Martial Law No Longer On The Horizon: It's Already Here
Starmail - 15. Dez, 23:49
15
Dez
2005
Frist Still Under Investigators' Watch
Starmail - 15. Dez, 23:42
Byrd taking Frist to school
Watch the video:
http://streaming.americanprogress.org/ThinkProgress/2005/frist.320.240.mov.htm
© Virginia Metze
http://streaming.americanprogress.org/ThinkProgress/2005/frist.320.240.mov.htm
© Virginia Metze
Starmail - 15. Dez, 23:40
The Next Retirement Time Bomb
By MILT FREUDENHEIM and MARY WILLIAMS WALSH
December 11, 2005
SINCE 1983, the city of Duluth, Minn., has been promising free lifetime health care to all of its retired workers, their spouses and their children up to age 26. No one really knew how much it would cost. Three years ago, the city decided to find out.
It took an actuary about three months to identify all the past and current city workers who qualified for the benefits. She tallied their data by age, sex, previous insurance claims and other factors. Then she estimated how much it would cost to provide free lifetime care to such a group.
The total came to about $178 million, or more than double the city's operating budget. And the bill was growing.
"Then we knew we were looking down the barrel of a pretty high-caliber weapon," said Gary Meier, Duluth's human resources manager, who attended the meeting where the actuary presented her findings.
[...] Read the rest at The New York Times: http://tinyurl.com/9jz3s
© Virginia Metze
December 11, 2005
SINCE 1983, the city of Duluth, Minn., has been promising free lifetime health care to all of its retired workers, their spouses and their children up to age 26. No one really knew how much it would cost. Three years ago, the city decided to find out.
It took an actuary about three months to identify all the past and current city workers who qualified for the benefits. She tallied their data by age, sex, previous insurance claims and other factors. Then she estimated how much it would cost to provide free lifetime care to such a group.
The total came to about $178 million, or more than double the city's operating budget. And the bill was growing.
"Then we knew we were looking down the barrel of a pretty high-caliber weapon," said Gary Meier, Duluth's human resources manager, who attended the meeting where the actuary presented her findings.
[...] Read the rest at The New York Times: http://tinyurl.com/9jz3s
© Virginia Metze
Starmail - 15. Dez, 23:38
Where there's smoke, there's ire
From Capitol Hill Blue
The Rant
By DOUG THOMPSON
Dec 12, 2005, 08:33
The firestorm over Friday’s column quoting President George W. Bush’s obscene outburst over the Constitution continues to grow with our email box overflowing from outraged readers who think the President should be impeached along with pro-Bushites who want my head on a platter.
I’m surprised by the public’s anger over this. When a GOP operative first emailed me about the White House meeting where Bush called the Constitution “just a goddamned piece of paper,” I put it aside as one of many reports I get about the President’s temper tantrums.
Bush lashed out at an aide who dared question him on the USA Patriot Act. That’s typical Bush. We started reporting on the President’s outbursts last year and those tantrums are now widely reported now by the so-called “mainstream media.”
As Evan Thomas and Richard Wolfe write in the current edition of Newsweek:
“A White House aide, who like virtually all White House officials (in this story and in general) refused to be identified for fear of antagonizing the president… How many people dare to snap back at a president? Not many, and not unless they have known the president a long, long time. (Even Karl Rove, or "Turd Blossom," as he is sometimes addressed by the president, knows when to hold his tongue.) In the Bush White House, disagreement is often equated with disloyalty… his attitude toward Congress was "my way or the highway," according to a GOP staffer who did not want to be identified criticizing the president.” [...] Read the rest at: http://www.capitolhillblue.com/artman/publish/article_7797.shtml or http://tinyurl.com/ahmk8
© Virginia Metze
The Rant
By DOUG THOMPSON
Dec 12, 2005, 08:33
The firestorm over Friday’s column quoting President George W. Bush’s obscene outburst over the Constitution continues to grow with our email box overflowing from outraged readers who think the President should be impeached along with pro-Bushites who want my head on a platter.
I’m surprised by the public’s anger over this. When a GOP operative first emailed me about the White House meeting where Bush called the Constitution “just a goddamned piece of paper,” I put it aside as one of many reports I get about the President’s temper tantrums.
Bush lashed out at an aide who dared question him on the USA Patriot Act. That’s typical Bush. We started reporting on the President’s outbursts last year and those tantrums are now widely reported now by the so-called “mainstream media.”
As Evan Thomas and Richard Wolfe write in the current edition of Newsweek:
“A White House aide, who like virtually all White House officials (in this story and in general) refused to be identified for fear of antagonizing the president… How many people dare to snap back at a president? Not many, and not unless they have known the president a long, long time. (Even Karl Rove, or "Turd Blossom," as he is sometimes addressed by the president, knows when to hold his tongue.) In the Bush White House, disagreement is often equated with disloyalty… his attitude toward Congress was "my way or the highway," according to a GOP staffer who did not want to be identified criticizing the president.” [...] Read the rest at: http://www.capitolhillblue.com/artman/publish/article_7797.shtml or http://tinyurl.com/ahmk8
© Virginia Metze
Starmail - 15. Dez, 23:37
Decisive step ahead against Kenya/Thai wildlife deal
see all the background info on:
http://www.ecoterra-international.org/sites/anti-chiangmai-night-zoo-1.htm
- please distribute widely -
Decisive step ahead against Kenya/Thai wildlife deal
- Kenyans, incl. two Kenyan organizations, went to court to stop the dreadful wildlife deal with a Thai fun-fair zoo -
WTN - correspondents - Nairobi / Bangkok - 14.12.2005
"Enough is enough!", said Kenyans, and have now applied to the courts in Nairobi, Kenya to end the dreadful saga about the ill-conceived wildlife deal with a Thai zoo, which is based on a simple and not legally binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between two ministers. Such a declaration of intent, however, can not be misinterpreted as an international treaty between the two states, as some might try to suggest in order to derail the process against the deal or to helplessly safe the face of government officials.
A treaty is a legally binding agreement under international law concluded by subjects of international law, namely states. A treaty is for example the long-running treaty for British soldiers to train in Kenya, which is just now in a stage, where a majority of Kenyan parliamentarians question if Kenya should prolong it.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) is a legal document describing an agreement between parties. It is a more formal alternative to a gentlemen's agreement, but less formal than a contract.
Examples of simple MoUs - like the Kenya/Thailand deal - include e.g.the Oil for Food program, for which Iraq signed a MoU in 1996, and which has seen a senior UN official being suspended for corruption as well as the son of UN Secretary General Kofi A. Annan being implicated, and which has therefore undergone many changes to the original text. The recently signed Kenya/Thailand MoU therefore can likewise easily be amended or relieved of certain parts - like the now contested wildlife deal - contained therein. The Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (KSPCA) and the Council of Community Based Organizations (CBO Council), both representing the majority of Kenyan citizens who are against the capture of free ranging wild animals from the Kenya wildlands and their deportation into the man-made confinement within a disputed Thai fun-fair facility, must be applauded for this step, because they actually also contribute in terms of control of damage to the reputation of both countries. But as further this issue is pushed by certain government officials in the service of either side of the deal, as more economic and face loss is created.
The constant and desperate pushing by the Thai Ambassador to Kenya, however, to get the Kenyan governance moving in terms of capturing now 175 wild animals for the Thai night zoo in Chiang Mai against the will of the Kenyan people is contradicting what Thai Senator Senator Pensak Chagsuchinda (Howitz) stated publicly during her visit to the country. The Senator, who was accompanied by Senator Niboon Shamshoum on a fact finding mission, had proclaimed profoundly that it was not in the interest of the Thai Government to insist on getting wildlife delivered from Kenya.
The senators admitted that their Prime Minister was looking for animals for that private facility in Chianmai, in which he has personal stakes, but they declared that, if the Kenyan people were not in agreement, they would not force the "donation" and would advise the Thai senate to restrict their PM in his dealings of such kind. Apparently the opposite of what was laid out by the senators is true and therefore the persistent pressure by the Thai official shows nothing less than the disrespect of the will of the Kenyan people. That certainly is not a good base for the proclaimed "friendship" between the two so different states and their people.
That the Kenyan people are ready to stand up for their wildlife has been not only clearly shown by the numerous protest rallies of various peoples in the country and the present legal challenge but even through a TV documentary delivering the numerous arguments of the wildlife conservation groups, which was aired by Reuters also into the far corners of Thailand and therefore made it known to the Thai people themselves. Even though the Thai senators did not succeed to have their PM reprimanded by the senate so far, the Thai organizations are urged to step up their side of the protest and to support the head of the Thai senate's environmental committee, Kaewsan Atipho, who want their house to become clean and to scrap the wildlife deal.
The wanted friendship between the people of both countries involved is also not changed with fake "letters to the editor", publicizing in local newspapers the opinion of staged pro-deal supporters allegedly writing from China or elsewhere. All the manipulation will only worsen the rift between the people of Kenya and Thailand and bring more supporters to the internationally called for boycott of Thailand's wares and services.
In order to show their real friendship with the people of Kenya, the Thai governance should have since long stopped to pressurize the Government of Kenya for these animals from the wild, not at least because the Kenyans actually have different and more severe problems at this time after a referendum rejected the proposed new constitution and a deep rift between governance and people's will.
The Director of the Kenya Wildlife Service, who had received during the last 10 days twice delegations from the international and the national consortia of organizations, who stand and protest against that deal, had in addition to the numerous legal, ethic, economic, and moral arguments against the proposal outlined in the MoU, to hear eye-witness reports from people who actually had visited the Thai zoos and reported that animals are kept there under the most horrible conditions. One witness spoke of the worst zoo ever she visited anywhere in her entire life and that in Thailand she saw even a majestic tiger, who was not only just kept in a tiny cage, where he couldn't turn, but in addition was chained inside that cell.
The arguments against that shabby Kenya/Thai wildlife-deal are numerous and the background of the whole story are at least dubious, as one can study on the website of an international wildlife protection organization:
http://www.ecoterra-international.org/sites/anti-chiangmai-night-zoo-1.htm
If the Thais really wanted to show true friendship to the Kenyans, they would abstain from insisting on the wildlife-deal outlined in that memorandum, which hangs like the sword of Damocles over the wild animals of Kenya in their free wildlands. The Thai government representatives could concentrate on actually helping Kenya without such shady deals and without that they force poor local organizations to engage in costly and time consuming campaigns and legal battles to restrain those who believe they could get benefits out of Kenyan wildlife, captured from the wild and confined to a life behind bars or early death due to neglect and distress during the shipment as well as inside Thailand.
And if the Thai people really would care about the plight of Kenyans and their state they would by all means stop their government officials to engage in such shameful exercises and force them to offer true help without selfish and greedy agendas. Kenyans therefore hope that their true soul-mates in Thailand will now likewise turn up the heat and force the Thai officials to come clean.
Kenyans stand as one people against the capture of even one animal from the wildlands of Africa and its transfer into that night-zoo in Thailand, like they stand against the capture and transport of any African girl into a brothel in Bangkok. The abduction of wild animals from Kenya to Thailand also must be seen in the context of bio-piracy and openly violates the Biodiversity Convention, which actually is a treaty to which both countries are signatories.
Kenyans feel that it would be the biggest shame to allow such also because 19 men on official duty to defend Kenyan wildlife were felled by the merciless bullets of unscrupulous wildlife killers and murderers since 1990 alone and many more in the years before. The death of these honourable men would have been meaningless and useless, if what they defended on behalf of all Kenyans and the natural world heritage at large, could just be signed away today.
Kenyans do also not support the shady deals of some politicians on both sides either, who seem to have an additional, hidden agenda in their co-operation and they speak out against those Kenyan parliamentarians, who just want to buy for Kenya a seat at the UN Security Council and try for this task to gain the support of foreign civil servants by intransparent measures like "pleasing" Thai officials with the signing away of Kenyan wildlife into a private zoo in Chiangmai. And neither do they support the apparent private business-relationships of officials like Thai PM Thaksin, who in his business life is a mobile phone and communications tycoon, with former Kenyan Communications Minister Raphael Tuju, who was now even promoted as Minister of Foreign Affairs by the embattled NARC government of Kenya's President Kibaki.
But while in Thailand even His Royal Highness The King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej has granted leave to his citizens to criticize Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, already death-threats are issued in Kenya to people, who only defend their natural heritage and stand against the cruel export of wildlife from their homelands into an appalling zoo-facility in Thailand, which triggered an international call to boycott Thailand over this.
The boycott of Thailand - that is for sure - and maybe in future also Kenya has gained now another boost.
© WTN 2005
-----------------------
Groups contest Thai wildlife deal
Kenya Times
15. 12. 2005
By John Osoro
WILDLIFE conservationists yesterday moved to court seeking to stop the government from translocating 175 animals to the Kingdom of Thailand.
The lobby groups want a memorandum of understanding entered into between the government of Kenya and Thailand stayed until their application is heard and determined.
The applicants — Self-Help Community Based Organisation (CBO) and Kenya Society for the Protection of Care for Animals — say that the Minister for Tourism and Wildlife and Kenya Wildlife Service had no powers to enter into an agreement with the Minister for Natural Resources and Environment of the Kingdom of Thailand over the translocation of the animals.
The conservationists say in their suit papers that the defendants had breached the Wildlife Conservation Act by allowing to donate and translocate the wildlife to a foreign country.
The plaintiffs in their application filed under a certificate of urgency say the respondents undertook to offer the animals without following the laid down procedures as contained in the Environmental Management and Coordination Act, 1999.
The Act provides that the government of Kenya ought to have assessed the impact caused by the translocation on the biological diversity on the parks and other areas where the animals might be removed to.
They say that the respondents ought to have submitted such report to National Environmental Management Authority as required under the Act.
The suit supported by an affidavit by the CBO Chairman Mr Tom Ondiba Aosa, further points out that the action by the defendants to donate and translocate the animals to zoos in the Kingdom of Thailand contravenes the International Trade in Endangered Species of wildlife.
He said the agreement was entered without following the procedures that regulate translocation of such animals from their natural habitat.
When the applicants appeared before Justice Joseph Nyamu, they sought the court’s intervention over the purported MoU entered into between Kenyan Minister for Tourism and his counterpart from Thailand.
The plaintiffs, through their lawyer Mbugua Mureithi, submitted that procedure was not followed when the said MoU was signed.
Justice Nyamu, however, ordered the applicants to serve the application to the respondents and directed that the matter be heard inter partes on December 20.
Mr Aosa says that the defendants ought to have obtained approval from Parliament before the deal could be entered.
The applicant further wants the decision entered on November 9, 2005 be stopped until the suit filed against the respondents is heard and determined.
----------
Lobbies ask court to stop wild animals deal
Daily Nation Story
by WAHOME THUKU
Publication Date: 12/15/2005
Two wildlife conservation lobby groups have moved to court to stop the export of wild animals to Thailand.
Nairobi CBO Consortium, and Kenya Society for the Protection and Care for Animals filed an application at the Nairobi High Court and were allowed to sue the Government over the deal.
But the court declined to grant their request to stop relocation of assorted animals to Thai zoos over an agreement between the two countries.
After hearing the submissions by their lawyer, Mr Mbugua Mureithi, judge Joseph Nyamu said the court would not be keen to interfere with a treaty between two countries.
The court could not review treaties between countries unless the provisions were incorporated in the Kenyan laws or passed as Acts of Parliament, he ruled.
The controversial agreement was sealed on November 9 by Tourism and Wildlife minister Morris Dzoro and the Thai minister for Natural Resources and Environment Yongyut Tiyapairat. It was signed despite protests by the local and international wildlife conservationists, who claimed the transfer would violate the animals' welfare.
It was signed at State House, Nairobi, in the presence of President Mwai Kibaki and Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Mr Mbugua told the court that the conservation and management of the wildlife was legally under the Kenya Wildlife Service and the minister was only required to give general or special directions to the KWS director.
"The national heritage of this country should not be left to the disposal of one person or one arm of the Government," he argued.
He said the deal was signed without consulting the KWS, Parliament, other interested organisations or the public.
