Eritrea / Journalists still hunted down nine years after September 2001 purges

17 Sep 2010 19:44 Africa/Lagos


Eritrea / Journalists still hunted down nine years after September 2001 purges


ASMARA, Eritrea September 17, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Eritrean authorities continue to gag all forms of free expression and recently arrested another journalist as he was trying to flee the country, Reporters Without Borders said today, on the eve of the ninth anniversary of the start of a brutal political purge in Asmara on 18 September 2001. The organisation wrote to the British authorities yesterday urging them to prosecute one of the purge's organisers, who now lives in Britain.


Journalist Eyob Kessete of state-owned radio Dimtsi Hafash's Amharic-language service was arrested at some point during the past summer as he was trying to cross the border into Ethiopia. It is not known where he is now being held. After his first arrest for trying to defect at the start of the summer of 2007, he was held in several prisons until relatives obtained his release in late 2008 or early 2009 by acting as guarantors.


The fate of around 20 other imprisoned journalists is still cloaked in the same oppressive official silence. There is still no news, for example, about Said Abdulhai, a journalist who was arrested during the last week of March. It is still not clear where Swedish-Eritrean journalist Dawit Isaac of the now-closed daily Setit, who was arrested on 23 September 2001 in Asmara, is being held. A new collection of his writings, entitled “Hope – The Tale of Moses' and Manna's Love and other texts” is to be unveiled next week at Sweden's Göteborg book fair.


The September 2001 round-ups, the closure of all the privately-owned media and the arrests of the main newspaper publishers began a period of terror from which Eritrea still has not emerged because of the intolerance and paranoia of its leaders. Nowadays, there are no independent media, foreign reporters are unwelcome and journalists working for the state media must enthusiastically peddle government propaganda and, if they cannot follow orders, they have no choice but to flee the country.


Reporters Without Borders wrote yesterday to Scotland Yard's War Crimes Department to ask about the state of its investigation into Naizghi Kiflu, an Eritrean citizen resident in Britain. As information minister and presidential adviser at the time of the 2001 crackdown, he could be arrested and prosecuted under article 134 of the 1988 Criminal Justice Act, which punishes torture.


In May 2008, Reporters Without Borders issued a report entitled “Naizghi Kiflu, the dictatorship's eminence grise” that detailed the role he played in Eritrea's repressive apparatus. Read the report: http://en.rsf.org/eritrea-naizghi-kiflu-the-dictatorship-s-21-05-2008,27109.html.


Eritrea has come last in the Reporters Without Borders press freedom index for the past three years. It is ranked 175th out of 175 countries. The onetime hero of Eritrea's liberation struggle, President Issaias Afeworki now oppresses his people and has become Africa's most ruthless dictator. He is on the Reporters Without Borders list of “Predators of Press Freedom.” More information: http://en.rsf.org/spip.php?page=predateur&id_article=37194.


Sign the petition for the release of journalists imprisoned in Eritrea: http://en.rsf.org/petition-for-release-of-imprisoned-journalists,37549.html.


Source: Reporters without Borders (RSF)

President Goodluck Jonathan is the Trump Card of the PDP

Goodluck Jonathan Declaration of Intent For The 2011 Presidential Race

Dear compatriots, four months ago, providence placed me at the leadership of our dear country, following the untimely death of our dear former President, my brother and leader, President Umaru Musa Yar’adua. It was a very solemn and trying moment for me personally and for the country as a whole. …
~ President Goodluck Jonathan

Over 40, 000 people from all the 36 states of Nigeria are presently at the Eagle Square in Nigeria to witness the declaration of President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2011 Presidential Election.

Governors, legislators and other party stalwarts of the notorious rulingPeople’s Democratic Party (PDP) have endorsed Mr. Jonathan who upon the death of the former President Yar’Adua on 5 May 2010 succeeded him to the Presidency, taking the oath of office on 6 May 2010.

