Free Republic

CAFTA deal-making infuriates opponents Sunday, July 31, 2005 By Warren Vieth, Los Angeles Times Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., left, listens to House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., right, during their press conference on the steps of the Capital Building Friday, July 29, 2005 in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) WASHINGTON -- Rep. Robert B. Aderholt's cell phone rang Wednesday as the Alabama Republican was standing in the House gallery with some constituents. It was President Bush. **SNIP** As expected, the House had divided largely along partisan lines. But 27 Republicans bucked their party and president by casting...

Refugee escape game infuriates Canberra By Kathy Marks in Sydney 01 May 2003 The Australian government has ordered its arts council to explain why it gave A$25,000 (£9,700) of public funds to the makers of a computer video game that challenges players to escape from a virtual immigration detention centre. The game, Escape From Woomera, simulates conditions inside the camps where all asylum-seekers are held after entering Australia. Woomera, which was recently closed, was the most infamous of the centres. Players try to abscond by digging tunnels, scaling barbed wire fences or enlisting the help of refugee activists. Philip Ruddock,...