The process of identifying and capturing the animals for export to Thailand had began, the court heard.
Judge Nyamu noted that the issues raised by the applicants were of national importance. He asked them to serve the documents to the minister and the KWS so that the other parties could go and argue on how the court would treat the memorandum. The case will be heard on December 20.
----------
Groups sue over Thai game deal
Standard
Wednesday December 14, 2005
By Judy Ogutu and Renson Mnyamwezi
Controversy surrounding the decision to export 175 animals to a zoo in Thailand has spilled over to the courts.
The Kenya Society for the Protection and Care for Animals and two other organisations have filed a suit seeking to stop the deal.
The three applicants want the court to issue an order temporarily stopping the deal reached in a Memorandum of Understanding between the two Governments on November 9, 2005.
The lobby group, Nairobi CBO Consortium and Thomas Ondiba Aosa wants the court to give them the go-ahead to seek for orders prohibiting the Minister of Tourism and Wildlife from shipping the animals to the Asian country. The Kenya Wildlife Service was named in the suit as an interested party.
The applicants also want the court’s permission to quash the decision to export the assorted animals from Kenya to Thailand.
In an urgent application, their lawyer Mbugua Mureithi says the minister has commenced steps to identify, capture and move the animals.
Justice Joseph Nyamu declined to issue any orders, but directed the parties to serve the suit papers and appear before him on December 20 for an inter parties hearing.
Meanwhile more than 1,000 residents of Mwatate Division in Taita Taveta District on Wednesday demonstrated against the intended export of the animals.
Led by Youths for Conservation Programme official, Joseph Righa, the residents asked President Kibaki to shelve the programme and consult widely.
‘’Tourism is an integral part of Kenya’s economy and we must keep our wildlife as protected heritage for our own benefits,’’ said Mr Wilson Mwangombe, the Kenya Wildlife and Conservation and Management Network co-ordinator.
http://www.eastandard.net/print/news.php?articleid=33662
From ECOTERRA Intl.
http://www.ecoterra-international.org/sites/anti-chiangmai-night-zoo-1.htm
- please distribute widely -
Decisive step ahead against Kenya/Thai wildlife deal
- Kenyans, incl. two Kenyan organizations, went to court to stop the dreadful wildlife deal with a Thai fun-fair zoo -
WTN - correspondents - Nairobi / Bangkok - 14.12.2005
"Enough is enough!", said Kenyans, and have now applied to the courts in Nairobi, Kenya to end the dreadful saga about the ill-conceived wildlife deal with a Thai zoo, which is based on a simple and not legally binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between two ministers. Such a declaration of intent, however, can not be misinterpreted as an international treaty between the two states, as some might try to suggest in order to derail the process against the deal or to helplessly safe the face of government officials.
A treaty is a legally binding agreement under international law concluded by subjects of international law, namely states. A treaty is for example the long-running treaty for British soldiers to train in Kenya, which is just now in a stage, where a majority of Kenyan parliamentarians question if Kenya should prolong it.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) is a legal document describing an agreement between parties. It is a more formal alternative to a gentlemen's agreement, but less formal than a contract.
Examples of simple MoUs - like the Kenya/Thailand deal - include e.g.the Oil for Food program, for which Iraq signed a MoU in 1996, and which has seen a senior UN official being suspended for corruption as well as the son of UN Secretary General Kofi A. Annan being implicated, and which has therefore undergone many changes to the original text. The recently signed Kenya/Thailand MoU therefore can likewise easily be amended or relieved of certain parts - like the now contested wildlife deal - contained therein. The Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (KSPCA) and the Council of Community Based Organizations (CBO Council), both representing the majority of Kenyan citizens who are against the capture of free ranging wild animals from the Kenya wildlands and their deportation into the man-made confinement within a disputed Thai fun-fair facility, must be applauded for this step, because they actually also contribute in terms of control of damage to the reputation of both countries. But as further this issue is pushed by certain government officials in the service of either side of the deal, as more economic and face loss is created.
The constant and desperate pushing by the Thai Ambassador to Kenya, however, to get the Kenyan governance moving in terms of capturing now 175 wild animals for the Thai night zoo in Chiang Mai against the will of the Kenyan people is contradicting what Thai Senator Senator Pensak Chagsuchinda (Howitz) stated publicly during her visit to the country. The Senator, who was accompanied by Senator Niboon Shamshoum on a fact finding mission, had proclaimed profoundly that it was not in the interest of the Thai Government to insist on getting wildlife delivered from Kenya.
The senators admitted that their Prime Minister was looking for animals for that private facility in Chianmai, in which he has personal stakes, but they declared that, if the Kenyan people were not in agreement, they would not force the "donation" and would advise the Thai senate to restrict their PM in his dealings of such kind. Apparently the opposite of what was laid out by the senators is true and therefore the persistent pressure by the Thai official shows nothing less than the disrespect of the will of the Kenyan people. That certainly is not a good base for the proclaimed "friendship" between the two so different states and their people.
That the Kenyan people are ready to stand up for their wildlife has been not only clearly shown by the numerous protest rallies of various peoples in the country and the present legal challenge but even through a TV documentary delivering the numerous arguments of the wildlife conservation groups, which was aired by Reuters also into the far corners of Thailand and therefore made it known to the Thai people themselves. Even though the Thai senators did not succeed to have their PM reprimanded by the senate so far, the Thai organizations are urged to step up their side of the protest and to support the head of the Thai senate's environmental committee, Kaewsan Atipho, who want their house to become clean and to scrap the wildlife deal.
The wanted friendship between the people of both countries involved is also not changed with fake "letters to the editor", publicizing in local newspapers the opinion of staged pro-deal supporters allegedly writing from China or elsewhere. All the manipulation will only worsen the rift between the people of Kenya and Thailand and bring more supporters to the internationally called for boycott of Thailand's wares and services.
In order to show their real friendship with the people of Kenya, the Thai governance should have since long stopped to pressurize the Government of Kenya for these animals from the wild, not at least because the Kenyans actually have different and more severe problems at this time after a referendum rejected the proposed new constitution and a deep rift between governance and people's will.
The Director of the Kenya Wildlife Service, who had received during the last 10 days twice delegations from the international and the national consortia of organizations, who stand and protest against that deal, had in addition to the numerous legal, ethic, economic, and moral arguments against the proposal outlined in the MoU, to hear eye-witness reports from people who actually had visited the Thai zoos and reported that animals are kept there under the most horrible conditions. One witness spoke of the worst zoo ever she visited anywhere in her entire life and that in Thailand she saw even a majestic tiger, who was not only just kept in a tiny cage, where he couldn't turn, but in addition was chained inside that cell.
The arguments against that shabby Kenya/Thai wildlife-deal are numerous and the background of the whole story are at least dubious, as one can study on the website of an international wildlife protection organization:
http://www.ecoterra-international.org/sites/anti-chiangmai-night-zoo-1.htm
If the Thais really wanted to show true friendship to the Kenyans, they would abstain from insisting on the wildlife-deal outlined in that memorandum, which hangs like the sword of Damocles over the wild animals of Kenya in their free wildlands. The Thai government representatives could concentrate on actually helping Kenya without such shady deals and without that they force poor local organizations to engage in costly and time consuming campaigns and legal battles to restrain those who believe they could get benefits out of Kenyan wildlife, captured from the wild and confined to a life behind bars or early death due to neglect and distress during the shipment as well as inside Thailand.
And if the Thai people really would care about the plight of Kenyans and their state they would by all means stop their government officials to engage in such shameful exercises and force them to offer true help without selfish and greedy agendas. Kenyans therefore hope that their true soul-mates in Thailand will now likewise turn up the heat and force the Thai officials to come clean.
Kenyans stand as one people against the capture of even one animal from the wildlands of Africa and its transfer into that night-zoo in Thailand, like they stand against the capture and transport of any African girl into a brothel in Bangkok. The abduction of wild animals from Kenya to Thailand also must be seen in the context of bio-piracy and openly violates the Biodiversity Convention, which actually is a treaty to which both countries are signatories.
Kenyans feel that it would be the biggest shame to allow such also because 19 men on official duty to defend Kenyan wildlife were felled by the merciless bullets of unscrupulous wildlife killers and murderers since 1990 alone and many more in the years before. The death of these honourable men would have been meaningless and useless, if what they defended on behalf of all Kenyans and the natural world heritage at large, could just be signed away today.
Kenyans do also not support the shady deals of some politicians on both sides either, who seem to have an additional, hidden agenda in their co-operation and they speak out against those Kenyan parliamentarians, who just want to buy for Kenya a seat at the UN Security Council and try for this task to gain the support of foreign civil servants by intransparent measures like "pleasing" Thai officials with the signing away of Kenyan wildlife into a private zoo in Chiangmai. And neither do they support the apparent private business-relationships of officials like Thai PM Thaksin, who in his business life is a mobile phone and communications tycoon, with former Kenyan Communications Minister Raphael Tuju, who was now even promoted as Minister of Foreign Affairs by the embattled NARC government of Kenya's President Kibaki.
But while in Thailand even His Royal Highness The King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej has granted leave to his citizens to criticize Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, already death-threats are issued in Kenya to people, who only defend their natural heritage and stand against the cruel export of wildlife from their homelands into an appalling zoo-facility in Thailand, which triggered an international call to boycott Thailand over this.
The boycott of Thailand - that is for sure - and maybe in future also Kenya has gained now another boost.
© WTN 2005
-----------------------
Groups contest Thai wildlife deal
Kenya Times
15. 12. 2005
By John Osoro
WILDLIFE conservationists yesterday moved to court seeking to stop the government from translocating 175 animals to the Kingdom of Thailand.
The lobby groups want a memorandum of understanding entered into between the government of Kenya and Thailand stayed until their application is heard and determined.
The applicants — Self-Help Community Based Organisation (CBO) and Kenya Society for the Protection of Care for Animals — say that the Minister for Tourism and Wildlife and Kenya Wildlife Service had no powers to enter into an agreement with the Minister for Natural Resources and Environment of the Kingdom of Thailand over the translocation of the animals.
The conservationists say in their suit papers that the defendants had breached the Wildlife Conservation Act by allowing to donate and translocate the wildlife to a foreign country.
The plaintiffs in their application filed under a certificate of urgency say the respondents undertook to offer the animals without following the laid down procedures as contained in the Environmental Management and Coordination Act, 1999.
The Act provides that the government of Kenya ought to have assessed the impact caused by the translocation on the biological diversity on the parks and other areas where the animals might be removed to.
They say that the respondents ought to have submitted such report to National Environmental Management Authority as required under the Act.
The suit supported by an affidavit by the CBO Chairman Mr Tom Ondiba Aosa, further points out that the action by the defendants to donate and translocate the animals to zoos in the Kingdom of Thailand contravenes the International Trade in Endangered Species of wildlife.
He said the agreement was entered without following the procedures that regulate translocation of such animals from their natural habitat.
When the applicants appeared before Justice Joseph Nyamu, they sought the court’s intervention over the purported MoU entered into between Kenyan Minister for Tourism and his counterpart from Thailand.
The plaintiffs, through their lawyer Mbugua Mureithi, submitted that procedure was not followed when the said MoU was signed.
Justice Nyamu, however, ordered the applicants to serve the application to the respondents and directed that the matter be heard inter partes on December 20.
Mr Aosa says that the defendants ought to have obtained approval from Parliament before the deal could be entered.
The applicant further wants the decision entered on November 9, 2005 be stopped until the suit filed against the respondents is heard and determined.
----------
Lobbies ask court to stop wild animals deal
Daily Nation Story
by WAHOME THUKU
Publication Date: 12/15/2005
Two wildlife conservation lobby groups have moved to court to stop the export of wild animals to Thailand.
Nairobi CBO Consortium, and Kenya Society for the Protection and Care for Animals filed an application at the Nairobi High Court and were allowed to sue the Government over the deal.
But the court declined to grant their request to stop relocation of assorted animals to Thai zoos over an agreement between the two countries.
After hearing the submissions by their lawyer, Mr Mbugua Mureithi, judge Joseph Nyamu said the court would not be keen to interfere with a treaty between two countries.
The court could not review treaties between countries unless the provisions were incorporated in the Kenyan laws or passed as Acts of Parliament, he ruled.
The controversial agreement was sealed on November 9 by Tourism and Wildlife minister Morris Dzoro and the Thai minister for Natural Resources and Environment Yongyut Tiyapairat. It was signed despite protests by the local and international wildlife conservationists, who claimed the transfer would violate the animals' welfare.
It was signed at State House, Nairobi, in the presence of President Mwai Kibaki and Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Mr Mbugua told the court that the conservation and management of the wildlife was legally under the Kenya Wildlife Service and the minister was only required to give general or special directions to the KWS director.
"The national heritage of this country should not be left to the disposal of one person or one arm of the Government," he argued.
He said the deal was signed without consulting the KWS, Parliament, other interested organisations or the public.
The process of identifying and capturing the animals for export to Thailand had began, the court heard.
Judge Nyamu noted that the issues raised by the applicants were of national importance. He asked them to serve the documents to the minister and the KWS so that the other parties could go and argue on how the court would treat the memorandum. The case will be heard on December 20.
----------
Groups sue over Thai game deal
Standard
Wednesday December 14, 2005
By Judy Ogutu and Renson Mnyamwezi
Controversy surrounding the decision to export 175 animals to a zoo in Thailand has spilled over to the courts.
The Kenya Society for the Protection and Care for Animals and two other organisations have filed a suit seeking to stop the deal.
The three applicants want the court to issue an order temporarily stopping the deal reached in a Memorandum of Understanding between the two Governments on November 9, 2005.
The lobby group, Nairobi CBO Consortium and Thomas Ondiba Aosa wants the court to give them the go-ahead to seek for orders prohibiting the Minister of Tourism and Wildlife from shipping the animals to the Asian country. The Kenya Wildlife Service was named in the suit as an interested party.
The applicants also want the court’s permission to quash the decision to export the assorted animals from Kenya to Thailand.
In an urgent application, their lawyer Mbugua Mureithi says the minister has commenced steps to identify, capture and move the animals.
Justice Joseph Nyamu declined to issue any orders, but directed the parties to serve the suit papers and appear before him on December 20 for an inter parties hearing.
Meanwhile more than 1,000 residents of Mwatate Division in Taita Taveta District on Wednesday demonstrated against the intended export of the animals.
Led by Youths for Conservation Programme official, Joseph Righa, the residents asked President Kibaki to shelve the programme and consult widely.
‘’Tourism is an integral part of Kenya’s economy and we must keep our wildlife as protected heritage for our own benefits,’’ said Mr Wilson Mwangombe, the Kenya Wildlife and Conservation and Management Network co-ordinator.
http://www.eastandard.net/print/news.php?articleid=33662
From ECOTERRA Intl.
