Are You Stomping At The Pit?

July 30-2009:

Are You Stomping At The Pit!

Yes, Erectile Dysfunction is REAL, is Profound, and lots of men of all ages have some form of it.

But do not despair, VIAGRA and CIALLIS is here!

Some men feel ashamed to discuss this problem when it arises with a doctor or Physician. 

This is also taboo for most men's EGO, and cause them to shy away from such discussions, fool themselves that it isn't them, or just blame it on too much drugs, cigarette smoking, or the woman's fault too.

So it is a reality that MUST be aired by men on radio, TV, The Internet, and any social gathering where education or information is shared and disseminated.

Derryck.
NYC.

Could The Internet Be Responsible For Cursive Writing Skills Demise?

July 28-2009:

Could The Internet Be Responsible For Cursive Writing Skills Demise?


As a child growing up, I attended Kindergarten school, like so many children were expected to do, to begin their education. Writing in cursive was a MUST at that time, in all schools, regardless of whether they were private or state controlled.

Today, some wonder if the computer generation will not have the ability to write in that manner, because everything is done automatically in TEXT format, and thus far, there are no cursive keys on our key boards to allow for that type of writing.

Incidentally, for those who are not sure what cursive writing is, and may be too lazy to find out. Here is the definition.

CURSIVE writing allows the writer to connect letters together. Instead or writing JOHN, the writer will join each letter together! 

I read an article today that claimed some person at the age of twenty six years of age, could not write in cursive. I presume that this person may have had his initial education on some other planet. Because the computer and Internet only came on board in the 1970's. So this medium cannot be blamed for his ignorance. 

I hope that cursive writing skills are still being taught in our Kindergarten schools, and encouraged by all teachers and professors in High School and Colleges too. 

Because these skills are preferred when writing personal letters, applications to future employers, college exams, essays, and research papers, and is another way to display ones ability to think and write with fluidity and grace!

Derryck S. Griffith.
NYC.

The US Economy's Decline Is Almost Stabilized:

July 24-2009:

The US Economy's Decline Is Almost Stabilized:


The Obama administration seem to believe that the national economy has reached Rock Bottom, and the rate of un-employment is decreasing steadily. So how are we going to know for sure, when employers will re-hire fired employees, start hiring again, or even resort to giving back their employees the normal forty hour per week work schedule?

The current data indicates that un-employment is at 12 %. And that figure will increase, but not greatly as the National Economy Stimulus Package starts taking effect. Any yet I saw in the news that New York State governor is complaining that as yet, he has not received his state's Stimulus Package monies. 

So I am wondering about California's economy on the verge of bankruptcy, with layoffs in the thousands, Federal spending cuts in the millions, shorter working hours across the board for almost every industry or enterprise. And I ask myself if the American people could continue to hold on much longer, hoping that things will improve in their respective areas anytime soon.

Furthermore, only 3% of the Initial Stimulus Package was invested in the economy, so those who are thinking about another stimulus package, should acquaint themselves with the facts, before anticipating catastrophe just yet!

Derryck.
NYC.

The F-22 Jets Production Debate!

July 21-2009:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I Totally Agree With The Decision To Forego The Production Of The F-22 Jets!

If the Defense Secretary Robert Gates thinks that it would be wiser to redistribute our scarce resources, on other much needed services/programs. Then it would be incumbent upon all law makers to reconsider this idea.

After all, he is the Defense Secretary, and the one appointed to oversee and review all Defense Contracts, and Defense needs for the US military services.

Sincerely,

Please go to congress.org

The debate centers on how many F-22s the U.S. military needs.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates has argued that no additional jet fighters are needed and said the money could be better spent on other programs.

But Congressional supporters say buying more planes would help the National Guard and prevent layoffs in the defense industry.

The debate has not fallen along partisan lines.

