Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Thursday, 27 October 2005, 5:56 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS:
Howard Bullies NZ and PIF Into Taking West Papua Off Agenda
PC Eradication Blitzkreig Results In Friendly Fire Casualty
Up Go Mortgage Rates For Christmas – Bollard Raises OCR
Brash Keeps Key And English Close To Him In Opposition Reshuffle
Think About Your Animals On Guy Fawkes Night: SPCA
Kiwi Dancers Off For Hard Out Month In Blighty
MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES
'Naki Locals Sort Out What the Soviet Army Couldn't
SCOOP REPORT
We’ve Got Mail – Are Your Thoughts And Opinions In This Lot?
MORE SCOOP REPORTS
Greenpeace Disappointed With Conclusion Of Pacific Forum
MORE INTERNATIONAL NEWS HEADLINES

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Russell Brown: Groupthink Comedy
Howard Laws to Ban You from Criticising Australia
Out There… Brian Carter’s The Night Sky
Thai PM Tells Islamic Conf. Official To Read Koran
William Rivers Pitt: As The Plamegate Waiting Game Drags On…
MORE SCOOP COMMENTARY

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics):
Pamphlets That 'Delighted' Don Brash Lead To Police Investigation
Government Minister's Party Wants to Sit with Opposition
MORE POLITICS HEADLINES
POLITICAL COLUMNS

Howard Bullies NZ and PIF Into Taking West Papua Off Agenda

Scoop Report by Alastair Thompson in PNG [1] - According to NZ Prime Minister Helen Clark The Pacific Forum leaders did not discuss the controversial issue of West Papua at their summit in Madang, in spite of an expectation before the forum by both herself and the Secretary General that they would do so. The news will be a blow to the Free West Papua movement who are staging a rally today outside on Ella Beach near the conference venue. See... West Papua Not Discussed - Petition Not Presented [2] + Sludge Report #170 – Don't Mention The War [3] + Clark & Urwin Make Friends With Pacific NGOs + FULL COVERAGE: SCOOP’S FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT FEATURE. [4] + SCOOP INVESTIGATION - HIV/AIDS In The Pacific

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00303.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00303.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00299.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/features/fc.html

PC Eradication Blitzkreig Results In Friendly Fire Casualty -

National's policy of 'PC Eradication' has already started to backfire horribly, says Steve Maharey. "This morning Dr Mapp said he would 'eradicate' the Human Rights Commission's advocacy role because it was too PC."Thirty minutes later National's Paul Hutchison came out in support of the Human Rights Commission's advocacy report on access to public transport for people with disabilities. See... National's PC policy backfires [1] And Paul Hutchison's release regarding disabilities...Disabled face discrimination in public transport [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00171.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00170.htm

Up Go Mortgage Rates For Christmas – Bollard Raises OCR

- The Reserve Bank has increased the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 25 basis points to 7.00 per cent. Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard said: "As noted in our September Monetary Policy Statement, medium term inflation risks remain strong. Persistently buoyant housing activity and related consumption, higher oil prices and the risk of flow-through into inflation expectations, and a more expansionary fiscal policy are all of concern. See... Reserve Bank increases OCR to 7.00 per cent [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0510/S00216.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00163.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00166.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00167.htm

Brash Keeps Key And English Close To Him In Opposition Reshuffle -

National Party Leader Don Brash today announced a reshuffled lineup of spokespeople. "Bill English's elevation to No 3 underlines the critical role he will continue to play as part of the wider leadership team. See... Brash unveils new-look lineup [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00154.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00159.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00168.htm

Think About Your Animals On Guy Fawkes Night: SPCA

- Checklist Attached - The Royal New Zealand SPCA has issued a call for special care to be taken of animals on and around Guy Fawkes Night. The Society has also released a checklist aimed at reducing the harm and fright that animals suffer as a result of fireworks. "There's no doubt that the period around Guy Fawkes night is a time of terror for very many animals. Fireworks, with their screeches, flashes and loud explosions, can be a horrifying experience for them," says the Royal New Zealand SPCA's National Chief Executive, Robyn McDonald. See... SPCA Calls For Care Of Animals On Guy Fawkes [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0510/S00214.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0510/S00213.htm

Kiwi Dancers Off For Hard Out Month In Blighty -

Four of New Zealand's top young contemporary dancers from Footnote Dance Company head to the UK this week to immerse themselves in the international contemporary dance world. The opportunity to embark on an intensive month-long work-out with some of the best contemporary dance companies and choreographers in the world is a professional development initiative instigated by Footnote's Director Deirdre Tarrant. See... Footnote Dancers Take Off! [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0510/S00209.htm

MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00161.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00160.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0510/S00101.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0510/S00446.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0510/S00095.htm

'Naki Locals Sort Out What the Soviet Army Couldn't -

Three Taranaki locals are currently serving in Afghanistan as part of the Provincial Reconstruction Team (NZPRT). Signaller Genna Capper from New Plymouth, is a communications support operator within Kiwi Base who also goes on patrols. he says her highlights have been meeting Afghanistan's President Karzai and interacting with the children of Bamyan Province, even getting some to dance for her on patrol! See... Taranaki Trio's Tour of Duty [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0510/S00204.htm

SCOOP REPORT:

Scoop News: Peters "Definitely Not" Attending Pacific Forum - [1] NZ Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, will not be attending the Pacific Islands Forum in Papua New Guinea this week. Pacific leaders, including those from PNG, New Zealand, Australia, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Cook Islands, Nuie, Solomon Islands have gathered in Port Moresby to discuss issues impacting on the Pacific. See... Scoop News: Peters Will Not Attend Pacific Forum [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00286.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00286.htm

We’ve Got Mail – Are Your Thoughts And Opinions In This Lot? -

The following is a selection of feedback and other unsolicited email received by Scoop recently. Included in this monumental grab bag of readers opinions is a treatise on Roger Kerr's recent Business Roundtable musings and a heartfelt plea for Pierce Brosnan to stay on as Bond – James Bond. See... Scoop Feedback: Controversial New James Bond [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00295.htm

MORE SCOOP REPORTS:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00269.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00251.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00209.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00167.htm

Greenpeace Disappointed With Conclusion Of Pacific Forum

- *Port Moresby, Thursday, October 27, 2005 *Pacific Island leaders meeting at the 36th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) have taken "one step forward and two steps back" according to Greenpeace Australia Pacific. "The decision to develop a regional agreement on bottom trawling is a step forward to address this destructive practice. This lays the groundwork for Pacific countries to be leaders in supporting the international call for a ban on high seas bottom trawling," said Greenpeace Oceans Campaigner, Lagi Toribau. See... One step forward, two steps back at Pacific Forum [1] 36th Pacific Island Forum Official Communique [2] + FULL COVERAGE: SCOOP’S FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT FEATURE. [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0510/S00397.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0510/S00396.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/features/fc.html

MORE INTERNATIONAL NEWS HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0510/S00395.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0510/S00394.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0510/S00393.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0510/S00387.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0510/S00382.htm

Russell Brown: Groupthink Comedy -

The National Party might have harnessed its talent, old and new and set out on a course of informed opposition to the new government, and the presentation of robust policy alternatives. Instead, it chose to make an appointment that makes it look like a comedy act. Yes, among the spokesmanships announced by Don Brash yesterday is Wayne Mapp on "Political Correctness Eradication". See... PUBLIC ADDRESS 27/10/05 – Groupthink Comedy [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00304.htm

Howard Laws to Ban You from Criticising Australia

- In the wake of terrorist threats against Melbourne and more bombings in Bali, the Australian government is attempting to pass draconian new anti-terrorism laws. The draft of the legislation had originally been kept secret, but last week it was leaked by ACT Chief Minister John Stanhope, who while approving it, believed that legislation with such an impact on civil liberties should be open to public scrutiny and debate. John Howard seems to regard this as practically treason. But fortunately he'll soon have the tools to combat this sort of betrayal of Australian values, because the legislation would modernise the law relating to sedition. See... No Right Turn: Sedition in Australia [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00273.htm

Out There… Brian Carter’s The Night Sky

- In the Summer months with warmer nights, looking at the stars and planets becomes a pleasure, instead of a cold ordeal. Planets: November is a fairly good month for viewing the planets. Venus, Mars and Saturn will be visible for the whole of the month. Mercury will be visible for the first half of the month and Jupiter will be visible for the last half of the month. See... The November Night's Sky [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0510/S00051.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0510/S00052.htm

Thai PM Tells Islamic Conf. Official To Read Koran

- BANGKOK, Thailand -- Thailand's Buddhist prime minister angrily told the Saudi Arabian-based Organization of Islamic Conference to "read the Koran" before criticizing his military crackdown in the south, where more than 1,000 people have died in the worst Islamist insurgency outside Iraq. See... Thai PM Tells Islamic Conf. Official To Read Koran [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00265.htm

