LL:DDN: Draft Program of Now We The People Conference
Dear Friend, Please find below the draft timetable for sessions at the Now We The People Conference on August 23-24, 2003, at 702 Harris St, Ultimo - University of Technology Sydney. In solidarity, Peter Murphy and Ben Langford (Draft timetable, July 18, 2003) Now We The People Challenging the US Empire - Australia for peace and justice Conference, August 23-24, 2003 University of Technology, Sydney SATURDAY AUGUST 23 9.30 am - Registration 10.15 am - Welcome to Country. 1020 am - Introduction 10.30 Opening Plenary Where are Howard and Bush taking Australia? The social, economic and environmental consequences of the US Alliance. Doug Cameron, Patricia Ranald, Andrew Wilkie, Tanya Plibersek MHR, Senator Kerry Nettle, Margaret Reynolds (possible) 12.30 - 1.30 pm Lunch 1.30 - 4.30 pm Workshop 1 Unilateralism and sycophancy: Australian support for US global strategy (includes US bases in Australia, US neo-cons and their Australian supporters) Panel: Andrew Wilkie, Denis Doherty, Dr Carol Araullo (BAYAN Philippines), Damian Cahill, Margaret Reynolds (possible). Workshop 2 How the people are left out - the challenge to renew Australian democracy and the Constitution Panel: Rod Donald MP (NZ Greens co-leader), Mayor Liz Johnstone (City of Port Phillip, Senator Andrew Bartlett, Lynne Carson. Workshop 3 A fairer finance sector for Australia Panel: Geoff Derrick, Catherine Wolfhuizen (ACA), Prof Frank Stilwell. Workshop 4 Medicare and Welfare reform - the US model for Australian society? Panel: Gary Moore (NCOSS), Ian McCauley (Uni of Canberra), Dr Alf Liebhold. Workshop 5 Multiculturalism after 30 years - why Australia failed the refugee test Panel: Tanya Plibersek MP (confirmed), Ahmed Shboul, Jock Collins, Mary Kalantzis. Follow up - Peter 4.30 - 5.30 pm Social function SUNDAY AUGUST 24 10 am Plenary The global economy goes into crisis - what options for Australia. Dr Graham Larcombe, Dr John Quiggin 12 noon - 2 pm (includes 30 minute lunch break) WORKSHOPS Workshop 6 Australia - USA Free Trade Agreement, General Agreement on Trade and = Services. What's at stake? Panel: Patricia Ranald (AFTINET), Sen Kerry Nettle, Alistair Kentish = (AMWU) Workshop 7 Understanding the religious fundamentalism dynamic - at home and abroad Panel: Randa Abdel-Fatteh (confirmed), Rev Ray Richmond. Follow up - = John, Peter Workshop 8 Universities for the rich - the privatisation of Australia's Higher = Education sector Panel: Danial Kyriacou (NUS), Trish Mullins (NTEU), John Kaye. Workshop 9 What rights for Indigenous Australians when might is again right? Panel ideas: Pam Johnston, Lydia Miller, Pat Anderson, Olga Havilland (none confirmed). Follow up - Peter Workshop 10 Ensuring Iraq is the last oil war - energy politics for a sustainable future Panel ideas - Anthony Ashbolt , Sahail Inuyatollah, Stewart White. 2 pm - Closing Plenary Adoption of Conference Statement 2.30 - 4 pm A just Australia or just a straggler - building the alliance for peace and justice Panel: Rod Donald, Sen Andrew Bartlett, Sylvia Hale MLC, Rev Dr Ann Wansbrough, Anthony Albanese MHR, Pat Anderson (to be confirmed), union speaker - still checking here Close - songs by Sydney Trade Union Choir In association with the Research Initiative in International Activism, University of Technology, Sydney :::campaign material, updates, discussion board::: http://www.nowwethepeople.org -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Sub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
LL:DDV: launch of McQUAIL: A likely story by Steve Brook
RAWPRAWN PUBLISHING invites you to the official launch of McQUAIL: A likely story by Steve Brook At 7 p.m. on Friday, 19 September 2003 in the Old Ballroom, Trades Hall, cnr Victoria and Lygon Sts., Carlton South Officiating: Cr. Dick Gross, former Mayor of Port Phillip, author, financial adviser. Latest book: "A Godless Gospel" (September 1999). Fine finger food and a great opportunity to call everyone darling and kiss the air next to their ear. And get YOUR copy of "McQuail" at a ridiculously low price! RSVP:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Self-publishing has many advantages, but "McQuail" is clearly not one of them. -- The Corangamite Thunderer The main character is my age (almost exactly), my religion (well, almost) and far more promiscuous than I could ever hope to be. -- Dick Gross Adolescent, unformed, semi-literate, pretentious. And those are the good things about Steve Brook's book. A shock therefore to learn that the author is approaching his threescore and ten. -- The Bugle, Maroochydore A pity the book's content cannot match its snappy design. -- The Australian Pergola Can "McQuail - the Movie" be far away? -- Vision & Sound Religion, the US, marriage - "McQuail" is a puerile attack on easy targets. It's all been done, and done better, before. Brook should learn draughts or crochet and rejoin his generation. -- Yippee! Wahoo! Weekly I thoroughly enjoyed McQuail. It's clear that you're emerging as the antipodean Kurt Vonnegut. -- Phillip Adams . -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Sub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
LL:DDV: Protest the WTO and privatisation of services
http://melbourne.indymedia.org/news/2003/08/52213.php Protest the WTO and privatisation of services by Takver, Wednesday August 13, 2003 at 03:48 PM The next World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial meeting is in Cancun, Mexico in September. People in Melbourne, and round the world are organising protests against this meeting. [ cancunposter.gif, image/gif, 425x491 ] [ POSTER deleted here to limit email size ] The World Trade Organisation is meeting in the resort of Cancun, Mexico, in September to deepen its agenda of privatisation. People in Melbourne, and around the world, are organising concurrent protests. The "ministerial meeting" (similar to the one in Seattle in 1999) will be discussing the General Agreement on Trade in Services, which is a corporate charter for looting public services like health, education, utilities and transport. Many of the governments which are behind this economic attack on the workers, peasants and poor of the world supported the invasion of Iraq, which has opened up a new "free market" for western corporations. First world corporations make enormous profits through the manipulations of the IMF and World Bank of Third World countries caught in a "debt trap (which) robs all the surplus production of an entire society. Debt does much more than forcing a country to work for nothing. This form of terrorism punishes the children, abandons the sick, and enslaves the adults.