp east wind howled in from the east, from the Jordanian and Iraqi deserts. Every man in the room believed President Bush wanted Iraqi oil. Indeed, every Arab I've met in the past six months believes that this – and this alone – explains his enthusiasm for invading Iraq. Many Israelis think the same. So do I."
Jervis Bay: Land Values rise by 300% over last 3 years
A boom of this magnitude should set the alarm bells ringing as to the inevitable bust. Land value taxation at higher rates, of course, will act to dampen the boom. And persons who own two or more valuable properties can hardly be described as underprivileged. The Herald, of course, frames the story primarily in terms of the 'injustice' of land tax to the 'entrapped' landowners. This article is in fact a typical example of media bias. The relevant facts are correctly carried, however the choice of headline and the first paragraph emphasise the message that is wanted to be got across, ie that land tax is unfair.
A boom of this magnitude should set the alarm bells ringing as to the inevitable bust. Land value taxation at higher rates, of course, will act to dampen the boom. And persons who own two or more valuable properties can hardly be described as underprivileged. The Herald, of course, frames the story primarily in terms of the 'injustice' of land tax to the 'entrapped' landowners. This article is in fact a typical example of media bias. The relevant facts are correctly carried, however the choice of headline and the first paragraph emphasise the message that is wanted to be got across, ie that land tax is unfair.
NSW Land tax raises $1.01b in 2002 from 120,000 assessments.
"The Government is on the defensive over suggestions that official property valuations have been inflated to boost revenue."
The Sydney Morning Herald continues its campaign against land tax by giving prominence to someone described as "an eastern suburbs lawyer who's operating in a commercial environment. He's not just doing this for the good of humanity", (Minister's spokesman)and " the advocate for your clients' and your own private interests. You are entitled to engage in the political process by lobbying for the changes you desire but it is not my function to join you in that lobbying exercise." (NSW Ombudsman).
Nevertheless the article includes useful information on the NSW State Land Tax, eg there are 2.2m parcels of land in NSW; in 2002 it raised $1.01 billion versus $862 million in 1998. The Office of State Revenue, which collects the tax, issued more than 120,000 assessments last year. The main reform needed is to move valuation cycles of all properties in NSW to an annual basis; and to institute the practice of releasing all value figures on a standard basis, eg $ per square metre.
"The Government is on the defensive over suggestions that official property valuations have been inflated to boost revenue."
The Sydney Morning Herald continues its campaign against land tax by giving prominence to someone described as "an eastern suburbs lawyer who's operating in a commercial environment. He's not just doing this for the good of humanity", (Minister's spokesman)and " the advocate for your clients' and your own private interests. You are entitled to engage in the political process by lobbying for the changes you desire but it is not my function to join you in that lobbying exercise." (NSW Ombudsman).
Nevertheless the article includes useful information on the NSW State Land Tax, eg there are 2.2m parcels of land in NSW; in 2002 it raised $1.01 billion versus $862 million in 1998. The Office of State Revenue, which collects the tax, issued more than 120,000 assessments last year. The main reform needed is to move valuation cycles of all properties in NSW to an annual basis; and to institute the practice of releasing all value figures on a standard basis, eg $ per square metre.
Sydney Land Value Boom: Homes create 11 new property millionaires every 24 hours
"More than 11 property millionaires were created every day last year during Sydney's unprecedented real estate boom. A total of 3123 million-dollar properties were sold between January and September last year - an average of 347 a month. This was up from 231 a month in 2001."
"More than 11 property millionaires were created every day last year during Sydney's unprecedented real estate boom. A total of 3123 million-dollar properties were sold between January and September last year - an average of 347 a month. This was up from 231 a month in 2001."
Saturday, January 18, 2003
GREATER PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS supports Land Value Taxation
"Land Value Taxation is a method of raising public revenue by means of an annual tax on the rental value of land. It would replace, not add to, existing taxes. As explained below, this elementary fiscal measure would go far towards correcting fundamental economic and social ills."
- the article gives the lie to the assumption (which in fact is often followed) that the real estate industry must be opposed to land value taxation.
"Land Value Taxation is a method of raising public revenue by means of an annual tax on the rental value of land. It would replace, not add to, existing taxes. As explained below, this elementary fiscal measure would go far towards correcting fundamental economic and social ills."
- the article gives the lie to the assumption (which in fact is often followed) that the real estate industry must be opposed to land value taxation.
Australians against non-UN attack on Iraq: poll
Remarkable poll figures which show the public is not buying the "war on terror" propaganda, and which must place the Howard government's war policy under pressure. 62 percent believe Australia should only be involved in a war if approved by the United Nations; one-third are opposed to war under any circumstances. 65 percent believe a unilateral attack will increase Australia's exposure to terrorist retribution. One indication of propaganda success, however, is that more people regard Iraq as a greater threat to Australian security than North Korea.
Remarkable poll figures which show the public is not buying the "war on terror" propaganda, and which must place the Howard government's war policy under pressure. 62 percent believe Australia should only be involved in a war if approved by the United Nations; one-third are opposed to war under any circumstances. 65 percent believe a unilateral attack will increase Australia's exposure to terrorist retribution. One indication of propaganda success, however, is that more people regard Iraq as a greater threat to Australian security than North Korea.
Gavin R. Putland: Don't let the banks steal your land
A critique of the Caplin/Joye home financing plan. The author proposes as a rememdy the "Mill tax" but it seems to me Henry George's land value tax at sufficiently high rates is the proper solution to ever rising land prices and ever greater inequality in th ownership of land and distribution of wealth.
A critique of the Caplin/Joye home financing plan. The author proposes as a rememdy the "Mill tax" but it seems to me Henry George's land value tax at sufficiently high rates is the proper solution to ever rising land prices and ever greater inequality in th ownership of land and distribution of wealth.
Friday, January 17, 2003
Lincoln Feared the Rise of Corporations
"As a result of the war, corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed. I feel at this moment more anxiety than ever before, even in the midst of war. God grant that my suspicions may prove groundless."
"As a result of the war, corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed. I feel at this moment more anxiety than ever before, even in the midst of war. God grant that my suspicions may prove groundless."
Monopoly by Copyright extended by US Supreme Court (via RW)
"When the Free Software Foundation, Intel, Phillis Schlafly, Milton Friedman, Ronald Coase, Kenneth Arrow, Brewster Kahle, and hundreds of creators and innovators all stand on one side saying, 'this makes no sense,' then it makes no sense. Let that be enough to move people to do something about it. Our courts will not."
The decision also once again suggests the US Supreme Court is in the pocket of corporate and elite interests. This should give pause to those in Australia who see fit to support the push to ensure "Capital C" conervatives are appointed to the High Court.
"When the Free Software Foundation, Intel, Phillis Schlafly, Milton Friedman, Ronald Coase, Kenneth Arrow, Brewster Kahle, and hundreds of creators and innovators all stand on one side saying, 'this makes no sense,' then it makes no sense. Let that be enough to move people to do something about it. Our courts will not."
The decision also once again suggests the US Supreme Court is in the pocket of corporate and elite interests. This should give pause to those in Australia who see fit to support the push to ensure "Capital C" conervatives are appointed to the High Court.
Thursday, January 16, 2003
US Anti-Terror Fight Undermines Human Rights: Human Rights Watch
"The group warned that repression in the name of security would backfire, breeding resentment of governments and the United States by the repressed. It noted resentment in Pakistan for Washington's uncritical backing of General Pervez Musharraf, who took power in a 1999 coup. "To fight terrorism, you need the support of people in countries where the terrorists live," said Roth. "Cozying up to oppressive governments is hardly a way to build those alliances."
"The group warned that repression in the name of security would backfire, breeding resentment of governments and the United States by the repressed. It noted resentment in Pakistan for Washington's uncritical backing of General Pervez Musharraf, who took power in a 1999 coup. "To fight terrorism, you need the support of people in countries where the terrorists live," said Roth. "Cozying up to oppressive governments is hardly a way to build those alliances."
Labour Warns Blair on War Against Iraq
"AN overwhelming majority of Labour?s senior officials are telling Tony Blair that he must not go to war against Iraq without UN approval."
- figures given on the extent of opposition to Blair throughout the party. Schroeder also expects a second resolution. Could such a resolution be obtained? China, Russia or France could veto it, or stall it. The UN should not, of course, appease the drive to war coming from the Bush administration.
"AN overwhelming majority of Labour?s senior officials are telling Tony Blair that he must not go to war against Iraq without UN approval."
- figures given on the extent of opposition to Blair throughout the party. Schroeder also expects a second resolution. Could such a resolution be obtained? China, Russia or France could veto it, or stall it. The UN should not, of course, appease the drive to war coming from the Bush administration.
John le Carre: The United States of America Has Gone Mad
"The imminent war was planned years before bin Laden struck, but it was he who made it possible. Without bin Laden, the Bush junta would still be trying to explain such tricky matters as how it came to be elected in the first place; Enron; its shameless favouring of the already-too-rich; its reckless disregard for the world’s poor, the ecology and a raft of unilaterally abrogated international treaties. They might also have to be telling us why they support Israel in its continuing disregard for UN resolutions. But bin Laden conveniently swept all that under the carpet."
"How Bush and his junta succeeded in deflecting America’s anger from bin Laden to Saddam Hussein is one of the great public relations conjuring tricks of history. But they swung it. A recent poll tells us that one in two Americans now believe Saddam was responsible for the attack on the World Trade Centre."
