http://guyanaatthecrossroads.blogspot.com/

July 30-2010:

I think not, for the following reasons.

* Guyana has a history steeped in political and ethnic division. Fueled by individuals who used the two primary ethnic groups (Blacks and Indians), to further their political agenda.

* Blacks are the descendents of former slaves, who were brought to Guyana to work the Sugar Plantations. The East indians were brought to Guyana as Indentured or Contracted workers. With the option to return to India when the contract expired.

* Therefore, Blacks in Guyana feel deeply that our ancestral slavery contributions have given us the birthright to be the group that should govern this land.

Furthermore, when the PNC under LFS Burnham attained political prominence, it was seen by most Blacks as the time to celebrate this long overdue political and social emancipation. But we subsequently realized that our own leadership became our new task masters.

This legacy has come to haunt us now, and will be the stumbling block to overcome politically, for a very long time in Guyana.

Derryck.

NYC.

http://www.vloggerheads.com/profiles/blogs/the-working-classes-demise-and

July 21-2010:

Everyday I see on televsion the enormous profits that Wall Street Brokers and The Banking Institutions are making, at an alarming rate. And I ask myself, when will some of this bounty reach the desperately impoverished working masses? Many of whom are still un-employed, most are unable to find any work, (temporary or otherwise), and does not see any changes for the better anytime soon either.

The politicians in Washington DC are daily enacting legislation (supposedly), to inhibit the reckless behavior of Wall Street Investors and Bankers, from indulging in behavior that hitherto brought the US and the Global Economy almost to a standstill. And at the same time the current administration in The White House, promise better days ahead. Even though the reality on the ground everywhere says that businesses are reluctant to re-hire anyone, reasons being fear, uncertainty, and other fabricated excuses.

In this self-centered and Capitalist society, where the ingrained belief that the government has no business to tell any person, or business how to manage it's affairs. Some Americans are even bitterly against any legislation that is perceived to infringe on the behavior of any business, regardless of whether that business is behaving in ways that infringes on worker's rights.

Many Trade Union Organizations are also part and parcel of the demise of their workers, because they have been playing politics with the politicians, in order to gain favor. At the expense of the same workers they are mandated to serve.

Some Trade Unions subscribe to certain politicians. Others support both political parties, in an attempt to gain political favors. Workers are being tricked by their own representatives in Public Office, and by their Collective Bargaining Agent too.

I presume that the only recourse is to seek the assistance of the state. But that leads inevitably to dependence on The State. And such dependence brings with it, it's own penalties. Such as Benefit Cuts, Governmental Intrusion, Second Class Citizenship, and other social stigma. Meanwhile, the economic tragedy continnues unabted, with promises from our elected representatives of 'Better Days Ahead.'

So While The Grass Grows-The Horse Starves!

Derryck.

NYC.

July 19-2010:

Hitherto the current political administration, Somalia was overran by Al Shabaab or (the Youth), that purports for a political administration administered by Sharia Law. The current administration's president was also part of this initial political front, but shortly thereafter, internal divisions resulted in a split between the current administration of moderate Muslims, and the faction that rigidly purports Sharia law as the preferred method of rule.

This split resulted in insurrectionist activities against the current administration, which indulges in the abduction of youths for it's Military/Jihad against the government. While all of this was happening, bombs were being exploded all over the city and outlying areas, in an attempt to bring the official government to it's knees. With mass killing of Somalis who supported the government in office.

However, in time, the Al Shabaab youth insurrectionists were able to take control of the vast majority of Somalia, leaving only about four to six square blocks of territtory under the control of the government.

The Somali government was unable to defend itself adequately, due to much more sophisticated weaponry used by the Al Shab insurrectionists. So they asked their neighbors Ethopia and Uganda to assist them in repelling the Al Shabaab insurrectionists.

Millions of Somalis have fled the country, thousands are encamped in areas in squalor, without food, medical assistance, or protection for their lives and livelihood either.

Out of this mix and despair some chose to indulge in Abductions or kidnappings for ransom or money. Others indulged in Piracy at sea, to enrich themselves. Some elements or Rogue Former military and Maritime personnel are also involved in piracy and kidnappings too.

It seems like El Qaeda was able to influence some elememnts within the Al Shabaab movement, getting them to infiltrate Uganda, resulting in a recent terrorist bombing of fans, as the F.I.F.A. World Cup-2010, was being viewed on screen at a stadium.

Derryck S Griffith.