Starmail - 15. Dez, 23:34
Überwachung der Telekommunikation: jeder ist verdächtig und im Fadenkreuz der Sicherheitsbehörden
Kommunikationsfreiheit und Datenschutz > Vorratsdatenspeicherung
EU-Parlament beschließt massive Überwachung der Telekommunikation
„Wer in einem EU-Land Anrufe tätigt, E-Mails verschickt, im Web surft oder andere Dienste im Internet nutzt, muss in Zukunft davon ausgehen, dass seine elektronischen Spuren zwischen sechs und 24 Monate lang gespeichert werden. Die bei den 450 Millionen EU-Bürgern anfallenden gigantischen Informationshalden dürfen Polizeien und Geheimdienste mit Data-Mining-Techniken auf Verknüpfungen zwischen Kommunikationspartnern hin untersuchen. Damit wird potenziell vollständig rekonstruierbar, wer wann mit wem und wie lange kommuniziert und zum Beispiel auch, wer sich wann im Internet aufgehalten hat. Jeder ist damit künftig verdächtig und potenziell im Fadenkreuz der Sicherheitsbehörden…“ Meldung bei heise news vom 14.12.2005
http://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/67358
Vorratsspeicherung: Alle unter Verdacht
Europas Netzanbieter sollen künftig Internet- und Telefondaten systematisch speichern. Nach EU-Kommission und Ministerrat hat nun auch das Europäische Parlament eine entsprechende Richtlinie verabschiedet. Kritiker fürchten den Überwachungsstaat. Artikel von Stefan Krempl in die ZEIT online vom 13.12.2005
http://www.zeit.de/online/2005/50/vorratsdatenspeicherung
EU-Parlament beschließt massive Überwachung der Telekommunikation
„Wer in einem EU-Land Anrufe tätigt, E-Mails verschickt, im Web surft oder andere Dienste im Internet nutzt, muss in Zukunft davon ausgehen, dass seine elektronischen Spuren zwischen sechs und 24 Monate lang gespeichert werden. Die bei den 450 Millionen EU-Bürgern anfallenden gigantischen Informationshalden dürfen Polizeien und Geheimdienste mit Data-Mining-Techniken auf Verknüpfungen zwischen Kommunikationspartnern hin untersuchen. Damit wird potenziell vollständig rekonstruierbar, wer wann mit wem und wie lange kommuniziert und zum Beispiel auch, wer sich wann im Internet aufgehalten hat. Jeder ist damit künftig verdächtig und potenziell im Fadenkreuz der Sicherheitsbehörden…“ Meldung bei heise news vom 14.12.2005
http://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/67358
Vorratsspeicherung: Alle unter Verdacht
Europas Netzanbieter sollen künftig Internet- und Telefondaten systematisch speichern. Nach EU-Kommission und Ministerrat hat nun auch das Europäische Parlament eine entsprechende Richtlinie verabschiedet. Kritiker fürchten den Überwachungsstaat. Artikel von Stefan Krempl in die ZEIT online vom 13.12.2005
http://www.zeit.de/online/2005/50/vorratsdatenspeicherung
Starmail - 15. Dez, 23:30
Proteste gegen Ein-Euro-Jobs
Spaziergänge gegen Ein-Euro-Jobs
"Agenturschluss"-Aktion in Köln
„Zum wiederholten Mal sind Kölner Erwerbslose im Rahmen der "Agenturschluss"-Kampagne bei einem Träger so genannter 1-Euro-Jobs eingefallen. Es war wiedermal so weit, ... über 10 AktivistInnen der Kampagne "Agenturschluss", die in Köln speziell die Träger so genannter 1-Euro-Jobs ins Visier genommen haben, trafen sich am 08.12.2005 wieder zu einem ihrer "Spaziergänge"…“ Bericht von „Rio“ vom 09.12.2005 bei indymedia
http://de.indymedia.org/2005/12/134716.shtml
Perspektiven der Proteste 2005ff.
Breites Bündnis für Sozialprotest und außerparlamentarischen Widerstand geschmiedet. BAG-SHI und Erwerbslosen Forum Deutschland treten in Kooperation mit dem bundesweiten Aktionsbündnis „Sozialproteste“
„Anlässlich des bundesweiten Treffens des Aktionsbündnisses „Sozialproteste“ am 10.12.2005 in Göttingen, an dem auch die Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft der Erwerbslosen- und Sozialhilfeinitiativen e.V.(BAG-SHI) und das Erwerbslosen Forum Deutschland teilnahmen, wurden der Beginn des gemeinsamen Widerstands gegen zunehmenden Sozialkahlschlag und den Abbau von Rechtsstaatlichkeit angekündigt. Nach den zahlreichen Veranstaltungen des „heißen Winters“, die weiterhin fortgesetzt und intensiviert werden, soll als Auftakt die Mobilisierung der europaweiten Protestveranstaltung gegen die Verabschiedung der „Bolkestein-Richtlinie“ und einer bundesweiten Massendemonstration gegen Sozialkahlschlag im Frühjahr´06 sein. Ziel für 2006 und 2007 ist es, den außerparlamentarischen sozialen Widerstand zunehmend zu vergrößern. Dies auch im Hinblick auf den geplanten Weltwirtschaftsgipfel in Heiligendamm/Rostock 2007…“ Presseerklärung von Martin Behrsing („Erwerbslosen Forum Deutschland“, Bonn) gemeinsam mit dem Aktionsbündnis Sozialproteste (pdf)
http://www.erwerbslosenforum.de/presse/11_12_05.pdf
Aktionen bei der AWO, Caritas… Gegen 1-Euro-Job-Anbieter
Bremer Erwerbslosen- und JobberInnentag am 30.11.05
Kurzbericht http://www.sozialplenum.org/start_00.html
Flugblatt: „1 €-Job, Ich-AG, Call-Center oder was?“ (pdf) http://www.labournet.de/diskussion/arbeit/aktionen/eurobremen2.pdf
Übersicht über regionale Anti-Hartz-&-Co-Bündnisse aktualisiert
http://www.labournet.de/diskussion/arbeit/aktionen/regionen.html
Aus: LabourNet, 15. Dezember 2005
"Agenturschluss"-Aktion in Köln
„Zum wiederholten Mal sind Kölner Erwerbslose im Rahmen der "Agenturschluss"-Kampagne bei einem Träger so genannter 1-Euro-Jobs eingefallen. Es war wiedermal so weit, ... über 10 AktivistInnen der Kampagne "Agenturschluss", die in Köln speziell die Träger so genannter 1-Euro-Jobs ins Visier genommen haben, trafen sich am 08.12.2005 wieder zu einem ihrer "Spaziergänge"…“ Bericht von „Rio“ vom 09.12.2005 bei indymedia
http://de.indymedia.org/2005/12/134716.shtml
Perspektiven der Proteste 2005ff.
Breites Bündnis für Sozialprotest und außerparlamentarischen Widerstand geschmiedet. BAG-SHI und Erwerbslosen Forum Deutschland treten in Kooperation mit dem bundesweiten Aktionsbündnis „Sozialproteste“
„Anlässlich des bundesweiten Treffens des Aktionsbündnisses „Sozialproteste“ am 10.12.2005 in Göttingen, an dem auch die Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft der Erwerbslosen- und Sozialhilfeinitiativen e.V.(BAG-SHI) und das Erwerbslosen Forum Deutschland teilnahmen, wurden der Beginn des gemeinsamen Widerstands gegen zunehmenden Sozialkahlschlag und den Abbau von Rechtsstaatlichkeit angekündigt. Nach den zahlreichen Veranstaltungen des „heißen Winters“, die weiterhin fortgesetzt und intensiviert werden, soll als Auftakt die Mobilisierung der europaweiten Protestveranstaltung gegen die Verabschiedung der „Bolkestein-Richtlinie“ und einer bundesweiten Massendemonstration gegen Sozialkahlschlag im Frühjahr´06 sein. Ziel für 2006 und 2007 ist es, den außerparlamentarischen sozialen Widerstand zunehmend zu vergrößern. Dies auch im Hinblick auf den geplanten Weltwirtschaftsgipfel in Heiligendamm/Rostock 2007…“ Presseerklärung von Martin Behrsing („Erwerbslosen Forum Deutschland“, Bonn) gemeinsam mit dem Aktionsbündnis Sozialproteste (pdf)
http://www.erwerbslosenforum.de/presse/11_12_05.pdf
Aktionen bei der AWO, Caritas… Gegen 1-Euro-Job-Anbieter
Bremer Erwerbslosen- und JobberInnentag am 30.11.05
Kurzbericht http://www.sozialplenum.org/start_00.html
Flugblatt: „1 €-Job, Ich-AG, Call-Center oder was?“ (pdf) http://www.labournet.de/diskussion/arbeit/aktionen/eurobremen2.pdf
Übersicht über regionale Anti-Hartz-&-Co-Bündnisse aktualisiert
http://www.labournet.de/diskussion/arbeit/aktionen/regionen.html
Aus: LabourNet, 15. Dezember 2005
Starmail - 15. Dez, 23:27
Protokoll Bundesversammlung Aktionsbündnis Sozialproteste am 10. Dezember 2005
Starmail - 15. Dez, 23:21
Mobilfunkgegner machen mobil
Interessengemeinschaft gegen Elektrosmog im Saastal gegründet
Saas Grund / Die Saaser machen mobil und wehren sich gegen Mobilfunkantennen auf ihrem Gebiet. Darum wurde vor rund einem Monat die Interessengemeinschaft gegen Elektrosmog im Saastal ins Leben gerufen. Dadurch erhofft man sich eine stärkere Lobby im Kampf gegen die Mobilfunkanbieter.
Von Walter Bellwald
Nachdem sich die Gemeinde Zermatt erfolgreich gegen den Ausbau von Mobilfunkantennen auf ihrem Gemeindegebiet zur Wehr gesetzt hat (die RZ berichtete), regt sich nun auch im Saastal Widerstand gegen die Mobilfunktelefonie. So gingen gegen den Ausbau des Antennenstandorts „Plattjen“ rund zweihundert private Einsprachen ein.
Umfrage lanciert
„Wir wollen die Bevölkerung auf die stete Gefahr des Elektrosmogs aufmerksam machen und für die Problematik sensibilisieren“, erklärt IG-Präsident Edgar Ruppen die Beweggründe des Vereins. Was dem Primarlehrer vor allem sauer aufstößt ist die Tatsache, dass immer mehr Antennen in der Nähe von Schulanlagen zu stehen kommen. „Die Betreiber dieser Anlagen wissen gar nicht, was für einer Gefahr sie die Kinder damit aussetzen“, ereifert sich Ruppen. Schützenhilfe erhält er von der heimischen Krankenkasse. „Die gesundheitlichen Beschwerden der Bevölkerung haben in den letzten Jahren stark zugenommen. Mit ein Grund für diese Tendenz sind sicherlich die Umwelteinflüsse und dazu gehört zweifelsohne auch der Elektrosmog“, ist Kurt Anthamatten von der Krankenkasse Saastal überzeugt. Darum lancierte die Krankenkasse kurzerhand eine Umfrage über das Wohlbefinden der Saaser Bevölkerung im Zusammenhang mit Elektrosmog.
Alarmierende Zahlen
Das Ergebnis der Umfrage lässt aufhorchen. Von den 250 eingegangenen Fragebögen gaben fast sechzig Prozent der Befragten an, dass sie mit permanenten Schlafstörungen zu kämpfen hätten. Über vierzig Prozent klagen über regelmäßige Kopfschmerzen und rund dreißig Prozent leiden unter Konzentrationsstörungen. Für Kurt Anthamatten alarmierende Zahlen: „Obwohl bisher keine hundertprozentigen Rückschlüsse auf eine Strahlenbelastung möglich sind, ist davon auszugehen, dass sich Elektrosmog negativ auf die Gesundheit des Menschen auswirken kann. Demnach sind die Resultate der Umfrage sehr aussagekräftig, weil sie sich mit anderen Umfragen und wissenschaftlichen Resultaten durchaus decken.“ Als direkte Folge der Umfrage wurde die IG gegen Elektrosmog im Saastal ins Leben gerufen.
Informationsveranstaltung
Die neun Gründungsmitglieder geben sich zuversichtlich. „Der Rückhalt in der Bevölkerung ist deutlich spürbar und die Skepsis gegenüber Mobilfunkantennen wächst stetig“, erklärt Edgar Ruppen. Um die Bevölkerung auf die Schattenseiten des Mobilfunks aufmerksam zu machen, hat die IG beschlossen, einen Informationsabend durchzuführen. „Mit Hans-Ueli Jakob, Präsident des Vereins Gigaherz, konnten wir einen sehr kompetenten und erfahrenen Referenten verpflichten, der sich vehement gegen Mobilfunkanlagen zur Wehr setzt“, so der IG-Präsident. Der Informationsabend findet morgen Abend um 20 Uhr im Mehrzweckgebäude in Saas Grund statt.
http://www.rz-online.ch/news2005/Nr49-15dez/02.htm
Nachricht von der BI Bad Dürkheim
Saas Grund / Die Saaser machen mobil und wehren sich gegen Mobilfunkantennen auf ihrem Gebiet. Darum wurde vor rund einem Monat die Interessengemeinschaft gegen Elektrosmog im Saastal ins Leben gerufen. Dadurch erhofft man sich eine stärkere Lobby im Kampf gegen die Mobilfunkanbieter.
Von Walter Bellwald
Nachdem sich die Gemeinde Zermatt erfolgreich gegen den Ausbau von Mobilfunkantennen auf ihrem Gemeindegebiet zur Wehr gesetzt hat (die RZ berichtete), regt sich nun auch im Saastal Widerstand gegen die Mobilfunktelefonie. So gingen gegen den Ausbau des Antennenstandorts „Plattjen“ rund zweihundert private Einsprachen ein.
Umfrage lanciert
„Wir wollen die Bevölkerung auf die stete Gefahr des Elektrosmogs aufmerksam machen und für die Problematik sensibilisieren“, erklärt IG-Präsident Edgar Ruppen die Beweggründe des Vereins. Was dem Primarlehrer vor allem sauer aufstößt ist die Tatsache, dass immer mehr Antennen in der Nähe von Schulanlagen zu stehen kommen. „Die Betreiber dieser Anlagen wissen gar nicht, was für einer Gefahr sie die Kinder damit aussetzen“, ereifert sich Ruppen. Schützenhilfe erhält er von der heimischen Krankenkasse. „Die gesundheitlichen Beschwerden der Bevölkerung haben in den letzten Jahren stark zugenommen. Mit ein Grund für diese Tendenz sind sicherlich die Umwelteinflüsse und dazu gehört zweifelsohne auch der Elektrosmog“, ist Kurt Anthamatten von der Krankenkasse Saastal überzeugt. Darum lancierte die Krankenkasse kurzerhand eine Umfrage über das Wohlbefinden der Saaser Bevölkerung im Zusammenhang mit Elektrosmog.
Alarmierende Zahlen
Das Ergebnis der Umfrage lässt aufhorchen. Von den 250 eingegangenen Fragebögen gaben fast sechzig Prozent der Befragten an, dass sie mit permanenten Schlafstörungen zu kämpfen hätten. Über vierzig Prozent klagen über regelmäßige Kopfschmerzen und rund dreißig Prozent leiden unter Konzentrationsstörungen. Für Kurt Anthamatten alarmierende Zahlen: „Obwohl bisher keine hundertprozentigen Rückschlüsse auf eine Strahlenbelastung möglich sind, ist davon auszugehen, dass sich Elektrosmog negativ auf die Gesundheit des Menschen auswirken kann. Demnach sind die Resultate der Umfrage sehr aussagekräftig, weil sie sich mit anderen Umfragen und wissenschaftlichen Resultaten durchaus decken.“ Als direkte Folge der Umfrage wurde die IG gegen Elektrosmog im Saastal ins Leben gerufen.
Informationsveranstaltung
Die neun Gründungsmitglieder geben sich zuversichtlich. „Der Rückhalt in der Bevölkerung ist deutlich spürbar und die Skepsis gegenüber Mobilfunkantennen wächst stetig“, erklärt Edgar Ruppen. Um die Bevölkerung auf die Schattenseiten des Mobilfunks aufmerksam zu machen, hat die IG beschlossen, einen Informationsabend durchzuführen. „Mit Hans-Ueli Jakob, Präsident des Vereins Gigaherz, konnten wir einen sehr kompetenten und erfahrenen Referenten verpflichten, der sich vehement gegen Mobilfunkanlagen zur Wehr setzt“, so der IG-Präsident. Der Informationsabend findet morgen Abend um 20 Uhr im Mehrzweckgebäude in Saas Grund statt.
http://www.rz-online.ch/news2005/Nr49-15dez/02.htm
Nachricht von der BI Bad Dürkheim
Starmail - 15. Dez, 23:03
G.O.P. May Harness Arctic Drilling to Pentagon Budget
Starmail - 15. Dez, 22:51
House Defies Bush and Backs McCain on Detainee Torture
In an unusual bipartisan rebuke to the Bush administration, the House on Wednesday overwhelmingly endorsed Senator John McCain's measure to bar cruel and inhumane treatment of prisoners in American custody anywhere in the world. Although the vote was nonbinding, it put the Republican-controlled House on record in support of Mr. McCain's provision for the first time, at the very moment when the senator, a Republican, is at a crucial stage of tense negotiations with the White House, which strongly opposes his measure.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/121505Z.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/121505Z.shtml
Starmail - 15. Dez, 22:49
Mobile phone company loses appeal against 12m mast
Dec 15 2005
A MOBILE phone company which is trying to erect a 40ft high telecommunications mast in the Mole Valley countryside has had its appeal refused.
