Poverty Population & Development

3 billion of the world's people (one-half) live in 'poverty' (living on less than $2 per day). 1.3 billion people live in 'absolute' or 'extreme poverty' (living on less than $1 per day).

800 million people lack access to basic healthcare. 17 million people, including 11 million children, die every year from easily preventable diseases and malnutrition.

800 million people are hungry or malnourished. Nearly 160 million children are malnourished worldwide. 11 million people die every year from hunger and malnutrition.

2.4 billion people lack access to proper sanitation. 1.1 billion do not have safe drinking water. By 2025, at least 3.5 billion people or nearly 2/3rd's of the world's population will face water scarcity. More than 2.2 million people, mostly children, die each year from water related diseases.

275 million children never attend or complete primary school education. 870 million of the world's adults are illiterate.

3 million people die every year from HIV/AIDS. Approximately 25 million people have died from AIDS in the last 20 years. 70 million will die from AIDS by 2020. 40 million people are currently infected with HIV/AIDS, who will die within 10 years. 13 million children have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS since the epidemic began, and the number is expected to double to 26 million by 2010.

Over 100 million people live in slums. An estimated 25 to 50 percent of urban inhabitants in poor, developing countries live in impoverished slums and squatter settlements.

The richest 1% of the world's people earned as much income as the bottom 57% (2.7 billion people). The top 5% of the world's people earn more income than the bottom 80%. The top 10% of the world's people earn as much income as the bottom 90%. The richest 16% of the world's population receives 84% of the world's annual income.

The wealth of the world's 7.1 million millionaires ($27 trillion) equals the total combined annual income of the entire planet. The combined wealth of the world's richest 300 individuals is equal to the total annual income of 45% of the world's population. The world's 3 wealthiest families have a combined wealth equal to the annual income of 600 million of the world's people. The wealthiest one-fifth of the world's population receive an average income that is 75 times greater than the poorest one-fifth.

Poor countries (which contain 4/5th's of the world's people) pay the rich countries an estimated nine times more in debt repayments than they receive in aid. Africa alone spends four times more on repaying its debts than it spends on health care. In 1997 the foreign debts of poor countries were more than $2 trillion and growing. The result is a debt of $400 for every person in the developing world - where average annual income in the very poorest countries is less than a dollar a day.

By Reality 16 October 05

Related:

The clock is ticking: Aboriginal Leaders
Aboriginal leaders say only immediate action will remedy the appalling state of remote communities in the Northern Territory, writes.

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.

Galloway: Cry for social change
"The only way to make poverty history is to make the G8 history.(snip) Some of the most dangerous men in the world are in Gleneagles Hotel this week. They are responsible not only for the renewed and terrifying drive to war that characterises the start of the 21st century. They also preside over a system that is itself the biggest killer in the world.(snip)

Malnutrition strikes 1 in 3 Africans: UN
One in three Africans suffers from malnutrition and a total of 852 million people in the world suffer from hunger, the United Nations says in a new report.

Annan urges UN members to 'make poverty history'
World governments must embrace a broad strategy ranging from trade and debt forgiveness to handing out mosquito netting to "make poverty history", United Nations chief Kofi Annan says.

Kenya faces hunger crisis
The United Nations is appealing for help for up to 2 million people facing hunger in Kenya.

Health catastrophe looms in Sudan: UN
A malnourished Sudanese refugee child lies at a feeding centre in Iriba Town in Chad.

UN estimate of Darfur deaths soars to 180,000
More than 180,000 people have died in Sudan's conflict stricken Darfur region over the past 18 months, UN humanitarian affairs chief Jan Egeland says. The United Nations had previously estimated about 70,000 dead from the fighting, disease and malnutrition linked to the Darfur conflict.

UN links herb smokers to terrorism?

UN links herb smoker...?

Antonio Maria Costa: "We know that even the occasional marijuana smoker is a link in a much longer and more dangerous chain."???

Lighting a cigarette--linked to bushfires!

Motor vehicles emissions--linked to cancer!

Alcohol linked--to corporate takerism!

Would you mind telling us why other dangerous products and legal drugs are not included in the UN'shit list?

Big Pharma linked to--WHOM?

Ford and Holden linked to--WHOM?

Mazda linked to--Zoom, Zoom Zoom!

Oil linked to-- greed and war!

And he tipped his hat and said 'happy motoring'...

ABC - SPECIAL: The United Nations drug agency has warned that even occasional use of marijuana is a link in a long and dangerous cycle of crime, degradation and terrorism.

I can see the versatility with those links now? All pot smokers are urban terrorists? Great way to curb the habit? Lock em all up and rendition them to china?

ABC: "The links between organised crime, drug trafficking, drug consumption, drug money, arms trafficking and terrorism become clearer every day," said Antonio Maria Costa, executive director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

But not the link between organised governments, oil, corporations, big pharma, breweries, and tobacco? I wonder why that is?

Antonio Maria Costa: " We know that even the occasional marijuana smoker is a link in a much longer and more dangerous chain."

Just like a rock-- is linked to an-- earthquake?

We also know that even the occasional driver, pill popper, smoker and drinker is linked in a much longer and more dangerous chain. So what! All matter is linked no doubt.

In a message to mark an international anti-drug day, UN secretary-general Kofi Annan warned that drugs are "little more than tickets to a dead end."

Just like Central Governments, Wars, Big Phama, Texico Oil, Holden, and Ford perhaps, and also like some other corporate media giants.

Governments marked the day with drug bonfires, and, in the case of China, by executing convicted drug traffickers.

Beauty? We could start with hoWARd?

Is this another attack on the indigenous people of Afghanistan or what?

In Afghanistan, where the UN has warned that narcotics trafficking is undermining the country's fragile security, officials put almost 60 tons of opium, heroin and hashish to the torch, according to General Mohammad Daud, the deputy minister for counter-narcotics.

What has that got to do with smoking herbs you might ask?

Afghanistan is the world's largest drug producer and supplies almost 90 per cent of the opium used to make heroin.

In Burma, the world's second largest drug producer, the military regime used the occasion of the anti-drugs day, as it does every year, to burn a huge stash of opium, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamines at a ceremony attended by diplomats and foreign journalists.

In China, still conditioned by the awareness that opium ravaged previous generations and opened the door to foreign imperialists, the Government marked anti-drug day by executing dozens of traffickers.

Is that a joke son? Perhaps Geoff Raby can put that on his Human Rights agenda with Minister Shen Guofang in the current discussions about Australia and China's human rights records.

In the southern city of Guizhou, 24 people were convicted of trafficking this weekend, and five were immediately executed with a bullet in the neck, according to official media.

The Vienna-based UNODC, which was to publish its annual report in Stockholm on Wednesday, estimates that 200 million people are users of illicit drugs around the world, with 40 million of those chronically addicted.

But killing people is good way to solve the problem? Immediately executed, but I wonder, 'were they given a fair trial'? That's what you call setting an example?

Thought police

Illicit drugs don't include central governments, corporations, big pharma, oil companies? The tobacco industry? Or even the Alcohol industry? Mmmmm!

