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TDB Top 5 International Stories: Tuesday 2nd May 2017
5: Climate Skeptics Are Half-Right, and 100 Percent Full of Shit
There are climate debates worth having, but arguments for skepticism are often willfully ignorant.
If you view the op-ed pages of the New York Times as someplace to float test balloons for crazy thoughts—kinda like the president’s Twitter account—then the debut column from Bret Stephens, the paper’s newest conservative writer, is a home run. His attempt to shake up the notion of scientific certainty about climate change caused some scientists to call for a boycott of the paper, and many readers canceled their subscriptions over it. The right-wing internet, meanwhile, insisted the libs are just being dumb and triggered once again, which gave more fuel to ongoing fights about echo chambers and freedom of opinion.
If it’s really the “newspaper of record,” it is the Times’s job to print conservative voices, and Stephens isn’t wrong about everything (which I’ll get to in a second). But his column isn’t just a bad piece, but a lousy cover version of a very old argument against science that needs to die: The Plea for Humility to Prevail Over the Arrogance of Scientism.
Vice News
4: Hamas accepts Palestinian state with 1967 borders
Hamas has presented a new political document that accepts the formation of a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, without recognising the statehood of Israel, and says that the conflict in Palestine is not a religious one.
The positions were made official on Monday in Qatar’s capital, Doha, by Khaled Meshaal, the leader-in-exile of the Palestinian group that runs the besieged Gaza Strip.
“We shall not waive an inch of the Palestinian home soil, no matter what the recent pressures are and no matter how long the occupation,” Meshaal told reporters as he revealed the document to the public after two years of work.
“Hamas rejects any idea except liberating the home soil entirely and completely, although it does not necessarily mean we recognise the Zionist entity or give up any of our Palestinian rights.”
While Hamas’ 1988 founding charter called for the takeover of all of mandate Palestine, including present-day Israel, the new document says it will accept the 1967 borders as the basis for a Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as its capital and refugees back to their homes.
The 1967 borders refer to those that existed before the war in which Israel occupied East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Aljazeera
3: Donald Trump: I’d be honored to meet Kim Jong-un under ‘right circumstances’
Donald Trump has said he would be “honored” to meet the North Korean dictator, Kim Jong-un, “under the right circumstances”.
Trump did not make clear what preconditions would have to be met for such a meeting to occur, but his administration has demanded a freeze on nuclear and long-range missile tests as well as a readiness to negotiate North Korea’s complete nuclear disarmament.
Trump and his senior officials have also stressed that they will consider military options for constraining Kim’s regime if it perseveres with testing nuclear warheads or continues the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the continental US.
The administration has sent an aircraft carrier and a guided missile submarine to the region, as a sign of its resolve, though most military analysts say pre-emptive strikes could trigger a catastrophic war.
Trump made his suggestion of talks earlier on Monday in an interview with Bloomberg News. “If it would be appropriate for me to meet with him, I would absolutely,” he said. “I would be honored to do it. If it’s under … the right circumstances. But I would do that.”
The Guardian
The People’s Climate March in Washington, D.C., was held in the sweltering heat as the temperatures soared over 90 degrees. Activists and organizers came in from across the country. Among those who were there was Bill McKibben and May Boeve of 350.org.
Democracy Now
1: BARACK OBAMA IS USING HIS PRESIDENCY TO CASH IN, BUT HARRY TRUMAN AND JIMMY CARTER REFUSED
DEFENDERS OF BARACK OBAMA’S decision to do things like accept a $400,000 check for a speech to a Wall Street brokerage house argue that the former president might as well cash in — everyone else does.
That was Daily Show host Trevor Noah’s defense of Obama. “People are like why doesn’t he not accept the money? No, f*** that,” Noah said. “So the first black president must also be the first one to not take money afterwards? No no no my friend. He can’t be the first of everything! F*** that, and f*** you. Make that money, Obama!”
This argument, while common, is based on historical ignorance. It assumes that presidents have always found a way to leverage their political connections post-presidency to make money from interest groups and wealthy political actors.
But that isn’t the case.
It used to be the norm for presidents to retire to ordinary life after their stint in the White House — just ask Harry Truman.
When the Democratic president was getting ready to leave the White House in 1953, he was approached by many employers. The Los Angeles Times noted that if he was “unemployed after he leaves the White House it won’t be for lack of job offers … but [he] has accepted none of them.”
