SO WHO IS "JOE THE PLUMBER"?

NEW YORK – John McCain hung his final presidential debate performance on an Ohio plumber who campaign aides never vetted. 

A day after making Joseph Wurzelbacher famous, referencing him in the debate almost two dozen times as someone who would pay higher taxes under Barack Obama, McCain learned the fine print Thursday on the plumber’s not-so-tidy personal story: He owes back taxes. He is not a licensed plumber. And it turns out that Wurzelbacher makes less than $250,000 a year, which means he would receive a tax cut if Obama were elected president. 

McCain likes to say that he isn’t George W. Bush – and in this case of bungled public relations, it is clear he is not. The famously-disciplined Bush campaign operation would likely have found the perfect anonymous citizen to illustrate a policy proposal, rather than spontaneously wrap itself around an unknown entity with so many asterisks. 

While the arc of Wurzelbacher’s breakneck trip through the news cycle – from private citizen to insta-celebrity to political target – offers a curious insight into the political media culture, it also appears to offer a glimpse into the McCain campaign’s on-the-fly decisionmaking style. 

A McCain source said Thursday that the campaign read about Wurzelbacher on the Drudge Report, while another campaign aide confirmed that he was not vetted. Senior McCain adviser Matt McDonald told Politico after the debate that Wurzelbacher was not aware that he would become central to the candidates’ third and final showdown, although Wurzelbacher told reporters Thursday that the McCain campaign contacted him earlier in the week to ask him to appear with the candidate at a Toledo rally scheduled for Sunday. (He may not make it, now that he's scheduled to be in New York for TV interviews.) 

“Joe, if you're watching, I'm sorry,” McCain said Thursday, referring to the press attention that the Ohio man had received, during a taping of the Late Show with David Letterman.

McCain said he has not spoken to Wurzelbacher yet. Aides have reached out, hoping to get him on the stump at some point. 

By Thursday evening, though, the McCain campaign had tied itself even closer to Wurzelbacher than the night before. 

His campaign released a web ad titled “Joe the Plumber.” McCain opened his rally in Downingtown, Pa., with a shout-out to Wurzelbacher.

“We had a good debate last night. I thought I did pretty well, but let's have a little straight talk: the real winner last night was Joe the Plumber,” McCain told 1,000 people. “He won and small businesses across America won, because the American people are not going to let Senator Obama raise their taxes in a tough economy.” 

For a few moments, the crowd chanted, “Joe! Joe! Joe!” 

“Joe’s the man!” McCain yelled back. 

Obama veered from his prepared remarks in Londonderry, N.H., to question McCain’s use of Wurzelbacher, saying the Republican senator’s tax plan would do more for corporations and wealthy individuals than, say, a plumber. 

“He is trying to suggest that a plumber is the guy he’s fighting for,” Obama said told a rally with 4,100 people. “How many plumbers do you know making a quarter of a million dollars a year?” 

Obama’s remarks echoed those of his vice presidential nominee, Joe Biden, who criticized McCain for “the notion of this guy Joe the Plumber.” 

“I don’t have any Joe the Plumbers in my neighborhood that make $250,000 a year that are worried,” Biden said on NBC’s Today show. “The Joe the Plumbers in my neighborhood, the Joe the Cops in my neighborhood, the Joe the Grocery Store Owners in my neighborhood – they make, like 98 percent of small businesses, less than $250,000 a year. And they’re going to do very well under us, and they’re going to be in real tough shape under John McCain.” 

Wurzelbacher, 34, a single father and self-described conservative, emerged as a symbol for a tax debate that has become a mainstay of the give-and-take on the campaign trail, and also of the white working-class voters who have been pursued so vigorously by both candidates. 

The exchange between Obama and Wurzelbacher that first brought him to the McCain campaign’s attention, occurred Sunday while the Democratic nominee was canvassing for votes in Toledo. 

“I'm being taxed more and more for fulfilling the American Dream,” Wurzelbacher told Obama, adding he was concerned about having to pay more taxes as he worked towards his goal of buying his own plumbing business, which could draw income of $250,000 a year. “Your new tax plan is going to tax me more, isn’t it?” 

Obama said that, under his proposal, those making $250,000 or less would not pay more in taxes, but incomes above that level would be subject to a higher tax rate. 

“It’s not that I want to punish your success, I just want to make sure that everybody who is behind you – that they’ve got the chance at success too,” Obama told Wurzelbacher. “I think that when you spread the wealth around, it’s good for everybody.” 

Since then, the encounter has also provided fodder for conservatives alleging his tax plan would amount to a massive redistribution of wealth. 

McCain said Obama's plan would stop entrepreneurs such as Wurzelbacher from investing in new small businesses and keep existing ones from growing. 

Even before the debate concluded Wednesday, local TV stations, network producers and journalists from around the country were trying to reach Wurzelbacher. By Thursday afternoon, he had been picked to pieces. 

Wurzelbacher acknowledged to reporters that he doesn't have a plumber's license, but said he didn't need one because he works for someone else at a company that does residential work. State and local records show Wurzelbacher has no license, although his employer does.David Golis, manager and residential building official for the Toledo Division of Building Inspection, said Wurzelbacher still would need to be a licensed apprentice or journeyman to work in Toledo. 

Wurzelbacher also owes the state of Ohio $1,182.98 in personal income tax, according to Lucas County Court of Common Pleas records. The Ohio Department of Taxation filed a claim on his property until he pays the debt, according to the records. The lien remains active. 

The McCain campaign weighed in on Wurzelbacher’s behalf, using the opportunity to take digs at two frequent targets. 

“It's an outrage that the Obama campaign and the media are attacking Joe the Plumber for asking a legitimate question of a presidential candidate. This is why voters still have so many questions about Barack Obama. Instead of answering tough questions, his campaign attacks average Americans for daring to look at the reality behind his words, said Tucker Bounds, spokesman the McCain-Palin campaign. “John McCain will continue to fight on behalf of all hardworking Americans like Joe for policies geared toward increasing prosperity and reducing the burden on taxpayers -- not 'spreading the wealth around' for Senator Government to distribute as he sees fit.” 

Leaning against his black Dodge Durango SUV, Wurzelbacher at first was amused by it all, then overwhelmed and finally a little annoyed. 

“I don't have a lot of pull. It's not like I'm Matt Damon," he said "I just hope I'm not making too much of a fool of myself." 

SOURCE: Politico

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HATIMAYE SABABU ZA KILIMO DUNI TANZANIA ZAJULIKANA

Picha kwa Hisani ya MichuziJr

Pinda ataja sababu za kilimo kuwa duni

IMEELEZWA kuwa kilimo cha Tanzania bado kiko duni, kutokana na wakulima wengi kulima bila ya kutekeleza kanuni za kilimo bora na hivyo kuchangia kushuka kwa uzalishaji wa mazao mbalimbali nchini. 

Hayo yamesemwa jana na Waziri Mkuu, Bw. Mizengo Pinda katika ukumbi wa Bz mkoani Morogoro wakati wa ufunguzi wa mkutano wa kuhamasisha kilimo, uliohusisha mikoa ya Kigoma, Mbeya , Ruvuma , Rukwa , Iringa na Morogoro . 

Waziri Pinda alisema kuwa kilimo cha Tanzania bado duni kutokna na eneo linalolimwa ni kidogo na tija ni ndogo, ambapo alisema inakadiliwa kuwa eneo linalofaa kwa kilimo ni hekta milioni 44 na eneo linalotumika ni sawa na asilimia 24 ya eneo hilo. 

Alisema kuwa kwa upande wa kilimo cha umwagiliaji lina hekta milioni 29.4 hata hivyo eneo linalotumika ni sawa na hekta 290,000 sawa na asilimia moja . 

“Ni vyema tukaangalia kuongeza maeneo ya kulima kama kweli tumedhamiria kuongeza tija katika sekta ya kilimo," alisema Waziri Pinda . 

Aidha waziri Pinda aliongeza kuwa mbali na changamoto hiyo katika sekta ya kilimo bado huduma za ugani ni duni na kudai uzoefu unaonesha kuwa wakulima wengi wanalima bila ya kufuata kanuni za kilimo bora . 

