ISIS Press Release 09/11/05 Zambia Holding Firm to GM Ban Amid Aggressive GM Awareness Campaign

Dr. Mae-Wan Ho

Zambian Minister of Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Mrs Judith Kapijimpanga, told the international conference on Genetic Engineering and Sustainable Agriculture in Lusaka, 3-6 October, that her country had taken a bold stance to reject GMO foods and conditions attached to them, “much to the annoyance of some donors.”

The Zambian government is committed to rejecting GM foods and aids to protect humans and animals and the environment. It is taking a precautionary stance on GM and ensuring sustainable agriculture.

She said the problem of food insecurity in Africa was a result of complex issues including droughts, floods, poor rural infrastructure, unreliable input distributions, subsidies, farmers' attitudes and agricultural policies. It required an integrated approach for sustainability.

The public and farmers have no access to reliable information and data, which is why the government is investing K900 million (~US$200 000) to set up a national institute of scientific research on GMO testing, to enable scientists to generate knowledge on biotechnology. She challenged the media to obtain and report accurate information on biotechnology and biosafety.

Hon Abel Chambeshi, Zambia's Minister for Communication, in closing the conference, reiterated that Zambia is committed to ban the release of GMOs and confine them to the laboratory. Safety and sustainable agriculture need to be given more attention at all levels, he said . Informed decisions need to be made in Zambia and within the region. Scientists should confine as much as possible their research in the laboratory, and only allow those approved as safe by regulation .

“Conservation farming and organic farming are proven to work,” Chambeshi said, “let us continue with them to eradicate hunger.”

Zambia shook the world when it took the lead in rejecting GM food aid in 2002 in the midst of projected famine (greatly exaggerated by the press and pro-GM lobby), opting instead to purchase food surpluses from within the country and the African region ( SiS 16 and SiS 17). The country recovered sufficiently to export maize surpluses to Angola in 2004.

Unfortunately, drought hit the sub- Saharan African countries including Zambia during the 2004/05 growing season, leaving many local communities short of food. So, once again, the pro-GM lobby has been taking the opportunity to promote GM crops for feeding the poor and hungry; and Zambia and other countries have been under tremendous pressure to accept GM food aid.

I was among the scientists, government and non-government representatives, and journalists invited to attend the international conference.

Not surprisingly, many participants rejected the idea that GM crops have a role to play in sustainable agriculture, especially for poor farmers; and considered it a waste of time to even discuss the GM option.

Dr Drinah Nyirenda, executive director of Programme Against Malnutrition, said there was need for technologies that optimised food production and utilisation. Any technology that fails will simply perpetuate poverty and hunger. “GM technology does not quality because it does not satisfy the issues raised on food availability, safety, environment and biodiversity sustainability on which the vulnerable small-scale farmer depends.”

Several promising approaches to sustainable agriculture were described at the conference (“Brother Paul's organic cotton & vegetable farm” and “Farmer who values his freedom above all”, this issue).

My message was simple. Once the hype, lies, half-truths and corruption are stripped away, there is no evidence GM crops have delivered any of the benefits promised by proponents, such as improved yields, reduced pesticides, or economic gains for small farmers; quite the opposite is the case. And there are large uncertainties over the safety of GM crops for health and the environment.

Most of all, farmers will lose control of seeds, for GM seeds are protected by patents; and apart from having to purchase seed every year, they must pay additional “technology fees”.

Furthermore, even if farmers choose not to grow GM crops, companies like Monsanto could and would still take them to court for patent infringement, should their fields become contaminated with GM seed or pollen. And organic farmers are not the only people under threat from GM contamination – a myth perpetrated by the pro-GM lobby – but farmers growing conventional crops as well.

Europe, a major food importer, has set GM contamination thresholds for conventional imports, above which they have to be labelled as GM. Countries around the world are due to follow suit.

US journalist Jeffrey Smith, whose book Seeds of Deception exposed the cover-ups and suppression of scientists and scientific evidence over the safety of GM food and feed, applauded Zambia's precautionary stance in rejecting GM food aid.

“We have neither the legal biosafety regulatory framework, nor the capacity to deal with GM imports, while large uncertainties remain over the safety of GM crops for health and the environment,” explained Dr. M. M. Lewanika, head of the Institute of Biotechnology in Zambia.

Two apologists for GM crops stood out, not so much in projecting a rose-tinted view of a biotech future under the now familiar refrain of “keeping all options open” even though “GM crops are not a panacea”, nor in denigrating and questioning organic agriculture at every opportunity; but in using an identical, crudely emotive tactic to try to morally blackmail their audience into accepting GM crops.

Dr Luke Mumba, chair of the Bio-safety Council of Zambia and researcher at the University of Zambia, included in his powerpoint presentation a photograph of an emaciated child crawling on barren ground with a vulture standing nearby, watching. The starving child, Mumba told us, was crawling towards food aid, with the vulture at its back. The child managed to reach the food aid and was saved, but the journalist who took the picture committed suicide.

Remarkably, Dr. Joseph M Wekundah, Mumba's counterpart from Kenya used the same picture in his talk and repeated exactly the same story.

Thanks to Jonathan Matthews of GMWatch ( GM Watch daily, 13 October 2005 http://www.gmwatch.org ), I later learned that the photograph was taken in Sudan in 1994, long before GM food aid became an issue. No one knew if the child was saved. The photographer made no attempt to save the child, and committed suicide because he ran out of money.

Mumba chairs the Biotechnology Outreach Society of Zambia, launched 2003, and dedicated to an “aggressive awareness campaign” to change Zambia's “negative attitude towards GM crops” http://www.gmwatch.org/profile1.asp?PrId=189. He has been invited to speak in conferences organised by industry-funded groups such as EuropaBio and CropGen in Europe and the UK.

This article can be found on the I-SIS website at
http://www.i-sis.org.uk/

Ein Augenschein vor Ort sollte am Montagnachmittag klären, ob eine geplante Mobilfunkantenne am Schlössliweg 2 in Biberist zulässig ist oder ob die Anlage so nicht gebaut werden darf.

Das Grundstück Schlössliweg 2 in Biberist gehört der Swisscom. Im Dezember 2004 wurde ein Baugesuch für eine Kommunikationsanlage, sprich eine Mobilfunkantenne mit GSM- und UMTS-Technik, publiziert. Darauf gingen 157 Einsprachen ein. Im Mai 2005 wies die Baukommission Biberist alle Einsprachen ab. Eine Partei legte Beschwerde gegen den Entscheid der Baukommission ein. «Dies ist ganz kurz zusammengefasst die Vorgeschichte, weshalb es zum heutigen Augenschein kommt», erklärte Rudolf Eng, juristischer Sekretär des Bau- und Justizdepartementes, am Montag.

Zum Augenschein hatten sich die Beschwerdeführer, die Verantwortlichen von Seiten der Gemeinde Biberist und des Kantons und eine ganze Menge Zuhörerinnen und Zuhörer aus der Nachbarschaft eingefunden. Letztere zeigten damit ihre Unterstützung für die Beschwerdeführer. Für die Bauherrin Swisscom war nur gerade Walter Keller als juristischer Vertreter anwesend. «Der Termin ist Swisscom bekannt, wohl ein Kommunikationsloch», meinte er dazu nur trocken.

Drei Hauptbeschwerdepunkte

Drei Hauptbeschwerdepunkte gebe es vor Ort zu klären, so Eng. Die Beschwerdeführer würden behaupten, dass das Baugesuch nicht konform publiziert worden sei. Es sei bemängelt worden, dass die Publikation nur im Biberister Teil des «Azeigers» veröffentlicht wurde. Das Grundstück Schlössliweg 2 liege aber genau an der Grenze zwischen Biberist, Solothurn und Zuchwil. Eine Publikation in den beiden Nachbargemeinden wäre ebenfalls nötig gewesen, wurde argumentiert. Zweitens würden die Beschwerdeführer bemängeln, dass die Liegenschaften in der Nähe der geplanten Antenne an Wert verlieren würden und das Quartierbild gestört werde. Schliesslich wurde auch ins Feld geführt, dass die Strahlung gesundheitliche Schäden nach sich ziehe. Dabei wurde auch auf die in der Nähe liegende Tagesschule Mittelland, den Kindergarten an der Wassergasse und den Kinderhort gegenüber dem Grundstück auf Zuchwiler Boden aufmerksam gemacht. «Angestellte von Swisscom haben dem Einsprecher zudem erklärt, dass der Standort hier gar nicht geeignet ist für eine solche Anlage», meinte Max Flückiger, als Anwalt der Beschwerdeführer.

Grenzwerte knapp eingehalten

Die Publikation des Baugesuches sei von Seiten des Baudepartementes genügend gewesen, erklärte Rudolf Eng. Es sei zumutbar, sich die Inserate der Nachbargemeinden anzusehen. «Die geplante Antenne kommt in eine Gewerbezone. Ein solcher Mast ist zwar nichts Schönes, aber unverhältnismässig wird das Ortsbild hier nicht gestört», meinte Markus Schmid, kantonaler Beauftragter für den Ortsbildschutz, zum letzten Beschwerdepunkt.

Auch die Grenzwerte der NIS-Verordnung (nicht ionisierende Strahlung) würden laut Berechnungen des Kantons eingehalten, erklärte Markus Chastonay, Leiter Fachstelle betriebliche Luftreinhaltung, Lärm und Elektrosmog im Amt für Umwelt. Er machte aber darauf aufmerksam, dass zwei Liegenschaften mit Werten von 4,93 und 4,94 v/m (Volt pro Meter, bei einem erlaubten Grenzwert von 5 v/m) stark tangiert würden. Keinerlei Gefahren konnte er aber für die Tagesschule, den Kindergarten und die Krippe sehen.

Omega siehe dazu "Die Schweizer Grenzwerte: eine Mogelpackung erster Güte" unter: http://omega.twoday.net/stories/283430/

Max Flückiger verlangte im Namen seiner Klienten, dass die Berechnungen vor dem Bau der Antenne von einer unabhängigen Stelle nochmals durchgeführt werden: «Gerade weil sich so knappe Werte ergeben.»

Das Urteil wird vom Bau- und Justizdepartement gefällt. Es wird den Parteien schriftlich zugestellt. (sda/nim)

08.11.2005 10:45

http://tinyurl.com/bp3mc

Interesting slant on our problem: Sylvia


Electro-Magnetic (EM) weapons are one of the newest and most serious military developments in the world today. Enormous secrecy surrounds their development, which is helped by the fact that they rely on the complex physics of non-ionizing radiation and on bio-electromagnetics. They can be broadly broken down into two categories - those aimed at the environment and those aimed at living systems, or in reality the human central nervous system.

In the case of the environment, very large quantities of energy can be literally 'broadcast', like radio, to create certain special environmental effects - radical changes in the ionosphere to affect communications, and possibly even the weather, as well as reflection to earth to perform such feats as x-raying the earth to find underground installations, possibly large transfers of energy to power equipment, or to apply destructive forces anywhere on earth, including EMP effects (Electro-Magnetic Pulse, associated with nuclear explosions), and simpler tasks like submarine communication, using very long waves.

The more sinister aspect concerns the ability to use low energy density waves of particular frequencies and special waveforms to literally 'tune into' the human central nervous system (CNS), something that has been achieved in the laboratory, according to publicly available scientific literature. This might be done on an individual scale, to temporarily or perhaps permanently alter psychological states, so as to elicit certain behaviours from human beings. It is alleged that many victims have been tested involuntarily for decades now with this technology. It is also suggested that these weapons have been used in some actions, most especially the Gulf War and against the Greenham Common women in the UK. In this case they would have a mass effect, in that they are aimed at large groups. This use is sought not only by the military, but, alarmingly, by the police forces as well, clearly for the purpose of controlling unruly domestic populations.

The subject came to the attention of the Green Group of the European Parliament in 1996, and we have slowly developed a knowledge base and large archive in this highly specialized area. Several special meetings culminating in a Foreign Affairs Committee Parliamentary Hearing have been held at the European Parliament as a result, and finally the Group managed in early January '99, with the help of interested Members in other Groups, to have Parliament pass a resolution referring very critically to this subject. This subject also has very serious implications for standard setting for non-ionizing radiation, because the levels of exposure at which one can manipulate the human being are very low indeed, since it is the tuning and the waveform which matter, not the levels, which is the reason that Russian exposure standards are apparently 1000 times lower than the US standards. Setting standards suited to the use of mobile phones and power lines, so as to avoid the long term health effects, while very desirable indeed, may not even be low enough to prevent the use of these weapons, and may even legalize their use, something the Greens must be very careful of, since we have been responsible for this subject to date in the European Parliament (Lannoye, Belgium and Tamino, Italy).

Ideally, for now, we should exclude military sources, specifically weapons, as opposed to communications equipment, from EU legislation on non-ionizing radiation altogether.

It is worth comparing the standard setting processes for non-ionizing and for ionizing radiation, as they are remarkably similar. The military, via the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), played a major role in originally setting ionizing standards at ridiculously high levels by burying or ignoring the science, leading to the need for continuous reductions in the acceptable exposure levels. Something similar appears to happening with non-ionizing radiation, in that a very similar unelected 'independent' advisory committee (ICNIRP - International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) has offered advice in this area, which is accepted blindly by the European Commission, despite the fact that, once again, much of the science is being ignored, and the precautionary principle, for some odd reason, seems not to apply.

The fact that two of the US representatives on ICNIRP are associated with the military has echoes of the past, and is most suspicious. The focus of public attention so far has been a project in Alaska called HAARP (High frequency Active Auroral Research Program), which is a massive 'array' transmitter designed to manipulate the ionosphere for military purposes - communications effects, earth x-rays, and possibly weather manipulation (despite conventions banning this). But the range of uses of this basic technology is very wide, much wider than its predecessor, ionizing radiation (nuclear). The primary difference is that electromagnetic waves can be 'tuned' so as to have certain effects on living systems, whereas the 'chaotic' nature of ionizing radiation does not facilitate this and the result of exposure to it is normally direct damage only.

As stated above, scientists have been able to 'tune' EM to facilitate remote direct communication with the central nervous systems of living creatures, and they are of course especially interested in using this fact to manipulate human beings. According to their own official documentation, the military and the police use them to control populations. They were used in a crude form by the Soviets against the US Moscow embassy in the '60s with fatal consequences for the ambassador himself, and it is believed that they were used in what is called a 'superfence' against the Greenham Common women, and also to demotivate the Iraqi troops during the Gulf War. The Soviets tried in the 70s to prevent an arms race in this area by means of a Convention, but the US rejected these efforts, and has moved ahead very rapidly, also within NATO, into a dominant position.

Unless this development is stopped, we are entering an Orwellian '1984' type scenario, which could potentially permanently transfer enormous power to those in control of the technology. It must also be seen in the wider context of the one-sided arms race currently underway, where the US is re-arming, by continuing with 'Star Wars', and is aiming to be totally dominant in 'Space Power' by 2020. Electromagnetic weapons play a key role here, alongside ABMs, lasers and particle beam weapons.

http://www.motherearth.org/nuke/info8.php

"Nach der Vorstellung des Hartz-Papiers hieß es, mit seiner Umsetzung könne innerhalb von 2 Jahren die Arbeitslosigkeit um 50% reduziert werden. Das hat schon damals nur geglaubt, wer nichts von Arbeitsmarktpolitik verstand oder verstehen wollte.“

Informationen zur Eingliederungsvereinbarung

Aktuelle Infos sowie Beispielbrief zur Abwehr der Eingliederungsvereinbarung und Beispielbrief zum Widerspruch der Eingliederungsvereinbarung Beitrag im Forum von "Widerspruch und Klage“ zum Thema Eingliederungsvereinbarung vom 06.11.2005

http://www.widerspruch-und-klage.de/thread.php?threadid=1006&sid=5d75de2855fb3f6dfe4a14ce379ed74c


Aus: LabourNet, 9. November 2005

Maria (si se puede) (Yes we can)

HipHop-track von Holger Burner bei LaborB (mp3, 4´21 min, 3.9 MB)

http://www.laborb.org/mukke/maria.mp3 und der Text dazu
http://www.labournet.de/diskussion/arbeit/aktionen/maria.html


Proteste gegen Ein-Euro-Jobs

Bildungssyndikat übergibt Unterschriftenlisten gegen 1€-Job-Praxis des Studentenwerkes der Justus-Liebig-Universität (Giessen)

Presseerklärung der FAU vom 28.10.05
http://www.fau.org/artikel/art_051028-170556

Übersicht über regionale Anti-Hartz-&-Co-Bündnisse
http://www.labournet.de/diskussion/arbeit/aktionen/regionen.html

wurde aktualisiert.


Aus: LabourNet, 9. November 2005

My name is Helen Perivier and I'm the toxic campaigner for Greenpeace International. I'm writing to you because I need your help now.

http://prefs.greenpeace.org/mail-links/clicks/10255.1951729.5409

In only 8 days the European Parliament will be voting on a vital chemical law (known as REACH) on 17 November 2005. This law should protect our health and environment from toxic pollution. But dirty industry lobbying is threatening REACH. The chemical industry wants to continue the use of thousands of chemicals without telling us what the effects these chemicals would have on our health or environment. The chemicals industry lobby wants hazardous chemicals used even when safer substitutes exist.

This vote is vital to the future of the REACH and I need your voice to show that EU citizens want a law that protects our health and environment. Please help us and urge the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to vote for a strong law that truly protects us from hazardous chemicals.

If you have digital image of yourself or your family please add your picture to the virtual gallery showing that real people want to end chemical contamination.

http://prefs.greenpeace.org/mail-links/clicks/10256.1951729.5409

We will personally deliver these pictures to MEPs on the day of the vote.

If you don't have a digital image please email your MEP at http://www.chemicalreaction.org/

Thank you for your support - together we can make a difference. Please spread the word by sending this email to all your friends.

Kind regards,

Helen Perivier
Greenpeace International

A MOBILE phone company has won the right to put up a phone mast in Bakewell despite officials turning down their application.

The Peak Park Planning Authority refused the application from the Hutchinson 3G Group UK Ltd in May this year. But the phone company appealed against the decision to put up a mast on Butts Road, and won last week.

A resident who did not want to be named, said: "It's a bit of a waste of time having a Peak Park Authority who are supposed to take care of these things when their decision is overturned.

"It will be 20m away from my property. I know they said there is no health issue, but you can't convince people who will live near it.

"It isn't a good thing to have in the centre of Bakewell."

Bakewell Town Councillor Joyce Steel said: "In my personal opinion, I don't think it's a suitable position. It's too close to properties and right in the centre of the town. It's going to be an eyesore."

