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  • #2178990

    PATRIOT Act Renewal Blocked in Senate!

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    by derryck ·

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    • #3197509

      Communication & Technological Advances:

      by derryck ·

      In reply to PATRIOT Act Renewal Blocked in Senate!

      December 19-2005:

      Communication & Technological Advancement:

      Do you remember the days when all the news we had access to were from the radio, and how we and our families jostled each other for radio time, to listen to our favorite stories.

      The latest pop songs and teenage programs were especially interesting to the young, and they were the medium through which we expressed our teenage crushes, and fantasies, just by listening to our favorite music, anchors, and DJ’s.

      Those of us who were adventurous sought Pen Pals from abroad. This was a great thing for many of us, because the novelty of having a friend overseas, in another country, someone who we may never meet personally in life, but is able to communicate via Postal Mail, was indeed very stimulating.

      Telegrams & telegraph mail was for grownups. It was the thing that adults did to communicate urgent messages about a death in the family, an imminent wedding of a relative, or something that required the consent of a relative urgently. These messages usually cost a few dollars per word. So brevity was necessary, to avoid exorbitant costs.

      Then came the television medium. Most of us were marvelled at this phenomenon, and only a few of us in poorer countries, could afford the luxury of owning one of these new and amazing apparatuses. So if our friend/s had one, we snuggled in with them on some special nights, for a family television treat.

      This was all done in friendship, and on occasion, to show off on those who could not afford it too!

      With the advent of The Internet/Web, communication became instantly international in access. Anyone who was able to own or access a computer with Internet Service, had access to this medium,

      and the world was no longer the same anymore.

      Today, I bask in the glow or sunshine of this new technology. I scrambled to get a computer as soon as I could afford it. And when I finally had my own computer, sought to get an Internet Provider that I can afford. And the rest is history in the making!

      But there are still millions of people who cannot access the Internet. Governments like China’s, North Korea, some Arab countries, and Asian countries, statutorily regulate how this medium is used, and what areas of the Web is allowed access by it’s populations. Stringent regulations/laws are also enforced, in order to ensure compliance with these Regs/Laws.

      So those countries that allow freedom or total access to the World Wide Web, must be congratulated, and the populations therein, should be always vigilant, to ensure that this privilege/right, is never taken away from them.

      Om Shanti.

      Mimbari

      Educator & Advocate..

      Yahoo IM: derryck_mimbari

      and derryckgrifith

    • #3077527

      Law Attempts To Limit Annonymous Online Speech:

      by derryck ·

      In reply to PATRIOT Act Renewal Blocked in Senate!

      Sat. Jan. 14

      From

      : editor@eff.org

      Subject: EFFector 19.02:

      Law Attempts To Limit Anonymous Online Speech:

       

      EFFector Vol. 19, No. 2 January 13, 2005 editor@eff.org A Publication of the Electronic Frontier Foundation ISSN 1062-9424 In the 363rd Issue of EFFector:

      * Here We Go Again: Law Attempts To Limit Anonymous Online Speech

      * iTunes “Phone Home” Feature Part of Dangerous Data Collection Trend

      * Digital Vinyl: The Opposite of Sony BMG

      * NSA Electronic Surveillance: Law Profs Weigh In

      * Nominate a Pioneer for EFF’s 2006 Pioneer Awards!

      * miniLinks (9): In Praise of Imitation

      * Administrivia For more information on EFF activities & alerts: Make a donation and become an

      EFF member today! Tell a friend about EFF: http://action.eff.org/site/Ecard?ecard_id=1061 effector: n, Computer Sci.

      A device for producing a desired change. :

      * Here We Go Again: Law Attempts To Limit Anonymous Online Speech Last week, the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 was signed into law, and a blow was struck against free speech on the Internet. VAWDOJRA is a complex bill, covering a wide variety of topics, but one subsection received little attention before it was signed by the President: Section 113. Dubbed “Preventing Cyberstalking,” Section 113 amends the Telecommunication Act’s prohibitions on anonymous annoyance over the telephone to include “any device or software that can be used to originate

      ?communications that are transmitted, in whole or in part, by the Internet.” Such as, for example, your modem. Arguably, this is not a change in the law.

      The Communications Decency Act added the term “telecommunications device” to the statute, which had regulated telephones for years before, and courts have interpreted this to mean a modem (and therefore it would apply to Internet speech). However, when that statute, as modified by the CDA, was challenged in ApolloMEDIA Corp. v. Reno, the court interpreted the challenged section to apply only to obscene speech, not to “indecent” communications made “with an intent to annoy.”