(The Terrorism Of Debt by Wanda Fish, 06 Aug 2003) That is why the "Hemispheric and Global Assembly against the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) and the WTO" held in Mexico City on May 26 put out a call for action. (The call to action, plus other related documents, can be read at www.focusweb.org) In particular, the assembly called for a global day of protest against war and globalisation on Saturday, September 13. This call has since been supported by the Jakarta Peace Conference, a meeting of 700-800 peace activists in Geneva following the G8 protest, and a similar meeting at the protests against the European Union in Thessalonika. There is a Civil Society call to WTO Members for the 5th WTO Ministerial in Cancun which organisations and individuals can endorse. One of the issues deferred from the WTO Doha Meeting two years ago is a new Investment Agreement. Global Civil society organised a successful campaign against a previous incarnation of this agreement - the Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI). There is a strong push from European Commission for WTO Investment Negotiations at Cancun. Keep an eye on the Investment Watch website to organise to stop this agreement. The other major agreement under scrutiny by civil society is the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). While some are concerned that GATS may be the End of Democracy there is an active campaign to stop GATS in Australia coordinated by the Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network (AFTINET). The ASU website in particular is active on the GATS campaign. In Melbourne, a 'Fiesta for Freedom' Reclaim the Streets against the WTO Cancun meeting is being organised for 5pm Friday 12 September outside the State Library in Swanston Street, and a Teachin on War, Globalisation and Justice is being called by the Victorian Peace Network on Saturday 13 September. The first organising meeting for the Melbourne rally brought together people from No One is Illegal, the Greens, Stop Killer Coke campaign, Friends of the Earth, local peace groups, socialists, and La Trobe student union. The Cancun Solidarity Group will be meeting weekly at 6pm at FoE Melbourne on Thursday evenings, 312 Smith Street Collingwood. You can also join the Cancun Solidarity Group Email List to help organise the event. For more details ring FoE on (03) 9419 8700. -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Sub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
LL:URL: Stolen Wages newsletter
The Stolen Wages newsletter is now available on the Victorian Trades Hall Hall website at http://www.vthc.org.au/campaigns/20030515_aboriginal.html Regular campaign updates are available by subscribing to the email update list produced by Christine Howes [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Sub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
LL:ART: A-US FTA: Sick and poor will lose out
From http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2003/549/ Australia-US FTA: Sick and poor will lose out BY ALISON DELLIT Playing Deputy Dawg to US President George Bush has its rewards, and the big bone that Prime Minister John Howard anticipates being tossed as a reward for sending Australian troops to Bush's war in Iraq is a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States. Like all of Howards enthusiasms, however, this is a gift for big business not for the rest of us. [.. read on ..] WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION: EU-US trade war heating up BY EVA CHENG Bilateral trade conflicts between the world's two biggest economic blocs the US and the European Union are escalating, threatening to undermine their collective ability to screw the Third World, especially within the framework of the ongoing Doha Round of global trade talks under the auspices of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). [.. read on ..] Both from Green Left Weekly, August 13, 2003. Visit the Green Left Weekly home page @ http://www.greenleft.org.au/ -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Sub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
LL:ART: All the News That Fits
This weeks stories: Government Implicated in Siev-X Sinking...Telstra's Family Friendly Policy Copied From Government...Branch Stacking Still Common In ALP...But Drugs Are Better For The Economy...Quote of the Week - Bill Gates Is Reading My Mail. Last week's All the News That Fits reported that four people had been charged with slavery in connection with running a brothel (Club 417 in Fitzroy). This story was taken from the Melbourne Times. The same issue of the Melbourne Times carried an ad for Club 417. A former diplomat says that the Australian government may be implicated in the sinking of the SIEV-X boat which resulted in 353 deaths. Tony Kevin, former ambassador to Cambodia, told the ABC about information he had received from Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty, about a 'disruption program' involving Australian and Indonesian police. "The point of the matter is that Mr Keelty's organisation trained the Indonesian police and set up the disruption teams selected by the AFP out of the Indonesian police," Mr Kevin said. "I believe that there is substantial evidence leading towards the likely conclusion that SIEV-X was sunk as part of an Australian government disruption program to disrupt people smuggling in Indonesia". (The Age, July 30). A woman who stayed at work up until an hour before she gave birth, was still sacked on her first day back after taking maternity leave. Anne-Marie (who did not want her last name used) had worked for Telstra for nine years before being made redundant. Stephen Jones from the Community and Public Sector Union said that Telstra's Human Resources policy "talks at length about valuing staff and their families". (Herald Sun, August 1). Ordered to leave Australia without her baby, a Russian mother said she was prepared to spend the rest of her days in the Villawood detention centre if it was her only chance to see her son grow up. The 30-year-old woman, who has an 18-month-old son to an Australian father, made the declaration after the full bench of the Family Court upheld the Federal Government's right to deport her without her child. The unanimous