Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Friday, 14 March 2003, 4:38 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

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TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS

Howard's End: Do We Need To Be Saved By The US?
Naked In Nuhaka: World's Looking Weird From The East Cape
Hard News Is There!
Public Address's Latest Offerings
With IDF Poo In Your Street, It's Tough On The West Bank
Jason Leopold: Fluid Moral Relativity In Bush Administrations
Dennis Hans: Cheating In Basketball & Lying To The Public
SCOOP WARNING: Watch Out For Paypal Scam Mail
Christiaan Briggs Reports On His Premature Exit From Iraq
Stateside: Humvees Which Project Force In All New Ways
The Price Of Alleging Israeli Influence In The Coming War
Countdown To War: Tony Blair's World
White House Queried Re: Richard Perle Vs Sy Hersh
US Senate Roll Of Honour: Patrick Leahy
Hague Appeal Peace Mission Heads For Baghdad
Saving Air NZ: Cullen And Norris Admit "Proposed Merger" Is Straw Man
Sludge Report: War Is Just A Racket
Daily Katya Rivas's Passion

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)

Candlelight Vigil At Wellington Cenotaph Sunday
Mass Mobilisation Planned For Saturday, March 22
There’s Another Name For What She Did
Franks Outraged At Possible Parole Release
Govt Apathy Over Sex-Offenders a Danger To Communities
PAM Spray Effects Must Be Researched
NZ Contributes to Worldwide GATS Opposition
Mental Health Money Framework Found Intact
Green-Blooded: Ban Da Booze Ads
Hide Eyeballs Copeland Over Cullen Fund
Copeland Says Super Fund Must Be Invested in NZ
Treasury Releases Govt Financial Statements
Kiwi Bonds Reduced 0.25%
Druce announced as Family Court Judge
Kiwi Charter Programmes Sink In Ratings
Tamihere Gets Gagged Part II
Unemployed Active and Not Social Vegetables
Dunne Wild With Chinese Muzzling Law Change
Govt Fails On GE Consumer Promise
Union Update On Kinleith Strike
NMP Party Struck Off
MPs Should Consider Their Consciences
Marc On Euthanasia
Civil Servants Warned Against LG Act
Holidays Bill Papers Released
Fonterra Would Benefit From Independents
DHBs Adopt Pharmacy Contract
Govt Launches New Academic Med Centre
Maharey: Hello Katherine, How is Your Day?
What’s On At The Select Committee
Dyson’s Women’s Action Speech

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...TODAY'S PHOTO STORY...

Palestinian Village's New Sewage Stream

http://img.scoop.co.nz/stories/images/0303/30cb6cf4debe973fdc18.jpeg

Howard's End: Do We Need To Be Saved By The US?

- A "diplomatic blunder" is how the The Wall Street Journal has declared the drive for a second UN resolution over Iraq and of Guinea it says; " The spectacle of the US Government begging that African nation for permission to sacrifice American blood and treasure to save the world from Saddam Hussein exposes the farce that the UN Security Council's debate has become." Save the world? Maree Howard writes. See... Howard's End: Why The UN Debate’s a Farce [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0303/S00098.htm

Naked In Nuhaka: World's Looking Weird From The East Cape

- What a weird couple of weeks its been in the media. TV cameras trailed Australian Prime Minister John Howard as he ran across the country, tight police presence and security agents in tow, a constant roar of protestors against our near neighbours hawkish stance to war. See... Naked in Nuhaka: Hamburgers and French Fries [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0303/S00097.htm

Hard News Is There!

- Are you waking up with the morning dreads? Every day, I get up, wake up the G4 and click Google News, gloomily, for rumours of war. It depresses me but I can't help it. HARD NEWS 14/03/03 - Morning dreads

Public Address's Latest Offerings

- Russell Writes: "A little slow on Public Address this week, but the blog-quality index is as high as ever. Exclusive reports from New York, Sydney, Mt Eden and Point Chevalier ?" See... HARD NEWS 14/03/03 - Dreads Up [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0303/S00102.htm

With IDF Poo In Your Street, It's Tough On The West Bank

- In a new twist to its campaign to "encourage transfer" of Palestinian communities from land earmarked for Jewish settlers, the Israeli army of occupation based at Salem military base, on the border of Israel and the occupied West Bank, has built a sewerage line so that the base's refuse drains directly into the main street of a Palestinian village. See... Please Help Save Zabuba Village and Photo-Essay: We All Can Help Save Zabuba [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0303/S00101.htm

