Friday, February 27, 2009

Time For Black Americans To Focus On What's Important!


February 27-2009:


Time For Black America To Focus On What's Important!

Recently a cartoon was published which implied that the current president was a chimpanzee, which was shot by the local police. After placing a sign that said, his Stimulus Package was now dead.

This historical association of chimps with Black Americans are so entrenched in Black American psyche, that it caused a furor nationally, and even spurred some political advocates to call for the apology and resignation of the cartoonist.

Now folks, we have seen this before, we have gone down that road before, and we will continue to see such caricatures of Blacks negatively in this country (USA), for a very long time to come. Because that is human nature, and some will continue to bug those they know will react emotionally, whenever this kind of act is used to embarrass them.

Currently, there are thousands of Black and Latino Americans in our nation's prisons. And as we celebrate a Black president's ascension to the highest office in this land. It still have not caused the Rockefeller Drug Laws Act., to be repealed, nor has it caused any legislation for the closure of MOST of those jails or prisons that are being build as we speak. 

And no one seem to remember that our Judicial System seem to favor the White ethnic group in most cases where some serious felony was conducted to a person of color. Judges in our nation's law courts seem to give the White accused the benefit of the alleged crime most of the time. And let the police or White defendants walk away free from serving any real or significant time in prison.

And yet Black American political, social, religious, and community advocates seem to feel that protesting at some idiotic cartoonist and cartoon, is most important at this time.  

Sometimes I wonder when president Barack Obama's term ends four or eight years from now, if Blacks would still be advocating against stereotypical cartoons that portray them negatively. Or would they strive to ensure that our political representatives (Black, White, Latin or Asian) leaders in Washington DC, cater to our issues generally, without favor or bias in favor of any Ethnic group.

Derryck S. Griffith.
NYC.  

 



All US Combat Troops Will Be Removed From Iraq By Year 2020!



February 27-2009:

All US Combat Troops Will Be Removed From Iraq By Year 2020!

All US combat troops will be brought home to the USA by year 2020. Leaving 50 thousand behind, to protect US interests, help train Iraqi defense forces, engage in covert actions to root out El Qaeda and Taliban elements, etc.

The fifty thousand that would be left there when the bulk have been removed, is getting some flack from some democrats and other Obama supporters. Most of whom claim that he promised to bring them home in 16 months, and leaving 50 thousand behind, still makes us occupiers!

I will say this, they are right about the latter position. But as for the first position, I will have to wait and see how that scenario plays out at the end 2020.

As Commander In Chief, he has a panoramic or overview of the military, political, domestic, and national security position in Iraq. And MUST be allowed to do as he sees fitting under the circumstances. Such matters are not cut and dried as some of us novices think it aught to be.

The president is responsible for overseeing the conduct of TWO wars, and MUST be allowed to do as he sees fitting, whenever it comes to troop movements, deployments, and overall strategy!

Derryck S. Griffith.
NYC.
E-mail: comments@change.gov


Wednesday, February 25, 2009

The Republican's Dilemma-As I See It:


February 25-2009:

The Republican's Dilemma-As I See It:
The Republican party seems to be in a state of mental and psychological paranoia. Having lost the last election, in most or all of their strong holds and historic territories, have left them dazed, confused, and unable to truly comprehend this new reality.
Harking on to the same old and tired approaches or conservative ideas, and would not budge, even when time, circumstance, and current reality says that the old ways of thinking and playing politics, are no longer relevant.
If or when this new reality TRULY sinks into the minds of those Old Timers, they will continue to spout useless, and ridiculous ideas to the American commonweal, only to be more despised and laughed at all through this new administration.
Derryck.
NYC.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Sex Education-Safety & Prevention Measures For Men!











February 20-2009:

Sex Education-Safety & Prevention Measures For Men!

Ever since the advent of the HIV virus, the current spread, and prevention education are being used in-effectively. I would like to offer some points or new approaches to solve this national dilemma.

Heterosexuals:

Those who Sef-identify as such, and are sexually attracted to the female gender only.

Bisexuals:

Those who Self-identify as such, but are sexually attracted to both genders.

Homosexuals:

Those who Self-identify as such, and have sexual intercourse with both male and females, by choice and desire.

GAYS:

Those who Self-identify as such, and are MOSTLY attracted for sexual intercourse with the male gender, and may not be inclined to indulge in sexual intercourse with females.

Sex Workers:

Those who Self-identify as such, and obtain money or other gifts, for sexual favors. Be it sexual intercourse, done by visual means, oral, verbal, anal, vaginal, or by submission.

