IndyRadio Broadcasts the Shortwave Report

(updated 08-30) WE HAVE TOMORROWS BROADCAST. all 4 shows are up! Including the show for Friday August 31.

Shows from August 31,  August 24, August 17 and August 10 alternate, repeating every 2 hours starting at 9:00 pm CDT on this playlist:

 http://indyradio.nu:2012/08sw.m3u

The newest programs are linked at: http://radiotube.nu:2012    AND   http://indyradio.nu:2012

The Remix includes all of the shows from April, complete with music.

Programs notes (below) are from Dan Roberts at  http://www.outfarpress.com/shortwave.shtml

PROGRAM NOTES 8/31/12

This weeks show features stories from RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, THE VOICE OF RUSSIA, RADIO HAVANA CUBA, NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN, and SPANISH NATIONAL RADIO.

 From GERMANY     The Russian government has denounced international criticism of the jailing of the punk band Pussy Riot for songs with anti-Putin messages. Are freedom and civil rights vanishing in Russia and what does this portend for the President?

From RUSSIA  There are numerous international reports that the mercenary firm formerly known as Blackwater has been carrying out targeted assassinations and torture for the CIA in Iraq and Afghanistan. Why does America outsource these murders?

From CUBA  In Mexico the electoral tribunal has rejected all complaints about the last Presidential election. Over 150,000 Chileans marched this week for free education and a return to democracy. South African Bishop Desmond Tutu withdrew from a Johannesburg conference because of the presence of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. In Florida, Codepink were unable to arrest Condoleezza Rice on charges of war crimes. French President Hollande announced that France will recognize a provisional rebel government in Syria.

From JAPAN  An Insight on the anti-Japan protests spreading through China following the arrest of Hong Kong activists who landed on a disputed island. A panel of experts says that the majority of Japanese citizens want a nuclear-free nation. One-third of children in Fukushima have lumps on their thyroid glands, but the government wants more tests to see if it is related to the nuclear disaster.

From SPAIN  Cuba will host peace talks between the Colombian government and FARC rebels. A Brazilian court ordered the resumption of construction on a major dam in the Amazon rainforest. Then 2 press reviews- the first on social stratification in Greece and the second on German President Merkel's attitude about bailing out Spain and Italy.

"Globalization, as defined by rich people like us, is a very nice thing... you are talking about the Internet, you are talking about cell phones, you are talking about computers. This doesn't affect two-thirds of the people of the world."
--Jimmy Carter

PROGRAM NOTES 8/24/12   This weeks show features stories from RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, RADIO HAVANA CUBA, THE VOICE OF RUSSIA, RADIO HAVANA CUBA, THE VOICE OF RUSSIA, SPANISH NATIONAL RADIO, and NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN.

From GERMANY   An update on the platinum mine in South Africa where 34 miners were killed by police. A rabbi and a doctor are suing each other over the ban on infant circumcision in Cologne Germany. Activists in Austria have created a "democratic bank," based on principles of common good not financial profit. Russia has warned the West against military intervention in Syria, following Obama's warning about chemical weapons.

From CUBA   Syrian authorities are insisting on dialogue to resolve the national crisis, without foreign intervention. An update on Julian Assange staying at the Ecuadoran Embassy in Britain. At least 13 people were killed in Pakistan by 3 separate US drone strikes.

From RUSSIA   At the United Nations, the special rapporteur on Human Rights, Ben Emmerson, began an investigation into the legality of the US drone killings.

From SPAIN   United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will attend the summit meeting of non-aligned nations in Iran. Russian police are searching for more members of the punk band "Pussy Riot."

From JAPAN   Japanese Prime Minister Noda and anti-nuclear citizens groups remain far apart over the country's energy policy. An Insight on the future of nuclear power, with the executive director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy Policies. Fish caught off the coast of Fukushima have radiation levels upwards of 380 times the allowable limit.

"The corporate grip on opinion in the United States is one of the wonders of the Western world. No First World country has ever managed to eliminate so entirely from its media all objectivity - much less dissent."
--Gore Vidal

PROGRAM NOTES 8/17/12  This weeks show features stories from RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, the VOICE OF RUSSIA, NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN, RADIO HAVANA CUBA, and CHINA RADIO INTERNATIONAL.

From GERMANY  The Spanish National radio and television service has fired a number of well-known journalists for criticizing the austerity measures imposed by the government. Youth have been rioting in northern France over police activities, and Basque prisoners in Spain and France are on hunger strikes. The Australian government passed a law last year calling for all cigarette packages to be plain olive green with no trademark logo- the tobacco companies took the government to court and have lost their lawsuit. A federal court in Brazil has halted work on a huge dam in the Amazon. Lebanese Shiite gunmen seized 20 Sunni citizens of various countries, raising the risk that the conflict in Syria will spread over the border.

From RUSSIA  China has accused the West of pursuing violent regime change in Syria- there is more speculation that the US may lead more actions independent of the UN. And that all of this leads to further radicalization of Sunni Moslems throughout the Arab world.