Jason Leopold: Fluid Moral Relativity In Bush Administrations

- In 1989, the State Department released a report that described in gruesome detail Iraq’s violation of human rights, specifically how Iraq’s President Saddam Hussein tortured his own people for allegedly being disloyal. But despite the atrocities outlined in the report the first Bush Administration refused to vote in favor of a United Nations resolution calling for an inquiry into Iraq’s treatment of its population. See... Iraqi Human Rights Abuses Less Important In 1989 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0303/S00100.htm

Dennis Hans: Cheating In Basketball & Lying To The Public

- In the past month I’ve appeared on several radio shows to discuss my essays on the “techniques of deceit” the Bush administration has employed to win public support for an attack on Iraq. See... How to Deter Bush Fibbing and Hoopster Flopping [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0303/S00099.htm

SCOOP WARNING: Watch Out For Paypal Scam Mail

- It pays to read your email very carefully and check what appears to be happening in the address bar of your browser before you enter any important details – ESPECIALLY FINANCIAL DETAILS – into a web form. See... Scoop ALERT: Potential Spam Based Paypal Ripoff [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0303/S00094.htm

Christiaan Briggs Reports On His Premature Exit From Iraq

- I must admit, of all the scenarios, being asked to leave [Iraq] wasn’t the one I expected. I am sitting in a room in South London somewhere. See... Christiaan Briggs Reports On Iraq [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0303/S00105.htm

Stateside: Humvees Which Project Force In All New Ways

- Back in September of 2002, I fell in love with a gas-guzzling sports utility vehicle called the Hummer. The TV and print ad campaigns featured a bright yellow one, and on TV it was driven by a lone woman through grey, empty but menacing streets. See... Stateside with Rosalea: Fries with that? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0303/S00104.htm

The Price Of Alleging Israeli Influence In The Coming War

- THE JIHAD AGAINST Rep. James Moran for suggesting that "if it were not for the strong support of the Jewish community for this war with Iraq, we would not be doing this" is proceeding apace. See... Undernews: The Jihad Against Rep. James Moran [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0303/S00103.htm

Countdown To War: Tony Blair's World

- The PMOS advised journalists that the Prime Minister had met the Opposition Leader this morning to update him on Iraq. No doubt he would have other meetings with Ministers and would speak to international colleagues during the course of today. See... UK PMOS Briefing 13th March 2003 [1] and UK PM Answers Parl. Questions On Iraq and Terror [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0303/S00202.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0303/S00200.htm

White House Queried Re: Richard Perle Vs Sy Hersh

- Q Ari, Richard Perle is the Chairman of the Defense Policy Board and the lead public advocate for war on Iraq. In the New Yorker Magazine this week, Seymour Hirsch reports that Perle is also managing partner of a venture capital company, Trireme Partners, and is positioned to profit from a war in Iraq. See... Press Briefing by Ari Fleischer - March 13, 2003 [1] , but don't expect to read an answer.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0303/S00197.htm

US Senate Roll Of Honour: Patrick Leahy

- "The President says that if the Security Council does not support the use of force today, it risks becoming irrelevant. But the President has it backward. The Security Council will not become irrelevant because it refuses to agree with the President of the United States. Rather, the Security Council’s effectiveness is threatened if the United States, the world’s only superpower, ignores the will of key allies on the Security Council regarding the enforcement of a Security Council resolution." Senator Patrick Leahy - Concerning Iraq

Hague Appeal Peace Mission Heads For Baghdad

- While embassy staff, migrant workers, and other international non-government organizations are packing up to leave Iraq, a group of prominent Asian intellectuals, parliamentarians, civil society leaders, and activists are flying to Baghdad in a desperate last-ditch effort to avert the war. See... Hague Appeal for Peace Members Got To Baghdad [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0303/S00186.htm

Saving Air NZ: Cullen And Norris Admit "Proposed Merger" Is Straw Man

- So what's the Real Deal… Perhaps Freedom will be sold? Perhaps Air New Zealand's international and domestic arms separated? There is always the delightful possibility that the "real deal" is "no deal". Perhaps all this has been a cunning charade by Air New Zealand to keep Qantas at bay while Air New Zealand mended its operations after the Ansett Debacle? See... Saving Air NZ: So What's The Real Deal Michael? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0303/S00093.htm

