Urgent Action Needed on Patriot Act; New ACLU Litigation Highlights Increased Need for Fixes
Starmail - 26. Aug, 23:36
26
Aug
2005
Is there a relationship between cell phone use and semen quality?
Arch Androl. 2005 Sep-Oct;51(5):385-93.
Fejes I , Za Vaczki Z , Szollosi J , Kolosza R S , Daru J , Kova Cs L , Pa L A .
Andrology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Szeged, Hungry.
This study was conducted to determine a possible relationship between regular cell phone use and different human semen attributes. The history-taking of men in our university clinic was supplemented with questions concerning cell phone use habits, including possession, daily standby position and daily transmission times. Semen analyses were performed by conventional methods. Statistics were calculated with SPSS statistical software. A total of 371 were included in the study. The duration of possession and the daily transmission time correlated negatively with the proportion of rapid progressive motile sperm (r = - 0.12 and r = - 0.19, respectively), and positively with the proportion of slow progressive motile sperm (r = 0.12 and r = 0.28, respectively). The low and high transmitter groups also differed in the proportion of rapid progressive motile sperm (48.7% vs. 40.6%). The prolonged use of cell phones may have negative effects on the sperm motility characteristics.
PMID: 16087567 [PubMed - in process]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16087567&query_hl=1
Informant: Iris Atzmon
--------
Once more the same interesting connection:
http://www.andrologyjournal.org/cgi/content/abstract/19/6/667
Sperm motility enhancement by nitric oxide produced by the oocytes of fathead minnows, Pimephelas promelas
http://www.andrologyjournal.org/cgi/content/abstract/16/5/424
Low levels of nitric oxide promote human sperm capacitation in vitro
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9848308&dopt=Abstract
Human sperm endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression: correlation with sperm motility.
http://www.asiaandro.com/1008-682X/3/97.htm
L-arginine, the substrate of nitric oxide synthase, inhibits fertility of male rats
"Conclusion: Elevated NO pro duction may be detrimental to male fertility"
And it isn't new (1996):
http://www.bioscience.org/1996/v1/e/sikka1/htmls/4.htm
Oxidative Stress And Role Of Antioxidants In Normal And Abnormal Sperm Function
and so on.
How curious.
Andy
From Mast Sanity
Fejes I , Za Vaczki Z , Szollosi J , Kolosza R S , Daru J , Kova Cs L , Pa L A .
Andrology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Szeged, Hungry.
This study was conducted to determine a possible relationship between regular cell phone use and different human semen attributes. The history-taking of men in our university clinic was supplemented with questions concerning cell phone use habits, including possession, daily standby position and daily transmission times. Semen analyses were performed by conventional methods. Statistics were calculated with SPSS statistical software. A total of 371 were included in the study. The duration of possession and the daily transmission time correlated negatively with the proportion of rapid progressive motile sperm (r = - 0.12 and r = - 0.19, respectively), and positively with the proportion of slow progressive motile sperm (r = 0.12 and r = 0.28, respectively). The low and high transmitter groups also differed in the proportion of rapid progressive motile sperm (48.7% vs. 40.6%). The prolonged use of cell phones may have negative effects on the sperm motility characteristics.
PMID: 16087567 [PubMed - in process]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16087567&query_hl=1
Informant: Iris Atzmon
--------
Once more the same interesting connection:
http://www.andrologyjournal.org/cgi/content/abstract/19/6/667
Sperm motility enhancement by nitric oxide produced by the oocytes of fathead minnows, Pimephelas promelas
http://www.andrologyjournal.org/cgi/content/abstract/16/5/424
Low levels of nitric oxide promote human sperm capacitation in vitro
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9848308&dopt=Abstract
Human sperm endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression: correlation with sperm motility.
http://www.asiaandro.com/1008-682X/3/97.htm
L-arginine, the substrate of nitric oxide synthase, inhibits fertility of male rats
"Conclusion: Elevated NO pro duction may be detrimental to male fertility"
And it isn't new (1996):
http://www.bioscience.org/1996/v1/e/sikka1/htmls/4.htm
Oxidative Stress And Role Of Antioxidants In Normal And Abnormal Sperm Function
and so on.
How curious.
Andy
From Mast Sanity
Starmail - 26. Aug, 23:24
VILLAGERS UP IN ARMS AT PHONE MAST PLANS
Melton Today (Leic)
CONCERNED residents are fighting plans to put up a phone mast on the edge of their village.
Orange PCS Ltd wants to install a 11-metre-high mast, designed as a telegraph pole, and equipment cabinet at a site off Main Street, Burrough-on-the-Hill.
Somerby Parish Council vice-chairman Mike Roberts said residents had originally fought plans for a mast there. They had hoped Orange would find another location after investigating other sites. But now it has set its sights on a grass verge by the side of the road leading down into the village.
Somerby Parish Council has objected to the plans and Melton Council has received 16 letters of objection. Mr Roberts said two main objections were highways safety and building in a conservation area. He said: "It's absolutely outrageous and the whole village is totally against it. "It's a very dangerous stretch of road. There have been a number of deaths over the years and people have gone off into the hedge in the winter. "It's also an area of outstanding beauty and people are still concerned about radio waves from masts. It's just so wrong and we feel Orange hasn't sufficiently investigated other land in the area."
Mark Barnes, Melton borough councillor for the Somerby Ward, was also concerned about highways safety, though he added the county council's highways department had raised no objections. "There have been a number of accidents and it would be totally wrong to put another obstacle there," he said.
Orange spokesman Sue Hammett said it had looked at a number of alternative sites in the area, including the village centre and land owned by Severn Trent. She said: "We looked at the Severn Trent option but unfortunately it's a no-goer. There aren't any other options available to us now. "To get the coverage we require we need a fairly high spot and we think this site is the best option. "It's not a huge installation and scientific evidence indicates there's no risk to the public."
Omega this is not true. See under:
http://omega.twoday.net/topics/Wissenschaft+zu+Mobilfunk/ and
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Cancer+Cluster
http://www.buergerwelle.de/body_science.html
She added: "It's no different to having lamp posts on the side of a road and it's like any other street furniture. "It's not put there to block drivers' views or to be a road hazard."
Jim Worley, head of physical development at Melton Council, said it could only refuse the application on the grounds of siting and design. And if the council hadn't made a decision on the application by September 13 it would go ahead by default.
christian.march@meltontimes.co.uk
25 August 2005
CONCERNED residents are fighting plans to put up a phone mast on the edge of their village.
Orange PCS Ltd wants to install a 11-metre-high mast, designed as a telegraph pole, and equipment cabinet at a site off Main Street, Burrough-on-the-Hill.
Somerby Parish Council vice-chairman Mike Roberts said residents had originally fought plans for a mast there. They had hoped Orange would find another location after investigating other sites. But now it has set its sights on a grass verge by the side of the road leading down into the village.
Somerby Parish Council has objected to the plans and Melton Council has received 16 letters of objection. Mr Roberts said two main objections were highways safety and building in a conservation area. He said: "It's absolutely outrageous and the whole village is totally against it. "It's a very dangerous stretch of road. There have been a number of deaths over the years and people have gone off into the hedge in the winter. "It's also an area of outstanding beauty and people are still concerned about radio waves from masts. It's just so wrong and we feel Orange hasn't sufficiently investigated other land in the area."
Mark Barnes, Melton borough councillor for the Somerby Ward, was also concerned about highways safety, though he added the county council's highways department had raised no objections. "There have been a number of accidents and it would be totally wrong to put another obstacle there," he said.
Orange spokesman Sue Hammett said it had looked at a number of alternative sites in the area, including the village centre and land owned by Severn Trent. She said: "We looked at the Severn Trent option but unfortunately it's a no-goer. There aren't any other options available to us now. "To get the coverage we require we need a fairly high spot and we think this site is the best option. "It's not a huge installation and scientific evidence indicates there's no risk to the public."
Omega this is not true. See under:
http://omega.twoday.net/topics/Wissenschaft+zu+Mobilfunk/ and
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Cancer+Cluster
http://www.buergerwelle.de/body_science.html
She added: "It's no different to having lamp posts on the side of a road and it's like any other street furniture. "It's not put there to block drivers' views or to be a road hazard."
Jim Worley, head of physical development at Melton Council, said it could only refuse the application on the grounds of siting and design. And if the council hadn't made a decision on the application by September 13 it would go ahead by default.
christian.march@meltontimes.co.uk
25 August 2005
Starmail - 26. Aug, 23:08
Mass protest at plan to put mast near school
25 August 2005 | 10:37 Affron Walden Reporter (Essex)
PROTESTORS turned out in force to oppose plans to build a new mobile phone mast near a primary school.
Two hundred teachers and parents of children at Manuden Primary School braved heavy rain to take part in a demonstration and wave placards outside the school, in The Street, on Monday.
The campaigners are concerned about the health implications of mobile phone company Orange's plans to install the mast at Bentfield Bury Farm, just 350 metres away from the school.
One mother, who did not wish to be named, has a child starting at the pre-school, which is on the same site, in September.
She feared the signal emitting from the mast increased the risk of anyone living or working near it getting cancer, and could not understand why Orange wanted to site the pole there when there was plenty of countryside nearby where it could be placed away from residential areas.
An application for an alternative site in a more rural area had been turned down because some rare plants needed protecting, but she did not think environmental concerns should come before the potential health risks to the schoolchildren.
She said: "There are fields for miles around that village with nobody near. There is absolutely no reason to put the mast near the school."
Linda Talbot, the school's headteacher, quoted the Stewart Report conducted by the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones, which was set up by the government to assess the possible health effects from mobile phones, base stations and transmitters.
This concluded that it was not possible to say that exposure to radiation from the Radio Frequency emissions from the masts was totally without potentially adverse health effects.
It recommended that if a mast was sited within or near school grounds then the strongest signal should not fall on any part of the school.
The headteacher also believed the company had deliberately timed the submission of the application for approval by Uttlesford District Council to coincide with the summer holidays so there would be less opposition as parents would be away.
She said: "If this is approved, it will be a disaster for the school and the village."
Orange is planning to build the mast, which will stand 20 metres high and have six antennae, four dishes and six pack equipment cabinets.
The company needs to boost the signal in the area around Manuden and can not place it in a more rural location because the signal would not reach the homes.
An Orange spokeswoman said the mast had to be placed on higher ground in order to cover the village because it was in a valley and the Bentfield Bury Farm site was one of two sites being considered in Manuden.
But the company chose the former because it was further away from residential homes and screened from view by trees.
"Many people view mobile technology as a new invention and believe that we should be cautious until we know what the effects may be.
"However, mobile phones are just a new way of using old technology. RF has been around for over 40 years and there are many other forms of RF in our environment whether we are at home, in a classroom or outside.
Omega mobile phones are no new way of using old technology. One cannot compare the dangerous, pulsed microwave radiation with RF.
"The mobile phone handsets themselves emit a signal 24/7 whether they are in use or not as they are constantly searching for the nearest mast to communicate with," the spokeswoman said.
Orange's plans will be considered for approval by the district council's development control commmittee in September.
PROTESTORS turned out in force to oppose plans to build a new mobile phone mast near a primary school.
Two hundred teachers and parents of children at Manuden Primary School braved heavy rain to take part in a demonstration and wave placards outside the school, in The Street, on Monday.
The campaigners are concerned about the health implications of mobile phone company Orange's plans to install the mast at Bentfield Bury Farm, just 350 metres away from the school.
One mother, who did not wish to be named, has a child starting at the pre-school, which is on the same site, in September.
She feared the signal emitting from the mast increased the risk of anyone living or working near it getting cancer, and could not understand why Orange wanted to site the pole there when there was plenty of countryside nearby where it could be placed away from residential areas.
An application for an alternative site in a more rural area had been turned down because some rare plants needed protecting, but she did not think environmental concerns should come before the potential health risks to the schoolchildren.
She said: "There are fields for miles around that village with nobody near. There is absolutely no reason to put the mast near the school."
Linda Talbot, the school's headteacher, quoted the Stewart Report conducted by the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones, which was set up by the government to assess the possible health effects from mobile phones, base stations and transmitters.
This concluded that it was not possible to say that exposure to radiation from the Radio Frequency emissions from the masts was totally without potentially adverse health effects.
It recommended that if a mast was sited within or near school grounds then the strongest signal should not fall on any part of the school.
The headteacher also believed the company had deliberately timed the submission of the application for approval by Uttlesford District Council to coincide with the summer holidays so there would be less opposition as parents would be away.
She said: "If this is approved, it will be a disaster for the school and the village."
Orange is planning to build the mast, which will stand 20 metres high and have six antennae, four dishes and six pack equipment cabinets.
The company needs to boost the signal in the area around Manuden and can not place it in a more rural location because the signal would not reach the homes.
An Orange spokeswoman said the mast had to be placed on higher ground in order to cover the village because it was in a valley and the Bentfield Bury Farm site was one of two sites being considered in Manuden.
But the company chose the former because it was further away from residential homes and screened from view by trees.
"Many people view mobile technology as a new invention and believe that we should be cautious until we know what the effects may be.
"However, mobile phones are just a new way of using old technology. RF has been around for over 40 years and there are many other forms of RF in our environment whether we are at home, in a classroom or outside.
Omega mobile phones are no new way of using old technology. One cannot compare the dangerous, pulsed microwave radiation with RF.
"The mobile phone handsets themselves emit a signal 24/7 whether they are in use or not as they are constantly searching for the nearest mast to communicate with," the spokeswoman said.
Orange's plans will be considered for approval by the district council's development control commmittee in September.
Starmail - 26. Aug, 23:03
PLANNERS SAY NO TO MAST PLAN NEAR TO HOMES
Tamworth Herald
10:30 - 25 August 2005
Town planners have refused another application for a phone mast on Marlborough Way because it would be too close to homes.
The decision was made at a planning meeting last week where a separate application for a 25-metre mast at a substation in Wilnecote was deferred for further research.
A report released ahead of the meeting indicated that planning officers would be recommending the mast on Stonydelph Lane for refusal on the grounds T Mobile had not considered other sites or justified the need for a mast in that area.
However, fresh information emerged just before the meeting, prompting officers to take another look at the plans.
But it was bad news for Vodaphone - the latest telecommunications firm to apply for permission to erect a mast on Marlborough Way.
Phone giants are all vying for the same spot to close a gap in coverage, but councillors continue to agree with residents who fear the site is too close to homes and will be detrimental to the street scene.
A decision on the T Mobile application should be made at the next committee meeting.
Wilnecote residents have compiled a 78-signature petition strongly opposing the 25-metre mast, which would be close to the Happy Tots Nursery.
10:30 - 25 August 2005
Town planners have refused another application for a phone mast on Marlborough Way because it would be too close to homes.
The decision was made at a planning meeting last week where a separate application for a 25-metre mast at a substation in Wilnecote was deferred for further research.
A report released ahead of the meeting indicated that planning officers would be recommending the mast on Stonydelph Lane for refusal on the grounds T Mobile had not considered other sites or justified the need for a mast in that area.
However, fresh information emerged just before the meeting, prompting officers to take another look at the plans.
But it was bad news for Vodaphone - the latest telecommunications firm to apply for permission to erect a mast on Marlborough Way.
Phone giants are all vying for the same spot to close a gap in coverage, but councillors continue to agree with residents who fear the site is too close to homes and will be detrimental to the street scene.
A decision on the T Mobile application should be made at the next committee meeting.
Wilnecote residents have compiled a 78-signature petition strongly opposing the 25-metre mast, which would be close to the Happy Tots Nursery.
Starmail - 26. Aug, 22:57
RESIDENTS' FURY OVER MAST PLANS
Derbyshire Evening Telegraph
BY KAREN HOLT
09:30 - 26 August 2005
Residents say that they are furious about plans to put up a second mobile phone mast close to their homes.
Alvaston residents are fighting plans by mobile phone company O2 to install a 15-metre-high mast and two equipment cabins at the junction of Holbrook Road and Boscastle Road.
The application, which has been submitted to Derby City Council, comes days after T-Mobile put up a 12.2-metre mast and three cabins just metres away, in Holbrook Road at its junction with Holt Avenue.
Nicole Berrisford (43), of Holt Avenue, fears that the masts will pose a health risk, as well as being visually intrusive, which will eventually lead to a devaluation of properties in the area.
Along with her neighbours, she also thinks that the area is becoming far too cluttered with too much street furniture.
She said: "I'm going to do a flyer informing people about O2. I'm trying to call a meeting, organise a petition and, if necessary, a rally.
"I think it's getting beyond a joke now.
"Our main concern is that it's directly on a route to Oakwood Infant and Junior schools and Noel-Baker Community School.
"There could be health risks and it will devalue the houses. No-one wants to buy a house near a phone mast and there'll be two here."
Frank Berridge (53), of Holbrook Road, says that the area is already blighted by graffiti and feels that the new addition will only worsen the problem.
He said: "These masts are near old people's homes and on a main school route.
"For old people, if they can't see very well, they're also going to be more obstacles for them."
Pamela Robinson (60), also of Holbrook Road, said: "It's getting really cluttered. Everything's here and it's just awful.
"They'll get daubed by graffiti and it'll make the street look ugly. There's just too much clutter."
A council spokeswoman said that the application did not require planning permission but the company was required to inform the council, which then has 56 days to agree to its siting and design.
BY KAREN HOLT
09:30 - 26 August 2005
Residents say that they are furious about plans to put up a second mobile phone mast close to their homes.
Alvaston residents are fighting plans by mobile phone company O2 to install a 15-metre-high mast and two equipment cabins at the junction of Holbrook Road and Boscastle Road.
The application, which has been submitted to Derby City Council, comes days after T-Mobile put up a 12.2-metre mast and three cabins just metres away, in Holbrook Road at its junction with Holt Avenue.
Nicole Berrisford (43), of Holt Avenue, fears that the masts will pose a health risk, as well as being visually intrusive, which will eventually lead to a devaluation of properties in the area.
Along with her neighbours, she also thinks that the area is becoming far too cluttered with too much street furniture.
She said: "I'm going to do a flyer informing people about O2. I'm trying to call a meeting, organise a petition and, if necessary, a rally.
"I think it's getting beyond a joke now.
"Our main concern is that it's directly on a route to Oakwood Infant and Junior schools and Noel-Baker Community School.
"There could be health risks and it will devalue the houses. No-one wants to buy a house near a phone mast and there'll be two here."
Frank Berridge (53), of Holbrook Road, says that the area is already blighted by graffiti and feels that the new addition will only worsen the problem.
He said: "These masts are near old people's homes and on a main school route.
"For old people, if they can't see very well, they're also going to be more obstacles for them."
Pamela Robinson (60), also of Holbrook Road, said: "It's getting really cluttered. Everything's here and it's just awful.
"They'll get daubed by graffiti and it'll make the street look ugly. There's just too much clutter."
A council spokeswoman said that the application did not require planning permission but the company was required to inform the council, which then has 56 days to agree to its siting and design.
Starmail - 26. Aug, 22:47
Demokratie in Gefahr: Staatsrechtler kritisiert faktisches Selbstauflösungsrecht des Parlaments
26.08.05
Der Staatsrechtler Volker Epping hat die Neuwahl-Entscheidung des Bundesverfassungsgerichts als zu weit gehend kritisiert. "Dieses Urteil lädt geradezu zu einer Inszenierung ein", sagte Epping der in Hannover erscheinenden "Neuen Presse". Ein Selbstauflösungsrecht des Bundestages müsse jetzt gar nicht mehr diskutiert werden. "Es ist fast müßig, über diese Frage noch nachzudenken. Wir haben jetzt ein Recht, das dem Selbstauflösungsrecht sehr nahe kommt", sagte Epping. Der Berliner Verfassungsrechtler Bernhard Schlink, der die Bundesregierung in den Verhandlungen vertreten hatte, sieht die Selbstauflösung hingegen als Zusammenspiel zwischen Bundestag, Bundeskanzler und Bundespräsident.
Die ganze Nachricht im Internet:
http://www.ngo-online.de/ganze_nachricht.php?Nr=11724
Der Staatsrechtler Volker Epping hat die Neuwahl-Entscheidung des Bundesverfassungsgerichts als zu weit gehend kritisiert. "Dieses Urteil lädt geradezu zu einer Inszenierung ein", sagte Epping der in Hannover erscheinenden "Neuen Presse". Ein Selbstauflösungsrecht des Bundestages müsse jetzt gar nicht mehr diskutiert werden. "Es ist fast müßig, über diese Frage noch nachzudenken. Wir haben jetzt ein Recht, das dem Selbstauflösungsrecht sehr nahe kommt", sagte Epping. Der Berliner Verfassungsrechtler Bernhard Schlink, der die Bundesregierung in den Verhandlungen vertreten hatte, sieht die Selbstauflösung hingegen als Zusammenspiel zwischen Bundestag, Bundeskanzler und Bundespräsident.
Die ganze Nachricht im Internet:
http://www.ngo-online.de/ganze_nachricht.php?Nr=11724
Starmail - 26. Aug, 22:38
Activists Needed for new TV show
If this show is going big why not have all emf contacts flood them with EMF Stories asap Let them know what is going on!
<< We're looking for activists and world changers to be on our new TV show.
We're currently looking for Southern California residents only, due to time constraints.
This is a documentary based show which centers around people who want to change something, whether it be their own life, the lives of others, or the very world we live in. No problem is too big or too controversial for this show. Interviews are taking place in Los Angeles in late August.
Please read more and submit your information at
http://www.manifestotv.com. Thank you! >>
SEND YOUR 2 PAGE STORY HERE - newshow@zeropointent.com
Informant: Gotemf
<< We're looking for activists and world changers to be on our new TV show.
We're currently looking for Southern California residents only, due to time constraints.
This is a documentary based show which centers around people who want to change something, whether it be their own life, the lives of others, or the very world we live in. No problem is too big or too controversial for this show. Interviews are taking place in Los Angeles in late August.
Please read more and submit your information at
http://www.manifestotv.com. Thank you! >>
SEND YOUR 2 PAGE STORY HERE - newshow@zeropointent.com
Informant: Gotemf
Starmail - 26. Aug, 22:28
Cindy Sheehan's Question Deserves Answer
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/082605Y.shtml
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 26. Aug, 22:24
WRL on Cindy Sheehan and Gold Star Families for Peace
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2005
Contact: Steve Theberge
212.228.0450 x102
youth@warresisters.org
War Resisters League Statement of Solidarity with Cindy Sheehan and Gold Star Families for Peace
New York City, NY- The War Resisters League stands in solidarity with Cindy Sheehan and all those who join her in the blazing sun of Crawford, Texas. In a month in which 74 American soldiers and untold Iraqi civilians have been killed, the dignity, humility, and strength of her vision throws into sharp contrast the brutal policies of the Bush administration.
The war on Iraq has provoked outrage, indignation and action across the globe. Camp Casey (the site of Sheehan's vigil outside of George Bush's vacation home) is a powerful example of how a dedicated individual, acting in concert with others, can spark the passion and commitment of thousands of people. While Cindy Sheehan's request to meet with the president has so far been refused, her call to end the occupation has been met enthusiastically by people across the globe, amplifying the rapidly growing public opinion that we never should have invaded Iraq.
The War Resisters League supports Gold Star Families for Peace's call for the immediate, unconditional withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Iraq. We encourage all of our members and supporters to take action in their communities to stop this war. We mourn the horrifying loss of life on all sides of the conflict and will continue to work for a nonviolent and truly democratic resolution to the chaos caused by the Bush administration's unbridled aggression around the world.
War Resisters League
339 Lafayette St. New York, NY 10012
212-228-0450
http://www.warresisters.org
wrl@warresisters.org
UNITED FOR PEACE & JUSTICE | 212-868-5545
Informant: John M Miller
From ufpj-news
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 26. Aug, 22:21
Meinung für Millionen
http://ondemand-mp3.dradio.de/file/dradio/2005/08/26/dlf_200508261915.mp3
Download (11 MB):
Titel: Meinung für Millionen
Autor: Baetz, Brigitte
Sendezeit: 26.08.2005 19:15
Programm: Deutschlandfunk
Sendung: Hintergrund Kultur
Länge: 44:04 Minuten
Download (11 MB):
Titel: Meinung für Millionen
Autor: Baetz, Brigitte
Sendezeit: 26.08.2005 19:15
Programm: Deutschlandfunk
Sendung: Hintergrund Kultur
Länge: 44:04 Minuten
Starmail - 26. Aug, 22:11
Honor Our Loved One’s Sacrifices - Voice of Military Families Against War Grows
In a message dated 8/26/05 11:40:51 AM, Krpomer writes:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2005
Ryan Fletcher 202-641-0277
Nancy Lessin 617-320-5301
Outside Bush’s Ranch, Gold Star and Military Families Continue to Call on President: ‘Honor Our Loved One’s Sacrifices’ and ‘Bring Them Home Now’
Camp Casey Vigil Remains Strong, Voice of Military Families Against War Grows
CRAWFORD, TX – As the end of August draws closer, the vigil started by Cindy Sheehan outside President Bush’s Ranch in Crawford, Texas continues to grow. Over 50 Military and Gold Star Families from across the country - those whose loved ones were killed in Iraq, and those with loved ones who are needlessly in harm’s way - have joined the vigil to call for a meeting with President Bush, and an end to the war in Iraq. More families continue to arrive in Crawford to join the encampment, which will remain until the end of August.
Since November of 2002, when Military Families Speak Out began with two families speaking out against a U.S. invasion of Iraq, more and more military families have been breaking the code of silence that extends from the military to its families and beyond.
Since the vigil in Crawford began in early August, the voice of Military and Gold Star families speaking out against this war has grown tremendously. Families gained courage from the powerful Crawford vigil to use their own voices in their communities and beyond to oppose the war in Iraq. They are, speaking out more powerfully than ever to support our troops, bring them home now and take care of them when they get here.
Military Families Speak Out currently includes over 2,500 member families.
The following Gold Star and Military Families are available for interview and have arrived or are arriving in Crawford this weekend:
Bill Mitchell of Atascadero, California is returning to Crawford this weekend. Bill's son Sgt. Michael Mitchell was killed in action in Sadr City, Iraq on April 4, 2004, along with Cindy Sheehan's son Spc. Casey Sheehan. Bill is a co-founder of Gold Star Families for Peace. This will be his second trip to Crawford this month, he will be accompanied by his daughter.
Amy Branham of Houston, TX will be coming to Crawford this weekend. Her son, Sgt. Jeremy R. Smith served in the U.S. Military in Iraq.
Rebecca Bahr of Scottsdale, Arizona has been in Crawford since August 10. Rebecca's daughter serves in the Marines and is currently stateside.
Sherry Bohlen of Scottsdale, Arizona is coming back to Crawford this weekend. Sherry’s son serves in the Army and deployed to Iraq on June 10,
2005.
Steve DeFord of Salem, Oregon will be arriving in Crawford on Wednesday, August 17th. Steve’s step-son Sgt. David W. Johnson served in the Oregon National Guard and was killed in action near Baghdad on Sept 25, 2004 when his convoy was hit by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device).
Sheri Glover of Houston, TX has a 19 year old daughter who has completed Active Duty Service in the US Army and is currently in the Individual Ready Reserve and eligible for call back. Sheri is active in Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary and holds the position of Junior Vice Commander of Unit 9 in Houston.
Ellen Martin of New York City, N.Y. will arrive in Crawford on Sunday, August 28th. Her 54 year-old brother who serves in the U.S. Army is expected to deploy to Iraq later this year.
Michael and Valeri Murphy of Austin, Texas will be coming back to Crawford this weekend. Their son is a member of the Army Reserves and currently serves stateside.
Beatriz Saldivar of Fort Worth, Texas will return to Crawford this weekend. Her nephew Daniel Torres was killed February 4th, 2005 in Baygii 155 miles north of Baghdad on his 2nd tour of Iraq when an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) exploded and hit his unarmored Humvee. She is available for interviews in English and Spanish.
Nancy Lessin and Charley Richardson of Boston, Massachusetts, will be arriving in Crawford on Friday, August 26. Nancy’s stepson/Charley’s son Joe served in Iraq in spring, 2003 with the U.S. Marine Corps. He has finished his active duty service and is currently in the Individual Ready Reserves. Nancy and Charley co-founded Military Families Speak Out in November 2002 with one other family. Military Families Speak Out now includes 2,500 military families from across the country.
Tammara Rosenleaf of Belton, Texas arrived in Crawford on Tuesday, August 9th. Tammara's husband serves in the Army. He is stationed at Ft. Hood and will be deploying to Iraq this fall.
Larry Syverson of Richmond, VA is arriving in Crawford on Saturday. Larry has three sons serving in the military, two of whom have served in Iraq and are eligible for redeployment.
More Military and Gold Star families will be arriving in Crawford daily until the end of the month.
For more information: Military Families Speak Out: http://www.mfso.org
Gold Star Families for Peace: http://www.gsfp.org
Informant: Hopedance
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 26. Aug, 22:08
School fights phone mast
The Harlow Citizen
CONCERNED teachers, parents and children were out in force on Monday to demonstrate against a mobile phone mast set to go up in a field near their school.
Almost 200 people gathered at Manuden Primary School to hold banners and sign petitions in protest at the Orange phone mast planned for nearby Bantfield Bury Farm land.
And while residents admit that phone coverage in the village is poor, many are worried that siting the mast so close to the village could have serious repercussions.
Headteacher Linda Talbot said: "We don't know exactly what the health implications are but certainly children under 11 are said to be most vulnerable.
"There has not been enough research done to prove the safety of these masts and evidence is not yet conclusive. It would be best to leave them down until more is known.
"Not only that, they want to put a 20-metre mast in what is a really pretty piece of land. In the planning it says it will be covered from sight by the trees, but these are deciduous trees so in winter it will be clearly visible."
Mrs Talbot added: "They say the site will be 0.7 kilometres from the school, but we have worked it out on the map to be about 360 metres.
"We know these masts are necessary but there's so much land around Manuden that surely they could find a safer location well away from residents and the school."
The phone company's planning application which includes six antennae and four dishes is set to go before Uttlesford Council on Wednesday, September 21.
The school will hold more demonstrations before that.
Orange admitted that the mast was only 350m from the school but maintained it adhered strictly to all guidelines, and in most cases superseded them.
The company added that many schools in the UK hosted masts and there had been no evidence to suggest this had any adverse effects.
Omega the guidelines are obsolete see under:
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/771911/
An Orange spokesman said: "No substantiated evidence exists to date linking exposure to radio frequency emissions from mobile phone technology with adverse human health effects, despite significant global investment into this type of research.
"The conclusion reached by many of the organisations that regulate us is that the balance of evidence does not indicate a threat to human health from base station emissions."
The spokesman added that the Stewart Report, which advised the industry on siting and best practice, did not state that masts should be away from schools and residential areas, as there was no scientific basis for it.
Omega this is not true, substantiated evidence exists. 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
Orange said that for best coverage the mast had to be on high ground.
"We could potentially locate this on the opposite side of the village, but it would be closer to homes and would still be visible on the skyline," said the spokesman.
"The benefit of this location is that there is a cluster of trees that would at least provide a backdrop from a visual perspective."
10:41am 26.08.05
CONCERNED teachers, parents and children were out in force on Monday to demonstrate against a mobile phone mast set to go up in a field near their school.
Almost 200 people gathered at Manuden Primary School to hold banners and sign petitions in protest at the Orange phone mast planned for nearby Bantfield Bury Farm land.
And while residents admit that phone coverage in the village is poor, many are worried that siting the mast so close to the village could have serious repercussions.
Headteacher Linda Talbot said: "We don't know exactly what the health implications are but certainly children under 11 are said to be most vulnerable.
"There has not been enough research done to prove the safety of these masts and evidence is not yet conclusive. It would be best to leave them down until more is known.
"Not only that, they want to put a 20-metre mast in what is a really pretty piece of land. In the planning it says it will be covered from sight by the trees, but these are deciduous trees so in winter it will be clearly visible."
Mrs Talbot added: "They say the site will be 0.7 kilometres from the school, but we have worked it out on the map to be about 360 metres.
"We know these masts are necessary but there's so much land around Manuden that surely they could find a safer location well away from residents and the school."
The phone company's planning application which includes six antennae and four dishes is set to go before Uttlesford Council on Wednesday, September 21.
The school will hold more demonstrations before that.
Orange admitted that the mast was only 350m from the school but maintained it adhered strictly to all guidelines, and in most cases superseded them.
The company added that many schools in the UK hosted masts and there had been no evidence to suggest this had any adverse effects.
Omega the guidelines are obsolete see under:
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/771911/
An Orange spokesman said: "No substantiated evidence exists to date linking exposure to radio frequency emissions from mobile phone technology with adverse human health effects, despite significant global investment into this type of research.
"The conclusion reached by many of the organisations that regulate us is that the balance of evidence does not indicate a threat to human health from base station emissions."
The spokesman added that the Stewart Report, which advised the industry on siting and best practice, did not state that masts should be away from schools and residential areas, as there was no scientific basis for it.
Omega this is not true, substantiated evidence exists. 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
Orange said that for best coverage the mast had to be on high ground.
"We could potentially locate this on the opposite side of the village, but it would be closer to homes and would still be visible on the skyline," said the spokesman.
"The benefit of this location is that there is a cluster of trees that would at least provide a backdrop from a visual perspective."
10:41am 26.08.05
Starmail - 26. Aug, 19:09
The horror is still developing worse
To whoever wrote the bottom bit of this message - I strongly believe that the research/evidence we already have does constitute proof in as much as 'proof' can ever be ascertained in these circumstances - (the tobacco companies have never accepted responsibility or liability for tobacco related illness, so despite the 'proof', no-one's ever been able to touch them.) I have used the word proof on many occasions, some would say unwisely! The point I was making (not sure whether Andy agrees or disagrees with this) is that having proof, and having proof accepted are two different things. Andy is a realist. I always live in hope - but accept that his pragmatic view of the situation is most probably the correct one - much to my sorrow, and to his, I suspect.
Jenny
From Mast Sanity
Jenny
From Mast Sanity
Starmail - 26. Aug, 18:58
Massed protest at Cullen mast bid
The Northern Scot
MOBILE phone giant Vodafone has been accused of riding roughshod over local democracy by residents in Cullen.
They are angry that Vodafone has appealed against refusal by Moray Council to site a 14.7 metre mast in a residential area.
Councillors rejected the planning application earlier this year, voting 17-7 against the proposal, in support of residents who had submitted a 265 signature petition and dozens of letters of objection.
The appeal will now be heard by a Scottish Executive Reporter and local residents will only be able to make their feelings known through written submissions.
They are concerned that the Reporter will overturn the decision of the council and they will be left with a mast they don't want.
Eight-month pregnant Vivienne Addison is concerned at the possible health risks associated with mobile phone masts. She said:
"This is very stressful. I should be enjoying myself and looking forward to the baby but I am waking up at all hours worrying about this."
Vo dafone want to erect the mast on the site of the telephone exchange in Blantyre Street.
The mast would overlook a family home on one side and be adjacent to an old folks home on the other.
Mrs Addison, whose home in Reidhaven Street is just round the corner from the mast site, added:
"Everyone is up in arms and there is a lot of concern about this.
"It will be really ugly and an eyesore. The appeal has come as quite a shock."
Mrs Addison said Orange already has a mobile phone mast at Crannoch Woods and questioned why Vodafone could not use that site.
Another resident, Bernard Watts, of Seafield Place, has written to the Reporter urging he/she rejects the appeal.
"There are a lot of families with children and babies living within a stone's throw of the appeal site, " he said.
"They have expressed great concern about their children's health and wellbeing."
Communities across the UK have expressed fears over possible ill-health risks associated to mobile phone masts.
Mr Watts claimed instances of dizziness, fatigue, chronic headaches, irregular heart beats, nausea and more serious diseases had been reported in communities with masts.
In its appeal to the Scottish Executive, Crown Castle UK, which is looking to develop the site for Vodafone, said: "In so far as some limited harm may be perceived, this is outweighed by the specific encouragement given to modern communications at national and local level."