A planning inspector told T-Mobile UK that the proposed mast would be "a prominent and unsym-pathetic feature" and that she would not uphold the appeal against the original decision to refuse planning permission.
The phone company wanted to erect the mast on the grass verge to the north of the Clarks Green roundabout on the A24, to give coverage to customers in that area.
Permission had been refused by Mole Valley District Council on May 31, prompting T-Mobile to appeal against the decision.
But planning inspector Sue Turner was concerned by the "harmful effect" the mast would have on the character and appearance of the surrounding countryside.
She observed that the 12 metre-high mast "would be clearly visible projecting above the tree line", where most of the trees in the area are "in the range eight to 10 metres".
The inspector thought that not enough careful consideration had been given to alternative sites, and refused the appeal.
Gordon Simmons of T-Mobile said: "There are something like 60 million mobile phones in use (in the country) today and we are using them more and more.
"As such, we need to continue with development of the network to ensure that customers get the coverage they expect.
"We work pretty hard to come up with solutions and designs that blend in with the landscape.
"There is an urgent need for coverage in the area and this refusal will be under review."
http://icsurreyonline.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0500dorkingleatherhead/tm_objectid=16485187&method=full&siteid=50101&headline=mobile-phone-company-loses-appeal-against-12m-mast-name_page.html
A MOBILE phone company which is trying to erect a 40ft high telecommunications mast in the Mole Valley countryside has had its appeal refused.
A planning inspector told T-Mobile UK that the proposed mast would be "a prominent and unsym-pathetic feature" and that she would not uphold the appeal against the original decision to refuse planning permission.
The phone company wanted to erect the mast on the grass verge to the north of the Clarks Green roundabout on the A24, to give coverage to customers in that area.
Permission had been refused by Mole Valley District Council on May 31, prompting T-Mobile to appeal against the decision.
But planning inspector Sue Turner was concerned by the "harmful effect" the mast would have on the character and appearance of the surrounding countryside.
She observed that the 12 metre-high mast "would be clearly visible projecting above the tree line", where most of the trees in the area are "in the range eight to 10 metres".
The inspector thought that not enough careful consideration had been given to alternative sites, and refused the appeal.
Gordon Simmons of T-Mobile said: "There are something like 60 million mobile phones in use (in the country) today and we are using them more and more.
"As such, we need to continue with development of the network to ensure that customers get the coverage they expect.
"We work pretty hard to come up with solutions and designs that blend in with the landscape.
"There is an urgent need for coverage in the area and this refusal will be under review."
http://icsurreyonline.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0500dorkingleatherhead/tm_objectid=16485187&method=full&siteid=50101&headline=mobile-phone-company-loses-appeal-against-12m-mast-name_page.html
Starmail - 15. Dez, 22:47
"Arbeitsteilung" mit Folterstaaten
"Arbeitsteilung" mit Folterstaaten: Deutsche Sicherheitsbehörden sollen in Guantánamo Gefolterte verhört haben (15.12.05)
Deutsche Sicherheitsbehörden sollen einem Zeitungsbericht zufolge im US-Gefangenenlager Guantánamo auf Kuba zwei Internierte befragt haben. Die "Süddeutschen Zeitung" berichtete, vom 21. bis 27. September 2002 seien zwei Beamte des Bundesnachrichtendienstes und ein Mitarbeiter des Bundesamts für Verfassungsschutz nach Guantánamo gereist. Sie hätten dort den in Bremen aufgewachsenen Türken Murat Kurnaz verhört sowie den aus Mauretanien stammenden Ould Slahi, der in Duisburg gelebt hatte. Nach Angaben von Amnesty international wurde Kurnaz vermutlich in Guantánamo gefoltert. Darüber hinaus sollen das Bundeskriminalamt (BKA), der Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND) und der Verfassungsschutz (VS) in einem syrischen Foltergefängnis den deutschen Staatsbürger Haydar Zammar verhört haben.
Die ganze Nachricht im Internet:
http://www.ngo-online.de/ganze_nachricht.php?Nr=12523
Deutsche Sicherheitsbehörden sollen einem Zeitungsbericht zufolge im US-Gefangenenlager Guantánamo auf Kuba zwei Internierte befragt haben. Die "Süddeutschen Zeitung" berichtete, vom 21. bis 27. September 2002 seien zwei Beamte des Bundesnachrichtendienstes und ein Mitarbeiter des Bundesamts für Verfassungsschutz nach Guantánamo gereist. Sie hätten dort den in Bremen aufgewachsenen Türken Murat Kurnaz verhört sowie den aus Mauretanien stammenden Ould Slahi, der in Duisburg gelebt hatte. Nach Angaben von Amnesty international wurde Kurnaz vermutlich in Guantánamo gefoltert. Darüber hinaus sollen das Bundeskriminalamt (BKA), der Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND) und der Verfassungsschutz (VS) in einem syrischen Foltergefängnis den deutschen Staatsbürger Haydar Zammar verhört haben.
Die ganze Nachricht im Internet:
http://www.ngo-online.de/ganze_nachricht.php?Nr=12523
Starmail - 15. Dez, 22:42
Enemies of the State?
Suspected of plotting terror, a group of men have been held for four years but never charged. Now, in their first testimonies, they reveal the authorities have not even questioned them since their arrests.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/121505N.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/121505N.shtml
Starmail - 15. Dez, 22:41
Senate Is Set to Require White House to Account for Secret Prisons
The Senate is poised to approve a measure that would require the Bush administration to provide Congress with its most specific and extensive accounting of the secret prison system established by the CIA to house terrorism suspects.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/121505J.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/121505J.shtml
Starmail - 15. Dez, 22:39
Forest Salvation
Kelpie Wilson writes: The Washington Post reported that US chief climate negotiator Harlan Watson was essentially nominated for the position by Exxon Mobil. This is just one more indication of the extent to which the United States government has been body-snatched by corporate interests.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/121505I.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/121505I.shtml
Starmail - 15. Dez, 22:38
Das britische Guantanamo
Auch in Großbritannien wurden einige Ausländer Jahre lang ohne Anklage eingesperrt, jetzt stellte sich heraus, dass diese angeblich so gefährlichen Terrorverdächtigen nie verhört wurden.
http://www.telepolis.de/tp/r4/artikel/21/21580/1.html
http://www.telepolis.de/tp/r4/artikel/21/21580/1.html
Starmail - 15. Dez, 22:37
Früchte der Folter
Deutsche Sicherheitsbeamte haben in Guantanamo und im syrischen Far-Filastin-Gefängnis mit verhört.
http://www.telepolis.de/tp/r4/artikel/21/21583/1.html
http://www.telepolis.de/tp/r4/artikel/21/21583/1.html
Starmail - 15. Dez, 22:34
PHONE mast fight boost
By Victoria Hoe
Dec 15, 2005
Controversial plans by a mobile phone giant to install a 50ft mast in Lichfield are set to be rejected after objections from residents.
Vodafone wants to put a mast on land at Shires Industrial Estate, off Essington Close. A 362-signature petition and 38 letters of objection were sent to Lichfield District Council.
Residents said the mast would be visually intrusive and have a detrimental effect on the character of the area.
They are worried about health risks and say the mast would be within 10 yards of some homes
Objectors added that there were already 19 masts within one mile of the city centre and said they did not believe other possible sites had been fully explored.
The parish authority, Lichfield City Council, has also objected amid concerns the planned mast was too close to residential properties and was too high.
Lichfield District Council's planning committee is set to refuse the scheme when it meets on Monday evening.
Planning officers said the mast would form a highly intrusive feature of excessive height.
Planning officer Stephen Hill said: "I am not satisfied the applicant has given full consideration to the siting of this mast and consider its location will have a harmful impact on the character of the immediate surrounding area and on the amenity of nearby residents."
He said the mast could not be refused on health grounds.
County councillor Terry Finn backed residents in their fight against the mast.
He said the plans were unacceptable because the mast would be too close to Chesterfield Road and Redlock Field.
Vodafone spokeswoman Jane Frapwell said the firm needed masts near homes because that was where mobile reception was required.
She said there was no limit on how close the masts could be to houses and that exposure was lower when people were close to masts.
Omega this is not true. See under:
http://omega.twoday.net/topics/Wissenschaft+zu+Mobilfunk/
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Cancer+Cluster
http://www.buergerwelle.de/body_science.html
http://www.expressandstar.com/articles/news/es/article_84425.php
Dec 15, 2005
Controversial plans by a mobile phone giant to install a 50ft mast in Lichfield are set to be rejected after objections from residents.
Vodafone wants to put a mast on land at Shires Industrial Estate, off Essington Close. A 362-signature petition and 38 letters of objection were sent to Lichfield District Council.
Residents said the mast would be visually intrusive and have a detrimental effect on the character of the area.
They are worried about health risks and say the mast would be within 10 yards of some homes
Objectors added that there were already 19 masts within one mile of the city centre and said they did not believe other possible sites had been fully explored.
The parish authority, Lichfield City Council, has also objected amid concerns the planned mast was too close to residential properties and was too high.
Lichfield District Council's planning committee is set to refuse the scheme when it meets on Monday evening.
Planning officers said the mast would form a highly intrusive feature of excessive height.
Planning officer Stephen Hill said: "I am not satisfied the applicant has given full consideration to the siting of this mast and consider its location will have a harmful impact on the character of the immediate surrounding area and on the amenity of nearby residents."
He said the mast could not be refused on health grounds.
County councillor Terry Finn backed residents in their fight against the mast.
He said the plans were unacceptable because the mast would be too close to Chesterfield Road and Redlock Field.
Vodafone spokeswoman Jane Frapwell said the firm needed masts near homes because that was where mobile reception was required.
She said there was no limit on how close the masts could be to houses and that exposure was lower when people were close to masts.
Omega this is not true. See under:
http://omega.twoday.net/topics/Wissenschaft+zu+Mobilfunk/
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Cancer+Cluster
http://www.buergerwelle.de/body_science.html
http://www.expressandstar.com/articles/news/es/article_84425.php
Starmail - 15. Dez, 19:53
Residents to meet phone mast bosses
by Gazette reporter,
Ryedale, Yorkshire
CONCERNED residents are to meet with phone company bosses to discuss a controversial new mast in the centre of their village.
Orange at first refused to talk to villagers in Sheriff Hutton about the phone mast on Dasket Hill, but the company has now agreed to a meeting on January 6.
More than 130 residents turned out to protest after the mast appeared one quiet Sunday morning, despite both the parish council and Ryedale District Council opposing the plans.
It became clear that two administrative errors by Ryedale District Council led to the objections being sent to the phone company a day late.
Council bosses have apologised for the errors, and development control manager Gary Housden said he would take legal advice as to whether the council has any enforcement power over Orange to take it down.
He said the fact that the company did not place notification of plans on the site could render its application void, and he would know for certain by December 21.
Until then, residents say they are "in limbo".
Andrew Murphy, who lives with his family 85 metres away from the mast in Cornborough Road, spotted engineers there on December 3, and stopped them connecting the mast to an electricity supplier.
"I told them the site was still the subject of a legal review and that no work should be done until that was resolved," he said.
"They rang their boss and he said they had to get on with it, but then I said I would get the press involved and they left."
Mr Murphy wrote to Orange and negotiated the meeting on January 6, and was assured no more work would go on at the site until that meeting.
Mr Murphy's wife, Linda, said: "I'm very much heartened that they are at last prepared to meet us and listen.
``However, I'm not getting too optimistic.
``Our aim is to get it removed and, once it is, we will celebrate.
``But it's great that we can relax over Christmas and not be on a constant lookout to see if they are doing something."
At the meeting, villagers will show the Orange bosses alternative sites for the mast, including one industrial park and three spots where landowners are willing to have the mast.
"They are all away from homes, and that's what we want," said Mrs Murphy. "We don't want to make it someone else's problem."
Orange spokesman Duncan McGraw said: "Orange has agreed to meet with up to four residents and we are waiting to hear confirmation of that. We want to meet with them and listen to their concerns because lots of information has been published about the issue and we need to get to the bottom of these concerns.
"From our point of view as a company, we have legitimate planning consent for this site and we're keen to build this mast to improve mobile phone coverage in the area."
Updated: 14:11 Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Ryedale, Yorkshire
CONCERNED residents are to meet with phone company bosses to discuss a controversial new mast in the centre of their village.
Orange at first refused to talk to villagers in Sheriff Hutton about the phone mast on Dasket Hill, but the company has now agreed to a meeting on January 6.
More than 130 residents turned out to protest after the mast appeared one quiet Sunday morning, despite both the parish council and Ryedale District Council opposing the plans.
It became clear that two administrative errors by Ryedale District Council led to the objections being sent to the phone company a day late.
Council bosses have apologised for the errors, and development control manager Gary Housden said he would take legal advice as to whether the council has any enforcement power over Orange to take it down.
He said the fact that the company did not place notification of plans on the site could render its application void, and he would know for certain by December 21.
Until then, residents say they are "in limbo".
Andrew Murphy, who lives with his family 85 metres away from the mast in Cornborough Road, spotted engineers there on December 3, and stopped them connecting the mast to an electricity supplier.
"I told them the site was still the subject of a legal review and that no work should be done until that was resolved," he said.
"They rang their boss and he said they had to get on with it, but then I said I would get the press involved and they left."
Mr Murphy wrote to Orange and negotiated the meeting on January 6, and was assured no more work would go on at the site until that meeting.
Mr Murphy's wife, Linda, said: "I'm very much heartened that they are at last prepared to meet us and listen.
``However, I'm not getting too optimistic.
``Our aim is to get it removed and, once it is, we will celebrate.
``But it's great that we can relax over Christmas and not be on a constant lookout to see if they are doing something."
At the meeting, villagers will show the Orange bosses alternative sites for the mast, including one industrial park and three spots where landowners are willing to have the mast.
"They are all away from homes, and that's what we want," said Mrs Murphy. "We don't want to make it someone else's problem."
Orange spokesman Duncan McGraw said: "Orange has agreed to meet with up to four residents and we are waiting to hear confirmation of that. We want to meet with them and listen to their concerns because lots of information has been published about the issue and we need to get to the bottom of these concerns.
"From our point of view as a company, we have legitimate planning consent for this site and we're keen to build this mast to improve mobile phone coverage in the area."
Updated: 14:11 Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Starmail - 15. Dez, 19:49
Pentagon Will Review Database on U.S. Citizens
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/14/AR2005121402528.html
Informant: William K. Dobbs
From ufpj-news
Informant: William K. Dobbs
From ufpj-news
Starmail - 15. Dez, 19:46
America's Gulag Problem
by Aziz Huq, TomPaine.com
Congress is about to pass a bill that cuts off the only real route out of the Guantanamo mess.
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051215/americas_gulag_problem.php
Congress is about to pass a bill that cuts off the only real route out of the Guantanamo mess.
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051215/americas_gulag_problem.php
Starmail - 15. Dez, 19:43
House vote backs McCain language on torture
A clear message to the administration that Congress supports the legislation Josh White, Charles Babington, Washington Post Thursday, December 15, 2005
Washington -- The House gave strong support Wednesday to a measure that would ban torture and limit interrogation tactics in U.S. detention facilities, agreeing with senators that Congress needs to set uniform guidelines for the treatment of prisoners in the war on terror.
On a 308-122 vote, members of the House supported specific language proposed by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., that prohibits "cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment" of anyone in the custody of the U.S. government.
Although lopsided, the vote does not put the language into law. Instead, the vote specifically instructed House negotiators to include McCain's language, word for word, in the fiscal 2006 Defense Appropriations bill, a decision that is not binding but carries with it significant political weight.
