March 07, 2005
Headlines
Rally Against Social Security Privatization
Hundreds rallied in D.C. today to criticize the Bush administration’s drive to privatize Social Security and offer other solutions. Ellen Ratner reports from D.C.
Egyptian Elections Called Sham
Thousands protested in Egypt today calling President Hosni Mubarak’s election reforms a “masquerade.” Late last month, Mubarak said the country would hold their first presidential election with more than one candidate. This weekend the Parliament approved the proposal. Demonstrators say Mubarak is only making the proposal to perpetuate the myth that he is elected by the people. According to reports, the protest broke up peacefully.
Indigenous Communities Vote “No” on Trade Talks
Indigenous communities in Colombia held a public referendum on whether to continue free-trade talks with Peru, Ecuador and the United States. As Chip Mitchell reports from Bogotá, the results are in.
Honduran Death Squads Are Back
A former minister in Honduras says death squads are being used for a more current issue. Latin America correspondent Nan McCurdy has more.
Re-enactment of Historic Civil Rights March
Civil Rights activists re-enacted the historic march from Selma to Montgomery Alabama yesterday. During that march Hundreds rallied in D.C. today to criticize the Bush administration’s drive to privatize Social Security and offer other solutions. Ellen Ratner reports from D.C.
Re-enactment of Civil Rights March
Civil Rights activists re-enacted the historic march from Selma to Montgomery Alabama yesterday. During that march from 40 years ago, more than 200 state troopers and volunteer police from around the state violently pushed the marchers back to Selma, using tear gas, whips, and sticks. The day of the march was thereafter known as “Bloody Sunday.” Yesterday, thousands walked where there were only hundreds prior including many of the same civil rights leaders who survived. Minnie Thomas Brown says activists of the past must share their memories with the next generation.The march is said to have been the inspiration for the adoption of the Voting Rights Act.
Features
Consumer Rights Threatened Under New Bankruptcy Reform Bill
This week the Senate Republican leadership will try to end the debate and vote on a bill to make it harder for people to file chapter 7 under the bankruptcy code. The measure is heavily backed by the banking and credit card industries. Consumer rights and protections proposed to be added to the bill have been steadily defeated. Mitch Jeserich reports.
Bolivian President Resigns under Mass Indigenous Protests
Under mass pressure from protests against continued privatization policy, Bolivian President Carlos Mesa tendered his resignation today. Mesa, who assumed office only 17 months ago after President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada resigned under similar protests from the indigenous majority, said that he could not continue to govern the country under the mass blockades which have plagued various cities throughout Bolivia. Congress has yet to accept his resignation. Joining us to talk about the developments in Bolivia is Felipe Quispe, who works with the Union of Bolivian Peasant Farm Workers.
Trade Talks between Venezuela and India
Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez is on a four day trade visit to India, a move that many see as diversification process to get away from its dependency on US purchases of oil supplies. India, on the other hand is also seeking to move away from its dependency on the Middle East. The left’s darling leader, as Chavez is referred to, is also visiting pro-left state governments in India as part of his diplomatic tour. FSRN’s Binu Alex has more
Syria Begins Pulling Out of Lebanon
Syrian soldiers were seen packing and moving towards the eastern Lebanese valley today after Syrian and Lebanese officials agreed on plans for Syrian withdrawal. In the meantime, Syrian political opponents and supporters in Lebanon are escalating their stand with more actions on the streets. Mohammed Shublaq reports.
Iraqis Frustrated with the New Government
The Iraqi National Assembly has set its first meeting date for March 16, more than a month after the results of January’s elections were declared official. Violence continued in the country today, with insurgent attacks killing at least eight Iraqi soldiers, five policemen and two dozen civilians. Lengthy negotiations over the formation of the government have left Iraqis frustrated and concerned about the viability of a body that has yet to convene. David Enders reports from Baghdad.
US Troops Attack Freed Italian Journalist
As many as 20,000 people flocked to the State Funeral today in Italy for Nicola Calipari, the Italian Intelligence Office killed by US fire in while escorting journalist Giuliana Sgrena, who was held captive for over one month. While the US calls the occurrence an accident, many in Italy are questioning the motives for the US shooting, as well as Italy’s role in Iraq. In Italy, Diletta Varlese has more.
Protest over Lack of People of Color at FDNY
Today marked another graduation exercise for the Fire Department of New York. While some families are celebrating graduates joining the ranks of what’s touted as New York’s finest, it’s also cause for protest by others that not enough people of color are being considered for the job. In New York, Ian Forrest reports.
