WORLD NOTES: August 11
Vanuatu: Pacific island nations slam ‘free trade’ Israel: U.S. arms corps. are big winners South Africa: Falling HIV rates, or flawed data? Indonesia: Corporate bio-fuel firms grab land Bolivia: Socialist government propels agrarian reform
Right wing suffers election setback in Japan
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s ultra-right Liberal Democratic Party suffered a devastating loss in the elections to Japan’s House of Councilors July 29, becoming a minority party in the process.
Sudanese rebels, minus a few, unite for talks
WASHINGTON (IPS) — Leaders of Darfur’s fractious rebel groups have settled on a common negotiating position following a four-day round of talks in Tanzania, United Nations and African Union mediators announced Aug. 6.
Kucinich stands up for child citizens
Last week, Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) became the first 2008 presidential candidate to co-sponsor a bill that protects U.S.-born children from being forcibly separated from their parents who face deportation.
Auto giants have the money, workers say
BELVIDERE, Ill. — As the United Auto Workers and the Big Three car companies hammer out a new contract, Tom Daniels is one of many thousands of workers who realize that the drive to cut wages and benefits is not warranted by the facts. Labor expenses for General Motors, Ford and Chrysler, even by company accounts, do not amount to more than 10 percent of the price of a new car
Justice, finally, in police beating case
MILWAUKEE — Three white former city police officers were convicted July 27 on federal charges of beating to near death a biracial man, Frank Jude Jr. A fourth suspended officer, Ryan Packard, was acquitted.
We salute Joyce Wheeler
We salute Joyce Wheeler on her retirement from the Baltimore City Public Schools.
Immigrants fight for family values
Though most observers have concluded that immigration reform is dead until after the 2008 elections, many immigrant rights activists are continuing to fight. They are especially fired up by the sharp increase in immigration raids and deportations, which are shattering families nationwide.
LETTERS July 28
Abstinence-only flunks out Sarkozy attack on labor Write more letters ‘They shall build houses’ Good questions