Mr Watts described the Vodafone's decision to appeal as "absolutely disgraceful" and represented the "erosion of local democracy."
"Cullen is a very pretty conservation seaside village and a mast sited in the grounds of the appeal site will not help. The people of Cullen definitely do not want this unconscionable, execrable edifice in their midst."
Mr Watts said the mast should be sited in a more sensible location away from the residential area of the village.
Local councillor Ron Shepherd said: "I am very disappointed that Vodafone have decided to appeal the council's decision.
"We have put a lot of work into stopping this being erected in a residential area in Cullen where there is a nursing home and doctors' surgery.
"I feel for the people living in that area. I would hope the Reporter backs local opinion and we are depending on him to take heed of the people of Cullen."
A Vodafone spokeswoman said: "We never take the decision to appeal lightly and we always look very carefully at what has been said to us in the original refusal.
"We try to weigh up everybody's views but at the end of the day we have an obligation to provide a service and if we feel we have done our absolute best in determining the site and there is a clear need for the services locally, we would reserve our right to appeal against the decision."
26/08/2005
MOBILE phone giant Vodafone has been accused of riding roughshod over local democracy by residents in Cullen.
They are angry that Vodafone has appealed against refusal by Moray Council to site a 14.7 metre mast in a residential area.
Councillors rejected the planning application earlier this year, voting 17-7 against the proposal, in support of residents who had submitted a 265 signature petition and dozens of letters of objection.
The appeal will now be heard by a Scottish Executive Reporter and local residents will only be able to make their feelings known through written submissions.
They are concerned that the Reporter will overturn the decision of the council and they will be left with a mast they don't want.
Eight-month pregnant Vivienne Addison is concerned at the possible health risks associated with mobile phone masts. She said:
"This is very stressful. I should be enjoying myself and looking forward to the baby but I am waking up at all hours worrying about this."
Vo dafone want to erect the mast on the site of the telephone exchange in Blantyre Street.
The mast would overlook a family home on one side and be adjacent to an old folks home on the other.
Mrs Addison, whose home in Reidhaven Street is just round the corner from the mast site, added:
"Everyone is up in arms and there is a lot of concern about this.
"It will be really ugly and an eyesore. The appeal has come as quite a shock."
Mrs Addison said Orange already has a mobile phone mast at Crannoch Woods and questioned why Vodafone could not use that site.
Another resident, Bernard Watts, of Seafield Place, has written to the Reporter urging he/she rejects the appeal.
"There are a lot of families with children and babies living within a stone's throw of the appeal site, " he said.
"They have expressed great concern about their children's health and wellbeing."
Communities across the UK have expressed fears over possible ill-health risks associated to mobile phone masts.
Mr Watts claimed instances of dizziness, fatigue, chronic headaches, irregular heart beats, nausea and more serious diseases had been reported in communities with masts.
In its appeal to the Scottish Executive, Crown Castle UK, which is looking to develop the site for Vodafone, said: "In so far as some limited harm may be perceived, this is outweighed by the specific encouragement given to modern communications at national and local level."
Mr Watts described the Vodafone's decision to appeal as "absolutely disgraceful" and represented the "erosion of local democracy."
"Cullen is a very pretty conservation seaside village and a mast sited in the grounds of the appeal site will not help. The people of Cullen definitely do not want this unconscionable, execrable edifice in their midst."
Mr Watts said the mast should be sited in a more sensible location away from the residential area of the village.
Local councillor Ron Shepherd said: "I am very disappointed that Vodafone have decided to appeal the council's decision.
"We have put a lot of work into stopping this being erected in a residential area in Cullen where there is a nursing home and doctors' surgery.
"I feel for the people living in that area. I would hope the Reporter backs local opinion and we are depending on him to take heed of the people of Cullen."
A Vodafone spokeswoman said: "We never take the decision to appeal lightly and we always look very carefully at what has been said to us in the original refusal.
"We try to weigh up everybody's views but at the end of the day we have an obligation to provide a service and if we feel we have done our absolute best in determining the site and there is a clear need for the services locally, we would reserve our right to appeal against the decision."
26/08/2005
Starmail - 26. Aug, 18:45
Orange challenged to private meeting by angry residents
Farnham Today
LOCAL residents have blasted mobile telephone operator Orange for its lack of public consultation over the proposed sitings of masts in Farnham. Proposed mast sitings by Orange near Bourne Infant School, Waverley Lane and in Manor Gardens have angered residents who have ferociously campaigned against them. After attempting to liaise with Orange over many months, the Manor Gardens’ Action Group has appealed to officials from the mobile telephone operator to make public their plans for mast sitings in Farnham. In a letter to Orange, co-ordinators Ray Cuckow and Simon Hall said: “We know that some people, and indeed some organisations, appear to be against all phone masts. That is not our position and we have stated so publicly. “We believe that masts must be sited safely, and be sited in a sensitive way environmentally - your Manor Gardens mast proposal meets neither criteria. On June 5, we offered in writing to meet Orange locally in a small private meeting to find a mutually acceptable way forward. That offer was totally ignored and not even acknowledged. “We understand that you are handling the Manor Gardens mast nationally so we therefore invite you to join our group for that small private meeting.” In a survey conducted by the Manor Garden Action Group, 96 per cent of local residents said that they preferred a single mast on higher ground rather than multiple masts sited among houses and schools. Local residents also criticised Orange for their planning consultation procedures with 91 per cent saying it has been disastrous for the mobile telephone operator. Finally, 89 per cent of residents said that they would actively avoid using Orange’s technology in comparison to their competitors after the continuing mast sitings fiasco in Farnham.
LOCAL residents have blasted mobile telephone operator Orange for its lack of public consultation over the proposed sitings of masts in Farnham. Proposed mast sitings by Orange near Bourne Infant School, Waverley Lane and in Manor Gardens have angered residents who have ferociously campaigned against them. After attempting to liaise with Orange over many months, the Manor Gardens’ Action Group has appealed to officials from the mobile telephone operator to make public their plans for mast sitings in Farnham. In a letter to Orange, co-ordinators Ray Cuckow and Simon Hall said: “We know that some people, and indeed some organisations, appear to be against all phone masts. That is not our position and we have stated so publicly. “We believe that masts must be sited safely, and be sited in a sensitive way environmentally - your Manor Gardens mast proposal meets neither criteria. On June 5, we offered in writing to meet Orange locally in a small private meeting to find a mutually acceptable way forward. That offer was totally ignored and not even acknowledged. “We understand that you are handling the Manor Gardens mast nationally so we therefore invite you to join our group for that small private meeting.” In a survey conducted by the Manor Garden Action Group, 96 per cent of local residents said that they preferred a single mast on higher ground rather than multiple masts sited among houses and schools. Local residents also criticised Orange for their planning consultation procedures with 91 per cent saying it has been disastrous for the mobile telephone operator. Finally, 89 per cent of residents said that they would actively avoid using Orange’s technology in comparison to their competitors after the continuing mast sitings fiasco in Farnham.
Starmail - 26. Aug, 18:29
WE SHOULD BE TRYING TO MAKE SAFER MOBILES
Sutton Observer
10:30 - 26 August 2005
Regarding last week's letter headed: 'Do All Mast Protestors use Mobile Phones?'
No, I am one of many people who do not use a mobile phone and never will. Nor do I use a microwave oven or DECT cordless phone because I know that microwave radiation is not healthy for me to be near.
I find the argument that, if you use a mobile phone you should accept masts, to be illogical.
There is now so much evidence of health risks from both masts and mobile phones, that I think the question should be 'Why isn't there a safe mobile technology being brought in to replace the current risky microwave mobile technology?'
Why does J G of Boldmere not want to have technology that is safe as well as useful?
For example, we all want a safe water supply in our homes.
In the not-too-distant past, lead pipes were used before the health risks of lead poisoning were recognised.
An alternative had to be found to lead and copper pipes are its excellent replacement.
There are many people living near masts which they know have made them ill; they know this because when they are away from home in mast-free areas, they feel much better.
Why should their health and homes be degraded by masts?
Jane Lee
10:30 - 26 August 2005
Regarding last week's letter headed: 'Do All Mast Protestors use Mobile Phones?'
No, I am one of many people who do not use a mobile phone and never will. Nor do I use a microwave oven or DECT cordless phone because I know that microwave radiation is not healthy for me to be near.
I find the argument that, if you use a mobile phone you should accept masts, to be illogical.
There is now so much evidence of health risks from both masts and mobile phones, that I think the question should be 'Why isn't there a safe mobile technology being brought in to replace the current risky microwave mobile technology?'
Why does J G of Boldmere not want to have technology that is safe as well as useful?
For example, we all want a safe water supply in our homes.
In the not-too-distant past, lead pipes were used before the health risks of lead poisoning were recognised.
An alternative had to be found to lead and copper pipes are its excellent replacement.
There are many people living near masts which they know have made them ill; they know this because when they are away from home in mast-free areas, they feel much better.
Why should their health and homes be degraded by masts?
Jane Lee
Starmail - 26. Aug, 18:21
Wolfowitz at the World Bank: Unilateral Policy on Ecuador and Pakistan
A superb article on Paul Wolfowitz at the World Bank is now on the homepage of MRZine.org:
http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/anonymous250805.html. (The author has been a senior official in this field and must withhold his identity.) Wolfowitz's first public actions at the World Bank -- unilaterally suspending a loan to Ecuador (two days after Ecuador announced its decision to rescind Occidental Petroleum's contract) and increasing lending to Pakistan, in violation of established WB procedures, in contradiction to recommendations of WB and IMF analysts (as well as country risk assessments of international financiers), and in transgression of the Concordat between the WB and the IMF -- clearly demonstrate Washington's determination to transform the WB into a direct tool of unilateral US policy (as opposed to multilateral elite interests), while ensuring that any country that happens to enjoy windfalls from higher oil prices (or anything else) will be giving them all up to creditors, rather than spending them on social needs.
Yoshie Furuhashi
http://montages.blogspot.com
http://monthlyreview.org
http://mrzine.org
* Mahmoud Ahmadinejad:
http://montages.blogspot.com/2005/07/mahmoud-ahmadinejads-face.html http://montages.blogspot.com/2005/07/chvez-congratulates-ahmadinejad.html http://montages.blogspot.com/2005/06/iranian-working-class-rejects.html
UNITED FOR PEACE & JUSTICE | 212-868-5545
From ufpj-news
http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/anonymous250805.html. (The author has been a senior official in this field and must withhold his identity.) Wolfowitz's first public actions at the World Bank -- unilaterally suspending a loan to Ecuador (two days after Ecuador announced its decision to rescind Occidental Petroleum's contract) and increasing lending to Pakistan, in violation of established WB procedures, in contradiction to recommendations of WB and IMF analysts (as well as country risk assessments of international financiers), and in transgression of the Concordat between the WB and the IMF -- clearly demonstrate Washington's determination to transform the WB into a direct tool of unilateral US policy (as opposed to multilateral elite interests), while ensuring that any country that happens to enjoy windfalls from higher oil prices (or anything else) will be giving them all up to creditors, rather than spending them on social needs.
Yoshie Furuhashi
http://montages.blogspot.com
http://monthlyreview.org
http://mrzine.org
* Mahmoud Ahmadinejad:
http://montages.blogspot.com/2005/07/mahmoud-ahmadinejads-face.html http://montages.blogspot.com/2005/07/chvez-congratulates-ahmadinejad.html http://montages.blogspot.com/2005/06/iranian-working-class-rejects.html
UNITED FOR PEACE & JUSTICE | 212-868-5545
From ufpj-news
Starmail - 26. Aug, 18:10
Phone mast permitted in spite of objectors
Shropshire Star
A new mobile phone mast for communications giant Vodafone is set to be built in Telford despite petitions and letters of objection from angry protesters.
Vodafone had applied for planning permission to erect an 11.5m mast at the junction of Marshbrook Way and Donnington Wood Way at Muxton.
Councillors at a meeting of Telford & Wrekin plans board last night gave it prior approval by just five votes to four.
Muxton ward councillor, Viv Verster, spoke at the meeting to voice residents' objections to the plans.
She said: "Thirty years ago everyone smoked, and now we know the risks."
However, in a report that went before councillors, government planning guidance was quoted that does not allow local authorities to refuse mobile phone masts on health grounds.
A new mobile phone mast for communications giant Vodafone is set to be built in Telford despite petitions and letters of objection from angry protesters.
Vodafone had applied for planning permission to erect an 11.5m mast at the junction of Marshbrook Way and Donnington Wood Way at Muxton.
Councillors at a meeting of Telford & Wrekin plans board last night gave it prior approval by just five votes to four.
Muxton ward councillor, Viv Verster, spoke at the meeting to voice residents' objections to the plans.
She said: "Thirty years ago everyone smoked, and now we know the risks."
However, in a report that went before councillors, government planning guidance was quoted that does not allow local authorities to refuse mobile phone masts on health grounds.
Starmail - 26. Aug, 17:13
Counter-recruiting protests attacked by police in Pittsburgh
http://www.pittsburghcitypaper.ws/news/story.cfm?type=News%20Feature
Informant: William K. Dobbs
From ufpj-news
Informant: William K. Dobbs
From ufpj-news
Starmail - 26. Aug, 15:41
050826 - R - Mobilfunk - Newsletter
Starmail - 26. Aug, 15:36
THE KLYSTRON: MICROWAVE TRAP FOR IMPORTING VOICE MESSAGES INTO HEADS
http://tinyurl.com/bw6st
Klystron is a Microwave Generator
http://www2.slac.stanford.edu/vvc/accelerators/klystron.html
--------
KLYSTRON TECH
Thank you for your input. I found this article. Please don't be 'put off' by it's theoretical basis. I feel it is a fairly good synopsis of this technology. You can find the whole article at;
http://www.fnrf.science.cmu.ac.th/theory.html
If you click the RF link you will find a good brief explanation with pictures.
Linac RF Systems
The radio-frequency system, or RF system, supplies power to the ALS in the form of microwaves. Microwaves are radio waves with a wavelength between about one meter and one millimeter, which are the wavelengths used for radio and television broadcasts as well as radar and microwave ovens. Most parts of the RF system supply microwave radiation with a wavelength of about 0.6 meter (see figure 1 to show relationship between frequency and wavelength). Microwave power is used to energize electrons, keeping them whirling around the ALS storage ring at almost the speed of light. Eventually, the electrons release this energy as x rays and ultraviolet light. Scientists use this light, which is called synchrotron radiation, to carry out experiments at the ALS. How important is the RF system? All the energy released as synchrotron radiation originates as RF power.
Figure 1. Electromagnetic spectrum
The basic components of the RF system include: Klystrons Waveguides RF Cavities
What is a Klystron?
A klystron is a very powerful type of microwave amplifier. Radar installations and television broadcast stations use klystrons to generate their broadcast signals. The klystrons "broadcast" down special tubes and cables, called waveguides, that lead to the linac, booster synchrotron, and storage ring.
Here is a diagram that shows how a klystron works (will be explained in more detail later):
An electron gun produces an intense flow of electrons into the klystron. A low-energy microwave signal intersects this continuous electron beam, breaking it up into a pulsed beam consisting of separate "bunches" of electrons. The pulsed electron beam passes through a tuned waveguide, inducing a powerful high-energy microwave signal. High-energy microwave power travels along the waveguide to the linac, booster synchrotron, or storage ring, where it passes its energy to electrons, accelerating them to relativistic velocity.
How does the electron beam become pulsed?
In the same way that a radio broadcast signal induces an electrical current in a portable radio antenna, the low-energy microwave signal (lets say it's 500 MHz) causes the electrons in the electron beam to speed up or slow down at the point where the two intersect. When the microwave is near its crest (peak power) as it intersects the beam, it makes the electrons in that part of the beam at that moment speed up, just as a surfer speeds up when she catches a wave. When the microwave is near its trough as it meets the beam, the electrons in that part of the beam at that moment slow down. The result is an electron beam that is broken into pulses that have the same frequency as the low-energy microwaves: 500 MHz.
How does the pulsed electron beam induce high-energy microwave power?
The pulsing electron beam interacts with the tuned waveguide (a very carefully constructed and adjusted hollow copper tube) causing it to resonate like a bell at 500MHz, transmitting microwave radiation down its entire length, which extends either to the linac, the RF cavity on the booster synchrotron, or the RF cavities on the storage ring.
What is a waveguide?
A waveguide is a conduit for efficiently transmitting electromagnetic radiation. The coaxial cable used for cable television, the optical fiber used in telecommunications, and the linac are other examples of waveguides. The rectangular structure in the following photograph is the waveguide connected from the Klystron to the linac.
What is an RF cavity?
Radio frequency cavities, or RF cavities, receive RF energy from a klystron and transfer it to electrons as they pass through the cavities on their way around the booster synchrotron and storage ring. Just as in the klystron, RF radiation interacts with electrons, adding energy to increase or maintain their speed. In the FNRF Linac this energy increases the speed of the electrons to ~40 percent of the speed of light (See appendix re. Calculating electron speed).
Here is a photograph of the RF cavity at FNRF
The RF cavity is shaped to resonate at 2.856GHz, which is the frequency of the RF radiation as well as the frequency at which the electron bunches pass. The beam pipe attaches to the cavity on either side. (In the photos the beam pipe is not attached yet. The large duct-like conduit connected to the cavity is the waveguide. The cavity is made out of very pure copper so that the current induced by the radiation will be spread evenly over its interior. Notice the copper tubes banded on the cavity. These are tubes contain coolant to prevent the copper from overheating and maintain RF stability. Does this suggest why you shouldn't put metal in a microwave oven?
The microwaves in the cavity are synchronized to crest just as each bunch of electrons enters the cavity so that the bunch is accelerated by a wave that is approaching peak amplitude. This synchronization takes into account the time it takes the control signal (traveling at the speed of light) to reach the controls for the klystron and the time it takes the microwave radiation to reach the RF cavity.
JCB7942 Member Posts: 341
(8/26/05 2:13 pm) Reply Re: KLYSTRON TECH
Informant: mark marks
--------
Google search "Klystron":
http://tinyurl.com/cdb8u
Klystron is a Microwave Generator
http://www2.slac.stanford.edu/vvc/accelerators/klystron.html
--------
KLYSTRON TECH
Thank you for your input. I found this article. Please don't be 'put off' by it's theoretical basis. I feel it is a fairly good synopsis of this technology. You can find the whole article at;
http://www.fnrf.science.cmu.ac.th/theory.html
If you click the RF link you will find a good brief explanation with pictures.
Linac RF Systems
The radio-frequency system, or RF system, supplies power to the ALS in the form of microwaves. Microwaves are radio waves with a wavelength between about one meter and one millimeter, which are the wavelengths used for radio and television broadcasts as well as radar and microwave ovens. Most parts of the RF system supply microwave radiation with a wavelength of about 0.6 meter (see figure 1 to show relationship between frequency and wavelength). Microwave power is used to energize electrons, keeping them whirling around the ALS storage ring at almost the speed of light. Eventually, the electrons release this energy as x rays and ultraviolet light. Scientists use this light, which is called synchrotron radiation, to carry out experiments at the ALS. How important is the RF system? All the energy released as synchrotron radiation originates as RF power.
Figure 1. Electromagnetic spectrum
The basic components of the RF system include: Klystrons Waveguides RF Cavities
What is a Klystron?
A klystron is a very powerful type of microwave amplifier. Radar installations and television broadcast stations use klystrons to generate their broadcast signals. The klystrons "broadcast" down special tubes and cables, called waveguides, that lead to the linac, booster synchrotron, and storage ring.
Here is a diagram that shows how a klystron works (will be explained in more detail later):
An electron gun produces an intense flow of electrons into the klystron. A low-energy microwave signal intersects this continuous electron beam, breaking it up into a pulsed beam consisting of separate "bunches" of electrons. The pulsed electron beam passes through a tuned waveguide, inducing a powerful high-energy microwave signal. High-energy microwave power travels along the waveguide to the linac, booster synchrotron, or storage ring, where it passes its energy to electrons, accelerating them to relativistic velocity.
How does the electron beam become pulsed?
In the same way that a radio broadcast signal induces an electrical current in a portable radio antenna, the low-energy microwave signal (lets say it's 500 MHz) causes the electrons in the electron beam to speed up or slow down at the point where the two intersect. When the microwave is near its crest (peak power) as it intersects the beam, it makes the electrons in that part of the beam at that moment speed up, just as a surfer speeds up when she catches a wave. When the microwave is near its trough as it meets the beam, the electrons in that part of the beam at that moment slow down. The result is an electron beam that is broken into pulses that have the same frequency as the low-energy microwaves: 500 MHz.
How does the pulsed electron beam induce high-energy microwave power?
The pulsing electron beam interacts with the tuned waveguide (a very carefully constructed and adjusted hollow copper tube) causing it to resonate like a bell at 500MHz, transmitting microwave radiation down its entire length, which extends either to the linac, the RF cavity on the booster synchrotron, or the RF cavities on the storage ring.
What is a waveguide?
A waveguide is a conduit for efficiently transmitting electromagnetic radiation. The coaxial cable used for cable television, the optical fiber used in telecommunications, and the linac are other examples of waveguides. The rectangular structure in the following photograph is the waveguide connected from the Klystron to the linac.
What is an RF cavity?
Radio frequency cavities, or RF cavities, receive RF energy from a klystron and transfer it to electrons as they pass through the cavities on their way around the booster synchrotron and storage ring. Just as in the klystron, RF radiation interacts with electrons, adding energy to increase or maintain their speed. In the FNRF Linac this energy increases the speed of the electrons to ~40 percent of the speed of light (See appendix re. Calculating electron speed).
Here is a photograph of the RF cavity at FNRF
The RF cavity is shaped to resonate at 2.856GHz, which is the frequency of the RF radiation as well as the frequency at which the electron bunches pass. The beam pipe attaches to the cavity on either side. (In the photos the beam pipe is not attached yet. The large duct-like conduit connected to the cavity is the waveguide. The cavity is made out of very pure copper so that the current induced by the radiation will be spread evenly over its interior. Notice the copper tubes banded on the cavity. These are tubes contain coolant to prevent the copper from overheating and maintain RF stability. Does this suggest why you shouldn't put metal in a microwave oven?
The microwaves in the cavity are synchronized to crest just as each bunch of electrons enters the cavity so that the bunch is accelerated by a wave that is approaching peak amplitude. This synchronization takes into account the time it takes the control signal (traveling at the speed of light) to reach the controls for the klystron and the time it takes the microwave radiation to reach the RF cavity.
JCB7942 Member Posts: 341
(8/26/05 2:13 pm) Reply Re: KLYSTRON TECH
Informant: mark marks
--------
Google search "Klystron":
http://tinyurl.com/cdb8u
Starmail - 26. Aug, 15:05
Hunger Crises Can Be Avoided if UN Takes Action
Right now, thousands of people in West Africa do not have enough food. Up to 10% of Niger's children could soon die of hunger. Tens of thousands of children are in the advanced stages of starvation, and families are wandering the deserts in search for food.
Yet, several years ago, the UN put together a list of eight "Millennium Development Goals" to help poverty-stricken countries. The first goal was to halve the proportion of people living in extreme poverty and suffering from extreme hunger by 2015.
On September 14, the United Nations will meet to discuss their progress toward meeting the Millennium Development Goals. Many groups are worried, however, that these critical goals have not been properly addressed. Urge President Bush to lead the U.S. and UN toward ending extreme poverty and hunger.
http://go.care2.com/e/e_g/2/n06J
Yet, several years ago, the UN put together a list of eight "Millennium Development Goals" to help poverty-stricken countries. The first goal was to halve the proportion of people living in extreme poverty and suffering from extreme hunger by 2015.
On September 14, the United Nations will meet to discuss their progress toward meeting the Millennium Development Goals. Many groups are worried, however, that these critical goals have not been properly addressed. Urge President Bush to lead the U.S. and UN toward ending extreme poverty and hunger.
http://go.care2.com/e/e_g/2/n06J
Starmail - 26. Aug, 14:26
Arctic Drilling Hidden in Budget Bill
The most important vote to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge will take place in September - and we need your signature today.
The showdown vote to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge -- America's greatest wildlife sanctuary -- will occur in both the House and Senate in mid-September. A provision to open the Refuge to drilling is expected to be buried in the massive Budget Reconciliation Bill.
Please sign this petition to your Senators and Representative today to urge a vote against the Budget Reconciliation bill! The stakes for the Arctic Refuge have never been higher.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/297924977?z00m=36170&z00m=36170<l=1125058824
From Aug. 25 Gnus
The showdown vote to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge -- America's greatest wildlife sanctuary -- will occur in both the House and Senate in mid-September. A provision to open the Refuge to drilling is expected to be buried in the massive Budget Reconciliation Bill.
Please sign this petition to your Senators and Representative today to urge a vote against the Budget Reconciliation bill! The stakes for the Arctic Refuge have never been higher.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/297924977?z00m=36170&z00m=36170<l=1125058824
From Aug. 25 Gnus
Starmail - 26. Aug, 14:23
Will News Media Help Bush Exploit the 9/11 Anniversary Again?
Starmail - 26. Aug, 14:15
Zu wenig für zu viele - Sozialpolitik als öffentliches Gut - Die Zukunft des Sozialen
Pressemeldung vom 25.08.2005 mit Links zu der Studie
http://www.infothek.paritaet.org/pid/fachinfos.nsf/270249c5ea3a8405c12569fe00478ee6/1a9bbe1f92ccff53c1257067005cd498?OpenDocument
Sozialpolitik als öffentliches Gut
Kapitel 9.2 (pdf; einschließlich Einleitung und Inhaltsverzeichnis) aus dem Buch von Michael Opielka: Sozialpolitik. Grundlagen und vergleichende Perspektiven. Erschienen im Dezember 2004 bei Rowohlt Taschenbuch Verlag (rowohlts enzyklopädie)
http://www.labournet.de/diskussion/arbeit/realpolitik/allg/opielka2.pdf
Siehe dazu auch:
a) Flyer des Verlags zum Buch (pdf) http://www.labournet.de/diskussion/arbeit/realpolitik/allg/opielka_fl.pdf
Die Zukunft des Sozialen „Michael Opielka hat ein theoretisch fundiertes und lehrreiches Buch zur Sozialpolitik verfasst. Man sollte es lesen, auch wenn man seine These vom Ende der Erwerbsarbeit nicht teilt. Sozialpolitik galt lange Zeit als langweilig. Wer versteht schon die verschlungenen Pfade der Sozialgesetzgebung? Journalisten fanden das Thema wenig interessant. Politiker betrachteten es als eine Sackgasse ohne Karriereaussichten. Politik und Medien unterstützten in den letzten Jahren kaum mehr die Anliegen von Sozialpolitikern. In Polit-Talkshows hieß das: Je geringer die Kenntnisse, desto heftiger die Kritik. Sozialexperten waren eben einfach Betonköpfe, verantwortlich für den Reformstau der letzten Jahrzehnte…“ Rezenssion von Frank Lübberding im taz-magazin vom 02.07.2005
http://www.taz.de/pt/2005/07/02/a0307.nf/text.ges,1
Aus: LabourNet, 26. August 2005
http://www.infothek.paritaet.org/pid/fachinfos.nsf/270249c5ea3a8405c12569fe00478ee6/1a9bbe1f92ccff53c1257067005cd498?OpenDocument
Sozialpolitik als öffentliches Gut
Kapitel 9.2 (pdf; einschließlich Einleitung und Inhaltsverzeichnis) aus dem Buch von Michael Opielka: Sozialpolitik. Grundlagen und vergleichende Perspektiven. Erschienen im Dezember 2004 bei Rowohlt Taschenbuch Verlag (rowohlts enzyklopädie)
http://www.labournet.de/diskussion/arbeit/realpolitik/allg/opielka2.pdf
Siehe dazu auch:
a) Flyer des Verlags zum Buch (pdf) http://www.labournet.de/diskussion/arbeit/realpolitik/allg/opielka_fl.pdf
Die Zukunft des Sozialen „Michael Opielka hat ein theoretisch fundiertes und lehrreiches Buch zur Sozialpolitik verfasst. Man sollte es lesen, auch wenn man seine These vom Ende der Erwerbsarbeit nicht teilt. Sozialpolitik galt lange Zeit als langweilig. Wer versteht schon die verschlungenen Pfade der Sozialgesetzgebung? Journalisten fanden das Thema wenig interessant. Politiker betrachteten es als eine Sackgasse ohne Karriereaussichten. Politik und Medien unterstützten in den letzten Jahren kaum mehr die Anliegen von Sozialpolitikern. In Polit-Talkshows hieß das: Je geringer die Kenntnisse, desto heftiger die Kritik. Sozialexperten waren eben einfach Betonköpfe, verantwortlich für den Reformstau der letzten Jahrzehnte…“ Rezenssion von Frank Lübberding im taz-magazin vom 02.07.2005
http://www.taz.de/pt/2005/07/02/a0307.nf/text.ges,1
Aus: LabourNet, 26. August 2005
Starmail - 26. Aug, 14:03
Prekarisierung und Ausbeutung durch Ein-Euro-Jobs
Teil 1: »Arbeitsgelegenheit« – Arbeiten ohne Wert? Vorenthaltener Lohn und Zweckentfremdung öffentlicher Mittel: Eine Analyse der beim »Konzern Stadt Dortmund« eingerichteten »Arbeitsgelegenheiten« Artikel von Wolfgang Richter in junge Welt vom 25.08.2005 http://www.jungewelt.de/2005/08-25/003.php
Teil 2 (und Schluß): Krisenbewältigung durch »öffentliche Hausfrauen« Prekarisierung und Ausbeutung durch Ein-Euro-Jobs: Die Reorganisation der gesellschaftlichen Reproduktion. Artikel von Irina Vellay in junge Welt vom 26.08.2005
http://www.jungewelt.de/2005/08-26/003.php
Aus: LabourNet, 26. August 2005
Teil 2 (und Schluß): Krisenbewältigung durch »öffentliche Hausfrauen« Prekarisierung und Ausbeutung durch Ein-Euro-Jobs: Die Reorganisation der gesellschaftlichen Reproduktion. Artikel von Irina Vellay in junge Welt vom 26.08.2005
http://www.jungewelt.de/2005/08-26/003.php
Aus: LabourNet, 26. August 2005
Starmail - 26. Aug, 13:59
Immer mehr Verdächtige in VW-Affäre
Autokonzern: Jobabbau möglich. Vorwurf: Pischetsrieder und Piëch wußten von Betriebsratskonto. Markenchef will sparen.
„Die VW-Affäre zieht nach Angaben von Vorstandschef Bernd Pischetsrieder weitaus weitere Kreise als bisher bekannt. "Das Netz der Tarnfirmen ist größer und komplizierter als gedacht", sagte er dem Magazin "Stern". Insgesamt seien "50 oder 60 Personen in dem Zusammenhang aufgetaucht. Unklar ist nur, wer sich etwas zu Schulden kommen lassen hat", so der VW-Chef. Die Staatsanwaltschaft ermittelt bisher gegen drei ehemalige VW-Mitarbeiter, darunter Ex-Betriebsratschef Klaus Volkert…“ Zusammenfassung des aktuellen Standes der VW-Affäre im Hamburger Abendblatt vom 25.08.2005. http://www.abendblatt.de/daten/2005/08/25/474836.html
Darin dann auch die Ankündigung „die Personalkosten sollten bisher bis zum Jahr 2011 um zwei Milliarden Euro sinken. Dies soll nun früher geschehen, so Pischetsrieder. Möglichkeiten dazu seien eine Lohnsenkung, ein Personalabbau oder beide Maßnahmen.“
Spanien (SEAT)
VW-Tochter muss sparen. Seat drängt Mitarbeiter zu Lohnverzicht
Die spanische VW -Tochter Seat will ihre Personalkosten kurzfristig um rund zehn Prozent senken und erwägt dazu an ihrer einzigen Produktionsstätte eine Arbeitszeitverkürzung ohne Lohnausgleich. Artikel in Handelsblatt vom 26. August 2005 http://www.handelsblatt.de/pshb/fn/relhbi/sfn/buildhbi/cn/GoArt!200012,200038,949677/SH/0/depot/0/Seat_dr%E4ngt_Mitarbeiter_zu_Lohnverzicht.html
Aus dem Text: „… Der Seat-Chef plant eine Senkung von zehn Prozent bei Arbeitszeit und Lohn. Vorbild für die Arbeitszeitverkürzung sei das Vorgehen von Audi in der Autokrise 1993, sagte Schleef. Sie werde also "zeitlich auf ein bis zwei Jahre begrenzt. Seat soll sich nicht wie Volkswagen dauerhaft mit einer Vier-Tage-Woche einrichten". Deshalb müsse es auch einen Lohnabschlag in voller Höhe der Arbeitszeitverkürzung geben…“
Aus: LabourNet, 26. August 2005
„Die VW-Affäre zieht nach Angaben von Vorstandschef Bernd Pischetsrieder weitaus weitere Kreise als bisher bekannt. "Das Netz der Tarnfirmen ist größer und komplizierter als gedacht", sagte er dem Magazin "Stern". Insgesamt seien "50 oder 60 Personen in dem Zusammenhang aufgetaucht. Unklar ist nur, wer sich etwas zu Schulden kommen lassen hat", so der VW-Chef. Die Staatsanwaltschaft ermittelt bisher gegen drei ehemalige VW-Mitarbeiter, darunter Ex-Betriebsratschef Klaus Volkert…“ Zusammenfassung des aktuellen Standes der VW-Affäre im Hamburger Abendblatt vom 25.08.2005. http://www.abendblatt.de/daten/2005/08/25/474836.html
Darin dann auch die Ankündigung „die Personalkosten sollten bisher bis zum Jahr 2011 um zwei Milliarden Euro sinken. Dies soll nun früher geschehen, so Pischetsrieder. Möglichkeiten dazu seien eine Lohnsenkung, ein Personalabbau oder beide Maßnahmen.“
Spanien (SEAT)
VW-Tochter muss sparen. Seat drängt Mitarbeiter zu Lohnverzicht
Die spanische VW -Tochter Seat will ihre Personalkosten kurzfristig um rund zehn Prozent senken und erwägt dazu an ihrer einzigen Produktionsstätte eine Arbeitszeitverkürzung ohne Lohnausgleich. Artikel in Handelsblatt vom 26. August 2005 http://www.handelsblatt.de/pshb/fn/relhbi/sfn/buildhbi/cn/GoArt!200012,200038,949677/SH/0/depot/0/Seat_dr%E4ngt_Mitarbeiter_zu_Lohnverzicht.html
Aus dem Text: „… Der Seat-Chef plant eine Senkung von zehn Prozent bei Arbeitszeit und Lohn. Vorbild für die Arbeitszeitverkürzung sei das Vorgehen von Audi in der Autokrise 1993, sagte Schleef. Sie werde also "zeitlich auf ein bis zwei Jahre begrenzt. Seat soll sich nicht wie Volkswagen dauerhaft mit einer Vier-Tage-Woche einrichten". Deshalb müsse es auch einen Lohnabschlag in voller Höhe der Arbeitszeitverkürzung geben…“
Aus: LabourNet, 26. August 2005
Starmail - 26. Aug, 13:56
Wave of Marine Species Extinctions Feared
Dozens of biologists believe the seas have reached a tipping point, with scores of species of ocean-dwelling fish, birds and mammals edging toward extinction. Despite scientists' warnings, only one US saltwater fish has been added to the list of protected species.
http://www.truthout.org/issues_05/082505EA.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/issues_05/082505EA.shtml
Starmail - 26. Aug, 13:52
More Families Arrive at Camp Casey
[please forward widely]
August 23, 2005
QuickTime DSL)
http://websrvr20.audiovideoweb.com/avwebdswebsrvr2143/news_video/morefamilies512k.mov
56K) http://websrvr20.audiovideoweb.com/avwebdswebsrvr2143/news_video/morefamilies56K.mov
Windows Media DSL)
http://win20ca.audiovideoweb.com/ca20win15004/morefamilies512K.wmv
56K) http://win20ca.audiovideoweb.com/ca20win15004/morefamilies56K.wmv
RealMedia DSL)
http://real21mt.audiovideoweb.com/ramgen/nj20real2514/morefamilies512K.rm
56K)
http://real21mt.audiovideoweb.com/ramgen/nj20real2514/morefamilies56K.rm
if it doesnt work because the unsmooth wrap-around, delete the code %20 and try again.. it works or if that doesnt work place it in the tinyurl.com and go for it.
bob
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 26. Aug, 13:45
FBI Uses Patriot Act to Demand Information with No Judicial Approval From Organization with Library Records
ACLU Seeks Emergency Court Order to Lift Gag As Congress Prepares to Make Patriot Act Permanent
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2005
Contact: Erica Pelletreau, 212-519-7829; 549-2666; media@aclu.org
NEW YORK - The American Civil Liberties Union today disclosed that the FBI has used a controversial Patriot Act power to demand records from an organization that possesses "a wide array of sensitive information about library patrons, including information about the reading materials borrowed by library patrons and about Internet usage by library patrons." The FBI demand was disclosed in a new lawsuit filed in Connecticut, which remains under a heavy FBI gag order.