From JAPAN  Iranian President Ahmedinejad criticized Arab nations that support anti-government forces in Syria, saying that the West was creating chaos to drive Islamic nations to fight each other. More radioactive water leaks have been noted at the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plants. In Connecticut the Millstone nuclear power plant was shut down because the seawater used to cool the reactor rose beyond the safety limit. Japanese firms are developing electric generators that run on ocean currents.

From CUBA  In the US the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has suspended final decisions on licensing new and renewed nuclear power plants. Nicaraguan President Ortega suggested that capitalist nations should implement fair-trade policies as a way out of neoliberal economic failure. Opposition Parliamentarians in Chile have urged the nationalization of water in the face of a severe drought. Chilean students said that they will continue their protests against profiteering in the educational system. Exxon has acknowledged a new oil spill off the coast of southern Nigeria.

From CHINA  The Organization of Islamic Countries has suspended Syria from the 57 member bloc. The United Nations has determined that both the Syrian government and rebel forces are guilty of war crimes. Japanese police arrested Chinese activists who landed on islands that China claims, and China has filed an official complaint with the Japanese government. Ecuador has granted asylum to Julian Assange, though British authorities have threatened to storm the embassy and take Assange.

"Nobody in the world, nobody in history, has ever gotten their freedom by appealing to the moral sense of the people who were oppressing them."
--Assata Shakur

PROGRAM NOTES 8/10/12

This weeks show features stories from RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, the VOICE OF RUSSIA, RADIO HAVANA CUBA, and NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN.

From GERMANY  For the past month there have been protests in Mexico over the outcome of the Presidential election- here is an interview with a protestor who is a university professor. Two pieces about the punk band Pussy Riot who are facing 3 years in prison for a flash mob protest in Russia. The Egyptian President called for resignations after a deadly ambush where 16 soldiers were killed.

From RUSSIA  An update on the fate of Julian Assange, who is seeking refuge in Ecuador, to avoid possible extradition to the US where many think he will be charged with violation of the espionage act.

From CUBA  The former Syrian Prime Minister who dramatically resigned this week was reportedly working for the opposition forces all along. With a green light from the White House, US citizens are being allowed to donate money to purchase weapons for the Syrian opposition. The US mercenary firm formerly known as Blackwater agreed to pay fines for illegally smuggling weapons worldwide.

From JAPAN  An Insight on the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima- 50,000 people attended a ceremony calling for world peace and the abolition of all nuclear weapons- many also called for the end of nuclear power in Japan. One of the attendees at Hiroshima was the grandson of Harry Truman who had authorized the atomic bombs- the grandson campaigns for the end of all nuclear weapons. A Japanese survey team met with US NGOs in Oregon to develop strategies to deal with the Fukushima debris reaching the entire US west coast. Fukushima prefecture will soon begin checking for radiation in the rice exported from the region. Interpol has put out a Red Notice for the arrest of Paul Watson, head of the marine wildlife conservation group Sea Shepherd.

"We're just a conceited naked ape, but in our minds we're some "divine legend" and we see ourselves as some sort of god, seeing we can decide what will live and what will die, what will be saved and what will be destroyed, but honestly we're just a bunch of primates out of control."
--Paul Watson, Sea Shepherd

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That concludes the IndyRadio re-broadcast of Dan's 4 most recent shows. Below you'll find archived programs listings from previous shows.

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Brainwash from other parts of the world is different enough from our own that by lining up these reports together, you might derive a suggestion of the truth.

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Program notes from previous shows follow:

PROGRAM NOTES 8/03/12

This weeks show features stories from NHK JAPAN, RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, CHINA RADIO INTERNATIONAL, the VOICE OF RUSSIA, and SPANISH NATIONAL RADIO. 

From JAPAN- At public hearings on nuclear power citizens of Japan have expressed distrust of the industry and government- a strong majority supports zero nuclear energy. Tens of thousands protested against nuclear power last weekend in Tokyo. There is a new political party in Japan with their primary issue being the elimination of nuclear energy. Paul Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd Society, explained why he skipped bail in Germany. 

From GERMANY- President Obama announced new US sanctions on trading with Iran and on countries using gold to purchase oil. Hillary Clinton is traveling around Africa with a business delegation while Leon Panetta is touring the Middle East and North Africa, pushing for an overthrow of Syria. Qatar, home of al-Jazeera news, wants to buy 200 high tech tanks from Germany. 

From CHINA- Syria is accusing Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey of funding and arming the rebels in Syria. Japan criticized China's defense policy, notably its maritime expansion. The per capita use of antibiotics in China is 10 times that of the US- the government has now severely limited the prescribing of antibiotics. Russian President Putin is in support of a NATO base in Russia as a supply route to Afghanistan. 

From RUSSIA- Is American foreign policy, especially in the Middle East, a continuation of the political justification called Manifest Destiny? 

