The MIRANDA Warning Explained!

WORD-UP:
http://thethingsthatmatter.blogspot.com/

The MIRANDA Warning & Its' Motive!

!. You are under arrest:
2. You have a right to be silent:
3. You have a right to a lawyer or attorney:
4. If you cannot afford one, one will be provided for you in court:
5. You are entitled to make one telephone call:
6. Anything you say as of now, can be held or may be used as evidence against you:

This warning requires some explanation:

I believe that so many people who are arrested by the Police, fail to understand what this warning is all about, sometimes are even allowed to spill their guts, then told afterwards about this warning. While others who claim to know about it, after being cautioned about their rights under this warning, continue to prattle and babble away about their so called innocence, thus causing them to be in a regrettable position, when this evidence is read in court before the presiding Judge.

* When an arrested person fails to heed the Miranda warning recited to him or her, after he or she is arrested, then that person does not mind or care for this evidence being used against him or her, in a court of law afterwards.

Hitherto this legislation, numberless individuals were arrested, allowed to babble away their rights, and then all that was said there and then, (true or false), was documented by the arresting policeman or woman, as evidence against him or her. Thus in many instances facilitating false or misrepresented evidence against him or her in court.

And when challenged by the Judge in court, after being told to explain himself or herself in defense, is shocked when the presiding Judge sides with the prosecution against him or her. After all, he or she was arrested after violating the law. Therefore, the court will have to side with the police report in such matters, when there is no substantive/conflicting evidence provided by the plaintiff's attorney!

So Be WISE & Keep Silent When Arrested!

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.
PS: This warning ONLY apply to USA citizens & US foreign territories and jurisdictions:

Black People Were The First Born Of Humankind:

May 28-2007:

http://thethingsthatmatter.blogspot.com/

Black People Were The First Born Of Humankind!

From our loins came forth that which will conquer this place we call earth for all time.
From our loins came forth a specie like no other specie on this planet, with the intelligence to determine our life and death on this planet.
A specie that has prevailed, sustained itself, nourished, protected itself, and developed the ability to transcend this planet to other planets in this solar system

A specie that has a HEART that forgives, forgets, remembers, and allows those among us who have done harm to some of us, to reconcile their differences, and continue to be a part of the human family in peace.

* I have seen this principal element expressed in South Africa, after the fall or overthrow of APARTHEID in that country. Where Brother Nelson Mandella, the hero, principal player, and leader of all South Africans during the Apartheid regime, tell his people to 'Forgive' the former White racist rulers for their sins against Black South Africans.

* I have also seen Black South Africans FORGIVE some Black former police officers who indulged in killing several political activists during the struggle.

* I have seen the mothers, and other relatives of these slain men and boys, forgive their Black Police countrymen, for indulging in these atrocities, under orders from their bosses or senior officers.

All of this was very emotional for me to witness on television tonight on channel 25 local time. And I now realize without any doubt, that BLACK people globally share one heart, one spiritual tie, an experience that transcends borders, boundaries, nations, and ethnicity.

Why?

Because we were the first born of all humankind on this planet. And still have the spiritual connection that binds us all, making it very difficult not to be forgiving when wrong is done to us anywhere on this planet.

Om Shanti.

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

The Importance Of Remembering Those Who Served:

May 27-2007:

The Importance Of Remembering Those Who Served Willingly!

Memorial celebrations in every culture, means different things to different people. But like most cultures, memorial day ceremonies are viewed as a reflection upon the human losses and contributions made with their lives on the 'field of battle,' for the country they serve of represent.

In the USA, this day is also remembered and celebrated by the States, Cities, and the Federal Government, as homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice when called upon to do so for their country.

But just let me make a few points that I feel need to be said, and remembered!

* Politicians and governments make wars with other countries. But it is the ordinary soldiers and civilians alike, that die in the tens of thousands during any military conflict.

* Some may call death during a war as just one of the hazards of that activity. But I also believe that wars, just or unjust, must never be readily embraced without stringent reasoning, diplomatic negotiations, compromises, and the willingness to settle differences by some other means, if possible.

Because when a nation or nations feel that the only solution to regional, or global conflicts necessitates going to war. Then humanity is surely destined to speed up the process, to the total elimination of this species from this planet.

Om Shanti.
Derryck.
NYC

Senators White House Announcement On Immigration Deal-2007?

May 18-2007:
Attention:

These new proposals does not take into account the P.R.U.C.O.L or un-documented residents, many of whom are HIV infected and accessing Medicaid, and other much needed medication to help us cope with the HIV virus.

Plus, if they are supposed to pay $5,000 US dollars (as indicated in these proposals). Where are they going to get that money from, if they are not allowed to work LEGALLY, and is solely dependent on Public Assistance and Housing Facilities from the City and State?