Sludge Report: War Is Just A Racket

- The official US and Australian PR strategy for the war is now more than clear. To misquote Robert The Bruce, the motto being followed at propaganda central in both Canberra and Washington these days is: "If at first you don't convince, lie, lie again". See... Sludge Report #148 - A Nest Of Vipers, But Whose? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0303/S00071.htm

Daily Katya Rivas's Passion

- The desire that all souls be clean when they receive Me in the Sacrament of Love, led Me to wash the feet of My Apostles. See... Katya Rivas: Jesus Institutes the Holy Eucharist [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0303/S00096.htm

Candlelight Vigil At Wellington Cenotaph Sunday

- Peace Action Wellington is inviting all people in the Wellington area to join people around the world today to protest against the imminent war on the Iraqi people with a candlelight vigil at the Cenotaph at 7:00pm on Sunday, March 16. See... Wgtn. No War Candlelight Vigil - 16 March, 7pm [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0303/S00116.htm

Mass Mobilisation Planned For Saturday, March 22

- Next weekend may be the last opportunity for the world to say NO to war. In Auckland we will be marching from downtown (corner of Queen and Customs St) besides QE2 Square from 12 noon to go to Myers Park off upper Queen St for a rally with speakers and music.See... Global Peace And Justice Auckland Newsletter #26 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0303/S00112.htm

There’s Another Name For What She Did

- Someone needs to tell the Parole Board that robbing a battered man as he lies dying in the street is not just a 'burglary', United Future MP Marc Alexander said today. See... Alexander: Robbing dying man no 'burglary' [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0303/S00237.htm

Franks Outraged At Possible Parole Release

- ACT Justice Spokesman Stephen Franks today joined other Opposition MPs in slamming the Parole Board's attitude toward victims and their families - but said the real issue is why Casie Rawiri, who helped rob Michael Choy, is eligible for parole already. See... Rawiri Parole Possibility A Pure Outrage [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0303/S00230.htm

Govt Apathy Over Sex-Offenders a Danger To Communities

- New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark has accused the Government of failing to act over recidivist offender Barry Allan Ryder. See... Government Delays Dealing With Sex Offenders [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0303/S00245.htm

PAM Spray Effects Must Be Researched

- Green Party Health Spokesperson Sue Kedgley is calling for an urgent Government-funded independent inquiry into the full health effects of the painted apple moth insecticide Foray 48B. See... Full health study needed on moth spray [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0303/S00242.htm

NZ Contributes to Worldwide GATS Opposition

- “Today, New Zealand joined teachers, professional people, trade unions and community organizations in South Africa, Australia, the US, Mexico, Norway, Kenya and many other countries in demanding that all governments abandon the 31st March deadline ... See... NZ joins growing international opposition to GATS [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0303/S00111.htm

Mental Health Money Framework Found Intact

- The Ring-fence Protection Project shows that the ring-fence around mental health money in the six DHBs investigated is intact, however it also highlights some issues that need to be addressed in the sector. See... Ring-fence project shows ring-fence intact [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0303/S00114.htm

Green-Blooded: Ban Da Booze Ads

- The Green Party is calling for a complete ban on alcohol brand advertising on TV and radio. See... Greens call for ban on booze ads [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0303/S00248.htm

Hide Eyeballs Copeland Over Cullen Fund

- ACT Finance spokesman Rodney Hide today called on United Future's Finance Spokesman Gordon Copeland to put his vote where his mouth is. See... Copeland should put his vote where his mouth is [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0303/S00249.htm

Copeland Says Super Fund Must Be Invested in NZ

- United Future finance spokesman Gordon Copeland today renewed his call for the New Zealand Superannuation Fund to be invested mainly in New Zealand. See... Copeland: Put Super money where our mouth is [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0303/S00235.htm

Treasury Releases Govt Financial Statements

- The Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the seven months ended 31 January 2003 were released by the Treasury today. These financial statements have been prepared on the basis of fully consolidating all the revenues, expenses, assets ... See... Govt Financial Statements for 7 Months to 31 Jan [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0303/S00117.htm

Kiwi Bonds Reduced 0.25%

- The New Zealand Debt Management Office announced today that the four-year Kiwi Bond interest rate is to be reduced by 0.25%, effective from 14 March 2003. The interest rates on the six-month, one-year and two-year Kiwi Bond maturities remain unchanged. See... Kiwi Bond Interest Rates [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0303/S00113.htm

