Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Wednesday, 4 December 2002, 5:17 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
Scoop Is In The House
Sludge Report: This Mad Bad World
ZZZZzzzzzt Scoop Has Feedback
Chuckman: Reaganism Returning From The Dead
Jim Hightower: Eating Wisely
Stateside: Thanksgiving
Hard News Is There!
The Howard Doctrine: Mahathir Is Characteristically Blunt
The Howard Doctrine: Did I Really Say That?
Govt. Silence On “Howard Doctrine” Insults Asia
Homeland Insecurity & The Rise Of American Fascism
Keith Abbott Jury Retires
Countdown To War: Watching What They Do
Countdown To War: Al Qaeda & Mombassa
Daily Katya Rivas

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
Joris de Bres Speaks His Mind – Opposition Calls For His Head
Don’t Buy Back The Tracks
Moutoa Fix May Backfire On Wilson - National
Maharey Responds To Media Assumptions On Smacking
More Comment On Transport Bill
Health – Who Gets What? And Where?
Work Is Not All There Is To Life
Research Excellence Spending Up By Over $200m
Income Related Rents Update
Auckland Rail Out Of Control
Central North Island Treaty Claimants Meeting

Scoop Is In The House

– For Today’s questions for oral answer see... Questions For Oral Answer - Wednesday, 4 December [1] . For yesterday's Q&A see... Tuesday's Transcript [2] .

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00095.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00084.htm

Sludge Report: This Mad Bad World

- Sludge is starting to seriously wonder about the state of things. The email inbox has become in recent weeks a sort of daily Pandora’s box of horrifying revelations. See... Sludge Report #145 - The Awakening [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00030.htm

ZZZZzzzzzt Scoop Has Feedback

- In This Edition: Joris de Bres - Please Check The Reasoning Of This Argument - Eyes Open On Transport Policy - How Bizarre See... Scoop Feedback: Joris, War, Transport and Thar [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00029.htm

Chuckman: Reaganism Returning From The Dead

- One by one, in the dead of night, they push ghastly, rotting fingers through dank earth in an effort to grasp something solid and pull themselves up from moldering graves, figures of long-dead flesh, blank-eyed, capable of no feeling save an unnatural hunger that animates and drives them shakily forward. They are the gruesome remains of an earlier time, mysteriously returned to life, once more to exercise their malevolent influence on the planet. They are the Bush appointments -- Cheney, Rumsfeld, Reich, and Poindexter. See... John Chuckman: Night Of The Living Dead [1] and related discussion in… Powell In Bogotá; The Empire Visits the Satrapy [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00028.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0212/S00034.htm

Jim Hightower: Eating Wisely

- Harry Truman said: "No man should be president who doesn't understand hogs." The problem with our recent presidents, however (including los dos Bushes and Bill Clinton) is that, while they certainly don't know pig stuff about the four-legged varieties, they are expert on the care and feeding of those two-legged oinkers who are the CEOs and lobbyists of global agribusiness corporations. See... Jim Hightower: Eaters of the World, Unite [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00026.htm

Stateside: Thanksgiving

- Last Thursday was the fourth Thursday in November, so it was the national holiday known as Thanksgiving Day. See... Stateside With Rosalea - Hale and hearty [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00024.htm

Hard News Is There!

- I have been arguing with an occasional correspondent, who, as is his way, tells me I know nothing about the Middle East, that my habitual "wretched wailing about the region" is an indication of my ignorance. Perhaps he's right: it's not for want of trying. See... HARD NEWS - On Israel [1] and HARD NEWS - News And Views From Public Address [2] .

[1] - http://publicaddress.net/default,hardnews.sm#post162
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00021.htm

The Howard Doctrine: Mahathir Is Characteristically Blunt

It is not only disappointing it is arrogant. There are many countries in East Asia, all our Asian countries. This country stands out like a sore thumb, trying to impose its European values in Asia as if it is still the good old days when people can shoot Aborigines without caring about human rights etc. See... Malaysian PM Mahathir On Pre-Emptive Strikes [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00025.htm

The Howard Doctrine: Did I Really Say That?

- I made those remarks very carefully in a very low key fashion. They were quite accurate. They were not directed at any of our friends. Self-evidently they weren’t directed at any of our friends and anybody who read those remarks would come to that conclusion. I don’t resile from them in any way. See... PM Howard Defends His Pre-Emptive Strike Comments [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0212/S00033.htm

Govt. Silence On “Howard Doctrine” Insults Asia

- Helen Clark is insulting our Asian neighbours and giving credibility to a US invasion of Iraq by not categorically rejecting the moral and legal justification for pre-emptive strikes on other countries, Green Foreign Affairs spokesperson Keith Locke said today. See... Clark's silence insults our neighbours [1] MORE ON THE HOWARD DOCTRINE: - White House Support- White House Briefing: Howard & Pre-Emptive Strikes [2] - Australian PM's Statements - I/V On Lateline [3] and Laurie Oakes I/V [4] - Greens - 'Pre-emptive' strikes would legitimise terror [5] - ACT - Australian PM is Correct on Pre-Emptive Strikes [6]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00064.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0212/S00029.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0212/S00028.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0212/S00027.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00022.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00037.htm

