Saturday, 28 February 2015

Bernie Sanders, The Pope and economic disparity

Cross-posted with permission from Advocacy at St Paul's

Senator Bernie Sanders is a bit of a political institution in the USA where he sits in the Senate. He is an independent but for many practical situations, he counts as a Democrat.

The speech below begins in relation to the planned visit of Pope Paul to speak from America's seat of government. Please take time to listen to Senator Sanders and the economic statistics he quotes. His statistics relate to the USA but the spirit of them is the same for Australia. The convergence of finance and resources towards the top minuscule per cent away from the bottom majority.

Bernie Sanders asks:

What religion condones this type of economic disparity?

The question we should be asking of ourselves is:

Should we be asking that question of our political leaders who profess to belong to and practice various faiths?

Monday, 23 February 2015

A council votes to become a TPP-free zone. Check what we THINK may be in the secretive TPP. Join the Choice campaign

Post by Flush the TPP.

Trans Pacific Partnership. What's the deal being negotiated in our name?
Areas believed to be covered in the TPP include:
Pharmaceuticals
Criminalising the use to technology to include jail time
Establishment of external tribunals to reconsider decisions
already made by Australian courts.
Extreme extensions in copyright terms as well as criminalisastion.
Food labelling in Australia is in the firing line.

Get in tune with the Choice campaign here.

Keep calm and be an Active Bystander

From Kiss Goodbye 2 Apathy ---

Is it too much to ask of our leaders honesty and self-reflection --- not to mention an end to cruelty and an extension of fellow feeling

"AN OPEN LETTER TO TONY ABBOTT FROM THE EDITOR:
#KoinuntukAustralia (coins for Australia) is a reaction to Abbott's suggestion Indonesia should reciprocate for the $A1 billion in aid Australia sent after the 2004 tsunami.
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/storystream/bali-nine-koinuntukaustralia-indonesians-offer-small-change-abbott

Look, I know open letters are a bit April of last year, but I’ve been worried about you, Tony. Since the Leigh Sales interview when you were unable to articulate exactly who you are, I’ve been worried.
It’s a question most Australians are asked every now and again – in job interviews, by partners, by caring friends rolling around on the back lawn after one too many G&Ts, sometimes by our therapists. And as the Prime Minister and a man with more than a fleeting interest in spirituality, I’m sure at some point you’ve asked yourself the question, “Who the hell am I? What do I really stand for?”
But at 7.48 or 7.52 that evening, Leigh's question seemed to rattle you. You became evasive. So in case you find yourself fumbling for an answer in the future, here's who I think you are. (Feel free to quote me).
You’re a Christian guy. You’re the Christian guy who, when faced with appalling facts about the ongoing abuse and psychological torment of innocent children in our detention centres, chose to viciously attack the messenger rather than reflect maturely upon the incredibly sad and sensitive contents of the message. You’re that guy.
You're the guy who condones shoving terrified women and children fleeing rape, persecution and death, (much of which we helped fuel), into little orange boats in the dead of night, sending them back into the darkness and uncertainty they’ve somehow managed to flee, hopeful of our shelter. That's you with your whole "Australia isn't for everyone" Jesus thing.
You're the guy who's been trash talking the economy for so long, most Australians are afraid to buy a pine-lime Splice let alone a car or a house. And it was you who in opposition said the so called ‘Carbon Tax’ would wipe towns off the map – something about a python squeeze not a cobra strike – when you knew that simply wasn't ever going to happen. Is it all coming back to you, Tony? You’re that Henny Penny guy.
You're the guy with the gay sister who stubbornly refuses to change his views on same sex marriage, despite her personal pleadings and the firm belief of most Australians that equality is long overdue. Represent, Tony! Step up! They mean you no harm. And if it's about saying one thing before an election and doing another after... honestly, let’s not imagine anyone’s going to be too upset or surprised.
While we’re on that, you're the guy who hounded the previous government TO DEATH over one supposed lie, promising an all adult, no surprises government of your own. I swear it was you boldly proclaiming you can't say one thing in opposition then do another in office, before making brutal cuts in literally every single area you said you wouldn't. Ringing bells, Tony?
You're the guy who says he's intimidated by the burqa then gets around in a bright red banana sling.
And forgive me for delving into personal irritations, but you're the Rhode scholar guy who has to repeat everything twice, sometimes thrice, buying yourself time to formulate your next sentence. It's an old orator's trick Tony, but every frickin' sentence?
While I could go on, I'm sure the electronic graffiti artists will be happy to continue this letter for me. And hopefully, next time Leigh asks for a little personal reflection, you'll have a better idea of who you are. You're that guy
With - ABC 23"

