Prisons With & Without Walls Defined!

November 15-2009"


Prisons With & Without Walls Defined!

There are three types of prisons.

* The fenced in type of prison (with walls all around).

* Those under House Arrest.

* And prisons that are located on Islands, surrounded by the ocean, infested with sharks or sever currents.

All of the above prison categories inhibits the freedom and personal liberty and movements of those incarcerated. They are designed to inflict or impose restrictions on the incarcerated, in an attempt to punish, belittle, and de-humanize him/her to the point of feeling depressed, suicidal, or becoming mentally insane.

Prisons are not designed to rehabilitate anyone. That is a historic fallacy, which the results of incarcerations hitherto, have refuted globally.

Do Prisoners Have Any Civil Rights?

The penitentiary is a place where the convicted are placed to ensure that he/she pays a Penal price as jurisprudence dictates. During the internship, he/she is subjected to the rules and regulations of that prison or jail, and is expected to follow all instructions when ordered to do so.

Failing to comply with the prison's regulations/orders, he/she will be punished according to prison rules of punishment/compliance. Some or most modern prisons, (especially in the developed countries), have basic in house health care or infirmaries to attend to certain minor injuries for inmates and staff alike.

Any major injury experienced by an prisoner that the infirmary cannot deal with. Such prisoner/s will be taken (under escort), to an external facility for medical assistance.

Productive Work & Educational Facilities:

Most modern prisons have educational study groups/programs, and work assignments for all prisoners who care to access them. I presume that these services are not mandatory, except as punishment like building roads and bridges on prison assignments, or braking bricks at a stone quarry.

Post Incarceration Preparation:

Some prisons provide some basic educational preparatory skills for prisoners. Like the GED diploma, and other practical skills like masonry, carpentry, screen printing, art, public speaking, and anger management.

Derryck S. Griffith.
NYC.

CNN & Lou Dobbs Departure!

November 13-2009:

CNN & Lou Dobbs Departure!

Lou Dobbs, a former CNN anchor and self appointed advocate for the Middle Class in America, became a household topic for discussion, in many quarters.

He also started a rhetorical tirade in recent years against his (so-called Illegal Aliens witch hunt). And this attitude was never received favorably, by most traditional CNN viewers, because it contradicted the very core values all Americans share and believe in, as a nation. Considering that this is a land of Immigrants.

And most immigrants to the USA, have some relative or friend that came here illegally. That is a fact of life here, and must never be used to gain political advantage, or create division within this society.

So Lou Dobbs' tirades against Immigrants (illegal or Not) conflicts with this national creed and belief.

Therefore, I presume that the management of CNN, in light with current political reality, cannot allow one of their anchors, to cause them to loose viewers, business, or be placed in the category of a media that encourages division in this society, like their sister FOX Noise/opinion, which masquerades as a news outlet.

Derryck.
NYC.

The Fall Of The Berlin Wall's 20 Th Anniversary!

http://internationalpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/

November 09-2009:


The Fall Of The Berlin Wall's 20TH Anniversary!


As the world watches and celebrates with the Germans, their 20Th anniversary of the accursed wall. Let us reflect for a while the history behind such walls, and how very difficult the people who were so divided is still unable (by and large), to fully overcome those that division mentally and psychologically, years after the wall that divided them came down.


Why Walls Are Unable To Create Security:

Walls historically were used to keep people in, like China under their ancient Emperors. To protect from invaders, like most western civilizations used to protect their peoples from invading armies. And what the Israeli government is using today (as they say), to prevent incursions of terrorists into their homeland.


Can Walls Truly Protect Any Culture?

The answer to this question is NO. All walls ancient or modern, had their flaws.

* Some were breached with help from within.

* Some walls were breached from underground tunnels.

* Some walls were destroyed by cannon fire.

* Others came down by the very same people it was built to prevent people from escaping to the outside.

Germany is a case in point!

After The Fall Of Any Barrier-What Happens?

Germany today is still divided mentally in many ways. Some of those who lived in the Eastern side before the wall fell, still hold memories of the days when jobs were secured, education was secured, and housing was secured. As long as you adhered to communist rules, indoctrination, and the lack of personal freedom to travel or express yourself.

