Throw Out the OLD SHOES Of 2008!

Throw Out The OLD SHOES Of 2008!

Yes, it is now time to throw out the OLD SHOES that you wore in

2008. And when you do so think of the following persons, that you

would like to throw those shoes at too.

* Lou Dobbs. (CNN):

* Sarah Palin: ( Wasilla-Alaska):

* Joe The Plumber. (At large):

* George W. Bush. (P):

* Dick Cheney. (VP):

* Michael Bloomberg. (NY)

* Christine Quinn.(NY)

* Hannity. (FOX News):

* Bill O'Reiley (FOX News):

A Pleasant & Hopeful New Year-2009 To You!

TRYING TO BE LIKE YOU!

December 31-2008:

Trying To Be Like You!

I watched a short film tonight about a young Iraqi man name Muthana, around 18 years of age, who was discovered by an American film director. Who invited this lad to come to the USA. But things got a bit complicated for him and his sponsors.

This young Iraqi film student probably came for the middle or some privileged class. Accustomed to having his needs taken care of by his mother, financially and otherwise. In fact his privileged position back in Iraq was the reason why he found it so difficult to do menial tasks, while working with the American film crew here in the USA. This bothered him very much, and he often told his sponsors that he was happy, when he wasn't.

This young man was always haunted by his experiences of bombs exploding all around him back home, the screams, the nightmares that most Iraqi's live with on a daily basis, and became very paranoid whenever they are unable to be with, or make personal contacts with relatives. He said he tried so hard to be like the Americans, but failed miserably at this effort. This man's struggles are indicative of every Iraqi who lives under constant fear, for their lives, their families lives, and their future.

This is a man with dreams like so many of his fellow countrymen, both at home and abroad, many of whom left Iraq involuntarily, not only for themselves, but for their families and for their country's future. Some have said that they will leave Iraq for Europe, the UK or France, study there, work there, send home money to their families left in Iraq. And when the political climate becomes stable and reasonably safe, they will return and help with the re-construction process.

That is the spirit of most Iraqi's today, and that spirit is what they want the Americans, and all other foreigners there to understand. That even though they are grateful for the freedom from Sadam's terror regime, given to them with his overthrow. They also want to be respected as a people, a people with a rich cultural history, an educated people, and a very proud people also.

Mr. Muthana was eventually sponsored by another film director, who was able to provide him a grant to study film making in the UK.

Derryck S. Griffith
NYC.

ISRAELI'S TERROR STRIKES AGAIN!

December 29-2008:

Israeli's Terror Strikes Again!

Israel Attack On Hesbullah In Lebanon:

Israel bombed Lebanon's Southern State's infrastructure in 2006, and some known offices of Hesbullah. In order (according to them), to defeat or break Hesbullah's strength and ability to operate fully.

This tactic by Israel is proving useless, and is responsible for the thousands of civilians killed in Lebanon, by these bombings. Deliberate or not, the evidence on the ground will validate or invalidate the wisdom, or vendetta of Israel.

GAZA Today:

Today we see the same tactics used in Gaza to kill those who stand against Israeli aggression, and occupation of illegal territories in that region. And for the freedom of Palestinians to live, travel, self reliance, national dignity, and ultimately to gain sovereignty.

What Israel is doing, is supported by The USA, and some or most Sunni Arab controlled countries in that region. Most of whom are lackeys for the USA's foreign policy in that region.

Killing thousands of innocent civilians, can in NO WAY justify any reason for rooting out suspected terrorists among the Palestinian people. Most of whom are merely expressing decades of political frustration, national incarceration, political isolation, and a disregard for these people's fight for national freedom, sovereignty, and ethnic preservation.

Munitions Used:

Cluster bombs were used against Hesbullah militants in Lebanon, and the civilians of Lebanon. With the expressed excuse of Israel for going after TWO captured Israeli soldiers in that conflict. One of these soldiers are presumed dead, and the other is yet to be released, and whose life is yet to be determined. But what Israel cannot justify in this conflict, is the thousands of Palestinian resistance fighters in their prisons, who were captured over decades of Israeli insurgency into Palestinian territories.

No amount of Palestinian resistance towards Israel, could justify the mass killing of innocent civilians on the Palestinian side, most of whom have no way to retaliate against a Nuclear capable, and USA supported neighbor like Israel.

So this conflict will always be in Israel's favor, regardless of how often the Palestinians resist their onslaught. The time has come for the USA to rethink it's position on Israel's role in that region, and how much support it is willing to give Israel, as it continues to aggress their neighbor militarily.

