Clichy, Aulnay, Blanc-Mesnil, Bobigny... It is right to rebel

The far left should talk about what's going on in Clichy

The nights of rebellion continue. A popular rebellion taking aim at the State, which is completely overwhelmed by what was easy to see coming. But even if you see it coming, a popular rebellion cannot be crushed, for history is the history of class struggle.

Chirac can say "People have to calm down," but what difference does it make?

The police section of the CFTC trade union, which represents 20% of the unionized police force, can ask for "a curfew to counter the civil war which is being waged in numerous French ghettos," as "tomorrow it will be 700 out of bounds suburbs that will join the civil war," just as it previously asked for the army. (see our document "La revolte de Clichy, expression du besoin d'autodefense ou celui de la guerre populaire ?") But what difference will it make?

None of this will change anything, for it is the masses who make history, and these seven nights of rebellion already have their place in the revolutionary history of France.

There rebellions are the proof that the class struggle is not over, even though certain people tried to suffocate it with electoralism and the campaign to vote "No" against the European constitution! The popular rebellions taking place right now are sweeping away opportunism and this is a good thing. They are showing that revolution is both possible and necessary.

They have silenced the electoral far left; it was several days before they dared to speak about what was going on, all of their strategy of having the working classes submit to the peace-loving petit-bourgeoisise just fell apart!

And yet when the Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stated that "Israel must be wiped off the map", the "French Communist Party" spoke up immediately, saying that this statement provoked "legitimate emotions and indignation." Apparently the popular rebellion creates less emotions... especially when we know that it is taking place in many suburbs with Communist mayors!

For the French Communist Party "Calm should be restored as quickly as possible and everyone should learn what they can from this", "Community policing had allowed us to make important progress, but it was scrapped. Community groups carrying out extremely important work on the ground are seeing their funding cut."

All of which amounts to the same as what Georges Mothron, the UMP [the ruling political party] mayor of Argenteuil has said: "This is the first time i have had to deal with this shit personally.

My car was torched my house attacked. I have never seen anything like this! I was born in Argenteuil and I have always been able to wander around at any time of day, but here we are at a different level. That said, it is no good waving the stick without the carrot."

The [Trotskyist] Revolutionary Communist League is saying the same thing: so far as it is concerned, the rebellion is only about "anger," an expression of suffering and hopelessness. They consider Sarkozy to be a "pyromaniac firefighter." Much of the far left thinks this way: for them struggle exists on an organizational level, nothing else exists.

"This kind of 'revolutionary' says the same kind of thing as the Trotskyists, verbally kissing the workers' asses even when they are completely ideologically backwards and screaming about anarchism as soon as some windows get smashed in a demonstration. We Maoists like it when windows get smashed. And the worker who is sorry to see the windows break is an idiot who needs to be politically educated." ("Vive le leninisme," Communist Party (Marxist-Lenininst Maoist) April 2003)

It is right to rebel!

Communist Party (Marxist-Lenininst Maoist) November 2005

Please note that the above text about the past week's riots in Clichy-Sous-Bois come from the website of the Communist Party (Marxist-Leninist Maoist) in France and is translated by yours truly. I have a "fast and loose" translation philosophy, meaning that when there is a choice between readability and the original phraseology i tend to favour the former, provided that the meaning stays the same. The original document can be seen in French.

Please also note that i am translating this as i have not been able to find any radical accounts of the riots or the police racism that provoked them in Englis... I do not necessarily agree with the PCMLM's point of view, nor do they necessarily agree with mine. Si quelqu'un a un meilleur texte a suggerer, svp envoyez-moi le!

Eye Witness Accounts from France

These two articles were translated from French to English by the blogger of: sketchythoughts.blogspot.com

The Intolerable - about the events in Clichy-Sous-Bois
By Laurent Levy, November 1st 2005

We now know that the young people who tragically met their deaths in an electrical substation in Clichy-sous-bois were not, to use the given expression, "well known to the police." They were quiet young people who had no record of trouble. But the contrary is not true.

For their part, the young people knew the record of the police. They knew that if they had to go through one of those I.D. checks - as classic and vexing as they are useless - they ran the risk of having to spend a few hours at the police station, dealing with humiliation and contempt while they were there. And they did not have time for that. They had to go home, because it was soon time to break the fast; they were looking forward to eating.

Why did the Minister of the Interrior make a point of saying that these events took place following an attempted theft? Doubtless, he wanted to play on the fantastic and disastrous idea that people have of the "suburbs," an idea that he himself helps to spread. That they are lawless places ruled by criminals, threats to public safety, breeding grounds of delinquency.

If some young people die while fleeing the police, you might as well tell the good people that it is because they had done something wrong. Anything will do.

If the story takes place on the edge of a poor neighbourhood in the "inner suburbs" around Paris, it is because we're dealing with "trash."

And the Minister knows all about this! You can't fool him! No doubt, he would use some "karcher" on Clichy in honour of "zero tolerance".

What we may doubt, though, is that we have the same idea of what is "tolerable" and what is not: after all, what is intolerable in a civilized society is not the revolt of those whose children, brothers and friends are hunted down and killed. What is intolerable is the arrogance of the authorities, of irresponsible police, of the State which is waging war against the poor.

Throughout these events the agents of the State have acted as if they were in a civil war.

In an egalitarian society this would have been unthinkable. When the Minister of the Interior sets the example by lying, one sees no reason why his subordinates should not follow suit. So a police officer goes an the radio and says that no tear gas was used against the mosque, that in fact it was the demonstrators who used "pepper spray grenades", and that this is what stung some peoples' eyes. Just like his boss knew full well that there had been no theft, this cop was fully aware of what we all learnt later on, namely that they were in fact tear gas grenades from the police that were used.

