[Shasta-plus] FW: [usgp-coo] U.S. Green Party News Circulator for 1/12/04-1/19/04
Peggy Lewis
pegola@greens.org
Tue, 20 Jan 2004 00:49:00 -0800
For your Green reading enjoyment
-----Original Message-----
From: natlcomvotes-admin@green.gpus.org
[mailto:natlcomvotes-admin@green.gpus.org]On Behalf Of Andy Parx
Sent: Monday, January 19, 2004 7:15 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: [usgp-coo] U.S. Green Party News Circulator for 1/12/04-1/19/04
U.S. Green Party News Circulator for 1/12/04-1/19/04
For more Green Party news go to http://web.greens.org/news/
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1) AUSTRALIA: A SHIELD IS DEFENSIVE, NOT OFFENSIVE
2) IRELAND: EAMON RYAN, GREEN PARTY TD FOR DUBLIN SOUTH
3) CALIFORNIA:CITY SUPERVISOR ENDORSES KHANNA
4) CANADA: THE DEMOCRATIC DREAM: PRESENT SYSTEM ANOINTS DICTATORS
5) CANADA: THE DEMOCRATIC DREAM: SIDNEY-BY-THE-SEA THE ONLY WASTED VOTES
ARE THE NON-VOTES
6) CANADA: THE DEMOCRATIC DREAM: PARTIES, CANDIDATES WOULD HAVE TO CURRY
FAVOUR
7) NEW ZEALAND: GREENS WANT SPEED PROBE
8) GERMANY: GM-FOOD: PRISON FOR NON-LABELLING IN GERMANY
9) ENGLAND: PEER BIDS TO CURB AIRCRAFT POLLUTION
10) WALES: SCHOOL DINNER PLEA
11) CALIFORNIA: NEWS IN BRIEF FROM CALIFORNIA'S NORTH COAST
12) ENGLAND: USE TAX ON PLASTIC BAGS WASTE
13) IRELAND: GREEN MEP ACCUSES COLLEAGUE OF 'BETRAYAL'
14) IRELAND: GREENS BACK CALL TO US TO LOOK TO THE ENVIRONMENT
15) ENGLAND: WHERE IS CHEAM?
16) WALES: 'BRING IN HOSE-PIPE BANS - TO SAVE FISH IN RIVERS'
17) NEW ZEALAND: NEW ZEALAND NOT TO CHANGE STANCE ON USE OF BASE FOR US
FLIGHTS
18) NEW YORK: ORGANIZATIONS AFFILIATED WITH NADER SUFFERED BACKLASH
AFTER 2000 CAMPAIGN.
19) NEW ZEALAND: ASYLUM SEEKERS
20) GEORGIA: CAMPAIGN 2004: GREEN PARTY LOSES ANOTHER PRESIDENTIAL
NOMINEE; AS MCKINNEY BOWS OUT
21) IRELAND: CRUEL ABUSE OF IRISH GREYHOUNDS
22) ENGLAND: ALL HALE THE CANDIDATES
23) WASHINGTON D.C.: GREEN PARTY TO HOLD NOMINATING CONVENTION IN JUNE.
24) WISCONSIN: GREEN PARTY CONVENTION IN MILWAUKEE IN JUNE
25) GERMANY: GERMANY DRAFTING LAW TO REGULATE GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS
26) GEORGIA: LEGISLATURE 2004: DAD: MCKINNEY WANTS REMATCH
27) NEW ZEALAND: MAYORS BACK JOBLESS NO-GO ZONES
28) SCOTLAND: GREENS CALL FOR INDEPENDENT INQUIRY ON CANCER RISKS FROM
FARMED SALMON
29) IRELAND: HALLIDAY PROPOSED AS GREEN PRESIDENT
30) IRELAND: PROPOSED DAIL SEAT CHANGES
31) NEW ZEALAND: NO-GO LIST WILL STIFLE GROWTH SAYS GREENS
32) NEW ZEALAND ISLAND PROPERTY AT TOP OF A 'VERY BIG PIMPLE'
33) WALES: CLAIM TESCO WILL CAUSE JOB LOSSES
34) ENGLAND: GREEN PARTY SELECTS CANDIDATE FOR GENERAL ELECTION
CAMPAIGN
35) MEXICO: BOXING LAWMAKER SCORES 10TH KNOCKOUT
36) TEXAS: MINOR PARTIES GEAR UP FOR FALL BALLOT; LIBERTARIANS, GREENS
AND OTHERS WILL TRY TO COLLECT SIGNATURES TO FIELD CANDIDATES IN TEXAS
37) PENNSYLVANIA: RICHLAND SUPERVISORS START YEAR POLITELY; ZOWNIRIW
TAKES OATH AFTER BITTER ELECTION. SO FAR, SO FRIENDLY IN '04.
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1) Herald Sun (Melbourne, Australia); January 17, 2004
AUSTRALIA: A SHIELD IS DEFENSIVE, NOT OFFENSIVE
GREENS senator Kerry Nettle claims any investment by the Government in a
missile-defence shield might cause a new arms race.
This shows how utterly out of touch the Green party is.
A shield is designed to protect a country from aggression, not launch
attacks.
Neighbours and friends of Australia should have no fear of such a
system.
Defence is the primary responsibility of our Government, and it makes
eminent sense to avail ourselves of the latest technology.
Pastor Peter Curtis, Southland Christian Centre, Hoppers Crossing
THE US Government's test of its missile defence is not enough reason for
other nations to buy this expensive toy.
This was a planned test against an attacking missile that did not use
decoys to attract any counter-measure.
In any case, if Australia were to buy two missile-defence ships, where
would they be kept? Would a missile ship on the west coast be able to
intercept an ICBM approaching the east coast? If a missile fired at
Australia were to be intercepted, where would the ICBM be likely to
fall? Would there be any radiation. Would it fall on Indonesia or Papua
New Guinea?
The US military/industrial complex is concerned with its post-Cold War
survival and is constantly talking the US Government into crazy
projects.
Perhaps a space ship to Mars is a good idea, but with George W. Bush as
its pilot.
This should be a one-way trip to the dead planet and George will need to
be careful that the defence shield does not shoot him down.
Adrian Jackson, Progressive Liberalism Organisation, Middle Park
THERE'S a lot we don't know about anti-missile defence and the
Indonesians have a right to be worried.
Not about Australia attacking them, but what's going to come down around
their ears when one of our ships brings down an incoming nuke on
Jakarta.
Max Bell, Canberra, ACT
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2) The Irish Times; January 17, 2004
IRELAND: EAMON RYAN, GREEN PARTY TD FOR DUBLIN SOUTH
"Clothes have become more of an issue than I thought they would be. I
care a lot more than I used to about how I dress," says Eamon Ryan, who
always wears a suit to the Dail, but not always with a tie. "It think it
is important to be smartly dressed and I do like to wear a suit out of
respect for the institution, but I feel slightly trussed up and
constrained with a tie and feel I can look smartly dressed without it. I
think the code is changing and it is evident that there are occasions
when people like Tony Blair and George Bush don't wear ties, and I think
it is being accepted."
He cites the contrasting styles of the Social Forum in Brazil and
Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. "Everyone in Davos was in a
uniform dark suit and tie whereas at the Social Forum, no one was
wearing a tie and there was a real ideological link between one and the
other and what they wore. Not wearing a tie was siding with them in my
mind."
This three-piece worsted wool suit is one he wears a fair bit to the
Dail. "It belonged to my grandfather and was made for him by James
Sorensen who was Jack Lynch's tailor. I wore it to my wedding."