Derryck S. Griffith.
NYC.

Caroline Kennedy's Agenda For New York State!

December 27-2008:

Caroline Kennedy's Agenda For New York State!

If Caroline Kennedy wants to convince New Yorkers that she is eligible for the job. She has to provide an agenda of issues, that New Yorkers care about or is concerned with, to the people of New York State.

For example:

* Comprehensive Healthcare for all New Yorkers:

* A Comprehensive Immigration Bill that provides legal status for P.R.O.C.U.L. residents, (Persons Residing Under Color Of Law):

b. Family with children at home who are unable to bring them to the USA; work permits for those who legally qualify for residency, pending legal status confirmation.

c. And lifting the bar for those who are HIV positive, are residing here in the USA, and needs medical coverage and access to HIV medications.

* Acceptance of anyone into the military who is self identified as Gay or Homosexual:

* College affordable financial assistance and scholarships for the Lower Income students, High School dropouts, the No Child Left Behind Initiative.

* The creation of manufacturing jobs, services, and other infrastructure that helps New York State provide employment for it's citizens.

* Affordable Housing for all New Yorkers, especially the Low Income Level Housing residents.

These are just some of the issues that Hillary Clinton advocated for, and I would expect Caroline Kennedy to co-opt into her advocacy proposals for consideration for that senate seat.

Derryck.
NYC.

Season's Greetings To You All!

December 23-2008:

Christmas Holiday Greetings!

The year 2008 could be remembered as challenging, economically bleak, and the beginning of HOPE for America and the World.

With the rise of president elect Barack Hussein Obama, the leader of the Free Democratic hemisphere. We could expect great changes for the better.

Even as we experience economic troubles locally and internationally. We are still hopeful, that the stormy cloud of uncertainty will passover.

And a New Day will dawn come 2009.

May these last few days of 2008, be pleasant, fruitful, resolute, and hopeful, for all who care, believe, hope, and share in the dream.

A Happy, Pleasant and Peaceful Christmas Holiday to President Elect Barack Hussein Obama, his family, his VP Elect, and supporters all.

Om Shanti.
Derryck.
NYC.

The Chinese & Africa's Development!

December 23-2008:

The Chinese & Africa's Development!

Today we see in several African states China's business attaches and entrepreneurs involved in mineral extraction, infrastructure development, retail distribution and selling of manufactured goods for homes, offices, personal effects, and restaurants. All manned by Chinese employees, supervised by Chinese, and Chinese collateral investments largely.

Some African governments have decided to trade or engage in joint business, agricultural, and oil ventures with the Chinese, to assist in the development of Africa and China's growing economies.

But why aren't African countries indulging in the same cross border ventures for bilateral development?

This may be a very difficult question to answer simply, but I will give it a try.

* Not all African States are democratically managed.

* Not all African states have an economy that allows Free Enterprise to prosper, without government, tribal, or political interference and control.

* And few African countries have a history of sound and sustainable economic ties or trade with other African states.

These are just some of the problems that interferes with Africa's internal development, sustainable, and self-reliant continentally. Coupled with the ever present tribal and regional conflicts, that invariably lead to internal strife, civil wars, and regional wars that lasts for decades.

During which those countries engaged in such internal conflicts, are ravaged to the point of a total collapse of their infrastructure and governmental apparatus.

Therefore, those African states with stable governments, A Free Market economy, or Entrepreneurial Enterprises, tend to engage with any country that is willing to Trade, Barter, or engage in bilateral development arrangements that are mutually beneficial to each other!

Derryck.
NYC.

Gay Community Protests Rev. Rick Warren's Inauguration Address!

December 18-2008:

Rev. Rick Warren Is Slated To Address Barack Obama's Inauguration.

Some Gay Community advocates seem opposed to this idea!

But even though he may be against Gay marriage (Proposition-8), he does not hide or deny this position.

Unlike Iran's President Achmedinajad's denial at Columbia University's forum, where several Gay Community advocates just sat there and GIGGLED, when he denied that Gays in Iran was not possible!

Derryck.
NYC.

Africa-Why Are You Destroying Your Men-Women & Children?

December 16-2008:

Africa-Why Are You Destroying Your Men-Women & Children?

Every day I shudder at the reports coming out of Africa via worldfocus.com. This medium is the only one that covers the African Continent's plight on a daily basis. And it seems that with each day, the violence and killings on that continent is becoming more GRAVE.

