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Formerly ‘LYNX’ Official Newsletter of Labour Youth Issue 10 IrishIrish Neutrality:Neutrality: DeadDead andand Gone?Gone? NotNot IfIf LabourLabour HasHas AnythingAnything TToo DoDo WWithith ItIt

PP T.D. Interview LL Why Marijuana Was Criminalised? Student Grants / Make Poverty History Debate UU Rossport and Shell SS Palestinian Football and more...

Contributors Contributors Contributors Contributors

This is an official publication of Labour Youth. Editor and designer Jonathan McDade All articles are written by members of Labour SubEds: Dermot Looney, Louisa Earls Youth and friends of the organisation Contents Contents Contents Contents Contents Contents

National Interest Pages 3,4,5

Global Report page 6

Sporting Matters page 7

And the rest... page 7

Interview pages 8,9

Debate pages 10,11

Labour Youth Campaigns pages 12,13

Funnies page 14

Comment page 15

Join Us page 15

Burning Issue page 16 Upcoming Events Upcoming Events Upcoming Events

Labour Youth National Conference: Nov 4th - 6th NUI National Conference: Saturday April 1st, the Helix, DCU Contact Us Contact Us Contact Us Contact Us Contact Us

www.LabourYouth.ie [email protected] Labour Youth, 17 Ely Place, Dublin 2. page 2 Contact Editor: [email protected]

National Interest National Interest National Interest Labour Pledges to get U.S war planes out of Shannon when in Government Dermot Looney writes on Labour’s motion to protect the neutrality that the PD/FF Government destroyed While the Labour Party’s debate on electoral strategy dominated the headlines during May’s National Conference, a crucial decision by the members of the party on anti-war policy was all but missed by the press. A Labour Youth motion was passed with huge support, a move which will secure the withdrawal of the US military from Shannon Airport if the Labour Party is to form the next Irish Government. The reso- lution is testament to the part Labour at Shannon protest played by Labour activists in the anti-war movement and a clear Labour Party sold out their principles troops and hundreds of bombers and cal replacement of a ruling govern- and the majority of their members, machines of war as a strategic launch- ment who, spin aside, unequivocally rebuke to the pro-war Fianna Fáil- supporters and voters in assisting the pad for operations in Iraq and supported the war, with a government PD government who, while claim- vile enterprise, Labour in was Afghanistan. who will preserve Irish neutrality and ing to support neutrality, continue among the chief opponents; our Party truly promote human rights, peace and to provide vital strategic support President and Spokesperson on As socialists our internationalist the environment on a global scale. It to the US war machine in Iraq and Foreign Affairs, Michael D Higgins approach offers a categorical differ- was through these values and policies Afghanistan. ence to the reactionary localism of that we presented our motion to the conservative politics. But while we Labour Party National Conference, The Labour National Conference recognise that wars such as these can and with its massive endorsement the motion arose from a resolution, pro- only be halted by the power of people Labour Party is now obliged to make posed by the UCD Branch, which was all over the world, we also realise that US withdrawal from Shannon a pre- passed at the 2004 Labour Youth real change begins at local and nation- requisite to forming an alternative Conference in Dublin. Labour Youth al level. Thus our opposition to the government. Nevertheless, we also activists have played an active role in war in Iraq does not merely focus on recognise that elections alone will not opposing the war on Iraq, attending the US and UK administrations and defeat these wars and call on all meetings, organising and supporting military, but on the support offered to Labour Youth activists to continue to demonstrations and taking part in them by the Irish government. In a support and organise demonstrations non-violent direct action at Shannon war that was opposed by some 80% of Airport and elsewhere. Joining with Irish people, hundreds of thousands of other progressive groups and tens of whom took to the streets in the biggest mass movement in a thousands of other peace activists, the Michael D. Higgins Labour’s generation, the Fianna Fáil-PD coali- Labour Party stood as a proud and key anti war campaigner unapologetic opponent of a war moti- tion offered Ireland’s services and vated by strategic oil interests, the TD continues to be an erudite and support as part of the “coalition of the desire for profit and deference to the brave campaigner for the ordinary willing.” U.S war plane at Shannon military-industrial complex of a people of Iraq in the face of such United States administration who state-induced terror. Labour branches Labour Youth advocates a dual and actions in the wider anti-war would rather spend billions on and activists around the country have approach to fighting wars such as movement, a movement which contin- machines of war than on addressing been heavily active in the campaign those in Iraq and Afghanistan – firstly, ues to grow internationally as the poverty at home or abroad. against the war, most notably in Co. the mass movement of people slaughter of innocent Iraqis brings the Clare itself. Shannon Airport has now involved in protests, demonstrations deadly lies of the conservative right While a Blairite-controlled British been used by almost 1 million US and direct action; secondly the politi- home. page 3

National Interest National Interest National Interest National Interest Natioanl Interest National Interest National Interest

DavidStudent Geary writes about the disgraceful Grants grants scheme in Ireland The current grant allocations are as follows;

Non-adjacent Adjacent ∑ Full Grant €3,020 €1,210 ∑ 75% Grant €2,265 €905 ∑ 50% Grant €1,515 €605 ∑ 25% Grant €755 €305 ∑ Top up Grant €5,355 €2,145