The application was refused by the Peak Park planning committee on the grounds that it would harm the conservation area and harm residential properties. Twenty one letters of objection were also received.

The company appealed against the decision, and the appeal was allowed by the planning inspector.

The inspector decided the mast would only be seen from a short section of Butts Road, and could not be seen from ground level in the town centre.

The Peak Park required a condition be put on the planning permission that the mast must be painted to blend in with the surroundings, and removed when no longer required.

Narendra Bajaria, chair of the planning committee, said: "Each application is considered on its merits, and in this case the committee felt that the phone-mast would have a detrimental effect on the character of the Conservation Area, the setting of the listed buildings and the amenities of nearby residents.

"The inspector allowed the appeal after careful consideration of those arguments and we have to accept his decision."

A spokesperson from Hutchinson 3G Group UK Ltd, said: "We are pleased with the inspectors decision to allow us this site as we do need a site in the town in order for people to use their phones."

By Amy Thurston

09 November 2005

http://www.matlocktoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=749&ArticleID=1248349

09.11.05

Nach Auffassung der Umweltschutzorganisation Greenpeace kommt die kostenlose Ausgabe so genannter Emissionszertifikate einer Industriesubvention gleich. Hierbei handelt es sich um staatliche Berechtigungsscheine zur Emission des Treibhausgases Kohlendioxid. In einem offenen Brief an die designierte Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel, SPD-Chef Franz Müntefering und die neuen Mitglieder des Bundestages schreibt die Organisation, "diese Milliardengeschenke" setzten falsche Marktsignale, verzerrten den Wettbewerb und behinderten effektiven Klimaschutz. Greenpeace fordert, die Kohlendioxid-Emissionszertifikate nicht mehr kostenlos zu vergeben, sondern an die Industrie zu versteigern. Das würde nach Auffassung der Organisation für die Energiekonzerne Anreize schaffen, den Kohlendioxid-Ausstoß deutlich zu verringern.

Die ganze Nachricht im Internet:
http://www.ngo-online.de/ganze_nachricht.php?Nr=12249

"Zweite Zahnbürste im Bad": Verringerter Kündigungsschutz und Elternhaftung für arbeitslose Kinder (09.11.05)

Nach Auskunft von Unions-Fraktionsvize Ronald Pofalla wollen CDU/CSU und SPD beim Kündigungsschutz die Probezeit auf 24 Monate verlängern. In dieser Probezeit soll Arbeitnehmern ohne Angabe von Gründen gekündigt werden können. Laut offizieller Begründung sollen damit mehr unbefristete Arbeitsverhältnisse entstehen und Ketten-Arbeitsverträge vermieden werden. Mit der Neuregelung sei auch der Unions-Plan vom Tisch, wonach Arbeitnehmer zwischen Kündigungsschutz und Abfindung wählen können. Die globalisierungskritische Organisation Attac kritisierte die Zustimmung der SPD zu dieser zweijährigen "Probezeit". Damit werde der Kündigungsschutz für Neueingestellte und Jobwechsler faktisch abgeschafft. Ob das Arbeitsplätze schafft, sei mehr als fragwürdig. Mit Sicherheit führe es aber zur "Verunsichung und Erpressbarkeit der Arbeitnehmer".

Die ganze Nachricht im Internet:
http://www.ngo-online.de/ganze_nachricht.php?Nr=12242

Information ouverte de Next-up organisation à:

Monsieur Xavier BERTRAND, Ministre de la Santé et des Solidarités,

Madame Michèle FROMENT-VEDRINE, Directrice Générale de l’Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire de l’Environnement et du Travail (AFFSET),

Professeur Jacques ROLAND, Président de l'Ordre National des Médecins.

L' Agence de Protection Sanitaire d'Angleterre (HPA) Réexamine sa position sur un nouveau phénomène de Santé l' Electro Hyper Sensibilité (EHS)

http://www.next-up.org/main.php?param=electroehs

Ray McGovern
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110905Y.shtml

http://rwor.org/a/022/bush-calls-for-endless-war.htm


Informant: C. Clark Kissinger

From ufpj-news

Einladung und Programm zum Friedenspolitischen Ratschlag 2005
Freitag/Samstag/Sonntag, 2./3./4. Dezember 2005, Universität Kassel

Neue Kriege in Sicht?

* Ein oder mehrere Imperien? USA, EU und die neuen Mächte

* Kriegsherde Naher, Mittlerer und Ferner Osten – Der „euroasiatische Spannungsbogen“

* Deutsche Soldaten in aller Welt – Kosten, Gefahren, Strategien, Widerstände

http://www.uni-kassel.de/fb5/frieden/rat/2005/programm1.html

What if, after pressuring the CIA, Cheney discovered that the CIA's Iraqi WMD claims in the 1990s were all based on false assumptions?

http://www.tompaine.com/uncommonsense/index.php#6684

by Greg LeRoy, TomPaine.com

The so-called free enterprise success story depends heavily on U.S. taxpayers.

http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051109/walmarts_tax_on_us.php

by David Corn, TomPaine.com

With their own problems piling up, Republicans want to discredit the Dems who are pushing for investigating the use of Iraq intelligence.

http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051109/smearanddistract_time.php

Next week, Robert Greenwald's latest documentary film WAL-MART: The High Cost of Low Price will premiere at 6,000+ homes, churches, family businesses, schools, living rooms, community centers and parking lots across the country -- a true people's premiere.

Click here to attend or host a local screening!
http://www.walmartmovie.com/host.php?track=caf/

In the most significant test of the political environment since 2004, Americans yesterday resoundingly supported the new priorities of Democratic candidates over the status quo policies of President Bush and Republican leadership. With just less than a year until congressional elections in 2006, Democrats have gained momentum with a clear vision for progress and a national mood firmly united against the leadership of national Republicans.

Even the conservative newspaper Washington Times wrote

"The unexpected closeness of the Virginia race -- in a conservative state that President Bush carried by nearly 54 percent of the vote last year -- is a result in part to the GOP's eroding position in public opinion polls." -- Washington Times, 11/8/05

Thank you for all your help, and congratulations again to our Democratic governors-elect in New Jersey and Virginia.

Sincerely,

Rahm Emanuel Chairman, DCCC

Former Sen. Bob Graham of Florida said Friday that he thinks Vice President Dick Cheney was a "conspirator" in a Bush administration campaign to discredit former ambassador Joe Wilson and expose Wilson's wife, CIA operative Valerie Plame.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110905O.shtml

For the nation's top oilmen, it is a new and uncomfortable reality. They were summoned by the Republican leadership of the Senate and appeared this morning before two congressional panels to explain why prices climbed as high as they did and what they intend to do with their companies' soaring profits. The executives hope to persuade legislators not to take tough punitive action.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110905I.shtml

Ludwig von Mises Institute
by Thorsten Polleit

11/08/05

For governments in general and the US government in particular, Ludwig von Mises had a policy recommendation: do not increase the stock of money any further. He made this point in 'Monetary Reconstruction' (written in 1952 and published in 1953): 'The first step must be a radical and unconditional abandonment of any further inflation. The total amount of dollar bills, whatever their name or legal characteristic may be, must not be increased by further issuance.' Why did Mises take such a position, one which would presumably provoke outright opposition from many of today's mainstream economists?

http://www.mises.org/story/1956


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

Boston Globe
by Thomas Oliphant

11/08/05

Only in a country governed by the triumvirate of George Bush, Bill Frist and Dennis Hastert could the following set of events unfold with absurd smoothness. The Senate narrowly approves a 'deficit reduction' bill as part of a larger package that will increase the deficit. That was last week. The House narrowly approves its own Draconian 'deficit reduction' bill as part of a larger package that will increase the deficit. That is likely to be this week, barring a last-minute revolt of moderate congressmen. The final version of the legislation ... jettisons the sensible portions of the Senate bill and adds the worst of the House measure. ... President Bush then approves the result, and the country is again another day older and deeper in debt. This kind of government -- you might call it the institutionalization of irresponsibility -- is what the vast majority of Americans, who tell pollsters by large margins that the country is headed in the wrong direction and that both the president and Congress are not doing their jobs well, reject. But they are getting it anyway...

http://tinyurl.com/bekyr


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

Washington Times
by Bruce Fein

11/08/05

Judge Samuel A. Alito's confirmation as an associate justice to replace Sandra Day O'Connor would mark a genuine turning point in U.S. Supreme Court decisions. With Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, Judge Alito would make the fourth of a band of philosophical brothers schooled to interpret the Constitution and statutes in accord with their original meaning, as the Founding Fathers intended. James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and other architects of the Constitution described the judiciary as the least dangerous branch, partly because the court's interpretive power was meant to be circumscribed by the text and manifest purposes. As Lord Acton might have predicted, the court's absolute power to interpret corrupted its intended limits absolutely...

http://www.washtimes.com/commentary/20051107-100012-1331r.htm


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

http://openpr.com/in/461

Please, note that my coworkers and I have got yet another article published:

Rajkovic V, Matavulj M, Johansson O, "Histological characteristics of cutaneous and thyroid mast cell populations in male rats exposed to power-frequency electromagnetic fields", Int J Radiat Biol 2005; 81: 491-499

This paper emanates from a very fruitful collaboration between the Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Novi Sad, Serbia and Montenegro, and my own research group at the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. We have actually already presented some of the data at two conferences:

Rajkovic V, Matavulj M, Johansson O, "Histological and stereological analysis of cutaneous mast cells in rats exposed to 50 Hz EMF", 6th International Congress of the European Bioelectromagnetics Association (EBEA), Budapest, Hungary, November 13-15, 2003 (abstr.)

Rajkovic V, Matavulj M, Johansson O, "An immunohistochemical and morphometrical study of the power-frequency electromagnetic field influence on skin and thyriod amine- and peptide-containing cells in rats", BioEM 2005, Dublin, Ireland, June 19-24, 2005 (abstr.)

...and we also have further papers to be finalized.


As most of you already know, several years ago I and Peng-Yue Liu could, i.a., demonstrate a large increase in the cutaneous mast cell count in persons with electrohypersensitivity as compared to normal healthy individuals [cf. e.g. Johansson & Liu, ""Electrosensitivity", "electrosupersensitivity" and "screen dermatitis": preliminary observations from on-going studies in the human skin", In: Proceedings of the COST 244: Biomedical Effects of Electromagnetic Fields - Workshop on Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (ed. D Simunic), EU/EC (DG XIII), Brussels/Graz, 1995, pp 52-57]. In addition, also an effect on cutaneous mast cells from normal healthy volunteers in front of ordinary TVs/PCs could be shown [Johansson et al., "Cutaneous mast cells are altered in normal healthy volunteers sitting in front of ordinary TVs/PCs - results from open-field provocation experiments", J Cutan Pathol 2001; 28: 513-519]. Based on these findings, Shabnam Gangi and I could summarize this "mast cell hypothesis" in two papers [Gangi & Johansson, "Skin changes in "screen dermatitis" versus classical UV- and ionizing irradiation-related damage--similarities and differences. Two neuroscientists' speculative review", Exp Dermatol 1997; 6: 283-291; Gangi & Johansson, "A theoretical model based upon mast cells and histamine to explain the recently proclaimed sensitivity to electric and/or magnetic fields in humans", Med Hypotheses 2000; 54: 663-671]. My working hypothesis since then is that electrohypersensitivity is a kind of irradiation damage, since the observed cellular changes are very much the same as the ones you would find in tissue subjected to UV-light or ionizing radiation [see e.g. Johansson, "Elöverkänslighet - en form av strålskada" (="Electrohypersensitivity - a kind of irradiation damage", in Swedish), Tf-bladet 2004; (3): 12-13].

One very fierce criticism from certain 'opponents' has been that such mast cell alterations in persons with electrohypersensitivity (or in normal healthy volunteers!) can not be due to the action of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and/or airborn chemicals, but must be due to psychological or psychiatric personality disturbances, cognitive malfunction, or likewise. The purpose and objective of the present study was - therefore - to determine whether rat mast cells in skin and thyroid gland, as well as cutaneous nerve fibers and eosinophils, are sensitive to the influence of power-frequent EMFs.

In summary, it turned out that the numerical and volume densities of intact type A mast cells in the thyroid of the exposed group of rats were significantly higher as compared to the control (p<0.05 for both). [N.B. The obtained animal results can not be understood by psychological or psychiatric theories, but are claimed to be due only to the EMF exposure.]


As usual, we are eagerly hoping for some funding to be able to continue our research efforts. We would be very happy to also include microwaves of mobile phone character in future studies.

[If you want to have a reprint, please, send me an A4/C4-envelope with your name and address on. For Swedes: Om Du vill ha ett särtryck, skicka mig då ett A4/C4-kuvert med Ditt namn och postadress på. Frankera med 2 st. valörlösa frimärken eller 11 kronor i brevporto.]

Olle Johansson, assoc. prof.
The Experimental Dermatology Unit Department of Neuroscience Karolinska Institute
171 77 Stockholm
Sweden


http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Olle+Johansson

Slate
by John Dickerson

11/08/05

For weeks, the city's permanent class has speculated about whether Patrick Fitzgerald would indict Karl Rove. If he does, then Rove will resign as Scooter Libby did. But as each day passes with no action from the special prosecutor, Rove is looking safer and safer. So, the lunchtime conversation has shifted. The question now is: What should President Bush do if his top political adviser is not indicted? Fifty-nine percent of Americans think Rove should resign from the White House. (The most amazing aspect of this: that 59 percent of Americans know who Rove is.) Only 36 percent of Americans 'now believe that Bush has lived up to his campaign pledge to restore integrity to the White House.' So, will Bush fire Rove to try to improve public perceptions about his administration? Or will he continue to rely on Rove's advice and ignore his critics?

http://www.slate.com/id/2129655/


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

TechCentralStation
by Glenn Harlan Reynolds

11/09/05

Republicans might be tempted to root against Sperling here. To the extent that the activist left tugs the Democratic Party into Jimmy Carterland, that's probably good for the GOP's chances in 2006 and especially 2008. But the fact remains: Sooner or later, the Democrats will win the White House, and/or a majority in Congress, and when they do it will matter a lot whether they're promulgating the economic policies of Bill Clinton, or the economic policies of Jimmy Carter -- or Michael Moore. For the good of the country, Republicans should be rooting for Sperling, not against him...

http://www.techcentralstation.com/110905B.html


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

AntiWar.Com
by Justin Raimondo

11/09/05

As blowback from the lies that duped us into war plunges Washington into a maelstrom of investigations and counter-investigations, Ahmed Chalabi adds insult to injury by making a return trip to the Imperial City. He's staying at the ritzy-glitzy Ritz-Carlton, where he's staked out a whole bloc of rooms at (U.S.) taxpayers' expense, and is slated to meet with Dick Cheney, Condi Rice, Treasury Secretary John Snow, and the Chalabi fan club over at the American Enterprise Institute. Gee, that's funny: I could've sworn Chalabi was under investigation for turning over highly sensitive U.S. intelligence to the Iranians, and had his Iraqi home and headquarters raided by American and Iraqi troops last year. Not to mention the fabrications he retailed to New York Times reporter Judith Miller, who reported them as fact and plastered them all over the front page of the 'newspaper of record'...

http://antiwar.com/justin/?articleid=7961



Return of the tinker

The American Prospect
by Matthew Yglesias

11/08/05

In a more just world, Ahmed Chalabi would spend the rest of his life afraid to set foot in the United States. After all, what could possibly await him in Uncle Sam's jurisdiction but a bundle of awkward subpoenas and summonses? ... But returning he is. Not to be interviewed by FBI counterintelligence officers. Not to testify before a grand jury. Not to be hauled in front of a congressional committee or two. ... He'll be back in our nation's capital Wednesday afternoon to deliver a speech to the American Enterprise Institute. The topic: 'An Insider's View: Democratic Politics at Work in Iraq.' Vital questions about how and why the United States wound up invading and occupying Iraq in order to dismantle a nuclear weapons program that didn't exist won't be addressed. Instead: 'Will the constitution provide the foundation for a democratic system that can be a model for the Middle East?'

http://www.prospect.org/web/view-web.ww?id=10597


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

Cato Institute
by Alan Reynolds

11/09/05

If prices or crude oil and gasoline really rise and fall at the whim of U.S. petroleum companies, why would oil and gas prices ever fall? Texas crude fell to $12 in February 1999. Was that because U.S. oil companies suddenly became less greedy? 'Average U.S. gasoline price tumbles to $2.48 a gallon,' said a recent headline at USA Today, noting gas prices had dropped by at least 55 cents. The crude oil price dropped 9.8 percent in October. The Dow Jones stock index for oil and gas companies fell 9.2 percent. On the futures market, natural gas prices fell 18 percent in a single week. Mr. O'Reilly's spin zone had to spin a new theory. He now argues that, while prices rose due to some inexplicable hurricane of greed, they later fell because 'oil companies have been scared into lowering prices of oil'...

http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=5184


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

The Price of Liberty
by Nathan A. Barton

11/07/05

Terance Jeffrey recently published the above commentary. While it is obviously about the Alito nomination, that is not why I am writing about it today. This little article very carefully summarizes the situation this nation has gotten itself into regarding who is 'entitled' to be treated as a person -- and how courts have decided that all humans are NOT persons, in the name of 'privacy rights.' It is a doctrine that should be branded as evil by ANY lover of liberty, no matter what their religious convictions may be: the situation should be condemned by conservatives, liberals, right, left, as well as libertarians: only the tyrant and totalitarian could stomach such a thing...

http://www.thepriceofliberty.org/05/11/07/nathan.htm


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

David MacGregor

11/08/05

The greatest threat to our freedom today is not terrorism, but what governments are doing to counter this perceived terrorist threat. Let me say that again. Terrorism is not the real danger we face, it's what governments around the world are doing to make us 'safe.' ... Terrorists do not have a grievance against Microsoft, General Motors or KFC. They do not have a grievance against your local supermarket. They do not have a grievance against YOU or your family. They have a grievance against your government...

http://www.strike-the-root.com/52/macgregor/macgregor7.html


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

USA Today

11/08/05

The recent indictment of Vice President Cheney's top aide has struck a nerve with the American public. Four in five, 79%, said the indictment of former Cheney aide I. Lewis 'Scooter' Libby on perjury and other charges is important to the nation, according to a poll by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press...