One of those job offers was from a Florida real estate developer, asking him to become a “chairman, officer, or stockholder, at a figure of not less than $100,000” — the sort of position that is commonplace today for ex-politicians. Presumably, had Truman taken the position, it would have been a good deal for both parties: the president’s prestige and connections would also enrich the company.
Truman declined. “I could never lend myself to any transaction, however respectable, that would commercialize on the prestige and dignity of the office of the presidency,” he wrote of his refusal to influence-peddle.
Although he had access to a small pension from his military service, Truman had little financial support after leaving office. He moved back into his family home in Independence, Mo., and insisted on being treated like anyone else. He would tell people not to call him “Mr. President,” and settled on a fairly ordinary routine once he was back in Independence. He would take a morning walk through the town square. He kept an office nearby where he would answer mail from Americans. He chose to engage with just about anyone who walked into his office — not only people who wrote him big checks, or invited him onto their private yachts and private islands.
The Intercept
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The Daily Blog Open Mic – Tuesday 2nd May 2017
Announce protest actions, general chit chat or give your opinion on issues we haven’t covered for the day.
Moderation rules are more lenient for this section, but try and play nicely.
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Aucklanders hold emergency rally for peace – Auckland Peace Action
On May 6 at 2pm, Auckland will come together at Aotea Square to oppose New Zealand involvement in war. The rally has been provoked by growing local concern about the rising threat of war in the Korean peninsula and an escalation of the war in Syria.
“I’ve been talking to people all over the city about what is going on with Korea and with Syria, People are really worried about Trump starting a global nuclear war,” said Auckland Peace Action spokesperson Virginia Lambert.
“It is easy to feel like you can’t do much about the world situation, but in fact, we can. This Peace Rally is an opportunity to come together to express our collective opposition to war – and to send a powerful political message that any government who engages in a new war is not going to get our support.”
“As importantly, this Peace Rally is calling for an independent inquiry into the SAS raids in Afghanistan where six civilians were killed. Justice must be done for these people. An inquiry is the first step to making that possible.”
The Peace Rally is being organised by a coalition of groups including Auckland Peace Action, the Pacific Panthers, Unite Union and the Palestine Solidarity Network. A line up of music, speakers and activities is planned for the afternoon..
Saturday, May 6 at 2 PM – 4 PM Aotea Square, Auckland
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Willie Jackson appointed as Labour’s Māori Campaign Director – Labour Party
“The Labour Party welcomes renowned broadcaster and urban Māori leader Willie Jackson to the role of Māori Campaign Director for the 2017 General Election,” said Māori Senior Vice President Tane Phillips.
“Willie was asked to take on the role due to his ability to connect with a demographic of Māori voters who live in urban areas, are typically younger and part of a new generation.”
Willie will campaign with current Labour Māori MPs and candidates to build on the effective Māori vote strategy during the 2014 election, where Labour won 6 of the 7 Māori seats.
“I look forward to campaigning hard in all of our Māori electorates so we can change the government and improve the lives of all of our people,” said Willie Jackson.
“Our message will be that we need a change of government and only a vote for the Labour Party will deliver that.”
“It’s crucially important for Māori to enrol and vote if they want to see a change to a government that will stand for decent, affordable housing, secure work, better quality healthcare and quality education,” said Te Kaunihera Māori Chairman Adrian Rurawhe MP.
“We look forward to an injection of new energy and vigour to Labour’s Māori Vote Campaign as we take forward the successful gains we made in the 2014 election.”
“There is one objective – to win and change the government,” Adrian Rurawhe.
In his new role Willie will be working to Labour’s Campaign Manager, Andrew Kirton, and alongside Māori MPs, candidates and volunteers.
Willie Jackson is joined by fellow Māori candidates for the 2017 election such as; Willow Jean-Prime (Northland), Tamati Coffey (Waiariki), Kiri Allan (East Coast), Paul Eagle (Rongotai), and Shanan Halbert (Northcote).
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Freshwater consultation goes toxic – Forest and Bird
Forest & Bird has joined the call asking the Government to extend its fresh water submission deadline equally to everyone, not just scientists. The Government is due to provide evidence on its new standards to a select group of scientists this week.
“The public deserves the whole story. How can we make an informed submission without all the information?” said Forest & Bird’s Freshwater Advocate Annabeth Cohen.