"The imminent war was planned years before bin Laden struck, but it was he who made it possible. Without bin Laden, the Bush junta would still be trying to explain such tricky matters as how it came to be elected in the first place; Enron; its shameless favouring of the already-too-rich; its reckless disregard for the world’s poor, the ecology and a raft of unilaterally abrogated international treaties. They might also have to be telling us why they support Israel in its continuing disregard for UN resolutions. But bin Laden conveniently swept all that under the carpet."
"How Bush and his junta succeeded in deflecting America’s anger from bin Laden to Saddam Hussein is one of the great public relations conjuring tricks of history. But they swung it. A recent poll tells us that one in two Americans now believe Saddam was responsible for the attack on the World Trade Centre."
Govt "supports" UN: Hill
[Defence Minister Hill] has told Channel Nine the Government fully supports the United Nations process. But Senator Hill says that could change if a decision to go to war is vetoed by one member of the UN Security Council."
Its like a vigilante group saying it supports the decision of the court provided it finds him guilty. If it finds him not guilty, we reserve the right to take "appropriate action".
[Defence Minister Hill] has told Channel Nine the Government fully supports the United Nations process. But Senator Hill says that could change if a decision to go to war is vetoed by one member of the UN Security Council."
Its like a vigilante group saying it supports the decision of the court provided it finds him guilty. If it finds him not guilty, we reserve the right to take "appropriate action".
Crean clarifies Labors stance on Iraq crisis
"HEATHER EWART: Now, in the briefings you've had in Canberra this week, do you get a sense that war is inevitable?
SIMON CREAN: No. I don't. And in fact to the contrary - that war can be avoided."
The US has been signalling for months and months that they are going to attack Iraq. With the deployment of forces and the President's committment, surely the attack is all but inevitable despite the growing worldwide opposition. Crean and Labor could take a tip from Germany's Gerhard Schroeder, who has said Germany will not participate in an attack on Iraq with or without a UN resolution.
"HEATHER EWART: Now, in the briefings you've had in Canberra this week, do you get a sense that war is inevitable?
SIMON CREAN: No. I don't. And in fact to the contrary - that war can be avoided."
The US has been signalling for months and months that they are going to attack Iraq. With the deployment of forces and the President's committment, surely the attack is all but inevitable despite the growing worldwide opposition. Crean and Labor could take a tip from Germany's Gerhard Schroeder, who has said Germany will not participate in an attack on Iraq with or without a UN resolution.
Wednesday, January 15, 2003
Full text of Mullah Omar letter denouncing "Crusaders and Jews"
"America announced its war on Islam in Afghanistan and began it under the label of a 'War Against Terrorism', despite the opposition of the Muslim peoples to this Crusade, even though some of the governments of the Muslim countries assisted and supported it. The Jews today have followed the same path by boldly launching a war against our Muslim people in Palestine with every arrogance and without any hesitance or fear. They have killed women under their banner of 'War Against Terrorism'. "
"America announced its war on Islam in Afghanistan and began it under the label of a 'War Against Terrorism', despite the opposition of the Muslim peoples to this Crusade, even though some of the governments of the Muslim countries assisted and supported it. The Jews today have followed the same path by boldly launching a war against our Muslim people in Palestine with every arrogance and without any hesitance or fear. They have killed women under their banner of 'War Against Terrorism'. "
101 Thinkers on Owning the Earth
A useful list of statements on the equal right to the use of the earth. In spite of the wide endorsement and mature status of this fundamental concept, it remains an unfortunate fact that it is not sufficiently known and understood amongs Greens, progressives, socialists, reformers and humanitarians of all stripes.
A useful list of statements on the equal right to the use of the earth. In spite of the wide endorsement and mature status of this fundamental concept, it remains an unfortunate fact that it is not sufficiently known and understood amongs Greens, progressives, socialists, reformers and humanitarians of all stripes.
Tuesday, January 14, 2003
Prime Minister Howard's case for War from October 2001
There is a lot to object to in Howard's case, but let's just consider the following:
"The fact remains however that the United States has invested enormous capital in trying to resolve that conflict. It has proven to be one of the few international players that has the weight and influence to help chart a path toward peace. And the region has been brought to the brink of peace. From the Madrid Conference, through the Oslo Agreements to the attempts at Camp David last year when Ehud Barak offered so much and brought his government and the Palestinian Authority so close to a resolution, the US has been in the thick of the negotiations. It is therefore a monstrous falsehood to blame a conflict so complex and heart wrenching, and one that occupied the world for a good part of the last century, on the United States."
All this is simply propaganda and disinformation, the essence of the dominant Zionist/US/Western/Media narrative. The facts are that it is the United States and Israel which have blocked the settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict by consistently vetoing the two-state solution for the past 30 years. If Israel at any time offered to withdraw from the Occupied Territories, dismantle the settlements, and recognise a Palestinian state based on those territories the whole Arab world (except for extremists like Bin Laden) would sign on the spot and the conflict would be over.
"The Australian government agrees with the United States that the parties must return urgently to the negotiating table. A solution must be found which guarantees Israel's right to exist behind secure and recognised borders. At the same time, the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to self determination need to be realised."
This sounds good but it is not specific enough. Australia must demand that Israel withdraw immediately from the Occupied Territories; dismantle all settlements on the Occupied Territories; and recognise a Palestinian State based on the Territories with a capital of East Jerusalem. Australia must also be offer to be among the first to recognise the Palestinian state; and offer to provide a degree of assistance towards establishing mutual security and other matters.
There is a lot to object to in Howard's case, but let's just consider the following:
"The fact remains however that the United States has invested enormous capital in trying to resolve that conflict. It has proven to be one of the few international players that has the weight and influence to help chart a path toward peace. And the region has been brought to the brink of peace. From the Madrid Conference, through the Oslo Agreements to the attempts at Camp David last year when Ehud Barak offered so much and brought his government and the Palestinian Authority so close to a resolution, the US has been in the thick of the negotiations. It is therefore a monstrous falsehood to blame a conflict so complex and heart wrenching, and one that occupied the world for a good part of the last century, on the United States."
All this is simply propaganda and disinformation, the essence of the dominant Zionist/US/Western/Media narrative. The facts are that it is the United States and Israel which have blocked the settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict by consistently vetoing the two-state solution for the past 30 years. If Israel at any time offered to withdraw from the Occupied Territories, dismantle the settlements, and recognise a Palestinian state based on those territories the whole Arab world (except for extremists like Bin Laden) would sign on the spot and the conflict would be over.
"The Australian government agrees with the United States that the parties must return urgently to the negotiating table. A solution must be found which guarantees Israel's right to exist behind secure and recognised borders. At the same time, the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to self determination need to be realised."
This sounds good but it is not specific enough. Australia must demand that Israel withdraw immediately from the Occupied Territories; dismantle all settlements on the Occupied Territories; and recognise a Palestinian State based on the Territories with a capital of East Jerusalem. Australia must also be offer to be among the first to recognise the Palestinian state; and offer to provide a degree of assistance towards establishing mutual security and other matters.
Iraq Links Cancers to Uranium Weapons
"Iraq has experienced a dramatic increase in child cancers, leukemia and birth defects in recent years. Wisam, Iraqi medical authorities and growing numbers of American activists cast blame on the U.S. weapons containing depleted uranium that were used in the 1991 Gulf War and in the 1998 missile attacks on Baghdad and other major cities. They also assert that such munitions -- which were also used by U.S. forces in Bosnia, Kosovo and Serbia in far smaller quantities -- may be a cause of Gulf War diseases, elusive maladies that have affected 50,000 to 80,000 U.S. veterans of the 1991 conflict."
"Iraq has experienced a dramatic increase in child cancers, leukemia and birth defects in recent years. Wisam, Iraqi medical authorities and growing numbers of American activists cast blame on the U.S. weapons containing depleted uranium that were used in the 1991 Gulf War and in the 1998 missile attacks on Baghdad and other major cities. They also assert that such munitions -- which were also used by U.S. forces in Bosnia, Kosovo and Serbia in far smaller quantities -- may be a cause of Gulf War diseases, elusive maladies that have affected 50,000 to 80,000 U.S. veterans of the 1991 conflict."
Chomsky on Marx and the Soviet Union
"The early Marx draws extensively from the milieu in which he lived, and one finds many similarities to the thinking that animated classical liberalism, aspects of the Enlightenment and French and German Romanticism. Again, I'm not enough of a Marx scholar to pretend to an authoritative judgement. My impression, for what it is worth, is that the early Marx was very much a figure of the late Enlightenment, and the later Marx was a highly authoritarian activist, and a critical analyst of capitalism, who had little to say about socialist alternatives. But those are impressions."
"My response to the end of Soviet tyranny was similar to my reaction to the defeat of Hitler and Mussolini. In all cases, it is a victory for the human spirit. It should have been particularly welcome to socialists, since a great enemy of socialism had at last collapsed. Like you, I was intrigued to see how people - including people who had considered themselves anti-Stalinist and anti-Leninist - were demoralised by the collapse of the tyranny. What it reveals is that they were more deeply committed to Leninism than they believed."
"The early Marx draws extensively from the milieu in which he lived, and one finds many similarities to the thinking that animated classical liberalism, aspects of the Enlightenment and French and German Romanticism. Again, I'm not enough of a Marx scholar to pretend to an authoritative judgement. My impression, for what it is worth, is that the early Marx was very much a figure of the late Enlightenment, and the later Marx was a highly authoritarian activist, and a critical analyst of capitalism, who had little to say about socialist alternatives. But those are impressions."