Obama's Republican opponent from last fall, Sen. John McCain, is co-sponsor of an amendment to strip the funding from the Senate bill. Sen. Joe Lieberman wants to buy more jets.

Tell your lawmakers what you think about the F-22.

Copyright Laws & Current 21St Century Internet Technology!

July 21-2009:a

Copyright Laws & Current 21St Century Internet Technology!

It is generally understood that the current International Copyright Laws MUST be updated to allow for the Freedom to Access, Share materials of all sorts on the Internet, without the infringement of governments, commercial interests, and imposed Legislation.

The point I am making are the following:

* Any individual male or female, adult or child MUST be allowed access to the Internet.

* Internet access MUST be FREE.

* Internet use must be based on need, affordable provider, variety, Fiber Optic technology, and without Commercial Coercion.

* No Internet user should be denied access to the Internet if he/she downloaded music, or movies from another Internet user.

* No Internet user should be judicially penalized because he/she shared files (music, movies or videos), with friends or contacts on the Internet for FREE.

* And no Internet user should be penalized by any Judge, the State, or Private Enterprise, because he/she downloaded some copyrighted material from another Internet user online, for FREE. To view, or listen to, regardless of who legally owns it. 

So long as those Internet users did not personally sell those materials that they accessed freely.

Furthermore:

There seem to be the attitude of some governments and commercial enterprises to suggest, that Internet users MUST comply with their wishes. And this attitude and behavior conflicts with the established understanding, that the Internet was originally created for FREE use by anyone who chose to do so.


Derryck S. Griffith
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.
 

Turkey's Secular Democracy Is In Jeopardy!

July 20-1009:

Turkey's Secular Democracy Is In Jeopardy!

When the leader and military general Atta Turk came to power in Turkey, the Constitution was amended to ensure that the state promotes and practices Democracy, The Rule Of Law, and remains a Secular State.

The National Army was charged with the responsibility to ensure the no civilian government violates the Constitutional and Democratic Secular Objectives. 

And to intervene whenever such violations occur, to re-establish another Civilian Democratic Authority.

Today, the current pontifical administration is espousing views, especially the Prime Minister that Islamic preferences will be encouraged and promoted. 

This attitude spells trouble for the majority of Turks who believe and want a Democratic State, based on the Rule Of Law, with Secular Values, and governed by A Democratic administration.

Derryck.
NYC.

Could Circumcism Protect One From Sexual Disease?

July 20-2009:

TO webdesk@france24.com

FROM: Derryck S Griffith.
 

Could Circumcism Protect One From Sexual Disease?

This debate does not explain fully how disease is sexually transmitted. And how the suggestion that Circumcism will be of any help.

However, here is my TAKE on this issue.

* Male Genital Circumcism does NOT prevent HIV or any other sexual disease transmission.

* Herpes, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and other sexually transmitted diseases can also be contracted regardless or whether the male is circumcised or not.

And finally, HIV is not the only disease that is LETHAL. Syphilis is also lethal if it goes undetected and untreated for a lengthy period of time.

So those who advocate for the Circumcism of all males are ignorant of the TRUE reality, and how diseases are transmitted sexually.

Derryck.
NYC.

Some Suggestions For National Community Service!

July 17-2009:

Some Ideas For Community Service!

I have listened to Senator Barack Obama speak about Community Service initiatives by the Federal Government, that encourages High Schoolers, College kids, Seniors, Juniors, Retirees, and anyone with special skills that they would like to share with the community.

* To get involved in providing voluntary contributions in schools, churches, community organizations, overseas, and any place they feel they would like to serve. 

* This ideal could also be facilitated to HIV patients who have lived or survived this pandemic:

* Have been taking the prescribed medications, and have personally known and experienced all the side effects of these medications. Which makes them eligible to advocate for Federal, State, and City funding for improved prevention, and to facilitate where necessary, with some "per-diem" emoluments.

