Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Monday, 14 February 2005, 5:49 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
LEAD STORY: Cullen and Costello To Discuss Australasian Economic Market
Greens Position As Heart Of Potential Coalition
MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:
Shiites Claim Victory In Iraq Elections
INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:
STORY OF THE WEEK: Democracy In Crisis In Nepal

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Watching The Buggers - A Serialised Play By Tim Barcode
Hard News & More Is There!
Stateside Reports From The Stew of Despond
Sam Smith: Why George And Bill Are Buddies
Book Review: Kiyosaki For Teens
St Molesworth: 10 Unlikely Flag Design Ideas
William Rivers Pitt On Politics & Religion
Manuel Valenzuela: The Evolution of Revolution (Part 1)
Sonia Nettnin On The U.S. News Filter
Halliburton Contracts Illegal - Bush Says So What
William Fisher: When The Rhetoric Meets The Road
UQ Wire: FAA Warnings Report Released
A Critique Of Iraq Pundits Who Lack All Conviction
Thom Hartmann Assesses The DNC Brand Strategy
Let Freedom Ring – Just Not In Mexico

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
National Announces Auckland Region's Candidate Team
Education Botch-Up: English Repeats Call For Govt To Refund NCEA Reassessment Fees
Senior Gynaecologist Seeks Independent Inquiry Into Cancer Treatment
Hide Says Govt Responsible For Rates Increases
RMA Reform Designed To Reduce Costs
Smoke Alarms And Intruder Detectors Reduce School Arson Rates
Waitakere Bob Says Don't Tax Tourists: Baldock Reports…
United Seeks Rethink On Home Detention
Hawkins Must Act On 111 Crisis Immediately
NZ To Build New Hospital For Niue
ACT Posts Its Letter

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What Some Folk Do On Saint Valentine's Day

LEAD STORY:
Cullen and Costello To Discuss Australasian Economic Market

[1] - Progress toward creating a single Australasian economic market will dominate the agenda when Australian Treasurer Peter Costello and Finance Minister Michael Cullen meet in Wellington on Thursday, 17 February. The two ministers agreed in 2003 that the importance of the trans-Tasman relationship and the policy activity around it justified an annual bilateral and at last year’s meeting promoted the single economic market objective. See... Agenda for Costello – Cullen bilateral [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00304.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00304.htm

Greens Position As Heart Of Potential Coalition

[1] - Fitzsimons: "The Fifth Labour Government was supposed to be the dawn of a more compassionate, more egalitarian, more inclusive age. And, for a time, it was. But now, when Don Brash attacks Maori or beneficiaries, Labour doesn’t stand up for them. Labour acquiesces in Brash’s mean-spirited vision for New Zealand and rushes to amend its own policies accordingly. It’s clear that, If Labour wants to continue to govern with purpose, it needs a renewal." See... Fitzsimons Speech: What Happened to New Millennium [2] ALSO: - Rod Donald - Making a Stand for Planet & People [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00292.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00292.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00293.htm

MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00302.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00303.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00296.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/GE0502/S00048.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/GE0502/S00047.htm

Shiites Claim Victory In Iraq Elections

[1] - Scoop-Link To Turkish Press - BAGHDAD - Iraq's long-oppressed Shiite majority scored a resounding victory in the first vote since Saddam Hussein's downfall, setting the stage for the first Shiite government in an Arab state in 1,000 years. See... Scoop-Link: Shiites Win Victory in Iraq Election [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0502/S00369.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0502/S00369.htm

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0502/S00363.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0502/S00356.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0502/S00354.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0502/S00350.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0502/S00362.htm

STORY OF THE WEEK: Democracy In Crisis In Nepal

Dipta Shah Reflects On The Thoughts Of Nepal's Diaspora - Not surprisingly, intense debate has surfaced in several forums in response to ''Making Sense out of Non-Sense - the Calculation behind the King's Decision.'' Valid concerns have been expressed by different elements of the Nepali Diaspora, some in support, ... See... Dipta Shah: Factionalism and the Nepalese Diaspora [1] MORE: - Kamala Sarup: Peace Through Democracy & Development [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00140.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00147.htm

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Watching The Buggers - A Serialised Play By Tim Barcode

- Coates has just arrived at third meeting place, a drycleaners in Levin, to discover that Paul the waiter from the Huka Lodge is waiting to meet him. See... Watching The Buggers (Part 8 Of 12) [1] (See also... Part 1 [2] , Part 2 [3] , Part 3 [4] , Part 4 [5] , Part 5 [6] , Part 6 [7] , Part 7 [8] )

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00160.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0501/S00285.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00013.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00030.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00042.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00097.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00110.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00122.htm

Hard News & More Is There!