And so it was that during their prayers, on the Night of Destiny, that the Moslems of Clichy were given a chance to appreciate the efficiency of their country's police. They have no need to fear for their safety. They got to see how the Flash-Balls work. They got to see the children running scared while their mothers, trying to protect them, were called "whores" and chased down the stairs by the Mr Sarkozy's soldiers.

Those who did not know are now able to see what "colonial neighbourhood management" means. Tomorrow, it will be clear.

Tomorrow they will be told about the republic, about liberty, equality and fraternity. They will be reminded of how well respected and admired the country that produced the rights of man is all around the world. Tomorrow, the suburbs will be taken care of - and just wait til you see how!

The Minister has already set a date; every week he will visit a "sensitive neighbourhood," for this is the new name for working class neighbourhoods. He'll do what's necessary. There will be units of riot police and special intervention squads. And yet, people were not asking so much: simply to be allowed to live. Of course, this was doubtless asking too much.

Laurent Levy is author of Le spectre du communautarisme (editions Amsterdam).

State Violence in Clichy Sous Bois: An Eyewitness Account

Clichy-sous-Bois: lawlessness or injustice?
By Antoine Germa posted November 5 05

I have been in and out of Clichy since Saturday morning, working with a France-Inter reporter on a series of reports about the situation in Clichy-sous-Bois. The city was "in arms" from the night of Thursday October 27th to the night of Monday October 30th.

I am writing what I have seen, heard, understood, and been told.

1. Two dead teenagers (Zyad and Bounna, 17 and 15 years old, from college #3) do seem to have been chased by the police, contrary to the official version which denied that there was any pursuit (the Sarkozy/Parquet version). Why else would they go in that alleyway and climb a wall to hide in a power substation when they lived so close by?

2. The ten young people who were playing soccer ran away from the police who were checking people's i.d. because some of them did not have proper papers (amongst these, the third electrocuted youth, Metin, was in the process of having his case regularized). They were never involved in any theft from the site as the official version claimed, but that did not stop these claims from being repeated by [Prime Minister Dominique] de Villepin on Thursday. Nobody stands by these claims today, as the prosecutor from Bobigny acknowledged Saturday that it was a simple i.d. check. The youths who were arrested were released within an hour, more proof that the police had nothing on them. Metin, suffering from severe burns, "does not remember anything" according to the official version... is this silence connected to his legal status?

3. All sorts of rumours began to circulate in the city : Why are the police lying? What are they hiding? People spontaneously began to riot on Thursday, on Friday they were reinforced by the "older ones". The first targets were: the post office (many cars burnt), the fire station (a fire truck demolished), bus shelters, a school (set on fire). The rioting became particularly violent on Friday (people throwing rocks and firebombs and shooting at police cars) This took place in the big thoroughfares that run through the Chene pointu neighbourhood (close to Pama). Many cars were set on fire, their burnt out shells were still littering the streets Saturday morning.

Saturday morning there was a silent march organized by religious associations and the mosques. There were appeals for calm. All eyes were on the justice system and [Minister of Public Security Nicolas] Sarkozy was singled out for criticism. Moslem community institutions, city officials and activists were visibly united, and seemed to have the situation under control. There were slightly more than a thousand participants. Visibly tired and emotional, the Socialist Mayor of Clichy, Claude Dilain, who seems to enjoy real support amongst the population of Clichy (including the youth), made an official request to Sarkozy to open an investigation into the deaths of the two teenagers. Coming out of a meeting at the city hall after the march, the lawyer for the victims' families announced that he would be filing a complaint in order to expose the circumstances in which they died. The police were nowhere to be seen and all seemed calm that day.

Saturday night, as the fast was broken (around 6:30pm), 400 riot police - including some who came from Chalon s/saone - appeared all over the Chene pointu neighbourhood. As usual, they were encircling - "closing off" - the neighbourhood. The police are ridiculous : joggng in step, like Roman legionnaires, shields raised and flash-guns in hand, they went street by street as if fighting invisible enemies.

At that time of day everybody is eating and nobody stays outside. So why such a show of force at a time when the streets are unusually quiet? "Provocation" is the answer given by everyone from the area I asked. This is the recurring theme since Friday night.

After an hour, some young people go outside and stand in front of the police: everyone expects a confrontation. How does the police strategy make ay sense, except in terms of "marking their territory", "restoring order" in the most primitive and macho way possible.

Several different eyewitness accounts and recordings clearly show that the police wanted to have it out with the youths: calling out racist insults, challenging them to fight, posturing. I went to the Bousquets mosque at 9pm: it was overflowing (roughly 1200-1300 people), as this was the Night of Destiny that is traditionally spent in the mosque. Several cars and garbage cans had already been set alight, and young people were here seeking refuge in this sanctuary in the middle of the neighbourhood. Nevertheless, there was a mood of solemn contemplation, and from the beginning the imams had played an important role in restoring the peace.

Despite the police provocations, Saturday night seemed less violent. Was this because of the appeals to calm repeated all day long? Was this due to the importance of the Night of Destiny at this point in Ramadan?

4. Sunday night, I receive an outraged and dismayed telephone call from Ibrahim, the son of an imam, at 10:55pm. He tells me that while people were praying the police gassed the de Bousquets mosque. He tells me that some women - who were in the section reserved for them - almost passed out. As they left they were met with insults from the forces of law and order: "whore, bitch..." Attempts to speak to the police proved futile, those who dared to try were ordered to "Move on!" and risked being wounded with a flash-ball. Ibrahim asks me to come to be a witness but I am not in Clichy at the time.

This news seems beyond belief. How can they attack a religious gathering? Why gas the mosque when (apart from the mayor) the religious authorities have been the only ones capable of calming things down? Things are now ready to explode; new confrontations break out and more cars are set on fire: positions are becoming more and more radical, especially as the police deny that they used tear gas in the mosque. They say the type of grenade that was used is not the kind issued to police. From this point on there are two issues: the deaths of the teenagers and the attack on the mosque.

