Global Peace And Justice Auckland Newsletter #108, September 19, 2005

Dear friends,

PICKET THE US CONSULATE THIS SAT 24TH @ 11AM. This is part of an international day against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and we are also linking it to the man-made disaster in New Orleans. Our poster “Stop the War – Support the Poor” can be downloaded from: http://gpja.pl.net/files/stopthewarsupporthepoor.pdf

HELP NEEDED TO PASTE UP ANTIWAR POSTER THIS TUES 6PM, UNITE OFFICE, 6A WESTERN SPRINGS RD MORNINGSIDE. DROP BY TO PICK SOME UP IF YOU WANT TO DO SOME AT ANOTHER TIME.

NEXT GPJA FORUM MON OCT 3: CHIEF HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONER ROS NOONAN will give a background to Human Rights in general both civil and political rights as well as cultural, social and economic rights. We would also like her to talk about the Human Rights Action plan for New Zealand released earlier this year.

Human Rights Council member Anthony Ravlich has written a document titled “Capturing the Dream: Economic, Social and Cultural Rights included in the Human Rights Commissions’s Action Plan” that is available from: http://gpja.pl.net/files/RAVLICH.pdf

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

“I hated my part in the charade of murder and horror. My efforts were contributing to the deaths, to the burning alive of children — especially the children. The photographs of young Vietnamese children burned by napalm destroyed me.”: Ralph McGehee former CIA intelligence analyst

"There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people for a purpose which is unattainable." : U.S. historian Howard Zinn, 1993

“You're not to be so blind with patriotism that you can't face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or says it”: Malcolm X

"The history of mankind shows that from the beginning of the world, the rich of all countries have been in a permanent state of conspiracy to keep down the poor of all countries, and for this plain reason - because the poverty of the poor man is essential to the riches of the rich man. No matter by what means they may disguise their operations, the rich are everlastingly plundering, debasing, and brutalising the poor. All the crimes and superstitions of human nature have their origin in this cannibal warfare of riches against poverty. The desire of one man to live on the fruits of another's labour is the original sin of the world. It is this which fills the world with faction and hypocrisy and has made all past history to be what Gibbon so justly described it - 'a record of the crimes, absurdities, and calamities of mankind.' It is the parent injustice from which all injustice springs." British Chartist movement leader, Bronterre O'Brien, 1835

MESSAGES A big "people's power" campaign is developing over the imminent threat to Pikes Point, the last green space left on the edge of the Upper Manukau Harbour. The owner of Pikes Point is Ports of Auckland Ltd (POAL), which is owned by Auckland Regional Holdings which, in turn, is controlled by the Auckland Regional Council (ARC). POAL wants to turn Pikes Point into a giant car lot. Increasing numbers of cars are being landed at Waitemata Harbour. Instead of using the ample land at Waitemata to store them, the powers-that-be want to preserve this high-priced land for more profitable purposes, and instead truck & rail the cars to Pikes Point on the Upper Manukau. In essence, the port company wants to export its problems from Waitemata's yuppieville to grassroots Manukau. This is outrageous from the standpoints of: * Fairness and democracy (the authorities should have the same rules for both the Waitemata & Manukau Harbours). * Protection of the environment (preserving green space on the water's edge, rather than tarsealing it for a car lot). * Creating a recreational vision for the Manukau Harbour (just like the "visioning" exercise for the Waitemata going on right now). RAM, in the shape of ARC councillor Robyn Hughes & myself, have been in the forefront of this campaign and in the organisation of communities around the Manukau Harbour. We initiated the establishment of a wider community group called Manukau Harbour Enhancement, which is backing the campaign to preserve Pikes Point as open green space. Robyn has filed a notice of motion for the next ARC meeting to stop POAL evicting the community clubs which currently occupy Pikes Point. She has also filed an in-depth report on the issue for other ARC councillors. Both documents are attached. Things will come to a head at the next ARC meeting on 26 September. The Pikes Point clubs have promised to mobilise hundreds of their members to pack out the ARC Chamber. They will support a green space submission by the chair of Maungakiekie Community Board in the Public Forum preceding the ARC meeting, then support Robyn when she raises her motion during the council meeting itself. RAM is calling on its supporters to join the Pikes Point club members at the ARC meeting. Together our "people's power" can stop the car lot madness destroying this irreplaceable green space. PLEASE COME ALONG TO SUPPORT. DETAILS OF ARC MEETING: 6pm on Monday 26th September, ARC Chamber, Vodafone House, 21 Pitt St, central Auckland. Hope to see you there. Please forward this email to your own contacts and urge them to attend. Thank you. Grant Morgan, Organiser of RAM - Residents Action Movement, 021-2544 515, 634 4432 (day & evening), gcm@actrix.gen.nz

WHAT’S ON IN AUCKLAND

Wednesday, September 21, 12-1pm, WA area opposite library, AUT MAKE A STATEMENT ABOUT PEACE: Write a statement about peace and paste it on a peace wall. Enter a competition by making a verbal statement about peace.