From SPAIN- The Spanish economy is stuck in a second recession in 3 years. Two press reviews about the future of the Euro and the likely exclusion of Greece from the currency. Spain has criminalized the withholding or falsification of economic data by government officials. Protests against austerity measures continue in Spain. An alternative Olympics is being held in Bhopal India to protest Dow Chemicals sponsorship of the London games. 

"I am worried that students will take their obedient place in society and look to become successful cogs in the wheel - let the wheel spin them around as it wants without taking a look at what they're doing. I'm concerned that students not become passive acceptors of the official doctrine that's handed down to them from the White House, the media, textbooks, teachers and preachers." 
--Howard Zinn

PROGRAM NOTES 7/27/12

This weeks show features stories from RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, the VOICE OF RUSSIA, RADIO HAVANA CUBA, and NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN.

From GERMANY  The European Commission is amending its laws on insider trading, making it a criminal offense to rig interest rates. Paul Watson of Greenpeace has skipped bail in Germany where he was awaiting extradition to Costa Rica for interrupting a boat catching sharks. Russia has passed a new law to clamp down on Non-Governmental Organizations.

From RUSSIA  The UN has been discussing the use of US drones in Somalia, where they are interfering with air traffic and violating an arms embargo. A review of the ever-expanding US use of drones in countries around the world.

From CUBA  Homeland Security has announced a new drone squadron for surveillance of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. At least 11 people died in a US drone attack in Pakistan, bringing the total to over 200 dead from such attacks this year.The student movement and teachers union in Chile have called for a new series of demonstrations to demand free public education. Large demonstrations have continued in Mexico over the results of the Presidential election. Russia says that it has not received proposals from the Arab League regarding a power transition plan for Syria.

From JAPAN  Some Arab nations say that they will submit to the UN a transition plan for democracy in Syria- Syria replied that neither Saudi Arabia or Qatar is in a position to discuss democracy. A Japanese government panel has released their findings after investigating the Fukushima nuclear disaster, pointing out conflicts between the government and the plant operators, and the dangerous situation of earthquakes near nuclear power plants.

"History is the sum total of things that could have been avoided."
--Konrad Adenauer

PROGRAM NOTES 7/20/12

This weeks show features stories from RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, the VOICE OF RUSSIA, NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN, and SPANISH NATIONAL RADIO.

From GERMANY  As the Summer Olympics are about to begin in London, fears of terrorism and political demonstrations have MI5 and the military in high gear. Berlin just concluded a Climate summit in the run up to a world climate summit in Qatar in December. The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for refugees reports that more than one million people have now fled Somalia. China has offered $20 billion in loans to African countries over the next 3 years.

From RUSSIA  The Pentagon is planning to significantly increase its presence on the African continent. While there are no specific plans to set up a military base there, both the CIA and the US military have become more involved in anti-terrorist activities.

From JAPAN  Last Monday saw the largest anti-nuclear demonstration to date since the Fukushima disaster last year. A second nuclear reactor has been restarted despite public outcry. Experts now want surveys of earthquake faults that lie beneath a number of the nuclear reactors, including the two that are now restarted. A village in Fukushima prefecture has been divided into three areas based on radiation levels. The United Arab Emirate has approved construction of the country's first nuclear power plant. The United Arab Emirate has begun using an oil pipeline that allows delivery without passing through the Straits of Hormuz.

From SPAIN  Public sector workers including firemen, police, and school teachers are taking to the streets daily in opposition to Spain's austerity measures. El Pais featured the public sector march and the Popular Party Senator who publicly made an obscene remark about those who oppose the austerity measures. Spain's Economy Minister denies that the government intends to shut down the ailing banks. Hillary Clinton visited Egypt and Israel- in Egypt her car was pelted with tomatoes, in Israel she reaffirmed US support.

"I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses."
--Nelson Mandela

PROGRAM NOTES 7/13/12

This weeks show features stories from The Voice of Russia, Radio Deutsche-Welle, Spanish National Radio, Radio Havana Cuba, The Voice of Russia and NHK World Radio Japan.

From RUSSIA- There is growing confusion among Americans as to who the so-called good guys are in the so-called Arab Spring. The new Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi is acceptable to most American politicians, but wasn't everyone told that the Muslim Brotherhood was a terrorist group?

From GERMANY- Russia has a UN resolution to extend the UN mission in Syria, but opposes another bill that would allow for a military invasion. After 18 years of negotiations, the Russian parliament has approved entry into the WTO. Russia suffered severe flash floods last weekend following a months worth of rain in a day. An American who was sentenced to two years in a Thailand jail for translating criticism of the Thai King has been released. A report from a pub in Ireland on the local attitude about the Eurozone debt crisis.

From SPAIN- The Spanish government unveiled new austerity measures that President Rajoy said would not happen under his reign. The citizens are outraged and are in the streets along with miners who walked great distances to Madrid to protest.

From CUBA- Indigenous protestors in Bolivia continue to clash with police over a proposed road through their homelands. Bolivian President Morales says he will continue plans to nationalize iridium mines exploited by a Canadian company. The political movement called Paraguay Resist rejected the assessment of the Organization of American States on the impeachment of President Lugo. Israel proclaimed the right to continue building throughout the Occupied West Bank. Melting ice caused by global warming is being blamed for recent severe rainfall in northern Europe.