Alisema kuwa hali hiyo imekuwa ikisababisha kilimo chao kushuka na kutokuwa na tija na mavuno yao kuwa kidogo, hali ambayo wizara inatakiwa kujiuliza ina maofisa ugani wangapi mikoani na vitendea kazi kiasi gani viko katika ofisi zao, ikiwa pamoja na kujiwekea mipango ya kazi. 

Waziri Pinda alisema kuwa sababu nyingine zinazochangia hali hiyo ni matumizi duni ya teknolojia za kilimo cha kisasa hasa matumizi ya jembe la mkono, badala ya matrekta. 

Alisema kuwa takwimu zinaonesha kuwa asilimia 70 ya wakulima nchini hutumia jembe la mkono na asilimia 20 hutumia plau wakati asilimia 10 hutumia matrekta takwimu ambayo ni ndogo katika kufikia malengo ya uzalishaji na kuboresha sekta ya kilimo nchini.

CHANZO: Majira

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WARIOBA,KAFARA EPA KUSHTAKIWA? HABARI NDANI YA GAZETI LA RAIA MWEMA

Kuna uwezekano mkubwa kwamba Waziri Mkuu mstaafu,Jaji Joseph Warioba,akaingizwa matatani kutokana na uchunguzi unaofanyika ndani ya kampuni ya uchimbaji dhahabu ya Mwananchi Gold....kwa habari hii pamoja na nyingine,bila kusahau makala motomoto ndani ya gazeti lililobobea la Raia Mwema,BONYEZA HAPA.

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OCTOBER SURPRISE FROM BIN LADEN?GOD FORBID

Beware an October surprise from bin Laden
By Joseph Nye
Published: October 15 2008 19:31 | Last updated: October 15 2008 19:31

Americans are transfixed by the aftermath of the September surprise in financial markets. Could there be a very different surprise coming in October?

The public thinks Democrats do better on economic issues, and the financial crisis erased the bounce in the polls that John McCain received from the Republican convention. After the second presidential debate, Mr Obama widened his lead, but dangers remain. Polls show that Republicans do better on the issue of terrorism. Last June, McCain adviser Charlie Black was reprimanded for having the temerity to point out that the intrusion of a terrorist event into the campaign would “certainly be a big advantage” for Mr McCain. Mr Black may have been politically incorrect but an objective analysis suggests he might be right.

On October 29 2004, four days before the last election, Al Jazeera aired an 18 minute video tape in which Osama bin Laden addressed the American people and threatened further retaliation and a desire to bankrupt the US. In the first poll after that tape was released, President George W. Bush opened up a six point lead over Senator John Kerry. The deputy director of the CIA commented that “Bin Laden certainly did a nice favour today for the president”.

Since the election turned on 120,000 votes in Ohio, it is plausible Mr bin Laden was able to affect the election. From the al-Qaeda leader’s point of view, Mr Bush’s policies were more useful for his efforts to recruit supporters than Mr Kerry’s might have been. Mr bin Laden is involved in a civil war within Islam. He wants the US to pursue policies that create the appearance of a clash of civilisations. Anything that polarises the mainstream of Muslim opinion helps his recruiting. As the deputy director for analysis at the CIA commented at the time: “Certainly, he would want Bush to keep doing what he’s doing for a few more years.”

From that point of view, Barack Obama must be unsettling for Mr bin Laden. An African-American with a father born in Kenya and a childhood spent partly in Indonesia presents a very different face to the world. A recent BBC poll of 22 countries found that if the world could vote, Mr Obama would win in a landslide. The pro-Obama margin varied from 82 percentage points in Kenya to 9 points in India.

Of course, Americans do not like outside interference in their elections. When Mr Obama attracted a crowd of 200,000 to a speech in Berlin last summer, Republican critics portrayed him as an elitist who appeals overseas but not to blue collar workers at home. On the other hand, in a recent poll that asked Americans to rate a series of foreign policy goals for the next president, 83 per cent ranked “improving America’s standing in the world” as most important. Certainly, the election of the first African-American as president would do wonders to restore the soft power that the Bush administration has squandered over the past eight years. That is why Mr Obama is such a threat to Mr bin Laden.

Some voters worry that even though Mr Obama might be good for US soft power, he might not understand hard power. Mr Obama’s statements in the two presidential debates suggest that he gets it. He has promised to give priority to finding and killing Mr bin Laden but there is more to the story. Niccolò Machiavelli said that it is more important for a prince to be feared than to be loved but we sometimes forget that the opposite of love is not fear, but hatred. Machiavelli made it clear hatred is something a prince should avoid at all costs. Smart power is the ability to combine hard and soft power into an effective strategy.

Both Mr McCain and Mr Obama have impressive hard power political and organisational skills, or they would not be where they are today. After all, Mr McCain has a military background and Mr Obama came up through the rough and tumble of Chicago politics. More over, Mr Obama’s campaign has set a new standard for political organisation. But on the crucial soft power skills of emotional intelligence, vision and communication, Mr Obama has the edge as reflected in the global polls and that must be giving Mr bin Laden a headache. In the next few weeks, as the remaining undecided voters have to make up their minds, Mr bin Laden may again be tempted to enter the fray. Given the scale of the financial crisis, it might take more than a video tape to refocus the attention of the American electorate this year but we should be alert to Mr bin Laden’s temptation and the danger it presents.

The writer is a professor at Harvard University and author most recently of The Powers to Lead

SOURCE: FT

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KAAZI KWELI KWELI,GARI LA TRAFIKI LAGONGA GARI LA RAIA

CHANZO: Habarileo

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MDAHALO WA MWISHO KATI YA OBAMA NA MCCAIN

"Hata ingekuwa Ronald Reagan katika nafasi ya John McCain dhidi ya Obama,ni dhahiri ingekuwa hadithi ileile...McCain ameshindwa."Hii ni tafsiri isiyo rasmi ya kauli ya Charles Krauthammer kwa Brit Hume,baada ya mdahalo wa mwisho kati ya McCain na Barack Obama.Bill Kristol nae ametoa more or less same conclusion.

Kwa mujibu wa kura za maoni za watazamaji wa mjadala huo kwa CNN na CBS (na Frank Luntz's focus group ya undecided voters,Obama ameshinda mjadala huo.Pia wachambuzi wa mdahalo huo wameonekana kukubaliana kuhusu mwonekano wa wagombea hao wakati wa mjadala,ambapo mara kadhaa Obama alikuwa akitabasamu na kucheka huku akiwa more relaxed wakati takriban muda wote McCain alikuwa serious na kama mtu anayekimbizana na muda.

Ni vigumu kufanya utabiri kwenye siasa,ni vigumu zaidi kufanya utabiri kwenye uchaguzi,na ni vigumu mno kufanya utabiri wa uhakika takriban siku 19 kabla ya uchaguzi mkuu wa Marekani.Hata hivyo,kama hakuna Bradley effect katika opinion polls zinazoonyesha Obama akiongoza katika karibu kila poll,na kama hakutatokea tukio kubwa (kwa mfano,God forbid,shambulizi la kigaidi kama la September 11,au kukamatwa kwa Osama bin Laden) Obama anasimama katika nafasi nzuri ya kuwa rais wa kwanza mweusi wa Marekani hapo November 4.

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"BIG BROTHER BRITAIN" PLANS TO SNOOP ON EVERY CALL,SMS AND E-MAIL

Government unveils 'Big Brother' plan: Now they want to snoop on every phone call, email and text message

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has unveiled plans for a massive expansion of 'Big Brother' state surveillance, covering every phonecall, e-mail, text message and internet visit in Britain

Plans for a massive expansion of ‘Big Brother’ state surveillance to cover every phone call, email, text message and internet visit in Britain were unveiled yesterday.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith claimed

that storing details of individuals’ communications was vital to prevent further terrorist atrocities.

Activities which will be subject to snooping for the first time include visits

to social networking sites such as Facebook, auction sites such as eBay, gaming websites and chatrooms.

Police and security services will not be

able to access the precise content but will know each site visited, and to whom and when a phone call, text message or email was sent.

If this sets alarm bells ringing, they could seek a Ministerial warrant to intercept exactly what is being sent, including the content.

The billions of pieces of data are likely

to be stored for a year or more. The cost

is estimated to be at least £1billion, and

could be far higher.