“The information to be released to the New Zealand Freshwater Sciences Society should have been available to the public weeks ago. Thousands of submissions have been made by Forest & Bird supporters alone who, we are now being told, didn’t have all the information when submitting.”
The Government has said that the New Zealand Freshwater Sciences Society will be granted a 3-week extension to allow it to make a submission using the new information.
“The deadline for submitting on the proposed fresh water targets should also be extended for the general public.”
“The Government seems to be very ill-prepared.” Ms Cohen said. “The Minister should have had this vital information available when it released its initial consultation documents two months ago.”
“This consultation process, like our rivers, seems to be getting more toxic by the day.”
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Red Cross to Support Refugee Resettlement in Invercargill
New Zealand Red Cross welcomes today’s announcement of Invercargill as the new refugee resettlement location.
As the primary provider of refugee resettlement programmes in New Zealand, Red Cross is looking forward to working alongside the Government and local community to resettle refugees in the southern city.
“We’ve just celebrated the first year of Dunedin being a resettlement location which has been hugely successful and I look forward to the community banding together to provide a similar welcome in Invercargill,” says Anne Smith, acting Secretary General of New Zealand Red Cross.
Mrs Smith says the local community is an important part of the success of a new resettlement location. Volunteers and neighbours form the welcoming committee for our newest Kiwis and provide a steady stream of support throughout the resettlement journey.
“We encourage Kiwis to offer a friendly welcome to their new neighbours, whether it’s a chat over the fence or a shared meal.”
People who arrive in New Zealand spend six weeks at the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre before being resettled into the community where they are supported by Red Cross through the Pathways to Settlement programme for up to 12 months.
Red Cross also provides an employment programme to help people from refugee backgrounds plan their employment, training and career goals and ultimately find work in New Zealand. Finding employment is a key part of the resettlement process, helping people feel empowered and more involved in their new community.
Invercargill will become New Zealand’s seventh resettlement location, along with Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, greater Wellington, Nelson, and Dunedin.
How Kiwis can help support refugee resettlement in New Zealand
· Become a refugee support volunteer and help support a new family as they resettle. Opportunities for volunteers in Invercargill will become available in 2017; for other areas apply at www.redcross.org.nz/volunteer
· Donate to support our work with new arrivals in New Zealand, and our work internationally with refugees: www.redcross.org.nz/donate
· Provide employment opportunities to a former refugee. This can be organised through the Red Cross’s Pathways to Employment programme: www.redcross.org.nz/pathways
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Pike River Video Footage – Mine Rescue Trust
The video footage shown by media in the last 24 hours shows two Mines Rescue members wearing compressed air breathing apparatus completing final tasks before a robot was sent into the main drift at the Pike River mine.
The Mines Rescue personnel are standing in the end of the 40-foot shipping container that was placed into the mine entrance as part of the initial sealing of the main drift in December 2010.
The video clearly shows the drift in the background. NZMRS personnel went no further than two (2) metres into the drift during this operation. The atmosphere in the entire length of the main drift had been made safe by pumping in Nitrogen and no methane was present.
In late June 2011 NZMRS were engaged to conduct a reconnaissance operation 300 metres into the main drift to select a suitable site to construct a temporary seal. The temporary seal was then constructed at the 170 metre mark. This work was also completed with nitrogen injected to prevent the build-up of methane. All of this has been previously reported and summarised during the Royal Commission of Inquiry.
At no stage have Mines Rescue personnel gone further than 300 metres into the drift.
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MEDIAWATCH: The mainstream media lie about Willie Jackson
It was amazing watching so many supposedly ‘liberal’ twitter accounts gleefully attacking Willie Jackson last night based on a story from corporate media pundit Vernon Small that Willie Jackson had thrown a wobbly and flown to Wellington to get a higher place on the Party list.
This manipulation by corporate media shows how shallow those on Twitter can really be and highlights the ease with which narratives can be manipulated.
The truth is that Willie Jackson (who was this morning announced as the Campaign Manager for the Maori electorates) had flown to Wellington last night, not to try and gain a higher place for himself, he wanted to challenge the Labour Leadership over why there were no Maori at all in the top 15.
Labour need to win Maori voters over if they have any chance of getting to 35% in the election and they will be fighting hard against the Maori/MANA alliance and resurgent Green ambition.