- It was the older boy's birthday yesterday, and, as was his wish, we took a crew to Goat Island Marine Reserve and spent the day swimming with the fishes. We cut the cake up on the grassy slopes and sang him happy birthday... See... Public Address 14/2/5 - Sleepless Angry Hysterical [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00159.htm

Stateside Reports From The Stew of Despond

- I am currently in the Stew of Despond. I use the word advisedly, a) because there's just so much in the mix, and b) because, Stateside, "slough" rhymes with ''stew.'' See... Stateside with Rosalea: Waaaah! [1] and Stateside Poem: The Slough of Slumgullion [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00157.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00158.htm

Sam Smith: Why George And Bill Are Buddies

- A reader inquires as to why Bill Clinton and Bush the Elder are so chummy these days. This is another case where just considering the political aspect of the news lets you down. See... Sam Smith: The Bush Clinton Nexus [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00155.htm

Book Review: Kiyosaki For Teens

- As Robert Kiyosaki writes in his popular Rich Dad, Poor Dad book, the poor and the middle class work for their money, but the rich make their money work for them. See... Book Review: Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00152.htm

St Molesworth: 10 Unlikely Flag Design Ideas

- 1. A puffed up little flag that constantly changes colour from blue to red - suggested by Peter Dunne. 2. A dull red flag that fades into obscurity after too many cycles on fast spin - suggested by Roger Douglas. See... Top 10 Designs Suggested For A New Flag [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00144.htm

William Rivers Pitt On Politics & Religion

Once upon a time, working the White House Press Briefing Room was the crown jewel of mainstream political journalism beats. That was it; short of reporting live from under the President's desk or nailing down an interview with the ghost of Abraham Lincoln. See... William Rivers Pitt: The News Is Broken [1] . See also... William Rivers Pitt: One For All [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00154.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00156.htm

Manuel Valenzuela: The Evolution of Revolution (Part 1)

- As long as humankind has walked the plains of Earth, from our origins in the jungles of Africa to our great Diaspora out of savannas and into all corners of the globe, we have had to wage ceaseless battle with the demons living inside the human condition. See... Manuel Valenzuela: The Evolution of Revolution [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00153.htm

Sonia Nettnin On The U.S. News Filter

- Few Americans realize that U.S. mainstream media coverage of the Israel-Palestine conflict passes through America’s political elites, Israeli public relations organizations and private American organizations, before it reaches the public. See... U.S. Media Coverage of Israel-Palestine Conflict [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00151.htm

Halliburton Contracts Illegal - Bush Says So What

- After millions of tax dollars were spent investigating how Halliburton ended up being awarded billions of dollar worth of no-bid contracts in Iraq, the Government Accounting Office determined that the company should never have been awarded the contracts in ... See... Halliburton Contracts Illegal - Bush Says So What [1] MORE EVELYN PRINGLE: - Bush Administration - Money, Politics & Drugs [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00150.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00143.htm

William Fisher: When The Rhetoric Meets The Road

- Now that President Bush has disgorged himself of his Olympian rhetoric about spreading freedom around the world, perhaps he is now wondering just how he' s going to achieve this noble goal. See... William Fisher: Is George Bush Listening? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00149.htm

UQ Wire: FAA Warnings Report Released

- Washington - A strategy document outlining proposals for eliminating the threat from Al Qaeda, given to Condoleezza Rice as she assumed the post of national security adviser in January 2001, warned that the terror network had cells in the United States ... See... UQ Wire: Rice Warned Of Al Qaeda, Offered Plan [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00148.htm

