A Song for Gaza

This song is called "We Will Not Go Down" by Michael Heart

"Greek Police violating rights" - Amnesty International

Diplomats in Athens believe some criticism of police tactics is justified. Amnesty International has accused Greek police of serious rights violations and called on the government to set up an inquiry into "systemic problems".

The rights group said the response to December's riots in Athens was the culmination of an "entrenched pattern of serious human rights violations."

The anti-government protests erupted after police shot dead a teenaged boy.

In the following weeks police faced almost daily demonstrations and riots, and have come under armed attack.

The Greek government has not responded to the Amnesty report, but diplomats said the police have shown considerable restraint in the circumstances.

In January, a policeman was shot and seriously wounded in central Athens in an attack claimed by the left-wing militant group, Revolutionary Struggle.

It was one of several such armed attacks.

In a report published on Monday, Amnesty International said that since the end of the anti-government demonstrations in January it had received mounting allegations of human rights violations by police.

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Greece: Alleged abuses in the policing of demonstrations.

The group said it had brought a number of cases to the attention of Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, in which police officers were said to have arbitrarily arrested, ill-treated and detained peaceful demonstrators and prevented detainees, including minors, from promptly contacting their lawyers. During one incident on 9 January, several lawyers were reportedly arrested and mistreated after a violent demonstration on Asklipiou Street in Athens, Amnesty said.

Video footage showed police refusing to answer any questions and later dragging an elderly woman along the pavement, it added.

"Time and again police officers in Greece have been accused of using excessive force against demonstrators or denying them their rights when in detention," said Nicola Duckworth, director of Amnesty's Europe and Central Asia programme."The police response to the recent unrest is the culmination of an entrenched pattern of serious human rights violations by law enforcement officials." Ms Duckworth said such incidents, "should be used as a catalyst by the government to launch a wide-ranging commission of inquiry that would investigate not only recent events but also systemic issues, including training of police on the use of firearms and of force." Greek police have protested against the repeated attacks of recent months. "The people of Greece have the right to proper policing in accordance with the government's national and international obligations," she added.

Union officials representing the police say morale in the force is at an all-time low, because of poor pay, insufficient training, and most important of all, the pledge by left-wing militants to kill an officer in retaliation for the shooting of teenager Alexis Grigoropoulos in December.

SOURCE : BBC NEWS
Content taken from Spring Thunder 2009 (click here)

Hamas Optimistic About Further Talks

Hamas and Fatah will resume unity talks this week. A senior Hamas official said he had faith that the talks will yield good results this time.

"We stress our interest in reaching an agreement to end the internal Palestinian division under Arab and Egyptian sponsorship," Ismail Haniyeh said on Hamas television. "There is a strong chance for the Palestinian national dialogue to succeed for the Palestinian national reconciliation to be achieved."

Ahmed Qurie, head of the Fatah delegation, said he is "exerting every possible effort... in order to reach agreement" with Hamas.

The Palestinian unity talks, as well as rebuilding the Gaza Strip, were expected to be an important part of the agenda at the Arab League session.

Senator Specter is a Liar

"Tuesday night, Senator Arlen Specter betrayed working Americans all around the country. Specter, who co-sponsored the Employee Free Choice Act in 2005, switched positions. He's now saying he'll actively work to block the bill from even coming to a vote!

Until he changed his tune on Tuesday, Senator Specter had been a strong supporter of the Employee Free Choice Act. He was a co-sponsor in 2005. He voted with us in 2007. Specter's constituents in Pennsylvania and working families around the country were counting on him to support this bill. He gave them every reason to believe he would. But a steady stream of corporate lobbyists and right-wing groups have been pressuring senators to block this bill, and Specter has flip-flopped – looks like he's giving up on the middle-class voters who helped elect him.

Specter could have just voted against the bill – but he's saying he'll help block the full senate from even getting to vote on the bill, fair and square. By obstructing this vote, Senator Specter is protecting a rigged system which allows employers to intimidate, harass, and even fire workers (in 30% of cases!) when they try to form a union. Senator Specter knows this – in fact, he has made several public statements about how the current system for workers is broken.

President Obama, large majorities in both houses of Congress and 73 percent of the public support the Employee Free Choice Act. America wants this bill. What doesn't Senator Specter understand?"

Originally from American Rights at Work

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American Rights at Work sent me this message through email. They wanted me, and everyone else on their mailing list, to tell the Senator that his actions were wrong. I agree with ARW, Senaturd Specter is a hypocrite, a deceiver, a demagogue, and a crypto-fascist. In case you didn't know, Specter is a Republican (KKKonservative). Republicans say one thing and do another. Not only that, they don't care what the majority of people want. They are easily swayed by pressure as well. Senator Specter's recent actions are a good example of all of that. The GOP can't be trusted and must be smashed.

Israeli Imperialists to Build Homes on Stolen Land

Binyamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister-designate, appears to be preparing to build Israeli settlements on more West Bank land. Israeli media is reporting that Netanyahu has struck a deal with his coaltion partner - the far right Yisrael Beiteinu party - to build more settlements. This comes only days after Netanyahu promised to be a partner for peace with the Palestinians.