Escorts:

Those who so Self-identify as such, may be aligned with an agency, that pays them a commission for every client provided them. Or prefer to be employed with an agency that provides discreet clients of a certain calibre,financial status, and social standing.

DL (Down Low):

Those who Self-identify as such, and indulges in sexual intercourse with both male and females. Some of these men may be married, un-married, have children or not, and prefer to operate covertly. For fear of social reprisals from friends, co-workers, relatives, his family, or the immediate community he resides in.

Versatile:

Those who Self-identify as such, may prefer any sexual activity that he enjoys. Certain fetishes that are socially stigmatized, tend to be some of these men's tastes and desires. Such men are sometimes categorized within the Out Gay community as "Bottoms."

Because most of these men enjoy sexual intercourse via being penetrated via the rectum, or penetrating his partner via the rectum. This category tends not to have most sexual hangups like others do. They are more interested in sexual pleasure as the ultimate goal.

Packaging Prevention Education:

With the above categories explained, I shall venture to explain how this prevention education package aught to be prepared, and sold to the community at large.

Very often men tend to go where they feels socially acceptable, affinity, and in keeping with his own concept of male or machismo images. If the environment does not confirm to his own image of himself sexually, then he will not want to be seen going there, or associating with that forum either.

Fora that cater to the Gay communities, that provides STD, HIV, and STI's prevention education, are not the fora that will attract self-identified Heterosexuals, Bisexuals, or the Down Low types. This is commonly so, because of obvious reasons. Therefore, those of us who provide such education or facilities MUST re-think or re-package this information to suit their clientele, in a realistic and practical manner.

Solely catering to the City, State, or Federal modules or categories, may not work in a constantly changing environment. And will not, as history has shown, give us adequate results that would make funding and prevention worthwhile.

Therefore, if all of the above sexual categories could be placed into ONE PACKAGE, and specifically targeted to MEN generally, (without any sexual preferences or identity). This new and realistic approach might very well bear more fruit in the end.


Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Cultural Purification From Degradation Or Extinction!












February 18-2009:



Cultural Purification From Degradation Or Extinction!

Cultural purification is a concept strongly held by some ethnic classes or groups, that feel every effort must be made to ensure that their religion, ethnicity, lifestyle, or culture is preserved or saved from extinction. This mindset can be likened to those who are against recent immigrants to their society. For example,the Arab influx into France, Greece, Spain, or
The USA:
In the USA this belief is also evident in some regions and cities against Spanish speaking recent arrivals, from mostly South American countries, and Mexico. These ethnic peoples are sometimes viewed as taking employment for menial wages, thus creating a climate for cheap labor. And by so doing, preventing nationals from obtaining jobs that pay reasonable wages or salaries.
It is also the view in America that if we stop immigrants, (especially Spanish speaking immigrants), employers will be forced to hire locals, thus making them more able to bargain for affordable wages and salaries. Which in an environment riddled with illegal and legal immigrants of the above persuasion, this ability is stifled or prevented.
The Netherlands:
Hitherto in the Netherlands, immigrants from other countries were welcomed with open arms. So long as they identified with Dutch values, and obeyed the laws there. However, of late, with the continuous influx of Arab Moslems from the African continent, thus creating an economic crisis for the Netherlands, Greece, Spain, and France.
These peoples are no longer welcomed. Especially those who identify as Moslems, and want to openly wear or observe Islam as their preferred religion. This religious divide is now causing several politicians to use this crisis for their own political gain, by portraying Islam or Moslems as the root social problems for these countries.
The Global Economic Crisis:
The current global economic crisis has also contributed to the collective woes of Arab Moslems, and Spanish speaking peoples in these countries. Most of whom do not speak French, Greek, or English at all, or with fluency. Not being able to speak the language of the host country, makes it extremely difficult to be accepted socially, economically, or to gain employment that can provide for a reasonably good life or livelihood.
And those Moslem women who chose to wear the Moslem cultural garbs, may also find it difficult to attend state financed or sponsored schools or schooling.
Derryck.
NYC.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

We Make Dogs Into What We Need And Want!












February 15-2009:

We Make Dogs Into What We Need And Want!

I recently circulated an article titled 'Why Do Some People Have Several Dogs.' And tonight I had an Epiphany, after I saw a discussion about dogs on pbs.org. So here is what I learned about people and their pet dogs:

Most people choose a dog or dogs to be something that they need to be or desire to be. For example, some people have dogs they can order around whenever they feel like it. To make them do things that they cannot get another human being to do.