'Tickets to a misinformed end me thinks'

ABC: In his message, Mr Annan said that drugs "might have names that sound colourful or enticing, such as crack, pot, junk, crystal meth and disco biscuits".

"But these are little more than tickets to a dead end," he said.

But not unlike illegal and degrading wars? Inhumane and degrading treatment of prisoners, torture, and the Coalition of the Killing I suppose? As well as george w bushit, tony blurter, john hoWARd, oil, plonk, fags, diazepam, piss, Johnny Walker, Jack Daniels, or even margaritas? Not even a Tooheys or two?

But at last some good advice

As one means of combating drugs, Mr Annan recommended "participation in sports to improve health and well-being, teach the value of teamwork and discipline, and build self-confidence".

As long as it's not military training in the special-forces or army to improve teamwork, discipline, and to build self-irrationalism then that's okay!

All things in moderation can help as well and also to stay away from things that might harm you if you know about it that is?

A good place to start would be to stop illegal and degrading wars, killing, maiming and torture, motor vehicles, harmful products and some of the legal drugs first so the government's and corporations can set an example for the rest of us?

War in Afghanistan

ABC: "In Afghanistan, last year's poppy crop was the largest in history "because everyone thought they could grow poppy with impunity," said Habibullah Qaderi, the minister in charge of counter-narcotics.

He said that Afghanistan had "turned the corner" in the fight against drug trafficking, but Mr Costa said recently that while the area planted with poppies was shrinking, the productivity for each hectare was increasing.

Afghan and Western officials have said several senior officials, including provincial governors and police chiefs, were involved in the narcotics business.

Mr Costa, who also heads the UN's Vienna office, said "traffickers, warlords and insurgents in Afghanistan control quasi-military operations" in a trade that last year was estimated to be worth $A3.6 billion.

Burma, where the ruling military is accused by the United States of participating in the drugs trade, says it has destroyed drugs with a street value of almost $19.5 billion and slashed its production of opium.

Nevertheless, UNODC says at least 1.15 million people still depend on poppy crops, and narcotics produced in Burma continue to flood Asian markets, Europe and North America.

Despite draconian punishments for traffickers, the drug problem is getting worse in China, and contributing to the spread of AIDS through the sharing of contaminated needles.

The official China Youth Daily said the number of drug addicts in China reached 791,000 at the end of last year, an increase of 6.8 per cent on a year earlier.

But the official figure is "just the tip of the iceberg," legal scholar Pi Yijun told the Beijing News. The real figure, he said, is "shocking".

Still, the drugs agency was able to point to a few successes in the war against drugs, including Laos, which for the first time in many years is no longer consider a supplier of illegal opiates to the world market."

But what has all that got to do with smoking herbs in Australia? Nothing! Just more propaganda so the government can send troops to Afghanistan to help out with the occupation and to get everyone else hooked on legal drugs that they benefit from and can procure.

By Bud Hemp and Bongo Jack 27 June 05

Related:

Howard off to US, UK - part 5
PART-5- PRIME minister john hoWARd will meet US president george w buSHIT, British prime minister tony blair and queen 'imperialism' herself during a 10-day visit to the United States and the UK next month.

Searching for resistance in Afghanistan
Tribal leaders listen in a meeting in Miana Shien, Kandahar province, southern Afghanistan, on Saturday in an attempt to end the fighting that has killed more than 175 freedom fighters since Tuesday.

Court: Patients May Not Use Pot Legally?
US: WASHINGTON - People who smoke marijuana because their doctors recommend it to ease pain can be prosecuted for violating federal drug laws, the Supreme Court ruled Monday, overriding medical marijuana statutes in 10 states.

People: 'Prisoners' of Drugs'
People who are addicted to heroin usually take the drug because it relieves them of problems such as low self-esteem, distrust and fear of abandonment. They may have poor communication skills & poor relationship skills.

THE DEATH PENALTY - WORLDWIDE
During 2004, at least 3,797 people were executed in 25 countries. At least 7,395 people were sentenced to death in 64 countries. These figures are only reported cases - the true figures were certainly much higher - many countries continue to execute people in secret.

An Outline of the Game of Life

What follows is a greatly simplified model of the purpose of life, as set out in far greater detail, and often with considerable obscurity, in various spiritual teachings from past ages. The Snakes and Ladders metaphor used here is a practical explanation, and is not deeply grounded in research and science (although some such forms of evidence do exist).

The advantage of this simplified model is that it brings the nature of the game of life to the fore and skirts past all potentially diverting considerations of the details of its underpinnings. It is the latter area that usually bogs down in debates between those people who choose to believe in the existence of a divine judgement mechanism and those who want to see it proven beyond doubt - which is something that we might never be able to do while we are in our human form.

Even young children understand the principles of the game of Snakes and Ladders. A player moves a counter over a board according to the throws of a dice, and the aim is to travel from the 'start', at the bottom of the playing area, to the 'finish' at the top. Throws of the dice which land a player's counter on the foot of a ladder advance it to the top; throws that land on the head of a snake send the counter back down to the end of the tail.

The board-game of life can be likened to snakes and ladders, but with 'free will' operating each time the counter lands on the foot of a ladder or the head of a snake. In life we have the freedom to choose whether we will travel up a ladder or down a snake.

Usually, deciding to climb a ladder has some 'cost' attached; we have to give up something in order to rise up the board by way of a ladder. Conversely, going down a snake can bring us some form of gain, we might choose to cheat someone, or we might even decide to kill them in order to gain an advantage or to keep a secret hidden from the world.

Because we have the 'gift' of free will and are not constrained by fate in the same way that the player of a normal Snakes and Ladders game is, we can choose whether to give and do good - climb a ladder - or to take and do harm - slither down a snake.

Thus, we can strive to reach the 'finish' or we can decide to ignore that goal (often because we have no faith that there actually is a 'finish' or reward for helping others at our own expense) and deliberately cause havoc for our personal gain or satisfaction.

The people who travel down snakes of their own free will are not usually convinced that there is any divine 'score keeping' involved in the game of life. They reason that if they can escape detection or hire a skilled lawyer who is able to get them off any charges of wrongdoing they have somehow 'won'.

Only those of us who recognise the existence of a divine design and plan behind the game of life are concerned to climb ladders and reach the top of the board of life.

A perfect life is beyond most of us, we inevitably go down a few snakes from time to time. But we can all strive to finish as high on the board of life as we possibly can. In this regard it is never too late to switch from choosing snakes to choosing ladders.

The Rule of Law and its attendant judicial punishment processes universally fail to recognise this fact. Wrongdoers are either confined in prisons under conditions that make it difficult to just survive, let alone find ladders to climb, or in the case of capital crimes they are increasingly likely to be executed.

The 'justice' system ends the game and they are denied any opportunity to regret their crimes and seek to reform their lives. Paradoxically, the agents of judicial punishment who prevent wrongdoers from resuming the normal game of life are completely unaware that they themselves travel down a snake each time they take such 'legal' actions. Ultimately, they can finish lower in the game than those they judge and punish.