The ACLU is seeking an emergency court order to lift the gag so that its client can participate in the public debate about the Patriot Act as Congress prepares to reauthorize or amend it in September.
"Our client wants to tell the American public about the dangers of allowing the FBI to demand library records without court approval," said
ACLU Associate Legal Director Ann Beeson, the lead lawyer in the case. "If our client could speak, he could explain why Congress should adopt additional safeguards that would limit Patriot Act powers."
Papers reveal that the client, whose identity must remain a secret under the gag, "strictly guards the confidentiality and privacy of its library and Internet records." The client is a member of the American Library Association.
The lawsuit challenges the National Security Letter (NSL) provision of the Patriot Act, which authorizes the FBI to demand a range of personal records without court approval, such as the identity of a person who has visited a particular Web site on a library computer, or who has engaged in anonymous speech on the Internet. The Patriot Act dramatically expands the NSL power by permitting the FBI to demand records of people who are not suspected of any wrongdoing.
The lawsuit, ACLU v. Gonzales, was filed on August 9, and is pending before Judge Janet Hall of the U.S. District Court in Bridgeport, Connecticut. It names as defendants Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, FBI Director Robert Mueller, and an FBI official whose identity remains under seal. Both the national ACLU and its Connecticut branch said they were forced to file the lawsuit initially under seal to avoid penalties for violating the gag provision, which they are challenging on First Amendment grounds.
The court has set an emergency hearing for Wednesday, August 31, 2005 on the ACLU's request to lift the gag.
Whether the Patriot Act has been used to obtain information about library patrons has been a flashpoint in the Patriot Act debate. The government has repeatedly dismissed the concerns of librarians that the act could force them to violate their ethical responsibility to protect the privacy of library users. Former Attorney General John Ashcroft even called these concerns about the Patriot Act "baseless hysteria."
Congress is currently undertaking efforts to reauthorize the Patriot Act, with both the House and Senate having passed different versions of legislation before adjourning for the August recess. While the ACLU has not endorsed either bill, it has said the Senate bill takes steps in the right direction.
"As Congress comes back to work out the differences in the House and Senate bills to reauthorize the Patriot Act, a commitment to freedom must prevail," said Caroline Fredrickson, Director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office. "The more we learn about the Patriot Act, the clearer it is that too much power was granted to the government, with too few safeguards against abuse. While neither reauthorization bill is perfect, we call on Congress to use the Senate bill as its guide as it reconsiders the Patriot Act."
In an earlier ACLU lawsuit challenging the NSL power, a federal court issued a landmark decision in September 2004 striking down the NSL statute, saying that "democracy abhors undue secrecy." The court held that the NSL law violates the First and Fourth Amendments, but allowed the law to stand while the government is appealing the decision.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit is expected to hear the government's appeal of that lawsuit this fall. The government recently asked the court to delay the appeal while Congress debates reauthorization of the Patriot Act. However, the ACLU opposes any delay, citing the need for urgent court action so that its John Doe client in the first lawsuit can also participate in the public debate.
"Judicial review is a key part to our system of checks and balances," said Anthony D. Romero, Executive Director of the ACLU. "As we consider expanding and extending the Patriot Act, this case shows us what might become routine if we don't fix the law."
The ACLU has created a special Web page on its National Security Letter litigation, which includes links to today's legal papers, online at http://www.aclu.org/nsl .
Attorneys in the case are Beeson, Jameel Jaffer and Melissa Goodman of the national ACLU and Annette M. Lamoreaux of the ACLU of Connecticut.
The redacted version of the ACLU's complaint is available online at: http://www.aclu.org/SafeandFree/SafeandFree.cfm?ID=18956
Informant: Debi Clark
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2005
Contact: Erica Pelletreau, 212-519-7829; 549-2666; media@aclu.org
NEW YORK - The American Civil Liberties Union today disclosed that the FBI has used a controversial Patriot Act power to demand records from an organization that possesses "a wide array of sensitive information about library patrons, including information about the reading materials borrowed by library patrons and about Internet usage by library patrons." The FBI demand was disclosed in a new lawsuit filed in Connecticut, which remains under a heavy FBI gag order.
The ACLU is seeking an emergency court order to lift the gag so that its client can participate in the public debate about the Patriot Act as Congress prepares to reauthorize or amend it in September.
"Our client wants to tell the American public about the dangers of allowing the FBI to demand library records without court approval," said
ACLU Associate Legal Director Ann Beeson, the lead lawyer in the case. "If our client could speak, he could explain why Congress should adopt additional safeguards that would limit Patriot Act powers."
Papers reveal that the client, whose identity must remain a secret under the gag, "strictly guards the confidentiality and privacy of its library and Internet records." The client is a member of the American Library Association.
The lawsuit challenges the National Security Letter (NSL) provision of the Patriot Act, which authorizes the FBI to demand a range of personal records without court approval, such as the identity of a person who has visited a particular Web site on a library computer, or who has engaged in anonymous speech on the Internet. The Patriot Act dramatically expands the NSL power by permitting the FBI to demand records of people who are not suspected of any wrongdoing.
The lawsuit, ACLU v. Gonzales, was filed on August 9, and is pending before Judge Janet Hall of the U.S. District Court in Bridgeport, Connecticut. It names as defendants Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, FBI Director Robert Mueller, and an FBI official whose identity remains under seal. Both the national ACLU and its Connecticut branch said they were forced to file the lawsuit initially under seal to avoid penalties for violating the gag provision, which they are challenging on First Amendment grounds.
The court has set an emergency hearing for Wednesday, August 31, 2005 on the ACLU's request to lift the gag.
Whether the Patriot Act has been used to obtain information about library patrons has been a flashpoint in the Patriot Act debate. The government has repeatedly dismissed the concerns of librarians that the act could force them to violate their ethical responsibility to protect the privacy of library users. Former Attorney General John Ashcroft even called these concerns about the Patriot Act "baseless hysteria."
Congress is currently undertaking efforts to reauthorize the Patriot Act, with both the House and Senate having passed different versions of legislation before adjourning for the August recess. While the ACLU has not endorsed either bill, it has said the Senate bill takes steps in the right direction.
"As Congress comes back to work out the differences in the House and Senate bills to reauthorize the Patriot Act, a commitment to freedom must prevail," said Caroline Fredrickson, Director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office. "The more we learn about the Patriot Act, the clearer it is that too much power was granted to the government, with too few safeguards against abuse. While neither reauthorization bill is perfect, we call on Congress to use the Senate bill as its guide as it reconsiders the Patriot Act."
In an earlier ACLU lawsuit challenging the NSL power, a federal court issued a landmark decision in September 2004 striking down the NSL statute, saying that "democracy abhors undue secrecy." The court held that the NSL law violates the First and Fourth Amendments, but allowed the law to stand while the government is appealing the decision.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit is expected to hear the government's appeal of that lawsuit this fall. The government recently asked the court to delay the appeal while Congress debates reauthorization of the Patriot Act. However, the ACLU opposes any delay, citing the need for urgent court action so that its John Doe client in the first lawsuit can also participate in the public debate.
"Judicial review is a key part to our system of checks and balances," said Anthony D. Romero, Executive Director of the ACLU. "As we consider expanding and extending the Patriot Act, this case shows us what might become routine if we don't fix the law."
The ACLU has created a special Web page on its National Security Letter litigation, which includes links to today's legal papers, online at http://www.aclu.org/nsl .
Attorneys in the case are Beeson, Jameel Jaffer and Melissa Goodman of the national ACLU and Annette M. Lamoreaux of the ACLU of Connecticut.
The redacted version of the ACLU's complaint is available online at: http://www.aclu.org/SafeandFree/SafeandFree.cfm?ID=18956
Informant: Debi Clark
Starmail - 26. Aug, 13:40
Camp Casey, Day 18
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cindy-sheehan/camp-casey-day-18_b_6184.html
Informant: NHNE
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 26. Aug, 13:35
Treason! Treason! Treason! against We, the People
Starmail - 26. Aug, 13:32
GOD BLESS YOU CINDY SHEEHAN
http://disc.server.com/discussion.cgi?id=149495;article=89823;show_parent=1
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 26. Aug, 13:23
Standing with Cindy Sheehan (and learning why Jesus wept)
http://www.onlinejournal.com/Commentary/082605Burch/082605burch.html
Informant: sash
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 26. Aug, 13:12
Bush's Obscene Tirades Rattle White House Aides
Starmail - 26. Aug, 11:58
ASL Infos: Lancement Next-up organisation
Madame, Mademoiselle, Monsieur,
Le lundi 5 Septembre 2005, à 8h00, aura lieu le lancement de Next-up organisation.
Face à puissance de la Téléphonie Mobile (TM) dans le monde qui s'ingénie par tous les moyens à endormir la conscience collective et les inquiétudes des Citoyens, il est plus que salutaire que s'installe des contre- pouvoirs adéquats.
Face à l'évidence, Next-up organisation va donc aborder tous les problèmes et toutes les connivences générés par la TM sous un aspect performant et inusité à ce jour.
Pour la rentrée, ce lundi 5 Septembre vous serez les témoins privilégiés de la première extériorisation de Next-up, l'événement unique se veut d'une portée et d'un impact exceptionnel, d'autres suivront.
Dés à présent, pour en savoir plus, vous pouvez prendre connaissance de la version Française des Statuts de Next-up organisation: http://www.next-up.org/statuts.php
Cliquer:
Le lundi 5 Septembre 2005, à 8h00, aura lieu le lancement de Next-up organisation.
Face à puissance de la Téléphonie Mobile (TM) dans le monde qui s'ingénie par tous les moyens à endormir la conscience collective et les inquiétudes des Citoyens, il est plus que salutaire que s'installe des contre- pouvoirs adéquats.
Face à l'évidence, Next-up organisation va donc aborder tous les problèmes et toutes les connivences générés par la TM sous un aspect performant et inusité à ce jour.
Pour la rentrée, ce lundi 5 Septembre vous serez les témoins privilégiés de la première extériorisation de Next-up, l'événement unique se veut d'une portée et d'un impact exceptionnel, d'autres suivront.
Dés à présent, pour en savoir plus, vous pouvez prendre connaissance de la version Française des Statuts de Next-up organisation: http://www.next-up.org/statuts.php
Cliquer:
Starmail - 26. Aug, 11:49
The struggle over science
A POINT OF VIEW
By Harold Evans
BBC News, UK Edition
I used to get mad at the way it was left to America to bring to full fruition fine achievements by Britain's scientists, inventors and engineers. Take Alexander Fleming's penicillin, Frank Whittle's jet engine, Alan Turing's computer and Robert Watson Watt's radar.
All these breakthroughs found their fullest exploitation in the United States. Indeed, they all contributed to America's pre-eminence in science-based manufacturing and services.
Think of the personal computer and wonder drugs, of the jumbo jetliner, video games and the pacemaker, the laser that counts your groceries and the laser, or the global positioning satellite, that tells you to turn left at the roundabout.
That is why there is furious bewilderment here in the universities and the higher levels of business at the chilly indifference - not to say hostility - of the Bush White House to science. Actually, I've seen a movie like this once before and I know how it ends. [...] Read it all at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4172504.stm
© Virginia Metze
By Harold Evans
BBC News, UK Edition
I used to get mad at the way it was left to America to bring to full fruition fine achievements by Britain's scientists, inventors and engineers. Take Alexander Fleming's penicillin, Frank Whittle's jet engine, Alan Turing's computer and Robert Watson Watt's radar.
All these breakthroughs found their fullest exploitation in the United States. Indeed, they all contributed to America's pre-eminence in science-based manufacturing and services.
Think of the personal computer and wonder drugs, of the jumbo jetliner, video games and the pacemaker, the laser that counts your groceries and the laser, or the global positioning satellite, that tells you to turn left at the roundabout.
That is why there is furious bewilderment here in the universities and the higher levels of business at the chilly indifference - not to say hostility - of the Bush White House to science. Actually, I've seen a movie like this once before and I know how it ends. [...] Read it all at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4172504.stm
© Virginia Metze
Starmail - 26. Aug, 11:38
Tell Pat Robertson: Thou shall not kill
Jim Dean of Democracy for America is asking all of us to tell Pat Robertson: Thou shall not kill.
You can sign the petition at http://tinyurl.com/9scl4
© Virginia Metze
You can sign the petition at http://tinyurl.com/9scl4
© Virginia Metze
Starmail - 26. Aug, 11:32
Only One Thing Left to Conclude: The Media Want the War
In the last 48 hours, we've seen the "objective" mainstream media now openly att[sic]
by David Sirota
Opednews.com web site
Back in May when ABC News openly justified the media's refusal to cover the Iraq War, I thought it couldn't get worse. Then, a few months later, I saw that it could, as the Washington Post began trying to intimidate Democratic politicians and prevent them from standing up to voice opposition to the war. I figured that was rock bottom, but in recent days, we've seen that yes, the braindead insulated elitists in the Beltway media have found an even lower road to take than even this.
In the last 48 hours, we've seen the "objective" mainstream media now openly attacking people who oppose the Iraq War. Mind you, these aren't the editorialists or the opinion pundits, these are the people who are supposed to be telling the objective truth - and instead they are literally attacking war critics. In the last 48 hours, we've seen the "objective" mainstream media now openly attacking people who oppose the Iraq War. Mind you, these aren't the editorialists or the opinion pundits, these are the people who are supposed to be telling the objective truth - and instead they are literally attacking war critics. [...] Read it at http://tinyurl.com/btd8d
© Virginia Metze
by David Sirota
Opednews.com web site
Back in May when ABC News openly justified the media's refusal to cover the Iraq War, I thought it couldn't get worse. Then, a few months later, I saw that it could, as the Washington Post began trying to intimidate Democratic politicians and prevent them from standing up to voice opposition to the war. I figured that was rock bottom, but in recent days, we've seen that yes, the braindead insulated elitists in the Beltway media have found an even lower road to take than even this.
In the last 48 hours, we've seen the "objective" mainstream media now openly attacking people who oppose the Iraq War. Mind you, these aren't the editorialists or the opinion pundits, these are the people who are supposed to be telling the objective truth - and instead they are literally attacking war critics. In the last 48 hours, we've seen the "objective" mainstream media now openly attacking people who oppose the Iraq War. Mind you, these aren't the editorialists or the opinion pundits, these are the people who are supposed to be telling the objective truth - and instead they are literally attacking war critics. [...] Read it at http://tinyurl.com/btd8d
© Virginia Metze
Starmail - 26. Aug, 11:30
Listen to Cindy Sheehan in this great video
http://www.bushflash.com/vigil.html
Don't miss the credits at the end.
© Virginia Metze
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 26. Aug, 11:27
Bush's Iraq Fantasy
Posted 08/24/2005 @ 2:04pm
Capital Games blog
David Corn
The Nation
George W. Bush sure knows a lot more than the experts. He believes intelligent design is a scientific theory on par with evolution--even though his science adviser has said that I.D. has no merit as a scientific theory. He also seems to be more wise in the ways of Iraqi society and politics than leading Iraqis. On Tuesday Bush praised the draft constitution hammered out by Shiites and Kurds without Sunni involvement. He called it an "amazing event." But as the New York Times and other papers have reported, Iraqi secular leaders have warned that this constitution could lead to domination of Iraq by Shiite Islamic clerics. [...] Read the rest at http://www.thenation.com/blogs/capitalgames?pid=16400
© Virginia Metze
Capital Games blog
David Corn
The Nation
George W. Bush sure knows a lot more than the experts. He believes intelligent design is a scientific theory on par with evolution--even though his science adviser has said that I.D. has no merit as a scientific theory. He also seems to be more wise in the ways of Iraqi society and politics than leading Iraqis. On Tuesday Bush praised the draft constitution hammered out by Shiites and Kurds without Sunni involvement. He called it an "amazing event." But as the New York Times and other papers have reported, Iraqi secular leaders have warned that this constitution could lead to domination of Iraq by Shiite Islamic clerics. [...] Read the rest at http://www.thenation.com/blogs/capitalgames?pid=16400
© Virginia Metze
Starmail - 26. Aug, 11:09
The American Legion shows once again what it means by 'freedom'
[On Wednesday, *Editor & Publisher* called attention to a disturbing statement from the "national commander" of the American Legion.[1] -- Thomas Cadmus
(photo here http://tinyurl.com/aeoj7 ) criticized antiwar protestors, urging those opposed to the war to confine themselves to "correspondence to their elected officials" lest their "public media events" be "picked up and used as tools of encouragement by our enemies." -- "Public protests . . . only provide aid and comfort to our enemies." -- The American Legion, an organization of veterans who have served in wartime, claims almost three million members. -- It was founded in 1919, and is an archetypal expression of American anti-radicalism. -- Its understanding of American patriotism has been noxious from the start. -- In the 1933, a number of its leaders, including the plot's original financier, conspired to overthrow the Franklin Roosevelt in a fascist coup d'état, ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_Plot ) the commander-in-chief of the American Legion having endorsed Mussolini and fascism in 1923. -- Mussolini was invited repeatedly to address the organization. -- Despite its regular invocation of "freedom" the Legion generally practices an illiberal politics of *ressentiment*... -- Thanks to Mark Nagel for sending this piece. --Mark]
http://www.ufppc.org/content/view/3328/
(photo here http://tinyurl.com/aeoj7 ) criticized antiwar protestors, urging those opposed to the war to confine themselves to "correspondence to their elected officials" lest their "public media events" be "picked up and used as tools of encouragement by our enemies." -- "Public protests . . . only provide aid and comfort to our enemies." -- The American Legion, an organization of veterans who have served in wartime, claims almost three million members. -- It was founded in 1919, and is an archetypal expression of American anti-radicalism. -- Its understanding of American patriotism has been noxious from the start. -- In the 1933, a number of its leaders, including the plot's original financier, conspired to overthrow the Franklin Roosevelt in a fascist coup d'état, ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_Plot ) the commander-in-chief of the American Legion having endorsed Mussolini and fascism in 1923. -- Mussolini was invited repeatedly to address the organization. -- Despite its regular invocation of "freedom" the Legion generally practices an illiberal politics of *ressentiment*... -- Thanks to Mark Nagel for sending this piece. --Mark]
http://www.ufppc.org/content/view/3328/
Starmail - 26. Aug, 10:57
Machiavelli and US politics
Part 4: War
Source: Future of Freedom Foundation
Author: Lawrence Ludlow
08/19/05
When uniformed armies are not used to enslave people directly, politicians use other techniques to control them. They invent enemies that appear to threaten the nation. In his book Crisis and Leviathan, Robert Higgs showed how wars and economic crises help to expand the power of government and diminish individual liberties. In one example, he showed how the Wilson administration overcame the opposition of Americans to involvement in World War I by hiding its true costs. Instead of relying on free-market purchases to acquire needed resources (and reveal all costs), the government resorted to command-and-control measures …
Link: http://www.fff.org/comment/com0508k.asp
Machiavelli and US politics, part 5
Future of Freedom Foundation
by Lawrence M. Ludlow
08/24/05
For Machiavelli, there is no deed too ruthless for rulers on the fast track to dictatorship. A prince who wishes to remain in power must not blink at opportunities for cruelty when they can advance his position. Consequently, in chapter 5, Machiavelli advises would-be princes to follow the example set by the ancient Romans in dealing with the Greek cities conquered by Rome as it gobbled up the Mediterranean world ...
http://www.fff.org/comment/com0508m.asp
Machiavelli and US politics, part 6
Future of Freedom Foundation
by Lawrence M. Ludlow
08/26/05
Machiavelli would take great comfort in the 'public choice' theory as outlined by economists James Buchanan and Gordon Tullock. Public-choice theory tells us that politicians cannot legislate or spend taxpayer dollars wisely. Why? Because there simply is no incentive to fight powerful interests on behalf of the majority of taxpayers. This is how it works. On the one hand, the general public remains intentionally unaware of most legislation because keeping informed requires too great an investment of time in proportion to the benefit gained from the information. Even if individuals become aware of harmful legislation, they are unwilling to do anything about it. Why?
http://www.fff.org/comment/com0508p.asp
Machiavelli and US politics
Source: LewRockwell.Com
Author: Laurence M. Ludlow
08/29/05
"During a much-quoted radio broadcast in October 1939, Winston Churchill commented on the surprise Soviet invasion of Eastern Poland -- an invasion that closely followed the German attack from the west, which triggered World War II. In his radio broadcast, Churchill said of Russia that it was 'a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.' Of course, it was only a mystery to Churchill because, until the invasion, he did not understand why the Soviets and Nazis had signed a pact that made partners of Stalin and Hitler. Using Churchill's own words as a springboard, however, we can devise a parallel aphorism by blending in the advice given by Niccolo Machiavelli in his political treatise, The Prince. In our new Machiavellian aphorism, we may say that 'the practice of politics in the United States is a lie wrapped in hypocrisy inside a half-truth.' As we shall see, this neatly characterizes the behavior of most U.S. politicians for the past century...
Link: http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig5/ludlow3.html
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Source: Future of Freedom Foundation
Author: Lawrence Ludlow
08/19/05
When uniformed armies are not used to enslave people directly, politicians use other techniques to control them. They invent enemies that appear to threaten the nation. In his book Crisis and Leviathan, Robert Higgs showed how wars and economic crises help to expand the power of government and diminish individual liberties. In one example, he showed how the Wilson administration overcame the opposition of Americans to involvement in World War I by hiding its true costs. Instead of relying on free-market purchases to acquire needed resources (and reveal all costs), the government resorted to command-and-control measures …
Link: http://www.fff.org/comment/com0508k.asp
Machiavelli and US politics, part 5
Future of Freedom Foundation
by Lawrence M. Ludlow
08/24/05
For Machiavelli, there is no deed too ruthless for rulers on the fast track to dictatorship. A prince who wishes to remain in power must not blink at opportunities for cruelty when they can advance his position. Consequently, in chapter 5, Machiavelli advises would-be princes to follow the example set by the ancient Romans in dealing with the Greek cities conquered by Rome as it gobbled up the Mediterranean world ...
http://www.fff.org/comment/com0508m.asp
Machiavelli and US politics, part 6
Future of Freedom Foundation
by Lawrence M. Ludlow
08/26/05
Machiavelli would take great comfort in the 'public choice' theory as outlined by economists James Buchanan and Gordon Tullock. Public-choice theory tells us that politicians cannot legislate or spend taxpayer dollars wisely. Why? Because there simply is no incentive to fight powerful interests on behalf of the majority of taxpayers. This is how it works. On the one hand, the general public remains intentionally unaware of most legislation because keeping informed requires too great an investment of time in proportion to the benefit gained from the information. Even if individuals become aware of harmful legislation, they are unwilling to do anything about it. Why?
http://www.fff.org/comment/com0508p.asp
Machiavelli and US politics
Source: LewRockwell.Com
Author: Laurence M. Ludlow
08/29/05
"During a much-quoted radio broadcast in October 1939, Winston Churchill commented on the surprise Soviet invasion of Eastern Poland -- an invasion that closely followed the German attack from the west, which triggered World War II. In his radio broadcast, Churchill said of Russia that it was 'a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.' Of course, it was only a mystery to Churchill because, until the invasion, he did not understand why the Soviets and Nazis had signed a pact that made partners of Stalin and Hitler. Using Churchill's own words as a springboard, however, we can devise a parallel aphorism by blending in the advice given by Niccolo Machiavelli in his political treatise, The Prince. In our new Machiavellian aphorism, we may say that 'the practice of politics in the United States is a lie wrapped in hypocrisy inside a half-truth.' As we shall see, this neatly characterizes the behavior of most U.S. politicians for the past century...
Link: http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig5/ludlow3.html
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 26. Aug, 10:49
What was Robertson thinking?
Source: Christian Science Monitor
Author: Kenneth D. MacHarg
08/26/05
Pat Robertson’s image has been all over local TV news in Latin America. The Virginia-based TV evangelist was shown telling his “700 Club” audience that controversial Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez ought to be assassinated because he’s making Venezuela ‘a launching pad for communist infiltration and Muslim extremism.’ ‘ I think that we really ought to go ahead and do it,’ Robertson said. ‘It’s a whole lot cheaper than starting a war … and I don’t think any oil shipments will stop. We don’t need another $200 billion war to get rid of one … strong-arm dictator. It’s a whole lot easier to have some of the covert operatives do the job and then get it over with,’ he continued, urging the US to kill President Chávez...
Link: http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0825/p09s01-coop.html
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Author: Kenneth D. MacHarg
08/26/05
Pat Robertson’s image has been all over local TV news in Latin America. The Virginia-based TV evangelist was shown telling his “700 Club” audience that controversial Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez ought to be assassinated because he’s making Venezuela ‘a launching pad for communist infiltration and Muslim extremism.’ ‘ I think that we really ought to go ahead and do it,’ Robertson said. ‘It’s a whole lot cheaper than starting a war … and I don’t think any oil shipments will stop. We don’t need another $200 billion war to get rid of one … strong-arm dictator. It’s a whole lot easier to have some of the covert operatives do the job and then get it over with,’ he continued, urging the US to kill President Chávez...
Link: http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0825/p09s01-coop.html
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 26. Aug, 10:47
More pro-war hypocrisy
Source: Sierra Times
Author: Lee R. Shelton IV
08/25/05
Over the last four years, the message sent by neoconservatives to the rest of the nation has been clear: Get behind the Bush administration’s ‘war on terror’ or be prepared to face the consequences. But when the grieving mother of a fallen U.S. soldier tops the neoconservative most wanted list of treasonous, terrorist-sympathizing, America-haters, you know something’s up. To paraphrase the Bard, ‘Methinks the neocons doth protest too much.’ Perhaps their violent outbursts against criticism of the war in Iraq are nothing more than feeble attempts to draw attention away from their blatant hypocrisy. For a glimpse of this hypocrisy, look at what congressional Republicans had to say about sending American troops to the Balkans a few short years ago...
Link: http://www.sierratimes.com/05/08/25/More_Pro-War_Hypocrisy.htm
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Author: Lee R. Shelton IV
08/25/05
Over the last four years, the message sent by neoconservatives to the rest of the nation has been clear: Get behind the Bush administration’s ‘war on terror’ or be prepared to face the consequences. But when the grieving mother of a fallen U.S. soldier tops the neoconservative most wanted list of treasonous, terrorist-sympathizing, America-haters, you know something’s up. To paraphrase the Bard, ‘Methinks the neocons doth protest too much.’ Perhaps their violent outbursts against criticism of the war in Iraq are nothing more than feeble attempts to draw attention away from their blatant hypocrisy. For a glimpse of this hypocrisy, look at what congressional Republicans had to say about sending American troops to the Balkans a few short years ago...
Link: http://www.sierratimes.com/05/08/25/More_Pro-War_Hypocrisy.htm
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 26. Aug, 10:45
Exploiting the anniversary
Source: Tom Paine
Author: Norman Solomon
08/25/05
President Bush and many of his vocal supporters aren’t content to wrap themselves in the flag. It’s not sufficient to posture as more patriotic than opponents of the Iraq war. The ultimate demagogic weapon is to exploit the memory of Sept. 11, 2001. Next month, the fourth anniversary will provide the Bush administration with plenty of media opportunities to wrap itself in the 9/11 shroud and depict Iraq war critics as insufficiently committed to defending the United States. A renewed attempt to justify the war as a resolute stand against terrorism is well underway...
Link: http://tinyurl.com/9s37r
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Author: Norman Solomon
08/25/05
President Bush and many of his vocal supporters aren’t content to wrap themselves in the flag. It’s not sufficient to posture as more patriotic than opponents of the Iraq war. The ultimate demagogic weapon is to exploit the memory of Sept. 11, 2001. Next month, the fourth anniversary will provide the Bush administration with plenty of media opportunities to wrap itself in the 9/11 shroud and depict Iraq war critics as insufficiently committed to defending the United States. A renewed attempt to justify the war as a resolute stand against terrorism is well underway...
Link: http://tinyurl.com/9s37r
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 26. Aug, 10:42
Radioactive wounds of war
Source: In These Times
Author: Dave Lindorff
08/25/05
Gerard Matthew thought he was lucky. He returned from his Iraq tour a year and a half ago alive and in one piece. But after the New York State National Guardsman got home, he learned that a bunkmate, Sgt. Ray Ramos, and a group of N.Y. Guard members from another unit had accepted an offer by the New York Daily News and reporter Juan Gonzalez to be tested for depleted uranium (DU) contamination, and had tested positive. Matthew, 31, decided that since he’d spent much of his time in Iraq lugging around DU-damaged equipment, he’d better get tested too. It turned out he was the most contaminated of them all...
Link: http://www.inthesetimes.com/site/main/article/2298
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
http://omega.twoday.net/topics/Depleted+Uranium+Poisoning+%28D.U.%29/
Author: Dave Lindorff
08/25/05
Gerard Matthew thought he was lucky. He returned from his Iraq tour a year and a half ago alive and in one piece. But after the New York State National Guardsman got home, he learned that a bunkmate, Sgt. Ray Ramos, and a group of N.Y. Guard members from another unit had accepted an offer by the New York Daily News and reporter Juan Gonzalez to be tested for depleted uranium (DU) contamination, and had tested positive. Matthew, 31, decided that since he’d spent much of his time in Iraq lugging around DU-damaged equipment, he’d better get tested too. It turned out he was the most contaminated of them all...
Link: http://www.inthesetimes.com/site/main/article/2298
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
http://omega.twoday.net/topics/Depleted+Uranium+Poisoning+%28D.U.%29/
Starmail - 26. Aug, 10:40
Who’s next?
Source: The Nation
Author: Karen Houppert
08/25/05
The US Army Recruiting Command has a motto: ‘First to contact, first to contract.’ In the school recruiting handbook the Army gives to the 7,500 recruiters it has trawling the nation these days, the motto crops up so often it serves as a stuttering paean to aggressive new tactics — tactics that target increasingly younger students. To make sure they are the first folks to contact students about their future plans, Army recruiters are ordered to approach tenth, eleventh and twelfth graders — repeatedly. Army officials spell out the rules of engagement...
Link: http://www.thenation.com/doc/20050912/houppert
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Author: Karen Houppert
08/25/05
The US Army Recruiting Command has a motto: ‘First to contact, first to contract.’ In the school recruiting handbook the Army gives to the 7,500 recruiters it has trawling the nation these days, the motto crops up so often it serves as a stuttering paean to aggressive new tactics — tactics that target increasingly younger students. To make sure they are the first folks to contact students about their future plans, Army recruiters are ordered to approach tenth, eleventh and twelfth graders — repeatedly. Army officials spell out the rules of engagement...
Link: http://www.thenation.com/doc/20050912/houppert
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 26. Aug, 10:38
Will the real leaders please stand up?
Source: CounterPunch
Author: Joshua Frank
08/25/05
Go ahead and get excited about Cindy Sheehan’s overnight popularity. It really is a incredibly important development for the antiwar movement. But before we drop what we are doing and follow her lead, we better take a sobering step backward and recognize Sheehan, alone as a one-woman show, has very real limitations. First, we should start listening to what she is actually saying, which is that this is not about her or her loss. It’s about the war. It’s about the slaughter taking place in Iraq right now. She’s also calling for troops to come home right now. Which is exactly what the antiwar movement should be calling for. But isn’t. Not yet anyway...
Link: http://www.counterpunch.org/frank08252005.html
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 26. Aug, 10:36
The fire sermon
Source: Moscow Times
Author: Chris Floyd
08/26/05
In his inaugural speech last January, President George W. Bush repeatedly invoked images of unbridled, ravaging destruction as the emblem of his crusade for ‘freedom.’ Fire was his symbol, his word of power, his incantation of holy war. Mirroring the rhetoric of his fundamentalist enemies, Bush moved the conflict from the political to the spiritual, from the outer world to the inner soul, claiming that he had lit ‘a fire in the minds of men.’ But words are recalcitrant things; they have their own magic, and they will often find their own meanings, outside the intentions of those who use them …. This ‘fire in the mind’ has now found its own symbol in the unlikely figure of Cindy Sheehan, the mother of a slain American soldier. … Sheehan is no professional activist, no savvy insider or political junkie. She’s an ordinary citizen whose unadorned speech has none of the sweep and grandeur of Bush’s expensively tailored rhetoric. But she has one thing that his professional scripters can never put in the presidential mouth: truth...
Link: http://context.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/08/26/120.html
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 26. Aug, 10:33
The Democrats are just as bad
Source: AntiWar.Com
Author: Justin Raimondo
08/26/05
The Democratic opponents of the Iraq war are, all too often, motivated more by hatred of Bush and the Republicans than by any real, substantive position against an aggressive and immoral foreign policy. Not that hatred doesn’t have its uses: but as long as their stance is confined to opposing only Republican wars, the willingness and ability of the Democrats to oppose this war effectively is severely limited. ‘War pragmatism’ will not stop the war, nor is it very practical. As long as the debate is carried on in purely partisan terms, the American people will tune it out — because there will be no debate, only a tired reiteration of ‘talking points’ that don’t diverge in terms of fundamentals. I don’t mean to denigrate those grassroots Democrats who sincerely oppose the war and want to see U.S. troops withdraw as soon as possible. I mean only to warn them against their party leaders, all of whom are ideologically committed to interventionism abroad as well as at home...
Link: http://www.antiwar.com/justin/?articleid=7097
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Author: Justin Raimondo
08/26/05
The Democratic opponents of the Iraq war are, all too often, motivated more by hatred of Bush and the Republicans than by any real, substantive position against an aggressive and immoral foreign policy. Not that hatred doesn’t have its uses: but as long as their stance is confined to opposing only Republican wars, the willingness and ability of the Democrats to oppose this war effectively is severely limited. ‘War pragmatism’ will not stop the war, nor is it very practical. As long as the debate is carried on in purely partisan terms, the American people will tune it out — because there will be no debate, only a tired reiteration of ‘talking points’ that don’t diverge in terms of fundamentals. I don’t mean to denigrate those grassroots Democrats who sincerely oppose the war and want to see U.S. troops withdraw as soon as possible. I mean only to warn them against their party leaders, all of whom are ideologically committed to interventionism abroad as well as at home...
Link: http://www.antiwar.com/justin/?articleid=7097
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 26. Aug, 10:26
Cindy Sheehan plans anti-war bus tour
Source: Detroit Free Press
08/25/05
A fallen soldier’s mother said Thursday that the anti-war vigil she started nearly three weeks ago near President Bush’s ranch won’t end when she and other protesters pack up their camp next week. Cindy Sheehan said the day after she leaves Aug. 31, she will embark on a bus tour ending up in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 24. Then the group will start a 24-hour vigil in the nation’s capital...