(P)Before getting into politics, Ryan, who ran a cycling business, was a
casual dresser and his Dail debut was the first time he'd worn a suit in
25 years when he was a final-year commerce student at UCD and "doing the
milk rounds of job interviews". These days, he's happy in cords and a
tweed jacket, occasionally brightened up with a pink shirt or something
a little unusual.
"In the chamber, when you see l60 people in one room - l40 men and 20
women - and all the men are in the same outfit, it looks so uniform," he
says. "And I think there is no harm in having a certain amount of
difference." He likes the individuality of the way in which Fiona
O'Malley dresses, for example.
"Image counts for a huge amount in politics and it's hard to avoid the
fact that people do judge by appearance. It is part of human nature. I
respect the sense that the Dail is our democratic centre and has a need
to be in authority, which is represented by how you dress, but not
necessarily represented by wearing a tie."
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3) San Mateo County Times (San Mateo, CA); January 17, 2004
CALIFORNIA:CITY SUPERVISOR ENDORSES KHANNA
by Justin Jouvenal
SAN FRANCISCO-- Supervisor and prominent Green Party politician Matt
Gonzalez endorsed Ro Khanna in the Democratic primary for the 12th
Congressional District.
The endorsement, which came on Friday, is the most significant to date
for the first-time candidate, who is trying to unseat 12-term
Congressman Tom Lantos, D-San Mateo, in the March race.
"We are talking about someone who is young and has ideas that are more
in keeping with this city," Gonzalez said, contrasting Khanna and
Lantos. "It's time for change."
Gonzalez said Lantos was "out of touch" with San Francisco in his
support of the Iraq war and in voting for the U.S.A Patriot Act. Lantos
has since worked to get parts of the Patriot Act repealed.
Khanna, a 27-year old attorney from San Mateo, said he hoped his
campaign would build on the energy generated by Matt Gonzalez's run for
mayor in San Francisco. Democrat Gavin Newsom narrowly beat Gonzalez in
a December run-off.
"I have no illusion of what we're doing. We're taking on the Democratic
Party establishment," Khanna said. "We're taking on a system with
entrenched politicians who rely on favors and special interests."
Khanna said the country is headed in the wrong direction and needed
leaders that would stand up to George W. Bush and advocate an "inclusive
foreign policy." He also spoke against the Patriot Act and said the
United States should provide more aid to poor countries.
Gonzalez's endorsement was unusual because it was cross-party. There are
two Green Party candidates running for Congress in the 12th District --
retired teacher Pat Gray from San Mateo and San Francisco small business
owner Barry Hermanson.
Gray said she was angry that Gonzalez went outside the party to endorse
a candidate.
"I cannot believe it," Gray said. "Gonzalez is going to hear from me."
Gonzales said he would not endorse a candidate in the Green Party
Primary, but might select one in the general election.
Khanna has also picked up an endorsement from the California Democratic
Council, a group of liberal clubs. The Democratic Primary, which is on
March 2, will feature Lantos, Khanna and Pacifica attorney Maad
Abu-Ghazalah, who ran against Lantos during the 2002 election.
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4) The Vancouver Sun (British Columbia); January 17, 2004
CANADA: THE DEMOCRATIC DREAM: PRESENT SYSTEM ANOINTS DICTATORS
I can't believe I'm agreeing with a former Socred MLA, but I do think
Nick Loenen has hit many important nails squarely on the head, as have
Green Party leader Adriane Carr and many other commentators on electoral
reform.
Our current system (federally, too) is scarcely democratic. It's only a
system for choosing the party that gets to anoint our next dictator.
So I strongly support efforts to ensure broad proportionality,
substantive choice in voting, institutional reform, accountability of
MLAs to their constituents and stable government.
We should also elect our premier directly, so that he or she is directly
accountable to all the people of the province, not just the political
party that chose him or her.
I wish the Citizens' Assembly well in its exciting work.
Geoff Dean, Surrey
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5) The Vancouver Sun (British Columbia); January 17, 2004
CANADA: THE DEMOCRATIC DREAM: SIDNEY-BY-THE-SEA THE ONLY WASTED VOTES
ARE THE NON-VOTES
by Alan Stevens
Nick Loenen writes about wasted votes. I suggest there never has been a
wasted vote submitted in any election in any place in the whole world.
In this province, votes for the Family Coalition Party were not wasted.
Same for the Unity Party and the Marijuana Party and all other parties
that have come and gone. That's not to leave out the one party that
stayed the course and moved from the fringe to being a major party, the
Green Party.
So is there such a thing as wasted vote? Of course, and they number in
the millions. They are those of the eligible voter who has reneged on
his or her responsibility to go to the polls at election time. Those,
good folks, are wasted votes.
Alan Stevens, Quathiski Cove
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6) The Vancouver Sun (British Columbia); January 17, 2004
CANADA: THE DEMOCRATIC DREAM: PARTIES, CANDIDATES WOULD HAVE TO CURRY
FAVOUR
by Arno Penner
It is completely undemocratic that only the candidate with the most
votes gets to be elected. What this means is that if you don't vote for
the winning party, your vote does not count at all and your political
view is not represented. That is why I spoiled my last ballot. The 12
per cent of voters who chose the Green Party have no representation.
I suggest using the German model, copied by many countries --
proportional representation.
On election day, you would have two votes, one for the party and one for
a candidate, who could be from a different party. The number of MLAs
would depend on the popular vote the party receives. The MLA who had the
highest percentage of votes would then be selected.
A political party would have to have at least six per cent of the vote
to be represented in the legislature.
This way your vote would count and power would not be shifted to an
extreme end, like we have now in Victoria and in Ottawa.
Arno Penner, Abbotsford
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7) Waikato Times (Hamilton, New Zealand); January 17, 2004
NEW ZEALAND: GREENS WANT SPEED PROBE
The Green Party wants a parliamentary inquiry into ways of reducing
methamphetamine (speed) abuse after a new survey showed its use was
increasing and becoming more dangerous. Green Party co-leader Rod
Donald, pictured, said "screaming headlines" that hardened addicts were
finding more dangerous ways of using P obscured the fact many average
New Zealanders had turned to it. "We must look at why so many people
have been exposed to this drug and work out the most effective way to
stop the spread of the P epidemic."
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8) Europe Agri; January 16, 2004
GERMANY: GM-FOOD: PRISON FOR NON-LABELLING IN GERMANY
In the event of a failure to label the presence of genetically-modified
organisms (GMOs) in common consumer products, the offenders could face
heavy penalties, the German Government announced on January 14. In the
event that manufacturers flout the measures in the relevant EU
Directives, they could be visited with a prison sentence of up to three
years and a maximum fine of Euro 50,000, according to Green Party member
Renate Kuenast, who is Minister for Agriculture and Consumer Protection.
-------------------
Labelling the components of consumer products is a precondition for
guaranteeing freedom of choice for the buying public and farmers, says
Renate Kuenast. She claims that labelling helps all parties to decide
whether or not to buy GMO-containing products at the market or in a
restaurant. The Greens and the Social Democrats (SPD) currently in power
in Germany have worked out an agreement on a law governing the growing
and marketing of GMOs, so that EU Directives covering the cultivation
and selling of GMOs can be put on the country's statute books. The Bill
is due to be adopted by the German authorities in February. An accurate
land register available for consultation by farmers will enable them to
discover which plots have been sown with GM crops and the text will also
set forth the legal conditions where farmers may institute proceedings
for incidents such as the cross-breeding of conventional and
genetically-modified (GM) crops. Stopping short of setting up "non-GMO"
zones", the German law proposes creating "environmentally-sensitive"
areas", next to nature reserves , for example, where licences for
GM-crops would have to be approved by the nature protection authorities.
