Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Friday, 8 November 2002, 4:59 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
How The Once Mighty Have Fallen!
Don’t Believe Everything You See On TV
St Molesworth
US Elections: American Coup Goes Mainstream
US Elections: A Vote Fraud In The USA Primer
US Elections: A Multitude Of Questions
US Elections: American Coup Part Two
Scoop Images: Fringe Festivities In Willis Street
The New Consequences Of Un-Australian Conduct
Scoop Was In The House
Amnesty Calls For IDF War Crimes Prosecution
Countdown To War: The View From Bill Bragg
Countdown To War: Arundhati Roy Is Poetically Peaceful
Daily Katya Rivas

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
The Week In Politics According To Helen & Bill
Race Relations Protestors Plan To Gatecrash Winston’s Party
Jim Defends The Indefensible – Govt Grant To Pokie Co.
MAF Replaces Its Community Advisory Group Because It Doesn’t Like The Advice
We Want Four Weeks Holiday
Trade Union Slush Fund Accusations
Muriel’s Musings: Family Court Change In The Wind
Leaky Buildings – Read All About It
These Are The Days Of Our Select Committees
Northland Maori Trust’s Funding Suspended
ESOL Survey Finds Challenges
Rodney Calls For End To Jobs Machine “Bull Dust”
Nats Heading Across The Ditch To Make Friends
Whipping Telecom – Day Two
The Kids Are Not Alright

How The Once Mighty Have Fallen!

- Acting Chairman Craig Boyce today announced that the TVNZ Board has instructed KPMG to undertake an audit of the expenses of former Chairman, Ross Armstrong. See... Independent Review Of TVNZ Board Expenses launched [1] . See also.. Government... Former TVNZ Board chair expenses [2] and TVNZ… Former TVNZ Chairman's Expenses Reviewed [3] . Meanwhile National remains unconvinced that all has yet been revealed in the Ross Armstrong PPP saga. See... Release Papers says McCully [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0211/S00065.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00190.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0211/S00054.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00189.htm

Don’t Believe Everything You See On TV

- The shifting sands of online message boards are a notoriously unreliable place to find information. Yet today just such a source has been quoted by CNN for a report that Al Qaeda has claimed responsibility for the Bali bombings on October 12th. Mo Abbas and Alastair Thompson investigate. See... CNN Said It So It Must Be True, Or Not? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0211/S00051.htm

St Molesworth

- Top 10 gripes of New Zealand's professional cricket players. See... Top 10 gripes of NZ's professional cricket players [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0211/S00054.htm

US Elections: American Coup Goes Mainstream

- Scoop has in the past 48 hours published several real deal media commentaries pointing to problems with the electronic voting systems used extensively in Tuesday’s mid-term elections in the United States. These six article extracts (and links) from mainstream news providers show that it is not only the alternative media who have been reporting these problems. See... US Election Vote Fixing Reports Hit The Mainstream [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0211/S00049.htm

US Elections: A Vote Fraud In The USA Primer

- So, you're going to cast your vote to prove that you live in a democracy, are you? Guess again, Chuck. Your vote does not matter. It might not even be counted, assuming you're allowed to vote to begin with. See... Guest Opinion: Why US Election Votes Won't Matter [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0211/S00048.htm

US Elections: A Multitude Of Questions

- There are a multitude of dangling questions about Tuesday's election results. Widespread anecdotal accounts of voting irregularities, disenfranchised voters and absolutely accurate and, in many cases, understated criticisms of abysmal leadership from Tom Daschle and the Democratic Party are not difficult to find. See... Michael Ruppert On the 2002 Midterm Elections [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0211/S00047.htm

US Elections: American Coup Part Two

- Watching the television coverage of Jeb Bush’s victory in Florida yesterday was stomach turningly unpleasant. George senior, Poppy embraced his son in a god-father like embrace. The gangster comparison would be apt but for its unfairness to organised crime. At least the mafia’s drug dealing murderers do not pretend to be anything else. See... Sludge Report #143 - Think People! The Fix Was In [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0211/S00043.htm