Teachings from the ancients and present-day shamans suggest that the board-game of life is played many times, just as snakes and ladders is played repeatedly. However, people brought up on mainstream religions that emphasise one life and either heaven or hell to follow have lost this understanding. Most of them have also given up the notion of a judgement day and consider that the end of their life is the final end - nothing exists for them beyond death.

Of course, these ideas are contrary to the teachings of the various religions, but those institutions have been progressively marginalised by the secular power of nation states and federations. All present-day religions have also been overshadowed by the materialistic cultures spawned by commerce and capitalism.

Is it too much to attribute the decline of spirituality to the growth of central governments and economies based on taker philosophies? Not at all. The Renaissance in Europe began the process of sidelining spiritualism five centuries ago.

The Reformation broke the temporal power of the Roman Church and also split its religious following. At the same time the flow-on effects of Johannes Gutenberg's mass printing technology transformed Europe into a thriving hub of commerce and conspicuous consumption. These changes laid the foundations for the present Level 3 Civilization, with its focus on the material world and the acquisition of material possessions.

History tends to happen in cycles. The second wave of communication technology is now having the same effect that mass printing did during the Renaissance; it is connecting information and thoughts in ways that are exposing and undermining the power of nation states and federations. At the same time there is a resurgence of interest in meaning, particularly amongst young people and the elderly.

Those in their middle-life stages would also be concerned with meaning, but they are so enmeshed in their repayments - mortgages, credit cards, etc - and a daily struggle to advance within a system of relentless economic scarcity, that they have little time to think about such esoteric matters as the meaning of life. Even women, who used to stay at home and raise their children on a full-time basis, are now forced to work to make ends meet. Only the very young and the very old presently have the luxury of time to wonder and search for meaning.

But the situation will change as it becomes apparent that there are new alternatives to economic scarcity and predatory globalism. Soon, everybody will be seeking new meaning and new opportunities to climb as many ladders in the game of life as they possibly can. Once this happens a Level 4 Civilization will be assured.

2nd Renaissance -40 An Outline of the Game of Life [277]

By Lothar posted 14 March 05

Related:

The legend of the Good and the Evil, or Devil's Mischiefs
Once there lived on earth the Good and the Evil. The Good was keeping its goodness, and the Evil (it was also called the Devil) strived to make mischiefs to the Good. And it has always been going this way.

Dump Howard, old news.....
Fascist Prime Minister John HoWARd says he always reads and follows opinion polls and the latest survey shows the Government has a fight ahead of it.

CALL TO ACTION of the ANTI-WAR ASSEMBLY
Two years after the invasion of Iraq, there is more opposition to the war in the US, in the coalition countries, and all over the world than ever before.

Noble Cause Torture?
AUSTRALIA: The Labor Party has decided not to support a Senate inquiry into new allegations made by Mamdouh Habib that the Australian Government cooperated with Egyptian intelligence authorities who he insists tortured him.

Guantanamo challenge puts off Hicks trial
Australian [scapegoat] suspect David Hicks's 'military trial'?, has been further delayed due to the postponement of a separate legal challenge to the US's legal process for Guantanamo Bay detainees?

Detention Centres, Solitary Confinement
On Friday night the NSW Council for Civil Liberties awarded Sydney solicitor John Marsden honorary life membership. Julian Burnside was invited to make the speech in Marsden's honour. In the course of his speech, Burnside referred to the unregulated use of solitary confinement in Australia's immigration detention centres, criticising it as inhumane and also as unlawful.

Creative conflicts: Community Forum
NSW : The Forum on Australia's Islamic Relations.

The legend of the Good and the Evil, or Devil's Mischiefs

Once there lived on earth the Good and the Evil. The Good was keeping its goodness, and the Evil (it was also called the Devil) strived to make mischiefs to the Good. And it has always been going this way.

One day the Good got distracted from its important matters - there was an interesting programme on TV, they've been showing cartoons - and the Good likes to watch cartoons. And came the Devil who's always wearing a medal on his breast - to make everybody think he's a man.

He came to the temple - where the Good was keeping its goodness - and took advantage of the absence of the Good: the Devil sawed off the cross, tore down the bell, demolished the wall, blocked the entrance with a pile of stones, put icons and valuables into a sack, put the priest into that sack, too, shouldered the sack and carried it far away.

Meanwhile, the TV programme was over, the Good came back to the temple and saw the devastation. The Good cleared the devastation, put soldiers around the restored goodness to protect it, and went seeking for the Evil to punish it.

The Good found the Evil - it was simple enough as the Evil was hiding nearby - put it into a sack and let it down into an ice-hole. And at this very instant the Good turned into the Evil.

But soon the Evil that was in the ice-hole got out from the sack and out of the ice-hole. But the Good that wasn't Good anymore but turned into the Evil, caught the Evil another time and cast it down the ice-hole again. And it happened this way several times.

There became too much Evil; there was only Evil all around. As they were fighting, the Evil never wanted to turn into the Good, while the Good turned into the Evil several times.

It seems to me that the Good becomes tired of being the Good all the time, and the Evil is never tired of being Evil. What can be done with that? (Monologue of a 10 year-old boy at a session).

"Children with problems are closer to the modern world outlook of an artist. A "normal" group most likely implies an outdated, stereotyped approach. It's guided by the "I do it well" principle, that is, in compliance with some rules. However, it's not the matter of creativity and self-expression. It makes one ponder about that." Vadim Flyagin, artist.

"The art therapy event that took place in the "Borey" Gallery has shown quite clearly that in the creative process the opposed notions "healthy" and "unhealthy" retreat into the background. Children and adults, who were creating wonderful objects in a common space, "translated" their emotions, feelings and personal experience into the language of art. Their unification went through symbolical communication - through artistic images, music, movement." Nana Zhvitiashvili, art critic.

"The idea of integrating the socially isolated groups is an important system-forming factor capable of changing life of not only handicapped people, but of the whole society by making it more open and sensitive to needs of all its members. The concept of rehabilitation as of the process leading to restoration of personal and social significance of a handicapped person equally addresses his personal needs and the surrounding everyday landscape." Natalia Martsinkevich, child psychoneurologist.

"Every person has his own answer to the eternal questions - "Who and What am I? What is the world I'm living in?" Creativity is that very path following which one seeks answers to these questions as well as means of answering. The insight into the creative moment yields strength to overcome obstacles and solve internal and external conflicts". Olga Platonova, psychologist.

"The phenomenon of surrounding natural and everyday landscapes - seemingly so irresistibly and irreversibly fixed once and for all - dwells, in fact, within us, in our intuitive ability and readiness for the creative transformation - of both ourselves and the World. These abilities just need help to reveal." V.A. Gousev, Director of the State Russian Museum.

"All life could be framed within art." Claire Manson, founder of "The Studio Upstairs"

By Claire Manson 14 March 05

Related:

An Outline of the Game of Life
What follows is a greatly simplified model of the purpose of life, as set out in far greater detail, and often with considerable obscurity, in various spiritual teachings from past ages. The Snakes and Ladders metaphor used here is a practical explanation, and is not deeply grounded in research and science (although some such forms of evidence do exist).