The House also supported a McCain provision that would require officials in any Defense Department detention facility to follow interrogation standards in the Army's Field Manual. That manual is currently under revision.
The vote sends a clear signal to the Bush administration that both chambers of Congress support the anti-torture legislation and want the government to adopt guidelines that would aim to prevent damage to the U.S. image abroad. The White House has been aggressively pushing to create exceptions for CIA operatives and to water down McCain's language to keep from limiting interrogators' options.
Earlier in the day, McCain and President Bush's national security adviser, Stephen Hadley, met in hopes of reaching a compromise on McCain's proposals, but no agreements were reached.
Congressional aides and U.S. officials said Wednesday that McCain had flatly refused Bush administration requests to modify the language he has proposed or to water down the impact of the torture ban.
The House vote indicates the administration may have lost some leverage.
With the Senate's 90-9 vote in support of McCain's language earlier this year, both houses have presented veto-proof tallies to a White House that has vowed to strike down any bill that limits the president's authority to wage the war on terror.
"We cannot torture and still retain the moral high ground," said Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., who called for the vote Wednesday. "No torture and no exceptions."
In all, 200 Democrats, 107 Republicans and one independent voted for Murtha's motion to instruct House negotiators. Voting against it were 121 Republicans and one Democrat, Jim Marshall of Georgia.
Rep. Walter Jones Jr., R-N.C., was among the many conservative Republicans who voted for Murtha's motion. He said in an interview that experts have told lawmakers that harsh interrogation methods often produce misleading or false misinformation because the detainee "will tell you what he thinks you want to hear" to end the pain.
Jones said he believed extreme interrogation tactics resulted in some of the bad intelligence that led the administration to believe Iraq had weapons of mass destruction before the invasion.
McCain's language is stalling the Defense Authorization bill, a policy-setting measure, as the White House continues to negotiate for exceptions and legal protection for interrogators who might unwittingly cross the proposed new lines
Despite McCain's unwavering stance, the White House continues to push for some level of exemption for officials working in the U.S. intelligence services and most specifically the CIA. Sources familiar with the negotiations said Wednesday that McCain and Hadley's one-on-one meetings over the past month had centered on the White House's request for some level of legal protection from liability for CIA operatives should they be found in violation of the standards.
Such an exception would allow interrogators to use a defense that a "reasonable person" would not have thought their actions were illegal, similar to military laws about following orders.
Defense Department officials have been debating the impact of McCain's language on intelligence operations, and officials largely agree that the measures are consistent with existing policy. They would put into law Army doctrine, eliminating a commander's flexibility to change the rules -- something members of Congress have been seeking in the wake of numerous reported abuses.
McCain's language grew out of the Abu Ghraib abuses and the confusion that became apparent about the government's policies on the treatment of detainees. McCain -- a former POW who was tortured during the Vietnam War -- has been seeking to provide congressional clarity to armed forces and other U.S. officials who
interrogate prisoners.
©2005 San Francisco Chronicle
Page A - 5 URL:
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/12/15/MNGADG892M1.DTL
Informant: John Calvert
Washington -- The House gave strong support Wednesday to a measure that would ban torture and limit interrogation tactics in U.S. detention facilities, agreeing with senators that Congress needs to set uniform guidelines for the treatment of prisoners in the war on terror.
On a 308-122 vote, members of the House supported specific language proposed by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., that prohibits "cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment" of anyone in the custody of the U.S. government.
Although lopsided, the vote does not put the language into law. Instead, the vote specifically instructed House negotiators to include McCain's language, word for word, in the fiscal 2006 Defense Appropriations bill, a decision that is not binding but carries with it significant political weight.
The House also supported a McCain provision that would require officials in any Defense Department detention facility to follow interrogation standards in the Army's Field Manual. That manual is currently under revision.
The vote sends a clear signal to the Bush administration that both chambers of Congress support the anti-torture legislation and want the government to adopt guidelines that would aim to prevent damage to the U.S. image abroad. The White House has been aggressively pushing to create exceptions for CIA operatives and to water down McCain's language to keep from limiting interrogators' options.
Earlier in the day, McCain and President Bush's national security adviser, Stephen Hadley, met in hopes of reaching a compromise on McCain's proposals, but no agreements were reached.
Congressional aides and U.S. officials said Wednesday that McCain had flatly refused Bush administration requests to modify the language he has proposed or to water down the impact of the torture ban.
The House vote indicates the administration may have lost some leverage.
With the Senate's 90-9 vote in support of McCain's language earlier this year, both houses have presented veto-proof tallies to a White House that has vowed to strike down any bill that limits the president's authority to wage the war on terror.
"We cannot torture and still retain the moral high ground," said Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., who called for the vote Wednesday. "No torture and no exceptions."
In all, 200 Democrats, 107 Republicans and one independent voted for Murtha's motion to instruct House negotiators. Voting against it were 121 Republicans and one Democrat, Jim Marshall of Georgia.
Rep. Walter Jones Jr., R-N.C., was among the many conservative Republicans who voted for Murtha's motion. He said in an interview that experts have told lawmakers that harsh interrogation methods often produce misleading or false misinformation because the detainee "will tell you what he thinks you want to hear" to end the pain.
Jones said he believed extreme interrogation tactics resulted in some of the bad intelligence that led the administration to believe Iraq had weapons of mass destruction before the invasion.
McCain's language is stalling the Defense Authorization bill, a policy-setting measure, as the White House continues to negotiate for exceptions and legal protection for interrogators who might unwittingly cross the proposed new lines
Despite McCain's unwavering stance, the White House continues to push for some level of exemption for officials working in the U.S. intelligence services and most specifically the CIA. Sources familiar with the negotiations said Wednesday that McCain and Hadley's one-on-one meetings over the past month had centered on the White House's request for some level of legal protection from liability for CIA operatives should they be found in violation of the standards.
Such an exception would allow interrogators to use a defense that a "reasonable person" would not have thought their actions were illegal, similar to military laws about following orders.
Defense Department officials have been debating the impact of McCain's language on intelligence operations, and officials largely agree that the measures are consistent with existing policy. They would put into law Army doctrine, eliminating a commander's flexibility to change the rules -- something members of Congress have been seeking in the wake of numerous reported abuses.
McCain's language grew out of the Abu Ghraib abuses and the confusion that became apparent about the government's policies on the treatment of detainees. McCain -- a former POW who was tortured during the Vietnam War -- has been seeking to provide congressional clarity to armed forces and other U.S. officials who
interrogate prisoners.
©2005 San Francisco Chronicle
Page A - 5 URL:
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/12/15/MNGADG892M1.DTL
Informant: John Calvert
Starmail - 15. Dez, 19:42
Toward freedom in the Arab world
Acton Institute
by Anthony B. Bradley
12/14/05
Regardless of one’s view of the war in Iraq, we all can agree on the desirability of a dignity-oriented freedom for individuals and families in the Arab world. Economic, political, and religious liberty, however, do not come in a valueless vacuum. Freedom rings when society is ordered so that all people, rich and poor alike, are free to pursue economic and moral goods. The same ordering that led to freedom in the Western world are the same ancient, time-tested truths that will bring liberty to all people everywhere in the world...
http://tinyurl.com/8ns4e
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
by Anthony B. Bradley
12/14/05
Regardless of one’s view of the war in Iraq, we all can agree on the desirability of a dignity-oriented freedom for individuals and families in the Arab world. Economic, political, and religious liberty, however, do not come in a valueless vacuum. Freedom rings when society is ordered so that all people, rich and poor alike, are free to pursue economic and moral goods. The same ordering that led to freedom in the Western world are the same ancient, time-tested truths that will bring liberty to all people everywhere in the world...
http://tinyurl.com/8ns4e
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 15. Dez, 19:35
Cindy Sheehan's war
Future of Freedom Foundation
by Sam Bostaph
12/14/05
On August 3, 2005, a former youth minister in Vacaville, California, was at home watching a television report of the deaths of 14 more U.S. Marines in Iraq. Her eldest son, whom she deeply loved, had been killed 16 months earlier in Sadr City, Baghdad, by members of a Shi’ite militia group. Army Specialist Casey Austin Sheehan was ambushed and murdered while he was on a mission to rescue wounded soldiers. As part of the television report, there was shown a clip of President George W. Bush describing his preemptive war against Iraq and the subsequent occupation of that country as 'a noble cause,' one that justified the casualties among U.S. forces...
http://www.fff.org/comment/com0512e.asp
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 15. Dez, 19:31
The US Constitution: a gift that keeps on giving
Hawaii Reporter
by Earl Arakaki
12/13/05
A few weeks ago some friends gave me a pocket-sized pamphlet of the 'Declaration of Independence,' the 'Constitution of the United States of America,' and 'Amendments to the Constitution of the United States of America.' Upon reading it, I discovered, 'The first 10 amendments to the Constitution -- the Bill of Rights -- were ratified effective December 15, 1791.' This week, Thursday, December 15, 2005, is the anniversary of the 'Bill of Rights.' The Constitution was ratified in 1787, and the Bill of Rights four years later. Always believed individual rights were in place from day one, or thereabouts...
http://tinyurl.com/cp9kb
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
by Earl Arakaki
12/13/05
A few weeks ago some friends gave me a pocket-sized pamphlet of the 'Declaration of Independence,' the 'Constitution of the United States of America,' and 'Amendments to the Constitution of the United States of America.' Upon reading it, I discovered, 'The first 10 amendments to the Constitution -- the Bill of Rights -- were ratified effective December 15, 1791.' This week, Thursday, December 15, 2005, is the anniversary of the 'Bill of Rights.' The Constitution was ratified in 1787, and the Bill of Rights four years later. Always believed individual rights were in place from day one, or thereabouts...
http://tinyurl.com/cp9kb
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 15. Dez, 19:29
The murder of freedom
The Libertarian Enterprise
by Kevin S. Van Horn
12/11/05
Why has it been so hard for the American freedom movement to achieve any lasting, meaningful victories? Is it because our enemies are so powerful? Is it because so few really desire freedom? Or is it just possible that the seeds of failure lie within the activists themselves? The battlefield on which we are fighting is the human mind. The State's power rests primarily on the voluntary submission of its victims. If any sizable minority of the American populace had a clear understanding of the principles of liberty and a firm resolve not to submit to unjust 'laws,' their freedom could not be taken away. So the first order of business for the freedom movement must be to reclaim the territory of our own minds from the enemy...
http://www.ncc-1776.org/tle2005/tle347-20051211-04.html
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
by Kevin S. Van Horn
12/11/05
Why has it been so hard for the American freedom movement to achieve any lasting, meaningful victories? Is it because our enemies are so powerful? Is it because so few really desire freedom? Or is it just possible that the seeds of failure lie within the activists themselves? The battlefield on which we are fighting is the human mind. The State's power rests primarily on the voluntary submission of its victims. If any sizable minority of the American populace had a clear understanding of the principles of liberty and a firm resolve not to submit to unjust 'laws,' their freedom could not be taken away. So the first order of business for the freedom movement must be to reclaim the territory of our own minds from the enemy...
http://www.ncc-1776.org/tle2005/tle347-20051211-04.html
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 15. Dez, 19:24
Activists fight against military recruitment
Black Enterprise
12/14/05
Allied with the New York Civil Liberties Union, Congressman Charles Rangel has launched a counter-offense to the Department of Defense's aggressive $1 billion drive to target people of color and people from low-income families- mainly black and Latino youth-for military service. In particular, Rangel and NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman cite a little-known provision made to the No Child Left Behind Act in 2002, which requires school districts to provide lists of their students with addresses and telephone numbers on demand to military recruiters, or risk losing federal funds. The NYCLU's 'No Student Left Unrecruited?' campaign charges that the DOD's tactics violate the privacy rights of young people and their families and established an unprecedented, intrusive, and abusive military presence in schools...
http://www.blackenterprise.com/ExclusivesEKOpen.asp?id=1459
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
12/14/05
Allied with the New York Civil Liberties Union, Congressman Charles Rangel has launched a counter-offense to the Department of Defense's aggressive $1 billion drive to target people of color and people from low-income families- mainly black and Latino youth-for military service. In particular, Rangel and NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman cite a little-known provision made to the No Child Left Behind Act in 2002, which requires school districts to provide lists of their students with addresses and telephone numbers on demand to military recruiters, or risk losing federal funds. The NYCLU's 'No Student Left Unrecruited?' campaign charges that the DOD's tactics violate the privacy rights of young people and their families and established an unprecedented, intrusive, and abusive military presence in schools...
http://www.blackenterprise.com/ExclusivesEKOpen.asp?id=1459
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 15. Dez, 19:22
Rumsfeld's memos from Katrina subpoenaed
MSNBC
12/14/05
A House committee investigating the government's response to Hurricane Katrina issued a subpoena Wednesday to force Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld to turn over documents but stopped short of sending a similar legal demand to the White House. The subpoena commands Rumsfeld to produce internal records and communications about the Pentagon's response to the Aug. 29 storm, including efforts to send supplies to victims, stabilize public safety and mobilize active duty forces along the Gulf Coast...
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/10470852/
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
12/14/05
A House committee investigating the government's response to Hurricane Katrina issued a subpoena Wednesday to force Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld to turn over documents but stopped short of sending a similar legal demand to the White House. The subpoena commands Rumsfeld to produce internal records and communications about the Pentagon's response to the Aug. 29 storm, including efforts to send supplies to victims, stabilize public safety and mobilize active duty forces along the Gulf Coast...
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/10470852/
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 15. Dez, 19:20
Some may face choice: Whether to heat or eat
USA Today
12/14/05
The Bush administration has denied requests from five states to increase food stamps for low-income families facing higher heating bills this winter. Maine, New York, Kansas, Virginia and South Carolina sought to raise monthly food stamp allotments by projecting what families will pay to heat their homes. The increases would have ranged from $8 to about $30 a month for families who pay their own utility bills...
http://tinyurl.com/bfrz6
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
12/14/05
The Bush administration has denied requests from five states to increase food stamps for low-income families facing higher heating bills this winter. Maine, New York, Kansas, Virginia and South Carolina sought to raise monthly food stamp allotments by projecting what families will pay to heat their homes. The increases would have ranged from $8 to about $30 a month for families who pay their own utility bills...
http://tinyurl.com/bfrz6
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 15. Dez, 19:18
Bush: Iraq invasion my responsibility
Las Vegas Review-Journal
12/14/05
President Bush said Wednesday the responsibility for invading Iraq based in part on faulty weapons intelligence rested solely with him, taking on the issue in his most direct and personal terms in the 1,000-plus days since the war's first shots. 'It is true that much of the intelligence turned out to be wrong,' Bush said. 'As president, I'm responsible for the decision to go into Iraq.' The president's mea culpa was accompanied by a robust defense of the divisive war...
http://tinyurl.com/2346c
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
12/14/05
President Bush said Wednesday the responsibility for invading Iraq based in part on faulty weapons intelligence rested solely with him, taking on the issue in his most direct and personal terms in the 1,000-plus days since the war's first shots. 'It is true that much of the intelligence turned out to be wrong,' Bush said. 'As president, I'm responsible for the decision to go into Iraq.' The president's mea culpa was accompanied by a robust defense of the divisive war...
http://tinyurl.com/2346c
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 15. Dez, 19:17
Marine census shows diversity, declines
Tampa Tribune
12/14/05
A massive census of all the fish and other marine life in the world's oceans has reached the halfway point with new evidence of the rich diversity under the sea along with warnings about the alarming decline of many species. The 10-year international project that began in 2000 has already tracked the migration of tuna from Japan to California and back, along with the movement of endangered British Columbia salmon with implanted computer chips...
http://tinyurl.com/bfcgn
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
12/14/05
A massive census of all the fish and other marine life in the world's oceans has reached the halfway point with new evidence of the rich diversity under the sea along with warnings about the alarming decline of many species. The 10-year international project that began in 2000 has already tracked the migration of tuna from Japan to California and back, along with the movement of endangered British Columbia salmon with implanted computer chips...