Last night MPs and privacy groups attacked the proposals as 'Stalinist', 'Orwellian' and a reversal of the presumption that a person is innocent until proven guilty.

One opponent said: ‘They are making us all suspects.’

A leaked memo written by sources close to the project revealed it was fraught with technical difficulties.

Officials are split between placing the vast amount of data to be collected on a huge central Government database or forcing service providers to store the information,

to be accessed on demand.

Currently, the option being worked on is to request data from the service providers, the memo reveals. They are likely to pass on extra costs to customers.

Shadow Home Secretary Dominic Grieve said: ‘These proposals would mark a substantial shift in the powers of the state to obtain personal information on individuals.

'Given the Government’s poor record on protecting data and running databases there

needs to be a full and proper debate.

‘The public will also be acutely aware of how, under this Government, surveillance powers designed to combat terrorism and serious organised crime have been used by local authorities to investigate things like fly-tipping. This would be absolutely unacceptable.’

Liberal Democrat spokesman Chris Huhne said: ‘The Government’s Orwellian plans for a vast database of our private communications are deeply worrying.

‘Ministers claim the database will only be used in terrorist cases, but there is now a long list of cases from the arrest of Walter Wolfgang for heckling at a Labour conference to the freezing of Icelandic assets where anti-terrorism law has been

used for purposes for which it was not intended.

'These proposals are incompatible with a free country and a free people.’

We're watching you: An East German Stasi officer listens in on a couple in a scene from the Oscar-winning film The Lives Of Others. Jacqui Smith has unveiled plans for a massive expansion of state surveillance

Phil Booth, of the NO2ID privacy campaign, said: ‘This is the Stalinist vision which we always knew was on the agenda. Monitoring the entire population is a complete abhorrence, reversing the presumption of innocent until proven guilty and making us all suspects.’

But senior security and police services were adamant that, without the new powers, lives would be put at risk.

They said some investigations have already been affected by criminals who use technology to avoid detection, by plotting online through social networking sites or

interactive games.

‘Criminals are getting more sophisticated in using this technology and they are going to exploit it unless we do something,’ one source said.

Miss Smith yesterday admitted the public had reason to be concerned.

In a speech to the Institute for Public Policy Research thinktank, she said: ‘Of course, even if there had not been events [data losses], the British public would have every right to be sceptical about a state activity that involves the collection of data.’

But she said that, without increasing their capacity to store data, the police and security services would have to consider a ‘massive expansion of surveillance’.

And she insisted: ‘There are no plans for an enormous database which will contain the content of your emails, the texts that you send or the chats you have on the

phone or online.

‘Nor are we going to give local authorities the power to trawl through the database in the interests of investigating lower level criminality under the spurious cover

of counter-terrorist legislation.’