France backs EU approach.
France favours the EU approach rather than a French law on the GMO
issue, says the French Farm Minister, Herve Gaymard. Asked about the
deal struck between the Greens and Social Democrats in Germany so as to
apply a law on the growing and marketing of GMOs, he said rather than a
regulatory process for each country, he would prefer a European
Framework Regulation for this issue.
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9) Press Association; January 16, 2004
ENGLAND: PEER BIDS TO CURB AIRCRAFT POLLUTION
by Amanda Brown
A bid to halt UK airport expansion through curbs on polluting aircraft
fumes will be made in the House of Lords today.
Green Party peer Lord Beaumont of Whitley will urge support for his
private member's bill which is being debated at Second Reading.
The Air Traffic Emissions Reduction Bill, would require the Government
to set targets for reducing all greenhouse gas emissions linked to
aviation.
The Government does not count aircraft pollution in its climate change
plans, although aviation is currently the fastest growing source of
greenhouse gas emissions.
Exhaust fumes from aircraft at cruising altitudes are much more damaging
than the same emissions at ground level and there are regular warnings
from leading scientists of the threat to the world's weather systems if
atmospheric overheating is not checked.
Lord Beaumont of Whitley, said: "It's as simple as this: to meet our
commitment to reducing emissions we need to reduce emissions from
aircraft.
"If you're trying to reduce greenhouse gas emissions it's perverse to
exclude the fastest growing source of those emissions."
The Bill would require a 5% cut in aviation emissions by 2010, compared
with 2000 levels, then a 10% cut by 2015 and a 50% cut by 2050.
Lord Beaumont: "Emissions targets would help us to achieve the 90%
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that we need to help stop climate
change."
The boom in the aviation industry is largely sustained by an
international agreement that bans aviation fuel tax, the Chicago
Convention.
John Whitelegg, Professor of Sustainable Transport at Liverpool John
Moores University and a leading Green Party spokesman said his party
could solve this problem.
"In the short term, the Chicago Convention could be partially
circumvented by putting charges on emissions and on air traffic
congestion.
"This would help reduce demand where currently demand is stimulated by
huge tax breaks and hidden subsidies.
"The charging level proposed by the Green Party would also raise revenue
for sustainable transport projects in the short term.
"It would raise more than £170 million from Heathrow airport alone in
the first year.
"If this Bill goes through, it will be the beginning of the end of a
policy of mollycoddling the aviation industry with tax breaks and hidden
subsidies. And we'll see some real progress on climate change."
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10) South Wales Evening Post; January 16, 2004
WALES: SCHOOL DINNER PLEA
The Green Party is launching a petition to get healthier food for school
children in Swansea. Named The School Students' Charter, the document
includes aims of using only organic food, locally produced items and
unprocessed foodstuffs in school dinners.
The moves come after the Soil Association printed a report saying that
far more is being spent on prison food than school dinners in Wales.
The charter will be launched around Swansea next month.
Swansea Green Party spokesman Martyn Shrewsbury said: "The Soil
Association says the food needs to be far more wholesome, it needs to be
organically produced, unprocessed and could well be locally produced.
"If the council were to go along with this they would be improving the
health of our children, boosting the local economy."
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11) The Associated Press State & Local Wire; January 15, 2004
CALIFORNIA: NEWS IN BRIEF FROM CALIFORNIA'S NORTH COAST
EUREKA, Calif. (AP)- Humboldt County could become a launching pad for
another presidential candidate.
David Cobb, who moved to the North Coast a year ago, calls himself the
Green Party's front-runner candidate for president.
Ralph Nader, the Green Party candidate in 2000, recently said he may run
as an independent candidate.
Cobb, 40, has already become fairly well known in the party's national
circles. He played a significant role in grassroots efforts to establish
branches of the party across the country, founding the first official
Green Party in Texas.
He worked on Nader's presidential campaign four years ago. Now he's
setting his sights on securing the Green Party's nomination for himself
in 2004.
Humboldt County is known for its relatively large number of Greens, who
make up 7 percent of the county's roughly 76,000 registered voters.
Still, the isolated forests of a county full of hippies and timber
workers are not exactly the prime spot for presidential hopefuls to kick
off their campaigns.
Greens are expected to choose a presidential candidate this June at
their national convention in Milwaukee, Wis. In the meantime, Cobb will
hit the campaign trail. He's already traveled through 17 states and will
embark on a five-week tour of 10 more states later this month.
.
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12) The Gloucester Citizen; January 15, 2004
ENGLAND: USE TAX ON PLASTIC BAGS WASTE
Plastic bags have somehow become a part of almost every shopping
transaction, yet they look terrible, cost both customers and shops lots
of money, and waste environmental resources. Shoppers need to think
twice before accepting bags, but the Government can also play a role.
The Irish government has reduced plastic bag consumption by 95% by
charging a 15 cent tax (about 10p) on each bag. We could easily
introduce such a scheme here.
Plastic bags are a recent phenomenon and are absolutely wasteful.
It's high time we started addressing the issue - at least by carrying a
few plastic bags in our pockets so that we can refuse a new bag in the
shop.
IVI SZABOOVA BAXENDALE Gloucestershire Green Party Co-ordinator
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13) Irish Independent; January 15, 2004
IRELAND: GREEN MEP ACCUSES COLLEAGUE OF 'BETRAYAL'
IRELAND'S two Green MEPs clashed bitterly yesterday over the right to
address Taoiseach Bertie Ahern at the European Parliament.
Leinster MEP Nuala Ahern said she was "betrayed" by her colleague,
Dublin's Patricia McKenna.
She claimed Ms McKenna had convinced Green MEPs from across Europe to
reverse a decision allowing her time to speak after Mr Ahern, who
addressed the Strasbourg parliament yesterday as EU president.
She had intended to raise a nuclear issue and support the Taoiseach in
his efforts to resolve differences over the EU constitution.
This was agreed at a meeting of the Greens, which she left to attend a
function with the Taoiseach.
Ms McKenna stayed behind and persuaded the parliamentary party she
should be the only Irish Green to speak, Ms Ahern said.
The matter has now been referred to the Green Party leader in Ireland,
Trevor Sargent.
Asked if she had been "shafted" by her party colleague, Ms Ahern said:
"Yes. I'm sorry to say it, but that is what happened.
"I feel upset and betrayed because I think I've always behaved in a
collegiate way with her."
She lost the chance to raise the nuclear issue with the Taoiseach in the
chamber, although she did manage to discuss it with him privately.
"I've never said anything about Patricia McKenna in the past," said Ms
Ahern. "But this time, the way it was done, behind my back after I left
the meeting, I felt very betrayed."
Ms McKenna said it was routine that the tight speaking time should
favour her because she would run again for the parliament in June,
unlike Ms Ahern.
Addressing MEPs, Mr Ahern said concluding the EU constitutional treaty
would be his “highest priority" in office. But he stopped short of
declaring outright that he would succeed.
Drawing from Irish literature, Liberal leader Graham Watson said of the
treaty impasse that "history is a nightmare from which we are trying to
awake".
Responding in kind, Mr Ahern said he was trying to create an atmosphere
"where hope and history rhyme".
MEPs urged the Taoiseach to press the issue of Guantanamo detainees with
the Bush administration in Washington, even if it angered the US.