Some still feel that they would rather have that system, than live in this current one of social and economic uncertainty, and in-equality.

However, these views are shared mostly by the older (over 30 thirties) generation, because most of them were either too old to make use of the opportunities that came with the fall, or refused to integrate or take those new economic, educational, and social opportunities, that came with the re-unification.


Derryck.
NYC.

Retribution & Death Comes Home To Roost:

November 06-2009:


Retribution & Death Comes Home To Roost:


God Is Great, shouted Nidal Malik Hasan a US Psycho therapist Captain, based in Fort Hood-Texas. Just before he started firing his two hand guns, in a close area or space, where military families and soldiers sought medical assistance and other related medical assistance on that base.

The killer was able to kill that many people because his weapon was an automatic firearm, and in such a densely populated and enclose space, there was no difficulty to get as many victims as possible, before he was put down by the security personnel there.

Some are wondering WHY did he do it?

This cry of surprise was voiced several times before in America, whenever such killings happen, even though this one is unique, but the history is similar.

America is an occupier of two Moslem oriented countries. We are fighting and killing thousands of Muslims in Iraq & Afghanistan on a daily basis. The people in those regions are not too concerned about our reason/s for being there, all they see are foreigners, who are from a Christian hemisphere, killing Moslems brothers and sisters, while in occupation of their countries.

Under Islam, their is a Hadith that says, when fellow Muslims are in trouble, or are being victimized, all Muslims are obliged to come to their aid or rescue. Because it is perceived that any aggression towards Muslims anywhere, is an aggression to Muslims everywhere!

That is the concept or perception of every Muslim, who elects to indulge in some suicide or Jihad murder or killing, in sympathy with his fellow Muslim brothers and sisters.

Westerners & Christian Oriented Countries Must Acknowledge this reality, if they intend to deal with the Islamic world, and Muslims generally.

Derryck S. Griffith.
NYC.

Who Are America's Middle Class?

November 05-2009:

Who Are America's Middle Class?


The Traditional Middle Class:

These were the people who occupied the level that was identifiable and achievable, like the following.

* Factory and Industrial manufacturing workers who earned above average income per week or month.

* Was able to save and provide the funds for their children to attend college.

* Was able to plan for a vacation every year, save for retirement.

* Pay or get a mortgage for the acquisition of their own home.

* Own their own car or family vehicle, for personal use or transportation.

The New Middle Class:

These are the new White Collar professional and Commercial elites that tend to be employed in large Banking Institutions, Insurance Companies that transcend regional and global boundaries, Traders, Brokers, and Wall Street Investors.

* These people earn very large salaries, and enormous bonuses or commissions, for their clever and sometimes very risky investments and dealings.

* Most own several homes, yachts, travel extensively abroad on business or for pleasure, indulge their insatiable appetites for pleasure, and snob those who earn much less than they do, most of the time.

Derryck S. Griffith.
NYC.

President Obama-This Is What We Expect From You!

November 03-2009:

President Obama-This Is What We Expect From You!

Today or tonight, the Democrats will see clearly how they are doing in Virginia, New Jersey, New York City & New York State elections.

This is a referendum on the Democrat's Representatives in those areas.

But in the eyes of most of your Young, Older, and First Time voters, this is also a referendum on Barack Obama's ability or inability to STAY THE COURSE, and TRULY deliver on his promises.

For example:

* Firstly, You promised to end the war in Iraq. That war is still happening, and our troops are getting back into combat therein, because the Iraqi government cannot maintain National Security.

Meanwhile, we are hoping that you bring all combat troops home as stated.

* Secondly, We expect you to STAND UP to Israel, like A Leader, and The President of The United States.

But what we are seeing is the president cowering or 'Cow Towing' to Prime Minister Nethanyahu's obstinacy against settlement building cessation.

* Thirdly, you have removed the Ban for HIV visitors to the US shores. But can any HIV infected person get Legal Residence Status while here? That is still not yet clarified or mentioned?

* Fourthly, unemployment is 29% nationally. Millions are out of work, and still cannot see any prospects for employment on a permanent basis anytime soon either.

* Finally, the bailed out Banking Institutions, and the Wall Street Investors are dancing the 'Hoolah.' While the rest of us are loosing our homes, cannot pay our rents, and are homeless, or will become homeless very soon!