Wednesday, September 21, 6pm, B28 (the lecture theatre underneath the Library), University of Auckland, Princes St. PEACE IN ISLAM - History, Precept and Practice: A public lecture by AHMED ZAOUI Salaam (peace) is at the core of Islam. The Qu'ran is replete with exhortations to non-violence over violence, and forgiveness over retribution. The life and actions of the Prophet Mohammed are an example of the value in which Islam holds peace. The challenge of transforming precepts into contextually relevant practices can be met, it is argued, by a commitment to dialogue, and education about the essential principles of Islam. Ahmed Zaoui has become a familiar name to many New Zealanders. He hit media headlines for being the first person in this country to be detained without charge for almost two years. Mr Zaoui was initially accused of having links to an armed Algerian group, however, the Refugee Status Appeals Authority, a world-respected independent tribunal, cleared his name and found Mr Zaoui deserving of refugee status in their most extensive investigation to date. However, Mr Zaoui's fate remains undetermined as the government still refuses to release the secret information on his alleged connections. In Algeria, Zaoui was an Imam (priest) and an academic who specialized in Comparative Religious Studies. Currently, he is residing on bail with the Dominican Friars. This has afforded him the opportunity to continue his work, which focuses on how inter-faith communications can be used as a vehicle to promote justice and human rights.

Wednesday, September 21, 6pm, Orewa Beach, Hibiscus Coast, Rodney District FLOWERS ON THE OCEAN.The Rodney District Branch of the United Nations Association of New Zealand, in conjunction with the Mayor John Law and Rodney District Council, invites everyone in the community and nationwide to celebrate United Nations Day of Peace on September 21st. Join us on that day where the Nukumea Stream meets the sea at the northern end of Orewa Beach. As a symbolic gesture of peace we plan to gift flowers to the ocean, flowers being the symbol of love and compassion, and water the source of all life that sustains and links humanity together. In Peace, Catherine Shrigley, Pres. UN Association Rodney. Ambassador for Peace IIFWPC. (+649) 4266972. aslan@xtra.co.nz

Saturday, September 24, 11am, US Consulate, Customs St, Downtown INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST THE WAR

Monday, September 26, 6pm, ARC Chamber, Vodafone House, 21 Pitt St, central Auckland Protest threats to Pike’s Point

Monday, September 26, 7 - 9pm, Room 032, ClockTower Bldg, 22 Princes Street, Bldg No. 105 CHILD POVERTY IN NEW ZEALAND; Education course with Diane Robertson, Innes Asher, ONZM, BSc, MBChB, FRACP; Alan Johnson, BTP, MPhil (Hons) (convenor). Children are fundamental to the future of our society however an estimated 300,000 children in New Zealand are at present growing up in poverty. This places New Zealand near the bottom of the child poverty table which ranks the world's 26 richest nations. Living in poverty, where there is inadequate food and poor housing, has long-term effects on children's health, education, social and emotional development. This seminar will outline the current situation of the health and well-being of New Zealand's children and young people. We will look at current policy in this area and suggest ways in which improvements may be made so that all New Zealand children can reach their full potential. There will be an opportunity for discussion between the audience and speakers at the conclusion of the seminar. Innes Asher is a Paediatrician, who has worked with children for more than 30 years. She works at Starship Children's Hospital and in 2002 she was appointed as Professor of Paediatrics at The University of Auckland. She is member of the Management Committee of the Child Poverty Action Group in New Zealand. Diane Robertson made history by becoming the Auckland City Mission's first non-clergy, female City Missioner in March 1998.Prior to that she was Director of Social Services for the Mission. She currently sits on a number of boards including The Auckland University Community Advisory Board and Social Investment NZ. She is also a member of the Child Poverty Action Group. Alan Johnson is a Public Policy Manager at Auckland Regional Council with a long experience in local government and community activism. Class Number: 38121; Cost: $22.00 or $12 (students/unwaged). To enrol ph: 3737599 ext 87832 or online: www.cce.auckland.ac.nz Kind regards, Jo Davies, Programme Manager,Community Education Centre for Continuing Education, The University of Auckland, Ph: 3737599 ext 88693; je.davies@auckland.ac.nz

Monday, October 3, 7.30pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Road, Grey Lynn. GPJA FORUM: CHIEF HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONER ROS NOONAN will give a background to Human Rights in general both civil and political rights as well as cultural, social and economic rights. We would also like her to talk about the Human Rights Action plan for New Zealand released earlier this year.