Link: http://tinyurl.com/cfakh
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 26. Aug, 10:20
Forest Service admits blunder in logging of rare trees
Source: Houston Chronicle
08/25/05
The Forest Service admitted Wednesday to making a ’serious’ mistake that allowed the logging of 17 acres inside a rare tree reserve as part of the salvage harvest of timber burned by a fire in 2002. The logging inside the 350-acre Babyfoot Lake Botanical Area, created in 1966 to protect Brewer spruce and other rare plant species in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, was discovered last week by environmentalists after the timber was harvested and a forest closure intended to bar protesters was lifted.
Link: http://tinyurl.com/baft9
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
08/25/05
The Forest Service admitted Wednesday to making a ’serious’ mistake that allowed the logging of 17 acres inside a rare tree reserve as part of the salvage harvest of timber burned by a fire in 2002. The logging inside the 350-acre Babyfoot Lake Botanical Area, created in 1966 to protect Brewer spruce and other rare plant species in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, was discovered last week by environmentalists after the timber was harvested and a forest closure intended to bar protesters was lifted.
Link: http://tinyurl.com/baft9
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 26. Aug, 10:18
Pentagon using soldiers' gravestones for sloganeering
Starmail - 26. Aug, 10:13
Menschenrechtler fürchten um Pressefreiheit in den USA
Grass, Wenders & Christiansen: Menschenrechtler fürchten um Pressefreiheit in den USA (24.08.05)
Die Menschenrechtsorganisation "Reporter ohne Grenzen" sieht einen wichtigen Pfeiler der Pressefreiheit in den USA bedroht. Rund 20 Journalisten könnte demnach zur Zeit eine Haftstrafe drohen, weil sie ihre Informationsquellen nicht preisgeben wollten. Aus diesem Grunde sitze die Journalistin Judith Miller bereits seit 50 Tagen im Gefängnis. Am Mittwoch veröffentlichte die Menschenrechtsorganisation eine Petition in der die Freilassung Millers gefordert wird. 27 europäische Prominente, darunter Günther Grass, Sabine Christiansen und Wim Wenders, gehören demnach zu den Unterzeichnern.
Die ganze Nachricht im Internet:
http://www.ngo-online.de/ganze_nachricht.php?Nr=11696
Die Menschenrechtsorganisation "Reporter ohne Grenzen" sieht einen wichtigen Pfeiler der Pressefreiheit in den USA bedroht. Rund 20 Journalisten könnte demnach zur Zeit eine Haftstrafe drohen, weil sie ihre Informationsquellen nicht preisgeben wollten. Aus diesem Grunde sitze die Journalistin Judith Miller bereits seit 50 Tagen im Gefängnis. Am Mittwoch veröffentlichte die Menschenrechtsorganisation eine Petition in der die Freilassung Millers gefordert wird. 27 europäische Prominente, darunter Günther Grass, Sabine Christiansen und Wim Wenders, gehören demnach zu den Unterzeichnern.
Die ganze Nachricht im Internet:
http://www.ngo-online.de/ganze_nachricht.php?Nr=11696
Starmail - 26. Aug, 00:49
Scharfe Kritik in Sondervoten zu Neuwahl-Urteil des Bundesverfassungsgerichts
"Bloße Kontrollfassade aufgebaut": Scharfe Kritik in Sondervoten zu Neuwahl-Urteil des Bundesverfassungsgerichts (25.08.05)
Das Bundesverfassungsgericht wies am Donnerstag die Organklage von zwei Abgeordneten gegen die Auflösung des Bundestages als unbegründet zurück. Die Entscheidung des Zweiten Senats fiel mit einer großen Mehrheit von 7 zu 1 Richterstimmen. Das Verfassungsgericht bestätigte damit wie erwartet die Entscheidung von Bundespräsident Horst Köhler, der nach der absichtlich verlorenen Vertrauensfrage von Bundeskanzler Gerhard Schröder das Parlament aufgelöst und Neuwahlen angesetzt hatte. Ein zweckwidriger Gebrauch der Vertrauensfrage lasse sich "nicht feststellen", sagte der Berichterstatter in dem Verfahren, Udo di Fabio. Der Einschätzung des Bundeskanzlers, er könne bei den bestehenden Kräfteverhältnissen im Bundestag künftig keine vom Vertrauen der Parlamentsmehrheit getragene Politik mehr verfolgen, sei "keine andere Einschätzung eindeutig vorzuziehen". Der abweichende Richter Hans-Joachim Jentsch vertrat in seinem Sondervotum hingegen die Ansicht, dass das Grundgesetz kein "konstruiertes Misstrauen" des Bundeskanzlers kenne. Der Richterspruch schwäche den Bundestag und stärke die Stellung des Kanzlers, wenn dieser eine "akklamatorische Bestätigung seiner Politik" suche und "parteiinterne Widerstände" überwinden wolle.
Die ganze Nachricht im Internet:
http://www.ngo-online.de/ganze_nachricht.php?Nr=11715
Das Bundesverfassungsgericht wies am Donnerstag die Organklage von zwei Abgeordneten gegen die Auflösung des Bundestages als unbegründet zurück. Die Entscheidung des Zweiten Senats fiel mit einer großen Mehrheit von 7 zu 1 Richterstimmen. Das Verfassungsgericht bestätigte damit wie erwartet die Entscheidung von Bundespräsident Horst Köhler, der nach der absichtlich verlorenen Vertrauensfrage von Bundeskanzler Gerhard Schröder das Parlament aufgelöst und Neuwahlen angesetzt hatte. Ein zweckwidriger Gebrauch der Vertrauensfrage lasse sich "nicht feststellen", sagte der Berichterstatter in dem Verfahren, Udo di Fabio. Der Einschätzung des Bundeskanzlers, er könne bei den bestehenden Kräfteverhältnissen im Bundestag künftig keine vom Vertrauen der Parlamentsmehrheit getragene Politik mehr verfolgen, sei "keine andere Einschätzung eindeutig vorzuziehen". Der abweichende Richter Hans-Joachim Jentsch vertrat in seinem Sondervotum hingegen die Ansicht, dass das Grundgesetz kein "konstruiertes Misstrauen" des Bundeskanzlers kenne. Der Richterspruch schwäche den Bundestag und stärke die Stellung des Kanzlers, wenn dieser eine "akklamatorische Bestätigung seiner Politik" suche und "parteiinterne Widerstände" überwinden wolle.
Die ganze Nachricht im Internet:
http://www.ngo-online.de/ganze_nachricht.php?Nr=11715
Starmail - 26. Aug, 00:47
Bush Iraq scenario crashing and burning
Starmail - 26. Aug, 00:45
Stop “Certified” Logging / Sarawak, Malaysia
http://www.globalresponse.org/gra.php?i=current
PLEASE JOIN IN THIS IMPORTANT ACTION OF GLOBALRESPONSE AGAINST THE DESTRUCTIVE TIMBER-MAFIA, COVERING UP WITH LABELS!
SUPPORT THE PENAN PEOPLE (see also http://www.bmf.ch)
From ECOTERRA Intl.
Dato' Dr Freezailah B. CheYeom Malaysian Timber Certification Council
19 F, Level 19, Menara PGRM No.8, Jalan Pudu Ulu, Cheras
56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Email: mtcc@tm.net.my Fax: +603 9200 6008
Y.B. Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities
6-13th Floor, Lot 2, G4, Precint 2 Federal Government Administration Center
62654 Putrajaya, Malaysia Fax: +603 8880 3482
Dear Sirs:
I am very concerned about MTCC's certification of the Samling Plywood company for management of the Sela'an-Linau Forest.
As an environmentally conscious consumer, I appreciate Malaysia's commitment to certify sustainably managed forests and forest products. But according to independent reports, MTCC's certification does not guarantee that all timber products are harvested legally, sustainably, and with respect for the rights and lands of indigenous peoples. As currently practiced, I believe MTCC certification should not be recognized on the world market.
I am writing in support of the Penan people and Sarawak NGOs who are protesting the certification awarded to Samling for the Sela'an-Linau Forest Mangement Unit. Since the Penan claim Native Customary Rights in the Sela'an-Linau Forest, all logging must be halted while their court case is pending.
Finally, I urge MTCC to adopt the Forest Stewardship Council's policy of respecting indigenous peoples' land rights.
Thank you for your attention to this matter of concern not only to Malaysia but to the world.
Sincerely,
http://www.globalresponse.org/writealetternow.php?i=3/05
PLEASE JOIN IN THIS IMPORTANT ACTION OF GLOBALRESPONSE AGAINST THE DESTRUCTIVE TIMBER-MAFIA, COVERING UP WITH LABELS!
SUPPORT THE PENAN PEOPLE (see also http://www.bmf.ch)
From ECOTERRA Intl.
Dato' Dr Freezailah B. CheYeom Malaysian Timber Certification Council
19 F, Level 19, Menara PGRM No.8, Jalan Pudu Ulu, Cheras
56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Email: mtcc@tm.net.my Fax: +603 9200 6008
Y.B. Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities
6-13th Floor, Lot 2, G4, Precint 2 Federal Government Administration Center
62654 Putrajaya, Malaysia Fax: +603 8880 3482
Dear Sirs:
I am very concerned about MTCC's certification of the Samling Plywood company for management of the Sela'an-Linau Forest.
As an environmentally conscious consumer, I appreciate Malaysia's commitment to certify sustainably managed forests and forest products. But according to independent reports, MTCC's certification does not guarantee that all timber products are harvested legally, sustainably, and with respect for the rights and lands of indigenous peoples. As currently practiced, I believe MTCC certification should not be recognized on the world market.
I am writing in support of the Penan people and Sarawak NGOs who are protesting the certification awarded to Samling for the Sela'an-Linau Forest Mangement Unit. Since the Penan claim Native Customary Rights in the Sela'an-Linau Forest, all logging must be halted while their court case is pending.
Finally, I urge MTCC to adopt the Forest Stewardship Council's policy of respecting indigenous peoples' land rights.
Thank you for your attention to this matter of concern not only to Malaysia but to the world.
Sincerely,
http://www.globalresponse.org/writealetternow.php?i=3/05
Starmail - 26. Aug, 00:39
Questioning the President
A servile Congress, according to Sidney Blumenthal, has let Bush go on permanent vacation. But with US security hanging in the balance, it's time to ask the hard-hitting questions.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/082505K.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/082505K.shtml
Starmail - 26. Aug, 00:30
Bush's Disquieting Optimism
Jacques Amalric writes that experience has taught us that George W. Bush's statements concerning Iraq are an excellent barometer to get an idea of the situation's development: the more optimistic the President of the United States declares himself to be, the stronger basis we have to expect the worst.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/082505H.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/082505H.shtml
Starmail - 26. Aug, 00:28
'Peace Mom' Returns to Texas War Protest
On Wednesday, Sheehan returned to "Camp Casey," named after her 24-year-old son, Army Spc. Casey Sheehan, who was killed last year in Iraq. Even when she was in California taking care of her mother, Cindy Sheehan said part of her remained at the protest campsite she had set up outside President Bush's ranch.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/082505G.shtml
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 26. Aug, 00:27
Truth-Telling on Race? Not in Bush's Fantasyland
The Bush administration has punished a Justice Department official who dared to tell even a mild truth about racial profiling by law enforcement officers in this country. Herbert remarks that Mr. Greenfeld obviously failed to understand that the preferred methods of dealing with uncomfortable facts in the fantasyland of the Bush administration are to ignore them, or simply wish them away.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/082505D.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/082505D.shtml
Starmail - 26. Aug, 00:25
Instant-Mix Imperial Democracy, Buy One Get One Free
I speak as a subject of the American Empire? I speak as a slave who presumes to criticize her king.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article3441.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article3441.htm
Starmail - 26. Aug, 00:22
Privatizing the Truth: Bush's war on information
Free speech and its antecedent the truth are much greater threats to the state than any bomb-wielding revolutionary. In the new world order only the managers are entitled to the truth, not the managed. That way, the public can be moved sheep-like in the direction of government policy.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9975.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9975.htm
Starmail - 26. Aug, 00:14
The Photos Washington Doesn't Want You To See
The grim reality of Iraq rarely appears in the American press. A photo gallery reveals the war's horrible human toll.
http://service.spiegel.de/cache/international/0,1518,371411,00.html
From Information Clearing House
http://service.spiegel.de/cache/international/0,1518,371411,00.html
From Information Clearing House
Starmail - 26. Aug, 00:13
Leaving a Legacy
By Mirza Yawar Baig
Freedom, if you really want it, comes with some choices that you have to make: And these are:
1. To care more than others think is wise.
2. To risk more than others think is safe.
3. To dream more than others think is practical.
4. To expect more (from yourself) than others think is possible.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9957.htm
Freedom, if you really want it, comes with some choices that you have to make: And these are:
1. To care more than others think is wise.
2. To risk more than others think is safe.
3. To dream more than others think is practical.
4. To expect more (from yourself) than others think is possible.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9957.htm
Starmail - 26. Aug, 00:11
Cindy Sheehan speaks to crowd at Camp Casey
"Casey was killed by insurgents. He wasn't killed by terrorists. He was killed by Shiite militia who wanted him out of the country."
Audio and transcript
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9980.htm
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 26. Aug, 00:09
25
Aug
2005
Deutsches MOBILFUNK Forschungsprogramm
Was wird wohl bei einem von der Mobilfunkindustrie gesponsertem Forschungsprogramm herauskommen, doch wohl kaum etwas, was den Mobilfunkfirmen in ihrem Geschäft schaden würde? Und wie lange noch warten und forschen und die Mobilfunkopfer zählen, wenn die wissenschaftlichen Hinweise und Beweise für die Gesundheitsgefahren durch gepulsten Mobilfunk heute (und lange bereits) schon erdrückend sind?
http://omega.twoday.net/topics/Wissenschaft+zu+Mobilfunk/
http://www.buergerwelle.de/body_wissenschaft.html
http://www.buergerwelle.de/body_science.html
Das ist doch eine reine Zeitschinderei bis das gesamte Mobilfunknetz bis zum letzten Masten aufgebaut ist und Bestandsschutz für die Masten eingetreten ist. Im Sinne der Vorsorge hätte man schon längst handeln müssen. Früher oder später werden die Verantwortlichen für dieses Desaster zur Verantwortung gezogen werden.
http://omega.twoday.net/topics/Wissenschaft+zu+Mobilfunk/
http://www.buergerwelle.de/body_wissenschaft.html
http://www.buergerwelle.de/body_science.html
Das ist doch eine reine Zeitschinderei bis das gesamte Mobilfunknetz bis zum letzten Masten aufgebaut ist und Bestandsschutz für die Masten eingetreten ist. Im Sinne der Vorsorge hätte man schon längst handeln müssen. Früher oder später werden die Verantwortlichen für dieses Desaster zur Verantwortung gezogen werden.
Starmail - 25. Aug, 23:58
LIVE Web Radio Coverage Of Camp Casey
[Please Forward Widely]
LIVE web radio coverage of Camp Casey
10:00am PST every day
Evening events also as announced
on BradBlog.com and BradShow.com
on the Brad Show (Brad Friedman of Brad Blog)
TUNE IN HERE:
http://www.WhiteRoseSociety.org/Bradshow.m3u
-OR-
http://www.WhiteRoseSociety.org/Bradshow.pls
Informant: Friends
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 25. Aug, 23:27
A CIA Cover Blown, a White House Exposed
Starmail - 25. Aug, 22:36
Tell Automakers: Stop Fighting Progress on Global Warming
Environmental Defense take action for the environment...online
*Tell Automakers - Stop Fighting Progress on Global Warming*
You would think that hybrid cars, better engineering and rising gas prices would combine to make every year's new cars burn less gas than the year before. But it turns out that each year since
1988, new cars are spewing even more global warming pollution into the air.
The damage from global warming is more visible every day, and emissions from cars are a major contributor. But automakers are blocking progress on global warming, fighting state and national efforts to curb global warming pollution.
Find out which automakers are responsible for the most global warming pollution, and ask them to support, not block, policies that reduce it.
Take action:
http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/carbon_burden_cars2/step1.tcl
What's at Stake: In the last five years, gasoline prices have soared, and more fuel-saving hybrid-electric vehicles debuted to an enthusiastic audience. That should, in theory, lead to less global warming pollution from cars and trucks. After all, the less gas cars burn, the less carbon dioxide they release.
Yet carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from U.S. cars and light trucks jumped 25 percent from 1990 to 2003. Both total emissions and average emissions per vehicle continue to rise, even over the last five years.
Yet the major automakers still fight cutting carbon pollution in the U.S., the world's largest auto market. In February 2005, the big automakers sued the state of California, for example, to block the state's clean cars law.
Take action! Send an email to the CEOs of Ford, GM, Toyota, Mazda, Honda, DaimlerChrysler, Porsche, Mitsubishi, BMW and Nissan. Tell them to stop blocking progress on global warming.
Learn more or take action: http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/carbon_burden_cars2/step1.tcl
Your letter will be addressed and sent to: Major Automakers
----THIS LETTER WILL BE SENT IN YOUR NAME----
Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],
I am concerned about the growing damage global warming is doing today. The global warming pollution that your products add to the atmosphere each year is growing, in spite of high gas prices and new technology like hybrids.
I ask you to stop blocking state efforts to control global warming pollution, and to support a national cap on greenhouse gases.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
----END OF LETTER TO BE SENT----
*Tell Automakers - Stop Fighting Progress on Global Warming*
You would think that hybrid cars, better engineering and rising gas prices would combine to make every year's new cars burn less gas than the year before. But it turns out that each year since
1988, new cars are spewing even more global warming pollution into the air.
The damage from global warming is more visible every day, and emissions from cars are a major contributor. But automakers are blocking progress on global warming, fighting state and national efforts to curb global warming pollution.
Find out which automakers are responsible for the most global warming pollution, and ask them to support, not block, policies that reduce it.
Take action:
http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/carbon_burden_cars2/step1.tcl
What's at Stake: In the last five years, gasoline prices have soared, and more fuel-saving hybrid-electric vehicles debuted to an enthusiastic audience. That should, in theory, lead to less global warming pollution from cars and trucks. After all, the less gas cars burn, the less carbon dioxide they release.
Yet carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from U.S. cars and light trucks jumped 25 percent from 1990 to 2003. Both total emissions and average emissions per vehicle continue to rise, even over the last five years.
Yet the major automakers still fight cutting carbon pollution in the U.S., the world's largest auto market. In February 2005, the big automakers sued the state of California, for example, to block the state's clean cars law.
Take action! Send an email to the CEOs of Ford, GM, Toyota, Mazda, Honda, DaimlerChrysler, Porsche, Mitsubishi, BMW and Nissan. Tell them to stop blocking progress on global warming.
Learn more or take action: http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/carbon_burden_cars2/step1.tcl
Your letter will be addressed and sent to: Major Automakers
----THIS LETTER WILL BE SENT IN YOUR NAME----
Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],
I am concerned about the growing damage global warming is doing today. The global warming pollution that your products add to the atmosphere each year is growing, in spite of high gas prices and new technology like hybrids.
I ask you to stop blocking state efforts to control global warming pollution, and to support a national cap on greenhouse gases.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
----END OF LETTER TO BE SENT----
Starmail - 25. Aug, 22:33
Update from the Field 8/25/05
Starmail - 25. Aug, 22:27
Children's Help - dubiose Geschäfte mit dem Kinderschutz
"33 Cent am Tag, das tut niemandem weh":
http://www.telepolis.de/tp/r4/artikel/20/20780/1.html
http://www.telepolis.de/tp/r4/artikel/20/20780/1.html
Starmail - 25. Aug, 22:11
Auf dem Weg zur Kanzlerdemokratie
Das Urteil des Bundesverfassungsgericht zu den vorgezogenen Neuwahlen.
http://www.telepolis.de/tp/r4/artikel/20/20802/1.html
http://www.telepolis.de/tp/r4/artikel/20/20802/1.html
Starmail - 25. Aug, 22:09
President Bush's Loss of Faith
The president's strange declaration yesterday that the draft constitution would protect the rights of women and minorities, and his continuing attempts to clog the debate with misleading explanations, suggest his own lack of commitment to the only rationale for keeping American troops in Iraq - or, perhaps, New York Times suggests, his lack of faith in the likely outcome.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/082405B.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/082405B.shtml
Starmail - 25. Aug, 18:37
How America Lost Iraq
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories/index.php?ntid=51578&ntpid=7
Informant: Bob Reuschlein
From ufpj-news
Informant: Bob Reuschlein
From ufpj-news
Starmail - 25. Aug, 18:35
The Pentagon's Bid to Militarize Space
A series of Pentagon initiatives aimed at space militarization and at the creation of new types of armament -- capable of precisely striking small targets in every corner of the world and of neutralizing most of today's anti-aircraft defenses -- will likely result in a new power battlefield in the near future.
http://www.pinr.com/report.php?ac=view_report&report_id=347
From Information Clearing House
http://www.pinr.com/report.php?ac=view_report&report_id=347
From Information Clearing House
Starmail - 25. Aug, 18:31
The Preacher's Fatwah on Chavez
What Robertson has to say is based on a paradigm from the most conservative voices in this country, and those voices have no God except themselves and no soul except their selfish point of view!
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9953.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9953.htm
Starmail - 25. Aug, 18:30
The Bombs in the Basement
Our job as responsible citizens is to pull away the curtain and expose the wizard as soon as possible, to minimize further damage to our country – to its economy, to its international reputation, to its honor.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9950.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9950.htm
Starmail - 25. Aug, 18:29
Homeland Security's Casualties
In early August alone, a number of disturbing articles suggested that measures designed to protect Americans are seriously undermining the most basic civil rights of both citizens and guests in this country—in an ostensibly still-free society.
http://snipurl.com/h74e
From Information Clearing House
http://snipurl.com/h74e
From Information Clearing House
Starmail - 25. Aug, 18:27
An awful sense of déjà vu
The most important objective is to persuade the domestic populations to accept the horrifying destruction of civilian populations as the ‘price’ that has to be paid to preserve civilisation.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9949.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9949.htm
Starmail - 25. Aug, 18:22
Iran Next, by way of Charleston?
The Bush administration's obstacles to initiating overt war are resolved in the STRATCOM plan contingent on another 9/11-type attack. Another 9/11 event could create a "new reality" with potentially immense public support for war.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9938.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9938.htm
Starmail - 25. Aug, 18:21
Iran in the Crosshairs
Iran's danger to America is not its nuclear program but its plan to introduce a euro-based energy exchange.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9936.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9936.htm
Starmail - 25. Aug, 18:20
Tough talk and temptresses
"The uranium we enrich in the fuel cycle is only 3% to 4% rich while for an atomic bomb it should be enriched up to 99%. - We want our own fuel production for our nuclear plant but they [the West] tell us to purchase fuel from them so that we would eventually become dependent on them."
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9947.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9947.htm
Starmail - 25. Aug, 18:19
Iran cannot be let off hook over nuclear charges
The United States said that Iran should not be let off the hook although an independent probe has reportedly showed no evidence of clandestine atomic weapons activities in the Islamic republic.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9955.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9955.htm
Starmail - 25. Aug, 18:17
Memorial to those Killed In Action Has Been Desecrated
He has spat on the troops coming home in the most cowardly way possible.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9939.htm
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9939.htm
Starmail - 25. Aug, 18:15
Containing the Anti-War Movement
Cindy Sheehan's squatter's camp has re-energized the antiwar movement, but just as it has done so, it has also re-energized the herd dogs of the Democratic Party who fear nothing more than an independent mass movement.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9954.htm
Dismay and Horror:
An open letter to Cindy Sheehan from a supporter in India.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article9951.htm
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 25. Aug, 18:12
Anti-Iraq war parents to take protests across nation
Parents of soldiers killed in Iraq plan to follow President George W. Bush around the country in the coming months, hoping to generate nationwide anti-war sentiment after camping out at his Texas ranch.
http://snipurl.com/h72n
From Information Clearing House
http://snipurl.com/h72n
From Information Clearing House
Starmail - 25. Aug, 18:10
Our Reckless Chemical Dependence
New studies show that the widely used pesticide Roundup (glyphosate) has a real but unknown potential to harm wildlife and human health. Rather than risk disastrous consequences we should change farming practices to organic methods.
http://www.truthout.org/issues_05/082405HB.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/issues_05/082405HB.shtml
Starmail - 25. Aug, 17:51
Renewal through Renewable Energies
Giving just due to the essential role of renewable energies in our societies that are so very dependent on fossil energies, is long overdue.
http://www.truthout.org/issues_05/082405EC.shtml
http://www.truthout.org/issues_05/082405EC.shtml
Starmail - 25. Aug, 17:49
Memo for the President
Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS) calls on President Bush to spurn his ever-shrinking circle of advisors, the "amateur architects of the Iraq war," and listen to the circle of "wise women" gathered outside of his Crawford ranch.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/082405Q.shtml
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 25. Aug, 17:48
All US military leave has been cancelled is something big in the work?
Published: Monday, August 22, 2005 Bylined to: Bob Chapman
All US military leave has been cancelled ... something big is in the works!
http://www.vheadline.com/readnews.asp?id=45597
THE INTERNATIONAL FORECASTER editor Bob Chapman writes: The US military is building a new base and conducting secretive operations in Paraguay ... our Embassy there refuses to acknowledge a base exists and describes the military activity as routine.
The base is in Mariscal Estigarribia, 200 km (127 miles) from the Bolivian border and will handle large aircraft and accommodate 16,000 troops.
There are now 500 of our troops there with planes, weapons, equipment and ammunition. Either before, during, or after the coming presidential election we expect the US to intervene or better put, invade Bolivia to control its natural gas reserves.
Paraguay has approved of the troops being there and given them total immunity, free from Paraguayan law and the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court. George and the neocons have threatened to withdraw $24.5 million in aid to Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela and Paraguay if they didn’t grant immunity to the US military.
You cannot believe a word Washington says about the base being a humanitarian undertaking, when they are struggling to fill the ranks in Iraq.
Why would they be on a humanitarian mission in Paraguay?
They said the same thing in Manta, Ecuador, which houses an $80 million US military base. The US is preparing for war in South America -- make no mistake about it.
a.. In Bolivia if Evo Morales, or someone like him is elected, then you can expect a US invasion. Paraguay, bordered by Brazil and Argentina is one of the wildest places on earth. This is a very aggressive move by the US and all South American governments should be very concerned. George Bush and the neocons are using international terrorism as an excuse to appropriate natural resources and subject people to their brand of democracy, which is corporatist fascism.
All military leaves for September and October have been cancelled ... something big is in the works ... there is a buildup of material and equipment ... personnel at draft board offices are waiting for the word to activate.
Informant: Milo
All US military leave has been cancelled ... something big is in the works!
http://www.vheadline.com/readnews.asp?id=45597
THE INTERNATIONAL FORECASTER editor Bob Chapman writes: The US military is building a new base and conducting secretive operations in Paraguay ... our Embassy there refuses to acknowledge a base exists and describes the military activity as routine.
The base is in Mariscal Estigarribia, 200 km (127 miles) from the Bolivian border and will handle large aircraft and accommodate 16,000 troops.
There are now 500 of our troops there with planes, weapons, equipment and ammunition. Either before, during, or after the coming presidential election we expect the US to intervene or better put, invade Bolivia to control its natural gas reserves.
Paraguay has approved of the troops being there and given them total immunity, free from Paraguayan law and the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court. George and the neocons have threatened to withdraw $24.5 million in aid to Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela and Paraguay if they didn’t grant immunity to the US military.
You cannot believe a word Washington says about the base being a humanitarian undertaking, when they are struggling to fill the ranks in Iraq.
Why would they be on a humanitarian mission in Paraguay?
They said the same thing in Manta, Ecuador, which houses an $80 million US military base. The US is preparing for war in South America -- make no mistake about it.
a.. In Bolivia if Evo Morales, or someone like him is elected, then you can expect a US invasion. Paraguay, bordered by Brazil and Argentina is one of the wildest places on earth. This is a very aggressive move by the US and all South American governments should be very concerned. George Bush and the neocons are using international terrorism as an excuse to appropriate natural resources and subject people to their brand of democracy, which is corporatist fascism.
All military leaves for September and October have been cancelled ... something big is in the works ... there is a buildup of material and equipment ... personnel at draft board offices are waiting for the word to activate.
Informant: Milo
Starmail - 25. Aug, 17:46
Send Postcards to Cindy Sheehan
From: Christina Kraich-Rogers
From: Karin Pally
Sent by request by Betsy Cunningham
Postcards for Cindy:
Vermont Poet for Peace David Budbill says, "We are going to begin sending postcards daily to Cindy Sheehan with notes of support. The goal is to have thousands of postcards arrive daily. Spread the word. Tell a friend, tell 10 friends and send a postcard today. If you send a postcard every day from now until September 1st, it'll cost you $3.91." Send post cards to:
Cindy Sheehan
Crawford Peace House
9142 East 5th Street
Crawford, TX 76638-3037 USA
Informant: Martin Greenhut
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 25. Aug, 17:42
Bush Drive to Save Fuel Fails to Include Cars and Biggest SUVs
Starmail - 25. Aug, 17:38
Bush Dogged on Vacation by Critics
Starmail - 25. Aug, 17:36
Troops' Gravestones Have Pentagon Slogans
Starmail - 25. Aug, 17:36
Panel Sees Growing Melting Arctic Threat
Starmail - 25. Aug, 17:34
As Cindy Sheehan returns to Crawford, Bush vows 'more sacrifice' to cheering crowd in Idaho
http://www.ufppc.org/content/view/3321/
Informant: jensenmk
From ufpj-news
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 25. Aug, 17:33
050825 - R - Mobilfunk - Newsletter
Starmail - 25. Aug, 17:11
Cindy to arrive at Waco Airport at 4:30 pm today
http://disc.server.com/discussion.cgi?id=149495;article=89772;show_parent=1
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 25. Aug, 16:47
ODE TO CINDY SHEEHAN
http://disc.server.com/discussion.cgi?id=149495;article=89743;show_parent=1
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 25. Aug, 16:45
My Response to George: Why don't you channel some courage?
http://disc.server.com/discussion.cgi?id=149495;article=89737;show_parent=1
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 25. Aug, 16:43
Karl Rove's War Against Cindy Sheehan
http://disc.server.com/discussion.cgi?id=149495;article=89735;show_parent=1
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 25. Aug, 16:41
Democrats Seek Roberts' Iran-Contra Papers
Starmail - 25. Aug, 16:38
SCHOOL MAY ACT ON MAST MUDDLE
Derbyshire Evening Telegraph
BY PAULA FENTIMAN
09:30 - 24 August 2005
Governors at a Normanton school could take action over mobile phone masts which have been installed nearby.
The issue has been brought to people's attention after Derby City Council granted permission for mobile phone provider O2 to put up a 7.5m tower with three antennae on the roof of New Normanton Mills, in Stanhope Street, on July 29.
The two-storey building, which contains factories, already has two towers and three antennae for telecoms equipment.
Campaigners say that new guidelines concerning notification of schools should have been taken into account before the latest decision was made.
But the planning department said it did notify the correct people, sending out 108 letters to residential properties within 90m and schools within 200m.
These included Hardwick Primary School, in Hastings Street, which the council said was sent a letter on July 5.
But parents were not informed of the plans because the school's head teacher and governing body say they never received the letter.
Head teacher Sushma Sehmbi said: "I wasn't aware of it. Had we known we would have informed our parents. Stanhope Street is very close to the school.
"If masts are close to the school and they are a risk then it does concern us.
"When we go back to school after the summer holiday we will take up the issue with the governors. They could consider whether they want to take it up with the council.
"We will let the parents know by writing to them."
School governor Andrea Luscombe (38), who has a nine-year-old son, Lee Russell, at the school, said: "It's quite concerning that the mast is so close to the school, when there could be health risks.
"I didn't even know there were any masts there."
Ms Luscombe, of St James' Road, said the issue of mobile phone masts would be considered by the governors.
Dorothy Skrytek, of Crewe Street, said that under the latest information from the Stewart Report on mobile phone and health produced by the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones, school governors should be consulted on proposals for masts near schools.
"As far as I know there was no consultation. I sent out leaflets through people's doors letting them know, but the council had already granted permission."
An O2 spokesman added: "All of O2's mobile phone masts operate well within international safety guidelines."
Omega this statement is plain and simple not true. See further under: http://omega.twoday.net/stories/771911/
BY PAULA FENTIMAN
09:30 - 24 August 2005
Governors at a Normanton school could take action over mobile phone masts which have been installed nearby.
The issue has been brought to people's attention after Derby City Council granted permission for mobile phone provider O2 to put up a 7.5m tower with three antennae on the roof of New Normanton Mills, in Stanhope Street, on July 29.
The two-storey building, which contains factories, already has two towers and three antennae for telecoms equipment.
Campaigners say that new guidelines concerning notification of schools should have been taken into account before the latest decision was made.
But the planning department said it did notify the correct people, sending out 108 letters to residential properties within 90m and schools within 200m.
These included Hardwick Primary School, in Hastings Street, which the council said was sent a letter on July 5.
But parents were not informed of the plans because the school's head teacher and governing body say they never received the letter.
Head teacher Sushma Sehmbi said: "I wasn't aware of it. Had we known we would have informed our parents. Stanhope Street is very close to the school.
"If masts are close to the school and they are a risk then it does concern us.
"When we go back to school after the summer holiday we will take up the issue with the governors. They could consider whether they want to take it up with the council.
"We will let the parents know by writing to them."
School governor Andrea Luscombe (38), who has a nine-year-old son, Lee Russell, at the school, said: "It's quite concerning that the mast is so close to the school, when there could be health risks.
"I didn't even know there were any masts there."
Ms Luscombe, of St James' Road, said the issue of mobile phone masts would be considered by the governors.
Dorothy Skrytek, of Crewe Street, said that under the latest information from the Stewart Report on mobile phone and health produced by the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones, school governors should be consulted on proposals for masts near schools.
"As far as I know there was no consultation. I sent out leaflets through people's doors letting them know, but the council had already granted permission."
An O2 spokesman added: "All of O2's mobile phone masts operate well within international safety guidelines."
Omega this statement is plain and simple not true. See further under: http://omega.twoday.net/stories/771911/
Starmail - 25. Aug, 16:35
INSPECTOR OVERTURNS PHONE MAST REFUSAL
The Citizen, Gloucestershire
Be the first reader to comment on this story
10:30 - 24 August 2005
A Planning inspector has overturned Stroud District Council's decision to oppose permission for a mobile phone mast at Thrupp.
Members of the public had applauded councillors when they rejected Vodafone's application for a 12-metre device in London Road on health and visual intrusion grounds. But five months on, an inspector has decided in favour of the mobile phone company's proposal.
Last year almost 40 householders logged protest letters with the council about the mast.
Mother Lynn Cain said people were really worried about the health implications of the radiation from the mast.
She was especially concerned because it was near Stroud General Hospital.
However, Inspector Ken Barton said Vodafone's pole and cabinets would be screened by trees and would be "integrated into the locality to some extent".
"Public views and vantage points are limited and people are only likely to get a fleeting view of it," said Mr Barton.
"It would have an insignificant impact on the character and appearance of the area."
On the issue of health, the inspector said he noted the "strong local feeling", particularly about the school 400 metres away and two homes 100 metres from the pole. But the proposal had been designed to comply with the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.
"PPG8 indicates that in these circumstances it should not be necessary to further consider the health aspects and concerns about them," he said.
The inspector's decision has been condemned by Green Party councillors as "undemocratic".
They said the mast and two equipment cabins would "blight" the London Road approach to Stroud.
"There has been enormous local opposition from Thrupp residents to this phone mast - no wonder people get disenchanted with democracy when the decision of local councillors and the opinions of local people are overridden by an unelected bureaucrat," said Coun Martin Whiteside.
"It seems that this Government and the Planning Inspectorate are only interested in the profits of big business, not the opinions of local people".
On behalf of Vodafone, Jane Frapwell said the company planned to keep visual intrusion from the mast to a minimum.
"We are well aware that this is a conservation area and our obligations to make sure we reduce and visual impact and to provide a service locally," she said.