"My response to the end of Soviet tyranny was similar to my reaction to the defeat of Hitler and Mussolini. In all cases, it is a victory for the human spirit. It should have been particularly welcome to socialists, since a great enemy of socialism had at last collapsed. Like you, I was intrigued to see how people - including people who had considered themselves anti-Stalinist and anti-Leninist - were demoralised by the collapse of the tyranny. What it reveals is that they were more deeply committed to Leninism than they believed."
Counterspin: Pro-war mythology - exceptional article by Scott Burchill
As opposition mounts to Australia's involvement in the proposed US aggression against Iraq, the Sydney Morning Herald has seen fit to publish Scott Burchill's detailed and trenchant critique of Western hypocrisy and the threadbare justification for the war. Even the fourth estate does not escape attention:
"Perhaps the most remarkable feature of this pre-war period is that despite intelligence dossiers, parliamentary speeches and months of disingenuous government propaganda portraying Saddam Hussein as an imminent threat to life on earth, only 37% of Australians support an illegal, unilateral strike by Washington against Baghdad...
"Spin doctors and PR consultants will therefore be working hard over the next two months in an effort to close the gap between public opposition to a war against Iraq and government enthusiasm thinly disguised as a commitment to the The United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) process. Their work will be made considerably easier by the support of loyal servants of state power within the fourth estate who will be reliable conduits for opinion management by governments in Canberra, London and Washington."
As opposition mounts to Australia's involvement in the proposed US aggression against Iraq, the Sydney Morning Herald has seen fit to publish Scott Burchill's detailed and trenchant critique of Western hypocrisy and the threadbare justification for the war. Even the fourth estate does not escape attention:
"Perhaps the most remarkable feature of this pre-war period is that despite intelligence dossiers, parliamentary speeches and months of disingenuous government propaganda portraying Saddam Hussein as an imminent threat to life on earth, only 37% of Australians support an illegal, unilateral strike by Washington against Baghdad...
"Spin doctors and PR consultants will therefore be working hard over the next two months in an effort to close the gap between public opposition to a war against Iraq and government enthusiasm thinly disguised as a commitment to the The United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) process. Their work will be made considerably easier by the support of loyal servants of state power within the fourth estate who will be reliable conduits for opinion management by governments in Canberra, London and Washington."
Monday, January 13, 2003
April 2002: International Crisis Group's Peace plan for the Middle East
Yet another articulation of the two-state land-for-peace solution in Palestine. A well prepared report, it pays particular attention to the failure of the Oslo "incrementalist" approach and the consequent need for the final peace plan to be placed on the table at the beginning of negotiations, instead of being deferred indefinitely. Emphasis is placed on the role of a third party monitoring force, however it might have been more useful to forcefully challenge the US (and the American people) over their responsibility for the failure of the two state solution to materialise. The US Government and the American people need to endorse the internationally agreed solution and needs to back that up with concrete action, such as suspension of aid to Israel if it does not take steps to implement the peace agreement.
Yet another articulation of the two-state land-for-peace solution in Palestine. A well prepared report, it pays particular attention to the failure of the Oslo "incrementalist" approach and the consequent need for the final peace plan to be placed on the table at the beginning of negotiations, instead of being deferred indefinitely. Emphasis is placed on the role of a third party monitoring force, however it might have been more useful to forcefully challenge the US (and the American people) over their responsibility for the failure of the two state solution to materialise. The US Government and the American people need to endorse the internationally agreed solution and needs to back that up with concrete action, such as suspension of aid to Israel if it does not take steps to implement the peace agreement.
The Beirut Declaration of the League of Arab States - March 2002
A seven point plan for peace and security in Palestine based on Israeli withdrawal from the Occupied Territories; security, recognition and normalisation of relations with Israel; and the establishment of a Palestinian state on those territories. Unfortunately the United States and Israel have consistently vetoed the two-state solution.
A seven point plan for peace and security in Palestine based on Israeli withdrawal from the Occupied Territories; security, recognition and normalisation of relations with Israel; and the establishment of a Palestinian state on those territories. Unfortunately the United States and Israel have consistently vetoed the two-state solution.
Speech of Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah at Arab League meeting in Beirut March 2002
"It is clear in our minds, and in the minds of our brethren in Palestine, Syria and Lebanon, that the only acceptable objective of the peace process is the full Israeli withdrawal from all the occupied Arab territories, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with al-Quds al-Shareef (East Jerusalem) as its capital, and the return of refugees. Without moving towards this objective, the peace process is an exercise in futility and a play on words and a squandering of time which perpetuates the cycle of violence."
- the speech is a concise and eloquent statement of the Arab world's willingness to accept and implement the land for peace concept.
"It is clear in our minds, and in the minds of our brethren in Palestine, Syria and Lebanon, that the only acceptable objective of the peace process is the full Israeli withdrawal from all the occupied Arab territories, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with al-Quds al-Shareef (East Jerusalem) as its capital, and the return of refugees. Without moving towards this objective, the peace process is an exercise in futility and a play on words and a squandering of time which perpetuates the cycle of violence."
- the speech is a concise and eloquent statement of the Arab world's willingness to accept and implement the land for peace concept.
Gush Shalom Draft of Peace agreement between Arabs and Israelis
A practical draft based on the Green line two state concept, covering difficult issues such as the status of the refugees, the settlements, water resources, Jerusalem etc.
A practical draft based on the Green line two state concept, covering difficult issues such as the status of the refugees, the settlements, water resources, Jerusalem etc.
Uri Avnery: 80 theses on peace in Palestine
Useful point summary of the history of Zionism and the Arab/Israeli conflict. Pays particular attention to the failure of the Oslo accords, and the need for each side to understand the "national narrative" of the other. Ignores Sadat's 1971 peace offer, and hence perhaps underemphasises the willingness of the Arabs and Palestinians to recognise Israel and establish peace dating from the 70s at least.
Useful point summary of the history of Zionism and the Arab/Israeli conflict. Pays particular attention to the failure of the Oslo accords, and the need for each side to understand the "national narrative" of the other. Ignores Sadat's 1971 peace offer, and hence perhaps underemphasises the willingness of the Arabs and Palestinians to recognise Israel and establish peace dating from the 70s at least.
Sunday, January 12, 2003
Two Towers: Parody
FANGORN FOREST
TREEBEARD: We have opted, hoom, not to do a damn thing.
PIPPIN: I didn't expect that.
PEOPLE WHO HAVE READ THE BOOK: Neither did I...
FANGORN FOREST
TREEBEARD: We have opted, hoom, not to do a damn thing.
PIPPIN: I didn't expect that.
PEOPLE WHO HAVE READ THE BOOK: Neither did I...
No Endgame in Afghanistan for US military
"The U.S. military is still fighting in Afghanistan. Rather than winding down, the number of U.S. troops in Operation Enduring Freedom doubled to roughly 10,000 over the last year and the numbers of attacks against them by Taliban and al-Qaeda guerrillas have been increasing. There were 55 attacks on U.S. troops in November alone. Operation Enduring Freedom may have had a brilliant opening and a good middlegame, but there is no endgame in sight. Part of the problem is that while the U.S. won a rapid victory 14 months ago using precision aerial bombardment by the Air Force, precision bribery of local warlords by the CIA, and the less than precise soldiering of the Northern Alliance, it hasn't reconstructed the Afghan economy or constructed a client regime with political authority that extends beyond the capital city of Kabul."
"The U.S. military is still fighting in Afghanistan. Rather than winding down, the number of U.S. troops in Operation Enduring Freedom doubled to roughly 10,000 over the last year and the numbers of attacks against them by Taliban and al-Qaeda guerrillas have been increasing. There were 55 attacks on U.S. troops in November alone. Operation Enduring Freedom may have had a brilliant opening and a good middlegame, but there is no endgame in sight. Part of the problem is that while the U.S. won a rapid victory 14 months ago using precision aerial bombardment by the Air Force, precision bribery of local warlords by the CIA, and the less than precise soldiering of the Northern Alliance, it hasn't reconstructed the Afghan economy or constructed a client regime with political authority that extends beyond the capital city of Kabul."
Seven US soldiers reportedly killed in clashes on Pakistani-Afghan border
"Peshawar: The situation remained tense at Angoor Adda (Pak-Afghan border near Paktika Province) on Tuesday 31 December following clashes between Pakistan's paramilitary troops and US soldiers a day earlier."
If confirmed, this is news: US troops killed by Pakistani paramilitaries on the Afghan-Pakistan border. I havent seen this reported anywhere, even on alternative media sites (except Sydney Indymedia, where I found the link).
"Peshawar: The situation remained tense at Angoor Adda (Pak-Afghan border near Paktika Province) on Tuesday 31 December following clashes between Pakistan's paramilitary troops and US soldiers a day earlier."
If confirmed, this is news: US troops killed by Pakistani paramilitaries on the Afghan-Pakistan border. I havent seen this reported anywhere, even on alternative media sites (except Sydney Indymedia, where I found the link).
Over 900 US Dead In Afghanistan To Date?
"Thus far, the USA has lost near 900 soldiers and officers in Afghanistan, and believe me this will not be the end of it. In Operation Anaconda alone, 177 American soldiers were killed and 16 helicopters shot down."
This seems to me a rather large number of US casualties and helicopter losses. On the other hand, it is the first attempt I am aware of to assess numbers of US dead in Afghanistan. If the report is true, then the US could be about to repeat the Soviet experience. It is easy to march on Kabul, but hell to hold the lawless country over a number of years.
"Thus far, the USA has lost near 900 soldiers and officers in Afghanistan, and believe me this will not be the end of it. In Operation Anaconda alone, 177 American soldiers were killed and 16 helicopters shot down."