decision, by Chief Justice Alastair Nicholson and Justices John Ellis and Stephen O'Ryan, found that the Migration Act overrode the child's right to know and have regular contact with both its parents. Acknowledging it might be 'difficult' for her to get a court order for contact with her son if she was sent back to Russia, the judges said "she may well be able to do so from a country like New Zealand". At least two other foreigners in the centre have Australian children and are fighting deportation orders. One is a Malaysian mother of two who has not seen one of her children in three years. The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said she fled Russia after witnessing a murder in a nightclub and after being raped by casino security guards and police. (Sydney Morning Herald, July 30). Branch stacking is still very common in the Labor Party, according to ALP national President Greg Sword - including Opposition Leader Simon Crean's electorate. More than one in ten of the ALP's members in Victoria is not on the electoral roll. Most of these 1320 members are not Australian citizens. Mr Sword said that the ALP could not verify a member's stated address if they were not on the electoral roll. In Mr Crean's seat of Hotham, 43 ALP members are not on the electoral roll. Mr Crean's supporters say that the right-wing Labor Unity faction has begun stacking the branch in order to gain control of it once Mr Crean leaves politics. Mr Sword accused Labor Unity of undermining Mr Crean's attempts to clean up the ALP. "They are continuing to do everything they can to subvert the rules so people they have stacked into those electorates can vote [in internal elections]", he said. (The Age, July 29). A vegetarian diet is roughly as good at fighting cholesterol as an established cholesterol-lowering drug, according to a new study. A study had one group of people take the drug lovastatin. Another group adopted the so-called 'ape diet' - based on the diet of gorillas and orangutans in the wild, but actually a fairly typical vegetarian diet including meals such as ratatouille and vegetables. After four weeks, levels of the harmful LDL-cholesterol were lowered by roughly 30 percent for people in both groups. (New Scientist magazine). Quote of the Week: "By posting messages, uploading files, inputting data, submitting any feedback or suggestions, or engaging in any other form of communication with or through the Passport Web Site [Passport is the system that you use to log on to the Microsoft network, including hotmail and MSN Messenger]...you are granting Microsoft and its affiliated companies permission to: 1. Use, modify, copy, distribute, transmit, publicly display, publicly perform, reproduce, publish, sublicense, create derivative works from, transfer, or sell any
LL:PR: Short & Sweet Media Release: Write-A-Play Competition
Short and Sweet Media Release August 6, 2003 Short & Sweet announces THE WRITE-A-PLAY COMPETITION (The Tropfest of Theatre) Ever fancied yourself as a budding Shakespeare, or felt there was a theatrical genius lurking inside you? Well here's your chance! Short & Sweet, the largest short theatre festival in the world, is determined to find the best new 40 plays of ten minutes or less to present at the 2004 Festival. To help in their quest they have launched the "Write-a-Play" competition to encourage writers, would-be writers and 'never-been-a-writer-but-reckon-I-could-be' to pick up a pen and create a mini dramatic masterpiece. "Short & Sweet is held annually in January at the Newtown Theatre in Sydney and presents 40 plays of ten minutes or less over four weeks so we are on the look out for lots of scripts by new and established playwrights", explained Artistic Director Mark Cleary. "We're looking for plays in any style - comedy, drama, thriller, noir, absurdist, etcetera - and there's no restriction on characters or technical requirements. So let your imagination run wild. Even if you've never thought of writing a play before or never taken your writing seriously there's no excuse for not submitting to Short and Sweet." The Artistic Co-ordinator for Short & Sweet is the established Sydney playwright, Alex Broun, who believes the opportunity should not be missed. "So if you want to take revenge on a spiteful boss, just can't get the love of your life out of your head or always wanted to execute the perfect bank robbery, well now you can bring it to life on stage." Broun is hoping to receive plays from all over Australia and from people in all walks of life. "After all Chekov was a doctor" he said, "and Tennessee Williams worked in a shoe factory, so who's to say what undiscovered talent is out there." "Last year one of our best plays was a first effort from a 65 year old Barrister" he explained, "and it went on to be performed live on Radio 702." According to Broun there are many chances to win. "The 40 best plays will be selected for full production as part of Short and Sweet 2004," he said Artistic Director Cleary said he hoped the "Write-a-Play" would strike a popular chord like another competition that encourages first timers. "The competition will work along the lines of Tropfest which has nearly everybody in Sydney making a short film around August," he said. "We hope to hit a similar creative vein with the "Write-a-Play" competition, after all it's a lot easier technically to write a play than make a film." A number of plays will be chosen for the S&S Awards night at the Seymour Centre in February where they will be in line for generous prizes as well as some great industry incentives to further their writing. There are only two conditions for Short and Sweet - the play must not have been performed in Sydney before and it MUST be ten minutes or less. The deadline for entries is September 15, 2003. And the competition is not just open to writers. Directors, actor or independent theatre companies who discover a great play that's ten minutes or less which they'd love to direct, star in or produce can also send it along for consideration. For more information or an entry form please contact: Administrator Prue Coroneos at short&[EMAIL PROTECTED] or on 02 9519 5081 or Literary Manager Nicole Clayton at [EMAIL PROTECTED] . DEADLINE: 5pm, Monday, October 1, 2003 -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Sub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
LL:INFO: 3cr interview with the yes men
