Global Peace And Justice Newsletter#244:

Global Peace And Justice Newsletter#244:

, July 2, 2008

Kia ora koutou,

FUTURE OF THE WORKERS CHARTER NEWSPAPER – SAT 12 NOON TO 2PM Kia ora koutou, The meeting to discuss the future of the Workers Charter newspaper was postponed from last Saturday due to support for industrial action taken by Unite Union members at the airport. The meeting is now being held at: Unite Union, 6A Western Springs Road, Morningside, Saturday 5th July 12noon to 2pm. Bring something to share for lunch – tea/coffee provided. Everyone interested in discussing the paper and its future is welcome to attend. CURRENT SITUATION The paper has approx 250 subscribers and along with donations and a special appeal this has been enough to keep the paper coming out regularly. We borrowed in the first year but by now we are close to paying back all debts. We should be able to finish this year financially square. The paper is also looking a lot better with Brian Van Dam having taken over the layout and finances. Brian has found a much cheaper printer and the paper has expanded to 20 pages. Unite Union no longer prints Unite News as a wraparound to the Workers Charter. In part at least this is because of the proposed union merger of Unite, NDU and SFWU planned for early next year which will involve a new union paper being launched. This is one reason the paper is not “mass distributed” as it previously was. It has in fact become a boutique paper being distributed in relatively small numbers to a general left audience – mainly around the liberal middle class. This is not a problem in itself as it was always envisaged that those able to subscribe easily would do so and this would enable us to print a lot more for “free-of-charge” wider distribution. However that wider distribution is not happening at present.

PURPOSE OF THE PAPER The paper was established through meetings involving a number of people from the “independent left” alongside activists from Unite Union and the Socialist Workers Organisation. The purpose was to develop a broad-left newspaper which would bring workers struggles and working class politics to a wide audience. It would develop into a forum for workers to talk to workers. It would also be agitational – advocating policy and action in key areas of struggle. The strongest supporters at the launch of the paper are still supportive but have developed other priorities – Unite Union is focused on the new union merger and SWO is focused on the RAM election campaign. WHAT WE NEED TO DECIDE The paper has a small (though very loyal) following. However I don’t believe it deserves to survive if it remains a boutique paper on the left without a plan, with wide support, to develop into a mass campaigning newspaper which can be embraced by the wider left. The meeting on 28th June needs to make the key decisions: 1. Should the paper close as it hasn’t met its objectives? 2. Is there much wider support for the paper to develop into a broader-left newspaper as originally envisaged? 3. What groups/individuals are prepared to support the paper in this objective and in what ways? 4. Who is prepared to be on the editorial committee to help achieve this objective? 5. What additional writers are prepared to contribute? 6. How will we expand distribution of the paper? The key question is the second question and this will be the focus of the meeting on 7 July. Please come along and pass the invitation to other who may be interested. We’d love to see you there. In solidarity, John Minto, For the editorial group

GPJA FORUMS – Wednesday, JULY 16 & Thursday, JULY 17 - Auckland “BASES OF EMPIRE - The Global Spread Of US Military & Spy Bases”. Guest speaker: CORA FABROS Public Meetings: 7.30 p.m, Wednesday 16, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Road, Grey Lynn & Thursday 17, 5-6.30 p.m., WT0032, AUT Tower Building, 2 Rutland Street, CBD. Contact: Del Abcede, (09) 3787543, 021 02376917; email [darobie@hotmail.com]

CORA FABROS SPEAKS ON THE GLOBAL SPREAD OF US MILITARY AND SPY BASES Recent events have propelled the Waihopai spybase into the spotlight. It is a US spybase in all but name and NZ’s most important contribution to all US wars. Cora Fabros, from the Philippines, is a veteran activist with the anti-bases, anti-nuclear and peace movement. She is the Asia/Pacific Coordinator of the International Network for the Abolition of Foreign Military Bases. The US is on a global war footing and the Asia/Pacific region is of immense strategic significance.This is the region that Cora will be speaking about. In Japan (particularly Okinawa) and South Korea, the huge US presence covers the full range from nuclear warfighting bases to conventional combat bases to a whole variety of spybases. Despite having been kicked out of the Philippines in the early 90s, the US military is back. Guam, a US territory, has been turned into a major nuclear warfighting base. Australia has given the US permission to build its first new spybase in 40 years. NZ hosts a US military transport base (at Christchurch Airport); and two “New Zealand” spybases, at Tangimoana and Waihopai. NZ’s role as a small, but vital, US satellite must be exposed, and the covert links ended. This is election year and ABC believes that NZ’s continuing links to the US should be a major issue. Cora’s tour provides the regional context for how we aid and abet the US military and intelligence empire. Cora will be visiting all three NZ bases – Harewood, Waihopai and Tangimoana. She is an excellent speaker who has travelled the world for decades (including one previous NZ visit) talking on these issues. And, yes, she speaks excellent English (which is an official language in the Philippines).

