481

and ain't i a woman?: Bush attacks young people's sexual freedom

and ain't i a woman?: Bush attacks young people's sexual freedom Young people have sex — it's a social reality. Greater sexual freedom is a good thing, so long as it's based on free choice, without the moral pressure to have or not to have

Blockade to save the Weld

BY ALEX BAINBRIDGE HOBART — Dozens of activists are maintaining a "Weld River community picket". The blockade, which entered its 12th day on February 15, has stopped work on a forestry road and bridge into the Weld Valley in southern Tasmania.

PHILIPPINES: Manila's 'anti-terrorist' war targets MILF

BY NICK SOUDAKOFF On February 9, "terms of reference" for the "Balikatan" US-Philippines war "exercises" were agreed on by US and Philippines military officials. The 660 US troops, including 120 US special forces commandos, will be allowed to

Thousands converge on Canberra to defend refugees' rights

BY SARAH STEPHEN& JOHN GAUCI CANBERRA — "If international law was to have penalties, and if Woomera detention centre was to be a receptacle for those who breached [it], our prime minister and immigration minister would be behind the razor wire",

BRAZIL: Debates at the World Social Forum

BY LEE SUSTAR intro = PORTO ALEGRE — For a second year, the World Social Forum (held January 31 to February 5) attracted an incredible range of social movements, labour unions and political groups from all over the world. The spirit of

On the box

Actively Radical TV — Sydney community television's progressive current affairs producers tackle the hard issues from the activist's point of view. CTS Sydney (UHF 31), every Sunday, 9pm. Phone 9565 5522. Visit <http://www.channel31.org>

ZIMBABWE: Mugabe targets socialists

BY TAFADZWA CHOTO HARARE — The Zimbabwe government's repression against the opposition Movement for Democratic Change and other activists continues as the March 9-10 presidential election nears. Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and his ruling

Mass pressure needed to change Labor policy

According to a Melbourne Age poll, conducted by AC Nielson last August and September, Prime Minister John Howard's government enjoyed 71% support for its policy of mandatory detention of asylum seekers who arrive without permission. However, a

Students fight for the right to be heard

BY STELLA REITHMULLER BRISBANE — On February 15, 30 people attended a high school action demanding freedom for refugees. Although the action was small, it was an important show of defiance for students who have faced intense harassment at

Biggest protest action since '70s

BY PHILIPPA SKINNER KATOOMBA — Five hundred Blue Mountains residents took to the streets on February 15 to protest the Coalition government's treatment of refugees. Organised by local activists, the theme "Take a stand — free the refugees"

Hospitality workers get organised

BY KIM LINDEN& KATHY NEWNAM NEWCASTLE — When you're on your next holiday, spare a thought for the people cleaning your hotel room. Chances are that their pay and conditions are below those set out in the award, they are being bullied and harassed

Students walk-out for refugees

BY KAROL FLOREK SYDNEY — More than 100 high school students walked out of classrooms on February 15 to voice their opposition to the Coalition government's inhumane treatment of refugees. The Resistance-organised protest commenced in Hyde Park to