NYC.

July 16-2010:

I have often heard people say that after attaining age 50, one's ability to think rationally, clearly, or quickly, becomes impaired or slows down. This to my mind is RUBBISH. For the following reasons.

* I am now 60 years of age. And my ability to think clearly, rationally, and quickly have not slowed or is not impaired.

* Secondly, I wrote my GED or the High School Equivalency Exam in December 2005. I was 55 years of age then. And I passed that exam with very high grades too. When I attended classes, there were a few adolescent individuals therein that ridiculed me openly for being there.

Because they felt that I could not cope with the studies, or that I was too "OLD" to be there. But I showed them that I was not too old to succeed. While several of them repeated the course several times, others fell by the wayside. And others dis-continued it, some time during the course period.

It depends on what your interpretation of a future is. If you intend to seek employment at the ground level, or beginners level. Then that might be a bit diffcult to achieve. Most employers tend to hire the younger or youthful for such positions, regardless of past work experience.

It seems to be preferred because they can be paid far less wages, than those with past related experience. In some cases, employers seek older employees for specific tasks or positions, that require past experience.

This saves them from having to train recruits, which cost the firm money, and time, while this process is being done. And there is no guarantee that the recruit will stay afterwards for any lenghty period either.

Plus, over fifties bring stability, loyalty, is good at taking instructions, are very often self-supervised, and punctual too. And most over fifty folks do this part time, with very specific needs and expectations, regarding their Contract Of Work/Service.

Most over fifties have already decided what they want from life, for their career or future prospects.

Derryck.

NYC.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/4-tips-to-protect-you-from-brn-569297724.html?x=0

July 14-2010:

July 14-2010:

By Constance Gustke,

ATMs are under siege more than ever from skimming. Skimming, where ATM thieves steal your PIN and account number using remote devices, is increasing dramatically. Often done by sophisticated crime rings from the Eastern bloc countries, ATM skimming is becoming a high-tech art that's hard to detect.

That's bad news for consumers. Experts say that losses from skimming are approaching $1 billion. Nearly one in five fraud victims reported having their credit card PIN or debit card ATM PIN information stolen in 2009, according to Javelin Strategy & Research. And Robert Vamosi, an analyst handling risk, fraud and security at Javelin, sees ATM skimming continuing to rise this year and next.

"Consumers aren't aware of ATM tampering," he says. "ATMs have 40 years of trust."

Skimming isn't new. It's been around for at least 10 years. What has changed is that the "technology of the bad guy is getting better and better every year," says Robert Siciliano, a security expert based in Boston. "It's up to consumers to watch their own backs."

Typically, ATM thieves use two devices to capture your PIN and card data. One device sits near where you swipe your card and reads the magnetic stripe on your card with your account number. Even more confusing, the device mimics the card slot. "The technology has evolved to a point where the molded plastic fits like it belongs there," says Siciliano. Devices are even readily available over the Internet for as little as $300.

A camera, hidden from view, captures the PIN. "You can get the data in real time," says Siciliano. "You can be in your car with a laptop remotely accessing the device."

Thieves then burn the data onto a blank card to access your money.

U.S. Secret Service spokesman Max Milien wants consumers to be warned. "The public is notified after an event," he says. And don't take bank security for granted. Fraud can occur at any bank in any part of the country. Thieves are even sending out false text alerts to get consumer data.

Banks, they say, are slow to adopt anti-skimming measures. When Javelin surveyed 25 banks, four stood out, though, for their anti-theft measures. They are Bank of America, Chase, Citibank and Wells Fargo.

Experts add that debit card users are most at risk. Typically, consumers must report fraudulent charges within two days, limiting your liability to $50. If you report ATM skimming fraud within 60 days, you're liable for the first $500 of any transaction. Siciliano adds that thieves carefully orchestrate ATM withdrawals, maxing out cash withdrawals one day and waiting until after midnight for the next stash, which quickly adds up.

Here are four tips to help you protect your account.

1

. Cover your password with your hand

Hidden cameras are disguised so they can pick up your password. By protecting it, ATM thieves can't access your account.

2.

Use familiar ATMs and limit your visits

ATMs in dimly lighted spots or used late at night could be more susceptible to fraud, while ATMs under video surveillance can be safer. Stay away from ATMs at retail stores or restaurants, adds Siciliano. Recently, skimming devices were found on ATMs in a popular grocery store in central Florida. Airports, convenience stores or kiosks are equally vulnerable to ATM thieves. Still, even highly trafficked ATMs outside a bank branch have been targeted by thieves.