Some people who may have lost a loved one, that made them feel special, by granting their every need or desire. So when that loved one dies or leaves them, a dog is adopted to help fill that longing or void to some extent.

Some people have problems showing love to their spouse or lover. But have no difficulty doing so to a dog they have as a pet. And this invariably causes friction within that relationship, whenever the other person feels that he or she is being ignored, and the dog seem to get most of the attention, even when not solicited.

Finally:

What I gathered from this discussion is that humans make dogs into beings that they can manipulate, and control, without any resentment or complaint. And fellow humans are not so inclined biologically or psychologically by nature.

Humans are unique individuals, with unique and singular needs, wants, and desires. And each individual feels that he or she is special, is desirous, and is important in the entire spectrum of the human experience.

Unlike dogs, or other pet animals, we are not solely dependent upon others for food, shelter, comfort, or protection from the elements.

And dogs and cats cannot have these privileges, without human intervention!

Derryck.
NYC.

Americans Thrive On Demonizing Their Own People!


February 15-3009:

Americans Thrive On Demonizing Their Own People!
Today, I watched a discussion among some CNN anchors about the woman who produced eight new borns recently. Some said it was wrong of her to do so, when she already have six other children, some of whom are on welfare.
Others said that this woman was a victim of our local media, and their promoting the large families syndrome historically.
While another said that when the media discovered that this woman had no secure or adequate means to support or care for these children. And even her mother who formerly took care of the six she already had, that she will no longer be available to assist in the care and upbringing of the eight new arrivals.
And that her daughter is irresponsible and probably has mental or narcissistic issues.
All of the above may be true in part or totally, but it still asks the question. WHY would anyone want eight more children added to six they already have. When that person is not wealthy, or cannot provide adequately for any of them?
And if the alleged mother is receiving welfare assistance for one or more of the six she already have. Then it stands to reason, that she may have intended this new input to add or increase her welfare assistance largess.
Personally, I believe that any woman who chose to have or not to have children, has that sole right or choice under the US Constitution. And must not be made to feel that she is doing something harmful to herself and society at large.
I also believe that if her physician upon consultation with her, and her intent to increase the family from six to eight. He may have known if it was harmful to her physiologically. And I would hope that he (the physician), would have inquired from her about her ability to provide for these new arrivals after childbirth. And would have given her (if asked or not), some advice on these concerns too.
But in the final analysis, this woman has to take care of these children adequately, to ensure that the Department Of Child Welfare does not take them away from her for adoption. Because that would be truly traumatic to her, and those unfortunate children eventually.
Derryck.
NYC.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Firmness-Resolve And An End Result For Afghanistan!


February 13-2009:
Firmness-Resolve And An End Result For Afghanistan!
President Barack H. Obama MUST decide soon to end our military activities in Afghanistan. Because as I see it currently, the internal strife, insurrections, suicide bombings, and governmental corruption will continue to inhibit any military gains there. Coupled with the limited coalition forces that are militarily involved in combat.
Hamid Karzai'a government is CURRUPT. And the Taliban is gaining strength all over the country, because Afghans are hungry, un-employed en masse, threatened with torture and death if they fail to heed the Taliban, and the government cannot provide national security for the entire country, not even in Kabul.
Those countries that have sent meagre military personnel there, most of which are not involved in tracking Taliban and Al Qaeda elements or terrorists, are of little or no help there. And the president will have to decide very soon, if the US can withstand the bulk of this military mission there, without substantial military involvement in combat, against the Taliban and other insurgent groups.
If the president waits too long to decide how much longer are we going to stay there, then it is possible that Afghanistan will be another Iraq in dimension. Because the Taliban cannot be trusted to come on board with security. Their principal aim is to take back Afghanistan, and rule it under Wahabism.
And continue to kill, beat, and maim the Afghan women for wanting to be educated, and equality under the law.
I envisage thousands of US military personnel deaths in the weeks and months to come. With the 4000 US deaths already in Iraq, how much more are we going to sacrifice, in this ridiculous war in Afghanistan. That country will never become a democracy. Their history does not cater to any central governance either.
So any intention to rule Afghanistan from a Centralized government, is wishful thinking and detrimental to our military personnel there.
Derryck S. Griffith
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.
NYC.
E-mail: comments@whitehouse.gov

Thursday, February 12, 2009

The National Economy Will Not Budge Until?