Israel plans to build at least 3,000 Jewish settler homes on occupied West Bank territory called "E1." The project had been put off for years but will soon be underway. Since 1994, Israel has stolen 400 acres of Palestinian land near East Jerusalem.

What the Israeli fascists plan to do here (with the settlement) is divide the West Bank in half and prevent East Jerusalem from becoming the capital of a future Palestinian state. The International community, including the US, wants East Jerusalem to be the capital of a future Palestinian state.

This is a violation of international law and further imperialist subjugation of the Palestinian people. Palestinian solidarity is needed now more than ever. Oppressed peoples of the world, unite!

'Legalizing pot would hit drug cartels'

Hamas and Fatah Make Very Little Progress

The unity talks from last week didn't go so well. They failed because Fatah wanted Israel's "right to exist" to be recognized by the unity government (if established). Hamas and Fatah plan to meet again later on during the week of Sunday the 22nd.

Hamas claims Fatah is still arresting its people. They are blaming US pressure on Fatah for the failures. They are right in blaming the USA because Hillary Clinton told Fatah that the US wouldn't support any government that doesn't go along with the Quartet (recognition of Israel, renunciation of violence and abiding by all previous agreements signed between the Palestinians and Israel).

Some progress was made though. They both agreed to rebuild the Palestinian security forces, and that the main purpose of a unity government should be to collect international funds to rebuild the Gaza Strip.

World Economy to Shrink in 2009

The world economy is set to shrink by between 0.5% and 1.0% in 2009, the first global contraction in 60 years.

In its gloomiest forecast yet, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says that developed countries will suffer a "deep recession".

The global economic body says "the prolonged financial crisis has battered global economic activity beyond what was previously anticipated".

Just two months ago, the IMF predicted world output would increase by 0.5%.

visit: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7952377.stm
Found on Political Economy Research

Anniversary of the Iraq War

It has been 6 years since American led forces illegally invaded Iraq. Polls show that over half of the American population thinks invading Iraq was a mistake. Over 4,000 US soldiers have died in Iraq.

There has been little to no plans for getting the Iraqi economy back on track. High levels of unemployment have been normal for Iraq since the invasion. This is one of the many reasons why most Iraqis want the foreign troops to leave their country. Iraq Veterans Against the War continues to pressure the liars in the Obama administration to remove troops from Iraq as quickly as possible.

French Workers Get Mad

Striking workers at a Sony plant in Pontonx-sur-l'Adour (in France) blocked their chief executive, Serge Foucher, from leaving the building. They barricaded the exits with tree trunks. Foucher was allowed to leave when the company agreed to further talks with the union.

The reason this happened is because that factory will be closed in April, and the pay-off the workers there received was less than the workers at other closing factories received. The union involved with this action was the CGT.

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Angry Continental workers in Clairoix, France, threw eggs (and other things, but mainly eggs) at their managers to protest the closing of their plant. Workers burned tires outside of the plant all afternoon. This closure put 1,120 people out of work.

The company they worked for, Continental (the German car parts group), isn't doing so well. They have had to close various factories and are facing a predicted drop in sales.

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We, at the Partisan and the Maoist Rebel News, give a loud standing ovation to both groups of French workers. We support them and their actions. It's good to see that the spirit of the Paris Commune still lingers in the hearts of French workers, and we hope this spirit spreads worldwide. It's time for a new French Revolution.

Congo 3/12/09

Okello Yape, a top leader of the Christian fascist Lord’s Resistance Army, was killed a few days ago in southern Sudan during the ongoing joint-military operations to wipe out the LRA. 6 more LRA fighters were killed over the weekend.

The International Criminal Court said that Uganda doesn’t have the power to decide where to have LRA leader Joseph Kony’s trial.

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348 FDLR combatants were repatriated from Feb. 15 to March 6. The military of the DR Congo is increasing its strength in the South Kivu province where the FDLR rebels are fleeing.

Update on the Hamas-Fatah Talks

Palestinian unity talks entered their second day in Cairo, Egypt. Hamas said that it will not sign a reconciliation deal with Fatah unless Abbas' security forces release Hamas' political prisoners.

"In spite of the dialogue's atmosphere and the talks about a possible inter-reconciliation, the Palestinian security forces continued its arrest campaign against Hamas activists in the West Bank," Hamas said in a statement.

The five Palestinian committees, set up during the meeting of Feb. 26, will be dealing with the major issues from now until March 20th. These issues are forming a Palestinian national unity government, reforming the security services, holding elections, reforming the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), and pushing forward the reconciliation.

Throwing Money at the Economic Crisis is Unlikely to Help

Rhode Island was given one billion dollars by President Obama, and this stimulus should help create or protect 12,000 jobs. There is only one problem. 12,000 jobs is a lot less than the amount of jobs already lost in that state! Rhode Island is second to Michigan when it comes to high unemployment rates. Rhode Island fell into recession early, and it will take years to stabilize.