* For their willingness to make themselves available to train, impart, and facilitate HIV Infected People's Groups, Gender Identity issues, and Stigma relating to HIV infection, Family issues, Sexual and Gender identity issues.

*And helping them to access the services for people living with HIV, as it relates to language differences, gender identity, and sexual preferences.

All of these areas are ready to provide qualified personnel to assist the Federal, State, and City government's commissions and committees that would organize, facilitate, and provide such personnel, training, and advocacy, whenever and wherever the need arise.

FINALLY:

I am ready and willing also to get on board any committee that initiates programs for training advocates to petition political representatives, petition political representatives for more HIV and related funding needs, providing some per-diem can be provided, which will assist in transportation, accommodation, and other out of pocket needs, when involved in any of these programs.

Derryck S. Griffith.
New York City.

The Political Problems In Africa Today!

July 17-2009:

The Political Problems In Africa Today!


I watched a discussion on your france24.com television today. And there was a discussion that one of your anchors had with two African women about Africa's plight currently. Unfortunately, these two women tried in their own fashion to explain some of the problems there. But was unable to CLEARLY do so, in any coherent and logical manner.

And I was very disappointed by this lame and inept participation from these two women.

I would have imagined that anyone attending such a interview on TV would have at least prepare some written pointers, so that they would be able to have it at hand when that question arises, to aid an intelligent response.

But I guess some of us are not so inclined to prepare beforehand.

However, I believe that most of the African states, especially where there is a dictatorship, or military governance, the commonweal have little or no choice, but to go along with what the state espouses.

Mainly because the state controls the national media/radio, the press, and the Internet (where that medium is available).

When it comes to national elections, the commonweal does not have viable and credible political representatives to identify with. 

Much less trust to represent them with clear and identifiable policies that the people want.

And finally, most local politics are based on ethnicity, and ethnic preferences. And this very often is used by politicians, and the state to divide the people politically, regionally, and nationally, in almost every election process and preparation.

Derryck.
NYC.

IRAQ'S Oil Revenue Distribution Problems!

July 15-2009:

The Federal Government In Baghdad & It's Relations With The Kurds!

Since the military overthrow of Saddam Hussein, and the subsequent Democratically elected Shia controlled government and Parliament. There has been some worrying and concerns with how the National Oil Revenues will be distributed.

Legislation was enacted since 2003 in the Iraqi Parliament, ratified and passed into law, but have not been implemented as of yet. 

It pertains to the entering and approving of all Oil Contracts with foreign companies, and how the revenues will be distributed.

However, at the present time, the Kurdish government in the Kurdish controlled region has already entered into Oil Contracts with foreign companies. But under the current Iraqi Legislation, those contracts MUST be approved by the Central Government in Baghdad. 

Therefore, if any oil contract is entered into without the prior approval of The Central Government in Baghdad, those contracts have no legal bearing, and would be null and void under the current laws.

Meanwhile, the potential for Iraq to produce huge quantities of oil, and export increased amounts of oil is tremendous. And there are still many oil fields that have yet to be explored and developed in several regions of Iraq.

The US military was protecting all of Iraq's Oil fields since the invasion started. But that will soon come to and end, with the handing over of such responsibility to the National Security Forces of Iraq very soon.

Derryck.
NYC.

OBAMA Addresses AFRICA From GHANA-2009!

July 11-2009:

OBAMA Addresses AFRICA From GHANA-2009!

Due to poor satellite transmission, the audio and video of this visit may not be too good to watch or listen to. However, here is my take of what president Obama has said to all of Africa and Africans.

Governance:

In this regard, president Obama stressed the need for transparency and good governance throughout Africa. A Free Press where there is none, and the ability to dissent or protest against the political administration. Because these are some of the methods through which democracy is practiced.

Equality Under The Law:

* In this regard, president Obama stressed that all Africans and people everywhere MUST have Equal Rights Under The Law, especially in a democracy. And that states MUST never use power to Change The Constitution to allow any political administration to extend itself in power, or to favor any administration in power.