The Grants system in prospect of working part – time to With grant overdrafts banks are Ireland is well known for its supplement their grant allowance. the first to cash in on this fault in the system. inadequacies. With wide- This is usually done for things such as rent and food – before a spread problems such as student can even consider a social Last year at National Conference lateness and corruption it is life. This seems to fly in the face Labour Youth voted to campaign perhaps little surprise that of the purpose of the grant scheme to centralize the entire grants sys- the majority of students are which is to facilitate a student’s tem under the Department of Social, Family and Community unhappy with the current third level study. How can the government think that by working Affairs. We hope to campaign in system. part – time a student’s studying every college branch in the coun- ability won’t be affected? try with the aim of clearing up The grant can prove to be a make some but not all of the problems or break situation for students Delays in the system mean that with the system. If you would like hopes to complete a college students face the prospect of look- to get involved email lycam- course. However even students in ing to banks for assistance and [email protected] – we’d be happy receipt of the grant face the they are only too happy to help. to hear from you. Homeless Plight in Ireland’s Celtic Tiger There are few Irish people who have yet to come across the phe- As Ireland’s economic wealth spirals into the stratosphere, many are left behind with little help from an uncaring government nomenon of homelessness in (based on ESRI assessments in 1999 Ireland, and Dublin in particular. and 2002) that the number of “home- The burning images of homeless less households” has increased from people on the Hal’ penny Bridge 1,290 to 1,470, with single people or the streets of Temple Bar, will accounting for 80% of this number remain with many of us no matter (source: Making it Home – an action how far we may travel. Which plan on homelessness in Dublin begs the question: in an age of 2004-2006). Clearly, this is a such apparent prosperity, how damning indictment of the opinion have we left behind a segment of that economic prosperity automatical- ly guarantees that everyone in society society reduced to begging in A common sight on Dublin’s streets becomes better off. There are many order to provide themselves with socio-economic factors that con- people are most at risk of homeless- to 11% in 2002 (22% in Dublin), shelter for the night? Never in tribute to homelessness, a conclusion Irish history, has there been a ness where poverty and personal cri- reaching 141,000 units in the latter reached by Homeless Agency in their sis occur.” year – 40% of whom are estimated to generation as affluent as ours, earlier report (Shaping the Future - be rent supplement tenants. and yet the numbers of people in an action plan for homelessness in One major area for discussion is the Threshold has recently highlighted poverty remain on the rise. Dublin 2001-2003). “In summary, suitability of the private rental sector the poor standards of accommodation homelessness is caused by a combi- for low-income housing. According within this sector. Given the The Homeless Agency estimates nation of structural (i.e. Social policy, to the 2002 census, the share of the Government’s confirmation that rent- housing) and personal (i.e. disability, housing stock held by the private ed accommodation will be used as page 4 behavior, family crisis) factors and rental sector grew from 7% in 1991 long-term homes for people depend-

al Interest Natioanl Interest National Interest National Interest Shame on Shell Paul Dillon writes on the situation at Rossport and comments on yet another humanitarian abuse by the oil company

The Shell to Sea campaign has tow- not close to local communities and to the men in jail or with anger to ered over and above any other cam- families in way that endangers life Minister Noel Dempsey, who many paign as the dominant issue requiring and livelihoods. It is essentially a in LY will have locked horns with the support of the Irish left this sum- campaign to face down a corporate before in the successful campaign to mer. Those keen to explore the issues powers desire to maximize its own beat third level fees. The party leader, involved could do a lot worse than profits at the expense of a local com- Mayo man Pat Rabitte, should put his looking at www.indymedia.ie, which munity and brings up all sorts of shoulder to the wheel, turning up the provides an excellent archive of arti- questions that tell us a lot about mod- volume in the media and in the Dail cles news and analysis of the story. ern Ireland-the role of the courts in when it return sin full support of the The five jailed Rossport men, who Corrib curtailing protest movements, the Rossport community and their heroic have become the Rossport Five, have corruption of the planning process struggle to defeat the Shell corpora- enjoyed huge support from their local The demonstration in Dublin, rightly and the nature of resistance to corpo- tion. community and from right across the supported by the Labour party, was rate power. west as demonstrations, public meet- fine example of solidarity as thou- ings and even work stoppages have sand marched to demand the release It is still to early predict the rocked Munster in a way that has of the five. final outcome of the efforts to silenced those who argue that ordi- put Shell to Sea. The Minister nary people lack either the will or the It was worth thinking for a moment with responsibility for the area, means to take on corporate power. about the role of the Left in the Shell Noel Dempsey TD, has to Sea campaign. Some activists have ordered a safety review and opted to head for Rossport to assist work on the onshore pipeline the local community in their resist- has been suspended. In the ance and assist in telling their story. meantime, as the five remain in Others have taken part in blockades jail and the future of the com- and boycott campaigns of Shell and munity lies in balance, there Statoil petrol station, while Munster are any number of things we in left wingers have done their bit to the Labour party and Labour mobilize support across the province. Youth can do, like supporting The campaign demands that Shell demonstrations, boycott’s and A futuristic Mayo??? refines the gas reserves off sea and blockades, writing in solidarity Ireland’s Celtic Tiger phere, many are left behind with little help from an uncaring government ent on welfare, it seems astounding now find themselves in the position significance of this risk factor cannot stand for those who need our support, that of 7,232 properties inspected by of having to rent from private land- be ignore. Further significant areas and campaign for a Fair Society that local authorities in 2004, 2,106 lords in often unsuitable living condi- of concern include illegal evictions, we can all enjoy. (29%) were deemed to be inadequate, tions. As a nation we boast of our rent arrears, invasion of privacy by and yet only 4 cases resulted in legal high levels of home ownership and landlords and other anti-social prob- Neil Ward action. (Source: Threshold Annual yet many still find themselves renting lems. Additional research – James Gargan Report 2004) The Government must sub-standard accommodation from not be allowed to privatise this sec- unscrupulous private landlords. It’s time for Labour Youth to take the tor, if the result is a deterioration in lead in demanding an improvement housing standards. Another major issue highlighted by in this area. The category at most Threshold has been that of deposit risk of homelessness in Ireland, are For homelessness to still exist to the retention. In 2004, their advice young, single men – a grouping that extent it does is a scandal, and a workers dealt with 2,648 cases of need our support and campaigning blight on our society. It is a clear sign deposit retention (44% up on the pre- abilities as much as any other. The that the success of the Celtic Tiger vious year). Deposit retention Homeless Agency, and the various has still yet to filter through to the increases the risk of homelessness, as agencies and trusts that work with the most marginalised segment of our those affected often lack the funds to homeless, badly need a government society. The economic policies of the put down for a new tenancy. Taking with a social conscience: one that Fianna Fail/PD government continue into account that most rent supple- will fund them, and help them to to allow homelessness to exist in ment tenants are only provided with respond more effectively to home- Ireland. The promised increase in funding for one deposit (on the basis lessness and the factors that cause it. social housing has still not been that this deposit can be re-used), the In the meantime, Labour Youth must delivered and 11% of our population page 5

Global Report Global Report Global Report Global Report Who Is John G.