The ease with which Willie’s concerns about Maori representation in the top 15 became an ego driven rampage all concocted from a mainstream media story that was gleefully echoed by the Identitarian factions on Twitter who are still smarting over Jackson being a candidate in the first place, does however give real insight into how the puritans within Labour would still prefer to lose the election than allow working class Maori inside the tent.
The loudest critics on the Twitter left are also those with comfy Wellington jobs and have the resource to survive another 3 years of National. Actual working class people however don’t have that fucking luxury.
All this election, as the real chance of a change of Government increases, expect the corporate media to spin lies as filthy as they were when they were all secretly in cahoots with Slater. They are the mouthpieces of the elites and they love telling you that the Opposition are in disarray. That’s their job.
Your job is to not believe their bullshit.
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Govt ‘shady’ on swimming standard details – Choose Clean Water
The government has kept the public in the dark on its new freshwater policy by failing to produce key information on proposed swimming standards before submissions on the policy closed last week.
Freshwater campaign group, Choose Clean Water, says the government is being “shady and unfair” by denying the public information that would clarify the Government’s disputed claim that they have not worsened swimming standards.
Following February’s announcement of their new water policy, the Government was widely criticised for changing swimming standards to allow more faecal contamination of rivers and lakes where New Zealanders swim.
Last Friday, the day that public submissions closed, Choose Clean Water learned that the Ministry for the Environment had done key analysis showing the percentage of sites around the country that would pass under the old standard alongside the percentage of sites that would pass under the government’s proposed new standards but they would only provide that information to a small group of scientists and not the public.
The group also learned that the scientists would receive the information the week after submissions on the policy had closed and would be granted a three-week extension to comment, which the public would not have.
“Why do we have this shady and unfair process that hasn’t allowed the public to see this key information in time for the public consultation?” said Choose Clean Water spokesperson Marnie Prickett.
“These swimming standards are about pathogens, the things that make you sick when you swim or drink water, so they’re crucial for our health professionals, our tourism industry, parents and grandparents, everyone. They shouldn’t just be plonked into a policy by the government without proper consideration from scientists and the public.”
“We all know we have serious problems of freshwater contamination and polluted rivers and lakes in New Zealand. How will we solve these problems with this unhelpful approach from the Ministry?”
“The Government must make this information publicly available.”
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Sexual assault videos aim to quash myths and encourage victims to come forward – NZ Police
Police hope a series of videos they have developed about reporting sexual assault will help victims to come forward.
The videos take a step-by-step look at what happens when a person reports a sexual assault to Police.
“It takes courage to come forward, to tell us what has happened,” says Detective Superintendent Tim Anderson, National Crime Manager.
“We know that sexual assault is grossly underreported for a variety of reasons, including not knowing what happens after you report an assault or fear of the process.
These videos show what’s actually involved in the reporting process.
There are ten videos in total, six covering the reporting process and four that focus on consent, myths about sexual violence and some of the reasons why people don’t report sexual assaults to Police.
1. Reporting Sexual Assault To Police – Steps 1-5
2. How To Report – Step 1
3. First Interview – Step 2
4. Emotional Support – Step 3
5. Medical Check Up – Step 4
6. Formal Interview – Step 5
7. Why People Don’t Report Sexual Assault – university students share their views
8. Sexual Consent – university students share their views
9. Quick Facts: Sexual Violence – featuring Dr Cathy Stephenson
10. Quick Facts: Sexual Consent – featuring Dr Cathy Stephenson
“Knowing what to expect can debunk myths and alleviate fears and that’s our aim,” says Mr Anderson.
“We hope by releasing these videos we will help people by showing them what happens throughout the process.”
The videos also highlight the vital working partnership Police has with support agencies in the area of reporting sexual assault.
That collaboration helps ensure victims get the emotional or medical support that they may need following a sexual assault.
“Reporting sexual assault isn’t easy
We want victims to know that they will be treated with respect and that we will do everything we can to support them throughout the process.”
The videos can be accessed via the Police YouTube channel and the Sexual Assault section of the Police website.
As well as providing information and contacts to support agencies, the website has an online survey where victims are encouraged to provide feedback on their reporting experience.
Police are releasing the videos on Rape Awareness Week, 1-7 May and Mr Anderson says Police hope they will be a useful ongoing resource and reach those who can benefit most from the information they provide.