"This installation is a roadside slim pole which is designed to blend in with existing street furniture.
"In terms of health we recognise that some people do have concerns but we take our lead from expert international bodies such as the World Health Organisation which has said that within the guideline levels there is no evidence of any adverse health effect from radio base stations.
Omega this statement is plain and simple not true. See further under: http://omega.twoday.net/stories/771911/
"They are very low powered and provide a very local service."
David Corker, from Stroud District Council, said the authority would not incur any costs from the planning appeal because it was dealt with through written representations.
--------
Thanks to whoever posted this...
I have replied to the newspaper in Stoud with the following:
I would like to let the good people of Stroud know that they are not alone! This sad state of affairs is happening all over the UK and has indeed two weeks ago happened at Marlborough in Wiltshire. Marlborough is very similar to Stroud, both are delightful little old English rural market towns, full of historic and listed buildings set in beautiful surroundings and within or around conservation areas and ANOB’s. Like the people of Stroud, the residents of Marlborough would like to keep it that way. But no, the telecommunications giants are walking all over the UK, crushing us underfoot and changing the very nature and traditions of all that we hold dear.
Below are a few thoughts to encourage Stroud to fight on; why should we have all this equipment and environmental pollution imposed upon us against our wishes, putting the needs of the operator before our own? In our case the real culprit is BT who want to put these masts on their exchange roof against the wishes of their customers who live around it. At the end of the day, we are all the customers of these phone companies and they would do well to remember the power that we have - if only it were coordinated effectively…
We too feel the despair that Stroud must be feeling right now. We have thanked the regulatory committee for everything that they have done to support the people of Marlborough during the last three years. We have been constantly supported by our Town Councilors and by the Regulatory Planning Committee and are very grateful that they rejected permission, even though loosing an appeal will cost Kennet financially. I am sure that they are as dismayed by the decision as we are. We have written to ask them if the planning authority is prepared to challenge this decision in the High Court on behalf of those in Marlborough, on the grounds that this decision wasn't right, backing up their previous stance on the matter. We do not have the funds to take this to the High Court ourselves and so the bullying telecommunication company tactics win.
Naturally, I along with many of the residents living here, are devastated that this development can now proceed in our midst. Many firmly believe that the radiation from these structures is likely to cause health problems and illnesses in the future and simply do not agree with the comments made by the Inspector in the appeal decision and we have written to tell them so. There is much evidence being published regularly by various bodies but this Government chooses to ignore such findings.
Neither are many local residents in agreement with the views made by the Inspector - that in his opinion - the visual impact will be of an acceptable level and would not have a detrimental impact on the settings of listed buildings. We clearly will be subjected to these eyesores everyday. We asked whether the Planning Committee agrees with the inspector that this development will comply with Policies HH5, HH8, NR8, PPS7 and PPG8?
Despite numerous concerns raised by local residents in their objection letters only the two points seem to have been addressed: visual impact and health risks. No reference is made to concerns such as vehicular access and increased traffic to the site, economic impacts such as devalued property and the impact on local schools and impact of those families moving away are ignored. Neither is the issue of setting a precedent for all future telecommunication equipment in this location and that impact on Policy NR8 given any consideration.
Given that Kennet District Council has an obligation to protect the environment on our behalf, we have strongly urged that this decision should be challenged by the Council in order to comply with Article 130r of the European Treaties Act, which actively requires the protection of the environment, following a precautionary approach, preventing any type of environmental pollution at source. Kennet has a responsibility to provide a safe environment for those with disabilities and that includes the 15 - 25% of the population known to suffer with chemical and/or electromagnetic sensitivities who can experience debilitating reactions from exposure to extremely low levels of common chemicals such as pesticides, cleaning products, fragrances, and remodeling activities, and from electromagnetic fields emitted by computers, cell phones, and other electrical equipment. At present we have a choice about whether to use such products and devices in our homes but we will have no choice about the microwave irradiation about to be unleashed over us 24/7/365.
Outside and industrial noise pollution is another responsibility that Kennet has to protect us from under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Soon, many may well be troubled by low frequency noise or hum and no doubt be contacting the environmental health department at Kennet for help in order to simply sleep at night. The inspector states that noise levels generated by equipment must not exceed 10db(A) above the background noise level when measured at the boundary of adjoining properties (which means that to comply fully, the generated noise level would need to fluctuate with the background noise level). But, when is background noise to be measured? At night it is very quiet, in daytime the lorries can be extremely loud. If it were measured above this level, then the noise from equipment could be very loud at night, much above 10db(A) allowed by the inspector. The inspector’s decision could be challenged on these grounds alone as it is not quantifiable and is open to abuse by the equipment operators.
So much research is now available to support evidence of potential health issues that I believe it is irresponsible to allow this development to proceed. Everyone has been warned of potential risks, from tumors to cataracts and the decreased nighttime production of Nocturnal Melatonin and to ignore such advice brings the prospect of legal proceedings against Operators, Landowners and Planning Authorities ever nearer. The local people have made their views known clearly. The inspector’s decision represents the slow death of democracy and possibly the death of many who live in Marlborough, and, unfortunately, it would seem in Stroud too.
Pete
--------
Thanks, Sandi.... I am very grateful that you take the time to keep us all informed... I totally agree with you about consumer power. I haven't bought a 3g phone but sadly others do. We need to coordinate targeted boycots to become effective. Like Greenpeace did for example over the price of petrol and they encouraged people not to buy certain brands of petrol to send a message. We could sugggest people boycot a particular operator to make them listen. Or we could praise ones like O2 who have just listened to people at Pewsey, Wiltshire. I'll post the article as it may be a way forward for others. I'd like to see all the groups working together with one voice - thanks for the 'Voice of the People of the UK' info - I didn't know about that.
--------
Praise an operator? Not me, Pete! If an operator withdrew it would be for self-interested reasons, not out of consideration for the people. If they did consider the people, masts would not be insensitively sited and our human rights wouldn't be trampled into the dust and clouds of emissions!
Sandi
--------
You're right of couse, Sandi, silly me!!! Whatever was I thinking of? Just read '02 jumps in for the kill'
Pete
--------
Well, I was inclined to try to see the best in situations and people before I met my first TETRA mast, but after my initial "baptism by fire" I became more realistic and realised that there are tiddlers and killer sharks, and puppy dogs and wild dogs!
Sandi
--------
Dear Pete,
I post news articles when I have the time, so that you can all see what it going on in other parts of the country. I also add comments on these articles sometimes to try to inform people. This is the one I posted for Stroud:
As SWCoord and Director of Advisory Services for http://www.mastsanity.org, a voluntary organisation with charity status which offers free advice and support for anyone with mast queries or problems, I can confirm that the feelings of the people of Stoud are mirrored across the UK.
All areas are concerned and indignant about the loss of amenity and the way the wishes of residents are being overridden in the phone masts issue.
It is particularly worrying that these masts are now intruding upon conservation areas and areas of outstanding natural beauty because PPG8 - Planning Policy, Environmental Considerations para 16 clearly states:
"In accordance with PPG7 high priority should be given to the need to safeguard areas of particular environmental importance. In National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty proposals should be sensitively designed and sited and the developer must demonstrate that there are no suitable alternative locations."
That there are health concerns to be consider is abundantly clear from the calls Mast Sanity receives on the advice line (08704 322 377 Mon to fri 1pm to 8pm).
Communities across the UK are unhappy that no meaningful research is being carried out in this country, as it is abroad.
Mast Sanity advises that people should contact their MPs if they are concerned, to ask them to back all calls for planning changes in line with a more sensitive and sensible siting of these masts.
Sandi Lawrence
I am also finding that communites are begining to join forces with other groups in their area to build a more formidable resistance, and to pack more power.
In some areas, six weekly peaceful protests are to be held to raise awareness of the discontent of the people.
Copies of the "Voice of the People of the UK" letter are being distributed for individuals or campaign groups to send to Government departments. A copy can be obtained by email from Redsunset37@aol.com
The other way of making your views known is by not buying 3G phones. If no one bought them, there would be no need for the masts!
Sandi
--------
Thanks, Sandi.... I am very grateful that you take the time to keep us all informed... I totally agree with you about consumer power. I haven't bought a 3g phone but sadly others do. We need to coordinate targeted boycots to become effective. Like Greenpeace did for example over the price of petrol and they encouraged people not to buy certain brands of petrol to send a message. We could sugggest people boycot a particular operator to make them listen. Or we could praise ones like O2 who have just listened to people at Pewsey, Wiltshire. I'll post the article as it may be a way forward for others. I'd like to see all the groups working together with one voice - thanks for the 'Voice of the People of the UK' info - I didn't know about that.
I have printed below a letter which I am sending to BT about the Marlborough BT Telephone Exchange masts.
Regards, Pete.
Naturally, I along with many of the residents living here, are devastated that this development can now proceed in our midst. Many firmly believe that the radiation from these structures is likely to cause health problems and illnesses in the future and simply do not agree with the comment made by the Inspector in point 11 of the appeal decision. There is much evidence being published regularly by various bodies but this Government chooses to ignore such findings.
Neither are many local residents in agreement with the views made by the Inspector in points 6 and 7. In his opinion the visual impact will be of an acceptable level and would not have a detrimental impact on the settings of listed buildings. We clearly will be subjected to these eyesores everyday.
Despite numerous concerns raised by local residents in their objection letters only the above two points seem to have been addressed. No reference is made to concerns such as vehicular access and increased traffic to the site, economic impacts such as devalued property and the impact on local schools and impact of those families moving away are ignored. Neither is the issue of setting a precedent for all future telecommunication equipment in this location and that impact on Policy NR8 given any consideration.
Is BT aware of its responsibility to comply with Article 130r of the European Treaties Act, which actively requires the protection of the environment, following a precautionary approach, preventing any type of environmental pollution at source? Has BT considered those with disabilities who live nearby, including the 15 - 25% of the population known to suffer with chemical and/or electromagnetic sensitivities who can experience debilitating reactions from exposure to extremely low levels of common chemicals such as pesticides, cleaning products, fragrances, and from electromagnetic fields emitted by computers, cell phones, and other electrical equipment. At present we do have a choice about whether to use such products and devices in our homes but we will have no choice about the microwave irradiation about to be unleashed over us 24/7/365.
Outside and industrial Noise pollution is another responsibility that BT has a responsibility to protect us from under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Soon, many may well be troubled by low frequency noise or hum and no doubt be contacting the environmental health department at Kennet for help in order to simply sleep at night. The inspector states that noise levels generated by equipment must not exceed 10db(A) above the background noise level when measured at the boundary of adjoining properties (which means that to comply fully, the generated noise level would need to fluctuate with the background noise level). But, when is background noise to be measured? At night it is very quiet, in daytime the lorries can be extremely loud. If it were measured above this level, then the noise from equipment could be very loud at night, much above 10db(A) allowed by the inspector. The inspector’s decision could be challenged on these grounds alone as it is not quantifiable and is open to abuse by the equipment operators.
So much research is now available to support evidence of potential health issues that I believe it is irresponsible to allow this development to proceed. Everyone has been warned of potential risks, from tumors to cataracts and the decreased night time production of Nocturnal Melatonin and to ignore such advice brings the prospect of legal proceedings against Operators, Landowners, in this case BT and Planning Authorities ever nearer.
One company, BT, is in a position to halt this particular development. But to do so would mean going against BT’s policy as stated below:
‘In November 2000, BT and Crown Castle UK entered into an agreement to provide infrastructure to 3G mobile and wireless operators. This should enable us to receive significant rental income through the development of the roof-space and surroundings of, initially, 4,000 of our exchange buildings. The programme has the potential to be extended to cover all of our operational buildings. Agreements have been signed with three of the 3G licence holders, including BT Wireless, for use of the combined BT and Crown Castle portfolio’.
It appears that the above policy is based purely upon generating revenue and that 4,000 exchanges will be used whatever their location. So much for the - ‘most suitable location for operational needs’ - as so often quoted in planning applications. BT is determined to put masts on its exchanges regardless of the views of neighbouring residents or their concern for their immediate environments.
Interestingly BT are keen to attract customers, remember the ‘Come back to BT adverts? You even have a policy: ‘BT Wireless’strategy is to attract and retain high-value customers and increase revenues per customer by positioning itself as a leader in the European mobile data market’. Well BT, in case it hasn’t dawned on you yet, we are your customers, and the customers of O2 and Hutchinson and all the other mobile phone operators. And, if you don’t treat your customers’ right, you loose them. Yes, we want mobile phone technology, but not at any cost. You would do well to listen to what people are saying in the countless communities that you are bullying up and down the country. Take heed before it is too late. Site phone masts in positions that people find acceptable and consider your neighbours. They have been good neighbours and customers to you over the years and in Marlborough t he local people have made their views known clearly. They do not want the mobile phone masts on the exchange.
BT could reverse its decision in this case and ask the operators to withdraw their application for a mast and suggest they use alternative sites on the edge of Marlborough. They could even move the telephone exchange to a more appropriate purpose built building with transmission facilities on the new industrial site in the town. The existing exchange could be sold off for housing development to provide revenue to fund the project. You could take the lead from the recent case in nearby Pewsey where "Reluctantly O2 have agreed to withdraw their application in order to satisfy community feeling." How much more respect the local community now have for that company and their brave decision than we currently have for BT in Marlborough.
In this case the inspector’s decision represents the slow death of democracy and possibly the death of many who live here. BT may soon find to their cost that ignoring their local neighbours will cost them more financially than the revenue from masts on a roof will ever generate.
Be the first reader to comment on this story
10:30 - 24 August 2005
A Planning inspector has overturned Stroud District Council's decision to oppose permission for a mobile phone mast at Thrupp.
Members of the public had applauded councillors when they rejected Vodafone's application for a 12-metre device in London Road on health and visual intrusion grounds. But five months on, an inspector has decided in favour of the mobile phone company's proposal.
Last year almost 40 householders logged protest letters with the council about the mast.
Mother Lynn Cain said people were really worried about the health implications of the radiation from the mast.
She was especially concerned because it was near Stroud General Hospital.
However, Inspector Ken Barton said Vodafone's pole and cabinets would be screened by trees and would be "integrated into the locality to some extent".
"Public views and vantage points are limited and people are only likely to get a fleeting view of it," said Mr Barton.
"It would have an insignificant impact on the character and appearance of the area."
On the issue of health, the inspector said he noted the "strong local feeling", particularly about the school 400 metres away and two homes 100 metres from the pole. But the proposal had been designed to comply with the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.
"PPG8 indicates that in these circumstances it should not be necessary to further consider the health aspects and concerns about them," he said.
The inspector's decision has been condemned by Green Party councillors as "undemocratic".
They said the mast and two equipment cabins would "blight" the London Road approach to Stroud.
"There has been enormous local opposition from Thrupp residents to this phone mast - no wonder people get disenchanted with democracy when the decision of local councillors and the opinions of local people are overridden by an unelected bureaucrat," said Coun Martin Whiteside.
"It seems that this Government and the Planning Inspectorate are only interested in the profits of big business, not the opinions of local people".
On behalf of Vodafone, Jane Frapwell said the company planned to keep visual intrusion from the mast to a minimum.
"We are well aware that this is a conservation area and our obligations to make sure we reduce and visual impact and to provide a service locally," she said.
"This installation is a roadside slim pole which is designed to blend in with existing street furniture.
"In terms of health we recognise that some people do have concerns but we take our lead from expert international bodies such as the World Health Organisation which has said that within the guideline levels there is no evidence of any adverse health effect from radio base stations.
Omega this statement is plain and simple not true. See further under: http://omega.twoday.net/stories/771911/
"They are very low powered and provide a very local service."
David Corker, from Stroud District Council, said the authority would not incur any costs from the planning appeal because it was dealt with through written representations.
--------
Thanks to whoever posted this...
I have replied to the newspaper in Stoud with the following:
I would like to let the good people of Stroud know that they are not alone! This sad state of affairs is happening all over the UK and has indeed two weeks ago happened at Marlborough in Wiltshire. Marlborough is very similar to Stroud, both are delightful little old English rural market towns, full of historic and listed buildings set in beautiful surroundings and within or around conservation areas and ANOB’s. Like the people of Stroud, the residents of Marlborough would like to keep it that way. But no, the telecommunications giants are walking all over the UK, crushing us underfoot and changing the very nature and traditions of all that we hold dear.
Below are a few thoughts to encourage Stroud to fight on; why should we have all this equipment and environmental pollution imposed upon us against our wishes, putting the needs of the operator before our own? In our case the real culprit is BT who want to put these masts on their exchange roof against the wishes of their customers who live around it. At the end of the day, we are all the customers of these phone companies and they would do well to remember the power that we have - if only it were coordinated effectively…
We too feel the despair that Stroud must be feeling right now. We have thanked the regulatory committee for everything that they have done to support the people of Marlborough during the last three years. We have been constantly supported by our Town Councilors and by the Regulatory Planning Committee and are very grateful that they rejected permission, even though loosing an appeal will cost Kennet financially. I am sure that they are as dismayed by the decision as we are. We have written to ask them if the planning authority is prepared to challenge this decision in the High Court on behalf of those in Marlborough, on the grounds that this decision wasn't right, backing up their previous stance on the matter. We do not have the funds to take this to the High Court ourselves and so the bullying telecommunication company tactics win.
Naturally, I along with many of the residents living here, are devastated that this development can now proceed in our midst. Many firmly believe that the radiation from these structures is likely to cause health problems and illnesses in the future and simply do not agree with the comments made by the Inspector in the appeal decision and we have written to tell them so. There is much evidence being published regularly by various bodies but this Government chooses to ignore such findings.
Neither are many local residents in agreement with the views made by the Inspector - that in his opinion - the visual impact will be of an acceptable level and would not have a detrimental impact on the settings of listed buildings. We clearly will be subjected to these eyesores everyday. We asked whether the Planning Committee agrees with the inspector that this development will comply with Policies HH5, HH8, NR8, PPS7 and PPG8?
Despite numerous concerns raised by local residents in their objection letters only the two points seem to have been addressed: visual impact and health risks. No reference is made to concerns such as vehicular access and increased traffic to the site, economic impacts such as devalued property and the impact on local schools and impact of those families moving away are ignored. Neither is the issue of setting a precedent for all future telecommunication equipment in this location and that impact on Policy NR8 given any consideration.
Given that Kennet District Council has an obligation to protect the environment on our behalf, we have strongly urged that this decision should be challenged by the Council in order to comply with Article 130r of the European Treaties Act, which actively requires the protection of the environment, following a precautionary approach, preventing any type of environmental pollution at source. Kennet has a responsibility to provide a safe environment for those with disabilities and that includes the 15 - 25% of the population known to suffer with chemical and/or electromagnetic sensitivities who can experience debilitating reactions from exposure to extremely low levels of common chemicals such as pesticides, cleaning products, fragrances, and remodeling activities, and from electromagnetic fields emitted by computers, cell phones, and other electrical equipment. At present we have a choice about whether to use such products and devices in our homes but we will have no choice about the microwave irradiation about to be unleashed over us 24/7/365.
Outside and industrial noise pollution is another responsibility that Kennet has to protect us from under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Soon, many may well be troubled by low frequency noise or hum and no doubt be contacting the environmental health department at Kennet for help in order to simply sleep at night. The inspector states that noise levels generated by equipment must not exceed 10db(A) above the background noise level when measured at the boundary of adjoining properties (which means that to comply fully, the generated noise level would need to fluctuate with the background noise level). But, when is background noise to be measured? At night it is very quiet, in daytime the lorries can be extremely loud. If it were measured above this level, then the noise from equipment could be very loud at night, much above 10db(A) allowed by the inspector. The inspector’s decision could be challenged on these grounds alone as it is not quantifiable and is open to abuse by the equipment operators.
So much research is now available to support evidence of potential health issues that I believe it is irresponsible to allow this development to proceed. Everyone has been warned of potential risks, from tumors to cataracts and the decreased nighttime production of Nocturnal Melatonin and to ignore such advice brings the prospect of legal proceedings against Operators, Landowners and Planning Authorities ever nearer. The local people have made their views known clearly. The inspector’s decision represents the slow death of democracy and possibly the death of many who live in Marlborough, and, unfortunately, it would seem in Stroud too.
Pete
--------
Thanks, Sandi.... I am very grateful that you take the time to keep us all informed... I totally agree with you about consumer power. I haven't bought a 3g phone but sadly others do. We need to coordinate targeted boycots to become effective. Like Greenpeace did for example over the price of petrol and they encouraged people not to buy certain brands of petrol to send a message. We could sugggest people boycot a particular operator to make them listen. Or we could praise ones like O2 who have just listened to people at Pewsey, Wiltshire. I'll post the article as it may be a way forward for others. I'd like to see all the groups working together with one voice - thanks for the 'Voice of the People of the UK' info - I didn't know about that.
--------
Praise an operator? Not me, Pete! If an operator withdrew it would be for self-interested reasons, not out of consideration for the people. If they did consider the people, masts would not be insensitively sited and our human rights wouldn't be trampled into the dust and clouds of emissions!
Sandi
--------
You're right of couse, Sandi, silly me!!! Whatever was I thinking of? Just read '02 jumps in for the kill'
Pete
--------
Well, I was inclined to try to see the best in situations and people before I met my first TETRA mast, but after my initial "baptism by fire" I became more realistic and realised that there are tiddlers and killer sharks, and puppy dogs and wild dogs!
Sandi
--------
Dear Pete,
I post news articles when I have the time, so that you can all see what it going on in other parts of the country. I also add comments on these articles sometimes to try to inform people. This is the one I posted for Stroud:
As SWCoord and Director of Advisory Services for http://www.mastsanity.org, a voluntary organisation with charity status which offers free advice and support for anyone with mast queries or problems, I can confirm that the feelings of the people of Stoud are mirrored across the UK.
All areas are concerned and indignant about the loss of amenity and the way the wishes of residents are being overridden in the phone masts issue.
It is particularly worrying that these masts are now intruding upon conservation areas and areas of outstanding natural beauty because PPG8 - Planning Policy, Environmental Considerations para 16 clearly states:
"In accordance with PPG7 high priority should be given to the need to safeguard areas of particular environmental importance. In National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty proposals should be sensitively designed and sited and the developer must demonstrate that there are no suitable alternative locations."
That there are health concerns to be consider is abundantly clear from the calls Mast Sanity receives on the advice line (08704 322 377 Mon to fri 1pm to 8pm).
Communities across the UK are unhappy that no meaningful research is being carried out in this country, as it is abroad.
Mast Sanity advises that people should contact their MPs if they are concerned, to ask them to back all calls for planning changes in line with a more sensitive and sensible siting of these masts.
Sandi Lawrence
I am also finding that communites are begining to join forces with other groups in their area to build a more formidable resistance, and to pack more power.
In some areas, six weekly peaceful protests are to be held to raise awareness of the discontent of the people.
Copies of the "Voice of the People of the UK" letter are being distributed for individuals or campaign groups to send to Government departments. A copy can be obtained by email from Redsunset37@aol.com
The other way of making your views known is by not buying 3G phones. If no one bought them, there would be no need for the masts!
Sandi
--------
Thanks, Sandi.... I am very grateful that you take the time to keep us all informed... I totally agree with you about consumer power. I haven't bought a 3g phone but sadly others do. We need to coordinate targeted boycots to become effective. Like Greenpeace did for example over the price of petrol and they encouraged people not to buy certain brands of petrol to send a message. We could sugggest people boycot a particular operator to make them listen. Or we could praise ones like O2 who have just listened to people at Pewsey, Wiltshire. I'll post the article as it may be a way forward for others. I'd like to see all the groups working together with one voice - thanks for the 'Voice of the People of the UK' info - I didn't know about that.
I have printed below a letter which I am sending to BT about the Marlborough BT Telephone Exchange masts.
Regards, Pete.
Naturally, I along with many of the residents living here, are devastated that this development can now proceed in our midst. Many firmly believe that the radiation from these structures is likely to cause health problems and illnesses in the future and simply do not agree with the comment made by the Inspector in point 11 of the appeal decision. There is much evidence being published regularly by various bodies but this Government chooses to ignore such findings.
Neither are many local residents in agreement with the views made by the Inspector in points 6 and 7. In his opinion the visual impact will be of an acceptable level and would not have a detrimental impact on the settings of listed buildings. We clearly will be subjected to these eyesores everyday.
Despite numerous concerns raised by local residents in their objection letters only the above two points seem to have been addressed. No reference is made to concerns such as vehicular access and increased traffic to the site, economic impacts such as devalued property and the impact on local schools and impact of those families moving away are ignored. Neither is the issue of setting a precedent for all future telecommunication equipment in this location and that impact on Policy NR8 given any consideration.
Is BT aware of its responsibility to comply with Article 130r of the European Treaties Act, which actively requires the protection of the environment, following a precautionary approach, preventing any type of environmental pollution at source? Has BT considered those with disabilities who live nearby, including the 15 - 25% of the population known to suffer with chemical and/or electromagnetic sensitivities who can experience debilitating reactions from exposure to extremely low levels of common chemicals such as pesticides, cleaning products, fragrances, and from electromagnetic fields emitted by computers, cell phones, and other electrical equipment. At present we do have a choice about whether to use such products and devices in our homes but we will have no choice about the microwave irradiation about to be unleashed over us 24/7/365.
Outside and industrial Noise pollution is another responsibility that BT has a responsibility to protect us from under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Soon, many may well be troubled by low frequency noise or hum and no doubt be contacting the environmental health department at Kennet for help in order to simply sleep at night. The inspector states that noise levels generated by equipment must not exceed 10db(A) above the background noise level when measured at the boundary of adjoining properties (which means that to comply fully, the generated noise level would need to fluctuate with the background noise level). But, when is background noise to be measured? At night it is very quiet, in daytime the lorries can be extremely loud. If it were measured above this level, then the noise from equipment could be very loud at night, much above 10db(A) allowed by the inspector. The inspector’s decision could be challenged on these grounds alone as it is not quantifiable and is open to abuse by the equipment operators.
So much research is now available to support evidence of potential health issues that I believe it is irresponsible to allow this development to proceed. Everyone has been warned of potential risks, from tumors to cataracts and the decreased night time production of Nocturnal Melatonin and to ignore such advice brings the prospect of legal proceedings against Operators, Landowners, in this case BT and Planning Authorities ever nearer.
One company, BT, is in a position to halt this particular development. But to do so would mean going against BT’s policy as stated below:
‘In November 2000, BT and Crown Castle UK entered into an agreement to provide infrastructure to 3G mobile and wireless operators. This should enable us to receive significant rental income through the development of the roof-space and surroundings of, initially, 4,000 of our exchange buildings. The programme has the potential to be extended to cover all of our operational buildings. Agreements have been signed with three of the 3G licence holders, including BT Wireless, for use of the combined BT and Crown Castle portfolio’.
It appears that the above policy is based purely upon generating revenue and that 4,000 exchanges will be used whatever their location. So much for the - ‘most suitable location for operational needs’ - as so often quoted in planning applications. BT is determined to put masts on its exchanges regardless of the views of neighbouring residents or their concern for their immediate environments.
Interestingly BT are keen to attract customers, remember the ‘Come back to BT adverts? You even have a policy: ‘BT Wireless’strategy is to attract and retain high-value customers and increase revenues per customer by positioning itself as a leader in the European mobile data market’. Well BT, in case it hasn’t dawned on you yet, we are your customers, and the customers of O2 and Hutchinson and all the other mobile phone operators. And, if you don’t treat your customers’ right, you loose them. Yes, we want mobile phone technology, but not at any cost. You would do well to listen to what people are saying in the countless communities that you are bullying up and down the country. Take heed before it is too late. Site phone masts in positions that people find acceptable and consider your neighbours. They have been good neighbours and customers to you over the years and in Marlborough t he local people have made their views known clearly. They do not want the mobile phone masts on the exchange.
BT could reverse its decision in this case and ask the operators to withdraw their application for a mast and suggest they use alternative sites on the edge of Marlborough. They could even move the telephone exchange to a more appropriate purpose built building with transmission facilities on the new industrial site in the town. The existing exchange could be sold off for housing development to provide revenue to fund the project. You could take the lead from the recent case in nearby Pewsey where "Reluctantly O2 have agreed to withdraw their application in order to satisfy community feeling." How much more respect the local community now have for that company and their brave decision than we currently have for BT in Marlborough.
In this case the inspector’s decision represents the slow death of democracy and possibly the death of many who live here. BT may soon find to their cost that ignoring their local neighbours will cost them more financially than the revenue from masts on a roof will ever generate.
Starmail - 25. Aug, 16:32
End the War on Iraq
"I'm coming back to Crawford for my son. As long as the president, who sent him to die in a senseless war, is in Crawford, that is where I belong. I came here two and a half weeks ago for one reason, to try and see the president and get an answer to a very simple question: What is the noble cause that he says my son died for?" - Cindy Crawford
1. Cindy Returns to Crawford!
Cindy Sheehan will return to Camp Casey in Crawford Texas this evening! Get ready for big events there tomorrow, Friday, and over the weekend. If you can go to Crawford, now is the time. If not, pitch a tent in a prominent location in your community, make some signs, and create your own Camp Casey!
http://www.meetwithcindy.org
2. Cindy Denounces Bush's Smokescreen
George Bush in Idaho on Tuesday:
"I think those who advocate immediate withdrawal from not only Iraq but the Middle East are advocating a policy that would weaken the United States."
Cindy's reply:
"This is the biggest smokescreen from him yet. I didn't ask him to withdraw the troops; I asked him, what 'noble cause' Casey died for. I am still waiting for one of the press corps to ask him that. I am still waiting for that answer.
First, we were told WMDs -- false. Then we were told Saddam=Osama -- false. Then we were told Saddam was a bad man to his own people and we had to get rid of him -- he's gone. Then we were told the Iraqi people had to have elections -- they did. Now we are spreading 'freedom and democracy' but we are building 14 permanent bases, some the size of Sacramento, California. To me that indicates that we are spreading the cancer of imperialism and usurping THEIR natural resources."
http://www.buzzflash.com/contributors/05/08/con05300.html
3. It's Time to Demand More Polls on Impeaching Bush
On June 30, a Zogby poll found 42% of Americans said "if it is found that President Bush did not tell the truth about his reasons for going to war with Iraq, Congress should hold him accountable through impeachment." At the time, Bush's approval rating was just 43%. Since then, Bush's approval has dropped even lower - down to 36%.
It's time for other pollsters to follow up on the Zogby Poll and to ask about impeaching George Bush. We've collected all the e-mail addresses you need to contact them.
http://www.democrats.com/bush-impeachment-polls
4. An Open Letter to Rep. Nancy Pelosi on Presidential Accountability and Impeachment from Bob Fertik
Dear Representative Pelosi,
Thank you for your letter requesting a contribution to elect a Democratic Congress in 2006 to "hold the President accountable." This is a cause that I, and millions of Americans, wholeheartedly support. But I write to differ strongly with you on exactly how to "hold the President accountable."
It is true that Democrats in Congress cannot impeach George Bush (and Dick Cheney, who shares full responsibility with George Bush) by themselves.
But Democrats can introduce Articles of Impeachment and thereby put the issue of accountability squarely before the Republican majority - and the American people.
Read more:
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/2083
5. Rep. Woolsey Plans Iraq Exit Strategy Hearings and Rally in D.C. on September 15
Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey has for months requested official bipartisan hearings on an exit strategy for Iraq , but has been blocked by Republican committee chairs. This week she announced unofficial hearings to be held on Capitol Hill on September 15.
The After Downing Street Coalition, Democrats.com, Progressive Democrats of America, Peace Action, and Code Pink will sponsor a rally in Lafayette Square Park , across from the White House, at 5 p.m. ET on September 15. Members of Gold Star Families for Peace, Military Families Speak Out, Veterans for Peace, and Iraq Veterans Against the War have been invited to speak.
Read this op-ed by Congresswoman Woolsey: http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/2008
6. Sign and Promote the Petition for an Exit Strategy from Iraq
Last week, two organizations seeking an end to the Iraq War began collecting signatures on a petition to Congress calling for an exit strategy. Thus far over 13,000 signatures have been collected on the websites of Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) and Peace Action. The petition, whose chief author is PDA Cofounder Tom Hayden, can be read at http://www.pdamerica.org or http://www.peace-action.org . It will be delivered to members of Congress on September 15. A growing number of orgaizations are promoting the petition, including: After Downing Street, National Organization for Women (NOW), Democrats.com, Women's Action for New Directions, Peace Majority, and others.
Use this logo to link to the petition from your website:
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/images/petition.jpg
7. Call Your Representative to Support Barbara Lee's Resolution of Inquiry There are now 52 co-sponsors on Barbara Lee's Resolution of Inquiry on Downing Street Memos
http://www.house.gov/lee/roi/roi.htm. If your Representative isn't on this list yet, please call their D.C. office and ask to speak to the Legislative Director. Ask why they haven't cosponsored HRes375, and then report back to us:
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/1887
8. September 24-26 - Mark Your Calendar!
September 24-26: End the War on Iraq !
Three Days of Peace & Justice Actions in Washington , D.C.
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/septmobe
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=impeach
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Downing+Street+Memo
1. Cindy Returns to Crawford!
Cindy Sheehan will return to Camp Casey in Crawford Texas this evening! Get ready for big events there tomorrow, Friday, and over the weekend. If you can go to Crawford, now is the time. If not, pitch a tent in a prominent location in your community, make some signs, and create your own Camp Casey!
http://www.meetwithcindy.org
2. Cindy Denounces Bush's Smokescreen
George Bush in Idaho on Tuesday:
"I think those who advocate immediate withdrawal from not only Iraq but the Middle East are advocating a policy that would weaken the United States."
Cindy's reply:
"This is the biggest smokescreen from him yet. I didn't ask him to withdraw the troops; I asked him, what 'noble cause' Casey died for. I am still waiting for one of the press corps to ask him that. I am still waiting for that answer.
First, we were told WMDs -- false. Then we were told Saddam=Osama -- false. Then we were told Saddam was a bad man to his own people and we had to get rid of him -- he's gone. Then we were told the Iraqi people had to have elections -- they did. Now we are spreading 'freedom and democracy' but we are building 14 permanent bases, some the size of Sacramento, California. To me that indicates that we are spreading the cancer of imperialism and usurping THEIR natural resources."
http://www.buzzflash.com/contributors/05/08/con05300.html
3. It's Time to Demand More Polls on Impeaching Bush
On June 30, a Zogby poll found 42% of Americans said "if it is found that President Bush did not tell the truth about his reasons for going to war with Iraq, Congress should hold him accountable through impeachment." At the time, Bush's approval rating was just 43%. Since then, Bush's approval has dropped even lower - down to 36%.
It's time for other pollsters to follow up on the Zogby Poll and to ask about impeaching George Bush. We've collected all the e-mail addresses you need to contact them.
http://www.democrats.com/bush-impeachment-polls
4. An Open Letter to Rep. Nancy Pelosi on Presidential Accountability and Impeachment from Bob Fertik
Dear Representative Pelosi,
Thank you for your letter requesting a contribution to elect a Democratic Congress in 2006 to "hold the President accountable." This is a cause that I, and millions of Americans, wholeheartedly support. But I write to differ strongly with you on exactly how to "hold the President accountable."
It is true that Democrats in Congress cannot impeach George Bush (and Dick Cheney, who shares full responsibility with George Bush) by themselves.
But Democrats can introduce Articles of Impeachment and thereby put the issue of accountability squarely before the Republican majority - and the American people.
Read more:
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/2083
5. Rep. Woolsey Plans Iraq Exit Strategy Hearings and Rally in D.C. on September 15
Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey has for months requested official bipartisan hearings on an exit strategy for Iraq , but has been blocked by Republican committee chairs. This week she announced unofficial hearings to be held on Capitol Hill on September 15.