From JAPAN- At the ASEAN meeting in Cambodia strategies to keep Europe's debt crisis from affecting Asia were discussed. The deposed Nepalese King would like the throne to be restored to him after 4 years of the country being a republic. A senior Iranian official says he is seeking a negotiated solution to the nuclear enrichment program, and that Iran would never block the Straits of Hormuz. A lead US negotiator at the UN talks on global weapons trading says the US will oppose regulations on ammunition.

"If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing."
--Malcolm X

PROGRAM NOTES 7/06/12

This weeks show features stories from Radio Deutsche-Welle, The Voice of Russia, Spanish National Radio, Radio Havana Cuba, The Voice of Russia and NHK World Radio Japan.

From GERMANY  At the UN there is a summit to create a treaty to regulate global trade on conventional arms- Germany wants the treaty to include small arms and ammunition. The Italian Prime Minister Monti made it clear that his country is not seeking a financial bailout from the EU.

From SPAIN  A Spanish court has opened a case against former executives of the lending institution Bankia, while in the UK Barclay's executives were questioned by MPs. Finland and the Netherlands will block the Eurozone's permanent bailout fund from buying bonds in secondary markets. The Greek government is increasing privatization of ports, railway system, and airports. New French president Hollande moved forward with tax hikes for the richest households and corporations. The European Parliament has rejected ACTA, the global agreement against copyright theft on the internet.

From CUBA  Ecuador is considering finally expelling US Agency for International Development, because of the political interference that is financed by the agency. Supporters of ousted President Lugo of Paraguay continue to demand that he be reinstated. Three peace activists in New York remained in jail for protesting the US policy of drone strikes.

From RUSSIA  The cause of death of former Palestinian leader Yassar Arafat in 2004 has been questioned, following laboratory findings of Polonium on his belongings.

From JAPAN  An Insight on questions surrounding the restart of the Ohi nuclear power plant in Japan, which has seen significant protest by citizens who want to cease nuclear power on the island.

PROGRAM NOTES 6/29/12

This weeks show features stories from Radio Deutsche-Welle, Spanish National Radio, Radio Havana Cuba, The Voice of Russia and NHK World Radio Japan.

From GERMANY  Queen Elizabeth II shook hands with Martin McGuinness, Sinn Fein politician and former IRA commander. A court in Germany has ruled that circumcising boys on religious grounds is illegal. An in-depth report on the chances of the new Greek government being successful at remaining in the European Union.

From SPAIN   European leaders were strongly divided as they went into this week's economic summit. The finance ministers of the Eurozone agreed that Spanish banks qualify for a rescue bail out, but that the state must guarantee the loan. The president of Paraguay was ousted in a parliamentary coup and the Supreme Court denied his appeal.

From CUBA  Cuban President Raul Castro rejected the coup in Paraguay and went on to criticize the US involvement in numerous coups and attempts in Latin America.

From RUSSIA  Former US President Jimmy Carter wrote an editorial in the New York Times severely criticizing the Obama administration for drone assassinations of people considered enemies of the US, violating the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

From JAPAN  The highest level of radiation to date has been detected at the Fukushima nuclear power plants. Shareholders in TEPCO, the owners of the Fukushima nukes, voted to effectively nationalize the company because of debts from the accident last March. There was a large protest outside that shareholders meeting. Last week the government approved restarting two nuclear plants- local residents are seeking a court order to halt the start up. A Chinese bank has opened a branch in Taiwan- this will involve the direct trading of Chinese and Taiwanese currency, without using the US dollar, as is already happening between China and Japan.

PROGRAM NOTES 6/22/12

This weeks show features stories from NHK World Radio Japan, Radio Deutsche-Welle, Spanish National Radio, Radio Havana Cuba and the Voice of Russia.

From JAPAN  A group of local leaders are protesting the Japanese government's decision to restart a nuclear power plant. Following the Fukushima disaster the US created a map of the radiation spread, but the Japanese government did not make the information public. Japan will create a new nuclear regulatory body by September, one that does not promote nuclear power. Toshiba is going to build several large solar power stations near Fukushima. Egypt election officials delayed releasing results for the Presidential runoff election.

From GERMANY  Reese Erlich reports from Libya on the fully restored oil exporting business while the country teeters on civil war. Julian Assange applied for political asylum to Ecuador.

From SPAIN  A brief report on the G20 summit and the proposed Eurozone bank. On the sidelines of the G20 summit, BRICS leaders said that they will enhance their contributions to the IMF to help protect countries from fallout from the Eurozone crisis. The Rio Plus 20 summit opened in Brazil, with a proposed agreement that many felt was far too weak.

From CUBA  The Peoples Summit held alongside the G20 Summit rejected the prevailing neoliberal policies as illegitimate. Bolivian President Morales will present a bill on the rights of mother earth at the Rio summit. Iran had denounced the deployment of US troops in Kuwait.

