Drive-by Planet

100th day of protest in Quebec: Charest's tactics backfire

2012-05-23T20:11:00.004-07:00

On May 18, in an effort to quell protest the National Assembly in Quebec passed Bill 78 - emergency legislation that includes a number of repressive measures. It's an unwise move that is showing every sign of backfiring. Léo Bureau-Blouin, president of the association of junior colleges said “We deplore that the government chose the path of repression rather than that of negotiation.”

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has raised serious concerns about the new law.

Bill 78 drastically limits freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly rights in Quebec. It puts in place a number of prohibitions that are at best tenuously linked with the goal of ensuring access to postsecondary education. Even those provisions that do directly address access to educational institutions are frequently overly broad, vague and discretionary.

You can read the details of the CCLA response here.

In defending measures such as "prior notice" the Charest government claimed that similar rules exist in Toronto. This is a misleading statement. The Quebec law requires that organizers of a march of 50 or more give the authorities 8 hours prior written notice. In Toronto these conditions don't apply - protest organizers aren't required by law to get prior permission or even give notice.

The law will effectively put a chill on protest by making organizers responsible for the actions of other participants, which is ludicrous. How on earth are organizers supposed to be responsible for the conduct of individuals in a march of thousands? Participants could be required to answer for the behavior of people who may have joined the protest for other reasons.

It's not surprising that after a rise in his approval numbers Charest has seen an erosion in support. These repressive measures have further damaged the government's credibility.

In a powerful show of strength, on May 22 Quebec students kicked off the 100th day of protest with the biggest demo to date. Tens of thousands took the streets.

CBC:

CLASSE spearheaded Tuesday's march, aided by Quebec's largest labour federations. The province's two other main student groups, FEUQ and FECQ, also rallied their supporters.

CLASSE said Monday it would direct members to defy BILL 78, Quebec's emergency legislation.

CLASSE spokesman Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois said the special legislation goes beyond students and their tuition-hike conflict.

"We want to make the point that there are tens of thousands of citizens who are against this law who think that protesting without asking for a permit is a fundamental right... If the government wants to apply its law, it will have a lot of work to do. That is part of the objective of the protest today, to underline the fact that this law is absurd and inapplicable."

Montrealers also took to the streets outside their homes to protest the law with the use of pots and pans in what has been dubbed the "casserole movement." On Tuesday evening hundreds of citizens in Villeray, Mile-End, Petite-Patrie and the Plateau made their disapproval loudly heard by banging their kitchenware:

In addition to education-related grievances, the Quebec protests address broader issues of economic justice. This in part explains the staying power of a movement that is getting international attention with coverage by a number of the biggest media outlets in the world. CBC reports that supporters in New York and Paris staged marches in solidarity with Quebec students. Events were also organized in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver.

Racism in Israel: African asylum seekers targeted

2012-05-21T06:05:00.001-07:00

Still frames from - "Racism Report: Africans in Israel"

(video posted beneath)

When Israeli president Shimon Peres spoke on Holocaust Remembrance Day at Yad Vashem in 2011, he said that out of all the countries in the world Israel did the most to combat racial discrimination:

We, the Jewish people, were victims of racism, persecution and discrimination, but we never neglected the commandment to respect every person. Because every person, according to our tradition, is created in the image of God. Even in a darkened world we aspired, and will aspire to be a light unto the nations.

This is the significance of the State of Israel: To physically defend our people, and morally defend our tradition. Every citizen of Israel, regardless of religion or race knows that Israel is, and will be the most anti-racist country in the world.

Unfortunately Peres' high sounding rhetoric doesn't reflect the reality on the ground.

In January the African Refugee Development Center (ARDC) submitted a report to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.The report cites Israel's harsh detention policy, discriminatory edicts by state-employed rabbis, tolerance of segregation in the school system and other problematic areas. It points out ways in which Israel ignores international obligations towards asylum seekers and enacts discriminatory policies and practices.

African migrants who make it to Israel in hopes of asylum, often after dangerous treks, encounter not just sporadic racism, but orchestrated anti-immigrant campaigns backed by rabbis and politicians. Most recently PM Binyamin Netanyahu went public with dire warnings, branding African migrants "illegal infiltrators" who threaten "the social fabric of society, our national security and our national identity." Nothing less than a threat to 'the Jewish and democratic character of the country.'

This alarmist rhetoric with its hyped threat level sends a message not borne out by reports from Israeli activists familiar with the situation in Tel Aviv and elsewhere. Worse Netanyahu's rhetoric is profoundly discriminatory. It targets people already threatened with poverty, homelessness and racial discrimination. Israel claims to be a democracy and has signed on to various treaties that come with humanitarian obligations. Using security and identity issues to target African migrants is a cop out.

Israelis involved in protests have accused migrants of bringing disease and jacking up the crime rate. The attempt to conflate the immigrant presence with crime is a favorite tactic of the xenophobes who make every effort to paint Africans as criminals, even though there is little truth in the accusation. In fact the crime rate among foreigners in Israel is 2.04% - significantly lower than the 4.99% among Israelis.

Instead of Israel adding to the quality of life and human dignity of migrants, the opposite has been happening. Migrants have been restricted in the area of employment and many landlords refuse to rent to them as the result of a campaign backed by rabbis. There have been reports of assaults on the street. Molotov cocktails were thrown at the residences of Africans in south Tel Aviv.

Since it signed the refugee convention in 1949, a mere 143 people have been granted refugee status in Israel - a paltry number when you consider the sanctuary offered by European nations. It's hard not to note the irony that this has occurred in a nation all too familiar with discrimination.

Far from Israel showing signs of a more inclusive approach - it is constructing a huge detention center that will hold up to 11,000 people. In the words of a human rights lawyer familiar with the project, it will be a 'prison for people from Africa.' The vast complex is being built on the grounds of the Ktzi'ot prison in the Negev desert, close to the border with Egypt.

Racist attitudes have long been directed at Arab Israelis who in some walks of life are effectively treated like second class citizens. Now African migrants have become an additional target. It makes a mockery of Shimon Peres' claim that Israel is on the front lines in the battle against racism.

The video beneath suggests that an anti-immigrant mentality is prevalent. One protestor even evokes xenophobic European attitudes - often associated with the far-right - to justify the targeting of African migrants in Israel.

Alexis Tsipras of SYRIZA: Impact of austerity on Greece 'catastrophic'

2012-05-19T00:08:00.001-07:00

In the current eurozone crisis Greece has been unfairly cast as the "black sheep" of Europe. Greece isn't alone in being negatively impacted by neoliberal economic policies - policies that have precipitated a meltdown in the eurozone and a growing gulf between classes. It isn't a Greek crisis, it's a European crisis, a crisis of capital - Greece just happens to be the stage where the drama is presently coming into sharpest focus.

The Greece Solidarity Campaign recently met with Alexis Tsipras (leader of the left-coalition party SYRIZA) and other Greek representatives.

