03/04/2010 06:37 PM


http://mimbari.livejournal.com/

March 04-2010:

Could America's Two Party Political System Be Changed?


There is some concern, especially currently about the possibility of a third Political Party or Independent Candidate getting elected to The White House in the near future. This to mind stems form the recent polls taken that show a growing and disgruntled populace against the current political administration in Washington-DC, (both parties), and the loss of three states that the Democrats had won in the general election of 2008.

Ralph Nader, and Ron Paul are two individuals who have been trying to get mass support, but have never been able to garner that support, to allow them a majority for the presidency. And it seems like they are using the current political and economic climate to push for a third Independent candidate to challenge the Democrats and the Republicans, at the next general election.

Barack Obama Has Failed To Deliver On His Promises:

* Barack Obama said during his campaign for the presidency, that he will close Gyantanamo Bay prison. This has not yet been done, and it may not happen in his first term either.

* Barack Obama promised to end The Don't Ask-Don't Tell Law. This is still being debated, and may not happen in his first term either.

* Barack Obama promised to Bring Home our troops from Iraq & Afghanistan. They are still in Iraq, and the war goes on in Afghanistan, with more troops added too.

* Barack Obama promised to revamp the spying on Americans via telephone wiretapping, the Internet, and other traditional modes of mass communication. This has not be revamped either. In fact, it was enhanced.

* Barack Obama has allowed Cuban Americans with relatives in Cuba to send money there, and to travel. But ONLY Cuban Americans can do so. And the ban or American travel there is still in place.

Barack Obama's Dilemma Currently.

Barack Obama inherited trillions of US dollars in deficit, failing Banks and Insurance companies that threatened to bring down the national economy. So they had to get financial assistance from the state, to save them and the national economy from total collapse.

But the mass of working class people became un-employed, loss their savings, homes and mortgages. While the rescued bankers still got their wish, paid back the bonuses, and has recovered from near bankruptcy. Even Wall Street Investors are now sailing in growing profits, and secured investments (thanks to the rescue package), while most Americans can hardly eat or pay the rent.

Unemployment is growing, and the current un-employment figure is 9.5%, (more or less).

So What Could Ralph Nader Or Ron Paul Do To Make It Better?

Both of these men are also part of the political system and problem. Both are politicians who do not have any mandate or proposals that would allow Americans to give them the chance to govern in Washington-DC. And even if one of them got elected to the presidency, the House and Senate may not have their majority support or representatives, that would allow them to make the necessary changes that one could believe in either.

Plus the Military and Business lobbyists still have the money and political clout to buy or influence individual candidates for elective office, or to support any candidate that caters to their needs and concerns.

So the traditional entrenched mindset, financial support and influence of Big Business, and the Military Contractor's Lobbyists are still powerful for any elected president or Congress to circumvent, or prevent from influencing decision making in Congress or the Senate.

Will Barack Obama Get Re-elected?

The current political and economic climate indicates that the Democratic Party may lose any general election if it was held right now. Because most Americans see no immediate financial help coming their way, to want to go out and vote again for the Democrats. And with current un-employment levels as they are, may be the reason why the Democrats may not be in the majority anymore, at the next general election.

Derryck.
NYC.
http://internationalpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/

02/25/2010 05:14 PM


http://mimbari.livejournal.com/

February 25-2010:

Most Americans Say They Have The Best Health Care System
In The World!

This is a false statement that is made by most of the political representatives in Washington-DC. What they don't say or possibly know, is that thousands of Americans leave these shores to access heart transplants in China and Singapore. Because it is more affordable, available, and no insurance companies ripping them off.

Furthermore, most countries that have a National Healthcare Plan covers their citizens mandatory. And is still able to guarantee the best coverage, and care for all insured persons. This is guaranteed because there is a national and reliable pool or funds, and medical personnel, that is legislated to deliver these services.