So Mr. President, have you forgotten who you are supposed to be working for?

Derryck S. Griffith.
NYC.

The US Could Never Be An Impartial Arbiter In The Palestinian Conflict!

November 01-2009:


The US Could Never Be An Impartial Arbiter In The Palestinian Conflict!


Hillary Clinton said that the Obama administration will not press Israel to cease settlement building, in order for the Peace Process to continue any longer. The settlements are Illegal, under International law.

Well, if this is not selling out the Palestinians, what is?

This hypocrisy is endemic to the politics of whoever occupies The White House, when it comes to Palestinian Rights, Security and Justice.

And until the American people hold their government accountable for allowing a terrorist government in Israel from treating the Palestinians with impunity. There will and can be no REAL peace in that region.


I am truly disappointed with this development, and my continual support for the Obama Administration will be discontinued with immediate effect, pending some serious reflection.

Derryck.
NYC.

Brazil's Endemic Social-Ethnic & Judicial Dilemma!

October 30-2009:


Brazil's Endemic Social-Ethnic & Judicial Dilemma!

Brazil historically, was colonized by the Portuguese, who brought Black slaves via the Slave Trading Routes, via The Caribbean into Brazil. Even when slavery was abolished in most of Latin & Central America, Brazil still had their internal slave system going.

It took several years after the rest of the Western hemisphere ceased using Blacks on their plantations, for Brazil to follow suit.

This endemic prejudice against anything Black or People Of color, permeates the entire society. eg.,

* Blacks or People Of Color in Brazil have little or no access to higher education.

* The Elementary schooling for Blacks/People Of Color, are of a sub-standard level.

* And Blacks/People Of Color, are less likely to get good jobs that pay a living wage, more likely to janitorial jobs, waiters in restaurants, and cleaning jobs.

* The good or Prestigious Hotels that cater to tourists are Off Limits to Black Brazilians for employment. Those who do get in, are placed in the background, for janitorial, cleaning, and laundering.

President Lula recently introduced legislation to improve the educational opportunities for Black Brazilians. You may call this move, 'equalizing the playing field for Blacks,' just like America did with college educational opportunities for Blacks.

The Judiciary:

The Police in Brazil have arbitrary powers to arrest, harass, and even Kill Blacks in the Favellas/Ghetto districts.
Whenever the Police is called in to attend some crime incident, gang violence, or shoot out within these communities.

They operate as though all residents therein are GUILTY, and they behave in such a manner, as to convey impunity of conduct.

Derryck.
NYC.

NEWS FROM MY PERSPECTIVES-26

October 25-2009:


What If All Newspapers Stopped Publishing?

Then we will continue to rely on the Man On The Street observers and reporters, via Phone and Video cameras. This will not be the End Of The World, like some journalists purports.

The Internet has changed the way we seek out information, and the variety of perspectives, that hitherto was not available to us all.

That is why so many people use the Internet as another source for information gathering.

And that is how the birth of Internet Bloggers got their debut.


Governor General Hamid Karzai's Dilemma!

Unfortunately, president Obama has inherited this 'Stool Pigeon,' and will have to find some way to work with his corrupt government.

However, Afghans generally do not want the US & N.A.T.O. military personnel there. Unless they are helping to develop that country. All fighting foreign military personnel are UN-WELCOMED there.

But president Obama will never pull out US troops on his presidential watch. He fears loosing his popularity, and that may prevent him from being re-elected in 2010

So he will pacify that country, make more promises to Americans, pretend that all is going in his favor over there, until the end of his term

Native American Indigenous Leader Mr. Peltier:

Native American Peltier is just one incident in America, that contradicts the pretense that it is a Fair and Just society under the Laws.

Derryck.
NYC.

Democracy Hijacked By The Oligarchs Within The USA:

October 14-2009:

Democracy Hijacked By The Oligarchs Within The USA:

When the US Supreme Court (those lofty Public Servants), refused to listen to the voice of the commonweal. Because they felt it is not the popular voice at the moment. Then we know that Democracy no longer exists here.

These so-called guardians of the US Constitution refused to allow investigations into the allegations of "An Internal Conspiracy" behind the September 11-2001, World Trade Center disaster.