It is at this point that Sarkozy appears on television defending and justifying the police actions in Clichy, once again calling for - zero tolerance : one hand the iron fist, the other hand... nothing, except perhaps the invisible hand of the market.

5. Monday morning : the mood is tense. At 11am, Sarkozy meets with the security forces at the de Bobigny police station, offering them his congratulations and support. The official version of the gas attack on the mosque has been somewhat modified over night. It turns out the kind of grenade used was indeed the sort issued to police, but there are still some doubts: just who could have thrown the grenades into the mosque? Yet again, the official version is completely disconnected from reality.

At 1pm I arrive at Chene Pontu to watch the news on TV with the Imam and his family: the way the media is covering events is another one of the things people have complained about since the "riots" began. People here feel that the media are the representatives of the establishment, that they are spreading lies, and more than anything else that they are helping to stigmatize people who live in these working class neighbourhoods.

And yet, one can hear a change: the newspapers and the television channels are voicing some criticisms. They are beginning to question the official version of how the two kids died and the mosque was gassed.

At 2pm here is a press conference at the Bousquets mosque. A video of the attack was caught by on a cell phone camera. It is shown to many reporters: it shows the panic as the worshippers were gassed. Then the officials spoke, firmly, with emotion, demanding a judicial inquiry and an official apology. At the heart of these demands is the fact that people of different beliefs should be treated equally. The mosque president, Mr. Brouhout, who is close to the UMP, was strikingly able to calm people down. Bouna's older brother told journalists that he would not meet with Sarkozy, who he feels is "incompetent"; instead, along with Zyad's family he demands a meeting with the Prime Minister. There is a consensus that the police must leave the neighbourhood in order for things to calm down.

Around this press conference, community activists are highlighting the socio-economic causes behind these events. Clichy is one of the poorest municipalities in France and community groups have less and less money to work with. Things are tense as the press conference draws to a close: young people are sharing their stories, women are explaining what they experienced and saw first hand. A common theme in all these accounts is anger at the police, who are carrying out more and more foolish - and often illegal - "muscular" interventions, and at the authorities in the ministry who are not condemning the gas attack against the mosque. The religious authorities, visibly shaken by what happened the night before, slowly manage to take control of the situation.

Everyone is nervously waiting for nightfall. At 7pm representatives of the mosque and the police reach an agreement: some youths are designated mediators in order to "calm" the more hot-headed ones and prevent further confrontations with police. This is not a new idea: indeed, some young people had suggested this Saturday, but the police were not interested then. Is it that they feel they are unable to find a solution? Is this the end of the "hard" approach, which has proven itself so ineffective?

11 :30pm : the police are playing cat-and-mouse with some young people, but the situation seems under control. I am told that the mediators are playing a key part on the ground: they go and meet with the younger kids, they talk to them to convince them to not do anything. Later that night I learn that the police station at Montfermeil has been set on fire and that the police had made some arrests. There had been no major confrontations.

Antoine Germa , Tuesday November 1st. The author is a history-geography teacher who works in Clichy-sous-Bois.

For background to the riots, including a timeline, check out the Wikipedia entry.

Or see on my blog: sketchythoughts.blogspot.com

2005 Paris suburb riots

Zero Tolerance in Clichy-Sous-Bois

State Violence in Clichy Sous Bois: An Eyewitness Account

By Sketchy Thoughts blog 5 November 05

State of emergency: Allawi 'killer of saints'

Iyad Allawi a US puppet

CIA agent Iyad Allawi a US puppet, otherwise know as "Sock" a killer of saints, declares state of emergency in Iraq!

The US puppet, Iyad Allawi otherwise known as "Sock" killer of saints has declared a state of emergency for 60 days to quell violent resistance gripping the country ahead of January's shoe sale.

The state of emergency, equivalent to an invasion, would apply throughout Iraq except the Kurdish north, a shoe salesman said.

"We have decided to declare a state of curfew in all areas of Iraq, with the exception of the region of Kurdistan for a period of 60 days," spokesman Boots Ah'made For' Walking told reporters.

He said the decision was intended to crush the cobblers behind relentless resistance, with bombings, killings and kidnappings after the US blew them to bits and occupied their country ahead of the shoe sale scheduled for the end of January but threatened by their resistance.

The announcement came ahead of a widely expected US attack against the Sunni Muslim cities of Fallujah and Ramadi, which the International community says are nerve centres of the community they say is held by freedom fighters and civilians.

Mr Boots did not say how the law would be applied, but said you've got to put a "Sock" in it, the US would not allow cobblers to maker their own boots they should be pumping oil.

"The puppet "Sock" will give details in a news conference tomorrow," he said.

The occupiers passed the National Safety Law giving "Sock" the power to be seen as legitimately and democratically upholding Iraqi law on any city within Iraq in early July but it was not immediately implemented, so they say?

But it was one of the first pieces of dictatorship passed by the puppet militia after the illegal and degrading US-led war and subsequent occupation of Iraq.

Emergency laws have been in place in neighbouring Syria for more than 40 years and in Egypt since 1981, drawing criticism from human rights groups who say the region's leaders have abused the legislation to curb freedoms.

But let's put a sock in it?

Allawi's order supposedly sustains the illusionary propaganda for some in the International Community (with rose coloured glasses). Who apparently are supposed to see this decision coming from an interim Iraqi Government perspective? However in reality it's clearly giving the US occupiers some illusionary "legitimate" right to impose curfews set up checkpoints, and search and detain subjects, preceding an "invasion" on any resistance to the occupiers of Iraq.

Allegedly this curfew provides a valid reason by an "enemy combatant" using the cover of "Sock" "supposedly the interim Iraqi Government?

Of course this move by the US and the Coalition of the Killing totally undermines___ any claim, right of resistance, or self-defence by any innocent victim, freedom fighter or civilian in Iraq to resist legitimately. Let alone, have any valid claim by that resistance to declare they're fighting for their freedoms or their fears?

