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May, 2009

Monthly archive · 180 posts

Stories from May, 2009

28 May 2009

Colombia: Cyber-Politics for the 2010 Elections

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With the Colombian presidential elections set for 2010, the list of candidates has not yet been finalized, but campaigning is well underway. Some candidates have started to use digital tools to reach voters, and at the same time bloggers and twitterers are critiquing how they are used. For some, they see it as a waste of time considering the lack of availability of the internet for many Colombians, but others appreciate the attempt by politicians understanding that it is a learning process.

27 May 2009

Argentina: Clarín Media Group Forces Removal of Videos

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The media group Clarín is considered to be the most important in Argentina and has implemented a policy of demanding that YouTube close the accounts of any user that does not remove content produced by one of its television companies. This policy has affected bloggers, who have used content on a non-profit basis and for the purpose of commenting on the political situation of the country. Many are arguing that these uses are protected by law, and that Clarín is infringing on freedom of speech and practicing censorship.

Bangladesh, India: No To Tipaimukh Dam

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The Tipaimukh Hydroelectric Project is being constructed near the confluence of Barak and Tuivai rivers, in Manipur, India and within 100km of Bangladesh border. The project will submerge a huge portion of land, thereby making thousands of people homeless and threatening the habitats of Indigenous population in India. The downstream neighbor Bangladesh will also face severe environmental and economic consequences.

USA: The battle over medical marijuana

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In the United States, 13 states currently allow citizens to use marijuana for medicinal purposes, but even these limited rights are under threat. In response, many Americans have created blogs to support and extend the legalization of marijuana.

Caribbean, UK: Padel resigns from Oxford post

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After regional bloggers reacted en masse to the withdrawal of St. Lucian Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott from the race to be Oxford Professor of Poetry, Ruth Padel, Walcott's closest competitor who eventually won the coveted post, has resigned under pressure of mounting allegations that she was the puppet master behind the smear campaign. Caribbean bloggers do not seem surprised.

Mozambique: House of the Flying Azagaias

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In Mozambique, rapper Azagaia has continued to fascinate and infuriate bloggers. His critics claim his political lyrics amount to demagoguery. Others defend his music, to which many Mozambicans happily provide the chorus, and say his critics speak in exclusive, academic terms.

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