John G. Roberts Patrick McCarthyRoberts? writes on President Bush’s supreme court nominee and the media whirlwind around these crucial judiciary appointments dential administration but also to two surprise as Judge Roberts has argued The U.S Supreme Court Building previous Republican administrations. successfully in the past on behalf of Under the Reagan administration he the government, '...that the acts of served as the special assistant to the anti-abortion protesters, did not con- attorney general from 1981 to 1982, stitute discrimination against women.' then going on to serve as associate (Washington Post June 7th 2001) counsel in the White House counsel’s Judge Roberts is a practicing Roman office from 1982 to 1986. Judge Catholic by the way. Roberts then resurfaced in the Bush I administration as the principle deputy But abortion isn't the only thing the solicitor general from 1989 to 1993. left is worried about. There is also Judge Roberts has been a member of Judge Roberts' controversial 1990 at least two conservative lawyers court case in which he argued, again, associations, the National Law Center on behalf of the government that, for the Public Interest (NLCPI) who '...private citizens do not have the can count amongst their Board mem- right to sue corporations over environ- bers the C.E.O. of Dow Chemical and mental violations, unless they can he was, according to the infamous prove that they themselves have been Federalist Society's own leadership affected by said violations.' Besides the tragic events of still be many undecideds and much directory, a serving member of the (Environmentalism Magazine Dec Katriona, the news during the molding left to be done to this nation steering committee of said society's 28th 2002) In private practice he has last few weeks in the United in the Supreme Court. lawyers division, DC chapter from argued that corporations '...have a States has been dominated by 1997 to 1998. Bizarrely Judge Roberts legal right to end illegal strikes with himself says '[He] has no recollection contempt charges...' In his latest posi- the resignation of Supreme So what is at stake in who takes Rehnquist’s seat for what could be the of it.' He has served on the legal advi- tion as a D.C. circuit court judge he Court Justice Sandra Day next 25 years? Well, he or she will be sory board with Ken Starr, a man who has come out in favor of the use of O'Connor and the death of U.S making the crucial decisions on issues spent a ridiculous amount of time and secret military tribunals to prosecute Cheif Justice Rehnquist. The such as abortion, gay rights, the right tax payers money trying to subpoena detainees in Guantonamo Bay. subsequent nomination of D.C. to die, the death penalty and that old President Clinton's penis. circuit court Judge John G. chestnut...church and state. So that's the bad news. The "good" Roberts Jr. to take the top job Revealingly Judge Roberts' name also news is that there is still the confirma- was recently announced by So who is John G. Roberts Jr. and appears on a government brief tion process, which begins in President Bush. what does the left have to fear from defending the gag rule under which September. It is then that Judge his confirmation? Besides what federally funded family planning clin- Roberts must come before the Senate President Bush so warmly put as hav- ics were banned from offering abor- Committee on the Judiciary, which Today's Supreme Court (without ing been '...the Captain of his high tion counseling. Rust V. Sullivan, the consists of 18 Senators, 10 Justices Rehnquist and O'Connor) is school football team, who worked his title of the brief, argued in passing as Republicans and 8 Democrats, to made up of 4 moderate liberals, 1 way through college by working sum- the Bush II administration contended answer some pretty difficult questions moderate conservative and 2 staunch mers at a steel mill...' he is also a man at the time that Roe V. Wade should be about his professional past. His nomi- conservatives. Since Chief Justice with close ties not only to this presi- overturned. This should come as no nation then goes to the Senate, where Rehnquist’s death, President Bush it will take a minimum of 51 votes to must feel in his legacy's interest to confirm him. Republicans in the sen- stack the Supreme Court with judges ate number 55 at present, 4 of which who share both his and his supporters are from New England, and in keep- hard line far right ideology. This ing with that part of the country are would give the right a 5-4 majority on not known for their radical right wing the court, depending of course on the opinions. deciding vote of Justice Anthony Kennedy, an old school conservative Whatever happens it will be a very in the mold of Justice O'Connor. With slim majority that will chose to either the average success rate of a presiden- confirm or deny him a place on the tial supreme court nominee at 85%, Supreme Court. Will Judge Roberts be make no mistake that with Justice the unlucky 13th supreme court nom- O'Connor's departure and Chief inee to be rejected in the Senate since Justice Rehnquist’s death there will George Bush: Determined to protect the the founding of the state? Watch this space. page 6 conservative agenda for a generation

Sporting Matters Sporting Matters Sporting Matters Football in Palestine Despite the recent withdrawal of Jonathan McDade writes on the ups and downs cause that does not cause terror. The Israeli settlers from parts of the Gaza of a team representing the most deprived and wheels are already in motion as the strip there is little to cheer about in dangerous nation in the world team competed in World Cup qualifi- Palestine. Restricted travel, poor edu- cation matches last year for the first cation, disease, death, financial strug- Palestinian Football Association. hail from the United States. time in decades. gle, and the threat of attack from the They are financed by a few wealthy Unfortunately, the native Palestinians Israeli army are all too common. Palestinian businessmen who reside are barely allowed to leave the occu- Whilst the Palestinian team did raise However there has been a positive outside there homeland. The team pied state to join their team-mates for some eyebrows during their cam- force that has gripped Palestine also receives donations from other training or matches. paign. The venture ended when they recently, that being the Palestinian lost a crucial match to Uzbekistan 3-0. Football team. Although the Germany 2006 dream is dead there is a lot to hope for looking The joy of playing for your national ahead to the quest of qualification for team is a challenge under Israeli occu- South Africa 2010. A respectable 1-1 pation. There is no home stadium to draw with Iraq during last years qual- play in. There is no training ground. ifiers gives a lot of hope for the future There are no facilities at all. Many of of football in Palestine. the local football clubs have gone. Even players being allowed to travel For those who doubt the positive is far from certain. Palestine’s home effects of sport in a politically turbu- ground is ‘for now’ in Qatar. lent region, you only have to look and see how sport has played a role in The Palestinian Football Association reviving the behaviour and morale of was established in 1928. In the 1934 a nation. The 1988 Seoul Olympics World Cup qualifiers, Palestine was Arab nations and they receive washed away many human rights the first and only Asian team compet- €250,000 from FIFA every year. The dream for world cup glory is what abuses in South Korea. Ireland’s 1990 ing. However Israeli occupation and keeps the team and its fans in world cup adventure is what many war made playing football in Palestine The make up of this current team is Palestine clinging to hope. Hope that argue to be the catalyst for Ireland’s more difficult. Local leagues and tor- quite diverse. About a third of the this team could play a crucial but non Celtic Tiger economy when David naments ceased and the national players are from South America. The violent role in its society. Hope that O’Leary’s penalty kick made a team’s existence began to fade into other players live just outside this team will put Palestine on the map demoralised country believe in itself extinction. However, in 1998 FIFA Palestine and play football in Kuwait, of world football. Hope that the peo- once again. decided to once again recognised the Egypt, and Jordan. Two players even ple of Palestine can finally support a About Us About Us About Us About Us About Us About Us Overview of Labour LGBT Labour LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, course that Labour being a party that Bisexual, Transgender) was truly believes in equality that getting originally set up around 2 years the parties backing will only be a small hurdle. We are proud of the ago and has been officially many advocates of gay rights in our recognised by the party since party such as without March of this year. It is a group whom homosexuality might still be which is recognised under the illegal in Ireland. section Labour Equality. Some of our members are also The purpose of the group is to allow involved in Labour Equality – which such as Senator David Norris, Marie members of the party who are also adopted policies of; seeking bet- is a section that is organised around Mulholland of the ICCL and Brian Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or ter sexual health education services campaigning for equality in Ireland. Sheehan of the Gay and Lesbian Transgender to exchange ideas and and a health project specifically aimed Labour Equality will be organising Equality Network. Our last forum was campaign for greater visibility of at lesbian and bisexual woman, seek- different seminars e.g. on Family law, so successful that we even ended up LGBT people within the Labour ing an end to the discriminatory ban and will be supporting national initia- recruiting members to the party. As Party. It also functions as a network on gay men donating blood, deploring tives such as anti-racism in the work- well as the forums we also took the connecting all party members that are the lack of access for disabled gay or place. time to write a submission to the All- interested in the fight for LGBT lesbian people in many community Party Oireachtas Committee on the equality within society. venues, and possibly an issue that is If you would like more details or Constitution when they called for always current/topical and has the interested in joining Labour LGBT Public Submissions with regards to During the two years the group has most affect on the lives of many gay email us at [email protected], If you gay marriage and the family in the been active in many ways. We have and lesbian people – civil marriage would like more details or interested Irish Constitution. hosted 2 highly successful forums on and parenting rights. in joining Labour Equality email us LGBT Equality Issues in the Mansion at [email protected] At our AGM we elected our commit- House during Dublin LGBTQ Pride. We will be working within the party to By Ian McGahon. tee and 2 Co-Chairs – Richie Keane These have attracted such speakers campaign for and gain support for all and Rachel Matthews McKay. We the issues above. We recognise of page 7