February 12-2009:

The National Economy Will Not Budge Until?
For those of you who are prone to point the finger to the president.
* President Barack Obama can send or release billions in the economy.
* He can also cut taxes for all and sundry too.
* And give banks all they need or ask for.
But this will not budge the economy one bit.
When bankers starts to lend again. When those mortgage errants are allowed some moratorium for several months from paying their mortgages.
When the foreclosure's STOP.
And when Wall Street Investors and Brokers stop using their leverage to inhibit economic growth through FEAR.
Then and only then, will we see some real changes in the national economy!
Derryck.
NYC.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Write Off Those Highly Toxic Loans Or Debts!












February 10-2009:



Write Off Those Highly Toxic Loans Or Debts!

As I see it, if we continue to speculate how or when those toxic loans in the banks will be resolved. I feel that they may never be reconciled, or sold to any realistic investor.
Because they are TOXIC, and the baggage and time it will take to gain traction, much less any income from such loans is un-imaginable at this time.
So the best way to encourage TRUST in the market now, is to WRITE OFF those bad debts, and start afresh.
The banks MUST write off those debts from it's books, and start all over again with credibility and adequate supervision, coupled with Federal Regulation and oversight.
This is to my mind, is the best way to move forward at this time!
Derryck.
NYC.

Monday, February 09, 2009

Looking Back To What-Or For What?












February 08-2009:

Looking Back To What Or For What?

Tonight I watched one of those documentaries that cater to Black Americans who seek closure, for their ancestral slavery experience. And it induced me to pen my views on this most compelling experience for many Black American families and individuals.
I have never known my father. I was raised by my mother, (a Barbadian) by birth, who sailed to British Guiana as a young woman from Barbados, to settle there. She begat me and four sisters. All of us have different fathers. But I was the only one that never knew who my father was.
I thought about this ever since I was a child, and always wondered what my father may have looked like, or if he knew that I existed or cared. So eventually, as I grew older, and became an adult, I've learned to dispense with that idea, and be thankful, that at least, my mother never aborted me from her womb, despite the way she may have felt at his departure and irresponsibility.
So when I see and hear fellow Blacks wanting to revisit their former slave owned relatives somewhere in the hinterland of America. I ask myself, these questions.
* Visit them for what?
* Meet them to find out what?
* And what difference will this meeting do, to alleviate any resentment, or ancestral inhumanity to one's relatives now?
CONCLUSION:
I believe that if we keep looking back to past grievances, hurts, or injustices, we will never move on mentally, or spiritually. What has happened to us or our ancestors are already done. That time has already past, and can never return, nor can it be corrected now.
But what we can do now, is strive to ensure that it never re-occurs in our lifetime, or our offspring's lifetime.
There is so much drug usage, crime, self abuse, killing, and self degradation among Blacks in the USA, and globally. That it is incumbent upon each and every Black male and female globally, to strive for judicial equality, economic and educational access and opportunity, and ethnic, regional, and cultural unity among us now, tomorrow, and always.
That is what we MUST do now and for all time!
Derryck S. Griffith
Guyanese.
NYC.

Sunday, February 08, 2009

Are The Proposed Europe Missile Defense System Worth It?


February 06-2009:

Are The Proposed Europe Missile Defense System Worth It?
George W. Bush was keen to promote the concept of a shield or missile defense system somewhere in Europe, to combat any first strike from Russia (supposedly). This missile detect system is supposed to alert N.A.T.O of any incoming missile threat, necessitating a quick response to that threat.
This to my mind is playing into the un-warranted fear from the Cold War era, when the Soviets were alleged to be creating missiles that could reach US territories, and the USA had to be prepared to combat that threat. This un-warranted fear from both sides proved to be very wrong, after the collapse of the Berlin Wall, and the end of The Cold War era.
Will president Barack H. Obama allow himself to be sucked into this paranoid military mindset, within the Pentagon and her allies in N.A.T.O. Or are we going to seriously consider how un-realistic this idea would be, if we intend to foster better or improved diplomatic relations with Russia, and the former Soviet block or allies too.
If we allow ourselves to be sucked into this war mongering mentality, then we would have accepted George W. Bush's idea, and thus continue business as usual in our foreign policy with Russia.
I strongly suggest that the Obama administration do not even consider, building or contributing to any missile defense system in Europe.
Because this conflicts with NATO's role in that regard, and makes NATO seem irrelevant, if not unwanted!
Derryck.
NYC.

Friday, February 06, 2009

We Are Not Living In Abraham Lincoln's Time!










February 06-2009:

We Are Not Living In Abraham Lincoln's Time!