http://tinyurl.com/bfcgn
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 15. Dez, 19:15
PlameGate: Novak says president knows leak source
Indianapolis Star
12/14/05
Columnist Bob Novak, who first published the identity of covert CIA officer Valerie Plame, says he is confident that President Bush knows who leaked Plame's name. Novak said that 'I'd be amazed' if the president didn't know the source's identity and that the public should 'bug the president as to whether he should reveal who the source is.' Novak's remarks, reported in the Raleigh, N.C., News & Observer, came during a question and answer session Tuesday after a speech sponsored by the John Locke Foundation, a conservative think tank...
http://tinyurl.com/cklep
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
12/14/05
Columnist Bob Novak, who first published the identity of covert CIA officer Valerie Plame, says he is confident that President Bush knows who leaked Plame's name. Novak said that 'I'd be amazed' if the president didn't know the source's identity and that the public should 'bug the president as to whether he should reveal who the source is.' Novak's remarks, reported in the Raleigh, N.C., News & Observer, came during a question and answer session Tuesday after a speech sponsored by the John Locke Foundation, a conservative think tank...
http://tinyurl.com/cklep
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 15. Dez, 19:14
Martin rebuffs US election meddling
CNN
12/14/05
Prime Minister Paul Martin escalated a war of words with the United States on Wednesday, telling Washington not to dictate to him what topics he can raise in the run-up to Canada's January 23 election. But U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins, who warned Canadian politicians on Tuesday not to bash the United States as part of their campaigning, denied on Wednesday he was trying to control the election debate...
http://tinyurl.com/8yqaw
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
12/14/05
Prime Minister Paul Martin escalated a war of words with the United States on Wednesday, telling Washington not to dictate to him what topics he can raise in the run-up to Canada's January 23 election. But U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins, who warned Canadian politicians on Tuesday not to bash the United States as part of their campaigning, denied on Wednesday he was trying to control the election debate...
http://tinyurl.com/8yqaw
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 15. Dez, 18:35
Senate GOP fights to sustain Patriot Act
Detroit Free Press
12/14/05
Senate Republican leaders fought Wednesday to save the USA Patriot Act renewal from sinking under the weight of opposition from a bipartisan group that says the measure would give the FBI a dangerous amount of power. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., predicted that the legislation would survive a filibuster threat and pass before more than a dozen of the 2001 law's provisions expire Dec. 31. He got a boost from Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, who lobbied for the renewal briefly at a closed meeting of Republicans...
http://tinyurl.com/88chw
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
12/14/05
Senate Republican leaders fought Wednesday to save the USA Patriot Act renewal from sinking under the weight of opposition from a bipartisan group that says the measure would give the FBI a dangerous amount of power. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., predicted that the legislation would survive a filibuster threat and pass before more than a dozen of the 2001 law's provisions expire Dec. 31. He got a boost from Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, who lobbied for the renewal briefly at a closed meeting of Republicans...
http://tinyurl.com/88chw
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 15. Dez, 18:33
The Silence of the Doctors
Jonathan H. Marks: An "assessment" report of detainee medical activities made public by the Army Surgeon General in July raised more questions than it answered. What did the seventy-four medical personnel - in Iraq alone - who admitted witnessing interrogations actually see?
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/121405C.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/121405C.shtml
Starmail - 15. Dez, 11:03
Meet the New Boss
William Rivers Pitt: This election will be no panacea, despite what the hopefuls think. The worst possible outcome will involve horrific bloodshed and unrest. The best possible outcome will place two notoriously deadly terrorist organizations in charge of Iraq. Was this trip really necessary?
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/121405A.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/121405A.shtml
Starmail - 15. Dez, 11:02
Villagers' victory in phone mast row
Victorious villagers have won the support of West Norfolk planning chiefs in their fight against a mobile phone mast extension at Castle Acre.
Last Monday, development control board members went against officers' advice and refused planning permission for a new police communications system to be added to Orange's present 30m mast north of Orchard Lane in the village.
Board members decided the phone operator had failed to demonstrate that the perceived health risks of the proposed "Tetra" radio system were unfounded.
Residents were relieved and delighted by the decision, their victory clouded only by the possibility of an appeal with an uncertain outcome.
A 150-signature petition and 65 letters of protest were considered by the board. Written objections were received from the village school and parish council and three residents spoke in person at the meeting.
They included parish council clerk Mr Bill Corcoran, who said afterwards: "Our feeling is one of relief and we would like to express our appreciation to the board. There were some quite specific individual comments from members expressing their worries and concerns about a system such as this which could impair health, particularly in children."
Castle Acre anti-Tetra campaign spokesman Ms Charlie Williams, also spoke at the meeting and said later: "I'm glad that in this instance common sense has prevailed and the borough council recognised it has a duty to protect the health and promote the safety of our children. Tetra emissions remain largely untested so 100 per cent safety is not guaranteed."
She urged anyone seeking more information about the radio system to use the websites http://www.sitefinder.radio. gov.uk , http://www.mastsanity.org and http://www.tetrawatch.net
Ward councillor Gwyneth Thorneywork said the meeting went "better than we could have imagined."
Although very pleased, she suspected that villagers had not heard the last of the application. Some similar rejected schemes had been won on appeal and she said: "We can't just sit back now."
If an appeal was lodged, Mrs Thorneywork predicted a fierce fight from the village. "We have got some brilliant residents who have worked tirelessly. We will be geared up if it happens," she said.
Parish council chairman Mrs Jean Joice echoed that view saying: "I am very grateful to everyone in the village. We have had remarkable support and I'm sure people will be prepared to support us again if necessary."
Castle Acre Primary School protested about the closeness of the mast to the site for its new school in Back Lane and raised fears about the long-term health consequences for pupils.
The parish council pointed out: "No evidence of safety exists for the system. On the contrary, it is a development of a transmission system originally intended for use as an anti-personnel weapon."
The application proposed adding three new antennae on metre-high pole mounts and a 600mm transmission dish to the lattice structure of the existing mast.
In favour of the application, the development board heard the additions would supply essential radio coverage for Norfolk Police, providing a vital facility beneficial to the entire community.
The visual impact would not be significant and the site was enclosed by mature vegetation.
The proposal also met International Commission for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection guidelines, board members heard.
14 December 2005
http://www.lynnnews.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=991&ArticleID=1284738
Last Monday, development control board members went against officers' advice and refused planning permission for a new police communications system to be added to Orange's present 30m mast north of Orchard Lane in the village.
Board members decided the phone operator had failed to demonstrate that the perceived health risks of the proposed "Tetra" radio system were unfounded.
Residents were relieved and delighted by the decision, their victory clouded only by the possibility of an appeal with an uncertain outcome.
A 150-signature petition and 65 letters of protest were considered by the board. Written objections were received from the village school and parish council and three residents spoke in person at the meeting.
They included parish council clerk Mr Bill Corcoran, who said afterwards: "Our feeling is one of relief and we would like to express our appreciation to the board. There were some quite specific individual comments from members expressing their worries and concerns about a system such as this which could impair health, particularly in children."
Castle Acre anti-Tetra campaign spokesman Ms Charlie Williams, also spoke at the meeting and said later: "I'm glad that in this instance common sense has prevailed and the borough council recognised it has a duty to protect the health and promote the safety of our children. Tetra emissions remain largely untested so 100 per cent safety is not guaranteed."
She urged anyone seeking more information about the radio system to use the websites http://www.sitefinder.radio. gov.uk , http://www.mastsanity.org and http://www.tetrawatch.net
Ward councillor Gwyneth Thorneywork said the meeting went "better than we could have imagined."
Although very pleased, she suspected that villagers had not heard the last of the application. Some similar rejected schemes had been won on appeal and she said: "We can't just sit back now."
If an appeal was lodged, Mrs Thorneywork predicted a fierce fight from the village. "We have got some brilliant residents who have worked tirelessly. We will be geared up if it happens," she said.
Parish council chairman Mrs Jean Joice echoed that view saying: "I am very grateful to everyone in the village. We have had remarkable support and I'm sure people will be prepared to support us again if necessary."
Castle Acre Primary School protested about the closeness of the mast to the site for its new school in Back Lane and raised fears about the long-term health consequences for pupils.
The parish council pointed out: "No evidence of safety exists for the system. On the contrary, it is a development of a transmission system originally intended for use as an anti-personnel weapon."
The application proposed adding three new antennae on metre-high pole mounts and a 600mm transmission dish to the lattice structure of the existing mast.
In favour of the application, the development board heard the additions would supply essential radio coverage for Norfolk Police, providing a vital facility beneficial to the entire community.
The visual impact would not be significant and the site was enclosed by mature vegetation.
The proposal also met International Commission for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection guidelines, board members heard.
14 December 2005
http://www.lynnnews.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=991&ArticleID=1284738
Starmail - 15. Dez, 11:00
The 9/11 Commission's Incredible Tales
Flights 11, 175, 77, and 93
http://www.globalresearch.ca/PrintArticle.php?articleId=1478
From Information Clearing House
http://www.globalresearch.ca/PrintArticle.php?articleId=1478
From Information Clearing House
Starmail - 15. Dez, 10:51
The Slave Next Door
There are 27 million people serving as literal slaves around the world, and every year 600,000 to 800,000 victims are trafficked across international borders, half of whom are children.
http://www.ipsnews.net/interna.asp?idnews=31114
From Information Clearing House
http://www.ipsnews.net/interna.asp?idnews=31114
From Information Clearing House
Starmail - 15. Dez, 10:50
Hundreds of millions of children suffering, UN says
The United Nations sounded the alarm Wednesday about the plight of hundreds of millions of children around the globe who suffer from discrimination and exploitation.
http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2005/12/14/Children-UNICEF-051214.html
From Information Clearing House
http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2005/12/14/Children-UNICEF-051214.html
From Information Clearing House
Starmail - 15. Dez, 10:49
Secrets of the CIA
Video:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8085945499556832271&q=CIA
From Information Clearing House
Video: Secrets of the CIA :
An insight into the decisions and strategies that the Central Intelligence Agency has come to regret, including the Bay of Pigs operation and involvement with the Khmer Rouge. - Real Media
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article11532.htm
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8085945499556832271&q=CIA
From Information Clearing House
Video: Secrets of the CIA :
An insight into the decisions and strategies that the Central Intelligence Agency has come to regret, including the Bay of Pigs operation and involvement with the Khmer Rouge. - Real Media
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article11532.htm
Starmail - 15. Dez, 10:46
Secret CIA Camp in Training Center?
Is the CIA still using a Polish Intelligence Service training center for the interrogation of Al-Quida prisoners? This is suggested by a "Stern" magazine report.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article11307.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article11307.htm
Starmail - 15. Dez, 10:43
New army rules could snag talks on detainee rights
On a high-level meeting at the Pentagon on Tuesday, some Army and other Pentagon officials raised concerns that Mr. McCain would be furious at what could appear to be a back-door effort to circumvent his intentions.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/12/14/news/torture.php
From Information Clearing House
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/12/14/news/torture.php
From Information Clearing House
Starmail - 15. Dez, 10:42
Could your tax dollars be better spent?
Taxpayers in the US will pay $251.0 billion for the cost of war in Iraq. For the same amount of money, 147,677,463 Children Could Have Received Free Health Care.
http://tinyurl.com/bsypc
From Information Clearing House
http://tinyurl.com/bsypc
From Information Clearing House
Starmail - 15. Dez, 10:39
Most Americans Want Bush to Set Iraq Withdrawal Date
58 per cent of respondents think the U.S. should set a timetable for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq.
http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/index.cfm/fuseaction/viewItem/itemID/10214
From Information Clearing House
http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/index.cfm/fuseaction/viewItem/itemID/10214
From Information Clearing House
Starmail - 15. Dez, 10:37
Iraq elections: a democratic façade for a US puppet state
Predictably, the Bush administration has told the American people that the elections in Iraq tomorrow will be a democratic milestone for both the country and the broader Middle East. The truth is that they will only produce greater conflict between the country’s main religious and ethnic groups.
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2005/dec2005/iraq-d14.shtml
From Information Clearing House
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2005/dec2005/iraq-d14.shtml
From Information Clearing House
Starmail - 15. Dez, 10:36
Bush Says Iraq War Was Justified Even Though Intelligence Wrong
President George W. Bush accepted responsibility for taking the U.S. to war in Iraq based on faulty intelligence while saying the invasion still was justified by the threat posed by Saddam Hussein and international terrorism.
http://tinyurl.com/apucx
From Information Clearing House
http://tinyurl.com/apucx
From Information Clearing House
Starmail - 15. Dez, 10:35
United States: trade in torture
By Stephen Grey
This is a story of private jets flying out of Germany, of kidnappings on European streets, and of torture. It has a cast of lawyers, spies, suspected terrorists, innocent bystanders and an ex-CIA boss who believes that ‘human rights is a very flexible concept’.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article11305.htm
This is a story of private jets flying out of Germany, of kidnappings on European streets, and of torture. It has a cast of lawyers, spies, suspected terrorists, innocent bystanders and an ex-CIA boss who believes that ‘human rights is a very flexible concept’.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article11305.htm
Starmail - 15. Dez, 10:33
We vote, then we throw you out
By Pepe Escobar
None of this points to national cohesion. "Iraq" as we know it - the unified, heavily centralized state with arbitrary borders drawn on a paper napkin by Britain after World War I - may be on its way to extinction after these elections.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article11304.htm
None of this points to national cohesion. "Iraq" as we know it - the unified, heavily centralized state with arbitrary borders drawn on a paper napkin by Britain after World War I - may be on its way to extinction after these elections.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article11304.htm
Starmail - 15. Dez, 10:32
Time to Say No
Bacon: Every new Republican proposal for immigration reform in Congress makes the prospect for winning legal status for the nation's 12 million undocumented residents more remote. At the same time, Congress appears ready to pass measures that will increase border deaths, lead to wholesale violations of workers' rights, and give the country's largest corporations a huge new bracero program.
http://www.truthout.org/issues_05/121405LA.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/issues_05/121405LA.shtml
Starmail - 15. Dez, 10:08
McCain, White House Deadlock on Torture Ban
Sen. John McCain and President Bush's national security adviser remained at an impasse Wednesday over the senator's proposed ban on cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of foreign terrorism suspects. "At this point, discussions are ongoing," National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley told The Associated Press as he left McCain's Capitol Hill office following a meeting that lasted just over an hour.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/121405R.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/121405R.shtml
Starmail - 15. Dez, 10:06
House Approves Extension of Patriot Act
The House easily approved renewing a modified USA Patriot Act on Wednesday. But with the bill facing a subsequent filibuster in the Senate, its Republican leader began talks with the White House aimed at extending the current law, unchanged, for another year.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/121405Q.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/121405Q.shtml
Starmail - 15. Dez, 10:05
Extinction alert for 800 species
Starmail - 15. Dez, 10:04
How Spy Chips Are Quietly Reshaping Privacy
Starmail - 15. Dez, 10:00
Pentagon erred in domestic security database-official
By Charles Aldinger [Reuters]
Updated: 5:50 p.m. ET Dec. 14, 2005
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10457369/from/RL.1/
WASHINGTON - The Pentagon has built a massive security database to help protect U.S. military bases and troops that includes unwarranted information on Iraq war opponents and peace activists in the United States, a defense official said on Wednesday.
The official said the database included police reports and law enforcement tips in a legitimate domestic security effort, but that it had mistakenly swept up and kept information on people who were not threats to launch terror attacks.
"We held onto things that should have been expunged because they weren't a threat," the official, who asked not to be identified, told Reuters.
Defense Undersecretary for Intelligence Stephen Cambone planned to send a letter to Congress explaining the error and promising to clean up the database and protect the privacy of innocent persons, the official added.
NBC television reported on Tuesday that it had obtained a database that indicated the military might be collecting information on Americans who oppose the war and may be also monitoring peace demonstrations.
The database, obtained by the network, lists 1,500 "suspicious incidents" across the United States over a 10-month period and includes four dozen anti-war meetings or protests, some aimed at military recruiting, NBC's Nightly News said.