Liked

Keep Social Democracy in Australia

Community · 4,618 Likes

· 23 hrs · Edited ·

AN OPEN LETTER TO TONY ABBOTT FROM THE EDITOR:
‪#‎KoinuntukAustralia‬ (coins for Australia) is a reaction to Abbott's suggestion Indonesia should reciprocate for the $A1 billion in aid Australia sent after the 2004 tsunami.
http://www.sbs.com.au/…/bali-nine-koinuntukaustralia-indone…

Look, I know open letters are a bit April of last year, but I’ve been worried about you, Tony. Since the Leigh Sales interview when you were unable to articulate exactly who you are, I’ve been worried.
It’s a question most Australians are asked every now and again – in job interviews, by partners, by caring friends rolling around on the back lawn after one too many G&Ts, sometimes by our therapists. And as the Prime Minister and a man with more than a fleeting interest in spirituality, I’m sure at some point you’ve asked yourself the question, “Who the hell am I? What do I really stand for?”
But at 7.48 or 7.52 that evening, Leigh's question seemed to rattle you. You became evasive. So in case you find yourself fumbling for an answer in the future, here's who I think you are. (Feel free to quote me).
You’re a Christian guy. You’re the Christian guy who, when faced with appalling facts about the ongoing abuse and psychological torment of innocent children in our detention centres, chose to viciously attack the messenger rather than reflect maturely upon the incredibly sad and sensitive contents of the message. You’re that guy.
You're the guy who condones shoving terrified women and children fleeing rape, persecution and death, (much of which we helped fuel), into little orange boats in the dead of night, sending them back into the darkness and uncertainty they’ve somehow managed to flee, hopeful of our shelter. That's you with your whole "Australia isn't for everyone" Jesus thing.
You're the guy who's been trash talking the economy for so long, most Australians are afraid to buy a pine-lime Splice let alone a car or a house. And it was you who in opposition said the so called ‘Carbon Tax’ would wipe towns off the map – something about a python squeeze not a cobra strike – when you knew that simply wasn't ever going to happen. Is it all coming back to you, Tony? You’re that Henny Penny guy.
You're the guy with the gay sister who stubbornly refuses to change his views on same sex marriage, despite her personal pleadings and the firm belief of most Australians that equality is long overdue. Represent, Tony! Step up! They mean you no harm. And if it's about saying one thing before an election and doing another after... honestly, let’s not imagine anyone’s going to be too upset or surprised.
While we’re on that, you're the guy who hounded the previous government TO DEATH over one supposed lie, promising an all adult, no surprises government of your own. I swear it was you boldly proclaiming you can't say one thing in opposition then do another in office, before making brutal cuts in literally every single area you said you wouldn't. Ringing bells, Tony?
You're the guy who says he's intimidated by the burqa then gets around in a bright red banana sling.
And forgive me for delving into personal irritations, but you're the Rhode scholar guy who has to repeat everything twice, sometimes thrice, buying yourself time to formulate your next sentence. It's an old orator's trick Tony, but every frickin' sentence?
While I could go on, I'm sure the electronic graffiti artists will be happy to continue this letter for me. And hopefully, next time Leigh asks for a little personal reflection, you'll have a better idea of who you are. You're that guy
With - ABC 23

Thursday, 12 February 2015

Closing the Gap 2015 Report : a mix of success, standing still, outright failure and going backwards.

Cross-posted with permission from Advocacy

It seems it might be about time for Australians to tell their political representatives, both at State and Federal levels, to get serious about the Australian Government's flagship Aboriginal policy, Closing the Gap. The graph below shows the lack of success - in spite of the Howard Government sending in the troops!

Coalition MPs stage walkout after

Bill Shorten raises Budget in Closing the Gap Speech

Closing the Gap: Two decades to address Indigenous disadvantage

Tony Abbott's 2015 Statement on Closing the Gap

Bill Shorten's 2015 Speech on Closing the Gap

Below is the 2015 Closing the Gap Report

Wednesday, 11 February 2015

In or near #Bendigo? Please support the #LoveMakesAWay protesters in the cause of refugees next week.

Cross-posted from Advocacy @ St Paul's

Advocacy has posted previously on the protest actions of the #LoveMakesAWay movement.