From RUSSIA  With numerous undeclared wars spreading across the African continent, the US military will increase troop deployments there next year. And AFRICOM has has increased covert spying using private contractors and their aircraft.

PROGRAM NOTES 6/15/12

This weeks show features stories from NHK World Radio Japan, Radio Deutsche-Welle, The Voice of Russia, Spanish National Radio, and Radio Havana Cuba.

From JAPAN  The mayor of Ohi has approved the restart of 2 nuclear reactors, the first to return on line in Japan. The educational ministry of Japan apologized for resetting the "safe" radiation exposure level for children after the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

From GERMANY Parliamentary elections in France last weekend showed a swing to the left. Transparency International released a report on the links between corruption and the ongoing financial crisis in Europe- a dialogue with one of their directors. A report on Syria including Hillary Clinton's accusation that Russia was supplying attack helicopters to the government for use against rebels and civilians.

From RUSSIA  Russia supplies 70% of the weapons Syria purchases, but has made no new helicopter deliveries. Turkey is delivering weapons to Syrian opposition forces.

From SPAIN  Spain's borrowing rates have soared despite a weekend bailout of Spanish banks. The President of the European Commission has called for swift moves to create a Eurozone banking union. As many as 100,000 protestors took to the streets of Moscow demanding fresh elections- this despite severe threats from Putin's government, who the day before raided homes of prominent activists.

From CUBA  The Falkland Islands announced a referendum on British rule to be held next year- leaders in Argentina are calling this a "media stunt" to distract from new talks at the United Nations demanding that the UK return the islands now. Barack Obama will skip the Rio Plus 20 Sustainable Summit in Brazil next week. A new US study shows that drinking water contamination from fracking can occur much quicker than previously believed. Student leaders in Chile announced a new strike against profit-making education. There was a fresh US drone strike in Yemen killing 9.

PROGRAM NOTES 6/08/12

This weeks show features stories from Spanish National Radio, Radio Havana Cuba, Radio Deutsche-Welle, The Voice Of Russia and NHK World Radio Japan.

From SPAIN  The Spanish economy weakens while the government hopes to put off a Greek style bail-out. 18 Afghani civilians were killed by a US led airstrike, which NATO denies, while US Defense Secretary Panetta backs the use of drones in Pakistan "to defend ourselves." 5 million Brazilian farmers are locked in a lawsuit with Monsanto over royalties for GMO seeds. Syria expelled ambassadors from several Western states in retaliation, while China and Russia urge the continuation of the UN peace plan.

From CUBA  The BBC apologized for running a photo it claimed was from a massacre in Syria, when it was a 9 year old photo from Iraq. Protests over the trial of Mubarak and others in Egypt are gaining momentum. Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Ecuador announced their withdrawal from the InterAmerican Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance, a mutual defense treaty signed in 1947. BP obtained by subpoena thousands of confidential emails from scientists who studied the disastrous Gulf Oil Spill.

From GERMANY  A report on Julian Assange who lost his appeal to prevent extradition to Sweden for questioning. The Russian Parliament adopted a bill providing for huge fines against individuals involved in unauthorized protests.

From RUSSIA  Cyber attacks are clearly the latest form of warfare, with the Obama administrations's involvement becoming clear last week. This report suggests creating international agreements on these attacks, as there are for nuclear weapons, land mines, and chemical weapons.

From JAPAN-  Israel's Defense Minister has admitted that his country is carrying out cyber attacks. There is evidence that Japan's nuclear agency bowed to pressure from energy companies when drafting safety standards 20 years ago. A solar powered plane flew for 19 hours, going from Spain to Morocco. The government of Osaka Japan has banned its employees from getting tattoos.

"We're going to meet a lot of lonely people in the next week and the next month and the next year. And when they ask us what we're doing, you can say, We're remembering. That's where we'll win out in the long run."
--Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451

PROGRAM NOTES 6/01/12

This weeks show features stories from NHK World Radio Japan, Radio Havana Cuba, Radio Deutsche-Welle, and The Voice Of Russia.

From JAPAN  The Assembly in Nepal failed to write a new constitution and will have fresh elections in November. The former Japanese Prime Minister says that Japan must completely abandon nuclear power and blames the current government for promoting it. Japanese scientists say that radioactive substances from Fukushima reached around the world within 40 days of the accident. Small amounts of radioactive cesium are present in Bluefin Tuna caught off the coast of California. Smartphones with built-in geiger counters will soon be on sale in Japan. On Friday Japan and China will begin direct currency trading without using US dollars to set exchange rates. Rival Palestinian factions are looking to hold elections by the end of the year.

From CUBA  An international meeting on the situation in the Palestinian territories is taking place at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Britain's Supreme Court upheld the extradition of Julian Assange to Sweden. The New York Times reports that President Obama personally oversees a kill list of those targeted for assassination in the secret US drone war. The Obama administration plans to arm Italy's fleet of US made drones with missiles.

