Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Thursday, 20 February 2003, 4:26 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
Scoop Is In The House
Hard News Is There!
February 15 2003 - The Day The People Roared
Bernard Weiner: Why Bush Is Rushing Into War
A Memo To TV Talk-Show Bookers
ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt - Feedback
Questions, Questions And More Question
I Can Hear Another World Breathing
Howard's End: Bush Disregards Millions of Protesters
Govt Response to Special Ed Court Ruling Disturbing: QPEC
Scoop Wants Your Protest Videos!
SCOOP LINK: Seven proofs of links between Saddam and al-Qaeda
He Is Not A Crook! – New SEC Chair Sworn In
Tony Blair To Meet Pope Saturday
Bush's Popularity Falls Close To Record Lows
UN Inspectors Are Staying Put - Annan
BIG NEWS INVESTIGATES ACC
Daily Katya Rivas

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
Christmas Gift Inmate Releases A Winner
NZ First Not Into Prostitutes Bill
More Glowing Tourism Stats
Court of appeal Ruling on Special Needs
Mike’s Memory Loss Shows on Iraq
New Health Research Partnership Launched
Independent advisors Appointed
Accounting Standards Board Appointed
DHB Ought to Compensate
Smokefree Concerned over Cigarette Increase
PGs A Calculated Cost Benefit
SPCS Wrong On Hate Speech

Scoop Is In The House

- For today's Questions of the Day from Ministers see… Questions For Oral Answer - Thursday, 20 February [1] - EARLIER Q&A – Tuesday's Transcript [2] - Wednesday's Transcript [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00364.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00325.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00345.htm

Hard News Is There!

- This churning, foaming host of craft - little yachts, sleek superlaunches and the big, black old boat they used to dress up for Xena - powers away from the marinas to … nowhere. This arbitrary patch of sea looks no different to anywhere else in the harbour, (especially if your reference point is Rangitoto), save that a boat and two bouys mark it as a racecourse. HARD NEWS 19/02/03: The Samoans of Yachting for the latest links to other public address columns see. HARD NEWS 19/02/03 - Fear and Sailing [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00146.htm

February 15 2003 - The Day The People Roared

- People throughout the world have thronged to anti-war demonstrations on February 14-16 in numbers that even protest organisers thought unimaginable. As Green Left Weekly went to press, it appears, based on conservative estimates, that more than 12 million people have taken part in the largest coordinated anti-war demonstration in history. See... The Largest Coordinated AntiWar Protest In History [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00141.htm

Bernard Weiner: Why Bush Is Rushing Into War

- One can almost sense a palpable shifting of momentum, from an unrestricted Bush war-juggernaut rolling to its bloody unfolding to an administration caught between Iraq and a hard place, condemned if it unleashes the dogs of war (imperial warmonger), condemned if it pulls back and bides its time (wimp). See... Bush Knows the Jig Is Up: Let's Hurry To Baghdad [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00140.htm

A Memo To TV Talk-Show Bookers

: - The latest New York Times/CBS poll says 59 percent of Americans think Hans Blix and Mohammed ElBaradei are on to something with these inspections. Give the dynamic duo more time, say the 59 percent. If Saddam is hiding WMD, let’s find those weapons and destroy them. If Blix and ElBaradei can certify in a few months that Iraq is “WMD free,” even better, as there’ll be no need to go to war to achieve President Bush’s stated goal of disarming Saddam. See... Public’s Pro-Inspections Posture Is M.I.A. on TV [1] and for earlier instructions for the media see… Dennis Hans: I'm Calling You Out [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00139.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00120.htm

ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt - Feedback

- In This Edition: CyberWar – Hypocrites - ACC Letters To The Editor - Self Serving MPs Voting For Prostitution Reform See... Scoop Feedback: Cyberwar, Hypocrites And The ACC [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00144.htm

