The Tribune Online, Page 10

Death, Dying, and Guilt Trips

I was going over my information about procedures last night upon my death, of which I have designated one of my offspring to handle in an efficient, economical, and unemotional manner, of which we have discussed a number of times; letting him know if it is handled otherwise, I would be dissappointed with his disloyalty.

I told him there would be no extension of life by artificial means, my body should be rendered to the Virginia Anatomical Society immediately to discover if there is anything in a chronic, coronary, or cancer manner that might be hereditary, of which my offspring could be aware. The remains then should be cremated with ashes disposed of at the crematory with no wake, no funeral, no obituary, and absolutely no guilt!!

Take whatever material property that I leave behind and see that my grands get the financial backing for higher education, and to let them know I love and respect each one to do what's mentally, physically, and morally beneficial for themselves, their families, and community.

Let's talk about dying before the final phase. In my business I work with elderly civilians in residential senior care centers  and also veterans in the same state in veteran care centers. Being a veteran, I get my medical care at the local VA Medical Center and get a chance to observe these old warhorses in their final phases. I have a couple of chronic illnesses...high blood pleasure and diabetes but maintain control of both with medication taken regularly, consequently living and enjoying an active lifestyle.

In one of the classes for diabetics, I was surprised to find out that many of the vets coming and going without limbs, blind, or simply disabled suffered from the ill-effects of diabetes...not observing and doing what they should in sticking with a prescribed medical regimen or continuing with bad eating habits, smoking, consuming alcohol, and an inability to care for themselves physically. When I pass them I say the prayer to myself..."But by the grace of God and common sense" for I never want to be in such a state of existence as long as I can breathe the breath of life.

It is absolutely true for most military veterans who have come close to being killed and come out okay, know not to take a day beyond that life and death experience for granted. Every day, that you get from that point on is like icing on the cake and you seek to make the most of them in some sort of productive manner in the remaining months and years you have left to trod this planet. You realize or count your blessings more than the average person, putting emphasis on your life and the lives of those you love. Thus, as  a military veteran, I sincerely believe that when I have lived my life to its full expectation and no longer want to hang on in an undignified, non-productive state, I should be able to voluntarily go to the VA Medical Center and seek medical assistance to end my life quickly with the same confirmation of which I volunteered to defend this nation in knowingly welcoming the possibility of death.

All others' faith acceptances, rituals, or moralisms be damned...I and no one else made the decision when I swore in as it should be when I want to check out. 

Constitutional Duplicity

With upcoming hearings on Supreme Court Nominee, Elena Kagan, I understand the Republican politicians are equipping themselves to defeat her from an anti-second amendment and an anti-military perspective...led by Republican Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama. I consider this devil in sheep's clothing to be one of the most hypocritical specimens of judicial advocacy, especially being personally knowledgeable of his record as a US Attorney for the District of Southern Alabama, when it comes to civil rights and white collar crime.

I am not a judicial or constitutional scholar...far, far from it, but common sense informs me of hypocrisy when I see it. Let's look at this second amendment issue(the right to bear arms) a right that the "right" is so fond of as far as rights allotted free Americans...pushed with a vengeance by the National Rifle Association.

Now, being that this is a right to maintain a free American populus, why don't we advocate that everyone go out and buy guns and ammo...say maybe, all Black Americans and other non-white minority citizens?

Hmmm, not so hot to trot with this possibility on the table, huh?

You see, as long as a double-standard is upheld with bearings either too far right or left, or too far black or white, or too far majority or minority...the nation will never know a judiciously balanced foundation to maintain these freedoms, which is the sole purpose of the highest court of the land in maintaining the " American tripod" of checks and balances.

Therefore, if the Senate Judiciary Committee, comes with a Republican issue-driven agenda to deny Ms Kagan, they are not only non-representatives of the people but as hypocritically lop-sided as the "greater gun" advocacy of the NRA.

A Plea for Education...

I enter this plea by saying that my two alltime favorite song stylists are Ray Charles and "Sting" for they both are universally unique in transcending all boundaries with their music and messages. "Sting" has a resounding message in one of his songs..."If you love somebody, set them free." That's as profound a statement as any entertainer can ever make. Ray Charles delivered a message in an interview with a writer. Ray, at the time, was residing in an apartment with a closet containing a scarcity of suits, shoes, and pants. The writer was taken aback by such an underwhelming wardrobe, and asked the famous singer...why? Ray, just leaned toward him and asked, how many pairs of pants do I need to wear at one time?...and chuckled. Ray, I believe found peace within himself, for he had gone the path of most celebrities materially, but suffered with demons of despair and drugs despite those accommodations. The lesson he shared, as may have been mentioned before, is that happiness is not in possessing, but in doing.

Unfortunately, this path taken by many if not most are the usual suspects of mansions, cars, clothes and cannot be dispensed with drug use, alcohol, sexual predilection, and other forms of hedonism. They can't fill that spiritual void and thus, a spiralling out of control tendency possibly resulting in mental and physical destruction.

What's this got to do with education? I believe one should practice what he preaches, so I'll start with my personal encounter and this great need by the education industry, and who better to help out than the entertainment industry?