“There is always more work to be done and improvements to be made in how we do things.
These videos are another step in the right direction.”
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Thanks but no thanks! – Equal Value Equal Pay
The new legislation for pay equity takes away some of the hard won victories for women in the recent Terranova case. If that is the price of new legislation we say no thanks. The current Equal Pay Act 1972 has been shown to work.
CEVEP welcomes the decision on the payments due to aged care workers following the Kristine Barlett/Terranova case. On the day this decision was announced the government slipped in under the radar their intention to institute new legislation to resolve future pay equity claims. What the government neglected to say was that the proposed legislation would create new hurdles for claimants like Kristine Bartlett.
The government has released an exposure draft of an Employment (Pay Equity and Equal Pay) Bill. This Bill proposes that in order to make claims women will need to meet new historical criteria and will restrict how pay equity will be determined. The process outlined also requires going backwards and forwards to progress claims in what can only be seen as an illogical manner that will tie up claimants, employers and state agencies. This is particularly so as new legal interpretations will be required at some of the steps. The process proposed is not clear and simple, and will require the expertise of professionals in order to proceed through each steps. And, at the end of the day, there will be no backpay for those women (and men) unless the employer agrees. In this way, it once again singles out those working in female predominant occupations for second class treatment. Everyone else whose pay is unlawful is entitled to back wages.
The government promised to make it easier for women to make pay equity claims and to end pay discrimination. This legislation does not do that so CEVEP says “Thanks but no thanks! Let us keep the legislation we now know works!”
The Campaign for Equal Value, Equal Pay (CEVEP) is a voluntary organisation committed to reducing the gender pay gap in New Zealand through policy and initiatives to advance pay equity in general and equal pay for work of equal value in particular.
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National survey seeks New Zealanders’ view on water
Water New Zealand has just launched a major survey which it hopes will help the water sector grapple with the growing challenges around planning and managing the country’s water resources.
It is the first national comprehensive survey of its type and aims to gauge New Zealanders’ attitudes and concerns about water issues – from sustainability and quality issues to how to manage aging infrastructure and increasing urbanisation.
Water New Zealand Chief Executive John Pfahlert says the country’s future prosperity is inextricably linked to how well our water resources will meet the needs of a growing population, diversified industries and protection of the environment.
He says recent events such as the Havelock North water contamination have helped focus attention on what is an essential resource that most of us take for granted.
“Water is one of the most essential services that local authorities provide to customers every day yet it is a service that most people don’t fully understand and that means there is a risk that they can lose trust in a provider.
“In general, New Zealanders get great service from their water service providers at very little cost, but it is important that those providers remain responsive to communities’ needs and expectations.
“Those of us in the business of providing water services need to understand what customers and communities think, including their values, how satisfied they are with the level and cost of infrastructure and whether water quality issues are being adequately addressed.”
He says the information gathered will be used by water providers and utilities to help in future planning and ensuring customers’ needs are being met.
The survey is expected to run for about six weeks and it is hoped that the findings will be presented at the Water New Zealand Conference in September.
Go to www.nzwatersurvey.co.nz to take part in the survey.
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First of 375 marches around the world – 350 Christchurch
Playwright and narrator Simon Brown with the cast of ‘Earthy Earth and the forces of Doom’
From left: 2 Eco kids, Earthy Earth, Eco Warrior Princess, 2 Eco nurses, Mr Fossil Fuel Man and Stinky Methane Cow; Photo credits: Lauri Lee In-Jung Shore
Never before in New Zealand has a Climate March begun with a biting, funny satirical play which was enthusiastically embraced by the 900 – 1000 people who came Cathedral Square, Christchurch to demand government action on climate change.
The three speakers were ECan councilor Lan Phan, Its Our Future’s Gen de Spa and 350.org Christchurch’s Charles Drace. Delightful environmental music by Cathy Sweet and Haimona Hale.
Climate marches today were held in 375 cities over six continents on Donald Trump’s 100th day in office. The Christchurch People’s Climate Parade was the first in the world.
“The play set the scene for the whole day. The engaged crowd were tremendous with their responses, clapping and laughter,” said 350.org organiser Charles Drace. “The speeches also set a new tone to climate marches with their emphasis on the necessary moral and ethical and economic responses to climate change.”
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