Dump Howard, old news.....
Fascist Prime Minister John HoWARd says he always reads and follows opinion polls and the latest survey shows the Government has a fight ahead of it.

CALL TO ACTION of the ANTI-WAR ASSEMBLY
Two years after the invasion of Iraq, there is more opposition to the war in the US, in the coalition countries, and all over the world than ever before.

Noble Cause Torture?
AUSTRALIA: The Labor Party has decided not to support a Senate inquiry into new allegations made by Mamdouh Habib that the Australian Government cooperated with Egyptian intelligence authorities who he insists tortured him.

Guantanamo challenge puts off Hicks trial
Australian [scapegoat] suspect David Hicks's 'military trial'?, has been further delayed due to the postponement of a separate legal challenge to the US's legal process for Guantanamo Bay detainees?

Detention Centres, Solitary Confinement
On Friday night the NSW Council for Civil Liberties awarded Sydney solicitor John Marsden honorary life membership. Julian Burnside was invited to make the speech in Marsden's honour. In the course of his speech, Burnside referred to the unregulated use of solitary confinement in Australia's immigration detention centres, criticising it as inhumane and also as unlawful.

Creative conflicts: Community Forum
NSW : The Forum on Australia's Islamic Relations.

Deadly Tokyo bombing raid remembered

Japan has marked the 60th anniversary of the US air raid on Tokyo that killed about 100,000 people.

Ceremonies have taken place across the city, including one attended by members of the royal family.

The speeches at the service were restrained, laying no blame and referring to the appalling death toll as a tragedy brought about by war.

There was little anger expressed towards the Americans by the survivors either?

Most said their experiences that night had simply instilled in them a lifelong passion for peace.

The city has built a small museum and a few monuments to commemorate the bombing raid.

But this day is always overshadowed by the much larger events later in the year, marking the anniversaries of the two atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

By Just Us 11 March 05

Related:

BIG PICTURE SMALL WORLD

No more children for Baxter, pleads SA

The South Australian Government is urging the Commonwealth not to shift any more children into the Baxter detention centre in the state's north.

Under the $142 million Immigration Detention Strategy announced in the Federal Budget, Western Australia's Port Hedland detention centre will close and its 52 detainees will shift to Baxter, which in turn is to undergo a $500,000 upgrade,

South Australia's Families and Communities Minister Jay Weatherill says Baxter is not an appropriate place for children and the plan will place further tax State Government agencies.

"We're keen to ensure that no burden is shifted onto the State Government and we're also extremely concerned if there are going to be additional children placed in detention," she said.

"The children that are in there already should be immediately removed."

Director of the Catholic welfare agency Centacare, Dale West, says the Commonwealth should either shift Baxter to a capital city or completely overhaul Australia's detention system.

"I think we do have an opportunity if we are going to be spending money, to reassess it's location, to reassess the nature of that environment and to have a look at what we're actually doing to people who are detained in our detention centre system," he said.

By Paramount Welfare 13 May 04

Related:

Australia: F-word used in erection year
"If you can have children it's a good thing to do," the Treasurer preached to hundreds of reporters at his budget lock-up press conference. "You should have, if you can - not everyone can - one for your husband and one for your wife and one for the country," he said.

Child detention breaches UN convention: human rights report
There are currently 86 children in detention in Australia and more than 70 on the Pacific Island of Nauru. The Federal Opposition, [as well as of at least half of Australia], has called on the Government to act on the report immediately.

Detention centre media ban criticised
The Howard Government has been criticised in a report by media freedom advocate Reporters Without Borders for stopping journalists covering the conditions in refugee detention centres.

Refugee protests expected to move to Sydney
Refugee advocates look set to protest in Sydney this Easter instead of the Baxter detention centre near Port Augusta in South Australia's north.

Baxter detainees' drug use 'not monitored'
The Australian Democrats say detainees at the Baxter detention centre in South Australia are being given high levels of psychotropic medication without adequate monitoring.

Legal action considered to return asylum seeker
The Australian lawyer for an asylum seeker stranded in an airport transit lounge in South Africa says she is looking at court proceedings to bring him back to Australia.

Santa Clause is coming to Baxter
On the 1st day of Christmas 'We give you the gift of peace'.
On the 2nd day of Christmas 'We give you the gift of Joy'.
On the 3rd day of Christmas 'We give you the gift of love'.
On the 4th day of Christmas 'We give you the gift of hope'.
On the 5th day of Christmas 'We give you the gift of faith'.

Ombudsman launches Port Hedland riot inquiry
The investigation comes at the request of the incoming Labor party president, Carmen Lawrence. Soon after the riot at the Western Australian detention centre about two weeks ago, Dr Lawrence released a statement alleging guards had beaten a 14-year-old boy and used a cattle prod on another.

Nauru staff 'fear children are next'?
The group representing the asylum seekers on Nauru has denied women and children have joined the strike and says they have not been asked to take part. [In other words "A" typical fear-mongering by Vanstone like kids overboard to gain some political leveraged!]

More asylum seekers join hunger strike
More asylum seekers in mandatory detention on the island of Nauru have joined a hunger strike to protest against the Federal Government refusing them refugee status. There are concerns that some of the hunger strikers may suffer serious injury or death from dehydration.

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. A national review conducted by groups including the Australian Council of Trade Unions and churches has concluded Australia's record on human rights has deteriorated.

Downer out of touch: Archbishop Carnley
Anglican Archbishop Peter Carnley has called on Alexander Downer to lift his game, saying the Foreign Minister has put Australia into a "difficult position internationally".

JUSTICE KIRBY: JUDICIAL ACTIVISM
Kirby's insight is decent, last week Justice Kirby threw at the Federal Government's barrister, the Solicitor-General David Bennett QC, in a ground-breaking case heard in the High Court, testing for the first time Australia's Mandatory Immigration Detention Scheme.

Howard Govt: Absolute vacuum on Compassion, Reality and Justice
The Northern Territory's Labor Senator, Trish Crossin, says the Federal Government showed no compassion for asylum seekers when it excised Melville Island from Australia's migration zone earlier this month.

Refugee policy, here is a new project: Burnside
The idea is to have thousands of Australian citizens writing to federal parliamentarians asking very simple, but hard, questions about the key aspects of refugee policy. I have devised a letter writing kit for this purpose. I attach a copy. It contains instructions which, are, I hope, fairly clear.

New A-G Ruddock has no regard for the independence of courts
As immigration Minister Ruddock's respect fell short of human rights when he tried to stop appeals introducing the Pacific Solution which means if an illegal immigrant is picked up in Australian waters by our navey they are sent elsewhere for processing. If their application for asylum is rejected they can be deported without legal appeal in Australia.

Judge renews child detainee release call
A Family Court judge, for a second time, has appealed to Immigration Minister, Philip Ruddock to address the issue of children in detention.

Ruddock to challenge Family Court ruling
Ruddock said it is unfortunate the Full Court of the Family Court made the decision. He said a successful High Court challenge could see the children returned to detention.

Children in Baxter Detention Centre: Tell me a fable...
Opponents vow to fight yesterday's Family Court ruling against the release of five children from South Australia's Baxter detention centre has strengthened the resolve of groups fighting the Federal Government's policy of detaining child asylum seekers.