The After Downing Street Coalition, Democrats.com, Progressive Democrats of America, Peace Action, and Code Pink will sponsor a rally in Lafayette Square Park , across from the White House, at 5 p.m. ET on September 15. Members of Gold Star Families for Peace, Military Families Speak Out, Veterans for Peace, and Iraq Veterans Against the War have been invited to speak.
Read this op-ed by Congresswoman Woolsey: http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/2008
6. Sign and Promote the Petition for an Exit Strategy from Iraq
Last week, two organizations seeking an end to the Iraq War began collecting signatures on a petition to Congress calling for an exit strategy. Thus far over 13,000 signatures have been collected on the websites of Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) and Peace Action. The petition, whose chief author is PDA Cofounder Tom Hayden, can be read at http://www.pdamerica.org or http://www.peace-action.org . It will be delivered to members of Congress on September 15. A growing number of orgaizations are promoting the petition, including: After Downing Street, National Organization for Women (NOW), Democrats.com, Women's Action for New Directions, Peace Majority, and others.
Use this logo to link to the petition from your website:
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/images/petition.jpg
7. Call Your Representative to Support Barbara Lee's Resolution of Inquiry There are now 52 co-sponsors on Barbara Lee's Resolution of Inquiry on Downing Street Memos
http://www.house.gov/lee/roi/roi.htm. If your Representative isn't on this list yet, please call their D.C. office and ask to speak to the Legislative Director. Ask why they haven't cosponsored HRes375, and then report back to us:
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/1887
8. September 24-26 - Mark Your Calendar!
September 24-26: End the War on Iraq !
Three Days of Peace & Justice Actions in Washington , D.C.
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/septmobe
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=impeach
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Downing+Street+Memo
Starmail - 25. Aug, 16:28
NUCLEAR CLASS CATACLYSM: FISH ARE DYING EVERYWHERE
Starmail - 25. Aug, 16:23
Mast plan thrown out
Sunderland Echo
PLANS to put up 50ft mobile telephone mast in the grounds of one of Sunderland's biggest landmarks have been rejected.
Communications giant T-Mobile, which employs about 1,000 people at its Doxford Park centre, lodged the idea of a mobile mast in the grounds of Sunderland Minster in June and was ready to pay church authorities rent for using the land, though no fee was agreed.
The company said the mast – that would have been made to look like a flagpole – was necessary for the new 3G technology that allows video conferencing between users. It had mapped the city centre and plumped on the minster’s ground as the best location.
City planners said, however, the mast would be “detrimental” to views around the listed building and its conservation area around the minster.
But Canon Stephen Taylor, of Sunderland Minster, today defended the mast plans. He said: “The minster did not think there was a concern over the visual impact and nobody had ever brought that up so it is something of a surprise, I suppose it could have interrupted views of the hotel.”
T-Mobile wanted to put the mast next to steps leading into the minster’s grounds and the reception aerials and antennas would have been inside. The company believed the mast would also have been screened by trees.
Mr Taylor added: “If we are going to have 3G technology then people need to be near a mast and there will need to be one in the city centre. It will now be be up to T-Mobile to look elsewhere.”
Planning officers in their decision said the company’s plan went against planning guidelines on conservation areas, plus building in parks and next to trees.
One2One at Doxford Park was taken over by T-Mobile and last year it wanted to put a mast up the steeple at St George’s United Reformed Church in Belvedere Road – one of the most prominent landmarks on the city’s skyline.
That was rejected in a consultation exercise with neighbours before any plan was lodged with the city council.
T-Mobile was unavailable for comment.
24 August 2005
PLANS to put up 50ft mobile telephone mast in the grounds of one of Sunderland's biggest landmarks have been rejected.
Communications giant T-Mobile, which employs about 1,000 people at its Doxford Park centre, lodged the idea of a mobile mast in the grounds of Sunderland Minster in June and was ready to pay church authorities rent for using the land, though no fee was agreed.
The company said the mast – that would have been made to look like a flagpole – was necessary for the new 3G technology that allows video conferencing between users. It had mapped the city centre and plumped on the minster’s ground as the best location.
City planners said, however, the mast would be “detrimental” to views around the listed building and its conservation area around the minster.
But Canon Stephen Taylor, of Sunderland Minster, today defended the mast plans. He said: “The minster did not think there was a concern over the visual impact and nobody had ever brought that up so it is something of a surprise, I suppose it could have interrupted views of the hotel.”
T-Mobile wanted to put the mast next to steps leading into the minster’s grounds and the reception aerials and antennas would have been inside. The company believed the mast would also have been screened by trees.
Mr Taylor added: “If we are going to have 3G technology then people need to be near a mast and there will need to be one in the city centre. It will now be be up to T-Mobile to look elsewhere.”
Planning officers in their decision said the company’s plan went against planning guidelines on conservation areas, plus building in parks and next to trees.
One2One at Doxford Park was taken over by T-Mobile and last year it wanted to put a mast up the steeple at St George’s United Reformed Church in Belvedere Road – one of the most prominent landmarks on the city’s skyline.
That was rejected in a consultation exercise with neighbours before any plan was lodged with the city council.
T-Mobile was unavailable for comment.
24 August 2005
Starmail - 25. Aug, 16:19
We woke up and found mast at our window
OldhamAdvertiser
RESIDENTS of a street were caught unawares as they woke to find a 50ft mobile phone mast had been installed metres away from their bedroom windows.
People living on Berkerley Street, whose houses back onto the Sandy Mill, say they were not informed that the mast would be erected.
One resident, Michelle Shaw, said: “There was digging and I thought work had started to demolish the mill but we got up on Tuesday morning and the mast was there.
“We haven’t received any letters and no-one’s told us anything. What really concerns us is the health issues, we are worried at what it’s going to do. It’s right in our faces, only about 10 metres away from the back door. We have had no chance to object or protest against it. We are all very upset and disgusted that we were given no warning.”
Royton South councillor Jill Read said: “If they had the courtesy to contact and reassure the residents about the health issues and that it is only temporary, they wouldn’t be so upset. It’s just bad public relations.”
The Orange mast has been put up as a temporary measure to replace the masts on top of Sandy Mill which is set for demolition later in the year.
A spokesman for Orange said: “I would like to apologise on behalf of Orange for any inconvenience caused and would like to stress that this is only a temporary measure for six months.”
First published by the Oldham Advertiser
RESIDENTS of a street were caught unawares as they woke to find a 50ft mobile phone mast had been installed metres away from their bedroom windows.
People living on Berkerley Street, whose houses back onto the Sandy Mill, say they were not informed that the mast would be erected.
One resident, Michelle Shaw, said: “There was digging and I thought work had started to demolish the mill but we got up on Tuesday morning and the mast was there.
“We haven’t received any letters and no-one’s told us anything. What really concerns us is the health issues, we are worried at what it’s going to do. It’s right in our faces, only about 10 metres away from the back door. We have had no chance to object or protest against it. We are all very upset and disgusted that we were given no warning.”
Royton South councillor Jill Read said: “If they had the courtesy to contact and reassure the residents about the health issues and that it is only temporary, they wouldn’t be so upset. It’s just bad public relations.”
The Orange mast has been put up as a temporary measure to replace the masts on top of Sandy Mill which is set for demolition later in the year.
A spokesman for Orange said: “I would like to apologise on behalf of Orange for any inconvenience caused and would like to stress that this is only a temporary measure for six months.”
First published by the Oldham Advertiser
Starmail - 25. Aug, 16:17
Vietnam and Iraq, the Heartland Experience
Starmail - 25. Aug, 16:14
Will Colleges Respect Your Child's Rights?
Starmail - 25. Aug, 16:13
Give Us the Answers
http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig6/stokes1.html
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 25. Aug, 16:12
Robertson Is Wrong, But So Are Most of His Detractors
Starmail - 25. Aug, 16:10
Regime-Change Reverend Has Pistol Plan for Peace
Starmail - 25. Aug, 16:09
The Pentagon Dishonors VMI’s New Market Heroes
Starmail - 25. Aug, 16:08
Lessons (of Vietnam)? We Don’t Need No Lessons
Starmail - 25. Aug, 16:06
Terror, Utopianism and the Politicization of Science
Starmail - 25. Aug, 16:03
CINDY SHEEHAN'S LATE-NIGHT CAMP CASEY COMMENTS TO SUPPORTERS
The Brad Blog
August 24, 2005
http://www.bradblog.com/archives/00001756.htm
Following Joan Baez' performance, Cindy Sheehan made her first public statements since returning to Camp Casey in Crawford, TX.
She spoke about the media attacks on her, and at length about Casey. Both moving and at times, funny.
As broadcast LIVE Exclusively on The BRAD SHOW via RAW RADIO's Special Edition of "Operation Noble Cause". Here's the MP3:
http://tinyurl.com/9eumv
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 25. Aug, 16:00
Kp Index “Off the Scale”; Warnings Sent Out
August 24th 2005
EARTH CHANGES TV NEWSLETTER
Kp Index “Off the Scale”; Warnings Sent Out
by Mitch Battros – ECTV
Earlier today, severe solar storms hit the Earth’s magnetic field. This was so powerful; warnings were immediately issued to the FAA to warn all high flying aircraft, all major power companies for possible power grid failures, NASA to alert the International Space Station and all commercial satellites, and the USAF for all military satellites and weaponry.
Kp Index: http://www.sec.noaa.gov/rt_plots/kp_3d.html
New (4th) M-Class Flare: http://www.sec.noaa.gov/rt_plots/xray_5mBL.html
Watch for severe and “freak storms” to occur within the next 24 to 48 hours. Watch for rapid temperature shifts, straight-line winds, wind shears, micro-burst, and tornadoes.
Equation:
Sunspots => Solar Flares => Magnetic Field Shift => Shifting Ocean and Jet Stream Currents => Extreme Weather and Human Disruption (mitch battros)
EARTH CHANGES TV NEWSLETTER
Kp Index “Off the Scale”; Warnings Sent Out
by Mitch Battros – ECTV
Earlier today, severe solar storms hit the Earth’s magnetic field. This was so powerful; warnings were immediately issued to the FAA to warn all high flying aircraft, all major power companies for possible power grid failures, NASA to alert the International Space Station and all commercial satellites, and the USAF for all military satellites and weaponry.
Kp Index: http://www.sec.noaa.gov/rt_plots/kp_3d.html
New (4th) M-Class Flare: http://www.sec.noaa.gov/rt_plots/xray_5mBL.html
Watch for severe and “freak storms” to occur within the next 24 to 48 hours. Watch for rapid temperature shifts, straight-line winds, wind shears, micro-burst, and tornadoes.
Equation:
Sunspots => Solar Flares => Magnetic Field Shift => Shifting Ocean and Jet Stream Currents => Extreme Weather and Human Disruption (mitch battros)
Starmail - 25. Aug, 15:58
There are 176 masts located near schools, homes and offices
THE location of hundreds of mobile phone masts in the borough can be revealed for the first time.
A POST investigation reveals that there are 176 masts located near schools, homes and offices.
Our research also reveals that several council accommodation blocks still have mobile phone masts on roofs.
The POST understands that the council is tied to lengthy contracts with the mobile phone giants which it can not break.
Many families are furious by our revelations but said they had no choice when it came to being allocated council housing.
Tory Chadwell Heath councillor Terry Justice has called for greater transparency when it comes to the siting of masts.
Mr Justice said: "Just because they rent doesn't mean that they don't have any say in terms of what's above them."
Old people's home Kilsby Walk in Lodge Avenue, Dagenham, has more than nine antennae on the roof.
In Dagenham alone, there are masts on Highview House, Laburnum House, Millard Terrace, Cadiz Court and Bassett House.
Our research also reveals that Sydney Russell School in Parsloes Avenue, Dagenham, has a mast just metres from the school gates.
Barking and Dagenham Council has refused to reveal how much it is being paid by the mobile phone giants to have masts on their properties. But a spokeswoman for pressure group Mast Sanity said that it could command upwards of £20,000 per year for each site.
The investigation also reveals how St Albans Church in Dagenham even has a mobile phone mast hidden in its bell tower.
Team Rector Ann Clarke said all the money received was ploughed back into the church.
Staff working at Barking and Dagenham Primary Care Trust's HQ will also be surprised to learn that there are more than 12 antennae on the roof.
Crown House, in Linton Road, Barking, Golds Gym in Rainham Road South, Dagenham, and Crown House in Linton Road, Barking, are other mast hotspots.
The rise in the number of masts in built-up area comes despite protests from campaigners and families living nearby.
Many are concerned about the possible health risks from the masts and the fact that masts have been linked to cases of leukaemia in children.
Only last week parents scored a rare victory against Vodafone's plans to put a mast just yards away from William Bellamy School.
A comprehensive study led by Sir William Stewart on behalf of the Government in 2002 looked into the possible health risks.
Although the study concluded that there were no proved general risks associated with living next to a mast, it called for a more "precautionary approach" to the siting of base stations.
We obtained a copy of the borough's telecommuncations register, which lists the location of every mast, under the recently introduced Freedom of Information Act.
The Act allows previously confidential documents to be made public.
A POST investigation reveals that there are 176 masts located near schools, homes and offices.
Our research also reveals that several council accommodation blocks still have mobile phone masts on roofs.
The POST understands that the council is tied to lengthy contracts with the mobile phone giants which it can not break.
Many families are furious by our revelations but said they had no choice when it came to being allocated council housing.
Tory Chadwell Heath councillor Terry Justice has called for greater transparency when it comes to the siting of masts.
Mr Justice said: "Just because they rent doesn't mean that they don't have any say in terms of what's above them."
Old people's home Kilsby Walk in Lodge Avenue, Dagenham, has more than nine antennae on the roof.
In Dagenham alone, there are masts on Highview House, Laburnum House, Millard Terrace, Cadiz Court and Bassett House.
Our research also reveals that Sydney Russell School in Parsloes Avenue, Dagenham, has a mast just metres from the school gates.
Barking and Dagenham Council has refused to reveal how much it is being paid by the mobile phone giants to have masts on their properties. But a spokeswoman for pressure group Mast Sanity said that it could command upwards of £20,000 per year for each site.
The investigation also reveals how St Albans Church in Dagenham even has a mobile phone mast hidden in its bell tower.
Team Rector Ann Clarke said all the money received was ploughed back into the church.
Staff working at Barking and Dagenham Primary Care Trust's HQ will also be surprised to learn that there are more than 12 antennae on the roof.
Crown House, in Linton Road, Barking, Golds Gym in Rainham Road South, Dagenham, and Crown House in Linton Road, Barking, are other mast hotspots.
The rise in the number of masts in built-up area comes despite protests from campaigners and families living nearby.
Many are concerned about the possible health risks from the masts and the fact that masts have been linked to cases of leukaemia in children.
Only last week parents scored a rare victory against Vodafone's plans to put a mast just yards away from William Bellamy School.
A comprehensive study led by Sir William Stewart on behalf of the Government in 2002 looked into the possible health risks.
Although the study concluded that there were no proved general risks associated with living next to a mast, it called for a more "precautionary approach" to the siting of base stations.
We obtained a copy of the borough's telecommuncations register, which lists the location of every mast, under the recently introduced Freedom of Information Act.
The Act allows previously confidential documents to be made public.
Starmail - 25. Aug, 15:55
Councillor seeks inquiry into mobile fears
I was incensed to read more pernicious rubbish in todays (25th Aug) edition of The Argus (Sussex wide) by long term Vice Chair of Brighton & Hove City Council Planning Committee Roy Pennington (not sure if he still is) who whilst in that responsible position always waved mast applications through whenever he had a casting vote. He also recommended to me that I read Adam Burgess when I challenged him about his stance several months ago.
Below are choice gems from the article. I think as many of us as possible should write to their letters page which is letters@theargus.co.uk . Remember The Argus is pretty strict about not publishing anything over 250 words. Full name & address must be given.
Regards
Gary
Brighton
Councillor seeks inquiry into mobile fears
Let's put an end to mast hysteria
A COUNCILLOR wants taxpayers money to be spent telling a sceptical public mobile phone masts are safe.
Labour Councillor Roy Pennington, who has outed himself as one of a small band of mast sympathisers on Brighton and Hove City Council, accused his colleagues of "low-level hypocrisy" for peddling hysteria about the unproven dangers of mobile phone masts to win votes. ...
..Coun Pennington said "We should look at why people have these concerns. Scientists have said there is no significant risk but people still feel there is and we should do something to allay fears"
"There is too much hysteria about mobile phone masts"
"Mobile phone masts are as safe as safe can be".
(etc)
--------
I sympathise Gary. My local counciller told me that at one of their council meetings a counciller got up at a meeting of planning and said 'I love my mobile 'phone and I want lots more masts'. Planning permission was given!!!!!!!!!!!!
sue g
--------
If anyone could please send a letter as suggested it would be a huge relief to me as I have spent years writing letters to The Argus about phone masts and still nobody appears to be taking much notice. I've sent one today - if others do the same it'll increase the chances of publication enormously.
BW
Gary
Brighton
--------
Date: Fri, 26 Aug 2005 12:54:12 +0100 (BST) From: fergusson sue Subject: Cllr. Pennington To: letters@theargus.co.uk
Dear Letters,
I am shocked at Cllr. Pennington's comments. Public outcry is based on the research of many independant scientists around the world, not the biased government funded scientists who advise this government. As he is convinced masts are safe, I wonder if he would pay the considerable medical bills for those affected by masts, like myself, and the huge compensation payments which will inevitably result from the governments' refusal to regulate the Mobile Phone Companies and protect the public from the now proven health effects?
susan fergusson, Hazel Grove, Cheshire SK7 4ER
--------
Quite a marathon of mails today over Cllr P!
So OK, I gave in and sent this letter, FYI:
Dear Sir
So Cllr Roy Pennington is sure that "masts are as safe as can be" [Letters, 25 August]? For someone who sounds so sure, this a rather vague assertion. Certainly, those like him who feel that the chief task is to allay people's fears should engage a little more, not necessarily with campaigners, but with some of the specific scientific concerns. A lot of "allaying" went on over lead water pipes, tobacco, asbestos and BSE, and we should remember that. It is no good blaming the quality of observational epidemiological studies whilst not putting in the money and research effort to doing them better. A number of substantial studies, albeit imperfect, give real cause for concern, whilst there have been no comparable epidemiological studies to indicate that there is no cause for concern. When we are talking about cancer and motor neurone disease after ten years exposure, this is a matter for far greater precaution than simply assuming the early effects are a psychological response.
Masts are not so ugly they make people feel ill! But it is material that if a mobile phone gives you headaches you can avoid using one, whilst with masts you have no choice. And even if the mere worry is stressful, there are few circumstances where such harassment is legitimate. Where people experience side-effects from prescription medicines we don't allay their fears and tell them to keep taking the pills.
The most telling observations lie with people who exhibit a commonality of symptoms of microwave sickness, whilst being unaware of the status of mobile masts around them. Psychosomatic accusations in these circumstances, as with similar effects on animals are quite misplaced. But what is more interesting by far, and surely a wake-up call, is that there are clear research results that point towards the reasons why masts have this effect.
Laboratory studies have shown that low level microwave radiation with the characteristics of mobile phone transmissions can affect the enzymes that maintain nitric oxide levels in the body, for example. The cumulative effects of chronic exposure to masts in this regard, are not part of the protection afforded by current safety certificates, and indeed much of this research postdates the setting of those guidelines. But since the effects involve neurotransmission and the control of free radicals, they cannot be taken lightly. A small initial biological effect rapidly cascades into a chain reaction health effect. And what is particularly intriguing is that disturbance of this simple molecule, nitric oxide, unites all the symptoms we see, all the way to the long-latency diseases appearing in the 10-year epidemiological studies.
What does "masts are as safe as they can be" now mean? Under what circumstances? Those of ignorance, or those of informed investigation? I don't think what I have outlined above is at all "hysterical". It is worthy of very calm consideration, because the implications of our growing electromagnetic pollution are truly immense.
yours faithfully
Andy Davidson
--------
Dear Andy
There are very few emails over Councillor Pennington - the title bar contains his name but the emails are on a different strand.
If only this was the end of Pennington - he's a very dangerous man.
Andy it's a great letter but I have sent many letters to The Argus and they NEVER publish anything over about 300 words. You may want to leave it as it is and risk it but if you have the time and patience I think it would be prudent to chop it down to 300 words max and resend it.
So far that's you, myself and Sue G. Could be in The Argus letters page any day next week.
BW Gary
--------
Dear Gary,
sorry for the delay – but here's one more to add to the list. Would like to know if it gets printed! Good luck and lots of best wishes!
Jenny
To the Editor of the Argus,
Sir,
Is Cllr Pennington a spokesperson for the mobile phone giants? His views that the technology is 'as safe as safe can be', are certainly not shared by eminent independent scientists worldwide, whose peer reviewed research shows that there are very grave risks, and we ignore them at our peril.
Phone users may accept the necessity for masts, but they should be in no doubt as to the potential risks involved with the technology (see the Mast Sanity website). Safety has never been proven, and Cllr Pennington’s remarks should reflect that fact, not cover it up. His personal view is irrelevant. The Government's own Chief Scientist, Sir William Stewart advises that children should not use mobiles at all, and no masts should be built near schools. If the country’s leading expert admits there are potential dangers, Cllr Pennington is failing in his public duty not to acknowledge that fact.
Despite this, Cllr Penninton seems to be doing the Operators' job for them. One assumes he is not being paid for doing so - but he is being paid to act responsibly on behalf of Brighton citizens. If he has a problem with that, perhaps he should consider his position.
Yours,
Jennifer Godschall Johnson
--------
Frans!
You don't know about the Russian findings in the 1930s? Their bombarding the office of the Ambassador, Walter J Stoessel in the American Embassy with radar in Tchaikovsky Street, Moscow for years ('60s - '70s) causing blood anomalies in children of staff, 40% raised white bloodcell count amongst many staff and the death of Stoessel and another member of staff of a 'leukaemia-like disease' after years of exposure to EMR
You haven't heard of the suffering of people in Schwarzenburg, Switzerland for years caused by the transmitter there form the 1930s until scientific tests proved that when the mast was ON, the levels of night time hormone melatonin was too low in both three herds of cows and the residents of Schwarzenburg and when it was OFF the levels were normal.
Melatonin takes over from the daytime ruling hormone serotonin which keeps us awake, whilst without melatonin we cannot go to sleep - this explains the usual symptom of chronic insomnia. Secondly, melatonin is responsible for triggering T-cells to kill off any cells which have mutated during the night - common sense says that if this does not happen, those who have a genetic tendecy to get cancer or benign tumours may possible suffer from this, and also some people without the genetic tendency.
Several pets near the mast in my village (14 - 140 metresdeveloped small growths on their paws (all dogs), one had this, and also growths on his neck - he died about a year after the mast was activated and also suffered vomiting and appetite loss (30m away). A dog 100 metres away has the growths removed regularly, I don't know if he has any other symptoms; another has the growths. A cat developed a tumour in its throat, vomiting, appetite loss; had the tumour removed; was never able to eat normally again and died last year.
Needless to say all the residents in the houses up to 100 metres from the mast have had symptoms e.g. chronic insomnia and headaches; vertigo and nausea; bloodshot sore eyes ( Walter Stoessel had 'bleeding' eyes); earache tinnnitus and hearing loss; those within 40m from the mast also suffered ulcerated mouths and throats with extreme thirst. 100 metres from the mast there are two cases of raised white bloodcell count (a symptom of Leukaemia) for which doctors can find no cause. I have asked residents here to have there blood checked, but only one has tried. She has been so ill that the hospital said she was not fit enough to have a bloodtest!
Yours
Gill Lyden
--------
Dear Gary,
Here is a copy of the letter I sent to the Argus when I saw your first request - I hope it helps.
Very sincerely,
Gill Lyden
Cllr Pennington is wrong
Datum: Sat, 27 Aug 2005 12:17:40 EDT
An: letters@theargus.co.uk
Dear Sirs,
This councillor is wrong. There is incontrovertible proof from the 1930s, 50s to 70s and the 1990s that ElectroMagnetic Radiofrequency (EMR) emissions and microwaves do cause damage to health.
The Soviets found damage to health amongst workers in the industry in the 30s from both microwaves and EMR. They also bombarded the office of the Ambassador in the Moscow American Embassy with low level emissions (1 to 4 microtesla, the American 'safe' level being 10 microtesla!) from 1960s to 70s, causing blood anomalies amongst the children of embassy staff; 40% raised white bloodcell count amongst many embassy staff including the Ambassador, Walter J.Stoessel who eventually died of a 'leukaemia-like' disease (he also suffered from bleeding eyes). See book: 'The Zapping of America@ by Paul Brodeur, Published in New York by W.W. Norton and co.
Yes, we are exposed to similar emissions from radio, TV, computer s etc, but these emissions are not pulsed and those from masts are pulsed at a rate close to our brain-waves and this is the problem.
Wherever masts have effects, these are the main symptoms found; chronic insomnia and headaches; earache, tinnitus and hearing loss; sore bloodshot eyes. Residents in my village, Kensworth, Beds. have suffered insomnia for almost 4 years since an Orange mast was erected 14 metres from their homes. Until recently Orange had the worst reputation, but 3G is now taking over. Tetra is also being devastating causing health problems amongst police officers using handsets in conjunction with the mast an also amongst residents livinf.near police stations.
No one will investigate in the homes where this is happening. Money is thrown away on tests in the laboratory when it is impossible to replicate the effects there due to the capricious nature of emissions with changes in wind direction, the differing terrain and the difference amongst positioning of homes to masts; bedooms to masts; differences in individuals (we all have different weaknesses) etc.
I attach a small quantity of the information I have found since being asked to represent people in Kensworth:
EMR Reduces Melatonin in Animals and People
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/619547/
Open letter to Edmund Stoiber, Prime Minister, Germany
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/838705/
Yours sincerely,
Parish Cllr. Mrs. G. Lyden.
172 Common Road, Kensworth, Dunstable, Beds LU6 2PH
Dear Sirs,
I forgot to say that I regard moblie phone technologe as a wonderful means of communication and enjoyment. I have used one since the 1980s and found it very reassuring to have a phone with me when on long journeys alone in my car (in case I became stranded if my car breaks down).
Since I have found out about the dangers, I never keep my phone turned on and only use it in emergencies. I used to get pains in my ear and neck when I spoke for hours to my friends and never hold long conversations now. I am reduced to short messages e.g. saying where I am and what the problem is (puncture or locked keys in car and where I am - 'Please help!).
I want to be able to use my phone in safety, but the government and Phone companies will not do anything about the health problems except talk about our 'concerns' and to concentrate on making as much money as possible before everyone realises the truth - that some people are being slowly killed by emissions from masts and that our childrens' health is in dire danger of being ruined.
Best regards
Clllr. Mrs. G. Lyden
--------
Dear Gill
Another excellent letter - that makes five. I never expected so many! However as I say The Argus is pretty crap re supporting peoples campaigns. Nothing today but it usually takes 3 - 5 working days for letters to go in. Do remember though that they usually won't publish over 250 words.
Councillor Pennington is dangerous - he should not be in the position he is saying the things he does.
BW
Gary
--------
If The Argus don't publish at least one of these I intend to do a piece including Councillor Penningtons remarks and extracts from everyones responses for a local radical newsletter with a comment that the Argus didn't publish any of them.
BW Gary
-------
You might remember that a few months ago T Mobile planned to roll out the first 16 of some estimated 90 3G masts in Brighton & Hove. As a result I went into overdrive copying my own leaflets and posting them through hundreds of letterboxes and found that several others had already started petitionning in the areas concerned. A few weeks later I read that several anti mast petitions had been submitted to B & H Council. The last few weeks appear to have gone quiet but I was pleased to learn that one of the masts near me had been rejected due to a petition. I don't know about the others but would guess at least some have also been rejected on the same grounds.
So that's good news. However as a Green Councillor on the planning committee told me recently, whenever the Council rejects a mast it risks an Inspector overturning the decision and fining the Council £17,000 and the Council is already bankrupt...
BW Gary
-------
I think we need to be very sure about this.
Firstly, a council can suffer a reduction in central government funding allocation as a result of 'losing' an excessive number of planning appeals. This reduction applies to all allowed appeals within a specified period and not merely those dealing with masts (which in fact will generally constitute only a small proportion of the total).
Secondly, the powers for an Inspector to levy a fine on a council simply do not exist. In the event of a refusal going to appeal and the appeal being dealt with via Public Inquiry (rather than Written Representation or Informal Hearing), either side, council or appellant, are at liberty to apply for a cost order to be made against the other on the grounds of 'unreasonable behaviour'. The operator will almost invariably submit such an application at the end of an Inquiry. If the Inspector finds that the council has behaved unreasonably (one example being that councillors refused an application against the professional advice of their planning officers) a cost order might well be awarded against the council. The operator then forwards a detailed account - if the council disputes the amount, the matter goes to independent arbitration for resolution. Cost orders of circa £100,000 are not uncommon.
I hope this explains things.
David Baron
--------
Hi All
Many thanks to everyone who sent letters to The Argus. I have reproduced the letters as published below (only mine, Andys and Sue F's unfortunately though occasionally The Argus publishes letters on the same theme 2 or 3 days later).
I'm sure I'm not alone in wishing that the letters editors would cease their unnecessary meddling with our letters. Not only has the Argus editor cut out most of Andys excellent letter (and a lot of Sues and a little bit of mine), but also taken the liberty of changing the wording and grammar - in my view in most cases unnecessarily and incorrectly. This it seems to me has resulted in all three letters losing a lot of their potential impact.
Anyway, as they appear..
BW Gary Brighton
Where is the proof that phone masts are safe?
Councillor Roy Penningtons assertions that mobile phone masts are safe (The Argus August 25) are extremely irresponsible.
There are now thousands of independent studies showing huge cumulative damage to health.
The recent four year Reflex study, conducted in seven EU countries, found irrefutable and widespread double strand DNA damage of the sort which causes cancer.
The long term Freiburger (40,000 signatories), IDEA, Lichtenfelser, Hofer, Bamberger, Santini, Helsinki, and Californian studies all detail widespread DNA damage, cancers, tumours, epilepsy, sleep disorders, increased cholesterol and blood pressure, blood clots and strokes from intensive exposure to masts and cell and DECT cordless phones.
They are pleading for the health effects of this technology to be taken very seriously.
Government and industry constantly quote ICNIRP compliance as assurance of safety for any mast, yet these International guidelines were formulated in 1998 solely by observing the immediate thermal effects on rats brains from twenty minutes of exposure.
They completely ignore the longer term pulsed microwaves, which independent researchers agree cause the damage. Eminent researcher Dr Neil Cherry said the safe level for microwave exposure was nil.
The currently unfurling 3G system is according to researcher Glynn Hughes, 30 times more powerful than the conventional network which is itself responsible for massive health damage.
Then you have microwave burglar alarms, baby monitors, and wireless laptop and local computer networks.
I have measured emissions throughout central Brighton and am extremely concerned.
As long term Vice Chair of Brighton & Hove City Council's planning committee, Councillor Pennington should be recommending a Committee to investigate the health effects of this technology.
(Me)
Research has shown there is a risk (feature letter)
Councillor Roy Pennington is sure that "masts are as safe as can be" [Letters, 25 August].
For someone who sounds so sure, this a rather vague assertion.
Those like him who feel that the chief task is to allay people's fears should engage a little more with some of the specific scientific concerns.
A lot of "allaying" went on over lead water pipes, tobacco, asbestos and BSE, and we should remember that. It is no good blaming the quality of observational epidemiological studies whilst not investing the money and effort to carry them out better.
A number of substantial studies, albeit imperfect, give real cause for concern, whilst there have been no comparable epidemiological studies to indicate that there is no cause for concern.
What does "masts are as safe as they can be" now mean? Under what circumstances? Those of ignorance, or those of informed investigation?
Andy Davidson
Big price to pay
I am shocked at Cllr. Pennington's comments. Public outcry is based on the research of many independant scientists around the world, not government funded ones.
As he is convinced masts are safe, I wonder if he would pay the considerable medical bills for those affected by masts, including myself, and the huge compensation payments which will inevitably result from the governments' refusal to regulate the mobile phone companies?
Susan Fergusson
--------
Hello Gary,
Just to let you know that the Argus contacted me and I think my letter will be printed - perhaps next week. Do let me know if it is. I thought mine might not have been used for the obvious reason that it puts Pennington personally and directly in a very in a bad light. I think it's important to do this, because when councillors come out with these things they cause a lot of damage and they must take personal responsibility for their actions. If this was the case there would be far fewer of them coming out with these appalling statements.
By the way, Les and I went down to Brighton yesterday (I was born and brought up there). What a fabulous place it is - if only it wasn't so terribly polluted with electrosmog. Almost everyone we saw was umbilically connected to their mobile. Even small children. I could have wept. As for me - I had a headache all day and couldn't eat. Couldn't wait to leave, which was so sad. Anyway, lots of best wishes - you're doing a great job down there.
Jenny
PS: As they seem to be printing most of our letters, do you think the Argus might be a having a change of heart? Nice thought!
--------
Hi Jenny
You bet I'll let you (and Gill) know if your letter gets published - I read the letters page every day.
They also cut my call for Pennington to lose his position. They always cut statements attacking Councillors & MPs whilst publicising their support for community projects etrc - nauseating.
The Argus just quotes news from the dailies. I think the editor is scared to make a firm stance on anything however obvious.
Interesting you felt ill all day - I never get this even in the most central areas of Brighton although I avoid them as much as possible nowadays because of the EMF pollution. I'm like an exile to the outskirts.
All the best
Gary
--------
http://omega.twoday.net/topics/Wissenschaft+zu+Mobilfunk/
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Cancer+Cluster
http://www.buergerwelle.de/body_science.html
Below are choice gems from the article. I think as many of us as possible should write to their letters page which is letters@theargus.co.uk . Remember The Argus is pretty strict about not publishing anything over 250 words. Full name & address must be given.
Regards
Gary
Brighton
Councillor seeks inquiry into mobile fears
Let's put an end to mast hysteria
A COUNCILLOR wants taxpayers money to be spent telling a sceptical public mobile phone masts are safe.
Labour Councillor Roy Pennington, who has outed himself as one of a small band of mast sympathisers on Brighton and Hove City Council, accused his colleagues of "low-level hypocrisy" for peddling hysteria about the unproven dangers of mobile phone masts to win votes. ...
..Coun Pennington said "We should look at why people have these concerns. Scientists have said there is no significant risk but people still feel there is and we should do something to allay fears"
"There is too much hysteria about mobile phone masts"
"Mobile phone masts are as safe as safe can be".
(etc)
--------
I sympathise Gary. My local counciller told me that at one of their council meetings a counciller got up at a meeting of planning and said 'I love my mobile 'phone and I want lots more masts'. Planning permission was given!!!!!!!!!!!!
sue g
--------
If anyone could please send a letter as suggested it would be a huge relief to me as I have spent years writing letters to The Argus about phone masts and still nobody appears to be taking much notice. I've sent one today - if others do the same it'll increase the chances of publication enormously.
BW
Gary
Brighton
--------
Date: Fri, 26 Aug 2005 12:54:12 +0100 (BST) From: fergusson sue Subject: Cllr. Pennington To: letters@theargus.co.uk
Dear Letters,
I am shocked at Cllr. Pennington's comments. Public outcry is based on the research of many independant scientists around the world, not the biased government funded scientists who advise this government. As he is convinced masts are safe, I wonder if he would pay the considerable medical bills for those affected by masts, like myself, and the huge compensation payments which will inevitably result from the governments' refusal to regulate the Mobile Phone Companies and protect the public from the now proven health effects?
susan fergusson, Hazel Grove, Cheshire SK7 4ER
--------
Quite a marathon of mails today over Cllr P!