I recently finished an evening tutorial with my eldest grandson. It started with my reviewing his report card and noticing that he was doing well in all of his classes except in math. He attempted to explain his ineptness, but not satisfactorily enough. I then got his parents' permission to become his math tutor each evening for 1-2 hours, four nights a week. Was it his problem, or the teacher's, or maybe even the school's?

The problem presented itself in our first session, his understanding of how to logically approach word problems, his handwriting was not illegible but awkward in determining his set-up for the solutions, and his not focusing on the problem at hand as if he would drift on to some "gameboy scenario" while trying to solve the problem. Now, I only did this with my grandson 1-2 hours, four nights a week, what about the teacher who had to handle these situations of full classes, 5-7 days a week?

Another factor was that what my grandson was studying in the 7th grade was something I didn't get to until the 10th grade. Also, the education system of Ohio had advanced to the point that we were able to communicate by phone, fax, and internet. The teacher was able to communicate what lessons he had to be accountable and I was able to track his work, results, and grades by computer. Thank God for technology, for we were doing this from different states.

My grandson improved his grade for the rest of the school year. I'm grateful to his effort, the school's assistance, and his parents' permission to help out.

So to the world of acting, sports, music, and other forms of entertainment, happiness is not possessing but doing, and if you love somebody set them free...in this case our kids and teachers in our educational system nationwide. I don't need to tell you how...just anyway you can. My thanks...sincerely.

Financial Shenanigans...Republican Style

I have often criticized the Republican Party's motives in the manner of which it has overseen our nation's economic destiny, and they are justifiably guilty of the criticism. I likewise have considered John McCain a reputable military patriot, but unfortunately he has submitted to being just another politician, going back to his involvement with the "Savings and Loan" scandal, of which many of you young Republicans may not remember.

However, you may recall his presidential bid against President Barack Obama, in which the former Republican Senator of Texas, Phil Gramm, was McCain's leading economic advisor in 2002. Phil Gramm had his hand in the deregulation of banks, credit default swaps, derivatives, the Enron loopholes, as well as becoming an executive for UBS, which is blocking attempts by the Treasury Department to ferret out American tax scofflaws. Phil Gramm has even gone so far as to say that Americans are a nation of whiners, in the face of the recent economic onslaught. You can read more about UBS in the article below.

John McCain (strongly supported by Sarah Palin) is currently in a political battle in Arizona for his senate's seat. At this juncture, it appears he may lose it to a "T-bagger" and frankly, this "T-bagger" may be more inclined than John in truly protecting America's financial interest (despite the immigration issue). This is coming from a total advocate of the Obama Administration's attempt to get a handle on this financial mess, that's a residual of the Republican shenanigans. Now, who's the true patriot?   

UBS blocks IRS

Just this Tuesday morning, June 8, 2010, I heard where UBS, the bank hiding the American tax scofflaws, has blocked the IRS in its attempt to serve justice to the evaders. Now, in the previous article I wrote about the need for help by the education industry, and who better than the entertainment industry to help...by far one of the wealthiest industries in America. I also believe that possibly many in this industry are among those evading the paying of their fare share to our coffers to keep them safe and free from those who might be more hostile towards these capitalistic ventures. So why continue to bite the hand that not only protects you, but feeds you?

Nevertheless, I believe there are other American capitalists, such as many wealthy Republicans and Democrats doing the same thing...where's the patriotism? America needs those funds to strengthen its military, to develop new sources of domestic provisioning, and I believe most importantly, educating our youth to compete in the world's market place. Now, the IRS is not my most favorite agency in America's bureacracy by a long shot. For example, I have not had the benefit of a tax refund in well over two decades because they have intercepted it to pay off outstanding education loans.  It's really true about death and taxes...you can be assured of both.

Lastly, in the Federal government's effort to get access to these "traitorous evaders", why don't the various states' AG's get involved in the legal processes, for many of these federal tax evaders are sure to be owing many state and local revenue departments...especially, you conservative office holders hellbent on undermining healthcare programs that the people truly need...along with the outstanding taxes undermining our sovereignty...let's hear it for the USA!!  Leading the way could be Rush Limbaugh and some lesser known "stealthy stealers"?

Investigation of Israel?

As long as Israel is under a threat level that's increased almost daily by the big mouth from Iran and Hezbollah, it had better take all necessary precautions, for all it takes is one missed shipment to create a catastrophe...and not just because Israel is our major ally in the region, but because the question would be...who's next...perhaps Sunni regions up to and including Saudi Arabia? Until Iran is thoroughly investigated for nuclear capability and its motives, there should be no investigation of Israel and Israel should be at liberty to use any and all defensive measures.

At the same time, Israel should stop advancing construction although for civilian and non-military aspirations. It has to make some concessions to its neighbors as well as the rest of the world. You can't have your bread buttered on both sides without creating a mess...a mess that your big brother in the West might not be able to resolve with facilitated ease in the Middle East, China, and Russia.