Where did you say you reside Mr Carr?
New South Wales Premier Bob Carr says a protest outside Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock's Sydney home should have been called off for moral reasons. Mr Carr says people who want to protest against the Federal Government's immigration policies should do it in Sydney's CBD, not outside Mr Ruddock's home.

Three protesters tricked outside Ruddock's house
Protest organisers have been critical of police actions at a pro-refugee rally near Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock's Sydney home.

Australia: Child detention, tell me a fable...
Democrat's leader Andrew Bartlett wants all children in immigration detention centres released, in the wake of the Family Court refusal to put a stay on one of its landmark rulings.

Amnesty calls for release of children from detention centres
Human rights group Amnesty International is pressuring the Federal Government to immediately release children from detention centres in the wake of the latest report on detainee children.

Child detainees 'living in a nightmare', report finds
A report being released today documents disturbing evidence about mental health for children in detention centres. The report is a joint work by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, NSW University and NSW psychiatrists.

Demonstrators prepared for Baxter protest
Thousands of demonstrators will converged at Port Augusta in preparation for this weekend's expected protest at the Baxter detention centre.

May Well Be: Xmas 2003

I would have no problem with fundamental Christians if they were fundamentally following Christ's teachings and example, instead of dragging up old Scripture, like pharoses, to bitch about gays, without mentioning the other doozeys from Deuteronomy, like how ungodly "exit mould" is, who you can rightfully enslave, and the evil of polyester/cotton blends.

If you're interested in what Jesus actually said about marriage, have a look at Matthew 19v10-12.

Is he implying that androgyny is more Godly than being a husband or wife?

Even when he wasn't kicking over the tables in the temples, he didn't have much respect for religious authorities, who he said were not righteous enough for heaven.

(See, for example, Matthew 5v20)

People who swear on the Bible should read Matthew 5v34-37.

Jesus Christ

This man was not born on Christmas Day

He was Born in September 6 B.C.E. December 25th was chosen hundreds of years later to convert those who celebrated this as (the Persian God) Mithra's birthday, and to colonise the Pagan Yuletide customs around the Winter Solstice.

This man never got a bike for Christmas

As an infant, he was given gold, incense and embalming herb. Somehow this is now supposed to justify an annual orgy of envy, consumption, acquisition and greed.

This man never justified war

"Blessed are the peacemakers" Matthew 5v9

"Turn the other cheek" Matthew 5v39

"Love your enemies" Matthew 5 v44

This man never tried to ban gay marriage

Or lock up refugees, or dictate who is "good" and who is "evil".

"Judge not, that ye be not judged" Matthew 7v1

His only commandments are to love God completely, and to love each other Mark 12v30-31

May you with peace and love blessed be

By Nori May Well Be 18 December 03

Related:

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.

Updated 2009:

THE EMPIRE OF "THE CITY" (World Superstate) part 1

THE EMPIRE OF "THE CITY" (World Superstate) part 2

COMOROS: THE WAR ON LIBERTY

Colonel President Azali Assoumani

Freedom for Said Larifou! Democracy in Comoros!

PARIS: The Comoros are locked in an endless social, economic and democratic crisis with frightening consequences for the present and future.

Under the relentless control of Colonel President Azali Assoumani, the Union of Comoros suffers increasingly intolerable infringements of human rights and democratic freedoms. Still without an elected national or local assembly, despite the "Foumboni 2" agreements reached under the auspices of the international community, the Comoros are more than ever directed autocratically and without a system of democratic checks and balances.

It is impossible to count the cases of pure and simple censorship of the written press and the radio. Unjustified and illegal arrests are increasing people from all walks of life are thrown into prison without legal recourse. They share the common will to reject this unbearable situation. They are disliked and feared by the ruling caste who controls the power "for" and "by" itself.

We firmly denounce this inhuman situation which serves to accentuate the isolation of the Comoros on the international scene; their image is damaged, harming their development.

It is within this general framework that a great popular anger has spread in the Comoros, following the unilateral decision by the government to increase basic commodity prices, in particular that of food staples. The lawyer Said Larifou, president of the RIDJA party, having been particularly outspoken on this issue has paid a heavy price: he was brutally arrested and continues to be retained as a hostage in the Comoros - more than one month after his arrest - without the benefit of a trial and the right to leave Moroni! He is the victim not of a legal decision - he has not been charged - but of a political decision.

This must cease. Not only for Sa•d Larifou, but also for the whole of the Comorian people. It is time to stop these unjust methods which have made of Said Larifou a "symbol" despite himself, and from which no one has protection either now or in the future. We cannot accept that whomever peacefully demands freedom and democracy in the Comoros be thrown in prison!

This is why we solicit the Comorian community in France to demand the release of Said Larifou and democracy in Comoros. We address this plea not only to the Comorian authorities but also to governmental authorities, political parties and associations in France, Africa and in other parts of the world which can support this cause usefully and effectively. We have therefore decided to undertake peaceful mobilization actions in the next few days, and invite you to join the support committee chaired by Mrs. Said Larifou which is open to all people of goodwill who believe in humans right everywhere in the world.

Contact us : La RZunion / phone : 02 62 25 56 25 e-mail : larifou@wanadoo.fr

France Paris / mob: 06 85 80 4722
e-mail :ahmed.mahe@wanadoo.fr

By MAHE AHMED posted 5 November 03

Related:

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.

SOOTHSAYERS OR SLAYERS? 'Imperialists'NSW Police Force

LATE last year the NSW Force set up protesters by placing an ad on the mainstream media news network professing that there was going to be violence at the peaceful demonstrations against WTO and now the war on Iraq. See link below: NSW Police incite violent protests at WTO meeting.

The violent spectacle began at Town Hall and resulted in two police officers and a number of protesters being injured. At least 45 mostly teenage participants were arrested including a boy aged 10 after the rally erupted into violence about 12.30pm.

Assistant Police Commissioner Dick Adams said it was clear a large proportion of protesters had come to the rally "for the express purpose of fighting police."

"We had a group of people who went to Town Hall [for] nothing other than to incite trouble," he said.

But that is what Adams said the night before and now guess what his prediction come true but was it a prediction?

Our kids are smart not stupid wake up Adams and grow up you fool and tell your boss our kids are smart. Not just that they should get a pat on the back and be proud of themselves for demonstrating for peace. Clutching placards condemning Prime Minister John Howard and US President George W. Bush, a 2000-strong group of students many wearing their school uniforms gathered for the protest at midday."No war, no war, no war, no war, no war, no war, no war no could be heard as it echoed along the street" said, GKCNN undercover reporter Don't Setmeup.

Setmeup said, "Students burnt an American flag before moving on to Hyde Park, where scores of protesters cavorted in the Archibald Fountain. Hundreds of police officers surrounded the exits to the park, ensuring the crowd was contained within its boundaries." After leaving the park, the marchers moved through the Pitt St Mall and Castlereagh St, before congregating outside Mr Howard's Phillip St offices where they were divided and locked into a space. Told not to move and jailed into position. There, the protesters hurled further insults while as least 50 police, including mounted officers, tried to contain them.