Tsipras described the impact of austerity on Greece as "catastrophic." He says the prescription to cure the economic crisis is "the medicine of disaster." He further likened it to "shock neoliberal measures" along the lines of a socio-political experiment.

In discussing the background to austerity in Greece the GSC learned that: ...

... 110 billion euros were lost through avoidance and evasion of tax on profits by the richest in Greece, with tax evasion by the rich on a grand scale in the last 10 years. Instead of collecting money owned by the wealthy a direct tax (VAT) of 23% has been levied, affecting the poorest most. An example of this was given: Greece has the biggest merchant fleet in the world, but the fleet owners pay less in tax that the entire immigrant population in Greece.

They described how for two and a half years the banks, bailed out in 2008, have not paid back the money that they owe the Greek people. Tsipras described the ESKRO off-shore account created outside of Greece by the Greek government, which will pay banks and other international creditors first, and whatever is left will go to meet the social needs of Greece. 40 billion Euros of capital has left Greece in the last year.

What needs to happen in Greece?

Alexis Tsipras talked about the need for the left to create a climate of social justice and campaign for alternative policies

He said that the Government had no mandate to sign the two memoranda, and questioned their legality. He said the first job of a new Government with a popular mandate should be to renegotiate the memos, on the agreed principal that Greek society cannot take the policies of the two memos. Furthermore they felt that the key question was not in or out of the eurozone, but rather exploiting being in it to support renegotiation.

They outlined how regardless of any renegotiations their view is that there needs to be a reorganisation of social and economic structures. Key features of this include socialisation (nationalisation) of the banking system and redistribution of wealth through a radical change in the taxation system – taxing big capital not poverty.

The video beneath features an interview up-close and personal with Alexis Tsipras. In a rather fitting touch the lead-in includes the Rolling Stones tune "Gimme Shelter." Be sure to click "cc" to get English subtitles.

Palestinian hunger strike a victory for non-violent protest

2012-05-16T21:48:00.001-07:00

The Israeli practice of holding Palestinian prisoners in so-called "administrative detention" is a violation of international law. Prisoners are brought before military judges who determine the length of detention. This can be as much as six months and can be repeated indefinitely.

Administrative detention was a central issue driving the 28-day mass hunger strike staged by Palestinian prisoners that saw Israel make key concessions. The outcome of the strike was hailed by the Palestinian prisoners' rights group Addameer as "achievements of the prisoners' movement." Details on Israeli concessions from Electronic Intifada.

Palestinian politician Hanan Ashrawi welcomed the deal: "The hunger strikers' courage is magnificently inspiring, and their selflessness deeply humbling. They have truly demonstrated that non-violent resistance is an essential tool in our struggle for freedom..."

The Israeli practice of imprisoning Palestinians without charge or trial is nothing new. A Guardian article estimates that there are presently 308 Palestinians being held in administrative detention in Israeli prisons.

Guardian:

According to the Israeli human rights organisation, B'Tselem, about one third have been held for between six months and a year; one third have been held between one and two years; 13 have been held between two and four and a half years; and two prisoners have been held continuously for more than four and a half years.

Neither those detained nor their lawyers are informed of the accusations or evidence against them, no charges are laid and no trial is held. "Since the detainees do not know the evidence against them, they are unable to refute it," say B'Tselem.

The concessions made by Israel include limitations on the use of administrative arrest. Prisoners already in administrative detention won't have their terms renewed unless fresh evidence is brought before a military judge.

However Addameer warns that this "will not explicitly solve Israel’s lenient and problematic application of administrative detention, which as it stands is in stark violation of international law." Addameer also adds that Israel has a history of not upholding agreements with respect to prisoners.

As with many Israel-related stories the hunger strike was under-reported in Canadian corporate media. For in-depth coverage of Israeli stories reliable options that come to mind include Haaretz online, Guardian online and also some alternative media sources. Norman Finkelstein said recently during a BBC interview that many N. American Jews have fallen silent on Israel rather than 'air the dirty laundry' - the same could be said of some media outlets in Canada, a number of which appear to be journalistically handicapped by their partisan position.

In the video beneath Noam Chomsky speaks with Amy Goodman of DemocracyNow! about the Palestinian hunger strike and related issues.

More from Al Jazeera - here.

Québec student protests send a powerful message

2012-05-15T00:50:00.002-07:00

Québec education minister Line Beauchamp has resigned. In making the announcement she said "I am resigning because I have decided I am not part of the solution." She denies that her resignation is connected with the demonstrations and "vandalism." She has been replaced as Education Minister by Michelle Courchesne.

Despite a long, arduous haul the students are showing no signs of backing down. Some critics of the student protests say that since student tuition in Québec is the lowest in Canada, the students should shut up and put up. This kneejerk response to the Québec protests fails to take into account that although the students are addressing local grievances, their protests resonate with students across Canada who are facing a worsening debt situation.

The stand of students in Québec has been applauded by the Canadian Federation of Students, and no wonder. Around 60% of Canadian students graduate with a debt load of around $27,000 for an undergraduate degree. Total student debt in Canada is a staggering $20 billion. Students are faced with fewer jobs that offer wages sufficient to pay down debt in a timely manner. They are also faced with interest rates of between 5% to 9% on student loans (depending on location) with the likelihood of an increase in interest rates in the future. Graduate students with large debt burdens have increasingly been making the decision to declare bankruptsy.

Québec students are making a stand on behalf of all who are being exploited by a system that puts profit ahead of people.

In an open letter to the Québec government the Canadian Federation of Students stated:

Students in Québec have taken it on themselves to defend the next generation's right to education. They have put their semester on the line to fight for a vision of the world where no one is excluded. They have made a convincing case, they have garnered public support, and they have presented government with several alternative solutions to the tuition fee hike.

We are dismayed that the government of Québec has continued to demonstrate contempt towards young people and bad faith in the negotiation process that it has claimed to be committed to.

The demonization of the Québec student movement in the mainstream media is predictable. Critics have been quick to jump on any evidence of violence by a small minority in order to try and discredit a movement that sends a powerful message.

The Québec protests are part of a global movement that is challenging a broken financial system, neoliberal economic policies that are increasingly out-of-touch and corruption in high places. The establishment understandably feels threatened by what it has difficulty patronizing and controlling.

Contrary to the impression created by some reports, student leaders haven't ignored or encouraged violence. On the contrary the student group CLASSE denounced "physical and deliberate acts" and condemned what it described as "unacceptable actions" by students, but also by "other people."

By contrast some commentators in the mainstream media have been calling for ramped up action against the students. Writing in the National Post, Michael Den Tandt recommends "Dispersal with massive use of tear gas; then arrest, public humiliation, and some pain." He brings up corporal punishment in Singapore as something he apparently finds commendable - "...caning is more merciful than incarceration for an energetic young vandal on the cusp of becoming a full-fledged career criminal." He can also relate to the pillories used in the Middle Ages which he says "might not be a bad idea" and suggests that students being humiliated in this fashion should be posted on YouTube.