GETTING DRUGS NOT NEEDED:

Is seems like many patients are using drugs they really don't need, because of the volume of medical providers they have.

If a patient is able to use ONE doctor as his/her primary care provider, and is able to get all of his/her medical needs accessed via technology by his/her doctor. Even if that patient also have to get Special Needs references for another Specialist.

Then better co-ordination and accounting will be possible!

The tendency for any patient that does not like a certain provider or doctor, and decides to visit with another doctor somewhere else, will be known, and the necessary financial adjustments and accounting rectified.

But it seems that currently, any patient can access any doctor, or pharmacy to get his/her prescriptions filled or needs met.

Thus creating several accounts for this ONE patient, being submitted for different things at different times. And who knows if all or any of those accounts have been falsified.

The Hopelessly Un-Insured Millions:

This group falls within the following categories:

* Those who are unable to pay for Medicare Coverage, because it is too expensive, and their income will not allow them to do so.

* And those whose incomes are so small, (and these are in the majority), and can never afford any kind of Health Care Coverage.

If these two groups are able to access basic coverage, it will allow for more coverage broadly, more variety in access coverage, and will ensure premiums stay constant, and not be hiked up (by the whims and fancies) of the insurance companies to protect their accustomed incomes./revenues.

Derryck.
NYC.
http://stemcellresearchandcloning.blogspot.com/

02/17/2010 05:49 PM


February 17-2010:

Should Ex-Felons Be Allowed To Vote?

Firstly, as far as I am aware. When a person commits a felony, and have served his/her time in prison for that or those crimes, he/she has complied with the legal penalty for that or those crimes within that society.

And which, he/she that crime (having already fully complied with that penalty), it should never be used against him/her, when it comes to voting rights or exercising his/her franchise.

If his/her past felonious act/s is still a factor in his/her future contributions to society at large. Then that implies that his/her crimes against society have not been recognized as fully paid.

And that would be UNFAIR, UNJUST, and an impingement upon the Civil; Rights of that or those individuals, regardless of what state he or she reside, or chose to reside in.

Derryck.
NYC.

12/23/2009 07:28 PM


http://derryckviewpoint.blogspot.com/

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.

12/19/2009 11:00 AM


http://thethingsthatmatter.blogspot.com/

December 19-2009:

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.

12/18/2009 01:21 AM


http://thethingsthatmatter.blogspot.com/

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.

12/17/2009 05:27 PM


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.

12/02/2009 07:40 PM


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.

12/02/2009 03:16 PM


http://thethingsthatmatter.blogspot.com/

December 02-2009:

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.

11/12/2009 05:21 PM


http://freelancebloggersguild.blogspot.com/

November 12-2009:

Writing With Credibility!

Today, it is being debated globally whether politicians should use ghost writers or do their own writing, to gain recognition.

I say, all individuals should do their own writing, but are at liberty to ask another person to edit or advise on content, structure, and coherence in the process.

I also believe that no other person could express your feelings, thoughts, experiences, beliefs, or emotions, like you yourself. even though not all of us have the ability to pen our thoughts, emotions, or feelings.

But if you consider writing as a conversation with another person that you know or admire, or even want to convince, then writing would be a breeze for you.

Never believe that you are not academically qualified to write anything, because you are not being asked to submit a thesis for an examination, to qualify for a diploma.

So with this in mind, I suggest to any Blogger, or anyone who wants to write his/her biography or some novel, to firstly,

* Develop a structure or format, and ensuring that there is an introduction to your story.

* Then proceed to the nitty-gritty or body of your story.

* And eventually moving gradually to it's conclusion.

Using this approach aught to help any first timer to begin that first draft for his/her novel, Blog Thesis, or Biography.

Derryck.
NYC.

11/08/2009 05:50 PM

http://internationalpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/

November 08-2009:


Falsely Accused Enemy Combatants!