SOURCE: Daily Mail

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THINGS FALL APART

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Walimu wafanya hujuma nzito

*Wajitoa kusimamia uchaguzi mkuu mwaka 2010  *Waenda shule wajazana ofisini kupiga soga  *Serikali yasambaza fomu shuleni zisainiwe  Na Waandishi Wetu  SIKU moja baada ya kuaminika kuwa mgomo wao uliokuwa uanze jana nchi nzima umeyeyuka, walimu sehemu mbalimbali nzima walifanya mgomo baridi.  Uchunguzi wa gazeti hili kutoka mikoa mbalimbali nchini umeonesha kuwa jana, siku iliyokuwa iwe ya kwanza ya mgomo, walimu wengi hawakufundisha au kuingia madarasani huku wanafunzi wengi wakionekana kuguswa na hali hiyo.  Lakini wakiwa katikati ya huzuni ya kutotimizwa madai yao na kuzuiwa kugoma, baadhi ya walimu sasa wamefikia hatua za mbali zaidi ya kutoigia darasani sasa kuamua pia kuachana na shughuli zozote za kuwasaidia wanasiasa.  Kutoka mjini Tanga, mwandishi wetu Mashaka Mhando anaripoti kuwa baadhi ya walimu wa jijini humo wametangaza kutoshiriki kusimamia wala kupiga kura katika uchaguzi mkuu ujao wa mwaka 2010. Walimu wengi huajiriwa kwa muda na Tume ya Taifa ya Uchaguzi kusimamia uchaguzi sehemu mbalimbali nchini.  Walimu hao wakizungumza nje ya ofisi za Chama Cha Walimu Tanznia (CWT) mkoani humo, kwa masharti ya kutotajwa majina, walisema hawaoni umuhimu wa kushiriki upigaji kura na kusimamia uchaguzi huo, kwa kile walichodai kuwa viongozi wanaposhinda wanatumia madaraka yao kuwanyanyasa.  “Hivi kweli tutapiga kura ili iweje? Hatutamchagua kiongozi yeyote mwaka 2010 wala kazi ya kuandikisha kura hatuitaki, kama wanataka kieleweke wayakamilishe madai yetu kwanza,” alisema mmoja wa walimu hao anayefundisha shule ya msingi.  Kutoka Dar es Salaam, wanafunzi walikosa masomo katika shule mbalimbali.  Ingawa walimu waliozungumza na gazeti hili walikataa kutamka waziwazi kuwa wanaendesha mgomo baridi, lakini walisema kama kuna mgomo wa aina hiyo, basi hiyo inabaki kuwa ni siri ya mwalimu mmoja mmoja.  Mwalimu Mkuu wa shule moja ya msingi jijini Dar es Salaam aliyezungumza kwa masharti ya jina lake kutochapishwa gazetini, alisema: "Kama kuna mgomo baridi hiyo ni siri ya walimu wenyewe, lakini tumetii amri ya mahakama ndiyo maana unaniona na walimu wangu tupo hapa (ofisini)."  Mwalimu huyo aliliambia gazeti hili kuwa kwa sasa wanasubiri uamuzi mwingine utakaotangazwa na CWT, wakati 'wakiendelea na kazi.'  Katika shule hiyo, walimu wengi walikuwa wamekaa ofisini wakiendelea na mazungumzo.  Baadhi ya wanafunzi waliozungumza na gazeti hili katika shule hiyo, walisema walikuwa hawajafundishwa somo lolote hadi gazeti hili lilipofika shuleni wapo kwa kile walichokieleza kwamba walisikia walimu wamegoma kufundisha kwa sababu hawajalipwa mishahara yao.  Katika Shule ya Msingi Tandale hadi ilipofika saa 5:30 asubuhi wanafunzi wa darasa la tano walidai kuwa walikuwa hawajafundishwa somo lolote kinyume na ilivyo kawaida.  Waliopoulizwa kama walifahamu ni kwa nini hawakufundishwa somo lolote hadi muda huo kinyume na ilivyo kawaida, walidai kwamba wamesikia walimu wanadai mishahara yao.  Mwalimu Mkuu wa shule hiyo, Bibi Sarah Mwaseba, alisema wao wanatii tamko la Mahakama na wanaendelea kusikilizia.  Alipoulizwa kama wanaendelea kufundisha kwa ari, alijibu: "Tunaendelea kufundisha na tunaamini kuwa watatupatia haki yetu japo hawajatamka rasmi ni lini watalipwa rasmi."  Katika shule zingine ambazo gazeti hili lilitembelea malalamiko ya wanafunzi kutofundishwa yaliendelea kujitokeza huku wengine wakisema wamefundishwa japo somo moja.  Baadhi ya wanafunzi walieleza kuwa walimu walikuwa wakiingia darasani na kuwapa maswali mawili au matatu.  Katika shule ya msingi Mtoni gazeti hili lilidokezwa kuwa jana asubuhi walimu walikuwa na kikao cha dharura kujadili masuala mbalimbali. Kuwepo kikao hicho kulithibitishwa na mmoja wa walimu (jina tunalihifadhi).  Alidokeza kuwa kuna waraka umekuja kutoka serikalini unaowataka warejee darasani na madai yao yatakuwa yametimizwa ifikapo Novemba au Desemba.  "Walimu hawakubaliani na uamuzi huo hivyo kuna mgomo ambao unaendelea kichinichini ambapo walimu hawatafanya baadhi ya mambo hadi Serikali itakapowalipa madai yao," kilidokeza chanzo chetu.  “Sisi wenyewe tu wakati tunaangalia kwenye luninga tulipandwa na jazba...nasi tungekuwa pale pasingetosha yaani mpaka mwalimu afikie hatua ya kulia kwa ajili ya haki yake. Serikali ijue kwamba tumechoka...kwa nini lakini hivi bila sisi patatoka viongozi kweli hapa nchini?” walisema kwa masikitiko makubwa.  Joyce Kassiki kutoka Dodoma anaripoti kuwa mkoani humo baadhi ya walimu jana wamefika shuleni lakini hawakuingi madarasani ikiwa kama njia mojawapo ya kutimiza azma yao ya kugoma.  Wakizungumza na Majira kwa nyakati tofauti, walimu hao walidai kuwa lengo la kugoma lilikuwa ni kuishinikiza Serikali ili iwalipe malimbikizo pamoja na madeni yao.  “Sote kwa pamoja tuliazimia kugoma ifikapo Oktoba 15 mwaka huu, yaani leo (jana), tunashangaa eti mgomo unasitishwa wakati lengo letu halijatimia,” alisema mwalimu mmoja kwa masharti la kutotaka kuandikwa jina lake gazetini.  Mwalimu mwingine naye alisema kuwa walimu hawakuwa na nia ya kugoma, lakini lengo lao kubwa likikuwa ni kupewa pamoja na kulipwa madeni na malimbikizo yao ya mishahara.  “Nashindwa kabisa kuielewa Serikali, yaani huwa haipendi kushughulikia matatizo ya wafanyakazi mpaka wagome au watishie kugoma ndio inaanza kutafuta suluhu.  "Hivi kwa nini huwa haifanyi utaratibu huo mapema wakati inakuwa inaelewa madhara na matatizo ya migomo?,” alihoji mwalimu huyo.  Taarifa zilizokusanywa na mwandishi wetu Masau Bwire  kutoka mikoa mbalimbali zinaonesha kuwa walimu wengi jana walifika ofisini, kusaini vitabu vya mahudhurio kisha kukaa tu na kupiga soga.  Walimu waliozungumza kwa njia ya simu walisema hawako tayari kufanya kazi na endapo watalazimishwa kwa vitisho, wataifanya kwa kulipua hadi Serikali itakapowatekelezea madai yao.  Walipoulizwa na gazeti hili sababu za kutoingia darasani wakati wako kazini, walisema hawana ari ya kufanya kazi na walilazimika kwenda kazini kutokana na vitisho vya Serikali kuhusu hatua za kinidhamu dhidi ya walimu ambao wasingefika kazini.  "Tumetishwa sana na Serikali na tumepata taarifa kwamba juzi wakurugenzi wa manisapaa zote walikutana na walimu wakuu wote na kuwaeleza kuwa kila baada ya siku tatu wapeleke kwa Ofisa Elimu wa Manispaa husika majina ya walimu ambao hawatafika kazini ili wachukuliwe hatua.  "Kwa kuwa hatukujua hatua zipi zitakazochukuliwa na Serikali dhidi ya walimu wasiofika kazini, tumeamua tuje kazini tusaini vitabu vyao vya mahudhurio, lakini kamwe hatutaingia madarasani kufundisha," walisisitiza walimu wa Dar es Salaam.  Mkoani Dodoma, tofauti na sehemu nyingine, walimu wa walipitishiwa fomu zilizotolewa na wakurugenzi wa wilaya kwa agizo la Katibu Tawala wa Mkoa huo zikiwataka walimu wajiorodheshe na watie saini kama wanaendelea na mgomo au wanafanya kazi.  "Tumepewa fomu zenye sehemu mbili sehemu ya kwanza inawataka walimu wanaoendelea na mgomo wajiorodheshe na kutia saini na sehemu ya pili inawataka walimu wanaoendelea na kazi pia wajiorodheshe na kusaini, lakini hakuna hata mmoja aliyesaini popote. Tutakuwapo kazini lakini hatutafanya kazi mpaka haki yetu itakapopatikana," walisema walimu hao.  Mkoani Mara, wilayani Musoma Mjini walimu jana walidaiwa kuandamana hadi ofisi za CWT mkoani humo wakiutaka uongozi wa chama hicho utoe msimamo kuhusu mgomo huo uliozuiwa na mahakama.  Habari zilizopatikana kutoka mjini hapo zilisema kuwa viongozi wa mkoa wa CWT baada ya kuona hali si shwari kwa kuzongwa na umati wa walimu walihofu kukutwa na yale yaliyomkuta Rais wao, Bw. Mukoba juzi katika ukumbi wa Diamond Jubilee na kulazimika kuwatuliza walimu hao, kwa kuwaomba warudi kazini hadi saa saba mchana chama kitakapotoa tamko rasmi kuhusu mgomo huo.  Wilayani Tarime walimu asubuhi ya jana walikusanyika katika shule ya Msingi Turwa ambapo kiongozi wa CWT wilayani humo, Bw. Machunde Magabe, alidaiwa kuwataka walimu waende kazini kusaini vitabu vya mahudhurio na kupumzika ofisini, wakisubiri muda wa kazi umalizike ili warudi majumbani kwao.  Mjini Tanga hali katika mkoa huo ilielezwa kuwa mbaya zaidi kwani katika Shule ya Msingi Masiwani, hadi saa nne asubuhi alikuwapo mwalimu mmoja tu.  Mjini Tabora, walimu walidaiwa kukaa makundi makundi katika maeneo ya kazi wakijadili hatma ya madai yao na jinsi Serikali inavyojitahidi kuulaghai umma wa Watanzania katika kushughulika madai yao.  "Mkurugenzi wa Manispaa ya Tabora leo (jana) amekuwa akizungukia kila shule kuwataka walimu waingie madarasani kufundisha lakini haikuwezekana, tumemwambia tutaingia madarasani kufundisha kwa moyo kama tutalipwa haki zetu," alisema mwalimu wa mjini hapo.  Kilimanjaro, kama jijini Dar es Salaam walimu waligawanyika wapo waliogoma kuingia madarasani na pia wapo walioingia madarasani na kufundisha, wakidai kuwa wanatii amri ya Mahakama na agizo la wakurugenzi wao kupitia barua walizozisambaza shuleni zikiwataka waendelee na kazi kwa kuwa madai yao yanashughulikiwa kisheria.  Akizungumza na gazeti hili kwa njia ya simu jana, Rais wa CWT, Bw. Mukoba alisema hatua hizo za wanachama zitasaidia Serikali kutambua kuwa mgomo wa walimu halikuwa shinikizo lake bali ni mpango wa wanachama katika kudai haki na maslahi yao.  "Serikali ilidai ninashinikiza mgomo wa walimu ili nipate umaarufu eti kwa lengo la kugombea ubunge mwaka 2010 yaliyotokea jana (juzi) katika ukumbi wa Diamond Jubilee na yanayoendelea kutokea mikoani, yananisaidia kuijulisha Serikali kuwa mgomo wa walimu haukuwa shinikizo langu ila ulikuwa ni mpango na mkakati wa wanachama wote katika kudai haki yao," alisema Bw. Mukoba CHANZO: Majira

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REMEMBERING BABA WA TAIFA,UDSM STYLE

WANAFUNZI wa Chuo Kikuu cha Dar es Salaam (UDSM) na wasomi wengine, wameulaumu uongozi wa chuo hicho kwa kushindwa kuandaa mdahalo maalumu kwa ajili ya kumbukumbu ya miaka tisa ya kifo cha Baba wa Taifa, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. Wakizungumza na gazeti hili nje ya ukumbi wa mikutano wa Nkurumah, chuoni hapo Dar es Salaam jana, baadhi ya wanafunzi walisema walifika asubuhi kushiriki mdahalo huo, lakini wakakuta ukumbi umefungwa na hakukuwa na maelekezo yoyote. 

Mbunge wa Serikali ya Wanafunzi UDSM (DARUSO), Bw. Owawa Stephen, alisema kitendo hicho kimedhihirisha jinsi viongozi wa chuo hicho walivyoanza kumsahau Mwalimu Nyerere. 

