[alternet-l] THE ALTERNET NEWS - ISSUE # 93

[Joanne Doyle]

THE ALTERNET NEWS - ISSUE # 93

This issue:

HOT SITES/
IRAQ - NO WMDs/
UN LEGITIMISING WAR?/
GMO's/
MORE GMO's/
FLUORIDATION/
SHUT DOWN DSEi!/
HRW ON CUBA/
COMMUNITY MEDIA/
GENDER & ICT AWARDS/
QUOTE/UNQUOTE/
JOBS/
DIARY/

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The AlterNet News is the GreenNet e-newsletter that carries brief news
items, campaign updates, a diary of key forthcoming events and
announcements. News comes from our contacts all over the web, but most of
the AlterNet News will come from the GreenNet community.

Please don't send news to the AlterNet address. Send items for inclusion,
including a web link if possible, to actnow at gn.apc.org. Items may need to
be edited. Plain text e-mail is preferred.

Back issues are on-line here:
--> www.gn.apc.org/news/alternet/index.html

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HOT SITES

The all new Holistic Partnerships site is now online:
--> www.holisticpartnerships.com/

Professionals4free is a new web site which is a 'one-stop shop' on locating
free professional help for voluntary organisations.
-->www.professionals4free.org.uk

The Right Livelihood Award is widely known as the 'Alternative Nobel Prize'
and there are now over 100 laureates from 48 countries.

This Award exists to strengthen the positive social forces that its
recipients represent and to provide the support and inspiration needed to
make them a model for the future. It has been said that if the Nobel Prizes
reflected world concerns of the 20th century, the Right Livelihood Award
should epitomise those of the 21st.
--> www.rightlivelihood.org

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IRAQ - NO WMDs

We are no longer being bombarded with 24-hour news coverage of Iraq. In
this post war period, we are still being fooled. Are people forgetting the
supposed reasons that war was waged? Where are the answers? At least it
would seem, people have not stopped asking the question.

It turns out the threat is not from Iraq but from us. On Sunday, the
Washington Post wrote the obituary for the United States' effort to find
Saddam Hussein's alleged weapons of mass destruction. "Frustrated, U.S.
Arms Team to Leave Iraq," read the headline, confirming what has become an
embarrassing truth: that the central rationale for the invasion and
occupation of oil-rich Iraq was in fact one of history's great frauds.

The arms inspectors "are winding down operations without finding proof that
President Saddam Hussein kept clandestine stocks of outlawed arms,"
reported the Post, putting the lie to Colin Powell's Feb. 6 claim at the
United Nations that Iraq possessed a functioning program to build nuclear
bombs and had hoarded hundreds of tons of chemical and biological materials.

"Unfortunately, this does not necessarily mean the world is a safer place.
The deadly weapons of mass destruction have proved phantom in Iraq, but the
Bush administration is now doing its best to ensure that the world becomes
increasingly unstable and armed to the teeth. Although the nuclear threat
from Iraq proved to be nonexistent, the United States' threat to use
nuclear weapons and make a shambles of nuclear arms control is alarmingly
vibrant."

Article in full:
-->
www.latimes.com/templates/misc/printstory.jsp?slug=la%2Doe%2Dscheer13may13&section=/printstory

Reported in the New Zealand Herald, Robert Fisk poses many questions:

"Was it not President Bush who boasted to us of how America had struck a
devastating blow in the 'war on terror' in Iraq? Was it not
Vice-President Cheney who informed us that al-Qa'ida was reeling from
America's bombardment of Afghanistan?  Was it not Defence Secretary
Rumsfeld who would have us believe that half of al-Qa'ida's leadership was
eliminated - either through capture or murder (let us speak frankly) Bat
America's hands? So take a look at the terrain.

"Afghanistan is in a state of anarchy, its pathetic government scarcely
ruling over Kabul. Iraq is in an even more incipient state of anarchy,
largely without electricity, money or petrol. And this is a war of good
against evil?

"Casablanca is a sorry and pertinent page in the history of America's
folly
in the Arab world. So what comes next? More boasts by President Bush that
he is winning the 'war against terror' or more claims - yes, he told you
so - that the 'war on terror' is eternal? Heaven spare us all."

Read the full article:
-->
www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=3502558&thesection=news&thesubsection=dialogue

Related stories:

-->
www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/gate/archive/2003/05/14/notes051403.DTL

--> www.lowcountrynow.com/stories/050203/LOCrose.shtml

Diaries from Iraq here:
--> http://electroniciraq.net/news/

Britain has back-tracked on the issue of WMD. Earlier this month, the
foreign secretary, Jack Straw, said it was "not crucially important" to
find them.