Interview Interview Interview Interview Interview Interview Interview Interview Interview Interview Interview Interview Labour Leader Pat Rabbitte TD Left Tribune editor Jonathan McDade talks with Labour leader Pat Rabbitte on politics and its relevence to young people today

called today’s youth ‘con- there is an unfortunate servative’ in any conven- perception because of the tional meaning of that length of time that these term. Comparing it to my parties have been in gov- own time in college is real- ernment that it would be ly like comparing Mars good for your career. and Venus, the two eras are totally different and JM the issues faced then are in What have you noticed most so many ways different to about Labour Youth since now. What heartens me is you became Leader of the the number of young peo- Labour Party? Labour ple and students who are Leader Pat involved in campaigning PR Rabbitte TD for justice in the develop- Their activism on a range ing world and in support- of issues which in turn has ing things like anti-racist caused Labour Youth to Jonathan McDade on. activities. grow. There is room and Is politics still relevant for young people today judging JM from the trend that young What was the catalyst that people vote less and are propelled you into politics? more comfortable in terms of wealth compared with PR previous generations? The awakening of a youth culture in the late 60s & Pat Rabbitte early 70s, the anti war Yes, of course, politics is movement, the fact that still relevant for young education was for the priv- people. Where societies ileged only, the civil rights become more affluent the movement in Northern pattern is young people Ireland, the fact we their ought to be welcome tend to be less interested in believed we could change JM in the Labour Party for the politics. In Ireland we have the world. Why do you think some “passive member” who is a strong economy but a young people would feel not pro-active but philo- weak society. Depending JM compelled to join the Ogra sophically identifies with on what political direction Do you find Ireland’s youth Fianna Fail or the Young the party’s programme. we go, we can use the to be conservative and how PDs? But above all we must be strong economy as the would you compare it to an activist party and in basis for a strong society when you are in college? PR that respect Labour Youth that values solidarity, It beats me. I don’t doubt leads by example. quality public services, PR that some join out of con- artistic endeavour and so Well, I don’t think I’d viction, but I do think JM page 8

w Interview Interview Interview Interview Interview Interview eader Pat Rabbitte TD athan McDade talks with Labour leader Pat Rabbitte and its relevence to young people today

What is the biggest chal- pared with the politicians lenge facing the left in stu- that were around while you dent politics? were a student?

PR PR The challenges facing the Now that is a tough one, in left in student politics is a that you are asking me to subject that I could once compare myself with some have written enough of the politicians I would “Free Love and Free Pot were very big in the Sixties”. words to fill your entire have dealt with as a stu- PR trust politics and politicians magazine on! Now, from dent. I don’t think I can Free Love and Free Pot since they do not see politics an outside perspective, it give an objective answer to were very big in the playing an important role in Sixties. Whereas I don’t their lives? believe that cannabis is a gateway drug, my experi- PR ence in dealing with com- Young people ought to dis- munities worst affected by criminate between politi- drugs misuse is that cians and political parties. decriminalising cannabis One can’t say that all jour- will not help those commu- nalists or all car salesmen nities. I established the are dodgy no more than local Drugs Task Forces as you can say all politicians minister in 1996/7 and don’t deserve trust. Look none of them to my knowl- at the track record, look at edge have recommended what a party or politician legislation. advocates, test it against what that party or politi- strikes me that one of the that- but I would say that JM cian does and repose your key challenges for the left politicians on the right What is the biggest issue trust where it has been in student politics is to per- don’t tend to change that our generation has to earned. suade the general student much- they thought we deal with? body of the relevance of were crazy back in my campaigns for justice and days in student politics- PR equality and why the stu- but that was part of the I am loath to answer that dent movement must have fun of it. I doubt if it’s any one. I think the members a central role in those different now. of Labour Youth would efforts. need to tell me that. They JM do a good job of doing so at JM As a student what were your all party events I attend…. views on the decriminalisa- Do you think politicians are tion of cannabis and have JM more out of touch with those changed today? Why should young people Ireland’s youth today com- page 9