      The provision here is different

      it speaks neither of indecent nor obscene speech and was thus not directly affected by ApolloMEDIA. Nevertheless, a court considering this provision may also be guided to find a reading of the revised law that will comport with the First Amendment. It is well-settled that the U.S. First Amendment shelters the right to speak anonymously. As the Supreme Court has held, “Anonymity is a shield from the tyranny of the majority” that “exemplifies the purpose” of the First Amendment: “to protect unpopular individuals from retaliation?at the hand of an intolerant society.”

      There are already laws on the books that prohibit harassment, and one can use subpoenas

      with judicial oversightto unmask anonymous speakers who violate the law. There is no need to criminalize the very act of communicating anonymously, even if the recipient is annoyed by the communication. If this poorly drafted law is not limited by the courts, it could open the door to invasive subpoenas for identity information.

      Under this criminal provision, vague words like “annoy” could make it easier for aggressive prosecutors to allege an intent to annoy and go after people who were only engaging in voracious public debate. Fortunately, there has been little activity under the old law for Internet speech, and we can only hope that the new revision does not mean that more aggressive uses are in our future. Full analysis from EFF: Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005:

      * iTunes “Phone Home” Feature Part of Dangerous Data Collection Trend This week at MacWorld, Apple unveiled version 6.0.2 of iTunes, which it simply claimed “includes stability and performance improvements over iTunes 6.0.1.” Among these so- called improvements is the Apple iTunes MiniStore

      a localized “recommendation” engine that would look at what you listen to and then suggest additional songs and artists you might like. The MiniStore arrives turned on by default without asking a user’s permission first.

      However, as news reports have revealed this week, it appears that the MiniStore also automatically transmits your listening information over the Internet back to the Apple Mothership. What Apple does with this information is unknown, although Apple has represented that it is not collecting data on its users

      yet. Nor has Apple disclosed the steps it takes to prevent disclosure or leakage of the information to third parties. Ironically, this news comes on the heels of the recent Sony BMG DRM fiasco, a part of which included an undisclosed “phone home” feature of its own.

      While the Apple MiniStore isn’t a rootkit DRM, it is part of a dangerous trend EFF has been witnessing in the digital music space market. When companies like Apple and Sony BMG start adjusting or installing software to micro-monitor our personal and private actions, even under the rubric of convenience, it is just one short stop down the road toward attempting to condition and control our behavior. All it takes is an enforcement protocol to turn recommendations into restrictions overnight. If companies like Apple are truly about user empowerment, they must watch this trend closely and remain on the right side of it.

      Allowing users to upload information voluntarily and expressly with adequate privacy protections is pro-user; surreptitiously siphoning it into a remote database without any privacy guarantees is not. It’s time for Apple to pick a side of the line and walk it. Note: You can turn off the Apple MiniStore by hitting Shift- Command-M, or choose Edit: Hide MiniStore. EFF recommends that iTunes users do so until Apple at least comes clean about its MiniStore data practices. More from Macworld: More from BoingBoing:

      * Digital Vinyl: The Opposite of Sony BMG There’s a new trend underway among indie labels, dubbed “digital vinyl”: offering free MP3 downloads for customers who buy albums on vinyl. First Merge Records offered free downloads to those who bought vinyl releases by Clientele and Robert Pollard. Now Saddle Creek Records has announced that it will do the same thing for its customers who prefer vinyl, starting with What the Toll Tells, the new record by Two Gallants due in February. For a variety of reasons, vinyl has enjoyed a resurgence of popularity among music fans. Unfortunately, music fans who own turntables and iPods find themselves in a bit of a quandry. Who cares, you say?

      How many people could that be, you say? Well, smart independent labels aren’t asking those questions. Instead, they are trying to make their customers happy, even the vinyl-loving, iPod-equipped ones. Quite a stark contrast to the likes of EMI and Sony BMG, whose copy-protected CDs are stopping music fans from getting their CDs into their iPods. More information on Merge downloads: More information on Saddle Creek downloads

      * NSA Electronic Surveillance: Law Profs Weigh In On December 22, the DOJ published a letter attempting to provide a legal justification of the NSA’s warrantless electronic surveillance of persons within the United States. While the wiretaps would violate the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act on its face, the government argues that the Authorization to Use Military Force (AUMF) implicitly authorized the secret NSA wiretaps, and, even if it did not, it is authorized by the President’s Article II role as Commander in Chief. Last week, the Congressional Research Service, a non-partisan research arm of the Library of Congress, released a memorandum concluding that “it appears unlikely that a court would hold that Congress has expressly or impliedly authorized the NSA electronic surveillance operations.” Moreover, the CRS opined that the DOJ’s analysis “does not seem to be as well-grounded as the tenor of that letter suggests.”

