Three Related Irish Protests Announced
IAWM Protest Announced: *****
Fairview Against The War Protest Announced *****
Ireland- Palestine Solidarity Campaign *****

‘Fear Translating into Anger’
Democracy Now interviews Author Rahul Mahajan, one of the only western journalists who was inside Fallujah over the past few days. *****
"We were in Fallujah over part of Saturday, and Sunday morning before we left. I can tell you from whatever I have seen, there's a big controversy now with the Arab press, Al-Jazeera, in particular reporting U.S. atrocities and war crimes in Fallujah, and the U.S. press tamely reporting Brigadier General Mark Kim's claims no such thing is happening. I can tell you from what I have seen with my own eyes that Al-Jazeera is much closer to the truth."

Bush endorses Israeli West Bank Settlements *****
Promises to US Army Broken *****
Fallujah After the Seige Photoreport: Al Jazeera (Top Left Homepage) *****
Scary Press Conference: *****
US Democrat Radio: *****
"I've got some must-calls," Bush said, while inviting a question from a reporter named on his list. *****

Help Indymedia Blog Events: Add links in Comments: Feature/Blog Continues Here....

It was announced today (6th April) after a Cabinet meeting that the proposed 'Citizenship' referendum will indeed be held on the same day as the European and Local Elections. Shortly before the announcement was made a protest took place at the Progressive Democrat Offices against what is widely percieved as an attempt to introduce the race card into the upcoming elections. Speaking on behalf of the Campaign Against The Racist Referendum, Mark Grehan made it clear that the referendum will face fierce resistance:

“This referendum is not progressive but a backwards step. It is an attack on the rights of children, and a blatant attempt to divert attention from the failed policies of this government. We believe all children should be treated equally as advocated by the 1916 Proclamation. It is unacceptable to discriminate against children based on who their parents are or where their parents come from. We are calling on the Progressive Democrats to withdraw this vicious and unwarranted attack on the rights of Irish children.

There is a growing consensus that if this referendum goes ahead it should not be held at the same time as the local and European elections. Since the foundation of the State all children born here have been entitled to citizenship. Any attempt to withdraw this right from children, should be exposed to rigorous public examination. There is not enough time between now and June 11th to have a full and open debate. It is outrageous that government should even consider rushing through such fundamental changes to the rights of Irish children. The PD’s and Fianna Fáil signed a pledge on International Day Against Racism promising not to play the race card during the elections. The proposed referendum makes a mockery of this pledge.”

Campaign Against Racist Referendum Mailing List
Account of Recent Meeting Establishing Campaign Against Racist Referendum
Original Call for Coalition against Referendum
Sinn Fein are against the Referendum
Labour objections to the timing of the Referendum

Click on the 'Feature Continued' link below for a Photo-Essay and fuller report on the Protest at the PD Offices.

While the corporate media froths and sputters over fantasy foreign "armies of anarchists" invading Irish soil and overstretching the "young inexperienced Gardai" a full scale invasion is taking place with the assistance of the government, the Gardai and the airport authorities at Shannon.

Thousands of US troops (and probably munitions) are passing through Shannon every month.

Plane-spotter extraordinaire Tim Hourigan is the only reason that we are aware of this: in this latest report taken from the newswire he details his latest spotting and the petty harrassment of him by a secret police goon and Garda who managed to obtain a banana skin from him. NUJ journalists could learn something about ethics and originality in reporting from Tim.

"Went out to Shannon yesterday following reports of military traffic. Saw plenty, and got a rude visit from a cocky detective.

3 ATA planes carrying troops for the military and 2 USAF Hercules. One had been there since noon on Saturday and the other probably stayed over last night, after depositing a number of passengers."