"Hii imedhihirisha kuwa chuo kinaelekea upande wa mabepari ndiyo maana wanaona hakuna umuhimu wa kumuenzi Nyerere," alisema Bw. Stephen na kuongeza kuwa inawezekana uongozi wa chuo hicho umeogopa kuandaa mdahalo huo kwa kuhofia hoja ambazo zingetolewa kutokana na vitendo vinavyoendelea nchini ambavyo Mwalimu alivikemea. 

Mwanafunzi wa Chuo cha Elimu ya Biashara (CBE), Bw. Cosmas Makune, alisema ni aibu kwa wasomi kushindwa kumuenzi Mwalimu Nyerere katika kipindi hiki ambacho vitendo vya kifisadi vimekithiri. 

"Leo wanatuzuia sisi wasomi, tunaosoma kwa kodi za wananchi tusipaze sauti zetu na kuongelea yanayoendelea nchini," alilalamika Bw. Makune na kuongeza kuwa mdahalo huo kama ungefanyika ungekuwa na maslahi makubwa kwa Taifa. 

"Ni jambo la kushangaza kuona maprofesa wanaogopa hata kutoa nafasi kwa wanafunzi kutoa mawazo yao...hawa ni maprofesa gani wasioonesha vitendo?," alihoji Bw. Makune. 

Naye Makamu Mwenyekiti wa Jumuiya ya Wanafunzi wa Kitivo cha Siasa za Sayansi (DUPSA), Bi Elizabeth Maginga, alisema viongozi wa chuo hicho wameanza kuzuia fikra za wasomi na imedhihirisha kuwa hawatambuliwi. 

"Ni jambo la kushangaza, siku ambayo ni muhimu kuongelea masuala ya msingi, ukumbi unafungwa, wanachokifanya ni kutulazimisha tuanze kumsahau Mwalimu Nyerere," alisema. 

Aliongeza kuwa yanayotokea sasa ndiyo ambayo Mwalimu Nyerere aliyapinga. 

"Wamekimbia, wamejua mjadala utatoa changamoto nzito," alisema Bi Elizabeth na kuongeza kuwa DUPSA ilikuwa na mpango wa kuandaa mdahalo huo, lakini uongozi uliahidi kufanya hivyo, ahadi ambayo haikutekelezwa. 

Katika mbao hakukuwa na matangazo yoyote yaliyoeleza chochote kuhusiana na jinsi wasomi watakavyomuenzi Mwalimu Nyerere. 

Majira ilifika kwenye ofisi za baadhi ya viongozi wa chuo hicho kupata ufafanuzi, lakini wote hawakuwa chuoni hapo. 

Makamu Mkuu wa chuo hicho, Profesa Rweikaza Mukandala naye alipotafutwa kwa njia ya simu, haikuwa hewani.

CHANZO: Majira

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MAASKOFU: MAFISADI WATAIANGUSHA CCM

Maaskofu: Mafisadi wataiangusha CCM

 

2008-10-15 10:43:17 

Na Simon Mhina

Viongozi wa dini nchini wamesema tofauti na wakati wa utawala wa Mwalimu Julius Nyerere ambapo mafisadi walikuwa wanawaogopa viongozi, sasa imekuwa kinyume chake kwani viongozi ndio wanawaogopa. 

Kadhalika, viongozi hao walionya kama mafisadi wataendelea kuwa marafiki wa watawala, ni wazi kuwa wananchi watakiondoa Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) madarakani katika chaguzi zijazo. 

Wakizungumza na Nipashe kwa nyakati tofauti kwa lengo la kutoa maoni ya hali ya kisiasa, uchumi na vita dhidi ya rushwa tangu Nyerere afariki dunia miaka tisa iliyopita, viongozi hao walisema kama angekuwepo mafisadi wote nchini wangekuwa rumande. 

Askofu Mkuu wa Kanisa la Kiinjili la Kilutheri Tanzania (KKKT), Alex Malasusa alisema jinsi viongozi wanavyoasi taratibu miiko ya uongozi ya Mwalimu Nyerere, ndivyo CCM inavyozidi kumomonyoka taratibu, lakini kwa kasi ya ajabu mithili ya barafu lililoanikwa juani. 

Alisema Nyerere alikuwa jasiri kukemea maovu, wizi, rushwa na ufisadi, lakini viongozi wa sasa wanahofu kufanya hivyo. 

Alisema hatua ya CCM kukubali kukumbatia mafisadi inakifanya chama hicho kujitengenezea njia ya kujiangamiza siku za usoni. 

Alisema miiko ya uadilifu na ujasiri wa kupamba na uovu huo, aliokuwa nao Nyerere ndio ulioipa CCM umaarufu na kuaminiwa na Watanzania. 

``Kwa hiyo wakienda kinyume imani hiyo itatoweka mara moja, kwa mfano nataka niwaulize hawa wanaochanganya biashara na siasa. 

Hivi Nyerere yeye alikuwa mbumbumbu kiasi kwamba hakujua faida za kuanzisha kampuni. Hivi Nyerere alikuwa hajui utamu wa kujilimbikizia pesa ndani na nje ya nchi?`` alihoji. 

Akitoa maoni yake kuhusu maadhimisho ya kumbukumbu ya Mwalimu yaliyofanyika nchini kote jana, Askofu Mkuu Zakaria Kakobe wa Kanisa la Full Gospel Bible Fellowship, alisema kinachomtofautisha Mwalimu Nyerere na viongozi wa sasa ni matendo. 

Alisema Nyerere siku zote aliishi sawa sawa na yale aliyokuwa anayahubiri. 

``Nyerere alikuwa sawa kabisa na mwinjilisti anayehubiri injili, mhubiri yeyote lazima matendo yake yawe kielelezo. 

Huwezi kuhubiri kuacha ulevi wakati wewe mwenyewe ni mlevi. Ndio maana unakuta viongozi wetu wanakemea ufisadi kwa mtindo wa rasharasha kwa vile wengi wao wana sehemu katika huo ufisadi,`` alisema. 

Askofu Kakobe alisema hivi sasa ni wazi kwamba tangu Mwalimu afariki, ni vigumu kukemea ufisadi ukiwa ndani ya CCM. 

Alisema njia pekee ya kuifanya CCM iendelee kuwepo sio dola wala propaganda, bali ni viongozi wake kuishi sawa na maisha ya Nyerere, vinginevyo chama hicho kitabomolewa na wananchi. 

``Ndio maana hadi leo Nyerere anaheshimika na thamani yake inaongezeka kila mwaka, ni kwa sababu aliishi sawa sawa na yale anayosema, alipambana na aina zozote za dhuluma na rushwa,`` alisema Kakobe. 

Alipoulizwa mafisadi wataiangusha CCM kwa mtindo upi, Askofu huyo alisema hatua ya CCM kukubali pesa iwe kigezo cha mtu kukubaliwa awe kiongozi, ni njia rahisi watakayoitumia mafisadi kuidondosha. 

``Enzi za Mwalimu pesa hazikuwa kigezo cha kupata uongozi, hivi sasa pesa ndicho kigezo,`` alisema na kuongeza: ``Kwa vile mafisadi wanajua pesa ndicho kigezo cha kupata uongozi, wameshaanza kuchangishana kwa ajili ya 2010. Kibaya zaidi pesa hizo ni hizi hizi walizopora toka kwa masikini.`` 

Alisema kinachoshangaza viongozi wanamuenzi Mwalimu kwa mambo madogo madogo kwa njia za kinafiki, lakini mambo ya msingi wanayaacha. 

Naye Askofu Msaidizi wa Kanisa Katoliki Jimbo Kuu la Dar es Salaam, Mhashamu Methodius Kilaini, alisema hatua ya viongozi kuogopa kuwakamata mafisadi na kuwafungulia mashitaka kwa kigezo kwamba wakishinda kesi watatudai fidia, kinadhihirisha kwamba bado sheria zetu haziko imara. 

Alisema inasikitisha kuona viongozi wanahubiri kumuenzi Mwalimu, ilhali wakubwa wanaokula rushwa na mafisadi wanaachwa wanakula raha. 

``Mwalimu hakumuogopa fisadi wala mla rushwa eti kutokana na utajiri wake, kwa vile wakati huu imekuwa kinyume kwa viongozi wetu ndio maana mafisadi wanatamba,`` alisema. 