Tune into the SUWA show on 3cr this Friday August 15th from 5-30pm to hear an interview with Mike Bonano of international anti-globalisation pranksters The Yes Men. Hear how The Yes Men have hoaxed a number of corporate conferences and the media by posing as WTO representatives and proposing such things as the sale of votes and the electrocution of sweat shop workers. Last year The Yes Men made an appearance at a meeting of the Certified Practicing Accountants association in Sydney announcing the end of the WTO and its replacement with a fair trade body. . -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Sub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
LL:INFO: Role of the Teacher: a Discussion Paper
<> Hi all, Please find attached an Australian Council of Deans of Education (ACDE) discussion paper entitled "The Role of the Teacher: Coming of Age?". Examines issues of professionalism, standards, and status; "new pedagogies" and enhanced research underpinnings; and a range of educational policy and other challenges. A press release follows. -Nicholas Abbey ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) (03) 9467-1165 (h) and 0402 152 634 ACDE Discussion Paper: Rethinking the Role of Educators Internships in teacher education? Teaching qualifications for all academics? A profession to rival law and medicine? These questions are all addressed in the first ACDE discussion paper: 'The Role of the Teacher: Coming of Age?' Written by Prof. Terry Lovat with the assistance of Dr Chris Mackenzie, the paper highlights the challenges facing contemporary educators and proposes innovative approaches to meeting them. 'Educators are central to the knowledge economy. Their status, however, remains low compared to equivalent professions', Professor Lovat claimed today. 'To raise the status of the teaching profession, standards, registration and accreditation are all necessary. However, more innovation is also required within teacher education programs, and greater links needed between schools and teacher education institutions.' Issues of salaries, professional development, teaching at the tertiary level and inadequate resources are also addressed in the paper. In launching the first of several discussion papers, ACDE President Prof. Mary Kalantzis argued the need to continue debate and discussion on this important issue. 'Educators are at the heart of the knowledge economy, and it is vital that their role be better appreciated', she claimed. 'In commissioning a variety of discussion papers, the ACDE intends to be active across many educational debates. These papers follow on from New Learning: A Charter for Australian Education and are designed to promote discussion both within and outside the Council.' The authors, and the ACDE President, are available for comment. The discussion paper is attached, and hard copies may be ordered through the Executive Officer. Contact: Dr Andrew Harvey Executive Officer 0408 571 821 03 9925 7844 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.acde.edu.au -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Sub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
LL:ART: EDITORIAL -- BOMBER BEAZLEY REMAINS BOMBER BEAZLEY
The following editorial was published in "The Guardian", newspaper of the Communist Party of Australia in its issue of Wednesday, August 13th, 2003. Contact address: 65 Campbell Street, Surry Hills. Sydney. 2010 Australia. Phone: (612) 9212 6855 Fax: (612) 9281 5795. CPA Central Committee: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> "The Guardian": <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Webpage: http://www.cpa.org.au> Subscription rates on request. ** Editorial - Bomber Beazley remains Bomber Beazley Last week when Kim Beazley, who presently does not hold any shadow portfolio on the ALP's front bench, was interviewed on the ABC's Lateline program, he demonstrated that he has lost none of the bellicosity that earned him the name of "Bomber Beazley" when he was Minister of Defence in the Keating and Hawke Governments. When asked about the most recent terrorist attack on the Marriott Hotel in Jakarta, Beazley responded: "We can only defend by attacking. We have to attack them at the very heart of their operations". Recalling that the bombing took place in Indonesia one wonders how and with what forces Australia is going to become involved in "attacking" "them". Or is the former Defence Minister lining up to declare that Indonesia is also a "failed state" and should open itself to the Australian and US military forces? Beazley repeated the same message when answering a question about Australia's credibility in the region and the need for a "credible well-resourced and effective intelligence community". "I'm not simply talking about home. I'm talking about internationally .It's a war that can only be won by attack", he said. The implication is that Australia's intelligence agencies should be roaming around in Indonesia and the Philippines and presumably other countries and chasing after suspected "terrorists" and attacking "them". Beazley said "the principal attacking agency (sic) are the intelligence agencies backed up by the police and may be, from time to time, by defence forces." So there we have it - all arms of Australia's intelligence, police and military forces are to become involved in the domestic affairs of other states as they are now doing in the Solomon Islands. It is a dangerous game that can only further erode Australia's standing in the region among states that value their independence and will not countenance interference in their internal affairs by Australia and the US. Beazley claimed that "We need respect in our region right now" and clearly believes that "respect" and "credibility" is achieved by "strike capabilities" rather than by a policy of peace and friendship, mutually beneficial trade and respect for the sovereignty and independence of all nations. Responding to a question on Korea, Beazley declared that "there is no doubt at all that if a war broke out Australia would be involved". At the same time he claims that the US "is actually playing this quite sensibly" while swallowing completely the US and media hype about the so-called "North Korean problem". It is not a "North Korean problem" but an "American problem" that is the root cause of the current dispute. US threats, the continued occupation of South Korea by US military forces, their refusal to support or encourage the calls of South Korea, China and Russia for a peaceful settlement and the total silence of Australian