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14) Global News Wire - Europe Intelligence Wire; January 15, 2004
IRELAND: GREENS BACK CALL TO US TO LOOK TO THE ENVIRONMENT
THE Green Party yesterday backed Friends of the Earth's call to
President Bush to ''concentrate on keeping the Earth inhabitable rather
than spending huge sums of money sending people to Mars''.
The party's co-leader in Northern Ireland, Dr John Barry, said: ''While
in favour of scientific exploration, the Green Party asks why the United
States, the world's biggest polluter, has not taken any significant
action to combat climate change.
"Why does it refuse to sign up to the Kyoto Protocol, the only
international treaty to cut the emissions problem, despite overwhelming
evidence that it is the biggest environmental threat the Earth faces?"
he asked.
"Over the past week, a new study by leading international scientists
warned that climate change could lead to the extinction of a quarter of
the world's species.
"Scientists have also said that the heat wave that hit Europe last
summer and which was responsible for tens of thousands of deaths could
be a taste of things to come," he said.
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15) UK Newsquest Regional Press - This is Local London; January 15, 2004
ENGLAND: WHERE IS CHEAM?
It was a case of mistaken identity at last month's London Assembly when
one member said Cheam Village was located in Merton.
A question asked on behalf of Green Party member Noel Lynch read: "Cheam
in Merton has recently had its post codes removed and is now classed as
part of Sutton.
"Would the Mayor back local residents who are seeking to have Cheam's
postcode returned to help foster local identity?"
Conservative member for Sutton Andrew Pelling said he welcomed Green
Party interest in the postcode issue but it was important to get such
details right.
Mr Pelling said: "I work closely with the Greens and had to give them a
few friendly directions."
Mr Lynch said the mistake occurred after a simple typing error.
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16) The Western Mail; January 15, 2004
WALES: 'BRING IN HOSE-PIPE BANS - TO SAVE FISH IN RIVERS'
by Aled Blake
HOSE-PIPE bans should be brought in to stop drought next summer,
according to a North Wales environmentalist.
Flintshire Green Party councillor Klaus Armstrong-Braun said Welsh Water
Dwr Cymru should introduce restrictions on people's water use before
using drought permits on reservoirs in South Wales.
Mr Armstrong-Braun believes the measures will have harmful effects on
river life.
The permits are part of a detailed contingency plan to stop the
country's reservoirs drying up and reduce the chance of hose-pipe bans
and water restrictions being introduced to parts of Wales.
South-East Wales has been particularly affected by the dry weather and
the permits mean the company can let less water into the rivers from
Pontsticill and Talybont reservoirs, allowing them to refill.
Anglers in Merthyr Tydfil fear stemming the water flow from Pontsticill
into the River Taff will affect fish numbers.
Mr Armstrong-Braun said, 'They have to assess any harm caused to the
environment to carry out this operation and they also have to prove they
have taken out all measures possible to prevent unnecessary use of water
by the public.
'Why did they not impose a hose-pipe ban, which was the old system?
'I am completely against this, people are using water unnecessarily and
they should cut back and save water.
'People are just using anything, they don't care about the environment,
and companies just provide it because they get money for it.
'I wholly support the anglers' concerns; it will take a long time for
fish stocks to get back up again.
'It is harmful to do to the environment and you cannot predict what harm
it will cause when you turn the water off.
'People have to live responsibly within the fragile environment, which
we are not doing.'
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17) Xinhua General News Service; January 15, 2004
NEW ZEALAND: NEW ZEALAND NOT TO CHANGE STANCE ON USE OF BASE FOR US
FLIGHTS
WELLINGTON, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The relationship between New Zealand,
Australia and the United States had not changed and there would
therefore be no change in New Zealand's stance on US supply flights
stopping in Christchurch on the South Island, a spokeswoman for Defense
Minister Mark Burton said Thursday.
The spokeswoman was referring to the Green Party's call to ban US supply
flights to Australia from using a base at Christchurch airport,
according to the New Zealand Press Association here Thursday.
"There is absolutely no reason to re-examine a perfectly straightforward
use of Harewood base for US supply flights," the spokeswoman said.
The Green Party's call follows Australia's confirmation it is in
negotiations with the United States to enter its missile defense
program, dubbed "Star Wars," by equipping new destroyers with
anti-ballistic missiles and Orion aircraft with cruise missiles.
"Clearly the joint US-Australian spy facility at Pine Gap (in Australia)
will now be playing a greater role in Star Wars," Green MP Keith Lock
said.
"We should stop US Air Force planes using Harewood ( Christchurch) for
supply flights to Pine Gap," he said.
The arrangement for US planes stop at Christchurch about once a month
was inconsistent with New Zealand's nuclear-free status, he added.
Locke said his party was also concerned about the way the United States
and Australia used information from the satellite communications
interception facility at Waihopai, near Blenheim on the South Island.
"Phone and email intercepts from Waihopai are automatically fed to
partner agencies, particularly the US National Security Agency, " he
said.
"There is no question this information is used by the Bush
administration for foreign policy objectives very different from our
own."
Locke and Greens co-leader Rod Donald are to participate in protests at
Waihopai this weekend.
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18) The Bulletin's Frontrunner; January 14, 2004
NEW YORK: ORGANIZATIONS AFFILIATED WITH NADER SUFFERED BACKLASH AFTER
2000 CAMPAIGN.
The Wall Street Journal (1/14, Power) reports, "Nearly four years after
[Ralph] Nader's last presidential campaign, organizations affiliated
with the consumer watchdog are reeling from a backlash from onetime
supporters who accuse Mr. Nader of luring voters away from the
Democratic Party in 2000 and lifting Mr. Bush to the presidency. Now,
with Mr. Nader pondering another White House run, some of those
organizations are quietly distancing themselves from their well-known
founder. Public Citizen, perhaps the best-known organization founded by
Mr. Nader, is talking about taking Mr. Nader's name off the
organization's letterhead if he runs again. The group, which Mr. Nader
founded in 1971, lost 20% of its members after the 2000 election and saw
a decline of nearly $1 million in contributions, or roughly 8% of its
overall budget, says Public Citizen President Joan Claybrook." The
Journal adds, "Mr. Nader's influence on the 2000 election continues to
be a contentious topic among Democrats. Many believe that the bulk of
his supporters would have voted for Democrat candidate Al Gore if Mr.
Nader hadn't been on the ballot as the Green Party nominee that year and
that, as a result, Mr. Gore lost the electoral votes he needed to clinch
the presidency. Mr. Nader disputes this argument, citing exit-poll data
indicating that many of his supporters would simply have stayed home and
that others -- as much as 25% -- would have voted for Mr. Bush. In
Florida, where the vote recount was halted by the Supreme Court, Mr.
Bush edged Mr. Gore by 537 votes. Mr. Nader won 97,488 votes in that
state. 'They should stop their chronic whining and look inside [at] why
they lost the election to a bumbling governor from Texas with a terrible
record,' Mr. Nader says in an interview. He acknowledges that some
longtime supporters have turned their back on him but says the impact
has been greatest on 'innocent' organizations with which he is no longer
affiliated."
*********************************************************************
19) The Christchurch Press; January 14, 2004
NEW ZEALAND: ASYLUM SEEKERS
Sir--I am so relieved that Green Party foreign affairs spokesman Keith
Locke (January 3) is not making Government policy regarding refugees.
I read his statements that we should take all detainees off Nauru as it
was the right thing to do.
My first thoughts regarding this statement is he's right, they are in a
difficult position and need help.
My second thought was can New Zealand give them and the rest of the
potential refugee immigrants who want to come to New Zealand the help
they need? The answer, I believe, is no.