The popular view is, that the evidence provided by all agencies involved with the investigation was inadequate, insufficient, and does not answer several major concerns of the victim's relatives.

The Obama Administration chose to set a precedent, by looking the other way, not being bothered to have such investigations. So the Supreme Court justices chose to do the same. They FEAR challenging the FBI, The CIA, and The Pentagon.

I guess their lives, livelihood, and careers was the concern. So by not giving the approval for another thorough investigation, they are in fact saying, "I see no wrong doing, therefore, the need for any further investigation is un-warranted,"

However, George W. Bush may be out of The White House, but his policies and political mentality is very much Alive & Well therein!

Derryck.
NYC.

A Rogue Former Danish Commando Publishes Classified Data!

October 12-2009:


A Rogue Former Danish Commando Publishes Classified Data!

A Danish Ex-Special Operation's Military person wrote a book, outlining the GORY details of how they conduct such operations in the field. Such information can do serious harm to undercover operations of any military, in A Theater Of War.

If the enemy can have access to this information, then what is the point having any undercover operation at all. When your enemy will be waiting for you!

George W. Bush's Administration Torture Details:

Just like the Obama administration, through the Attorney General may have to grapple with any information solicited by The US Congress to investigate any wrongdoing, during the military incursions in Iraq & Afghanistan.

This information too will be of a very sensitive nature, and if allowed to be revealed publicly, like that Danish military rogue did, then we may be having the same scenario right here in the USA, about Freedom Of Expression, or Freedom To Publish Information Freely too.

However, it is incumbent upon any Public Official, or Military Officer/Combatant to protect certain Institutional Operations that would allow the enemy if revealed, to have forewarning about any planned operation. Or the methods by which such operations are conducted.

Failing to abide by this 'classified information' rule, could cause very serious harm to lives and limbs in any combat scenario.

Derryck S. Griffith.
NYC.

Recognizing Barack Obama's Quest For A Nuclear Free & Peaceful World:

October 09-2009:

Recognizing Barack Obama's Quest For A Nuclear Free & Peaceful World:


President Barack H. Obama was awarded the Nobel Prize Laureate For Peace & A Nuclear Free World. The 1.4 million EU or US dollars will be donated to Charity, says the Obama Administration.

This should also reinforce the expectations of Americans for bringing our troops home.

However, voices in many quarters of the public domain, wonder and is asking, what has he achieved to warrant this noble recognition?

But the decision to award him was made based on the above title, and the committee felt that he was indeed on the right path.

And has already made a significant difference in changing the global political climate, and reconciling with allies for past misconceptions or misdeeds, that America may have wrought towards some.

Meanwhile, the US & N.A.T.O. are bogged down in Iraq and Afghanistan, in a conflict with no rational end in sight. Plus the continued loss of civilian and military lives growing, on a daily basis.

However, only time will tell if he is truly qualified to have received this award!

Derryck.
NYC.

Establishing A Balance Between Socialism & Capitalism For Future Development Of All Cultures!

October 07-2009:

Establishing A Balance Between Socialism & Capitalism For Future Development Of All Cultures!


SOCIALISM And CAPITALISM co-existing with each other, may be the future for all of humanity.

Capitalism has not rendered us morally upright or equally satisfied materially.

And Socialism has not brought about the daily essentials and needs that are required, for modern development and consumption for all either.

So striking a balance between these two ideologies may be the solution for future development of all cultures.

CHINA:

This country seem to be heading in that direction. But they would have to ensure that the agricultural base is maintained, individual ownership of land, less state intervention and dictation, for increased production and productivity.

And to also ensure that there is increased production of agricultural produce for internal consumption always. And any excess could be exported overseas, with the revenue re-invested in those agrarian communities.

RUSSIA:

This country's native population is dwindling annually, and if some effort is not made, or ordinary Russians encouraged to contemplate having at least one child, or another child. Then in the next decade or two, migrants will be heavily depended upon to fill the every growing gap/void of manual, un-skilled, blue collar, and service industry jobs therein.

Embracing Migrants From Foreign Lands:

This may be one solution for Russia, and other countries without enough or appropriate skills, education, know how, and technological experience and expertise, to contemplate.