The centrist ruling party has been in power since May 29, 1999. But the party has failed to deliver on its promises to improve the living conditions of the most populous country in Africa plagued by rampant corrupt practices and ethno-religious conflicts. The top leaders of the notorious party have been implicated in the Halliburton Bribery Scandal, Siemens Bribery Scandal and other financial crimes and indicted by Amnesty International.

The PDP has exploited the gullibility and hypocrisy the populace to perpetuate its misadministration of the nation. Therefore, most of the citizens will not be surprised if Mr. Jonathan wins the next presidential election in January 2011, because of his power of incumbency and the billion naira budget of his presidential campaign sponsored by Machiavellian political machinery of his sponsors.

The whole scenario reminds me of the exclamation of “It is ‘déjà vu’ all over again!” by Mobolaji Aluko, Ph.D. on April 3, 2002 in his “How A Self-Succession Bid has Turned Nigeria into “Animal Farm” published by Dawodu.Com.

The mammoth crowd at the Eagle Square is reminiscent of the infamous pro-Sani Abacha ‘Two Million Man March’ and seeing the popular Nigerian singer Onyeka Owenu performing her campaign song “Goodluck Jonathan Run” completes the nostalgia, because she did the same for General Sani Abacha at the ill-fated pro-Sani Abacha ‘Two Million Man March’ in the company of many popular musicians and other entertainers from March 2-3, 1998.

The status quo of the corrupt ruling class has not changed and they are desperate to use all means possible to retain power at all costs. And President Goodluck Jonathan is the trump card of the PDP to win the January 22 presidential election in Nigeria.

The only opposition party that can stop the notoriety of the PDP is Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), but it is yet to present any formidable presidential candidate. None of the other political parties can beat the ruling party no matter the credibility of their notable presidential aspirants like former military head of state Gen. Muhammad Buhari (retd) whose strict Islamic ideology makes him unpopular among millions of Christians and liberals in Nigeria.

Nigeria is a country ruled by political gangsters, their proxies and stooges and supported by their legions of beneficiaries and sycophants whose culture of corruption and hypocrisy will continue to plague them until we have a revolution like the one led by Jerry Rawlings of Ghana from 7 January 1993 – 7 January 2001. Only a transformational revolutionary leader can liberate our beloved Nigeria from these kleptomaniacs and their dogs.

God save Nigeria.

~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima

Posted in Featured, POLITICS, TOP NEWS

« The “Yacht Knot” Sailed Down The Runway At Luca Luca New York Fashion Week

DANGEROUS MEN: The Next Big Nigerian Film After IJÉ, the Journey

DANGEROUS MEN: The Next Big Nigerian Film After IJÉ the Journey

Dangerous Men: The Next Big Nigerian Film After Chineze Anyaene's IJÉ the Journey
« on: Today at 03:23:36 PM »



SYNOPSIS
Emmanuel (Nigerian action star George Davidson), is an assassin who goes against the order of his contractor X (GuGu E. Michaels) and refuses to carry out a hit placed on Senator Kingston (New comer M.J. Mathias).

Emmanuel in danger, is forced to take a homeless man (Nigeria’s 5 times Kung Fu champion Leo U” Che) and turn him into the perfect killer. The deadly duo forms an alliance with Kingston and go after X the very man that hired Emmanuel for the Kingston hit. This action flick leads to an ultimate fighting showdown between the new generation assassin Samuel and the veteran head of the organization of Assassins X. Get ready for non-stop action, masterful fight sequences and out of the world visual effects that will leave the audience with their mouths open and in shock. Shot in High Definition (HD), with 35mm film look, shot with the backdrop of Lagos, Nigeria.
Dangerous Men is a sure thing for all action fans across the globe.

Dangerous Men has attracted the interest of the major North American distributor TMG WARNER SYSTEM,

The production company GU International Pictures (GIP) is an American Nigerian multimedia entertainment company making films, music videos and other productions of world class standard.



