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Voters punish Swedish Social Democrats

Voters punish Swedish Social Democrats By Peter Lindgren STOCKHOLM — The result of the general election on September 20 reflected the growing polarisation in Swedish society. The ruling Social Democrats suffered a defeat of historic dimensions.

Floods highlight Mexico's defects

By Peter Gellert MEXICO CITY — Severe floods in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas have left more than a 250,000 homeless and have taken the lives of between 500 and 3000 people. Torrential rains began on September 7 and have continued since.

Makers and shapers

Makers and shapers The Coalition election campaign received a powerful thumbs-up from big business on September 23. John Howard was feted and praised by 1000 of Sydney's business tops at a free lunch put on by millionaire Harry Triguboff. The

Why putting One Nation last is not enough

By Sean Healy Almost every "respectable" politician would have you believe that putting One Nation last on your ballot paper on October 3 is enough to ensure the end of this racist party's influence in Australian politics. Kim Beazley and his Labor

The secret word on Groucho

The secret word on Groucho By Jon Wiener No, they didn't confuse him with Karl. In 1953 the FBI really did want to know if Groucho Marx was a member of the Communist Party. Apparently the bureau was not familiar with Groucho's famous motto, "I

Methyl bromide threatens communities

FLORIDA — Communities, farms and schools face serious health risks from exposure to the pesticide methyl bromide, according to a new report by Friends of the Earth. Reaping Havoc — The True Cost of Using Methyl Bromide on Florida's Tomatoes

Davids workers await decision

By James Vassilopoulos SYDNEY — Negotiations for an enterprise agreement between the National Union of Workers and Davids, the wholesale grocer, have stalled according to Gary Cripp, NUW delegate at the Silverwater warehouse. The Federal Court

Labor chases the racist vote in Paterson

By Cass Ilia NEWCASTLE — The first openly socialist campaign in the federal seat of Paterson for many years has been well received by voters. The campaign for the Democratic Socialists' candidate Alison Dellit has focussed on opposition to racism

Student movement discusses education and globalisation

Student movement discusses education and globalisation By Sean Healy DHAKA, Bangladesh — Representatives of more than 30 organisations in the Asia-Pacific met on September 4-8 to discuss ways to combat anti-student policies being forced on

Hundreds rally against insurance companies

Hundreds rally against insurance companies By Andrew Hall WOLLONGONG — Angry at insurance companies' refusal to pay for internal and external damage caused by freak storms here on August 17, more than 300 people marched through the city on

Centrelink staff protest job cuts

By Philippa Stanfield ADELAIDE — On September 24, members of the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) staged a street theatre action to highlight the impact on customers and workers of staff cuts in Centrelink. Organised by delegates from the

Students help flood victims

Students help flood victims By Sean Healy DHAKA, Bangladesh — The people of Bangladesh face a new threat — devastating floods which affect 70% of the country and are getting worse. Flying into Dhaka (ground transport is now closed) is a