These are the concerns that I feel must be addressed urgently, and clarified in any future amendments to the current proposals that are on the table, by Advocates and The US House representatives alike.

Sincerely,
Derryck S. Griffith.
New York City.
----------------------------------

Senators-White House announce immigration deal-2007:

By Associated Press
Thursday, May-17-2007 -
Updated: 04:48 PM EST

WASHINGTON - The White House and key senators in both parties announced agreement Thursday on an immigration overhaul that would grant quick legal status to millions of illegal immigrants already in the U.S. It would also fortify the border.
Immigration reform:

President Bush said the proposal would "help enforce our borders but equally importantly, it’ll treat people with respect." "This is a bill where people who live here in our country will be treated without amnesty but without animosity," Bush said. The compromise came after weeks of closed-door negotiations that brought the most liberal Democrats and the most conservative Republicans on immigration issues together with Bush’s Cabinet officers to produce a highly complex measure that carries heavy political consequences. It still faces a long legislative struggle and its passage by the Senate or House is far from assured.

The plan would create a temporary worker program to bring new arrivals to the U.S and a separate program to cover agricultural workers. Skills and education level would for the first time be weighted more heavily than family connections in deciding whether immigrants should get permanent legal status. New high-tech employment verification measures would make sure that workers are here legally. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, his party’s lead negotiator on the deal, hailed it as "the best possible chance we will have in years to secure our borders and bring millions of people out of the shadows and into the sunshine of America."

Anticipating criticism from conservatives, Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., said, "It is not amnesty. This will restore the rule of law." The accord sets the stage for what promises to be a bruising battle next week in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., called the proposal a "starting point" for that debate and said the measure needs improvement. "I have serious concerns about some aspects of this proposal, including the structure of the temporary worker program and undue limitations on family immigration," Reid said in a statement.
The breakthrough came when negotiators struck a bargain on a so-called "point system" that prioritizes immigrants’ education and skill level over family connections in deciding how to award green cards.

The immigration issue also divides both parties in the House, which isn’t expected to act unless the
Senate passes a bill first.

The proposed agreement would allow illegal immigrants to come forward and obtain a "Z visa" and - after paying fees and a $5,000 fine - ultimately get on track for permanent residency, which could take between eight and 13 years. Heads of household would have to return to their home countries first.

They could come forward right away to claim a probationary card that would let them live and work legally in the U.S., but could not begin the path to permanent residency or citizenship until border security improvements and the high-tech worker identification program were completed.

A new temporary guest worker program would also have to wait until those so-called "triggers" had been activated. Those workers would have to return home after work stints of two years, with little opportunity to gain permanent legal status or ever become U.S. citizens. They could renew their guest worker visas twice, but would be required to leave for a year in between each time.

Democrats had pressed instead for guest workers to be permitted to stay and work indefinitely in the U.S. In perhaps the most hotly debated change, the proposed plan would shift from an immigration system primarily weighted toward family ties toward one with preferences for people with advanced degrees and sophisticated skills. Republicans have long sought such revisions, which they say are needed to end "chain migration" that harms the economy, while some Democrats and liberal groups say it’s an unfair system that rips families apart.

Family connections alone would no longer be enough to qualify for a green card - except for spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens.
New limits would apply to U.S. citizens seeking to bring foreign-born parents into the country.

© Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

When To Intervene Or Not Intervene In One's Neighbors Affairs!

May 15-2007:

http://internationalpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/

When To Intervene-Or Not Intervene In Your Neighbor's Business?

OVERVIEW:
Crimes Against Humanity-Non-interference in your neighbors affairs, for fear of harming the relationship between yourselves. Racist Agendas-Religious Agendas & Self-righteousness, are all on the rise globally!

There was a time not too long ago when rational thinkers, good natured people, high moral thinkers, and peace loving nations and peoples, got involved when they saw their friends, neighbors, and fellow humans were being de-humanized, killed en-masse, slaughtered, or enslaved. That was the time when the world behaved like humans are supposed to.

When the world had a soul. A soul that abhorred EVIL of any kind, a soul that did not care for one's political, religions, or ethnic affiliations. But a soul that felt it had to act via the militarily, to halt, or prevent the continuous slaughter or displacement of fellow humans.

This phenomenon showed itself no too distantly during World War-11. Nations took up arms, and collectively assaulted those whom it felt, have an apocalyptic agenda for other humans they felt did not belong on this planet, or other nations they felt had no history, culture, or ethnic relevance. Yes, the NAZI regime was such an EVIL that had to be eradicated.

But something went terribly wrong with these so-called Christian nations and peoples, who took no action when the genocide in Rwanda was being carried out. Even it's African neighbors took no action, because they did not want to intervene in the affairs of their neighbors, which might have caused diplomatic friction between them. So they did absolutely nothing, and thousands of fellow Africans were slaughtered by fellow Africans in that experience.