A Critique Of Iraq Pundits Who Lack All Conviction

- A few columnists and commentators who questioned or opposed the invasion of Iraq, now say, having been touched by pictures of Iraqis bravely casting ballots, that George Bush was right. See... John Chuckman: Hiroshima, Mon Amour [1] MORE IRAQ ELECTION COMMENT: - Kidd Millennium Cartoon: Shady Liberty [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00146.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00145.htm

Thom Hartmann Assesses The DNC Brand Strategy

- Politics is all about branding. And brands are not about issues or details - they're about identity. See... Progressives and Democrats: Assert Your Brand! [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00142.htm

Let Freedom Ring – Just Not In Mexico

- It has become increasingly clear that the Bush administration is intent on stopping Mexico's most popular politician, left-wing Mexico City governor Andres Manuel López Obrador, from entering his country's upcoming presidential election. See... Giordano: Condoleeza Rice vs. Democracy in Mexico [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00141.htm

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/CU0502/S00096.htm
Thrills and spills at the Red Bull Trolley Grand Prix

National Announces Auckland Region's Candidate Team

- National Party President Judy Kirk today announced the selection of nine candidates in Central, West, and South Auckland as the Party gears up to attack Labour across the isthmus in the upcoming General election. See... National Selects Nine Candidates on “Super Sunday” [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00291.htm

Education Botch-Up: English Repeats Call For Govt To Refund NCEA Reassessment Fees

- National's Education spokesman, Bill English, today repeated his call for the Education Minister to refund all NCEA scholarship reassessment fees. See... Labour continues to let down top scholars [1] ALSO: - Nats - Problems in NCEA levels 2 and 3 [2] - Govt - English's "campaign of whispers" must stop [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00299.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00296.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00294.htm

Senior Gynaecologist Seeks Independent Inquiry Into Cancer Treatment

- The recommendation of senior gynaecologist Professor Ron Jones for an independent inquiry into cancer treatment services in New Zealand should be responded to urgently, says National's Health spokesman, Paul Hutchison. See... Govt must take cancer crisis seriously [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00302.htm

Hide Says Govt Responsible For Rates Increases

- ACT leader Rodney Hide today said the Labour Party must accept responsibility for local government rate hikes. See... Labour must take responsibility for rate rise [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00290.htm

RMA Reform Designed To Reduce Costs

- Significant improvements to the Resource Management Act (RMA) have been designed to reduce costs and delays, says Associate Environment Minister David Benson-Pope. See... RMA changes reduce costs and delays [1] ALSO: ACT - Labour’s RMA changes set to treble costs [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00305.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00297.htm

Smoke Alarms And Intruder Detectors Reduce School Arson Rates

- A policy that gives new and high-risk schools dual intruder and smoke detection alarms has had a dramatic impact, says Associate Education Minister David Benson-Pope. See... Arson policy has a dramatic impact [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00303.htm

Waitakere Bob Says Don't Tax Tourists: Baldock Reports…

- Waitakere City mayor Bob Harvey and the country's other mayors suggested taxing of tourists to fill local government coffers ignores the fact that they're already taxed - it's called GST, United Future's Larry Baldock said today. See... Don't tax tourists, Bob [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00301.htm

United Seeks Rethink On Home Detention

- United Future's Marc Alexander, who has been supporting a woman brutally attacked by a man a day after he breached his home detention, has backed Sensible Sentencing Trust calls for the scheme to be ended for any offender with a violent background.. See... Alexander supports call on home detention lunacy [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00300.htm

Hawkins Must Act On 111 Crisis Immediately

- National’s Law and Order spokesman, Tony Ryall, says Police Minister George Hawkins should change Police priorities to reduce the risk of more 111 failures. See... Hawkins Must Act Now on 111 Crisis - Nats [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00298.htm

NZ To Build New Hospital For Niue

- The building phase of the New Zealand funded project to build a new hospital on Niue has commenced, Aid Minister Marian Hobbs announced today. See... Work begins on Niue hospital project [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00295.htm

ACT Posts Its Letter

- MPs have concluded that this years Orewa speech was a disaster. National did no polling. The propositions were not put to caucus. Katherine Rich was consulted and offered to resign before the speech was given. See... ACT's The Letter - Monday 14 February [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00306.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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