CounterCurrents: Water Is Life: The Story of Standing Rock Won’t Go Away

Dear Friend,

President Donald Trump delivered a violent, ultra-right speech to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Friday, attacking the media and reprising many of the “America First” themes outlined in his inauguration address one month ago.

It’s true that North Dakota used the power of the state this week to march into the camps along the Missouri River and round up the remaining water protectors. But think about that story: A few dozen people were arrested at camps where more than 10,000 people once said no to the Dakota Access pipeline. That people power did not evaporate. Even today more people, tens of thousands, perhaps millions, are still a part of that effort via social media and through direct action.

Goutham Radhakrishnan takes a thorough look at the economic viability of Vizhinjam harbour project which is also an environmental and ecological disaster.

Also many stories from around the world on a variety of topics. 


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In Solidarity

Binu Mathew
Editor
www.countercurrents.org





Trump attacks media in diatribe to Conservative Political Action Conference
by Joseph Kishore

http://www.countercurrents.org/2017/02/25/trump-attacks-media-in-diatribe-to-conservative-political-action-conference/

President Donald Trump delivered a violent, ultra-right speech to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Friday, attacking the media and reprising many of the “America First” themes outlined in his inauguration address one month ago.




Water Is Life: The Story of Standing Rock Won’t Go Away
by Mark Trahant  

http://www.countercurrents.org/2017/02/25/water-is-life-the-story-of-standing-rock-wont-go-away/


It’s true that North Dakota used the power of the state this week to march into the camps along the Missouri River and round up the remaining water protectors. But think about that story: A few dozen people were arrested at camps where more than 10,000 people once said no to the Dakota Access pipeline. That people power did not evaporate. Even today more people, tens of thousands, perhaps millions, are still a part of that effort via social media and through direct action.





As Police Evict Water Protectors, Tribes Vow to Continue the Fight
  by Jenni Monet 

http://www.countercurrents.org/2017/02/25/as-police-evict-water-protectors-tribes-vow-to-continue-the-fight/

During the three hours it took police to dismantle the sprawling stretch of remaining teepees, tents, and yurts, Chairman Frazier stood on a bluff overlooking the razing of Oceti Sakowin. “We will be back!” he shouted. The moment captured the sadness, but also the resiliency, permeating the reservation.





Vizhinjam Port: An Economic Mirage
by Goutham Radhakrishnan 

http://www.countercurrents.org/2017/02/25/vizhinjam-port-an-economic-mirage/

It is evident that the success of the port to even realise its immediate economic returns hinges on many ifs and buts which in themselves are unrealistic.  Massive loss of livelihood in the tourism and fishing sector will be wrought about by the port and the purported gains are far outsripped by these losses. The revenue sharing model will push the push the already strained state economy into further debt trap. Add to this the absolute lack of transparency in the bidding process and dubious contract structure, Vizhinjam can only be seen as a massive hoax perpetrated on the people of Kerala for the benefit of Adani and unscrupulous politicians.





Message to John Beddington and the Oxford Martin Commission: A System of Food and Agriculture Should Serve the Public, Not Corporate Interests
by Colin Todhunter 

http://www.countercurrents.org/2017/02/25/message-to-john-beddington-and-the-oxford-martin-commission-a-system-of-food-and-agriculture-should-serve-the-public-not-corporate-interests/


Powerful agritech/agribusiness corporations are intent on rolling out a globalised system of chemically-laden food production that adversely impacts human health and diets and leads to micronutrient deficient soils and crops. These corporations seek to eradicate indigenous farming systems centred on smallholder agriculture that can – if the recommendations of various high-level reports are acted on – feed the world healthily and sustainably. And that includes the two billion who experience malnutrition that Beddington refers to: unfortunately, as Rosemary Mason and the information contained the embedded links in this and the next paragraph indicate, the current corporate-led GMO/chemical-intensive ‘Green Revolution’ model leads to exactly the opposite.






Moral Education in Sub-Saharan Africa:Culture,Economics, Conflict, and AIDS
by Dr Sanil Malikappurath Neelakandan 

http://www.countercurrents.org/2017/02/25/moral-education-in-sub-saharan-africacultureeconomics-conflict-and-aids/

Moral education is an important aspect that is much discussed in agent of academic capitalism.It is analysed as a way to recover the genuine spirit behind the education. This book is important for its critical readings of moral education in the context of sub-Saharan Africa.It traces the roots of moral education in African philosophies such as Ubuntu/Botho and in so doing replenishes debates on African ethics.





India: end rampant discrimination in the justice system based on sexual orientation and gender identity – ICJ
by Press Release 

http://www.countercurrents.org/2017/02/25/india-end-rampant-discrimination-in-the-justice-system-based-on-sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-icj/

The Indian authorities must end discrimination against people based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the formal justice system, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ)said in a report released today.





Attack on Idea of University continues…
by Rohin Kumar 

http://www.countercurrents.org/2017/02/25/attack-on-idea-of-university-continues/

Amartya Sen’s statement comes at a time when Indian Universities are under threat to freedom of speech and expression. Coincidently, noble laureate Sen spoke about universities on the day when Ramjas College, a University of Delhi college witnessed violent protest where students, teachers and journalists were badly beaten and harassed.






The Unique Musical Creations of Kumar Sachin Dev Burman and Their Roots in the Reeds and Soil of Bengal-  Part II
  by Monish R Chatterjee 

http://www.countercurrents.org/2017/02/25/the-unique-musical-creations-of-kumar-sachin-dev-burman-and-their-roots-in-the-reeds-and-soil-of-bengal-part-ii/

SDB’s lifelong commitment to, and deep affection for Bengali folk music is evident from his admission that some of his very best hits in the course of his time in Bombay and musical compositions for Hindi films had their origins in Bengali folk music.  In the Bhattacharjee interview he cites as examples, Safalhogiteriaradhana, kahekoroye based on a Baul melody; Wahankaunhaiteramusafirjayegakahan based on Bhatiali (Bengali boatman music); even a much lighter number such as Roopteramastana was apparently based on a favorite folk melody.    And these are but a small sampling.