So OK, I gave in and sent this letter, FYI:
Dear Sir
So Cllr Roy Pennington is sure that "masts are as safe as can be" [Letters, 25 August]? For someone who sounds so sure, this a rather vague assertion. Certainly, those like him who feel that the chief task is to allay people's fears should engage a little more, not necessarily with campaigners, but with some of the specific scientific concerns. A lot of "allaying" went on over lead water pipes, tobacco, asbestos and BSE, and we should remember that. It is no good blaming the quality of observational epidemiological studies whilst not putting in the money and research effort to doing them better. A number of substantial studies, albeit imperfect, give real cause for concern, whilst there have been no comparable epidemiological studies to indicate that there is no cause for concern. When we are talking about cancer and motor neurone disease after ten years exposure, this is a matter for far greater precaution than simply assuming the early effects are a psychological response.
Masts are not so ugly they make people feel ill! But it is material that if a mobile phone gives you headaches you can avoid using one, whilst with masts you have no choice. And even if the mere worry is stressful, there are few circumstances where such harassment is legitimate. Where people experience side-effects from prescription medicines we don't allay their fears and tell them to keep taking the pills.
The most telling observations lie with people who exhibit a commonality of symptoms of microwave sickness, whilst being unaware of the status of mobile masts around them. Psychosomatic accusations in these circumstances, as with similar effects on animals are quite misplaced. But what is more interesting by far, and surely a wake-up call, is that there are clear research results that point towards the reasons why masts have this effect.
Laboratory studies have shown that low level microwave radiation with the characteristics of mobile phone transmissions can affect the enzymes that maintain nitric oxide levels in the body, for example. The cumulative effects of chronic exposure to masts in this regard, are not part of the protection afforded by current safety certificates, and indeed much of this research postdates the setting of those guidelines. But since the effects involve neurotransmission and the control of free radicals, they cannot be taken lightly. A small initial biological effect rapidly cascades into a chain reaction health effect. And what is particularly intriguing is that disturbance of this simple molecule, nitric oxide, unites all the symptoms we see, all the way to the long-latency diseases appearing in the 10-year epidemiological studies.
What does "masts are as safe as they can be" now mean? Under what circumstances? Those of ignorance, or those of informed investigation? I don't think what I have outlined above is at all "hysterical". It is worthy of very calm consideration, because the implications of our growing electromagnetic pollution are truly immense.
yours faithfully
Andy Davidson
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Dear Andy
There are very few emails over Councillor Pennington - the title bar contains his name but the emails are on a different strand.
If only this was the end of Pennington - he's a very dangerous man.
Andy it's a great letter but I have sent many letters to The Argus and they NEVER publish anything over about 300 words. You may want to leave it as it is and risk it but if you have the time and patience I think it would be prudent to chop it down to 300 words max and resend it.
So far that's you, myself and Sue G. Could be in The Argus letters page any day next week.
BW Gary
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Dear Gary,
sorry for the delay – but here's one more to add to the list. Would like to know if it gets printed! Good luck and lots of best wishes!
Jenny
To the Editor of the Argus,
Sir,
Is Cllr Pennington a spokesperson for the mobile phone giants? His views that the technology is 'as safe as safe can be', are certainly not shared by eminent independent scientists worldwide, whose peer reviewed research shows that there are very grave risks, and we ignore them at our peril.
Phone users may accept the necessity for masts, but they should be in no doubt as to the potential risks involved with the technology (see the Mast Sanity website). Safety has never been proven, and Cllr Pennington’s remarks should reflect that fact, not cover it up. His personal view is irrelevant. The Government's own Chief Scientist, Sir William Stewart advises that children should not use mobiles at all, and no masts should be built near schools. If the country’s leading expert admits there are potential dangers, Cllr Pennington is failing in his public duty not to acknowledge that fact.
Despite this, Cllr Penninton seems to be doing the Operators' job for them. One assumes he is not being paid for doing so - but he is being paid to act responsibly on behalf of Brighton citizens. If he has a problem with that, perhaps he should consider his position.
Yours,
Jennifer Godschall Johnson
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Frans!
You don't know about the Russian findings in the 1930s? Their bombarding the office of the Ambassador, Walter J Stoessel in the American Embassy with radar in Tchaikovsky Street, Moscow for years ('60s - '70s) causing blood anomalies in children of staff, 40% raised white bloodcell count amongst many staff and the death of Stoessel and another member of staff of a 'leukaemia-like disease' after years of exposure to EMR
You haven't heard of the suffering of people in Schwarzenburg, Switzerland for years caused by the transmitter there form the 1930s until scientific tests proved that when the mast was ON, the levels of night time hormone melatonin was too low in both three herds of cows and the residents of Schwarzenburg and when it was OFF the levels were normal.
Melatonin takes over from the daytime ruling hormone serotonin which keeps us awake, whilst without melatonin we cannot go to sleep - this explains the usual symptom of chronic insomnia. Secondly, melatonin is responsible for triggering T-cells to kill off any cells which have mutated during the night - common sense says that if this does not happen, those who have a genetic tendecy to get cancer or benign tumours may possible suffer from this, and also some people without the genetic tendency.
Several pets near the mast in my village (14 - 140 metresdeveloped small growths on their paws (all dogs), one had this, and also growths on his neck - he died about a year after the mast was activated and also suffered vomiting and appetite loss (30m away). A dog 100 metres away has the growths removed regularly, I don't know if he has any other symptoms; another has the growths. A cat developed a tumour in its throat, vomiting, appetite loss; had the tumour removed; was never able to eat normally again and died last year.
Needless to say all the residents in the houses up to 100 metres from the mast have had symptoms e.g. chronic insomnia and headaches; vertigo and nausea; bloodshot sore eyes ( Walter Stoessel had 'bleeding' eyes); earache tinnnitus and hearing loss; those within 40m from the mast also suffered ulcerated mouths and throats with extreme thirst. 100 metres from the mast there are two cases of raised white bloodcell count (a symptom of Leukaemia) for which doctors can find no cause. I have asked residents here to have there blood checked, but only one has tried. She has been so ill that the hospital said she was not fit enough to have a bloodtest!
Yours
Gill Lyden
--------
Dear Gary,
Here is a copy of the letter I sent to the Argus when I saw your first request - I hope it helps.
Very sincerely,
Gill Lyden
Cllr Pennington is wrong
Datum: Sat, 27 Aug 2005 12:17:40 EDT
An: letters@theargus.co.uk
Dear Sirs,
This councillor is wrong. There is incontrovertible proof from the 1930s, 50s to 70s and the 1990s that ElectroMagnetic Radiofrequency (EMR) emissions and microwaves do cause damage to health.
The Soviets found damage to health amongst workers in the industry in the 30s from both microwaves and EMR. They also bombarded the office of the Ambassador in the Moscow American Embassy with low level emissions (1 to 4 microtesla, the American 'safe' level being 10 microtesla!) from 1960s to 70s, causing blood anomalies amongst the children of embassy staff; 40% raised white bloodcell count amongst many embassy staff including the Ambassador, Walter J.Stoessel who eventually died of a 'leukaemia-like' disease (he also suffered from bleeding eyes). See book: 'The Zapping of America@ by Paul Brodeur, Published in New York by W.W. Norton and co.
Yes, we are exposed to similar emissions from radio, TV, computer s etc, but these emissions are not pulsed and those from masts are pulsed at a rate close to our brain-waves and this is the problem.
Wherever masts have effects, these are the main symptoms found; chronic insomnia and headaches; earache, tinnitus and hearing loss; sore bloodshot eyes. Residents in my village, Kensworth, Beds. have suffered insomnia for almost 4 years since an Orange mast was erected 14 metres from their homes. Until recently Orange had the worst reputation, but 3G is now taking over. Tetra is also being devastating causing health problems amongst police officers using handsets in conjunction with the mast an also amongst residents livinf.near police stations.
No one will investigate in the homes where this is happening. Money is thrown away on tests in the laboratory when it is impossible to replicate the effects there due to the capricious nature of emissions with changes in wind direction, the differing terrain and the difference amongst positioning of homes to masts; bedooms to masts; differences in individuals (we all have different weaknesses) etc.
I attach a small quantity of the information I have found since being asked to represent people in Kensworth:
EMR Reduces Melatonin in Animals and People
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/619547/
Open letter to Edmund Stoiber, Prime Minister, Germany
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/838705/
Yours sincerely,
Parish Cllr. Mrs. G. Lyden.
172 Common Road, Kensworth, Dunstable, Beds LU6 2PH
Dear Sirs,
I forgot to say that I regard moblie phone technologe as a wonderful means of communication and enjoyment. I have used one since the 1980s and found it very reassuring to have a phone with me when on long journeys alone in my car (in case I became stranded if my car breaks down).
Since I have found out about the dangers, I never keep my phone turned on and only use it in emergencies. I used to get pains in my ear and neck when I spoke for hours to my friends and never hold long conversations now. I am reduced to short messages e.g. saying where I am and what the problem is (puncture or locked keys in car and where I am - 'Please help!).
I want to be able to use my phone in safety, but the government and Phone companies will not do anything about the health problems except talk about our 'concerns' and to concentrate on making as much money as possible before everyone realises the truth - that some people are being slowly killed by emissions from masts and that our childrens' health is in dire danger of being ruined.
Best regards
Clllr. Mrs. G. Lyden
--------
Dear Gill
Another excellent letter - that makes five. I never expected so many! However as I say The Argus is pretty crap re supporting peoples campaigns. Nothing today but it usually takes 3 - 5 working days for letters to go in. Do remember though that they usually won't publish over 250 words.
Councillor Pennington is dangerous - he should not be in the position he is saying the things he does.
BW
Gary
--------
If The Argus don't publish at least one of these I intend to do a piece including Councillor Penningtons remarks and extracts from everyones responses for a local radical newsletter with a comment that the Argus didn't publish any of them.
BW Gary
-------
You might remember that a few months ago T Mobile planned to roll out the first 16 of some estimated 90 3G masts in Brighton & Hove. As a result I went into overdrive copying my own leaflets and posting them through hundreds of letterboxes and found that several others had already started petitionning in the areas concerned. A few weeks later I read that several anti mast petitions had been submitted to B & H Council. The last few weeks appear to have gone quiet but I was pleased to learn that one of the masts near me had been rejected due to a petition. I don't know about the others but would guess at least some have also been rejected on the same grounds.
So that's good news. However as a Green Councillor on the planning committee told me recently, whenever the Council rejects a mast it risks an Inspector overturning the decision and fining the Council £17,000 and the Council is already bankrupt...
BW Gary
-------
I think we need to be very sure about this.
Firstly, a council can suffer a reduction in central government funding allocation as a result of 'losing' an excessive number of planning appeals. This reduction applies to all allowed appeals within a specified period and not merely those dealing with masts (which in fact will generally constitute only a small proportion of the total).
Secondly, the powers for an Inspector to levy a fine on a council simply do not exist. In the event of a refusal going to appeal and the appeal being dealt with via Public Inquiry (rather than Written Representation or Informal Hearing), either side, council or appellant, are at liberty to apply for a cost order to be made against the other on the grounds of 'unreasonable behaviour'. The operator will almost invariably submit such an application at the end of an Inquiry. If the Inspector finds that the council has behaved unreasonably (one example being that councillors refused an application against the professional advice of their planning officers) a cost order might well be awarded against the council. The operator then forwards a detailed account - if the council disputes the amount, the matter goes to independent arbitration for resolution. Cost orders of circa £100,000 are not uncommon.
I hope this explains things.
David Baron
--------
Hi All
Many thanks to everyone who sent letters to The Argus. I have reproduced the letters as published below (only mine, Andys and Sue F's unfortunately though occasionally The Argus publishes letters on the same theme 2 or 3 days later).
I'm sure I'm not alone in wishing that the letters editors would cease their unnecessary meddling with our letters. Not only has the Argus editor cut out most of Andys excellent letter (and a lot of Sues and a little bit of mine), but also taken the liberty of changing the wording and grammar - in my view in most cases unnecessarily and incorrectly. This it seems to me has resulted in all three letters losing a lot of their potential impact.
Anyway, as they appear..
BW Gary Brighton
Where is the proof that phone masts are safe?
Councillor Roy Penningtons assertions that mobile phone masts are safe (The Argus August 25) are extremely irresponsible.
There are now thousands of independent studies showing huge cumulative damage to health.
The recent four year Reflex study, conducted in seven EU countries, found irrefutable and widespread double strand DNA damage of the sort which causes cancer.
The long term Freiburger (40,000 signatories), IDEA, Lichtenfelser, Hofer, Bamberger, Santini, Helsinki, and Californian studies all detail widespread DNA damage, cancers, tumours, epilepsy, sleep disorders, increased cholesterol and blood pressure, blood clots and strokes from intensive exposure to masts and cell and DECT cordless phones.
They are pleading for the health effects of this technology to be taken very seriously.
Government and industry constantly quote ICNIRP compliance as assurance of safety for any mast, yet these International guidelines were formulated in 1998 solely by observing the immediate thermal effects on rats brains from twenty minutes of exposure.
They completely ignore the longer term pulsed microwaves, which independent researchers agree cause the damage. Eminent researcher Dr Neil Cherry said the safe level for microwave exposure was nil.
The currently unfurling 3G system is according to researcher Glynn Hughes, 30 times more powerful than the conventional network which is itself responsible for massive health damage.
Then you have microwave burglar alarms, baby monitors, and wireless laptop and local computer networks.
I have measured emissions throughout central Brighton and am extremely concerned.
As long term Vice Chair of Brighton & Hove City Council's planning committee, Councillor Pennington should be recommending a Committee to investigate the health effects of this technology.
(Me)
Research has shown there is a risk (feature letter)
Councillor Roy Pennington is sure that "masts are as safe as can be" [Letters, 25 August].
For someone who sounds so sure, this a rather vague assertion.
Those like him who feel that the chief task is to allay people's fears should engage a little more with some of the specific scientific concerns.
A lot of "allaying" went on over lead water pipes, tobacco, asbestos and BSE, and we should remember that. It is no good blaming the quality of observational epidemiological studies whilst not investing the money and effort to carry them out better.
A number of substantial studies, albeit imperfect, give real cause for concern, whilst there have been no comparable epidemiological studies to indicate that there is no cause for concern.
What does "masts are as safe as they can be" now mean? Under what circumstances? Those of ignorance, or those of informed investigation?
Andy Davidson
Big price to pay
I am shocked at Cllr. Pennington's comments. Public outcry is based on the research of many independant scientists around the world, not government funded ones.
As he is convinced masts are safe, I wonder if he would pay the considerable medical bills for those affected by masts, including myself, and the huge compensation payments which will inevitably result from the governments' refusal to regulate the mobile phone companies?
Susan Fergusson
--------
Hello Gary,
Just to let you know that the Argus contacted me and I think my letter will be printed - perhaps next week. Do let me know if it is. I thought mine might not have been used for the obvious reason that it puts Pennington personally and directly in a very in a bad light. I think it's important to do this, because when councillors come out with these things they cause a lot of damage and they must take personal responsibility for their actions. If this was the case there would be far fewer of them coming out with these appalling statements.
By the way, Les and I went down to Brighton yesterday (I was born and brought up there). What a fabulous place it is - if only it wasn't so terribly polluted with electrosmog. Almost everyone we saw was umbilically connected to their mobile. Even small children. I could have wept. As for me - I had a headache all day and couldn't eat. Couldn't wait to leave, which was so sad. Anyway, lots of best wishes - you're doing a great job down there.
Jenny
PS: As they seem to be printing most of our letters, do you think the Argus might be a having a change of heart? Nice thought!
--------
Hi Jenny
You bet I'll let you (and Gill) know if your letter gets published - I read the letters page every day.
They also cut my call for Pennington to lose his position. They always cut statements attacking Councillors & MPs whilst publicising their support for community projects etrc - nauseating.
The Argus just quotes news from the dailies. I think the editor is scared to make a firm stance on anything however obvious.
Interesting you felt ill all day - I never get this even in the most central areas of Brighton although I avoid them as much as possible nowadays because of the EMF pollution. I'm like an exile to the outskirts.
All the best
Gary
--------
http://omega.twoday.net/topics/Wissenschaft+zu+Mobilfunk/
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Cancer+Cluster
http://www.buergerwelle.de/body_science.html
Starmail - 25. Aug, 15:52
Councillors angered as phone mast is approved
Blythe and Wanstead Today (Northumberland)
25.08.05
BOROUGH councillors are powerless to stop a phone mast being put up near a school in Cramlington. Vodafone will site its telecommunications tower and equipment in Northumbrian Road after Blyth Valley Council’s development control panel granted approval. Members were told the works were considered ‘low key’, no other suitable locations are available and that they could only consider the siting and design of the mast. A report to the panel said: “The proposed works are ‘permitted development’, however, the council is able to approve the siting and design of the apparatus”. The 15-metre high monopole phone mast will be placed near the subway on Northumbrian Road, providing the Cramlington area with Third Generation Mobile (3G) services. But the plans have outraged eight local residents in letters of objection to the council, including one from Coun Bob Nixon. The concerning issues include the health implications of phone masts on the local community, the intrusive and visual impact it would have on the Cramlington Village Conservation Area and its close proximity to Hillcrest School. They also feel that other sites in the area would be more suitable. Coun Alisdair Gibbs-Barton and Coun Bob Cole also expressed unrest over the application due to its position close to the school and busy main road. But the report said: “The mast is required to provide coverage for the new 3G system. “The cells or areas served by these masts cover a smaller area than with other phone systems and therefore the search area for any new proposed mast is restricted.” It added: “As demonstrated in the additional information submitted by Vodafone, there are no suitable alternative locations to enable 3G radio coverage to the surrounding areas.” Planning officers say the mast, antenna, dish and two equipment cabinets are not considered to look obtrusive as their designs are minimalist and the pole similar to that of a lamppost. Members were also reminded of the government’s firm view that the planning system is not the place for determining health safeguards. But Coun Gareth Davies hit out at the government’s restrictions on local authorities when determining these types of planning applications. He said: “As soon as I see these applications I am filled with dread. “Whatever we do or we do not do, these masts will go ahead. “I feel that the government has reduced cases like these to a charade of planning. “It is unfair of central government to expect us to consider these when we can’t do anything about them.” The siting and design of the mast was granted approval after members took a split vote, with chairman Coun James Clough taking the decision. Vodafone aims to meet demand for 3G services, which provide mobile phones with full Internet capacity and helps to deliver high resolution video and multimedia services. It will also provide enhanced radio coverage as well as 3G services to the area.
25 August 2005
25.08.05
BOROUGH councillors are powerless to stop a phone mast being put up near a school in Cramlington. Vodafone will site its telecommunications tower and equipment in Northumbrian Road after Blyth Valley Council’s development control panel granted approval. Members were told the works were considered ‘low key’, no other suitable locations are available and that they could only consider the siting and design of the mast. A report to the panel said: “The proposed works are ‘permitted development’, however, the council is able to approve the siting and design of the apparatus”. The 15-metre high monopole phone mast will be placed near the subway on Northumbrian Road, providing the Cramlington area with Third Generation Mobile (3G) services. But the plans have outraged eight local residents in letters of objection to the council, including one from Coun Bob Nixon. The concerning issues include the health implications of phone masts on the local community, the intrusive and visual impact it would have on the Cramlington Village Conservation Area and its close proximity to Hillcrest School. They also feel that other sites in the area would be more suitable. Coun Alisdair Gibbs-Barton and Coun Bob Cole also expressed unrest over the application due to its position close to the school and busy main road. But the report said: “The mast is required to provide coverage for the new 3G system. “The cells or areas served by these masts cover a smaller area than with other phone systems and therefore the search area for any new proposed mast is restricted.” It added: “As demonstrated in the additional information submitted by Vodafone, there are no suitable alternative locations to enable 3G radio coverage to the surrounding areas.” Planning officers say the mast, antenna, dish and two equipment cabinets are not considered to look obtrusive as their designs are minimalist and the pole similar to that of a lamppost. Members were also reminded of the government’s firm view that the planning system is not the place for determining health safeguards. But Coun Gareth Davies hit out at the government’s restrictions on local authorities when determining these types of planning applications. He said: “As soon as I see these applications I am filled with dread. “Whatever we do or we do not do, these masts will go ahead. “I feel that the government has reduced cases like these to a charade of planning. “It is unfair of central government to expect us to consider these when we can’t do anything about them.” The siting and design of the mast was granted approval after members took a split vote, with chairman Coun James Clough taking the decision. Vodafone aims to meet demand for 3G services, which provide mobile phones with full Internet capacity and helps to deliver high resolution video and multimedia services. It will also provide enhanced radio coverage as well as 3G services to the area.
25 August 2005
Starmail - 25. Aug, 15:49
In Fulbright’s footsteps
Source: Boston Globe
Author: Derrick Z. Jackson
08/24/05
The Hagel hearings have not yet been scheduled. They are for now a mythical event. But as President Bush’s war in Iraq becomes more maddening to Americans, the more Hagel talks as if he is the Republican who will become to Bush what J. William Fulbright once was to Lyndon Johnson. Fulbright was the Democratic senator from Arkansas who publicly turned against Johnson’s war in Vietnam. Fulbright used his power as the head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to hold nationally televised hearings to debate the merits of the war. Hagel is the Republican senator from Nebraska, a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, and a Purple Heart Vietnam veteran. In recent months, Hagel has become the top Republican critic of Bush’s war...
Link: http://tinyurl.com/82rv6
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Author: Derrick Z. Jackson
08/24/05
The Hagel hearings have not yet been scheduled. They are for now a mythical event. But as President Bush’s war in Iraq becomes more maddening to Americans, the more Hagel talks as if he is the Republican who will become to Bush what J. William Fulbright once was to Lyndon Johnson. Fulbright was the Democratic senator from Arkansas who publicly turned against Johnson’s war in Vietnam. Fulbright used his power as the head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to hold nationally televised hearings to debate the merits of the war. Hagel is the Republican senator from Nebraska, a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, and a Purple Heart Vietnam veteran. In recent months, Hagel has become the top Republican critic of Bush’s war...
Link: http://tinyurl.com/82rv6
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 25. Aug, 15:43
Best course of action in Iraq is to leave
Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune
Author: Tom Maertens
08/23/05
The Bush administration is facing a major dilemma in Iraq. Sen. Chuck Hagel expressed it unambiguously: “The reality is that we’re losing in Iraq.” The United States doesn’t have enough troops on the ground to suppress the insurgency and has no real prospect of getting enough troops. No allies are about to commit more forces to this quagmire, and the U.S. military is stretched so badly that, as Gen. Barry McCaffrey expressed it, the wheels are coming off. …. When you are losing the war, your army is disintegrating and public support is evaporating, then the only remaining option is withdrawal...
Link: http://www.startribune.com/stories/1519/5575522.html
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Author: Tom Maertens
08/23/05
The Bush administration is facing a major dilemma in Iraq. Sen. Chuck Hagel expressed it unambiguously: “The reality is that we’re losing in Iraq.” The United States doesn’t have enough troops on the ground to suppress the insurgency and has no real prospect of getting enough troops. No allies are about to commit more forces to this quagmire, and the U.S. military is stretched so badly that, as Gen. Barry McCaffrey expressed it, the wheels are coming off. …. When you are losing the war, your army is disintegrating and public support is evaporating, then the only remaining option is withdrawal...
Link: http://www.startribune.com/stories/1519/5575522.html
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 25. Aug, 15:41
More Americans should be standing outside that Crawford ranch
Source: Tennessean
Author: Saritha Prabhu
08/22/05
It felt good to see Cindy Sheehan’s passion and outrage. If you haven’t heard, Sheehan is the grieving woman who lost her son in Iraq and who has been camping outside the president’s Crawford ranch, demanding answers about the war. Even if you don’t agree with everything she says (’Bring our troops home now!’ could mean anarchy in Iraq) you can still feel her grief. And even if she ends up becoming a rallying tool for the various anti-war factions, you can still identify with her outrage. Here’s what is surprising to me: that more Americans across the board aren’t expressing the same level of outrage over a war that has gone wrong from the start...
Link: http://tinyurl.com/ahgxv
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 25. Aug, 15:39
Who will say “no more”?
Source: Washington Post
Author: Gary Hart
08/24/05
‘Waist deep in the Big Muddy and the big fool said to push on,’ warned an anti-Vietnam war song those many years ago. The McGovern presidential campaign, in those days, which I know something about, is widely viewed as a cause for the decline of the Democratic Party, a gateway through which a new conservative era entered. Like the cat that jumped on a hot stove and thereafter wouldn’t jump on any stove, hot or cold, today’s Democratic leaders didn’t want to make that mistake again. Many supported the Iraq war resolution and — as the Big Muddy is rising yet again — now find themselves tongue-tied or trying to trump a war president by calling for deployment of more troops. Thus does good money follow bad and bad politics get even worse...
Link: http://tinyurl.com/8sqby
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Author: Gary Hart
08/24/05
‘Waist deep in the Big Muddy and the big fool said to push on,’ warned an anti-Vietnam war song those many years ago. The McGovern presidential campaign, in those days, which I know something about, is widely viewed as a cause for the decline of the Democratic Party, a gateway through which a new conservative era entered. Like the cat that jumped on a hot stove and thereafter wouldn’t jump on any stove, hot or cold, today’s Democratic leaders didn’t want to make that mistake again. Many supported the Iraq war resolution and — as the Big Muddy is rising yet again — now find themselves tongue-tied or trying to trump a war president by calling for deployment of more troops. Thus does good money follow bad and bad politics get even worse...
Link: http://tinyurl.com/8sqby
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 25. Aug, 15:36
Beware the progressives
Source: LewRockwell.Com
Author: Stan Goff
08/25/05
The Democrats are already grooming a few 2008 candidates, including the execrable Hillary Rodham Clinton who has stated her desire to beef up the war against Southwest Asia. Let’s not forget that her husband presided over an Iraqi holocaust that George W. Bush is still trying to match. The Republicans are secure for now with their white nationalist popular base. An active and increasingly militant left is a more immediate threat to the Democrats who have prospered from Republican reaction for decades now by capturing social bases that feel they have nowhere else to go. That dilemma is real, but it is also predicated on the notion that to ‘go there’ we need to contain ourselves in electoralism and pluralist policy fights that are engineered by corporations and NGOs. That’s why Sheehan and others who propose the radical option of simply leaving Iraq are now being surrounded by the friendly faces of ‘progressives’ who will try and redirect this newfound mobilization along the acceptable policy-debate paths...
Link: http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig6/goff1.html
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Author: Stan Goff
08/25/05
The Democrats are already grooming a few 2008 candidates, including the execrable Hillary Rodham Clinton who has stated her desire to beef up the war against Southwest Asia. Let’s not forget that her husband presided over an Iraqi holocaust that George W. Bush is still trying to match. The Republicans are secure for now with their white nationalist popular base. An active and increasingly militant left is a more immediate threat to the Democrats who have prospered from Republican reaction for decades now by capturing social bases that feel they have nowhere else to go. That dilemma is real, but it is also predicated on the notion that to ‘go there’ we need to contain ourselves in electoralism and pluralist policy fights that are engineered by corporations and NGOs. That’s why Sheehan and others who propose the radical option of simply leaving Iraq are now being surrounded by the friendly faces of ‘progressives’ who will try and redirect this newfound mobilization along the acceptable policy-debate paths...
Link: http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig6/goff1.html
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 25. Aug, 15:33
Democrats fumble Iraq policy
Source: AntiWar.Com
Author: Jim Lobe
08/25/05
While Republicans voice growing unease over U.S. President George W. Bush’s vow to ’stay the course’ in Iraq, Democrats remain deeply divided about their position on a conflict that most of them privately describe as a major foreign policy disaster. Despite the plunging popularity of the war — and of Bush’s approval ratings — leading Democrats, particularly the party’s brahmins in the Senate, have so far refused to countenance talk of withdrawal, preferring instead to attack the president over tactical issues rather than the war itself. But their reticence — no doubt inspired by their fear of being depicted as ’soft on terrorism’ and the memory of their disastrous Vietnam War-era splits between hawks and doves in the late 1960s and early 1970s — is appearing increasingly untenable as the party’s grassroots activists enlist in what is becoming, thanks to the mother of one fallen soldier, a serious, new antiwar movement, and as prominent Republicans themselves demonstrate a growing willingness to question the war...
Link: http://www.antiwar.com/lobe/?articleid=7092
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Author: Jim Lobe
08/25/05
While Republicans voice growing unease over U.S. President George W. Bush’s vow to ’stay the course’ in Iraq, Democrats remain deeply divided about their position on a conflict that most of them privately describe as a major foreign policy disaster. Despite the plunging popularity of the war — and of Bush’s approval ratings — leading Democrats, particularly the party’s brahmins in the Senate, have so far refused to countenance talk of withdrawal, preferring instead to attack the president over tactical issues rather than the war itself. But their reticence — no doubt inspired by their fear of being depicted as ’soft on terrorism’ and the memory of their disastrous Vietnam War-era splits between hawks and doves in the late 1960s and early 1970s — is appearing increasingly untenable as the party’s grassroots activists enlist in what is becoming, thanks to the mother of one fallen soldier, a serious, new antiwar movement, and as prominent Republicans themselves demonstrate a growing willingness to question the war...
Link: http://www.antiwar.com/lobe/?articleid=7092
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 25. Aug, 15:31
Is Pat Robertson out of his mind or in the loop?
Source: Common Dreams
08/24/05
On Monday the iconic American Christian using the language of gangsters endorsed the assassination of Hugo Chavez so we could save 200 billion dollars. The assumption was that the only two alternatives to dealing with an elected leader who is critical of the military industrial complex running our country is to “take him out” or to wage a war. He presents the options and then chooses the less expensive one. One does pause to wonder if he is not a loose cannon but that the direct line to the White House runs both ways. If in fact Venezuela and Iran are considering an oil embargo against the US, this may not be a random Christian perspective from the baby- faced aw-shucks father figure for the consumers of sign-on-the-dotted-line religion. Could this be a request from the top? Either Mr. Robertson is truly out of his mind or he is “useful,” a word that Rumsfeld loves to use...
Link: http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0824-27.htm
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
08/24/05
On Monday the iconic American Christian using the language of gangsters endorsed the assassination of Hugo Chavez so we could save 200 billion dollars. The assumption was that the only two alternatives to dealing with an elected leader who is critical of the military industrial complex running our country is to “take him out” or to wage a war. He presents the options and then chooses the less expensive one. One does pause to wonder if he is not a loose cannon but that the direct line to the White House runs both ways. If in fact Venezuela and Iran are considering an oil embargo against the US, this may not be a random Christian perspective from the baby- faced aw-shucks father figure for the consumers of sign-on-the-dotted-line religion. Could this be a request from the top? Either Mr. Robertson is truly out of his mind or he is “useful,” a word that Rumsfeld loves to use...
Link: http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0824-27.htm
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 25. Aug, 15:29
Sharp rise in bugging exposes Italians’ dirty secrets to the public
Source: Independent [UK]
08/25/05
Practically every public act in Britain today is recorded by CCTV cameras, but in Italy the ubiquitous form of surveillance is the bugged telephone. The Eurispes think-tank has revealed that 30 million Italians between the ages of 15 and 70 has been bugged in the past 10 years. Their report says: “Every Italian family” has been touched by the phenomenon, “at least once.” And the amount of bugging is increasing at blinding speed. In the past five years, the government has paid €1.25bn (£820m) to the phone companies, public and private, to tap customers’ phones for them...
Link: http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article307991.ece
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
08/25/05
Practically every public act in Britain today is recorded by CCTV cameras, but in Italy the ubiquitous form of surveillance is the bugged telephone. The Eurispes think-tank has revealed that 30 million Italians between the ages of 15 and 70 has been bugged in the past 10 years. Their report says: “Every Italian family” has been touched by the phenomenon, “at least once.” And the amount of bugging is increasing at blinding speed. In the past five years, the government has paid €1.25bn (£820m) to the phone companies, public and private, to tap customers’ phones for them...
Link: http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article307991.ece
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Starmail - 25. Aug, 15:27
‘Peace Mom’ returns to Texas war protest
Source: Tampa Tribune
08/24/05
A woman whose son was killed in Iraq returned to Texas on Wednesday to resume her anti-war protest near President Bush’s ranch after a weeklong absence to care for her ailing mother. About a dozen protesters who have continued the peace vigil picked up Cindy Sheehan at the Waco airport Wednesday afternoon, six days after she flew to Los Angeles when her 74-year-old mother suffered a stroke...
Link: http://tinyurl.com/dzvok
Informant: Thomas L. Knapp
Cindy Sheehan
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Sheehan
Starmail - 25. Aug, 15:23
Nachts wache ich sogar mit Organsausen und Herzklopfen auf
HLV INFO 134/AT
25-08-2005
Ellen Mixon 23-08-05
Hallo Herr Tittmann,
hier ist mal wieder Ellen Mixon aus Aschaffenburg. Warum nicht auch mal was Lustiges? Dennoch es w i r k t!!!
Wie Sie wissen bin ich mit unseren über 80 Mobilfunkantennen um uns herum( plus leidet mein Mann seit 7 Monaten an Leberkrebs) "ziemlich" belastet. Ich bin e-smog empfindlich und merke sogar die unterschiedlichen Frequenzen der einzelnen Mobilfunkbetreiber.
Aus der Not geboren, gehe ich seit geraumer Zeit nun mit "sage und schreibe" einer Windschutzscheiben-Sonnenblende ins Bett. Ich stopfe mir die eine Seite über das Kopfende in die Matratze, der restliche Teil liegt über meinem Körper bis zu den Beinen.
Mein Haus ist Nord-Süd ausgerichtet und ich richte mich so genau auf die Antennenabstrahlung ein.
Verrutscht die Blende nachts, wache ich sogar mit Organsausen und Herzklopfen auf. Richte ich sie wieder genau über mir aus, beruhigt sich alles sofort.
Gekauft habe ich die Sonnenschutzblende bei A.T.U. "der grüne Punkt" ist beidseitigt Aluminium beschichtet, Sonnenschutz für VANs von titan tec.
Gruß
Ellen Mixon
PS.
Einen Baldachin haben wir seit 1 1/2 Jahren, er reduziert die Strahlung zwar nimmt UMTS aber garnicht weg. Auch die anderen Frequenzen kommen noch durch. Er ist eben nur gegen E-smog. Niederfrequent gepulste Mikrowellen packt er nicht.
Vielleicht sollte man sich mit solch einer Aluabdeckung einen "Hasenkasten" konstruieren, damit es nicht verrutscht.
25-08-2005
Ellen Mixon 23-08-05
Hallo Herr Tittmann,
hier ist mal wieder Ellen Mixon aus Aschaffenburg. Warum nicht auch mal was Lustiges? Dennoch es w i r k t!!!
Wie Sie wissen bin ich mit unseren über 80 Mobilfunkantennen um uns herum( plus leidet mein Mann seit 7 Monaten an Leberkrebs) "ziemlich" belastet. Ich bin e-smog empfindlich und merke sogar die unterschiedlichen Frequenzen der einzelnen Mobilfunkbetreiber.
Aus der Not geboren, gehe ich seit geraumer Zeit nun mit "sage und schreibe" einer Windschutzscheiben-Sonnenblende ins Bett. Ich stopfe mir die eine Seite über das Kopfende in die Matratze, der restliche Teil liegt über meinem Körper bis zu den Beinen.
Mein Haus ist Nord-Süd ausgerichtet und ich richte mich so genau auf die Antennenabstrahlung ein.
Verrutscht die Blende nachts, wache ich sogar mit Organsausen und Herzklopfen auf. Richte ich sie wieder genau über mir aus, beruhigt sich alles sofort.
Gekauft habe ich die Sonnenschutzblende bei A.T.U. "der grüne Punkt" ist beidseitigt Aluminium beschichtet, Sonnenschutz für VANs von titan tec.
Gruß
Ellen Mixon
PS.
Einen Baldachin haben wir seit 1 1/2 Jahren, er reduziert die Strahlung zwar nimmt UMTS aber garnicht weg. Auch die anderen Frequenzen kommen noch durch. Er ist eben nur gegen E-smog. Niederfrequent gepulste Mikrowellen packt er nicht.