http://tinyurl.com/7dv6g


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

USA Today

11/08/05

The Senate's top Democrats challenged President Bush on Tuesday to rule out a pardon for I. Lewis Libby, a former top White House aide who faces trial on charges of obstruction of justice and perjury in the CIA leak case. 'We also urge you to state publicly whether anyone in the White House -- including White House counsel Harriet Miers or Vice President Cheney -- has already discussed the possibility of a pardon with Mr. Libby,' added the letter, signed by Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and three other members of the leadership...

http://tinyurl.com/asuen


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

All Headline News

11/09/05

Democrats made a clean sweep of contentious and hard-fought governors' races in Virginia and New Jersey Tuesday, as well as rejecting all four of GOP Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's ballot initiatives. ... The only big Republican win came in normally Democratic New York, where Republican Mayor Michael Bloomberg sailed to re-election after spending as much as $100 million of his own fortune to defeat Democrat Fernando Ferrer. ... With control of both chambers of the U.S. Congress and 36 governorships at stake in 2006, the off-year election offered grim news for Republicans seeking clues to next year's political climate and the long-term effect of Bush's plummeting approval ratings, now the lowest of his presidency...

http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7000944756


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

09. November 2005

Zu den von SPD und CDU vereinbarten Kürzungen von 4 Milliarden Euro bei den Leistungen nach Hartz IV erklärt die Bundesfrauenreferentin der Linkspartei.PDS Monika von der Lippe:

Gekürzt werden soll bei der gegenseitigen Einstandspflicht in eheähnlichen Gemeinschaften. Gemeint ist die Beweislastumkehr: Wer zusammen in einer Wohnung lebt, muss nachweisen, dass keine auf Dauer angelegte Partnerschaft besteht. Schnüffelei und Denunziantentum von Amts wegen wird damit Tür und Tor geöffnet. Alternative Lebensformen werden per se misstrauisch beäugt und besonders streng unter die Lupe genommen. Sie befinden sich pauschal unter Rechtfertigungszwang. Auch soll der Rückgriff auf Unterhaltspflichtige verstärkt werden. Damit soll jungen Arbeitslosen die Möglichkeit genommen werden, bei ihren Eltern auszuziehen und ein eigenes Leben zu leben. Diese Eingriffe lehnt die Linkspartei.PDS rundweg ab. Auch Arbeitslose haben ein Recht auf ein geschütztes Privatleben. Schon im Wahlkampf hieß es, Hartz IV sei unverzichtbar, um Einsparungen zu erzielen. Dieses Argument war schon damals unsinnig. Heute heißt es, Hartz IV sei zu teuer, an den Leistungen müsse weiter gekürzt werden. Der Trend ist eindeutig: Die Regierung will sich aus ihrer sozialen Verantwortung stehlen, sie will die Ansprüche der Menschen auf Lohnersatzleistungen weiter beschneiden - und sie begeht einen fatalen ökonomischen Irrtum. Die Kürzung der Lohnersatzleistungen bei gleichzeitiger Erhöhung der Mehrwertsteuer bedeutet einen Kollaps für die Kaufkraft.

http://sozialisten.de/presse/presseerklaerungen/view_html?zid=30760

HLV INFO 174/AT

9-11-2005

Dr. Claus Scheingraber teilte am 8-11-05 folgendes mit:

Habe die Mailnachricht von Frau Prof. Dr. Kwee aus Dänemark übersetzt! Es ist schon unglaublich was da so auf Regierungsebene abgeht! Bei uns läuft das sicher nicht anders!

Claus Scheingraber


Presseerklärung der Universität Aarhus ...

"Sianette Kwee" <sianette.kwee@supertel.dk> schrieb am 03.11.05 18:54:55:

Die Universität Arhus hat folgende Presserklärung veröffentlicht:

„Vor einigen Jahren zeigte eine Studie aus Holland, dass bei 3G Mobiltelefon-Strahlung schwerwiegende Symptome und gesundheitliche Beschwerden in einer Gruppe von Testpersonen auftraten. Dies beunruhigte einen großen Teil der Dänischen Bevölkerung und erzeugte einen harten Widerstand gegen die Einführung der 3G-Technologie. Die Ergebnisse unserer Studie werden in 1½ Jahren veröffentlicht.

Hintergrund:

Um die Dänische Bevölkerung zu beschwichtigen, bewilligte das Dänische Parlament 15 Millionen Kronen für ein Forschungsprojekt über gesundheitliche Effekte bei nicht-ionisierender Strahlung. Das Geld wurde in 2 Abschnitten über 4 Jahre ausgeschüttet. Ein paar Gruppen die ohne jede Erfahrung in der Erforschung von elektromagnetischen Feldern waren, erhielten den Zuschlag. Letzten Monat wurde der letzte Teil der Gelder genau jenen Gruppen zugeteilt, die in den Vorstudien keine Ergebnisse gezeigt hatten.

Siehe unter:
http://mobil.forsk.dk/portal/page?_pageid=382,1&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
(die Projekt-Beschreibung sollte in Englisch verfügbar sein)

Die oben genannte Gruppe aus Aarhus replizierte die Holländische Studie auf die gleiche Weise. In der nächsten Studie wird sie ebenso die Effekte von TETRA, benützt durch die Polizei, mit einbeziehen. Unter anderem zeichnete sie die Reaktionen der Testpersonen nach 45-minütiger Exposition auf. Sie betonen auch, dass es sehr wichtig ist, die berichteten Symptome mit dem psychischen und mentalen Zustand der Testpersonen zu verbinden. Der emeritierte Prof. Joergen Bach Andersen aus Aalborg trägt die Verantwortung für die Bestrahlung mit den Radiofrequenzen. Der besagte Direktor des Aarhus Institut ist im Programmkommitee und entscheidet über die Zuwendungen. Er ist auch Mitglied eines Regierungs-Experten-Komitees, das die Regierung über den Verkauf von 3G-Lizenzen berät und für das Zustandekommen der Einführung der 3G-Netze verantwortlich ist. Sein Standpunkt über die Elektrohypersensitivität war immer, dass sie nicht existiert, sondern es ist der emotionelle Zustand der Betroffenen.

Kommentar:

Es ist nicht notwendig auf die Ergebnisse weiter 1½ Jahre zu warten. Man kann schon die Schlussfolgerung annehmen, seit J.B. Andersen bereits Geld erhalten hat, startet die Entwicklung des 4G-Netzes. Die Regierung kann zufrieden sein, die Weißwaschungsgelder haben ihren Zweck erfüllt! Sie wünschte eine Dänische Forschungsstudie, weil sie sich darauf verlassen kann, dass es dann keine Einmischungen in ihre Mobiltelefonie-Pläne geben wird.

Sianette Kwee

Omega auf Englisch: "How long will the guinea pigs survive?"
unter http://omega.twoday.net/stories/1117889/

A classified report issued last year by the Central Intelligence Agency's inspector general warned that interrogation procedures approved by the CIA after the September 11 attacks might violate some provisions of the international Convention Against Torture, current and former intelligence officials say.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110905Z.shtml

by Ahmed Amr

Within a month of Judith Miller’s appearance before the grand jury investigating the outing of a CIA agent, Lewis Libby was indicted on five counts of perjury, making false statements and obstruction of justice. After reading the indictment, Patrick Fitzgerald pointed out that, “we would have been here in October 2004 instead of October 2005.” Once you do the math, it becomes apparent that the only vote that counted in the last presidential election was Judith Miller’s. Of course, Miller can’t take all the credit for obstructing the investigation. It was Arthur Sulzberger who decided to spend millions of dollars to take his flimsy arguments to the Supreme Court. When the highest court in the land ruled against the publisher of the New York Times, Miller volunteered to hide away in jail while Sulzberger orchestrated a mass media campaign to canonize his star WMD fiction writer as a first amendment martyr. The idea was to pressure Fitzgerald into making do without Judy’s testimony or wait for the clock to run out on the investigation. According to Miller, the NYT lawyers pressured her to go the distance and risk an obstruction of justice charge or a second grand jury. But on the advice of her personal lawyer, she decided to get herself out of jail and appear before the grand jury...

http://www.dissidentvoice.org/Nov05/Amr1109.htm

by Gene C. Gerard

Last week the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the investigative unit of Congress, released a report

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d06105.pdf

indicating that the Pentagon has been calling up reserve soldiers who are ill or medically unfit to serve. The reservists are serving primarily in Iraq and Afghanistan. Although the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness is responsible for managing medical and physical fitness policy and procedures, the report determined that this office has no way to determine if reserve soldiers are fit to serve or have pre-existing medical conditions prior to deployment. Consequently, the GAO found that the Pentagon couldn’t confirm to the Secretary of Defense or Congress that reserve forces are medically and physically fit when they are called to active duty. Yet under federal law reserve forces are required to have a medical exam every five years and an annual review of their medical status...

http://www.dissidentvoice.org/Nov05/Gerard1109.htm

http://tinyurl.com/8gf9p


http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=betrayal

Journalist 11/2005, S. 35 f.

Vormarsch der Killer-Enten

Fakten-Recherche zu Horrormeldungen

Schenkt man manchen Medien Glauben, so wird die Welt in naher Zukunft von einer Epidemie heimgesucht, ausgelöst durch Mutation eines Vogelgrippevirus mit dem faszinierend-schaurigen Namen H5N1. Auf welchen Fakten basieren die Horrormeldungen? Eine kleine Recherche.

Von Torsten Engelbrecht, David Crowe und Jim West

Schon auf Seite 1 lesen wir in der "Zeit" mit Schaudern: "Der Tod auf leisen Schwingen - die Vogelgrippe ist im Anmarsch." Weiter ist vom "bevorstehenden Angriff der Killerenten" zu lesen, und als gehe es darum, den Titel für den zweiten Teil des Hollywood-Schockers "Outbreak" zu kreieren, schreibt das Wochenblatt: "H5N1 spielt Blitzkrieg". Der "Spiegel" beruft sich derweil auf Aussagen von David Nabarro, im September zum UN-Chefkoordinator im Kampf gegen die Vogelgrippe ernannt: "Jeden Moment kann eine neue Grippe-Pandemie ausbrechen - und bis zu 150 Millionen Menschen töten." Das "Foreign-Policy-Journal" zitiert einen Experten der US-Seuchenbehörde CDC, der die Todesziffer flott auf 360 Millionen erhöht. Reinhard Kurth, Leiter des Robert-Koch-Instituts, ist mit seinem Interview mit der FAZ nicht mehr zu toppen: "Eine Pandemie bedroht potenziell alle sechs Milliarden Menschen."

Bei so viel medial vermittelter Weltuntergangsstimmung muss allemal die Frage nach den Fakten gestattet sein: Sind die Warnungen durch wissenschaftliche Daten gedeckt? Gibt es unabhängige Studien, die beweisen, dass das H5N1-Virus existiert, dass es bei Tieren (hochgradig) pathogen ist, dass es auf den Menschen überspringen und eine Pandemie auslösen kann? Gibt es einwandfreie Beweise dafür, dass andere Faktoren (Umweltgifte, Fremdeiweiße etc.) als Ursache für die Erkrankung der Vögel ausgeschlossen werden können?

Die Medien selber haben keine derartigen Beweise parat. Darauf deutet nicht nur die sehr hohe Zahl an Experten hin, die bei ihnen zu Wort kommen. Eine Nachfrage bei verschiedenen Printmedien bleibt ergebnislos, aus der "Zeit" heißt es lediglich: "Alle Primär-Quellen sind über DIMDI oder Pubmed leicht recherchierbar und dann über Subito zu bestellen. Experten zum Beispiel im Robert-Koch-Institut oder der Bundesforschungsanstalt für Virus-Krankheiten in Riems sind für Fragen von jedem Journalisten offen. Und auch die einschlägigen CDC und WHO-Publikationen sind frei zugänglich." Der "Zeit" selbst liegen also keine konkreten Studien vor; statt dessen vertraut sie - wie im Wissenschaftsjournalismus üblich - den Aussagen der Medizin-Autoritäten.

Zeitbombe. Die jedenfalls, wird angenommen, haben ihre Aussagen wissenschaftlich untermauert. So geht das Verbraucherschutzministerium zusammen mit entsprechenden Behörden in den USA, Kanada oder Frankreich und mit den Verantwortlichen bei der Weltgesundheitsbehörde WHO fest davon aus, dass H5N1 ein "hoch pathogenes und hoch ansteckendes" Virus ist - "eine Zeitbombe, die nur darauf wartet, gezündet zu werden", wie es Anthony Fauci, Leiter der US-Behörde National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases und graue Eminenz der amerikanischen Virus-Wissenschaft, formuliert.

Die Fragen an das Bundesverbraucherschutzministerium lösen zunächst folgende Antwort aus: "Sie fragen sehr spezielle Sachverhalte an, die das Ministerium - dafür bitte ich um Verständnis - gegenwärtig nicht so schnell beantworten kann, wie das für Ihre Recherche notwendig wäre." Auf unseren Hinweis, dass wir durchaus Zeit hätten und nur gerne wissen würden, bis wann wir mit einer Antwort rechnen könnten, reagiert das Ministerium dann aber mit Verweis auf die wissenschaftlichen Instanzen: "Ihre Fragen nach Belegen für die Pathogenität beziehungsweise Pandemiefähigkeit des H5N1-Virus und den Studien, die dies belegen, können Ihnen nur die Experten beim Robert-Koch-Institut und beim Friedrich-Löffler-Institut beantworten."

Das Friedrich-Löffler-Institut (FLI), das laut Verbraucherschutzministerium sogar "über Virus isolate von H5N1 verfügt", schickt als Antwort vier Studien, veröffentlicht in amerikanischen Fachmagazinen. Die behandeln zwar Pathogenität und Pandemiefähigkeit, gehen jedoch nicht darauf ein, ob nicht andere Faktoren wie Toxine als Ursache für die Erkrankung der Tiere in Frage kommen. Und bezüglich der Pandemiegefahr konzediert das FLI, "… dass es derzeit keine wissenschaftliche Methode mit Vorhersagewirkung gibt, die die Möglichkeit, dass ein Influenzavirus eine neue Pandemie induziert, bewerten könnte".

Das Interessanteste: Nicht einmal zur Existenz und Pathogenität von H5N1 liefern die vom FLI präsentierten Untersuchungen wirklich Substanzielles. Wenn ein Virus existiert, das eine derartige Krankheit auslösen kann, muss es auffindbar sein - im Fachjargon: Es muss "reines" Virusmaterial vorliegen. Doch genau das ist bisher anscheinend nicht der Fall.

Wenn aber die Existenz, die Pathogenität und das Pandemie-Potenzial von H5N1 unbewiesen ist und nicht ausgeschlossen werden kann, dass andere Faktoren die Vögel krank gemacht haben, dann fehlt die Voraussetzung für mögliche Folgerungen. Die "Zeit" fordert zwar: "Es ist höchste Zeit, dass Deutschland genügend Medikamente kauft", schränkt aber zugleich ein: "Die antiviralen Mittel verhindern die Erkrankung zwar nicht, sie mildern aber den Verlauf." Das stimmt nach Auffassung der etablierten Medizin; generell aber ist nicht einmal sicher, dass die Medikamente - im Mittelpunkt steht hier das Präparat Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) - den Krankheitsverlauf "mildern". Zwar gibt es Studien, die diese Auffassung stützen. Doch welche Aussagekraft haben sie, wenn nicht gewährleistet werden kann, dass sie frei von Interessenskonflikten sind?

Referenz-Krankheit. Oft wird die so genannte "spanische Grippe" von 1918/19 quasi als Referenz für die H5N1-Panik ins Spiel gebracht. Auch hier beruft man sich auf Expertenäußerungen und auf Studien, veröffentlicht etwa in "Science". Doch wer bei der "Spanischen Grippe" vorschnell annimmt, dass sie durch ein einziges Virus hervorgerufen wurde und dass sie allein für den Tod von 25 bis 50 Millionen Menschen verantwortlich gemacht werden kann, macht es sich zu leicht. Fakten für eine solche These gibt es jedenfalls nicht.

Zudem ereignete sich das Massensterben am Ende des Ersten Weltkrieges - zu einer Zeit also, als unzählige Menschen nach vier Kriegsjahren ausgelaugt, unterernährt und gestresst waren. Zudem enthielten Medikamente damals hochgiftige Substanzen wie Schwermetalle, Arsen, Formaldehyde oder Chloroform, die schwere Grippesymptome auslösen können. Und zahlreiche für die militärische Anwendung gedachte Chemikalien wanderten damals unkontrolliert in den zivilen Sektor (Landwirtschaft, Medizin).

Fest in Sachen Vogelgrippe steht lediglich, dass, wie Reuters am 20. Juli 2005 meldet, die im Zuge der H5N1-Panik eingeleitete "weltweite Grippe-Vorsorge" dem Tamiflu-Hersteller "Roche einen Gewinnsprung beschert" hat. Genauer: Die globalen "Tamiflu-Verkäufe stiegen im ersten Halbjahr um 363 Prozent auf 580 Mio. Franken" - auch dank deutscher Steuergelder. Allein NRW hat, wie der "Zeit" zu entnehmen ist, "im Juli angekündigt, für 30 Millionen Euro Medikamente einzulagern".


Treffer. Doch welche Redaktion hat nachgeprüft, ob die Studien zu Tamiflu frei von Interessenkonflikten und de facto aussagekräftig sind? Dem Internet lässt sich leicht entnehmen, ob Roche Tamiflu- bzw. Oseltamivir-Studien finanziert: Suchbegriffe wie "Roche funded pubmed Oseltamivir" ergeben stolze 128 Treffer.

Nichts Außergewöhnliches: Erst kürzlich stellte das britische Parlament in einer umfassenden Untersuchung fest, dass drei Viertel jener klinischen Studien, die in führenden Wissenschaftsmagazinen veröffentlicht werden, von Pharmafirmen finanziert werden. Die Fachzeitschrift "New England Journal of Medicine" (NEJM) hat 2002 die Richtlinien für Autoren so abgeändert, dass Übersichtsartikel und Editorials auch von Experten geschrieben werden dürfen, die Dritthonorare von bis zu 10.000 Dollar pro Jahr kassieren - wobei diese Honorare durchaus auch von Firmen stammen dürfen, deren Produkte in dem betreffenden Artikel genannt sind.

Als wesentlichen Grund für die Änderung der Autoren-Richtlinien nannte das NEJM, dass man sich schlicht nicht mehr in der Lage sehe, genügend Top-Experten zu finden, die keine finanziellen Verbindungen zur Pharmaindustrie haben.