DANGEROUS MEN is a thriller by GuGu E. Michaels, an accomplished filmmaker who has worked as a director and producer on a number of commercial and independent projects including the feature films "Thugz", "Repentance" and "Dangerous County". He has also helmed a number of campaigns for retailers like Cadillac, Lamborghini and Porche. Prior to co-founding New Era Pictures, Michaels served as president of Dallas based Redrumm Records and worked with such artists as hip hop giants UGK.



DANGEROUS MEN will start showing at Silverbird Cinemas from October 15, 2010.

Will and Jada Smith Team Up With charity: water to Provide Clean Water to People in Developing Nations

Will and Jada's Birthday Celebration from charity: water on Vimeo.

Our Mission:

We view contribution and service as a celebration of one’s gifts. We celebrate the grace that has been bestowed upon us as we honor our gifts though sharing them. There are men, women and children who, right now, do not have clean water to drink – we celebrate the fact that we are able to help quench their thirst.

We believe every person on the planet should have access to clean drinking water.

This year we celebrate our birthdays by giving the gift of clean drinking water through charity:water. Join us. 100% of the money raised goes to digging wells and to clean water projects in developing nations. 100% of our gifts will change the world, one person at a time. And make your next birthday a celebration of your gifts by raising money for clean drinking water too. We’ll take the top three fundraisers with us to Africa to see the wells when they’re built.

-Will and Jada Smith


Will and Jada Smith Team Up With charity: water to Provide Clean Water to People in Developing Nations


Three fundraising fans to join Smith family on trip to Africa

NEW YORK, Sept. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- charity: water and Will and Jada Smith are joining forces to help make an impact on the water crisis. The Smiths announced today that they are celebrating their September birthdays by asking their fans to make donations to help build water projects in developing nations. See the Smiths' personal video at: www.charitywater.org/willandjada

In a once in a lifetime opportunity, Will and Jada Smith are hosting a contest where the top three fundraisers to start their own birthday campaigns will join the Smith family on a trip to visit the completed water projects in Africa.

Will and Jada Smith said:
"We view contribution and service as a celebration of one's gifts. We celebrate the grace that has been bestowed upon us as we honor our gifts though sharing them. There are men, women and children who, right now, do not have clean water to drink -- we celebrate the fact that we are able to help quench their thirst.
"We believe every person on the planet should have access to clean drinking water.

"This year we celebrate our birthday by giving the gift of clean drinking water through charity: water. Join us. 100% of the money raised goes to digging wells and to clean water projects in developing nations. 100% of our gifts will change the world, one person at a time. And make your next birthday a celebration of your gifts by raising money for clean drinking water too. We'll take the top three fundraisers with us to Africa to see the wells when they're built."

Jada Smith is celebrating her 39th birthday on September 18th and Will Smith is celebrating his 42nd birthday on September 25th. 100 percent of funds raised from the Smiths' birthday campaign will go directly to water projects.

Scott Harrison, founder of charity: water said, "charity: water is extremely honored to have the support of Will and Jada Smith. Their enthusiasm for the cause is inspirational and we're excited to work together to help make a real dent in the water crisis. Our goal is to motivate others to join the birthday movement. Together, we can bring clean and safe drinking water to those in need."

Four years ago, charity: water was born in September with a birthday party. Since then, thousands of people from around the world are celebrating their birthdays using the online platform, mycharitywater.org to raise money to make an impact on the water crisis.

About charity: water
charity: water (www.charitywater.org) is a non-profit organization bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations. 100 percent of the money raised goes directly to project costs, funding sustainable clean water solutions in areas of greatest need. Just $20 can give one person in a developing nation clean water for 20 years. In four years, with the help of more than 100,000 donors worldwide, charity: water has funded more than 2,900 water projects in 17 countries. Those projects will provide over 1,277,000 people with clean, safe drinking water.


Why water?
Almost a billion people don't have access to clean, safe drinking water. Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation cause 80 percent of diseases and kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. Children are especially vulnerable, and women and children bear the burden of water collection.