politicians and the media on the high level steps being taken by both North and South Korea to overcome the division of the Korean peninsular, all show that their game is to try to find a pretext for military action against North Korea. Beazley, together with the US leaders, hopes to be able to use China and Russia to put pressure on and to politically isolate North Korea. "It [the US] is trying to bring China in, who have substantial influence over the North Koreans, to be part of an essential settlement of the North Korean problem", said Beazley. It needs to be acknowledged that Beazley did assert that a war would "devastate the economies of our major trading partners and kill an awful lot of people". He went on however, "I can tell you this - if a war did break out . then the submarines, the F-111s, the navy, the air force . would play a vital role in the activities that would then be undertaken." Once again Beazley's remarks indicate the similarity of his policies to those of Prime Minister John Howard. Lateline's interviewer, Maxine McKew, asked whether his [Beazley's] policies would "sit comfortably with today's Labor Caucus". I would suggest that if the US did not handle the situation with "suitable deftness" it "could fan enormous anti-alliance sentiment within the Labor Party", she said. Beazley did not answer this question. -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.or
LL:ART: "Failed States" doctrine Part 2
The following article was published in "The Guardian", newspaper of the Communist Party of Australia in its issue of Wednesday, August 13th, 2003. Contact address: 65 Campbell Street, Surry Hills. Sydney. 2010 Australia. Phone: (612) 9212 6855 Fax: (612) 9281 5795. CPA Central Committee: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> "The Guardian": <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Webpage: http://www.cpa.org.au> Subscription rates on request. ** "Failed states" doctrine (Part 2) Part 1 of this article published in last week's Guardian (6-8-03) looked at the concept of "failed states" which is being used by the Australian Government to defend Australia's intervention in the Solomon Islands. The second and final part of the article makes the links between failed states, terrorism, intervention and endless war as they are being used by Western powers and the role of the people in opposition to their policies. by Anna Pha & Peter Symon According to the British theoreticians the post-modern state, that is, the developed capitalist countries, have given up their national sovereignty for international sovereignty and globalisation. It has good governance, is civilised and pursues WTO and IMF policies. It accepts interdependence and globalisation with the breakdown of borders and adoption of universal values. The post-modern state must open itself up to foreign investment and the "the interference of international organisations and foreign states ...", says Robert Cooper, advisor to British Prime Minister Tony Blair. (Re-ordering the World p.18) Having painted a picture of "failed" states that pose a threat to the orderly, civilised, successful world, the task is for the "civilised" states to intervene. If these failed states become too dangerous, "the organised states may eventually have to respond", says Cooper. He gives Afghanistan as one such instance. "What form should intervention take?" Cooper asks and answers his own question: "The most logical way to deal with chaos, and the one most often employed in the past, is colonisation. But colonisation is unacceptable to post-modern states", he claims. "It is precisely because of the death of imperialism that we are seeing the emergence of the pre-modern world." (Re-ordering the World, p.17) Despite Cooper's reservations, re-colonisation is the course now being taken by the imperialist powers. They assert that it is the way to stability and order. Terrorist threat Mark Leonard, director of the Foreign Policy Centre, speaks in terms of "an exciting political project", a "global community project", based on "the values of liberal democracy". He claims that "11 September [2001] offers new hope in achieving this". The September 11 attacks and the Bali bombings are being used systematically by the leaders of the imperialist countries to argue that the world faces the threat of "terrorism". Tony Blair asserts in justification: "In this globalised world, once chaos and strife have got a grip on a region or a country, trouble is soon exported. Such regions and countries can become centres for trafficking in weapons, drugs and people; havens for criminal organisations; and sanctuaries for terrorists." (Re-ordering the World, p. 119) ". terrorists are strongest where states are weakest", says Straw. (Re-ordering the World, p.98) In today's globalised world says Blair, "tackling terrorism in the USA means dealing with issues on the ground in the mountains of Afghanistan; bringing economic security to just one town in northern England means addressing the international machinery of global finance. The international has become the domestic and the domestic international." (Re-ordering the World, p.120) Old wars and new wars Having raised the threat of terrorism globally, there is the question of how to deal with it. "Endless war", of a "new type" is the response. Old wars were wars between states, "in which the aim is to inflict maximum damage on an enemy, and in which the decisive encounter is battle". (Mary Caldor, "The Power of Terror", Re-ordering the World, p.21) Now, we are told that the key question is internal rather than external security. Successful states have a responsibility to not only maintain theirown internal security but to ensure "failed states" are also internally secure and stable. They must take pre-emptive action to prevent states failing, to prevent terrorism and impose universal humanitarian values. Out with the United Nations This theory raises the question of the relevance of the United Nations and international law which govern relations between states, and proscribe interference in the internal affairs of other nation states. The idea that it is the responsibility of the UN Security Council to authorise the use of force has been thrown out by the US, Britain and the Australian Governments. "Effective international action often requires leadership - the willingness of one country, or group
LL:DDV: Reclaim the Streetz THIS FRIDAY, MELB