Hypothetically, if a boat of 289 asylum seekers arrived in New Zealand
waters every week for a year, would that be enough?
New Zealand will never be able to absorb the refugees wanting to come,
there are just too many.
The help we can give is to work in their countries to bring about the
change that will enable them to live in their own countries.
Alex Davies Redwood
*********************************************************************
20) Greenwire; January 14, 2004 Wednesday
GEORGIA: CAMPAIGN 2004: GREEN PARTY LOSES ANOTHER PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE;
AS MCKINNEY BOWS OUT
by Alex Kaplun
Less than three weeks after Ralph Nader announced that he would not seek
the Green Party's nomination for president, another controversial figure
-- former Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-Ga.) -- has withdrawn herself from
consideration for the party's presidential bid.
Over the last year, McKinney had expressed an interest in running on the
Green Party ticket and has made several speeches before party members.
She also has been the subject of a Georgia-based "Draft McKinney"
campaign largely organized by the Green Party.
"I have received words of encouragement from every corner of this
country and from the Green Party supporters beyond our shores," McKinney
wrote in a letter to party officials last week. "But in the end, a
national campaign is not in the cards for me at this time."
Instead, McKinney appears poised to make another run at the
congressional seat she lost in 2002. McKinney's father – a former state
legislator -- told Georgia media earlier this week that she will
challenge one-term incumbent Rep. Denise Majette (D-Ga.) in 2004.
McKinney served five terms in Congress before losing the 2002 Democratic
primary to Majette by 20 points. McKinney's support eroded after she
suggested the Bush administration had prior knowledge of the Sept. 11,
2001, terrorist attacks but allowed them to occur to usher in a massive
military build-up and an imperialistic agenda.
McKinney's rejection of a Green Party nomination leaves the nation's
third largest political party without a recognizable name to carry its
banner in 2004. The best-known figure among potential Green Party
candidates is Peter Camejo, who finished fourth in California's
gubernatorial recall election last October.
Some Greens have expressed interest in persuading Rep. Dennis Kucinich
(D-Ohio) to abandon his run for the Democratic nomination and join the
party's ticket. But Kucinich said earlier this year he had no interest
in running for the Green Party. The Greens' nomination convention is
scheduled for late June in Milwaukee.
Hugh Esco, the Georgia Green Party's political director, conceded that
the party will have a harder time both securing placement on election
ballots and getting its agenda noticed without a well-known candidate.
"This is certainly going to make this [election] challenging, but it
doesn't stop us," Esco said. "If we were going to roll over and play
dead, we wouldn't have started down this road in the first place."
*********************************************************************
21) The Mirror; January 14, 2004, Wednesday
IRELAND: CRUEL ABUSE OF IRISH GREYHOUNDS
by Pat Flanagan
THOUSANDS of Irish greyhounds are being abused and raced to death in
Spain, an MEP claimed yesterday.
Patricia McKenna said new laws are needed to stop dogs being exported to
race on illegal tracks on the continent.
She said: "When they can no longer earn money for their owners these
dogs are discarded sometimes in ways that are horribly cruel and
barbaric.
"Greyhounds would have a normal life expectancy of 14 years but racing
animals are burnt out at about two-and-_-a-half. They are sent from
Ireland to Spain where they can suffer horribly and die cruel deaths."
The Green Party MEP claimed when the animals can not race any more they
are even fed to sharks or sold to vivisectionists.
Ms McKenna has asked the European Commission to use its powers under
animal transport and welfare legislation to stop the cruel trade.
She said: "They should be micro-chipped so that owners have to take
responsibility for the dogs for the whole of their lives, not just while
they are earning big prize money in racing."
*********************************************************************
22) UK Newsquest Regional Press - This is Local London; January 14, 2004
ENGLAND: ALL HALE THE CANDIDATES
by Lawrence Marzouk
>From organised graffiti competitions to CCTV the policy lines have now
been drawn in the sand for the Hale by-election.
The four main parties have announced their candidates for the
by-election on February 7 and a hotly-contested battle can be expected
in the split ward which is represented by one Labour and one
Conservative councillor.
The winner will replace former Labour councillor Ruth Nyman in the ward
which takes in parts of Edgware and Mill Hill. She stood down after a
conflict of interest arose between her political work and career....
...David Williams a former Labour councillor for Colindale will
represent the Green Party. Mr Williams 55 of Lichfield Grove Finchley
wants to prioritize the environment and promises his ambitions do not
extend beyond being a good ward councillor.
"The Conservatives and Labour councillors want to advance their careers.
Whereas the Greens want to help the community he said....
*********************************************************************
23) The Bulletin's Frontrunner; January 13, 2004
WASHINGTON D.C.: GREEN PARTY TO HOLD NOMINATING CONVENTION IN JUNE.
The AP (1/13, Wolfe) reports, "The Green Party will hold its annual
nominating convention in Milwaukee from June 23-28." Green Party
official Lynne Serpe said, "We're not only opposed to what President
Bush stands for -- we oppose what this entire political system stands
for. We're here to join Democrats and Republicans on the political stage
and to replace them in public office." The AP adds, "The party's 2000
nominee, Ralph Nader, has decided against running on the Green Party
ticket this year."
*********************************************************************
24) Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Wisconsin); January 13, 2004
WISCONSIN: GREEN PARTY CONVENTION IN MILWAUKEE IN JUNE
Washington -- The Green Party said Monday that it would hold its annual
nominating convention in Milwaukee from June 23 to 28.
The party announced the location last year but didn't finalize the dates
until Monday.
The convention will be held at the Midwest Airlines Center, Milwaukee
Theatre and the Milwaukee Hyatt Regency.
Four candidates have said they will run in the party's presidential
primaries: David Cobb and Kent Mesplay of California, and Paul Glover
and Lorna Salzman of New York.
*********************************************************************
25) Agence France Presse; January 12, 2004
GERMANY: GERMANY DRAFTING LAW TO REGULATE GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS
BERLIN--Germany is drawing up a law to regulate cultivation of
bio-engineered crops, Consumer Minister Renate Kuenast said Monday,
admitting that the controversial technology was here to stay.
Kuenast, a member of the pro-enviromentalist Greens party, said the
government saw no consumer health risks in genetically modified (GM)
foods.
"With or without a law, bio-technology is on the market," she told a
press conference.
The law would effectively put into action existing EU directives on
exactly what can be grown, where and under what conditions, and on
labelling.
Germany, where the pro-environmentalist Greens are a part of the
governing coalition, has long been seen as among the countries most
sceptical about the technology.
Kuenast said the law would set clear rules and responsibilities on
growing bio-crops and offer protection to those farmers whose non-GM
produce might be affected by accidental contamination.
Clear labelling would also increase consumer choice by informing them
about exactly what they were buying.
She said the bill, to be approved by the cabinet in February, was "a
great success for consumers and farmers" after months of negotiations.
Kuenast said ground rules were needed for the cultivation of GM crops in
Germany because of the growing use of bio-technology worldwide. She
warned of a danger of "creeping infiltration" of such foodstuffs into
the country without any labelling if no action is taken.
The law stipulates that farmers growing GM crops must protect
neighbouring farmers growing non-GM produce, such as by erecting hedge
barriers to prevent cross-pollination.
Compensation would be paid in case of accidental contamination.
Local registers would list all bio-crop producers, who would not be
allowed to plant the seeds in or near ecologically sensitive areas.
"The law is a breakthrough. Personally I'm very pleased with this
success. For the first time, it will give consumers freedom of choice
and farmers will have safe guidelines," she told Monday's issue of the
Berliner Zeitung daily.