      Monday, a group of 14 law professors and former government officials, including the Deans or former Deans of Yale, Stanford, and the University of Chicago Law Schools, a former Director of the FBI, a former Deputy Attorney General, and a former Acting Solicitor General, released a letter that concludes, “[the] DOJ letter fails to offer a plausible legal defense of the NSA domestic spying program.” It also notes “serious questions about the validity of the program under the Fourth Amendment.” The CRS memo and the law professor letter serve to highlight the plain truth that the domestic surveillance program is neither lawful nor constitutional.

      As the great Justice Louis D. Brandeis recognized, the Constitution has “conferred, as against the government, the right to be let alonethe most comprehensive of the rights and the right most valued by civilized men.” Warrantless domestic surveillance violates this sacred right and endangers the foundations of freedom upon which the United States of America was built. As Samuel Adams once said, “The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil Constitution, are worth defending at all hazards; and it is our duty to defend them against all attacks.” Visit our Action Center and tell your Senators and Representative to support hearings to get to the bottom of the NSA program. Monday’s letter: Congressional Research Service memorandum: Department of Justice letter: : . : . :

      * Nominate a Pioneer for EFF’s 2006 Pioneer Awards! EFF established the Pioneer Awards to recognize leaders on the electronic frontier who are extending freedom and innovation in the realm of information technology. This is your opportunity to nominate a deserving individual or group to receive a Pioneer Award for 2006. The International Pioneer Awards nominations are open both to individuals and organizations from any country. Nominations are reviewed by a panel of judges chosen for their knowledge of the technical, legal, and social issues associated with information technology.

      This year’s award ceremony will be held in Washington, DC, in conjunction with the Computers, Freedom and Privacy conference (CFP), which takes place in early May. How to Nominate Someone for a 2006 Pioneer Award: You may send as many nominations as you wish, but please use one email per nomination. Please submit your entries via email to pioneer@eff.org. We will accept nominations until February 1, 2006.

      Simply tell us:

      1. The name of the nominee;

      2. The phone number or email address or website by which the nominee can be reached, and, most importantly; and

      3. Why you feel the nominee deserves the award. Nominee Criteria:

      There are no specific categories for the EFF Pioneer Awards, but the following guidelines apply:

      1. The nominees must have contributed substantially to the health, growth, accessibility, or freedom of computer-based communications.

      2. To be valid, all nominations must contain your reason, however brief, for nominating the individual or organization and a means of contacting the nominee. In addition, while anonymous nominations will be accepted, ideally we’d like to contact the nominating parties in case we need further information.

      3. The contribution may be technical, social, economic, or cultural.

      4. Nominations may be of individuals, systems, or organizations in the private or public sectors.

      5. Nominations are open to all (other than current members of EFF’s staff and executive board or this year’s award judges), and you may nominate more than one recipient. You may also nominate yourself or your organization.

      6. Persons or representatives of organizations receiving an EFF Pioneer Award will be invited to attend the ceremony at EFF’s expense. More on the EFF Pioneer Awards: : . : . : . : . : . : . : . : . : . :

      * miniLinks miniLinks features noteworthy news items from around the Internet. ~ In Praise of Imitation William Patry thoughtfully considers the effect of the anxiety of influence

      and the fear that any copying is morally and legally wrongon new creators. ~ What Tech Companies Can Do to Protect Free Speech Reporters Without Borders has a checklist. ~ Senate Judiciary Committee to Fix All Known Tech Problems This Quarter David Isenberg lists the Committee’s packed agenda, with links to webcasts. ~ Calls for House Criminal Investigation Representatives look for a House panel and a DOJ investigation into the constitutionality of the NSA wiretaps. ~ USPTO and Open Source Community Working to Fix Patents Groklaw reports on the team attempting to fix the software patent problem. ~ Hoofnagle’s Consumer Privacy Top 11 EPIC’s Chris Hoofnagle gives a laundry list of the quickest, easiest ways you can protect your privacy. ~ Pretexting Isn’t Lying? Companies that steal your phone records do so by pretending to be you. But that’s not lying, apparently. ~ Microsoft and Falun Gong Repression An FG organization pulls together the evidence of the extent of Microsoft involvement in Chinese repression. ~ Never Buy an Anti-DRM CD Again Pledge to boycott DRM publicly (especially if you weren’t planning to anyway). : . : . : . :

      * Administrivia EFFector is published by: The Electronic Frontier Foundation 454 Shotwell Street San Francisco CA 94110-1914 USA +1 415 436 9333 (voice) +1 415 436 9993 (fax) Editor: Rebecca Jeschke, Media Coordinator rebecca@eff.org Membership & donation queries: membership@eff.org General EFF, legal, policy, or online resources queries: information@eff.org Reproduction of this publication in electronic media is encouraged.