Next week the #Bendigo protesters who did a sit-in in the office of Senator Bridget McKenzie will appear in court in Bendigo. Please come and show your support for #LoveMakesAWay and the protesters. Details are below. You will find Dave's Facebook site here. Advocacy @ St Paul's will be there.

Below: Dave Fagg of the Seeds community is arrested. More pictures here.

Green Left Weekly Activist Calendar - 2015-02-11


	Green Left Weekly Activist Calendar

	February 11, 2015

Public meeting: The Greek elections, Syriza and the fight against austerity in Europe

Thursday, February 19, 6:30pm (meal from 6pm). Speakers: Dick Nichols (Green Left Weekly European correspondent, covered Greek elections); Afrodity Giannakis (resident in Greece, active in social movements and Syriza until mid-2014). Multicultural Hub (Old Drill Hall), 506 Elizabeth St (opposite Victoria Markets). $10/$5. Presented by Socialist Alliance & Green Left Weekly. For more info ph 9639 8622. Facebook event

ACTU day of action: Fight for our rights

Wednesday, March 4, 10am. Trades Hall, cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts, Carlton South.

This is the regular Melbourne activist calendar compiled by Green Left Weekly. Emailed to subscribers each Wednesday fortnight, it is a one-stop listing of the main left and progressive events in Melbourne and Geelong.

Since it began in early 1991, Green Left Weekly has offered an indispensable alternative to the lies of the big-business media and has helped build the various movements for social change. To subscribe toGreen Left Weekly, visit our secure online website for rates and payment or call our national hotline on 1800 634 206.

You can also contact us at the Resistance Centre, 5th floor, 407 Swanston St, City; ph 9639 8622. In Geelong we are at the Activist Centre, Trades Hall, 127 Myers St (opening hours: Mon 2-4:30pm, Fri 10am-4:30pm); ph 5222 6900.

New email address? Not already receiving this calendar regularly? Want to subscribe someone else? Let us know at Greenleft Melbourne.

Until Sunday, March 1

Sustainable Living Festival. Raises awareness and provides tools for change by showcasing leading solutions to the ecological and social challenges we face. It will again present a rich program of home and lifestyle solutions including talks, workshops, art, film, performance and markets to educate and inform the audience about their state of sustainability. For agenda visit SLF.

Thursday, February 12

Forum: Preventing crimes against nature? How can the legal system be changed to better protect nature and sustain life? Speakers: Nicola Rivers (Environmental Justice Australia); Alessandro Pelizzon (Southern Cross University); Kate Auty (former Victorian Government Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability); Ellen Sandell (State Greens MP). 6pm. Entry Free. The Deakin Edge, Federation Square, City.

Public meeting: A report-back on the Vienna Conference on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons. Speakers: Robert Tickner(CEO, Red Cross), Phoebe Wynn-Pope (Red Cross), Tilman Ruff, Vanessa Macedo and Michael Hamel-Green (Victoria University). 6pm. Australian Red Cross, 155 Pelham St, Carlton.

Friday, February 13 - Friday, March 6

Transitions Film Festival. Australia’s largest sustainability film festival is dedicated to showcasing inspirational documentaries about the social and technological innovations, revolutionary ideas and trailblazing change-makers that are leading the way to a better world. For more info visit Transitions Film Festival.

Friday, February 13

Sustainable Living Festival Great Debate: To collapse or not to collapse? Pushing for economic ruin or building a 'great transition'. As the climate crisis continues to unfold so too does the polarisation of core strategy within the environment movement. At one end of the spectrum, there are those who remain firmly dedicated to building a mass global movement to achieve a full-scale emergency, wartime -like transition of our economy. Counter to this position, some environmentalists are fueled by a strong belief that speeding up an implosion of the global financial system is the only thing that can prevent catastrophic climate change. Speakers: George Monbiot (video link); George Marshall; Jess Moore; David Holmgren & Nicole Foss. 6.30pm. $25. The Deakin Edge, Federation Square, City.

Concert: Apology day celebration. In celebration of the anniversary of the apology to Australia's Stolen Generations. Featuring: Christine Anu, Archie Roach, Frank Yamma, Jimblah, Thelma Plum, Kurcha Edwards, Tim Rogers, Clare Bowditch, Horror Show and Blue King Brown. Singer/songwriter Eddie Perfect and actress Miranda Tapsell will take on hosting duties. Entry free. Sidney Myer Music Bowl. More information is available from Healing Foundation.