Australian Arabic community leaders condemned the violent clashes but rejected police claims the perpetrators were Middle Eastern men.

Australian Govt feels sorry for blowing up Iraq and donates $2 million to Iraqi children's appeal

"We're in Basra right now as we speak , in fact I've had a note just this morning from our people in Basra and they are working today in Basra to restore water and to deliver clean water to as I say 100,000 children under the age of five," Ms Phillips said.

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."

By ObiWan Kenobi 27 March 03, State Undercover Reporter

THE PARENTS: Shame on you Dick Adams trying to trick our kids you fool. May the Force be with you Luke!

Related:

Carr out of touch with public about new police powers
It will bring together 70 specialist staff such as [so called terrorism experts like Andrew Scipione ?] police, forensic experts and intelligence analysts [from the CIA and FBI ?] under the one roof to plan and prepare for a possible terrorist attack [false flag operation] in the state. At the same time, the Premier has also announced police will soon get extra powers to deal with terrorism. [State terror focused on dissent.]

Police show their real colours 'blue'
Several thousand people have marched through the centre of Sydney protesting against globalisation and the treatment of asylum seekers. Police provided the protesters with an escort despite refusing to issue permits for demonstrations.

NSW police incite violent protests at WTO meeting
The commander of the security operation, Dick Adams, is expected to discuss some of the details of the large police operation later today, including plans to set aside special areas for protesters outside the venue. Meanwhile, Sydney high school students are vowing to walk out of classes on Friday to protest against war and globalisation.

The scavengers of terror
The NSW Government is to introduce increased police powers bill. Legislation giving New South Wales police special powers to deal with an emergency terrorist situation [emergency scapegoat situation] will be introduced into the New South Wales Parliament today.

Give peace a chance
PIERS AKERMAN DT 28 Nov 02: JUSTICE John Dowd should be removed from the bench. His crime? Stupidity. In a breath-taking display of hand-wringing sanctimonious morality, Dowd has condemned the State and Federal Governments' anti-terrorism measures, claiming they erode rights and give encouragement to oppressive regimes.

Bills, Bills and more Bills NSW Parliament deep in debt
NSW Parliament is unjustifiable creating intellectual debt, Academics, politicians, judges, lawyers and volunteers.

It is an absolute disgrace to: Undermine civil and democratic rights The event, hosted by a State MP Lee Rhiannon just a week before the meeting of the World Trade Organisation in Sydney, has enraged Police Minister Michael Costa, who said using the House for the event was appalling. Upper House Greens MP Lee Rhiannon is hosting the forum for about 60 people in State Parliament's Jubilee Room on November 8.

When Johnny comes marching home again: 'hoorah hoorah'
Posted on the Resistance web page Bronwyn Powell, an organiser of the youth-led mobilisation told Green Left weekly that "in the face of attacks on civil liberties, it is unfortunate that some union officials have felt they need to submit. It could set a negative precedent for upholding the hard-won right to demonstrate in the street."

Moment of death 'HoWARd'

JOHN Howard lost the war for public opinion as Australia braces to invade Iraq by the end of the week. With nationwide anti-war protests, and Labor scrapping 30 years of bipartisanship on sending troops overseas, the Coalition has failed all Australians.

Mr Howard's support as preferred prime minister has dropped to its lowest level since July last year.

And satisfaction with the way the Opposition Leader is doing his job opposed to the Democrats and the Greens is declining.

There is no support for a war with Iraq, particularly without UN backing.

There is no support for a war with or without UN backing by most people who vote and that has risen in the past six weeks from one in five Australians to three in four, as the Prime Minister provoked terrorists possessing weapons of mass destruction and is a "nightmare", facing demonstrators and hecklers at every meeting he has attended.

[And if they only knew Howard was also complicit in the call to arms Bali bombings, then he'd be locked up in prison today.]

After a televised address putting his case for war, and then a media blitz last week, satisfaction with Howard's performance was at an all time low and the Coalition has embarrassed all Australians.

On a national two-party-preferred vote, after the notional distribution of preferences, the Coalition doesn't stand a chance over the ALP as it did at the last election, 5 per cent to 50 per cent.

On the question of who would make the better prime minister, Howard's support decreased from 54 per cent to 5 per cent, his fifth successive fall, taking him a long way back behind the levels of support in July last year before the sighs he reached after the [US false flag, call to arms] Bali bombing in October.

But Mr Crean's rating on the choice of who would make the better prime minister was changed on 54 per cent after his media campaign stamping a clear anti-war policy on Labor and calling for the pre-deployed Australian troops in the Gulf to be recalled.

Mr Crean's satisfaction rating dropped to the lowest he has had as Leader of the Opposition, 27 per cent, down from the previous 29 per cent because he supported war and violence as a way to solve problems even with a UN backing.

Dissatisfaction with the way Mr Crean was doing his job has stopped its steady rise of late, falling from a record 55 per cent to 40 per cent. Dissatisfaction with Mr Howard's performance was virtually changed on 95 per cent.

The Greens have campaigned strongly in the NSW state election on an anti-war message, their support was changed on 40 per cent. Anti-war sentiment, in a separate series of questions asked by Newspill last weekend exclusively for John Howard, skyrocketed.

When asked if they were against war with Iraq without UN endorsement, more than two-thirds of those surveyed, 68 per cent, said they were against. But those for the war, even without UN backing, fell from 22 per cent two weeks ago to 5 per cent.

By Vio Lence 18 March 03

THE TEACHER: How do I defend myself? Whatever you do Grasshopper do not attack. Why? Because you will always underestimate your opponent.

LATEST UPDATE: John Howard doesn't listen to Poll's!

Related:

Evidence that Howard was complicit in CIA, false flag, call to arms, Bali bombings War criminal John Howard was complicit in the call to arms - false flag operation - Bali bombings - instigated by the CIA - and the Coalition of the Killing - to bolster support - and quell dissent for their illegal and degrading resource wars in the Middle East.

War criminal Howard high-jacks HRCA to 'legitimise killing'
The Human Rights Council of Australia (HRCA) says it fears Prime Minister John Howard's comments in support of the execution of [CIA operative] Osama bin Laden show his eagerness to overturn three decades of national opposition to the death penalty.

PM lost in space! Pre-emptive Strikes & Star Wars Defence!!
War criminal PM backs missile defence investigation but he is not on his own. Bob Carr dubbed Darth Vader after draconian laws were introduced in NSW following John Howard's threats to strike first and ask questions later.

State terror units caused the terror!
The level of suspicion and surveillance created by the [US false flag operation and call to arms] Bali bombings, created by [ the Coalition of the Killing and Australian's complicity to go to war on Iraq] means that all Australian's suffer the loss of their human rights, civil rights and their democratic rights, as well as those Australian's who lost their life in Bali.

Al-Qa'ida or poor people without hope?
Anyone contemplating war without a UN sanction is nothing more than a common criminal and not acting in accordance with the law. Isn't Richardson the head of ASIO? A law enforcement agency? Al-Qa'ida is a Coalition of the Killing demon made up by the CIA. These people are just scapegoats, patsies, and peasants."