      Signed articles do not necessarily represent the views of EFF. To reproduce signed articles individually, please contact the authors for their express permission. Press releases and EFF announcements & articles may be reproduced individually at will.

      Current and back issues of EFFector are available via the Web at: Click here to unsubscribe or change your subscription preferences: http://action.eff.org/site/CO Click here to unsubscribe or change your subscription preferences: http://action.eff.org/site/CO Click here to change your email address: http://action.eff.org/addresschange This newsletter is printed on 100% recycled electrons.

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    • #3099006

      The Mind-Brain & The Soul

      by derryck ·

      In reply to PATRIOT Act Renewal Blocked in Senate!

      The Mind-Brain & The Soul

      The Mind:

      That which is responsible for one’s thoughts and feelings. The seat of the faculty of reason. Recall or Remembrance: This element is totally invisible from the human eye. It influences our thinking, which result in the types of action/s we do, or not do.

      The Brain:

      That part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers, enclosed within the skull. The brain is the receptacle of thoughts. It receives, analyzes, filters, files away, and rejects thought waves.

      The brain functions like a computer. It stores information, directs the limbs of our body to do it’s bidding, facilitates speech/word formations, and never sleeps. Even when we are physically asleep, the brain is still active!

      The Soul:

      * That infinite, invisible, or inner being referred to in the scriptures as spirit, invisible essence, and atma.

      * All beings have a polarity of existence. The inner being, and the outer being. Ying & yang. Spirit & Body/Flesh. Visible & Invisible.

      Because the soul/spirit of humankind is invisible, it does not fit the scientific equation. That means it cannot be seen, measured, or quantified. The formula for science!

       

      So my question to you now is:

      * Where does the Soul fit, in this triad of Mind, Brain & Soul?

      I believe that the soul is that which occupies the finite body, from the embryonic stage. making it a living entity or organism.

      When the physical body is no longer able to sustain/accommodate the soul, it departs from that organism. And that departure we humans call DEATH.

      At that stage the human organism is considered dead.

       

      *What is the purpose of the soul, in relation to it’s occupancy of the human organism?

      I don’t know! I have often pondered this question, but have never been able to reach a conclusion.

       

      *Where does the soul go when it can no longer occupy the human body?

      *Does it occupy another human or animal organism?

      And from what place or source did the soul originate?

      Religious doctrine has promulgated the theory of Genesis, in relation to the coming of the human organism on this planet. But that has yet to be scientifically proven.

      Anthropologists claim that humans originated on the continent of Africa. But have yet to identify the first man and woman. And if there was a first male and female, who created the first male and female before them?

      *Or from what source did the first male and female originate?

       

      Conclusion:

      Until the above questions are fully, comprehensibly, and scientifically validated or proven. Religious philosophy and superstition will prevail.

      Om Shanti.

      Derryck S. Griffith.

      http://profiles.yahoo.com/derryck-mimbari

      http://profiles.yahoo.com/derryckgrifith

       

       

    • #3258894

      How Do You Diffuse Workplace Conflict?

      by derryck ·

      In reply to PATRIOT Act Renewal Blocked in Senate!

      How Do You Diffuse Workplace Conflict?

      In every work environment their is always the element of conflict among workers. This is a natural human possibility! However, all conflicts/disputes have a solution.

      In some enterprises their is a system of ‘Mediation’ to help alleviate disputes between workers. This type of approach is welcomed by most employers, even though few are willing to use it, if they feel the problem is no going to go away afterwards.

      Some organizations have a worker’s representative body called a “Trade Union.” This organization is usually recognized by both parties as the ‘conflict mediator,’ and members are encouraged to follow the rules for accessing this service, and respect the organizational authority procedures when trying to get disputes addressed.