And I ask myself, WHY-WHY is this being allowed to continue happening in Zimbabwe, The Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, Darfur, and elsewhere. And the UN cannot get African states to DIRECTLY intervene MILITARILY to STOP this specter of EVIL?

So I call upon the International Community Of Nations, to ACT NOW, use whatever means necessary. Because the traditional diplomacy and talks, are not making any tangible progress. Because the evidence on the ground there shows, that Africans have become so brutal in the aforementioned states, that it is beyond comprehension in a 21 century world.

AFRICA-STOP KILLING YOUR WOMEN-CHILDREN & YOUNG MEN NOW:

Derryck S. Griffith.
NYC.

Africa's Bare Foot Doctors!

December 13-2008:

Africa's Bare Foot Doctors:

A bare foot doctor is someone who performs some of the basic functions that a qualified medical doctor would perform. Some of these are the following:

* Taking a patient's pulse rate, heart beat, blood test, throat swabbing, and some other forms of intravenous testing or vaccination.

In Africa, like so many developing countries or states, bare foot doctors are the Local Health Care visitors or Midwives. Who invariably are employed by the state or regional clinics, to deal with patients who need basic health care services like child birth, some emergencies, vaccinations of new born infants, and some overall health checkups. When or if they recognise any malady that they feel warrants serious qualified medical attention by a qualified doctor. These midwives or bare foot doctors advise their patients to go to the nearest clinic or hospital, where a qualified doctor or physician can be accessed.

In most African States, there is a dire need for qualified doctors to service rural and interior regions. Most of the population in the rural regions are aunble to access qualified health care services, or even a local hospital, with the necessary equipment for proper health care needs. Residents in those regions have to travel for several miles on foot, bicycles, or horse drawn carts, to get to these clinics. Most do not go when they fall ill, because they cannot afford to pay taxi or car fares to get there. So most stay at home and consult with the traditional medicine healers.

These faith or medicine healers over the decades, were the only ones who dealt with the local or tribal sick. And sometines their medicines work positively, at other times the patients die after taking those medicines. But these tribal or ethnic healers will continue to play these health care roles, until some governmental programs are put in place to cater to the needs, of the rural poor and economically dis-enfranchised.

In Uganda today, like so many other African countries, malaria is ravishing the people on a grave scale. And the government is financially strapped for cash to provide the medicines to deal with this malady. So thosusands die from malaria, coupled with other ailments like HIV, hunger, and cholera. Some foreign financial assistance is being given to some African countries from The World Health Org., but getting the medications to regional locations, without the necessary qualified personnel to administer to the needs of these people, is very perplexing indeed.

Derryck.
NYC.

when The TURD Hits The Fan-Expect A Lot Of Fragrance!

December 09-2008:

WhenThe Turd Hits The Fan-Expect A Lot Of Fragrance!

I guess now that the Gene is out of the bottle with Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. We will be hearing names being mentioned that may surprise some of us.

* Whom he colluded with?

* Whom he planned with?

* Whom he colluded with to exploit so and so?

* Who knew what he was up to, but said nothing?

* And if Barack Obama knew of his actions all along, but did nothing to indicate that something was afoot, that stinks to high Heaven?

Afterall, in that town when the Turd hits the fan, expect a lot of people to get very messy!

Derryck.
NYC.

Calling All Free Lance BLOGGERS:

December 08-2008:

Calling All Free Lance Bloggers!

Ever since the genesis of the Internet and Blogging therein, we as a group have made remarkable strides in this arena. At the outset, most of us were snubbed as un-professional, simplistic, lacked credibility, and impostors of true journalism.

Well our time has come to show the traditional journalists, that we have what it takes to report the news, give interviews, do documentaries, and bring what matters to all online readership internationally.

So this web page was started to solicit all like minded Bloggers to register with this "Free Lance Blogger's Guild." And make the statement that we have indeed come of age, is here to stay, and that we are a society of equals!

Welcome aboard fellow Bloggers!

Derryck S. Griffith.
Founder.
New York City.
LINK: http://freelancebloggersguild.blogspot.com/

Show Solidarity With The Chicago Worker's Dilemma NOW!

December 08-2008:

Show Solidarity With The Chicago Workers Dilemma NOW!

The workers that are picketing at a factory in Chicago, that manufactures window and door frames are asking for the following:

* Severance pay benefits:

* Healthcare already contributed by the workers and has expired because of this mass dismissal:

* And any pensions that they may have already contributed to the company's pool.

These are issues that are legal under the terms and conditions of the contract of service, between the employer and worker's union.