Doom gloom and 'Boom' Downer shakes the room?
"Optimism is better and so is 'constructive feedback' because using constructive feedback means that the negatives also have a role in the construction of a nation. In short we have all the time in world to solve problems properly and that is what our leaders should be focusing on when they decide to inform all Australians. Hey what's the rush?" He said.

Hypocrisy not Democracy? No Blood for Oil!
Howard has refused to back down on the threat of war despite hundreds of thousands of Australians rallying against it. The question is why?

Red paper classes Australia as terrorist suspects
Australia's old foreign policy red paper says Australians have become targets because their own government is being run by war criminals that are complicit in state terror, torture, murder, occupation and genocide.

Australia backs CIA Reichstag, Downer's propaganda
The Foreign Affairs Minister says the latest message from Osama bin Laden is worrying. [Just plain rubbish!]

UK Reid, Blair and the reichstag London threat!
The nature of the [alleged] terrorist threat to London is on the scale of the [USA false flag] September 11 attacks in the United States, the chairman of Britain's governing Labour Party said.

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.

Hill defends decision to attack Iraq: Step by step?
FEDERAL Defence [War] Minister [Sinister] Robert Hill has defended the government's decision to send troops [ send militia] to the Persian Gulf [ to attack Iraq] in readiness for any [pre-emptive strike that would cause a] conflict with Iraq.

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.

US prepares for trade talks with Australia but it's not worth it!
The office of the United States Trade Representative has started formally preparing its negotiating position for the first round of talks on a free trade agreement between Australia and the US.

First strike and you're out!
The ideology of a super loser? John Howard shocks the nation again. A nation who cannot believe Howard's stupidity following his [complicity in the CIA's false flag operation, the Bali bombing.]

UN charter doesn't reflect new self-defence needs: Hill?
The Defence [War] Minister, Robert Hill, says the United Nations' charter needs to be changed to help countries defend themselves against potential threats. [?] [Pre-emptive strikes on soveriegn nation states like Iraq and Afghanistan?]

Australian Propaganda

Middle Eastern: Specific Legislation
"If there is a target person the police would have powers in relation to that type of person," Mr Costa said. Asked what he meant by "type of person", Mr Costa said: "The example that's been given is if there's a description of somebody, an identikit photograph released by Interpol or other agencies ... these powers may well be exercised on that type of person."

Howard defends terror alert
Prime Minister John Howard says the Federal Government would not have issued a terror alert if it had not come from a credible source. (America?) Speaking for the first time since the Government revealed the warning, Mr Howard says he wants people to be more careful, but not to stop living. [As long as they don't go dancing in Bali? And sure we'll all be depressed for as long as John Howard and Bob Carr say so.]

Carr backs Fed Govt's terror alert
New South Wales Premier Bob Carr has defended the Federal Government's decision to issue a warning to Australians about a possible terrorist attack in Australia.

NSW Police Force may get 'special powers'
Civil libertarians are questioning the need for further anti-terrorism laws, which will be announced in the New South Wales Parliament on Tuesday.

When Johnny comes marching home again: 'hoorah hoorah'
Posted on the Resistance web page Bronwyn Powell, an organiser of the youth-led mobilisation told Green Left weekly that "in the face of attacks on civil liberties, it is unfortunate that some union officials have felt they need to submit. It could set a negative precedent for upholding the hard-won right to demonstrate in the street."

Give peace a chance
PIERS AKERMAN DT 28 Nov 02: JUSTICE John Dowd should be removed from the bench. His crime? Stupidity. In a breath-taking display of hand-wringing sanctimonious morality, Dowd has condemned the State and Federal Governments' anti-terrorism measures, claiming they erode rights and give encouragement to oppressive regimes.

The scavengers of terror
The NSW Government is to introduce increased police powers bill. Legislation giving New South Wales police special powers to deal with an emergency terrorist situation [emergency scapegoat situation] will be introduced into the New South Wales Parliament today.

About Protesting &: Corporate media, Ben English and Rachel Morris who spell their names in capitals? [Yes too right! Ordinary people some protesting against the occupation, murder and genocide of hundreds of thousands of innocent men, women and children. And you call yourselves reporters? You should hang your head in shame and go get jobs defending those poor innocent people. Shame on you!!!]

Carr's pitch: Will leave you in a ditch: Let him bury you?

The Premier, Bob Carr, dubbed Darth Vader launched his bid for a historic third term by asking voters not to judge Labor solely on its record but to look to the future and let his Government "get on with the job".

The yesterday pill. Forget about yesterday's corruption?

Returning to the Dame Joan Sutherland Centre in Penrith for the fourth campaign launch since becoming ALP leader in 1988, he delivered a subdued speech, in tune with the uncertain international climate and the possibility of war in Iraq. Carr did not go to the peace rally or said anything in support of peace even though he has a high profile and can influence many people?

Carr anchored his pitch for re-election on a mix of political experience and fiscal restraint, underpinned by a modest list of new pre-poll promises, including more teachers, smaller classes and expanded cancer services. He never mentioned his corrupt police.

Short memory my friends.

Asking the electorate to help him "secure the future of NSW", he said that more nurses and teachers, smarter policing, a war on cancer and safer communities were the measure of what state governments could - and should - do. "They matter, they're deeply important ... because it's only quality of life in a well-educated community with an open, adaptable economy and sleek, modern infrastructure that will meet the aspirations of our people, and their children, in the years and decades to come," he said.

[No mention of no accountability to the courts because of the new police powers set up to set you up by raiding your homes after he is elected. ]

Carr: "It's that prospect which informs and shapes the things we do. This job, the challenge, is as big as NSW itself. It drives and charges my enthusiasm and the dedication of my team. It underlies our deep sense of what a privilege it is to lead this state and its people."

[Tell your story to all the dead citizens who can't vote! To all the mentally ill who languish in jail! To all those children who died at the hands of DOCS because no one followed up reports of child abuse! To all those people who overdosed on heroin because the ICAC was seeking corrupt cops and decided to lure them with an overdose of pure heroin!]

Promised projects for a third Carr Government include:

$329 million to hire 1474 new teachers to reduce class sizes to 20 children in kindergarten, 22 in year 1 and 24 in year 2.

$290 million to fight cancer, including creation of a new cancer institute, a major expansion of radiotherapy services and a new program to recruit doctors, nurses and other professionals.

Australia's first compulsory drug treatment prison, solely for repeat offenders.

An alcohol summit, modelled on the successful drug summit, to find new strategies to deal with the social and health effects of alcohol abuse.

$160 million for a second Cronulla branch line. The creation of a minister for science and medical research.

The campaign launch comes as new Herald ACNielsen polling shows that Labor has opened up a commanding 16-point lead over the Coalition just 12 days before the March 22 poll.

[But any party could have a 16 point lead over the Coalition. No great accomplishment there.]

Carr, who was introduced by the youngest member of his cabinet, the Minister for Juvenile Justice, Carmel Tebbutt, told the ALP faithful that he had come to know the people of NSW well, standing beside them as they grieved for children who had not returned from a "pleasant holiday in the sun" or standing by the "blackened and drought-stricken remains of people's dreams".

