Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Monday, 6 December 2004, 4:35 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
LEAD STORY: Worth Offers Civil Unions Alternative
TV3 Poll Confirms Labour's Substantial Lead Over Nats
MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:
Annan Highlights How West's Landmines Continue To Kill Civilians
INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:
STORY OF THE WEEK: Christians On Both Sides In Civil Union Debate
SCOOP SPECIAL REPORT - American Coup II: Congress Hearings On Ohio Vote Irregularities This Week

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Hard News & More Is There!
Stateside: Where Rosalea Interviews Herself About The 70s
Thailand Makes Peace With Origami Birds
The Real Deal: Quantum Physics Looks At The 2004 Election
Mary Pitt: Dude, I Want My Religion Back
Ray McGovern On Terror In The 21st Century
John Chuckman: On Being Sane & Canadian
James Earl Ray Sought Access To MLK CIA/FBI Files
Jews Are Safer With Christians In Charge Says Justice Scalia
William Kulin: Victory At Fallujah -Yeah Right
Nobel Peace Nominee Kathy Kelly Talks War In Iraq
Sonia Nettnin On The Forgotten People Of Nineveh
Once Upon A Time In The Bush Family - A Series

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
Should NZ Follow Britain's Self Defence Laws?
Greens, Maori & Progressives On Same Page On Student Debt
Outdoor Recreation Accuses DoC Of Deceit
Health Ideology Costing Lives Says Collins
Coddington Upset About RNZ Buying An Auckland Building
Mark Burton Delights In New Kiwi Encounter
Mike Ward's Excellent Tricycle Adventure Comes To An End
Loads Of Art For Sale In Green Art Auction
Greens Propose Law Change To Save Wanganui Trees
Changes On The Housing NZ Board
Name And Shame Fines Campaign Brings In The $$$
Political Calendar Raises Ire Of Judith Collins
Pita Sharples' Te Reo Pendantry Under Fire From Franks

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...TODAY'S PHOTO STORY...

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/CU0412/S00034.htm
Young Kiwi Artists Go To Italy.

LEAD STORY:
Worth Offers Civil Unions Alternative

- National Party Justice spokesman Richard Worth is launching an 11th-hour bid to change the controversial Civil Union Bill by introducing an amendment called the Civil Relationships Bill. See... Civil union alternative offered up [1] "Civil Relationships Bill” - a better option [2] and True intention of Civil Union Bill revealed [3] MORE: - Govt. - Civil unions: it's about tolerance [4] - United Future - “Shelve the Civil Union Bill” [5] - ACT - "Civil Relationships" will expose dishonesty - ACT [6] - Maxim Institute - 'Civil Relationships' a better alternative [7] For Much More scroll down for... STORY OF THE WEEK

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00121.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00125.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00130.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00136.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00132.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00119.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0412/S00049.htm

TV3 Poll Confirms Labour's Substantial Lead Over Nats

- Labour has a 14 point lead over National in Party Vote support. On party support alone this would translate to 62 seats in Parliament and Labour would be able to govern alone. See... 3 News TNS Opinion Poll Results - 4 Dec 2004 [1] (includes full tables)

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0412/S00056.htm

MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0412/S00060.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0412/S00059.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0412/S00057.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/SC0412/S00008.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0412/S00075.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0412/S00073.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0412/S00070.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0412/S00047.htm

Annan Highlights How West's Landmines Continue To Kill Civilians

- United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today welcomed progress in clearing anti-personnel mines in recent years, but warned that these indiscriminate weapons continue to exact a heavy civilian toll. See... UN Urges Greater Efforts To Rid World Of Landmines [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0412/S00060.htm

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0412/S00059.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0412/S00051.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0412/S00057.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0412/S00056.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0412/S00055.htm

Christians On Both Sides In Civil Union Debate

- Christians for Civil Unions, an ecumenical network of New Zealanders supporting the Civil Union Bill, reacted today with dismay to the letter from Catholic Bishops read in some churches yesterday. However, they do not believe that Catholics who support the Bill will be swayed.. See... Catholics will make up own minds on Civil Unions [1] MORE: - Campaign Against Civil Unions - Unknown Warrior hijacked for pagan purpose [2] , A New Baalism [3] & Civil Union Bill, Sodomy & “Neofascism” Slurs [4] - Matthew Flannagan - Civil Unions Isn’t Gay Marriage – Yeah Right [5] For Much More see... STORY OF THE WEEK: Civil Unions Final Stages (1) [6]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0412/S00058.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0412/S00054.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0412/S00052.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0412/S00051.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0412/S00050.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0412/S00063.htm

SCOOP SPECIAL REPORT - American Coup II:

