Feature Archives

Lakota Sioux Indian representatives declared sovereign nation status on Wednesday, December 19th in Washington D.C. following Monday’s withdrawal from all previously signed treaties with the United States Government. The withdrawal, hand delivered to Daniel Turner, Deputy Director of Public Liaison at the State Department, immediately and irrevocably ends all agreements between the Lakota Sioux Nation of Indians and the United States Government outlined in the 1851 and 1868 Treaties at Fort Laramie, Wyoming.

December 17th marks the 5th Annual International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. The day calls attention to hate crimes committed against sex workers. The Sex Workers Outreach Project conceived of the event as a memorial and vigil for the victims of the Green River murders in Seattle, Washington. This day empowers sex workers and their supporters to come together to organize against discrimination and to remember victims of violence. A press conference on Monday on the steps of San Francisco City Hall (Polk side) at 11:30am will announce that the 5th Annual International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers will take place in Civic Center Plaza at 6pm.

On November 15th Canada’s Supreme Court ruled that it would not hear an appeal by two US soldiers who had sought refuge in Canada to avoid participation in the war and occupation of Iraq. The ruling means that conscientious objectors Jeremy Hinzman and Brandon Hughey, as well as other American soldiers who have filed formal applications for refugee status, could be deported back to the US. Courage to Resist is encouraging people to sign petitions and to write letters to ask that Canadian officials provide sanctuary for the US military resisters.

George Cadman of Free Radio Santa Cruz 101.1 FM interviewed Dr. Paul Larudee, co-founder of the Free Gaza Movement, on December 4th about plans to set sail from Cyprus to Gaza in May of 2008. The Free Gaza Movement's mission is to break the siege of Gaza. They want to raise international awareness about the prison-like closure of the Gaza Strip and pressure the international community to review its sanctions policy and end its support for continued Israeli occupation.

By a margin of 1.4 percent, the forces of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez lost a December 2 vote on a referendum of social programs that also would have lifted term limits for the presidency. Chávez called it a "photo finish." The United States reportedly spent $8 million dollars to sway the vote, and a CIA document uncovered by the Chavistas spelled out a thorough program of psy-ops and destabilization.

While Barrick shareholders met to discuss third quarter earnings, over one thousand Chileans took to the streets in protest of Barrick’s multi-billion dollar Pascua Lama mining project. At the same time, in Tanzania, thousands of miners went on strike over salaries, healthcare and working conditions at Barrick's controversial Bulyanhulu mine.

On October 15th, 300+ police - in many cases armed - raided houses throughout New Zealand making 17 arrests. The arrestees are all activists in the Tino Rangatiratanga (Maori self-determination), peace, and environmental movements. They have initially been multiply charged with various offenses under the Arms Act, relating to alleged past possession of various firearms and ammunition; however, police are considering charges under the 2002 Suppression of Terrorism Act.