Governments will have to embrace foreign labor or immigrants, regardless of their internal opposition to it, because of necessity. How governments go about this is left to the individual states to develop policies and laws of legality, and for immigration, that would allow for this development to take place.

The USA:

This country was founded of principles and beliefs which subscribe to the view, that all humankind, must have Liberty to move or travel anywhere he/she thinks would better his/her condition, Freedom of Self and Expression, and the Rule Of Law, in a Democratic Atmosphere. With these aspirations enshrined in the National Constitution, millions have traveled from around the globe, to experience this unique human and cultural experience.

In recent decades Immigrants Of Color have been emigrating there in droves seeking betterment. This has caused some local and national concerns. Most employers who hire these un-skilled (more or less) new arrivals, pay them less than the regular wages, and work them longer hours that those who are Nationals, and are legally represented under the laws, and may be unionized workers too.

Immigrants Of Color can be seen in every aspect of the national service industries, agricultural, and other production industries, working alongside Americans, but getting less for their work. This irregularity and un-fair Labor practice has fueled resentment among these immigrants, and are also causing the Nationals to feel threatened for their supposed entitled jobs/employment positions, which they feel are in jeopardy.

Derryck S. Griffith.

Using The George W. Bush Scare Tactics AGAIN Will Not Work This Time Around Mr. Obama!

October 07-2009:

Using The George W. Bush Scare Tactics AGAIN Will Not Work This Time Around Mr. Obama!


Using George W. Bush tactics of SCARING Americans about some alleged plot by the Taliban & El Qaeda to harm us,

Is NOT GOING TO WORK this time Mr. Obama.

The US Military (especially the top ranking personnel) should KEEP out of local politics. And STOP making political statements to the Media, The TV, and Internet, while in the employ of the state. By making such statements, it conflicts with their official roles as Public Servants, and are Totally Responsible to the state for their actions.

AFGHANISTAN:

The situation there has changed dramitically since you were campaigning for the presidency Mr. Obama. Therefore, it is imperative to review and act according to current reality.

Bring Our Brothers & Sisters Home. The TALIBAN we are fighting and Killing are all AFGHANS. And NINE MONTHS into the your Administration, and the US Military deaths in Afghanistan is already 774, and GROWING daily!


Derryck.
NYC.

China Comes Of Age At Sixty-1949-2009

September 30-2009:

China Comes Of Age At Sixty-1949-2009

China celebrates her 60Th birthday, just allow me to express some views on this celebration and anniversary.

Ever since Mao ZeDong brought the Cultural Revolution, followed by The Great Leap Forward, then came Democratization & Industrialization. Leaving in it's wake the millions of rural farmers, many of whom was never able to fully enjoy or benefit much from this progress and development.

However, China has achieved much, with great passion for hard work, sacrifice, resolve, suffering, and faith in the belief that their country MUST be developed, and be an equal partner in trade, diplomacy, and military might with the developed western hemisphere.

Being able to make these bold and brave strides does not come easily of without compromises, many of which will entail some loss of personal freedoms, and personal dissent with the system as it grows and changes are being made.

Sometimes much to the chagrin of those who it will impact negatively, more or less!

However, China is on the move, and will not allow anyone or anything to stop or slow it's growth. But at what expense it is prepared to suffer in this regard, is anybody's guess.

Incdentally, China has 56 Nationalities within it's borders, living side by side (as they say there), in Unity!

China has also reduced the man power or strength of the military. And has raised the technological aspects, in keeping with modern military requirements and munitions.

Happy 6oTh Birthday China, you deserve it!

Derryck.
NYC.

We Are Living In A Parallel Universe!

September 18-2009:

We Are Living In A Parallel Universe!

Today, more than ever I am thoroughly convinced that this planet, us humans, and this universe is a twin. Yes, we are in a parallel universe. I have had these suspicions for several years now, triggered by several personal experiences such as meeting someone whom I knew I've met, but could not fathom where. Seeing individuals that look exactly like someone I knew personally some place and time before. They even walked, talked, and behaved like the person or individuals I've known before.