Homeland Insecurity & The Rise Of American Fascism

- One does not need to look into the Council on Foreign Relations, however, to discover the hidden agenda behind the Homeland Security Act. See... UQ Wire: The Rise of the American Police State (2) [1] and Part One [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00027.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00017.htm

Keith Abbott Jury Retires

- The Jury in the Steven Wallace shooting trial retired around midday today. EARLIER: - Abbott's Evidence - Sixty Four Seconds [1] and Constable Abbott Takes The Stand [2] - Day Six - Warning Shot, The Worst Thing [3] - Day Five - How Many Shots Were Fired? [4] - Day Four [5] - Day Three [6] - Day Two [7] - Day One [8]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0211/S00187.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0211/S00178.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0211/S00172.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0211/S00160.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0211/S00145.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0211/S00136.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0211/S00126.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0211/S00119.htm

Countdown To War: Watching What They Do

- In the formative years of paxa Romana it was common practice for wealthy families to seek out soothsayers who would read the entrails of geese, sheep, and fish to prophesy into the future. See... Firas Al-Atraqchi: Reading The Entrails [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00015.htm

Countdown To War: Al Qaeda & Mombassa

- Despite no evidence being produced to show that al-Qaeda was behind the recent terrorist attacks in Kenya, both the Israeli and American governments have already placed the blame with Osama bin Laden’s network. See... David Miller: Al-Qaeda’s Changing Tactics [1] See also COUNTDOWN TO WAR FEATURE PAGE [2] And... Terror Arrives Downunder - FULL COVERAGE [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00014.htm
[2] - http://scoop.co.nz/mason/features/?s=countdowniraq
[3] - http://scoop.co.nz/mason/features/?s=balibomb

Daily Katya Rivas

- The desire that all souls be clean when they receive Me in the Sacrament of Love, led Me to wash the feet of My Apostles. See... Katya Rivas: Jesus Institutes the Holy Eucharist [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00023.htm

Joris de Bres Speaks His Mind – Opposition Calls For His Head

- Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres says New Zealanders are still struggling to come to terms with the contemporary relevance of the Treaty of Waitangi, and its place in modern society. See... NZ’s Maori Cultural Heritage Is ‘The New Frontier’ [1] REACTION: - NZ First - Conciliator Not Fit For The Job [2] - National - Race Relations Commissioner should resign [3] - ACT - Prebble Supports Commissioner [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00032.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00091.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00090.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00099.htm

Don’t Buy Back The Tracks

The National Party says the Labour Government‘s got no business savvy and shouldn’t risk taxpayer money on Tranz Rail shares. See... Government warned against rail investment [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00098.htm

Moutoa Fix May Backfire On Wilson - National

- The Margaret Wilson ‘deal’ that ended the recent occupation at Moutoa Gardens has set a dangerous precedent that all New Zealanders should be worried about, according to the National Party. See... Government meddling sets dangerous precedent [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00096.htm

Maharey Responds To Media Assumptions On Smacking

- The assumption at large in the media that the government has “backed off” the repeal of Section 59 of the Crimes Act that gives parents the right to physically discipline their children is wrong, writes Social Services and Employment Minister Steve Maharey. See... Smacking, section 59 and children [1] and what may be the source of the assumption... Govt Will Fail To Protect Children Says Harré [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00086.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00023.htm

More Comment On Transport Bill

- Auckland Business Forum - Transport Bill Key tool to unlock Auck’s growth [1] - Green - New transport rules would save Rawene [2] - United Future - Baldock baffled by Green ‘logic’ [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00036.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00104.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00092.htm

Health – Who Gets What? And Where?

- The report provides estimates of health and disability services expenditure in New Zealand between 2000-2001, and at the aggregate level, on a per capita basis, by source of funds in nominal and in real terms between 1990-2001. See... Health Expenditure Trends in New Zealand 1990-2001 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00034.htm

Work Is Not All There Is To Life

- “Today’s launch of the Finsec Get A Life! campaign reflects the growing support amongst workers for a better work/life balance,” said Ross Wilson president of the Council of Trade Unions today. See... Growing Support For A Life Outside Work [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00033.htm

Research Excellence Spending Up By Over $200m

- Shifting to a performance-based funding system for research in tertiary education sector will significantly improve knowledge creation in New Zealand and that’s why the government is investing more than $200m in extra funding via a variety of mechanisms over the next four years, says Associate Education (Tertiary Education) Minister Steve Maharey. See... Research excellence gets another boost [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00103.htm

Income Related Rents Update

- Nearly 53,200 low-income state house tenants are now paying an income related rent, saving on average about $35 every week, Housing Minister Mark Gosche said today. See... Low Income Tenants Helped [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00102.htm

Auckland Rail Out Of Control

- An administrative muddle of extraordinary proportions involving the Government and Auckland local authorities demands a full inquiry into public passenger rail operations and planning says the MP for Epsom Richard Worth. See... Rail service out of control in Auckland [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00101.htm

Central North Island Treaty Claimants Meeting

- Treaty Negotiations Minister Margaret Wilson will meet with a number of central North Island claimant tribes on Friday, to begin dialogue on how Treaty claims in the region might be progressed. See... Crown reps meet on central North Island claims [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00100.htm

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

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