You don't hear similar calls for violence coming from Québec student leaders. What has been going on more to the point is a campaign of violence and intimidation directed at student demonstrators.

The video beneath shows in graphic detail the type of police tactics that have been directed against students and other citizens.

Total student debt in Canada: $20 billion

2012-05-14T22:23:00.001-07:00

Masked protestors could be jailed under Tory MP bill

2012-05-12T17:15:00.001-07:00

An amendment to the Criminal Code of Canada under a new private member's bill - Bill C-309 - would make it illegal for protestors to wear masks during "tumultuous demonstrations" also described by authorities as "riots" or "unlawful assemblies."

CBC reports that MP's studying the bill have doubled the proposed penalty to ten years. An excessive penalty, considering that people convicted of hardcore crime often face lesser penalties. It seems more like an attempt to put a chill on protest. Section 351 of the Criminal Code already makes it an indictable offense to wear a mask during the commission of a crime.

Most people who wear a mask to demos aren't involved in anything criminal. There are legitimate reasons for wearing a mask. Masks might be donned by people with concerns about being profiled and unjustly targeted - for example in the case of a demo against police brutality.They offer a degree of protection against chemicals and flying objects such as rubber bullets. Now that riot police are becoming increasingly militarized double layering, jockstraps and flak jackets might also be in order.

New Democrat MP Charmaine Borg makes the point that the bill “takes away an individual’s right to demonstrate anonymously. An individual is not necessarily going to commit a crime just because he or she is wearing a mask at a riot. It is reasonable to think that the person just wants to remain anonymous and protect his or her identity.”

Masking happens in a lot of different ways come to think about it. Scamming Canadian voters with robocalls and lying about it constitutes a cover up, a masking of the truth. That type of masking is a lot more threatening to the public interest than the simple act of donning a Guy Fawkes mask.

Creating a special provision banning masks is also a way to facilitate surveillance. The security apparatus uses face recognition software for indentification and tracking purposes. Masks get in the way of that agenda.

A ban on masks is open to interpretation. In Germany black bloc protestors use hoodies, ballcaps and shades. A large polo-neck style sweater rigged to cover the lower half of the face along with a ballcap and shades would definitely make identification tricky. Depending on the definition of "masking" it might be difficult to make the charge stick.

This Big Brother amendment to the Criminal Code will be challenged because it is wide open to abuse. You can see it now... peaceful protestors who are masked and in no way "tumultuous" or otherwise riot disposed will be targeted for the simple act of mask wearing. The attitude of the cops could well be seize-and-detain and sort it out later.

Give the authorities an inch and the usual experience is they'll take a mile. It's a threat to civil liberties and freedom of expression and it has to be challenged. It also begs the question - what next?

More on the mask ban here.

Finkelstein on HARDtalk: American Jews falling out of love with Israel?

2012-05-08T20:51:00.002-07:00

Norman Finkelstein takes an unbelievable amount of flack for stating hard truths about Israel.

In a recent interview on the BBC show "HARDtalk" host Sarah Montague kept raising objections to Finkelstein's perfectly valid criticisms of Israel. Finkelstein's criticisms have been echoed by a number of other influential Jewish American commentators.

New York Times columnist and Nobel Prize winner Paul Krugman when writing about Peter Beinart's book "The Crisis of Zionism" said: "Like many liberal American Jews I basically avoid thinking about where Israel is going. It seems obvious from here that the narrow-minded policies of the current government are basically a gradual, long-run form of national suicide – and that’s bad for Jews everywhere, not to mention the world."

Finkelstein's realism and fearlessness when it comes to calling out Israel for its nationalistic sabre rattling, war and threats-of-war is right on the mark. He refers to Israel as 'a lunatic state' and asks what other country in the world continually speculates about who they are going to attack next. When by way of comparison, he asked Montague what countries in the last ten years had been attacked by Iran she declined to answer, even when he repeated the question a few times.

It isn't at all surprising if, as Finkelstein claims, American Jews are increasingly distancing themselves from Israel in its current incarnation. A large percentage of American Jews are liberal in outlook, engaged when it comes to progressive social issues, defenders of civil rights - many are on the front lines in the fight for justice and fairness in American society. During the last presidential election close to 80% of American Jews voted for the Democratic ticket.

The tilt toward right-wing nationalism in Israel with shows of belligerence and war threats doesn't sit easily with the the political outlook and convictions of many American Jews when it comes to the way forward.

In Canada also the Jewish community is by no means monolithic in its backing of Israel's policies. In a recent Press TV video Diana Ralph of Independent Jewish Voices and others express concerns about Israel's stance on Iran:

Argentine Olympics ad raises Falklands dispute

2012-05-04T01:50:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year - the 30th anniversary of the Falklands war - Prince William arrived on the islands for military duty. His provocative presence at a sensitive time sparked angry words in the media and union jack burning in Buenos Aries. The US actor and activist Sean Penn pointedly criticized what he characterized as British geo-political grandstanding.

A new Olympics-related ad featuring Fernando Zylberberg of the Argentine men's hockey team is likely to set off another war or words. The 90-second ad was reportedly shot by the US based Young and Rubicam advertising agency.

The ad begins with scenes of the Falklands in what looks like an early morning setting. Zylberberg appears in training gear, takes a look at a fluttering union jack and pulls a hood grimly over his head. Then he hits the road in the capital Stanley, stopping en-route to exercise outside the Globe Tavern and to do step-ups on the British war memorial. He winds up on a beach where he does push-ups and kisses the sand.

The ad closes with the words... "To compete on English soil, we train on Argentine soil."

The islanders aren't thrilled. A Falklands legislator, Ian Hansen, said the film was made without permission and demonstrates Argentina's disrespect for the islanders. On its website the government of the islands has posted a reaction to the ad.

Zylberberg informed a Buenes Aries radio station that he took part in a March 18 marathon involving both Argentine and British veterans of the 1982 war. He said: "I spent all week running on the island... I crossed it all doing different takes. It's an incredible experience because we were surrounded by veterans."

The Argentine sports secretary, Claudio Morresi, told Reuters: "The Argentine delegation will travel to London with the conviction in their minds and hearts that the Malvinas are Argentine but all they will be going to London to do is take part in the sporting event."

In the opinion of this blogger Argentina has the stronger claim to the islands - reasons here. President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner's government has been seeking negotiations but heated rhetoric and accusations of arrogance coming from both sides hasn't helped. The ad is unlikely to make communications any more congenial, but it will certainly draw attention to Argentina's claims.

More on the story from abcnews.

Urban uprisings: David Harvey in discussion with Amy Goodman

2012-05-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

Protestors march down Broadway: May 1 2012

May 1 - international workers' day - is officially recognized in countries around the world. Even though the May 1 demonstration of solidarity was sparked by events in the United States - the 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago - it has never been accorded official recognition in that nation.