If someone was arrested or apprehended in a foreign country where the US & N.A.T.O. forces were or is fighting terrorism, with that government's approval of their presence there. Then, anyone who was actually involved in combat with N.A.T.O. or US troops while engaging in fighting terror. He/she would be brought back to the US or interned into any US base in that country, or abroad for questioning.

If it is determined that such arrests are unfounded, or no concrete evidence was unearthed that substantiate the allegations that he/she was indeed a combatant, then that individual must be set free. Or returned home to his country or to the country that he was arrested in.

Habeas Corpus:

In terms of habeas corpus for that individual. The US will say that a foreigner arrested in a foreign country, or on US shores or territories, is not qualified to be tried in any US Court Of Justice, because he/she is not a US citizen. But that does not prevent him/her from being tried in the country where he/she was arrested instead.

Could justice or the presumption of justice for these individuals be guaranteed in another country for their alleged crimes?

That is an open question. But the US and I presume N.A.T.O. are obligated to abide by the UN & Geneva Conventions which stipulate, that all combatants (uniformed or not), caught in any theater of war, his/her rights be respected under the UN Charter, regardless of whether he/she is guilty or presumed guilty of any war crime.

Could The Alleged Combatants Suit The US?

I guess he/she could file suit against the US or N.A.T.O authorities/governments if he/she feels that his/her Human Rights have been violated. And any suit can be filed in a Court Of Law.

But in the case of the US Judicial system, such a suit may not be entertained, because that person was not a US citizen at the time of arrest or incarceration.

And currently, under the Obama administration, a special Military Tribunal, conducted by the US military will be the forum where Innocence or Guilt is determined.

Derryck S. Griffith.
New York City.

11/05/2009 08:09 PM


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.

09/18/2009 07:46 PM


http://thethingsthatmatter.blogspot.com/

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 who I know I've met, but could not fathom where. Seeing individuals that look exactly like someone I know 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 or different ethnic groups and comlexions, 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 in sleep) 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 present or company.

I watch 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 wonder if that individual realized how 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 realize 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 life, 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. Other call it Heaven in recent times with the advent of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and other faiths.

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 mould 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.

08/15/2009 08:23 PM

http://thethingsthatmatter.blogspot.com/

August 15-2009:

AFGHANISTAN-A War Without End!

The war there cannot be perceived as successful for the following reasons:

The TALIBAN are part of the pre-dominant Ethnic group called the PASTHUNS. This group by and large supported the Taliban since before the war, and still does, to some extent now.

The other ethnic groups there also in many ways, depend on the Taliban for daily sustenance for crops they cannot grow or sell successfully. So they sell their services to the Taliban's insurrectionist policies.

Some Ethnic groups grow the Poppy crop, that is vitally needed for their own sustenance, and to provide the finances for the Taliban group's insurrectionist efforts, to oust all foreign troops from that country.

President Hamid Karzai has finally come to realize that his governance cannot survive, much less thrive without the inclusion of some elements of Taliban leadership. Especially in the South, where they are very influential and control; all aspects of that part of the country. Coupled with that reality, are the fact that not all ethnic groups are supportive of his government, and will continue to listen to their War Lord's leadership for directives, and give them support whenever they require same from them.

This is the current reality in Afghanistan. And whoever emerges victorious in the upcoming national elections, govern effectively without pandering to, or catering to all ethnic groups in that country.

After the political victory is assured, the new government MUST ensure that all ethnic groups are represented therein, have representatives regionally in positions of Local Government, so that the Central government will be able to directly influence what if happening in the various regions of the country.

And also ensure that whomever represents the Central Government in Kabul, fully understands to who loyalty is required, and operates transparently, credibly, and without social, religious, ethnic, or political preferences.

Derryck S. Griffith.

08/07/2009 07:52 PM


ADVOCATES FOR HEALTHCARE:

We do not want to SCARE, Intimidate, or Threaten anyone

Into accepting Health Care.

So please cease such
actions

NOW!
Derryck-NYC.