I have had dreams that took me to places that looked exactly like this planet, people of different ethnic groups and complexion, that look just like we do on this earth, people that behaved, spoke, acted, sang, danced, made love, had sex, and did bad things exactly like we do on this planet also. I have had dreams, visions (awake and
asleep) where I met individuals that I knew somehow, we went places, did things together, and parted in a manner that baffled me, to the point where as I was about to leave that person's presence or company. I watched as he/she walked away into the sunset, or into the ground literally, and disappeared from sight too.

Then I realized what was happening, I realized that I was on another planet, another place and time, and that I did not truly belong there. At least not at that time.

Then I awoke, and wondered if that individual realized what was happening also, and if that individual had the same experience that I was having with such an encounter too? I also had experiences on another planet that looked like ours, where I was killed, and as the blade or gunshot struck me, I awoke immediately, and realize that I was still alive, and back on earth, as though nothing happened. Then I realized once more, that a parallel existence MUST be a reality for me to be so convinced, and recognizable.

The Prophets, Seers, Shamans, and Spiritual Leaders Of Yore Realized It Too:

Yes, these people realized it to, but was also like me, unable to comprehend what they too were experiencing back then. They tried to explain these things in the light of their own cultural experiences, background, and interpretation, So many points of view were expressed and shared about them. Some said it was an after lfe, Some said it was re-incarnation of souls, until finally the individual would reach Nirvana, or the completion of the soul's journey to enlightenment. Others call it Heaven. And in recent times, with the advent of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and other faiths, this has become the anticipated end of the human journey.

But all of these peoples and religious philosophies subscribed to some after life, or some other existence that us humans are a part of, and could expect to experience if we behave in certain ways, or believe in certain doctrines prescribed by our Elders of yore. All with the intent to mold our minds to work towards making this perception a reality at some future time. Today, it is referred to as The End Time, or The Coming of The Mufti, or the Advent Of The Christ, or The Return Of The Caliph.

Can Anyone Prove That We Are Indeed In A Parallel Universe?

I don't think with our current scientific technologies that would be possible. And I also don't think humans will ever be able to transcend time and space. Because we as physical beings AGE. And to be able to transcend Time And Space, requires preventing the Aging Process From Taking Place Physically. And we are all aware, that all material things are transformed via the aging stages, in it's development processes.

The invisible essence of all things is yet to be fully comprehended by as humans. At least with our limited and sometimes confused perception, of what we call The Human Reality or Experience.

Derryck S. Griffith.

A Single Globally Recognized-Accepted & Preferred Currency For Exchange Purposes!

September 08-2009:


A Single Globally Recognized-Accepted & Preferred Currency For Exchange Purposes!


Here is another suggestion by some of the world's Influential Financiers, and Caucasian World Leaders, suggesting this concept, with the view that with such currency firmly in place, could prevent another or similar Global Financial Crisis, like the one we are now experiencing.

The upcoming G-20 Summit of political leaders will be discussing this idea to some extent supposedly. And I wonder if those who advocate for a Global Financial Currency for Foreign Exchange Purposes, fail to realize that it was not the foreign currency of any one country that caused this crisis.

It was the GREED, the SCAMS, the Irrational Risks taken by Bankers, Investors, Traders, and Greedy Brokers, who felt they knew how to Scam the works, Make A Killing for themselves and their clients. Until their Calculated Risks went awry.

Now they want to re-invent the wheel, to facilitate themselves once more, in acummulating more wealth, more control of the world's wealth, and more Concentrated Greed in the hands of those like themselves (mostly White men), who never seem to be satisfied with spreading the wealth.

But is bent of acquiring more and more wealth for themselves, their kind, and their communities.

Derryck..
NYC.

My Cold War Years Remembered!

September 05-2009:


My Cold War Years Remembered!

As a child growing up in British Guiana, the Cold War was something of a mystery out of some Novel or Movie. I heard my mother and neighbors mention from time to time, how EVIL The Soviet union was, and how they are planning to use nuclear weapons on the Western hemisphere, because us here in the west are Evil Capitalists, and is a threat to Communism and the ultimate Communist quest for global implementation.

All of those things sounded to me very strange and grave, to say the least. Coupled with that, I would see movies that showed individuals who sought asylum into the USA, and was referred to as DEFECTORS from Communism. And I wondered to myself if that place was really that Evil or Bad, to cause citizens to want to flee from there?