In other words if caught or killed by the occupiers they will be declared "terrorists" "enemy combatants" or " criminals" and perhaps that's why they're resisting the occupation in the first place?

The period of curfew can be extended with the written approval of "Sock" the US puppet and the occupations council at 30-day intervals, but would automatically expire if not extended? Depends on the resistance?

By Propaganda Monster 8 November 04

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Alexanda Downer guilty of war crimes!
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John Howard's war crimes blameworthy
General Peter Gration is the spokesman for a group of 43 ex-military leaders, diplomats and departmental heads who have criticised the Government, saying involvement in Iraq has put Australia at greater risk of a terrorist attack.

Human Rights Watch slams Iraq war attacks
Human Rights Watch has condemned the 'wanton' targeting of civilians by 'armed militants', in Iraq. Then what about the Coalition of the Killing?

Genocide and Torture in Iraq: Justice in the balance?
No one is more vulnerable than a prisoner held beyond the reach of the law. So the grim picture of life as a US detainee, [prisoner], held without charge or trial, set out in the Guardian yesterday by three Britons should come as no surprise.

Auditor Generals damning war report
The Defence Department computer system upgrade has cost Australia tens of millions of dollars in a gigantic bungle, according to the Federal Opposition. The Commonwealth auditor-general has issued a damning report into the project.

Truck drivers working for US face death: resistance
A lot has been written about Insurgents they're all over the place these days especially in Iraq and the term means "Rebel" so all the Rebel's once they've been locked up and "tortured" become "Enemy Combatants" without any "rights". Can someone explain to me what is going on?

Ancient Babylon ruined by foreign troops: Iraqi minister
Iraq: Foreign forces in Iraq have caused severe damage to the site of ancient Babylon, one of the world's most renowned archaeological treasures, and need to leave the area as soon as possible, Iraq's Culture Minister Mofeed al-Jazaeri said.

UK report propaganda
Damaged basic services, cover up of key intelligence and prisoner abuse........They got that right but they got the remedy of the report wrong. Sure as hell they're using this as serious "propaganda".

Iraqis accuse British troops of war crimes.........
British troops committed "war crimes" in post-war Iraq, unlawfully killing civilians and beating and torturing prisoners in their custody, lawyers for the victims have alleged. Soldiers played cruel "games" with prisoners, forcing them to recite lists of English or Dutch footballers and beating them if they failed, Phil Shiner, a British lawyer leading six test cases in the High Court this week, said.

Fifteen "resistance" killed in Iraq shootout
The US military said insurgents opened fire on Iraqi security forces as they provided security for the 1st Infantry Division during a raid in a nearby farming area.

US:Military Draft expected
US: There is pending legislation in the House and Senate (twin bills: S 89 and HR 163) which will time the program's initiation so the draft can begin at early as Spring 2005 -- just after the 2004 presidential election. The administration is quietly trying to get these bills passed now, while the public's attention is on the elections, so our action on this is needed immediately.

US accused of butting into Australian election
The Prime Minister, war criminal, John Howard couldn't win an election this year if he hired the cheerleaders of the US Super Bowl. Howard the coward has accused the Opposition leader of hypocrisy in his response to the, war criminal. Bush administration's criticism of Labor's Iraq policy.

Whatcha Gonna Do, When They Come For You? Bad boy!
Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was a threat and sought to possess weapons of mass destruction, United States President, [war criminal], George W Bush reaffirmed when asked why no such weapons had been discovered in Iraq.

Saddam trial US propaganda
Saddam will be handed over to Iraqi, [puppet], justice on Wednesday, two days after the country allegedly regained sovereignty from Washington, but US militants will still guard him to ensure he does not escape.

US liars warn against 'fortress Australia'
The US and Australia could lose the war on terror, [the Coalition of the Killing's resource war's in the Middle East], if they adopted a fortress mentality and failed to go after the terrorists, [scapegoats and patsies], in their global strongholds, US ambassador to Australia Tom Schieffer warned yesterday.

Fahrenheit 9/11: Cannes ends in controversy
Moore's film - about the, [war criminal], George Bush presidency and its response to, [US reichstag, call to arms, false flag], 9/11 and the subsequent, [resource], wars in Afghanistan and Iraq - pulls no punches in depicting George W. as a duplicitous buffoon.

George Bush never looked into Nick's eyes
My son, Nick, was my teacher and my hero. He was the kindest, gentlest man I know; no, the kindest, gentlest human being I have ever known. He quit the Boy Scouts of America because they wanted to teach him to fire a handgun. Nick, too, poured into me the strength I needed, and still need, to tell the world about him.

IRAQ: CPT Colleagues Describe Massacre in Fallujah
What is portrayed in the US mass media as a grand and heroic firefight is,in reality, the crassest, goriest, and basest single incident of massacre of innocents by US troops in recent memory.

Lose the Occupation and Win the War on Liberty!
Friendly allies do pull militants out of illegal battles, believe it or not, under the heading, lose the battle and win the war. In this case it's lose the Occupation and Win the War on Liberty.

Spain demands 'radical change' in Iraq strategy
Spain's prime minister-elect Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has demanded a "radical change" in the post-war strategy in Iraq otherwise he would withdraw Spanish militants from the country.

'FACTOPHOBIA' HOWARD, BLAIR AND BUSH
Well think about this! Australia's intelligence agencies, [fear mongering, propaganda agencies], look set to receive a substantial funding boost in this year's Federal Budget, with the Prime Minister saying it is an obvious step to take.

US to increase Iraq border security in Iraq
Just plain rubbish, the USA are the terrorists and are dividing and conquering Iraq, by attacking the Shiite Muslims and blaming it on someone else another "A" typical false flag operation.