In recent years May 1 has been reborn as a day of protest in the United States. This year the Occupy movement organized May Day protests across the US with thousands turning out in New York for a day of action.

As a way of marking the day I'm posting a video in which the renowned social theorist David Harvey reflects on urban uprisings. He is in discussion with Democracy Now!'s Amy Goodman:

Tories change the rules: foreign workers for 15% off

2012-04-30T18:05:00.001-07:00

Canadian Human Resources Minister, Diane Finley, recently announced changes to the Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP).

Under the new rules employers will be allowed to pay foreign temp workers 15 per cent less than the average fair market wage. Companys looking to hire foreign workers have to apply for a Labor Market Opinion (LMO) which has been fast tracked to within 10 business days.

The feds estimate that they will process 150,000 temporary foreign worker applications this year.

The new rules open the door for the exploitation of foreign workers who have few protections in Canada. It also leaves Canadian workers vulnerable to discriminatory hiring practices.

It's no coincidence that the announcement was made by Finley during a visit to a factory in Alberta. The new rules are about catering to the corporate agenda and driving growth - even if it happens to be at the expense of workers.

Nancy Furlong of the Alberta Federation of Labor expressed her opposition to the federal move: "They’re trying to drive down salaries and wages and frankly I don’t think that’s the job of our government to take one side, that being business, and find them ways of making money... by allowing them to drive wages down. I just think that’s just wrong, totally wrong."

Over the long haul the new rules could help open the door for wage reductions in other sectors. Head economist for the CAW, Jim Stanford said: “Harper is giving a go-ahead to employers to tap into vulnerable foreign workers to drive down Canadian wages... These measures... will be used to staff hotels in Ontario. They’ll be used for light manufacturing in BC. This is part of a national low-wage strategy.”

More from the Toronto Star.

Quebec protests: righteous rage against hikes and cutbacks

2012-04-27T05:54:00.000-07:00

Citizen protests have been a major feature of the debates raging in Quebec about future directions in the province, and by extension - Canada.

On April 22 an estimated 250,000 Earth Day participants made their way through the streets of Montréal. They called for an end to the tar sands, to shale gas development and the Charest government's Plan Nord mining expansion. They also took aim at Harper's environmental policies, Canada's withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol and demanded immediate measures to protect ecosystems.

Students in Quebec have shown impressive solidarity and determination in standing up to a Charest government that wants to hike tuition fees 75% over the next five years. In the course of the protests students have fought court injunctions and resisted political pressure. They have held their ground, often in the face of heavy handed tactics on the part of the police.

There are some 170,000 students boycotting classes. Some High School students have also stepped up to show their support.

Student solidarity was underlined when Coalition de l’Association pour une solidarité syndicale étudiante (CLASSE) was barred from talks by Education Minister Line Beauchamp for having video of a demo on their site that showed violence. She blamed CLASSE for seeking "disruptions." Both the Fédération étudiante universitaire du Québec (FEUQ) and the Fédération étudiante collégiale du Québec (FECQ) left the talks to demonstrate their solidarity with CLASSE.

In response to criticisms of the student action from Line Beauchamp and others in government, a CLASSE leader Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois fired back during a speech to a large crowd assembled at the foot of Mount Royal:

In recent days they have been calling Quebec students hoodlums, vandals, violent people. That's false! What is more violent than selling the lands of indigenous peoples to some multinationals? What is more violent than polluting the air that our children are going to breathe? We are not violent, it is they who are violent!

Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois

CLASSE has been vital to the protest movement. In its on-line journal Ultimatum it has run news and updates. It has helped to drive the debate and the view that education should be a collective service financed as such by the government - rather than some type of academic 'commodity' that student-consumers have to pay for.

The mainstream media coverage in the rest of Canada has shown little sympathy for the student action or grievances. Many commentators buy into the "user pays" philosophy that sees students in Canada shouldering at times obscene financial burdens and entering the workforce laden with debt.

Students are supposed to be appreciative slaves-of-the-education-machine and not complain too loudly. Meanwhile of course children of the well heeled don't have to sweat about their next dollar or future debt liabilities - but it's bad form to bring that up, because it reflects resentment don't-you-know. Same reason some people think its bad form to talk about millionaires needing to cough up more tax.

Writing in the National Post, Andrew Coyne represents the anti-attitude where the protests are concerned. Coyne proposes that students pay the full cost of their education through a graduated tax on future income. Coyne argues it`s not really a tax - it`s an investment. He even rather bizarrely likened students to a "high-tech startup firm." Does the language of finance and the market have to infect every aspect of life.

Before offering up his insights Coyne made a point of insulting Quebec students: "A more self-serving, self-satisfied, self-dramatizing collection of idiots could not have been assembled in one place without prolonged exposure to Foucault and Lacan"... which shows where he is really coming from. Many students who have hit the streets and increasing numbers of the like-minded just don't happen to agree with the priorities of an Andrew Coyne.

CLASSE has called for more concerted action against the Charest government measures. An article by Richard Fidler mentions a statement released by CLASSE titled For a Quebec Spring. It was put out to coincide with the April 14 march and says in part:

Cuts in social programs, lower taxes for corporations, record military expenditures, setbacks to women's rights, massive layoffs, inaction on factory closings, raising the retirement threshold to 67 years, increase in education fees, imposition of the healthcare tax, increased electricity rates… The list of Liberal and Conservative injustices is a long one.

All the more reason to broaden the field of action.

Video of recent large demo in Montréal:

Sarkozy offers three debates: Sarko aide says Hollande 'scared'

2012-04-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

During a speech to a partisan crowd after his recent loss in the first stage of the French presidential race, Sarkozy proposed three debates between himself and Socialist challenger François Hollande. The occasion in itself was a little odd. A casual viewer tuning in might have mistakenly thought Sarkozy was celebrating a victory rather than a loss. He is in fact the only outgoing president not to lead after the first round of a presidential election.

Hollande, who placed first in round one, has turned down Sarkozy's offer. As the winner in round one why should Hollande allow Sarko to dictate the terms and do what he loves... bloviate for the cameras. One of the issues in this campaign is Sarkozy's overblown personality. He has turned off a lot of French voters who in addition to disappointment with broken promises and empty rhetoric, view his style as anything-but presidential. Simply put many voters are sick and tired of Sarkozy and his posturing.

A Sarkozy spokesperson, Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, said that Hollande was "scared" to go against the president in three debates. The Hollande team was quick to react.

Guardian:

Hollande's team responded by saying Sarkozy's offer was a childish "whim" and an attempt at manipulation. His spokesman, Pierre Moscovici, said Hollande refused to be dictated to by a man who would go down in history as the only outgoing president not to lead after the first-round vote.

Muscovi also said:

Just because he's got a bad result he now wants three debates. It's the whim of a naughty pupil, someone who didn't get the score he expected. He never wanted that before. And he's trying to make out François Hollande is afraid. The debate – there will be one of them – will be a big debate and we hope it will answer the questions that concern the French... We're not going to take any lessons from Nicolas Sarkozy. He has no credibility. He's not in a position to impose anything on François Hollande.