Saturday, February 14

Global Divestment Day rally: Break up with fossil fuels. 11am. Star Lawns, Alexandra Gardens, behind the boat-sheds. Facebook event

Forum: UK climate change communications specialist, George Marshall. Given everything we know about climate change why do many still ignore it? Climate communications specialist George Marshall helps us understand the psychological and social mechanisms behind our failure to engage with the urgency and seriousness of the issue. 2pm. RMIT, Building 80, Lecture theatre 80.02.007.445, Swanston St, City. Entry free but register here. Presented by Psychologists for a Safe Climate & Sustainable Living Festival.

Sunday, February 15

Anatolian Peace & Friendship Festival. Special guest performer: Ilkay Akkaya. Live bands; dances, food, art & craft stalls. 11am-7pm. Coburg Lake Reserve.

Tuesday, February 17

Rally: Commemorate one year since Reza Berati was murdered in Australian detention on Manus Island. One year ago, PNG mobile squad, detention staff and locals launched an attack on the refugees held in the Manus Island detention centre, and killed Reza Barati. The attack left others with slit throats, lost eyes, and countless injuries and trauma. To date, no one has yet been convicted for his murder. Reza Barati was the first victim of Australia's offshore detention hell. Speakers: Reza Yarahmadi (Iranian refugee); Arnold Zable (writer and human rights activist). 5:30pm. State Library, cnr Swanston & La Trobe Sts, City. Organised by Refugee Action Collective.

Thursday, February 19

Public meeting: The Greek elections, Syriza and the fight against austerity in Europe. Speakers: Dick Nichols (Green Left Weekly European correspondent, covered Greek elections); Afrodity Giannakis (resident in Greece, active in social movements and Syriza until mid-2014). 6:30pm (meal from 6pm).Multicultural Hub (Old Drill Hall), 506 Elizabeth St (opposite Victoria Markets). $10/$5. Presented by Socialist Alliance & Green Left Weekly. For more info ph 9639 8622. Facebook event

Monday, February 23

Public meeting: The plight of Tamil refugees. Come find out more about the plight of Tamil refugees in Sri Lanka, at a special Refugee Action Collective forum. 6:30pm. Australian Nurses Federation, 540 Elizabeth St, City (just north of Victoria St).

Tuesday, February 24

Public meeting: Just transitions: Moving Australia beyond fossil fuels. Keynote speaker: Bob Massie (US economist). Entry free; register here. New Council Chambers, Trades Hall, cnr Victoria & Lygon Sts, Carlton South. 6pm. Presented by 350.org. Facebook event

Wednesday, February 25

Public meeting: Roundup: miracle weedkiller or cause of disease? Guest speaker: Don Huber (Professor Emeritus in Plant Pathology at Purdue University, Indiana, USA). He is an award-winning, world-renowned scientist. He opposes the use of Roundup weedkiller and genetically manipulated (GM) crops and foods, after seeing the negative impacts of farm chemicals on the control of soil plant pathogens. 7pm. Fitzroy Town Hall, 201 Napier St, Fitzroy. Tickets: book your seat online Roundup or $10 at the door. Presented by MADGE, GM-Free Australia Alliance & Friends of the Earth.

Saturday, February 28

Film premiere: Chile's Student Uprising. Director Pablo Navarrete will talk after the screening. 6:30pm. $8/$5. RMIT, Building 80, Level 9, Room 12, 445 Swanston St, City. Presented by LASNET. Facebook event

Wednesday, March 4

ACTU day of action: Fight for our rights. 10am, Trades Hall, cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts, Carlton South.

Sunday, March 8

Rally & march: International Women's Day. 1pm. State Library, Swanston St, City.

Saturday, March 14

Feminism & socialism discussion afternoon. 1:30pm (lunch from 1pm). Resistance Centre, Level 5, 407 Swanston St, City (opposite RMIT). Presented by Socialist Alliance. For more info ph 9639 8622.

Wednesday, March 25

Protest: Student national day of action. We proved last year that protesting works when the Senate rejected Pyne's 'reforms'. But Pyne hasn't gotten the message yet. Let's redeliver it on March 25. 2pm.State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston St, City.

Saturday, March 28

Rally: Stop terrorism in Australia by bringing Aussie troops home from Syria, Iraq & Afghanistan. 1pm. Federation Square. City. Facebook event

Sunday, March 29

Palm Sunday rally: Walk for justice for refugees. 1:30pm (speeches start 2pm). State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston St, City. We will then proceed down to Queen Victoria Gardens (opposite the NGV on St Kilda Road).

