YEAR OF THE TIGER-2010:

May I Be At PEACE!


May I Be At Peace,

May My Heart Be Open,

May I Awaken To

The Light Of My True Nature,

May I Be Healed,

And May I Be A Source Of Healing

For All BEINGS!
Derryck.

Christmas Holiday Greetings!

December 23-2009:

Christmas Holiday Greetings!

The year 2009 could be remembered as Challenging, Economically bleak, and the beginning of UNCERTAINTY for America and the World.

With the rise of president elect Barack H. Obama, the leader of the Free Democratic hemisphere. We expect BIG changes for the better.

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

And a New Day will dawn come 2010.

May these last few days of 2009, be Pleasant, Fruitful, Resolute, and Hopeful, for all who care, believe, hope, and share in the dream.

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

Om Shanti.
Derryck.
NYC.

Did President Obama Betrayed His Promise For The Public Option?

December 23-2009:

Did President Obama Betrayed His Promise For The Public Option?


The president said recently that he did not campaign for The Public Option. He may be correct there, because he may not have used those EXACT WORDS. But he implied it, when he said that over 40 million Americans do not have health care coverage, or cannot afford it.

And he intends to change that when be become president!

Therefore, it stands to reason that giving them a choice with a Publicly Funded Option, to provide competition to private Insurance Companies. That would cater for the lowering of coverage fees and create a Level Competitive Playing field.

That is why it is so Urgent that we get access to a public Option for all of the above mentioned.


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.


FURTHERMORE:

There can be no Health Care Reform without The Public Option Included PERIOD!

Derryck.
NYC.

Legally Binding Global Emissions Pact!

December 22-2009:

Legally Binding Global Emissions Pact!

I disagree with any legally binding Global Emissions Program, for the following reasons:

* Politicians who make proposals and may sign agreements committing their respective countries, may be doing their constituents a disfavor.

* Politicians do not hold Publicly elected office forever. Unless they are Dictators. And even they too are not certain about their longevity.

* Signing any agreement with legal validity will tie the hands of politicians who may or ay not be in office, should they renege on those agreements. Then who is to blame, or be held responsible?

Therefore, I strongly suggest that any Global Emissions Agreement between politicians at any Global Emissions Summit, aught to be taken in "Good Faith."

And the honoring of that agreement should be left to the states concerned.

Derryck.
New York City.

A Few Decided The Fate Of The Majority In Copenhagen?

December 18-2009:

A Few Decided The Fate Of The Majority In Copenhagen?


Twenty or Twenty Five Nations (behind closed doors), decided for 190 nations? Totally un-acceptable for such agreement to have any teeth, because it was un-democratic.

Therefore, whatever it purports will be illegal, not legally binding, and un-acceptable!

EXECUTION:

* Each country will indicate how they will make necessary changes in their emissions project.

* Each country will be subjected to the same levels of scrutiny, transparency, and accountability for their promises/agreement.

This agreement is not legally binding, but will convey in spirit the resolve collectively and globally, to work towards curbing Global Climate Emissions that are harmful to the planet, and all therein.

Ten billion Euros was proposed (for ten years), to help developing countries cope with their intent to comply with this accord.

African delegates said NO to this agreement (more or less).


Derryck.
NYC.

Indonesia Cannot Afford It's Military Budget:

December 17-2009:

The State Of Indonesia Cannot Afford It's Military Budget.

I was watching aljazeera.net tonight, where this topic was being discussed by one of it's anchors, and two interviewees. The anchor was contending that the Indonesian government currently, cannot afford to finance the entire apparatus of it's military institutions.

Historically, the military indulged in co-operatives and other legal and illegal operations to finance their coffers, and some filled their individual pockets too with the revenue earned.

Laws were passed by the current political administration for the military to surrender ownership and control, of all businesses they are managing or owns. But this seem to be quite an ordeal for the government, because most of those who serve therein, earn wages that are considered not commensurate to the risks they are exposed to, or for the National Security that they are liable to be called upon to uphold and defend in times of crisis.