Bar some miraculous alignment of electoral fortunes it looks as though Sarko is on the way out. In more basic terms he needs about 80% of Le Pen's voters. However there is a limit on how far he can go in wooing Front National voters without alienating the center. Anyway many FN voters are so turned off by President Bling Bling they will likely abstain or even vote Socialist. On paper at least 27% of FN voters have said they will vote for Hollande in round two.

Sarkozy has been making a pitch to the far-right, promising a get-tough approach. It's pathetic that he is prepared to pander to the hate, anger and alienation represented by the Front National surge, but not surprising. Sarkozy is all about opportunism, especially when it comes to securing the edge on anything that touches on his ego.

He also needs to try and keep Bayrou's centrists in play. Good luck with that. A majority of centrists have more sympathy for Hollande - some 40% - than Sarkozy. Only around 25% have said they will vote for Sarkozy. So his options are limited going into round two.

By contrast most of the 15.1% of voters who backed other left-wing parties will get solidly behind Hollande. If you pool the contenders overall likely support base, Hollande's percentages are significantly higher than Sarkozy`s. One analyst indicates the breakdown would be around 36% for Sarkozy and 42% for Hollande.

Sarkula

2012-04-24T11:20:00.000-07:00

Sergei Udaltsov: Russian Left Front leader denies assault claim

2012-04-24T09:59:00.001-07:00

Russian Left-Front leader, Sergei Udaltsov, has been a target of the authorities over the years. A lot of the charges have been trumped up. For example in 2011 he was jailed for alleged jaywalking.

His lawyer said of the arrests: "These cases are fabricated as a deliberate obstacle to prevent Sergei from exercising his constitutional rights to free political expression."

During one prison stint Amnesty International named Udaltsov a 'prisoner of conscience' and called for his release.

You have to wonder if trouble is seeking out Udaltsov.

Most recently a journalist, Anna Pozdnyakova - who is sympathetic to United Russia`s youth wing - claimed that the opposition leader struck her during an interview. Udaltsov's spouse, Anastasia, who is also active in the Left-Front says the claim is false. She posted a slowed down video of the incident to demonstrate what she believes to be deliberate tampering.

Udaltsov was arrested but later released from custody. He denies Pozdnyakova`s allegation and has characterized the incident as a provocation.

The background audio on a YouTube video of the incident suggests he made contact with camera equipment in the process of evacuating the space.

Apparently the authorities found nothing incriminating. When he was released Udaltsov said: "The Prosecutor's Office did not find any evidence of criminal action by me in the materials given to them."

In the course of his political career Udaltsov has been placed under administrative arrest dozens of times. It's fairly evident that the detentions were an effort to stop him from showing up at anti-Putin protests. The authorities seem intimidated by his presence at these events. Contrary to reports Udaltsov says he never suggested storming the Kremlin: "Storm the Kremlin?... For that you would need either a few thousand Latvian riflemen or soldiers or sailors behind you, like in 1917..."

He has been putting out the call for people to attend a 'March of Millions' scheduled for May 6th.

Udaltsov denies any nostalgia for the old Soviet era:

We are not nostalgic about the Soviet Union, we do not argue for a return to a centrally planned economy where social initiative was stifled, but we do want to preserve what was good in the Soviet system while adopting new paths to development; we want to see the social-democratic development of Russia.

He is interested in creating a broad left coalition and has called for "a direct democracy, where the people would have their say through fair and transparent referendums, where they could interact with authorities using the Internet, where they could have a say in social reforms."

Anti-immigrant CAPS: new ad links migrants with carbon emissions

2012-04-20T22:29:00.000-07:00

According to an ad put out by the group Californians for Population Stabilization (CAPS), there is a link between immigration and climate change.

CAPS claims that as immigrants to the U.S. change their consumption habits in the course of 'Americanizing' they will add significantly to the nation's growing carbon footprint. The claim is made that they will produce "four times more carbon emissions" than in their own countries. The ad provides little hard data to back this up. Some might argue that it's a perspective that says more about prejudice than the very real challenges associated with climate change.

Making immigrants an issue in this debate distracts from larger issues associated with consumption habits themselves and the role of government and international bodies in enacting the necessary measures to address carbon emissions across the board.

Fingering immigrants for adding to carbon emissions that will bring about "environmental degradation" comes across as scapegoating. The type of individual who associates Mexican immigrants with scary headlines and an invasion scenario will have no problem adding 'environmental threat' to the profiling list as a way of beefing up anti-immigrant prejudice. From that perspective the CAPS ad could be seen as creating a bigger problem that the one it purports to be addressing.

The truth is, the number of Mexican immigrants entering the U.S. has slowed down dramatically in recent times.

The fresh faced white guy in the CAPS ad - all of their videos I've seen feature studly white dudes - is short on scientific data to back up his assertions. The claim mentioned above that immigrants are responsible for producing "four times more carbon emissions" than in their own countries is sketchy at best. It has more in common with the flawed findings of a Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) report than objective data.

CIS is a questionable knowledge source. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the organization has connections with John Tanton, who has been described as the "puppeteer" of the nativist movement. Tanton was involved in the founding of American Immigration Reform and NumbersUSA - an immigrant reduction organization. The report also ties Tanton to white supremacy and the eugenics movement.

The CAPS claim about the immigrant contribution to the carbon footprint is countered by data cited in a post from Think Progress:

There's also robust data showing that immigrants produce less carbon emissions than their native-born citizen counterparts. Brookings found in 2008 that the 10 highest carbon-emitting cities have an average immigrant population below 5 percent, while the cities with the lowest carbon footprint have an average immigrant population of 26 percent.

During tough and challenging times it's not unusual for elements in the host society to scapegoat newcomers. Judging from the focus of this CAPS ad the knee-jerk tendency is alive and well.

CAPS video beneath:

Link to Think Progress post - here

IDF assaults on Andreas Ias and others during Jordan Valley protest

2012-04-17T15:38:00.045-07:00

Andreas Ias getting smashed in the face with an M-16

On Saturday when Palestinian and international cyclists attempted to bike along Route 90, the main North-South highway in the Jordan Valley, they were stopped by Israeli forces. A number of the participants in the ride were assaulted. A 20-year old Danish activist, Andreas Ias, was subjected to a particularly brutal assault at the hands of Lt. Col. Shalom Eisner, who used his M-16 to bash Ias in the face.

The cyclists were demonstrating against discriminatory policies in the Jordan Valley and the plight faced by indigenous Bedouin communities.

Prior to the incident Israel had been putting plans in place to block dozens of international activists from entering the country. The overreaction might make you think that unarmed international activists are now the latest suspects posing an existential threat to Israel.

By contrast far-right Islamophobes - some with neo-Nazi connections - have visited Israel without a problem. Geert Wilders has been a visitor. Right-wing crank Glenn Beck received rock star treatment and a standing ovation in the Knesset.