Thursday, February 19

Love makes a way Bendigo court case. On October 21 nine Christian leaders were arrested at the Bendigo office of Senator Bridget McKenzie after a peaceful prayer vigil. They were speaking out against the detention of refugee children. They will be facing court on February 19. If you would like to stand in solidarity with the group, please join us for prayer at 8:30am on the lawn of the Military Museum. From there we will head to Bendigo Magistrates Court at 9:30am. You are also welcome to join us in court to witness the hearing. After the group's case is heard we'll head back to the Military Museum for speeches. 8:30am. Bendigo Military Museum, 37–39 Pall Mall, Bendigo.

Friday, February 20

Red Cinema: Ningla A-Na (Hungry for Our Land). The establishment of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra. Proudly screening on Wathaurong country. 7pm (meal 6:30pm). Entry by donation. Downstairs, Trades Hall, 127 Myers St, Geelong. For more info ph 5222 6900. Presented by Socialist Alliance.

Australia Kurdistan Solidarity. Meets regularly to build solidarity with the Kurdish freedom struggle in Rojava (liberated zone in northern Syria), Turkey and elsewhere. For information ph Gulay 0412 926 706 or Aran 0410 197 814.

Australian West Papua Association (AWPA). Struggles against the Indonesian occupation of West Papua and against environmental destruction and resource theft. For info 9510 2193 or email AWPA.

Climate Action Moreland. Meets regularly to develop action on climate change in the Moreland area. For information ph Andrea on 0424 508 535 or email CAM.

Friends of the Earth's Anti-Nuclear & Clean Energy (ACE) collective. Meets every second Tuesday. FoE office, 312 Smith St, Collingwood. For meeting times & more info email Zin.

Indigenous Social Justice Association. The Indigenous Social Justice Association was established in January 2005 campaigns to permanently stop Aboriginal deaths in custody. During 2013, ISJA will meet the first Thursday of every month. For more info visit ISJA.

Quit Coal: No New Coal Power for Victoria. A Melbourne-based collective which campaigns against expansion of the coal industry in Victoria. We believe this is important because building new coal infrastructure locks in decades of dirty, old technology, when we should be moving towards clean, renewable energy. Quit Coal meets each Wednesday at 6pm, at FOE, 312 Smith St, Collingwood. For more info visit Quit Coal or email us.

Refugee Action Collective. Established in 2000, RAC is a democratic, grassroots activist collective, representing a broad cross section of the community. It aims to mobilise opposition to Australia's inhuman refugee policies. For more info ph 0413 377 978 or visit RAC.

Timor Sea Justice Campaign. For info visit TSJC, email Tom Clarke or ph 0422 545 763.

Just out!

184 pp, $20. Available from Resistance Bookshop, Level 5, 407 Swanston St, City & New International Bookshop, Trades Hall, cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts, Carlton South.

Sunday, 8 February 2015

#Keephopealive by attending Amnesty International's vigil to-night in #Ballarat - the information is below

The information below is cross-posted with permission from Advocacy @ St Paul's

Dear Networkers,

Apologies for the short notice of to-nights's event.

Have only received notification this morning.

Details are in the re-published email below.

Please do your best to support this event.

Remember the mercy you give is the mercy you get!

The Ballarat group is part of the worldwide Amnesty International movement that opposes the death penalty in any circumstance, for any person. Residents are invited to the

Spiritual Centre,

Ballarat Base Hospital

7.00p.m.-8.00p.m.

To-night

Sunday 8th.February

(entry from Sturt Street)

to light the flame of justice, and send a public message that Australians oppose state-sanctioned executions.

The event is a response to comments by Indonesian President Joko Widodo that he would not grant clemency to at least 64 individuals who have been sentenced to death for drug-related crimes and that there were plans to execute all of them.

These include Australians Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran in the next batch of 11 whose claims for clemency have been rejected.

Amnesty International is asking Australians

to use the hashtag #KeepHopeAlive

and sign

Amnesty International’s petition

calling for the executions to be stopped.

The death penalty has been proven not to work in deterring crime. It is a cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment and it has no place in today’s justice system.

Amnesty International has been campaigning against the death penalty for the last 30 years, and most countries in the world have recognised the justice in this stance. When Amnesty International first pledged to abolish executions in the ‘70s, only a handful of countries had stopped killing people as a form of punishment; now 140 countries have abolished the practice.

Vigil for Hope ("Stop the Executions")

7.00-8.00p.m.

Sunday 8th. February

Spiritual Centre, Ballarat Base Hospital.

Media Contact: Max White 5331 2502

The Network