This is an opinion piece recently published on the Indymedia Newswire based on a recently published bogus news item relating to a fictional tale of drug trafficking on the Luas.

The basic rules of journalism seem straightforward; verify your story from at least two independent sources and always get the important 5 ‘W’s’ and a ‘H’, who, what, when, where, why & how? For a clearer example of my belief that media crime coverage sometimes purposely tries to create a moral outcry, I decided to set up an experiment. Being an avid writer of fiction, I set up a false Hotmail account under a pseudonym. I wrote the mail in the guise of a disgruntled semi-retired member of a fictional unnamed residents association. I claimed to be acting on behalf of some concerned neighbours. I posted my mail to newspaper The Star. on the 5th of January, (2005). I requested that they look into a new Luas related drugs problem, figuring that drug stories are a solid popular crime issue and the inclusion of the new Luas system, (which had not yet been linked to any crime) would prove too tempting. I did not name any names and mentioned two districts in an effort to be more vague. I also stated that I wanted to remain anonymous, as I was well known in the area concerned.

On Sunday the 9th of January 2005, The Star Sunday printed a story, which read, ‘Claims Luas is Drugs Ferry’, (Hynes, F. P.12). This was my story. When not directly quoting me, I was paraphrased. Almost the entire content of my false Hotmail was there in print. I checked the account and found a reply from the Star’s News Editor requesting I contact Ms. Hynes. This was not an over eager journalist, but an entire chain of command prematurely printing a story relating to a fictional criminal matter. . . .

On Friday 19 November and again on Friday Dec 10th and Fri 24th Dec, FEIC carried out the digging of a symbolic grave at Raytheon, Derry. During the protest, large numbers of white ribbons and flowers were tied to the railings which run along the perimeter of the Raytheon plant. A large stone marker, with the words, 'Fallujah 2004' was left to mark the grave. Flowers and candles were left in an act of solidarity with the people of Fallujah. Within two days, every single ribbon, flower and candle had been removed. The grave marker was taken away half a dozen times and was eventually broken in two. The grave continues to be removed and descrated every time it is dug. Despite this, FEIC continue the protest.

It's clear that Raytheon in Derry are unnerved by the protest and threatened by white ribbons, flowers and candles. The people who make Tomahawk Cruise missiles and boast about the lethality of their product are unable to countenance the sight of simple symbols of peace.

It is no surprise that the dead of Fallujah are not respected by arms manufacturers: that a memorial to their suffering should be desecrated like this is simply another example -- were one needed -- of the primacy of profit over humanity. Those killed by the arms trade all over the world are afforded no dignity, either in life or death. Desecration of memorials to them is an attempt to erase their memory and the memory of what happened to them from our consciousness.

Related Story: Feast of the Innocents Dublin: Confronting Irish Complicity in the Slaughter in Iraq

Suas are a newly arrived charity operating out of several Irish universities and sending volunteers to work in schools in India. Within two years they aim to have 20 groups in third level institutions around the country, and 7,000 members.

So far, so what? Well a while ago they were running their big publicity campaign to get overseas volunteers for the summer of 2005, and if you saw their green glossy posters decorating some colleges you might have noticed the words 'World Bank' on them. Part of the volunteer program includes 'development education' given by World Bank personnel.

Somewhat incongruous isn't it? I have limited knowledge of the world of charities and NGOs but those I am familiar with are more often found crying out against the World Bank.

This is a two part exploration. Firstly here is a backgrounder on the social causes of world hunger and on the devastating policies of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Secondly here is an investigation into the Suas 'development education' course and the whole issue of World Bank window dressing.

Related Links on the World Bank:
Global Issues · Whirled Bank · Bretton Woods Project · New Green Order · World Bank Boycott

Other Related Links:
Suas · The Ecologist on Greenwash · Friends of the Earth on Greenwash · Globalisation and Poverty: Vandana Shiva

Map from the World Development Movement showing civil unrest against IMF policies 0.11 Mb IMF impact 0.04 Mb

Merry Christmas Minister McDowell...

Photo Series from Residents Against Racism's December 16th 2004 Protest at Dáil Éireann: • March to Dáil Éireann • Demo at Dáil Éireann • Merry Christmas Michael McDowell Also: Asylum Women Speak Out at Galway City Council Meeting

Background Links:
Minister Michael McDowell's revised arrangements for processing claims for permission to remain from parents of Irish born children.

Irish Times: Immigrants with Irish children may get reprieve

A Letter to Michael McDowell,

Tomso is an Irish citizen child. His non-Irish mother was forced to leave him behind when she was forcibly expelled from this country.

• Will Tomso's mother be allowed to return under these new procedures?
  
• Will other parents in similar situations be allowed return?
  
• What about Irish children who were forced into exile when their parents were expelled in the cloak and dagger midnight deportations that McDowell finds so appealling. Will they be allowed to return?

Under the proposed procedures parents must be of 'good character'.

• Who determines whether or not these parents are of 'good character'?
  
• Is it McDowell himself who decides?
  
• The ill informed GNIB interviewer?
  
• Or will it be the communities where the Parents live?

This issue is about the rights of the child. All Irish children are born equal, and as such all should be entitled to live in the safety of their own country with the protection of their Parents. This right should not be taken away on the basis of other people's judgements on the personality of their Parents.

Minister McDowell you have refused to allow these parents to work while their applications are processed, and yet you say they must be economically self-sufficient within 5 years. With the growing inequality in Irish society how do you think Parents will be successful?

The cost of housing in Ireland has skyrocketed many young Irish parents cannot become economically self-sufficient. How do you propose that these particular parents become self-sufficient while refusing them permission to work?

Secret Deals and Treaties? The scale and significance of US military use of Shannon airport has taken on a new dimension with the revelations that Shannon has become part of the illegal movement and torture of prisoners, and the airport's increasing level of use by US military and civil leaders. This begs the question, has the Irish Government done a secret deal with the United States, granting US citizens immunity from arrest and procecution under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court?

I am making these allegations in all seriousness and with genuine concern. I have no intention of wasting police time. I am making serious allegations about serious and worrying crimes. I state and I believe that serious crimes have occurred and are ongoing at the present time. I believe these crimes to include:

*Aiding and abetting TORTURE and unlawful detention (a crime against humanity) by means of facilitating unlawful landing at Shannon airport of an aircraft known to be used in the transport of people taken without charge or trial to a place of torture and unlawful detention for an indefinite period of time.

These words were found in the complaint that four members of MAMA lodged with the Gardai on 2nd October 2004. Over the next two months, regular planespotter and indy reporter Tim Hourigan communicated with the Gardai - the details are within.

In other Shannon news, Dick Cheney graced the airport with a visit and attempts were made to muddy the trail with Jets, Jet Companies and Handling companies changing names and owners.