      By and large, most conflicts can be avoided if the supervisor is vigilant, and facilitates harmony under his/her watch. However, some supervisors use the divide and rule tactic to assert themselves, or in-directly play favorites when dealing with employees under their charge. And this can create a climate that is ripe for conflict of many sorts.

      Finally, it is always best for the management in every organization/enterprise, to establish a channel or procedure to deal with conflict, in the absence of a recognized Worker’s Union Representative.

      Derryck S. Griffith.
      Greenwich Village.
      New York City.

    • #3109426

      Crime Today As I See It:

      by derryck ·

      In reply to PATRIOT Act Renewal Blocked in Senate!

      TOPIC:

      Don’t control crime. Let crime go unpunished:

      Answer:

      There is no nation on this planet that was able to eradicate crime. Crime is first contemplated in the minds of humans. Some put those thoughts into actions. Some get caught and brought to trial. Some get convicted. Others get a handshake, or a pat on the back, and set free.

      But crime goes on un-abated internationally!

      They are those who advocate for harsher penalties, stricter law enforcement, and for more Armed Cops in our neighborhoods. But the street criminals are also armed to the teeth, with very sophisticated weapons. Sophisticated technology too. Just ask the department that deals with drug trafficking moguls.

      Before we go shouting off our mouths for more guns, more Cops on the street, and more laws on the books to combat this reality. Just let us realize that the crime on out streets are pale, to those that is associated with ‘white collar crime.

      This phenomena is on the increase, very entrenched, and has tentacles from the uppermost echelons of our societies, to the lowest rounds of it.

      Yes, Big Business=Big Covert criminal activities. The Drug Trafficking Business is international.

      And who do you think benefits the most?

      It is the growers, and suppliers. Not the petty seller on the street? Or in the neighborhood that gets little or noting for his efforts.

      As a matter of fact, I think the Street Crack Dealer is used as a frontline facade, for the more serious and intricate entrepreneurial venture, that is hidden behind the veil of legality, and legal connections.

      Om Shanti.

      Derryck S. Griffith.

      Educator & Advocate.

    • #3108134

      Resumes Explained:

      by derryck ·

      In reply to PATRIOT Act Renewal Blocked in Senate!

      Resumes explained:

      In my time I’ve seen lots of styles in Resumes. I’ve also been to several conferences where the preparation was explained at length. But I have discovered on my own that ‘Resumes’ can be as different as you and me, in content, style, format, and presentation.

      But I will say this. Resumes must always be prepared in such a manner, that reading it is pleasurable, informative, coherent, and well presented. All information obtained therein must be verifiable, substantive, and correct.

      Padding must be avoided as much as possible, except for an addendum explaining a certain skill, which you feel is worthwhile highlighting, for the position you are applying for. Maintain a sensible and coherent flow. Make the language simple and avoid verbosity.

      And in your conclusion, it is always wise to state any specific skill, craft, or experience, that would make you an asset to the organization.

      Thank you,
      Derryck.

    • #3134883

      One World Government:

      by derryck ·

      In reply to PATRIOT Act Renewal Blocked in Senate!

      Save to my WorkspaceIntellectual (75 of 481)

      We all have our own view of what freedom means. I stand for the Constitution. But we are living in dire times. These mouslem terrorests are out to cut all our “infidel” thoats while some of you think its going to go away. Well, it wont ! so, get with the program!We are headed for a “One World Government,” Look at England and all the cameras, pointing every where.We as a nation must stand firm.

      Hello,

      With regard to the above comments, here is my take on this issue.

      The United States Constitution is unique to the USA. Even though it alludes to the concept of freedom & Liberty. These are all universal concepts that all of humankind is entitled to. Some call it our Divine right to be free from slavery, oppression from other humans, and the liberty to travel wherever we feel like.

      As for the One World Government that you alluded to in your statement. This view is as old as Big Foot. And they are people who feel that the Big Brother or Big Satan, (referred to as The USA), is contemplating world governance, now that they are the world’s only super power (militarily).

      However valid or invalid these speculations are, the international community will not sit idly by and allow any one nation, or people, to totally dominate the entire global community, religiously, militarily, or economically.

      Om Shanti.

      Derryck.

    • #3277264

      Who Is The Mass Murderer?

      by derryck ·

      In reply to PATRIOT Act Renewal Blocked in Senate!

      Israel & Hesbollah’s Fight Analyzed:

       

      Because of Israel’s incursion into Gaza. The destruction of the Palestinian infrastructure, like the water supplies, fuel oil, electricity, roads, houses and other social infrastructural buildings, and the killing of several Palestinians, especially children.