Saturday, October 8, 7.30pm, Classic Comedy Bar, 321 Queen St, City On 9 October 2004, Auckland returned a centre-left council. To celebrate one year in office, we would like to invite you to a fund-raising birthday debate (tickets $20 waged, $10 unwaged). WHAT: A fun debate: "After one year of a City Vision/Labour Council the women are winning!" WHO: MC Chris Trotter; Boys team: Mark Gosche MP (captain), Cr Vern Walsh, Cr John Hinchcliff; Girls team: Hon Judith Tizard MP (captain), Cr Leila Boyle, Cr Cathy Casey. A cash bar and free nibbles will be provided throughout the evening and entertainment until late. If you would like a ticket please advise Cathy soonest on cmcasey@xtra.co.nz or telephone 09 620 1952 or 0274 744231.

Saturday, October 22, 10am-5pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn WORKERS CHARTER CONFERENCE. (Social in evening, same venue). Register with Grant Morgan 021 2544 515; workerscharter@actrix.co.nz

BEST ON THE WEB

NEW ZEALAND Doco: Chance To Be In Same Boat As Tampa Refugees http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0509/S00119.htm

TONGA Thousands Turnout for The PSA Feast For The People http://www.tongaonstrike.com/

ANTIWAR On September 24, people around the world will demonstrate against the war in Iraq, with thousands marching on Washington to a rally headlined by Cindy Sheehan. Our new interviews with Phyllis Bennis, Phil Donahue, Amy Goodman and Danny Schecter explore the media's role in selling and covering the war in Iraq. http://www.iwtnews.com/videoindex Memory's Revenge: The planners of Operation Iraqi Freedom forgot another thing on the road to Baghdad: how veterans would affect their ability to get new boots on the ground http://www.motherjones.com/commentary/columns/2005/09/memorys_revenge.html The St. Patrick Four: The Feds Confront the Anti-War Movement http://www.counterpunch.org/petras09162005.html http://www.stpatricksfour.org/press09-13-2005.php U.S. worries about the toll Iraq is taking, poll finds – Majority favour immediate withdrawal http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/09/16/news/poll.php Galloway/Hitchens Debate - British MP George Galloway v. Christopher Hitchens: A debate on the Iraq war http://www.democracynow.org/

VENEZUELA How United States Intervention Against Venezuela WorksBy Philip Agee, Venezuelanalysis.com http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/articles.php?artno=1548 President Chavez's Speech to the United Nations: The full respect towards the principles of International Law and the United Nations Charter must be, Mr. President, the keystone for international relations in today’s world and the base for the new order we are currently proposing. http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10315.htm Transcript: Hugo Chavez Interview: Venezuelan President On Rocky Relations with Washington http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/print?id=1134098

ENVIRONMENT Global warming past the point of no return http://news.independent.co.uk/world/science_technology/article312997.ece

PALESTINE How to Succeed as a War Criminal http://www.altpr.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=486&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0 Video: Ariel Sharon: The Accused - The man who is now Israel's Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, sent Lebanese militiamen into the Palestine refugee camps of Sabra and Shatilla. When they left 36 hours later at least 800 people lay dead after a rampage of murder, torture and rape. http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article6403.htm Killing Us Not So Softly, But Slowly: Ever wonder why nine thousand Palestinians are behind bars and upwards of one quarter of Palestinian men have been detained by the occupiers? Perhaps the same reason the US detains Iraqis, ninety-nine percent of whom according to Ali Shalal al-Qaysi, the hooded Christlike Iraqi prisoner, are innocent. http://snipurl.com/hpp9

AUSTRALIA Australian Complicity in Iraq Mass Mortality: The US, UK and Australia are clearly complicit in horrendous avoidable mortality and infant mortality in a swathe of invaded Asian countries in the post-1950 era. This now raises the philosophic issue of responsibility. http://snipurl.com/hqp1

PHILIPPINES Philippines suffers poverty divide http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4245422.stm

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