Torsten Engelbrecht, David Crowe und Jim West arbeiten als Wissenschaftsjournalisten in Hamburg, New York und Calgary/Kanada

http://www.djv.de/magazin/vorschau.shtml


http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=betrayal

Anmerkungen zu einer dummen, nationalistischen und zynischen Sozialwerbekampagne auf der Homepage von contradictio.de - Gedanken (nicht nur) zur Zeit

http://www.contradictio.de/du-bist-deutschland.html

Siehe dazu auch:

Kampagne "Du bist Deutschland" – gut gelaunt und sinnlos Text und Bilder vom Bericht von Tom Theunissen in MONITOR Nr. 539 am 13. Oktober 2005 beim WDR – mit köstlichen Persiflagen!

http://www.wdr.de/tv/monitor/beitrag.phtml?bid=744&sid=136


Aus: LabourNet, 8. November 2005

Ein Lehrstück

Bericht von Hans-Gerd Öfinger (stellvertretender Vorsitzender ver.di Bezirk Wiesbaden, Vorsitzender ver.di Fachbereich Medien Wiesbaden, Delegierter zur DGB-Regionskonferenz) vom 6. November 2005 mit einem Nachtrag vom 8.11.05

http://www.labournet.de/diskussion/eu/sopo/bolke_hgoef.html

Der Bericht dokumentiert den Initiativantrag „Jetzt erst recht gegen eine Neuauflage der Bolkestein-Richtlinie“, der als Anregung dienen möge!


Aus: LabourNet, 8. November 2005

Your calls needed!!

This coming Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on whether or not to turn the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge into a vast industrial oil field. The vote will be very, very close. We need to step up the pressure on the House, by keeping the phones ringing off the hook on Capitol Hill.

We can win this! But only if you call your Representative now. It's quick, easy, and it could protect one of the world's premier wilderness areas for future generations. Call now. The message is simple: Vote AGAINST oil drilling in the Arctic Refuge in the Budget Reconciliation bill.

You can look up your Representative's name and number at: http://ga1.org/wilderness/leg-lookup/search.tcl

Time Is Short

There's not much time. Drilling language has already passed the Senate as part of the Budget Reconciliation bill. Moderate Republicans have been pressing leadership to remove Arctic Refuge drilling from the House version of the Budget bill, and that could still happen. But these courageous Members need bolstering. And those who are sitting on the fence need to be moved to act on behalf of the Refuge.

Your phone call can make the difference. Please call now.

The Arctic Refuge, an unsurpassed wilderness and wildlife sanctuary, has been off-limits to oil drilling for the past half century. Surely America is not so desperate that we would despoil this cherished place in order to save a penny a gallon on gasoline, 20 years from now.

When you call, please state your name, your address, and your message: Protect the Arctic Refuge. Vote AGAINST oil drilling in the Arctic Refuge in the Budget Reconciliation bill.

Again, you can look up your Representative's name and number at: http://ga1.org/wilderness/leg-lookup/search.tcl

Thanks for all you have done and are doing to protect the Arctic Refuge.

Sincerely,

Kathy Kilmer Director,
Electronic Communications
The Wilderness Society

The symbol is Wal-Mart. Though Wal-Mart is the worst offender, US employers are able to suppress workers' rights to organize unions because there is little or no enforcement of workers' rights in this country. Even when they are caught, the small fines companies pay are just a cost of doing business.

http://www.truthout.org/issues_05/110805LA.shtml

Scientists have compared specimens of the 1918 flu pandemic virus with specimens of the known bird flu viruses of the time and concluded that the 1918 virus could not have mutated from the bird flu viruses, leaving open the possibility that a link between them simply does not exist.

http://www.truthout.org/issues_05/110805HA.shtml

The peace of an Indian village was disturbed on Monday morning by the sudden eruption of a dogfight between US and Indian fighter planes. The mock battle over paddy fields was greeted by tens of thousands of militant demonstrators below with slogans asking the Bush air force to go back.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110805S.shtml

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and House Speaker Dennis Hastert are circulating a draft letter calling for a congressional leak investigation into the disclosure of secret US interrogation centers abroad.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110805Q.shtml

[ Very interesting... Democrats and some Republicans want the prisons themselves investigated... because they are probably used for illegal dentention and torture? ]

John Calvert


"...More generally, Republicans suggested it was unwise to pick a fight with the media over an issue that exposes so many political vulnerabilities for their party...."


GOP Congressional Leaders Seek Leak Probe

By Jonathan Weisman Washington Post Staff Writer Tuesday, November 8, 2005; 7:50 PM

Congress's top Republican leaders today demanded an immediate joint House and Senate investigation into the disclosure of classified information to The Washington Post that detailed a web of secret prisons being used to house and interrogate terrorism suspects.

The Post's story, published on Nov. 2, has led to a rash of new questions about the treatment of detainees and the use of so-called "black sites" in Eastern Europe and elsewhere by the Central Intelligence Agency. The issue dogged President Bush in his recent trip to Latin America and has created consternation in Eastern Europe. "If accurate, such an egregious disclosure could have long-term and far-reaching damaging and dangerous consequences, and will imperil our efforts to protect the American people and our homeland from terrorist attacks," Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) and House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) wrote in a letter to the chairmen of the House and Senate intelligence committees.

The letter requests that the committees "immediately initiate" a bicameral investigation. It also instructs the committee to refer to the Justice Department any information it uncovers that might constitute a violation of the law.

The CIA General Counsel's Office has also notified the Justice Department that a release of classified information took place in connection with The Post report, a senior administration official said today. Such referrals are made at the rate of three to four per week, according to intelligence officials. But the notice is also the first step in a process that could lead to a criminal investigation, as happened in the Valerie Plame case.

The CIA will be required to fill out an 11-point questionnaire outlining the damage done by the release, how it's been protected and the individuals or groups with knowledge of the information. Justice prosecutors will then determine whether they believe a criminal investigation is warranted.

A spokesman for The Post declined to comment on the the letter from the congressional leaders. The Post article, by staff writer Dana Priest, said the CIA has operated a covert prison system that at various times included sites in eight countries, including democracies in Eastern Europe, according to current and former intelligence officials and diplomats from three continents.

The Post did not publish the names of the Eastern European countries involved in the program, at the request of senior U.S. officials. They argued that the disclosure might disrupt counterterrorism efforts in those countries and elsewhere and could make them targets of possible terrorist retaliation.

Congress has conducted fewer than a half dozen bicameral investigations, reserving the process for the most pressing issues, such as the illegal arms sales to Iran in the 1980s that were used to finance rebels in Nicaragua and the conduct of the Civil War. The most recent House-Senate investigation came in 2002, when the intelligence committees looked into the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Lawmakers from both parties immediately expressed misgivings about the request. Democrats pounced on it, suggesting that if the GOP leaders believe the disclosure of information on secret prisons deserved to be investigated, so did the leak of inaccurate intelligence on Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction and the release of CIA operative Valerie Plame's name by White House officials.

"There is plenty to investigate about the Bush administration's use and misuse of intelligence," said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). "The American people deserve the truth."

Rep. Chris Shays (R-Conn.) said investigating the source of the prison story would be acceptable, as long as Congress also investigates the secret prisons themselves.

"If you want to investigate everything and not be selective, that would make sense," he said.

Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) said: "Talk about not seeing the forest for the trees. The real story is those jails."

More generally, Republicans suggested it was unwise to pick a fight with the media over an issue that exposes so many political vulnerabilities for their party.

The emergence of the congressional leaders' letter came as a surprise to House Intelligence Committee Chairman Peter Hoekstra (R-Mich.) and Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), both of whom said they learned of the request from the media. Roberts said his committee "stands ready to be of service" but that he had "not received any marching orders from the leadership."

The marching orders laid out by Frist and Hastert are detailed and requested in urgent language. Those orders include verifying that the information supplied to The Post was accurate and classified, indentifying who leaked the information and under what authority, and detailing "the actual and potential damage done to the national security of the United States and our partners in the Global War on Terrorism."

"The leaking of classified information by employees of the United States government appears to have increased in recent years, establishing a dangerous trend that, if not addressed swiftly and firmly, likely will worsen," the letter states.

White House spokesman Scott McClellan declined to say whether the president endorsed the probe, saying the decision belonged to the congressional leaders. But he did not offer any discouragement.

"The leaking of classified information is a serious matter and ought to be taken seriously," he told reporters.

For their part, Democratic leaders expressed their own concern about national security leaks, but in their case, the emphasis was on the release of Plame's name. Former White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby has been indicted on charges of lying to the FBI and a grand jury in that case. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Pelosi and other Democrats sent two letters to President Bush, urging him to declare publicly that he will not pardon Libby. Without such a declaration, Reid said, Libby will have no incentive to cooperate with Special Counsel Patrick J. Fitzgerald. Staff writers Dan Eggen and Walter Pincus contributed to this report.

© 2005 The Washington Post Company

http://dahrjamailiraq.com/weblog/archives/dispatches/000315.php#more


Informant: John Calvert

http://www.newstatesman.com/Bookshop/300000105041


Informant: Lew Rockwell

Stadtrat bleibt bei seinem Beschluss Kronach stellt keine städtischen Liegenschaften für Mobilfunkanlagen zur Verfügung

von Alexander Löffler

Kronach. Der Stadtrat hält auch weiterhin an seinem Beschluss vom 16. August des vergangenen Jahres fest, Mobilfunkbetreibern keine weiteren städtischen Liegenschaften für die Errichtung zusätzlicher Mobilfunkanlagen bereitzustellen.

Die beschloss das Gremium in seiner gestrigen Sitzung einstimmig, nachdem zuvor Dr. Cornelia Waldmann-Selsam von der Ärzte-Initiative Bamberger Appell und Claus Strecker vom Mobilfunkbetreiber O2 referiert hatten. Die Ärztin informierte das Gremium und zahlreiche Bürger über „beunruhigende Beobachtungen“, die in den vergangenen zwei Jahren gemacht wurden. Zuvor habe sie mit ihren Kollegen keinen Zusammenhang zwischen Erkrankungen und hochfrequenten Elektrofeldern feststellen können. „Wir haben Fehldiagnosen gestellt und uns mitschuldig gemacht“, gab sie offen zu. Kritisch ging sie mit der Tatsache um, dass die Grenzwerte in Bezug auf den Mobilfunk nicht wissenschaftlich fundiert seien. „Mittlerweile wissen wir, dass an keinem Standort in ganz Deutschland zu den Menschen gegangen wurde. Keiner hat gefragt, ob sich bei den Menschen etwas verändert hat. „Wir mussten umdenken.“ Dazu beigetragen hätten Erfahrungen mit Patienten, die nach einem Umzug plötzlich keine Beschwerden mehr hatten. Zuvor hatten sie in der Nähe eines Mobilfunkmastes gewohnt, betonte Cornelia Waldmann-Selsam. Kollegen hätten zudem am eigenen Leib erfahren, dass Basisstationen von DECT-Telefonen negative Auswirkungen auf ihren Körper hatten. Deshalb habe man den Bamberger Appell erstellt.

Omega siehe hierzu „Bamberger Appell“ unter: http://omega.twoday.net/stories/265206/

Direkt in den Kopf

Über 600 in der Nähe von Mobilfunkanlagen wohnende Menschen seien besucht und befragt worden. Auch habe man bei ihnen Messungen durchgeführt. „Wir stellten fest, dass diese hochfrequenten Felder massiv und direkt auf den Kopf und in der Folge auf den gesamten Körper wirken“, betonte die Referentin. Schlaflosigkeit und Konzentrationsstörungen, aber auch Depressionen waren nur einige festgestellte Symptome, die die Ärztin aufführte. Abschließend stellte sie eine offene Frage: „Warum weigern sich die zuständigen Behörden, an den Standorten Erhebungen zu machen?“ In diesem Zusammenhang sprach sie sogar von „unterlassener Hilfeleistung.“

Ingrid Steinhäußer (Frauenliste) folgerte aus den Ausführungen, dass die Behörden befürchten, die Ergebnisse könnten sich bestätigen. Waldmann-Selsam stimmte ihr zu und betonte: „Wir werden aber nicht locker lassen.“

Ingrid Steinhäußer äußerte die Bitte, in den bisherigen Beschluss den Appell an die Bürger aufzunehmen, ihre Grundstücke aus finanziellen Gründen nicht zu verkaufen, so lange die Auswirkungen nicht von offizieller Seite genau untersucht wurden. Darüber soll jedoch erst in einer der nächsten Sitzungen entschieden werden.

Wesentlich kürzer als das Referat der Ärztin fiel der Beitrag von Claus Strecker von O2 aus. „Wir richten uns nach den gesetzlichen Grenzwerten“, betonte er. Und diese würden im Strahlungsbereich der Anlagen bei weitem nicht erreicht. Messkampagnen bewiesen immer wieder, dass rund 90 Prozent der Mobilfunkanlagen sogar die niedrigeren Schweizer Grenzwerte einhalten. Wie Strecker erklärte, würden sensible Einrichtungen (zum Beispiel Schulen und Kindergärten) bei der Suche nach Standorten gewöhnlich ausgeschlossen. Sollten die vier von O2 ausgewählten, idealen Standorte (Knellendorf, Kronach-Nord, Rosenberg und Gehülz-Brand) nicht möglich sein, werde nach Alternativen gesucht. Dies könnte wiederum zur Folge haben, dass nicht nur vier, sondern mehr Anlagen nötig wären, um eine optimale Abdeckung zu erreichen.

Omega siehe hierzu „Grenzwerte und Mobilfunk“ unter:
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/242821/

Karl-H. Fick (SPD) fragte nach der Intensität der Strahlung, wenn mehrere Anlagen auf einem Gebäude konzentriert seien. Diese sei natürlich stärker, als wenn nur eine Anlage installiert sei. Grundsätzlich sei jedoch die Feldstärke unter dem Sender stets am geringsten, betonte Strecker und verwies auf das Leuchtturmprinzip.

Omega siehe hierzu „Mobilfunk-Anlagen: Starke Strahlung auch direkt unter der Antenne“ unter: http://omega.twoday.net/stories/428255/

Bereits zuvor hatten sich einige Bürger zu diesem Thema zu Wort gemeldet. Zum einen wurde darum gebeten, die Bürger generell über dieses Thema besser zu informieren. Zum anderen verwiesen zwei Bürgerinnen aus Gehülz auf steigende Zahlen bei den Krebserkrankungen bei Menschen, die in unmittelbarer Umgebung von Sendeanlagen. Prinzipiell wurde die Meinung vertreten: „Es kann nicht sein, dass wir ständig bestrahlt werden, nur damit ein Handy im letzten Eck besser funktioniert.“

http://www.fraenkischer-tag.de/nachrichten/index.php?MappeCID=mm~d_bb~hfzgs4n4i*nrk&Hierarchie=cu4i9na3x59~gpjt5nu89&Seite=Lokales&SeiteSub=Kronach (Auszug)


Nachricht von der BI Bad Dürkheim


http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Waldmann-Selsam

House Democrats and their allies are planning a week-long assault on the GOP's proposed budget plan, hoping to kill an impending vote on budget cuts and highlight internal division within the Republican Conference.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110805G.shtml

Last year, U.S. intelligence agencies and military planners received instructions to prepare up-to-date target lists for Syria and to increase their preparations for potential military operations against Damascus.

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10912.htm

Three Massachusetts congressmen who voted to give President Bush authorization to go to war in Iraq say they would change their mind if they had to do it all over again.

http://www.eyewitnessnewstv.com/global/story.asp?s=4085424&ClientType=Printable


From Information Clearing House

WARNING: This report contains graphic images depicting the reality and horror of war.

http://www.brusselstribunal.org/ArticlesIraq2.htm#AlQaim


From Information Clearing House

By Phil Sands

Hameed Hassan sat in the remains of his car, next to his dead wife, and watched his four-year-old son begin to bleed to death. The family had been on the way to buy clothes in Rawah's small market when the American soldiers opened fire. A helicopter gunship joined in the attack, cutting the car and two of its occupants to pieces.

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10916.htm

The reporting of the Iraqi death toll - both in its scale and account of who is doing the killing - is profoundly dishonest

By George Monbiot

We can expect the US and UK governments to seek to minimise the extent of their war crimes. But it's time the media stopped collaborating.

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10914.htm

After President Bush's disastrous visit to Latin America, it's unnerving to realize that his presidency still has more than three years to run. An administration with no agenda and no competence would be hard enough to live with on the domestic front. But the rest of the world simply can't afford an American government this bad for that long.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110805P.shtml

Robert Scheer writes that one by one, the exotic intelligence factoids Bush's researchers culled from raw intelligence data files to publicly bolster their claim of imminent threat - the yellowcake uranium from Niger, the aluminum tubes for processing uranium, the Prague meeting with Mohamed Atta, the discredited Iraqi informants "Curveball" and Ahmad Chalabi — have been exposed as previously known frauds.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110805O.shtml

Prime Minister Tony Blair was so "seduced" by the "proximity and glamour of American power" that he failed to use his leverage with President Bush to slow the rush to war with Iraq, Britain's former ambassador to the United States has written in a new book.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110805N.shtml

The Supreme Court yesterday agreed to rule on the legality of the Bush administration's planned military commissions for accused terrorists, setting up what could be one of the most significant rulings on presidential war powers since the end of World War II.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110805K.shtml

The United States has cut off nearly all contact with the Syrian government as the Bush administration steps up a campaign to weaken and isolate President Bashar Assad's government, according to US and Syrian officials.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110805J.shtml

Drängen Sie noch heute Ihre Parlamentsmitglieder, für ein weniger toxisches REACH Programm zu stimmen!

Am 17. November werden Parlamentsmitglieder über den Antrag für eine neue EU Chemikalienpolitik (REACH) abstimmen. Diese Gesetzgebung soll darauf abzielen, Kontrollen für die Produktion und Anwendung von Chemikalien einzuführen. Der Schutz der menschlichen Gesundheit, von Natur und Umwelt sollte zwar verbessert werden, doch sollte eine solche Regelung nicht auf grausamen und ineffizienten Tierversuchen basieren.

Wie von der Kommission geplant, würde REACH dazu führen, dass die Zahl der in Tests benutzten Tiere massiv erhöht wird. Jedoch wurden Änderungsnachträge von dem Parlamentsmitglied Dr. Caroline Lucas eingebracht, die alle Tierversuche durch tierversuchsfreie Alternativen ersetzen würden, und - danke Ihrer Hilfe - wurden eine beträchtliche Zahl dieser Anträge im Oktober vom Umweltkomitee des Europäischen Parlamentes angenommen. Die bis dato angenommenen Anträge würden die Gesamtzahl der an Tieren zu testenden Chemikalien um rund 80 Prozent verringern.