* America and my administration Abhors the Manipulating Of Constitutions, Free Press Curtailments, Coercive and Oppressive Governance.

* Lack of Transparency & The Rule Of Law, and Equal Opportunities For All Africans.  

Education & National Service:

In this regard, president Obama stressed the need for YOUNG PEOPLE especially, to get involved in community/nation building, via a good education, community service, and positive actions in their personal lives.

And hold their political leaders and administration accountable for any failures, corruption, or un-transparency in the political process of governance.

Finally:

Most of President Obama's address was directed to all of Africa's leadership and populace. He mentioned his family history and ties to Africa, and how former Africans who became slaves, contributed to the economic growth of their slave masters. 

But today with independence in most former colonies, an educated African elite and commonweal, they must not rest until all of Africa realizes it true potential economically, politically, and globally.

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

LOVE Is All That I Ask For!

July 08-2009:

Love Is All That I Ask For!

Yes all that Michael Jackson wanted was Love!

Love is what he gave to all who met him, 

felt him, embraced him, and saw him.

Love is what Michael never fully got from his father,

But instead what he got was verbal and physical abuse,

most of the time.

Some people asked why was he so frail?

Why was he so sensitive?

Why was he so giving?

But these people were unable to comprehend Michael's love, 

Because it was so pure, so un-conditional, so real, and so relentless,

That it made some individuals feel guilty, 

ashamed, envious, and embarrassed.

Because they were unable to reciprocate, 

unable to feel, unable to give, 

and unable to accept his love for what is was!


Michael was one of those rare kinds who wore his love outwards,

Wore it proudly, and dared anyone to refuse it, but not resent it!

Michael never had a normal childhood, 

like most youngsters suppose to have.

He was being used to make money, make music, 

and make others feel good about themselves.

Long before he even understood what he was doing all meant!

And for that loss, 

he never grew up to fully comprehend the real word of Adulthood, 

adult prejudices, adult hates, and adult maturity!


So he improvised most of the time, 

Sometimes successfully, 

Sometimes un-successfully!

When Michael danced or performed, 

It was his way of showing and expressing his love, 

for all of humanity.

Because he felt that all of humanity needs love, 

despite the fact that he never got much love as a child.


He did some childish things, 

that society did not accept, understood, and even rejected.

They brought him before Pilate on charges of wrongdoing.

But he was found innocent of all charges!

An yet some of his accusers 

would not accept the decision of the court.

And continued to ridicule him, 

every time they got the chance to do so.

But that did not affect his love for all.

Those negative aspersions, did not prevent his success, 

did not cause his fans to resent him either.

In fact, if has helped to consolidate his love 

for, and from his fans even more that before his trial!


Rest in Peace my Friend, my Idol, and my Brother,

You have labored hard and untiring,

And it is now your turn to relax, 

Put your Feet up, and Smell the Roses,

in PEACE.

Om Shanti.
Derryck S. Griffith.

How Does An Agenda Develop Between Two States?

July 05-2009:

How Does An Agenda Develop Between Two States?

I suspect that if or when the governments of two states decides to establish or re-establish relations with each other, the following methods are pursued.

* The Foreign Ministers or Ambassadors prepare a draft of proposals to be discussed.

* Each Foreign Minister or Ambassador with the permission and agreement of their respective government, meet with each other to compare and contrast each other's proposals.

* And in the process, comes up with a mutually agreed set of topics, that would comprised the agenda between the two political leaders.

* When this final document/agenda is approved by each party, then the preparations for the summit or face to face meeting is arranged.

This I presume will be the strategy between the Obama administration and the Iranian administration, if or when they eventually agree to meet at the presidential level.

Derryck.
NYC.

Michael Jackson's Skin Color & Black Americans!

July 04-2009:

Michael Jackson's Skin Color & Black Americans!