It's a different story for activists who step on Israeli soil at their own risk.

It appeared to come easily to Eisner when he employed his M-16 to smash the face of an unarmed young man. Palestinians routinely claim abuse at the hands of the IDF, but it takes a documented incident involving an international activist to attract world attention. Ofer Shelah writing in Yediot Ahronot makes the point that:

Any reasonable viewer who sees the clip asks himself how many such incidents take place where there is no documentation, and how the army responds when there is no conclusive and public proof of unjustified violence...

A report by the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) describes what took place during the protest. According to the report the bikers were...

blocked by Israeli occupation soldiers and jeeps at the entrance to Route 90. Soldiers informed the bikers that they would not be allowed to continue “for their own safety.” When activists peacefully attempted to continue on their way, the local commander of the occupation forces swung his rifle at the the head of multiple activists, resulting in the hospitalizations of the three activists and the detention of a man from Sweden.

Gun being used as a club

A female activist is assaulted

She falls after the assault

The assault on Andreas Ias seen from another angle

The ISM report gives the reasons for the protest ride:

Palestinian drivers on Route 90, the Jordan Valley’s main north-south route, face regular harassment and attacks from Israeli settlers and soldiers. Palestinian drivers and cyclists are frequently pulled over and searched for no reason...

The Jordan Valley faces a concerted Israeli campaign of ethnic cleansing towards the Palestinians living there. Demolitions of homes occur with frequency, and the Israelis are currently stealing the vast majority of the valley’s land and water. The majority of the fruit and vegetables produced on this stolen land are exported to Europe and North America. The bike demonstration was part of a day of demonstrations and festivities that included visits to villages, a youth dubke performance, and speeches. The events aim to send the message to the world and the occupying forces that the people of the Jordan Valley and Palestine refuse to cede their land to the illegal occupation and will continue to resist and remain on their land.

Eisner's self-serving version in which he claims he was attacked with a stick and had two fingers broken was almost certainly concocted. It's highly unlikely that a protestor who assaults and breaks the fingers of an officer would be permitted to walk free and continue protesting. For a guy with alleged broken fingers Eisner was certainly able to wield an M-16 with athletic ease... not exactly a lightweight weapon.

Despite official censure of Eisner, Haaretz reports that he has his admirers. Knesset member Michael Ben Ari was one of those doing the applauding: "Well done to the IDF officer who did what Bibi and Aharonovich have no brain or courage to do. Radical leftists must be handled with a heavy hand."

Video showing the assault on Andreas Ias:

Diab extradition order: 'dangerous new low' in Canadian law

2012-04-14T12:54:00.010-07:00

Earlier this month Canadian Justice Minister Rob Nicholson signed an extradition order allowing for the surrender of Canadian citizen, Ottawa U professor Hassan Diab, to French authorities. Dr Diab has been accused of involvement with a 1980 bombing outside a synagogue on Rue Copernic, Paris. He has steadfastly proclaimed his innocence.

Following the 2008 arrest of Diab by the RCMP acting on behalf of French authorities, Diab was placed in custody for over 4 months and denied bail. He was later placed under house arrest. He has to wear a GPS electronic ankle monitor and can only leave his home with a surety.

The Nicholson move follows an Ontario Court ruling last year that saw Justice Robert Maranger commit Diab for extradition. However Maranger stated that the case against Diab was “very problematic”, “very confusing”, “very convoluted” and drew “suspect conclusions”. He said “the prospects of conviction in the context of a fair trial seem unlikely” but noted that his interpretation of Canada's extradition law left him no choice.

Fact is, based on the flimsy evidence a Canadian court would almost certainly throw the case out. Diab's lawyer, Donald Bayne, says the case against his client is “is anchored centrally around unsourced, uncircumstanced, …, anonymous intelligence assertions."

Other evidence against Diab? Problematic police sketches made sometime after the bombing and flawed analysis of handwriting found on a hotel registration card. Two of the handwriting experts were discredited by experts for the defence. A top British expert characterized the evidence presented by the French as “demonstrably false." The French went so far as to disavow the evidence of their own "experts."

Not only is Diab's handwriting not a match for that of the suspect, his finger and palm prints don't match either. Diab is being extradited for mere questioning by French authorities who cite anonymous "intelligence" sources related to the case.

Diab's lawyer, Donald Bayne, has rightly said that the move represents "a dangerous new low" in Canadian law:

“We simply cannot be sending Canadians abroad, around the world, so that foreign regimes can investigate them... They either have a case against them or they don’t.”

Canada's Supreme Court has held that trials based on unchallengeable intelligence are contrary to the principles of fundamental justice. France has been condemned in the past for running trials based on intelligence. It has been accused of violating Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the right to fair trial. Link to Human Rights Watch for more.

BC lawyer Gary Botting who has extensive experience representing clients in extradition cases, said that in the absence of necessary evidence on the part of the French to take it to trial, Diab should not be extradited. Botting is quoted in the Globe and Mail as saying that such a move would be “... a complete misuse of the extradition process...”

The problem with this high handed application of Canada's extradition law is that the decision has the appearance of being more about politics than just procedure. Given all that is known, the extradition order amounts to a violation of Dr Diab's legal and human rights.

There is good reason to believe that this case has been additionally politicized as a result of the recent Merah shootings in France and the anti-immigrant climate in that country.

From another perspective Nicholson's move comes as no surprise, given that the Harper government has demonstrated bias in related matters time and again.

The court ruling is being appealed. An appeal will also be launched against Nicholson's decision.

You can sign a petition here to protest the extradition of Hassan Diab.

Hassan Diab supporters get out the message:

Video that covers some key areas in the Diab case:

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For in-depth coverage link to the site Justice for Hassan Diab - here.

Swiss mag uses Roma child with a gun to push scare story

2012-04-11T15:00:00.019-07:00

Die Weltwoche, a conservative Swiss magazine with ties to the right-wing Swiss People's Party recently published an alarmist article under the title - "The Roma Are Coming: Plunder in Switzerland."

The photo accompanying the article shows a Roma child who looks to be about 4 years-old pointing a handgun at the camera. The photo has no relation whatever to Switzerland and very little relation to the story aside from sensation value.

The photo was in fact taken in Kosovo, a region ravaged by war where ethnic cleansing impacted the pre-1999 Romani population, resulting in the widespread expulsion, abuse and killing of so-called "gypsies." Entire Romani communities were devastated and many people went missing.

Italian photographer Livio Mancini encountered the child used in the Weltwoche story at a garbage dump in the Kosovar city of Gjakova in 2008. The child's family lived at the garbage site and made a meager living recycling found items. The child and his peers knew only life in the dump - "a poisoned and diseased playground."

The photo was obtained by Weltwoche via a stock agency. Mancini had no control over how it was being used.

The exploitation of the child's photo to push a scare story has generated outrage. The Central Council of Sinti and Roma has filed a criminal complaint for racial incitement and libel against Die Weltwoche. Other complaints have been filed against the magazine in Switzerland, Germany and Austria.