Das nächste Stadium in diesem Prozess jedoch ist entscheidend: Das gesamte Parlament stimmt über den Environment Committee Report ab. In diesem Stadium könnte die vom Komitee angenommene tierversuchsfreie Strategie verloren gehen. Bitte schreiben Sie daher unbedingt noch heute, damit diese so wichtige Tierschutzmaßnahme nicht im politischen Geschehen untergeht. Bitte schreiben Sie an Ihre Parlamentsmitglieder bis zum 16. November und fordern Sie Folgendes höflich, aber mit Nachdruck:

1. Bitte unterstützen Sie alle Änderungsanträge, die vom Umweltkomitee zur Verringerung von Tierversuchen vorgelegt wurden:

* Nur tierversuchsfreie Methoden sollen verlangt werden, um potentielle Gefahren für Gesundheit und Umwelt durch Chemikalien zu prüfen, die produziert oder in die EU in einem Volumen von bis zu 100 Tonnen eingeführt werden

* Tierversuche müssen automatisch durch tierversuchsfreie Methoden ersetzt werden, sobald diese verfügbar werden.

* Ein Teil der Gebühren, die Unternehmen zahlen müssen, um ihre Chemikalien in der EU zu registrieren, soll dazu verwendet werden, die Entwicklung von tierversuchsfreien Verfahren weiter voranzutreiben.

* Unternehmen sollen aufgefordert werden, alle in ihrem Besitz befindlichen Daten aus Tierversuchen zur Verfügung zu stellen, oder sie riskieren, ihre Chemikalie(n) nicht in Europa registrieren zu dürfen.

* Unternehmen sollen aufgefordert werden, ihre Anträge für Versuche zur Prüfung durch externe Experten vor der Durchführung von Tierversuchen gemäß REACH einzureichen.

2. Fahren Sie die Testanforderungen in den Anhängen VII und VIII runter; diese verlangen derzeit bis zu sechs Mal mehr Tierversuche als sonst irgendwo auf der Welt für hochvolumige Chemikalien verlangt werden.

Ohne diese Änderungen gehen die großen Fortschritte in der Reduzierung von Tieren, die in Toxizitätstests in Europa benutzt werden, verloren, und Abermillionen Tiere werden sterben.

Am einfachsten ist es, wenn Sie unseren Online-Musterbrief verwenden, den Sie auch beliebig ergänzen können. Sie finden ihn unter http://www.peta.de/aufrufe/alertsample.php?id=94

Kontaktinformationen zu Ihrem Parlamentsmitglied finden Sie unter http://www.europarl.de/parlament/abgeordnete/abgeordnete_ausschuss.jsp?p=8

Wir benötigen so viele Stimmen aus Europa wie nur irgend möglich.

Bitte machen Sie sich für die Tiere stark und senden Sie diese Info an alle Freunde, Familienmitglieder und Kollegen.


Mit freundlichen Grüßen,

Daniela Klein PETA-Deutschland e.V. Dieselstr. 21
70839 Gerlingen
Tel:+49 (0)7156-178-280
Fax:+49 (0)7156-178-2810
http://www.peta.de

--------

Mein Name ist Uli Kallee. Ich bin die Chemie-Kampaigner bei Greenpeace Deutschland und ich brauche Deine Unterstützung.

http://prefs.greenpeace.org/mail-links/clicks/10252.1951729.5409

In 8 Tagen am 17. November 2005 wird das Europäische Parlament über das neue Chemikaliengesetz REACH abstimmen. Mit REACH sollen Menschen, Tiere und Umwelt endlich besser vor gefährlichen Chemikalien geschützt werden. Nach wie vor stecken schädliche Industriechemikalien in zahlreichen Alltagsprodukten: Von der Zahnpasta bis zur Regenjacke. Selbst im Blut eines Neugeborenen finden sich gefährliche Chemikalien. Greenpeace macht sich deshalb schon lange für eine Reform des Chemikalienrechts stark.

Aber die Chemieindustrie macht Druck: BASF, Bayer und Co wollen ihre Tausende von Chemikalien auch weiterhin benutzen, ohne sagen zu müssen welche Auswirkungen die Chemikalien auf Gesundheit und Umwelt haben. Sie wollen gefährliche Chemikalien sogar dann weiter benutzen, wenn es sicherere Alternativen gibt. Durch den Druck der Industrielobby ist die ursprüngliche Fassung von REACH bereits stark verwässert worden.

Das wollen wir nicht hinnehmen und haben daher eine Aktion gestartet: Wenn Du ein digitales Foto von Dir selbst oder Deiner Familie hast, dann kannst du unter Dein Foto unserer virtuellen Galerie hinzufügen.

http://prefs.greenpeace.org/mail-links/clicks/10253.1951729.5409

Wir werden die Fotos persönlich bei den 99 Deutschen Abgeordneten am Tage der Abstimmung übergeben.

Wenn Du kein digitales Foto von Dir hast, kannst du unter auch einfach eine Email an deine Abgeordneten schicken.

http://prefs.greenpeace.org/mail-links/clicks/10254.1951729.5409

Die REACH-Abstimmung ist extrem wichtig für unseren zukünftigen Umgang mit Chemikalien. Wir müssen den Politikern zeigen, dass EU-Bürger ein Gesetz wollen, dass unsere Gesundheit und unsere Umwelt auch wirklich schützt.

Mach mit – für eine giftfreie Zukunft! Und sag auch Deinen Freundinnen und Freunden Bescheid.

Bis bald

Uli Kallee

08.11.05

Für den Chefvolkswirt der Welthandels- und Entwicklungskonferenz der Vereinten Nationen (UNCTAD), Heiner Flassbeck, ist "das Gerede" von Pleite, von Überschuldung und Ähnlichem "glatter und höchst gefährlicher Unfug". Der staatliche Schuldenstand in Deutschland sei erstaunlich gering gegenüber dem riesigen Vermögen des Staates und angesichts des Umstandes, dass allein in diesem Jahr die Schulden des Auslandes gegenüber Deutschland um 120 Milliarden Dollar wüchsen, schreibt Flassbeck in einem Gastbeitrag für die "Frankfurter Rundschau". Es sei "ein bis ins Absurde verzerrte Bild" der deutschen Wirtschaft und der deutschen Gesellschaft, wenn etwa der hessische Ministerpräsident sage, das "Unternehmen Deutschland" müsse eigentlich Konkurs anmelden. Die Lage der öffentlichen Haushalte in Deutschland werde völlig falsch beschrieben. Für Flassbeck ist vor diesem Hintergrund "sicher", dass "jede der geplanten Operationen" der zukünftigen Großkoalitionäre "schief gehen" werde.

Die ganze Nachricht im Internet:
http://www.ngo-online.de/ganze_nachricht.php?Nr=12217

"The solution is to direct windfall profits tax dollars to a renewable energy development fund to create the new energy infrastructure that will bring us heat and light after the oil runs out." - Kelpie Wilson

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110805Y.shtml

What ever happened to the 56 men who signed! What ever happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

by Gary Hildreth

Have you ever wondered what happened to the fifty-six men who signed the Declaration of Independence? This is the price they paid:

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the revolutionary army, another had two sons captured. Nine of the fifty-six fought and died from wounds or hardships resulting from the Revolutionary War.

These men signed, and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor!

What kind of men were they? Twenty five were lawyers or jurists. Eleven were merchants. Nine were farmers or large plantation owners. One was a teacher, one a musician, one a printer. Two were manufacturers, one was a minister. These were men of means and education, yet they signed the Declaration of Independence, knowing full well that the penalty could be death if they were captured.

Almost one third were under forty years old, eighteen were in their thirties, and three were in their twenties. Only seven were over sixty. The youngest, Edward Rutledge of South Carolina, was twenty-six and a half, and the oldest, Benjamin Franklin was seventy. Three of the signers lived to be over ninety. Charles Carroll died at the age of ninety-five. Ten died in their eighties.

The first signer to die was John Morton of Pennsylvania. At first his sympathies were with the British, but he changed his mind and voted for independence. By doing so, his friends, relatives, and neighbors turned against him. The ostracis hastened his death, and he lived only eight months after the signing. His last words were, "tell them that they will live to see the hour when they shall acknowledge it to have been the most glorious service that I ever rendered to my country."

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

The signers were religious men, all being Protestant except Charles Carroll, who was a Roman Catholic. Over half expressed their religious faith as being Episcopalian. Others were Congregational, Presbyterian, Quaker, and Baptist.

Vandals or soldiers or both, looted the properties of Ellery, Clymer, Hall, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

Perhaps one of the most inspiring examples of "undaunted resolution" was at the Battle of Yorktown. Thomas Nelson, Jr. was returning from Philadelphia to become Governor of Virginia and joined General Washington just outside of Yorktown. He then noted that British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters, but that the patriot's were directing their artillery fire all over the town except for the vicinity of his own beautiful home. Nelson asked why they were not firing in that direction, and the soldiers replied, "Out of respect to you, Sir." Nelson quietly urged General Washington to open fire, and stepping forward to the nearest cannon, aimed at his own house and fired. The other guns joined in, and the Nelson home was destroyed. Nelson died bankrupt, at age 51.

Caesar Rodney was another signer who paid with his life. He was suffering from facial cancer, but left his sickbed at midnight and rode all night by horseback through a severe storm and arrived just in time to cast the deciding vote for his delegation in favor of independence. His doctor told him the only treatment that could help him was in Europe. He refused to go at this time of his country's crisis and it cost him his life.

Francis Lewis's Long Island home was looted and gutted, his home and properties destroyed. His wife was thrown into a damp dark prison cell for two months without a bed. Health ruined, Mrs. Lewis soon died from the effects of the confinement. The Lewis's son would later die in British captivity, also.

"Honest John" Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she lay dying, when British and Hessian troops invaded New Jersey just months after he signed the Declaration. Their thirteen children fled for their lives. His fields and his grist mill were laid to waste. All winter, and for more than a year, Hart lived in forests and caves, finally returning home to find his wife dead, his children vanished and his farm destroyed. Rebuilding proved too be too great a task. A few weeks later, by the spring of 1779, John Hart was dead from exhaustion and a broken heart.

Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.

Richard Stockton, a New Jersey State Supreme Court Justice, had rushed back to his estate near Princeton after signing the Declaration of Independence to find that his wife and children were living like refugees with friends. They had been betrayed by a Tory sympathizer who also revealed Stockton's own whereabouts. British troops pulled him from his bed one night, beat him and threw him in jail where he almost starved to death. When he was finally released, he went home to find his estate had been looted, his possessions burned, and his horses stolen. Judge Stockton had been so badly treated in prison that his health was ruined and he died before the war's end, a broken man. His surviving family had to live the remainder of their lives off charity.

William Ellery of Rhode Island, who marveled that he had seen only "undaunted resolution" in the faces of his co-signers, also had his home burned.

Only days after Lewis Morris of New York signed the Declaration, British troops ravaged his 2,000-acre estate, butchered his cattle and drove his family off the land. Three of Morris' sons fought the British.

When the British seized the New York houses of the wealthy Philip Livingston, he sold off everything else, and gave the money to the Revolution. He died in 1778.

Arthur Middleton, Edward Rutledge and Thomas Heyward Jr. went home to South Carolina to fight. In the British invasion of the South, Heyward was wounded and all three were captured. As he rotted on a prison ship in St. Augustine, Heyward's plantation was raided, buildings burned, and his wife, who witnessed it all, died. Other Southern signers suffered the same general fate.

Among the first to sign had been John Hancock, who wrote in big, bold script so George III "could read my name without spectacles and could now double his reward for 500 pounds for my head." If the cause of the revolution commands it, roared Hancock, "Burn Boston and make John Hancock a beggar!" In the face of the advancing British Army, the Continental Congress fled from Philadelphia to Baltimore on December 12, 1776. It was an especially anxious time for John Hancock, the President, as his wife had just given birth to a baby girl. Due to the complications stemming from the trip to Baltimore, the child lived only a few months.

Here were men who believed in a cause far beyond themselves. Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. These were not wild eyed, rabble-rousing ruffians. They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security, but they valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight, and unwavering, they pledged: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

They gave you and me a free and independent America. The history books never told you a lot of what happened in the revolutionary war. We didn't just fight the British. We were British subjects at that time and we fought our own government! Perhaps you can now see why our Founding Fathers had a hatred for standing armies, and allowed through the second amendment for everyone to be armed.

So, I ask you reader, What makes YOUR HOMES, YOUR LIVES, YOUR WIVES, YOUR CHILDREN better? When will YOU be willing to sacrifice all for the future of your children?

Source: The Militant Libertarian I'm pissed off and I'm a libertarian. What else you wanna know? Friday, March 05, 2004
http://www.militantlibertarian.org/2004/03/what-ever-happened-to-56-men-who.html


ECOTERRA Intl.

http://www.cpre.org.uk/

Please see enclosed e-mail from one of my contacts.

Best wishes

Eileen


Hi Eileen,

Thanks for all the info you send me - half is brilliant, and the other half I don't understand!!! I'm having a meeting this Thursday 10th at the Park Rd. Development Centre, Park Road, Formby at 7.30pm for the CPRE (Campaign for the Protection of Rural England). They cover a lot of enquiries about masts, and have successfully stopped the erection of many in greenbelt areas. The meeting may be of interest to your activists, although it's not a mast meeting as such. Could you possibly forward this email to your list of local mast campaigners to make them aware of the meeting? I'd really appreciate it.

Many thanks,

Debi Jones.

----- Original Message -----

From: Eileen O'Connor
Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 11:01 AM
Subject: Campaing information

Please find enclosed information from Mast Sanity which included more research listed on the Omega site.

Please find attached a general overview of the campaign; it contains some old and new information but shows the progress and achievements for us all. Keep the faith we are getting somewhere and will win in the end, the truth always does.


Kind Regards

Eileen O'Connor
EM - Radiation Research Trust


From Mast Sanity

Vor dem Weltgipfel zur Informationsgesellschaft wird der Ton schärfer, ein US-Senator warnt gar vor einem "digitalen München".

http://www.telepolis.de/tp/r4/artikel/21/21302/1.html

Der Film als Video Stream

Niemand von Ihnen [Anm. uns] soll sagen können, er hätte nicht gewußt, was die US-Regierung auf der Welt anrichtet. Wer schweigt, macht sich mitschuldig!

----- Original Message -----
From: tishh
Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 3:50 AM
Subject: FW: Weißer Phosphor in Falludschah - der Film als Video Stream

Wenn Sie den Link "Shocking revelation RAI News 24" unten auf diesem Mail (oder den http-Code daneben) anklicken, bekommen sie ein Video zu sehen über die Auswirkungen des Einsatzes von Weißem Phosphor in Falludschah (Real Media oder QuickTime). US-Soldaten berichten außerdem von solchen Einsätzen. Niemand von Ihnen [Anm. uns] soll sagen können, er hätte nicht gewußt, was die US-Regierung auf der Welt anrichtet. Der Film ist in englischer Sprache, aber die Bilder sind auch ohne Englischkenntnis verständlich.

Omega siehe unter:
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10907.htm
Dieses Video enthält Bilder die die Realität und den Schrecken des Krieges anschaulich darstellen. Es sollte nur von Erwachsenen angesehen werden.

Es klingt hilflos - ich schreibe es trotzdem: Die US-Streitkräfte müssen sofort den Irak verlassen, auch dieses Land und alle andern Länder der Welt. Bush und die Neo-Cons gehören vor ein internationales Gericht und dort verurteilt - als Verbrecher gegen die Menschheit.

Helfen Sie mit, daß die Verbrecher keinen weiteren Schaden anrichten können.

Thomas Immanuel Steinberg


U.S. Used Chemical Weapons In Iraq: Napalm & Phosphorous, This Is How The U.S. "Took" Fallujah http://omega.twoday.net/stories/1130674/

--------

Willy Pete in Falludscha

Ein Jahr nach der Großoffensive erhärten sich die Gerüchte, denen zufolge die amerikanische Armee chemische Kampfstoffe eingesetzt hat.

http://www.telepolis.de/tp/r4/artikel/21/21303/1.html

by Kevin Zeese

While Cindy Sheehan

http://democracyrising.us/content/view/307/151/

has deservedly gotten a lot of attention for reawakening the anti-war movement with her allies from veteran and military family organizations, the especially interesting thing about the opposition to the Iraq War is that it includes former military leaders, former national security and intelligence officials as well as foreign service officers. The Iraq War is opposed by those who generally support U.S. foreign and military affairs...

http://www.dissidentvoice.org/Nov05/Zeese1108.htm

by Manuel Garcia, Jr.

I do not know when or if the United States of America and its globalized market empire will ever collapse and disappear, like so many other phantoms of history. If so, our relics are more likely to be large radioactive craters than stone pyramids, marbled arenas or elegant stupas. Nevertheless, I am quite certain of what our epitaph will be: “as a nation and empire they perished because as people they could not speak the truth.” A topic that would benefit greatly from bathing publicly in truth is the ending of the Iraq War. To spark public debate, William S. Lind has offered an exit strategy for the US. In brief, his plan is to announce the intention for a prompt complete withdrawal, and to secretly negotiate with the Iraqi Sunni Insurgency. The US goals for the secret negotiations would be an end to attacks by the insurgency and the liquidation of al Qaeda in Iraq by insurgent forces. In exchange, the US would guarantee its withdrawal (set a date and keep its word) and use American power to keep the Kurdish-Shia constitutional alliance from encroaching on the Sunni's fair share of power in Iraq during the interim and implicitly after the withdrawal. Lind is quite right that “the time is past for arguing whether we need an exit strategy; the discussion should be about what that strategy might be.” To complement Lind's proposal, let us speculate on how insurgency politics might speed a US decision to leave Iraq...

http://www.dissidentvoice.org/Nov05/Garcia1108.htm

by Mitchel Cohen

As Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf States, many organizations kicked into high gear to send relief to local groups in Mississippi and Louisiana, with no help from the government or formal relief agencies. Among them was the Malcolm X Grassroots movement, with whom the Brooklyn Greens shares an office on Atlantic Avenue. Tons of donated supplies poured into the office and were trucked to Jackson Mississippi, where they were distributed through community-based efforts. I spoke daily with Les Evenchick, a Green who lives in the French Quarter of New Orleans. I was also in touch with New Orleans residents Malik Rahim and Mike Howell; the areas in which they live were dry and they were holding out as long as they could. The story they tell is shocking: U.S. and local government officials refused to allow water or food relief into New Orleans. They also turned off the drinking water. Hundreds of people died unnecessarily as a result. And yet, there was no shortage of water or food being sent -- it was just not allowed into the City! When Green Party activists tried to donate water for the people in the Superdome a few days after the levees broke, armed soldiers pointed rifles at them and prevented them from delivering supplies. Even three Wal-Mart trucks loaded with drinking water were denied entry and turned away. No water was allowed into New Orleans. Evenchick says: "this was a brazen attempt to starve people out." Attempts to starve civilians into leaving an area is a war crime under the Geneva Conventions. Who gave the order to block water and food from entering New Orleans? Who ordered the drinking water inside the city to be turned off? No one has yet answered those questions...

http://www.dissidentvoice.org/Nov05/Cohen1108.htm

The Nation
by Nicholas von Hoffman

11/07/05

The Senate is getting ready to perform one of its ancient ceremonies -- the public hanging of a varlet by the ears. A Republican-controlled Senate has, surprisingly, chosen for the role of star varlet Lee Raymond, ExxonMobil's CEO. When committee hearings begin on Wednesday, Raymond will find himself under the thumbscrew, trying to explain why his company has been making money at the rate of $75,000 a minute, or nearly $10 billion from July through September. CEOs from the other big energy companies will get the same treatment, and not just from Democrats. This is a bipartisan necktie party. The senators are heated up over the price of gasoline, which has gone down a little lately, and the price of natural gas, which has not. They fear the many millions of natural gas users (voters) who are about to be socked with heating bills like they've not seen before...

