Monday, April 14, 2008

• On the Campaign Trail
• What the US-Colombia Free Trade Deal Could Mean for Small Farmers
• Uncertainty for Hebron Orphanage
• Residents Oppose Utah Water Diversion
• Army Dissenter Promoted to Staff Sergeant
• Mumia Commentary: Symbols versus Substance
  

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On the Campaign Trail

The Pennsylvania primary is almost here, just 8 days away. Hilary Clinton is trying to gain any leverage she can, it's largely been jumping on Barack Obama for comments he made that people who "cling to guns or religion" are "bitter." Meanwhile, presumptive Republican nominee John McCain said he would not leave Iraq if it meant looking for Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan. FSRN's Leigh Ann Caldwell reports.

What the US-Colombia Free Trade Deal Could Mean for Small Farmers

Democrats in Washington recently stalled a Free Trade Agreement with Colombia, asking the White House to provide more protection to US workers who would lose their jobs if the deal is signed. The Colombian government was disappointed by the decision, saying it would push back the country's development. But Colombian President Alvaro Uribe's opposition is relieved: they say that the FTA would put millions of small farmers out of business, encouraging them to grow illegal crops, like coca leaf, to make a living. Manuel Rueda visited the Cauca Valley, one of Colombia's main centers for cocaine production.

Uncertainty for Hebron Orphanage

The Israeli military issued orders in late February for the closure and confiscation of orphanages, schools and other facilities in the West Bank city of Hebron owned by the Islamic Charitable Society, accusing the group of having ties with Hamas. The organization has filed an appeal with Israel's high court, which demanded the military provide justification by April 6. The military asked for an extension but has yet to provide evidence, and the Israeli court has not yet ruled on the appeal. The closure orders were temporarily frozen for a week – but the Israel Army told the charity last week that they had until Sunday to evacuate. Zack Baddorf reports that as of today there has been no move to force the closure.

Residents Oppose Utah Water Diversion

Some 150 southwestern Utah residents gathered for a water symposium Saturday – calling for a referendum on a proposed water pipeline for a growing area that they say will endanger water resources and contribute to urban sprawl. Jon Pike has more.

Army Dissenter Promoted to Staff Sergeant

One of the leading voices of dissent inside the US Army has been promoted. Sergeant Ron Cantu, who signed a petition to Congress demanding the US withdraw from Iraq and gave interviews to 60 Minutes, Democracy Now!, and Free Speech Radio News detailing his opposition to the war, has seen his rank upgraded to Staff Sergeant. Some observers say Cantu's promotion shows the military is now so stressed by the ongoing war that it's finding it difficult to crack down on dissent within the ranks. Aaron Glantz has more.

Commentary: Symbols versus Substance

Mumia Abu-Jamal with a commentary from Death Row.