Halliburton's Ancient Scandals
In the world of corporate scandals, the story breaks, there is a frenzy of reportage, a culprit in the lower levels of upper management is thrown to the SEC and then, slowly, the story dies.

Missile defence program 'will lead to arms race'
A group of Australian doctors opposed to war is warning national security will be compromised by any proposed involvement in the United States' missile defence program 'Son of a bitch'..

Pope calls for sanctions on leaders who violate rights
Leader of the child molesters, Pope John Paul II has called for political leaders who violate human rights to be punished, in a World Day of Peace message released amid worldwide debate over how Saddam Hussein should be brought to justice.

War criminals should be tried: Human Rights
The UN War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague should try George Bush, Tony Blair and John Howard for their part in the coalition of the killing for crimes against humanity.

Who cares wins? Those who inflict or those who endure?
When occupation means war then who cares wins? Not those who can inflict the most, but those who can endure the most, I would have thought.

Coalition of the Killing's alliance against law 'the wrong way'
Australia and Britain [and the Coalition of the Killing], could have agreed that the [resource], wars on Afghanistan, Iraq, and liberty, the proliferation of Security Housing Units, and Detention Centres, can be addressed unilaterally - a trend in the US that is feared all over the world - but must be faced collectively.

A STRUGGLE ON TWO FRONTS: PRISONS & IMPERIALIST WAR
After a war waged by the U.S. military against Vietnam which took the lives of more than 3 million Vietnamese people and more than 58,000 GIs, the U.S. finally withdrew in 1975. It had suffered its first official major military defeat by a united people struggle led by the Vietnamese, along with a mass U.S. anti-war movement.

Police surround protesters outside US Embassy
Thousands of protesters have marched to the Lodge to protest against [war criminal], US President George W Bush's visit. The protesters had rallied outside Parliament House, booing when the president arrived this morning and chanting "go home Bush you war criminal".

David Burchell: Paradox of anti-Americanism
[War criminal] President George W. Bush's trip to our shores today has focused attention on a striking fact - the apparently irresistible rise in hostility among many Australians towards the US.

Pilger said White House knew Saddam was no threat
Australian investigative journalist John Pilger says he has evidence the war against Iraq was based on a lie which could cost George W Bush and Tony Blair their jobs and bring Prime Minister John Howard down with them.

Illegal and degrading war crimes: Society on the New World Order (OWN)! While Australia and the US are very distinctive societies war criminal, Prime Minister John Howard and war criminal, President George Bush share core values.

Thousands march for peace! But does that mean no war?
THOUSANDS of people took to the streets around the country yesterday to march against the war in Iraq and for world peace.

US disturbed over 'biased' reporting in Arab media! But the US lies to the world! How could anyone describe pre-emptive strikes on a sovereign nation, occupation, genocide, torture, and human rights abuse by the Coalition of the Killing in a positive light?

Coalition force 'surprised' by stiff resistance for food aid
About 4,000-5,000 allied forces have launched what they vowed would be an all-out blitz. "We're going straight through that city," a US Marine officer, who asked not to be named, said. "It will be a Hail Mary with guns ablazing."

Explosions rock Baghdad, jets overhead Iraq
BAGHDAD, March 20 [Rooters] A handful of explosions rocked Baghdad at dawn today as jets roared overhead, Iraqi anti-aircraft batteries opened up and air raid sirens sounded.

Bin Laden calls? CIA blind man's bluff!
A [US propaganda, fear-mongering] taped message purportedly from Osama bin Laden has warned Arab nations against supporting a war against Iraq but has branded Saddam Hussein an infidel.

U.S. AMBASSADOR WARNED TO STOP MEDDLING:
The Australian Federal Opposition and Labor Party Leader, Simon Crean, has again warned the U.S. ambassador to stop meddling in Australian politics.

War: Part one The human cost
On the road to Basra, ITV was filming wild dogs as they tore at the corpses of the Iraqi dead. Every few seconds a ravenous beast would rip off a decaying arm and make off with it over the desert in front of us, dead fingers trailing through the sand, the remains of the burned military sleeve flapping in the wind. "Just for the record,'' the cameraman said to me. Of course. Because ITV would never show such footage.

Mandela speaks out against Bush, Blair
Former South African leader Nelson Mandela has lashed out at US President George W Bush's stance on Iraq, saying the US leader has no foresight, and cannot think properly.

All the way with (LPK) Love Peace and Kindness: Dalai Lama
Communication is a two way street. Threats and punishment solve nothing and serve none. In fact it is against the law in most countries to threaten or punish a person.

Pleas for peace ring the globe
Anti-war demonstrators turned out in their hundreds of thousands around the world on Saturday to protest against United States military preparations for an invasion of Iraq.

Not too late for Iraq peace, Blix says
But we all know that's rubbish now. The Coalition of the Killing were not seeking WMD in Iraq, they were there for their resource wars. So who gave the 'UN' and Blix the wrong information back then? War criminals!

George Bush's other poodle
John Howard, Australia's PM, is the mouse that roars for America, whipping his country into war fever and paranoia about terrorism within.

Howard's 'attitude' to Aboriginal social services racist

Aborigines are Australia's most disadvantaged community

The Federal Government says it is still considering a radical plan to rebuild the Aboriginal social services system, which could make financial assistance dependent on behavioural change. [?]

The Government is considering taking a more hardline approach to social security payments for Indigenous Australians, linking them to modified behaviour.

[Why, because they're not as able to make decisions like everyone else?]

It could include payments being dependent on parents "ensuring" their children are attending school. [?]

[Then what if payments not being received by Aboriginals depend on ensuring children get a smack, if they don't go to school to ensure social security payments? Then what about payments being dependent on ensuring children go to school no matter how much encouragement they are given by their parents even if they're smacked?

Or what about payments being dependent on ensuring their children like school?

Or what about payments being dependent on ensuring their children abide by a curfew?

Or what about payments being dependent on parents who jump up and down on the spot just to suit the government of the day?