From GERMANY  German Chancellor Merkel reaffirmed plans to completely stop using nuclear power by 2022. The government of Peru declared a 30 day state of emergency in a province where anti-mining demonstrations are being held. A discussion on the Amnesty International annual report on human rights around the world. Iran and other mideast countries have been hit with a computer virus that includes spyware and the ability to read nearby cellphones. Syrian rebels gave President Assad a 48 hour deadline to abide by the international peace plan.

From RUSSIA  Russia and China are opposing military intervention in Syria, fearing a repeat of the Libyan and Serbian scenarios.

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PROGRAM NOTES 5/18/12

This weeks show features stories from Spanish National Radio, NHK World Radio Japan, Radio Havana Cuba, and The Voice of Russia.
 

From SPAIN   The first anniversary of Spain's May 15th social protest movement was celebrated across the country. For 4 days hundreds of thousands of citizens spoke out against inequality, high unemployment, and cuts in social spending. The World Wildlife Fund says that biodiversity has decreased by 28% globally since 1970. In Germany, Angela Merkel's conservative party suffered defeats in regional elections on Sunday, with the Greens and Social Democrats getting a majority in the state legislature of Westphalia. Greece will hold fresh elections on June 17th, and Greeks began withdrawing their money from banks.

From JAPAN   An Insight about the future of the Euro, in light of the possible withdrawal of Greece from the Eurozone. Tepco, the operators of the Fukushima nuclear power plant, admitted that they had known for 5 years that a tsunami could cause the backup generators to fail, causing a nuclear meltdown. Japan's Atomic Energy Commission has decided that recycling spent nuclear fuel is more expensive than burying it. 32,000 tons of radioactive sludge remain at initial storage sites, because waste disposal companies are refusing to accept it due to safety concerns. Paul Watson, a Canadian leader of the Sea Shepherd, has been arrested in Germany on a warrant issued by Costa Rica.

From CUBA   The US Treasury Department has tightened restrictions on trips to Cuba by non-Cuban-Americans, saying violators will be fined up to $65,000. Chilean students have begun a new series of protests against educational fees. The US killed 11 in two new drone attacks in Yemen, a country that it is not at war with. The Obama administration had decided to sell weapons to the government of Bahrain, despite the monarchy's repression of pro-democracy protests.

From RUSSIA   In Chicago, state, federal, and Special Forces troops have gathered to prevent demonstrators from interrupting the NATO summit being held there this weekend.

"You measure democracy by the freedom it gives its dissidents, not the freedom it gives its assimilated conformists."
-- Abbie Hoffman

PROGRAM NOTES 5/11/12

This weeks show features stories from Spanish National Radio, Radio Havana Cuba, NHK World Radio Japan and Radio Deutsche-Welle.

From SPAIN   Last weekend's elections in France, Greece, and Italy showed a significant shift in voter attitude toward the austerity measures imposed in the Eurozone. Nicolas Sarkozy became the 11th European leader to fall since the start of the economic crisis. You will hear the news, press reviews, and a discussion of the impact of these electoral changes in Europe. Then, Bolivia has said that it will pay a small sum, or nothing at all, for the Spanish electrical company which was nationalized last week.

From CUBA   A Viewpoint on a gathering of indigenous people from around the world at the UN. In the Americas there have been some recent gains for the native people of Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. But overall, the Colonial policies of extinction and domination still prevail today.

From JAPAN   Tepco, the company which owns and operates the Fukushima nuclear power plant, has been allowed to restructure to cover the huge expenses from the disaster last year- initially over $20 billion of taxpayers money will buy part of the company and pay out the first wave of compensation claims. A US research team has suggested burying all plutonium stockpiles underground to avoid the high cost of recycling the fuel.

From GERMANY   In the nuclear power plants of France, and several other European countries and Japan, the workers who perform the most dangerous maintenance are contract workers- this is done to avoid liability. In France these workers have formed an association and some are suing over workplace violations. Netherlands has passed a law restricting the sale of cannabis products to Dutch citizens only- it is in force in the South now, and is to go national next year.

"Society is like a stew. If you don't stir it up every once in a while then a layer of scum floats to the top."
--Edward Abbey -- Henry Miller

PROGRAM NOTES 05/04/12

This weeks show features stories from NHK World Radio Japan, Radio Deutsche-Welle, Radio Havana Cuba, and The Voice of Russia.

From JAPAN   Kazakstan will assist Japan in attempts to clean up areas around Fukushima contaminated with radiation. Japan and the US will collaborate on nuclear energy and alternatives for rare earth minerals. A Greenpeace activist landed a motorized glider inside a nuclear power station in France. In Vienna, the mayor of Nagasaki again called on the world to abolish nuclear weapons. Pakistan condemned another US drone attack which killed 4 last Sunday.

From GERMANY  An American counter-terrorism official defended President Obama's use of targeted drone strikes. A British Parliamentary committee said that Rupert Murdoch was not fit to run a major media corporation. Two stories on the final round of France's Presidential election to be held this Sunday.