OCTOBER 15 ACCUSED SUPPORT GROUP Please check out the website developed by the Wellington support group for the October 15th accused. [http://october15thsolidarity.info] NEW NEWSLETTER FOR OCT 15 ACCUSED – REMEMBER THE STATE TERROR RAIDS [http://october15thsolidarity.info/files/newsletter%20vol%203.pdf]

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GLOBAL MILITARY EXPENDITURE: 2007 FIGURES NOW AVAILABLE SIPRI’s annual compendium of data and analysis of developments in security and conflicts, military spending and armaments and non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament was launched at a press conference in Stockholm on Monday. Below is a summary of the contents - more information, chapter summaries, and details of how to order a copy of the 2008 Yearbook 'Armaments, Disarmament and International Security' are at [http://yearbook2008.sipri.org]

CAMPAIGN TO FREE TURKISH WOMAN UNION LEADER The Turkish government has jailed a woman trade unionist, Meryem Özsögüt, and has kept her in detention for nearly six months. Meryem is a leader of the public sector union SES, and we've been asked by Public Services International (PSI) to launch a big online campaign demanding her release. For more details and to add your signature, please click here now http://www.labourstart.org/cgi-bin/solidarityforever/show_campaign.cgi?c... [http://www.labourstart.org/cgi-bin/solidarityforever/show_campaign.cgi?c=394]

“BASES OF EMPIRE – THE GLOBAL SPREAD OF US MILITARY AND SPY BASES” with international guest Cora Fabros DUNEDIN Tuesday July 8, 7.30 p.m, Alexander MacMillan Room, Dunedin Community House, 283 Moray Place Kay Murray, (03) 4542057, 021 1672843, email: [ksimmondsmurray@xtra.co.nz] CHRISTCHURCH Wednesday 9, 7.30 p.m., Oxford Terrace Baptist Church Hall, cnr Madras St & Oxford Terrace. Murray Horton (03) 3663988, 0274 307742 email: [cafca@chch.planet.org.nz] BLENHEIM Thursday, July 10, 7.30 p.m., Wesley Centre, 3 Henry Street. Steffan Browning 021 725655, email: [sjb@steffan.co.nz] WELLINGTON Monday, July 14, 5.30 p.m., St Johns in the City, Main Hall, cnr Willis & Dixon Sts. Sam Huggard (04) 8033054, 021 1810508 email: [samhuggard@yahoo.co.nz] PALMERSTON NORTH Tuesday, July 15, 7 p.m. PSA House, 1st Floor, 43 King St. Dion Martin (06) 3569658 w, 021 776029 w; email: [dion.martin@ndu.org.nz] AUCKLAND Wednesday, July 16, 7.30 p.m, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Road, Grey Lynn & Thursday, July 17, 5-6.30 p.m., WT0032, AUT Tower Building, 2 Rutland Street. Del Abcede, (09) 3787543, 021 02376917; email [darobie@hotmail.com] DONATIONS ARE NEEDED to help with tour costs. Please make cheques payable to ABC, Box 2258, Christchurch. Anti-Bases Campaign, Box 2258, Christchurch, New Zealand. [cafca@chch.planet.org.nz] www.converge.org.nz/abc [http://www.converge.org.nz/abc]

INTERNATIONAL BRIGADE “50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRIUMPH OF THE CUBAN REVOLUTION” Dear Friends: Next year the Cuban Revolution will arrive to its 50th anniversary: 50 years of solidarity and friendship between Cuba and the peoples of the world. From October 5th through 19th this year, our Institute will welcome the “50th Anniversary of the Revolution” International Brigade and friends coming from all over the world will enjoy this unique opportunity to celebrate this important date in Cuba. We are looking forward to hosting you!!!! Asia-Pacific Division, Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, Email: [dasia@icap.cu] Tlf: (53-7) 838 2430