This seems to me a rather large number of US casualties and helicopter losses. On the other hand, it is the first attempt I am aware of to assess numbers of US dead in Afghanistan. If the report is true, then the US could be about to repeat the Soviet experience. It is easy to march on Kabul, but hell to hold the lawless country over a number of years.
PM accused of putting Australians at risk
"Despite Mr Howard's words to the contrary, Australian Democrats Leader Andrew Bartlett said the prime minister had guaranteed Australia's commitment to war against Iraq when he confirmed a military contingent would head to the region. "It is two-faced for the prime minister to continue to claim no decision has been made about joining a war with Iraq, while actually sending Australian troops," he said.
"Senator Bartlett said such a move was putting Australians in greater danger of being targeted by terrorists. "Mr Howard's gung-ho attitude is needlessly making all Australians a greater target for terrorists worldwide," he said."
"Despite Mr Howard's words to the contrary, Australian Democrats Leader Andrew Bartlett said the prime minister had guaranteed Australia's commitment to war against Iraq when he confirmed a military contingent would head to the region. "It is two-faced for the prime minister to continue to claim no decision has been made about joining a war with Iraq, while actually sending Australian troops," he said.
"Senator Bartlett said such a move was putting Australians in greater danger of being targeted by terrorists. "Mr Howard's gung-ho attitude is needlessly making all Australians a greater target for terrorists worldwide," he said."
Opposition to War Growing in France
"The poll mirrors other recent surveys, including one by the CSA polling group released Wednesday in the newspaper Le Parisian, which found 66 percent of the respondents opposed to a war and 24 percent in favor. A CSA poll in August found 58 percent opposed to military intervention, so the latest numbers suggest anti-war sentiment may be hardening."
Despite substantial opposition in both the UK and France, in the event of war (which looks likely) both countries would be likely to participate. The price of opposing the war and non-participation would be to be cut off from the spoils of conquest. Russia will likewise find it difficult to formally condemn the war when it happens, despite regularly voicing legitimate concerns.
"The poll mirrors other recent surveys, including one by the CSA polling group released Wednesday in the newspaper Le Parisian, which found 66 percent of the respondents opposed to a war and 24 percent in favor. A CSA poll in August found 58 percent opposed to military intervention, so the latest numbers suggest anti-war sentiment may be hardening."
Despite substantial opposition in both the UK and France, in the event of war (which looks likely) both countries would be likely to participate. The price of opposing the war and non-participation would be to be cut off from the spoils of conquest. Russia will likewise find it difficult to formally condemn the war when it happens, despite regularly voicing legitimate concerns.
Lessons of Munich: Appeasement does not work
"When a nation announces that it now feels free to act with force against perceived threats rather than waiting for actual attacks, we should pay attention. We should understand that the leader of the nation is now willing to bomb cities and deploy armies whenever and wherever he feels threatened. When the leader says he would not need "absolute proof" of the perceived threats, we should pay attention. We should not pretend that things are still the same when they are not still the same. We should not forget the lesson of Munich. When a regime says it no longer rules out first strikes with nuclear weapons, we should do whatever we can to urge our allies to work against such a regime. The more powerful a nation is, the larger its armies, the greater the need for noise rather than silence, for remembering rather than forgetting, for courage rather than cowardice."
Countries such as Australia which are prepared to go along with the pre-emptive aggression of the United States are performing a great disservice. The courage to oppose needs to be found.
"When a nation announces that it now feels free to act with force against perceived threats rather than waiting for actual attacks, we should pay attention. We should understand that the leader of the nation is now willing to bomb cities and deploy armies whenever and wherever he feels threatened. When the leader says he would not need "absolute proof" of the perceived threats, we should pay attention. We should not pretend that things are still the same when they are not still the same. We should not forget the lesson of Munich. When a regime says it no longer rules out first strikes with nuclear weapons, we should do whatever we can to urge our allies to work against such a regime. The more powerful a nation is, the larger its armies, the greater the need for noise rather than silence, for remembering rather than forgetting, for courage rather than cowardice."
Countries such as Australia which are prepared to go along with the pre-emptive aggression of the United States are performing a great disservice. The courage to oppose needs to be found.
EU Tells America to Toe the UN Line
"The European Union warned the US that there could be no war against Saddam Hussein without clear proof that he holds banned weapons. Javier Solana, the EU's foreign policy chief, issued a blunt reminder to Washington that only the UN security council could determine whether military action was justified."
The proposed attack on Iraq is shaping up as a watershed. If the US unilaterally proceeds, overriding the substantial international opposition, it will be a demonstration of its aggression, isolation and ruthlessness. If it is forced to pull back, it could be a peak of US power to make war.
"The European Union warned the US that there could be no war against Saddam Hussein without clear proof that he holds banned weapons. Javier Solana, the EU's foreign policy chief, issued a blunt reminder to Washington that only the UN security council could determine whether military action was justified."
The proposed attack on Iraq is shaping up as a watershed. If the US unilaterally proceeds, overriding the substantial international opposition, it will be a demonstration of its aggression, isolation and ruthlessness. If it is forced to pull back, it could be a peak of US power to make war.
We face a full-blown nuclear crisis: Labor Foreign policy spokesman Rudd
"We now face a full-blown nuclear crisis in the region but our Government seems to be missing in action on this issue because it is in an advanced state of hyperactivity over Iraq." Mr Rudd said the north Asian emergency, and not the stand-off in the Middle East, posed an immediate threat to Australia. "Unlike Iraq, North Korea has a nuclear capability and is developing long-range nuclear missile warheads capable of reaching Australia," he said.
It is good to see Labor finally distancing itself from the government's priorities but more is needed. As Richard Butler has pointed out in his recent book on the the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty ("Fatal Choice"), in order for Non-nuclear countries to continue to adhere to the treaty, the Nuclear powers must make convincing steps of their own towards nuclear disarmament. In other words, the United States is a rogue state and is the first that should be asked to adhere to the NPT. The current aggressive, warmongering policies of the US are the strongest incentives to countries such as North Korea, India, Pakistan, Iran and others to go nuclear, as everyone understands that nuclear weapons are the only viable deterrent against possible US aggression.
"We now face a full-blown nuclear crisis in the region but our Government seems to be missing in action on this issue because it is in an advanced state of hyperactivity over Iraq." Mr Rudd said the north Asian emergency, and not the stand-off in the Middle East, posed an immediate threat to Australia. "Unlike Iraq, North Korea has a nuclear capability and is developing long-range nuclear missile warheads capable of reaching Australia," he said.
It is good to see Labor finally distancing itself from the government's priorities but more is needed. As Richard Butler has pointed out in his recent book on the the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty ("Fatal Choice"), in order for Non-nuclear countries to continue to adhere to the treaty, the Nuclear powers must make convincing steps of their own towards nuclear disarmament. In other words, the United States is a rogue state and is the first that should be asked to adhere to the NPT. The current aggressive, warmongering policies of the US are the strongest incentives to countries such as North Korea, India, Pakistan, Iran and others to go nuclear, as everyone understands that nuclear weapons are the only viable deterrent against possible US aggression.
The Freenet Project
"Freenet is a really interesting project, an interesting fallout of broadband. A few years ago, the Internet was a young and wild medium. Then corporations took over. The Net is still young and some part of it are still wild, but there are becoming harder to find as corporations and politicians slowly understand the potential of free communication and distributions of ideas. Some learned it the hard way. But with the development of broadband, it is now possible to develop a new “homegrown” network, with “built-it” protections against repression. I guess that very few corporations and politicians understand fully the implications of broadband and of peer-to-peer applications."
- it seems to me one of the most interesting aspects of freenet is the concept of a unique ID for every file, somewhat like usenet. On the web, documents can be altered anytime and it is also full of broken links, also full of advertising and commercial junk, which has nearly ruined it. All you want is the original file, the original text.
"Freenet is a really interesting project, an interesting fallout of broadband. A few years ago, the Internet was a young and wild medium. Then corporations took over. The Net is still young and some part of it are still wild, but there are becoming harder to find as corporations and politicians slowly understand the potential of free communication and distributions of ideas. Some learned it the hard way. But with the development of broadband, it is now possible to develop a new “homegrown” network, with “built-it” protections against repression. I guess that very few corporations and politicians understand fully the implications of broadband and of peer-to-peer applications."
- it seems to me one of the most interesting aspects of freenet is the concept of a unique ID for every file, somewhat like usenet. On the web, documents can be altered anytime and it is also full of broken links, also full of advertising and commercial junk, which has nearly ruined it. All you want is the original file, the original text.
Friday, January 10, 2003
The Anti-war movement has succeeded in containing US aggression
"The anti-war movement has much to be proud of. To the absolute fury of the right wing, the anti-war movement of yesterday and today still, to this day, shackles this country's ability to wage unfettered war. Right off the bat, they have to forget about any war that might last more than six months or cost more than a few hundred U.S. lives. For this, you can thank the peace movement and the Vietnamese, who, at tremendous cost, beat us militarily. The entire world owes a tremendous debt to the Vietnamese."
"The anti-war movement has much to be proud of. To the absolute fury of the right wing, the anti-war movement of yesterday and today still, to this day, shackles this country's ability to wage unfettered war. Right off the bat, they have to forget about any war that might last more than six months or cost more than a few hundred U.S. lives. For this, you can thank the peace movement and the Vietnamese, who, at tremendous cost, beat us militarily. The entire world owes a tremendous debt to the Vietnamese."