Vielleicht sollte man sich mit solch einer Aluabdeckung einen "Hasenkasten" konstruieren, damit es nicht verrutscht.
Starmail - 25. Aug, 15:15
Bau eines EMF-Schutzzaunes
HLV INFO 134/AT
25-08-2005
Dr. Claus Scheingraber 24-08-05
Lieber Herr Tittmann,
ich sende Ihnen heute eine Bilderserie über den Bau eines EMF-Schutzzaunes in Kirchheim bei München. Sie können die Bilder gerne an Interessierte weitergeben.
http://www.omega-news.info/emf_zaun_4.JPG
Die Adresse von Frau …….. bitte nicht veröffentlichen, sie kann sich schon heute vor Anfragen kaum mehr retten. An wirklich interessierte Personen (Betroffene, die das nachmachen wollen) dürfen Sie aber auch gerne die Adresse von Frau ………. weitergeben.
Herzliche Grüße
Claus Scheingraber
PS. Der Zaun bekommt noch eine 2 Lage Drahtgeflecht und wird dann vermessen, ich werde wieder berichten.
25-08-2005
Dr. Claus Scheingraber 24-08-05
Lieber Herr Tittmann,
ich sende Ihnen heute eine Bilderserie über den Bau eines EMF-Schutzzaunes in Kirchheim bei München. Sie können die Bilder gerne an Interessierte weitergeben.
http://www.omega-news.info/emf_zaun_4.JPG
Die Adresse von Frau …….. bitte nicht veröffentlichen, sie kann sich schon heute vor Anfragen kaum mehr retten. An wirklich interessierte Personen (Betroffene, die das nachmachen wollen) dürfen Sie aber auch gerne die Adresse von Frau ………. weitergeben.
Herzliche Grüße
Claus Scheingraber
PS. Der Zaun bekommt noch eine 2 Lage Drahtgeflecht und wird dann vermessen, ich werde wieder berichten.
Starmail - 25. Aug, 15:10
Hartz IV wird zur Armutsfalle für Kinder
25. August 2005
Zur Studie des Paritätischen Wohlfahrtsverbandes, nach der die Einführung von Hartz IV die Zahl der von Armut betroffenen Kinder auf die Rekordzahl von 1,7 Millionen gesteigert hat, und zum Kinder- und Jugendbericht der Bundesregierung erklärt Bundeswahlkampfleiter Bodo Ramelow:
Rot-Grün und Schwarz-Gelb haben es nun amtlich schwarz auf weiß: Hartz IV ist Armut per Gesetz. Wenn jedes siebte Kind, im Osten sogar jedes Vierte, in Deutschland in Armut leben muss und somit um Zukunftschancen beraubt wird, ist das Ergebnis einer verantwortungslosen asozialen Politik. Die Linkspartei sieht sich in ihren Vorschlägen für Wege aus der Kinderarmut durch die Studie des Paritätischen Wohlfahrtsverbandes und der Kinder- und Jugendbericht bestätigt:
gebührenfreie Kitaplätze;
Anhebung der Regelleistung des ALG II;
Chancengerechtigkeit im Bildungssystem;
bedarfsorientierte soziale Grundsicherung für alle, die von Armut bedroht sind;
Erhöhung des Kindergeldes auf 250 Euro und Nichtanrechnung auf die Sozialhilfe;
Ganztagsbetreuungsangebote für Kinder jeden Alters;
qualitativ hochwertige vorschulische Bildung im Kindergarten;
soziale Integration von Kindern aus Einwanderungsfamilien. Millionenfache Kinderarmut macht vor allem eines deutlich: die Politik der Agenda 2010 und von Merkels angeblich neuer sozialer Marktwirtschaft ist gescheitert. Ihr angeblicher Anspruch, die sozialen Sicherungssysteme zukunftsfest zu machen, hat sich ins Gegenteil verkehrt: Die Löcher im sozialen Netz werden immer größer und die Kinder fallen als erste durch. Das ist nicht hinnehmbar. Eine solche Politik muss abgewählt werden.
http://sozialisten.de/presse/presseerklaerungen/view_html?zid=29581
Zur Studie des Paritätischen Wohlfahrtsverbandes, nach der die Einführung von Hartz IV die Zahl der von Armut betroffenen Kinder auf die Rekordzahl von 1,7 Millionen gesteigert hat, und zum Kinder- und Jugendbericht der Bundesregierung erklärt Bundeswahlkampfleiter Bodo Ramelow:
Rot-Grün und Schwarz-Gelb haben es nun amtlich schwarz auf weiß: Hartz IV ist Armut per Gesetz. Wenn jedes siebte Kind, im Osten sogar jedes Vierte, in Deutschland in Armut leben muss und somit um Zukunftschancen beraubt wird, ist das Ergebnis einer verantwortungslosen asozialen Politik. Die Linkspartei sieht sich in ihren Vorschlägen für Wege aus der Kinderarmut durch die Studie des Paritätischen Wohlfahrtsverbandes und der Kinder- und Jugendbericht bestätigt:
gebührenfreie Kitaplätze;
Anhebung der Regelleistung des ALG II;
Chancengerechtigkeit im Bildungssystem;
bedarfsorientierte soziale Grundsicherung für alle, die von Armut bedroht sind;
Erhöhung des Kindergeldes auf 250 Euro und Nichtanrechnung auf die Sozialhilfe;
Ganztagsbetreuungsangebote für Kinder jeden Alters;
qualitativ hochwertige vorschulische Bildung im Kindergarten;
soziale Integration von Kindern aus Einwanderungsfamilien. Millionenfache Kinderarmut macht vor allem eines deutlich: die Politik der Agenda 2010 und von Merkels angeblich neuer sozialer Marktwirtschaft ist gescheitert. Ihr angeblicher Anspruch, die sozialen Sicherungssysteme zukunftsfest zu machen, hat sich ins Gegenteil verkehrt: Die Löcher im sozialen Netz werden immer größer und die Kinder fallen als erste durch. Das ist nicht hinnehmbar. Eine solche Politik muss abgewählt werden.
http://sozialisten.de/presse/presseerklaerungen/view_html?zid=29581
Starmail - 25. Aug, 15:06
Unsichtbare Strahlen ohne Gefahr?
HLV INFO 134/AT
25-08-2005
Bautzen
Michael Klinger 23-08-05
Einen schon etwas zurückliegenden Fall aus Bautzen erhielten wir am 23-08-05 zugestellt, den wir aber wegen seiner Brisanz der Installation von GSM- und UMTS-Anlagen auf dem Bautzener Gerichtsgebäude für die Allgemeinheit als interessant ansehen.
WochenKurier Bautzen/Bischofswerda Nr. 25/2005 vom 23.06.2005
s. Datei pdf-Anlage
http://www.omega-news.info/wochenkurier_bautzen23.06.2005.pdf
25-08-2005
Bautzen
Michael Klinger 23-08-05
Einen schon etwas zurückliegenden Fall aus Bautzen erhielten wir am 23-08-05 zugestellt, den wir aber wegen seiner Brisanz der Installation von GSM- und UMTS-Anlagen auf dem Bautzener Gerichtsgebäude für die Allgemeinheit als interessant ansehen.
WochenKurier Bautzen/Bischofswerda Nr. 25/2005 vom 23.06.2005
s. Datei pdf-Anlage
http://www.omega-news.info/wochenkurier_bautzen23.06.2005.pdf
Starmail - 25. Aug, 15:02
ASL: Dernières Infos
Starmail - 25. Aug, 14:41
Pulsed microwave radiation and wildlife - Are Cell Phones Wiping Out Sparrows?
Hello, after being on this enviormental email list "SEAC" for several years the list has finnally dug into RF. This list is mainly University Students in the USA. Thankyou all those who helped to get them interested.
emfcanada
[SEAC-Announce] Are Cell Phones Wiping Out Sparrows?
From: Adam Weissman <adam@wetlands-preserve.org>
Date: Tue, 15 Nov 2005 15:50:34 -0500
To: ar-news@googlegroups.com
The Activism Center at Wetlands Preserve, PO Box 344, New York, NY 10108 Phone: (201) 928-2831 Email: activism@wetlands-preserve.org
Visit these websites!
http://wetlands-preserve.org
http://freegan.info
http://ftaareferendum.org
http://foodnotfur.org
http://furfreenyc.org
-------- Ursprüngliche Nachricht -------- Betreff: RE: Pulsed microwave radiation and wildlife Datum: Thu, 25 Aug 2005 13:14:28 +0200 Von: balmaral <balmaral@jcyl.es> Rückantwort: <balmaral@jcyl.es> Firma: JCYL An: 'stephen' <stephen.kearney@tiscali.co.uk>, 'Jennifer Best' <Jennifer.Best@English-Nature.Org.UK> CC: 'Keith Duff' <Keith.Duff@English-Nature.Org.UK>, 'Alastair Burn' <Alastair.Burn@English-Nature.Org.UK>, <gjhyland@onetel.com>, 'Klaus' <star.mail@online.de>
I have been happy a lot that (finally) arises the debate on the possible effects of the non ionizing radiations on the wildlife (up to now we only listened the Industry to say that there is not enough evidences....).
In the first place I want to thank the interest shown by English Nature (and Stephen Kearney) in my investigations on the effects of the non ionizing radiations on the birds and trees, and I also want to make some comments to the comments from the CEH on my works.
1) The manuscript "Possible Effects of Electromagnetic Fields from Phone Masts on a Population of White Stork (Ciconia ciconia)" will be published soon in a refereed scientific journal. For this work measurements of the electromagnetic fields, like CEH suggest, were made (they are not in the draft that circulates in internet).
2) I am very of agreement with the sentence: "Studies of the influence of NIR on bird populations are difficult to conduct and can be compromised by changes or differences in bird habitat either over time, or between control and study areas".
While in the laboratory all the variables are controlled in these field studies the methodology is difficult.
3) For the Sparrows and EMF see:
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2003/12/01/stories/2003120100431400.htm
More mobiles, and sparrows take flight
Ambarish Mukherjee
New Delhi, Nov. 30
THE wireless telecom revolution is catching on at the expense of a tiny winged creature -- the house sparrow. The tiny birds are fast disappearing from cities "contaminated" with electromagnetic waves arising out of increased number of mobile handsets.
According to Dr S. Vijayan, Director of the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), "A number of studies has been conducted to find out the relationship between the increase in electromagnetic waves and the decrease in the number of sparrows. A positive correlation has been found between them."
"There have been studies in Spain which showed that sparrows disappear from cities where electromagnetic contamination is very heavy," Dr Vijayan added.
A study was initiated earlier this year in London by the British Trust for Ornithology to investigate whether the explosion of electromagnetic waves from portable handsets is wiping out sparrows in London. The British study involves 30,000 birdwatchers who will examine the urban sparrow population near cell-phone masts, where electromagnetic fields are most concentrated.
London has witnessed a steep fall in its sparrow population -- a 75 per cent fall since 1994, which coincides with the emergence of the cell-phone. Electromagnetic waves travel through the air to the cell-phone masts located above tall buildings in the cities. These waves then travel to and from between the handset and the tower while one is using the handset, and this results in increased electromagnetic contamination in the air.
The rapidly increasing number of cell-phone subscribers is resulting in higher concentration level of electromagnetic waves in the air which clashes with the earth's electromagnetic field.
Dr Vijayan also pointed out that sparrows are found to be disappearing from areas where mobile towers are installed.
SACON has also initiated a detailed study to find out how exactly these small birds are being affected.
"These are all circumstantial evidences. Now we need to prove how it is exactly affecting the sparrows. My feeling is that it probably affects their central nervous system. We are conducting studies with inputs from various cities on the falling number of sparrows in which the effect of electromagnetic contamination from mobile phones are also being examined," Dr Vijayan said.
He said increased exposure to electromagnetic waves also affects small animals. For example, in rats, it is found that the sperm count has decreased while in the case of chicken embryonic, mortality has become very high. There could be more examples, he added.
4) The article "effects on the trees" has been published in the journal "Ecosistemas" (Balmori, A. 2004. "Pueden afectar las microondas pulsadas emitidas por las antenas de telefonía a los árboles y otros vegetales?" Ecosistemas: 2004/3: 1-10)
http://www.revistaecosistemas.net/articulo.asp?Id=29&Id_Categoria=1&tipo=otros_contenidos
In all ways it is only necessary to visit some phone mast with a meter to check in situ that, where more impacts the radiation, some trees (mainly Populus sp.) begin to dry off for up.
Regarding the topic of the acidification, nobody doubts today that it has been the causing of the deterioration of many forests but to what I refer is that, in areas without chemical pollutants (but with electromagnetic pollution), the trees died for effect of electromagnetic fields (Volkrodt hypothesis).
5) I encourage English Nature to carry out similar studies (for example following my recommendations published in the refereed scientific journal "ARDEOLA" (BALMORI, (2004). "Posibles efectos de las ondas electromagnéticas utilizadas en la telefonía inalámbrica sobre los seres vivos". Ardeola, 51: 477-490.) (Please see attached).
http://www.omega-news.info/ardeola_51(477-490)_balmori.pdf
I believe that the critique is a very important part of the science. but I worry about not be carried out studies while the few ones that are made that find effects on the wildlife are criticized. For example the one that CEH bases a part of the critical to my studies (Cummins, C.P. and Osborn, D. (2002) "Non-ionising radiation and wildlife". Report to English Nature.) it is not published in any refeered scientific journal (???) (It would be of great interest for me to obtain a copy from this manuscript. Is this possible?).
In all ways the effects of those that I speak from in my works are not the thermal ones (it seems that with the standards of the ICNIRP they are solved).
Lastly I am convinced that in spite of the lacks and methodological difficulties of my studies, before or later they will be replied by other investigators, and that this is a serious environmental problem, without any doubt comparable with the pesticides or the changes in the land uses, that even alters the DNA of the wildlife (and man) although the electromagnetic radiations cannot be seen... (See European Reflex Project:
http://www.verum-foundation.de/cgi-bin/content.cgi?id=euprojekte01
("I have no doubt in my mind that, at the present time, the greatest polluting element in the earth's environment... more serious even than global climate change and chemical pollution... is the proliferation of electromagnetic fields." Robert O. Becker.)
Thank you again. With my best regards.
Alfonso Balmori
Spain
--------
Dear Dr Alfonso Balmori Martinez,
My sincere thanks to you for taking the time to compose this factual email. I am sure the contents of it affect each and every organisation involved in the health and welfare of animals and the environment and for this reason I have copied this to the organisations beneath with whom I have previously communicated.
Council For Environmental Education FAO Helen Rose
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, FAO Miss Hern
British Hedgehog Preservation Society, FAO Fay Vass
Living Earth, FAO Lucie Fry
The Blue Bross, FAO John Rutter
Pet Care Trust, FAO Steve Nowottny
British Veterinary Association, FAO Mrs Kerr
Animal Health Trust, FAO E Chandler
National Office of Animal Health, FAO Philip Sketchley
DEFRA, FAO Simon Harding
The British Horse Society, FAO Graham Cory
Scottish Natural Heritage, FAO Chris Sydes
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, FAO Martin Spray
Farm Animal Welfare Council, FAO Richard Aram
WWF, FAO Hannah Marshall
RSPB, FAO David Gibbons & Ken Smith
Royal Forestry Society, FAO Dr John Jackson
Many thanks
Stephen
PS Jennifer Best, Can I suggest that as key stakeholders those persons listed above should be extended an invite to attend the workshop being arranged by you on behalf of English Nature to look at the risk posed to wildlife from exposure to non-ionising radiation.
--------
Where have all the sparrows gone?
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/1147135/
Spanish paper on RF effects on birds
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/904106/
Birds suffer from biological effects of GSM, 3G (UMTS), DECT, WIFI, TETRA
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/900299/
Bird on a wire theory needs closer look in disease watch
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/1158189/
Mobile phone mast blamed for vanishing pigeons
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/286416/
More and more malformed animals in the irradiated village of Volturino
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/1157799/
Micro Waves Effects on Wildlife Animals
http://www.buergerwelle.de/pdf/micro_waves_effects_on_wildlife_animals.pdf
EMF Exposure - Animal Studies
http://members.aol.com/gotemf/emf/animals.htm
Adverse Bioeffects on Animals near a New Zealand Radio Transmitter
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/432402/
Effects of the electromagnetic fields of phone masts on a population of White Stork (Ciconia ciconia)
http://www.buergerwelle.de/pdf/effects_of_emf_on_white_stork.pdf
Tiere und Mobilfunk
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/196960/
emfcanada
[SEAC-Announce] Are Cell Phones Wiping Out Sparrows?
From: Adam Weissman <adam@wetlands-preserve.org>
Date: Tue, 15 Nov 2005 15:50:34 -0500
To: ar-news@googlegroups.com
The Activism Center at Wetlands Preserve, PO Box 344, New York, NY 10108 Phone: (201) 928-2831 Email: activism@wetlands-preserve.org
Visit these websites!
http://wetlands-preserve.org
http://freegan.info
http://ftaareferendum.org
http://foodnotfur.org
http://furfreenyc.org
-------- Ursprüngliche Nachricht -------- Betreff: RE: Pulsed microwave radiation and wildlife Datum: Thu, 25 Aug 2005 13:14:28 +0200 Von: balmaral <balmaral@jcyl.es> Rückantwort: <balmaral@jcyl.es> Firma: JCYL An: 'stephen' <stephen.kearney@tiscali.co.uk>, 'Jennifer Best' <Jennifer.Best@English-Nature.Org.UK> CC: 'Keith Duff' <Keith.Duff@English-Nature.Org.UK>, 'Alastair Burn' <Alastair.Burn@English-Nature.Org.UK>, <gjhyland@onetel.com>, 'Klaus' <star.mail@online.de>
I have been happy a lot that (finally) arises the debate on the possible effects of the non ionizing radiations on the wildlife (up to now we only listened the Industry to say that there is not enough evidences....).
In the first place I want to thank the interest shown by English Nature (and Stephen Kearney) in my investigations on the effects of the non ionizing radiations on the birds and trees, and I also want to make some comments to the comments from the CEH on my works.
1) The manuscript "Possible Effects of Electromagnetic Fields from Phone Masts on a Population of White Stork (Ciconia ciconia)" will be published soon in a refereed scientific journal. For this work measurements of the electromagnetic fields, like CEH suggest, were made (they are not in the draft that circulates in internet).
2) I am very of agreement with the sentence: "Studies of the influence of NIR on bird populations are difficult to conduct and can be compromised by changes or differences in bird habitat either over time, or between control and study areas".
While in the laboratory all the variables are controlled in these field studies the methodology is difficult.
3) For the Sparrows and EMF see:
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2003/12/01/stories/2003120100431400.htm
More mobiles, and sparrows take flight
Ambarish Mukherjee
New Delhi, Nov. 30
THE wireless telecom revolution is catching on at the expense of a tiny winged creature -- the house sparrow. The tiny birds are fast disappearing from cities "contaminated" with electromagnetic waves arising out of increased number of mobile handsets.
According to Dr S. Vijayan, Director of the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), "A number of studies has been conducted to find out the relationship between the increase in electromagnetic waves and the decrease in the number of sparrows. A positive correlation has been found between them."
"There have been studies in Spain which showed that sparrows disappear from cities where electromagnetic contamination is very heavy," Dr Vijayan added.
A study was initiated earlier this year in London by the British Trust for Ornithology to investigate whether the explosion of electromagnetic waves from portable handsets is wiping out sparrows in London. The British study involves 30,000 birdwatchers who will examine the urban sparrow population near cell-phone masts, where electromagnetic fields are most concentrated.
London has witnessed a steep fall in its sparrow population -- a 75 per cent fall since 1994, which coincides with the emergence of the cell-phone. Electromagnetic waves travel through the air to the cell-phone masts located above tall buildings in the cities. These waves then travel to and from between the handset and the tower while one is using the handset, and this results in increased electromagnetic contamination in the air.
The rapidly increasing number of cell-phone subscribers is resulting in higher concentration level of electromagnetic waves in the air which clashes with the earth's electromagnetic field.
Dr Vijayan also pointed out that sparrows are found to be disappearing from areas where mobile towers are installed.
SACON has also initiated a detailed study to find out how exactly these small birds are being affected.
"These are all circumstantial evidences. Now we need to prove how it is exactly affecting the sparrows. My feeling is that it probably affects their central nervous system. We are conducting studies with inputs from various cities on the falling number of sparrows in which the effect of electromagnetic contamination from mobile phones are also being examined," Dr Vijayan said.
He said increased exposure to electromagnetic waves also affects small animals. For example, in rats, it is found that the sperm count has decreased while in the case of chicken embryonic, mortality has become very high. There could be more examples, he added.
4) The article "effects on the trees" has been published in the journal "Ecosistemas" (Balmori, A. 2004. "Pueden afectar las microondas pulsadas emitidas por las antenas de telefonía a los árboles y otros vegetales?" Ecosistemas: 2004/3: 1-10)
http://www.revistaecosistemas.net/articulo.asp?Id=29&Id_Categoria=1&tipo=otros_contenidos
In all ways it is only necessary to visit some phone mast with a meter to check in situ that, where more impacts the radiation, some trees (mainly Populus sp.) begin to dry off for up.
Regarding the topic of the acidification, nobody doubts today that it has been the causing of the deterioration of many forests but to what I refer is that, in areas without chemical pollutants (but with electromagnetic pollution), the trees died for effect of electromagnetic fields (Volkrodt hypothesis).
5) I encourage English Nature to carry out similar studies (for example following my recommendations published in the refereed scientific journal "ARDEOLA" (BALMORI, (2004). "Posibles efectos de las ondas electromagnéticas utilizadas en la telefonía inalámbrica sobre los seres vivos". Ardeola, 51: 477-490.) (Please see attached).
http://www.omega-news.info/ardeola_51(477-490)_balmori.pdf
I believe that the critique is a very important part of the science. but I worry about not be carried out studies while the few ones that are made that find effects on the wildlife are criticized. For example the one that CEH bases a part of the critical to my studies (Cummins, C.P. and Osborn, D. (2002) "Non-ionising radiation and wildlife". Report to English Nature.) it is not published in any refeered scientific journal (???) (It would be of great interest for me to obtain a copy from this manuscript. Is this possible?).
In all ways the effects of those that I speak from in my works are not the thermal ones (it seems that with the standards of the ICNIRP they are solved).
Lastly I am convinced that in spite of the lacks and methodological difficulties of my studies, before or later they will be replied by other investigators, and that this is a serious environmental problem, without any doubt comparable with the pesticides or the changes in the land uses, that even alters the DNA of the wildlife (and man) although the electromagnetic radiations cannot be seen... (See European Reflex Project:
http://www.verum-foundation.de/cgi-bin/content.cgi?id=euprojekte01
("I have no doubt in my mind that, at the present time, the greatest polluting element in the earth's environment... more serious even than global climate change and chemical pollution... is the proliferation of electromagnetic fields." Robert O. Becker.)
Thank you again. With my best regards.
Alfonso Balmori
Spain
--------
Dear Dr Alfonso Balmori Martinez,
My sincere thanks to you for taking the time to compose this factual email. I am sure the contents of it affect each and every organisation involved in the health and welfare of animals and the environment and for this reason I have copied this to the organisations beneath with whom I have previously communicated.
Council For Environmental Education FAO Helen Rose
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, FAO Miss Hern
British Hedgehog Preservation Society, FAO Fay Vass
Living Earth, FAO Lucie Fry
The Blue Bross, FAO John Rutter
Pet Care Trust, FAO Steve Nowottny
British Veterinary Association, FAO Mrs Kerr
Animal Health Trust, FAO E Chandler
National Office of Animal Health, FAO Philip Sketchley
DEFRA, FAO Simon Harding
The British Horse Society, FAO Graham Cory
Scottish Natural Heritage, FAO Chris Sydes
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, FAO Martin Spray
Farm Animal Welfare Council, FAO Richard Aram
WWF, FAO Hannah Marshall
RSPB, FAO David Gibbons & Ken Smith
Royal Forestry Society, FAO Dr John Jackson
Many thanks
Stephen
PS Jennifer Best, Can I suggest that as key stakeholders those persons listed above should be extended an invite to attend the workshop being arranged by you on behalf of English Nature to look at the risk posed to wildlife from exposure to non-ionising radiation.
--------
Where have all the sparrows gone?
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/1147135/
Spanish paper on RF effects on birds
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/904106/
Birds suffer from biological effects of GSM, 3G (UMTS), DECT, WIFI, TETRA
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/900299/
Bird on a wire theory needs closer look in disease watch
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/1158189/
Mobile phone mast blamed for vanishing pigeons
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/286416/
More and more malformed animals in the irradiated village of Volturino
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/1157799/
Micro Waves Effects on Wildlife Animals
http://www.buergerwelle.de/pdf/micro_waves_effects_on_wildlife_animals.pdf
EMF Exposure - Animal Studies
http://members.aol.com/gotemf/emf/animals.htm
Adverse Bioeffects on Animals near a New Zealand Radio Transmitter
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/432402/
Effects of the electromagnetic fields of phone masts on a population of White Stork (Ciconia ciconia)
http://www.buergerwelle.de/pdf/effects_of_emf_on_white_stork.pdf
Tiere und Mobilfunk
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/196960/
Starmail - 25. Aug, 13:57
Mobilfunkschädigung aufgrund Senderaufbau
Eine eMail, die uns erreichte:
Sehr verehrter Hr. Dr. Huber!
Als sogenanntes Oberhaupt einer fünfköpfigen, mobilfunkgeschädigten (Definition tieferstehend) Familie, erlaube ich mir einen Vorschlag zu unterbreiten: Druck eines unübersehbaren Plakates mit den bereits veröffentlichten 12 Punkten der Ärztekammerwarnung. Aufhängung in allen Arztpraxen, Spitälern, Med. Labors. Argumentation: Es hängen viele Vorsorgehinweise in den Vorzimmern, wo die Patienten Zeit haben zu lesen und womöglich auch noch zu denken. Ich erinnere mich an das Brustkrebsplakat in einem Labor, wonach bereits vor 2 Jahren festgestellt wurde, dass statistisch gesehen jede 8. Frau zu Brustkrebs verurteilt sei und daher vorsorglich laufend Untersuchungen durchführen sollte.
Bei meinem gestrigen Besuch einer Arztpraxis vermisste ich die Warnung der Ärztekammer, der Arzt hatte sie nicht gelesen oder schon vergessen, er studierte erst auf Aufforderung meinen mitgebrachten Zeitungsartikel und nickte bejahend. Wartende Patienten kannten keine Details und meinten, dass die Medien auch von "Schauermärchen" schreiben. Krebs ist allerdings die Endstation. Die vielen Stationen davor, die ein zerstrahltes Immunsystem individuell bewirken (jede Kette reißt an ihrem schwächsten Glied) sollten ebenfalls erwähnt werden - ich glaube allerdings nicht, dass dies die Ärztekammer derzeit verkraftet. Ein Hinweis auf entsprechende bestehende Studien ( z. B. Warnke's Zusammenfassung) und solche die seitens der EU noch laufen (daher ein Risiko bestehen muss), bzw. solche die von der EU für nötig befunden aber derzeit nicht finanzierbar sind, wäre doch wichtig und auch unanfechtbar. Die gesamte "Branche" dürfte die Begriffe "100 %-iger Nachweis" und "Risiko" verwechseln. Ich bitte um Bescheid, ob mein Vorschlag Chancen hat realisiert zu werden.
Mit herzlichem Dank für Ihre Bemühungen und Ihren Mut
M. Lauber
P.S. - meine Definition von eigner Mobilfunkschädigung aufgrund Senderaufbaues 1999 vis a vis Materiell (unleugbar):
a) Aufgrund ansteigender gesundheitlicher Probleme aller Familienmitglieder und Ratlosigkeit der Kassenärzte ( diese haben seinerzeit auf der Uni noch nichts von der Thematik gehört - mit Diagnose CFS ist es z.B. nicht abgetan) ergibt sich zwangsläufig die Konsultation von Stellen, die mit der Problematik vertraut. Dies führt natürlich in Bereiche, die teils in Österreich noch nicht anerkannt, z. B. Untersuchungen mit Prognos, mit Imedis, Blutuntersuchungen mit Dunkelfeldmikroskopie durch in- und ausländische Spezialisten. Behandlungen mit Medikamenten und bestimmten Frequenzen (die Kosten sind horrend).
b) Anschaffung von Meßgeräten, Zuziehen von in- und ausländischen Meßexperten.
c) Enormer Aufwand für Ursachen- und Beweisforschung über sechs Jahre bei sinkender Lebensqualität (laufend Ratschläge Heim aufzugeben).
Gesundheitliche Schädigung (teils nicht beweisbar - teils unbestreitbar und von Betreibern selbst ins Treffen geführt):
a) Auftreten von ca. zwei Drittel der von Wissenschaftern angeführten Beschwerden (z.B. Übersicht von U. Warnke "10 Jahre Stand des Wissens" u. viele andere).
b) Die enorm ansteigende psychische Belastung über Jahre, wenn laufend neue Schädigungen auftreten, die laut wissenschaftlichen Studien (anerkannt oder nicht spielt hier keine Rolle mehr) auf biologische Reaktionen der Mikrowellen-Dauerbestrahlung zurückgeführt werden können. Die Gewissheit, dass auch ein "Handyloser" hier seinem gegenüberliegenden Sender nicht entweichen kann erzeugt Ohnmacht und wird auf lange Zeit zu Schäden führen, dazu braucht es keiner Bestätigung von Neurologen. Dies wird selbst von den Betreibern anerkannt, indem sie behaupten, dass Angst (Sorge) krank macht und nicht die Sender. Da aber die Effekte bestehen, die Studien bestehen und immer aussagekräftiger werden, nun auch endlich die Warnung der Ärztekammer vorliegt, müsste die Schädigung logischerweise endlich judizierbar sein. Solange die Betreiber und die fragliche WHO die direkte Schädigung nicht akzeptieren, muss die indirekte, von den Betreibern anerkannte Wirkung schlagend werden. Dies ist mein persönliche Ansicht, ich bitte um Ihre Meinung (vielleicht ist im Verteiler auch ein Jurist).
Aus: Elektrosmognews vom 25.08.2005 (Auszug)
http://openpr.de/news/58183-mobilfunkschaedigung-aufgrund-senderaufbau.html
Ärztekammer fordert Handyverbot für Kinder
http://tinyurl.com/7kmdc
Sehr verehrter Hr. Dr. Huber!
Als sogenanntes Oberhaupt einer fünfköpfigen, mobilfunkgeschädigten (Definition tieferstehend) Familie, erlaube ich mir einen Vorschlag zu unterbreiten: Druck eines unübersehbaren Plakates mit den bereits veröffentlichten 12 Punkten der Ärztekammerwarnung. Aufhängung in allen Arztpraxen, Spitälern, Med. Labors. Argumentation: Es hängen viele Vorsorgehinweise in den Vorzimmern, wo die Patienten Zeit haben zu lesen und womöglich auch noch zu denken. Ich erinnere mich an das Brustkrebsplakat in einem Labor, wonach bereits vor 2 Jahren festgestellt wurde, dass statistisch gesehen jede 8. Frau zu Brustkrebs verurteilt sei und daher vorsorglich laufend Untersuchungen durchführen sollte.
Bei meinem gestrigen Besuch einer Arztpraxis vermisste ich die Warnung der Ärztekammer, der Arzt hatte sie nicht gelesen oder schon vergessen, er studierte erst auf Aufforderung meinen mitgebrachten Zeitungsartikel und nickte bejahend. Wartende Patienten kannten keine Details und meinten, dass die Medien auch von "Schauermärchen" schreiben. Krebs ist allerdings die Endstation. Die vielen Stationen davor, die ein zerstrahltes Immunsystem individuell bewirken (jede Kette reißt an ihrem schwächsten Glied) sollten ebenfalls erwähnt werden - ich glaube allerdings nicht, dass dies die Ärztekammer derzeit verkraftet. Ein Hinweis auf entsprechende bestehende Studien ( z. B. Warnke's Zusammenfassung) und solche die seitens der EU noch laufen (daher ein Risiko bestehen muss), bzw. solche die von der EU für nötig befunden aber derzeit nicht finanzierbar sind, wäre doch wichtig und auch unanfechtbar. Die gesamte "Branche" dürfte die Begriffe "100 %-iger Nachweis" und "Risiko" verwechseln. Ich bitte um Bescheid, ob mein Vorschlag Chancen hat realisiert zu werden.
Mit herzlichem Dank für Ihre Bemühungen und Ihren Mut
M. Lauber
P.S. - meine Definition von eigner Mobilfunkschädigung aufgrund Senderaufbaues 1999 vis a vis Materiell (unleugbar):
a) Aufgrund ansteigender gesundheitlicher Probleme aller Familienmitglieder und Ratlosigkeit der Kassenärzte ( diese haben seinerzeit auf der Uni noch nichts von der Thematik gehört - mit Diagnose CFS ist es z.B. nicht abgetan) ergibt sich zwangsläufig die Konsultation von Stellen, die mit der Problematik vertraut. Dies führt natürlich in Bereiche, die teils in Österreich noch nicht anerkannt, z. B. Untersuchungen mit Prognos, mit Imedis, Blutuntersuchungen mit Dunkelfeldmikroskopie durch in- und ausländische Spezialisten. Behandlungen mit Medikamenten und bestimmten Frequenzen (die Kosten sind horrend).
b) Anschaffung von Meßgeräten, Zuziehen von in- und ausländischen Meßexperten.
c) Enormer Aufwand für Ursachen- und Beweisforschung über sechs Jahre bei sinkender Lebensqualität (laufend Ratschläge Heim aufzugeben).
Gesundheitliche Schädigung (teils nicht beweisbar - teils unbestreitbar und von Betreibern selbst ins Treffen geführt):
a) Auftreten von ca. zwei Drittel der von Wissenschaftern angeführten Beschwerden (z.B. Übersicht von U. Warnke "10 Jahre Stand des Wissens" u. viele andere).
b) Die enorm ansteigende psychische Belastung über Jahre, wenn laufend neue Schädigungen auftreten, die laut wissenschaftlichen Studien (anerkannt oder nicht spielt hier keine Rolle mehr) auf biologische Reaktionen der Mikrowellen-Dauerbestrahlung zurückgeführt werden können. Die Gewissheit, dass auch ein "Handyloser" hier seinem gegenüberliegenden Sender nicht entweichen kann erzeugt Ohnmacht und wird auf lange Zeit zu Schäden führen, dazu braucht es keiner Bestätigung von Neurologen. Dies wird selbst von den Betreibern anerkannt, indem sie behaupten, dass Angst (Sorge) krank macht und nicht die Sender. Da aber die Effekte bestehen, die Studien bestehen und immer aussagekräftiger werden, nun auch endlich die Warnung der Ärztekammer vorliegt, müsste die Schädigung logischerweise endlich judizierbar sein. Solange die Betreiber und die fragliche WHO die direkte Schädigung nicht akzeptieren, muss die indirekte, von den Betreibern anerkannte Wirkung schlagend werden. Dies ist mein persönliche Ansicht, ich bitte um Ihre Meinung (vielleicht ist im Verteiler auch ein Jurist).
Aus: Elektrosmognews vom 25.08.2005 (Auszug)
http://openpr.de/news/58183-mobilfunkschaedigung-aufgrund-senderaufbau.html
Ärztekammer fordert Handyverbot für Kinder
http://tinyurl.com/7kmdc
Starmail - 25. Aug, 10:28
Künstlicher Regen für Saudi-Arabien
Starmail - 25. Aug, 10:11
Wolfsgeheul auf dem Handy wirbt für bedrohte Tierarten
...das darf ja wohl nicht war sein! Schizophrener gehts nicht mehr:
http://www.bmu.de/pressemitteilungen/pressemitteilungen_ab_01012005/pm/35865.php
Roland Zipf
http://www.bmu.de/pressemitteilungen/pressemitteilungen_ab_01012005/pm/35865.php
Roland Zipf
Starmail - 25. Aug, 00:01
