Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Thursday, 17 June 2004, 3:47 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
Scoop Is In The House
LEAD STORY: Sandlines Pacific Mercenaries Killing In Iraq
Goff Says U.S. Report On NZ Human Trafficking Misleading
MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:
911 Commission Explains How 9/11 Went Down
Milosevic Acquittal Bid Dismissed
INTERNATIONAL NEWS HEADLINES

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Hard News Is There!
Eco-Economy: Drowning In Debt
Some Home Truths About The Late Ronald Reagan
Genevieve Cora Fraser: Anti-Semitism
UQ Wire: William Rivers Pitt: Everyone Has A Story
UQ Wire: Mark G. Levey - Will Tenet Now Tell The Truth?
UQ Wire: Sibel Edmonds And Daniel Ellsberg
Green Left Weekly: Iraq - US Still Calls The Shots
Torture Memos: Scoop Full Coverage

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
Govt. Transport Sector Changes Unveiled
A Flat Tax Would Mean More Tax For 500,000 Kiwis
Nats Nuke Policy Far From Safe
Immigration Review Begins
Auckland Road Pricing Progress
523 NZers Call For An ACC Inquiry
Huge Fees Will Price Medicines Off The Shelf
Tongan Politician Pregnancy Tested For Visa
Export Credit Office A Waste Of Space - Wong
Abortion Numbers Appal
RMA Review More Same Old Same Old

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...TODAY'S PHOTO STORY...

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0406/S00229.htm
42 Below Says Sorry (Sort Of)

Scoop Is In The House

- For today's questions see... Questions for Oral Answer - Thursday, 17 June 2004 [1] . For Wednesday's Q&A see… Questions & Answers for Oral Answer - 16 June 2004 [2] , for Tuesday's see... Questions & Answers For Oral Answer - 15 June 2004 [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0406/S00256.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0406/S00242.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0406/S00216.htm

LEAD STORY:
Sandlines Pacific Mercenaries Killing In Iraq

- PORT MORESBY (The National Online/Pacific Media Watch): Lieutenant-Colonel Tim Spicer, the Sandline mercenary of the Bougainville crisis fame of 1997, has resurfaced in Baghdad, Iraq, to head what is undisputedly the biggest private army in the world. See... Sandline Mercenaries Operating In Iraq [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0406/S00187.htm

Goff Says U.S. Report On NZ Human Trafficking Misleading

- A United States State Department report that makes references to trafficking of persons in New Zealand is creating a misleading impression, says Foreign Minister Phil Goff. See... US State Dept Human Trafficking Report Misleading [1] ALSO: U.S. State Dept Report: Country Narratives: East Asia and Pacific (includes NZ) and Trafficking in Persons Full Report

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0406/S00243.htm

MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0406/S00169.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0406/S00168.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0406/S00229.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/CU0406/S00126.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0406/S00116.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0406/S00245.htm

911 Commission Explains How 9/11 Went Down

- We are fortunate to have had access to the fruits of a massive investigative effort by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies, as well intelligence collection and analysis from the Central Intelligence Agency, the National ... See... UQ Wire: 9/11 Commission Outline of the 9/11 Plot [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0406/S00195.htm

Milosevic Acquittal Bid Dismissed

- The United Nations war crimes tribunal for the former Yugoslavia today dismissed a legal motion to acquit former Yugoslav President Slobodan Miloševic of charges of genocide and other crimes against humanity after finding there is enough evidence . See... Crimes Tribunal Dismisses Milosevic Acquittal Bid [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0406/S00202.htm

INTERNATIONAL NEWS HEADLINES

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0406/S00201.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0406/S00200.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0406/S00199.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0406/S00196.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0406/S00194.htm

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Hard News Is There!

- Could National's families spokesman Judith Collins please refrain from going to the media until she has a freakin' clue what she's on about? She was on Morning Report today declaring that the Civil Union Bill ''takes away the choice'' of couples as ... See... Public Address 17/06/04 - Not A Freakin' Clue [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0406/S00156.htm

Eco-Economy: Drowning In Debt

- One of the main problems with interest rates is that the impact of interest-bearing debt on inflation isn't directly measured. See... Eco-Economy: Dr Cullen Wants Financial Reform [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0406/S00157.htm

Some Home Truths About The Late Ronald Reagan

- The mainstream media spent an entire week mythologizing Ronald Wilson Reagan. Why did the corporate for- profit media spend so much time creating a cult of personality around a former President with an estimated 105 IQ? See... Ronald Reagan: A Legacy Of Crack And Cheese [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0406/S00155.htm

Genevieve Cora Fraser: Anti-Semitism

- Israel is a terrorist : State run by a terrorist : Government with liberty : And justice for Jews : Of northern European : Origin sophisticated : In torture tactics : Winning wide-spread : Support from a people : Terrorized into believing : Today ... See... Poem: Ask Palestine if Israel is Anti-Semitic [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0406/S00154.htm

UQ Wire: William Rivers Pitt: Everyone Has A Story

- My friend Doris has two stories. The first is about a woman she knew who ran out of the Towers, but then realized a co-worker was still upstairs. She ran back into the building to get him. See... UQ Wire: William Rivers Pitt - Nine Eleven [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0406/S00159.htm

UQ Wire: Mark G. Levey - Will Tenet Now Tell The Truth?