Scoop Images: Fringe Festivities In Willis Street

- Aliens, acrobats and assorted freaks took control of a central Wellington street today, much to the amusement and bewilderment of bystanders caught up in the invasion. See... Images: Aliens Take Over Wellington City Streets [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0211/S00044.htm

The New Consequences Of Un-Australian Conduct

- Many Muslim and Arab Australians are bracing for an escalation of racist abuse and harassment following ASIO and Australian Federal Police (AFP) raids on the homes of Indonesian Australians at the end of October. See... Howard's racist ASIO raids — who's next? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0211/S00052.htm

Scoop Was In The House

– For yesterday’s questions and answers of the day see... Questions Of The Day Transcript - 7 November [1] - EARLIER Q&A: - Tuesday [2] - Wednesday [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00188.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00070.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00139.htm

Amnesty Calls For IDF War Crimes Prosecution

- Jerusalem -- at the launch of a report into the actions of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) in Jenin and Nablus in March and April 2002, Amnesty International said today that there is clear evidence that some of the acts committed by the IDF during Operation Defensive Shield were war crimes. See... Israeli Defence war crimes must be investigated [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0211/S00034.htm

Scoop Dim Son Caption Contest

- The folks over at sharetrader.co.nz have been having a whole lot of fun coming up with captions for the picture of George W. Bush featured on Scoop yesterday. See... Scoop Feedback: Caption Contest For Dubya Photo [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0211/S00021.htm

Countdown To War: The View From Bill Bragg

- English singer-songwriter Billy Bragg isn’t politically backwards in coming forward. Although Billy’s quick to point out he’s also written lots of apolitical tracks, he’s world renowned for his political lyricism and commentary on workers’ rights, Margaret Thatcher and the miners’ strikes of the 1980s. See... Streets of London: Scoop Chats With Billy Bragg [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0211/S00039.htm

Countdown To War: Arundhati Roy Is Poetically Peaceful

- “Down at the mall there's a mid-season sale. Everything's discounted — oceans, rivers, oil, gene pools, fig wasps, flowers, childhoods, aluminum factories, phone companies, wisdom, wilderness, civil rights, eco-systems, air — all 4,600 million years of evolution. It's packed, sealed, tagged, valued and available off the rack. (No returns). As for justice — I'm told it's on offer too. You can get the best that money can buy.” See... Arundhati Roy, Howard Zinn - New Mexico Transcript [1] See also COUNTDOWN TO WAR FEATURE PAGE [2] And... Terror Arrives Downunder - FULL COVERAGE [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0211/S00035.htm
[2] - http://scoop.co.nz/mason/features/?s=countdowniraq
[3] - http://scoop.co.nz/mason/features/?s=balibomb

Daily Katya Rivas

- I believe, O Jesus, with my liveliest faith that You are present, here, in front of me, under the Eucharistic Species. See... Katya Rivas: Act of Faith and Adoration [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0211/S00046.htm

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0211/S00044.htm
Aliens - Less Scary Than George Bush

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OTHER NEWS (JUST POLITICS)

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The Week In Politics According To Helen & Bill

– The weekly Party Leaders’ newsletters are out. See… National Right Talk: Fighting Back Against Dangerous Law [1] and Labour… Beehive Bulletin [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00213.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00207.htm

Race Relations Protestors Plan To Gatecrash Winston’s Party

- New Zealand First is holding its 10th annual convention in Auckland this weekend. The convention will be at The Lounge, Alexandra Park Raceway, Epsom from 9.45am on both Saturday and Sunday. See... New Zealand First Convention - 9 & 10 November [1] and Protesters to show opposition to NZ First’s racism [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00199.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0211/S00059.htm

Jim Defends The Indefensible – Govt Grant To Pokie Co.