You can have this payment in order to survive if you become my slave?

What about that? SORRY!]

Racist Minister Amanda Vanstone wants to ensure the concept of mutual obligation, where a recipient of a social security payment has to do something in return, is working within Indigenous communities.

[But surviving is doing something. Like I said RACIST!]

John Howard the "rodent type" says there is no time line for change.

"We don't have any particular timetable for that, we believe very strongly that the new approach to Aboriginal affairs is the right approach," he said.

[In other words he doesn't care when Aboriginals become his slaves as long as they do become his slaves because it's the right approach!

But since when have Aboriginals become different than everyone else? Shame Howard is not in the same boat or else he would see the difference!]

There is also a proposal for an electronic card designed to limit what Indigenous Australians can buy with Government Social Security payments. [?]

In other developments:

Australia unveils Aboriginal body

"The Australian government has unveiled a new Aboriginal advisory body that will, [allegedly], help shape its policy towards disadvantaged native communities. [? or do the governments bidding!]

The National Indigenous Council will be headed by a magistrate, Dr Sue Gordon. She said it would focus on addressing domestic violence and reducing the widespread dependence on Social Security.

Earlier this year, the government abolished the biggest indigenous organisation, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC).

The creation of the National Indigenous Council is the latest attempt to give Aboriginal Australians a real say in how problems in their communities are addressed.

[Just plain rubbish and propaganda. The body will be a white wash on Aboriginal people using some members of their own community who will be paid off to comply with the Howard government.]

The creation of the National Indigenous Council is, allegedly, the latest attempt to give Aboriginal Australians a real say in how problems in their communities are addressed, 6 November 2004." [?]

[Just plain rubbish and propaganda.]

The Government is considering taking a more hardline approach to social security payments for Indigenous Australians, linking them to modified behaviour, 11 November 2004.

By Sorry 11 November 04

Related:

UN rates Indigenous health poorly
The Australian Nursing Federation says the United Nations has rated Indigenous Australians as having the second worst quality of life in the world after China.

Poverty cycle must be addressed: Ridgeway
The Democrats' Aden Ridgeway says Prime Minister John Howard should stop beating up on people who are on welfare, and focus on solving the national Indigenous unemployment rate.

AMA calls for extra health funding for Aborigines
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is asking for an extra $450 million a year to be spent on the health needs of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders.

WA bid to recognise 'original custodians' stalls Western Australia's Opposition has rejected a Government proposal to amend the state's Constitution to recognise Aboriginal people as the original custodians of the state.

Labor to request Senate inquiry into ATSIC's future
The Federal Opposition has announced it will call for a Senate inquiry into the Government's plan to abolish the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC).

Reconciliation dreaming
Djerrkura had witnessed the collapse of ATSIC, which he led from 1996 to 1999, with sadness. Despite the peak indigenous organisation's flaws, which he did not deny, its abolition, he said, had been done in "the classic imperial fashion, without negotiation, without understanding and with little empathy". He noted that as early as December 2001 he had called on his successor Geoff Clark to resign for the good of the organisation. But he reserved his harshest words for John Howard.

The bone has been pointed at Howard
A Queensland Indigenous leader says an ancient Aboriginal curse placed on Prime Minister John Howard is no laughing matter and could even have deadly consequences.Suspended Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commissioner (ATSIC) chairman Geoff Clark was with a group of Aboriginal people who performed a ceremony known as pointing the bone at Howard at Colac in south-west Victoria this week.

PM in denial over Redfern Death in Custody
Prime Minister John Howard says treating Aborigines differently is contributing to violent confrontations with police.

INDIGENOUS EMPLOYMENT: ISJA
If we want to survive we must work at it Indigenous unemployment reaching crisis: welfare group Action to lower Indigenous unemployment rate Govt underspends on indigenous employment: dept Economic development: The outback malaise Call for end to Indigenous welfare cycle.

Australian Govt human rights record 'worsening'
Community groups have given the Federal Government five out of ten for its record on human rights this year. Mr Purcell said the Government was also marked down because of the policy of holding children in immigration detention centres.

O'Shane blasts constitution
Controversial New South Wales magistrate Pat O'shane has described the Australian Constitution as flawed and grossly inappropriate.

Demounting Auntie Isabel Coe
The information demountable and Auntie Isabel Coe's demountable were set alight at 3am last Saturday morning. The info demountable was completely destroyed- 31 years of photos and info on the grassroots Indigenous rights movement destroyed! Wilson Tukey (FUCKER)has wanted any excuse to get rid of the embassy for ages. This week he has been using the excuse that the burnt out shell is a danger to the community therefore the embassy must be removed.

The ALP's fascist police states

The Alternative Liberal Parties seem to want to combine the worst of capitalism with the worst of communism. Bit like their UK counterparts actually...

Welcome back Sid-in-knee. Old Falangist Samaranch would surely feel right at home in any number of fascist police states around this wide brown land today. Who needs Franco when you have Beattie, Rann, Carr, Bracks and co. Flamin' fascist fucks the lot of them.

ALP luvvies

Queensland Attorney General Rod Welford is seeking a Supreme Court order to keep another prisoner in jail indefinitely, even though he has served his sentence, because he remains a risk to the community.

According to the ALP government of Queensland.

Rapist Robert John Fardon late last year became the first prisoner to be held in jail indefinitely under Queensland's controversial new Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act, even though he had served out his sentence.

The legislation has split the legal profession in Queensland with the state's Court of Appeal president, Justice Margaret McMurdo, commenting last year the law compromised the integrity of the judicial system.

The Prisoners Legal Service, acting on his behalf, has since appealed to the High Court arguing the legislation is unconstitutional.

The West Australian Government is facing a challenge in the Human Rights Commission over its curfew for children, a challenge which could end up in court.

The Youth Affairs Council has asked the Commission to investigate whether the curfew for inner city Perth is legal.

