July 2008 - Page 2 of 3 - Toward Freedom

Vermont Progressives Play the Independent Card

Greg Guma July 23, 2008 Greg Guma

Anthony Pollina

The announcement by Anthony Pollina, a Vermont Progressive Party leader running for governor, that he will appear on the ballot this fall as an Independent raises intriguing questions about the reasons for his switch and the future of the movement he leads in the Green Mountain State. At a news conference, Pollina said that running as an independent "is by far the best way" to build a coalition. He didn't mention winning, but that clearly also figured into the decision.

G8: The Anti-Climate Summit

Walden Bello July 22, 2008 Walden Bello

While drafting the so-called Bali Roadmap during the UN Conference on climate change last December, delegates faced a painful choice. They could specifically mention the necessity of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 25-40% by 2020 and face the possibility of a U.S. walkout from the negotiations. Or they could drop all mention of targets to keep Washington in the negotiations - and risk of the United States fatally obstructing the process of coming up with a tough regime of mandatory emissions cuts that would have to be in place by the UN's climate meeting in Copenhagen in December 2009.

Making a Profit Out of The Food Crisis: From A Brave New World Bank to Monsanto

Sam Urquhart July 17, 2008 Sam Urquhart

Anti-Hunger Protest in Haiti

In early June, the battle over the world's food supply moved to Rome where the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) held an international summit to discuss rising food prices, climate change and biofuels cultivation. There was much coverage of the summit in the world's media, often focusing on the high profile appearance of Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe or the Iranian president Mahmud Ahmedinejad, yet few commentators looked into the rotten heart of the exercise.

The Mediterranean-Black Sea Union: The Ship Sets Sail

Rene Wadlow July 16, 2008 Rene Wadlow

On July 13, in the Grand Palais, an ornate meeting hall built for the 1900 World's Fair in Paris, the Mediterranean-Black Sea Union ship was set to sea with many good wishes from the assembled 44 heads of State or Government. How sea worthy the ship is and what it will carry is too soon to tell.

Prejudice and Provocation at Budapest’s Gay Pride Parade

John Horvath July 15, 2008 John Horvath

At Budapest's Gay Pride Parade

For a second year running, the Budapest July 5th gay pride parade was marred by violence as protesters against the parade threw eggs, tomatoes, and even bottles at participants. This happened in spite of a heavy police presence; there were about two police officers for each parade participant. Protesters then clashed with police pelting them with rocks and even Molotov cocktails. The police, in turn, responded with water cannon and tear gas.

The Bipartisan Road to War in Iran and The Activist Response

Jeff Nall July 14, 2008 Jeff Nall

More than 100 House Democrats have joined 117 House Republicans in co-sponsoring a bill which peace activists fear may further pave the road to war with Iran. The Bill, House Concurrent Resolution 362, describes Iran as a threat to international peace, stability in the Middle East, and US National Security. Introduced on May 22 by New York Democrat Gary Ackerman, the bill calls for an affective blockade against Iran, which, according to international law, is an act of aggression.