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20051121/vonhoffman


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

Boston Globe
by Victoria A. Bonney

11/07/05

My fellow young Americans, the evidence is mounting that this war we are fighting in Iraq is not a 'just' war. No, this is a dirty fight, and we're in it for the long haul. But I guess that's the problem -- 'we' are not in it at all. 'We' are here in our land of iPods and cellphones, luxuriating in our apathetic comas while our soldiers are over there. I know what you're thinking. You have that magnetic yellow ribbon on your SUV, and, boy, if that is not uber-effective I do not know what is. But let me ask you, if you'd just put your Podcast on pause and cellphone on silence for a moment, is this all enough? Two wars ago, during the Vietnam disaster, there was Generation Activist. The youth of America rallied against 'the man.' How did they do it? They didn't have e-boards, or e-mail for that matter. Yet somehow, this archaic mob of longhairs and peaceniks managed to mobilize. They marched on the National Mall. They protested everywhere, even in bed. ... Their methods were not always nonviolent, but they were creative and incorrigible. Why is Generation Apathetic unable to have the same resounding roar?

http://tinyurl.com/7joup


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

Future of Freedom Foundation
by Doug Bandow

11/02/05

More than a quarter century ago, Californians rebelled against an overbearing political establishment. Property assessments were climbing, state expenditures were rising, the budget surplus was expanding, and government officials were lying. Voters responded by passing Proposition 13, triggering tax revolts nationwide. The movement has waxed and waned over the years, but the stories rarely cease to inspire. Popular resistance to higher taxes almost always reprises David versus Goliath. Such is the tale spun by Phil Valentine, a Tennessee talk-radio personality who helped stop the bipartisan drive for a state income tax. Tax Revolt offers a delightful read, detailing betrayal and deceit, insider maneuvers and public protests, and big-bucks lobbying and horn-honking rallies. Particularly satisfying is the end: the people win...

http://www.fff.org/comment/com0511a.asp


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

Mother Jones
by Nick Turse

11/08/05

If medals are being given out, perhaps this is what should never be forgotten. It was the 'crazies' in the streets. It was kids in weird clothes with strange hair. It was a man holding a puppet and a woman with a homemade sign. They knew then what it took the majority of Americans years to figure out. That the war would be a disaster and that, in any case, it was wrong. Those people, braving a bitterly cold day in New York City in February 2003, had better intel, more foresight, and better judgment than the military, the intelligence agencies, and especially the President and Vice President of the United States and all their advisors...

http://tinyurl.com/djfyp


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

The Weekly Standard
by Scott Johnson

11/08/05

Joe Wilson was not, of course, the only CIA-related political opponent of the Bush administration who emerged during the run-up to the 2004 election. In July 2004, the same month that the Times published Wilson's notorious op-ed column, CIA analyst Michael Scheuer published his strange book Imperial Hubris (by 'Anonymous'), which attacked American foreign policy related to the war on terrorism. (Scheuer was identified as the 'Anonymous' author of the book by the Boston Phoenix even before the book's official publication date.) In the epilogue to the paperback edition, Scheuer stated that he 'was never told why the CIA permitted publication.' Following publication of the book, the CIA permitted Scheuer 'anonymously' to criticize the Bush administration's conduct of the war on terror in media interviews until his criticisms extended beyond the administration to the intelligence community. (Scheuer left the Agency last November -- the week after the election.)...

http://tinyurl.com/am4qb


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

Slate
by Daniel Benjamin

11/07/05

It has become a cliché to say that Dick Cheney is the most powerful vice president in American history. Nonetheless, here is a prediction: When the historians really get digging into the paper entrails of the Bush administration -- or possibly when Scooter Libby goes on trial -- those who have intoned that phrase will still be astonished at the extent to which the Office of Vice President Dick Cheney was the center of power inside the White House -- and at the grip it had on foreign and defense policy...

http://www.slate.com/id/2129686/


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

The American Spectator
by John Haskins

11/08/05

Let's drop the talking points about 'conservative,' 'constructionist' and 'originalist' nominees. Such language obscures what's going on. These nuances are a polite way of pretending that the mainstream in law and government interprets the Constitution differently than we do. No. They are oblivious to the actual content of the Constitution, or they are anti-constitutional. A polite term would be 'post-constitutional.' If Ginsburg, Souter, and friends have a 'theory' of constitutional interpretation, they're keeping it to themselves. When they shake the foundations of the earth from their bench it is neither theory, nor constitutional, nor interpretation. They are, wrote Jonah Goldberg after one heinous ruling, 'making it up as they go along'...

http://www.spectator.org/dsp_article.asp?art_id=8985


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

Cato Institute
by Patrick Basham

11/08/05

Unlike most democracies, we place the power to shape political districts in the hands of politicians. Our state legislatures have the power to draw political boundaries for state and congressional offices. Unfortunately, redistricting has evolved into the electoral instrument that best serves to protect and strengthen incumbency advantage thanks to sophisticated gerrymandering -- the redrawing of legislative districts for political advantage. Grassroots movements in California and Ohio are attempting to change this situation to make both state and congressional elections more competitive. However, from coast to coast, most politicians are unwilling to contemplate real reform. Chellie Pingree, president of Common Cause, reminds us that, 'Incumbent politicians don't want to change the system no matter where they are'...

http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=5176


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

Washington Times
by Nat Hentoff

11/07/05

My respect continues to increase for the conservative defenders of our most fundamental liberties. A founder of the conservative movement, Paul Weyrich -- chairman and CEO of the Free Congress Foundation -- exemplifies this force when he writes: 'Because of the War on Terrorism, America may be on the verge of becoming a national security state.' Mr. Weyrich continues: 'That means citizens will allow the state to do almost anything it wants so long as it justifies its actions in terms of 'national security.' In effect, the Constitution and the rule of law itself go out the window, along with our liberties.' There is also Bob Barr, with whom I once joined at a conference of the American Conservative Union to criticize sections of the Patriot Act. With customary clarity, he now states: 'We believe in traditional conservative values, like accountability. ... To date, for example, the Justice Department has failed to disclose how many U.S. citizens' homes, businesses or records have been secretly searched under the Patriot Act provisions, such as Section 213 ('the sneak and peek' provision), or even how many National Security Letter searches (without any judicial supervision) have been executed'...

http://www.washtimes.com/op-ed/20051106-102157-6451r.htm


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

Capitol Hill Blue
by Doug Thompson

11/07/05

According to a printout from a computer controlled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Justice, I am an enemy of the state. The printout, shown to me recently by a friend who works for Justice, identifies me by a long, multi-digit number, lists my date of birth, place of birth, social security number and contains more than 100 pages documenting what the Bureau and the Bush Administration consider to be my threats to the security of the United States of America. It lists where I sent to school, the name and address of the first wife that I had been told was dead but who is alive and well and living in Montana, background information on my current wife and details on my service to my country that I haven't even revealed to my wife or my family. Although the file finds no criminal activity by me or members of my immediate family, it remains open because I am a 'person of interest' who has 'written and promoted opinions that are contrary to the government of the United States of America'...

http://www.capitolhillblue.com/artman/publish/article_7624.shtml


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

Independent Institute
by Ivan Eland

11/07/05

Since 9/11, the FBI, once organized to fight crime, has been undergoing a makeover to focus its efforts on preventing future terrorist attacks. To help the agency in its efforts, in 2001, the Congress recklessly passed and is now about to renew the USA PATRIOT Act, which dramatically increased the surveillance powers of law enforcement. Yet, the truth is that terrorism (even including the 9/11 attacks) is a rare phenomenon in North America that kills far fewer people than ordinary crime, car accidents, or medical problems. As tragic as the 3,000 deaths from the aberrant 9/11 strikes were, the worst effect of those incidents was the self-inflicted wound from the conversion of America from the 'land of the free' to the 'land of the watched'...

http://www.independent.org/newsroom/article.asp?id=1614


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

(TP) Haftanstalten als Wirtschaftsfaktoren: Seit den achtziger Jahren werden in den USA trotz rückläufiger Kriminalitätsrate so viele Gefängnisse wie nie zuvor errichtet. Großkonzerne verdienen am Bau von Haftanstalten, ihrer Versorgung mit Gütern und Dienstleistungen und an der Ausbeutung von Haftarbeit.

G.Wendebourg / metainfo hamburg

Link zum Beitrag / Hintergrundinfo oder Pressehinweis:
http://www.hh-online.com?lid=23019 und
http://links.net-hh.de?lid=23019
http://www.heise.de/tp/r4/artikel/21/21238/1.html
Infopool / metainfo hamburg http://www.hh-online.com

(FTD) Die Töne aus Berlin werden mit jedem Tag schriller. Immer größer sind die vermeintlichen Haushaltslöcher, die die Unterhändler der großen Koalition im Hauruckverfahren stopfen wollen.

Statt von 35 Mrd. Euro reden einige jetzt sogar von 70 Mrd. Euro. Und immer brutaler werden die Vorschläge aus der Koalitionsrunde

G.Wendebourg / metainfo hamburg

Link zum Beitrag / Hintergrundinfo oder Pressehinweis:
http://links.net-hh.de?lid=0
Infopool / metainfo hamburg http://www.hh-online.com

(JW) Die öffentlichen Kassen sind leer, weil der Staat bewußt darauf verzichtet, Unternehmensgewinne und privates Vermögen angemessen zu besteuern.

http://rs.net-hh.de/links1.php?lid=23022&owys=1
http://rs.net-hh.de/redir.php?referer=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jungewelt.de%2F2005%2F11-05%2F011.php&user=&PHPSESSID=c80b9ea56ba06be5478500a4cde7f84c

Lettre ! . . . de l'opérateur Orange France SA.
http://www.next-up.org/main.php?param=dernieresinfos&date_news=2005-11-08

Have you seen an endangered species? We need your story to help us defend the Endangered Species Act in the Senate:

http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/esa_stories/i5sxe8zl5x7nnb?

People who care about America's wildlife are speaking up, and so far, it's working. Thank you to the nearly 20,000 Environmental Defense supporters who told their senators to keep our strong protection for rare animals.

In our campaign to save the Endangered Species Act (ESA), it's time to step up the pressure -- and nothing is more powerful than a personal story. Have you, or a friend or family member, seen a bald eagle, California sea otter, or grizzly bear? Tell us about the experience.

Tell Your Story:
http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/esa_stories/i5sxe8zl5x7nnb?

The Senate has delayed taking up a bill that would cripple endangered species protections, and we're working to keep it that way. As we prepare to meet with key senators, your story will help us show them how much voters care about preserving our rarest species.

Tell Your Story Now:
http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/esa_stories/i5sxe8zl5x7nnb?

Seeing a bald eagle or other endangered species can be an amazing experience, as some of our own staff can attest.

Our own ecosystems scientist, Linda Laack, described seeing an ocelot and her kitten in Texas:

"About 20 years ago I was a graduate student conducting research on the small population of ocelots that occur in south Texas. I couldn't believe my good fortune one night in seeing a beautiful female ocelot.

Imagine my elation when moments later a kitten leapt from the brush onto its mother's back and began wrestling with her! Little did I know then that I would eventually end up following that kitten's progress over the next twelve years of her life as she became a mother and even a grandmother."

Our director of internet strategies, Kira Marchenese, also recalled seeing a bald eagle.

"Last month, I was on an afternoon paddle on the West Coast. The guide told us we'd see no eagles, as they were fishing somewhere else that day.

Just as we came back into the harbor, a lone bald eagle skimmed the water 20 feet in front of me. I got a perfect view of its yellow talons and startlingly white head."

Have you seen an endangered species? Tell us about it:
http://actionnetwork.org/campaign/esa_stories/i5sxe8zl5x7nnb?

Who's Endangered or Threatened? Here are some commonly-spotted species:

Bald Eagle, Grizzly Bear, Manatee, California Sea Otter, Sea Turtle, Grey Wolf, Brown Pelican, Crocodile, Humpback Whale, Whooping Crane, Hawaiian Goose, Peregrine Falcon*, California Condor

*recently delisted

Full list of endangered species (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Web site):
http://www.fws.gov/endangered/wildlife.html

by Paul Waldman, TomPaine.com

From the beginning, the Republicans who took over Congress in 1994 sought to normalize corruption. They succeeded.

http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051108/party_for_sale.php



Party For Sale

Tom Paine
by Paul Waldman

11/08/05

With all the goings-on in Washington over the last couple of weeks ... the story that may reveal the most about the nature of Republican power has been advancing along with little notice. But the Jack Abramoff scandal ... is indispensable for understanding just how Washington works under GOP rule. No one can blame the Indian tribes who retained Abramoff to do their lobbying for thinking he was the guy who could get things done in Washington. ... But in the process of buying access and influence, Abramoff ... also appears to have swindled the tribes out of tens of millions of dollars. Whenever a newspaper or magazine has attempted to unpack the scandal, they have found it necessary to print dense flow charts marking the intricate connections and the flow of money and influence between all the players -- Abramoff, Republican uber-activist Grover Norquist, political consultant and former Christian Coalition head Ralph Reed (currently running for lieutenant governor in Georgia), Karl Rove, Tom DeLay and many others...

http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051108/party_for_sale.php


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

by Jennifer L. Pozner, TomPaine.com

On election day, our critic ponders the impact of media coverage of Condi's boots, Harriet's brows and Hillary's dress size.

http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051108/commander_in_chic.php

http://www.capitolhillblue.com/artman/publish/article_7620.shtml


Informant: NHNE

Does anyone have any addresses/contacts for sites in Southern Africa for people to check-up on where phone masts are situated and what is being done by local groups, especially in Johannesburg, Durban and Capetown?

Kind Regards

Eileen O'Connor

--------

Hi Eileen - I have just remembered that I met a young woman film director at the Royal College of Medicine Symposium on EHS last year. She gave me her card when I told her that the BBC had shown interest in us.

One thing she did tell me was that they were filming in Africa - doing ongoing investigations into the phenomenon of stillbirths and miscarriages in areas where there were mobile phone base stations. It may not be of help to you on this occasion but it might lead to something else.

I will see if I can find the card - I always meant to follow it up but you know what it's like, not enough hours in the day!

Cheers Sylvia

--------

Eileen,

Here is a.o. something by Dorothy and by Iris about S. Africa:
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2003/07/274829.html

http://www.nordicwirelesswatch.com/wireless/story.html?story_id=4028

Aha, Karl Muller was his name!

Use google to find "Karl Muller cellphones" e.g.

I am sure there is more in S. Africa, try searching S. African newspapers.

Frans

--------

You can find the mentioned information from Frans also here:

http://www.grn.es/electropolucio/omega247.htm https://publish.indymedia.org.uk/uk/servlet/OpenMir?do=getpdf&id=274829&forIE=.pdf

US Forces 'Used Chemical Weapons' on City of Fallujah

Powerful new evidence emerged yesterday that the United States dropped massive quantities of white phosphorus on the Iraqi city of Fallujah during the attack in November of 2004. The attack killed insurgents and civilians with appalling burns that are the signature of this weapon. A video documentary entitled "Fallujah: the Hidden Massacre," provides what it claims is clinching evidence that incendiary bombs known as Mark 77 - a new, improved form of napalm - were used in the attack on Fallujah. This action is in breach of the UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons of 1980, which only allows such use against military targets.

WARNING: This video contains graphic and possibly disturbing footage.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110805Z.shtml
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/article325560.ece



Video: Fallujah - The Hidden Massacre

Italian TV Report Details Use Of Napalm On Iraqi Civilians

Watch The Video Here
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10907.htm

A PENSIONER says his life has been ruined since a mobile phone mast was installed outside his home.

Sixty-five-year-old Mr Roy Lockwood claims he has suffered from headaches, dizziness and ringing in the ears since the mast was placed outside his bedroom window a year ago.

Mr Lockwood, who lives with his wife Maureen in Glen View Road, also says his sleep patterns have been disturbed to the point where he now wakes at 3 a.m. every morning.

He said: "I have always been a fit and healthy man, and a good sleeper, but my problems have definitely coincided with this mast being put up. It is preposterous.

"Many people in this country suffer from electro-sensitivity, but it is still a condition not recognised in this country. Many doctors do not acknowledge the illness, but my quality of life has certainly changed in the last 12 months."

Mr Lockwood, together with his neighbours, objected to the mast when the application went to Burnley Borough Council's planning committee, and was dismayed when it was passed.

In May this year, he became further concerned when workmen at the mast told him they were increasing its strength. He has written to Burnley MP, Mrs Kitty Ussher, twice on the subject.

He added: "The mast should never have been placed so near to homes. I don't see why I should have to take tablets on a regular basis to cure my headaches when it is obvious what is causing the problem.

"I have pages of reports about mobile phone masts and their risks. The Chinese and Russian governments are developing a system that relies on low power. Why can our government not do this? They do not seem to be interested."

Mr Lockwood is circulating a social research questionnaire to his neighbours dealing with local feelings about the mast. He hopes that if there is a concerted effort from people across the country that electro-sensitivity, at least, will be recognised.

When asked by the Express, Mrs Ussher confirmed she still has an open mind on the risks associated with mobile masts. She said:"The Government is currently undertaking a huge survey at the moment on mobile phone masts, but I am always concerned to hear about individuals that are affected.