More here:
--> http://politics.guardian.co.uk/iraq/story/0,12956,956261,00.html

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UN LEGITIMISING WAR?

Interpress Service reports:

"A coalition of over 150 peace groups and global non-governmental
organisations (NGOs) is lashing out at the U.N. Security Council for
adopting a resolution that virtually legitimises the U.S.-led invasion of
Iraq and endorses the foreign occupation of a U.N. member state."

The resolution, co-sponsored by the United States, Britain and Spain, was
adopted Thursday by a vote of 14:1, with Syria, the only Arab nation in the
Council, refusing to participate in the voting.

Approval of the seven-page resolution, which not only lifts the 12-year-old
U.N. sanctions on Iraq but also provides political legitimacy to U.S. rule
in that war-devastated nation, was being hailed as a major diplomatic
victory for Washington.

Read the article online at:
--> www.ipsnews.net/interna.asp?idnews=18352

Earlier this month, an Observer article highlighted a US surveillance of UN
Security Council delegates. The secret surveillance campaign was carried
out with the aim to win votes in favour of war on Iraq. The article
provoked furious reaction from the US.

Read the Editor's comment here:
--> www.observer.co.uk/readerseditor/story/0,8224,910454,00.html

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GMO's

This week we learned at GreenNet that our long time colleague and friend,
Roberto Verzola (Obet), was on a hunger strike in protest against the
commercial use of Bt Genetically Modified Corn in the Philippines.

Read the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) statement of
support, endorsed by GreenNet, here:
--> www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=11894

The hungerstrike has now ended after 30 days. Upon learning that Monsanto
have already been distributing seeds to farmers, the protestors are now
taking their campaign to the countryside, working with local governments
and farmers, highlighting the issues.

To continue to support this cause, please email your personal statement to
the Philippine Minister of Agriculture: seclorenzo at da.gov.ph

Up-to-date information here:
--> www.c2o.org/community/issues/gm-ph.html

Email Roberto: searice at searice.org.ph

Read Roberto's statement here:
http://www.bwf.org/hs3.shtml

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MORE GMO's

"This month the U.S. Congress passed legislation tying AIDS assistance to
acceptance of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). The U.S. has also
filed a case at the World Trade Organization against the European Union
moratorium on GMOs."

FoE has just published a report entitled 'Playing with Hunger':
--> http://www.foei.org/publications/gmo/playing_with_hunger.pdf

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FLUORIDATION

"Ministers are planning to allow fluoride to be added to all drinking water
in England and Wales", it is being reported.

The move is being considered to help reduce tooth decay among children in
"deprived" areas, according to The Sunday Times:

"Such a measure would prove controversial, as critics fear fluoride could
be linked to increased risks of cancer, hip fractures, kidney trouble and
birth defects."

Read the BBC report here:
--> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3018313.stm

Misinformation about fluoride:
There are criticisms that we are being fed misinformation by the press and
the dental industry. Plans are to add sodium fluoride to water. This is not
a naturally occurring substance and some case studies in high-fluoride
areas have shown traces of arsenic, lead and other toxins. Sweden and
France have banned fluoridation.

"I would advise against fluoridation.. Side-effects cannot be excluded .. In
Sweden, the emphasis nowadays is to keep the environment as clean as
possible with regard to pharmacologically active and, thus, potentially
toxic substances."
- Dr. Arvid Carlsson, co-winner of the Nobel Prize for Medicine (2000)

Full report:
--> www.nofluoride.com/Carlsson_Opposes.pdf

Check out the 'No Fluoridae' site here:
--> www.nofluoride.com

The Green Party have produced a report, entitled:
"TRUTH DECAY - Challenging New Labour's propaganda on water fluoridation"
or
"A few things you might want to know about FLUORIDE before Tony Blair adds
it to your drinking water"

The report includes information about:
   - Fluoride and health
   - Fluoride and tooth decay
   - How scientific are Scientific advisors?
   - Environmental risks of fluoridation
   - Widespread opposition to fluoridation
   - Consumer choice - or compulsory mass medication?
   - What can you do?
   - Useful contacts
   - Web resources
   - Books

Read the full report:
--> www.greenparty.org.uk/campaigns/Fluor3.doc

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SHUT DOWN DSEi!