Askofu Kilaini alisema wakati rushwa ndogo ndogo zinapungua kutokana na kushughulikiwa kwa haraka na vyombo vya dola, lakini rushwa kubwa zinazowahusisha mafisadi zinazidi kukua kila kukicha, kwa vile hawaguswi. 

Kiongozi huyo alisema kama mbinu alizotumia Mwalimu kupamba na ufisadi zinaonekana zimepitwa na wakati, basi ni vema zikabuni mbinu nyingine na wala sio kukaa kimya. 

``Hivi sasa viongozi wetu hawana ujasiri wa kupamba na rushwa kama wakati wa Mwalimu asingekuwepo fisadi yeyote anayetamba mitaani,`` alisema.

CHANZO:Nipashe

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WALIMU WACHARUKA

WALIMU wa Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam jana walimshambulia kwa kumrushia mawe, chupa za maji, viti na meza, Rais wa Chama cha Walimu Tanzania nchini (CWT), Gratian Mukoba, kwa madai kuwa amewasaliti kwa kukubali kuahirisha mgomo wao, uliotarajiwa kuanza leo nchi nzima.

Tafrani hiyo ambayo inazidi kuliingiza taifa katika sura mpya ya migomo ya wafanyakazi nchini, ilitokea jana katika Ukumbi wa Diamond Jubilee wakati walimu hao walipokutana kwa ajili ya kufanya maandalizi ya mwisho ya mgomo wao waliodai kuwa usingekuwa na kikomo, wenye lengo la kuishinikiza serikali iwalipe malimbikizo yao, yanayofikia zaidi ya sh bilioni 16.

Kikao hicho kilianza majira ya saa nne asubuhi na kuhudhuriwa na maelfu ya walimu kutoka Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam na wawakilishi wa mikoa ya Shinyanga na Mwanza.

Mwanzoni mwa kikao hicho kilichovunjika kutokana na vurugu hizo, walimu walikuwa watulivu kwenye viti vyao, kusikiliza kauli za viongozi wao, hasa Mukoba aliyekuwa akizungumzia hatima ya mgomo huo.

Ilipofika majira ya saa 6:20 mchana, Mukoba alishika kipaza sauti na kuanza kutoa tamko la chama hicho kwa nchi nzima kwamba mgomo wao ambao ulipangwa kuanza leo, umeahirishwa.

Huku baadhi ya walimu wakianza kunyanyuka kwenye vitu vyao na kutoa kelele za miguno iliyosikika kila kona, Mukoba alisema CWT imelazimika kuahirisha mgomo huo baada ya kushauriana na Mwanasheria wao, Gabriel Mnyele, aliyewataka waahirishe ili wapate nafasi ya kukata rufaa kupinga amri ya Mahakama Kuu, Kitengo cha Kazi, iliyozuia mgomo huo usifanyike leo.

“Kwa tamko hili ninalolisoma hapa mbele yenu, mgomo unaahirishwa kwa nchi nzima, hadi mwanasheria wetu atakapotujibu baadaye kutokana na zuio la mahakama lililotolewa jana (juzi),” alisema Mukoba.

Mara baada ya kutoa kauli, huku akiendelea kusoma maazimio mengine, ghafla umati wa walimu ulisimama kutoka kwenye viti vyao na kuvamia meza kuu, huku baadhi wakiipindua na kusababisha viongozi wa CWT kumwagikiwa maji yaliyokuwa juu za meza yao.

Kama hiyo haitoshi, baadhi ya walimu walianza kurusha chupa za maji na viti kwenye meza kuu, kwa lengo la kuwapiga viongozi wao, hasa Mukoba, aliyeonekana kushambuliwa zaidi.

Tafrani hiyo ilidumu kwa takriban dakika 35 ndani ya ukumbi huo uliokuwa na kelele nyingi za kuzomea, huku maofisa usalama wakilazimika kufanya kazi ya ziada kumwokoa Mukoba na viongozi wenzake, waliotaharuki kutokana na kushambuliwa huko.

Vita ya kurusha makopo, chupa za maji na viti iliposhika kasi, Mukoba na wenzake waliamua kukimbilia kwenye moja ya kona za ukumbi huo kujisalimisha, lakini hali hiyo haikuwasaidia, kwani walizidi kushambuliwa kwa kurushiwa vitu kama vibaka.

Tukio hilo lililoonekana kama filamu, mbali ya kuwapo kwa mashambulizi ya kurusha vitu, pia baadhi ya walimu walitoa lugha chafu kuwatukana viongozi hao na kuwataka wajiuzulu mara moja kwa madai kuwa wamewasaliti.

“Leo hatuwaachii, ama zenu ama zetu, walimu tumeonewa, tumedhalilishwa na kuibiwa vya kutosha na wewe Mukoba funga mdomo wako hapo mbele, tena katisha kusoma hilo tamko lako la kilaghai…sasa leo tutakufunza adabu kwa kukucharaza bakora ili ukome tabia hii ya usaliti.

“Kama ulikuwa unajua unakuja kutusomea hilo tamko la kipuuzi, kwanini usingeenda kwenye vyombo vya habari ukautangazie umma, kuliko kutuita hapa ukumbini kuja kutueleza ujinga kama huu…sasa leo utatujua sisi ni nani,” walisikika baadhi ya walimu wakitoa kauli hiyo.

Wakati vurugu hizo zikiendelea, majira ya saa 7:20 mchana makachero wa Jeshi la Polisi wakiongozwa na Kamanda wa Mkoa wa Ilala, Faustine Shirogile, Kamanda wa Upelelezi Mkoa wa kipolisi Ilala, Mkumbo na makachero zaidi ya 20, wakiwa na gari tatu aina ya Land Rover ‘Defender’, walifika eneo hilo kwa ajili ya kuimarisha ulinzi.

Makachero hao, walifanikiwa kuwatorosha viongozi hao kupitia mlango wa nyuma, huku baadhi ya walimu, nao wakitoka nje, kuangalia mlango uliolengwa kutumika kumtoa Mukoba na wenzake.

Wakiwa wanajipanga kumtorosha Mukoba kupitia mlango wa nyuma na kutaka kumwingiza kwenye gari la Polisi badala ya ‘Shangingi’ alilokuja nalo, walimu walibaini hali hiyo na kuamua kusogea karibu na gari hilo bila kuogopa vitisho vya polisi waliokuwa wakifyatua risasi hewani, kuwatawanya.

Wakati huo walimu wengi walikuwa wameshatoka ndani ya ukumbi kwenda kujipanga kandokando mwa barabara ya kwenda Shule ya Msingi Olympio, kwa lengo la kutaka kuendeleza mashambulizi.

Bila kuogopa risasi, wengine wakiwa na mawe mkononi, walilisogelea gari hilo la Polisi lenye namba za usajili T 220 AMV, huku wakiwakebei polisi kuwa nao wana njaa kama walimu na mishahara yao ni midogo, hivyo hawapaswi kuwazuia.

Ilipofika majira ya saa 7:30, polisi walilazimika kumtoa Mukoba na baadhi ya viongozi wa CWT chini ya ulinzi kwa ajili ya kuwapandisha kwenye gari hilo, lakini walimu nao walivyoona hali hiyo, walirusha mawe na jiwe moja lilimpata Mukoba sehemu ya tumbo na kusababisha aanguke kabla ya kusimama tena na kukimbilia ndani ya ‘Defender’ ya polisi.

Baada ya kuingizwa ndani ya gari hilo, polisi walirusha risasi hewani kabla ya dereva kuliondoa kwa kasi ili kuwatawanya walimu hao ambao walikuwa wakiendelea kulirushia mawe gari hilo.

Baada ya gari hilo kuondoka, hasira za walimu hao ziliishia kwenye kuimba nyimbo za kumsifu Mwalimu Nyerere.

Moja ya nyimbo hizo ni pamoja na ule unaotumika kwenye migomo mingi ya wafanyakazi nchini, ambao wao waliongezea vionjo kwa kusema: “Kama siyo juhudi zako Nyerere; Kikwete, Maghembe, Ghasia wangetoka wapi!”