"For this reason, I oppose any applications in residential areas, indeed one was refused recently in Rossendale Road. Regarding the scientific side there is no conclusive position either way on possible effects.

Omega this is not true. See under:
http://omega.twoday.net/topics/Wissenschaft+zu+Mobilfunk/
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Cancer+Cluster
http://www.buergerwelle.de/body_science.html

"I believe the rational solution is to keep studying this as much as possible, which is what the Government is currently doing."

l Scientists from the Institute of Cancer Research recently published results from the largest investigation to date into the relationship between mobile phone use and the risk of acoustic neuroma – a nervous system tumour that occurs close to where mobile phones are held to the head.

The study suggests there is no substantial risk of this tumour in the first 10 years after starting mobile phone use. However, an increased risk after longer term use could not be ruled out.

Professor Peter Rigby, chief executive of The Institute Of Cancer Research said: "Mobile phones have only been used widely over the past decade so we won't know the long term effects for many years. However, the results of this multi-country study with such a large number of participants is a great step forward in our understanding of the possible health effects of mobile phones."

Omega see "Interphone researchers misled the media - Cell phone cancer link misreported" under: http://omega.twoday.net/stories/1019613/

08 November 2005

http://www.burnleytoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=12&ArticleID=1246563

EU-Agrarsubventionen dienen offensichtlich dazu, die Betriebe von Aristokraten, Ministern, reichen Großbauern und Großkonzernen abzufüttern. 60% der Mittel gehen an die 15%, die über die größten Betriebe verfügen. Versorgt werden dadurch u.a. Bedürftige wie Englands Prinz Charles, mehrere Minister und Agrarkommissare sowie der Großkonzern Nestle.

http://rs.net-hh.de/links1.php?lid=23014&owys=1
http://rs.net-hh.de/redir.php?referer=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oxfam.de%2Fa_611_presse.asp%3Fid%3D150&user=&PHPSESSID=72c131140c881c6b780249483ef754a2

Sorry I have no citations for this.

Scott Munson


Like lead, asbestos, Teflon, plastic, info is being witheld.

Scientists around the world have been trying to expose the dirty secret about microwave radiation, aka cellular.

In Europe where it is ten years ahead of North America, Cell phone manufactures were having their employees suddenly become very ill. Ericson's top engineer became electromagnetically sensitive and could not continue. Many others from that one company also had ems. Apple Computers top guy who did started apple networking from the start also had the same problems. And last month, Oct 2005, a cell phone sales person won a law suit proving that their exposure made them sick - there are plenty more stories of industry workers dying or ill.

So how does this relate to Avian? Well if you go back and see, Mice were used in studies of cell phone radiation in various USA labs and only the reports that were taylored by the cellular industry were released to the media, the others which showed extreme caution due to the fatal results never made it to the main media. A video called "Public Exposure - Wireless Revolution" shows how scientists have been trying to get the truth to general public but the industry owns the studies because they fund the radiation studies and one release what they want.

Chickens in Canada were distroyed in late 2004, some 100,000 birds. The media did not release that all the chicken farms near Vancouver Canada, were indeed beside a Microwave Navy Antenna base. This base has the exact same antennas as the popular HARRP station in Alaska, just less of them. A specialist who knew about both the chicken industry and the antenna station output of Microwave Communications had stepped forward to hand the data to the media about what was happening with these Canadian Chickens, but no, the media would NOT touch it.

The government review board of the Canadian "Out Break" would not touch the data. That is because the data is true, Microwave radiation breaks down the immune systems. If you have a high exposure for a short period of time - or a low exposure for a very long period of time - both applications are deadly to both animals and humans.

So how do south asia chickens get exposed to cell phone towers or cell phone users - are they using that many cell phones there? In fact they do use cell phones, even the poor areas of Africa use cell phones becuase "its easier to set up, no telephone lines". A contact with several residents from asia said there is actually more cell phones in that area then some parts of north america.

Deformed animals in Italy were ignored by the media, deformed cows in other parts of Europe were ignored by the media, especially the ones with large cellular antenna towers on the barn roof in the background.

Omega see under:
http://www.buergerwelle.de/pdf/missgebildete_tiere_volturino.htm

Israel is having a cancer outbreak this year and studies show that those near cell towers have died suddenly. Same thing with Spain and France.

Omega see under: Cancer Cluster
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/663825/

To conclude, avian flu may be a flu like symptom, but it is why it occured, the immune system is broken down, and anything that the body has to fight off cant, because it used all the defenses to reverse the damage of radiaiton, day after day. The immune system eventually can not catch everything and things get through.

http://members.aol.com/gotemf/emf/animals.htm
http://members.aol.com/gotemf/group/
http://members.aol.com/gotemf/emf/flu.htm

Look at the deformation of both animals an humans from Depleted Urainium, - watch "Invisable Wars - Deplete Urainium" Feb 2000

and OPPS!

http://www.cnn.com/2005/HEALTH/04/13/flu.recall/index.html

Labs scramble to purge virus Samples sent out worldwide traced to 1957 pandemic

Thursday, April 14, 2005 Posted: 12:22 AM EDT (0422 GMT) Authorities are trying to work out how many labs got the samples.

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) Authorities are doing everything possible to ensure samples of a killer influenza virus sent to more than 4,000 laboratories worldwide are destroyed before anyone becomes infected, a top U.S. disease expert says.

"While the risk of the situation is very low, we're not taking any chances and we're doing everything we can to make sure that there is no threat to human health," Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told reporters at a news conference on Wednesday. On September 10, the College of American Pathologists sent samples of the virus that caused the "Asian flu" pandemic of 1957 to laboratories in 18 countries, including the United States and Canada. The pandemic killed more than 1 million people, including about 70,000 in the United States. The samples, part of a package of pathogens sent to laboratories to test their ability to identify them, were last seen in nature in the United States in 1968, Gerberding said. Anyone born since then would presumably have no immunity to the virus, she said. Authorities are still trying to determine how many laboratories got the samples of the virus, called Influenza A H2N2. "We're working with officials in all of these countries to take the steps necessary to contain the problem," she said. Those steps include identifying the panels that contain the virus and destroying those samples by heating them. Routine disease surveillance so far has turned up no unusual patterns that might indicate the disease had spread in the United States, she said.

CDC: Raise safety level

In addition, the CDC recommended that laboratories that have received the virus samples use safety level 3 precautions in handling them. Current recommendations require only that they be handled under less-stringent safety level 2 precautions. The World Health Organization has contacted the ministries of health of the other 17 countries "to be sure that similar processes are in place" in all labs affected. How the virus wound up being included in a package of pathogens sent around the world was not clear, but Gerberding said health authorities would work to ensure such a lapse did not recur. Organizations responsible for testing and accrediting laboratories' quality routinely send out panels of unknown organisms to determine if the laboratory can accurately identify them. In this case, the College of American Pathologists contracted with Meridian Bioscience Inc., of Cincinnati, Ohio, to create the panel, Gerberding said. "It is almost impossible to believe they didn't know they were dealing with an H2N2," she added. "It was probably a situation where the advantages of using a strain that grows well and can be readily manipulated in the lab were the driving force without even considering that ... it could potentially cause a hazard to not only the workers in the laboratory, but to the people in the community." Gerberding said she did not know who made that decision. A company spokesman did not immediately return a call seeking comment. Most of the samples have been destroyed, she said.

Found by Canadian lab

It was not until March 26 that a laboratory in Canada discovered the presence of the virus and alerted Canadian health officials, who in turn notified the World Health Organization and CDC, Gerberding said. Five days later, the lab was advised "to undertake a full stem-to-stern assessment" and, on April 8, the lab determined that the panels were the source, Gerberding said. The threat had gone unnoticed for more than six months because the labs that received the panels would have characterized the virus only as an A or B strain and would not necessarily have characterized it further, she said. The laboratories have been asked to report back to the college when the specimens have been destroyed, a process "that will take some time," Gerberding said. Dr. Jared Schwartz, a spokesman for the College of American Pathologists, which distributed the virus, acknowledged its distribution was a mistake. He said records indicate the vendor knew it was sending a flu virus but apparently did not realize it was the deadly strain. In addition to the United States and Canada, the other countries that got the panels are Bermuda, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Taiwan. It also went to Hong Kong. Schwartz said his organization will ask the CDC to approve strains sent out for testing in the future, and that samples will be limited to pathogens covered by current vaccines. "This is the first time, thank God, that we have had, in any of our proficiency testing, issues focused on as a potential problem," he said. "It's regrettable, and a lot of communication needs to be improved to be sure that this doesn't happen again. And we're going to be working with the CDC to make sure of that." Laurie Garrett, author of "The Coming Plague: Newly Emerging Diseases in a World out of Balance," said the mistake underscores problems with the U.S. public health safety net. "We've invested billions of dollars into alleged bioterrorism preparedness and to alleged preparedness for avian and pandemic influenza," she said. "This is a sorry indicator of how well the money has been spent." CNN's Miriam Falco contributed to this report.

WHY WOULD THEY DO THAT?

Because people are out there with a very BAD immune system and would catch things very quickly EMF (and DU) are (were) the hidden parts of the invisible puzzel and now you know.

--------

Public Exposure - DNA, Democracy and the "Wireless Revolution"
http://www.mercola.com/forms/public_exposure.htm
http://www.mercola.com/forms/public_exposure_testimonials.htm


Probable connection between EM radiation and H5N1 Avian Virus outbreak http://omega.twoday.net/stories/741183/

Putting The “Coming Pandemic” Into Perspective
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/1085983/

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/07/business/07link.html


Informant: binstock

by Mike Whitney

The easiest way to understand the institutional bias of western media is to analyze reporting from the developing world. The economic summit in Mar Del Plata, Argentina, provides an excellent opportunity to evaluate the coverage and decide whether such partiality exists. Although tens of thousands of working people came to protest George Bush and his suspiciously-named “free trade” economic policies; they were invariably smeared by the corporate media as “Leftists” or “radicals”; eliminating the possibility that they were simply concerned citizens participating in the democratic process. This is the familiar tactic of the media to marginalize ordinary people whose interests don’t correspond to those of the ruling elite...

http://www.dissidentvoice.org/Nov05/Whitney1107-2.htm

by Mike Whitney

No man in the 200-year history of the United States has embodied the “banality of evil” as thoroughly as Dick Cheney, a dumpy, mid-level bureaucrat who ascended the political ladder through hardnosed calculation and cold-blooded vindictiveness. Cheney would be fine behind the counter of a fast-food restaurant snarling at the help and flaunting his authority, but as Vice President he’s been a dead loss. His appearance on Capitol Hill last week only confirms his moral vacuity and contempt for decency. Cheney addressed the Senate in a closed-door session and made an “impassioned” plea to continue the “cruel, degrading, and inhumane” treatment of prisoners detained in American concentration camps. His arguments follow the twisted logic of Harvard attorney Alan Dershowitz, who claims that state-sponsored atrocities like torture can be justified if they produce greater security. Cheney’s appeal should be seriously considered. After all, this is the warped rationale that underscores the entire war on terror: the end justifies the means. We can see where this thinking inevitably leads by the appalling photos from Abu Ghraib and the reports of starving victims at Guantanamo Bay. These are the fetid sites where Cheney’s theories are put into practice...

http://www.dissidentvoice.org/Nov05/Whitney1107.htm

by Jason Leopold

Did Vice President Dick Cheney help cover up the outing of covert CIA operative Valerie Plame Wilson in the months after conservative columnist Robert Novak first disclosed her identity? That’s one of the questions Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald is likely trying to figure out. It’s unclear what Cheney said to investigators back in 2004 when he was questioned -- not under oath -- about the leak, particularly what he knew and when he knew it. The five-count criminal indictment handed up by a grand jury last month against Cheney’s former Chief of Staff, I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, sheds new light on a pattern of strategic deception by the Vice President and the White House to defuse an inquiry into who leaked the name of covert CIA agent Valerie Plame Wilson to the press. Months after Plame’s identity was disclosed by conservative columnist Robert Novak, Cheney continued to hide the fact that he and his aides were intimately involved in disseminating classified information about her to journalists...

http://www.dissidentvoice.org/Nov05/Leopold1107.htm

Übermorgen am Donnerstag den 10.11. von 16 bis 17 Uhr Sendung des Dissidentenfunk zum Thema: Das Celler Urteil gegen Zwangsbehandlung

Ein Beschluß des Oberlandesgericht Celle erklärt Zwangsbehandlung zumindest auf betreuungsrechtlicher Grundlage durchgängig für rechtswidrig, weil er nicht genehmigungsfähig. Die Zwangsbehandlung ist ohne jeden Zweifel das gefährlichste, brutalste und bösartigste Mittel der Zwangspsychiatrie, es ist auch ihr Kernbereich.

Dieser Praxis entzieht das Oberlandesgericht Celle mit seinem Urteil radikal den Boden, denn entsprechend dem, was der Bundesgerichtshof zur ambulanten Zwangsbehandlung geurteilt hat, fehlt es nach Ansicht des OLG Celle einer expliziten gesetzlichen Grundlage, die für eine solche schwerste Grundrechtsverletzung unabdingbar wäre, wenn sie sich überhaupt rechtfertigen ließe.

Im ersten Teil der Sendung wird in einem Telefoninterview durch die Richterin am OLG Celle, Angela Ziemert, der Beschluß kommentiert und erläutert. Der zweiten Teil ist der Frage gewidmet, ob Zwangsbehandlung, Zwangspsychiatrie überhaupt gerechtfertigt werden kann, wenn andererseits die Menschenrechte unteilbar sind und damit unmittelbar verknüpft, die Würde des Menschen in Artikel 1 des Grundgesetzes für unantastbar erklärt wurde. Wir konnten dazu eine Interview mit Heiner Bielefeldt, dem Direktor des deutschen Instituts für Menschenrechte, führen.

Außerdem berichten wir über die unmittelbaren Reaktionen, zu denen der Beschluß geführt hat. Wiederholung der Sendung am Donnerstag, 24. 11. von 16 bis 17 Uhr.

DISSIDENTENFUNK

Wir senden an jedem 2. und 4. Donnerstag im Monat von 16 bis 17 Uhr im Offenen Kanal Berlin UKW: 97,2 MHz (Kabel: 92,6), oder im Internet unter http://www.okb.de/radiostream.htm kann man den Livestream empfangen (mit dem Winamp Mediaplayer sollte das kein Problem sein).

In dem Archiv in der Dissidentenfunk Homepage: http://www.dissidentenfunk.de finden Sie die GEMA-freien Teile der vergangenen Sendungen als Audio- und Textdateien sowie weitere Informationen zu den einzelnen Sendungen:

Oktober: Bedingungsloses Grundeinkommen
September: Antipsychiatrie und die Linken
Juli: Sommer-News
Mai: Faulheit (und die Folgen)
April: Prinzhorn - "Entartete" Kunst - Biennale Meine Welt
März: Patientenverfügung
Februar: Irrenoffensive - die Oper
Januar: Forensik

Aus 2004:
Dezember: Ambulante Zwangsbehandlung in Bremen
Oktober: Das Gert-Postel-Experiment
September: Psychiatrie - ein Witz
August: Vorsorgevollmacht
Juli: Zwangsbetreuung und die geplante Änderung des Betreuungsrechts



Wir feiern unser 25 jähriges Jubiläum!

25 Jahre haben wir die psychiatriepolitische Entwicklung in diesem Land auf Trapp gehalten und jetzt kommt DIE Bestätigung unserer andauernden Kritik an dem systematischen Verbrechen Zwangspsychiatrie: In einem sensationellen Urteil des Oberlandesgerichts Celle wird festgestellt, dass eine Zwangsbehandlung auf betreuungsrechtlicher Grundlage sowohl rechtswidrig als auch nicht genehmigungsfähig ist. Das vollständig Urteil ist hier veröffentlicht:
http://www.die-bpe.de/urteil_zwangsspritze.htm Das ist ein sensationeller Sieg der Grundrechte und schlägt der Zwangspsychiatrie ihre gefährlichste und bösartigste Waffe aus der Hand.

Aus diesem Anlass laden wir zu einer Party ein!

Mit freundlichen Grüßen René Talbot und Uwe Pankow
(für den Vorstand der Irren-Offensive e.V.)

Radikal Pro-Menschenrechte Zum 25. Jubiläum der Irren-Offensive Feiern Die Irren Ihren Sieg, denn das Oberlandesgericht Celle hat diesen Sommer ein sensationelles Urteil gegen Zwangsbehandlung gefällt: " ...ist eine Zwangsbehandlung auf betreuungsrechtlicher Grundlage rechtlich nicht zulässig und daher nicht genehmigungsfähig.”

* Eine Festrede von Gert Postel, dem berühmten Postboten, der zum Chefarzt einer Forensik bestellt wurde

* Preisverleihung des Freiheitspreises der I.O. an Thomas Saschenbrecker:

* Laudatio von Prof. Wolf-Dieter Narr

* Büffet

* Live Musik, danach: Disco mit DJ

* Film: Urteil des Foucault Tribunal

Am Samstag, 26. Nov. 2005, um 19 Uhr Eintritt, Speisen und alkoholfreie Getränke frei! (Mit der Einladung)

im PallasT, Pallasstr. 3510781 Berlin Einladung bitte per E-Mail anfordern: werner-fuss@gmx

Der Veranstaltungsort ist hier im Stadtplan eingezeichnet:
http://www.berlinonline.de/citymap/map.asp?ADR_ZIP=10781&ADR_STREET=Pallasstr.&ADR_HOUSE=35&ADR_INFO=%3Ca%2Bhref%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.BerlinOnline.de%2Ftip%2Fkalender%2F.bin%2Findex.php%2Fbuehne%2Fort%2F10326.html%3FSID%3D9501be1d16655b3089fe3ab7e05f6641%22%3EPallasT%2BSch%F6neberg%3C%2Fa%3E&show=201%2C102%2C103%2C105


Werner-Fuß-Zentrum Scharnweberstr. 29, 10247 Berlin
http://www.psychiatrie-erfahrene.de
http://www.die-bpe.de
http://www.antipsychiatrie.de und
http://www.dissidentenfunk.de

There's a new narrative emerging in the mainstream media we're more than happy to echo.

http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051107/republicans_in_trouble.php

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/07/opinion/07mon3.html

by Francis X. Clines, The New York Times

In four years, Bush's actions to expedite mountaintop removal coal mining will devastate an area the size of Delaware.

http://www.tompaine.com/

The Wal-Mart 22

by Jonathan Tasini, TomPaine.com

With Democrats lining up to support Wal-Mart, why should voters believe they have any intention of challenging corporate power?

http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051107/the_walmart_22.php

http://links.net-hh.de?lid=23006
http://rs.net-hh.de/redir.php?referer=http%3A%2F%2Frs.net-hh.de%2Flinks1.php%3Flid%3D23006%26owys%3D1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.spiegel.de%2Fwirtschaft%2F0%2C1518%2C383566%2C00.html&user=

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Moderne Raubzüge

Wie deutsche Großbanken in Zusammenspiel mit der EU-Kommission, dem Berliner Senat und der Anwaltskanzlei Freshfields die Privatisierung von Sparkassen durchsetzen wollen. Artikel von Sahra Wagenknecht in junge Welt vom 01.04.2006 http://www.jungewelt.de/2006/04-01/057.php


Aus: LabourNet, 3. April 2006



http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Heuschrecken

http://openpr.de/news/67231.html

http://www.elektrosmognews.de/news/20051106_haibacher_appell.html

HLV INFO 172/AT

7-11-2005

Haibacher Ärzteappell

Haibacher Ärzte appellieren!