- Reporters for the major papers may have missed the first page of the biggest story since the 9/11 attacks. When his resignation becomes effective July 11, 2004, CIA Director George Tenet will no longer be covered by Executive Privilege. See... UQ Wire: Tenet's Perjury And Resignation [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0406/S00153.htm

UQ Wire: Sibel Edmonds And Daniel Ellsberg

- Two whistleblowers stood side by side before a courthouse in Washington, D.C. on Monday. See... UQ Wire: Ashcroft Faces Prison Over 9/11 Cover-Up [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0406/S00152.htm

Green Left Weekly: Iraq - US Still Calls The Shots

- The selection of Iyad Allawi as prime minister of the Iraqi ''interim government'' is a clear demonstration that Washington has no intention of relinquishing its control over Iraq on June 30. See... Green Left Weekly: Iraq - US Still Calls The Shots [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0406/S00151.htm

Torture Memos: Scoop Full Coverage

- The document is titled 'Standards of Conduct for Interrogation under U.S.C. 2340-2340A.' It is a memo dated August 1, 2002, and was written at the specific request of Alberto R. Gonzales, Counsel to the President of the United States of America. See... William Rivers Pitt: Nuremberg Revised [1] - Full Text: The US DoD Torture Memo - Scoop [2] - LINK: The Gonzales Memo - Washington Post [3] MORE SCOOP COMMENTARY ON THE TORTURE MEMOS: - No Right Turn: Non-Denial Denials [4] - Steve Weissman: Torturing Mr. Bush [5] - Weiner: Torture Memos Reveal Fascist Mentality [6] - Torture Inc. - Oliver North Joins the Party [7]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0406/S00139.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0406/S00129.htm
[3] - http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A38894-2004Jun13.html
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0406/S00142.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0406/S00145.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0406/S00137.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0406/S00124.htm

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0406/S00150.htm
Spotted At The Canberra Press Gallery Ball

Govt. Transport Sector Changes Unveiled

- Sustainable growth and safety for transport sector Transport Minister Pete Hodgson and State Services Minister Trevor Mallard today announced changes to the government transport sector. See... Sustainable growth and safety for transport sector [1] MORE: - Cyclists - Cyclists welcome transport changes [2] - Road Transport Forum - Transport reorganisation a positive move [3] - LTSA - LTSA expects smooth transition [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0406/S00248.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0406/S00181.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0406/S00180.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0406/S00176.htm

A Flat Tax Would Mean More Tax For 500,000 Kiwis

- United Future’s revenue spokesman, Gordon Copeland, today claimed that a majority of taxpayers will pay more, rather than less, tax if ACT’s 20% flat tax proposal is adopted. See... Tax increases for most taxpayers from ACT [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0406/S00241.htm

Nats Nuke Policy Far From Safe

- Green Party questions in the House today have confirmed that the National Party is out of step with international thinking on the safety of nuclear-propelled ships. See... Nukes And Nats A Real Risk To Public Safety [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0406/S00237.htm

Immigration Review Begins

- “Our government is about to review all aspects of the immigration system including the appeal and removal process. A balanced review will deliver a balanced result,” said Progressive MP Matt Robson. See... Review needs to look at NZ’s long-term immigration [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0406/S00255.htm

Auckland Road Pricing Progress

- The Government today confirmed it was making progress across phases one and two of the Auckland road pricing work programme. See... Auckland Road Pricing study [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0406/S00253.htm

523 NZers Call For An ACC Inquiry

- Green MP Sue Bradford today tabled in Parliament a 523-signature petition that calls for a Select Committee inquiry into ACC's claim management practices. See... Petition calls for a 'fair go' from ACC [1] MORE: - Acclaim - Call for inquiry into ACC supported [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0406/S00250.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0406/S00175.htm

Huge Fees Will Price Medicines Off The Shelf

- Green MP Sue Kedgley has released a January 2004 memorandum from Pharmac obtained under the Official Information Act that shows that there will be a massive escalation in the price of medicines if New Zealand joins the proposed Trans-Tasman Joint Therapeutics Goods Agency. See... Pharmac warns huge medicines fees increase [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0406/S00246.htm

Tongan Politician Pregnancy Tested For Visa

- The Green Party is demanding a halt to pregnancy testing for visitors to New Zealand following the scandal over a Tongan politician being asked for a test. See... Stop pregnancy testing our visitors now [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0406/S00245.htm

Export Credit Office A Waste Of Space - Wong

- Three years and $3 million later the Export Credit Office is yet to do any business, says National's Associate Commerce spokeswoman, Pansy Wong. See... Export Credit Office skating on thin ice [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0406/S00244.htm

Abortion Numbers Appal

- United Future MP Larry Baldock today lamented the increase in the number of abortions in New Zealand – up to 18,510 according to the Abortion Supervisory Committee – and asked why no one really seems prepared to do anything serious to prevent the number going up every year. See... Baldock laments increase in abortions [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0406/S00240.htm

RMA Review More Same Old Same Old

- Associate Environment Minister David Benson-Pope's five-member reference group to review the Resource Management Act is just more committees and processes, with no sign of action, ACT New Zealand Environment Spokesman Ken Shirley said today. See... RMA Reference Group...More Of The Same [1] MORE: - Fed Farmers - Thumbs up For RMA Review Team [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0406/S00239.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0406/S00226.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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