There is to be an amazing and extremely exciting Reclaim the Streets Parking Meter-Street Party, meeting 5.30 pm at the big fountain in the Exhibition Gardens on Friday 15th August. That's right THIS friday, so you'd better get your dancing/walking/tennis shoes on quicksmart. What's a Parking Meter-Street Partywell, the Parking Meter bit involves taking over a bunch of parking spots and parking as many bikes as possible within the parking spot to show how much more space-friendly bikes are than cars. The Street Party bit involves blocking off and reclaiming a section of street, replacing cars with happy people. We anticipate circus people, stilt walkers, juggling, fire twirling, yummy food, face painting, abundant laughter, colorful costumes, puppet shows, music, dancing, singing PLUS any talents that you choose to bring along on the night. Please tell your mum and dad, brothers and sisters, aunties and uncles and don't forget to tell all your friends as well.. For more info call 0408 455 522 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED] . -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Sub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
LL:DDV: Verity Burgmann on the anti-corporate movement
New International Books presents Verity Burgmann -- activist and radical academic -- speaking on directions for the anti-corporate movement in the wake of the Iraq war. Verity's publications include Revolutionary Industrial Unionism (on the IWW), Green Bans, Red Union (on the BLF) and the recent Power, Profit and Protest (on Australian social movements). 6.30 pm Wednesday 20th August New International Books Trades Hall 54 Victoria St Carlton Sth 3053 Jeff Sparrow Coordinator New International Book Co-operative Trades Hall Box 18 54 Victoria St Carlton Sth 3053 Mon-Fri 9am-6.30 pm Sat 11am-5pm tel 03 9662 3744 fax 03 9662 4755 www.nibs.org.au to receive regular updates about bookshop events, send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] The sweet smell of decaying paper appeals to me no longer. It is too closely associated in my mind with paranoiac customers and dead blue-bottles. George Orwell . -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Sub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] . -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Sub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
LL:DDV: Northcote Red Cinema
Northcote Red Cinema presents: "Counting on Democracy -- How Bush Stole the US Elections" Tuesday, August 19, 6.30pm Cafe 303, 303 High St, Northcote Come along and enjoy a biting insight into US "democracy" over a coffee, wine or beer at bar prices. $7, $4 concession. A joint fundraiser by Socialist Worker and Green Left Weekly. Phone 0408 619 152 or 9486 5472 for bookings and information. Please forward . -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Sub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
LL:DDV: Coming soon at Trades Hall
GET IT LIVE - GET IT AT TRADES HALL ARTS, bringing class back into the class struggle . . . --- A HOT AUGUST ARVO with CHRIS FALK and BAND --- Chris Falk has put together a new ensemble of some of the finest musical and vocal talent in town, with each band member bringing a stunning music history to the outfit . . . Paul Hester (Crowded House), Justin Brady (Things of Stone and Wood), Chris Scallan (David Bridie Band) and Angela Falk. Take the winter chill off with a "Hot August Arvo". Well known for her solo work and performance with Swish and The Big Easy, Chris's honey vocals and sophisticated guitar work are as exciting as ever. With 20 years experience to guide her, Chris knows how to draw up music from the soul, warm the room and leave the audience feeling "alright"! Chris Falk and Band's new CD "It's Alright" is out now. Trades Hall Bar 3 - 6pm Sunday, August 10th Tickets $10 Full/ $8 Conc (kids FREE) @ the door on the day MYSTERIES, THE BLIND MEN & THE WOMEN AT THE TOMB A La Trobe Student Union Theatre Triple (yes, triple!!) Bill MYSTERIES - In the middle of the summer of 1891 the most extraordinary things began happening in a small Norwegian coastal town, A stranger by the name of Nagel appeared, a singular character who shook the town by his eccentric behaviour and then vanished as suddenly as he had come. At one point he had a visitor, a mysterious young lady who came for God knows what reason and dare stay only a few hours. Written by Knut Hamsun (earning him the 1892 Nobel Prize for Literature), Adapted by Adam Cass, Directed by Bob Pavlich August 12, 14, 16, 20 & 22 at 8pm - August 23 at 6pm THE BLIND MEN - Three blind men are walking to Rome. One behind the other, they squabble over who is the leader, and bicker over who sees best. They are going to ask a little favour of the Pope . . . if they get there. Talk about the blind leading the blind . . . THE WOMEN AT THE TOMB - The moon is extinguished. The streets are full of brawling drinks and praying fanatics. Ten women find themselves sheltering together in a deserted house. One man's death has sent the city into chaos . . . Written by Michel de Ghelderode, Directed by Melissa Coffey August 13, 15, 19 & 21 at 8pm - August 16 & 17 at 6pm - August 23 at 9pm The New Ballroom August 12th until 23rd Tickets: $13 Full/ $8 Conc for each show : : OR : : $20 Full/ $15 Conc for all shows Bookings & Info Ph: 9479 1198 --- THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE TELEVISED presented by Green Left Weekly and Committees in Solidarity with Latin America and the Caribbean --- The Revolution Will Not be Televised is a feature length documentary about Hugo Chavez, President of Venezula. Over the course of 7 months, from January to July 2002, the film makers secured unprecendented access to film Chavez in his daily life. During this time there was a coup and the film makers were the only crew inside the presedential palace at the time. They were also the first there for his triumphant return some 48 later. The Revolution Will Not Be Televised recently recieved the Global Televison Grand Prize and was acclaimed by the international jury as "the best televison program in the world this year". This film is a thrilling insight into President Chavez and the power of the globalised media. Rated PG - Running time: 74 minutes The New Council Chamber 6:30pm Wedsnesday, August 14th Tickets: $10 Full/ $7 Conc Bookings Ph: 9639 8622 or just role up on the night BLACKLINES: Contemporary Critical Writing by Indigenous Australians Book Launch presented by Melbourne University Press Written by established and emerging Indigenous intellectuals from a variety of positions, perspectives and places, these essays generate new ways of seeing and understanding Indigenous Australian history, culture, identity and knowledge in both national and global contexts. The essays offer provocative insights and compelling argument around the historical and contemporary issues confronting Indigenous Australians today. The book will be launched by Professor Lynette Russell, Director of the Centre for Australian Indigenous Studies - Monash Univeristy. Contributers include: - Ian Anderson, Fabienne Bayet-Charlton, Jeannie Bell, Tony Birch, Mick Dodson, Jackie Huggins, Sonja Kurtzer, Marcia Langton, Aileen Moreton-Robinson, Philip Morrissey, Martin Nakata, Margo Neale, Lin Onus, Hetti Perkins and more. "Blacklines: Contemporary Critical Writing by Indigenous Australians" published