Abraham Lincoln's birthday anniversary will be here shortly, an event that is felt by many of his admirers, as someone who saved the union in a time of dire crisis.

Today, this nation is also in a time of crisis, and Abe is not here to save us. So STOP calling upon the dead to help fix what the living have destroyed in the last eight years under George W. Bush and the Republican administration. Coupled with some complicity of the Democrats in the Congress too.

President Barack H. Obama was elected with a mandate for CHANGING the status quo in Washington-DC, and that is what we all expect him to strive for. The institutional mindset of elected officials from both parties, entrenched and sometimes too stubborn to budge when is needed, from their individual niche and constituency.

Must be made to understand that TODAY, a new reality is afoot. And We The People will no longer tolerate that old age mindset any longer.

And we want you all to know that we are keeping informed, and will be telling you how we feel, and what we expect from you. If or when we see any contradictions, or departures from the agenda or mandate given to the Obama administration in 2008.

Hitherto the November 2008 elections, the local television media used their national and international influence and coercive power to mold the minds of most Americans, and most of their viewers around the world. And in time, was able to create subliminal acceptance of whatever the media said about anyone, as fact. After repeating something about that person or persons for a week.

This repeated manner of disseminating information or propaganda, was skillfully used in the Stalin era, the Adolf Hitler Nazi era, The Mao Tse Tung era, and under Fidel Castro.

Today, we can no longer sit back and allow the traditional television and radio mediums to set the political and social agenda, in terms of what we believe or aught to believe any longer.

Hold this new administration accountable NOW, Tomorrow, and until their term ends. Because that is the only way we the people will affect the changes that we can believe in!

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

Thursday, February 05, 2009

The New Definition Of The War On Terrorism!













February 05-2009:

The New Definition Of The War On Terror!

If my interpretation is correct, here is what I gather from President Barack H. Obama on this new interpretation:

America will not hesitate to confront any person, group, or region, that indulges in acts that can be construed as physically harmful, or detrimental to Americans at home and abroad. 

And these acts does not necessarily have to be of a religious, ethnic, or regional nature!

Derryck.
NYC.
-----------------------------------

What Does Rendition Mean In The War With Terrorists!


I have listened to the nominee for the CIA department head (Leon Penetta), being grilled by the congressional committee today, and have interpreted this situation as follows:

* Rendition/s occur when a suspect or suspects cannot be tried in a foreign country, who may have been apprehended overseas, during a sting operation, or combat situation.

* That or those persons, may be brought back to the USA's jurisdiction for habeas corpus, or interrogation, if the military deems it necessary at the time.

* There might also  be combattants or suspects that were arrested during combat abroad, but cannot be allowed due process in the country of capture, for fear of injustice in the judicial process.

* Or not having his/her rights honoured as a prisoner or war or criminal suspect in that country.

* Finally, reditions are done, and was done by the USA before, in most of the above scenarios, and is considered valuable, to acquire information from any captive, which would supposedly aid in any terror related investigation.

Derryck.
NYC.

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

The Role Of Any Vetting Team For Public Office!











February 04-2009:

The Role Of Any Vetting Team For Public Office!

Vetter's responsibilities vary, depending upon whom they are vetting, and what responsibility that or those persons for public office must have, to qualify for that position.

I gather from listening to an anchor on CNN explain her version of what may have happened with the Obama's vetting team, and the mis-steps that have occurred.

* Mr.Daschele, Mr. Richardson, Timothy Geithner, and the woman who subsequently removed herself from the nomination process, all had income tax and other personal problems. Which in this current Political and Economic climate, does not auger well for their chances favorably.

* Mr. Geithner (Treasury Secretary), admitted that he made a mistake or oversight, for two years of Self-employment overseas, that was not accounted for. He subsequently got approved for the Treasury Secretary's position

* Mr. Richardson, was identified for the Commerce Dept., but asked to be taken from the vetting list, because of a pending investigation on his personal life.

* The woman (Performance Overseer), had tax problems, and other personal matters, also removed
herself from the nomination.

So what was the problem with these three individuals that mattered so much?

President Barack Obama promised transparency, strict ethical practices, and integrity in his administration. That is why he signed that Ethics legislation soon after the swearing in of his presidency.

The vetting team is expected to follow the questionnaire criteria for qualification, as per client, and the position sought. If the client or applicant does not reveal a personal matter, that may or may not have been listed in the questionnaire, but would help the vetters to get a clearer insight into his or her personal life,and past work related experiences. Then even if the applicant passes the test on paper, but is subsequently found to err in some ethical or legal misdemeanor, then the vetters are not responsible for this new finding.