Such a document would be the first inside look at how the Pentagon has stepped up intelligence collection in the United States since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
AMERICANS WARY SINCE VIETNAM
Americans have been wary of any monitoring of anti-war activities since the Vietnam era when it was learned that the Pentagon spied on anti-war and civil rights groups and individuals.
Congress held hearings in the 1970s and recommended strict limits on military spying inside the United States.
The Defense Department has already acknowledged the existence of a counterintelligence program known as the "Threat and Local Observation Notice" (TALON) reporting system.
The system, the department said earlier, is designed to gather "non- validated threat information and security anomalies indicative of possible terrorist pre-attack activity."
Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters on Wednesday that the department had a right to get information from the police to help protect troops and bases. But he did not confirm the building of a major database.
"The Defense Department does have legitimate interests in protecting its installations, in protecting its people," Whitman said.
"And to the extent that they use information collected by law enforcement agencies to do that, that's an appropriate activity of the United States military," he added in response to questions on the NBC report.
Whitman stressed that any collection of civilian law enforcement information was "within very narrow parameters of force protection" under the law.
Whitman declined to comment on specifics of the broadcast report, which quoted what NBC said was a secret briefing document as concluding: "We have noted increased communication between protest groups using the Internet," but not a "significant connection" between incidents. (Additional reporting by JoAnne Allen)
UNITED FOR PEACE & JUSTICE | 212-868-5545
Informant: David Meieran
From ufpj-news
Updated: 5:50 p.m. ET Dec. 14, 2005
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10457369/from/RL.1/
WASHINGTON - The Pentagon has built a massive security database to help protect U.S. military bases and troops that includes unwarranted information on Iraq war opponents and peace activists in the United States, a defense official said on Wednesday.
The official said the database included police reports and law enforcement tips in a legitimate domestic security effort, but that it had mistakenly swept up and kept information on people who were not threats to launch terror attacks.
"We held onto things that should have been expunged because they weren't a threat," the official, who asked not to be identified, told Reuters.
Defense Undersecretary for Intelligence Stephen Cambone planned to send a letter to Congress explaining the error and promising to clean up the database and protect the privacy of innocent persons, the official added.
NBC television reported on Tuesday that it had obtained a database that indicated the military might be collecting information on Americans who oppose the war and may be also monitoring peace demonstrations.
The database, obtained by the network, lists 1,500 "suspicious incidents" across the United States over a 10-month period and includes four dozen anti-war meetings or protests, some aimed at military recruiting, NBC's Nightly News said.
Such a document would be the first inside look at how the Pentagon has stepped up intelligence collection in the United States since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
AMERICANS WARY SINCE VIETNAM
Americans have been wary of any monitoring of anti-war activities since the Vietnam era when it was learned that the Pentagon spied on anti-war and civil rights groups and individuals.
Congress held hearings in the 1970s and recommended strict limits on military spying inside the United States.
The Defense Department has already acknowledged the existence of a counterintelligence program known as the "Threat and Local Observation Notice" (TALON) reporting system.
The system, the department said earlier, is designed to gather "non- validated threat information and security anomalies indicative of possible terrorist pre-attack activity."
Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters on Wednesday that the department had a right to get information from the police to help protect troops and bases. But he did not confirm the building of a major database.
"The Defense Department does have legitimate interests in protecting its installations, in protecting its people," Whitman said.
"And to the extent that they use information collected by law enforcement agencies to do that, that's an appropriate activity of the United States military," he added in response to questions on the NBC report.
Whitman stressed that any collection of civilian law enforcement information was "within very narrow parameters of force protection" under the law.
Whitman declined to comment on specifics of the broadcast report, which quoted what NBC said was a secret briefing document as concluding: "We have noted increased communication between protest groups using the Internet," but not a "significant connection" between incidents. (Additional reporting by JoAnne Allen)
UNITED FOR PEACE & JUSTICE | 212-868-5545
Informant: David Meieran
From ufpj-news
Starmail - 15. Dez, 09:58
Congressman Dennis Kucinich: The President Is Responsible For The Dead And Injured US Troops, Dead Iraqi Civilians, Waste Of $250 Billion Taxpayer Money, and Failed Occupation
Starmail - 15. Dez, 09:56
A Defendants' Guide to the GOP "Revolution"
Starmail - 15. Dez, 09:54
US Oil From Nigeria Tainted With Blood
Starmail - 15. Dez, 09:53
Does 30,000 Mean Anything to Bush?
Starmail - 15. Dez, 09:52
Bush Friend Linked to Top Job in Russian Oil Industry
Starmail - 15. Dez, 09:51
Vandana Shiva Takes Fight Against Monsanto to Hong Kong
Starmail - 15. Dez, 09:50
Pentagon Rolls Out Stealth Psych War Campaign
Starmail - 15. Dez, 09:49
Tom Ridge Says Get Ready For National ID
Branding the slaves........ America's founders spinning in their graves..... The Republi-Christians vote themselves the Mark of the Beast..... Your papers please, this is AmeriKa, with a great big fat "K". The great end time Babylon marches on......
Dan 7:19 Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet.
Milo
----------------------------
Tom Ridge, security guru disagree on national ID card
Counterpane CTO Bruce Schneier says ID card is a bad idea
By Robert McMillan, IDG News Service
Attendees of the Infosecurity computer security conference in New York heard both sides of the debate on U.S. national identification cards this week. On Wednesday, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge told conference attendees that a national ID card was an inevitability; the next day the show's other keynote speaker, Counterpane Internet Security Inc. Chief Technical Officer Bruce Schneier, claimed that it was a bad idea.
"I think it's expensive, and it won't make us safer," Schneier said. "Yes, you've got a valid ID. All the 9/11 terrorists had a valid ID."
Schneier said that the complexity of maintaining a national database would be overwhelming, and could ultimately make the U.S. less secure. "Once you start looking at the entire system, you realize it's a nightmare."
Ridge, in contrast, said that national security requirements would ultimately make such cards a reality. He said that he hoped the controversial topic would be the subject of a civil debate between lawmakers. "We're going to need to deal with questions like the national ID," he said. Ultimately, such a card would "evolve" into existence, he predicted.
One conference attendee said that a new federal identification requirement, outlined in an August 2004 executive order from President George Bush,
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/08/20040827-8.html
could be the first step in this evolution.
Though they are just starting to emerge now, once products that meet this new federal requirement are commercially available, they will "most likely" be adopted in corporate environments, said George Fitel, vice president of feasibility and assessment for Wavera, a security research firm based in Chicago.
Though there is strong political opposition to the idea of a national ID card in the U.S. right now, Fitel, like Ridge, said he believes that the idea will ultimately be adopted. "Politics are always going to be changing. There are certain things that are going to rise above politics," he said.
Schneier, for his part, said that simplicity was the key to security. Simplicity is something that should be embraced by the entire security industry, not just the proponents of a national ID card, he added.
When a conference attendee asked him what role user education should play in computer security, Schneier called the education issue "over-rated," and said that computer products should be simple enough that education becomes a non-issue. "When we say we must educate a user, we're covering up for a failure in our systems," he said.
"We have convinced the world that everybody needs a computer," Schneier added. "And at the same time, we've made computers so hard to maintain that if you don't have a sysadmin, you're doomed. You can't have it both ways. It's either a end-user, consumer item or it's not."
Copyright © 2005 InfoWorld
Dan 7:19 Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet.
Milo
----------------------------
Tom Ridge, security guru disagree on national ID card
Counterpane CTO Bruce Schneier says ID card is a bad idea
By Robert McMillan, IDG News Service
Attendees of the Infosecurity computer security conference in New York heard both sides of the debate on U.S. national identification cards this week. On Wednesday, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge told conference attendees that a national ID card was an inevitability; the next day the show's other keynote speaker, Counterpane Internet Security Inc. Chief Technical Officer Bruce Schneier, claimed that it was a bad idea.
"I think it's expensive, and it won't make us safer," Schneier said. "Yes, you've got a valid ID. All the 9/11 terrorists had a valid ID."
Schneier said that the complexity of maintaining a national database would be overwhelming, and could ultimately make the U.S. less secure. "Once you start looking at the entire system, you realize it's a nightmare."
Ridge, in contrast, said that national security requirements would ultimately make such cards a reality. He said that he hoped the controversial topic would be the subject of a civil debate between lawmakers. "We're going to need to deal with questions like the national ID," he said. Ultimately, such a card would "evolve" into existence, he predicted.
One conference attendee said that a new federal identification requirement, outlined in an August 2004 executive order from President George Bush,
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/08/20040827-8.html
could be the first step in this evolution.
Though they are just starting to emerge now, once products that meet this new federal requirement are commercially available, they will "most likely" be adopted in corporate environments, said George Fitel, vice president of feasibility and assessment for Wavera, a security research firm based in Chicago.
Though there is strong political opposition to the idea of a national ID card in the U.S. right now, Fitel, like Ridge, said he believes that the idea will ultimately be adopted. "Politics are always going to be changing. There are certain things that are going to rise above politics," he said.
Schneier, for his part, said that simplicity was the key to security. Simplicity is something that should be embraced by the entire security industry, not just the proponents of a national ID card, he added.
When a conference attendee asked him what role user education should play in computer security, Schneier called the education issue "over-rated," and said that computer products should be simple enough that education becomes a non-issue. "When we say we must educate a user, we're covering up for a failure in our systems," he said.
"We have convinced the world that everybody needs a computer," Schneier added. "And at the same time, we've made computers so hard to maintain that if you don't have a sysadmin, you're doomed. You can't have it both ways. It's either a end-user, consumer item or it's not."
Copyright © 2005 InfoWorld
Starmail - 15. Dez, 09:47
The war, American public opinion, and moral sensibility
Starmail - 15. Dez, 09:44
NY Times Accepts the Unacceptable
Starmail - 15. Dez, 09:40
GOP Controlled House OKs PATRIOT Act
Starmail - 15. Dez, 09:38
What is a Republic? Declaration of Independence
http://wealth4freedom.com/Republic.html
What is a Republic?
Declaration of Independence
by John Trumbull
"Today the path to total dictatorship in the United States can be laid by strictly legal means, unseen and unheard by the Congress, the President, or the people....outwardly we have a Constitutional government. We have operating within our government and political system, another body representing another form of government, a bureaucratic elite which believes our Constitution is outmoded and is sure that it is the winning side.... All the strange developments in the foreign policy agreements may be traced to this group who are going to make us over to suit their pleasure.... This political action group has its own local political support organizations, its own pressure groups, its own vested interests, its foothold within our government, and its own propaganda apparatus."
Senator William Jenner (1954)
DEFINITION and explanation: What is a Republic?
Look up the word REPUBLIC in most any dictionary. Most likely, you"ll find that a "republic" is a "government of elected representatives".
This is a deliberate deception.
I have an Enclycopaedia Britannica, 11th edition. This work provides the proper explanation. First it says that the idea that a republic is a government of elected representatives is a "notoriously modern interpretation". The article continues, explaining that historically, a Republic refered to a government in which the soverign held authority granted by the people and ruled according to law.
Note that this concept checks exactly with our own Declaration of Independence which states that the purpose of government is to protect the rights of the people, and that government derives its just powers from the consent of the people.
You now have the key ideas in hand: First, power is derived from the people, and second the government itself operates within and under the control of the law. In other words: In a REPUBLIC the People are the Masters and the government is subordinate.
When the Founding Fathers set our Constitution for us they based their work on this concept. The Constitution is a grant of authority from We the People to form a government. The government thus authorized is a LIMITED government, operating on authority granted from We the People. In every sense it meets the earlier, historical definition of a Republic.
The Constitution is the grant of authority for the government. The Constitution, then, is the Law of the People for the control of the Government.
You will hear many people say that we are a "democracy". Such was NOT the original intention. In a democracy, the will of the majority is law. Anything is allowed, provided that the majority approves. There are no checks and balances, and the rights of the individual are not protected.
Allow me two quotations on the subject:
James Madison, Federalist Paper 10:
"Hence it is that such democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property; and have in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths."
U.S. Army Training Manual TM2000-05, 1928
Democracy, n. "A government of the masses. Authority derived through mass meeting or any form of "direct" expression. Results in mobocracy. Attitude toward property is communistic - negating property rights. Attitude toward law is that the will of the majority shall regulate, whether it be based upon deliberation or governed by passion, prejudice, and impulse, without restraint or regard to consequences. Results in demagogism, license, agitation, discontent, anarchy."
Our Constitutional fathers, familiar with the strength and weakness of both autocracy and democracy, with fixed principles definitely in mind, defined a representative republican form of government. They made a very marked distinction between a republic and democracy ... and said repeatedly and emphatically that they had created a republic.
Seek the Truth, and the Truth will make you free!
©Pastor Mike Acker
Wisdom And Freedom produced by WORLD NEWSSTAND
Copyright © 1999. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Informant: Milo
What is a Republic?
Declaration of Independence
by John Trumbull
"Today the path to total dictatorship in the United States can be laid by strictly legal means, unseen and unheard by the Congress, the President, or the people....outwardly we have a Constitutional government. We have operating within our government and political system, another body representing another form of government, a bureaucratic elite which believes our Constitution is outmoded and is sure that it is the winning side.... All the strange developments in the foreign policy agreements may be traced to this group who are going to make us over to suit their pleasure.... This political action group has its own local political support organizations, its own pressure groups, its own vested interests, its foothold within our government, and its own propaganda apparatus."
Senator William Jenner (1954)
DEFINITION and explanation: What is a Republic?
Look up the word REPUBLIC in most any dictionary. Most likely, you"ll find that a "republic" is a "government of elected representatives".
This is a deliberate deception.
I have an Enclycopaedia Britannica, 11th edition. This work provides the proper explanation. First it says that the idea that a republic is a government of elected representatives is a "notoriously modern interpretation". The article continues, explaining that historically, a Republic refered to a government in which the soverign held authority granted by the people and ruled according to law.
Note that this concept checks exactly with our own Declaration of Independence which states that the purpose of government is to protect the rights of the people, and that government derives its just powers from the consent of the people.
You now have the key ideas in hand: First, power is derived from the people, and second the government itself operates within and under the control of the law. In other words: In a REPUBLIC the People are the Masters and the government is subordinate.
When the Founding Fathers set our Constitution for us they based their work on this concept. The Constitution is a grant of authority from We the People to form a government. The government thus authorized is a LIMITED government, operating on authority granted from We the People. In every sense it meets the earlier, historical definition of a Republic.
The Constitution is the grant of authority for the government. The Constitution, then, is the Law of the People for the control of the Government.
You will hear many people say that we are a "democracy". Such was NOT the original intention. In a democracy, the will of the majority is law. Anything is allowed, provided that the majority approves. There are no checks and balances, and the rights of the individual are not protected.
Allow me two quotations on the subject:
James Madison, Federalist Paper 10:
"Hence it is that such democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property; and have in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths."
U.S. Army Training Manual TM2000-05, 1928
Democracy, n. "A government of the masses. Authority derived through mass meeting or any form of "direct" expression. Results in mobocracy. Attitude toward property is communistic - negating property rights. Attitude toward law is that the will of the majority shall regulate, whether it be based upon deliberation or governed by passion, prejudice, and impulse, without restraint or regard to consequences. Results in demagogism, license, agitation, discontent, anarchy."
Our Constitutional fathers, familiar with the strength and weakness of both autocracy and democracy, with fixed principles definitely in mind, defined a representative republican form of government. They made a very marked distinction between a republic and democracy ... and said repeatedly and emphatically that they had created a republic.
Seek the Truth, and the Truth will make you free!
©Pastor Mike Acker
Wisdom And Freedom produced by WORLD NEWSSTAND
Copyright © 1999. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Informant: Milo
Starmail - 15. Dez, 09:36
History of the Debate Over the 2004 Election
(excerpt)
After email conversation with Mitofsky, and studying the slides which Mitofsky presented at the October American Statistical Association Fall Conference, and re-reading and noticing how difficult our "History.." was to understand, I've rewritten it slightly.