From CUBA   Following the Argentine take over of a Spanish oil company, Bolivia has nationalized the Spanish owned power company. Last Sunday, tens of thousands of Spanish citizens took to the streets to protest austerity measures in education and health care. On Tuesday, May Day protests took place around the world. A 3 year long US Congressional probe has found that the torture practices employed by the CIA have not led to significant intelligence gains.

From RUSSIA   In the US 7 million people owe a total of 1 trillion dollars for student loans. This has surpassed the total amount owed on credit cards in the US. A week ago students around the country staged an "Occupy Student Debt" campaign on campuses.

" When dealing with the insane, the best method is to pretend to be sane." -- Henry Miller

PROGRAM NOTES 04/27/12

This weeks show features stories from Spanish National Radio, Radio Deutsche-Welle,  Radio Havana Cuba, NHK World Radio Japan, and China Radio International,

From SPAIN   Amnesty International reports that Muslims who display their faith face widespread discrimination in Europe. Protests against rising costs of public transportation are underway in Madrid. The economy in Greece continues to contract. The suicide rates have spiked in countries hardest hit by the recession- Greece, Ireland, and Italy.

From GERMANY  There is a growing backlash in Europe to austerity measures. German Chancellor Merkel defends fiscal discipline and austerity measures. With a runoff election in two weeks in France, French president Sarkozy has begun courting the members of the far-right political parties. The government resigned in the Netherlands over an impasse on economic strategies, leading to a huge drop in the European stock exchange. The EU has called on Israel to reverse the decision on illegal outposts in occupied Palestinian territory.

From CUBA   Spanish protestors are gearing up for the first anniversary of the May 15 protests. The Senate in Argentina is reviewing the final stages of taking over 51% of a Spanish oil company's holding in their country- Spain refused to discuss the situation at recent G20 and IMF summits- an American NGO supports the oil move as well as Argentina's claims on the Malvinas Islands. Venezuelan President denies rumors of his death that were spread by his opponents in the upcoming election.

From JAPAN   Cesium is contaminating fish caught in a river 180km from Fukushima. The last operating nuclear power plant in Japan will be shut down next week. Some towns in Fukushima Prefecture will be too dangerous to live in 10 years from now. Pakistan successfully tested a nuclear capable medium range missile. The finding of a cow with mad-cow disease in California will not affect Japan from importing US beef, due to already established restrictions. Iran's oil industry came under cyberattack this week.

From CHINA   The Buddha's remains are in Hong Kong for a ceremony on his birthday. A Swiss made solar airplane is set for a cross continental flight. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao gave a speech in Stockholm on the rights of citizens to a clean environment.

PROGRAM NOTES 04/20/12

This weeks show features stories from China Radio International, Radio Deutsche-Welle, NHK World Radio Japan, Radio Havana Cuba, and Spanish National Radio.

From CHINA   20 years ago at the Earth Summit in Rio a global discussion on environmental concerns and sustainability began- a new conference will be held there in June as the consequences of ignoring climate changing practices have come to fruition. China says that around 10,000 people living around the Three Gorges Dam area will need to be relocated.

From GERMANY  France has the first round of a Presidential election this weekend- many youth are drawn to right-wing candidates as a result of 22% youth unemployment and fear of immigrants.

From JAPAN   Two governors in Western Japan want more independent research and advice before restarting any nuclear power plants. A group of anti-nuclear activists have begun a hunger strike in Tokyo. The UN condemned North Korea's failed missile launch and is compiling a list of sanctions against the country. India successfully launched an intercontinental missile without any sanctions or criticism.

From CUBA   A Viewpoint on the recently concluded Summit of the Americas in Colombia. Cuba, which was barred by US veto from the event, sees the US losing credibility, and the North and South becoming more sharply divided.

From SPAIN   Argentina announced that it was expropriating control of a Spanish oil company operating in its sovereign territory. Spain's Prime Minister says that the action is unjustified and will announce actions against Argentina. At least 1200 Palestinians being held in Israeli prisons have begun a hunger strike.

"We have two American flags always: one for the rich and one for the poor. When the rich fly it means that things are under control; when the poor fly it means danger, revolution, anarchy." -- Henry Miller

PROGRAM NOTES 04/13/12

This weeks show features stories from the Voice of Russia, Spanish National Radio, NHK World Radio Japan, Radio Havana Cuba, and Radio Deutsche-Welle.

From SPAIN   In Tunisia, the forerunner of the so-called "Arab Spring," protestors are being beaten and not allowed to assemble. The new Spanish government is enacting strict laws to limit protests and place criminal charges on organizers. Greece has announced General elections on May 6th, the first since the debt crisis began. Iran says that it can survive for years without exporting its oil, and has ceased supplying Spain in advance of the EU sanctions.