And at this time, the employer has not honored any of the above grievances, and the workers refuse to leave the premises.

We are calling upon all our Trade Union Brothers and Sisters nationally, to join us in solidarity for industrial and social justice!

Derryck.
NYC.

New York M.T.A. Fare Increase Proposals:

December 04-2008:

The New York-MTA Budget Crunch & Fare Increase Proposals!

Historically, the New York City transit systems were and is the life line of the city's economic survival. Commuters from within the five boroughs, Long Island, and New Jersey use this transit system to get to and from work, for shopping, visiting the theaters, cafes, and restaurants, in this internationally recognized and much visited city.

However, in recent years the MTA executives have been complaining of inadequate commuter traffic, inadequate revenue to keep the service viable, and inadequate state assistance. And several fare increases were introduced, much to the dismay, annoyance, and the inability to prevent these increases by the commuters, who MUST use this system on a daily basis.

Internal Overall:

* I feel that an internal overhaul of the entire transit system is necessary right now:

* Revisiting the budget (line by line), in order to eliminate those units, services, or departments that have become redundant, inefficient, cost consuming, and out of date:

* Discontinuing those services that are un-necessary at this time. Wherever they are found, and introducing more effective and cost consuming services wherever necessary:

Worker's Management:

There are some shift workers who do maintenance services on the lines during certain times. These people MUST be made more productive. Especially those shifts or individuals who are IDLE, and awaiting some ample time when they can get their work done. And while they wait, idleness, leaving the job site on personal business, and personal imbibing, have been observed by members of the commuter public at times too.

If this organization is to become more efficient, removing redundancy, idle workers, un-productive workers, and FREEZING any wage increments for the next two or three years are a MUST, in order to survive this crisis.

Property Tax Exemptions For Big Business:

The Mayor and Governor of New York City have for years been allowing some big businesses TAX exemptions for a number of years, in order to encourage or seduce them to build, or place their headquarters in New York City. These tax exemptions which are vitally necessary for the development of infrastructure work in the city, is reduced, due to this UNWISE policy decision/s.

Until such inducements and tax exemptions are dis-continued, New York City coffers will continue to suffer from financial problems, and an un-balanced budget for years.

Commuter Safety Concerns:

Commuters are entitled to have the best service possible from the New York City MTA. That is why we have (by and large) allowed, or made personal provision or allowances for increased travelling fees, from time to time. But 'enough is enough.'

Commuters are dependent upon jobs that provide affordable wages or incomes, in order to survive, thrive, and travel within and without New York City. And if we are faced with haphazard and continuous fare increases. Then it would be incumbent upon commuters who work here, or seek employment here, to seek other areas that are conducive and affordable.

New Jersey and Pennsylvania are areas that economic development is increasing. And if president elect Barack Obama keep his promises to invest in national infrastructure work within the states. Then commuters have more options to move elsewhere in search for employment.

Finally:

I urge the Mayor of New York City, the MTA authorities, and the Governor or New York State, to review seriously the proposals for fare hikes. And if they do not, prepare for the consequences of their action/s.

Consumers can be very creative with their incomes, if the situation so warrants!

The MTA Fare Hike Proposal Currently!

A suggested 33 cents per $100.00 dollar earned from employer's (Payrolls) , which would be allocated to the MTA's Lock Box.

This Lock Box is the name of the fund that these monies will be allocated to, for the provision of funding for the following:

* Fixed & Movable MTA Assets:

* Repairs of assets:

* Replacement of assets:

* Maintenance of assets such as, Trains, Coaches, Tracks, Buses, and other related infrastructure needs:

Commuters:

A suggested raise of the commuter or straphanger's fares will be 8%.

All of the above is still to be ratified by the MTA, the City and State authorities, and MTA union officials.

Derryck.
New York City.

Is The US Media Being Realistic About Barack Obama?

December 01-2008:

Is The US Media Being Realistic About Barack Obama's Abilities?

The US television and radio mediums are still debating among themselves, whether president elect Barack Obama made the right decision, to hire Hillary Clinton, and others who are so different in temperament and vision to him.

And I am wondering if it is still not evident from the primaries's managed campaign, that Barack Obama directed, with success, discipline, and efficiency. Should tell them something about his ability to manage and lead a multifaceted group of people towards one goal?

These media people somehow can never divorce themselves from the campaign's speeches and ridicule, that both Barack and Hillary used to win the nomination.

Wake up people, the campaign is OVER, and Barack Obama is The President elect!

Derryck. NYC.