Congress Hearings On Ohio Vote Irregularities This Week - Democratic Representative John Conyers, Jr. of Michigan, ranking Minority member of the House Judiciary Committee, will hold a hearing on Wednesday 08 December 2004 to investigate allegations of vote fraud and irregularities in Ohio during the 2004 Presidential election. The hearing is slated to begin at 10:00 a.m. EST in the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington DC. See.. Conyers To Hold Hearings On Ohio Vote Fraud [1] MORE AMERICAN COUP II NEWS & VIEWS - Between The Lines - Interview: Validity of 2004 Election in Question [2] - Harvey Wasserman - Ukraine Celebrates Democracy As Its Denied In Ohio [3] See also...Full Coverage of American Coup II [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00056.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00057.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00048.htm
[4] - http://scoop.co.nz/mason/features/?s=usacoup

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0412/S00059.htm
Rich Countries’ Scrooge Act Costs The Poor - Oxfam

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Hard News & More Is There!

- I crane my neck and look down the public gallery. Yes, it really is Brian Tamaki; slick-haired, chewing gum, at the centre of a cohort of burly, self-conscious men. The men on the outside are wearing radio earpieces - ready, presumably, to ward off ... See... Public Address 06/12/04 - Journeys Of Mind [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00061.htm

Stateside: Where Rosalea Interviews Herself About The 70s

- Q: Where did you wake up on New Years' Day, 1970? A: On the golden sands of Tahuna Beach, Nelson. It was late in the morning and my face was sunburned all to heck. See... Stateside: When The Seventies Were The New Sixties [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00062.htm

Thailand Makes Peace With Origami Birds

- BANGKOK, Thailand -- Thailand will air drop more than 100 million paper "birds of peace" onto the Muslim-majority south on Sunday (Dec. 5) despite complaints it will create tons of garbage and not lessen anger against the army which suffocated 78 Muslim men to death. See... Thailand Air Drops100 Million Birds Of Peace [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00060.htm

The Real Deal: Quantum Physics Looks At The 2004 Election

- Quantum physics points out that the way we observe the universe in this present moment literally evokes the universe that is observed. Our perception of the universe is a part of the universe that is happening through us that has an effect on the universe ... See... Quantum Physics Looks At The 2004 Election [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00058.htm

Mary Pitt: Dude, I Want My Religion Back

- Despite a very long lifetime of studying, of being trained in moral behavior by conscientious study of the Holy Bible, and despite many prayerful hours of seeking the peace of mind of being able to accept the recent events in history, I find myself angry. See... Mary Pitt: Dude, I Want My Religion Back [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00047.htm

Ray McGovern On Terror In The 21st Century

- Last Thursday's conference on ''Al Qaeda 2.0: Transnational Terrorism After 9/11,'' sponsored by the New America Foundation and the New York University Center on Law & Security, was a valuable gift to those wanting an update on informed opinion on the subject. See... All Mosquitos, No Swamp; No Elephants Either [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00059.htm

John Chuckman: On Being Sane & Canadian

- We are getting stories about increasing anti-Americanism in Canada, mainly coming from sources that are the Canadian equivalent of the Voice of America. They are pretty much the same people who told us we must support a friend who goes to war, neglecting to distinguish the case of a friend who has gone stark raving mad and decided to burn down someone else's house. See... Chuckman: America's Imperial Wizard Visits Canada [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00055.htm

James Earl Ray Sought Access To MLK CIA/FBI Files

- In the first HSCA interview with James Earl Ray Chief Counsel Richard Sprague agrees with Ray and his legal team that all materials (including CIA, FBI and other intelligence files) should be made available to them as well as the the committee. See... James Earl Ray Requested Release of CIA/FBI Files [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00054.htm

Jews Are Safer With Christians In Charge Says Justice Scalia

- Antonin Scalia, the man most likely to be our next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, turned history on its head recently when he attended an Orthodox synagogue in New York and claimed that the Founders intended for their Christianity to play a part in government. See... Thom Hartmann: Scalia To Synagogue [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00053.htm

William Kulin: Victory At Fallujah -Yeah Right

- A senior American commander made the mistake of telling reporters that the military offensive that eventually captured a largely depopulated and destroyed Fallujah had ''broken the back of the insurgency'' across Iraq. It did not, of course. It could not. See... William Kulin: Victory At Fallujah! [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00052.htm

Nobel Peace Nominee Kathy Kelly Talks War In Iraq

- Kathy Kelly is a major figure in the peace and anti-war movement. She is a co-coordinator of Voices in the Wilderness, an organization that campaigned to end U.N. and U.S. sanctions. See... Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Speaks About Iraq [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00051.htm

Sonia Nettnin On The Forgotten People Of Nineveh

- The U.S. media does not report about the Chaldo-Assyrians of Iraq. They live in Baghdad, Basra, Mosul, and numerous towns north and east of Mosul -- around the ancient ruins of Nineveh. See... Sonia Nettnin: Chaldo-Assyrian Community of Iraq [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00050.htm

Once Upon A Time In The Bush Family - A Series

- One upon a time in 1980, Neil Bush married his sweetheart, Sharon, and they moved to Denver, Colorado, away from all the other members of the Bush family. See... Evelyn Pringle: Prince Neil Bush & Silverado [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00049.htm

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00045.htm
Zaoui Public Rally: Two Years In Prison
Ahmad Esau reads a message from Ahmed Zaoui.

