352

Military's man takes over Nigeria

By Norm Dixon Nigeria's corrupt and brutal military — which has ruled Africa's most populous country with an iron fist almost continuously since independence — has succeeded in placing its favoured candidate, former military dictator Olusegun

Heroin hypocrisy: why politicians punish the victims

Heroin hypocrisy: why politicians punish the victims By Sue Boland The 1997 United Nations' World Drug Report shows Australian government spending on policing drug use was 14 times that for drug treatment and more than eight times that for drug

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 Thursday, 10pm and Saturday, 7pm. Ph 9565 5522.

Sally Bowen, 1918-1999

Sally Bowen, 1918-1999 Sally Bowen — Communist, peace activist, environmentalist, health worker, feminist and life-long fighter for social justice and working people's rights — passed away in Wollongong on February 25. A former farmhand,

Getting the word out about cultural activism

Getting the word out about cultural activism By Dave Riley Scott M.X. Turner describes himself as a "punk rock/trad Irish/reggae guitarist and singer". The mix may seem a strange one, but Turner's approach to his music is far from eclectic. When

A ghost or a spirit?

A ghost or a spirit? BulworthDirected by and starring Warren BeattyAlso starring Halle BerryShowing in most major cinemas Review by Jonathan Singer Fact: Bulworth is a good — a very good — movie. Fact: It is one you should definitely see.

Indonesian political prisoners may be pardoned

Indonesian political prisoners may be pardoned Stop press: Indonesian political prisoners may be pardoned Following the registration of the People's Democratic Party (PRD) for the June 7 Indonesian general election (see article page 18),

Ocalan tortured, lawyers threatened

By Norm Dixon Lawyers representing Abdullah Ocalan, the leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) abducted by Turkish commandos in league with US intelligence agencies, say he is being psychologically tortured and denied his legal rights. The

Candidates discuss environmental policies

Candidates discuss environmental policies By Justin Randell WOLLONGONG — Candidates standing for seats in the Illawarra in the March 27 NSW election attended an "Environmental health community forum" on March 2. Candidates from the Liberal and

Women's illiteracy, not a neo-Malthusian time-bomb

By Lynette Dumble A report issued by the United Nations' Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) on February 8 highlighted the devastating impact of the south-east Asian economic crisis on girls and women, through retrenchments and government

Organising against 'nuclear capitalism'

Organising against 'nuclear capitalism' By Edward Skimmerhorn HOBART — Democratic Socialist Party spokesperson Tony Iltis discussed the political economy of the nuclear industry at a "Politics in the Wholefood Shop" forum on March 2. Iltis, who

The government's jobs plan fraud

By Dick Nichols Federal treasurer Peter Costello has announced that a 5% official unemployment rate is now feasible. Have Costello and industrial relations minister Peter Reith, the ministers who cut $1.5 billion from labour market programs and