Pia waliimba wimbo unaodai kuwa CCM ni chama cha mafisadi, huku wakikisifia Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) kwa kuonyesha alama ya vidole viwili juu, inayotumiwa na chama hicho kusalimiana.

“CHADEMA, CHADEMA, CHADEMA oyeee! Sasa inatulazimu tufanye mapinduzi kama waliyofanya wenzetu wa Tarime kwa kuing’oa serikali ya CCM madarakani kwani inatukandamiza wanyonge na kukumbatia mafisadi,” walisikika wakisema baadhi ya walimu hao.

Hata baada ya Mukoba kuondolewa katika sehemu hiyo na kuliacha gari lake ambalo lilitolewa upepo na walimu hao, bado walimu hao walifunga barabara kuzuia magari yote yaliyokuwa yakipita eneo hilo huku, magari ya kifahari yakipigiwa kelele kuwa ni ya kifisadi.

Wakizungumza kwa nyakati tofauti, baadhi ya walimu hao walisema licha ya kuwepo kwa amri ya mahakama kuzuia mgomo huo leo, wataendesha mgomo baridi, kwa kwenda kwenye shule zao, kujiandikisha kwenye vitabu vya mahudhurio, kisha kurejea majumbani mwao.

“Viongozi wa serikali wanajifanya wajanja, sasa sisi ndio walimu, na sisi ndio tunawafundisha watoto mashuleni, tutawafundisha uongo na mzazi mwenye uwezo ni vyema akampeleka mtoto wake shule binafsi,” alisema Mwalimu Lidyia Mhina.

Ilipofika majira ya saa 8:30 mchana, baada ya hali kuwa shwari, walimu walikusanyika nje ya ukumbi huo na Mwalimu Maulid Ng’umbe aliwatangazia walimu hao kuwa kuanzia sasa, CWT haina viongozi.

Juzi, Jaji William Mandia, wa Mahakama Kuu Kitengo cha Kazi, aliamuru CWT kusitisha mgomo mara moja, kwa kuwa unaweza kuharibu mfumo wa elimu, hasa wanafunzi wa kidato cha nne, ambao wapo katika mitihani.

Mgomo huo ulitarajiwa kuanza leo baada ya CWT kutoa notisi ya siku 60 ambayo imemalizika jana. Walimu wote nchini wanaidai serikali zaidi ya sh bilioni 16, zikiwa na fedha za malimbikizo ya mishahara, likizo na kupandishwa madaraja.

CHANZO: Tanzania Daima

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HAYA NDIO MAISHA BORA TULOAHIDIWA?

Wanakijiji Ichonde wakimbia makazi

BAADHI ya wanakijiji cha Ichonde wilayani Kilombero, Morogoro, wamedaiwa kukimbia makazi yao kutokana na mateso ya viongozi wa kijiji hicho .Kwa nyakati tofauti wanakijiji hao walizungumza na Tanzania Daima, wakilalamikia mateso na fedheha wanazofanyiwa na viongozi wao wanapolazimishwa kuchangia elimu.

Haji Kawogo, mkazi wa Ichonde, alisema uongozi wa kijiji hutumia mgambo wa vijiji vingine kuwakamata nyakati za usiku, kuwafunga kamba na kuwaweka kwenye moja ya madarasa ya shule ya msingi kijijini hapo.

Alisema, wanakijiji hao hulazimishwa kuchangia elimu huku viongozi hao wakishindwa kuitisha mikutano ya kijiji na kuwasomea mapato na matumizi kama inavyotakiwa.

“Viongozi wetu wanatudhalilisha hasa sisi wanaume maana usiku umelala na familia yako wanakuvamia tena kwa kuwatumia mgambo wa vijiji vingine.

“…Wanatutoa nje ya nyumba zetu usiku, wanatufunga kamba na kutulazimisha kulala sehemu moja ndani ya darasa la shule ya msingi Ichonde,” alisema Kawogo.

Naye Asha Hassan, alisema kukosekana kwa maendeleo ya Kijiji cha Ichonde, kunasababishwa na uongozi mbovu uliopo hivyo aliiomba halmashauri ya wilaya kuingilia kati, ili kunusuru ubabe wa viongozi hao.

“Kijiji cha Ichonde, tunakosa maendeleo kwa sababu ya viongozi wetu, hawatushirikishi katika bajeti ya kijiji wanachojua ni kukusanya michango, lakini hawatuelezi kiasi kilichopatikana wala matumizi yake,” alisema.

Kwa upande wake, Mwenyekiti wa kijiji hicho Deogratias Makinda, akana tuhuma hizo na kueleza kwamba hana taarifa za kukamatwa, kufungwa kamba wala kulazwa katika shule ya msingi.

“Mimi sina dola ya kuwakamata wanakijiji, sina taarifa za wao kuteswa ndiyo kwanza nasikia hapa,” alisema mwenyekiti huyo.

Aidha, Ofisa Mtendaji wa Kijiji cha Ichonde, Salum Sadala, alikiri kwamba wapo wanakijiji wanaokamatwa na kupelekwa katika shule hiyo kwa lengo la kuhamasisha uchangiaji wa maendeleo ya kijiji.

CHANZO: Tanzania Daima.

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TAASISI YA AFYA IFAKARA KUTAFITI MAGONJWA ZAIDI

Serikali imeombwa kuwekeza zaidi katika taasisi mbalimbali zinazofanya tafiti za magonjwa pamoja na kuboresha vifaa vya maabara zinavyowasaidia kupata majibu ya utafiti wafanyao. 

Hayo yalisemwa jana Jijini Dar es Salaam na Kaimu Mkurugenzi wa Taasisi ya Afya ya Ifakara, Dk. Salim Abdulla wakati wa uzinduzi wa taasisi hiyo ambayo zamani ilikuwa ni kituo cha utafiti wa malaria, Ifakara, mkoani Morogoro. 

Dk. Abdulla alisema taasisi hiyo inatafiti magonjwa mbalimbali lakini inakabiliwa na changamoto ikiwamo uhaba wa fedha ambao unakwamisha baadhi ya utafiti ambao unalenga kutokomeza magonjwa kama malaria, kifua kikuu na vifo vya watoto wachanga. 

Alisema ili utafiti uweze kufanikiwa lazima usaidiwe kifedha na kuwezeshwa kuwa na vifaa vya kisasa vya maabara.Alisema taasisi hiyo hivi sasa inatarajia kufanya utafiti kwa magonjwa ya kisukari, kuongezeka uzito na presha, magonjwa aliyosema yanaonekana kuongezeka zaidi na hayapewi kipaumbele huku yakipoteza zaidi maisha ya watu. 

Mwakilishi wa Wizara ya Afya na Ustawi wa Jamii, Dk. Leonard Mboera, alisema serikali itaendelea kuisaidia taasisi hiyo kufanya utafiti wa magonjwa mbalimbali ya binadamu na kuibua mbinu za kupunguza magonjwa na vifo vya akinamama wajawazito na watoto wachanga.

CHANZO: Habarileo

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HUH!SOME WAY OF PROTESTING

Black police officer 'wore traditional African robe to work in protest over dress code'

Last updated at 5:11 PM on 14th October 2008

Detective Constable Paul Bailey was found guilty of wearing an African robe, arguing with a senior officer and disputing his appraisal at a tribunal

A black policeman wore a traditional African robe to work after an argument over the force's dress code.

Unhappy with wearing a necktie to work, Detective Constable Paul Bailey, 39, decided to don the traditional robe.

His bizarre protest came after a number of disputes with senior officers over his behaviour and attitude on the force.

After a disgreement over his work appraisal, the detective accused five senior officers at Greater Manchester Police (GMP) of racial discrimination.

A full investigation in his claims was launched by the neighbouring West Yorkshire Police but his complaint was later found to be unsubstantiated.

But senior officers then launched a two-year inquiry into the behaviour of the detective which ended in a tribunal last week.

Following the hearing he was found guilty of wearing the robe, arguing with a senior officer over the force policy on neck ties, disputing his appraisal in an unprofessional way and appearing to look disinterested during briefings.

The panel found the incidents represented a 'continuing course of conduct' and that over a long period of time his 'behaviour was unacceptable'. But the panel ruled he should not face any disciplinary action.   

