Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Wednesday, 19 May 2004, 4:08 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
Scoop Is The House
LEAD STORY: Scoop Link: Whistleblower Alleges Prison Abuse Cover-up
Telecom Gets To Keep Its Local Loop Monopoly
MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:
Amnesty Condemns Israel's House Destruction In Gaza
INTERNATIONAL NEWS HEADLINES

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Images: Jim-Jams Protest At The US Embassy In Wellington
Public Address: Fiona Rae Is There!
Satire: Inside The Oval Office - Leaked Transcript
Satirical Image: GWB's New Software
Bernard Weiner Takes Stock
Genevieve Cora Fraser: Wrecking The Peace

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
Students Rally Against Student Debt
MPs Engage In Heated Debate Over Drinking Age
Some Permanent Forest Owners To Be Rewarded For Being Green
Turia's Cannabis Decriminalisation Views Decried
Fair Trade Lead Taken By US Presidential Candidate
School Funding A Ministerial Disgrace - Coddington
NZ Infrastructure Stocktake Findings Published
Matt Robson Defends Expensive Prison Consultation
Budget 2004: Juror's Fees To Be Increased
Budget 2004: Forest Industry Partnership
Sue Bradford's Budget Would Have Looked Like This
A Pro-Maori, Anti-Racist Pakeha MP Speaks Up
A New Line Is Drawn For Wellington's Local Body Elections

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...TODAY'S PHOTO STORY...

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0405/S00194.htm
PJ Protest At The US Embassy

Scoop Is The House

- For today's questions See... Questions for Oral Answer - Wednesday, 19 May 2004 [1] . For Tuesday's Q&A see... Questions & Answers for Oral Answer 18 May 2004 [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0405/S00396.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0405/S00382.htm

LEAD STORY:
Scoop Link: Whistleblower Alleges Prison Abuse Cover-up

- Dozens of soldiers - other than the seven military police reservists who have been charged - were involved in the abuse at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison, and there is an effort under way in the Army to hide it, a key witness in the investigation told ABCNEWS. See... Scoop Link: ABC News - 'Definitely a Cover-Up' [1] LATEST SCOOP COMMENT ON THE PRISON ABUSE SCANDAL: - Martin LeFevre: It Does Represent America [2] - Sheila Samples: Playing The Cover-Your-Ass Game [3] - Ivan Eland: Think the Unthinkable - Partition Iraq [4] - Daniel Patrick Welch: Impeach the SOB [5] SEE MORE ON THIS STORY…. Full Coverage: Abu Ghraib Torture Scandal [6]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0405/S00198.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0405/S00191.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0405/S00189.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0405/S00197.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0405/S00190.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/index.html#torture

Telecom Gets To Keep Its Local Loop Monopoly

- Communications Minister Paul Swain today announced his decision on whether to open Telecom New Zealand's network infrastructure to competition. See... Decision On Telecom Network Recommendations [1] MORE: - Telecom - Telecom Ready To Deliver Unbundled Services [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0405/S00392.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0405/S00205.htm

MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0405/S00195.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0405/S00193.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0405/S00189.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0405/S00188.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0405/S00187.htm

Amnesty Condemns Israel's House Destruction In Gaza

- Israel's unjustified destruction of thousands of Palestinian and Arab Israeli homes as well as vast areas of agricultural land has reached an unprecedented level and must stop immediately, Amnesty International said today. See... Israel & OT: Evictions And Demolitions Must Stop [1] MORE: - Gush Shalom - Soldiers Stop! Black Flag Of War Crime Is Flying [2] - ISM - ISM ACTION ALERT: Rafah - TAKE ACTION [3] - ISM - Palestinian Blood Is Not Cheap [4] - PHRI - Medical Rights Being Violated in Gaza Strip [5] - Peacemaker Teams - Hebron Urgent Action: Entry Of Greg Rollins [6] - UN - Annan Calls On Israel To Halt Destruction Of Homes [7]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0405/S00196.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0405/S00197.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0405/S00193.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0405/S00183.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0405/S00191.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0405/S00195.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0405/S00177.htm

INTERNATIONAL NEWS HEADLINES

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0405/S00189.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0405/S00194.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0405/S00192.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0405/S00190.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0405/S00188.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0405/S00186.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0405/S00184.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0405/S00182.htm

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Images: Jim-Jams Protest At The US Embassy In Wellington

- Today Stephanie Mills staged a protest against the torture of Iraqi prisoners by marching, along with her 5 month old son and 4 year old daughter, to the US Embassy dressed in nothing but their pajamas. See... Images: Pyjama Protest At US Embassy In Wellington [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0405/S00194.htm

Public Address: Fiona Rae Is There!

- I've never met Oliver Driver, but I'm liking the cut of his jib. Not only did he have an excellent clown fight on Serial Killers on Friday ("Hey, when you get the chance to smack a clown, you take it."), but he fronted Frontseat on Sunday in a ... See... Public Address 19/05/04 - Idols And Obligations [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0405/S00193.htm

Satire: Inside The Oval Office - Leaked Transcript

- PRESIDENT BUSH: Alright, gentlemen. You really screwed up this time. We have very serious business to discuss. See... Satire: Why Isn't David Souter Dead? WH Transcript [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0405/S00196.htm

Satirical Image: GWB's New Software

- The following satirical image was circulating today by email, it's origin is unknown. See... Satire: A New Version Of MS-Office For Presidents [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0405/S00195.htm