In my naivete, I believed most of what was said on the radio/wireless, the television, and at the movies. And there was an enormous volume of movies showing The Soviet Union in a very negative light, socially, politically, and as a military threat to the West.

I was also very happy when I heard of someone who managed to DEFECT to the West successfully. And the local newspapers showed photos of all those that were able to escape the so-called Iron Curtain. That description also sounded very sinister to me too.

The Fall Of The Berlin Wall:

When the fall of that wall was in progress, I was in amazed, and all the while, watching on television how many Germans from the Western side tried to assist those who were hanging from the wall, or trying to scale it, with the help of some Border guards, But mostly German citizens on the Western Side.

And I wondered how much longer will this continue before the East Side guards said enough was enough, and started shooting them, or started preventing anymore from getting across. But the flow continued un-abated, without interference.

Nikita Krustreuv:

When this man shook his fist with a shoe at the podium, that too made me wonder if he was telling his people, that in time there will be a war with the west. And that he was prepared for it too. Yes, a child's imagination running wild at that time.

Also when US president Ronald Reagan visited there, and the
S.A.L.T. treaty was agreed upon. I felt much relief from that experience and knowledge. I believed that with that trip, and agreement between these two powers, the world was a much safer place to be in now.

Is The Cold War Truly Over?

I believe for those of us who lived during the Cold War era, experienced the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the building and stock piling of Nuclear Weapons between the USA and Russia primarily. It is extremely difficult to put that fear on hold. Or to forget that period in time.

But the current generations of world leaders may not have such baggage to deal with psychologically. And may be better equipped mentally and psychologically, to operate more favorably with Russia, and other states, with or without nuclear weapons.

Derryck.
NYC.

TALIBAN Decpetion In Afghanistan Recently!

September 04-2009:


TALIBAN Deception In Afghanistan Recently!

They captured two Gasoline Supply Trucks, but could not cross a stream to safety. So they allowed the locals to syphon off the gas for personal use instead.

US drones mistakenly took them all for the Taliban. Thus causing ninety civilians to be killed in that DRONE STRIKE.

This is yet another one of those scenarios that Afghan civilians have to endure, because of mistaken identity by US and NATO Military Strikes, in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.

How much longer will the Afghans endure this slaughter, before they rise up en-masse, against the occupying forces of The West?

This may eventually lead to a Saigon Scenario effect, like when the US soldiers had to literally run for their lives to the Saigon Airport, during the final days of US occupation of Vietnam.

Derryck.
NYC.

NEW US CYBER SECURITY BILL S.773 Proposal:

September 02-2009:

NEW US CYBER SECURITY BILL S.773!

This bill would allow the president to have the Internet access of any suspect DISCONTINUED in the so-called National Interest.

This to my mind is just another way to control who accesses the Internet by the state. And to further LIMIT Internet or Cyber access to those the STATE feels are terrorists, Anti-American, or want to prevent from so doing for political reasons.

If this is what president Barack Obama intends to do to his supporters and the American people. I say it MUST be RESISTED with URGENCY and fortitude.

This also reminds me about the intention that George W. Bush, and his acolytes had, when they too imposed the Ascroft Bill/Act, which Barack Obama promised to revamp or amend, but has not touched as yet either.

This Bill MUST never be allowed to pass PERIOD!

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger

Please go to congress.org to petition your political representatives NOW!

---------------------------------------------
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10320096-38.html
August 28, 2009 12:34 AM PDT
Bill would give president emergency control of Internet
by Declan McCullagh Font size Print E-mail Share 1362 comments Yahoo! Buzz
Internet companies and civil liberties groups were alarmed this spring when a U.S. Senate bill proposed handing the White House the power to disconnect private-sector computers from the Internet.
They're not much happier about a revised version that aides to Sen. Jay Rockefeller, a West Virginia Democrat, have spent months drafting behind closed doors. CNET News has obtained a copy of the 55-page draft of S.773 (excerpt), which still appears to permit the president to seize temporary control of private-sector networks during a so-called cybersecurity emergency.