The European Commission is expected later this year to lift a four-year
ban on the import of GM sweet corn, seen as a test case that could pave
the way for the authorisation of new GM produce.
Opponents of GM technology say it is being pushed by big corporations
with little knowledge about the long-term impact on health and the
environment.
Advocates argue that the novel crops could greatly increase yields and
help alleviate global hunger, particularly if GM strains could be
developed to cope with climate change.
*********************************************************************
26) The Atlanta Journal-Constitution; January 12, 2004 Monday Home
Edition
GEORGIA: LEGISLATURE 2004: DAD: MCKINNEY WANTS REMATCH
by Ben Smith
Former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, ousted from office in a hostile
2002 Democratic primary, wants a rematch against the woman who beat her:
U.S. Rep. Denise Majette (D-Ga.).
On Sunday, McKinney's father, Billy McKinney, a former state
representative, confirmed his daughter's planned entry into the 2004 4th
District Democratic Party primary.
"Absolutely, she's running," the elder McKinney said. "We're going to
make it exciting."
He said his daughter was in Barbados for a speaking engagement and could
not be reached for comment. Attempts to reach Majette were unsuccessful.
McKinney's apparent return ends months of speculation about her future.
The outspoken former congresswoman had been courted by the Green Party
to run for president, but she issued a statement Saturday turning down
the third-party invitation to run.
"I have received words of encouragement from every corner of this
country and from Green Party supporters beyond our shores," McKinney
said in a letter to the Greens. "But in the end, a national campaign is
not in the cards for me at this time."
Billy McKinney said running on the Green Party national ticket "was just
too way out for Cynthia."...
*********************************************************************
27) The Dominion Post (Wellington, New Zealand); January 12, 2004
NEW ZEALAND: MAYORS BACK JOBLESS NO-GO ZONES
by Haydon Dewes And Bess Manson
A CONTENTIOUS plan to strip benefits from job seekers wanting to move to
some rural communities has found favour with the regions' mayors.
But Green Party employment spokeswoman Sue Bradford has called the
initiative "social engineering at its worst".
The Government has listed 100 areas as no-go zones for job seekers
because of little or no chance of finding employment. The initiative
meant that though job seekers already living in the settlements listed
could stay, beneficiaries looking to move to these areas would have
their dole cut.
"It basically tells people where they can and can't live," Ms Bradford
said. "Labour's new strategy for regional development appears to be one
of extinction."
But Marlborough Mayor Tom Harrison said the Government's "dead zone"
listing of rural settlements in his area, which included Ward,
Kekerengu, Canvastown, Anakiwa, Clarence, East Bay, French Pass,
Kenepuru Sound, Lochmara Bay, Nydia Bay and Queen Charlotte Sound, was
well overdue.
"It should have been done years ago. If people are unemployed then they
have an obligation to be actively finding work. Moving to areas where
there is obviously no employment is a no go unless they have transport."
Barbara Burkhart, who runs a fish factory in Ward with her husband,
Dennis, said the initiative would have a positive effect on those on the
dole. "They will have more chance to get work in the town they are
living in than they will out here. That's got to be a good thing because
there is a limit to how much work is available in a small community.
"It's pretty Big Brotherish to say places are no go, but I guess in a
way it means people are going to get work because if they can't come out
to Ward where there isn't any work then they have to stay in Blenheim
where there is plenty."
South Wairarapa Mayor John Read approved of the plan provided
beneficiaries with family or cultural connections were allowed to live
in no-go zones.
Wanganui Mayor Chas Poynter said the scheme would be a positive boost
for the region, which already has one of New Zealand's lowest
unemployment rates, if it led to more people being in work.
The move would not mean the demise of the seven settlements named in
Wanganui as most residents there were well-established families.
"It certainly won't be the end of them. It is an initiative that has
already worked in other places and I believe it will work well in
Wanganui," he said.
Ray Cresswell, owner of the Trout Hotel in Canvastown, said he could not
understand why the little settlement had been blacklisted for job
seekers. There was no unemployment in the settlement and plenty of
opportunity for work seven minutes up the road in Havelock as well as
work on local dairy farms, he said.
*********************************************************************
28) The Herald (Glasgow); January 12, 2004
SCOTLAND: GREENS CALL FOR INDEPENDENT INQUIRY ON CANCER RISKS FROM
FARMED SALMON
by Andrew Hamilton
THE Scottish Green party yesterday called for an independent inquiry
into the potentially harmful effects of salmon.
It also questioned the Food Standards Agency's (FSA) handling of claims
that eating large amounts of farmed salmon posed a cancer risk and
described the FSA's dismissal of any dangers as "an unacceptable
approach to public health".
The demands follow claims in the journal Science last week that people
should consume no more than a few portions of farmed salmon a year due
to toxic contamination.
The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs has added its
weight by stating that a portion of farmed salmon a week, deemed safe by
the FSA, could be taking consumers above the World Health Organisation's
recommended daily intake of the toxic chemical and carcinogen, dioxin.
The FSA has rejected arguments from both these sources.
Mark Ruskell, Green environment spokesman, said: "The need for a full
and independent investigation is now overwhelming. The FSA are refusing
to acknowledge the potential worst-case scenario here and that is an
unacceptable approach to public health." Mr Ruskell also called on the
Scottish Executive, which has said that salmon farmed in Scotland is
within international safety limits, to issue a statement of
clarification. He said an investigation into the FSA's position on the
matter should be carried out.
The Green party believes an inquiry is especially urgent given growing
fears over the toxic chemical threat posed to the public.
Robin Harper, Green parliamentary leader, called for complete
transparency regarding salmon products.
He said: "There should be immediate action to reduce the proportion of
North Sea fish in salmon feed, and for all salmon to be labelled in the
shops so people know they are buying farmed fish." Mr Harper added that
it was unacceptable for the Defra advice to be ignored, and that the
executive must "spell out a course of swift action".
*********************************************************************
29) Irish Independent; January 12, 2004
IRELAND: HALLIDAY PROPOSED AS GREEN PRESIDENT
by Senan Molony
THE Green party is to sound out former UN Assistant General Secretary
Denis Halliday as a possible candidate for the Presidency.
Mr Halliday, once in second rank only to Kofi Annan, last year backed an
anti-war activist's malicious damage of a US Navy warplane at Shannon.
He said the attack was "a form of violence I would support", and also
branded as "gutless" the Taoiseach's stance on the war in Iraq.
The Greens believe the candidature of someone of Mr Halliday's stature
would attract cross-party support.
In particular, he could be backed by Sinn Fein, giving the Greens and
Independents the opportunity to get his name on to the ballot paper.
A candidate can be nominated by 20 members of the Oireachtas. The Greens
and Sinn Fein have 11 TDs between them, but in this case could also
count on the support of a majority of the 13 Independents in the Dail to
allow for an automatic nomination.
Yesterday Green party spokesman on finance Dan Boyle told the Irish
Independent that it was his party's view that an environmentalist or
issue-based campaigner would not do well in a presidential campaign
without a track record in public administration.
Mr Boyle said the Greens would be instituting discussions with Sinn Fein
and the Independents to seek an agreed candidate for the non-mainstream.
Mr Boyle said Mr Halliday was a candidate of prestige who could bring a
wealth of experience and intelligence to the office of Head of State.
"That is the type of person we would like to see. It would be an
important reminder of Ireland's role in the world."
Mr Halliday, who resigned as head of the UN Oil-for-Food Programme in
October 1998 in protest at the effect the UN sanctions were having on
the people of Iraq, has yet to be approached, however.