      Hamas kidnapped the two Israeli soldiers, in retaliation to these offenses. These atrocities have caused Hesbollah (I presume), to take action, thus causing the subsequent military conflict with Israel and Hesbollah.

      Today however, Israel has not humbled or defeated Hesbollah. As a matter of fact, Hesbollah is still standing TALL, undefeated, as promised by Israel at the outset.

      Because of the tactical frustration that Hesbollah caused the Israeli army in the field of battle, they chose to destroy South Lebanon, leaving a scorched earth, and thousands of innocent civilians, (both adults and children), before the cease fire proposed by The UN.

      So who is the MASS Murderer in this conflict?

      Derryck S. Griffith

      Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

      http://my.opera.com/BringBaka/

      http://360.yahoo.com/derryck_sylvester

      http://www.myspace.com/derryck_mimbari

       

    • #3277259

      Reflections Of A Baby Boomer!

      by derryck ·

      In reply to PATRIOT Act Renewal Blocked in Senate!

       

      August 16-2006:

      Are You a Baby Boomer?

       

      Reflections:

      * Yes, I was born on March-05-1950, five years after World War-11. I was never consciously aware of the Korean war/conflict in the 1950’s, because I was too young to understand.

      * But I was old enough to understand the Vietnam War/conflict in the 1960’s, and the social and political contradictions, regarding the rationale behind that conflict.

      * I also was aware of the invasion of Grenada by US marines, initiated on President Ronald Reagan’s directive.

      * I can also recall in 1963 when President John F. Kennedy was in office. Long range missile sites were discovered in Cuba by satellite. And the American administration asked the Fidel Castro government to dismantle those sites, less they pose a threat to the USA.

      * This warning went un-heeded by Cuba, thus causing America to impose a military embargo, by surrounding the entire island of Cuba with it’s warships. Preventing anything from entering or leaving Cuba. Eventually the Cuban government acquiesce to this military posturing by the USA, and dismantled those missile sites.

      * In the 1980’s American evangelist Jim Jones and his People’s Temple Church cult, took over 500 Americans (mostly) elderly Blacks and single parents with children to the hinterland of Guyana. Under the guise of providing a new life for his flock. It was subsequently discovered that the church organizers were into (under cover) drug dealing, and money laundering.

      A Congressman named Ryan somehow was informed that some of his constituents were involved or trapped in this community, and he wanted to investigate. He eventually got killed as he was about to depart from a visit he made to that community at Jonestown, Guyana. This happened on the run away tarmac, as he was about to board the plane for the USA.

      * When Egypt’s president (Anwar Sadat) was assassinated, I was very aware and saddened by this development. Because he was the only Arab leader who felt that dealing with Israel, and acknowledging Israel as a sovereign state, was a reality that they would eventually have to accept.

      * I also recall the ‘Dismantling of the Berlin Wall,’ at an impromptu people’s action. This came after many years of hardships, murdering of fleeing escapees, and border traps, placed on the East German or Soviet Union sector of that wall, to prevent East Berliners from leaving.

      * I was also overjoyed when South Africa gained it’s freedom from APARTHEID. Mr. Nelson Mandella, the champion for the freeing of it’s people, emerged from imprisonment. And eventually became the first Black President of the new South Africa.

      * Desert Storm, the war in Afghanistan-2001, & now Iraq-2006.

      Today, we are told by the current White House administration, that there is an international war on terrorism. And that preemptive defense is the best way to avoid terrorist threats.

      Iran, North Korea, and Syria, was also referred to as “‘The Axis Of Evil.”

      * Hamas & Hesbollah, indigenous Freedom Fighters (alias Mujadeens) of Palestine and Lebanon, and referred to by some as terrorists, have made themselves heroes, by sacrificing themselves in the struggles for freedom from foreign incursions, occupations, and control.

      Personally, I have always wanted to see the USA ever since I was a child in Guyana. I indulged in this dream for many years. And it became a reality in May-1989 when I emigrated here permanently!

      I also see myself as an advocate for civil-social-political, and equal rights for those who are dis-enfranchised, dis-regarded, or unable to speak or represent themselves in this regard. This is my chosen vocation presently, and for as long as I think it necessary to do so!

      Derryck S. Griffith.

      Educator-Advocate & Blogger.

      http://my.opera.com/BringBaka/

      http://360.yahoo.com/derryck_sylvester

      http://www.myspace.com/derryck_mimbari

       

       

       

       

       

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