Debate Debate Debate Debate Debate Debate Debate Debate Debate Debate Debate Debate Debate Debate Debate Was the ‘Make Poverty History’ campaign worth while? Denise FOR O’Connell Unless you were living in a cave tied aid and more long-term assis- and studiously avoiding all mul- The Make Poverty History cam- tance. The disruption of the G8 timedia this year, you couldn’t paign has a number of messages. summit by the terrorist attacks in have missed it. One of the It involves more than just another London took the focus off African largest campaigns of early 2005 attempt to help the poor of Africa, poverty, and probably resulted in was the Make Poverty History but also to draw attention to the less action than would have hap- campaign. It involved almost severity of the poverty. The pened if the eyes of the world had every facet of publicity - there “Click” ad shows celebrities click- remained on the leaders of the were the white wristbands, the ing their fingers, to show how a eight nations. “Click” TV ad with celebrities child in Africa dies from extreme snapping their fingers, political poverty every three seconds. The There are many arguments as to action such as marches, sit-ins white wristband is to show soli- why the Make Poverty History and petitions, the Live8 con- darity with the cause, and was campaign was or is worthless. certs, celebrities such as Bono, chosen as a symbol because a Some argue that it was irrelevant nonetheless believe it is a worth- Bob Geldof and Chris Martin white band is simple to make, because little changed after the while campaign. It educates; making speeches, and endorse- whether from a napkin or a strip of summit. This ignores the political teaching economic reality and the ment by charities. cloth. situation at the time, and the pos- results of such trade barriers as the Over 500 organisations are sibilities still available in the Common Agricultural Policy. It Ultimately however, the campaign future. Some argue that the aims focuses activism; awareness is not aims to put pressure on the rich are flawed, that debt relief would aimed at abstract concepts and governments of the West. The policies but instead at the individ- three aims of the campaign are: uals and institutions that create trade reform, more and better aid, these policies. It links different and debt relief. This involves social groups and countries in a change on many levels, through common cause. the medium of the World Trade Organisation, through internation- As members of a youth political al banks, change of government party, I believe it is better for policy and financial aid. The cam- young people to get involved in paign aims to change policies the political process than to instead of just appealing for chari- remain cynical and apathetic. I table donations. believe that education, whether from a celebrity using catchy slo- The campaign focused strongly on gans to grab attention and interest, the G8 summit in June as a possi- George Clooney or in-depth economic texts, is ble point of change. Live8 con- always relevant and important. certs were held to publicise the disrupt the financial system, or Most of all, I believe it is better to issue, large marches occurred in that corrupt governments would attempt to make a difference than involved in the campaign, includ- diverse cities, and activists even benefit from this possibility of to predict failure and allow the ing trade unions, charities and travelled to Gleneagles to pres- debt relief. Some argue that pro- current world state to be unchal- faith groups. Such charities as surise the leaders themselves. The tectionism should continue for lenged. Oxfam, Greenpeace and Concern results were not as effective as had developing countries, that it are heavily supportive of the been hoped. The debts of selected should be ‘fair’ trade not ‘free’ The Make Poverty History cam- cause, and even the Irish Congress countries were relieved, some trade. paign is not finished. I think that of Trade Unions is a member of immediately and some only par- great changes can and will be seen the campaign. tially or upon certain conditions. Whether the goals of the cam- in the next few years. Page 10 Commitments were made, for less paign are fully realised or not, I

ebate Debate Debate Debate Debate Debate Debate Debate Poverty History’ worth while? Dermot Looney AGAINST Aspects of the Make Poverty History campaign are more than worthy, argues Dermot Looney, but the overall movement has been stymied by soft focus politics and an avoidable concentration on questionable celebrities. Shanda Tomne, writing in Le Irish campaign, there has been an poverty around we must seek, to bor- Messager, a Cameroonian daily news- increasing focus on the Fianna Fáil- row a phrase, to educate, agitate and paper, summed up much of the feeling PD government and the stupendous organise. And while again the Irish on the ground in the world’s poorest lie told by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern at organisers of MPH are now turning continent in a widely syndicated the UN General Assembly concerning their attention to the World Bank and exposé of the great ego-trip. “Who our plans to meet the Millenium IMF it is almost as if these institutions here,” he wrote, “wants a concert Development Goal of 0.7% in foreign are an afterthought, rather than a against poverty when an African is aid. Nevertheless, the British organis- gushing source of global poverty born, lives and dies without ever ers’ failure to oppose New Labour’s through requirements for welfare being able to vote freely?” cosying up to MPH as a public rela- retrenchment, privatisation and reli- tions counterweight to the Iraq war is gious adherence to free market princi- Give me Youssou N'Dour any day “The truth is that it was not for us, for lamentable. One of the key reasons ples. over Madonna. The Senegalese singer Africa, that the musi- was one of the bright lights on a day cians at Live 8 were Madonna: I was proud to attend the Dublin rally of decent, if hardly inspirational singing; it was to amuse was Live8 against poverty organised by the music in Hyde Park in which “aware- the crowds and to clear merely an Make Poverty History Campaign with ness” of the G8’s Scottish meeting their own consciences, extension of some 20,000 others last June. On my supposedly topped the agenda. The and whether they real- her ego? way to the event, however, the visual lowlights included the increasingly- ized it or not, to rein- imagery of Irish poverty was even annoying and ludicrously-patronising force dictatorships. They more striking than usual – drug Mrs Ritchie, a couple of fairly asinine still believe us to be like addicts and the homeless dotting the performances and the cringeworthy children that they must bus route in. What I’ve no doubt is sight of more than a couple of pop- save, as if we don't real- much worse are the hidden symptoms stars doing their Smashy & Nicey ize ourselves what the in a country with such incredulous serious bit for char-i-dee. source of our problems inequality as ours. is.” But the mildly political concert was Fighting poverty needs more than plagued by more than the musically Shanda Tomne’s sting- softly, softly pop concerts, celebrity annoying. N’Dour being the only ing rebuke of the organ- campaigners and slick campaigns African to play in a gig supposedly isers of Live8 also raises which attract all, sundry and built around the needs of the people of serious issues for the Madonna. It is in fighting to preserve that continent is faintly ludicrous. wider Make Poverty and improve our social policies, N’Dour having to invite himself to the History (MPH) reduce inequalities in health, housing gig to play is clearly so. Campaign. But the polit- and education and joining with other ical problems of MPH extend far why the UK government will not meet progressive groups that we can defeat In a concert built more around egos beyond psychological muscle-flexing its aid targets any time soon is the poverty at home. It is in tackling the than awareness, the culmination of the and Western guilt complexes. In truth, simple fact that so much is being spent great alphabet soup of the neoliberal Make Poverty History campaign while the aims of Make Poverty on a horrific war based on motives of concensus and empowering the partic- struggled to make an impact ahead of History are noble, they appear to be strategic geopolitical and economic ipation of all people in their societies the story of celebrity appearances, directed at soft targets rather than the influence. Gordon Brown’s claim to and their economies that we can band reunions and Pete Doherty’s real enemies of the poor; avaricious support the thrust of the MPH cam- defeat poverty around the world. If we inability to find the right key. No right-wing politics, corporate inter- paign was a massive PR coup for the are truly, truly serious about making doubt, the Live8 event found it hard to ests, free market religiosity and British administration, a phoney bait poverty history, it is the singleminded straddle between the two stools of pol- increasingly-powerful financial insti- which was taken by campaign organ- quest for profit and wealth at the heart itics and entertainment. As we might tutions which copperfasten all three isers hook, line and sinker. of capitalism, not mere cosmetic have expected, the falling momentum together in a form of undemocratic, packages such as that proposed at the veered sharply to the latter. almost dictatorial global governance. Make Poverty History has been about G8, which must be defeated. awareness of poverty more than any African columnist Jean-Claude In fairness to the organisers of the other issue, but it is in the politics of Page 11