INVITATION TO VENEZUELA EDUCATION STUDY TOUR A Collaborative Exchange and Study Tour for Academics, Teachers & Students January 2009 Dear Friends and Colleagues, We would like to invite you to participate in the first Education Exchange and Study Tour of Venezuela. A number of educators here in Australia and internationally have become increasingly interested in the radical education reform currently taking place in Venezuela. The study tour will take place in January 2009 and will involve a range of meetings (seminars) and visits with educational groups, institutions, and community organisations. The details of the week are to worked out in conjunction with colleagues from the Bolivarian University of Venezuela, and local schools and community organizations in Caracas. For further details, to contribute ideas and/or to register your interest please contact the organising committee: Tom Griffiths Tom.Griffiths [at] newcastle [dot] edu [dot] au / Jo Williams Jo.Williams [at] vu [dot] edu [dot] au / Roberto Jorquera roberto [at] latinamericasolidarity [dot] org / Jorge Jorquera Jorge.Jorquera [at] rmit [dot] edu [dot] au

WHAT’S ON IN AUCKLAND

Thursday, July 3, 7pm, Te Tuhi Centre for the Arts, 13 Reeves Rd, Pakuranga BOTANY AND PAKURANGA GREENS FUNDRAISING FILM EVENING: “Run Granny Run” - A heartwarming and humourous documentary about an unlikely activist who, at 90, walked across America to rally against the influence of big money in elections. At 94 she stood as a candidate for the US Senate, crafting a feisty campaign that personified her democratic ideals of a government by and for the people. A truly inspirational film of doggedness versus dollars. Tickets $15 ($10 Students/Unwaged). Contact Peter Bankers ([peterbankers@allianceit.co.nz], Tel: 534 7634)

Saturday, July 5, 12NOON – 2PM, UNITE Office, 6a Western Springs Rd, Morningside, Auckland MEETING TO DISCUSS FUTURE OF WORKERS CHARTER NEWSPAPER

Saturday, July 5, 2pm, QEII Square, Customs Street and Queen St intersection, Outside Downtown Shopping Centre RALLY FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE IN PALESTINE www.palestine.org.nz [http://www.palestine.org.nz] On the First Saturday of Every Month. Come support JUSTICE and PEACE based on: 1. End 41 years of Israeli Occupation of the West Bank & Gaza Strip (including East Jerusalem) 2. Right of Return for Palestinian Refugees. 3. Share Jerusalem. 4. Vacate all settlement colonies in Israeli occupied Palestine. 5. Stop Israel's annexation / apartheid wall in occupied Palestine

Saturday, July 5, 7.30pm, 7 Mason Ave, Otahuhu, Off Great South Rd, upstairs, above Laundromat CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF MERVYL MORRISON - A WORKING CLASS FIGHTER & COMMUNIST. Mervyl Morrison was a working-class political activist, union militant, and cadre of the communist movement for more than three decades. She died recently in Auckland aged 71. Messages to the meeting can be sent by post or email to the addresses below. Speakers will include: Joel Britton (Socialist Workers Party, United States), Nick Fowler (Young Socialists), Manuele Lasalo (Communist League, Australia), Brigid Mulrennan (Print Project), Diane Rainey (Print Project), Mike Tucker (Communist League). Organised by the Communist League and Young Socialists. Phone 276-8885, email [clauck@xtra.co.nz] P O Box 3025, Auckland

Sunday, July 6, 11am, 7 Mason Ave, Otahuhu Young Socialists discussion class: “Is socialist revolution possible?” Phone 276-8885 or email [ysnz@xtra.co.nz] for details

