Essay/Commentary: Smart Phones
Several months ago, Rhode Island disc jockey Geoff Charles mentioned that governments around the world currently have the power in time of crisis to block the photographic and perhaps audio components of Smart Phones, preventing the average citizen the ability to record when the government or other authorities misuse their power or resort to violence or bloodshed to keep the people in line. For instance, when the next Tianananmen Square or Occupy protest upsets the powers that be, the general public can be kept in the dark about what is really going on in this country or anywhere around the world where the authorities abuse their power. This can and likely will have a chilling effect on Free Speech and freedom of action and choice. Shame on the makers of these devices for giving government and other authorities the power to disable these omnipresent machines. (tbc?)
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Essay/Commentary: My Take on Toys for Tots
Essay/Commentary: My Take on Toys for Tots
At this time of year the U.S Marine Corps. and many other individual and oraganizations make a big deal about Toys for Tots for the offspring of the needy or less-fortunate. After all, as they say, " 'Tis the Season". I can understand why, at this time of year people who celebrate Christmas or perhaps Chanukah or other holidays want everyone else to also enjoy the Holiday season. However, in my opinion this is short-term thinking, and is arguably a waste of time, money and effort. With the idea of "Give someone a fish they eat for a day, but teach them to fish they may eat for a lifetime", I have an alternative idea. : Instead of buying these unfortunate children a toy or toys, why not instead either chip in to give them tutoring or tuition money (or both) for present or future schooling, so when they are of age they will hopefully have the education or skills to procure a satisfactory job or career. The rest is up to them.
At this time of year the U.S Marine Corps. and many other individual and oraganizations make a big deal about Toys for Tots for the offspring of the needy or less-fortunate. After all, as they say, " 'Tis the Season". I can understand why, at this time of year people who celebrate Christmas or perhaps Chanukah or other holidays want everyone else to also enjoy the Holiday season. However, in my opinion this is short-term thinking, and is arguably a waste of time, money and effort. With the idea of "Give someone a fish they eat for a day, but teach them to fish they may eat for a lifetime", I have an alternative idea. : Instead of buying these unfortunate children a toy or toys, why not instead either chip in to give them tutoring or tuition money (or both) for present or future schooling, so when they are of age they will hopefully have the education or skills to procure a satisfactory job or career. The rest is up to them.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Essay/Commentary: I Wish I Came Up With This Idea Myself
Essay/Commentary: I Wish I Came Up with This Idea Myself
Today, on Monday December 3rd on "ABC Nightly News" was a story about a frustrated woman who suggested that if all pay and benefits were denied the U.S. Congress, the President (POTUS), and any other politician unless or until the impending so-called Fiscal Cliff disaster is averted. Politicians are supposed to represent and act on behalf of WE the People. Instead, too many of them represent and act on behalf of themselves, their ambition, and the highest bidding lobbyist or campaign contributor(s). For the extreme right-wing of the Republican Party, which is now unfortunately the mainstream of the GOP, they are beholden to the Super Rich, the unaccountable corporate world, and elites like this guy Grover Norquist (the guy with the raise no new taxes or else pledge).I think the Democrats should not abide being blackmailed into screwing over the poor and the less-fortunate so that the wealthy can retain unneeded and undeserved tax breaks.
Today, on Monday December 3rd on "ABC Nightly News" was a story about a frustrated woman who suggested that if all pay and benefits were denied the U.S. Congress, the President (POTUS), and any other politician unless or until the impending so-called Fiscal Cliff disaster is averted. Politicians are supposed to represent and act on behalf of WE the People. Instead, too many of them represent and act on behalf of themselves, their ambition, and the highest bidding lobbyist or campaign contributor(s). For the extreme right-wing of the Republican Party, which is now unfortunately the mainstream of the GOP, they are beholden to the Super Rich, the unaccountable corporate world, and elites like this guy Grover Norquist (the guy with the raise no new taxes or else pledge).I think the Democrats should not abide being blackmailed into screwing over the poor and the less-fortunate so that the wealthy can retain unneeded and undeserved tax breaks.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Essay/Commentary: Internet To Be Regulated?
Essay/Commentary: Is the Internet to be Regulated?
According to an article I read in the Boston Metro newspaper (Boston Metro, Wed. Nov. 28, p.6) the "International Telecommunications Union" a division of the U.N. could soon regulate the internet if many authoritarian and developing nations have their way. This could have a chilling effect on free speech and free expression both here and abroad. If this happens, hopefully those who object will be exempt. In my opinion, dictatorships should have no say in how democracies allow unfettered access to just about any knowledge, information and entertainment available online or off. It is frankly none of their business.
According to an article I read in the Boston Metro newspaper (Boston Metro, Wed. Nov. 28, p.6) the "International Telecommunications Union" a division of the U.N. could soon regulate the internet if many authoritarian and developing nations have their way. This could have a chilling effect on free speech and free expression both here and abroad. If this happens, hopefully those who object will be exempt. In my opinion, dictatorships should have no say in how democracies allow unfettered access to just about any knowledge, information and entertainment available online or off. It is frankly none of their business.
Essay/Commentary: Is Boener a Hypocrite?
Essay/Commentary: Is John Boehner a Hypocrite?
As we quickly sail toward the so-called "Fiscal Cliff" that at the very least will put us back into recession (and at worst cause an economic Depression) not surprisingly the Republican leadership epitomized by Speaker of the U.S. House is being intransigent. Speaker John Boehner has the gall to say that Obama is being uncompromising, but in refusing to raise taxes on millionaires and billionaires (while allowing the rest of us to pick up the slack) it is a prime example of as they say "the pot calling the kettle black". THere is plenty of blame to go around, but if the G.O.P. , the losers in the last election won't give an inch, then they are accountable if we do go over the proverbial cliff. (tbc?)
As we quickly sail toward the so-called "Fiscal Cliff" that at the very least will put us back into recession (and at worst cause an economic Depression) not surprisingly the Republican leadership epitomized by Speaker of the U.S. House is being intransigent. Speaker John Boehner has the gall to say that Obama is being uncompromising, but in refusing to raise taxes on millionaires and billionaires (while allowing the rest of us to pick up the slack) it is a prime example of as they say "the pot calling the kettle black". THere is plenty of blame to go around, but if the G.O.P. , the losers in the last election won't give an inch, then they are accountable if we do go over the proverbial cliff. (tbc?)
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