SOURCE charity: water
Back to top
RELATED LINKS
http://www.charitywater.org

Nigeria's 2011 election: Opportunity to boost Democracy and Commonwealth Values

14 Sep 2010 06:11 Africa/Lagos


Nigeria's 2011 election / A momentous opportunity to deepen democratic practice and uphold Commonwealth values


LONDON, September 13, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma, has called on the leaders and people of Nigeria to work together towards a peaceful and credible election which will enjoy the full confidence of all Nigerians and the wider Commonwealth community.

Mr Sharma made this call following the formal release of election dates in January 2011 by the Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (INEC). According to INEC's timetable, National Assembly Elections are due on 15 January, Presidential Elections on 22 January and Gubernatorial Elections on 29 January.

“Nigeria is a valued member of the Commonwealth. It is the Commonwealth's largest member state in Africa and plays a leading role in a variety of ways in West Africa and beyond. It is therefore in the interest not only of the Nigerian people themselves but also of Africa, the Commonwealth and the international community as a whole that democracy thrives in Nigeria,” Mr Sharma added. political parties, civil society, the media and the electorate -- had a role to play in entrenching democratic culture and practice in order to achieve this goal.

“The Commonwealth,” Mr Sharma reiterated, “is committed to assisting Nigeria towards achieving the best ever election in its political history.” To this end, he urged all political parties to work together to ensure that the upcoming elections live up to the Commonwealth's stated democratic values and principles, to which Nigeria strongly subscribes.

Mr Sharma wished INEC, political parties and all other stakeholders all success in their preparations for the elections.


Source: Commonwealth Secretariat

Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
14 Sep 2010
06:11
Nigeria's 2011 election / A momentous opportunity to deepen democratic practice and uphold Commonwealth values
13 Sep 2010
22:00
Comcast and One Economy Launch Digital Connectors Program at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge
21:30
Bristow Group Announces Appointment of Jonathan E. Baliff to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
15:50
Are the Prescription Drugs You Are Taking Real, or Counterfeit? HDNet's Dan Rather Reports Investigates
14:47
EODT to Share Expertise at IPOA 2010 Legal Conference
12:00
Ritchie Bros. conducts CA$44 million unreserved auction in Edmonton

Hot Topics
Two Years After Financial Collapse, Nearly Seven in 10 Americans Say They Are Optimistic About the Future of Their Household Finances
Hotels.com Hotel Price Index Finds Hotel Prices Still Low but on the Rise
AARP Survey Looks at Recession's Impact on Lower-Income Adults 45+
Legacy Recordings & Experience Hendrix LLC Announce the Release of West Coast Seattle Boy - The Jimi Hendrix Anthology Available Tuesday, November 16
Lady Gaga Dominates the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards With Eight Moonman Awards Including Coveted 'Video Of The Year'
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
San Bruno, CA Fire
New Football Season

Obama's Proposed Oil and Gas Tax Hikes to Cost U.S. Economy 154,000 Jobs in 2011

13 Sep 2010 05:01 Africa/Lagos


Obama's Proposed Oil and Gas Tax Hikes to Cost U.S. Economy 154,000 Jobs in 2011

White House's new 'stimulus' plans would trigger loss of $341 billion in economic activity

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Louisiana State University Endowed Chair of Banking and nationally-renowned economist Dr. Joseph R. Mason estimates that President Obama's proposed energy tax changes would trigger grave economic consequences. In the newly released "Regional and National Economic Impact of Repealing the Section 199 Tax Deduction and Dual-capacity Tax Credit for Oil and Gas Producers," Dr. Mason finds the resulting fallout over the next ten years would include:

-- Initial losses of over 154,000 jobs by the end of 2011, not only in
the energy sector but across the whole economy;
-- More than $341 billion in lost U.S. economic output; and
-- In excess of $68 billion in lost wages nationwide.


"As we've seen in its 2011 budget and newly unveiled 'stimulus' plans, the Obama administration aims to single out U.S. oil and gas firms and raise the cost of energy for consumers by eliminating crucial tax credits to which all taxpayers are entitled," Dr. Mason said.

"Though politicians think they are selectively targeting 'Big Oil' with these energy tax proposals, they would actually devastate thousands of small American businesses nationwide as well as the workers who depend on them. With at least 150,000 U.S. jobs at stake - in fields ranging from healthcare to real estate - it's clear that the costs of repealing Section 199 and dual capacity far outweigh the potential benefit of increased government revenues that may be derived from the proposal."

"The discriminatory energy tax increases proposed by the administration will destroy American jobs and raise the price of energy for consumers," president and CEO of the American Energy Alliance Tom Pyle said. "President Obama's proposed changes -- which would apply solely to oil and gas companies -- have little to do with the debate over offshore drilling safety or even energy policy in general. This tax grab merely represents punitive policies that are now finding a place in the sun in the post-BP oil spill crisis political environment."

Using the government's own economic model - the U.S. Commerce Department's RIMS II system - Dr. Mason provides incredibly conservative economic impacts. In fact, these already staggering estimates do not even include the effects of the proposed tax increases on individual investors. That means if Congress implements these proposed changes, the economic fallout could be even more substantial.

Dr. Mason's report was sponsored by Save U.S. Energy Jobs - a project of the AEA - established to help promote the nation's energy sector. To learn more and get exclusive information on upcoming projects, follow Save U.S. Energy Jobs on Twitter and Facebook.

Founded in May, 2008, The American Energy Alliance ("AEA") is a not-for-profit organization that engages in grassroots public policy advocacy and debate concerning energy and environmental policies. AEA is the advocacy arm of the Institute for Energy Research (IER), a not-for-profit organization - founded in 1989 - that conducts intensive research and analysis on the functions, operations, and government regulation of global energy markets.

Source: American Energy Alliance

CONTACT: Laura Henderson of American Energy Alliance, +1-202-380-5758

Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time 13 Sep 2010 12:00 Ritchie Bros. conducts CA$44 million unreserved auction in Edmonton 10 Sep 2010 21:47 DeepFlex Inc. Riser Solutions Complete Two Years of Successful Operation in Demanding Dynamic Service for Afren Okoro Setu 00:00 20 African Airport Authorities Present Project Updates Obama's Proposed Oil and Gas Tax Hikes to Cost U.S. Economy 154,000 Jobs in 2011

Lady Gaga Dominates the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards With Eight Moonman Awards Including Coveted 'Video Of The Year'

Deloitte Announces Aggregate Revenue Results of US$26.6 Billion

Federal Vaccine Court Orders U.S. Government Pay an Estimated $20 Million for Lifetime Care to Child With Autism Just as New Book Exploring the Link Between Mercury-Containing Vaccines and Autism Is Released

New Study Illustrates Crippling Effects of Proposed Oil and Gas Tax Hikes

Mortgage Litigation Index Tumbles

A Note of thanks to the Presidency for the Shock and Awe move on Public Officials

President Goodluck Jonathan and a top leader of the ruling party.

Mr. Jonathan, Mr. Oghiadomhe, a note of thanks to the Presidency for the Shock and Awe move on Public officials

Authority in form of indirect dictatorship is the executive code of a president, and you Sir as well as the brain trust of your
administration have shown this act of primacy in the recent days.

It’s a way of life at people will read different meanings into you recent steadfast actions as they relate to the swift removal of a number of senior public officials.

It is assumed that you took these exceptional actions for political,
security, psychological and calculating reasons. To an extent the move appears Machiavellian in style and in strategy. But who cares?

For a society that is almost a failed State, long before your time,
your actions no matter how despotic they appear to look are within your executive power and the confines of the law.

Sir, it is a fact that you or no other person cannot suddenly or
fundamentally change the Nigerian society within the next few months.

As no one knows what may happen in the coming 2010 election, given the absolute lack of adequate time that surrounds its smooth execution.

Nevertheless, Sir use the next few days, few weeks and few months to show a clear commitment to the pursuit of high standards, ethics and fair play across all public institutions.

It has been so distressing to watch the society shrinking into the
grounds of no-return. Sir, in spite of the mixed feelings you may have
about the Diasporan and some Nigerian-based internet Newspapers they continue to bring to spotlight unbelievable acts of some public
officials and the agonizing state of the society.

If there are any roadblocks the President needs to clear they should
include the daunting problems in the area of public leadership.

Sir is one thing to change one official head for another as in the
case of the now ex-security chiefs. If the country is to be clearly
equipped with new leadership as with your recent appointments, let each of them undergo African-oriented Psychological assessment to somewhat ensure that their respective personality style or makeup have a direct correlation to public and institutional ethics.

Sir, as an academic you know that irrespective of the ethnic
considerations for appointments in a Tribal/Presidential Democracy like Nigeria, there are still other factors to consider in a public
official, senior officials especially.

These factors include indexes of genuineness, competency, empathy and honesty as they are what should characterize public leaders.
Sir, it is time for the nation to start looking at how competent and
loyal is various policy officials, institution Directors and other
Heads are to the people.

It is by cleaning the internal control structure of agencies that
actual gain or outputs can be seen at all levels of public governance.
Sir, when will we see more acts of shock and awe in public entities
like the universities, court administration, postal service, schools
management, procurement management, ammunition management, labor management, traffic management, and other security related agencies? Let’s hope it is soon.

Mr. President, time is critical and it is an inescapable fact that no
one knows how the 2011 Presidential contest will unfold across the
North and South, as such help the ordinary people by ‘stepping on more toes’, by ‘throwing more dirt’ or frighten the sensibilities of
officials who continue to show total disregard to commonsense
practices and governance.

Again, with more shock and awe changes, the acts of accountability and transparency will be forever tied to your Presidential name, to your executive staff and other brain trusts in the administration.


~ By John Oshodi

John Egbeazien Oshodi, Ph.D, DABPS, FACFE is a practicing
Forensic/Clinical Psychologist and the Interim Associate Dean of
Academic Affairs-Behavioral Science, North Campus, Broward College, Coconut Creek, Florida. joshodi@broward.edu

September 11: No True Christian Will Join Rev. Terry Jones To Burn The Qur'an

"In the future everybody will be world famous for fifteen minutes.".
~ Andy Warhol

Rev. Terry Jones got his Andy Warhol’s moment as his preposterous threat to burn copies of the Qur'an on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, which he called "International Burn a Koran Day” shook the whole world within minutes and made him and his http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dove_World_Outreach_Center Dove World Outreach Center of only 50 members famous beyond their little corner of the earth in Gainesville, Florida, U.S.A.

Rev. Terry Jones, the firebrand pastor of the Dove World Outreach Center.


Muslims worldwide were enraged and protests broke out in Afghanistan and other Islamic cities with three people reported dead. President Barack Obama and other world leaders including notable Christian leaders have condemned his senseless plan. He received an invitation to fly to New York to meet with Feisal Abdul Rauf, the imam of Park51, and he has decided to suspend his plan, but he would not cancel it.

GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 10: Conor Munro (R) joins a protest across the street from Dove World Outreach Center where Pastor Terry Jones had scheduled a Koran burning for tomorrow on September 10, 2010 in Gainesville, Florida. Jones has said that he would cancel the planned burning of Korans on Saturday if he was able to meet with the organizers building the Park51 mosque near Ground Zero. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle) Courtesty of the Washington Post.


No right thinking person would have joined Rev. Terry Jones to burn the Qur’an. But there have been confirmed reports of Muslims destroying the Holy Bible. The reports said copies of the Holy Bible are “confiscated -- and sometimes shredded -- by Saudi customs officials at ports of entry.”

Let the Muslims destroy copies of the Holy Bible, but would they be able to stop the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ?

Jesus Christ never supported violence and was a peacemaker and commanded his believers to live in peace with all and not to force others to believe in him. He never waged war against anyone like Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. Jesus Christ never beheaded anyone or abducted any woman and he was not a terrorist. The difference between Christianity and Islam is as clear as blood and water. Therefore, true Christians must practice what Jesus Christ preached and follow his holy footsteps.

Jesus Christ would not support any Christian to burn any Holy Book, including the Qur’an.




The best way to mark September 11 is to remember the beloved ones we lost and light a candle for everyone of them. Join in the Day of Remembrance Memorial Service.

"How blessed are those who make peace, because it is they who will be called God's children!
~ Matthew 5:9

September 11: Day of Remembrance

I light a candle for everyone of our beloved ones we lost on that fateful day.

I condemned the plan by Rev. Terry Jones to burn copies of the Qur'an and asked my readers to join in the Day of Remembrance Memorial Service, but my news blog www.247nigeria.com was hacked this morning by the enemies of peace.

I have posted my special report on http://forum.247nigeria.com/index.php?topic=262.msg349#msg349, to ask for peace and to say no to violence.

Let us observe the Day of Remembrance in peace.

God bless America.

Immigration Hostility Widespread in U.S. and 5 Largest European Countries

10 Sep 2010 11:35 Africa/Lagos


Immigration Hostility Widespread in U.S. and 5 Largest European Countries

Many people in all six countries see negative impact on economy, jobs and public services

NEW YORK, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- A new Financial Times/Harris Poll finds that immigration is widely unpopular in the United States and in all of the five largest countries in Europe. The survey asked about immigration generally and not about illegal immigration. Majorities in four of the countries and pluralities in the other two believe that immigration makes it harder to find new jobs. Majorities in three countries and over 40% in the other three believe it has a bad effect on education. Majorities in four of the countries and 40% or more in the other two think it has a bad effect on health care services. Americans, even though they live in what has been described as a nation of immigrants are not, in general, any less hostile to immigration than Europeans.


(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100517/NY06256LOGO )
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100517/NY06256LOGO )


These are some of the findings of a Financial Times/Harris Poll conducted online by Harris Interactive® among 6,098 adults aged 16-64 within France (1,004), Germany (1,036), Great Britain (1,099), Spain (1,032), U.S. (989) and adults aged 18-64 in Italy (948) between August 18 and 25, 2010.


The main findings of this new poll include:

-- Majorities in Britain and Spain, and large minorities in the U.S.,
France, Italy , and Germany think that immigration has a bad impact on
the economy;
-- Majorities in the U.S., Britain, Italy, and Spain believe that
immigration makes it harder to find a new job, as do 45% in France and
46% in Germany;
-- While most people who are working do not believe that immigration has
had any effect on their pay, those who think they are paid less
greatly outnumber those who say they are paid more;
-- Only minorities, between 13% in France and 40% in Italy, believe that
immigration has made it more affordable to hire services such as
cleaners, builders or plumbers;
-- Majorities in the U.S., Britain, France and Spain and over 40% in
Italy and Germany believe that immigration makes the level of health
care services worse; and,
-- Majorities in the U.S., Britain and Germany believe that immigration
has made public education worse, as do over 40% in France, Italy and
Spain.


Overall, many people in all six countries believe that the current level of immigration makes their countries worse places to live in , varying from 64% in Britain, 60% in Spain, and 57% in Italy to 49% in the U.S., 44% in Germany, and 43% in France.


So What?


This survey underlines the political problems that confront governments and politicians when they are addressing issues of immigration, and the easy opportunities for populist leaders to win votes by advocating anti-immigration policies. And of course the issue of illegal immigration, that was not addressed in this survey, is much more difficult.


TABLE 1
IMPACT OF IMMIGRATION ON SALARY
"Thinking about your current salary and immigration, do you think you
are paid any less, more or no differently as a result of current
immigration into Europe/the U.S.?"



Click here for the complete report