Should NZ Follow Britain's Self Defence Laws?

- The unwillingness of Justice Minister Phil Goff to even talk about restoring practical self-defence rights and developments in Britain, have prompted plans by ACT Justice spokesman Stephen Franks to strengthen his reforms to block prosecutions of people ... See... Franks to beef up Self-defence Bill [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00120.htm

Greens, Maori & Progressives On Same Page On Student Debt

- Green Party Tertiary Education spokesperson Nandor Tanczos today congratulated the Maori Party on its commitment to ending the burden of student debt. See... Nandor welcomes Maori Party education policy [1] MORE: - Maori Party - Maori and Student Debt - Tariana Turia [2] - Progressives - Slashing Maori graduates' debt benefits economy [3] - ACT - ACT endorses education choice for Maori [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00143.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00131.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00140.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00118.htm

Outdoor Recreation Accuses DoC Of Deceit

- The Outdoor Recreation party is charging the Department of Conservation with deceit over the creation of marine reserves at Great Barrier Island and Whangarei. See... DoC charged with deceit over marine reserves [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00144.htm

Health Ideology Costing Lives Says Collins

- National’s Health spokeswoman, Judith Collins, says Labour’s ideological opposition to private health providers is putting people’s lives at risk. See... Private hospitals could help cut lists [1] MORE: - NZ First - Heart Patients Deserve Explanation [2] - ACT - Patients needlessly waiting for heart surgery [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00142.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00139.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00134.htm

Coddington Upset About RNZ Buying An Auckland Building

- Broadcasting Minister Steve Maharey has obviously lost the plot over his portfolio, ACT Broadcasting spokesman Deborah Coddington said today. See... Maharey Tunes Out Over RNZ Spend Up [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00141.htm

Mark Burton Delights In New Kiwi Encounter

- Tourism Minister Mark Burton is today congratulating Rainbow Springs for their contribution towards saving our national icon-the kiwi. See... Kiwi Encounter a win for tourism and environment [1] and Opening of Kiwi Encounter, Rainbow Springs, Rotorua [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00138.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00137.htm

Mike Ward's Excellent Tricycle Adventure Comes To An End

- Green MP Mike Ward’s epic cycling mission from Kaitaia to Wellington (via the Bay of Plenty, the Taupo Cycle Challenge and Hawke’s Bay, and following his Bluff to Nelson ride in April) culminates in a mass cycle ride into the capital and a reception ... See... Green MP’s epic trike mission ends in Wgtn today [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00135.htm

Loads Of Art For Sale In Green Art Auction

- Over 90 artworks will now feature in "The Great Art Auction" to be held in Christchurch on Sunday 12 December. See... Green art auction grows [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00133.htm

Greens Propose Law Change To Save Wanganui Trees

- The Green Party is today pushing for the Government to pass special legislation before Christmas to close the disastrous legal loophole that is allowing rimu logging on DOC land in the Whanganui River Valley. See... Law change needed to plug logging legal loophole [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00129.htm

Changes On The Housing NZ Board

- Housing Minister Steve Maharey today announced changes to the board of Housing New Zealand Corporation, including the appointment of Pat Snedden as the new board chair. See... Changes to Housing New Zealand Corporation Board [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00128.htm

Name And Shame Fines Campaign Brings In The $$$

- This year's Justice Ministry’s 'Name and Shame' campaign resulted in nearly twice as many overdue fines being paid in full or put under payment by installments than last year's campaign. See... $3.9 million comes in from name and shame [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00123.htm

Political Calendar Raises Ire Of Judith Collins

- National MP Judith Collins has written to the Auditor-General asking him to examine a calendar advertising Labour Party policy that was paid for with public money. See... Taxpayers fund blatant propaganda [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00122.htm

Pita Sharples' Te Reo Pendantry Under Fire From Franks

- ACT Maori Affairs spokesman Stephen Franks today called on the Maori Language Commission to say what is more important: `give it a go' as their expensive campaign has urged, or plum-in-the-mouth pronunciation as the Maori Party's Pita Sharples is demanding. See... Maori Party undermines Maori Language Commission [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00117.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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