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The plans have been in the works for a while, and last week Island Timberlands prepared to begin clear-cut logging within the ancient forest of Cortes Island. Locals, organized through ‘Wildstands – a Cortes Island community alliance’ were ready. Forest access roads were blockaded, legal threats made by the company, and everything was looking like a War in the Woods in the making for Cortes.
That was last week; in the interim few days, Island Timberlands has withdrawn its claws, assuring locals its promised application for an injunction will be delayed for at least this week, while some form of negotiation can commence. It’s not the end of the fight for the forests of Cortes – or even the beginning of the end – but it is the end of the beginning. (sorry Winston).
Zoe Miles is a Cortes Island-raised activist and spokesperson for Wildstands, and she’ll join us in the first half.
And; last week the United Nations General Assembly, in a historic vote, ratified the Palestinian Authorities application for recognition by that body as a nonvoting observer non-member state. The motion was endorsed by an overwhelming majority, despite (or perhaps because of) weeks of bluster and bullying by Israel’s representatives and those of its nearest friends in Canada and the United States. In unprecedented fashion, Stephen Harper’s New Government of Canada called back to Ottawa senior diplomats from Israel, the West Bank, and most pointedly, from the UN missions in New York and Geneva. Reacting to domestic and international ridicule, Canada’s Foreign Affairs minister, John Baird assured, Canada’s diplomats will return to their posts following consultations on what future direction the country will take in dealing with the region.
Jim Miles is a retired educator, writing on politics, U.S. foreign policy, and the environment. His articles and book reviews are published online at the Palestine Chronicle and Pacific Free Press amongst others. Miles covered the surprise Canadian government reaction to the UN move in the article, ‘Congratulation Palestine from an Embarrassed Canadian.’ Jim Miles in the second half.
And; Victoria Street Newz publisher and CFUV Radio broadcaster, Janine Bandcroft will join us at the bottom of the hour to bring us newz from our city’s streets and beyond. But first, Zoe Miles and a Mexican Standoff in the woods of Cortes Island.
Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, airing live every Monday, 5-6pm Pacific Time. In Victoria at 101.9FM, and on the internet at: http://cfuv.uvic.ca. He also serves as a contributing editor to the web news site, http://www.pacificfreepress.com. Check out the GR blog at: http://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.ca/
G-Radio is dedicated to social justice, the environment, community, and providing a forum for people and issues not covered in the corporate media.
