Posted: October 16, 2002
Updated: October 17, 2002

Playing the blame game in Bali - Christopher Johnson
  Many forces, including the Indonesian army, could be behind or have a hand in the disco mass murder.
 

Labour support crucial and split - in NDP leadership race - Mike Martin
  While several unions have endorsed a variety of candidates, others still sit on the fence.
 

Feds Need a Doctor - They're Paralyzed - Gillian Steward
  Federal government mangles medicare approving Alberta's first private hospital.
 

Plan to attend the Straight Goods Media Panel Stories Media Blew in 2002 Saturday, November 9 in Toronto with featured panelists John Miller (Ryerson), Antonia Zerbisias (Star), Rick Salutin (Globe), Kirk LaPointe (former CTV exec)

Communities, Rights and Change

Tax credits for disabled put at risk by budget - Reuel S. Amdur
 
 

Ethics and democracy
Grit backbenchers lay it on the line to water down proposed ethics rules - Aaron Freeman
  Meaningful accountability helps prevent conflicts of interest - it isn't an attack on honour.
 

Consumers
Ontario electrical rates explode in wake of privatization and deregulation
  On-line responses include Hydro Hotheads club and on-line petition.
 

Telemarketing Fraud - Deborah Powell, Consumer Alert
  How to protect yourself and what to do if you are a victim.
 
 

Commentary
Space for thanks-giving - Suzanne Elston
  In having so much all of the time we have lost the gift of wanting.
 
 

The Straight Goods Cyber Forum America armed with patriotism - Larry Solway   This week's Survey: America is right because _______? Take the survey, qualify for a prize in the weekly draw.

Iraq alert
Definitive case against invading Iraq may now be coming from the CIA - Linda McQuaig
  Report warns Iraq poses little offense threat but attack could trigger chemical and biological counterattack.

No case for war against Iraq - WorkingTV
  Former Chief UN Weapons Inspector Scott Ritter speaks.

Inspection as invasion - George Monbiot, The Guardian

Two from ZMag:
9/11, Afghanistan and Iraq Q&A
  45 questions and answers.

Interview with Noam Chomsky on US war plans

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Northern Exposure

Down-home doc sets up new kind of medical training - Mick Lowe
  Northern Ontario's new medical school will put student doctors on the frontline.
 

NDP Leadership Race NDP leadership candidates debate the issues What constituency or constitutencies should the NDP court and how?   Read the candidates responses and take part in the forum.

Environment
A line in the Tar Sands - Gary Gallon
  Though it takes almost as much energy as produced to take oil from sticky sand, tar sands represent one fifth of Canadian oil production - with lots more to come, if unfettered by Kyoto.

Hot headlines
Robert Fisk in the Independent:
Al Q targetted Australia and France in Bali and Yemen attacks
  This crime proves none of us are safe - and Britons may well be the next targets.

Hospital drug errors a 'silent epidemic' - Ottawa Citizen
  Mishandled medication probably kills hundreds yearly.

USAF acknowledges beam weapon readiness - Aviation Now
  Directed-energy technology is ready to be used as weaponry in Iraq.

How mobile phones let spies see our every move - Burke and Warren, The Observer
  Government's secret Celldar project will allow surveillance of anyone, at any time and anywhere there is a phone signal

Cheney: Investigators, Keep Out - MSNBC
  The vice president blocks an independent commission to investigate 9-11.