Meanwhile Fine Gael will not oppose President Mary McAleese running for
a second term. FG leader Enda Kenny said he would advise his party not
to put forward a candidate if Ms McAleese announces she will stand again
as a non-party candidate.
*********************************************************************
30) The Irish Times; January 12, 2004
IRELAND: PROPOSED DAIL SEAT CHANGES
A chara - The Green Party and Sinn Fein argue that the move to more
three-seat constituencies and away from five-seat constituencies will
disadvantage them and smaller parties and independents. Mark Brennock
(Irish Times, January 8th) endorses this analysis.
In the current Dail, there are a total of 70 seats in 14 five-seat
constituencies. After the last election, nine are held by Sinn Fein, the
Greens or "others". There are 48 seats filled from four-seat
constituencies; nine are filled by the smaller parties. There are also
48 seats filled from three-seaters, seven filled by the smaller parties.
Proportionately this means that Sinn Fein, the Greens and others took
12.9 per cent of seats available in five-seaters, 16.7 per cent of seats
available in four-seaters and 14.6 per cent in three-seaters.
These parties actually fared best in four-seat constituencies and least
well in the larger five seaters. - Is mise,
Malcolm Byrne, Ramsfort Avenue, Gorey, Co Wexford.
*********************************************************************
31) The Nelson Mail (New Zealand); January 12, 2004
NEW ZEALAND: NO-GO LIST WILL STIFLE GROWTH SAYS GREENS
by Angela Moriarty
Labelling parts of Golden Bay as ''no-go'' areas for jobseekers has the
potential to stifle the area's growth, visiting Green Party co-leader
Rod Donald says.
A reported list has named Murchison and Golden Bay as ''low-employment
opportunity localities''.
However, Nelson Work and Income regional commissioner Mike Smith said
this morning this wasn't the case.
''Murchison and Takaka are not on the list; however, places in Golden
Bay such as Puponga and Bainham are,'' he said.
A spokesman for Social Services and Employment Minister Steve Maharey
said the widely reported draft list had been drawn up from a
''ring-around'' of mayors and was not an official list supplied by the
Government. The official list was due to be released next month.
Mr Donald, who is holidaying in Golden Bay, said labelling areas as
''no-go'' would spur negative connotations.
''The irony is that there are jobs in Puponga at the moment.'' A
Farewell Spit cafe was advertising for employees, he said.
The ''no-go'' label had the potential to break down communities rather
than develop them, Mr Donald said.
''Without doubt, labelling a town or an area a 'no-go' area will
discourage people from moving to that area.''
He said he supported the initiative, which could see people have their
unemployment benefit cancelled if they moved to a ''no-go'' area without
a specific job opportunity or the ability to travel for work.
''I can understand mayors around the country saying 'We don't want our
area labelled a no-go or dead area' but I don't see that as the case, if
they're said to be a no-go area what's the reason behind that? Let's
identify that and do something about it.''
Mr Hurley said he thought the scheme was ''about attitude''.
''The no benefit thing is very much a last resort ...it's an incentive
to search for work.''
Tasman District Council Murchison ward councillor Ted O'Regan said it
would ''be a bit odd'' if the town was labelled as a no-go area.
''It would seem to be a misplaced sort of a ruling in the current
circumstance.''
Work and Income figures last month showed there were no registered
unemployed in the area and Mr O'Regan said jobseekers were currently
likely to find a job in Murchison ''within hours'' if they were willing
to work. Continued from page 1
Tasman Mayor John Hurley said this morning that he had understood Golden
Bay and Murchison were on the list and he was fine with that.
He said he supported the initiative, which could see people have their
unemployment benefit cancelled if they moved to a ''no-go'' area without
a specific job opportunity or the ability to travel for work.
''I can understand mayors around the country saying 'We don't want our
area labelled a no-go or dead area' but I don't see that as the case, if
they're said to be a no-go area what's the reason behind that? Let's
identify that and do something about it.''
Mr Hurley said he thought the scheme was ''about attitude''.
''The no benefit thing is very much a last resort ... it's an incentive
to search for work.''
Tasman District Council Murchison ward councillor Ted O'Regan said it
would ''be a bit odd'' if the town was labelled as a no-go area.
''It would seem to be a misplaced sort of a ruling in the current
circumstance.''
Work and Income figures last month showed there were no registered
unemployed in the area and Mr O'Regan said jobseekers were currently
likely to find a job in Murchison ''within hours'' if they were willing
to work.
*********************************************************************
32) The Nelson Mail (New Zealand); January 12, 2004
NEW ZEALAND ISLAND PROPERTY AT TOP OF A 'VERY BIG PIMPLE'
by Stuart Oldham
The controversy surrounding a $ 5 million luxury property on D'Urville
Island is the top of a very big pimple, Green Party co-leader Rod Donald
warns.
Speaking from Golden Bay this morning, Mr Donald challenged the
Government to tighten overseas investment rules which still let
non-resident foreigners buy iconic properties and inflate the New
Zealand property market.
''At the moment the Overseas Investment Commission is operating under
letters of direction which says it has to process applications
expeditiously and minimise all impediments,'' Mr Donald said. ''And when
that happens, the accountability drops and the cases that shouldn't,
slip through.''
The commission today confirmed it has asked the American owners of the $
5 million luxury Waitai Station to prove they have the relevant business
experience, financial commitment, and good character to own it. Failing
to provide evidence is an offence which could end in a court order
forcing them to put the property back on the market.
The move comes after Nelson MP Nick Smith claimed in August more than a
dozen creditors had been ''done over'' and there was an ''air of fear''
surrounding the couple, who have been in protracted legal disputes with
contractors.
The pair have yet to settle in New Zealand, despite promising the
commission they would in 1999.
Commission chief executive Stephen Dawe said the Powell's Wellington
lawyer had forwarded the relevant documents, but they would not be
released until discussed with commission lawyers.
Whatever the case, Mr Donald said the Government had to act swiftly to
tighten foreign ownership rules.
''At the moment, just saying you will endeavour to move to New Zealand,
or will invest in a certain way, is enough to get you a slice of
property. Objective, not subjective, criteria have to be introduced to
stop the abuse of the system. Because believe me, this case is just one
of many that has slipped through. It is just the top of a very big
pimple.''
Mr Donald has developed new legislation to stop non-residents buying
land .
The Campaign Against Foreign Control of Aotearoa estimated more than a
million hectares, or about 6 percent, of New Zealand's land was in
overseas hands.
*********************************************************************
33) South Wales Evening Post; January 12, 2004
WALES: CLAIM TESCO WILL CAUSE JOB LOSSES
by Rachael Misstear
Green party campaigners say a new Tesco store in the Swansea Valley will
cause hundreds of jobs to be lost within the community. It comes after
Tesco unveiled plans for a new superstore which it says will create 200
jobs.
The huge development at Alltwen will also include a Burger King
restaurant and drive-through, petrol station, car park and a new
footbridge over the River Tawe.
Council planners have endorsed the multi-million pound project but the
application has now been sent to the Assembly for final approval.
Consultants acting on behalf of nearby Somerfield have objected. They
fear it will threaten the 138 jobs at its Pontardawe store and undermine
the viability of the town centre.
Neath Green Party chair, Miranda La Vey said the opening of a new store
will have a devastating effect with a possible loss of nearly 300 jobs.
She said: "Out of town superstores have already had a devastating effect
on hundreds of town centres around the UK. Studies have shown that
supermarkets are forcing small shops out of business. Small independent
shops simply cannot compete with big multiples.
"A report by the British Retail Planning Forum recently discovered that
every time a large supermarket opens, on average 276 jobs are lost.