There has always been concern within the Black American communities about the skin tone of Michael Jackson, some years when he went solo. Rumor had it that he was suffering from some genetic disease, others said he did some intravenous surgery that altered his skin color, others also said that he was guilty of his Black ethnicity, and wanted to look more European, for whatever reasons.

However, be that as it may, Black Americans publicly distanced themselves (in the main), whenever they were asked about some of Michael's cosmetic changes and behavior. Some even said that they were unable to tell what ethnic group to associate him with, because he was once Black, during the days when he sang with his other four brothers. But today, meaning (before he died), he looks more White than Black. 

And that embarrassed most Black Americans!

So why the sudden identification and association with Michael Jackson?

Black Americans have a penchant for forgiving their fellows after some period of embarrassment or misdemeanor. They do so with athletes, entertainers, and even felons. This seems to be the way they assert themselves politically and culturally as a minority in this culture, where they are still being socially and economically oppressed. 

Just after his sudden death, Rev.Al Sharpton said publicly how much Michael contributed to the Civil Rights movement, when most of his fellow Black Americans chose to be silent or not get involved in the movement, and for his contribution (according to him), Black America will be forever grateful.

However, Michael Jackson and his other four brothers came into mainstream America like a lighting bolt. They were phenomenal in the way they sang, impacted youths, and performed wherever they went. They were able to crossover all ethnic groups with their music and performances. So when Michael chose to separate himself from his brothers, and do solo gigs, to the point of being the world's
most admired, sought after, and listened to Pop Artiste. 

Blacks in America had something and someone they were very proud of. 

So despite his personal troubles, antics, and eccentricities, Michael Jackson was one of Black America's icons. 

And will forever be so in the hearts of all ethnicity worldwide!

Derryck S. Griffith.
New York City.

The Public Option Health Care Provider & What Is Means!

July 02-2009:

The Public Option Health Care Provider & What Is Means!

Hithero, most consumers sought a Health Care provider according to their financial means. Those who had the means got the best services, from the best Health Care Providers.

And those that could not afford the better ones had to settle for the sub standard providers, which did not provide for most of the needs, that most consumers wanted from their doctors/physicians.

How will the Public Option Work?

The Public Option gives those who do not have Health Care the option to have one. 

It also allows consumers the CHOICE between the Established providers, and the Federally Subsidized Provider/Plans.

Both Health Care plans would be providing for the health Care needs of any American that wants it. 

The only difference is that we would be getting to choose between the Public Option, and The Private Option.

If anyone does not want Healthcare for whatever reason, he/she has that option too also.

But the provision is there for all, if or when they so choose to get Health Care.

Derryck.
NYC.

Racial Profiling In France!

July 01-2009:

Racial Profiling In France!

France has a national philosophy that says 'we are a color blind society This ideal or concept contradicts the reality on the ground in France, for the following reasons.

* If you are a Black, Arab, Caribbean native, or Non White male, chances are, you would be stopped and frisked or asked for identity papers on the streets by the Police in France.

This is the current reality, and is has been so for decades.

France as far as I am aware, does not keep a record of Racial Profiling by the Police in any region or province, to validate these accusations. But thousands of individuals have complained that they were frisked or asked to show identity papers just because they were non-White, even though they did nothing wrong or broke any laws.  

This Police Profiling is something that is taken for granted by those who indulge in it, because they claim that certain crimes are evident within certain communities. Especially the Arab, Black, and Immigrant communities.

But I say that this is just another stereotype that has been allowed to fester for decades, without challenge from the political establishment. Probably because those that are profiled by the Police does not have the political clout to create a national outcry, or embarrass the status quo.

Until the French people and their government legislate for the social protection of those who are not French by nationality. And provide Legislation that penalizes any Policeman for arresting or harassing any Non White, just because he was perceived as a criminal. 

This will continue to plague Communities Of Color in France on a daily basis.

Derryck S. Griffith.
New York City.

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