LL:DDV: Friends of The Trust event
FRIENDS OF THE TRUST FIND OUT ABOUT BELL SHAKESPEARE'S PREVIEW PRICE FOR AS YOU LIKE IT The Bell Shakespeare Company is bringing its latest production - As You Like It to Melbourne next week. Shakespeare's Rosalind is one of the stage's most memorable female characters and she speaks the most lines of any of Shakespeare's women. Let loose in the forest, of Arden the heroine of Bell Shakespeare's As You Like It is kind, playful and wise, pursuing love and self-expression with optimism, and humour. Join flirtatious and fabulous Rosalind, as she embarks on a hurly-burly of traded identities and true love in the magical forest of Arden, taking matters into her own hands to overcome the tyrannical patriarch who would have her live her life falsely. A journey of new perspectives and personal empowerment, As You Like It allows us to venture into this magical world and bring home some of love's determination overcoming all else. Directed by Lindy Davies with a stellar design team and superb cast, As You Like It is a life-affirming, love-laden comedy. PREVIEW PRICE $35 SAVE 25% OFF FULL PRICE TICKETS ($47) PREVIEW DATES & TIMES Friday 8 August at 7.30pm Saturday 9 August at 7.30pm Monday 11 August at 6.30pm at: The Playhouse, the Arts Centre FOR BOOKINGS Victorian Arts Centre Box Office CALL TICKETMASTER7 ON 1300 136 166 and ask for the preview tickets or book on the internet at www.ticketmaster7.com.au YOUR CHANCE TO WIN To win a double ticket to this production on Saturday 9 August 2003, BE THE FIRST TO CALL ON MONDAY 4TH AUGUST 2003 (after 9am) and answer the question "What year was the Victorian Women's Trust founded?" The Victorian Women's Trust: 03-9642-0422 -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Sub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
LL:INFO: Unity in the Peace Movement
Dear friends, I am passing on this message from Nick Everett, a co-convenor of Sydney's Walk Against the War Coalition. This is the coalition which organised some of the very successful Sydney rallies against the war on Iraq this year and last. Nick is seeking support for the motion below which will go to the coalition's next meeting in a couple of weeks. The motion explains the context for this call for unity. Of course, everyone has the right to set up whatever new organisation they wish. That is not in question here. What is, is the exclusion of some forces on political grounds. This will narrow and weaken the peace movement at a time when we have to be ready to take on the next challenge - to get the occupying troops out of Iraq and champion the right of Iraqis to self-determination. Please send this on to interested people, and groups, and encourage them to respond - including by sending a message to Walk Against War via its website (details are below). Thanks, In solidarity, Graham Matthews Socialist Alliance, Melbourne FOR A UNITED ANTI-WAR MOVEMENT! NOTICE OF MOTION Walk Against the War Meeting, August 18, 2003 Dear friend, On Monday, August 18 at 6.30pm at Trades Hall a special meeting of the Walk Against the War Coalition will be held to decide the Coalition's future. Bruce Childs and Hannah Middleton, two of the three co-convenors of the Walk Against the War Coalition, will be arguing that the Coalition - which has functioned as a single, united coalition reflecting the broad range of organisations involved in the anti-war movement in Sydney - is now redundant. They have given notice of a motion (posted to the Walk Against the War list on July 18) calling for "two-thirds of the funds [of the Walk Against the War Coalition to] be transferred to the Sydney Peace and Justice Coalition, after the Walk Against the War Coalition has met its other obligations". The Sydney Peace and Justice Coalition (SPJC) was initiated by Bruce Childs, Hannah Middleton and others on July 7 at a meeting that was kept secret from the majority of affiliates of the Walk Against the War Coalition, effectively splitting the anti-war movement. The meeting adopted a charter with the controversial position of support for "a strong UN oversight in Iraq". The role of the UN in Iraq has been the subject of much debate in the movement both here and internationally. But the Walk Against the War Coalition has to date not allowed this difference to split the peace movement. However, the SPJC's adoption of this position splits the anti-war movement at a time when opposition against the US occupation is mounting and the movement needs to be able to respond with a united voice. The SPJC's operating rules provide its coordinating committee - elected for a term of one year - effective control over who may become an affiliate of the coalition. We urge you to oppose this move to split the anti-war movement and support the following motion: "This meeting of the Walk Against the War Coalition notes the success the Coalition has achieved in uniting diverse elements of the Sydney anti-war movement, reflected in successive mobilisations of tens of thousands of opponents of the war between November 2002 and April 2003. The mobilisation of 500,000 people in Sydney on February 16 was an expression of peoples power against the Howard government's support for war on Iraq made possible by the unity of the anti war movement. "This meeting reaffirms the Walk Against the War Coalition's commitment to building an inclusive and united anti-war movement and rejects any attempt to dispense with the Coalition's funds." Moved: Nick Everett Co-convenor Walk Against the War Coalition Endorsed by: Action in Solidarity with Asia and the Pacific; Canterbury-Bankstown Peace Group; Sawayan