William Rivers Pitt: As The Plamegate Waiting Game Drags On…

- 8:12 am - Wake, sling blankets aside, startling cat into sudden flight. 8:13 am - Pull up New York Times web site, scan for news of Fitzgerald indictment. 8:14 am - Thump head repeatedly on desk, further confusing already-rattled cat. See... William Rivers Pitt: Diary of a Plamegate Junkie [1] MORE:

Norman Solomon - Judith Miller, the Fourth Estate, & Warfare State [6]

Scoop Link - Judith Miller & NYT Come Clean [7]

David Swanson - Peering Under the Plame Outing [8]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00263.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00264.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00247.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00241.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00226.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00225.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00198.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00199.htm

MORE SCOOP COMMENTARY:

Sol Salbe - West Bank Shooting: Why It Pays To Read Hebrew [1]

Martin LeFevre - Open Letter to Incoming President of Tanzania [2]

Ramzy Baroud - Myths About Iraq Must Be Dispelled For War To End [3]

Mark Drolette - The Law? Bushies Fart In Its General Direction [4]

Ernest Partridge - The Illusion of Normality [5]

Narconews - A Week of Drug War Summits in South America [6]

Jason Miller - Surrender Is Not An Option [7]

MR Josse - Nepal: Poll Boycott Will Be Political Hara-Kiri [8]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00256.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00250.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00249.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00248.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00255.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00254.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00252.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00262.htm

Michel Chossudovsky: More On The Basra Breakout Mystery

- Captain Ken Masters, British chief police investigator in Basra died under mysterious circumstances. The cause of death was not mentioned. According to a Ministry of Defense spokesman, his death was "not due to hostile action" nor to natural causes. See... Basra Prison Break Investigator Mysteriously Dies [1] . Earlier: Were British SAS Soldiers Planting Bombs in Basra? [2] & Ghali Hassan: Iraq - Resort to Deception [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00242.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00052.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00054.htm

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OTHER NEWS (JUST POLITICS)

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Pamphlets That 'Delighted' Don Brash Lead To Police Investigation -

Prior to the election Don Brash explained to BFM's Noelle McCarthy that during a meeting with the Exclusive Brethren he became aware that they were planning to attack the Government. McCarthy: So you were aware that this group was going to use other methods besides the power of prayer to support the National Party? Brash: I knew they were going to issue some pamphlets attacking the Government, and I said, "That's tremendous. I'm delighted about that because the Government is lousy and should be changed." Today it became known that the Chief Electoral Office has referred a complaint concerning the pamphlets that 'delighted' Dr Brash to the police. See... Brethren group face police probe over election [1] And …Brethren to face police over use of false address [2] BACKGROUND:

Chief Electoral Office - Election Advertising and the Electoral Act 1993 [3]

BFM Transcript - Don Brash Admits On BFM to Prior Knowledge of Brethren Pamphlets [4]

[5] SCOOP VIDEO: Greens Victim Of Dirty Tricks Campaign

Scoop Report - Don Brash, Civil Unions & The Exclusive Brethren [6]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00148.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00149.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0509/S00071.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0509/S00107.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0509/S00016.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0509/S00237.htm

Government Minister's Party Wants to Sit with Opposition

- The Green Party says New Zealand First's demand to sit on the opposition side of the debating chamber is both arrogant and ignorant. New Zealand First MP Peter Brown today said that even though the Greens planned to abstain from giving the Government confidence and supply votes, he believed his party should have first call to sit on the opposition benches. See… Greens - Winston must honour his marriage of convenience [1] ALSO…

Act - Winston Must Sit With Government He Supports [2]

National - Peters should sit with Labour - Brash [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00130.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00133.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00135.htm

MORE POLITICS HEADLINES:

NZ Govt - 83,000 fewer New Zealanders on benefits [1]

National - Circuit-breaker needed for South Auckland gangs [2]

National - Cullen's record as Attorney-General Attacked [3]

National - Police numbers guarantee wanted [4]

Green Party - Students being punished for university's failures [5]

Green Party - Interest rate rise bad for business and workers [6]

Maori Party - Maori Party Condemns Rising Prison Population [7]

ACT - Homeowners have Clark to thank for high interest [8]

ACT - Private prisons the answer to overcrowding crisis [9]

ACT - Police deserve congratulation on Zero Tolerance [10]

Progressive Party - Anderton to visit flood damaged region on Sunday [11]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00160.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00169.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00174.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00173.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00164.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00167.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00161.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00166.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00162.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00165.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00172.htm

POLITICAL COLUMNS:

ACT's The Letter 25 October 2005 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00147.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.

Contact Alastair Thompson

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