World on Path to Disaster, Bomb Pioneer Warns
"Arms control, Joseph Rotblat said, was as good as dead. The only way out of the disaster that lay ahead was to put the goal of total nuclear disarmament back on the agenda. "We have to convince the public that the continuation of current policies, in which the security of the world is maintained by the indefinite retention of nuclear weapons, is not realistic in the long run, because it is bound eventually to result in a nuclear holocaust in which the future of the human race
would be at stake. We must convince public opinion that the only alternative is the total elimination of nuclear weapons."
"Arms control, Joseph Rotblat said, was as good as dead. The only way out of the disaster that lay ahead was to put the goal of total nuclear disarmament back on the agenda. "We have to convince the public that the continuation of current policies, in which the security of the world is maintained by the indefinite retention of nuclear weapons, is not realistic in the long run, because it is bound eventually to result in a nuclear holocaust in which the future of the human race
would be at stake. We must convince public opinion that the only alternative is the total elimination of nuclear weapons."
Scientific Dishonesty: Bjørn Lomborg's book "The Skeptical Environmentalist"
The Danish Committees on Scientific Dishonesty has issued a ruling on Lomborg's book: "Objectively speaking, the publication of the work under consideration is deemed to fall within the concept of scientific dishonesty."
Worthy of note are the following excerpts:
"The Skeptical Environmentalist" has given rise to extensive public discussion and debate, both in Denmark and internationally. There have been enthusiastic reviews in some of the world's top newspapers such as the Washington Post and the New York Times, and in The Economist."
"It is the view of the Working Party that the many, particularly American researchers, who have received Bjørn Lomborg's book with great gusto, even in a specifically negative fashion, are unlikely to have even given the book the time of day unless it had received such overwhelmingly positive write-ups in leading American newspapers and in The Economist. The USA is the society with the highest energy consumption in the world, and there are powerful interests in the USA bound up with increasing energy consumption and with the belief in free market forces."
The Danish Committees on Scientific Dishonesty has issued a ruling on Lomborg's book: "Objectively speaking, the publication of the work under consideration is deemed to fall within the concept of scientific dishonesty."
Worthy of note are the following excerpts:
"The Skeptical Environmentalist" has given rise to extensive public discussion and debate, both in Denmark and internationally. There have been enthusiastic reviews in some of the world's top newspapers such as the Washington Post and the New York Times, and in The Economist."
"It is the view of the Working Party that the many, particularly American researchers, who have received Bjørn Lomborg's book with great gusto, even in a specifically negative fashion, are unlikely to have even given the book the time of day unless it had received such overwhelmingly positive write-ups in leading American newspapers and in The Economist. The USA is the society with the highest energy consumption in the world, and there are powerful interests in the USA bound up with increasing energy consumption and with the belief in free market forces."
One Generation to Save World: Worldwatch Institute
"The longer that no remedial action is taken, the greater the degree of misery and biological impoverishment that humankind must be prepared to accept, the institute says in its 20th annual report. Overuse of resources, pollution and destruction of natural areas continue to threaten life on the planet. Conditions continue to deteriorate rapidly, the report says, although there are some hopeful signs in that technical solutions to the problems have been found and - where there is political will - adopted. In most cases, though, nothing is being done.
"About one quarter of the developing world's crop land is being degraded, and the rate is increasing. The greatest threat is not a shortage of land, says the report, but a shortage of water, with more than 500 million people living in regions prone to chronic drought."
- the article includes a useful summary of key facts regarding the crisis.
"The longer that no remedial action is taken, the greater the degree of misery and biological impoverishment that humankind must be prepared to accept, the institute says in its 20th annual report. Overuse of resources, pollution and destruction of natural areas continue to threaten life on the planet. Conditions continue to deteriorate rapidly, the report says, although there are some hopeful signs in that technical solutions to the problems have been found and - where there is political will - adopted. In most cases, though, nothing is being done.
"About one quarter of the developing world's crop land is being degraded, and the rate is increasing. The greatest threat is not a shortage of land, says the report, but a shortage of water, with more than 500 million people living in regions prone to chronic drought."
- the article includes a useful summary of key facts regarding the crisis.
Thursday, January 09, 2003
US Congressman Slams Drug War, Hints at Legalization
"Please understand that you are not about to read a forceful, logical argument for legalization. Burton is obviously ill-informed on the issue of illegal drugs and isn't familiar with the arguments (and counter-arguments) for various forms of drug-law reform. His adversary in this impromptu debate, Tom Carr, is likewise clueless. His arguments for the current Prohibition range from muddled to absolutely absurd and surreal. Watching these two spar is embarrassing. Basically, this is a discussion between two half-wits. What's so vitally important, though, is that one of the half-wits is starting to wake up. He doesn't know what the answers are, and he doesn't even know how to phrase the questions, but he has realized that the current course of action is pathetically unworkable. Luckily, this half-wit is a powerful US Congressman, and he has aired his thoughts in a congressional hearing with cameras rolling."
I think The Memory Hole is a bit hard on the "halfwits"; its not quite that bad. I'm sure they understand a good deal more than they let on. And they are not going to change any policy until the demand comes from the public. Also "Legalisation" is the wrong word for necessary reform. You will always struggle to get people to support legalisation. Regulation, however - strict regulation and taxation - could achieve the goals of taking the profit out of drugs and restricting their promotion and usage.
"Please understand that you are not about to read a forceful, logical argument for legalization. Burton is obviously ill-informed on the issue of illegal drugs and isn't familiar with the arguments (and counter-arguments) for various forms of drug-law reform. His adversary in this impromptu debate, Tom Carr, is likewise clueless. His arguments for the current Prohibition range from muddled to absolutely absurd and surreal. Watching these two spar is embarrassing. Basically, this is a discussion between two half-wits. What's so vitally important, though, is that one of the half-wits is starting to wake up. He doesn't know what the answers are, and he doesn't even know how to phrase the questions, but he has realized that the current course of action is pathetically unworkable. Luckily, this half-wit is a powerful US Congressman, and he has aired his thoughts in a congressional hearing with cameras rolling."
I think The Memory Hole is a bit hard on the "halfwits"; its not quite that bad. I'm sure they understand a good deal more than they let on. And they are not going to change any policy until the demand comes from the public. Also "Legalisation" is the wrong word for necessary reform. You will always struggle to get people to support legalisation. Regulation, however - strict regulation and taxation - could achieve the goals of taking the profit out of drugs and restricting their promotion and usage.
US Senator Bob Graham: At Least One Foreign Country Assisted the 9/11 Terrorists
"I was surprised at the evidence that there were foreign governments involved in facilitating the activities of at least some of the terrorists in the United States...I think there is very compelling evidence that at least some of the terrorists were assisted not just in financing -- although that was part of it -- by a sovereign foreign government and that we have been derelict in our duty to track that down, make the further case, or find the evidence that would indicate that that is not true and we can look for other reasons why the terrorists were able to function so effectively in the United States."
"I was surprised at the evidence that there were foreign governments involved in facilitating the activities of at least some of the terrorists in the United States...I think there is very compelling evidence that at least some of the terrorists were assisted not just in financing -- although that was part of it -- by a sovereign foreign government and that we have been derelict in our duty to track that down, make the further case, or find the evidence that would indicate that that is not true and we can look for other reasons why the terrorists were able to function so effectively in the United States."
Defensive Donahue Needs to Go On the Offensive or Get Off the Air
"Donahue could have helped his cause by having a guest who actually has documented the conservative/corporate-establishment bias of the media, such as Jeff Cohen (one of Donahue?s producers and a former panelist on ?Fox News Watch?), Noam Chomsky, Eric Alterman or Mark Hertsgaard. He could have invited someone from the progessive watchdog Fairness and Accuracy In Media, or Bob Somerby of dailyhowler.com, who has documented at his incomparable website just how lazy and incompetent Goldberg is."
This is good advice for opponents of neo-liberalism and neo-conservatism everywhere. Either go on the attack or dont bother, you are part of the problem.
"Donahue could have helped his cause by having a guest who actually has documented the conservative/corporate-establishment bias of the media, such as Jeff Cohen (one of Donahue?s producers and a former panelist on ?Fox News Watch?), Noam Chomsky, Eric Alterman or Mark Hertsgaard. He could have invited someone from the progessive watchdog Fairness and Accuracy In Media, or Bob Somerby of dailyhowler.com, who has documented at his incomparable website just how lazy and incompetent Goldberg is."
This is good advice for opponents of neo-liberalism and neo-conservatism everywhere. Either go on the attack or dont bother, you are part of the problem.
No War on Iraq, No Australian Involvement
"The "War on Terror" is not rhetoric but a real war in the original meaning of the term, namely the attack, invasion, conquest and occupation of foreign countries; with the killing and burning that necessarily accompanies such activity."
- this is my Indymedia article attacking the Howard government's predictable subservience to US Imperial policy. In recent weeks however some Labor opposition backbenchers (Lawrence, Brereton) have dared to voice some questions about the proposed war on Iraq. Sustained and growing grassroots protest is needed to stiffen the latent opposition within the Labor party.
"The "War on Terror" is not rhetoric but a real war in the original meaning of the term, namely the attack, invasion, conquest and occupation of foreign countries; with the killing and burning that necessarily accompanies such activity."
- this is my Indymedia article attacking the Howard government's predictable subservience to US Imperial policy. In recent weeks however some Labor opposition backbenchers (Lawrence, Brereton) have dared to voice some questions about the proposed war on Iraq. Sustained and growing grassroots protest is needed to stiffen the latent opposition within the Labor party.
Wednesday, January 08, 2003
A History of Wargaming (via RW)
From the Napoleonic era to the computer age: "In 1953 a young man named Charles Roberts started selling a map wargame he designed called "Tactics" to civilians. By 1958 he had sold 2000 copies and had come within $30 of breaking even. Encouraged, he founded the Avalon Hill Game Company to sell war, economic and sports simulation games to the general public."