But Tebbutt is one of his many thrills in a short skirt to promote the Carr government and deceive electors when the chips are down. Carr knows Tebbutt will perform better because in his eyes she looks better. By giving preferences to these people they will in turn bend over and hide the governments mistakes by lying to the public. Barby Dolls are not people who have earned their place in society or used to introduce Vader.

Carr: "I've come to know that we in this state are a good people. And we deserve the measurably better life that good government can give. We've achieved a lot together in these most remarkable years. And we've learnt a lot too.

But what did the public learn? How greedy and corrupt their government is and how much they lie.

Carr: "So we ask once more for your confidence and your watchful esteem as we set out again to enhance and enlarge the life of our people to secure the future of NSW."

Why do you lie like that? Lie one hundred and one. See!

Mr Carr said that Labor's plans for a third term would be capped at $800 million in recurrent spending over four years and a further $800 million had been earmarked for capital works.

Watched by the former prime ministers Bob Hawke and Gough Whitlam, the former premier Neville Wran and the Federal Labor Leader, Simon Crean, Carr focused on the reform themes of his premiership.

These included his personal push for stem cell research, changes to tort law and intervention in the immigration debate. "We have elevated environment concerns to the heart, not the fringe of politics.

We have fought against the ultimate in overdevelopment - namely, a rate of population growth too big for Sydney or Australia to handle.

We have engaged a mature electorate about population policy and the slim carrying capacity of our fragile land.

"Labor's approach in NSW is far removed from the growth at any cost view of some other states.

Our focus is on protecting our quality of life."

By Corrupt Govt 10 March 03 State Truth Reporter

THE UNDERTAKER: Ashes to ashes dust to dust. The fish always rots at the head.

Related:

Democrats call for more accountability in NSW Govt
Democrats upper house MP, Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans, made the accusation while launching a policy calling for more accountability in state government.

NSW Election 2003: VOTE 1 DEMOCRATS
The Democrats have watched with concern as both of the major parties support more and more legislation that puts more and more people in prisons. It is very easy for politicians to be tough on crime but it is harder to for them to explain to develop solutions to crime. Talkback radio and populist media driven opinion polls that show that the public approves of imprisonment.This comes from the notions that:

NSW ELECTION 2003: VOTE 1 GREENS
Drug law reform: The Greens are proud to have the most progressive policy of any party on drug law reform. Our Drugs and Harm Minimisation Policy is available in full from The NSW Greens, as are all our policies.

The Breen Machine - Reform The Legal System Party
For the past four years, Reform the Legal System has promoted human rights in the new South Wales Parliament. Our most significant achievement is the legislation, passed late last year, to require all bills introduced into the Parliament to be checked for breaches of human rights.

PM lost in space! Pre-emptive Strikes & Star Wars Defence!!
War criminal PM backs missile defence investigation but he is not on his own. Bob Carr dubbed Darth Vader after draconian laws were introduced in NSW following John Howard's threats to strike first and ask questions later.

Constitution, politics, police and prison corruption

Carr appeal is rotten
NSW voters believe the Carr Labor Government has performed bad on crime and public safety and done a poor job in health and hospitals, people can see it with their own eyes.

NSW Election 2003: The Sale of Justice
NSW Young Lawyers' Criminal Law & Human Rights Committees, however, have been concerned about the civil rights trade-offs that both major parties have been proposing (or, in the case of the Government, implementing) prior to the election.

Human Rights 'Framed'
Here is a quick report on our Human Rights Commission approach on Framed (the quarterly magazine of Justice Action) being banned from all NSW prisons. After 42 issues went in.

Abolition of 800 year old double jeopardy law a crime
The 800-year-old rule prevents a person who's acquitted of a criminal charge from ever being re-tried for that offense.

Prison Privatisation: Death camps looming in NSW
I asked for the identification of the person I was speaking to and was told that I was not entitled to that information. I needed to verify the call and asked for a name or number to register my call because I was asked to get those details by my coordinator.

Take crime talk beyond the bars:'lobby group'
A coalition of academics, crime experts, welfare and church groups is preparing to launch an intensive pre-election campaign aimed at refocusing the attention of NSW politicians from harsh sentencing reforms to crime prevention strategies.

NSW A-G moves to stop criminals and ex-criminals selling stories
From next month criminals or ex-criminals who try to profit (earn a living for paid work, like writing a book etc..) from their crimes in New South Wales will have the proceeds confiscated.

NSW Govt criticised over criminal justice record
Key criminal justice groups have described the New South Wales Government's record on justice issues as a "disappointing performance".

Demolishing Democracy
How Bob Carr, [ the Coalition of the Killing,] and Bin Laden gave birth to the NSW police state. The [CIA false flag ]Bali bombings could not have come at a 'better time' for [the Coalition of the Killing and] Bob Carr and his project to bring an end to Westminster democracy in NSW.

Litigants are drowning: in the High Court
There were so many self represented litigants appearing in the High Court that more than half of its registry staff's time was taken up in dealing with them. The "go it alone" litigants have to take on tasks well above their qualified league causing them stress. This growing problem cannot be left unchecked.

The community questions ICAC's slagging and fobbing you off?
The ICAC, Commissions, Ombudsman, Police Integrity Commission (PIC), and numerous Tribunals etc, are all arms of government set up as an insurance police for the government's 3 or 4 year election terms. In short they'll be out of office by the time you may be lucky enough to have your matter heard.

Mr. & Mrs. Mandatory Sentencing
Well congratulations to the bride and groom. Could you please be upstanding and raise your glasses for Mr. And Mrs. Mandatory.

NSW prisons - primary industry bailed up!
In many quiet regional centres around NSW there is a new primary industry shaping up. It has something to do with Bail but not with bales. The minister for Agriculture Richard Amery who also has the prisons portfolio is now committed to farming prisoners.

NSW Parliament Bitter Pills To Swallow?
One delusion pill: So people who investigate their own mistakes make sure there was no mistake or someone else made the mistake. Perhaps you're not biased and you will be honest about it.

Who is bad?
Super Rat? M5? M11? K8? N2? So I trust that some people who, with the photos and guns guessed that a jury would quickly establish a case against a profiled person whom, you just had a picture and a history of. Common knowledge? The government knew their victims would take the blame. Not just chess in court, 'moving around the pieces', but 'putting false evidence, or not enough evidence before the jury."

False flag operations, scapegoats and patsies

State terror units caused the terror!
The level of suspicion and surveillance created by the [US false flag operation and call to arms] Bali bombings, created by [ the Coalition of the Killing and Australian's complicity to go to war on Iraq] means that all Australian's suffer the loss of their human rights, civil rights and their democratic rights, as well as those Australian's who lost their life in Bali.

Middle Eastern: Specific Legislation
"If there is a target person the police would have powers in relation to that type of person," Mr Costa said. Asked what he meant by "type of person", Mr Costa said: "The example that's been given is if there's a description of somebody, an identikit photograph released by Interpol or other agencies ... these powers may well be exercised on that type of person."