Druce announced as Family Court Judge

- Attorney-General Margaret Wilson today announced the appointment of Timothy Druce as a Family Court Judge. See... New Family Court Judge Appointed [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0303/S00234.htm

Kiwi Charter Programmes Sink In Ratings

- Ratings figures show that TVNZ Charter programmes are already losing viewers, says National's Broadcasting spokesperson Katherine Rich. See... TVNZ Charter off to disastrous start [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0303/S00241.htm

Tamihere Gets Gagged Part II

- ACT New Zealand Social Welfare Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today questioned Government plans to merge the Ministries of Youth Affairs and Social Development, asking if it was not simply a Government bid to silence Youth Affairs Minister John Tamihere. See... Government Gagging Machine Gears Up [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0303/S00240.htm

Unemployed Active and Not Social Vegetables

- Registered job seekers were not being left to vegetate on benefits, contrary to unsubstantiated and highly inaccurate comments by the Act Party, Associate Minister of Social Services and Employment Rick Barker said. See... Unemployed not vegetating on benefits [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0303/S00239.htm

Dunne Wild With Chinese Muzzling Law Change

- United Future New Zealand leader, Peter Dunne, today attacked a Chinese government-proposed law change in Hong Kong as 'an outrageous assault on free speech'. See... Dunne slams 'outrageous' Chinese law change [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0303/S00238.htm

Govt Fails On GE Consumer Promise

- The Government has failed consumers on its promise to deliver on the Royal Commission's proposal for a standardised GM-Free label. See... The Government has failed consumers on its promise [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0303/S00115.htm

Union Update On Kinleith Strike

- About 18 workers will return to work at the Kinleith pulp and paper mill this afternoon in order to start up chlorine production. See... Kinleith Update [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0303/S00120.htm

NMP Party Struck Off

- The Electoral Commission announced today it had cancelled the registration of the NMP political party at the party’s request. See... Political Party’s Registration Cancelled [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0303/S00119.htm

MPs Should Consider Their Consciences

- Today all MPS received a letter from SPCS highlighting serious conscience issues related to the forthcoming CONSCIENCE VOTE on the Prostitution 'Reform' Bill that is scheduled to be considered by the House in the second reading debate on the 26th ... See... Appeal To Mps Consciences Re Prostitution 'Reform' [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0303/S00118.htm

Marc On Euthanasia

- No issue is likely to divide and test this nation more than euthanasia. Those with dogmatic religious views will certainly line up on one side along with those who, while sympathetic to the idea, cannot accept its 'slippery slope' implications, nor ... See... Marc My Words [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0303/S00246.htm

Civil Servants Warned Against LG Act

- A justifiable "we told you so" from the National Party today after secret papers revealed the Government was warned against pushing ahead with controversial Local Government legislation. See... Local Government Act fears shared by officials [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0303/S00247.htm

Holidays Bill Papers Released

- Labour Minister Margaret Wilson today released official papers relating to the Holidays Bill on the Beehive website. See... Minister releases official papers on Holidays Bill [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0303/S00243.htm

Fonterra Would Benefit From Independents

- ACT New Zealand Rural Affairs Spokesman Gerry Eckhoff today recommended that Fonterra's shareholders' council consider inviting independent analysts to join the council. See... Analysts Could Bolster Council [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0303/S00236.htm

DHBs Adopt Pharmacy Contract

- Health Minister Annette King says she is pleased to announce that all 21 District Health Boards have now agreed to adopt national arrangements for the National Pharmacy Contract. See... DHBs adopt National Pharmacy Contract [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0303/S00233.htm

Govt Launches New Academic Med Centre

- Health Minister Annette King says a critical step toward improving the mental health of young New Zealanders has been made today with the launch of a new academic centre in Auckland. See... King launches future ‘centre of excellence’ [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0303/S00232.htm

Maharey: Hello Katherine, How is Your Day?

- Social Services and Employment Minister Steve Maharey is welcoming news that Katherine Rich is still the National Party’s spokesperson on welfare. See... Worse day, Katherine? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0303/S00231.htm

What’s On At The Select Committee

- There were six committee meetings, five of which were in the parliamentary complex. One committee met in Auckland. See... Select committee business From 7 to 14 March [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0303/S00251.htm

Dyson’s Women’s Action Speech

- Thank you for taking the time to come and talk about the Women's Action Plan and for inviting me to be part of those discussions. See... Ruth Dyson Address Women's Action Plan meetings [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0303/S00250.htm

© 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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