The same was done in Uganda with Idi Amin (the Dictator), who killed en-masse those he did not care to have live among the chosen peoples of that land, and in keeping with a chosen and ethnic agenda.

Mogadishu today is experiencing the same no-interference by the HYPOCRITICAL OAU (Organization Of African Unity), that is not doing anything to stop the officially mandated and clandestinely planned killing, raping, and displacement of thousands of fellow Africans in that country. With a sparse, ill-prepared and equipped symbolic African Peace Keeping Force, which cannot intervene to arrest, or stop anyone from killing fellow Africans.

Least of all, bring that government or killers to justice. So the killing, raping, starvation, and displacement of thousands, are being allowed to continue in Darfur-Sudan.

In Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, once called the (most feared African leader) is carrying out the very same things above mentioned, while the world watches, but does NOTHING. The neighbor South Africa, once a part of Zimbabwe, is also just talking ( so they say), to Robert Mugabe, but will not intervene either to stop the starvation, killings, beatings of dissenters or politicians who want change in that rapidly, economically, and morally degrading political system and country.

So the killings, beatings, displacement of thousands who lost their homes, cannot eat food on a regular basis, and is being starved to death, while the world watches, talks about it sometimes, but does nothing to help.

In the USA, these so-called Christian minded peoples are still debating who has the Right to Life, Right to make a choice to keep or not to keep a fetus, who are more moral and who are not, and what is considered Global warming, and what is perceived as God telling all humanity how BAD they have become.

YES, these so-called Christian rightists and leftists, are still having their childish political and religious ramblings, and debates on trifles, while the more important, Moral, and HUMANE issues are being IGNORE on this planet.

Their Moslems religious believers and fanatic followers of a Quran that has thousands of INTERPRETERS, who feel they too have a mandate for believers, and the right to issues FATWAHS or EDICTS when they too feel that Islam is being threatened, or when fellow Moslems fail to comply with their wishes, or when a foreigner or INFEDEL steps on their so-called lands.

Yes, international ignorance has taken on a life of its' own, that hitherto, was only seen as peculiar to certain regions, or peoples. Global Ignorance, Hate, Prejudices, and Murder, seem to be the preferred methods to REASON, Compromise, and healthy discussions today.

I shudder to think that should this trend continue in this manner, REAL ARMAGEDDON will surely happen. With no Racial, Ethnic, or Religious preferences for anyone!

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

HIV-LOVE-SEX And LIFE Issues!

May 11-2007:

http://my.opera.com/BringBaka/

Having HIV-Love & Life Problems!

Firstly, there was a slogan that says. "HIV Stops With Me.' This was another one of those ridiculous slogans that some HIV/AIDS organization came up with, in order to provide services for Communities Of Color!

But what bothers me is not the intent to target those who are most at risk for infection, but the pre-sumption that this slogan has for those who are HIV positive. It infers that HIV positive people have a responsibility to not spread the HIV virus, and by so doing this HIV virus will somehow disappear or become less of a social pandemic.

This idea is laughable for simply for the following reasons:
* HIV infection occurs when two or more persons indulge in some form of sexual intercourse, foreplay, or body contact, where BODY FLUIDS are exchanged between the parties.

* It is not my or anyone's responsibility ONLY, to protect himself or herself from HIV infection, or any other STD or STI's.

* And to tell the HIV infected that it is their responsibility to ensure the virus does not spread, implies that they are still seen as the ones' who are socially suspect for willfully infecting others with HIV.

* Even though some HIV infected persons, knowingly or un-knowingly infect others with the virus.

It is every individuals' responsibility (if he or she is sexually active), to use preventative methods for HIV or other STD infections.

HIV-Sex & Love:

This will always be an issue with those who are HIV positive to grapple with, in terms of partnerships, love, or long term relationships. It is still very difficult for HIV positive individuals to declare to a stranger up front or before any physical sexual contact, that he or she has the HIV virus. Even though HERPES, Hepatitis A-B-C- & D are also possible in any sexual encounter. But most people do not think about those other STIs' or STDs' when they are about to have sexual contact with another person.

Childbirth Problems:

We now have prophylactic medications to give potential mothers who want children, but are HIV positive. And this preventative measure (if followed diligently, and with a physician's guidance), could prevent the un-born child from contracting HIV.

So potential parents or mothers and fathers, should not feel that they are 'Spoiled Goods.' just because they have HIV.

Love, Sex, and Relationships are still being contracted, and sought after, regardless of the HIV pandemic. After all, population growth, and future leaders are expected to come from parents who are HIV positive too. And the virus will not prevent this from happening in cultures that have access to the medications, and are affordable enough for the infected to access, and live their lives as they would hope to do without HIV.

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.