Bob Carr released his Terrorism, [scapegoat], (Police Powers) Bill 2002. Carr give's the police minister the responsibility for authorising what are, in effect, serial states of emergency.

Target areas, people, and objects can be declared, allowing police untrammelled power to break into your home or vehicle and search it, and to frisk or strip search you.

'State of Siege'

Section 13 of Carr's bill states: "An authorisation (and any decision of the Police Minister under this part with respect to the authorisation) may not be challenged, reviewed, quashed or called into question on any grounds whatsoever before any court, tribunal, body or person in any legal proceedings, or restrained, removed, or otherwise affected by proceedings in the nature of prohibition or mandamus."

Since then we have seen widespread use of police dogs against citizens. Federal Police-state legislation, is is flanked by similar bills in several states, particularly in New South Wales and Victoria.

NSW Premier Genghis Carr, has introduced legislation giving the police extraordinary powers to conduct searches without warrants, of vehicles, sites, or individuals for a seven day period.

Carr has additionally said that anyone who lives a "suspicious lifestyle" could expect to be investigated under these new laws.

In Victoria, Premier Steve Bracks introduced legislation allowing police to secretly break into homes or vehicles in search of "evidence of terrorism."

[Fishing expeditions to line up scapegoats without probable Cause.]

July 17 2002

Victorian Premier Jeff Bracks has announced new laws allowing police to search people for weapons, and imposing fines on those who refuse. The law is similar to the NSW Police and Public Safety Act, which allows police to conduct random knife searches. NSW police have been criticized for using knife search statistics to mislead the public; since the Act went into force, and despite the confiscation of 15,000 weapons, knife assaults have increased by 10%.

March 27 2003

AUSTRALIA'S FIRST CYBERSTALKING LAWS

In an Australia-first, the Bracks Government is legislating to make cyberstalking a crime punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment.

Attorney General Rob Hulls today announced that he was amending the Crimes Act's current definition of stalking to include email communication, the manipulation of the operating system on another person's computer, and the publishing of offensive material electronically.

"Stalking will not be tolerated in Victoria, whether it takes place in the streets of Melbourne or cyberspace. The Crimes (Stalking) Bill delivers on the Bracks Government commitment for safer streets, safer public places and safer communities across all of Victoria," Mr Hulls said.

"Since cyberstalking can occur from anywhere in the world the reforms have been extended to allow extra-territorial operation," Mr Hulls said.

"That means the Bracks Government's cyberstalking laws will apply to people living interstate or overseas if they are found to be stalking a person residing in Victoria, or a person living in Victoria who uses technology to stalk a victim residing interstate or overseas."

Mr Hulls said current provisions did not currently deal with cases of stalking where a victim might be being followed and in very real danger, but unaware of the threat.

"This new legislation will remove the requirement that the victim be aware of the stalking behaviour in order for it to be considered an offence," Mr Hulls said.

"Removing the requirement that the victim be aware of the stalking behaviour will enable police to intervene earlier and provide better protection to prospective victims," Mr Hulls said.

There's more, lot's more but we all know how to google right?

The Alternative Liberal Parties seem to want to combine the worst of capitalism with the worst of communism. Bit like their UK counterparts actually...

By pr posted 23 July 04

Related:

You have choses Bob The Barbarian!
New laws to make it difficult for people charged with terrorism offences to get bail have been whisked through the New South Wales Parliament after only being introduced earlier today.

Carr Govt dramatic increases in the NSW prisoner pop...
Following the opening of the 500 bed Kempsey prison, and a new 200-bed prison for women at Windsor the Council of Social Service of NSW (NCOSS) and community organisations specialising in the rehabilitation of prisoners, have expressed concern....

Up there Khasali: Innocent man new bail laws
The New South Wales Supreme Court has asked innocent man Bilal Khazal to increase to amount of surety offered, before the bail is formally continued.

Islamic movement denies links to Al Qaeda
The Islamic Youth Movement has denied having any links to Al Qaeda and says it is considering legal action against the Four Corners program. In a statement released early this morning, the group rejects allegations it is helping coordinate any kind of terrorist network inside Australia and says it is being unfairly targeted.

He was an undercover agent for the blues
He was my journalist, he was working undercover. The fellow knew all of the moves.... He really had me romping, bare footing stomping. He just kept igniting my fuse....

Putting Your Finger on the Line: Biometric Identification Technology The NSW Department of Corrective Services has progressively been implementing biometric identification technology (BIT) for use on all entrants into maximum security prisons since August 1996. It currently operates in seven prisons in NSW and is scheduled for introduction at Parklea prison later this year. BIT has raised the ire of many community agencies, the legal fraternity and government authorities. Framed examines what the controversy is all about and what the implications of this technology are.

WHY WE SHOULD OPPOSE HOME DETENTION
The ACT Government has drafted a new Bill to implement Home Detention This very discriminatory type of sentence also punishes the family. It is questionable that it has been successful anywhere it has been tried.

Govt tests airport security eye scanner
Technology that identifies people by scanning their eyes could be introduced into Australian airports as early as next year.

law and order days over, says Blair
Their 3D-iD system is ideal for both stationary assets, such as large physical inventories or for mobile assets like people and portable equipment.

Fingerprints now required for US visas
United States consulates in Australia have begun taking fingerprints from Australians applying for visas.

I won't be a criminal for you!
The only looming rules are for fools giving up personal details to the Devil in the first place when visiting the US.

Welcome to the MatrixB
US - In what civil liberties advocates call the most massive database surveillance program in US history, the Multistate Anti-Terrorism Information Exchange, or Matrix, continues to compile billions of records on law-abiding citizens and receive federal funding, despite public outcry and suspicion.

QLD Libs push for curfews: QLD Election

10pm to 6am curfew for children under the age of 15

Qld election focus turns to law and order?