Amnesty to the "Stealthy Stealers"

In this issue of increasing taxes on the wealthy, what about amnesty for those who have avoided paying their fair share with offshore accounts, be they in the Caribbean or Switzerland? After all, this would be a fairer assessment...wouldn't you say? Of course, this would mean that the wealthiest would have to lead by example. Also, they would have to encourage their relatives and associates to chime in with amnesty or pardon in conjunction to paying appropriate fines of legality and deliquency. 

Now, if the tax scofflaws continue to play this fool's game believing the IRS will not eventually catch up to them, then the President should apply a "kick ass" executive order, saying that not only if we catch them, they will be accorded the stiffest penalties of incarceration and that banks and bankers who are aiding and abetting this tax evasion will have the funds and assets frozen, preventing any monetary exchanges in dealing with the US...thus, defining global transparency and true sovereignty.

Honoring Black Traitors in the Civil War

I just read an article in the Roanoke Times, that there is an effort underway in Franklin County, VA to recognize the effort of blacks in their participation in the South's battle to overthrow the United States of America, and to continue with the enslavement of African descendants. This is almost similar to "born again" Christian teachings in saying that there are no consequences for one's transgressions...wrong! There will always be consequences for one's actions be they good or bad and there is no wishful thinking that precludes this.

Consequently, does honoring these blacks make this act of sedition more acceptable? I think not. History reveals that there were black slaveowners in the South...does this make slavery more morally appealing because it was blacks enslaving blacks? I think not.

There was nothing honorable, patriotic, or morally acceptable about these acts of death and degradation thrust upon this nation, despite interpretation...now or ever. 

Constitutional Restraint or Unfettered Capitalism...

Right wingers, make up your mind!! You can't have it both ways as it applies to BP. BP by being improperly checked, took a major risk to more than likely increase its bottom line for its share holders...which we might now call "small people" who are being hit with a loss of dividends, accounting for this major territorial impact. This could potentially be the biggest territorial damage in Western environmental history. BP and other oil firms won't do this again...will they?

For those who are crying for constitutional restraint in having BP put on the table a small insurance policy to make the inhabitants and the region whole again...boo hoo! You play this capitalist's game in the manner of which has been played over generations, expect to pony up.

BP is willingly cooperating because compensatory and/or punitive damages could far exceed what they have agreed to...you don't have to be a constitutional scholar, to see why they are "all over" this deal (like oil on the Gulf Coast) that's offered by the Obama Administration. The people and the region need help now...not ten or twenty years from now. 

I hope the President issues an executive order to hunt down American tax scofflaws with tax shelters and offshore accounts outside of the US that are more than likely ill gotten proceeds, and serve them with an "all-due constitutional" search and seize warrant; then, let's see how well our national coffers can best be served with these illicit funds of evasion and/or unfettered (unchecked) capitalism.

As an entrepreneur, I don't believe in relying on the government for financial benefit to my business, but if this "constitutional effort" becomes a potential offer for that "hunt", I just may submit a bid to participate...showing "constitutional patriotism". Let's hear for the USA!!

When Unions Become the Predators

I have always and will always endorse free enterprise as a source of creativity and progress in a modern civilized society. I feel that there should be no personal adoration of a state or religion; whereby a free man is enslaved if not hampered by these systems in his divine gift of free will. I do believe in a higher power in this universe, of which I don't rely on any religion to define. I just know from the depths of my existence that it likewise exists. Logically, we can conclude that if mankind can't control it, doesn't know its impetus since the beginning of time, nor the extent of its power, I submit that has to be what we refer to as God.

I don't believe in unfettered capitalism, because this is all the doing of mankind, supposedly in a free society. We are witnessing today the destruction that can be caused by improper oversight by man to possibly prevent disasters such as what exists in the Gulf of Mexico. This brings me to the subject of unions, for they occurred within the American landscape as result of this unfettered capitalism. Remember the bad old days, whereby workers were not only capitalized but cannibalized with no health insurance, horrible working conditions, and no recourse to the abuse?...thus, unions.   

However, today it appears the unions are still working from that old paradigm while putting their wants not necessarily their needs above and beyond the health of the nation and its citizens. They should know that if they are not ready to make meaningful sacrifices during this financial turmoil...the economy may take a dive into a depression...then where will we be? I believe the union bosses will continue to live the good life from their members' proceeds as in the "Life of Riley" with one of the actors from this long ago TV series commenting with a memorable refrain..."throw the bums out!"...if they can't get their members to realize the seriousness of our nation's stake and start leading by personal example, beginning with major pay cuts for their roles as bosses.

Debts, Deficits, and Won't Vote!!

Polls don't convince me that less than half the registered voting population can't understand the significance of voting when available, but all of sudden these stupid, ignorant asses understand the impact of debts and deficits allegedly created by the Obama Administration?...as if the Bush Administration didn't allow this country to become vulnerable to the financial chaos? It was runaway corporations with no executive government oversight on this crazy case of capitalism, that's including not exacting executive orders to put the brakes on the madness.

Likewise, I can't defend the reaction by the minority community to the Oakland Transit Cop's verdict in Los Angeles, when it was just a few weeks ago that transit cops stood by while young gang members beat a defenseless black female, similarly to the situation with the gang style incident taking place in Oakland. Justice has to be blind and certainly not extreme, as with these reactionary rallies against incidents that suit personal outrage.