Labour Youth Campaigns Labour Youth Campaigns Labour Youth Campaigns Labour Youth Campaigns Labour Youth Campaigns Coca - Cola Boycott Special The Blossoming Boycott Killer-Coke Campaign Starts to Bear Fruit Since the International Day of have responded SINALTRAINAL’s the campaign would need to be Action Against Coca-Cola in call for help and solidarity and news stepped up around the globe if July of 2003 the boycott has of Irish student action. progress towards the goals of the boy- grown in size and strength cott are to be achieved because a con- throughout the world. Student The successes of grassroots boycotts tinuation of media stunts that Coca- Cola have thus far tried to counter the groups have teamed with trade in areas of abuse are being shown in unions to make the beverage massive drops in profit of Coca-Cola campaign with inevitably will. and its subsidiaries in those regions. and food conglomerate feel the In the April-June quarter sales in India pressure. dropped 14%, the quarter when its sales are usually the highest. A promi- The rush of trade unions lending nent photographer’s work depicting support to Colombian solidarity Coca-Cola’s role in the water crisis in were given a significant boost in that country is currently on display at June of 2004 with the addition of a busy intersection in Chennai, despite Unison, the UK’s largest trade threats of a lawsuit, will surely bolster union, joining the boycott. In the movement among local Indians. joined the movement as well. On In Latin America, the site of the Coca- addition to Unison, large North Cola backed, paramilitary-enforced American trade unions such as the March 31st of this year the Union of Students of Ireland (USI) voted for a executions of Colombian labour lead- Service Employees International boycott of Coca-Cola and subsidiary ers, sales have dropped 20% in the Union (SEIU) have joined the Nestle. This action was followed a same period to the tune of $19 million fight with their membership of nearly unanimous vote by the USD (€15.3 million). These drops in quarterly earnings show the boycott is communicating to the multinational beverages giant in the only language it seems to understand, the language of money.

The campaign is beginning to show some successes from the pressures caused by the international union and student boycott. Coca-Cola has estab- lished a ten million dollar fund to pro- vide for the victims of Colombian vio- lence, seemingly a direct result of worldwide negative press it has received due to its involvement in the violent deaths of at least eight of its employees. Unfortunately, this fund appears to be wholly a public relations Columbian worker protests stunt meant to stem the swell of pub- lic support and worldwide solidarity over 1.3 million strong. National Union of Students UK to do exhibited following the 2003 call for a the same. The multi-million pounds Coca-Cola boycott by SINAL- In Ireland teachers have lent their sup- sterling contract they have with Coca- TRAINAL. The nature of the Coca- port to the boycott as well; both the Cola supplying drinks to universities Cola fund as a hollow stunt is clear Teachers’ Union of Ireland and the throughout the UK expires in March knowing that the families of Isidro Gil Irish National Teachers’ Organisation and if this resolution is any indicator, and other murdered labour leaders have broken all ties with Coca-Cola Coca-Cola’s chances for renewal look have to this day not received any por- and its subsidiaries. Irish students in a bleak. The movement that saw its tion of the newly established fund. growing number of universities have roots take in Ireland has found fertile SINALTRAINAL leader Edgar Paez ground and has spread throughout the thanked protesters worldwide for their page 12 globe as universities large and small show of solidarity but explained that