If they followed all that was expected of them as per the vetting process!

That is why the president had to acknowledge this embarrassment publicly, because if he didn't, it would have compromised his position on Turning The Page, or ensuring Strict Ethical Standards,' and Transparency, are observed in his administration.

Derryck.
NYC.

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

No FREE Pass For The Big Bank's Executives!


February 03-2009:
No FREE Pass For The Big Bank's Executives!
When the IMF or The World Bank lends money to developing countries, they stipulate how, what, and where these funds MUST be spent.
With rigid oversight too!
Therefore, if The US Federal government is asked or is expected to rescue or bailout these BIG banks and Insurance companies that have made some very grave and irresponsible decisions in their internal finances, lending practices, and executive emoluments.
Then it is incumbent upon the Treasury Dept. to expect that all Top Executives follow strict guidelines pertaining to personal emoluments or salaries. Failing to do so, gives these executives and private institutions, carte blanche for their irresponsible actions.
When the ordinary man or woman in mainstream America, that have erred on their mortgage payments, loose their homes, and not get any compensation from the Federal Government.
So insisting that all recipients of Federal monies follow some strict and regulated guidelines as per their salaries, is justified at this time!
Derryck S. Griffith.
NYC.

Monday, February 02, 2009

What Is Multitasking?


February 02-2009:

What Is Multitasking?
Definition:
The ability to do more than one thing at a time.
The human organism has the innate ability to do more than one thing a time. That is why most of us can walk, take note of the traffic lights, and those around us, so as not to bump into someone while walking on the street.
That is basically doing three things simultaneously. Even those with certain physically disabilities can do several things at once.
Can you concentrate on more than one thing?
Concentration is the ability to focus on a certain thing, object, or situation. Giving it your un-divided attention. But at the same time, is also aware of what is happening around you, but not paying attention to any of it. That is how we are able to understand something deeply, as it is being taught to us, or as we read and follow the directions or gist of the subject.
Does multitasking matter in today's economy?
Yes indeed, it does matter. Especially with employment dwindling at the pace it is right now. One MUST educate oneself with as many skills, or abilities as is possible, in order to be more marketable in our quest for employment. Employers tend to go for experience, more employment skills, education ability, and know how.
And skip those who may never have had the work experience or skills, when seeking new staff to employ. This is just how employers behave when the volume of un-employed people are enormous or plentiful.
So if you have been recently dismissed from your job, try finding temporary employment. This helps you acquire more needed employee skills, and makes for a better RESUME too.
Too many skills are never too much. The more the merrier.
This also shows future employers that you have multitasking experience also.
Derryck.
NYC.

Sunday, February 01, 2009

What Are Essentials & Wants?


February 01-2009:

What Are Essentials & Wants?
With the current international economic crisis in mind, let us get our priorities in order. So let me explain some vital priorities that we all have to consider, as we meander our way through this global crisis.
What are essentials?
Essentials can be interpreted to mean anything that one cannot do without. Such as (in our modern context), food, clothes, a roof over our head, a steady job or steady employment, and money in one's pocket for basic needs.
In some developing countries, some or most of the above items are something to dream about, and will never be realized for most people in poor or developing countries.
What are wants?
Wants are something that most of us feel we must have, in order to fit in, to feel accomplished, to identify with, or to give one some status in the eyes of our friends, co-workers, communities, or society at large.
Most of our individual wants are based on most or all of the above concepts, and does not bring us happiness in the long term. Nor does it make us feel content for any length of time either.
Having said that, then let us admit that most of us fall into the latter category above, and are responsible for some of financial circumstances that we find ourselves in right how. Too much personal and relentless credit, wanting to have more that we can personally afford, and still do even though we know it will cost us gravely in the long run.
This attitude is endemic in most developed and developing societies. Consumer driven, materialistic values, and the feeling that having THINGS are the only way to advertise your worth, or social standing in society.
Conclusion:
We all have to re-educate ourselves on our individual priorities, values, and concepts about ourselves. We MUST do this in order for Real and meaningful steps forward in the way we do business, pay our debts, aspirations, and plan for our retirement and personal financial security.
Failing to make the necessary adjustments right now, will allow this crisis to drag on for years to come. And those of us who feel that wishing away this crisis is the way to go. Then I say to you all, that nothing happens without human personal action/s.
Not even prayer, if human action is absent!
Derryck.
NYC.