The new version would allow the president to "declare a cybersecurity emergency" relating to "non-governmental" computer networks and do what's necessary to respond to the threat. Other sections of the proposal include a federal certification program for "cybersecurity professionals," and a requirement that certain computer systems and networks in the private sector be managed by people who have been awarded that license.
"I think the redraft, while improved, remains troubling due to its vagueness," said Larry Clinton, president of the Internet Security Alliance, which counts representatives of Verizon, Verisign, Nortel, and Carnegie Mellon University on its board. "It is unclear what authority Sen. Rockefeller thinks is necessary over the private sector. Unless this is clarified, we cannot properly analyze, let alone support the bill."
Representatives of other large Internet and telecommunications companies expressed concerns about the bill in a teleconference with Rockefeller's aides this week, but were not immediately available for interviews on Thursday.
A spokesman for Rockefeller also declined to comment on the record Thursday, saying that many people were unavailable because of the summer recess. A Senate source familiar with the bill compared the president's power to take control of portions of the Internet to what President Bush did when grounding all aircraft on Sept. 11, 2001. The source said that one primary concern was the electrical grid, and what would happen if it were attacked from a broadband connection.
When Rockefeller, the chairman of the Senate Commerce committee, and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) introduced the original bill in April, they claimed it was vital to protect national cybersecurity. "We must protect our critical infrastructure at all costs--from our water to our electricity, to banking, traffic lights and electronic health records," Rockefeller said.
The Rockefeller proposal plays out against a broader concern in Washington, D.C., about the government's role in cybersecurity. In May, President Obama acknowledged that the government is "not as prepared" as it should be to respond to disruptions and announced that a new cybersecurity coordinator position would be created inside the White House staff. Three months later, that post remains empty, one top cybersecurity aide has quit, and some wags have begun to wonder why a government that receives failing marks on cybersecurity should be trusted to instruct the private sector what to do.
Rockefeller's revised legislation seeks to reshuffle the way the federal government addresses the topic. It requires a "cybersecurity workforce plan" from every federal agency, a "dashboard" pilot project, measurements of hiring effectiveness, and the implementation of a "comprehensive national cybersecurity strategy" in six months--even though its mandatory legal review will take a year to complete.
The privacy implications of sweeping changes implemented before the legal review is finished worry Lee Tien, a senior staff attorney with the Electronic Frontier Foundation in San Francisco. "As soon as you're saying that the federal government is going to be exercising this kind of power over private networks, it's going to be a really big issue," he says.
Probably the most controversial language begins in Section 201, which permits the president to "direct the national response to the cyber threat" if necessary for "the national defense and security." The White House is supposed to engage in "periodic mapping" of private networks deemed to be critical, and those companies "shall share" requested information with the federal government. ("Cyber" is defined as anything having to do with the Internet, telecommunications, computers, or computer networks.)
"The language has changed but it doesn't contain any real additional limits," EFF's Tien says. "It simply switches the more direct and obvious language they had originally to the more ambiguous (version)...The designation of what is a critical infrastructure system or network as far as I can tell has no specific process. There's no provision for any administrative process or review. That's where the problems seem to start. And then you have the amorphous powers that go along with it."
Translation: If your company is deemed "critical," a new set of regulations kick in involving who you can hire, what information you must disclose, and when the government would exercise control over your computers or network.
The Internet Security Alliance's Clinton adds that his group is "supportive of increased federal involvement to enhance cyber security, but we believe that the wrong approach, as embodied in this bill as introduced, will be counterproductive both from an national economic and national secuity perspective."
Update at 3:14 p.m. PDT: I just talked to Jena Longo, deputy communications director for the Senate Commerce committee, on the phone. She sent me e-mail with this statement:
The president of the United States has always had the constitutional authority, and duty, to protect the American people and direct the national response to any emergency that threatens the security and safety of the United States. The Rockefeller-Snowe Cybersecurity bill makes it clear that the president's authority includes securing our national cyber infrastructure from attack.
The section of the bill that addresses this issue, applies specifically to the national response to a severe attack or natural disaster. This particular legislative language is based on longstanding statutory authorities for wartime use of communications networks. To be very clear, the Rockefeller-Snowe bill will not empower a "government shutdown or takeover of the Internet" and any suggestion otherwise is misleading and false.
The purpose of this language is to clarify how the president directs the public-private response to a crisis, secure our economy and safeguard our financial networks, protect the American people, their privacy and civil liberties, and coordinate the government's response.
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