Mr Bailey, 39, who has been an officer for 18 years and has several commendations for his work, denied the claims.

Last night the Black and Asian Police Association (BAPA) said the investigation had only been launched because the detective had made an unsuccessful complaint of racial discrimination against the force.

A traditional African robe similar to the one Detective Constable Paul Bailey wore in protest against the force's dress code

Mr Crichlow from BAPA said: 'Paul Bailey has been victimised because he has made a complaint.

'He raised an issue to try to help the force and as a result they try to shoot him down in flames.

'There will have to be a health warning on GMP's equal opportunities policy. It is dead in the water and not worth the paper it is written on.

'If somebody comes to me for advice about what to do about an issue of concern I will have to tell them, you can make a complaint, but I can't guarantee you won't be victimised as a result.

'It means people will be very reluctant to raise issues of concern in the future.'

Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney said: 'The individual made a complaint of racism which was independently investigated by West Yorkshire Police. 

'The force found no evidence of racism, but advised that GMP should consider taking action against the officer for breaches of the police code of conduct.

'We took further independent advice and considered the issues against force policy before deciding the most appropriate action was to proceed to a misconduct tribunal.  

'The panel found that the officer had breached misconduct rules on four occasions but decided that no sanctions should be taken against the individual. 

'Consideration was taken of the length of time between the complaints and the hearing, and the fact that the officer's performance was reported to have improved.'

Mr Bailey has taken legal advice and is taking the force to a employment tribunal on the grounds of racial discrimination.

Mr Sweeney said: 'As we are aware there is an employment tribunal pending, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.'

Mr Bailey refused to comment.

The Met Police is mired in controversy and infighting after the country's top Asian policeman Tarique Ghaffur, was put on gardening leave and another senior ethnic minority officer, Commander Ali Dizaei, was suspended last month over misconduct allegations.

The Met Commissioner Sir Ian Blair was forced to step down after Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said he had no confidence in him.

Source: Daily Mail

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RE-WRITING HISTORY?

CLICK THE GRAPH TO ENLARGE

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PROFESSOR KEVIN SPACEY!

Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey has given his inaugural speech as a visiting professor to students at Oxford University.

The Hollywood star delivered his 5pm lecture at St Catherine's College on Monday, a spokeswoman for the University said.

It was the first time Spacey, 48, had spoken in his role as the new Cameron Mackintosh Visiting Professor of Contemporary Theatre at the college.

The one-year post will require him to give lectures, workshops and seminars at the university.

He officially took over the role from Star Trek actor Patrick Stewart when the new academic year started this month.

Previous visiting professors have included composer Stephen Sondheim, playwright Alan Ayckbourn and lyricist Sir Tim Rice.

Spacey won acting Oscars for his roles in American Beauty and The Usual Suspects and has also appeared in hit films such as LA Confidential and Superman Returns.

He is also the artistic director of The Old Vic Theatre Company in London.

He earlier told the BBC he was looking forward to working with the students in his new role, which promotes interest in contemporary theatre.

He added: "If my mother was still alive she would be smiling because she was a great Anglophile. She loved Britain and this would make her quite pleased."

SOURCE: MSN ENTERTAINMENT

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LEO NI NYERERE DAY:JE ANGEKUWA HAI MAFISADI WANGEENDELEA KUTAMBA?

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TAZARA YAPUNGUZA SAFARI

 Choo katika behewa la First Class TAZARA

Habari hii imenisikitisha sana kwa vile inanigusa binafsi.Ili nifike nyumbani Ifakara nina choices mbili ambazo zote si nyepesi.Kuna usafiri wa barabara ambao kwa hakika unahitaji moyo hasa kutokana na ubovu wa barabara kuanzia maeneo ya Ruaha/Kilombero.Kana kwamba hiyo haitoshi,wafanyabiashara wa mabasi ya abiria kwenda mikoani ni kama wameisusa barabara ya kwenda kwetu kwani takriban mabasi yote yaendayo huko ni mikweche ya daraja la kwanza.Mabasi kama Moro Best,Islam na Chimpanzee yamechoka kupita kiasi,na yanaendelea kutumika kwa vile tu  imekuwa kawaida yetu Watanzania kuvumilia mateso.Kikwazo kikubwa cha usafiri wa barabara ni msimu wa masika.Kuna eneo sugu kati ya Mang'ula na Kiberege ambapo kupita kunahitaji zaidi ya sala na trekta linalovuta mabasi yanayokwama kwenye matope.

 Kiza katika Stesheni Kuu ya TAZARA Dar es Salaam.Imagine kama stesheni kuu ni hivyo,stesheni ndogo itakuwaje!

Mkombozi wa wengi alikuwa TAZARA japo mara ya mwisho nilipotumia huduma zao (tena daraja la kwanza) nilitamani kulia:madirisha hayafungiki,taa zinawaka kwa kubembelezwa na vyoo ni kama kwenye baa za uswahilini.Ili ushuke kutoka behewani hadi kwenye platform ya stesheni ni muhimu kuwa mwanamazoezi wa short- au long-jump.Sasa ndio hata huduma hiyo ya kichovu nayo imepunguzwa ambapo kutakuwa na safari mbili tu kwa wiki,moja ya express na nyingine ya ordinary.Sishangai TAZARA kuchukua uamuzi huo kwani shirika hilo muhimu liko mahututi intensive care,hali yake ni mbaya na linasubiri kufa kifo cha kizembe siku si nyingi.

 Adha ya usafiri wa barabara kwenda kwetu Ifakara

Najua siko peke yangu ninaesononeshwa na habari hii lakini japo wanasema kilio cha wengi ni harusi ukweli unabaki kwamba Maisha Bora kwa "wana wa pakaya" yanazidi kuwa a distant pipedream.

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"BABU SEYA" KUTUMBUIZA KTK BONANZA LA WAFUNGWA GEREZA LA UKONGA

Wanasema maisha ya jela,popote pale duniani,ni balaa.Lakini maisha ya jela katika nchi masikini kama Tanzania ni zaidi ya balaa.Hebu fikiri,iwapo baadhi ya watu wasio na hatia,na ambao wanalipa kodi kupata huduma stahili,wanateseka kupata HAKI hizo (mifano hai ni kwenye huduma muhimu kama afya,maji,barabara,nk) unatarajia nini kitokee kwa WAHALIFU!Yaani kwa mfano mfupi,kama ndugu wa wanandoa wanawekewa vikwazo kuingia kwenye harusi,what would you expect kwa wazamiaji?

Kuna mantiki zilizojengeka katika jamii kuhusiana na hali flani.Ugonjwa wa ukimwi,mathalan,unahusishwa moja kwa moja na ngono,japo kuna njia nyingine za maambukizi.Kuwa mfungwa nako kunahusishwa moja kwa moja na uhalifu,japo inafahamika wazi kwamba katika baadhi ya sehemu ambapo kuna sheria kwa wenye uwezo na nyingine kwa wasio na uwezo,mtu anaweza kujikuta jela akiwa hana kosa lolote:kasingiziwa kesi,kashindwa kumpata mwanasheria mzuri,nk.Kwahiyo wakati tunahitimisha kwamba wafungwa wote ni wahalifu ni muhimu pia kukumbuka kwamba baadhi yao wapo huko kutokana na haki zao kufinyangwa.Lakini hata kama wote ni wahalifu,hiyo haiondoi umuhimu wa kuwapatia baadhi ya haki za msingi as long as haziwafanyi watamani kuishi jela milele.

Kampuni ya Global Publishers leo imeandaa tamasha la kihistoria huko nyumbani ambapo mwanamuziki mahiri (ambaye kwa sasa anatumikia kifungo cha maisha) Nguza Viking,maarufu kama Babu Seya,na wanae watatumbuiza wafungwa wenzao katika shughuli hiyo itakayofanyika kwenye gereza la Ukonga.Hili ni tukio la kihistoria na Global Publishers wanastahili pongezi nyingi kwa kuja na wazo kama hili.Wakati umefika sasa kuonyesha kwa vitendo kwamba wafungwa ni sehemu ya jamii,hasa ikizingatiwa kwamba status yao ya ufungwa,kwa namna moja au nyingine,ni matokeo ya interaction zao na wanajamii wenzao.

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