Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Wednesday, 12 February 2003, 4:16 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
Editorial: What Does Osama Think Of Saddam? Don’t Ask MSNBC
Scoop Is In The House
Hard News's Curly Questions For Hitchens
Stateside: Watch Out For The Tigers!
Malcolm Aitken In London: Chemical Weapons Experts Imagine The Unthinkable
The Criminal Case Against George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Et Al.
Why Are Russia And France Standing Up Against The US?
Iraqi Nuclear Scientist Passes Judgement On Powell Propaganda
Bill O’Reilly - The Ugliest American
Who Really Reneged On The Korean Peninsula Pact?
Daily Katya Rivas

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
Govt Releases Papers on Air New Zealand
Six Oscar Nominations for LOTRs
Where are the 37,000 Missing People?
Fox To Be CEO of Maori TV
Govt Lists Terrorist Groups and Entities
Nats Say Fast Track Dog Laws the Answer
Now For Something Completely Different
Take a Step to the Left: In The Spirit of Sir Rob
Mainzeal to Build Ngawha Prison
United Says It’s the Bee’s Knees Not Greenies
Mallard’s Attitude to Exam Fees Arrogant!
Govt Must Act on Gangs
More Tourism Good News
United Backs UN Stance on Iraq War
Progressives Major Objective: More Jobs
In the Spirit of Maggie: Poll Tax Paper to be Released
Northland DHB Gives Minister Assurances
PM’s Off to Oz
Trade Libs Preach “Good News”
Biotech Laws in Focus
Organism Laws PC Politics?
Growth Agenda Grows
Govt Must Stop GE-Redwood Plantations
UK Greens Newsletter

What Does Osama Think Of Saddam? Don’t Ask MSNBC

- More news behind the news, and in a startlingly similar vein to a Scoop from the very recent past. It seems that nothing is quite as effective at tripping up the major US news networks as a statement from public enemy number one. See... MSNBC Struggles To Report Osama’s Views Of Saddam [1] and Firas Al-Atraqchi: Misleading the Public [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00081.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00082.htm

Scoop Is In The House

– For today’s questions for oral answer see... Questions For Oral Answer - 12 February 2003 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00143.htm

Hard News's Curly Questions For Hitchens

- Christopher Hitchens, who must spend half his life doing this, ran right over Linda Clark on National Radio yesterday. He interrupted her, patronised her and ignored the questions he didn't wish to answer. I like Linda Clark, but on this occasion she was under-briefed for what was always going to be a demanding interview. See… HARD NEWS: When Linda met Chris [1]. For links to the latest on Public Address see… HARD NEWS 12/02/03 - Everybody's Up! [2]

[1] - http://publicaddress.net/default,hardnews.sm#post267
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00080.htm

Stateside: Watch Out For The Tigers!

- Next week, I will be the same age the United States presidency was when the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, and it got me to wondering why that office has become so powerful in world politics in so short a time - just 214 years. See... Stop! Don't unlock that cage [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00073.htm

Malcolm Aitken In London: Chemical Weapons Experts Imagine The Unthinkable

- Utter panic and ugly scenes of death in a Baghdad heavily hit by US aerial bombing. Then, just as US troops have the special republic guard surrounded and move to storm the last citadel, taking out Iraq’s ruling elite, Saddam Hussein detonates a dirty bomb dispersing nerve agents. See... News Feature: Would Saddam Deploy Chemicals? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00069.htm

The Criminal Case Against George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Et Al.

- Where is the line between investigative discretion and obstruction of justice? What level of forewarning of attack is so compelling that failure to order protective measures makes officials liable to prosecution for reckless endangerment? See... UQ Wire: The Crimes Of 9/11 (Part 1) [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00079.htm

Why Are Russia And France Standing Up Against The US?