th Campaigns Labour Youth Campaigns Labour Youth Campaigns a Boycott Special Corruption and Collusion On the 24th of June this year a The Colombian Story dered leading social members of the delegation comprising members Tribe. Victims included Debora’s aunt of Labour Youth and the who was taken from her home and in by David Geary front of some of the local children had Labour Party visited Colombia Francisco Ramirez the president of our two-week visit. The trip com- her head cut of with a machete. They at the invitation of Sinaltrainal the union gave a brief overview of the prised a series of meetings in Bogotá, called on the house of another of and the CUT (Colombian situation of conflict in the country and Barrancabermeja, Bucaramanga and Debora’s aunts and this time they its relationship to the exploitation of Congress of Trade Unions). Arauca. This gave us a broad picture stuck a grenade down her mouth and natural resources. He explained how of the crisis facing social organisa- exploded it. The horror which was royalties from oil production were The Colombian Solidarity Network tions in Colombia as they face the visited upon their peaceful communi- been heavily subsidised in the inter- based in Dublin organised what was onslaught of the state and its paramil- ty has scarred their youth for life. As ests of US and British MNC’s operat- its first ever delegation to the country. itary allies. Debora recalls of her son knowing his We met with a wide range of social ing in the country. Furthermore the grandmother was dead because he Harken Energy Company which is organisations, trade unions and Sinaltrainal: saw her sweeping up the body parts. owned by the Bush family has indigenous people over the course of Edgar Paez, head of international rela- Many of the members of the paramil- received even more favorable treat- tions at Sinaltrainal outlined develop- itary present in the village on that day ment with 3 dollars of tax reduced off ments in the boycott coke campaign. were recognised as been members of each barrel of oil it exports. He There are boycott coke campaign the state military. This type of collu- described how the task of environ- groups in over 67 US universities sion between the legal and the illegal mental regulation had now been trans- while 250 town halls in Italy have armed actors in the state is fairly com- ferred from a state agency to the com- joined the boycott. Due to the pres- mon in the country. sure of the campaign Coca Cola have met with Sinaltrainal to dis- Debora who has spoken out pub- cuss possible reparations. However licly about the massacre in her vil- to date they have not committed a lage explained how she has received single cent in compensation for numerous threats from the paramili- Sinaltrainal members, but instead taries. She told the Irish delegation have launched a 10 million dollar that she "would rather die speaking fund for victims of violence in out than die in silence". Colombia as a PR exercise. This fund as it stands will do nothing for A member of Sinaltrainal explained the orphans of Isidro Gil and his how in June of 2002 he was threat- wife or the other family members ened by paramilitaries. The paramil- of deceased Coca Cola workers. itaries tried to kidnap his four year old son. They were unsuccessful. Edgar Paez stated that the strength Then in May of 2005 he was of the campaign internationally has informed by the paramilitaries that caused Coke to set up a website to he was on a list of people due to be dispute the allegations and have executed. His family were forced to forced them to create the 10 million move to Bogotá for several months. dollar fund. However he stated that He has been awarded precautionary the campaign will need to be measures by the Inter American stepped up over the coming months Commission on Human Rights. in order to ensure that Coke meet Theses measures simply put mean the demands of the campaign rather that he has two armed body guards than simply investing in PR stunts. at his side 24 hours a day 365 days Edgar outlined the importance of a year. the boycott coke campaign as a means of establishing the responsi- bility of multinationals operating in Colombia as the driving force behind panies themselves. A complete report on Para militarism. the trip is available The Wayuu Massacre: from the Colombian Mining Workers Union: During this meeting we were given Solidarity network. We met with Sintramineralco (The the opportunity to speak with Debora Email: mining workers union). The building Barros Fince a member of the Wayuu [email protected] in which the union is based and to tribe. Debora gave us first hand testi- which we were taken for our meeting mony of the massacre of 18th April had been bombed by the paramili- 2004 when 150 armed paramilitaries taries in May of the following year. entered their village and brutally mur- page 13

Funnies Funnies Funnies Funnies Funnies Funnies Top 5 awkward moments during Dubya's bicycle ride with Lance Armstrong. 5. The first time Dubya fell, Lance didn't know about the "when the President falls, everybody falls" protocol and kept on riding. 4. Bush's assurance to Armstrong that he would put the "war on cancer" on the list right after Iran and Syria. 3. When the going got tough, Dubya refused to lead, preferring to draft. 2. Armstrong passed his drug test. 1. Lance stopped to talk to Cindy Sheehan for an hour and finished the ride with a four minute lead. Go to www.toostupidtobepresident.com for more..... BILL HICKS QUOTES If you don't believe drugs have done good things for us, then go home and burn all your records, all your tapes, and all your CDs because every one of those artists who have made brilliant music and enhanced your lives? RrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrEAL fucking high on drugs. The Beatles were so f**king high they let Ringo sing a few songs. People ask me what I think about that woman priest thing. What, a woman priest? Women priests. Great, great. Now there's priests of both sexes I don't listen to. They lie about marijuana. Tell you pot-smoking makes you unmotivated. Lie! When you're high, you can do everything you normally do, just as well. You just realize that it's not worth the fucking effort. There is a difference. The worst kind of non-smokers are the ones that come up to you and cough. That's pretty fucking cruel isn't it? Do you go up to cripples and dance too?

bbs.zol.com

Cults: A Handy Reference Guide according to the George W. Bush’s White House go to www.whitehouse.org for more.... It is a dangerous world out there. As our Christian nation opens its doors to more foreign trash, God's people are unfortunately exposed to exotic new ideas that might cause some to question their True Christian™ beliefs. In order to assist you in defend ing the Bible, we believe it is important for you to at least understand in the simplest of terms what in tarnation all these false religions are going on about. As such, we have prepared the quick handy reference guide below. Each cult is linked if you require more resources to help you share Jesus with these deluded, lost souls.

Mormons - You get your own planet when you die. The more wives you have on earth, the more planets you get. Elite members get their own pair of magic underwear.

Scientologists - A cheap science fiction story by mediocre writer, L. Ron Hubbard, about a space opera that happened 75 mil lion years ago. Anyone who reads the story without paying the Board of Directors enough money will get pneumonia and die.

Jehovah's Witnesses - A social group of fat old colored women who shop at K-mart and knock on doors, begging for food. They don't celebrate holidays or birthdays. They believe that hospitals are evil and that Jesus was really the angel Michael and He died on a stake instead of a cross. Their core belief is that since 1884, God works behind a small desk in an office in Brooklyn, New York.

Quakers - Modern day peasants who live on a strict diet of oats and practice idolatry by praying to an image of their god imprinted on oversized cardboard canisters of oatmeal.

Seventh Day Adventists - Snooty pick and choose bible literalists who believe Saturday is the Sabbath since it is the literal last day of the week, but they ignore verses about God's command to stone their disobedient children.