So many indulge in undercover illegal dealings, that can be associated with those of the Mob or Drug Lords. Not only the Army is corrupted, but the entire military and para-military apparatus. Which sometimes indulge in activities that involves civilian deaths, harassment, abductions, and terror, with impunity.

Restructuring The Military:

What seems to be the solution to my mind are the following.

* A thorough assessment of the national defense needs of the Army, Navy, Maritime Corps, and Airforce.

* A thorough assessment of the National Police Precincts/Stations, Internal Security agencies, and Fire Fighting Brigades too.

Then deciding how large each segment or institution would be, could be financed, or is necessary in the overall National Security Construct.

* Then instituting some form of institutional and voluntary work programs within the Army, like Community/Housing developmental assistance, Road maintenance and Construction, Bridge building, and Disaster Preparation activities.

This MUST be instituted in order to keep these men and women meaningfully engaged/occupied.

Because an idle military contemplates mischief.

Derryck.
NYC.

How Concerned Are You About The Economic Costs Of Global Warming?

http://mimbari.livejournal.com/

December 17-2009:

How Concerned Are You About The Economic Costs Of Global Warming?

My Response:

Personally, very concerned! For the following reasons.

* I do not believe the current view that Global warming is caused by humans.

* I do believe that Global Warming is cyclical, and human actions of pollution, have very little impact globally on this cycle.

* I also believe that the Global Financial Institutions, and most governments in developed countries, are being encouraged to instill fear into people, in order to get their financial support.

* When people are scared, they tend to be vulnerable to almost any solution offered them!

Derryck.
NYC.

How Could You Train An Illiterate People To Govern Themselves?

December 02-2009:

How Could You Train An Illiterate People To Govern Themselves?

Afghanistan:

President Obama promised to focus on developing the Afghan government, Locally and Centrally, to govern themselves.

He also emphasized that training the National Police, the Army, and other Security Agencies in that country, is vitally necessary to safeguard all Afghans in the cities, while the US and N.A.T.O. forces concentrate of hunting down the Taliban and El Qaeda insurgents.

Illiteracy:

The majority of the population in Afghanistan are illiterate. The Local and Central infrastructure that is necessary to allow for effective and efficient governance is absent. There is no official Civil Service to talk about either, and historically, business was done via the War Lords, in their respective regions and spheres of influence. And most of these War Lords are also illiterate.

So even if we want to co-opt those willing War Lords to hold governmental positions in their regions officially. How could they perform efficiently, if they are also illiterate, with no professional or modern day concept of governance, or managerial skills that could account for large sums of money in their control.

Or for the payment of salaries, pensions, and health care concerns of the Police, the Army, and all of the other Governmental Agencies that would be necessary, for the management of the Afghan State.

Corruption:

Currently, the Afghan government is riddled with corruption at all levels. Even the Hamid Karzai's brother, who happens to be an official in his government, is notorious for his corruption too. Coupled with Mass un-employment in the agrarian or rural areas. Most of which depend upon the Poppy production as a source of income for their families's survival.

How could an illiterate agricultural oriented people move away from what they have been doing for decades to earn a livelihood. Just decide to change their occupation for something else, which they have little or no abilities, know how, or possible qualifications?

Re-training & Re-educating Afghans:

However this is done, it must be methodical, easy to implement, localized, ethnic and regional in conception, and with the advice, input, and with the acceptance of those to whom it is intended to benefit.

Derryck S. Griffith.
NYC.

PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH THIRTY THOUSAND MORE TROOPS!

December 01-2009:

PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH THIRTY THOUSAND MORE TROOPS!

President Obama will NEVER fully withdraw US troops from Afghanistan & Iraq. It is not his nature to accept defeat, nor to appear weak.

It is the American INFLATED EGO that prevents REASON from getting attention.

The Republicans by history favors war.

It brings money to their campaigns, business, and military munition's manufacturing supporters.

It is unfortunate that most young conscripts in the US military are willing to serve wherever they are sent.

But those who make the decisions in The White House & The Pentagon, seem to take them for granted most of the time.

Derryck.
NYC.

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.