From the Napoleonic era to the computer age: "In 1953 a young man named Charles Roberts started selling a map wargame he designed called "Tactics" to civilians. By 1958 he had sold 2000 copies and had come within $30 of breaking even. Encouraged, he founded the Avalon Hill Game Company to sell war, economic and sports simulation games to the general public."
Dean Baker's Economics Reporting Review: December 27 - January 3
This review provides a healthy antidote to the economic "reporting" of the corporate media which time and again is shown to be little more than plutocratic proaganda. The housing boom is covered this week:
"There is substantial evidence that the housing market is currently in an unsustainable bubble. If the housing market is experiencing a bubble, then it is not good news that housing prices continue to outpace inflation, just as the extraordinary run-up in the Nasdaq before its collapse should not have been viewed as good news."
In addition to these comments it is worth emphasizing that rising land prices rising are always against the public interest, not only in a boom, ie 'the price of land is your enemy'. With the introduction of increasing rates of land value taxation, good news would be reports on a generalised decline in land prices as the economic rent is captured by the public treasury.
This review provides a healthy antidote to the economic "reporting" of the corporate media which time and again is shown to be little more than plutocratic proaganda. The housing boom is covered this week:
"There is substantial evidence that the housing market is currently in an unsustainable bubble. If the housing market is experiencing a bubble, then it is not good news that housing prices continue to outpace inflation, just as the extraordinary run-up in the Nasdaq before its collapse should not have been viewed as good news."
In addition to these comments it is worth emphasizing that rising land prices rising are always against the public interest, not only in a boom, ie 'the price of land is your enemy'. With the introduction of increasing rates of land value taxation, good news would be reports on a generalised decline in land prices as the economic rent is captured by the public treasury.
UK: Homesites rising by 25% per year
"House prices are rising at their fastest rate for more than 13 years as the property market shows no sign of slowing down, according to the Nationwide. But the building society's optimism is not matched by the Council of Mortgage Lenders which reports a gradual easing of the market. Nationwide said the cost of a home rose by 2 per cent last month, pushing growth for the year to the end of November up to 25.5 per cent. "While we do not expect too many problems in the housing market, now is not the time to borrow on the assumption that house prices will continue rising at their current rate forever."
This is good advice but it is almost certain to be ignored (as per usual) in the gathering frenzy. In the final year before a bust land prices can rise by as much as 100%: the temptation to borrow and purchase with the hope of early sales and profit will be irresistable.
"House prices are rising at their fastest rate for more than 13 years as the property market shows no sign of slowing down, according to the Nationwide. But the building society's optimism is not matched by the Council of Mortgage Lenders which reports a gradual easing of the market. Nationwide said the cost of a home rose by 2 per cent last month, pushing growth for the year to the end of November up to 25.5 per cent. "While we do not expect too many problems in the housing market, now is not the time to borrow on the assumption that house prices will continue rising at their current rate forever."
This is good advice but it is almost certain to be ignored (as per usual) in the gathering frenzy. In the final year before a bust land prices can rise by as much as 100%: the temptation to borrow and purchase with the hope of early sales and profit will be irresistable.
Tuesday, January 07, 2003
Property boom $8bn boost to state budgets
Australia's state governments are set for an $8 billion-plus windfall this financial year as booming stamp duty revenue from the property market helps underpin spending plans.... Access Economics senior economist Alan Tregilgas said the main short-term challenge for NSW would be if the property bubble burst. "Each year they've thought it would stop, but it hasn't," he said."
Australia's state governments are set for an $8 billion-plus windfall this financial year as booming stamp duty revenue from the property market helps underpin spending plans.... Access Economics senior economist Alan Tregilgas said the main short-term challenge for NSW would be if the property bubble burst. "Each year they've thought it would stop, but it hasn't," he said."
Vietnam: Land prices soar in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city
"Land and house prices continued to surge after prices had rocketed the year before. Land and house prices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City rose two- to five-fold in the last two years... Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City authorities issued decisions to prevent land and housing speculation in April and May... While land prices are soaring and more land is needed to build new housing areas, millions of square metres of land in prime locations of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City has been lying unused for years because the holders of the land-use rights cannot afford to build."
Its the continuing tragedy of both the socialist and the geoist movements that socialism has failed to comprehend and internalise the georgist insight that the economic rent of land and other natural resources is to be recouped via direct taxation on land values, which would raise revenue for public infrastructure development and at the same time achieve efficient site utilisation. You would think it was a no-brainer as point one of the communist manifesto refers to land and rent, and 'land nationalisation' is a key platform of every communist movement. One of the key tasks of the geonomists is to introduce and entrench this insight into all socialist, Progressive and Green movements.
"Land and house prices continued to surge after prices had rocketed the year before. Land and house prices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City rose two- to five-fold in the last two years... Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City authorities issued decisions to prevent land and housing speculation in April and May... While land prices are soaring and more land is needed to build new housing areas, millions of square metres of land in prime locations of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City has been lying unused for years because the holders of the land-use rights cannot afford to build."
Its the continuing tragedy of both the socialist and the geoist movements that socialism has failed to comprehend and internalise the georgist insight that the economic rent of land and other natural resources is to be recouped via direct taxation on land values, which would raise revenue for public infrastructure development and at the same time achieve efficient site utilisation. You would think it was a no-brainer as point one of the communist manifesto refers to land and rent, and 'land nationalisation' is a key platform of every communist movement. One of the key tasks of the geonomists is to introduce and entrench this insight into all socialist, Progressive and Green movements.
Israel's 'Berlin Wall/Apartheid Wall' Threatens to Imprison the West Bank
'The real reason for the wall is to take as much Palestinian land and water resources and annex as many of the settlements as possible. Current estimates say it will take as much as 10% of the West Bank, including its most fertile land, and the whole of the western mountain aquifer, situated under the green line, which supplies the West Bank Palestinians with over 50% of their water,' says Jamal Juma of the Palestinian Environmental NGO Network and a key campaigner against the wall. 'Once the wall is up it will cripple Palestinian agriculture and economic activity, and turn the West Bank into a series of disconnected, dependent entities or Bantustans. It will make life unlivable and cause the Palestinians to leave which is what Israel, currently clamoring for transfer or ethnic cleansing, wants.'
'The real reason for the wall is to take as much Palestinian land and water resources and annex as many of the settlements as possible. Current estimates say it will take as much as 10% of the West Bank, including its most fertile land, and the whole of the western mountain aquifer, situated under the green line, which supplies the West Bank Palestinians with over 50% of their water,' says Jamal Juma of the Palestinian Environmental NGO Network and a key campaigner against the wall. 'Once the wall is up it will cripple Palestinian agriculture and economic activity, and turn the West Bank into a series of disconnected, dependent entities or Bantustans. It will make life unlivable and cause the Palestinians to leave which is what Israel, currently clamoring for transfer or ethnic cleansing, wants.'
War Begins as US Forces Enter Iraq, planes bomb
"We're bombing practically every day as we patrol the no-fly zones, taking out air defence batteries, and there are all kinds of CIA and special forces operations going on," said Timur Eads, a former US special operations officer. "I would call it the beginning of a war."
"We're bombing practically every day as we patrol the no-fly zones, taking out air defence batteries, and there are all kinds of CIA and special forces operations going on," said Timur Eads, a former US special operations officer. "I would call it the beginning of a war."
Russia, Turkey increase pressure as US hikes up forces in Gulf
"In Moscow, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov said his government would consider any military action by the United States and its allies against Iraq without UN approval as illegitimate and unjustified... Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Trubnikov said on Saturday accusations of hidden weapons made against Iraq "serve no purpose, and only strengthen the fear around the world that the issue of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction is being used to cover up other aims."
"In Moscow, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov said his government would consider any military action by the United States and its allies against Iraq without UN approval as illegitimate and unjustified... Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Trubnikov said on Saturday accusations of hidden weapons made against Iraq "serve no purpose, and only strengthen the fear around the world that the issue of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction is being used to cover up other aims."
Aussie tourist jailed after falling foul of US visa laws
"20-year-old Australian citizen Megan Stapleton, detained in a prison for breaching her travel visa by two days... Miss Stapleton is expected to remain in custody for 3 to 4 weeks while the deportation process continues."
"20-year-old Australian citizen Megan Stapleton, detained in a prison for breaching her travel visa by two days... Miss Stapleton is expected to remain in custody for 3 to 4 weeks while the deportation process continues."
Only Iran and US Apply Death Penalty to Under-18s
"Iran is the only other state [besides the USA] to persist in imposing the death penalty on convicts who carry out their crimes under the age of 18. Twenty-two US states still allow juvenile executions although only seven have carried them out in recent decades."
"Iran is the only other state [besides the USA] to persist in imposing the death penalty on convicts who carry out their crimes under the age of 18. Twenty-two US states still allow juvenile executions although only seven have carried them out in recent decades."
Monday, January 06, 2003
When Israel Attacked the USS Liberty
"Finally, 16 hours after the attack two US destroyers reached the Liberty. By that time, 34 US sailors were dead and 174 injured, many seriously. As the wounded were being evacuated, an officer with the Office of Naval Intelligence instructed the men not to talk about their ordeal with the press."
"Finally, 16 hours after the attack two US destroyers reached the Liberty. By that time, 34 US sailors were dead and 174 injured, many seriously. As the wounded were being evacuated, an officer with the Office of Naval Intelligence instructed the men not to talk about their ordeal with the press."
Gabriel Kolko: Another Century of War?