Peter Struder, president of the Swiss Press Council between 2001-2007, said that it was "an outrageous picture with racist tones."

Austrian journalist, Klaus Kamolz, stressed the importance of sending a "symbolic message" to counter the magazine's “sweeping generalisation and tarring of Roma as criminals."

The Roma and Sinti peoples are among Europe's most disadvantaged minorities. They have a long history of persecution. The Nazis were responsible for the murder of around 500,000 Sinti and Roma. The persecution continues today with stories from Italy, France, Hungary and elsewhere that demonstrate how these people are routinely stereotyped as "outsiders" and "criminals."

In the video beneath campaigners for Roma and Sinti rights at the OSCE Conference in Warsaw talk about the challenges they face in Europe:

Stirring up old demons

2012-04-11T14:44:00.006-07:00

Proposed EU law would criminalize possession of hacking tools

2012-04-10T16:53:00.012-07:00

In an effort to harmonize anti-hacking laws, the EU parliament has come up with a sweeping draft law. The proposal, backed by the EU Civil Liberties Committee, aims to criminalize the possession and distribution of hacking tools.

It's hard not to be skeptical about efforts of politicians to deal with the challenges presented by new technologies. The wide ranging and rather vague language suggests the EU approach could benefit from some additional input in order to sharpen focus.

This is what they are recommending...

Cyber attacks targeting "a network, database or website" and "Illegal access, interference or interception of data" would be treated as a criminal offence. The maximum for anyone convicted of such offences would be at least two years imprisonment. It could go up to 5 years in attacks involving tools to facilitate major botnet attacks, DDoS ... "attacks that cause considerable damage (e.g. by disrupting system service), financial costs or loss of financial data."

Spoofing - using another person's electronic ID to carry out an attack is described as an "aggravating circumstance." MEP's have called for a maximum penalty of three years. Other hacker related activities such as use of tools for password retrieval in order to access information would fall foul of the law.

Companies could also be liable under the proposed law, for example in cases involving the hiring of a hacker/hackers to target a competitor's database.

In commenting on the proposal Rapporteur Monika Hohlmeier (EPP, DE) said:

We are dealing here with serious criminal attacks, some of which are even conducted by criminal organisations. The financial damage caused for companies, private users and the public side amounts to several billions each year... No car manufacturer may send a car without a seatbelt into the streets. And if this happens, the company will be held liable for any damage. These rules must also apply in the virtual world.

As it stands, this wide ranging proposal could put at risk white hats engaged in such activities as penetration testing and ethical hacktivists who undertake research in the interests of the public good.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation's International Rights Director, Katitza Rodriguez, characterized the EU proposal as "vague and sweeping crime legislation." She says: "We urge the Parliament to focus on the intent behind using the tool, rather than mere possession, use, production, or distribution of such tools per se. The latter approach threatens valuable security testing that makes technology more robust and benefits us all."

Ms Rodriguez said that if the directive moves forward, several key aspects need to be improved. You can read her recommendations - here.

There is a problem with placing emphasis on the hacking tools themselves. The proposed law risks branding researchers as criminals - as mentioned those who probe networks in order to better enhance security against cyber attacks. Intent is an extremely important consideration.

In India there was a case involving a researcher, Hari Prasad, who exposed vulnerabilities in an e-voting machine. When a government or corporate operated system is open to abuse, it often takes the services of cyber investigators to alert the public to potential liabilities.

The EU proposal was approved with by 50 votes in favor, 1 against, and 3 abstentions. There could be an agreement between Parliament and Council on the proposed legislation as early as this summer.

UK police racism: tirade of abuse recorded by black victim

2012-04-07T06:39:00.011-07:00

Met police in the UK has been accused of racism so often it has led critics to claim that racist attitudes have become "institutionalized" in the force.

Incidents kept recurring over the years with no convincing evidence that Scotland Yard was getting serious about dealing with the problem. Now Met Police is confirming that they are investigating 20 officers and one staffer for suspected racism. Of those under investigation, eight officers and the member of police staff have been suspended.

The problem of racism in the force hasn't been given the type of priority it required. This is underlined by former assistant commissioner at the Yard, Tarique Ghaffur: "The leadership took their eye off the ball on racism for some time."

Previous comments by Met Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe adds weight to this view: "For years the Met leadership have been refusing to admit it. In 2004 it was obvious we had a problem with racism, but nothing was done about it. If the Met had addressed stop and search, the chances of the riots happening would have been lessened..."

An incident that occurred in 2011 includes a recording of police abuse that has recently been made public.

Shortly after last summer's riots, police pulled over a car being driven by a 21 year-old black man from east London. The cops arrested the driver on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and for missing a court appearance. He was detained in a police van and subjected to a tirade of abuse that he managed to record on his mobile phone.

The man decided to turn on his phone recorder after an officer allegedly made sexual remarks about his mother and said "you will be dead in five years."

He was told: "The problem with you is you will always be a nigger."

Guardian:

The man... said he was made to feel "like an animal" by police. He has also accused one officer of kneeling on his chest and strangling him.

In the recording, a police officer can be heard admitting he strangled the man because he was "a cunt". Moments later, another officer – identified by investigators as PC Alex MacFarlane – subjects the man to a succession of racist insults and adds: "You'll always have black skin. Don't hide behind your colour."

At a later date the man submitted his phone to a custody desk in Forest Gate police station.

Guardian:

The Independent Police Complaints Commission referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service on the basis that three officers, including MacFarlane, may have committed criminal offences.

The CPS initially decided no charges should be brought against any of the police officers. However on Thursday, the service said it would review the file after lawyers for the man threatened to challenge the decision in a high court judicial review. MacFarlane has been suspended.

According to Estelle du Boulay, director of the Newham Monitoring Project, the case isn't that unusual:

Sadly, the shocking treatment of this young man at the hands of police officers – both the physical brutality he describes and the racial abuse he claims he suffered – are by no means unusual; it compares to other reports we have received. What makes this case different is the victim had the foresight and courage to turn on a recording device on his mobile phone.

Let's hope the recent moves to address Met racism result in real rather than cosmetic results. Based on past experience there is reason to be skeptical.

Video with samples of the recording made during the incident:

More from Guardian on the story.

Jean-Luc Mélenchon: Left-Front surges in French polls

2012-04-06T23:34:00.013-07:00

Left-Front firebrand Jean-Luc Mélenchon has moved ahead of far-right Marine Le Pen to become the third placed contender in the French presidential campaign. He pulls no punches in his colorful descriptions of Le Pen and her far-right views, calling her "a dark presence" and "semi-demented."

Mélenchon is sometimes misrepresented as a communist. He's an ex-member of the Socialists - a party that he believes has gone soft. He has been described as a socialist republican with a Marxian view of the crisis afflicting market capitalism. He's also engaging... a great crowd pleaser.