One of the world's biggest ever trade fairs for guns, bombs, military
planes, small arms, mines and tanks is taking place in London from 9th -
12th September 2003.
Thousands of protesters from all over the world are invited to travel to
the UK to help stop this market of death, and to work towards shutting down
the whole industry.

· What is DSEi ?
Defence Systems Equipment International (DSEi 2003) is an arms fair,
sponsored by the British government. It will host arms buyers from all over
the world - including countries on Amnesty International's list of human
rights abusers.

You can participate by signing up to various working groups online at their
campaign website here:
--> http://dsei.enrager.net/main.htm

Read the call to action:
--> http://dsei.enrager.net/resources/flyers/calltoaction.doc

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HRW ON CUBA

"Few doubt that the United Nations Commission on Human Rights is faltering
in its mission. With Libya as its chair, and China, Saudi Arabia and
Zimbabwe among its voting members, it is hardly surprising that many of the
world's most flagrant human rights abusers, even those lacking seats on
the commission, tend to escape its condemnation.

"The situation is getting worse. Cuba's membership on the commission was
set to expire but was renewed for another term on Tuesday when the UN body,
meeting in New York, voted on the issue. This was a stark testament to the
commission's weakened credibility and degraded membership standards.

"Cuba did not release any political prisoners, or grant any breathing room
to the country's beleaguered human rights activists, or make even the most
token gesture in support of human rights. The government of Fidel Castro
evidently felt no need to moderate its repressive policies to ensure itself
a seat on the commission.

"To the contrary, Cuba flaunted its disregard of the commission's stated
ideals. On March 18, the day after the commission opened its annual session
in Geneva, state security agents began rounding up political dissidents,
independent journalists, human rights advocates, independent librarians and
others brave enough to challenge the Havana government's monopoly on truth.
The arrests heralded Cuba's worst crackdown in decades."

Read the full report from Human Rights Watch here:
--> http://hrw.org/editorials/2003/cuba043003.htm

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COMMUNITY MEDIA

The Sheffield-based Community Media Association has launched The Showcase,
the world's first streaming media archive of radio and TV programmes and
internet sites from the community media sector.

The Showcase offers both fiction and non-fiction programmes in a variety of
languages, made by individuals, community groups or organisations from all
over the UK and beyond. Issues covered include: war and peace, the arts,
disability, black and ethnic minority perspectives, gender issues, local
history, human rights, health, storytelling and many more.

The programmes are also searchable, if appropriate under National
Curriculum subject headings, as an aid for users in education.

The archive is non-profit and free. Another bit of great news is that the
multimedia programmes will be available to those on low bandwidth as well
as broadband, allowing everyone to stream or download material in a way
that suits their Internet connection.

Check out the Showcase here:
--> http://showcase.commedia.org.uk

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GENDER & ICT AWARDS

GKP and the APC's Women's Networking Support Programme (APC WNSP) initiate
The Gender and ICT Awards

They are inviting submissions under the 'Multistakeholder' and
'Community-based/Individual' categories. The US$8,000 per-category Awards
aim to:

* Recognise gender and ICT initiatives globally and provide further impetus
for others to mainstream gender in the field of ICTs; and therefore support
a number of internationally agreed recommendations for gender equality,
women's rights and empowerment,
* Give due recognition to community-based or small-scale initiatives
designed and implemented by women and women's organisations/networks; while
appreciating larger scale but cost-effective multi-stakeholder initiatives,
* Provide much needed opportunities to develop new
collaborations/partnerships and opportunities for upscaling small-scale and
community-based initiatives.

The winners will be celebrated at an award ceremony in conjunction with the
World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Geneva, Switzerland, from
December 10-12, 2003.

Write to awards-info at apcwomen.org for further information, or visit the APC
website here:
--> www.apc.org/english/news/women_index.shtml

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JOBS

WORLD DEVELOPMENT MOVEMENT are looking for a Supporter Development Assistant
Salary from £20,559 plus non-contributory pension
Closing date for applications is 5pm Monday 2 June.

Full job description available here:
--> www.wdm.org.uk/jobs/sdajd.htm

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QUOTE/UNQUOTE

    "We have circled and circled till we have arrived home again, we two,
    We have voided all but freedom and all but our own joy."

- Walt Whitman

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DIARY DATES

MAY

*Redbridge Green Fair*
Sunday, 25th May
The Redbridge Green Fair is a community festival full of activities,
displays, stalls, workshops and information on keeping our planet and
community healthy and in harmony. ADMISSION IS FREE and there are free
shuttle buses from Gants Hill station (Central Line ) and Ilford BR station
between 11.30 am and 7pm.
For more information contact 0208 5545439 or greenfair at hotmail.com.