Questions, Questions And More Question

On a recent CNN International broadcast, I watched Tom Ridge being interviewed by Wolf Blitzer. Blitzer lobbed softball questions, picked up the slack and explained the White House position when Ridge was at a loss for words, and then framed several questions about partisan Democrats being at the root of security problems and war resistance. See... John Cory: Disturbing Questions [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00143.htm

I Can Hear Another World Breathing

- We know that every argument that is being used to escalate the war against Iraq is a lie. The most ludicrous of them being the U.S. Government's deep commitment to bring democracy to Iraq. See... Arundhati Roy: An Old U.S. Government Sport [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00142.htm

Howard's End: Bush Disregards Millions of Protesters

- Despite the UN and the Security Council resolutions, war with Iraq is definitely on because US President George Bush says the millions who protested globally last weekend were irrelevant to his duty to protect America… See... – World Protests Irrelevant Says Bush [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00136.htm

Govt Response to Special Ed Court Ruling Disturbing: QPEC

- Associate Minister of Education Leanne Dalziel's response to today's Court of Appeal decision is deeply worrying. The Associate Minister apparently feels the court ruling makes very little difference to the SE 2000 policy and shows no indication that the serious flaws in the policy - identified by parents over a long period of time - will be addressed… See... Govt Response to Court Ruling Deeply Worrying [1] ALSO: - Greens - Court exposes government has a problem child [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00139.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00343.htm

Scoop Wants Your Protest Videos!

- Scoop is inviting people and organizations with digital video clips of NZ Anti-War peace protests to contribute their works to a collective Scoop Web-Doco-Project. See... People Invited to Contribute to Peace Doco [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00132.htm

SCOOP LINK: Seven proofs of links between Saddam and al-Qaeda

- On an audiotape, Osama bin Laden calls Iraq a "stinking cesspit of socialist debauchery". This criticism is much less hostile than the sort of thing he says about America, thus proving al-Qaeda has warm feelings towards Saddam Hussein. See… Here it is, conclusive proof against Iraq

He Is Not A Crook! – New SEC Chair Sworn In

- New appointee to SEC lauded by Wall Street. Not only does he have close ties to the Bush family in several different ways (employed by them, educated at Yale with them), but he also worked under Henry Kissinger in the Nixon State Dept. during Watergate. See... New SEC Chair Wm. H. Donaldson's Connections [1] and New SEC Chairman Sworn-In [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00145.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0302/S00203.htm

Tony Blair To Meet Pope Saturday

- British Prime Minister Tony Blair is one of the many direct contacts John Paul II is pursuing in his efforts to ensure a peaceful solution to the Iraqi crisis. See... John Paul II to Receive British Prime Minister [1] . Meanwhile …British nationals in Iraq advised to leave [2] .

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0302/S00201.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0302/S00198.htm

Bush's Popularity Falls Close To Record Lows

- The last two months have taken a heavy toll on the president's popularity, but a modest 52% to 46% majority still gives him positive ratings. See... President Bush's Ratings Fall Sharply [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0302/S00200.htm

UN Inspectors Are Staying Put - Annan

-United Nations inspectors will carry on with their work until the Security Council decides otherwise, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today in Rome, stressing that there is no time limit in the Council's resolutions and that a debate is going on in the 15-nation body about how much more time is needed. See... Inspections Will Go On Until SC Decides Otherwise [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0302/S00196.htm

BIG NEWS INVESTIGATES ACC

- Assessors contracted by ACC are not providing claimants with a fair assessment of their injury and vocational ability, thus limiting the assistance provided by the Corporation. See... How some ACC assessments predetermine outcomes [1] MORE: - Part 1 - ACC staff knowingly flout ACC legislation [2] - Part 2 - ACC case manager and assessor collude [3] - Part 3 - Dodgy Assessments Used To Rid ACC of Claimants [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00137.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00108.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00114.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00125.htm