"Neath Green Party is concerned that Alltwen has already recreantly lost
its post office and believes that a large supermarket on their doorstep
will put the local small shops at great risk of closure." But Neath Port
Talbot planning bosses say many people from Pontardawe already go
outside the area to shop and a major new retail development would help
persuade them to spend their money locally instead.
Head of planning Geoff White said: "The significant point in planning
terms is whether the reduction in turnover at those stores would affect
the attractiveness, viability and vitality of the town centre.
"It is considered that this would not happen due to the positive effect
of the proposal on the town centre." The Tesco store will include a
cafe, together with 403 parking spaces. Burger King will have 25 parking
spaces to serve its restaurant.
Ms La Vey added: "Tesco has a strategy of opening 20 new stores a year
and like to target areas that are considered in need of regeneration,
appearing to consider themselves the saviour of economically deprived
areas. The truth is that superstores do not bring as much to the local
economy and employment."
*********************************************************************
34) UK Newsquest Regional Press - This is Local London; January 12, 2004
ENGLAND: GREEN PARTY SELECTS CANDIDATE FOR GENERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN
by David Jackman
EPPING Forest Green Party has selected Robert Jones as prospective
parliamentary candidate for the Epping Forest constituency.
Mr Jones from Theydon Bois is branch co-ordinator and press officer of
the Epping Forest branch.
Mr Jones who has lived in the area all his life is married with two
children who attend St John's School Epping.
He said: "Epping Forest needs an MP who can make a difference locally
whilst working for a fairer world globally.
"We opposed the unjust war in Iraq and continued to oppose it during the
conflict.
"The Greens have always stood for social justice and environmental
justice and that is exactly what I'm offering this constituency.
"Politicians should engage more with people at a personal level
listening to them and working with local communities and organisations.
This will be my approach and will go a long way in improving people's
quality of life.
"This Labour Government has been a dismal failure and the other parties
are just offering more of the same.
"I am offering the Epping Forest constituency a breath of fresh air and
will give the voters a radical Green voice.
"I will give the constituency a much-needed Green voice that will stand
up for the needs of ordinary people challenging the current political
apathy and offering an injection of new energy ideas and enthusiasm into
politics locally working for what local people want from their
community."
*********************************************************************
35) Associated Press Worldstream; January 11, 2004
MEXICO: BOXING LAWMAKER SCORES 10TH KNOCKOUT
MEXICO CITY-- Boxer, businessman and national lawmaker Jorge Kahwagi
knocked out American Dwayne Swift early in the second round on Saturday
night, during a World Boxing Council junior flyweight match.
When he's not punching opponents in the ring, Kahwagi, 35, can be found
hammering out legislation as the floor leader for the Green Party in
Mexico's lower house of Congress.
The greens control 17 seats in the 500-seat House, making them the
fourth-largest party in a Congress with no majority party.
Kahwagi may command greater authority in the boxing ring, however, where
he now has a 10-0 record with 10 knockouts....
*********************************************************************
36) Austin American-Statesman (Texas); January 11, 2004
TEXAS: MINOR PARTIES GEAR UP FOR FALL BALLOT; LIBERTARIANS, GREENS AND
OTHERS WILL TRY TO COLLECT SIGNATURES TO FIELD CANDIDATES IN TEXAS
by Gary Susswein
As the two major parties prepare for primaries to pick candidates for
the November ballot, five other parties are hoping to collect the more
than 45,000 signatures needed to get their candidates on the ballot.
The Libertarian, Green, Reform, Constitution and Veterans parties have
notified the secretary of state's office that they will try to collect
the signatures. Now, they're trying to raise the money -- or corral the
personnel -- needed to get that done.
"We need to raise ($150,000) to pay petitioners to work full time doing
this because you can't do it with just volunteer members," said Travis
County Libertarian Party Chairman Pat Dixon, who is overseeing the
party's statewide petition drive. "We want voters to have a choice. We
don't want political parties choosing for them."
State law guarantees a spot on the ballot only to candidates from
parties that received at least 5 percent of the vote in any race in the
previous statewide elections.
Libertarians met that threshold in every election from the early 1980s
through 2000, often in races where either the Democrats or Republicans
had no candidate. The Green Party met that threshold in 1998 and 2000.
But in 2002, no statewide third-party candidate received 5 percent of
the vote, and only the Democrats and Republicans are guaranteed spots on
this year's ballot....
...Third-party leaders stress that voters who sign their petitions
aren't demonstrating their support for any party or its platforms;
they're just affirming that the party's candidates have a right to be on
the November ballot.
...Officials with the Green Party did not return telephone calls this
week.
*********************************************************************
37) The Morning Call (Lehigh Valley, PA) January 10, 2004
PENNSYLVANIA: RICHLAND SUPERVISORS START YEAR POLITELY; ZOWNIRIW TAKES
OATH AFTER BITTER ELECTION. SO FAR, SO FRIENDLY IN '04.
by Steve Wartenberg
Forget about fireworks, Mike Zowniriw's first meeting as a Richland
Township supervisor was marked by courtesy, compliments and, believe it
or not, a little bit of camaraderie.
By the end of Monday night's meeting, Supervisor Rick Orloff was so
relieved he couldn't resist thanking those assembled.
''This went better than I expected,'' he told the crowd of about 50.
''And I want to
compliment the audience. Some hard things have been said and I take my
share of the responsibility, but this is the way to hold a meeting - and
I applaud you.''
Zowniriw, a Green Party candidate, beat incumbent Patricia Keller in a
hotly contested,
often-contentious November race.
Over the last six months, township meetings have become angry forums for
Zowniriw supporters to argue with the supervisors.
''Richland Township is sailing into uncharted political waters,''
Supervisor Steven Tamburri warned a few days after the election.
Zowniriw was sworn in to start Monday night's meeting. Tamburri and
Orloff shook his hand and wished him luck.
At the meeting, Tamburri and Orloff took time to explain the proceedings
to Zowniriw, who at one point called one of Tamburri's suggestions
''very thoughtful'' and said ''how clever'' after another.
''I think we all learned from each other,'' Zowniriw said after the
meeting, but he added he also expects to face problems over which he
won't agree with the other two supervisors.
Orloff agreed: ''We will have sharp differences, but that doesn't mean
we can't be civil.''
Also at the meeting, Quakertown Borough Manager David Woglom made two
presentations.
Woglom officially asked the township to begin the procedure for amending
the zoning ordinance to allow construction of senior housing on the
former Krupp factory tract.
The 16-acre site is owned by the borough, but about half is in Richland
Township.
Part of the land is being used for the construction of a new county
library.
''I'm not opposed to it,'' Orloff said.
''I find almost everything positive about it,'' Zowniriw said.
Woglom also presented details of the borough's four-year, $10 million
sewer and water
renovation project.
In 2004, work will be done on the borough's water line on E. Pumping
Station Road, between California and Heller roads, which is in Richland,
and was built before the township had its own water authority.
East Pumping Station Road could be closed for six to eight weeks, Woglom
said, plus the intersection with California Road could be closed for
another week.
''It will be a difficult detour,'' Woglom said. ''There's no easy way to
detour people around
it.''
The supervisors also unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the
concept for the Liberty Trail, which follows the route of the former
Liberty Bell Trolley line from Montgomery County into Richland and then
ends in Quakertown.
Orloff and Tamburri stressed that no township resident's property would
be condemned to make way for the trail.
*********************************************************************
NOTICE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is
distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest
in receiving the included information for research and educational
purposes.
For more Green Party news go to http://web.greens.org/news/
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