Als Ärztinnen und Ärzte halten wie den weiteren Ausbau des Mobilfunknetzes für bedenklich und appellieren an Politiker, Wissenschaftler und Verantwortliche des Gesundheitswesens, dem Schutz von Leben und Gesundheit von uns allen wieder den gebührenden grundgesetzlich garantierten Wert einzuräumen und sofort zu handeln.

Der Appell als pdf zum Download
http://www.elektrosmognews.de/news/20051106_HaibacherAppell.pdf

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Ärzte-Appelle gegen Mobilfunk
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/1064751/

http://omega.twoday.net/stories/460260/

Erstunterzeichner des Helsinki Appell

Franz Adlkofer, physician, Verum Foundation, Germany
Osmo Hänninen, emeritus-professor, Kuopio University, Finland
Jukka Laitakari, professor, Jyväskylä University, Finland
Seppo Kinnunen, physician, Tampere, Finland
Reba Goodman, scientist, Columbia University, USA
Martin Blank, sciantist, Columbia University, USA
Roger Santini, scientist, retired, France
Igor Belyaev, scientist, Stockholm University, Sweden
Alfonso Balmori, scientist, Institude Castilla y León, Spain
Sole Molander, researcher, Helsinki University of Technology, Lahti Center
Gerd Oberfeld, physician, Salzburg, Austria
Anu Leo, dentist, Helsinki, Finland
Leif Gran, dentist, Helsinki, Finland
Tuula Koskinen, dentist, Helsinki, Finland
Risto Juusela, dentist, Espoo, Finland
Pirjo Juusela, dentist, Espoo, Finland
Riitta Linko, dentist, Helsinki, Finland
Laina Salonen, senior scientist, Espoo, Finland
Sergei Kolmakov, PhD, Kuopio, Finland
Valto Räsänen, physician, Kuopio, Finland
Esa Miettinen, researcher, Kuopio, Finland
Karin Munsterhjelm-Ahumada, physician, Tammisaari, Finland
Viveka Grönlund, physician, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Ilari Airo, physician, Helsinki, Finland
Kimmo Kauppi, physician, Vantaa, Finland
Timo Helin, physician, Helsinki, Finland
Volker Schorpp, physician, Breligheim, Germany
Robert Riedlinger, researcher, retired
Dietrich Grün, physician, Winnenden, Germany
Pentti Tiusanen, physician, Kotka, Finland
Seannette Kwee, researcher, retired, Denmark
Olle Johansson, ass. prof., Sweden

http://www.elektrosmognews.de/news//20050226_helsinki_erstunterzeichner.html

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Ärzte-Appelle gegen Mobilfunk
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/1064751/

HLV INFO 172/AT

7-11-2005

Dr. Claus Scheingraber schrieb am 6-11-05

Meine französische Kontaktperson hat mir folgende Mitteilung gesandt: Unter dem Link:

Surprise . . . Effets des CEM sur la thyroïde
http://www.next-up.org/main.php?param=dernieresinfos&date_news=2005-10-31

ist folgendes zu lesen:

Bisher hat man die Zunahme der Schilddrüsenerkrankungen im Südosten Frankreichs dem Durchgang der Tschernobyl-Wolke vor 20 Jahren zugeschrieben.... Die regionale Inspektion der Arbeitsbedingungen hat eine Untersuchung, genannt "Thyro 2000", beim Antikrebszentrum Antoine Lacassagne und dem INSERM für das Département der Alpes Maritimes in Auftrag gegeben. Der Bericht darüber wurde in der Zeitung NICE-MATIN vom 9. Oktober in folgenden Zeilen zusammengefasst: Die Schilddrüse von 80 000 Einwohnern der Côte d'Azur wurde von 40 Ärzten ein Jahr lang bei den jährlichen Untersuchungen, denen sich die Angestellten normalerweise unterziehen müssen, untersucht, dabei wurden 5590 Schilddrüsenkranke aufgedeckt, also über 7 Prozent. Man stellte dabei die Hypothese auf, dass dabei der Großteil von einem Umweltfaktor betroffen ist, nämlich die elektromagnetischen Strahlungen der Computer, der Telephone und der Photokopier-Apparate. Für die Wissenschaftler war das keine allzu große Überraschung, doch für das große Publikum schon.

Bei next-up kann man ein technisches Vulgarisation-Dokument über diese Problematik lesen.


Herzliche Grüße

Claus Scheingraber

The New York Times: The five-year, $54 billion budget proposal is headed for a floor vote this week, disguised as an overdue act of fiscal responsibility and government savings. In truth, it is so over-the-top in its inequities and giveaways that embarrassed moderates are actually rebelling and withholding support unless some of the more outrageous measures - like despoiling the Alaska wildlife refuge with oil drilling - are killed.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110705F.shtml

George W. Bush sometimes seems to be in a Murphy's Law period of his presidency, when everything that can go wrong will go wrong. So after one of his most miserable weeks at the White House, things did not get a lot better on his messy four-day trip to Latin America.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110705D.shtml

Lobbyist Jack Abramoff was not at the Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing last week, but he was the central topic, as Congress continued to probe what some call one of this generation's most outrageous political scandals. Abramoff helped fuel conservative successes, but his dealings could lead to powerful ethical fallout.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110705B.shtml

http://impeachbush.pephost.org/site/News2?abbr=VTI_&page=NewsArticle&id=7337&security=1022&news_iv_ctrl=-1


Informant: Hopedance



http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=impeach
http://omega.twoday.net/search?q=Downing+Street+Memo

This voter guide provides clear information from both sides and links to the full text of the California voter initiatives.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110705S.shtml

The Internal Revenue Service has warned one of Southern California's largest and most liberal churches that it is at risk of losing its tax-exempt status because of an anti-war sermon two days before the 2004 presidential election.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110705R.shtml

The indictment against Cheney's Chief of Staff, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, clearly states that Cheney and Libby discussed Plame's undercover CIA status and the fact that her husband, former Ambassador Joseph Wilson, traveled to Niger to investigate claims that Iraq tried to acquire yellowcake uranium from the African country in early June of 2003. Yet the following month, Cheney and then-White House press secretary Ari Fleischer asserted that the vice president was unaware of Wilson's Niger trip, who the ambassador even was, and the classified report Wilson wrote about the Niger findings prior to his July 6, 2003 op-ed in the New York Times.

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/110705Q.shtml

Patios may add to tax

Monday 7th nov 2005

In the Sun Newspaper a report on council tax revaluation, page 2 'Patio Tax' says ...'but inner city housing near overhead power lines or phone masts will be entitled to a tax cut'...

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That is true. Here is the link:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2005510638,00.html

Best regards.
Agnes

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I know of at least one campaign who has managed a re evaluation of council tax on their property because of a mast.

Cheers
Lisa

- Décision de Justice - Arrêt de la 19ème Chambre de la Cour d'Appel de PARIS contre Orange http://www.next-up.org/main.php?param=proces

Just to repeat, the meeting starts at 7.30pm on Monday 14th November at the Civic Centre (Wood Green High Road).

Cllr Matt Davies Lib Dem, Fortis Green

MOTION

This Council notes: • Haringey residents' public health concerns about mobile phone masts, with particular concern about the siting of masts near to schools, hospitals and residential porperties • Legislation is weighted in favour of mobile phone companies and Haringey Council currently has little power to act on our residents' concerns • Masts below 15m are exempt from planning permission

This Council believes: • More national research is required into the potential health risks of mobile phone masts • The 'precautionary principle' should apply and Councils like Haringey should be able to reject mast applications on health grounds • Mobile phone companies should be required to make a full planning application for masts of any size and should always be required to provide a statement of the intensity and direction of the signal

This Council resolves: • To write to Haringey's two Members of Parliament requesting they lobby Ministers for a moratorium on mast sites near to schools, hospitals and residential properties • To ask our Members of Parliament to support any Bills in Parliament which would mean safer siting of phone masts, including giving Councils clear authority to reject mast applications on local public health grounds • To write to all other London Boroughs to ask for their support in using the 'precautionary principle'

http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/politics/101209.php


Informant: NHNE

Rapid Response Network (RR) is a nationwide volunteer organization that acts as "first responders" to biased, imbalanced or factually inaccurate media coverage. At its heart, RR is a vehicle for engaging "We the People" in our democracy. As the influence of television news and media conglomerates increases, citizens have less opportunity to participate in the national dialogue on issues dramatically affecting our lives. RR's work represents opportunity to restore a continuous American conversation, from coast to coast and into the smallest hometowns.

Unique among media watch networks, RR is organized into national, state and county groups. This structure provides the power of national resources and organization with the effectiveness that can only be achieved by acting at a local level. Using tools provided through RR, neighbors speak with neighbors.

The network seeks out opportunities to engage the media on issues of importance, then notifies the volunteer base with Action Alerts. Volunteers respond with letters, emails, and phone calls. Our goal is to ensure that the public discussion remains productive, honest, and fair. We seek to encourage informed citizenship, the ultimate check and balance to hold government accountable to the people.

Want to get involved? Sign up now!
http://www.rapidresponsenetwork.org/us/signup

WHAT: House International Relations Committee scheduled to debate and vote on H. Res. 505, a Resolution of Inquiry into the White House Iraq Group

WHEN: 10:30 a.m. ET, Wednesday, November 9, 2005

WHERE: Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2172.
(Southwest of the Capitol on a site bounded by Independence Avenue, South Capitol Street, First Street, and C Street, S.W., Washington, D.C.)

SIGNIFICANCE: This will be the first vote Congress takes on investigating the White House Iraq Group (WHIG) and the first vote related to the war since Vice Presidential Chief of Staff Lewis Libby was indicted. This vote will be a key test of whether Republicans will continue to stand behind the White House's case for war.

On September 14, the International Relations Committee defeated by one vote a Resolution of Inquiry (H. Res. 505) into White House and State Department communications with the United Kingdom involving Iraq war plans. Every Democrat present voted "Yea", as did one Republican. A second Republican voted "Present".

Email Your Congress Member:
http://www.democrats.com/peoplesemailnetwork/72

More Information and How to Get Involved:
http://www.AfterDowningStreet.org/whig

Kritik im Kreisrat an Bescheid der Regierung zu Kompetenzen

VON JOHANNES THOMA Landkreis/Pähl - Das Thema begleitet den Kreistag seit fast einem Jahrzehnt. Kreisräte beklagen sich über zu wenig Sitzungen und über zu wenig Kompetenzen. "Was bleibt uns denn noch, bald werden wir nur noch über die Badekappenverordnung im Weilheimer Hallenbad diskutieren", so Kreisrat Hans Geisenberger bei der Sitzung in Pähl, bei der auch erneut darüber debattiert wurde, welche Themen im Kreistag angeschnitten werden dürfen und welche nicht. Bei Letzteren sieht sich Landrat Luitpold Braun in seiner Rechtsauffassung bestätigt.

Für Renate Müller (Grüne, Schongau) ist der Bescheid der Regierung, wonach der Landkreis sich nicht allgemein mit dem Thema "Mobilfunk hätte befassen dürfen (wir berichteten), ein "Maulkorb" für den 60-köpfigen Kreistag. Geisenberger (Unabhängige, Sachsenried) sprach von einer "Aushöhlung der kommunalen Selbstverwaltung". "Ich erwarte eine Grundsatzdebatte", so Geisenberger. Anders CSU-Fraktionssprecherin Renate Dodell: Ich bin froh über die Klarstellung, jetzt können wir unsere Zeit dafür verwenden, wofür wir zuständig sind."

Der Bescheid der Regierung zur Zuständigkeit des Kreistages allgemein war unter anderem auf Initiative von Landrat Braun zustande gekommen, nachdem der Kreistag bei seiner Sitzung im März in Wildsteig auf Antrag der Unabhängigen sich allgemein mit "Mobilfunk" befasst hatte. Aber laut Regierung von Oberbayern, der Aufsichtsbehörde, gibt es keine "Allzuständigkeit der Landkreise" - im Gegensatz zu den Gemeinden. Vereinfacht ausgedrückt: Eine Stadt oder eine Gemeinde darf sich beispielsweise mit der Frage beschäftigen, ob im Bundesgebiet Atomwaffen stationiert werden dürfen. Der Kreistag als politische Vertretung des Landkreises kann sich hingegen nicht allgemein gegen eine bestimmte Veranstaltung wie die Oberlandrallye aussprechen, obwohl diese sogar über Kreisstraßen führt. Dies wurde bei früheren Sitzungen mehrfach von Hans Schütz (Grüne, Peiting) kritisiert. Aufgabenbereiche des Landkreises sind zum Beispiel Müllentsorgung, Krankenhäuser oder weiterführende Schulen - nur mit diesen dürfe er sich auch "sachlich befassen", schreibt die Regierung.

Der Kreistag hätte sich mit dem Thema "Mobilfunk" befassen dürfen, wenn beispielsweise ein Antrag vorgelegen hätte, auf dem Dach des Landratsamtes in Weilheim eine Mobilfunkantenne zu errichten.

In einem Punkt erzielten Vertreter von SPD, Grünen und Unabhängigen bei der Kreistagssitzung einen Erfolg: Nach Kritik von mehreren Seiten versprach Landrat Braun, künftig im Rahmen der Gesetze, "aber in gebotener Großzügigkeit", Unterlagen wie das Schreiben der Regierung "zur Befassungskompetenz" allen Kreisräten unaufgefordert zur Verfügung zu stellen.

http://www.marktplatz-oberbayern.de/regionen/weilheim/art1616,328245.html?fCMS=086d513062446da4490d51a432164a51

Ambassador's damning verdict:

Meyer says PM failed to exert any leverage on Bush and was seduced by US power.

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10898.htm



Memoirs shine new light on war:

Tony Blair has faced any number of claims about what he did and did not do when he and President Bush were preparing to go to war on Iraq. The difference with Sir Christopher Meyer's recollections is that he was actually there most of the time.

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10897.htm

US military intelligence warned the Bush administration as early as February 2002 that its key source on Al-Qaeda's relationship with Iraq had provided "intentionally misleading" data, according to a declassified report.

http://tinyurl.com/da9kl


From Information Clearing House

Iraqi politicians have condemned the latest US offensive on villages and towns close to the Syrian border, calling it a killing operation.

http://tinyurl.com/b8aok


From Information Clearing House

By Jeremy Brecher, Jill Cutler and Brendan Smith

The possibility that high U.S. officials may be guilty of war crimes and may be preparing to commit more raises questions that few Americans have yet faced. These questions go far beyond technical legal matters to the broadest concerns of international security, democratic government, morality, and personal responsibility.

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10905.htm

Veteran admits: Bodies melted away before us.

By RAI

The Americans are responsible for a massacre using unconventional weapons, the identical charge for which Saddam Hussein stands accused. An investigation by RAI News 24, the all-news Italian satellite television channel, has pulled the veil from one of the most carefully concealed mysteries from the front in the entire US military campaign in Iraq.

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10901.htm

NOTE TO READERS:
I am working on the video RAI report detailed in the article above. I should have it online ( http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10907.htm ) by 2pm PST

In scandalous times, Bush could learn from Clinton

Fox News/Cato
by Patrick Basham

11/05/05

With the White House shrouded in scandal, the biggest obstacle to George W. Bush’s political comeback is that he’s no Bill Clinton. The heaviest millstone around the president’s political neck isn’t the case against Scooter Libby or the continuing investigation into Karl Rove. Rather, it’s the growing public perception that, unlike President Clinton in the 1990s, Bush is presiding over an unsuccessful, even incompetent, administration. Scandal’s ability to upset the political apple cart is such that some observers argue scandals are now the primary means through which Americans engage in political conflict. What will be the current scandal’s impact on the Bush presidency?

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,174627,00.html


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

America's Future Foundation
by Tim Lee

11/06/05

On the one side is the United States government, which created the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), a California non-profit, to manage the Internet's address infrastructure. On the other side is the UN, and one of its agencies, the International Telecommunications Union, which is holding a World Summit on the Information Society next week to discuss the future of Internet governance. Many developing countries, including China, India, and Brazil, want ICANN's powers placed in the hands of an international body such as the United Nations. The European Union traditionally supported the existing arrangement, but recently it has signalled that it, too, would like to strip the United States of its current authority. So far, most of the debate has been focused on who should be 'in charge of' the Internet...

http://www.affbrainwash.com/archives/020501.php


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

CounterPunch
by Jill Farrell

11/05/05

"Montesquieu, famous for his articulation of the theory of separation of powers, said, 'There is no crueler tyranny than that which is perpetrated under the shield of law and in the name of justice.' The latest test balloon of federal power enhancement comes in the form of public health response to the possibility of an outbreak of pandemic bird flu. ... The gargantuan federal government will never resist the temptation to grant itself additional power. It is up to us at the grassroots level to confront it when it oversteps its bounds. It is incumbent upon us to tell it when it is wrong for the simple fact that they are wrong and not submit to the whims of 'our side'...

http://www.counterpunch.org/farrell11052005.html


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

Common Dreams
by Christopher Brauchli

11/06/05

The reason most of my readers do not give away all their income to charities is because they like to eat and food costs money. So does housing. Many of my readers use most, if not all, of their adjusted gross income, to survive. The only people for whom adjusted gross income is nothing more than a trifle are the very rich. Thus, it turns out that one of the most significant benefits of the Hurricane Relief Act of 2005, goes to Mr. Bush's very wealthy friends and their pet charities. It is amazing how Congress and the president can make things appear to be what they are not...

http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1105-29.htm


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp