tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165530392024-03-20T11:11:55.756-04:00AAA Public AffairsThe American Anthropological Association has created this blog as a service to our members and the general public. It is a forum to discuss topics of debate in anthropology and a space for public commentary on association policies and advocacy activities.AAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-7231969827957679542009-04-16T12:42:00.001-04:002009-04-16T15:27:35.799-04:00AAA Debuts New Blog DesignAAA is pleased to announce the debut of our new, unified association blog, available at <a href="http://blog.aaanet.org/">http://blog.aaanet.org</a>. We have created this blog as a service to our members and the general public. It is a forum to discuss topics of debate in anthropology and a space for public commentary on association policies, publications and advocacy issues. We will post select items that we think are of interest to our members and that readers have voiced an interest in. We invite all anthropologists to use this domain to stimulate intellectual discussion, and would be delighted to host guest bloggers who are active in any of anthropology’s four fields.<br /><br />The new AAA blog, available through Wordpress, combines our previous Anthropology News, Public Affairs and Human Rights blogs, with all archived content and comments migrated from Blogger to Wordpress. The updated format enables visitors to easily post comments, link to our Flickr photostream, search content, browse posts by category, find other anthropology blogs, and more. This is a living forum, and we welcome your feedback! Use the “Contact Us” bar at the top of the screen to tell us what you think of this new design and to offer content suggestions.<br /><br />AAA thanks staff members Brian Estes, Lisa Myers and Dinah Winnick, and intern Leo Napper, for their work in developing this online forum. Visit the <a href="http://blog.aaanet.org/">new blog</a> today!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Note: New posts will no longer be added to the original AAA Public Affairs blog.</span>AAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-28334960939510812362009-04-06T15:15:00.003-04:002009-04-06T15:28:54.435-04:00AAA Attends Humanities Advocacy Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BXRyIVY7efGuWELDFkeSLsoS2YqxlGT4TD42tPbGQSQVQsPo1swzXGitqIesWCC420jwM1aQcrPEZeIrwg4QyGqV5nq0DCjWyt8WxhZlYV6oFA4vMfbgcqrot6nhbrA3bii7/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 151px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BXRyIVY7efGuWELDFkeSLsoS2YqxlGT4TD42tPbGQSQVQsPo1swzXGitqIesWCC420jwM1aQcrPEZeIrwg4QyGqV5nq0DCjWyt8WxhZlYV6oFA4vMfbgcqrot6nhbrA3bii7/s200/1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321662608159281442" /></a><br />AAA Executive Director Bill Davis and Director of Public Affairs Damon Dozier joined over 120 representatives and advocates from humanities-related associations to lobby and educate federal legislators on the importance of increased funding for the humanities.<br /><br />Advocates distributed issue briefs, discussed humanities projects in their states and districts, and asked that members of Congress support increased funding, including an increase of $75 million for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), two agencies that provide crucial support to scholars and educators.<br /><br />Davis met with staff from the offices of Senators Christopher “Kit” Bond (R-MO) and Claire McCaskill (D-MO), while Dozier met with representatives from the offices of Senators Carl Levin (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). Dozier also had an opportunity to meet with staff from the office of Representative John Dingell (D-MI) as well.<br /><br />As in the past, the AAA was a co-sponsor of the event, coordinated by the <a href="http://www.nhalliance.org/index.shtml">National Humanities Alliance</a>, a non-profit coalition founded in 1981 to advance humanities policy.AAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-88862469956514530742009-03-31T12:20:00.003-04:002009-03-31T13:05:40.688-04:00Pulse of the Planet #9<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y3VsQ4mwEpQ/SdJNHDGJ2VI/AAAAAAAAABA/G9fEgU9Z2dg/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y3VsQ4mwEpQ/SdJNHDGJ2VI/AAAAAAAAABA/G9fEgU9Z2dg/s200/1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319398893363517778" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;">CounterPunch</span>'s "Pulse of the Planet" series kicks off 2009 with Barbara Rose Johnston's article, "<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/johnston03272009.html">Water Culture Wars</a>." The series was initially derived from conference papers delivered at the "Pulse of the Planet" panel during AAA's 2008 annual meeting in San Francisco.<br /><br />Johnston describes the controversial events that transpired at the 5th World Water Forum in Istanbul, Turkey and the recommendations that were drawn from the "water and cultural diversity" sessions. In these sessions, Johnston and other presenters stressed that "Water is a fundamental human right and a core element that sustains cultural ways of life and the environments on which we all depend." She also sheds light on how water development projects often violate human rights and lead to the displacement and impoverishment of millions, particularly ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Prior Pulse of the Planet Articles</span>:<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/may11212008.html">Ecological Crisis and Eco-Villages in China</a>" ~ Shannon May<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/mckenna11202008.html">How Dow Chemical Defies Homeland Security and Risks Another 9/11</a>" ~ Brian McKenna<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/barker11042008.html">The Inequities of Climate Change and the Small Island Experience</a>" ~ Holly Barker<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/button10282008.html">What the Next President Must Do to Save FEMA</a>" ~ Gregory V. Button<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/johnston10272008.html">The Clean, Green Nuclear Machine?</a>" ~ Barbara Rose Johnston<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.com/checker08272008.html">Carbon Offsets: More Harm Than Good?</a>" ~ Melissa Checker<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/mencher06282008.html">The Human Right to Eat</a>" ~ Joan P. Mencher<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/johnston05242008.html">Dam Legacies, Damned Futures</a>" ~ Barbara Rose JohnstonAAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-33518797846628344232009-03-31T12:09:00.002-04:002009-03-31T12:13:27.097-04:00Friends of the CoE LaunchedThe Friends of the Committee on Ethics was formally launched this month. This newly established ad hoc consultative body will provide expertise and informal consultation to the membership of the AAA about ethical quandaries they may have encountered in both research and applied settings. Comprised of former chairs of the Committee on Ethics, the Friends will bring their experience and multiple perspectives to issues that merit ethical consideration. Questions for the Friends should be submitted to the Chair of the Committee on Ethics. Additional information is available on our <a href="http://www.aaanet.org/issues/policy-advocacy/Friends-CoE.cfm">website</a>.AAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-16614824822009737422009-03-27T14:23:00.002-04:002009-03-27T14:25:43.398-04:00Blow to Employee Free Choice ActThe Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) of 2009 (<a href="http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:h.r.01409:">H.R. 1409</a> / <a href="http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:s.00560:">S. 560</a>) suffered a <a href="http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/heavy-blow-to-card-check-2009-03-24.html">critical blow</a> this week. On Tuesday, Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) announced that he would not support the bill. As the only Republican to vote for the bill in 2007, Specter's vote could have been the deciding factor should the bill reach the Senate floor this year. Specter has been under <a href="http://mobile.politico.com/story.cfm?id=20082&cat=lobbyists">enormous pressure</a> from Republicans after voting in favor of President Obama's $800 million economic stimulus bill, but his opposition to the EFCA is likely to lose him his AFL-CIO endorsement for the midterm elections.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0309/20505.html">Politico</a> reported that Specter's opposition has given Democrats concerned about making an enemy of Big Business an excuse to oppose the bill unless modifications are made. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) is not giving up hope and said that other Republicans may be willing to support the bill. The situation looks grim at the moment, and the EFCA may not move forward until after the 2010 midterm elections.<br /><br />The EFCA is such a highly-contested piece of legislation because of its impact on the way workers can organize. The bill amends the National Labor Relations Act in the following ways:<br /><br /><em>Streamlines Union Certification</em><br />Employees will choose how to organize through “majority sign-up” procedure. Workers may now bypass the union election process if the majority of employees sign union authorization cards (i.e. card check). Workers will, however, still have the option to hold elections and secret ballots should 30% opt for this route.<br /><br /><em>Facilitates Collective Bargaining Agreements</em><br />Parties will meet within 10 days of receiving a written request to establish a union, and will have 90 days to sign a collective bargaining agreement. A federal arbitrator will help mediate the agreement should the parties fail to establish a contract after 90 days. If federal mediation does not result in an agreement then a federal arbitration panel shall create a two-year contract that both sides must accept.<br /><br /><em>Strengthens Enforcement</em><br />An employer that discriminates against an employee while (s)he is seeking union representation shall be subject to a fine of up to $20,000 per violation. The employee will also receive three times in back pay should they be illegally dismissed in relation to union activity.<br /><br />In 2007, the AAA's Committee on Public Policy (CoPP) produced a <a href="http://www.aaanet.org/pdf/AAAPolicyBrief_092707.pdf">policy brief</a> [pdf] highlighting anthropological research on labor issues relevant to the EFCA. CoPP wrote, "Anthropology provides sound evidence for the premises of The Employee Free Choice Act, namely that current organizing processes do not allow employees to express their desire to join unions because: 1) there are insufficient disincentives to managerial lawbreaking in its resistance to unions; and 2) management uses tactics of intimidation and fear to coerce workers to vote against unions."AAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-1518814844269663272009-03-26T11:40:00.002-04:002009-03-26T11:45:14.509-04:00NEH Action AlertACTION ALERT-PLEASE CIRCULATE<br />The Co-Chairs of the Congressional Humanities Caucus, Rep. David Price (D-NC) and Rep. Thomas Petri (R-WI), have prepared a Dear Colleague letter in support of $230 million for the National Endowment for the Humanities in fiscal year 2010. The letter is currently circulating in the House of Representatives to garner additional co-signers. Please call your member of Congress and ask him/her to show their support for the humanities by signing the letter before it is submitted on April 1, 2009 to Chairman Norm Dicks (D-WA) and Ranking Member Michael Simpson (R-ID) of the Interior, Environment, & Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee. A list of members who have already agreed to sign the letter is provided below.<br /><br />Please contact your Representative today by calling the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121. Visit <a href="http://www.house.gov/">http://www.house.gov/</a> to use your zip code to identify your Member of Congress. <br /><br />A copy of the Price/Petri letter is online at <a href="http://www.nhalliance.org/bm~doc/fy10neh_dc_signed90.pdf">http://www.nhalliance.org/bm~doc/fy10neh_dc_signed90.pdf</a> <span style="font-weight:bold;">[pdf]</span>.<br /><br /><br />SAMPLE MESSAGE FOR CALLERS<br />I am calling to ask that Representative X sign on to a Dear Colleague letter currently circulating in the House of Representatives by the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Humanities Caucus, Rep. David Price (D-NC) and Rep. Thomas Petri (R-WI). The letter requests $230 million for the National Endowment for the Humanities in fiscal year 2010, an increase of approximately $75 million over the fiscal year 2009 enacted level. This increase is necessary to address essential unmet needs in humanities education and research. Support is needed to introduce or expand programs in areas such as international education and global society perspectives, digital humanities projects, graduate education, and data collection and dissemination on the state of the humanities. <br /><br />For more information or to sign-on to the letter, House staff should contact Kate Roetzer with Rep. David Price at 202-225-1784 (Democrats) or Lindsay Punzenberger with Rep. Thomas Petri at 202-225-5406 (Republicans). The deadline to sign the letter is one week from today, Wednesday, April 1.<br /><br /><br />NEH DEAR COLLEAGUE LETTER CO-SIGNERS (as of noon, 3/25/09)<br />Shelley Berkley (D-NV/1), Howard Berman (D-CA/28), Mike Capuano (D-MA/8), John Conyers (D-MI/14), Bill Delahunt (D-MA/10), John Dingell (D-MI/15), Jim Gerlach (R-PA/6), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ/7), Rush Holt (D-NJ/12), Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX/30), Jim Langevin (D-RI/2), John Lewis (D-GA/5), Dave Loebsack (D-ID/2), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY/14), Jim McDermott (D-WA/7), Jim McGovern (D-MA/3), Jerry McNerney (D-CA/11), Michael Michaud (D-ME/2), Dennis Moore (D-KS/3), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY/8), Nick Rahall (D-WV/3), Bobby Rush (D-IL/1), Mike Thompson (D-CA/1), Robert Wexler (D-FL/19), David Wu (D-OR/1), John Yarmouth (D-KY/3)AAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-2475845432414975802009-03-19T15:49:00.001-04:002009-03-19T15:49:49.786-04:00AAA Joins Call to End “Ideological Exclusion”AAA is one of several academic, free-speech, and civil-rights organizations to sign a letter to top officials in the Obama administration urging them to end the federal government’s practice of denying visas to foreign intellectuals based on ideology.<br />The letter–addressed to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano–argues that the State and Homeland Security Departments have compromised U.S. interests by barring dozens of prominent scholars, artists, writers, and activists over the past eight years based on their ideas, political views, and associations. The full text of the letter to Attorney General Holder and Secretaries Clinton and Napolitano is available online at: <a href="http://www.aclu.org/images/general/asset_upload_file609_39050.pdf">http://www.aclu.org/images/general/asset_upload_file609_39050.pdf</a> [pdf]<br /><br />A petition for individuals to sign has also been made available at <a href="https://secure.aclu.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=Nat_Petition_Ideological_Exclusion">https://secure.aclu.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=Nat_Petition_Ideological_Exclusion</a>. Please circulate the petition to anyone you think might be interested.AAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-7013206981352444362009-03-03T12:02:00.001-05:002009-03-03T13:02:54.264-05:00Employing AnthropologistsGenevieve Bell, Director of User Experience in Intel's Digital Home Group, helps Intel account for the cultural nuances in countries they provide services to, <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2009/02/25/technology/tech_anthropologists.fortune/?postversion=2009022510">CNN reported</a>. She is one of a rising number of anthropologists who are developing marketing strategies, studying consumer practices, and researching workplace environments for technology companies. Bell has been working for Intel since 1998, proving that anthropologists, and social scientists in general, have been instrumental in developing marketing strategies for many fortune 500 companies. Anthropologists are likely to be enlisted by a growing number of corporations as digital networks and cultures become increasingly prominent and influential in business and politics. How do you think this will affect the discipline and conduct of fieldwork?<br /><br />~Author: Leo Napper, AAA internAAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-38239224286821227322009-03-03T11:41:00.003-05:002009-03-03T12:02:12.051-05:00Fighting for Academic Freedom<span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://chronicle.com/free/v55/i25/25a00103.htm">The Chronicle</a></span> recently reported on the limits of academic freedom for public university professors. Kevin J. Renken, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Wisconsin, found this out the hard way. He believed that administrators at the university were mishandling a National Science Foundation grant awarded to him and many of his colleagues. Upon bringing this to light, the university reduced his pay and returned the grant. Outraged at the university’s actions, he sued them alleging illegal retaliation.<br /><br />Believing that his complaints fell under free speech, he was floored when the three-judge panel of the Seventh Circuit Court ruled that he was <span style="font-style:italic;">not </span>speaking in a capacity that protected him from such retaliatory action. The court ruled that "In order for a public employee to raise a successful First Amendment claim, he must have spoken in his capacity as a private citizen and not as an employee."<br /><br />In response to this news, the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) has established a panel of First Amendment scholars to find new avenues to protect academic freedoms at public institutions. The AAUP has also issued a <a href="http://www.aaup.org/AAUP/pubsres/policydocs/contents/1940statement.htm">1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freddom and Tenure</a> to which the AAA, and over 200 other scholarly and education organizations, has endorsed. However, some people agree with the court’s ruling. Ada Meloy of the American Council on Education says “the cases, to date, have not created any apparent injustices. ... Public-college employees do enjoy First Amendment rights, but that should not turn every case of employee discipline or discharge into a retaliation lawsuit." <br /><br />Academic freedoms are enjoyed by academics nationwide, but threats arise every year that endanger these freedoms. Was the University of Wisconsin right to take such action against Professor Renken? Did the courts have the right idea with their ruling on the case? What precautions have you taken to avoid such situations when critiquing university policies or actions?<br /><br />~Author: Leo Napper, AAA internAAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-12915024326074747412009-02-24T16:45:00.005-05:002009-02-24T17:02:22.503-05:00Immigration Listening TourThe Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) is renewing its efforts to bring about immigration reform, <a href="http://thehill.com/business--lobby/immigration-reform-advocates-push-forward-in-tough-economy-2009-02-17.html">the Hill reported</a> earlier this month. The CHC will launch a <a href="http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ca38_napolitano/morenews/pr022409.html">17 city listening tour</a> where attendees can hear first-hand accounts of individual experiences within the American immigration system. Supporters of reform legislation believe the Democratic majority in Congress and broad support of reform among voters will help them pass legislation. Republican opposition to immigration reform is also reported to have undermined their party’s support among Hispanics, and Republicans may be pressured to vote in favor of reform, particularly in swing districts.<br /><br />There are, of course, serious obstacles to passing such legislation. The opposition of some labor groups and increasing intolerance for the estimated 7 million illegal workers in the US as unemployment rates reach their highest in years may stifle reform efforts.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Listening Tour Schedule:</span><br />February 27, Providence, RI<br />February 28, Atlanta, GA<br />March 1, Albuquerque, NM<br />March 7, Ontario, CA<br />March 7, San Francisco, CA<br />March 8, Phoenix, AZ<br />March 13 El Paso, TX<br />March 13, Los Angeles, CA*<br />March 14, Dallas, TX<br />March 15, Mission, TX<br />March 21, Chicago, IL<br />March 21, Joliet, IL<br />March 22, Milwaukee, WI<br />March 27, Las Vegas, NV<br />March 28, Orlando, FL<br />March 29, Miami, FL<br />April 4, Philadelphia, PAAAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-28461097027841964292009-02-12T11:09:00.003-05:002009-02-12T11:16:44.479-05:00US to Provide Family Planning AssistancePresident Barack Obama has taken quick action to reverse many of Bush’s policies. <span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://www.thenation.com/doc/20090209/crossette">The Nation</a></span> reported that Obama has lifted the “global gag rule,” which prevented the US government from providing aid to any organizations that fostered, provided or advised women about abortion. The gag rule, once rescinded by Bill Clinton, was reinstated by George Bush, who also decreased assistance to the United Nations Population Fund, the largest global provider of family planning assistance.AAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-36523643837930890932009-02-12T10:19:00.003-05:002009-02-12T10:53:06.275-05:00Task Force Assembled for the Comprehensive Ethics ReviewIn light of the specificity of the <a href="http://www.aaanet.org/issues/policy-advocacy/Proposed-Changes-to-the-Ethics-Code.cfm">proposed changes to Triple A’s Code of Ethics</a>, the Executive Board (EB) has determined that a more <a href="http://www.aaanet.org/issues/policy-advocacy/Task-Force-Members-Named-for-Comprehensive-Ethics-Review.cfm">comprehensive review of the entire code</a> is warranted. The EB has convened a task force to undertake such a review over the next two years. The task force, composed of members of the Committee on Ethics and members chosen by the EB, includes Alec Barker, Charles Briggs, Katie MacKinnon, Catherine Panter-Brink, Laura McNamara, Deborah Nichols, David Price, Dhooleka Raj, Niel Tashima, and the chair Dena Plemmons. The task force will issue its final report to the EB by November 15, 2010.AAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-16890211501053240822009-01-05T14:54:00.003-05:002009-01-05T15:05:47.125-05:00IAF Fellowships for Dissertation ResearchThe <a href="http://www.iie.org/Website/WPreview.cfm?WID=187"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Inter-American Foundation (IAF)</span></a> is accepting applications for its 2009-10 fellowship cycle.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Deadline: Jan. 16, 2009</span><br /><br />IAF fellowships support dissertation research in Latin America and the Caribbean by students who have achieved PhD candidacy in the US.<br /><br />Topics of interest to the IAF include the following:<br />- Organizations promoting grassroots development among poor and disadvantaged people<br />- Financial sustainability and independence of development organizations<br />- Trends affecting historically excluded groups<br />- Transnational development<br />- The role of corporate responsibility in grassroots development<br />- The impact of globalization on grassroots development<br />- The impact of grassroots development activities on the quality of life of the poor<br /><br />The fellowship includes:<br />- Round-trip travel to the research site<br />- Research allowance of $3,000<br />- $1,500 monthly stipend for 12 months<br />- Health insurance<br />- Mid-year conference expensesAAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com142tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-6203239890810084482008-12-30T13:58:00.002-05:002008-12-30T14:06:10.620-05:00Task Force Named for Comprehensive Ethics ReviewAs the membership is aware, there have been recent revisions to the AAA's Code of Ethics, in response to a motion put forward at the business meeting of the AAA in 2007. The revisions, on which the membership is now being asked to vote, were specific to only a few sections of the code, and consisted of a very few sentences. In light of the specificity of those revisions, the Executive Board has determined that a more comprehensive review of the entire Code of Ethics is warranted. The EB has convened a task force to undertake such a review over the next two years. The official charge is:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"The Executive Board recommends the formation of a Task Force to review and propose revisions to the AAA Code of Ethics, which: (a) will consist of three (3) members of the Committee on Ethics and five (5) additional members to be chosen by the President in consultation with the Executive Board and the Task Force Chair; (b) be authorized to review the Code of Ethics for a period of no longer than 18 months, and (c) consult extensively over a period of no less than six months with relevant AAA committees and commissions, the Section Assembly, the membership at large and others through presentations and panel discussions at the 2009 annual meeting and articles and reports in Anthropology News. The new code is subject to approval by the Executive Board before being submitted for approval to the AAA membership by email ballot. This Task Force will issue its final report to the Executive Board by Nov. 15, 2010."</span><br /><br />Task Force members have been selected and can be viewed <a href="http://www.aaanet.org/issues/policy-advocacy/Task-Force-Members-Named-for-Comprehensive-Ethics-Review.cfm">here</a>.AAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-34621379511840722792008-12-30T12:44:00.003-05:002008-12-30T13:17:09.490-05:00Minerva Moves ForwardAccording to <a href="http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/12/29/minerva">Inside Higher Ed</a>, the first seven Minerva grants were announced this week. Minerva is a Pentagon-funded program that seeks contributions from social scientists on a number of topics of use to the military: religion, terrorism, the Chinese military, etc. The stated goals of the program are “1) to develop the DoD’s social and human science intellectual capital in order to enhance its ability to address future challenges; 2) to enhance the DoD’s engagement with the social science community; and 3) to deepen the understanding of the social and behavioral dimensions of national security issues.”<br /><br />Hugh Gusterson and Catherine Lutz of the <a href="http://concerned.anthropologists.googlepages.com/">Network of Concerned Anthropologists</a> are featured in the article, and detail some of the implications the program might pose to the social sciences.<br /><br />Have thoughts about the Minerva program? If so, leave us a comment below.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Links:</span><br /><a href="http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08594/nsf08594.htm?govDel=USNSF_38">NSF/DoD Minerva Joint Solicitation</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.aaanet.org/issues/policy-advocacy/upload/Minerva-Letter.pdf">AAA letter regarding Minerva</a> [pdf]<br /><br />"<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/02/AR2008080201544.html">Military's Social Science Grants Raise Alarm</a>" ~ Washington Post<br /><br />"<a href="http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=4398">When Professors Go to War</a>" ~ Hugh Gusterson<br /><br />"<a href="http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/05/28/minerva">Pentagon Shift on 'Minerva'</a>" ~ Inside Higher Ed<br /><br />"<a href="http://chronicle.com/news/article/4560/anthropology-association-urges-government-to-tread-cautiously-with-minerva-project">Anthropology Association Urges Government to Tread Cautiously With 'Minerva' Project</a>" ~ The Chronicle of Higher Education<br /><br />"<a href="http://blog.wired.com/defense/2008/05/academics-targe.html#more">Academics Target Pentagon's Social Science Project</a>" ~ Wired's Danger Room,<br /><br />"<a href="http://savageminds.org/2008/05/28/aaa-issues-statement-on-minerva/#more-1253">AAA Issues Statement on Minerva</a>" ~ Savage Minds<br /><br /><a href="http://www.defenselink.mil/DODCMSShare/BloggerAssets/2008-05/05070811525420080507_DrMahnken_transcript.pdf">DoD Defense Bloggers Roundtable Regarding Minerva</a> [pdf]AAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-64857173175496115472008-12-23T12:13:00.004-05:002008-12-23T12:38:51.862-05:00Obama Names Science & Technology Advisers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oBALZfZUXlc62QoXAHm66OU0Q8UUVAgiWSzNvdP6-rwcYO6Vqy0DOYxGK7QgO3i_nEZsWnnbpzdcCbM3m_my6eIy-Zr9t9vNEnbmK27ZR2eppYp8dWI-GUW8bgG3ee3S4csH/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oBALZfZUXlc62QoXAHm66OU0Q8UUVAgiWSzNvdP6-rwcYO6Vqy0DOYxGK7QgO3i_nEZsWnnbpzdcCbM3m_my6eIy-Zr9t9vNEnbmK27ZR2eppYp8dWI-GUW8bgG3ee3S4csH/s200/1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283040931314779442" /></a>President-elect Obama <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/21/us/politics/21science.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink">named four top science and technology advisers</a> over the weekend, while highlighting the importance of restoring science as one of America's top priorities. In his <a href="http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/the_search_for_knowledge_truth_and_a_greater_understanding_of_the_world_aro/">weekly radio broadcast</a>, Obama said, “promoting science isn’t just about providing resources, it’s about protecting free and open inquiry. It’s about ensuring that facts and evidence are never twisted or obscured by politics or ideology. It’s about listening to what our scientists have to say, even when it’s inconvenient—-especially when it’s inconvenient--because the highest purpose of science is the search for knowledge, truth, and greater understanding of the world around us. That will be my goal as President of the United States, and I could not have a better team to guide me in this work.” These are encouraging words, and we sincerely hope that his team will act quickly to change policies governing important environmental and medical issues.<br /><br />As part of Obama’s new advisory team, John Holdren, a physicist and environmental policy professor at Harvard, will direct the White House Office of Science and Technology. Jane Lubchenco, a marine biologist at Oregon State University, will lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Nobel Prize-winning cancer researcher Harold Varmus and genomic researcher Eric Lander will also join Obama's team of science advisers.AAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-58800324996537006502008-12-17T14:32:00.005-05:002008-12-17T15:00:03.410-05:00Chicago's Arne Duncan Nominated as Education Secretary<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwLcTGZFZ85y9qSr6dXriOg0GiZyoMHbm-hSDWMJAyfVR2iYOso_jkKeWwpERk5ZW8yoV9P4v4yY34hmOtXoBNe0MX6U99Z2Ct8w3RuP3RFxZ5DxxIgqFTVuHht-TrSyDTUa7/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwLcTGZFZ85y9qSr6dXriOg0GiZyoMHbm-hSDWMJAyfVR2iYOso_jkKeWwpERk5ZW8yoV9P4v4yY34hmOtXoBNe0MX6U99Z2Ct8w3RuP3RFxZ5DxxIgqFTVuHht-TrSyDTUa7/s200/1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280849817254405218" /></a><a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1208/16639.html">Arne Duncan</a> is President-elect Obama's choice for Secretary of Education. Duncan has administered Chicago's public-school system for the past seven years and is credited with increasing enrollment opportunities, raising test scores, and replacing ineffective teachers. According to the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/16/us/politics/16educ.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink">NY Times</a>, "He argued that the nation's schools needed to be held accountable for student progress, but also needed major new investments, new talent and new teacher-training efforts." Duncan's position straddles the two major camps of American educators, and he often strives for compromise between opposing parties. He also helped draft Obama's education platform which emphasizes investments in early childhood education, teacher recruitment, performance-based teacher pay initiatives, training of principals, and the importance of science and math.<br /><br />Are you satisfied with Obama's choice? How do you think Duncan could address the problems facing higher education? Your comments are welcome.AAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-54627809774507544862008-12-16T10:23:00.005-05:002008-12-16T11:03:40.059-05:00Steven Chu Nominated as Energy Secretary<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSyfH2b1FfpINQOEkO7yvDL1eGJR2zVNbIf7xbLLY_R5hruOAavtwkgY4QaNy-CIkJQpUhrrFryldgj0aOONRPdXWbOCfpERK0HgTFI3zqW8o_VnL_bdEtU3G11HSPraEu0_vL/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 151px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSyfH2b1FfpINQOEkO7yvDL1eGJR2zVNbIf7xbLLY_R5hruOAavtwkgY4QaNy-CIkJQpUhrrFryldgj0aOONRPdXWbOCfpERK0HgTFI3zqW8o_VnL_bdEtU3G11HSPraEu0_vL/s200/1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280417595403454290" /></a>President-elect Barack Obama recently nominated Nobel-Prize winning physicist <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/10/steven-chu-energy-secreta_n_150006.html">Steven Chu</a> to be Secretary of Energy. Chu has a firm understanding of science policy, climate change, research and energy issues, and we are hopeful that he will revitalize scientific funding and research. Please visit Chu's brief <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE8BiyUHkYU">interview with Science Debate 2008</a> for his thoughts on the role that science has to play in US prosperity.AAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-45154754704979185812008-12-02T11:26:00.004-05:002008-12-02T13:00:25.038-05:00Pulse of the Planet #8<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkuYxDlWrZHOzNm8KqtMR-HLeMbl73PPcuNf1mIjjHyITYWwDp_vYC2Tqi-IVO-FSjroHEkQxTqJnWpjf_oxwDNo-r4fz5wcgGVxsNhXZsjFBAVzQwh5itMcidQJLjMMOWxtC/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkuYxDlWrZHOzNm8KqtMR-HLeMbl73PPcuNf1mIjjHyITYWwDp_vYC2Tqi-IVO-FSjroHEkQxTqJnWpjf_oxwDNo-r4fz5wcgGVxsNhXZsjFBAVzQwh5itMcidQJLjMMOWxtC/s200/1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275252815450996050" /></a>The next op-ed in <span style="font-style:italic;">CounterPunch</span>'s ongoing "Pulse of the Planet" series is Shannon May's "<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/may11212008.html">Ecological Crisis and Eco-Villages in China</a>." The series is derived from conference papers that were delivered at the "Pulse of the Planet" panel during AAA's 2008 annual meeting in San Francisco.<br /><br />In her article, May evaluates an initiative to construct a carbon-neutral sustainable housing development in rural China while bridging the urban-rural economic divide. Her research highlights how government leaders and designers failed to consider the ways in which local rural populations subsist. As a result, income generated from aquaculture and cashmere fiber suffered under the project. A substantial portion of income was also wasted on heating homes during winter, a season when local families have time to provide heating for themselves. May writes, "There is no environmental policy that is not at the same time an economic policy." Global sustainability and development goals can be reached without reinforcing the urban-rural divide, but, in order to do so, eco-friendly projects must first take into account the needs, values, and livelihoods of local populations.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Prior Pulse of the Planet Articles</span>:<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/mckenna11202008.html">How Dow Chemical Defies Homeland Security and Risks Another 9/11</a>" ~ Brian McKenna<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/barker11042008.html">The Inequities of Climate Change and the Small Island Experience</a>" ~ Holly Barker<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/button10282008.html">What the Next President Must Do to Save FEMA</a>" ~ Gregory V. Button<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/johnston10272008.html">The Clean, Green Nuclear Machine?</a>" ~ Barbara Rose Johnston<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.com/checker08272008.html">Carbon Offsets: More Harm Than Good?</a>" ~ Melissa Checker<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/mencher06282008.html">The Human Right to Eat</a>" ~ Joan P. Mencher<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/johnston05242008.html">Dam Legacies, Damned Futures</a>" ~ Barbara Rose JohnstonAAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-66823293981745863062008-12-01T16:45:00.005-05:002008-12-01T17:21:50.245-05:00Pulse of the Planet #7<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUj29LwjzrR3y3SdHOOlE7C5v-qsUemUUgxRsBzfB_EOwYfFfb7HtpAM8Q4nkXXRVZ7R5QoVT2LofzY3ZjWaUf5E5smwjGNmjSw6hF8hKchiSiB5ffpaZO9eVxrA4RCmQ6sni/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 156px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUj29LwjzrR3y3SdHOOlE7C5v-qsUemUUgxRsBzfB_EOwYfFfb7HtpAM8Q4nkXXRVZ7R5QoVT2LofzY3ZjWaUf5E5smwjGNmjSw6hF8hKchiSiB5ffpaZO9eVxrA4RCmQ6sni/s200/1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274949068606711538" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;">CounterPunch</span>'s Pulse of the Planet Series Returns with Brian McKenna's article, "<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/mckenna11202008.html">How Dow Chemical Defies Homeland Security and Risks Another 9/11</a>." The series is derived from the "Pulse of the Planet" panel that was recently held at the 2008 AAA annual meeting in San Francisco.<br /><br />McKenna details how Dow Chemical has manipulated U.S. politics to its own advantage and the impact that this has had upon the health and security of our nation. He also describes the role of Dow Chemical in two international events that parallel the destruction wrought on 9/11. McKenna urges President-elect Obama to revive the "<a href="http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:s.02486:">Chemical Security and Safety Act</a>" (S.2486) of 2006 and join with labor and environmental groups in calling for: "safer and more secure chemicals and processes..., allow states to set more protective security standards if they so wish, require collaboration between the Department of Homeland Security, the EPA and other agencies to circumvent regulatory redundancy, and dramatically protect the rights of industry whistleblowers."AAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-65682895806895555312008-11-25T16:09:00.008-05:002008-12-02T16:35:30.070-05:002008 Annual Meeting Press CoverageWe'd like to thank all those who made the trek out to San Francisco for our 2008 annual meeting. The following stories detail some of the panels and meetings to occur during the meeting:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Inside Higher Ed</span><br /><a href="http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/11/26/swaa">Raised Eyebrows over Keynote Choice</a> (Nov. 26) [tangential to AAA meeting]<br /><a href="http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/11/25/anthro">Fieldwork with Three Children</a> (Nov. 25)<br /><a href="http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/11/24/anthro">Anthropological Engagement, for Good and for Bad?</a> (Nov. 24)<br /><a href="http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/11/21/anthro">Ethics and Militarization Dominate Anthropology Meeting</a> (Nov. 21)<br /><a href="http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/11/20/anthro">Anthropologists Consider Notions of 'Community' in Education</a> (Nov. 20)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Chronicle of Higher Education</span> [subscription required]<br /><a href="http://chronicle.com/daily/2008/11/7704n.htm">Anthropologists to Vote on New Ethical Rules on Work With Military</a> (Nov. 24)<br /><a href="http://chronicle.com/news/article/5542/anthropology-association-moves-toward-adopting-ethical-rules-on-military-engagement">Anthropology Association Moves Toward Adopting Rules on Military Engagement</a> (Nov. 21)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">San Francisco Unzipped</span><br /><a href="http://sfchronicle.us/cgi-bin/blogs/chronstyle/day?blogid=51&year=2008&month=11&day=25">SF Style Philes: The American Anthropological Association Annual Meeting</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Science & Religion Today</span> [blog]<br /><a href="http://scienceandreligiontoday.blogspot.com/2008/11/dispatch-from-aaa-annual-meeting.html">Dispatch from the AAA Annual Meeting</a> (Nov. 24)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Savage Minds</span> [blog]<br /><a href="http://savageminds.org/2008/11/24/aaas-2008-wrap-up/">AAAs 2008 Wrap Up</a> (Nov. 24)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Anthropologi.info</span><br /><a href="http://www.antropologi.info/blog/anthropology/anthropology.php?title=what_happened_at_the_aaa_meeting_in_san_&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1">What Happened at the AAA Meeting in San Francisco</a> (Nov. 27)<br /><br />Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts about the annual meeting, including any areas that could use improvement, in our comment section.AAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-41247081623541748242008-11-06T14:05:00.004-05:002008-11-06T14:47:58.195-05:00Pulse of the Planet #6<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UvclHkIi3F16Jj9ZieOwfIcIcMPn4wLtXg5c50GlXmUM5K-GXg1wH5bitN_HtscHNC0neGc6MCzUopDJVeSzdWQQRFtiB07Gd3wWqAKSyCaaUnGe3wiC-yrL74s7Hm0L-OhZ/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UvclHkIi3F16Jj9ZieOwfIcIcMPn4wLtXg5c50GlXmUM5K-GXg1wH5bitN_HtscHNC0neGc6MCzUopDJVeSzdWQQRFtiB07Gd3wWqAKSyCaaUnGe3wiC-yrL74s7Hm0L-OhZ/s200/1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265632932562148530" /></a>Holly Barker's "<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/barker11042008.html">The Inequities of Climate Change and the Small Island Experience</a>" was recently published by <span style="font-style:italic;">CounterPunch</span> as part of their ongoing "Pulse of the Planet" series. We encourage our readers to attend the Invited Session, "Pulse of the Planet - Human Rights, Environment and Social Justice in the 21st Century," at the AAA annual meeting. The session will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008.<br /><br />In her article, Barker highlights the vulnerability of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to the effects of climate change, especially rising sea-levels and the increase in violent storms and hurricanes. SIDS are vulnerable because of their "small size, isolation, limited fresh water and other natural resources, fragile economies, often dense populations, poorly developed infrastructures, limited financial and human resources and exposure to extreme weather events." Nations most responsible for climate change, particularly the US, are sheltered from its effects and need to increase their efforts to preserve SIDS, reduce carbon emissions, and invest in alternative energies.<br /><br />Prior Pulse of the Planet Articles:<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/button10282008.html">What the Next President Must Do to Save FEMA</a>" ~ Gregory V. Button<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/johnston10272008.html">The Clean, Green Nuclear Machine?</a>" ~ Barbara Rose Johnston<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.com/checker08272008.html">Carbon Offsets: More Harm Than Good?</a>" ~ Melissa Checker<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/mencher06282008.html">The Human Right to Eat</a>" ~ Joan P. Mencher<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/johnston05242008.html">Dam Legacies, Damned Futures</a>" ~ Barbara Rose JohnstonAAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-52977704597266048902008-11-03T12:29:00.004-05:002008-11-03T12:46:58.894-05:00Pulse of the Planet #5<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03vqfK8ELAH7sVxJGHexc42oL48QWp67yuR76P4McoUAUwzIRGTW25ftUjrgmmvWLW-k_ruGSRXsqCIcqAevEilDt34DaKtJIjH267_h4IoALBJPvFKtTFRtBJ3NOPraAsv1k/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 155px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03vqfK8ELAH7sVxJGHexc42oL48QWp67yuR76P4McoUAUwzIRGTW25ftUjrgmmvWLW-k_ruGSRXsqCIcqAevEilDt34DaKtJIjH267_h4IoALBJPvFKtTFRtBJ3NOPraAsv1k/s200/1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264488708245475410" /></a>Gregory V. Button's "<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/button10282008.html"><span style="font-weight:bold;">What the Next President Must Do to Save FEMA</span></a>" is the next installment of <span style="font-style:italic;">CounterPunch</span>'s "Pulse of the Planet" series. The series is derived from conference papers that will be delivered at the "Pulse of the Planet" panel during AAA's 2008 annual meeting in San Francisco. <br />Button details the history of the Federal Emergency Agency and the circumstances that led to its inability to prepare for and respond to catastrophic events. He writes, "We need a policy that would require significant increased funding for FEMA's dual approach and we need to insure that funding earmarked for disasters is not secretly funneled into fighting terrorism as has been the case under the current administration."<br /><br />Prior Pulse of the Planet Articles:<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/johnston10272008.html">The Clean, Green Nuclear Machine?</a>" ~ Barbara Rose Johnston<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.com/checker08272008.html">Carbon Offsets: More Harm Than Good?</a>" ~ Melissa Checker<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/mencher06282008.html">The Human Right to Eat</a>" ~ Joan P. Mencher<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/johnston05242008.html">Dam Legacies, Damned Futures</a>" ~ Barbara Rose JohnstonAAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-10541223510703313962008-11-03T12:04:00.003-05:002008-11-03T12:29:28.251-05:00Pulse of the Planet #4<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Ysa6WzJGTBtbALDmbP_ZVgwzRrx9ju2EapeFfvBKX0ntWHRT4VGMBXJkdUY8mYNz6-Oki9F3un9c6ZL2jqAYltZ1SbkgNSjDXbYzYwWGGlTzC247aClsvUd_v2zFQR9h7-Bl/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 129px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Ysa6WzJGTBtbALDmbP_ZVgwzRrx9ju2EapeFfvBKX0ntWHRT4VGMBXJkdUY8mYNz6-Oki9F3un9c6ZL2jqAYltZ1SbkgNSjDXbYzYwWGGlTzC247aClsvUd_v2zFQR9h7-Bl/s200/1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264484487810202754" /></a>Barbara Rose Johnston was featured in <span style="font-style:italic;">CounterPunch</span> once again as part of its ongoing "Pulse of the Planet" series. The series is derived from conference papers that will be delivered at the "Pulse of the Planet" panel during AAA's 2008 annual meeting. In her op-ed, "<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/johnston10272008.html"><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Clean, Green Nuclear Machine?</span></a>" Johnston questions the ability of nuclear energy to solve our energy, economic, and environmental problems by highlighting the unexpected health, stewardship, ecological, and development costs of nuclear plants and waste. <br /><br />Prior Pulse of the Planet Articles:<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.com/checker08272008.html">Carbon Offsets: More Harm Than Good?</a>" ~ Melissa Checker<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/mencher06282008.html">The Human Right to Eat</a>" ~ Joan P. Mencher<br />"<a href="http://www.counterpunch.org/johnston05242008.html">Dam Legacies, Damned Futures</a>" ~ Barbara Rose JohnstonAAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16553039.post-12903967646739896162008-10-21T12:16:00.003-04:002008-10-21T12:25:51.319-04:00US & Iraq to Step Up Cultural Preservation Efforts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSCwMATeLLm6Zc15ErgjyqQvzhYmpj6hnZm3DzXL7pGHdx_77fjJDvsBv5XIJdEWZkf-1Q1aZFDKUjD_gs3Mt7_muM-ET8QWvOyvqN3lb7QMxw-n4s6anoE_3jNY_Fq_iukHf/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSCwMATeLLm6Zc15ErgjyqQvzhYmpj6hnZm3DzXL7pGHdx_77fjJDvsBv5XIJdEWZkf-1Q1aZFDKUjD_gs3Mt7_muM-ET8QWvOyvqN3lb7QMxw-n4s6anoE_3jNY_Fq_iukHf/s200/1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259642290063896850" /></a>The <a href="http://baghdadbureau.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/20/program-seeks-to-preserve-iraqi-history/"><span style="font-style:italic;">NY Times</span></a> reported that the US and Iraq have launched a $14 million program to help preserve Iraq's cultural heritage. Funds will be used to "create a conservation and historic preservation institute in Erbil, help refurbish the Iraqi National Museum and train museum employees." This is a significant step forward in efforts to cultivate and preserve Iraq's cultural heritage. The US will also continue its efforts to recover thousands of artifacts that were looted from Iraq's National Museum in 2003.AAAadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01736033637340446424noreply@blogger.com2