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Comment Comment Comment Comment Comment The Genesis of Terrorism Terrorism is bred by our own destructive actions on the innocent says Daniel Stanford In 1972, when the British Para easily identified and defined. Western tion, with fear and anger in their Can we blame them for seeking out Troopers met a civil rights march leaders, like President Bush, and hearts. The West literally flattens two groups that will arm them and ask on the streets of Derry with a show- Prime Minster Tony Blair, have stated countries, and we seem surprised that them to kill as many people as possi- er of bullets, and when 14 citizens time and time again, that they will not Islamic fundamentalism is not wain- ble? died due to their fatal encounter, the be intimidated by terrorists, that ing, but growing fruitfully. Official, and Provisional Irish groups such as Al Qaeda will be We are reaping exactly what we are Republican Armies, were inadver- stopped, and that their campaigns of I tell you now that especially in a post sowing in more ways than that my tently given a better recruitment fear and hatred will be brought to an friends. We in the west are very campaign than they ever dreamed enthusiastic advertisers for Al Qaeda. possible. Spot the difference??? Few televised speeches by President The visceral hatred of “The f**kin’ Bush are made without the implanta- Brits,” held onto like a safety blanket tion of fear into all viewers hearts by by young working class boys in some the ominous mention of that invisible of the most poverty ridden areas of enemy. both , and the Republic; was potently fuelled and Al Qaeda may well be a large organi- became so easily justified, ironically sation of militant fudimentalist Islam, by the actions of the British them- it could on the other hand be a far selves. reaching cell structure, with orders being handed down from the never Many hundreds of these young abrupt end. “911” world, we have no right to be ending heights of the power structure. impressionable boys, were given surprised at what happened in Madrid. A kind of, “you never know who every reason they needed, to join an But if Al Quaeda are a clandestine, And we have no right to be surprised you’re working for,” situation. organisation that would arm them, and secret and invisible organisation, why at what happened in Bali and in point them in the direction of a attack a constitutional country, with a London. Then again, if 10 guys want to form Protestant pub, or chip shop, and ask leader and citizens? their own fundamentalist Islamic them to take as many lives as possible. If Islamic villages, towns and cities jihad, what better name can it have, The purpose of this will not be to are being destroyed at frightening other than the most fearful word in our This is exactly what we the West, are demonstrate the already well made rates, if civilians are coming between current lexicon? doing in Muslim countries such as point that the war in Iraq was wrong, western armies and their targets, or Iraq and Afghanistan right at this but to demonstrate that we are not Islamic militias and their intruding If we were allowed any kind of moment. solving the original problem, we are targets, and being killed in their thou- knowledge on how they work and in fact fanning the fire of terrorism. sands, can we really blame young operate, we would be a lot less afraid. The war on terrorism is an odd kind of Islamic men for doing exactly what We are being told by our leaders to war. The rules of engagement have 14 people in Derry were murdered by the young men of Derry did in 1972. hate Islam, without question. Fearing been altered, and war is no longer so an army, and countless young men Islam, makes it much easier. joined a secretive terrorist organisa- Join us Join us Join us Join us Join us Join us Join us

If you would like to join Labour Youth please fill in the form below and return it to us as 17 Ely Place, Dublin 2. or e-mail us at [email protected], supplying us with the information requested below. Membership is free.

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Burning Issue Burning Issue Burning Issue Burning Issue

LeftA Tribune Ban Editor writes on hisOn observations Mother regarding one of the most ridiculous Nature laws that exists in Ireland It was reported on the news that Does it make people aggressive cannabis addicts there are treated is a gateway drug. The only scien- the Gardai seized vast amounts and violent? No. Is it addictive? like criminals instead of people tists that claimed it was a gateway of cannabis off the punters Maybe. Do alcohol and cigarettes who have a health problem? In a drug were sponsored by industries attending the Electric Picnic kill? Yes. Are cigarettes addic- free society there should never be (timber and oil) who felt threat- music festival. I cannot help but tive? Yes. Does alcohol cause any reason explained as to why ened by the vast production of have visions of Garda officers some people to something hemp (a marijuana by product). harrassing a quiet circle of ston- do harm onto should be made ers whilst ignoring the drunks others? Yes. legal. The ques- “Oh yeah, well what benefit stumbling around them. So I So why is tion should be would legal marijuana have for would just like to say well done cannabis ille- asked of why society?” I hear some ask. Lots of to the Gardai. Your seizures of gal, whilst something is benefits is the answer. From envi- weed will earn you endless booze and fags made illegal. ronmentally friendly production amounts of paperwork. Thus are legal of material to aiding those who keeping you from protecting cit- despite putting “But cannabis is suffer from MS or cancer. Not to izens from people who roam our a greater strain a gateway drug, mention the cut down on Garda streets intoxicated on ALCO- on our health isn’t it?” some paperwork and a slight boost for HOL!!! Good job lads. service, mental people ask, the tourism industry whilst pump- stability, and (maybe they ing some funds into the economy. This begs the question of why this kills more people than all other have never heard of alcohol or plant, this weed, this herb is ille- drugs combined. nicotine). Wrong is the answer. So how did this creation of God gal. Its a law against nature if you There is no, and I mean no, credi- get criminalised by man? Read will. Does it kill anyone? No. Furthermore, why are the few ble scientific proof that cannabis for the answers below. How was Cannabis made Illegal? The story of a ban on a plant that stems from racism, greed, and ignorance by Jonathan McDade An ambitious man by the name of Then the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act was Harry J. Anslinger spear headed a introduced to Congress. Anslinger campaign to ban marijuana. He lobbied politicians with stories of was the first ever drugs csar of the marijuana related violence, death, and United States. His motives were threw in the odd racist jibe too. The just as appaulling as his actions. infamous ‘Reefer Madness’ movie was made which depicted people turn- Infamous quotes As the United States government was ing into blood thirsty murderers after from the first drugs cracking down on alcohol in the smoking marijuana. Anslinger had no 1920’s and 1930’s they also decided to backing from the medical profession csar giving reasons focus there attention on drugs. The and the bill was passed very quietly by why marijuan is bad Harrison Act was passed in order to Congressmen who were told (again tax and control the supply of many more lies) that the American Medical “marijuana leads to drugs including marijuana. In 1930 Association backed the bill. On the pacifism and commu- the Treasury Department established 2nd August 1937 Marijuana became the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. illegal on a federal level. Decades nist brainwashing” Harry Anslinger was made their direc- words, LIES) such as “marijuan is an later the U.S government twisted the tor. In order to build his new agency addictive drug which produces in its arms of fellow U.N members to fol- “Marijuana is the he would not be able to do it with the users insanity, criminality, and death.” low suit and they succeeded which is criminalisation of just cocain and why this harmless plant is illegal in most violent-causing opium. He needed a more common He got help from media tycoon Ireland to this day. drug of mankind” and widespread drug to target in order William Randolph Hearst who had for his bureau to survive. So he The propaganda war still continues many reasons to wage war on the “You smoke a joint turned his attention to marijuana. weed. He had heavy investments in from the American government. the timber industry which would have Every year over one billion dollars of and you’re likely to Anslinger used the themes of racism beeen threatened by the mass produc- tax payers money is spent on drug pre- kill your brother” (which was even more rampant and tion of hemp. He also hated Mexicans vention campaigns. Although they do accepted in U.S back then) and vio- who were the main sellers of marijua- not claim that marijuana is deadly, lence in his propaganda campaign na. He spread the Anslinger lies they are now calling it a “gateway “Reefer makes dark- against the plant. He came out with through his vast network of newspa- drug” and that it makes users a follow- ies think they’re as some absurd statements (in other pers. er of Satan (thanks for that one Ronald Reagan). So there you have it. good as white men” Page 16