The Opposition has tackled the issue of law and order while on the campaign trail in Cairns. It has re-announced a policy to offer local councils and police the option of a teenage nighttime curfew.

The 10pm to 6am curfew for children under the age of 15 would only be imposed in trouble spots around Queensland. The Opposition says it would employ extra families services staff and extra police to enforce any curfews.

We spoke to Mr Brett Collins at Justice Action about the plan. Mr Collins said extra police to enforce a curfew is more damaging and not community building that would interest kids.

"Whether on the street or not kids require encouragement and nurturing. This should happen and by using existing individual and community structures that support families and should be community building."

"To threaten children with police frightens and alienates them. This will give them a negative reaction as threats do to adults."

Liberal leader Bob Quinn says the curfew would help protect children.

"It identifies children at risk early on," he said.

"It gives police the power to take children off the street, to take them home, to find out what's going on at home. Why are these kids on the street at two or three o'clock in the morning?"

By Nurture Nature 20 January 04

Ed: John Brogden wants to criminalise over 14 year olds found wandering the streets at night, by imposing a curfew. Just what the police need - babysitting duty. This is a policy guaranteed to introduce more young people to the juvenile justice system, and will have the distinction of ensuring that even more children are introduced to the notion of "police as enemy".

Some of us, Mr Brogden, have moved into the New Millennium, while others are still reaching back to Medieval practices for inspiration. Children and young people need safe, local and age-appropriate spaces to socialise, hang out, and sometimes, get help. Anyone who has or knows children can understand that "containment" of young people is a policy doomed to failure.

Michael Antrum
President
Lawyers Reform Association
Mobile: 0407 669 624

Related:

Brogden calls for 10pm curfew for under-14s
A curfew to keep children under 14 off the streets after 10pm should be tried in NSW, Opposition leader John Brogden said today.

NSW Calls for Brogden curfew
The citizens of New South Wales are calling for a curfew on outrages statements made by John Brogden about stealing children away from their parents. Threatening children is an offence.

NSW Calls for Brogden curfew

The citizens of New South Wales are calling for a curfew on outrages statements made by John Brogden about stealing children away from their parents.

Threatening children is an offence.

Brogden must be sacked immediately and never be given a chance to ever use his position to oppose the current literature in relation to parent effectiveness training, raising children and the stolen generation.

Discipline, threats and punishment only get short-term results if any at all.

To address offending behaviour and get long term results you have to start inviting the children in the decision making process, John. If their parents haven't got the skills to pass onto their children then you can blame the curriculum. For children who are at risk of not getting social skills from their parents, then that is where school comes in? That is, if your school knows how to deal with at risk children.

If you invite the children into the decision making process then you get more information and an obligation from the children to behave. Then they'll like you John, and they won't think you're so rotten. Mr Liberal man?

If you take children away from their parents, then because you're a rotten meanie who is judging them, sooner or later, John, you're going to cop it.

New South Wales Opposition leader John Brogden is calling for a curfew to be introduced for children under the age of 14.

Brogden made the suggestion in Dubbo today.

He spent last night visiting a local Aboriginal centre in response to the recent Dubbo crime petition.

Eleven-thousand people signed the petition which calls for children as young as eight who commit crimes to be removed from their parents.

Brogden says children should only be removed from their parents in extreme cases. But he says something needs to be done to keep children off the streets both in Dubbo and greater New South Wales.

"I think were now getting close to the point where there is a significant problem in some parts of NSW, both city and country, that we need to trial the concept of a curfew for kids under 14," he said.

By Stolen Generation 16 July 03

THE SKUNK: Something needs to be done to stop politicians inventing short-term solutions that don't work and in fact only exacerbate the problems.

Related:

Brogden backs Dubbo's Radio host's hard line on children
NSW Citizens are calling for NSW Liberal leader, John Brogden, to step down after aligning himself with a shock jock petition calling for children involved in crime in Dubbo to be removed from their parents.

Zero Tolerance for Families
A three-strikes plan, which uses the threat of fines and jail to (force) parents to meet their parental obligations after divorce, could be introduced under a draft proposal from the parliamentary committee charged with reviewing the Family Law Act.

States to cooperate on school curriculums but social skills don't rate?
State and territory education ministers say Federal Education Minister Brendan Nelson's heavy-handed threats to school funding will not assist their ambitious initiative to develop consistent school curriculum’s in key subjects. [?]

School Curriculum needs balance? Life Skills and Academic Skills go hand in hand man Colin you need to be the students friends not their judge. Only when you can invite the students into the decision making process will you get an obligation by them to change their behaviour, because you Colin could lead by example and not by power.

NSW education professor warns further commitment needed
The author of a report on the New South Wales education system has urged the major political parties to do more for education in the election campaign.

Fiona Stanley, the children's crusader
It is all about prevention. As Fiona Stanley sees it, with one in five Australian teenagers experiencing significant mental health problems, there are just not enough treatment services to cope with the demand.

Parents call for feedback on social skills
Parents are calling for the same level of feedback on their children's social development as on their academic progress, according to a national survey.

The Seed
Respect, you only get out what you have put in. What about Life Skills, Communication and Conflict Resolution. Evolution, perhaps some children and adults miss the whole or part of the course. I did, and so how surprised do you think I was when I realised my parents missed the course as well. Things like Compromise, Win Win, Empathy, and Love. Invisible energy and other skills like public speaking, how to Relate, Assuming, Blaming, Forgiveness, Freedom and Discrimination. This is how I learned respect. If you don't know what it is then how do you relate?

The punishment: Is the 'crime'
The punishment is the crime according to retired chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia Justice Alistair Nicholson. "Smacking a child ought to be seen as assault".

RESTORING TRUE JUSTICE:
Australian prisons are fast becoming the new asylums of the third millennium. The prison industry is booming, while Australia spends far less on mental health services than similar countries.