Archives

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Against Privacy: The Enhanced Driver’s License Security Show

Christopher Parsons June 15, 2009 Christopher Parsons

We're paying for a high-tech Broadway show that's themed around 'security', but we're actually watching the equivalent of a catastrophic performance in a low budget community theatre. The price of admission? Only millions of dollars and your privacy. As of June 1, 2009, Canadians and Americans alike require an Enhanced Drivers License (EDL), a NEXUS card, a FAST card, a passport, or a Secure Certificate of Indian Status to cross a Canadian-American land border.

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The Privatization of the Global Freshwater Commons

Frank Joseph Smecker June 11, 2009 Frank Joseph Smecker

Water Rights Protest, Phillipines
Around the world, scarcity of potable water is becoming a portentous matter. Rivers and streams are vanishing, and the desiccation and depletion of entire watersheds and aquifers is increasing the world over. When seeking a reason for the withering away of drinkable water and the silencing of gushing streams, it becomes obvious that there is not one sole factor contributing to this dire situation, but many. Global warming and climate change, industrial modes of production, dam construction, and water privatization all conduce to the problem of water scarcity.

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A Dieu, Albert Bongo: Africa’s Longest-Serving President Moves On

Rene Wadlow June 10, 2009 Rene Wadlow

Albert Bongo
Omar Bongo, President of Gabon since 1967, died on June 8, 2009 in a hospital in Barcelona, Spain.  I had known him in 1966 when I was working in Gabon, and he was the 'directeur de cabinet' - chief administrative officer - of the first President of Gabon, Leon Mba.  I was told by a French friend who was an advisor to the President that Bongo was the man to watch and that his power was growing.

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‘Al-Jazeera Effect’ Counters ‘CNN Effect’: Canadians Deserve Al Jazeera

Walied Khogali and Anita Krajnc June 5, 2009 Walied Khogali and Anita Krajnc

Two networks or groups, Canadians for Al Jazeera and the Campaign for Democratic Media have partnered together to form a joint campaign in order to support Al Jazeera English's CRTC application to broadcast in Canada. Canada's broadcast regulator is accepting public comments until June 8. These groups have already generated one thousand letters from the Canadian public in hopes of giving Canadians the choice of viewing a truly independent global news network among the overwhelming 500-channel universe currently available.