Sunday, July 6, 2-5pm, Forde's Front Bench, 122 Anzac Avenue, Auckland Central, Auckland City AUCKLAND LABOUR HISTORY GROUP Presents A TRIBUTE TO HONE TUWHARE - Cover charge: $10 which includes a meal of Irish stew. HONE TUWHARE: Maori, boilermaker, graduate of Otahuhu Railway Workshops, poet extraordinaire, socialist, ‘ruthless democratic’, and unionist died in January 2008. Hone was unique in successfully bridging these different worlds. In doing so he brought humanity to his politics and a ‘magnificent simplicity’ to his poetry and prose. The Auckland Labour History Group for its inaugural event invites you to join it in celebrating the life of this extraordinary man. There can be no more suitable person to represent the spirit and ideals of the Auckland Labour History Group at its launch. The programme includes a showing of Gaylene Preston’s film of Hone Tuwhare, together with reminiscences and commentary from Gaylene Preston, Hone’s biographer, Janet Hunt, Truda Chadwick and Len Richards, as well as renditions of Hone’s work by musicians Graeme Brazier and Steve Abel. RSVP: by 4 July to [nzlabourhistory@yahoo.co.au] or 09 3765989 or 0211659111.

Wednesday, July 16, 7.30pm, trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn GPJA FORUM: “BASES OF EMPIRE – THE GLOBAL SPREAD OF US MILITARY AND SPY BASES” with international guest Cora Fabros from the Philippines, who is a veteran activist with the anti-bases, anti-nuclear and peace movement. She is the Asia/Pacific Coordinator of the International Network for the Abolition of Foreign Military Bases.

BEST ON THE WEB NEW ZEALAND Airport foodcourt staff walk off [http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/410965/1878332] Matt McCarten: To the victor goes the history, but some tell a different story [http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10518888] NZ Cricket urged to boycott 2009 Zimbabwe tour [http://www.radiosport.co.nz/SportsNews/spspo/Detail.aspx?id=139735] John Minto: Schools start to stand up - Until now, criticism of the Government by principals has been confined to irregular grumbling. [http://www.stuff.co.nz/thepress/4593466a16155.html] Sport boycott an option [http://www.stuff.co.nz/thepress/4602236a16155.html]

FEATURES Dilemma: From May 22 to 25, the XIV Sao Paulo Forum was held in Montevideo, Uruguay. Under the banner `The Latin American and Caribbean left in the new time, richness in diversity’, 844 delegates from 35 countries in Latin America, Asia and Europe participated in this historic meeting. The first encounter was held in Sao Paulo in 1990. The debates over the crucial issues of the 21st century are embodied today in the governments which have emerged through the electoral road. The historic dilemma of reform or revolution once again returns to centre stage. [http://links.org.au/node/495] The millionaires’ club has just got bigger [http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/26/stories/2008062655641400.htm] Ending poverty in a carbon constrained world:rapid transition and new development directions http://www.neweconomics.org/gen/endingpovertyinacarbonconstrainedworld.a... [http://www.neweconomics.org/gen/endingpovertyinacarbonconstrainedworld.aspx]

AFGHANISTAN Pentagon admits US 'losing ground and slipping backwards' in Afghanistan war [http://www.asia-pacific-action.org/node/76] Tariq Ali exposes the 'Good war' in Afghanistan [http://www.asia-pacific-action.org/node/75]

BOLIVIA The Rise of Food Fascism: Allied to Global Agribusiness, Agrarian Elite Foments Coup in Bolivia http://boliviarising.blogspot.com/2008/06/rise-of-food-fascism-allied-to... [http://boliviarising.blogspot.com/2008/06/rise-of-food-fascism-allied-to-global.html]

CANADA The Harper `Apology' — Saying `Sorry' with a Forked Tongue [http://www.socialistvoice.ca/?p=304]

INDONESIA Clashes over student death after fuel protest arrest [http://www.asia-pacific-action.org/node/71] Trakindo fires 20 leaders of Mimika strike http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2008/06/30/trakindo-fires-20-leaders-... [http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2008/06/30/trakindo-fires-20-leaders-mimika-strike.html]

PALESTINE An incredibly useful new online resource has been created to spread the word about the Apartheid system being imposed by the Israeli state in Palestine. The web site has some very simple ways for you to join the World wide anti-apartheid movement. To view the website: [http://www.itisapartheid.org/]

TONGA The Tongan Riots [http://www.rebelpress.org.nz/imminent/nine/tonganriots.html]

VENEZUELA Taking stock of the Bolivarian Revolution: Changing Venezuela by Taking Power [http://links.org.au/node/498] Youth Orchestras: A Factory of Better Citizens for Latin America [http://www2.minci.gob.ve/noticiaingles.asp?num=1646]

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