In a recent article Angelique Chrisafis captures the essence of the Mélenchon appeal:

Mixing brute rage with killer, comic one-liners about the French political class, Mélenchon whipped up the crowd with promises of a civic insurrection to crush aristocracy and privilege. Hundreds who could not fit into the hall stood freezing in the car-park watching a live feed on a video screen, waving red banners and tricolour flags. "Welcome to Mélenchon-mania," beamed a student at her first ever rally.

Mélenchon is disarmingly candid about his remedies for the French economy. He characterizes himself as "dangerous"... "Dangerous for financial interests, and dangerous for the oligarchy in France and Europe." He's not kidding either.

Mélenchon:

Anything above €360,000, we take it all. The tax bracket will be 100%. People say to me, that's ideological. I say too right it is. It's a vision of society. Just as we won't allow poverty in our society, we won't allow the hyper-accumulation of riches. Money should not be accumulated but circulated, invested, spent for the common good.

When asked if such policies wouldn't drive the rich out of France, he replied: "If they do, no problem. Bye bye."

It may not be that easy to escape. He proposes that tax exiles should have to pay the difference back to the state: "So there's no point leaving, because we'll catch you. If they don't pay, we'll seize what they own..."

Eat-the-rich and bash-the-bankers rhetoric is finding a receptive audience in France. Lifestyles of the rich and infamous has provoked popular revulsion. An example of this being the the behind-the-scenes activities of L'Oreal cosmetic heiress, Liliane Bettencourt, who lives in a mansion in Neuilly-sur-Seine. Tapes made on the fly by her butler suggest Bettencourt was avoiding paying taxes by stashing cash in undeclared Swiss bank accounts. A former accountant, Claire Thibout, alleged in an interview with the website Mediapart that visiting conservative politicians were given envelopes stuffed with cash. Other revelations involving Bettencourt's lifestyle have added to the cynicism - even the news that her dogs eat only fresh fish.

On the EU Jean-Luc Mélenchon is equally outspoken and unafraid of rocking the status quo. He is no longer a defender of European federalism because "economic liberalism has totally corrupted the institution and makes it impossible to achieve democratic change which is necessary in the EU, all power belonging to technocrats with no popular legitimacy."

He supports a citizens revolution (révolution citoyenne) that will reverse the division of wealth and include changes to the constitution. Radical stuff. It has prompted some of his critics to name him "Chávez a la française" - but judging from Mélenchon's appeal many people in France seem to have an appetitie for radical solutions. More than six out of 10 show some support for the ideas of Jean-Luc Mélenchon.

Mélenchon rally

The prospects for the rich in France look challenging unless Sarko can be retained. Even Sarkozy's main rival, Socialist François Hollande is on record saying "I don't like the rich" adding that making them pay more tax is "patriotism."

Apparently Jean-Luc is a big poetry fan. Also a fan of the French Revolution. During a speech he said "The French Revolution of 1789 hasn't breathed its last... If Europe is a volcano, France is the crater of all European revolutions!"

Che's Irish connection: Galway project sparks controversy

2012-04-03T00:02:00.033-07:00

The legendary Cuban revolutionary leader, Ernesto "Che" Guevara, had Irish roots. Che's grandmother, Ana Isabel Lynch, was the daughter of one Patrick Lynch who lived near Claregalway.

Lynch is a well known Galway name. Che who was close to his grandmother, Isabel Lynch, had a keen interest in his Irish heritage. He made visits to Ireland in 1962 and 1964. His daughter Aleida Guevara, also paid a visit to Galway in 2002 where she was given a civic reception.

Aleida Guevara

In 1962 the Dublin artist Jim Fitzpatrick who produced the famous "Che" monochrome, crossed paths with the man himself. It makes for one of those epic pub stories:

... while a teenage student at Gormanston College he [Fitzpatrick] worked a summer job at the Marine Hotel pub in Kilkee... One morning Che Guevara walked in with two Cubans and ordered an Irish Whiskey... Che told Fitzpatrick that his grandmother was Irish and that his great-grandmother Isabel, was from Galway, with other family being from Cork.

The city council in Galway city has been discussing a proposal to erect a monument to Che, a move that has met with support but also resistance - some of it from as far afield as Florida. The designer Simon McGuinness said that the work would be a tribute to Jim Fitzpatrick’s iconic "Che" poster.

An Irish businessman Declan Ganley has been vocal in his opposition to the idea. He compared Guevara with the likes of Pol Pot and Idi Amin - which for all of Che's sins is simply a nutty comparison. Ganley is the founder of Libertas, a party that made the news during the Lisbon treaty referendum. He claims a monument to Che would drive away business. This is a spurious argument. Che might be controversial but the presence of a monument is more likely to attract the curious and those eager to snap a few photos.

The proposed Galway monument

Detractors target Che as a human rights violator and point to his method of dispensing "revolutionary justice." Some of these accusations derive from rumor and hearsay as much as historical fact. Revolutions tend to result in extreme measures. Similar sorts of charges could be leveled at George Washington and other American revolutionary heroes who were far from squeaky clean. The same could be said for the activities of the CIA and American proxies in central America during the Reagan administration years. Conservatives don't have a monopoly on political cleanliness.

The Batista regime in Cuba that Guevara helped to overthrow was steeped in corruption. The regime ruthlessly exploited Cuba's commercial interests and maintained control through the use of a brutal police presence. Criminal enterprises flourished, in particular those operated by the American mafia.

The most reliable assessments of Che come from the men who served under him. A number of these reports paint a picture of a man who risked his life for his comrades and who showed extraordinary bravery on the battlefield. A former lieutenant, Joel Iglesias, describes an occasion when he was down and wounded during a battle: "Che ran out to me, defying the bullets, threw me over his shoulder, and got me out of there."

Other reflections and assessments by a former adjutant - here.

In 1958 Guevara played a critical role in the Battle of Las Mercedes. He used his column to halt a force of 1,500 sent to encircle and destroy the revolutionary forces. The tactical brilliance behind Guevara's strategy was acknowledged by Major Larry Brockman of the U.S. Marine Corps who studied the Las Mercedes battle.

It's important to place a few degrees of separation between Che and the iconic image that has become bigger than the man himself. The image as symbol has an appeal that transcends Che's particular mission. It is no longer seen as a purely Marxist-Leninist statement as some on the right claim. It can be seen to relate in a more general sense to the 99% - to people power - to rights and justice and the will to challenge the status quo.

Che's iconic power to inspire millions has endured even as the history of the man has come under increased scrutiny. He was no saint, but there can be no arguing that he made his mark on history as few have done.

Che Guevara is also a man with a heritage that is in part Irish. If the Galway people decide to acknowledge the famous descendent of a native son, that's their call.

Below video from Che's 1964 visit to Ireland. It features an RTE interview with an Aer Lingus hostess in attendance making a brave attempt to translate:

Also link to: "Che as I knew him" by former Algerian President, Ahmed Ben Bella

Che bad

2012-04-03T00:00:00.010-07:00