Daily Katya Rivas

- After having been comforted by My Father's messenger, I saw that Judas, followed by all those who would apprehend Me, was approaching Me. See... Katya Rivas: Judas Delivers Jesus [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00138.htm

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00145.htm
Crooked and Crooked

Christmas Gift Inmate Releases A Winner

- Inmates released early over the Christmas period are less likely to re-offend, Acting Corrections Minister Margaret Wilson said today. See... Christmas Release Policy Success [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00373.htm

NZ First Not Into Prostitutes Bill

- New Zealand First is concerned about the health risks caused by prostitution and fears that more vulnerable young people will be attracted to the trade. Health spokesperson Pita Paraone says he is concerned that many young people without educational qualifications ... See... Prostitution Health Risks A Real Threat [1] ALSO: Barbara Stewart and Dail Jones New Zealand First MPs voted against the proposal to legalise prostitution in Parliament on Wednesday night. They were the only members of Parliament who stood in the North Shore area to oppose the legislation. See... NZ First MPs Oppose Prostitution Bill [2] - United Future - Prostitution Bill on the ropes, says Baldock [3] - Mild Greens - Prostitution decrim “way overdue” – Mild Greens [4] - Maxim - Prostitution Bill Opposition Increasing [5]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00372.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00371.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00363.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00145.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00141.htm

More Glowing Tourism Stats

- The latest Statistics New Zealand survey of visitor arrivals has confirmed what Minister of Tourism Mark Burton has known for quite a while—New Zealand’s tourism market is experiencing an unprecedented boom. See... 2002: A very good year indeed [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00370.htm

Court of appeal Ruling on Special Needs

- The Associate Minister of Education (Special Education), Lianne Dalziel is pleased the Court of Appeal has given its decision in the special education case Attorney General v Daniels and Others. See... Landmark decision by Court of Appeal [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00366.htm

Mike’s Memory Loss Shows on Iraq

- Mike Moore's record shows that his claim to the moral highground over the Iraqi situation is undermined by his memory loss, says Progressive deputy leader Matt Robson. See... Mike Moore's Memory Loss [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00369.htm

New Health Research Partnership Launched

- Health Minister Annette King says a new research partnership will produce quality public health information that will be used to improve the overall health status of New Zealanders. See... King launches new health research partnership [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00368.htm

Independent advisors Appointed

- ACC Minister Ruth Dyson and Statistics Minister John Tamihere today announced the appointment of four members and an interim chairperson to a new panel providing independent advice to the government on injury-related information. See... Injury surveillance panel members appointed [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00367.htm

Accounting Standards Board Appointed

- Accounting Standards Review Board: Appointments · · Minister of Commerce Lianne Dalziel today announced the appointment of a Chair, Deputy Chair and two new members to the Accounting Standards Review Board (ASRB). See... Accounting Standards Review Board: Appointments [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0302/S00365.htm

DHB Ought to Compensate

- “The South Canterbury District Health Board should listen to the Minister of Health and be prepared to pay reasonable compensation for its senior doctors who are forced to work on onerous and dangerous after-hours emergency roster,” said Mr Ian Powell, ... See... South Cant. DHB Should Pay Up If Minister Correct [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00144.htm

Smokefree Concerned over Cigarette Increase

- Alarm over tobacco consumption rise in New Zealand Smokefree Coalition calls for more funding for tobacco control See... Alarm Over Tobacco Consumption Rise In New Zealand [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00143.htm

PGs A Calculated Cost Benefit

- Analysis of the cost of awards given against employers arising from personal grievance claims shows Wellington is the best city to get sacked in. See... Getting sacked more lucrative in Wellington [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00142.htm

SPCS Wrong On Hate Speech

- "The Abortion Law Reform Association of New Zealand would like an investigation of the use of websites that promulgate incitements to violence, or terrorism, against members of occupational groups, such as abortion providers, as part of Marc Alexander's ... See... SPCS Wrong About "Hate_Speech" [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0302/S00140.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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