"We can never forget that the two men who the U.S. has most demonized over the past two decades, Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden, both collaborated for years with the U.S.; Washington believed their causes were identical and put vast sums at their disposal."
"We can never forget that the two men who the U.S. has most demonized over the past two decades, Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden, both collaborated for years with the U.S.; Washington believed their causes were identical and put vast sums at their disposal."
Annie C. Higgins: Six Israeli Soldiers reported killed
"When the Army killed Hamza Abu al-Rubb in Qabatiya, Jenin district, on 26 December 2002, they said their wanted man injured three of their soldiers when he fought back. His wife adds to the account. When the soldiers ordered the family outside, making them remove their warm clothes on that rainy day, they apparently expected Hamza to surrender himself. They were surprised that he came to the door fighting and throwing grenades. He went back inside and got more grenades to pitch at them. The Army killed him but they also took losses. His wife reports that they put at least six dead Israeli soldiers in black plastic body bags in her front yard."
"When the Army killed Hamza Abu al-Rubb in Qabatiya, Jenin district, on 26 December 2002, they said their wanted man injured three of their soldiers when he fought back. His wife adds to the account. When the soldiers ordered the family outside, making them remove their warm clothes on that rainy day, they apparently expected Hamza to surrender himself. They were surprised that he came to the door fighting and throwing grenades. He went back inside and got more grenades to pitch at them. The Army killed him but they also took losses. His wife reports that they put at least six dead Israeli soldiers in black plastic body bags in her front yard."
Jorgen Johansen and Jan Oberg: A UN Mandate Does Not Make War on Iraq Right!
"There are two important arguments against a UN "mandate". Firstly, if there is no such mandate, it will be considerably more difficult for many member states to accept it or go along with it. That is, the United States would rather stand alone and carry the major burden of a political, legal and moral disaster. Secondly, it would save the UN from being dragged down into the quagmire called bombing, invasion, occupation and control of Iraq - not to mention the humanitarian consequences and the resources needed to rebuild the country physically, as well as psychologically. With no UN mandate, the UN could say "not in our name" and remain a genuine peace organisation true to the words and the spirit of its charter. To put it simply, if George W. Bush and the people around him want to destroy Iraq, they should go it alone. The UN must never be misused to legitimate bellicose policies of any member state."
"There are two important arguments against a UN "mandate". Firstly, if there is no such mandate, it will be considerably more difficult for many member states to accept it or go along with it. That is, the United States would rather stand alone and carry the major burden of a political, legal and moral disaster. Secondly, it would save the UN from being dragged down into the quagmire called bombing, invasion, occupation and control of Iraq - not to mention the humanitarian consequences and the resources needed to rebuild the country physically, as well as psychologically. With no UN mandate, the UN could say "not in our name" and remain a genuine peace organisation true to the words and the spirit of its charter. To put it simply, if George W. Bush and the people around him want to destroy Iraq, they should go it alone. The UN must never be misused to legitimate bellicose policies of any member state."
Valuer General: Land value boom in NSW Great Lakes district
"The land value of the shire has increased by 48 per cent in the three years, driven by a strong residential market. Well located residential properties, with frontage to Port Stephens or the Pacific Ocean, had increases from 70 to 95 per cent, with some less expensive areas, such as Pindimar, increasing by up to 200 per cent."
"The land value of the shire has increased by 48 per cent in the three years, driven by a strong residential market. Well located residential properties, with frontage to Port Stephens or the Pacific Ocean, had increases from 70 to 95 per cent, with some less expensive areas, such as Pindimar, increasing by up to 200 per cent."
UN Inspectors Fear Bush Will Ignore Them
"UN weapons inspectors in Iraq fear their work - which has failed to turn up any evidence thus far of weapons of mass destruction - will still be used as an excuse to trigger a US-led invasion of Iraq."
"UN weapons inspectors in Iraq fear their work - which has failed to turn up any evidence thus far of weapons of mass destruction - will still be used as an excuse to trigger a US-led invasion of Iraq."
Friday, January 03, 2003
Médecins Sans Frontières Issues "Top 10" List of underreported items
"According to the Tyndall Report, which monitors television network news, the major networks' nightly news programs devoted more airtime from January to November 2002 to the tribulations and jubilees of the British royal family (26 minutes) than to eight of the crises highlighted on MSF's "Top 10" list combined (25 minutes)."
The mass/corporate media is a massive problem which progressives must challenge and overcome in order to achieve any real change. At the very least the following must be encouraged: no foreign ownership; greater diversity of local ownership; strengthened public broadcasting; richer and deeper alternative media of every description.
In a half hour TV news bulletin the following are not news, and should not appear in the news bulletin: royal family, sex, celebrity, advertising, fashion, sport, weather, stock markets, lottery results, ('make money fast'), finance report, entertainment, lifestyle, comedy. In place of this nonsense the following might be stated as the policy of a genuine "news" report: Report on violence, death and injustice and significant political and social events, with a due weighting to seriousness of incident and local instances but without discrimination against races or the majority world; and to Monitor the sources of power, which must be seen as the primary causes of injustice: again with a due weighting and without discrimination. Some might regard it as a difficult challenge to have a whole half hour of such news without a break and hold the attention of the audience but it is precisely the challenge that must be taken up. SBS has shown the way with their half hour news bulletin followed directly by a half hour sports bulletin. The 'sports' bulletin could be altered to include the 'infotainment' material rejected by 'real' news, ie sport, royalty, weather, lottery, finance, celebrity etc.
"According to the Tyndall Report, which monitors television network news, the major networks' nightly news programs devoted more airtime from January to November 2002 to the tribulations and jubilees of the British royal family (26 minutes) than to eight of the crises highlighted on MSF's "Top 10" list combined (25 minutes)."
The mass/corporate media is a massive problem which progressives must challenge and overcome in order to achieve any real change. At the very least the following must be encouraged: no foreign ownership; greater diversity of local ownership; strengthened public broadcasting; richer and deeper alternative media of every description.
In a half hour TV news bulletin the following are not news, and should not appear in the news bulletin: royal family, sex, celebrity, advertising, fashion, sport, weather, stock markets, lottery results, ('make money fast'), finance report, entertainment, lifestyle, comedy. In place of this nonsense the following might be stated as the policy of a genuine "news" report: Report on violence, death and injustice and significant political and social events, with a due weighting to seriousness of incident and local instances but without discrimination against races or the majority world; and to Monitor the sources of power, which must be seen as the primary causes of injustice: again with a due weighting and without discrimination. Some might regard it as a difficult challenge to have a whole half hour of such news without a break and hold the attention of the audience but it is precisely the challenge that must be taken up. SBS has shown the way with their half hour news bulletin followed directly by a half hour sports bulletin. The 'sports' bulletin could be altered to include the 'infotainment' material rejected by 'real' news, ie sport, royalty, weather, lottery, finance, celebrity etc.
The Project Against the Present Danger: Statement of Concern
"At the beginning of the 21st century, our nation and our world face stark and growing threats. These include terrorists with global reach, the worst pandemic in human history (AIDS), the spread of weapons of mass destruction, unprecedented global environmental crises, and a global economy that is generating greater instability and inequality. None of these deepening problems can be addressed by U.S. military prowess alone. None can be addressed by any one country alone, even a country as powerful as the United States. Yet in the face of these threats, the Bush administration has launched a new foreign policy based on U.S. supremacy and exceptionalism. Despite the passionate opposition of its closest allies and the international community, the Bush administration has set our country on a dangerous and alarming course."
"At the beginning of the 21st century, our nation and our world face stark and growing threats. These include terrorists with global reach, the worst pandemic in human history (AIDS), the spread of weapons of mass destruction, unprecedented global environmental crises, and a global economy that is generating greater instability and inequality. None of these deepening problems can be addressed by U.S. military prowess alone. None can be addressed by any one country alone, even a country as powerful as the United States. Yet in the face of these threats, the Bush administration has launched a new foreign policy based on U.S. supremacy and exceptionalism. Despite the passionate opposition of its closest allies and the international community, the Bush administration has set our country on a dangerous and alarming course."
Worldwide Oil Situation and Iraq
"In preface to the passage of Security Council Resolution 1441 on November 8, there were thinly veiled threats that French, Russian, and Chinese firms would be excluded from any future oil concessions in Iraq unless Paris, Moscow, and Beijing supported the Bush policy of regime change. Ahmed Chalabi, leader of the Iraqi National Congress (INC), an exile opposition group favored by the Bush administration, said that the INC would not feel bound by any contracts signed by Saddam Hussein’s government and that “American companies will have a big shot at Iraqi oil” under a new regime. U.S. and British oil company executives have been meeting with INC officials, maneuvering to secure a future stake in Iraq’s oil. Meanwhile, the State Department has been coaxing Iraqi opposition members to create an oil and gas working group involving Iraqis and Americans."
This informative and well-researched article includes a table showing the world's biggest oil companies and the reserves in billions of barrels that they control.
"In preface to the passage of Security Council Resolution 1441 on November 8, there were thinly veiled threats that French, Russian, and Chinese firms would be excluded from any future oil concessions in Iraq unless Paris, Moscow, and Beijing supported the Bush policy of regime change. Ahmed Chalabi, leader of the Iraqi National Congress (INC), an exile opposition group favored by the Bush administration, said that the INC would not feel bound by any contracts signed by Saddam Hussein’s government and that “American companies will have a big shot at Iraqi oil” under a new regime. U.S. and British oil company executives have been meeting with INC officials, maneuvering to secure a future stake in Iraq’s oil. Meanwhile, the State Department has been coaxing Iraqi opposition members to create an oil and gas working group involving Iraqis and Americans."