The Bush administration's proposed war in Iraq is testing how much regional powers across the globe are willing to lose in their stand against U.S. global hegemony. See... Regional Powers React To U.S. Invasion Of Iraq [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00078.htm

Iraqi Nuclear Scientist Passes Judgement On Powell Propaganda

- In his speech in front of the U.N. Security Council on February 5, 2003, Colin Powell did not offer any viable new evidence concerning Iraq's nuclear weapon capability that Bush and his entourage continue to wave as a red flag in front of the eyes of the American people to incite them shamefully into an unjust war. See... Imad Khadduri: The Nuclear Bomb Hoax [1] MORE POWELL DECONSTRUCTION: - UQ Wire: Blair-Powell UN Report Written by Student [2] - ITV Channel 4 - Was Downing St’s Iraq dossier plagiarised? [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00077.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00076.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00045.htm

Bill O’Reilly - The Ugliest American

- On February 4th, during a live interview on the Fox News program “The O’Reilly Factor,” media personality Bill O’Reilly verbally attacked Jeremy M. Glick, a signer of the Not In Our Name “Statement of Conscience” whose father was killed in the World Trade Center on 9/11. See... UQ Wire: 9/11 family member attacked by O'Reilly [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00075.htm

Who Really Reneged On The Korean Peninsula Pact?

- North Korea's recent admission of enriching uranium for the purpose of creating a nuclear weapon may be an attempt to foil the U.S. strategy of keeping North Korea a public threat in order to facilitate the creation of the Theater Missile Defense (TMD) system. See... North Korea Threat Part Of U.S. Regional Strategy [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00067.htm

Daily Katya Rivas

- You do not know how good it is that you turn toward Me, for Me to have you. And it is in the silence of your heart where you will mostly find Me. I do not live in noise, in confusion; you can find Me in silence. See... Katya Rivas: I Do Not Live in Noise [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00074.htm

Govt Releases Papers on Air New Zealand

- The first tranche of papers relating to the proposed strategic alliance between Air New Zealand and Qantas was posted today on the Treasury website See... Air NZ papers released on www.treasury.govt.nz [1] MORE: - ACT - Air New Zealand: Response by Richard Prebble [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00139.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00149.htm

Six Oscar Nominations for LOTRs

- The announcement of six Oscar nominations for The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is once again a great achievement for Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Richard Taylor, Weta, New Line and the cast and crew of The Lord of the Rings film trilogy… See... Oscar nominations for The Two Towers [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00146.htm

Where are the 37,000 Missing People?

- ACT New Zealand Social Welfare Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today expressed deep concern for up to 37,000 missing New Zealanders - all conspicuously absent from the Labour Force Household Survey. See... Government 'Loses' Unemployed [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00148.htm

Fox To Be CEO of Maori TV

- The Maori Television service is pleased to announce that experienced Maori broadcaster Derek Fox has agreed to take up the position of transitional CEO of the new channel. See... MTS announces transitional CEO [1] MORE: - Q & As - Q&As on MTS appointment of a Transitional CEO [2] ALSO: Merepeka’s Septic Over Fox Appointment - Merepeka Raukawa-Tait, a shortlisted candidate for position of CEO of the Maori Television Service, has described the appointment of Mr Fox as unbelievable and highly disturbing. See... Decision of New Maori TV CEO Disturbs Merepeka [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00070.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00071.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00073.htm

Govt Lists Terrorist Groups and Entities

- The New Zealand Government this week listed the following groups and individuals as terrorist entities pursuant to the provisions of the Terrorism Suppression Act 2002: See... Listing of Terrorist Entities [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00138.htm

Nats Say Fast Track Dog Laws the Answer

- National Leader Bill English says the quickest way to prevent future dog attacks is for Parliament to fast track existing proposed legislation. See... Fast tracking Bill on dog control the answer - Nat [1] ALSO: - NZ First - Get Tough On Dogs Now Says NZ First [2] - Govt -Act and NZ First delay changes to dog laws [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00140.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00137.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00132.htm

Now For Something Completely Different

- "Belladonna Aoukatere-Ropata is being chased through the corridors of Parliament by a horde of demented lunatic canines, and it has to stop. Moreover, the Top Dog of ARF is quaking at the possibility of legislation… See... Opposing Stronger Dog Controls is Barking Mad, ARF [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00075.htm

Take a Step to the Left: In The Spirit of Sir Rob

- ACT New Zealand Rural Affairs Spokesman Gerry Eckhoff today slammed Government plans to amend the Resource Management Act, to allow energy projects - such as the Waitaki development scheme - to proceed with haste. See... Government Resurrects Muldoon Era [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00136.htm

Mainzeal to Build Ngawha Prison

- Mainzeal Construction has won the tender to build the proposed prison at Ngawha, regional prisons development project director John Hamilton announced today. See... Mainzeal to Build Northland Prison [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00077.htm

United Says It’s the Bee’s Knees Not Greenies

- United Future leader, Peter Dunne, today contrasted the positive role United Future plays in ensuring New Zealand has stable government with the inconsistent, untrustworthy attitudes of the Green Party. See... Dunne Highlights Greens' Untrustworthy Role [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00145.htm

Mallard’s Attitude to Exam Fees Arrogant!