- “Rodney Hide seems unable to get things right, as he has again proved today with his absurd statements about so called hand-outs to make Pokie machines,” said Economic, Industry and Regional Development Minister Jim Anderton. See... Hide misrepresents facts yet again [1] , Govt should not be giving grants to gambling ind. [2] and Innovative New Software To Monitor Gambling [3] . See also Hide's original release.. Why do Taxpayers Have to Cough Up for Pokies? [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00179.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00187.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/SC0211/S00013.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00164.htm

MAF Replaces Its Community Advisory Group Because It Doesn’t Like The Advice

- The Agriculture and Forestry Ministry obviously intended to "stack" its new Painted Apple Moth community advisory committee with people sympathetic to the spraying, Green Party Biosecurity Spokesperson Ian Ewen-Street said today. See... Government "stacking" toxic spray advisory group [1] and Ministers'defence of MAF over deadline inadequate [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00176.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0211/S00057.htm

We Want Four Weeks Holiday

- The pressure is coming on the Govt. to support a bill to enforce a minimum of four weeks annual holidays. - Greens - Greens urge Labour to back four weeks holiday [1] - AUS - University Union Supports Four Weeks Holiday [2] - EPMU - Time for extra holiday - union [3] EARLIER: - Progressive - Four weeks holiday to be debated [4] - National - Labour warned against u-turn on holidays [5]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00183.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/ED0211/S00018.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0211/S00058.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00161.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00163.htm

Trade Union Slush Fund Accusations

- ACT Leader Richard Prebble said today that the ACT party will strongly oppose the labour government again reaching into the taxpayers' pocket to subsidise their friends in the trade union movement. See... Yet Another Slush Fund [1] and Deborah Coddington’s stab at the same subject… Helen Clark Models Herself as a Twisted Santa [2] . See also the Government’s announcement... Employment Relations education funding announced [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00205.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00203.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00193.htm

Muriel’s Musings: Family Court Change In The Wind

- The three pillars of a democratic government are the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary. The media as the fourth estate plays an essential role in scrutinising the process of government, exposing poor policy and practice, and creating a climate for change. See... Hopeful Signs At The Family Court [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00204.htm

Leaky Buildings – Read All About It

- The draft legislation to implement the Weathertight Homes Resolution Service is available on the http://www.weathertightness.govt.nz website for public scrutiny, Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen announced today. See... Leaky building dispute service bill on website [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00202.htm

These Are The Days Of Our Select Committees

- There were 21 committee meetings. Three of these were outside Wellington. The others were all in the parliamentary complex. See... Select Committee Business to 8 November 2002 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00201.htm

Northland Maori Trust’s Funding Suspended

- Four government agencies dealing with Te Whare Manaaki Disabilities Charitable Trust in Northland have stopped further funding in the light of recent or past problems, Social Services and Employment Minister Steve Maharey said today. See... Te Whare Manaaki Disabilities Charitable Trust [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00200.htm

ESOL Survey Finds Challenges

- A survey of English language provision for international students shows New Zealand faces important challenges in maintaining its reputation as a provider of high quality export education, Education Minister Trevor Mallard said today. See... Survey reveals export education challenges [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00198.htm

Rodney Calls For End To Jobs Machine “Bull Dust”

- ACT Finance Spokesman Rodney Hide said today it is time for Jim Anderton to stop the bulldust and bluster over his "Jobs Machine". See... Anderton Must Face Facts [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00195.htm

Nats Heading Across The Ditch To Make Friends

- A seven strong team of National MP’s leaves New Zealand this weekend in a bid to help build relations with our nearest neighbour. See... National MP’s prepare for Australian trip [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00194.htm

Whipping Telecom – Day Two

- The Government's failure to properly safeguard the interests of phone users is responsible for the huge rise in Telecom connection charges for rural people, Green Party Co-leader Rod Donald said today. See... Government must keep Telecom in line [1] and National… Govt covering their tracks over Telecom [2] DAY ONE: - Damien & Jim - Pricing a way of getting rid of rural customers [3] - Jim Anderton - Telecom new connection price rise concern [4] - Paul Swain - Ministers to meet Telecom over rural charges [5] - Greens - Telecom ripping off rural people [6]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00192.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00178.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00167.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00156.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00155.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00076.htm

The Kids Are Not Alright

- Green Youth Affairs Spokesperson Nandor Tanczos today repeated calls for a ban on alcohol advertising, in light of figures showing that teenagers between 14 and 17 spend $140 million per year on alcohol, an average weekly consumption of $12.40 per teenager. See... Ban booze ads to reduce teen drinking - Nandor [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0211/S00184.htm

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

Contact Alastair Thompson

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