This informative and well-researched article includes a table showing the world's biggest oil companies and the reserves in billions of barrels that they control.
Ed Dodson's School School of Cooperative Individualism
"I encourage you to read through the INTRODUCTION section as your first step to learning about the School and its reason for being. Thanks for visiting. I hope you will find your stay informative and enjoyable."
Ed's site attracts a lot of hits per month and serves to demonstrate the relevance of the Geoist/Geonomic philosophy.
"I encourage you to read through the INTRODUCTION section as your first step to learning about the School and its reason for being. Thanks for visiting. I hope you will find your stay informative and enjoyable."
Ed's site attracts a lot of hits per month and serves to demonstrate the relevance of the Geoist/Geonomic philosophy.
US aid for Israel
"Meanwhile, Israel is sending a delegation to Washington next week to open talks on a multibillion-dollar aid package. It is hoping to speed up the deal by agreeing not to use the funds for Jewish settlements in Palestinian territories, US sources said. The delegation, led by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's chief of staff, Dov Weisglass, will meet with White House and Treasury officials considering Israel's request for $US4 billion ($7 billion) in military assistance and up to $US10 billion in US-backed loan guarantees. The Bush Administration denies aid will be tied to Israeli co-operation with any US military campaign against Iraq."
If the US was at all serious about dismantling the settlements and withdrawing from the Occupied Territories, it would simply suspend existing aid until that is done.
"Meanwhile, Israel is sending a delegation to Washington next week to open talks on a multibillion-dollar aid package. It is hoping to speed up the deal by agreeing not to use the funds for Jewish settlements in Palestinian territories, US sources said. The delegation, led by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's chief of staff, Dov Weisglass, will meet with White House and Treasury officials considering Israel's request for $US4 billion ($7 billion) in military assistance and up to $US10 billion in US-backed loan guarantees. The Bush Administration denies aid will be tied to Israeli co-operation with any US military campaign against Iraq."
If the US was at all serious about dismantling the settlements and withdrawing from the Occupied Territories, it would simply suspend existing aid until that is done.
Tourist jailed for throwaway threat on Qantas plane
"Thomas John Lilico, 22, sat in the dock of Cairns Magistrates Court yesterday with his head in his hands and was led out crying after magistrate Ken Lynn sentenced him to three months' jail, suspended after one month, followed by a 12-month, $300 good behaviour bond."
Surely a draconian penalty for a casual remark?
"Thomas John Lilico, 22, sat in the dock of Cairns Magistrates Court yesterday with his head in his hands and was led out crying after magistrate Ken Lynn sentenced him to three months' jail, suspended after one month, followed by a 12-month, $300 good behaviour bond."
Surely a draconian penalty for a casual remark?
Thursday, January 02, 2003
Halliday: Sanctions against Iraq are genocidal
"It is striking that with such high-profile defections as that of Halliday and his successor, Hans von Sponeck, not to mention the persistent struggle of former UNSCOM inspector Scott Ritter to debunk US and British half-truths about the threat from Iraq, the sanctions regime remains in place. In Cairo last week for a conference launching the International Campaign against US Aggression on Iraq (ICAA), both Halliday and von Sponeck condemned the crippling of the Iraqi economy, the prevention of health care and soaring infant and child mortality rates in Iraq as nothing short of genocide perpetrated by the very organisation founded to protect the humanity and sovereignty of its member nations."
"It is striking that with such high-profile defections as that of Halliday and his successor, Hans von Sponeck, not to mention the persistent struggle of former UNSCOM inspector Scott Ritter to debunk US and British half-truths about the threat from Iraq, the sanctions regime remains in place. In Cairo last week for a conference launching the International Campaign against US Aggression on Iraq (ICAA), both Halliday and von Sponeck condemned the crippling of the Iraqi economy, the prevention of health care and soaring infant and child mortality rates in Iraq as nothing short of genocide perpetrated by the very organisation founded to protect the humanity and sovereignty of its member nations."
Operation Provoke Iraq
"In recent weeks, the Bush administration has stepped up efforts to destabilize the Iraqi government, while aggressively deploying troops and ships in a manner that could provoke an attack from Iraq -- and provide an excuse to start a war."
"In recent weeks, the Bush administration has stepped up efforts to destabilize the Iraqi government, while aggressively deploying troops and ships in a manner that could provoke an attack from Iraq -- and provide an excuse to start a war."
Palestine Economy Ruined by the Occupation
"The situation of Palestinian workers is this: there are 150,000 workers who can no longer go to their workplaces in Israel. The vast majority of these have been denied compensation, severance pay, or any social rights. The majority of these workers had also paid a full year's worth of income taxes, even though they were cut off from their employment after only a few months of work. They have not been paid back their taxes. The majority of workers were paying into social insurance funds, which were to help them if they became unemployed-these payments have been frozen as well. All of these workers are now unemployed. 35% of Palestine's GDP used to come from workers who commuted to Israel. That 35% of the economy is now gone. The unemployment rate in the occupied territories is now 44.6%. The unemployment has led to a poverty rate of 66.5%. Over 2/3 of the population is in poverty. This is not just because of the loss of all employment within Israel, but also because Palestinians cannot reach their workplaces even within the territories, because of checkpoints, curfews, and closures."
"The situation of Palestinian workers is this: there are 150,000 workers who can no longer go to their workplaces in Israel. The vast majority of these have been denied compensation, severance pay, or any social rights. The majority of these workers had also paid a full year's worth of income taxes, even though they were cut off from their employment after only a few months of work. They have not been paid back their taxes. The majority of workers were paying into social insurance funds, which were to help them if they became unemployed-these payments have been frozen as well. All of these workers are now unemployed. 35% of Palestine's GDP used to come from workers who commuted to Israel. That 35% of the economy is now gone. The unemployment rate in the occupied territories is now 44.6%. The unemployment has led to a poverty rate of 66.5%. Over 2/3 of the population is in poverty. This is not just because of the loss of all employment within Israel, but also because Palestinians cannot reach their workplaces even within the territories, because of checkpoints, curfews, and closures."
Our Quality of Life Peaked in 1974. It's All Downhill Now
"Within five or 10 years, the global consumption of oil is likely to outstrip supply. Every year, up to 75bn tonnes of topsoil are washed into the sea as a result of unsustainable farming, which equates to the loss of around 9m hectares of productive land."
"Within five or 10 years, the global consumption of oil is likely to outstrip supply. Every year, up to 75bn tonnes of topsoil are washed into the sea as a result of unsustainable farming, which equates to the loss of around 9m hectares of productive land."
Wednesday, January 01, 2003
Inspectors 'Have Zilch' Thus Far
"If our goal is to catch them with their pants down, we are definitely losing," the inspector said on condition he wouldn't be named. "We haven't found an iota of concealed material yet."
"If our goal is to catch them with their pants down, we are definitely losing," the inspector said on condition he wouldn't be named. "We haven't found an iota of concealed material yet."
World's First Commercial Maglev Line Debuts in Shanghai
"The Shanghai Transrapid Maglev Line made its inaugural "VIP" test run in this rising modern metropolis in east China with Premier Zhu Rongji and his German counterpart, Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder on board."
"The Shanghai Transrapid Maglev Line made its inaugural "VIP" test run in this rising modern metropolis in east China with Premier Zhu Rongji and his German counterpart, Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder on board."
Chomsky on Anarchism & Reform
"Though Chomsky has written a considerable amount about anarchism in the past three decades, people often ask him for a more tangible, detailed vision of social change. His political analysis never fails to instill outrage and anger with the way the world works, but many readers are left uncertain about what exactly Chomsky would do to change it. Perhaps because they regard his analytical work with such respect, they anticipate he will lay out his goals and strategy with similar precision and clarity, only to be disappointed with his generalized statements of libertarian socialist values. Or perhaps many look to a great intellectual to provide a "master plan" for them to follow step-by-step into a bright shining future. Yet Chomsky shys away from such pronouncements."
"Though Chomsky has written a considerable amount about anarchism in the past three decades, people often ask him for a more tangible, detailed vision of social change. His political analysis never fails to instill outrage and anger with the way the world works, but many readers are left uncertain about what exactly Chomsky would do to change it. Perhaps because they regard his analytical work with such respect, they anticipate he will lay out his goals and strategy with similar precision and clarity, only to be disappointed with his generalized statements of libertarian socialist values. Or perhaps many look to a great intellectual to provide a "master plan" for them to follow step-by-step into a bright shining future. Yet Chomsky shys away from such pronouncements."
Chomsky on Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh
"If you look at all of the stuff I wrote about the Vietnam war, there's not one word supporting the Vietcong," he says. "The left was all backing Ho Chi Minh: I was saying that North Vietnam is a brutal Stalinist dictatorship. But it wasn't my job to tell the Vietnamese how to run the show. My view is that solidarity means taking my country, where I have some responsibility and some influence, and compelling it to get its dirty hands out of other people's affairs. You give solidarity to the people of a country, not the authorities. You don't give solidarity to governments, you don't give it to revolutionary leaders, you don't give it to political parties."
"If you look at all of the stuff I wrote about the Vietnam war, there's not one word supporting the Vietcong," he says. "The left was all backing Ho Chi Minh: I was saying that North Vietnam is a brutal Stalinist dictatorship. But it wasn't my job to tell the Vietnamese how to run the show. My view is that solidarity means taking my country, where I have some responsibility and some influence, and compelling it to get its dirty hands out of other people's affairs. You give solidarity to the people of a country, not the authorities. You don't give solidarity to governments, you don't give it to revolutionary leaders, you don't give it to political parties."
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