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.

07/28/2009 10:18 AM

July 28-2009:

Could The Internet Be Responsible For Cursive Writing Skills Demise?


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Derryck S. Griffith.
NYC.

07/15/2009 07:40 PM



http://thethingsthatmatter.blogspot.com/

July 15-2009:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Derryck.
NYC.

07/05/2009 07:06 PM


July 05-2009:

How Does An Agenda Develop Between Two States?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Derryck.
NYC.

07/01/2009 04:22 PM


July 01-2009:

Racial Profiling In France!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Derryck S. Griffith.
New York City.

http://thethingsthatmatter.blogspot.com/

06/30/2009 05:53 PM

June 30-2009:

The Wars Of The Future Are Cyber Wars!

Today global communication is conducted primarily via computer technology and Internet accessing. The computer has become the modus operandi for us to communicate with each other on a global scale, hitherto unheard of.

Our military systems are also dependent on this technology to operate missiles, launch missiles, launch satellites, and launch directives or cods that will send drones, or warheads towards an enemy thousands of miles away, that is unseen.

The ability to hack into military systems, or law enforcement systems, or National Security Systems are VERY REAL indeed, with expert computer hackers. Some of which do so for a fee, others to interrupt or sabotage, others to brag about.

This reality is the concern or most or all governments worldwide, and are being contemplated on with their own defense systems manned by officially conscripted hackers to work for the state, to guard or prevent their individual systems from being sabotaged or compromised by hackers.

So How Could We Avoid Any Major Catastrophe?

There have been some state to state hacking already, and the victimized states are already known. But hacking into computers worldwide is being done on a daily, and hourly basis. So those governments that are seriously bent of protecting their security networks or systems, MUST endeavor to implement certain technological changes and Fire Walls, to prevent sophisticated hacking into their systems.

And this will naturally cost large sums of revenue to pay for the know how, the recruits, and systems to build, develop, and monitor.

But it has to be done!

Derryck.
NYC.

06/21/2009 04:28 PM

June 21-2009:

The B.R.I.C. Coalition Launched!


This acronym is the name of four developing countries that encourages trade with each other, in a global market place that is too heavily dependent upon the US dollar.

These countries are Brazil Russia, India, and China.

With their emerging economies, and need for sustainable mineral resources for internal development programs and growth. They share a common interest, that when combined in trade will allow them to grow more equitably in the international market arena.

And may also allow them to not be so impacted as much as they are currently, if or when there is another global financial scam/crisis, their dependency upon the US dollar will be less severe.

It is hoped that at some time in the future, a global Super Currency may be introduced, alongside the US dollar, in order for states to have another means to ensure financial stability and security, should another financial crisis like the one we see currently arise.

Derryck.
NYC.

06/16/2009 02:34 PM


June 16-2009:

What Does Freedom & Democracy Mean To Iranians?

Sometimes I ask myself if those of us outside of Iran, or the middle Eastern countries truly understand how democracy and freedom is perceived and is expected to be practiced in those countries. And because of the different perceptions and practices of democracy in the East and West, we sometimes feel that we can make statements on it at anytime, feeling that there is a commonly understood concept of democratic governance in all cultures. Which is certainly not so!

However, as I see it, the outpouring of youths, and women in large numbers against the perceived rigging of this election results, says to me that their must be a perception from the opposition's supporters and voters that something unfair or illegal was done, in order to get the current result or winner of this election.

The Women and most Young people who participated in this election had expectations for equal rights, freedom of expression, freedom of the Internet, the local media, and freedom to peacefully agitate for changes, without being harassed by the security agencies or Police, or incarcerated for so doing. And the opposing contender seem to have garnered the support of mostly young people and women, who genuinely believed that their representative, if elected will address these issues and concerns.

Even though both political contenders swore allegiance to the Supreme Ayatollah, and the Islamic State, before they were allowed to contend for the presidency. And even if the losing side had won this election, it would not have prevented the Supreme Ayatollah from intervening in the government anytime he perceives that his conservative position was under threat.

So what happens after the recount?

If after a recount is done, and Achmedinajad is still the winner, the opposition will have to abide by the result of this recount. And his supporters will probably go along with it too in sorrow. But I hope that the struggle will never cease or die in frustration. But that the youths and women generally, will continue to agitate for these issues to be addressed by their government, for the freedom to express their fears, anger, and expectations peacefully, in the future.

Derryck.
NYC.

06/14/2009 07:19 PM


June 14-2009:

Netanyahu Wants Freedom To Violate Palestinian Air Space!

This is the most ridiculous proposal ever by Israel, for Palestinians to comply with.

Prime Minister Netanyahu wants the Air Space over Palestine to be open to Israel's Air Force and Air Strikes, before he will agree to Palestinian Sovereignty.

True sovereignty means total control of all Land Mass, Sea Ports, International Water Boundaries, and Air Space.