Rhode Island has had a Republican governor since 1995. It looks like conservatism has failed Rhode Island. This is proof that conservative economics don't work. My entire point here is that these stimulus plans are unlikely to help the economy, and the situation in Rhode Island is proof.

Obama's Tali-plan is Shortsighted

The Taliban has recently said that its members aren't interested in talks with the US. US Admiral William Fallon called Obama's plan to talk with Taliban members "shortsighted." The Taliban has grown stronger over recent months, and it says it is ready to fight the increased number of American soldiers.

Well people, you heard it straight from the sources. You can look this up if you don't believe me. The Taliban and a high-ranking American military official both say Obama will not solve a damn thing in Afghanistan. I told you there would be no change. If you want real change, start a revolution!

Quick Update 3/8/09

The group that killed the two British soldiers on an army base in N. Ireland calls itself the "Real IRA." The Real IRA has taken responsibility for the attacks.

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The Ukrainian economy is almost free falling. The number of unemployed increased by about 50% in January. Any group you can think of has been striking and protesting there. Many people are blaming most of Ukraine's problems on the rivalry between their President and Prime Minister.

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The Ugandan government claims they have captured an LRA leader, Thomas Kwoyelo. The LRA, on the other hand, is denying he was captured.

“This is why I went to Tanzania to deliver a petition to the Secretary General of the United Nations and to all the people concerned in this conflict, Riek Machar of Sudan and Salva Kiir of Sudan that there is need for a ceasefire followed by a discussion on the ICC arrest warrant (against LRA leader Joseph Kony),” an LRA spokesperson said.

Ugandan forces left the DR Congo at the end of February.

It is believed that the LRA carried out attacks on the communities of Yembe and Sanja-Siri. 5 LRA rebels were captured recently.

FDLR rebels stepped up attacks in the DR Congo recently. They've killed 34 people so far, and thousands have been displaced. This came after Rwandan forces killed 153 FDLR rebels.

Shooting at British Barracks in Northern Ireland

Two British soldiers died when Irish Republican rebels, disguised as pizza delivery personnel, shot them. The soldiers came out to meet the fake pizzamen, only to be shot. The attack took place on the Massereene army base in Antrim. This attack came after Northern Ireland's Chief Constable, Sir Hugh Orde, said that the threat from Irish separatist paramilitaries is at an all time high. Four other people were wounded, two of the wounded are British soldiers. I hope they die from their wounds.

An early happy St. Patrick's Day to the imperial English scum and their pig Queen.

Bourgeois Courts to Uphold Prop. 8

A majority of the California Supreme Court seemed ready to uphold Proposition 8 on Thursday. However, it is likely they will allow the 18,000 same-sex marriages already committed to remain valid. Prop. 8 was put in place when a measly 52% of California voters wanted it.

"An unpopular group cannot be selectively stripped of fundamental rights by a simple majority of voters," argued Shannon Minter, a lawyer for the opponents. "A majority cannot take away rights from a disadvantaged minority," he said.

If Proposition 8 is upheld, opponents said, then voters could end mixed-race marriages, too.

The Christian fascists, who make up only a small majority, laughed at this.

"What I'm picking up from the oral argument in this case is this court should willy-nilly disregard the will of the people," said Justice Joyce Kennard.

"The people have the raw power to define rights. The people are sovereign and can even do very unwise things," he said.

It's not a vast majority of people who want Prop. 8, it's a very small majority. Why should they get special treatment?

In theory, true democracy does not subjugate the minority to the will of the majority. It doesn't restrict individuals who are doing no harm. Obviously the USA is not a true democracy. In theory it is good, in reality it's a failed experiment for equality. Anyone who disagrees is obviously a fascist because they want the state, in this case the majority, to have near absolute power.

Conservatives do no good for society. They want to strip individuals of their basic rights and promote hatred and inequality. They could cause more hatred and discriminatory violence then any group on the left could ever cause. As a matter of fact, they have a head start because they've been doing this crap for centuries. These Christian-fascists must be stopped! Don't let them publicize or have any propaganda time.

Update On the Hamas-Fatah Talks

Although little progress was made in the national unity talks between Fatah and Hamas, they both pledged to continue these talks.

Fatah agreed to release its Hamas prisoners, and Hamas agreed to release its Fatah prisoners. The number of prisoners released is unknown.

"This is a historical day," Fatah's envoy said. "We pray to ensure that the train which has set in motion today will continue on the right path until it reaches the destination everyone is awaiting."

The two groups will start talking again in Cairo on March 10th.

AIG Bailed Out Again

American stocks have slid to a 12-year low after the government said it would bail out AIG again. On Monday, AIG faced the largest quarterly losses in corporate history. AIG will be given 30 billion dollars of taxpayers' money. That is a little less than half of what it lost between October and December last year. The US government said an AIG collapse would have global repercussions.

I doubt 30 billion dollars will keep AIG alive. AIG will inevitably die, but it wont die a pointless death. It will die to show people the weakness of the capitalist system.