From CUBA  Iran will not allow any preconditions to the nuclear talks with the 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council scheduled for this weekend. The Syrian Foreign Minister accused Turkey of arming and assisting the opposition rebels. French Presidential candidate Hollande says he will renegotiate the new European Treaty and withdraw troops from Afghanistan. A Viewpoint on the 10th anniversary of a US-supported failed coup against Hugo Chavez. Representatives from American indigenous peoples gathered in Colombia to defend their rights and promote dialogue with their states.

From RUSSIA   This year marks the 40th anniversary of America's War on Drugs- a recap of the ineffectiveness of the operation and a preview of what Latin American leaders intend to tell President Obama at this weekend's Summit of the Americas in Colombia.

From GERMANY   As life expectancy surges in Europe, the age of retirement for workers has been raised and will continue to do so.

From JAPAN   An Insight on the growing opposition to nuclear power plants in China. China has 15 nuclear plants built and is working on 26 more.

PROGRAM NOTES 04/06/12

This weeks show features stories from the Voice of Russia, Spanish National Radio, NHK World Radio Japan, Radio Havana Cuba, and Radio Deutsche-Welle.

From SPAIN   Spain has proposed radical austerity measures in the face of massive demonstrations last weekend- nearly a million people took over the streets of both Barcelona and Madrid. The Colombian rebel group FARC has released 10 hostages they have held for more than a decade.

From GERMANY  This past week there has been a push to expand the 1999 international campaign to cease the use and manufacture of land mines. 80% of nations have signed the treaty, though Russia, China, and the US refuse to accept the terms.

From CUBA   A report on the upcoming Presidential election in Mexico, to be held on July 1st. Voting in the French Presidential election begins on April 22, and leading opposition candidate Francois Hollande has described his plan if elected. Nobel prize winning novelist Gunter Grass criticized Israel's policy against Iran in an infamous new poem. The Syrian government criticized the Friends of Syria conference held last weekend.

From RUSSIA   The BBC is airing an interview this week with "Curveball," an Iraqi defector who lied about mobile biological laboratories- Colin Powell repeated these lies to ensure the invasion of Iraq.

From JAPAN   North Korea says that the US and all other countries are invited to inspect the satellite launch scheduled for April 11. More waste water contaminated with strontium has leaked from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, further contaminating the Pacific Ocean. An Insight on the increase in Tibetan suicides done in protest of China's heavy handed control over the Tibetan people.

"Soviet-style communism failed, not because it was intrinsically evil, but because it was flawed. It allowed too few people to usurp too much power. Twenty-first century market capitalism, American-style, will fail for the same reasons. Both are edifices constructed by human intelligence, undone by human nature."
--Arundhati Roy

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Brainwash from other parts of the world is different enough from our own that by lining up these reports together, you might derive a suggestion of the truth.

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The future of radio comes not from the Tower of Corporate Media but through WiFi and cellphone it now belongs to us. Circa 2012 we have a window of opportunity since web radio is received on desktops, mobiles and phones without added charges, and there are more than 50,000 free independent stations you can access with simple software. You don't need to download files, or worry about how much storage your device has available. Continuously streaming alternative news and entertainment from Indyradio is listed here - http://radiotube.nu:2012

- This weeks show features stories from NHK JAPAN, RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE, CHINA RADIO INTERNATIONAL, the VOICE OF RUSSIA, and SPANISH NATIONAL RADIO. 

From JAPAN- At public hearings on nuclear power citizens of Japan have expressed distrust of the industry and government- a strong majority supports zero nuclear energy. Tens of thousands protested against nuclear power last weekend in Tokyo. There is a new political party in Japan with their primary issue being the elimination of nuclear energy. Paul Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd Society, explained why he skipped bail in Germany. 

From GERMANY- President Obama announced new US sanctions on trading with Iran and on countries using gold to purchase oil. Hillary Clinton is traveling around Africa with a business delegation while Leon Panetta is touring the Middle East and North Africa, pushing for an overthrow of Syria. Qatar, home of al-Jazeera news, wants to buy 200 high tech tanks from Germany. 

From CHINA- Syria is accusing Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey of funding and arming the rebels in Syria. Japan criticized China's defense policy, notably its maritime expansion. The per capita use of antibiotics in China is 10 times that of the US- the government has now severely limited the prescribing of antibiotics. Russian President Putin is in support of a NATO base in Russia as a supply route to Afghanistan. 

From RUSSIA- Is American foreign policy, especially in the Middle East, a continuation of the political justification called Manifest Destiny? 

From SPAIN- The Spanish economy is stuck in a second recession in 3 years. Two press reviews about the future of the Euro and the likely exclusion of Greece from the currency. Spain has criminalized the withholding or falsification of economic data by government officials. Protests against austerity measures continue in Spain. An alternative Olympics is being held in Bhopal India to protest Dow Chemicals sponsorship of the London games. 

"I am worried that students will take their obedient place in society and look to become successful cogs in the wheel - let the wheel spin them around as it wants without taking a look at what they're doing. I'm concerned that students not become passive acceptors of the official doctrine that's handed down to them from the White House, the media, textbooks, teachers and preachers." 
--Howard Zinn