I say to all Palestinians, this is tantamount to Hypocrisy and continued Lordship over Palestine.

And MUST never be accepted by any Palestinian Leadership or Arab nation in that region.

Derryck.
NYC.

06/11/2009 03:12 PM


June 10-2009:

How Do We Define Human Rights In Iran?

Whoever emerges as the winner in Iran's election, will have to define the concept of Human Rights.

Is it Human Rights under the Islamic Concepts?

Or is Human Rights under the United Nations Concepts?

Until the new leader is able to define his position on the above, he may just be another pawn to the Absolute Ayatollah's dictates.

With regard to diplomatic relations with the West or the USA. Subtle diplomacy aught to be the policy going forward.

Because if the new leader continues to use aggressive and defamatory rhetoric towards America publicly, then the ability to indulge in positive and constructive diplomatic relations with America may be jeopardized.

And may result in the continued portrayal of both cultures, as cantankerous and not to be trusted or believed.

Internet Access Discontinuation Law Thrown Out Of France Appeal's Court!

The Recording Industry Association of America is taking a dangerous step with its decision to stop suing suspected music sharers and start cutting off their Internet access instead.

This law would have penalized anyone who knowingly downloaded music files or movies illegally.

And anyone who was caught would be Firstly warned via a notice, and Secondly their Internet access would be discontinued.

The Court said Free Internet Access is a Right. And only a judge could decide if or how to penalize anybody for internet use.

Hurray for Free Internet Access, and Free File Sharing on the Internet.

What Does Belarus Mean?

Well, Belarus is a former Soviet Colony.

It refers to the White Russians who battled the Soviets for control following the Russian Revolution.

Therefore, it stands to reason that Belarus may be behaving in such a manner lately, with it's former colonizer Russia.

By making statements that could be interpreted to mean, a breakaway from that alliance or courtship

UN Security Council Enacts New Harsh Proposals!

But will the Dear Leader Kim Jung IL comply or change his ways?

However, it is also time to incorporate some more countries into the Security Council. Because the current ones represented therein, cannot adequately represent or incorporate the feelings or views of the new developing countries.

Derryck.
NYC.

06/08/2009 06:42 PM


June 08-2009:

Could Hezbullah & HAMAS Political organizations Become Mainstream?

This question I have recently pondered very deeply. And here is my take on it:

* Firstly, for these two political and religiously influenced organizations to gain mainstream support in their respective territories. They have to be more inclusive of all ethnic groups, religious affiliations, and females too.

* Secondly, these organizations MUST try to show that they are not totally male dominated or oriented, by using women in some aspects of their political discourses and frontline activities.

* Thirdly, they MUST indicate their support of women's issues like freedom to vote, hold political office, and the choice to wear or not to wear the head scarf.

* Fourthly, freedom of women to seek divorce if the marriage is compromised (by any party), for infidelity, or some other unlawful means.

* Fifth, freedom of the Press, the Media, The Internet, and to demonstrate peacefully, for or against the political administration in power.

* Sixth, to declare that Israel has the right to their sovereignty, and the Palestinians have the right also to self determination, and eventually their own sovereign state.

With these accommodations publicly declared and incorporated into their mandate and policies, I believe that Christians and Non Moslems, will be more inclined to pay attention or support Hezbullah and HAMAS, as their political representatives.

Derryck.
NYC.

06/07/2009 07:25 PM


June 07-2009:

President Omar Bongo Of Gabon Has Died!

President Omar Bongo of Gabon, has died after (43 years, in a One Party State). He was 73 years of age, after a long illness. This man ruled for four decades over people who never knew of any alternative, or had no other choice for another leader to emerge or encouraged.

Because he stiffled and snuffed out all opposition via the election apparatus, everytime an election is allowed to happen.

President Bongo never took a vacation for all of his 43 years in office, for fear that he may lose his position. That is what happens when any dictator takes office illegally.

They have to live in perpetual fear for their life and position. Seventy three percent of his people live in abject poverty, while he enriched himself from the country's coffers with millions illegally.

Ironically, in Africa power is sought through the majority vote. If a tribe is the majority in any state, it is a foregone conclusion that they must be the rulers of that state of government.

The concept of proportional representation does not apply in Africa's politics period!

He was one of Africa's longest serving leaders.

Another strongman bites the dust!

The European Union Experiment!

Europeans like Americans in so many ways, are voting according to their individual state. They seem not to comprehend the collective politics that the EU encompasses.

So that is the reason why the turnout is so poor, and certain countries seem not to care!

Hezbullah May Win More Seats In Lebanon's Parliament!

The US and others call HEZBULLAH terrorists.

But the Armenians will be voting for them in the elections currently, EN-MASS in Lebanon!

This voting block of Christians are swing voters.

Go figure!

Derryck.
NYC.