JUNE

*The Penrhos Trust - Heart-to-Heart 2003*
'Our Countryside'
Open Sunday 25th May - Midday until 4 pm.
Weekdays: 10 am - 5 pm until June 4th

An exhibition of paintings, sculptures and craft work representing the
countryside.

*The Fifth Disability Film Festival*
National Film Theatre from 5 - 8 June.
All films screened will be subtitled, audio-described and BSL interpreted.
There will be documentaries, dramas, experimental, films and panel
discussions.

For details, contact the London Disability Arts Forum on 020 7691 4203,
020 7916 5396 (fax), caglar at ldaf.net or visit
www.disabilityfilmfestival.net.

*Gandhi Foundation - one-day event*
7 June, 10am - 6pm at Kingsley Hall, Bromley-by-Bow, London E3 3HJ.
Programme: 10am - 1pm: Listening Skills Workshop (bring lunch to share),
2.30pm - 3.15pm Gandhi Foundation AGM, followed by a debate led by Simon
Hughes MP and Gill Casebourne on current issues including asylum seekers.
5pm - 6pm there will a reception to meet everyone. Entry by ticket all
welcome. Contact the secretary on 01932 343614, email
dmoll_gandhifndn at onetel.net.uk

*Ethics Cafe*
6.30pm on Tues 3rd June 2003
Bierodrome, 173-4 Upper Street, Islington N1
The first in a series of Ethics Cafes concerned with human genetics and
medical ethics issues.  Following the historical example of French
philosophers, and with the more recent proliferation of 'Science Cafes'
around Britain, these informal and free of charge events will be held on a
monthly basis in a bar in Islington. They are being run by Human Genetics
Alert in collaboration with the Bulletin of Medical Ethics.

*Web design using Dreamweaver training*
14th & 15th June
This is a short 2 day programme, by the end of which you will; understand
the principles of the World Wide Web; have a practical understanding of how
to build, update and publish a web site using Dreamweaver; understand the
key principles of web design & site promotion. The course is run by GreenNet

Costs: GreenNet users: 235.00 pounds (VAT inc.)
Non-GreenNet users: 352.50 pounds (VAT inc.)
*Concessions at 20%: 282.00 pounds (VAT inc.)
*Unwaged, full-time students, OAPs

To book contact us on 0845 0554011, email joanne at gn.apc.org

*Refugee Week 2003, 16 - 22 June*
A nation-wide programme of arts, cultural and
educational events that celebrate cultural diversity and promote
understanding about the reasons why people seek sanctuary

For details of events, or to publicise your own, visit
http://www.refugeeweek.org.uk/, or call 020 7820 3055.

*Earthwatch lecture - From Coral Reefs to Mangroves ­ Ecosystems Interlinked*
Thursday 19th June, 7pm ­ 8.30 pm
at London University¹s Institute of Education. (Nearest tube: Russell Square)

The talk will be on the threats posed to the stunning reefs of Mauritius
with a real-life account of work in the biologically
diverse but sadly degraded mangrove forests in the Kwale district of Kenya.
Free admission but by ticket only.

Contact Earthwatch, e-mail:info at earthwatch.org.uk
--> www.earthwatch.org/europe

*TECH-SUFFICIENCY - Networking communities with other people's junk*
6pm June 20th  to 6pm 22nd June, 2003
Pantglas, near Llanwrda, West Wales

The idea is that practitioners of 'trash technology' (recovering useful
equipment from the junk society/industry throws out) and those interested
in the subject will get
together for a weekend, talk, have a party, and go away refreshed with new
ideas and plans for the coming year.

To reserve a place contact Tim Shaw - 01558 685353/timshaw at gn.apc.org

More Diary Dates on GreenNet:
--> www.gn.apc.org/calendar/calindex.shtml

Please add your events to the calendar here:
--> www.gn.apc.org/calendar/add.shtml

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The AlterNet News is edited by Joanne Doyle for GreenNet:
---> www.gn.apc.org

Please note that opinions expressed in AlterNet are those of the
contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the GreenNet
Collective.
To subscribe or unsubscribe see:

http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/alternet-l
For more information on this service and how to use it, contact
joanne at gn.apc.org

****************************************************

Coordinator GreenNet Collective

     ============================================================
www.gn.apc.org
GreenNet - Promoting strategic uses of the Internet for peace, the 
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civil rights and social justice, since 1986.

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