A very critically important task that each and every one of you can do to help restore democratic elections, is to educate all our politicians and candidates not to concede elections ever -- until after obtaining and analyzing their own detailed vote count data to detect possible vote miscounts.
This "History..." is perfect to pass on to politicians, press, and others by sending them links to it, and printing copies and mailing or taking them a copy.
http://electionarchive.org/ucvAnalysis/US/Presidential-Election-2004.pdf
(This history makes clear that presidential elections are not the only races being miscounted.)
I also highly recommend Mark Crispin Miller's latest book, "Fooled Again" which is available in book stores.
Here are links to contact your officials:
US Senate
http://senate.gov/
US House
http://house.gov/
State Legislatures
http://www.ncsl.org/public/leglinks.cfm
State Election Officials http://electionarchive.net/public/ucv_select_info.php
Even City Officials may be interested and definately hit up all candidates.
Thank you for your patriotism.
Time table:
In December NEDA will finish and release its Ohio exit poll analysis. If the national election data archive were fully funded, these types of analyses could be automated with statistical programming.
In January, I will focus on completing phase I of the public national election data document archive and asking foundations for funds to hire fulltime programming staff. Any help with that fundraising task beginning in January will be appreciated. Please remind me again if you've previously told me that you could help with fundraising or PR because I'm forgetful.
Thank you very much everyone. I hope that we can convince more people to join us in fighting to restore American democracy because every other issue depends on it.
Warm Regards,
Kathy Dopp
http://electionarchive.org
After email conversation with Mitofsky, and studying the slides which Mitofsky presented at the October American Statistical Association Fall Conference, and re-reading and noticing how difficult our "History.." was to understand, I've rewritten it slightly.
A very critically important task that each and every one of you can do to help restore democratic elections, is to educate all our politicians and candidates not to concede elections ever -- until after obtaining and analyzing their own detailed vote count data to detect possible vote miscounts.
This "History..." is perfect to pass on to politicians, press, and others by sending them links to it, and printing copies and mailing or taking them a copy.
http://electionarchive.org/ucvAnalysis/US/Presidential-Election-2004.pdf
(This history makes clear that presidential elections are not the only races being miscounted.)
I also highly recommend Mark Crispin Miller's latest book, "Fooled Again" which is available in book stores.
Here are links to contact your officials:
US Senate
http://senate.gov/
US House
http://house.gov/
State Legislatures
http://www.ncsl.org/public/leglinks.cfm
State Election Officials http://electionarchive.net/public/ucv_select_info.php
Even City Officials may be interested and definately hit up all candidates.
Thank you for your patriotism.
Time table:
In December NEDA will finish and release its Ohio exit poll analysis. If the national election data archive were fully funded, these types of analyses could be automated with statistical programming.
In January, I will focus on completing phase I of the public national election data document archive and asking foundations for funds to hire fulltime programming staff. Any help with that fundraising task beginning in January will be appreciated. Please remind me again if you've previously told me that you could help with fundraising or PR because I'm forgetful.
Thank you very much everyone. I hope that we can convince more people to join us in fighting to restore American democracy because every other issue depends on it.
Warm Regards,
Kathy Dopp
http://electionarchive.org
Starmail - 15. Dez, 09:32
Law for men or men for the laws?
Starmail - 15. Dez, 09:27
Those Democratic Freedom Bombs
Tom Engelhardt and Dahr Jamail on the secret air war on Iraq.
http://www.lewrockwell.com/engelhardt/engelhardt143.html
http://www.lewrockwell.com/engelhardt/engelhardt143.html
Starmail - 15. Dez, 09:25
Proving Libertarian Morality: Reclaiming the High Ground
Starmail - 15. Dez, 09:24
On bribed reporters and political kabuki in Iraq
Shocked, Shocked
Eric Margolis on bribed reporters and political kabuki in Iraq.
http://www.lewrockwell.com/margolis/margolis7.html
Eric Margolis on bribed reporters and political kabuki in Iraq.
http://www.lewrockwell.com/margolis/margolis7.html
Starmail - 15. Dez, 09:21
Protect Your Children From the Pentagon
"Opting-out" is not enough, says Debbie Clark.
http://lewrockwell.com/orig6/dclark1.html
http://lewrockwell.com/orig6/dclark1.html
Starmail - 15. Dez, 09:20
Nation-wide call-in day to Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer: the last wild buffalo are a national treasure, not Montana's toy
* Thursday, 12/15/05 - Today is National Call-in Day! (9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. MST)
Please join us TODAY in a nation-wide call-in day to Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer. Let him know that Montana's bison hunt is wrong and should be canceled immediately. Governor Schweitzer needs to be reminded that the last wild buffalo are a national treasure, not Montana's toy, and should be respected and protected, not persecuted. Even if you've called before please join us today!
* * CALL GOVERNOR SCHWEITZER TODAY! 406-444-3111
December 15th marks one month into Montana's illegitimate "hunt" of the country's last wild buffalo, the Yellowstone herd. Wild bison that must migrate to lower elevations for critical winter and spring habitat cross an imaginary line from Yellowstone National Park into Montana, where the killing fields await. There is never a time that wild buffalo are allowed to exist in Montana without being hazed, captured, quarantined, slaughtered or shot. The state's zero-tolerance against the last wild buffalo is a direct result of political pressure from Montana's powerful livestock industry, who fear wild buffalo re-inhabiting their former range. Livestock interests claim that wild buffalo "threaten" their livestock with brucellosis, a European cattle disease that livestock infected many native wildlife species with. Wild buffalo have never transmitted brucellosis to cattle - ever. Rather than persecute the wild buffalo, the state should take measures to ensure that their cattle do not infect our wildlife with diseases! Montana's bison hunt is the latest insult in a cruel string of tactics used by the state and federal agents to eradicate wild bison from Montana. Wild bison are native to Montana, yet because of the state's actions they are ecologically extinct here. Yet Montana insists on conducting an illegitimate hunt and masks it as a "normal, fair-chase big game hunt." As BFC's footage from the field demonstrates, there is nothing "fair" or "normal" about this hunt, and the element of "chase" is absent. See for yourself at
http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/media/bisonhunt/bisonhuntvideo.html.
The governor of Montana, Brian Schweitzer, has the power and authority to cancel the hunt and create a "new Montana" that welcomes wild buffalo, values them as a native wildlife species, and respects them as the national treasure they are.
* * CALL GOVERNOR SCHWEITZER TODAY! 406-444-3111
The Humane Society of the United States, the Animal Welfare Institute, and others will be helping in this effort. Our joined organizations represent over 7 million voices nation-wide and beyond. With everyone's participation this will be a powerful action and we'll make Gov. Schweitzer's phone ring off the hook! Please urge your friends, family and co-workers to participate.
* * CALL GOVERNOR SCHWEITZER TODAY! 406-444-3111
Montana's Governor Brian Schweitzer has said that wild buffalo will enjoy more tolerance in Montana. In his statements, Schweitzer said that the DOL is "ill-equipped" to manage wild buffalo for the State of Montana. To date, Montana's only response to this has been the reinstatement of a bison hunt, authorized by the state's livestock agency. Governor Schweitzer is listening, but it will take endless pressure, endlessly applied to stop the current harm to our last wild buffalo.
* * CALL GOVERNOR SCHWEITZER TODAY! 406-444-3111
Keep the pressure on Governor Schweritzer to CANCEL the bison hunt and bring lasting protection and respect to the Yellowstone buffalo, the country's last wild herd. Everyone who cares about wild buffalo should participate! Please pass this alert on to others.
* * CALL GOVERNOR SCHWEITZER TODAY! 406-444-3111
On this same day from 2:00-3:00 pm, BFC will be in Helena, Montana, with other bison advocates including the Humane Society of the United States and the Horse Butte Neighbors of Buffalo in holding a press conference inside the state capitol building. We will state our opposition to the hunt, offer common-sense solutions, show video footage from the field, and deliver to Governor Schweitzer the thousands of post cards that supporters like you have signed, urging Montana to protect and respect the last wild buffalo.
With everyone who receives this message making a call to Governor Schweitzer, we will not be ignored. Please encourage others to participate! Dial now for the last wild buffalo!
* * CALL GOVERNOR SCHWEITZER TODAY! 406-444-3111
TALKING POINTS: If you're a bit nervous and not quite sure what to say, here are a few suggested talking points - speaking from your heart is the most powerful!
* Tell him that the country's last wild buffalo deserve to be honored as a wildlife species in Montana. The Yellowstone buffalo are a national treasure, not Montana's toy.
* Tell him that livestock agents have no place in authorizing a hunt or managing wild buffalo. The Department of Livestock should inspect livestock and leave wildlife alone.
* Tell him that this hunt will be shown to the world, and Montana will suffer another huge public relations nightmare should it continue.
* Remind him that Montana's tourism industry depends heavily on dollars from the so-called "outsiders" who want these buffalo protected, and that those much-needed dollars will not come from you while this buffalo harassment and slaughter continues.
* Tell him the whole world is watching.
THANK YOU for taking action to help the last wild buffalo! For more information contact bfc-media@wildrockies.org or visit http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org to see video clips of what a bison "hunt" looks like. Find out more about why BFC opposes this canned hunt at
http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/legislative/bisonhuntingbill.html.
Many thanks to the Humane Society of the United States, the Animal Welfare Institute, Colin and D.J. for your help and inspiration!
With the Buffalo, ~ Buffalo Field Campaign
Media & Outreach Buffalo Field Campaign P.O. Box 957 West Yellowstone, MT 59758
406-646-0070 bfc-media@wildrockies.org http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org
BFC is the only group working in the field every day to defend the last wild herd of buffalo in America.
STOP THE HUNT! Call Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer: Phone #: 406-444-3111
Speak Out! Contact politicians and involved agencies today! http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/actnow/politicians.html
Write a Letter to the Editor of key newspapers! http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/actnow/lte.html
Please join us TODAY in a nation-wide call-in day to Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer. Let him know that Montana's bison hunt is wrong and should be canceled immediately. Governor Schweitzer needs to be reminded that the last wild buffalo are a national treasure, not Montana's toy, and should be respected and protected, not persecuted. Even if you've called before please join us today!
* * CALL GOVERNOR SCHWEITZER TODAY! 406-444-3111
December 15th marks one month into Montana's illegitimate "hunt" of the country's last wild buffalo, the Yellowstone herd. Wild bison that must migrate to lower elevations for critical winter and spring habitat cross an imaginary line from Yellowstone National Park into Montana, where the killing fields await. There is never a time that wild buffalo are allowed to exist in Montana without being hazed, captured, quarantined, slaughtered or shot. The state's zero-tolerance against the last wild buffalo is a direct result of political pressure from Montana's powerful livestock industry, who fear wild buffalo re-inhabiting their former range. Livestock interests claim that wild buffalo "threaten" their livestock with brucellosis, a European cattle disease that livestock infected many native wildlife species with. Wild buffalo have never transmitted brucellosis to cattle - ever. Rather than persecute the wild buffalo, the state should take measures to ensure that their cattle do not infect our wildlife with diseases! Montana's bison hunt is the latest insult in a cruel string of tactics used by the state and federal agents to eradicate wild bison from Montana. Wild bison are native to Montana, yet because of the state's actions they are ecologically extinct here. Yet Montana insists on conducting an illegitimate hunt and masks it as a "normal, fair-chase big game hunt." As BFC's footage from the field demonstrates, there is nothing "fair" or "normal" about this hunt, and the element of "chase" is absent. See for yourself at
http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/media/bisonhunt/bisonhuntvideo.html.
The governor of Montana, Brian Schweitzer, has the power and authority to cancel the hunt and create a "new Montana" that welcomes wild buffalo, values them as a native wildlife species, and respects them as the national treasure they are.
* * CALL GOVERNOR SCHWEITZER TODAY! 406-444-3111
The Humane Society of the United States, the Animal Welfare Institute, and others will be helping in this effort. Our joined organizations represent over 7 million voices nation-wide and beyond. With everyone's participation this will be a powerful action and we'll make Gov. Schweitzer's phone ring off the hook! Please urge your friends, family and co-workers to participate.
* * CALL GOVERNOR SCHWEITZER TODAY! 406-444-3111
Montana's Governor Brian Schweitzer has said that wild buffalo will enjoy more tolerance in Montana. In his statements, Schweitzer said that the DOL is "ill-equipped" to manage wild buffalo for the State of Montana. To date, Montana's only response to this has been the reinstatement of a bison hunt, authorized by the state's livestock agency. Governor Schweitzer is listening, but it will take endless pressure, endlessly applied to stop the current harm to our last wild buffalo.
* * CALL GOVERNOR SCHWEITZER TODAY! 406-444-3111
Keep the pressure on Governor Schweritzer to CANCEL the bison hunt and bring lasting protection and respect to the Yellowstone buffalo, the country's last wild herd. Everyone who cares about wild buffalo should participate! Please pass this alert on to others.
* * CALL GOVERNOR SCHWEITZER TODAY! 406-444-3111
On this same day from 2:00-3:00 pm, BFC will be in Helena, Montana, with other bison advocates including the Humane Society of the United States and the Horse Butte Neighbors of Buffalo in holding a press conference inside the state capitol building. We will state our opposition to the hunt, offer common-sense solutions, show video footage from the field, and deliver to Governor Schweitzer the thousands of post cards that supporters like you have signed, urging Montana to protect and respect the last wild buffalo.
With everyone who receives this message making a call to Governor Schweitzer, we will not be ignored. Please encourage others to participate! Dial now for the last wild buffalo!
* * CALL GOVERNOR SCHWEITZER TODAY! 406-444-3111
TALKING POINTS: If you're a bit nervous and not quite sure what to say, here are a few suggested talking points - speaking from your heart is the most powerful!
* Tell him that the country's last wild buffalo deserve to be honored as a wildlife species in Montana. The Yellowstone buffalo are a national treasure, not Montana's toy.
* Tell him that livestock agents have no place in authorizing a hunt or managing wild buffalo. The Department of Livestock should inspect livestock and leave wildlife alone.
* Tell him that this hunt will be shown to the world, and Montana will suffer another huge public relations nightmare should it continue.
* Remind him that Montana's tourism industry depends heavily on dollars from the so-called "outsiders" who want these buffalo protected, and that those much-needed dollars will not come from you while this buffalo harassment and slaughter continues.
* Tell him the whole world is watching.
THANK YOU for taking action to help the last wild buffalo! For more information contact bfc-media@wildrockies.org or visit http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org to see video clips of what a bison "hunt" looks like. Find out more about why BFC opposes this canned hunt at
http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/legislative/bisonhuntingbill.html.
Many thanks to the Humane Society of the United States, the Animal Welfare Institute, Colin and D.J. for your help and inspiration!
With the Buffalo, ~ Buffalo Field Campaign
Media & Outreach Buffalo Field Campaign P.O. Box 957 West Yellowstone, MT 59758
406-646-0070 bfc-media@wildrockies.org http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org
BFC is the only group working in the field every day to defend the last wild herd of buffalo in America.
STOP THE HUNT! Call Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer: Phone #: 406-444-3111
Speak Out! Contact politicians and involved agencies today! http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/actnow/politicians.html
Write a Letter to the Editor of key newspapers! http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/actnow/lte.html
Starmail - 15. Dez, 09:13
Diffamierung von Wissenschaftler
Wissenschaftler, die Wahrheiten verbreiten, werden diffamiert und der Ruf geschädigt indem Falschdarstellungen zu Vortrag und Person verbreitet werden.
http://www.buergerwelle.de/pdf/diffamierung_von_wissenschaftler.gif
Leserbrief zu Warnke-Diffamierung: http://tinyurl.com/clqe4
Nachricht von Dr. U. Warnke
http://www.buergerwelle.de/pdf/diffamierung_von_wissenschaftler.gif
Leserbrief zu Warnke-Diffamierung: http://tinyurl.com/clqe4
Nachricht von Dr. U. Warnke
Starmail - 15. Dez, 08:49