Bernard Weiner Takes Stock

- ''Don't despair, things will get worse before they get worse, then they will get even worse, and then they'll start to get better.'' I wrote that in late-2002, and I'm still not certain today where we are on that political continuum. See... Bernard Weiner: Escaping the Maelstrom [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0405/S00192.htm

Genevieve Cora Fraser: Wrecking The Peace

- Panic fueled the exodus : Israeli offensive Ministers : Pronounced regrets : Hardships unavoidable : Thousands fled : Into the white tented : City as Israel's Mad Dogs : Of War tore into terrified : Crowds Rafah refugees : Re-assaulted made homeless See... Poem: Israel Swings Wrecking Ball at Peace [1] . See also... Rafah Roughed Up and Readied for Sacrifice [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0405/S00188.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0405/S00174.htm

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0405/S00185.htm
Peter Jackson, Jim Anderton & The Plane From Casablanca

Students Rally Against Student Debt

- As part of a national day of action students from both Otago University and Otago Polytechnic rallied today encouraging the Labour Government to enact A Living Allowance for All Students in this year’s budget. See... Students Pull Wool over Labour’s Eyes! [1] MORE: - Waikato - Waikato Students to hold protest march [2] - Teacher Students - Student Teachers support Vic Protest [3] - NZUSA - Students to hold national day of protest action [4] - Victoria - Victoria Students To Take Debt Message To Hobbs [5]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0405/S00194.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/ED0405/S00070.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/ED0405/S00068.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/ED0405/S00065.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/ED0405/S00064.htm

MPs Engage In Heated Debate Over Drinking Age

- The raising of the legal drinking age, as proposed by Jim Anderton, will solve nothing, ACT New Zealand MP Gerry Eckhoff said today. See... Higher Drinking Age Futile, Says Eckhoff [1] MORE: - Nandor Tanczos- Ads, not age, the issue says Nandor [2] - Jim Anderton - Lowering Drinking Age Law Didn't Reverse Negatives [3] - Medical Assoc. - NZMA Supports Review of Drinking Age Legislation [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0405/S00395.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0405/S00390.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0405/S00358.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/GE0405/S00081.htm

Some Permanent Forest Owners To Be Rewarded For Being Green

- The owners of permanent forests established since 1990 will be able to get Kyoto Protocol carbon credits under a new government climate change policy. See... Climate change rewards permanent reforestation [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0405/S00394.htm

Turia's Cannabis Decriminalisation Views Decried

- But by promoting the arguments of the pro-cannabis lobby, she is acting contrary to the demands of Maori communities demanding that the coalition take a hard line on cannabis and other harmful drugs. See... Turia Party chooses cannabis lobby over Maori [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0405/S00383.htm

Fair Trade Lead Taken By US Presidential Candidate

- Green Co-leader, Rod Donald is urging the Labour Government to take a leaf from the book of US presidential candidate, John Kerry and base trade agreements around strong labour and environmental values. See... Kerry signs-up to fair-trade - and so should we [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0405/S00388.htm

School Funding A Ministerial Disgrace - Coddington

- Education Minister Trevor Mallard's much vaunted Teachers Council is a disgrace, ACT New Zealand Education Spokesman Deborah Coddington said today. See... Teachers Council, Mallard's Disgrace [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0405/S00397.htm

NZ Infrastructure Stocktake Findings Published

- The findings of New Zealand’s first nationwide infrastructure stocktake have been released today by Economic Development Minister Jim Anderton. See... Infrastructure stocktake findings released [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0405/S00386.htm

Matt Robson Defends Expensive Prison Consultation

- In some countries, governments can build a huge prison, or a nuclear power station, anywhere they like without consulting anyone. See... Matt Robson: $1.3m On Jail Talks Money Well Spent [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0405/S00389.htm

Budget 2004: Juror's Fees To Be Increased

- Jurors' fees are to be increased and they will be able to claim parking and childcare expenses as part of a $9 million package in this year's Budget, Justice Minister Phil Goff announced today. See... Goff announces increase in payments to jurors [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0405/S00399.htm

Budget 2004: Forest Industry Partnership

- The government has agreed to a package of new forestry sector initiatives that recognise forestry's value in addressing climate change. See... Budget 2004: Govt./Forest Industry Partnership [1] REACTION: - Farm Forestry Association -Industry Considers Govt Response On Climate Change [2] - Kyoto Forest Owners - Media Statement - Kyoto Forest Owners Association [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0405/S00393.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0405/S00196.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0405/S00210.htm

Sue Bradford's Budget Would Have Looked Like This

- Forget the Government's much-trumpeted Budget package for struggling families: Green MP Sue Bradford says Labour's failure to back her Universal Child Benefit bill proves that next week's speech by Dr Cullen is just a PR exercise that will deliver too little, too late. See... Green Budget for children, students and the needy [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0405/S00398.htm

A Pro-Maori, Anti-Racist Pakeha MP Speaks Up

- I consider myself pro-Treaty, pro-New Zealander, pro-Maori, anti-racist. Not many Pakeha politicians have been bending over backwards to describe themselves that way lately – and maybe we’re not in the majority. But we are here in significant numbers and while Brash's ongoing attacks on Maori are clearly unacceptable to us, the foreshore and seabed debate creates a dilemma. See... What's a kiwi like me to think? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0405/S00400.htm

A New Line Is Drawn For Wellington's Local Body Elections

- Green MP Sue Kedgley said today she was pleased that the Wellington City Council (Te Aro Reclamation) Amendment Bill had passed its second reading, but predicted the potential sale of a central-city green space would become an issue in this year's ... See... Selling Ilott Green - a council election issue [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0405/S00401.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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