- ACT New Zealand Education Spokesman Deborah Coddington today slammed the Education Minister's attitude toward increased exam fees, labelling it outrageous and arrogant. See... Get Off Your High Horse, Mallard [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00144.htm

Questions of the Day

- 1. GEORGINA BEYER to the Minister of Social Services and Employment: What recent reports has he received on the state of the labour market? See... Questions For Oral Answer - 12 February 2003 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00143.htm

Govt Must Act on Gangs

- New Zealand First has called on the Government to outlaw dangerous gangs to prevent further outbreaks of violence such as the terrorism in the suburb of Highbury in Palmerston North. See... Gangs Must Be Halted [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00142.htm

More Tourism Good News

- Minister of Tourism Mark Burton is today welcoming the results of Statistics New Zealand’s latest accommodation survey. See... Upward trend in guest nights great news for touris [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00141.htm

United Backs UN Stance on Iraq War

- United Future New Zealand leader, Peter Dunne, today called for a fresh United Nations mandate for any military action in Iraq. See... United Future backs UN role in Iraq conflict [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00135.htm

Progressives Major Objective: More Jobs

- Jim Anderton, Progressive leader, in his contribution to the debate on the Opening of Parliament said that employment is the major objective of the Progressive party. See... What do the Progressives want? [1] MORE: - Anderton Speech -Jim Anderton Speech at Opening of Parliament [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00134.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00133.htm

In the Spirit of Maggie: Poll Tax Paper to be Released

- A second edition of "The Poll Tax in New Zealand: A Research Paper" will be launched by Prime Minister Helen Clark and Ethnic Affairs Minister Chris Carter at a Chinese New Year function at Parliament today. See... Second edition of Poll Tax research paper launched [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00131.htm

Northland DHB Gives Minister Assurances

- Health Minister Annette King says she and Te Tai Tokerau MP Dover Samuels have been assured by the Northland District Health Board that it will not cease 24 hour a day, seven day a week acute surgery at Kaitaia Hospital before key recommendations See... Northland DHB assures Minister of recommendations [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00130.htm

PM’s Off to Ozz

- Prime Minister Helen Clark will deliver the keynote address at next week’s eighth World Women’s Conference of the ICFTU (International Confederation of Free Trade Unions) in Melbourne. See... PM in Melbourne next week [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00129.htm

Trade Libs Preach “Good News”

- The Trade Liberalisation Network is right behind Government moves to free up trade in services. Those who are concerned about the General Agreement on Trade in Services are raising issues which, as far as we can see, are purely hypothetical. See... Op-Ed Comment: The Good in GATS [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00079.htm

Biotech Laws in Focus

- Biotech Laws must address Liability and end "socialised risk" New legislation proposed to control GM products and push New Zealand towards commercial release must first and foremost make companies promoting GE fully liable for damage to our environment ... See... Law must address Liability and end socialised risk [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00078.htm

Organism Laws PC Politics?

- Government proposals announced today to strengthen the Treaty of Waitangi provisions in the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act will only extend the delays and problems for research institutes and hold back the knowledge wave… See... More Treaty political correctness in HSNO laws [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00147.htm

Growth Agenda Grows

- The launch of the Chambers of Commerce paper "Achieving Faster Growth" today makes the business verdict unanimous: New Zealand needs a strategy to sustain growth rates of 4 per cent GDP annually. See... Groundswell for growth agenda grows [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00076.htm

Govt Must Stop GE-Redwood Plantations

- Plans by US timber companies to plant GE redwoods on New Zealand soil are illegal, and threaten the future of New Zealand's timber industry. The plans reported by Associated Press last weekend contravene ERMA regulations on GE releases… See... Government must stop US company's Illegal planting [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00074.htm

UK Greens Newsletter

- Dear Friend Welcome to the monthly Green Events email update. The Green Events website has now been updated with the February/March issue. See... Green Events Feb update [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00072.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.

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