Also, try to limit your visits to the ATM. "With frequency, there's risk," says Siciliano.

3.

Check bank balances frequently!

Given the two-day window for reporting fraud, it pays to check your account frequently. If you don't report fraud within 60 days, you have unlimited liability. "Sign up for alerts and notice unusual withdrawals," says Vamosi.

With credit cards there are more protections in place, and you can dispute charges."You have at least a billing cycle," says Siciliano.

July 10-2010:

Homosexuality or Men and Women Loving or Having Sex With their own Gender, have been the reality within this region for decades, or long before I was born, and will continue to be a reality long after I am gone. Christianity with all of it's prejudices have been the modus operandi which was always used to ridicule this fact as a plague that had to be eradicated or quarantined. But yet, many Christian converts, preachers, nuns, and pastors alike are knowingly living a closeted homosexual life, while at the same time, castigating it as Sinful or Abominable.

The decision to castigate Homosexuals/Lesbians in this region, is one method used by the Self-righteous among us, (Christians and Non-Christians alike), to make Homosexuals feel Guilty, Ashamed of their sexuality, and indulge in Underground Sexual activities, which are oftentimes very harmful and lethal to their personal safety, livelihood, and self image.

Homosexuality is currently accepted within socio/psychological disciplines as genetic. One is born with the genes that makes the individual sexually attracted to another of his or her own gender. This is as normal as someone who finds someone of the opposite gender sexually appealing.

Religion has no Authority or Right to determine who has the right to be so-called Normal, Heterosexual, or Evil. These Christian. Islamic, or other religious views were coined to castigate those that did not, or does not confirm to the rules of that or those religions, from time immemorial.

All Homosexuals have rights too, that must be respected within all societies. And if any legislation is enacted to castigate, imprison, behead, whip, or imprison Homosexuals/Lesbians. That society and law MUST be Abhorred, and stringent efforts made by all concerned citizens to ensure that it is rescinded or repealed.

Personal blackmail or slander against any Homosexual/Lesbian MUST be challenged in a Court Of Law, and the accuser made to explain therein his/her reason for so doing.

Freedom Of Speech is also a right for every individual. But it does not give anyone the right to indulge in blackmail, in order to defame, denigrate, or castigate any individual/s within that society, or from enjoying the personal safety, privacy, social standing, or respect he/she deserves.

Derryck S. Griffith.

Guyanese-NYC.

July 09-2010:

Let it be known that Guyanese at home and abroad are not immune from their personal identities being used for swindling or terrorist activities.

In some cases it can also be a collaborative act between both parties, in order to make some money, or to indulge in, or aide and abett terrorists.

So do not be surprised whenever you hear or see in the media Guyanese being accused of terrorist activities at home or abroad.

We are no different in mentality from those who indulge in such activities.

Derryck.

NYC.

July 02-2010:

Barack Obama Blames the GOP for stalling or frustrating the passing of Comprehensive Immigration Legislation. This comment is inaccurate and ridiculous. Because the Democrats under the Clinton administration made it worse, by enacting legislation that prevented many from ever getting Legal residence here in the USA. Because Bill Clinton was afraid of losing his popularity and his chances for re-election.

The Bush Administration also tried, but the Democrats in the House also prevented any real progress in this direction, for fear (I presume) that the credit for any improvement will go to the Republicans, if it passed.

Now today Barack Obama is also using this Immigration Issue to fool, cajole, and appease his Latino supporters once again, in an effort to save or improve his popularity and integrity on this issue.

But It Will Not work This Time Obama! You can fool the people most of the time, but there comes a time when We The People will say F YOU!

Derryck.

NYC.

June 28-2010:

This comes as no surprise, considering the fact that this country was founded and developed with this aggressive and lethal weapon called the gun. The Spanish American War was also fought, and the conquered lands were never returned to Spain by America.

Thus making those Spanish named states the bone of contention for most illegal Mexicans, who see no illegality in crossing the Mexican Border illegally. As they see it, those areas are occupied and are illegally claimed by America.

Some media anchors and pundits rave about the daily killing of innocent civilians, and the sporadic killing at colleges by disgruntled students, serial killers, and jaded lovers alike.

This kind of revenge killing, or rage is a normal feature of American culture. That is why so many Americans fear that some day this so-called right to kill will be taken away from them!

Derryck.

NYC.

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