Coalition for Palestine; Socialist Alliance; Ashisha Cunningham (Chippendale-Darlington Peace Group*); Bashir Sawalha (NSW Greens*); Bob Gould (Bookseller); Daniel Jardine (Vice-President, General Staff, Macquarie University Branch, NTEU*); Jamal Daoud (NSW Greens*); Jenny Long (Secretary, Education delegates committee, PSA*); Leonore Gouldthorpe (Pittwater for Peace*); John Morris (Councillor, NSW Teachers Federation*); Leon Parissi (Central Councillor, PSA*); Les Gray; Liam Mitchell (delegate, AMWU*); Marie McKern; Melanie Sjoberg (Secretary, Housing delegates committee & Womens Councillor, PSA*); Mike Waterman (Convenor, Newtown Peace Group*); Noreen Navin (Peace Contact, Executive, Canterbury-Bankstown Teachers Assoc*); Steve Painter (St George Greens*); Susan Price (Vice-President, UNSW branch, NTEU*). *Organisations listed for identification purposes only. To add your endorsement email <[EMAIL PROTECTED] or phone 0409 762 081. Feedback can also be sent directly to the Walk Against the War Coalition's website
LL:DDN: RESISTING THE NEW AMERICAN CENTURY
Resisting the new American century Marxism 2003 - 3 days of discussion and debate - Sydney http://www.iso.org.au/marxism/ TELEPHONE 02-9211-2600 FOR A FREE timetable email [EMAIL PROTECTED] with postal address We've all got questions. Together we've got answers. Marxism is an exciting forum for debate on the left. Some of the highlights this year will be: Scott Burchill, anti-capitalist author and lecturer in International Relations, will speak with Waratah Rosemarie Gillespie (Iraq human shield), and leading British Socialist Chris Bambery on Empire, war and resistance. Marxist Historian and author of The Essence of Capitalism, Humphrey McQueen will look at Marx's understanding of class-consciousness. David Glanz (International Socialist Organisation) and John Percy (Democratic Socialist Party) debate the way forward for the Socialist Alliance and prospects for left regroupment. The meetings, debates and forums include important ones on imperialism, war, democracy and the socialist alternative. They also include more relaxed ones on art and culture. Come to Marxism 2003 and help work out the ideas we need for a better world. Check out the website http://www.iso.org.au/marxism/ or phone 02-9211-2600. To receive a FREE TIMETABLE simply reply with your POSTAL ADDRESS to [EMAIL PROTECTED] . -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Sub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
LL:PR: International Prisoners' Justice Day - this Saturday
MEDIA RELEASE International Prisoners' Justice Day - August 10, 2003 Families and supporters will be celebrating the day outside the Silverwater Complex, Holker St, Sydney on Saturday August 9, from 11:30 a.m. This year, the theme of IPJD in NSW will be "Hope". This comes from a message received from the prisoners of the High Risk Management Unit at Goulburn Jail entitled, "Offer of Hope": "We, men of the HRMU, "The Hole", call upon the government to acknowledge us as fundamental stakeholders in the justice system, entitled to share the task of working for a safer community." "In exchange, we offer peace: a commitment to non-violence, which goes hand-in-hand with an end to the cycle of retribution between prisoners and officers. We offer to take up the motto from the Special Care Unit at Long Bay, Freedom with responsibility: responsibility to self and community." The NSW government is still considering its response, but the involvement of prisoners themselves in their own future is an exciting development. This proposal from the most vilified and restricted prisoners has the potential to bring about a real change in attitudes. It offers a contradiction that could drive change from the bottom up. The example shown is of willingness to be in dialogue, consistent with the accepted practices of restorative justice and mentoring. August 10 is International Prisoners' Justice Day (IPJD). It marks the anniversary of the 1974 death of Eddie Nalon. This prisoner bled to death in a solitary confinement unit at Millhaven Maximum Security Prison, Canada, when the emergency call button in his cell failed to work. An inquest later found that his call button had been deactivated by the guards. The following year prisoners at Millhaven marked the anniversary of Eddie's death by fasting and refusing to work. By May 1976, the call buttons had not been repaired. Bobby Landers was the next to die in one of those cells. With no way to call for help, all he could do was scribble a note that described the symptoms of a heart attack. What started as a one-time event behind the walls of Millhaven Prison has become an international day of solidarity. August 10 has been the day officially set aside to honour the memory of those who have died unnatural deaths in prison; and to express solidarity with the millions of people inside prisons who are demanding changes to a criminal justice system that dehumanises them. Justice Action 65 Bellevue St, Glebe, NSW 2037, Australia P.O. Box 386, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia [EMAIL PROTECTED] voice: 61-9660 9111 fax: 61-9660 9100 Please log into the Justice Action Web site, designed and sponsored by Breakout Design & Print, exercising good corporate citizenship: http://www.justiceaction.org.au http://www.breakout.net.au/ -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Sub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] .
LL:DDV: Melbourne solidarity events
Melbourne solidarity events Sunday 17 August at 10 am Solidarity action with the people of Aceh, West Papua and Indonesia Indonesian Consulate General 72 Queens Road, Melbourne (near Albert Park) Stop Indonesian military attacks against the people of Aceh & West Papua Tuesday 19 August at 6 pm AAWL & VTHC International solidarity reception for Elmer Labog, President KMU Philippines and other international delegates attending ACTU Congress Trades Hall Bar, Trades Hall, 54 Victoria Street, Carlton South Free event - all welcome Friday 29 August at 5:30 pm Rally for Refugees - Tampa Day 2003 State Library, Swanston Street, Melbourne Refugees are workers - Free the refugees workers change the world Australia Asia Worker Links PO Box 264 Fitzroy Victoria 3065 Australia Tel: 61 3 9663 7277 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: www.aawl.org.au ABN: 82 920 590 967 Assn No: A1318 -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Sub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
